Answer So in Psal 147.11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him in those that hope in his Mercy Psal 33.18 Sometimes more concisely as in Psal 103.11 For as the Heaven is high above the Earth so great is his Mercy toward them that fear him And in Psal 33.22 Let thy Mercy O Lord be upon us according as we hope in thee It is sometimes set forth by Repentance Jer. 8.6 Job 42.6 1 King 8.47 Ezek. 14.6 18.30 c. Joel 2.14 Also thus To turn to the Lord and to be obedient to his Voice Deut. 4.29 30. To acknowledg our Offences and seek the face of the Lord Hos 5.15 To return to the Lord and seek him Hos 7.10 Sow to your selves in Righteousness reap in Mercy break up your fallow Ground for it is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain Righteousness upon you Hos 10.12 See Prov. 3.1 c. If thou do well shalt thou not be accepted Gen. 4.7 Noah found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord. Noah was a just Man upright in his Generations and walked with God Gen. 6.8 9. There was a Man in the Land of Uz whose name was Job and that Man was perfect and upright and one that feared God and eschewed evil Job 1.1 He hath shewed thee O Man what is Good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God or to humble thy self to walk with thy God Mich. 6.8 Then Peter opened his Mouth and said Of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of Persons But in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Act. 10.34 35. God will render to every Man according to his Deeds To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immortality he will render eternal Life c. Rom. 2.6 7 8 9 10 11. Q. How did God make known unto Men this way of seeking him A. God by his Works and Word made known unto Men this way of seeking him Psal 19. Q. Did God both by his Works and Word make known unto all Men this way of seeking him A. No For this way of seeking God was made known unto some only by his Works of Creation and by some Works of his in the Government of the World Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his Words unto Jacob his Statutes and his Judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his Judgments they have not known them Rom. 1.19 c. That which may be known of God was manifest in among them to wit the Gentiles for God hath shewed it unto them For the invisible Things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead so that they are without excuse Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were thankful c. Rom. 2.4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to Repentance Act. 14.16 17. God in times past suffered all Nations to walk in their own ways Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good and gave us Rain from Heaven and fruitful Seasons filling our Hearts with Food and Gladness Q. Was there no more made known by the Word of God then was made known by his Works A. Much more was made known by the Word of God than was by his Works Ps 147.19 20. 19.7 c. Q. What more was there made known by the Word of God than by his Works A. First This Doctrine That there is forgiveness with God that he may be feared which is the substance of the Doctrine of Christ was more plainly made known by the Word of God than by his Works Psal 130. Deut. 34.6 7. Rom. 3.1 2. Joh. 5.39 c. Q. What else was made known by the Word of God that was not by his Works A. The Works of Righteousness were more fully made known by the Word of God than by his Works Deut. 4.5 c. Q. Is there any thing else wherein the Word of God did excel his Works in point of Instruction A. Yes For those Ordinances which were shadows of good things to come and were to be done away by Christ were made known only by the Word of God Psal 99.7 Ephes 2.15 Col. 2.14 c. Q. Where are these Ordinances to be found A. These Ordinances are to be found especially in the Law of Moses for they appertain only to the times of the Old Covenant wherein Christ was promised Exod. 18.20 2 Kings 17.37 Heb. 9.1 10. Q. What mean you by the Old Covenant A. By the Old Covenant I mean that Covenant which God made with them whom he brought out of Egypt to give the Land of Canaan to them I mean the Children of Israel the Son of Isaac the Son of Abraham to whom and to whose Seed were the Promises made Heb. 8.9 Gal. 3.16 CHAP. V. Of God's Government since Christ hath been raised up and particularly of God's raising up of Christ Q. YOu having shew'd a few things and enough for the present which you have been taught concerning God's Government relating to the times wherein Christ was promised It remains now that we discourse of God's Government in the times since Christ hath been raised up I ask you therefore What have you learned concerning this Divine Government A. Concerning God's Government since the raising up of Christ I have learned That I am first and chiefly to mind the Work of God in raising up Christ and his Work in ruling by him amongst Men unto the end of the World Q. What have you learned concerning the Work of God in raising up Christ A. Concerning the Work of God in raising up Christ I have learned That God according to his Promise raised up the Christ even Jesus by causing him to be born and to become the Christ Luke 1.68 69 c. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his People And hath raised up an Horn of Salvation for us in the House of his Servant David as he spake by the Mouth of his Holy Prophets which have been since the World began Act. 2.30 Therefore David being a Prophet and knowing that God hath sworn with an Oath to him That of the Fruit of his Loins according to the Flesh he would raise up Christ to sit upon his Throne c. Acts 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning every one of you from his Iniquities Act. 13.27 Heb. 5.4.5 And no Man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himself to be made or become an High Priest but he glorified him that said unto him Thou art
because they do the Works of the Devil and may expect to go into everlasting Fire with the Devil his Angels Rom. 6.16 19 21 23. Joh. 8.41 44. 1 Joh. 3.8 Mat. 25.41 Q. Now tell me What is the Work of God by Jesus Christ for the saving of Sinners A. The Work of God by Jesus Christ for the saving of Sinners does respect their Repentance and upon Repentance the forgiveness of their Sins and their becoming the Children of God This Work does respect the change of their Hearts by Repentance whereby of evil Men they become good like unto good Trees which are fit to bring forth good Fruit Mat. 12.33 This Work also respects the change of their State in that by Repentance they obtain that Justification and Adoption which are here attainable Of these things see afterwards Q. It will be convenient to inquire after the Design of this Work before we speak of the Work it self and therefore I shall first ask you this Question What is Repentance A. This Repentance we are speaking of Is a turning to God with the whole Heart in order to the serving of him all the days of our Life Repentance is declared to be a turning to God and as that which foregoes our living in his Service Act. 26.20 I Paul shewed first to them of Damascus and at Jerusalem and throughout all the Coasts of Judea and then to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God and do Works meet for Repentance 1 Thess 1.9 Ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from Heaven c. See Acts 15.19 This turning must be with the whole Heart 1 Sam. 12.3 Joel 2.12 Q. But wherein does this turning to God with the whole Heart consist A. Turning to God with the whole Heart does consist in that exercise of the Heart whereby a Man from a due apprehension of his Sins and Danger also of God's Will and Promise and from a due consideration thereof does suitably thereunto confess or acknowledg his Sins unto God and purpose or resolve to serve God and keep his Commandments This turning to Gâ—d or this Repentance does lie in a confession of Sin and in a resolution of serving God that is of forsaking Sin The Parable of the Prodigal in Luke 15.17 c. speaks forth this Add Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his Sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have Mercy See Hos 14.1 2 3. Sometimes the whole is set forth by one of these Thus it is by this confession and acknowledgment of sins 1 John 1.9 Psal 32.5 5.3 Jer. 3.13 Thus also by this resolution of serving God Jer. 5.24 30.21 2 Chron. 11.16 This Repentance or turning to God ariseth from that apprehension and consideration mentioned See for this Prov. 1.23 1 King 8.37 38. Ezek. 18 32. Matth. 13.15 Act. 11.21 1 King 8.47 Luk. 15.17 Deut. 32.29 Psalm 50.22 Ezek. 12.3 Hos 7.2 Hag. 1.5 7. Ezek. 18.14 28. Prov. 2.5 Q. When is Confession in Repentance such as it ought to be A. This Confession is then such as it ought to be when in confessing we are humbled abhorring and condemning our selves for our Sins with shame and sorrow and when we make supplication to God with earnestness and hope for Pardon and Acceptance This Confession must be with humiliation and supplication 2 Chron. 7.14 33.12 Repentance is sometimes set forth by Humiliation 2 Chron. 33.19 Jam. 4.10 by a contrite broken and humble Heart Psal 51.17 Isa 57.15 This Humiliation is an abhorring of our selves and condemning of our selves with shame and sorrow for our Sins Job 42.6 Ezek. 20.43 36.31 1 Cor. 11.31 Ezra 9.13 Luk. 15.19 21. Jer. 6.15 8.12 Rom. 6.21 Isa 44.9 Ezek. 16.61 63. 43.10 11. 36.32 Psalm 38.18 2 Cor. 7.9 10. Jam. 4.9 Ezra 10.6 Isa 22.12 Mat. 5.4 Isa 58.5 There must also be supplication to God for Pardon and Acceptance and it must be done with an earnest desire and hope to attain the same 1 King 8.47 c. Jer. 14.20 21. Hos 5.15 14.2 2 Chron. 11.14 33.12 Act. 9.11 Luk. 15.19 Ephes 1.12.13 Isa 55.13 Q. When is Resolution of Amendment such as it ought to be A. Resolution of Amendment or of serving God is then such as it ought to be when trusting in God we purpose to forsake all Sin and to observe all God's Commandments to the end of our Lives and that with the utmost of Self-denial in all worldly Pleasure Profit Honour and Safety The Purpose of the Heart in Repentance must be according to the true nature of serving God and therefore such as hath been described It must be a purpose of leaving Sin in the General and of known Sins in special and of doing the Will of God fully 1 Pet. 4.1 2. Hos 14.3 Isa 1.16 c. And this must be a Purpose of serving God to the end with the utmost of Self-denial Mat. 16.24 Then said Jesus unto his Disciples If any Man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Read Luke 14.25 to the end of the 33 verse And Men in this purposing must hope and trust in God for help and assistance that they may do according to their Intent and Purpose Isa 51.5 Mat. 12.21 Rom. 15.12 Psal 37.3 5. Isa 57.13 Q. You having declar'd what Repentance is I shall next enquire concerning the Privileges which they have that repent namely the forgiveness of their Sins and their being the Children of God Tell me What is this forgiveness A. The forgiveness of Sin which they that repent obtain from God is that pardon of their Sins whence they have peace with God as one who by Promise hath delivered them from the Wrath to come Rom. 5.1 Heb. 9.12 Q. And what is it for these repenting Souls to become the Children of God A. They become the Children of God in that they come to be as Children to God having access into a state of Grace or Favour wherein they may boast in hope of the Glory of God Rom. 5.2 Q. But is Repentance necessary and sufficient for obtaining this good and blessed condition A. It is so as the Holy Scriptures plentifully teach us See Luke 13.3 Rom. 2.5 Mat. 11.20 c. Act. 11.18 Mat. 13.15 James 3.20 Ezek. 18.30 Prov. 1.23 Q. If so How must we understand those Scriptures which shew that Faith or Believing is necessary and sufficient for obtaining the fore-mentioned Benefits See Rom. 5.1 2. Act. 13.39 and elsewhere A. In such Scriptures where only Faith or only Repentance is mentioned there Faith and Repentance are the same for there Repentance is implied in Faith or Faith in Repentance These words Faith and Repentance or Believing and Repenting in the business of our Salvation are used in the Holy Scriptures either alone or together When alone they signity one and the same thing but when together as in Act.
and that God will render the greatest Punishment to the greatest Offenders Rom. 2.8 9 12 c. 2 Thess 1.8 9. Mat. 11.22 24. Luk. 12.47 48. 2 Pet. 2.20 21. 2 Cor. 9.6 Mat. 23.14 Q. When you say That God by Jesus Christ will render to Men this or that What mean you by that word A. I mean not only that God by Jesus Christ will judg them to such or such a Condition but will also bring them into it Mat. 25.31 to the end of the Chapter Q. What will follow this Judgment A. First after this Judgment all the Enemies of Christ being put under his Feet and all things subdued unto him the Son shall deliver up the Kingdom to God even the Father and shall himself also be subject to him that put all things under him that God may be all in all 1 Cor. 15.24 c. Q. What else will follow A. In respect of the Righteous this will follow They being adjudged by Christ to inherit the Kingdom prepared for them from the Foundation of the World and having their vile Body changed that it may be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious Body shall enter into the Joy of their Lord where they shall live rest and rejoice with fulness of joy for ever and ever Matth. 25.34 Phil. 3.21 1 Cor. 15.50 Matth. 25.21 23. Luk. 20.35 36. Joh. 6.51 2 Thess 1.7 Heb. 4.9 1 Pet. 1.6 4.13 Psal 16.11 Q. But what shall follow in respect of the Wicked A. The Wicked being judged to depart from Christ into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels shall be cast Body and Soul into Hell Geenna that Furnace of Fire where shall be wailing and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 25.41 10.28 13.42 Q. What from the consideration hereof may Sinners now be exhorted and perswaded to A. They may hence be exhorted and perswaded to repent and be converted that their Sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. Act. 3.19 17.30 31. Q. What from the consideration of the aforesaid Judgment and that which follows may Converts or Believers be exhorted and perswaded to A. They may hence be exhorted and perswaded to be stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord. 1 Cor. 15.58 CHAP. X. Some particular Duties which Believers ought to know and perform Q. HAving now a fit occasion we may here as in a place most convenient discourse of Good Works or particular Duties wherein Believers ought to be exercised but seeing we have already mentioned many of them which come under the consideration of Godliness I shall desire to hear from you something of what you have learned especially concerning Righteousness and Sobriety of which hitherto you have been almost silent Now observe and answer my Questions of which the first shall be this What is the Duty of Believers towards Men as Men A. This in the general is exprest by our Saviour thus All things whatsoever ye would that Men should do to you do ye even so to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Mat. 7.12 Q. How can you express the same more particularly A. Thus To render to all their Dues whatsoever they may justly challenge and require of us as their right and to do good to all Rom. 13.7 Render therefore to all their Dues Tribute to whom Tribute is due Custom to whom Custom Fear to whom Fear Honour to whom Honour Prov. 3.27 With-hold not good from them to whom it is due Hebr. from the Owners thereof when it is in the power of thine hand to do it Gal. 6.10 As we have opportunity let us do good unto all Men especially to them that are of the Houshold of Faith 1 Thess 5.15 See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man but ever follow that which is good both among your selves and to all Men. Rom. 16.19 I would have you wise unto that which is Good and simple unto that which is Evil. 1 Pet. 3.13 Q. But what is it to render to every one his due A. To render to others their Due is To speak truly a and deal justly with them b and therefore not to abuse and wrong them by lying c flattery d and evil speaking e as they do that are Revilers f Scoffers g Whisperers h Backbiters i Slanderers k False-Accusers l False Witness-bearers m unjust Judges n and the like and not to be any wayes injurious to them in their Life o Liberty p Estates q Relations r and the like nor hurtful to them as to their everlasting Concerns by corrupting them in their Souls and Lives s or hindering them from or in that Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus t a John 4.18 Prov. 12.17 Zech. 8.16 Ephes 4.25 b Isa 26.10 Mich. 6.8 2 King 12.15 1 Thess 2.10 Isa 33.15 Psal 15.2 Tit. 2.11 c Lev. 19.11 Col. 3.9 Joh. 8.44 Rev. 21.27 1 Tim. 4.2 d Psal 12.2 3. 1 Thess 2.5 e Tit. 3.2 f 1 Cor. 6.10 1 Pet. 2.23 g 2 Pet. 3.3 h Rom. 1.29 Prov. 16.28 2 Cor. 12.20 i Rom. 1.30 k 1 Tim. 3.11 Prov. 10.18 Psal 101.5 Jer. 9.4 l 2 Tim. 3.3 m Exod. 20.16 Mat. 15.19 n Luk. 18.6 Psalm 82.6 o Exod. 20.13 p Jer. 34.15 Heb. 11.36 q Exod. 20.15 Ephes 4.28 r Exod. 20.14 s Mat. 23.15 2 Pet. 2. Chapt. t Mat. 23.13 Act. 13.8 Q. And what is it to do good to all A. To do good to all is in imitation of God to be merciful and kind to them in respect both of their Bouls and Bodies Psal 37.26 Mat. 5.7 Luk. 6.36 1 Cor. 13.4 Luk. 6.35 Col. 3.12 Q. But what if they be Enemies to them and persecute them A. Although they be so yet must Believers be merciful and kind unto them Mat. 5.44 c. I say unto you Love your Enemies Bless them that curse you Do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you c Q. What then must Believers be a peaceable People A. Yes They must follow Peace with all Men. And if it be possible as much as in them lieth live peaceably or be at peace with all Men. Heb. 12.14 Rom. 12.18 Q. But how should Believers endeavour to be at peace with all Men A. They should endeavour it by not provoking others to Anger a in doing them wrong b or in pleasing themselves in that which is displeasing to others and wherein they may deny themselves for their Neighbours good c also by not being easily provoked by others d as when they suffer without any Contention such Offences that may be easily born e also by abstaining from all Revenge f and appearing appeasable g and ready to forgive when they meet with greater Injuries h Lastly By being courteous to all i and forward to do good to all in that which they will acknowledg for good k as by giving and lending to them l or being ready in any thing to help and
Catechistical Guide TO SINNERS And to such CONVERTS that are Babes in Christ Wherein all the necessary Points of Religion are methodically proposed in Scripture-Language abundantly confirmed by the Holy Scriptures and in some Places concisely expounded In the whole all Controversies are warily shunn'd So that all true Christians of what Persuasion soever may if they need the help of others use this Catechism for their Children or others that are under their Power and Care Written upon request by a lover of Truth and Peace London Printed by J. D. to be sold by Fr. Smith at the Elephant and Castle in Cornhil and W. Crook at the Green-Dragon without Temple-Bar 1680. READER THe Author of this Catechistical Discourse was well aware that the World abounds with Catechisms and himself had read and consider'd very many of them written not only in our English but in the Latin and Greek Tongues and yet he was perswaded there was somewhat wanting which he has with great industry and accuracy endeavour'd to supply And I am perswaded whoever he be that reads this with consideration will find it well worth his labour for thô he may thereby add nothing to his Knowledg yet he may be well pleas'd to see the necessary things of Christian Religion deliver'd in so plain a Method so distinctly and with such pertinency of Scripture-Proofs In all which and especially in the last it is too usual to be defective Yea even Scripture-Catechisms wherein the Answers to the Questions are made wholly in Scripture Sentences are too often found faulty in that kind He has as he tells you in his Title Page warily shunn'd all controverted Points that so he might shew that one may be a true Christian without determining them and that Children and weak Persons of all Parties may be instructed in all things necessary to Salvation without medling with them that so as the Apostle says He that is weak may be receiv'd but not to doubtful Disputations Surely if this were diligently perform'd it would tend much to the promoting of Peace and Love among Christians A Catechistical Guide c. The First Part. Setting forth the Christian Religion in general Quest WHat is the best and chiefest thing we are to learn Answ The best and chiefest thing we are to learn is That Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Quest What do you mean by this name God Answ By this name God I mean Him who is the most High and chiefest Lord Ruler and Governour of all things Quest What mean you by these names Jesus Christ Answ By these names Jesus Christ I mean The only Son of God who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a Virgin Quest Where may we find this Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ Answ This Doctrine that teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ we may find in the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and the New but especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament or Covenant Jesus Christ said to the Jews Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal Life and they are they which testify of me John 5.39 Luke testifieth of those of Berea thus These were more noble than those of Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so c. Act. 17.11 The Apostle Paul saith thus to Timothy Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them and that from a Child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16 17. Thus St. Luke begins his History of Jesus Christ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a Declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us even as they delivered them unto us which from the beginning were Eye-witnesses and Ministers of the Word It seemed good to me also having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first to write unto thee in order most excellent Theophilus that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed Luke 1.1 c. Thus the Apostle John saith of his Gospel These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his Name John 20.21 The same John in his first Epistle hath this saying That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full 1 Joh. 1.3 4. see Chap. 5.13 Ephes 3.3 4. 1 Tim. 3.14 15. 1 Pet. 5.12 2 Pet. 1.12 13. * Quest But why do you say that this Doctrine is to be found especially in the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament * Answ It may be said That the Doctrine which teacheth us to know God and Jesus Christ is to be found especially in the Scriptures of the New Testament for these causes 1. Because that of this Doctrine which was hidden in the Old Testament and there contained in a Mystery is in the New Testament opened and revealed 2. Because the New Testament is an History of many things which we are to believe as already done which in the Old Testament are only prophesied of and promised 3. Because there are some things added in the New Testament which are not to be found in the Old Rom. 16. v. 25 26 27. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the World began but now is made manifest and by the Scriptures of the Prophets according to the Commandment of the everlasting God made known to all Nations for the obedience of Faith to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever Amen Luke 24 24 c. And Jesus said unto them These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning me Then opened he their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures And said unto them Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the Dead the third day c. See Acts 13.36 c. 1 Pet. 1.10 c. 1 Cor. 11.2 3. Quest Can you shew me from the Scripture that the Doctrine there declared teacheth
Lords many but to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in for him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him Q. But who are they that in a good sense may be called Gods A. They in a good sense may be called Gods first who in some Imployment are instead of God Secondly They who in Government are the Sons of God Such both Men and Angels who in some Imployment from God are to others instead of God may be called by the very Name of the most high God As for instance in Exod. 7.1 The Lord saith to Moses See I have made thee a God Elohim to Pharaoh that is instead of God as it is exprest in Exod. 4.16 The Angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses in the flame of a Fire out of the midst of a Bush Exod. 3.2 This Angel is called in vers 4. Jehovah and Elohim or as we english it The Lord and God Also they who in Government over others are the Sons of the most High are called Gods See Psal 82.1 6. God standeth in the Congregation of the Mighty he judgeth among the Gods I have said Ye are Gods and even all of you are Children Sons of the most High John 10.32 c. Jesus answered them Many good Works have I shewed you from my Father for which of these Works do ye stone me The Jews answered him saying For a good Work we stone thee not but for Blasphemy because that thou being a Man makest thy self God Jesus answered them Is it not written in your Law I said Ye are Gods If he called them Gods unto whom the Word of God came and the Scripture cannot be broken Say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the World Thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God In Psal 8.5 we read thus Thou hast made him a little lower than the Angels In the Hebr. 't is than the Gods Here and in the like places a single Person is not Elohim but Eloah which is sometimes used of the most High as in Psalm 18.32 Job 12.4 Now the great God is in distinction from these sometimes called The God of Gods and Lord of Lords Deut. 10.17 Josh 22.22 Psal 136.2 Dan. 11.36 Chap. 2.42 And he is said to be greater than all Gods and above all Gods Psal 135.5 He is also said to be high above all the Earth and exalted far above all Gods Psalm 97.9 He is called The high God Psalm 78.35 56. The most High Numb 24.16 Deut. 32.8 2 Sam. 22.14 Dan. 4 17. and elsewhere often and in Acts 7.48 The most High God Gen. 14.18 Heb. 7.1 and elsewhere often The Lord the most high God Gen. 14.22 The Lord most High Psal 47.2 In Psal 83.18 That Men may know that thou whose Name alone is JEHOVAH art the most High over all the Earth See Dan. 5.21 In the place now quoted the same word is rendred High and most High Q. You said That God is a Spirit How prove you that A. Jesus Christ himself hath taught us That God is a Spirit Joh. 4.24 Jesus saith unto the Woman of Samaria Woman believe me the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this Mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father ye worship ye know not what We know what we worship for Salvation is of the Jews But the hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4.21 22 23 24. Q. What must we understand by this That God is a Spirit A. By this That God is a Spirit we must understand two things in the general First That God is more excellent than all things Secondly That the Spirit of Man may be unto us in some manner a Shadow of God Although Method challengeth this place for the confirmation of this That God is said to be a Spirit in way of allusion to the Spirit of Man yet the proof of it shall be reserved for the close of this Discourse concerning God as consider'd in himself where it may be done more easily and in fewer words The Excellency of God is diversly expressed in the Holy Scriptures In 2 Pet. 1.17 He is called The Excellent Glory In the Scripture there is ascribed to God Excellency Deut. 33.26 Job 13.11 Ch. 37.4 Psal 68.34 Isa 35.2 Greatness of Excellency Exod. 15.7 He is said to be excellent in Power Job 37.23 More excellent than the Mountains of Prey Psal 76.4 O Lord our God how excellent is thy Name in all the Earth who hast set thy Glory above the Heavens Psal 8.1 Let them praise the Name of the Lord for his Name alone is excellent His Glory is above the Earth and Heaven Psal 148.13 In the same sence he is called the great God Tit. 2.13 Rev. 19.17 Dan. 2.45 Jer. 32.19 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised and his greatness is unsearchable Psal 145.3 There is none like to the God of Jesurun Deut. 33.26 And Solomon said Lord God of Israel there is no God like thee in Heaven above or on Earth beneath 1 King 8.23 All Nations before the Lord are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity To whom then will ye liken God or what likeness will ye compare unto him To whom then will ye liken me Or shall I be equal saith the Holy One Isa 40.17 18 25. To whom will ye liken me and make me equal and compare me that we may be like Isa 46.5 Who in the Heaven can be compared unto the Lord Who among the Sons of the Mighty can be likened unto the Lord Psal 89.6 As the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts Isa 55.9 But will God indeed dwell on the Earth Behold the Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee how much less this House that I have builded 1 King 8.27 See Jer. 23.23 24. Acts 7.49 But how may we gather that God is thus excellent from his being called a Spirit Thus Jesus Christ here discovers the Divine Nature by the most excellent thing that is vulgarly known to wit the Spirit of Man Hereby he plainly signifies the Excellency of God And in that he discovers this Excellency not as it is in it self but by a Shadow he clearly intimates that this Excellency of God is such and so exceeding great that we now cannot perceive the same as it is in it self being far above the present strength of our Understanding and way of Knowledg The like we are to observe in many other scriptural forms of Speech concerning some things that are Spiritual and those things that pertain to another World See John 3.10 11 12. It was said That the Spirit of Man
Father in Spirit and Truth And therefore they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth Now let the Reader judg CHAP. II. Of God considered in his Works of Creation Q. NOw seeing we have discoursed of God as considered in himself we are in the next place to discourse of him as considered in his Works Wherefore I shall first ask you What are the Works of God A. The Works of God we ought to consider and althô they are manifold yet they may be said in the general to be two-fold namely His Work of Creation and his Work of Government Job 37.14 16. Eccles 7.13 Psal 77.12 46.8 111.2 Rom. 1.20 Q. What is God's Work of Creation A. God's Work of Creation is that Work of his whereby he hath made Heaven the Heaven of Heavens with all their Host the Earth and all things that are therein the Seas and all that is therein Nehem. 9.6 See Gen. 1. Job 38.4 c. Psal 104.5 c. and 136.5 c. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer and he that formed thee from the Womb I am the Lord that maketh all things that stretcheth forth the Heavens alone that spreadeth abroad the Earth by my self Isa 44.24 Act. 4.24 14.15 17.24 Rev. 10.6 Thus saith God the Lord he that created the Heavens and stretched them out he that spread forth the Earth and that which cometh out of it he that giveth breath unto the People upon it and Spirit to them that walk therein Isa 42.5 See Isa 45.12 18. Mark 10.6 Q. In what manner did God create the World and the things that are therein A. God by reason of his Will and Pleasure did in his Wisdom by his Power and for himself make form or create in six days all things and all very good He created all things by reason of his Will or Pleasure Rev. 4.11 Thou O Lord hast created all things and for or by reason of thy pleasure they are and were created See also before God created them in his Wisdom Psal 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy Works in Wisdom hast thou made them all Prov. 3.19.20 The Lord by Wisdom hath founded the Earth by Vnderstanding hath he established the Heavens by his Knowledg the Depths are broken up and the Clouds drop down the Dew Psal 136.5 He hath created all things by his Power Jer. 10.12 He hath made the Earth by his Power he hath established the World by his Wisdom and hath stretched out the Heavens by his Discretion Jer. 32.17 Ah Lord God behold thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great Power and stretched-out Arm and there is nothing too hard for thee or nothing hid from thee See Isa 40.26 2 Pet. 3.5 Psal 33.6 By the Word of the Lord were the Heavens made and all the Host of them by the breath of his Mouth Vers 9. For he spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast See Psal 148.5 Gen. 1.3 God said Let there be Light and there was Light 2 Cor. 4.6 God commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness Job 26.13 By his Spirit he hath garnished the Heavens his Hand hath formed the crooked Serpent Job 33.4 The Spirit of God hath made me and the Breath of the Almighty hath given me Life Prov. 16.1 He made all things for himself He made all things in six days and all very good Gen. 1. and Ch. 2.1 2. Exod. 20.11 Q. What are the principal Creatures that God did make A. The principal Creatures that God did make are Angels and Men. Q. What have you learn'd concerning the Creation of Men A. I have learn'd concerning the creation of Men That God after he had made all other Creatures created Man in his own Image in the Image of God created he him Male and Female created he them and that God blessed them and said unto them Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the Earth and subdue it and have dominion over the Fish of the Sea and over the Fowl of the Air and over every living thing that moveth upon the Earth Gen. 1.27 28. Jam. 3.9 Q. Can you express more distinctly the Creation of Men A. Yes after this manner The Lord God created at the first only a Man and a Woman called Adam and Eve For the Lord God formed the Man of the Dust of the Ground and breathed into his Nostrils the Breath of Life and the Man became a living Soul Afterwards the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept and he took one of his Ribs and closed up the Flesh instead thereof And of the Rib which the Lord God had taken from the Man made he a Woman and brought her to the Man to be his Wife and a meet help unto him Of these two have all others of Mankind descended by that blessing of Multiplying and increasing which God gave to Adam and his Wife Gen. 2.7 18 21 22. and 5.1 2. 1 Cor. 11.8 9. 1 Tim. 2.13 Job 4.17 32.22 33.6 34.19 Psal 139.13 c. Jer. 1.5 Zech. 12.1 Eccles 11.5 Job 10.8 c. and 31.15 CHAP. III. Of God's Work of Government in General and in Special as relating to Angels Q. LEt us now speak of God's Work of Government concerning which I shall first ask you this Question What mean you by God's Work of Government A. By God's Work of Government I mean that Work of his in which by his Power he ruleth and reigneth over all throughout all Generations for ever and ever as Lord of Heaven and Earth and as a great King above all Gods God ruleth or reigneth or does exercise Dominion and Kingship over all Psal 103.19 c. The Lord hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens and his Kingdom ruleth over all Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength that do his Commandments hearkning to the Voice of his Word Bless the Lord all ye his Hosts ye Ministers of his that do his pleasure Bless the Lord all his Works in all places of his Dominion Bless the Lord O my Soul See Job 25.2 3. Josh 2.11 Isa 66.1 God by his Power ruleth and reigneth throughout all Generations for ever and ever Psal 66.7 He ruleth by his Power for ever his Eyes behold the Nations Psal 145.13 Thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom or a Kingdom of all Ages and thy Dominion endureth throughout all Generations Psal 93.2 Thy Throne is established of old thou art from everlasting Psal 10.16 The Lord is King for ever and ever 1 Tim. 1.17 Now unto the King Eternal Immortal Invisible the only Wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen See Psal 29.16 Jer. 10.10 Psal 146.10 Dan. 4.3 34. Jude 25. 1 Cor. 15.24 28. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God even the Father c. And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that
let us now speak of that which is for the saving of Converts who by Repentance have their Sins forgiven and are become the Children of God What is God's Work by Jesus Christ for the saving of these A. The Work of God by Jesus Christ for the saving of his Children is that whereby God bringeth them unto Glory by Jesus Christ Heb. 2.10 For it became him God for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many Sons unto Glory to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through Sufferings Q. Wherein does this Work consist A. God's Work by Jesus Christ of bringing his Children unto Glory consisteth in preparing them for Glory and possessing them with it Rom. 9.23 Q. How does God by Jesus Christ prepare them for Glory A. God does this by creating them in Christ Jesus unto good Works and by confirming them therein unto the end Ephes 2.10 We are God's Workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good Works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 1 Cor. 1.8 9. Who God shall also confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ 1 Thes 5.23 24. And the very God of Peace sanctify you wholly And I pray God your whole Spirit and Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Faithful is be that calleth you who also will do it Heb. 13.20 21. Now the God of Peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the Sheep through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen Q. But how does God thus sanctify Believers A. God does this by his Spirit which he gives to Believers and by which he works in them for their Sanctification and all this thorow Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.2 Elect according to the foreknowledg of God the Father thorow sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience and sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ Ephes 1.13 In whom which Christ also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise Tit. 3.5 c. God our Saviour saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour c. See Joh. 3.5 Ezek. 36.25 c. Q. What is that which God worketh in Believers by his Spirit that they may be confirmed unto the end A. God by his Spirit does enlighten them concerning his Will and does strengthen them that they may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing in all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness Ephes 1.17 18. 3.14 c. Col. 1.9 10 11. Q. Is there nothing by which God and Christ do through the Spirit sanctify Believers A. Yes for the Word of the Gospel is us'd for their Sanctification and sometimes Chastisement For the Word of the Gospel see Rom. 1.16 Ephes 5.26 For Chastisement see Heb. 12.5 c. Rev. 3.19 Q. Is there nothing that God by Jesus Christ worketh out of Believers for their Sanctification A. Yes And among other things God will not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able but will with the Temptation also make a way to escape that they may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 Q. What in this Work of Sanctification is peculiar to Christ A. He gave himself for the Church that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word And he ever liveth to make intercession for us Ephes 5.25 26. Heb. 7.25 Q. What must Believers do that they may be Holy and confirmed unto the end A. They must cleanse themselves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Q. Can you set forth this more particularly A. Yes after this manner They building up themselves in their most Holy Faith praying in the Holy Ghost must keep themselves in the Love of God looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life Jud. 20 21. Q. I would hear something from you touching the particulars of your Answer Wherefore I ask you in the first place this Question What is it for Believers to build up themselves in their most Holy Faith A. Believers may be then said to build up themselves in their most Holy Faith when they rightly endeavour by the means God vouchsafeth them both in private and in publick to encrease in the knowledg and belief of the Doctrine of Christ Col. 2.7 2 Pet. 3.18 2 Tim. 2.7 Eph. 4.11 c. 1 Pet. 2.1 2. Q. What is it for Believers to pray in the Holy Ghost A. Believers may be then said to pray in the Holy Ghost when according to the Will of God made known by the Holy Ghost they make known their Requests unto God by Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving both in private and publick as they have opportunity Phil. 4.6 1 Joh. 5.14 Matth. 6.5 c. 1 Cor. 14.14 c. Q. What general Direction have Believers for Prayer and Thanksgiving A. That which our Saviour gave to his Apostles in Mat. 6.5 c. add thereto that of our Saviour afterwards in Joh. 16.23 24. Verily verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full Add that of the Apostle Ephes 5.20 Give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. But what is it to pray and give thanks in the Name of Jesus Christ A. To pray and give thanks in the Name of Jesus Christ is to draw nigh to God therein with confidence because Jesus Christ is our High Priest that maketh intercession for us Heb. 4.14 15 16. 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 13.15 Q. What have you learnt concerning that Cup of Blessing or Thanksgiving which the Apostle speaketh of in 1 Cor. 10.16 A. I have learned That the Apostle there speaketh of the Lord's Supper which is to be used with Thanksgiving in the Churches of Christ Q. What mean you by the Lord's Supper A. I mean A certain use of Bread and a Cup which Christ our Lord hath appointed for a remembrance of him For as often as we eat this Bread and drink this Cup we shew the Lord's Death till he come Mat. 26.26 c. Mark 14.22 c. Luk. 22.19 c. 1 Cor. 11.23 c. Q. Now tell me What is it for Believers to keep themselves in the Love of God A. Believers may be then said to keep themselves in the Love of God when they so use their Knowledg or
assist them in their need m a Gal. 5.26 b 1 Sam. 1.6 7. c Rom. 15.1 2 3. d 1 Cor. 13.5 e Mat. 5.38 39 c. f Rom. 1.31 g Chap. 12.17 19. Matth. 6.12 14 15. Mat. 18.21 c. h Luk. 17.3 4. Matth. 23.34 i 1 Pet. 3.8 k 1 Pet. 3.13 l Mat. 5.42 m Tit. 3.1 2. Put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates to be ready to every good Work to speak evil of no Man Gr. to blaspheme no Man to be no Brawlers but gentle shewing all meekness unto all Men. Jam. 3.17 The Wisdom that is from Above is first pure then peaceable gentle and easy to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without partiality or without wrangling and without hypocrisy See Job 29.12 c. Q. I would hear something which you have learn'd concerning the Duty of Believers in their several Relations to others and first as being of the same Kingdom or Common-Wealth Here tell me What is their Duty who govern as in a Kingdom the King doth and they that are sent of him for the punishment of Evil Doers and for the praise of them that do well A. He that ruleth over Men must be just ruling in the Fear of God 2 Sam. 23.3 Q. What is their Duty toward their Governors A. They must submit themselves to every Ordinance of Man Gr. to every Humane Creature that is to every one whom Men set up to Rule and Govern for the Lord's sake that is for Conscience-sake whether it be to the King as Supream or unto Governors as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of Evil-doers and for the praise of them that do well 1 Pet. 2.13 14. See the thirteenth Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans See Tit. 3.1 Q. VVhat is their Duty being Husbands toward their VVives A. An Husband ought to love his Wife as himself nourishing and cherishing Her as his own Body rendering her due Benevolence and giving honour to the Wife as to the weaker Vessel and not being bitter unto her and all this notwithstanding she be an Unbeliever whom therefore he must not forsake but must endeavour her Conversion Ephes 5.25 c. 1 Cor. 7.3 c. 1 Pet. 3.7 Col. 3.19 1 Cor. 7.11 16. Q. What is the Duty of Wives toward their Husbands A. A Wife ought to love her Husband and to submit to him as to the Lord by reverencing and obeying him and must render unto him due Benevolence and all this though he be an Unbeliever Tit. 2.4 Ephes 5.22 23 24 33. Col. 3.18 1 Pet. 3.1 c. 1 Cor. 7.3 c. vers 10 c. Q. What is the Duty of Parents toward their Children A. It is the Duty of Parents not to provoke their Children to Wrath lest they be discouraged but to bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord and to provide for them Ephes 6.4 Col. 3.21 Prov. 29.15 2 Tim. 3.15 1 Tim. 5.8 Q. What is the Duty of Children towards their Parents A. It is the Duty of Children to honour their Father and Mother Ephes 6.2 Exod. 20.12 Mal. 1.6 Q. But what is it for Children to honour their Father and Mother A. First Children that are under the Power of their Parents ought to honour them by obeying them in the Lord. Ephes 6.1 2 3. Children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right Honour thy Father and thy Mother which is the first Commandment with promise that it may be well with thee and that thou mayest live long on the Earth Col. 3.20 Children obey your Parents in all things which they as Parents may command for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. See Rom. 1.30 2 Tim. 3.2 Secondly Children under the Power of their Parents ought to honour them by so regarding them when they justly correct as to be ashamed and amend and not to be provoked to Anger when so chastised Heb. 12.9 Thus it is written in the Law of Moses Deut. 21.18 c. If a Man have a stubborn and rebellious Son which will not obey the Voice of his Father or the Voice of his Mother and that when they have chastened him will not hearken unto them then shall his Father and his Mother lay hold on him and bring him out unto the Elders of his City and unto the Gate of his Place and they shall say unto the Elders of his City This our Son is stubborn and rebellious he will not obey our Voice he is a Glutton and a Drunkard And all the Men of his City shall stone him with Stones that he die So shalt thou put Evil away from among you and all Israel shall hear and fear Thirdly Children under or not under the Power of their Parents ought to honour them by reverencing their Father and Mother Levit. 19.3 Ye shall fear reverence every Man his Mother and his Father Deut. 27.16 Cursed be he that setteth light by his Father or his Mother and all the People shall say Amen Prov. 30.17 The Eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the Valey shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it Fourthly All Children ought to honour their Parents by shewing the natural Affection of Children to them in being a delight and glory to them and useful and profitable to them in what they can Prov. 10.1 A wise Son maketh a glad Father but a foolish Son is the heaviness of his Mother Prov. 23.24 The Father of the Righteous shall greatly rejoice and he that begetteth a wise Child shall have joy of him Prov. 28.7 Whoso keepeth the Law is a wise Son but he that is a Companion of riotous Men shameth his Father Matth. 15.4 c. God commanded saying Honour thy Father and Mother and he that curseth Father or Mother let him die the Death But ye Pharisees say Whosoever shall say to his Father or Mother It is a Gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me and honour not his Father or Mother he shall be free Thus saith Christ have ye made the Commandment of God of none effect by your Tradition Prov. 19.26 He that wasteth his Father and chaseth away his Mother is a Son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach Exod. 21.15 He that smiteth his Father or his Mother shall be surely put to death Q. What is the Duty of Masters towards their Servants A. 'T is the Duty of Masters to give unto their Servants that which is just and equal moderating Threatnings Knowing that their Master also is in Heaven and that there is no respect of Persons with him Col. 4.1 Ephes 6.9 Q. What is the Duty of Servants toward their Masters A. 'T is the Duty of Servants to count their Masters worthy of all Honour due to Masters and to be obedient to them with fear and trembling that is pleasing them well in all things not answering again or gain-saying in singleness of
their Heart as unto Christ that is not with Eye-Service as Men-pleasers but as the Servants of Christ doing the VVill of God from the Heart with good VVill doing service as to the Lord and not to Men not purloining but shewing all good fidelity And all this not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward for this is thank-worthy if a Man for Conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully But if they have Believing Masters they must not despise them because they are Brethren but rather do them Service because they are faithful and beloved partakers of the Benefit Ephes 6.5 c. Col. 3.22 c. Tit. 2.9 c. 1 Pet. 2.18 c. 1 Tim. 6.1 2. Q. What is the Duty of Believers towards Believers A. Believers ought to love one another with a pure heart fervently and to continue therein 1 Pet. 1.22 Heb. 13.1 Q. But how are they to shew their love one to another A. First They are to follow after the things that make for Peace as lowliness or humbleness meekness long-suffering and the like Rom. 14.19 Ephes 4.2 3. Q. What else A. They also are to follow after the things wherewith they may edify one another as by restoring them that are taken in a Fault by confirming exhorting and comforting one another Rom. 14.19 Gal. 6.1 1 Thess 5.14 Act. 15.32 Heb. 10.24 c. Q. Is there any thing else A. Yes for Believers ought in an especial manner to be ready unto every good Work towards their Brethren and that with the hazard of their own Lives if need be for the relief succour and safety of their Brethren when they are poor sick imprisoned banished or any otherwise in affliction and danger Gal. 6.10 Heb. 13.16 1 Joh. 3.16 Joh. 13.34 Mat. 25.34 c. Heb. 13.1 2 3. 1 Joh. 3.15 c. Rom. 12.13 Phil. 2.30 Q. Have you any thing more to add A. I shall sum up all in this That Believers ought to rejoice with them that rejoice and to weep with them that weep to be of the same mind one towards another and to serve one another in love Rom. 12.15 16. Gal. 5.13 Q. What is the Duty of their Elders that Teach and Rule among them A. They ought to feed the Flock of God taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but being Ensamples to the Flock 1 Pet. 5.2 3. Q. What is the Duty of the Flock towards those that feed them A. Their Duty is to know obey and esteem them very highly in love for their Works sake and to communicate to them in all good things 1 Thess 5.12 13. Heb. 13.17 Gal. 6.6 Q. I am now willing to hear what you have learn'd touching the Duty of Believers in reference to their temporal Life and the good things belonging thereto as Pleasures Riches Honours and in reference to the contrary wherefore I ask you What is the Duty of Believers in reference to their Temporal Life A. Their Duty in the general is To love their Lives in seeking to save them when they may so do and not lose them for ever also to hate their Lives in not seeking to save them when by losing them they may save them for ever 1 Pet. 3.10 Luk. 14.26 Q. When may a Man be said to lose his Life for ever in seeking to save it for a time A. Then when a Man cannot save his Life and serve God together Q. Well What is the Duty of Believers for the saving of their temporal Lives A. They as Men trusting in God and obeying him must seek to provide that which may preserve their Lives and to avoid that which may destroy them Q. How may they thus seek that which may preserve their Lives A. When with Prayer and thankfulness to God daily for their daily Bread they seek to get by diligence in some honest Imploiment or if need be by Benefits from others that which is needful and to keep necessary things not wastfully spending them nor sinfully with-holding them when called to lend them unto the Lord. Mat. 6.11 1 Tim. 4.4 5. Mat. 6.25 c. Ephes 4.28 1 Thess 4.11 12. 2 Thess 3.6 c. Prov. 6.6 c. Luk. 22.35 Act. 4.34 20.35 Eccles 3.6 Prov. 21.20 23.21 29.3 22.16 Prov. 11.24 28.27 19.17 Q. How must they seek to avoid that which may destroy their Lives A. Among other things they must first keep themselves free from all sins for which God sometimes doth or Men justly may take away their Lives Psalm 55.23 1 Cor. 11.30 Rom. 13.4 1 Pet. 4.15 Secondly They must seek to keep themselves safe from those that seek their Lives and this either by Power when Right and Law arms them against their Enemies or only by Prudence when Power is wanting or may not be used lawfully Esth 8.11 c. 1 King 1.12 Mat. 10.16 c. Ephes 5.15 16. Col. 4.5 Q. When must Believers hate their Lives in not seeking to save them A. Then must they hate their Lives when they cannot with the perservation of their Lives keep a good Conscience towards God They must be always free to hazard their Lives in the performance of their Duty to God Rev. 12.11 Matth. 16.24 c. Luk. 14.26 c. Joh. 12.25 Rom. 8.17 Act. 15.26 20.24 Judg. 5.18 Q. Now let us speak concerning Worldly Pleasures and their Contrary What have you learn'd touching the Duty of Believers in reference to worldly Pleasures A. I have learn'd That Believers who may use lawful Pleasures must be moderate in the use of them and avoid all sinful Pleasures and Delights being chast and temperate in shunning Adultery Fornication Unnatural Uncleanness Lasciviousness Surfeiting Gluttony Drunkenness Rioting or Revelling Idleness and the like Eccles 3.12 5.18 c. 9.7 c. Phil. 4 5. 1 Cor. 7.29 c. Prov. 21.17 Luk 8.14 1 Tim. 5.6 2 Tim. 3.4 11. Heb. 11.25 Tit. 2.12 1 Pet. 3.2 1 Thess 4.11 Gal. 5.23 2 Pet. 1.6 1 Cor. 9.25 c. Tit. 1.8 2.2 Gal. 5.19 Ephes 5.3 Rom. 1.24 c. Deut. 23.17 1 Cor. 6.9 1 Tim. 1.10 Jude 7. Exod. 12.19 Levit. 18.23 Mark 7.22 1 Pet. 4.3 Luke 21.24 Prov. 23.21 Mat. 11.19 Rom. 13.13 Gal. 5.21 Ezek. 10.49 1 Tim. 5 13. 2 Thess 3.11 Q. What is the Duty of Believers that are in sorrow by reason of Afflictions A. It is their Duty to be patient in all to rejoice in the Lord always and to endeavour that all may be for profit and good unto them Rom. 12.12 Jam. 5.7 c. Phil. 4.4 Jam. 1.2 Heb. 12.11 Q. Let us now speak of Worldly Riches What is the Duty of Believers that are Rich A. Their Hearts must not be lifted up in Pride because of their Riches They must not despise the Poor nor oppress them nor trust in uncertain Riches but in the living God and they ought to be rich in good Works Ezek. 28.5 Ps 49.6 Prov. 28.11 Jam. 2.6 Prov. 17.5 14.31 1 Tim. 6.17 Q. What is their Duty who are not Rich A. They must be content with the things that they have not willing resolving and labouring to be rich nor envying those that are Heb. 13.5 1 Tim. 6.8 c. Prov. 23.4 1 Cor. 13.4 Rom. 13.13 Psal 73.2 c. Q. We are now to speak of Worldly Honour Tell me how must they that are in Honour behave themselves A. They must be lowly and walk worthy of the Honour they have Prov. 11.2 16.18 19. Act. 24.2 Q. Upon this occasion tell me What is the way of getting and keeping an honourable Esteem and Reputation with others A. The right way to get and keep our selves in an honourable Esteem with others is To abstain from all appearance of Evil to excel in Wisdom and Vertue and to bâ—have our selves modestly and discreetly in all Converse with others 1 Thess 5.22 1 Cor. 14.12 1 King 4.30 Phil. 2.29 30. Prov. 31.10 c. 15.33 Luke 14.8 c. 1 Tim. 2.9 c. 1 Cor. 11.13 c. Psal 112.5 Tit. 2 5. Prov. 11.22 12.16 19.11 18.13 Eccles 10 1. Prov. 25.9 10. Q. You have now spoken much of good Works Have you any thing more to say of this Matter A. There is much more to be spoken concerning good Works but I am willing to conclude this Discourse now with that of the Apostle Paul in Phil. 4.8 Finally Brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any Vertue and if there be any Praise think on these things THE END