bearing no other but his image and superscription But Lord doe thou deface that cursed image blot out that superscription dissolue in vs the malicious worke of the Diuell Let the old man of corruption bee dispossessed by the new man of grace and the strong man of sinne by the stronger man of thy spirit Let no sinne O Lord haue dominion ouer vs mortifie in vs the whole body of death crucifie and put to shamefull death our speciall corruptions shew vs the ougly face of sinne grant that we may see it as thou seest it and hate it with a perfect hatred euen as thou abhorrest it Yea let vs see thee O Christ whom we haue perced with our sinnes bleeding with the wounds thou hast receaued from vs that wee may iustly detest both our sinnes as the weapons and our selues as the traitors that haue slaine our Sauiour On the contrary side good Lord renew thine owne image in vs. Enlighten our darke minds with the knowledge of thy truth mollifie our hard hearts with the oyle of thy grace reuiue our dead consciences with the soule of new life that liuing in the spirit we may also walke in the spirit Plant in vs faith without presumption loâ—e without dâ—ssimulation feare without infidelitie zeale without hyprocri ie knowledge without pride puritie without iudgeing Giue vs wisdome ioined with simplicitie courage accompanied with meekenesse cheerefulnesse tempered with sobrietie and let euery grace in vs be graced with humilitie Fill vs with all the fruits of a liuely and sauing faith working by loue let the fire thereof flame in our hearts and the light thereof shine in our liues to the praise of thy name and the comfort of our consciences And thus without ceasing lead vs forward to perfection guiding vs by thy grace and after bringing vs to thy glorie And now O Lord hauing in the first place sought thy kingdome and righteousnesse giue vs leaue in the next place to seek thy fauour in outward things Be with vs this night O Lord to watch ouer vs for good and not for euill Let it bee our comfort that thou seest vs in the darke and takest knowledge of vs when wee are vnmindfull of our selues But aboue all things keepe vs euen in our sleepe from being vnmindfull of thee Let our hearts alwaies bee awake and keepe thy watch O Lord euen as wee would thou shouldst keepe a watch ouer vs that whensoeuer thou shalt call for vs by the generall alarum of iudgement or the particular summons of our death whether at midnight or at the cocke crowing or at the dawning of the day we may bee found ready to accompany our heauenly bridegroome In the meane time sanctifie the blessing of sleepe vnto vs that the rest of the night may make vs fit for the labour of the day and night day being spent in thy seruice may prepare vs for that day of thine which shall neuer giue place to night Lastlie seeing thou hast vouchsafed this honour to thy seruants on earth to make intercession vnto thee one for another wee commend vnto thy maiestie the care of thy whole Church and of all our fellow members in the bodie of Christ Cause theÌ„ all in thy due time to be brought forth fashioned and perfected according to the image of Christ our head Let the Angell neuer cease flying with the euerlasting Gospell to enlighten them that sit in darknesse to preach good tidings to the poore to binde vp the broken hearted to proclaime libertie vnto the captiues till Babilon be quite ruined and thy Ierusalem bee reared vp and finished To this end blesse all Christian Princes and States by name thy seruant Iames our Soueraigne with our gracious Queene the royall children and as thou hast crowned them with worldly honour vpon earth so direct them vnto that more glorious crowne in heauen Make them strong and faithfull to maintaine the crowne dignitie of thy sonne that vnder his protection they may happily raigne and execute iudgement Assist with thy counsell the Honorable priuie Counsellors adorne the Nobles with spirituall nobilitie prosper the worke of thy Gospell in the hands of thy seruants the Ministers and the affaires of Iustice in the hands of the Magistrates Vouchsafe to take speciall notice from vs of those whom thou hast specially recommended to vs and to them and vs and all that desire to feare thy name grant all the blessings of mercie and peace in Iesus Christ our onely blessed Sauiour to whom with thee and thine eternall Spirit O Father be all honour obedience and thanksgiuing throughout all generations Amen A priuate Prayer for the pardon of sinne and for the fauour of God O Lord God mighty in power excellent in Maiestie righteous in iudgement rich in mercie Thou art so farre from despising and driuing from thee a weake vile sinfull wretch as I am that thou callest and drawest such vnto thee Vnto thee therefore the God that hearest the prayer I am bold to approch in the name of thy Sonne my Lord Iesus Christ beseeching thee to hold out the golden scepter of thy grace and to admit me into thy presence Let thy power not dismay but strengthen my weakenes Let thy glorie not confound but couer my vilenesse let thy puritie not pursue but purge my wickednesse let the riches of thy mercie not disdaine but take pittie of my pouertie and wretchednesse O Lord I can plead nothing but miserie in my selfe to make way vnto thy mercie from thee alone must all motiues vnto compassion be drawne For till thou didst miraculously create mee I was without any being and if in the state of creation thou sawest any thing in my nature it was thine owne and not mine But woe is mee O Lord that which I could not giue vnto my selfe I did by sinning against thee in Adam take from my selfe and deface thaâ— holy image of thine which was all the contentment thy spirit had in me and all the reioicing I could haue in my selfe And so haue I imitated the patterne of that first sinne in the dayes of my vanitie that thy spirit hath found no matter but of strife and contention with me My whole nature hath been an armorie of weapons an armie of souldiers to fight against thee And how that wicked warre hath been waged by malicious thoughts words and workes prouoking the eyes of thy glorie my conscience in great part witnesseth and thou O Lord that art greater then my conscience canst better tell Yea since the time that I was called by thy mighty word and powerfull grace to some beginnings of new obedience thy spirit hath beene put to continuall strife within me My corrupt flesh hath still maintained a rebellious partie against thee and I my selfe which is the height of shamefull trecherie taking part with it haue giuen the repulse and foyle vnto thy good spirit I ought to haue serued thee in holinesse but I haue caused thee to serue by my sinnes and
THE GVIDE VNTO TRVE BLESSEDNESSE OR A BODY OF THE DOctrine of the Scriptures directing man to the sauing knowledge of GOD. Collected By SAM CROOKE 2. TIM 3.15 Thou hast knowne the holy Scriptures of a Child which are able to make thee wise vnto saluation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus LONDON Printed by Iohn Pindley for Nathaniel Butter and are to be sold at his shop neere S. Austins gate at the signe of the Pyed Bull. 1613. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL SIR ARTHVR CAPELL Knight his singular good Patrone the Author wisheth what the worke describeth TO whome vnder Christ should I render this account of my poore labours in my charge but vnto your selfe Right worshipfull by whose meanes the Lord vouchsafed mee so free and comfortable an entrance therein to Jt is the Lord Iesus the doore of the sheepe of whom you haue obtayned this mercie rather to be among few a faithfull dorekeeper in his house then to dwell with manie in the Simoniacall tabernacles of wickednesse Neither shall it euer repent you that you haue not drunke of those stollen waters or rather of that blood of soules wherewith too manie in these gold-thirstie daies doe purchase Aceldama vnto them and theirs Let others enrich themselues with the wages of vnrighteousnesse let them make their boast of their couetous desire and blesse themselues in their contempt of the Lord but let the Lord keep this for euer in the purpose of the hearts of his seruants to deale faithfully and vprightlie in so honourable and weightie a trust And let such as haue found this blessing in these corrupt daies to haue a free accesse to the worke and charge of the ministerie thankfullie acknowledge the same both to God and man Amongst whome I gladlie professe my selfe to be one and therefore to the honour of God and the iust acknowledgement of your Christian integritie I commend this worke to your worthy name and Patronage your example to the memorie and imitation of posteritie your selfe with all your Worshipfull familie to the holie direction and safe tuition of Almightie God Your worships in Christ euer bounden SAM CROOKE TO THE CHRISTIAN READERS especially those of my charge the inhabitants of Wrington in Somersetshire Christian Reader BLessednesse is the Alpha and Omega of Man the beginning of nature and the end of Grace The naturall Philosopher in his inquest of Happinesse laieth this ground Arist Ethiâ— lib. 1. cap. 1 that All things desire that which either in trueth or in opinion is good for them and that onely is good which tendeth vnto the onely good the vttermost end and perfection of their seuerall natures But where Philosophie ends Religion begins or rather where Reason failes Grace supplies proclaiming all that nature in the blindnesse of Corruption accounts excellent to be vanitie of vanities Eccl. 1.2 and the end of all and whole of man Eccl. 12.13 14. to be the feare of God and the keeping of his Commandements And that with respect to the last Iudgement wherein all workes of men whether good or euill though neuer so secret shall come to light and triall and receiue their due reward Yea so farre was nature in staken in the matter of Blessednesse that it could not truely define so much as the happinesse and perfection of the brute creature which the Scripture sheweth to be the Reuelation and glorious Redemption of the Sonnes of God Rom. 8.19 21. Wherefore as it is euident in nature that all men seeke blessednesse so it is apparant in experience that there is no man that can attaine thereto without a supernaturall guide without which wee see that touching Blessednesse there are as many mindes as men and as many waies as wits euery one crossing another and so all prouing that all are insufficient For this cause I haue framed this Treatise for a direction to that which all men seeke and so few finde Wherein from the ground of nature Ioh. 1.9 as of that light which enlightneth euery man that commeth into the world I endeuor to raise the building of sauing knowledge Although to speake properly the light of nature sheweth rather the necessitie then the way to sauing knowledge and is a ground rather of enquirie then of attaining thereto For all that nature can truely determine and articulatelie pronounce concerning this matter is that Blessednesse is to bee sought and such a blessednesse as may sort with the nature of man the seeker especially in regard of his better part which is his soule The rest well may shee stammer at as that the soule is not onely a reasonable but also a religious and immortall spirit and therefore cannot be blessed without the euerlasting fellowship and fauour of God to whom shee is by band of conscience obliged But plainelie to vtter these more then metaphysicall trueths is of such onely whose tongue-string is loosed and to whom the Lord hath said Ephphata be opened Mar. 7.34 35. And with this helpe Reason it selfe will yet goe further and say that the meanes of acquaintance and fellowship with God can be no other then those which himselfe affordeth and namely his Word the onely infallible Index of the minde of the speaker and therefore it cannot but reiect as vncertain and vnsafe whatsoeuer the presumptuous boldnesse of flesh and blood obtrudeth against or besides this rule And yet further touching the triall of this touchstone whether it be the word of God or no Reason it selfe will acknowledge that whatsoeuer inducements may bee from the authoritie of those whom we credit and respect none but God himselfe can thoroughly resolue vs of it and that either by the apparant traces of diuine maiestie in the letter of the Scripture or by the secret testimonie of the same Spirit that inspired it inclining the heart of the reader or hearer to embrace and subscribe vnto the authoritie of it So that now the true beleeuer may say vnto the Church as those Conuerts to the woman of Samaria Now wee beleeue not because of thy saying Ioh. 4.42 for wee haue heard him our selues Vnto reason thus enlightened or willing thus to be enlightened I hope my manner of proceeding in this Treatise will seeme reasonable wherein I haue with the vttermost of my poore abilitie faithfully endeuoured to comprise the whole bodie of the heauenly doctrine of the Scriptures and that in such a methode as vpon long and serious pensitation I haue iudged most meete to bring light to the matter and ease both for vnderstanding and memorie to the Reader A subiect I grant not of so pleasing a straine either to the writer or to the reader as some other treatises which afford more libertie of inuention and discourse But I haue learned of the blessed Apostle of the Gentiles Phil. 3.1 not to be greeued to write these same seeming triuiall things vnto you knowing that euen from these things is the experience best taken of Christ speaking in
coessentiall and coequall to wit the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What is the Father A. The first person in the Trinitie c Ioh. 5.26 hauing foundation of personall subsistence from none other Q. What is the Sonne A. The second person d Ioh. 5.26 hauing foundation of personall subsistence from the Father e Psal 2.7 Pro. 8.22 c of whom he is eternally begotten Q. What is the holy Ghost A The third person hauing foundation of personall subsistence from the Father and the Sonne f Ioh. 14.26 15.26 from both whom he eternally proceedeth Q How may the distinction of these persons he conceiued A. 1 In relation and order of subsistence betwixt themselues as hath beene shewed 2 In order and manner of working in the creatures wherein 1 The a Ioh. 5.17 19 original of the action is ascribed to the Father 2 The b Ioh. 1.3 Heb. 1.2 wisedome and manner of working to the Sonne 3 The c Gen. 1.2 1. Cor. 12.11 efficacie of operation to the holy Ghost In a word God the Father in the Sonne by the holy Ghost worketh all things SECT III. Of the doctrine of the Scriptures touching the workes of God and first touching his eternall decree Q. VVHat are wee taught in Scripture concerning the workes of God A. That God d Psal 135.6 Eph. 1.11 as from eternitie he decreed so in time and euerlastingly hee accomplisheth all things vnto the full execution of that his decree Q. How may we take a view of the workes of God A. 1 Generally in all his creatures 2 Specially in the chiefe of his creatures Viz. Angels and Men. Q. What is the decree of God concerning all creatures A. It is his eternall and vnchangeable counsell and purpose a Prou 6.4 Rom. 11.36 fore-ordaining all things vnto his own glory Q. What is the decree of God touching Angels and men A. It is his free appointment b 1. Thes 5.9 fore-ordaining them to a certaine and euerlasting estate for his owne glory Q. What is that euerlasting estate A. It is two fold according to the c Ibid. parts of this his decree which are 1. Election that is d 1. Tim. 5.21 appointment of some Angels and men vnto e Rom. 9.23 euerlasting glorie and blessednesse for the a Ephes 1.6 praise of his goodnes 2 Reprobation that is b Mat. 25.41 Rom 9.21 2. Tim. 2.20 appointment of some Angels and men vnto euerlasting dishonour for the glorie of his iustice SECT IIII. Of the execution of Gods decree and first of Creation Q. HOw doth God execute this his decree A. By 2. actions viz. Creation and Prouidence Q. What is Creation A. The c Gen. 1. Heb. 11.3 making of all things of nothing very good in the first sixe daies of the world Q. How did God create Angels A. He made them all at the first d Col. 1.16 very good and glorious spirits yet e Iob 4.18 mutable Q. When did God create man A. In the f Gen. 1.25 sixt last day of creation Q. How and whereof did God make man A. 1 Hee formed his a Gen. 2.7 bodie of the dust of the earth 2 He b Ibid. breathed in his face the breath of life so making him a liuing soule Q. How many of mankinde did God create at the first A. 1 Onely c Gen â— 7 one man Adam 2 Out of him and for him d Oc. 2.5 â—â— Mal. 2.15 one woman Eue so made he them Male and Female SECT V. Of Prouidence sustaining disposing and employing all creatures especially Angels Q. THus farre of Creation what is Prouidence A. The continual care which God exerciseth vpon his creatures once made e Psal 119.91 for the sustaining and disposing of them Q. How doth God sustaine all creatures A. He vpholdeth them all in their being a Heb. 1.3 by his mighty word and that Partly by the continuation of particulars either for the whole time of this world as b 2. Pet. 3.4 heauen and heauenly bodies earth and other elements c. or for the time of life allotted as all c Psal 36.6 104.27 c liuing creatures Partly by propagation of kinde wherby d Gen. 7.3 8.21 22 creatures euen of shortest continuance doo successiuely abide vnto the end of the world Q. How are Angels vpheld in their being A. They are all sustained by the power of God so that they shall e Luk. 20.36 neuer dye or returne to nothing Q. How are men vpheld A. Two waies and first as all other bodily creatures partly by maintenance of f Act 17.28 Psal 36.6 1 Tim. 4 10 euery mans life here on earth for the time allotted by God himselfe partly by g Gen. 1.28 Eccl. 1.4 propagation of kinde vnto the end of the world through the blessing of procreation Q. How secondly A. As Angels after a sort God so prouiding that when the a Eccl. 12.7 bodie of man returneth to the earth from whence it was taken yet the soule perisheth not but returneth to God that gaue it yea that the b Iob. 19 26 27. same body also and euery part thereof is preserued in the graue and shall bee ioyned entire to the soule at the last day so to continue for euer as shall be shewed Q. How doth God dispose of his creatures A. He guideth and employeth them to those seuerall ends and vses whereby they may best c Psal 119 91 serue vnto his glorie and the good of themselues and of their follow creatures d Psal 8. especially of man Q. How doth God dispose of Angels A. Two wayes the first respecting their euerlasting condition the second their emploiment Q. How did God dispose of Angels in regard of their euerlasting condition A. Diuersly according to the parts of his fore-mentioned decree for first he suffered the Reprobate Angels a 2. Pet. 2 4 voluntarily and maliciously without any temptation to fall into that impardonable sinne of b Jude 6. Apostasio and so into damnation irrecouerably who are called Diuels reserued in euerlasting chaines vnder darknesse vnto the Iudgement of the great day Q. How did God dispose of elect Angels A. He confirmed them in their well-being that they might c Mat. 18.10 neuer fall by sinne from their first blessed estate which are called d 2. Cor. 11.19 Angels of light e Iob 1.6 sonnes of God f Luk. 2.13 heauenly souldiours c. Q. How doth God employ Angels A. He vseth them all g Iob. 1.6 both good and euill Angels as his seruants and ministers for the accomplishment of his will and worke Q. How are good Angels employed A. 1. To be as a h Heb. 1.14 Psal 34.7 â—1 11 guard and garrison vnto the Elect of mankinde for their comfort and protection 2. To i 2. Kin. 19.35 resist and punish the
b Gen. 5.3 6.3 image of Adam the c Ephes 4.22 old man the d Joh. 3.6 flesh c. Viz. the e Rom. 5.12 state 1. Of sinne 2 By for sinne of death Q. What is Sinne A. A f 1. Ioh. 3.4 sweruing from the law of God making the sinner g Gen. 4.7 guiltie before God and liable to the curse of the law Q. How is mankinde in the state of sinne since the fall A. Euery one naturally descending from Adam besides the guilt of that first sinne committed in Paradise 1. Is a Psal 51.5 conceiued and borne in originall corruption 2. Liuing in this world sinneth also b Gen. 6.5 Esa 48.8 actually yea of himselfe c Jer 13.23 Mat. 7.18 can doe nothing but sinne d Tit. 1.15 neither is any thing pure vnto him Q. What is originall corruption A. It is the defacing of Gods image consisting chiefely in wisedome and holinesse and the impression of the contrarie e Ioh. 8.41 c. image of Satan called f Rom. 7.7 Jam. 1.14 Concupiscence consisting 1. In an vtter g Rom. 7.18 disabilitie and h 8.7 enmitie vnto that which is good 2. In i Rom. 7.14 pronenesse vnto all manner euill Q. In what part of our nature doth it abide A. In the whole man and euery part 1. k Eph. 4.17 18 19. Darkening or l Esay 44.20 misleading the vnderstanding 2 m T it 1 15 Ephes 4.19 Benumming or n Mar. 10.20 1. Cor. 8.7 abusing the conscience 3 a Rom. 7.23 Rom 6.10 Enthralling and b Ephes 4.18 hardening the will 4. c Iam. 4.1 Gal. 5.17 Iob 15.16 Disturbing and disordering the affections 5. Finally making the bodily sences and members Either 1. As d Mat 5.29 30 Porters to let in sinne or 2. As e Ro. 6.12 13 3.13 c. Instruments to execute it Q. Is the image of God then wholly defaced in man A. No. For he f Iam. 3.9 remaineth still a creature reasonable and capable of grace hauing the same parts and faculties he had before and in them some reliques of Gods image as in the vnderstanding g Joh. 1.9 some light in the conscience sometimes h Rom 2.15 right iudgement in the will i Rom. 2.14 some libertie to good and euill in naturall and ciuill actions and freedome in all things from compulsion c. Q. What is actuall sinne A. It is sinne committed k Rom. 5.14 after the manner of Adams transgression to wit a particular breach of Gods law leauing a a Ier. 13.23 staine in the soule which polluteth the sinner and disposeth him to further euill Q. How is such sinne committed A. Two wayes Viz. by 1. Omission of duety required 2. Commission of euill forbidden whether it be 1. Inwardly in the b Gen. 6.5 Mat. 15.19 vnderstanding will or affections or 2. Outwardly in c Esay 3 8. word or deed Q. By what degrees doe men proceed in the committing of actuall sinne A. d 2. Sam. 11.2 Temptation offered e Psal 7.14 Jam. 1.14.15 concupiscence taking liking conceiueth wherevpon ensueth the committing or birth of sinne by custome and continuance wherein the heart finally is f Heb. 3 13 hardened Q. What are the different kindes of actuall sinne A. They are many but wee may reduce them to these fiue Viz. 1. g Esay 6.5 Partaking with others sinnes 2. h Psal 19.12 Sinnes of ignorance or of an i 1. Cor. 8.7 erring conscience 3. a Rom. 7.19 Sinnes of knowledge through infirmitie 4. b Psal 19.13 50.21 Eccle. 8.11 Sinnes of Presumption and obstinacie 5. c Heb. 6.4.5 6 10.29 Mar. 3.29 30. The impardonable sinne against the holy Ghost Q. Doe all naturall men alike commit all these kindes of sinne A. No for though d Rom. 7.14 all are alike disposed vnto all manner euill hauing in their corrupt nature the seedes of euery sinne yet doth God for the good of humane societie restraine many from notorious crimes by e Ro. 13.3.4.5 feare of shame and punishment desire of honour and reward c. Q. How doth God employ men in this state of sinne A. 1. Hee guideth them partly by the f Ro 2.14.13 Joh. 1.9 light of nature and partly by g Esay 44.28 common graces of the Spirit vnto many actions profitable for humane societie and for the outward seruice of God 2. Hee h Act. 3.18 4 27.28 ouer-ruleth their euill and sinfull actions so that thereby they bring to passe nothing but what his hand and counsell had before determined for his owne glorie SECT IX Of the second Consequent of the Fall viz. Death and of the Leauing of Reprobates in this fearefull state Q. HOw is man by sinne in the state of death A. By the iust sentence of God deliuering him a Rom. 5.12 for sinne into the power both of corporall and eternall death signified by b Ge. 3.22 c expelling our parents out of Paradise and debarring them of the Sacramentall tree of Life Q. What are we to vnderstand by corporall death A. The c Gen. 3.19 Eccl. 12.7 separation of the soule and bodie with all euils that attend thereon or make way thereto as d Deut. 28.15 c. sorrow sicknesse shame seruitude penurie c. yea euen c Mal. 3.2 Psal 69.22 blessings are cursed and a Psal 69.22 prosperitie causeth ruine Q. What is eternall death A. It is the finall b 2. Thes 1.9 separation of the whole man in hell for euer from Gods fauourable presence and fellowship together with present c 2. Tim. 2.26 Ephes 2.2 bondage vnder Satan d Heb. 10 27 Esay 33.14 hellish horrors and such like fore-runners of damnation Q. By what law doth God proceede in this punishment A. By the law of workes first written in the heart of Adam and vttered to his eare in Paradise and since more solemnely published and fully expressed by Moses and the Prophets e Deu. 29. â—6 Rom. 1.31 3 20. for the discouerie of sinne and the punishment due thereto Q. How commeth it to passe that the reprobate abide without recouerie in this state of sinne and death A. Because f Act. 17.30 14.16 the Lord doth not grant vnto them the benefite of Redemption and grace of faith and repentance vnto life but suffereth them to runne on in sinne deseruedly vnto condemnation Q. How doth God suffer them so to runne into condemnation A. In a diuers manner Some reprobates dying infants Others of riper yeares of which later sort 1. Some are not called 2. Others called Q. How doth God deale with reprobates dying infants A. Being once conceiued they are in the a Rom. 5.14 state of death by reason of the sinne of Adam imputed and of originall corruption cleauing to their nature wherein also dying they
Christ c Mat. 1.2 3 God and man Q. What is the office of Christ A. The d 1. Tim. 2.5 Mediator-ship which being one hath yet three denominations from three seuerall functions Viz. Propheticall Priestly Kingly Q. What is his Prophetical Office A. The office of e Esay 61.1 Mat. 23.8.10 instructing his Church which hee did and doth performe two waies viz. 1. Outwardly as f Math. 23.37 1. Pet. 3.19 before his incarnation by the Prophets Priests and Scribes of the Old Testament and in the dayes of his flesh in his a Heb. 2.3 owne person as a b Rom. 15.8 Minister of the Circumcision but with the c Mat 7.29 authoritie of the Law-giuer so since vnto the worlds end d 2. Cor. 4.6 5.19 20 by his Apostles and Ministers e Ephes 4.11 called and fitted by him for that purpose 2. Inwardly by the f Luk. 24.49 Act. 16 14 ioynt operation of his holy spirit Q. What is the Priestly function of Christ A. It is that whereby hee g Heb. 5.1 5. c. appeaseth and reconcileth God to his Elect. 1. Performing for them absolute h Rom. 5.19 obedieÌ„ce to the whole law of God 2. Offering himselfe vnto his Father i 2. Cor. 5.21 a sacrifice propitiatorie for all their sinnes 3. k Heb 9.24 1. Ioh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 Heb. 12.24 Appearing euer at the right hand of God to make intercession for them Q. What is the kingly office of Christ A. It is the exercise of that l Psal 110.1 power giuen him by God ouer all and m Mat. 28. â—8 Psal 2.8 c. possession of all for the n Esay 9 7. spirituall gouernement and saluation of his Elect and for the a Esay 9.7 destruction of his their enemies Q. In what state did Christ God and man performe this threefold office A. In a two-fold estate Viz. of 1. Humiliation and 2. Exaltation Q. What was his state of humiliation A. It was the b Psal 45.5 base condition of a seruant whereto hee humbled himselfe from his conception to his crosse and so vntill the time of his resurrection Q. What is his estate of Exaltation A. His c Phil. 2.7.8 glorious condition beginning at the instant of his d Phil 2.9 Heb. 2.9 resurrection and comprehending his e Act. 2.24 Ascension f Ephes 4.8 sitting at the right hand of God and g 1. Pet. 3.22 second comming in glorie to iudge the world h Ma. 15.31 SECT XII Of the Application of the Couenant of Grace and first of our vnion with the person of Christ Q. HItherto of the Foundation of the Couenant of Grace viz. the Mediator what is the Application of it A. The communicating thereof for saluation to euery one of Gods Elect giuing him a Heb 3.14 part in Christ the Mediator and all his benefits Q. What part hath euery Elect in Christ hereby A. 1. VnioÌ„ with Christs person 2. Communion Q. How are the Elect vnited to Christ his person A. They are incorporated made b Eph. 5.30 members of the mystical body whereof Christ is head which the Scripture figureth as by other resemblances so especially vnder the a Ephes 5.2 Item Cautic the whole hoâ—ke similitude of mariage Q. How may we conceiue of this our mariage with Christ A. We are to conceiue therein as in outward mariage 1. The consent of parents and parties 2. The maner of coniunction Q. What consent of parents is there in this mariage A. Only Gods donation who being the alone parent of both parties as in the b Gen. 2.22 mariage of the first Adam giueth 1. c Iohn 3 16. Iohn 17.6 Christ to vs as a Sauiour 2. d Heb. 2.13 Vs to Christ as a people to be saued Q. What consent of parties is there A. 1. Christ consenteth to take vs as his own spouse which he witnessed especially by taking e Heb. 2.14 our flesh vpon him that he might be our f Matt. 1.23 Immanuel or God with vs. 2. We being g Iohn 6.44 drawne of God and h 2. Cor. 11.2 prepared by the friends of the Bridegroome do a Cant. 7.10 consent to take Christ as our Lord and Husband as wee professe by taking his b Esay 44.5 name and c Mat. 11.29 yoke vpon vs. Q. What is the maner of this our coniunction A. Mysticall that is to say Real in respect of the things conioined our very nature body and soule being coupled to the body and soule of Christ so that we are d Ephe. 5.30 members of his body of his flesh and of his bones and therby also to the e 1. Cor. 1.30 diuine nature yet not corporall but Spirituall in regard of the means whereby this coniunction is wrought Q. What are the meanes of this spirituall coniunction A. On Christs part his holy f 1. Ioh. 4.15 Rom. 8.9 Spirit g Gal. 4.6 1. Iohn 3.24 4.13 giuen by him vnto euerie member of his body in the very moment of regeneration as the h Gal 5.25 1. Cor. 15 45. soule of spirituall life and fountaine of supernaturall grace in which respect i 1. Cor. 6.17 he that is ioyned to the Lord is said to be one spirit Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The holy a 1 Cor. 3.16 Ghost truly residing and powerfully b Rom. 5.5 working in all those that are Christs c Rom. 8.2 deriued vnto them from him and d 1. Cor. 12.13 Eph 2.18 4.4 knitting them inseparably vnto him Q. Is the Holy Ghost giuen to none but such as are thus ioined vnto Christ A. The Holy Ghost is considered three waies 1. As the Author of all excellencie euen in common gifts of nature and reason as e Jud. 14.6 strength and courage f Exod. 31.3 Arts and Sciences g 1. Sam. 11.6 Policie and Gouernement c. In which sense he is giuen to many that neuer heard of Christ 2. As the Author of h 1. Cor. 12.1.4 spirituall gifts so called because being sanctified they are meanes of edification as the power of working miracles healing languages c. yea a i Heb. 6.4 5. taste of the heauenly gift and of the good word of God and of the powers of the world to come In which sence he is giuen to sundry reprobates that are called as hath been shewed 3. As the Author of the perpetuall effectuall and a Ioh. 6.63 vitall influence of sauing grace from Christ the head to euery true member of his body In which sence b Ioh. 14.17 the world cannot receiue or know him but he is bestowed on the c 1. Pet. 1.2 Elect only and those truly regenerated and conuerted vnto the Lord. Q. But on our parts what meanes is there of this coniunction A. Only faith which yet is d Eph.
that they become a Psal 21.6 blessings vnto others Q. What is the fourth A. b Ps 31.20 37.19 Immunitie from outward euils as punishments of sinne which yet if as trials and chastisements God inflict vpon them they are assured to finde c Esay 27 7 mercy and mitigation in the hand correcting d 1. Cor. 10.13 2. Cor. 12.9 strength to beare what is laid vpon them the speciall prouidence of God causing all things to e Rom. 8.28 worke together for the best vnto them and finally a f 1. Cor. 10.13 Psal 149.4 glorious issue out of all troubles in due time Q. What is the fift prerogatiue A. Dignitie and praeeminence in that the faithfull haue g Gen. 9.26 27. Pro. 14.19 Psal 105 14 15. dominion and vpperhand ouer the wicked their enemies are h Mar. 6.20 Act. 5.13 honorable in the eyes and hearts of men though not ioyning with them in profession Q. What â—nsueth here vpon to make vs outwardly blessed A. i Pro. 10.22 Ioy without mixture of sorrow in prosperitie and in affliction abundant * 2 Cor. 1.5 consolation SECT XXII Of Glorification begunne in our nature viz. Sanctification Q. HOw are we made holy in our nature A. By the grace of Sanctification which is the * Tit. 3.5 renewing of our nature according to the a 2. Cor. 3.18 Ephes 4.24 image of God in righteousnesse true holinesse making vs after a sort b 2 Pet. 1.4 partakers of the godly nature Q. How farre forth and by whom is our nature in this life renewed A. This renewing is of our c 1. Thes 5.23 Rom. 12.2 whole nature spirit soule and bodie our vnderstanding being enlightened our will enfranchised and our outward man reformed but d Ioh. 13.10 not wholly in this life being the worke of e Ps 51.10 Ezek. 36.26 God not of our selues yet f Ezek. 18.31 required at our hands both to shew vs what wee ought to doe by the power of grace and to stirre vs vp to seeke by prayer and all holy endeuour to attaine vnto that supernaturall strength Q. By what meanes is this worke of God wrought in vs A. By the power and * Rom. 6.5 â— 2 Joh 15.3 Rom. 8.13 Act. 1â— 9 efficacie of the death and resurrection of Christ conueyed vnto vs by his word and Spirit which being apprehended by faith and setting faith on worke are auaileable vnto each part of our sanctification Q. What are the parts of Sanctification A. They are two according to the powerfull meanes whereby they are wrought Viz. 1. a Rom. 6.6 7. Mortification or dying vnto sinne and thereby freedome from the dominion thereof by the vertue of the death of Christ 2. b Ro. 6 4.11 Viuification or quickning vnto newnesse of life by the power of the resurrection of Christ in regard whereof it is also called our c Reu. 20.6 first resurrection Q. How doth Sanctification differ from the former grace of Iustification A. In many maine and materiall differences as 1. In the order not of time wherein they goe both a Rom. 8.30 together nor of knowledge and apprehension wherein this b 1. Cor. 6.11 latter hath precedence but of nature wherein the former is the c 2. Cor. 7.1 ground of this latter 2. In the subiect the righteousnesse whereby we are iustified being inherent in Christ for vs but this of sanctification d Rom 8.10 in our selues from him 3. In the cause our iustification being from the merite our sanctification from the e Ephes 1 19. c. 2.1 efficacie of the death and life of Christ 4. In the instrument faith which in iustification is onely as an hand receiuing in sanctification a f Act. 15.9 Gal. 5.6 co-working vertue 5. In the measure Iustification being in all beleeuers at all times alike but sanctification wrought g 2. Cor. 3.18 2. Pet. 3.18 differently and by degrees 6. In the end which beeing in both eternall life a Ro. 6.22.23 yet is the one among the causes of reigning the other only as the high way to the kingdome SECT XXIII Of the rule of Sanctification viz. the Law with the direction of the Gospell Q. VVHat is the rule square of our Sanctification A. The whole b Psal 119.9 word of God as containing that c Rom. 12.2 will of his which is d 1. Thes 4 3. c. euen our sanctification Q. What meane you by the whole word A. e Job 22.22 Ioh. 17.17 Both the Law and Gospell the old Testament and the new Q. Are wee not then deliuered from the law by the meanes of Christ A. From the f Gal. 3.10 11 12 13. burthen of the law exacting in our owne persons perfect obedience and from the curse of it due vnto disobedience wee are deliuered by Christ But from the Commandement as a a Jam. 2.8 rule of life we are not freed but contrariwise enclined and disposed by his b Psal 51.12 119 2 45 1. Ioh. 5.3 free spirit to the willing obedience thereof Thus to the regenerate the Law becometh as it were Gospel euen a c Jam. 1.25 2.12 law of libertie Q. How is the Gospell a rule of obedience being the rule of faith A. The Gospel * 1. Tim. 1.11 Eph 4.20 21 directeth the faithfull to the obedience of the Law only with difference 1. Of the manner the Law propounding God to bee worshipped of vs in himselfe as our Creator the d Ioh. 14.1 5.23 Gospel in Christ as our Sauiour 2. Of the end the Law requiring all duties as for the procurement of our owne saluation the Gospell in way of e 1. Thes 5.18 thankefulnesse for saluation in Christ alreadie bestowed 3. Of the effect the Law like Pharaoh that required bricke but allowed no strawe f Rom. 10.5 6. c. demanding obedience but vouchsafing no assistance supposing man as in the state of Creation but the Gospell both requireth and conferreth faith vnto the Elect and that not onely as a hand to lay hold on Christ but also as the chiefe vertue working by loue in all parts of obedience without which euen the Gospell is law that is a a 2. Cor. 3.6 killing letter as to the vnregenerate Q. Doth not the Gospell adde other precepts or counsels to those of the law A. Not any other in substance of action but onely reneweth enforceth b 1. Ioh. 2.7 8 those of the law and specifyeth some duties as of faith in the Messiah of the Sacraments c. which haue their generall ground from the law As for those that are propounded in forme of counsell and doe concerne things indifferent they are not c Reu. 3.18 therefore arbitrary courses of higher perfection much lesse meritorious of greater glory but as they are applied with due circumstances necessary precepts
c Eph. 6.4 education and instruction in nurture and the feare of God d Heb. 21.20 7.7 Gen. 9.25 26 27. blessing according to the power they receiue from God e Tit. 2.7 good example for their imitation c. Thirdly that equals do in the matter of honour and respect f Rom. 12.10 1. Pet. 2.17 5.5 Eph. 5.21 preferre each other before themselues Q. What is forbidden in this Commaundement A. First the omission of any of the dueties aforenamed Secondly the contrarie sins whereby either Inferiours g Iude verse 8 9 10. Pro. 30.11 despise or h Rom. 1.30 disobey their superiours or Superiours i Tit. 2.15 dishonour their places as by vnseemely carriage or abuse of their Authoritie through too much k 1. Sam. 2.23 c. lenitie or a Eph. 6.4 9 seueritie c. or finally Equals aduance themselues one b Mat. 23.6 aboue another Q. What are the helpes or hinderances of the obedience of this Commaundement First on both sides there must bee endeuour to nourish and encrease c Rom. 12.10 16. naturall affection humilitie and wisedome to discerne what is d Rom. 13.7 fitting for our owne and others places Secondly in seuerall The Inferiour must see e Rom. 13.1 2 God in the place and authoritie of his Superiour setting before his eyes the dreadfull threatnings and examples of Gods vengeance on the f Eccles 10.8 seditious and disobedient The Superior must bee the same to his Inferior that hee would haue g Eph. 6.9 Christ to bee vnto himselfe remembring the tragicall ends of Tyrants and vsurpers Contrariwise as hinderances of these dueties are to be auoyded h 2. Tim. 3.2 3 4. self-loue which maketh men vnfit either to rule or to obey partiall a Eccles 7 23 24. enquirie into the dueties of others towards vs ioyned for the most part with neglect of our owne the furie of Anabaptists with the companie of b Pro. 24 21 22. seditious persons and despisers of gouernement c. SECT XXX Of the sixt Commaundement Q. VVHat are the words of the sixt Commaundement A. c Exod. 20.13 Thou shalt not kill Q. What is the meaning of this Commaundement A. That the d Gen. 9.5 life and person of man be by man not impeached but preserued Q. What is forbidden in this Commaundement A. Whatsoeuer tendeth to the hurt of the soule or bodie whether 1. Our owne as e Pro. 6.32 8.35 Sinne especially grosse sinnes and f Rom. 2.5 Tit. 3.11 obstinacie in sinning reiecting the food of spirituall life by a Pro. 28. ◠not hearing or not b Jam. 1.22 obeying the word corrupting or peruerting it by c 2. Tim. 4.3 itching eares or d 2. Pet. 3 16. vnstable mindes c. e 1. Sam 31.4 Selfemurther * 1. Kin. 18.28 launcing or whipping our owne flesh surfets f 1. Kin. 2.23 capitall crimes vnnecessarie dangers c. 2. Or our neighbours as g Pro. 29.12 Euill example h 1 Kin. 12.28 commanding or tempting to things vnlawfull i 1 Cor 8.10 11. vnseasonable vse of Christian libertie k Amos 7.13 Esay 56.10 withholding the food of spirituall life l 1. Tim 1.4 corrupting it by erroneous or vaine and curious expositions c. The taking away of m Gen. 9.6 life otherwise then in case of publike n Ios 7.19 c. iustice iust o Deu. 20.12 13. warre or necessarie p Exod 22 2 defence al passions of q Mat 5 22. anger hatred enuie desire of reuenge vnmercifulnesse c. bitter and r Pro. 12.18 cursed speaking ſ 1. Sa. 25.17 froward churlish behauior striking or t Leu. 24.19.20 wounding cruell u Iam. 5.4 oppression withdrawing the meanes of life x Deut. 25.3 extremitie in correction and punishment c. Q. What is required in this commandement A. Whatsoeuer may preserue or cherish the soule and bodie viz. 1. Our owne as A careful a 1. Pet. 2.2 vse of the means of grace with diligēce to finish our b Phil. 2.12 saluation make our c 2. Pet. 1.10 election sure by the fruits of faith c. Sober and wholsome d 1. Tim. 5.43 dyet with helpe of Phisicke when neede is e Ioh. 18.8 preuenting vnnecessarie dangers c. Finally willingnesse to receiue the f 2 Cor. 1.9 sentence of death when God shall vtter it and resigning our g Nu. 27.16 1. Chro 28.1 c. charge in Church Common-wealth or Family into the hands of faithfull men our h Psal 31.5 soule to God in Christ with confidence of his loue i Iob. 13.15 though hee kill vs of the remission of our sinnes and our k Job 19.25 c. resurrection vnto immortalitie our bodie to the earth as a pledge in time to be resumed 2. Our neighbours as Loue of him as of our selues a Math. 5.16 good example b Heb. 10.24 counsell and encouragement vnto wel-doing seasonable c Psal 141.5 admonition d 1 Thes 4.18 consolation c. e Phil. 4.8 Iam. 3.13 Amiable behauior f Iob 29.15 c. reliefe g Pro. 24.11 12. rescue from danger if wee may h Rom. 12.15 compassion and fellow feeling of his good or euill i Matth. 5.9 peace-making and for that end k 1 Cor. 13.7 construing things in the best sence l Eph. 4.32 passing by offences yea m Gen. 13.8 9 parting sometimes with our right n Mat. 25.36 Iam. 1 27. visiting and comforting him in sicknes and affliction c. Finally decent o Gen. 23.4 buriall with moderate p Eccles 12.7 1 The. l. 4.13 mourning Q. What are the helps or hinderances to the obedience of this Commandement A. First it behoueth vs to consider that al men are made in the q Gen. 9.6 image of God and of r Act. 17 26. one bloud with vs and all Christians in the image of Christ also in whom wee are all ſ 1. Cor. 12.27 one body that God hath t Gen. 9.6 appointed the magistrate to punish u Leuit. 2.4.20 21. proportionably euerie offender in this kind yea himselfe extraordinarily bringeth x Gen. 4.9 c. Pro. 28.17 Act. 28.4 murtherers to light and punishment Secondly we must abhor the false opinion of the world placing manhood in a Gen. 4.23.24 reuenge and bloudshed the b Pro. 22.24 25. company of furious and vnmercifull men c Pro. 1.19 greedy desire of gaine c. SECT XXXI Of the seuenth Commandement Q. VVHat are the words of the seuenth Commandement A. d Exod. 20.14 Thou shalt not commit Adultery Q. What is the meaning and scope of this Commandement A. That all e 2 Cor. 7.1 1 Thess 4.3 4 5. vncleannesse and impuritie auoided chastitie by all means be
God but especially h Ier. 8.6 Psal 18.23 speciall sinnes as the Arch-Rebels 2. Humble confession of sinnes and that 1. Of necessitie vnto GOD with a Pro. 28.13 Ier. 31.18 19 shame of face and true sorrow of heart 2. Vnto men conditionally Viz. if either the Church for b 2. Cor. 2.6 satisfaction of the publique offence do enioine open acknowledgement or some c Luk. 17.4 personall wrong demaund priuate reconciliation or the weakenesse of the labouring conscience doe require the secret d Iam. 1.16 assistance of a faithfull and able Minister or Brother 3. Feruent and faithfull e Psal 51.1 2 c. prayer to God in Christ both for f Ver. 7. pardon of what is past and for supply of g Ver. 10. renewing grace for the time to come Q. Seeing many doe falsely pretend that they repent how may we know that our Repentance is true A. A true tryall of vnfained Repentance may be taken 1. From the generalitie of it Viz. if it extend to the abhorring and shunning of h Ps 119.128 139.24 all sinnes and to the loue and practise of a Psal 119.6 all duties without reseruation 2. From the through performance of each part Viz. 1. Of hatred of sinne in spirituall warfare against it and that euen vnto b Heb. 12.4 blood if neede be 2. Of the loue of righteousnesse in bringing forth c Mat. 3.8 fruits worthy of amendment of life to wit good workes SECT XXXVI Of the Spirituall warfare Q. VVHat is the Spirituall warfare A. The daily exercise of our spirituall strength and armour against all aduersaries with assured confidence of victorie Q. What is our spirituall strength A. The powerfull d Ephes 6.10 assistance of God in Christ who hath loued vs whereby wee become * Rom. 8.37 more then conquerors Q. What is our spirituall armour A. The complete furniture of sauing and sanctifying graces called therefore the a 2. Cor. 6.7 armour of righteousnesse and the b Ephes 6.11 Panoplie or whole armor of God Viz. The c Ver. 14. c girdle of veritie or sinceritie The brest-plate of Righteousnesse that is holinesse of life and good conscience The shoes of the preparation or resolution to goe through with the profession of the Gospell of peace The shield of Faith The helmet of the hope of Saluation The sword of the Spirit which is the sound knowledge and wise application of the word of God Finally continuall instant prayer in the Spirit Q. Who are our aduersaries in the spirituall conflict A. They are either our friend prouing vs or our enemies seducing and endangering vs. Q. Who is that friend of ours that for our probation entereth into conflict with vs A. God himselfe who though hee a Jam. 1.13 tempt no man vnto euill no more then hee can himselfe bee tempted yet as a Maister of defence enureth vs to the conflict by contending with vs euen in his owne person Viz. Sometimes by b Gen. 22.1 c. Probatorie commandements or c Ge. 32.24 Sensible apparitions But more ordinarily by d Iob 6.4 striking our hearts with his terrors e Psal 77.7 withdrawing the comfort of his gracious presence f 2. Chro. 32.31 leauing vs for a time to our selues that by our falles wee may acknowledge our owne weakenesse Finally g Heb. 12.5 6 Reu. 3.19 exercising vs vnder the crosse and yoake of outward afflictions Q. How must wee contend with God A. No otherwise then h Hos 12.3.4 Iacob and other holy men haue done that is by obedience humilitie patience feruent prayer vnto God who onely enableth vs to preuaile with himselfe a Gen. 32.28 giuing vs the blessing and name of Israel Q. What are those enemies of ours that seeke to seduce and endanger vs A. Whatsoeuer marcheth vnder the banner of Satan the b 2. Cor. 4.4 God and c Ephes 6.12 Prince of the darknes of this world who sometimes d 2. Cor. 12.7 Zech. 3.1 immediately assaileth vs with impious and odious suggestions but more vsually employeth his forces or attendants Q. What are the attendants of Satan A 1. The e 1. Ioh. 2.15 world which he abuseth as his storehouse and armorie of temptations that is both f Ver. 16 allurements to euil with hope of gaine pleasure or preferment and g Ioh. 16.33 discouragements from dutie with feare of losse trouble reproach c. 2. Our owne h Gal. 5.24 flesh which as a treacherous party within vs being by Satan stirred vp and inueigled with the baites of the world or discouraged with the euill intreaty thereof i 1. Pet. 2.11 fighteth on his side against our soule that is our spirituall life and welfare Q. How doe these enemies fight against our soule A. By imploying all force fraud to draw vs by sinne from the a 1. Ioh. 2.25 obedience and fauour of God vnto damnation Q. What must we doe being thus assailed A. Wee must b Eph. 6.13 14 stand fast beeing strong in the Lord and in the power of his might and taking vnto vs the whole armour of God that wee may bee able to resist in the euill day and to leade our captiuitie captiue Q. How may wee bee able to stand against the assaults of the Diuell A. 1. We must labour to c 2. Cor. 2.11 enforme our selues that we may not be ignorant of his enterprises or stratagemes 2. We must boldly d Iam. 4 7. 1. Pet. 5.9 resist that is e Eph. 4 27. giue no place or ground vnto him or admit any conference with him but rather neglect and despise his suggestions 3. Wee must take the f Ephes 6.16 shield of Faith in Christ and his assistance a Psal 16.8 setting him on our right hand who is b Esay 6 3.1 mighty to saue whereby wee may quench all the fierie darts of that wicked one 4. Wee must brandish against him the c Ephe. 6.17 sword of the Spirit that is the word of God after the example of our d Mat. 4.4 c. Sauiour keeping our selues to that onely which God reuealeth to vs and requireth of vs. Q How may we withstand temptations from the world A. By our e 1 Joh. 5.4 faith which setteth a better world euen Gods heauenly kingdome before our eyes and so enableth vs both to f Heb. 11.24 c. contemne and g Gal. 6.14 crucifie the loue of this present world and to h Heb. 11 36 37. endure manfully the threates and wrongs thereof both confessing Christ in perill and suffering i Reu. 12.11 martyrdome for his sake if wee bee thereto called Q. How may we withstand the temptations of our owne flesh A. By k 1. Pet. 4 1. setting before our eyes the patterne of the death of Christ and arming our selues with the same minde that it
God from all profane and vnholy abuse not by adding any holinesse thereto but by e Psal 96.8 acknowledging and honouring it for such whereby wee doe as it were set the crowne of holinesse honour vpon the head of God Contrariwise failing so to do we are guilty of the profanation of Gods holy name not that he can receiue any pollution from vs but onely as the man that lusteth after a chast woman is said by our f Mat 5.28 Sauiour to bee guiltie of adultery with her though shee remaine in her selfe spotlesse and vndefiled Q. What doe wee then aske of God in this Petition A. Two things Viz. 1. That he wold vouchsafe to plant encrease in vs others such graces wherby his name may be glorified as a Psal 100.3 67. â— knowledge of God b Psa 115.1 humilitie thankfulnes patience c Ps 51.15 45.1 lips opened and tongues tuned to speak of him with reuerence Finally a d Mat. 5.16 1. Pet. 2. â— Tit. 2.10 life so ordered that men may say hee is an holy God who by his grace maketh vs an holy people 2. That he would remoue root out of our hearts tongues liues all such vices by and for which his name is dishonoured as e Pro 8.13 pride profanenes f Hos 8.12 ignorance infidelity g Rom. 1.21 vnthankfulnes impatience c. those tongue-wormes of h Exod. 20.7 swearing blasphemie vnreuerent speaking of him Finally i Ro 2.23 24 euill and scandalous life for which the name of God and his religion is euill spoken of in the world SECT XLI Of the second Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the second Petition A. a Math. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy Kingdome come Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by the Kingdome of God we must vnderstand not that b Esâ— 6.5 Psa 95.3 c. vniuersall soueraignety which as Creator he exerciseth ouer all creatures disposing them all vnto their proper ends for his glorie but the c Psal 110.2 1. Cor. 15.25 spirituall regiment of the Church and of all things for the good of the Church wherein God hath appointed d Psal 2.6 Hos 3.5 Christ to be the King the e Râ—uel 15.3 saints his subiects the f Job 22.22 word his law the g Heb. 1.6 Angels and all creatures his seruants the h 2. Cor. 5.20 Ministers his Heralds and Embassadors finally the i Mat. 12.26 diuels kingdome that is wicked Angels and men k Luc. 19 27. enemies to the Kingdome of Christ his l Psal 110.1 footstoole Secondly this Kingdome is said to come 1 In regard of meanes where the a Math 12.28 13 19. Mat. 1.15 word of the Kingdome is published 2 In regard of efficacy where b Rom. 6.17 from the heart obedience is yeelded 3 In regard of perfection it hath these degrees Viz. c Math. 13.8 Encrease of grace in the time of this life The d Luc. 23.42 43. translation of blessed soules into heauen in the moment of death Finally the e Mat. 25.34 full redemption and glorification of the Saints in soule and body in the life to come Q. What things doe wee then craue of God in this petition A. Six things viz. 1 That Satans f Act. 26.18 Kingdome may be abolished the g 2. Tim. 2.26 Coloss 1.13 bonds of spirituall captiuity loosed the h Gal. 5.24 power of corruption that maketh vs like well of our bondage abated the i 2. Thess 2.8 instruments of Satans tyranny as the Turke and Pope and all such outlawes from Christ defeated 2. That the word of the Kingdome the rod and a 〈◊〉 110.2 〈…〉 â—2 Thesâ— 3.1 standard of Christs power may haue * 2. Thess 3.1 free passage euery where and bee gloriously lifted vp aduanced 3. That the eies of all men especially Princes may be opened to see the * Reu. l. 17. â— 1â— filthines of the whore of Babilon and the true * 〈◊〉 â—0 5 beauty of the pure religion spouse of Christ 4. That all * Esa 56.10 â—â— loiterers and tongue-tied Ministers remoued * M th 9.38 faithfull and able watchmen may be set ouer the flocke of Christ with sufficient encouragement of maintenance countenance protection c. 5. That the Lord by his word and spirit would g Col. 3.15 1â— rule in the hearts and liues of his Saints making them also Kings in part by ouercomming the corruption which is in the world through lust 6. That he would finish the kingdome of grace a Gen. 9.27 calling his elect vncalled b 2. Thess 2.17 confirming such as stand c Iam. 5.15 16. raising the fallen d Esa 61.3 comforting the afflicted c. and hasten the kingdome of glory both by e Phil. 1.23 taking vs in due time out of this conflicting life into peace with Christ and finally sending his Sonne the f Reuel 22.20 second time for the full saluation of vs and all his chosen that hee hauing reigned in vs by grace we may euerlastingly g 2. Tim. 2.12 reigne with him in glory SECT XLII Of the third Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the third petition A. h Mat. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heauen Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by this word thy wee exclude all wils opposed to or diuers from the will of God whether the will of a 2. Tim. 2.26 Satan or our b 1. Pet 4.2 owne naturally corrupt and enthralled to Satan yea whatsoeuer c 2. Sam 7.2 c. Iam. 4 15. lawfull intentions or desires repugnant to the will of God Secondly by the wil of God we here vnderstand not so much d Deut. 29.29 that part which he keepeth secret from vs as his eternal counsell the e Pro. 27.1 euents of outward things f Act. 1.7 times and seasons c. which it is vnlawfull to enquire into impossible to know or to withstand and g Act. 4 28. no thanke for vs to accomplish vnto which we must onely with patience and contentment h Act. 21.14 submit our selues as that part thereof which is i Deut. 29.29 reueiled and made knowne vnto vs in the word both in the promises which we are to beleeue and in the precepts which as conditions of obedience in way of thanksgiuing annexed vnto the promises we are to performe Thirdly by doing wee vnderstand not a good intent only in the heart or a a Mat. 21.30 profession of obedience in word and pretence but an actuall and through b Jam. 1.25 performance of what is required of vs. Fourthly where we say in earth as in heauen we propound to our selues the patternes of the c Psal 103.20 22 Angels and blessed soules who being
forgiuing iniquitie transgression and sinne Thou hast made many faithfull promises that thou wilt bee found of them that seeke and sue for mercie vnto thee Thou hast satisfied thy Iustice in the accursed death of thy Sonne our surety and Sauiour Iesus Christ for the sinnes of the whole word of thine elect Thou hast giuen vs of thy Spirit wherby euen we sinfull wretches are taught and enclined to forgiue for thy sake such as haue offended vs how much more wilt thou shew thy selfe a faithfull and mercifull God to pardon all our sinnes and to clense vs from all vnrighteousnesse Wherefore O Lord heare O Lord forgiue O Lord consider nâ— giue a gracious answere vnto our supplication for the Lords sake Yea Lord teach vs to rise vp with thy Maiestie against our sins that our warre with them may assure vs that we haue peace with thee Let vs not be such traitors to thy Maiestie as to harbour thine enemies Breake of in â—uerie one of vs the wicked customes of sinning abolish the power and dominion thereof crucifie the loue and affection thereto Let vs in the bloudy passion of our deare Sauiour see the ougly face heare the dreadfull cry and feele the intolerable burden of our transgressions And let vs not as if the loade were yet too light let vs not blessed God adde more vnto the waight and measure of our sinnes but rather let vs in our proportion beare part in the sufferings of our Sauiour ceasing from sinne for his sake who for our sakes refused not to offer vp his innocent soule a sacrifice for sinne Lord teach vs to doe thy will Knit our hearts vnto thee that wee may feare thy name Let thy good Spirit leade vs in all the pathes of righteousnesse and make our barren nature fruitfull in good workes Quicken vs O Lord for thy names sake with the life of grace and stablish our hearts with thy free Spirit Teach vs freely to submit our selues to the easie yoake and light burden of our Lord Iesus Christ Let thy grace so frame vs vnto heartie obedience that thy commandement may not be grieuous vnto vs. Let thy loue in Christ Iesus be so shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost that no difficulties may discourage vs in the way of well doing Let the meditation of the glorious kingdome prepared for vs so possesse and affect vs that the loue of this present world may seeme base and vnworthy of vs. Let the expectation of the suddaine comming of our Lord Iesus Christ so awaken vs that the momentanie pleasures of sinne or cares of this life may not lull vs a sleepe and ensnare vs. Watch ouer vs this night by thy gracious prouidence preserue vs from the dangers of the darknesse refresh vs with the moderate vse of thine ordinance of rest and sleepe raise vs vp with health of bodie and cheare of heart to the duties of the next day Let thy kindnesse and mercie follow vs all the dayes of our life Bring vs in peace with good report especially with a good conscience vnto the bed of the graue that after the sleepe of death wee may awake vnto blessed immortalitie Preserue thy whole Church and adde thereto from day to day such as shall be saued Be mercifull to this Land forgiue the common and crying sinnes of profanenesse worldlinesse crueltie and abuse of thy long patience and liberall blessings especially of thy Gospell Giue grace vnto all estates truely to returne vnto thee and to seek thy face and fauour Especially poure downe a liberall shower of all bodily and spirituall blessings on the Kings Maiestie with the Queene and Royall family sanctifie and assist the Magistrates and Ministers Continue these blessings of peace and of thy Gospell vnto the posteritie after vs. Blesse all that loue vs and are by any band linked or allied vnto vs. Yea take pittie of those that causelessely hate vs. Shew vs all O Lord thy mercie in this life and in the life to come grant vs thy saluation through Iesus Christ thine onely Sonne and our alone Sauiour To whom with thee O Father and thy blessed Spirit be all praise power dominion and obedience henceforth and for euer Amen FINIS
That b Ro. 11.3 6. Pro. 16 4. all things should serue vnto his glorie Q. What did God decree touching Angels and men A. c 1. Tim. 5. â—1 Mat 25.41 1. Thes 5.9 Ro. 9.22 23 That they should remaine for euer some in honour others in dishonour for his glorie SECT IIII. Of Creation Q. HOw doth God execute his decree A. By two Actions to wit Creation and Prouidence Q. What is Creation A. The a Gen. 1. wholâ— making of all things of nothing very good in the first sixe dayes of the world Q. How did God create Angels A. He b Col. 1.16 made them all at the first very good and glorious spirits yet c Job 4.18 mutable Q. How did God create man A. He d Gen. 29 made him a liuing soule framing his bodie of the dust of the earth and breathing in his face the breath of life SECT V. Of Prouidence Q. VVHat is prouidence A. The continuall * Ps 213.6 care that God hath of all his creatures for the sustaining and disposing of them as they may best a Psal 119.91 serue for his glorie Q. How doth God sustaine Angels A. They are all vpheld by the power of God so that they shall b Luk. 20.36 neuer llye nor returne to nothing Q. How doth God sustaine men A. He preserueth mankinde in generall by the blessing of c Gen. 1.28 procreation and particular men and women both for the d Psal 36.6 time of this life and for e Mat. 25.46 euer in the world to come Q. How doth God dispose of Angels A. Hee suffered f 2. Pet. 2.4 some to fall by sinne into damnation without recouerie called Diuels the rest hee g Mat. 28.20 confâ—rmeth in their first blessed estate called Angels of light both which hee h â—ob 1.6 employeth for the accomplishing of his will SECT VI. Of the state of Innocencie Q. HOw doth GOD dispose of man A. As of that creature in a Psa 8.3 c whom aboue the rest hee intendeth to set forth his glorie wherefore the Scriptures doe plentifully declare the dealing of GOD with man both in this world and for euer hereafter Q. How doe the Scriptures set forth the dealing of God with man in this world A. In a threefold estate to wit of Innocencie of Corruption and misery and of Redemption all which make way vnto that euerlasting estate of honour or dishonour fore-appointed vnto all men Q. What is the state of Innocencie A. The holy and happy condition of mankinde created in the b Gen 1.27 image of God and placed by him in c Gen. 2.8 Paradise with abilitie to attaine to blessednesse by the Couenant of workes Q. What is the Couenant of workes A. The a Ge. 2.16 17 substance of the Law written in the hearts of our first parents promising blessednesse if they should obey and threatning death if they should transgresse SECT VII Of the Fall Q. VVHat is the state of corruption and miserie A. The fearefull condition of sinne and death wherein to God suffered all mankinde in Adam to b Ge. 3.1 c fall through the temptation of Satan by breaking the Couenant of workes SECT VIII Of Sinne. Q. VVHat is Sinne A. c 1. Ioh. 3.9 A sweruing from the Law of God making the sinner * Gen. 4.7 gâ—â—â—tie of the curse of the Law and it 〈◊〉 either originall or actuall Q. Wherein doth originall sinne consist A. In vtter b Rom. 7.18 enmitie of our whole nature vnto all that is good and c Rom. 7.14 prouenesse vnto all euill Q. What is Actuall sinne A. Euery d Rom. 5.14 particular breach of the Law of God SECT IX Of Death Q. VVHat is Death A. It is the separation e Gen. 3.19 either of the soule from the body f 2. Thes 1. â— or of soule and body from God with all euils that attend on the one or the other Q. How doth God employ men in this state of Corruption A. Two waies and first by the g Joh. 1.9 light of nature and h Esay 44.28 common graces restraining many from grosse sinnes and guiding some vnto actions profitable for humane societie and for the outward seruice of God Q. How secondly A. By ouer-ruling mens euill and sinfull actions so that thereby they a Act. 4.27 28. bring to passe nothing but what God hath determined for his owne glorie Q. Doth God leaue all mankinde in this state of sinne and death A. No but onely the reprobate whom hee b Act. 14.16 suffereth to runne on in sinne and so vnto damnation deseruedly SECT X. Of Redemption by the Couenant of grace Q. WHat is the state of Redemption A. The c Ro. 3.23.24 recouerie of the Elect out of the state of sinne and death by the new Couenant of grace Q. What is the Couenant of grace A. Gods a Gal. 3.21 22 second contract with mankinde after the fall for the restoring of him vnto his fauour and happinesse by the meanes of a Mediator Q. What are wee to consider in the Couenant of Grace A. Two things whereof the first is the foundation of it to wit the Mediator SECT XI Of Christ the Mediator Q. VVHo is the Mediator betweene God and man A. Onely b 1. Tim. 1.5 Iesus Christ God and man Q. How is he God A. In that hee is the c 1. Ioh. 5.20 second person in Trinitie to wit the eternall Sonne of the Father Q. How is hee man A. By d Ioh. 1.14 taking our flesh into his person beeing miraculously e Luk. 1.35 conceiued by the holy Ghost and borne of the blessed Virgin Mary Q. How is he the mediator between God and man A. By becoming our Prophet Priest and King Q. How is he our Prophet A. By a Joh. 17.26 reuealing vnto vs the will of God Q. How is he our Priest A. By b Eph. 2 1â— 2. Cor. 5.28 appeasing and reconciling God vnto vs through his death and obedience Q. How is he our King A. By c Esa 9.7 gouerning all things for the saluation of his Elect and d Psal 45.5 destruction of his enemies SECT XII Of the mysticall vnion Q. VVHat is the second thing to be considered in the Couenant of Grace A. The application thereof to the elect giuing them a Heb. 3.24 part in Christ and in all his benefits Q. What part haue the elect in Christ A. They haue first vnion with Christ and secondly thereby Communion Q. How are the elect vnited vnto Christ A. They are b Eph. 5.30 knit vnto Christ the head as members of his mysticall bodie by the spirit of Christ and by faith Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The power of the holy Ghost c Rom. 8.9 Gal. 5.25 abiding and working in all those that are Christs as the soule of spirituall life Q.
What is faith A. The first effect of the spirit of Christ d Eph. â— 16 17. disposing vs to cleaue to him and the instrument whereby all graces are begun and increased in vs. SECT XIII Of the Gospell Q. VVHat is our communion with Christ A. The participation of the benefits flowing from his seueral offices Q. What benefite receiue wee from the Propheticall office of Christ A. The a Math. 11.27 reuelation of the Couenant of grace whereby we are made b 2. Tim. 3.15 wise vnto saluation Q. What meanes doth God vse for the reuealing of this couenant A. The meanes are of two sorts Viz. outward and inward Q. What are the outward meanes A. The word and the Sacraments Q. What meane you by the word A. The c Eph. 1.13 Gospell preached which â—ontaineth and publisheth the promises of saluation by Christ SECT XIIII Of Sacraments Q. VVHat are Sacraments A. a Rom. 4.11 Seales annexed by God to the word of his Grace b Gal. 3.27 assuring our part in Christ and c Rom. 6.4 binding vs vnto him in obedience Q. What Sacraments are there of the Couenant of Grace A. They be of two sorts Viz some of the old Testament before Christ others of the new vnder Christ Q. What were those Sacraments of the old Testament A. Two Viz d Gen. 17.10 Circumcision for entrance into the Couenant and the e Exod. 22.3 c. Passeouer for continuance and confirmation therein Q. How many Sacraments are there of the new Testament A. Two likewise Viz Baptisme for entrance and the Lords Supper foâ— confirmation in the same Couenant SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The seale of our a Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of Grace Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. They are two namely first the b Eph 5. â—6 element of water with the action of dipping or sprinkling the partie baptised c Math. 28.19 In the Name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What is the other part A. The d Heb. 9.14 blood and e 1. Cor. 6 2â— Spirit of Christ washing away both the f Act. 2.38 guilt and g Ezek. 36.25 Rom. â— 2.3 c. filthinesse of our sinnes Q. Who are to be baptised A. Whosoeuer belong to the Couenant whether h Act. 8.37 of riper yeares conâ—erted to the faith or i 1. Cor. 7.14 children of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords supper A. The seale of our a Eph. 4.26 spirituall nourishment and grouth in the bodie of Christ Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. Two Viz First the b Mat. 26.26 27. elements of bread and wine distributed and receiued according to Christs institution Q. What is the other part A. The * Mat. 26.26 27 28. bodie and blood of Christ giuen by God and receiued of vs by faith for the d Joh. 6.54 nourishing of our soules in spirituall life Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament A. Such as professing the true faith of Christ haue duely e 1. Cor. 1.28 prepared themselues Q. How ought wee to prepare oâ—â— selues A. By examining and stirring vp in our selues three notable graces Q. What is the first A. Knowledge of the will of God especially touching the matter of the Sacrament a 1. Cor. 11.29 that wee be able to discerne the Lords body Q. Which is these second A. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith to apply the promises of saluation vnto our selues in particular Q. Which is the third A. c Zech. 12.10 Jam. 4. â— Repentance of our sinnes past with true d 1. Cor. 16.14 loue of God and of our Brethren Q. How ought wee to receiue this Sacrament A. In a reuerent and thankefull e 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. remembrance of the loue of Christ who gaue himselfe for vs with desire to f 2. Pet. 3.18 grow in faith and all holy graces SECT XVII Of the spirit and faith Q. WHat are the inward means whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz the spirit faith Q. What is here meant by the spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ a Rom. 8.16 bearing witnes with our spirits that we are in Christ the children of God Q. What is here meant by faith A. That speciall act of faith whereby wee b 1. Joh. 5.10 Joh. 3.33 giue credit vnto the report of the word and spirit of Christ touching our saluation in particular SECT XVIII Of Vocation Q. VVHat is the maÌ„ner of reuealing the CouenaÌ„t of Grace A. It is our c Rom. 8.30 Vocation and Callingâ— when God by the meanes aforesaid inuiteth men to come vnto him in Christ for saluation Q. Are there not different kinds of Calling A. Yes for a Math. 22.14 many are called outwardly who are not chosen but the Elect are b Psal 65.4 effectually perswaded to â—leaâ—e vnto Christ SECT XIX Of the Church Q. To whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace A. c Joh. 14.22 Not to the world but to his Church called out of the world Q. What meane you by the Church A. The d Eph. 5.32 1. Cor. 1.9 whole number of Gods Elect effectually called into fellowship with Christ Q. Where is this Church of God A. Part already e Reuel 7.14 c. triumphant in heauen part as yet f Reuel 12.11 militant on earth in the seruice and warfare of the Lord Iesus Q. Who are meÌ„bers of the Church militaÌ„t A. As many as are liuing g Eph. 1.22 23. members of the mysticall bodie of Christ Q. How may we know them A. Not by the inward graces a 2. Tim. 2.19 onely knowne to God whereby they are inuisible to vs but by the markes of visible profession Q. What are the true markes of visible profession A. The outward meanes appointed by God for the calling and gathering of his Saints viz. b Mat. 28.19 20. the word preached and Sacraments duely administred Q. Are we to ioyne with all Churches that haue these markes A. c Phil. 1.18 Cant. 1.5 Yea neither must wee separate from any farther then they separate from Christ Q. What distinction is there of the particular members of a Church A. Though all be the sheepe and familie of Christ yet d 1 Cor. 12 2â— Luk. 12.42 some are set-ouer the rest to feede them with the foode of life as the Ministers and e Ps 78.71 72 others to rule and order them outwardly as the Magistrates SECT XX. Of Iustification Q. VVHat benefite receiue we from the Priestly office of Christ A. Our a Rom. 8.30 Iustification before God through his b Phil. 3.9 righteousnes imputed vnto vs and apprehended by vs. Q. What righteousnesse of Christ is imputed to vs A. c