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
Ioh. 14.16 Whereby our hope of you is stedfast knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings so shall you be also of the Consolation 2 Cor. 1 7. And therefore thinke it not strange concerning the fierie tryall which is to try you as if some strange thing hapned vnto you 1 Pet. 4.12 But rather glory in tribulation Rom. 5 3. As well as others who were stoned who were sawne asunder who were tempted who were slaine with the Sword and otherwise tortured and yet not accepting deliuerance that they might obtaine a better resurrection Heb. 11 35 37. So that we our selues gloried in the Churches of GOD for the faith and patience of such in all their persecutions and tribulations which they endured 2 Thes 1 4. Mâ—th 10 28. Luk. 17 33. Dan. 3.16 Ob. If my torments should be as long as violent I shall shrinke vnder them A. The rod of the wicked shall not rest vpon the lot of the Righteous least the righteous put forth his hand vnto wickednesse â— Ps l 125,3 For except those dayes should be shortned there should no flesh be saved but for the elects sake those dayes shall be shortned Math. 24 22. For yet a very little while and the indignation shall cease and mine anger in theyr destruction Isa 10 25. 2 Tim. 3.9 2 4.17 Q. When deliverance comes shall the same last and continue A. For the oppression of the poore for the sighing of the needie now will I arise saith the Lord I will set him in safetie from him that puffeth at him Psal 12.5 And then there shall bee no more a pricking briar vnto the house of Israel nor any grieving thorne of all that are round about them that despised them and they shall know that I am the Lord Ezek. 28 24. Therefore heare now this thou afflicted and drunken but not with the Wine thus saith thy Lord the LORD and thy GOD that pleadeth the cause of his people behold I will take out of thine hand the Cup of trembling even the Cup of the Dregs of my fâ—ry thou shalt no more drinke it againe but I will put it into the hands of them that afflict thee which haue said to thy soule bow downe that we may goe over and thou hast layd thy body as the ground and as the street to them that went over Isa 51 21 c. Q. What may these comfortable promises concerning the persecution of the Saints teach A. To indure hardnesse as a good Souldier of IESVS CHRIST 2 Tim. 2 3. And be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospell according to the power of GOD 2. Tim. 1 8. And in nothing be terrified by your Adversaries which is to them an evident token of perdition but to you of Salvation and that of GOD Phil. 1 28. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence Tribulation to them that trouble you and to you who are troubled rest with vs when the Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels 2 Thes 1 6. Wherefore reioyce in as much as you are made partakers of Christs sufferings that when his glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding ioy 1. Peâ— 4.13 For when you are tryed you shall receiue the Crowne of life which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him Iam. 1 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things Neverthelesse I am not shamed for I know whom I haue beleeved and I am perswaded that he is able to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him against that day 2. Tim. 1.12 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of GOD commit the keeping of their soules to him in well doing as vnto a faithfull creator 1 Pet. 4.19 Reu. 20.6 7.13 Luk. 12 6. 1 Sam. 23.16.1.30.6 Act 14 22. 2 Pray saying O God the proud are risen against vs and the assembly of wicked men haue sought after our soule and haue not set thee before them Psal 86 14 Haue a respect vnto the couenant for the darke places of the earth are full of the habitation of cruelty Psal 74 20. Heare vs O Lord our GOD lighten our eyes least wee sleepe the sleepe of death Psal 13 3. Arise O LORD lift vp thy selfe because of the rage of our Enemies awake for vs to the iudgement thou hast commanded â— Psal 7 6. Psal 17 7 17 12 7 1 119 122 140 4 25 19. Lam. 3 47 c. Attend vnto our cry for wee are brought very low deliver vs from our persecutors for they are stronger than wee Psal 142 6 Consider our enemies for they are many Psal 25.19 Giue vs helpe in trouble for vaine is the helpe of man Psal 108 12 8 6 56 1. Psal 74 20. 2 Chron. 20 6 12. Act â—4 26. Our enemiâ—â— haue now compassed vs in our steps they haue set their eyes bowing downe to the earth Psal 17 1â— They haue hid a snare for vs and cords they haue spread a net by the way side they haue set grinnes for vs Psal 140 5. Rid and deliver vs from the hands of strange children whose mouthes speake vanity and their right hand is a right hand of falshood Psal 144 11 83 5 74 20. Wee haue done Iudgement and Iustice leaue vs not to our oppressors Psal 119.121 For they haue digged a Pit for vs which is not after thy Law Psalm 119 85 Let integritie and vprightnesse preserue vs for wee waite on thee Psal 25 21. O let the wickednesse of the wicked come to an end but establish the iust 〈◊〉 the righteous GOD tryeth the heart â—â—d the reynes Psal 7.9 Shall the 〈◊〉 one of iniquity haue fellowship with thee â—uch frameth mischiefe by a Law Psal â—4 20. Let none that waite on thee â—â—t ashamed but let them bee ashamed â—hich transgresse without cause Psal 5 3 119 6.35 23.43 1 7 3. Lam. â— 59. Thy Citie and thy people are called by â—y name Daâ— 9 19. Wee are thine â—ou never barest rule over them they â—re not called by thy name Isa 63 19. â—t now O Lord thou art our Father wee â—t the clay and thou art our Potter and we â—e all the worke of thine hand Bee not â— o th very sore O Lord neither rememâ—â—r iniquities for ever Behold see wee â—eseech thee we are all thy people Isa â—4 8. Why doth thine anger smoke aâ—ainst the Sheepe of thy pasture Rememâ—er thy Congregation which thou hast purâ—hased of old the rod of thine inheritance which thou hast redeemed this is mount Zion wherein thou hast dwelt Psal 74.1 O deliuer not the soule of thy turtle do vâ— vnto the multitude of the wicked forgeâ— not the congregation of the poore for ever Haue respect vnto the covenant Psal 74 19. Abba father all things are possible tâ— to thee Mark 14.36 2. Thes 3.2 Ier. 14.9 21. Dan. 9.17 Psal 79.10.13 Deut. 9.26 Psal 86.16 Ioel 2.17 Psal 74.20
But yet let vs see how by Scripture it may bee prooued that Iesus was the Christ A. Diuers wayes 1 By the predictions in him fulfilled As Micha 5.2 with Mat. 2.5 As Hos 11.1 with Mat. 2.15 As Isa 40.3 with Mat. 3.3 As Isa 9 1. with Mat. 4.13.14 As Isa 53.4 with Mat. 8.17 As Zech. 9.9 with Mat. 21.2 As Isa 53.9 with 1 Pet. 2.22 As Zach. 11.13 with Mat. 27.7 As Psal 22.18 with Mat. 27.35 As Isa 53.1 with Ioh. 12.37 38. As Psal 35.19 with Ioh. 15.24.25 As Psal 109.7 with Ioh. 17.12 As Psal 2.7 with Acts 13.33 As Exo. 12.46 with Ioh. 19.36 As Zech. 12.10 with Ioh. 19.37 2 By comparing the types of Christ with the truth As Psal 78.2 with Mat. 13.34 As Psal 69.21 with Mat. 27.48 As Ionah 1.17 with Mat. 12.39 3 By the witnesses of his comming For lo the Angell of the Lord came vpon 〈◊〉 Shepheards by night and said vnto them Feare not for behold I bring you good tidings of great ioy which shall be to all people for vnto you is borne this day in the City of Dauid a Sauiour which is Chrisâ— the Lord Luke 2.8 2 There came Wisemen from the East to Ierusalem to worship him saying where is hee that is borne King of the Iewes for wee have seene his starre in the East Where upon they being sent by Herod the King to Bethlehem lo the starre which they had seene in the East went before them tiâ—â— it came and stood ouer the place where the babe was Mat. 2.1 9. 3 There was a man sent from God whose name was Iohn thissame came for a witnesse to beare witnesse of the light that all men through him might beleeue Ioh. 1.6 7 15. 4 His Disciples came and worshipped him saying of a truth thou art the Sonne of God Math. 14.33 And we beleeue and are sure that thou art that Christ c. Ioh. 6. 69 11 27.4.29.39 41 42. 1 Ioh. 5.20 5 The multitude that went before him and followed cryed saying Hosanna to the Sonne of Dauid blessed is he that commeth in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest Mat. 21.9 And many of the people said of a truth this is the Prophet Others said this is the Christ Ioh. 7.40 41. And all men came to him Ioh. 3.26 10.41.42 6 Many of the chiefe rulers beleeued in him Ioh. 12.42 For the Centurion and they that were with him said of him truely this was the sonne of God Mat. 27.54 And Nichodemus a ruler of the Iewes said vnto him Rabby wee know that thou art a teacher come from God Ioh. 3.2 7 The diuell in the man possessed crying said what haue wee to doe with thee Iesus thou sonne of God most high we beseech thee torment vs not Mat. 8.29 8 God the Father who both at his baptisme Mat. 3.17 and transfiguration spake from heauen saying this is my beloued sonne in whom I am well pleased heare yee him Mat. 17.5 Iohn 5.32 2 Pet. 1.17 9 God the Sonne beareth witnesse of himselfe saying that hee was the Sonne of God Mat. 27.11.43 who though he doe beare record of himselfe yet his record is true Ioh. 8.14 10 God the holy Ghost when at his baptisme the heauens opened vnto him Iohn saw the Spirit of God descending like a Doue and lighting vpon him Math. 3.16 11 Hee that beleeueth in the Sonne of God hath the witnesse in himselfe and hee that beleeueth not hath made God a lyer because hee beleeueth not the record God gaue of his Sonne 1 Ioh. 5.10 and so shall dye in his sinnes Ioh. 8.24 Ob. Notwithstanding these so many witnesses that which you doe auouch concerning this man is questioned by many both Turks and Pagans A. Flesh and blood can not reueale these things vnto them Mat. 16.17 neither can any man say that Iesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12.3 nor come vnto Christ except the Father draw him Onely they which haue heard and haue learned of the Father doe come vnto him Ioh. 6.44 45. Ioh. 5.44 Ob. Not only those of the Gentiles but many of the Iewes also which were his owne receiued him not Ioh. 1.11 And his brethren did not beleeue in him Ioh. 7.5 Mat. 13.55 56. A. A Prophet is not without honour saue in his owne Countrey Mat. 13.57 And did you neuer reade in the Scriptures The stone which the builders reiected the same is become the head of the corner Mat. 21.42 Yet Apolloes helped them much which had beleeued through grace Acts 18.28 And Paul mightily conuinced the Iewes and that publikely shewing by the Scriptures that Iesus was the CHRIST Acts 9.22 17.2.3 Q. But what signe did he shew that wee also may see and beleeue in him A. The blinde receiued their sight the lame did walke the leopers were cleansed the deafe did heare and the dead were raised vp Mat. 11.5 Thus this Iesus of Nazareth was approued of God by miracles wonders a dsignes as the Iewes themselues could not deny Acts 2.22 So as when that Christ commeth will hee doe more miracles than this man hath done Ioh. 7.31 But if he wrought such works as no meere man euer did although yee beleeue not him yet beleeue the workes that yee may know and beleeue that the Father was in him and he in him Ioh. 10.37 38.14.10.11 Heb. 2.4 Q. But did he not worke these works by the power of Satan and by Beelzebub cast out diuels A. If this man had not beene of God he could haue done nothing Ioh. 9.33 Therefore not Satan but the Father that dwelleth in him hee did the workes Ioh. 14.10 For can the diuell open the eyes of the blinde Ioh. 10.21 Euery Kingdome diuided against it selfe shall not stand c. And if Satan cast out Satan he is diuided against himselfe how shall then his kingdome stand c. But if Christ did cast out diuels by the Spirit of God then the Kingdome of God is come vnto you c. Mat. 12.25 c. Luke 11.20 And therfore how long will ye prouoke the Lord how long will it be ere ye doe beleeue in Iesus for all the signes which hee hath shewed among you Numb 14.11 Ioh. 9.16.9.30 Ob. Why then say the Scribes that Elias must first come A. I say vnto you that Elias is come already and they knew him not but they haue done vnto him whatsoeuer they listed Mat. 17.12 Q. For my owne part I haue no more to say against your allegations yet want I the comfort and assurance thereof still A. If you will doe the will of God you shall know the doctrine alledged to bee of God and not of man Ioh. 7.17 And the comforter whom Christ will send vnto you from the Father euen the Spiriâ— of truth which proceedeth from the Fatherâ— he shall testifie of him and you also shalâ— beare witnesse of him Iohn 15.26.27 Q. What vse are wee to make oâ— this Doctrine teaching vs the certainty of
before vs whâ—ch hope we haue as anker of the soule both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that which is within the vaile whether the fore-runner is for vs entred Heb. 6.17 Q. Shew me then some marks wherby I may discerne whether or no my selfe am one of that number which shal be saued A. 1. This is life Eternall that wee know him to be the onely true God and IESVS CHRIST whom he hath sent Ioh. 17.3 2. GOD so loued the world that hee gaue his onely begotten Son that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Ioâ— 3.16 These things I write vnto you that beleeue in the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye haue eternall life 1. Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 5.24.3.36 Acts 16.31 3. It shall be that whosoeuer shal call on the name of the Lord shall be saued Act. 2 21. 4. We know that we are passed from death to life because we loue the brethreÌ„ 1. Io. 3.14 5. Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe and become as a little child the same is great in the Kingdome of GOD. Mat. 18.4 Mat 5.3.19.14 6 The Kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11.12 and for ioy thereof depart and sell all that they haue to purchase it Mat. 13.44 5.10 7. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth nor whosoever worketh abomination or that maketh a lie Reu. 21.27 For without are dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers Idolaters Reu. 22.15 Neither shall any that worketh abhomination enter into the Kingdome of GOD. Reu. 21.27 The sinners in Zion are afraid fearefulnesse shall surprise the Hypocrites Who among vs shall dwell with the devouring fire who among vs shall dwell with the everlasting burnings He that walketh righteously and speaketh vprightly he that despiseth the gaine of the oppressions that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes and stoppeth his eare from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing of euill hee shall dwell on high Isa 33.14 And to him that ordereth his conuersation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD. Psal 5â— 23.15.1.119.155 Math. 5.19 Ier. 17.13 Ob. These things in some measure I doe find to be in my selfe yet my griefe is that I can be no more sencible of this happinesse A. 1. Now wee see through a glasse darkly but then face to face Now wee know in part But then shall wee know even as also wee are knowne 1. Cor. 13.12 2. We are saved by hope but hope that is seene is not hope For what a man seeth why doth hee hope for it But if we hope for that we see not then doe we with patience waite for it Rom. 8.24 As well as IACOB who said I haue waited for thy salvation O LORD Gen. 49.18 1. Pet. 1.9 3. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 Whom hauing not seene you loue in whom though you see him not yet beleeuing you reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and full of glory receiuing the end of your faith the saluation of your soules 1. Pet. 1.8 4. For this end pray saying Restore vnto mee the ioy of thy salvation and vphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51.12 And then with ioy shall you draw water out of the wels of saluation Isa 12.3 Ob. I am beset with so many enemies that my feare is I shall fall short of Heauen A. We are kept by the power of GOD through faith vnto saluation ready to bereuealed in the last times 1. Pet. 1.5 When Christ shall put downe all rule and all authority and power For he must reigne till he haue put all his enemies vnder his feet the last whereof that shall be destroyed is death For hee hath put all things vnder his feet but when hee saith all things are put vnder him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things vnder him 1. Cor. 15.24 Q. Seeing GOD haâ—h prouided for vs such an inheritance what therefore are we to doe A. 1. We are bound to giue thankes alwayes to GOD because GOD hath from the beginning chosen vs to saluation through sanctification of the spirit and the beliefe of the truth Whereunto hee called vs by the Gospell to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Thes 2.13 1. Pet. 1.3.4 2 Because the Scriptures are callâ—d the Word of the Kingdome Mat. 13.19 Search the Scrâ—ptures for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life Ioh. 5.39 In which because some things are hard to be vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 Let euery man be swift to heare Iam. 1.19 For after that in the Wisedome of GOD the World by Wisedome knew not GOD it pleased GOD by the foolishnes of Preaching to saue them that beleeue 1. Cor. 1.21 3. Seeing wee here haue no continuing City but we seeke one to come Heb. 13.14 And the time here being short it remaineth that both they that haue Wiues be as though they had none and they that weepe as though they wept not and they that reioyce as though they reioyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that vse this world as not abusing it for the fashion of this World passeth away 1. Cor. 7.29 And wee according to his Promise looke for new Heauens and a new earth where dwelleth Righteousnesse 2. Pet. 3.13 Ioh. 6.27 4. Make you friends of the Mammon of vnrighteousnesse that when yee faile they may receiue you into everlasting habitations Luk. 16.9 Sell that yee haue and giue Almes and prouide your selues Bags which waxe not old and treasures in Heaven that faile not Luk. 12.33 Matth. 6.19 5. Hauing therefore these promises let vs cleanse our selues from all filthines of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2. Cor. 7.1 And let vs feare left a promise being left vs of entring into his rest any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4.1 Wherein we ought to giue the more earnest heed to the things which wee haue heard least at any time wee should let them slip For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience receiued a iust recompence of reward how shall wee escape if wee neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD and was confirmed to vs by them that heard him Heb. 2.1 Wherefore the rather brethren giue diligence to make your calling and election sure for if yee doe these things yee shall never fall For so an entrance shall be ministred to you abundantly into the everlast ng Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 1.10 11. Râ—u 22.14 Heb. 12 28. 1. Cor 15 34 Râ—m 13.11 1. Cor. 6.9 Tit. 2.11 Q You tell me of Heaven and if these bee the condâ—tions of attaining it how shall I â—e animated to come there A. If any man will come after me let
many there be which goe in thereat But straight is the Gate and narrow is the way that leadeth vnto life and few there be that find it Mat. 7 13 7 19 5 29 30 31. Q. What must I do when vpon good ground I shall fiâ—d my selfe to bee deliuered from so great a condemnation A. Giue thankes to God and say Great is thy mercy towards me for thou hast delivered my soule from the lowest hell Psal 86.13 Q Why Is it not in mans power to purchase Heaven and to deliuer himselfe from Hell A. Verily verily I say vnto you except a man be borne againe of Water and the Holy Ghost hee cannot enter into the kingdome of Heaven Ioh. â— 3 And without holinesse no man can see the Lord Heb. 12 14. And yet who can say my heart is cleane I am pure from my sinne Prou. 20 9. Iâ—b 9 20. Isa 64 6. Iob. 9.30 31. Psal 93 5. CHAP. XIX Of Sanctification Ob. IF this bee our case who then can be saued Mark 10 26. A. With men this is vnpossible but with GOD all things are possible Math. 19 26. By whom there shall be a fountaine opened to the house of DAVID for sinne and for vncleannesse Zach. 13.1 And you shall be cleane from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will hee cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 And will turne to you a pure language Zeph. 3 9. that hee who blesseth himselfe in the earth shall blesse himselfe in the GOD of Truth Isa 65 16 And shall serue the Lord their GOD and DAVID their King whom hee will raise vp vnto them Ier. 30 9. Hos 2.16 17. Zeph. 3 13. Psal 37.30 31. 2. Tit. 14. Ioh. 17 19. Heb. 10.7 10. 2. Cor. 13.8 Rom. 8 9. Zach. 8 3. Ezek. 37 28 1. Thes 5 23. Math. 13.33 Isa 4.2 Thus the heart of IEHOSAPHAT was lifted vp in the wayes of the Lord 2. Chro. 17 6. And ZACHARIE and ELIZABETH were both righteous and walked in all the ordinances of the Lord blamelesse Luk. 1 6. Act. 23 1.24 16. Heb. 13 18. Act. 10 22. Ob. Can the Blackmoores skin be changed or a Leopard his spots And can he bee good that is accustomed vnto evill Ier. 13 23. A. Yea for if the blood of Buls and of Goates and Calues and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the vncleane sanctifie to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the Blood of CHRIST who through the Eternall spirit offering himselfe without spot vnto GOD purge your Consciences from dead workes to serue the living God Heb. 9 13. Eph. 2 1. Gal. 1 23. Ob. I feele the dwelling of sinne in me still A. So did IOB Iob 9 20.9 30.31 and DAVID Psal 38 4.51 3. and ISAIAH Isa 64 6. and PAVL Rom. 7 18. 1. Tim. 1 15. And so though you also doe walke in the flesh yet doe you â—ut warre after the flesh 2. Cor. 10 3. Sinne shall not haue dominion over you for you are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace Rom. 6 14. For the law of the Spirit of Life which is in CHRIST IESVS shall free thee from the law of Sinne and of Death Rom. 8 2. 1. Cor. 12 3. Q. Why doth CHRIST wash vs who are so vncleane A. CHRIST loueth his Church and gaue himselfe for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word and that hee might present it to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thâ—ng but that it should be holy and without blemish Ephes 5 25. Hos 14 4. Q. Is there nothing required of vs for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Hee that hath this hope purifieth himselfe as hee is pure 1. Ioh. 3 3. you shall therefore sanctifie your selues and â—ee shall be holy for I am holy neither shall you defile your selues with any manner of creeping thing Leu. 11.44 But if you walke in the Spirit you shall not fulfill the lusts of the Flesh Gal. 5 16. For every branch that beareth fruit hee purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Ioh. 15 2. Rom. 6 12. Leu. 20 8.20.26 But his owne iniquities shall take the wicked himselfe and he shall be holden with the cords of his owne sinnes Prou. 5 22. For God will giue him vp vnto his owne hearts lusts whereby he shall walke in his owne counsels Psal 81 12. 2. He must pray saying O Lord why hast thou made mee to erre from thy wayes and hardened my heart from thy feare Returne for thy servants sake Isa 63 17. Create in me a cleane heart O GOD and renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thâ— holy Spirit from me Psal 51 10. Keepe backe thy servant also from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me Psal 19 13. Who can vnderstand his errours Cleanse thou me from my secret faults Psal 19 12. I will runne the wayes of thy Commandements when thou hast inlarged my heart Psal 119 32 41 4. Ioh. 17 17. Q. When wee find this grace of Sanctification to bee wrought in vs what must we then doe A. Because it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure Phil. 2 13. Theâ—eâ—ore sâ—y yee God bee thanked that we were the servants of Sinne but we haue obeyed from the heart that forme of Doctrine which was deliuered vs. Rom. 6 17. Q. But shall no Sanctifying grace of GOD be wanting A. GOD gaue not CHRIST the Spirit by measure Ioh. 3 34. For it pleaseth the Father thut in him should all fulnesse dwell Col. 1 19. And vnto every one of vs is given Grace according to the measure of the guift of CHRIST Ephes 4 7. So that you shall come behind in no guift 1. Cor. 1 7. But of his fulnesse you shall receiue and grace for grace Ioh. 1 16. Isa 11 2 3. Psal 68 19. Zach. 14 8. Ephes 1 3 4. CHAP. XX. Of Knowledge Faith Trust and Hope Q. WHich is the fiâ—st of those Graces A. To know the Truth Ioh. 8 32. I will saith God giue them an heart to know me that I am the Lord Ier. 24.7 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel c. I will put my Lawes into their minde and write them in their hearts c. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know mee from the least to the greatest Heb. 8 10. Ier. 31 33. And the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD as the waters cover the Sea Hâ—b 2 14 Moreouer the light of the Moone shall be as the light of the Sunne and the light of the Sunne shall be seaven-fold as the light of the 7. dayes Isa 30.26 Wherby the people that sate in Darkenesse saw great light and to them which sate in the Region of the
shadow of death light is sprung vp Mat 4 16. And we know that the Sonne of GOD is come and hath giuen vs an vnderstanding that we may know him that is true 1. Ioh. 5.20 Which in other ages was not made knowne vnto the Sonnes of men as it is now reuealed vnto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the spirit Eph. 3 5. Ioh. 1 18 Pro. 2 6 Iob. 32 8. Pro. 18 15 14 6. Thus the Romanes were filled with all knowledge able also to admonish one another Rom. 15 14. 1 Cor. 1 5. Psal 119 98 99 100. ver Ioh. 15 15 Ioh 17 25 17 6. On the contrary a Scorner seeketh wisedome and findeth it not Pro. 14 6 he is ever learning and neuer able to come to the Knowledge of the truth 2. Tim. 3 7. His way is as darkenesse hee knowes not at what he stumbleth Prou. 4 19. Hee shall dye without instruction and in the greatnesse of his folly he shall goe astray Pro. 5.23 Prou. 18.2.14.18.3.32 Iob 17.4 Pro. 14.8 15.14 Hos 4.6 Q. What may this teaeh vs A. 1. Not to be as the Horse and Mule which haue no vnderstanding Psal 32.9 No nor yet to bee as children but in vnderstanding to be men 1. Cor. 14 20. Suffering the Word of CHRIST to dwell in you richly in all wisedome Col. 3.16 2. Pray that GODS wayes may bee knowne vpon earth and his sauing health among all Nations Psal 67.2 And for your selues that you may vnderstand the wayes of â—his Commandements Psal 119.27 and behold the wonderfull things of his Law Psal 119.18 Psal 119.7 33 34 73 125 169.171 ver 2. Tim. 2 7. Of Faith Q. Which is the second sanctifying Grace A. GOD will fulfill in you all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of Faith with power 2. Thes 1 11. Wherby euery one that hath heard and learned of the Father commeth vnto CHRIST Ioh. 6 45. For STEPHEN was a man full of Faith Acts. 6 5. And the Faith of the Romanes was spoken of throughout the whole world Rom. 1 8. Acts 24 14 27.25 Ioh. 10 42. Q. What may hence be learned A. Because all men haue not Faith 2. Thes 3 2. Therefore build vp your selves in your most holy Faith praying in the holy Ghost Iud. 20. and saying Lord increase our Faith Luk. 17 5. Lord wee beleeue helpe our vnbeliefe Mark 9 24. Of Trust Q. It beeing long betwixt the promise and the accomplishment of it how may wee in the meane while bee vpheld A. Thou shalt stay vpon the holy one of Israel in truth Isa 10 20. Vnder his Wings shalt thou trust Psal 91.4 For he is the confidence of all the ends of the earth and of them that are a farre off vpon the Sea Psal 65 5. Whereby they that know his name will put their trust in him Psal 9 10. Math. 12 21. Isa 51 5 Psal 40 4 84 12. Thus Dauid trusted in the Lord Psal 31 6. And the people rested themselues vpon the words of Hezekiah King of Iudah 2. Chro 32 8. Psal 20 7 11 1 18 2 52 8.144 1 2 56 3 4. Iob. 13 15. Q. What would you hence inferre A. Commit thy wayes vnto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to passe Psal 37 5. thy thoughts shall be established Pro. 16 3. And happy shalt thou be Pro. 16 20. For it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in Princes Psal 118 8. Surely men of low degree are vanitie and men of high degree are a lie to be laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter than vanitie Psal 62 9 115 9 146 3 4 34 22. Isa 2 22 26 4 31 1 36 6 Pro. 3 5. Of Hope Ob. GOD may not onely delay his promise but also by some euill occurrent vnsettle my confidence A. The wicked indeed is driven away in his wickednesse but the righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14 32 For Abraham against hope beleeued in hope Rom. 4 18. so Christ is in you the hope of glory Col. 1 27. Thou hadst saith Iouâ—â— cast me into the deepe in the midst of the Sea and the Flouds compassed me about all thy billowes and thy waues passed ouer me Then I said I am cast out of thy sight yet I will looke againe towards thy holy temple Ion. 2 3.4 And now Lord what waite I for my hope is in thee Psal 39 7 46 2 33 22 119 81 Psal 119 166. Lam. 3 24. Isa 8 17. Micha 7 7. Tit. 2 13 Acts 26 6. Iob 5 16. Q. What vse is to be made hereof A. Therefore looke you also for the mercy of our LORD IESVS CHRIST vnto eternall life Iud. 21. And waite on thy GOD continually Hos 12 6. For happy is he that hath the GOD of IACOB for his helpe whose hope is in the LORD his GOD which made Heauen and Earth Psal 146 5 33 22 Lam. 3 25 26. Hos 12 6. Ob. Then is euery one happy for who will not say that his Hope is in GOD A. The hope of the Righteous shall be gladnesse but the expectation of the wicked shall perish Pro. 10 28. The eyes of the wicked shall faile and they shall not escape and their hope shall bee as the giving vp of the Ghost Iob. 11 20 8 13. c. Iob. 27 8 9 10. CHAP. XXI Of Loue Feare Sorrow Humility and Repentance Q. WHat other Sanctifying Grace will GOD bestow vpon us A. He will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to loue the LORD thy GOD with all thine heart and with all thy Soule that thou maist liue Deut. 30 6. Pro. 8 17. Cant. 1 4 3 10. Psal 26 8. Psal 116 1. 1. King 3 3. Thus MARY MAGDALEN shee loved much Luk. 7 47. I also loue the LORD Psal 18 1. Yea LORD thou knowest all things thou knowest that I loue thee Ioh. 21 17. And if any man loue not the LORD IESVS CHRIST let him be Anathema Maranatha 1. Cor. 16 22. Q. What may this teach vs A. To pray that the Lord would direct your hearts into the Loue of GOD 2 Thes 3 5. And that your loue may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all Iudgement Phil. 1 9.1 Thes 3 12. 2 Labour to keepe your selues in the loue of GOD Iud. 21. Of Feare Q. But that our loue be not exorbitant wherewith shall it be swaved A. He will giue you one heart and one way that you may feare him for euer for your good and the good of your Children after you Ier. 32 39. And you shall feare the LORD and his goodnesse in the latter dayes Hos 3 5. Psal 34 11. Deuâ— 4 10. Isa 2â— 22 23. Hos 3.5 For thus the Midwiues feared God Exod. 1 17 And OBADIAH feared the LORD from his youth 1. King 18 3 12. So did CORNELIVS with all his houshold Acts 10 â—
Cor. 11 31. Ob. This search I haue made and can find but one sin which I desire to retaiâ—e now the good Lord bee mercifull vnto thy Servant in thâ—s point 2 Kinâ— 5 18. A. Know yee not that a little leaven â—â—aveneth the whole Lumpe Purge â—ut therefore the old leaven that yee may 〈◊〉 a new lumpe as yee are now vnleaveâ—ed for even CHRIST our Passeover 〈◊〉 sacrificed for vs. Therefore let vs keepe â—â—e feast not with old leaven neâ—ther with 〈◊〉 leaven of malice and wickednesse â—â—t with the vnleavened bread of sincerity â—â—d truth 1 Cor. 5 6. Therefore if thou bring thy guift to the Altar and there remembrest that thy â—rother hath ought against thee leaue â—here thy guift before the Altar and goe â—y way first be reconciled to thy Brorher â—â—d then come and offer thy guift Math. â— 23. Psal 26 6. Ob. When we haue done all we can 〈◊〉 preparing our selues yet shall we faile â—f that which is written A. Therefore with Hâ—zekiah pray sayâ—ng The good Lord pardon every one that â—repareth his heart to seeke God the Lord â—f his Fathers though he be not cleansed acâ—ording to the purification of the Sanctuâ—ry After which Prayer so made the LORD will hearken vnto thee and will heale thee 2. Chro. 30.18 For when AARON was to minister hee was to put vpon his forehead a plate of pure gold on which was ingrauen holinesse to the LORD that AARON might beare the iniquitie of the holy things which the children of ISRAEL should hallow in all their holy gifts which was alwayes to bee vpon his forehead that they might bee accepted before the LORD Exo. 28.26 So was there also ordained a Goat for a sinne offering which was for the people the blood whereof was to be sprinkled vpon the Mercy seate and before the mercy seat wherewith the Priest was to make an atonement for the holy place because of the vncleannesse of the children of ISRAEL and because of their transgressions in all their sinnes and make an atonement for the Priests and for all the people of the Congregation Leu. 16.15.16.33 verses Q. What if any man that is apt for the Sacrament shall wilfully neglect the same A. The man that is cleane and is not 〈◊〉 Iourney and forbeareth to keepe the â—â—seover even the same Soule shall bee 〈◊〉 off from his people because he brought 〈◊〉 the offering of the Lord in his appoinâ—â—d season that man shall beare his sinne â—umb 9 13. Exod. 4.24 CHAP. XXXV Of Discipline Ob I Know some who notwithstanding the frequent vse of 〈◊〉 these meanes of Grace haue falne â—y fearefully A. Therefore GOD hath to the forâ—er meanes added Discipline saying â—hou shalt not hate thy Brother in thine â—eart but thou shalt in any wise rebuke â—y Neighbour and not suffer sinne vpon â—im Leuit. 19 17. For as Iron sharpeâ—eth Iron so a man sharpeneth the counteâ—ance of his friend Prou. 27 17. Q How am I to deale with such one that he may be reclaimâ—d A. If thy brother shal trespasse against thee goe and tell him his fault betweene theâ— and him alone if he shall heare thee thoâ— hast gained thy brother But if hee will noâ— heare thee then take with thee one oâ— two more that in the mouth of twâ— or three witnesses euery word may beâ— established And if hee shall neglect 〈◊〉 heare them tell it vnto the Church Math 18.15.16 Q. What if hee shall neglect to hearâ— the Church A. I verily as absent in body but present in spirit haue iudged already aâ— though I were present concerning sucâ— a one in the name of our Lord IESVâ— CHRIST when yee are gathered together c. to deliuer such a one vnto Sathan foâ— the destruction of the flesh that the spiriâ— may be saued in the day of our Lord IESVS 1 Cor. 5.3.5 Verily I say vnto you That as whatsoeuer yee shall loosâ— on Earth shall bee loosed in Heauen so whatsoeuer yee shall bind on earth shall â— bound in Heaven Mâ—th 18.18 And â— they whose sinnes yee remit they are reâ—tted vnto them so whose sinnes so ever 〈◊〉 retaine they are retained Iâ—h 20 23. â—rou 15.10 Q. What if notwithstanding this Churches censure hee shall remaine obâ—â—nate in sinning as was Himineus and Alexander 1 Tim. 1 20. A. Let him bee vnto thee as an Heaâ—en man and a Publicane Math. 18 17. And call him reprobate silver because â—e Lord hath reiected him Ier. 6 30. â—nd withdraw your selfe from him 2. â—â—est 3 6 and note him and haue no â—â—mpany with him that hee may be aâ—â—med 2 Thâ—ss 3 14. Hos 4 17. Q. But may I not still seeke to reâ—laime him A. Giue not that which is holy vnto â—ogs neither cast your pearles before â—â—ine least they trample them vnder their â—eet and turne againe and rent you Mat. â— 6. For bee that reproveth a scorner getteth to himselfe shame and hee that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himselfe a blot Reprooue not a scorner least hee hate thee Prou. 9.7 For correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way neither will hee goe vnto the wise Prou. 15.10 12. Q. What if such a one in the sence of this Curse shall come to bee truly humbled for his sinne A. Sufficient vnto such a man is this punishment so that contrariwise yee ought rather to forgiue him and comfort him least perhaps such a one should bee swallowed vp with overmuch sorrow Wherefore I beseech you that you would confirme your loue towards him least Sathan should get an advantage over him for wee are not ignorant of his devices 2. Corinth 2 6 7. 11 2 2 1 2. Prou. 27.9 CHAP. XXXVI Of the Continuance with GODS blessing on the meanes of Grace Q. YOu haue in some measure satisfied mee concerning the meanes of perseuerance in Grace but haue wee any assurance that all these meanes of Grace shall bee continued A. I will dwell among you Exod. 29.45 And set my Sanctuarie in the midst of you for evermore My Tabernacle also shall bee with you yea I will be your GOD and you shall bee my people And the Heathen shall know that I the LORD doe sanctifie Israel when my Sanctuarie shall be in the middest of you for evermore Ezek. 37 26. Leuit. 26.11 12. Exod. 29 42. Ob. Though these meanes of Grace should bee continued yet may I grow wearie in the vse of them A. One thing haue I desired of the Lord which I wâ—ll seeke after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the dayes of my lâ—fe to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his Temple Psal 27 4. For I haue loved the habitation of his house and the place where hâ— honour dwelleth P. 26 8. Lâ—k wâ—sâ— it shall come to passe that from one new Moone vnto another and from one Sâ—bbath to another shall all Flesh come to worship before mee sâ—â—â—â—â—he LORD Isa 66 23. Ob. Notwithstanding the continued
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
euer them that are sanctified whereof also the holy Ghast is a witnesse Heb. 10.14 15. Not that Christ should offer himselfe often as the high Priests entred into the holy place euery yeere with the blood of others for then must he often haue suffered since the foundation of the world But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.25.10.18 Q. Is then the guiltinesse and punishment of sin taken away by Christ A. This is a faithfull saying and worthy all acceptance that Christ Iesus came into the world to saue sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 And you know that he was made manifest that he might take away our sins 1 Ioh. 3.5 who his own selfe bare our sins in his own body on the Tree 1 Pet. 2.24 which was prefigured by the scape-gote Leu. 16.21 22. Thus it is written and thus it behoued Christ to suffer and that remission of sinnes should bee preached in his name among all Nations beginning at Ierusalem Luke 24.26.27 Be it knowne vnto you therefore men and brethren that through this man is preached vnto you the forgiuenesse of sinnes Act. 13.38 Math. 9.2 1.21 Reuelat. 1.5 6. Ioh. 1.29 Ob. By what authority did hee these thing And who gaue vnto Christ this authority to forgiue sinnes Math. 12.23 Mar. 2.7 A. As no man tooke this honour to himselfe to offer for sin but he that was called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himselfe to bee made an high Priest but hee that said vnto him Thou art my Sonne this day haue I begotten thee he gaue it him Heb. 5.4 And hath exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and Sauiour for to giue repentance vnto Israel and forgiuenesse of sinnes Act. 5.31 But that yee may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgiue sins he saith to one sicke of the palsie I say unto thee arise and take vp thy bed who immediatly arose and took vp his bed and went forth among them all Mar. 2.10 c. Q. What witnesses can you produce to conuince vs of remission of sinnes by Christ A. Caiaphas though his enemy yet being high priest professed that Iesus should dye for the Nation of â—he Iewes and not for that Nation only but that also hee should gather together in one the Children of God that were scattered abroad Ioh. 1â— 51 52. To whom also giue all the Proâ—hets witnesse That through his name whosoeuer beleeueth in him should receiue remission of sinnes Acts 10.43 This is hee that came bâ— water and blood euen Iesus Christ not by water onely but by water and blood and it is the Spirit that beareth witnesse because the Spâ—rit is truth For there are three that beare record in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one And there are three that beare witnesse in earth the Spirit and water and blood and these three agree in one Ioh. 15.6 c. Q. But wil God make good their testimony A. If we confesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust to forgiue vs our sinne 1 Ioh. 1.9 For when Dauid said vnto Nathan I haue sinned Nathan said vnto Dauid The LORD also hath put away thy sinne 2 Sam. 12.13 Isa 6.5 c. 2 Chro. 7.14 Mat. 18.26 27. Luk. 15.18 c. Q. Is there no forgiuenesse of sinne without confession A. Hee that couereth his sinnes shall not prosper onely hee that confesseth and forsakes his sins shall haue mercy Pro. 28.13 For saith Dauid When I kept silence my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long c. I acknowledged my sinne vnto thee and mine iniquity haue I not hid I said I will confesse my transgressions and thou forgauest the iniquity of my sinne Psalm 32.3 c. Luke 15.18 Q. What are the sinnes which God for Christs sake will forgiue A. He will cleanse them from all their iniquities whereby they haue sinned against him and he will pardon all their iniquities whereby they haue sinned and whereby they haue transgressed against him Ier. 33.8 And the blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth vs from all sinne 1 Ioh. 1.7 Psal 130.8 85.2 Q. How farre foorth doth God forgiue sinnes A. To the vtmost extent thereof For 1 God was in Christ reconciling the world vnto himselfe not imputing their trespasses vnto them 2. Cor. 5.19 2 As not seene For he hath not beheld iniquity in Iacob neither hath hee seene peruersenesse in Israel Numb 23.21 Whereby when the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for there shall be none and the sinnes of Iudah and they shall not be found c. Ierem. 50.20 Isa 38.17 Psalm 85.2 Ezek. 16.8 3. As not remembred For he will be mercifull vnto our vnrighteousnesse and our sinnes and iniquities wil he remember no more Heb. 8.12 4 As far away remoued For as heauen is high aboue the earth so great is his mercy towards them that feare him as farre as the East is from the West so farre hath he remooued our transgressions from vs Psal 103.11 12. 5 As swallowed vp He will turne againe hee will haue compassion vpon vs hee will subdue our iniquities and cast all their sinnes into the depth of the sea Micah 7.19 7 As a cloud vanished Hee hath blotted out as a thicke cloude our transgressions and as a cloude our sinnes Isai 44.22 7 As a writing defaced I saith God euen I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions Isai 43.25 Q. Why is the curse of sinne with the guilt taken away by Christ A. GOD sent not his Sonne into the World to condemne vs but that wee through him might bee saued Iohn 3.17 For surely hee hath borne our griefes and carried our sorrowes c. Hee was wounded for our transgressions hee was bruised for ouri-niquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him and with his stripes we are healed c. Isa 53.4.5 There is therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus Rom. 8.1 For he hath redeemed them from the curs of the Law by being made a curse for them as it is written Cursed is euery one that hangeth on a tree Gal. 3.13 Rom. 5.14 c. Ioh. 3.17 Q. What moued the Lord through Christ to take away our sinnes A. We haue redemption through his blood the forgiuenesse of sinnes according to the riches of his grace Ephes 1.7 And for his owne names sake 1 Ioh. 2.12 If the Lord indeed should marke iniquities who should stand But there is forgiuenesse with him that he may be feared Psalm 130.3 4 Ezech. 20.44 Isa 43.21 Q. What would you infer vpon this so rich and plentious grace of God A. Euen as Dauid who describeth the blessednesse of the man vnto whom God imputeth righteousnesse without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen and whose sinnes are couered Blessed is the man vnto whom the Lord will not impute sinne Romans
There is a reward for the righteous Q. BVt suppose wee haue Gods acceptance is this all wee shall haue for our well doing A. Hee that soweth righteousnesse shall also haue a sure reward Prou. 11.18 And euery man shall receiue his owne reward according to his owne labour 1 Cor. 3.8 Whether hee be bond or free Ephes 6.8 So that hee which followeth after righteousnesse and mercy findeth life righteousnesse and honour Prou. 21.21 For behold the Lord God will come with strong hand and his arme shall rule for him Behold his reward is with him and his worke before him Isa 40.10 So that a man shall say verily there is a reward for the righteous verily he is a God that iudgeth the earth Psalm 58.11 Prou. 19.8.24.4.21.21 Iob. 34.7 c. Therefore Vzziah so long as he sought the Lord God made him to prosper 2 Chro. 26.5 Hezechiah also wrought that which was good and right and true before the Lord and prospered 2 Chro. 31.20 17.3 Numb 25.11 Math. 26.13 Exod. 1.21 Zech. 3.7 Gen. 22.16 Ierem. 35.18 Heb. 11.5 Gen. 18.17.19.24.12 with 26.2 Chro. 14.7 c. 2.13 18 Psal 18.20 Ob. Much good is done which God may neither see nor obserue A. The Lord searcheth the heart and tryeth the reines euen to giue euery man according to his wayes and according to the fruite of his doings Ierem. 17.10 For hee is the great and mighty God the Lord â—f host is his name great in counsell and mighty in worke for his eyes are open vpon all the wayes of the sons of men to giue euery one according to his wayes and according to the fruite of his doings Ier. 32.18 And doe runne to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalfe of them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16.9 Psal 111.5 Ob. But may not God forget our weldoing A. God is not vnrighteous to forget your worke and labour of loue which yee haue shewed towards his name in that you haue ministred to the Saints and doe minister Heb. 6.10 For he remembred his holy promise and Abraham his seruant Psal 105.42 And when they that feared the Lord and speake often one to another the Lord hearkened and heard it and a booke of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought vpon his name Mal. 3.16 I haue waited long and yet hauâ— no reward A. Yet bee not weary in weldoing foâ— in due season you shall reape if you faint not Gal. 6.9 For how euer the sonne of man be aâ— one gone into a farre countrey to receiâ—â— vnto himselfe a kingdome yet will he returne Luke 19.11 And come in the glory of his Father with his Angels and theâ— hee shall reward euery man according to hiâ— workes Mat. 16.27 Therefore turne thou to thy God keep mercy and iudgement and waite on thy Goâ— continually Hos 12.6 Ob. As for works of mercy wherein I doe part with my goods the more good I doe for others the lesse good remaines to my selfe A. There is that scattereth and yet increaseth The liberall soule shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himselfe Prou. 11.24.25 Hee which soweth bountifully shall reape bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 Giue and it shall be giuen vnto you good measure pressed down shaken together running ouer Luke 6.38 For God is able to make all grace to abound towards you that you hauing sufficiency in all things may abound in euery good worke As it is writen Hee hath dispersed abroad he hath giuen to the poore his righteousnesse remaineth for euer 2 Cor. 9.8 Psalm 112.9 1 Kings 17.16 Isa 32.8 Psalme 41.1 Q. Why will God thus reward our weldoing in this kind A Because the administration of this seruice not onely supplieth the want of the Saints but is abundant also by many thankesgiuing vnto God whiles by the experiment of this minsteration they glorifie God for your professed subiection vnto the Gospell of Christ and for your liberall distribution vnto them 2 Cor. 9.12 Math. 5.16 Q. What is the vse of this A. 1. To confute the scorner for what man is he then who drinketh vp scorning like water which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity and wâ—keth with wicked men For hee saith profiteth a man nothing that hee shouâ—â— delight himselfe with God Iob 34.7 And what profit is it that we haue kept hâ— ordinances and that we haue walked mourâ—fully before the Lord of hosts whicâ— call the proude happie and say that sucâ— as worke wickednesse are set vp yea theâ— that tempt God are euen deliuered Where as they that feare mee shall be mine saitâ— the Lord of hosts in that day when I maâ—â— vp my Iewels and I will spare them as man spareth his owne son that serueth him Then shall ye returne and discerne between the righteous and the wicked between him that serueth God and him that serueth him not Mal. 3.14 Thefore hearken vnto mee yee men of vnderstanding far be it from God that he should doe wickednesse and from the Almighty that hee should commit iniquity For the worke of man shall be render vnto him and cause euery man to finde according to his waies Iob 34.10 Mal. 2.17 2 Pray saying Remember me O my God concerning this and wipe not out my â—ood deedes that I haue done for the house â—f my God and for the offices thereof Neh. 13.14 Doe thou O Lord recompence my workes and giue vnto mee a full reward Ruth 2.12 And let thy mercy be vpon me according as I hope in thee Psal 33.22 3 Be strong therefore and let not your hands be weake for your worke shall be rewarded 2 Chron. 15.7 And as euery man hath receiued the gift euen so minister â—he same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God 1 Pet. 4.10 Because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall blesse thee in all thy workes and in all that thou puttest thine hand vnto Deut. 15.10 And shall also recompence thee at the resurrection of the iust Luke 14.14 Deut 14.29 Gal. 6.10 Eccles 11.1 Hebrews 13.2 Colloss 3.24 Prou. 3.28 1 Tim. 6.17 Isa 3.10 Q. Among other good works shew mee how the works of charity must be done that so I neither neglecting thâ— worke nor faile in the manner of doing them may bee sure not to faileâ— my reward A. Take heed that you doe not your almâ— before men to be seene of them otherwiâ—â— you haue no reward of your Father which in Heauen But when thou doest thiâ— almes c. let not thy left hand know whâ— thy right hand doeth that thine almâ— may bee in secret and thy Father whicâ— seeth in secret himselfe shall reward thâ— openly Math. 6.1.16 And whatsoeueâ— you doe doe it heartily as to the Lord aâ—â— not vnto men knowing that of the Lord yâ—â— shall receiue the reward of the inheritance for yee serue the Lord Christ Col. 3.23 2 Hee
so it is And when ye see the South wind blow yee say that it will bee hot and it commeth to passe Luke 12.54 So likewise yee when yee shall see all these things know that it is neere euen at the doore Math. 24.33 But of the day and houre knoweth no man no not the Angels of heauen but my Father onely Math. 24.36 Eccles 8.5.7 Act. 1.7 Q. What shall bee the manner of CHRISTS comming to judgement A. Hee shall send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the foure winds from one end of heauen to the other Math. 24.31 Then the Heauens shall passe away with a great noise and the elements shall melt away with fervent heat the earth also with the workes that are therein shall be burned vp 2. Pet. 3.10 And there shall bee a great earthquake the sonne shall become blacke as sackcloth with haire and the Moone become as blood and the Starres of Heauen shall full to the earth and the heauens shall depart as a scrâ—ule Reuel 6.12 And there shall be signes in the Sunne and in the Moone and in the Starres and the Sea and the waues roaring the powers of the Heauen shall be shaken and then shall they see the signe of the sonne of Man comming in the Cloudes with power and great glory Luk. 21.25 Who shall be reuealed from heauen in flaming fire 2. Thes 1.7 With ten thousands of his Saints in glory and all his holy Angels with him Mat. 25.31 Thousands thousands shall minister vnto him and ten thousand times ten thousands shall stand before him and the Iudgement Seat shaâ—l be set and the bookes opened Dan. 7.9 And euery eye shall see him Reu. 1.7 Q. How shall men in the sâ—nce oâ— these things stand affected A. Vpon the earth there shall be distresse of Nations with perplexity mens hearts shall faile them for feare and for looking after those things which shall then come on the earth Luk. 21.26 And alâ— the kindreds of the Earth shall waile because of him Reuel 1.7 And in those dayes shall men seeke Death and shall not find it and shall desire to dye and death shall flye from them Reu. 9.6 Then the Kings of the earth and the great men and euery bondman and euery free man shall hide themselues in the Dennes and in the Rockes of the Mountaines shall say to the Mountaines and Rockes fall on vs and hide vs from the face of him that sitteth vpon the throne and from the wrath of the Lambe for the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand Reuel 6.15 Isa 2.19.13.7.33.14 Hos 10.8 Q. But shall the godly bee thus perplexed at the beholding of these things A. Beloued if our heart condemne vs not then shall we haue confidence towards God 1. Ioh. 3.21 For God hath not giuen vs the spirit of feare but of Power of Loue and of a sound Mind 2 Tim. 1.7 And therefore when these things begin to come to passe then shall we looke vp and lift vp our heads because our Redemption draweth nigh Luk. 21.28 For CHRIST was once offered to beare the sinnes of many and vnto them that looke for him shall he appeare the second time without sinne vnto saluation Heb. 9.28 And herein is our loue made perfect that wee may haue boldnesse at the day of Iudgment because as he is so are we in the World Ioh. 1.4.17 18. Rom. 10.11 Q. When Christ is set downe vpon his throne of glory what is the first work he shall doe A. He shall seperate the sheepe from the Goats and he shall set the sheepe on his right hand and the goats on his left Mat. 25 32. Among whom there shall be two in one bed one shall be taken and the other left Two women shal be grinding together the one shall be taken and the other left Two men shall be in the field the one shal be taken and the other left Luk. 17 34. Q. What shall follow vpon this seperation A. Such as haue followed CHRIST in the Regeneration when the Sonne of Man shall sit in the Throne of his glory they also shall sit vpon twelue thrones iudging the twelue tribes of Israel Mat. 19.28 Know yee not also that the Saints shall iudge the Angels 1. Cor. 6.3 Q. What are the things wherof Iudgment shall be giuen A. GOD shall bring euery worke into Iudgment with euery secret thing whether it be good or whether it be euill Eccl. 12.14 Moreouer I say vnto you that for euery idle word that men shall speake they shall giue an account thereof in the day of Iudgement For by their words they shall be iustified and by theyr words they shall be condemned Matth. 12 36. Ioh. 3.18 Iude v. 15. Q. What is the euidence which shall be produced A. Hee shall not iudge after the sight of his eyes neither reprooue by the hearing of his eares Isa 11.3 but by the Bookes which shall bee then opened Reuel 20.12 their Consciences also bearing witnesse and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing Rom. 2.15 Q. What are the rules according tâ— which CHRIST shall iudge A. 1. As many as haue sinned with out law shall perish without law and â— many as haue sinned in the law shall be iudged by the law Rom. 2.12 2. GOD shall iudge the secrets of men by IESVS CHRIST according to mâ— gospell Rom. 2.16 The words also whicâ— CHRIST hath spoken shall iudge them iâ— the latter day Ioh. 12.48 Iam. 2.12 Q. What is the sentence it selfâ— which CHRIST shall pronounce A. Hee shall say vnto them on his righâ— hand come yee blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the word Then shaâ— he say vnto them on his left hand Deparâ— from me yee Cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devill and his Angels Math. 25.34 And vnto his servants hâ— shall say binde them hand and foot Mat. 22.13 and cast you these vnprofitable servants into outer darknesse Math. 25.30 Q. What shall bee the issue of this sentence A. God will then render to every one according to his deeds To them who by patient continuance in well doing seeke glory and honor and immortality eternall life But vnto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey vnrighteousnesse indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish vpon euery soule of man that doeth evil to the Iew first and also to the Gentile But glory and honour and peace to euery man that worketh good to the Iew first and also to the Gentile Rom. 2.7 2. Cor. 5.10 Mat. 25.46 Q. What may the consideration of these things teach vs A. 1. Reioyce O young man in thy youth and let thy heart cheere thee in the dayes of thy youth and walke in the wayes of thine heart and in the sight of thine eyes but know thou that for all these things GOD will bring thee into
against you yet he shall purge them away Psaâ— 65 3â— Moreover every valley shall be exalted and every mountaine and hâ—ll shall be made low and the crooked things shal be made straight and the rough places plaine Isa 40 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnall but mighty through GOD to the pulling downe of strong holds casting downe imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it selfe against the knowledge of GOD and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST 2 Cor. 10 4. Acts 9 20. Ob. But doe not you as PAVL did of himse fe say of your selfe that what I would doe that I doe not but what I hate that doe I Rom. 7 15 23. Gal. 5.17 A. If I doe that I would not I consent vnto the law that it is good Now then it is no more I that do it but sinne that dwelleth in me Rom. 7 16. And though I walke in the flesh yet doe I not warre after the flesh 2 Cor. 10.3 For the Lord is that spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3 17 Therefore I thanke GOD through IESVS CHRIST our Lord hat with the mind I serue the Law of GOD though with the flesh the Law of sinne Rom. 7 25. Q. What is required of vs to be done for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the Soule 1 Pet. 2 11. 2 Pray saying keepe backe thy Servant from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me then shalt thou be vpright and innocent from the great transgression Psal 1â— 13. Ob. Notwithstanding doe what I can this burthen of sinne presseth me very sore A. Come vnto me all ye that labour and are heauy laden and I will giue you rest Mat. 11.28 For I am not come to call the Righteous but sinners to repentance Mat. 9.13 Ob. Behold we come vnto thee for thou art the Lord our God Ier. 3 22. But we haue gone astray like lost sheepe Psal 119 176. And the way of man is not in himselfe neither is it in man that walketh to direct his steps Ier. 10 23. A. I am not sent but to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Mat. 15 24. Therfore I am come to saue that which was lost Mat. 18 11. and to bring againe that which was driven away Ezek. 34.16 For how thinke you If a man haue an hundred sheepe and one of them be gone astray doth he not leaue the ninety and nine and goeth into the Mountaines and seeke that which was gone astray c. Even so it is not the will of the Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18 12 10 6. Luk. 15 8 c. Ob. The worst as yet remaines for though I see my way before me yet can I not walke therein A. The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weake Math. 26 41. Yet a bruised reed will he not breake and smoaking flaxe shall he not quench till hee send forth Iudgement vnto victory Mat. 12 20. And hee said vnto me my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weaknesse 2 Corinth 12 9. Ob. All this while my appetite after 2Grace is not alayed A. I will powre waters vpon him that is thirsty and flouds vpon the dry ground Isa 44 3 For as the Scriptures haue said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of liuing water which bee spake of the spirit which they that beleeue on him should receiue Ioh. 7 38 39. I am also the bread of life he that coÌ„meth vnto me shal neuer hunger and he that beleeueth on me shall never thirst Iohn 6 35 4 13. Luke 1 53. Ob. It is not meet to take the Childrens bread and to cast it vnto Dogges Mat. 15 26. A. True yet the Dogs eate of the crums which fall from the Masters table Mat. 15 27. And therefore if any man thirst let him come vnto CHRIST and drinke Ioh. 7 37. And hee that hath no money come yea buy and eate yea come buy wine and milke without money and without price Wherefore doe you spend money on that which is not bread And your labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Incline your eare come vnto him heare and your soule shall liue Isa 55 1. And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that is a thirst come and whosoever will let him take of the Waters of life freely Revel 22 17. Ioh. 4 10. Q. But in comming shall I not bee rejected A. All that the Father giveth mee shall come to mee and him that commeth to me I will in no wise cast off Ioh. 6.37 Ob. Sir giue mee then this water that I thirst not Ioh. 4.15 For notwithstanding all you haue said It is the very breaking of my heart to thinke that I can serue GOD no better A. The Sacrifices of GOD are a broken Spirit a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise Psal 51 17. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternitie whose name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to reviue the spirit of the humble and to reviue the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57.15 To open the blind eyes to bring the Prisoners from the prison and them that sit in darknesse out of the prison house Isa 42.7 That they might bee called the trees of Righteousnesse the planting of the LORD that hee might be glorified Isa 6â— 2 3. Therefore turne yee to the strong holds ye prisoners of hope for even to day doe I declare that I will render double vnto thee Zach. 9 12. Isa 49.8.61 1. Psal 34.18.147 3. Ob. These are sweet promises I confesse but yet I want comfort still A. The Lord God hath given CHRIST the tongue of the Learned that hee should know how to speake a word in season to him that is wearie Isa 50 4 Blessed therefore are you that mourne for you shall bee comforted Math. 5.4 Ob. Yet for all this the distresses of my soule are such as bee intollerable to beare and how to bee deliuered I know not A. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voyce of his servant that walketh in darknesse and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay vpon his GOD Isa 50.10 and seeke vnto him that maketh the seaven Starres and Orion and turneth the shadow of Death into the morning and maketh the day darke with night that calleth for the waters of the Sea and powreth them â—â—t vpon the face of the earth the LORD â—his name Amos 5 8. CHAP. XXVI Of the Temptations of the Devill Ob. THough I should preuaile
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
Gen. 41 41 For the King sent and loosed him even the Ruler â—f the people and let him goe free He made â—im Lord of his House and Ruler of all â—is Substance to bind his Princes at his â—leasure Psal 105.20 Psalm 78.70 71. And King NABVCHADNEZZAR made DANIEL a great man even a Ruler over the whole Province of Babylon Dan. 2 48 King AHASHVERVS set the Royall Crowne vpon ESTHERS head and made her Queene instead of VASTI Esth 2 17. MORDECAY was by HAMAN brought on Horse-backe through the street of the Citie and he proclaimed before him thuâ— shall it be done vnto the man whom the King delighteth to honour Esth 6.11 For MORDECAY being of the seed of the IEWES HAMAN could not prevaile against him but did fall before him Est 6 13. Dan. 5 29. Iosh 4 14. 1 Sam. 18.7 1 Chron. 29 25.2 32.33 2 15 9. 1 King 4.21 Thus GOD raiseth the poore out of the dust and lifteth the needie out of the dunghill that he may set him with Princes even with the Princes of the people Psal 113 7. But as for evill men they bow before the good and the wicked at the gates of the Righteous Prou. 14 19. Their enemies will he cloth with shame but vpon them shall their Crowne flourish Psalm 132 18. The wise shall inherit glory but shame shall bee the promotion of Fooles Prou. 3 35 14 34. Deut. 28 43 28 68. Isa 43 27 28. Q. What may this teach vs A. Therefore get wisedome and exalt â—er and she shall promote thee shee shall â—â—ing thee to honour when thou dost emâ—race her shee shall giue to thine head an â—nament of Grace a Crowne of Glorie â—hall she deliver to thee Prou. 4 7. 2 Pray for the Church saying Let the people serue thee and Nations bowe downe to thee be LORD over the Brethren and let thy mothers Sonnes bow downe to thee Gen. 27 29. Ob. Notwithstanding there is an evill which I haue seene vnder the Sunne as an errour which proceedeth from the Ruler Folly is set in great dignity and the rich sit in low place I haue seene Servants vpon Horses and Princes walking as Servants vpon the Earth Eccl. 10 5. A. As Snow in Summer and as Raine iâ— Harvest so is Honour not seemely foâ— a Foole Prou. 26 1. For as hee that bindeth a stone in a sling so is hee that giveth Honour to a Foole Prouerbs 26 8. 2 Though his Excellencie mount vp to the Heavens and his head reach vnto the Cloudes yet shall hee perish for ever like his owne Dung they which haue seene him shall say where is hee Hee shall flye away as a dreame and shall not bee found yea hee shall bee chased away as a Vision in the Night The eye also which saw him shall see him no more neither shall his place any more bee found His Children shall seeke to please the poore Iob. 20.6 His Roote shall bee dryed vp beneath and aboue shall his branches bee cut off his remembrance shall perish from the Earth and hee shall haue no name in the Streete Iob 18 16. Isay 28 3. Psalme 49.12 3 He hath no full content in it For though HAMAN were advanced and set aboue all the Princes that were with him so as all the Kings Servants that were in the Kings Gate bowed and reverenced him the King commanding the same concerning him Esth 3 1.2 â—nd â—hough hee alone were invited with the King vnto the Banquet of the Queene what doth this availe him so â—ng as hee seeth MORDECAY the Iew 〈◊〉 in the Gate Esther 5 13. 4 All this haue I also seene â—nd applyed my heart vnto every â—orke that is done vnder the Sunne there is a time wherein one man ruleth over mother to his hurt Ecclesiastes 8 9. Of the Vse of Earthly things Q. You haue now something satisfied my minde concerning outward things what therefore may the promise of so many Temporall blessings â—each vs A. 1. Let your Conversation bee without Covetousnesse and bee content with such things as you haue for hee hath said I will never leaue thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13 5. But seeke yee first the Kingdome of GOD and his Righteousnesse and all these things shall be added vnto you Math. 6 33. 2 I know that there is no good in these things but for a man to reioyce and to do good in his life And also that every man should eate and drinke and enioy the good of his labour it is the guift of God Eccl. 3 12 13. 3 As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of GOD 1 Pet. 4 10. 4 Whether ye eate or drinke or whatsoever yee doe doe all to the Glory of GOD 1 Cor. 10 31. Saying How great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee before the Sonnes of men Psal 31 19. Blessed be the Lord who daily ladeth vs with his blessings even the God of our Salvation Psal 68 19. 5 What man is he that desireth Life and loveth many dayes that hee may see good Keepe thy tongue from evill and thy lips from speaking guile depart from evill and doe good Psal 34 12. CHAP. XLVII Promises concerning Posterity Oh. HAd I all these Temporall blessings in possession thus promised yet O LORD GOD what wilt thou giue me seeing I goe childlesse Gen. 15 2. A. O that thou hadst hearkened to my Commandements then had thy seed beene â—s the Sand and the off-spring of thy bowels like the grauell thereof thy name should not haue beene out off nor destroyed from before me Isa 48 18.18 Q. But what if I doe repent and amend A. Then be thou fruitfull and multiply Gen. 9 1. Let thy wife be as a fruitfull vine by the sides of thine house thy Children like Oliue plants round about thy table Behold thus shall the man bee blessed that feareth the LORD Psal 128 3. Loe children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the wombe is his reward Psal 127 3. For the Lord opened LEAHS wombe Gen. 29 31. HANNAH also whose wombe before time the LORD had shut vp yet did shee bare a Sonne and called his name SAMVEL 1 Sam. 1 20 25 21 Ruth 4 13. Iudg. 13.2 24. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great and thy off-spring as the grasse of the Earth Iob 5 25. Psal 113.9 Gen. 4.1.4 25.33.5 Ob. After I am waxed old shall I haue pleasure my Lord beeing old also Gen. 18 12. Nay my Lord thou man of GOD doe not lye vnto thine handmaid 2 King 4 16. A. Is any thing too hard for the LORD At the time appointed saith GOD I will returne vnto thee according to the time of life and thou shalt haue a Sonne Gen. 18 14. And the Lord did vnto SARAH as he had spoken Gen. 21.1 For through faith shee received strength to conceiue seed and was delivered of
righteous Or is it gaine to him that thou makest thy wayes perfect Iob. 22 2. Looke vnto the Heavens and see and behold the clouds which are higher than thou If thou sinnest what doest thou against him Or if thy transgressions bee multiplyed what doest thou vnto him If thou bee righteous what givest thou him Or what receiveth hee of thine hand Iob 35 5. Psal 16 2. Which of you having a Servant Plowing or feeding Cattell will say vnto him by and by when he is come from the field Goe and sit downe to meate And will not rather say vnto him make ready wherewith I may sup and gird thy selfe and serue mee till I haue eaten and drunken and afterward thou shalt eate and drinke Doth hee thanke that servant because hee did these things that were commanded him I trow not So likewise yee when yee shall haue done all these things which are commanded you say Wee are vnprofitable servants wee haue done but that which is our duty to doe Luk. 17 7. Q. What was it then which moued the LORD thus liberally to deale with vs A. Because the Lord loved you and because hee would keepe the Oath which he sware vnto your fathers Deut. 7 8 9 6. Herein is loue not that wee loved GOD but that hee loved vs 1 Ioh. 4 10. And wee loue him because he loved vs first 1 Ioh. 4 19. For was not ESAV IACOBS brother saith the LORD Yet I haue loved IACOB Mâ—l 1 2. For the Children being not yet borne neither having done good or evill that the purpose of GOD according to the Election might stand not of Workes but of him that calleth it was said vnto her The elder shall serue the younger as it is written Rom. 9.11 So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Rom. 9 15. And so Mercy and Truth are met together Psal 85 10. Exod. 33 19. Ier. 31 3. Rom. 11 32. Iam. 5 15. Psâ—â— 25.11 Ob. But why doth he yet find fault For who hath resisted his will Rom. 9.19 A. Nay but O man who art thou that replyest against God Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast thou made me thus Hath not the Potter power over the clay of the same lumpe to make one vessell vnto honour and another to dishonour Rom. 9 20. Woe vnto him that â—huâ— striveth with his Maker let the Potsherd striue with the Potsherds of the earth c. Woe be vnto him that saith to his Father what begettest thou Or to the woman what hast thou brought forth Isa 45 9 And is it not then lawfull for mee to doe as I will with mine owne Math. 20 15. Ob. â—he branches were broken off that I might be graffed in Rom. 11 19. A. Well because of vnbeliefe they were broken off and thou standest by faith be not high minded but feare For if God spared not the naturall branches take heed least hee also spare not thee Behold therefore the goodnesse and severity of GOD on them that fell severity but towards thee goodnesse if thou continue in his goodnesse otherwise thou also shalt be cut off And they also if they abide not still in vnbeliefe shall be graffed in for God is able to graffe them in againe Rom. 11.20 Boast not therefore against the branches but if thou boast thou bearest not the root but the roote thee Rom. 11 18. Q. Why what is the reason of this free and vndeserved mercy of GOD A. 1 That no flesh should glory in his presence but according as it is written let him that glorieth glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1 â—9 â—1 2 That yee might learne not to thinke of men aboâ—e that which is written that none of you be puffed vp for one against another 1 Cor. 4 6. Q. What may this free mercy of God teach vs A. To say O the depth of the Riches both of the wisedome and knowledge of GOD How vnsearchable are his iudgments and his wayes past finding out For who hath knowne the mind of the LORD Or who hath beene his Counseller Or who hath first gâ—ven to him and it shall bee recompenced vnto him againe Rom 11 33. 2 To say not vnto vs O Lord not vnto vs but vnto thy Name bee given the glory Psalm 115 1. Fâ—r as for mee I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies and of all the truth which hee hath shewed vnto his Servant Gen. 32 10. For off him and through him and for him are all things to him therefore be glory for ever and ever Amen Rom. 11 36 1. Cor. 4 7. 3 I beseech you Brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living Sacrifice Holy and acceptable vnto God which is your reasonable Service Rom. 12 1. And sow to your selues in Righteousnes and reape in mercy H â— 10 12. 4 Pray saying Remember me O my GOD concerning my good deeds and spare me according to the greatnesse of thy mercy Neh. 13 14 22. Crying Grace Grace vnto it Zach. 4 7. Q. Are these blessings common vnto all degrees of men A. Will hee regard your persons saith the LORD of Hosts Mal. 1 9. Hee will blesse them that feare the LORD both small and great Psal 115 13. Neither is there respect of persons with him Eph. 6 9. For he that is called in the LORD being a Servant is the LORDS free man 1 Cor. 7 22. 1 Tim. 2 4. Q. Are not these bâ—â—ssings peculiar vnto the nation of the Iewes A. In thy seed saith GOD to ABRAHAM shall all the Nations of the earth bee blessed Gen. 26 4. Is he the GOD of the Iewes onely and not of the Gentiles also Reu. 3 29. There is no difference betwixt the Iew and the Greeke for the same Lord over all is rich vnto all that call vpon him Râ—m 10 12. Iohn 11 51. Zâ—ch 6 15 8 23. Isay 60.4.5 9.10 verses 60 22.11 10.42 6 45 23 49 6. Gen. 12 3. Acts 10 15.28.28.28.11.20.15.11.14 21.14 27. Mat. 12 21. Ioh. 10.16.12 32. Ob. But doth not PAVL say that vnto the Israelites pertaineth the promises A. True and therefore it was necessarie that the word of God should first bee spoken vnto them but they put it from them and thereby judiâ—â—â—â— themselues vnworthy thereof wee turned to the Gentiles For so hath the Lord commanded vs saying I haue made thee a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldest be foâ— Salvation vnto the ends of the earth Act â—3 46. And God which knoweth the hearts beare witnesse to the Gentiles giving them the Holy Ghost even as hee did vnto the Iewes putting no difference betweene vs and them after that by faith hee had purified their hearts Acts 15.8 That the Gentiles should be fellow Heires and of the same body and partakers of his promise in CHRIST by the Gospell Eph. 3 6. There is therefore neither Iew nor Greeke there is neither bond nor free