satisfaction the debt is never pâ—â—d Gods Justice is better contented in Christs sufferings for a time then in the creatures for evermore and for the sinnes of the Elect then for the sinnes of the damned Q. If God be satisfied then we are discharged from the curse of the Law and all our debt to Gods Justice A. We are soâ— because Christ our surety hath fully answered the Law for us so that nothing remaines to be charged on us Gal. 3.10 13. Rom. 8.33 34. Q. But how did Christ answer the Law for us A. By a bearing all that punishment which is due to breakers of God Law and by b fulfilling all that obedâ—ence which it requireth of us a Phil. 28. Ro. 5.19 b Mat. 5.17 Joh. 8.29 Mat. 3.15 Rom. 8.3 We that are sinners stand bound to God in a double debt 1. Of satisfaction for sins past 2. Of obedience for time coming This the Law requireth of us and thus much Christ hath performed for us Q. What is the second part of Christs Priestly office A. To make intercession for us Of Christs intercession Rom 8.34 Heb. 7.25 Q. What meane you by Christs intercession A. Christ stands between God and us he presents us and our prayers to God pleads his merits for our acceptance Christ appears in the presence of God for us as the high Priests did with the names the twelve Tribes in the Holy of Holies Heb. 9.24 1 Joh. 2.1 Rev. 8.2 3. Exod 28.28 29 38. Q. What then be the parts of Christs intercession A. They be two 1. To present and tender to his Father his owne bloud which he shed for our sins And 2ly To make requests for us Thus did the high Priest who was a Type of Christ enter into the Holy of Holies which was a figure of Heaven with the bloud of a Bullock a Goat which did signifie Christs bloud and with Incese which did signifie his prayers for the people Thus did the High Priest when he went into the Holy of Holies to make atonement and reconciliation for the people Lev. 16.5 12 13 14 15 16 19. And thus doth Christ our High Priest for us now in Heaven Rev. 8.2 3. Heb. 9.12 23 24. Christ carried his own bloud into Heaven Q. What is the effect and fruit of this part of Christs Priestly office 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 7.25 Heb. 9.14 A. By this applying and pleading of his sacrifice for us both our persons and our services are accepted with God Exod. 28 38. Q. What followes of all this A. Therefore we must go to God only by Christ and not by any Creature Saint or Angâ—ll 'T is Christs office not theirs to appeare in our behalfe before God Heb 4.14 16. with Heb. 5.4 5. Q. How doth it appeare that he is a Priest to you A. Because he gives me peace of conscience in his bloud and hath made me a Priest to offer up spirituall sacrifices to God by him Rev. 1.6 1 Pet 2.5 Rom. 12.1 CAP. XII Of Christs Kingly or Ruling office Propheticall Teaching office ALL the Benefits obtained by Christs Priestly Office are conveyed unto us by his Kingly and Propheticall office Q. Is Christ the King of the Church A. Yes 2. Of Christs Kingly office Christ is the only King over the Church It is such an Honour that God thinkes it fit for none but his Son Heb. 1.8 9. Col. 1.15 18. Christ is the first borne of every Creature He is the Head and Husband of the Church and therefore he alone is fit he alone is able to gather a Church to rule his Church and to deliver it from those mighty Principalities and Powers which fight against our soules Mat. 2.2 Rev. 19.16 1 Tim. 6.15 Rev. 15.3 Q. What kind of Kingdome or dominion hath Christ over the Church A. It is not of this world nor like the Kingdomes of earth But it is a spirituall Kingdome ordering the businesse of the soule and the affaires of Heaven Col. 1. 13. Rev 1.18 3.7 All things belonging to it are spirituall the means of gathering and governing it are spirituall the weapons of our warfare are spirituall the blessings and priviledges are spirituall the enemies of it are spirituall c. Q. What be the parts of this spirituall Kingly office of Christ A. They be foure 1 To deliver us out of the hands of our spirituall enemies to turne us from darknesse to light from the power of Satan unto God and so to translate us into the Kingdome of Jesus Christ Act 26 18. Col. 1.13 Luk. 1.74 Q. What be those spirituall enemies out of whose hands Christ doth deliver us A. Foure 1ª Sinne. 2 b Satan 3 c The curse of the Law And Lastly d Death All these be enemies to our salvation and over them all Christ doth give us the victory a 1 Pet 4.2 1 Joh 3.8 Mat 12.20 Rom 6.7 b Rom. 16.20 1 Ioh 4.4 c Rom 7.1.4 8.33 d 1 Cor. 15.55 57. Q. What is the second part of Christs Kingly office A. To give us Laws and Rules to order and governe us being thus gathered in the wayes of truth and righteousnesse Esay 9.6 7. Gal 6.16 Mat 28.20 Q. Then they wrong Christ in his Kingly office that challenge a power over the conscience to bind it with sin or duty A. They doe so because it is Christs prerogative to give Lawes to the conscience Esay 33.22 Mat. 23.8 10. Iam. 4.12 Men may order the outward man by their Lawes Col. 2.11.21 12. but the conscience is Christs peculiar they may not meddle with that to bind where Christ hath set free And where Christ hath bound no man can set us free 1 Cor. 7.24 2 Cor. 11.20 Gal. 5.1 Q. What is the third part of Christs Kingly office A. To subdue our lusts to rule in our hearts by his Word and Spirit and to keep us in obedience to his Lawes Psal 110.2 3. 45.5 2 Cor 10.4.5 Luk 19.14 27. Ezek 34.23 24. Q. What is the fourth part of Christs Kingly office A. To defend and preserve us amidst all tentations unto his Kingdome of glory Christ doth take order with the Enemies of his Church Kingdome he discovers and confounds their plots and devices He restraines their rage and sets bounds to their malice at last he casteth them into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 2.10 Luk. 18.7 8. Esa 43.2 Amos 9.9 Ezra 6.8 11 22. Esth 3.8 13. with Esth 6.1 6. with Esth 8.5 8 11. with Esth 9.1 22. Rev. 19.20 Q. By what means doth Christ gatheâ— him a Kingdome and carry on the Government thereof A. a Not by the arm of flesh b buâ— by spirituall weapons viz. His Word Sacraments and the exercise of the keyes which we call discipline a 2 Cor. 10.4 Esa 11.4 Eph. 6.11 12. b Joâ— 20.23 Mat. 18.17 18. Q. Then it is not lawfull for Christians by force of Armes to erect Christs Kingdome much lesse is it
soule and body in the duties of Religion and Divine Worship 3. That I honour him with my Tongue and Life 4. And that I carefully keepe his Sabbaths Of the first Commandment Thou shalt have no other Gods c. Q. WHat is the purpose of God in this first Commandment A. That we should take Iehovah the only true God for our God set him up in our hearts in his due place that is above the creature Of spirituall inward worship to love and feare him to serve trust and obey him We must reserve unto him all that preheminence of honour feare love and trust which is due to him as a God and not to give any part thereof to the creature To honour a King as if he were but a private person is not to give him his due because it is beneath his place God must have his full preheminence in our hearts Mar. 12.29 30. Mat. 4.4 10. Thus does Christ expound this Commandment Q. What particular duties are commanded under this generall that so God may be thy God A. Five 1. I am hereby bound to know God in his Nature 1. Knowledge Will and Attributes else I shall never love him nor trust in him 1 Chron 28.9 Rom. 12.2 Ioh. 17.3 Ro. 10.14 Q. What secondly 2. Trust A. We are bound to believe on him to depend and stay our selves on him for every good thing we need not being disheartned in our duties nor stepping out to false helps in evill times Jer 17.5.7 2 Chron 20.20 Psal 31.6 7. Psal 11.1 2. Job 31.24 Jonah 2.8 Dan 3.16 Dan 6.23 Q. What thirdly is here required Q. I am bound to love and delight in him as the chiefest good above father 3. Love lands credit profit or life it selfe Mat 10.37 1 Sam 2.29 Mat 19.22 29. Q. What fourth duty A. I am bound to feare him 4. To feare him to stand in awe of his Majesty not daring to offend him in any thing for any respect The object of godly feare is the evill of sinne the offending of God 1 King 8.3 12. Esay 51.12 Esay 8.2 13. Jer 2.19 In all these God must have his full preheminence for if we love feare trust or delight in any thing against God or above God then that is our God Q. What fifth duty is required A. I am bound to acknowledge him and to make outward profession 5. To confesse him that God is the Lord whom we serve that he is governour preserver and rewarder of all men the searcher of all hearts and that no God can do as the doth There is none other to whom any of these can be applied Dan 4.37 1 Chron 29.10 11. Esay 26.13 1 Cor 1.31 Mar 8.38 Jer 10.6 7. Q. What is the thing here generally forbidden A. The thing here forbidden is the giving of any divine honour to the creature the setting up of the creature in our hearts to withdraw us from God Q. Tell me particularly who be the transgressors of this Commandment A. Seven sorts of persons 1. All ignorant persons Ignorance of God that either a naturally oâ— b carelesly or willingly remaine ignorant of God and his will concerning us a Eph 4.17 18. b Iob 21.14 Ioh 3.20 2 Pet 3.5 Q. Who else Disobedience A. They that have knowledge severed from obedience such as professe to know God but in their works and waies deny him These doe not take Jehovah for their God Tit 1.16 Rom 1. â—8 Q. Who thirdly doe sinne against this Commandmemt A. All Atheists and Idolaters that is Atheisme and Idolatry all such as think there is no God or that there be more Gods then one or that God is like to any thing made by Art in Carving and Painting Also whosoever do give any divine honour worship and service to any Creature All such persons be either Atheists or Idolaters They fancy to themselves some other God Rom. 1.23 Act. 14.15 1 Cor. 8.3 6 10. Rev. 19.10 Rev. 22.9 Q. Who fourthly A. All superstitions persons that is Superstition such as ascribe any spirituall or supernaturall effect good or bad to ceremonies observation of things the observation whereof hath no ground in nature nor divine institution as to the crying flying of birds bleeding at the nose the hare crossing us in our journey c. Also in Religion ascribing supernaturall and spirituall effects worth excellency or acceptablenesse to ceremonies devised by man as to anointing with oile signing with the crosse sprinkling with Holy-water consecration of Temples VestmeÌ„ts Altars c. Mar. 7.4 5 8. Col. 2.21 1 Sam. 4.3 Ezek. 21.19 21. Jer. 10.2 3. It is Gods prerogative to give grace and also to institute any sign or token of Grace or to make any thing to be an effectuall meanes of applying any spirituall good to the soule and therefore it is an injury done to God to ascribe that which is due to him unto mens inventions c. Q. Who fiftly be the transgressours of this Commandment A. All such as seek to Wizards Wiches Conjurers Soothsayers or to Saint or Angel for help Seeking to Witches for helpe All that step out of any unlawfull shifts in distresse c. all these doe forsake Jehovah and cleave to the creature Deut. 18.9 10. Act. 8.10 11. 1 Chron. 10.13 14. Esay 47.12 13. Q. Who sixtly Unbeliefe despare A. They that doubt and despaire of Gods truth and love made knowne and will not commit their soules and estates to him It is a sinne to doubt and refuse any part of Gods truth and promises the highest degree of unbeliefe is despaire Esa 7.9 He. 3.19 Mat. 6.30 Joh. 20.25 Mat. 8.26 Job 27.10 Iob 15.22 These deny God the Honour due to him To be ashamed of God and godlinesse Q. Who lastly be transgressours of this Commandement A. All that be ashamed of God and deny him here before men in any degree as in his Word Waies Worship Children and ordinances Joh. 12.43 Luk. 22.57 2 Tim. 4.16 Mat. 11.9 2 Tim 2.12 Q. What followes hereof A. That if we doe not make conscience of these duties and care to avoid these sins we be under the Law that is under the sentence of it to be judged by it Where sinne reignes the Law reignes and is in force against thee Rom. 6.14 CAP. XXX Of the second Commandement Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image Q. WHat is the purpose of God in this Commandement A. To preserve his outward worship pure and undefiled from all superstition Idolatry from all inventions of man and to keep us to that entire manner of worship which himself hath appointed so is this Commandement expounded in Scripture Num. 15.39 Deut. 12.30 32. Psal 106.38 39. Esay 8.20 Vse Hence we learne that whatsoever is made use of for the tendring up our Homage unto God or for the conveying of any spirituall efficacy from God into the hearts of his
Commandement Rom. 7.7 23. Jam. 1.14 Gal. 5.17 Q. What is the particular coveting here forbidden A. Discontentednesse with that we have wishing and longing after that which is anothers As when we be not content with that place and condition which we hold in the Family Church or Common-wealth but the heart is still rising wishing woulding after the condition of another as would I were a Master or a Minister or a Tradesman rather then a Minister c. This unquietnesse of the spirit this sicknesse of the desire repining rising and saying within our selves O how well could I live if I had such a field such a Wife such a Servant c. these motions be contrary to that compleat contentment which is here requirey Under this particular concupiscence of the heart coveting that which is anothers all evill motions and desirings of the like kinde are forbidden namely all lustings against the Law of the minde all the rising enmity and Rebellion that is in our nature against the things of the Spirit the suddain passions and perturbations of the mind also the rolling of vain thoughts in the mind as thoughts of pride revenge the moving of the heart towards any evill object though without any setled approbation of the same But tell me Q. Are these thoughts and motions sinfull if we doe not consent unto them nor purpose to put them in practice A. Yes they are The very risings of corruptions within us are sins to be repented of They are as the scum and boiling of the pot the rising of the mud c. A lame horse if he move he will halt in going An instrument out of tune will jarre in the sounding and that is a fault there is something wanting that should be unto perfection so in our very natures there is a jarring and a swerving from the Law of God and that uprightnesse wherein God created man and these swervings are the fruits of sinne and the causes of sinne in us as Jam. 1.14 15. Rom. 7.21 23 24. Gen. 8.21 Eph. 4.22 Q. What say you then of evill suggestions and thoughts that arise in our minds as thoughts of Blasphemy c. are they sinnes A. If they be cast in by Satan Of Satanicall injections and not yeelded unto by us they be Satans sins and not ours To be tempted is no sin for Christ was tempted and had evill thoughts cast into his mind by Satan but to yeeld to the temptation that is our sinne Mat. 4.6 Mat. 16.23 Q. How may it be discerned whether the evill motions doe arise from our own corrupt hearts or from Satan A. Two waies 1. If the motion or temptation he unnaturall that is if thoughts arise which tend to the destruction of our naturall well-being or of our spirituall eternall well-being it is then from Sathan and if we consent not to such thoughts they are not our sins but Satans Perhaps thou hast thoughts to curse God to wish there were no God thoughts perhaps of despaire or to kill ones selfe or others c. these be Satanicall injections for nature loveth it selfe and so doth grace our new and spirituall nature and therefore if we resist and dislike such motions they be not sinne to us Matth. 4.9 Matth. 16.23 1. John 4.3 Mat. 3.28 Q. How else may that be known A. By the manner of their comming if they seaze upon us with terror affrightment suddainly and unexpectedly so that the soule is burdened and groaneth under them willing to be rid of them it is a signe they come from Sathan And such thoughts and tentations are our trials and afflictions but not our sinnes evill thoughts which agree to nature to our dispositions as that of Davids numbring the people and Judas selling his Master though Sathan cast them into our minds and stirre us up thereunto yet they are our sins as well as Sathans Matth. 4.10 Christ had indignation against that motion Q. What doth this Law forbidding all concupiscence informe us of A. Two things First it shewes the infinite purity of Gods Law which requires a conformity to his will not onely in our wils affections and actions but in the very frame and temper of the soule That no evill motions arise against God Q. What secondly A. It shewes the impurity of our nature which is so great that for it alone though we never harboured an evill thought the Lord might justly abhorre us for ever And therefore these inward workings of corruption the untowardnesse contrariety of our natures against God are to be bewailed and crucified if we desire to be sound in repentance Job 15.15 16 Eph. 2.3 Psal 51.5 Ier. 17.9 Eph. 4.22 Rom. 6.6 Rom. 7.21 24. Q. Is every soule bound to make conscience of the Law in forbearing the sins forbidden and doing the duties commanded A. Yes To his power he must keep it all else he is under the Law and not under Christ And consequently must perish for ever Rom. 6.14 Rom. 2.25 Gal. 5.24 Q. Are there besides this Law of God other Lawes and precepts of the Church to be observed of Christians for conscience sake As to observe Saints daies keep fasting daies make confession to the Priest at certaine times in the yeare of all our sins heare Masse upon holy daies Canisius Cat. A. No there is nothing to be added to the written Word of God it being in it self most holy perfect and sufficient to make men wise to salvation Deut. 4. 2. Rev. 22.18 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Man hath no power to make Laws to the conscience civill constitutions they may make for outward orders sake which we are to observe if they be agreeable to the Word of God not otherwise Q. Are there Evangelicall counsels of perfection distinct from precepts which if we keep voluntarily do help forward our salvation and increase our glory As that of poverty single life blind obedience to superiours Canitious Cat. A. No the Lord hath left us a liberty in some things but our choice therein is no part of perfection and other things named for counsels are not left to our curtesy but are duties to be performed as occasion requireth The only service and sacrifice which God accepteth is obedience to his will in his Word and God refuseth whatsoever a man taketh in hand besides Q. Well then there is but one Law under which we stand and the end of that Law is as hath been said to drive us unto Christ Tell me what must we goe to Christ for A. For three things 1. For a mercy to forgive our sinnes 2. For b strength and victory over our sins And 3. for c acceptance of our will for the deed For the Law justifieth no transgressor the Law gives no grace to keepe it selfe the Law accepts nothing but compleat obedience a Rom. 10.4 b Joh. 1.16 2 Cor. 3.6 Gal. 3.2 c Eph. 1.6 Heb. 13.15 1 Pet. 2.5 Q Our faith is unperfect and so is our obedience what is our duty
PRINCIPLES OF FAITH GOOD CONSCIENCE DIGESTED Into a Catecheticall Form together with an Appendix 1. Vnfolding the Termes of Practicall Divinity 2. Shewing some Markes of Gods Children 3. Some generall rules and principles of holy life By W. LYFORD Batchelour of Divinity and Minister of Gods Word at Sherborne in Dorsetshire The Fourth Edition That the soule be without knowledge is not good Prov. 19.2 If thou wilt apply thine heart to understanding if thou criest after knowledge then thou shalt understand the feare of the Lord Prov. 2.3.5 Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children Deut. 6.7 Printed at Oxford by Henry Hall for John Adams and Edward Forrest 1655. Advertisements touching the use and purpose of this Booke to my People 1. THere be two parts of a Ministers office that undertakes the instruction of Gods people the one to deliver sufficient matter of distinct knowledge unto Christian faith The other to lay downe and diligently to inculcate Principles of sanctification whereby a Christian may be directed in point of duty and holy life enabled to discerne between the state of Nature and the state of Grace Both these I have endeavoured the former by drawing out the generall heads of Christian doctrine into particulars the latter by laying down trials and principles of sanctification and holy practice 2. I intend this Booke for the instruction of those that are to be admitted to the Lords Supper wherein they shall be publikely exercised three years the two former years to be hearers and the last yeare to be answerers in it In which time it is hoped that the meanest capacity will be able to attain the sense understanding of the matter And whē they have been thus diligently instructed the Congregation satisfied of their competent knowledge in the doctrine of Christ then upon a day appointed for their admission to the Lords Supper the said Catechumenes upon their own motion desire to be admitted shall make professiō of their faith repentāce Ezek. 20.37 in their own names with their own mouthes undertake that Covenant of Faith obedience unto Christ which at Baptisme we all entred into and stand bound to performe 3. I have prepared a severall chapter for every week of the year and endeavoured to make the answers as weighty and perspicuous as I could both which as I conceive will be more delightfull and profitable to the learner To every answer I cause thē to read the proofes one or more as the time and matter requires within three quarters of an hour each Chapter will be dispatched if any thing be more lightly passed over one time it may be more largely insisted on the next 4. The number and length of questions will not be burthen some to thē that be long exercised therein The answers themselves are not long if you observe that they end where this marke beginneth and that all that is included within this marke is added for explication and not to lode the memory And if you expresse the sense of the answer in other words of your owne the answer will be the better accepted 5. There is some repetition of the same matter in the doctrine or justification by faith the Offices of Christ the difference betwixt the Law the Gospel which was not an oversight but of purpose the better to root those main points in weak understandings 6. This training up of our Children and Servants in a forme of wholsome words will I hope through Gods blessing be a meanes to prevent that grosse ignorance in them which now reignes in aged people The like fruit may be hoped in the free Grammer Schoole The Lord grant you to grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that both he that soweth and he reapeth may rejoyce together and when we shall be parted by death may have a joyfull and happy meeting in Heaven and be united to our blessed and glorious head for evermore AMEN READER THis fourth Edition addeth nothing of substance to the former the number of Questions and Answers and Pages be all the same Some notes for Explication are set in the margin Some expressions are changed and added when the former might seeme doubtfull The Contents of the severall Chapters Cap. 1. OF the certainty of holy Scripture of the state of innocency and the Covenant of Nature Cap. 2. Of the fall of man and his sinfull state of the staine and guilt and punishment of sinne Cap. 3 4. Of the difference and degrees of sin of originall sin sins of knowledge ignorance of infirmity and presumption of reigning sinne and sinne against the Holy Ghost Cap. 5. Arguments to convince carnall persons that they be under the curse no better then nature made them Cap. 6 Of the Covenant of Grace the differēce between the Old and New Testament the manner how Christ and Faith doe justify Cap. 7. Of the promises made to Christ the Mediator Cap. 8. Of Christ offered to sinners as yet unconverted and the ground of a sinners going to Christ Cap. 9. Of Gods promises to believers promises to the weake the doubting the lapsed Christian c. Cap. 10. Of the wonderfull person of the Mediatour God and Man and the benefit flowing from the personall union Cap. 11. Of Christs Priestly Office and the parts thereof viz. Satisfaction and Intercession Cap. 12. Of the Kingly and Propheticall offices of Christ Cap. 13. Who are in Covenant with God signes of true faith and repentance Cap. 14. Of mans uprightnesse the signes and benefit thereof Cap 15. Of the Nature Properties of God Cap. 16. Of creation providence whereby God guideth supporteth all things good and evill great and small Cap. 17. Of faith in Jesus Christ his Titles and Dominion Cap. 18. Of the Incarnation of the Sonne of God and manner of his conception Cap. 19. Of Christs sufferings the extent and value thereof Cap. 20. Of Christs exaltation to Gods right hand and what he doth there for us Cap. 21. Of the last judgement and of faith in the Holy Ghost Cap. 22. Of the Church of God militant triumphant of inward and outward calling signes of the true Church Cap. 23. Of the communion of Saints with Christ the Head and one with another the bonds and fruits of that communion Cap. 24. Of forgivenesse of sinnes the cause and effects thereof Cap. 25. Of the state of the dead and everlasting life for whom it is prepared Cap. 26. The first office of Faith to justify how faith is wrought by the Gospell Cap. 27. The second office of Faith to purify the heart of the first main end and use of the Morall Law scil to drive unto Christ and how that 's done Cap. 28. Of the second principall end of the Morall Law of the properties of true obedience of workes before and after regeneration and their unability to save Cap. 29. Of the first Commandment of Images of God or the
and custome as it doth belong to them by any right of Law Statute custome or otherwise Ro 13.4 6 7. Mat. 22.21 Tribute is a duty not a curtesy men sin if they withhold it for they attend continually upon our good Q. VVhat followes hereof A. They are naughty people that a inwardly despise or b cutwardly curse and revile or disobey and c rise up against their Rulers or withhold their dues a 1 Sam. 10.27 Eccl. 10.20 1 King 21.13 b Act. 23.5 Josh 1.18 c 1 Sam. 24.6 Q. But is it lawfull in no case for Subjects to rise up in Armes against their lawfull Soveraigne A. No in no case a No supreme Power whatsoever or wheresoever residing ought to be resisted by those that are under them b especially if they have sworn Allegiance unto them a 1 Sam. 24.6 Rom. 13.2 VVhosoever resisteth the Power resisteth the Ordinance of God The Powers are nor from beneath but from above Joh. 19.11 There is no power but of God Ro 13.1 with Ps 82.6 He is the Minister of God Rom. 13.4 God is the Soveraigne Lord of the Whole earth and Kings are his deputies and Vicegerents in them God is resisted they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation Pro. 30 31 32. a King against whom there is no rising up If we cannot with good conscience obey them yet we must be subject and submit unto them 1 Pet. 2.13 14 16. b Ezek. 17.15 16. Judg. 9.19 20 24 45 56 57. see CAP. XXXV Duties of Husband and Wife THE duties of Husband and Wife some be common to them both some peculiar to the Man or Woman alone Q. What be the duties of Man and Wife common to them both A. Five First for our choyce we must marry in the Lord that is with such as joyn with us in the faith worship of the same true God 1 Cor 7.39 1 King 11.2 4 7 11. 2 Chron. 21.6 Gen. 24.3 6. 2 Cor. 6. 14 15.16 Mal. 2.11 Q. What secondly is their duty A. To pitty and doe good each to the soule of other to bring one another from errour and darknesse to be heires of the grace of life 1 Cor. 7.16 1 Pet. 3.7 Q. What thirdly A. Mutuall helping each of other in counsels care and bearing the burthen of the family especially they must as yoke-fellowes joyn together in setting up Religion in the family They must draw in one yoke and one way in all good things the burthen must not be cast on one through the sloth nicenesse voluptuousnesse and pride of the other Gen 2.20 24. 1 Sam. 25.17 24 25. Q. What fourthly A. They owe one to another conjugall a love and loyalty whereby they must love and delight one in another above all others b bearing one anothers burthens and infirmities As sicknesse sillinesse poverty frowardnesse and not by rigorous churlish and hardning wayes to vex one another a Heb 13.4 Gen 20.16 1 Cor 7.12 13. Eph. 5.28 29 31. Col 3.19 Gen 16.6 Q. What fiftly is their duty A. Mutuall benevolence in a moderate and seasonable use of the marriage bed 1 Cor 7.4 5. Levit 18.19 25. 1 Thes 4.4 5. Q. What is the duty more peculiar to the Wife A. She must be a sober minded in all things discreet b keep at home c obedient to her Husband and of a gentle and meeke spirit It is a false commendation of women to be of a great spirit to take upon them over their Husbands to ruffle it and bring him under leave that for Zipporah Vasthi Exod 4. 25 26. Hest 1.12 17. a Tit. 2.4 5. b Prov. 7.11 1 Tim. 5.13 c 1 Tim. 2.12 Gen. 3.6 Col. 3.18 d Prov. 31.26 1 Pet. 3.3 4. A chearful curteous modest mild spirit becomes a Christian Woman a Christan Wife must not be sullen nor taunting not bitter nor captious and untractable nor domineering nor vain in false adornings of haire naked breasts costly attire and such like shewes and witnesses of an ungoverned and unsanctified heart Q. What is the duty more peculiar to the Husband A. To dwell with the Wife according to knowledge giving honour to her as to the weaker vessell that is not overbearing any thing contrary to her credit place comforts but fitting imployments according to her abilities making up in love and wisedome what is defective in her weaknesse 1 Pet. 3.7 What beautifull Christians should we be if we were carefull to performe and shew the power of Religion in discharge of the duties that belong to us in our severall relations he is an hypocrite that is forward in common duties of Christianity and is not alike carefull of the particular duties belonging to his relation and calling There be other relations of men who ought to give honour one to another as Pastours and People young and aged rich and poore c. Q. If I live under a Pastour or Minister of Gods Word What is my duty to him A. The Peoples duty to their Ministers is threefold First to a esteem them very highly in love for their workes sake Secondly to b provide them liberall and honourable maintenance to uphold the dignity of their callings a 1 Thes 5.12 13.2 King 4.10 Gal. 4.13.14 Jer. 38.4 9. b 1 Cor. 96 10 13 14. 1 Tim. 5.17 That double honour is spoken of their maintenance it is a sinne to make him a poor despicable man Gal. 6.6 in all good things Q. What is the third duty of people to Ministers A. To suffer themselves to be guided amended by their wholsome and faithfull doctrines Heb. 13.17 2 Tim. 4.15 These are not duties of curtesy and good nature but of conscience before God who will require a strict account of all the derision slanders hard usage and up-risings against their Ministers persons calling doctrines and godly admonitions as if it were a glory to keep them under or to carry on a foolish disorder against them c. Hos 4.4 Mat. 22.6 7. 2 Chron. 36.16 19. Act 4.2 3 24. Rev. 11.5 See 1 Cor. 4 11 12 13. Jer. 26.15 Q. What is the Ministers duty to the flock A. 1. He must goe in and out before them in a a blamelesse conversation 2. b feed them with wholsome doctrine a plainly diligently b and faithfully separating between sheep and goates between pretious and vile having e compassion on the ignorant and them that be out of the way a 1 Tim. 4.12 Tit. 1.6 Levit. 21.4 21. b Tit. 1.9 2 Tim. 3.16 Jer. 23.28 c 2 Cor. 4.2 2 Tim. 2.2 25. 2 Cor. 12.15 d Ezek. 13.10 19 22. Jer. 15.19 e Mat 19.36 38. Zach. 11.15 Heb. 5.2 Q. There be whom God hath made eminent above us in gifts of mind birth age or estate and we must honour whom God hath honoured What is our duty to such A. To acknowledge their gifts and reverence their persons especially if they be found in the way of righteousnesse Lev. 19.32 Prov. 16.31 Esay 3.5 Dan. 2.48 1 Tim. 5.1
not All such are blind and miserable and wretched and naked and think that they have need of Nothing when as indeed they have nothing of Grace or Heaven All such people are without knowledge and therefore without God in the world Rev. 3.17 Gal. 6.3 Jer. 6.15 Q. Whats 's a second marke of Gods children 2. Mark A. All Gods children are taught of God Ioh. 6.45 Esay 54.13 Q. How doe you know your selfe taught of God A. 1. The triall Because I am made to know things a above my Nature and to b love and imbrace things which be contrary to my Nature a Mat. 13.11 1 Cor. 1.21 with 1 Cor. 2.12 Eph. 1.17 18. b Mar. 8.34 35. Luck 14.26 27. Q. How secondly doe you know it Vse A. Because I have a new judgment of men and things I can look upon sinne and duty with such eies as Christ beholds them with that is I look upon sinne as upon a Toad or Serpent to avoid it And upon duty with a loving eye Ezek. 11.19 Heb. 8.10 11. Then it followeth that they who know no more then Nature can teach them and will believe no more then Reason can comprehend Also all such persons as doe erre in their hearts and say within themselves I desire not to know my sin or duty I love not to obey Heb. 3.10 Such as Hate to be reformed Ps 50.17 And love darkness rather then light Joh. 3. 19. Such as have not Gods LaW written in their hearts Heb. 8.10 Ier. 32 40. They that are pleased with sin and displeased with duty All such persons are not as yet Taught of God 1 Ioh. 5.3 Of the Love of God Q. What 's a third marke of Gods child 3. Mark A. All Gods children do love God with all their hearts if any man love God the same is loved and approved of God 1 Cor 8.3 Mat. 22.37 Q. How doe you know that you love God withall your heart The triall A. By foure things 1. When the heart is not divided between Two he hath not Two to please God hath the whole soule Esay 8.12 13. Luk 16 13. Num. 14.24 Q. How secondly may it be known that you love God with all your heart A. When I love God above all men all things All men and all things must be loved in God and for God but nothing against God nor above God Mat. 10.37 1 Sam. 2.29 Num 24.11 Exod. 32.32 Q How thirdly may it be known A When I strive to Honour and serve Him to the very utmost and best I can not as little as we can 1 Chron. 13.8 1 Chron. 29.17 Act. 20.24 2 Kings 23.25 Mar. 12.42 43 44. Q. How Fourthly may this be known A. This is the Love of God that we keep his Commandements and his Commandments are not grievous unto us 1 Joh. 5.3 Joh. 14.15 21. Joh 15.24 1 Joh. 3.4 5. Vse Then it followes that they doe not love God with all their hearts whose hears are divided between God Men betwen God and profit between God and credit or any other earthly thing Much lesse doe they love God aright who set up the love of men the love of themselves the love of riches Honour c. above the love of God above the will of God above the Glory of God or above the Commandements of God Lastly they doe not love God aright who serve him as little as they can something they will doe just so much as they think will serve the turne but their hearts are not lifted up in Gods service 2 Chron. 17.6 They doe not stirre up themselves nor lay on their Tallents to the honour of God whereas we must be zealous for Gods cause against sinne and wickednesse zealous for Gods Truth against error Iud. v. 3. Earnestly contend for the faith against Sects and Heresies whatsoever A Christian must love God for Himselfe for those excellencies and perfections of Goodnesse Mercy Grace Holiness Truth c. that be in God We must not love God only for his gifts or for our profits sake But as a child loves his Father though he be but poore and as a man loves his Wife better then her Portion so must we love God Ps 119.57 Psal 4.6 7. Psal 73.25 There is none in Heaven or Earth that I desire in comparison of thee Of Zeale for God Q. Shew a fourth mark of Gods child 4. Mark A. Gods child is zealous for God for his Truth and Glory Because thou art neither hot nor cold I will spew thee out of my mouth Be zealus therefore and repent Rev. 3.16 19. 2 Cor. 7.11 Act. 17.16 2 Pet. 2.8 Q. You have said that they that love God must be zealous for God Tell me what be properties of true zeale A. They be three 1. True zeale must be exercised alwaies in a good matter The triall and without respect to the eye of man Gal. 4. 18. 1 King 9.10 Iud v. 3. Luk. 13.15 Q. What secondly is the property of true zeale A. True zeale burnes inward our own sins and corruptions first and most Mat. 7.4 Q. What 's the third property of true zeale Vse A. True zeale is accompanied with meeknesse justice mercy and many other graces Jam. 3.16 Luk. 9.54 55 Luk. 13.15 Then it followes that all such persons as in their zeale do forget to shew mercy justice and Truth as Saul did 2 Sam. 21.2 and as Paul did Act. 26.9 11. And they which can be earnest against other mens sins and favourable towards their own as Rom. 2.1 22. And lastly they that be earnest and zealous in a Trifle or in a groundlesse cause as the false teachers at Galatia were Gal. 4.17 Such zeale does not commend them unto God Of love to a Christian for Gods sake Q. What is a fift Marke of Gods children 5. Mark A. By this shall all men know that yee are my Disciples if you have love one to another John 13.35 1 Joh. 3.14 1 Joh. 5.1 Q. How may it appeare that you love a Christian because he is borne of God or because he is a Disciple A. By foure signes 1. By this we know that we love the Children of God when we love God The triall and keep his Commandements 1 Iohn 5.2 That is we love Gods children because we love God first Our love to them must proceed from our loving of God seeing we love them for Gods sake Q. How Secondly may Christian love be discerned A. When you love a Disciple in the Name of a Disciple and a righteous man in the Name of a righteous man that is because they belong to God and because of the Image of God in them Mat. 10.41 42. 2 Ioh. v. 1 2. Q. How thirdly is Christian love evidenced A. When you love a Christian more for the Image of God in him then for Kindreds or profits sake Among your children or Neighbours or Friends and acquaintance you will love them best and most in