thy House of prayer and have our conversation truly and wholly in Heaven and all heavenly exercises Have mercy upon us O Lord in regard of that light estimation that worldly and vain mis-spending of this precious time whereof we have been so often and so deeply guilty heretofore and put thy Spirit into us we beseech thee to incline our hearts for the time to come to keep this Statute Ezek. 36.27 and to cause us to observe this great Commandement And first of all enable us we pray thee unto a meet preparation for this dayes service help us for that purpose so to examine our ways and carriage the week past as to repent truly of what hath been amisse and to renew our Covenant for a better carriage the week following Assist us withall for the through purging of our hearts from those dregs and defilements which the world hath left behind it as also for the stirring up of our souls by heavenly meditations and prayer that so we may come with devout minds and hungring hearts into thy Sanctuary as those that being poor and blind and miserable and naked stand in great need of thy provision Grant moreover O Lord that coming in due time and in a reverent manner into thy Temple our care may be attentively and without distractions of mind watchfully and without heavinesse of heart devoutly and without dulnesse of spirit reverently and without uncomelinesse of carriage to abide in thy presence and for the whole time to attend thee in thine Ordinances Make us mindfull afterward of those private exercises reading repeating conferring meditating praying whereby the publick may be made more profitable to us and powerfull in us And let us not forget according to the time and ability we have to meditate upon thy Creatures but this being the day wherein it pleased thy Majesty to put thine hand first for the making of them let it be our day also wherein to thy praise and honour to remember them especially let us not forget upon this good day those labours of love and charitable works for our brethrens good which thou O Lord forgettest not Heb. 6.10 And while we doe good to their bodies let us not be unmindfull of that which is the greatest matter the doing of all the good we can unto their soules That all this may be done the better grant we may abstain the day throughout not only from vain pastimes and sinfull practises but also from those every dayes works and words and thoughts more then truly necessary whereby we shall use as our own any part of that sacred time which thou O Lord hast set apart wholly and only for thy self Help us O Lord our God without whom we can doe nothing by thine own strength thus to observe thine owne time Sanctifie us that we may sanctifie it unto thee and be our selves sanctified by it it being made to us as it is to all good observers a blessed day by all the exercises thereof blessed to our use and spirituall advantage And let this work of sanctification by the service of this day as a speciall means be continued still and more and more perfected in us till we come to that place where perpetually resting from all our labours we shall enjoy an eternall and all-satisfying Sabbath with thine own glorious Majesty and thy blessed Son and Lord of the Sabbath Jesus Christ and that for the same Jesus Christs sake To whom with thee O Father and the blessed Spirit for the Creation of the world this day begun for the Redemption of the world this day finished for the Sanctification of the world this day by the descending of the Holy Ghost fully manifested and ordinarily most effected we acknowledge to be due and desire to give all honour power might Majesty and Dominion both now and for evermore Amen and Amen A Prayer to be used before the Hearing of the Word especially on the Sabbath I Doe humbly and heartily thanke thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth for that I live by thy goodnesse and good providence in thy Church in a Land of uprightnesse wherein there is the means of grace and that in these last dayes wherein it hath pleased thee to speak unto us by thy onely Son and so to make known unto me a poor Babe in Christ onely because it seemed good in thy sight things hid from the wise and prudent yea from Kings and Prophets who heretofore have desired to see the things that we see and have not seen them and to hear the things that we hear and have not heard them withall I doe with sorrow and grief of heart acknowledge how unworthily and with how little fruit I have entertained that holy word of thine and blessed means of salvation which thou hast in so much mercy and plenty afforded not understanding what I have heard for want of marking it not remembring what I have understood for want of making account of it not delighting in what I have remembred for want of love unto it not practising what for a time I have delighted in for want of considering the end of Preaching and the necessity of practising not persevering in what for a time I have practised for want of a through resolution to hold out in a holy conversation O Lord I deserve not to escape but to be seized upon by some grievous heavy judgement for neglecting so great salvation Notwithstanding gracious Father since thou hast been pleased to work in my heart a love unto thy word and a loathing of my self for my light esteeming of it heretofore I beseech thee pardon my former neglect and for the time to come let the eyes of my understanding be enlightned that I may know what formerly I have been ignorant of yea let my heart be opened that I may receive remember and delight in that word of thine which formerly I have shut out let slip and not regarded Give me thy Spirit to cause me to walk in those Statutes of thine which formerly I have not observed and uphold me with thy constant Spirit that I may persevere unto the end in all holy courses This day in particular wherein thou offerest the means and callest me unto the hearing of thy holy word vouchsafe to free me from all pride of heart Jer. 13.15 distractions of mind tentations of Satan from all drowsinesse deadnesse and dullnesse of spirit and withall make mine heart by that good disposition which thou shalt work in it like well prepared ground fit in the most kindly manner to receive that seed of thy word which thou preparest for it Assist thy Servant and Minister who is to deliver thy message that he may speak as he ought to speak even that which shall be profitable to the soules of all thy people and powerfull upon my soule in particular and for that purpose Paul may plant and Apollo water but thou O Lord givest the increase let it please thee so to blesse
the exercises of Religion not without a gracious respect also to his bodily refreshing and necessity Now all these ends of the Sabbath being no ceremoniall things but matters of substance abiding in their strength throughout all ages therefore the Sabbath if so founded upon them is a thing morall and perpetuall Question 100 By this it appeares that a Sabbath that is a day of holy rest in every week is a thing not changed yea is unchangeable shew me now how the particular day comes to be altered so as that Saturday was the Jewes Sabbath and the Lords day ours Answer One day every week is to be observed that the work of Creation accomplished within the compasse of a week may be remembred but the day is now altered from the last to the first day of the week that the remembrance of that far greater work of redemption may be preferred which redemption being perfected in Christs resurrection the day of the resurrection is now become the Lords day that is the Lords Sabbath day Question 101. What Rules are to be observed for the sanctifying of the Sabbath Answer 1 Remember the Sabbath so as to be carefull of preparation for it that is set thy businesse in order the day before and thy heart in order at least the morning of the Sabbath and have not twenty things in thy house to be set in order on the morning of the Sabbath when thou shouldest be setting thy heart in order Eccles 5.1 1 Pet. 2.1 2 Attend carefully the publick service lest while thou art busie here and there about vain and impertinent things and thoughts many precious passages of the Sermon or of prayer passe away without any notice 1 Kings 20.40 Acts 10.33 1 Cor. 14.16 3 Consecrate the day privately and wholly unto God for it is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God thy heart thy tongue thy carriage that day must not be for thy self but for thy God Isa 58.13 14. Question 102. What helps are there for the sanctifying of the Sabbath in this holy manner Answer 1 Look to thy heart lest that rove and be divided from God with every dayes thoughts and be thou in the Spirit that is rapt up and ravished with spirituall meditations upon the Lords day Rev. 1.10 2 Look to thy company and conference for as worldly work is forbidden because it hinders a spirituall work so by the same reason are worldly words forbidden because they hindâ—r spirituall words that is such as are for God and thy soules good Exod. 20.10 Isa 58.13 Our words that day must not be our owne that is such as we have mind unto but such as are meet for the Lords day 3 Look to thy works and carriage this is not a day for the shambles the shop the warehouse the workhouse but for thee and other good Christians to be upon the Mount Tabor that is being lifted up above the world to be wholly busied in Religious exercises and Ordinances wherein Jesus Christ the King of the Church is to be seen in his beauty Isa 35.17 4 Look to thy Entertainment using friends if on the Sabbath day they be with thee friendly and rejoycing with them in the Lord in the sober use of the Creatures Prov. 18.14 Acts 2.46 But appoint not solemn Feasts upon that day that 's to make the Lords day thy friends day and take heed lest by unnecessary care for many things thou keep Mary from Christs feet that is thy well-affected Servant from a Sermon Luke 1.10.41 5 Watch thy self in thy contentments let not sleep or meat or pleasant talk or sport take away the time or thy heart from the Lord of that day and the end for which he appointed it They that live in pleasure on a Sabbath day are dead while they live to wit in regard of their deadnes and indisposition to heavenly things Luke 8.14.21.34 Hos 4.11 13.6 Question 103. By this is appears that the Sabbath is the principall time but are there not other times also and that in the week dayes wherein Christian duties are to be exercised Answer Yes a due respect is to be had unto Christian duties piety and charity all the week long for we ought to be devout Christians and therefore to fear God and give Alms and pray to God not this or that day but alwayes Acts 10.2 In particular a due regard is to be had to hearing reading conferring praying at all times Question 104. What reason is there of hearing the word continually Answer Because Ministers are to preach in season and out of season Sabbath day and week dayes therefore people are to hear So likewise think not others too carelesse that leave some other businesses to be at Christs feet sincerely but thy self rather to be carefull who art from thence unnecessarily Luke 10.39 40. Question 105. What Rule may be given them who have many businesses for their better guiding and setling as concerning the six dayes Sermons Answer The direction usefull for such may be comprehended under these three heads The Judgement must be well informed The Conscience well examined And the Providence of God well observed Question 106. How is the Judgement to be informed Answer Both generally and particularly 1 Of the generality that a man must by no means make lâ—ght of spirituall opportunities but redeem them rather and purchase them with abatement of outward things Mat. 22.5 Ephes 5.16 2 For particular opportunities a light may be given for our direction by a two-fold consideration Viz. 1 Of the state of Times Time for good exercises is still to be redeemed but specially when the times are evill that is the more corrupt and troublesome the more doubtfull and dangerous the times are the more earnest we should be to wait out and to make use of all spirituall opportunities 2 Tim. 4.2 3. Acts 20.28 30. John 12.35 36. 2 Of the nature of the opportunity when Christ goes by when there is a more speciall occasion a Minister that preaches with Authority and not as the Scribes then without the contempt of the lowest means and Minister but with a greater desire of this greatest means get up into a Tree as Zacheus did and lay all other ordinary things aside as Mary did to enjoy God in a more speciall manner the reason is because ordinary duties must yield to extraordinary as ordinary workes of piety are to yield to extraordinary works of mercy Mat. 12.1 2 c. the necessary exigence of our calling to extraordinary works of piety Acts 20.7 11. 3 Of our own state and occasions which must make Christians to straine above ordinary in three cases 1 At their first conversion the new converted Christians were every day in the Temple and new born Babes had need be oft at the breast Acts 2.42.46 1 Pet. 2.12 2 In the time of affliction and tentation as people spare time for their businesse to goe to the Physitian are blamelesse Psal 73.16 17. Job 33.23 Isa 40.4 Mat.
after their resurrection be for ever but because their being shall be in misery it 's therefore called a death not a life Mat. 25.46 Rev. 20.5 Q. Are not the spirits of Gods Children before the day of judgement made partakers of everlasting life A. The spirits of Gods children immediately after they be severed from the body are admitted into heavenly blessednes in the presence of the Lord but in proper speech they cannot be said to partake of everlasting life which in the Scripture signifies that perfect happines which the Saints shall in their persons receive after they be raised from the dead Phil. 1.23 Rev. 6.11 Mat. 25.46 Q. Where shall the Saints of God live that life everlasting which they shall partake of after the resurrection A. The Saints of God shall be made partakers of everlasting life in those heavenly places where our Saviour now sitteth at the right hand of God 1 John 1.3 Ephes 2.6 Q. May no man then look to enjoy ever lasting life upon the earth A. No the dearest Saint of God upon this earth lives to dâ—e shall never live for ever untill they be after the resurrection put into the possession of their abiding City where they shall be freed from all the sorrowes sicknesses afflictions griefs of this present life and shall inherit perfect joyes and happinesse in the presence of the Lord for ever Heb. 9.27 Heb. 13.14 Rev. 21.4 Ps 16.1 Rules for a Christian way 1 THat 's the narrow way that is and hath been of old set down in Scripture The way must be made no narrower nor broader then the word of God makes it he only is to appoint the way that brings us to the journeyes end John 5.39 2 In that way we must walk without turning either to the left hand by prophanesse or to the right hand by superstition Deut. 5.32 33. 3 That we may so doe we must continually take heed to our wayes according to the word of God Psal 119.9 and withall pray earnestly that we may not wander Psal 119.10 but may hear a voyce behind us saying This is the way walke in it Isa 30.21 4 We must turn into this way as soon as we can and be timely good that we may be greatly good 1 Kings 18.3.12 and when we be once come in we must never goe out Ezek. 18.24 Prov. 1.32 5 The speciall time and season of coming in is when God sends Ministers to make known his word unto us The sending forth of a faithfull Ministry is a not suffering of us to walk in our own wayes Acts 14.16 17.30 if therefore thou walkest in them afterward thou doest it whether God will or no Mat. 23.37 and shalt accordingly suffer for it Psal 18.26 6 In this narrow way there must be a continuall proceeding and going forward the path of the just being not as the morning cloud that vanisheth at the first heat Hos 6.4 but as the morning light that shines more and more unto the perfect day Proverbs 4.18 7 The paths of wisedome are indeed paths of pleasantnesse Prov. 3.17 and the longer we walk in this way the easier we shall find it Acts 26.29 it being made easie to us both by grace enabling us to walk acceptably Ezek. 36.27 and by faith flying to Christ because we cannot walk perfectly 1 John 5.4 and by use whereby the yoak more cumbersome at first comes to be born more quietly and contentedly at last Mat. 11.29 30. it will be our ease therefore if we make it our exercise to keep a good conscience towards God and man Acts 24.16 Psal 25.12 13. 8 This is the difference between good and bad men that the one comfort themselves with their state and condition Luke 12.19 the other with their way and carriage 2 Cor. 1.12 2 Kings 20.3 9 However Gods way be every where spoken against yet the singular comfort of it is felt by faith all the while we walk in it Mark 10.30 and then most when we have least of all outward comforts 1 Sam. 30.6 Heb. 10.34 Gen. 39.21 Acts 23.1 Job 13.15 16. 27.5 6. but then shall this comfort be perfectly felt and perpetually enjoyed when we come to our journeys end and even to that glory honour immortality and eternall life which they shall be possessed of who patiently continue in well-doing Rom. 2.7 10 Then shall they that say yee fooles now meaning such as walk circumspectly Ephes 5.15 say feelingly and full sorrowfully we fooles meaning themselves while they see clearly and when it is too late to help it their own everlastingly cursed condition and the happy estate of those that have been carefull of a holy conversation Wisd 5.4 Mal. 3.18 RULES FOR THE christian-Christian-Day OR The sabbath-Sabbath-Day OF THE New Testament 1 SEt in order thy affaires the day before the Sabbath and thy affections in order upon the morning of the Sabbath the former prevents upon the Lords day worldly works and the later distracting thoughts 2 The heart being purged and prepared there arises from thence a great difference between Sabbath and weekly services He that hears a Sermon on the week day leaves the world but upon the Sabbath a man takes leave of the world that is he sequesters himself even wholly from it and by meditation and prayer fills his heart with contrary that is with heavenly things hence while he hears the word hee 's much more affected with it because the heart is clear from the world and carried heaven and finds after a greater effect of it as fruit is much more and better in well prepared ground 3 The principall duty of the Lords day is repairing to the Lords house to the Assembly and Ordinances of God morning and evening Acts 20.7.11 there being therein 1 A publick profession that we are the people of the Lord Jesus while we leave all things one day in seaven that we may attend him and 2 A filling of our Cystern from God the Fountain that is a replenishing of our heads and hearts with those heavenly things whereby we shall be furnished and supplyed for future time and in speciall all the week after for a holy walking in the narrow way the generall rule of hearing being to hear for afterward Isa 42.23 4 But as the day is not so neither are the duties thereof ended when the publick meeting is dissolved but in private also it is meet that we should be mindfull of 1 Heavenly Meditations Upon the Lords day we should be in the Spirit Rev. 1.10 in a spirituall temper possessed and taken up with spirituall thoughts that the speeches and actions proceeding from us that day may be in a speciall degree the breathings Creatures of the Spirit of God 2 Christian and ghostly communications tending to the spirituall advantage of our selves and those with whom we converse Acts 20.11 Christians are to edifie one another Ordinary builders are to build other dayes they build and are built up most on the Lords day
Minerva Atque Deus tenero mox benedixit ei Hunc peperit faetum Mater Sanctissima Nostrae Ecclesiae Mammas saxit ipse duas Haeres pariter mandns è pneumate sacro Nobilis est natu dignus habere gradum Tu graduatu eas subitò quo Trina potestas Permittit miseros te revocare viros Tu contra canctos reprobos sis lamine testis Durus in ignavos qui tua ditla negant Contra Schismaticos sis semper testis acerbus Illos quo pudeat de servisse fidem Denique qui temnunt Sanctâ—ssima dogmata Matris Contra illos firn è bella benigâ—ia geâ—as Indoctos doceas peccant Vulnera sana Et derisores corrige frange minis Vtilis es pueris puer es magnalia tractans Et magna Annoses fertilitate doces Aetatis suae 8â— Ed Davies GOds Spirit moved on that waters face Wherein was found this pretty Babe of grace As soon as there they did him but baptize He straight began Christs flock to catechize His Infant lisping is pure Eloquence His lips drop Honey his breath Frankincense Three of our Senses these may well delight And it's perusall the Internall fight And to the Sense of our true inward feeling Here is an Object for our sick soule healing Some Quere's quarrells breed some jests some sadnesse But these produce our inward peace and gladnesse These are Divine pen'd Catecheticall All Orthodox not one Schismaticall This is the marrow of Theologie And the Elixir of all Pietie Of Law and Gospel the pure quintessence And the true Marchâ—fit extract from thence It is the powder that turns brasse to gold Revives the New man dest oy the Oâ—d Aged 86. Ed. Davies THus Anchor'd may I live and dye Fraught with secure Divinity Whilst Babel-builders doe devise Unto themselves a thousand lies Weather cock soules that float upon The waters of Religion Whose Moon-like fancies are become The zealous bane of Christendome Willfully blind they tear and rent The seamlesse Coat of Christ intent To Sects they doe make that their sport Which ought to be their onely Foâ—t Dow-bak't prosessors who to shun Rome's Rocks into flat Atheisme run Unning'd and hovering they fall To Hellish errors these they call Religion reform'd mean while The Turk doth laugh the Jew doth smile But here with safety saile ne're here Shipwrack of Religion feare This Pilot Primitive may refine A two-three-four hour-glasse Divine Wherefore to thee fixt Protestant I give This Counsell read practice this Book live Tho Morgan On the solid Author and the Publication of this Piece MIstake not Reader here 's a Câ—techisme That 's Orthodox no Heresie no Schisme Nor new-light drops from the Seraphick pen Here 's milk for children yet strong meat for men Thus to all Readers all things he doth fly Low to the unlearned to the learned high Blush Sons of Impudence of little wit And lesse true Gospel-knowledge it â—s fit You should turn Catechumens No disgrace To sing your Palinode your looks to grace These lines we beg not Your Owle Eagle sight They 'll dazle you 'll one day confes his light Let either Ford or Bridge or Minster come And view 't here 's neither whey nor froth nor scum Concocted to Elixar here is Cream Sound nutriment in this pure Nectarstream Tho. Wilkins Vpon the Author 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 CAll for the Conjectors and let them try Each Species of Physiognomy Judge Intercisions Stars and Crosses all Speak this year to Books Climactericall What then this instar omnium doth comprise The Quintessence of all approv'd Excise Astrologers their Credit once may save Pry its Nativity and Judgement have Th' Ascendant with a Fortune Planets be see All dignifi'd none in their Cadency Who viewes this face of Heav'n they say may see This the Paragon of futurity Writers have their exit from hence must all Like the next year be turn'd Platonicall The revolutions inexpir'd Now try What you can guesse by your Ouroscopy Physitian try symptoms pulse and all Inspect each region of the Urinall Their doom in truth each tyn panized story Would wear an Age much more one Century Of Books this spares the labour and will lap The Gangraen'd and the luxuriant tap The blazing Meteor which did impend Did point the Babe this with a different end As a wise Pilot steers the way to Joy Where he transcended nothing can annoy Though Preachers silenc'd our heavenly passage To the port of rest each by his steerage Hath accesse to the Celestiall Throne Though to the Prototype High-Priests alone He that with the Interrogant did conspire To burn all Books in the Censorious fire Plutarch excepted would gladly reverse This Sentence command to bring his herse That he for one might make the Company If living would subscribe his destiny This to preserve As the diffused light Fill'd one Horizon and the other night At last it was contracted to the Sun The fourth day's work of the Creation So what the Universe hath bee 't grace or wit This Author hath Epitomized it Whitgift Gibbons Vpon the Author's Catechisticall Paraphrase of our English Church-Catechism THis namelesse blamelesse Author in each line Presents a piece o'th'Gospel Preach'd Divine Instructions all throughout 'T is best perus'd When unto practice in our lives reduc'd That Sermon is wel heard that Book well read Whose Subject Use and Doctrine's practiced These times pretend new lights reformed times But did we act those virtues shua those crimes This Author points us out then should we be The Great Exemplars of Christianity What Councils Fathers Schoolmen all Divines As well of Antient as of Modern Times Have studi'd writ read preach'd Catechiz'd This Author hath couch'd and Epitomiz'd This Author Moses like Anonymus To Pharaoh and his Daughter and to Us The Way unto All happinesse and blisse Mercurius-like describes which if we misse Who is most Ignorant cannot pretend Want of a Guide unto his Journey 's End May God a Blessing add and Sanctify This Bible to our Soules Eternity A PRAYER for the Sabbath OR LORDS DAY ALL possible praise and thanks be given to thee O most gracious God and mercifull father for all those most holy and helpfull means of grace which it hath pleased thee to appoint for the sanctification salvation of corrupt and sinfull man Amongst other means we blesse thee O Lord for this as for a principall and speciall means which contains many other in it even thy blessed Sabbath Magnified for ever be thy wisedome and goodnesse who fore-seeing how this wretched world would fill the hands yea and take up the hearts of us earthly-minded Creatures hast been pleased by a perpetuall Law written with thine own finger to set apart for thine own self for our souls one day in seaven wherein we being called out of the world and having our minds taken off from all earthly businesses on that day forbidden us may delight our selves in thee our God being joyful in
the word delivered as that much increase and good fruit may come thereby unto Jesus Christ the great Lord of the Harvest For me thine unworthy servant in particular let me not receive thy word as the high way ground without understanding and retaining it nor as the stony ground so as by reproaches or persecution to wither and be withdrawn from it nor as the thorny ground so as to suffer it by worldliness and voluptuousnesse to be choaked and deaded in me but as the good ground so as to bring forth much fruit and that with patience that so by patient continuance in well doing I may have glory and honour and immortality and eternall life and that not for any thing in my self but in and through Jesus Christ our Lord to whom with thee and the holy Spirit be all honour and glory now and evermore Amen A Prayer for Advisement O Most wise most gracious and most glorious God I confesse my self to be a poor and weak Creature very unable and insufficient to take any such course as whereby thou shouldest have glory others good or my self any true comfort Unto which weaknesse much carelesnesse also is added and a neglect or a negligent using of those means and helps whereby I might become more able and more profitable in my place and calling nor is that all but too unadvised I am too sudden too rash and so apt both in speaking and dealing to behave my self without that good consideration that becomes a discreet and settled Christian And hence it is that there is a want of that reverence that there ought to be in thy presence of that mindfullnesse that there ought to be in my businesse of that wisedome that there should be in my words of that staidnesse that there ought to be in my carriage Lord grant that I may consider of these things so as to be humbled repent of these things so as to be pardoned and beg help of thee so about these things as that they may be amended Pardon O Lord these and all other my sins Amend O Lord these and all other my imperfections Grant that casting away all carelesnesse whatsoever my hand findeth to doe I may doe it with all my might withall grant that observing the over-forwardnesse and freenesse of my nature in every thing I may be so much the more carefull and watchfull that nothing may be done rashly Above all things let me not be rash with my mouth before thee but besides that since of every idle word that I speak I must give account at the day of Judgement Lord help that my mind may be so set a work before the moving of my lips as that I may speak nothing to thy dishonour others offence or my own grief and shame Yea grant that I may ponder the paths of my feet and so study all my carriage as that my rashnesse may not be seen therein but my Rule if being framed according to the good direction of Religion and reason and that I may not hasten with my feet and so sin doe thou O Lord see to it that my soule may not be without knowledge but so endued with it as that both the inner and the outer man may be ordered by it Let faith and Religion guide my reason and sanctified reason my affections and well-ruled affections set awork my senses and members that I may so speak and so doe as one that must give a strict account and so as that I may give a good and comfortable account of both and all this for Jesus Christs sake in whom thou givest to all liberally and upbraidest none to whom with thee O Father and the Eternall Spirit be all honour and glory both now and evermore Amen QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS upon the Church-Catechism Question 1. WHat is it that Christian Children should consider of in the first place Answer That which their very name puts them in mind of to wit their Baptism Question 2. What is the speciall thing that they are to consider of in their Baptism Answer Of that Vow and Promise which they by their Sureties made unto God when they were Baptized Question 3. But what were those particular things which they then promised Answer First to forsake the Devil and all his works Question 4. What be those works of the Devill Answer Some are inward and some are outward Question 5. What are those that are inward and more spirituall Answer The first of them is Pride which is when a man thinks himself worthy of more honour then is due unto him or when he loves too well that that is due Question 6. How doe you know that this Pride is a worke of the Devil Answer Because it is said that Satan tempted David to number the people to wit by stirring up his heart to that pride and vanity out of which he numbred them 1 Chron. 21.1 Question 7. What helps and means are there for the forsaking of this work of the Devil Answer 1 We must consider we have nothing but what we have received and therefore we must not boast as if we had not received it 1 Cor. 4.7 2 To pull down our Pride we must look upon our faults and follies as the Peacock upon his black feet that he may not be proud of his feathers 3 We must know that God sets himselfe against all such people and beholds every one that is proud to abase him Job 40.11 4 He that is lifted up with Pride is in danger of falling into the condemnation of the Devil 1 Tim. 3.6 Question 8. Who be those that be most apt to fall into the sin of Pride Answer Those that be young and Novices in the world and amongst young Schollars that be of better parts and wits who ought therefore to be so much the more carefull to avoid this sin by how much the Devil is more busie and hath from their age more advantage to bring them to it Question 9. What is the second inward work of Satan Answer Anger Envy and Malice Question 10. How doth it appeare that these are the works of Satan Answer Because the Apostle saith They give place to the Devil that give place to their passion Ephes 4.27 Question 11. What help and means is there for the forsaking of this work of the Devill and for the suppressing of anger and wrath Answer To consider these particulars 1 That a man in his wrath is altogether unfit to doe what God would have him doe for the wrath of man worketh not the Righteousnesse of God James 1.20 as appeareth in King Asa who being in a rage was so far from entertaining the righteous word of God as that he did most unrighteously put the Prophet in Prison that did deliver it 2 Chron. 16 10. 2 That a wrathfull man is unfit for society with others and become like Nabal who was so froward that a man could not tell how to speak to him 1 Sam. 25.17 3 That wrath and envy cause foolishnesse
of carriage and shortnesse of dayes Prov. 14.29 30. 4 That anger wrath and malice are the marks of unregenerate persons Now we should be as unwilling to undergoe the marks as the misery of such gracelesse persons Col. 3.8 Question 12. What is the third inward work of Satan Answer Filthy and unclean thoughts in the heart although they never break out in words or carriage Question 13. How doe you know that this uncleannesse of heart is the work of Satan Answer Because his Title is to be an unclean Spirit and accordingly his busines is to work uncleannesse in our spirits Question 14. What help is there to forsake and avoyd this work of the Devil Answer Some things are to be avoyded and some things are to be done Question 15. What are the things to be avoyded Answer 1 Such things as stir up uncleannesse as wanton Pictures Playes Songs wanton Books or looks Job 31.1 by means of which the unclean spirit enters in and defiles the heart 2 Such things as strengthen uncleannesse as excesse in meat and drink Gen. 19.32 Jer. 5.8 3 Such things as perfect it and whereby Satan fills the heart with it as dalliance and wanton carriages Question 16. What are the things to be done Answer 1 We must fill our hearts with good meditations The heart will be working and the way to free it from worse thoughts is to fill it with better 2 We must fill our hands and hearts with businesse An idle head and heart is the shop of the Devil and David fell into unclean walking not warring 2 Sam. 11.2 3 We must fill our mouths with earnest prayers to God to keep out and to cast out this unclean spirit Yea and in regard of all such inward works of Satan we must pray Lord rebuke Satan and incline not my heart to any evill way Zech. 3.2 Psal 141.4 Question 17. You have shewed the inward what be the outward works of Satan Answer First swearing falsly or vainly unto which cursing may be added Question 18. How do you know that swearing is a work of the Devil Answer Because Christ saith whatsoever is more then yea or nay cometh of evill or of Satan that evill one Mat. 5.27 Question 19. How doe you know that cursing is a work of the Devill Answer It appears that cursing of God comes from the Devil because the Devil by Jobs wife tempted him to curse God Job 2.8 9. Cursing of God by Job was the Devils aym and for that purpose Jobs wife was the Devils Agent And it appears that cursing of men comes from the Devil also because the tongue is set on fire of Hell when we doe therewithall curse men Jâ—mes 3.6 9. Question 20. What helps and meanes be there to forsake this work of the Devill Answer To consider that 1 There is a flying Book sent forth to overthrow his house and state that sweareth falsly Zech. 5.4 and God will not hold him guiltles that taketh his name into his mouth and sweareth vainly Exod. 20.7 2 Swearing doth not only make particular persons miserable but the whole Land also to mourne under the heavy judgements of God Jer. 23.10 Because of swearing or cursing as it is in the margent the Land mourneth Question 21. What help is there against cursing Answer First to consider that he that loves cursing cursing shall come unto him it shall cleave unto him it shall come into his bowels like water and like Oyle into his bones Psal 109.17 8. Secondly to consider how unseemly and unreasonable a thing it is with the same tongue to blesse God and then afterward to curse men that are made after the similitude of God James 3.9 Question 22. What help is there against both cursing and swearing Answer To consider that in both the name of God is taken in vain even that glorious and fearfull Name Exod. 20.7 The Lord our God which whosoever fear not the Lord will make their plagues wonderfull and the plagues of their seed even sore sicknesses and of long continuance sore diseases and of long durance Deut. 28.58 59. Question 23. But there be divers that doe not swear by this dreadfull name of God but by this bread or drink by this hand or by this light what shall we say to them Answer This was an old trick to shift off the force of the third Commandement and to such the Apostle James sayes that while they swear by Heaven or Earth or any other of the Creatures although they never name God yet God will not hold them guiltlesse but they shall fall into condemnation James 5.12 Question 24. But I cannot choose but swear say some for men will not believe me otherwise Answer Yes saith the Apostle Let your yea be yea Jam. 5.12 2 Cor. 1.17 18 19. and your nay nay That is be not off and on but be true and stable in your speeches and you shall never need an Oath A constant and ordinary true speaker is easily believed an ordinary swearer is never believed Question 25. What is it absolutely unlawfull then for a man to swear at all Answer Not so a man may swear before a lawfull Magistrate Nehem. 10.29 to confirm a solemn Covenant Gen. 31.53 and upon speciall and important occasions Gen. 47.31 Heb 6.16 For God forbids us not the taking of his name into our mouths but the taking of it in vain Question 26. What 's the second outward work of Satan Answer Lying and deceiving Question 27. How doe you know that lying is a worke of the Devill Answer Because when the Devill speaketh a lye he speaketh of his own that is nothing is more usual with him nor more proper to him then a lye is and it is that also that proceeds from him for he is a lyar and the father of them John 8.44 Question 28. What helps be there for the forsaking of this worke of the Devill Answer 1 To consider that as all truth comes from God so all lying comes from the Devil Now who would be willing to conceive and bring forth a Child whereof the Devil should be the father 2 Every thing should be to us as it is to God Now lying lips are an abomination to the Lord but they that deale truly are his delight therefore lying and deceit should be abominable to us likewise Prâ— 12.22 3 We should consider that he shall be shut out of the Kingdome of Heaven that loveth or maketh a lye Rev. 22.15 withall that all lyars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21.8 I ought therefore to love truth as I love Heaven and to fear lying as I fear Hell Question 29. What particular cases be there wherein men are more tempted to and therefore ought to be more watchfull against this sin of lying Answer In foure cases especially First in case of profit Hence it is that people doe so ordinarily lye in the Market and in trading to wit for the getting of a
penny and some worldly pelf This lying was Gehazi's sin and a leprosie was his punishment 2 Kings 5.22 25 27. Secondly in case of credit Hence comes so much lying in houses because people having done amisse are loath to be known of it lest they should be put to shame by it therefore they deny it stoutly when God is able to say to them as to Sarah who failed in the like case Nay but thou didst doe such a thing Gen. 18.15 Thirdly in case of safety and when som danger of smart is like to ensue by telling the truth Hence Children lie so often to avoid the rod yea Gods Children also doe to their shame and grief faile in this particular as Abraham and Peter Gen. 20.2.11.9 10. Mat. 26.70 75. But if holy parents whip a lying Child twice one for his fault and again for his lie How much more will a holy God of truth punish such a fault yea in his owne Children yea in them most Fourthly in case of complement entertainment wherein men professe more love then ever they mean and excuse entertainment beyond the truth Question 30. What further preservative is there against all these evills Answer This one thing may suffice that he that means to come to Heaven must have this mark upon him to speak the truth in his heart Psal 15.2 Question 31. Are there not besides these two outward and more common some more speciall works of Satan also that are to be avoided Answer Yes there are two of them the opposing of Gods truth and the persecuting of Gods Saints Question 32. How doe you know that opposing the truth of God is a work of the Devill Answer Because the Devil is a liar that is one in whom there is no truth and who is still setting a foot some lye or other against the truth and because he that opposes and perverts the right wayes of the Lord is a Child of the Devil John 8.44 Acts 13.10 So 2 Tim. 2.25 26. opposers of truth are in the snare of the Devil Question 33. What means is there to forsake this work of the Devill Answer 1 To hearken patiently to our Instructors with prayer to God to give repentance that so we may come to the acknowledgement of the truth and recover our selves out of the snare of the Devil 2 Tim. 2.25 26. 2 To consider that all liars in this high degree that is that lye against the truth James 3.14 set up falshoods whereby to fight against the word of God shall assuredly and especially have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone Revel 21.8 Question 34. How doe you know that opposing and persecuting the Children of God is also a worke of the Devill Answer Because the Devil hath ever been an Accuser Revel 12.10 an Imprisoner Rev. 2.10 and a murtherer John 8.44 and Rev. 2.13 of the Brethren and who so sets against and offers violence to his righteous brother he as Cain is of that wicked one 1 John 3.12 Question 35. But what if men doe no more but mock Gods Children and those that take good courses Answer Even that also is a Diabolicall persecution as Ishmaels mocking was Gal. 4.29 with Gen. 21.9 and a thing that ungodly men must in speciall manner be accountable for at the day of Judgment Jude 15. Question 36. What help is there against this work of the Devill Answer To consider that every persecuter of good Christians is a persecuter of Jesus Christ himself and does but kick therein against the pricks and that without timely repentance unto his eternal perdition Acts 9.4 5. Question 37. How doe you know that Answer Because he that hates his Brother is a murtherer and we know that no murtherer hath eternall life abiding in him 1 John 3.15 yea how can such Vipers escape the damnation of Hell Mat. 23.33 Question 38. What generall Motive is there to stir us up to forsake the Devill and all those works of his that have been formerly mentioned Answer To consider that they that forsake not Satan shall by Gods just judgement be given to him here to be his Vassalls in sin 2 Thess 2.11 12. and Mat. 12.43 44 45. and shall be partners with him hereafter in Hellish misery Mat. 25.41 Mat. 23.33 Question 39. What general help and means is there to free us from Satan and his works Answer 1 To be diligent and obedient hearers of Gods Ministers who are sent of God for this very purpose to bring men from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26.18 2 Even after we are brought to God we must still labour to beat down those lusts which use to betray us for want of the mortifying them into the hands of Satan who would not be able to prevaile over us but that he finds something that is a corrupt nature in us John 14.30 3 When we have done this also we must still watch and still pray unto him that came of purpose to destroy the works of the Devil 1 John 3.8 that we may not enter into tentation Mat. 26.41 Question 40. What other thing was promised in Baptism besides forsaking the Devill and all his works Answer To forsake the pomps and vanities of this wicked world Question 41. What is meant by the pomps and vanities of this world Answer In generall all the goodly and glorious things of this world Mat. 4.8 whereof there be three particular heads Pleasure Mark 6.22 Heb. 11.25 pleasures of sin Profit Josh 7.21 Micha 2.2 Preferment 2 Sam. 15.4 1 John 2.16 Question 42. But why are they called pomps and vanities Answer Because in the worlds conceit they are pomps and glorious things Dan. 4.30 Acts 25.23 But in true judgement they are very vanities Eccles 1.2 Question 43. Why is it added that they are the pomps and vanities of the wicked world Answer Not only because there is a great deale of wickednesse in the world the whole world either lying in wickednesse 1 John 5.19 Or else wickednesse lying and abiding in them Rom. 7.20 But also because there is a great deale more then otherwise there would be through the tentation of these worldly things Josh 7.21 When I saw c. Question 44. How far forth are the world and the things of the world to be forsaken Answer When we cannot enjoy them and Christ both when we cannot keep them and keep our Covenant with God both then they must be forsaken that Christ may be followed and that our Covenant made with God in Baptism may be performed Heb. 11.25 26. Heb. 10.34 Question 45. What helps be there for the forsaking of the world Answer 1 We must labour to be in love with better things then the world hath Psal 119.36 Heb. 10.34 And to embrace Christ as Simeon did that so we may not embrace the world as Demas did Luke 2.28 2 Tim. 4.10 2 We should avoid worldly company especially in the neerest society Ahab was much more drawn after that worldly thing
first and principall duty belonging to a Christian Answer The hearing of Gods word James 1.19 Rev. 2.29 Question 73. In what manner must it be heard 1 Attentively Nehem. 8.3 Psal 78.1 That is without distraction and wandring of heart and with all readinesse of mind and due regard Acts 17.11 James 1.19 Acts 28.14 2 Sincerely Acts 10.33 without a dissembling heart Jer. 42.20 3 Understandingly so as to conceive it Mat. 13.51 Mark 1.14 4 Affectionately so as to have our hearts quickned and warmed with it Luke 24.32 5 Faithfully so as to be fully perswaded of the truth of the Doctriue the worth of the Promises the weight of the threatnings and generally of the undoubted certainty of all those things whereof we are instructed in the word of God Heb. 4.2 Luke 1.4 6 Meekly so as to submit to it James 1.21 Even when we are reproved and threatned by it Isa 38. ult 7 Fruitfully so as to profit by it and be doers of it never getting rest to our selves till we be like that word we hear in all holinesse both of heart and life James 1.22 2 Cor. 3.18 8 Providently laying up in stock for the time to come what we have not present use of Isa 42.23 Psal 119.9 Question 74. What 's the second maind uty belonging to our Christian calling Answer Receiving the Sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 11.25 Question 75. In what manner ought we to receive it Answer 1 With some good understanding of the grounds of Religion in generall to wit mans good Creation sinfull fall and gracious redemption that so we may know what need and use there is of a Sacrament and Sacrifice as at the Passeover there was instruction to acquaint them with the grounds and use of it Exod. 12.26 2 Chron. 30.22 As also with the understanding of the Mystery of the Sacrament in particular so as to be able to discern the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.24 2 With an earnest desire and eager appetite which without the understanding before spoken cannot be John 4.10 and that shewes the necessity of it Isa 55.1 John 7.38 3 With faith for we cannot partake in Jesus Christ for our spirituall nourishment unlesse we come to him and to come to him is to believe on him John 6.35 4 With a good conscience which contains in it both repentance and charity for it is as much as to see 1 As much as may be that God have nothing against us Rev. 2.4 our sin being put away by repentance Psal 32.5 2 That men have nothing against us all offences being removed by Reconciliation Mat. 5.23 Question 76. What 's the third speciall duty of a Christian Answer Prayer Mat. 7.7 Psal 50.15 1 Cor. 1.2 Question 77. In what manner are we to pray unto God Answer 1 Watchfully Col. 4.2 the time and place being as much as may be fitted Mark 1.35 But alwayes the heart being fixed and settled on the service Psal 108.1 2 Wisely praying for things lawfull and needfull good and fit 1 John 5.14 1 Kings 3.9 10. 3 Reverently that is with humble acknowledgment how unworthy we are to desire any thing from so gracious a God Gen. 18.27 and with humble submission of our suites unto the wil of so wise a God Mat. 26.39 4 Faithfully James 2.6 Earnestly Luke 11.8 and Constantly Luke 18.1 Question 78. What 's the fourth speciall Christian duty Answer Fasting Mat. 9.15 Question 79. What Rules are there to be observed for fasting Answer 1 We are to fast when it is fit that is not when such a day comes superstitiously Gal. 4.10 But when God calls thereunto by any speciall and extraordinary occasion religiously Isa 22.12 Joel 2.12 2 We are to fast as it is fit to wit 1 With inward contrition and renting of our hearts Psa 51.17 Joel 2.13 2 With outward Humiliation that all the world may see our submission unto God 1 Kings 21. last 3 With faithfull and fervent prayer Jona 3.8 4 With a through reformation professed by the renewing of our Covenant in the day of our fast Nehem. 9. last 10. and practised in the renewing of our conversation after the fast and that so as that God may see and he himself may say that we are turned from the evill of our works Jona 3. last 3 We are to humble our selves before God as long as it is fit to wit till God he intreated Judges 20.23 26. even as Jacob continued his wrestling with weeping and supplication till God was conquered Gen. 32.26 Question 80. What 's the fifth speciall Christian duty Answer Vowing Psal 76.11 50.14 Question 81. In what manner is a Vow to be made Answer It must be 1 Of things lawfull not to kill Paul Acts 23.12 Rom. 14. ult It 's against Scripture to Vow Chastity 1 Cor. 7.9 Poverty Prov. 30.8 Regular obedience 1 Cor 7.23 So as the Papists prescribe 2 Secondly of things in our power to wit in ordinary course and by diligent use of the means through that blessing of God which he uses to afford for Vowing requires paying Eccles 5.4 and paying power 3 Of things in our purpose and resolution Psal 119.106 not Vowing in a passion or with dissimulation 4 For such reason as it is fit to wit 1 To expresse our thankfulnesse Gen. 28.20 2 To take some revenge upon our selves for sins committed 2 Cor. 11.7 3 To prevent some sin whereof of we are in danger Job 31.1 A Vow is sepes sanctimoniae to hedge us in a holy course and keep off the breakings in of sin 4 To help our selves in service 1 Cor. 9.25 as to make a light dinner on the Sabbath for attending the afternoones Sermon the better 5 For such a time as is fit in some cases and for some considerations for ever 1 Cor. 7.5 That wine which a young man may have reason to Vow abstinence from will when he is older or weaker be needfull for him and not hurtfull as before to him 1 Tim. 5.23 Question 82. What speciall Caution is there to be observed in Vowing Answer Vow not upon a push of zeal our zeal must be put to the performing but our wisedome and care to the making of a Vow that thou mayest not be slack to pay be slack rather to Vow for to forbear to pay will be a sin to thee but it is no sin to forbear to Vow Deut. 23.21 22. Question 83. But what if I Vow rashly am I then bound to pay Answer A rash and unlawfull Vow binds but to what not to performance but to repentance Question 84. But when a Vow is needfull to be made and hard to be kept what course is to be taken for the keeping of it Answer Vow a hard thing for a short time first whereby thou mayest take a tryall what thou art able to doe and so either injure thy self to keep it for a longer time or if thou find thy self too weak to perform unloose thy self from it
till thou have greater strength Question 85. What is the sixth Christian duty Answer Sympathizing or a rejoycing with the people of God that doe rejoyce and a weeping with them that weep Psa 106.5 Rom. 12.15 Question 86. In what manner should we take to heart the case of distressed Christians Answer As those that be members of the same body yea as if we our selves were with them in the same bonds and misery Heb. 13.3 Question 87. Wherein is our compassion to be shewed to persons afflicted Answer 1 In making enquiry into their condition Nehem. 1.2 2 In praying for their comfort Psal 25. last 122.6 3 In providing for their relief John 3.17 Question 88. What 's the seventh Christian duty Answer Edifying one another 1 Thess 5.11 unto which we may refer Christian visits and conferences Acts 15.36 Mal. 3.16 Question 89. What Rule is to be observed for the better building up of our Brethren Answer It is to be done â—ither with compassion and favour or with fear and terrour as there is occasion Jude 20 21 22. Question 90. What help is there for this duty Answer We must consider and take a view one of another as those doe that are about to repair and when we see what 's lacking or amisse we must accordingly put to our helping hands not commending our company in that which is good and winking at them wherein they are defective but letting that alone which is well and setting to work and building where there is need Heb. 10.24 1 Thess 3.10 Question 91. What is the duty of those that are dealt withall in this kind Answer They ought not to be stern and stout and to fling away in a chafe but quietly to suffer the word of Exhortation and Edification accounting it a matter of the greatest favour and faithfullnesse to keep their ruinous soules in repaire Heb. 13.22 Prov. 27.6 Question 92. What 's the eighth Christian duty Answer Alms-giving or charitable Contributions Heb. 13.16 Question 93. What Rules are there to be observed for this duty Answer It is to be performed 1 In regard of persons wisely and with due distinction ever preferring the houshold of faith as sometimes Joseph did his beloved Benjamin Gal. 6.10 Gen. 43.34 2 In regard of our states proportionally that is we must help others as God enables and prospers us 1 Cor. 16.2 3 In regard of our affection chearfully without harshnesse of spirit and inward grudgings and compassionately without hardnesse of heart and inward deadnesse 2 Cor. 9.7 1 John 3.17 A man should not onely open his purse to give Alms but his bowels also 4 In regard of God humbly not dreaming of merit but accounting it a great mercy that we have any thing to give or any mind to give it withall 1 Chron. 29.14 16. And seeking Gods glory in it and not our owne 1 Cor. 10.3 Mat. 6.2 3. Question 94. What help is there for this duty Answer First that we may be able to give we must strengthen our hearts with faith and look upon our Alms not as upon water that is spilt but as upon seed that is sown and that in well watred ground still remembring that liberality makes no man lean Eccl. 11.1 Prov. 11.25 Question 95. What 's the ninth Christian duty Answer Mourning for the sins and abominations of the Times Ezek. 9.4 Ezra 10.6 1 Cor. 13.21 Question 96. What help is there for this duty Answer We may help our selves therein with these four considerations 1 The great dishonour that is done to God by such sins for if there be any love to God in us it cannot but vex us that such dead Dogs as the sinners of the times are should so dishonour so glorious a God yea it will grieve our souls that any shame should be done to him who is our onely friend although it be by our own father 2 Sam. 16.9 2 Sam. 20.3 4. 2 The great danger upon which the sinners in Zion run themselves by those their sins that be comitted in the height of evill Times For can we behold the destruction of thousands of people and many of them perhaps our neere friends and kindred also without lamenting seriously so sad a spectacle Jer. 13.17 Luke 19.41 3 The grievous calamity and desolations that the sins of wicked men bring upon the whole Church of God Micah 2. last For how can we endure to see the destruction of Gods people In this regard if any enquire with wonder of our more abundant weeping for the sins of the time the answer is at hand because I know the evill that thou O sin wilt doe to the Church of God 2 Kings 8.12 4 Even respect to our selves and our owne security may make us mourn for the sins of the time because that onely assures us that we shall be marked and preserved when a generall destruction is decreed Ezek. 9 4. Question 97. Hitherto of those principall duties of our generall calling that are to be performed shew me in â—â—e second place at what time they are to be performed Answer The principall time is the Sabbath the observation whereof is a duty enjoyned in the fourth Commandement Question 98. The fourth Commandement was given to the Jewes and enjoynes the Jewish day which was Saturday now that day being gone how doth the Commandement bind us Answer The fourth Commandement requires three things 1 A Sabbath day 2 A Sabbath day every week for we must not work longer then six dayes together 3 The Jewes Sabbath day now it is true that the last of these viz. the Jewes Sabbath is gone and another day fitter for Christians is put in the place thereof but for the first and second that is a Sabbath and a weekly Sabbath the fourth Commandement gives us a perpetuall Law Question 99 To clear this the better shew me what reason there is why there should be a Sabbath day for ever Answer Because of the ends for which a Sabbath was appointed which are these three 1 That the work of Creation might be remembred and whereby the true God who is known so to be by the making of Heaven and Earth in six dayes Isa 45.12 Jer. 10.11 12. might be acknowledged and advanced 2 That the publick worship of God might be setledly solemnly uniformly conveniently performed by the whole Church of God and so Religion it self upheld and strengthned for duties are preserved by dayes and times Now that the service of God may be performed setledly and constantly there must be a set day that it may be performed solemnly and uniformly there must be one and the same set day that it may be peformed conveniently that set and standing day must still return in a due distance from all which will arise firm reason for a weekly Sabbath 3 The Sabbath was made form an that is that the souls of men might be sustained and built up unto salvation by a sweet and free fellowship with God that whole day in his holy Ordinances and
as our hearts be over charged and put out of frame for the duties of our Callings and the expectation of the day of Judgement Luke 21.34 3 Not if any of the company that is tied to drink the health be distempered by it for is not the health a work of darknesse Ephes 5.11 if it cause distemper and have not I fellowship with it if I be a worker in it yea and moreover a binder to it for every man that is in it doth not only drink the health but bind the health if not in words yet in deed because by his joyning a greater distast and shame rests upon any man that shall offer to shrink Now whether this Healthing be for the glory of God and so carried as that he that drinks it is not over charged himself nor any of his company let every mans conscience judge as in the sight of God and thereby decide to himself the lawfullnesse or unlawfullnesse of this course To which add 4 Not if it be open and observed and so countenance the course of God and bid God speed to the fashion of drinking healths wherein ordinarily and for the generality there is so much abuse John 2 Epist v. 11. and this meets with the most moderate and eminsed Healthings for though to eat and drink to feast is a thing needfull and requisite yet there 's no need of Healthing Now though a man drink but a little or no hurt yet how can it be lawfull for them to doe a needlesse act when it is an occasion of stumbling to others and a hardning of them in a most sinfull practice see Deut. 32.26 27. Question 144. Hitherto of meats and drinks shew me now what Rules are to be observed for Apparrell Answer 1 Let not thy Apparell be above thy place For Gods mind is that men should so appear outwardly in their port and attendance and so in their Apparel as to maintaine that difference of degrees that he hath established among them Eccles 10.6 7. 2 Let it not be above thy means for that 's against the Commandement Thou shalt not steale while as Absolom stole away the heart of the people from David their rightfull King 2 Sam. 15.6 so vanity of Apparel steales away a man or womans estate from those necessary occasions wherein of right it should be bestowed 3 Conform not to the world in it against the good and acceptable and perfect will of God Rom. 12.2 that is against those generall Rules of godlinesse comelinesse sobriety modesty and moderation which the word of God sets before us which have a binding power in those particulars which are too low for the Scripture to name and which Christians that reverence their generall Rules need not to have named See 1 Tim. 1.10 Phil. 4.8 1 Tim. 1.9 4 Imitate in thy Apparell holy and faithfull men and women 1 Pet. 3 5. Modest and sober Sarah is a fit pattern for those of her sex who are more apt to exceed in this kind and not Jezabel 2 Kings 9.30 Now the example of holy persons layes down the Rule of restraint in this particular So to cloth our selves as that all the world may see we count our graces our Ornaments rather then our Garments a meek spirit rather then a curious habit 1 Pet. 3.3 4. with Psal 73.6 5 For this reason let those that be professors of Religion and those that would be reckoned holy Christians watchfully and above others restrain themselves this way keeping still and yet without uncomelinesse the safer and sober siâ—e and leaning to the word rather then the world for how shall they be examples to others that exceed themselves and what a pity and misery is it that there should be so few holy men and women out of the fashion to be a pattern to the residue of the world that so affect fashions Question 145. Since you speak of fashions tell me what is to be thought concerning new fashions in Attire Answer 1 To speak generally all affectation and offence in the form and fashion of our Apparell is to be avoided that is we must not apparell our selves so as to shew we have a mind to be in the fashion nor so as to encourage those that be vainer and grieve the better party Phil. 4.8 2 To speak more particularly observe these Rules 1 Such fashions of Apparel as clearly and at first sight crosse the Rules of Christian modesty as the attire of women whereby nakednesse is in part covered but in a great part discovered are to be rejected as abominable It 's strange that honest women will not give Harlots leave to have such an Attire as may be properly called the Attire of an Harlot Prov. 7.10 to wit as unbeseeming the modesty of a sober woman 2 Other fashions there be tolerable rather then laudable and that they may be tolerable it belongs to the wisedom and sobriety of Christians to observe these two Rules 1 Not to enter into them suddenly so as to keep even pace with the most forward fashionist 2 Not to use them exactly and in the utmost extremity The former of these argues levity the later curiosity and want of worth both pride and vanity 3 Any fashion used out of pride and vanity of mind is absolutely sinfull Onely for some better Reason some more liberty may be given and taken viz. in these regards 1 To avoid the imputation and offence of fingularity and that it may appear that Christians doe not affect to be unlightly nor put the stresse of Religion upon these lessen things 2 In case of duty both of Children to parents and of wives to husbands whom the clearnesse of the duty to give content makes these things more disputable and gives occasion for dispensing with them at least in some degrees But there 's a wide difference between these two to wit when such or such are in the fashion out of a mind and affectation and when their appearing in the fashion enforced by the imperiousnesse of vain and unkind and ungodly Superiours in their trouble and affliction Question 146. But is not Apparell an indifferent thing why then should there be so much scruple about it Answer I Answer 1 It 's true that the Apparelling of our selves this or that way is a thing indifferent in the generality but pride luxury vanity of mind are not things indifferent but absolutely sinfull and so are those particular fashions that spring from and manifestly savour of these corrupt roots 2 Though such things be in a sort indifferent and left to our liberty it being a shame that Christians that have so many Rules pressing to modesty and sobriety in the general should need to be taught particularly how to dresse themselves every day yet let us not for shame so carry our selves as that God should repent he hath left them indifferent liberty is the triall of ingenuity and tendernesse of conscience 3 I Answer with a Holy Father in a like case That 's the very
3 Works of charity as visiting the sick administring to laying up for the necessities of those that be in distresse 1 Cor. 16.2 5 Much adoe there is about a Sabbath day and Sabbath duties and they that account fellowship with God a heavy burden are glad they have this to say that learned men differ that so they may better take leave to doe what they list and be far from God without the condemnation of men but they that love that life that we shall lead in heaven will be glad to live with God one day in a week here at least in some degree as they look to live with him every day hereafter RULES FOR A Christian Carriage EVERY DAY 1 A Wake with God giving him thanks in thy first thoughts for the rest of the night and craving his presence for the occasions of the day Parents look their Children should doe their duty to them in the morning when they see them first so when we are first awakened and look up God that is ever before us and whom whensoever our eyes be open we should think we see ought to be reverently and dutifully acknowledged 2 If there be much busines let not prayer be omitted that the businesse may be dispatched that is as if a man having a long journey to goe should hasten out a foot and not stay to make ready his Horse for it is God that must carry us along in all our businesses but rise the sooner that the duty of prayer may first be performed rather out of sleep then put off prayer Mark 1.35 for all prosperity comes from this I am with thee Gen. 39.5 And how shall God be obtained if he be not sought Luke 11.9 3 Betake thy self to thy private prayers before thou enter upon the world for thy heart will hardly be with God wholly and fully if thy worldly occasions have taken possession of it formerly 4 Let Family exercises be performed either the first time thou canst take or the fittest time thou canst choose 5 As for worldly employment 1 See thou have a Calling it being not enough that thou be about some work or some good work but this also being required that thou be about that good work which God committeth to thee to doe John 17.4 for God gives to every servant of his his work Mark 13.34 2 Thy works and occasions being such as thou art called to Be about them 1 diligently a good Christian should not be a bad husband Prov. 27.23 Eph. 4.28 2 Justly and conscionably A good husband should not be a bad Christian nor any way defraud or over-reach his brother 1 Thes 4.6 3 Discreetly for he that handleth a matter wisely shall find good Prov. 16.20 Eccles 9.10 4 Faithfully and with a dependance upon God notwithstanding all thy wit and care for he that trusteth in the Lord happy is he Prov. 16.20 6. When thou art alone hate vaine thoughts Psal 119.113 when thou art in company let thy communication be such as if Jesus Christ were at thy heels ready to overtake thee and to ask what communications are these that ye have one with another while ye wake together Luke 24.17 and whether thou be alone or in company let thy carriage be ordered with such respect unto that God in whose presence thou art that thy tongue and thy doings may not be against him to provoke the eyes of his glory Isa 3.8 Generally be such in company as that thou maist with comfort remember thy carriage when thou art alone and such alone as that thou mayest with credit declare thy carriage when thou art in company 7 Take a view at night of the passages of the day which would best be done by putting them down in writing particularly in that view consider thy dealing and Gods dealing 1 Thy dealing and in what 1 Thy sins and any evill thou hast done as carefull men write down every debt that they may mind it and pay it so do tender Christians take notice and rather then faile a note of their sins that they may not be out of their remembrance and that they may take the next opportunity for repentance wherein be thou so far from deferring as to resolve for every evill of the day that upon the review smites thy heart and clogs thy conscience to judge thy selfe before thou sleepest that if thou shouldst never awake till the day of Judgement yet at that day thou mayest not be condemned of the Lord thou having before hand judged and condemned thy selfe 1 Cor. 11.31 2 Thy good deeds for as thou art to recount thy sin because thou art a debtor in it so any good deed because thou art a debtor for it and God without whom thou canst doe nothing John 15.5 should not want the due praise of thy well doing Howbeit it is fit also that thou shouldst observe that good that is in thee that thou maist not want the comfort of it but maist support thy selfe with it when thy heart is sad with sin and vert with Satan 2 Gods dealing what God by his providence reproves in thee one day rush not upon it the next and in that which thou findest God according to his word to countenance be thou constant let the affâ—ictions of the day make thee more carefull and fearfull of sin and the mercies more chearfull and forward in service COUNSELL FOR A Christian Carriage TAsk thy selfe in businesse Stint thy selfe in pleasure Take heed that these two never meet together A loose life and a light heart but when the carriage is loose let the heart be laden When thou differest from others in thy education see that thou differ from them in thy conversation that being so much holier then they as thy education hath been better The mind is the guid of the tongue therefore consider before thou speak The tongue is the messenger of the heart therefore as oft as thou speakst without meditation going before so oft the messenger runs without errand Let not pleasure steal away the mind from businesse but let businesse win and wean the mind from pleasure After good education take heed of the first errors lest the virginity and tendernesse of conscience being taken away it grow bold and impudent in evill FINIS A Table of the chief Heads handled in the foregoing Tract WOrks of the Devill p. 21 Pride 23 Anger Envy Malice 24 Anger 25 Filthy and unclean thoughts 26 Swearing and cursing 28 Helps against swearing and cursing 30 Lying a work of the Devill 34 In what cases lying is to be watcht against especially 36 Helps against the works of the Devil 38 Opposing the truth of God a work of the Devill 40 Opposing the children of God a work of the Devill 42 Generall helps to free men from the works of the Devill 44 Pomps and vanities of the world 46 Helps against them 48 The sinfull lusts of the flesh 50 Reasons of forsaking the works of the flesh 52 In what manner we must forsake the Devill the world and the flesh 54 Of the Christian faith 56 What it is to believe the Articles of Christian faith 58 Helps for the applying Christ to our own soules 62 The use of our believing the Articles of the Christian faith 64 What Gods will is and what to keep it 66 What to keep Gods will and commandement 68 The use of Gods word c. and how it must be heard 70 The manner of the right receiving of the Lords Supper 72 The manner how to pray and to fast aright 74 Vowing 78 Rules for vowing 79 The duty of simpathising 82 Rules for Edifying 84 Almes giving 85 Almes giving and mourning for the sins of the times 86 Helps to mourn for the Sins of the times 88 Of the Sabbath and morality thereof 90 Of the Sabbath and the duties thereof 94 Helps for sanctifying the Sabbath 96 Christian duties to be done in the week dayes 100 Rules of Resolution concerning 6 dayes Sermons 102 Opportunities of hearing discovered by conscience 104 Opportunities of hearing discovered by providence 106 Of reading and Christan conference 108 Of christian conference and daily payer 110 Of prayer in the family 112 Helps to establish a course of family prayer 114 Every one must have a calling 118 What calling to chuse 121 Whether a man may change his calling 122 How to be conversant about a mans calling 124 Recreation allowed and how far 126 Rules for Recreation 128 Of playing for money 130 Of our carriage alone 134 Helps against vile thoughts when we be alone 136 How to take care of our carriage in company 138 Rules for company 140 Duties to Superiours 142 Duties to superiours and inferiors 144 Of our carriage towards equalls 146 Of our carriage towards friends 148 Of our carriage toward enemies and strangers 150 Rules for our carriage in regard of our selves 152 Rules concerning meats and drinks 154 Whether lawfull to drink healths 156 Rules for apparell 160 Of fashions of attire 162 Against pride and vanity in apparell 164 Rules for a good carriage in prosperity 168 Rules for a good carrage in adversity 172 Directions for a good carriage in spirituall afflictions 174 Helps for our carriage in temptations 176 A comfort in all afflictions 178 Common breaches of the 1 Commandement 180 Common breaches of the 2 Com. 182 Common breaches of the 3 Com. 186 Common breaches of the 4 Com. 188 Common breaches of the 5 Com. 192 Common breaches of the 6 Com. 198 Common breaches of the 7 Com. 202 Common breaches of the 8 Com. 206 Common breaches of the 9 Com. 212 Common breaches of the last Com. 217 Infallible signes of a sincere heart 223 The first principles and most fundamentall points of Religion opened 234 Rules for a Christian way 299 Rules for the Sabbath-day 305 Rules for a christian carriage every day 310 Counsell for a christian carriage 317. FINIS
worke of the Devill to make indifferent things to be contemned The Devil is nothing so much a gainer by that which is apparently sinfull as by things of an indifferent nature for therein men sin under a protection they take their pleasure to the full in the use of such things that 's their sin and the indifferency of them in their nature that 's their protection Question 147. Hitherto of Rules appertaining to our condition as it hath respect to our persons shew me now what direction the Scripture gives concerning our condition with reference to our estate and first tell me what direction's for the carrying of our selves well in the state of prosperity Answer 1 Be thankfull Deut. 8.10 26.5 and ever magnifie that God that is so infinitely gracious as that not only to take Order for but to take pleasure in the prosperity of his servants Psal 35.27 2 Be humble For as we are greater then the greatest of all Gods Judgements in regard of the merit of our sins Ezra 9.13 so we are lesse then the least of all Gods mercies in regard of the unworthinesse of our persons Gen. 32.10 3 Be watchfull for prosperity is an estate of temptation Prov. 30.8 9. and without speciall care it will be abused either to pride Psal 73.6 or unto sensuality Luke 12.19 or unto security Mat. 24.38 39. 4 Be fruitfull For prosperity is as it were the Lords dunging whereby to make his Trees the more fruitfull Isa 61.3 Luke 13.8 Let thy heart therefore be lift up when God is more plentifully good unto thee as the heart of prospering Jehosophat was in the wayes of the Lord 2 Chron. 17.5 6. Psal 116.12 5 Be charitable For we are but Stewards of that we have Luke 16.1 c. and therefore must be ready to distribute and lay out 1 Tim. 6.18 19. and our layings out are our best layings up Now in what measure to lay out our prosperity will direct us for every man must lay out as God hath prospered him 1 Cor. 16.2 6 Be fearfull and so prudent as to think alwayes a change will or at least may come Job 3.25 26. that thou mayest not be impatient when it is come Job 1.22 7 Be faithfull and when God so prospers thee at one time as that thy Cup runs over gather from thence that if he deale not so with thee at another time but strip thee of all thou hast it is not for want of good will for sure thou having goodnesse in thee mercy and goodnesse shall follow thee all dayes of thy life Psal 23.5 6. and it shall be in one thing or another as in outward things it hath been expressed to thee 8 Be very inquisitive whether thou hast Jesus Christ and these outward things with him or whether thou hast them and not him and resolve never to take pleasure in an outward portion unlesse thou canst enjoy Gods gracious presence in Jesus Christ Exod. 33.3.15 Question 148. What Directions are there for a good carriage in adversity Answer Therein 1 Be patient and silent Lev. 10.3 Psal 39.10 and doe not by walking frowardly charge God foolishly Job 1. ult 2 Be tender and considerate doe not despise and make light of Gods corrections but let them put thee into a study Eccles 7.14 Consider from whom affliction comes to wit from God that thou be patient Psal 39.10 From whence it comes to wit from sin that thou mayest be penitent Psal 32.5 For what purpose it comes in regard of man to wit for reformation that thou mayest be converted Isa 27.9 Ezek. 18.30 And with what purpose it comes in regard of God to wit to doe us good by it at the latter end that so thou mayest be comforted Deut. 8.16 3 Be hopefull and hearty Psal 42. ult not dismaied and weary Prov. 3.11 rather promise to thy selfe the best Jer. 30.7 then prophesie the worst 1 Sam. 27.1 Judges 13.22 23. 4 Out of this hope be diligent in using all means of good Ezra 10.2 3 c. Joel 2.12 13 14. 5 In the use of the means be faithfull Psal 9.10 and for this purpose be so wise as to observe former experiments of Gods gracious deliverance of Pilgrims and Prisoners of sick men and Sea men and all men others and thy self that so thou mayest understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord so far as to see a comfort in it in regard of thy present sad condition Psal 107.43 Question 149. This may help for trouble in generall but what more speciall directions are there for a good carriage in spirituall afflictions and tentations Answer 1 By no means slight just troubles of conscience nor think to drink down spirituall distresses Conscience is a thing that may be ducked but cannot be drowned give it leave therefore to speak out and provide rather to pacifie it then to stupifie it Psal 4.4 1 John 3.10.21 Hag. 1.5 Psa 14.4 2 Be troubled for nothing but out of a ground in Scripture 1 John 3.4 Let not thine own superstitious heart let not Satan make thee sad who loves to make sad the soules of the righteous but let God have the honour of all thy joyes and sorrowes by being glad or sad and that thou mayest not erre in this point never accuse thy self when faithful Ministers will not joyn with thee in the accusation 3 Reason not with the Tempteâ— It is not safe for us to have to doe with the Devil by way of Treaty but only by way of conflict James 4.7 therefore instead of reasoning with him be carefull of a three-fold recourse 1 To thy self with repentance for any sin that may occasion thy trouble and grief of soule Gen. 42.21 Psal 51.3 4 5. 2 After thy repentance and washing have recourse unto thy God who is so gracious as to say unto thee when the Devil would faine reason with thee Come and let us thou and me reason together in which reasoning if thou objectest thy sins are as red as Scarlet and Crimson his Answer is I will make them as white as snow or as wooll Isa 1.18 3 Have recourse to Jesus Christ and to his intercession that is ready to say upon thy suing to him for rescue The Lord rebuke thee O Satan Zec. 3.2 And if he say and pray so once there 's no doubt he shall be heard John 11.42 4 Omit not Religious duties upon the Opinion of unworthinesse for God justifies the ungodly Rom. 4.5 and invites the unworthy Revel 3.17 18. Isa 55.1 And it 's the master-piece of the Devils policy to keep thee from Gods company that he may with the more ease corrupt and torment thee with his owne company and tentations 5 Leave not by any means the labours of thy Calling A speciall help against the Devil and bad company is to take order to have no leisure to converse either with the one or the other 6 Rest thy hold of salvation upon Arguments not upon sense and feeling for as no mans