with k Psal 116. 1. Psal 28. 6 7. zeale ioy loue Expos 25. The hearing of our holy prayers is a pledge of Gods loue and a sweete and comfortable testimonie of of his mercy Psal 31. 21. 22. prouoking the heart cheerefully to praise Psa 30. 8. 10 11 12. 36. When God answeareth our praiers the light of his countenance shineth vpon vs and this reuiueth the dull spirits Psal 116. 6 7. 9. 2. Sam. 2. 27. 37. Experience of good receiued from God and begged in prayer doth quicken vs thereunto Psal 68. 6 7. and 116. 1 2. 38. God is vnchangeable so that former mercies giuen doe assure vs of future blessings Psal 61. 5 6. 39. Though our hearts are cold by nature yet the sight of Gods loue doth mooue vs effectually to loue the Lord againe Psal 145. 18 19 20. 21. Q. What must we doe if God answere vs not the first or second time A. Examine 40 how we l Iam. 4. 3. pray and m Luk. 18. 1. continue 41 feruent therein waiting n Hab. 2. 3. Psal 5. 3. vpon the Lord vntill we speed Expos 40. Sometimes we aske and receiue not because we aske amisse ignorantly rashly coldly with wearines distrustfully and without loue Iob. 27. 9. Pro. 21. 13. asking either things not good Matth. 20. 21. 22. Luk. 9. 54 55. or not fit for them for whom we pray or to a wrong end But here obserue that they doe pray well that doe take notice of their wants in prayer Psal 31. 22. and sometimes the child of God prayeth best when he knoweth not that he praieth at all Rom. 8. 28. Also God sometimes giueth vs what we pray for when we pray but coldly Ma◠9. 22. 24 25. that he might encourage vs to pray and denies vs sometimes when we pray feruently that we might not trust to our prayers Psa 22. 2. 41. God for a time may denie what we aske Psal 6. 3. and 13. 1. that he may exercise our humilitie in regard of our wants Lam. 3. 44. Iud. 10. 13. 14. our faith and patience in waiting Matth. 15. 22 23 24. 26 27 28. and trie our obedience whither we will in consciēce obey though we want the comfort promised Psal 44. 17 18 19. 26. Moreouer he deferreth to helpe for a season to quicken vs to prayer make vs knowe our selues carefully preserue his graces when once we haue them and doe vs good in the latter ende Iud. 20. 26. we should not then be faint hearted but hold out vnto the ende being supported with faith hope and loue Psal 40. 1. and 37. 7. Q. Who ought to pray A. Though God require o Matth. 7. 7 8. Psal 14. 2. it of all men vpon earth yet it more specially belongeth to the members of p Ioh. 16. 23. 26. the Church militant Q. Who can or may pray with hope to speede A. Onely they q Psal 66. 18. that 42 depart from iniquity Expos 42. Such onely as feele the burden of sinne and haue a desire to be eased are called to come vnto Christ and haue a promise to find good successe Es 55. ◠Matth. 11. 28. Others doe but mocke God Psal 78. 34. 35 36. neither can they pray with the graces required as faith reuerence feruencie loue c. so long as they loue wickednes Zach. 12. 10. 2. Tim. 2. 19. Prayer is not a worke of nature but of the spirit of sanctification Rom. 8. 15. 28. Gal. 4. 4 5. and he cannot fulfil the lusts of the flesh that hath the spirit of grace dwelling in him Gal. 5. 16. so that the prayers of the wicked are an abhomination to the Lord Pro. 15. 8. Io. 9. 31. Esa 58. 7 8 9. Ezek. 17. 18. Our deparing of sinne is at the first very rude and imperfect Io. 21. 15. 1. Pet. 2. 1. we must pray daily to be renued Col. 1. 9. Phi. 1. 9. 10. 11. 1. Thes 3. 23. Q. For whom must we pray A. For 43 all r 1. Tim. 2. 1. sorts of men now liuing or that shall liue ſ Io. 17. 20. hereafter but 44 not for the t Luk. 16. 24 25. dead Expos 43. The commaundement of God Iam. 5. 16. Eph. 6. 18. Col. 4. 3. Rom. 15. 30. our loue to our brother who is of our flesh and may appertaine to the kingdome of grace Rom. 10. 1. 1. Io. 5. 16. doth require that we pray for al sorts of men liuing both priuate Iam. 5. 14. 1. Sam. 12. 25. publique persons 1. King 1. 36 37. Esr 6. 10. friend Iob. 42. 8. 10. and foe Psal 35. 13. neere in blood Numb 12. 13. Gen. 25. 21. and 17. 18. and 27 28. and 28. 3. 1. Chro. 29. 19. and stranger Col. 1. 9. weake or strong Christians 1. Thes 5. 14. Col. 4. 12. 2. Cor. 1. 11. Heb. 13. 18 19. such as stand 2. Thess 3. 5. or bee gone astray Cant. 8. 8. Ex. 32. 31 32. Rom. 10. 1. All neede the prayers one of another Iam. ◠16. Satan seekes to molest and trouble all men Luk. 22. 31. Iob. 1. 9 10. Eph. 6. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 8. the fall of any man is a dishonour to God Rom. 2. 23 24. a sinners conuersion brings glory to his name Apo. 16. 9. Mal. 2. 1 2. the prayer of the weakest Christian is auaileable with God Psal 65. 2. and 145. 18. Psal 102. 17. at least it shall returne into his owne bosome Psal 35. 13. Ezek. 14. 14. it is a speciall act of loue Matth. 5. 44. a means to reconcile our enemies vnto vs Rom. 12. 20. or to preuent danger or hurt that otherwise we might receiue from him Psal 109. 4. 44. Prayers cannot auaile the dead Reu. 14. 13. 1. Pet. 3. 19. Heb. 9. 27. neither can a prayer for them be a worke of faith for commandement to doe it promise of good to come by it or approoued example to warrant it in Scripture there is not any Superstition did first hatch these praiers and superstition now is the foundation of them Loue is the pretence which the ignorant sort make to defend them but indeede they are vaine ignorant rash and vncharitable Q. May men content themselues to pray in priuate onely or onely in publike A. No but 4◠they must u Act. 2. 42. vse both publique and w Luk. 11. 1. priuate 46 prayer Expos 45. Publique prayer is that which is vsed in the publique meetings and assemblies of Gods feruants This is a principall part of Gods worship Act. 3. 1. acceptable vnto his maiesty because we acknowledge him openly to be the giuer of euery good gift and speake of his free fauours to the praise of his grace Psal 22. 25. and 40. 10. euer vsed in the house of God Mat. 21. 13. sanctifying euery other dutie 1. Tim. 4. 5. commaunded by Christ who hath promised his presence in a speciall manner in the congregation Psal 27. 4. Matth. 18. 20. Also hereby wee
gospel faith liuely hope and the word of God Eph. 6. 14 15 16 17 18. These are kept on by earnest prayer watchfulnes and holy meditation Q. What priuiledges doth God afford vnto his children in this life who labour according to his will to grow in grace A. 1 They may be q 1. Ioh. 3. 13. Io. 1. 12. assured 2 of his fauour and fatherly 3 care r 1. Tim. 4. 10. Mat. 10. 30. ouer them the direction Å¿ Psa 143. 10. of his spirit their t Col. 1. 9 10. growth in 4 grace and u Phi. 1. 6. perseuerance to the ende Expos 1. It is first of all to be obserued that none of these priuiledges can be enioyed without great strife and labour 1. Cor. 16. 13. 2. Not onely some vncertain hope or dimme sight of Gods fauour but assurance therof may in this life be obtained Iob. 19. 25. 2. Cor. 5. 1. 2. Tim. 4. 8. and 1. 12. for the Scripture exhortes vs to make our calling and election sure 2. Pet. 1. 10. layeth many sufficient grounds of assurance 1. Ioh. 4. 13. and 3. 14. Phil. 1. 6. and proposeth diuers examples of them who haue attained thereunto Rom. 8. 34. 38 39. Luk. 2. 29. Heb. 11. 9 10. This is a rare and precious priuiledge because it may constantly bee inioyed with an increase thereof Hos 13. 14. Malac. 3. 6. 1. Thes 4. 1. 10. is alwayes accompanied with ioy vnspeakeable and sweete contentment Cant. 1. 1. Psa 4. 6 7. Ioh. 8. 56. 1. Pet. 1. 8. and the longer it is possessed the sweeter it is daintie meates may become loathsome but we cannot surfet of Gods fauour Psa 17. 15. 3. God would haue his children know that in euery state he wil saue and vphold them Ps 9. 10. and 32. 6 7. euen when his wrath doth burne against his enemies Esa 33. 4 5 6. and 27. 7 8. hee will teach them the good way which they ought to followe Ps 25. 12. 14. Pro. 3. 32. giue his angels charge ouer them carie them in his bosome Ps 91. 11. 12. c. The amiable sweet and comfortable titles that Christ giueth to his spouse calling her my loue my doue my sister my spouse my vndefiled doth shew what great regard he hath of euery Christian Can. 1. 8 9. and 2 14. 4. The seruants of Christ are exhorted and commaunded to grow in grace and godlinesse 1. Thess 4. 1. 10. Col. 1. 10. there are patternes of holy men left vnto vs in Scriptures that haue growne rich in wisedome and holinesse Reuel â— 19. what God commaundeth in the Gospel that Christians should beleeue he wil inable them to doe Ioh. 6. 63. 1. Ioh. 5. 3. what ordinarie grace any of the faithfull did obtaine the same may all the faithfull looke for Zach 12. 10. Eph. 4. 4. 2. Pet. 1. 1. if it be for their good Rom. 8. 28. for they are all vnder the same couenant haue the same redeemer and sanctifier haue the same promises made vnto them 2. Cor. 6. 18. 1. Tim. 2. 5. 6. Ephes 4. 30. 2. 12. Q. What other priuiledges doth God afford vnto them A. They are 5 kept w Psal 32. 10. Act. 16. 25. from comforted in and deliuered out x Prou. 11. 8. of many troubles taught to y Lam. 3. 27. Phil. 4. 12. vse all estates aright 6 preserued z Luk. 1. 6. from 7 soule offences enabled 8 to a Psal 37. 23 24. rise againe if they b Eph. 2. 10. fall instructed to 9 liue godly and haue c Luk. 8. 15. possession 10 of the word Expos 5. The godly shunne the sinnes which others followe with greedinesse Gen. 39. 9. and 42. 18. Neh. 5. 15. Iob 31. 1. order their affaires with godly wisedome Act. 23. 6. and 22. 26. and 18. 11. with 19. 37. and foresee the euill to come and hide themselues Prou. 22. 3. and 26. 12. therfore they are preserued from many troubles that others fall into and yet for want of care and watchfulnesse they often drawe no small greife vpon their heads from which they might be free if they would carefully subdue their passions and looke vnto their waies Can. 5. 2 3 4 5 6. 2. Sam. 11. 2. 3. Psa 51. 8. 6. In prosperitie the godly are taught to edifie themselues Act. 9. 31. to walke in meekenesse lowlinesse feare and comfort of the Lord doing good Iob 14. 15. â—1 24. in aduersitie to be humble patient pray 1. Pet. 5. 6. Iob 1. 21. Psal 39. 9. and 30. 7 8. growe out of loue with this world 2. Cor. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. prize the Lords fauour Psal 73. 26. 28. cleaue close vnto God examine their hearts and reforme their wayes Lam. 3. 40. Zeph. 2. 1. Es 27. 9. In their callings to take triall of their wisedome faith sinceritie loue of righteousnesse and patience and so to goe about the same mith hearts affecting the things that be aboue Psa 112. 5. Gen. 31. 38 39 40. Gal. 5. 22. Gen. 17. 1 2. Zach. 8. 16. Luk. 21. 19. 7. If the godly be ouertaken with some reproachfull euil Gen. 9. 21. and 19. 33. it is not ordinarie Rom. 8. 1. 2. Cor. 5. 7. but for a time Ps 37. 34. when they haue cast off their armour and neglect their watch 2. Sam. 11. 1. 2. Mat. 26. 40. 41. the Lord suffring them to fall to let them see their weakenes correct their carelesnes cure in them pride of heart and contempt of others and ordering their slips for the glorie of his great name the comfort of the weake and the good of the partie fallen after that by repentance he is risen againe 8. The righteous may fall but the Lord will not suffer them to perish Ioh. 10. 28. Christ hath praied for them Ioh. 17. 20. Luk. 22. 32. the immortall seede abideth in them 1. Ioh. 3. 9. the spirit of God doth quicken them Rom. 8. 2. 11. so that afterward they take heart and courage againe to sight against sinne and Sathan therefore they can neuer be vtterly vanquished though for a time they be throwne downe 2. Cor. 4. 8. 9. 9. If the faithfull seeke vnto the Lord he wil teach them with delight and comfort to liue godly in all places and callings Prou. 2. 3. 4. 9. Esa 30. 21. but yet they shal finde the flesh rebelling against the Spirit Gal. 5. 17. Psal 42. 5. 11. that they might not trust to themselues but in the Lord Prou. 3. 5 6. no longer liue then finde need to pray Lord strengthen me 1. Thess 5. 17. be thankfull to God for the mercies they haue receiued Psal 54. 6 7. not triumph before the victorie nor walke in securitie as though they had no enemie 1. Pet. 5. 8 9. and that by how much the fight is more painfull sharp difficult by so much the victory should be the more delightfull sweet glorious Rom. 16. 20. Reu. 12. 10.
was needfull for and behoouefull to the saluation of the Israelits Deut. 4. 2. and 12. 32. Psa 1. 2. Mal. 4. 4. Hos 8. 12. Luk. 10. 26. 3. Our Sauiour made knowne vnto his disciples the last and full wil of his heauenly Father Io. 14. 26. and. 15. 15. and 16. 13. and 1. 18. and what they receiued of him they faithfully preached vnto the world Act. 20. 27. 1. Cor. 15. 1. 2. 3. Gal. 1. 8. 1. Io. 1. 3. and the summe of what they preached is committed to writing Act. 1. 1. 2. Io. 20. 31. 1. Io. 5. 13. with Act. 8. 5. 1. 1. Cor. 2. 2. Rom. 10. 8. 9. 10. 4. There is nothing necessary to be knowne of Christians ouer and aboue that which is found in the old Testament which is not plainely clearely and fully set downe and to be gathered out of the writings of the Apostles and Euangelists In the whole body of the Scripture all doubts and controuersies are perfectly decided Es 8. 20. Math. 22. 29. 40. Deut. 17. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. and euery particular booke is sufficiently perfect for the proper ende thereof Vnwritten traditions 1. Cor. 4. 6. newe articles of faith Ier. 7. 3. and 19. 5. and newe visions and reuelations are now to be reiected Heb. 1. 1. Io. 4. 25. Io. 15. 15. and 16. 13. with Matth. 28. 19. 2. Cor. 3. 6. 8. 11. with Heb. 8. 13. 24. In themselues the whole Scripture is easie Psal 119. 105. 2. Pet. 1. 19. Prou. 14. 6. such excellent matter could not be deliuered in more significant and fit words Act. 1. 16. with Eph. 1. 17. But all things in Scripture are not alike manifest 2. Pet. 3. 16. The Gentiles by nature haue the law written in their hearts Rom. 2. 14. but to a naturall man the Gospel is obscure accounted foolishnes 1. Cor. 1. 21. and. 2. 14. Things necessary to saluation are so clearely laid downe that the simplest indued with the Spirit cannot be altogether ignorant of the same Es 54. 13. Io. 6. 45. Deu. 30. 11. Matth. 11. 25. 2. Cor. 4. 3. But to them who are in part illightned 1. Cor. 33. 12. many things are obscure and darke 1. Cor. 13. 9. to tame the pride of mans nature 2. Cor. 12. 7. worke in vs a reuerence to the Scripture 2. Pet. 3. 16. 17. 18. stirre vs vp with care and diligence to read pray heare c. and vse Gods meanes to growe in knowledge Pro. 2. 3. 4. 5. acknowledg that all heauenly wisedome doth come from aboue Pro. 2. 6. Iam. 1. 5. 1. King 3. 9. Iob. 28. 32. Q. For what end was the Scripture writtâ—n A. To z 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. Rom. 15. 4. teach â—5 instruct conuince correct and comfort Expos 25. Faith and obedience is the way to happines and the whole dutie of man is faith working by loue Rom. 1. 5. Tit. 1. 1 2. 2. Tim. 1. 13. Gal. 5. 6. and 6. 15. which is assaulted with ignorance errour superstition prophanenes 1. Tim. 1. 6. 19. 20. 2. Pet. 2. 1. 2. 3. and beset with many afflictions 2. Tim. 3. 12. Therefore the Scripture which was giuen to shewe vnto man the way of life and saluation was also written to teach found Doctrine improoue errour correct iniquity instruct to righteousnesse and comfort in the path of holines 1. Tim. 1. 10. 11. Tit. 2. 12. 1. Thes 3. 3. 4. Heb. 12. 1. 2. Q. Doth the knowledge of the Scriptures belong vnto all men A. Yes 26 all men are not onely allowed a Io. 5. 39. but exhorted and b Deut. 17. 18. 19. Reu. 1. 3. commaunded to read heare and c Act. 8. 30. vnderstand the Scripture Expos 26. The Scriptures teach the way of life Pro. 2. 9. Luk. 16. 29. Act. 24. 14. and 13. 46. Psal 16. 11. Io. 6. 68. set forth the duties of euery man in his place and estate of life Deut. 17. 17. 18. 19. 20. Iosh 1. 8. Psal 119. 28. 2. Chro. 23. 11. 1. Tim. 4. 14. and 5. 1. c. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. are the ground of faith Rom. 4. 20. 2. Chro. 20. 20. 1. Tim. 1. 15. the Epistle of God sent to his Church Hos 8. 12. Reu. 2. 1. 8. 12. his Testament wherein we may find what legacies he hath bequeathed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 3. 6. 14. Heb. 10. 16. Io. 14. 17. the sword of the Spirit Eph. 6. 17. being knowne and embraced make a man happy Psal 119. 97. 98. Luk. 10. 42. and 16. 29. Psal 1. 2. Reu. 1. 3. but neglected or contemned plunge men into all misery Heb. 2. 3. Matth. 22. 29. Psal 50. 16. therefore all men of what age estate quality or degree soeuer ought to acquaint themselues with the word of God 1. Io. 2. 14. 15. Psal 119. 9. Act. 17. 11. Deut. 6. 7. Act. 18. 25. 28. for it was giuen of God for the benefite and behoofe of all sorts Rom. 1. 14. being milke for babes and meate for strong men 1. Cor. 3. 1. 2. Heb. 5. 13. plaine and easie to inctruct the simple Pro. 1. 4. Psa 19. 7. and full of hidden wisedome to exercise the strong and satisfie the wise Col. 2. 3. 1. Cor. 2. 7. Pro. 1. 5. that both sorts may be able to try the Spirits 1. Io. 4. 1. be wise vnto saluation and growe rich in all spirituall knowledge and vnderstanding Col. 1. 10. and 2. 2. and 3. 16. Q. The Scriptures were written in Hebrewe and Greeke how then should all men read and vnderstand them A. They ought to be d 1. Cor. 14. 18. 19. translated 27 into knowne tongues e Neh. 88. Act. 8. 35. and 28 interpreted Expos 27. The Prophets and Apostles preached their doctrines to the people and nations in their knowne languages Ier. 36. 15. 16. Act. 2. 6. Immediately after the Apostles times many translations were extant All things must be done in the congregation vnto edifying 1. Cor. 14. 26. but an vnknowne tongue doth not edifie Gen. 11. 4. and all are commaunded to try the Spirits 1. Thes 5. 21. 1. Cor. 10. 15. 28. The expounding of the Scriptures is commaunded by God 1. Cor. 14. 1. 3. 4. 5. 39. and practised by the godly Luk. 4. 16. and 24. 27. Matth. 1. 23. 1. Cor. 14. 19. profitable both for the vnfolding of obscure places Neh. 8. 8. and applying of plaine texts 1. Cor. 11. 23. 24. 28. 29. It stands in two things 1. In giuing the right sense Matth. 13. 38. Act. 2. 29. 30. Gal. 3. 16. 2. In a fit application of the same Act. 2. 16. and 1. 16. 1. Cor. 14. 24. 2. Pet. 1. 12. Of one place of Scripture there is but one proper and naturall sense though sometimes things things are so expressed as that the things themselues doe signifie other things according to the Lords ordinance Gal. 4. 22. 23. 24. Ex. 12. 46. with 10. 19. 36. Psa 2. 1. with Act.
4. 24. 25. 26. We are not tied to the expositions of Fathers or Councels for the finding out of the sense of the Scripture Rom. 3. 4. Matth. 5. 27. 28. 31. 32. 33. 34. 38. 39. 43. 44. the holy Ghost speaking in the Scripture is the onely faithfull interpreter of the Scripture Luk. 1. 70. 1. Cor. 2. 10. 11. 10. 14. 26. Es 55. 4. The meanes to find out the true meaning of the Scripture are conference of one place of Scripture with another 2. Sam. 24. 1. with 1. Chro. 21. 1. Esa 28. 16. with Rom. 9. 33. Es 65. 1. 2. with Rom. 10. 20. 21. Mic. 5. 2. with Matth. 2. 6. Matth. 26. 34. with Mar. 14. 30. diligent consideration of the scope and circumstances of the place Matth. 22. 31. 32. Act. 2. â—9 as the occasions and coherence of that which went before with that which followeth after the matter whereof it doth entreate 1. Co. 11. 24. 25. 26. and circumstances of persons times and places Act. 13. 36. 37. and consideration whether the words be spoken figuratiuely or simply for in figuratiue speeches not the outward shew of words but the sense is to be taken Io. 15. 1. Matth. 26. 26. Io. 14. 6. Ex. 12. 11. Io. 6. 35. 1. Cor. 10. 16. and knowledge of the Arts and Tongues wherein the Scriptures were originally written 1. Cor. 12. 10. Act. 2. 3. 4. But alwaies it is to be obserued that obscure places are not to be expounded contrarie to the rule of faith set downe in plainer places of the Scripture Rom. 3. 18. 20. 12. 6. 2. Tim. 1. 13. Act. 13. 33. 36. 37. Rom. 6. 7. Q. What doth the Scripture especially teach vâ— A. The 1 sauing f Io. 17. 3. Col. 2. 1. 2. knowledge 2 of God 3 and Iesus Christ Expos 1. Knowledge is the ground of obedience 1. Chro. 28. 9. Act. 26. 18. a rich gift of grace Mar. 4. 11. the first grace that God giueth vnto his children 1. Io. 2. 20. 27. and 5. 20. Io. 16. 4. and 6. 63. the foundation of all other graces Pro. 19. 2. Psal 9. 10. Hos 4. 4. Es 11. 9. the guide of our affections and directer of our actions Psal 119. 9. 100. 101. Pro. 2. 10. 11. 12. Es 30. 21. without which zeale is little worth Rom. 10. 2. sacrifice was vaine Hos 6. 6. and deuotion was but superstition Act. 7. 22. 23. This when it is made by the work of the holy Ghost to bee effectuall to sincere faith loue feare and obedience is sauing Ioh. 17. 3. Esa 53. 11. 2. Wee must know God because otherwise we cannot desire Ioh. 4. 10. obey 1. Ioh. 2. 4. nor haue communion or fellowship with him 1. Ioh. 1. 5 6 7. 3. We must know Christ because sin hath made a separation betweene God and vs Esa 59. 2. so that we cannot bee receiued into Gods fauour or haue communion with him without a Mediator Eph. 1. 3. 5. Rom. 3. 25. Eph. 2. 18. 1. Ioh. 2. 1 2. Heb. 10. 21. 22. Ioh. 14. 6. and God in Christ or God and Christ is the obiect of Christian religion Col. 3. 17. 1. Pet. 1. 21. Ioh. 14. 1. Heb. 1. 6. Christ is the image of the inuisible God Col. 1. 15. the brightnesse of his glorie and the expresse image of his person Heb. 1. 3. in whom with open face we behold as in a glasse the glorie of the Lord 2. Cor. 3. 18. Ioh. 14. 9. in whom are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Col. 2. 3. The Apostles who preached vnto the world the whole counsell of God necessarie to saluation did preach nothing Act. 8. 5. Rom. 10. 8 9. Act. 28. 31. did desire to knowe nothing but Iesus Christ and him crucified 1. Cor. 2. 2. Phil. 3. 8. of him they wrote that our ioy might be full 1. Ioh. 1. 4. and the Lord who forbids vs to glory in any thing beside doth command vs to glorie in this that we know him in Christ Ier. 9. 23. 1. Cor. 1. 30 31. so that this knowledge is necessarie easie excellent sufficient sound and comfortable 2. Cor. 4. 3. 4. Act. 8. 8. Q. How may it be prooued that there is a God A. By the 1 g Psa 19. 1. 2. Esa 41. 23. Rom. 1. 20. Act. 14. 17. Iob 12. 7 8 9. workes and h Exod. 8. 19. and 9. 16. 2 wonders which are seene the testimonie i Rom. 2. 15. Esa 33. 14. Psal 14. 5. and 53. 5. of 3 conscience the k Zach. 12. 1. Psal 94. 8 9 10. powers 4 of the soule and the l Reuel 12. 7. 10. practises 5 of Sathan Expos 1. The first creature was made of nothing otherwise it could not bee subiect to change and alteration and all creatures are finite compound imperfect vnable to make or sustaine themselues therefore of necessitie there must bee a first cause in power infinite most perfect and of it selfe that giues beeing and continuance vnto all things 2 Nothing can be the cause of it selfe for then it should be both the cause the effect both before and after it selfe therefore all things haue their beginning from one first and supreame cause which is God 3. Amongst things created we may obserue a series of causes and an order in the things themselues but order is from one first and leads vs vnto one first 4. All things euen things without life sense and reason which cannot moone voluntarily or intend an end are directed orderly vnto an end therfore there is one wise good and cheife directer of all things which is God 5. The greatnesse perfection multitude varietie and concord of things existing the forme and continual sustentation of the world doe shew that all things doe depend vpon some one wise and perfect good from whom they haue their beeing and preseruation 2. By Wonders we vnderstand visible and apparant works extraordinarily wrought not onely aboue the ordinary course of nature but simply aboue the power of nature either in respect of the worke it selfe or the manner of doing which effects doe conuince that there iâ— an infinite power that is aboue and doth ouer-rule all things for euerie principall and primarie cause is more excellent then the effects thereof 3. The conscience doth register bring to remembrance and beare witnesse of â—he cogitations words and actions of all men excuse and comfort in weldoing against the disgraces slaunders and persecutions of the world accuse and terrifie for sinne secretly committed which neuer did nor shall come into the knowledge of men incite to holines and curbe and bridle from Iniquity which is a manifest token and proofe that there is a supreame iudge who hath giuen a law binding the conscience doth obserue all our thoughts deuises words and workes and will call vs to an account and reckoning 4. The soule is a spirituall inuisible and immortall substance endued with power to vnderstand and will but the soule and the
God is infinite and incomprehensible how then may we conceiue of him A. By his y Exod. 34. 6 7. properties 14 and by his z Psa 19. 1. 8. 1. Iob 36. 24. c. and 37. 1. 18. workes Expos 14. A propertie in God is that whereby his diuine nature is knowne in it selfe and distinguished from all other The properties of God do not really differ from the diuine essence nor one of them from the other but onely in our manner of conceiuing wherefore euery propertie in God is inseparable and incommunicable Q. What are his properties A. He is 15 most a Rom. 16. 27. wise 16 b Iob 12. 13. strong c Mat. 19. 17. 17 good d Exod. 33. 19. Rom. 5. 8. 18 gracious e Psa 145. 17. 19 iust f Psal 103. 11. and 145. 8. 9. 20 mercifull g Matth. 5. 48. Iob 35. 7 8. 21 perfect h Mark 14. 16. Rom. 9. 5. 22 blessed and i 1. Cor. 2. 8. 23 glorious Expos 15. Wisedome is that whereby God by one Heb 4. 13. infinite Ps 139. 6. and 147. 5. Esa 40. 28. eternall Eph. 1. 4. simple Exod. 3. 14. and vnchangeable act of his vnderstanding Esa 46. 10. doth knowe himselfe Matth. 11. 27. Ioh. 1. 18. and 7. 29. 1. Cor. 2. 10. 11. and all things 1. Ioh. 3. 20. Ioh. 16. 20. and 21. 17. and actions clearely infallibly and distinctly 1. Chr. 28. 9. 2. Tim. 2. 19. Psal 56. 8. and 147. 4. Matth. 10. 30. with all their circumstances 1. Sam. 23. 11. 12. Matth. 11. 21. Mat. 24. 22. Ioh. 7. 30. discerning a most wise reason of them Eph. 1. 11. Pro. 8. 14. 16. Strength is that whereby God doth most freely Psal 115. 3. 135. 6. without resistance or wearines whatsoeuer he doth will Dan. 4. 35. Esa 40. 28. and can do whatsoeuer he can will Mat. 3. 9. 17. Goodnesse is that whereby God beeing the cheife good Mark 10. 18. sheweth himselfe very good and bountifull to all his creatures Psal 86. 5. Gen. 1. 31. Psal 33. 5. and 36 6. and 145. 9. 18. Gratiousnesse is that whereby God beeing truely amiable in himselfe Psal 86. 15. and 111. 5. is freely bountiful vnto his creatures Rom. 3. 24. louing and cherishing them tenderly without any desert of theirs Psal 145. 8. and 36. 5 7 9. Luk. 1. 30. 19. Iustice is that whereby God is true in all his sayings Eccl. 12. 10. Rom. 3. 4. and righteous in all his doings Gen. 18. 25. Deut. 32. 4. Iob. 8. 3. and 34. 10. 36. 23. Psal 9â— 15. Rom. 9. 14. 2. Chron. 19. 7. Dan. 9. 14. 20. Mercy is that whereby God of his free grace and loue is ready to succour such as are Psal 57. 10. and 108. 4. Psal 103. 4. and 145. 14. or might be in miserie by the condition of their nature 21. Perfectnes is that whereby God is necessarily all-sufficient in and of himselfe Gen. 17. 1. Iob. 22. 2. 35. 5 6 7. Ps 16. 2. and the cause of all perfection and goodnesse in euery thing besides Iam. 1. 17. 2. Cor. 3. 5. and 4. 7. 1. Cor. 8. 4. 6. Rom. 11. 36. 22. Blessednes is that whereby God fully and essentially knowing and willing that perfection which is in himselfe hath all fulnesse of delight and contentment in and of himselfe Gen. 17. 1. 1. Tim. 6. 15. and 1. 11. and is the cause and obiect of the blessednesse of his creatures Psal 16. 11. and 17. 15. Ioh. 17. 3. 1. Ioh. 1. 3. 6. 23. Glorie in God is rhe admirable excellencie of his most holy and diuine nature wherby he infinitely excelleth all creatures Exod. 33. 18. Psal 8. 1. Ioh. 12. 41. Rom. 1. 23. Psal 29. 9. This glory the Lord doth manifest more obscurely in this life Num. 12. 8. Exod. 33. 20. 1. Cor. 13. 12. by his Gospel 2. Cor. 4. 4. 6. and signes of his presence Exod. 33. 22. Esa 6. 1. viz. some shining brightnesse Luk. 2. 9. Matth. 17. 2. 5. or thicke cloud and darkenesse Exod. 16. 10. and 24. 16. 1. Kin. 8. 11. and excellent acts beseeming his greatnesse Psal 19. 1. Psal 29. 9. Exod 9. 16. Ioh. 2. 11. 2. Thess 1. 10. But more clearely it is reuealed in heauen Reu. 21. 23. Ioh. 17. 24. Q. What are his Workes A. They are three Decree Creation and Prouidence Q. What is the decree A. That whereby God hath from eternitie set downe k Ephes 1. 11. with himselfe whatsoeuer 1 shall come to passe Expos 1. All things with their causes effects circumstances and manner of being are decreed by God Act. 2. 23. and 4. 27. 28. Eph. 1. 11. This decree is most wise Rom. 11. 33. iust Rom. 9. 13. 14. eternall Eph. 1. 4. 5. 2. Thes 2. 13. Act. 15. 18. 1. Cor. 2. 7. necessarie Psal 33. 11. Pro. 19. 21. vnchangeable Heb. 6. 17. most free Rom. 9. 18. and cause of all good Iam. 1. 17. but not of any sinne 1. Io. 1. 5. The speciall decree of God concerning Angels and men is called predestination Rom. 8. 30. of the former little is spoken in holy Scripture of the latter more is reuealed not vnprofitable to be knowne It may be defined the wise free iust eternall and vnchangeable sentence or decree of God Eph. 1. 11. determining with himselfe to create and gouerne man for his speciall glory viz. the praise of his glorious mercy or great iustice Rom. 9. 17. 18. Rom. 11. 36. Of this decree there be two parts Election and Reprobation 1. Thes 5. 9. Iude. 4. v. Election is the decreee of God of his free loue grace and mercy chusing some men to faith holines and eternall life for the praise of his glorious mercy 1. Thes 1. 4. 2. Thes 2. 13. Eph. 1. 4. 5. 6. Rom. 8. 29. 30. The cause which mooued the Lord to elect them who are chosen was none other but his meere good-will and pleasure Luk. 12. 32. Rom. 11. 5. and 9. 11. 16. Eph. 1. 5. 2. Tim. 1. 9. The end is the manifestation of the riches of his grace and mercy Rom. 9. 23. Eph. 1. 2. The sending of Christ faith holines and eternall life are the effects of Gods loue by which he manifesteth the infinite riches of his grace Io. 3. 16. 1. Io. 4. 10. Act. 13. 48. Tit. 1. 1. Col. 1. 12. Rom. 6. 23. In the same order God doth execute this decree in time he did decree it in his eternall counsell 1. Thes 5. 9. 2. Thes 2. 13. Reprobation is the wise iust and absolute decree of God ordaining to leaue some men vnto themselues to suffer them to fall and to inflict vpon them eternall punishment deserued by their sins for the praise of his vnspeakable and great iustice Rom. 9. 11. 13. 22. Iude. 4. v. Ier. 6. 30. The cause of this decree is the absolute will and good pleasure of God Mat. 11. 26. Rom. 9. 13. mans sinne is the
greater assurance of our saluation Lu. 17. 5. 2. Sam. 12. 13. with Psa 51. 1 2. Q. Which is the sixt petition A. And 27 lead vs not into temptation but deliuer 28 vs from euill Expos 27. Forgiuenesse of sinnes and grieuous temptations are inseparable companions Luk. 11. 21 22. 24 25 26. Act. 9. 17. 23 24. Temptation is any triall whereby the heart is inticed to sinne by Satan the world or the flesh 1. Thes 3. 5. Iam. 1. 14. Matt. 26. 41. God is said to tempt his seruants to trie and humble them by offering occasions of sinne sending afflictions and deferring to helpe Deut. 13. 3. Deut. 8. 2. Gen. 22. 1. Psa 10. 1. but this in respect of God is euer good Matth. 19. 17. Hab. 1. 13. Iam. 1. 13. Sathan the world and the flesh are said to tempt by inticing alwayes vnto sinne Sathan by inward suggestions 1. Chron. 21. 1. Ioh. 13. 2. and outward obiects 2. Sam. 11. 2 3. Matth. 4. 3 4 8. The world by bad examples Ier. 44. 17. or wicked perswasions alluring or terrifying Gen. 3. 6. and 39. 7. and Iob 2. 9. 1. Kin. 13. 8. Mat. 16. 22. Act. 21. 12. The flesh tempteth when wee are inticed of our owne corruption Obad. 3. Iam. 1. 14. 1. Pet. 2. 11. Temptation hath these degrees suggestion delight consent and practise Iam. 1. 14. To be lead into temptation is to be ouercome of temptation so that Sathan doth preuaile against vs and get the victorie Matth. 26. 41. 1. Chron. 21. 1. God is said to lead into temptation when in any triall he doth forsake man doth with-hold or withdraw from him his grace suffer him to fall 2. Chro. 32. 31. harden his heart Exod. 3. and giue him wholly vp into Sathans power and the full sway of his owne corrupt heart Rom. 1. 24. 26. 28. 28. To deliuer is either to support vnder or els to protect and defend from euill 2. Cor. 12. 9. By euill the power and poyson of sinne Satan and the world is vnderstood Matth. 5. 37. Q. What desire you of God in this petition A. To bee freed from 29 trialls themselues so far d Matth. 26. 39. as it will stand with Gods good pleasure and alwaies from the euill thereof e Rom. 8. 28. 1. Cor. 10. 13. that wee faint not vnder them or be foyled by them Expos 29. Here we acknowledging the Lords power ouer our enemies that tempt vs Zach. 3. 2. Iude 9. and our own frailtie Psa 103. 14 15. withall bewayling our pronenesse to euill and corruption Rom. 7. 24. 18. wee desire God to bridle Sathan 2. Cor. 12. 7 8. kill sinne Psal 19. 13. support vs by his grace Ephes 3. 16. 1. Thess 3. 13. stirre vs vp to bee watchfull in prayer Eph. 6. 18. giue vs hope patience consolation Col. 1. 11. 2. Thess 2. 17. and a good issue out of all trialls Psal 6. 4. that we neither presume nor despaire Pro. 30. 9. and free vs from miserie so farre as may stand with his good pleasure Q. Which is the Thanksgiuing in the Lords Prayer A. For thine is the 30 kingdome the 31 power and the 32 glorie for euer and euer Expos 30. God is the right owner and supreame and absolute ruler ouer all things in heauen and earth Gen. 14. 19. 1. Chr. 29. 11. Psal 24. 13. all blessings therefore are to bee craued at his hands Psal 145. 14 15 16. for whether should subiects flee but to their King Psa 70. 5. Ps 2. 9 10 11 12. 31. God can giue whatsoeuer we stand in need of Matth. 7. 7. and 8. 2. strengthen vs against any sinne 2. Tim. 4. 18. Iude 24. and vnto any duty Heb. 13. 21. and we haue no strength but from him 1. Chro. 29. 15 16. 2. Cor. 3. 5. therefore we must call vpon him alone 32. God ought to bee glorified by vs in all things Col. 3. 17. gaineth glory by hearing the prayers of his people Ps 79. 11. Psa 50. 15. and 30. 11 12. and for his glory will not denie them any thing that shall be good Matth. 7. 11. Luk. 11. 13. Q. Doe not these words containe a reason also why we begge the former blessings at the hands of God A. Yes for seeing the kingdome power and glorie are the Lords wee should call vpon him in all our necessities 1. Chro. 29. 11. 13. Q. Which is the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer A. Amen which is a witnessing of our faith and desire of the things prayed for Ier. 11. 5. Q. What doth Amen 3â— signifie A. So it is or so be it 1. Kin. 1. 36. Ier. 28. 6. and 11. 5. Expos 33. Amen is sometimes a title of Christ Reu. 3. 14. because of his faithfulnesse and truth in performing all promises 2. Cor. 1. 20. In the beginning of sentences it is an earnest asseueration Ioh. 6. 26. Matth. 24. 47. Luk. 12. 44. But when it is added in the end of blessings prayers or imprecations it implyeth both a desire of the thing so to bee and confidence that so it shall be Num. 5. 22. Deut. 27. 15. 1. Cor. 14. 16. Christ teaching vs to end our prayers with Amen doth thereby admonish vs both to desire grace of God and to beleeue that God presently heareth and will certainly in due time grant our request 1. Cor. 14. 16. so that coldnes dâ—ubting distrust are to be striuen against 1. Tim. 2. 8. Iam. 1. 6. Q. What must we doe after we haue prayed A. Obserue how 34 wee f Psal 3. 4. and 85. 8. speed and what answer we receiue Expos 34. Here we must knowe that God doth heare and grant our requests when yet hee doth deferre to giue vs the sense thereof Esa 65. 24. 2. Sam. 12 13. with Psa 51. 1 2. Dan. 9. 22. 23. and 10. 12 13. Also he doth not alway giue the particular thing wee aske but what hee knowes best for vs Rom. 1. 10. 2. Cor. 12. 7 8 9. Heb. 5. 7. Further we must take heed that we limit not the Lord to our owne time Esa 28. 16. nor yet receiue Sathans answer fâ—r the Lords Sathans answer is either contrarie to the word of truth or if he speake the truth it is to a wrong end viz. despaire or prophanenesse Lastly obserue that we speed wel when God giueth vs the same thing that we craue beeing good Lam. 3. 57. Gen. 30. 19. 22. and 20. 17. Psa 21. 2. 4. Exod. 17. 11. Iosh 10. 13. or another as fit or more fit for vs Gen. 17. 18 19. Mar. 14. 35. with Heb. 5. 7. or more patience and strength to waite 2. Cor. 12. 7 8 9. Psal 40. 1. Q. What benefit shall we gaine hereby A. It will stirre vp the heart to g Psa 31. 21 22. thankfulnesse 35 remooue h Psa 88. 13. and 4. 1 2. 36 dulnesse and 37 negligence strengthen 38 our i Psal 4. 3. faith and inflame 39 our hearts
thanksgiuing 11 as also to break the bread and afterwards to deliuer the bread and wine to the people of God 8. To consecrate is to set apart the bread and wine vnto an holy vse 1. Tim. 4. 5. Ex. 13. 2. and 22. 29. 9. If Christ had not instituted this vse of bread and wine it could neuer haue had the beeing efficacie and vertue of a Sacrament therfore the institutioÌ„ ought to be declared 10. God is euer ready prest to bestow a blessing vpon his ordinances Mal. 3. 10. Psa 81. 13. but yet looketh to be sought vnto Ioh. 4. 10. Act. 6. 2. 4. and 4. 31. therfore the Minister must craue Gods blessing to sanctifie the bread and wine to their right ends 11. The worke of our Redemption being liuely set forth in this Sacrament praise to God for that benefit ought not to be omitted Reu. 5. 9. Psa 103. 4. Reu. 1. 5. 6. Zach. 9. 9. Q. What is hereby signified A. The action of God the Father offering Christ to all and bestowing him p 1. Cor. 10. 16. effectually vpon the worthy receiuer Q. What is the dutie of the receiuers A. To q Matth. 26. 26 27. 1. Cor. 11. 23 24. receiue 12 the bread and wine deliuered and to 13 eate and drink thereof Expos 12. It is most expedient to receiue the bread and cup into the hand and not superstitiously or vnseemely to haue the bread put or the wine powred into the mouth Matth. 26. 26. 1. Cor. 14. 40. 13. Eating importeth more then to suffer a thing to melt in the mouth for commoÌ„ bread fit for nourishment which should be vsed should by chewing c. be prepared for the stomacke Q. What is signified he rehy A. Our r 1. Cor. 10. 16. receiuing and feeding vpon Christ by faith Q. Is it sufficient to receiue this Sacrament once A. No but Å¿ Act. 2. 42. and 20. 7. we must receiue it 14 often Expos 14. Christs commandement 1. Cor. 11. 26. the Apostles practise Act. 20. 7. our owne necessitie weaknes of faith 1. Sam. 27. 1. Mar. 16. 14. dulnesse of vnderstanding Io. 20. 9. Mar. 8. 17. 18. forgetfulnesse Luk. 24. 6. and spirituall wants and decayes in grace Mat. 24. 12. Reu. 2. 4. and 3. 2. doe require that we receiue this Sacrament often Reu. 3. 2. 3. We must receiue it as often as it is administred in that Congregation where we liue vnlesse wee be iustly hindred or companies in great parishes bee sorted for seuerall dayes because they cannot commmunicate all at once Numb 9. 13. 2. Chro. 30. 12. Act. 2. 42. Mat. 22. 5. 6. 1. Cor. 10. 16. Q For what end and vse ought we to receiue this Sacrament A. To t 1. Cor. 10. 16. consirme our 15 faith communion with Christ and all sauing graces in vs to keepe 16 in u 1. Cor. 11. 24. 26. remembrance the Lords death vntill he come againe and to testifie w 1. Cor. 12. 13. our loue one vnto another Expos 15. The increase of faith and of communion with Christ inferre necessarily an increase of all graces which spring thence as from the roote Io. 15. 4. Eph. 2. 21. 22. Io. 7. 37. 16. This stirreth vp to a more serious thinking on Christs loue and goodnes in his death and so preserues the same more truely in memorie And by eating this bread drinking this wine men do professe and after a sort preach vnto others vnto the worlds ende the my sterie of the Gospel the summe and substance whereof consisteth in the death of Iesus Christ and the fruits that flowe therefrom shadowed in the Sacrament Q. What is the danger of vnworthy receiuing A. Vnworthy x 1. Cor. 11. 27. 29. receiuers 17 are guiltie of the 18 body and blood of the Lord and doe eate and drinke iudgement to themselues Expo 17. Vnworthy receiuers are such who eate and drinke vnworthily that is who receiue the bread and wine without due reuerence respect to the mysterie contained in them 2. Sam. 6. 6. 1. Sam. 6. 19. 2. Chro. 30. 20. or to the holy endes why they were ordained or to the person by whose authoritie they were appointed 1. Sam. 2. 29. with Reu. 3. 4. Luk. 3. 8. 18. To bee guiltie of the bodie and blood of the Lord is to offer a speciall wrong iniurie to the person of Christ and his sufferings and in a speciall manner to sinne against the worke of our redemption which is fully set forth in the Lords supper Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament A. Such as know 19 their miserie y Matth. 11. 28. by sin the remedie thereof in Christ and z Exod. 12. 26. 27. the â—â— doctrine of the Sacrament withall earnestly a Reu. 22. 17. longing 21 to be satisfied with the bread of life Expos 19. Christs death is signified by the Sacrament and Christ with all the benefits of his death and passion is offered herein vnlesse we knowe Christ our miserie without him and the exceeding benefits of his death we can neuer desire Io. 4. 10. or reioyce in thanksgiuing for that mercie Rom. 7. 25. Eph. 2. 1. 4. and 5. 8. 1. Tim. 1. 13 14. 20. This Sacrament is a signe and seale therefore before we can vse it wel or prepare to receiue or examine our selues how we receiue 1. Cor. 11. 28. we must haue vnderstanding Exod. 12. 26 27. Iosh 4. 6. 2. Chro. 30. 22. 21. The thirsty who are euer lowly are the onely welcome guests vnto the Lords table Ioh. 7. 37. Reu. 22. 15. This desire is stirred vp in vs by a consideration of the necessitie of the Sacrament our owne want thereof Math. 9. 12. the benefits bestowed therein Ps 63. 1 2 3. Pâ— 4. 7. and the helps wee haue thereby to quicken and confirme our faith Q. What else is required in them that come to this holy Table A. Renewed 22 hatred of all b Luk. 3. 12 13. sinne an hearty endeauour c Matth. 18. 3. to ouercome natural passions and an vtter and well aduised d Luk. 14. 28 29. c. forsaking of grosse sinne willingnesse to e Mat. 5. 6. be strengthened in 23 faith and a longing f Mar. 11. 25. Mat. 5. 23 24. desire for 24 the good of our brethren Expos 22. He that loues sinne cannot truely thirst after Christ Matth. 11. 28. beleeue in God Mar. 1. 15. Act. 15. 9. 1. Ioh. 3. 3. 2. Cor. 15. 17. or haue communion with him 2. Cor. 6. 14. Psa 5. 4. Amos 3. 3. 1. Ioh. 1. 6. Sinne is of a soyling nature and doth defile Gods ordinances vnto vs Tit. 1. 15. Hag. 2. 13 14. Heb. 10. 22. Numb 9. 6. 2. Chr. 23. 19. It sufficeth not that wee hate all sinne but this must be renewed by labour and care Matth. 18. 3. Gen. 35. 2. Amos. 4. 12. Luk. 3. 12 13 14. to see more throughly the vilenesse and multitude of our
particular sinnes Reu. 3. 2 3. Ier. 3. 13. purge the heart of them by iudging and condemning Iam. 4. 8 9. c. and quicken the loathing of them in the heart so that the verie thought of them may be bitter Ier. 31. 19. 2. Tim. 1. 6. 23. We should desire to haue our faith encreased before we come to the Lords table for faith was required of such who did desire to be baptized Act. 8. 37. and 16. 33. 34. It is the eye by which we discerne 2. Cor. 3. 18. Ioh. 3. 14 15. and 8. 56. and the hand by which wee receiue Christ Ioh. 1. 12. 6. 35. making this feast of the Lord exceeding sweet Psal 119. 103. 24. When we come to the Lords table we professe our selues to be children of the same Father 2. Cor. 6. 18. the redeemed of the same Lord 1. Cor. 8. 6. such as be guided by the same spirit 1. Cor. 12. 13. ruled by the same word fed at the same table 1. Cor. 10. 16 17. members of the same body Eph. 4. 4 5 6. and heires of the same kingdome Rom. 8. 14. 17. should we not then heartily desire the good of one another both in soule and bodie Eph. 4. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 8. Q. What if a man finde himselfe weake in faith and full of doubting A. He must bewaile g Mark 9. 24. his 25 vnbeleefe pray for faith seek to haue his doubts resolued and so receiue to bee further strengthened 26 in h Iudg. 6. 37 38. Exod. 12. 1 2 3 4. beleeuing Expos 25. Vnbeleefe hinders the sweetnesse of the Lords ordinances Ioh. 6. 54. 63. 64. godly sorrow for it quickens a desire and makes way for the increase of faith 2. Cor. 7. 10. wherefore doubtings are to be bewailed but wee must not thereby bee kept from feasting with Christ 26. The weake were admitted by Christ vnto this table Mat. 26. 26. with 26. 56. Mark 16. 14. Act. 1. 6. The Sacrament was ordained not onely for the strong man but euen for babes in Christ that they might waxe stronger Rom. 4. 11. 1. Cor. 3. 2 3. they may therefore approach vnto this banquet being inuited by the Master of the feast Pro. 9. 6. Mat. 22. 9. Luk. 14. 21 22. Q. How ought a mans heart to bee affected in receiuing the Sacrament A. With i Exod. 3. 5. Gen. 28. 17. reuerence k Deut. 16. 15. ioy and â—7 comfort l 1. Cor. 11. 25. meditating on the outward signes and what they signifie the dainties prepared and loue of him that prepared them our communion with Christ his graces and faithfull people whereby the heart is m 1. Kin. 8. 66. stirred vp to thanksgiuing Expos 27. From that which we noted before touching the actions of the minister and the people in the deliuerie and receiuing of this Sacrament wee may learne how wee ought to behaue our selues in this holy businesse Exercise the eye in seeing the elements and the actions belonging thereunto Exo. 24. 8. the eare in hearing the mysteries explained the hand in receiuing the elements and the tast in feeling the comfort of them exercise also the mind in meditating and remembring of Christs sufferings the loue of God not onely giuing his Sonne to die for vs Ioh. 3. 16. but offering and sealing vnto vs our redemption thereby and stirre vp the heart to receiue Christ Esa 64. 7. and mourne for sinne Zach. 12. 10. desire Gods fauour reioyce in his loue Neh. 8. 10. stand in awe before him Psa 5. 7. fearing after an holy manner least by any vnruly affections or vnfitting gesture we shew the least want of due esteeme and ioy in his presence Ps 2. 11. and 4. 4. 1. Cor. 11. 10. and 14. 40. Q. What must we doe after wee haue receiued A. We must 28 endeauour to finde an n Prou. 4. 18. Ezeck 47. 12. increase of faith loue and all sauing graces abounding more and more in well-doing Expos 28. The receiuing of the Lords Supper is a renewing of our couenant with God Exod. 13. 9. Genes 17. 11. 2. Chron. 30. 29. therein we feed spiritually vpon Christ 1. Cor. 10. 16. are refreshed by him and by faith draw vertue from him Rom. 8. 2. Phil. 4. 13. therefore after we haue receiued wee must growe more in grace and knowledge If we speed not well after wee haue receiued commonly our want of preparation was the cause thereof or defects willingly admitted in the act of receiuing 2. Chro. 30. 19 20. Iudg. 10. 14 15. But care must be taken that out of dislike of our selues we doe not dislike or deny that measure of grace which the Lord bestoweth vpon vs neither must wee be ouer-hastie the Lord doth not alwaies powre his gifts vpon vs the same day that we come vnto him in his holy ordinances Psa 97. 11. Cant. 3. 4. and 5. 6. Q. What order hath the Lord left in his Church to keepe his ordinances from contempt A. The vnruly 29 should 30 be o 1. Thes 5. 14. admonished the 31 obstinate p 1. Cor. 5. 5. excommunicated 32 and the penitent after their fall 33 restored and q 2. Cor. 2. 6 7. comforted Expos 29. They are vnruly who are inordinate liue dissolutely and such who are knowne by speech gestures and deedes not to walke according to the rule of the word or busi-bodies vaine boasters idle c. 2. Thes 3. 11 12. or be fallen into any outward sinne 1. Cor. 6. 9. 30. Such persons beeing members of the Church 1. Cor. 5. 11. 12. should be reprehended for their sinne certenly known both to be sinne and to be committed by them Leu. 19. 17. Admonition must be performed with meekenes and discretion Gal. 6. 1 2. 2. Tim. 2. 25. sometimes also with zeale and seueritie 1. Gor. 4. 21. Gal. 3. 1. fitted to the person sinning the sinne committed and the manner of doing Numb 12. 9. 10. 14. If the sinne be priuate knowne to few the admonition must be priuate Matth. 18 15. Luk. 17. 3. if knowne to part of the Church admonition must be before them that know it if knowne to the whole church the admonition must be publike 1. Tim. 5. 20. vnlesse it be known by their fault that haue published it without cause But alwaies respect is to be had to the condition of the partie offending 1. Thes 5. 14. and that must be done which tends most to the edification of the Church 1. Cor. 14. 26. If admonition at the first preuaile not then it is to be doubled vntill either the offender be reformed or declare his obstinacie Tit. 2. 10. 11. 31. Such are to be held obstinate who despise the Churches admonition will by no meanes be reclaimed from their sin notwithstanding the long suffering which the Church hath vsed towardes them Matth. 18. 17. Tit. 2. 10 11. 2. Tim. 2. 25. 32. To be excommunicated is to be debarred from the publike ordinances
2. and reioyce before him heartily Deut. 12. 12. tying our selues vnto him by renewing our couenant Ion. 2. 9. Deut. 29. 3. 10 11 12 13. 2. Chron. 15. 11. 12. and learning to bee more confident in him hauing experience of his great goodnesse Psalm 3. 5 6. and 52. 9. 14. On the day of thanksgiuing we may haue a more liberall vse of Gods creatures both in meate and apparell then is ordinarie Neh. 8. 10. Hest 9. 22. But this must be vsed in moderation and sobrietie that men may bee better fitted for the exercises of religion 1. Kin. 8. 65. This exercise if it be publique must bee ioyned with the preaching of the word if priuate with the reading of the Scripture or some holy exhortation for the better stirring vp of affection Q. What is a religious vowe A. A solemne i Deut. 23. 21 22. Prou. 20. 15. promise vnto God made by a 15 fit person of some 16 lawfull thing which 17 is in his choice to testifie his loue 18 and thankefulnes 15. Such persons are fit to vow who haue knowledge iudgement and ability to discerne of a vowe and of the duties belonging to the performance of the same Eccl. 5. 2. 16. A man may not vow an vnlawfull vile or superstitious thing Deut. 23. 18. for we are obliged to avoid all euill yea all appearance of euill 1. Thess 5. 22. It is presumption and rashnesse to vowe that to God which hee hath forbidden and will not accept Iudg. 11. 30 31. 17. What we are not able to perform either by reason of the common frailty of all men Eccl. 5. 5. with 1. Cor. 7. 7. or of our subiection vnto others as the wife child seruant may not vow without the liberty of their superiours Num. 30. 3 4. 6 7 8. 12. That thing is not to be held in our free choise which we are necessarily bound vnto before our vowe Leu. 27. 26. Deut. 23. 22 23. But yet to quicken and stirre vs vp the better to the performance of our dutie it is lawfull to renew the couenant and vow which we made vnto the Lord in Baptisme Psal 119. 106. To God vowes were commonly made with prayers Gen. 28. 20. Psal 61. 5. and paid with thanksgiuing Psal 65. 1. and 66. 13 14. and 116. 14. Ion. 2. 9. 18. Vowes should be performed speedily Eccl. 5. 5. Deut. 23. 23. Psa 76. 11. I vowe rashly the rashnes is to be repented of the vowe otherwise lawfull is to be performed but a vowe should not in any wise be the bond of iniquity Mat. 15. 5 6. 1. Sam. 25. 22. 39. Act. 23. 21. Q. Can faith being wrought and confirmed in vs be fruitles and vnprofitable A. No 19 for it k Gal. 5. 6. worketh by loue Expos 19. By faith we are knit vnto Christ Rom. 11. 19 20. Eph. 3. 17. and cannot be vtterly fruitlesse Io. 15. 5. seing we receiue the sappe of grace from him Io. 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. Q. What is the principall worke of faith A. It 20 purifieth l Act. 15. 9. the heart Expos 20. To purifie the heart is to abate and crucifie the power of sinne in the beleeuers and by little and little to renew them in holines and righteousnes Gal. 5. 24. and 6. 14. The Spirit of God is the author of sanctification Io. 3. 5. 1. Cor. 6. 11. Gal. 5. 22. Rom. 8. 11. faith is the instrument of the holy Ghost whereby the heart is cleansed Col. 2. 12. Q. What followeth thereupon A. A fighting 21 and combating against sinne and corruption Gal. 5. 17. Expos 21. Those that are sanctified are sanctified in euery part Col. 2. 11. 1. Thess 5. 23. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. and yet but in part Pro. 30. 2 3. Phil. 3. 12. Rom. 8. 13. Col. 3. 5. so that grace and corruption are mingled together in the best Rom. 6. 13. and 7. 25. whence followeth a spirituall combate not of the minde with the will or the will with the affections onely Numb 22. 34. nor of diuerse desires onely in respect of sundry and different considerations but of the part regenerate with the part vnregenerate Gal. 5. 17. as of the minde regenerate with the mind vnregenerate and so of the will c. This combate is continuall against the first motions to sinne not onely against outward grosse euill Rom. 8. 13. Eph. 4. 22. Rom. 6. 17. The effect hereof is that a man sanctified cannot doe what he would Gal. 5. 17. sometimes he is grieuous foiled by the flesh Matth. 26. 40. 41. but in the ende the Spirit shall get the victorie 1. Io. 4. 4. and 5. 4. Rom. 8. 2. Reu. 2. 26. Q. What else A. A renouncing l Act. 2. 38. of all euill in 22 affection and of 23 grosse m Act. 19. 18 19. sinne in life and conuersation Expos 22. A pure heart can more delight in euill then a cleane fountaine can send forth corrupt waters Psal 24. 4. Es 32. 6. 8. Pro. 12. 5. therefore a purged heart must renounce all euill Ezek. 36. 26 27. Ier. 32. 39 40. 23. The will is the commander of the outward man 2. Cor. 8. 11. if it be turned vnto God the conuersation must needs be reformed Ier. 3. 14. 17. 1. Sam. 12. 20 21. 1. King 8. 48 49. Q. What is a third thing that followeth hence A. Loue n Psal 119. 97. and 24 delight in that which is good ioyned with a sincere 25 desire purpose and o Phi. 3. 13 14. Act. 11. 23. endeauour dayly to amend whatsoeuer is amisse and to p Psal 119. 6. lead a life according 26 to the lawe of God Expos 24. The same spirit which wrought the grace of faith and cleanseth the heart doth sweetely incline it both to long after and to cleaue with ioy to that which is good Ezek. 36. 37. Ezek. 11. 19 20. Rom. 6. 19. Psal 86. 11. 25. The true beleeuer hath laid aside the practise and desire of all sinne Psal 119. 113. 128. 163. not onely out of a foresight of the ill consequences and fearefull euills that may fall 1. King 8. 47. Ezek. 18. 28. Luk. 15. 17. but euen out of loue to the cheifest good and all goodnes 2. Cor. 5. 14. and that with a true purpose Psal 119. 106. Act. 11. 23. and well aduised deliberation Ruth 1. 16. therefore he is willing to espie out and reforme whatsoeuer is out of order Psal 119. 59. But note here that all haue not the like measure of grace Rom. 12. 3. neither can with like victorie ouercome their corruption Rom. 14. 1. and 15. 1. Phi. 3. 15. The strong should not waxe proud Rom. 11. 20. Gal. 1. 1. Rom. 14. 3. nor the weake be dismayed ouermuch Rom. 14. 4. Mar. 4. 31. 32. 26. The redeemed of the Lord doe see that many waies they are bound to obey Psal 100. 2. 3. and 86. 13. 1. Cor. 6. 19 20. 1. Pet. 1. 17 18. and
also that it is a blessed thing to beare the yoke Mat. 11. 29. 1. Io. 5. 3. Psal 65. 4. and 119. 14. Gal. 6. 16. and so they resolue to denie their owne will and follow the Lord. Phi. 1. 27. and 3. 20. Act. 26. 7. 1. Pet. 4. 2 3. Q. Wherein is the summe of the Lawe contained A. In the q Deut. 10. 4. and 4. 13. tenne 1 commaundements Expos 1. These tenne commaundements are an abridgement of the whole Lawe the full exposition whereof is to be found in the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles and holy men who wrote by inspiration of the spirit Ex. 34. 27. 1. King 8. 9. Matth. 22. 40. For the right vnderstanding of the tenne commandements called the Decalogue obserue these rules 1. The lawe is spirituall binding the soule and conscience to entire obedience Rom. 7. 14. Matth. 5. 21 22. 27. 28. 2. The meaning of the precept is to be drawne from the maine scope and ende thereof Matth. 5. 33 34 35 36 37. 3. The commaundement which forbiddeth a sinne commaundeth the contrary duty and the commaundement which requireth a duty forbiddeth the contrary sinne Psal 34. 12. 14. Esa 1. 16 17. Mar. 3. 4. 4. Vnder one vice expressely forbidden all of the same kind and that necessarily depend thereon as also the least cause occasion or inticement thereunto are likewise forbidden Mat. 5. 21 22. 27 28. 1. Ioh. 3. 15. 5. Vnder one duty expressed all of the like nature are comprehended as all meanes effects and whatsoeuer is necessarily required for the performance of that duty and therefore in diuerse yea in all the commaundements one and the same duty may in diuerse respects be commaunded and one and the same sin may be forbidden 6. Where the more honourable person is expressed as the man let the woman vnderstand that the precept concerneth her 7. Where the duty of one man standing in relation to another is taught there is taught also the duties of all that stand in the like relation one vnto another as when the duty of one inferiour towards his superiour is taught there is taught the generall dutie which all superiours owe to those that be vnder them which inferiours owe to them that be ouer them and which equalls owe one to another Q. How are they diuided A. Into two 2 Tables Deut. 5. 22. and 10. 1 2. Expos 2. From the commaundements as they are set downe we may obserue 1. That the law is most perfectly wise iust equall and strictly binding the consciences of all men without exception and that continually Deut. 4. 5. c. Psal 19. 7. c. 2. For order of doctrine there is a perfect distinction of one commaundement from another but as touching practise they are so nearely knit together that no one can bee perfectly obeyed vnlesse all be obeyed and he that breaketh one commaundement transgresseth the whole lawe Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10. Iam. 2. 10. 11. 3. The loue of God is the ground of our loue to our neighbour 1. Ioh. 4. 20. and 5. 1. 4. Our loue to our neighbour is a testimonie of our loue to God Rom. 13. 8 9 10. 5. Such as bee truely religious must haue respect vnto all Gods commandements Psa 119. 6. 6. The duties of the first Table are most excellent and the breaches thereof more grieuous then of the second if equall proportion be obserued and comparison bee made 1. Sam. 2. 25. Esa 7. 13. 7. If two Commaundements cannot bee performed at once the lesser must giue place to the greater so the loue of God must be preferred before the loue of our neighbour and morall duties before outward circumstances Hos 6. 6. Matth. 12. 4. 8. The law is set forth as a rule of life to them that are in Christ therefore our obedience is to be performed vnto God in and through Iesus Christ Matth. 19. 17. 18. 19. Exod. 19. 6 7 8. with 20. 1. c. 9. All sinnes here forbidden are to be shunned and that both alwaies and at all times The duties commaunded are perpetuall to bee practised when the Lord giueth opportunitie and calleth thereunto Q. Which are the Commaundements of the first Table A. The fowre first and they teach vs the dutie which wee owe vnto God immediately Q. Which are the commandements of the second Table A. The sixe last which instruct vs in our dutie towards our neighbour Eph. 6. 2. Q. Which is the first Commandement A. I am the Lord thy God c. Thou shalt haue none other Gods before my face Q. What is the generall dutie required in this commaundement A. That in 3 mind will affection and the effects of these we take the true God in Christ to be our God Expos 3. The speciall duties of this commādement are knowledge of God acknowledgement estimation Deut. 4. 39. Isa 43. 10. Psal 89. 6 7. c. and 9. 1. Ier. 24. 7. and 9. 24. Col. 1. 10. Mic. 7. 18. faith trust 2. Chron. 20. 20. Psal 27. 1. 3. and 3 7. 5. loue Deut 6. 5. Psal 18. 1. Mat. 10. 37. feare reuerence Psal 2. 10 11. and 4. 4. 1. Pet. 1. 17. Matth. 10. 28. Ier. 10. 6 7. and 5. 22. Leuit. 19. 14. Psa 130. 3. Reu. 15. 3 4. hope Lam. 3. 24. 26. Rom. 15. 13. Ier. 17. 13. humility 1. Pet. 5. 6. Mic. 6. 8. Gen. 32. 10. patience Psal 39. 9. Rom. 12. 12. Heb. 10. 36. Iob. 1. 21. Ier. 14. 22. Ioy Psal 33. 1. zeale or feruour of will Gal. 4. 18. desire of Gods presence in heauen Phil. 1. 23. 2. Tim. 4. 8. Reu. 22. 17. 20. inuocation Psal 32. 6. and 65. 2. Phil. 4. 5 6. thankefulnes Psal 75. 1. and 56. 12 13. swearing by God alone Deut. 10. 20. adoration Deut. 6. 13. and 10. 20. Matth. 4. 10. and profession of his name 1. Pet. 3. 15. Matth. 10. 32. Dan. 3. 17. and 6. 11. Rom. 10. 10. Q What is the generall sinne here forbidden A. All 4 failing to giue God that aforesaid honour which is due vnto him or else in 5 whole or in part giuing it vnto any other Expos 4. The sinnes forbidden are Atheisme Psa 14. 1. Tit. 1. 16. Exod. 5. 2. ignorance Ier. 4. 22. and 9. 3. Psa 14. 3. error concerning God Rom. 1. 23. Ioh. 5. 23. Infidelitie distrust Heb. 10. 38. Isa 7. 9. Ier. 17. 5 6. presumption Matth. 4. 7. 1. Cor. 10. 6. 10. Num. 15. 30 31. want of loue 1. Cor. 16. 22. of feare or reuerence Psal 36. 1. Deut. 28. 58 59. prophanenesse Rom. 1. 30. 2. Pet. 3. 4 5. Pro. 1. 22. despaire Genes 4. 13. impatience Exod. 16. 3. and 17. 2 3. deadnesse and hardnes of heart Rom. 2. 5. Luk. 2. 34. and vnthankfulnesse Rom. 1. 21. 5. Also pride Act. 12. 23. Dan. 4. 26 27. Luk. 18. 14. confidence in wit wealth friends wicked deuises Ier. 17. 5 6. and 49. 16. 2. Chro. 16. 12. carnall loue Mat. 10.
10. The word of God is possessed when it is receiued truly as our owne is kept and laide vp safely as a treasure in our minds and hearts so that we haue it in readines for our direction and comfort and doth rule ouer vs with an holy and vniuersall soueraigntie Luk. 2. 51. Col. 3. 16 17. Psal 119. 111. 112. 33. 34. Q. Doe all the godly or any at all times inioy all these priuiledges A. No some are ignorant of them not beleeuing or at least faintly beeleeuing that there are such others are carelesse who prize not and so take not paines for these things as they ought Q. What other hinderances doe depriue Christians of these priuiledges A. d Iam. 4. 1 2 3. Inordinate passions as feare anger selfe-loue pride loue of pleasure cares of the world and earthly incumberances and inconstancie in good duties temptations also to distrust doe keepe vnder many Q. How should a man bridle and reforme these vnruly passions A. Let him highly esteeme a Christian life pray earnestly set himselfe most against the corruptions that be strongest in him shun the occasions of sinne hide the e Psalm 119. 51. commandement in his heart and applie f 1. Ioh. 5. 4. the death of Christ for the killing of corruption Q. How may a man ouercome his temptations to distrust A. He must not giue credit g Mat. 4. 3 4. to Satans suggestions against Gods truth but consider of Gods h Matth. 8. 2. Esa 40. 28. 11 power i Psal 51. goodnes k Ier. 31. 3. vnchangeablenes former l Psal 77. 11. mercies and free m Rom. 5. 8 9. grace in giuing vs his sonne 12 so that weakenes vnworthines want of feeling comfort should not dismay him 11. God is in power all-sufficient so that he can helpe vs Eph. 3. 20. and in loue euerlasting Io. 13. 1. 2. Thess 2. 16. Ier. 31. 3. seeing then he hath once loued vs we may be assured that he will neuer leaue vs. Ph. 4. 19. Expos 12. God giues Christ to them that are lost in themselues Esa 61. 1. 2. Matth. 8. 12 13. and the weak as well as the strong are partakers of his merits 1. Ioh. 2. 1. strength of grace in vs and soundnes of a Christian conuersation is not the roote of comfort neither should weaknes and vnworthines in vs breed doubting of our saluation Heb. 10. 22. The ground of all comfort is that God of his free grace hath giuen his Sonne to vs miserable sinners euen to as many as beleeue in him 1. Io. 2. 2. and Io. 3. 16. the weake faith doth lay hold vpon Christ as truely though not so comfortably as the strong doth 1. Io. 2. 12. 13. 14. Q. What else must be done A. Consider what promises the Lord hath made to n Matth. 19. 18. Luk. 22. 32. keepe and vphold vs what o 1. Ioh. 3. 23. incouragements he hath giuen vs to beleeue 13 and how acceptable a thing it is p Matth. 8. 10. and 15. 28. Rom. 4. 20. that we should so doe Expos 13. God commandeth perswadeth intreateth the thirstie and burdened to beleeue hath bound himselfe by couenant vnto them Esa 43. 25. sealed it by the Sacraments and confirmed the same by oath Gen. 22. 16. 17. Psal 105. 9. Luk. 1. 73. And the deeper our miserie is the more we glorifie his name by resting vpon him for succour Psa 22. 1. Rom. 4. 18. 20. Q. What other things is to be learned for the ouercomming of these temptations A. We must iudge our selues q Psal 119. 11. Psal 13. 1. not by present 14 feeling or by our owne r Psal 51. 10. decerning the fruits of grace but by that which we Å¿ Psal 77. 11. haue felt and the t 2. Cor. 2. 10. 11. fruits of grace which appeare to others Expos 14. A man may haue faith that feeles not comfort and grace that sees not the fruits of grace Psal 22. 1. and 77. 8. 9. The soule is sometimes sicke Ezek 34. 4. 16. Cant. 3. 5. and sometimes in a swound Cant. 5. 6. sometimes we iudge amisse of our estate Psal 116. 10. 11. and 77. 10. obseruing what motions we haue to euill but not how we resist them supposing we haue no grace because we haue not what grace we desire or because we find not our selues at all times alike affected and comforted or else we want what others haue or we conceit them to haue whereas God giues not all graces to one man nor to all in the same measure Eph. 4. 7. Zach. 12. 8. And also it is the propertie of men in affliction to admire smal things in others and deny great and many graces in themselues Likewise the vastnes of desire causeth that which is much in comparison to seeme nothing Sathan works vpon the timorous disposirion of some and perswades them that they haue fearefully consented to those suggestions which they alwaies abhorred and in which they neuer tooke delight or that they wilfully offend when some sinneful motions arise in their hearts to which they doe not consent but which they resist praying to God for forgiuenesse and assistance because we in temptations want one grace which accompanies faith to wit ioy Io. 8. 56. 1. Pet. 1. 8. we conclude that we haue no faith at all whereas faith and ioy bee not inseperable companion Iob. 13. 15. Heb. 11. 1. Psal 77. 2 3. the violence of tcmptation hindring the sense of mercie when God doth not withhold comfort for which causes we must not ouermuch trust our selues or credit our feeling but giue credit to the testimonie of the godly and faithful .. Q. What may be a further helpe beside A. It is good to u Psal 4. 4. examine our 15 hearts and vse the aduise w 1. Thess 5. 14. of others but we must know withal that groning after and x Matth. 11. 28. labouring to rest our wearied soules vpon the promises of grace being neuer satisfied vntil our doubtfulnes be remooued will bring a good ende Expos 15. God with-holdeth or withdraweth comfort sometimes by reason of some secret sinne not yet repented of or suffereth Sathan to buffet vs that we might more seriously repent of some corruption Iob. 40. 3 4 5 6. with 42. 6. 2. Cor. 12. 7. And hereby the Lord doth correct our not przing comfort at high rate Cant. 5. 3 4 5. our forgetfulnes to praise him for it we ought therefore wisely to take triall of our waies neither sparing any sinne nor censuring that to be sinne which is iust and lawfull not making light account of any sinne nor yet calling our repentance into question because some things haue been amisse or we haue not attained to perfection