greatest enemies No man will doe so much for his friend as God doth for his foes Wee came into the world with neuer a penny in our Purse with neuer a sheare in our Barnes with neuer a sheepe in our folds with neuer a Coate on our backe and yet the Lord hath filled our liues with great abundance Thirdly in sparing of our 〈◊〉 and that diuersly First in hiding many of our sinnes from the eyes of the world For if the world knew as much by vs as God knowes the best man that liues would blush to shew his face Secondly in giuing vs a time to repent for if God should damne euery sinner so soone as hee sinnes against him wofull were our case for none would be saued it is Gods mercy that wee liue and breathe vpon the Earth being guiltie of so many rebellious mutinies and treasons against our heauenly King as Ieremtah saith Lament 3. 22. Thirdly in vsing all meanes to draw vs to repentance like one that would gladly vndoe a doore he tries key after key till he hath tryed euery key in his bunch So God hath tryed by Mercy and tryed by Iudgement he hath tryed by pouertie and tryed by plenty because he would gladly by some meanes bring vs to him Esay 5. 4. As when a great fish is caught vpon the hooke the fish pulls and the man pulls and the fish pulls againe So God and the sinfull soule lie wresting together the soule drawes to Hell and God pulls to Heauen so fâ—ine God would haue vs who care too little to be saued of him Q. What vse may wee make of this Propertie A. First that men haue good cause to loue God seeing hee doth more for them then the deerest friend in the world will do If we should iniure your friend but halfe so much as we iniure God he would sooue cast vs off Psal. 27. 10. Secondly they doe the Lord of Heauen great wrong who pray to the Virgin Mary or to any of the Saints as if they were more fauourably inclined to Mercie then the Lord Psal. 50. 15. Q. What is the last Propertie of God A. Hee is Infinite Wherein appeareth the infinitenesse of God A. In two things First in respect of Time Secondly in respect of Place In respect of Time because hee is euerlasting without beginning and without end beyond all time Esay 51. 5. In respect of place because he filleth all places with his presence Psalme 139. 7. 8. Qu What vse doe wee make of this Propertie A. First to walke with feare and reuerence all our daies because God is an eye-witnesse of all we doe or say and therefore wee ought to walke with as great shamefacednesse and bashfulnesse before him as before the greatest Prince or power in the world Prou. 15. 11. Secondly not to be dismayed in any trouble because God is euer at hand to take our part As a childe will not care for the seruants so long as hee is in his fathers presence Psal. 23. 4. Thirdly that the diuine Nature ought rather with reuerence to be adored then curiously to be searched for seeing God is infinite in all his nature so mightie that none can conceiue how mightie he is so wise that all the wits in the world cannot tell how wise he is Wee are no moreable to comprehend his excellent Nature then wee are to graspe the Mountaines in our armes or to span the broadest of the Sea with our fingers 1. Tim. 6. 16. Qu. How many persons be there in the Godhead A. Three the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Qu. Is it needfull for vs to know the distinction of the Persons A. Very needfull for the Turkes and the Iewes confesse one God but because they denie the distinction of the Persons they neither acknowledge the Sonne of God their Redeemer nor the holy Ghost their Sanctifier Secondly the Maiestie of God is vnsearchable and cannot be apprehended but as it commeth forth and reueales it selfe in the Person of the Sonne and therefore they that know not the Sonne of God they in very deed know not God Iohn 1. 18. 1. Ioh. 2. 23. Qu. What is the Father A. The Father is that Person in the Godhead who begetteth the Sonne Psal. 2. 7. Qu. What is the Sonne A. The Sonne is that person who is begotten of the Father Iohn 1. 14. Qu. What is the Holy Ghost A. The Holy Ghost is that Person who proceedeth from them both from the Father and the Sonne Iohn 15. 26. Gal. 4. 6. Qu. Was not the Father before the Sonne A. The Sonne is euerlasting as well as the Father for the Sonne is the Wisdome of the Father and therefore as wee cannot say there was any time when God was without wisedome So wee cannot say there was any time when God was without a Sonne Pro. 8. 23. Qu. Are there not three Gods as there are three Persons A. No for all the three Persons are but one and the selfe-same God so that as the Root and the Body and branches of a tree are all but one tree So the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost are all but one God and therefore they that conceiue the three Persons to be so distinct as threemen are they entertaine a false conceite of the liuing God Cor. 8. 4. Qu. What vse may wee make of this A. That whosoeuer worshippeth one of the diuine Persons worshippeth them all because they are all but one and the selfe-same God And therefore men may not thinke when they pray to one of the diuine Persons the other is passed by but hee that honoureth one honoureth all and hee that prayeth to one prayeth to all Iohn 5. 23. Qu. How must wee serue God A. According to his Word not after our fancies but as God himselfe will be serued Deut. 12. 32. Qu. What gather wee of this A. That all will-worship brought in by men without warrant of the Word of God is to be condemned Mark 17. 17. Qu. What is the word of God A. That which is contained in the holy Scriptures in the Bookes of the old and new Testament there God speakes vnto vs and breakes his minde familiarly how and in what sort hee will be serued of vs 2. Tim. 3. 16. Qu. What vse may wee make of this A. To remember that as oft as the Bible appeareth the blessed mouth of God is open to instruct vs and that they which regard not the Scriptures regard not the voyce of God and they that suffer the Bible to lye clasped and shut in their houses doe as it were seale vp the mouth of God that hee may not speake vnto them Qu. How know wee that the Scriptures are the word of God A. By the power of them for God alone is able to conuert the soule of a sinner and to beget faith and therefore seeing the preaching of the Scriptures hath begotten faith in vs. and conuerted vs vnto God wee must needes confesse euen from
is an holy and a Christian-like spending of the day wherein a man may rest with peace assuring himselfe that he leades a life in some measure pleasing to God Q. What are wee to doe at night A. When the night is come then we are to looke backe and to marke how we haue spent the day then wee must call our selues to a reckoning and an account how wee walked in the duties of our Calling then how wee haue behaued our selues towards God towards our brethren towards our selues If we finde that we haue spent it well then to blesse God and to thanke him for it if not then to be humbled by it and to seeke to God for comfort and grace that we may lie downe in his fauour and make an end of all after-reckonings Qu. For further practise of Religion What is to bee done A. Wee must see what is to be belieued and practise the same The somme whereof is contained in the Apostles Creede Q. Why is it called the Apostles Creede A. Not that the Apostles made it for then it should bee Canonicall Scripture as well as the rest of their Writings But because it containes the summe of the Apostles doctrine Q. How many parts hath the Creed A. Two The first treateth of God The second of the Church Qu. What is the somme of the Creed A. Wee professe therein that we beleeue in God distinct in three Persons The Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost And that this God hath gathered to himselfe a Church that is A company of faithfull people vpon whom hee will bestowe his graces in this world and the glory of his Kingdome in the world to come Q. What is it to beleeue in God A. Not barely to beleeue that there is a God for the Deuills doe so and tremble and if this were our faith our faith were no better then the deuills faith and therefore to beleeue in God is to put our whole trust in God and rest our selues vpon him in all estates to bee assured in our hearts wee shall finde him a God that is mercifull and good to vs in all our needs 2. Tim. 1. 12. Q. What gather we of this A. That they who are cleane out of heart in their troubles be they neuer so great or seeke to winde out of themselues by vnlawfull meanes they care not how doe not belieue in God And therefore so oft as they say the Creed they lye because they say they Trust in him when indeed they are not inwardly perswaded that he will helpe them Qu. How many kindes of faith bee there A. Two An Historicall faith which the deuills may haue Iam. 2. 19. Secondly Iustifying or sauing faith which none but the true Christians and Gods elect may haue Tit. 1. 1. Q. What difference is there betweene these two A. The deuills beleeue that there is a God that there is a Christ But they doe not beleeue that they shall fare the better for him Nay they know that heshall one day condemne them and therefore their faith doth not comfort them but make them the more affraid But the Christian beleeuing that there is a God that there is a Christ beleeueth also that he shall fare the better by them that God will be his God and Christ the Sauiour will be a Sauiour as his Sauiour And therefore this faith is so farre from affrighting him that it comforts him exceedingly Gal. 2. 20. Q. Why doe wee say I beleeue not wee beleeue as wee say our Father A. Because our prayers may be profitable vnto others But our faith shall not saue any but our selues Abac. 2. 4. Q. May a man know that he hath faith A. Hee may for hee that beleeueth in God hath faith But euery man if hee would search himselfe and his owne heart can tell whether he repose trust and confidence in God or no And therefore euery man if hee would search himselfe can tell whether he haue faith or no 2. Cor. 13. 1. Q. If a Christian may bee sure that he hath Faith then he may be sure of his saluation A. It is true For hee that beleeueth in the Sonne of God he shall be saued Iohn 3. 36. But I know that I beleeue in God and therefore warranted by Gods promise I know that I shall besaued 1. Iohn 5. 13. Q. Doe not many deceiue themselues in their assurance A. Surely many doe because they thinke they haue faith but when it comes to scanning it is not faith but a vizard and a shadow of it like one that keepes an old Euidence by him and thinkes his land is sure But when it comes to tryall his deed is naught and will not carry it Q. How may a man know that he hath true faith A. Two wayes By the Nature of Faith And by the effects and fruites of it Q. How may a man know it by the nature of Faith A. If a man feele himselfe inwardly perswaded in his heart that God loues him in Christ and because he loues him will prouide him of all things needfull both for this life and for the life to come so that wee run not out to any wicked and vnlawfull meanes but rest our selues on God with contentment in all estates This is a sure note that his faith is true Iob 13. 15. Q. How may a man know it by the effects of Faith A. If a man haue an earnest loue to God so that he be glad to doe any thing that may please him and loath to doe the least thing that may displease him Secondly if he loue them that loue the Lord so much the more they shew the more affection to him This sealeth to his soule that his faith is true 1. Iohn 3. 14. Qu. Why doe wee say I beleeue in God not I beleeue in the Catholike Church A. Because we must beleeue in God and in none but God not in Saints not in Angels nor in any other power Ierem. 17. 5. Q. What gather wee of this A. That as we beleeue in God and in none but God so we must pray to God and to none but God For prayer and faith be linked together So that we may not pray to any in whom we may not beleeue Rom. 10. 14. And therefore seeing we may not beleeue in the Saints but in God alone it is euident that wee may not pray to any but to God alone Q. Who is this God in whom wee beleeue A. The three Diuine Persons the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost Q. What gather wee of this A. That the Turkes and Iewes though they confesse that there is a God yet because they doe not confesse the three diuine Persons acknowledge not the true God the true God being hee whom the Scriptures describe the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost 1. Iohn 2. 23. Q. Whose Father is God A. He is the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ And then by meanes of Christ he is our Father Ioh. 20. 17.
herbes meet for them by whom it is dressed receiueth blessing from God If a man haue found out an excellent plaister which will cure his sore if he pluck it away and doe not let it lye when he is on the mending hand but expose it to the aire Hee may relapse into a worser condition or kill himselfe So when a man hath got some profite by the vse of good meanes if he doe not then keepe to them but grow loose and idle hee may fall into as bad estate as before he knew of any cure or much worse Trees that grow by the sent of water if the water be drawne from them they cannot thriue thriuingly as before so take away the constant vse of good meanes from a Christian and you take away his life hee cannot thriue or grow Meanes to grow in grace 4 Fourthly Wee must so vse all the meanes as we must be carefull and indeauour to bee bettered by them and not onely grow but grow to a taste of perfection by the vse of them as neere as may bee According to the Apostles Exhortation 2. Cor. 6. 1. Wee then as workers together with him beseech you also that you receiue not the grace of God in vaine Therefore wee must doe as wise merchants who when they haue made a venture at Sea cast vp their bookes and looke into their accounts to see what they haue gained So Christians who beare a part in the house of God and traffique against sinne with his graces must cast vp their accounts looke into their bookes see what they haue gotten or gained what graces bee the stronger and what graces the more weakened in their hearts Lastly it may be obiected is there now remaining any thing else to be said in this Treatise of Repentance I answer for my selfe nothing else I haue to deliuer vnto you concerning this Treatise onely to intreate you that as one hauing passed alongst a goodly pleasant long valley where he hath seene on both sides great store of delightfull Woods Townes Castles Riuers c. when he is readie to leaue that plaine turnes about to view the place once more and make impression thereof in his memorie so that you hauing passed along and heard so many excellent points in this doctrine of Repentance would turne about againe once more to view them all ere wee leaue them First you haue heard of the Necessitie of Repentance that wee cannot be saued without it Secondly The order of it with other Graces Repentance being first seene in the life of a Christian. Thirdly The Nature of Repentance in which was foure things First that it is a changing and turning Secondly a turning in all and euery faculty of the soule Thirdly a turning from all sinâ— Fourthly a turning from all sinne vnto God Fourthly The Causes of Repentance were three 1. God the Efficient Cause 2. The preaching of the Law and Gospell the Instrumentall Cause 3. The helping Causes the Mercies of God his Iudgements and our owne considerations Fiftly The Time of Repentance was twofold Generall and Particular in the Generall two Rules 1. That we must repent in this life 2. That we must repent as soon as we can 2. In the speciall time of Repentance were fiue Particulars 1. When we haue fallen into any new sinne 2. When the iudgements of God are threatned against vs 3. When there is an offer of spirituall meanes of grace 4. When we are to vndertake any great worke 2. To renew our repentance euery morning and eueuing Sixtly The parts of Repentance in which foure things was obserued 1. Examination 2. Humiliation 3. Deprecation 4. Resolution for the time to come Seuenthly The Impediments of Repentance were two First in Iudgement Secondly in Affection In Iudgement foure wayes First either to thinke our selues not sicke of sinne or secondly sicke not so sicke as indeed we be Thirdly if sicke yet that we may recouer without repentance or fourthly if Repentance must needs be yet that it needes not to be so full and strict as Preachers tell vs. Secondly Impediments in our affections were first the loue of the world Secondly the loue of pleasures Thirdly the loue of our owne ease Fourthly the loue of our sinnes Fiftly the desire to keepe credit with the world Then we came to The Cases of Repentance fiue in number First the case of Relapse Secondly the Case of Iteration Thirdly the Case of Restitution Fourthly the Case of Teares Fiftly the Case of Comfort in death Ninthly The Contraries to Repentance First Impenitencie Secondly vnsound Repentance Lastly the Increase of Repentance in two things First that Repentance can neuer bee but imperfect in this life Secondly wherein it failes Thus haue I according to that abilitie God gaue indeuoured to cast the seed of God into your hearts now your wisedome â—â—st bâ—… to water it when you are at home in your houses that as my paines hath beene to preach it vnto you so yours may be to remember and make a right vse thereof and so I end beseeching God that the memorie of these things may remaine with you till your dying day That as euery day you sinne so euery day you may so renew your Repentance as Peter speakes Act. 3. 19. That your sinnes may bee blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. FINIS God Godhead Word of God Scriptures Saluation Fall Sinne. Our sinfull state Sorrow for Sinne. Saluation second thing Christ. Faith Fruites of Faith Iustification Adoption Fruites of Adoption Sanctification Fruites of Sanctification Godlinesse Sinne. Darling sinne Killing of sinne Loue of God Feare of God Spirituall vnderstanding Wisedome Obedience Ordering of our life Sobrietie In Dyet In Apparell In Labours In worke In Sorrowes In our Mirth To men Righteousnesse In our Assections Anger In Words In our Deeds Loue to their Persons Soules In drawing them to Christ. â—o incourage â—hem Admonition We must loue them in their goods Vsurie Couetousnesse Godlinesse Second poiâ—â— Godlinesse Trusting in God Thirdly Humbling Affliction Fourthly Prayer Fiftly Thankes-giuing Sabboth Wiues Parents Children Masters Seruants Officers Subiects Pastors People Helpes to a Holy life 1 Diligence 2 Graces nourished 3 To watch our Life 4 Daily Triall 5 Scriptures reading How to reade with profite 6 Marking Particulars 7 Meditation on good things 8. Affliction Sanctified 9 Remembrance of vowes and Couenants 10 Communion of Saints 11 Withstanding Lettes 12 Daily Practise Daily Practise how Daily Armour â—ay spending Lords day Weeke day The Creede Faith God the Father A mighty Creatour of Heauen and Earth And in Iesus Christ. Onely Sonne Our Lord. Conceiued by the Holy Ghost Borne of the Virgin Mary Hee suffered Vnder Pontius Pilate Was Crucified Dead And Buried Third day Hee rose againe from the Dead Hee ascended into Heauen And sits at the right hand of God The Iudgement day I beleeue inthe Holy Ghost The Church Communion of Saints The forgiuenesse of sinnes The
Affirmat T. 3. p. 97 but not so easily as others T. 3. p. 98. 100. obiections against it T. 3. 101. Father of God the Father T. 1. p. 78. wherein wee may sinde God a Father T. 1. p. 105. Faith what it is T. 1. p. 17. its kinds and meanes to be get it ibid. the fruits of it T. 1. p. 18 how iustified by faith ibid the difference betweene historicall and iustifying faith T. 1. p. 76 how a man may know that hee hath faith ibid c. 77. means of strengthning our faith T. 1. p. 106. two grounds of faith in prayer t. 2. p. 19 20 21. three Acts of faith T. 3. p. 23. the faith that a Christian man must dye in consists in three things T. 2. p. 163. Of the feare of God T. 1. p. 27 28. what it will worke in vs. ibid. c. 28. how we may settle it in our hearts ibid. wee must pray with feare T. 2. p. 23. Feastings how lawful T. 1. p. 30 Fellowship what fellowship we haue with Christ t. 1. p. 102 103. wherein it stands ibid. Forgiuenesse what we are to beleeue concerning it t. 1. p. 103. how to apply it to a mans selfe T. 1. p. 104. of the Petition of forgiâ—â—nesse T. 1. p. 120 122. the instruction and consolation we haue by this Petition T. 1. p. 122 123. that we haue all need of forgiuenesse t. 2. p. 109 that forgiuenesse is a most excellent mercy which all should seeke for T. 2. p. 106. why so few seeke for it T. 2. p. 108. the extent of the Petition of forguinesse T. 2. p. 109. the time of asking it is daily ibid. the condition of forgiuenesse what T. 2. p. 112 113 114. Freewill against Popish freewill T. 3. p. 39. G. GLory the glory of God is the first thing wee should desire in our Prayers T. 2. p. 30. reasons why we may pray for the kingdome of glory T. 2 p. 51. 52. God how knowne T. 1. p. 1 2 What he is T. 1. p. 2. that wee are to conceiue of him by his properties T. 1. p. 2. the vse of God 4 properties T. 1. p. 4. how many persons there be in the Godhead t. 1. p. 7. et 78. that he is Almighty T. 1. p. 79. why a Creator T. 1. p. 80 81. how God is our Father T. 1. p 108. of Gods Name T. 1. p. 110. why we must pray to God onely T. 2. p. 15. Godlinesse how necessary to saluation T. 1. p. 23. how to begin a holy life ibid. furtherances thereto T. 1. p. 24. the points of godlinesse what T. 1. p. 43 what difference betweene the state of the godly and of the wicked T. 1. p. 68. Gospel what it is T. 3 p. 13. the main thing promised in it ibid. two vses of it ibid. c. the difference betweene the Law and the Gospell T. 1. p. 16. Grace it is to be nourished T. 1. p. 66. impediments of grace T. 3. p. 57. how a Christian may grow in grace T. 3. p. 194 195 196. Grow of growing in the grace of repentance Treat 3. p. 183. how a Christian may grow in grace T. 3. p. 194 195 196. H. HAllowing of the Petition Hallowed be thy Name T. 1. p. 110 111. Gods Name hallowed of vs three wayes T. 2. p. 33. three things helping hereunto T. 2. p. 35. 36. Haire whether lawfull for men to weare long haire T. 1. p. 31. Heart what a man must doe to reforme the heart T. 1. p. 26. what we must first plant in it T. 1. p. 27. how we must bring our hearts in loue with God ibid. Holy Ghost vide Spirit what we beleeue concerning the Holy Ghost T. 1. p. 95. what hee worketh in vs p. 96. how a man may know whether he hath the Holy Ghost ibid. Husbands their duties towards their wiues T. 1. p. 53 54. Humiliation what it is and how to be performed T. 3. p. 73. I. INward what a change repentance maketh in the inward man T. 3. p. 31. Iudgement of the Iudgement day T. 1. p. 93. the circumstances thereof T. 1. p. 94 95. whether all wish for 〈◊〉 T. 1. p 114 the iudgement of God is an helping cause of repentance T. 3. p. 44. Iustice wherein the Iustice of God appeareth T. 1. p. 4. how it stands with his Iustice that the godly are commonly in worst estate T. 1 p 4 Iustification how wee are iustified by faith T. 1. p. 18. how declared ibid. c. that to the grace of iustification we must ioyne sanctification t. 2 p. 120. K. KIll how to kill sin T. 1. p. 25. Kingdome of that Petition Thy Kingdome come T. 1. p. 111. its dependance with the former ibid. Gods Kingdome twofold T. 1. p. 112. what wee pray for in it ibid. T. 2 p. 40. the euils that wee pray against in that Petition T. 1. p. 114. the impediments of the comming of Christ in others T 1. p. 41. and in our selues T. 2. p. 42. a definition of the Kingdome of grace T. 2. p. 43. how the Kingdome of grace is already come T. 2. p. 44. the excellencies of this Kingdome of grace before all others T. 2. p 45. a further scope of this Petition thy kingdome come T. 2. p 46. two wayes by which the Kingdome of God may come to vs T. 2. p. 52 53. Knowledge of the knowledge of God what T. 1. p. 28. Its parts with the vses thereof ibid. L. LAw what there must be in vs to haue the Law effectually to worke vpon vs T. 3. p. 1. the Law of a foure-fold vse to an vnregenerate man T. 3. p. 3 4 5. three vses of it in a regenerate man T. 3. p. 7. the differences between the Law and the Gospell T. 3. p. 16 17. the vses of it ibid. Life how a good life is needfull to saluation T. 1. p. 23. where to begin a godly life ibid. furtherances thereto T. 1. p. 24. of the well-ordering of our liues T. 1. p. 29. helps to an holy life T. 1. p. 66 67 68. of our dayly practise in our life T. 1. p. 70 71. of euerlasting life T. 1. p. 106. c. Loue how wee must bring our our hearts in loue with God T. 1. p. 27. how loue should bee shewed T. 1. p. 34. the points of inwards loue ibid. c. how our loue in words should bee shewed T. 1. p. 35. how in deeds ibid. how we must loue men in their soules T. 1. p. 36. how in their goods T. 1. p. 38. who offend herein ibid. how to shew our loue to God T. 1. p. 43. loue must be had in Prayer T. 2. p. 22. M. MAn why made T. 1. p. 1. Marriage whether it bee lawfull for a Christian to marry with a Jew T. 1. p. 57. Masters their duty t. 1. p. 59 60 Meanes of desiring to obtaine the end without the vse of the meanes T. 2. p. 39. Meanes to grow in grace T. 3.
God is the installing of him in his Kingdome and in his Throne the aduancing and lifting of him vp to bee the head of the Church and that person by whom God will rule all things both in Heauen and in Earth Phil. 2. 9. Q. What learne we of this A. That Christ is now exalted in his kingdome and in his Priesthood So that now he administreth both his kingly his Priestly office with greater might and Maiestie then euer hee did before Q. What fruit haue wee by the lifting vp of Christ in his Priesthood A. Wee know thereby that Christs Intercession shall bee more profitable for vs. For if Christs prayer on Earth was alwayes heard wee may well thinke that being Sutour for vs in so great Maiestie and glory hee shall not bee denied Rom. 8. 34. Q. What fruit haue we by the lifting vp of Christ in his kingdome A. First wee know that now he is more able to blesse the Church and euery member of it And therefore if hee then healed the sicke fed his followers with small prousion made the ministry of the Word effectuall much more is hee able to doe it now 2. Cor. 9 8. Secondly wee know that Christ is more able to defend the Church and subdue all the enemies of it and stampe them vnder foote And therefore if hee then cast out deuill he is now much more able to cast out sinne and if then hee were able with one word to calme the Sea hee is now much more able to scatter all our troubles and to disperse them Rom. 26. 20. Q. What gather wee of this A. That they who doubt of Gods fauour or feare they shall not be able to liue this hard yeare or thinke they shall neuer get Religion or ouercome the lets howsoeuer they say they beleeue yet doe not indeed beleeue that Christ sits at the Right hand of God that is that hee more mightily administreth his Kingdome and Priesthood now then euer hee did before Q. What is the last degree of Christs Exaltation A. From thence hee shall come to iudge quick and dead Q. What is the meaning hereof A. That Christ in the end of the world when the sinnes of men be ripe shall descend in a Cloude and sit downe vpon his throne and all both great and small shall stand before him and the Bookes shall bee opened and they shall bee iudged according to the things that they haue done be they good or bee they euill Qu. What note wee hence A. 1. That there shall be a Iudgement 2. The generalitie of the Iudgement 3. The Person of the Iudge 4. The Time of it Qu. How know wee that there shall be a Iudgement A. First by the Scriptures Secondly by the light of Reason Q. What Scriptures proue it A. Iude 14. 15. 2. Cor. 5. 10. Act. 17. 31. Q. What is the Reason A. We know that God is a iust and righteous God and therefore hee cannot but make the state of the godly better then the state of the wicked But in this world it is not so For godly Lazarus lyes pyning at the doore while the wicked Glutton sits surfetting at the Board And therefore there must bee a Iudgement that the godly may bee blessed and the wicked punished Q. What fruit haue we by this A. Wee know that Christs comming is for the further glorifying of his Church and the punishing of the enemies of it And therefore howsoeuer we are here pressed and afflicted for a while and crowned with contempt as our Master was with thornes yet a day will come when all our infirmities and miseries shall haue an end and the faces of our enemies shall be filled with shame 2. Thess. 1. 6. 7. 8. Q. What are wee taught concerning the generality of the Iudgement A. That all shall be iudged both quicke and dead Q. Who are meant thereby A. By the quicke are meant they whom Christ shall finde aliue at his comming And by the dead they are meant that shall bee dead before So that all shall be iudged Rom. 14. 10. Q. What gather wee of this A. That a day will come when euery one of vs shall giue an account to God for his whole life for euery oath that he hath sworne for euery lie that he hath told for euery penny that he hath deceiued for euery Sabboth that he hath prophaned And therefore that wee must be carefull to flie these sinnes and the like as wee will answer to God for the contrarie at the Iudgement seate Q. Who shall be the Iudge A. Christ in his humane Nature Iohn 5. 22. 27. Q. What learne wee by this A. That Christs comming shall be comfortable to the godly and fearefull to the wicked Comfortable to the godly because he shall be their Iudge who is their Sauiour Luke 21. 28. Fearefull to the wicked because he shall be their Iudge whose blood they haue despised whose Ministers they haue disgraced whose name they haue blasphemed whose Sacraments they haue contemned whose Sabboths they haue prophaned Reu. 6. 15. 16. Q. When shall the Iudgement bee A. In the end of the world what yeare or what day or what houre knoweth no man no not the Angels but God alone Math. 24. 36. Q. Why would the Lord haue it secret A. That men might be alwayes vpon their watch and preparing for it For the count day will come suddenly and therfore we must euer keepe our reckonings streight lest it come like a thiefe in the night to steale away all our peace and prosperitie and pleasures for euer Mark 30. 35. Q. What is the third Person in whom wee must beleeue A. The Person of the Holy Ghost Q. What are wee to beleeue concerning the Holy Ghost A. Two things First that he is the effentiall Power of the Father and of the Sonne the same God in nature but distinct in Person That hee proceedeth from the Father the Scripture is plaine Iohn 15. 26. That hee proceedeth from the Sonne is as plaine Gal. 4. 6. That he is a distinct person from them both is cleare Iohn 14. 16. Secondly that he is the Sanctifier of Gods elect and therefore hee is called the Holy Ghost not onely because he is holy in himselfe but also because he makes vs holy sanctifying both our bodyes and our soules vnto God Q. What learne wee by this A. That by nature wee are more barren then the barrenest ground in the world hauing no sparke of grace or goodnesse in vs And therefore if there be any loue of vertue any hatred of sinne we may well know it is not of our selues but the Spirit of God which wrought it in our hearts Phil. 2. 13. Qu. What doth the Spirit of God worke in vs A. First knowledge of the will of God For whereas by nature a man hath no more true Religion then a very beast The Spirit of God opening and enlightening the eyes of his minde makes him able to conceiue the secret things
of God 1. Cor. 3. 14. Q. What is the second thing A. Regeneration For by nature a man is giuen to like best of the worst things and worst of the best things and therefore the Spirit of God is faine to cast him new and to change euery affection in him Iohn 3. 5 Q. What is the thirdthing A. Communion with Christ For by Faith the Spirit of God implanteth vs into Christ as the Branches are knit into the stocke so that as the Branches liue and are nourished from the stocke So wee partake of all the rich graces that bee in Christ 1. Cor. 6. 11. Q. What is the fourth thing A. Spirituall Gouernment For by nature wee are so babish that wee know not when to speake nor when to hold our peace how to pray nor how to vse our Christian liberties c. And therefore the Spirit of God is giuen vs as a guide to direct vs in euery thing that we take in hand Rom. 8. 14. Q. What is the fift thing A. Comfort in Troubles For the Spirit of God assuring our hearts that God loues vs in Christ makes vs to contemne the vanities of the world and setting vs in hope of the life to come makes vs set the lesse by the things of this life Ioh. 14. 16. Q. What is the sixt thing A. Strengthening vs. For whereas naturally wee are quickly weary of good things the Spirit of God so vpholding vs in grace that euery day wee feele our selues brought into greater loue and liking of the same Eph. 3. 16. Q. In whom doth the Spirit of God worke these things A. In none but the Elect. A Reprobate may haue the Spirit of God according to some effects of it as to make him see his sinnes to be ashamed of them and to restraine him from the outward acts of them to liue ciuilly in the world But the Spirit of God inwardly killing sin and sanctifying the Soule in all his gracious effects is neuer giuen but to Gods Elect Iohn 14. 17. Q. May a man lose the Spirit of God A. The wicked because they neuer had it soundly may wholly lose it The godly cannot lose it wholly but onely according to some graces of it and that not finally but for a time Because the Spirit like Sampsons hayne will reuiue againe Iohn 7. 38. Q. May wee therefore liue secure because wee cannot lose the Spirit A. Nay but wee must vse the meanes which God hath appointed for the nourishing of the Spirit as hearing of the Word Prayer Meditation c. otherwise the best of vs shall finde the Graces of Gods Spirit wonderfull dead and damped in vs 1. Thess. 5. 18. Q. How may a man know that hee hath the Spirit of God A. Hee may know that hee hath the Spirit of God by the working of the Spirit For as a man knowes there is life in himselfe as long as he breathes and moues and doth the rest of the actions of a liuing man So when a man liues the life of the Spirit and doth the things which without Gods spirit hee could not doe hee may well know that hee hath the Spirit in him Q. Doe not many deceiue themselues in this point A. Many doe for want of iudgement for there is a certaine working like the Spirit but it is not the Spirit A certain boldnesse in the heart like Faith but it is not Faith A certaine kinde affection like Loue but it is not loue A certaine hot humour like Zeale but it is not Zeale They bee but vizards and counterfeits which the deuill makes to deceiue poore people with To make them beleeue they haue Faith and Loue and other vertues when indeed they haue not but certaine emptie shewes and shadowes of them Q. What is the first marke whereby a man may know that he hath the Spirit of God A. If a man feele himselfe better able to conceiue the Mysteries of Faith and to take profite by the Ministry of the Word either to the begetting or strengthening of Faith in him This is a sure token that he hath the Spirit Act. 16. 14. Q. What is the second Marke A. If a man feele a sensible change in himselfe so that hee loues that good which hee thought hee should neuer loue and hates that euill which hee thought hee should neuer hate and sets himselfe with diligence to the weakening and killing not of some few but of all his sinnes This is a true Testimony that hee hath Gods Spirit working in his heart 1. Cor. 6. 11. Q. What is the third Marke A. If a man feele himselfe checkt inwardly for sinne so that hee cannot tread or looke awry but by and by hee is closely touched and rebuked for it This is a sure token that he hath the Spirit Isay 30. 21. Q. What is the fourth Marke A. If a man haue an earnest desire to please God to wish from his very heart that he could walke with greater care and obedience in all the wayes of God This shall seale vnto his soule that he belongs to God 1. Iohn 2. 5. Qu. What is the fift Marke A. If a man feele himselfe much giuen to Prayer not onely in company and at ordinary times but also priuately by himselfe alone with assured perswasion that hee shall fare the better for it This is a certaine signe of the Spirit of God Gal. 4. 6. Q. What is the fift Marke A. If a man dare trust the Lord with his whole state and say vnto God in sinceritie of heart Lord I desire not health nor peace nor plenty but according to thy will I lay downe my selfe my life and my comforts and all that I haue at thy feet dispose of mee as best pleaseth thee this is a seale that the Spirit of God workes in his heart 2. Sam. 15. 26. Qu. What if a man feele not all these in himselfe A. Yet hee is not to despaire if there be any one of them truly in him For as there may be life in man though hee can neither see nor heare nor speake nor mooue So though the Spirit work not so strongly in one yet as long as he desires to please God so long as hee is sorry for his sinnes or at leastwise sorry that hee cannot be sorry for them hee is not vtter ly to discomfort himselfe in his estate Rom. 7. 22. 23. Qu. What doth the second part of the Creed entreate of A. Of two things 1. The Church 2. The Benefites bestowed vpon it Q. Why is the Church mentioned immediatly after the Doctrine of the Trinitie A. Because whatsoeuer the holy Trinitie hath wrought they haue wrought it for the good of the Church And therefore the benefite of the Father in Creating of the Son in Redeeming of the holy Ghost in Sanctifying wholly and entirely belongeth to the Church It is the Churches dowrie Q. What learne wee by this A. That if a man can approue himselfe to bee a true member of the Church
that they do not spare them and why it is for their health c. So must we thinke and conceiue that when God doth not heare or grant our requests he heares so farre as it is for our good though he doe not heare vs to our wils For it is a dangerous thing to bee heard according to our desire Because thus Christ heard the Diuell when he suffered him to enter into the heard of swine or we may say thus This is not the greatest mercy to be heard according to our will but this to be heard for our profit when God giues vs that onely which is best for vs. Secondly That we must pray in loue For Christ instructing vs to say Our Father would teach vs loue and charity that is not onely to pray for our selues but also in the behalfe of our brethren for this is a duty requisite in our prayers to take in the whole Communion of the body of Christ that euery one may haue a part in our prayer So holy men of God haue done before vs Dauid saith Pray for the peace of Ierusalem Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy Pallaces He prayes God to heare the prayers which he made speaking and praying and confessing his sins and the sins of his people Whereupon an Angell came flying vnto him Pray one for another in the time of trouble Thus by the rule of Christ we must not onely pray for our selues in faith but for our brethren also in loue and compassion and fellow feeling of the wants needs one of another When many ships Trade and Traffiicke vpon the sea some goe for one thing and some for another some goe to one place and some to another and yet all tends to the good of the Countrey So it is in the prayers of the Saints some pray for one thing some for another some for grace some for remission of sinnes some for peace of conscience some for temporall blessings and yet all in the end for the good of the Church I should now come to speake of the Duties of them that pray but first I must a little enlarge my selfe in the former of Faith and Loue which should haue beene touched before Faith being a maine pillar and foundation whereupon this building of prayer consists yea such a one as I may truely affirme Sine qua non Ere I goe further I will shew two grounds of Faith 1 A perswasion of the power of God that he can 2 A perswasion of Gods willingnesse that hee will helpe vs. For if we doubt either of his power that he cannot or his will that he will not helpe vs though he be able We can neuer pray in Faith that is with vndoubted assurance that God will heare vs. And because the greatest questiō is of the will of God for not many especially amongst Christians I suppose doubt of the power of God Christ first resolues and settles vs in that point and shewes that God is Our Father and because he is our Father we shall be sure to find a most fatherly affection in him that no father shall be so ready to heare the requests of his children as the Lord will be to heare vs in all things we pray for So that this is one ground of our Faith not to thinke we come vnto God as vnto a stranger that doth not respect or regard vs in our needs but we come to him as to a Father and one that doth loue vs tenders vs and will be as ready to releeue vs as the dearest friend we haue in this world So Dauid saith Psal 103. 13. As a father pittieth his children c. And Malach. 3. 17. I will spare them as a man spareth his owne sonne that serueth him The prodigall sonne when he had slipt away from his father and naughtily spent all he had he had no hope to returne with any comfort but this Ibo ad Patrem c. I will goe to my Father c. Howsoeuer I haue been a bad and a lewd child yet I thanke God I haue a good Father to goe to This now is our very case Alas wee haue runne away from God as farre as euer did the Prodigall sonne from his father we haue spent all we haue nothing left by our bad husbandry onely wee haue this hope and comfort remaining that still we haue a good Father to goe to God is our Father who will heare vs receiue vs releeue vs and this as I said is the ground of a Christian man that he may pray in faith which thing holy men in their prayers haue much regarded Isa. 63. 16. Though Abraham be ignorant of vs doubtlesse thou art our Father c. and chap. 64. 8. But now O Lord thou art our Father wee are clay c. worke of thy hands Yea our Sauiour Christ himselfe in this very Preface of Prayer argues from the very disposition and nature of an earthly Father Matth. 7. 9. For what man is there if his sonne aske bread will hee giue him a stone c. from whence his inference is If yee then being euill can giue good things to your children who aske c. how much more will your Father which is in Heauen giue his holy Spirit vnto those who aske it So that this needs must be a goodly comfort vnto a poore Christian to consider of because it is our Father not a stranger our good Father our louing and compassionate Father that deales with vs so that wee shall easily find him inclined to goodnesse and mercy towards vs. Many places of Scripture doe inlarge this and all to strengthen our faith and make vs come the readier vnto God Psal. 27. 10. Though my father and my mother should for sake me yet the Lord will gather me vp c. Isa. 49. 15. Can a woman forget her child and not haue compassion vpon the sonne of her wombe Yea they may c. Where the Lord himselfe shewes and sayes that hee will not forget vs so that knowing this loue care and tendernesse of the Lord that he hath this fatherly affection in him we may well thinke the Lord will be most ready to heare and helpe vs in all that we pray for Alas they that be not thus perswaded that God hath such a heart bosome and bowels of loue open vnto vs that he hath a fatherly care and compassion towards vs he I say that hath not this sweet and comfortable apprehension of God that knowes not God to be a Father to him must needes make faint and cold prayers vnto God But whosoeuer shall be perswaded in his soule that the Lord is become a Father vnto him accepteth of him as his son what is it but that such a man may hope for at the hands of God which as I said is the first ground of our Faith viz. A perswasion that God will heare vs when we pray vnto him
grow not like straw which cannot increase will grow from a little to greatnesse of stature and proportion in time Now there be three Motiues to moue vs to this subiection to the will of God The first is If we will not haue God to be our King wee shall be subiects and slaues in a worse Kingdome as the Lord speakes by Moses to perswade them to admit of Gods Kingdome Because thou hast not serued the Lord thy God with ioyfulnesse and with gladnesse of heart for the abundance of all things therefore shalt thou serue thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee in hunger thirst and in nakednesse and in want of all things So the Lord threatens his people with captiuity 2 Chron. 12. 8 for their sinnes saying Neuerthelesse yee shall be his seruants that yee may know my seruice and the seruice of the Kingdomes of the Countrey So that if we will not be Gods seruants we shal sure be subiects and slaues vnto a tyrannous kingdome a kingdome of many Lords of which a Father speakes Oh how many Lords haue they c. For if God be not our King then euery foule lust sinne and temptation will be our King to rule and gouerne vs at their pleasure Therefore it is best to say with holy Dauid Lord I am thy seruant c. So I would haue euery good Christian say I haue no lord to rule ouer me but Iesus Christ Come Lord and possesse me for thine owne Secondly Because of the comfortable fruits thereof Paul sayes of this Kingdome that the fruits thereof are Righteousnesse Peace Ioy in the Holy Ghost so that there is much comfort for a man to liue in this Kingdome We see that all the people of God who most or at all yeelded to Gods gouernment to set him high in their hearts they alwayes passed so much the more comfortably their time in this world And againe the more any of them withdrew themselues from this gouernment of God they became alwayes the more distressed and miserably perplexed with troubles and dangers So Dauid saith As for me it is good for mee to draw neere to God So Hosh. 2. 7. the Church is brought in thus resoluing I will goe and returne to my first husband for at that time was I better than now So must wee say when we haue gone astray It was much better with vs when we dwelt vnder the gouernment of God therefore we will returne to that good gouernment againe A Tenant you know as long as he payes his rent and doth suite and seruice to his lord all is peaceable and quiet with him nobody can molest him but if he deny to pay his Rent and doe no suite or seruice to his lord then the Bailiffes will be busie to arrest and straine his goods yea many times to ceaze on his body Euen so as long as we pay the Lords Rent acknowledge his gouernment be ready to doe suit and seruice vnto him so long we shall find all peaceable and quiet but if we faile in our duty then must trouble and mischiefe come vpon vs. Thirdly Because the Kingdome of grace is the only road-way to the Kingdome of glory No man when he is dead can come to raigne with God vnlesse God first raigne in him being aliue in this world We see no man can enter into a Citie vnlesse first he passe through the Suburbes thereof So Heauen is the great City of the Saints they all seeke and aspire to the Kingdome of grace is the Suburbes thereof by which we must passe therefore there is a necessity to be in the state of grace here ere we can hope to raigne with God in glory hereafter The next thing we pray for in this Petition is For the Kingdome of glory that God would make an end of the Conflicting dayes of sinne and hasten the Kingdome of his deare Sonne the Kingdome of glory So the Church prayes Returne my Beloued and be like a Roâ— or a young Hart vpon the Mountaines of Baether So in the Reuelation Come Lord Iesus Come quickely and Saint Paul shewes That all the Creatures doe groane for this happy day of Christs appearance So that here in the second place we pray that the Lord would abolish and darken all the Kingdomes of this world amongst whom the holy Ordinances of God appointed vnto them for peace are abused to their condemnation So in Daniel This Kingdome of Christ is compared to a tree vnder the shadow whereof the beasts of the field might rest and the birds of the ayre find shelter Therefore the Apostle sayes It is ordained of God so that though we haue no cause to murmure or grudge at the kingdomes of this world but to thanke GOD for them yet we must know euery state hath his abuses and so haue these But as a lame man in a garden though he cannot doe that worke which one that is perfectly able to walke can doe yet hee serues and is vsefull to speake direct and fray away birds keeping much annoyance from the fruit therof which otherwise might be lost So it is with worldly gouernments and states though they be not so well ordered as they might bee yet no body can deny but they fray away enemies many dangers and many rauenous birds that would else deuour vp the fruits of our labours Therefore we pray not for the Kingdome of Christ in any detestation to these earthly kingdomes but onely because we preferre the Kingdome of Christ before them We thanke God for the Kingdomes of this world but we would much more be thankefull for the Kingdome of Christ. As men that vse a Coach to bring them to a house as soone as they come there send away the Coach as hauing no more vse of it So the Kingdomes of this world be but as Coaches helpes and furtherances to transport and carry vs to a better Kingdome the Kingdome of Christ where being arriued farewell all the Kingdomes of the world The reasons why we preferre and especially pray for the Kingdome of glory are diuers First Because in these earthly Kingdomes most of vs are subiects and inferiours but in the Kingdome of glory we shall be all Kings no King in this world can be so glorious but the poorest and meanest Christian there shall be as glorious as hee as Christ speakes Matth. 19. 28. Uerely I say vnto you that yee who haue followed me in the Regeneration when the Sonne of man shall sit in the Throne of his glory yea also shall sit vpon twelue thrones Judging the twelue Tribes of Israel Secondly Because many grieuances and annoyances are in these earthly kingdomes euen in the best of them some Gall mingled with Honey some Aloes with the Manna some bitternesse with the sweetnesse of them Therefore as the people could say of Salomons Kingdome which was one of the best that it was but a yoake
wisheth well vnto himselfe desires his owne peace and hearts ease as much as may bee Therefore when hee apprehends the fearfull iudgements of God due vnto him for his sinne euen the hatefulnesse of vile actions which hee hath committed the very conscience and horror of these things will make him many times weepe so that a naturall man may shed teares for sinne and yet not repent him of it as wee see in Esau Gen. 27. 34. He wept for the losse of his Fathers blessing and his birth-right and yet so farre from repenting of his sinne that at that same instant after his Fathers death hee resolued to kill his brother So the Holy storie affirmes of Saul 1. Sam. 24. 17. that when Dauid had cut off the lap of his garment when hee might haue killed him and when he had made his innocencie knowne to him Saul hee lift vp his voyce and wept and made confession of his sinnes before God and yet for all this chap. 26. wee see hee persecuted him againe euen against his owne conscience so we see hee wept for his sinne and yet neuer repented Hee confessed hee had done ill and that Dauid was more righteous then hee So Mal. 2. 13. The people of Israel is said to haue couered the Altar of God with their teares with weeping and mourning and yet for all that liued in their sinnes without Repentance and said wherein shall wee returne So it is cleere that teares are not alwayes a true signe of true Repentance For the most part all the Religion of the world is this that if a man can bring himselfe so farre not onely to be touched for sinne but also to weepe for it to shed a few teares by and by they thinke themselues to bee safe yea though they liue loosely and prophanely after but this is to build vp their comfort vpon a safe ground because as wee haue heard a man may shed teares for sinne and yet not repent it so that teares bee not alwayes the true companions of true Repentance Obiect But here it may bee that some who are willing to repent and ready to indeauour this way may obiect and say How can a poore Christian take any comfort in his Teares If teares bee not alwayes a true signe of Repentance Answ. I answer for all this that there bee two wayes whereby a Christian may finde comfort in his teares 1. Hee must looke into the causes of them 2. Hee must looke into the Effect and fruit of them Hee must looke into the cause and fountaine from whence they flowe whether it bee for feare of damnation and of hell torments hee weepes or not for these may make a wicked man much to be astonished for the time and repent of his sinne as Act. 24. 26. so the children of Israel when the Lord told them that they should not enter into the land of Canaan repented of their sinnes and did weepe before the Lord but the cause was the iudgements and scourge of God vpon them being chafed by the Amorites Deut. 1 45. so that a man may weepe to no purpose for the iudgements and punishments that follow sinne but when a man can weepe for sinne because it is sinne which indeed would bring him vnto Repentance because hee hath offended so good a God displeased so gratious and so mercifull a Father done that which is prophane and vnseemly in his sight then wee may haue ioy and comfort in our teares So wee see in the example of the Prodigall sonne Luke 15 21. he more lamented that he had offended so good and louing a Father then for the losse of his money then for all the miserie which was vpon him and hardnesse hee had sustained yea I say all this did not so much grieue him as that hee had offended his good Father The like wee see by Dauid Psal. 51. 4. saith hee Against thee onely haue I sinned did hee sinne onely against God hee had also sinned against Vriah Barsheba against the people and against the peace of his owne soule Yet aboue all his greatest griefe was for offending his God a God that had dealt so bountifully with him in his aduancement and mercifully in his preseruation and so by the consideration of the cause wee may receiue comfort in our teares when wee consider from what motiues they proceed and principally moouing Causes Secondly a man that would haue comfort in his tears must looke vnto the Effect and fruit of them for if a man doe so weepe for his sinnes as that by and by hee be ready to fall into and commit the same sinnes againe and that as greedily and carelesly as hee did before then it is to bee feared that the watrie teares shed here is but a beginning of that euerlasting weeping and mourning in hell But if a man doe so weepe for sinne as that thereby hee is made more watchfull ouer sinne more to hate it carefull to resist it more willing to weaken the sudden power thereof in himselfe then a man may haue comfort in his teares as it is 2. Cor. 7. 10. 11. For godly sorrow worketh Repentance to saluation not to bee repented of c. For behold this that yee haue beene godly sorrowfull what care it hath wrought in you what cleering of your selues c. So then you see there are two sorts of teares First Teares of prophane men for they haue their Teares too but there is small comfort in them a man is neuer the better for such teares they are seldome put home to the conscience nor is the life reformed by them they leaue no steps of goodnesse nor prints of Grace behinde them Secondly the teares of the godly bee indeed sorrowfull teares but they are mightie and quickning like Aqua fortis which make strong and lasting impressions of vertue and of grace which leaue a seed and â—…it behinde to worke vpon their soules and conscience Thus much of the first Conclusion the second is this Conclusion 2. Euery one that commits sinne hath iust cause aboue all Conclusion 2 things to shed teares for the same This is proued first By Reason Secondly By Example for there are three things which will make a man to shed teares 1. For the losse of some great good 2. The feare of some great euill 3. The sence and feeling of some grieuous paine Now in all these cases a man hath cause to shed teares for sinne First In regard of the great losse that comes by sinne worldly men as wee know will weepe for the losse of children goods lands and such like but all the losses of the world are not comparable vnto the losse which comes by sin for it is neither of children goods or lands but by sinne we lose the fauour of God all our parts of that wee haue in Christ heauen and happinesse yea wee faile of Gods blessed presence for euer and so of all losses the greatest comes by sinne So that
euen home to our Fathers house So Christ the Patterne of all Humilitie holinesse patience and meeknesse what a deale of holy and heauenly speeches did hee vse before his death which are euer memorable chiefely his seuen last words So Iacob Gen. 47. what a many gratious sweet words came from him ere his departure to his sonnes and family So Dauid before his death blessed and instructed his sonne Salomon saying And thou Salomon my sonne feare thou the Lord God of thy Fathers c. The like we haue of S. Paul Tim. I haue fought a good fight I haue finished my course and henceforth is layed vp for mee a crowne c. Steuen also called vpon the Lord Iesus towards his end and Moses blessed the twelue Tribes of Israel more instances I might giue but these may suffice to shew that euery man must indeuour that his last words may bee gratious and seemly when hee comes to die The sixth and last Dutie at the time of death is Holily to resigne ones selfe into the hands of God as wee see our Sauiour Christ did Luke 23. 46. Father into thy hands I commend my spirit So Steuen when he was in the greatest perturbation that might bee in the agonie of death said Lord Iesus into thy hands I commend my spirit euen when there was a showre of stones about his eares Little children for the most part desire to die in their Fathers bosome or vpon their mothers lap euen so must a Christian in the houre of death lay downe his head vpon the sweet brest and bosome of Iesus Christ so rendring vp vp his soule into the hands of the Lord. If a man had a most pretious jewell which hee did esteeme aboue all his wealth valuing the same at some high rate in time of danger hee would surely make choice of his best and chiefest friend to commit it in keeping So seeing euery Christian hath a most pretious iewell his soule which doth farre exceed all other his wealth therefore howsoeuer wee trust friends with our lands and goods we must onely trust the Lord with our bodies and soules that hee may restore them safe againe at the last day So this is the last dutie a Christian hath to doe at the day of death to shut vp his owne eyes and to rest vpon the sweet mercie of Iesus Christ to receiue him into glorie If a man doe thus prepare himselfe for death before-hand and then holily dispose of himselfe at the time of death there is no doubt but hee shall die well and comfortably what death so euer hee die no man can assure himselfe when hee shall die where or of what death onely wee know if wee goe on with these helpes shewed whensoeuer or wheresoeuer or howsoeuer wee shall die the seruants of God Saints in heauen in peace of a quiet conscience so as they may write vpon our tombes and graues such godly Epitaphes as the Holy Ghost doth vpon Moses So Moses the seruant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the Lord. LECT XIII OF THE CONTRAries to Repentance IEREM 18. 12. And they said there is no hope but wee will walke after our owne deuices and wee will euery one doe the imagination of his wicked heart HAuing spoken of the Cases of Repentance especially of that great case of Comfort in Death we are now to speak of the cōtraries of it For euen as Marriners when they goe to Sea they must onely not haue their course described before them in a Map but they must also haue speciall notice of rocks and shelfes sands that they may auoide them Euen so must the Christian man not onely know the way of the nature parts and properties of true repentance but also euen the Contraries and opposites thereof to decline them as dangerous rocks in his spirituall passage towards his heauenly home If you look into the Prophecic of Ezekiel you shall finde it thus written Chap. 39. 15. And the Passenger which passeth through the land when any seeth a mans bone then shall he set a signe vp by it c. So must wee set vp signes and tokens in this passage of our life that wee may auoide these and these places of danger The ministers of God are such searchers to finde out dead bones that is mens sinnes and when they haue found them they giue vs speciall notice of them and markes that wee may euery one looke into our selues by repentance for many times wee are hindered in our repentance and newnesse of life for want of discouerie and apparant markes to be directed by Now these contraries vnto it are two 1. Impenitencie 2. Unsound Repentance First Impenitencie is a certaine blocke layed in our way by the deuill when a man hath no touch or feeling of his sinnes but against his conscience and knowledge and iudgement liues in knowne sinnes which for his life hee cannot lament nor leaue or set himselfe against And is that Impenitencie mentioned Rom. 2. 5. But after thy hardnesse and impenitent heart treasurest vp vnto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and reuelation of the righteous iudgement of God This is impenitencie when a man hath sinned to bee as merry as if hee had not sinned and neuer trouble his rest for it Such as are mentioned 2. Pet. 2. 14. who cannot cease from sinne eate and drinke are jolly and braue in companie as if no such matter like vnto Esau who when he had committed that hainous sinne in selling of his birth-right Gen. 25. 34. was no whit dismayed for saith the text Then Iacob gaue Esau bread and pottage of lentiles and hee did eate and drinke and rose vp and went his way Thus Esau despised his birth-right So Iosephs Brethren when they had seazed vpon him stript him of his garments and cast him into a pit with an intent to destroy him they were neuer a whit moued with the matter but in a manner added sinne to sinne and sold him to the Ismaelites Gen. 37. 25. and sate downe to eate and drinke vntill they saw the Ismaelites vnto whom they sold him So Ierem. 8. 12. It is said Were they ashamed when they had committed abominations nay they were not at all ashamed neither could they blush So wee see when wee are not touched for the committing of sinne but can be quiet and merrie contented to eate and drinke and sleepe as well as if there were no such matter this is the impenitent and hard heart spoken of when one is insensible of sinne for as in some diseases insensibilitie is a great signe of danger a man being most fearfully sicke when he doth not feele his sicknesse so it is in the state of sinne a man is in the most danger when hee doth not see or feele it So Ierem. 8. 6. I hearkened and heard and no man spake aright no man repented of his
Resurrection of the Body Life Euerlasting Prayer Our Father Which art in Heauen Hallowed be thy Name Thy kingdome come Thy will be done c. Giue vs this day our daily bread Forgiue vs our sinnes And lead vs not into temptation For thine is the kingdome c. Sacraments Baptisme The Lords Supper 1 Prayer what it is 1 Sam. 1. 13. Psal. 20. 4. Ephes. 5. 19. Hos. 7. 14. 1 Kings 8. 39. Gen. 13. 11. Fowles Abrahams seruants Gen. 22. 5. Psal. 5. 3. Psal. 25. 1. Damasc. lib. 3. Cap. 24. Fiery Chariot 3 Psal. 10. 7. Psal. 27. 4. Matth. 20. 10. Exod. 17. 4. 2 Chron. 20. 12. Iam. 1. 5. Ground Many hands 2 General point in prayer Iohn 5. 11. Obiections against Prayer answered Malac. 3. 6. 1 Obiection answered Sunne eyes shut Dionis cap. 3. de Diuis Nominibus Sicut si quis slans c. 2 Obiection answered 2 King 20. 5. Act. 27. 31. Reasons why we must pray Psal. 50. 15. Luke 22. 46. Iam. 5. 13. Augustine 2 Reason why we must pray Marke 11. 24. 1 Iohn 5. 14. Iohn 4. 11. Deepe well August Ascendit Precatio discendit misericordia Gregor Oratio in terra o pater in Coelo c. Chrysost. Hom. 53. ad P. idem Feeding fountaine 3 Reason why we should pray Psal. 14 4. Isa. 46. 7. Temple robbery Child weake 4 Reason why we must pray Iam. 4. 2. Gen. 24. 12. and 26. Seed sowne 1 Reason why Christ giues a direction to pray Luke 11. 1. Hosh. 14 3. Gen 47. 12. Iosephs Piety 2 Reason why Christ giues a direction to pray Rom. 8. 26. Cyprian Isa. 58 3. 1 Chron. 15. 13. 3 Reason why Christ giues a direction 10 pray 1 Iohn 14 Woman of Tekoah 2 Sam. 14. 19. Cyprian 2 Maine Branch Note Psal. 10. 17. Psal. 108. 10. Speech to a King Seamooued A Cloâ—… 〈◊〉 Phil. 4. 6. Iam. 1. 5. Rom. 10. 14. 1 Reason why Prayer must be directed to God onely August lib. de vera Religione cap. 55. 2 Reason why Prayer must be to God onely 1 Cor. 3. A Clocke 1 Lib. de Inuocatione Sanctorum 1. 20. August lib. 114. Enchirid. Maledictus c. Chrysost. Hom. 9. Quandâ— orat quis c. 1 Affection wee must pray in 2 Cor. 6. vlt. Iam. 1. 6. Marke 11. 24. Augustine A Corrasiue Mothers diligence and loue 2 Affection we must pray in Psal. 122. 6. Dan. 9. 20. Iam. 5. 16. Ships trading Two grounds of Faith Psal. 103. 13. Malach. 3. 17. Isa. 63. 16. and chap. 64. 8. Matth. 7. 9. Psal. 27. 10. Isa. 49. 15. 2 Ground of Faith Isa. 3. 7. Psal. 50. Psal. 115. 3. Deut. 33. 26. 2 King 9. 14. Matth. 8. 2. Psal. 8. Matth. 14. 36. Psal. 122. 6. Iam. 5. 6. Sicke man Marke 2. 3. 3 Affection to pray with Heb. 12. 9. Eccles. 5. 1. Gen. 18. 2. Gen. 32. 10. Rudinius in Gen. 24. Rebekah Water conueighed Matth. 3. 14. Iohn 13. 8. 4 Affection of Prayer Elias Ionathans Arrowes 1 Dutie of them that pray Acts 5. 4. Hos. 1. 10. 2 Duty Mal. 2. 10. 1 Iohn 3. 1. 3 Duty 1 Pet 1. 17. Ierem. 3. 5. Meaning 1 Thing prayed for the glory of God Rom 9. 3. Exod. 32. 32. 1 Kings 19. 14. Isa 37. 34. Matth. 4. 10. Gen. 4. 7. Exod. 3. 7. 2 The discouery of our corruption Gen. 11. 4. Dan. 4. 30. Hagg. 1. 3. 2 Sam. 7. 2. 1 Grace we pray for 1 Pet. 3. 15. Rom. 15. 6. 1 Cor. 6. vlt. 1 In our hearts 2 With our mouthes Luke 2. 20. Shepheards Iob 1. vlt. Reuel 14. 7. Reuel 19. 7. 3 In our liues Matth. 5. 16. Rom. 2. 24. 3 Things to quicken our care of Gods glory 1 Psal. 19. 1. Reuel 5. 13. and 14. 1 Sam. 2. 30. Iohn 17. 4 5. Num. 20. 12. 2 Part of this Petition Psal. 96. 7 8. Ierem. 13. 16. Iob 1. 5. Gen. 18. 19. Iob. 12. 2â— Isa. 66. 5. Iohn 9. 24. 1 Sense of the Petition Ephes 2. 2. 2 Cor. 4. 4. Gen. 1. 15. Light House Sea-gaining 2 Thing obserued 1 For others Mat. 20. 31. Amalecke 2 Impediments in our selues Iohn 12. 42 43. Palsie man 3 Thing praid for in this Petition Definition of the Kingdome of grace Luke 19. 14. Esau. Gen. 27. 38. Rom. 7. 22 23. Sicke man Godly Differences and excellency of Christs Kingdome of grace before all others Isa. 32. 1 2. A further scope of the Petition 1 Tim. 2 1. Matth. 9. 38. Exod. 5. 7. Pharaob Pro. 29. 18. Isaac Gen. 22. 7. Colos. 3. 15. Psal. 48 vlt. Zeph. 3. 15. Blindman Deut. 28. 28. 2 Chron. 12. 8. Ambrose o quam multos habent Dominos c. Psal. 116. Psal. 37. vlt. Hosh. 2. 7. A Tenant Citâ—e 2 Thing we pray for is for the kingdome of glory Cant. 2. 16. Reuel 22. 20. Rom. 8. 22. Impertinent Dan. 4. 8. Rom. 13. 1. Lame man A Coach Reasons why we pray especially for the kingdome of Glory Matth. 19. 28. Iuke 22. 50. Matth. 13. 4â— Reuel 21. 4. Bees Hebr. 12. 28. 1 Thing we pray for Reuel 6. 10. 2 Pet. 3. 10. Iob 14. 14. Phil. 1. 23. Respects to pray for death 1 1 Whose will must be done Psal. 49. 8. Psal. 143. 10. 1 Pet. 4. 〈◊〉 Crooked stick Will of God opposed by three other wills 1 Ephes. 4. 25. Act. 5. 3. Hebr. 12. 16. Iohn 8. 44. 2 Ephes. 2. 3. Ierem. 44. 16. Iohn 5. 40. Acts 27. 12. Marriners Acts 4. 19. 2 Thing what will of God must be done Deut. 12. vlt. Psal. 119. 105. Marriners Pole-starre Iohn 5. 39. Iosh. 1. 8. Statute booke Ezek. 33. 11. 2 Pet. 3. 9. Bleeding wounds 2 1 Iohn 5. 23. Shipwracke Luke 22. 42. 3 General thing in the Petition House Field Ploughed Modus rei cadiâ— subpraecepto Heb. 8. 5. Psal. 14. 12. Isa. 64. 6 7. Philip. 2. 2. Marriners Heb. 1. 6. Phil. 3. 20. Ephes. 2. 19. How the Angels doe Gods will Psal. 103. 20. Psal. 119. 56. 2 Sam. 3. Ezek. 9 7. Dan. 8. 16. Luke 5. 5. Iohn 2. 7. Psal. 18. 44. Iohn 4. 34. Gen. 21. 12. Psal. 119. 16. Psal. 4. 7. Ezek. 3. 14. Dan. 9. 21. Deut. 6. Psal. 119. 4. Sound Violl Psal. 119. 33 Psal. 44. 18. Luke 1. 75. Retayners Isâ—l 18. 22. Psal. 119. 6. 1 To order ouâ— care Matth 6. 33. Luke 10. 42. Abrahams seruant 2 To moderate our care Water to a Mill. Why we pray for daily bread before remission of sinnes Iohn 4. 10. Vessell tryed 2 Sam. 9 〈◊〉 Isa. 4. 1. Psal. 78. 18. Iam. 4. 3. Gen. 28. 20. 2 Tim. 6. 8. Psal. 136. 2â— Psal. 145. 15. 1 Chron. 10. 13. Riuers Sea running See for this August Sâ—rm 43 Dâ— plenitudine Dei Isa 3. 1. Gen. 32. 10. 2 Sam. 7. 8. Rom. 6. 23. Gen. 28. 20. Prou. 30. 8. Shippes Low Meddowes ouerflowen Esaâ— Isa. 5. 3. Habak 2. 5. â—… Couetous man Mico Indenting Psal. 128. 2. 2 Thess. 3. 12. Matth. 4. Stones Isa. 11. 7.