reasons of Gods hearing our prayers A. 1 Because hee is your Father and knoweth what things you haue need of before you aske him Math. 6 8 and 7.9 2 The Angell of the couenant standing at the altar hauing a golden censer there was giuen vnto him much incense that hee should offer it with the prayers of all Saints vpon the golden altar which was before the throne And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the Saints ascended vp before God out of the Angels hand Reuelat. 8.3 For yee are not come vnto the mount that might be touched and that burned with fire nor vnto blackenesse and darkenesse and tempest and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken vnto them any more But yee are come to Iesus the mediator of the new couenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel Heb. 12.18 Which Iesus hath promised that if we shall aske the Father any thing in his name that he will pray vnto the Father for vs Iohn 16.26 By whose prayers our prayers also are sanctified Mat. 23 19. Q. Seeing God hath thus promised to heare our prayers what in the sence of our wants must wee doe A. Hauing therefore boldnesse to enter into the holy place by the blood of Iesus by a new and liuing way which he hath consecrated for vs through the vaile that is to say his flesh and hauing an high Priest ouer the house of God let vs draw neere with a true heart in full assurance of faith Heb. 10.19 And be carefull for nothing but in euery thing by prayer and supplication with thankesgiuing let your rqeuests be made vnto God Phil. 4.6 Draw neere to God and hee will draw neere to you Iames 4.8 And come boldly to the throne of grace that yee may obtaine mercy to find grace to helpe in time of need Heb. 4.16 Mat. 7.7 Luke 11.9 1 Tim. 2.8 1 Pet. 2.4 Col. 4.2 Iob 8.5 Ephes 6.18 Isa 65.16 2 Saying vnto God heare the voice of my supplication when I crie vnto thee when I lift vp my hand towards thy holy oracle Psal 28.2 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart bee acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer Psal 19.14 Numb 10.36 1 King 8.26.28.52.57 1 Chro. 4.10 Psal 5.1.28.2.30.10.84.8.86.6.88.1.130.1.143.1 Isa 37.17 Dan. 9.19 Mar. 14.36 Ob. But I wanting a gift of prayer how can I expect that GOD should heare mee A. Likewise also the spirit will helpe your infirmities For though wee know not how to pray as wee ought yet ihe spirit it selfe maketh intercession for vs with gronings which cannot be vttered But he that searcheth of the hearts knoweth what is the minde of the spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Rom. 8.26 Q. When God hath heard our praiers what is then to be done A. Say I loue the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications because hee hath inclined his eare vnto mee therefore will I call vpon him as long as I liue Psal 116.1 I said in mine hast I am cut off from before thine eyes neuerthelesse thou heardest the voyce of my supplication when I cryed vnto thee Psal 31.22 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me and strengthenedst me with strength in my soule Psal 138.3 Thou hast giuen me the desire of my heart and hast not withdrawne from mee the request of my lips Psal 21.2.10.17 Praise waiteth for thee in Sion and vnto thee shall the vow be performed O thou that hearest prayers vnto thee shall all flesh come Psal 65.1 Blessed be God which hath not turned away our prayer nor his mercy from vs Psalm 66.20 Ephes 3.20 Psal 66.16 17. Deut. 4.7 CHAP. X. God accepts his in their seruices Q. WHat other fruite can you shew of Gods fatherly disposition towards vs his children A. He shall also be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousnesse Psalm 51.19 For these are good and acceptable in the sight of God our Sauiour 1 Tim. 2.3 And as an odor of a sweet smell Phi. 4.18 For Noah built and altar and the Lord smelt a sweet sauour Gen. 8.20 Moreouer God had respect vnto Abel and his offering Gen. 4.4 And so shall the offerings of Iudah and Ierusalem bee pleasant vnto the Lord as in the daies of old and as in former yeeres Mal. 3.4 Iudges 13.23 Isa 4.2 Ob. I can performe no work worthy of Gods acceptance A. If there be first a willing minde it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that hee hath not 2 Cor. 8.12 As well as the widdow with her two mites more than the rich casting in of their abundance Luke 21.1 Marke 12.44 Ob. O my soule thou hast said vnto the Lord thou art my Lord my goodnesse extendeth not to thee but to the Saints Psalm 16.2 A. I was hungry and you gaue mee meate I was thirsty and you gaue me drinke I was a stranger and you tooke mee in naked and you clothed me I was sicke and you visited me I was in prison and you came vnto me For verily I say vnto you in as much as you haue done it vnto one of the least of these my brethren you haue done it vnto me Mat. 25.35 And whoso shall receiue but such a little child receiueth me Math. 18.5 Q. What may this teach vs A. Therefore as liuing stones being built vp a spirituall house an holy priesthood let vs offer vp spirituall sacrifice acceptable to God by Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 2.5 And to doe good and to distribute forget not because with such sacrifices God is well pleased Heb. 13.16 For hee that in these things serueth Christ is acceptable to God and approued of men Rom. 14.18 Col. 3.17 2 Cor. 9.7 Ob. If God doe accept vs in our wel-doing whence then this complaint We haue fasted and God seeth not wee haue afflicted our soules and hee taketh no knowledge Isa 58.3 A. If they did well should they not be accepted Gen. 4.7 When they fasted and mourned did they at all fast vnto me And when they did eate and drink did they not eate for themselues and drinke for themselues Zech. 7.5 Behold in the day of their fast they find pleasure and exact all their labours Behold they fast for strife and debate and to smite with the fist of wickednesse Isa 58.4 Thus they haue brought an offering and should I accept this at their hands saith the Lord Mal. 1.13 For the plowing of the wicked is sinne Prou. 21.4 And thereir sacrifice is abomination how much more when they bring it with a wicked minde Pro. 21.27 Ierem. 6.20 14.12 Isa 1.11.58.5 Amos 5.21.5.25 Isa 66.3 Psalme 50.9 Hosea 6.6 1 Cor 7.19 Psalm 40.6 Marke 12.33 Iames 1.22 Luke 11.41 Ier. 7.22 Hos 4.19 Hag. 2.11 Mal. 1.7.13 CHAP. XI
many there be which goe in thereat But straight is the Gate and narrow is the way that leadeth vnto life and few there be that find it Mat. 7 13 7 19 5 29 30 31. Q. What must I do when vpon good ground I shall fiâ—d my selfe to bee deliuered from so great a condemnation A. Giue thankes to God and say Great is thy mercy towards me for thou hast delivered my soule from the lowest hell Psal 86.13 Q Why Is it not in mans power to purchase Heaven and to deliuer himselfe from Hell A. Verily verily I say vnto you except a man be borne againe of Water and the Holy Ghost hee cannot enter into the kingdome of Heaven Ioh. â— 3 And without holinesse no man can see the Lord Heb. 12 14. And yet who can say my heart is cleane I am pure from my sinne Prou. 20 9. Iâ—b 9 20. Isa 64 6. Iob. 9.30 31. Psal 93 5. CHAP. XIX Of Sanctification Ob. IF this bee our case who then can be saued Mark 10 26. A. With men this is vnpossible but with GOD all things are possible Math. 19 26. By whom there shall be a fountaine opened to the house of DAVID for sinne and for vncleannesse Zach. 13.1 And you shall be cleane from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will hee cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 And will turne to you a pure language Zeph. 3 9. that hee who blesseth himselfe in the earth shall blesse himselfe in the GOD of Truth Isa 65 16 And shall serue the Lord their GOD and DAVID their King whom hee will raise vp vnto them Ier. 30 9. Hos 2.16 17. Zeph. 3 13. Psal 37.30 31. 2. Tit. 14. Ioh. 17 19. Heb. 10.7 10. 2. Cor. 13.8 Rom. 8 9. Zach. 8 3. Ezek. 37 28 1. Thes 5 23. Math. 13.33 Isa 4.2 Thus the heart of IEHOSAPHAT was lifted vp in the wayes of the Lord 2. Chro. 17 6. And ZACHARIE and ELIZABETH were both righteous and walked in all the ordinances of the Lord blamelesse Luk. 1 6. Act. 23 1.24 16. Heb. 13 18. Act. 10 22. Ob. Can the Blackmoores skin be changed or a Leopard his spots And can he bee good that is accustomed vnto evill Ier. 13 23. A. Yea for if the blood of Buls and of Goates and Calues and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the vncleane sanctifie to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the Blood of CHRIST who through the Eternall spirit offering himselfe without spot vnto GOD purge your Consciences from dead workes to serue the living God Heb. 9 13. Eph. 2 1. Gal. 1 23. Ob. I feele the dwelling of sinne in me still A. So did IOB Iob 9 20.9 30.31 and DAVID Psal 38 4.51 3. and ISAIAH Isa 64 6. and PAVL Rom. 7 18. 1. Tim. 1 15. And so though you also doe walke in the flesh yet doe you â—ut warre after the flesh 2. Cor. 10 3. Sinne shall not haue dominion over you for you are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace Rom. 6 14. For the law of the Spirit of Life which is in CHRIST IESVS shall free thee from the law of Sinne and of Death Rom. 8 2. 1. Cor. 12 3. Q. Why doth CHRIST wash vs who are so vncleane A. CHRIST loueth his Church and gaue himselfe for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word and that hee might present it to himselfe a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thâ—ng but that it should be holy and without blemish Ephes 5 25. Hos 14 4. Q. Is there nothing required of vs for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Hee that hath this hope purifieth himselfe as hee is pure 1. Ioh. 3 3. you shall therefore sanctifie your selues and â—ee shall be holy for I am holy neither shall you defile your selues with any manner of creeping thing Leu. 11.44 But if you walke in the Spirit you shall not fulfill the lusts of the Flesh Gal. 5 16. For every branch that beareth fruit hee purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Ioh. 15 2. Rom. 6 12. Leu. 20 8.20.26 But his owne iniquities shall take the wicked himselfe and he shall be holden with the cords of his owne sinnes Prou. 5 22. For God will giue him vp vnto his owne hearts lusts whereby he shall walke in his owne counsels Psal 81 12. 2. He must pray saying O Lord why hast thou made mee to erre from thy wayes and hardened my heart from thy feare Returne for thy servants sake Isa 63 17. Create in me a cleane heart O GOD and renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thâ— holy Spirit from me Psal 51 10. Keepe backe thy servant also from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me Psal 19 13. Who can vnderstand his errours Cleanse thou me from my secret faults Psal 19 12. I will runne the wayes of thy Commandements when thou hast inlarged my heart Psal 119 32 41 4. Ioh. 17 17. Q. When wee find this grace of Sanctification to bee wrought in vs what must we then doe A. Because it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure Phil. 2 13. Theâ—eâ—ore sâ—y yee God bee thanked that we were the servants of Sinne but we haue obeyed from the heart that forme of Doctrine which was deliuered vs. Rom. 6 17. Q. But shall no Sanctifying grace of GOD be wanting A. GOD gaue not CHRIST the Spirit by measure Ioh. 3 34. For it pleaseth the Father thut in him should all fulnesse dwell Col. 1 19. And vnto every one of vs is given Grace according to the measure of the guift of CHRIST Ephes 4 7. So that you shall come behind in no guift 1. Cor. 1 7. But of his fulnesse you shall receiue and grace for grace Ioh. 1 16. Isa 11 2 3. Psal 68 19. Zach. 14 8. Ephes 1 3 4. CHAP. XX. Of Knowledge Faith Trust and Hope Q. WHich is the fiâ—st of those Graces A. To know the Truth Ioh. 8 32. I will saith God giue them an heart to know me that I am the Lord Ier. 24.7 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel c. I will put my Lawes into their minde and write them in their hearts c. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord for all shall know mee from the least to the greatest Heb. 8 10. Ier. 31 33. And the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD as the waters cover the Sea Hâ—b 2 14 Moreouer the light of the Moone shall be as the light of the Sunne and the light of the Sunne shall be seaven-fold as the light of the 7. dayes Isa 30.26 Wherby the people that sate in Darkenesse saw great light and to them which sate in the Region of the
than the first Revel 2 19. MARY also chose that good part which was not taken from her Luk. 10.42 And as for mee my foot hath held his steps his way haue I kept and not declined neither haue I gone backe from the Commandement of his lips Iob 23 11. But haue inclined mine care to performe his Statutes alwayes euen vnto the end Psal 119 112. And if you also saith CHRIST keepe my Commandements you shall abide in my Loue even as I haue kept my Fathers Commandements and abide in his Loue Ioh. 15 10. Hos 14 9. Ob. But I haue seene some in my dayes who haue beene lights and leaders of others in the way of Godlinesse and yet themselues proued Apostates 1 Tim. 1 19. Psal 36 3.78 57. Ioh. 5 35. Ier. 8 5. Hos 4 16. Ier. 2 32. Prov. 26 11. A. Verily verily I say vnto you whosoever committeth Sinne is the servant of sinne And the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Sonne abideth ever Ioh. 8.34 For every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall bee rooted vp Math. 15 13. They went out from vs but they were not of vs for if they had beene of vs they would no doubt haue continued with vs But they went out that they might bee made manifest that they were not all of vs. 1. Ioh. 2.19 True it is some mens sinnes are open before hand going before to Iudgement and some men follow after 1. Tim. 5.24 And many of the first shall be last and the last first Math. 20.16 Neverthelesse the foundation of GOD standeth sure having this seale the Lord knoweth who are his 2. Tim. 2.19 Ob. While they stood I could not come neere them and now they are fallen what lesse can be expected but that my turne will be next A. You are not of them that draw backe vnto perdition but of them which beleeue to the sauing of the soule Heb. 10. â—â— For saith God I will make an euerâ—â—â—ting covenant with thee that I will not â—â—rne away from thee to doe thee good 〈◊〉 I will put my feare into thine heart â—ut thou shalt not depart from me Ier. â— 40 Now the Lord is faithfull who shall â—â—ablish you and keepe you from evill 2. Thes 3 3. For hee shall giue you another Comforter that hee may abide with 〈◊〉 for euer euen the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receiue because 〈◊〉 seeth him not neither knoweth him for hee dwelleth in you and shall bee 〈◊〉 you Ioh. 14.16 And you need â—ut that any man teach you but as the some annointing teacheth you of all things â—â—d is truth and is no lye and euen as it â—ath taught you you shall abide in him 1 Ioh. 2.27 Q. But what must I doe that this promise of perseuerance may be made good vnto me A. Pray saying O Lord GOD of ABRAHAM ISAACK and ISRAEL our father keepe this for euer in the thoughts of my heart and prepare my heart vnto thee 1. Chro. 29.18 Hold vp my goings in thy pathes that my foot-steps slip not Psal 17.5 And make me to increase and abound more and more and to establish my heart vnblameable in holinesse before thee even our Father at the comming of our Lord IESVS CHRIST with all the Saints 1. Thes 3.12 2 Let him that thinketh hee standeth take heed least hee fall 1. Cor. 10.12 Looking to your selues that you loose not those things which you haue wrought that you may receiue a full reward Ioh. 2. Epist 8. And hereof I giue you a charge in the sight of GOD who quickeneth all things and before CHRIST IESVS who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good Confession that you keepe the Commandements without spot and vnrebukeable vntill the appearing of our Lord IESVS CHRIST 1. Tim. 6.13 For our desire is that every one of you doe shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope vnto the end That ye be not slothfull but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Heb. 6 11. Lifting vp the weake hands whâ—ch hang downe and the feeble knees and making straight paths for your feet lest that which is lame be turned out of the way but let it rather be healed Heb. 12 12. And grow in grace and in the knowledge if our Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 3 18. That so he that is righteous may be righteous still and he that is holy may be holy still Revel 22 11. Heb. 10 23. Phil. 3.12 1 Cor. 9 24.2 Chron. 34 31.2 Cor. 6 1. Acts 13 43. 2. Tim. 3 14. Q. Why what is the danger of falling away A. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousnesse and committeth iniquitie he shall even die for the some he shall even die for his iniquity which he hath done Ezek. 18 24 26. The Lord indeed is with you while you be with him and if ye seeke him he will be found of you but if you forsake him he will forsake you 2 Chron. 15 2. And will leade you forth with evill doers Psal 125 5. And feed you as a lambe in a large place Hos 4 16. Know therefore and see that it is an evill thing and bitter to forsake the LORD thy GOD Ier. 2 19 2 13. Heb. 10 38. Psal 73 27. Iud. 5.6 2 King 23 27. Ezek. 33 12 Ioh. 2. Epist 9. Ier. 2 17. Mat. 15 13. 2 Pet. 2 20. CHAP. XXV Of temptations in generall and in particuler of the Flesh Ob. IF this bee the danger of backsliding what will become of mee who am exposed to many temptations A. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but GOD is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape 1 Cor. 10 13. For in that CHRIST suffered and was tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb. 2 18. And will establish you and keepe you from evill 2. Thes 3 3. As well as hee did PAVL who fought a good fight who finished his course and kept the faith 2 Tim. 4 7. Revel 3 10 And therefore pray you also that you enter not into temptation Luk. 22 40. Ob. But is not GOD said to lead men into Temptation how say you then that he will deliuer vs out of temptation A. Let no man say when hee is tempted I am tempted of GOD for GOD cannot bee tempted with evill neyther tempteth hee any man but every man is tempted when hee is drawne away of his owne Concupiscence and is entised 1. Iam. 13.14 Ob. If the case stand thus what shall I doe who haue so much flesh remaining in me A. Is there no balme in Gilead is there no Phisitian there Why then is not the health of the Daughter of my people recovered Ier. 8.22 Ob. Alas this corruption is growne to such a head as is not now to be subdued A. Though your iniquities prevaile
against you yet he shall purge them away Psaâ— 65 3â— Moreover every valley shall be exalted and every mountaine and hâ—ll shall be made low and the crooked things shal be made straight and the rough places plaine Isa 40 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnall but mighty through GOD to the pulling downe of strong holds casting downe imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it selfe against the knowledge of GOD and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST 2 Cor. 10 4. Acts 9 20. Ob. But doe not you as PAVL did of himse fe say of your selfe that what I would doe that I doe not but what I hate that doe I Rom. 7 15 23. Gal. 5.17 A. If I doe that I would not I consent vnto the law that it is good Now then it is no more I that do it but sinne that dwelleth in me Rom. 7 16. And though I walke in the flesh yet doe I not warre after the flesh 2 Cor. 10.3 For the Lord is that spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3 17 Therefore I thanke GOD through IESVS CHRIST our Lord hat with the mind I serue the Law of GOD though with the flesh the Law of sinne Rom. 7 25. Q. What is required of vs to be done for the furthering of this Grace in our selues A. Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the Soule 1 Pet. 2 11. 2 Pray saying keepe backe thy Servant from presumptuous sinnes let them not haue dominion over me then shalt thou be vpright and innocent from the great transgression Psal 1â— 13. Ob. Notwithstanding doe what I can this burthen of sinne presseth me very sore A. Come vnto me all ye that labour and are heauy laden and I will giue you rest Mat. 11.28 For I am not come to call the Righteous but sinners to repentance Mat. 9.13 Ob. Behold we come vnto thee for thou art the Lord our God Ier. 3 22. But we haue gone astray like lost sheepe Psal 119 176. And the way of man is not in himselfe neither is it in man that walketh to direct his steps Ier. 10 23. A. I am not sent but to the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Mat. 15 24. Therfore I am come to saue that which was lost Mat. 18 11. and to bring againe that which was driven away Ezek. 34.16 For how thinke you If a man haue an hundred sheepe and one of them be gone astray doth he not leaue the ninety and nine and goeth into the Mountaines and seeke that which was gone astray c. Even so it is not the will of the Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18 12 10 6. Luk. 15 8 c. Ob. The worst as yet remaines for though I see my way before me yet can I not walke therein A. The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weake Math. 26 41. Yet a bruised reed will he not breake and smoaking flaxe shall he not quench till hee send forth Iudgement vnto victory Mat. 12 20. And hee said vnto me my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weaknesse 2 Corinth 12 9. Ob. All this while my appetite after 2Grace is not alayed A. I will powre waters vpon him that is thirsty and flouds vpon the dry ground Isa 44 3 For as the Scriptures haue said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of liuing water which bee spake of the spirit which they that beleeue on him should receiue Ioh. 7 38 39. I am also the bread of life he that coÌ„meth vnto me shal neuer hunger and he that beleeueth on me shall never thirst Iohn 6 35 4 13. Luke 1 53. Ob. It is not meet to take the Childrens bread and to cast it vnto Dogges Mat. 15 26. A. True yet the Dogs eate of the crums which fall from the Masters table Mat. 15 27. And therefore if any man thirst let him come vnto CHRIST and drinke Ioh. 7 37. And hee that hath no money come yea buy and eate yea come buy wine and milke without money and without price Wherefore doe you spend money on that which is not bread And your labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently vnto me and eate that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Incline your eare come vnto him heare and your soule shall liue Isa 55 1. And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that is a thirst come and whosoever will let him take of the Waters of life freely Revel 22 17. Ioh. 4 10. Q. But in comming shall I not bee rejected A. All that the Father giveth mee shall come to mee and him that commeth to me I will in no wise cast off Ioh. 6.37 Ob. Sir giue mee then this water that I thirst not Ioh. 4.15 For notwithstanding all you haue said It is the very breaking of my heart to thinke that I can serue GOD no better A. The Sacrifices of GOD are a broken Spirit a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise Psal 51 17. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternitie whose name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to reviue the spirit of the humble and to reviue the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57.15 To open the blind eyes to bring the Prisoners from the prison and them that sit in darknesse out of the prison house Isa 42.7 That they might bee called the trees of Righteousnesse the planting of the LORD that hee might be glorified Isa 6â— 2 3. Therefore turne yee to the strong holds ye prisoners of hope for even to day doe I declare that I will render double vnto thee Zach. 9 12. Isa 49.8.61 1. Psal 34.18.147 3. Ob. These are sweet promises I confesse but yet I want comfort still A. The Lord God hath given CHRIST the tongue of the Learned that hee should know how to speake a word in season to him that is wearie Isa 50 4 Blessed therefore are you that mourne for you shall bee comforted Math. 5.4 Ob. Yet for all this the distresses of my soule are such as bee intollerable to beare and how to bee deliuered I know not A. Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voyce of his servant that walketh in darknesse and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay vpon his GOD Isa 50.10 and seeke vnto him that maketh the seaven Starres and Orion and turneth the shadow of Death into the morning and maketh the day darke with night that calleth for the waters of the Sea and powreth them â—â—t vpon the face of the earth the LORD â—his name Amos 5 8. CHAP. XXVI Of the Temptations of the Devill Ob. THough I should preuaile
with him and be at peace thereby good shall come vnto thee Iob 22 21. For did not HEZIKIAH King of Iudah feare the Lord and the Lord repented him of the evill he had purposed against him Ier. 26 19.12 16. Hos 10 12.6 1. Ier. 26.3 12.6 18 8. Amos 5 4. Ezek. 18 27. Iob 33 23. Ob. I haue indeauoured my selfe in the worke of Repentance what I can and yet my Affliction continueth pressing mee very sore A. Then cry vnto the Lord and hee shall saue you out of your distresses Psal 107.19 Saying Haue mercy vpon me O Lord for I am weake O Lord heale me for my bones are vexed Psal 6.2 Take away thy rod from me and let not thy feare terrifie me Iob. 9.34 Turne thou vnto me and haue mercy vpon mee for I am desolate and Afflicted The troubles of my heart are inlarged O bring thou mee out of my distresse Looke vpon my Affliction and my paine and forgiue me all my sinnes Psal 25 17. O remember not my former iniquities let thy tender mercies speedily prevent mee for I am brought very low Helpe me O God of my saluation for the glorie of thy name deliuer me Psa 79.8 I stretch forth my hand vnto thee my soule thirsteth after thee as a thirsty land Heare me speedily O Lord for my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like vnto them that goe downe into the pit Psal 143 6. O Lord correct me but in iudgement not in thine anger lest thou bring me to nothing Ier. 10.24 I am like a flower that is cut downe which flyeth also as a shadow and continueth not and doest thou open thine eyes vpon such a one And bringest thou me to iudgement with thee Iob. 14.2 Thine hands haue made me and fashioned me together round about yet thou dost destroy me Remember I beseech thee that thou hast made me as the clay and wilt thou bring me into the dust againe Iob. 10.8 Are not my dayes few Cease thou and let me alone that I may take comfort a litle before I go whence I shall not returne Iob. 10.20 Psal 79.5.77.7.85 4 25 6 7 39 12 13.88.1.88 14.102.1 118 25.119 77 143 8.11 Iob. 10 1.13 24.14 6. Ier. 17 14.17 Psalm 42 6 119 107. Isa 64.8 Q. When by these meanes I haue found comfort and deliverance what am I then to doe A. In that day thou shalt say O Lord I will praise thee though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away thou comfortest me Behold God is my Salvation I will trust and not be afraid for the Lord IEHOVAH is my strength and my song he also is become my Salvation Isa 12.1 My soule wait thou onely vpon God for my expectation is from him He only is my rocke and my salvation he is my defence therefore I shall not bee mooved In God is my Salvation and my glory the rocke of my strength and my refuge is in God Psal 62 5. For thou hast taken away all thy wrath thou hast turned thy selfe from the fiercenesse of thine anger Psal 78 38. Thou hast delivered my soule from death mine eyes from teares and my feet from falling Psal 116.8 My lips therefore shall greatly reioyce when I sing vnto thee and my Soule which ho u hast redeemed my tongue also shall talke of thy Righteousnesse all the day long Psal 71 23. I will say vnto thee thy Righteousnesse O GOD is very high who hath done great things O God who is like vnto thee Thou who hast shewed me great and sore troubles hast quickened me againe and hast brought me vp againe from the depths of the earth thou hast increased my greatnesse and comforted me on every side Psal 71.19 To the end that my glory may sing vnto him and not be silent O Lord my God I will giue thee thankes for ever Psal 30 12 49 15.22 22 63 7.66 8.30 3 103.1 4.85 2 3 116 7 9. Isa 61 10 49.13.38 20. Exod. 4 31. Luk. 17.15 Psal 35.18 85.9 116.5 CHAP. XXVIII Of Persecution Ob. I Know now that in the middest of Iudgement the LORD will remember Mercie notwithstanding the feare I haue of falling into the hands of men is the very breaking of my heart A. I Even I am he that comforteth you who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall dye and of a man that shall be made as grasse And forgettest the Lord thy maker that spreadeth forth the Heavens and layeth the foundations of the earth hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor as if hee were ready to destroy And where is the fury of the oppressor Isa 51 12 Behold I will make thy Face strong against their Faces and thy Fore-head strong against their Fore-heads is an Adamant harder than flint haue I made thy Forehead feare them not neither be dismayed at their lookes though they be a rebellious house Ezek. 3.8 Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father but the very haires of your head are numbred Feare ye not therefore for you are of more value then many Sparrowes Math. 10.29 So that we may boldly say the Lord is my helper I wil not feare what man can do vnto me Heb. 13 6. â— For the Lord God will helpe me therefore shall I not bee confounded therefore haue I set my face like a flint and I know I shall not be ashamed He is neere that iustifieth me who will contend with me Let vs stand together who is mine Adversary Let him come neere to usee Behold the LORD GOD will helpe me who is hee that shall condemne me Loe all they shall waxe old as a Garment the Moth shall eate them vp Isa 50 7. Numb 22 18.38 verses 24. 12 13 23 8. Heb. 11 27. Psalm 140.12 Ob. But doe I not with these eyes see many of my Brethren how cruelly they haue beene handled by them Psal 22 12 13 143 3 4. A. All that will liue godly in CHRIST IESVS shall suffer persecution 2. Tim. 3.12 As formerly he that was borne after the flesh persecuted him that was borne after the Spirit even so it is now Gal. 4.29 that the Brother shall betray the Brother to death and the Father the Sonne and the Children shall rise vp against their Parents and shall cause them to die And you shall bee hated of all men for my names sake Math. 10.21 These things haue I spoken vnto you that you should not be offended they shall put you out of the Synagogue yea the time commeth that whosoever killeth you will thinke that hee doth GOD Service And these things will they doe vnto you because they haue not knowne the Father nor me But these things haue I told you that when the time shall come ye may remember that I haue told you them Ioh. 16 1. Notwithstanding if the world hate you you know it
written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God Every man therefore that heard and hath learned of the Father commeth vnto me Ioh. 6 45. Who then is PAVL And who is APOLLO But the Ministers by whom yee beleeved even as the Lord gaue to euery man I haue planted APOLLO watered but GOD gaue the increase So then neither is hee that planteth any thing neither hee that watereth but God that giueth the increase 1. Cor. 3 5. So that your Faith standeth not in the wisedome of men but in the power of God Howbeit wee speake wisedome among them that are perfect yet not the wisedome of this World nor of the Princes of this world that commeth to nought but we speake the wisedome of God in a mysterie even the hidden wisedome which God ordayned before the World vnto our glory â—â— Cor. 2 4. Whereunto I also labour â—â—â—iving according to his working which 〈◊〉 â—â—th in me mightily Col. 1 29. For 〈◊〉 â—use also thanke wee God without ceaâ—â—â—cause when ye received the Word of God which yee heard of vs yee received it â—ut as the word of men but as it is in truth â—â—e word of God which effectually also worâ—â—th in you that beleeue 1 Thess 2 13. â—lessed therefore art thou Simon Bar-loâ—â—â— for flesh and blood hath not revealed 〈◊〉 vnto thee but my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 16 17. Mark 17 20. 2. Tim. â— 16. 1 Cor. 1 18. Act. 15 17.10 44. Gal. 2 â— 1.11 12. Mâ—cha 3 8. Q. But is euery part of the Word for â—he working of grace of like efficacie A. This onely would I learne of you received you the Spirit by the workes of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Gal. 3 â— For which cause I am not ashamed of â—he Gospell of CHRIST for that is the â—ower of God vnto Salvation to every one that beleeueth Rom. 1 16. For if the ministration of death written and ingraâ—â—n in stones was glorious so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold thâ— face of MOSES for the glory of his countenance which glory was to bee done â—way how shall not that ministration of the Spirit bee rather glorious For if the ministration of condemnation bee glory much more doth the ministration of Righteousnesse exeeed in glory For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect by reason of the glory that excelleth For if that which was done away was glorious much more that which remaineth is glorious 2. Cor. 3.7.1.1.21 Q. What in lieu of this Word doth God require of vs A. Because he hath shewed his word vnto Iacob and his Statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel and hath not dealt so with every Nation and for his iudgments they haue not knowne them therfore praise ye the Lord Psal 147.19 Q. Why doe all such as haue the Word reape benefit thereby A. No for GOD shall smite the Earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips hee shall slay the wicked Ia. 11.4 And we are vnto God a sweet savour of CHRIST in them that are saved and in them that perish To the one we are the savour of death vnto death and to the other the savouâ— of lâ—fe vnto life 2 Cor. 2.15 Q. Hath the word one and the same entertainement among all them that perish A. No for when PAVL disputed of Righteousnesse and Temperance and of the Iudgment to come Faelix trembled Acts 24 25. 2 Herod he heard Iohn gladly and did many things Mark 6 20. Vnto others the Word of the Lord is a reproach they haue no delight in it Ier. 6.10 3 The Princes and people of Israel when they heard the Word of the Lord let their Servants goe free but afterwards repented Ier. 34 10 11. 4 When IEREMIAH preached the Word of the Lord to the Iewes that went downe into Aegypt to soiourne there they would not at all hearken to him Ier. 44 16. And from the preaching of Zachariah they pulled away the shoulder and stopped their eares that they should not heare yea they made their harts as an Adamant stone least they should heare the Law and the words which the Lord of Hosts hath sent in his spirit by the ministery of the Prophets Zach. 7 11. Ier. 6 16.44 3.4.32.23 2 Chron. 24 19 2 33 10. Hos 7 1. Ezek. 33 30. 5 Oâ—hers mocking said these men are full of new wine Act 2.13 And with their mouthes make Iests Ezek. 33.31 Ier. 20.7 8 9. Acts. 17 32 17 18.2 Chron. 36 16. 6 And the multitude of the Iewes when they heard PAVL cryed and said Away with such a fellow from the earth for it is not fit that he should liue and as they cryed out they cast off their cloathes and threw dust in the Ayre Acts 22 22. And when PAVL sent into Macedonia Timothius and Erastus there arose no small stir also about that way Acts 19 22 And when the Iewes heard Steven they were cut to the heart and they gnashed on him with their teeth Acts 7.54 7 Others make a man an offender for a word and lay a snare for him that reprooveth in the Gate and turne aside the iust for a thing of nought Isa 29 21. Mat. 10.34 Q. What are the reasons of so much prophane and vnprofitable hearing of the Word A. Some it profiteth not because it is not mixed with faith in them that heare it Heb. 4 2. Acts 28 24 19.9 2 Herod would not part with Herodias and therefore IOHN touching him vpon that sinne he cast him into prison Mark 6 17. And so every man that evill doeth hateth the light neyther commeth to the light least his deeds should bee reprooved Ioh. 3 20. Ezek. 33 31. 3 They are but naturall not having the spirit Iud. 19. And the naturall man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2 14.1 Cor. 2 11.1 2 6 7.8 Hos 8.12 Ier. 6 10. Act. 17 20. Math. 11 27 13.11 11 25 26. 4 God hath given them the Spirit of slumber eyes that they should not see and eares that they should not heare vnto this day Rom. 11.8 For it is written I will destroy the wâ—sedome of the wise and will cast away the vnderstanding of the prudent saith the LORD 1 Cor. 1 19. Isa 6 10 44.18 5 If our Gospell be hid it is hid to them that are lost whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that beleeue not that the light of the glorious Gospell of Christ which is the image of God should not shine vnto them 2 Corinth 4 â— 6 Some are hindred by the pride of theyr outward greatnesse and therefore not the rich but the poore receiue the Gospell Mâ—t 11.5 For saith Amazia vnto Amos O thou Seer goe flee thee away into the Land of Iudah and there eate bread and Prophesie there But Prophesie not againe any more at Bethel for it is
7 15. Numb 23 20. Q. What are the reasons of this vnchangeable dealing of God towards his people A. 1. Hee himselfe changeth not Mal. 3 6. He is the first and with the last even the same Isa 41.4 2 IESVS CHRIST also the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13 8. 3 Whom he once loveth he loveth vnto the end Ioh. 13.1 Who is the LORD GOD of your Fathers the God of Abraham the God of Iâ—aac and the God of Iacob this is his name for ever and this is his memoriall vnto all Generations Exod. 3 15. Isay 49 1. 4 The gifts and callings of GOD are â—ithout repentance Rom. 11 29. Q. What would you inferre vpon this â—nchangeablenesse in GOD A. Say not thou what is the cause that the former dayes were better than these for thou dost not enquire wâ—sely concerning this Eccl 7 10. 2 Therefore my beloved brethren bee yee stedfast vnmoueable alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord for as much as you know that your labour is not in vaine in the Lord 1 Cor. 15 58. And turne yee not aside for then shall yee goe after vaine things which cannot profit nor deliver you for they are vaine 1 Sam. 12 21. Q. Why Is God able to make his word good A Behold saith GOD I am the Lord the God of all flesh is there any thing too hard for me Ier. 32 27. The Lord of Hosts hath purposed and who shall disanull it And his hand is stretched out and who shall turne it backe Isa 14 27. The voyce of the LORD is powerfull the voyce of the Lord is full of Maiestie the voyce of the Lord breaketh the Cedars yea the Lord breaketh the Cedars of Lebanon Psal 29.4 neither by arme nor strength but by my Spirit saith the Lord of hostes Zach. 4 6. Yea whatsoever the Lord pleased that did hee in Heaven and in Earth and in all deepe places Psal 135 6. And now behold the Lords hand is not shortened that in cannot saue neither is his eare heavie that it cannot heare Isa 59 1. And though it be marveilous in the eyes of the remnant of his people in these dayes shall it also be marveilous in my eyes saith the LORD of hostes Zach. 8 6. Gen. 18 14. Isa 40 26 48 13 50 2 3 43 13. 1 Ioh. 4 4. Mark 10 27. Q. What shall wee then say to these things Rom. 8.31 A. 1 Ascribe yee strength vnto GOD his excellencie is over Israel and his strength is in the Clouds Psal 68 34. 2 Pray saying Thou O GOD who commandest our Strength strengâ—hen O God that which thou hast wrought for vs Psal 68 28. 3 Because I know whatsoever GOD doth it shall be for ever nothing can be put to it nor any thing taken from it Eccles 3 14. If GOD be for vs who can be against vs Rom. 8 13. Therefore against hope beleeue in hope not staggering at the Promise through vnbeliefe c. But bring strong in the Faith let vs giue glory to GOD being fully perswaded that what hee hath promised hee 〈◊〉 able also to performe Râ—m 4 18 20. Eccles 3 14. Psal 62 10 â—1 Gen. 17 1. CHAP. L. The objects of the Promises Q. I Know now that GOD can doe every thing Iob 42 2. What therefore is required at my hands that all things also may bee possible vnto mee A. As thou beleevest so it shall be done vnto thee Math. 8 13. And if thou canst beleeue all things are possible to him that beleeveth Mark 9 23. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that wee through Faith and comfort of the Scriptures might haue hope Rom. 15 4. And that the blessing of ABRAHAM might come on the Gentiles through IESVS CHRIST that wee might receiue the promise of the Spirit through Faith Gal. 3 14. So then they which hee of Faith are blessed with faithfull ABRAHAM Gal. 3.9 For the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise by the Faith of IESVS CHRIST might be given to them that beleeue Gal. 3 22 Blessed therefore is hee that beleeveth for there shall bee a performance of those things which were told him from the LORD Luk. 1 45. Habac. 2 4. 1 Tim. 4 10. Psal 34 8. Hebr. 11 29. Ierem. 17 5. Dan. 6 23. 2 Hold the mysterie of the Faith in a pure Conscience 1 Tim. 3.9 For bodily exercise profiteth little but Godlinesse is profitable vnto all things having the Promises of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 Hee therefore that hath cleane hands and a pure heart who hath not lifted vp his Soule vnto vanitie nor sworne deceitfully hee shall receiue the blessing from the LORD and righteousnesse from the GOD of his Salvation Psalm 24 4. For the Lord GOD is a Sonne and a shield the LORD will giue Grace and Glory and no good thing will hee with-hold from them that walke vprightly Psal 84.11 Know therefore that the LORD thy GOD hee is God the faithfull God which keepeth Covenant and Mercy with them that loue him and keepe his Commandements to a thousand generations Deut. 7 9. For the righteous LORD loveth Righteousnesse his Countenance doth behold the vpright Psal 11 7. And therefore blessed are they which keepe Iudgement and he that doth Righteousnesse at all times Psal 106 3. 119 1. 73 1. Prou. 12 28.16 7.14 27. Isa 58 13.56 2. Deut. 7 12. 1 King 6 12. Ioh. 13 17. Exod. 39 43. Psal 4 3. Ob. I haue long liued in want notwithstanding all my care and indeauour in the study and practise of Godlinesse Iob 35 3. A. But are there not with you even with you sinnes against the Lord your God 2 Chro. 28 10 For GOD is good and doth good Psal 119 68. And withdraweth not his eyes from the Righteous Iâ—b 36 7. Psal 125 4. O thou therefore that art named the house of IACOB is the spirit of the Lord straitned Are these his doings Doe not my words doe good to him that walketh vprightly saith the Lord Micha 2 7 All the pathes of the Lord are Mercy and Truth vnto such as keepe hâ—s Commandements and his testimonies Psal 25 10. To the pure all things are pure but vnto them that are defiled is nothing pure Titus 1 15. For the hand of our GOD is vpon all them for good that seeke him but his power and his wrath is against them that forsake him Ezra 8 22. 2 Chron. 19 11. Q. What vse then are wee to make hereof A. 1 Take heed therefore brethren least there be in any of you an evill heart of vnbeliefe in departing from the living GOD Heb. 3.12 For to whom sware hee that they should not enter into his rest but to them that beleeved not So we see then that they could not enter in because of vnbeliefe Heb. 3 18. Let vs therefore feare least a promise being left vs of entring into his rest
Christ being come in the flesh A. 1. Herein behold your happinesse aboue many who doe see and heare of these things for verily I say vnto you that many Prophets and righteous men haue desired to see those things which you see and haue not seene them and to heare those things which yee heare and haue not heard them Mat. 13.16.17 2 According to the voyce of one crying in the wildernesse Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straigth Mark 1.3 in the desert an high way for our God Isa 40.3 3 Reioyce greatly O daughter of Zion shoute O daughter of Ierusalem behold thy King commeth vnto thee Zech. 9.9 and cry saying Hosanna to the son of Dauid Blessed is hee that commeth in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest heauens Mat. 21.9 And Blessed bee the Lord God of Israel for hee hath visited and redeemed his people and he hath raised vp a horne of saluation for vs in the house of his seruant Dauid as he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets which haue beene since the world beganne Luke 1.68 c. Luke 1.54 55 46 47. Mat. 23.39 Mar. 11.10 4 Oh Zion that bringest good tidings get thee vp into the high mountaines of Ierusalem that bringest good tidings lift vp thy voyce be not afraide say vnto the Cities of Iudah behold your God Isa 52.7 and to the daughters of Zion behold thy saluation is come behold his reward is with him and his worke before him Isa 62.11 5 Then if any man shall say vnto you Lo heere is Christ or lo there beleeue it not For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall shew great signes and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceiue the very Elect. Behold I haue told you before wherefore if they shall say vnto you Behold he is in the desert goe not forth behold hee is in the secret chambers beleeue it not c. Mat. 24.23 c. Ob. If these tydings be so good why is Christ said to be a stumbling-blocke and a rocke of offence to both the houses of Israel Isa 8.14 A. Vnto you which beleeue hee is precious onely vnto them which be disobedient the stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner And iâ— stone of stumbling and a rocke of offence euen to them that stumble at the Word being disobedient whereunto also they werâ— appoynted 1 Pet 2.7.8 Isa 59.20 CHAP. IIII. Vnion with CHRIST Q. VVHat interest haue belieuers in Christ thus promised and exhibited A. Christ is wholly ours for heâ— came vnto his owne Ioh. 1.11 And vntâ— vs a Sonne is borne and vnto vs a childâ—â—â—â—iuen Isa 9.6 Q. By what meanes came Christ to bee ours A. By being vnited vnto him for we are in him that is true euen in the Sonne of God Iesus Christ 1 Ioh. 5.20 For saith hee Father I will that they may be one as thou O Father art in mee and I in thee that they may be one in vs I in them and thou in mee that they may bee made perfect in one Ioh. 17.21 23. He therefore that is ioyned to the Lord is one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 for in the dispensation of the fulnes of times he doth gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in him Ephes 1.10 Ioh. 14.20.17.11 Q. By what similitudes doth the Scripture set out this our vnion with Christ A. They are many 1 Of a building For thus saith the Lord Behold I lay in Zion a stone a tryed stone a precious corner stone a sure foundation Isa 28.16 And other foundation can no man laie then that which is laid which is Iesus Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth vnto an holy Temple in the Lord Ephes 2.21 2 Of house and inhabitants Christ as a sonne is ouer his own house whose house are we Heb. 3.7 In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit Eph. 2.22 who dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 3.16 and maketh his aboade with you Iohn 14.23.6.56 1 Cor. 6.19 3 Of consanguinity For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified being all one hee is not ashamed to call them brethren Heb. 2.11 But doth professe that whosoeuer doth the will of God is his brother sister and mother Mark 3.35 4 Of husband and wife vnto whom we are betrothed and espowsed Hos 2.19 20 2 Cor. 11.2 euen as the bride-grome to the bride Ioh. 3.29 whereby our maker is become our husband Isa 54.5 And is the head of his Church as the husband is the head of his wife Eph. 5.23 5 Of head and members Hee is the head of the body the Church Col. 1.18 and we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Eph. 5.30 for as the body is one hath many members all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 Know ye not therefore that your bodies are the members of Christ 1 Cor. 6.15 Ephes 1.22 23. Collos 1.24 Rom. 12.4 5. 6 Of the vine and branches Whereof Christ is the vine and we are the branches Iohn 15.5 Q. What may this our Vnion with Christ teach A. To examine and to prooue your owne selues Kow yee not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except yee be reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. Lay me down some marks wherby our vnion with Christ may be known A. 1 Because Christ dwelleth in our hearts by faith Ephes 3.17 Therefore examine your selues whether you bee in the faith 2 Cor. 13.5 2 Heereby we know that hee abideth in vs by the Spirit which he hath giuen vs. 1 Iohn 3.24 But if any man haue not the spirit of Christ the same is not his Rom. 8.9 1 Ioh. 4.13 3. Whosoeuer shall confesse that Iesus is the Sonne of God dwelleth in him and he in God 1 Ioh. 4.15 4. By this shall all men know that you are his Disciples if yee haue loue one to another Ioh. 13. â—5 God is loue and he that dwelleth in loue dwelleth in God God in him 1 Ioh. 4.16.1.4.11 12 1.2.9.10 5. Whosoeuer abideth in him sinneth not whosoeuer sinneth hath not seene him nor knowne him 1 Ioh. 3.6 But he that keepeth the commandements dwelleth in him and he in him 1 Ioh. 3.24 Ioh. 15.5.6 13.18 Gal. 5.24 Q. What if vpon due examination I doe find my selfe to be out of Christ A. For this cause bow your knees vnto the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory c. that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that you beeing rooted and grounded in loue may be able to comprehend with al Saints what is the bredth length and depth and height to know the loue of Christ which passeth knowledge that
Abrahams seede and heyres according to promise Gal. 3.29 Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children but in Isaac shall thy seed be called that is they which are the children of the flesh they are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seede Rom. 9.7 Now wee brethren as Isaac was are the children of promise Gal. 4.28.3.7 1 Pet. 3.6.1.2.10 Luk. 19.9 Mat. 3.9 Ioh. 8.39.47 Hos 1.10.2.23 Isa 65.1 Ob. This priuiledge may concerne some great personages of the Gentiles but not such abiect and dispised persons as I am A. Hearken my beloued brethren hath not God chosen the poore of this world rich in faith and heires of the Kingdome which he hath promised to them that loue him Iames 2.5 For you see your calling how that not many wise men after the flesh nor many mighty nor many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weake things of the world confound the things that are mighty aâ— base things of the world and things whâ— are despised hath God chosen yea thiâ— which are not to bring to nought thiâ— that are that no flesh should glory in presence 1 Cor. 1.26 Isa 66.2 Ob. If I could doe some thing woâ—thy of such a reward there were thâ— some hope A. God hath called vs not according workes but according to his own purpose aâ— grace whieh was giuen vs in Christ Iesâ—â— before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 For 〈◊〉 promise made to Abraham that he shoâ— be the heyre of the world was not to â—braham and his seed through the Law 〈◊〉 through the righteousnesse of faith For they which are of the Law be heires faith made voyd the promise made of none â—fect Ro. 4.13.11.5 Luk. 17.7 Tit. 3.3 Ob. Notwithstanding it will not oâ— of my minde but that it is my well dâ—ing if at all that must enter mee in this estate A. This perswasion commeth not of him that calleth you Gal. 5.8 For God sent foorth his Sonne made of a woman made vnder the Law to redeeme them that are vnder the Law that we might receiue the adoption of Sonnes Gal. 4.4.5 And therefore tell me you that desire to be vnder the Law doe you not heare the Law For it is written Cast out the bondwoman and her sonne for the sonne of the bondwoman shall not be heyre with the sonne of the freewoman Gal. 4.21 Gen. 21.10 Q. How comes it then to passe that wee miserable creatures should be so highly exalted A. We haue not chosen him but he hath chosen vs Ioh. 15.16 And hath predestinated vs vnto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will Ephes 1.5.11 For behold the heauen and the heauen of heauen is the Lords the earth also with all things that therein is Only the Lord hath a delight in vs hath chosen vs aboue al people as it is this day Deu. 10.14 Isa 60.21 Rom. 11.5 Ob. Can it bee imagined that meâ— instamped with the diuels image should become the children of God A No For there are also giuen vnto vs great and precious promises that 〈◊〉 these ye might be partakers of the diuine nâ—ture hauing escaped the corruption that 〈◊〉 in the world through lust 2 Pet. 1.4 Wherby we haue put off the old man witâ— his deeds and haue put on the new maâ— which is renewed in knowledge after thâ— image of him that created vs Col. 3.9 Anâ— are changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. What are the causes by which this Image of God is wrought in vs A. 1 Principall efficient the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3 18. For we are borne not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Ioh. 1.13 That which is borne of the flesh is flesh and that which is borne of the Spirit is Spirit Ioh. 3.6.8 Tit. 3.5 2 Instrumentall the word For of his owne will begat hee vs with the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures Iames 1.18 Being borne againe not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liueth and abideth for euer 1 Pet. 1.23 3 Ministring the Preachers who do beget vs by the Gospell 1 Corinth 4.15 And doe trauell in birth vntill Christ bee formed in vs Gal. 4.19 Isa 66.8 1 Cor. 9.1.2 Q. How may we know our selues to haue this image and so to be the children of God A. By these markes wee know that we are of God when yet the whole world lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5.19 1 God himselfe hath sealed vs and hath giuen the earnest of the spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 which spirit beareth witnesse with our spirits that wee are the children of God Rom. 8.16 2 Hee that beleeueth on the Sonne hath the witnesse in himselfe that hee is borne of God 1 Ioh. 5.10.5.1 3 He that is of God heareth Gods word Iohn 8.47 And as new borne babes doâ— desire that sincere milke of the Word thaâ— he may grow thereby 1 Peter 2.2 4 If you know that hee is righteous you know euery one that doth righteousnesse iâ— borne of him 1 Iohn 2.29 And being new borne hee doth not commit sinne because his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sinne because hee is borne of God In thiâ— therefore are the children of God knowne and the children of the diuell whosoeuer doth not righteously is not of God 1 Ioh. 3.9.3 Epist 11 Rom. 8.14 5 Loue is of God and euery one that loueth is borne of God and knoweth God 1 Iohn 4.7 6 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 But if you haue bitter enuying and strife in your hearts glory not and lye not against the truth Iames 3.14 For your spot is not the spot of his children they that are such are a crooked and peruerse generation Deut. 32.5 Hosea 1.9 Deut. 32.32 33. Iohn 8.44 Isa 57.3 Q. What may this priuiledge of being the children if God teach vs A. 1 To pray that the eyes of your vnderstanding being inlightned ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance is in the Saints and what is the exceding greatnesse of his power to vsward who beleeue according to the working of his mighty power Ephes 1.18 2 To call no man your father on earth for one is your father in heauen Math. 23.9 But be yee followers of God as deare children For yee were once darknesse now are yee light in the Lord walke as children of the light Ephes 5.1.8 And let your light so shine before men that they may see your good workes and glorifie your Father which is in heauen Math. 5.16 Mal. 1.6 1 Pet. 1.17 Ephes 4.30 3 To
an eye at the last trumpe for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed 1 Cor. 15.51 Q. Now I know that wee shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day Ioh. 11.24 What therefore would you thence inferre A. 1 Concerning them that sleepe that ye sorrow not euen as others without hope For if we beleeue that Iesus died and rose againe euen so them also which sleepe in Iesus wâ— God bring with him 1 Thes 4.13 2 Though I walke in the valley of tâ—â— shaddow of death I will feare no euill foâ— thou art with mee thy â—od and thy staâ— comfort mee Psalm 23.4 Therefoâ—â— also my heart is glad my glory reioycetâ— my flesh also shall rest in hope for thou wiâ—â— not leaue my soule in hell Psal 16.9 3. Let vs therefore which haue the firâ— fruites of the spirit groane within our selueâ— waiting for the adoption to wit the redemâ—tion of our bodies Rom. 8.23 4 Let none of vs liue or die to our selueâ— for whether wee liue wee liue vnto thâ— Lord or whether we dye we dye vnto thâ— Lâ—â—â— For to this purpose Christ dye◠〈…〉 and reuiued that he might be the Lord both of the dead and liuing Rom 14.7 Wherefore labour we that whether present or ahsent wee may be accepted oâ— him 2 Cor. 5.9 Q. When this dust returneth to thâ— earth Eccle. 12.7 who knoweth the spiriâ— of a man that goeth vpward and the spirit oâ— the beast that goeth downeward to the earth Eccles 3.21 A. Wee know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolued wee haue a building of God an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens 2 Cor. 5.1 For the spirit shall returne to God that gaue it Eccles 12.7 and shall bee with Christ in Paradise Luke 23.43 And with Lazarus in Abrahams bosome Luke 16.22 Q. How stand you affected with this A. I am in a straite betwixt two hauing a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better Pbil. 1.23 For in this wee groane earnestly desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from heauen if so be that being clothed wee shall not be found naked For we that are in this tabernacle doe groane being burdened not for that we would be vnclothed but clothed vpon that mortality might be swallowed vp of life 2 Cor. 5.2 Therefore wee are alwaies confident knowing that whilest wee are at home in the body wee are absent from the Lord for wee walke by faith and not by sight wee are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord 2 Corin. 5.6 Math. 17.4 CHAP. XVI Of the last iudgement Ob. WHat we shall haue after death I cannot say but in these daies of my vanity I haue seen there is a iust man that perisheth in his righteousnesse and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickednesse Ecces 7.15 yea the tabernacles of robbers prosper and they that prouoke God are secure for into their hand God bringeth abundantly Iob 12.6 Behold these are the vngodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches verily I haue cleansed my heart in vaine and washed my hands in innocency For all the day long I haue been plagued and chastened euery morning Psal 73.12 13. Ier. 5.27.12 1. Eccl. 8.14 A. God hath appointed a day in which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom hee hath ordained whereof he hath giuen assurance vnto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17.31 So that we shall all stand before the Iudgement seat of Christ Rom. 14.10 Who shall iudge his people Heb. 10.30 Vnto whom they also must come to giue an account 1. Pet. 4.5 Heb. 9.27 Psal 96.13.98.9 Eccles 11.9 Ob. Where is the promise of his comming For since the Fathers fell a sleepe all things continue as they were from the beginning 2 Pet. 3.4 A. This you are willingly ignorant of that by the Word of GOD the Heauens were of old and the earth standing out of the water and in the water whereby the world that then was being ouerflowed with water perished But the Heauens and the earth which are now by the same word are kept in store reserued vnto fire againsâ— the day of Iudgement and perdition of vngodly men But beloued be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as â— thousand yeares and a thousand yeares a one day The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise as some men couâ— slacknesse but is long suffering to vs ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2. Pet. 3.5 Q. Tell vs then when these thing shall be and what shall be the signes oâ— the end of the World Mat. 24.3 A. 1 Before the end come many shall come in CHRISTS name saying I am CHRIST and many false Prophets shall arise Mat. 24.5.11 2 The day shall not come except there come a falling away first 2. Thes 2.3 and many be deceiued Mat. 24.5.11 3 That man of sinne shall first be reuealed the sonne of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himselfe aboue all that is called GOD or that is worshipped 2. Thes 2.3.4 4 You shall heare of warres and rumors of warres for Nation shall rise against Nation Kingdome against Kingdome but the end shall not be yet Mat. 24.6.7 5 Because iniquity shall be increased the loue of many shall waxe cold Mat. 24.12 6 This Gospell of the Kingdome shall be preached in all the world for a witnesse vnto all Nations and then shall the end come Mat. 24.14 7 When the fulnesse of the Gentiles is come in all Israell shall be saued as it is written The deliuerer shall come out of Sion and shall turne away vngodlinesse from Iacob Rom. 11.25 8 As it was in the dayes of Noah so shall it be also in the dayes of the Sonne of Man they did eate they dranke they married wiues they were given in marriage vntill the day that Noah went into the Arke and the Flood came and destroyed them all Likewise also as it was in the dayes of Lot they did eate they dranke they bought they sold they planted they builded but the same day that Lot went out of Sodome it rained fire and brimstone from heauen and destroyed them all euen thus shall it bee in the day when the Sonne of man is reuealed Luke 17.26 And when they shall say peace and safety then sudden destruction commeth vpon them as trauell vpon a woman with child 1. Thes 5.3 Or as a thiefe by night 2. Pet. 3.10 Reuel 16.15 Math. 24.38 Now learne a parable of the Fig tree when his branch is yet tender and putteth foorth leaues ye know that summer is nigh Math. 24.32 And when ye see a cloud rise out of the West straite way yee say a shower commeth and
so it is And when ye see the South wind blow yee say that it will bee hot and it commeth to passe Luke 12.54 So likewise yee when yee shall see all these things know that it is neere euen at the doore Math. 24.33 But of the day and houre knoweth no man no not the Angels of heauen but my Father onely Math. 24.36 Eccles 8.5.7 Act. 1.7 Q. What shall bee the manner of CHRISTS comming to judgement A. Hee shall send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the foure winds from one end of heauen to the other Math. 24.31 Then the Heauens shall passe away with a great noise and the elements shall melt away with fervent heat the earth also with the workes that are therein shall be burned vp 2. Pet. 3.10 And there shall bee a great earthquake the sonne shall become blacke as sackcloth with haire and the Moone become as blood and the Starres of Heauen shall full to the earth and the heauens shall depart as a scrâ—ule Reuel 6.12 And there shall be signes in the Sunne and in the Moone and in the Starres and the Sea and the waues roaring the powers of the Heauen shall be shaken and then shall they see the signe of the sonne of Man comming in the Cloudes with power and great glory Luk. 21.25 Who shall be reuealed from heauen in flaming fire 2. Thes 1.7 With ten thousands of his Saints in glory and all his holy Angels with him Mat. 25.31 Thousands thousands shall minister vnto him and ten thousand times ten thousands shall stand before him and the Iudgement Seat shaâ—l be set and the bookes opened Dan. 7.9 And euery eye shall see him Reu. 1.7 Q. How shall men in the sâ—nce oâ— these things stand affected A. Vpon the earth there shall be distresse of Nations with perplexity mens hearts shall faile them for feare and for looking after those things which shall then come on the earth Luk. 21.26 And alâ— the kindreds of the Earth shall waile because of him Reuel 1.7 And in those dayes shall men seeke Death and shall not find it and shall desire to dye and death shall flye from them Reu. 9.6 Then the Kings of the earth and the great men and euery bondman and euery free man shall hide themselues in the Dennes and in the Rockes of the Mountaines shall say to the Mountaines and Rockes fall on vs and hide vs from the face of him that sitteth vpon the throne and from the wrath of the Lambe for the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand Reuel 6.15 Isa 2.19.13.7.33.14 Hos 10.8 Q. But shall the godly bee thus perplexed at the beholding of these things A. Beloued if our heart condemne vs not then shall we haue confidence towards God 1. Ioh. 3.21 For God hath not giuen vs the spirit of feare but of Power of Loue and of a sound Mind 2 Tim. 1.7 And therefore when these things begin to come to passe then shall we looke vp and lift vp our heads because our Redemption draweth nigh Luk. 21.28 For CHRIST was once offered to beare the sinnes of many and vnto them that looke for him shall he appeare the second time without sinne vnto saluation Heb. 9.28 And herein is our loue made perfect that wee may haue boldnesse at the day of Iudgment because as he is so are we in the World Ioh. 1.4.17 18. Rom. 10.11 Q. When Christ is set downe vpon his throne of glory what is the first work he shall doe A. He shall seperate the sheepe from the Goats and he shall set the sheepe on his right hand and the goats on his left Mat. 25 32. Among whom there shall be two in one bed one shall be taken and the other left Two women shal be grinding together the one shall be taken and the other left Two men shall be in the field the one shal be taken and the other left Luk. 17 34. Q. What shall follow vpon this seperation A. Such as haue followed CHRIST in the Regeneration when the Sonne of Man shall sit in the Throne of his glory they also shall sit vpon twelue thrones iudging the twelue tribes of Israel Mat. 19.28 Know yee not also that the Saints shall iudge the Angels 1. Cor. 6.3 Q. What are the things wherof Iudgment shall be giuen A. GOD shall bring euery worke into Iudgment with euery secret thing whether it be good or whether it be euill Eccl. 12.14 Moreouer I say vnto you that for euery idle word that men shall speake they shall giue an account thereof in the day of Iudgement For by their words they shall be iustified and by theyr words they shall be condemned Matth. 12 36. Ioh. 3.18 Iude v. 15. Q. What is the euidence which shall be produced A. Hee shall not iudge after the sight of his eyes neither reprooue by the hearing of his eares Isa 11.3 but by the Bookes which shall bee then opened Reuel 20.12 their Consciences also bearing witnesse and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing Rom. 2.15 Q. What are the rules according tâ— which CHRIST shall iudge A. 1. As many as haue sinned with out law shall perish without law and â— many as haue sinned in the law shall be iudged by the law Rom. 2.12 2. GOD shall iudge the secrets of men by IESVS CHRIST according to mâ— gospell Rom. 2.16 The words also whicâ— CHRIST hath spoken shall iudge them iâ— the latter day Ioh. 12.48 Iam. 2.12 Q. What is the sentence it selfâ— which CHRIST shall pronounce A. Hee shall say vnto them on his righâ— hand come yee blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the word Then shaâ— he say vnto them on his left hand Deparâ— from me yee Cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devill and his Angels Math. 25.34 And vnto his servants hâ— shall say binde them hand and foot Mat. 22.13 and cast you these vnprofitable servants into outer darknesse Math. 25.30 Q. What shall bee the issue of this sentence A. God will then render to every one according to his deeds To them who by patient continuance in well doing seeke glory and honor and immortality eternall life But vnto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey vnrighteousnesse indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish vpon euery soule of man that doeth evil to the Iew first and also to the Gentile But glory and honour and peace to euery man that worketh good to the Iew first and also to the Gentile Rom. 2.7 2. Cor. 5.10 Mat. 25.46 Q. What may the consideration of these things teach vs A. 1. Reioyce O young man in thy youth and let thy heart cheere thee in the dayes of thy youth and walke in the wayes of thine heart and in the sight of thine eyes but know thou that for all these things GOD will bring thee into
before vs whâ—ch hope we haue as anker of the soule both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that which is within the vaile whether the fore-runner is for vs entred Heb. 6.17 Q. Shew me then some marks wherby I may discerne whether or no my selfe am one of that number which shal be saued A. 1. This is life Eternall that wee know him to be the onely true God and IESVS CHRIST whom he hath sent Ioh. 17.3 2. GOD so loued the world that hee gaue his onely begotten Son that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Ioâ— 3.16 These things I write vnto you that beleeue in the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye haue eternall life 1. Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 5.24.3.36 Acts 16.31 3. It shall be that whosoeuer shal call on the name of the Lord shall be saued Act. 2 21. 4. We know that we are passed from death to life because we loue the brethreÌ„ 1. Io. 3.14 5. Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe and become as a little child the same is great in the Kingdome of GOD. Mat. 18.4 Mat 5.3.19.14 6 The Kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11.12 and for ioy thereof depart and sell all that they haue to purchase it Mat. 13.44 5.10 7. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth nor whosoever worketh abomination or that maketh a lie Reu. 21.27 For without are dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers Idolaters Reu. 22.15 Neither shall any that worketh abhomination enter into the Kingdome of GOD. Reu. 21.27 The sinners in Zion are afraid fearefulnesse shall surprise the Hypocrites Who among vs shall dwell with the devouring fire who among vs shall dwell with the everlasting burnings He that walketh righteously and speaketh vprightly he that despiseth the gaine of the oppressions that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes and stoppeth his eare from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing of euill hee shall dwell on high Isa 33.14 And to him that ordereth his conuersation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD. Psal 5â— 23.15.1.119.155 Math. 5.19 Ier. 17.13 Ob. These things in some measure I doe find to be in my selfe yet my griefe is that I can be no more sencible of this happinesse A. 1. Now wee see through a glasse darkly but then face to face Now wee know in part But then shall wee know even as also wee are knowne 1. Cor. 13.12 2. We are saved by hope but hope that is seene is not hope For what a man seeth why doth hee hope for it But if we hope for that we see not then doe we with patience waite for it Rom. 8.24 As well as IACOB who said I haue waited for thy salvation O LORD Gen. 49.18 1. Pet. 1.9 3. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 Whom hauing not seene you loue in whom though you see him not yet beleeuing you reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and full of glory receiuing the end of your faith the saluation of your soules 1. Pet. 1.8 4. For this end pray saying Restore vnto mee the ioy of thy salvation and vphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51.12 And then with ioy shall you draw water out of the wels of saluation Isa 12.3 Ob. I am beset with so many enemies that my feare is I shall fall short of Heauen A. We are kept by the power of GOD through faith vnto saluation ready to bereuealed in the last times 1. Pet. 1.5 When Christ shall put downe all rule and all authority and power For he must reigne till he haue put all his enemies vnder his feet the last whereof that shall be destroyed is death For hee hath put all things vnder his feet but when hee saith all things are put vnder him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things vnder him 1. Cor. 15.24 Q. Seeing GOD haâ—h prouided for vs such an inheritance what therefore are we to doe A. 1. We are bound to giue thankes alwayes to GOD because GOD hath from the beginning chosen vs to saluation through sanctification of the spirit and the beliefe of the truth Whereunto hee called vs by the Gospell to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord IESVS CHRIST 2. Thes 2.13 1. Pet. 1.3.4 2 Because the Scriptures are callâ—d the Word of the Kingdome Mat. 13.19 Search the Scrâ—ptures for in them ye thinke to haue eternall life Ioh. 5.39 In which because some things are hard to be vnderstood 2. Pet. 3.16 Let euery man be swift to heare Iam. 1.19 For after that in the Wisedome of GOD the World by Wisedome knew not GOD it pleased GOD by the foolishnes of Preaching to saue them that beleeue 1. Cor. 1.21 3. Seeing wee here haue no continuing City but we seeke one to come Heb. 13.14 And the time here being short it remaineth that both they that haue Wiues be as though they had none and they that weepe as though they wept not and they that reioyce as though they reioyced not and they that buy as though they possessed not and they that vse this world as not abusing it for the fashion of this World passeth away 1. Cor. 7.29 And wee according to his Promise looke for new Heauens and a new earth where dwelleth Righteousnesse 2. Pet. 3.13 Ioh. 6.27 4. Make you friends of the Mammon of vnrighteousnesse that when yee faile they may receiue you into everlasting habitations Luk. 16.9 Sell that yee haue and giue Almes and prouide your selues Bags which waxe not old and treasures in Heaven that faile not Luk. 12.33 Matth. 6.19 5. Hauing therefore these promises let vs cleanse our selues from all filthines of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2. Cor. 7.1 And let vs feare left a promise being left vs of entring into his rest any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4.1 Wherein we ought to giue the more earnest heed to the things which wee haue heard least at any time wee should let them slip For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience receiued a iust recompence of reward how shall wee escape if wee neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD and was confirmed to vs by them that heard him Heb. 2.1 Wherefore the rather brethren giue diligence to make your calling and election sure for if yee doe these things yee shall never fall For so an entrance shall be ministred to you abundantly into the everlast ng Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour IESVS CHRIST 2. Pet. 1.10 11. Râ—u 22.14 Heb. 12 28. 1. Cor 15 34 Râ—m 13.11 1. Cor. 6.9 Tit. 2.11 Q You tell me of Heaven and if these bee the condâ—tions of attaining it how shall I â—e animated to come there A. If any man will come after me let
shadow of death light is sprung vp Mat 4 16. And we know that the Sonne of GOD is come and hath giuen vs an vnderstanding that we may know him that is true 1. Ioh. 5.20 Which in other ages was not made knowne vnto the Sonnes of men as it is now reuealed vnto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the spirit Eph. 3 5. Ioh. 1 18 Pro. 2 6 Iob. 32 8. Pro. 18 15 14 6. Thus the Romanes were filled with all knowledge able also to admonish one another Rom. 15 14. 1 Cor. 1 5. Psal 119 98 99 100. ver Ioh. 15 15 Ioh 17 25 17 6. On the contrary a Scorner seeketh wisedome and findeth it not Pro. 14 6 he is ever learning and neuer able to come to the Knowledge of the truth 2. Tim. 3 7. His way is as darkenesse hee knowes not at what he stumbleth Prou. 4 19. Hee shall dye without instruction and in the greatnesse of his folly he shall goe astray Pro. 5.23 Prou. 18.2.14.18.3.32 Iob 17.4 Pro. 14.8 15.14 Hos 4.6 Q. What may this teaeh vs A. 1. Not to be as the Horse and Mule which haue no vnderstanding Psal 32.9 No nor yet to bee as children but in vnderstanding to be men 1. Cor. 14 20. Suffering the Word of CHRIST to dwell in you richly in all wisedome Col. 3.16 2. Pray that GODS wayes may bee knowne vpon earth and his sauing health among all Nations Psal 67.2 And for your selues that you may vnderstand the wayes of â—his Commandements Psal 119.27 and behold the wonderfull things of his Law Psal 119.18 Psal 119.7 33 34 73 125 169.171 ver 2. Tim. 2 7. Of Faith Q. Which is the second sanctifying Grace A. GOD will fulfill in you all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of Faith with power 2. Thes 1 11. Wherby euery one that hath heard and learned of the Father commeth vnto CHRIST Ioh. 6 45. For STEPHEN was a man full of Faith Acts. 6 5. And the Faith of the Romanes was spoken of throughout the whole world Rom. 1 8. Acts 24 14 27.25 Ioh. 10 42. Q. What may hence be learned A. Because all men haue not Faith 2. Thes 3 2. Therefore build vp your selves in your most holy Faith praying in the holy Ghost Iud. 20. and saying Lord increase our Faith Luk. 17 5. Lord wee beleeue helpe our vnbeliefe Mark 9 24. Of Trust Q. It beeing long betwixt the promise and the accomplishment of it how may wee in the meane while bee vpheld A. Thou shalt stay vpon the holy one of Israel in truth Isa 10 20. Vnder his Wings shalt thou trust Psal 91.4 For he is the confidence of all the ends of the earth and of them that are a farre off vpon the Sea Psal 65 5. Whereby they that know his name will put their trust in him Psal 9 10. Math. 12 21. Isa 51 5 Psal 40 4 84 12. Thus Dauid trusted in the Lord Psal 31 6. And the people rested themselues vpon the words of Hezekiah King of Iudah 2. Chro 32 8. Psal 20 7 11 1 18 2 52 8.144 1 2 56 3 4. Iob. 13 15. Q. What would you hence inferre A. Commit thy wayes vnto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to passe Psal 37 5. thy thoughts shall be established Pro. 16 3. And happy shalt thou be Pro. 16 20. For it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in Princes Psal 118 8. Surely men of low degree are vanitie and men of high degree are a lie to be laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter than vanitie Psal 62 9 115 9 146 3 4 34 22. Isa 2 22 26 4 31 1 36 6 Pro. 3 5. Of Hope Ob. GOD may not onely delay his promise but also by some euill occurrent vnsettle my confidence A. The wicked indeed is driven away in his wickednesse but the righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14 32 For Abraham against hope beleeued in hope Rom. 4 18. so Christ is in you the hope of glory Col. 1 27. Thou hadst saith Iouâ—â— cast me into the deepe in the midst of the Sea and the Flouds compassed me about all thy billowes and thy waues passed ouer me Then I said I am cast out of thy sight yet I will looke againe towards thy holy temple Ion. 2 3.4 And now Lord what waite I for my hope is in thee Psal 39 7 46 2 33 22 119 81 Psal 119 166. Lam. 3 24. Isa 8 17. Micha 7 7. Tit. 2 13 Acts 26 6. Iob 5 16. Q. What vse is to be made hereof A. Therefore looke you also for the mercy of our LORD IESVS CHRIST vnto eternall life Iud. 21. And waite on thy GOD continually Hos 12 6. For happy is he that hath the GOD of IACOB for his helpe whose hope is in the LORD his GOD which made Heauen and Earth Psal 146 5 33 22 Lam. 3 25 26. Hos 12 6. Ob. Then is euery one happy for who will not say that his Hope is in GOD A. The hope of the Righteous shall be gladnesse but the expectation of the wicked shall perish Pro. 10 28. The eyes of the wicked shall faile and they shall not escape and their hope shall bee as the giving vp of the Ghost Iob. 11 20 8 13. c. Iob. 27 8 9 10. CHAP. XXI Of Loue Feare Sorrow Humility and Repentance Q. WHat other Sanctifying Grace will GOD bestow vpon us A. He will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to loue the LORD thy GOD with all thine heart and with all thy Soule that thou maist liue Deut. 30 6. Pro. 8 17. Cant. 1 4 3 10. Psal 26 8. Psal 116 1. 1. King 3 3. Thus MARY MAGDALEN shee loved much Luk. 7 47. I also loue the LORD Psal 18 1. Yea LORD thou knowest all things thou knowest that I loue thee Ioh. 21 17. And if any man loue not the LORD IESVS CHRIST let him be Anathema Maranatha 1. Cor. 16 22. Q. What may this teach vs A. To pray that the Lord would direct your hearts into the Loue of GOD 2 Thes 3 5. And that your loue may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all Iudgement Phil. 1 9.1 Thes 3 12. 2 Labour to keepe your selues in the loue of GOD Iud. 21. Of Feare Q. But that our loue be not exorbitant wherewith shall it be swaved A. He will giue you one heart and one way that you may feare him for euer for your good and the good of your Children after you Ier. 32 39. And you shall feare the LORD and his goodnesse in the latter dayes Hos 3 5. Psal 34 11. Deuâ— 4 10. Isa 2â— 22 23. Hos 3.5 For thus the Midwiues feared God Exod. 1 17 And OBADIAH feared the LORD from his youth 1. King 18 3 12. So did CORNELIVS with all his houshold Acts 10 â—
deliver vs. 2 Cor. 1.10 Psal 41.1.34.6 1 Kings 11.39 Isa 28.28 Nehe. 9 28. Ob. If we in respect of affliction should obtaine but a bare and naked deliverance the comfort thereof would not be great A. They that sow in teares shall reape in ioy He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtlesse come againe with reioycing and bring his sheaues with him Psal 126 5. For thus saith the Lord like as I brought all this great evill vpon this people so will I bring vpon them all the good I haue promised Ier. 32 42. A little one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong Nation Isa 60 22. As one whom his Mother comforteth so will I comfort you and you shall be comforted in Ierusalem And when you see this your heart shall reioyce and your bones shall flourish like an hearbe and the hand of the LORD shall be knowne towards his Servants Isa 66 13. For hee will make her wildernesse like Eden and her Desart like the Garden of the Lord. Ioy and gladnesse shall be found therein thanksgiving and the voyce of melodie Isa 51 3. The voyce of the bridegroome and the voyce of the Bride the voice of them that shall say Praise the LORD of Hosts for the LORD is good for his mercy endureth for ever Ier. 33 11. Iâ—a 61 11.61 7 60 15 57 17 18 verses 58 8. Zach. 9 13. Micha 7 8 4 6 7. Ier. 30 19. Esth 8 16. 2 Cor. 7 5 6. Psal 71 19 21. Ob. Our case seemes to be too desperate thus to be delivered A. O thou afflicted and tossed with tempest and not comforted behold I will lay thy stones with faire colours and lay thy foundations with Saphires and I will make thy Windowes of Agates and thy Gates of Carbuncles and all thy borders of pleasant stones Isa 54.11 And though you haue laine among pots yet shall ye bee as the wings of a Doue eovered with silver and her feathers with yellow Gold Psal 68 13. For hee raiseth vp the poore out of the Dust and lifteth vp the begger from the Dunghill to set them among Princes and to make them inherit the throne of Glory for the Pillars of the Earth are the Lords and he hath set the world vpon them 1 Sam. 2.8 Psal 113.7.42.7 8. Ezek. 37.12 Q. Doth the Lord dispense this goodnesse of his vnto all men alike in their afflictions A. The iust man falleth seaven times a day and riseth againe but the wicked shall fall into mischiefe Prou. 24.16 In the hand of the LORD there is a Cup the Wine is red it is full of mixture and hee powreth out of the same but the Dregges thereof all the wicked of the Earth shall wring out and drinke them Psal 75.8 Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him Or is hee slaine according to the slaughter of them that are slaine by him In measure when it shooteth forth he will debate with it hee stayeth his rough wind in the day of the East wind Isay 27.7 For how should I giue thee vp Ephraim How should I deliver thee Israel How should I make thee as Admah How should I set thee as Zeboim My heart is turned within mee my repentings are kindled together Hos 11 8. Therefore feare thou not O Iacob my Servant saith the LORD for I am with thee for I will make a full end of all the Nations whether I haue driven thee but I will not make a full end of thee but correct thee in measure Ier. 46.28 19 10. Numb 24 20 Psal 18 27. Prou. 11 28. Moreâ—ver thus saith the Lord God behold my Servants shall eate but yee shall be hungry behold my Servants shall drink but ye shall be thirstie behold my Servants shall reioyce but yee shall be ashamed behold my Seruants shall sing for ioy of heart but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart and shall howle for vexation of spirit And you shall leaue your name for a curse vnto my chosen for the LORD GOD shall slay thee and call his Servants by another name Isa 65 13. Ier. 10 24 25. Prou. 14.10 Q. But will it not be long ere this deliverance commeth A. I will bring neere my righteousnes it shall not be farre off and my salvation shall not tarry Isa 46 13. A little while and ye shall not seeme and againe a little while and yee shall see me because I goe to my Father Ioh. 16 16. GOD is a very present helpe in trouble Psal 46 1. His anger endureth but a moment in his favour is life weeping may endure for a night but ioy commeth in the morning Psalm 30 5. After two dayes will hee reviue vs in the third day he will raise vs vp and wee shall liue in his sight Hos 6 2. Come therefore my people enter thou into thy Chambers and shut thy doores about thee hide thy selfe as it were for a little moment vntill the indignation bee overpast Isa 26 20.65 1 17 14 2 Sam. 24 12 13 25. Ob. But Zion said the Lord hath forsaken me and my LORD hath forgotten me Isa 49 14. I am weary of my crying my throat is dryed mine eyes faile while I waite for my GOD Psalm 69.3 Behold I goe forward but hee is not there and backward but I cannot perceiue him on the left hand where he doth worke but I cannot behold him hee hideth himselfe on the right hand that I cannot see him Iob. 23.8.9.19.13.3.3.13.26.33.19 6.4.7.20 13.24.16.12.19.6 Psal 88 3.40.12.102.3.1â—6.3 Ruth 1 20. Isa 38.10 Ier. 20.15.15 10. A. But hee knoweth the way that thou takest when he hath tryed thee thou shalt come forth as Gold Iâ—b 23 10. Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him yet Iudgement is before him therefore trust thou in him Iob. 35 14. For the needy shall not alwayes bee forgotten the expectation of the poore shall not perish for ever Psal 9.18 For can a woman forget her sucking Child that she should not haue compassion on the Sonne of her wombe Yea they may forget yet will not I forget thee saith the LORD Isa 49.15 The hope indeed deferred maketh the heart sicke but when the desire is accomplished it is a tree of Life Prou. 13.12 Ye haue therefore need of patience that after ye haue done the will of GOD yee might inherit the Promise For yet a little while and hee that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10.36 Psalm 56.8 Q What man ever lived that could be patient in suffering such things with so long waiting for deliverance as I haue done A. He that beleeveth shall not make hast Isa 28.16 Therfore I wait for the Lord my Soule doth wait and in his word doe I hope my Soule waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning Psal 130.5 Notwithstanding my confusion is continually before me the shame of my face hath covered me For the voyce of him that reproacheth and blaspheameth by
Heb. 6 1. Q It neyther the frequent vse of tongues nor humane eloquence nor deepe and profound teaching bee of esteeme with you I pray tell me wherein you Ministers are in your teaching most praise worthâ— A. Doe we begin againe to commend our selues or need we as some others Epistles of commendations to you or letters of commendations from you Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts knowne and read of all men For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by vs written not with Inke but with the spirit of the living God not in tables of stone but in the fleshy tables of the heart And such trust haue wee through Christ to Godward not that we are sufficient of our selues but our sufficiencie is of God who hath also made vs able Ministers of the new Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life 2 Cor. 3 1. And are not you my worke in the LORD If I be not an Apostle vnto others yet doubtlesse I am to you for the Seale of my Apostleship are yee in the LORD 1 Corinth 9 1 2. Q But why should GOD vse the Ministrie of men and not of Angels A. Wee haue this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of GOD and not of vs 2 Cor. 4 7. 2 Every high Priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both guifts and sacrifices for sins who can haue compassion on the ignorant and of them that are out of the way for that hee himselfe also is compassed with infirmity Heb. 5 1 2. Ob. The case so being Christ Iesus himselfe being both God and Man had beene a Minister without all exception A. I tell you the truth it was expedient for you that hee goe away for if hee had not gone away the Comforter would not come vnto you but in that hee departed he hath sent him vnto you c. Who beeing come hee doth guide you into all truth c. Ioh. 16 7 13. Let men therefore teach to obserue all things whatsoever hee commandeth you and loe hee is with you even vnto the end of the World Mathew 28 20. CHAP. XXXIIII Of the Sacraments Ob. IF the Ministrie of the Word be no lesse efficatious then as you haue said it is what further need is there of the Sacraments A. Circumcision verily profiteth Rom. 2 25. For Abraham received the signe of Circumcision a Seale of the righteousnesse of Faith Rom. 4.11 Act 7 8. In whom you also are circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of CHRIST Col. 2 11. Deut 10 16. Q What promise hath GOD made to Bâ—ptisme A. Thaâ— he will baptize thee with the Holy Ghost and with fire Math. 3 11. For by one spirit we are all baptized into one body whether wee be Iewes or Gentiles whether we be bond or free 1 Cor. 12 13. Whereby Baptisme doth now saue vs not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God by the Resurrection of IESVS CHRIST 1 Pet. 3 21. Acts 16 14. Luk. 7 29 30. Q. Vnto whom doth this belong A. 1 To the Ministers that they teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Math 28 19. 2 To the people to doe as the publicans who iustified GOD being baptized with the baptisme of Iohn And not to â—o as the Pharisies and Lawyers who reiected the counsell of God against themselues being not baptized of him Luk 7 29.30 Gen. 17 14. Q. See thâ—n here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized Acts 8 36. A 1 If thou beleevest with all thine heart thou mayest Act 8 37 For can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized who haue received the Holy Ghost as well as we Actâ— 10.47 2 You must amend your liues Act. 2 38. And circumcise the fore-skin of your heart Deut. 10.16 And then be baptized every one of you in the name of IESVS CHRIST Acts 2 38. Ob. If Faith and Repentance bee necessary vnto Baptisme seeing Infants cannot actually beleeue nor repent are they therefore to bee excluded from this Sacrament A. Suffer little Children to come vnto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdome of God Math. 19.14 And if the root be holy so are the branches Rom. 11 16. For the promise was made to Abraham and his seed Gal. 3 16. Gen. 17 2 7 17 12 21 4. Acts 2 39. Q Doth the efficacie of Baptisme depend on the worthinesse of the Minister A. No but on whom thou shalt see the Spirit descend and remaine on him the same is he that doth Baptize with the Holy Ghost Ioh. 1 33 Iohn in deed baptized with Water but yee shall bee baptized with the Holy Ghost Math. 3 11. Q. What need then is there of the Supper of the Lord A. The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ The Bread which we breake is it not the Communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread 1 Cor. 10 16. Therefore saith Christ take eate this is my body and of the Cup drinke yee all of it for this is my bloud of the new Testament which is shed for many for the Remission of sinnes Math. 26.26 This doe as often as yee doe it in remembrance of me For as often as yee eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup yee doe shew the Lords Death till hee come 1 Corinth 11 25 11 23. Q. May any prophane person bee admitted vnto the Supper of the Lord A. No for if any shall eate of this bread and drinke of this Cup of the Lord vnworthily he shall be guiltie of the body and Bloud of the LORD and he eateth and drinketh Iudgement to himselfe not discerning the Lords body 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Moreover they cannot drinke the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Divels they cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the Table of Divels 1 Cor. 10 21. For thus saith the LORD GOD no stranger vncircumcised in heart nor vncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary that is among the Children of Israel Exek 44 9. Ezod 12 48. Leuit. 2 13. Q. What is then to bee done before our comming vnto this Sacrament A. Let a man examine himselfe and so let him eat of that bread and drinke of that cup 1 Cor. 11 28 Also if a stranger shall soiourne among you and will keep this Supper vnto the Lord according to the ordinance and according to the manner thereof so shall he doe Numb 9 14. Who if he doe also iudge himselfe he shall not be iudged 1
giue you assured peace in this place Ierem. 14 13.23 18 18 18.23 17. 1 King 18 17. A. AMEN the LORD doe so the Lord performe the words that they haue spoken Ierem 28 6. As for me I haue not hastened from being a Pastor to follow thee neither haue I desired the wofull day thou knowest that which came out of my lippes was right before thee Ier. 17 16. And as for your Ministers if any of them thinke himselfe to bee a Prophet and Spirituall let him acknowledge that the things that I write vnto you are the Commandements of the LORD but if any man bee ignorant let him bee ignorant 1 Corinth 14 37. But let no man deceiue you with vaine words for because of these shings commeth the wrath GOD vpon the Children of disobedience Ephes 5 6. Your Prophets prophecie lyes in my Name I sent them not neyther haue I commaunded them neither spake vnto them they Prophesied vnto you a false vision and divination and a thing of nought and the deceit of their heart Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the Prophets that prophecie in my Name and I sent them not yet they say Sword and Famine shall not bee in this land by sword and famine shall those Prophets bee consumed And the people to whom they Prophesied shall bee cast out into the streets of Ierusalem because of the Famine and the Sword and they shall haue none to bury them for I will powre theyr wickednesse vpon them Ierem. 14 14. And when the words of the Prophets shall come to passe then shall you know that the LORD hath truly sent him Ierem. 28 9.50 30.31 23 19.23.25.23.30.28.15 Ezek. 14 9.13 6.13 22. Hosea 4.9.9.7.8 Isa 29.9.42.19 1. King 22 23.25 Isa 3 12. Ob. I thinke you will neuer giue ouer these threatning words giue mee such a Minister as will preach comfortable things vnto vs. A. Am I therefore become your enemie because I tell you the Truth Gal. 4 16. As for these Ministers they haue healed your hurt with sweet words saying Peace peace when there is no peace Ierem. 8.11 And if a man walking in the spirit and falshood and doe lye saying I will Prophecie vnto thee of wine and strong drinke hee shall bee even the Prophet of this people Micha 2 11. Therefore shalt thou fall in the day and the Prophet also shall fall with thee in the night and I will destroy thy Mother Hos 4 5. 1 King 18 18. Isa 30.8 Hos 4 4. Ob. Though these Iudgments you threaten be certaine yet they may not bee neere Ezek. 11 3. But the vision may bee for many dayes to come and you Prophecie of the times that are farre off Ezâ—k 12 27. A. Who is like mee And who will appoint mee the time saith the LORD Ierem. 49 19. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD There shall none of my words bee prolonged any more but the word which I haue spoken shall bee done saith the Lord GOD Ezek. 12 28 Yea eueâ— in your dayes O rebellious house will I say the thing and will performe it Ezâ—k 12 25. Hee shall come as an Eagle to the house of the LORD Hos 8 1. And hee will bee a swift witnesse against such scorners Malac. 3 5. For the dayes of visitations are come the dayes of recompence are come Hosea 9 7. It shall bee in a moment even sodainly Isa 29.5 as a breach ready to fall swelling out in a high wall whose breaking commeth sodainly at an instant Isa 30 13. For no man knoweth his time but as the Fishes that are taken in an evill net and as the birds that are caught in the snare so are the sonnes of Men snared in an evill time when it falleth sodainly vpon them Eccles 9.12 Amos 9 10 8 1 2. Zeph. 1 14. Deut. 32 35. Isa 47 11. Ierem. 1 12.48 16.50.31.51.33 Lam. 4 18.22 Ezek. 7 12 21.9 Hos 4.19 Ioel 2 1. Gen. 19 24. Dan. 5 3 30. Ob. If the worst things doe fall yet haue I many meanes to guard and to defend mee from the same A. O inhabitant of Lebanon that makest thy nest in the Cedars how gracious shalt thou be when Pangs come vpon thee as the paine of a woman in trauell Ierem 22.23 The pride of thine heart hath deceiued thee thou that dwellest in the clefts of the Rocke whose habitation is high that saith in his heart who shall bring mee downe to the ground Though thou exaltest thy selfe as the Eagle and though thou set thy nest among the Starres thence will I bring thee downe saith the LORD Obad. 3 4. Your silver and your gold shall not bee able to deliver you in the day of the wrath of the LORD Ezek. 7 19. The Lord is wise in heart and mighty in strength who hath hardened himselfe against him and prospered Iob 9 4. Prou. 10.2.11.4 Ezek. 28.4 7 19. Zeph. 1.18 Zach. 9.3 Ier. 49.4 4.30 Hab. 2.9 Ob. If our owne power be too weake wee haue multitudes of allies and many good friends will stand by and succour vs A. EPHRAIM is fed with the Wind and followeth after the East-wind Hos 12.1 For though hand ioyne in hand the wicked shall not be vnpunished Prou. 16 5. And how say yee then wee are mighty and haue strong men for the Warre Ier. 48 14. Art thou better than populous No that was scituate among the Rivers that had the waters round about it whose Rampart was the Sea and her Wall was from the Sea Nahum 3 8. Yee haue plowed wickednesse yee haue reaped iniquitie yee haue eaten the fruit of lyes for because thou didst trust in the multitude of thy mighty men therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people and all thy Fortresses shall bee spoyled Hos 10.13 When also thy lovers will despise thee and will seeke thy life Iâ—r 4.30 Your hired men shall bee turned backe and flie away together Ier. 46.21 And the multitude of thy strangers shall bee like the small dust and the multitude of thy terrible ones shall bee as the Chaffe that passeth away Isa â—9 5. And you shall bee ashamed of a people that could not profit you nor bee an helpe nor profit but a shame and also a reproch For they shall helpe in vaine and to no purposeâ— therefore haue I cryed concerning this their strength is to sit still Isa 30 5 7. Wherefore cease yee from Man whose breath is in his nosthrels for wherein is hee to bee accounted of Isa 2.22 1 Cor. 10.22 Isa 8.6.57.13 Iob. 36.19 15.31 2 Samuel 16 23.2 17.14 Ier. 18. â— Ob. If wee cannot with safety stand out against these Iudgements wee will then flye from them and they shall not overtake vs Isaiah 30.16 A. Am I a GOD at hand saith the LORD and not a GOD a farre off Ier. 23.23 Whether will yee goe from his spirit Or whether will yee flee from his presence Psal 139.7 He which fleeth of you shall not flee away and hee that escapeth of you