brought but he willingly descended or went down into hell and overcame the power thereof John 10.15 Question What was done to the body of our Saviour after it was layed in the grave Answer It was sealed up fast into the Sepulchre and watched by Souldiers that it might not be stoln away Mat. 27.66 Question When our Saviour was buried was he for ever holden in the grave Answer No He roseagain from the dead he arose againe from the dead Question What doe ye mean when you say that He arose againe from the dead Answer I understand thereby that the body of our Saviour was raised out of the grave and that by the joyning againe of his soule unto it he became of a dead a living man Rev. 18. Question How long was it after our Saviours buriall before he arose againe Answer He arose againe from the dead the third day Luke 24. The third day Question By what power did our Saviour rise from the dead Answer By the power of his eternall Godhead wherein he is one with the Eather and the Holy-Ghost 1 Pet. 3.18 Question What testimonies have we to assure us of our Saviours resurrection Answer We have the testimony of the Prophets of Angells of those many witnesses who saw him and spake with him and handled him after his resurrection and of those works of a truly living man which he did after he was risen from the dead Psal 16.10 11. Luke 24.5 6. Acts 13.22 Question How long continued our Saviour upon the earth after his resurrection Answer By the space of forty dayes Acts 3. Question What became of our Saviour after those dayes Answer He ascended in to heaven He ascended into Heaven Question What doe you understand by these words He ascended into Heaven Answer I understand thereby that our Saviour went up from the earth into Heaven where the glory and majesty of God doth appear in the presence of his holy Argells Luke 24.51 Eph. 4.10 Mat. 18.10 Question Why did our Saviour ascend into heaven Answer That he might prepare a place of rest and glory for the children of God and appear in the presence of God to intercede for them to the end of the world John 14.2 Heb. 7.25 Heb. 9.24 Question Is our Saviour then at this day in heaven Answer And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty Yes there he sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty Acts 1.34 Question What doe you mean when you say that our Saviour sitteth at the right hand of God Answer I understand thereby that Christ Jesus our Lord is in the Heaven exalted to the highest degree of Heavenly glory and dignity being made much more powerfull and excellent then men and Angells Eph. 1.20 21 22. 1 Pet. 3.22 Question Shall our Saviour returne from the heaven whether he is ascended Answer Yes From thence he shall come to judge from thence shall he come to judge both the quick and the dead 2 Tim. 4.1 Question Whom doe you undestand by quick and dead Answer By the quick I understand all those who shall be living at the time of the appearing or second coming of our Saviour to Judgement the quick and the dead and by the dead all those who shall die before that day 1 Thes 4.15 Question Shall all then both dead and living be judged by our Saviour at his second appearing Answer Yes they shall appear before the judgement seat of Christ and receive from his mouth a most just and unresistable sentence of blessednesse or misery everlasting Rom. 14.10 2 Cor. 5.16 Mat. 25.34 35 36. Question Doe you believe onely in the Father and his Sonne Jesus Christ Answer No I believe in the holy Ghost I believe also in the holy Ghost Mat. 28. Question What doe you mean when you say I believe in the holy Ghost Answer I mean that I doe believe that there is a holy Ghost who is one God with the Father and the Son in whom the children of God ought to trust because he abideth in them to be their instructer comforter and sanctifier uniting them into the mysticall body of Jesus Christ and making them parts of the holy Catholick Church 1 John 5.7 John 16.13 1 John 2.27 John 14.16 Rom. 8.5 1 Cor. 12.13 Question Hath God an holy Catholick Curch Answer Yes The holy Catholick Church I believe the holy Catholick Church Eph. 1.22 Question What doe you meane when you say I believe the holy Catholick Church Answer I mean that I doe believe that there is an holy congregation of men women and children in all ages and out of all quarters of the world by Gods speciall grace according to his eternall purpose from the midst and miserable estate of wicked men to be Gods peculiar people on earth and the inheritance of his kingdome in Heaven Heb. 12.23 1 Pet. 3.7 1 Cor. 7.14 Heb. 11. Isa 60.4 Gal. 1.15 Rom. 8.28 1 Pet. 2.9 1 Thes 2.12 Question What is the meaning of the word Church Answer A Church is as much as a Congregation called out from among others Acts 15.14 Question What is the meaning of the word Catholique Answer Catholique signifieth as much as universall or generall Question Doe you believe that Gods Church is universall or generall Answer Yes I believe that the Congregation or assembly of Gods Saints which is called his Church is generally called in all times and out of all places in the earth Question How doth God call men into his Church Answer God calleth men into his Church after a two-fold way or manner 1 Ordinarily when he doth at once speak unto their eares by his Spirit moving them by faith to receive the word Acts 16.14 2 Extraordinarily when he doth without the means or ministry of the word work powerfully by his Spirit upon the hearts of men inlightning and sanctifying them Acts 9.6 Question May a man who neglecteth the call of God in his worke warrantably expect to be called of God by his Spirit Answer No in no wise because it is most just with God to deny those his extraordinary calling who most wickedly contemn the blessed call of his holy word Prov. 1.24 25 26 27. Question Why is the Catholike Church called holy Answer Because the Catholique Church consisteth onely of such as are holy to whom alone belongeth the kingdome of God Acts 20.32 Question What good doe men receive by being members of this holy Church Answer They are thereby made partakers of the communion of Saints the forgivenesse of sins and the resurrection of the body unto life everlasting Acts 2 47. Question VVhat doe you understand by the communion of Saints Answer I understand thereby that especiall joyfull and heavenly fellowship which the Saints have with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ The communion of Saints and one with another 1 John 1.3 Question Have the Saints an especiall communion above others with God the Father Answer Yes
thy House of prayer and have our conversation truly and wholly in Heaven and all heavenly exercises Have mercy upon us O Lord in regard of that light estimation that worldly and vain mis-spending of this precious time whereof we have been so often and so deeply guilty heretofore and put thy Spirit into us we beseech thee to incline our hearts for the time to come to keep this Statute Ezek. 36.27 and to cause us to observe this great Commandement And first of all enable us we pray thee unto a meet preparation for this dayes service help us for that purpose so to examine our ways and carriage the week past as to repent truly of what hath been amisse and to renew our Covenant for a better carriage the week following Assist us withall for the through purging of our hearts from those dregs and defilements which the world hath left behind it as also for the stirring up of our souls by heavenly meditations and prayer that so we may come with devout minds and hungring hearts into thy Sanctuary as those that being poor and blind and miserable and naked stand in great need of thy provision Grant moreover O Lord that coming in due time and in a reverent manner into thy Temple our care may be attentively and without distractions of mind watchfully and without heavinesse of heart devoutly and without dulnesse of spirit reverently and without uncomelinesse of carriage to abide in thy presence and for the whole time to attend thee in thine Ordinances Make us mindfull afterward of those private exercises reading repeating conferring meditating praying whereby the publick may be made more profitable to us and powerfull in us And let us not forget according to the time and ability we have to meditate upon thy Creatures but this being the day wherein it pleased thy Majesty to put thine hand first for the making of them let it be our day also wherein to thy praise and honour to remember them especially let us not forget upon this good day those labours of love and charitable works for our brethrens good which thou O Lord forgettest not Heb. 6.10 And while we doe good to their bodies let us not be unmindfull of that which is the greatest matter the doing of all the good we can unto their soules That all this may be done the better grant we may abstain the day throughout not only from vain pastimes and sinfull practises but also from those every dayes works and words and thoughts more then truly necessary whereby we shall use as our own any part of that sacred time which thou O Lord hast set apart wholly and only for thy self Help us O Lord our God without whom we can doe nothing by thine own strength thus to observe thine owne time Sanctifie us that we may sanctifie it unto thee and be our selves sanctified by it it being made to us as it is to all good observers a blessed day by all the exercises thereof blessed to our use and spirituall advantage And let this work of sanctification by the service of this day as a speciall means be continued still and more and more perfected in us till we come to that place where perpetually resting from all our labours we shall enjoy an eternall and all-satisfying Sabbath with thine own glorious Majesty and thy blessed Son and Lord of the Sabbath Jesus Christ and that for the same Jesus Christs sake To whom with thee O Father and the blessed Spirit for the Creation of the world this day begun for the Redemption of the world this day finished for the Sanctification of the world this day by the descending of the Holy Ghost fully manifested and ordinarily most effected we acknowledge to be due and desire to give all honour power might Majesty and Dominion both now and for evermore Amen and Amen A Prayer to be used before the Hearing of the Word especially on the Sabbath I Doe humbly and heartily thanke thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth for that I live by thy goodnesse and good providence in thy Church in a Land of uprightnesse wherein there is the means of grace and that in these last dayes wherein it hath pleased thee to speak unto us by thy onely Son and so to make known unto me a poor Babe in Christ onely because it seemed good in thy sight things hid from the wise and prudent yea from Kings and Prophets who heretofore have desired to see the things that we see and have not seen them and to hear the things that we hear and have not heard them withall I doe with sorrow and grief of heart acknowledge how unworthily and with how little fruit I have entertained that holy word of thine and blessed means of salvation which thou hast in so much mercy and plenty afforded not understanding what I have heard for want of marking it not remembring what I have understood for want of making account of it not delighting in what I have remembred for want of love unto it not practising what for a time I have delighted in for want of considering the end of Preaching and the necessity of practising not persevering in what for a time I have practised for want of a through resolution to hold out in a holy conversation O Lord I deserve not to escape but to be seized upon by some grievous heavy judgement for neglecting so great salvation Notwithstanding gracious Father since thou hast been pleased to work in my heart a love unto thy word and a loathing of my self for my light esteeming of it heretofore I beseech thee pardon my former neglect and for the time to come let the eyes of my understanding be enlightned that I may know what formerly I have been ignorant of yea let my heart be opened that I may receive remember and delight in that word of thine which formerly I have shut out let slip and not regarded Give me thy Spirit to cause me to walk in those Statutes of thine which formerly I have not observed and uphold me with thy constant Spirit that I may persevere unto the end in all holy courses This day in particular wherein thou offerest the means and callest me unto the hearing of thy holy word vouchsafe to free me from all pride of heart Jer. 13.15 distractions of mind tentations of Satan from all drowsinesse deadnesse and dullnesse of spirit and withall make mine heart by that good disposition which thou shalt work in it like well prepared ground fit in the most kindly manner to receive that seed of thy word which thou preparest for it Assist thy Servant and Minister who is to deliver thy message that he may speak as he ought to speak even that which shall be profitable to the soules of all thy people and powerfull upon my soule in particular and for that purpose Paul may plant and Apollo water but thou O Lord givest the increase let it please thee so to blesse
of carriage and shortnesse of dayes Prov. 14.29 30. 4 That anger wrath and malice are the marks of unregenerate persons Now we should be as unwilling to undergoe the marks as the misery of such gracelesse persons Col. 3.8 Question 12. What is the third inward work of Satan Answer Filthy and unclean thoughts in the heart although they never break out in words or carriage Question 13. How doe you know that this uncleannesse of heart is the work of Satan Answer Because his Title is to be an unclean Spirit and accordingly his busines is to work uncleannesse in our spirits Question 14. What help is there to forsake and avoyd this work of the Devil Answer Some things are to be avoyded and some things are to be done Question 15. What are the things to be avoyded Answer 1 Such things as stir up uncleannesse as wanton Pictures Playes Songs wanton Books or looks Job 31.1 by means of which the unclean spirit enters in and defiles the heart 2 Such things as strengthen uncleannesse as excesse in meat and drink Gen. 19.32 Jer. 5.8 3 Such things as perfect it and whereby Satan fills the heart with it as dalliance and wanton carriages Question 16. What are the things to be done Answer 1 We must fill our hearts with good meditations The heart will be working and the way to free it from worse thoughts is to fill it with better 2 We must fill our hands and hearts with businesse An idle head and heart is the shop of the Devil and David fell into unclean walking not warring 2 Sam. 11.2 3 We must fill our mouths with earnest prayers to God to keep out and to cast out this unclean spirit Yea and in regard of all such inward works of Satan we must pray Lord rebuke Satan and incline not my heart to any evill way Zech. 3.2 Psal 141.4 Question 17. You have shewed the inward what be the outward works of Satan Answer First swearing falsly or vainly unto which cursing may be added Question 18. How do you know that swearing is a work of the Devil Answer Because Christ saith whatsoever is more then yea or nay cometh of evill or of Satan that evill one Mat. 5.27 Question 19. How doe you know that cursing is a work of the Devill Answer It appears that cursing of God comes from the Devil because the Devil by Jobs wife tempted him to curse God Job 2.8 9. Cursing of God by Job was the Devils aym and for that purpose Jobs wife was the Devils Agent And it appears that cursing of men comes from the Devil also because the tongue is set on fire of Hell when we doe therewithall curse men Jâ—mes 3.6 9. Question 20. What helps and meanes be there to forsake this work of the Devill Answer To consider that 1 There is a flying Book sent forth to overthrow his house and state that sweareth falsly Zech. 5.4 and God will not hold him guiltles that taketh his name into his mouth and sweareth vainly Exod. 20.7 2 Swearing doth not only make particular persons miserable but the whole Land also to mourne under the heavy judgements of God Jer. 23.10 Because of swearing or cursing as it is in the margent the Land mourneth Question 21. What help is there against cursing Answer First to consider that he that loves cursing cursing shall come unto him it shall cleave unto him it shall come into his bowels like water and like Oyle into his bones Psal 109.17 8. Secondly to consider how unseemly and unreasonable a thing it is with the same tongue to blesse God and then afterward to curse men that are made after the similitude of God James 3.9 Question 22. What help is there against both cursing and swearing Answer To consider that in both the name of God is taken in vain even that glorious and fearfull Name Exod. 20.7 The Lord our God which whosoever fear not the Lord will make their plagues wonderfull and the plagues of their seed even sore sicknesses and of long continuance sore diseases and of long durance Deut. 28.58 59. Question 23. But there be divers that doe not swear by this dreadfull name of God but by this bread or drink by this hand or by this light what shall we say to them Answer This was an old trick to shift off the force of the third Commandement and to such the Apostle James sayes that while they swear by Heaven or Earth or any other of the Creatures although they never name God yet God will not hold them guiltlesse but they shall fall into condemnation James 5.12 Question 24. But I cannot choose but swear say some for men will not believe me otherwise Answer Yes saith the Apostle Let your yea be yea Jam. 5.12 2 Cor. 1.17 18 19. and your nay nay That is be not off and on but be true and stable in your speeches and you shall never need an Oath A constant and ordinary true speaker is easily believed an ordinary swearer is never believed Question 25. What is it absolutely unlawfull then for a man to swear at all Answer Not so a man may swear before a lawfull Magistrate Nehem. 10.29 to confirm a solemn Covenant Gen. 31.53 and upon speciall and important occasions Gen. 47.31 Heb 6.16 For God forbids us not the taking of his name into our mouths but the taking of it in vain Question 26. What 's the second outward work of Satan Answer Lying and deceiving Question 27. How doe you know that lying is a worke of the Devill Answer Because when the Devill speaketh a lye he speaketh of his own that is nothing is more usual with him nor more proper to him then a lye is and it is that also that proceeds from him for he is a lyar and the father of them John 8.44 Question 28. What helps be there for the forsaking of this worke of the Devill Answer 1 To consider that as all truth comes from God so all lying comes from the Devil Now who would be willing to conceive and bring forth a Child whereof the Devil should be the father 2 Every thing should be to us as it is to God Now lying lips are an abomination to the Lord but they that deale truly are his delight therefore lying and deceit should be abominable to us likewise Prâ— 12.22 3 We should consider that he shall be shut out of the Kingdome of Heaven that loveth or maketh a lye Rev. 22.15 withall that all lyars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21.8 I ought therefore to love truth as I love Heaven and to fear lying as I fear Hell Question 29. What particular cases be there wherein men are more tempted to and therefore ought to be more watchfull against this sin of lying Answer In foure cases especially First in case of profit Hence it is that people doe so ordinarily lye in the Market and in trading to wit for the getting of a
first and principall duty belonging to a Christian Answer The hearing of Gods word James 1.19 Rev. 2.29 Question 73. In what manner must it be heard 1 Attentively Nehem. 8.3 Psal 78.1 That is without distraction and wandring of heart and with all readinesse of mind and due regard Acts 17.11 James 1.19 Acts 28.14 2 Sincerely Acts 10.33 without a dissembling heart Jer. 42.20 3 Understandingly so as to conceive it Mat. 13.51 Mark 1.14 4 Affectionately so as to have our hearts quickned and warmed with it Luke 24.32 5 Faithfully so as to be fully perswaded of the truth of the Doctriue the worth of the Promises the weight of the threatnings and generally of the undoubted certainty of all those things whereof we are instructed in the word of God Heb. 4.2 Luke 1.4 6 Meekly so as to submit to it James 1.21 Even when we are reproved and threatned by it Isa 38. ult 7 Fruitfully so as to profit by it and be doers of it never getting rest to our selves till we be like that word we hear in all holinesse both of heart and life James 1.22 2 Cor. 3.18 8 Providently laying up in stock for the time to come what we have not present use of Isa 42.23 Psal 119.9 Question 74. What 's the second maind uty belonging to our Christian calling Answer Receiving the Sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 11.25 Question 75. In what manner ought we to receive it Answer 1 With some good understanding of the grounds of Religion in generall to wit mans good Creation sinfull fall and gracious redemption that so we may know what need and use there is of a Sacrament and Sacrifice as at the Passeover there was instruction to acquaint them with the grounds and use of it Exod. 12.26 2 Chron. 30.22 As also with the understanding of the Mystery of the Sacrament in particular so as to be able to discern the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.24 2 With an earnest desire and eager appetite which without the understanding before spoken cannot be John 4.10 and that shewes the necessity of it Isa 55.1 John 7.38 3 With faith for we cannot partake in Jesus Christ for our spirituall nourishment unlesse we come to him and to come to him is to believe on him John 6.35 4 With a good conscience which contains in it both repentance and charity for it is as much as to see 1 As much as may be that God have nothing against us Rev. 2.4 our sin being put away by repentance Psal 32.5 2 That men have nothing against us all offences being removed by Reconciliation Mat. 5.23 Question 76. What 's the third speciall duty of a Christian Answer Prayer Mat. 7.7 Psal 50.15 1 Cor. 1.2 Question 77. In what manner are we to pray unto God Answer 1 Watchfully Col. 4.2 the time and place being as much as may be fitted Mark 1.35 But alwayes the heart being fixed and settled on the service Psal 108.1 2 Wisely praying for things lawfull and needfull good and fit 1 John 5.14 1 Kings 3.9 10. 3 Reverently that is with humble acknowledgment how unworthy we are to desire any thing from so gracious a God Gen. 18.27 and with humble submission of our suites unto the wil of so wise a God Mat. 26.39 4 Faithfully James 2.6 Earnestly Luke 11.8 and Constantly Luke 18.1 Question 78. What 's the fourth speciall Christian duty Answer Fasting Mat. 9.15 Question 79. What Rules are there to be observed for fasting Answer 1 We are to fast when it is fit that is not when such a day comes superstitiously Gal. 4.10 But when God calls thereunto by any speciall and extraordinary occasion religiously Isa 22.12 Joel 2.12 2 We are to fast as it is fit to wit 1 With inward contrition and renting of our hearts Psa 51.17 Joel 2.13 2 With outward Humiliation that all the world may see our submission unto God 1 Kings 21. last 3 With faithfull and fervent prayer Jona 3.8 4 With a through reformation professed by the renewing of our Covenant in the day of our fast Nehem. 9. last 10. and practised in the renewing of our conversation after the fast and that so as that God may see and he himself may say that we are turned from the evill of our works Jona 3. last 3 We are to humble our selves before God as long as it is fit to wit till God he intreated Judges 20.23 26. even as Jacob continued his wrestling with weeping and supplication till God was conquered Gen. 32.26 Question 80. What 's the fifth speciall Christian duty Answer Vowing Psal 76.11 50.14 Question 81. In what manner is a Vow to be made Answer It must be 1 Of things lawfull not to kill Paul Acts 23.12 Rom. 14. ult It 's against Scripture to Vow Chastity 1 Cor. 7.9 Poverty Prov. 30.8 Regular obedience 1 Cor 7.23 So as the Papists prescribe 2 Secondly of things in our power to wit in ordinary course and by diligent use of the means through that blessing of God which he uses to afford for Vowing requires paying Eccles 5.4 and paying power 3 Of things in our purpose and resolution Psal 119.106 not Vowing in a passion or with dissimulation 4 For such reason as it is fit to wit 1 To expresse our thankfulnesse Gen. 28.20 2 To take some revenge upon our selves for sins committed 2 Cor. 11.7 3 To prevent some sin whereof of we are in danger Job 31.1 A Vow is sepes sanctimoniae to hedge us in a holy course and keep off the breakings in of sin 4 To help our selves in service 1 Cor. 9.25 as to make a light dinner on the Sabbath for attending the afternoones Sermon the better 5 For such a time as is fit in some cases and for some considerations for ever 1 Cor. 7.5 That wine which a young man may have reason to Vow abstinence from will when he is older or weaker be needfull for him and not hurtfull as before to him 1 Tim. 5.23 Question 82. What speciall Caution is there to be observed in Vowing Answer Vow not upon a push of zeal our zeal must be put to the performing but our wisedome and care to the making of a Vow that thou mayest not be slack to pay be slack rather to Vow for to forbear to pay will be a sin to thee but it is no sin to forbear to Vow Deut. 23.21 22. Question 83. But what if I Vow rashly am I then bound to pay Answer A rash and unlawfull Vow binds but to what not to performance but to repentance Question 84. But when a Vow is needfull to be made and hard to be kept what course is to be taken for the keeping of it Answer Vow a hard thing for a short time first whereby thou mayest take a tryall what thou art able to doe and so either injure thy self to keep it for a longer time or if thou find thy self too weak to perform unloose thy self from it
ninth Commandement commonly broken Answer In generall it is broken in regard of our neighbour because men doe not in honour prefer one another Rom. 12.10 by a holy striving for the setting up and maintaining of the good name and credit of our brethren and in regard of our selves for want of procuring a good report by doing those things that be true lovely and praise worthy Phil. 4.8 Question In what particular things do men ordinarily offend against this Commandement Answer 1 In evill suspitions of others in our heart without good reason 1 Tim. 6.4 1 Sam. 2.13 1 Cor. 13.5 and condemning others in our judgement without just ground Mat. 7.5 Acts 28.4 2.18 1 Sam. 17.18 2 In rejoycing at our neighbours infirmity whereby he shames himself 1 Cor. 13.6 Job 31.29 and in grieving at our neighbours prosperity whereby he raises himself and his good name 1 Cor. 13.4 Neh. 2.10 both which are very usuall faults among them that be at odds one with another 3 In raising or receiving false reports and flying tales whereby our neighbour may be discredited Lev. 19.16 Prov. 26.20 22. 25.23 and in repeating of old faults whereby our neighbour hath been formerly disgrac'd Pro. 17.9 1 Pet. 4.8 4 In not speaking in the cause and for the credit of our neighbour when his name is called in question and we may fitly stand out in his defence Phil. 10 11 16. Prov. 31.8 9. 5 In nodding with the head pointing with the finger or any other scornfull carriage made out of malice for the disgrace of our brethren Psa 22.7 and more especially in making jests or Songs upon them Psal 35.16 Gen. 37.19 Psal 69.12 6 By bewraying secrets committed to us to our brethrens disgrace Prov. 12.13 25.9 10. or making known private faults without just occasision and before brotherly admonition Mat. 18.15 16. 7 By false presentments in Court or bringing in false evidence either for malice or money to our neighbours discredit Lev. 19.15 35. Deut. 19.16 Prov. 19.5 Mat. 28.12 15. Question But how may a man hear false witnesse in regard of himself and so become guilty of the breach of this Commandement Answer 1 By thinking too highly of our selves above that which is in us Luke 18.11 Gal. 6.3 Phil 2.3 or too meanly of our own gifts and so withdrawing our selves from that service which God requires of us Exod 4.10 13. Jer. 1.7 2 In cleansing our selves when we have done amisse by dissembling and unjust excuses 2 Kings 2.25 1 Sam. 15.15 20 30. Mat. 28.11 12. and labouring to free ourselves by lies from the shame of our evill courses 3 By dissembling those things that be commendable in us and dispraising our selves of purpose to draw other men to commend us 4 By shewing our weaknes and discovering our simplenes before malicious and carping adversaries 5 By not labouring to procure our selves a good name by holy and wise courses but rather on the contrary discrediting our selves by evill and indiscreet carriages Pro. 22.1 Eccles 10.2 2 Sam. 12.14 Rom. 2.23 24. Question Wherein is the last Commandement ordinarily broken Answer In generall by that pronenesse of nature which there is in every one of us to sin against our neighbour Psal 143.2 Gal. 5.17 And more especially by those covetous thoughts which howsoever they be curbed in our selves yet are uncharitably carried upon that which is our neighbours Rom. 7.7 Question How is it broken yet more particularly Answer 1 By being not fully contented with that estate which God by his providence hath given us and which may by good means be gotten by us For the root of coveting other mens portions is the want of being content with our owne 1 Tim. 6.8 9. 1 Cor. 7.29 30. 2 By those wild and worldly wishes whereby our hearts wander after that which is our neighbours or which it will be hurtfull to our neighbours for us to have 2 Sam. 23.15 17. though they never come to full and perfect desires James 1.14 Psal 4.6 3 For want of mortifying and abating the power of our corrupt nature and worldly mind which is the fountain of all those uncharitable motions and stirrings that be in us tending to our neighbours hurt Col. 3.5 1 Cor. 9. ult Question By this opening of the Law we see plainly how many sins there be that require Humiliation but because Master-corruptions are they for which we ought especially to be humbled shew me in the next place how they may be discerned Answer A master sin may be discerned by these marks 1 It is that which most haunts a man and commands his heart most when he is alone Hence it is that when anger or lust is the master there be many chidings in a mans heart and many filthy passages in a mans spirit when no body else is with him 2 It is that which hath most sins attending upon it as if a man be given to carking to couzening to cruell dealing and worldly grief it 's a signe covetousnesse is the master-sin for all these wait upon it 1 Tim. 6.9 10. 3 It 's that which most troubles a man in good duies as in prayer hearing of the word keeping the Sabbath as it is a signe hee 's a mans master whom he leaves his own work to follow though it be to his disadvantage 4 A master sin is that which if a man be bad he cannot endure that a Minister should touch it if he be good hee 's most glad that any man or Minister helps him with Armour against it 5 A master sin is like that great Goliah that seems to set at defiance the whole Armour of Gods graces in us and is of all other sins most hardly overcome by us Question What then must we doe in dayes of Humiliation with such master corruptions Answer We must resolve to War against them we must choose out of the word of God such weapons as are fittest for our purpose and then we must fight in faith by this means we shall cut off the heads of those Goliah's so that though they be still rebelling in us yet they shall never have dominion over us 2 Sam. 17.40 45 46. Rom. 6.12 14. Certain Infallible Signes OR CHARACTERS OF A Sincere Heart 1 HA's been soundly humbled under the mighty hand of God with 1 A particular knowledge of sin Naturall Actuall 2 An experimentall apprehension of Divine vengeance 2 Hath had some speciall Promise pointed out applied and printed in him from the word preached by the finger of the Spirit that Promise among all shines still as a Pearl in his eye and is most precious to his soule 1 By that he was kept from sinking 2 In that he stands 3 In that Promise Christ came unto him and now dwells in him whom he 1 Priseth infinitely 2 Loves intirely 3 Looks continually into his wounds for pardon and purging 3 Hath parted for ever from his beloved and bosome sin it cost him much 1 Perplexity 2 Perill 3 Patience
after their resurrection be for ever but because their being shall be in misery it 's therefore called a death not a life Mat. 25.46 Rev. 20.5 Q. Are not the spirits of Gods Children before the day of judgement made partakers of everlasting life A. The spirits of Gods children immediately after they be severed from the body are admitted into heavenly blessednes in the presence of the Lord but in proper speech they cannot be said to partake of everlasting life which in the Scripture signifies that perfect happines which the Saints shall in their persons receive after they be raised from the dead Phil. 1.23 Rev. 6.11 Mat. 25.46 Q. Where shall the Saints of God live that life everlasting which they shall partake of after the resurrection A. The Saints of God shall be made partakers of everlasting life in those heavenly places where our Saviour now sitteth at the right hand of God 1 John 1.3 Ephes 2.6 Q. May no man then look to enjoy ever lasting life upon the earth A. No the dearest Saint of God upon this earth lives to dâ—e shall never live for ever untill they be after the resurrection put into the possession of their abiding City where they shall be freed from all the sorrowes sicknesses afflictions griefs of this present life and shall inherit perfect joyes and happinesse in the presence of the Lord for ever Heb. 9.27 Heb. 13.14 Rev. 21.4 Ps 16.1 Rules for a Christian way 1 THat 's the narrow way that is and hath been of old set down in Scripture The way must be made no narrower nor broader then the word of God makes it he only is to appoint the way that brings us to the journeyes end John 5.39 2 In that way we must walk without turning either to the left hand by prophanesse or to the right hand by superstition Deut. 5.32 33. 3 That we may so doe we must continually take heed to our wayes according to the word of God Psal 119.9 and withall pray earnestly that we may not wander Psal 119.10 but may hear a voyce behind us saying This is the way walke in it Isa 30.21 4 We must turn into this way as soon as we can and be timely good that we may be greatly good 1 Kings 18.3.12 and when we be once come in we must never goe out Ezek. 18.24 Prov. 1.32 5 The speciall time and season of coming in is when God sends Ministers to make known his word unto us The sending forth of a faithfull Ministry is a not suffering of us to walk in our own wayes Acts 14.16 17.30 if therefore thou walkest in them afterward thou doest it whether God will or no Mat. 23.37 and shalt accordingly suffer for it Psal 18.26 6 In this narrow way there must be a continuall proceeding and going forward the path of the just being not as the morning cloud that vanisheth at the first heat Hos 6.4 but as the morning light that shines more and more unto the perfect day Proverbs 4.18 7 The paths of wisedome are indeed paths of pleasantnesse Prov. 3.17 and the longer we walk in this way the easier we shall find it Acts 26.29 it being made easie to us both by grace enabling us to walk acceptably Ezek. 36.27 and by faith flying to Christ because we cannot walk perfectly 1 John 5.4 and by use whereby the yoak more cumbersome at first comes to be born more quietly and contentedly at last Mat. 11.29 30. it will be our ease therefore if we make it our exercise to keep a good conscience towards God and man Acts 24.16 Psal 25.12 13. 8 This is the difference between good and bad men that the one comfort themselves with their state and condition Luke 12.19 the other with their way and carriage 2 Cor. 1.12 2 Kings 20.3 9 However Gods way be every where spoken against yet the singular comfort of it is felt by faith all the while we walk in it Mark 10.30 and then most when we have least of all outward comforts 1 Sam. 30.6 Heb. 10.34 Gen. 39.21 Acts 23.1 Job 13.15 16. 27.5 6. but then shall this comfort be perfectly felt and perpetually enjoyed when we come to our journeys end and even to that glory honour immortality and eternall life which they shall be possessed of who patiently continue in well-doing Rom. 2.7 10 Then shall they that say yee fooles now meaning such as walk circumspectly Ephes 5.15 say feelingly and full sorrowfully we fooles meaning themselves while they see clearly and when it is too late to help it their own everlastingly cursed condition and the happy estate of those that have been carefull of a holy conversation Wisd 5.4 Mal. 3.18 RULES FOR THE Christian-Day OR The Sabbath-Day OF THE New Testament 1 SEt in order thy affaires the day before the Sabbath and thy affections in order upon the morning of the Sabbath the former prevents upon the Lords day worldly works and the later distracting thoughts 2 The heart being purged and prepared there arises from thence a great difference between Sabbath and weekly services He that hears a Sermon on the week day leaves the world but upon the Sabbath a man takes leave of the world that is he sequesters himself even wholly from it and by meditation and prayer fills his heart with contrary that is with heavenly things hence while he hears the word hee 's much more affected with it because the heart is clear from the world and carried heaven and finds after a greater effect of it as fruit is much more and better in well prepared ground 3 The principall duty of the Lords day is repairing to the Lords house to the Assembly and Ordinances of God morning and evening Acts 20.7.11 there being therein 1 A publick profession that we are the people of the Lord Jesus while we leave all things one day in seaven that we may attend him and 2 A filling of our Cystern from God the Fountain that is a replenishing of our heads and hearts with those heavenly things whereby we shall be furnished and supplyed for future time and in speciall all the week after for a holy walking in the narrow way the generall rule of hearing being to hear for afterward Isa 42.23 4 But as the day is not so neither are the duties thereof ended when the publick meeting is dissolved but in private also it is meet that we should be mindfull of 1 Heavenly Meditations Upon the Lords day we should be in the Spirit Rev. 1.10 in a spirituall temper possessed and taken up with spirituall thoughts that the speeches and actions proceeding from us that day may be in a speciall degree the breathings Creatures of the Spirit of God 2 Christian and ghostly communications tending to the spirituall advantage of our selves and those with whom we converse Acts 20.11 Christians are to edifie one another Ordinary builders are to build other dayes they build and are built up most on the Lords day
the exercises of Religion not without a gracious respect also to his bodily refreshing and necessity Now all these ends of the Sabbath being no ceremoniall things but matters of substance abiding in their strength throughout all ages therefore the Sabbath if so founded upon them is a thing morall and perpetuall Question 100 By this it appeares that a Sabbath that is a day of holy rest in every week is a thing not changed yea is unchangeable shew me now how the particular day comes to be altered so as that Saturday was the Jewes Sabbath and the Lords day ours Answer One day every week is to be observed that the work of Creation accomplished within the compasse of a week may be remembred but the day is now altered from the last to the first day of the week that the remembrance of that far greater work of redemption may be preferred which redemption being perfected in Christs resurrection the day of the resurrection is now become the Lords day that is the Lords Sabbath day Question 101. What Rules are to be observed for the sanctifying of the Sabbath Answer 1 Remember the Sabbath so as to be carefull of preparation for it that is set thy businesse in order the day before and thy heart in order at least the morning of the Sabbath and have not twenty things in thy house to be set in order on the morning of the Sabbath when thou shouldest be setting thy heart in order Eccles 5.1 1 Pet. 2.1 2 Attend carefully the publick service lest while thou art busie here and there about vain and impertinent things and thoughts many precious passages of the Sermon or of prayer passe away without any notice 1 Kings 20.40 Acts 10.33 1 Cor. 14.16 3 Consecrate the day privately and wholly unto God for it is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God thy heart thy tongue thy carriage that day must not be for thy self but for thy God Isa 58.13 14. Question 102. What helps are there for the sanctifying of the Sabbath in this holy manner Answer 1 Look to thy heart lest that rove and be divided from God with every dayes thoughts and be thou in the Spirit that is rapt up and ravished with spirituall meditations upon the Lords day Rev. 1.10 2 Look to thy company and conference for as worldly work is forbidden because it hinders a spirituall work so by the same reason are worldly words forbidden because they hindâ—r spirituall words that is such as are for God and thy soules good Exod. 20.10 Isa 58.13 Our words that day must not be our owne that is such as we have mind unto but such as are meet for the Lords day 3 Look to thy works and carriage this is not a day for the shambles the shop the warehouse the workhouse but for thee and other good Christians to be upon the Mount Tabor that is being lifted up above the world to be wholly busied in Religious exercises and Ordinances wherein Jesus Christ the King of the Church is to be seen in his beauty Isa 35.17 4 Look to thy Entertainment using friends if on the Sabbath day they be with thee friendly and rejoycing with them in the Lord in the sober use of the Creatures Prov. 18.14 Acts 2.46 But appoint not solemn Feasts upon that day that 's to make the Lords day thy friends day and take heed lest by unnecessary care for many things thou keep Mary from Christs feet that is thy well-affected Servant from a Sermon Luke 1.10.41 5 Watch thy self in thy contentments let not sleep or meat or pleasant talk or sport take away the time or thy heart from the Lord of that day and the end for which he appointed it They that live in pleasure on a Sabbath day are dead while they live to wit in regard of their deadnes and indisposition to heavenly things Luke 8.14.21.34 Hos 4.11 13.6 Question 103. By this is appears that the Sabbath is the principall time but are there not other times also and that in the week dayes wherein Christian duties are to be exercised Answer Yes a due respect is to be had unto Christian duties piety and charity all the week long for we ought to be devout Christians and therefore to fear God and give Alms and pray to God not this or that day but alwayes Acts 10.2 In particular a due regard is to be had to hearing reading conferring praying at all times Question 104. What reason is there of hearing the word continually Answer Because Ministers are to preach in season and out of season Sabbath day and week dayes therefore people are to hear So likewise think not others too carelesse that leave some other businesses to be at Christs feet sincerely but thy self rather to be carefull who art from thence unnecessarily Luke 10.39 40. Question 105. What Rule may be given them who have many businesses for their better guiding and setling as concerning the six dayes Sermons Answer The direction usefull for such may be comprehended under these three heads The Judgement must be well informed The Conscience well examined And the Providence of God well observed Question 106. How is the Judgement to be informed Answer Both generally and particularly 1 Of the generality that a man must by no means make lâ—ght of spirituall opportunities but redeem them rather and purchase them with abatement of outward things Mat. 22.5 Ephes 5.16 2 For particular opportunities a light may be given for our direction by a two-fold consideration Viz. 1 Of the state of Times Time for good exercises is still to be redeemed but specially when the times are evill that is the more corrupt and troublesome the more doubtfull and dangerous the times are the more earnest we should be to wait out and to make use of all spirituall opportunities 2 Tim. 4.2 3. Acts 20.28 30. John 12.35 36. 2 Of the nature of the opportunity when Christ goes by when there is a more speciall occasion a Minister that preaches with Authority and not as the Scribes then without the contempt of the lowest means and Minister but with a greater desire of this greatest means get up into a Tree as Zacheus did and lay all other ordinary things aside as Mary did to enjoy God in a more speciall manner the reason is because ordinary duties must yield to extraordinary as ordinary workes of piety are to yield to extraordinary works of mercy Mat. 12.1 2 c. the necessary exigence of our calling to extraordinary works of piety Acts 20.7 11. 3 Of our own state and occasions which must make Christians to straine above ordinary in three cases 1 At their first conversion the new converted Christians were every day in the Temple and new born Babes had need be oft at the breast Acts 2.42.46 1 Pet. 2.12 2 In the time of affliction and tentation as people spare time for their businesse to goe to the Physitian are blamelesse Psal 73.16 17. Job 33.23 Isa 40.4 Mat.
offering unworthily to abase them 1 Sam. 20.34 James 2.1 2 3. Generally they should take care that they under them especially belonging to them may lead a quiet and a peaceble life in all godlinesse and honesty 1 Tim. 2.2 Question 136. What should our carriage be toward equalls Answer 1 Men and women that be equals should take sweet counsell together especially if they be friends and acquaintance and walk not to play or to revell but to the house of God in company but ever with truth and sincerity Psal 55.13 14. Rom. 12.9 2 They should be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love and kindnesse They must not look each upon their own vices but upon the virtues one of another and so in honour prefer not each themselves but one the other Rom. 12.10 3 When they walk together especially on the resurrection and Lords day they shall doe well to talk together of Jesus and to edifie the souls one of another Luke 24.14 1 Thess 5.11 4 All shall doe well to profit in Religion that is in a right Religion above their equalls Gal. 1.14 Question 137. How may we carry our selves fitly towards friends Answer 1 Shew thy self a friend to their soules in spirituall things Acts 10.24 John 1.41 42 45. Doe what thou canst to keep thy brethren and kindred from the place of torment by bringing them to hear Moses and the Prophets Luke 16.28 29. As also by pulling them out of the fire by private admonitions Jude 23. 2 Be friendly also unto them as there shall be occasion in outward things Pro. 18.24 2 Sam 9.1.3 but especially expresse love in the time of their affliction Prov. 27.10 1 John 6.14 Question 138. But how should I behave my self towards enemies Answer 1 Make known thy innocency to them 1 Sam. 24.10 that thou mayest not seem to suffer as a Malefactor 1 Pet. 4.15 but either as an innocent person without cause Dan. 6.22 or as a Christian for a good cause 1 Pet. 3.14 2 Beware of them Mat. 10.17 1 Kings 20.22 3 Pray for them and doe good to them that so if it be possible we may win them or at least we may shew whose sons we our selves are Mat. 5.44.45 If a Christian must kill his Enemy any way it must be with kindnesse Rom. 12.20 4 If they say It repents me forgive them Luke 17 4. It 's true that though they doe not say so a Christian forgives them out of Christian charity laying aside all revengefull affection but if they doe say so he forgives them out of Christian Justice as those that have made them amends by their acknowledgement and with entertaining a good opinion of them as those that have chang'd their minds 5 Doe not thou rejoyce if God lay his hand upon them Job 3â— 29 A holy rejoycing there may be in regard of the execution of Gods Justice as they be wicked Job 22.19 but not a carnall content in regard of their downfall and destruction as they be our Enemies 2 Sam. 1.15.17 Ezek. 18.32 Question 139. How are we to carry our selves towards strangers and those that are unconverted Answer There should be in regard of them 1 Holy and unblameable walking before them Phil. 2.15 In particular such a conversation as whereby 1 God may be glorified Mat. 5.16 2 The mouths of the ignorant and evill minded may be stopped 1 Pet. 2.15 3.16 3 Whereby their names may be really reproved that so being how bad they be they may loath and leave them Ephes 5.11 12 13. 4 Whereby they beholding the innocency and honesty of it may through the mercy of God as by a speciall help be converted and saved 1 Pet. 2.12 2 There should be a meek and meet instructing of them and we should be willing to doe a blessed cure upon their soules especially if they doe any way belong to our care and charge 2 Tim. 2 25. Jer. 51.9 Question 140. Hitherto of our carriage in relation to others shew me now what Rules are to be observed for the well ordering of our carriage in regard of our selves Answer 1 First and principally look to thy soule Mat. 16.26 2 Look to thy body both for the health and safety thereof Tit. 1.23 1 Sam. 18.12 3 Look to thy businesse calling and occasions 1 Kings 20.22 Psal 112.5 4 Look to thy state and do not undoe thy self with suretiship or dangerous undertakings either for strangers or friends Prov. 6.1 2 3. It is not only against reason but against conscience and Scripture and a sin as well as a misery and folly for a man improvidently to endamage himself Question 141. Hitherto of the use of the word of God in regard of our earriage now show me the use of it in regard of our condition and of the things belonging thereunto Answer The Rules appertaining to our condition have a respect either to our persons as food and apparrell or to our estate to wit either prosperity or adversity Question 142. What Rules are there to be observed concerning meats and drinks Answer 1 We should take them for our need and refreshing the support of our natures 1 Sam. 30.12 1 Tim. 5.23 Gen. 18.5 2 For our chearing up also and delight at fit times and in fit measure Psal 104.15 Nehem. 8.10 But neither wantonly when we doe not need them Prov. 31.4 5. nor excessively so as that so much as our hearts should be charged with them Luke 21.34 3 The Creatures when ever we receive them must be sanctified and that two wayes 1 By the word Now the Creatures are sanctified by the word when my conscience is truly informed out of Scripture and withall is perswaded and assured by a yielding to that information that I may lawfully warrantably without offending God make use of such and such a Creature as being admitted and enabled to a free and holy use thereof by Jesus Christ in the time of the Gospel 2 By prayer Now the Creatures are sanctified by prayer both when I begg of God that the curse which for sin cleaves unto them may be removed by his commands and blessing they may minister that effectuall nourishment for which they are appointed As also when I am thankfull to God in Christ for them beholding in him a comfortable admittance to them 4 Though at meale time common and pleasant discourse may lawfully be used Judges 14.12 yet should there be reverent and seasonable remembrances of that God that prepares a Table before us and a great fear of cursing or casting any dishonour upon him in our hearts when we are at our merriest feasts Psal 23.5 Job 1.5 Question 143. Tell me now eating and drinking is spoken of whether it be lawfull to drink healths or no Answer 1 Not unlesse it be for Gods glory to drink them for the Rule is Whether you eat or drink or whatever you doe else doe all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10.31 2 Not if by that drinking so much
state is good because he thinks it to be so by presumption so no mans state is bad because he judges of it in tentation Leave the matter therefore to just proof and judge accordingly 2 Corinth 13.5 Question 150. What 's the best means of comfort and the most Catholick Cordiall in all Afflictions Answer Labour to have peace with God by faith and to have the assurance of it by holinesse and that will be sure as by strong Garrison to preserve thy heart and mind in all troublesome places and cases whatsoever for how â—an he possibly faint who hath God Allsufficient to be his friend and who knowes he hath him by his walking uprightly before him Phillip 4.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Common BREACHES of the Commandements Question FOr the better preventing of sin and for a help to private examination shew me briefly the most common breaches of every Commandement and first tell me what those sins be whereby the first Commandement is ordinarily broken Answer In generall this Commandement is broken because we seldome consider how our hearts stand affected towards God nor think whether God have our hearts or no and so we never strive to give unto God the whole inner man and to cleave unto him with all our heart as this Commandement requires Deut. 6.4 5. Question How is it broken more particularly Answer By these four things especially 1 By the want and by the contempt of that knowledge of God Deut. 4.39 Jer. 4.22 that should make us cleave unto him Isa 43.10 appearing in the great and generall ignorance of common people Isa 28.9 10. 1 Cor. 15.34 2 By a want of the love of God yea by a loving of pleasure and worldly profit more then God of which it appears we are guilty because things of this world carry us away from the Commandements and service of God 2 Tim. 3.4 Phil. 3.19 Deut. 6.5 6. Mat. 10.37 John 14.15 3 By a want of trusting in God shewing it self in rebelling against God in our lives 2 Kings 18.20 in want of seeking to God in the time of our need 2 Kings 1.2.6 and in using unlawfull meanes to help our selves withall in the time of our trouble Isa 30.37 4 By a want of the fear of God appearing in our boldnes in sinning Numb 15.30 31. and in the presumptuous neglect of holy services Mat. 22.5 Acts 24.25 Question What be the common breaches of the second Commandement Answer In generall all omissions and all neglect of that worship of God which is required in his word Psal 45.11 Question In what partioular things doth this common neglect of Gods worship amongst people shew it selfe Answer It shewes it self especially in these foure things 1 In a carelesse neglect of the times and parts of Gods service while people doe so ordinarily come unto it after it is begun and goe away from it before it be ended Acts 24.25 2 In the ordinary neglect of Sermons by poor men upon the Sabbath day out of infidelity 1 Kings 12.27 thinking by the dispatch of some worldly businesse to help themselves in their necessities and by rich men upon other dayes out of covetousnesse and unwillingnesse to leave their worldly delights Luke 14.19 3 In neglecting extraordinary services and being unnecessarily absent from the Congregation in the dayes of publick Humiliation and Thanksgiving Ezra 10.9 Esther 9.20 28 31. 4 In that common neglect of publick prayer in Families which is the daily morning and evening Sacrifice which is to be offred to God now in these times of the Gospel and which Gods Children have ever been carefull of in former times Joshua 24.15 Acts 10.2 Acts 12.12 Esther 4.16 Mat. 18.20 Question But is there nothing that can be blamed in us if these outward services be performed by us Answer Yes we are much to be humbled for this that though we perform the outward service yet we doe not perform it with all our heart serving God as he requires in spirit and in truth and loving him as well as keeping his Commandements Isa 29.13 John 4.24 Rom. 12.11 12. Question Wherein doth this heartlesnesse in Gods service ordinarily shew it selfe Answer In deadnesse and heavinesse of heart whereby we are more inclined unto sleep then service * Luke 22.45 46. And in distractions and wandrings of heart while our thoughts do so run upon worldly †Ezek. 33.31 Rom. 12.11 12. Col. 4.2 and vain matters as that we very little mind the exercise that we are about Question How is the third Commandement coÌ„mmonly broken Answer In generall by using unreverently the Titles Word and work of God whereby as by a name he hath made himself known unto us Question How doth this more particularly shew it self in the ordinary practice of people Answer That men doe not fear an Oath Eccles 9.2 Jer. 2. Deut. 28.50 Question How doth that appear Answer 1 By mens common swearing in their ordinary talk many being of this mind that they may swear safely though it be never so ordinarily so that they swear truly Mat. 5.34 2 By swearing upon unwarrantable occasions as when men anger us or because they be loath otherwise to believe us 1 Sam. 14.39 2 Sam. 19.7 3 By not fearing and forbearing those which people account lesser Oaths and which be growne unto common custome 4 By the using of Popish Oaths wherein men swear by Saints or prophane Oaths wherein they swear by the Creatures Jer. 57. Zeph. 1.5 Mat. 5.35 36. Question How else is this Commandement broken Answer It is broken ordinarily in these ensuing particulars 1 In cursing and banning 1 Sam. 17.4.44 2 By using the name of God vainly appearing in naming God in our prayers when our hearts doe not think upon him and in saying rashly and upon sudden idle occasions O Lord O God O Jesus when we neither think upon our God or Lord Saviour 3 By mens profane pleading upon Scripture points over their Plots or taking in phrases of Scripture to make up their jests Psal 50.16 or to defend themselves in their sins as that 1 Tim. 5 8. for coveteousnesse Mark 1.24 25 34. 4 By resorting to Playes and thereby countenancing those grosse abuses that be in them both of Gods word holy men and holy things all which abuses fall in the end upon the great glorious name of God himself Prov. 14.9 Jer. 11.15 5 By Prayers for dead friends wherein the name of God is idlely and vainly taken into our mouths all confessing that those Prayers can doe the dead no good nor in any sort alter the state wherein they are Mat. 12.36 6 By a loose life either in Christians that live worse then Heathens or in professors that live worse then other Christians since by both these we bring disgrace upon that fearfull name of God which we professe Gen. 13.7 2 Sam. 12.14 Question How is the fourth Commandement commonly broken Answer In generall because people remember not a day but think it enough if they
4 Paines 5 Pain in the farewell and parting with it He hath cut off his right hand and pluckt out his right eye with this one hand and cast it from him too 4 He carefully and continually searcheth himselfe and goes down with light into his heart 5 He is jealous of his owne heart for 't is deceitfull and fears it for 't is desperate and therefore goes not with it without a sword the word he will not trust it in holiest practices and most heavenly perswasions 6 He doubts of none but of himself suspects most his own graces and the witnesse of his own spirit lest Satan shine like an Angel of light and say 't is the testimony of Gods Spirit with ours 7 He walks daily with God humbly and heavenly wishing that none saw his good but God and men his evill he cares not if Christ loves him how he appears 8 He eats and drinks as if Christ sate at the Table his bodily food is sweetned and seasoned with some heavenly meditations or holy discourses his speech is powdered with salt he feeds not heartily but riseth hungry till then 9 He is verily afraid of indifferent things and avoids all appearance of evill 10 He is carefull of his Calling onely in love to Gods Command with feare of the world 11 He buyes and sells not to gain but to godlinesse they are but poor professors that live no better then they bargain they trade as all at the best as most doe and is not this the broad way where many goe You shall know a Christian as by his Church so by his shop 12 His dayes of Humiliation are his Holi-dayes his delights are Christians Sabbaths and society of Saints not only publick but in private he fears many times he is not one but desires ever and is earnest to be one of the excellent ones the secret ones and sincere ones 13 He is open hearted and open handed to all he can no more keep sin close then his Coin he can give well and lend as well as borrow and can take as well a reproof as a kind nesse he is simple in evill he cannot cover or excuse it in the Lords work he is carefull and cleanly and a good workman but in the Devils work he is a very bungler he cannot bandsomely sin or excuse it 14 He is content to have his spirituall estate tryed by any not only by a searching Minister in publick but by a private friend he opens his heart freely for others to ask and gives Answer of his hope with meeknesse and fear 15 His thoughts are bound in with a holy compasse and his words are not idle he speaks not to spend the time in impertinent powerlesse or discoverlesse things but to minister grace to men glory to God and to doe good or receive good his life is a light and leads and provokes to goods works 16 He doth not a good duty in grace but he goes to the utmost of it he aimes not at the Butt but at the midst of the white he is zealous in good works fervent in spirit serving the Lord pressing hard to the price of the high Calling perfecting holinesse in fear 17 He hath heard no more then he practiceth and prayes not only in fear of Gods Command and his own conscience but in love to have a communion with God in Christ by the Spirit 18 His ears are open to the whole word he believes the threats and trembles he fears also the Promises lest he come short 19 He hath a respect to every Command such a respect I say as a man hath to his betters his heart stands in awe to every Commandement 20 He prayes in the holy Ghost his Petitions and intercessions are made by the Spirit and sent up with sighes by the intercession of Christ unto God the father the Spirit cries before he cries he speaks not first and then he looks for the Spirit to quicken his words but his words follow the Spirit with much affection fervency faith and fear 21 He hath found out the Hell of his heart and feels the flames of it in secret self-love hidden hypocrisie horrible blasphemy c. and somtimes pride possessed with the whole damned Crew mentioned 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5. and elswhere In a word he hath found an emptinesse and an enmity to all good 22 He sets his face against the body of sin and every member of it he seeks and receives some power daily from Christs Crosse to crucifie every lust and he watcheth the Sepulchre lest it rise again 23 He daily desires the virtue of Christs Resurrection and he is risen and walks in new obedience in holinesse and heavenly mindednesse 24 He is ever poor in spirit and is known 1 By his continuall complaints 2 B importunate Prayers 3 By uncessant paines for righteousnesse 25 He is never found in his own but if he can be in Christs Righteousnesse all the rest is dung 26 He ever forgets others sins and his own graces observes others graces and his own sins 27 He not only loves the Saints but honours the excellent ones and rejoyceth at Gods glory and at any good done by others as done by himself 28 He mourns in secret for his 1 Owne sins 2 Others 3 For the dishonor of God 4 For the danger of the Gospel 5 For the disgrace of Gods people 29 He walks humbly with God lying ever at his feet looking up ar the Throne of grace to the Lord in Jesus Christ 30 He lives by faith eats and drinks and sells and buyes in Christ In a word he will not receive any earthly Creature a spirituall Crosse nor a heavenly grace and blessing but by the hand of Christ 31 He looks for and longs and loves the appearing of Christ he hastens his coming Amen even so Lord Jesus come quickly 2 Tim. 4.5 2 Pet. 3.12 Rev. 22.28 A Christian CATECHISM Opening the first Principles and most fundamentall points of RELIGION As they are expressed in the BELIEF Question WHat is the Belief Answer It is a profession of our Christian faith Question Is it a Prayer Answer No. Question How doth a profession of faith differ from a Prayer Answer Prayer is a speech directed to God wherein we desire that something may be given or forgiven us but a profession of faith is a speech directed usually to men wherein we expresse to them what we do believe Question Why doth every one in particular say I believe I believe Answer Because every man must in particular know what he himselfe doth believe and so be ready to declare what is his faith upon which he groundeth his hope of eternall life Question What doe you mean when when you say I believe in God In God Answer I mean that I know and am assured that God is such a one as he hath in his word declared himself to be and that I doe trust in him Jer. 31.34 Isa 26.4 Question What is that word
3 Works of charity as visiting the sick administring to laying up for the necessities of those that be in distresse 1 Cor. 16.2 5 Much adoe there is about a Sabbath day and Sabbath duties and they that account fellowship with God a heavy burden are glad they have this to say that learned men differ that so they may better take leave to doe what they list and be far from God without the condemnation of men but they that love that life that we shall lead in heaven will be glad to live with God one day in a week here at least in some degree as they look to live with him every day hereafter RULES FOR A Christian Carriage EVERY DAY 1 A Wake with God giving him thanks in thy first thoughts for the rest of the night and craving his presence for the occasions of the day Parents look their Children should doe their duty to them in the morning when they see them first so when we are first awakened and look up God that is ever before us and whom whensoever our eyes be open we should think we see ought to be reverently and dutifully acknowledged 2 If there be much busines let not prayer be omitted that the businesse may be dispatched that is as if a man having a long journey to goe should hasten out a foot and not stay to make ready his Horse for it is God that must carry us along in all our businesses but rise the sooner that the duty of prayer may first be performed rather out of sleep then put off prayer Mark 1.35 for all prosperity comes from this I am with thee Gen. 39.5 And how shall God be obtained if he be not sought Luke 11.9 3 Betake thy self to thy private prayers before thou enter upon the world for thy heart will hardly be with God wholly and fully if thy worldly occasions have taken possession of it formerly 4 Let Family exercises be performed either the first time thou canst take or the fittest time thou canst choose 5 As for worldly employment 1 See thou have a Calling it being not enough that thou be about some work or some good work but this also being required that thou be about that good work which God committeth to thee to doe John 17.4 for God gives to every servant of his his work Mark 13.34 2 Thy works and occasions being such as thou art called to Be about them 1 diligently a good Christian should not be a bad husband Prov. 27.23 Eph. 4.28 2 Justly and conscionably A good husband should not be a bad Christian nor any way defraud or over-reach his brother 1 Thes 4.6 3 Discreetly for he that handleth a matter wisely shall find good Prov. 16.20 Eccles 9.10 4 Faithfully and with a dependance upon God notwithstanding all thy wit and care for he that trusteth in the Lord happy is he Prov. 16.20 6. When thou art alone hate vaine thoughts Psal 119.113 when thou art in company let thy communication be such as if Jesus Christ were at thy heels ready to overtake thee and to ask what communications are these that ye have one with another while ye wake together Luke 24.17 and whether thou be alone or in company let thy carriage be ordered with such respect unto that God in whose presence thou art that thy tongue and thy doings may not be against him to provoke the eyes of his glory Isa 3.8 Generally be such in company as that thou maist with comfort remember thy carriage when thou art alone and such alone as that thou mayest with credit declare thy carriage when thou art in company 7 Take a view at night of the passages of the day which would best be done by putting them down in writing particularly in that view consider thy dealing and Gods dealing 1 Thy dealing and in what 1 Thy sins and any evill thou hast done as carefull men write down every debt that they may mind it and pay it so do tender Christians take notice and rather then faile a note of their sins that they may not be out of their remembrance and that they may take the next opportunity for repentance wherein be thou so far from deferring as to resolve for every evill of the day that upon the review smites thy heart and clogs thy conscience to judge thy selfe before thou sleepest that if thou shouldst never awake till the day of Judgement yet at that day thou mayest not be condemned of the Lord thou having before hand judged and condemned thy selfe 1 Cor. 11.31 2 Thy good deeds for as thou art to recount thy sin because thou art a debtor in it so any good deed because thou art a debtor for it and God without whom thou canst doe nothing John 15.5 should not want the due praise of thy well doing Howbeit it is fit also that thou shouldst observe that good that is in thee that thou maist not want the comfort of it but maist support thy selfe with it when thy heart is sad with sin and vert with Satan 2 Gods dealing what God by his providence reproves in thee one day rush not upon it the next and in that which thou findest God according to his word to countenance be thou constant let the affâ—ictions of the day make thee more carefull and fearfull of sin and the mercies more chearfull and forward in service COUNSELL FOR A Christian Carriage TAsk thy selfe in businesse Stint thy selfe in pleasure Take heed that these two never meet together A loose life and a light heart but when the carriage is loose let the heart be laden When thou differest from others in thy education see that thou differ from them in thy conversation that being so much holier then they as thy education hath been better The mind is the guid of the tongue therefore consider before thou speak The tongue is the messenger of the heart therefore as oft as thou speakst without meditation going before so oft the messenger runs without errand Let not pleasure steal away the mind from businesse but let businesse win and wean the mind from pleasure After good education take heed of the first errors lest the virginity and tendernesse of conscience being taken away it grow bold and impudent in evill FINIS A Table of the chief Heads handled in the foregoing Tract WOrks of the Devill p. 21 Pride 23 Anger Envy Malice 24 Anger 25 Filthy and unclean thoughts 26 Swearing and cursing 28 Helps against swearing and cursing 30 Lying a work of the Devill 34 In what cases lying is to be watcht against especially 36 Helps against the works of the Devil 38 Opposing the truth of God a work of the Devill 40 Opposing the children of God a work of the Devill 42 Generall helps to free men from the works of the Devill 44 Pomps and vanities of the world 46 Helps against them 48 The sinfull lusts of the flesh 50 Reasons of forsaking the works of the flesh 52 In what manner we must forsake the Devill the world and the flesh 54 Of the Christian faith 56 What it is to believe the Articles of Christian faith 58 Helps for the applying Christ to our own soules 62 The use of our believing the Articles of the Christian faith 64 What Gods will is and what to keep it 66 What to keep Gods will and commandement 68 The use of Gods word c. and how it must be heard 70 The manner of the right receiving of the Lords Supper 72 The manner how to pray and to fast aright 74 Vowing 78 Rules for vowing 79 The duty of simpathising 82 Rules for Edifying 84 Almes giving 85 Almes giving and mourning for the sins of the times 86 Helps to mourn for the Sins of the times 88 Of the Sabbath and morality thereof 90 Of the Sabbath and the duties thereof 94 Helps for sanctifying the Sabbath 96 Christian duties to be done in the week dayes 100 Rules of Resolution concerning 6 dayes Sermons 102 Opportunities of hearing discovered by conscience 104 Opportunities of hearing discovered by providence 106 Of reading and Christan conference 108 Of christian conference and daily payer 110 Of prayer in the family 112 Helps to establish a course of family prayer 114 Every one must have a calling 118 What calling to chuse 121 Whether a man may change his calling 122 How to be conversant about a mans calling 124 Recreation allowed and how far 126 Rules for Recreation 128 Of playing for money 130 Of our carriage alone 134 Helps against vile thoughts when we be alone 136 How to take care of our carriage in company 138 Rules for company 140 Duties to Superiours 142 Duties to superiours and inferiors 144 Of our carriage towards equalls 146 Of our carriage towards friends 148 Of our carriage toward enemies and strangers 150 Rules for our carriage in regard of our selves 152 Rules concerning meats and drinks 154 Whether lawfull to drink healths 156 Rules for apparell 160 Of fashions of attire 162 Against pride and vanity in apparell 164 Rules for a good carriage in prosperity 168 Rules for a good carrage in adversity 172 Directions for a good carriage in spirituall afflictions 174 Helps for our carriage in temptations 176 A comfort in all afflictions 178 Common breaches of the 1 Commandement 180 Common breaches of the 2 Com. 182 Common breaches of the 3 Com. 186 Common breaches of the 4 Com. 188 Common breaches of the 5 Com. 192 Common breaches of the 6 Com. 198 Common breaches of the 7 Com. 202 Common breaches of the 8 Com. 206 Common breaches of the 9 Com. 212 Common breaches of the last Com. 217 Infallible signes of a sincere heart 223 The first principles and most fundamentall points of Religion opened 234 Rules for a Christian way 299 Rules for the Sabbath-day 305 Rules for a christian carriage every day 310 Counsell for a christian carriage 317. FINIS