titles 3. While in our hearts we religiously regard and thinke of thy power wisdome mercy iustice iudgements c. Thy kingdome come 1. In the preaching of thy Gospell 2. In the power of thy Spirit 3. In the appearing of thy glory Thy will be done in earth 1. On vs in all that thou shalt thinke good 2. In vs in all that shall be good 3. By vs in all that our hand shall finde to doe As it is in heauen 1. By thine only Sonne 2. By thy holy Angels 3. By thy blessed Saints Giue vs this day our daily bread 1. For our present necessitie 2. Further commodity 3 Future ability And forgiue vs our trespasses 1. Sinning of ignorance 2. Falling of infirmity 3. Offending of set purpose As we forgiue them that trespasse against vs 1. Not retaining their iniuries 2. Not returning their iniuries 3. Doing them good moreouer for their iniuries And leade vs not into temptation 1. With drawing thy grace assisting from vs. 2. Stirring vp stormes and warre against vs. 3. Laying baites blocks before vs. But deliuer vs from the euill 1. Of our owne concupiscence 2. Of the wicked aduersary 3. Of the examples of this naughty age For thine is the Kingdome 1. Ouer all excelling the power 2. All ruling and disposing and the glory 3. Alwaies brightly shining For euer 1. In all ages past 2. At this time present 3. In all times to come Amen So shall it be 1. As thou hast said 2. As we haue praied 3. Herevpon our faith is staid we beleeue Lord helpe our vnbeliefe euen so Lord Iesus Amen Amen The Resolution of the Creede 1. THere are three maine parts of this the Apostles creed 1. The obiect of our faith God 2. The subiect of beleeuing the Church 3. The benefits that we receiue of God in the Church 2. The obiect of our faith God is distinguished into three persons 1. The Father 2. The Sonne 3. The holy Ghost 3. The first person is set out vnto vs vnder these Appellations 1. Father 2. Almighty 3. Creator of heauen and earth 4. The second person is set out vnto vs by his 1. Titles 1. Iesus Christ 2. his Sonne 3. our Lord. 2. Incarnation containing his conception and birth 3. His double estate of humiliation and exaltation of humiliation he suffered c of exaltation he rose c. 5. The third person is set out vnto vs by his 1. Name Spirit 2. Attribute Holy 3. The intimation of his office vnder these his name and attribute 6. The Church is set out vnto vs by her qualities description to be 1. Holy 2. Catholique 3. The communion of Saints 7. The benefits that we receiue of God in the Church are these 1. Forgiuenesse of sinnes 2. Resurrection of the body 3. Life euerlasting THE LIFE of Religion The Creed The first Article I Beleeue in God 1. ACknowledging that hee is but one Perkins 2. Applying him to my selfe 3. Relying on his helpe For he is 1. Alpha and Omega Reuel 1. 2. My portion and my lot 3. A tower to those that put their trust in him Vse 1. Therefore resort I to his written word therein to bee instructed concerning him 1. That he is 2. What hee is 3. Who he is That I may haue a ground for this my faith 2. Therefore come I vnto his fountaine thence to draw of the 1. Fulnes of his grace 2. Sweetnesse of his comforts 3. Truth of his promises That I may taste see how good he is 3. Therefore walke I without all feare committing may way vnto him and what belongs vnto me 1. Not trusting in my s lfe 2. Not trusting in the sonne of man 3. Not trusting in any other creature That I may hold mee fast by him The Father 1. Of his eternall Sonne 2. Of his elect Angels 3. Of his faithfull people For 1. He came out of his bosome 2. They are called the children of God Iob 1.6 3. They are reckoned to him for a generation Vse 1. Hereupon I vtterly condemne the blasphemies of those that denie God to haue a Sonne and heresie of those that deny the Sonne to be begotten of the substance of the father such as are 1. The Iewes 2. The Mahumetanes and 3. The Arrians And doe beleeue and hold this generatioÌ„ 2. Hereupon I renounce the error of the Saduces which deny God to haue any such sonnes as Angels notwithstanding besides in the names of their nature and office the Scripture sets them out vnto vs terming them 1. Of their dignitie thrones and dominions Bucan 2. Of the effect Seraphim 3. Of the forme of their apparitions Cherubim And acknowledge that hee hath such ofspring 3. Hereupon I wholy build vpon my God that he will doe for mee as for other his faithfull people like a louing father 1. Chastening me in mercie 2. Prouiding for my need 3. Turning al my sufferings into good And in this confidence I draw neere vnto him Almightie 1. To doe whatsoeuer hee shall please 2. To doe things to vs impossible with ease 3. To giue strength to the feeble and increase power to him that hath no strength For 1. Nothing can hinder him to execute his will 2. He is neither faint nor weary of his worke 3. His power is performed in the weaknesse of the creature Vse 1. I am humbled therefore in my selfe thinking on such might and strength and doe learne 1. To trust in his mercies 2. To tremble at his iudgements 3. To magnifie his workes Which brings such mightie things to passe 2. I measure not his omnipotence by the scantling of my perceiuerance when I see him worke great effects by 1. Weake meanes 2. No meanes 3. Yea against all meanes Which doth that which is wonderfull in our eies 3. I consider not my weakenesse in the worke of his grace being perswaded that he will inable me in all things 1. To doe 2. To suffer and 3. To ouercome Which will be glorified in his Saints and made maruellous in all them that beleeue Maker of Heauen and Earth 1. Creating of all things the kindes 2. Establishing their order 3. Guiding their course For 1. This is the worke alone of his power 2. This is the worke of his wisdome 3. This is the worke of his prouidence Now then Vse 1. I acknowledge none for Gods to put my trust in them but this all forming power and forsake all other Idoll Gods whether they be the names of 1. Diuels 2. Men or 3. Fained Monsters For he is the true Iehouah 2. I wonder at no wisdome but at his which ordereth all things comely in 1. Measure 2. Number 3. Weight For he is the eternall 3. I bow my knee to him alone and rendring my selfe to him cast all my care vpon him 1. Giuing thankes in my successes Basâ—in Caluin 2. Patiâ—nt in my sufferings 3. Hauing a good hope for the time that is to come For he doth gouerne all things The second
precept and practise of the duties that are required This is for conuersation 3. The rule of a mans praiers is that praier which the Lord himselfe hath taught vs somwhat for a mans learning to teach him to pray according to this praier may hee find in this small Booke This is for deuotion 3. The Lord of life giue vnto vs to liue in this World the life of grace that in the other vve may liue the life of glory here to liue religiously that there vve may liue blessedly through his Sonne our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus Amen THE LIFE of Religion The first Heads or Grounds of the Exposition following The Creed I Beleeue in God 1. ACknowledging that hee is but one 2. Applying him to my selfe 3. Relying on his helpe The Father 1. Of his eternall Sonne 2. Of his elect Angels 3. Of his faithfull people Almightie 1. To doe whatsoeuer hee shall please 2. To doe things to vs impossible with ease 3. To giue strength to the feeble and increase power to him that hath no strength Maker of Heauen and Earth 1. Creating of all things the kinds 2. Establishing their order 3. Guiding their course And in Iesus which saueth vs 1. From the guilt of sinne 2. From the punishment of sinne 3. From the power of sinne and Satan Christ annointed vnto vs 1. A Prophet 2. A Priest 3. A King His onely Sonne 1. Not by creation 2. Not by adoption 3. But by eternall generation Our Lord 1. Not by a power vsurped and vniust 2. Not by a power borrowed and limited 3. But by a power ingenit and lawfull purchase Which was conceiued by the Holy Ghost 1. After the will of God alone 2. After a manner vnspeakeable 3. After the prophecies that went before Borne of the Virgin Mary A thing 1. In reason wonderfull 2. In example singular 3. In effect desirable Suffered 1. According to the truth foretold 2. With great fruit to vs. 3 Leauing vs an example to follow his steps Vnder Pontius Pilate 1. Before whom hee was brought bound 2. To whom he was accused falsly 3. By whom hee was condemned vniustly Was Crucified 1. Despising the shame 2. Enduring the torment 3. Bearing the curse Dead 1. Verily and really 2. Voluntarily 3. Necessarily Buried 1. That he might shew the certaintie of his death 2. That hee might bury our sinnes with him in the graue 3. That pursuing death vnto his farthesest hold he might there conquer him and sanctifie the graue He descended into Hell 1. That he might deliuer vs from the streights and torments of hell 2. That he might destroy the â—â—els Kingdome 3. That hee might triumph ouer powers and principalities and make an open shew of them hauing disarmed them The third day he rose againe from the dead 1. Which is to vs a signe that hee hath ouercome death and fully satisfied for all our sinne 2. Which is to vs a token that wee must be raised here to newnesse of life 3. Which is to vs a pledge that we shall rise againe to the resurrection of life He ascended into Heauen 1. That he might prepare the way thither and take possession therof for vs. 2. That he might giue gifts vnto men 3. That he might send the comforter vnto his Church And sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighty 1. Partaking of endlesse rest and felicity 2. Administring and gouerning all things both in Heauen and in Earth 3. Making intercession to his Father for his people From thence he shall come 1. Visibly 2. Gloriously 3. Sodainely To iudge both the quicke and the dead 1. The wicked of them with all severity 2. The iust amongst them with all clemency 3. All in generall with all equity I beleeue in the holy Ghost 1. Acknowledging his Godhead 2. Taking him to be my Sanctifier and comforter 3. Putting all the confidence of my heart in him I beleeue the Church 1. The house of God 2. The piller ground of the truth 3. The mother of the faithfull Holie 1. By imputation of righteousnes 2. By inchoation of righteousnesse 3. By being consecrate to an holy and diuine vse Catholique 1. In respect of place 2. In respect of time 3. In respect of men the members of the same The communion of Saints which consists 1. In the vnion and coherence of the faithfull with Iesus Christ 2. In the vnion and fellowship of the faithfull one with another while they liue together here on earth 3. In that which these of the Church militant partake with those of the Church triumphant The forgiuenesse of sinnes 1. The guilt of them done away 2. The spot of them purged 3. The punishment remitted The resurrection of the body 1. Wherein there shall be a finall destruction of the workes of the diuell 2. Wherein there shall be a full manifestation of Gods mercy on the faithfull 3. Wherein there shall be a fearefull declaration of his iustice on the wicked And the life euerlasting 1. Which is the gift of our God 2. Which is the end of our hopes 3. Which is the complement of our happinesse The ten Commandements God spake these words 1 VVhose is the gretest authority 2 Whose words are words of veritie 3. Who requires our perfect obedience and the hearts sinceritie Saying I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage In the words of which preface that we should yield more willing obedience to the precepts following the Lord sets out vnto vs three things to induce 1. A declaration of his eternall rule and power 2. A promise of the goodnesse of his grace 3. A remembrance of his benefits before conferd The first Commandement Thou shalt haue none other gods before me First The things commanded in this precept are 1. That we know the true God and acknowledge him 2. That we fall downe and doe reuerence before him 3. That with purpose of heart and minde we cleaue fast vnto him Secondly The things forbidden in this precept are 1. Ignorance of God his word and works 2. Errors concerning God the persons of the godhead and their properties 3. The affection set on any other thing but God The appendix of the first Commandement Thirdly Promises and threatnings not exprest 1. If herein we harken to his voice we shall be his chiefe treasure aboue all people Exod. 19.5 2. If we like not to retaine him in our knowledge he will giue vs ouer to a reprobate minde and vile affections Rom. 1.26.28 3. If in our hearts we estrange our selues from him he also will be farre from vs and from our helpe The second Commandement Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen image c. The things required in this precept are 1. That we be religiously carefull of all the parts of Gods seruice 2. That we stir vp our selues thereunto by all godly meanes 3. That we stoutly oppose against all corruptions which may defile the
in our 1. Persons 2. Goods and 3. Fame Because thou art so good vnto vs notwithstanding all our debt And leade vs not into temptatiâ—n 1. Perkins Withdrawing thy grace assisting from vs. 2. Stirring vp stormes and warre against vs. 3. Laying baites and blockes before vs. For 1. Thereby we shall vngarded 2. Therewith wee may be ouer-whelmed 3. Thereat we may offend Vse 1. And then thy grace which did preuent vs that we might arise failing vs now standing we shall fall againe returning 1. To the vomit of our former euil opinioÌ„s 2. To wallow in the mire of our former euill manners 3. To run yet further into farther mischiefe Our latteâ— end being worse then our beginning 2. And then our house smitten on the corners with the winde will be shaken 1. The roofe of our patience 2. The walles of our hope 3. The foundation of our faith Our hearts melting away for very feare dying within vs. 3. And then the deceiueablenes of sinne will bewitch vs and peruert our simple mindes making vs 1. To tast the forbidden fruite 2. To eate of wicked mens delicates 3. To swallow the hook with the baite Our soules inclining to wickednesse turning away after euill counsailes But deliuer vs from the euill 1. Of our owne concupiscence 2. Of that wicked aduersary 3. Of the examples of this naughty age For otherwise 1. We shall serue sinne in the lusts thereof 2. We shall be led captiue of the diuell after his will 3. We shall be caried away with the current of the times corruptions 1. Aug con Iulian. So shall that which cannot vtterly be consumed in vs in this life be daily more and more abated 1. Wrath out of our hearts 2. Malice out of our flesh 3. Euill desires out of our soules Til we at leÌ„gth altogether be freed froÌ„ these workes of brick clay 2. So shall Satans worke be hindred and ouerthrowne which labors daily to subuert vs 1. Fighting violently and incessantly against vs. 2. Taking al aduantages of times Leo pap ser 8. natiuitatis meanes and places to annoy vs. 3. Sifting all our customes cares and affections to peruert vs do vs harm Till we haue at last escaped from this Pharaoh 3. So shall we be saued from this euill generation and from this present world without being 1. Defiled with the pitch of it Bern. in ser 2. Inwrapped in the bird-lime of it 3. Intangled with the snares of it Till we be at last deliuered out of Sodome For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory 1. Ouer all excelling 2. All ruling and disposing 3. Alwaies brightly shining 1. Whereto none may be compared 2. Which cannot be vvithstood 3. Which shall not be obscured Vse 1. Therefore doe we thy subiects make request vnto thee in 1. Praier 2. Supplication with 3. Thankesgiuing Because thou art our King 2. Therefore are we perswaded of thy present helpe and succour in all our 1. Dangers 2. Necessities and 3. Tribulations Because thou art so mighty 3. Therefore doe wee ascribe all praise and honour to the 1. Father 2. Sonne 3. Holy Ghost Because it is thine of right and duety For euer 1. In all ages past 2. At this time present 3. In all times to come Amen So shall it be â— As thou hast said 2. As we haue praied 3. Hereupon our faith is staid We belieue Lord helpe our vnbeliefe euen so Lord Iesus Amen Amen FINIS A short and plaine treatise of our fit preparation to the Supper of the Lord and wholsome participation thereof 1. COR. 11.28 Let a man examine himselfe and so let him eate of that bread and drinke of that Cup. AS Iacob blessing Asher Gen. 49.20 said his bred shall be fat and he shall yeeld royall dainties or giue pleasures for a king So may I say speaking of the fat things of this Table a little inuerting the words the King here giues vs his pleasures and feedes vs with his best things and roiall dainties Who am I saith Dauid vnto Saul 1. Sam. 18.18 that I should be sonne in law vnto a King and to Sauls seruants in the 23. verse Seemeth it a light thing vnto you to be a Kings sonne in law like question may wee all make vnto our soules concerning this table banquet who are we or seemeth it a light thing vnto vs that we are the inuited of a King If some great man should inuite vs to his Table how would wee study to compose our selues our apparell our behauiour that there might bee nothing in vs that might offeÌ„d so great a presence how much more ought wee thus to doe comming to the Lords Table wheâ—e we are to sit and eat of better foode then that of Angels and that also in the presence not of any earthly greatnes but of the heauenly maiesty That therefore we may come as fit and worthy guests wee must before hand prepare our selues For if the Virgines Hester 1. comming to King Ahashuerosh were to be purified sixe monthes and the people comming to receiue the Lawe of God three daies Exod. 19. how much more wee comming to this Table where the flesh of God is taken eaten ought to be purged purified in our hearts from dead workes and to bee prepared as fit guests for so heauenly a banquet This aboue al things euery one of vs that will come ro this Table well prepared must dâ—sire of God with ardent and eaâ—nest praiers that he would purge the chamber of our heart in which Christ will eate his Passeouer with vs. Now that we might fitly prepare and wholsomely participate of the Table of the Lord the Apostle hath set downe two things first what we must doe before wee come there namely examine c. 2. What wee must doe when we are there namely eate of that bread and drinke of that cup. If it be askt who must examine or who must be examined the Apostle resolues a man Who examine who examined or as Beza Quisque Euery man the examiner his owne soule and conscience his owne selfe for so saith the Apostle Let a man examine himselfe The touch-stone is for the mettals this triall is for our selues Euery man heere is of the Inquisition to examine whether his owne heart bee holie or hollow his loue false or vnfained his wares his workes good or adulterated his coine base or currant which that a man be able to doe it is necessary as Saint Peter requires that he be ready to render a reason of the faith and hope that is in him and how can he be ready to render a reason of his faith c. when he knowes not a reason of his faith how is it possible that a man should examine himselfe when he knowes not vpon what interrogatories he should examine himselfe The heart of man is deceitfull aboue all things how shall he be able to finde out the corruptions thereof that is not taught out
right hand of God the father almighty 1. Partaking of endlesse rest and felicity 2. Administring and gouerning all things both in heauen and in earth 3. Making intercession to his father for his people For 1. In the presence of God is fulnes of ioy and at his right hand there are pleasures for euermore Ps 16.11 2. He is ordained King head ouer al. 3. Hee is our great high Priest that is passed into the heauens Heb. 4.14 Vse 1. As therefore I beleeue that he now rests in heauen in happinesse and blisse after his so many labours and so much suffered here so doe I also hope that I shall rest with him there 1. Where nothing shall be wanting to me Cyp. de lau Mar. 2. Where nothing shal be hurtfull to me 3. Where Christ being present shall fill all my desire Though here I mourne and suffer for a season 2. As I beleeue his kingdome so doe I trust in him my king and bowing my knee vnto him yeelde him reuerence and obedience withall thankfulnesse Perkins hoping that he will graciously in his good time come and 1. Supply al my wants 2. Vanquish all mine enemies 3. Succour and helpe me in all mine aduersities Though he differ his helpe and comming for a while 3. As I beleeue him sitting at the right hand of the throne of maiesty to make request to God so doe I goe with boldnesse vnto the throne of grace Heb. 4 16 being very well assured that I shall receiue mercy and finde grace to helpe in time of neede through him that makes intercession for me 1. By the worth of his sacrifice already offered 2. By his owne will 3. By the consent of the father Though my person be vnworthy my praier sinne Vrsin The seauenth Article From thence he shall come 1. Visibly 2. Gloriously Mat. 24.30 Vrsin 3. Suddainely For 1. They shall see the sonne of man come in the cloudes of heauen 2. As his first comming was in humility and weakenesse so his second comming shall be in power and maiestie 3. Of that day and houre knoweth no man no not the Angels of God in heaâ—en Vse 1. I beleeue therefore that the iudgement shall be his not onely as he is God but also as he is man in as much as he shall so come as he was seene to goe into heauen Act. 1.11 returning in his body at the last day 1. A great comfort to the godly 2. A great terror to the wicked 3. A great signe and wonder in heauen As he shall come riding vnto vs vpon the cloudes 2. I looke not for him againe in the shape of a seruant in his humblenesse but as the Lord of all things in his brightnesse descending vnto vs 1. 1. Thes 4 16 With a shout 2. With the voice of the Archangell 3. With the trumpet of God As he shall come accompanied with the Angels of God 3. I dispute not curiously about the time of his comming but like a faithfull wise seruant watch that I may be ready against his comming that he come not to finde me sleeping in the day that I looke not for him nor in the houre that I am not ware of Mat. 24.50 for then his comming will be to me 1. Like the suddaine lightning 2. Like trauaile vpon a woman that is with child 3. Like a thiefe in the night As it will be to al the world on whom hee shall come at vnawares To iudge both the quicke and the dead 1. The wicked of them with all seueritie 2. The iust amongst them with all clemency 3. All in generall with all equity For 1. He shall inflaming fire render them vengeance 2. When they are iudged they shall not be condemned 3. He shall giue to euery man according as his workes shall be Apoc. 22.12 Vse 1. Hence conceiue I of the terrour of the wicked in that day when their owne consciences accusing them and their sinnes witnessing against them they shall say to the rockes couer vâ— and to the hils fall downe vpon vs to hide vs from the presence of that iudge 1. Bast Who wisedome knoweth all things 2. Whose power is almighty 3. Whose iustice is vnchangeable And therefore will giue sentence against vs for our wickednesse 2. Hence conceiue I of the incredible comfort of the godly which they haue both from the goodnesse of their cause Bast Vrsin and the ends of the iudgement as also from the promise and person of the iudge 1. Who is their Prince they his subiects Caluin 2. Who is their head and they his members 3. Who is their patron and they his clients And therefore will giue iudgment with them to saluation 3. Hence learne I patience in my sufferings not to reuenge my selfe though here I suffer wrong Eccle. 4.1 and the strength be of the hand of them that oppresse me thinking of his iudgement because it is iust hence learne I diligently to doe my duety and to bee carefull to shew foorth good workes seeing he will iudge according to works 1. From whom nothing secret is hidden Ambr. Iâ— de offic 2. By whom nothing vncomely iâ— approued 3. To whom all iust and honest things are a pleasure And therfore will iudge his people according to equity The eight Article I beleeue in the holy Ghost 1. Acknowledging his God-head 2. Taking him to be my sanctifier comforter Perkins 3. Putting all the confidence of my heart in him For 1. I worship him calling vpon him and giuing thanks vnto him 2. I am assured that he dwels in me 3. It is good for me that I hold me fast by God Vse 1. Bastin Let Seruetus therefore and his schollers say that the holy Ghost is no substance but a working and a motion Let Macedonius impiously affirme that he is a creature and not the creator yet this is my faith that he is a distinct person in the godhead and with the father and the sonne 1. Coeternall Vrsin 2. Coequall 3. Consubstantiall Proceeding from them the spirit of both 2. Let mine infirmity be neuer so great let ignorance blindes dulnes euill affections lusts in my members fighting against the spirit heauinesse and distrust of Gods gracious helpe and fauour possesse my body soule and spirit yet shall he purge out of me all corruption by his fire all darknesse by his light all infirmity by his strength all heauinesse by his comforts Bern. in ser 2. PeÌ„tecost which giueth vnto me 1. The strength of life 2. The light of knowledge 3. The earnest of saluation Teaching me in these three all things that pertaine to saluation 3. Let others trust in man make flesh their arme Ier. 17.5 In lying words Ier. 7.4 In vanity and things of nought Es 59.4 as in their owne counsels wisdome riches strength yet will I trust in him the spirit of truth while I consider these three things in which my
vnto him in his person Whether is more to be blamed think you this or that 3 As respect and kindnesse is required of the children so is the same affection also of the Parents for if loue and kindnesse doe not first discend how should they ascend we loue God because he loued vs first where the Parent is an Ostrich if the child doe proue a viper it is but a iust plague where the Ruler esteemes his people but as sheep and oxen and beasts of the field if the people be rebellious and lifting vp the heele doe doe kicke against authority it is but like for like If those in authority neglect and contenme their charge if those vnder authority despise their gouernment not respecting the worthinesse of their persons which stands 1. In the dignity of their places 2. In the excellency of their gifts 3. In the length of their daies Whether is the greater defaulter iudge you the one or the other 2. The negatiue of this Conmaundement We may not derogate any thing from the dignity of our Parents The things forbidden in this precept 1. Resisting of them in their iust commands 2. Prouing vnfaithfull and vnthankfull towards them 3. Hating of their persons and dealing frowardlie with them For 1. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft 1. Sam. 15.23 2. He that forsakes his father is a blasphemer Eccle. 3.16 3. To whom will a man be kind and louing if he be wicked and churlish vnto them Vse 1. Hearken therefore O you sonnes and daughters of disobedience you wiues of vndutifulnes you Subiects of rebellion you seruants of stubbornesse stiffenecked and peruerse you that would so faine cast of the yoke loose the cords and breake the bonds in sunder Here is the reproofe of your vngodlines lay it to your hearts but aboue all you children heare feare listen and learne consent and obey 1. To doe reuerence to your parents 2. To follow their admonitions 3. To beare their chasticements Lest he seuerely punished your vndutifulnesse that commaÌ„ds this dutie 2 Here â—ou children of Beliall vntoward ingratefull take the confusion of your sin vpon you is this the requitall of the loue and kindnes of your parents which gaue you life with great care and cost haue nourished and brought you vp that you should with-draw your selues from their helpe that you should spoile rob them render them euil for good and suffer their eies to faile looke to the stocke from whence you were hewen and to the pit from whence your are digg'd I meane to the father that begat you and to the mother that bare you in her body brought you vp vpon her knees that yee pay vnto them the things that yee owe 1. Loue for their loue 2. Helpe for their helpe 3. Prayers for them for their good wishes for you Lest God at the hearing of their sighes sight of their teares bee moued to wrath against you 3 Hearken O you scorner the abomination of the Lord. Pro. 3. Is it a small thing for you to detract your due obedience and to leaue vndone that which iust authority hath imposed but that you will also hate despight the parsons of your parents masters rulers lay you hand on your heart correct the thoughts of your hearts that your sinne may be forgiuen you put on the charity of those that are set ouer you in the Lord and shew your selues no more vnreuerent in your 1. Bitter speaches 2. Froward lookes 3. Vnseemely gestures Least there be laide vpon you from the Lord iudgements prepared for scorners stripes for the backs of fooles Pro. 19.29 3. The Appendix A promise of long life to the obseruers of this Commandement now they prolong our daies 1. By their fatherly care and prouision 2. By their praiers and 3. By their blessing Eccl. 3.9 For 1. Hereby it giueth well with vs. Ephe. 6.2 2. Hereby they procure this blessing from God vpon vs. 3. Hereby the houses of the children are established Vse 1. Is it not great reason thinke you that wee should haue a care of them to loue honour and obey them all our life who haue prouided for vs from the wombe and from the cradle and ministred vnto vs for the necessity and commodity of our life by whom we haue this that we doe not onelie liue but also liue more happilie being furnished by their care 1. With food and raiment for our bodies 2. With good instructions for our soules 3. With honest arts and trades of liuing So wanting nothing that is good needfull 2 Is it not better and more profitable to haue them pray to God for vs then to sigh to God against vs whereas God will giue vs sorrow for their sighes and blessings for their praiers the blessing of long life for which that they may be earnest suitors vnto God the father of heauen let vs doe all suites and seruice vnto them our fathers here on earth and performe out duties to them 1. Constantly 2. Willingly 3. Cheerefully So failing in no point of the honor that we owe them 3 It is not a thing to be wished for of vs that each care that heares vs then might blesse vs each eie that sees vs might giue witnes vnto vs Iob 29.11 then was Iob deceiued who reckoned this among other as his chiefe crowne and glory and a witnes of the vprightnes and integrity of his life But if this be to be desired from any man much more from these by whom we are men and so much the more to be desired because their blessing will establish their curse will root out the foundation the Lord blessing when they blesse and hearing when they curse vs in the bitternesse of their soules and bringing the disobedient 1. To shame and rebuke 2. To a morsell of bread 3. To an euill end So pouring out his vengeance and wrath vpon them The sixth Commandement Thou shalt not kill 1. The affirming part of this precept We must make much account of the life of man The thing commanded in this precept are 1. That wee bee peaceable in our whole conuersation 2. That our hearts be fraught with pitty and compassion 3. That we defend and deliuer asmuch as in vs lieth our selues and others from danger violence and vexation For 1. If it be possible as much as in vs lieth we must liue peaceable with all men Rom. 12.18 2. We must be mercifull euen as our father also is mercifull Luk. 6.36 3. If wee shall not saue and succour when we may we doe kill and murther Vse 1. Let them come hither now that are the sons of wrath and trespas ready to offer to their brethren all indignities and wrongs impatient of the least yea but supposed crosses and offences from others and learne to doe away the fiercenesse of their natures the roughnesse of their manners the iniquity of their conditions as occasions and things inclining to strife and bloodshed that the peace be
Lords table let vs come to that which we are to doe at the Lords table so let him eate of that bread and drinke of that cup when a man hath examined and prepared it is not left at his discretion whether he will communicate or no but he must first examine and then eate for whereas the sacraments are badges by which we Christians are knowne from vnbeleeuers and idolaters in the vse of them wee must needes communicate vnlesse we will shew our selues ashamed of the profession of our faith This sacrament is a seale to confirme our faith therefore as we desire to haue an assurance of Gods promises sealed vp vnto vs let vs come vnto this table By this we are vnited vnto Christ therefore as we desire to be one with Christ so let vs communicate The Lords supper is a linke of vnity that knitteth vs one vnto another therefore as we desire loue and brotherly kindnesse so let vs frequent this table What though Augustine say Crede manducasti Beleeue and thou hast eaten yet let no man thinke that is sufficient to beleeue and not to eate for although there is no holesome eating without faith yet at the Lords table we are holpen furthered and confirmed in our faith by our outward sences When we heare it said this is my body c. faith you know is by hearing we are stirred vp to lay strong hold on the promises of God when we heare this word doe this in remembrance of me We are assured that this is Christs commandement when we see the bread broken the wine powred out we are giuen to consider of his passion that was broken for our sinnes and thinke of his blood that washeth vs from all sinne when the Minister offers vnto vs and we receiue the sacrament we thinke of that thing which God offers vnto vs and we receiue by the hand of faith Great therefore is the vse and necessity of this Sacrament and let no man slacke his comming vnto it that is inuited there are that are content to come and heare but refuse this table what doe they thinke themselues vnworthy of it who can be worthy or doe they contemne God is his ordinance Let them looke to it there is a iudgement for such men those that refuse to come saith Christ shall not tast of my banquet As God herein hath tendered our infirmities so let vs tenderly respect the good of our owne soules not withsâ—â—â—â—â—â—g our selues withsome nor neglecting with others but let vs eate What we must eate Let a man eate of this bread c. Quisque probet c. Let a man or let euery man examine eate and drinke saith Paul not so saith the Church of Rome Let the Laity not examine but be confest let them eate if they will all but they shall not drink all we haue kept say the priests the chalice for our selues and they shall bee content with it vnder one kinde I will not say it is the licorishnesse of wine in men giuen to the appetite or a desire of innouating and changing this institution or their high presumption that their Church cannot erre though they decree against Christ that makes them thus sacrilegiously to abrogate the ordinance of Christ This I know hee that gaue himselfe for all said to his drinke of this all But the Church of Rome will giue Christ the checke not all saith she but some of all my shauelings my deare sons for the rest though Christ command it though Paul preach it yet shall they but haue it vnder one kinde Sic volo sic iubeo See the impious boldnesse of men whose consciences are seared with an hot iron and out of this iudge of the rest Quid non audebunt what will they not dare to doe I could but that I will not long with-hold my reader speake heere to the reproofe of the same men for keeping the host in a boxe when they are bid to eate the bread but I desire not to insist long on that which is to be eaten onely heere I cannot passe ouer that question which hath exagitated the Church so many yeeres namely what is that which is eaten for what for transubstantiation on the one side what for consubstantiation on the other side the Church is so diuided that it â—nowes not readily what to beleeue and hold concerning this Sacrament But because these are the things which are euery where spoken off and spoken against I will moue no longer question of it but indeuour out of these words other scriptures reasons and fathers briefely to shew that we must vnderstand in the Lords supper no Capernaiticall creophagie or carnall eating but that which is spirituall and by faith This will appeare vnto vs if wee consider well this place in which the Apostle saith eate that bread if it be bread when it is to bee eaten then it is not the very flesh of Christ presently after the words of consecration and againe the same Apostle Panem quem frangimus The bread which we breake And is it bread when it is broken then it is not the body of Christ presently after the consecration and if wee will beleeue Christ Iohn 6.35 he will tell vs that to come to him and to beleeue is to eate and drinke him the bread and water of life his flesh is meate indeede and his blood is drinke indeede ver 55. but it is the spirit that quickeneth the flesh profiteth nothing verse 63. see heere how our Sauiour would haue vs to vnderstand a spirituall eating Reasons Besides these and such like places of Scripture how many absurdities in reason will follow vpon this doctrine How absurd a thing is it that a mortall man who is not able to make one haire of his head white or blacke should bee thought able to create his Creator how absurd a thing to thinke that the reprobate rats mise and other vermin should eate the flesh of Christ it must needs thereupon follow that they haue eternall life in them What an absurd thing is it to thinke that accidents can be without their subiects A body without his dimensions the same body at one and the same time in innumerable places these and many such absurdities in reason follow on this doctrine Now heare the Fathers Fathers Num 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mysterium nostrum pronuncias irreligiosè ad crà ssas cogitationes vrges fidelium mentes humanis cogitationibus attentas ea tractare quia sola pura et exquisita fide accipiuntur Cirill ad Eutropium What doest thou call our mystery an eating of mans flesh and doest thou irreligiously vrge the mindes of the faithfull to grosse thoughts and doest thou attempt to handle those things with humane thoughts which are receiued by pure and exquisite faith alone Christus assumpto pane qui cor hominis confortat veritatem corporis sui repraesentauit saith Ierome Christ hauing taken the bread which comforteth the heart of man hath represented