because willingly from God vpon the inticement of the Deuill and inwrapped our selues with vnspeakable guilt slauerie and woe rebelling against the Law of God which is holy iust and good and lying open to Gods curse for euermore t t Iohn 3.16 Rom. 5.12 13 14 c. sent forth for the praise of his glorious grace And in Iesus Christ his onely Sonne our Lord the second Person of the Trinitie euen his onely begotten Sonne to be u u Act. 2.36 our Lord for our Redemption and so to become our Sauiour which is ment by the name * * Matth. 1.21 Iesus and therefore he x x Esai 61.1 2 c. Heb. 1.9 Iohn 3.34 annointed him for the name Christ signifieth Annointed with the Spirit aboue measure that he might be our holy y y Deut. 18.18 c. Prophet to teach vs the way of saluation z z Heb. 10.12 14. our mercifull High Priest to offer himself a sacrifice for vs and our a a Luk. 1.32 33. Psal 72. 1 Cor. 3.21 22 23. powerfull King to worke in our hearts his sauing grace to gouerne vs to protect vs and continually to minister vnto vs all blessings néedfull both for soule and bodie Who was conceiued by the Holy Ghost Borne of the Virgin Marie b b Luk. 1.35 2.6 7. Which Iesus Christ to the end he might be a fit Mediator for vs Rom. 5.15 18 19. 8.2 3. tooke the true nature of man vpon him in all things sinne onely excepted and so was holily conceiued by the extraordinarie operation of the Holy Ghost in the wombe of a Virgin called Marie thereby sanctifying our sinfull conceptions and of her was he borne and brought forth into the world after the common fashion of all men c c Gal. 4.4 5. Heb. 2.16 17. that we might be sure that by the partaking of our nature he hath communicated himselfe and all his goodnes to vs. d d Rom. 5.19 Who in the same our nature led a holy life according to all Gods commandements that it might be imputed vnto vs and e e Esai 53. Luk 22.44 23.1 c. Iohn 18. 19. chapter withal suffred vnspeakable torments both in soule and bodie sufficient to haue purged the sinnes of the whole world though none but the faithfull shall receiue any benefit thereby f f Deut. 21.23 Galat. 3.13 1 Thess 1.10 1 Iohn 3.8 Was crucified Who being made a Curse for vs was bound as a guilty person that we might be loosed out of the spirituall chaine and slauerie of Satan and sinne g g Matth. 27. Coloss 2 13 14. Phil. 1.29 Gal. 6.14 Ps 119. 67 71. 2 Cor. 12.20 1 Thess 1.10 Who was condemned wrongfully by the Iudge Pilate that we which are guilty of innumerable transgressions might be discharged before the Tribunall Seat of Gods fearefull iustice and who thereupon was most shamefully executed as a most hainous Malefactor notwithstanding he was most iust and innocent his hands and féete being fastned with nailes to a Crosse and thereon tormented till he was slaine his side pierced with a speare his blood shed both while he was aliue and dead dead and buried and so being truly dead his bodie was buried All which was to satisfie Gods wrath to wrath to take the curse which otherwise was our due desert because h h Rom. 5.6 8 10. wee were vngodly sinners and Gods enemies to kill and burie all our sins with him i i Ephes 2.16 to reconcile God and vs to slay the enmitie k k Philip. 3.10 2 Cor. 4.17 and to sanctifie and make happy and comfortable all our afflictions and persecutions l l Act. 2.24 27 29 30. Ps 16.10 Math. 12.40 1 Cor. 15.54 55. He descended into Hell Yea he abased himselfe yet further euen to the lowest degrée of humiliation continuing thrée dayes and thrée nights contemptibly in the bands of death that he might vtterly abolish the sting of death that he might vtterly abolish the sting of death and teach vs thorow humiliation for our sinnes m m Act. 2.24 2 Cor. 13.4 Iohn 10.18 Notwithstanding hauing payed the vttermost price for all our sinnes and conquered Satan Rom. 4.25 6.4 5 9 10 11. 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5. 3.21 Reuel 20.5 6. Sinne Hell Damnation the third day he rose againe frō the dead he triumphantly rose againe from death to life vpon the third day both to assure vs that God will count vs righteous that doe beléeue in his name and also to quicken and restore vs to a new and holy life which is the first resurrection n n 1 Cor. 15.4 5 6. Act. 1.2 3 4 c. And so his soule taking his bodie againe and quickning it by his diuine power he continued for a season vpon the earth He ascended into heauen and o o Act. 1.9 11. Mark 16.19 Heb. 9 24. Ephes 4.10 11. Iohn 14 2. 17.24 Col. 3.2 afterwards did thence gloriously ascend into heauen to take possession of it in our name to appeare in the presence of God for vs and to fill all things and specially his Church with his gifts and graces thereby to lead it thither whence by sinne and iniquitie it was banished And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty p p 1 Tim. 3.16 Heb. 7.25 1 Cor. 15.25 27. There he sitteth at the Fathers right hand making intercession for vs by offering to his Father Act. 2.33 36. Psal 110.1 and applying to vs the merit of his passion where he hath all power and authoritie committed vnto him to be the onely Lord and King for the gouernment of all things vnto the saluation of his people and destruction of his enimies q q Act. 3.21 Iohn 17.24 And there he shall remaine as touching his manhood vntill the latter day to the end we might haue assured and constant comfort because our flesh dwelleth there in the person of our Redéemer Frō thence hee shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead r r Act. 17.30 31. 2 Cor. 5.9 10. Math. 25.32 c. Rom. 2.6 At that day he shall returne to pronounce execute iust iudgement vpon all mankinde both the good and bad whether dead afore or found aliue at his comming vnto the praise of his glorious iustice rendring vnto euery one according as their workes shall testifie their faith or vnbeléefe This Iesus Christ then I acknowledge and beléeue to be both my Sauiour my Intercessor and my Iudge vnto whom I earnestly cry ſ ſ Rev. 22.20 Come Lord Iesus come quickly t t Act. 24.16 with 2 Cor. 5.6 8 9 10 11. labouring alwaies to haue a cleare conscience that I may haue boldnes at that day and so I trust that he will pronounce for me and make mée partaker of his glory I beleeue in the Holy Ghost And withall I do u u 1
and are now come to Mens and Womens estate who also are wont as you said to learne loddly and remember badly Pastor You must take the more paines with such to teach them the true meaning and right vse of the Lord prayer the Creede and the Ten Commandements the words whereof they can babble without vnderstanding as also you must vse the like diligence for the doctrine of the Sacraments according to the Conference or some Catechisme or Treatise made for that purpose Parent It passeth my skill to teach some of them any vnderstanding or profitable vse of that which they confesse in words and specially such as put a confidence in the saying and rehearsing of the words A kinde of Opus operatum as though there were some secret vertue and efficacie in the words that of themselues and of the sounding or pronouncing of them do please God and make them that can and do vtter them to be Christians as they doe superstitiously suppose Pastor Then I aduise you to follow these two courses which haue bin sound very profitable with such blinde soules First for the vnderstanding and vse of the Creede Secondly for Application both of the Creede the Lords prayer the Ten Commandements and the Sacraments Parent What is your course to conuey the vnderstanding and vse of the Creede vnto an ignorant soule that can say the words without sense in himselfe Pastor Prouided alwayes that you humbly beseech God to blesse your labour and likewise that you deale kindly and louingly with such a one you must vse to reason with him or her suppose it be your seruant or any other in as familiar and plaine manner as you can to this effect Housholder The forme of instructing such ignorant soules as are of riper age In whom doe you beleeue Seruant In God Housholder What is God Seruant The Father Almighty Housholder How do you know that God is almighty Seruant Because he is the maker of heauen and earth Housholder In whom do you beleeue besides the Father Seruant In Iesus Christ Housholder Who is Iesus Christ Seruant The Fathers onely Son and our Lord. Housholder What meane you by Our Lord Seruant That he is our Redéemer and Gouernor Housholder How came Christ to be so Seruant He was conceiued by the Holy Ghost and borne of the Virgin Marie Housholder What did he for vs as he is our Lord Seruant He suffered for vs vnder Ponce Pilate Housholder Who was Ponce Pilate Seruant He was a Iudge that condemned Christ to death Housholder To what kinde of death did Pilate condemne our Sauiour Christ Seruant To be crucified Housholder What is that Seruant Hée was lifted vp to a Crosse of wood and nailed vpon it with nailes * This crucifying was in those times among the Iewes a most shamefull execution of Male-factors such as Hanging upon the Gallowes is now amongst vs. Housholder How long was he crufied Seruant Till he was dead Housholder Wherefore was Christ willing to suffer so shamefull a death Seruant For to saue vs from Hell which we deserued for our sins Housholder What did they with Christ when he was dead Seruant They buried his bodie in a Tombe Housholder How long did it lye buried in the Tombe Seruant Vntill the third day Housholder What did Christ then Seruant He rose againe from the dead and so liued and walked vpon the earth againe Housholder What did hee afterwards Seruant After forty dayes he ascended into Heauen that is He went vp into Heauen Housholder What doth our Sauiour in Heauen Seruant He fitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty Housholder What is the meaning of that Seruant He is the great King that raigneth ouer vs all Housholder How long shall Christ raigne so Seruant Till the day of Iudgement Housholder What shall he do then Seruant He shall come againe to iudge both the quicke and the dead Housholder Who are the quicke Seruant They that shall be then found aliue vpon the earth Housholder And what dead persons shall he then iudge Seruant All that haue beene dead before that day Housholder In whom doe you beleeue else besides the Father and the Sonne Seruant In the Holy Ghost Housholder What Are the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost three Gods Seruant No Thrée persons but one God Housholder Doth no body beleeue thus but onely you Seruant Yes the Holy Catholike Church Housholder Who are that Church Seruant The Saints that dwell vpon earth Housholder Why do you call the Saints on earth Holy Seruant Because they are made holy in Christ by Faith and a New life Housholder Why do you call the Saints or Church of God vpon earth Catholike Seruant Because they are vniuersally scattered ouer all the world Housholder What haue they among themselues Seruant A speciall Communion or Fellowship of Loue one with another Housholder What benefits doth God by his Holy Spirit bestow vpon these his beleeuing and penitent people for his Sonne Iesus Christs sake Seruant Forgiuenes of their sins the resurrection of their bodies and the life euerlasting Parent And what is your other course for application of the Creede the Lords Prayer the Ten Commandements and the Sacraments vnto the capacitie and vse of such ignorant persons Pastor Whatsoeuer you shall learne in the preaching of the word or in the daily reading thereof that may informe such simple persons in any of those things you must acquaint them with it fitting it for manner of speech and words to their abilitie And so for all the workes of God his benefits and strokes you must apply them to their estate declare vnto them their great manifold necessitie of sauing grace and alwayes haue recourse vnto such things as they can say in the Creede the Lords Prayer the Ten Commandements * How euer you doe you must labour to inform and settle them on the one side in the vse of the Law discouering sinne and denouncing the curse of damnation and on the other side in the comforts of the Gospell giuing grace by Jesus Christ and assuring the beleeuers and penitent of eternall saluation c. And withall incourage them both to answer your questions and to inquire boldly and cheerefully of you what they thinke good or do make any doubt of Parent I trust the Lord will make me mindfull to vse these good helps which you haue sought out and fitted for such purposes as neede shall require But I haue a great desire to looke into the substance of the Booke that you haue giuen me where I hope to finde directions and furtherances for my selfe and those that are better able to learne and practise than either children or such ignorant persons as we haue last spoken of Pastor I doubt not but you shall gaine somewhat by that which hath passed betwixt you me already since we met togither albeit indeed the greatest vse be of the points of Religion which are handled in the Booke that I
If we endure to the end in the profession of Faith and a good Conscience blessing the name of the Lord. And thirdly p Heb. 12.10 11. If we profit thereby partaking of Gods holinesse and yéelding the peaceable fruit of Righteousnesse for the Righteous saith q Iob. 17.9 Iob shall hold on his way and he that haeh cleane hands shall be stronger and stronger Seruant How doth Christ deliuer his people out of afflictions Scholler r Jona 4.6 Esai 38.14 Sometimes he easeth them by mitigating their tribulations for a time often ſ Psal 34.19 2 Tim. 4.18 Psal 74.12 he setteth them frée from their speciall afflictions by some powerfull and mercifull hand of his but t Esai 57.1 2. at the last he surely taketh them away from whatsouer is euill by Death it selfe Parent What is Death Child u Luk. 16.22 c. 2 Cor. 5.1 with Phil. 1.21 Ioh. 11.25 26. Death is the parting asunder of Soule and Bodie which though it be vnto the soules of the wicked a present entrance into Hell yet vnto the Godly it is become by Christ Iesus the assured passage vnto eternall life * Luk. 23.43 where they are instantly with him in Paradise Parent What shall follow Death at the last Child x Heb. 9.27 Dan. 12.2 The resurrection of the Bodie and the last Iudgement Parent To what end Child y 2 Cor. 5.10 That euery one both elect and reprobate may receiue the things done in his bodie according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad the one sort vnto the manifestation and praise of Gods mercy and thother of his iustice Seruant When shall the Resurrection of the Bodie and the last Iudgement be Scholler Both shall be at Christs second comming z Mat. 24.36 which for the day and houre cannot be knowne either of Men or Angels Seruant What and whose bodies shall rise againe Scholler a Iob 19.26 27. Math. 25.32 Rev. 20.13 The very same none other of euery one without exception both of Gods Elect and of the Reprobate which they haue in this life Seruant How doth the word of God distinguish the bodies both of Gods Elect and of the Reprobate at the latter day Scholler b 1 Cor. 15.51 52. 1 Thess 4.15 16 17. Rom. 14.9 2 Tim. 4.1 Into two sorts the one of all those who haue béene dead from the beginning of the world vntil that instant of Christs comming to iudgement the number of whom is the greater and the other are those that then shall be found aliue Seruant By what meanes shall the dead bodies of Gods elect be raised vp Scholler c 1 Cor. 15. By the vnspeakable power and vertue of Christ declared in his owne resurrection at the sound of a trumpet they all and euery part and member of them throughout the whole bodie shall be restored made perfect in a moment in the twinckling of an eye notwithstanding all confusion and hindrances whatsoeuer to the contrary Seruant And what shall be done to the bodies of Gods elect that then shall be found aliue Scholler d Luk. 24. Iohn 20. 21. 1 Cor. 15.51 52. Through the same power of Christ who was changed when he rose from death to life in his owne bodie they shall be likewise suddenly changed from all corruption and so be made perfect also which change shall be vnto them in stéed of a resurrection Seruant What kinde of bodies shall they all then be Scholler e Mat. 13.43 1 Cor. 15.43 44 45 53. Phil. 3.20 21. Supernaturall incorruptible and glorious euen like vnto Christs owne glorious bodie though not so glorious Seruant What saith the holy Scripture of their soules Scholler f 1 Thess 4.14 compared with 1 Cor. 13.10 12 13. Col. 2.2 3 4. Their soules being indued with perfect knowledge holinesse and loue and descending from heauen shall at the same instant of the Resurrection and change be revnited and coupled vnto their bodies againe neuer to be separated any more Seruant What of soule and bodie togither Scholler g Revel 21.4 11. 1 Joh. 3.2 They both shall be frée from all infirmities and imperfections yea and passions that haue any paine ioyned with them and generally from all euill Seruant What saith the Scripture of the Reprobate Scholler h Ioh. 5.29 compared with the analogie of faith Revel 1.7 6.15 16 17 Their dead bodies indéed shall be raised vp from the graue as Malefactors are taken from the prison to the tryall by the power of Christ their most fearefull Iudge and so their soules being ioyned againe to their bodies full of extreme vglines and horrour they shall be made able to indure the wrath of God for euermore and the vnbeléeuers then liuing shall likewise be changed to the same effect Seruant What shall be done next afterwards Scholler i Mat. 25.32 Act. 10.42 Christ will immediatly bring all both good bad vnto iudgement Seruant How will he bring his Elect vnto iudgement Scholler k Mat. 25 3◠32 33. 24.31 1 Thess 4.17 After that he hath gathered all togither by the Ministerie of the Angels he will seuer the Elect from the Reprobate and place the Elect at his right hand by his iudgement seat Seruant How will he vse the Elect in his iudgement Scholler l Math. 25.34 35. c. Heb. 8.12 10.17 Ezek 18.22 First he will pronounce them to be righteous not once mentioning any of their sinnes against them and therevpon allot them vnto his owne blessed kingdome and eternall life Secondly m 1 Cor. 6.2 3. Math. 19.28 he will honourably imploy them as Iudges to approue his most iust sentence vpon the euill Angels and Reprobate men Seruant When shall the sentence of saluation be executed to the Elect Scholler n Mat. 25.34 46. 2 Thess 1.10 1 Thess 4.17 Presently and togither with the giuing of the sentence they shall be glorified euen in the fight of the Reprobate and afterwards they shall goe triumphantly with Christ his Angels into heauen Seruant But how shall the Reprobate be brought to iudgement Scholler o Math 25.34 24.30 31. Revel 1.7 6.15 16 17. They shall be forcibly haled by the Angels before Christs Tribunall and there set at his left hand Seruant And how shall they bee vsed And what sentence shall they receiue Scholler p Matt 25.41 42 c. They being vpbraided and convicted of all their sinnes shall receiue the sentence of condemnation whereby they shall be appointed vnto hell for euermore Seruant How and when shall that sentence be executed Scholler q Mat. 25.46 Dan. 12.2 2 Thess 1.8 9. Psal 58.10 Matth. 11.20 21 22 23 24. Luk. 12.47 48. Euen instantly in the sight of the Elect they shall be thrust into Hell where they shall be punished with euerlasting destruction shame and contempt from the presence of the Lord and from the
take this for a taste which if you will read and sing togither with all your Houshold but once on euerie worke day in the Euening you shall finde that those who can learne any thing shall before the yeare goe about performe it by heart of themselues although they bestow no other time vpon it A godly Hymne or Psalme collected out of the booke of DAVIDS Psalms and composed of choise verses which do breifely point at some of the cheifest Lessons of Faith towards God and of good Workes towards Men all for the most part in forme of prayer praise to God Fit for the more ignorant sort to sing at their ordinarie worke and at other times convenient to the glory of God and their owne edification Psal 92 vers 1 IT is a thing both good and meete to praise the Highest Lord And to thy name O thou most High to sing withone accord vers 2 To shew the kindnesse of the Lord betime ere day be light And eke declare his truth abroad when it doth draw to night Psal 55 vers 1 O God giue eare and do apply to heare me when I pray And when to thee I call and cry hide not thy face away Psal 39 vers 9 From all the sinnes that I haue done Lord quite me out of hand And make me not a scorne to fooles that nothing vnderstand Psal 143 vers 2 If thou O Lord do straitly marke our foule iniquitie O Lord who can before thee stand excused for to be Psal 130 vers 4 But mercy and compassion O Lord are still with thee That men may loue feare the name of thy great Maiestie Psal 111 vers 10 His feare true wisedome doth begin his lawes obserue do they That any vnderstanding haue his praise doth last for aie Psal 119 vers 133 Direct my footsteps by thy word that I thy will may know And neuer let iniquitie thy seruant ouerthrow vers 36 Incline my heart thy lawes to keepe and couenants to embrace And from all filthie auarice Lord shield me with thy grace vers 37 From vaine desires and worldly lusts turne backe mine eyes and sight Giue me the spirit of life and power to walke thy waies aright The second part Psal 133 vers 1 Behold how good a thing it is and pleasant for to see Brethren together fast to hold the bond of amitie Psal 41 Ver. 1 And he is blest that carefull is the needy to consider For in the season perillous the Lord will him deliuer Psal 94 Ver. 12 And Lord that man is happie sure whom thou dost keepe in awe And through correction dost procure to teach him in thy Lawe Psal 72 Ver. 4 Yet thou dost helpe the weake poore with aid and make them strong And eke destroy for euermore all those that doe them wrong Psal 116 Ver. 10 I did belieue therefore I spake yet I was troubled sore Psal 119 Ver. 94 But I am thine saue me my God for I haue sought thy lore Psal 43 Ver. 5 Why art thou then so sad my soule and fretst thus in my brest Still trust in God for him to praise I hold it euer best Psal 125 Ver. 4 Doe well O Lord vnto all those that vpright are in heart But those that vnto crooked waies shall choose to turne apart Vers 5 Them shall the Lord with workers lead of all iniquity But peace vpon his Israell for euermore shall be Psal 80 Vers 19 O Lord of Hostes through thy good grace conuert vs vnto thee Behold vs with a pleasant face and then full safe are wee Psal 57 Vers 13 Set forth and shew thy selfe O God aboue the heauens bright Extoll thy praise on earth abroad thy Maiestie and might Parent I pray you what Psalmes of Dauid do you iudge most edifying and comfortable for our ordinary vse Pastor Twelue select Psalmes Me thinketh the first the fourth the eight the twelfth the fifteenth the ninteenth the twenty fifth the thirty second the fiftie first the seuenty third the one hundred third and the hundred ninteenth are easiest and fittest for an ignorant familie For the which I referre you to your Psalme books specially I recommend the fifteenth Psalme vnto you wherein a true Christian is pithily and summarily described by his proper marks and fruits And if any of you can sing the tune of Psalme 136. and 148. you may sometimes vse the same fifteenth Psalme which I haue paraphrased in this forme following and fitted to be sung in that tune also by two the one making the question and the other answering An Hymne made vpon the fifteenth Psalme Psalme 15. in another tune in manner of a Dialogue and may be song by two the one representing IEHOVA and the other DAVID To the tune of Psalme 136. Dauid 1. IEhoua omnipotent shew forth what folke they are Shall soiourne in thy tent As Pilgrimes wont to fare The members here Of Church fighting but aye dwelling in heauens there Iehoua 2. The righteous soule he walkes vpright in constant wise Entire and Iustice workes his carefull exercise Likewise the truth in heart doth speake without deceit the simple sooth 3. This man maliciouslie depraueth not with tongue So neither frowardly his neighhour doth he wrong Ne knowes slandour nor yet doth broch a foule reproach ' gainst his neighbour 4. Each vile one is abhor'd in his vnpartiall eye Free fearers of the Lord he much doth magnifie And if he sweareth though hurt there-frō to him do come himselfe not spareth 5. On gaine his heart 's not bent as vsurers for vse Nor ' gainst the innocent reward at all doth chuse Dauid Good godly deede why then doth he Iehoua for charity and not for meede Dauid These marks Lord are they true Iehoua These markes be veritie Dauid O'rethrowne iust shall I rue Iehoua O'rethrowne iust shall not be Nor any ill to him whose way goes not astray from this my will Parent What ordinances hath the Lord appointed and left vnto his Church in his wisedome and mercy to further speciall prayer and thankesgining in more extraordinary occasions Pastor Fasting for Prayer feasting for thanksgiuing and Vowes for both Which learne in the larger Catechismes and specially in the booke intituled A Treatise of Christian Religion ☞ THE FOVRTH PART Concerning the Sacraments of the New testament The third outward mean of Grace first in generall Parent WHat are the Sacraments of the Testament Childe a Gen. 17.1 7 11. Rom. 4.11 1 Cor. 11.25 Publike and holy signes and Actions ordained by the Lord Iesus mystically setting forth and sealing the Couenant of Grace Seruant Hath God ordained the Sacraments to begin grace in any persons Scholler b Rom. 4.11 10.14 17. No but God by his spirit in Christ doth by the Sacraments confirme and strengthen grace where it is already begunne Seruant How then doe you esteeme the Sacraments in respect of Christs minde towards you Scholler c Acts 2.38 1 Cor. 11.24 25
all the rest of the faithfull haue amongst our selues from and vnder Iesus Christ our Head Parent How do you then communicate with the faithfull in the Lords Supper Child First g Ephes 4.1 2 3 4 5 6 15 16. I am confirmed in all such graces as other the Faithfull do receiue from Christ that they do also belong to me Secondly h Col. 3.14 Act. 2.41 42 c. 1 Cor. 12. 13. I binde my selfe in a speciall bond of Loue to practise all the duties thereof vnto them in generall as to the ioynt members of the same mysticall bodie and particularly to remember the poore Seruant Is there any change as the Papists say of the bread and wine into the naturall bodie and blood of Christ Scholler i 1 Cor. 11.26 27 28 29. There is a change of their vse but not of their substance Seruant What is their vse at that time Scholler Twofold First k 1 Cor. 11.26 a solemne shewing forth of the Lords death Secondly l 1 Cor. 10.16 17. with 11.27 29. the nourishment of our soules and bodies vnto euerlasting life Seruant Whence haue they that strength and vse Scholler m 1 Cor. 11.23 24 c. From the ordinance and blessing of Christ whereby they are consecrated to that purpose Seruant How do you proue that bread and wine remaine still in their owne nature after consecration Scholler n 1 Cor. 11.26 27 28 29. First the word of God calleth them so after Secondly o 1 Cor. 11.26 there must néedes be true outward signes Thirdly p Experience this consecrated bread and wine will corrupt in time Fourthly q The Reason is good vnles wee had a word of faith to build a matter of faith vpon we sée féele and taste nothing but bread and wine Seruant But seeing Christ saith This is my Bodie and This is my Blood why should we not beleeue that they are changed into his bodie and blood Scholler There are many reasons why we should not beléeue so Seruant Let vs heare some of them Scholler First the naturall sense of those words teacheth no such change Secondly Christ was neuer corporally present in any of the Iewish Sacraments Thirdly Christ was not corporally present in this Supper when he did first administer it Fourthly r Act. 3.21 Christs bodie shall not come downe from heauen till the last day Fiftly it possesseth but one place of a true naturall bodie wheresoeuer it is Sixtly it is absurd and wicked to hold that Christ hath many bodies and in many places at once and that men though Reprobates yea Dogs Cats and Mice may chew his flesh in their téeth Seruant Why are they then called his bodie and blood Scholler First because they are the Sacraments of his bodie and blood Secondly for the great similitude betwéene them And thirdly to assure vs more strongly of his spirituall presence Seruant Is it lawfull to with hold either the bread or the wine from any of the Communicants Scholler No for first the Lord Iesus ordained both and secondly there is necessarie vse of both Seruant What necessarie vse Scholler ſ Iohn 6.35 53 54 55 56. Act. 4.12 To shew that he is our full and sufficient foode Parent You said that Christ giueth himselfe and all his merits vnto euery true beleeuer in receiuing the Lords Supper Of fit and worthy Receiuers Child Yes t Luk. 3.8 20.35 Col. 1.12 Reuel 3.4 for the Lord in his frée Grace and Mercy estéemeth such to be worthy Receiuers Parent Shew mee more at large whom the Lord esteemeth worthy Receiuers Child They that are furnished with such Graces as are both necessarie and fit in this case and that do vse it as Christ hath appointed and as becommeth so heauenly mysteries Parent Which are those Graces that are most necessarie and fit Child These fiue First u Ioh. 17.3 Knowledge Secondly * 2 Cor. 13.5 a true and liuely faith Thirdly x 1 Cor. 11.31 Repentance newnesse of life Fourthly y Col. 3.14 Charitie towards men Fiftly z Luk. 22.15 Act. 8.36 an earnest desire to receiue this Sacrament Parent 1. Of Knowledge What knowledge is required at the least for the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper Child Some true knowledge of God of his Law of his Gospell of our selues or our owne estate and of the Sacraments Parent What knowledge of God is required Child That there is a 1 Cor. 8.4 but one God b Gen. 1.1 the maker and c Act. 17.28 gouernor of all things and d 1 Ioh. 5.7 distinguished into the persons of the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost Parent What is God Pastor e Reuel 4.9 God is a liuing f Iohn 4.24 spirituall g 1 Tim. 1.17 eternall h Job 11.7 8 9. infinite and i Revel 4.8 most holy essence k Exod. 3.14 existing onely of himselfe in all perfection l Psal 135.6 Esai 46.10 11. Iam. 1.17 Mal. 3.6 as touching his will most absolute free and vnchangeable m Psal 147.5 Gen. 17.1 in his working all-sufficient for wisedome and strength n Mica 7.18 19 20. Ps 99.8 145.17 Exod. 34.6 7. and to his creatures most mercifull and iust Parent What is a Person Pastor o Iohn 14.9 16 17 18. 17.21 A distinct manner of subsisting in the Godhead Parent Declare vnto mee more largely how the one onely God is distinguished into three persons and how the three persons subsist in the one God which we commonly call the Vnitie in Trinitie and the Trinitie in Vnitie Pastor The three persons are so distinguished one from another that they are neither separated nor confounded either in themselues or in their working * A mysterie to be reuerently beleeued not curiously searched Hypostases inseratabiles Diuinitas indiuidualis personarum proprietates incommunicabiles Ioh 1.33 5.19 20 21 22 23. 8.16 17 18 19. 10.30 14.9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 23 16. In themselues for First ech person hath the whole Godhead in it in such sort as the Vnitie of the essence or nature of God is neither diuided into parts nor destroyed Secondly ech person is coeternall coequall without difference of time or greatnesse Thirdly ech person is in and with ech other and possesseth ech other so that yet the Father is not the same with the Sonne or the Holy Ghost or the Sonne the same with the Father or the Holy Ghost or the Holy Ghost the same with the Father or the Sonne as touching their persons And fourthly ech person enjoyeth equall glory with other and ech hath euerlasting delight in other yet not the same but according to the distinct manner of ech persons subsistence in the Godhead In their working for though ech person doth the same things that the other do in euery thing that is done without absence or weaknesse yet
c. Act. 9 4. Esai 63.9 2 Cor. 8.2 3. 9.7 When wee féele our hearts continuallie moued with compassion towards all for their miseries both spirituall and corporal striuing to do them good yea though they be very wicked and our vntractable enemies and specially when wee haue a quicke sense of the gréeuances of the poore members of Iesus Christ his mysticall bodie tendring them as if our selues yea Christ himselfe in a sort were afflicted with them stirring vp our selues willingly and chéerfully though in deepe pouertie to our power See more of Repentance in Part 2. and sometimes beyond our power to comfort and help them and that the rather because wee sée this grace so generally neglected amongst men yea of those that professe godlinesse Seruant How may wee know that we doe vse our talents to Gods glory and the good of his Church Scholler g Luke 17.10 Eccles 1.1 2 c the whole booke Reuel 3.19 Gen. 22.1 2 3 4 5 6 c. Act. 21.13 Rom. 9.3 2 Tim. 2 9 10. Ephes 1.12 1 Pet 4.1 2 3 10 11. When being inwardly ashamed and displeased at our selues for our former follies and vanities in the abuse of our gifts our vnprofitablenesse coldnesse and sloth we learn to be more affected with Gods cause than our owne and with the saluation of mens soules than the safeguard of our owne bodies and thereupon doe from time to time studiously imploy our gifts whether great or small vnto the same ends in taking all the most likely occasions and vsing them in the wisest and most gracious manner we possibly can that they may become effectuall Seruant And how shall wee know that our prayers which we make in respect of the last iudgement are right before God Scholler h Rom. 7.24 Philip. 1.21 2 Cor. 5.2 2 Pet. 3.12 13. If they procéed from an earnest desire and longing of the hart for the comming of the Lord not so much to be fréed from worldly miseries as of a holy loue to be discharged of sinne and to be clothed with righteousnesse Seruant Shall all they that are thus watchfull finde their death and the last iudgement truly comfortable to themselues Scholler i 2 Tim. 4.6 7 8. Luke 21.28 1 Thes 5.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. Heb. 9.28 Reu. 21.2 3 c. and 22.20 Yes vndoubtedly and therefore their consciences may and shal gather many comfortable tokens and pledges of Gods loue towards them for their eternall saluation Of Christs most full and absolute glorifying of his Church in heauen the place of the blessed Parent HOw will Christ most fully and absolutely glorifie his Church in heauen the place of the blessed Child k Psal 16.11 1 Thes 4 17. Luk. 20.36 He will make them dwell euermore in his own most happy presence sight and fellowship together with all his blessed Angells l Esai 64.4 Reuel 2.17 Dan. 12.3 Luk. 17.12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 and there he wil fill euery vessell of mercy with honour and ioy vnspeakeable according to the measure of his grace seuerally bestowed on them in this present life and as they haue put the same to good vse in séeking of his glory while they liued here Parent Finally I would entreat you louing Pastor to collect the sum of our whole Conference cheefely for the most necessary matter and points and to compose it in easie and ordinarie meeter which we will often read ouer or sing as we follow our earthly labours or at our leasure sometimes one part and sometimes another as wee shall thinke needfull and fit for our edification For wee assure our selues that you are studious to dresse and order this food of our soules after sundry sorts as good Cookes doe their meats that so our taste may be pleased our appetite stirred vp m Iob 23.12 and wee may receiue it rather then our necessary food fitted for vs if not in one manner yet in another Pastor Lo then your desire is satisfied and that in as plaine a manner as I was able to attaine vnto without affecting a lofty stile or vsing hard words because I would benefit you poor simple countrie-people by speaking to your vnderstanding * O you ignorant souls will you still loath the heauenlie Manna thogh the Lord hath tempered it for you after so many fashions Consider at length if nothing else wil moue you with what face you shall behold the Lord at that day if you cōtinue carelesse Prou. 1.29.30 c. with 2 Thes 1.7 8 9. And if you will bestow some time in singing it or some part of it daily you shall find by Gods grace it will prooue a good Meane especially with some wits and dispositions both to informe and to delight in the waies of Godlinesse * See my warrant in Ephes 5 19. and Col. 3.16 The Peroration or summe of the whole in Meeter The Peroration or Sum of the whole in fiue parts First of God and his Law ONe onely God yet persons three I euermore confesse The Father Sonne and holy Ghost of like Almightinesse Without beginning or any end this liuing God I praise Most wise most iust and mercifull and infinite alwaies God maker is and gouernour of Heauen Earth Seas and all Of Angells Men all Creatures all matters great and small God worketh all vnto the best his owne elect to saue And will condemne the Reprobate themselues that mis behaue God made man good iust right and pure and neuer to haue died But shamelesly and wilfully forbidden fruit man tried Through Satans slight so him and his corrupt and bad he made In soule to hatch his secret sinne and body it to trade Then God gaue man his holy Law the tenne Commandements And charged him to keepe them all and thus with him indents If perfectly thou doe these things without all sinfull staine Thou shalt my blessing plentifull and heauens ioyes attaine But if in any thing at all thou faile or breake my lore Then surely thou my curse shalt feele in hell for euermore Lo heere the substance and the sum of these ten Lawes of his Which in most dreadfull sort hee gaue vs to all his folkeywis The tenne Commandements commandment 1 The first Commandement teacheth Gods inward worshid hye As him to know to feare and loue and trust in him onely commandment 2 The second precept doth injoyne the ontward worship pure Of God onely as he appoints in Canon of Scripture commandment 3 The third forbiddeth all abuse of Gods most sacred name His titles words and workes that I dishonour not the same commandment 4 4. The fourth injoyneth me mine the Sabbath day to keepe And set my heart and bodie both the Lord onely to seeke commandment 5 5. The fifth Commandement biddeth me that speciall duties all I rightly yeeld to euery one to high low and equall Respecting speciall calling theirs and mine So happinesse I shall enioy whether I liue