me to winne the whole world Mat. 16.26 and to lose thy favour and mine owne soule Oh 1 Pet 4.3 it is enough and too much that I have already spent so much time of my life past in worldly vanities and I cannot tell how little I have to spend hereafter and therefore I beseech thee give me conscience to redeeme it Eph 5.16 and to spend the remainder in thy service and in the assuring to my selfe my calling 2 Pet 1.10 Phil 2.12 election and salvation that I may yet at length before it be too late seeke thy kingdome Mat 6.33 and righteousnesse Luk 13.24 Hebr 4.11 Iohn 6.27 strive to enter into thy strait gate and labour to enter into that rest and for the meate that endures to life eternall I beseech thee enlighten my minde more and more with the knowledge of those chiefe points of thy service and my salvation which doe most neerely concerne me and which are revealed in thy holy word Inflame my heart with the love of them that I may set it upon them and quicken up my conscience to endeavour in the use of all holy meanes afforded for this end to practise thy service in such a manner and measure of sinceritie and constancy that in the end I may attaine the salvation of my soule For this end I most humbly beseech thee to give me power wholly to renounce the service of sin Satan and the world that I may give my selfe to thy service to moderate my desires to earthly things using the world 1 Cor 7 31 Col 3 1. as not abusing it that I may set my affections on things above because I see I cannot serve God and Mammon Mat 6.24 Yet give me I pray thee a sufficiencie of Necessaries for this life without which I cannot well serve thee in my place and with my charge 1 Tim 6 8. Prov 30.8 even foode and apparrell convenient and a sanctified use of them or a holy want of them in being content that I enjoy thee as my portion though I had nothing else besides Good Lord I beseech thee strengthen my faith in Christ daily and renew my repentance for my daily sinnes Confirme my hope of a joyfull resurrection to eternall life and increase my patience under all afflictions learning daily to take up my Crosse Luke 9.23 and to follow Christ Make me watchfull over my deceitfull heart Ier 17.10 Prov 4. to keepe it with all diligence that it let not sin either in or out and give me wisedome to cut from the senses and members of my bodie Mat 5 29 all occasions and opportunities of doing ill Worke in me conscience to be diligent and faithfull in my place and calling wherein I live to doe all the duties thereof as unto thee Col 3 22 Rom 14 12 Deutr. 32 29 Psal 90 12 to whom I must give an accompt And for that end give me wisedome to consider my latter end to number my dayes and to remember that one day I know not how soone I must die Eccle 11 9 and come to judgement Remember in mercy O heavenly Father I beseech thee with me thy whole Church to settle peace and the Gospell therein Continue thy blessings of thy pure worship and safety to our Land and the other Kingdomes and for that end governe all our Governours specially our Soveraigne Lord King CHARLES and our Royall Queene MARY with that wisedome of thy Spirit Psal 111 10 2 Tim 3.15 the beginning whereof is thy feare and the end their owne salvation Be comfortable oh Father of mercie to all thy children in affliction ease the pained cure the diseased relieve the distressed visit the sicke and either deliver Israel out of her troubles Psa 25 22 or sanctifie their severall crosses to their humiliation and conversion consolation and salvation in Iesus Christ Forget not to blesse my kindred allies and friends with a long holy and prosperous life if it be thy will in this world with a comfortable departure in peace out of the same Luke 2 29 and with an eternall and happy life in the world to come and for that end make them deare unto thee in Iesus Christ and by thy holy Spirit as they are neare unto me in any bond of nature or grace of law or love and of neighbourhood or friendship Lastly oh heavenly Father according to my bounden dutie I 〈…〉 give thee thankes 〈…〉 thy mercies bestowe◠〈…〉 me mine and all thine 〈◊〉 things temporall spiritual and eternall for this prosent life and a better that is to come upon our bodies and soules Of them all I acknowledge thee the bountifull giver and blesser and of them all I confesse my selfe to be a most unworthy receiver by reason of my sinnes specially my great unthank fulnesse Notwithstanding I doe desire unfeignedly and by thy grace will earnestly endeavour that thou maist have more sincere and constant service with and for all the good benefits which I have received from thee And therefore unto the King immortall 1 Tim 1 17 invisible and onely wise God and mercifull Father be given with all the parts and powers of my soule and body in Iesus Christ by the holy Spirit all glory and thanks with obedience service from this present time and from henceforth for evermore Amen THE TABLE A. ATtributes of God what they be Pag. 19 Of Greatnesse Pag. 20 The duties belonging to them Pag. 28 Of Goodnesse Pag. 24 Duties to them Pag. 29 The Almightinesse of God Pag. 23 Adoption Pag. 138 B. Duties of Christians in respect of Baptisme Pag. 59 Duties of Christians to their bodies Pag. 87 C. Duties belonging to our Christian Calling Pag. 88 The Commandements of the word and duties to them Pag. 48.49 D. The two chiefe duties of all Christians Pag. 5 E. The Eternity of God Pag. 21 Holy Exercises Pag. 34 Duties before wee come to them Pag. 36 2. At the time of them Pag. 37 3. After them Pag. 38 Examples of the word Pag. 53 Duties in respect of them Pag. 54 F. Faith Pag. 29 Faculties in God Pag. 20 G. What GOD is Pag. 19 What generall duties belong to him Pag. 17 What speciall duties Pag. 18 How wee may bee moved to seeke grace Pag. 114 To use grace Pag. 115 The regenerate fall not from grace Pag. 181 H. The Holinesse of God Pag. 24 What the hearing of the word is Pag. 44 Duties in respect of it Pag. 45 I. The Immensity of God Pag. 22 Infinitenesse of GOD. Pag. 21 Iustice of GOD. Pag. 25 Iustification Pag. 137 K. What things we must know of God Pag. 17 L. The love of GOD to us Pag. 26 Our love to GOD. To our Neighbour M. The Mercy of GOD. Pag. 25 N. Duties to our Neighbour 1. Generall Pag. 81 2. Speciall Pag. 82 Common to all Peculiar to some Pag. 83 O. What GODS holy Ordinances are Pag. 31 Of what kindes they are Pag. 32 Duties belonging to them Duties to our selves Pag. 86 P. Promises of the word What they be Pag. 50 Duties to them Pag. 51 Praying to GOD what it is Pag. 61 Duties about it Pag. 62 Praising GOD what it is Pag. 67 Duties about it Pag. 68 Preservation of the holy Spirit Pag. 181 Perfections in GOD. Pag. 19 R. The Resurrection proved Pag. 144 That it is a blessing to the faithfull Pag. 148 The difference betwixt the raising of the godly and wicked Pag. 153 Reconciliation with God Pag. 137 Regeneration of the Spirit Pag. 174 Whereunto Pag. 176 Whereby Pag. 180 S. Christians must seeke to be saved Pag. 124 Why. Pag. 125 By what meanes Pag. 132 What salvation is Pag. 133 The degrees of it In this life Pag. 137 At the end of it Pag. 139 At the end of the world Pag. 143 The meanes to effect salvation Pag. 159 Actions of GOD the Father Pag. 160 The Sonne Pag. 161 The holy Ghost Pag. 174 Seeking to be affected with salvation Pag. 202 The possibility of salvation Pag. 203 The necessity of it Pag. 205 Excellency of it Pag. 207 Certainty of it Pag. 209 Seeking to get salvation Pag. 218 Actions of men that prepare them to salvation Pag. 223 To claime and receive it Pag. 226 To assure it Pag. 231 That we must serve Pag. 8 Why we must Pag. 9 The manner how to seeke to serve GOD. Pag. 11 The measure Pag. 12 The workes of them that seeke to serve GOD. Pag. 13 What GODS service is Pag. 15 Why wee must seeke to serve GOD while we live Pag. 14 Service to GOD immediately in respect of himselfe Pag. 17 Duties to our soules Pag. 87 Seeking to be affected with his service Pag. 94 The Necessity of it Pag. 96 Excellency Pag. 97 Equity Pag. 98 Reward Pag. 99 Duties in respect of the holy Scriptures Pag. 32 Seeking to practise GODS service Pag. 101 The manner of practise Pag. 102 Measure Pag. 104 End why Pag. 110 Meanes whereby Pag. 112 How wee may seeke grace to serve GOD. Pag. 114 The Simplenesse of GOD. Pag. 21 Duties about receiving the Sacraments Pag. 55 T. Threatnings of GOD what they be Pag. 52 Duties about them Pag. 53 V. Vertues in GOD. Pag. 24 W. The Wisedome of GOD. Pag. 22 What it is to worship GOD. Pag. 39 Difference betwixt service and worship Pag. 40 The workes sf GOD. Pag. 72 Duties about them Pag. 73 GODS workes of mercy Pag. 74 Iustice Pag. 75 Faults escaped Page 10. line 2. after them reade that seeke him p. 30 in the margent for immediately r. mediately and put out as his ordinances p. 52. l. 13. for and r. or p. 97. l. 1. for greater r. great p. 114. l. 5. for remedy r. reward thereof p. 116. l. last after unto you r. for instruction p. 131. l. 4. after dye r. and not till then p. 135. l. 8. after is r. also p. 187. l. 18. after end r. through faith p 220 l 19 for by faith r. by his faith p 221 l last for their r. them p 232 l 9 for assuming r. assuring p 247 l 11. put out that
sinnes by free pardon and forgivenesse of them all and whereby also they are accepted as righteous in Gods sight by the merit of Christs righteousnes both of his life death imputed unto them Mat 9.2 Rom 3.25 4.6 7. 2 Pet. 1.1 2. Reconciliation whereby sinners being freed from Gods anger and displeasure justly incurred and provoked by their sinnes they are againe received into his love favour and friendship Matth 3.17 Col 1.21 3. Adoption whereby of the children of disobedâ—ence of wrath and of the Divell which they were in Adam and by their sinnes Ephes 2.2 5.6 Ioh 8.44 they are made the children of God and heires of the Kingdome of heaven Gal 4.4 5.6 Eph 1.4 5 6. P. What degree of salvation doe the faithfull attaine at the end of this life M. It is this First and generally they depart in peace Luke 2.29 for their soules are parted from their bodies in Gods favour they are carried to heaven Luk 16.22 and received thither Acts 7.50 They dye in Christ 1 Thess 4.16 they sleepe in Iesus verse 24 they dye in the Lord Revel 14.13 they dye the death of the righteous Num 23.10 they depart to the Father Iohn 13 1. As soone as they are departed this life their soules are with Christ in Paradise which is Christs Kingdome Luke 23.42.43 even when their bodies are unburied or lye in the grave and therefore this salvation is called the salvation of the soule 1 Pet 1.9 Heb 10.39 for the spirits of just and perfect men are in heaven Hebr 12.25 And well may the faithfull depart in peace when they dye seeing when they lived they were justified by faith and had peace with God Rom. 5.1 Good cause have they if they forget not to consider it not to feare to dye seeing they know that the sting of their death is taken away 1 Cor 15.55 by Christ who through his death hath overcome him that had the power of death that is the Divell Hebr 2.14 and seeing they are perswaded that death shall not separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus Rom 8.38 39. Secondly and more specially 1. The bodies of the faithfull at the end of this life are at rest from their labours paines and diseases and are free from sense of all miseries and vexations Revel 14.13 Isai 56.1 2. 2. Their soules are wholly freed from originall and naturall corruption for the flesh which was therein while they lived is wholly killed destroyed For they are carryed into heaven Luk 16 22. into which no uncleane thing can enter Revel 21 27. 1 Cor 15.50 P. And what degrees of salvation doe the faithfull attaine unto at the end of the world M. It consists of 2 branches whereof the first concernes the body the second belongs to the soule and bodie too P. What happines receives the body at the end of the world M. It is this Of a naturall dead weake corruptible and mortall body which it was when it was alive in the world and lay in the grave it is raised a spiritual living strong incorruptible and immortall body and being raised from death to life it is restored to its former being and shape complexion and proportion yet without any defect or blemish in a most comely manner for it is a glorified body 1 Cor 15.42 to 46. P. Yea but it seemes to naturall reason an impossible thing for a dead body to rise and live againe M. True but Christians know by the light of the holy Scriptures that the dead body shall rise from death to life not by any power in it selfe or by the meanes of any naturall cause but by a supernaturall even the power of God Matth 22.29 Iosh 22.1 Thess 4.16 P. How may I bee drawne better to beleeve the Resurrection from the dead M. By these seaven Reasons 1 The testimony of Christ who sayd that all that are in the graves shall heare Christs voyce and come forth unto the Resurrection Iohn 5 28 29. 2 The promise of it made by God unto the Patriarks Act 26 6 7 8. 3 The faith hope of Gods children who in all ages beleeved it hoped and lookt for it Acts 23 6 24 15. Iohn 11 24. 4 The practise of many Heathen who in hope of the Resurrection washed the dead bodyes of their freinds departed before they buryed them 1 Cor 15 29. Acts 9 36. 5 The proofe and experience of many recorded in the Scriptures who have risen from death to life Mat. 27 52 53. Ioh. 11 35. 6 The appoynting of a day of iudgment at the second comming of Christ Act 17.30 31 32. Ioh 5 28 29. Dan 12.2 7 The Resurrection of Christ himselfe from death to life to be the first fruits of them that sleepe 1 Cor 15 20. 1 Thes 4 14. 1 Pet 1.3 For the gathering in of the first ripe fruites doe giue hope to the husbandman of ripening gathering in of the rest afterwards P. Indeed these Reasons cleerely and unanswerably doe prove that the dead shall rise againe and that there shall bee a Resurrection from the dead But you sayd it was a branch of happines unto the faithfull that their bodyes rose from death to life how may this bee prooved M. This also may be sufficiently proved out of the Scripture and that by these 7 reasons also 1 Because it is said that they are counted worthy of the Resurrection Luke 20 35. Therefore the Resurrection is a favour consequently a branch of happinesse unto them 2 Because they are called the children of the Resurrection Luk 20 36. and they are so called as in other respects so in this because they rise Gods children as they lived and dyed are in his favor which is a great happinesse 3. Because they are said to be equall to the Angels when they are raised Luke 20.36 and the Angels are happy for nothing but happinesse can befall them 4. Because the Apostle saith that if the faithfull did not rise they were of all men most miserable 1 Cor 15.19 therefore because they doe rise againe they are happy 5. Because when they are raised from death to life they are called blessed for Christ will call unto them and say Come ye blessed of my Father Matth 25.34 6. The resurrection from the dead is a degree of happinesse because as it hath beene said before the naturalnesse weaknes corruption and morrality of the body is abolished and destroyed and by the resurrection it is made a spirituall strong incorruptible and immortall body yea it is raised a glorified body to be made fit to enter into and enjoy the glory of heaven 1 Cor 15.41.50 7. And lastly the resurrection of the body from death to life is a degree of happines because the assured expectation of it did work in the faithfull both more grace and also more peace and comfort in their consciences Acts 24.15 16. Psal 16.9 1 Thess 4.17 P. Sir I cannot
containe all truthes necessary to Gods service our salvation 2 Tim. 3.15.17 2. Reading searching and perusing them 1 Tim. 4.13 Ioh. 5.29 3. Praise and thanks to God for giving and keeping them vnto and in his Church Psal 147.19 20. 4. Desire and endeavour to vnderstand and make a right vse of them for our direction conversion consolation and satisfaction Acts. 8.34 Psal 119. P. What are the holy actions ordained by God for holy vses in the doing of which I must serve God M. Holy exercises They are certaine religious exercises ordeined and specially appointed by God for holy vses namely the honour of God edification of his Church and for Gods publike service and they are these foure specially 1. Hearing the word 2. receiving the Sacraments 3. praying to God 4. praising God We serve God in performing any or all these holy exercises for God hath commanded that they be done But besides the doing of them we are also to performe them in a manner prescribed by God and this manner of performing is service to God also and the duties that are to be done for this end are such as are either 1. common to all the four exercises or 2. peculiar to each of them P. What are the duties common to them all M. They are threefold for they concerne the time either 1. before wee come unto them or 2. when we are in doing them or 3. after wee haue done them P. What dutie is to be done before wee come to these religious exercises M. Wee must prepare our selves to them and not come hand over head Eccles 5.1 and this wee shall doe by considering 1. that we which performe them are but dust and ashes yea miserable sinners and vnworthy to performe them 2. that herein wee have to doe with the great God of heaven and earth Heb. 4.13 that we are in his speciall presence taking notice of vs and our behaviour Acts. 10.31 and that he will not hold vs guiltlesse if wee take his name in vaine Exod. 20.7 P. What dutie is to be done in the instant time we performe these religious exercises M. Generally wee must performe them as God hath commanded both for substance and circumstance Exod. 25.9 Hebr. 8.5 Specially we must performe them with worship and reverence to God 2 Chron. 29.29 P. What duties are to bee done after wee have beene at these religious exercises M. When wee have done and performed them we must endeavour to be bettered by them and remember to keepe our Covenant with God of serving him which wee professe to renew by our daily resorting vnto them and not returne to our former sinnes againe 1 Sam. 7.3 2 Pet. 2.20 21. Ezra 9.14 P. Oh Sir you tolde me even now that when I serve God in doing religious exercises to him that I must also worship God at the same time I would faine better vnderstand what it is to worship God M. What it is to worship God To worship God is to performe a religious exercise to God immediately with an humble affection of our soule and reverent gesture of the body Ioh. 4.24 Psal 95.6 Or to humble the soule and to bend the body immediately to God for his honour though we bee not in doing any such speciall religious exercise Gen. 24.52 Exod. 4.31 P. But I haue heard that to serve God and to worship God are all one are they not M. How it differs from the service of God In cōmon speech amongst many the service of God is taken for Gods worship but in propriety of speech and in the nature of the thing they are not for Gods service is a more generall duty and it is as much as obedience to God and it reacheth unto all things that are to bee done whether they be naturall and civill or holy and religious for in all these things wee must serve God But the worship of God is but a particular duty it is vsed onely in holy and religious actions and exercises and it is but obedience to one particular commandement 2. All worship commanded by God is service to him in as much as it is an obedience to God which hath commanded it But all service to God is not worship to God as will easily appeare by this Faithfulnesse in our civill calling is service to God because it is obedience to God who hath commanded it Mat. 25.21 but it is not worship to God because worship to God is performed in religious actions only unto God only that immediatly only but faithfulnes in our calling is performed in civill actions and mediately to men our selves or others P. I pray you good Sir make this a little more plaine unto me M. I will you may better vnderstand it by a familiar comparison taken from the service of men To serve a Master is to doe as he bids him Matth. 8.9 Eph. 6.5 But to worship or reverence him is to doe obeysance to him and to give him an humble and submissiue respect in looks words and gestures of putting off the hat making a leg or the like 1 Chron. 29.20 Dan. 2.46 Mat. 18.26 Luk. 14.10 P. Sir I thanke you I now perceive cleerely the difference betwixt Gods service and worship But now I pray you proceede to the duties of serving God which are peculiar to each of these foure religious exercises even now named and because the hearing of the word was the first therefore tell mee what is that exercise M. Duties in respect of hearing the word read and preached The hearing of the word is a part of Gods publike service wherein wee diligently hearken and attend vnto it whensoever it is read or preached and published that is expounded and applyed vnto vs Act. 16.14 P. What duties of service to God are we to performe at the hearing of the word M. They are of two kindes for they belong to the hearing of it either first both read and preached or preached onely P. What duties belong to the hearing of the word both read and preached too M. These sixe 1. Earnest heeding marking and minding of it Deut. 32.46 2. Beleeving or assenting to the truth of it Ioh. 5.47 3. Loving and delighting in it Psal 119.127.159 4. Laying it vp in our hearts Deut. 11.18 5. Keeping it in our hearts Luke 8.15 Luke 2.51 6. Calling of it againe to minde and memory and meditating vpon it Iam. 1.25 Iosh 1.8 P. And what duties belong to the hearing of the word preached onely M. They are of two kindes for they be either 1. common to all and every part of the word preached or 2. peculiar to some parts onely P. What duties are common to the hearing of any and every part of the word preached M. These two 1. receiving it not as the word of man but of God 1 Thess 2.13 2. Examining our selves how wee profit by it that is whether we be converted and saved by it and whether wee be guilty of the sins
which it reproves or doe the duties which it commands or be refreshed with the comforts it affords or bee terrified from sinne with the threatnings of it P. What are the severall parts of the word that we must performe duties vnto when they are preached M. They are foure chiesly 1. the commandements of the word 2. the promises 3. the threatnings 4. the good examples of the godly doings and sufferings of godly persons recorded in it P. What are the Commandements of the word M. The commandements of the word The commandements of God are those parts thereof which binde and enjoyn the doing of good actions and which forbid the committing of evill actions in thought word and deede P. And what duties of service to God doe properly concerne the commandements of the word preached M. These three 1. Obedience in doing the good actions commanded and in leaving undone and forbearing to doe the evill actions forbidden Rom. 2.13 Ioh. 13.17 Matth. 7.24 and that for conscience sake Genes 39.9 Iam. 2.11 and constantly Rom. 2.7 Gal. 3.10 2. Vsing al good means whereby wee may be furthered in our obedience Psal 119.10.11 3. Refraining all means occasions and opportunities whereby wee may be hindered in our obedience Psal 119.101 P. What are the promises of the word The promises of the word M. Gods promises are those parts of the word wherein God covenants with his people to bestow upon them upon their faith and repentance the things of this life that may be good for them and of the life to come 1 Tim. 4.8 Psal 34.10 P. And what duties doe properly belong to the promises of the word preached M. These foure 1. Faith whereby wee beleeve the truth of them and trust in Gods power goodnesse and faithfulnes for the performance of them 2 Tim. 1.12 2. Hope in God assuredly to looke for the performance of them Psal 119.81 42.5 3. Ioy or rejoycing in the good things promised and hoped for Psal 119.162 4. Patience to waite Gods leisure till we be made partakers of them without limiting God the time or meanes Heb. 10.36 6.12 Rom. 8.25 Psal 130.6 123.2 Isay 28.16 P. What are the threatnings of the word M. Gods threatnings are parts of his word The threatnings of the word wherein God denounceth to bring vpon sinners for their infidelity and impenitency temporall spirituall and eternall judgements P. And what duties of service to God doe properly concerne these threatnings M. These two 1. Trembling and astonishment at the very hearing of them Ier. 36.16.24 2. Feare to sinne against God lest the evills threatned in them doe come vpon vs Revel 18.4 P. What are the examples of the word M. Certaine presidents The examples of the word and particular patternes of the faith obedience and patience of Gods servants and children recorded in the Bible P. And what duties properly concerne these holy examples M. These two 1. An honourable memoriall of them and of their good name seeing God was glorified by them Matth. 28.13 5.16 2. A sincere purpose and endeavor to imitate and follow their patternes in the practise of the like duties Luke 10.37 Heb. 6.12 P. Sir I thanke you for your labours touching my service to God in respect of the first religious exercise and part of Gods publike service I pray you goe on now with the second which is the receiving of the Sacraments and first tell me what the receiving of the Sacraments is M. Receiving the Sacraments Duties in respect of receiving the Sacraments is a part of Gods worship wherein by taking certaine creatures and using certaine actions about them appointed by God and by setting them apart by the word and prayer from common and civill use to a sacred use there is thereby signified and remembred Christ his death and also the benefits and merits thereof are sealed and assured to all true beleevers 1 Cor. 11.28 Rom. 4.11 6.2 3. P. How many be there of these Sacraments that are to be received M. Two 1. Baptisme 2. the Lords Supper P. What duties of obedience and service to God belong to the receiving of these Sacraments M. They be of two sorts 1. Some which be common to the receiving of both the Sacraments Some that bee proper to each of them P. What be the duties that be common to the receiving of both the Sacraments M. These two 1. In respect of our bodies wee must looke vpon the creatures and actions about them appointed by God to be used in the administring of them for the remembring of Christ and for the setting forth of his death and wee must permit the Minister to administer vnto us those creatures and actions to this end and also receive them from him when they are administred to vs by him Act. 8.38 Mark 16.16 Ezra 6.21 2. In respect of our soules 1. wee must meditate on the nature and parts use and end benefit and comfort of the Sacraments 2. We must remember with thankfulnesse the death and blood-shedding of Christ shewed and set forth therein 3. Wee must by faith apply to our selves the merits of Christs bloody death to the washing away of our sinnes and to the nourishing of our souls in the life of grace to the life of glory 1 Cor. 10.16 P. What duties to God are proper to the receiving of the Sacrament of Baptisme M. These two 1. Duties in respect of praying to God Desire and endeavour by prayer and examination to finde in our selves the efficacie and benefit thereof to the cleansing of vs from the power and punishment of our sins Rom. 6.3 4.2 Conscience to doe what wee have professed and to performe what wee have promised when wee were baptized namely to renounce the service of sinne and to continue Gods faithfull servants For hereby we shall manifest to our selves and others that our soules are inwardly and spiritually baptized with Christs blood and Spirit as well as our bodies are outwardly by the water and Minister Ioh. 3.5 1 Pet. 3.20 21. P. And what duties are proper to the receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper M. The duties proper to that Sacrament have beene as you know plainely and largely delivered by me in a Booke called Spirituall exercise to procure a good appetite unto and a good digestion of the Lords Supper to which I referre you for more particular instruction P. Sir I blesse God for these your directions touching the receiving of the Sacraments which is the second religious exercise of Gods publike service I pray you proceede to the third which is Prayer and therein first tell mee what it is M. Praying to God is a part of his publike service wherein we call vpon him and beg of him either the bestowing of good things upon us or the removing of hurtfull things from us Psal 50.15 P. What duties of service concerne prayer to God M. They are of three kindes for they belong either 1. to the matter of
respect of all afflictions on our brethren wee must 1. have a fellow-feeling of the same upon them as if they were on our selves Rom. 12.15 Heb. 13.5 1 Pet. 3.8 2. We must pray for them for their ease remedy and deliverance if it bee Gods will or a sanctified use of them Iam. 5.14 Psal 35.13 3. We must helpe to releeve them in the same as we are able and to deliver them out of the same Matth. 14.14 Iob 31.20 Thirdly in respect of some temptations and afflictions that have beene sanctified to us or our bretheren so that wee have received from them through Gods good grace some holy fruit of righteousnesse wee must 1. acknowledg Gods goodnesse in them Psal 73.1 119.69.71 2. We must blesse God for them Iob 1.21 3. We must rejoyce and comfort our selves in them Iam. 1.2 3. because 1. they are not Gods vengeance but chastisement Hebr. 12.5 2. They come from God not as an enemy but as a father reconciled in Christ 2 Sam. 7.14 Hebr 12.5 3. God is moved to send them in love Rev. 3.9 and that they shall not separate us frō the love of God in Christ Rom. 8.38 39. 4. God aymed in these afflictions at some spirituall good Hebr. 12.10 Phil. 3.10 5. The event of them shall be their and our furtherance in grace Psal 119.71 37.37 unto salvation Phil. 1.19.28 P. Sir you have beene very large and long to your great paines in teaching mee how to serve God with duties that have respect to himselfe in consideration of his divine Attributes that bee in him and also of his Ordinances and workes proceeding from him I pray you proceede to my duties unto my Neighbour M. They are of 2. kindes 1. such as are common to all and every one 2. such as are peculiar to some P. What are those duties that are cōmon to all M. They are 1. generall namely 1. to love our neighbour as our selves Matth. 22.39 2. to doe unto him as we being guided by true reason would have him to doe to us Math. 7.12 2. special which are five P. Which are they M. The first is to maintaine his place and authority office and preheminence in common-wealth Church or family Exod. 20.12 which is the 5. Commandement The second is to preserve his life health and bodily strength Exod. 20.13 which is the 6. Commandement The third is to cherish the chastity of our neighbour and neither by lookes or gestures words or actions to assault or violate the same Exod. 20.14 which is the 7. Commandement The fourth is to further the profit and lawfull gaine of our neighbour and in nothing of the least worth to seeke his losse and dammage Exod. 20.15 which is the 8. Commandement The fifth is to uphold his credit and good name and not to disgrace him by word or action in the least manner or measure Exod. 20.16 which is the 9. Commandement P. What are those duties that are peculiar to some of our Neighbours M. 1. Such as are due to godly and sincere Christians as namely 1. brotherly love and religious affection Hebr. 13.1 when wee therefore love them not because they are men or our kindred or beneficiall to us but because of their graces and Christian vertues eminent in them 2. Patience to beare with their weaknesses and cover their infirmities Gal. 6.2 1 Pet. 4.8 2. Such as are due to some namely as they are tyed to us by any bond of nature or law as husbands and wives parents or children Masters or Servants or the like of which duties you may reade at large in a booke made by D. Gouge D Gouge of Houshold duties who hath written fully and to excellent purpose thereof P. Sir my desire is to know and doe the whole revealed will of God and therefore as you have instructed mee in my dutie 1. in respect of God and 2. in respect of my Neighbour so I beseech you also to tell mee in the third place what is my dutie of service unto God in respect of my selfe M. I will and because you consist both of a body and of a soule Duties in respect of our selves and have a double calling to live in namely a civill calling and a Christian calling therefore will I briefly shew you the summe of your dutie in respect of all foure P. Sir I thanke you I pray you then shew me my duty in respect of my bodie M. It is this to possesse your vessel in holinesse and honour that is in chastity temperance and sobriety without pride or luxury chambering or wantonnesse continually restraining the senses parts and members thereof from being weapons and instruments to let in or let out sinne and withholding them from the occasions and opportunities of doing evill 1 Thess 4.4 5. Tit. 2.12 Rom. 13.13 P. What is my dutie in respect of my soule M. To be watchfull over it and over all the powers and faculties thereof that you grow not loose or secure in sinne yea to bee circumspect in all your wayes that you be not deceived by your own deceitfull heart the worlds vanities and Satans subtleties Prov. 4.23 2 Tim. 4.5 Eph. 5.17 6.13 to 19. P. What duties appertaine to me in my Christian calling M. These seven chiefly 1. To bee zealous and discreete humble and sincere in the profession of Christian religion Revel 3.19 Rom. 12.3 Iam. 3.17 Tit. 1.16 2. Daily to repent of our sinnes and to cry God mercie by faith in Christ as wee sinne daily Matth. 6.12 3. So to live as those that looke to die and to rise unto judgement at the second comming of Christ Acts 17.30 31. 24.17 18. Deut. 32.29 4. To mortifie our sinfull and corrupt nature 1. by applying to our selves the commandements promises and threatnings of the word Col 3.5 and 2 by denying to our selves all occasions meanes and opportunities of sinne Matth. 5.29 30. 5. To moderate our desires to the profits pleasures and honours of the world considering the vanity of them Eccles 1.2 and not to be discontent with our present state nor to covet our neighbours Hebr 13.5 Tit 2.12 Exod 12.17 Rom 7.7 6. To make sure unto our selves our calling election and salvation by growing in the number and measure of Christian graces 2 Pet 1.5 10. 7. To strive and endeavour to continue and persevere in well-doing and patient suffering for conscience sake Matth 10.22 Iam 1.25 Rev 2.25 2 Tim. 4.7 8. P. And I pray you good Sir what duties appertaine to mee in my civill calling course and trade of life M. These seven principally 1. Diligence painfulnesse without idlenesse 2. Thess 3.7 8. 2. Cheerefulnes and joyfulnes without being weary of well-doing Deut 12.7.2 Thess 2.13 3. Moderation without plodding and moyling carking and caring through distrust to the neglect of our bodily health and salvation Hebr. 13.5 Matth 6.33 4. Honesty and righteousnesse without wronging others or deceiving them 1 Thes 4.6.12 5. Charity in
seeking not our owne profit and good onely and to be all for our selves but the benefit of others Phil 2.4 1 Cor 10.33 6. Sincerity in performing the duties of our callings not as before men onely and to be seene of them but as unto God to approve our selves to him Col 3.22 23. 7. Piety in going about them not in confidence of our owne wisedome Prov. 3.5 but with praier to God in affiance of his blessing Genes 24.42.48 1 Cor 3.6 P. Oh good Sir this is abundantly enough to teach mee to know what Gods service is wherein it doth consist now I pray you affect mee with Gods service and teach me how to be affected and in love with it M. I will Seeking to be affected with Gods service for what good will it doe you to know what Gods service is except you desire to serve God For this end therefore you must know beleeve consider and lay to heart certaine motives concerning his service that may stirre you up to desire love and affect it and they are these five 1. the possibility of serving God 2. the necessity of it 3. the excellency of it 4. the equity of it and 5. the reward of it P. How may the possibility of Gods service appeare and that it is possible for us to serve God here in this world M. Two wayes 1. by the promise of the Spirit to be given to them that seek it wherby hee will put Gods lawes in their hearts and write them in their inner parts for his obedience and service Luke 11.13 Ezek 11.19 Ier. 31.33 2. By the many examples of godly men who have beene called by God himselfe his Servants as Moses Iosh 1.1 Ioshuah ch 24.29 Iob ch 1.8 David Psal 18.1 Isaiah ch 20.3 Zerubbabel Hag 2.23 and others P. How may the necessity of the service of God bee made plaine unto me M. By considering 1. the commandement of God which enjoyns it often and earnestly in his word Deut 10.12.20 6.13 13.4 Iosh 24.24 2. The danger of not serving God for they who neglect it are guiltie of great sinnes Iudg. 10.6 Nehem 9.35 and are lyable to greater punishments Deut 28.47 Rom. 2.8 and 6.21 P. How may the excellency of the service of God be proved M. By knowing and laying to heart 1 That it is no base or meane thing to be Gods servant but that it is an honour and a great favour Rom. 9.4 Iosu 1.2 2. That Gods service is not a bondage but a libertie 1 Cor. 7.22 3. That God is the best Lord and Master to serve and that his wages is the best reward â—â—st pay Deu 10.20 〈◊〉 Col. 3.24 P. How may the equity of Gods service appeare M. It will easily appeare that it is equall just you should serue God if you consider 1. That God deserues it of you by his many benefits bestowed vpon you as namely your creation Psa 100 2. and your preservatioÌ„ Ios 24 17 but specially your salvation Luk. 1.74.75 2. That before your conversion unto him you haue made God to serue with your sinnes Isai 43.24 3. That before your coÌ„version you served the world the Devill and your owne lusts for the greatest part of your life too long and that now you know not how little tyme you haue to serve him 1 Pet. 4.4 Ezech. 44.6 P. What is the reward of Gods service M. It is this God will not onely graciously accept of our service Ezech. 40.41 passing by the failings of it 2 Chron. 30.18 But will also bestowe upon his faithfull servants 1 Temporall things as long life health wealth children and a good name Iob. 1.9 42.10 Deut 28. Psal 112. and 128. 2. Spiritual as increase of grace and peace joy and comfort of a good conscience Prov 15.15 Ps 119 Isai 56.6 7. 2 Cor. 1.21 Gal. 6.16 3 Eternall which is deliverance from all eternall misery and participation of all like happinesse and glory Rom. 2.7 Math 25.34 P. These are indeede powerfull mot ves to perswade Christians to be affected with Gods service and I blesse God I am much moved therewith but one thing is yet wanting whereof you told meâ— which is the third and last th ng in seeking to serve God namely Seeking to performe and practise it I pray you instruct mee therein also M. I will and indeed there is good reason you should learne this lesson too Seeking to practise the service of God because the end of your desire of Gods service is to practise it and it had beene better for you never to have beene affected with the love and liking of Gods service if you do not performe it to God accordingly Now then in the performance and practise of Gods service these foure things are to be considered and handled 1 the manner how 2 the measure wherein 3 the end whereunto and 4 the meanes whereby it is to bee done P. Sir I thanke you and I pray you further instruct mee in each of them for they are materiall points indeed and first tell mee in what manner the service of God is to be performed M. The manner of performing service and obedience to God consists in these sixe particulars chiefly 1. Vnderstandingly with knowledge and judgement 1 Chron 28.9 Psal 47.7 1 Cor 14.15 2. Humbly in regard of our unability and unworthinesse to serve him Act. 20.19 3. Faithfully with affiance and trust in Gods mercy through Christs merits for acceptation laying holde on the covenant of grace Col 1.17 Isay 56.6 4. Conscionably in obedience to God who in his word wills and commands us to serve him Acts 23.1 Iam 2.11 5. Holily with a religious godly and heavenly mind in newnesse of spirit and life Rom 12.1 chap 7.6 6. Sincerely and with an upright and honest heart 1 Chron 28.9 Iosh 24.14 Gen. 17.1 P. In what measure is our service to God to bee performed M. The measure in which the service of God is to bee performed may thus be laid downe on this manner 1. Generally wee must serve God with all our might that is with all the parts and members of our bodies with al the powers faculties of our soules Deut 6.5 10.12 Iosh 14.8 Num. 14.24 2. And more specially wee must serve God as touching the measure 1. Cheerfully with a willing mind Isay 58.13 1 Chron 28.9 Psal 40.7 8. 2. Ioyfully and with a glad heart Psal 100. 2. 119.132 3. Zealously and with earnest affection and devotion Acts 21.20 Tit. 2.14 Acts 10.2 4. Constantly continually and with perseverance unto the end Luke 1.74 75. 1 Chron 28.7 P. Oh this constancy and perseverance is a rare grace indeed but I feele my heart very fleeting and unsetled I pray you how may I get to continue in the serving and obeying of God M. For this purpose you must do these things 1. You must give consecrate your selfe to Gods service Rom 6.19 12.1 Set your heart
deny but these reasons doe prove the point most cleerely but one thing there is that I am not as yet resolved of namely I would faine learne how the resurrection from the dead should be a happines to the faithfull more than to the wicked and unfaithfull for all both good and bad arise M. It cannot be denied but all both good and bad just and unjust must arise from death to life Iohn 5.28 Acts 24.15 but though this be true yet there is a great difference in their rising and this difference shewes the happinesse of the one and the unhappinesse of the other P. Wherein I pray you is the difference betwixt the resurrection of the godly and of the wicked M. It appeares specially in three things 1. All arise not the same manner of persons for some rise just and godly as they lived and dyed Luke 14.14 yea they rise Gods children Luke 22.36 but others rise unjust unrighteous and wicked as they lived and dyed Acts 24 15. 2. All arise not by the same meanes for the godly arise by Christs mediation and resurrection as his members 1 Thess 4.14 1 Pet 1.3 4. 2 Cor 4.14 But the wicked arise from death to life onely by Gods power and as his creatures 3. All arise not to the same end for the godly arise to the resurrection of life and eternall blessednesse Ioh 5.29 Matth 25.32.34 To shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the starres for ever and ever Dan. 12.2 Whereas the ungodly arise to the resurrection of condemnation Iohn 5.29 and to shame and everlasting contempt Dan 12.2 Some also have thought that there is a fourth difference betweene the resurrection of the just and unjust namely that the dead in Christ shall arise before them that have dyed out of him and for that they alledge a place in S. Paul 1 Thess 4.16 But I answer though it be not a thing improbable that the godly shall arise before the wicked yet doe I not thinke that that place proves it because that place speakes not of an order betwixt the rising of the godly and wicked but of an order betwixt the dead in Christ and the living in Christ at his second comming and that order is that the dead in Christ shall not prevent or goe before unto heaven and happinesse the living or them that shall be alive at Christs second comming P. But I pray you forget not that degree of happinesse whereof both the soules and bodies of the godly partake at the end of the world M. This happinesse hath 6 branches 1. Both soule and body shall bee joyned together even the very same Iob 19.25 26. 2. They shall bee freed from ever dying any more Luke 20.36 3. They shall be perfectly sanctified with that measure of grace whereof a creature can be capable for the fitting of him to enjoy the heavenly glory 1 Cor 15.49 4. Being sanctified they shall be translated and received into the kingdome of heaven Matth 25.34 5. Being translated they shall partake of glory with God and Christ Iohn 17.24 6. Partaking of heavenly glory they shall enjoy it for ever 1 Thes 4.17 P. These indeede are excellent degrees of happinesse the Lord fit us to partake of them but I pray you remember to shew mee the third generall point necessary to be knowne in the doctrine of salvation which was the meanes whereby it is effected and brought to passe in the severall degrees thereof M. I will The means whereby saluation is effected by the grace of God These meanes are certaine actions of God P. What are the actions wrought by God that bring to passe mans salvation M. They are actions that properly belong to the severall Persons of the sacred Trinity namely 1. God the Father 2. God the Sonne and 3. God the Holy Ghost P. What were the actions of God the Father whereby mans salvation was effected M. Twofold 1. In respect of Christ his appointing and sending him into the world to save it Iohn 3.16 and his setting him in the office of his Mediatorship Ioh. 6.28 Matth 3.17 2. And in respect of the faithfull his justifying of them his being reconciled unto them and his adopting of them to be his children and heires of heaven whereof you have heard before in the degrees of salvation P. What were the actions of God the Sonne which hee did to bring to passe our salvation M. They were those whereby hee merited and procured that the Elect should be surely brought into Gods favour againe and safely carried to heaven for he is called the Authour of our salvation Hebr 5.9 and the Captaâ—ne of our salvation Hehr 2.10 And hee is called a Saviour and our Saviour 23 times in the New Testament And these actions of Christ concerned either 1 his conception and birth or 2. his life or 3. his death or 4. his resurrection or 5. ascension or 6. his sitting on Gods right hand P. What was Christs conception and birth and the merit of them to our salvation M. Christs conception and birth was his incarnation whereby he tooke into the unity of his Person being the Sonne of God the man then in framing in the wombe of the Virgin Mary By this being a great abasing to him Phil 2.6 7. Hebr 2.14 he merited and procured that our originall sinne wherein we were conceived and borne of our parents should be pardoned and purged Psal 51.3 P. What were the actions of Christs life whereby hee wrought our salvation M. They were these principally 1. In his life hee was just righteous 1 Pet. 3.18 for hee knew no sinne experimentally 2 Cor. 5.21 But was holy and separate from sinners Hebr 7.26 Hee was Gods righteous servant Isay 53.11 He was made unto us righteousnesse 1 Cor 1.30 That by the imputatioÌ„ of the merit thereof to all true beleevers their imperfect righteousnes might be covered and they therein accepted and presented as faultlesse Iude verse 24 holy and without blame Eph 5.25 Yea that hee might establish them unblameable in holines before God 1 Thess 3 13. 2. In his life Christ made many heavenly prayers to God his Father for his Elect and by them Christ merited that their faith might not faile Luke 22.32 nor they fall from grace but be brought safe to glory in heaven Ioh. 17.11.24 3. In the life of Christ 1. hee endured much poverty Mat 8.20 having not a house to put his head in of his owne though he were Lord of all Acts 10.36 2. Hee was much shamed and disgraced being reviled and rayled upon Mat 27.30 And 3. he was put to much paine being buffeted and scourged Matth 27.26 Ioh 19.1 Matth 26.6 7. But Christ merited and procured for us hereby that by his povertie we might be made rich 2 Cor 8.9 that by his disgrace wee might be honoured with this prerogative of being Gods children Iohn 1.12 that by his stripes we might be healed 1 Pet 2.24 And that all our afflictions might
be sanctified and seasoned to our reformation and consolation in Christ P. What was Christs action at his death whereby he merited our salvation M. He willingly laâ—d downe his life when by his divine power hee might have held it and none could have taken it from him Iohn 10.17 1 Iohn 3.16 Hereby Christ offered up himselfe a propitiatory sacrifice to God his Father for the ransome of mankind Gal 4.5 Heb 10.6 7 8 and hereby hee redeemed the Elect from the second death which is damnation and from the tyranny of the Divell Hebr 2.14 Iam 5.20 Acts 26.18 P. What was Christs resurrection and the merit of it for our salvation M. Christs resurrection was the freeing of himselfe from the power of death under which hee was held in the grave some part of three dayes and the uniting againe of his soule which was in heaven to his body which lay in the grave Christ merited hereby that the faithfull should rise againe from death to life as members of his mysticall body and be begotten to a lively hope of their owne resurrection by the power of his 1 Cor 15.19 20. 1 Pet 1.3 1 Thess 4.14 P. What was Christs Ascension and what did he merit thereby tending to our salvation M. Christs Ascension was his leaving to live any longer on the earth as man and his entring into heaven both in soule and body there to continue till the end of the world Acts 1.9 10 11. Hebr 4.14 By Christs Ascension into heaven he tooke possession of it for the faithfull that at the end of their lives he might receive their soules thither Acts 7.59 and at the end of the world he might receive into it both their soules and bodies Iohn 14.2 Heb 6.20 P. What was Christs sitting on the right hand of God the Father in heaven and what did hee merit thereby for our salvation M. Christs sitting on the right hand of the Father in heaven is his partaking as man of heavenly glory farre above all creatures Hebr. 1.3 The merit thereof is his Intercession for us Hebr. 7.24 25 for in heaven hee continually appeares in Gods presence for us Heb 9.24 to present all his merits unto God his Father for our benefit that God beholding the worth of them hee might continually apply the vertue and benefit of them to the conversion and salvation of his Elect successively to the worlds end P. Now you have shewed mec what were the act on s of God the Father and God the Sonne which they wrought for the effecting of mans salvation I pray you also tell mee what were the actions of the Holy Ghost for that end M. They were of two kindes The actions of the holy Spirit for effecting mans saluation 1. Such as he wrought in Christ that was to be the Saviour of the world and 2. such as hee wrought in them that are to bee saved by him P. What were the actions wrought in Iesus Christ by the Holy Ghost for the bringing to passe of mans salvation M. They were three 1. the sanctifying of the seede of the woman for the framing of his body thereof as hee was man Luke 1.35 2. The declaring of him to be the Saviour of the world by descending upon him like a dove Matth 3.16 Iohn 3.33 3. The filling of him with the gifts and graces of the Spirit above measure Iohn 3.34 and above his fellowes Hebr 1.9 P. What are the actions of the Holy Spirit which he workes in them that are to bee saved for the effecting thereof M. They are two 1. Regeneration or bringing them into the state of grace 2. Preservation or keeping them therein P. Sir I have heard much of Regeneration but I doe not well understand it I pray you therefore cause mee to understand better what it is M. Regeneration is an action of the holy Spirit The Regeneration of the holy Spirit whereby Christians are begotten again borne againe and renewed or made new againe 1 Pet 1.3 Iohn 3.5 Tit. 3.5 P. Wherein doth the holy Spirit regenerate Christians M. Not in making new the substance of their soules nor in enduing their soules with new parts powers and faculties But Regeneration consists in healing and recovering rectifying and amending purging and sanctifying with a new supply of grace the former parts powers and faculties that were wholly depraved and corrupted with sinne through Adams disobedience Ecclefiast 7.29 P. To what end doth the holy Spirit regenerate Christians by his grace M. For a twofold end in respect of themselves P. Which is the first M. To enable them to serve God sincerely and acceptably in this world Hebr 12.28 in newnesse of spirit Rom 7.6 and in newnesse of life Rom 6.4 For they are created anew in Christ Iesus unto good workes which God had before ordained that they should walke in Eph 2.10 This they could not doe as they were begotten of their parents for so they were begotten in sinne Psal 51.5 and borne of and after the flesh Iohn 3.3 Gal. 4.29 which cannot please God Rom 8.8 And therefore to the end they may bee fitly disposed and effectually enabled to doe the holy duties of Gods service they must be made new men and women for the image of God which through Adams sinne was defaced in them as touching right knowing willing and doing Gods will must againe be renewed in them Col 3.10 Eph. 4.24 P. What is the second end why the holy Spirit doth regenerate Christians M. It is to order them and to set them in the way to heaven which is to make them meete partakers of that inheritance Col 1.12 For without holinesse no man shall see the Lord Hebr. 12.14 Into the new Ierusalem of heaven shall in no wise enter any uncleane thing Revel 21.27 And flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdome of God 1 Cor. 15.50 Now they can not goe to heaven as they are begotten of their naturall parents for so they are the children of disobedience Eph. 5.6 the children of wrath Eph 2.3 and the children of the Divell Iohn 8.44 And therefore to the end they may be made capable of salvation they must by the holy Spirit bee turned from darkenesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive an inheritance with them that are sanctified Acts 26.18 19. For holinesse is the way to happinesse and grace unto glory P. But by what meanes doth the holy Spirit regenerate Christians and make them new M. By the incorruptible seede of the word of truth Iam 1.18 which is the word of God 1. Pet. 1.23 which is the Gospell 1 Cor. 4.15 1 Pet. 1.23 which is the Preaching of Iesus Christ Rom. 16.25 and of salvation Act. 13.26 In whom they are begotten againe 1 Pet. 1.3 and created anew Eph. 2.10 And therefore you ought carefully to attend upon this ordinance which is the power of God to salvation to them that beleeve Rom. 1.16 P. I pray you Sir What
is Preservation which you said was the second act on of the holy Spirit which he workes to bring to passe mans salvation M. Preservation The Preseruation of the Spirit is an action of the holy Spirit whereby he upholdeth them that are regenerate that they fall not away from grace but be kept to continue therein That the regenerate are kept in the state of grace is plaine by S. Peter who saith that they are kept unto salvation 1 Pet 1.3.5 And that they doe receive the end of their faith which is the salvation of their soules verse 9. And that they are kept thereunto by the holy Spirit is as plaine by the same Apostle where he saith they are kept by the power of God 1 Pet 1.5 which is the power of the holy Ghost Rom 15.13 For they are led by the Spirit Gal 5.18 They walke in the Spirit Gal 5.16 Rom 8.14 They live in the Spirit Gal 5.25 They are sealed by the Spirit Eph 1.13 strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man Eph 3.16 And they are sanctifyed by the Spirit wholly and preserved blamelesse unto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ 1 Thess 5.23 2 Thess 2.13 And if the regenerate bee kept by the holy Spirit unto salvation then in respect of Gods keeping can they not fall from grace to misse salvatioÌ„ in the event end I know the strongest Christian is not able to stand of himselfe for even hee that standeth must take heede lest hee fall 1 Cor 10.12 And therefore hee must not be high-minded but feare Rom 11.20 I acknowledge also that there is nothing in grace it selfe as it is mans but that it might faile for it is received but in part in this life 1 Cor 13.9 And that which is but in part is imperfect and that which is imperfect may of it selfe faile Neither is there any thing in the particular grace of faith but that it might faile too for Peters faith might have failed if Christ had not prayed that it might not faile Luke 22.32 and Peters faith was the same for nature and kinde with the faith of all that are regenerate But though both these be true both of grace generally and of faith particularly yet for all this the truely regenerate do not fall from grace but are preserved therein for first touching grace in generall I say that it failes not for it is the anoynting which they receive and which abides in them 1 Iohn 2.27 and that which abides failes not for by it they are strengthened and preserved to Gods heavenly kingdome 2 Tim 4.18 Secondly touching the particular grace of faith I say that that failes not neither 1. because Christ prayed not onely for Peters faith that it might not faile but for the faith of all the Elect and Regenerate that theirs might not faile for he prayed that they might all bee kept by the Father in his Name that they may bee one in God as the Father and the Sonne are one Iohn 17.11.15.20 21 And Christ was heard and answered in all his prayers Iohn 11.42 2. The faith of the regenerate failes not in the end because they are kept by the power of God through faith 1 Pet 1.5 Now if they bee kept through faith then must they keepe the faith and be kept in it also else they cannot attaine salvation in the end for if the regenerate doe receive the salvation of their soules as the end of their faith 1 Pet 1.9 then must they by some meanes keepe their faith to the end I know and confesse that there bee many which thinke of themselves that they have indeede the true faith and grace and so are thought by others to have it when indeede they have it not and these after a sort may be thought to fall from faith and grace because in time they discover their hollownesse for their faith workes not by love Gal 5.6 nor their love by obedience Iohn 14.15 Nor is their obedience a sincere endeavour to keepe all Gods coÌ„mandements Iam 2.10 But this can not be called truely falling from grace because they had not grace indeed and they cannot fall from that they had not but from the profession of grace and faith And therefore for all this they that have true grace doe by Gods power keepe it and persevere in it for Paul did fight a good fight he finished his course and kept the faith 2 Tim. 4.6 They doe not withdraw themselues but beleeve to the salvation of their soules Heb 10 28 therefore they beleeve to the end P. Mee thâ—nkes you prove this poynt so directly by the word that I cannot tell what to say to the contrary but there bee many learned men of a contrary mind and therefore I pray prove it unto me by some reason also M. I will and it shall be by this which shall include diverse branches If the regenerate be not preserved by God in the state of grace so as they shall certainely bee saved in the end then it is either 1 because God cannot keep them or 2 because he will not keepe them or 3 because they haue no neede of his keeping or 4 Because God thinks it best to leaue every man to himselfe to keepe himselfe and to the use and choice of his owne freewill to persevere in grace and faith or to fall from it But neither of these are true as shall appeare in the particulars Therefore the Regenerate are preserved by God in the State of grace unto the end These foure particulars on which the truth of this argument doth stand shall all be proved in order 1 That God is able to keep the regenerate in the state of grace is plaine by Paul who saith that God was able to keep that which he had committed unto him 2. Tim. 1.12 By the Apostle Iude who saith that God is able to keepe them from falling Iude v. 24. And no marvell seeing they are in his Fathers hands and in his Christ saith none is able to pluck them out of his or his Fathers hands Iohn 10.28 29 and therefore they shall never perish ibid. 2 That God is willing to keepe the truly Regenerate that haue grace indeede is as evident by Saint Paule where he saith that God shall confirme them unto the end 1 Cor. 1.4.8.9 He that had begun a good worke in them will performe it untill the day of Christ Philipp 1.6 and God is faithfull who shall stablish them and keep them from evill 2 Thess 3.3 and Paul affirmes that God would preserve him to his heavenly kingdome 2 Tim 4.18 3. That the regenerate had neede to bee kept by God in the state of grace will easily be proved if wee consider 1. that their corrupt nature and infidelity a fruit of it are not quite subdued in them as long as they live Rom 7.17 18. Heb 3.12 2. That grace is but imperfectly received in this life as hath been shewed even now 3. That Sathan seekes to winnow
of the law Rom. 3.20 4.11 2. They must also beleeve the Gospell that is consent in their opinion judgement that there is salvation to be had and that this is a truth of God that it is possible for men to get salvation and this is wrought by the Gospell Marke 1.15 Acts 4.4 3. They must heartily be sorry for their past sinnes and unfeinedly purpose to leave them which is Repentance begun in the roote Matth 21.32 4. They must hunger and earnestly desire to be saved Matth 5.6 Isay 55.1 5. They must consult what to doe and enquire further into and after the way and the meanes of salvation with a minde to follow those directions accordingly Act. 2.37 16.30 And these three last actions are wrought by the Law and Gospell whereby they are both drawne and driven to seeke and get salvation P What be the actions of men which give them title and interest unto salvation to claime and receive it of God M. Actions that gâ—ue title to claime and receiue saluation They are beleeving or trusting in Iesus Christ Rom 10 9. Eph. 1 13. whereby weary and heavy laden sinners come to Christ for salvation Math 11 28. Iohn 6 35 and rest onely upon the merits of the righteousnes of his life and death for salvation in all the severall degrees thereof For by this faith they get and lay hold upon the Saviour himselfe even the Lord Iesus Christ and are engrasfed and united to him Rom 11 19.20 for by faith Christ is in true beleevers 2 Cor 13 5. he liues in them Gal 2 20 and dwells in them Eph. 3.17 P. What reasons may be brought from the Scripture to prooue this which you say concerning the action of beleeving in Christ M. These 1 Beleeving in Christ is the action appointed by God to be performed by man for receiving salvation because it is requyred of him as the condition to obtaine forgivenes of sinnes Act 10 43. reconciliation and peace with God Rom 5 1. 3 25. justification Act 13 29. adoption Iohn 1.12 blessednes Gal. 3 9 eternall life Iohn 3 16. ease from the burden of sinne Matth 11 28. quenching all Satans fiery darts Eph 6 16. not being confounded of our sinnes Rom. 10.11 and of pleasing God Heb. 11.6 2 Beleeving in Christ is the action requyred by God to be performed on mans part for receiving salvation because by this meanes salvation comes to him by the free grace and mercy loue favour of God Rom 4 16. Eph 2 8. 3 Beleeving in Christ is the action and condition required on mans part for obtaining salvation because hereby the promise of salvation will be sure to the faithfull Rom 4.16 which by the action of obeying the Law it could not bee because hee could not performe it Acts 13.39 Rom 8.3 4. Beleeving in Christ is the action and condition required to be performed by man for the getting of salvation because it makes a man renounce his own righteousnesse and to goe out of himselfe to another for it namely to Iesus Christ to be saved by his righteousnesse Matth 11.28 Ioh 6.35 Phil 3.9 Gal 2.19 P. What are the actions which Christians must performe to make their salvation sure unto themselves M. They are divers Actions that assure saluation for they concerne either 1. God or 2. our brethren or 3. our selves P. What actions concerne God M. They are such as belong either 1. to God the Father or 2. to God the Sonne or 3. to God the holy Ghost P. What actions belong to God the Father M. They are three principally 1. Fearing to offend God and caring to please him 1 Pet. 1.17 1 Cor 7.32 For unto such and for their comfort is the word of salvation sent Acts 13.26 and such may worke out their salvation that is the assuming not the procuring of it unto themselves Phil 2.12 And no marvell seeing Gods mercy is on them that feare him for ever Luke 1.50 Such know that they are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ 1 Pet 1.17 18 and such are blessed Psal 128.1 2. Loving God and setting our hearts and delight upon him for such may know that they are of the truth and shall assure their hearts before him 1 Iohn 3.18 19 And that they may have boldnesse in the day of judgement 1 Iohn 4.16 17. And no marvell seeing their love to God will assure them that they are borne of God 1 Iohn 4.7 that they dwell in God and God in them 1 Iohn 4.19 that they are knowne and acknowledged and approoved of God The first to the Corinthians the 8 chapter 3 verse that all things shall worke to their good that is to the furtherance of their sanctification and salvation Rom. 8.28 And that the crowne of life eternall and the Inheritance of the kingdome of heaven is promised to such as love God Iam 1.12 2.5 3. Christians must hope in God that is assuredly expect looke for yea patiently abide and waite for the accomplishment of all Gods promises specially that of the resurrection of the body and of eternall life for they are saved by hope Rom. 8.24 And Hope is a helmet of salvation to them 1 Thess 5.8 And an anker to the soule both sure and stedfast and which entreth into heaven whither the forerunner is for us entred even Iesus Heb 6.19 20. And no marvell seeing their hope will not deceive nor make them ashamed Rom 5.5 Because into the hearts of such as hope in God the love of God is shed abroad by the holy Ghost Rom 5.5 And they rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God Rom 5.3 P. What actions of Christians concerne Iesus Christ that will assure them of their salvation M. They are these two principally 1. They must obey him in all his Evangelicall precepts and commandements which belong to the hearing and beleeving of the Gospell preached and to the administring and receiving the Sacraments in remembrance of him Matth 28.20 Marke 1.15 Luke 10.16 Matth. 26.26 27. 1 Cor 11.24 25. For unto such as obey him herein Iesus Christ is become author of eternall salvation Heb 5.9 no marvell seeing they are blessed of God Luk 11.28 Revel 1.3 they are of God that is chosen beloved of him Iohn 8 4.7 and they are the sheepe of Christ to whome hee will give eternall life Iohn 10 27.28 2 They must love long for looke and waite for the second appearing or coming of Christ For such beleeve that there is layd up for them a crowne of righteousnes which the Lord the righteous judge shall give them at that day 2 Tim. 4.8 Titus 2.13.14 Such the Lord Christ will deliver from the wrath to come 1 Thess 1.10 and to such he will appeare the second time unto salvation Hebr. 9.28 P. What actions of Christians concerne the holy Spirit that will assure them of salvation M. These Not to resist or vexe the holy Spirit Act 7