children of Ammon Moab and mount Seir which were come against Iudah and they were smitten c. OBSERV Gods will is done on earth daily in some good degree according as we are directed to pray Math. 6.10 as it is done in heaven by singing of Psalmes daily sith singing of spirituall songs is a heaventh service performed by the heavenly hoste continually See Luk. 2.13 14. And sudden there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly hoste praising God and saying Glory 〈◊〉 God in the highest and on earth peace good waâ— towards men Compared with Revel 4.8 9 10 11. And the foure beasts had each of theâ— sixe wings about him and they were full of eye within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which waâ— and is and is to come c. XVII PROPOSITION Catechising in the Principles of Christian religion is a divine ordinance and a Scripture-exercise which ought to be used practised by the people of God frequently as occasion offereth and requireth PROOF This doctrine God himselfe commandeth and commendeth unto his people Deut. 6.6 7. The words which I command thee this day shal be in thine heart And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children c. Prov. 22.6 Traine up or Catechize childe in the way he should goe c. I. REAS. Because Catecheticall instruction and information is very requisite necessary for such Christians as are novices unskilfull in the word of righteousnesse For so the Apostle Paul convinceth some of the beleeving Hebrews Hebr. 5.12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have neede that one teach you againe which be the first principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milke and not of strong meat II. REAS. Because the good fruit and effect of frequent Catechizing and teaching wil be found to be great as there is a growing up in Christianity even from childhood to old age as Solomon advertiseth See Prov. 22.6 Catechize or traine up a childe in the way he should goe and when he is old he will not depart from it OBSERV Catechisme properly considered is an occasionall Scripture-exercise to be used amongst such specially as are yong and novices in the profession of Christian religion that so a foundation may be laid Heb. 6.1 for an admission to the Lords table which requireth an ability of selfe-examination to become a worthy communicant that there may be a growing up in Christ and a going forward to perfection See 1 Corinth 11.28 Hebr. 6.1 And yet notwithstanding a proposall and opening of Catecheticall doctrine from time to time iâ— the hearing of growne Christians may be very usefull See this implied Luk. 1.4 That thou mightest know the certainty of these things wherein thou hast beene instructed or Catechised XVIII PROPOSITION In the religious exercise of Catechising it is not only lawfull but also it may seeme to be expedient to make use for the most part of a set forme of some approved Catechisme PROOF The Apostle Paul instructed his schollar Timotheus in a Forme of sound words which probably was a set forme of Catechisme See 2 Timoth. 1.13 Hold fasâ— the forme of sound words which thou hast heard of me c. It seemeth also that the beleeving Romans had beene taught a forme of Catechisme which they willingly learned and heartily submitted unto as is testified of theÌ„ Rom. 6.17 Ye have obeyed from the heart that forme of doctrine which was delivered you I. REAS. Because it is a great helpe to our understanding and memory to have the summe of Christian religion which is promiscuously set downe here and there in severall parts of the Bible to be compendiously abridged and methodically digested with good coherence in a set forme of Catechisme It may seeme that the Apostles of Christ in the purest primitive times did frame such a Catechisme which was called the Principles of the doctrine of Christ or the Foundation consisting of sixe principles viz. I. Of Repentance from dead works II. Of Faith towards God III. Of Baptisme IV. Of Laying on of hands V. Of the Resurrection of the dead And VI. of Eternall judgment See Hebr. 6.1 2. II. REAS. Because in a forme of Catechisme as in a Mappe in one prospect or view as it were much may be discerned with ease delight in a short time As Moses was shewed the land of Canaan on the top of Pisgah Deut. 34.1 2 3 4. So by way of allusion it may be said touching a forme of Catechisme OBSERVAT. It is one of Gods most gracious dispensations in these latter daies that he hath granted the penne of the godly-learned interpreters men of thousands to write so many orthodoxe formes of Catechisme for the instruction of the ignorant in the grounds of Christian religion Oh that such as have a price in their hand to get wisdome had hearts likewise to make use of it See Prov. 17.16 XIX PROPOSITION Religious conference repetâ—tion of Sermons asking answâ—â—ring of good questions is a diviâ—â— ordinance which ought often be practised PROOF The example and practise Christ and his disciples argueth this Sâ—â— Mark 4.10 When he was alone they that 〈◊〉 with him with the twelve asked him of the Paâ—â—ble which he had insisted upon in his Sâ—â—mon So Math. 13.51 Iesus saith unto thâ—â— viz. to his disciples after his publick preâ—â—ching was ended have yee understood all thâ—â— things They say unto him Yea Lord c. I. REAS. Because religious conference and mutuall exhortation is a good remeâ—â—â— against the most dangerous spirituall malaâ— of hardnesse of heart occasioned and suâ—â— thered by the deceitfulnesse of sinne as implied Hebr. 3.13 But exhort one anothâ—â— daily while it is called to day lest any of youâ— hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sinne II. REAS. Because godly talke and gracious speech tending to edification is veâ—â— effectuall to minister grace to the hearers iâ— moving and stirring up the affections toâ—â— zealous temper See Luk. 24.32 Did 〈◊〉 our hearts burne within us while he talked with us â—y the way while he opened to us the Scriptures OBSERVAT. Like as the Galilean diaâ—ect or manner of speech did bewray Peter â—o be one of Christs disciples Math. 26.73 Mark 14.70 So the language of Canaan made use of by such as serve the Lord Isai â—9 18 argueth them to be religiously affecâ—ed and disposed The Psalmist noteth it to be a marke and property of godly persons Psal 37.30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdome his tongue talketh of judgment Sith â—s our Saviour Christ teacheth Math. 12.34 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh XX. PROPOSITION Meditation on the Word as likewise on the works of God is a divine ordinance in which the people of God ought to exercise themselves daily PROOF This Proposition is directly expressed Josh 1.8 This booke of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth but
A DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY-DVTIES OR Certaine Propositions and Reasons of them taken â—â—t of the holy Scriptures tending to shew the necessity nature and manner of performance of such Religious duties as Christian Families ought to spare some time unto from common affaires every day BY T. P. Joshua 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. M DC XLIII Printed by H. A. for Thomas Vnderhill dwelling at the signe of the Bible in Woodstreet LONDON To the truly Noble much honoured GEORGE BOOTH Esquire of Dunham-Massie together vvith the Right Honourable the Lady KATHARINE BOOTH his pious Consort And also to the vvel-affected Gentry and Commons in CHESHIRE and in Manchester Parish in LANCASHIRE THOMAS PAGET SINCERELY WISHETH an increase of the power of godlinesse which is profitable unto all things and hath the promises of the life that now is and of that which is to come AND HUMBLY PRESENTETH the ensuing discourse touching Religious Family-duties in testimony of his reall engagements to serve them in the LORD as long as he is in this tabernacle THE PREFACE THe (a) Tit. 2.11 grace of God that bringeth salvation hath abundantly appeared unto his people in these latter daies of the Christian world in their effectuall (b) Revel 18.4 calling and comming out of mysticall Babylon that they partake not of her sinnes nor receive of her plagues The (c) Revel 11.11 Spirit of life from God hath entred into his two witnesses who (d) Revel 11.7.8 had beene warred against and slaine by the beast and whose dead bodies did lie in the streets of the great city which spiritually is called Sodome and Egypt so that they have stood upon their feet and (e) Revel 6.2 gone forth conquering and to conquer by the (f) Ephes 6.17 Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (g) 2 Cor. 10.4 5. the strong holds of Antichrist and all spirituall adversary power whatsoever And hence it is come to passe that (h) Revel 11.13 a great part of Romish Babylon is fallen and a most glorious remnant in England Scotland Ireland the United Netherlands Germany Bohemia Denmark Sweden Poland Hungary Helvetia France Geneva c. are become Protestants giving glory to the God of heaven (i) Zach. 4.7 shouting Grace Grace and (k) Revel 15.3 4. singing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lambe saying Great and marveilous are thy workes Lord God Almighty just and true are thy waies thou King of Saints Who shalâ— not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest The dispensation of (l) Ephes 3.8.10 the unsearchable riches of Christ according to the manifold wisdome of God in the behalfe of his Churches and people which have obteined deliverance from their spirituall captivity hath likewise been (m) 1 Cor. 12.11 made manifest in dividing to every one severally as he will (n) Math. 13.23 either thirty sixty or an hundredfold As may further appeare by a short survey of the state of his severall Churches viz. I. The Lutherane Churches as they are commoÌ„ly called through the grace of God (o) 1 Tim. 3.13 have purchased unto themselves a good degree and great boldnesse in the faith which is in Christ Jesus by their separating from Antichristian heresies and entertaining the fundamentall doctrines of justification and salvation by Christ alone For howbeit they (p) 1 Cor. 3.12 15. have built in some part wood hay stubble c. upon the foundation and in that respect shall suffer losse yet they shal be saved notwithstanding as by fire II. The Reformed Evangelicall Churches as (q) Act. 17.11 the Bereans were more noble theÌ„ the Thessalonians have (r) 2 Thess 3.1 glorified the Word of God not only in their orthodoxall soundnesse in the (Å¿) Hebr. 6.1 2. Principles and doctrine of the Sacraments (t) 1 Cor. 3.12 building gold silver precious stones c. on the foundation but also in the vindication of the glory of Gods free grace touching his absolute Election of some to grace and happinesse The efficacy of the death of Christ for his chosen called and faithfull ones Effectuall conversion Saving faith Certainty of Salvation Perseverance in grace unto the end All which may be fully read over in the acts of that most renowned and most profitable Synod assembled at Dort in Holland Anno 1618. 1619. III. The French Scotish and Belgick Reformed Churches have beene singularly beautified with their (v) Coloss 2.5 comely order decently (x) 1 Pet. 5.5 clothed with amiable humility (y) Rom. 12.3 not thinking more highly of themselves then they ought to thinke nor hierarchically (z) 3 John 9. affecting preeminence but thinking soberly As appeareth not only by their demeaning and deporting of themselves as God (a) Rom. 12.6 7 8. hath dealt to every one in office his gift of exhorting teaching ruling and distributing for the benefit comfort of the CongregatioÌ„s to which they doe minister and the Congregations submitting themselves to their Church-officers in the Lord but also by their combining themselves into (b) 1 Tim. 4.14 Presbyteries (c) Act. 15.2 Classes and Synods for the better and more (d) Prov. 11.14 prudent determination of their more weighty affaires (e) Math. 18.17 according to Christs order and rule of Discipline IV. The people of God in England howbeit their Ecclesiasticall officers have beene too like to the (f) Revel 3.15 17. Angel of the Church of Laodicea as he is notified in the Apocalyps yet they themselves are like unto those (g) Revel 3.4 few in Sardis which defiled not their garments and who shall walke with Christ in white as being worthy of (h) 1 Chron. 4.9 a more honourable name then any of the Reformed Churches for their (i) Psal 16.3 excelling in the power of godlinesse There are three choyce vertues as (k) Eccles 4.12 a threefold coard that is not quickly brokeÌ„ which have truely ennobled and renowned the people of God in England and greatly magnified the grace of God conferred on them above other Churches viz. 1. The (l) Jer. 17.24 high prizing and conscionable sanctifying of the Lords day 2. The (m) Act. 13.44 due esteeme and joyfull frequenting of Lectures 3. The (n) Genes 18.19 carefull and constant performance of religious family-duties First the unfeigned respects of the people of God in England to the sanctifying of the Lords day are (o) Rom. 1.8 spoken of throughout the Christian world both in regard of their godly-learned treatises in justification of the morality of the fourth commandement and keeping holy of the Sabbath day beyond what is ordinarily to be seene in the books of forraine Divines and also in regard of their most spirituall exemplary practise (p)
17.3 This is life eternall is they might know thee the only true God 〈◊〉 Now that this is of grand concernment may be gathered from Moses his solemâ— attestatioÌ„ mentioned Deut. 30.19 I call haven earth to record this day against you the have set before you life death blessing cursing therefore choose life that thou thy seede may live III. REAS. Because ignorance of God or a not knowing him to be the Lord will expose people to everlasting destructioÌ„ from the presence of the Lord from the glory of his power at the latter day As it is writteÌ„ 2. Thess 1.7 8 9. The Lord Iesus shal be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God c. So that the terrour of the Lord should perswade men to looke seriously after the knowledge of God 2. Cor. 5.11 For what is a man profited if he shall gaine the whole world and loose his owne soule Or what shall a man give in exchange for â—is soule Math. 16.26 Observation for better understanding the meaning of the 1. Proposition Albeit the nature of the Majesty of God is infinite incomprehensible therefore cannot perfectly be knowne of any people As it is most excellently argued Iob 11.7 8 9. Canst thou by searching finde out God Canst thou finde out the Almighty unto perfection It is as high as heaven what canst thou doe deeper then hell what canst thou know The measure thereof is longer then the earth broader then the sea And 1. Timoth. 6.16 dwelling in the light which no man can approch unto whome man hath seene nor can see Yet the Lord haâ—â— made manifest in his works that whicâ— may be knowne of God Rom. 1.19 20. Yeâ— and he hath so revealed declared himself in his word by his only begotten sonne Iohâ— 1.18 Hebr. 1.1 that his people may in theâ—â— measure attaine unto all riches of the fuâ—â— assurance of understanding to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God Colos 2.2 II. PROPOSITION Such people as doe know beleeve that the Lord is God oughâ— to performe religious worship service unto his divine Majesty PROOF Moses the servant of the Lord inferreth this second Proposition from thâ— proofe alledged to confirme the former or of Deut. 4.39 concluding thus ver 40. The shalt keepe therefore his statutes and commandments c. Now this is one of his commandements that he be worshipped for so oâ— Saviour Christ expoundeth Moses Math. 4.10 It is written thou shalt worship the Lord tâ—â— God In like manner the Psalmist having occasionally shewed how it was made knowne to Iudah Israel that God is the Lord inâ— dispensation of his word ordinances works Psal 76.1 2 3. inferreth thence vers 11. Vow pay unto the Lord your God let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared that is to say Let Gods people that doe know and beleeve that the Lord is God performe religious hommage and worship to him I. REAS. Because the Gentiles who have not the use of the holy Scriptures are convinced by the light of the law of nature their consciences bearing witnesse Rom. 2.14 15. that he that is God ought to be religiously worshipped and accordingly have beene wont albeit superstitiously to order their course as is evident not only froÌ„ their owne books but also in sundry passages of the Bible See for this the Apostle Pauls testimony touching the Athenians when by occasion he sojourned at the University of Athens Act. 17.22 23. Yee men of Athens I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious For as I passed by beheld your devotions I found an Altar with this inscription TO THE UNKNOWNE GOD whom ye therefore ignorantly worship him declare I unto you II. REAS. Because a knowledge beleefe that the Lord is God implieth a knowledge in some measure of his Name Attributes Works how great how gracious how dreaded and how glorious they are the worth and excellency whereof doe châ—â—lenge and call for hommage and worship 〈◊〉 due thereunto For even so the holy servant of God in Scripture doe argue See Ieren 10.6 7. Forasmuch as there is none like unto the O Lord thou art great and thy Name is greatâ— might who would not feare thee O king of nations c. Psal 95.6 O come let us worship 〈◊〉 fall downe kneele before the Lord our Make Revel 4.11 Thou art worthy O Lord to receiâ—â— glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things c. OBSERVAT. It is an infallible signeâ— profane folly and of abominable Atheist in heart notwithstanding any professor otherwise with the lips when God is noth prayer worshipped and served This is demonstrated Psal 14.1 vers 4. being compared together The foole hath said in his hee there is no God They call not upon the Lord. III. PROPOSITION The religious worship and service which people should performe unto God ought to bâ— such as God himselfe doeth instâ—tute and appoint PROOF The scope and summe of thâ— affirmative part understood in the second commandement of the Decalogue Exod. 20.4 is that God ought to be worshipped according to his owne institutioÌ„ appointment Moreover likewise the summe of the commission given by our Saviour Christ in the new Testament to the Ministers of the Gospell is that they doe only teach his commandements as it is expressed Math. 28.19 Goe ye teach all nations Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you I. REAS. Because God himselfe is the onely Lawgiver and soveraigne King of his Churches as it is both taught and aknowledged in the old Testament and also in the new See Isa 33.22 For the Lord is our Iudge the Lord is our Lawgiver or statute-maker the Lord is our King Iam. 4.12 There is one Lawgiver who is able to save to destroy II. REAS. Because such religious worship and service as is tendered unto God which is not according to his owne institution and appointment is a vaine worshipping of him notwithstanding any pretence whatsoever either of antiquity custome seeming reasonablenesse or humane authority c. For so our Saviour Christ alledgeth approveth out of the prophesie of Esaias Mat. 15.9 In vaine they doe worship me teaching for doctrines the commandements of men Year hence it is that the Lord God in high displeasure hath sometimes executed fearfull punishment on transgressors in such kind as 〈◊〉 to be seene in his proceedings against the sonnes of Aaron very remarkably Levit. 10.1 2. Nadab and Abihu the sonnes of Aaron tooâ—â— either of them his censer put fire therein pâ—â— incense thereon and offered strange fire before tâ—â— Lord which he commanded them not And theâ—â— went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord. OBSERV Like as Monarchs kings oâ— the earth are wont to take just
offence at any of their subjects that doe usurpe upon theâ—â— royall prerogative in presuming to doe 〈◊〉 requiring any thing to be done or executed in their owne names and not in the name oâ— their Prince accounting such disloyalty iâ— the compasse of Praemunire EveÌ„ so the God of heaven earth who is King of kings Lord of lords Revel 19.16 wil be highly offended at all those presumptuous ones as are bold to serve him otherwise then he hath given direction as may appeare by the Apostle Paul his intimation to the Churches of Galatia Galat. 1.8 9. But though we or aâ— Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed As we said before so say I now againe If any man preach any other Gospel unto you then that ye have received let him be accursed IV. PROPOSITION The revealed will or word of God which is conteined in the holy Scripture or Canonicall books of the old new Testament is the absolute rule of direction unto such worship religious service as is of Gods owne institution and appointment to be observed and performed unto his most divine Majesty PROOF This Christ sheweth in the parable of Dives and Lazarus Luk. 16.29 Abraham saith unto him They have Moses the Prophets let them heare them Thus Moses teacheth Deut. 29.29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us to our children for ever that we may doe all the words of this law And thus the godly Bereans approved themselves as it may appeare in that honourable testimony given unto them Act. 17.11 These were more noble then those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readinesse of minde and searched the Scriptures daily whether thâ—â— things were so I. REAS. Because the holy Scripture divinely inspired were therfore given unâ—â— us that we might walke in the light of thâ—â— so be made wise unto salvation by obseâ—ving the directions in them Isa 8.19 2â— And when they shall say unto you Seeke unto theâ— that have familiar spirits and unto wizards thâ— peepe and that mutter Should not a people seeâ— unto their God for the living to the dead 〈◊〉 the law to the testimony if they speake not 〈◊〉 cording to this word it is because there is no liâ—â— in them 2. Timoth. 3.16 17. All Scripture given by in spiration of God is profitable for dâ—â—trine for reproofe for correction for instructâ—â— in righteousnesse That the man of God may be pâ—â—fect thoroughly furnished unto all good works II. REAS. Because God who is a Spâ—rit Iohn 4.24 Infinite Psal 147.5 Eteâ—nall Immortall Invisible only wise 〈◊〉 Timoth. 1.17 Almighty Gen. 17.1 Good Psal 136.1 Gracious and Mercifull Exoâ— 34.6 Holy Iosh 24.19 Iust Deut. 32. â— Perfect Math. 5.48 and Glorious Exoâ— 33.18 cannot have a worship sutable anâ— proportioned unto his excellent Majestâ— save as he hath appointed and revealed to same in his Word See Prov. 30.1 2 3 4 5 6. The words of Agur the sonne of Iakeh even the prophecie The man spake unto Ithiel even unto Ithiel and Vcal Surely I am more brutish then any man and have not the understanding of a man I neither learned wisdome nor have the knowledge of the holy Who hath ascended up into heaven or descended Who hath gathered the wind in his fists who hath bound the waters in a garment who hath established all the ends of the earth what is his name and what is his sonnes name if thou canst tell Every word of God is pure he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him Adde thou not unto his words lest he reproove thee thou be found alyar As if Agur had said Such is the Majesty Mystery of the incomprehensible God even the Father and of Jesus Christ in his hypostaticall union being Ithiel or Immanuel God with us that no man further then he is taught by the pure word of God ordereth himselfe according to it without any adding thereunto can aright worship him in Spirit and in trueth as the Father seeketh OBSERVAT. Albeit the invisible things of God seene in the Creation of the world Rom. 1.20 and in the works of his Providence Act. 14.17 and in the law written in mens hearts Rom. 2.15 doe serve to leave men without excuse for their not worshipping of God as is meet Yet none of these doe sufficiently and effectually cleeâ— mens understandings touching the waies 〈◊〉 God where Scripture is not likewise madâ— use of as Christ convinceth the Sadduces Math. 22.29 Ye doe erre not knowing the Scriptures V. PROPOSITION The direction or paterne of religious worship and service unto God conteined in the holy Scripture is propounded set down in a various methode or manner viz. Somtimes some parts of iâ— are directly expressed in Precept Doctrines and somtimes somâ— parts of it are only implyed and to be gathered by good consequence from Promises Threatâ—nings Examples c. mentioneâ— historically related PROOF I. The books of Moses aâ— the Prophets doe in great part consist of Pâ—â—cepts and doctrines See Exod. 20.1 c. conteining the Decalogue See also Math 5. 6. 7. cap. conteining Christs sermon on the mount c. II. The Scripture aboundeth in precious Promises unto the conscionable observers of some religious courses that are not expressely commanded An instance hereof is in Revel 1.3 Blessed is he that readeth they that heare the words of this prophecie keep those things which are written therein Albeit there is no expresse commandement to read the booke of the Revelation and to observe the contents of it yet the blessing promised to the reading hearing and keeping implieth that such course is wel-pleasing to God consequently that he willeth and requireth the same III. The holy Scripture is full of Threatnings of judgments and curses to be inflicted and executed on people in case of some courses omitted which yet are not expresly commanded to be practised An instance hereof is in Ierem. 10.25 Powre out thy fury upon the families that call not upon thy Name Howbeit there is no where in Scripture an expresse Precept given to families to call upon Gods Name yet this propheticall imprecation or threatning of Gods fury to families for omission or contempt of such course implieth that God requireth families to call upon his Name For God in punishing any doth alwaies proceed justly Gen. 18.25 Shall not the Iudge of all the earth doe right IV. Sundry books both in the old and new Testament are in great part historicall and exemplary conteining divers examples of imitable practises which have no expresse commandement An instance hereof is in Act. 14.23 When they had ordained Elders in every Church c. This historicall example implieth that although there is no expresse direction to ordaine Elders in every Church yet notwithstanding that every
if David had said The knowledge I have of thy word through my daily converse in it hath restrained me from the killing of Saul when temptation and opportunity serveâ— thereunto II. The word daily conversed 〈◊〉 will cleanse from such sinnes as by occasioâ— any doe fall into or are overtaken withalâ— See Psal 119.9 Wherewith shall a yong mâ—â— cleanse his way by taking heed thereto accordiâ—â—â— to thy word III. REAS. Because the word of Goâ— is a part of our Christian spirituall armourâ— even the Sword of the Spirit Ephes 6 1â— to defend against Satan who daily goeth about like a roaring lyon seeking whom he may devoure 1 Pet. 5.8 Iob 1.7 2. â— Our blessed Saviour Christ by his skilfull usâ— of this spirituall weapon fully defeated Satâ—â— in his three most violent assaults Mat. 4.4 OBSERV The holy Scripture for the excellency thereof is called Bible or books by way of eminency because these books doe farre surpasse all others in respect of their authority and use See Joh. 5.39 Search thâ— Scriptures for in theÌ„ ye thinke to have eternall life 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophecie whereunto yee doe well that ye take heed a unto a light that shineth in a darke place untill the day dawne and the day-starre arise in your hearts XIII PROPOSITION The Scripture-exercise requisite every day consisteth either I. In reading of it II. In singing of Psalmes III. In Catechising or IV. In Conference In any one or two or all of these as opportunity may serve and permit The proofes and reasons of this Proposition are to be looked for in the declaration of these distinct kinds of Scripture-exercises in the Propositions immediatly following XIV PROPOSITION Reading of the Scripture or hearing it read is a religious service which ought frequently to be performed PROOF Daily reading of the word is enjoyned to Kings See Deut. 17. vers 18 19. He shall write him a copy of this law in a booke out of that which is before the Priests the Levites And it shal be with him and he shall reade therein all the daies of his life c. If a Kings weighty affaires doe not exempt him from this daily service unto God much lesse may others be dispensed with REAS. Because frequent reading of the word is very effectuall for the bettering of our spiritual state daily See Deut. 17.19 20 The King shall daily reade That he may learâ— to feare the Lord his God to keepe all the worâ— of this law these statutes to doe them That 〈◊〉 heart be not lifted up above his brethren and tâ—â— he turne not aside from the commandement to tâ—â— right hand or to the left c. OBSERVAT. Albeit much reading mens writings and books is a wearinesse 〈◊〉 the flesh and there is no end therein yâ—â— by reading the words of trueth in the holâ— Scripture we may be daily admonished 〈◊〉 our whole duty The summe whereof is Feare God and keepe his commandements Sâ—â— Eccles 12.10 11 12 13. XV. PROPOSITION In reading the Scripture daily it seemeth to be most expedient profitable to read in order the severall books and chapters from the beginning of Genesis to the end of the Revelation PROOF This Proposition is considerable from the course and methode that thâ— penmen of the Scripture have observeâ— speaking as they were moved by the holâ— Ghost 2 Pet. 1.21 in their setting down in order for the most part the contens 〈◊〉 their writing See this implied by the Evangelist Luke his preface to his history of the Gospel Luk. 1.1 2 3. Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely beleeved among us Even as they delivered them unto us which from the beginning were eye-witnesses ministers of the word It seemed good to me also having had prefect understanding of things from the very first to write unto thee in order c. I. REAS. Because there is for the most part some coherence both in the books and the chapters either in regard of time or matter for giving further light to the understanding thereof which by reading in order may be better observed This is evident to any that are at all versed in the Bible II. REAS. Because a reading in order all the Bible respectivly argueth a due esteeme of the Authour contents thereof as being wholly and equally the word of God and wholly profitable See 2 Timoth. 3.15 16. From a child thou hast knowne the holy Scriptures All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable c. I. OBSERVAT. Some portions of the holy Scripture in respect of our use may at some times on some occasions be more fruitfully conversed in then others The booke of Psalmes and of Isaiah are both of them made use of about sixty times in the new Testament some books are moâ—â— doctrinall then others as the booke of Proverbs c. So are some chapters as Matther 5.6 7. chap. c. yet this hindereth nâ—â— but that in daily reading an order is to be observed II. OBSERVAT. Any portion of Scripture being read observed and remembred though it be not understood for the presenâ— yet it may be usefull and profitable for afterwards This may be seene by that which 〈◊〉 testified of the Disciples John 2.22 Whâ—â— Iesus vvas risen from the dead his Disciples â—â—membred that he had said this unto them and thâ— beleeved the Scriptures c. One special beneâ— of such reading is that it prepareth fitteâ— to a better profiting by the ministery of the word as appeareth by the Eunuchs profitiâ—â— by Philips Sermon although he was ignorant of that which he read before that time See Act. 8.35 c. XVI PROPOSITION Singing of Psalmes is a Scripture-exercise of divine institutioÌ„ that ought to be used frequently by the people of God PROOF See Coloss 3.16 Let the 〈◊〉 of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdome teaching admonishing one another in Psalmes and hymnes and spirituall songs singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord. Ephes 5.19 Speaking to your selves in Psalmes and hymnes and spirituall songs singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. I. REAS. Because inasmuch as we ought alwaies to serve God with joyfulnesse and gladnesse of heart as it is implied Deut. 28.47 Philip. 4.4 Singing of Psalmes is an effectuall way and meanes to expresse such rejoycing as is taught James 5.13 Is any merry Let him sing Psalmes II. REAS. Because God doeth graciously accept and reward a due serving of him in singing of Psalmes This may be gathered from his gracious respect to King Iehoshaphat and the people of Iudah after their consultation and appointment of Singers according to his ordinance For at the same time that they began to sing he confounded their enimies See 2 Chron. 20.22 And when they began to sing and to praise the Lord set ambushments against the