thy House of prayer and have our conversation truly and wholly in Heaven and all heavenly exercises Have mercy upon us O Lord in regard of that light estimation that worldly and vain mis-spending of this precious time whereof we have been so often and so deeply guilty heretofore and put thy Spirit into us we beseech thee to incline our hearts for the time to come to keep this Statute Ezek. 36.27 and to cause us to observe this great Commandement And first of all enable us we pray thee unto a meet preparation for this dayes service help us for that purpose so to examine our ways and carriage the week past as to repent truly of what hath been amisse and to renew our Covenant for a better carriage the week following Assist us withall for the through purging of our hearts from those dregs and defilements which the world hath left behind it as also for the stirring up of our souls by heavenly meditations and prayer that so we may come with devout minds and hungring hearts into thy Sanctuary as those that being poor and blind and miserable and naked stand in great need of thy provision Grant moreover O Lord that coming in due time and in a reverent manner into thy Temple our care may be attentively and without distractions of mind watchfully and without heavinesse of heart devoutly and without dulnesse of spirit reverently and without uncomelinesse of carriage to abide in thy presence and for the whole time to attend thee in thine Ordinances Make us mindfull afterward of those private exercises reading repeating conferring meditating praying whereby the publick may be made more profitable to us and powerfull in us And let us not forget according to the time and ability we have to meditate upon thy Creatures but this being the day wherein it pleased thy Majesty to put thine hand first for the making of them let it be our day also wherein to thy praise and honour to remember them especially let us not forget upon this good day those labours of love and charitable works for our brethrens good which thou O Lord forgettest not Heb. 6.10 And while we doe good to their bodies let us not be unmindfull of that which is the greatest matter the doing of all the good we can unto their soules That all this may be done the better grant we may abstain the day throughout not only from vain pastimes and sinfull practises but also from those every dayes works and words and thoughts more then truly necessary whereby we shall use as our own any part of that sacred time which thou O Lord hast set apart wholly and only for thy self Help us O Lord our God without whom we can doe nothing by thine own strength thus to observe thine owne time Sanctifie us that we may sanctifie it unto thee and be our selves sanctified by it it being made to us as it is to all good observers a blessed day by all the exercises thereof blessed to our use and spirituall advantage And let this work of sanctification by the service of this day as a speciall means be continued still and more and more perfected in us till we come to that place where perpetually resting from all our labours we shall enjoy an eternall and all-satisfying Sabbath with thine own glorious Majesty and thy blessed Son and Lord of the Sabbath Jesus Christ and that for the same Jesus Christs sake To whom with thee O Father and the blessed Spirit for the Creation of the world this day begun for the Redemption of the world this day finished for the Sanctification of the world this day by the descending of the Holy Ghost fully manifested and ordinarily most effected we acknowledge to be due and desire to give all honour power might Majesty and Dominion both now and for evermore Amen and Amen A Prayer to be used before the Hearing of the Word especially on the Sabbath I Doe humbly and heartily thanke thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth for that I live by thy goodnesse and good providence in thy Church in a Land of uprightnesse wherein there is the means of grace and that in these last dayes wherein it hath pleased thee to speak unto us by thy onely Son and so to make known unto me a poor Babe in Christ onely because it seemed good in thy sight things hid from the wise and prudent yea from Kings and Prophets who heretofore have desired to see the things that we see and have not seen them and to hear the things that we hear and have not heard them withall I doe with sorrow and grief of heart acknowledge how unworthily and with how little fruit I have entertained that holy word of thine and blessed means of salvation which thou hast in so much mercy and plenty afforded not understanding what I have heard for want of marking it not remembring what I have understood for want of making account of it not delighting in what I have remembred for want of love unto it not practising what for a time I have delighted in for want of considering the end of Preaching and the necessity of practising not persevering in what for a time I have practised for want of a through resolution to hold out in a holy conversation O Lord I deserve not to escape but to be seized upon by some grievous heavy judgement for neglecting so great salvation Notwithstanding gracious Father since thou hast been pleased to work in my heart a love unto thy word and a loathing of my self for my light esteeming of it heretofore I beseech thee pardon my former neglect and for the time to come let the eyes of my understanding be enlightned that I may know what formerly I have been ignorant of yea let my heart be opened that I may receive remember and delight in that word of thine which formerly I have shut out let slip and not regarded Give me thy Spirit to cause me to walk in those Statutes of thine which formerly I have not observed and uphold me with thy constant Spirit that I may persevere unto the end in all holy courses This day in particular wherein thou offerest the means and callest me unto the hearing of thy holy word vouchsafe to free me from all pride of heart Jer. 13.15 distractions of mind tentations of Satan from all drowsinesse deadnesse and dullnesse of spirit and withall make mine heart by that good disposition which thou shalt work in it like well prepared ground fit in the most kindly manner to receive that seed of thy word which thou preparest for it Assist thy Servant and Minister who is to deliver thy message that he may speak as he ought to speak even that which shall be profitable to the soules of all thy people and powerfull upon my soule in particular and for that purpose Paul may plant and Apollo water but thou O Lord givest the increase let it please thee so to blesse
the exercises of Religion not without a gracious respect also to his bodily refreshing and necessity Now all these ends of the Sabbath being no ceremoniall things but matters of substance abiding in their strength throughout all ages therefore the Sabbath if so founded upon them is a thing morall and perpetuall Question 100 By this it appeares that a Sabbath that is a day of holy rest in every week is a thing not changed yea is unchangeable shew me now how the particular day comes to be altered so as that Saturday was the Jewes Sabbath and the Lords day ours Answer One day every week is to be observed that the work of Creation accomplished within the compasse of a week may be remembred but the day is now altered from the last to the first day of the week that the remembrance of that far greater work of redemption may be preferred which redemption being perfected in Christs resurrection the day of the resurrection is now become the Lords day that is the Lords Sabbath day Question 101. What Rules are to be observed for the sanctifying of the Sabbath Answer 1 Remember the Sabbath so as to be carefull of preparation for it that is set thy businesse in order the day before and thy heart in order at least the morning of the Sabbath and have not twenty things in thy house to be set in order on the morning of the Sabbath when thou shouldest be setting thy heart in order Eccles 5.1 1 Pet. 2.1 2 Attend carefully the publick service lest while thou art busie here and there about vain and impertinent things and thoughts many precious passages of the Sermon or of prayer passe away without any notice 1 Kings 20.40 Acts 10.33 1 Cor. 14.16 3 Consecrate the day privately and wholly unto God for it is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God thy heart thy tongue thy carriage that day must not be for thy self but for thy God Isa 58.13 14. Question 102. What helps are there for the sanctifying of the Sabbath in this holy manner Answer 1 Look to thy heart lest that rove and be divided from God with every dayes thoughts and be thou in the Spirit that is rapt up and ravished with spirituall meditations upon the Lords day Rev. 1.10 2 Look to thy company and conference for as worldly work is forbidden because it hinders a spirituall work so by the same reason are worldly words forbidden because they hindâ—r spirituall words that is such as are for God and thy soules good Exod. 20.10 Isa 58.13 Our words that day must not be our owne that is such as we have mind unto but such as are meet for the Lords day 3 Look to thy works and carriage this is not a day for the shambles the shop the warehouse the workhouse but for thee and other good Christians to be upon the Mount Tabor that is being lifted up above the world to be wholly busied in Religious exercises and Ordinances wherein Jesus Christ the King of the Church is to be seen in his beauty Isa 35.17 4 Look to thy Entertainment using friends if on the Sabbath day they be with thee friendly and rejoycing with them in the Lord in the sober use of the Creatures Prov. 18.14 Acts 2.46 But appoint not solemn Feasts upon that day that 's to make the Lords day thy friends day and take heed lest by unnecessary care for many things thou keep Mary from Christs feet that is thy well-affected Servant from a Sermon Luke 1.10.41 5 Watch thy self in thy contentments let not sleep or meat or pleasant talk or sport take away the time or thy heart from the Lord of that day and the end for which he appointed it They that live in pleasure on a Sabbath day are dead while they live to wit in regard of their deadnes and indisposition to heavenly things Luke 8.14.21.34 Hos 4.11 13.6 Question 103. By this is appears that the Sabbath is the principall time but are there not other times also and that in the week dayes wherein Christian duties are to be exercised Answer Yes a due respect is to be had unto Christian duties piety and charity all the week long for we ought to be devout Christians and therefore to fear God and give Alms and pray to God not this or that day but alwayes Acts 10.2 In particular a due regard is to be had to hearing reading conferring praying at all times Question 104. What reason is there of hearing the word continually Answer Because Ministers are to preach in season and out of season Sabbath day and week dayes therefore people are to hear So likewise think not others too carelesse that leave some other businesses to be at Christs feet sincerely but thy self rather to be carefull who art from thence unnecessarily Luke 10.39 40. Question 105. What Rule may be given them who have many businesses for their better guiding and setling as concerning the six dayes Sermons Answer The direction usefull for such may be comprehended under these three heads The Judgement must be well informed The Conscience well examined And the Providence of God well observed Question 106. How is the Judgement to be informed Answer Both generally and particularly 1 Of the generality that a man must by no means make lâ—ght of spirituall opportunities but redeem them rather and purchase them with abatement of outward things Mat. 22.5 Ephes 5.16 2 For particular opportunities a light may be given for our direction by a two-fold consideration Viz. 1 Of the state of Times Time for good exercises is still to be redeemed but specially when the times are evill that is the more corrupt and troublesome the more doubtfull and dangerous the times are the more earnest we should be to wait out and to make use of all spirituall opportunities 2 Tim. 4.2 3. Acts 20.28 30. John 12.35 36. 2 Of the nature of the opportunity when Christ goes by when there is a more speciall occasion a Minister that preaches with Authority and not as the Scribes then without the contempt of the lowest means and Minister but with a greater desire of this greatest means get up into a Tree as Zacheus did and lay all other ordinary things aside as Mary did to enjoy God in a more speciall manner the reason is because ordinary duties must yield to extraordinary as ordinary workes of piety are to yield to extraordinary works of mercy Mat. 12.1 2 c. the necessary exigence of our calling to extraordinary works of piety Acts 20.7 11. 3 Of our own state and occasions which must make Christians to straine above ordinary in three cases 1 At their first conversion the new converted Christians were every day in the Temple and new born Babes had need be oft at the breast Acts 2.42.46 1 Pet. 2.12 2 In the time of affliction and tentation as people spare time for their businesse to goe to the Physitian are blamelesse Psal 73.16 17. Job 33.23 Isa 40.4 Mat.
Minerva Atque Deus tenero mox benedixit ei Hunc peperit faetum Mater Sanctissima Nostrae Ecclesiae Mammas saxit ipse duas Haeres pariter mandns è pneumate sacro Nobilis est natu dignus habere gradum Tu graduatu eas subitò quo Trina potestas Permittit miseros te revocare viros Tu contra canctos reprobos sis lamine testis Durus in ignavos qui tua ditla negant Contra Schismaticos sis semper testis acerbus Illos quo pudeat de servisse fidem Denique qui temnunt Sanctâ—ssima dogmata Matris Contra illos firn è bella benigâ—ia geâ—as Indoctos doceas peccant Vulnera sana Et derisores corrige frange minis Vtilis es pueris puer es magnalia tractans Et magna Annoses fertilitate doces Aetatis suae 8â— Ed Davies GOds Spirit moved on that waters face Wherein was found this pretty Babe of grace As soon as there they did him but baptize He straight began Christs flock to catechize His Infant lisping is pure Eloquence His lips drop Honey his breath Frankincense Three of our Senses these may well delight And it's perusall the Internall fight And to the Sense of our true inward feeling Here is an Object for our sick soule healing Some Quere's quarrells breed some jests some sadnesse But these produce our inward peace and gladnesse These are Divine pen'd Catecheticall All Orthodox not one Schismaticall This is the marrow of Theologie And the Elixir of all Pietie Of Law and Gospel the pure quintessence And the true Marchâ—fit extract from thence It is the powder that turns brasse to gold Revives the New man dest oy the Oâ—d Aged 86. Ed. Davies THus Anchor'd may I live and dye Fraught with secure Divinity Whilst Babel-builders doe devise Unto themselves a thousand lies Weather cock soules that float upon The waters of Religion Whose Moon-like fancies are become The zealous bane of Christendome Willfully blind they tear and rent The seamlesse Coat of Christ intent To Sects they doe make that their sport Which ought to be their onely Foâ—t Dow-bak't prosessors who to shun Rome's Rocks into flat Atheisme run Unning'd and hovering they fall To Hellish errors these they call Religion reform'd mean while The Turk doth laugh the Jew doth smile But here with safety saile ne're here Shipwrack of Religion feare This Pilot Primitive may refine A two-three-four hour-glasse Divine Wherefore to thee fixt Protestant I give This Counsell read practice this Book live Tho Morgan On the solid Author and the Publication of this Piece MIstake not Reader here 's a Câ—techisme That 's Orthodox no Heresie no Schisme Nor new-light drops from the Seraphick pen Here 's milk for children yet strong meat for men Thus to all Readers all things he doth fly Low to the unlearned to the learned high Blush Sons of Impudence of little wit And lesse true Gospel-knowledge it â—s fit You should turn Catechumens No disgrace To sing your Palinode your looks to grace These lines we beg not Your Owle Eagle sight They 'll dazle you 'll one day confes his light Let either Ford or Bridge or Minster come And view 't here 's neither whey nor froth nor scum Concocted to Elixar here is Cream Sound nutriment in this pure Nectarstream Tho. Wilkins Vpon the Author 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 CAll for the Conjectors and let them try Each Species of Physiognomy Judge Intercisions Stars and Crosses all Speak this year to Books Climactericall What then this instar omnium doth comprise The Quintessence of all approv'd Excise Astrologers their Credit once may save Pry its Nativity and Judgement have Th' Ascendant with a Fortune Planets be see All dignifi'd none in their Cadency Who viewes this face of Heav'n they say may see This the Paragon of futurity Writers have their exit from hence must all Like the next year be turn'd Platonicall The revolutions inexpir'd Now try What you can guesse by your Ouroscopy Physitian try symptoms pulse and all Inspect each region of the Urinall Their doom in truth each tyn panized story Would wear an Age much more one Century Of Books this spares the labour and will lap The Gangraen'd and the luxuriant tap The blazing Meteor which did impend Did point the Babe this with a different end As a wise Pilot steers the way to Joy Where he transcended nothing can annoy Though Preachers silenc'd our heavenly passage To the port of rest each by his steerage Hath accesse to the Celestiall Throne Though to the Prototype High-Priests alone He that with the Interrogant did conspire To burn all Books in the Censorious fire Plutarch excepted would gladly reverse This Sentence command to bring his herse That he for one might make the Company If living would subscribe his destiny This to preserve As the diffused light Fill'd one Horizon and the other night At last it was contracted to the Sun The fourth day's work of the Creation So what the Universe hath bee 't grace or wit This Author hath Epitomized it Whitgift Gibbons Vpon the Author's Catechisticall Paraphrase of our English Church-Catechism THis namelesse blamelesse Author in each line Presents a piece o'th'Gospel Preach'd Divine Instructions all throughout 'T is best perus'd When unto practice in our lives reduc'd That Sermon is wel heard that Book well read Whose Subject Use and Doctrine's practiced These times pretend new lights reformed times But did we act those virtues shua those crimes This Author points us out then should we be The Great Exemplars of Christianity What Councils Fathers Schoolmen all Divines As well of Antient as of Modern Times Have studi'd writ read preach'd Catechiz'd This Author hath couch'd and Epitomiz'd This Author Moses like Anonymus To Pharaoh and his Daughter and to Us The Way unto All happinesse and blisse Mercurius-like describes which if we misse Who is most Ignorant cannot pretend Want of a Guide unto his Journey 's End May God a Blessing add and Sanctify This Bible to our Soules Eternity A PRAYER for the Sabbath OR LORDS DAY ALL possible praise and thanks be given to thee O most gracious God and mercifull father for all those most holy and helpfull means of grace which it hath pleased thee to appoint for the sanctification salvation of corrupt and sinfull man Amongst other means we blesse thee O Lord for this as for a principall and speciall means which contains many other in it even thy blessed Sabbath Magnified for ever be thy wisedome and goodnesse who fore-seeing how this wretched world would fill the hands yea and take up the hearts of us earthly-minded Creatures hast been pleased by a perpetuall Law written with thine own finger to set apart for thine own self for our souls one day in seaven wherein we being called out of the world and having our minds taken off from all earthly businesses on that day forbidden us may delight our selves in thee our God being joyful in
the word delivered as that much increase and good fruit may come thereby unto Jesus Christ the great Lord of the Harvest For me thine unworthy servant in particular let me not receive thy word as the high way ground without understanding and retaining it nor as the stony ground so as by reproaches or persecution to wither and be withdrawn from it nor as the thorny ground so as to suffer it by worldliness and voluptuousnesse to be choaked and deaded in me but as the good ground so as to bring forth much fruit and that with patience that so by patient continuance in well doing I may have glory and honour and immortality and eternall life and that not for any thing in my self but in and through Jesus Christ our Lord to whom with thee and the holy Spirit be all honour and glory now and evermore Amen A Prayer for Advisement O Most wise most gracious and most glorious God I confesse my self to be a poor and weak Creature very unable and insufficient to take any such course as whereby thou shouldest have glory others good or my self any true comfort Unto which weaknesse much carelesnesse also is added and a neglect or a negligent using of those means and helps whereby I might become more able and more profitable in my place and calling nor is that all but too unadvised I am too sudden too rash and so apt both in speaking and dealing to behave my self without that good consideration that becomes a discreet and settled Christian And hence it is that there is a want of that reverence that there ought to be in thy presence of that mindfullnesse that there ought to be in my businesse of that wisedome that there should be in my words of that staidnesse that there ought to be in my carriage Lord grant that I may consider of these things so as to be humbled repent of these things so as to be pardoned and beg help of thee so about these things as that they may be amended Pardon O Lord these and all other my sins Amend O Lord these and all other my imperfections Grant that casting away all carelesnesse whatsoever my hand findeth to doe I may doe it with all my might withall grant that observing the over-forwardnesse and freenesse of my nature in every thing I may be so much the more carefull and watchfull that nothing may be done rashly Above all things let me not be rash with my mouth before thee but besides that since of every idle word that I speak I must give account at the day of Judgement Lord help that my mind may be so set a work before the moving of my lips as that I may speak nothing to thy dishonour others offence or my own grief and shame Yea grant that I may ponder the paths of my feet and so study all my carriage as that my rashnesse may not be seen therein but my Rule if being framed according to the good direction of Religion and reason and that I may not hasten with my feet and so sin doe thou O Lord see to it that my soule may not be without knowledge but so endued with it as that both the inner and the outer man may be ordered by it Let faith and Religion guide my reason and sanctified reason my affections and well-ruled affections set awork my senses and members that I may so speak and so doe as one that must give a strict account and so as that I may give a good and comfortable account of both and all this for Jesus Christs sake in whom thou givest to all liberally and upbraidest none to whom with thee O Father and the Eternall Spirit be all honour and glory both now and evermore Amen QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS upon the Church-Catechism Question 1. WHat is it that Christian Children should consider of in the first place Answer That which their very name puts them in mind of to wit their Baptism Question 2. What is the speciall thing that they are to consider of in their Baptism Answer Of that Vow and Promise which they by their Sureties made unto God when they were Baptized Question 3. But what were those particular things which they then promised Answer First to forsake the Devil and all his works Question 4. What be those works of the Devill Answer Some are inward and some are outward Question 5. What are those that are inward and more spirituall Answer The first of them is Pride which is when a man thinks himself worthy of more honour then is due unto him or when he loves too well that that is due Question 6. How doe you know that this Pride is a worke of the Devil Answer Because it is said that Satan tempted David to number the people to wit by stirring up his heart to that pride and vanity out of which he numbred them 1 Chron. 21.1 Question 7. What helps and means are there for the forsaking of this work of the Devil Answer 1 We must consider we have nothing but what we have received and therefore we must not boast as if we had not received it 1 Cor. 4.7 2 To pull down our Pride we must look upon our faults and follies as the Peacock upon his black feet that he may not be proud of his feathers 3 We must know that God sets himselfe against all such people and beholds every one that is proud to abase him Job 40.11 4 He that is lifted up with Pride is in danger of falling into the condemnation of the Devil 1 Tim. 3.6 Question 8. Who be those that be most apt to fall into the sin of Pride Answer Those that be young and Novices in the world and amongst young Schollars that be of better parts and wits who ought therefore to be so much the more carefull to avoid this sin by how much the Devil is more busie and hath from their age more advantage to bring them to it Question 9. What is the second inward work of Satan Answer Anger Envy and Malice Question 10. How doth it appeare that these are the works of Satan Answer Because the Apostle saith They give place to the Devil that give place to their passion Ephes 4.27 Question 11. What help and means is there for the forsaking of this work of the Devill and for the suppressing of anger and wrath Answer To consider these particulars 1 That a man in his wrath is altogether unfit to doe what God would have him doe for the wrath of man worketh not the Righteousnesse of God James 1.20 as appeareth in King Asa who being in a rage was so far from entertaining the righteous word of God as that he did most unrighteously put the Prophet in Prison that did deliver it 2 Chron. 16 10. 2 That a wrathfull man is unfit for society with others and become like Nabal who was so froward that a man could not tell how to speak to him 1 Sam. 25.17 3 That wrath and envy cause foolishnesse
to wit Naboths Vineyard which he should have forsaken because Jezabel his wise provoked him 1 Kings 21.7.25 3 We must meditate often of the vanity of worldly pomps which is such as that they become men to be laught at for their folly that will forsake God rather than them Ps 52.5 6 7. 4 We ought to be earnest in prayer to God that the profits and vanities and pomps of this world may never so prevaile over us as to draw us from Gods word or way or make us to sin against him and walk in an evill way Psal 119.36 37. 141.4 Question 46. How shall I know when I have forsaken the world Answer I have then forsaken it when I have forsaken the pomps and vanities of it and make no reckoning of them in respect of the keeping of a good conscience towards God Gal. 6.14 Question 47. What was there else promised in Baptism besides the forsaking of the Devil and the world Answer To forsake the sinfull lusts of the flesh Question 48. What are these lusts of the flesh Answer Such inward stirrings and sinfull motions as arise from corrupt Nature which is called flesh John 3.6 and tend to the sanctifying of it in the fleshly desires thereof Rom. 13.14 Question 49. But are there not some particular heads by which we may better understand and under which we may place these fleshly lusts Answer Yes the Apostle hath brought them to three heads Rom. 13.13 Surfeiting and drankenes Chambering and wantones Strife and envying whereby it appears that all belly Gods wanton and unclean persons all proud malicious and quarrelsome persons doe in a speciall manner walk after the flesh Question 50. Is it absolutely unlawfull then to desire meats drinks marriage Answer Not so for the desires of the created Creature are not unlawfull but of corrupted nature onely and it is not altogether unlawfull to make provision for the flesh so it be not to fullfill the lusts that is the sinfull lusts thereof Rom. 13.14 Question 51. But is it enough that the outward works of the flesh be forsaken Answer No we must forsake those inward and secret lusts that be sinfull nor is it enough to forsake some of them but we must forsake them all Question 52. What Reasons and helps can you give to perswade and enable us to forsake these works of the flesh Answer 1 Because God in his word beseecheth us to abstaine from them 1 Pet. 2.11 and who would not doe any thing at Gods intreaty 2 Because these lusts be fleshly lusts and Christians be spirituall men 2 Cor. 6.17 3 Because they be sinfull lusts to wit which the word of God speaks against 1 Thess 4.5 And the Spirit of God lusts and strives against 1 Pet. 1.11 Gal. 5.17 And how can we then keep with us how can we nourish within us such great wickednesses and sin against God Gen. 39.9 4 Because we be Pilgrims and strangers and therefore should moderate our selves in those delights of nature that we meet withall in our way and should much more forsake and abandon those things that tend onely to the satisfying of corruptnesse and wherein worldly men that are at home and must never look for any other comfort then that they have here doe sport and glut themselves 5 Because these lusts fight against our soules and shall we keep in our bosomes and cherish in our hearts enemies that fight not onely against our bodies and states and names but even against our soules also 6 Because they fight against the souls of others with whom we live Christians that satisfie the flesh keep Heathens from the faith and men unconverted loath the very profession of Religion by reason of the dishonest conversation of those that doe professe it whereas their honest conversation might prevaile very much for the winning of others to Religion 1 Pet. 2.11 7 Because if we walk after the flesh we shall dye but if we mortifie the deeds of the body by the Spirit we shall live Rom. 8.13 Question 53. How ought we to forsake all the forenamed things that we have vowed against to wit the Devil the world and the flesh Answer We must forsake them all 1 In our Judgements disliking them John 1.24 2 In our hearts and â—ffections distasting and loathing them Psal 97.10 3 In purpose resolving firmly against them Hos 14.8 4 In practice having nothing to doe with them but putting them quite away Ephes 4.24 5 With prayer to God that we may have strength to doe all these effectually Psal 141.4 Question 54. Hitherto of the first thing that Christian Children promise in Baptism to wit to forsake the Devil the world and the flesh But is that all Answer No it is not enough to forsake that which is evill but there must be also a cleaving unto that which is good and therefore the second thing promised is to believe all the Articles of the Christian faith Question 55. What is the Christian faith Answer It is the Doctrine of Faith contained in the whole Scripture but most clearly revealed in the Gospel which is called The word of Faith Rom 10.8 Question 56. But why is this Doctrine called the Christian faith Answer It may be so called 1 Because it speaks of Christ 1 Cor. 1.25 2 Tim. 2.8 2 Because it was spoken and preached by Christ Heb. 1.1 Mark 1.14 15. 3 Because it is a Doctrine for Christ that is advancing and setting up Jesus Christ 1 John 17.3 both against Heathens that never knew God in Christ and against the Jewes that rested on their own righteousnesse with the refusing and slighting of Jesus Christ and that righteousnesse of his the flying whereunto is the maine matter of our Christian Faith Rom. 10.3 4. 4 Because it is a Doctrine received by those that were first called Christians Acts 11.26 and acknowledged ever since by those that by Baptism come within the number of Christians 5 Because it is a Doctrine that makes people Christians The Apostles went forth and taught all Nations and by that means they became Christians and were Baptized Mat. 28.19 Question 57. But what doe you mean by the Articles of the Christian faith Answer The twelve Articles of the Creed wherein is comprized the whole Doctrine of the Christian faith Question 58. Why are they named Articles Answer They may be so called for these Reasons 1 Because they be brief heads of Christian Religion as Articles are a brief draught of businesses between man and man 2 Because they are the condition of our Covenant unto which all are tyed that will have a part in Christ as men by Articles are tyed each to other 3 Because as Articles are things agreed upon between man and man so these Articles are things agreed upon between Jesus Christ and the Church Catholick yea they are therefore said to be framed that the Christian Church every where dispersed might be united in the faith by the help of these Articles which all of
them were to receive and from which none of them might swerve Question 59. What is it to believe the Articles of the Christian faith Answer To believe rightly and fully contains in it these 4 things 1 Knowledge for how shall we believe in him of whom we have not heard It 's impossible for a man to believe a thing which he never knew Rom. 10.14 2 Consent without wrangling against the Christian faith So Agrippa is said to believe that is he gave consent to the things written in Scripture as to the truth of God 1 Tim. 6.3 Acts 26 27. 3 Cleaving or sticking to the Christian faith for faith is a hand that holds every thing fast and though many men may seem to believe yet he is not a Disciple nor a believer indeed that doth not continue in the word of Christ John 30.31 4 Though they may be truly said to be believers and Christians in whom the three former things are yet that our faith may be a saving faith we must apply the Doctrine of the Gospel and Jesus Christ who is the sum of it unto our own soules 1 Tim. 1.15 Question 60 What help is there for this applying of Christ to our owne soules Answer 1 It is needfull that we see and feele our miserable condition out of Christ both in respect of the corruption that bears sway within us and of the condemnation that is due unto us and if a Remedy be not provided remains for us John 16.8 9. Rom. 3.19 20. Ephes 2.3 2 We must hearken unto God preaching Jesus Christ unto us as our onely and effectuall remedy with a gracious offer and assurance of ease by him if we feeling our need of him come unto him Mat. 11.28 3 Having so great a need and hearing so gracious an offer we are by the grace of God brought to fly unto and cast our selves upon Jesus Christ that so we may have the benefit of his merits to free us from the condemnation of sin and of his Spirit to free us from the corruption of sin and this flying and cleaving to Christ with full purpose of heart and a resolution to receive him upon his own tearms is that saving applying of him whereof the question here is made Question 61. And what is to be done by us after this application Answer As we doe apply Christ unto our selves that we may be saved by him so must we apply our selves unto Christ that he may be served by us being no lesse willing that he should rule us then desirous that he should save us Col. 2.6 Acts 9.6 Question 62. What generall use is there to be made of this second part of our promise to wit the believing of the Christian faith Answer A Four-fold use 1 To learne to know God in Christ in which knowledge alone eternall life is to be lookt for John 11.3 This puts a difference between Christians and Heathens who acknowledge a God but not in Trinity 2 To goe out of our selves and fly to the righteousnesse of Christ wherein especially true Christianity confists this puts a difference between us and Jewes us and Papists us and civil honest men who while they will be saved by the Law of Moses and rest upon their own righteousnesse are of all other men the most unchristianly 3 To live righteously for that also the Christian faith teacheth Tit. 3.8 2.10 11. And this puts a difference between us and prophane men who living in unclean and filthy sins be Heathens though they be baptized for good Christians doe not so learne Christ Ephes 4.19 20. 1 Thess 3.4 4 To cleave to the Christian faith constantly John 6.68 And this puts a difference between us and Hypocrites who declare themselves to be Christians in shew onely not in deed because they continue not in Gods word John 8.31 Question 63. Why shall not a man be saved if he live honestly in any Religion Answer No He that believes not shall be damned Mark 16.16 Our fore-fathers the Martyrs might have liv'd honestly and kept from the fire but they knew they were bound to believe and to stick to every Article of their Christian faith and therein they kept faith fully the Vow of their Baptism even with the loss of their lives Question 64. What further thing is there promised in Baptism besides the forsaking of the Devill the world and the flesh and the believing of the Articles of the Christian faith Answer To lead a godly and a Christian life Question 65. Wherein doth that consist Answer 1 In keeping Gods holy will and Commandement 2 In walking in the same and that all the dayes of our life Question 66. What is meant by Gods holy will and Commandements Answer That will of God which is revealed to us in his word for the commanding and ordering of our conversation Question 67. Why is it said to be Gods holy will Answer Because it is holy in it self Rom. 7.12 Prov. 30.5 and makes those holy that be due observers of it Psal 19.9.119.9 Question 68. What is it to keep Gods holy will and Commandements Answer It may signifie in generall the placing settling of Gods word in our hearts and soules Deut. 6.6 In particular it may imply these three things 1 The receiving of it into our minds by faithfull knowledge Col. 3.16 For learning and keeping goe together Deut. 5.1 A man cannot keep what he hath not that is that he understands not Mat. 13.19 2 The laying of it up in our memories Mal. 4.4 For what a man forgets is lost not kept Prov. 3.1 3 The observing regarding and reverencing of it in our hearts it being hid there so as to keep us from sinning against God Psal 119 11. Question 69. For what purpose ought we thus to keep Gods Commandements Answer That we may walk in the same all the dayes of our life Hence it is said Deut. 5.1 Keep them to doe them which must not be for a time onely but all the dayes of our life Deut. 6.2 5.29 Deut. 6.14 18. You shall keep 17. and thou shalt doe 18. Question 70. It being a generall truth and of large extent that we should make the word of God the guide of our walk for all our time here and the orderer of our wayes declare unto me some speciall heads whereunto the word of God is to be applyed and wherein the use of it may appear in the whole course of our life Answer The Rule of Gods word that we may be Governed in all things by direction of it is to be applyed 1 To our generall calling 2 To our particular calling 3 To all our carriage 4 To our condition Question 71. In regard of our generall calling and as we be Christians how is the Rule of the word of God to be set before us Answer So as to shew unto us 1 What duties are to be done and in what manner 2 At what time they are to be done Question 72. What 's the
worke of the Devill to make indifferent things to be contemned The Devil is nothing so much a gainer by that which is apparently sinfull as by things of an indifferent nature for therein men sin under a protection they take their pleasure to the full in the use of such things that 's their sin and the indifferency of them in their nature that 's their protection Question 147. Hitherto of Rules appertaining to our condition as it hath respect to our persons shew me now what direction the Scripture gives concerning our condition with reference to our estate and first tell me what direction's for the carrying of our selves well in the state of prosperity Answer 1 Be thankfull Deut. 8.10 26.5 and ever magnifie that God that is so infinitely gracious as that not only to take Order for but to take pleasure in the prosperity of his servants Psal 35.27 2 Be humble For as we are greater then the greatest of all Gods Judgements in regard of the merit of our sins Ezra 9.13 so we are lesse then the least of all Gods mercies in regard of the unworthinesse of our persons Gen. 32.10 3 Be watchfull for prosperity is an estate of temptation Prov. 30.8 9. and without speciall care it will be abused either to pride Psal 73.6 or unto sensuality Luke 12.19 or unto security Mat. 24.38 39. 4 Be fruitfull For prosperity is as it were the Lords dunging whereby to make his Trees the more fruitfull Isa 61.3 Luke 13.8 Let thy heart therefore be lift up when God is more plentifully good unto thee as the heart of prospering Jehosophat was in the wayes of the Lord 2 Chron. 17.5 6. Psal 116.12 5 Be charitable For we are but Stewards of that we have Luke 16.1 c. and therefore must be ready to distribute and lay out 1 Tim. 6.18 19. and our layings out are our best layings up Now in what measure to lay out our prosperity will direct us for every man must lay out as God hath prospered him 1 Cor. 16.2 6 Be fearfull and so prudent as to think alwayes a change will or at least may come Job 3.25 26. that thou mayest not be impatient when it is come Job 1.22 7 Be faithfull and when God so prospers thee at one time as that thy Cup runs over gather from thence that if he deale not so with thee at another time but strip thee of all thou hast it is not for want of good will for sure thou having goodnesse in thee mercy and goodnesse shall follow thee all dayes of thy life Psal 23.5 6. and it shall be in one thing or another as in outward things it hath been expressed to thee 8 Be very inquisitive whether thou hast Jesus Christ and these outward things with him or whether thou hast them and not him and resolve never to take pleasure in an outward portion unlesse thou canst enjoy Gods gracious presence in Jesus Christ Exod. 33.3.15 Question 148. What Directions are there for a good carriage in adversity Answer Therein 1 Be patient and silent Lev. 10.3 Psal 39.10 and doe not by walking frowardly charge God foolishly Job 1. ult 2 Be tender and considerate doe not despise and make light of Gods corrections but let them put thee into a study Eccles 7.14 Consider from whom affliction comes to wit from God that thou be patient Psal 39.10 From whence it comes to wit from sin that thou mayest be penitent Psal 32.5 For what purpose it comes in regard of man to wit for reformation that thou mayest be converted Isa 27.9 Ezek. 18.30 And with what purpose it comes in regard of God to wit to doe us good by it at the latter end that so thou mayest be comforted Deut. 8.16 3 Be hopefull and hearty Psal 42. ult not dismaied and weary Prov. 3.11 rather promise to thy selfe the best Jer. 30.7 then prophesie the worst 1 Sam. 27.1 Judges 13.22 23. 4 Out of this hope be diligent in using all means of good Ezra 10.2 3 c. Joel 2.12 13 14. 5 In the use of the means be faithfull Psal 9.10 and for this purpose be so wise as to observe former experiments of Gods gracious deliverance of Pilgrims and Prisoners of sick men and Sea men and all men others and thy self that so thou mayest understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord so far as to see a comfort in it in regard of thy present sad condition Psal 107.43 Question 149. This may help for trouble in generall but what more speciall directions are there for a good carriage in spirituall afflictions and tentations Answer 1 By no means slight just troubles of conscience nor think to drink down spirituall distresses Conscience is a thing that may be ducked but cannot be drowned give it leave therefore to speak out and provide rather to pacifie it then to stupifie it Psal 4.4 1 John 3.10.21 Hag. 1.5 Psa 14.4 2 Be troubled for nothing but out of a ground in Scripture 1 John 3.4 Let not thine own superstitious heart let not Satan make thee sad who loves to make sad the soules of the righteous but let God have the honour of all thy joyes and sorrowes by being glad or sad and that thou mayest not erre in this point never accuse thy self when faithful Ministers will not joyn with thee in the accusation 3 Reason not with the Tempteâ— It is not safe for us to have to doe with the Devil by way of Treaty but only by way of conflict James 4.7 therefore instead of reasoning with him be carefull of a three-fold recourse 1 To thy self with repentance for any sin that may occasion thy trouble and grief of soule Gen. 42.21 Psal 51.3 4 5. 2 After thy repentance and washing have recourse unto thy God who is so gracious as to say unto thee when the Devil would faine reason with thee Come and let us thou and me reason together in which reasoning if thou objectest thy sins are as red as Scarlet and Crimson his Answer is I will make them as white as snow or as wooll Isa 1.18 3 Have recourse to Jesus Christ and to his intercession that is ready to say upon thy suing to him for rescue The Lord rebuke thee O Satan Zec. 3.2 And if he say and pray so once there 's no doubt he shall be heard John 11.42 4 Omit not Religious duties upon the Opinion of unworthinesse for God justifies the ungodly Rom. 4.5 and invites the unworthy Revel 3.17 18. Isa 55.1 And it 's the master-piece of the Devils policy to keep thee from Gods company that he may with the more ease corrupt and torment thee with his owne company and tentations 5 Leave not by any means the labours of thy Calling A speciall help against the Devil and bad company is to take order to have no leisure to converse either with the one or the other 6 Rest thy hold of salvation upon Arguments not upon sense and feeling for as no mans
Holy Ghost assureth me that he was perfectly sanctified in his conception by the Holy Ghost and so made a perfect holy one voyd of sin Luke 1.35 Question VVas our Saviour then clean void of sin Answer Yes he was pure and spotlesse separated from sinners voyd of all iniquity and therefore fit to be a Priest to offer a sacrifice to be offred up for our sins Heb. 9.14.7.26 Heb. 9.26 Question VVhat doe you learn by knowing that our Lord Christ was born of the virgin Mary And born of the virgin Mary Answer I learn thereby that he was man Question How doe you know that our Lord Christ was a man by knowing that he was born of the virgin Mary Answer Because I know that every one that is born of a woman doth partake of the nature of his mother and so is man Job 14.1 Question VVas our Lord Christ a man then Answer Yes he was a perfect man in all things like unto us sin only excepted 1 Tim. 2.5 Heb. 2.14 17. Question VVhat doe you learn by considering our Saviours conception of the holy Ghost and birth of the virgin Mary together Answer I learn thereby that our Saviour was and is perfect God 1 Tim. 3.16 God in the flesh and perfect man in one person Question To what end came our Saviour Jesus Christ into this world Answer The main end of his coming into this world was to suffer and by his suffering to satisfie for the sins of the world Psa 40.6 7 8. Question Did he undergoe these sufferings which he came into the world to endure Answer Yes Suffered under Pontius Pilate he suffered under Pontins Pilate Question VVho was Pontius Pilate Answer He was a Roman Governour in Judea in the dayes of our Saviour Jesus Christ Question VVhy is our Saviour said to have suffered under Pontius Pilate Answer Both because he suffered in the time of his Government and was by him adjudged unto death John 19.16 Question VVhat manner of sufferings did our Saviour endure Answer He endured two kinds of sufferings namely inward of soule and outward of body Question VVhat were the inward sufferings which he endured Answer They were that exceeding sorrow and amazing Agony of soule which he sustained before his death when his heart within him was even like melting wax Psal 14.22 Mat. 26.38 Luke 22.44 Marke 14.33 Question How was that exceeding sorrow and amazing agony of soule bred in him Answer By the Lords wounding of him for our transgressions bruising of him for our iniquity and laying upon him the chastisement of our peace that by his stripes we may be healed Isa 53.5 Question Did the Lord then wound and bruise our Saviours soule with such sorrowes and grifes as we by our sins deserved Answer Yes he bare those our griefes and carried those our sorrowes which we deserved by our sins though not in quality or continuance yet in equality of sorrowes and sufferings Isa 53.4 10. Question Did our Saviour then undergoe sorrowes and sufferings equall to those which our sins deserved Answer Yes our Saviour bare such sorrowes and sufferings of soule as were equivalent to those which our sins deserved even such as no creature in Heaven or earth could possibly have sustained Question How can it be proved that the sorrows and sufferings of our Saviour were so great as you affirm Answer This is proved 1 Because our Saviour although his manhood was sustained in his sufferings by the infinite and almighty power of his God-head complained notwithstanding that his soule was oppressed with that â—orrow which lay upon it even unto death Mat. 26.38 2 Because our Saviour though he were of infinite power yet needed the ministry of an Angell to strengthen him in his agony Luke 22.43 3 Because our Saviour in that agony wherein he was before he was betrayed into his enemies hands was so strongly wrought upon by his sorrowes and inward sufferings that it bred amazement in him and drew strong cryes from him and tears from his eyes and drops of sweat like unto clots of blood from his whole body Mat. 14.33 Heb. 5.7 Luke 22.44 4 Because the greatnesse of our Saviours sufferings on the Crosse deprived him of the present fence of his Fathers gracious presence with him and supportance of him in his sufferings All which plainly testifie the unexpressable sorrowes and inward sufferings of our blessed Saviour Mat. 27.46 Question What outward sufferings did our Saviour indure Answer He indured scornings and scourgings and death Question How was our Saviour put to death Answer He was crucified Was crucified and so he dyed John 19.18 Question VVhat doe you mean when you say that he was crucified Answer I mean that he was nailed unto the Crosse Acts 10.39 Question VVas crucifying an ordinary kinde of death among the Jews Answer No It was a shamefull and most accursed kinde of death due onely to notorious wicked persons Mat. 27.38 Question VVhy would our Saviour die so shamefull and an accursed kind of death Answer That he might bear our shame and be made a curse for us that so we may be freed from the curse of sin and wrath of God through him Gal. 3.13 Question Was our Saviours death altogether enforced by the torment which he endured on the Crosse Answer No it partly proceeded from his own will for when he endured such deadly torments as were inflicted on him he then willingly gave up his Spirit into the hands of his Father and so he dyed Dead John 10.17 18. Luke 23.46 Question How could our Saviour be crucified and dye seeing he was truly God Answer Because he was truly man also and so suffered and dyed according to the infirmity of his flesh 1 Pet. 3.18 Question To what end did our Saviour endure all these inward and outward sufferings of which you have spoken Answer That he might be an allsufficient propitiation for the sins of the world that so whosoever believeth in him should receive remission of sins and be delivered from the wrath to come 1 John 2.2 Acts 13.33 39. 1 Thes 1.10 Question How could our Saviour being but one be an allsufficient propitiation for the sins of the world Answer Because he was the onely begotten Sonne of God God and man in one person and there was a person of more worth and value then the whole world 1 John 1.14 1 Pet. 1.19 Question What became of our Saviours body after his death Answer It was taken down from the Crosse and buried And buried Acts 13.29 Question Who buried the body of our Saviour Answer Joseph of Arimethea a wise Counsellor and Nicodemus after they had imbalmed it with spices buried it in a new Tomb which Joseph had hewn out of a rock for himselfe John 19.38 39. Question Was our Saviour willing by these steps of his Crucifying death and buriall to be brought unto his grave Answer He descended into hell Yes doubtlesse for he was not meerly by force
they have so blessed a communion with him that he is not ashamed to be called their God and to acknowledge them to be his people To be called their Father and to acknowledge them to be his children Heb. 11.16 2 Cor. 6.16 18. Question Have the Saints a speciall communion with our Lord Jesus Christ Answer Yes for he is their head husband redeemer Lord and advocate and they are his members his spouse his redeemed his subjects and those for whom he prayeth unto his Father Eph. 1.22 John 19.25 Phil. 4.23 1 John 2.1 1 Cor. 12.27 Psal 45.13 14. Rev. 5.9 Heb. 7.25 Col. 1.5 Question Have the Saints an especiall fellowship among themselves Answer Yes for they are fellow citizens fellow servants fellow brethren and fellow members which joyfull communion worketh in them brotherly love a compassionate consideration of anothers estate mutuall prayers and a mercifull reliefe of anothers necessities whether worldly or spirituall Eph. 2.19 1 Pet. 2.17 Rom. 12.5 Heb. 13.1 Rom. 12.15 1 Cor. 12.26 James 5.16 2 Cor. 9. Heb. 10.24 Question How is this joyfull communion of Saints wrought which they have with God the Father with our Lord Jesus Christ and among themselves Answer It is wrought by the communion of the holy Ghost who being one with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ is one also in all the Saints and so joyneth them together in this heavenly and spirituall fellowship 2 Cor. 13.13 2 John 5.7 1 Cor. 12.13 Question Are no wicked men of this fellowship Answer No this is onely the communion of Saints Question How can you believe that the Saints shall ever be admitted into the fellowship with God and Christ seeing the best of them are guilty of many sins Answer Because I believe the forgivenesse of sins The forgivenesse of sins Question VVhat mean you when you say I believe the forgivenesse of sins Answer I mean that I doe believe that the Lord God neither doth nor will deale with all men in the strictnesse of his Justice remembring and taking vengeance on their sins but that he doth and will in his abundant mercy in Jesus Christ forgive the sins of those his people which believe on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Psal 30.3 4. Dan. 9.9 Psalme 103.10 Luke 24.47 Question What is sin Answer It 's the transgression of the Law Gods revealed will either in thought word or deed by doing what he forbiddeth or not doing what he commandeth 1 John 3.4 Acts 8.22 James 3.2 Ephes 4.9 James 2.11.3.17 Question What is the forgivenesse of sins Answer It is the Lords acquitting of a man from the guilt and punishment of his sins in Jesus Christ Rom. 8.33 34. Isa 53.5 Eph. 1.7 Question Is forgivenesse of sins onely to be had in Jesus Christ Answer Yes he alone hath born our sins and the punishment due to them and therefore in him alone we are and can be justified from all our sins and freed from the punishment of them and so brought to receive the forgivenesse of sins Isa 53.10 Acts 13.38.39 Question Who are they that receive forgivenesse of sins in Jesus Christ Answer All those who confessing and forsaking their sins rest by faith on our Saviours allsufficient Sacrifice the blessed means appointed by God for the purging of us from all our sins Prov. 28.18 1 John 1.9 Rom. 3.25 Heb. 9.12.26 Question When doe those who believe in Jesus Christ receive the forgivenesse of their sins Answer They receive forgivenesse of their sins so soon as they truly believe in Jesus Christ the which forgivenesse of sins is continually applied unto them by the continuance of their faith but they receive the full effect and benefit of the forgivenesse of their sins at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Acts 13.39 Heb. 10.38 39. Acts 3.19 Question Do those who believe in Christ Jesus barely receive forgivenesse of sins in him Answer No when as any one by faith partaketh of the forgivenesse of his sins in Jesus Christ then is he also accepted of God for righteous in him who is made unto him of God righteousnesse Phil. 3.9 1 Cor. 1.30 Question Doe the faithfull Children of God after their death reap any benefit of the forgivenesse of their sins and of their acceptation with God Answer Yes for their spirits are immediately after their death received into blisse by our Saviour Jesus and their bodies shall be perfectly glorified with him at his appearing Luke 23.43 Heb. 12.23 Col. 3.4 Question How can you be assured that the bodies of believing Saints shall be perfected in glory at our Saviours appearing seeing their bodies after their death are consumed in the earth Answer Because I believe the resurrection of the body The Resurrection of the body Question What mean you when you say I believe the resurrection of the body Answer I mean that I am assured that the bodies of all such men and women and Children as have dyed or shall dye before the last day shall rise again out of the dust of the earth and by the union of their souls unto them shall be made to live again 1 Cor. 15. Question What is it that worketh this assurance in you Answer This assurance of the resurrection is wrought me 1 By the word of God wherein it is plainly testified Isa 26.19 Dan. 12.2 2 By the consideration of Gods power whereby it shall be effected Rev. 20.12 Mat. 12.19 3 By the belief of our Saviours resurrection whereby it is sealed and confirmed 1 Cor. 15.12.16 Question Doe you believe that the same bodies which dye shall rise again and live Answer Yes I assure my self that God will not give new bodies but at the resurrection will restore the very same bodies to the Children of men which they formerly lived in Job 19.26 27. 1 Cor. 6.15 Question Shall the bodies of the Children of men at the resurrection be of the same condition that now they are of Answer No for the bodies of men which are now subject to death shall after the resurrection be no more subject thereto and the bodies of Saints which are now weak and vile shall in the resurrection be made conformable to the glorious body of our Lord Jesus Christ being freed from all those infirmities which doe now accompany flesh and blood Luke 20.36 2 Cor. 15 42 43 44. Phil. 3.20 Question When shall this resurrection of the body be A. At the last day when our Lord Jesus Christ shall come to judge the quick and the dead Q. What shall become of the Saints after the resurrection The life everlasting A. They shall be put into the possession of life everlasting Q. What doe you understand by life by the life everlasting A. I doe understand thereby a glorious estate of heavenly and perfect blessednesse wherein the Saints shall live for ever Joâ— 7.22 3.2 1 Th. 4.17 Q Shall none of the wicked partake of everlasting life A. No all unrepentant wicked men shall
3 Works of charity as visiting the sick administring to laying up for the necessities of those that be in distresse 1 Cor. 16.2 5 Much adoe there is about a Sabbath day and Sabbath duties and they that account fellowship with God a heavy burden are glad they have this to say that learned men differ that so they may better take leave to doe what they list and be far from God without the condemnation of men but they that love that life that we shall lead in heaven will be glad to live with God one day in a week here at least in some degree as they look to live with him every day hereafter RULES FOR A Christian Carriage EVERY DAY 1 A Wake with God giving him thanks in thy first thoughts for the rest of the night and craving his presence for the occasions of the day Parents look their Children should doe their duty to them in the morning when they see them first so when we are first awakened and look up God that is ever before us and whom whensoever our eyes be open we should think we see ought to be reverently and dutifully acknowledged 2 If there be much busines let not prayer be omitted that the businesse may be dispatched that is as if a man having a long journey to goe should hasten out a foot and not stay to make ready his Horse for it is God that must carry us along in all our businesses but rise the sooner that the duty of prayer may first be performed rather out of sleep then put off prayer Mark 1.35 for all prosperity comes from this I am with thee Gen. 39.5 And how shall God be obtained if he be not sought Luke 11.9 3 Betake thy self to thy private prayers before thou enter upon the world for thy heart will hardly be with God wholly and fully if thy worldly occasions have taken possession of it formerly 4 Let Family exercises be performed either the first time thou canst take or the fittest time thou canst choose 5 As for worldly employment 1 See thou have a Calling it being not enough that thou be about some work or some good work but this also being required that thou be about that good work which God committeth to thee to doe John 17.4 for God gives to every servant of his his work Mark 13.34 2 Thy works and occasions being such as thou art called to Be about them 1 diligently a good Christian should not be a bad husband Prov. 27.23 Eph. 4.28 2 Justly and conscionably A good husband should not be a bad Christian nor any way defraud or over-reach his brother 1 Thes 4.6 3 Discreetly for he that handleth a matter wisely shall find good Prov. 16.20 Eccles 9.10 4 Faithfully and with a dependance upon God notwithstanding all thy wit and care for he that trusteth in the Lord happy is he Prov. 16.20 6. When thou art alone hate vaine thoughts Psal 119.113 when thou art in company let thy communication be such as if Jesus Christ were at thy heels ready to overtake thee and to ask what communications are these that ye have one with another while ye wake together Luke 24.17 and whether thou be alone or in company let thy carriage be ordered with such respect unto that God in whose presence thou art that thy tongue and thy doings may not be against him to provoke the eyes of his glory Isa 3.8 Generally be such in company as that thou maist with comfort remember thy carriage when thou art alone and such alone as that thou mayest with credit declare thy carriage when thou art in company 7 Take a view at night of the passages of the day which would best be done by putting them down in writing particularly in that view consider thy dealing and Gods dealing 1 Thy dealing and in what 1 Thy sins and any evill thou hast done as carefull men write down every debt that they may mind it and pay it so do tender Christians take notice and rather then faile a note of their sins that they may not be out of their remembrance and that they may take the next opportunity for repentance wherein be thou so far from deferring as to resolve for every evill of the day that upon the review smites thy heart and clogs thy conscience to judge thy selfe before thou sleepest that if thou shouldst never awake till the day of Judgement yet at that day thou mayest not be condemned of the Lord thou having before hand judged and condemned thy selfe 1 Cor. 11.31 2 Thy good deeds for as thou art to recount thy sin because thou art a debtor in it so any good deed because thou art a debtor for it and God without whom thou canst doe nothing John 15.5 should not want the due praise of thy well doing Howbeit it is fit also that thou shouldst observe that good that is in thee that thou maist not want the comfort of it but maist support thy selfe with it when thy heart is sad with sin and vert with Satan 2 Gods dealing what God by his providence reproves in thee one day rush not upon it the next and in that which thou findest God according to his word to countenance be thou constant let the affâ—ictions of the day make thee more carefull and fearfull of sin and the mercies more chearfull and forward in service COUNSELL FOR A Christian Carriage TAsk thy selfe in businesse Stint thy selfe in pleasure Take heed that these two never meet together A loose life and a light heart but when the carriage is loose let the heart be laden When thou differest from others in thy education see that thou differ from them in thy conversation that being so much holier then they as thy education hath been better The mind is the guid of the tongue therefore consider before thou speak The tongue is the messenger of the heart therefore as oft as thou speakst without meditation going before so oft the messenger runs without errand Let not pleasure steal away the mind from businesse but let businesse win and wean the mind from pleasure After good education take heed of the first errors lest the virginity and tendernesse of conscience being taken away it grow bold and impudent in evill FINIS A Table of the chief Heads handled in the foregoing Tract WOrks of the Devill p. 21 Pride 23 Anger Envy Malice 24 Anger 25 Filthy and unclean thoughts 26 Swearing and cursing 28 Helps against swearing and cursing 30 Lying a work of the Devill 34 In what cases lying is to be watcht against especially 36 Helps against the works of the Devil 38 Opposing the truth of God a work of the Devill 40 Opposing the children of God a work of the Devill 42 Generall helps to free men from the works of the Devill 44 Pomps and vanities of the world 46 Helps against them 48 The sinfull lusts of the flesh 50 Reasons of forsaking the works of the flesh 52 In what manner we must forsake the Devill the world and the flesh 54 Of the Christian faith 56 What it is to believe the Articles of Christian faith 58 Helps for the applying Christ to our own soules 62 The use of our believing the Articles of the Christian faith 64 What Gods will is and what to keep it 66 What to keep Gods will and commandement 68 The use of Gods word c. and how it must be heard 70 The manner of the right receiving of the Lords Supper 72 The manner how to pray and to fast aright 74 Vowing 78 Rules for vowing 79 The duty of simpathising 82 Rules for Edifying 84 Almes giving 85 Almes giving and mourning for the sins of the times 86 Helps to mourn for the Sins of the times 88 Of the Sabbath and morality thereof 90 Of the Sabbath and the duties thereof 94 Helps for sanctifying the Sabbath 96 Christian duties to be done in the week dayes 100 Rules of Resolution concerning 6 dayes Sermons 102 Opportunities of hearing discovered by conscience 104 Opportunities of hearing discovered by providence 106 Of reading and Christan conference 108 Of christian conference and daily payer 110 Of prayer in the family 112 Helps to establish a course of family prayer 114 Every one must have a calling 118 What calling to chuse 121 Whether a man may change his calling 122 How to be conversant about a mans calling 124 Recreation allowed and how far 126 Rules for Recreation 128 Of playing for money 130 Of our carriage alone 134 Helps against vile thoughts when we be alone 136 How to take care of our carriage in company 138 Rules for company 140 Duties to Superiours 142 Duties to superiours and inferiors 144 Of our carriage towards equalls 146 Of our carriage towards friends 148 Of our carriage toward enemies and strangers 150 Rules for our carriage in regard of our selves 152 Rules concerning meats and drinks 154 Whether lawfull to drink healths 156 Rules for apparell 160 Of fashions of attire 162 Against pride and vanity in apparell 164 Rules for a good carriage in prosperity 168 Rules for a good carrage in adversity 172 Directions for a good carriage in spirituall afflictions 174 Helps for our carriage in temptations 176 A comfort in all afflictions 178 Common breaches of the 1 Commandement 180 Common breaches of the 2 Com. 182 Common breaches of the 3 Com. 186 Common breaches of the 4 Com. 188 Common breaches of the 5 Com. 192 Common breaches of the 6 Com. 198 Common breaches of the 7 Com. 202 Common breaches of the 8 Com. 206 Common breaches of the 9 Com. 212 Common breaches of the last Com. 217 Infallible signes of a sincere heart 223 The first principles and most fundamentall points of Religion opened 234 Rules for a Christian way 299 Rules for the Sabbath-day 305 Rules for a christian carriage every day 310 Counsell for a christian carriage 317. FINIS