their labours 2 Thes. 1. 9. and a Crowne after their Combate 2 Tim. 4. 8. and after their long pilgrimage an everlasting habitation 2 Cor. 5. 1 Be patient saith the Apole and settle your hearts for the comming of the Lord draweth neere 2 Pet. 2. 9. when they that have sowne in teares shall reap in joy James 5. 7. Heb. 10. 36. Thirdly from this Doctrine excellent arguments may be drawne to presse Christians to a holy life 2 Pet. 3. 11. Seeing then all these things must be dissolved what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godlinesse And verse 14. Wherefore seeing yee look for such things give diligence that you may be found of him in peace We should alwayes live in expectation of the Lord Iesus in the Clouds with oyle in our Lamps prepared for his comming Blessed is that servant whom his Master when he commeth shall finde so doing he shall say unto him Well done good and faithfull servant enter into thy Masters joy FINIS The Table ALL men desire eternall life and happinesse 3 Religion the meanes to obtaine it No salvation but by true Religion The divers kindes of false Religion What Christian Religion is Of Catechising 4 What Catechising is Where to be used and by whom The necessity of it True happinesse consisteth in God How we come to enjoy God Meanes to know God By His divine works His holy word 5 Of the divine workes of God The uses of knowing God by his works Of Gods holy Word the Scriptures 6 How the Scriptures were delivered By Revelations By Oracles By visions 7 What the Scripture is That the Scriptures are the Word of God 8 Reasons to prove God to be the Author of the holy Scriptures 1. Efficient instrumentall 2. The simplicitie and sincerity of the Writers 3. The quality and condition of the pen-men of the holy Scriptures 9 4. The holy matters of holy Scriptures 5. The doctrine of Scriptures are above humane capacity 6. The concord of the severall Writers one with another 7. The Prophesies fulfilled in their due times 8. The Majesty and authority of the Scriptures 10 9. The motives used in them to perswade not reason but commands 10. The end and scope of the Scripture which is Gods glory 11. Their admirable power 12. Their antiquity 13. The hatred of the devill and wicked men against them 14. The preservation of the Scriptures 15. The power to humble a man and raise him up againe 16. The consonant testimony of all men at all times 11 17. The knowne miracles done by the Writers 18. The testimony of the Spirit in the hearts of men What are the books of holy Scripture 12 In what language the old Testament were first written with vowels and pricks That the Scriptures of the old Testament were first written without pricks or vowels 13 The Book of Moses The Booke of the Prophets The Historicall Books The Doctrinall Books The Poeticall books The Prosaicall books 14 The Apocryphall Bookes The erroors of the Apocryphall books 15 Of the books of the New Testament 16 The properties of the holy scriptures 17 1. Holy 2. Highest in authority 18 3. Sufficient in themselves That the Scriptures are a perfect Rule for doctrine life and salvation Objections against the sufficiency of the holy Scriptures answered 20 Of the perspicuity of the holy Scripture 21 The Papists objections against the perspicuity of the Scriptures answered 22 Why God hath left some places of Scripture obscure 23 Of the translations of holy Scriptures An objection grounded on various readings answered 24 Why the Scriptures must be expounded by the Scriptures The use of the holy Scriptures 25 Who must read the Scriptures That all must read the Scriptures proved The Papists objections against reading the Scriptures answered 26 That there is a God 27 Of the nature of God 29 Of Gods essence 30 The Name of God Of the Properties or Attributes of God 32 A description of God God is a spirit 33 The perfection of God The felicity of God Of the simplenesse or singlenesse of God 35 Gods infinitenesse 36 Gods immensity or greatnesse 37 Gods eternity 38 The life of God 39 Of the knowledge or wisedome of God Fore-knowledge or counsell of God The counsell of God Gods absolute wisdome and knowledge The uses 45 Of the omnipotence or almighty power of God Of Gods absolute power 47 Of Gods actuall power Gods power infinite The uses 50 Of Gods will Whether God doth will evill 56 The holinesse of Gods will 61 Of Gods goodnesse The use of Gods goodnesse 62 The graciousnesse of God 63 Of the love of God 64 Uses of Gods love 67 Of the mercy of God The uses of Gods mercy Of the justice of God 70 The uses of Gods justice 72 That there is but one God 73 Of the unity of the God-head Of the Trinity 75 What a Person in the Trinity is 78 Of the Father the first person of the Trinity 79 Of the other persons of the Trinity in generall Of the second person in the Trinity 80 Of the third person in the Trinity 83 How to know that wee have the Spirit 86 Things commune to the three persons 87 In what they all agree 1. Coessentiall 2. Coequall 3. Coeternall Things proper to each of the persons Of the kingdome of God 88 The parts of Gods Kingdome Of Gods decree Of Predestination 91 Parts of Predestination Election Reprobation Election Of Reprobation Execution of Gods decree 93 Creation Providence Creation in generall Vses of the creation Creation of the particular creatures The Heavens The earth Of the invisible Creatures the third Heaven and Angels Of Angels Of the creation of visible things 98 Of the Chaos or rude masse Of the parts of the rude Masse Heaven Earth Of the frame of the world Of the Elements The foure Elements Of the mixt or compound bodies The severall works of the six days 100 The 1. day heaven earth and the light The 2. day the firmament The third day grasse corne trees Of the water and earth The 4. day of the Creation of lights 101 The 5. day of the creation of fishes birds The 6. day of the creation of man and woman 102 Of the parts of man and 1. Of his body 2. Of the soule of man 103 Of the immortality of the soule Of the seat of the soule What is the Image of God in man 104 Of the womans creation 106 The end of the creation Of Gods providence 107 Definition of Gods providence 108 The uses of the Doctrine of Gods providence 115 Of Gods speciall providence over Angels Good Angels 116 Of the Evill Angels 120 Vses of the Doctrine concerning evill Angells 122 Of Gods particular providence over man Of Gods providence towards mankind 123 Of the Covenant between God and man First Covenant of works 124 The state of man in the time of his innocency 126 Of man in the state of corruption and of his fall 127
every thought to the obedience of Christ. Where as wee must needs acknowledge that it is God which worketh in us both to will and to doe and that it is hee which sanctifyeth us wholly so are wee taught likewise to beleeve that both hee who sanctifyeth and they who are sanctifyed are all of one namely of one and the self-same nature that the sanctifyer might not bee ashamed to call those who are sanctifyed by him his brethren that as their nature was corrupted and their blood tainted in the first Adam so it might bee restored again in the second Adam and that as from the one a corrupt so from the other a pure and undefiled nature might bee transmitted unto the heires of salvation The same God that giveth grace is hee also that giveth glory yet so that the streams of both of them must run to us through the golden pipe of our Saviours humanity For since by man came death it was fit that by man also should come the resurrection of the dead Even by that man who hath said Who so eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternall life and I will raise him up at the last day Who then shall come to bee glorifyed in his Saints and to bee made marvellous in all them that beleeve and shall change this base body of ours that it may be fashioned like unto his own glorious body according to the working whereby hee is able even to subdue all things unto himselfe Unto him therefore that hath thus loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father to him bee glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen PHILIP 3. 8. I COUNT ALL THINGS BUT LOSSE FOR THE EXCELLENCY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS MY LORD FINIS 1 Pet. 1. 19. 21. 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Psalm 147. 5. Exod. 34. 6 7. 1 Joh. 5. 7. 1 Chron. 29. 11 12. Psal. 145. 10 11 12. Act. 17. 24. Gen. 1. 26 27. Psal. 103. 19. 66. 7. Jude ver 6. Rev. 12. 7. Gal. 3. 10. Gen. 2. 17. Eccl. 7. 31. Rom. 5. 12. 14. Gal. 3. 10. Deut. 28. 45. Mat. 1. 21 22 23. Gal. 4. 4 5. Phil. 2. 7 8 9. Heb. 5. 4 5. Rom. 8. 34. Heb. 10. 12. Luk. 4. 18 19. Isay 9. 6 7. Heb. 3. 1. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Heb. 12. 23. Cant. 2. 16. Joh. 17. 21 22 23 24. Rom. 3. 24 25 26. and 4. 6 7. Rom. 8. 15 16 17. 23 24 25. Eph. 1. 4. Col. 3. 9 10. 12. 14. Mat. 22. 37 38 39 40. Exod. 20. 2 3. Exod. 20. 5 6. Exod. 20. 7. Exod. 20. 8 9 10 11. Exod. 20. 12. Exod. 20. 13. Exod. 20. 14. Exod. 20. 15. Exod. 20. 16. Exod. 20. Acts 26. 20. 2 Cor. 7. 10 11. Jer. 31. 18 19. Eph. 6. 10 11 12. 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Gal. 6. 14. Rom. 8. 35 36 37. Gal. 5. 14. Col. 3. 5 6. Lev. 1. 74 75. Tit. 2. 11 12 13 14. Matth. 6. 6 7. Matth. 6. 9 10. Ver. 11. 12 13. Matth. 6. 13. Matth. 5. 16 17 18. Eph. 4. 28 29. Heb. 13. 16. Rom. 10. 14 15. Eph. 4. 11 12 13. Rom. 4. 11. Matth. 18. 15 16 17. Heb. 9. 1. 9 10. 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 3 4. Joh. 1. 17. Heb. 12. 27 28. Matth. 28. 19. 1 Pet. 3. 21. 1 Cor. 11. 23 24. 1 Tim. 4. 12 13. 2 Thes. 2. 3 4. Heb. 9. 27. 1 Thes. 4. 15 16 17. 1 Cor. 15. 51 52. Matth. 25. 34 35. All men desire eternall happinesse Religion the means to obtain happinesse No salvation but by the true Religion Diverse kindes of false Religion What Christian Religion is Of Catechising what it is Where to bee used and by whom The necessity of it a Eccles. 1. 2. True happines consisteth in God How we come to injoy God b Job 22. 21. c Joh. 17. 3. Gal. 4. 9. d Eccle. 12. 13. e 2 Cor. 5. 9. f 1 Sam. 2. 30. Means to know God By his Divine Works and holy Word Job 22. 20. Joh. 6. 68. Of the Divine Works of God Plato Galen Homer Virgil. Ovid. The uses of knowing God by his Works Of Gods holy Word the Scriptures How the Scriptures were delivered Revelations Oracles Visions What Scripture is That the Scriptures are the Word of God Reasons to prove God to be the Author of the holy Scriptures 1 Efficient Instrumentall 2 The simplicity and sincerity of the writers 3 The quality and condition of the Penmen of holy Scriptures 4 The heavenly matter of holy Scripture 5 The Doctrine of the Scriptures above humane capacity 6 The concord of the several writers one with another 7 The prophesies fulfilled in their due time 8 The Majesty and authority of the Scriptures 9 The motives used in them to perswade not reason but commands 10 The end and scope of the Scriptures which is Gods glory 11 Their admirable power 12 Their antiquity 13 The hatred of the Devill and wicked men against them 14 The preservation of the Scriptures 15 Their power to humble a man and raise him up again 1 Cor. 14. 25. 16 The consenant testimony of all men at all times 17 The known miracles done by the Writers of the Scriptures 18 The testimony of the Spirit in the hearts of men That the authority of the Scriptures doth not depend on the Church What are the books of holy Scriptures In what language the Old Testament was writen That the Scriptures of the Old Testament were first writen with vowels and pricks The books of Moses The books of the Prophets The Historicall books The Doctrinal books The Poeticall books The Prosaicall books The Apocryphall books The errors of the Apocryphal Books Of the books of the New Testament The properties of the holy Scriptures As 1 holy 2 Highest in authority 3. Sufficient in themselves That the Scriptures are a perfect rule for doctrine life and Salvation Objections against the sufficiency of the holy Scriptures answered Tim. Qu. An. Of the perspicuity of the holy Scriptures The Papists objections against the perspicuity of the Scriptures answered Ans. Why God hatâ— left some places of Scripture obscure Of the Translation of holy Scriptures An objection grounded on various readings answered Why the Scriptures must be expounded by the Scriptures The use of holy Scriptures Who must read the Scriptures That all must read the Scriptures proved The Papists objections against reading the Scriptures answered That there is a God Of the Nature of God Of Gods Essence The name of God Of the Properties or Attributes of God A description of God God a Spirit The perfection of God The felicity of God Of the simplenesse or singlenesse in God Gods infinitenesse Gods immensity or greatnesse Gods eternity The life of God Of the knowledge and wisdom of God Fore-knowledge and Counsell of God The Counsell of God Gods absolute wisdome and knowledge 1
the Lords Prayer in particular with the Preamble thereof 38. Of the three first Petitions which concern Gods glory 39. Of the three latter which concern our necessities 40. Of the conclusion of the Lords Prayer wherewith is to be handled the point of praise and thanksgiving 41. Of fasting 42. Of mutuall edifying one another and liberality towards the poor 43. Of Ministers and ministery of the Gospel and therein of preaching and hearing the Word 44. Of the Appendants of the Word Sacraments which are the seals of the promises and Ecclesiasticall censures which are the seals of the threatnings of the Gospel 45. Of the ministery of the old Testament before the comming of Christ with the Word Types and Sacraments thereof 46. Of the ministery of the new Testament and comparing the Word and Sacraments thereof with the old 47. Of Baptisme 48. Of the Lords Supper 49 Of the divers estates of the Church in prosperity and under persecution in integrity and corruption and the rending thereof by schismes and heresies 50. Of death and the particular Judgement following 51. Of the generall Judgement and therein of the Judge Christ Jesus his comming in glory and the parties to be judged both quick and dead with the resurrection of the one and the change of the other 52. Of the last sentence and the execution thereof of the torments of the damned and joyes of the blessed A LARGE EXPLICATION OF THE BODY OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION 1 TIM 4. 15. Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appeare to all WHat is that which all men especially desire Eternall Life and Happinesse How doe men look to obtain Happinesse By Religion which is a thing so proper to man that it doth distinguish him more from beasts then very Reason that is made his form for very beasts have some sparkles or resemblance of Reason but none of Religion Is Religion generally to bee found in all men Yes for the very heathens condemned them to death that denyed all Religion and there is no people so barbarous but they will have some forme of Religion to acknowledge a God as all India East and West sheweth May a man bee saved by any Religion No but onely by the true as appeareth Joh. 17. 3. This is life eternall to know thee and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ and He that knoweth not the Son knoweth not the Father Which bee the chiefe false Religions that are now in the world Heathenisme Turkisme Judaisme Papisme What doe you observe out of this diversity of Religions in the world The misery of man when God leaveth him without his Word an example whereof may bee seen in the Idolaters 1 King 18. 27. and Rom. 1. 22 23. and some making a stick or a straw othersome a red cloth for their God as the Lappians Seeing then there are so many Religions in the world and every one looketh to obtain happinesse by his own Religion of what Religion are you I am a Christian. What is Christian Religion It is the acknowledging of the onely true God and of Jesus Christ whom hee hath sent How prove you that By that saying of our Saviour Christ Joh. 17. 3. This is life everlasting which is the reward of Christian Religion that they may know thee to bee the onely true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent where hee meaneth not a bare contemplative knowledge but a thankfull acknowledging which comprehendeth all Christian duties consisting in faith and obedience for hee that being void of the feare of God which is the beginning and chiefe point of knowledge Prov. 1. 7. abideth not in God but sinneth dwelleth in darknesse who hath neither seen God nor known him 1 Joh. 3. 6. What doe you call the Doctrine which sheweth the way unto everlasting life and happinesse It is commonly termed Theologie or Divinity and the familiar Declaration of the principles thereof for the use especially of the ignorant is called Catechising Heb. 5. 12 13 14. 1 Tim. 6. 1 2. What is Catechising A teaching by voyce and repetition of the grounds of Christian Religion Gal. 6. 6. Act. 18. 23. 26. 1 Cor. 14. 19. Where should it bee used and by whom Both at home by the Master of the House and in the Church likewise by the Minister Why at home Because houses are the Nurseries of the Church Shew some reasons and arguments to prove the necessity of Catechising and instructing in Religion First God accounteth of Abraham for his care in this duty Gen. 18. 19. Secondly Hee commandeth all parents to perform this duty to their children Deut. 6. 6 7. Ephes. 6. 4. Thirdly all children are made blinde in the knowledge of God and of Religion by Adams fall and consequently they must bee inlightened and informed by teaching if they will not dye which Solomon therefore commandeth Prov. 22. 6. and our Saviour Christ biddeth children bee respected Mark 10. 14 15 16. Fourthly the examples of the godly for this duty in bringing their children with themselves to holy exercises So Hannah brought up Samuel to the Tabernacle 1 Sam. 1. 24. and Mary Jesus to the Temple when hee was twelve yeeres old Luk. 2. 42. by which wee perform the effect of consecrating our children to God Exod. 13. 2. Fifthly common equity should move Parents to this duty for as their children receive from them originall sin by which they are made so blinde in Gods matters it is equity they should labour to remove that blindnesse by teaching them after Gods Word Sixthly God promiseth as the greatest blessing to men that their children should speak of him under the Gospel Joel 2. 28. Act. 2. 17. But is it not some disgrace and basenesse that men of yeers and place should bee Catechised If men will bee Christians which is their greatest honour they must hold it no disgrace to learn Christ Noble Theophilus held it none who was thus catechised as Luke sheweth Chap. 1. 4. likewise Apollos Act. 18. 28. To come then to the declaration of Christian Religion tell mee wherein doth the happinesse of man consist Not in himself nor in any other created thing but only in God his Creator who alone being infinite is able to fill the heart of man How may wee come to injoy God By being joyned unto him and so partaking of his goodnesse for happinesse is to bee found by acquaintance and fellowship vvith him vvho is the foundation of blessednesse man so knowing him or rather being known of him that hee may serve him and bee accepted of him honour him and bee honoured by him By what means come wee to the knowledge of God By such means as hee hath revealed in himself for God dwelleth in the light that no man can come unto vvhom no man hath seen nor can see 1 Tim. 6. 16.
lesse yet in his Narration contrary to the second book of Maccabees in many places and to Josephus in somethings For example The first book of Maccabees saith that Antiochus dyed at Babylon in his bed beeing grieved in minde for tidings brought to him out of Persia 1 Mac. 6. ver 8. 16. But in the first chapter of the second book of Maccabees it is said that hee was cut in peeces in the Temple of Nanea and in the ninth chapter of the same book that hee dyed of a grievous disease of his bowels in a strange Country in the Mountaines 2 Mac. 9. 28. The second book of Maccabees is farre worse for the abridger of Jasons Chronicle which did set it forth doth not onely confound and falsifie many stories as it is easie to bee proved out of the first book of Maccabees Josephus and others but also whilst he giveth his sentence of divers facts doth more bewray the weaknesse of his judgement as hee commendeth Razis for killing himself 2 Mac. 14. 42. and Judas for offering sacrifice for the dead that were polluted with Idolatry 2 Mac. 12. 45. whereas it is to bee thought rather that the sacrifice was offered to pacifie the wrath of God for them that were alive that they should not bee wrapped in the curse of the wicked as in the story of Achan Josh. 7. yet hee is the more to bee born withall because hee confesseth his insufficiency 2 Mac. 15. 38. which agreeth not with the Spirit of God The additions unto Ester are fabulous convinced of many untruthes by the Canonicall book as namely first in the Apocryphall Ester Mordecai is said to dream in the second yeer of Ahashueros chap. 11. 2. but in the Canonicall the seventh yeer Ester 2. 16. And Bellarmine making the dream in the seventh yeer and the conspiracy in the second maketh five yeers difference and is contrary to Chap. 11. 2. The true saith that Mordecai had no reward Ester 6. 3. the false saith hee had Chap. 12. 5. Thirdly and the false also Chap. 12. 6. The true calleth and the false also Haman an Agagite Ester 3. 2. that is an Amalekite the false calleth him a Macedonian Chap. 16. 10. Also the authour of those additions describeth the countenance of the King to bee full of cruelty and wrath Chap. 15. 7. yet hee maketh Ester to say it was glorious like an Angel of God and full of grace Chap. 13. 14. either lying himself or charging Ester with impudent lying and flattering The Book of Wisdome is so farre off from being any book of the Old Testament that it is affirmed by divers ancient Writers that it was made by Philo the Jew which lived since Christ as S. Jerome witnesseth preface in Proverbs howsoever the Authour would fain seem to bee Solomon Chap. 9. 8. See his cruell sentence against Bastards in the end of the third Chapter Jesus the son of Syrach sheweth the frailty of man in divers places of Ecclesiasticus and namely Chap. 46. 20. where hee acknowledgeth that Samuel indeed and not a wicked spirit in the shape of Samuel was raised by the Witch of Endor 1 Sam. 28. also Chap. 48. 10. hee understandeth the Prophesie of Malachi of the personall comming of Elias which our Saviour Christ doth manifestly referre to John the Baptist Matth. 11. 14. The third book of Esdras is full of impudent lies and fables convinced by the book of Ezra Nehemiah Haggai and Ester For example Ezra saith that all the vessels of gold and silver which Cyrus delivered to Sheshbazzar were by Sheshbazzar carried from Babylon to Jerusalem Ezr. 1. 11. This Esdras saith they were onely numbred by Cyrus not sent but afterwards Darius delivered them to Zerubbabel and by him they were brought to Jerusalem Esdras 4. 44. 57. The fourth book of Esdras is now rejected of the Papists themselves as it was of Hierome containing also many falsities dreams and fables Chap. 6. 49 50. Chap. 13. 6. 4. 44. c. and Chap. 14. 21 22 c. Thus much for the books of the Old Testament in what language were the books of the New Testament writen In Greek because it was the most common language best known then to the Jews and Gentiles teaching that all Kingdomes should have the Scriptures in a language which they understand How are the Books of the New Testament distinguished They are of things revealed Before the writing of them which are either Historicall five in number containing the History of Christ the 4 Gospels according to Matthew Mark Luke John His Apostles viz. the Acts. Doctrinall 21 Epistles of Paul to the Romans Corinthians 1 2 Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians 1 2 Timothy 1 2 Titus Philemon Hebrewes James Peter 2. John 3. Jude After the writing of them as the Apocalyps or Revelation of S. John which is the Propheticall Book of the New Testament Is it agreed that all these books and they alone are the holy Scriptures of the New Testament Yes howsoever in ancient time they have not been all received with like consent yet they have the Testimony of all ages and there is nothing in any of them repugnant to the rest of the Canonicall Scriptures Were there never any Books of the Canonicall Scriptures lost No Heaven and Earth shall perish before one jot or tittle of them shall perish What say you to the Book of Gad and Nathan 2 Chro. 9. 29. of Ahijah and Iddo 2 Chro. 9. 29. and Pauls Epistle to the Laodiceans Col. 4. 16 These books often mentioned in the Old Testament were not Canonicall Scripture but civill Chronicles wherein the matters of the Common-wealth were more largely writen as the Chronicle of the Medes and Persians Esther 10. 2. and the Epistle mentioned Col. 4. was rather of the Laodiceans to Paul then of Paul to the Laodiceans What bee the properties of the holy Scripture First they are perfectly holy in themselves and by themselves whereas all other writings are prophane further then they draw some holinesse from them which is never such but that their holinesse is imperfect Secondly the authority of these holy writings inspired of God is highest in the Church as the authority of God whereunto no learning or degree of Angels or men under what name or colour soever it bee commended may bee accounted equall Gal. 1. 8 9. 2 Thess. 2. 2. neither can they bee judged or sentenced by any Thirdly the bookes of holy Scripture are so sufficient for the knowledge of Christian Religion that they doe most plentifully contain all Doctrine necessary to salvation they being perfectly profitable to instruct to salvation in themselves and all other imperfectly profitable thereunto further then they draw from them whence it followeth that wee need no unwriten verities no traditions or inventions of men no Canon of Councels no sentences of Fathers much lesse Decrees of Popes for to supply any supposed defect of the writen Word or for to give us
so full of Parables and Allegories as they are The whole Doctrine of salvation is to be found so plain that it needeth no Commentary and Commentaries are for other places that be dark and also to make more large use of Scripture then a new beginner can make of himself which we see necessary in all humane Arts and Sciences Further though speech of Scripture seem hard at first yet by custome it becommeth easie as reading doth to children Obj. 4. The godly Eunuch could not understand the Scripture without an Interpreter Acts 8. 31. Though he understood not some harder places yet that hindered him not from reading plainer places Obj. 5. The multitude of learned men that fall into heresies which they labour to confirm by Scripture proveth that the Scripture is dark It is their naughty hearts that come not with an humble and godly affection that maketh them doe so Obj. 6. But now we see by experience that there are many that daily reade the Scriptures and yet understand not the thousandth part of them They reade them not with care and conscience with prayer and study but like the women who are always learning but never come to the knowledge of the truth 2 Tim. 3. 7. Obj. 7. If the Scriptures then be so plain and perspicuous what need is there of an Interpreter First to unfold obscure places Acts 8. 31. Secondly to inculcate and apply plain Texts 2 Pet. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 14. 3. Why did God leave some places obscure in the Scriptures First that we might know that the understanding of Gods Word is the gift of God and therefore might beg it of him by continuall prayer Secondly lest we should flatter our wits too much if all things could presently be understood by us Thirdly that the Word for the high and heavenly mysteries contained therein might be accompted of which for the plainnesse might be lesse esteemed Fourthly that prophane dogs might be driven away from these holy mysteries which are pearls prized highly by the Elect alone Matth. 13. 45. but would be trodden down by swine Mat. 7. 6. Fiftly that wee might be stirred up to a more diligent search of the same Sixtly that we might esteem more of the Ministery which God hath placed in the Church that by the means thereof we might profit in the knowledge of these mysteries What assurance may be had of the right understanding of the Scriptures For the words it is to be had out of the originall Text or Translations of the same for the sense or meaning onely out of the Scriptures themselves Nehem. 8. 8. which by places plain and evident doe expresse whatsoever is obscure and hard touching matters necessary to eternall salvation Why must the interpretation of words be had out of the originall Languages Because in them onely the Scriptures are for the letter to be held authenticall and as the water is most pure in the Fountain by the springing thereof so the right understanding of the words of the holy Scriptures is most certain in the originall tongues of Hebrew and Greek in which they were first written and delivered to the Church out of the which Languages they must be truly translated for the understanding of them that have not the knowledge of those tongues What gather you from hence That all Translations are to be judged examined and reformed according to the Text of the ancient Hebrew and originall Chaldee in which the old Testament was printed and the Greek Text in which the new Testament was written and consequently that the vulgar Latin Translation approved by the Tridentine Councell for the onely authenticall Text is no further to be received of true Christians then it agreeth with the originall of the Hebrew and Greek Text. But what say you of the Greeke Translation of the old Testament commonly called the Septuagint approved by the Apostles themselves The same as we say of other Translations for although the Apostles used that Translation which was commonly received and read among the Gentiles and Jews that dwelt amongst them where it differed not in sense from the true Hebrew yet where it differed from it they left it as by many examples may be confirmed vide Hieron Prolog in Matth. How can the certain understanding of the Scriptures be taken out of the originall tongues considering the difference of reading in divers Copies both of Hebrew and Greek as also the difficulty of some words and phrases upon which the best Translators cannot agree Although in the Hebrew Copy there hath been observed by the Nazarites some very few differences of words by similitude of letters and points and by the Learned in the Greek tongue there are like diversities of reading noted in the Greek Text of the new Testament which came by fault of writers yet in most by circumstance of the place and conference of other places the true reading may be discerned and albeit in all it cannot nor the Translator in all places determine the true interpretation yet this diversity or difficulty can make no difference or uncertainty in the sum and substance of Christian religion because the Ten Commandements and the principall Texts of Scripture on which the Articles of our faith are grounded the Sacraments instituted the form of prayer taught which contain the sum or substance of Christian religion are without all such diversity of reading or difficulty of translating so plainly set down and so precisely translated by consent of all men learned in the tongues that no man can make any doubt of them or pick any quarrell against them Why must the true sense or meaning of the Scriptures be learned out of the Scriptures themselves Because the Spirit of God alone is the certain interpreter of his Word written by his Spirit for no man knoweth the things pertaining to God but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2. 11. and no prophesie of Scripture is of any mans own interpretation for prophesie was not brought by the will of man but the holy men of God spake as they were led by the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 20 21. The interpretation therefore must be by the same Spirit by which the Scripture was written of which Spirit we have no certainty upon any mans credit but onely so far forth as his saying may be confirmed by the holy Scriptures What gather you from hence That no interpretation of holy Fathers Popes Councels Customs or practise of the Church either contrary to the manifest words of the Scriptures or containing matters which cannot necessarily bee proved out of the Scriptures are to bee received as an undoubted Truth How then is Scripture to bee interpreted by Scripture According to the Analogie of Faith Rom. 12. 6. and the scope and circumstance of the present place and conference of other plain and evident places by which all such as are obscure and hard to bee understood ought to bee interpreted for there is no matter necessary to eternall
A BODY OF DIVINITIE OR THE SVMME AND SVBSTANCE OF Christian Religion Catechistically propounded and explained by way of Question and Answer Methodically and familiarly handled Composed long since by JAMES VSHER B. of ARMAGH And at the earnest desires of divers godly Christians now Printed and Published VVhereunto is adjoyned a Tract intituled IMMANVEL OR THE MYSTERY OF THE Incarnation of the SON OF GOD Heretofore writen and published by the same Author JOHN 17. 3. This is life eternall that they might know thee the onely true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent LONDON Printed by M. F. for THO DOVVNES and GEO BADGER and are to be sold in S. Dunstans Church-yard in Fleetstreet MDCXLV To the Christian Reader CHristian Reader I doe here present and commend unto thee a booke of great worth and singular use which was written and finished about twenty years since the Author whereof is well knowne to bee so universally eminent in all Learning and of that deepe knowledge and judgement in sacred Divinity that he transcendeth all elogies and praises which I can give him I commend it unto the Christian Reader under a two-fold notion the first respecteth the subject matter of this whole Work which is of greatest excellency ad being The summe and substance of Christian Religion upon which as a most sure foundation we build our faith ground all our hopes and from which we reap and retain all our joy and comfort in the assurance of our salvation which as at all times it is most profitable to be read studied and known so now if ever most necessary in these our days wherein men never more neglected these fundamentall principles as being but common and ordinary truths and spend their whole time study and discourse about Discipline Ceremonies and circumstantiall points and herein also not contenting themselves with those common rules and that clear light which shineth in the Word they are onely led by their own phantasies daily creating unto themselves diversity of new opinions and so falling into sects and schismes they break the bond of love and fall off from the communion of Saints as though it were no Article of their Creed and being in love with their own new Tenets as being the conception and birth of their own brains they contend for them more then for any fundamentall truths and not onely so but also hate maligne and most bitterly and uncharitably censure all those that differ from them in their opinions though never so conscientious and religious as though they professed not the same faith yea served not the same God nor beleeved in the same Christ but remain still Aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and in comparison of themselves no better then Papists or at the best but carnall Gospellers The second notion under which I commend it respecteth the Work it self or the manner of the Authors handling it which is done so soundly and solidly so judiciously and exactly so methodically and orderly and with that familiar plainnesse perspicuity and clearnesse that it giveth place to no other in this kind either ancient or modern either in our own or any other Language which ever yet came to my view in which regard I may say of it as it is said of the vertuous woman Many have done excellently but this our Author exceedeth them all I will adde no more in the deserved praises of this Worke but leave it Christian Reader to thy self to peruse and judge of it commending thee to the Word of Gods grace and the good guidance of his holy Spirit who is able to build thee up in fruitfull knowledge to lead thee into all truth to direct and support thee in the wayes of godliness and to give thee an everlasting inheritance amongst the blessed Thine in the Lord Jesus Christ JOHN DOWNAME The Connexion of these Points together and Dependence of them one upon another IN Christian Religion wee are to consider the Ground thereof contained in the Scripture Parts which treat of Gods Nature in his Essence considered absolutely in it selfe where the doctrine of divine Attributes which respect either His perfection in his Simplenesse whereby he is exempted from Composition and division Infinitenesse wherby he is exempted from all measure of Time by his eternity Place by his immensity Life whence he is called The living God Considered in his All-sufficiency Al-seeing wisdom Foreknowledge Counsell Almighty power Holy will wherein is seen his Goodnesse and therein his love unto his creatures mercy or grace shewed them in their misery Iustice in his word called his Truth deeds disposing of all things rightly rendring to the creatures according to their works Persons subsisting in one and the same undivided Essence Kingdome in his Eternall decree which men must not curiously prie into but content themselves with what is made manifest Execution thereof in the workes of Creation of things Invisible The highest Heavens Angels Visible Unreasonable Reasonable man consisting of Body Soule Providence Common unto all creatures Proper respecting the everlasting condition of principall Creatures Angels Good Bad. Men who are ordered in This life by the tenor of a two-fold Covenant Nature or Workes where we are to consider the Conditions and Events Shame Primary the fall of our first parents Secondary the corruption of Nature originall Actions actual of omission commission Death comprehending all the curses of the Law whereunto the nature of man standeth subject Grace wherein we are to consider the state of Christ the Mediator in his Person and there in his Natures and their Union where of his Conception Nativity Distinction Two fold state of Humiliation Exaltation Office with his Calling thereunto Execution thereof concerning God the party offended wherein his priestly office is exercised the parts whereof are Satisfaction giving contentment to Gods Iustice by his Obedience to the Law Suffering for our sinne Intercession soliciting Gods mercy for those he hath redeemed Man the party offending to whom he communicates the grace by him purchased by his Propheticall office Kingly office The rest of mankind who are called by participation of his grace where we are to consider 1. The company thus called out of the world The Catholike Church of Christ where such as obey this calling in Outward profession alone hold onely externall communion with it Inward affection also internall with the Head Christ Iesus there being a Mutuall donation whereby the Father gives Christ to them them to Christ. Mysticall union whereby they are knit together by Gods quickning Spirit The rest of mankind whence ariseth the Communion of Saints 2. Grace whereunto they are called Reconciliation Iustification where of Iustifying Faith Adoption and therein of Hope Sanctification and therein of Love here consider the Rule of Holines the morall law contained in the ten Commandements wherein are to be considered Generall rules to be observed in the exposition of them Distinction of them into two tables containing the duties we owe unto God namely Having the
true God and entertaining him in all the powers of the soule Com. 1. Honoring him with that worship which is to be given from men to him Every day as occasion requireth either in Solemne worship prescribed in the 2. Com. Glorifying his name in the common course of our life in the 3. Com. One day certain in the week prescribed in the 4. Com. Man respecting Such acts as are joyned with advised consent in duties which we owe unto Speciall persons in regard of some particular relation which we beare unto them prescribed in the 5. Com. All men in generall for the preservation of their Safety in the 6. Com. Chastity in the 7. Com. Goods in the 8. Com. Good name in the 9. Com. The first thoughts and motions of evill towards our neighbour that doe arise from the corruption of our nature in the 10. Com. Exercise thereof Repentance Fruits thereof in Resistance of sinne by Christian warfare where of the spirituall Armour Conflict with the World Flesh Devill in prosperity adversity here of bearing the crosse Abounding in good workes especially towards God in Praier the rule whereof is contained in the Lords Prayer wherein are to be considered the 1 Preamble 2 Petitions 3 concerning Gods glory 3 touching our necessities 3 The Conclusion and there of thanksgiving Fasting Our brethrens Edification in respect of their soules Almsgiving for the good of their bodies 3 Meanes whereby they are called The outward ministery of the Gospell wherein consider 1 Minister 2 Parts of the ministery Word Seales annexed thereunto viz. Sacraments for confirming the promises to the obedient which are either of Initiation or Admission into the Church Continuall nourishment Censures for ratifying of threatnings towards the disobedient in Word by admonition Deed by Suspension Excommunication 3 The kinds thereof namely the Old ministery before Christ called The old Testament where of the 1 Word of the Gospell more sparingly and darkly delivered 2 Types and Ceremonies 3 Sacraments Initiation Circumcision Nourishment Paschall Lambe New from the comming of Christ unto the end of the world called The new Testament wherein is to be considered the cleernes and efficacy of the Word Sacraments Initiation Baptisme Nourishment The Lords Supper 4 Divers states of the Church The world to come by the sentence of a twofold Iudgement Particular upon every soule as soon as it departs from the body Generall upon all men at once both in soule and body therein is to be considered 1 Iudge Christ comming with the glory of his Father 2 Parties to be judged Quick of whom there shall be a change Dead of whom there shall be a resurrection 3 Sentence and execution thereof where of the The torments of the Damned The joyes of the Blessed THE HEADS OF THE BODY OF DIVINITY DIVIDED INTO Two and fifty Heads 1. OF Christian Religion and the grounds thereof Gods Word contained in the Scriptures 2. Of God and his Attributes Perfection Wisdome and Omnipotency 3. Of Gods Goodnesse and Justice and the Persons of the Trinity 4. Of Gods Kingdome and the Creation of all things 5. Of the Creation of man in particular and the Image of God according to which he was made 6. Of Gods Providence and continuall government of his creatures 7. Of the good Angels that stood and the evill Angels that forsooke their first integrity 8. Of the Law of nature or the Covenant of works made with man at his Creation and the event thereof in the fall of our first Parents 9. Of Originall and Actuall sinne whereunto all mankind by the fall is become subject 10. Of Gods curse and all the penalties due unto sinne whereunto man is become subject as long as he continueth in his naturall estate 11. Of the Covenant of Grace and the Mediator thereof Jesus Christ our Lord his two distinct natures in one Person together with his Conception and Nativity 12. Of the state of Humiliation and Exaltation of our Saviour his office of Mediation and calling thereunto 13. Of his Priestly office and the two parts thereof Satisfaction and Intercession 14. Of his Propheticall and Kingly office 15. Of the calling of men to partake of the grace of Christ both outward and inward and of the Catholick Church thus called out of the world with the members and properties thereof 16. Of the mutuall donation whereby the Father giveth Christ to us and us unto Christ and the mysteriall union whereby we are knit together by the band of Gods quickning spirit with the Communion of Saints arising from thence whereby God for his Sons sake is pleased of enemies to make us friends 17. Of Justification and therein of justifying faith and forgivenesse of sinnes 18. Of Adoption whereby in Christ we are not only advanced into the state of friends but also of sons and heires and therein of the spirit of Adoption and Hope 19. Of Sanctification whereby the power of sin is mortified in us and the image of God renued and therein of love 20. Of the direction given unto us for our sanctification contained in the Ten Commandements with the rules of expounding the same and of distinction of the Tables thereof 21. The first Commandement of the choice of the true God and the entertaining him in all our thoughts 22. The second Commandement of the solemn worship that is to be performed unto God and therein of Images and Ceremonies 23. The third of the glorifying of God aright in the actions of our common life and therein of swearing and blaspheming 24. The fourth of the certain time set apart for Gods service and therein of the Sabbath and Lords day 25. The fift of the duties we owe one unto another in regard of our particular relation unto such as are our Superiours Inferiours and equals 26. The sixt of the preservation of the safety of mens persons and therein of peace and meeknesse 27. The seventh of the preservation of chastity and therein of temperance and mariage 28. The eight of the preservation of our own and our neighbours goods and therein of the maintaining of justice in our dealing one with another 29 The ninth of the preservation of our own and our neighbours good name and the maintaining of truth in our testimony and truth 30 The tenth of contentednesse the first motions of concupiscence which doe any way crosse that love we owe to our neighbour whereto for conclusion may be added the use of the Law 31 Of Repentance 32 Of the spirituall warfare and Christian armour 33 Of resistance of the temptations of the Devill 34 Of resisting the temptations of the world both in prosperity and adversity and here of patient bearing of the Crosse. 35. Of resisting the temptations of the flesh 36. Of new obedience and good works and necessity thereof 37. Of Prayer in generall and
they did at the first from the Creation untill the time of Moses for the space of 2513. years First because then God immediately by his voice and Prophets sent from him taught the Church his truth which now are ceased Heb. 1. 1. Secondly traditions might then be of sufficient certainty by reason of the long life of Gods faithfull witnesses for Methusalem lived with Adam the first man 243. years and continued unto the Flood Shem lived at once with Methusalem 98. years and flourished above 500. yeares after the Flood Isaac lived 50. years with Shem and died about 10. years before the descent of Israel into Aegypt So that from Adams death unto that time three men might by tradition preserve the purity of Religion but after the comming of Israel out of Aegypt mans age was so shortened that in the dayes of Moses the first Penman of the Scriptures it was brought to 70. or 80. years as appeareth by the Psal. 90. 10. Thirdly God saw his true religion greatly forgotten in Aegypt Israel then falling unto Idolatry Ezekiel 20. 8. and having brought Israel then his people from thence did not onely restore but also encreased the same adding thereunto many more particulars concerning his service which were needfull for mens memories to be written Fourthly God having gathered his Church to a more solemn company then before it was his pleasure then to begin the writings of his will and therefore first with his own finger he wrote the ten Commandements in two Tables of stone and then commanded Moses to write the other words which he had heard from him in the Mount Exod. 34. 27 28. Fiftly thus God provided that the Churches of all ages and times might have a certain rule to know whether they embraced sound Doctrine or no and that none should be so bold as to coin any new Religion to serve him with but that which he had delivered in writing What is Scripture then The Word of God written by men inspired by the holy Ghost for the perfect building and salvation of the Church or holy Books written by the inspiration of God to make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3. 15 16. 2 Pet. 1. 21. 1 Pet. 20. 21. Joh. 20. 31. If that the Scriptures be written by men which are subject unto infirmities how can it be accounted the Word of God Because it proceeds not from the wit or mind of men but holy men set apart by God for the work of God spake and writ as they were moved by the holy Ghost therfore God alone is to be counted the Author therof who inspired the hearts of those holy men whom he chose to be his Secretaries who are to be held only the Instrumentall cause thereof When Jeremy brought the Word of God to the Jews they said it was not the Word of the Lord but he spake as Baruc the son of Neriah provoked him Jer. 43. 2. and so some perhaps in these days are so ungodly as to take the Jews part against Jeremy and all his fellowes How may it appeare therefore that this Book which you call the Book of God and the holy Scriptures is the Word of God indeed and not mens policy By the consonant testimony of men in all ages from them that first knew these Penmen of the holy Ghost with their writings untill our time and reasons taken out of the Word themselves agreeable to the quality of the writers both which kind of arguments the holy Scriptures have as much and far more then any other writings wherefore as it were extream impudency to deny the works of Homer of Plato Virgil Tully Livy Galen c. when as consent of al ages have reached delivered them unto us which also by the tongue phrase matter and all other circumstances agreeable are confirmed to be the works of the same Authors whose they are testified to be so it were more then brutish madnesse to doubt of the certain truth and authority of the holy Scriptures which no lesse but much more then any other writings for their Authors are testified and confirmed to be the sacred Word of the ever-living God not onely testified I say by the uniform witnesses of men in all ages but also confirmed by such reasons taken out of the writings themselves as doe sufficiently argue the Spirit of God to be the Author of them for we may learn out of the testimonies themselves as David did Psa. 119. 125. That God hath established them for ever Let me hear some of those reasons which prove that God is the Author of the holy Scriptures First the true godlinesse and holinesse wherewith the writers of the Scriptures shined as Lamps in their times and far surpassed all men of other religions which sheweth the work of Gods Spirit in them and how unlikely it is that such men should obtrude into the Church their own inventions in stead of Gods Word Secondly the simplicity integrity and sincerity of these Writers in matters that concern themselves those that belong unto them doing nothing by partiality 1 Tim. 5. 21. neither sparing their friends nor themselves so Moses for example in his writing spared not to report the reproach of his own Tribe Gen. 34. 30. 49. 5. 7. nor the incest of his parents of which he himself was conceived Exod. 6. 20. nor the Idolatry of his brother Aaron Exod. 32. nor the wicked murmuring of his sister Miriam Numb 12. nor his own declining of his vocation by God to deliver the Children of Israel out of Egypt Exo. 4. 13 14. nor his own murmuring against God in his impatiency Num. 11. 11 12 13 14. nor his want of faith after so many wonderfull confirmations Num. 20. 12. 27. 14. Deut. 32. 51. And though he were in highest authority and having a promise of the people to beleeve whatsoever he said Exod. 19. 8. 20. 19. 24. 3. he assigneth no place for his own sons to aspire either to the Kingdome or to the high Priesthood but leaveth them in the mean degree of common Levites all which things declare most manifestly that he was void of all earthly and carnall affections in his writings as was meet for the Penman and Scribe of God hereunto also may be added that he writeth of himself Numb 12. 3. that he was the meekest of all the men that were upon the face of the whole earth which no wise man would in such sort report of himself if he were left to his own discretion Thirdly the quality and condition of the Penmen of these holy writings some of whom were never trained up in the school of man and yet in their writings shew that depth of wisdome that the most learned Philosopers could not attain unto Some also were before professed enemies to the truth whereof afterwards they were Writers Amos was no Prophet but an Heard-man and a gatherer of wilde figges Amos 7. 14. Matthew a Publicane
more perfect directions in the worship of God and the way of life then is already expressed in the Canonicall Scriptures Mat. 23. 8. Joh. 5. 39. Mat. 15. 9. Finally these holy Scriptures are the rule the line the square and light whereby to examine and try all judgements and sayings of men and Angels Joh. 12. 48. Gal. 1. 9. All traditions revelations decrees of Councels opinions of Doctors c. are to bee imbraced so farre forth as they may bee proved out of the Divine Scriptures and not otherwise so that from them onely all Doctrine concerning our salvation must bee drawn and derived that onely is to bee taken for truth in matters appertaining to Christian Religion which is agreeable unto them and whatsoever disagreeth from them is to be refused How doe you prove that the Scripture is such a Rule Since God hath appointed the holy Scriptures which beare witnesse of Christ Joh. 5. 39. to bee writen for our learning Rom. 15. 4. hee will have no other Doctrine pertaining to eternall life to bee received but that which is consonant unto them and hath the ground thereof in them therefore unto them onely is the Church directed for the saving knowledge of God Esa. 8. 20. Luk. 16. 29. 31. Insomuch that all Prophesies Revelations and Miracles are to bee judged by their consent with the Law of God writen by Moses to which nothing is to bee added nor any thing to bee taken away from it Deut. 12. 13. 1 2. yea Christ himself appealeth to the triall of those things which Moses did write of him Joh. 5. 46. being none other in any respect but even the same whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets which were the interpreters and commentaries upon the Law writen by Moses did write of John 1. 45. and his Apostles preaching the Gospel among all Nations taught nothing beside that which Moses and the Prophets had spoken to bee fulfilled in Christ as S. Paul testifieth Act. 26. 22. saying as he taught all the rest of the Apostles did teach Where doe you finde that the Scriptures are able to instruct us perfectly to salvation The Apostle Paul in 2 Tim. 3. 15. doth expressely affirm it and reasons which may bee gathered out of the two Verses following doe plainly prove it What are those Reasons 1. God being author of these books they must needs be perfect as he himself is who being for his wisdome able and for his love to his Church willing to set down such a rule as may guide them to eternall life hath not failed herein 2. They are profitable to teach all true doctrine and to confute the false to correct all disorder private and publique and to inform men in the way of righteousnesse 3. The man of God that is the Preacher and Minister of the Word is thereby made compleat and perfect sufficiently furnished unto every good work or duty of the Ministery How doth this last reason hold Most strongly for the people being to learn of the Minister what to beleeve and what to doe and more being required of him that must be the eye and mouth of all the rest if he may be perfectly instructed by the Scriptures they are much more able to give every common man sufficient instruction Again seeing the Minister is bound to disclose the whole counsell of God to his people Acts 20. 27. he being thereunto fully furnished out of the treasury of the Word of God it followeth that by him out of the Scriptures they may also be abundantly taught to salvation What further proof have you of the sufficiency of the Scriptures The five Books of Moses which was the first holy Scripture delivered to the Church was sufficient for the instruction of the people of that time in all that God required at their hands as appeareth by that they were forbidden to adde any thing unto it or to take any thing from it but to doe that onely which was prescribed by the Law Deut. 12. 32. The Prince and the people are commanded to be directed thereby altogether and not to depart from it either to the right hand or to the left Deut. 17. How much more the Law and the Prophets which did more at large set forth the Doctrine delivered by Moses both in precepts and promises in practice and example was sufficient for the time that succeeded untill John the Baptist Mat. 11. 12. Luk. 16. 16. What more can you alledge for this purpose Psal. 19. 7. David saith the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul and Psal. 119. 96. I have seen an end of all perfection but thy Commandement is exceeding large Luk. 16. 29. Abraham in the Parabolicall story testifieth that Moses and the Prophets were sufficient to keep men from damnation John 5. 39. Our Saviour Christ affirmeth of the Scriptures of the old Testament that they were witnesses of him in whom our salvation is perfect Acts 17. 11. The Bereans are commended for examining the Doctrine of the Apostles by the Scriptures of the old Testament Acts 26. 22. Paul taught nothing but that which Moses and the Prophets had written of Christ to be fulfilled 1 Joh. 1. ver 1 2 3 John saith what they have heard and seen that they delivered Gal. 1. 8 9. Paul wisheth that if an Angel from heaven came and taught any other Doctrine we should hold him accursed Apoc. 22. 18 19. there is a curse pronounced against him that addeth any thing or taketh away any thing from Scripture 1 Cor. 4. 6. Paul saith that no man must presume above that which is written John 20. 31. S. John saith that these things are written that we might beleeve that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that beleeving we might have life through his name where he speaketh not onely of his Gospel but being the surviver of the rest of the Apostles of all their writings Seeing then that faith by those things that are written and eternall salvation by faith may be attained it ought to be no controversie amongst Christians that the whole Scripture of the old and new Testament doth most richly and abundantly contain all that is necessary for a Christian man to beleeve and to doe for eternall salvation Obj. 1. Yet our adversaries quarrell against this most rich and plentifull treasure of the holy Scriptures alledging that we receive many things by tradition which are not in Scriptures and yet we beleeve them as Maries perpetuall Virginity and the baptisme of Infants We make not Maries perpetuall Virginity any matter of religion but a likely opinion so far as it can be maintained that it were an unseemly and unfitting thing for a sinfull man to use to the act of generation the vessell which was chosen and consecrated by the holy Ghost to so high an use as was the bringing forth of the Saviour of the world it hath warrant from the Apostles charge Phil. 4. 8. of doing whatsoever is honest whatsoever
of God is to bee had partly by his Works namely so much as may serve to convince man and make him unexcusable Rom. 1. 19 20. Act. 14. 15. but most sufficiently by his Word contained in the holy Scriptures which therefore are called his Testimonies Psal. 119. 14. because they testifie of God Joh. 5. 39. what hee is and how hee will bee served of us Lastly that forasmuch as all that is writen in the Word of God is writen for our instruction and learning Rom. 15. 4. therefore we being prepared by true Prayer sanctified by Faith and seasoned with the Spirit of sobriety and humility may safely learn so much as is revealed in the Scripture for our profiting in the knowledge of God What is the first point of Religion that wee are taught in the Scriptures That there is a God Why doe you make this the first point Because the Scripture saith hee that commeth to God must beleeve that hee is Heb. 11. 6. Have any called this into question at any time Yea so saith the Prophet David but hee sheweth also that it was by wicked proud and foolish men Psal. 14. 1. whose lives were nothing else but abomination and corruption Psal. 10. 4. What pretence of reason might they have for this wicked imagination Because no man ever saw God yet by which foolish argument they may deny also that there is any wind or that man hath a soule for no man yet ever saw them But how come you to perswade your selfe that there is such a God Beside infinite testimonies of the Scriptures as Gen. 1. 1. Psal. 19. the common consent of all Nations approveth this Truth who rather worship any God or gods then none at all and though man by nature doth desire to bee exalted and in respect of himself despiseth all other creatures as Wood and Stone yet when a peece of wood is framed out like a man and set in the Temple and man conceiveth an opinion that it is a God hee falleth down and worshippeth it Esa. 44. 15. 17. How then commeth it to passe that the wicked say there is no God Psal. 14. 1. First though upon a sudden passion they may seem to say so as the Devill laboureth to tempt them yet their very Conscience after doth check them Secondly they deny rather Gods providence then his beeing as appeareth by Psal. 10. 4. 11. What other reasons have you to prove that there is a God Gods works of Creation and Providence both ordinary and extraordinary For first the glorious frame of the World the Heavens and the Earth and the Sea and all that is in them must needs argue that their Maker was God Rom. 1. 19 20. Act. 14. 17. Zach. 12. 1. it being evident that the world could not bee made by the Creatures that are in it neither could it make it self as when a man comes into a strange Countrie and sees faire and sumptuous buildings and findes no body there but birds and beasts hee will not imagine that either birds or beasts reared those buildings but hee presently conceives that some men either are or have been there The Creation of the Soule of man indued with Reason and Conscience doth specially prove the same Zach. 12. 1. The preserving of things Created together with the wonderfull and orderly government of the world Day and Night Sommer and Winter c. manifestly convince the same For example Bread is no better in it self then Earth yet man is preserved by Bread and if hee eate Earth hee dyeth the reason whereof must bee attributed to the blessing of God giving to the one force and power to nourish more then to the other By the order of causes even the heathen men have found out that there must bee a God seeing that of every effect there must needs be a Cause untill we come to the first Cause which is the universall Cause of the being of all things and is caused of none If we shall observe in Gods Works an infinite multitude a wonderfull variety Psal. 104. 24. as amongst so many millions of men never a one like another in the compasse of the face a most constant order a seemly agreement and an endlesse continuance or pleasant intercourse of things comming and going and what exceeding Majesty is in them we must needs attribute these things to a God The consciences of wicked men after sin are perplexed with feare of being punished by some supreme Judge who disliketh and detesteth dishonest things and exerciseth judgements upon the mind which maketh the most ungodly miscreants will they nill they to acknowledge and tremble at him c. Rom. 2. 15. Esa. 33. 14. 57. 20 21. 66. 24. Psal. 14. 5. 53. 5. for a man that commits any sin as murder fornication adultery blasphemy c. albeit he conceale the matter never so close Gen. 38. 10. 13 14. that no man living know of it yet oftentimes he hath a griping in his conscience and feares the very flashing of hell fire which is a strong reason to shew that there is a God before whose Judgement seat he must answer for his fact There is a devill that suggesteth a temptation against God into the mindes of men and sometimes also really possesseth their bodies which is a sufficient argument to prove that there is a God The death of the wicked with Gods apparent Judgements upon them besides the terrour of their conscience and the dreadfull punishment executed even in this world upon many Atheists that have laboured to deny it Psal. 58. 10 11. prove that there is a God this is Davids argument Psal. 9. 16. The same appeareth by the rewards of the godly and the mercifull preservation of those the trust in God above and against naturall means By the wonderfull miracles which God hath wrought for his Church By the foretelling of things to come so many thousand yeers before they were accomplished By the divers revelations he hath made of himself to men as to Adam Noah Moses c. This ground being now laid that there is a God what doth Christian Religion teach us concerning him It informeth us first concerning his nature Act. 8. 12. Secondly concerning his Kingdom and that respectively as they have relation one to the other Act. 28. 23. What is to been known concerning his nature First vvhat his Essence is secondly to whom or what persons it doth belong In the first he is considered in his unity in the second in the Trinity the former whereof in the Hebrew tongue is noted by the singular name of Jehovah betokening the simplicity of Essence the latter by the plurall term of Elohim importing a distinction of Persons in the God-head Can wee understand what the Essence of God is Very imperfectly for all nature is not able to teach us what God is in himself neither can man in nature comprehend him Job 36. 26. 1 Tim. 6. 16. Why is not all nature able to teach
who is not onely the Lord our Maker Psal. 100. 3. but also our God and Saviour 1 Tim. 4. 10. Psal. 36. 6. Whence is the latter From the Covenant of grace whereby he is our God and Saviour of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. assuring them of all gracious deliverances by vertue of his Covenant from all evills and enemies both bodily and especially spirituall a proofe whereof is laid downe in that famous deliverance of the people of Israel out of the slavery of Egypt which was so exceeding great that by reason thereof they were said to be in an Iron Furnace Deut. 4. 20. How can this belong to us which are no Israelites Though we be not Israel in name or according to the flesh yet wee are the true Israel of God according to the spirit and promise Why doth the Lord make choyse of that benefit which seemeth nothing at all to belong unto us rather then of any other wherein we communicate with them 1. Because it is the manner of God to allure the Israelites to whom the Law was given at first as children with temporall benefits having respect to their infirmity and child-hood whereas wee are blessed of God with greater knowledge and therefore in respect of them are as it were at mans estate Deut. 28. 13. 2. Because it was fittest to expresse the spirituall deliverance from Satan by Christ which was thereby figured and represented and so it belongeth no lesse if not more to us than to them 3. Because we being freed from the slavery of our bloody enemies whereunto we were so neere more than once and unto whom we justly have deserved to have beene enthralled and it being the common case of all Gods Children to bee in continuall danger of the like and to feele the like goodnesse of God towards them we may also make use of this Title and esteeme it a great Bond also of us unto God 4. Because it was the latest benefit the sweetnesse whereof was yet as it were in their mouth and herein the Lord had respect unto our corrupt nature who are ready to forget old benefits how great soever What is there is this reason to set forth the true God whom we worship and to distinguish him from all Idolls whatsoever 1. The name Jehovah which betokeneth that hee onely is of himselfe and all other things have their being of him whereby wee are taught that there is but one true God whose being there is no creature able to conceive and that hee giveth being to all other things both by creating them at first and by preserving and directing of them continually 2. The name Elohim or God which in the Hebrew is of the plurall number to signifie the Trinity of the Persons in the Vnity of the God-head 3. That he is both Omnipotent and is able to do all things and also willing to imploy his power to the preservation of his people proved from an argument of the effects in the deliverance of the Israelites out of Egypt So much of the Preface What are the words of the first Commandement Thou shalt haue no other Gods before Me. Or Thou shalt not haue any strange God before My Face Exo. 20. 3. What is the scope and meaning of this Commandement 1. That this Jehovah one in substance and three in persons the Creator and Governour of all things and the Redeemer of his people is to be entertained for the onely true God in all the powers of our soule Matth. 22. 33. 2. That the inward and spiritual worship of the heart Prov. 23. 26. wherein God especially delighteth Deut. 5. 29. and which is the ground of the outward Prov. 4. 23. Matth. 12. 35. is to be given to him and to none other and that sincerely without hypocrisie as in his sight who searcheth and knoweth the heart Jer. 17. 10. For this word Before me or Before my face noteth that inward entertainment worship wherof God alone doth take notice and thereby God sheweth that he condemneth as well the corrupt thoughts of mans heart concerning his Majesty as the wicked practice of the body for our Thoughts are before his face What is forbidden in this Commandement Originall corruption so farre forth as it is the fountaine of impiety against God Rom. 8. 7. with all the streames thereof What is required in this Commandement That we set up imbrace and sanctifie the Lord God in our hearts Isa. 8. 13. yeilding to him in Christ that inward and spirituall worship which is due unto his Majesty Wherein doth this consist 1. In knowing of God in himselfe in his properties and in his workes for it should be the joy of every Christian soule to know the true God and whom he hath sent Christ Iesus Io. 17. 3. 2. In cleaving unto him Deut. 11. 22. Josh. 23. 8. Acts 11. 23. How is that to be done 1. We must be perswaded of Gods love to us and so rest upon him for all we want being assured that he both can and will abundantly provide for us here and for ever 2. We are to love him so heartily as to be loath to offend him and delight to please him in all things So much of the Commandement in generall What are we to consider of it in particular First the severall branches of it Secondly the helpes and hinderances of the obedience thereof What be the severall branches of this Precept There is here commanded 1. The having of a God and herein Religion 2. The having of one onely God and no more and herein unity 3. The having of the true God and none other for our God and herein truth To what end doth God command us to have a God seeing wee cannot chuse but have him for our God whether we will or not Because albeit all men of necessity must have a God above them yet many either know him not or care not for him and so make him no God as much as in them lyeth What is it then to have a God To know and worship such an infinite Nature as hath his being in himselfe and giveth being to all other things wholly to depend upon him and to yield absolute obedience to his will What is it to have no God In heart to deny either God himselfe or any of his properties or so to live as if there were no God at all What things are to be considered in this first branch of this Commandement Such as doe concerne the faculties of the soule and the severall powers of the inward man namely the Vnderstanding Memory Will Affections and Conscience What is the Vnderstanding charged with in being commanded to have a God 1. To know God as hee hath revealed himselfe in his Word and in his Works 1 Chron. 28. 9. John 17. 3. 2. To acknowledge him to be such an one as we know him to be 3. To have faith both in believing the things that are written of him and
of the feare of God and contempt of his Majesty What sin is joyned with the want of the feare of God Carnall security whereby a man doth flatter himselfe in his owne estate be it never so bad What vertues arise from the feare of God Reverence and Humility What is the former The Reverence of the Majesty of God in regard whereof we should carry such an holy shamefastnesse in all our actions that no unseemely behaviour proceed from us that may any wayes be offensive unto him Heb. 12. 28. Of which if Men be so carefull in the presence of Princes who are but mortall Men how much more carefull ought wee to bee thereof in the presence of the Almighty and most glorious God How was this prefigured in the Ceremoniall Law That when Men would ease themselves according to the course of nature they should goe without the Hoast and carry a paddle with them to cover their filth because saith the Lord I am in the midest of you whereby the filthinesse and impurity of the minde was forbidden more then of the body and the equity hereof reacheth also unto us Deut. 23. 12 13 14. What is contrary to this Reverence of the Majesty of God Irreverence and Prophanenesse of Men to God-ward What is Humility That vertue whereby we account our selves vile and unworthy of the least of Gods mercies and casting our selves downe before his Majesty doe acknowledge our owne emptinesse of good and insufficiency in our selves for so all our behaviour should be seasoned with humility What sinnes are repugnant to this vertue 1 Counterfeit humility when a man would seeme more lowly then he is 2. Pride vaine glory and presumption whereby we boast and glory of our selves and our owne strength and goodnesse Who are to be accounted proud 1 They that would bee thought to have those good things in them which they want 2 They that having a little goodnes in them would have it seem greater then it is 3 They that having any goodnsse in them doe thinke that it commeth from themselves 4. They that thinke they can merit from GOD and deserve his favour VVhat is the godly sorrow which is required in this Commandement Spirituall griefe and indignation against our owne and others transgressions and also lamenting for the calamities of Gods people private and publique the want of both which is here condemned VVhat spirituall joy is there here injoyned Ioying in God rejoycing in all our afflictions with consideration of the joy prepared for us before the beginning of the world Luke 1. 47. Rom. 5. 3. James 1. 2. the defect of which spirituall joy is here condemned So much of the Affections what is required of us in respect of our Conscience That we live in all good conscience before God Acts 23. 1. Heb. 13. 8. What sins are here condemned 1. Hardnesse of heart and benummednesse of conscience 2. Hellish terros and accusations proceeding from doing things either without or against the rule of the Word So much of the first branch of this Commandement what is required in the second branch thereof Vnity in Religion because we are commanded to have but one God and no more What things are required of us that we may come to this unity Foure principally 1. An upright and single heart ready to embrace the true Religion and no other 2. Constancy and continuance in the truth 3. A godly courage to stand to the truth and withstand the enemy 4. An holy zeale of the glory of God What contrary vices are forbidden 1. Indifferency in Religion when a man is as ready to embrace one Religion as another 2. Inconstancy and wavering in Religion 3. Obstinate and wilfull continuance in any Religion without any good ground 4. Rash and blinde zeale when a man without knowledge or judgment will earnestly maintaine either falshood or truth by wicked meanes To what end doth God will us to have no other God but himselfe seeing no man can have any other God though he never so much desire it Because howsoever there be but one God yet many doe devise unto themselves divers things which they place in Gods stead and to which they give that honour which is proper to God 1 Cor. 8. 4 5. 10. 20. What sin then doth God condemne by forbidding us to have many gods All inward idolatry whereby men set up an Idoll in their heart in stead of God Ezek. 14. 3. ascribing thereunto that which is proper to him and giving it any part of spirituall adoration Shew how this is done in the Understanding When men doe thinke that other things have that which is proper unto God as Papists when they beleeve That the Sacrament is their maker That the Saints know their hearts That the Pope can forgive sins which none can doe but God How doth the Memory faile herein In remembering of evill things especially of those which most corrupt us and chiefly then when we should be most free from the thoughts of them What is the fault of the Will Readinesse unto and wilfulnesse in evill especially the worst Shew the like in the Affections first in sinfull confidence There is here condemned trust in the Creatures more then in God and all fleshly confidence in our selves or in our friends honour credit wit learning wisdome wealth c. thinking our selves the better or more safe simply for them Prov. 18. 11. Psa. 62. 10. Jer. 17. 5. 2 Chron. 16. 12. whence ariseth pride Acts 12. 23. and security VVhat is our duty concerning these things 1. To esteem of them only as good means given us of God whereby to glorifie him the better 2. To trust in God lesse when we have them then when we want them Job 13. 15. VVhat is further here condemned 1. To ascribe the glory of any good thing either to our selves or any other then the Lord. 2. To seeke for help of the Devill by Witches or Wise men VVherein standeth inordinate love In loving of evill or in loving of our selves or any other thing more then God of whose favour we ought more to esteem then of all the world besides Here therfore is condemned all carnall love of our selves our friends our pleasure profit credit or any worldly thing else for whose sake we leave those duties undone which God requireth of us 2 Tim. 3. 4. 1 John 2. 15. 1 Sam. 2. 29. whereas the true love of God will move us with Moses and Paul to wish our selves accursed rather then that the glory of God should any thing at all be stained by us Exod. 32. 32. Rom. 9. 3. VVhat feare is here condemned All carnall feares and especially the fearing of any thing more then God Isa. 7. 2. 8. 12 13. 51. 12 13. Mat. 10. 28. How may a man know that he is more afraid of God then of any other thing If he be more afraid to displease God then any other and this feare of
God be stronger to move us to good then the feare of men to move us to evill VVhat disorder in joy and sorrow is here condemned 1. Immoderate carnall mirth 2. Abundance of worldly sorrowes shame and discontentments VVhat is required in the third and last branch of this Commandement True Religion because we are commanded to have the true God and none other for our God What is contrary to this The having of a false God and a false Religion How many things are required of us that we may come to true Religion Three 1. We must labour earnestly to find out the truth 2. We must examine by the Word whether it be the truth which we have found 3. When by tryall we have found the truth we must rest in it What is here forbidden 1. All errors and heresies especially concerning God and his properties and the three Persons in the Trinity where we must take heed we imagine no likenesse of God for as much as wee set up an Idoll in our hearts if we liken him to any thing whatsoever subject to the sense or imagination of man for the better avoydance whereof we must settle our mindes upon Christ in whom onely God is comprehensible 2. To believe any Doctrine concerning God without any tryall 3. Not to believe that which he hath revealed concerning himselfe in his Word We have spoken hitherto of the severall branches of the first Commandement What are the helpes of the obedience thereof The onely meanes to settle and uphold us in this spirituall worship of God is to endeavour to attaine and increase in the knowledge of him in Iesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. to consider what great things he hath done for us Psalme 116. 12. 1 Jo. 3. 1. Yea in all our wayes to take knowledge of his presence promises and providence Prov. 3. 6. What are the meanes whereby we may attaine to the knowledge of God Principally twelve 1. Prayer 2. A simple heart desirous of knowledge 3. Hearing of the Word 4. Reading of the Word and holy Writings 5. Meditation in the Word 6. Conference 7. Diligence in learning 8. Remembrance of that we learne 9. Practice of that we learne 10. Delight in learning 11. Attentive marking of that which is taught 12. Meditation on the Creatures of God What are the hindrances of the obedience of this Commandement The neglect of the knowledge of God Hos. 4. 1. 8. 12. and not considering his words and workes Esa. 5. 12. 26. 10. 11. are the ground of all impiety and spirituall Idolatry here forbidden Esa. 1. 3. 4. What things are forbidden as meanes of this ignorance Five First Curiosity when a man would know more then God would have him know Secondly Vanity of minde when the minde is drawne away and occupied upon vaine and unprofitable things Thirdly Pride our owne knowledge when we think we know enough already Fourthly Forgetfulnesse of God and his Will Fiftly Wearinesse in learning and talking of God and his Will Hitherto of the first Commandement concerning the entertaining of of God in our hearts What is injoyned in the other three The meanes of his service for as in the first Commandement we are required to have so in the other wee are required to serve the Lord our God What be the branches of this service Either they are such as are to be performed at all times as occasion shall require or such as concerne a certain day wholly set apart for his worship The duties of the former kind are prescribed in the second and third of the latter in the fourth and last Commandement of the first Table How are the duties of the former kind distinguished They doe either concerne the solemne worship of Religion prescribed in the second Commandement or the respect we should carry to God in the common course of our lives laid downe in the third What doe you consider in the second Commandement Two things 1. The Injunction 2. The Reasons brought to strengthen the same What are the words of the Injunction Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image nor any likenesse of things that are in Heauen aboue nor in the Earth beneath nor in the Waters under the Earth thou shalt not bow downe to them nor worship them Exod. 20. 4 5. VVhat is the scope and meaning of this Commandement To binde all men to that solemne forme of religious Worship which God himselfe in his Word prescribeth that we serve him not according to our fancies but according to his owne will Deut. 12. 32. VVhat is generally forbidden herein Every forme of Worship though of the true God Deut. 12. 31. contrary to or diverse from the prescript of Gods Word Mat. 15. 9. called by the Apostle Will-worship Col. 2. 23. together with all corruption in the true Worship of God 2 King 16. 10. and all lust and inclination of heart unto superstitious Pomps and Rites in the service of God VVhat are the parts of that Will-worship Either the worship of any besides God or of God himselfe any other waies then he hath commanded for both vices are here forbidden either to worship the true God falsly or to worship those things that are not God at all VVho doe chiefly off end in this kinde The Papists which give religious worship unto Creatures and serve God not according to his will prescribed in the Word but according to the Popes will and the Traditions of men VVhy doth the Lord forbid all these Corruptions under one instance of Images Because therein he foresaw there would be greatest abuse What doth he expresly forbid concerning them 1. That we make no Image to worship it 2. That we worship it not when it is made What is meant by making of Images All new devices and inventions of men in the service of God whereby we are forbidden to make any new Word new Sacraments new Censures new Ministries new Prayers new Fastings or new Vowes to serve him withall also all representations of any grace of God otherwise then God hath appointed or may be allowed by his Word as Christ condemned the Pharisees washing What by worshipping of them All use in Gods Service of any new devised Inventions or practising of them and all abuse of things commanded What is generally required in this Commandement That we worship and serve God in that holy manner which he in his Word requireth How is that to be done First we must use all those holy exercises of Religion publike and private which he commandeth Secondly we must perform all the parts of Gods Worship prescribed with Reverence and Diligence using them so carefully as may bee to Gods glory and our good Eccles. 4. 17. and 5. 1. What observe you by comparing the second Commandement with the first That the inward and outward worship of God ought to goe together For as in the first Commandement the Lord requireth that we should
profession we make of Religion it is all in vaine James 1. 26. What is the summe of the duties of the tongue here required That our speeches be both true and charitable for these must inseparably goe together for Charity rejoiceth in truth 1 Cor. 13. 6. and the truth must be spoken in love Eph. 4. 15. For truth without love savoureth of malice and charity without truth is false vaine and foolish Unto what heads then are these duties of the Tongue required in this Commandement to be referred Vnto two 1. The conservation of truth amongst men And 2. the conservation of our owne and our neighbours fame and good name What have you to say concerning Truth Two things First what this truth is Secondly the meanes of conserving it What is to be considered in truth it selfe Three things First what it is Secondly whether it be to be professed Thirdly after what manner What is truth or veracity It is an habit of speaking that which is true from our hearts Psal. 15. 2. What is required hereunto Two things First that our speech be agreeable to our minds Secondly that our minds be agreeable to the thing For though we speak that which is true yet if we think it false we are lyers because our tongue agreeth not with our mindes and if that we speak be false and yet we think it true we doe not speak truely for though truth be in our hearts yet a lye is in our mouths and though we cannot be called lyers because we speak as we think yet may we be said to tell a lye because that we say is false What great necessity is there of this truth Very great for if speech be necessary as all confesse then also speaking truth without which there would be no use of speech for take away truth and it were better that we were dumbe then that we should be endued with this faculty of speaking What other motives are there to embrace it Because it is both commended and commanded in the Scripture It is commended as a vertue which God greatly loveth Psal. 51. 8. as a note of a Citizen of heaven Psal. 15. 2. and of one who shall be established for ever Pro. 12. 19. It is commanded Ephes. 4. 25. Zach. 8. 16 19. Is it onely sufficient to know the truth and beleeve it No we must also upon all fit occasions professe it with our mouthes Rom. 10. 9 10. Matth. 10. 32 33. How must the truth he professed Freely and simply How is it done freely When as we professe it willingly and undauntedly so farre forth as the matter place and time doe require So Dan. 3. 16 17 18. Acts 4. 8 10 13. How is it done simply When as it is done without guile and dissimulation shifts or shuffles What are the vices opposite to truth They are two First falsity and lying Secondly vanity or an habite of lying What is lying It is twofold First when we speak that which is false Secondly when as we speak that which is true falsly and with a mind to deceive What is it to speak that which is false When as we doe not speak as the thing is whether we thinke it true or no. What is it to speak falsly When as we doe not speak as we think whether the thing be true or false What are the reasons which may disswade from lying 1. Because God is true and the author of truth and the Devill a lyer and the father of lyes and as truth maketh us like unto God so lyes make us like unto the Devill 2. Because it is strictly forbidden in the Scriptures Lev. 9. 11. Exod. 23. 7. Col. 3. 9. Eph. 4. 25. 3. Because the lyer sinneth grievously not onely against his neighbour but also against God himself Lev. 6. 2. 4. Because the Scriptures condemne lying as the spawne of the old serpent John 8. 44. and as a thing abominable and odious unto God Pro. 12. 22. 6. 17. 5. Because it perverteth the use of speech taketh away all credit and faith between man and man and quite overthroweth all humane society which cannot stand without contracts and commerce nor they without truth Lastly because God severely punisheth lyes Pro. 19. 5 9. Psal. 5. 6. Acts 5. 1 2 3 c. and that both in this life with infamy and disgrace for it maketh a man esteemed base and of no credit so that the usuall lyer is not beleeved when he speaketh truth Eccles. 34. 4. And in the life to come for it excludeth out of heaven Apoc. 22. 15. and casteth men into that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone chap. 21. 8. How are lyes usually distinguished Into three sorts Merry Lyes Officious Lyes Pernicious Lyes What are merry Lyes Such as are spoken onely to delight the hearers and make sport Are such to be condemned as sinfull seeing they doe no man hurt Yes verily for the Scriptures condemne not onely false but also all vaine speeches Matth. 12. 29. Secondly because they are against truth and cannot be spoken without impeaching of it Thirdly lies must not be spoken to delight Princes who have most cause of care and trouble Hos. 7. 3. Fourthly lyes must not be spoken for profit and therefore much lesse for delight What are officious Lyes Such as are spoken either for our owne or neighbours profit and doe not hurt any man Are such lyes unlawfull likewise Yes surely and upon the same grounds for though we may buy the truth at a deare purchase yet we must not sell it at any rate Prov. 23. 23. And if it be unlawfull to lye in the cause of God because it hath no need to be supported by our lyes Iob 13. 7 8. much lesse for our owne or neighbours profit What doe you call Vanity in lying When men by a corrupt custome are so habituated to lying that they will lye for every cause yea even for no cause and when they might attain their ends as well and easily by speaking truth What vices are opposite to Freedome and Liberty in speaking the truth They are either in the excesse or in the defect VVhat in the excesse Vnseasonable and undiscreet profession of the truth with the danger or losse of our selves or others when neither the glory of God nor our own or neighbours good doth require it And in such cases our Saviour himselfe would not professe the truth though he were pressed unto it by his malicious enemies Iohn 18. 20 21. Because he should thereby have but cast Pearles before Swine contrary to his owne Doctrine Matth. 7. 6. What is opposite in defect When either out of a cowardly fear or some other sinister respect wee deny the truth in our words or betray it by our silence Of the former we have an example in Peter Matth. 26 of the other in those weak Christians 2 Tim. 4. 16. But is it not sometime lawfull to conceale the truth Yes surely when
both to God and man Whereof must we give Almes Of that good thing that is wholsome and profitable to the receiver which is justly our owne not another mans unlesse in case of extremity before mentioned for otherwise of goods evill gotten or wrongfully detained not almes but restitution must be made How much must we give Wee must sow liberally that wee may reape also liberally notwithstanding in the quantity and proportion of almes respect must be had 1. To the ability of the giver who is not bound so to give as utterly to impoverish himselfe and to make himself of a giver a receiver saving that in a common and extream necessity of the Church every one must be content to abate out of his revenue that the rest may not perish and some whose hearts God shall move may voluntarily and commendably sell all and put it into the common stocke yea it is unlawfull so to give unto some one good use as to disable our selves for the service of the Common-wealth Church or Saints in generall or for the reliefe of our family or kindred in speciall Secondly to the condition of the receiver that his necessity may be supplyed not as to make him of a receiver a giver for this is to give a patrimony not an almes and belongeth rather to Iustice binding men to provide for those of their owne houshold then to mercy To whom must we give To such as are in want with this difference First in present extremity we must preserve life in whomsoever without enquiring who and what a one the partie be Secondly in cases admitting deliberation we must confine our almes to such as God hath made poore as Orphans Aged Blinde Lame the trembling hand c. wherein such gifts are most commendable as extend unto perpetuity as the erecting or endowing of Churches Schooles of good learning Hospitalls c. But as for such as turne begging into an art or occupation they are by order to bee compelled to worke for their maintenance which is the best and greatest almes What order must we observe in giving We must begin with such as are nearest to us in regard of domesticall civill or Christian neighbour-hood according as the lawes of Nature Nations and religion direct us unlesse other circumstances as the extremity of want or the indignity of the person to bee relieved doe dispence and so proceed to such as are further off according as our ability can extend What are the times and places fittest for those duties For publick almes the fittest time is when we meet together for the solemne worship of God likewise the fittest place where provision is made for publick Collections For private when and wheresoever the necessity of our poore brother offerth it selfe With what affection must we doe Almes-deeds 1. With pity and compassion on our needy brother Psal. 112. 4. 2. With humility and secrecy not seeking praise from men but approving our selves to God Matth. 6. 1 c. 3. With cheerfulnesse Rom. 12. 8. because God loveth a cheerfull giver 4. With simplicity not respecting our selves but the glory of God and the good of our fellow members Rom. 12. 8. 2 Cor. 8. 4 5. How many wayes may almes-deeds be performed Not only by giving but also First by lending to such as are not able to lend to us againe some being no lesse relieved by lending then others by gift provided we take nothing for the loane yea in some cases either remit part of the loane or commit it into the hands of our poore brother without assurance to receive from him the principall againe Secondly by selling when we doe not only bring forth the commodity as of corne c. which others keep in but also in a mercifull commiseration of our poore brother abate something of the extreame price Thirdly by forbearing whatsoever is our right in case of great necessity What fruit may we expect of this duty Not to merit thereby at the hands of God But yet 1. To make God our debtor Prov. 19. 17. according to his gracious promises who also in Christ will acknowledge and requite it at the last day Mat. 10. 42. 25. 35. 2 Tim. 1. 18. 2. To seale the truth of our Religion 1 Sam. 1. 27. 3. To assure us of salvation Heb. 6. 9 10. 1 John 3. 14. 1 Tim. 6. 19. 4. To make amends to man for former covetousnesse and cruelty Dan. 4. 24. Luke 19. 8. 5. To sanctifie our store Luke 11. 41. and bring a blessing on our labours Deut. 15. 10. yea and upon our posterity after us Psal. 112. 2. 37. 16. 2 Tim. 1. 16. We have spoken at large of the participation of the grace of Christ and the benefits of the Gospell Now we are come unto the meanes whereby God doth effect these things Shew therefore how and in what manner God doth offer and communicate the Covenant of Grace unto mankinde By vocation or calling Rom. 8. 30. Heb. 3. 1. when God by the meanes of his Word and Spirit acquainting men with his gracious purpose of salvation by Christ inviteth them to come unto him Hos. 2. 14. and revealing unto them his Covenant of grace Mat. 11. 27. 16. 17. Iohn 14. 21. Psalme 25. 14. bringeth them out of darknesse to light Acts 26. 18. Is this Calling of one sort only No there is an externall gathering common to all together with some light of the Spirit and certaine fruits of the same attained unto by some that are not heires of the promise for many are called with this outward and ineffectuall calling who are not chosen Isa. 48. 12. Mat. 22. 14. And there is an internall and effectuall calling peculiar to those few that are elect whereby unfaigned faith and true repentance is wrought in the heart of Gods chosen and God become in Christ their Father doth not only outwardly by his Word invite but inwardly also and powerfully by his Spirit allure and win their hearts to cleave to him inseparably unto salvation Gen. 9. 27. Psal. 25. 14. 60. 6. 5. 4. Ioel. 2. 32. Acts 2. 39. How doe both these kinds of Callings differ Howsoever we are to judge charitably of all outwardly called 1 Cor. 1. 2. because who among them is also inwardly called is only knowne to God 2 Tim. 2. 19. yet doth this outward calling differ from the inward 1. In that it is wrought only by outward meanes and common illumination Heb. 4. 2. without the spirit of regeneration Jude vers 19. or any portion of saving faith Luke 8. 13. 2. In that they are admitted only to an outward and temporary league of formall profession Acts 8. 13. Rom. 9 4 5. not to that intire fellowship with Christ required unto salvation 1 Iohn 2. 19. 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. What are the
That the breaches of all the Commandements concurred in Adam and Eves sinne 134 The effects of the fall 136 Sin guiltinesse punishment Of our first Parents nakednesse 137 Of their hiding themselves Of sinne Why all Adams posterity are partakers of his sinne and misery 142 What sinne is 143 Imputed sinne 144 Inherent sinne Originall sinne The propagation of originall sinne 145 The minde corrupted The corruption of the memory The corruption of the will 147 The corruption of affections The corruption of the conscience Of the corruption of the body Actuall sinne Of the sin against the Holy Ghost 151 The divers differences of actuall sinne 152 Guilt of sinne 153 Punishment of sinne Of Gods covenants of man 157 Of the covenant of grace 158 The differences between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace 159 Wherein they agree Of Jesus the Mediator of this covenant 160 The foundation of it Of the person of Christ. Of the natures of Christ Divine Humane Of the divine nature of Christ Why it was necessary that Christ should be God 161 Of the humane nature of Christ. 162 Why it was necessary that Christ should be man 164 Of the union of the two natures of Christ. 165 Of Christs Office Mediatorship 166 That here is but one Mediator Of his names Iesus Christ. 167 Of Christs Priest-hood 168 The Popish Priest-hood overthrowne 169 Of Christs satisfaction 170 Of Christs sufferings 171 Of Christs sufferings in his soule 172 Of Christs sufferings in his body Uses of Christs passion 174 Of Christs buriall His descending into hell Christs righteousnesse in fulfilling the Law Christs originall righteousnesse 175 Christs actuall holinesse Of the intercession of Christ. 176 Of the Propheticall office of Christ. 177 Of the Kingly office of Christ. 179 Of Christs humiliation 183 Of Christs exaltation Of the Resurrection of Christ. Of Christs ascension 184 Of the third degree of Christs exaltation his sitting at the right hand of God 185 The state of the godly in Christ. 186 Of the Church of Christ. 187 The Catholick Church The property and office of the head of the Church The Church triumphant 188 Of the Church militant Prerogatives of the members of the Catholike Church 190 What Sanctification is What Redemption is Of our union and communion with Christ. 192 Communion of Saints The benefit of our Communion with Christ. 193 Justification Glorification Of Justification What Justification is Vses arising from the Doctrine of Justification 195. Of Faith 196 The various acception of Faith The divers kindes of Faith 197 Historicall faith Temporary faith Miraculous faith Justifying faith The Popish implicite faith 198 That the whole soule is the seat of faith What reconciliation is 200 What adoption is 201 The benefits of adoption Sanctification 202 The differences between justification and sanctification The differences between the Law and the Gospell 203 The Morall Law the rule of sanctification Ceremoniall Law 204 Judiciall Law The Morall Law The end and use of the Law 205 1. Knowledge of the Law required Rules to be observed for the Interpretation of the Law 1. Rule the Law is spirituall 2. Rule the Law is perfect 206 3. Rule in every commandement there is a Metaphor or Synecdoche 1. Branch of the third rule 2. Branch 3. Branch Why the Commandements are propounded in the second person 207 Good company required Why the Commandements are propounded negatively 208 The division of the Decalogue The summe of the 1. table The summe of the 2. table 209 The division of the 1. table 211 The Preface of the Commandements 212 How the reason of the 1. Commandement belongeth to us 213 The fift Commandement The scope and meaning of this Commandement 214 What is forbidden and required in this first Commandement The severall branches of the first Commandement What it is to have a God 125 Of the knowledge of God Opposites to the knowledge of God Ignorance of God Affiance in God 216 Patience Hope Love of God Thankfulnesse 217 Feare of God Reverence 218 Humility Pride Sorrow Joy Vnity in Religion 219 What it is to have other Gods Sinfull confidence 220 Inordinate love Sinfull feare Sinfull joy and sorrow The third branch of this Commandement True Religion How we must come to the true Religion Helpes inabling us to obey this Commandement 221 Meanes of the knowledge of God Hindrances Meanes of ignorance here forbidden What is enjoyned in the three following Commandements The second Commandement 222 The scope and meaning of the second Commandement What is here forbidden What is meant by making of Images The speciall branches of the second Commandement 223 Of Prayer 224 Of Fasts Of Vowes 225 The manner of Gods worship Of Preparation Of the disposition in the action What is required after the action 226 Ecclesiasticall Ceremonies Of bodily gestures Of the abuse of Gods Ordinances Defects respecting the inward Worship 227 Defects in outward Worship 228 Helps in performing Gods pure worship The second maine branch of the second Commandement 229 What is forbidden concerning Images 230 That it is unlawfull to make the Image of God 231 That it is unlawfull to make the Image of Christ. What is meant by worshipping Images 232 Of countenancing Idolatrie 233 Reasons to back this Commandement taken from Gods Titles Jealous God Reasons drawne from the works of God 234 The first reason The second reason 235 The third Commandement 236 The summe of the third Commandement What is meant by the Name of God What is meant by the word In vaine 237 What is forbidden in the third Commandement What is required in the third Commandement The particular duties required in the third Commandement The duties repugnant 238 The right use of Oathes What persons may lawfully take an Oath 239 The speciall abuses of an oath How Gods Name is taken in vaine in regard of his properties How in respect of his Works 240 How in respect of his Word Of the helpes and hindrances 241 The reason annexed to the third Commandement The fourth Commandement The meaning of the fourth Commandement 242 What need there is of one day in seven to serve God That the Sabbath day is not ceremoniall Of the change of the seventh day to the first and the reason thereof 243 The time of the Sabbath and when it beginneth 244 What is meant by the word Remember 245 Of the preparation of the Sabbath The parts of the fourth Commandement 246 What workes ought to be declined What rest required in the fourth Commandement 247 The speciall breaches opposite to an holy rest To whom this Commandement is chiefly directed 289 The second part of this Commandement which is the sanctifying of the rest The exercises and duties required on the Sabbath Prayer with the Congregation 250 Hearing the Word Receiving the Sacraments Private duties of the Sabbath Of the evening preparation 251 The first duties of the morning Of the publick duties of the Sabbath 252 What is to bee done after the publick Ministery Sins to be
to have other Gods Sinfull Confidence Inordinate Love Sinfull Feare Sinfull Ioy and Sorrow The third branch of the first Commandement True Religion How we must come to the true Religion Helps inabling us to obey this Commandement Means of the knowledge of God Hindrances Means of ignorance here forbidden What is enjoyned in the 3. following Commandements The second Commandedement The scope and meaning of the second Commandement What is here forbidden What is meant by making Images The speciall branches of the second Commandement Of Prayer Of Fasts Of Vowes The manner of Gods worship Of Preparation Of disposition in the action What required after the Action Ecclesiasticall Ceremonies Of bodily Gestures Of the abuse of Gods Ordinances Defects respecting the inward worship Defects in outward Worship Helps in performing Gods pure Worship The 2d main branch of the second Commandement What forbidden concerning Images That it is unlawfull to make the Image of God That it is unlawfull to make the Image of Christ. What is meant by worshiping Images Of countenancing idolatry Reasons to back this commandement taken from his titles Iealous God Reasons drawn from the works of God The 1. Reason The second Reason The third Commandement The summe of the third Commandement What is meant by the Name of God Exod. 3. 14. 6. 3. Psal. 68. 4. What is meant by the word in vaine What is forbidden in the third Cōmandement What is required in the third Commandement The particuler duties required in the third Commandement The vices repugnant The right use of Oathes What persons may lawfully take an Oath The speciall abuses of an Oath How Gods Name is taken in vaine in regard of his Properties How in respect of his Works How in respect of his Word Of the helpes hindrances The reason annexed to the third Commandement The fourth Commandement The meaning of the fourth Commandement What need there is of one day in seven to serve God That the Sabbath day is not etremoniall Of the change of the seventh day to the first and the reasons of it The time of the Sabbath and when it beginneth What is meant by the word Remember Of the Preparation of the Sabbath The parts of the fourth Commandement What Workes ought to be declined What rest required in the fourth Commandement The speciall breaches opposite to an holy rest To whom this Commandement is chiefly directed The second part of this Commandement which is the sanctifying of the Rest. The Exercises and Duties required on the Sabbath Prayer with the Congregation Hearing the Word Receiving the Sacrament Private duties of the Sabbath Of the evening preparation The first duties of the morning Of the publick duties of the Sabbath What is to be done after the publick Ministery Sins to be condemned in respect of the second part of this Commandement Helps and hinderances to the keeping of this Commandement Of the Reasons inforcing obedience to this Commandement 1. Reason 2. Reason 3. Reason Fourth reason The second Table The summe of the second Table The generalls to be observed in this Table Division of the second Table The fift Commandement The meaning and scope of the fift Commandement The duty of Equalls What are Superiours Who are Inferiours What it is to honour Duties of Superiours The divers sorts of Superiors The duties of aged persons Duties of the younger unto them Superiors in knowledge Superiors in Authority Duties of Inferiors to those that are in Authority Duties of Superiours in authority Kinds of Superiors in Authority Superiors in the Family and their duties Inferiors in the Family and their duties Duties of Husbands wives Duties of the Husband The duties of the wife Duties of Parents Sins of Parents Duties of children towards their Parents Duties of Masters towards their Servants Duties of servants towards their Masters Publick Superiours and their duties The sorts of publick Superiours Superiours in the Church their duties The peoples duty to their Ministers Superiours in the Common-wealth The Magistrates duty in civill affaires The duties of Subjects towards their Magistrates Of the helps and meanes inabling us to keep this fift Commandement Hindrances to these duties here commanded Of the reason annexed to the fift Commandement Of the promise of long life how performed The sixth Commandement The summe meaning of the sixth Commandement The Negative part The Affirmative part The duties respecting our persons Duties respecting our souls The contrary vices forbidden Duties respecting our bodies The contrary vices forbidden Duties respecting the time of our departure Duties respecting our Neighbour while he liveth Inward duties respecting our affections Duties respecting the preservation of peace Evill passions opposite to these duties Outward duties respecting the soules of our neighbours The contrary vices to the former duties Duties respecting the whole person of our Neighbours Gestures Duties required in words The opposite vices The use Duties required in our deeds The contrary vices to the former duties How wee doe indirectly endanger our neigbours life How wee doe directly take away our neighbours life Chance-medly and how proved to be a sinne Of Man-slaughter Of Duels Reasons perswading to the detestation of this sin Duties to be performed to our Neighbor after his death Duties respecting beasts Of punishments due to the breakers of this Commandement Means furthering us in the obedience of this Commandement Hindrances of our obedience to this Commandement The seventh Commandement The meaning and scope of the seventh Commandement Of inward impurity and the branches of it Abuse of Apparell Of the abuse of meat drink Wanton Gestures Chastity in the eyes c. Wanton Speeches Chastity in the tongue eares Stage-Playes Breach of the seventh Commandement in respect of action Of Stewes and the unlawfulnesse of them Of Rape Incest Fornication Adultery Polygamy What is required in the entrance into Marriage The contrary abuses What is required in the holy use of Marriage Vnlawfull Separation The punishments of the breach of this Commandement Helps means of keeping this Commandement Hindrances of obedience The eighth Commandement The end of the eighth Commandement The occnsion of this Commandement Of Theft The parts of this eighth Commandement Generall duties commanded Opposite vices Speciall duties here required Arguments disswading from the love of money and earthly things Selfe-contentednesse Motives perswading to selfe-contentednesse Lawfull measuring of our appetite Affected poverty Covetousnesse Ambition Carking care Carelesnesse Solicitous and distracting cares What required to just getting Lawfull Calling labour in it Extraordinary getting What is opposite to a lawfull Calling Vnjust getting out of contract Theft Domesticall theft Theft committed out of the family Sacriledge Theft of persons Rapine Oppression Accessaries to theft Acquisition by lawfull Contract Acquisition by liberall alienation Acquisition by illiberall alienation Merchandise Of Selling. Vices and corruptions in selling Of buying and what is required unto it Of pawning and what is required unto it Of Location and letting Of conduction and hiring Of Vsury Of
King 4. 33. Mat. 10. 29 30. The uses Of the Omnipotency or almighty power of God Gods absolute power Gods actuall power Gods power Infinite The uses Of Gods will Whether God doth will evil 1 Cor. 10. 31. The holinesse of Gods will Esa. 6. 3. Psal. 145. 17. Of gods goodnesse 1 Tim. 2. 2. The uses of Gods goodnesse The graciousnesse of God Of the love of God Uses of Gods love Of the mercy of God The uses of Gods Mercy Of the Justice of God The uses of Gods Justice Of the Trinity What a person in the Trinity is Vide Melanchthon loc com Of the Father the first Person of the Trinity Of the other Persons of the Trinity in generall Of the second Person in the Trinity Of the third Person in the Trinity Prov. 8. 3. How to know that we have the Spirit How to keep the Spirit Things common to the three persons In what they all agree 1. Coc-essentiall 2. Co-equall 3. Co-eternall Things proper to each of the Persons Of the Kingdome of God The parts of Gods Kingdome Of Gods Decree Of Predestination Parts of Predestination Election Reprobation Election Reprobation Execution of Gods decree Creation Providence Creation in generall Uses of the Creation The creation of the particular creatures The Heavens Of the earth Of the invisible creatures The third heaven and Angels Of Angels Of the creation of visible things Of the Chaos or rude masse Of the parts of the rude masse Of the frame of the world Of the Elements The foure Elements Of the mixt or compounded bodies The severall works of the six dayes The first day Heaven and earth and the light The second day The Firmament The third day Grasse corne trees Of the water and earth The fourth day The creation of the lights The fift day Of the creation of fishes and birds The sixt day Of the creation of man and woman Of the parts of man and first of the body Of the soul of Man The immortality of the soul. Of the seat of the soul. What is the Image of God in Man Of Gods Providence Definition of Gods Providence The uses of the doctrine of Gods Providence Of Gods special providence over Angels Good Angels Of the evill Angels Uses of the doctrine concerning evill Angels Of Gods particular providence over man Of Gods providence towards mankind Of the Covenant between God and man 1. Covenant of works The state of man in the time of his Innocency Of man in the state of corruption and of his fall That the breach of all the Commandements concurred in Adams and Eves sin The effects of the fall Sin guiltinesse punishment Of our first parents nakednesse Of their hiding themselves Hab. 3. 2. Of sin Why all Adams posterity are partakers of his sin and misery What sin is Imputed sin Inherent sin Originall sin a Gal. 3. 22. Rom. 8. 3. b Phil. 3. 9. Tit. 3. 5. The propagation of originall sin The mind corrupted The corruption of the memory The corruption of the will The corruption of the affections The corruption of the conscience Of the corruption of the body Actuall sin Of the sin against the holy Ghost Of the divers differences of actuall sins Guilt of sin Punishment of sin Of Gods Covenants with man Of the Covenant of grace The differences between the Covenant of works and and the Covenant of grace Wherein they agree Of Jesus the Mediatour of this Covenant The foundation of it Of the person of Christ. The natures of Christ. Divine Humane Of the divine nature of Christ. Why it was requisite that Christ should be God Of the humane nature of Christ. Why it was requisire that Christ should be Man Of the union of the two natures of Christ. Of Christs office of Mediatorship That there is but one Mediatour Of his names Jesus Christ. Mar. 9. 23. Luke 4. 18. Joh. 3. 34. Of Christs Priesthood The Popish Priesthood overthrown 1 Sam. 2. 25. Of Christs Satisfaction Of Christs sufferings Esa. 53. 10. Christs sufferings in his soul. Christs sufferings in his body Uses of Christs Passion Christs buriall His descending into hell Christs righteousnesse in fulfilling the Law Christs originall righteousnesse Christs actuall holinesse Of the intercession of Christ. Of the Propheticall office of Christ. Of the Kingly office of Christ. Act. 2. 9. Mat. 25. 24. 31. 33 34. Of Christs Humiliation Of Christs Exaltation Of the Resurrection of Christ. Phil. 3. 10. Of Christs Ascension Heb. 10. 20. Of the third degree of Christs Exaltation His sitting at the right hand of God The state of the godly in Christ. Mat. 13. 15. Acts 14. 16. 17. 30. Of the Church of Christ. Eph. 1. 1. 5. 23. Col. 1. 21. 27. Catholick Church Gal. 4. 26. 1 Pet. 1. 13. 14 15 16 17. Lev. 20. 7. The property and office of the head of the Church The triumphant Church The Church militant Prerogatives of the members of the Catholick Church VVhat Sanctification is VVhat Redemption is Of our Vnion and Communion with Christ. Communion of Saints Rom. 12. 13. 1 Ioh. 1. 17. Eph. 4. 3. The benefit of our Communion with Christ. Justification Glorification Of Justification and first what Justificaon is Vses arising from the doctrine of Justification Of Faith The various acceptions of Faith The divers kinds of Faith Historicall Faith Temporary Faith Miraculous Faith Justifying Faith The Popish implicite faith confuted That the whole soule is the seat of Faith What Reconciliation is What Adoption is The benefits of Adoption Sanctification The differences between Justification and Sanctification Eph. 1. 19. 2. 1. 2 Cor. 3. 18. 2 Pet. 3. 18. Phil. 3. 16. 2 Tim. 3. 15 16. Job 22. 22. Joh. 17. 17. Eph. 4. 20 21. The differences between the Law and the Gospel * John 5. 23. 14. 1. Mat. 19. 23. The Morall law the rule of Sanctificatiō * Deut. 10. 4. Ceremoniall Law Judiciall Law The Morall Law The end and use of the Law 1. Knowledge of the Law required Rules to be observed for the interpretation of the Law 1. Rule The Law is spirituall 2. Rule That the Law is perfect 3. Rule In every Commandement there is a Metaphor or Synecdoche 1. Branch of the third Rule 2. Branch 3. Branch Why the Commandements are propounded in the second person Good company required Why the Commandements are propounded negatively The division of the Decalogue The sum of the first Table The summe of the second Table The division of the first Table The Preface of the Commandements How the reason of the first Commandement belongs to us The first Commandement The scope and meaning of this Commandement What is forbidden and required in this first Commandement The severall branches of the first Commandement What it is to have a God Of the knowledge of God Opposites to the knowledge of God Ignorance of God Affiance in God Patience Hope Love of God Thankfulnesse Feare of God Reverence Humility Pride Sorrow Ioy. Vnity in Religion What it is