works though imperfect do b Jam 2.18 approue their faith whereby they lay hold on Christ and his meritorious righteousnesse to be a true faith as c Gal. 5.6 working by loue in all parts of obedience SECT LII Of the execution of the last Iudgement and the euerlasting estate of the Reprobate in torment and the Elect in glory Q. HItherto of the Act of Iudgement What are we to consider in the third and last place A. The Execution of Iudgement Christ by his Almighty power and ministery of his Angels casting the diuels and reprobate men into hell and bringing Gods elect into the possession of his glorious Kingdome wherein the a Mat. 25.46 reprobate shall first bee dispatched that the b Psal 58 10. righteous may reioice to see the vengeance and as it were wash their feet in the bloud of the wicked Q. What shall be the estate of the reprobate in hell A. They shall remaine for euer in vnspeakeable torment of body and anguish of minde being c 2. Thess 1.9 cast out from the fauourable presence of God and glorious fellowship of Christ and his Saints whose happinesse they shall d Luk. 16.23 and 13.28 see and enuy into that horrible dungeon figured in Scripture by e 2. Pet. 2.17 Matth. 8.12 vtter darkenesse or blackenesse of darkenesse weeping and gnashing of teeth the f Mark 9.44 worme that neuer dieth the fire that neuer goeth out the g Reu. 20.15 lake of fire c. Finally where all things are that can be abhorred and nothing that may be desired Q. What shall be the estate of the Elect in heauen A. They shall bee a 1. Cor. 2.9 vnspeakeably and euerlastingly blessed and glorified in soule and body being freed from all passions imperfections infirmities yea from such b 1. Cor. 13.10 graces as suppose imperfection as faith hope repentance the like in a word froÌ„ all the c Reu 21.4 first things endued with perfect d 1. Cor. 13.12 wisdome and holinesse possessed of all the e Psal 16.11 pleasures that are at the right hand of God seated as Princes in f Reuâ—l 3 21. thrones of maiestie and crowned with g 2. Tim. 4.8 crownes of glory hauing h Reu. 2.26 power ouer all creatures and i 2. Pet. 3.13 possession of that new heauen and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousnesse beholding and being k Psal 17.15 filled with the fruition of the glorious l â— Thes 4.17 Reu 21.3 22 23. presence of God and of the Lambe Iesus Christ in the m Heb. 12.22 23 24. company of innumerable Angels and of all the holy Saints that haue been from the beginning of the world c. Q. Shall there not be inequalitie in the proportion of glory and of misery A. Yes for though euery one shall receiue the full measure whereof they are capeable yet First the wicked shall a Matt. 11.22 24. Luk 12.47 48. Reu. 18 7. exceed one another in capacitie of torment according to the greater merit of their sinnes Secondly the Elect shall exceed one another being made capeable of b Dan 12.3 greater glory according to the proportion not of merit but of fauour whereby in their different callings they were c Luke 12 4â— 43 44. 19 â—7 19. furnished with greater graces and made more faithfull in the imploying of them whether in d 2. Cor. 9.6 doing or in e 2. Cor. 4.17 Reu. 7.14 15 suffering for Christ his cause in the time of this life DEVT. 32.29 Oh that men were wise then they would vnderstand this they would consider their latter end A Prayer for the Morning O Lord God the Almightie maker and carefull preseruer of all thy creatures but especially the sauiour sanctifier of them that beleeue by the merit and efficacie of the bloud of Iesus Christ we acknowledge that as all thy works doe praise thee so it becommeth thy Saints especially to blesse thee and that both night and day for the blessings of the night and of the day May it please thee therefore to receiue at the hands of vs thine vnworthy seruants in the name of Iesus Christ this morning sacrifice of thanks praise for all thy mercies and namely those of the night past and of this morning Thou O Lord hast spread the darknes as thy curtaine ouer vs fauouring vs so much as to hide the light of the world and beauty of thy creatures that in the mean time we might commodiously take our rest And in the time of rest thy prouidence O Lord hath not rested in our behalfe but waked for vs whiles wee slept to keepe vs from the feares and danger of the night Yea thou hast blessed the blessing of sleepe vnto vs and hast thereby restored the decaied powres of nature in vs whereas thou mightest iustly haue cursed it turned it into sudden and vnexpected death Againe it hath pleased thee this morning to raise vp the light of the day to shine vnto our bodies laying open vnto vs the goodly shape of thy creatures and inlightning the waies wherein wee are to walke giuing vs ability of body and alacritie of spirit to proceed in the courses of our seuerall callings finally beginning the world with vs as it were and putting vs in possession of all thy works of wonder Further wee remember with thankful hearts all thy mercies formerly bestowed and continued vpon vs namely life health peace libertie maintenance credit fellowship successe in our affaires preseruation from dangers deliuerance from troubles recouery out of sicknesses consolation in afflictions and the issue of them euen a morning of ioy after a night of sorrow Lastly and aboue all for magnifying thy mercy towards vs in the great worke of our redemption and saluation by Iesus Christ and for euery linke of the golden chaine of grace whereby thou hast fastened vs vnto thy selfe namely for election vocation iustification sanctification and hope of glorification likewise for the meanes of grace thy Christ thy spirit thy word thy sacraments thy sabbaths and the assemblies of thy Saints with all the helps of example instruction admonition and fatherly correction by which thou hast indeauoured to further vs in the way of our saluation Yea that though our prouocations of thee be many and greeuous yet thy compassions faile not but are renewed euery morning For all these testimonies of thy bounty thy pitie thy patience towards vs what shall we render vnto thee O Lord Wee doe euen take the cup of saluation and call vpon thy blessed name wee doe according to our pouerty offer thee the calues of our lips confessing thy goodnesse and the due seruice of our bodies and soules as a liuing and reasonable sacrifice And now O Lord wee acknowledge our penurie to be such that we cannot liue but on thine allowance For looking into our selues we finde no store but of sinne and misery our
coessentiall and coequall to wit the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What is the Father A. The first person in the Trinitie c Ioh. 5.26 hauing foundation of personall subsistence from none other Q. What is the Sonne A. The second person d Ioh. 5.26 hauing foundation of personall subsistence from the Father e Psal 2.7 Pro. 8.22 c of whom he is eternally begotten Q. What is the holy Ghost A The third person hauing foundation of personall subsistence from the Father and the Sonne f Ioh. 14.26 15.26 from both whom he eternally proceedeth Q How may the distinction of these persons he conceiued A. 1 In relation and order of subsistence betwixt themselues as hath beene shewed 2 In order and manner of working in the creatures wherein 1 The a Ioh. 5.17 19 original of the action is ascribed to the Father 2 The b Ioh. 1.3 Heb. 1.2 wisedome and manner of working to the Sonne 3 The c Gen. 1.2 1. Cor. 12.11 efficacie of operation to the holy Ghost In a word God the Father in the Sonne by the holy Ghost worketh all things SECT III. Of the doctrine of the Scriptures touching the workes of God and first touching his eternall decree Q. VVHat are wee taught in Scripture concerning the workes of God A. That God d Psal 135.6 Eph. 1.11 as from eternitie he decreed so in time and euerlastingly hee accomplisheth all things vnto the full execution of that his decree Q. How may we take a view of the workes of God A. 1 Generally in all his creatures 2 Specially in the chiefe of his creatures Viz. Angels and Men. Q. What is the decree of God concerning all creatures A. It is his eternall and vnchangeable counsell and purpose a Prou 6.4 Rom. 11.36 fore-ordaining all things vnto his own glory Q. What is the decree of God touching Angels and men A. It is his free appointment b 1. Thes 5.9 fore-ordaining them to a certaine and euerlasting estate for his owne glory Q. What is that euerlasting estate A. It is two fold according to the c Ibid. parts of this his decree which are 1. Election that is d 1. Tim. 5.21 appointment of some Angels and men vnto e Rom. 9.23 euerlasting glorie and blessednesse for the a Ephes 1.6 praise of his goodnes 2 Reprobation that is b Mat. 25.41 Rom 9.21 2. Tim. 2.20 appointment of some Angels and men vnto euerlasting dishonour for the glorie of his iustice SECT IIII. Of the execution of Gods decree and first of Creation Q. HOw doth God execute this his decree A. By 2. actions viz. Creation and Prouidence Q. What is Creation A. The c Gen. 1. Heb. 11.3 making of all things of nothing very good in the first sixe daies of the world Q. How did God create Angels A. He made them all at the first d Col. 1.16 very good and glorious spirits yet e Iob 4.18 mutable Q. When did God create man A. In the f Gen. 1.25 sixt last day of creation Q. How and whereof did God make man A. 1 Hee formed his a Gen. 2.7 bodie of the dust of the earth 2 He b Ibid. breathed in his face the breath of life so making him a liuing soule Q. How many of mankinde did God create at the first A. 1 Onely c Gen â— 7 one man Adam 2 Out of him and for him d Oc. 2.5 â—â— Mal. 2.15 one woman Eue so made he them Male and Female SECT V. Of Prouidence sustaining disposing and employing all creatures especially Angels Q. THus farre of Creation what is Prouidence A. The continual care which God exerciseth vpon his creatures once made e Psal 119.91 for the sustaining and disposing of them Q. How doth God sustaine all creatures A. He vpholdeth them all in their being a Heb. 1.3 by his mighty word and that Partly by the continuation of particulars either for the whole time of this world as b 2. Pet. 3.4 heauen and heauenly bodies earth and other elements c. or for the time of life allotted as all c Psal 36.6 104.27 c liuing creatures Partly by propagation of kinde wherby d Gen. 7.3 8.21 22 creatures euen of shortest continuance doo successiuely abide vnto the end of the world Q. How are Angels vpheld in their being A. They are all sustained by the power of God so that they shall e Luk. 20.36 neuer dye or returne to nothing Q. How are men vpheld A. Two waies and first as all other bodily creatures partly by maintenance of f Act 17.28 Psal 36.6 1 Tim. 4 10 euery mans life here on earth for the time allotted by God himselfe partly by g Gen. 1.28 Eccl. 1.4 propagation of kinde vnto the end of the world through the blessing of procreation Q. How secondly A. As Angels after a sort God so prouiding that when the a Eccl. 12.7 bodie of man returneth to the earth from whence it was taken yet the soule perisheth not but returneth to God that gaue it yea that the b Iob. 19 26 27. same body also and euery part thereof is preserued in the graue and shall bee ioyned entire to the soule at the last day so to continue for euer as shall be shewed Q. How doth God dispose of his creatures A. He guideth and employeth them to those seuerall ends and vses whereby they may best c Psal 119 91 serue vnto his glorie and the good of themselues and of their follow creatures d Psal 8. especially of man Q. How doth God dispose of Angels A. Two wayes the first respecting their euerlasting condition the second their emploiment Q. How did God dispose of Angels in regard of their euerlasting condition A. Diuersly according to the parts of his fore-mentioned decree for first he suffered the Reprobate Angels a 2. Pet. 2 4 voluntarily and maliciously without any temptation to fall into that impardonable sinne of b Jude 6. Apostasio and so into damnation irrecouerably who are called Diuels reserued in euerlasting chaines vnder darknesse vnto the Iudgement of the great day Q. How did God dispose of elect Angels A. He confirmed them in their well-being that they might c Mat. 18.10 neuer fall by sinne from their first blessed estate which are called d 2. Cor. 11.19 Angels of light e Iob 1.6 sonnes of God f Luk. 2.13 heauenly souldiours c. Q. How doth God employ Angels A. He vseth them all g Iob. 1.6 both good and euill Angels as his seruants and ministers for the accomplishment of his will and worke Q. How are good Angels employed A. 1. To be as a h Heb. 1.14 Psal 34.7 â—1 11 guard and garrison vnto the Elect of mankinde for their comfort and protection 2. To i 2. Kin. 19.35 resist and punish the
wicked Q. How are euil Angels employed A 1. In a 2. Sam. 24.1 with 1. Chro. 21.1 Ephes 6.12 trying and exercising the godly 2. In b 1. Kin. 22.21.22 2. Cor. 4.4 seducing and c Luk. 12.20 tormenting the wicked SECT VI. Of the Prouidence of God disposing of man in this world and of the state of Innocencie Q. HOw doth God dispose of man A. As of that creature d Pro. 8.31 in whom e Psal 8.3 c. â— Cor. 9.9 10 aboue all other he intendeth to let forth the glory of his wisedome power and goodnesse and therefore the Scriptures doe most plentifully declare the dealing of God with man both in the time of this world and for euer hereafter Q. How doe the Scriptures set forth the dealing of God with man in the time of this world A. In a threefold estate viz. 1. The state of Innocencie 2. The state of corruption and miserie and 3. The state of Redemption The a Eccl. 7.31 first commonly had and lost of all mankinde both Elect and reprobate without difference b Rom 3.13 the second seizing on all men naturally but abiding without recouerie onely on the reprobate the third c 1. Pet. 3.9 Psal 130.8 proper to the Elect. All which doe make way vnto that finall and euerlasting estate of honour or dishonour fore-appointed vnto all men beginning at the ende of this life perfected at the day of Iudgement and continuing for euer in the world to come Q. What is the state of Innocencie A. The holy and happy condition of mankinde d Gen. â— 27 created by God after his owne image and e 2.8 placed by him in Paradise Q. Wherein did that Image of God chiefly consist A. In foure singular excellencies viz. 1 A a Job 10.12 reasonable immortal soule 2 True wisedome and holinesse adorning the soule b Psal 51 6 Ephes 4.24 wherein especially he resembled his maker 3. A c 1. Cor. 11.7 body endued with beautie strength and immortalitie answerable to the soule 4 d Gen. 1.28 Dominion ouer the creatures Q. What happinesse had man thus created and placed A. The image of God in wisedome and true holinesse shining in him e Mat. 5.8 without teinture or blemish he enioyed full fruition and assurance of the f Psal 17.15 fauourable and blissefull presence of this Creatour together with absolute g Gen. 2.25 contentment in himselfe and seruice from all the creatures h Ge. 2.10.20 to whom as their Lord hee gaue their originall names Q. What emploiment had man in this state A. A twofold emploiment viz. 1 Outward i Gen. 2.15 to till and dresse the Garden 2 Spirituall to k Ibid. v. 16. 17 worship serue God his Creator and procure his owne euerlasting blessednes whereto hee was fitted with freedome of will abilitie for perfect obedience vnto God according to the tenor of the couenant of workes Q. What was the tenour of the couenant of workes A. The substance of the Morall law written in the hearts of our first parents with the promises of blessednes to them if they should continue in obedience and threatnings of death and damnation if they should transgresse Q. How doth it appeare that the law was written in their hearts A 1 By the effect of it in them both who immediately after their fall were forced by the onely a Gen. 3.8 guilt of conscience not yet otherwise charged to hide themselues from Gods presence 2 By the b Gen. 4.6 Ro. 2.14.15 remainders thereof in all mankinde who euen without the law are by light of nature a law vnto themselues Q. How was the Couenant of workes sealed A. By the two sacramentall trees planted for that purpose in the middest of the garden Viz. The one a Gen. 2.9 the tree of life assuring life and glorie vpon condition of obedience The other the b ver 17. tree of knowledge of good and euill sealing death damnation in case of disobedience SECT VII Of the state of Corruption and miserie and first of the Fall of man Q. THus farre of the state of Innocencie what is the state of Corruption and miserie A. The fearefull condition whereinto in Adam c Eccl. 7.31 all mankinde fell by transgressing and violating the couenant of workes Q. What are we to consider hâ—rein A. Two things to wit 1 The causes 2 The effect of the fall of man Q. To whom doth the consideration of the causes direct vs A. To three parties differently concurring to the fall of man viz. 1. God permitting 2 Satan tempting 3 Man yeelding falling Q. How did God permit the fall of man A. Not by a Iam. 1.13 1. Ioh. 2.26 instilling into him any euill or taking from him any abilitie vnto good but 1 b 2. Sa. 24.1 with 1. Chro. 21.1 Suffering Satan to tempt him 2 c 2. Chron. 32 31. Leauing man to the libertie and mutabilitie of his owne will not hindering his fall by supply of grace Q. Why did God permit mans fall A. He did it in great wisedome to d Rom. 11.32 make way for the glorie both of his mercie in those that shall be saued by Christ and of his iustice in those that shall perish for their sinnes yet without wrong to any c Ro. 11.35 being not bound to his creature to vphold him from falling by his grace Q. How did Satan tempt man A. Being himselfe fallen in enuie of Gods glorie and mans happinesse he a Ge. 3.1 c subtilly addressed himselfe in the serpent b 2 Cor. 11.3 1. Tim. 2.14 first to the woman the weaker sexe and after by her vnto the man c Gen. 3.5 pretending greater loue and care of their wel-doing then was in God Q. Whereto did he tempt them A. To infidelitie vnthankefulnes ambition and so to slat disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit as the meanes to attaine to an higher degree of blessednesse Q. How did they yeeld to the temptation being created good A. Being left by God to the d Gen. 3.6 mutabilitie of their owne will they e Eccl. 7.31 voluntarily enclined vnto that euill whervnto they were tempted therby not onely f Gen. 4.7 loosing for themselues the image and fauour of God but withall g Rom. 3.23 depriuing their posterity of that blessed estate and h Rom. 5 12. plunging them into the contrarie Q. How could all their posteritie fall with them A. Being in their loines who were by Gods appointment to stand or fall in that triall not as singular persons onely but also as heads of mankinde a Rom. 5.19 â— Cor. 15.22 wee all tooke part with them both in this fall and in the wofull effect thereof SECT VIII Of the Consequents of the Fall and first of Sinne. Q. WHat is the effect of this fall A. That which in Scripture is called the
perish as for instance the children of Heathen parents for touching the b 2. Cor. 7.14 children of Christians we are taught to account them holy Q. How doth God deale with those of riper yeeres vncalled A. Being naturally possessed c Ephes 4.18.19 with ignorance and vanitie he d Ro. 1.26.28 giueth them vp to their owne lusts to commit sin without remorse with greedinesse in a reprobate mind vntill the e Gen. 15.16 Psal 69.27 measure of sinne being fulfilled they are cut off Q. How doth God deale with such reprobates as are called A. He vouchsafeth them the outward a Heb. 4.1 2 2. Cor. 10.1 2 c. meanes of saluation giuing farther to some of them Yomo b Heb. 6.4 5. illumination a c Act. 8.13 temporarie faith some outward holinesse tast of heauen whom yet he suffereth to fall away and the meanes of grace to become a d 2. Cor. 2.16 sauour of death vnto them yea some of those doe e Heb. 6.6 fall euen to the sinne vnpardonable SECT X. Of the state of Redemption by the Couenant of Grace and of the foundation thereof viz. the Mediator Q. TO come to the state of Redemption how doth God recouer his Elect out of the state of sinne and death A. By f Rom. 3.23 24. the new Couenant of Grace Q. What is the Couenant of Grace A. Gods a Gal. 3.21 22. second contract with mankind after the fall for the restoring of him into his fauour to the state of happinesse by the meanes of a Mediator Q. How doth this couenant differ from that of workes A. In this chiefly that the Couenant of workes requireth of euery man in his owne person b Deut. 27.26 perfect obedience in default for c Ezek. 18 14 Gal 3.10.11 satisfaction euerlasting punishment but the Couenant of grace d Ibid. ver 13 14. admitteth paiment and performance by another in behalfe of so many as receiue it Thus this Couenant e Rom. 3.31 10.4 abolisheth not but is the accomplishment and establishment of the former Q. When was this Couenant of grace first plighted betweene God and man A. Immediately after the fall in Paradise in that f Gen. 3.15 promise giuen concerning the womans seede God in vnspeakeable mercy propounding the remedy before he pronounced sentence of iudgement Q. What are wee to consider in this couenant of grace A. Two things to wit 1. The foundation which is the Mediator 2. The application thereof for saluation vnto the Elect. Q. What need was there of a Mediator A. Betweene parties so disagreeing the one of finite nature offending the other of infinite nature offended the one vtterly disabled to a 2. Cor. 3.5 doe any the least good or b Job 9.3 satisfie for the least sinne the other requiring perfect c Deut. 27.26 obedience and d Mat. 18.34 satisfaction e 1. Sam. 2.25 what agreement could there be without a Mediator Q. In this case what was the Mediator then to doe A 1. To f Esay 53.5.6 Job 33.24 pay all our debt and satisfie Gods iustice by a g 1. Tim. 2.6 price of infinite valew 2. To purchase and merit for vs Gods h Ephes 1.6 fauour and kingdome by a most i Rom. 5.19 absolute and perfect obedience Q. What an one must he be that should vndertake this mediation A. He must be 1. Man of kinne to our nature offending that a Rom. 8.3 1. Cor. 15.21 Heb. 2.14 15 16. in the same he might satisfie and withall b 1. Joh. 3.5 perfectly iust without exception 2. c Act. 20.28 God that hee might giue worth and efficacie to his satisfaction and obedience and withall d Heb. 2.10 the Sonne to make vs children vnto his heauenly Father Q. How many Mediators are there A. Onely e 1. Tim. 2.5 one for though f Deut. 5.31 Gal. 4 19 other are so called yet are they onely g 2. Cor. 5.19 Iob 33.23 Ministers of the word not Authors of the worke of reconciliation Q. When was the Mediator giuen A. 1. If wee regard Gods decree h Ephes 1.4 from all eternitie 2. If the vertue and efficacie of his mediation as soone as need was euen i Reu. 13.8 from the beginning of the world 3. If his manifestation in the flesh in the k Gal. 4.4 1. Tim. 2.6 fulnesse of time from whence we now reckon more then 1600. yeeares Q. Who is this Mediator betweene God and man A. a Luk. 2.11 1. Tim. 2.5 Iesus the sonne of the Virgin Mary the promised Messiah or Christ whom the b Ioh. 1.45 8.56 Fathers expected the Prophets foretold whose c 1. Joh. 1.1 Act. 1.1 life death resurrection and ascension the Euangelists describe whose d 1. Tim. 3.16 2. Cor. 10.4.5 word preached vnto this day subdueth the world finally whom wee e Act. 10.45 looke for from heauen to be the Iudge of quick and dead Q. Is there no need of any other Mediator for vs vnto Christ A. No. For hee is f Iob 19.25 next of kinne most g Heb. 2.17 mercifull most faithfull and h 7.25 able perfectly to saue all those that come to God through him SECT XI Of Iesus Christ his Person Offices and twofold estate of Humiliation and Exaltation Q. VVHat doe the Scriptures teach vs touching Christ A. Two things 1. His person 2. His office Q. What are wee taught touching the person of Christ A. 1. His two natures Viz The Godhead And manhood 2. The hypostaticall or persosonall vnion of both into one Immanuel Q. How How is the Godhead of Christ proued A. Not onely by aboundant a Esay 7.14 9.6 c. testimonies of scripture but also by his miracles especially the b Rom. 1.4 raising of himselfe from death together with the c Act 5.39 continuance and conquest of the Gospell and that d Zech. 4â—â— not by carnall power or policie but onely by the power of his spirit and e Reu. 12.11 patient suffering of his Saints Q. How doth it appeare that Christ was man A. Besides manifold f Gen. 3 15 1. Tim. 2.5 c. predictions and cleare testimonies it is aboundantly proued by plentifull experiments especially by his g 1. Pet. 3.18 Heb. 2.14 partaking of humane infirmities and suffering of death Q. Being very man how could hee be without sinne A. Because he was not begotten after the ordinarie course by man but a Lu. 1.34.35 formed of the onely substance of the Virgin and that substance in the conception sanctified by the holy Ghost Q. What is the personall vnion of these two natures A. The b Ioh. 1.14 Heb. 2.16 assuming of the humane nature hauing no subsistence in it selfe into the person of the Sonne of God and in that person vniting it to the Godhead so making one
Christ c Mat. 1.2 3 God and man Q. What is the office of Christ A. The d 1. Tim. 2.5 Mediator-ship which being one hath yet three denominations from three seuerall functions Viz. Propheticall Priestly Kingly Q. What is his Prophetical Office A. The office of e Esay 61.1 Mat. 23.8.10 instructing his Church which hee did and doth performe two waies viz. 1. Outwardly as f Math. 23.37 1. Pet. 3.19 before his incarnation by the Prophets Priests and Scribes of the Old Testament and in the dayes of his flesh in his a Heb. 2.3 owne person as a b Rom. 15.8 Minister of the Circumcision but with the c Mat 7.29 authoritie of the Law-giuer so since vnto the worlds end d 2. Cor. 4.6 5.19 20 by his Apostles and Ministers e Ephes 4.11 called and fitted by him for that purpose 2. Inwardly by the f Luk. 24.49 Act. 16 14 ioynt operation of his holy spirit Q. What is the Priestly function of Christ A. It is that whereby hee g Heb. 5.1 5. c. appeaseth and reconcileth God to his Elect. 1. Performing for them absolute h Rom. 5.19 obedieÌ„ce to the whole law of God 2. Offering himselfe vnto his Father i 2. Cor. 5.21 a sacrifice propitiatorie for all their sinnes 3. k Heb 9.24 1. Ioh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 Heb. 12.24 Appearing euer at the right hand of God to make intercession for them Q. What is the kingly office of Christ A. It is the exercise of that l Psal 110.1 power giuen him by God ouer all and m Mat. 28. â—8 Psal 2.8 c. possession of all for the n Esay 9 7. spirituall gouernement and saluation of his Elect and for the a Esay 9.7 destruction of his their enemies Q. In what state did Christ God and man performe this threefold office A. In a two-fold estate Viz. of 1. Humiliation and 2. Exaltation Q. What was his state of humiliation A. It was the b Psal 45.5 base condition of a seruant whereto hee humbled himselfe from his conception to his crosse and so vntill the time of his resurrection Q. What is his estate of Exaltation A. His c Phil. 2.7.8 glorious condition beginning at the instant of his d Phil 2.9 Heb. 2.9 resurrection and comprehending his e Act. 2.24 Ascension f Ephes 4.8 sitting at the right hand of God and g 1. Pet. 3.22 second comming in glorie to iudge the world h Ma. 15.31 SECT XII Of the Application of the Couenant of Grace and first of our vnion with the person of Christ Q. HItherto of the Foundation of the Couenant of Grace viz. the Mediator what is the Application of it A. The communicating thereof for saluation to euery one of Gods Elect giuing him a Heb 3.14 part in Christ the Mediator and all his benefits Q. What part hath euery Elect in Christ hereby A. 1. VnioÌ„ with Christs person 2. Communion Q. How are the Elect vnited to Christ his person A. They are incorporated made b Eph. 5.30 members of the mystical body whereof Christ is head which the Scripture figureth as by other resemblances so especially vnder the a Ephes 5.2 Item Cautic the whole hoâ—ke similitude of mariage Q. How may we conceiue of this our mariage with Christ A. We are to conceiue therein as in outward mariage 1. The consent of parents and parties 2. The maner of coniunction Q. What consent of parents is there in this mariage A. Only Gods donation who being the alone parent of both parties as in the b Gen. 2.22 mariage of the first Adam giueth 1. c Iohn 3 16. Iohn 17.6 Christ to vs as a Sauiour 2. d Heb. 2.13 Vs to Christ as a people to be saued Q. What consent of parties is there A. 1. Christ consenteth to take vs as his own spouse which he witnessed especially by taking e Heb. 2.14 our flesh vpon him that he might be our f Matt. 1.23 Immanuel or God with vs. 2. We being g Iohn 6.44 drawne of God and h 2. Cor. 11.2 prepared by the friends of the Bridegroome do a Cant. 7.10 consent to take Christ as our Lord and Husband as wee professe by taking his b Esay 44.5 name and c Mat. 11.29 yoke vpon vs. Q. What is the maner of this our coniunction A. Mysticall that is to say Real in respect of the things conioined our very nature body and soule being coupled to the body and soule of Christ so that we are d Ephe. 5.30 members of his body of his flesh and of his bones and therby also to the e 1. Cor. 1.30 diuine nature yet not corporall but Spirituall in regard of the means whereby this coniunction is wrought Q. What are the meanes of this spirituall coniunction A. On Christs part his holy f 1. Ioh. 4.15 Rom. 8.9 Spirit g Gal. 4.6 1. Iohn 3.24 4.13 giuen by him vnto euerie member of his body in the very moment of regeneration as the h Gal 5.25 1. Cor. 15 45. soule of spirituall life and fountaine of supernaturall grace in which respect i 1. Cor. 6.17 he that is ioyned to the Lord is said to be one spirit Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The holy a 1 Cor. 3.16 Ghost truly residing and powerfully b Rom. 5.5 working in all those that are Christs c Rom. 8.2 deriued vnto them from him and d 1. Cor. 12.13 Eph 2.18 4.4 knitting them inseparably vnto him Q. Is the Holy Ghost giuen to none but such as are thus ioined vnto Christ A. The Holy Ghost is considered three waies 1. As the Author of all excellencie euen in common gifts of nature and reason as e Jud. 14.6 strength and courage f Exod. 31.3 Arts and Sciences g 1. Sam. 11.6 Policie and Gouernement c. In which sense he is giuen to many that neuer heard of Christ 2. As the Author of h 1. Cor. 12.1.4 spirituall gifts so called because being sanctified they are meanes of edification as the power of working miracles healing languages c. yea a i Heb. 6.4 5. taste of the heauenly gift and of the good word of God and of the powers of the world to come In which sence he is giuen to sundry reprobates that are called as hath been shewed 3. As the Author of the perpetuall effectuall and a Ioh. 6.63 vitall influence of sauing grace from Christ the head to euery true member of his body In which sence b Ioh. 14.17 the world cannot receiue or know him but he is bestowed on the c 1. Pet. 1.2 Elect only and those truly regenerated and conuerted vnto the Lord. Q. But on our parts what meanes is there of this coniunction A. Only faith which yet is d Eph.
according to his gracious promise who also in Christ will b Mat. 10 42. 25.35 2. Tim. 1.18 acknowledge and requite it at the last day 2. To c Jam. 1.27 seale the truth of our religion 3. To d Heb. 6.9 10 1. Joh. 3.14 1. Tim. 6.19 assure our saluation 4. To e Dan. 4.24 Luk. 19.8 make amends to men for former couetousnes and crueltie 5. To f Luk. 11.41 sanctifie our store and bring a g Deu. 25.10 blessing on our labours yea and vpon our h Psal 112.2 37.26 2. Tim. 1 1â— posteritie after vs. SECT XLIX Of the Prouidence of God concerning mankinde after this life and first of particular Judgement at the houre of Death Q. THus farre of Glorification begunne and of Redemption so farre as it is vouchsafed in this life now let vs come to entreat of perfect Redemption and Glorification and that vnder the prouidence or dealing of God with mankinde after this life How doth God then deale with men A. He bringeth them all to Iudgement Q. What is here meant by Iudgement A. The pronouncing and executing of the irreuocable sentence of Absolution or Condemnation which is done Partly on euery man in a Heb. 9.27 particular at the houre of death but Fully and b Act. 17.51 generally vpon all men at the second comming of Christ Q. Must all men then dye A. Yea c Psal 49.10 Eccles 2.16 all both good and bad saue that vnto some namely such as shall bee found aliue at the comming of Christ a change shall bee in stead of Death as shall be shewed Q. Death beeing the punishment of sinne how commeth it to passe that the righteous dye to whom all sinnes are forgiuen A. d Rom. 5.12 Death indeed came on all mankinde by reason of sinne but yet it is not in all things the same to the godly and to the wicked for howsoeuer vnto both it be the a 1. Cor. 15.26 Psal 90.3 enemie of nature as the end of naturall life yet 1. Vnto the godly it is a token of Gods b Ps 37.37 38 loue vnto the wicked of his c Job 18.13 14. anger 2. Vnto the godly it is a d Apoc. 14.13 rest from labour and miserie che e 1 Cor. 15.16 last enemie being now destroyed vnto the wicked it is the f Luk. 12 20 height of all worldly euils 3. Vnto the godly it is the g Rom 6.7 vtter abolishing of sinne and perfection of mortification vnto the wicked it is the conquest of sinne and accomplishment of their spirituall captiuitie 4. Vnto the godly it is so farre from being a separation from Christ that euen the body seuered from the soule and rotting in the graue is yet vnited vnto Christ and the soule freed from the bodie is h Luk. 23 43 Phil. 1.23 with him in Paradise vnto the wicked it is an vtter cutting off from the fauorable presence and patience of God 5. Vnto the a Luk. 16.22 godly it is the beginning of heauenly glorie vnto the b Ver. 23 wicked it is the entrance into hellish and end lesse torments Q. How are men iudged at the houre of death A. First c Heb. 9.27 in that God at that instant pronounceth and the conscience apprehendeth the sentence of blessing or cursing Secondly in that the soule of euerie man is immediately conueyed by the power of God and the ministerie of Angels into that state of happinesse or miscrie d Eccl. 11.3 Luk. 16.26 wherein it shall remaine till the resurrection and from thence-forth both soule and bodie for euer SECT L. Of the Generall and finall Iudgement and first of the preparation thereto Q. TO come to the full and finall Iudgement what are wee to vnderstand thereby A. The great day of Assise for the whole world wherein a Eccl. 12.14 all mens liues that euer haue beene are or shall bee beeing duely examined b 2. Cor. 5.10 euery one shall receiue according to his workes In which Iudgement we are to consider three things and first the preparation thereto Q. Wherein doth the preparation vnto the last Iudgement consist A. In fiue things whereof the First is the foretokening of the time thereof which though it be so c Act 1.7 sealed vp in the treasurie of Gods counsell that neither men nor Angels no nor yet our d Mat. 13.32 Sauior himselfe the Prophet of the Church as man in the daies of his flesh had expresse notice thereof that e 1. Thes 5.2 3 6 from the vncertaintie and suddennesse of it we might bee taught to bee alwaies in readinesse for it yet it hath pleased God and our Lord Iesus Christ to acquaint vs with some f Mat. 24.33 signes whereby wee may discerne of his approch g Ver. 32 as men in spring time may descry Summer approching by the shooting forth of the fig-tree Q. What are the signes fore-tokening the last Iudgement A. They are certaine notable a Mat. 24.6 c. changes in the world and Church some farther off some nearer vnto the comming of Christ as The b Mat. 24.14 publishing and receiuing of the Gospell throughout the world The c 1. Tim. 4.1 2. Thes 2.3 Apostasie of the most part of professors not louing the truth The d 1. Ioh. 2.18 2. Thes 2 3 4 8 c. reueiling of Antichrist the man of sinne and child of perdition who vnder the title of Christs vicegerent opposeth himself vnto Christ in all his offices and ordinances both in Church and Common-wealth Common e 2. Tim. 3.1 c. Mat. 24.12 37. 1. Thes 5.3 corruption in manners ioined with securitie as in the daies of Noah and Lot Warres and troubles in the f Mat. 24.6 world and g Ver. 9. Church h Mat. 24.24 False Christs attended with false Prophets and armed with false miracles The i Rom. 11.25 calling of the Iewes vnto the faith of the Gospell Finally a Mat. 24.29 Luk. 21.25 signes in heauen earth and all elements as the trembling of the earth the roaring of the sea the darkning of the Sunne and Moone c. yea the b 2. Pet. 3.7 10 12. firing of the whole frame of heauen and earth with the c Mat. 24.30 signe of the Sonne of Man whereby his comming shall then bee cleerely apprehended of all men Q. What is the second thing in the preparation vnto the last Iudgement A. The comming of Iesus Christ the d Act. 10.42 Iudge of the world who in his e Act. 1.11 humane f Reu. 1.7 visible body but yet with vnspeakeable glorie shall suddenly g Mat. 24.27 breake forth like lightening through the heauens riding on the h Reu. 1.7 Iud. ver 14 clouds enuironed with i 2. Thes 1.8 flaming fire attended with all the k Ver. 7. Mat. 25.31 host of the Elect Angels and
That b Ro. 11.3 6. Pro. 16 4. all things should serue vnto his glorie Q. What did God decree touching Angels and men A. c 1. Tim. 5. â—1 Mat 25.41 1. Thes 5.9 Ro. 9.22 23 That they should remaine for euer some in honour others in dishonour for his glorie SECT IIII. Of Creation Q. HOw doth God execute his decree A. By two Actions to wit Creation and Prouidence Q. What is Creation A. The a Gen. 1. wholâ— making of all things of nothing very good in the first sixe dayes of the world Q. How did God create Angels A. He b Col. 1.16 made them all at the first very good and glorious spirits yet c Job 4.18 mutable Q. How did God create man A. He d Gen. 29 made him a liuing soule framing his bodie of the dust of the earth and breathing in his face the breath of life SECT V. Of Prouidence Q. VVHat is prouidence A. The continuall * Ps 213.6 care that God hath of all his creatures for the sustaining and disposing of them as they may best a Psal 119.91 serue for his glorie Q. How doth God sustaine Angels A. They are all vpheld by the power of God so that they shall b Luk. 20.36 neuer llye nor returne to nothing Q. How doth God sustaine men A. He preserueth mankinde in generall by the blessing of c Gen. 1.28 procreation and particular men and women both for the d Psal 36.6 time of this life and for e Mat. 25.46 euer in the world to come Q. How doth God dispose of Angels A. Hee suffered f 2. Pet. 2.4 some to fall by sinne into damnation without recouerie called Diuels the rest hee g Mat. 28.20 confâ—rmeth in their first blessed estate called Angels of light both which hee h â—ob 1.6 employeth for the accomplishing of his will SECT VI. Of the state of Innocencie Q. HOw doth GOD dispose of man A. As of that creature in a Psa 8.3 c whom aboue the rest hee intendeth to set forth his glorie wherefore the Scriptures doe plentifully declare the dealing of GOD with man both in this world and for euer hereafter Q. How doe the Scriptures set forth the dealing of God with man in this world A. In a threefold estate to wit of Innocencie of Corruption and misery and of Redemption all which make way vnto that euerlasting estate of honour or dishonour fore-appointed vnto all men Q. What is the state of Innocencie A. The holy and happy condition of mankinde created in the b Gen 1.27 image of God and placed by him in c Gen. 2.8 Paradise with abilitie to attaine to blessednesse by the Couenant of workes Q. What is the Couenant of workes A. The a Ge. 2.16 17 substance of the Law written in the hearts of our first parents promising blessednesse if they should obey and threatning death if they should transgresse SECT VII Of the Fall Q. VVHat is the state of corruption and miserie A. The fearefull condition of sinne and death wherein to God suffered all mankinde in Adam to b Ge. 3.1 c fall through the temptation of Satan by breaking the Couenant of workes SECT VIII Of Sinne. Q. VVHat is Sinne A. c 1. Ioh. 3.9 A sweruing from the Law of God making the sinner * Gen. 4.7 gâ—â—â—tie of the curse of the Law and it 〈◊〉 either originall or actuall Q. Wherein doth originall sinne consist A. In vtter b Rom. 7.18 enmitie of our whole nature vnto all that is good and c Rom. 7.14 prouenesse vnto all euill Q. What is Actuall sinne A. Euery d Rom. 5.14 particular breach of the Law of God SECT IX Of Death Q. VVHat is Death A. It is the separation e Gen. 3.19 either of the soule from the body f 2. Thes 1. â— or of soule and body from God with all euils that attend on the one or the other Q. How doth God employ men in this state of Corruption A. Two waies and first by the g Joh. 1.9 light of nature and h Esay 44.28 common graces restraining many from grosse sinnes and guiding some vnto actions profitable for humane societie and for the outward seruice of God Q. How secondly A. By ouer-ruling mens euill and sinfull actions so that thereby they a Act. 4.27 28. bring to passe nothing but what God hath determined for his owne glorie Q. Doth God leaue all mankinde in this state of sinne and death A. No but onely the reprobate whom hee b Act. 14.16 suffereth to runne on in sinne and so vnto damnation deseruedly SECT X. Of Redemption by the Couenant of grace Q. WHat is the state of Redemption A. The c Ro. 3.23.24 recouerie of the Elect out of the state of sinne and death by the new Couenant of grace Q. What is the Couenant of grace A. Gods a Gal. 3.21 22 second contract with mankinde after the fall for the restoring of him vnto his fauour and happinesse by the meanes of a Mediator Q. What are wee to consider in the Couenant of Grace A. Two things whereof the first is the foundation of it to wit the Mediator SECT XI Of Christ the Mediator Q. VVHo is the Mediator betweene God and man A. Onely b 1. Tim. 1.5 Iesus Christ God and man Q. How is he God A. In that hee is the c 1. Ioh. 5.20 second person in Trinitie to wit the eternall Sonne of the Father Q. How is hee man A. By d Ioh. 1.14 taking our flesh into his person beeing miraculously e Luk. 1.35 conceiued by the holy Ghost and borne of the blessed Virgin Mary Q. How is he the mediator between God and man A. By becoming our Prophet Priest and King Q. How is he our Prophet A. By a Joh. 17.26 reuealing vnto vs the will of God Q. How is he our Priest A. By b Eph. 2 1â— 2. Cor. 5.28 appeasing and reconciling God vnto vs through his death and obedience Q. How is he our King A. By c Esa 9.7 gouerning all things for the saluation of his Elect and d Psal 45.5 destruction of his enemies SECT XII Of the mysticall vnion Q. VVHat is the second thing to be considered in the Couenant of Grace A. The application thereof to the elect giuing them a Heb. 3.24 part in Christ and in all his benefits Q. What part haue the elect in Christ A. They haue first vnion with Christ and secondly thereby Communion Q. How are the elect vnited vnto Christ A. They are b Eph. 5.30 knit vnto Christ the head as members of his mysticall bodie by the spirit of Christ and by faith Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The power of the holy Ghost c Rom. 8.9 Gal. 5.25 abiding and working in all those that are Christs as the soule of spirituall life Q.
another as well as for our selues Q. VVherefore are wee directed to say which art in heauen A. To encrease both our f Eccles 5.1 reuerence of him who is so high aboue vs and our g Luk. 11.13 confidence in him who can and will doe all things for vs. SECT XL. Of the first Petition Q. HOw many Petitions are there in the Lords Prayer A. Sixe whereof the three first concerne God and the three later our selues Q. Why are those Petitions first placed that concerne God A. To teach vs to a Joh. 12.27 28. preferre the glorie and seruice of God before our owne good Q. What are the words of the first Petition A. Hallowed be thy Name Q. What doe we aske of God in this Petition A. That God who in himselfe his word and workes is most holy and glorious may bee b Psal 96.8 1. Pet. 2.9 acknowledged and honoured for such by vs. SECT XLI Of the second Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the second Petition A. Thy Kingdome come Q. What doe we craue of God in this Petition A. That the a Act. â—6 18 Col 1.13 Kingdome of sinne and Satan beeing more and more abolished b Col 3.15 16 Christ may now raigne in our hearts by grace and c 2. Tim. 2.22 we with him for euer in glorie SECT XLII Of the third Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the third Petition A. Thy will bee done in earth as it is in heauen Q. What doe wee aske of God in this Petition A. That d 2. Tim. 2.26 1. Pet. 4.2 renouncing the will of Satan and our owne corrupt inclination wee may a Psa 119.60 readily and b Col. 3.23 heartily obey the will of God following in our measure the example of the c Psa 103.20 Angels and Saints that are in heauen SECT XLIII Of the fourth Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the fourth Petition A. Giue vs this day our dayly bread Q. What doe we begge of God in this Petition A. d Pro. 30.8 Such a portion of outward blessings as God shall see meete for vs together with e Phil. 4.11 12. grace to be contented with our allowance SECT XLIIII Of the fift Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the fift Petition A. And forgiue vs our Debts as euen we forgiue our Debtors Q. What doe wee craue of God in this Petition A. That God would a Job 35.24 Psal 35.3 Jer. 14.7 assure vs daily of the forgiuenesse of our sinnes for Christ his sake working in vs a b Col. 3 13 mercifull affection to forgiue for his sake such as haue offended vs. SECT XLV Of the sixt Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the sixt Petition A. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Q. What doe wee aske of God in this Petition A. That sinne may not onely be pardoned vnto vs but daily c Ro. 6.1 2 mortified in vs and wee either d Pro. 30.8 2. Cor. 12.8 kept by the prouidence of God from temptations or e 1. Cor. 10 13. 2 Cor. 12.9 preserued by his Grace from being hurt thereby SECT XLVI Of the conclusion and circumstances of Prayer Q. VVHy are wee taught to adde those words For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glorie for euer and euer A. That wee may firmely beleeue that a 1. Tim. 1.17 God the mightie and euerlasting King b Ephe. 3.20 can and c Jer. 14 7. Ezek. 3â— 22. for his owne glorie will grant the things we haue thus demanded Q. Why are wee taught to conclude with this word Amen A. That thereby wee may signifie not onely our d Iam. 5.17 feruent desire that so it may be but also our e Iam. 1.6 Reu. 22 20. faith that so it shall be as we haue prayed Q. What other circumstances are there required in Prayer A. In priuate prayer f 1. Cor. 14.2 1. Kin. 18.42 such words gestures c. as may expresse our reuerence and faith towards God in publique prayer g 1. Cor. 14 4 17 40. such as may also witnesse our Communion one with another and desire of mutuall edification SECT XLVII Of Fasting Q. VVHen must Fasting be ioyned vnto Prayer A. When we desire to a 1. Sam. 7.6 Esther 4.16 auoid some great euill or to b Nehe. 1.4 Act. 10.30 obtaine some great mercie at the hand of God Q. What is Fasting A. The c Joel 2 16 chastising of our nature and laying aside of the delights of sense for a time and that with respect to a spirituall businesse Q. What is that spirituall businesse A. An extraordinarie endeauour of d Ezra 8. â—1 humbling our selues and of seeking the face and fauour of God SECT XLVIII Of Almes Q. VVHat is Almes A. It is a a Deut. 15.7 Heb. 13.16 dutie of Christian loue whereby b 1. Joh. 3 17 such as haue this worlds good doe c 2. Cor. 9.7 freely impart to such as are in want Q. Who must giue Almes A. Whosoeuer hath d 1. Tim. 6.17 Luk. 21.3 such a portion out of which by frugalitie something may be spared Q. To whom must Almes be giuen A. To e Deu. 15.7 11. those onâ—ly whom God by his prouidence hath made poore vnlesse f Luk 10.33 present extremitie dispense with the consideration of the person Q. How much must we giue A. We must g 2. Cor. 9 6 sow liberally that we may reape also liberally yet with respect to h 2. Cor. 8.13 our owne abilitie and the i 2. Cor. 9.12 condition of the receiuer Q. With what affection must Almes be giuen A. With k Mat 6.1 c. humilitie before God a Psal 112 4. compassion of our poore brother b 2. Cor. 9.7 cheerefulnesse and c Rom. 12.8 singlenesse of heart SECT XLIX Of Death and particular Iudgement Q. VVHat is the dealing of God with man after this life A. The bringing of all men vnto Iudgement Q. How are men brought to Iudgement A. Two waies Viz. d Heb. â— 27 seuerally at the hower of euery ones death and e Act. 17.31 generally at the last day Q. How are men iudged in the houre of death A. God then pronounceth and the conscience apprehendeth the sentence of absolution or condemnation and the f Luk. 16.22 23. soule is accordingly conueyed into ioy or miserie SECT L. Of the preparation to the last iudgement Q. VVHat is the iudgement of the last day A. The great Assise of the whole world wherein a 2. Cor. 5 10 Eccl. 12.14 all men shall appeare before the iudgement seate of Christ to receiue according to that they haue done in this life Q. When shall this day be A. b Act 1.7 It is not for vs to know the times onely wee know that c Heb. 10.37 2. Pet. 3 9 hee that is
to come will come and will not tarrie Q. How shall Christ come to iudgement A. Euen in his d Act. 1.11 humane body but e Mat. 25.31 with vnspeakeable glorie attended with all the holy Angels of God and with the f 1. Thes 4 1â— shout of an Arch-Angell Q. How shall all men be brought into the presence of Christ the Iudge A. a 1. Cor 15.52 The dead shall be raised with their owne bodies and the liuiâ—â— changed and that in a moment at the sound of the last trumpet Q. Shall the resurrection of the Elect and the Reprobate be the same A. No. For b 1. Cor. 15.52 53. the Elect shall rise with glorious bodies but the Reprobate with bodies full of vncomelinesse Q. How shall men appeare before Christ A. c Luk. 21.28 1. Thes 4.17 The Elect shall with ioy be caught vp to meete the Lord but d Reu. 1.7 6.15 16. the Reprobate with horror shall bee drawne into his presence SECT LI. Of Examination and sentence Q. HOw shall men bee tryed in this iudgement A. e Ro. 2.12 15. According to the will of GOD manifested vnto them by nature or by Scripture and the testimonie of their owne consciences touching their obedience or disobedience thereto Q. Shall the Elect vndergoe this tryall A. Yea but with great fauour for a Ezek. 18.22 Reu 14.13 not their sinnes but their good workes onely shall bee remembred and those not strictly censured but onely produced as proofes of that faith in Christ whereby they haue b 2. Pet. 1.10 11 entrance into the kingdome of God Q. How shall sentence bee pronounced A. Christ the Iudge shall award vnto c Mat. 25.34 the Elect the blessed kingdome promised and to d Mat. 25.41 the Reprobate the curse of euerlasting fire e Rom. 6.23 which they haue deserued SECT LII Of the Execution of the last Iudgement Q. HOw shall this sentence be executed A. a Mat. 25.46 Christ by his Almightie power and ministerie of Angels shall caâ—â— the Diuels and wicked men into hell fire and after carrie vp the righteous with himselfe into the blissefull and euerlasting kingdome of glorie ECCL 12. ver 13 14. Let vs heare the end of all feare God and keepe his commandements for this is the whole of man For God will bring euery worke vnto iudgement with euery secret thing whether it be good or euill A short Prayer for the Morning O Eternall and Almightie Lord God who in vnspeakeable wisedome and goodnesse hast made all things for the good of man and man with al and aboue all things for thine owne glorie wee humbly acknowledge our selues to be vtterly vnworthy of the least of all thy mercies which wee either enioy or desire to enioy For O Lord wee are not onely weake creatures vnable to giue vnto thee first that wee should bee recompenced but also sinfull and vnthankefull wretches not rendring vnto thy Maiestie according to thy kinde and gracious dealing with vs. Thou createdst vs O Lord in thine owne image endued with wisedome and true holinesse adorned with all bodily perfections aduanced vnto dominion ouer all thy workes of wonder but wee all in Adam by breaking thy Couenant forfeited our birth-right deâ—aced thine holy image and made our selues more vile then the beasts that perish Thus were wee borne into the world an increase of sinfull men full of ignorance and vanitie of minde of rebellion and obstinacie of heart secure in conscience peruerse in affections vnbridled in appetite vtter enemies vnto thine holinesse carelesse to know or seeke after thee vnwilling either from thy blessings or from thy iudgements to take knowledge of thee Yea Lord when thou causedst the light of thy glorious Gospell to shine vnto vs our foolish hearts despised that light and preferred darknesse before it because our deedes were euill so that if thou hadst not giuen vs as well sight as light and a minde as well as meanes to know thee who art true euen to this day our eyes had beene still blinded by Satan the God and Prince of the darknesse of this world But blessed for ouer be thy glorious Name who for thine owne mercies sake not our merite and by thine owne Almightie power without any disposition or concurrence on our part hast effectually called vs vnto the knowledge and obedience of thy Gospell But what can we plead for our selues O Lord that haue walked vnworthy of this thy great grace and as much as in vs lieth againe defaced thine image in vs euen the new creature For since the time that we gaue our names vnto Christ and professed our selues to bee of his partie wee haue many waies and many times treacherously ioined with Satan with the world and our owne corruption to sinne against the honour of our Sauiour and against the light of knowledge which shineth into our consciences so that by our disobedience and rebellion we haue weakened the cause of thy Truth and opened the mouth of the Aduersarie to reproch the holy Gospell of thy Sonne Iesuâ— Christ which we professe Finally our whole course conuersation aboundeth with continuall breaches of all thy righteous lawes and is shamefully barren of those fruits of righteousnesse which by Iesus Christ should redound vnto thy praise and glorie Wherefore O Lord wee freely confesse against our selues our great wickednesse wee iudge our selues worthy â—o be destroyed for all our iniquities we abhorne our selues and repent before thee in dust and ashes we fly only to thy rich mercie grace in Christ Iesus beseeching thee for his sake to haue mercie on vs with his bloud to wash clense vs from all our sinnes in his face and countenance to behold vs in his absolute merite mediation fauourably to accept vs. So shall there be no condemnation for vs being in Christ Iesus who was made sinne for vs that wee might be made the righteousnes of God in him Further O Lord that wee may soundlie assure our selues that wee are in Christ and withall be enabled to walke more worthie of thy grace wee beseech thee make vs more and more partakers of the spirituall power both of the death and life of Christ Let the power of his death mortifie in vs all carnall and sinfull lusts let it crucifie the world vnto vs and vs vnto the world let it dull and dead our hearts vnto the allurements of sinne let it make vs sencelesse or carelesse of the discouragements that are or may be offered in the way of well-doing Let it arme vs with this mind rather to suffer any trouble and forbeare any pleasure then by sinning against thee to hazard the peace of a good conscience On the other side let the quickening power of the life of Christ reuiue our dead nature vnto new obedience let it in flame our hearts with the loue of thy maiestie let it make thy word sauourie vnto vs and more desirable then our