or both Doctrinall and foretelling things to come as the Psalmes Q. What are they that are written in Prose A. They are either Historicall or Doctrinall and foretelling things to come called the Prophets Q. What are the Historicall A. Iosuah Iudges Ruth the 2. bookes of Samuel the 2. bookes of the Kings Ezra Nehemiah Hester and the 2. bookes of Chronicles Q. What are the Doctrinall and which foretell things to come A. They are called either the greater Prophets as Esay Ieremie Ezechiel and Daniel Or the smaller as Hoseas Ioel Amos Abdias Ionas Micheas Nahum Habakkuk Zephanie Aggei Zacharie and Malachy Q What are the bookes of the New Testament A. They are Historicall or Doctrinall Q. VVhat are the Historicall A. Either such as write of Christ as Matthew Marke Luke and Iohn or of the Apostles as the History of the Acts. Q. What are the Doctrinall A. They are such as are either only Doctrinall or Propheticall also Q. What are they that are Doctrinall onely A. The Epistles of Paul to the Romans the 1. and 2. to the Corinthians to the Galathians Ephesians Philippians Colossians the 1. and 2. to the Thessalonians the 1. and 2. to Timothie to Titus Philemon the Hebrewes the Epistle of Iames the 2. Epistles of Peter the 3. Epistles of Iohn the Epistle of Iude. Q. VVhat is that which is Propheticall also A. The booke of the Apocalyps or Reuelation Q. How may these bookes bee discerned to bee the word of God A. By these considerations following First they Prou. 8. 8. 30. 5. Psalm 12. 7. 19. 8. are perfectly holy in themselues and by themselues whereas all other writings are prophane further then they draw holinesse from these which yet is neuer such but that their holinesse is imperfect and defectiue Secondly they are perfectly profitable in themselues Jam. 1. 21. to instruct to saluation and all other are vtterly vnprofitable thereunto any further then they draw from them Thirdly there is a perfect concord and harmonie Act. 26. 22. in all these Bookes notwithstanding the diuersity of persons by whom places where and times when and matters whereof they haue been written Fourthly there is an admirable a Psalm 19. 7. Heb. 4. 12. force in them to incline mens hearts from vice to vertue Fifthly in great b 1. Cor. 1. 17. 18. 21. 24. 2. 15. 1 Tim. 5. 21. plainenesse and easinesse of stile there shineth a great Maiesty and authority Sixthly there is such a gracious simplicity in the writers of these Bookes that they neither spare their friends nor themselues but most freely and impartially set downe their owne faults and infirmities as well as others Lastly Gods owne Spirit working in the harts of his children doth assure them that these Scriptures are the word of God Q. Is it agreed vpon that these Bookes are alone in account of the Bookes of Scripture A. Concerning the Bookes of the New Testament it is generally agreed that all they and that they alone are of that account But the Church of Rome holdeth that diuers other books called Apocrypha doe belong to the Old Testament and are of the same authority with the other that haue been named Q. By what reasons may this errour of theirs bee ouerthrowen A. By these First they were not written at the first in the Hebrew tongue in which all the authenticall Bookes of the Old Testament were originally written Secondly the Iewes to whom the Oracles of God Rom. 3. were committed vnder the Old Testament haue acknowledged and kept these onely as Canonicall and the Oracles of God and not the other Thirdly these onely were read and expounded in Act. 13. 15. their Synagogues and not the other Fourthly the Primitiue Churches after the Apostles both Greek and Latine did receiue these Books onely for Canonicall Scripture Q. VVhat worthie vse and effect of these bookes of holy Scripture doth the Apostle set forth in this place A. This that they are able to make a man wise to 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. Saluation through faith in Iesus Christ Q. How doth that appeare A. First for that God is the Author of them who is for his wisdome able for his loue to his Church willing to set downe such a Rule as may guide them fully and perfectly to eternall Life Secondly for that it is profitable to teach all true doctrine and to confute the false to correct all disorder priuate and publike and to informe men throughly in the way of righteousnesse Thirdly for that the Minister of the Word is said thereby to be made compleat and perfect to euery dutie of the Ministerie Q. How doth this last reason hold A. Very strongly for more being required of a Minister that is to bee the eye and mouth of the people then of the people themselues if it be sufficient to make him perfect it is much more able to giue them sufficient Instruction And seeing the Minister is Act. 20. 27. bound to disclose the whole Counsell of God to his people may be therunto fully furnished out of the treasurie of the Word of God it followeth that they also out of the Scriptures may be abundātly taught to Saluation need not elsewher to seek for any supply Q. VVhat other things doe you gather from these causes properties and effects of Scripture A. First that it alone being able and sufficient to Mat. 23. 8. Ioh. 5. 39. Matth. 15. 9. make vs wise to Saluation we need no vnwritten Verities no Traditions of men no Canons of Councels or Sentences of Fathers much lesse Decrees of Popes to supply any supposed defect of the written Word of God or to giue vs a more perfect direction in the way of life then is already set downe expressely in the Canonicall Scriptures Q. VVhat else learne you from thence A. I learne further especially from this that they Iohn 12. 48. Galath 1. 9. they are inspired of God 1. That they are of diuine authority 2. That they are the rule the line the squyre and light wherby to examine and trie all iudgements and sayings of men and of Angels whether they bee such as God approueth yea or no that they are not to be iudged or sentenced by any And therfore that the Church of Rome who hangeth the credit and authority of the Scriptures on the Churches sentence doth therein offer horrible iniurie and indignity vnto God making thereby the Churches word of greater credit and authority then the Word of God Q. What further doe you learne from hence A. I learne from hence and especially in that it is Matth. 5. 18. Psalm 19 9. said to be a rule and a line that it is firme and stable and changeth not and therefore is as a rule of steele and not as the Church of Rome blasphemously affirmeth like a rule of lead which may be bowed euery way at mens pleasures Q. But it seemeth the Scriptures are darke
How doth it appeare more euidently that God hath ioyned these together A. By that which the Prophet saith Esa 59 That he will make this couenant with his people that his spirit shall be vpon them and that his words which he Esay 59. 21. hath put into their mouth shall not depart out of their mouth nor out of the mouth of their seeds seed for euer Q. VVhat learne you hereby A. That no man is to content himselfe with this fancy that he hath the spirit and so neglect the Word because ordinarily they goe together Yea alwaies where God vouchsafeth to giue his word Q. VVho are by this condemned A. The Anabaptists Papists and Libertines which ascribe to the spirit that which they lust though it haue Iohn 14. 26. no warrant from the word whereas the spirit doth not ordinarily suggest any thing to vs but that which it teacheth vs out of the Word Q. VVhat other sort of men is here condemned A. The Stancarists who esteeme the word to be fit Mark 4. 1. 2. c. compared with Esay 2. 1. 2. c. 2. Pet. 3. 15. 16. Dan. 9. 2. to catechize and initiate or enter vs in the rudiments and first beginnings of Religion but too base to exercise our selues in afterward whereas the Prophets and Apostles most excellent men did notwithstanding continually exercise themselues in the Scriptures Q. Are none saued without hearing of the word A. Yes for first children which are within the Gen. 17. 7. 1. Cor. 7. 14. Couenant and belong to Gods Election are saued without the ordinarie meanes of the Word and Sacraments Secondly some also of age who are in places Mat. 2. 1. Heb. 11. â—1 where those meanes are not to be had Thirdly some also which liuing in place where such meanes are yet haue no capacity to vnderstand them as they which are deafe borne c. which by the way serueth to shew that God is not tied to the meanes but can and sometimes doth when and where it pleaseth him worke without them Yet here wee must take heed of Mat. 13. 3. 1. Cor. 3. 6. 1. pet 1. 23. presuming for if God vouchsafe the meanes and giue capacity for the vse of them and we shall despise them we haue no more cause to expect saluation by Christ then the husbandman a haruest that despiseth to plow and sow his ground CHAP. 35. Of the speciall working of Gods spirit in the Church by the Word Gods spirit worketh things Common to the wicked and godly concerning the couenant of Grace as to 1. Vnderstand and consent to the truth of the doctrine 2. Delight in it haue a glimpse of the life to come To haue some care to keepe it Workes as 1. Terrour of conscience 2. Contrition or sorrow for sinne 3. Confession of sinne 4. Doing many outward duties restitution c. 5. Desire to die the death of the righteous Proper to the godly as Receiuing the seed that is the promise of saluation by Christ into a good heart Bringing forth fruit with patience MATTH chap. 13. vers 3. to the 9. and 18. to the 24. 3. And he spake many things vnto them in parables saying Behold a sower went forth to sow 4. And when he sowed some seeds fell by the waies side and the foules came and deuoured them vp 5. Some fell vpon stonie places where they had not much earth and forthwith they sprang vp because they had no deepnesse of earth 6. And when the Sunne was vp they were scorched and because they had no root they withored away 7. And some fell among thornes and the thornes sprang vp and choked them 8. But other fell into good ground and brought forth fruit some an hundred fold some sixtie fold some thirtie fold 18. Heare ye therefore the parable of the sower 19. When any one heareth the word of the kingdome and vnderstandeth it not then commeth the wicked one and catcheth away that which was sowne in his heart this is hee which receiued seed by the way side 20. But hee that receiued the seed into stonie places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with ioy receiueth it 21. Yet hath he not root in himselfe but dureth for a while for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended 22. He also that receiued seed among the thornes is he that heareth the word and the care of this world and the deceitfulnesse of riches choke the word and he becommeth vnfruitfull 23. But he that receiued seed into the good ground is hee that heareth the word and vnderstandeth it which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth some an hundred fold some sixtie some thirtie Q. TO proceed to speake more specially of the word of God and of the diuers working of Gods spirit in his Church by the same word What doth Gods spirit worke by the word A. First it worketh things common to the godly with the wicked Secondly things proper to the godly as is clearly taught by the parable Mat. 13. 3. Q. What are the things common to both A. First such as concerne the couenant of grace secondly such as concerne the couenant of workes Q. What are the things common to both concerning the couenant of grace which it worketh A. First some vnderstanding of the word of grace and some kind of consent vnto the same Q. If they vnderstand it how is it that one sort are said not to vnderstand A. Not that they haue no vnderstanding at all but they are said to haue none because it is not effectuall for they come without affection and goe away without care Q. What learne you from hence A. First to take heed that we deceiue not our selues in a bare profession or light knowledge of the word and that we heare it with zeale and depart from the hearing thereof with care to profit Secondly to beware also of the great subtilty of Satan who as a swift and rauenous bird snatcheth the word out of vnprepared hearts euen as theeues vse to take away whatsoeuer they finde loose and carelesly laid vp Q. What second thing is common to both A. To haue some kind of delight in the word and a glimpse of the life to come Q. What difference is there betweene this kind of delight and the ioy of the godly A. This is like the blaze of a fire and is neither lasting Psal 4. 7. nor firme whereas the ioy of the godly is solid and sound and aboue that which the worldly man hath in gold and siluer Secondly the wicked's delight Psal 119. 33. 34 ariseth from a wrong end and motiue as to satisfie some humorous desire to know somthing more then other c. wheras the ioy of the godly is to know further to the end they may practice Q. Why is it said they haue no root A. Because they vnderstand the things but are not rooted and grounded in the truth
in prophecying whereas no Prophet continued alwaies in foretelling Thirdly For that this prophecie consisteth in teaching and exhorting Q. Why is it added that he must doe it to the edification of the Church A. To teach that a Minister in his sermons should 1. Cor. 1. 4. 5. not vse profound speculations of Philosophie strange languages and such like ostentation of learning but that he should so labour to speake that as well hee that cleaueth wood as he that sitteth on the throne euen the simplest should vnderstand and learne what is the good will of God Q. Is it sufficient that the Minister of the word bee able to teach A. No there is further required of them that they 1. Tim. 3. 6. be no new and greene plants in the Church of God but such as by a long abode in the Church may bee as timber well seasoned and therefore fit to beare the stresse and waight of the ministerie in the Church of God Q. What further A. That as in other respects so in regard of the waight of their charge they are to be seuered as much as may bee from all other offices and charges in the Common-wealth And certainly if a man were neuer so well graced of God yet the ministery of the word d 2. Cor. 2. 16. alone if faithfully discharged would be imployment enough for him which requireth the whole strength of a man and if the e Act. 6. 2. 4. Apostles would not attend vpon the Deaconship being so neare to the ministery much lesse is it fitting for any other to intangle themselues with other offices Q. What other things are generall to them A. That as they are Gods mouth in preaching the word to the people so they are the peoples mouth to God in prayer Q. What is the Teachers dutie A. To interpret the Schriptures teaching the people Ephes 4. 14. Tit. 1. 9. 11. Neh. 4. 17. committed vnto him for the establishing of their mindes in the truth of the doctrine of God confuting the contrary errours like to them that reedified the walles of Ierusalem who wrought with one hand and held their swords in the other Q. What is the Pastors dutie A. Out of sound doctrine to exhort and feed his Tit. 1. 9. 2. Tim. 4. 2. people by applying the doctrine to the present vse and necessity of his flocke and so to bring them to the obedience of God Q. How is doctrine applied to the present vse and necessity of the flocke A. a Luk. 12. 42. 1. Cor. 12. 8. 14. 3. By applying it according to their seuerall estates and occasions present and this is that wisedome which ought to bee in the Pastor to comfort the afflicted strengthen the weake beat downe the proud lift vp the humbled heale the broken and b 1. Tim. 5. 1. to know that Magistrates must bee otherwise exhorted then the subiects masters otherwise then seruants and so of the rest Q. What are the other assistants A. Such as a 1. Tim. 5. 17. Act. 14. 23. 1 Cor. 12. 38. Rom. 12. 8. helpe the Ministers either in the ouersight of the behauiours of the seuerall members of the Church and in the administration of discipline or such b Rom. 12. 8. as attend vpon the poore collecting for them and distributing vnto them according to their seuerall conditions and necessities with simplicity of minde without partiall affection CHAP. 53. Of the day of Iudgement in generall 2. PET. chap. 3. vers 3. to the 12. 3. Knowing this first that there shall come in the last daies scoffers walking after their owne lusts 4. And saying Where is the promise of his comming For since the Fathers fell asleepe all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation 5. For this they willingly are ignorant of that by the word of God the heauens were of old and the earth standing out of the water and in the water 6. Whereby the world that then was being ouerflowed with water perished 7. But the heauens and the earth which are now by the same word are kept in store reserued vnto fire against the day of iudgment and perdition of vngodly men 8. But beloued be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as a thousand yeeres and a thousand yeeres as one day 9. The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise as some men count slacknesse but is long-suffering to vs-ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 10. But the day of the Lord will come as a theefe in the night in the which the heauens shall passe away with a great noyse and the elements shall melt with feruent heate the earth also and the workes that are therein shall be burnt vp 11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolued What manner of persons ought yee to bee in all holy conuersation and godlinesse 12. Looking for and hasting vnto the comming of the day of God wherein the heauens being on fire shall bee dissolued and the elements shall melt with feruent heate Q. HAuing spoken at large of the gouernment of Christ in this world what followeth A. His gouernment in the day of Iudgement Q. What is the day of Iudgement A. It is the day appointed of God for the generall Act. 17. 31. Iudgement of all men concerning their euerlasting estate Q. Is there not iust cause giuen to doubt thereof seeing God hath delayed it so long A. No for to take away all doubt thereof out of Reuel 10. 6. our minds our Sauiour Christ hath not onely often told of it but hath also sworne it shall be Q. But if there bee an end of the world then it and the Gen. 8. 21. 2. Pet. 3. 4. things therein should by little and little weare away and consume but they doe not seeme so to decay for that they remaine as they were from the beginning of the Creation therefore it may seeme the world shall haue no end A. So indeed it seemed to some in the Apostles times and seemeth still to vaine and wicked men but we shall bee free from any such wicked and erroneous conceit if we take heed to the words of the Prophets and the commandement of the Apostles of the Lord our Sauiour as the Apostle Peter teacheth here Q. How doth he confute this godlesse conceit out of the Scripture A. First by affirming that the heauens and earth being created by the word and will of God in a small time may also in a small time be changed Secondly by denying that the world hath continued alwaies the same it was at the beginning of the creatiō in as much as the earth by water in the flood was couered in a short time and by the same reason may in a short time be consumed by fire Q. But it seemeth that this promise of his comming faileth for that he hath said he would come shortly when
giuen him power ouer all flesh that hee should giue eternall life to as many as thou hast giuen him 3. And this is life eternall that they might know thee the onely true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent Q. WHat principall matter doe you learne out of this Scripture Answ I learne what is the chiefest most necessary knowledge Q. What knowledge is that A. The Christian Religion heere called the Knowledge of God and in the Schooles commonly called Theologie or Diuinitie Q. What is the Christian Religion A. A holy doctrine concerning God reuealed and taught by Christ shewing the principal meanes to glorifie God and thereby to come to life euerlasting and true Blessednesse Q. What are the parts of this doctrine concerning God A. They are two the first treateth of the Nature of God the other of his Kingdome Q. What is the Nature of God A. An absolutenesse of perfection infinitely excelling all other things Consisting in vnity of Essence and Trinity of Persons Q. Is there then but one God A. No verily but one only true God As sufficiently Exod. 20. 2. Deut. 5. 4. Psal 18. 32. 1. Cor. 8. 4. 5. appeareth by the third verse of this Scripture This is life eternall that they might know thee the onely true God And wheras this title is giuen to more then to one it is either abusiuely to Idols or false gods which are no gods or tropically and by a grace of speech to Magistrates who are the speciall deputies and Lief-tenants of God here vpon earth Q. What are we more specially to consider concerning the Nature of this one only true God A. His Essence and Attributes CHAP. 2. Of the Essence of God Herein consider his Name Primitiue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I AM. Deriuatiue IAH IEHOVAH Speciall Essence expressed by that name EXOD. Chap. 3. vers 13. 14. 15. 13. And Moses said vnto God Behold when I come vnto the children of Israel and shall say vnto them The God of your fathers hath sent me vnto you and they shall say to me what is his Name what shall I say vnto them 14. And God said vnto Moses I AM THAT I AM and he said thus shalt thou say vnto the children of Israel I AM hath sent me vnto you 15. And God said more ouer vnto Moses Thus shalt thou say vnto the children of Israel The Lord God of your fathers the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob hath sent me vnto you this is my Name for euer and this is my memoriall vnto all generations Q. VVHat learne you out of this Scripture principally A. I learne in the first place two generall duties which are to be obserued in the question of Moses vers 13. One that we be carefull to be instructed in all things concerning our calling thereby to be able to answere al doubts that may be moued the other that being desirous to learne any thing concerning God we enquire it of God himselfe And because now hee vseth not to speake but in the Scriptures 2. Cor. 5. 20. Hos 12. 10. and by his Ministers interpretors of the Scriptures we must haue our recourse vnto them Q. What learne you else A. I learne more specially what the proper name of God is Q. What is that A. I am that I am or as the Hebrew soundeth I will bee that I will bee sauing that the Hebrewes vse the future time for the present as that which noteth a continuance Q. What is meant by these words A. Hereby is set forth the manner of the Being and Essence of God farre otherwise then is vsuall in the proper names of men which declare either nothing or very little of their nature and being Q. Is there nothing of God to be knowne besides that which is signified by this Name A. Nothing as touching the speciall manner of his Being falling vnder our weake and shallow capacity Q. What Names of God in the Scripture are deriued from these words A. Two the name Iehouah and the name Iah both which being drawne from the description of God doe set forth the manner of his Essence and Being Q. Can you from hence define what God is A. Hee must haue the Art and Logicke of God himselfe that can giue a perfect definition of God but he may in such sort be described as hee may bee discerned from all false gods and all creatures whatsoeuer Q. What is that description A. God is a Spirit which hath his being of himselfe Q. What meane you by that addition of himselfe A. It hath a secret opposition to all creatures which hath a being but not of themselues wheras God alone is hee in whom wee liue and moue and Act. 17. 28. haue our being which proueth that hee alone hath his Being of himselfe and therefore all other things haue no being in comparison whence the Prophet saith that all nations before him are nothing Esa 40. 17. yea to him lesse then nothing and if men be nothing for whom the whole world was made how much more are all other creatures in heauen and earth nothing before him and to him lesse then nothing Hitherto of the Essence of God it followeth to treate of his Properties and Attributes CHAP. 3. Of the Attributes and Properties of God The Properties or Attributes of God are either First and they Principall as Simplenesse Infinitenesse in Quantity as Immensity c. Quality as Time Secondarie Life Knowledge Will. Power Goodnesse Iustice Graciousnesse Loue. Mercy Holinesse Arising from the first Perfection Happinesse PSAL. 145. 1. I will extoll thee my God O King and I will blesse thy Name for euer and euer 2. Euery day will I blesse thee and I will praise thy Name for euer and euer 3. Great is the Lord and greatly to bee praised and his greatnesse is vnsearchable 4. One generation shall praise thy workes to another and shall declare thy mighty acts 5. I will speake of the glorious honour of thy maiesty and of thy wondrous workes 6. And men shall speake of the might of thy terrible acts and I will declare thy greatnesse 7. They shall abundantly vtter the memory of thy great goodnesse and shall sing of thy righteousnesse 8. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger and of great mercy 9. The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are ouer all his workes 10. All thy workes shall praise thee O Lord and thy Saints shall blesse thee 11. They shall speake of the glory of thy kingdome and talke of thy power 12. To make knowne to the sonnes of men his mighty acts and the glorious Maiesty of his kingdome 13. Thy kingdome is an euerlasting kingdome and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations 14. The Lord vpholdeth all that fall and raiseth vp all those that be bowed downe 15. The eyes of all waite vpon thee and thou giuest them their meate in due season 16 Thou openest thine hand
Secondly it serueth both for a spurre to doe well considering that God is able to saue and a bridle to restraine from euil seeing he hath power to destroy Q. What is Gods Goodnesse A. It is an Attribute of God whereby is noted Mark 10. 18. Iam. 1. 17. that hee is infinitely good in and of himselfe and consequently that he is the Chiefest Good Q. Is nothing then good but God A. Nothing of it selfe howbeit all creatures haue their being and many good things which are not of themselues but from God Q. What learne you hereby A. That hee is the fountaine from which all goodnesse doth streame and that whatsoeuer hee doth is good yea perfectly good whatsoeuer men iudge of it yea that by this goodnesse of his hee vseth all things well and seeing God is good to vs we ought to be good one towards another Q. What is his Iustice A. It is an Attribute whereby is noted that God Psal 119. 137. 145. 17. is iust in himselfe and of himselfe and exerciseth iustice towards all creatures Q. VVhat is the rule of this Iustice A. His will for because he willeth it therefore Ephes 1. 11. Psal 115. 3. Matth. 20. 15. it is iust not because it is iust therefore hee willeth it and these things may be applied to other the properties of God Q. VVhat learne you from hence A. Not to call into question or to murmure and repine at or to refuse to doe any thing that hee willeth seeing that cannot but be most iust equall which proceedeth frō his will how hard vnreasonable soeuer it may seeme to our naturall dispositiō Q. VVhat is the Graciousnesse of God A. It is an Attribute whereby hee is of himselfe Exod. 34. 6. Ioel 2. 13. most gracious and amiable Q. Is he onely Gracious A. Onely in and of himselfe for whatsoeuer else is gracious and amiable it is so from him Q. VVhat learne you from this A. That wee ought to loue and reuerence God aboue all For seeing gracious and amiable men doe winne loue and reuerence from others in whose eyes they appeare gracious and amiable who is able more to winne this at our hands then God who is the fountaine of all graciousnesse and amiablenesse Q. VVhat is his Loue A. It is an Attribute of God whereby is noted that he loueth himselfe aboue all others for himselfe Q. VVhat learne you from hence A. That we should loue him dearly and all other things for him Q. Seeing his Mercy followeth of his Loue what is his Mercy A. It is an Attribute of God whereby he is ready Iudg. 2. 18. 10. 16. meerely of himselfe to helpe them that be in misery Q. VVhat learne you from hence A. In all our miseries and distresses to seeke vnto him who is infinite in Mercy and Compassion and able to helpe vs and therefore will assuredly doe it Q. VVhat is his Holinesse A. It is an Attribute generally noting the Vertues Exod. 15. 11. Psal 145. 17. of God as his Truth Iustice Mercy c. Q. VVhat learne you from hence A. First that as euery one commeth nearer vnto him in holinesse so they are best liked and loued of him and consequently it should breed a loue in our hearts of holinesse and hatred of the contrary Secondly that this ought to kill in vs all euill thoughts and opinions concerning God which rise in our hearts seeing that in him that is Holinesse it selfe there can be no iniquitie Q. You haue shewed me the first Attributes of God now tell me what Attributes arise from thence A. Two Perfection and Happinesse Q. VVhat is Perfection A. Perfection is an Attribute of God wherby whatsoeuer is in God is perfect Q. VVhat learne you from hence A. That he is to seeke his owne glory and not the glory of any in al that he willeth or willeth not Prou. 16. 4. Rom. 11. 36. doth or leaueth vndone whence they are confuted who thinke that God is moued to will or nill things in respect of the creatures as men who seeing a miserable man are moued to pitie whereas God of himselfe and in himselfe is moued to saue It is to be vnderstood of reprobation not of condemnation or reiect to receiue some and to cast away others Whence also is to be noted that all which hee doth is perfect howsoeuer he deale with vs. Q. Hitherto of the Perfection of God what of his Felicity A. It is the Attribute of God whereby hee hath all fulnesse of delight and contentment in himselfe and needeth nothing out of himselfe to make him blessed and happie Q. VVhat learne you hence A. To expect and looke for happinesse onely in our vnion with him and fruition of him and not in any thing else whatsoeuer CHAP. 4. Of the Trinitie The Trinity is the Father Sonne Holy Ghost 1. IOH. 5. vers 7. For there are three that beare witnesse in heauen the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one Q. THE Essence and Attributes of God being already spoken of what remaineth to be spoken of touching God A. The Trinitie of the Persons subsisting in the vnitie of the God-head which is a mysterie in it selfe most incomprehensible Q. VVhat is a Person A. It is a distinct subsistence hauing the whole Iohn 11. 22. 14. 16. God-head in it Q. How is it distinguished A. Into the Father and of the Father Iohn 14. 9. Coloss 2. 3. 9. Q. VVhat is the Father A. He is the first Person in the Trinitie who hath Iohn 20. 17. by communication of his Essence eternally begotten his only beloued Sonne of himselfe Q. VVhat is of the Father A. The Sonne and Holy Ghost Q. VVhat is the Sonne A. The Person begotten by the Father who is also called the Word John 1. 1. Q. VVhy is the Sonne and second person called the VVord A. First because hee is so often spoken of and promised in the Scriptures and is in a manner the whole subiect of the Scriptures Secondly because as man doth make knowne his will to man by word so doth God make knowne his will to man onely in and by his Sonne Q. VVhat is the holy Ghost A. The Person proceeding from the Father and the Sonne Q. VVhy is the third person called the holy Spirit more then the Father and the Sonne which are Spirits as well as he and infinitely holy as he A. Because he is as it were breathed both from the Father and the Sonne that is to say proceedeth from them both Q. VVhy is he called Holy rather then the Father and the Sonne A. Because hee sanctifieth and maketh holy the children of God Q. Why doth not the Father and the Sonne sanctifie also A. Yea verily but they doe it by him mediately and he from them immediately and therfore he hath the title of Holy peculiarly attributed vnto him otherwise the Father and the Sonne are equally
belonging to the Persons In the life to come ROM chap. 6. vers 23. For the wages of sinne is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord. Q. SO much of the guilt of sinne what is the Punishment thereof A. All those Iudgements and Curses that are denounced in the word of God against sinne or which at any time are inflicted vpon sinners all which are comprehended vnder this word death and in regard of the equity are called the wages or reward of Sinne. Q. Are all the Iudgements and Curses which are or shall be inflicted for sinne laid downe in the word A. They cannot all in particular bee laid downe Deut. 29. 20. 28. 61. they are so manifold and diuers and therefore it is said that they shall come written and vnwritten Q. How farre doth the punishment of sinne extend it selfe A. Euen to the whole estate of him that sinneth for whereas Executions vpon Obligations vnto men are so directed as they can charge but either the person alone or his Goods lands alone so as if the Creditor fall vpon the one hee freeth the other as if he fall vpon the person he can proceed no further then vnto his body vpon that only till death the execution that goeth out from God for the obligatiō of sin is extended Luk. 11. 4. 5. to the whole estate of the sinner and that for euer Q. Can you draw this great number and diuersitie of Iudgements to certaine heads A. Yea for they are either in this life or in the life to come Q. What are they in this life A. They are either in the persons themselues or in the things that belong vnto them Q. What are they in the Persons themselues A. They are either in the whole person body and soule ioyntly or in the parts seuerally Q. What are they in the whole ioyntly A. a 1. Cor. 15. 56. Rom. 5. 20. 6. 20. 1. Job 1. 8. Mat. 12. 34. A necessity of sinning but without all feare or constraint on Gods part and that vntil they be borne againe by the Grace of God Q. What are they in the Persons seuerally A. In the soule and in the body apart Q. What are they that are in the soule apart A. A Spirit of Ignorance and of want of iudgement Ephes 4. 17. 18. 19. to discerne betweene good and euill Forgetfulnesse of holy things A strange Sottishnesse and dulnesse to conceiue of them Hardnesse and stupiditie of heart void of all sense and apprehension of sauing goodnes and of any affection or desire thereunto which Iudgements though for a time they are least felt yet are more fearfull and dangerous then those which are presently apprehended and the sense whereof is sharpe and bitter Q. What are they vpon the body apart A. Hunger thirst wearinesse want of sleepe all Deut. 28. kind of diseases euen to the itch in the least of which though few make account of them we ought to haue a sensible feeling of the anger of God and of his iust iudgement for sinne Q. What are they in the things which belong vnto them A. Calamities vpon their wiues children families Mat. 15. 22. 7. 1. 2. goods and good name Q. Hitherto of the punishments in this life What are they in the life to come A. They are most horrible and vnspeakable first the soules of the wicked after this life are sent immediately Luk. 16. 22. 23. to hell vntill the day of Iudgement then at Matth. 10. 28. Luk. 16. 25. the day of Iudgement their Bodies shall bee ioyned to their Soules and both together shall be tormented in hell fire euerlastingly and so much the more tormented there by how much they haue had more freedome from paine of body and anguish of soule and losse of outward things in this life Q. Is the punishment of all sinnes alike A. No For as the guilt encreaseth so doth the Joh. 19. 11. Mat. 11. 20-25 punishment and as the smallest sinne cannot escape Gods hands so looke how wee shall multiplie sinnes here he will heape his Iudgements then CHAP. 12. Of the Word of God The meanes of mans recouerie in the Word of God Which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old Testament viz. the Law 5. bookes of Moses Genesis Exodus Leuiticus Numbers Deuteronomie Prophets which are either Poesie Doctrinal only as Prouerbs Ecclesiastes Canticles Lamentations Iob. Both doctrinal foretelling things to come as the Psalmes Prose Historical Iosuab Judges Ruth Samuel 2. bookes Kings 2. bookes Ezra Nehemiah Hester Chronicles 2. bookes Doctrinal and foretelling things to come Greater Prophets Esay Ieremie Ezechiel Daniel Smaller Hoseas Ioel. Amos. Abdias Ionas Micheas Nahum Abakkuk Zephanie Aggei Zacharie Malachy New Testament Historicall of Christ Matthew Marke Luke Iohn His Apostles the Acts. Doctrinall Onely as the Epistles to the Romans 1. Corinth 2. Galath 1. Ephes 1. Philip. 1. Coloss 1. Thess 2. Timoth. 2. Titus 1. Philemon 1. Hebr. 1. Iames. 1. Pet. 2. Ioh. 3. Iude. 1. Propheticall also Apocalyps Consisteth of two parts Chap. 13. 2. TIM chap. 3. vers 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 13. But euill men and seducers shall waxe worse and worse deceiuing and being deceiued 14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them 15. And that from a child thou hast knowne the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise vnto saluation through faith which is in Christ Iesus 16. All Scripture is giuen by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnesse 17. That the man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished vnto all good workes Q. THus farre of the miserable and vnhappie estate of man by sinne guilt and punishment where are wee to seeke remedie for recouerie from this cursed and damnable Estate A. In the word of God as may appeare by the words of the Apostle 2. Tim. 3. Q. What is the word of God A. The reuealed wil of God concerning the means of mans saluation Rom. 15. 4. 1. Tim. 4. 16. Ioh. 5. 39. Q. Where is the word of God to be found A. In the writings of the Prophets and Apostles called the Scriptures Ioh. 5. 39. Q. What were these Prophets and Apostles A. Holy men that writ by diuine Inspiration 2. Pet. 1. 21. 2. Tim. 3 16. Q. How are the Scriptures diuided A. Into the Old and New Testament Q. How is the Old Testament diuided A. Into the Law and the Prophets Q. Where is the Law contained A. In the fiue bookes of Moses called Genesis Exodus Leuiticus Numbers Deuteronomie Q. What are the Prophets A. Expositions of the Law written either in Poesie or Prose Q. What are they that are written in Poesie A. They are either Doctrinall only as the Prouerbs of Salomon Ecclesiastes the Canticles the Lamentations of Ieremie and Iob
and hard to be vnderstood and therefore that the reading of them is not to be permitted vnto the common people but vnto those onely that are learned A. The direct contrary is taught by the Apostle when he affirmeth that Timothy was nourished vp in the Scriptures from his infancie For if they be so penned that little children may profitably reade them there is none so grosse which hath the vnderstanding of a man but may profit by them comming in the feare of God and with inuocation of his name to the reading and hearing of them CHAP. 13. Of the parts of Gods Word and of the Couenant of workes in generall The parts of Gods word are the doctrine or Couenant of Workes called the Law of which in Generall Speciall Chap. 14. Grace called the Gospel Ch. 27. GAL. chap. 3. vers 17. to the 25. 17. And this I say that the couenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ the Law which was foure hundred and thirtie yeeres after cannot disanull that it should make the promise of none effect 18. For if the inheritance be of the Law it is no more of promise but God gaue it to Abraham by promise 19. Wherefore then serueth the Law it was added because of transgressions till the seed should come to whom the promise was made and it was ordained by Angels in the hand of a Mediator 20. Now a Mediator is not a Mediator of one but God is one 21. Is the Law then against the promises of God God forbid for if there had been a Law giuen which could haue giuen life verily righteousnesse should haue been by the Law 22. But the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by faith of Iesus Christ might be giuen to them that beleeue 23. But before faith came we were kept vnder the Law shut vp vnto the faith which should afterwards be reuealed 24. Wherefore the Law was our Schoolemaster to bring vs vnto Christ that we might be iustified by faith 25. But after that faith is come we are no longer vnder a Schoolemaster Q. HItherto wee haue heard of the Doctrine of the Scriptures what they are and what are the causes properties and effects of them as being they from whom onely all Doctrine concerning our saluation is to bee drawne and deriued What are the parts of that Doctrine A. Either the doctrine of workes commonly called the Law or of Grace called the Promise and since the comming of Christ the Gospell as appeareth by this Scripture Q. VVhat is the drift of this Scripture A. It sheweth two waies of recouering happines the one by the workes of the Law the other by faith in the promise of grace and that the Law is not that way whereby we can receiue the Happinesse we haue lost Q. How is that shewed A. For that the promise of grace whereby Abraham was iustified was 430. yeeres before the Law and therefore that the Law which commeth after cannot make void the Couenant of Grace which it should doe if a man were iustified by the Law Q. But it may be said that the Iustification by Workes of the Law doth not make void the Promise of Grace when as the matter is so handled as Saluation commeth in part by the Workes of the Law A. Yes verily it is made void notwithstanding for if Saluation were before the Law was onely by Grace and now should be by Works and Grace then the promise giuen to Abraham of Grace onely should bee made void And therefore the Apostle in the 18. verse doth shew that if it bee of the Law it cannot bee by the promise of Grace Yea the Law is so farre from bringing saluation that through the corruption of our nature it encreaseth sinne in vs. Then it should seeme that there is no vse of the Law seeing it doth not iustifie vs either in all or in part A. Not so for it was giuen to shew and discouer sinne and in that regard to terrifie and affright vs and driue vs from all confidence in our selues as also to serue as a rule whereby wee are to direct and amend our liues Q. How is that shewed A. 1. By the testimony of the Apostle saying that by the Law commeth the knowledge of sinne 2. By the Rom. 3. 20. manner of the giuing which was with such terror of thunder lightnings and smoke and fearfull sound of the trumpet as the people could not abide the voice of God but were faine to desire that they might not heare the same but that Moses might bee a Mediator to receiue the Law from Gods mouth and that they might receiue it from him Q. VVhat obserue you from that A. That the Law is terrible vnto vs by reason of the guilt of our sins and that it driueth vs to seeke for a Mediator which is Christ alone who is heere figured in the Mediation of Moses Q. If the promise of Grace take away sinne and the Law encrease sinne if it take away the conscience of sinne and this doth cause a conscience and remorse of sinne it seemeth that the Law is contrary to the promise of Grace A. Not a whit for the Law would also take away sinne and the conscience of sin if any man were able perfectly to obserue it for the Law of it selfe causeth no sinne but onely by accident by reason of our corruption Rom. 8. 3. otherwise it is a furtherance to the Saluation which is by Grace Q. Tell vs then how the Law serueth to the helping forward to the Iustification which is by the free Grace of God A. The Law shutteth all men all that is of man vnder Sinne not to this end that they should perish but contrariwise that they might bee saued that beleeue Q. Make that more plaine A. The Apostle compareth the Law to a Iustice of Peace or a Sergeant which arresteth such as transgresse Gal. 3. 23. the same and laieth them in prison not that they should perish there with hunger cold or other annoyances of the prison but that when they feele their miserie and discerne that of themselues and by their owne deserts they cannot get out of it they should thereby be moued the more earnestly to seeke after the free pardon and grace of the Prince And therefore it is not contrary to the promise of grace but a speciall helpe towards the obtaining thereof Q. How is this further cleared A. By this that the Apostle compareth the Law to Gal. 3. 23. a Garrison which is set in a towne to keepe such Inhabitants thereof in awe and seruitude as haue not loyally-affected mindes to their Prince to the end that in time they comming to a iust and dutifull obedience may be freed from the awe and seruitude of the Garrison Q How else A. It is compared to a Tutor or Guardian For as Gal. 3. 24. hee keepeth the child that is vnder age straitly by meanes whereof he hath a desire to bee out
of his nonage and to enioy the liberty of a sonne so after the Gal. 4. 2. same manner the Law through the terrour and seueritie thereof moueth vs with the more ardent desire to seeke after Christ Moreouer as a Tutor or Vsher directeth the steps of the child and instructeth him in such courses of life by which hee is afterwards to liue so the Law after it hath brought vs to Christ directeth vs in the way wee haue to walke in this life to life euerlasting so that it hath two notable and worthie effects one as a spurre to chase vs vnto Christ the other as a light to direct and teach vs how to walke when wee are come vnto him Lastly as a Tutor it humbleth vs whiles by means therof we vnderstand how farre wee are from fulfilling the same and consequently how vnable wee are by the workes of the Law which alone are good works to free our selues from the curse of the Law CHAP. 14. Of the Couenant of Workes in speciall The Couenant of Workes or the Law in speciall In which consider Generally How it is defined By what rules interpreted Specially and herein the Preface The Law it selfe The first Table of Gods worship Inward onely 1. Commandement Ch. 15. Outward also More generally 2. Commandement Chap. 16. More particularly cōcerning the Special vse of Gods Name Comman 3. Chap. 17. The speciall time of his worshippe Com. 4. Chap. 18. The 2. Table of our Duties to man ROM chap. 2. vers 14. 15. 14. For when the Gentiles which haue not the Law doe by nature the things contained in the Law these hauing not the Law are a Law vnto themselues 15. Which shew the worke of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witnes and their thoughts the meane while accusing or else excusing one another Q. HItherto of the Couenant of Workes in generall it followeth to treat thereof in speciall Where is the Couenant of Workes summarity set downe A. In the Morall Law Q. Doth the Doctrine of the Morall Law goe before the Doctrine of the Gospell A. Yea. Q. Why so A. Because it was before the Gospell for it was giuen to Adam in his Integrity when the promise of Grace was hidden in God Q. Must it therefore be first in vse A. Yea verily as touching the former vse or vertue of the Law which is to shew vs what wee should do and our sinne and the punishment due vnto our sinne Q. VVhy is it said that the Law was not before Moses A. That is to be vnderstood of the Law as it was written whether by Moses or the hand of God otherwise the same Law for the substance thereof was also written in the beginning in the heart of Adam and Eue. Q. VVhat is the Morall Law A. It is a Doctrine commanding the perfection of Godlinesse and Righteousnesse binding vs to eternal Deut. 5. 32. 12. 32. 42. death for our least defect therein which Law is handled at large throughout the whole Scripture but is summarily contriued first into ten words or ten Commandements Deut. 4. 13. 10. 4. Mat. 22. 37. written by Gods owne finger at the first in Tables of stone to signifie thereby not onely the hardnesse of our hearts in which they ought to be imprinted but also the perpetuall vse of them to the Galath 3. 10. very end of the world And after further abridged into two Commandements by our Sauior Christ containing the summe of the whole Law Q. VVhat is the first thing that is necessarily required of vs for our better profiting by the Law A. That wee haue the true knowledge and right vnderstanding of the Law without the which it is vnpossible to reape any of the former fruits For how can a man acknowledge the breach of that Law which he knoweth not or how can he serue him in the endeauour of performance of it vnlesse hee vnderstand his Masters will Q. VVhat rules are there to helpe vs to the right vnderstanding of the Law A. There be chiefly foure whereof the first is that the Law is spirituall reaching to the soule and all the Rom. 7. 14. Deut. 6. 5. Mat. 22. 37. Mark 12. 30. Luk. 10. 27. powers thereof For the Law chargeth the vnderstanding to know euery duty euen all the will of God contained in it It chargeth the iudgement to discerne betweene good and euill betweene two good things which is the better It chargeth the memorie to retaine it chargeth the will to chuse the better and leaue the worse it chargeth the affections to loue things to be beloued and to hate things to be hated Q. Doth the Law require these alike of all A. No but according to the sexe growth in age difference of calling as more of a man then of a woman of a young man then of a child of a publike person then of a priuate man Q. VVhat is the second rule A. That the Law is perfect not onely charging the Psal 19. 7. soule but also the whole soule not onely to know discerne retaine will and follow good but to doe the same perfectly So in condemning euill it condemneth all euill and in commanding good it commandeth all good Q. What is the third rule A. When the Law forbiddeth or commandeth any thing it forbiddeth and commandeth all meanes Mat. 5. 27. 30. occasions and prouocations thereunto Q. What is the fourth rule A. Whatsoeuer the Law commands it forbids the Mat. 5. 21. 23. 24. 25. contrary and whatsoeuer it forbids it commandeth the contrary Q. Why is euery Commandement set forth vnto vs by the second person of the singular number A. God therein wisely preuenteth a common abuse amongst men which is to esteeme that which is spoken to all men to be as it were spoken vnto none As you shall haue it common amongst men to say and confesse that God is iust and mercifull and that hee commandeth this and forbiddeth that and yet they vsually so behaue themselues as though it nothing concerned them that they notwithstanding might liue as they list Q. What learne you from this A. That euery particular man is to iudge and esteeme that God speaketh in the Law to him in particular that he is accordingly to be affected therwith Q. Why are all the Commandements except two set downe negatiuely A. Because the Negatiue bindeth more strongly for the Negatiue precept bindeth alwaies and to all moments of time the Affirmatiue bindeth alwaies but not to all moments of time Q. To come then vnto the words of the Law how are they diuided A. Into a Preface and ten Precepts or Commandements Q. What is the Preface A. I am the Lord thy God that brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage which hath a reference to all the ten Commandements and is a reason to vrge the obseruance of euery one of thē Thus If I be the Lord thy God
most bent and naturally enclined or wherein our Countrey especially or our neighbours amongst whom we conuerse doe most delight in that so wee may make the hedge highest where Satan striueth most to leape ouer who although he knoweth not our hearts yet seeing hee is subtill and able to discouer our disposition euen by a becke and countenance wee must desire wisedome of God to discerne of his tentations and power also to resist him CHAP. 50. Of thankes-giuing the second part of the second prayer Herein note the Parts Conclusion in the last word Amen MATTH 6. 13. For thine is the Kingdome and the power and the glory for euer Amen Q. SO much of the Petitions what is the thankes giuing A. For thine is the Kingdome c. Q. What haue we to learne in this thankes giuing A. First we learne the sacriledge of the Papists who vsually steale away this thankes giuing from Reuel 22. 19. prayer as if it were no part of it which is no maruell seeing that in the whole body of their doctrine Gods glory is vsually buried in a deepe silence amongst them Q. What obserue you secondly A. That this thanks-giuing consisting in the praise Gen. 32. 9. 11. Rom. 1 8. 10. Ephes 1 16. Philip. 1. 3. 4. Coloss 1 3. 1. Thess 1. 2. of God is a reason of all the petitions going before and therefore a further assurance of obtaining our suites for so good men in praying for new blessings doe alwaies ioyne thanks-giuing for the former Q. Whence is this forme of thankes-giuing drawne A. It seemeth to bee taken out of the Chronicles 1. Chron. 29. 10. 11. 12. 13. where Dauids seth the like phrase in praising of God but that which Dauid inlargeth there our Sauiour shorteneth here and yet comprehendeth the marrow of all Q. VVhat obserue you more particularly in the words A. First in the word Thine these titles of kingdom c. are appropriated vnto God to whom they do belong for though the same things in Scripture are ascribed Dan. 2. 37. 1. Tim. 5. 16. Jude 4. to Kings yet they haue them not of themselues but from him and hold them of him as tenants at will Q. VVhat is meant here by the word Kingdome A. That all right belongeth vnto God who hath Gen. 14. 19. Exod. 16. 19. 16 Ioel 3. 5. Hag. 2. 9. authority ouer all and answereth to the second petition and therefore it ought to moue vs to pray to him and to him alone as to one that hath only right to any thing we haue need of Q. VVhat is meant by the word power A. That besides his right noted in the former word hee is also able to bring to passe whatsoeuer hee will Psal 135. 5. 6. Mat. 8. 2. both which concur in God and not alwaies in earthly Princes which seemeth to be comprized in the third petition and ought to giue vs encouragement to pray 2. Cor. 12. 9. to him who is able to effect any thing wee pray for according to his will and to strengthen vs to doe any thing which in dutie we ought to doe although there be no strength in vs. Q. VVhat is meant by glory A. That due which rising from the two former of Kingdome and power doth rightly belong vnto God as following vpon the concurrence of the other two for if whatsoeuer we desire bee granted vnto vs in that he raigneth powerfully it is reason that all glory and praise should returne vnto him againe and it answereth to the first petition and ought to moue vs to pray to him and to assure vs that our prayers are granted seeing that by our prayers duly made and granted hee Psal 64. 5. 30. 9. 88. 10. 11. 11 5. 17. 18. is glorified And it is one of the most powerfull reasons that the seruants of God haue grounded their confidence of being heard that the name of God therein should be glorified Q. What is meant by the words for euer or for ages A. By ages he meaneth eternity and thereby putteth Psal 145. 13. Dan. 4. 31. another difference betweene the Kingdome and power of God and that in Princes whose Kingdomes and power fade and therefore may faile their Subiects and best fauourites that depend vpon them Q. VVhat is vnderstood by the word Amen Ierem. 11. 5. Iohn 16. 23. Reuel 3. 14. Iam. 1. 6. 1. Tim. 2. 8. 1. King 1. 36. Ierem. 28. 6. A. Not onely So be it as commonly men say but So it is which noteth the assurance of our faith to receiue our desires at least so farre forth as God seeth good for vs for without faith our praiers are reiected Besides that it is a testimonie of our earnest affection of hauing all those things performed which in this prayer are comprehended CHAP. 51. Of Vowes Vowes First To whom they are to be made By whom Secondly The matter The kinde PSALM 50. vers 14. 15. 14. Offer vnto God thankes-giuing and pay thy vowes vnto the most High 15. And call vpon me in the day of trouble I will deliuer thee and thou shalt glorifie me Q. HItherto of Prayer VVhat is a Vow A. A holy and religious promise made vnto God by a fit person voluntarily and aduisedly whereby he bindeth himselfe to the doing or leauing vndone of some speciall thing that is acceptable to Gen. 28. 20. 31. 13. 1. Sam. 1. 11. God Q. It is thought that vowes are ceremoniall and not to pertaine to the times of the Gospell A. There are indeed very good and worthie persons that thinke so which doe so much the more mislike of vowes because they haue been so much abused in Poperie howbeit it seemeth by this place that for the generall it is a constant and perpetuall ordinance of God as shall appeare though not so necessarie as vnder the Law Q. Are we to make our vowes to God only A. Yea to him alone to whom wee owe all that wee haue and who is the searcher of the hearts and Deut. 10. 17. 23. 21. Psal 5. 24. hath power to punish the breach of a vow Q. Who are fit persons to make a vow A. Such onely as are iustified before God and reconciled vnto him otherwise their gifts and vowes cannot please him and also such as haue iudgement and knowledge to discerne of a vow and are free and Eccles 5. 3. 5. at their owne liberty to performe the vow they make Therfore those which cannot performe their vowes in regard of their subiection to others as wiues children Matth. 19. 11. Num. 30. 4. 6. 7. seruants c. are to take heed that they vow not any thing that is in their hands vnder whom they are to infringe or hinder Q. What learne we hence A. That in making of a vow we haue a respect vnto that ability that God hath giuen vs that calling which he hath placed vs in Q. What ought to be the matter of
2. after the few that were there being banished from thence what likelihood is there that hee would most reside there where he had least to doe And if he had been there yet there is no colourable probation that hee was Bishop there d 1. Cor. 12. 2◠Ephes 4. 11. the Bishopricke being farre vnder the Apostleship whereunto he was called Q. But grant he had been bishop of Rome doth it follow thereof that the Bishop of Rome must be his successor A. No for first it should haue been but a personal right And secondly if it belonged to his successors Antioch where he is said to haue sate before he is supposed to sit at Rome might challenge it as well Neither can his death which they suppose to haue been at Rome giue that priuiledge to Rome aboue Antioch or any other place more then the death of Christ priuiledged Ierusalem which by the iust iudgement of God for the same cause was made an heape of stones And thirdly if it did belong to his successors at Rome yet it belongeth to his successors in doctrine and not in place onely considering that if the Church were builded vpon Peter it was in respect of the doctrine he taught not in respect of his person Q. Hitherto of the Apostles Now what were the Prophets A. Such as besides an extraordinarie gift of preaching Act. 11. 28. 21. 10. 11. had a speciall gift of prophecying and foretelling things to come Q. Hitherto of those immediately called Who are those that were called also by the meanes of men A. The Euangelists Q. What were the Euangelists A. Such as were a 1. Tim. 1. 6. ordained and b Act. 17. 15. 19. 22. 1 Cor. 4. 17. directed by the Apostles for c ◠Cor. 3 6. watering those Churches which they had planted and confirming those whom they had conuerted Q. Hitherto we haue heard of the vniuersall Church What is a particular Church A. It is that which besides the fellowship in one Rom. 12. 3. 8. spirit hath some other outward knot wherein they are more neerely tyed then the rest of the vniuersall is and it is either of one nation or of a narrower compasse Q. What is a Church of one nation A. It is that which is gathered vnder one politicke or ciuill gouernment Q. What is that of a more narrow compasse A. It is such a particular Church or Parish that dwelling in one place may bee conueniently at one time taught by the mouth of one Minister Q. What is common to all the members of this Church A. That euery one be wife vnto sobriety behauing Rom. 12. 3. himselfe according to the measure of grace that is bestowed vpon him Q. What persons make default against this rule A. Two sorts especially the one such as ouerweene and thinke better of themselues then is fitting taking a greater state vpon them then they are worthy of The other of such as abasing themselues too much doe thinke themselues vnfit to such duties as they are called vnto Q. How is the truth of this doctrine cleared A. The Apostle declareth it by comparing the Rom. 12. 3-8 Church which is the mysticall body of Christ vnto the naturall body of a man Q. How many waies doth this comparison hold A. Sundry waies First as in the perfect body of a natural man there is ful furniture of al members needful to the discharge of their seuerall duties which are knowne both how many they are and what they are so it is in the Church of God Q. What gather you of this A. First that as a superfluous member in a mans body as two thumbs or a finger more then ordinarie in one hand is a blemish and deformity in the body euen so superfluous members must needs be accounted a blemish and deformity in the Church of Christ Q. What further A. As the want of any naturall member breeds griefe in the body so the want of any the appointed members in the Church must needs bee faultie and grieuous Q. Proceed to the other points of the comparison A. As in the body to haue a member misplaced as to haue an eye where the nose should be or a foot for the hand causeth both horror and griefe so the like disorder in the Church of Christ must needs bee grieuous and horrible Q. Wherein doth this comparison further hold A. That as in the body of a man euery member hath his owne seuerall function to discharge and no member can well and fitly discharge the dutie of another So it must be in the Church of God And as all the seuerall members of the body are knit and vnited to their head so are all the members of the Church vnto their head Christ Further as in the naturall body euery seuerall member is as it were the member of euery other in seruing to their good as the eye doth see the hand doth take the mouth doth speake for the good of any other member So it is in the Church of God Q. What are the parts of a particular Church A. Such as haue preeminence and such as are inferiour vnto them Q. Who are those that haue preeminence A. Those whom Christ hath appointed for the continuance of the Churches which were builded by the extraordinarie officers to the worlds end Q. What things are common to all these ordinarie officers A. First that they bee vnblameable of life which being required of all Christians is in greater measure required of them as being the lights of the Church Secondly examination whether they haue gifts for the discharge of that speciall office they are called vnto Thirdly a calling consisting partly in the election of the Church directed by the gouernours thereof and partly in ordination by the said gouernours which by prayer and laying on of hands are to consecrate and separate them to that function with assurance of the assistance of God in doing their dutie faithfully Q. What fourthly A. That euery one of these ordinarie officers are tied Act. 20. 28. 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. to one flocke Q. So much of the generall properties of the ordinary officers what are the kinds of them A. They are either such as deale in the ministery of the word viz. Pastors and teachers or assistants vnto them Q. What is the ministery of the word A. A holy and spirituall calling wherein men are Rom. 12. 6. 1. Cor. 14. 3. set apart to the interpretatiō of the Scriptures of God for the edification of the Church which is called also by the Apostle Prophecie vnto which also belongeth the administration of the Sacraments Q. How proue you that by prophecy is meant there the office of interpreting the word rather then of foretelling things to come A. First because prophecy is set downe there as a perpetuall office in the Church wherof Salomon saith When prophecie faileth the people perish Secōdly the prophet Prou. 29. 18. is charged to continue