Rom. 3.23 by the Law comes the knowledge of sinne Rom. 3.20 Whereby sâ— many as are of the workes of the Law arâ— vnder the curse Gal. 3.10 Whereupon the Gentiles which followed not righteousnes haue attained to righteousnes euen the righteousnesse which is of faith But Israel which followed after the Law of righteousnes hath not attained the Law of righteousnes wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the workes of the Law For they stumbled at the stumbling stone Rom. 9.30 And if Abraham were iustified by workes he hath whereof to glorie but not before GOD Rom. 4.2 Seeing then it is one God which shall iustifie the circumcision by faith and vncircumcision through faith Rom. 3.30 Therefore wee conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the deeds of the Law Rom. 3.28 1 Cor. 4.4 Rom. 3 21 22. Gal. 2.16 3.8.4.3.2 Ob. But there rose vp certaine of the sect of the Pharises which beleeued saying That it was needfull to circumcise them and commanded to keepe the whole Law of Moses Acts 15.5 A. Men and brethren you know how that a good while agoe God made choyce among vs that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the Word of the Gospell and beleeue now therefore these men did but tempt God in putting a yoke vpon the necke of the Disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare Acts 15.7.10 Ob. Moses himselfe describeth the righteousnesse which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall liue by them A. But the righteousnesse which is 〈◊〉 faith speaketh on this wise Say noâ— thou in thine heart Who shall ascenâ— into Heauen that is to bring downe CHRIST from aboue Or who shalâ— descend downe into the deepe that is to bring CHRIST from the dead But what saith it The Word is nigh thee euen in thy mouth and in thine heart that is the Word of faith which wee preach And which with the heart wee beleeue vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.6 Q. Is the Law then against the promise A. GOD forbid For if there had beene a Law giuen which could haue giuen life verily righteousnesse should haue beene by the Law but the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise of the faith of IESVS CHRIST might bee giuen to them that beleeue Gal. 3.21 Q. If righteousnesse be not by the Law why was it exhibited The Law was added because of transgressions till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made Galathians 3.19 And it was our Schoolemaster to bring vs to Christ Gal. 3.24 Moreouer the Law entred that the offence might abound but where sinne abounded grace did much more abound that as sinne had reigned vnto death so might grace reigne through righteousnesse vnto eternall life by IESVS CHRIST our Lord Romanes 5.20 21. Ob. But if while wee seeke to bee iustified by CHRIST wee our selues are found sinners Is therefore Christ the minister of sinne Gal. 2.17 A. GOD forbid For if I builde againe the things which I destroyed I make my selfe a trespasser For I through the Law am deade to the Law that I might liue vnto GOD Gal. 2.17 You therefore are as free anâ— not vsing your liberty for a cloke of maliciousnesse but as the seruants of God 1 Pet 2.16 But if ye are lead by the spirit ye arâ— not vnder the Law Gal. 5.18 The fruitâ— whereof is loue ioy peace long-suffering gentlense goodnes faith meeknes teÌ„perance against such there is no Law Gal. 5.22 Q. You haue well satisfied me in the article of iustification tell me therefore what vse I am to make thereof A. 1 Let the wicked forsake his way and the vnrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne vnto the Lord for hee will haue mercy vpon him and to our God for hee will abundantly pardon Isai 55.7 and will blot out their sinnes when the time of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 But if they will not obey his voyce let them beware of him for hee will not pardon their transgressions Exo. 23.21 But the soule that doth presumptuously shall be cut off from among his people Numbers 15.30 31. 2. Take vnto you words and turne vnto the Lord and say vnto him Take away all iniquity and receiue vs graciousty Hosea 14.2 Pardon I beseech thee mine iniquities according to the greatnesse of thy mercies Numb 14.19 And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall no man liuing be iustified Psal 143.2 and 41.4.51.1 c. 25.11 3 Because when you haue thus praied the Lord wil say I haue pardoned according to thy words Num. 14.20 therfore hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plentifull redemptionâ— Psal 130.7 131.3 4 Say Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgresions of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for euer because he delighteth in mercy Micah 7.18 Psal 103.1 c. Isa 44.23 5 Say Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods children It is God that iustifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that is dead yea rather that is risen againe who is euen at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.33 For in the Lord shall the seed of Israel be iustified shall glory Isa 45.25 61.10 6 Account therefore all things but losse for the excellent knowledge of Christ Iesus your Lord. For whom Paul also suffered the losse of all things and did account them but dung that he might winne Christ and be found in him not hauing his owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousnesse which is of GOD through faith Phil. 3.8.9 and 3.3 c. 7 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free and be not intangled againe in the yoke of bondage Gal. 5.1 8 What shall wee say then shall wee continue still in sinne that grace may abound God forbid Rom. 6.1 2. And shall wee sinne because we are not vnder the Law but vnder grace God forbid For brethren you haue beene called vnto liberty onely vse not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh Gal. 5.13 Romanes 7.5 6 2 Cor. 5.14 15. 1 Peter 4.1 c. Rom. 7.1 c. 8.12 9 Be ye kind one to another tender hearted forgiuing one another euen as God for Christs sake hath forgiuen you Eph. 4.32 For if you forgiue men their trespasses your heauenly Father will also forgiue â—ou But if you doe not forgiue men their trespasses no more will your heauenly Father forgiue you your trespasses Math. 6.14.15 Col. 3.13 Mat. 18.22 Math. 18.33 CHAP. VI. Reconciliation Q. YOu hauing thus dispatched the promise of iustification tell me what grace is that which doth next and immediately flow from it A. Beeing iustified by faith wee haue peace towards God through our Lord Iesus Christ
on a plaine testimony of Scripture two or three he should not bee moued with every wind of contrary Doctrine but stand firme and vnmoueable as Mount Zion and having withall the loue of the Truth in his heart all the men and meanes in the world could nor should not remoue him from his stedfastnesse which is the honour of a Christian endeed And this wisedome skill and abâ—lâ—ty every man may see by this his worke to bee in the Author of this Booke who hath brought foorth so innumerable places of Scripture for his severall purposes with that soundnesse of Iudgement singular dexterity and great vnderstanding as is not to be expected from a private Christian But hee having beene a dayly hearer of the word and that from Zealous and fruitfull Teachers having made vse also of the same with great dâ—lâ—gence and constancy in his Famâ—ly and besides these spent very much time in private reading and study hee hath obtained a great degree in the Faith and is higher by head and shoulders as it is said of SAVL than the rest of his owne ranke For I count that Interpretation and giving the sense of Scriptures as it is a dâ—fficult so a peculiar worke to the Ministers of God ordinarily and not to be adventured vpon by Chrâ—stâ—ans in their Families or private meetings any further than they haue good bottome from that which they haue learned by the Ministery of the Word nor to write such Bookes as this wherein is occasion of the vse of so much Scripture least there should be found many mistakings therein which were both sinfull and dangerous and yet most likely But God hath very mercifully guided this Author in this his worke which may and I hope will be of much fruitfull and good vse in the Church of God For as it may helpe any ordinary Christian yea or Minister with more paralell places than may bee hee would haue at hand of himselfe so it will helpe well to the vnderstanding of many places of Scriptures seeing heere in what sense and to what purposes they are brought and applyed The paines hath beene very great no doubt to one man but if the Benefit may be much and good to many and so God be glorified the Author no doubt will thinke his labour happily bestowed and aboundantly rewarded which is my great desire and humble and earnest prayer also who is the true though weake and vnworthy Servant of the Church of God IOHN ROGERS CHRISTIAN READER IN the perusall of this Treatise thou shalt find that the Author threof hath taken very great paines and that which is more great paines to good purpose Great paines are but a small Commendation where they proue not beneficiall to a common good There are not wanting in the world that take paines more than enough in the Composing and writing of some Bookes of whâ—ch when they haue done it may bee truely said as of IEREMIES Girdle That they are Good for nothing Ier. 13 7. The curious trifles of many ill imployed wits want happily for no paines but consider whether such persons may not in another sense take vp SALOMONS words Eccles 2 11 I looked on all the workes that mine hands had wrought and on the labour that I had laboured to doe and behold all was vanity and there was no profit The a Non cernis quòd propterea animalium gloriosissima est apâ—s non quia laborat â—ed quia alijs laâ—orat Etiam aranca laborat fatigatur tenues per panetes extendit textur as omnem mulieris sapientiam excedentes sed est ignobile animal quia opus ejus est nulla ènus vâ—â—â—â— â— ales 〈◊〉 libi laborantes se defatigantes Chrysost ad Pop. Antioch Hom. 12. Spider is industrious in her kind and takes paines in making of her Web as well as the Bee in making of her Hony and Combes And yet who respects the Spiders web as the Bees worke The profit that comes of the labour of the Bee is it that makes her labour to be in more esteeme than the Spiders Now in this Treatise thou shalt find the Author to haue beene a diligent Industrious Bee that hath brought a great deale of profitable sweet Hony to this his hiue it being a Treasurie and Collection out of the Word of GODS Promises which are sweeter than the Hony and the hony Combe Thou shalt in this Authors Industry see how much is to be gotten by the diligent and observant reading of the Scriptures I wish with all mine heart that his Industry may proue exemplary and that many may hereby be provoked to the like religious diligence in acquainting themselues with the word It was good counsell that a godly old man gaue b In vita Musculi apud Melch. Ad. pâ— 370. MVSCVLVS when he first began to Preach That Si bonus velit fieri Concionator det operam vt sit bonus Biblicus That if ever he would proue a good Preacher hee must take paines to be well acquainted with the Bible And it were to be wished that all Preachers would follow that counsell Preaching would proue the more solid savourie and successefull But I will goe further than that old man and I say Si bonus velis fieri Christianus des operam vâ— sis bonus Biblicus If thou wilt proue a good Christian thou must be well skilled in the Holy Bible How happy were it if the Scriptures were more carefully read then they are It is said of c Nunquam Cyprianus absque Tertulliani lectione vnum diem praeterijt crebro dicere solirus Da Magistrum Tertullianum significans CYPRIAN that he let no day passe without reading TERTVLLIAN was wont often to say Giue me my Master meaning TERTVLLIAN Such diligence in reading the Scriptures would do well Especially they being GODS owne Epistle and letter from Heaven vnto vs that we should know his mind And if Princes letters are to be read thrice over then how much more sayes d De Principum Epistolis prouerbio dicitur ter eas legendas sed profecto Dei Epistolae sic enim Scripturam appellar Gregorius septies ter imo septuagies septies seu vt plus dicam iâ—finities legendae sunt c. Luther in Gen. 16. LVTHER should the Scriptures bee read seaven times thrice yea seaventy times 7. times thrice yea infinite times over We are commanded Prov. 2 4. To seeke for Knowledge as for Silver and to search for her as for hid treasures If it be asked where we must seeke the Prophet tels vs Isa 35 16. Seeke in the booke of the Lord and reade If it be asked where we must search our Saviour tels vs Ioh. 5.34 Search the Scriptures Those are indeed the Mines where the veines of this silver and these hid treasures are to be found And yet to see how silly men are in wearying themselues by digging in those earths which yeeld little precious treasure and in the meane while neglect
searching these golden Mines It is our shame and sinne that we bestow more time and paines in reading any Booke more than Gods What excellent and worthy monuments did e Ego odi meos libros saepe opto eos interire quòd metuo ne morentur lectores abducant à scripturae ipsius lectione quae sola omnis sapientiae fons est Luth. in Genes 19. LVTHER leaue to the world in his Writings and how well spent is time spent in reading his workes And yet out of a Zeale to the reading of the Scriptures hee stickes not to wish that his owne bookes might perish because he feared the reading of them would hinder men from reading the Scriptures What would he wish now to a number of vain idle corrupt and corrupting writings if he saw how miserably the Scriptures were neglected for the reading of these Now for this present Treatise I conceiue it such a Worke as needs not the Ivie bush of an Epistle commendatorie f Plaut in Poen Invadibili merce oportet emptorem vltro adducere Proba merx facile emptorem repperit tametsi in abstruso sita est I say no more of this Authors paines then SALOMON speakes of the vertuous Woman Giue him of the fruit of his hands and let his owne worke praise him in the gates And whether his worke will doe it or no let all preiudice be layd aside and doe but as PHILIP bids NATHANAEL Ioh. 1 46. Come and see And thou shalt soone see that what I say of this Treatise is much short of what it doth deserue Thus wishing that thy profit in the reading may bee answerable to his paines in the writing of this worke I leaue thee to the grace of GOD and rest Thine in CHRIST IESVS Ier Dyke THE AVTHORS EPISTLE TO THE READER CHRISTIAN READER THe Wise man saith that of making many Bookes there is no end and much study is a wearines of the flesh Eccl. 12.12 And therefore in so great variety of Bookes now extant it will bee thy wisedome for thy exercise to make choyse of some few of the best By which meanes thy toile in reading will be the lesse and thy gaine the more The Booke of all Bookes is the Bible which by way of Excellency is called the Scripture Of which I may say as DAVID of the Sword of GOLIATH there is none like that 1 Sam 21.9 Notwithstanding the Word of the LORD is to many a reproch and they haue no delight in it Ier. 6 10. And beeing full doe despise the Hony combe Prou. 27.7 Such are but naturall not having the Spirit Iud. 19. And therefore vnable to discerne their owne need or where to bee supplyed Reu. 3.17 Others there are of whom I am perswaded better things who having tasted of the good Word of God Heb. 6 9. And by it also how gracious the Lord is doe as new borne Babes desire the sincere milke of the word that they may grow thereby 1. Pet 2.3 But yet they finding many things hard to bee vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 And themselues to bee but as a Child weaned from the milke and drawne from the Breasts Isa 28 9. Not having the vnderstanding of a man in them Prou. 30.2 Are by this meanes much discouraged from the reading of it which yet in the very entrance thereinto doth giue light and vnderstanding to the simple Psal 119.130 Such must know that as when the Iron is blunt and the Wood knotty men put to the greater strength so naturall defects in the effecting of difficult things and of such consequence as is the reading of the Scripture must not make them to desist but rather set them on to be more serious humble orderly and constant in the reading of the same And for their further direction therein this must be remembred that the Booke of Scripture is as the Waters of the Sanctuary Ezek. 47. In which a Lambe might wade and an Elephant Swim Therein is contained strong â—staete as well as Milke Heb. 5.12 Such as doe discerne themselues to bee but Babes there is Milke provided for them And let them leaue the strong meat vnto such who by reason of vse haue their sences exercised in discerning good evill vntill themselues also come to a more full age in Christ Heb. 5.14 Now if uch also shall complaine of the shortnesse of memory by meanes whereof together with the prolixity of the Booke of GOD and the various matter promiscuously couched therein so as what they haue read is as water spilt on the ground 2 Sam. 14.14 Such with the reading of Scripture in the manner aforesaid must ioyne after meditation as DAVID who hid the word in his heart Psal 119.11 And MARY who pondered and thereby kept those things which were told her by the Shepheards Luk. 2.19 Moreouer if they will not bee forgetfull hearers of the Word they must bee doers of the same Isa 1.25 And withall let them pray the Comforter which is the HOLY GHOST who shall then both teach and bring all things to theyr remembrance whatsoever hee hath said vnto them Notwithstanding all which labour because many things as eares of Corne out of the Sheafe may sl p weake memories I haue therefore gleaned after and from the whole Bâ—oke of GOD as out of a large and fertile Feild gathered vp such Simples aâ— are most Cordiall to the weakest Christian and of spâ—ciall vse vnto all Among which because the Promises are both the breeders and nourishers of Sauing-Faith the Fountaine of Spirituall Life and therefore of price vnto drooping Spirits who are weary and heavy laeden Math. 11.28 I haue for their sakes more principally layd hold vpon them that with ioy they might draw Watâ—â—â—â—t of the Wells of Salvation â—sa 12.3 And because there are others also with whom the Consolations of GOD are small or of none effect Iob. 15.11 I hâ—â—â— vnto each promise annexed its contiâ—â—â— Iudgement And in fine haue summed vp all the particular Iudgements vnder the Generall and therewith also answered such Obiections as are by Carnall Men vsually made And out of all I haue also inferred such vses of Reproofe Instruction and Exhortation as the said Scripture hath brought to my hand meetly to bee applyed That if such will but reade what is written and lay hold on Instruction they may no longer forsake their owne Mercies but be moued to come vnto CHRIST and liue All which I haue as well as I could reduced to such Heads and in such order Composed them as by the helpe of my Table and Catalogue of Chapters immediatly ensuing euery Reader may readily find out such places as hee stands in need of and shall desire to bee furnished with But with this Caution to the intelligent Reader that for such Scriptures as may diuersly bee referred if in searching hee doe misse of them in one place hee may find them in another And for the better preventing or remouing of Scruples from the ignorant
Abrahams seede and heyres according to promise Gal. 3.29 Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children but in Isaac shall thy seed be called that is they which are the children of the flesh they are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seede Rom. 9.7 Now wee brethren as Isaac was are the children of promise Gal. 4.28.3.7 1 Pet. 3.6.1.2.10 Luk. 19.9 Mat. 3.9 Ioh. 8.39.47 Hos 1.10.2.23 Isa 65.1 Ob. This priuiledge may concerne some great personages of the Gentiles but not such abiect and dispised persons as I am A. Hearken my beloued brethren hath not God chosen the poore of this world rich in faith and heires of the Kingdome which he hath promised to them that loue him Iames 2.5 For you see your calling how that not many wise men after the flesh nor many mighty nor many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weake things of the world confound the things that are mighty aâ— base things of the world and things whâ— are despised hath God chosen yea thiâ— which are not to bring to nought thiâ— that are that no flesh should glory in presence 1 Cor. 1.26 Isa 66.2 Ob. If I could doe some thing woâ—thy of such a reward there were thâ— some hope A. God hath called vs not according workes but according to his own purpose aâ— grace whieh was giuen vs in Christ Iesâ—â— before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 For 〈◊〉 promise made to Abraham that he shoâ— be the heyre of the world was not to â—braham and his seed through the Law 〈◊〉 through the righteousnesse of faith For they which are of the Law be heires faith made voyd the promise made of none â—fect Ro. 4.13.11.5 Luk. 17.7 Tit. 3.3 Ob. Notwithstanding it will not oâ— of my minde but that it is my well dâ—ing if at all that must enter mee in this estate A. This perswasion commeth not of him that calleth you Gal. 5.8 For God sent foorth his Sonne made of a woman made vnder the Law to redeeme them that are vnder the Law that we might receiue the adoption of Sonnes Gal. 4.4.5 And therefore tell me you that desire to be vnder the Law doe you not heare the Law For it is written Cast out the bondwoman and her sonne for the sonne of the bondwoman shall not be heyre with the sonne of the freewoman Gal. 4.21 Gen. 21.10 Q. How comes it then to passe that wee miserable creatures should be so highly exalted A. We haue not chosen him but he hath chosen vs Ioh. 15.16 And hath predestinated vs vnto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will Ephes 1.5.11 For behold the heauen and the heauen of heauen is the Lords the earth also with all things that therein is Only the Lord hath a delight in vs hath chosen vs aboue al people as it is this day Deu. 10.14 Isa 60.21 Rom. 11.5 Ob. Can it bee imagined that meâ— instamped with the diuels image should become the children of God A No For there are also giuen vnto vs great and precious promises that 〈◊〉 these ye might be partakers of the diuine nâ—ture hauing escaped the corruption that 〈◊〉 in the world through lust 2 Pet. 1.4 Wherby we haue put off the old man witâ— his deeds and haue put on the new maâ— which is renewed in knowledge after thâ— image of him that created vs Col. 3.9 Anâ— are changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. What are the causes by which this Image of God is wrought in vs A. 1 Principall efficient the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3 18. For we are borne not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Ioh. 1.13 That which is borne of the flesh is flesh and that which is borne of the Spirit is Spirit Ioh. 3.6.8 Tit. 3.5 2 Instrumentall the word For of his owne will begat hee vs with the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures Iames 1.18 Being borne againe not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liueth and abideth for euer 1 Pet. 1.23 3 Ministring the Preachers who do beget vs by the Gospell 1 Corinth 4.15 And doe trauell in birth vntill Christ bee formed in vs Gal. 4.19 Isa 66.8 1 Cor. 9.1.2 Q. How may we know our selues to haue this image and so to be the children of God A. By these markes wee know that we are of God when yet the whole world lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5.19 1 God himselfe hath sealed vs and hath giuen the earnest of the spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 which spirit beareth witnesse with our spirits that wee are the children of God Rom. 8.16 2 Hee that beleeueth on the Sonne hath the witnesse in himselfe that hee is borne of God 1 Ioh. 5.10.5.1 3 He that is of God heareth Gods word Iohn 8.47 And as new borne babes doâ— desire that sincere milke of the Word thaâ— he may grow thereby 1 Peter 2.2 4 If you know that hee is righteous you know euery one that doth righteousnesse iâ— borne of him 1 Iohn 2.29 And being new borne hee doth not commit sinne because his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sinne because hee is borne of God In thiâ— therefore are the children of God knowne and the children of the diuell whosoeuer doth not righteously is not of God 1 Ioh. 3.9.3 Epist 11 Rom. 8.14 5 Loue is of God and euery one that loueth is borne of God and knoweth God 1 Iohn 4.7 6 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 But if you haue bitter enuying and strife in your hearts glory not and lye not against the truth Iames 3.14 For your spot is not the spot of his children they that are such are a crooked and peruerse generation Deut. 32.5 Hosea 1.9 Deut. 32.32 33. Iohn 8.44 Isa 57.3 Q. What may this priuiledge of being the children if God teach vs A. 1 To pray that the eyes of your vnderstanding being inlightned ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance is in the Saints and what is the exceding greatnesse of his power to vsward who beleeue according to the working of his mighty power Ephes 1.18 2 To call no man your father on earth for one is your father in heauen Math. 23.9 But be yee followers of God as deare children For yee were once darknesse now are yee light in the Lord walke as children of the light Ephes 5.1.8 And let your light so shine before men that they may see your good workes and glorifie your Father which is in heauen Math. 5.16 Mal. 1.6 1 Pet. 1.17 Ephes 4.30 3 To
than the first Revel 2 19. MARY also chose that good part which was not taken from her Luk. 10.42 And as for mee my foot hath held his steps his way haue I kept and not declined neither haue I gone backe from the Commandement of his lips Iob 23 11. But haue inclined mine care to performe his Statutes alwayes euen vnto the end Psal 119 112. And if you also saith CHRIST keepe my Commandements you shall abide in my Loue even as I haue kept my Fathers Commandements and abide in his Loue Ioh. 15 10. Hos 14 9. Ob. But I haue seene some in my dayes who haue beene lights and leaders of others in the way of Godlinesse and yet themselues proued Apostates 1 Tim. 1 19. Psal 36 3.78 57. Ioh. 5 35. Ier. 8 5. Hos 4 16. Ier. 2 32. Prov. 26 11. A. Verily verily I say vnto you whosoever committeth Sinne is the servant of sinne And the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Sonne abideth ever Ioh. 8.34 For every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall bee rooted vp Math. 15 13. They went out from vs but they were not of vs for if they had beene of vs they would no doubt haue continued with vs But they went out that they might bee made manifest that they were not all of vs. 1. Ioh. 2.19 True it is some mens sinnes are open before hand going before to Iudgement and some men follow after 1. Tim. 5.24 And many of the first shall be last and the last first Math. 20.16 Neverthelesse the foundation of GOD standeth sure having this seale the Lord knoweth who are his 2. Tim. 2.19 Ob. While they stood I could not come neere them and now they are fallen what lesse can be expected but that my turne will be next A. You are not of them that draw backe vnto perdition but of them which beleeue to the sauing of the soule Heb. 10. â—â— For saith God I will make an euerâ—â—â—ting covenant with thee that I will not â—â—rne away from thee to doe thee good 〈◊〉 I will put my feare into thine heart â—ut thou shalt not depart from me Ier. â— 40 Now the Lord is faithfull who shall â—â—ablish you and keepe you from evill 2. Thes 3 3. For hee shall giue you another Comforter that hee may abide with 〈◊〉 for euer euen the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receiue because 〈◊〉 seeth him not neither knoweth him for hee dwelleth in you and shall bee 〈◊〉 you Ioh. 14.16 And you need â—ut that any man teach you but as the some annointing teacheth you of all things â—â—d is truth and is no lye and euen as it â—ath taught you you shall abide in him 1 Ioh. 2.27 Q. But what must I doe that this promise of perseuerance may be made good vnto me A. Pray saying O Lord GOD of ABRAHAM ISAACK and ISRAEL our father keepe this for euer in the thoughts of my heart and prepare my heart vnto thee 1. Chro. 29.18 Hold vp my goings in thy pathes that my foot-steps slip not Psal 17.5 And make me to increase and abound more and more and to establish my heart vnblameable in holinesse before thee even our Father at the comming of our Lord IESVS CHRIST with all the Saints 1. Thes 3.12 2 Let him that thinketh hee standeth take heed least hee fall 1. Cor. 10.12 Looking to your selues that you loose not those things which you haue wrought that you may receiue a full reward Ioh. 2. Epist 8. And hereof I giue you a charge in the sight of GOD who quickeneth all things and before CHRIST IESVS who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good Confession that you keepe the Commandements without spot and vnrebukeable vntill the appearing of our Lord IESVS CHRIST 1. Tim. 6.13 For our desire is that every one of you doe shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope vnto the end That ye be not slothfull but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Heb. 6 11. Lifting vp the weake hands whâ—ch hang downe and the feeble knees and making straight paths for your feet lest that which is lame be turned out of the way but let it rather be healed Heb. 12 12. And grow in grace and in the knowledge if our Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 3 18. That so he that is righteous may be righteous still and he that is holy may be holy still Revel 22 11. Heb. 10 23. Phil. 3.12 1 Cor. 9 24.2 Chron. 34 31.2 Cor. 6 1. Acts 13 43. 2. Tim. 3 14. Q. Why what is the danger of falling away A. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousnesse and committeth iniquitie he shall even die for the some he shall even die for his iniquity which he hath done Ezek. 18 24 26. The Lord indeed is with you while you be with him and if ye seeke him he will be found of you but if you forsake him he will forsake you 2 Chron. 15 2. And will leade you forth with evill doers Psal 125 5. And feed you as a lambe in a large place Hos 4 16. Know therefore and see that it is an evill thing and bitter to forsake the LORD thy GOD Ier. 2 19 2 13. Heb. 10 38. Psal 73 27. Iud. 5.6 2 King 23 27. Ezek. 33 12 Ioh. 2. Epist 9. Ier. 2 17. Mat. 15 13. 2 Pet. 2 20. CHAP. XXV Of temptations in generall and in particuler of the Flesh Ob. IF this bee the danger of backsliding what will become of mee who am exposed to many temptations A. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but GOD is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape 1 Cor. 10 13. For in that CHRIST suffered and was tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 2 18. And will establish you and keepe you from evill 2. Thes 3 3. As well as hee did PAVL who fought a good fight who finished his course and kept the faith 2 Tim. 4 7. Revel 3 10 And therefore pray you also that you enter not into temptation Luk. 22 40. Ob. But is not GOD said to lead men into Temptation how say you then that he will deliuer vs out of temptation A. Let no man say when hee is tempted I am tempted of GOD for GOD cannot bee tempted with evill neyther tempteth hee any man but every man is tempted when hee is drawne away of his owne Concupiscence and is entised 1. Iam. 13.14 Ob. If the case stand thus what shall I doe who haue so much flesh remaining in me A. Is there no balme in Gilead is there no Phisitian there Why then is not the health of the Daughter of my people recovered Ier. 8.22 Ob. Alas this corruption is growne to such a head as is not now to be subdued A. Though your iniquities prevaile
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
53 5 7 15.37 13. Ioel 2 20.3.1 3.19 Amos. 1 2. Zach. 2 8. Obad. 10. Mich. 7 10. Zach. 12 6 14 12 10 5. Reu. 18.5 12.13 Deut. 32 41. Mal. 4 3. Ier. 20.11 49 12 Psal 57 6. Thus Absalon persecuting David was himselfe slaine 2 Sam. 18 15. And in the place where Dogs licked the bloud of Naboth the Dogs licked the bloud of Ahab did eate Iezabel by the wall of Iezrael 1 King 21 19 23 1 22 38 1.13 4 2 2 24 2 9 35. Acts 12 23 Dan 6 24 3 22. Gen. 12 17 19 11. Exod. 7 20 8 6.8 17 8 24. 9 6 10 9 24 25 10.13 10.22.12.29 12.33 Esth 7.10.9.10.9.25 Numb 21.3 Therefore fret not thy selfe because of evill dooers neyther bee thou enviâ—us at the workers of iniquitie for they shall soone bee cut downe like the grasse and wither as the greene hearbe Psal 37.1 Ob. But doe you not see how the limbes of Antichrist doe still prevaile against the Church A. The ten hornes vpon the beast which are ten Kings which haue received no kingdome as yet but receiue power as Kings one houre with the beast These haue one mind and shall giue their power and strength vnto the beast These shall make war with the lambe and the lambe shall overcome them for he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings c. And then these ten hornes shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eate her flesh and burne her with fire For God shall put in their hearts to fulfill his will and to agree and giue their Kingdome vnto the Beast vntill the words of God shall be fulfilled Reu. 17.12 c. Q What vse is to be made of these promises A. 1. Therefore O yee cruell persecutours What meane you that yee beate my people to peeces and grind the faces of the poore saith the LORD GOD of Hosts Isa 3 15. Touch not mine anointed and doe my Prophets no harme Pâ—alm 105 15. And refraine from these men and let them alone for your counsell and your workes being of men shall come to nought but this being of God you can not overcome it least happily yee be found even to fight against God Acts 5 38 And let my sonnes goe that they may serue me and if yee wâ—ll refuse to let them goe behold I will slay your Sonnes even your first borne Exod. 4 23. Prou. 22 22. 2 King 19.21 Psal 2 1. 2. Come out of Babylon my people that yee be not partakers of her sinnes and that yee receiue not of her plagues Revel 18 4. 3 Pray saying Arise O Lord let notman prevaile let our enemies be iudged in thy sight put them in feare O Lord that they may know themselues to bee but men Psal 9 19. Fill their faces with shame that they may seeke thy name O Lord. Psal 83 16. Otherwise let them be turned backe and brought to confusion that devise our hurt Let them be as Chaffe before the Wind and let the Angell of the Lord chase them Let their way be darke and slippery and let the Angell of the Lord persecute them Psal 35 4. As smoake is driven away so driue them away as waxe melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of God Psal 68 2. Bring vpon them the day of evill and destroy them with a double destruction Ier. 17.18 For they haue eaten vp Iacob and devowred him and consumed him and haue made his habitation desolate Ier. 10 25. Therefore render vnto them a recompense O Lord according to the worke of their hands Giue them sorrow of heart thy curse vnto them Persecute and destroy them in anger from vnder the Heavens of the Lord Lam. 3 64. Doe vnto them as to the Midianites as to Scisera as to Iabin at the Brooke of Kison which perished at Endor they became as dung for the earth Make their Nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb yea all their Princes as Zeba and Zalmunna who said let vs take to our selues the houses of God in possession O our God make them like a wheele as the stubble before the Wind. As the fire burneth Wood and as the flames set the Mountaines on fire so persecute them with thy tempest and make them afraid with thy storme Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them bee put to shame and perish Psalm 83 9. Psal 68 1 129 5.40 14. Psal 79 10 35 1 45 3 68 1. Iudges 5 31. Q. What are wee to doe when our Persecutors are thus destroyed and wee thereby delivered A. Breake forth into ioy and sing together because the Lord hath comforted his people because he hath redeemed Ierusalem and made bare his holy arme in the eyes of all the Nations Isa 52 9. And sing yee the Song of MOSES the Servant of GOD and the song of the Lambe saying great and maruailous are thy works Lord God Almighty iust and true are thy wayes thou King of Saints Who shall not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name For thou onely art holy for all Natâ—ons shall come and worship before thee for thy Iudgements are made manifest Reu. 15 3. And as the Angels of the Waters say vnto God thou art righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast iudged thus even so Lord God Almighty true and righteous are thy iudgments R u 16 5 Wherefoâ—e we giue thee thankes O Lord God Almighty because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned Reu 11.17 And in the day that I called vpon thee thou saidst feare not O Lord thou hast pleaded the cause of my Soule thou hast redeemed my life Lam. 3 57. Yea many a time haue they afflicted me from my youth yet they haue not prevailed against me The Plowers plowed vpon my backe and made long their furrowes The Lord is righteous he hath cut a sunder the Cords of the wicked I. Psal 129 2. c. 97 10 66 13.14 2 Cor. 1.3 4. Psal 31 23.18 16 9 11. Isa 26.13 Reu. 19 1 c. CHAP. XXIX Of Temptations by evill Examples Ob. WEll haue you satisfied me concerning temptations on the left hand but I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets and her hands are bands Eccl. 7.28 Prou. 23.27 A. Notwithstanding who so pleaseth God shall escape from her Eccles 7 26. For Ioseph hearkened not to his lewd Mâ—stresse Gen. 39.10 Noah also was a iust man and perfect in his generation Gen. 6 9. And Lot being righteous and dwelling among the wicked in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous soule from day to day with their vnlawfull deeds 2 Pet. 2.8 And we know that we are of God when yet the whole World lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5 19. Dan. 11.32 Oâ— the contrary the mouth of the strange woman being a deepe Pit he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein Prou. 22 14 And the sinner
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
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
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
that â—well in the land of the shadow of death â—pon them hath the light shined Isa 9.2 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darknesse hath shined in your hearts to giue the light of the knowledge of God in the face of IESVS CHRIST 2 Cor. 4 6. I haue indeed spoken vnto you in Proverbes but the time commeth when I shall no more speake to you in proverbes but I shall shâ—w you plainely of the Father Ioh. 16 25. In that day shall the deafe heare the words of this Booke and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscuritie and out of darknesse Isa 29 18 35 5 32 2 50 4. Prou. 1 1 4 8 9. 1 Cor. 2 10 12. Nehem. 8 8. Luk. 24 45. Tit. 1 3. Mal. 2.7 Deut. 17 8.9 Reu. 5.5.8 Now therefore thankes bee vnto God which alwayes maketh manifest the sauour of his Knowledge by vs in every place 2 Cor. 2.14 For there is Gold and a multitude of precious Stones but the lips of Knowledge are a precious iewell Prou. 20.15 Neh. 8.12 Math. 11.25 Ob. But I am so hard-hearted that I can not be affected with the Word A. I will put a new Spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of thy flesh and I will giue thee an heart of Flesh Ezek. 11.19 As well as to the Iewâ—s who wept when they heard the words of the Law Neb. 8.9 For is not my Word lâ—ke a fire saith the Lord and like a hammer that breaketh the Rockes in pieces Ier. 23 29.26.18 Ioh. 5.25 Act. 2.37 16.29 2 His wordes were found and I did eate them and they were vnto me the ioy and reioycing of my heart Ier. 15 16. I will therefore delight my selfe in his Statutes Psal 119.16 How sweet is his Word vnto my taste Yea sweeter then honey to my mouth Psal 119.103 Therefore my Sonne eate thou honey because it is good and the honey combe which is sweet to thy tast So shall the knowledge of wisedome be vnto thy soule when thou hast found it Prou. 24.13 Act. 15.31.13.48 Iob 23.12 Act. 2.41 Psal 119.16.17.111.174.162 verses Luk. 24.32 Ob. I am no sooner gone from the Word but all is forgotten A. The Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoeuer I haue said vnto you Ioh. 14.26 Wherby MARY kept all those things in her heart which were told her by the Shepheards Luk. 2.19 Neither did I forget Gods word Psal 119.16 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Ob. The hardest taske is yet behind to wit to put in practise what we heare A. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not I will leade them in the pathes that they haue not knowne I will make darknesse light before them and crocked things straight saith the LORD Isa 42.16 Who hath opened mine eares and I was not rebellious neither turned away backward Isa 50.5 Yea I haue refrained my feet from every evill way that I might keepe his word Psalm 119.101 So that when hee said seeke yee my face my heart said vnto him thy face LORD will I seeke Psal 27.8 For this is the loue of GOD that we keepe 〈◊〉 Commandements and his commandements are not grievous 1 Ioh. 5 3. Hag. 1 12. Psalm 119 15 48 57 104 â— 68. Math. 13 8.23 Col. 1 6. Luk. 1.5 â— 2. Chron. 17 6. CHAP. XXXIII Of Ministers Ob. YOu tell me of the Word and the great benefit thereof but how â—â—ould I either know or doe what the Word teacheth without a guide Act. â— 31. A. When CHRIST ascended vp on high he gaue guifts vnto men c. and he gaue some Apostles and some Prophets â—nd some Euangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministerie for â—he edifying of the Body of CHRIST till we all eome in the vnity of faith and of the knowledge of the Sonne of God vnto a perfect man vnto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Eph. 4.8.11 And therefore though the LORD giue you the bread of Adversitie and the water of Affliction yet thy Teachers shall not be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers Isa 30.20 For the Lord giveth the Word great is the company of Preachers Psal 68.11 Ier. 33.18 Leuit. 10 11. Isa 41.27 Isa 62.6 Q. But shall wee haue such Pastors as will deale faithfully with vs A. I will giue you Pastors according to mine owne heart which shall feed you with knowledge and vnderstanding Ier. 3 15. Who will very gladly spend and bee spent for you 2. Cor. 12.15 As Moses who was faithfull in all his house Heb. 3.5 And as of Leui it was said the Law of truth is in his mouth and iniquity was not found in his lips he walked with me in peace and equitie and did turne away many from iniquitie Mal. 2 6. Moreover yee know from the first day that Paul came into Asia after what manner he hath beene with you at all seasons serving the Lord with all humblenesse of mind and with many teares and temptations which befell him by the lying in wait of the Iewes and how he kept backe nothing that was profitable vnto you Act 20.18 And you know the proofe of Timothie that as a Sonne with the Father he hath served with Paul in the Gospell Phil. 2 22. And for the worke of Christ he was nigh vnto death not regarding his life Phil. 2 30. And dayly in the Temple and in every house the Disciples ceased not to teach and to preach IESVS CHRIST Acts 5 42. These are not as many which corrupt the Word of God but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God speake they in Christ 2 Cor. 2 17 11 23 1 9 27 1 9.19.2 Chron 17 9 8 13. Col. 4 7 10 11 1 7. Act 20 23.30 31 18 24. Ezek. 34 23. Hag. 1 13. 1 Thes 5 6 7. Ier. 23 4 4 19. 8 21 9 1 3 17. Ezra 7 6 10. 1. Sam. 3 21. Q. Wherefore are these promises recorded in Gods word concerning his Ministers A. 1. That they may be apt to teach 1 Tim. 3.2 And therefore giue attendance vnto reading 1. Tim. 4 1â— And study to shew â—heÌ„selues workmen that need not to be ashamed dividing the Word of truth aright 2 Tim. 2 â—5 For every Scribe taught vnto the Kingdome of Heaven is like vnto a man that is a housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasurie things both new an old Math. 13 52. 2 That they be diligent to know the state of their flockes and to looke well to their heards Prou. 27 23. Taking the oversight thereof 1 Pet. 5 2. For they are set for a defence and fortresse among the people that they may know and try their wayes Ier. 6 27. 3 That they feed the flocke of GOD which is among
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
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
young men shall vtterly fall bâ—â— they that wayt vpon the LORD shall râ— new theyr strength They shall mount vâ— with wings as Eagles and they shall runnâ— and not bee wearie and they shall walk and not faint Isa 40 29. Thus MOSES being one hundred anâ— twenty yeares old his eyes were not dimmâ— nor his naturall force abated Deut. 34 7. IOSHVA also at Eightie and fiue yeares was as strong for Warre both to gâ— out and to come in as when MOSEâ— sent him to search the Land Ios 14 11. It is GOD also that girdeth mee with strength c. Hee teacheth my hanâ— to warre so that a Bow of steele is brokeâ— by mine arme Psalm 18 32 34. Iudâ— 14 6.15 14 16 3.16 12 16 14.16 3â— Num. 23 22. Q. What may this teach vs A. Therefore ascribe yee strength vnâ—â— GOD his Excellencie is over Israel anâ— hâ—â— strength is in the Clouds The God of â—â—el is hee also that giveth strength 〈◊〉 power to his people blessed be GOD â—l 68 34. Q. What is the case of such as doe aâ—e their strength A. Those that imagine mischiefe aâ—st GOD who had bound and strengâ—â—ed their armes Hos 7 15. Their â—ngth shall be hunger bitten and deâ—â—ction shall bee ready at their side It â—ll devoure the strength of their skinne 〈◊〉 the first borne of Death shall deâ—â—re their strength Iob 18 12 13. Q. Which are the eighth and ninth â—â—thly Blessings A. The eighth is Beautie For the â—ORD of hostes shall bee for a crown◠〈◊〉 Glory and for a Diadem of beauty vnto 〈◊〉 people Isa 28 5. And will giue 〈…〉 to them beauty for ashes Isa 61 3. â—â—d bee as the dew vnto Israel they shall 〈◊〉 as the Lillie and fasten their rootes â—he trees of Libanon Hos 14 6. Psal â—13 Thus IOSEPH was a goodly persoâ— and well favoured Gen. 39 6 Sâ— was also MOSES Exod. 2 2. Aâ— DAVID was ruddie and withall of Beâ—tifull countenance and goodly to looke tâ— 1 Sam. 16 12. SARA also was veâ— faire Genes 12 14 24 16.29 1 Esther 2 7. Notwithstanding the LORD seeth 〈◊〉 as man seeth 1 Sam. 16 7. For fauoâ— is deceitfull and beauty is vaine but Woman that feareth the Lord shee shall 〈◊〉 praised Prou. 31 30. The ninth is Wisdome For DAVIâ— went out whither SAVL sent him aâ—â— behaved himselfe wisely 1 Sam. 1 5. And that in all his wayes 1 Saâ— 18 14. Yea with more Wisdome thâ— all the servants of SAVL 1 Sam. 1â— 30. Deut. 34 9. Psalm 105 22. Ecclâ— 1 16. And vnto SALOMON was given wise and vnderstanding heart so 〈◊〉 eyther before or after him there was noâ— like him 1 King 3 12. For there wâ— Wisdome of GOD in him to doe Iudgeâ—ent 1 King 3 28.1.10 1 24.2 Sam. â— 20.2 20.16 22. Moreouer see saith GOD I haue calâ—d by name Bezaleel and I haue filled him â—ith the spirit of GOD in Wisdome and â—nderstanding and in Knowledge and in â—ll manner of workmanship to devise cunâ—ing workes Exod. 31 2. And haue put 〈◊〉 his heart that hee may teach Aholiab Exod. 35 34.30 30. And in all matters of Wisedome and â—nderstanding that the King inquired of DANIEL HANANIAH MASHAEL and AZARIAH he found them tenne times better than all the Magicians and Astroâ—ogers that were in all his Realme Dan. 1 â—0 2 14 5 12. And doth the Plow-man plow all the â—ay to sow Doth he open and breake the â—lods of his ground When hee hath made â—laine the face thereof doth hee not cast â—broad the Fitches and scatter the â—ummin and cast in the principall â—heat and the appointed Barley and the Rye in their place For his God doth instruct him to discretion and doth teach him Isa 28 24. Q. Is humane Wisdome of any great worth A. Wisdome maketh a mans face to shine Eccles 8 1. And is good with an inheritance and by it there is profit to them that see the Sunne Eccles 7 11. For it strengtheneth the wise more than tenne mightie men which are in the Citie Eccles 7 19. For there was a little Citie and few men within it and there came a great King against it and besiedged it and built great bulwarkes against it now there was found in it a poore wise man and hee by his wisedome delivered the Citie Then said I Wisedome is better then Strength Eccles 9 14 9 16 18. verses Q. What then is the worth of Wisdome more than of Folly A. As the light is more excellent than darknesse Eccles 2 13. For the Wisdome of the prudent is to vnderstand his way but the folly of Fooles is deceit Prou. 14.8.13 16. A wise mans heart is at his right hand but a fooles heart is at his left Eccles 10 2. The words of a wise mans mouth are gracious but the lips of a foole will swallow vp himselfe The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishnesse and the end of his talke it mischievous madnesse Eccles 10 12. Prou. 15 2. Every wise woman also buildeth her house but the foolish plucketh it downe with her hands Prou. 14 1. Q. What may this concerne the children of Wisdome A. That they blesse the GOD of heaven saying Blessed bee the name of God forever and ever for Wisdome are his Hee giveth wisedome vnto the wise and knowledge to them that know vnderstanding He revealeth the deepe and secret things hee knoweth what is in the darknesse and the light dwelleth with him Dan. 2 19. Q. What is the contrary judgement denounced against the wicked A. The LORD shall smite them with madnesse and blindnesse whereby they shall grope at noone-dayes as the blind gropeth in darknesse and they shall bee mad for the sight of their eyes which they shall see Deut. 28.28 Iob 5.14 And they shall haue no delight in vnderstanding but that their heart may bee discouered Prou. 18.2 Isa 29.14 Ob. The councell of ANITOPHEL though wicked was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of GOD 2. Sam. 16.23 And the men of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light Luk. 16.8 A. 1 Therefore behold the LORD will doe a marueilous worke in this people even a marveilous worke and a wonder for the wisedome of their wise men shall perish and the vnderstanding of their prudent men shall bee hid Isa 29 14. For the Lord turned the counsell of Aâ—ITOPHEL into foolishnesse 2 Sam. 15 31 17 14. And so hee taketh all such wise men in their owne craftinesse and the counsell of the froward is carried headlong Iob 5.13 2 As dead flyes cause the oyntment of the Apothicarie to send foorth a stinking savour so doth a little follie him that iâ— in reputation for Wisdome Eccles 10 1. 3 Such are foolish they haue not knowne mee saith the LORD they are sottisâ— children they haue none vnderstanding they are wise to doe evill but to doe good they haue no knowledge Ierem. 4 22. For they want the feare
to death for the Children neyther shall the children bee put to death for their fathers every man shall bee put to death for his owne sinne Deut. 24 16. And every man shall beare his owne burthen Gal. 6 5. What meane they then to vse this Proverbe saying The Fathers haue eaten sower grapes and the Childrens teeth are set on edge Ezek. 18 2. For every one shall dye in his owne iniquitie every man that eateth the sower grape his teeth shall be set on edge Ier. 31.29 30. Ezek. 18 18. Num. 14 29. Deut. 1.39 1 King 14 13 15 3. Q. What may the Children of wicked parents learne hence A. Not to walke in the statutes of their Fathers nor to obserue their iudgements nor to defile themselues with their Idols Ezek. 20.18 to bee as their Fathers a stubborne and rebellious generation c. Psal 78 8. hardening their hearts as in the provocation and as in the day of temptation in the Wildernesse c. Psal 95 8. Vnto whom the former Prophets haue cryed saying Thus saith the LORD of hostes Turne yee now from â—our evil wayes and from your evill doâ—ngs but they did not heare nor hear â—â—n vnto mee saith the LORD Zach. 1.4 Q. But what if the Children of godly parents proue wicked Shall the godlinesse of the parents shelter them from the judgements of the wicked A. As I liue saith the LORD though Conaiah the sonne of Iehoiakim King of Iudah were the Signet vpon my right hand yet would I plucke him thence Ier 22 24. I said indeed vnto ELY That thy house and the house of thy Fathers shall walke before me for ever but now bee it farre from me for them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall bee lightly esteemed 1. Sam. 2. 30. Wherefore cursed be CANAAN a servant of servants shall hee bee vnto his Brethren Gen. 9.25 and even as EPHRAIM beeing wicked shall bring forth his children to the Murtherer Hos 9 13 9 12. 1 Sam. 4 11. 1 King 2 27. 1 11.11 11.14 11.23 11 31. Q. What if parents and children doe both of them proue wicked Psalm 106 6. A. GOD will then visit the iniquities of the Fathers vpon their Children vnto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate him Exod. 20 5. Whereby their iniquities and the iniquities of their Fathers shall bee together c. And hee will measure their worke into their owne bosome Isa 65 7. Q. What meanes are then to bee vsed whereby these evils beeing prevented I may haue comfort in my Children A. 1 Your power beeing to lead about a wife being a sister 1 Cor. 9 5. Marrie to whom you will onely in the LORD 1 Cor. 7.39 Thou shalt not take a Wife that is a whore or prophane neither shall you take a woman put away from her Husband Leuit. 21 7. None of you shall approach to any that is neere of affiniâ—â—ie to him to vncover their nakedâ—esse Leuit. 18 6. Nor yet as the Sonnes of GOD in the old World who when they saw the Daughters of men that they were faire tooke them wiues of all which they chose Gen. 6 1. But as ABRAHAM who would not take a wife vnto his Sonne of the Daughters of Canaan among whom hee dwelt but of his owne Countrey and Kindred Gen. 24 3 6 3. 2 Take heed to your Spirit and let none deale treacherously with the wife of his youth for did hee not make one Yet had he the residue of the spirit And wherefore one That hee might seeke a godly seed Malac. 2 15. Therefore make a Covenant with thine eyes for why shouldest thou thinke vpon a Mayd Iob 31 1 9 10. verses Math. 19 4. Mal. 2 13 14. Leu. 18 20.20 10. 2 Sam. 12 11. Hos 4 10. 3 Doe as NAOMI did who tooke her Child and layd it in her bosome and became a Nurse vnto it Ruth 4 16. Which that HANNAH might also doe shee went not vp to offer vnto the LORD her yeerely offering vntill her child was weyned 1 Sam. 1 22. Exod. 2 8. Lam. 4 3. 4 Suffer your little Children to come vnto CHRIST to bee Baptized and forbid them not Math. 19 14. And then lend them vnto the LORD as long as they liue 1 Sam. 1 28. 5 Obserue and heare all the words which I command thee so shall it bee well with thee and with thy children after thee for ever when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy GOD Deut. 12 28. For the Iust walking in his integritie his Children are blessed after him Prou. 20 7. Though hand ioyne in hand the wicked shall not bee vnpunished but the seed of the Righteous shall be delivered Prou. 11 21. Num. 25 12. 2 Tim. 1 5. 2 King 10 30. Prou. 13 22.14 26. 6 Doe as IACOB who by Faith when hee was a dying blessed both the â—â—nes of IOSEPH and worshipped leaâ—ing vpon the top of his Staffe Heb. 11 â—1 and saying The Angell which reâ—emed mee from all evill blesse the lads â—nd let my name be named on them and â—he name of my Fathers ABRAHAM and â—SAAC and let them grow into a multiâ—de in the middest of the Earth Gen. â—8 16. And as plants growne vp in their â—outh let my Daughters bee as corners â—ones polished after the similitude of a Palace Psal 144 12. Ruth 4 11 12. â— Sam. 6 20.2 7 27. Deut. 33 24. 7 Because if you trayne vp your children in the way they are to goe they will â—ut depart from it when they are old Prou. 22 6. Therefore you Fathers provoke not your Children to wrath but bring them vp in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Ephes 6 4. And let the words which I command you this day be in thy heart and doe yee teach them diligently vnto your Children Deut. 6 6 20. And let your Children tell their Children and their Children another Generation Ioel. 1 3. Psal 78 1.44.1 Iosh 4.5 4 21. Exod. 12 26.13.8 14 5. Numb 31.54 Isa 38 19. Deut. 32 46. 2 Tim. 1 5 6.2 3 15. Q. This admonition I shall the better giue if you will giue me some direction therein A. Say thus vnto thy Child my Sonne heare the instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Mother for they shall bee an ornament of Grace vnto thy head and chaines about thy necke Prou. 1 8. Bind them continually vpon thine heart and tye them about thy necke when thou goest it shall leade thee and when thou sleepest it shall keepe thee and when thou awakest it shall talke with thee Prou. 6 21. For I was my Fathers Sonne tender and onely beloved in the sight of my Mother Hee taught me also and said vnto mee let thy heart retaine my words keepe my Commandements and liue Get wisedome get vnderstanding forget is not neither decline from the words of my â—outh Forsake her not and she shall preserue thee loue her
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
there is neither male nor female for yee are all one in CHRIST IESVS Gal. 3 28. 1 Tim. 2.15.1.2.7 Rom. 15.15 Math. 22.2.23.37 Acts. 14.2 Ioh. 1 11. Isa 65 2. Rom. 10.21 Ob. What aduantage then hath the Iew Or what profit is there of Circumcision A. Much every way chiefly because that vnto them were committed the Oracles of God Rom. 3 2. Ob. We see not onely the Nation of the Iewes but many others of the Gentiles also to be without the benefit of the Gospell A. This is because of their vnbeliefe Rom. 11.20 For they will not receiue CHRIST Ioh. 1.11 But are disobedient and a gain-saying people Rom. 10.21 For as I liue saith the Lord God I haue no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turne from his way and liue Ezâ—k 33 11. And I would haue all men to bee saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth 1 Tim. 2 4. Ioh. 1 5. Q. Whereunto may the generality of the promises be of vse A. Let not the Sonne of the stranger that hath ioyned himselfe to the LORD speake saying The Lord hath vtterly separated me from his people neither let the Eunuch say behold I am a drie tree For thus saith the LORD to the Euâ—â—ches that kâ—epe my Sabbaths and choose the things that please mee and take hold of my Covenant even vnto them will I giue in mine House and within my Walles a place and a Name better than of Sons and of Daughters I will g ue them an everlasting Name that shall not bee cut off Isa 62 2. Sing O barren thou that didst not beare breake forth into singing and crie aloud thou that didst not travaile wâ—th Child for moe are the Children of the Desolate than the Children of the married wife saith the LORD Enlarge the place of thy Tent and let them stretch foorth the Curtaines of thine habitations spare not lengthen thy Cords and strengthen thy Stakes for thou shalt breake foorth on the right hand and on the left and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate Cities to bee inhabited Isay 54 1. 1 Corinth 7 21 22. Iâ—a 45 22. Math. 22 2. Tit. 2 11. Heb. 1â— 13 Ob. Now of a truth I perceiue that GOD is no accepter of persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousnesse shall be accepted with with him Acts 10 34. But will it not be very long betwixt the promise and the time of theyr accomplishment A. Hee which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Revel 22.20 And my reward is with me to giue every man acording as his worke shall bee Reu. 22 12. Ob. Long haue I waited and yet haue not obtained A. Beloved be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the LORD as a thousand yeeres and a thousand yeeres as one day The LORD is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slacknesse 2. Pet. 3.8 And he that beleeueth shall not make hast Isa 28.16 For the vision is yet for an appointed time but at the end it shall speake and not lye though it tarry wait for it because it will surely come it will not tary Hab. 2.3 For so ABRAHAM after hee had patiently endured he obtayned the promise Heb. 6.15 Amen even so come LORD IESVS Reu. 22.20 Q. But may not GOD alter his mind A. The Counsell of the LORD standeth for ever the thoughts of his heart vnto all generations Psal 33.11 With him is no variablenesse nor shadow by turning Iames 1.17 Concerning his testimonies I haue knowne them of old that he hath founded them for euer Psal 119.152 The words which hee hath commanded to a thousand generations Which couenant hee made with ABRAHAM and his oath vnto ISAAC and confirmed the same vnto IACOB for a law and vnto ISRAEL for an euerlasting Covenant Psal 105.8 For thâ—â— saith the Lord If yee can breake my Covenant of the day and my covenant of the night and that there shall not be day and nâ—ght in their seasons then may also my Covenant bee broken Ier. 33.20 I haue sworne by my selfe the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousnesse and shall not returne Isa 45.23.46 10. 2 Cor. 1 18 Ierem. 4 28. Hos 13 14. Numb 23 20. 1 Sam. 12.22 Haggai 2 6. Num. 18 19. Psal 22 6.105 8. 117 2.119 90. 93 5. Heb. 6 17. Ob. I haue seene an end of all perfection Psal 119 96. A. But his Commandement is exceeding large Psalm 119 96. The strength of ISRAEL will not lye nor repent 1 Sam. 15 29. When your Father and Mother forsake you then the LORD will take you vp Psal 27 10. For GOD is not as Man that hee should lye or the Sonne of man that hee should repent Num. 23 19. 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 6.40 8. 2 Sam. 7 24. Math. 24.35 Ob. Why hath not GOD cast away his ancient people the Iewes A. GOD forbid For I also am an Israelite of the seed of ABRAHAM of the Tribe of BENIAMIN God hath not cast away his people which hee foreknew c. But even at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of Grace Rom. 11 1 5 1. For what if some did not beleeue Shall their vnbeliefe make the faith of GOD without effect Rom 3.3 And haue they stumbled that they should fall â—od forbid But rather through their fall â—alvation is come to the Gentiles for to â—ovoke them to iealousie Now if the â—ll of them bee the riches of the World â—nd the diminishing of them the riches of â—he Gentiles how much more their fulâ—esse Rom. 11 11. For afterwards â—hall the Children of ISRAEL returne â—nd seeke the LORD their GOD and DAVID theyr King and shall feare the Lord and his goodnesse in the latter dayes Hos 3 5. 2 Cor. 3 15. Isa 11 12 19 24 25 50 1. Zach. 2 12. Rom. 11 20 26 28. verses Ob. Though GOD should neuer alter with vs yet shall wee by our sinnes breake Couenant with him Isa 63 10. Exod. 32 33. A. If you breake my Statutes and keepe not my Commandements then will I visite your transgression with the rod and your iniquities with stripes neverthelesse my loving kindnesse I will not vtterly take from you nor suffer my faithfulnesse to faile My Couenant will I not breake nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once haue I sworne by my Holinesse that I will not lie vnto David His seed shall endure for ever and his Throne as the Sunne before mee It shall bee established for ever as the Moone and as a faithfull witnesse in Heaven Psalm 89 30. 2 Sam.
tempest stealeth them away as 〈◊〉 the night Iob. 27 20. And hey shall â—e no more and though they be sought for â—et shall they never be found saith the Lord God Ezek. 26 21. Isa 9 18.1 25. Deuâ— 32 22.28 16.19 20. Zeph. 1 14. Ezek. 24 10. Pro. 22 8 Hos 7 13 9 9. Ier. 6 11.15 2.22.8.23.10.48.13.15.5 1 Sam. 2 10 Iob. 4 20.18.11 Isa â—4 17. Amos 5 18.8 3. Nahum 1 9. Ezek. 21.6 Deut. 28.20 Ioel. 2.26 Amos. 5.24 Psalm 68.21 Behold therefore I set before you this day a blessing and a curse a blessing if yee obey the Commandements of the LORD your GOD which I command you this day and a curse if yee will not obey the Commandement of the Lord your GOD but turne aside out of the way which I command you this day to goe after other Gods which yee haue not knowne Deut. 11.26 30.15 Who is wise and he shall vnderstand these things Prudent and he shall know them For the wayes of the LORD are right and the iust shall walke in them but the transgressours shall fall therein Hos 14.9 1 Cor. 10 6. Prou. 10.6 19.16 12. 2 3.12 7 13.6 21 12 12 21 ver Psal 32 10. Ob. Whatsoeuer you Ministers say I am become rich I haue found mee out substance in all my labours Hos 12.8 Neither shall evill come vpon me And therefore the Prophets shall become wind and the Word is not in them Ier. 5 13. A. Because sentence against an evill worke is not speedily executed therefore the heart of the Sonnes of men is fully set in them to doe evill Eccl. 8.11 The Storke in the Heavens knoweth her appointed times and the Turtle and the Crane and the Swallow obserue the times of their comming but this people know not the iudgments of the LORD Ier. 8.7 They will not behold his high hand but they shall see it and be confounded Isa 26 11. The LORD indeed is flow to anger but he is great in power and will not surely â—leere the wicked Nah. 1 3. For will a Fowler take vp the snare from the Earth and haue taken nothing at all Amos 3 â— Your fathers where are they And the Prophets doe they liue for ever But my words and my statutes which I commanded my Servants the Prophets did they not take hold of your Fathers And they returned and said like as the Lord of Hosts thought to doe vnto vs according to our wayes and according to our doings so hath he dealt with vs Zach. 1 5. And despisest thou the riches of his goodnesse and forbearance and long suffering not knowing that the goodnesse of GOD leadeth thee to Repentance But after thy hardnesse and impenitent heart that cannot repent treasurest vp to thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and Revelation of the righteous Iudgement of GOD Romanes 2 4. Take heed therefore least there should be among you a Roote that beareth gall and wormewood And it commeth to passe when hee heareth the words of this curse that hee blesse himselfe in his heart saying I shall haue peace though I walke in the imagination of mine heart to adde drunkennesse to thirst the Lord will not spare him but then the anger of the Lord and his iealousie shall smoake against that man and all the curses that are written in this booke shall lie vpâ—n him and the LORD shall blot out his name from vnder Heaven Deut. 29.18 Isa 47 7.57.11 Ezek. 21.9 Amos 6 3 9.10 Psal 50.18 Iosh 23 15. Zeph. 2 15.1.12 Isa 28.17 Zach. 1 15. Happy therefore is the man that feareth alway but he that hardneth his heart shall fall into mischiefe Prou. 28.14 The wise mans eyes are in his head but the foole walketh in darknesse Eccl. 2 14. The prudent man foreseeth the evill and hideth himselfe but the wicked passe on and are punished Prou. 27 12. A wise man feareth and departeth from evill but the foole rageth and is confident Prou 14.16.22 3. CHAP. LII The Wicked Convinced of sinne Ob. THese Iudgements may befall Heathens and such as are without but wee are the people of GOD with whom the Lord hath made a Covenant of Peace and therefore none of these things shall befall vs. A. The Lord is with you while yee bee with him and if yee seeke him he will bee found of you but if yee forsake him he will forsake you 2 Chron. 15.2 For at what instant I shall speake concerning a Nation and concerning a Kingdome to build and to plant it if it doe evill in my sight that it obey not my voice then I will repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them Ier. 18 9. And the punishment of the iniquity of the Daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sinne of Sodome that was overthrowne in a moment Lam. 4 6. Wherefore trust ye not in lying words saying The Temple of the LORD the Temple of the LORD the Temple of the LORD are these Ier. 7.4 But goe yee now vnto my place which was in Shilo where I set my name at the beginning and behold what I did to it for the wickednesse of my people Israel Ier. 7,12 For so will I make this House like Shilo and make this Citie a curse to all Nations of the Earth Ier. 26.6 1. King 9.6 Exod. 32 35. Isa 57.3.4 Deutr. 8.19 Ob. We doe not onely liue in the Church but by Baptisme are made members of the same A. Baptisme verily profiteth if thou keepe the law but if thou bee a breaker of the Law thy Baptismâ— is made no Baptisme Rom. 2 25. Circumcision is nothing and Vncircumcision is nothing but the keeping of the Commandements of GOD 1 Cor. 7 19. It is 〈◊〉 that Aegypt and Iudah and Edome and the Children of Ammon and Moab even all these Nations are vncircumcised and thou art vncircumcised in heart Ier. 9.25 And therefore thou shalt die the deaths of the vncircumcised by the hand of the strangers for I haue spoken it saith the LORD GOD Ezek. 28 10. 1 Cor. 10.1 Ob. I haue not only bin entred and inrolled a member of the Church but also haue ioyned with others in the worship of GOD and in the profession of the same Iudg. 17.3 Isa 58.3 A. There is a generation that are pure in their owne eyes and yet is not washed from their filthinesse Prou. 30.12 Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and Sacrifices as in obeying his voice Behold to obey is better than Sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of Rams 1 Sam. 15.22 The Sacrifices of the wicked is abhomination to the Lord but the Prayer of the vpright is his delight Prou. 15. 8.21.27 Iam. 1.27 But vnto the wicked saith God what hast thou to doe to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldest take my Covenant within thy mouth Seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my words behind thee Psal 50 16. For the LORD loveth Iudgement and hateth Robberie for burnt
offerings Isa 61 8 Wherefore let no man deceiue you hee that doth righteousnesse is righteous as he is righteous but he that committeth sinne is of the Divell 1 Ioh. 3 7. Hag. 2 11 12. Isa 29 1.58.4 66 3 1 11. Amos 2 8.5 25 21. Leu. 26 31. Zâ—ch 7 5 Mal 1 7 1 13. Ier. 6.20 7 22 14.12 Psal 50 9 40 6. Hos 6 6 4 19. Mark 12 33. Luk. 11.41 Ob. Blessed be thou of the LORD for I haue kept the Commandements of GOD 1 Sam. 15 13. Haue done many things Mark 6 20. And haue been zealous for the Lord of Hosts 2 Kin. 10.16 Hos 12 8. A. What meaneth then this bleating of the sheepe in mine eares and the lowing of the Oxen which I heare 1 Sam. 15.14 For in thee haue they set light by Father and Mother in the middest of thee haue they dealt by oppression with the stranger in â—hee haue they vexed the Fatherlesse and â—he Widdow Thou hast despised my Holy things and hast prophaned my Sabbaths In thee are Men to carry tales to shedde bloud in the middest of thee they commit Lewdnesse Ezek. 22 7. Wherefore I haue a few things against thee Revel 2.20 As well as against ISRAEL who feared the LORD and made vnto themselues the lowest of them Priests of the High-places They feared GOD the LORD and served their owne Gods they feared not the Lord 2 King 17 32. For the feare of the LORD is to hate evill as pride arrogancy and every evâ—ll way Prou. 8 13. And therefore cursed art thou if thou confirme not all the words of this Law to doe them and all the people shall say Amen Deut. 27 26 4 2.6.17.12.32.18.13 Iam. 1 26 2.10.3 9 10. Ezek. 18 10. 2 Cor. 8 â—1 2 King 22.2 Ob. I deny not but doe freely confesse Murther and Adultery to be grievous sins deseruing death now then if I can acquit my selfe of such sinnes I shall doe well enough A. You haue heard that it was said to them of old time Thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the iudgment But I say vnto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the iudgement and whosoever shall say to his Brother Racha shall bee in danger of a Counsell and whosoever shall say thou Foole shall be in danger of Hell fire You haue heard also that it was said to them of old time Thou shalt not commit Adultery But I say vnto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart Math. 5 21 27. ver And for every idle word that men shall speake they shall giue an account thereof in the day of Iudgement Math. 12 36. Ezek. 16.49 1 Chron. 13.9.2.32.24 1 Sam. 6.19 1 King 20 35. Numb 20.12 Deut. 32.50 Ob. What a preciseâ—â—â—sse call you this For what if now and then I meeting with a good fellow or two doe make my selfe merry with them and doe follow some other trickes of youth A. Wo be vnto you that call evill good and good evill that put darknesse for light and light for darknesse that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter Isa 5.20 You are they which iustifie your selues before men but GOD knoweth the hearts for that which is highly esteemed among men is abhominable in the sight of GOD Luk. 16 15. The shew of your Countenance doth witnesse against you and you declare your sinne as Sodome and hide it not woe vnto you for you haue rewarded evill vnto your selues Isa 3.9 Ier. 6.15 2.35 Prou. 14.12.16.25 Ob. You are very rash in iudging for who but God knoweth the heart A. Doth not the Eare try words And the mouth tast his meat Iob. 12.11.34.3 Even a Child is knowne by his doings whether his worke be pure and whether it be right Prou. 20.11 For doth a Fountaine send foorth at the same place sweet water and bitter Can a Figge-tree beare Oliue berries Either a Vine Figges So can no Fountaine yeild salt water and fresh Iam. 3 11. Luk. 6 43. Math. 12 33 7.16 Ob. Notwithstanding your shew of precisenesse if your faults were written in your forehead we should haue much worse things to say of you A. Speake not evill one of another Brethren he that speaketh evill of his Brother and iudgeth his Brother speaketh evill of the law and iudgeth the law but if thou iudge the Law thou art not a doer of the law but a Iudge There is one Lawgiuer who is able to saue and to destroy who art thou that iudgest another Iam. 4 11. Iudge not that yee be not iudged For with what iudgement yee iudge yee shall be iudged and with what measure yee mete it shall be measured to you againe Math. 7 1. Ob Thou seemest to restraine wisdome to thy selfe but what knowest thou that we know not Or what vnderstandest thou that is not in vs Iob 15 8.15 2. A. If yee know these things happie â—re yee if yee doe them Ioh. 13 17. Thy Father iudged the cause of the poore and needy then it was well with him was â—ot this to know me saith the LORD Ier. 22 16. For behold the feare of the LORD that is Wisedome and to depart from evill is vnderstanding Iob 28 28. You professe you know him but in Workes you deny him being abominable and vnto every good worke reprobate Titus 1 16. And how doe yee say wee are wise and the law of the Lord is with vs Yee haue reiected the Word of the Lord nnd what wisdome is in you Ier. 8 8.5 4. Iam. 3 13. Prou. 3 17. Luk. 12 47. Iam. 4 16 3 17. Rom. 2 17. 1 Ioh. 2 4. Ioh. 15 22 9 1. Prou. 26.12.26 16. CHAP. LIII The wicked Convinced of judgement Ob. IT should seeme this man hath seene some vision or hath had some other extraordinary reuelation Therefore watch man what of the night Watchman what of the night Isa 21.11 A. The watch-man said The morning commeth and also the night Isa 21 12. And are yee come to inquire of mee As I liue saith the Lord GOD I will not bee inquired of by you Ezek. 20 3. Beware yee despisers and wonder and perish for I worke a worke in your dayes a worke which yee shall in no wise beleeue though a man declare it vnto you Acts 13 40. Habac. 1 5. Now therefore bee not mockers least your hands bee made strong for I haue heard from the LORD GOD of hostes a consumption even determined vpon the whole Earth Giue yee eare and heare my voyce hearken and heare my speech Isa 28 22. Then said I Ah LORD GOD they say of mee Doth hee not speake parables Ezek. 2â— 49. 14 7. Ob. But when went the Spirit of the LORD from our Ministers vnto thee 1. King 22 24. Who doe say to vs yee shall not see the Sword neither shall yee haue Famine but the LORD will
vntill some common Iudgement come vpon our whole Land I shall doe well enough A. If thou continue thus presumptuously to sinne the LORD shall separate thee vnto evill out of all the Tribes of ISRAEL according to all the Curses of this Covenant that are written in this booke of the Law Dâ—uteronomie 29 21. As well as he did ACHAN who for his sinne was by all ISRAEL stoned with stones and his goods with all that hee had burned with fire Ioshua 7 25. Woe therefore bee vnto thee wilt thou not bee made cleane When shall it once bee Ieremiah 13.27 CHAP. LIIII Of the Wicked Converted Q. IF our sinne guiltinesse deserue such inevitable Iudgements goe thou neere and heare all that the LORD our GOD shall say and speake thou vnto vs all that the LORD our GOD shall speake vnto thee and wee will heare it and doe it Deuteron 5 27. A. The LORD hath heard the voyce of your words and said vnto mee I haue heard the voyce of the words of this people which they haue spoken vnto thee they haue well said all that they haue spoken O that there were such an heart in them that they would feare mee and keepe my Commandements alwayes that it might bee well with them and with their Children for ever Deuter. 5.28 But yee dissembled in your hearts when yee sent me vnto the LORD your God saying Pray for vs vnto the LORD our GOD and according to all that the LORD our GOD shall say so declare vnto vs and wee will doe it And now I haue this day declared it vnto you but yee doe not obey the voyce of the LORD your GOD nor any thing for the which hee hath sent me vnto you Now therefore know certainly that yee shall dye by the Sword by the Famine and by the Pestilence in the place whether yee desire to goe and to soiourne Ier. 42 20. For yee cannot serue the LORD for hee is an holy GOD he is a iealous God he will not forgâ—â—e your transgressions and sinnes Ioshua 24.19 How long then halt yee betweene two opinions If the LORD bee GOD follow him but if BAAL then follow him 1 King 18.21 And hearken to mee yee men of ENGLAND that GOD also may hearken vnto you Iudg. 9.7 Giue glorie to the Lord your GOD before hee cause darknesse and before your feet stumble vpon the darke Mountaines while yee looke for light hee turne it into the shadow of death and make it grosse darknesse But if yee will not heare it my Soule shall weepe in secret places for your Pride and mine eyes shall weepe sore and runne downe with teares because the LORDS Flocke is carried away captiue Ierem. 13 16. Q. Wee haue indeed besides all other Sinnes dissembled with the LORD but now the Lord GOD of Gods the Lord GOD of Gods hee knoweth Iosh 22 22. that him will wee serue and his voyce will wee obey Iosh 24.24 The LORD bee a true and faithfull witnesse betweene vs if we doe not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy GOD shall send thee to vs. Whether it bee good or whether it bee evill wee will obey the voyce of the LORD our GOD to whom wee send thee that it may bee well with vs when wee obey the voyce of the Lord our GOD Ierem. 42 5. Iosh 24 21 24. A. Then gird your loynes and lament yee Priests howle yee Ministers of the Altar come lye all night in Sackcloath yee Ministers of my GOD c. Sanctifie yee a Fast call a solemne Assembly gather the Elders and all the inhabitants of the Land into the house of the LORD your GOD and cry vnto the LORD Ioel 1 13. Ier. 4.14 Zeph. 2 1. Ioel 2 12 â—5 Iona 3 8. Ioel 1 13. Psal 46 8. Lam. 2 14. Ioel 2 17. Iam. 4 8. Saying Wee acknowledge our wickednesse and the iniquities of our Fathers for wee haue sinned against thee Ierem. 14 20. Wee haue sinned and haue committed iniquitie and haue done wickedly and haue rebelled even by departing from thy precepts and from thy Iudgements Neither haue wee hearkened vnto thy servants the Prophets which spake in thy Name to our Kings our Princes and our Fathers and to all the people of the Land O LORD righteousnesse belongeth vnto thee but vnto vs confusion of faces as at this day because of our trespasse that wee haue trespassed against thee Dan. 9 5. O our GOD wee are ashamed and blush to lift vp our face to thee our GOD for our iniquities are increased over our head and our trespasse is growne vp vnto the Heavens And now O our GOD what shall wee say after this For wee haue forsaken thy Commandements Ezra 9 6 10. O LORD wee beseech thee let now thine eare bee attentiue to the Prayer of thy servants who desire to feare thy Name and doe confesse our sinnes which we haue sinned against thee both we and our fathers house haue sinned Nehe. 1.11.16 And haue gone astray like lost sheepe therefore seeke thy seruants for we will not forget thy Commandements Psalm 119.176 Turne vs againe O GOD of hosts and cause thy face to shine and we shall be saued Psal 80.7 Doe thou incline our heart vnto thee to walke in thy wayes and to keepe thy Commandements and thy statutes and thy Iudgements which thou commandedst our Fathers 1. King 8.58 That which we see not teach thou vs if wee haue done iniquitie wee will doe no more Iob. 34 32 13 23. Psalme 80.18 Psalme 143.8 2 Doe you take hold of his strength that you may make peace with him and you shall make peace with him Isa 27.5 And thereby good shall come vnto thee Iob. 22.21 And because no man commeth vnto the Father but by CHRIST Iohn 14.6 Nor vnto CHRIST except the Father draw him Iohn 6 44 Therefore pray saying Draw me we will run after thee Can. 1 4 3 Wash yee make you cleane put away the evill of your doings from before mine eyes cease to doe evill learne to doe well seeke Iudgement releeue the oppressed iudge the Fatherlesse plead for the Widdow Come now and let vs reason together saith the LORD though your sinnes bee as scarlet they shall bee as white as snow though they bee red like Crimson they shall bee as Wooll Isa 1.16 Yet the LORD will wait that he may haue mercy vpon you and therefore will he bee exalted that he may haue compassion vpon you for the LORD is the GOD of Iudgement Isa 30 18. Hosea 13.9 Ezekiel 33 11. Zach. 1.3.8.16 Ier. 18 11. Mal. 3.7 Psal 4 4. Eccl. 12.23 1 King 8 61. Isa 66 1.2 4 Beeing thus conuerted you should enter into a Covenant with the LORD your GOD and into his oath which the LORD your GOD shall make with you so shall he establish you this day for a people vnto himselfe and be vnto you a God as he hath said vnto you and as hee hath swore vnto your Fathers Deut. 29 12. Nehemiah 9.38 2 Chronicles 15.12.23.3 2 Chronicl 29.10.34.31 Ezra 10.3 Q. Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken Isa 39 8 Wee doe therefore enter into a Covenant that we will be the Lords people 2 Chron. 23.16 And wee our Wiues our Sonnes and our Daughters even every one of vs having knowledge and vnderstanding doe heere enter into a Curse and into an Oath to walke in GODS Law which was given by MOSES the Servant of GOD and to obserue and doe all the Commandements of the LORD our GOD and his Iudgements and his Statutes Neh. 10.28 The Lord our God will wee serue and his voice will wee obey Iosh 24.24 Nehem. 9.38 A. Then haue you delivered your selues out of the hand of the Lord Iosh 23 31. And as you haue avouched the LORD this day to bee your GOD and to walke in his wayes and to keepe his Statutes and Commandements and his iudgments and to hearken vnto his voyce so the LORD hath avouched you this day to bee his peculiar people as he hath promised you and that you should keepe all his Commandements and to make you high aboue all Nations which he hath made in praise and in name and in honour and that yee may be an holy people vnto the LORD your GOD as hee hath spoken Deuter. 26.17 And these very stones shall bee a witnesse vnto you for they haue heard all the words of the LORD which hee hath spoken vnto you they shall bee a witnesse vnto you least yee deny your GOD Iâ—sh 24.27 For this cause wee also will not cease to pray for you and to desire that yee may bee filled with the knowledge of his will in all Wisedome and spirituall vnderstanding that yee may walke worthy of the LORD vnto all pleasing beeing fruitfull vnto every good worke and increasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1 9. Now the GOD of peace that brought againe from the dead our LORD IESVS that great Shepheard of the Sheepe through the bloud of the everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good worke to doe his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through IESVS CHRIST Heb. 13.20 And our LORD IESVS CHRIST himselfe and GOD even our Father which hath loved vs and hath given vs everlasting consolation and good hope through Grace comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and worke 2 Thes 2 16. Now vnto him that is able to keepe you from falling and to present you faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy to the onely wise GOD and Saviour be Glory and Maiesty Dominion and Power now and ever Iud. 24. And now Brethren I commend you to GOD and to the Word of his Grace which is able to build you vp and to giue you an inheritance among all them which are Sanctified Acts 20.32 The Grace of our Lord IESVS CHRIST bee with you all Amen Revel 22.21 FINIS