we are to enquire anon Concerning the fourth point reade Psalme 50.7 c. and Psalme 4.4.5 and Isaiah 1.10.11 c. and againe Chapter 29. 13.14 Math. 15.7.8.9 Reuel 3.1 c. and verse 14. c. Concerning the fift point reade Exod. 23.32.33 chap. 34.12 c. Deut. 7.3.4 chap. 12.30 chap. 13.6 c. Psa 106.28 Numb 25.1.2.3 1. Cor. 5.9.10.11 and chap. 7.15 chap. 8. and chap. 10.21 c. and 2. Epistle 6.14 c. Reue. 17.4 c. Reade also Nehem. chap. 13.26 and 1. King 11.4 c. Concerning the last point reade Deut. 12.30 Ezek. 14 3.4.5 and chap. 20.16.32 c. 37. Now let vs go forward Why doth the Lord in the forbidding of idolatrie and false worship recken vp so full and perfect a distribution of the images likenesses of all kind of creatures saying Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen image nor the liknesse of things which are in heauen aboue or on the earth beneath or in the waters vnder the earth First because all idolatrous nations and namely the Egyptians from whom the Lord had so lately deliuered the Israelites and the Cananites with the rest of the seauen nations where he minded to giue them their dwelling place and to roote those people out had euery such way corrupted and defiled yea vtterly peruerted the worship of God Secondly because the Lord knoweth the nature of all men to be exceedingly inclinable and ready to all kind of superstition and idolatry in stead of yeelding true worship to the only true God Reade Isa 19.1 and Acts 17.22.23 c. 29. Rom. 1.21.22.23 reade also Deut. 6.14 And that all men are exceedingly proue to idolatry Israel it selfe who was most wisely taught and instructed and most earnestly warned against it may be one example in stead of all seeing they did notwithstanding by and by after their deliuerance out of Egypt yea and afterward from time to time fall most grosly into it Reade Exod. 32.1 c. 8.9 and Ps 106.19.20.21 and ver 28.29 Reade also Iudg. 2.11.12.13 chap. 3.5.6.7.12 and chap. 4.1 Reade 1. King 12.28 c. and Ier. chap. 2.5.6 c. and chap. 3.1 c. and verses 6.7.8.9 c. Israel would not take example from the iudgements of God vpon other nations and namely vpon those that were cast out before them Neither would the people of Iudah take warning by the wrath of God which fell vpon Israel Reade Ier. 11. ver 12.13 reade Ezek. chap. 16. chap. 23. Isa 2.8 chapter 57. Hence it is that the Lord hath in other places of the Law by expresse mention forbidden the religious making of all images in any kind of creature either of wood carued Isa 44. or of siluer gold molten and cast in a mold as Exod. 20.23 or of any other mettall Leuit. 19.4 or of stone whether artificially fashioned or otherwise Ier. 2.27 Isa 57.6 And not only the caruing grauing and melting of images for diuine worship but also all painting of them either in glasse or on walles the expressing of them by needle worke or any other way Thus therefore we may see plainly the idolatries of the heathen all all sorts of them with euery superstitious appurtenance thereof to be vniuersally condemned by the Lord in this second Commandement But doth the same condemnation belong to all the Popish and superstitious idolatries of those which do in words professe themselues to be the onely true Christian and Catholike worshippers of the true God albeit they boast that they know and worship God in Christ and not any strange God neither are so foolish as they say to thinke that the image is God or to worship the crosse but in respect of Christ who was crucified vpon it nor the bread in their Sacrament of the Altar but because as they say and would seeme to beleeue that it is then transubstantiate into the very body of Christ And albeit they do not yeeld their inferiour religious worship to false Saints but to true Saints and their reliques monuments or rather to the Saints themselues and most of all to God in and for them c. and albeit they haue their many cunning and subtile excuses and distinctions whereby they would maintaine and vphold their wicked practise c. Are they I say neuerthelesse for all that they can say condemned by this Law of God There is no doubt to be made but they are all at once and as it were by one breath of the most holy Spirit of God vtterly cōdemned yea so much the rather these then they because as these acknowledge they haue the knowledge of the true God frō the light of his word which the other had not For hereby their sinne is made the greater and they are left the more without excuse before the Lord. And as touching all the reasōs wherby the idols of the heathē their idoll worship is condēned in the holy Scriptures they are as mighty pressing to weigh downe ouerthrow all the images and image-image-worship of our Popish Catholikes It is very true For God retaineth the same nature and the same diuine properties still the which can no more be purtrayed out now then they might then He is a Spirit as infinite and incomprehensible as euer he was And as touching Popish images they are as vnable to do good or euill as the heathenish were And they are as lying teachers and the doctrine thereof as lying as the doctrine of the idoll hath at any time bene Howsoeuer they are called Laymens bookes yet surely they teach nothing but ignorance the mother of blind deuotion And for no other cause do the Popish teachers commend them to those from whom they haue of purpose taken away the holy Scriptures but that they might nourish in them an vtter neglect of reading the Scriptures in their knowne language least they should come to any true knowledge by thē Wherefore iustly are Christians forwarned not only to withdraw themselues frō all idols idolatries of the heathen in their more blind maner and according to their grosser ignorances but also from following of the example of the Israelites which were more worthy to be condemned because of their knowledge Reade 1. Cor. 10.7 Yea the Spirit of God giueth a more generall warning as 1. Iohn 5.21 Babes keepe your selues from idols Amen They be the last words of his Epistle he hauing in the beginning warned them against Antichristian doctrine such as our Papists thrust vpon the Churches of Christ All which their false doctrine and false worship and that Antichristian power whereby it is exacted is cōdemned vnder the title of the name image and marke of the Beast of Rome which all true Christians are to auoide Reue. chap. 13.11 Yea this kind of idolatrie is so much the rather to be taken heed against the more seuerely also to condemned by how much it is more daungerous to bewitch and
minde of man will alwayes be restlesse and so without restraint would put the Reader to much causlesse and frutelesse wearinesse ye will at the first viewe require a reason both of this booke and also of the title of it Of the booke why it should be published after so many excellent books alreadie set forth of the same argument wherby it may seeme to be a superfluous attempt Of the title how it may beseeme the modesty of him who offereth it to examination seeing albeit he cannot but confesse of him selfe that he is in truth a verie poore man yet may be suspected to make boast of great wealth and thereby to fall vnder the rebuke of that holy Prouerbe which saith There is that maketh himselfe rich and hath nothing VVhich surely were a foule fault specially in the Church of Christ and concerning the holy matters of God and the same also in a time of great learning in the cleare light of the Gospell wherein vaine boasting and beggery cannot possibly be concealed and hid To either of these demaunds or secret and sudden conceipts of the mind seeing by the Law of God concerning the ordinarie gift of prophesie and interpretation of the Scriptures The spirites of the Prophets are subiect to the Prophets I thinke it my dutie to bewray and vtter vnto you the secrets of my thoughts so farre as your wisedomes and the cause it selfe may seeme to require at my hands that so the honour of the iudgement may in a lawfull course of proceeding be committed vnto you Touching the first therefore what may better beseeme me for answere then that being my selfe intreated first by some such whose request could not but thus farre preuaile with me that I should humbly referre the present booke to the examination of you who beside the gift of spirituall discerning haue a speciall power and authority to determine whether it befit that it should be published or no. To you therefore I referre it not desiring the publishing of it vnlesse it may be found meete to haue entertainment and allowance among the bookes of the same argument as that which hauing receiued great helpe from the former may yeeld at the least some litle helpe to such as answerable to the greater measure of their gifts shall write yet more exactly of the same most excellent points at any time hereafter As touching my selfe it shall suffice me that I haue offered it to your godly considerations tendring herein the best dutie I could both to you and those that so desired and incouraged me in the behalfe of Gods glory and the benefite of his Church as they were in their owne heartes perswaded And now cōcerning the title although peraduenture it may seem to be prefixed with a mind to make some vaine boast of an imagined excellency to be in this booke aboue others I do likewise humbly desire that it may not so be misconstrued but first according to that common vse of titles whereby each booke is distinguished from others and specially from those of the same argument and then in respect of the doctrine it selfe rather then of the maner and forme of the deliuerie and contriuing or digesting of it according to that which the Spirit of God saith of the most excellent Law of God and doctrine thereof that it is more to be desired then gold yea then much fine gold and more earnestly to be sought and searched after then any other iewell or treasure whatsoeuer beside In hope therefore that it shall be so interpreted of you and nothing doubting of your ingenuous and incorrupt iudgement of the whole booke I do willingly offer it to be read tried and examined of you heartily praying God by you to giue that iudgement and successe which he himselfe in his most excellent wisedome shall best approue of To whose most gracious direction and blessing in all things I do both hartily and dutifully commend you Yours in the Lord vnfeinedly desirous to learne of all that so happily he might be fit to teach some ROBERT ALLEN a Minister of the word of God A TREASVRIE OF CATECHISME The first part WHat is Catechisme I meane as touching the Christian exercise and practise thereof The Christian exercise of Catechisme is a familiar plaine and orderly teaching of the grounds and principles of Christian religion by word of mouth from the holy Scriptures of God with requiring an account of that which hath bene taught by questioning and conferring with the hearers from point to point To Catechise is according to the signification of the Greek word Catechaeoo to teach by sound of voice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Of the later part of the which Greeke word commeth the word eccho familiar in our English tong which signifieth a resoūding of the voice This word of Catechising is vsed generally for all kind of information by heare-say as we vse to speake Act. 21.21.24 It is vsed for preaching of the word whether by continued oration or by this breaking off or diuision of speech by question and answer Gal. 6.6 Let him saith the holy Apostle who is taught in the word make him that hath taught him partaker of all his goods The Greeke word there vsed is this of Catechising as though we should reade it thus Let him that is Catechised c. So likewise Act. 18.25 and Rom. 2.18 and 1. Cor. 14.19 I had rather speake fiue words that I might be vnderstood and instruct or as the Greeke word is catechise others then ten thousand words in a strange tongue Reade also Luke 1.4 For as much as many haue taken in hand c. It seemed good also to me most noble Theophilus c. to write vnto thee thereof from point to point What Catechisme is That thou mightest acknowledge the certaintie of those things whereof thou hast bene instructed The Greeke word is here also Catechised Answerable to this is the Hebrew word chanac 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which noteth the teaching of the principles of religion according to that we reade Pro. 26.6 Teach a child in the trade of his way c. And hereof did Henoch beare his name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chanoc as one taught from his youth or dedicated vnto God Gen. 5.18 Such an order and forme of doctrine by preaching and Catechising which wee speake of is pointed at by the Apostle Paul 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a forme of doctrine Rom. 6.17 expressed by a word borowed from the making of an impression by a stampe or seale And chap. 2.20 by other words signifying an information or method and way of informing the minde with knowledge 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an information of knowledge 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a preparation of wholesome words or doctrine by representing as it were the forme and fashion of it in a cleare glasse And 2. Tim. 1.13 he compareth it to a patterne the worke of a skilfull and expert painter or drawer which setteth out that
perceiueth not the things of the spirite of God for they are foolishnesse vnto him 1. Cor. 21.14 neither can he know them because they are spirituallie discerned And againe 2. Cor. 3.5 We are not sufficient to thinke any thing pertaining to the kingdome of God as of our selues The Greeke word icanoi may well be Englished 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that also more significantly to the purpose of the Apostle Naturall knowledge insufficient VVe are not fit nor haue no aptnesse c. But can we not by the light of our naturall vnderstanding know God by looking as it were in a glasse vpon that wisedome and power of his which shineth in his creatures nor be sufficiently prouoked by his accustomed goodnesse powred forth vpon vs in them to know and beleeue in him to loue feare worship and serue him to his honour and glorie and to our owne saluation No neither but we are so much the rather left without excuse before God because we through the dimnesse of our naturall sight knowing him but weakely and vnperfectly by his creatures cannot neither are desirous to bend our hearts and minds worthily to glorifie him as God It is true for so the Apostle Paul teacheth Rom. 1.20.21 and 1. Cor. 1.21 I aske therefore where that knowledge and faith which is sufficient for saluation and to the perfect guiding of vs in the right way of glorifying God here in this life is to be found Deut. 4.2 Pro. 30.6 Psal 105. 2. Tim. 3.15 Onely in the holy Scriptures and written word of God wherof it is said Thy word is a Lanterne to my feet and a light to my steps And againe the holy Scriptures are able to make vs wise vnto saluation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus Which are those holy Scriptures you speake of The bookes of Moses the Prophets and the Psalmes in the old Testament and the writings of the Euangelistes and Apostles of our Lord Iesus Christ in the New So indeed doth our Sauiour Christ deuide the holy Scriptures of the old Testament Luke 24.44 How many are the bookes of Moses They are fiue Which are they The first is called Genesis The second Exodus The third Leuiticus The fourth Nombers The fift Deuteronomy Which are the bookes of the holy Prophets First there are foure more larger then the rest Isaiah The holy Scriptures the onely ground of Catechisme and which they be Ieremie Ezechiel Daniel And then there be other twelue which are called the lesser Hosea Ioel Amos Obadiah Iona Micah Nahum Habbakuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Malachie being the last of the Prophets endeth his Prophesie with foretelling the comming of Iohn Baptist wherewith the Euangelistes do begin the writings of the new Testament And thereby it appeareth that both the Old Testament and the New are one intire Scripture giuen by the same Spirit But we must needes vnderstand more vnder the name of the Prophets then these 16. which you haue alreadie rehearsed or else the diuision of our Sauiour Christ shold not comprehend all Shew therefore furthermore how manie be remaining of them and which they be There are also 16. bookes of them that is to say One of Ioshua One of Iudges One of Ruth Two of Samuel Two of the Kings Two of the Chronicles One called Esra Another Nehemia The booke of Esther The booke of Iob. The Prouerbes of King Salomon Ecclesiastes or the Preacher And the Song of Songs Of the Old Testament the booke of the Psalmes onely remaineth the which in the Hebrew is deuided into fiue partes How manie are of them in all The whole number of them is one hundreth and fiftie These are the holy Scriptures of the Old Testament shew likewise which be the bookes of the New Testament and first how manie are the writings of the Euangelistes VVhich be the holy Scriptures They are foure which be called after the names of those that wrote the most ioyfull Historie of the Gospell of our Sauiour Christ Who are they Mathew Marke Luke and Iohn Of these holy Euangelistes Luke wrote also the booke following next after them called the Actes of the holy Apostles and Iohn the last booke of the New Testament called the Apocalypse or Reuelation of Iohn the diuine But beside these writings of the New Testament there are one and twentie seuerall Epistles or letters contained in the same which partly the same Apostle Iohn and beside him some other of the Apostles and holy ministers of the Gospell wrote entitled either to whole Christian Churches or to certaine particular Christians of speciall calling and note in the Church of God Shew which those Epistles or holy letters are Of the Apostle Paul who wrote specially to the Churches of the Gentiles We haue one written to the Romanes Two to the Corinthians One to the Churches of Galatia One to the Ephesians One to the Philippians One to the Colossians Two to the Thessalonians Two to Timothie One to Titus One to Philemon Next vnto these is one written more specially to the Christians of the Iewes called the Epistle to the Hebrewes without any name of the writer of it And some other of the Apostles who wrote indeed for generall instruction both of Iewes Gentils in which respect their Epistles are called generall we haue One of Iames. Two of Peter Three of Iohn And one of Iude. Neuerthelesse Iames and Peter write with speciall directiō to the Christian Iewes This well agreeth to Peter who was the Apostle of the Circumcision that he should write to the Iewes as it doth vnto Paul to write specially to the Gentiles seeing that he was the Apostle of the vncircumcision And thus we see which are those holy Scriptures both of the Old and New Testament which aboue all other writings haue this chiefe and most honourable prerogatiue ascribed vnto them according to that which was answered that they onely are able to make vs wise vnto saluation and to guide vs perfectly in the right way of the holy worship and seruice of God to the glorifying of his name here in this present world What is the reason hereof Because these holy Scriptures onely are in most singular manner and more immediately then anie other writings giuen by God himselfe either by the ministerie of Angels from heauen in the hand of a Mediator which is Christ Iesus the eternall sonne of God or by the same Mediator himselfe manifested to the world in the nature of man or else by diuine inspiration in the ministerie of men like to our selues though specially chosen and sanctified of God to be his most holy Scribes and Secretaries to the same end What proofe haue you for these things In the 19. verse of the 3. chapter to the Galatians and in the 2. verse of the 2. chapter to the Hebrewes also in the beginning of the same Epistle in the 1. verse and in the 2. Epistle to Timothie the 3. chapter 16. and
c 2. Cor. 11.2.3 c. 1. Pet. 5.8 Matth. 13. ver 14.15.19 Luke 8.12 that vve come vvith a mind to fight not onely against our ovvne drowsinesse and manifold indisposition to heare but also against the Deuill vvhome vve shall alvvaies haue our mightie and most malicious and subtile aduersarie to hinder vs in this dutie especially Neuerthelesse for a g Isai ch 2.3 ch 55.10.11 12.13 Iames 4.7 fourth grace necessarie to preparation vve must come vvillingly and chearefully in certaine and sure hope of a blessing from God against all lets and impediments if vve shall in godly maner striue hartily against the same Finally h Matth. 5.13 1. Cor. 4.1.2 Ier. 26.12.13.14.20 it is necessarie that vve haue not onely a reuerend estimation of those Ministers vvhich preach it truely and faithfully but also that vve nourish so good charitable a persvvasion of them that vve be readie to interpret and take in the best part those speeches vvhich may seem to vs to be at anie time most harshly vttered and spoken of them from the vvord to the reproofe of our sinne Hitherto for preparation attention followeth what is needfull hereunto To attention in hearing the vvord of God beside the continued silence of the hearer Act. 13.16 and chap. 12.17 and chap. 15.12 and chap. 16.14 these sixe things are necessarie First an a 1. Thes 1.5 and chap. 2.13 1. Pet. 1.25 assured knowledge and perswasion that it is the vvord of God vvhich is preached to vs. Secondly b Rom. 1.16 Gal. 3.2 Colos 4.1.6 1. Pet. 1.22 c. Iames. 1.18 Act. 2.37 c. and chap. 10.44 and 13.48 and 26.18 Heb. 4.12 2. Cor. 10.4.5.6 that the same vvord of God shall through his blessing be effectuall to all those most excellent vses and ends vvhereunto he hath in his vvisedome and mercy appointed it Thirdly c Matth. 18.3 Isai 11.6 c. Prou. 3.5.6 1. Cor. 13.9 it is necessary to attention that vve retayne an humble and teachable minde vvilling not onely to learne that vvhereof vve be at the first altogether ignorant but also continually to learne that better vvhich vve haue often learned before Fourthly d Iames 1.19.20 2. Sam. 12. Psal 141.5 Prou. 27.5.6 a meeke and patient spirit is necessary to attention that vve may vvillingly admit the sharpe rebukes and corrections of the vvord of God against all our sinnes aswell those that be secret in the corruption of nature as those that be more open in the disorder of life and conuersation Fiftly e Philip. 3.1 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Heb. 23.22 we must hold it necessary to be more and more stirred vp and prouoked by exhortation to vse more and more diligence both in the shunning of all euill in the following of euery thing that is good though for the present it may be we shall thinke that we are carefull and diligent enough and that we stand in no need of so earnest prouocation Finally f Heb. 4.12 all our hearing must be mixed with faith concerning euerie precept and doctrine promise and threatning out of the word of God The last point touching the right manner of hearing the word preached is yet behind What therefore is further to be done of vs that we be not vnprofitable hearers That we be not vnfruitfull hearers of the word after that we haue prepared our selues and yeelded our attention these fiue things following are necessary after that we haue heard the same First g Matth. 13.51 and chap. 16.9.10.11.12 2. Tim. 2.7 Psal 1.2 119.11 1. Thes 5.19.20.21 Act. 17.11 an earnest calling to mind and weying of that doctrine which we haue heard by meditating of it in our owne hearts and by our examining of our selues whether we do vnderstand it and then by examining the doctrine by the word it selfe whether it be agreeable to the Scriptures or no. How the holy Scriptures are to be heard Secondly b Eph. 4.11.12.13 Rom 1.17 chap. 13.10.11 Heb. 5.12 Philip. 1.11 2. Pet. 1.5 c. Ephes 5.15.16 c. 1. Tim. 4.15 1. Cor. 10.17 1. Thes 3.10.12 cha 4.1 a diligent and vnpartiall examination of our selues how we profite in the light of knowledge and in the comfort of faith by our hearing and how we grow more willing and ready to euery good worke thereby and to take all occasions and oportunities therunto with greater delight then before c Psal 19.11 119.11 2. Cor. 2.11 as also hovv we vvaxe more circumspect and watchfull against sinne and the occasions thereof from day to day Thirdly d 1. Thes 3.9.10.11.12 2. Thes 1.3 2.13 Psal 119.162 Nehem. 8.12 thankefulnesse to God if vpon the examination we we find any the least spirituall gaine and increase if otherwise that then we better our preparation and attention and that vve pray more earnestly to God for his blessing then we haue done Fourthly e Iosh 1.8 Psal 37.30 31. Pro. 10.11.31 and. 16.23 Luke 24.13.14.15 Iude verse 20. Mal. 3.16 Matth. 13.36 17.10.11.12.13 18.21 c. Mark 10.10 c. 12.34 Luke 1.34 Act. 2.37 8.34 Rom. 1.11.12 sober and modest conferring one with another and with the Preacher himselfe for our mutuall helpe concerning the things we haue heard Finally f Pro. 2.2 8.32.33.34.35 Act. 2.42.46 1. Pet. 2.1.2.3 Matth. 13.20.21 24.13 verse 28. Iohn 10.27 Colos 1.23 2.6.7 c. continuance in hearing if possibly the meanes may be enioyed without the which care and constancy all former profiting will soone vanish away All these things and if there by any other like to these they are all comprehended in that admonition which our Sauiour Christ giueth Luke 8.18 Take heede how you heare c. whereby also it appeareth how great and manifold cause there is why the same our Sauiour should call vpō vs in speciall manor to labour after the spirituall food of the word which endureth to euerlasting life aboue all bodily foode which perisheth Iohn 6.27 And seeing so many graces are necessary to hearing hence also may all ministers of the word iustly admonish themselues with how great knowledge wisedome and discretion with how diligent study and meditation with how often and earnest prayers with how sincere faithfulnesse and integrity with how pure and feruent zeale of Gods glory with what tender loue and pittie ouer the soules of the people and finally with how longing a desire after their profiting in the precious knowledge and faith of their saluation they stand bound constantly to preach the word yea onely the word of God in season out of season c. Why may we thē looke for no Reuelations now without or moreouer and beside the holy Scriptures as in the former times the seruants of God haue done while yet no part How the holy Scriptures are to be preached and heard or not the whole bodie of the Scriptures were written as they are at this present
and long since and may we receiue no vnwritten verities as they are called though differing from the written word of God vpon the credite of tradition from the pretended testimonies and warrant of auncient times from many former generations and ages as some would make vs to beleeue No in no case for seeing the Prophet Isaiah sayed in his time as we do reade Chapter 8. verse 20. To the Law and to the Testimony and if they speake not according to this vvord it is because there is no light in them Much rather are we to say so now seeing we haue not only the writings of all the holy Prophets beside the Law and testimonie thereof but the addition of the New Testament also wherein is the witnesse of our Sauiour Christ and of all his holy Euangelistes and Apostles as we haue seene before It is very true neither was there any time since that any part of the holy Scriptures were written wherein all the seruants of God haue not had a most religious respect vnto them the Prophets to the Law Christ to the Prophets the Apostles to Christ and all the faithfull Pastors and Doctors of the Christian Churches to the Apostles and to Christ and to the Prophets and to the Law of God giuen by Moses and to all the rest of Moses writings reade Luke 16.29.30.31 and Colos 2.18 c. and 1. Tim. 4.7 All antiquity not agreeing with the word of God is to be accounted no better then an old wiues fable Finally reade Gal. 1.8.9 Though that we or an Angell from heauen c. But after that we haue read the holy Scriptures meditated and conferred of them yea after that we haue heard them plainly opened and interpreted by the faithfull Ministers and Preachers thereof can we then by the light and sharpnesse of our owne naturall and mother wit as we call it sufficiently vnderstand the Scriptures to the glorifying of God and obtayning of our saluation We cannot vnlesse it please God together with his holy Scriptures or written word and the outward exercises thereof to giue vs also his holy Spirit whereby they may be inwardly written in our hearts as it were by the finger thereof For so our Sauiour Christ earnestly affirmeth in the third Chapter of Iohn Reading and hearing of the Scriptures insufficient without the Spirit speaking thus to Nicodemus Verily verily I say vnto thee except a man be borne againe he cannot see the kingdome of God And againe Verily verily I say vnto thee except a man be borne againe of water and of the Spirite he cannot enter into the kingdome of God The same may be cōfirmed by many other authorities of holy Scripture But let vs proceed After that we are enlightened by the Spirit of God through the reading and hearing of the Scriptures preached vnto vs so that we do in some measure know the right way to saluation and how God is to be glorified haue we thenceforth any power good-will and affection of our selues to lay hold thereon to our owne comfort and to prouoke our selues to walke dutifully in the constant obedience of the same to the honour and prayse of God No neither vnlesse it please the Lord vnto the enlightening of our minds to adde a second grace of the same his holy Spirit which is the renewing of the heart for as the Apostle Paul saith in the 2. Chapter to the Philippians It is God which worketh in vs both the vvill and the deed euen of his good pleasure Tell me now Are we in any danger so long as we remaine in the ignorance of the holy Scriptures of God albeit according to our owne opinion we haue a good meaning and do zealously serue God after our owne blind deuotion There is no doubt but we are in very great and certaine danger of the wrath of God so long time as we so abide specially if we despise wisedome and instruction as we reade in the first Chapter of the Prouerbs of King Salomon verse 22. c. And in the first Chapter of the 2. Epistle to the Thessalonians from the 6. verse I pray you let vs turne to these places and let vs consider of them Now for so much as it shall go so fearfully with those that be ignorant and for want of knowledge do not obey the Gospell What shall we say of those who hauing great knowledge so as they can discourse readily vpon all points of the Religion of God yet haue for all that no care nor conscience to obey his will but follow their owne wicked lustes Ignorance of the Scriptures damnable so is knowledge without obedience are not all such in a most fearfull estate Our Sauiour Christ sayth that he that knoweth his maisters will and prepareth not himselfe neither doth according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes Luke Chapter 12. the 47. verse No excellency of knowledge is of any reckning before the Lord if obedience go not withall reade Matth. 7.21 c. and 1. Cor. 13.1 c. Yet one thing more Did God create mankind thus ignorant and sinfull and miserable also through sin in the beginning of the creation No nothing so but wise righteous holy and happy in a measure of perfection conuenient and meete for them as it is declared at large in the first and second Chapters of Genesis It is true for in that it is written that God made mankind according to his similitude and likenesse all which you haue answered is comprehended as we may further perceiue by that we reade Ephesians 4.23.24 and Coloss 3.10 How then came all vanitie and sinne with so great and lamentable confusion and miserie as it is now come into the world and is most wofully fallen vpon mankind aboue all earthly creatures here below It is fallen vpon vs all thorough the willing apostacy and falling away of our first parents Adam and Eue from that holie knowledge faith feare loue odedience and happinesse wherein the Lord of his infinite goodnesse had set and placed them they harkening to that lying enticement and most malicious and crafty temptation of the Diuell Who is this Diuell you speake of A wicked spirit who being created of God a good holy blessed Angel did not keepe that his first estate the glorious place of his abode but of his owne accord corrupted himselfe through sinne and many thousands of the Angels together with himselfe and so became an enemie to Gods glory and a most wretched deceiuer and murtherer of mankind What ground of these things haue yee in the holy Scriptures They are set foorth and declared at large in the vvhole third Chapter of Genesis Mans creation by God his fall of himselfe by the Diuell How should there be any proofe of these things specially touching that which ye answere concerning the Diuell in that Chapter seeing though you reade it throughout you shall find there no expresse mention at all made of the Diuell That vvhich is
vvritten of the Serpent is to be vnderstood of the Diuell vvhose instrument onely the Serpent vvas You answer truly as may euidently appeare by conference of other places of the holy Scriptures with this third of Genesis as 2. Cor. 11.3.14 and Reuela 12.3.4 7.8.9.10.11 and Rom. 16.20 reade also Iohn 8.44 and 1. Epistle 3.8.10.12 Act. 26.18 2. Cor. 4.4 Ephes 2.2.3 Chap. 6.12 and 2. Tim. 2.26 and. 1. Pet. 5.8 and finally 2. Pet. 2.4 c. And in the Epistle of Iude the 6. verse But though Adam and Eue the first man and woman fell away from the Lord lost their first estate and pulled miserie vpon themselues what proofe haue you that it is so likewise with all their posterity In the fift Chapter of the Epistle to the Romanes verses 12.13.14 in these vvords Wherefore saith the Apostle as by one man sinne entred into the vvorld and death by sinne and so death vvent ouer all men for asmuch as all haue sinned For vnto the time of the Lavv vvas sinne in the vvorld though sinne is not imputed or rather not regarded where there is no Lavv. Also death reigned from Adam to Moses euen ouer them that sinned not after the like manner of the transgression of Adam vvho vvas a figure of him that vvas to come This place doth plainly confirme it indeed And it is iust with the Lord that it should be so no lesse then the attainder of the children of a traytour is accounted iust with men vntill the Prince of his clemency mercy shall pardon restore them The issue therefore of all is this that we haue very iust and also exceeding great cause in godly sorrow to lament and bewaile our sinne and to turne to the Lord by true repentance vtterly denying our owne wisedome which is nothing but folly and our owne righteousnesse which is meere iniustice c. if happily we might find fauour with God c. But haue we of our selues due conscience and remorse of sinne so to do Mans recouery not of himselfe We haue it not neither can vve possibly attaine vnto it vnlesse God of his free grace and mercy vouchsafe to giue it that is vnlesse he do by his word and Spirit mightily quicken and awaken our dead and drousie consciences and also mollifie our hard and stony hearts Nay rather vve blesse and thinke our selues happie in putting farre away the consideration of these things from vs euery one excusing and iustifying himselfe against God though we go on in neuer so vvicked and godlesse a course Shew some proofe of this that you say In the 17. Chapt. of Ieremie the 9. verse The heart is deciptfull and vvicked aboue all things vvho can know it I the Lord search the heart And againe Prouerbs 16.2 All the vvayes of a man are cleane in his owne eyes but the Lord pondereth the Spirits Thus therefore it is plaine and manifest euery way that naturally we neither know God nor our selues aright and that our corruption vanitie sinne and miserie is aboue all that we can conceiue so that infinite cause haue we to renounce our selues and all opinion of our owne wisdome and goodnesse so submit our selues to seeke our wisdom from the instruction of the word of God and that our hearts may be renewed by the grace of his holy Spirit and that we should pray vnto him earnestly and continually and vse all good and holy meanes appointed of God himselfe to the same end that so happily we may be blessed of him And so come we now after all former questions premised to the parts of Christian Catechisme and instruction mentioned in the beginning of this our exercise whereunto as was sayd all that hath hitherto bene discoursed hath as it were paued the way Rehearse the Law or ten Commaundements of Almighty God God spake all these vvords and sayd I am the Lord thy God c. We begin with the Law that is with the ten Commandements of Almighty God because they are that portion of Scripture which God hath specially sanctified to discouer vnto vs The Law of God detecteth sinne c. and to cause vs in and by his wisedome to see our owne folly by his holinesse our prophanesse by his righteousnesse our sinne and by our sinne our owne most iustly deserued death and damnation but not that we should peremptorily and without all bayle and maineprise as we may say be condemned but rather that we might be led to Christ Iesus thereby and so in him find wisedome holinesse righteousnesse redemption repentance and godlinesse of life here in this world and life euerlasting with all glory and happinesse hereafter in the kingdome of heauen To the which end and purpose let vs now in the feare of God trusting in his grace and in the blessed direction and comfort of his holy Spirit enter vpon the interpretation of the same the most wise holy and righteous Law of the Lord our God And yet because these words Law sinne curse repentance vertue or righteousnesse and blessing will be of often and necessary vse in this part of our exercise and therefore also necessary to be well vnderstood of all it shall be good for vs in few words to set downe the meaning of them before we come to the particular interpretation of the Commandements I aske therefore what this word Law meaneth The Lavv of God is a deuine rule or doctrine vvhich teacheth and commandeth the perfect righteousnesse of vvorkes That it is so we may perceiue by that we reade Leuit. 18.5 and Rom. 10.5 What is sinne It is the transgression of the Lavv either in deed vvord or thought neuer so litle swaruing from it So doth Saint Iohn define sin 1. Epistle chap. 3. vers 4. And Rom. 7.7 Lust is sinne And Marke 7.21 our Sauiour Christ telleth vs that wicked thoughts defile a man What is the curse of the Law which is the reward of sinne It containeth all the heauy and vvofull effects of Gods wrath that is to say all the plagues and punishments both of soule and body in this life and the euerlasting torment of hell fire in the vvorld to come This is plainly layd forth Leuit. 26. from the 14. verse and Deut. 28. from the 15. verse What sinne curse blessing c. do meane c. And Chap. 29.18.19 c. and chap. 32.22.23.24.25 and Isaiah 30.33 and Matth. 25.41 What is repentance whereby if it be of faith the curse may be auoyded It is an vtter forsaking of all sinne proceeding of hearty sorrovv for it vvith vnfeined hatred and strife against it and a zealous following of all true godlinesse and vertue vvith constant ioy and delight therein That this is the nature of repentance reade Isaiah 1.16.17 Amos 5.15 Rom. 12.9 2. Cor. 7.1.10.11 and Prouerbs chap. 21.15 It is ioy to the iust to do iudgement What is vertue or righteousnesse which is the chiefe fruit or part of repentance It is perfect
plainly be gathered frō these Scriptures following in the which these things are opposed to all idols and to euery carnall inuention and doctrine of man Ezod 23.13 Deut. 4.14.15.16 c. Isa 40.21 c. 31. and chap. 44.1.2.3.4.5.6.7 c. and Ier. 10.6.7.10.11.12.13.16 Zach. 13.1.2.3.4.5.6 Hosh 14.8.9 Ephraim what haue I to do with idols sayth the Lord c. Reade also Acts 17.23.24 c. Here call to mind againe Isa 29.13 Math. 15.9 Mar. 7.5 c. And verily no wise man can thinke but Gods owne creatures and the works which he hath wrought in the nature of al things are more liuely representatiōs of his eternal Godhead of his diuine power wisedome iustice mercy c. then the worke of any artificiall workmā whose worke is but a weake imperfect imitatiō of nature neither can he make so much as a shadow of the soule life vitall power or motion of any creature c. The more also the senses are caried after dumbe pictures and dead images the lesse groweth the care of reading and hearing of the liuely Scriptures themselues according as we see plainly in the Church of Rome that by this meanes the diuell preuailed both to suppresse the holy Scriptures of God and to bring in their owne lying Legends to confirme their owne false worship and all their lying doctrines Touching the second part of this answere reade Math. 4.10 and Psalme 95.6 What our mutuall care ought to be herein reade Psal 122.6.7.8.9 Isa 2.3 Micah 4.1 Zeph. 3.9.10 What the care of the Prince and ciuill Magistrate ought to be consider from the example of Iosh chapter 24. and from the example of the godly Kinges of Iudah reade Deut. 17. verse 18. c. What the care of the maister of the familie ought to be consider from the example of Abraham Gen. 18. verse 19. and of Iaacob Gen. 35.1 c. Concerning the publicke place of Gods worship reade Leuit. 19.30 and chap. 26.2 and Deut. 12.4.5.6 c. The like is to be considered concerning euery place of Gods worship appointed for the assembling of Gods people It is necessary also to this end that the Ministers of the word should haue meete maintenance and that there should be schooles of learning appointed for the trayning vp of scholers in good learning for the preparing of meete men for the holy Ministerie of the word in so much as God doth not ordinarily giue his gifts but by ordinary meanes Reade Deut. 12.17.18.19 and 2. Chron. 31.2.3.4 c. Nehem. 13.10.11.12.13 1. Cor. 9.7.8.9 c. Gal. 6.6.7.8.9.10 Reade also 2. Kings 2.3 verses 15.16 1. Tim. 3.15 For the third part of the answere reade Deut. 4.15 verse 23. chap. 7.3.4 verse 25. and chap. 11.16 chap. 12. verse 13. and verse 30. and chap. 13.6.7.8 For the proofe of the fourth part reade Pro. 2.20 and chapter 13.20 The danger of fellowship with idolaters Dauid well saw when he complaineth as we reade 1. Sam. 26.19 And therupon also it is that on the other side he maketh so precious reckening of the fellowship and cōmunion of the godly Psa 16.2.3.4.5 c. and of the place and exercises of Gods pure worship Psa 26.4.5.6 c. and Psal 27.4 and 42.1 c. and Psal 84. and 122.1.2 Reade also Psa 73.27.28 and Psa 119. verse 79. Acts. 2.46.47 Hebr. 10.23.24.25 For the fift part reade Exod. chap. 23 verse 24. Deut. 7.25.26 and cha 12.1.2.3 Herein those noble Kings of Iuda Hezekiah and Iosiah they are right Princely patterns to all Christian Kings and Princes And for the zeale of the Ministers of the Gospell how great it ought to be against idolatry and false worship whom may we rather take for examples then the holy Prophets of God and Apostles of our Lord Iesus Christ For the last part reade Rom. 14. and chap. 15.1.2 and 1. Cor. 6.12.13 and chap. 8. and chap. 10.23 c. Reade also Gal. 5.1 c. By the which Scriptures we may euidētly perceiue that their speech is ouer loose shallow who make humane lawes to ouerrule the cōscience to dissolue take away the consideration of those circumstāces which the word of God in such cases requireth to be religiously respected But which are the duties of Gods true outward worship whereby his spirituall seruice and worship is to be manifested and declared in the open profession and practise of it such as God requireth to be in perpetuall vse amongst Christians They are the publike preaching and administration reading hearing and receyuing of the word and Sacraments ioyned with confession of sinnes prayer thankesgiuing singing of Psalmes execution of the iust censures of the Church discipline as the occasion requireth in that holy and christian communion of Saints whereunto God hath called hoth the Ministers of his word and also the rest of his people in their seuerall congregations and the priuate prayers and thankesgiuings with reading of the holy Scriptures conferences Catechisings and singing of Psalmes in euerie Christian familie by the gouernours thereof their children and seruants according to the course of their priuate gouernement and the prayers and thankesgiuings of euery member of the family apart by himselfe according to their particular occasions and oportunities both when he sitteth downe and when he riseth vp from meate when he lyeth downe and riseth from his bed when he iournieth abrode and when he returneth home when he falleth sicke and vvhen he recouereth his health These are the essentiall duties of Gods outward vvorship both publike and priuate whereunto we are to adde their accidents or adioyntes Which are they Reuerend and religious outward behauiour in all these holy actions and namely in the confession of sinnes and prayer the vncouering of the heade the bowing of the knees or rising vp if a man be set downe holding vp the hands lifting vp the eyes to heauen with holy and reuerent boldnesse of our faith in the mercies of God or on the contrarie looking dovvne to the earth or couering the face or striking on the breast or some other vvay in seemely manner euen vvith teares sometimes as the case may require declaring thereby our godly sorrovv and anger against our selues for our sinnes as also fasting ioyned vvith extraordinarie humiliation by speciall confession of sinnes and prayer and fasting ioyned with speciall thankesgiuing according to the exāples and practise of the seruants of God yea euen of whole Churches and congregations of his people layd before vs in the holy Scriptures to the same end It is so for these as one may terme them are a kind of morall ceremonies common and perpetuall both to the Iewes and Gentiles and to all zealous and reuerend worshippers of God from the beginning of the world and so shall be to the end of the same if there be no such necessarie impediment or let which in good discretion may hinder that particular practise for a season or because of some
Prayer And concerning prayer the Apostle Paule exhorteth that in the Church of God and in the holy meetings of his people first of all supplications prayers intercessions with giuing of thankes be made for all men For Kings and all that are in authority that we may leade a quiet and a peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty 1. Timothie 2.1.2 Here let vs obserue that the same honour which is due to soueraigne Kings is due also to Queenes when they haue by Gods speciall prouidence soueraignty of gouernement The inferiority of their sexe must not in this case preiudice their authority ouer their subiects no more then it must diminish the honour which children owe to their naturall mother whom therefore the Lord doth in his Law mention aswell as the father And Leuit. 19.3 he putteth her before the other Duties to Mâ—nisters of thâ— word that it might the rather be obserued But leauing this point let vs proceed What is the honour which God hath commanded his people to giue to their pastors and teachers The same duties in such maner as followeth He that heareth you sayth our Sauiour Christ heareth me Reuerence and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luke 10.16 Whereupon sayth the Apostle Paule Let a man so thinke of vs as of the Ministers of Christ and disposers of the secrets of God 1. Cor. 4 1. In the 13. chap. of the Epistle to the Heb. verse 17. Obediencâ— Obey them that haue the ouersight of you and submit your selues for they watch for your soules as they that must giue accounts c. Touching prayers for the Ministers of the word Prayer Pray for vs sayth the Apostle Paule that the vvord of the Lord may haue free passage and be glorified 2. Thessal 3.1 And againe Ephesians 6.18 Reade also Hebr. 13.18 Pray for vs for we are assured that we haue a good conscience in all things desiring to liue honestly And for conuenient maintenance Thankefâ—â—nesse and euery other duty of honour belonging to the Ministers of the Gospell we reade what the will of God is 1. Tim. 5.17.18 The elders that rule well are worthy of double honour specially they which labour in the word and doctrine For the Scripture sayth thou shalt not mouzell the mouth of the oxe that treadeth out the corne and the labourer is worthy of his wages This is the honour which by the commandement of God belongeth to the Pastors and teachers of the Church wherein also schoole-maisters and teachers of the liberall Arts haue their portion to whom not onely their scholers themselues but also the parents of the scholers owe reuerence and thanks with good and liberall recompence Now what is the honour which God requireth that seruants should yeeld to their maisters according to the flesh as the Apostle calleth them in regard of their bodily seruice which they owe them Duties to maisters of families c. Let as many seruants as be vnder the yoake count their maisters worthy of all honor Reuerence that the name of God and his doctrine be not euill spoken of And they which haue beleeuing maisters let them not despise them because they are brethren but rather do seruice because they are faithfull and beloued and partakers of the benefit These things sayth the Apostle to Timothy teach and exhort 1. Tim. chap. 6.1.2 Obedience Seruants be ye obedient to them that are your maisters according to the flesh with feare and trembling in singlenesse of your harts as vnto Christ Not with seruice to the eye as men pleasers but as the seruants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart With good-will seruing the Lord and not men Ephesi 6.5.6.7 And the same againe Coloss chap. 3.22.23 Moreouer in the second chapter to Titus verses 9.10 Let seruants be subiect to their maisters and please them in all things not answering againe Neither pickers but that they shew all good faithfulnesse that they may adorne the doctrine of God our Sauiour in all things Prayer For prayer we haue the example of Abrahams seruants Gen. 24.12.13.14 and verse 48. Thankefulnesse For thankefulnesse Ioseph is a notable example for all seruants to follow Gen. 39. verses 8.9.10 And Iaacob for diligence and faithfulnesse yea though he serued an vnkind kinsman Gen. 29.15 c. Let vs peruse these places of holy Scripture and first Gen. 24.12 c. The Like honour in all good reason and proportion and from the equity of this Commandement as it followeth to be considered is due from the souldier to his Captaine for he is his maister and martiall Magistrate from the patient to his good Phisition or Surgion who are as nouicing fathers to his bodily health as it is well expressed Ecclesiasticus 38.1 c. Honour the Phisitian with the honour that is due vnto him because of necessity for the Lord hath created him Duties to elders in yeares that is to say he hath appointed this calling and giuen this gift and skill to him c. The like honour is due from the client to his faithfull Counsellour and pleader at Law seeing he is a father in the defence of his outward estate and iust title and right and froÌ„ the beneficiarie to his liberall benefactor whether to man as to Gaius or to woman as to Dorcas c. And note also that in obedience to this Commaundement the wife is to reuerence her husband Eph. 5.22 c. 33. and Coloss 3.18 Maid-seruants are likewise to submit themselues to their dames and mistresses Gen. 16.9 To conclude this point What is that honour which God commandeth the younger in yeares to giue to their auncients and elders Thou shalt rise vp before the horehead Reuerence a fruite and declaration whereof is this rising vp and honour the person of the old man sayth the Lord and dread thy God I am the Lord Leuit. 19.32 A fruite also of the which honour is the silence of the younger in reuerend regard of the experience and vvisedome of their elders Iob. 12.12 And as vve reade againe Iob. 32.4 Elihu waited till Iob and the rest had spoken because they vvere more auncient in yeares then he And verse 6. he sayth I am young in yeares and ye are auncient therefore I doubted and was afraide to shew you my opinion Reade also Psalme 107.32 Ye younger sayth the Apostle Peter submit your selues vnto the elders Obedience and submit your selues euery man one to another decke your selues inwardly vvith lowlinesse of minde for God resisteth the proud giueth grace to the humble 1. Epistle chapter 5.5 Yea the Minister of the word though he himselfe be an Elder in respect of his office yet must he not checke his elder in yeares but exhort him as a father and the yonger men as brethren the elder women as mothers the younger as sisters with all purenesse 1. Tim. 5.1.2 And further
by vnchast and filthy dreames as a diuellish fruite thereof These are most abominable kinds of filthinesse euen such as our hearts and eares ought to abhorre and tremble at whensoeuer we thinke or speake or heare any thing of them though it be to the reproofe and condemnation of them Neuerthelesse they are no other then haue bene practised of men and women young and old of no worse nature then we our selues are without the grace of God O violent and that also incestuous rauishment we reade 2. Sam. 13.12.13.14 Of incestuous fornication and adultery we reade of the practise thereof Genesis chapter 19. verse 31. c. and chapter 35.22 and 1. Corinthians chapter 5. verse 1. These sinnes are forbidden Leuit. chap. 18. verses 6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17 Of Onans sinne we reade Genesis 38.9 Of the more abominable filthinesse of the Sodomites or buggery with men we reade Genesis 19.5 c. And Iudges chapter 19.23 and 1. Kings chapter 14. verse 24. and chapter 15.12 and chapter 22.46 and 2 Kings 23.7 Ezek. 8.14 See the interpretation note of Tremel Habbak chapter 2. verses 15.16 Finally Rom. chap. 1.24.26.17 This sinne is forbidden Leuit. 18.22 Of the abominable filthinesse of buggery with beasts we reade how the Lord hath forbidden it Leuit 18. verse 23. and 1. Tim. 1.10 And there haue bene some among our selues iustly executed for it And wofull are the practises of many with their owne bodies which God onely seeth and knoweth and will certainely in his time take vengeance thereof if it be not preuented by speedy repentance But alas what shall we say are children to heare of these things and are they to be taught and warned thus plainely against them No doubt there is great need they should or else God would neuer haue mentioned them in his holy Scriptures And shall the Diuell be suffered to draw both young and old into these sinnes and euen partly for want of knowlege how odious and abhominable they are before God and shall not we giue one another warning that so great and grosse wickednesse might bee preuented The like is to be sayd of other grieuous sinnes It is pity indeed that it should be once heard off that the sonne should kill the father that the wife should murther her husband yea euen with her owne hands that the husband should breake his wiues necke that any should haue drowned or poysoned themselues Yet seeing these sins are committed of men and women among vs shall they not be cried out against from the word of God c. Wherefore children be ye admonished as well as you of the elder sort and take heed betimes to auoid all filthinesse of your bodies for if you will not call to God for grace and take heed betimes it will aske you deepe heart-smart ere you dye or else euerlasting torment after death in hell fire from the which I beseech God of his infinite mercy euen for Christ Iesus sake to blesse preserue and keepe vs both young and old Amen Hitherto of the first branch of the former answer The second branch followeth wherein it was answered that God forbiddeth not onely all these kinds of outward filthinesse but also all outward prouocations and occasions of all filthy lust whatsoeuer Shew what maner of prouocations and dangerous occasions they may be They are these which follow and if there be any other like vnto them 1 Houses of open vvhoredome 2 Bawdes which are the factors of whore-mongers and harlots or whores to spie out solicite and bring such lewd persons together 3 All intemperancy in eating and drinking especially of such things as any know to be more mighty then other to prouoke and increase lust as also the prouoking of others to eate of such things and to drinke vnto drunkennesse c. 4 Ouer much sleepe and idlenesse 5 All wandring and vnchast looking and gazing vpon the beauty of women either in faces or breasts c. 6 Likewise the beholding of pictures vnshamefastly pictured or painted and the reading of amorous bookes much rather the vnshamefast representation of the lewd and filty behauiour of naughtie-packes by enterlude vpon the stage or by dauncing or any other way but most of all if any embolden themselues to vse lasciuious speeches or filthy songs and to fall to wanton kissings or to any other vnseemely dalliance Of all these euill prouocations we haue earnest warning giuen vs as you haue heard out of the word of God and they are such things as both men and women are to beware of There are other prouocations more particularly to be auoided of women Which are they 1 All light and curious setting out of themselues in brauery of apparell 2 All excessiue perfuming of them 3 All immodest broiding curling and laying out of the haire yea of strange haire with like laying forth of their breasts naked and bare 4 All vnnaturall colouring and painting of the face 5 All nicenesse in their going and in the mincing of their vvordes to dravv and allure the eyes and sences of men toward them 6 All vnseasonable and ouer-familiar companying of any woman vvith any man as likewise of any man with any woman though neuer so honestly minded specially in such places as of themselues are apt to minister any dishonest temptation Finally all vvhatsoeuer agreeth not with shamefastnesse and modesty of behauiour which is the chiefe outward ornament of that sexe Of these things also you haue heard how the word of God giueth vs like earnest warning Thus much therefore of the second branch of that your former answer The third branch is yet behind wherein you said that beside all these outward prouocations to vncleane and filthy lust God doth in this Commandement forbid the very vncleane and filthy lust of the heart it selfe What proofe haue you of this In the 5. chapter of Mathevv our Sauiour Christ plainely affirmeth that whosoeuer looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart And chapter 15. verse 19. The very adulterous thought doth defile a man The words of our Sauiour Christ are very plaine indeed to this purpose But seeing the Lord forbiddeth so many and those so grosse and abhominable kinds of filthinesse of the flesh Why doth he vnder the name of adultery comprehend them all Because howsoeuer all filthinesse against nature as also all violent rauishment and incest considered in the act it selfe or most vile maner thereof are more hainous then adultery yet in regard of diuerse weighty reasons and circumstances the Lord hath thought good to make mention of adultery as of the greatest and most grieuous sinne among them all Can you shew which those reasons and circumstances are First because of that high estimation which the Lord God hath of the mariage couenant which by adultery is most directly broken and dishonoured Secondly because euen they that are wickedly bent to follovv their lust do more easily and more vsually imbolden themselues to
deceiue poore ignorant soules and hath more shew of carnall reason whereby subtile heads may more plausibly contend for the maintenance of the same according as the Apostle reasoneth against the false Apostles which made shew as if they had bene faithfull Ministers of the Gospell where notwithstanding they subtilly laboured to bring in the ceremonies of the Law and the worshipping of Angels a Philosophicall kind of preaching c. into the faith and worship of the Gospell 2. Cor. chap. 11.1 c. Col. chap. 2. and in the Epistle to the Galathians But more to this purpose reade Reue. chap. 17. Wherefore that which is truly sayd of the Popish artolatrie or worship of the bread in their Sacrament of the Altar that it is the most abominable idolatry of all other because it doth most nearly ouerthrow the truth of Religion and the purity of the worship which God in it requireth vnder the greatest pretence of Religion that may be so may it be sayd of the rest of the Popish idolatrie being compared with the idolatries of the heathen which were more grosse and further remoued from the appearance of true worship which Popish worship seemeth to haue And what though it pleased the Lord sometime to manifest himselfe and his holy Angels by outward similitudes and likenesse of things as of men c. to Abraham to Moses to Isaiah to Ezekiel to Daniel Yet seeing Israel was forbidden to make any such representations to themselues by the art of caruing casting in the mould grauing painting needle worke or any other way it followeth by like strength of good reason that howsoeuer since that time the holy Ghost by the appearance of clouen tongues and Christ being glorified after his ascension shewed himselfe to Paule and Iohn and though before that at the transfiguration of our Sauior Christ Moses Elias appeared in visiō to Peter Ieames Iohn it followeth I say by like strength of good reason that they are not to be artificially pictured resembled to any religious vse and worship among Christians no more then the other were among the Iewes Nay seeing Christ himselfe while he was vpon the earth was not worshipped with religious worship but onely then when he gaue some token of his diuine power and glory And Paul and Barnabas vehemently forbad all that diuine worship which the heathen idolaters would haue honoured them withall and Peter forbiddeth Cornelius exceeding measure in his bowing to him and the Angell forbiddeth Iohn to worship him though he appeared in great glory before him much lesse are their images though they were neuer so liuely and gorgeously pictured set forth and aduanced to be worshipped with any religious worship either higher or lower with Doulia or Latria c. The onely pictures which the Lord alloweth as seruing to teach and instruct in the right way of his worship are his owne works according to that in the 19. Psal 1. c. and Ioh. 5.17.36 and the preaching of the Gospell Rom. 10.18 by an allusion to the former Scripture in the Psal and Gal. 3.1 Yet so as the Lord will not haue the works of his owne hands worshipped but himselfe onely who created and made them according to the example of Abraham Gen. 14.22 Reade also Deut. 4.19 Acts 17.24 and Ier. 8.1.2 and Zeph. 1.5 Finally if we will please God in representing his diuine Maiestie by any image we our selues must be the image of him walking in true righteousnesse and holinesse according to his most righteous and holy lawes and commandements which is our onely true wisedome whereby we are renewed according to the image of God and shall shine as lights in the middest of a wicked generation Hitherto therefore of the euill things forbidden in the second Commandement Now on the contrary I would gladly heare of you which are the good duties commanded First the Lord commandeth that we willingly admit and imbrace his owne word works for our only rule of all our knowledge of God to direct vs how he wil be worshipped serued not only inwardly with spirituall worship wherof we haue answered before but also in the outward declaratiō exercises therof Secondly that from a wise faithfull louing zealous reuerend and dutifull heart we do both priuately and publikely professe practise asmuch as lieth in vs euery one in his calling place both Christiā Prince Magistrate Minister of the word and euery other gouernour and maister of family Duties commanded both ioyntly as it were with one shoulder and apart by euery mans particular indeuour and constancy in labour to promote further and aduance the same the diuine seruice and worship of God according to the prescript rule of his word And that all of vs be carefull to profit our selues and helpe forward one another in knowledge faith and repentance and in all other spirituall graces by the externall actions and exercises thereof Thirdly God commandeth that we do very carefully shun auoyd and watch against all meanes and occasions whatsoeuer would endanger vs to idolatry or any false superstitious worship Fourthly that to the same end we hold our most neare friendship and familiarity and our onely religious Communion and societie with those that professe and declare themselues to be the true worshippers of God we altogether constantly frequenting the places appointed for the holy assemblies and meetings of the people of God Fiftly that euery of vs all with one consent chiefly the ciuill Magistrates and Ministers of the Gospell shew approue our selues wisely discretely zealous against all idolatry euery point of false superstitious worship to the quite abolishing and rooting of it out from among his people to the vttermost of our power Finally that as touching indifferent things as they are called that is to say such things as be not of idolatrous superstitious institution and inuention but yet haue in their kind bene superstitiously idolatrously abused be not of necessary vse for the worship of God that the Christian Magistrate in commanding or not commanding and the stronger Christian whether Minister of the word or any other in the vsing or not vsing of them be charitably wise and carefull that thereby he giue no offence or cause of stumbling to the weake and that they preiudice not the Christiā libertie wherwith Christ hath set vs free And that the weaker more tender conscienced Christians labour after that soundnesse of knowledge perswasion in such cases actions as may well be construed that they stumble at no causlesse offence whereby their comfortable and zealous proceeding in the wayes of the Lords pure worship seruice should be slacked or hindred That according to the first part of this answer the word of God and his works both of creation and gouernement in the world and also of regeneration and sanctificatiō in his Church according to the instructions of the word must be the rule of our knowledge it may