shadow of death light is sprung vp Mat 4 16. And we know that the Sonne of GOD is come and hath giuen vs an vnderstanding that we may know him that is true 1. Ioh. 5.20 Which in other ages was not made knowne vnto the Sonnes of men as it is now reuealed vnto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the spirit Eph. 3 5. Ioh. 1 18 Pro. 2 6 Iob. 32 8. Pro. 18 15 14 6. Thus the Romanes were filled with all knowledge able also to admonish one another Rom. 15 14. 1 Cor. 1 5. Psal 119 98 99 100. ver Ioh. 15 15 Ioh 17 25 17 6. On the contrary a Scorner seeketh wisedome and findeth it not Pro. 14 6 he is ever learning and neuer able to come to the Knowledge of the truth 2. Tim. 3 7. His way is as darkenesse hee knowes not at what he stumbleth Prou. 4 19. Hee shall dye without instruction and in the greatnesse of his folly he shall goe astray Pro. 5.23 Prou. 18.2.14.18.3.32 Iob 17.4 Pro. 14.8 15.14 Hos 4.6 Q. What may this teaeh vs A. 1. Not to be as the Horse and Mule which haue no vnderstanding Psal 32.9 No nor yet to bee as children but in vnderstanding to be men 1. Cor. 14 20. Suffering the Word of CHRIST to dwell in you richly in all wisedome Col. 3.16 2. Pray that GODS wayes may bee knowne vpon earth and his sauing health among all Nations Psal 67.2 And for your selues that you may vnderstand the wayes of â—his Commandements Psal 119.27 and behold the wonderfull things of his Law Psal 119.18 Psal 119.7 33 34 73 125 169.171 ver 2. Tim. 2 7. Of Faith Q. Which is the second sanctifying Grace A. GOD will fulfill in you all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of Faith with power 2. Thes 1 11. Wherby euery one that hath heard and learned of the Father commeth vnto CHRIST Ioh. 6 45. For STEPHEN was a man full of Faith Acts. 6 5. And the Faith of the Romanes was spoken of throughout the whole world Rom. 1 8. Acts 24 14 27.25 Ioh. 10 42. Q. What may hence be learned A. Because all men haue not Faith 2. Thes 3 2. Therefore build vp your selves in your most holy Faith praying in the holy Ghost Iud. 20. and saying Lord increase our Faith Luk. 17 5. Lord wee beleeue helpe our vnbeliefe Mark 9 24. Of Trust Q. It beeing long betwixt the promise and the accomplishment of it how may wee in the meane while bee vpheld A. Thou shalt stay vpon the holy one of Israel in truth Isa 10 20. Vnder his Wings shalt thou trust Psal 91.4 For he is the confidence of all the ends of the earth and of them that are a farre off vpon the Sea Psal 65 5. Whereby they that know his name will put their trust in him Psal 9 10. Math. 12 21. Isa 51 5 Psal 40 4 84 12. Thus Dauid trusted in the Lord Psal 31 6. And the people rested themselues vpon the words of Hezekiah King of Iudah 2. Chro 32 8. Psal 20 7 11 1 18 2 52 8.144 1 2 56 3 4. Iob. 13 15. Q. What would you hence inferre A. Commit thy wayes vnto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to passe Psal 37 5. thy thoughts shall be established Pro. 16 3. And happy shalt thou be Pro. 16 20. For it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in Princes Psal 118 8. Surely men of low degree are vanitie and men of high degree are a lie to be laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter than vanitie Psal 62 9 115 9 146 3 4 34 22. Isa 2 22 26 4 31 1 36 6 Pro. 3 5. Of Hope Ob. GOD may not onely delay his promise but also by some euill occurrent vnsettle my confidence A. The wicked indeed is driven away in his wickednesse but the righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14 32 For Abraham against hope beleeued in hope Rom. 4 18. so Christ is in you the hope of glory Col. 1 27. Thou hadst saith Iouâ—â— cast me into the deepe in the midst of the Sea and the Flouds compassed me about all thy billowes and thy waues passed ouer me Then I said I am cast out of thy sight yet I will looke againe towards thy holy temple Ion. 2 3.4 And now Lord what waite I for my hope is in thee Psal 39 7 46 2 33 22 119 81 Psal 119 166. Lam. 3 24. Isa 8 17. Micha 7 7. Tit. 2 13 Acts 26 6. Iob 5 16. Q. What vse is to be made hereof A. Therefore looke you also for the mercy of our LORD IESVS CHRIST vnto eternall life Iud. 21. And waite on thy GOD continually Hos 12 6. For happy is he that hath the GOD of IACOB for his helpe whose hope is in the LORD his GOD which made Heauen and Earth Psal 146 5 33 22 Lam. 3 25 26. Hos 12 6. Ob. Then is euery one happy for who will not say that his Hope is in GOD A. The hope of the Righteous shall be gladnesse but the expectation of the wicked shall perish Pro. 10 28. The eyes of the wicked shall faile and they shall not escape and their hope shall bee as the giving vp of the Ghost Iob. 11 20 8 13. c. Iob. 27 8 9 10. CHAP. XXI Of Loue Feare Sorrow Humility and Repentance Q. WHat other Sanctifying Grace will GOD bestow vpon us A. He will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to loue the LORD thy GOD with all thine heart and with all thy Soule that thou maist liue Deut. 30 6. Pro. 8 17. Cant. 1 4 3 10. Psal 26 8. Psal 116 1. 1. King 3 3. Thus MARY MAGDALEN shee loved much Luk. 7 47. I also loue the LORD Psal 18 1. Yea LORD thou knowest all things thou knowest that I loue thee Ioh. 21 17. And if any man loue not the LORD IESVS CHRIST let him be Anathema Maranatha 1. Cor. 16 22. Q. What may this teach vs A. To pray that the Lord would direct your hearts into the Loue of GOD 2 Thes 3 5. And that your loue may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all Iudgement Phil. 1 9.1 Thes 3 12. 2 Labour to keepe your selues in the loue of GOD Iud. 21. Of Feare Q. But that our loue be not exorbitant wherewith shall it be swaved A. He will giue you one heart and one way that you may feare him for euer for your good and the good of your Children after you Ier. 32 39. And you shall feare the LORD and his goodnesse in the latter dayes Hos 3 5. Psal 34 11. Deuâ— 4 10. Isa 2â— 22 23. Hos 3.5 For thus the Midwiues feared God Exod. 1 17 And OBADIAH feared the LORD from his youth 1. King 18 3 12. So did CORNELIVS with all his houshold Acts 10 â—
Deut. 9 19 Iob. 1.1 But the transgression of the wicked saith within my heart that there is no feare of GOD before his eyes Psal 36 1 2 For the feare of the Lord is to hate evill as pride and arrogancie and every evill way Prou. 8 13. Deut. 5 29. Q. What would you hence inferre A. Therfore feare the Lord ye his Saints for there is no want to them that feare him Psa 34 9. Yea let all the Earth feare the Lord let all the inhabitants of the world stand in aw of him Psa 33 8.85 9. Ier. 10.7 For 1. There is Mercy with him that hee may be feared Psa 130 4 2 With GOD is terrible maiestie Iob. 37 22. Hee is a consuming fire even a iealous God Deut. 4 24. The Pillars of the earth tremble and are astonied at his reproofe Iob. 26 11. The foundations also of the Hils mooved and were shaken because he was wroth Psal 18 7 97 5 104 32. Nahum 1 3.1 Sam. 6 20. Heb. 10 31. Hab. 3 16. Iob. 9 5.37 1. Exod. 24.17 Deut. 5 25 26. Isa 2 10. Ier. 5 2â— 22 10 10. Of godly Sorrow Ob. If the feare of the Lord bee to hate euill then wofull is my condition who haue againe crucified CHR1ST by my sinnes A. Notwithstanding you shall looke on him whom you haue pierced and you shall mourne for him as one mourneth for his onely Sonne and bee in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first borne Zach. 12 10. And you shall remember your owne euill wayes and your doings that were not good and you shall loath your selues in your owne fight for your iniquities and for your abhominations Ezek. 36 31 20 43. Ezek. 6 9. Ier. 31 19 51 4. Zach. 13 4 1. Sam. 7.2 Thus Gods people gathered themselues together at Mizpeh and drew water and powred it out before the Lord and fasted and said we haue sinned against the Lord. 1 Sam. 7 6. 2 Sam. 2.24 10 17 Ier. 3 25 Iob. 40 4 5. But as for the wicked were they ashamed when they had committed abhomination Nay they were not at all ashamed neyther could they blush Ier. 8 12 But were Brasse and Iron Ier. 6.28 29 8 5 6 2 â—5 Isa 22 12 3 9. Of Humilitie Ob. The pride of my hart is also so great as that I feare I shall not stoop vnto this A. There is indeed a generation O how lofty are their eyes and their eye lids are lifted vp Pro. 30 13 as if they were rich and stood in need of nothing Reu. 3 17. We haue heard also of the pride of Moab Isa 16 6 And of such which say stand by thy selfe come not neere to me for I am holier than thou Isa 65 5. Numb 12 1. But as for me my heart is not haughty nor mine eyes lofty neyther doe I exercise my selfe in great matters or in things too high for mee Surely I haue behaued and quieted my selfe as a Child that is weaned of his Mother My soule is even as a weaned child Psal 131 1. And APOLLO was willing to submit himselfe unto the teaching of AQVILA and Priscilla Acts. 18 26. And therefore whosoeuer is wise and of knowledge amongst you let him also shew out of a good conversation his works with meekenesse of wisedome Iames 3 13 Psal 75 4 138 6 147 6. 2. Cor. 10 17 18. Prou. 25 27 27 2 25.6 7 16 5.6 16 18 18 12. Galath 6 3. Luk. 14 11. Rom. 12 16 12 3. Mat. 11 29. Ezek. 21 26. Ier. 9 23. 48 29. 50 â—1 32. Isa 2 12 3 16. Acts. 12.21 Of Repentance Ob. But what is confession of sinne without conuersion from sinne A. Hee will also heale thy backslidings Hos 14 4 For vnto you Gâ—D hath raised vp his Sonne IESVS and sent him to blesse you in turning away every one of you from your iniquities Acts 3 26. And hath also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life Acts 11 18 Who were as sheepe going astray but are now returned vnto the Shepheard and Byshop of their soules 1 Pet. 2 25. Isa 17 7 8.19 18.19 19 21.23 18. Zach. 13 4 5. Ier. 50 5. For Zachaeus stood and said to the Lord behold Lord the halfe of my goods I giue vnto the poore if I haue taken any thing from any man by false accusation I rerestore him foure fold Luk. 119 8. But the Reprobates they returne but not to the most high Hos 7 16. They will not frame their doings to turne vnto their God Hos 5 4 For their bones are full of the sinnes of their youth which shall lye downe with them in the dust Iob. 20.11 CHAP. XXII Of Zeale Q. WHat other Grace will GOD worke in vs A. Zeale and that first of liking affections 1. To CHRIST For Paul and Barnabas hazarded their liues Acts 15.26 being ready not to be bound onely but also to dye at Ierusalem for the name of the LORD IESVS Act. 21 13 Deut 33 9. 2 To his word for saith David I haue reioyced in the wayes of thy testimonies as much as in all riches Psal 1â—9 14 Mine eyes preuent the night watches that I might meditate in thy Word 119 148 My soule breaketh for the longing that it hath to thy Iudgements at all times 119 20 Thy Statutes haue beene my Songs in the house of my Pilgrimage 119 54 O how loue I thy Law It is my Meditation continually 119 97 122.1 Not to be daunted by any But hee will speake of GODS testimonies before Kings and will not bee ashamed Psal 119 46. Who though they doe speake against him yet will he meditate in Gods word Psal 119 23 51 69 83 143 157 161 ver But is increased by opposition It is time saith he for the Lord to worke for men haue made voyde thy Law Therefore loue I thy Commandements aboue gold yea aboue fiue gold Psal 119 126 And I will yet be more vile than thus and will be base in mine owne sight 2. Sam. 6.22 Acts 21 13. 3 To his workes I haue not hid saith David thy righteousnesse within my heart I haue declared thy truth and thy salvation I haue not concealed thy louing kindnesse and thy truth from the great congregation Psal 40 9 10. Seaven times a day I will praise thee because of thy righteous iudgements Psal 119 164.119 62. 4 To the worship of God For David prepared with all his might for the house of his God 1. Chron. 29.2 ver 8 9. And the free guifts of the people for the Tabernacle were more than enough and therefore were restrained from bringing any more Exod. 36.5 2 Sam. 24 24.1 Chro. 29 21.29 13 14. 2 Chro. 29.32 33 30 24. 2 Chro. 35 7. Neh. 4.17 21 23 6 11.7 7â— Ezra 2.68 Hag. 1 14. Though the wicked say the time is not come the time that the Lords house should he built Hag. 1.2 5 By reioycing in the good they see in others Hauing no greater ioy than
Ioh. 1 47. Gen. 24 40. Psal 116 9. 2 King 20 3. Acts 24 16. Of Hypocrisie Q. Is this any common Grace A. Helpe Lord for the godly man ceaseth for the faithfull faile from among the children of men They speake vanity every man with his neighbor with flattering lips and with a deceitfull heart doe they speake Psal 12 1 28 3. Their mouth is ful of deceit and fraud they sit in the lurking places of the villages Psal 10 7. There is no faithfulnes in their mouthes their inward parts are very wickednes their throat is an open sepulture they flatter with their tongues Psal 5 9. Prou. 20 14. Dan. 11 34. Ier. 5 26. As Iudas who betrayed his master with a kisse Mat. 26 49. And as Ioab who tooke Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kisse him and slew him with the other 2 Sam. 20 9. Gen. 49 21. Ioh 12 6.1 Sam. 18 17. So the house of Iacob saith God doe seek me daily and delight to know my waies as a nation that did righteousnesse and forsooke not the Ordinances of their GOD they aske of me the Ordinances of Iustice they take delight in approaching to GOD Isa 58 2. and yet they bend their tongue like their bow for lyes but they are not valiant for the truth vpon the Earth Ier. 9 3. Neyther haue they cryed vnto me with their harts when they howled vpon their beds Hos 7 14. And though they say the Lord liueth yet do they sweare falsely Ier. 5 2. They returne vnto me not with their whole heart but fainedly saith the Lord Ier. 3 10 Isa 59 13. Hos 8 2. 2 Tim. 3 5. For when he slew them they sought him Neverthelesse they flattered him with their mouth and lyed vnto him with their tongue for their heart was not right with him neither were they stedfast in his Covenant Psalm 78 34. c. Math. 23.5 14 25 verses 2 King 10 31. 1 Sam. 26 21 1 24 17. Ob. It should seeme this grace of Sinceritie is very rare and yet who wil not say my heart is vpright Stand apart come not neere me I am holier than thou Isa 65 5. A. Most men will proclaime every man his own goodnesse but a faithfull man who can find Prou. 20 6. All the wayes of a Man are cleane in his owne eyes but the LORD pondereth the spirits Pro. 16.2 He that is first in his owne cause seemeth iust but his Neighbour commeth and searcheth him out Prou. 18 17 25 14. And therefore if any man seeme to himselfe to be somewhat when hee is nothing hee deceiueth himselfe Galath 6 3.2 King 10 15. Q. What is the danger of Hipocrisie A. Shall not I visit for those things saith the Lord shall not my soule bee avenged on such a Nation as this Ier. 5 29. Yea cursed shall he be that smiteth his neighbour secretly and all the people shall say Amen Deut. 27.24 So that the Hypocrites hope shall be cut off and their trust shall be a Spiders web Hee shall leane vpon his house but it shall not stand hee shall hold it fast but it shall not endure Iob 8 13. Psal 12 3. Q. Wherein then lyes the difference betwixt the estate of the Hypocrites and the true Nathaniels in whom is no guile A. Hee that walketh vprightly walketh surely but he that perverteth his way shall be knowne Prov. 10 9.28 18. The integritie of the vpright shall guide them but the perversnesse of the transgressors shall destroy them Prou. 11 3 5 6. By the blessing of the vpright the Citie is exalted but it is overthrowne by the mouth of the wicked Prou. 11 11. For lying lippes are abomination to the Lord but they that deale truly are his delight Prou. 12.22 And therefore better is the poore that walketh in his Integritie than hee that is perverse in his lips and is a foole Prou. 10 29.14.2.19 1.14 5.13 6. Psal 84 11. Ob. But such become great and doe waxe rich they wax fat they shine Ier. 5.28 A. What is the hope of the Hypocrite though he haue gained when God taketh away his soule Will God heare his cry when trouble commeth vpon him Will hee delight himselfe in the Almighty Will hee alwayes call vpon God Iob 27.8.8.13 11 20. Pro. 10.28 Q. What may this teach vs A. Because as in the water face answereth face so the heart of man to man Prou. 27.19 Therefore let euery man proue his owne worke and then shall he haue reioycing in him selfe alone and not in another Gal. 6.4 2 Beware yee of the leauen of the Pharises which is Hipocrisie Luk. 12.1 Let loue bee without dissimulation Rom. 12 9. And be yee perfect with the Lord your God Deut. 18.13 Not to bee almost but altogether such as PAVL was Acts 26.29 That so you may bee able to say Search mee O God and know my heart and try mee and know my thoughts see if there bee any way of wickednesse â—â—me Psal 139.23.26 1. Math. 6 1. 3 Pray saying Let my heart be sound â— thy statutes that I be not ashamed Psal 119.80 Draw me not away with the â—icked and with the workers of Iniquitie â—hich speake peace to their Neighbours but mischiefe is in their hearts Psal 28. â— O continue thy loving kindnesse to them that know thee and thy righteousnes in the vpright in heart Psal 36.10 4 Take yee heed every one of his neighâ—â—ur and trust yee not in any Brother for â—very Brother will vtterly supplant and â—very Neighbour will walke in slaunders â—â—d they will deceiue every one his neighâ—â—â—r and will not speake the truth They haue taught their tongues to speake â—yes and weary themselues to commit iniquitie Ier. 9.4 Put yee not confidence in a guide keepe the doores of thy Mouth from her that lyeth in thy bosome Micha 7.5 But learne of CHRIST who did not commit himselfe vnto the Iewes because hee knew all men for hee knew what was in Man Ioh. 2 24. The simple man indeed beleeveth every word but the prudent man looketh well to his goings Pro. 14 15. Esa 59 14. Ier. 12.6 Of Perseverance Q. Sinceritie I doe confesse to bee a singular Grace gracing all the rest but what assurance can you giue mee of perseuering therein Iob 27.10 A. The path of the Iust is a shining light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Prou. 4 18. If therefore that which you haue heard from the beginning shall remaine in you you also shall continue in the same and in the Father 1. Ioh. 2.24 who shall establish you an holy people vnto himselfe as hee hath sworne vnto you Deut. 28 9. And shall confirme you vnto the end that you may be blamelesse in the day of our Lord IESVS CHRIST 1 Cor. 1 8. Psal 84 7. For the Converts continued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship and in breaking Bread and in Prayers Acts 2 42 And the Church of Thiatira Her last workes were more
reason of the enemy and avenger All this is come vpon vs yet haue wee not forgotten GOD neyther haue wee dealt falsely in his Covenant Our heart is not turned backe neyther haue our steps declined from his way Though hee hath sorely broken vs in the place of Dragons and covered vs with the shadow of Death Psal 44.15 Woe is me saith IEREMIE for my hurt my wound is grievous But I said truly this is a griefe and I must beare it Ier. 10 19. I IOHN am also your Brother and Companion in tribulation and in the Kingdome and patience of IESVS CHRIST Rev. 1 9. Take therefore my Brethren the Prophets who haue spoken in the name of the LORD for an example of suffering Affliction and of Patience Iames 5 10. 2 Timoth. 2 5. Psalm 119.83 141 143 39 9.123 2 38 12 13. Isa 26 8 39 8. 1 Sam. 26 19 2 15 25 2 16 11. Iob. 1.21 1 Corinth 4 12. Q. Why what will a mans patience profit him A. Behold wee count them happy which indure You haue heard of the patience of IOB and haue seene the end of the Lord that the Lord is verie pittifull and of tender mercy Iam 5.11 And so ABRAHAM after hee had patiently endured hee obtayned the promise Heb. 6.15 Blessed therefore are all they that wayte for him Isa 30.18 For the Lord is good vnto them that wait for him to the soule that seeketh him It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord Lam. 3.25 In your patience possesse yee your soules Luk. 21.19 And let Patience haue her perfect worke that yee may bee perfect and intire wanting nothing Iam. 1.4 And take my yoke vpon you and learne of mee for I am meeke and lowly in heart and you shall find rest vnto your Soules Math. 11.29 And it shall be said in that day loe this is our GOD wee haue waited for him and hee will saue vs this is the Lord wee haue waited for him wee will be glad and reioyce in his Salvation Isa 25.9 Therefore waite on the LORD bee of good cheere and hee shall strengthen thine heart waite I say on the Lord Psal 27 14. Saying why art thou cast downe O my Soule and why art thou disquieted within mee Hope in GOD for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God Psal 43 5.42.11.62.1.2 Q. By what meanes may this Grace of patience bee attained A. 1 If any of you lacke Wisedome let him aske of GOD that giveth to all men liberally and vpbraideth not and it shall be given him Iam. 1.5 2 This is my comfort in my Affliction for his Word quickneth me Psal 119.50 And if my delights had not beene in his Word I had perished in mine Affliction Psal 119 92. 3 I remembred his Iudgements of old haue comforted my selfe Psal 119 52 I haue considered the dayes of old and the yeares of ancient times I call to remembrance my Song in the night Psal 77.5 I remembred the yeares of the right hand of the most high I remembred the workes of the LORD surely I remembred his wonders of old Psal 77 10 11. And so strengthened my hand in GOD 1. Sam. 23.16 Psal 119 52 143 5. 2 Cor. 1.10 2 Tim. 4 17 18. 1 Sam. 17.37 Q. When comfort and deliuerance comes will it abide by vs A. Whereas thou hast beene forsaken and hated so that no man went through thee I will make thee an everlasting excellency a ioy of many Generations Isa 60.15 For a small moment haue I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindnesse will I haue mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Isa 54.7 Lift vp your eyes to the Heavens and looke vpon the Earth beneath for the Heavens shall vanish away like smoake and the Earth shall waxe old like a Garment and they that dwell therein shall dye in like manner but my Salvation shall bee for ever and my Righteousnesse shall not be abolished Isa 51.6 A woman when shee is in travell hath sorrow because her houre is come but as soone as shee is delivered of the Child shee remembreth no more the anguish for ioy that a Man is borne into the world And yee now also haue sorrow but I will see you againe and your heart shall reioyce and your ioy shall no man take from you Ioh 16.21 For you shall bee saved in the Lord with an everlasting Salvation yee shall not bee ashamed nor confounded world without end Isa 45 17. Amos 9.15 Ob. This your discourse imports much comfort notwithstanding all which I doe remaine but in the forlorne hope A. Are the Consolations of God small with thee Iob 15 11. Fooles because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted Their soule abhorreth all manner of meate and they draw neere vnto the gates of Death Psa 107.17 18. Wherefore then doth a living man complaine A man for the punishment of his sinnes Lam. 3.39 And why cryest thou for thine affliction Thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine Iniquities and because thy sinnes are increased I haue done these things vnto thee Ier. 30 15. Thine owne wickednesse correcteth thee and thy backslidings shall reproue thee Know therefore that it is an evill thing and a bitter to haue forsaken the Lord thy GOD and that his feare is not in thee saith the Lord God of hosts Ier. 2 19. Ob. If our transgressions and our sinnes be vpon vs and wee pine away in them how shall we then liue Ezek. 33.10 A. O Israel thou hast destroyed thy selfe but in me is thy helpe Hos 13.9 Therefore returne thou back-sliding Israel saith the Lord and I will not cause mine anger to fall vpon you for I am mercifull saith the Lord and I will not keepe anger for ever Onely acknowledge thine iniquities that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy GOD and yee haue not obeyed my voyce saith the Lord. Ier. 3.12 If thou were pure and vpright then surely hee would awake for thee and make the habitation of thy righteousnesse prosperous Though thy beginning was small yet thy latter end should greatly increase Iob 8.6 It is meete therefore to say vnto God I haue borne chastisement I will not offend any more Iob 34.31 32. Wherefore if iniquity be in thy hands put it farre away and let not wickednesse dwell in thy Tabernacles for then shalt thou lift vp thy face without spot yea thou shalt be stedfast and shalt not feare because thou shalt forget thy misery and remember it as waters that passe away And thine age shall be cleerer than the noone-day thou shalt shine foorth thou shalt be as the Morning Iob 11.14 Turne thou therefore vnto thy GOD keepe Mercy and iudgement and waite on thy GOD continually Hos 12 6. And acquaint thy selfe I pray thee
ready to speake plainly Isa 32.4 For out â—f the mouthes of Babes and sucklings hath 〈◊〉 ordained strength because of his Eâ—â—mies that hee might still the enemy and â—avenger Psal 8 2. Say not then I am a Child for thou shalt â—nto all that I shall send thee and whatâ—â—ever I command thee thou shalt speake Ierem. 1.7 For who hath made mans Youth Or who maketh the dumbe and be deafe haue not I the Lord Now â—herefore I will be with thy mouth and â—uch thee what thou shalt say Exod. 4 11. When they therefore deliver you vp â—ike no thought how or what you shall â—eake for it shall be given you in that â—ime houre what you shall say Math. 10 19. Luk. 21.14 And I will giue you a â—outh and wisedome which all your adversaries shall not be able to gaine-say nor resist Luk. 21.15 Act. 6 10. For the Scripture saith Whosoever beleeveth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10 11. For with the Heart man beleeveth vnto Righteousnesse and with the Mouth confession is made vnto salvation Rom. 10 10 You having therefore the same spiritâ— of Faith according as it is written beleeved and therefore haue I spoken you also beleeue and therefore speake 2. Cor 4 13. And be not afraid and hold not thy peace for I am with thee and no maâ— shall set on thee to hurt thee Acts 18.9 But sanctifie the Lord God in your heart and be ready alway to giue an answere to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you and that with meekenes and feare 1. Pet. 3 15. Math. 10 32. Prou. 16.1 Acts 4.9 Luk. 12.12 Ob. If for the hope of Israel I should thus stand in defence of the truth I shall for my labour be cast into some Dungeon Ier. 38.6 be bound with a chaine Acts 28.20 And my feet hurt with fetters of Iron Psal 105.18 Ezek. 19.9 Iohn 21 28. A Though you suffer trouble as an evill doer yet the word of God is not bound 2. Tim. 2.9 You may be a bondman in deed yet the Lord God will not forsake you in your bondage Ezra 9 9. No more than he forsooke PAVL and SILAS who â—ing psalmes in Prison Acts 16 25. For the Lord heareth the poore and desâ—seth not his Prisoners Psal 69.33 â—et hath broken the Gates of Brasse and â—â—t the Barres of iron in sunder Psal 107. â—6 And bringeth out those that are â—â—und with chaines Psal 68 6. For the iron gate opened vnto Peter of its owne â—ucord whereby hee escaped the hands of Herod Acts 12 10. Ier. 38.13.52.31 Psal 102.19.116 16. Ob. It may be they will not alwayes deâ—aine me a prisoner but which is worse 〈◊〉 may bee banished into the Land of Strangers abroad Reu. 19.10 Heb. 11.38 Act. 8 1. A. Although they shall cast you a far off â—mong the Heathen and although they do scatter you among the Countries yet will the to you as a little Sanctuary in the Countries where you shall come Exek 11.16 And when you are in the Land of your Enemies I will not cast you away neither will I abhorre you to destroy you vtterly and to breake my Covenant with you for I am the Lord your GOD Leuit. 26.44 But I will giue you a reviuing there Ezra 9 8. And make you to be pittied of all those that shall carry you Captiue Psal 106 46 And make the Enemy to intreat you well Ier. 15.11 And I will be with you as with IOSEPH in Egypt who was a prosperous man Gen. 39 2. forgat all his toyle and all his Fathers house and became fruitfull in the Land of his Affliction Gen. 41 51 52 46 3 47 27 23 11. Ier. 40.4 37 21. Deut. 4 29. Reuel 1.9 10. Psal 105 12. Ier. 31 10. 2 Moreouer heare the Word of the Lord and declare it in the Isles a farre off and say hee that scattered Israel will gather him Ier. 31.10 Feare not for I am with them I will bring their seed from the East and gather them from the West I will say to the North giue vp and to the South keepe not backe Bring my Sonnes from farre and my Daughters from the ends of the earth even every one that is called by my name for I haue created him for my glory Isa 43 5. For as the Shepheard seeketh out his flocke in the day that he is among his Sheepe that are scattered so will I seeke out my Sheepe and will deliver them out of all places where they haue beene scattered in the cloudie and darke day And I will bring them out from the people and gather them from the Countries and I will bring them to their owne Land Ezek. 34 12. So that the redeemed of the Lord shall returne and come with singing vnto Zion and everlasting ioy shall bee vpon their head they shall obtaine gladnes and ioy and sorrow and mourning shall flee away Isa 51 11. Say ye therefore turne againe our captivity O Lord as the streames in the South Psal 126 4. O that Salvation were come out of Zion when the Lord bringeth backe the captivity of his people Iacob shall reioyce and Israel shall be glad Psalm 14 7 53.6 81 5 68 22. Deut. 30 1. Gen. 15.15.48 21. Isa 14 12 26 2 â—9 10.30 10 27 13 49.25 60 15. Ier. 23 3 24 5. Ezek. 36 24. Amos 9 14. Zach. 10 10. Exod. 12.41 Ob. But in the meane while would it not greeue a man to part with his deare friends with what else he hath Ier. 5 2. Lam. 5 15 3 45 46. Dan. 9 15. A. No moâ—e than it would haue grieved Leui who said vnto his Father and to his mother I haue not seene him neither did he acknowledge his Brethren nor knew his owne Children Deut. 33.9 Or than others who tooke ioyfully the spoyling of theyr goods knowing in themselues that they haue in Heaven a better and an induring substance Heb. 10 34. For I say vnto you there is no man that hath left house or Brethren or Sisters or Father or Mother or Wife or Children or Lands for my sake or the Gospell but he shall receiue an hundred fold now in this world Houses and Brethren and Sisters and Mothers and Children and lands with Persecutions and in the world to come life everlasting Mark 10 29 Luk. 14 26 14.33.17.32 Ob. But more greevous things than these are imposed for for his sake are we killed all the day long and are counted as sheepe for the slaughter Psal 44 22 74.4 Lam. 3.42 A. Yet I will not leaue you comfortlesse Ioh. 14 18. But as my sufferings abound in you so your consolation also aboundeth 2 Cor. 1 5. For I will pray the Father and hee shall gâ—ue you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receiue because it seeth hâ—m not neither knoweth him But ye know him for hee dwelleth with you and shall bee in you
lesurum waxed fat grew thick was covered with fatnesse c. Then he forsooke God which made him and lightly esteemed the rocke of his Salvation Of the Roâ—â—e that begat them they were vnmindfull and did forget him that formed them Deut. 32 13. Wherby it appeares to be more easier for a Camell to goe through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdome of Heaven Math. 19 24. Isa 26 10. Hosea 4 7 4 11 10 1.13 6. Daniel 5 4. Iob. 21 14 21 7. Iam 2 6. Prou. 23 29. Eccl. 3 11. Ob. Who then can bee saved Math. 19 25. A. With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible Math. 19 26. For by faith Moses when he was come to yeeres refused to be called the Sonne of Pharoahs daughter chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season esteeming the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Aegypt Heb. 11 24. For the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning though the heart of the foole is in the house of mirth Eccl. 7 4. Isa 32 5. Gen. 24.35.22 12. Iob. 1 1. Dan. 1 12. Q. Because of this and such like examples are we altogether to be without feare in the inioyment of earthly things A. When thou hast eaten and art full beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God in not keeping his Commandements and his iudgements Dâ—ut 8 10. For which enâ— remember Lots wife Luk. 17 32. Gen. 19.26 Deut. 6 10 11. Q. How may wee then bee preserved from the danger of earthly things A. 1. Loue not the world neither the things that are in the world 1 Ioh 2 15. For wilt thou set thine eyes vpon that which is not Prou. 23 5. 2. Vse this world as if you vsed it not 1. Cor. 7 31. For no maÌ„ that warreth intangleth himselfe with the affaires of this life that hee may please him who hath chosen him to bee a Souldier c. 2 Tim. 2 4. Iam. 1.10 11. Cant. 2 10. Gal. 6 14. Prou. 23 1 2 3. 3 Pray saying Turne away mine eyes â—â—om beholding vanity and quicken thou â—â—t in thy way Psal 119 37. Two things â—â—ue I required of thee deny me them â—ut before I dye remoue farre from me vaâ—itie and lyes giue mee neither Povertie â—â—r Riches feed me with food convenient for mee least I be full and deny thee and â—â—y Who is the Lord Or least I be poore â—nd steale and take the name of my God in â—aine Prou. 30 7. Q. What further incouragement can â—ou giue me to stand out against these â—o many Temptations of the Flesh the Deuill and the World A. He that indureth to the end shall it saved Math. 10 22. And to him that overcommeth will I giue to eate of the â—ree of Life which is in the middes of the Paradise of GOD Reuel 2 7. And to â—â—te of the hidden Manna and I will giue â—im a white stone and in the stone a new â—ame written which no man knoweth saving hee that receiueth it Reuel 2 17. He shall also bee cloathed in white rayment and I will not blot out his Name out of the booke of Life but I will confesse his name before my Father and before his Angels Reu. 3.5 And will grant him to sit with mee in my Throne even as I also overcame and am set downe with my Father in his throne Reuel 3.21 3 12.21.7 Luk. 22.28.29.30 verses Q. What should this so rich and plentifull a reward moone vs vnto A. To walke circumspectly not as fooles but as wise Ephes 5.15 And to ponder the pathes of thy feete that thy wayes may be establâ—shed and turne not to the right hand nor to the left but remooue thy foot from evill Prou. 4 26 27. 2. Pray that you fall not into temptation Math. 26 41. But that hee would grant vnto vs that wee being deliuered out of the hands of our enemies might serue him without feare in holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of â—â—r life Luk. 1.74 CHAP. XXXII Of the Word of GOD. IN the middes of so many Temptations on the right hand and on â—e left what one meanes of vpholding â—â—th GOD left vnto his Church A. When all Israel is come to appeare â—â—fore the Lord thy GOD in the place â—here hee shall chuse thou shalt reade this â—â—w before all Israel in their hearing â—oth of Men and Women and Chilâ—â—n and thy Stranger that is within â—y Gates that they may heare and that â—â—y may learne and feare the Lord your â—OD and obserue to doe all the words 〈◊〉 this Law and that their Children â—hich haue not knowne any thing may â—â—re and learne to feare the LORD â—â—r GOD as long as yee liue Deut. â— 11. Exod. 24 7. Ios 8 34 35. Q. Why what excellencie is there in this law of GOD more than in other writings of men whereby to worke such a feare of God in our hearts A. The law of the Lord is perfect converting the Soule the of testâ—mony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple the statutes of the Lord are right reioycing the heart the Commandement of the Lord is pure inlightening the eyes Psal 19 7. Not comming vnto you in Word only but also in Power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance 1 Thess 1 5. Being able to make thee wise vnto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Iesus and is profitable for Doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in Righteousnes that the Man of GOD may be perfect throughly furnished vnto all good workes 2 Tim. 3 15. For as the raine commeth downe and the snow from Heaven and returneth not thither but watereth the earth and maketh it to bring foorth and bud that it may giue seed to the Sower and Bread to the eater so shall my Word bee that goeth forth out of my â—outh it shall not returne to me voyd â—â—t it shall accomplish that which I â—ease and it shall prosper in the thing â—hereto I send it Deut. 32 2. Isa 55 10. â—9 2. Iob 6 25. Eccles 12 11. Act. 26 â—8 Heb. 4 12. Rom. 10 17. Thus the Churches were by the Word established in the Faith Acts 16 5. And I am sure also that when I come vnto you I shall come in the fulnesse of the blessing of the Gospell of CHRIST Rom. 15 29. Col. 1 6. Acts 4 4.18 8. 17 11 12 34. verses 12 24 17 4 15 32 8. 12 24 25. Ioh. 15 3. Q. Whence hath the Scripture this power and efficacie A. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer the holy One of Israel I am the Lord thy GOD which teach thee to profit which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest goe Isa 48 â—7 I create the fruit of the lips peace peace to him that is farre off and to him that is neere Isa 57 19. It is
you 1 Pet. 5 2. And preach the word and be instant in season and out of season to reprooue rebuke exhort with all long suffering and doctrine 2 Tim. 4 2 Not shunning to declare the whole Councell of God Acts 20.27 But to cry aloud and lift vp their voice lâ—ke a Trumpet to shew my people their transgression and the house of Iacob their sinnes Isa 58 1. And in the Spirit and power of Elias to turne the hearts of the Fathers to the Children and the disobedient to the wisedome of the iust to make ready a people prepared for the Lord Luk. 1 17. Exhorting them that with full purpose of heart they would cleaue vnto the Lord Act 11.23 Exorting the elder women as mothers the younger women as sisters with all purity 1 Tâ—m 5 2. Wherein if any man speake let him speake as the Oracles of GOD 1 Pet. 4 11 The Prophet that hath a Dreame let him tell a Dreame and hee that hath my Word let him speake my Word faithfully what is the Chaffe to the Wheate saith the LORD Ierem. 23 28. 1 Coâ— 9 16. 1. Pet. 5 4 Iob 21 15. Math. 28 19 20. Isa 62 1 2. 2 Timoth. 2 24. Amos 3 7. 4 Not to bee as Lords over Gods heritage but as ensamples to the flocke 1 Pet. 5 3. Giving no offence in any thing that their Ministrie be not blamed but in all things approving themselues as the Ministers of God 2 Cor. 6 3. Performing the same not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind 1 Pet. 5 2. 1 Timoth. 3 1. Math. 23 8. Q How doth GOD taxe the negligence of his Priests vnder the Law A. I haue seene saith GOD foolishnesse in the Prophets of Samaria that prophesie in Baal and caused my people Israel to erre I haue seene also in the Prophets of Ierusalem filthinesse they commit adultery and walke in lies they strengthen also the hands of the wicked that none can returne from his wickednes Ier. 23 13. They prophesie lyes in my name saying I haue dreamed I haue dreamed yea they are Prophets of the deceit of their owne heart Ier. 23 25. They haue healed also the hurt of the Daughter of my people slightly saying Peace peace when there is no peace Ier. 6 19. Others they bite with the teeth and he that putteth not into their mouthes they even prepare warre against him Mich. 3 5 1â— Some of them also are blind they are ignorant they are dumbe Dogs they cannot barke sleeping lying downe loving to slumber yea they are greedy Dogs which can never haue enough and they are Shepheards that cannot vnderstand they all looke to their owne way every one for his gaine from his quarter Isa 56 10. All these shut vp the Kingdome of Heaven against men for they neither goe in themselues neither suffer them that are entring in to goe in Math 23 13. Ierem. 10 21 8 11. 23 16 17 5 30 31. Ezek. 13 6 7. Zephan 3 4. Mal. 2 9. Q. How doth GOD threaten such Priests vnder the Law A. Tâ—aâ— their way should bee vnto them as slippery wayes in the darknesse and haâ— they should bee driven on and fall therein for I will bring evill vpon them even the yeare of their visitation saith the Lord Ier. 23 12. And I will require my Flocke at their hands Ezek. 34.10 And mine hand shall be vpon the Prophets that see vanity and divine lyes they shall not be in the Assembly of my people neyther shall they bee written in the writing of the House of Israel Ezek. 13 9. And they shall beare their punishment the punishment of the Prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that asketh Ezekiel 14 10. And because they make many to stumble at the Law and haue corrupted the Covenant of â—eui therefore will I make them contemptible and base before all the people Mal. 2 8 Night shall bee vnto them that they shall not haue a Vision and it shall be darke vnto them and they shall not dâ—vine and the Sunne shall goe downe over the Prophets and the day shall bee darke over them Then shall they bee ashamed and confounded yea they shall cover their lips for there is no answere from GOD Mich. 3 6. Ob. But are not Gods Ministers even now vnder the Gospell discouraged by theyr people and flickr for theyr deadnesse and dulnesse in their workes of piety and devotioâ— Sonne of man I haue made them Watchmen to the house of Israel therefore they should haue heard the Word at my mouth and haue given them warning from mee So that when I haue said vnto the wicked thou shalt surely dye and thou hast not given him warning nor spakest to admonish the wicked from his wiked way that hee might liue the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquitie but his bloud will I require at theyr hand Yet if they had warned the wicked and hee turne not from his wickednesse nor from his wicked way he shall dye in his iniquitie but such Ministers should haue delivered theyr owne soule Ezek. 3 17 33 2 2 8 2 4 5. Isay 49 4 5. Ob. Some of these might haue beene more faithfull in their Ministery if in the discharge thereof they did with godly Zeale and discreet courage expresse themselues and theyr Consciences A. Therefore say vnto such a one thus saith the Lord If thou take away the precious from the vile thou shalt be according to my word let them returne vnto thee but returne not thou vnto them And I will make thee vnto this people a strong brasen Wall and they shall fight against thee but they shall not prevaâ—le against thee for I am wâ—th thee to saue thee And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked and I will redeeme thee out of the hand of the tyrants Ier. 15.19 Thou therefore trusse vp thy loynes and arise and speake vnto them all that I â—â—mmand thee be not afraid of their faâ—â—s least I destroy thee before them Ier. â— 17 20.11.26 24. Ezek. 2.6 3 9 2 4 5. Q. I now see the worke of a Minister to bee of importance what therefore is the peoples dutie towards â—im A. Against an Elder receiue not an â—ccusation vnder two or three witnesâ—es 1 Tim 5 19. 2 Say to A chippus looke well to thy Minâ—sterie thou hast received in the LORD that thou fulfill it Colos 4 17. 3 Becausâ— the Harvest is great and the labourers are few therefore pray yee to the Lord of the Harvest that he would send forth more Labourers into his Harvest Math. 9 37. 2 Say let thy Priests bee clothed with righteousnesse and let thy Saints showt for ioy Psal 132.9 3 As of LEVI it was said Let thy Vrim and thy Thummim be with thy holy ones Deut. 33 8. That vtterance also may be giuen â—eÌ„ that they may open their mouthes boldly to make knowne the mysteries of the Gospell Ephes 6.19 Col. 4.3 4
vse of these meanes Grace it selfe may decay A. In all places where GOD doth record his Name hee will blesse thee Exod. 20 24. The Lord shall blesse thee out of Zion Psal 128.5 So that thou shalt flourish like a Palme tree and like a Cedar in Libanon Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the Courts of our GOD they shall bring foorth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing to shew that the Lord is vpright he is my rocke and that there is no vnrighteousnesse in him Psal 92 12 84 7 65 4. 1 Cor. 15 10. Math. 13 â—1 32. Isa 61 11. Q. What is required of vs to the â—nd that these meanes of Grace may be thus continued with successe A. 1 Get Davids appetite after them â—aying As the heart panteth after the waâ—â—r brookes so doth my heart pant after â—hee O GOD. My Soule thirsteth for God for the living God when shall I come â—nd appeare before God Psal 42 1. My Soule longeth yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh â—rieth out for the living God c. For a â—ay in his Courts is better than a thousand 〈◊〉 had rather be a doore keeper in the house â—f my God than to dwell in the tents of â—ickednesse Psal 84 1 10. verses 63 1 2 137 5 6. 2 A delight in them Reioyce with Ieâ—usalem and bee glad with her all you â—hat loue her reioyce for ioy with her â—ll you that mourne for her that yoâ— may sucke and bee satisfied with the breasts of her consolation that you may milke out and be delighted with the aboundance of her glory Isay 66 10. 3 Pray saying O send out thy light and thy truth let them leade mee let them bring mee vnto thy holy Hill and to thy Tabernacles Psalm 43 3. Send mee helpe from thy Sanctuary and strengthen mee out of Zion Remember all my offerings and accept my burnt Sacrifice Psalm 20 2 3. 134.3 4 Keepe thy foot when thou enterest into the house of God and be more neere to heare than to giue the Sacrifice of fooles Eccl. 5 1. For which end wash thy hands in innocencie and so compasse the Altars of God Psal 26 6. 5 When you come to worship the LORD in the beautie of holinesse Psal 96 9. Worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him GOD is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth Iob. 4.23 6 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy for the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it Exod. 20.8 11. Wherefore if thou turne away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy will on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight and consecrate is as glorious to the LORD and shalt honour him not doing thine owne wayes not seeking thine owne will not speaking a vaine word then shalt thou delight in the LORD and I will feed thee with the hreitage of IACOB thy Father For the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it â—â—a 58 13. Blessed is the man that doth this and the Sonne of man which layeth hold on it Isa 56 2. And embraceth my Covenant him will I bring vnto my Holy Mountaine and make him ioyfull in mine house of Prayer Isa 56 6.7 Reu. â— 10. Q. If I should forbeare my worke on the Sabbath day I should come to beggery at the last A. See for that the LORD hath given you the Sabbath therefore hee giveth you on the sixt day the bread of two dayes therefore abide you every man in his place let no man goe out of his place on the seaventh day Exod. 16 29 16 5. CHAP XXXVII Of Temporall Blessings and in particuler of long life Q. ALl these promises you haue mentioned are of singular vse vnto the Soule but what provision shall we haue for the body A. You shall inherit the earth Math. 5 5. For as CHRIST so the world is yours 1 Cor. 3 22. Ob. What will the world profit vs if wee bee taken away by Death and be accounted among them that goe downe into the pit Shall Gods loving kindnesse bee declared in the Graue Or his faithfulnesse in destruction Psalm 88 4 11. A. If thou forget not my Law and thy heart keepe my Commandements length of dayes and long life shall they adde vnto thee Prou. 3 1. And the yeares of thy life shall be many Prou. 4.10 And there shall old men and old women dwell in the streets of Ierusalem every man with his staffe in his hand for very age Zach. 8 4. There shall bee there no more an Infant of dayes nor an old man that hath not filled his dayes for the Child shall dye an hundred yeares old For as the dayes of a Tree are the dayes of my people Isa 65 20 22. And with long life will I satisfie them Psalm 91 16. For they shall see their Childrens Children Psal 128 6. And come vnto their Graue in a full age like as a shocke of Corne commeth in due season into the Barne Iob. 5 26. As well as ABRAHAM who dyed in a good old age an old man and full of yeares Gen. 25 8. Psal 33 18 19. Ier. 45 5 39 17. Gen. 15 15 35 29 47 28 50. 23. Iudg. 8 32. 1 Chron. 29 28 2 24 15. 1 Sam. 25 29. Q. Is long Life a blessing of any worth A. The hoarie head is a Crowne of Glory if it be found in the way of Righteousnesse Prou. 16 31. For as the beauty of young men is their stregnth so the glory of the aged is their gray head Prou. 20 29. Q. Is this promise of long life a blessing common vnto all A. No for GOD shall bring the wicked downe into the pit of destruction the bloudy and deceitfull man shall not liue ouâ— halfe his dayes Psal 55.23 His confidence shall he rooted out of his Tabernacle and it shall bring him to the King of terrors Iob. 28 14. As the whirlewind passeth so is the wicked no more onely the righteous is an everlasting foundation Prou. 10.25 For as righteousnesse tendeth vnto life so he that pursueth evill pursueth it to his owne death Prou. 11 19 10 27. Psal 145 20. Ob. But doe you not see many of the wicked how theyr dayes are prolonged A. The woman that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth 1 Tim. 5 6 And men living â—ruitlessely are as trees twice dead and plucked vp by the rootes Iud. 12 And therefore though a sinner doe evill an hundred times and his dayes be prolonged yet surely I know that it shall bee well with them that feare GOD which feare before him Ecc. 8 12. Q What would you hence inferre A. Therefore bee thou not overmuch wicked neither bee thou foolish for why shouldest thou dye before thy time Eccl. 7 17. But set your hearts vnto all thâ— words which I testifie among you this day
high to shew forth thy loving kindnesse in the morning and thy faithfulnesse every night Psal 92 1. For many O Lord my God are thy wonderfull workes which thou hast done and thy thoughts which are to vs ward they cannot be reckoned vp in order vnto thee if I would declare and speake of them they are moe than can be numbred Psal 40 5. Thy mercy also O Lord is in the Heavens and thy faithfulnesse reacheth vnto the Clouds Thy righteousnes is like the great Mountaines thy iudgements are a great Deepe Psal 36 5. How precious are thy thoughts vnto mee O GOD how great is the summe of them â—f I should count them they are moe in number than the sand Psalm 139.17.31.19 â—2 4.5 Blessing and glory and wisdome and thankesgiuing and honour and power and night bee vnto our GOD Râ—u 7.12 For ever and ever 1. Tim. 1.17 and from everlasting to everlasting and let â—ll the people say Amen Psalm 106.48.63.3.4.69.30.31 Isa 63.7.25.1 Psalm 104.33.34.1.35.28.116.13.40.9.45.17 Exod. 15.11 Psalm 57 7.147.1.33.1.34.3.97.1â—.68.4.30.4.47.6.7 Psalm 72.18.135.1.19.136.1.103.20.150.6.72.19 CHAP. XLIX The properties of GODS Promises Q. GReat cause indeed haue we thus to giue thanks for here are many Promises and for all purposes both great and precious if they be as true as good A. These things saith the Amen the faithfull and true witnesse Reu. 3.14 are the true sayings of GOD Reuel 19.9 I IESVS haue sent mine Angell to testifie these things in the Churches Reu. 22.16 Therefore write these words are true and faithfull Reu. 21.5.22 6. For GOD will performe his truth to IACOB and his mercie to ABRAHAM which hee hath sworne to our Fathers from the dayes of old Miâ—h 7. â—0 Hee confirmeth the word of his Serâ—â—nt and he performeth the counsell of his Messengers Isa 44 26. Hee said not vnto the seed of IACOB Seeke yee my face in vaine I the LORD speake righteousnesse I declare the things that are right Isâ— 45 19. For it is GOD that cannot lye who hath thus promised before the World began Titus 1 2. Whe efore let GOD be true and every man a lyar as it is written that thou mightest be Iustified in thy sayings and ouercome when thou art Iudged Rom. 3.4 2 Cor. 1.18 Pâ—al 58.11.33.5.12 6.30 5. Num. 23 19. Q. What good witnesses can you produce that may conuince vs of the truth of these things A. Though saith CHRIST I beare record of my selfe yet my record is true I am one that beare witnesse of my selfe and the Father that hath sent mee beareth witnesse of mee Ioâ— 8 14 18. who is true and I speake to the world the things which I haue heard from him Ioh. 8 26. The Disciple also whom IESVS loued testâ—fied these things and wee know that his testimony is true Ioh. 21.24 IOHN indeed did no miracle but all things that IOHN spake of this man were true Ioh. 10 41. And every one that hath received his testimony hath set to his seale that GOD is true Ioh. 3 33. 1. Ioh. 1 5. Q. Who haue at any time vpon their owne experience proued them so to be A. Behold this day I am going the way of all the earth and you know in all your hearts and in all your soules that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your GOD spake concerning you all things are come to passe vnto you not one thing hath failed thereof Ios 23 14.21.45 For it came to passe at the end of foure hundred and thirty yeares as was promised Gen. 15 14. even the selfe-same day it came to passe that all the hostes of the LORD went out from the land of Aegypt Exod. 12 41. vnto whom the LORD gaue all the Land which hee sware to giue to theyr Fathers and they possessed it and they dwelt therein And the â—ORD gaue them rest round about acâ—â—rding to all that hee sware vnto their â—athers and there stood not a man of all â—heir enemies before them There failed â—ot ought of any good thing which the LORD hath spoken vnto the house of ISRAHL all came to passe Iosh 21 43. So that he hath dealt well with his servants according to his Word Psal 119.63 And all his counsels of old are faithfulnesse and truth Isa 25 1. 1 King 8 20. 2 Chron. 6 15. Q. What then may this truth of GOD in promising teach vs A. 1 To beleeue for if wee receiue the witnesse of men the witnesse of GOD is greater For this is the witnesse of GOD which hee hath testified of his Sonne 1 Ioh. 5 9. Wherefore sirs bee of good cheere for I beleeue GOD thus it shall bee even as it was told mee Act. 27 25. For shall mortall man be more iust than GOD And shall a man bee more pure than his Maker Iob 4 17. Rom. 3 3 4. Luk. 11.13 2 To say Lord GOD of Israel there is no GOD like thee in Heaven aboue or on Earth beneath who keepeth Covenant and mercy with thy servants that walke before thee with all their hearts 1 King 8 23. Wherefore blessed bee the LORD which spake with his mouth vnto DAVID my Father and hath with his hand fulfilled it 1. King 8.15.20 3 To Pray saying Remember the word vnto thy seruant vpon which thou hast caused me to trust Psal 119.49 4 Thou also shalt keepe my couenant therefore thou and thy seed after thee in their generations Gen. 17 9. As well as the Iewes who did according to their promise Else as the Prophet shooke his lappe and said so GOD shall shake out every man from his house and from his labour that performeth not his promise even thus be he shaken out and emptied vnto which say Amen Nehem. 5 13. 5 For which and also say Lead me in thy truth and teach me for thou art â—e GOD of my saluation Psal 25 5. Ob. I doe now acknowledge GOD to â—ee true of his Word but was he not â—ooued to make these promises for â—ame thing of speciall worth he see to â—e in vs deseruing the same A. Were yee not as the Ethiopians vnto â—e O children of Israel saith the LORD Amos 9.7 For even TERAH the Father of ABRAHAM and the Father â—f NACHOR they serued other Gods Iosh 24.2 So hath the LORD also called thee being a Woman forsaken and afflicted in spirit and as a young wife when thou wast refused saith thy GOD. Isa 54 6 And when he passed by thee and saw thee polluted in thy owne blood he said vnto thee when thou wast in thy blood liue Yea he said vnto thee when thou wast in thy blood live Ezek. 16.6 Isa 51.1.2 Hos 14.4 Ob. Though hee did finde vs wicked yet doth he not leaue vs so and therefore for some fore-seene good that would bee in vs hee might be moued hereunto A. Can a man be profitable vnto God as hee that is wise may be profitable vnto himselfe Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art
righteous Or is it gaine to him that thou makest thy wayes perfect Iob. 22 2. Looke vnto the Heavens and see and behold the clouds which are higher than thou If thou sinnest what doest thou against him Or if thy transgressions bee multiplyed what doest thou vnto him If thou bee righteous what givest thou him Or what receiveth hee of thine hand Iob 35 5. Psal 16 2. Which of you having a Servant Plowing or feeding Cattell will say vnto him by and by when he is come from the field Goe and sit downe to meate And will not rather say vnto him make ready wherewith I may sup and gird thy selfe and serue mee till I haue eaten and drunken and afterward thou shalt eate and drinke Doth hee thanke that servant because hee did these things that were commanded him I trow not So likewise yee when yee shall haue done all these things which are commanded you say Wee are vnprofitable servants wee haue done but that which is our duty to doe Luk. 17 7. Q. What was it then which moued the LORD thus liberally to deale with vs A. Because the Lord loved you and because hee would keepe the Oath which he sware vnto your fathers Deut. 7 8 9 6. Herein is loue not that wee loved GOD but that hee loved vs 1 Ioh. 4 10. And wee loue him because he loved vs first 1 Ioh. 4 19. For was not ESAV IACOBS brother saith the LORD Yet I haue loved IACOB Mâ—l 1 2. For the Children being not yet borne neither having done good or evill that the purpose of GOD according to the Election might stand not of Workes but of him that calleth it was said vnto her The elder shall serue the younger as it is written Rom. 9.11 So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Rom. 9 15. And so Mercy and Truth are met together Psal 85 10. Exod. 33 19. Ier. 31 3. Rom. 11 32. Iam. 5 15. Psâ—â— 25.11 Ob. But why doth he yet find fault For who hath resisted his will Rom. 9.19 A. Nay but O man who art thou that replyest against God Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou made me thus Hath not the Potter power over the clay of the same lumpe to make one vessell vnto honour and another to dishonour Rom. 9 20. Woe vnto him that â—huâ— striveth with his Maker let the Potsherd striue with the Potsherds of the earth c. Woe be vnto him that saith to his Father what begettest thou Or to the woman what hast thou brought forth Isa 45 9 And is it not then lawfull for mee to doe as I will with mine owne Math. 20 15. Ob. â—he branches were broken off that I might be graffed in Rom. 11 19. A. Well because of vnbeliefe they were broken off and thou standest by faith be not high minded but feare For if God spared not the naturall branches take heed least hee also spare not thee Behold therefore the goodnesse and severity of GOD on them that fell severity but towards thee goodnesse if thou continue in his goodnesse otherwise thou also shalt be cut off And they also if they abide not still in vnbeliefe shall be graffed in for God is able to graffe them in againe Rom. 11.20 Boast not therefore against the branches but if thou boast thou bearest not the root but the roote thee Rom. 11 18. Q. Why what is the reason of this free and vndeserved mercy of GOD A. 1 That no flesh should glory in his presence but according as it is written let him that glorieth glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1 â—9 â—1 2 That yee might learne not to thinke of men aboâ—e that which is written that none of you be puffed vp for one against another 1 Cor. 4 6. Q. What may this free mercy of God teach vs A. To say O the depth of the Riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of GOD How vnsearchable are his iudgments and his wayes past finding out For who hath knowne the mind of the LORD Or who hath beene his Counseller Or who hath first gâ—ven to him and it shall bee recompenced vnto him againe Rom 11 33. 2 To say not vnto vs O Lord not vnto vs but vnto thy Name bee given the glory Psalm 115 1. Fâ—r as for mee I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies and of all the truth which hee hath shewed vnto his Servant Gen. 32 10. For off him and through him and for him are all things to him therefore be glory for ever and ever Amen Rom. 11 36 1. Cor. 4 7. 3 I beseech you Brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living Sacrifice Holy and acceptable vnto God which is your reasonable Service Rom. 12 1. And sow to your selues in Righteousnes and reape in mercy H â— 10 12. 4 Pray saying Remember me O my GOD concerning my good deeds and spare me according to the greatnesse of thy mercy Neh. 13 14 22. Crying Grace Grace vnto it Zach. 4 7. Q. Are these blessings common vnto all degrees of men A. Will hee regard your persons saith the LORD of Hosts Mal. 1 9. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD both small and great Psal 115 13. Neither is there respect of persons with him Eph. 6 9. For he that is called in the LORD being a Servant is the LORDS free man 1 Cor. 7 22. 1 Tim. 2 4. Q. Are not these bâ—â—ssings peculiar vnto the nation of the Iewes A. In thy seed saith GOD to ABRAHAM shall all the Nations of the earth bee blessed Gen. 26 4. Is he the GOD of the Iewes onely and not of the Gentiles also Reu. 3 29. There is no difference betwixt the Iew and the Greeke for the same Lord over all is rich vnto all that call vpon him Râ—m 10 12. Iohn 11 51. Zâ—ch 6 15 8 23. Isay 60.4.5 9.10 verses 60 22.11 10.42 6 45 23 49 6. Gen. 12 3. Acts 10 15.28.28.28.11.20.15.11.14 21.14 27. Mat. 12 21. Ioh. 10.16.12 32. Ob. But doth not PAVL say that vnto the Israelites pertaineth the promises A. True and therefore it was necessarie that the word of God should first bee spoken vnto them but they put it from them and thereby judiâ—â—â—â— themselues vnworthy thereof wee turned to the Gentiles For so hath the Lord commanded vs saying I haue made thee a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldest be foâ— Salvation vnto the ends of the earth Act â—3 46. And God which knoweth the hearts beare witnesse to the Gentiles giving them the Holy Ghost even as hee did vnto the Iewes putting no difference betweene vs and them after that by faith hee had purified their hearts Acts 15.8 That the Gentiles should be fellow Heires and of the same body and partakers of his promise in CHRIST by the Gospell Eph. 3 6. There is therefore neither Iew nor Greeke there is neither bond nor free
7 15. Numb 23 20. Q. What are the reasons of this vnchangeable dealing of God towards his people A. 1. Hee himselfe changeth not Mal. 3 6. He is the first and with the last even the same Isa 41.4 2 IESVS CHRIST also the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13 8. 3 Whom he once loveth he loveth vnto the end Ioh. 13.1 Who is the LORD GOD of your Fathers the God of Abraham the God of Iâ—aac and the God of Iacob this is his name for ever and this is his memoriall vnto all Generations Exod. 3 15. Isay 49 1. 4 The gifts and callings of GOD are â—ithout repentance Rom. 11 29. Q. What would you inferre vpon this â—nchangeablenesse in GOD A. Say not thou what is the cause that the former dayes were better than these for thou dost not enquire wâ—sely concerning this Eccl 7 10. 2 Therefore my beloved brethren bee yee stedfast vnmoueable alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord for as much as you know that your labour is not in vaine in the Lord 1 Cor. 15 58. And turne yee not aside for then shall yee goe after vaine things which cannot profit nor deliver you for they are vaine 1 Sam. 12 21. Q. Why Is God able to make his word good A Behold saith GOD I am the Lord the God of all flesh is there any thing too hard for me Ier. 32 27. The Lord of Hosts hath purposed and who shall disanull it And his hand is stretched out and who shall turne it backe Isa 14 27. The voyce of the LORD is powerfull the voyce of the Lord is full of Maiestie the voyce of the Lord breaketh the Cedars yea the Lord breaketh the Cedars of Lebanon Psal 29.4 neither by arme nor strength but by my Spirit saith the Lord of hostes Zach. 4 6. Yea whatsoever the Lord pleased that did hee in Heaven and in Earth and in all deepe places Psal 135 6. And now behold the Lords hand is not shortened that in cannot saue neither is his eare heavie that it cannot heare Isa 59 1. And though it be marveilous in the eyes of the remnant of his people in these dayes shall it also be marveilous in my eyes saith the LORD of hostes Zach. 8 6. Gen. 18 14. Isa 40 26 48 13 50 2 3 43 13. 1 Ioh. 4 4. Mark 10 27. Q. What shall wee then say to these things Rom. 8.31 A. 1 Ascribe yee strength vnto GOD his excellencie is over Israel and his strength is in the Clouds Psal 68 34. 2 Pray saying Thou O GOD who commandest our Strength strengâ—hen O God that which thou hast wrought for vs Psal 68 28. 3 Because I know whatsoever GOD doth it shall be for ever nothing can be put to it nor any thing taken from it Eccles 3 14. If GOD be for vs who can be against vs Rom. 8 13. Therefore against hope beleeue in hope not staggering at the Promise through vnbeliefe c. But bring strong in the Faith let vs giue glory to GOD being fully perswaded that what hee hath promised hee 〈◊〉 able also to performe Râ—m 4 18 20. Eccles 3 14. Psal 62 10 â—1 Gen. 17 1. CHAP. L. The objects of the Promises Q. I Know now that GOD can doe every thing Iob 42 2. What therefore is required at my hands that all things also may bee possible vnto mee A. As thou beleevest so it shall be done vnto thee Math. 8 13. And if thou canst beleeue all things are possible to him that beleeveth Mark 9 23. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that wee through Faith and comfort of the Scriptures might haue hope Rom. 15 4. And that the blessing of ABRAHAM might come on the Gentiles through IESVS CHRIST that wee might receiue the promise of the Spirit through Faith Gal. 3 14. So then they which hee of Faith are blessed with faithfull ABRAHAM Gal. 3.9 For the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the Faith of IESVS CHRIST might be given to them that beleeue Gal. 3 22 Blessed therefore is hee that beleeveth for there shall bee a performance of those things which were told him from the LORD Luk. 1 45. Habac. 2 4. 1 Tim. 4 10. Psal 34 8. Hebr. 11 29. Ierem. 17 5. Dan. 6 23. 2 Hold the mysterie of the Faith in a pure Conscience 1 Tim. 3.9 For bodily exercise profiteth little but Godlinesse is profitable vnto all things having the Promises of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 Hee therefore that hath cleane hands and a pure heart who hath not lifted vp his Soule vnto vanitie nor sworne deceitfully hee shall receiue the blessing from the LORD and righteousnesse from the GOD of his Salvation Psalm 24 4. For the Lord GOD is a Sonne and a shield the LORD will giue Grace and Glory and no good thing will hee with-hold from them that walke vprightly Psal 84.11 Know therefore that the LORD thy GOD hee is God the faithfull God which keepeth Covenant and Mercy with them that loue him and keepe his Commandements to a thousand generations Deut. 7 9. For the righteous LORD loveth Righteousnesse his Countenance doth behold the vpright Psal 11 7. And therefore blessed are they which keepe Iudgement and he that doth Righteousnesse at all times Psal 106 3. 119 1. 73 1. Prou. 12 28.16 7.14 27. Isa 58 13.56 2. Deut. 7 12. 1 King 6 12. Ioh. 13 17. Exod. 39 43. Psal 4 3. Ob. I haue long liued in want notwithstanding all my care and indeauour in the study and practise of Godlinesse Iob 35 3. A. But are there not with you even with you sinnes against the Lord your God 2 Chro. 28 10 For GOD is good and doth good Psal 119 68. And withdraweth not his eyes from the Righteous Iâ—b 36 7. Psal 125 4. O thou therefore that art named the house of IACOB is the spirit of the Lord straitned Are these his doings Doe not my words doe good to him that walketh vprightly saith the Lord Micha 2 7 All the pathes of the Lord are Mercy and Truth vnto such as keepe hâ—s Commandements and his testimonies Psal 25 10. To the pure all things are pure but vnto them that are defiled is nothing pure Titus 1 15. For the hand of our GOD is vpon all them for good that seeke him but his power and his wrath is against them that forsake him Ezra 8 22. 2 Chron. 19 11. Q. What vse then are wee to make hereof A. 1 Take heed therefore brethren least there be in any of you an evill heart of vnbeliefe in departing from the living GOD Heb. 3.12 For to whom sware hee that they should not enter into his rest but to them that beleeved not So we see then that they could not enter in because of vnbeliefe Heb. 3 18. Let vs therefore feare least a promise being left vs of entring into his rest
an eye at the last trumpe for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed 1 Cor. 15.51 Q. Now I know that wee shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day Ioh. 11.24 What therefore would you thence inferre A. 1 Concerning them that sleepe that ye sorrow not euen as others without hope For if we beleeue that Iesus died and rose againe euen so them also which sleepe in Iesus wâ— God bring with him 1 Thes 4.13 2 Though I walke in the valley of tâ—â— shaddow of death I will feare no euill foâ— thou art with mee thy â—od and thy staâ— comfort mee Psalm 23.4 Therefoâ—â— also my heart is glad my glory reioycetâ— my flesh also shall rest in hope for thou wiâ—â— not leaue my soule in hell Psal 16.9 3. Let vs therefore which haue the firâ— fruites of the spirit groane within our selueâ— waiting for the adoption to wit the redemâ—tion of our bodies Rom. 8.23 4 Let none of vs liue or die to our selueâ— for whether wee liue wee liue vnto thâ— Lord or whether we dye we dye vnto thâ— Lâ—â—â— For to this purpose Christ dye◠〈…〉 and reuiued that he might be the Lord both of the dead and liuing Rom 14.7 Wherefore labour we that whether present or ahsent wee may be accepted oâ— him 2 Cor. 5.9 Q. When this dust returneth to thâ— earth Eccle. 12.7 who knoweth the spiriâ— of a man that goeth vpward and the spirit oâ— the beast that goeth downeward to the earth Eccles 3.21 A. Wee know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolued wee haue a building of God an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens 2 Cor. 5.1 For the spirit shall returne to God that gaue it Eccles 12.7 and shall bee with Christ in Paradise Luke 23.43 And with Lazarus in Abrahams bosome Luke 16.22 Q. How stand you affected with this A. I am in a straite betwixt two hauing a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Pbil. 1.23 For in this wee groane earnestly desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from heauen if so be that being clothed wee shall not be found naked For we that are in this tabernacle doe groane being burdened not for that we would be vnclothed but clothed vpon that mortality might be swallowed vp of life 2 Cor. 5.2 Therefore wee are alwaies confident knowing that whilest wee are at home in the body wee are absent from the Lord for wee walke by faith and not by sight wee are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord 2 Corin. 5.6 Math. 17.4 CHAP. XVI Of the last iudgement Ob. WHat we shall haue after death I cannot say but in these daies of my vanity I haue seen there is a iust man that perisheth in his righteousnesse and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickednesse Ecces 7.15 yea the tabernacles of robbers prosper and they that prouoke God are secure for into their hand God bringeth abundantly Iob 12.6 Behold these are the vngodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches verily I haue cleansed my heart in vaine and washed my hands in innocency For all the day long I haue been plagued and chastened euery morning Psal 73.12 13. Ier. 5.27.12 1. Eccl. 8.14 A. God hath appointed a day in which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath ordained whereof he hath giuen assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17.31 So that we shall all stand before the Iudgement seat of Christ Rom. 14.10 Who shall iudge his people Heb. 10.30 Vnto whom they also must come to giue an account 1. Pet. 4.5 Heb. 9.27 Psal 96.13.98.9 Eccles 11.9 Ob. Where is the promise of his comming For since the Fathers fell a sleepe all things continue as they were from the beginning 2 Pet. 3.4 A. This you are willingly ignorant of that by the Word of GOD the Heauens were of old and the earth standing out of the water and in the water whereby the world that then was being ouerflowed with water perished But the Heauens and the earth which are now by the same word are kept in store reserued vnto fire againsâ— the day of Iudgement and perdition of vngodly men But beloued be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as â— thousand yeares and a thousand yeares a one day The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise as some men couâ— slacknesse but is long suffering to vs ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2. Pet. 3.5 Q. Tell vs then when these thing shall be and what shall be the signes oâ— the end of the World Mat. 24.3 A. 1 Before the end come many shall come in CHRISTS name saying I am CHRIST and many false Prophets shall arise Mat. 24.5.11 2 The day shall not come except there come a falling away first 2. Thes 2.3 and many be deceiued Mat. 24.5.11 3 That man of sinne shall first be reuealed the sonne of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himselfe aboue all that is called GOD or that is worshipped 2. Thes 2.3.4 4 You shall heare of warres and rumors of warres for Nation shall rise against Nation Kingdome against Kingdome but the end shall not be yet Mat. 24.6.7 5 Because iniquity shall be increased the loue of many shall waxe cold Mat. 24.12 6 This Gospell of the Kingdome shall be preached in all the world for a witnesse vnto all Nations and then shall the end come Mat. 24.14 7 When the fulnesse of the Gentiles is come in all Israell shall be saued as it is written The deliuerer shall come out of Sion and shall turne away vngodlinesse from Iacob Rom. 11.25 8 As it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be also in the dayes of the Sonne of Man they did eate they dranke they married wiues they were given in marriage vntill the day that Noah went into the Arke and the Flood came and destroyed them all Likewise also as it was in the dayes of Lot they did eate they dranke they bought they sold they planted they builded but the same day that Lot went out of Sodome it rained fire and brimstone from heauen and destroyed them all euen thus shall it bee in the day when the Sonne of man is reuealed Luke 17.26 And when they shall say peace and safety then sudden destruction commeth vpon them as trauell vpon a woman with child 1. Thes 5.3 Or as a thiefe by night 2. Pet. 3.10 Reuel 16.15 Math. 24.38 Now learne a parable of the Fig tree when his branch is yet tender and putteth foorth leaues ye know that summer is nigh Math. 24.32 And when ye see a cloud rise out of the West straite way yee say a shower commeth and
shall be taken by her Eccl. 7 26. As was Herod by the dancing of Herodias Math 14.6 Numb 31 16. Dan. 11 32. Q. But what meanes must bee vsed that so I be not overtaken by such inticements as these A. 1. Concerning the workes of men by the words of his mouth thou shalt be kept from the path of the Destroyer Psal 17.4 For when wisedome entreth into thine heart and knowledge is pleasant vnto thy Soule discretion shall preserue thee and vnderstanding shall keepe thee to deliver thee from the strange woman even from the stranger that flattereth with her words Pâ—â—â— 2 10 2 16. 2. Because as he that walketh with a wise man shall be wiser so the Companion of fooles shall be destroyed Prou. 13.20 Therefore from such turne away 2 Tim. 3 5. And say O my Soule come not thou in to their secret vnto their assembly mine honour bee not thou vnited Gen. 49.6 But depart from mee O yee will doers for I will keepe the Commandeâ—ent of my God Psal 119.115 I will not â—â—t with vaine persons neither will I goe 〈◊〉 with dissemblers Psal 26 4. Prou. 23 10 24 1 2 22 24 25. 1 Cor. 5 9. Psal 120.5 6.106 35.143 10. Numb 25 1. Deut. 4 28. Prou. 1 10. 3 Because wee cannot altogether avoyd their company but by going out of the world 1. Cor. 5.10 See therefore that yee walke circumspectly not as fooles â—â—t as wise Ephes 5.15 working out our saluation with feare and trembling c. that yee may be blamelesse and â—â—rmlesse the sonnes of GOD without â—ebuke in the middes of a crooked and â—eruerse Nation among whom you shine is lights in the world holding foorth the word of Life Phil. 2.12.15.16 Leu. 18 3 4. 4 Pray Incline not my heart vnto aâ—y evill thing to practise wicked workes with men that worke iniquitie and let me not eate of their dainties Let the Righteous smite me it shall be a kindnesse and let him reproue me it shall bee an excellent oyle which shall not breake my head Psal 141.4 5. CHAP. XXX Of temptations by false Teachers Ob. IF neither the tyrannie of Persecutors nor the practices of prophane ones shall vnsettie vs from our stedfastnesse then are wee safe and out of danger A. But there were false Prophets also among the people even as there shall bee false Teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable Heresies euen denying the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2 1. And many of them shall come in my Name saying I am CHRIST and shall deceiue many Math. 24 5. Act. 15.1 1. Ioh. 4 1. Ob. You teatme such Seducers who â—ill not sticke to say the same of you A. This I confesse vnto thee that afâ—â—r the way which they call Heresie so worâ—â—ip I the GOD of my Fathers beleeving â—ll things which are written in the Law â—nd the Prophets Act. 24 14. Ob. Many of these being learned in the Scriptures and as they say grounâ—ing their opinions on the same how â—hould they swarne from it A. Some of these speake lyes in Hypoâ—risie having their Consciences seared with a hote Iron 1 Tim. 4.2 2 Oâ—hers of them God hath shut vp â—heir eyes that they cannot see and their â—earts that they cannot vnderstand Isa â—4 18.6.10 1. Cor. 1.19 Rom. 11.8 3 The God of this world also hath blinded the mindes of some of them which beâ—eeue not least the light of the glorious Gospell of CHRIST who is the Image of God should shine vnto them 2. Cor. 4.3.4 â— Chro. 18.21 4 Some things in the Scriptures themselues are hard to be vnderstood which they that are vnlearned and vnstable wrest vnto their owne destruction 2 Pet. 3 16. Q. How commeth it to passe that these broaching abroad Errour in stead of Truth should be so readily receiued A. Such are deceitfull workers transforming themselues into the Apostles of CHRIST and as the Ministers of righteousnesse 2 Cor. 11.13.15 Who through Couetousnes doe with fained words make marchandise of men 2. Pet. 2.3 And come in sheepes cloathing though inwardly they are ravening Wolues Math. 7 15. Iude 12. 2 They speake of the World and therefore the world heareth them Ioh. 1 4 5. 3 Many are laden with sinnes and led away with divers lusts and therefore are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth and so are led captiue by such 2 Tim. 3 6. Q. Why then doth God permit such dangerous Heretickes to remaine in the Church A. There must be heresies among you â—hat they which are approved may be made â—anifest among you 1 Cor. 11 19. Q. But are not wee also in danger to â—e seduced by them A. Wee are of GOD he that is of God beateth vs although he that is not of God â—eareth vs not Hereby we know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of Error 1 Ioh. â— 6. And you also little Children being if God haue overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he hath is in the world 1 Ioh. 4 4. Moreouer CHRIST â—alleih his owne sheepe by name and leadeth them out And when he putteth forth his â—â—ne sheepe he goeth before them and the sheepe follow him for they know his voyce and a stranger will they not follow but will â—ee from him for they know not the voyce of strangers Ioh. 10 3. And therefore such Heretickes shall proceed no further for their folly shall be manifest vnto all men And you for your part haue fully knowne my Doctrine and manner of life c. Onely evill men and seducers shall waxe worse and worse deceiuing and being deceiued 2. Tim. 3.9.13 Ob. Notwithstanding it staggereth mee not a little to see and heare what miracles some such haue wrought A. I haue confidence in you through the Lord that you will be none otherwise minded Gal. 5.10 For who should so bewitch you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes IESVS CHRIST hath beene evidently set forth and Crucified among you Gâ—â— 3 1. Kâ—owing this that Antâ—christ his comming is after the working of Sathan with all power and signes and lying wonders and wâ—th all deceiueablenesse of vnrâ—ghteousnesse in them that perish 2. Thess 2 9. Q. How may I bee preserued from thesâ— impostures A. Beleeue not every Spirit but try the spirits whether they are of GOD 1. Ioh. 4 1. prouing all things and bolding fast that which is good 1 Thess 5 21. As did the Church of Ephesus who tryed them which said they were Apostles and were not and found them lyars Reu. â— 2. 1 Cor. 14 32. Prou. 14 15. Isa 8 â—0 Acts 17.11 Q. Shew vs then the markes whereby they may be knowne A. You shall know them by their fruits â—ath 7 16. 1 By their Entrance For hee that â—ntreth not in by the doore into the sheepefold but climbeth vp some other way the same is a Thiefe and a Robber but he that â—â—treth in by the doore is the Shepheard
of the sheepe Ioh. 10 1 2. 2 By their Doctrine For heereby know yee the Spirit of GOD every spirit â—hat confesseth that IESVS CHRIST is â—ome in the Flesh is of God And every spirit that confesseth not that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that Spirit of Antichrist whereof you haue heard that it should come and eâ—en now is already in the World 1 Ioh. 4 2.1 2 22 23. 3 By their opposing of faithfull Ministers For as IANNES and IAMBRES withstood MOSES so doe these also resist the truth men of corrupt minds reprobate concerning the Faith 2 Tim. 3.8 4 By their euill liues vngodly men they are turning the grace of God into wantonnesse and doe defile the flesh Iude 4 8. 5 If thou say in thine heart how shall wee know the Word which the LORD hath not spoken When a Prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord if the thing follow not nor come to passe that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken but the Prophet hath spoken it presumptuously Deut. 18.21 Ob. Some of these men haue foretold vs of things which haue come to passe A. If there arise among you a Prophet or dreamer of dreames and giueth thee a signe or wonder and the signe or the wonder come to passe wherof he spake vnto thee saying let vs goe after other Gods which thou hast not knowne and let vs serue theÌ„ thou shalt not harken vnto the words of that Prophet or that dreamer of dreames for the Lord your God prooveth you to know whether you loue the Lord your God wâ—th all your heart and with all your soule Deut. 13.1 Therefore to the Law and to the testimonie if they speake not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Isa 8 20. Q. What is the danger that such Heretiques doe expose themselues vnto A. As they haue sowne the wind so they shall reape the whirlewind Hos 8 7 For they being before ordained to condemnation Iud. 4. Their iudgement now a long time lingereth not and their damnation slumbereth not 2 Pet. 2 3 Gal. 5 10. Reuel 22 18. Mat. 23 â—5 Ier. 28 16.17 ver 29 31 32. Q. These Heretiques being a people so dangerous what may thence bee learned A. Ye therefore beloved seeing ye know these things before beware least you also being led away with the errors of the wicked fall from your owne stedfaslnes 2 Pet. 3 17. And be taken in a snare after them Deuâ— 12 30. By beeing carried about with divers and strange Doctrines for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace but not with meats which haue not profited them that haue beene exercised in them Heb. 13 9. But hath occasionâ—d them to erre concerning the faith 1. Tim. 6 20. 1 Cor. 3 11. 1 Ioh. 5 21. Prou. 19 27 30 6. 2 Tim. 2 1 2 2.1 13 14. Col. 2 6. Math. 24 26. Q What doe you account Heresie Is every little swaruing from the truth damnable A. If any man buildeth vpon Christ the foundation gold silver precious stones wood hay stubble every mans worke shall be made manifest For the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans worke of what sort it is If any mans worke abide which he hath built therevpon he shall receiue a reward If any mans worke shall he burnt he shall suffer losse but he himselfe shall be save yet so as by fire 1 Cor. 3.12 Gal. 5.9 Q. You haue then said enough for my setling but because the time will come when other men will not endure sound doctrine but after their owne lusts shall heape to themselues Teachers hauing itching eares and shall turne away theyr eares from the truth and shall be turned to Fables When these things come to passe what am I to doe 2. Tim. 4 3. A. Say vnto such a one I marvaile that you are so soone removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ vnto another Gospell which is not another but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the Gospell of Christ But though we or an Angell from Heaven preach any other Gospell vnto you than that which we haue preached let him be accursed 〈◊〉 1 6. Q. What if such a one shall yet not onely persist in his errour himselfe but shall seeke to pervert others also A. Then set thine eyes vpon him and say O full of all subtilty and all mischiefe thou child of the Divell thou enemy of all righteousnes wilt thou not cease to pervert the right wayes of the Lord Now therefore the hand of the Lord shall be vpon thee Act. 13.9 Q. What if hee shall yet continue to despise my admonitions and these fearefull menaces of Iudgement A. A man that is an Heretike after the first second admonition reiect knowing that hetâ—â—â— is such is subverted and sinneth being condemned of himselfe Tit. 3 10. And if such a one come vnto you receiue him not to house neither bid him God speed Iob. 2. Epist 10. But he shall be slaine because hee hath spoken to turne you away from the Lord your GOD to thrust thee out of the way wherein the LORD thy GOD commanded thee to walke so shalt thou take the euill away forth of the middest of thee Deutrinom 13 5 27 18 13 14 15 18 20.7 2. Hos 8 7. Iosh 23 12. Ob. Though I haue not proceeded against such Heretiques after this manner yet haue I kept my selfe found in the faith A. Notwithstanding I haue a few things against thee because thou sufferest that woman Iezabel which calleth her selfe a Prophetesse to teach and to seduce my Servants to commit fornication and to eate things sacrificed vnto Idols Reu. 2 20. Ob. Shall I in this my neglect of dutie bee as sorely punished as they in these their damnable Heresies A. Nâ— for behold I will cast her into a Bed and them that commit Adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of their deeds c. But vnto you I say and vnto the rest of them of Thiatira as many as haue not this doctrine and which haue not knowne the depths of Sathan as they speake I will put vpon you none other burthen Reu. 2 22. CHAP. XXXI Of Temptations by Prosperity Q. I Doe now see there is much danger to bee feared from earthly men but is the like danger to be expected from earthly things A. Yea for Vzziah when he was strong his heart was lifted vp to his destruction 2. Chron. 26.16 And the Israelites assembled themselues for Corne and Wine and they rebelled against the Lord Hos 7 14. For because they did ride on the high places of the earth did eate the increase of the fields and did suck the hony out of the Rocke oyle cut of the flinty Rocke butter of Kine and milke of Sheep with fat of Lambs c. Therfore
written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God Every man therefore that heard and hath learned of the Father commeth vnto me Ioh. 6 45. Who then is PAVL And who is APOLLO But the Ministers by whom yee beleeved even as the Lord gaue to euery man I haue planted APOLLO watered but GOD gaue the increase So then neither is hee that planteth any thing neither hee that watereth but God that giueth the increase 1. Cor. 3 5. So that your Faith standeth not in the wisedome of men but in the power of God Howbeit wee speake wisedome among them that are perfect yet not the wisedome of this World nor of the Princes of this world that commeth to nought but we speake the wisedome of God in a mysterie even the hidden wisedome which God ordayned before the World vnto our glory â—â— Cor. 2 4. Whereunto I also labour â—â—â—iving according to his working which 〈◊〉 â—â—th in me mightily Col. 1 29. For 〈◊〉 â—use also thanke wee God without ceaâ—â—â—cause when ye received the Word of God which yee heard of vs yee received it â—ut as the word of men but as it is in truth â—â—e word of God which effectually also worâ—â—th in you that beleeue 1 Thess 2 13. â—lessed therefore art thou Simon Bar-loâ—â—â— for flesh and blood hath not revealed 〈◊〉 vnto thee but my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 16 17. Mark 17 20. 2. Tim. â— 16. 1 Cor. 1 18. Act. 15 17.10 44. Gal. 2 â— 1.11 12. Mâ—cha 3 8. Q. But is euery part of the Word for â—he working of grace of like efficacie A. This onely would I learne of you received you the Spirit by the workes of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Gal. 3 â— For which cause I am not ashamed of â—he Gospell of CHRIST for that is the â—ower of God vnto Salvation to every one that beleeueth Rom. 1 16. For if the ministration of death written and ingraâ—â—n in stones was glorious so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold thâ— face of MOSES for the glory of his countenance which glory was to bee done â—way how shall not that ministration of the Spirit bee rather glorious For if the ministration of condemnation bee glory much more doth the ministration of Righteousnesse exeeed in glory For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect by reason of the glory that excelleth For if that which was done away was glorious much more that which remaineth is glorious 2. Cor. 3.7.1.1.21 Q. What in lieu of this Word doth God require of vs A. Because he hath shewed his word vnto Iacob and his Statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel and hath not dealt so with every Nation and for his iudgments they haue not knowne them therfore praise ye the Lord Psal 147.19 Q. Why doe all such as haue the Word reape benefit thereby A. No for GOD shall smite the Earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips hee shall slay the wicked Ia. 11.4 And we are vnto God a sweet savour of CHRIST in them that are saved and in them that perish To the one we are the savour of death vnto death and to the other the savouâ— of lâ—fe vnto life 2 Cor. 2.15 Q. Hath the word one and the same entertainement among all them that perish A. No for when PAVL disputed of Righteousnesse and Temperance and of the Iudgment to come Faelix trembled Acts 24 25. 2 Herod he heard Iohn gladly and did many things Mark 6 20. Vnto others the Word of the Lord is a reproach they haue no delight in it Ier. 6.10 3 The Princes and people of Israel when they heard the Word of the Lord let their Servants goe free but afterwards repented Ier. 34 10 11. 4 When IEREMIAH preached the Word of the Lord to the Iewes that went downe into Aegypt to soiourne there they would not at all hearken to him Ier. 44 16. And from the preaching of Zachariah they pulled away the shoulder and stopped their eares that they should not heare yea they made their harts as an Adamant stone least they should heare the Law and the words which the Lord of Hosts hath sent in his spirit by the ministery of the Prophets Zach. 7 11. Ier. 6 16.44 3.4.32.23 2 Chron. 24 19 2 33 10. Hos 7 1. Ezek. 33 30. 5 Oâ—hers mocking said these men are full of new wine Act 2.13 And with their mouthes make Iests Ezek. 33.31 Ier. 20.7 8 9. Acts. 17 32 17 18.2 Chron. 36 16. 6 And the multitude of the Iewes when they heard PAVL cryed and said Away with such a fellow from the earth for it is not fit that he should liue and as they cryed out they cast off their cloathes and threw dust in the Ayre Acts 22 22. And when PAVL sent into Macedonia Timothius and Erastus there arose no small stir also about that way Acts 19 22 And when the Iewes heard Steven they were cut to the heart and they gnashed on him with their teeth Acts 7.54 7 Others make a man an offender for a word and lay a snare for him that reprooveth in the Gate and turne aside the iust for a thing of nought Isa 29 21. Mat. 10.34 Q. What are the reasons of so much prophane and vnprofitable hearing of the Word A. Some it profiteth not because it is not mixed with faith in them that heare it Heb. 4 2. Acts 28 24 19.9 2 Herod would not part with Herodias and therefore IOHN touching him vpon that sinne he cast him into prison Mark 6 17. And so every man that evill doeth hateth the light neyther commeth to the light least his deeds should bee reprooved Ioh. 3 20. Ezek. 33 31. 3 They are but naturall not having the spirit Iud. 19. And the naturall man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2 14.1 Cor. 2 11.1 2 6 7.8 Hos 8.12 Ier. 6 10. Act. 17 20. Math. 11 27 13.11 11 25 26. 4 God hath given them the Spirit of slumber eyes that they should not see and eares that they should not heare vnto this day Rom. 11.8 For it is written I will destroy the wâ—sedome of the wise and will cast away the vnderstanding of the prudent saith the LORD 1 Cor. 1 19. Isa 6 10 44.18 5 If our Gospell be hid it is hid to them that are lost whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that beleeue not that the light of the glorious Gospell of Christ which is the image of God should not shine vnto them 2 Corinth 4 â— 6 Some are hindred by the pride of theyr outward greatnesse and therefore not the rich but the poore receiue the Gospell Mâ—t 11.5 For saith Amazia vnto Amos O thou Seer goe flee thee away into the Land of Iudah and there eate bread and Prophesie there But Prophesie not againe any more at Bethel for it is
the Kings Chappell and it is the Kings Court Amos 7 12. 7 Others thinke they are rich and increased with goods and haue need of nothing not knowing how they are wretched and miserable and poore and blind and naked Reu. 3 17. And therefore being full they despise the hony Combe Whereas to the hungry Soule every bitter thing is sweet Prou. 27 7. Ioh. 9 39 1 Cor. 1 19. Q. What are the dangers which doe aâ—tend the contempt and abuse of the Word 1. A Famine not of Bread but of hearing the Word of the Lord Amos 8 11 12. For which cause Paul and Barnabas turned from the Iewes vnto the Gentiles Acts 13 46.18.6 16 6. Ioh. 12 35. 1 Sam. 28 6. 2 Chron. â—5 3. Ezek. 7 26. Amos 8 9. 2. Vnrecoverable destâ—â—ction Because saith God I haue called and yee haue refused I haue stretched out my hand and no man regarded but you haue set at naught all my Counsell and would none of my reproofe I also will laugh at your calamitie and I will mocke when your feare commeth Prou. 1 24. And then as I cryed and you would not heare so you shall cry and I will not heare Ier 11 11. But I will doe vnto you as I haue done to Shiloh and I will cast you out as I haue cast out all your Brethren even the whole seed of Ephraim Io. â—7 13 c. For the Earth which drinketh in the Raine that commeth oft vpon it and yet beareth thornes and briars is reiected and is nigh vnto cursing whose end is to be burned Heb. 6.7 10 28. Hos 6.5 Deut. 17 12. Revel 2 16. Math. 12 41. 2 Chron. 36 14 c. Ierom. 11 6. Nehem. 9 29. Ezek. 34 13 33 33. Prou. 13.13 Q. What vse are wee to make of all this A. Therefore suffer the words of exhortation Heb. 13 22. And heare what the spirit saith to the Churches Reu. 3 13 That so the word of God may dwell in you plenteously in all wisdome Col. 3 16 For why should their bee a price put into the hand of a Foole to get wisedome and he hath no heart Prou. 17 16. Receiue my instruction and not silver and knowledge rather than choice gold for wisedome is better than rubies and all the things that may be desired are not to bee compared to it Prou 8 10. Therefore buy the truth and sell it not also wisedome and instruction and vnderstanding Prou. 23 23. Incline your eare and come vnto me heare and your soule shall liue Isa 55 3. 1 Thess 5 20. Heb. 12 25. Prou. 8 33 16 16.1 20 22 23 8 12 9. 1 Iam. 1 21. Iob. 22 22. 2 Cor. 6 11. Luk. 10 41. Deut. 11 18 4 9 Luk. 2 18. Reu. 1 3. 2 Take heed therefore how you heare for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to haue Luk. 8 18. And with what measure you mete it shall bee measured to you Mark 4 24. Q. Tell vs therefore how wee may heare the Word with fruit A. 1. Hâ—are it diligenâ—ly my Sonne if thou wilt receiue my words and hide my Commandements with thee so that thou wilt incline thine eare vnto wisedome and apply thine heart vnto vnderstanding yea if thou cryest after knowledge liftest vp thy voyce for vnderstanding If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures then shalt thou vnderstand the feare of the LORD and find the knowledge of GOD Prou. 2 1 1 5 6. 2 Lay aside all malice and guile and Hypocrisies and enuies evil-speakings 1. Pet. 2 1. And all filthines and superfluitie of naughtines Iam. 1 21. And breake vp your fallow ground and sow not among thornes Circumcise your selues to the Lord and take away the fore skins of your harts Ier. 4.3 4. 3 As new borne babes desire the sincere milke of the Word that you may grow thereby 1. Pet. 2.2 For wheresoever the Carcase is thither will the Eagles resort Math. 24.28 4 Receiue with meeknesse the ingrafted â—ord which is able to saue your Soules â— Iam. 21. And let no man deceiue â—â—mselfe for if any man among you would 〈◊〉 wise in this World let him become a â—oole that hee may be wise 1. Cor. 3 18. For IESVS said For Iudgement I am â—â—me into this World that they which see â—ut might see and they which see might 〈◊〉 made blind Ioh. 9 39. Math. 11.25 26.5 Pray saying 1. Open thou mine eyes that may behold the wondrous things of thy â—â—w I am a stranger on earth hide not thy â—â—mmandements from me Psal 119.18 will praise thee with vprightnesse of heart â—hen I shall haue learned thy righteous â—â—dgements Psal 119.7.27 33 34 73.125.69.171 verses 2 Pray O that my wayes were directed 〈◊〉 keepe thy statutes then shall I not be ashaâ—â—d when I haue respect vnto all thy comâ—andements Psal 1â— 9.5 with my whole â—â—art haue I sought thee O let me not wanâ—â—r from thy commandements 119.10 â—eale bountifully with thy seruant that I may liue and keepe thy word 119.17 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes that I be not ashamed 119 80. Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity haue dominion over me 119.133 6 Be yee dooers of the word and not hearers onely deceiuing your owne soules For if any be a hearer of the word and not â— dooer he is like vnto a man beholding hiâ— naturall face in a glasse for he beholdetâ— himselfe and goeth his way and strait waâ— forgetteth what manner of man hee waâ— But who so looketh into the perfect law oâ— liberty and continueth therein he noâ— being a forgetfull hearer but a dooer of thâ— worke this man shall be blessed in his deed Iam. 1.22 Deut. 4 5.5.1.30 11. Luk. 11 28. 1. Thess 4.1 Eph. 4.17 Phil. 4.8 Rom. 2 13. Reuel 1.3 1 Pet. 4.6 Math 7.24 Ob. I haue done my poore indeauour to obserue these rules yet when I am present at the word I cannot keepe my mind from wandring A. The eares of them that heare shall hearken Isa 32.3 And the eares of the deafe shall be opened Isa 35.5 For hee â—akeneth morning by morning he will waken thine eare to heare as the learned Isa 50.4 Or as he opened the heart of LIDDEA whereby she attended vnto the things which were spoken by PAVL Act. 16.14 Whereby thou shalt bee able to say â—eake LORD for thy seruant heareth â— Sam. 3.9 Neh. 8.3 Act. 8.6 Luk. 19. â—8 Ob. The Scripture is a booke so fast sealed and I my selfe am a man so dull of conceit that I cannot vnderstand the â—â—me Isa 28.9 c. A. The entrance in to GODS word giueth light it giueth vnderstanding to the simple Psal 119 130. Wherby they that erre in spirit shall come to vnderstanding and they that murmur â—hall learne Doctrine Isa 29.24 The people that walke in darkenesse haue â—â—ene a great light and they
Heb. 6 1. Q It neyther the frequent vse of tongues nor humane eloquence nor deepe and profound teaching bee of esteeme with you I pray tell me wherein you Ministers are in your teaching most praise worthâ— A. Doe we begin againe to commend our selues or need we as some others Epistles of commendations to you or letters of commendations from you Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts knowne and read of all men For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by vs written not with Inke but with the spirit of the living God not in tables of stone but in the fleshy tables of the heart And such trust haue wee through Christ to Godward not that we are sufficient of our selues but our sufficiencie is of God who hath also made vs able Ministers of the new Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life 2 Cor. 3 1. And are not you my worke in the LORD If I be not an Apostle vnto others yet doubtlesse I am to you for the Seale of my Apostleship are yee in the LORD 1 Corinth 9 1 2. Q But why should GOD vse the Ministrie of men and not of Angels A. Wee haue this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of GOD and not of vs 2 Cor. 4 7. 2 Every high Priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both guifts and sacrifices for sins who can haue compassion on the ignorant and of them that are out of the way for that hee himselfe also is compassed with infirmity Heb. 5 1 2. Ob. The case so being Christ Iesus himselfe being both God and Man had beene a Minister without all exception A. I tell you the truth it was expedient for you that hee goe away for if hee had not gone away the Comforter would not come vnto you but in that hee departed he hath sent him vnto you c. Who beeing come hee doth guide you into all truth c. Ioh. 16 7 13. Let men therefore teach to obserue all things whatsoever hee commandeth you and loe hee is with you even vnto the end of the World Mathew 28 20. CHAP. XXXIIII Of the Sacraments Ob. IF the Ministrie of the Word be no lesse efficatious then as you haue said it is what further need is there of the Sacraments A. Circumcision verily profiteth Rom. 2 25. For Abraham received the signe of Circumcision a Seale of the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 Act 7 8. In whom you also are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of CHRIST Col. 2 11. Deut 10 16. Q What promise hath GOD made to Bâ—ptisme A. Thaâ— he will baptize thee with the Holy Ghost and with fire Math. 3 11. For by one spirit we are all baptized into one body whether wee be Iewes or Gentiles whether we be bond or free 1 Cor. 12 13. Whereby Baptisme doth now saue vs not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the Resurrection of IESVS CHRIST 1 Pet. 3 21. Acts 16 14. Luk. 7 29 30. Q. Vnto whom doth this belong A. 1 To the Ministers that they teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Math 28 19. 2 To the people to doe as the publicans who iustified GOD being baptized with the baptisme of Iohn And not to â—o as the Pharisies and Lawyers who reiected the counsell of God against themselues being not baptized of him Luk 7 29.30 Gen. 17 14. Q. See thâ—n here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized Acts 8 36. A 1 If thou beleevest with all thine heart thou mayest Act 8 37 For can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized who haue received the Holy Ghost as well as we Actâ— 10.47 2 You must amend your liues Act. 2 38. And circumcise the fore-skin of your heart Deut. 10.16 And then be baptized every one of you in the name of IESVS CHRIST Acts 2 38. Ob. If Faith and Repentance bee necessary vnto Baptisme seeing Infants cannot actually beleeue nor repent are they therefore to bee excluded from this Sacrament A. Suffer little Children to come vnto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Math. 19.14 And if the root be holy so are the branches Rom. 11 16. For the promise was made to Abraham and his seed Gal. 3 16. Gen. 17 2 7 17 12 21 4. Acts 2 39. Q Doth the efficacie of Baptisme depend on the worthinesse of the Minister A. No but on whom thou shalt see the Spirit descend and remaine on him the same is he that doth Baptize with the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1 33 Iohn in deed baptized with Water but yee shall bee baptized with the Holy Ghost Math. 3 11. Q. What need then is there of the Supper of the Lord A. The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ The Bread which we breake is it not the Communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread 1 Cor. 10 16. Therefore saith Christ take eate this is my body and of the Cup drinke yee all of it for this is my bloud of the new Testament which is shed for many for the Remission of sinnes Math. 26.26 This doe as often as yee doe it in remembrance of me For as often as yee eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup yee doe shew the Lords Death till hee come 1 Corinth 11 25 11 23. Q. May any prophane person bee admitted vnto the Supper of the Lord A. No for if any shall eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup of the Lord vnworthily he shall be guiltie of the body and Bloud of the LORD and he eateth and drinketh Iudgement to himselfe not discerning the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Moreover they cannot drinke the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Divels they cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the Table of Divels 1 Cor. 10 21. For thus saith the LORD GOD no stranger vncircumcised in heart nor vncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary that is among the Children of Israel Exek 44 9. Ezod 12 48. Leuit. 2 13. Q. What is then to bee done before our comming vnto this Sacrament A. Let a man examine himselfe and so let him eat of that bread and drinke of that cup 1 Cor. 11 28 Also if a stranger shall soiourne among you and will keep this Supper vnto the Lord according to the ordinance and according to the manner thereof so shall he doe Numb 9 14. Who if he doe also iudge himselfe he shall not be iudged 1