the Prophets and Apostles is to be received and embraced as the Doctrine of Christ Luc. 1.70 Gal. 1.1 Gal. 1.11 12. 1 Pet. 1.10 11. 2 Pet. 1.21 Joh 16.13 2 Pet. 1.19 20. Ephes 2.20 Jude v. 17. Q. Why are the writings of the Prophets and Apostles called the Scriptures A. Scripture is a Latine word which signifieth writing now because of all writings that ever were published these are the worthiest therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by an excellency they are stiled the Scriptures Q Why are they called the Holy Scriptures A. The Scriptures are holy in these 4. respects First because the holy Ghost did indite and dictate whatsoever is written in this precious Book 2 Pet. 1.21 Act. 28.25 Secondly because the Penmen of Scripture were holy men of God holy Prophets and holy Apostles Luc. 1.70 Eph. 3.5 Thirdly because the holy will of God is here revealed whatsoever is recorded in the Scripture is an holy Truth Prov. 30.5 Luc. 1.72 Rom. 7.12 Tit. 1.1 Psal 12.6 Fourthly because the word is a powerfull instrument whereby the elect of God are sanctified and made holy Joh. 17.17 Q. Seeing the Scriptures are so holy whether may Lay people read them and speake of them A. Yes they may read them so they addresse themselves to the reading of them with holy affections they may speake of them so they speake of them with reverence and alleadge them to those holy ends for which they were written as to gaine some glory to God who is the Author of holy writ and to edifie one another in their Christian Faith Jude v. 20. 2 Tim. 3.16 Rom. 15.4 Q. But many think that it belongs to Church-men only to search and Study the Scripture tell me therefore whether is it a duty that God requires of all Christians to read and search the Scriptures A. Yes all the disciples of Christ that are able to reade ought to reade and search the Scriptures as well Lay-men as Ministers Q. How may that appeare A. By these arguments First because the precepts enjoyning this duty are generall and extend as well to the Lay-People as to Ministers Reade Joh. 5.39 Col. 3.16 Deut. 6 6 7 8 9. Deut. 17.18 19. Secondly we have examples of all sorts recorded in Scripture which shew that this exercise of pietie is commendable in all ages in all degrees and callings Read 2 Tim. 3.15 Act. 8.28 Act. 17.11 2 Pet. 1.19 Thirdly God hath made such gracious Promises as may encourage all Christians to performe this dutie Reade Rev. 1.3 Psal 25.14 Joh. 7.17 Fourthly that which was written to all is commended to be read unto all why should it not be free for all to reade See Rom. 1. v. 7. 1 Thes 5.27 Col. 4.16 Object But the Scriptures are obscure and hard to be understood and therefore simple and unlearned men cannot profit by reading of them Ans The Scriptures are in themselves perspicuous and plaine enough They are written in such a style as is most fit for the Instruction of the whole Church yea all things that are necessarie to be known and believed of all men to salvation are plainly and manifestly layd down in the Scriptures And therfore all sorts of men may profit by reading of them Psal 19.7 Prov. 1.4 Psal 119.130 Prov. 6.23 Psal 119.115 2 Pet. 1.19 Q. Seeing you affirme the Scriptures to be in themselves perspicuous and yet they seeem darke to many that read them tell me therefore to whom are the Scriptures plaine and easie to be understood A. To Spirituall and Regenerate Persons using the meanes which God hath appointed to bring us to the right understanding of the Scriptures All the words of wisdome are plaine to him that understandeth Prov. 8.9 1 Cor. 2.15 But to naturall and carnall men neglecting the meanes they seem very darke and obscure See 1 Cor. 2.14 2 Cor. 4.3 4. Q. Tell me then what are the ordinarie Meanes which are to be used to bring us to the right understanding of the Scriptures A. They are these 1. Humble and fervent prayers unto God we must entreat the Lord to open the eyes of our understanding that so we may understand the Scriptures Psal 119.18 68. Luc. 24.45 Prov. 2.2 2. Frequent and attentive reading with Confideration of all the circumstances of the Text. 3. Conference of other places we must compare Scripture with Scripture and expound one place of Scripture by another 4. We must get humble and docible hearts we must read the word with a desire to learne the Truth and with a purpose to submit unto it Psal 19.9.14 Prov. 8.32 5. We must mak conscience of the practice of what we know Joh. 7.17 Psal 119.100 6. We must with diligence attend upon the publick Ministrie of the Word 1 Thes 5.20 Q. How are the Scriptures divided A. Into the old and new Testament Q. How is the Old Testament divided A. Into the Law and the Prophets or Moses and the Prophets Mat. 11.13 Luc. 16.29.31 Q. Doth this Division comprehend the whole Old Testament A. Yes For by Moses we are to understand the five Books of Moses which containe the whole Law and by the Prophets we are to understand all those Books which the holy Prophets have written as expositions of the Law of Moses Luc. 24.27 Act. 28.23 Q. Whether are the books called Apocripha to be received as part of the Old Testament and accounted Canonicall Scripture or no A. The whole Old Testament from the begining of Genesis to the end of Malachy is Canonicall Scripture But the Bookes called Apocrypha are no part of this sacred Canon and therefore they are fitly distinguished from the authenticall Bookes of the old Testament by this title Apocripha Q. How may this appeare that these Apocryphall Bookes are not to be accounted Canonicall Scripture A. By these Arguments 1. All the Canonicall Books of the old Testament were written by Prophets in the Hebrew tongue But these Apocryphall bookes were not penned by Prophets neither were they written Originally in the Hebrew tongue 2. All the Canonicall Bookes of the Old Testament were committed to the Jewes and they weare faithfull Registers of them But the Jewes never received these Apocryphall bookes as Canonicall never kept them as the Oracles of God Rom. 3.2 3. Many errours and humane frailties are found in these Apocriphall Bookes which cannot agree to Bookes indited by the holy Ghost And therefore these Bookes are not to be accounted Canonicall Reade Tob. 6.6 7. Tob. 5.11 12. Tob. 12.15 compared with Rev. 8.2 3 4. 2 Macc. 14.37 41 42. and 2 Macc. 12.43 44. Eccles 46.20 compared with 1 Sam. 28.6 c. Q. What are the number of the Bookes that are to be accounted Canonicall A. The Canonicall Bookes of the Old Testament are thirtie nine the Canonicall Bookes of the New Testament are twentie seven Q. Why are the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament called Canonicall A. Because they containe the Canon or Rule of our Faith and
A PLAINE PROFITABLE CATECHISME Whereunto is Added A SERMON Preached upon Exod. 23.2 By that Reverend and Judicious Divine Mr JAMES BACON late Minister of Burgate in Suffolke Now first Published by his Son in Law H.W. 2 Tim. 2.13 Hold fast the forme of Sound words OXFORD Printed by W. Hall for R. Davis Anno Dom. MDCLX To the Christian READER THIS Solid Pithy Catechisme which holds forth the Forme of sound words and this excellent Sermon tending much to edification I received from the hands of a religious and grave Matron an old Disciple and stedfast Christian the surviver of her Deare Husband the worthy Author After deliberate perusall of what is here presented to publik view I cannot but give this Testimony to the truth that here 's an Iliad in a Nutshell I meane a great deale of good profitable matter comprised in a Narrow roome ther 's much in a little and that which is sound and Orthodox Although I never had any personall acquaintance with the reverend Author yet having contracted affinitie with his Family to which I be are great respect likewise for his choise worke and profitable Labors in the Ministry An evident Testimony I have from severall manuscripts which I have seeen I conceive my selfe obliged to to make an honourable mention of this Reverend Divine being one of those whom the Apostle would have highly esteemed of 1 Thess 5.12 13. And we beseech you Brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake As for the worke because there 's so much worth as abundantly to commend it selfe I need add no more Concerning the Author who livd a saint on earth and I question not is now a saint in glory because he is out of the reach of feare and flateries I shall mentia particular or two of speciall observation worthy of Imitation What I shall make mention of I 'le reduce unto two heads 1. Before he entred into the Ministrie 2. After he was setled in a Pastorall Cure 1. Before he entred itto to the Ministry he was a hopefull studious Scholler in Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge a Society eminent for Religion and Learning And he had a * Dr John Preston Tutor there of great worth and abilitie the glory of the place where he lived There he made great proficiencie in Religion and Learning wherefore being well qualifyd to fix upon a calling his * Sir James Bacon Father a Knight of great Qualitie sent to him that he would have him be a Lawyer and to that purpose he would remove him from the Vniverfity to one of the Inns of Court whereupon he answered as I can produce his letter for proofe hereof with much reverence to his Father used strong reasons for his great desire to give himselfe to the worke of the Ministry And notwithstanding his Fathers frequent sollicitations yet he shewing all duty and observance to him persisted in the resolution which God fixt in his heart and retained it inviolably which was to dedicate himselfe to Christ in the worke of the Gospell Whereunto his Father yeilded as being prevailed withall and overcome by the strength of his Sons Reasons so that it hence evidently appeares that he took upon him the Ministeriall Function not upon necessity but choyce not constrainedly but willingly not for sinister respects self-interests but for Gods glory 3. After he entred into the Ministrie having been Lecturer severall yeares at Bow in Cheapside at London where his name is fresh and green as I have heard amongst some ancient Professors yet alive he removed to Burgate in Suffolke where he exercised his ministry for many yeares and there finished his course He was in all his Relations as Pastor Husband Father Master Faithfull Loving Conscientious one who walked by the rule of David in Psal 101. His godly conversation learning wisdome charity are abundantly known to many not only in his own Parish but likewise in the adjacent parishes where he lived And let this be mentioned as a Character of honour for the Perpetuating of his memorie and for a patterne of imitation that notwithstanding sore and grievous bodily infirmities by the stone strangury c. yet when he could not goe of himselfe he would be carryed to the Publick Congregation and there Prach the Gospell I shall not make a larger Preface to so short a Volumne yett his Motto may be fitly applyed to the ensuing worke Pondere non numero Throughout the whole there 's sound Doctrine plainely and profitably handled If therehy thou profitest Reader and so thou mayst if it be not thy owne fault give God the glory and labour thereby to be more grounded and stablished in the truths that are in Jesus And so I remaine Thy souls Servant H. W. OXON May 2. 1660. A PRACTICALL CATECHISME Introductory to a large exposition of Reverend Mr PERKINS his CATECHISME Question WHy art thou called a Christian Ans Because I professe the Christian Religion Q. What is the Christian Religion A. Christian Religion is a Heavenly Art or a wholsome Doctrine according to Godlinesse revealed and taught by Christ shewing us the right way to eternall life 1 Cor. 2.7 1 Tim. 6.3 Tit. 1.1 2. 2 Tim. 1.13 Tit. 2.10 2 Joh. v. 9. Joh. 6.68.17.3 Q. Why is Christian Religion called a Doctrine according to Godlinesse A. Because it is a patterne of Gods most holy will and that excellent Rule which Christ hath given us to walk by teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly righteously and Godly in this present world Tit. 2.11 12. Q. Are all those Christians that are so called A. No to make a Christian indeed these three things must concurre 1. Sound knowledge 2. Faith unfained 3. Holy obedience They and they only are Christians indeed the only true Christians such as are truly ingrafted into Christ who have attained to the true knowledge of God and have put on Christ by Faith and yeild obedience to the Doctrine of Christ Rom. 2.28 29. Joh. 17.3 Rom. 13.14 Gal. 3.26 27. Rom. ch 6. v. 17. Q. Tell me then what is required of those that have taken upon them the honourable title of Christians A. First they must be diligent in learning the Heavenly art of Christianity Prov. 8.32 34. Secondly they must earnestly contend for the Christian Faith Jude v. 3. Thirdly they must endeavour by a holy and unblameable life to adorne the Doctrine of Christ Tit. 2.10 Q. Where is the Christian Religion taught A. In the writings of the Prophets and Apostles which are called the holy Scriptures Rom. 1.2 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. What were these Prophets and Apostles A. They were Teachers called and sent immediately by God instructed by Christ himselfe and infallibly assisted by the holy Ghost in whatsoever Doctrines delivered to the Church either by word or writing And therefore the Doctrine of of
life Gal. 6.16 Phil. 3. vers 16. Q. What is the proper Office of this Canon of Scriptures A. First our Faith must be measured by this sacred Canon Secondly all Controversies in Religion must be divided be this Rule of truth Thirdly our life and all our actions must be guided by the Canonicall Scripture as by a straight Line and Rule Gal. 6.16 Q. Seeing you affirme Canonicall Scripture to be the Rule of Faith and the Judge of all controversies tell me therefore how know you that the Scriptures are of infallible truth A. The Scriptures are the very word of God and therefore of infallible truth and divine Authoritie They therefore that ground their faith upon Canonicall Scripture build upon a Rocke and not upon the sand 2 Pet. 1.19 Q. How know you the Scriptures to be the very Word of God A. First the Scripture doth testifie this of it selfe 2 Tim. 3. vers 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God c. 2 Peter 1. v. 21. Secondly Gods own spirit doth testifie to the consciences of his Children and assure them that the Scriptures are the Oracles of God 1 Joh. 2.20 27. Thirdly many Arguments may be drawn out of Canonicall Scriptures whereby we may discerne these Books to be no humane writings but the very word of God Q. What are those Arguments which may induce a reasonable man to believe that the Scriptures are the Word of God A. They are these First the puritie and divine perfection of the Doctrine contained in Scripture Here are many sacred and heavenly Mysteries concerning mens Salvation which are farre above the reach of humane reason and could never have been found out had not God revealed them by his Spirit Psal 19.7 119.96 Prov. 30. vers 5. 1 Tim. 3. vers 16. 1 Cor. 2. vers 7 9 10. 2. The Scriptures containe many Prophesies of such things as could not be foreseen in their causes which have been fulfilled in the same manner as they were foretold Gen. 15.13 14. 49.10 1 King 13.2 3 5. Isai 44.28.45 1. Jer. 25.11 12. 2 Thes 2.7 8. 3. The Scriptures are of admirable power and efficacy to humble and terrifie the Sinner to comfort the conscience and to convent the Soule Heb. 4. vers 12. Act. 24. v. 25. Psal 19. vers 7. 4. Such is the grace and Majestie of the Scriptures though written in a plaine and easie style as is not to be found in any humane Author 1 Tim. 5. vers 21. 1 Corinth 1.17 18 21 24. 5. The sweet Harmonie and perfect concord of every part of Scripture with other notwithstanding these Bookes were written by divers persons in sundry places at sundry times 6. The Antiquitie of the Scriptures above all humane writings And the admirable preservation of this Book notwithstanding the strange malice of Satan and his wicked Instruments against it 7. The gracious simplicity of the Penmen of Scripture who neither spare their friends nor themselves but most freely and impartially set downe their owne faults and infirmities as well as others which had they been guided by humane reason they would never have done 8. The constant Testimonie of many holy Martyrs and of the Church of Christ in all ages Q. You have proved the Scriptures to be the Word of God and therefore I doubt not but a Christian may boldly build his Faith upon them But whether are the Scriptures a sufficient and perfect Rule of Faith and Obedience A. Yes all points of necessarie Faith and practise are contained in the written word and therefore the Scriptures are a sufficient and perfect Rule Q. What are we to understand by the Contents of Scripture A. By the Contents of Scripture we must understand not only what is expressed in so many letters and syllables but whatsoever may thence by manifest and necessary consequence be deduced Q. How may it appeare that the Scriptures are a sufficient and perfect rule A. By these Arguments First the Scriptures are able to make a man wise to Salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 3.15 Jam. 1.21 Joh. 20.31 2. The Law and the Gospell which are the subject matter of Scripture are both perfect The Law is so perfect a Rule of all to be done that nothing may be added to it or taken from it Deut. 4. v. 2. Deut. 12. v. 32. The Gospell is so perfect a Rule of all things needfull to be believed that nothing may be added to it or taken from it See Gal. 1.8 9. 3. All that we need to bring us to Salvation is either to be taught or reproved or instructed or corrected or comforted But all this the Scriptures are able to doe they are able to teach to reprove to correct to instruct in all righteousness and to comfort in all estates Reade 2 Tim. 3.16 Prov. 2.1 9. Rom. 15.4 Psal 119.50 Isai 8.20 Luc. 16.29 31. Joh. 5.39 Ephes 2.20 Lu. 24.44 Act. 26.22 25. Act. 28.23 4. The Scriptures are able to furnish the man of God that is the Minister sufficiently to every dutie of the Ministrie and to make him perfect whose dutie it is to declare the whole Counsell of God to the People therefore they are much more able to give the people sufficient Instruction Soe 2 Tim. 3.17 Act. 20.27 5. The Scripture is stiled a Rule now a Rule must be fit to measure that which is to be measured by it without addition otherwise it is no just Rule Gal. 6.16 Phil. 3.16 Q. What gather you from this Doctrine of the Sufficiency of the Scriptures A. Seeing the Scriptures are a sufficient and perfect Rule therefore we need no unwritten verities no Traditions of men to supply any supposed defect of the written word of God Isai 29.13 Mat. 15.6 9. Col. 2.8 The six Principles of Mr PERKINS expounded The first Principle Q. WHat dost thou believe concerning God A. There is one God Creator and Governor of all things distinguished into the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost The Exposition Q. What particulars are to be observed in this Principle A. Three things are here set downe to be believed concerning God First the Unitie of the Godhead 2. The Distinction of this one God into three persons 3. The workes whereby God hath made himselfe known Q. How is God One A. In being and Essence the Spirituall Essence of God is but one and no more in number Deut. 6.4 Mark 12.32 1 Cor. 8.4 5 6. Q. Can you give me any true Definition or Description of God A. God as he is in himselfe is known to himselfe only and therefore a perfect definition of God cannot be given but yet he may be described sufficiently to distinguish him from all Idols from all Creatures whatsoever Job 11.7 Q. How may God be described A. By his Attributes Q. What are the Attributes of God A. They are those essentiall properties which are attributed to God in Scripture that we may therby the better conceive of his incomprehensible Essence Q. Tell me how
Lam. 3.22 Joel 2.13 and 2 Pet. 3.9 c Mal. 5.45 Act. 14. vers 16 17. Q. How are we to conceive of Gods Truth and Faithfullnesse A. God hath revealed his will unto us as it is indeed and therefore he is stiled a God of Truth and his Word is the Word of Truth And as the God of Truth cannot lie so he cannot denie himselfe but will certainely performe whatsoever he hath decreed and purposed and this is properly called his Faithfullnesse This Truth and Faithfullnesse of God appeareth in the constant performance of all his Promises and Threatnings Deut. 32. vers 4. Psal 31.1 Psalm 119.43.142 Eph. 1.13 Joh 17.17 Tit. 1.1 2. 2 Tim 2.13 1 Joh. 1.9 Rev. 22.6 Q Is there any thing else to be observed for the right understanding of these divine Attributes A. Yes That we may conceive aright of them these generall Conclusions are further to be observed 1. These divine properties are attributed to God Essentially God is Holy Just and Good without Qualitie great without Quantitie everlasting without Time Mercifull without Passion Gods Wisedome and Power Justice and Mercie are Himselfe God is a most pure and simple Essence and therefore whatsoever is in God is God himselfe Hence it is that God is stiled not only just but Justice it selfe not only mercifull but mercie it selfe not only the living god but life it selfe c. Ioh. 11.25 and 14.6 1 Joh. 4.8 and 5.20 2. The former properties which are stiled incommunicable may be attributed to the latter which are called communicable as the wisedome of God is absolutely perfect infinite eternall and immutable so is his holinesse so is his Justice c. Psal 147.5 3. Seing these Attributes of God are his Essence and seeing they are absolutely perfect and infinite therefore it necessarily followes that all those divine properties are equall in God though they appeare not alwaies equally to us Psal 145.9 DOCT. II. A larger exposition of the Doctrine of the Blessed Trinitie Q. SEeing the Doctrine of the blessed Trinitie is a deep and incomprehensible Mysterie is this Doctrine necessarie to be known and believed of all Christians A. Yes we professe to believe in God the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost and therefore every Christian ought to believe the only true God to be One most pure essence subsisting in three distinct Persons Q What is a Person in the blessed Trinitie A It is a distinct Substance having the whole divine Essence in it The most pure divine Essence considered as it subsists with his relative and incommunicable propertie is called a Person Q. How may this Mysterie of a Trinitie of Persons subsisting in the unitie of the Godhead be proved A. Not by humane reason but by divine Authoritie The Scripture in divers places maketh expresse mention of three Persons in the Deitie as 1 Ioh. 5.7 There are three that beare record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Goe and teach all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Ghost When Christ was baptized of John in Jordan the Father spake from heaven and testified of his Sonne who had then taken upon him the forme of a Servant and the Holy Ghost appeared in the likenesse of a Dove This is faithfully recorded in the foure Evangelists See Mat. 3.16 17. Mar. 1.10 11. Luk 3.22 Ioh 1.33 34. By these and the like testimonies it is evident that there is a Trinitie of Persons in the Deitie Reade Joh. 14.26 2 Cor. 13 14. Gal. 4.6 Eph. 2.18 Q. What are the proper names of these three Persons or Subsistencies A. Their proper names are expressed in those places of Scripture that have been cited The first person is called the Father The second Person is called the Sonne and the Word The third Person is called the Holy Ghost or Spirit Q. Why is the first Person called the Father A. Because he hath the Relation and respect of a Father to the second Person Q. Why is the second Person called the Sonne A. Because he hath the proper Relation of a Sonne to the first Person Q. Why is the Sonne and second Person called the Word A. First because as speech is conceived and begotten of the Mind without any passion in like manner the Sonne is begotten of God the Father Secondly because he is so often spoken of and promised in the Scriptures and is in a manner the whole subject of the Scripture Thirdly because he bringeth glad tidings from the bosome of the Father As man doth make known his will to man by his Word so God hath made known and revealed his will to us by his Sonne Joh. 1.18 Q Why is the third Person called the Spirit A. Although the Father be a Spirit and the Sonne be a Spirit as well as the third Person yet this title Spirit is peculiarly attributed to the third person because he is as it were spired or breathed both from the Father and the Sonne that is to say He proceedeth from them both Q. Why is the title of holy peculiarly attributed to the third Person A. Although the Father and the Sonne be equally holy with the third Person yet the title of Holy is peculiarly attributed to the Spirit because it is his office to sanctifie the children of God and to make them holy which he doth in a speciall and peculiar manner The Father and the Sonne sanctifie immediatly by the Spirit but the Spirit sanctifieth from the Father and from the Sonne by himselfe immediatly and therefore he is called the Holy Ghost Tit. 3.5 2 Thess 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 Q. What is the Father A. The Father is the first Person in the Trinitie who by a divine generation hath eternally begotten his beloved Sonne of himselfe Mat. 28.19 Prov. 8.22.25 Joh. 1.1 Mat 3.17 Heb. 7.3 Q. What is the Sonne A. The Sonne is the second person begotten of the Father from all eternitie Mat. 28.19 Heb. 1.6 Joh. 1.14.18 Q. What is the holy Ghost A. The holy Ghost is the third person proceeding from the Father and the Son Mat. 28.19 1 Joh. 5.7 Joh. 14.26 15.26 Rom. 8.11 Gal. 4.6 Q. How are we to conceive of the Vnitie of these three persons A. They are one in Being and Essence the Essence of the Father is the Essence of the Son and the Essence of the holy Ghost Although we may say Personally the Father is one Subsistence the Sonne is another Subsistence and the holy Ghost another Subsistence yet we cannot say Essentially The Father is one God the Sonne is another God and the holy Ghost another God for they are Coessentiall that is they have the same essence together Although the entire Godhead the whole divine Essence be in each Person yet the three persons are most singularly one and the same God Joh. 10.30 38. Joh. 14.9 10 11. Joh. 1.12 Joh 5.32 37. Heb. 1.3 Joh. 14.16 1 Cor 12.4 5 6. Deut 6.4 Mar 12.32 1
When did God begin this worke A. In the Beginning of time Gen. 1.1 Mark 13.19 Q. How long did God continue working before the whole worke was finished A. Six dayes in the space of six times 24. howres God finished this great worke Q. Could not God have perfected the whole worke in a moment A. Yes but it seemed good to his wisedome to take some dayes for the finishing of it that we might more easily conceive that the world was not made by chance but by counsell and might more distinctly consider the parts of the world and every days worke Q. To what end did God make the world A. For the communication of his goodnesse and the manifestation of his Glory Psal 115.16 Prov. 16.4 Rev. 4.11 Q. Hitherto of the Creation of the World in generall tell me now what are the parts of the World A. They are two The Habitations The Furniture Inhabitants Q. What are the Habitations A. They are either the higher habitations the Heavens or the lower the earth and the Sea Gen. 2.1 Exod. 20.11 Neh. 9.6 Psal 146.6 Act. 14.15 Q. How many Heavens are there A. There are three Heavens the third and highest Heaven the upper Firmament where the Sunne Moon and Starres are set and the lower Firmament or Aire wherein we breath and the birds fly 2 Cor. 12.2 Gen. 1.16 17.17 Gen. 1.20 Q. What manner of Creature is the highest Heaven A. The highest Heaven is a most glorious immoveable and unchangeable place created in the first moment of time where God is to be seen face to face and therefore it is called the Habitation of his holinesse 2 Chron. 30.27 1 Tim. 6.16 Heb. 11.10 Luk. 16.9 Gen. 1.1 Mat. 18.10 Joh. 14.2 1 King 8.30 Q. Whereof was the third Heaven made A. Immediately of nothing Gen. 1.1 Q. What Creature is next unto the highest Heaven A. The upper Firmament or Element of fire Q. How are we to conceive of this Element of fire A The fire is the highest of the Elements most hot and lightsome God said let there be light Gen 1.3 Here by light which is the most sensible qualitie of fire we are to understand fire also which hath that qualitie Q. How are we to conceive of the lower firmament or Element of Aire A. God hath made the Aire equally capable of light and darknesse and placed it next under the fire as being neerest of nature unto it he hath stretched forth the Aire like a curtaine to make a separation between the waters above which are bound up in the Clouds and the waters beneath Gen. 1.7 Hence this lower firmament or Element of Aire is divided into three parts or Regions the highest above the Clouds the middle where the Clouds hang and move and the lowest under the Clouds Psal 104.2 Psal 148.4 Q. What other elements are there A. Water and earth which are the lower Habitations And because these two lower Elements make but one globe therefore in Scripture they are often comprehended under this one terme Earth See Gen. 2.1 Col. 1.16 Psal 134.3 Act 17.24 Q. How are we to conceive of the Element of water and of the creation of it A. The water is a cold and moist element whose proper place is to succeed the Aire and cover the Earth but by Gods speciall appointment part of it is raised and lifted up above his naturall place into the middle Region of the Aire and that part of it which is below is so gathered together that it divides the Earth and is called seas Gen. 1.9 10. Psal 104.6.9 Psal 135.7 and 148.4 Job 26.8 and 38.37 Psal 33.7 and 104.8 Q. How are we to conceive of the Element of Earth and of the Creation of it A. The Earth is the dryest and heaviest of all the Elements which he hath founded upon nothing and although it hangeth upon nothing yet it stands firme and immoveable This Element the Lord made to appeare from under the waters which stood above the high mountaines Pal. 14.6 that it might be fit for habitation Gen. 1.9 Job 26.7 Psal 24.2 Psal 104.5 and 119.90 Q. Whereof were these Elements of Fire Aire Water and Earth made A. These Elements were made of that huge lump or Masse which is described Gen 1.2 The Earth was without forme and void and darknesse was upon the face of the deep Q. Seeing this Masse or Chaos was without forme and void how was it sustained A. It was sustained preserved and cherished for a time by the comfortable and powerfull motion of the holy Ghost for it is said the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters Gen. 1.2 Compare Gen. 1.2 with Deut 32.11 Q. Whereof was this huge Masse made A. Immediately of nothing Gen. 11.1 Q. Having spoken of one part of the world the Habitations it followeth to speake of the other part of the world namely the Furniture and Inhabitants tell me therefore what are the Inhabitants of the third and highest Heaven A. The glorious Angels Mat 18.10 and 24.36 Mark 12.25 Q. How are we to conceive of those glorious Angels and of the Creation of them A. The Angels are spirits created immediately of nothing whose office is to minister unto God to praise and celebrate his name and to execute his commands and therefore they are stiled Ministring spirits and are said to stand before God as his immediate Ministers and Messengers alwaies readie to doe his pleasure Heb. 1.7.14 Dan. 7.10 Ps 103.20 Is 6.2 3. Heb. 1.14 Dan. 7.10 Lu 1.19 Psal 103.21 Q. Seeing the Angels are ministring Spirits how hath God fitted them for their Ministrie A. God hath furnished them with excellent properties as namely with perspicuitie of reason and libertie of will with admirable strength and agilitie 2 Sam 14.17 Mat 24.36 2 King 10.35 Psal 103.20 2 Thes 1.7 Isa 6.2 6. Dan 9.21 Q. What is the Furniture of the second Heaven or upper Firmament A. The Lights the Sunne the Moon and the Starrs which are all Organs and Receptacles of light and have power to cast down their light upon the Earth To these lightsome bodies God hath given a motive facultie whereby they move round about the Earth that they might the better obtaine the ends for which they were created Job 26. vers 13. Deut. 4. vers 19. Q. What are the ends and uses of those Heavenly bodies A. First to give light and heate to the Inhabitants of the Earth Gen. 1.15 17. Ps 19.6 Secondly to distinguish the night from the day The Sunne was made to rule the day the Moon and the Starres to rule the night and to distinguish the day from the Month and the Moneth from the yeare Gen. 1.14 16. Psal 136.8 9. Psal 104.19 Thirdly God made them for signes and for seasons Gen. 1.14 to distinguish the set times or Seasons of the yeare as Spring Summer Autumne and winter and to be naturall signes and Instruments of those naturall events which happen in these Seasons as of storms tempests faire