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
Rom. 3.23 by the Law comes the knowledge of sinne Rom. 3.20 Whereby sâ— many as are of the workes of the Law arâ— vnder the curse Gal. 3.10 Whereupon the Gentiles which followed not righteousnes haue attained to righteousnes euen the righteousnesse which is of faith But Israel which followed after the Law of righteousnes hath not attained the Law of righteousnes wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the workes of the Law For they stumbled at the stumbling stone Rom. 9.30 And if Abraham were iustified by workes he hath whereof to glorie but not before GOD Rom. 4.2 Seeing then it is one God which shall iustifie the circumcision by faith and vncircumcision through faith Rom. 3.30 Therefore wee conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the deeds of the Law Rom. 3.28 1 Cor. 4.4 Rom. 3 21 22. Gal. 2.16 3.8.4.3.2 Ob. But there rose vp certaine of the sect of the Pharises which beleeued saying That it was needfull to circumcise them and commanded to keepe the whole Law of Moses Acts 15.5 A. Men and brethren you know how that a good while agoe God made choyce among vs that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the Word of the Gospell and beleeue now therefore these men did but tempt God in putting a yoke vpon the necke of the Disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare Acts 15.7.10 Ob. Moses himselfe describeth the righteousnesse which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall liue by them A. But the righteousnesse which is 〈◊〉 faith speaketh on this wise Say noâ— thou in thine heart Who shall ascenâ— into Heauen that is to bring downe CHRIST from aboue Or who shalâ— descend downe into the deepe that is to bring CHRIST from the dead But what saith it The Word is nigh thee euen in thy mouth and in thine heart that is the Word of faith which wee preach And which with the heart wee beleeue vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.6 Q. Is the Law then against the promise A. GOD forbid For if there had beene a Law giuen which could haue giuen life verily righteousnesse should haue beene by the Law but the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise of the faith of IESVS CHRIST might bee giuen to them that beleeue Gal. 3.21 Q. If righteousnesse be not by the Law why was it exhibited The Law was added because of transgressions till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made Galathians 3.19 And it was our Schoolemaster to bring vs to Christ Gal. 3.24 Moreouer the Law entred that the offence might abound but where sinne abounded grace did much more abound that as sinne had reigned vnto death so might grace reigne through righteousnesse vnto eternall life by IESVS CHRIST our Lord Romanes 5.20 21. Ob. But if while wee seeke to bee iustified by CHRIST wee our selues are found sinners Is therefore Christ the minister of sinne Gal. 2.17 A. GOD forbid For if I builde againe the things which I destroyed I make my selfe a trespasser For I through the Law am deade to the Law that I might liue vnto GOD Gal. 2.17 You therefore are as free anâ— not vsing your liberty for a cloke of maliciousnesse but as the seruants of God 1 Pet 2.16 But if ye are lead by the spirit ye arâ— not vnder the Law Gal. 5.18 The fruitâ— whereof is loue ioy peace long-suffering gentlense goodnes faith meeknes teÌ„perance against such there is no Law Gal. 5.22 Q. You haue well satisfied me in the article of iustification tell me therefore what vse I am to make thereof A. 1 Let the wicked forsake his way and the vnrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne vnto the Lord for hee will haue mercy vpon him and to our God for hee will abundantly pardon Isai 55.7 and will blot out their sinnes when the time of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 But if they will not obey his voyce let them beware of him for hee will not pardon their transgressions Exo. 23.21 But the soule that doth presumptuously shall be cut off from among his people Numbers 15.30 31. 2. Take vnto you words and turne vnto the Lord and say vnto him Take away all iniquity and receiue vs graciousty Hosea 14.2 Pardon I beseech thee mine iniquities according to the greatnesse of thy mercies Numb 14.19 And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall no man liuing be iustified Psal 143.2 and 41.4.51.1 c. 25.11 3 Because when you haue thus praied the Lord wil say I haue pardoned according to thy words Num. 14.20 therfore hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plentifull redemptionâ— Psal 130.7 131.3 4 Say Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgresions of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for euer because he delighteth in mercy Micah 7.18 Psal 103.1 c. Isa 44.23 5 Say Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods children It is God that iustifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that is dead yea rather that is risen againe who is euen at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.33 For in the Lord shall the seed of Israel be iustified shall glory Isa 45.25 61.10 6 Account therefore all things but losse for the excellent knowledge of Christ Iesus your Lord. For whom Paul also suffered the losse of all things and did account them but dung that he might winne Christ and be found in him not hauing his owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousnesse which is of GOD through faith Phil. 3.8.9 and 3.3 c. 7 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free and be not intangled againe in the yoke of bondage Gal. 5.1 8 What shall wee say then shall wee continue still in sinne that grace may abound God forbid Rom. 6.1 2. And shall wee sinne because we are not vnder the Law but vnder grace God forbid For brethren you haue beene called vnto liberty onely vse not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh Gal. 5.13 Romanes 7.5 6 2 Cor. 5.14 15. 1 Peter 4.1 c. Rom. 7.1 c. 8.12 9 Be ye kind one to another tender hearted forgiuing one another euen as God for Christs sake hath forgiuen you Eph. 4.32 For if you forgiue men their trespasses your heauenly Father will also forgiue â—ou But if you doe not forgiue men their trespasses no more will your heauenly Father forgiue you your trespasses Math. 6.14.15 Col. 3.13 Mat. 18.22 Math. 18.33 CHAP. VI. Reconciliation Q. YOu hauing thus dispatched the promise of iustification tell me what grace is that which doth next and immediately flow from it A. Beeing iustified by faith wee haue peace towards God through our Lord Iesus Christ
iudgement Eccles 11.9 2. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolued what manner of persons oughâ— yee to be in all holy conuersation and godlâ—nes Looking for and hasting vnto the comming of the day of the Lord. And seeinâ— yee looke for such things be diligent thâ— ye may be found of him in peace withoâ—â— spot and blamelesse 2. Pet. 3.11 12 14. And seeing the day of the LORD shall come as a Thiefe in the night 1. Thes 5.2 Blessed are those Seruants whom the Lord when he commeth shall firâ— watching Luk. 12.37 Watch ye therefore and pray alwayes that yee may bee counted worthy to escape all things whicâ— shall come to passe and to stand before thâ— Son of man Luk. 21.36 1. Thes 5.4 Reu. 3 11.16.15 Mar. 25.19 2. Thes 13.5 3 Therefore iudge nothing before the time vntill the Lord come who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkenesse and will make manifest the Councels of the hearts and then shall euery man haue praise with God 1. Cor. 4.5 And say not I will recompense evill but wait on the Lord he shall saue thee Pro. 20.22 Mat. 7.1 Eccl. 3.17 Rom. 12.19 CHAP. XVII Of Eternall Life Q. YOu haue said that after the day of Iudgment GOD will giue Eternall life vnto his children But is â—here any certaintie thereof A. This is the promise that he hath â—romised vnto vs euen Eternall life and â—his life is in his Sonne Ioh. 1.2.25.1.5.11 Vnto whom he hath giuen power ouer all flesh that he should giue Eternall life to as many as GOD his Father hath given him Ioh. 17.2 That whosoeuer liueth and beleeueth in him should neuer die Iob. 11.26 For this corruptible shall put on incorruption and this mortall shall put on immortalitie 1. Cor. 15.53 That as sinne had â—aigned vnto death euen so might Grace â—aigne through Righteousnesse vnto Eâ—ernall Life by IESVS CHRIST our Lord. Rom. 5.21 Ioh. 6.40.47 â— 14.15 Rom. 6.9.6.23 Heb. 9.12 â— 24 Reu. 20.6 Mark 16.19 Psal 133 â— Gen. 5.24 2. King 2.11 Pro. 14 2â— 15.24 Q. Whereunto shall wee bee thâ— like A. Wee shall then be as the Angels GOD. Mat. 22.30 And be made coâ—formable to the Image of his Sonne Roâ— 8.29 When he shall first haue change our vile bodies and made them like vnâ— his glorious body Phil. 3.21 For as the earthly such are they that are earthly and as is the heauenly such are they thâ— are heauenly And as wee haue borne tâ— image of the earthly we shall also beare the image of the heauenly 1. Cor. 15 48. Hauing bodies shining as the brighâ—nesse of the Firmament and as the starreâ— Dan. 12.3 Yea as the Sunne for evâ—â— and ever Matth. 13.43 Exod. 3â— 30.35 Q What manner of dwelling shaâ— we then haue A. Full glorious things are spoken of this Citie of GOD. Psal 87.3 For it is such a City as Abraham looked for whose builder and maker is GOD. Heb. 11.10 The same is a great Citie hauing the glory of GOD whose light is like vnto a stone most precious euen like a Iasper stone cleere as Christall It hath a wall great and high with twelue Gates and at the Gates twelue Angels And the wall of the Citie hath twelue foundations and the Citie lyeth foure square and the length is as large as the breadth twelue thousand furlongs and the length and the bredth and the height of it are equall And the building of the wall it is Iasper and the Citie pure gold like vnto cleere glasse and the foundations of the wall of the Citie are garnished with all manner of precious stones Reuel 21.10 c. Q. What good company shall wee there haue A. 1 All the faithfull for wee shall sit downe with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the Kingdome of Heauen Maht 8.11 Luk. 13.28 2 CHRIST with whom wee shâ— appeare in glory Col. 3.4 and shâ— for euer be with the Lord 1. Thes 4 17â— who dyed for vs that whether we awake or sleepe we should liue together with him 1. Thes 5.10 And therefore hee gone to prepare a place for vs who wâ— come againe and receiue vs vnto himself to the end that where he is there we mâ— be also Iob. 14.3 to behold his glorâ— Ioh. 17.24.12.26 3 GOD himselfe for I heard great voyce from Heauen saying beholâ— the Tabernacle of GOD is with man anâ— he will dwell with them Reuel 21.3 â— Who shall be as Moses vnto whom thâ— Lord spake face to face as a man speaketâ— to his friend Exod. 33.11 Matth 5.8 Q. But is this house large enough to hold so much company A. In my Fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would haue tolâ— you I goe to prepare a place for you Ioh 14.2 Q. Shall we then and there be subiect to any more miserie A. The voyce of weeping shall be heard no more there nor the voyce of crying Isa 65 19. For God shall wipe all teares from your eyes Reu. 21.4 You shall hunger no more nor thirst any more neither shall the sonne light on you nor any heate Reuel 7.16 For there is the tree of life the leaues whereof are for the healing of the nations and there shall be no more curse Reu. 22.2 Isa 54 4. Reuel 7.17 14.13 Heb. 4 6. Q. Shall we then haue the benefit of all our earthly comforts and delights we now inioy A. In the resurrection they neither marrie nor are giuen in marriage Math. 22.30 Moreouer there is no temple there Reu. 21.22 they need no candle neither light of the Sunne Reuel 22.25 The Sunne shall be no more a light by day neither for brightnesse shall the Moone giue light vnto them Isa 60.19 Q. What then shall our prouisioâ— bee A. Since the beginning of the world men haue not heard nor perceiued by thâ— eare neither hath the eye seene what GOD hath prepared for them that waiteth foâ— him Isa 64.4 For the Lord GOD Almighty and the Lambe are the Templâ— in it Râ—u 21.22 Who also shall giuâ— them light Râ—u 22.5 and shall bee their glory Isa 60.19 And theâ— shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatnesse of his house and shall bee made tâ— drinke of the Riuers of his pleasures Psal 36.8 For in his presence is fulnesse of ioy and at his right hand there are pleasures for euermore Psal 16.11.17.15 Reuel 22.1.2 1. Cor. 2.9.2.12.2 Ob. This were a large Patrimony if there were any assurance to bee has thereof A. He which stablisheth vs with you in CHRIST and hath anointed vs iâ— GOD who hath also sealed vs and giuen vs the earnest of the spirit in our hearts 2. Cor. 1.21 Wherein GOD willing more aboundantly to shew vnto the heires of Promise the immutability of his Counsell confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things in which it was not possible that GOD should lye we might haue strong consolatâ—on who haue fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set
thou shalt be called the City of righteousnesse the faithfull Citie Isa 1 26. Psal 72 3. Isa 26 9. Mal. 3 3. Prou. 20 7. Eccles 7 15. As for me my righteousnesse I hold fast and will not let it goe my heart shall â—ot reproach me so long as I liue Iob 27.6 For behold heere I am witnesse against mee before the Lord and before his anoynted whose Oxe haue I taken Or whose Asse haue I taken Or whom haue I defrauded Whom haue I oppressed Or of whose hands haue I received a bribe to blinde mine eyes therewith And I will restore it you 1. Sam. 12 3. Receiue vs wee haue wronged no man wee haue corrupted no man wee haue defrauded no man 2. Cor. 7 2. The Lord is witnesse and his annointed is witnesse this day that you haue not found ought in our hands 1. Sam. 12 4 We haue not taken one Asse from you neither haue wee hurt one of you Numb 16 15. 1 Sam. 25 14 15 1 29 6. 2 King 12 15 2 22 5 2 145. 1 Sam. 29 8. Iob 29.14 Isa 51.1 7. Gen. 6 9. Deut. 33 21. Prov. 8 15. Q. But is the practise of Iustice a guift of GOD common vnto all A. The wicked borroweth and payeth not againe Psal 37 21. They know not to doe right saith the Lord who store vp robberie and violence in their Pallaces Amos 3.10 There is no equitie in their goings they haue made them crooked pathes Isa 59.8 They will sell the Righteous for silver and the Poore for a paire of shooes they pant after the dust of the Earth on the head of the poore and turne aside the way of the meeke Amos. 2.6 Among them Iudgement is turned backward and Iustice standeth farre off for Truth is fallen in the street and Equitie cannot enter yea truth faileth and he that departeth from evill maketh himselfe a prey Isa 59.14 Micha 2.1 2. Hos 12.7 Q. What is the danger which such wicked oppressors do bring vpon themselues A. He that doth wrong shall receiue for the wrong that he hath done Col. 3 25 For I will come neere to them in Iudgement and I will bee a swift witnesse against those that oppresse the hirelings Mal. 3 5. For as much as their treading is vpon the poore and they take from them burdens of Wheate they haue built houses of hewen stone but they shall not dwell in them they haue planted pleasant vineyards but they shall not drinke the wine of them The prudent shall keepe silence in that time for it is an evill time Amos 5 11 3 15 5 4 7. Hab. 2 6 10 11. Pro. 20 10. Iam. 5.1 Mich. 6 12. Deut. 27 17 25. Mich. 2 3 8 9 10 Zac. 5 1 c. Q. But I haue obserued none to prosper more than these men A. Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnesse than he that is perverse in his way though he be rich Pro. 28 6 A little that the righteous man hath is better then the riches of many wicked Psal 37 16. For an inheritance may be hastily gotten at the beginning but the end thereof shall not bee blessed Prou 20 21. Bread of deceit may bee sweet to a man but afterward his mouth shall be filled with grauell Prou. 20 17 For as the Partridge sitteth on egges and hatcheth them not so he that getteth riches and not by right shall leaue them in the midst of his dayes and at his end hee shall be a foole Ier. 17 11. Eccl. 5 13. Prou. 12 27 13 11 10 2 20 17 16 8 21 7. Iob. 20 28. Q. What may these things teach vs A. Therefore with-hold not good from them to wbom it is due when it is in the power of thy hand to doe it Prou. 3 27 Remoue not the old Land-marke and enter not into the Feilds of the Fatherlesse Pro. 23 10. Doe no vnrighteousnesse in iudgement in met-yard in weight or in measure Iust ballances iust weights a iust Ephah and a iust hin shall you haue Leuit. 19 35. Trust not in oppression become not vaine in Robbery Psal 62 10. And let no man goe beyond and defraud his brother in any matter because the Lord is the avenger of all such as we also haue forewarned you and testified 1. Thes 4 6. Content Ob. Alas I haue coveted greedily all the day long Prou. 21 6. and therefore am vpon euery occasion tempted to Injustice Eccles 4 7 6 1 2. Hab. 2 5. A. Why so For I haue coveted no mans siluer or gold or apparell Act. 20 33. Yea I haue learned in whatsoever estate I am in therewith to be content I know both how to be abased I know how to abound every where and in all things I am instructed both to bee full and to bee hungry both to abound and to suffer need I can doe all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me Phil. 4 11. Iob 1 21. 2. Sam. 19 33 c. Q. What are these examples to me A. Therefore take heed and beware of covetousnesse for a mans life consisteth not in the aboundance of the things which hee possesseth Luk. 12 15. But yet every one that is greedie of gaine taketh away the life of the honours thereof Prou. 1 19 Moreouer he that loueth siluer shall not be satisfied with silver nor he that loveth aboundance with increase Eccl. 5 10 Onely Godlinesse with contentment is great gaine For we brought nothing with vs into this world and it is certaine that we shall carry nothing out And therefore hauing food raiment let vs therwith be content 1. Tim. 6 6 Which that you may be 1 Drinke of the water which I shall giue you of which whosoeuer drinketh shall never be more a thirst but the water that J shall giue him shall be in him a well of water springing into everlasting life Ioh. 4.13 2 And withall pray saying Incline my heart vnto thy testimonies and not to covetousnesse Turne away mine eyes from beholding vanitie and quicken thou mee in thy way Psal 119.36 Eccles 6.12 Hab. 2 13 Prou. 23 4. CHAP. XXIIII Of Sinceritie and Perseverance Q. THese were excellent Graces if they were accompanied with Sincerity A. True for GOD himselfe desireth truth in the inward parts and therefore in the hidden part he shall make thee to know wisedome Psal 51 6. For he shall put his law in thy minde and write it in thine heart Ier. 31.33 Whereby thou shalt stand with thy loynes girt about with truth Eph. 6 14. And be as the Kings Daughter all glorious within Psal 45 13 And as the Elder to the elect Ladie whom he loved in the truth for the truths sake which dwelleth in vs and shall be with vs for ever Ioh. 2 Epist 1.2 So that in the vprightnesse of thine heart thou shalt willingly offer vnto the Lord an offering in Righteousnesse 1. Chro. 29.17 For thus Enoch walked with God Gen. 5 22. Behold also Nathaniel an Israelite indeed in whom was no guile
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
Heb. 6 1. Q It neyther the frequent vse of tongues nor humane eloquence nor deepe and profound teaching bee of esteeme with you I pray tell me wherein you Ministers are in your teaching most praise worthâ— A. Doe we begin againe to commend our selues or need we as some others Epistles of commendations to you or letters of commendations from you Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts knowne and read of all men For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by vs written not with Inke but with the spirit of the living God not in tables of stone but in the fleshy tables of the heart And such trust haue wee through Christ to Godward not that we are sufficient of our selues but our sufficiencie is of God who hath also made vs able Ministers of the new Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life 2 Cor. 3 1. And are not you my worke in the LORD If I be not an Apostle vnto others yet doubtlesse I am to you for the Seale of my Apostleship are yee in the LORD 1 Corinth 9 1 2. Q But why should GOD vse the Ministrie of men and not of Angels A. Wee haue this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of GOD and not of vs 2 Cor. 4 7. 2 Every high Priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both guifts and sacrifices for sins who can haue compassion on the ignorant and of them that are out of the way for that hee himselfe also is compassed with infirmity Heb. 5 1 2. Ob. The case so being Christ Iesus himselfe being both God and Man had beene a Minister without all exception A. I tell you the truth it was expedient for you that hee goe away for if hee had not gone away the Comforter would not come vnto you but in that hee departed he hath sent him vnto you c. Who beeing come hee doth guide you into all truth c. Ioh. 16 7 13. Let men therefore teach to obserue all things whatsoever hee commandeth you and loe hee is with you even vnto the end of the World Mathew 28 20. CHAP. XXXIIII Of the Sacraments Ob. IF the Ministrie of the Word be no lesse efficatious then as you haue said it is what further need is there of the Sacraments A. Circumcision verily profiteth Rom. 2 25. For Abraham received the signe of Circumcision a Seale of the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 Act 7 8. In whom you also are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of CHRIST Col. 2 11. Deut 10 16. Q What promise hath GOD made to Bâ—ptisme A. Thaâ— he will baptize thee with the Holy Ghost and with fire Math. 3 11. For by one spirit we are all baptized into one body whether wee be Iewes or Gentiles whether we be bond or free 1 Cor. 12 13. Whereby Baptisme doth now saue vs not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the Resurrection of IESVS CHRIST 1 Pet. 3 21. Acts 16 14. Luk. 7 29 30. Q. Vnto whom doth this belong A. 1 To the Ministers that they teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Math 28 19. 2 To the people to doe as the publicans who iustified GOD being baptized with the baptisme of Iohn And not to â—o as the Pharisies and Lawyers who reiected the counsell of God against themselues being not baptized of him Luk 7 29.30 Gen. 17 14. Q. See thâ—n here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized Acts 8 36. A 1 If thou beleevest with all thine heart thou mayest Act 8 37 For can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized who haue received the Holy Ghost as well as we Actâ— 10.47 2 You must amend your liues Act. 2 38. And circumcise the fore-skin of your heart Deut. 10.16 And then be baptized every one of you in the name of IESVS CHRIST Acts 2 38. Ob. If Faith and Repentance bee necessary vnto Baptisme seeing Infants cannot actually beleeue nor repent are they therefore to bee excluded from this Sacrament A. Suffer little Children to come vnto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Math. 19.14 And if the root be holy so are the branches Rom. 11 16. For the promise was made to Abraham and his seed Gal. 3 16. Gen. 17 2 7 17 12 21 4. Acts 2 39. Q Doth the efficacie of Baptisme depend on the worthinesse of the Minister A. No but on whom thou shalt see the Spirit descend and remaine on him the same is he that doth Baptize with the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1 33 Iohn in deed baptized with Water but yee shall bee baptized with the Holy Ghost Math. 3 11. Q. What need then is there of the Supper of the Lord A. The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ The Bread which we breake is it not the Communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread 1 Cor. 10 16. Therefore saith Christ take eate this is my body and of the Cup drinke yee all of it for this is my bloud of the new Testament which is shed for many for the Remission of sinnes Math. 26.26 This doe as often as yee doe it in remembrance of me For as often as yee eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup yee doe shew the Lords Death till hee come 1 Corinth 11 25 11 23. Q. May any prophane person bee admitted vnto the Supper of the Lord A. No for if any shall eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup of the Lord vnworthily he shall be guiltie of the body and Bloud of the LORD and he eateth and drinketh Iudgement to himselfe not discerning the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Moreover they cannot drinke the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Divels they cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the Table of Divels 1 Cor. 10 21. For thus saith the LORD GOD no stranger vncircumcised in heart nor vncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary that is among the Children of Israel Exek 44 9. Ezod 12 48. Leuit. 2 13. Q. What is then to bee done before our comming vnto this Sacrament A. Let a man examine himselfe and so let him eat of that bread and drinke of that cup 1 Cor. 11 28 Also if a stranger shall soiourne among you and will keep this Supper vnto the Lord according to the ordinance and according to the manner thereof so shall he doe Numb 9 14. Who if he doe also iudge himselfe he shall not be iudged 1
any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4 1. For hee that commeth to GOD must beleeue that GOD is and that hee is a rewarder of them that diligently seeke him Heb. 11 6. Here mee therefore O IVDAH and yee inhabitants of Ierusalem beleeue in the Lord your GOD so shall yee be established beleeue his Prophets so shall yee prosper 2 Chron. 20 20. For these things are written that yee might beleeue that IESVS is CHRIST the Son of GOD and in believing yee might haue life through him Ioâ— 20 3â— Now the GOD of hope fill you with all ioy and peace in believing that yee may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost Rom. 15 13. 2 Having therefore these Promises dearely beloved let vs cleanse our selues from all filthinesse of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2 Corinth 7.1 And bee not conformed to this World but bee yee transformed by the renewing of your mind that yee may prooue what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of GOD Rom. 12 2. And he that will loue Life and see good dayes let him refraine his tongue from evill and his lippes that they speake no guile Let him eschew evill and doe good let him seeke peace and pursue it 1 Pet. 3 10. For this is a faithfull saying and these things I will that thou affirme constantly that they which haue beleeved in GOD might bee carefull to maintaine good Workes for these things are good and profitable vnto Men Titus 3 8. Obserue therefore and heare all these things which I command thee that it may be well with thee and with thy Children after thee for ever when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy GOD Deut. 12 28.6 17 18 4 39 40. 10 12 13. Iosh 3 5. Therefore giue diligence to adde to your Faith vertue and to Vertue knowledge and to Knowledge temperance and to Temperance patience and to Patience godlinesse and to Godlâ—nesse brotherly kindnesse and to Brotherly kindnesse Charitie 2. Pet. 1 5. And let vs heare the conclusion of the whole matter feare GOD and keepe his Commandements for this is the whole duty of Man Eccles 12 1â— Which if yee doe yee shall never fall 2 Pet 1.10 Now if it seeme evill vnto you to serue the Lord choose you this day whom yee will serue c. But as for me and my house wee will serue the LORD Iâ—sh 24 1â— For all people every one wâ—ll walke in the name of his GOD and wee will walke in the name of the Lord our GOD for ever and ever Mâ—cha 4 5. O house of IACOB come yee also and walke in the light of the Lord Isa 2 5. Provoking one another vnto Loue and good Workes Heb. 10 24 And exhorting one another daily while it is called to day Heb. 3 13. CHAP. LI. Of the Wicked and of their Reward Q MAy it bee expected that all should be mooued by these promises vnto the exercise of faith and new obedience A. Nothing lesse for there are some who walke after their owne vngodly Lusts these be they who seperate themselues sensuall having not the Spirit Iud. 18. Of whom I haue told you often and now tell you even weeping that they are Enemies to the Crosse of CHRIST Phil. 3 18. For as they that are after the spirit doe mind the things of the Spirit so these being after the flesh the things of the flesh Because their carnall mind is enmitie against GOD for it is not subiect to the Law of GOD neither indeed can be Rom. 8 5.7 But are wicked and sinners before the Lord Gen. 13 13. Rebelling against the Commandement of the LORD their GOD not beleeving nor hearkening to his voice Deut. 9 23. They are corrupt and haue done abhominable works Psal 14 1. I haue called them transgressours from the wombe Isa 48.8 A perverse and crooked generation Deut. 32 5.20 Their vine is of the vine of Sodome and of the fields of Gomorah their grapes are the grapes of gall their clusters are bitter their wine is the poyson of Dragons the cruell venome of Aspes Deut. 32 32. Behold their sinne is come before mee Iona. 1 2. And I am pressed vnder them as a Cart is pressed that is full of sheaues Amos 2 13. And their sinnes are written with a pen of Iron and with the point of a Diamond and it is graven vpon the tables of their hearts and vpon the hornes of their Altars Ier. 17 1. They haue a whorish fore-head they will not be ashamed Ier. 3 3. But are obstinate and their necke is an iron sinew and their brow brasse Isa 48 4. For they haue sold themselues to worke wickednesse in the sight of the LORD 1 King 21 20. GOD is not in all theyr thoughts Psal 10.4 And though I earnestly protested vnto their Fathers rising early and protesting saying Obey my voice yet they obeyed not nor enclined their eare but walked every one in the imagination of their owne evill heart Ier. 11 7. Ezek. 16.49 Ier. 44.9 16 11. Gen. 38.7 Exod. 5 2.14.11.15.24.16 3 17.2.32.7 Iudg. 2.11 Psal 53.2.78.10 Prou. 21.10 Hos 10 4. Q. Is there no reward for such men as these from God A. Is not destruction to the wicked and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquitie Iob. 31 3. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the foole and rewardeth the transgressours Prou. 26 10. According to his wayes and according to his doings will hee recompence him Hos 12 2. The transgressours shall bee destroyed together and the end of the wicked shall be cut off Psalm 37.38 GOD shall raine snares fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest this shall bee the portion of their Cup Psal 11 6. And the heritage appointed vnto them by God Iob. 20 â—9 For is not this laid vp in store with mee and sealed vp among my treasures saith the Lord Deu. 32 34. Even as I haue seene they that plow iniquity and sow wickednesse reape the same Iob. 4.8 Trouble and anguish shall make them afraid they shall prevaile against them as a King ready to the battell Iob. 15.24 And I will feed them with wormewood and giue them water of gall to drinke Ier. 9.15 Yea I will bring such evill vpon them that whosoever heareth of it both his eares shall tingle 2 King 21 11. And if they will not for all this hearken vnto me then I will punish them seven times more for their sinnes Leu. 26 18. And if they walke contrary vnto mee and will not hearken vnto me I will bring seven times more plagues vpon them according to their sinnes c. And if they will not be reformed by these things but will walke contrary to me then will I also walke â—â—ntrary to them and will yet punish them â—ven times more for their sinnes Leu. â—6 21. Terrours shall take hold of them 〈◊〉 waters a