Abodyofdivinitie,or,ThesummeandsubstanceofChristianreligioncatechisticallypropounded,andexplained,bywayofquestionandanswer:methodicallyandfamiliarlyhandled/composedlongsincebyJamesVsherB.ofArmagh,andattheearnestdesiresofdiversgodlyChristiansnowprintedandpublished;whereuntoisadjoynedatract,intituled

Immanvel,or,ThemysteryoftheincarnationoftheSonofGodheretoforewriten[sic]andpublishedbythesameauthour.—Bodyofdivinity

Abodyofdivinitie,or,ThesummeandsubstanceofChristianreligioncatechisticallypropounded,andexplained,bywayofquestionandanswer:methodicallyandfamiliarlyhandled/composedlongsincebyJamesVsherB.ofArmagh,andattheearnestdesiresofdiversgodlyChristiansnowprintedandpublished;whereuntoisadjoynedatract,intituledImmanvel,or,ThemysteryoftheincarnationoftheSonofGodheretoforewriten[sic]andpublishedbythesameauthour.—Bodyofdivinity

Tableofcontents

Titlepage[1]TotheChristianReader.TheConnexionofthesePointstogether,andDependenceofthemoneuponanother.THEHEADSOFTHEBODYOFDIVINITYDIVIDEDINTOTwoandfiftyHeads.ALARGEEXPLICATIONOFTHEBODYOFCHRISTIAN

RELIGION.HithertowehavetreatedoftheruleandsquareofourSanctification,viz.ThetenCommandements:TheTable.ERRATA.[2]TitlepageTHEMYSTERYOFTHEIncarnationoftheSONOFGOD.

[Page][Page]

§ABODYOFDIVINITIE,ORTHESVMMEANDSVBSTANCEOFChristianReligion,Catechisticallypropounded,andexplained,bywayofQuestionandAnswer:Methodicallyandfamiliarlyhandled.ComposedlongsincebyJAMESVSHERB.ofARMAGH.AndattheearnestdesiresofdiversgodlyChristiansnowPrintedandPublished.

VVhereuntoisadjoynedaTract,intituledIMMANVEL,ORTHEMYSTERYOFTHEIncarnationoftheSONOFGOD;HeretoforewritenandpublishedbythesameAuthor.

JOHN17.3.

Thisislifeeternall,thattheymightknowtheetheonelytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomthouhastsent.

LONDON,PrintedbyM.F.forTHO:DOVVNESandGEO:BADGER,andaretobesoldinS.DunstansChurch-yardinFleetstreet.MDCXLV.

C [Page][Page]

§

TotheChristianReader.

HristianReader,Idoeherepresentandcommenduntotheeabookeofgreatworthandsingularuse,whichwaswrittenandfinishedabouttwentyyearssince:theAuthorwhereofiswellknownetobeeso

universallyeminentinallLearning,andofthatdeepeknowledge,andjudgementinsacredDivinity,thathetranscendethallelogiesandpraiseswhichIcangivehim.Icommendituntothe(ChristianReader)underatwofoldnotion;thefirstrespecteththesubjectmatterofthiswholeWork,whichisofgreatestexcellency,adbeingThesummeandsubstanceofChristianReligion,uponwhichasamostsurefoundationwebuildourfaith,groundallourhopes,andfromwhichwereap,andretainallourjoyandcomfortintheassuranceofoursalvation;whichasatalltimesitismostprofitabletoberead,studiedandknown,sonow(ifever)mostnecessaryintheseourdays,whereinmennevermoreneglectedthesefundamentallprinciples,asbeingbutcommonandordinarytruths,andspendtheirwholetime,study,anddiscourseaboutDiscipline,Ceremo-nies,andcircumstantiallpoints;andhereinalsonotcontentingthemselveswiththosecommonrules,andthatclearlightwhichshinethintheWord;theyareonelyledbytheirownphantasies,dailycreatinguntothemselvesdiversityofnewopinions:andsofallingintosectsandschismestheybreakthebondoflove,andfallofffromthe

[Page]

communionofSaints,asthoughitwerenoArticleoftheirCreed;andbeinginlovewiththeirownnewTenets,asbeingtheconceptionandbirthoftheirownbrains,theycontendforthemmorethenforanyfundamentalltruths;andnotonelyso,butalsohate,maligne,andmostbitterly,anduncharitablycensureallthosethatdifferfromthemintheiropinions,thoughneversoconscientiousandreligious,asthoughtheyprofessednotthesamefaith,yea,servednotthesameGod,norbeleevedinthesameChrist;butremainstillAliensfromtheCommonwealthofIsrael,andincomparisonofthemselvesnobetterthenPapists,oratthebestbutcarnallGospellers.ThesecondnotionunderwhichIcommenditrespecteththeWorkitself,orthemanneroftheAuthorshandlingit,whichisdonesosoundlyandsolidly,sojudiciouslyandexactly,somethodicallyandorderly,andwiththatfamiliarplainnesse,perspicuityandclearnesse,thatitgivethplacetonootherinthiskindeitherancientormodern,eitherinourown,oranyotherLanguagewhicheveryetcametomyview;inwhichregardImaysayofit,asitissaidofthevertuouswoman;Manyhavedoneexcellently,butthisourAuthorexceedeththemall.IwilladdenomoreinthedeservedpraisesofthisWorke,butleaveit(ChristianReader)tothyselftoperuseandjudgeofit,commendingtheetotheWordofGodsgraceandthegoodguidanceofhisholySpirit,whoisabletobuildtheeupinfruitfullknowledge,toleadtheeintoalltruth,todirectandsupporttheeinthewayesofgodliness,andtogivetheeaneverlastinginheritanceamongsttheblessed.

ThineintheLordJesusChrist,JOHNDOWNAME.

[Page]

TheConnexionofthesePointstogether,andDependenceofthemoneuponanother.

INChristianReligionweearetoconsiderthe

Groundthereof,containedintheScripture.Parts,whichtreatofGods

Nature,inhisEssence,consideredabsolutelyinitselfe:where,thedoctrineofdivineAttributeswhichrespecteither

Hisperfection,inhisSimplenesse,wherebyheisexemptedfromCompositionanddivision.Infinitenesse,wherbyheisexemptedfromallmeasureof

Time,byhiseternity.Place,byhisimmensity.

Life,whenceheiscalledThelivingGod,Consideredinhis

All-sufficiencyAl-seeingwisdom

Foreknowledge.Counsell.

Almightypower.Holywill,whereinisseen,his

Goodnesse,andthereinhisloveuntohiscreatures.mercyorgraceshewedthemintheirmisery.

Iustice,inhisword,calledhisTruth.deeds

disposingofallthingsrightly.rendringtothecreaturesaccordingtotheirworks.

Persons,subsistinginoneandthesameundividedEssence.

Kingdome,inhisEternalldecreewhichmenmustnotcuriouslyprieinto,butcontentthemselveswithwhatismademanifest.Executionthereof,intheworkesof

CreationofthingsInvisible

ThehighestHeavens.Angels.

VisibleUnreasonable.Reasonableman:consistingof

Body.Soule.

Providence,Commonuntoallcreatures,Proper,respectingtheeverlastingconditionofprincipallCreatures.

AngelsGood.Bad.

Men,whoareorderedinThislife,bythetenorofatwofoldCovenant:

NatureorWorkes,wherewearetoconsiderthe

Conditions,andEvents,

ShamePrimary,thefallofourfirstparents.Secondary,thecorruptionof

Nature,originallActions,actual,of

omission.commission.

Death,

[Page]

comprehendingallthecursesoftheLawwhereuntothenatureofmanstandethsubject.

Grace,whereinwearetoconsiderthestateof

ChristtheMediator,inhis

Person,andthereinhis

Naturesandtheir

Union:where,ofhis

ConceptionNativity.

Distinction.Twofoldstateof

Humiliation,Exaltation.

Office,withhisCallingthereunto,Executionthereof,

concerning,Godthepartyoffended,whereinhispriestlyofficeisexercised,thepartswhereofare

Satisfaction,givingcontentmenttoGodsIusticebyhis

ObediencetotheLaw,Sufferingforoursinne.

Intercession,solicitingGodsmercyforthosehehath

redeemed.Manthepartyoffending,towhomhecommuni-catesthegrace,byhimpurchased,byhis

PropheticallofficeKinglyoffice

Therestofmankind,whoarecalledbyparticipationofhisgrace:wherewearetoconsider,

1.Thecompanythuscalledoutoftheworld,TheCatholikeChurchofChrist,wheresuchasobeythiscallingin

Outwardprofessionalone,hold

onelyexternallcommunionwithit.Inwardaffectionalso,internallwiththe

HeadChristIesus,therebeinga

Mutualldonation,wherebytheFathergives

Christtothem.themtoChrist.

Mysticallunion,wherebytheyareknittogetherbyGodsquickning

Spirit.Therestofmankind,whenceariseththeCommunionofSaints.

2.Gracewhereuntotheyarecalled.

ReconciliationIustification:where,ofIustifyingFaith.Adoption,andthereinofHope.

Sanctification,andthereinofLove:hereconsiderthe

RuleofHolines,themoralllaw,containedinthetenCom-mandements,-whereinaretobe

considered,Generallrulestobeobservedintheexpositionofthem.Distinctionofthemintotwotablescontainingthedu-tiesweoweunto,

God:namely,

HavingthetrueGod,andentertaininghiminallthepowers

ofthesoule.Com.1.Honoringhimwiththatworshipwhichistobegivenfrommentohim,

[Page]Man

respecting,Such

actsasarejoynedwithadvisedconsentinduties-whichweoweunto,

Thefirstthoughtsandmotionsofevilltowardsourneighbourthatdoearisefromthecorruptionofournature,inthe10.Com.

Exercisethereof

Repentance.Fruitsthereof,in

Resistanceof

sinnebyChristianwarfare,where,ofthespirituall

Armour:Conflictwiththe

in

here,ofbearing-thecrosse,

Aboundingingoodworkes,especially

towardsGodin

Ourbrethrens

3Meanes,wherebytheyarecalled:TheoutwardministeryoftheGospell,whereinconsider

1Minister.2Partsoftheministery,

Word.Sealesannexedthereunto,viz.

Sacramentsforconfirmingthepromisestotheobe-dient,whichareeitherof

InitiationorAdmissionintotheChurch.Continuallnourishment.

Censuresfor

[Page]

ratifyingofthreatningstowardsthedis-obedient-in,

Word,byadmonition.Deed,by

Suspension.Excommunication.

3Thekindsthereof:namely,the

OldministerybeforeChrist,calledTheoldTestament;where,ofthe

1WordoftheGospellmore

sparingly,anddarklyde-livered.2TypesandCeremonies.3Sacraments

Initiation;Circumcision.Nourishment;PaschallLambe.

New,fromthecommingofChristuntotheendoftheworld,calledThenewTestament,whereinistobecon-sideredthecleernesandefficacyofthe

Word

SacramentsInitiation;Baptisme.Nourishment;TheLordsSupper.

4DiversstatesoftheChurch.

Theworldtocome,bythesentenceofatwofoldIudgement,

Particular,uponeverysouleassoonasitdepartsfromthebody.Generall,uponallmenatoncebothinsouleandbody:thereinistobeconsidered

1Iudge,ChristcommingwiththegloryofhisFather.2Partiestobejudged

Quick,ofwhomthereshallbeachange.Dead,ofwhomthereshallbeare-surrection.

[Page]

3Sentenceandexecutionthereof:where,ofthe

ThetormentsoftheDamned.ThejoyesoftheBlessed.

THEHEADSOFTHEBODYOFDIVINITYDIVIDEDINTOTwoandfiftyHeads.

1.OFChristianReligion,andthegroundsthereof;GodsWordcontainedintheScriptures.

1Pet.1.19.21.2Tim.3.15,16,17.

2.OfGodandhisAttributes,Perfection,Wisdome,andOmnipotency.

1Tim.1.17.Psalm.147.5.

3.OfGodsGoodnesseandJustice,andthePersonsoftheTrinity.

Exod.34.6,7.1Joh.5.7.

4.OfGodsKingdome,andtheCreationofallthings.1Chron.29.11,12.Psal.145.10,11,12.Act.17.24.

5.OftheCreationofmaninparticular,andtheImageofGodaccordingtowhichhewasmade.Gen.1.26,27.6.OfGodsProvidence,andcontinuallgovernmentofhiscreatures.Psal.103.19.&66.7.7.OfthegoodAngelsthatstood,andtheevillAngelsthatforsooketheirfirstintegrity.

Judever.6.Rev.12.7.

8.OftheLawofnature,ortheCovenantofworksmadewithmanathisCreation,andtheeventthereofinthefallofourfirstParents.

Gal.3.10.Gen.2.17.Eccl.7.31.

9.OfOriginallandActuallsinne,whereuntoallmankindbythefallisbecomesubject.Rom.5.12.14.10.OfGodscurse,andallthepenaltiesdueuntosinne,whereuntomanisbecomesubjectaslongashecontinuethinhisnaturallestate.

Gal.3.10.Deut.28.45.

11.OftheCovenantofGrace,andtheMediatorthereof,JesusChristourLord,histwodistinctnaturesinonePerson,togetherwithhisConceptionandNativity.

Mat.1.21,22,23.

[Page]

Gal.4.4,5.12.OfthestateofHumiliationandExaltationofourSaviour,hisofficeofMediation,andcallingthereunto.

Phil.2.7,8,9.Heb.5.4,5.

13.OfhisPriestlyoffice,andthetwopartsthereof,SatisfactionandIntercession.

Rom.8.34.Heb.10.12.

14.OfhisPropheticallandKinglyoffice.Luk.4.18,19.Isay9.6,7.

15.OfthecallingofmentopartakeofthegraceofChristbothoutwardandinward,andoftheCatholickChurchthuscalledoutoftheworld,withthemembersandpropertiesthereof.

Heb.3.1.2Tim.1.9.Heb.12.23.

16.OfthemutualldonationwherebytheFathergivethChristtousandusuntoChrist:andthemysteriallunionwherebyweareknittogetherbythebandofGodsquickningspirit,withtheCommunionofSaintsarisingfromthence,wherebyGodforhisSonssakeispleasedofenemiestomakeusfriends.

Cant.2.16.Joh.17.21,22,23,24.

17.OfJustification,andthereinofjustifyingfaithandforgivenesseofsinnes.Rom.3.24,25,26.and4.6,7.18.OfAdoption,wherebyinChristwearenotonlyadvancedintothestateoffriends,butalsoofsonsandheires,andthereinofthespiritofAdoptionandHope.Rom.8.15,16,17.23,24,25.19.OfSanctification,wherebythepowerofsinismortifiedinus,andtheimageofGodrenued;andthereinoflove.

Eph.1.4.Col.3.9,10.12.14.

20.Ofthedirectiongivenuntousforoursanctification,containedintheTenCommandements;withtherulesofexpoundingthesame,andofdistinctionoftheTablesthereof.Mat.22.37,38,39,40.21.ThefirstCommandement,ofthechoiceofthetrueGod,andtheentertaininghiminallourthoughts.Exod.20.2,3.22.ThesecondCommandement,ofthesolemnworshipthatistobeperformeduntoGod;andthereinofImagesandCeremonies.Exod.20.5,6.23.Thethird,oftheglorifyingofGodarightintheactionsofourcommonlife;andthereinofswearingandblaspheming.Exod.20.7.24.Thefourth,ofthecertaintimesetapartforGodsservice,andthereinoftheSabbathandLordsday.

[Page]

Exod.20.8,9,10,11.25.Thefift,ofthedutiesweoweoneuntoanother,inregardofourparticularrelationuntosuchasareourSuperiours,Inferiours,andequals.Exod.20.12.26.Thesixt,ofthepreservationofthesafetyofmenspersons,andthereinofpeaceandmeeknesse.Exod.20.13.27.Theseventh,ofthepreservationofchastity,andthereinoftemperanceandmariage.Exod.20.14.28.Theeight,ofthepreservationofourownandourneighboursgoods,andthereinofthemaintainingofjusticeinourdealingonewithanother.Exod.20.15.29Theninth,ofthepreservationofourownandourneighboursgoodname,andthemaintainingoftruthinourtestimony,andtruth.Exod.20.16.30Thetenth,ofcontentednesse:thefirstmotionsofconcupiscencewhichdoeanywaycrossethatloveweowetoourneighbour:wheretoforconclusionmaybeaddedtheuseoftheLaw.Exod.20.31OfRepentance.

Acts26.20.2Cor.7.10,11.Jer.31.18,19.

32OfthespirituallwarfareandChristianarmour.Eph.6.10,11,12.

33OfresistanceofthetemptationsoftheDevill.1Pet.5.8,9.34Ofresistingthetemptationsoftheworld,bothinprosperityandadversity;andhereofpatientbearingoftheCrosse.

Gal.6.14.Rom.8.35,36,37.

35.Ofresistingthetemptationsoftheflesh.Gal.5.14.Col.3.5,6.

36.Ofnewobedienceandgoodworks,andnecessitythereof.

Lev.1.74,75.Tit.2.11,12,13,14.

37.OfPrayeringenerall,andtheLordsPrayerinparticular,withthePreamblethereof.Matth.6.6,7.38.OfthethreefirstPetitionswhichconcernGodsglory.Matth.6.9,10.39.Ofthethreelatterwhichconcernournecessities.Ver.11.12,13.40.OftheconclusionoftheLordsPrayer,wherewithistobehandledthepointofpraiseandthanksgiving.Matth.6.13.41.Offasting.Matth.5.16,17,18.42.Ofmutualledifyingoneanother,andliberalitytowardsthepoor.

[Page]

Eph.4.28,29.Heb.13.16.

43.OfMinisters,andministeryoftheGospel;andthereinofpreachingandhearingtheWord.

Rom.10.14,15.Eph.4.11,12,13.

44.OftheAppendantsoftheWord,Sacraments,whicharethesealsofthepromises,andEcclesiasticallcensures,whicharethesealsofthethreatningsoftheGospel.

Rom.4.11.Matth.18.15,16,17.

45.OftheministeryoftheoldTestament,beforethecommingofChrist,withtheWord,Types,andSacramentsthereof.

Heb.9.1.9,10.1Cor.10.1,2,3,4.

46.OftheministeryofthenewTestament,andcomparingtheWordandSacramentsthereofwiththeold.

Joh.1.17.Heb.12.27,28.

47.OfBaptisme.Matth.28.19.1Pet.3.21.

48.OftheLordsSupper.1Cor.11.23,24.

[Page]

49:OfthediversestatesoftheChurchinprosperityandunderpersecution,inintegrityandcorruption,andtherendingthereofbyschismesandheresies.

1Tim.4.12,13.2Thes.2.3,4.

50.Ofdeath,andtheparticularJudgementfollowing.Heb.9.27.51.OfthegenerallJudgement,andthereinoftheJudgeChristJesushiscomminginglory:andthepartiestobejudged,bothquickanddead;withtheresurrectionoftheone,andthechangeoftheother.

1Thes.4.15,16,17.1Cor.15.51,52.

52.Ofthelastsentenceandtheexecutionthereof;ofthetormentsofthedamned,andjoyesoftheblessed.Matth.25.34,35.

ALARGEEXPLICATIONOFTHEBODYOFCHRISTIANRELIGION.

1TIM.4.15.‘Meditateuponthesethings,givethyselfwhollytothem,thatthyprofitingmayappeareto

all.’

Hatisthatwhichallmenespeciallydesire?

EternallLifeandHappinesse.

HowdoemenlooktoobtainHappinesse?

W Allmen

desire

eternall

happinesse.

Religionthe

meansto

obtain

happinesse.

No

salvation

butbythe

true

Religion.

Diverse

kindesof

falseReligi-

on.

ByReligion,whichisathingsopropertoman,thatitdothdistinguishhimmorefrombeaststhenveryReason,thatismadehisform;forverybeastshavesomesparklesorresemblanceofReason,butnoneofReligion.

IsReligiongenerallytobeefoundinallmen?

Yes;fortheveryheathenscondemnedthemtodeaththatdenyedallReligion:andthereisnopeoplesobarbarous,buttheywillhavesomeformeofReligion,toacknowledgeaGod;asallIndia,EastandWest,sheweth.

MayamanbeesavedbyanyReligion?

No;butonelybythetrue,asappeareth,Joh.17.3.Thisislifeeternalltoknowthee,andwhomthouhastsent,JesusChrist:andHethatknowethnottheSon,knowethnottheFather.

WhichbeethechiefefalseReligionsthatarenowintheworld?

Heathenisme,Turkisme,Judaisme,Papisme.

WhatdoeyouobserveoutofthisdiversityofReligionsintheworld?

ThemiseryofmanwhenGodleavethhimwithouthisWord;anexamplewhereofmaybeeseenin

[Page]

What

Christian

Religionis.

theIdolaters,1King.18.27.andRom.1.22,23.andsomemakingastickorastraw,othersomearedclothfortheirGod,astheLappians.

SeeingthentherearesomanyReligionsintheworld,andeveryonelookethtoobtainhappinessebyhisownReligion;of(whatReligionareyou?

IamaChristian.

WhatisChristianReligion?

ItistheacknowledgingoftheonelytrueGod,andofJesusChristwhomheehathsent.

Howproveyouthat?

BythatsayingofourSaviourChrist,Joh.17.3.Thisislifeeverlasting(whichistherewardofChristianReligion)thattheymayknowtheetobeetheonelytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomthouhastsent:whereheemeanethnotabarecontemplativeknowledge,butathankfullacknowledging,whichcomprehendethallChristianduties,consistinginfaithandobedience;forheethatbeingvoidofthefeareofGod,whichisthebeginningandchiefepointofknowledge,Prov.1.7.abidethnotinGod,butsinneth:dwellethindarknesse,whohathneitherseenGod,norknownhim,1Joh.3.6.

WhatdoeyoucalltheDoctrinewhichsheweththewayuntoeverlastinglifeandhappinesse?

Of

Catechising

whatitis.

Whereto

beeused,

andby

whom.

The

necessityof

it.

ItiscommonlytermedTheologieorDivinity,andthefamiliarDeclarationoftheprinciplesthereof(fortheuseespeciallyoftheignorant)iscalledCatechising,Heb.5.12,13,14.1Tim.6.1,2.

WhatisCatechising?

AteachingbyvoyceandrepetitionofthegroundsofChristianReligion,Gal.6.6.Act.18.23.26.1Cor.14.19.

Whereshoulditbeeused,andbywhom?

BothathomebytheMasteroftheHouse,andintheChurchlikewisebytheMinister.

Whyathome?

BecausehousesaretheNurseriesoftheChurch.

ShewsomereasonsandargumentstoprovethenecessityofCatechisingandinstructinginReligion.

1First,GodaccountethofAbrahamforhiscareinthisduty,Gen.18.19.

2Secondly,Heecommandethallparentstoperformthisdutytotheirchildren,Deut.6.6,7.Ephes.6.4.

3Thirdly,allchildrenaremadeblindeintheknowledgeofGodandofReligionbyAdamsfall,andconsequentlytheymustbeeinlightenedandinformedbyteaching,iftheywill

notdye,whichSolomonthereforecommandeth,Prov.22.6.andourSaviourChristbiddethchildrenbeerespected,Mark.10.14,15,16.

4Fourthly,theexamplesofthegodlyforthisduty,inbringingtheirchildrenwiththemselvestoholyexercises:SoHannahbroughtupSamueltotheTabernacle,1Sam.1.24.andMaryJesustotheTemple,whenheewastwelveyeeresold,Luk.2.42.bywhichweeperformtheeffectofconsecratingourchildrentoGod,Exod.13.2.

5Fifthly,commonequityshouldmoveParentstothisduty,forastheirchildrenreceivefromthemoriginallsin,bywhichtheyaremadesoblindeinGodsmatters,itisequitytheyshouldlabourtoremovethatblindnessebyteachingthemafterGodsWord.

6Sixthly,Godpromisethasthegreatestblessingtomen,thattheirchildrenshouldspeakofhimundertheGospel,Joel2.28.Act.2.17.

ButisitnotsomedisgraceandbasenessethatmenofyeersandplaceshouldbeeCatechised?

IfmenwillbeeChristians,whichistheirgreatesthonour,theymustholditnodisgracetolearnChrist:NobleTheophilushelditnone,whowasthuscatechised,asLukeshewethChap.1.4.likewiseApollos,Act.18.28.

TocomethentothedeclarationofChristianReligion;tellmeewhereindoththehappinesseofmanconsist?

Job22.21.

Meansto

knowGod.

Eccles.1.

2.True

happines

consisteth

inGod.

Howwe

cometo

injoyGod.

Joh.17.3.

Gal.4.9.

Eccle.12.

13.

2Cor.5.9.[Page]

1Sam.2.

30.

Notinhimself,norinanyothercreatedthing,butonlyinGodhisCreator,whoalonebeinginfinite,isabletofilltheheartofman.

HowmayweecometoinjoyGod?

Bybeingjoyneduntohim,andsopartakingofhisgoodnesse;forhappinesseistobeefoundbyacquaintanceandfellowshipvvithhimvvhoisthefoundationofblessednesse,mansoknowinghim,orratherbeingknownofhim,thatheemayservehimandbeeacceptedofhim,honourhimandbeehonouredbyhim.

BywhatmeanscomeweetotheknowledgeofGod?

Bysuchmeansasheehathrevealedinhimself;forGoddwellethinthelightthatnomancancomeunto,vvhomnomanhathseen,norcansee,1Tim.6.16.exceptheeshewhimselfuntous:notthatheeishiddeninthedarknesse,forheedwellethinthelight,butthatthedulnesseofsight,andblindnesseofourheartscannotreachuntothatlight,exceptheedeclarehimselfuntous;likeastheSunneisnotseen,butbyhisownlight,soGodisnotknownbutbysuchmeansasheehathmanifestedhimself.

BywhatmeanshathGodrevealedhimselfe?

ByhisDivineworksandbyhisholyWord,astheProphet

Byhis

Divine

Works,and

holyWord.

Job.22.20.

Joh.6.68.

Ofthe

Divine

Worksof

God.

DavidplentifullyanddistinctlyexpressedinthenineteenthPsalm,TheHeavensdeclarethegloryofGod,andthefirmamentshewthhishandywork,andsocontinuinguntotheseventhversetouchinghisWorks,andfromthencetotheendofthePsalm,touchinghisWord;ThelawoftheLordisperfectconvertingtheSoule,thetestimonyoftheLordissuremakingwisethesimple.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatallcurioussearchingtoknowmoreofGodthenheehathshewedofhimselfisbothvainandhurtfulltothesearchers,especiallyseeingbyhisWorksandWordheehathdeclaredasmuchasisprofitableformentoknow,forhisgloryandtheireternallfelicity.ThereforeMosessaith,Deut.29.29.ThesecretthingsbelonguntotheLordourGod,butthosethingswhicharerevealed,belonguntous,andtoourchildrenforever.

WhatbeetheDivineworkswherebyGodhathshewedhimself?

TheCreation,andpreservationoftheworld,andallthingstherein;sotheApostletotheRomanssaith,Thatallmenareinexcusable,seeingthatwhichmaybeeknownofGod,ismademanifestwithinthem;forGodhathmadeitmanifestuntothem.FortheinvisiblethingsofGodwhiletheyareunderstoodinhisworksbytheCreationoftheworld,areseen,evenhiseternallpower

Plato.

Galen.

Homer.

Virgil.

[Page]

Ovid.

Theusesof

knowing

Godbyhis

Works.

andGodhead,Rom.1.19,20.AlsopreachingamongstthegrosseIdolatrousLystrians,Act.14.17.heesaith,thatGodhathnotlefthimselfwithoutTestimony,bestowinghisbenefits,givingrainandfruitfullseasonsfromheaven,fillingourheartswithfoodandgladnesse.

Andpreachingamongthelearned,andyetnolessesuperstitiousAthenians,heecitethandcanonizeththeTestimonyofthePoets,toshewthatGodisnotfarrefromeveryoneofus,forinhimweelive,move,andhaveourbeeing,Act.17.27,28.ForwhosoeveramongsttheHeathenPoets,andPhilosophers,whichprofessedwisdome,hathnotbeenwilfullyblinde,havelearnedbycontemplationoftheCreaturesoftheworld,thatGodistheMakerandpreserverofthesame.

WhatuseisthereoftheknowledgeobtainedbytheWorksofGod?

Thereisadoubleuse,theone,tomakeallmenvoidofexcuse,astheApostleteacheth,Rom.1.20.andsoitissufficientuntocondemnation.

Theotheristofurtheruntosalvation,andthatbypreparingandincitingmentoseekGod,Ifhappilybygropingtheymayfindehim,astheApostlesheweth,Act.17.27.wherebytheyaremademoreapttoacknowledgehimwhenheisperfectlyrevealedinhisWord,oraftertheyhaveknownGodoutofhisWord,bycontemplationofhisinfinitepower,wisdome,and

OfGods

holyWord

theScri-

ptures.

goodnesse,mostgloriouslyshininginhisWorks,tostirrethemupcontinually,toreverencehisMajesty,tohonourandobeyhim,toreposetheirtrustandconfidenceinhim;andsotheChildrenofGoddoeusethisknowledgeofGod,gatheredoutofhisDivineWorks,asappearethinmanyplacesoftheScriptures,andespeciallyofthePsalmes,whichareappointedfortheexerciseofthewholeChurch,Psal.8.Psal.19.Psal.95.Psal.104.&136.&c.

ArenottheWorksofGodsufficienttogiveknowledgeoftheonelytrueGod,andthewayuntoeverlastinghappinesse?

Theymayleaveustobeewithoutexcuse,andsoaresufficientuntocondemnation,butarenotabletomakeuswiseuntoSalvation,becauseofthingswhicharenecessaryuntoSalvation,sometheyteachbutimperfectly,others,notatall,asthedistinctionofthePersonsintheGodhead,thefallofmanfromGod,andthewaytorepairethesame.

WherethenisthesavingknowledgeofGodtobeehadperfectly?

InhisholyWord,forGodaccordingtotherichesofhisGrace,hathbeenabundanttowardsusinallwisdomeandunderstanding,andhathopeneduntoustheMysteryofhiswill,accordingtohisgoodpleasure,whichheehathpurposedinhimself,astheApostleteacheth,Ephes.1.7,8,9.

WhatcoursedidGodholdinthedeliveryofhisWordunto

Howthe

Scriptures

werede-

livered.

Revelations.

men?

InthebeginningoftheworldheedeliveredhisWordbyRevelation,andcontinuedtheknowledgethereofbyTradition,whilethenumberofhistrueworshippersweresmall,butafterheechoseagreatandpopulousNation,inwhichheewouldbeehonouredandserved,heecausedthesametobeecommittedtowritingforallagestotheendoftheworld:foraboutthespaceoftwothousandfivehundredyeeresfromtheCreation,thepeopleofGodhadnowritenWordtodirectthem;Thenceforthespaceofthreethousandonehundredyeers,untothispresenttime,theWordofGodwascommitteduntotheminwriting,yetsothatinhalfthattimeGodswillwasalsorevealedwithoutwritingextraordinarily,andtheholybooksinditedoneafteranother,accordingtothenecessityofthetimes,butinthislasthalf,thewholeCanonoftheScripturesbeingfullyfinished,weeandallmen,untotheworldsend,arelefttohaveourfullinstructionfromthesamewithoutexpectingextraordinaryrevelations,asintimespast.

WeretheseRevelationsintimespastdeliveredallinthesamemanner?

No;for(astheApostlenoteth,Heb.1.1.)atsundrytimes,andindiversmannersGodspakeintimespastuntotheFathersbytheProphets.ThediversekindesaresetdowninNumb.12.6.and1Sam.8.6.andmaybeereducedtothesetwogenerall

Oracles.

[Page]

Visions.

heads,Oracles,andVisions.

WhatcallyouOracles?

ThoseRevelationsthatGod,asitwere,byhisownmouthdeliveredtohisservants,andthatordinarilybyVrimandThummim,orbyProphetsextraordinarilycalled.

WhatdoeyouunderstandbyVisions?

ThoseRevelationswherebyGodsignifiedhiswillbycertainimagesandrepresentationsofthingsoffereduntomen,asmaybeeseenintheVisionsofDaniel,Ezekiel,Jeremie,&c.

HowweretheseVisionspresenteduntomen?

Sometimetomenwaking,sometimetomensleeping,sometimetothemind,sometimebytheeyes,totheimaginationofmensleepingwereoffereddivinedreams,inexpoundingwhereofwereadthatJosephandDanielexcelled;butnowtheytogetherwithallotherextraordinaryRevelationsareceased.

WherethenistheWordofGodnowcertainelytobelearned?

OnelyoutoftheBookofGodcontainedintheholyScriptures,whicharetheonelycertaintestimoniesuntotheChurchoftheWordofGod,1John5.9.2Tim.3.15.

WhymaynotmenwanttheScripturesnowastheydidat

thefirst,fromtheCreationuntillthetimeofMoses,forthespaceof2513.years?

First,becausethenGodimmediatelybyhisvoiceandProphetssent1fromhim,taughttheChurchhistruth,whichnowareceased,Heb.1.1.

Secondly,traditionsmightthenbeofsufficientcertaintybyreasonof2thelonglifeofGodsfaithfullwitnesses;forMethusalemlivedwithAdamthefirstman243.years,andcontinueduntotheFlood:ShemlivedatoncewithMethusalem98.years,andflourishedabove500.yearesaftertheFlood:Isaaclived50.yearswithShem,anddiedabout10.yearsbeforethedescentofIsraelintoAegypt:SothatfromAdamsdeathuntothattime,threemenmightbytraditionpreservethepurityofReligion;butafterthecommingofIsraeloutofAegyptmansagewassoshorten-ed,thatinthedayesofMoses(thefirstPenmanoftheScriptures)itwasbroughtto70.or80.years,asappearethbythePsal.90.10.

Thirdly,GodsawhistruereligiongreatlyforgotteninAegypt;(Israel3thenfallinguntoIdolatry,Ezekiel20.8.)andhavingbroughtIsraelthenhispeoplefromthence,didnotonelyrestore,butalsoencreasedthesame,addingthereuntomanymoreparticularsconcerninghisservice,whichwereneedfullformensmemoriestobewritten.

Fourthly,GodhavinggatheredhisChurchtoamoresolemncompany4thenbefore,itwashispleasurethentobeginthewritingsofhiswill,andthereforefirstwithhisownfingerhewrotethetenCommandementsintwo

[Page]

What

Scripture

is.

Tablesofstone,andthencommandedMosestowritetheotherwordswhichhehadheardfromhimintheMount,Exod.34.27,28.

Fiftly,thusGodprovidedthattheChurchesofallagesandtimes5mighthaveacertainruletoknowwhethertheyembracedsoundDoctrineorno;andthatnoneshouldbesoboldastocoinanynewReligiontoservehimwith,butthatwhichhehaddeliveredinwriting.

WhatisScripturethen?

TheWordofGodwrittenbymeninspiredbytheholyGhostfortheperfectbuildingandsalvationoftheChurch:orholyBookswrittenbytheinspirationofGodtomakeuswiseuntosalvation,2Tim.3.15,16.2Pet.1.21.1Pet.20.21.Joh.20.31.

IfthattheScripturesbewrittenbymenwhicharesubjectuntoinfirmities,howcanitbeaccountedtheWordofGod?

Becauseitproceedsnotfromthewitormindofmen,butholymensetapartbyGodfortheworkofGodspakeandwritastheyweremovedbytheholyGhost;therforeGodaloneistobecountedtheAuthortherof,whoinspiredtheheartsofthoseholymenwhomhechosetobehisSecretaries,whoaretobeheldonlytheInstrumentallcausethereof.

WhenJeremybroughttheWordofGodtotheJewstheysaiditwasnottheWordoftheLord,buthespakeasBaructhesonofNeriahprovokedhim,Jer.43.2.andsosome

Thatthe

Scriptures

arethe

Wordof

God.

perhapsinthesedaysaresoungodlyastotaketheJewspartagainstJeremyandallhisfellowes:HowmayitappearethereforethatthisBookwhichyoucalltheBookofGod,andtheholyScripturesistheWordofGodindeed,andnotmenspolicy?

BytheconsonanttestimonyofmeninallagesfromthemthatfirstknewthesePenmenoftheholyGhostwiththeirwritingsuntillourtime;andreasonstakenoutoftheWordthemselves,agreeabletothequalityofthewriters;bothwhichkindofargumentstheholyScriptureshaveasmuchandfarmorethenanyotherwritings;whereforeasitwereextreamimpudencytodenytheworksofHomer,ofPlato,Virgil,Tully,Livy,Galen,&c.whenasconsentofalageshavereached&deliveredthemuntous,whichalsobythetongue,phrase,matter,andallothercircumstancesagreeableareconfirmedtobetheworksofthesameAuthorswhosetheyaretestifiedtobe;soitweremorethenbrutishmadnessetodoubtofthecertaintruthandauthorityoftheholyScriptures,whichnolesse,butmuchmorethenanyotherwritingsfortheirAuthorsaretestifiedandconfirmedtobethesacredWordoftheever-livingGod;notonelytestifiedIsaybytheuniformwitnessesofmeninallages,butalsoconfirmedbysuchreasonstakenoutofthewritingsthemselves,asdoesufficientlyarguetheSpiritofGodtobetheAuthorofthem;forwemaylearnoutofthetestimoniesthemselvesasDaviddid,Psa.119.125.ThatGodhathestablishedthemforever.

2The

simplicity

andsince-

rityofthe

writers.

Reasonsto

proveGod

tobethe

Authorof

theholy

Scriptures.

1Efficient.

Instrumentall.

LetmehearsomeofthosereasonswhichprovethatGodistheAuthoroftheholyScriptures?

First,thetruegodlinesseandholinessewherewiththewritersoftheScripturesshinedasLampsintheirtimes,andfarsurpassedallmenofotherreligions,whichsheweththeworkofGodsSpiritinthem,andhowunlikelyitisthatsuchmenshouldobtrudeintotheChurchtheirowninventionsinsteadofGodsWord.

Secondly,thesimplicity,integrity,andsincerityoftheseWritersinmattersthatconcernthemselves&thosethatbelonguntothem,doingnothingbypartiality,1Tim.5.21.neithersparingtheirfriendsnorthemselves;soMoses,forexample,inhiswritingsparednottoreportthereproachofhisownTribe,Gen.34.30.&49.5.7.northeincestofhisparentsofwhichhehimselfwasconceived,Exod.6.20.northeIdolatryofhisbrotherAaron,Exod.32.northewickedmurmuringofhissisterMiriam,Numb.12.norhisowndecliningofhisvocationbyGodtodelivertheChildrenofIsraeloutofEgypt,Exo.4.13,14.norhisownmurmuringagainstGodinhisimpatiency,Num.11.11,12,13,14.norhiswantoffaithaftersomanywonderfullconfirmations,Num.20.12.&27.14.Deut.32.51.Andthoughhewereinhighestauthority,andhavingapromiseofthepeopletobeleevewhatsoeverhesaid,Exod.19.8.&20.19.&24.3.heassignethnoplaceforhisownsonstoaspireeithertotheKingdomeortothehighPriesthood;

[Page]

3The

qualityand

conditionof

thePenmen

ofholy

Scriptures.

butleaveththeminthemeandegreeofcommonLevites:allwhichthingsdeclaremostmanifestlythathewasvoidofallearthlyandcarnallaffectionsinhiswritings,aswasmeetforthePenmanandScribeofGod;hereuntoalsomaybeaddedthathewritethofhimself,Numb.12.3.thathewasthemeekestofallthementhatwereuponthefaceofthewholeearth,whichnowisemanwouldinsuchsortreportofhimself;ifhewerelefttohisowndiscretion.

Thirdly,thequalityandconditionofthePenmenoftheseholywritings,someofwhomwerenevertrainedupintheschoolofman,andyetintheirwritingsshewthatdepthofwisdome,thatthemostlearnedPhilosoperscouldnotattainunto.Somealsowerebeforeprofessedenemiestothetruth,whereofafterwardstheywereWriters:AmoswasnoProphetbutanHeard-manandagathererofwildefigges,Amos7.14.MatthewaPublicane,employedonelyinthegatheringofToll,Matth.9.9.Peter,James&John,Fishermen,whoselibertyofspeechwhenthechiefPriests&theEldersofJerusalembeheldandunderstood,thattheywereunletteredandignorantmen,itisrecorded,Acts4.13.thattheymarvelledandtookknowledgeofthemthattheyhadbeenwithJesus:PaulfromabloodypersecuterconvertedtobeaPreacherandawriteroftheGospel,shewedbythatsuddenalteration,thathewasmovedbyacommandfromheaventodefendthatDoctrinewhichbeforehesoearnestlyimpugned.

6Thecon-

cordofthe

several

writersone

withano-

ther.

7Thepro-

phesies

fulfilledin

theirdue

time.

4The

heavenly

matterof

holy

Scripture.

5TheDo-

ctrineof

the

Scriptures

above

humane

capacity.

Fourthly,thematteroftheholyScripturebeingaltogetherofheavenlyDoctrine,andsavouringnothingofearthlyorworldlyaffections,buteverywhererenouncingandcondemningthesame,declareththeGodofheaventobetheonelyinspirerofit.

Fiftly,theDoctrineoftheScriptureissuchascouldneverbreedinthebrainsofman;threePersonsinoneGod;Godtobecomeman;theResurrection,andsuchlike;manswitcouldneverhatch,orifithadconceivedthem,couldneverhopethatanymancouldbeleevethem.

Sixtly,thesweetconcordbetweenthesewritings,andtheperfectcoherenceofallthingscontainedinthem,notwithstandingthediversityofpersonsbywhom,placeswhere,timeswhen,andmatterwhereoftheyhavewritten;forthereisamostholyandheavenlyconsentandagreementofallpartsthereoftogether,thoughwriteninsosundryages,bysosundrymen,insodistantplaces,oneofthemdothnotgainsayanother,asmenswritingsdoe;asourSaviourChristconfirmeththemall,Luke24.44.

Seventhly,acontinuanceofwonderfullprophesiesforetellingthingstocomesolongbefore,markedwiththeircircumstances;notdoubtfullliketheOraclesoftheHeathen,orMerlinsprophesies,butsuchasexpressedthe

[Page]

8The

Majesty

and

authorityof

theScri-

ptures.

thingsandpersonsbytheirnames,whichhadallintheirtimestheircertainperformance,andthereforeuntowhatmayweattributethembuttotheinspirationofGod?VideCalvinsInstitut.lib.1.cap.8.ThuswastheMessiaspromisedtoAdam4000.yearsbeforehewasborn,Gen.3.15.andtoAbraham1917.yearsbeforetheaccomplishment,Gen.12.3.ThedeliveranceoftheIsraelitesfromEgypt,tothesameAbraham400.yearsbefore,Gen.15.13,14.TheprophesiesofJacob,Gen.49.concerningthetwelveTribes,whichwerenotfulfilledtillafterthedeathofMoses,andthatofthecontinuanceoftheTribesandKingdomesofJudahhelduntillthecommingofChrist:InthefirstBookofKings,the13.ch.2,3.thereisdeliveredaprophesieconcerningJosiasbyname331.years,Esa.45.1.concerningCyrus100.yearsbeforehewasborne;Danielsprophesies,andthatespeciallyofthe70.weeks,Dan.9.24.arewonderfull;solikewisearethoseoftherejectionoftheJews,thecallingoftheGentiles,thekingdomeofAntichrist,&c.someofwhichnowweseefulfilled.

Eightly,thegreatMajestie,fullofheavenlywisdomeandauthority,suchasismeettoproceedfromthegloryofGod,shininginallthewholeScripture;yea,oftentimesundergreatsimplicityofwords,andplainnesseandeasinesseofstyle,whichneverthelessemoreaffectedtheheartsofthehearers,thenallthepaintedeloquenceandloftystyleofRhetoriciansandOratours;andargueththeholyGhosttobetheAuthourofthem,1Cor.1.17.&21.

9Themo-

tivesused

inthemto

perswade,

notreason,

butcom-

mands.

10Theend

andscope

ofthe

Scriptures,

whichis

Godsglory.

24.&2.15.

Ninthly,inspeakingofthemattersofthehighestnaturetheygonotabouttoperswademenbyreasons,asPhilosophersandOrators,butabsolutelyrequirecredittobeegiventothe ̄,becausetheLordhathspokenit:theypromiseeternalllifetotheobedient,andthreateneternallwoetothedisobedient;theyprescribeLawsforthethoughts,towhichnomancanpierce;theyrequiresacrifice,buttheypreferreobedience;theyenjoinfasting,butitisalsofromsin;theycommandcircumcision,butitisoftheheart;theyforbidlusting,coveting,&c.whichisnottobefoundinanyLawsbutinhisthatsearcheththeheart.

Tenthly,theendandscopeoftheScripturesisfortheadvancementofGodsglory,andthesalvationofmanssoule;fortheyintreateitherofthenobleactsofGodandofChrist,orthesalvationofmankind,andthereforebycomparingthiswiththeformerreasonwemayframethisargument;IftheAuthoroftheScripturewerenotGod,itmustbesomecreature;ifhewereacreature,hewereeithergoodorbad;ifabadcreature,whyforbiddethheevillsorigorously,andcommandsgoodsoexpresly,andmakeshismarktoaimatnothingbutGodsglory,andourgood?ifhewereagoodcreature,whydothhechallengetohimselfthatwhichispropertoGodonely,astomakeLawsfortheheart,topunish&rewardeternally,&c?ifitwereno

11Their

admirable

power.

12Their

antiquity.

13The

hatredof

theDevill,

andwicked

men

against

them.

14Thepre-

creaturegoodnorbad,itmustneedsbeGod.

Eleventhly,theadmirablepowerandforcethatisinthemtoconvertandaltermansmind,andtoenclinetheirheartfromvicetovertue(Psal.19.7,8.Psal.119.111.Heb.4.12.Acts13.12.)thoughtheybequitecontrarytomensaffections.

Twelfthly,theWritersoftheholyScripturesarethemostancientofallothers:Mosesisancienterthenthegodsoftheheathen,thatlivednotlongbeforethewarsofTroy,aboutthetimeoftheJudges;andtheyoungestProphetsoftheOldTestament,matchtheantientestPhilosophersandHistoriansoftheheathen.

Thirteenthly,thedeadlyhatredthatthedevillandallwickedmencarryagainsttheScriptures,tocastthemawayanddestroythem,andthelittlelovethatmostmendoebearuntothem,provethemtobeeofGod;foriftheywereoffleshandblood,thenfleshandbloodwouldlovethemandpractisethem,andeverywayregardthemmorethenitdoth,fortheworldlovethhisown,asourSaviourChristsaith,Joh.15.19.Butwee(beingbutcarnallandearthly)savournotthethingsthatbeeofGod,astheApostlesaith,1Cor.2.14.anduntilltheLordopenourhearts,andwebeebornagainofGodsSpirit,andbecomeasnew-bornbabes,weehavenodesireuntothem,1Pet.2.

[Page]

servationof

the

Scriptures.

15Their

powerto

humblea

manand

raisehim

upagain.

1Cor.14.

25.

16The

consenant

testimony

ofallmen

atalltimes.

2.

Fourteenthly,themarvellouspreservationoftheScriptures;thoughnoneintimebeesoancient,nornonesomuchoppugned,yetGodhathstillbyhisprovidencepreservedthem,andeverypartofthem.

Fifteenthly,theScriptures,asexperiencesheweth,havethepowerofGodinthem,tohumbleaman,whentheyarepreached,andtocasthimdowntohell,andafterwardtorestoreandraisehimupagain,Heb.4.12.

ShewnowhowtheholyScriptureshavetheconsonanttestimonyofallmenatalltimessincetheywerewriten,thattheyarethemostholywordofGod.

First,JoshuatheservantofMoses,thefirstScribeofGod,towhomGodspakeinthepresenceandhearingofsixhundredthousandmen,besideswomenandchildren,whowasaneye-witnesseofmanywonders,bywhichtheMinisteryofMoseswasconfirmed,testifiethhiswritingstobeetheun-doubtedWordofGod;thesamedoetheProphetswhichcontinuedtheHistoryoftheChurchinthetimeoftheJudges,bothofMoses&Joshua.

LikewisealltheProphetswhichsuccessivelyrecordedtheholyStory,andProphesies,bydivineRevelation,from

SamueluntotheCaptivity,andfromtheCaptivitytothebuildingagainoftheTemple,andoftheCity,andsometimesafter,receivingthesamebookofheavenlyDo-ctrinefromtheformerage,deliveredthemtotheirposterity:AndMalachi,thelastoftheProphets,closethuptheOldTestamentwithachargeandanExhortationfromtheLordtoremembertheLawofMosesdeliveredinHoreb,andtousethesameasaSchoole-mastertodirectthemuntoChrist,untillheecameinpersonhimself,Mal.4.4.

Finally,fromthattimetheChurchoftheJews,untillthecommingofChristintheflesh,imbracedalltheformerwritingsoftheProphetsasthebookofGod;&Christhimselfappealethuntothemasasufficienttestimonyofhim,Joh.5.39.TheApostlesandtheEvangelistsprovethewritingsoftheNewTestamentbythem,andtheCatholikeChurchofChrist,fromtheApostlestimeuntillthisday,hathacknowledgedallthesamewritingsbothoftheOldandNewTestament,tobeetheundoubtedWordofGod.ThushaveweethetestimonybothoftheOldChurchoftheJews,Godspeculiarpeopleandfirst-born,towhomtheOraclesofGodwerecommitted,Act.7.38.Hos.8.12.Rom.3.2.&9.4.andtheviewofChristians,togetherwiththegenerallaccountwhichallthegodlyhavemadeatalltimesoftheScriptures,whentheyhavecrossedtheirnaturesandcourses,asaccountingitintheirsoulestobeeofGod,andthespecialltestimonyofMartyrs,whohavesealedthecertaintyofthesame,bysheddingtheirbloodforthem:ThereuntoalsomaybeeaddedthetestimonyofthosewhichareoutoftheChurch,Heathens,(outofwhommanyancienttestimoniesarecitedtothispurpose,by

18The

testimony

oftheSpirit

inthe

heartsof

men.

[Page]

17The

known

miracles

donebythe

Writersof

theScri-

ptures.

JosephuscontraAppion.)Turks,andJews(whotothisdayacknowledgeallthebooksoftheOldTestament)andHereticks,wholabourtoshroudthemselvesunderthem,&c.

Aretherenotsomedivinetestimonieswhichmaylikewisebeeaddedtothis?

Yes;first,theknownMiracles(whichthedevillwasneverabletodoe)thatdidsooftenfollowthewritersandteachersoftheScriptures.Secondly,themanifoldpunishments,anddestructionofthosethathavereviledandpersecutedthesame.

Arethesemotivesofthemselvessufficienttoworksavingfaith,andperswadeusfullytorestonGodsWord?

No;besidesallthis,itisrequired,thatweehavetheSpiritofGod,aswelltoopenoureyestoseethelight,astosealeupfullyintoourheartsthattruthwhichweeseewithoureyes:forthesameholySpiritthatinspiredtheScripture(1Cor.2.10.&14.37.Ephes.1.13.)inclineththeheartsofGodschildrentobeleevewhatisrevealedinthem,andinwardlyassureththemaboveallreasonsandarguments,thatthesearetheScripturesofGod;thereforetheLord,bytheProphetIsaiah,promisethtojoynhisSpiritwithhisWord,andthatitshallremainwithhischildrenforever:Esa.59.21.ThesamepromisethourSaviourChristunto

Thatthe

authorityof

the

hisDisciples,concerningtheComforter,whichheewouldsend,toleadethemintoalltruth,andteachthemallthings,andtoputtheminmindeofallthingswhichheehadsaiduntothem,Joh.14.26.&15.26.

TheLordbytheProphetJeremiahalsopromisethtogivehisLawintotheirmindes,andtowritethemintheheartsofhischildren,Jer.31.33.AndS.Johnsaithtothefaithfull,thatbytheanointingoftheholySpiritwhichisonthem,theyknowallthings,1Joh.2.20.

ThistestimonyofGodsSpiritintheheartsofhisfaithfull,asitispropertotheWordofGod,soitisgreaterthenanyhumaneperswasionsgroundeduponreasonorwitnessesofmen,untowhichitisunmeetthattheWordofGodshouldbeesubjectasPapistshold,whentheyteachthattheScripturesreceivetheirauthorityfromtheChurch;forbythushangingthecreditandauthorityoftheScripturesontheChurchessentence,theymaketheChurchesworkofgreatercreditthentheWordofGod,whereastheScripturesofGodcannotbeejudgedorsentencedbyany;andGodonelyisaworthywitnessehimselfinhisWord,andbyhisSpirit,whichgivemutualltestimonyoneoftheother,andworkthatassuranceofFaithintheElect,thatnohumanedemonstrationscanmake,noranyperswasionsorinforcementsoftheworldcanremove.

ShewsomefurtherreasonsthattheauthorityoftheScripturesdothnotdependupontheChurch.

First,becauseweebeleevetheScripturesisaworkofFaith,buttheChurchcannotinfuse

Scriptures

dothnot

dependon

theChurch.

Whatare

thebooks

ofholy

Scriptures.

Inwhat

language

theOld

Testament

Faith.

1Secondly,anyauthoritythattheChurchhath,itmustproveitbythe2Scriptures,thereforetheScripturedependethnotupontheChurch.

3Thirdly,ifanInfidellshouldasktheChurchhowtheyaresurethatChristdyedforthem,iftheyshouldanswerbecausethemselvessayso,itwouldberidiculous;whentheyshouldsay,becausetheScriptureteachethso,&c.

WhatbooksaretheholyScriptures,andbywhomweretheywriten?

First,ThebooksoftheOldTestament,innumbernineandthirty,1(whichtheJewsaccordingtothenumberoftheirletters,broughttotwoandtwenty)writenbyMosesandtheProphets.Rom.3.2.whodeliveredthesameuntotheChurchoftheJews.

2Secondly,thebooksoftheNewTestament,innumbersevenandtwenty,writenbytheApostlesandEvangelists,Rom.1.16.Rev.1.11.whodeliveredthemtotheChurchoftheGentiles.

WhatlanguagewerethebooksoftheOldTestamentwritenin?

InHebrew,whichwasthefirsttongueoftheworld,andthemostorderlyspeech,incomparisonofwhich,allotherlanguagesmay

[Page]

Thatthe

Scriptures

oftheOld

Testament

werefirst

writenwith

vowelsand

pricks.

waswriten.beecondemnedofbarbarousconfusion,butchosenespeciallybecauseitwasthelanguageofthattime,bestknownuntotheChurch,teachingthatallmenshouldunderstandtheScriptures;onelysomefewportionsbythelaterProphetswereleftwritenintheChaldeantongue,(understoodbyGodspeopleaftertheircarryingawayintoBabylon)namely,the11verseofthe10chap.ofJer.sixchaptersinDaniel(fromthe4ver.ofthe2chap.totheendofthe7chapter.)andthreeinEzra.(thefourth,fifth,&sixth.)

HadtheHebrewTextvowels,orpointsfromthebeginningasnowithath?

OurSavioursaith,Matth.5.18.thatnotonejotorprickoftheLawshallperish,wherebyitshouldappearethattheLawandtheProphets(forofbothheespeakethimmediatelybefore)hadvowelsandpricks:GodalsobyMosescommandedtheLawtobeewritenupontwogreatstonesattheentranceofthepeopleintotheLandofpromise,thatallstrangersmightreadeandknowwhatReligionthechildrenofIsraelprofessed;andheecommandedthatitshouldbeewritenwellandplainly,orcleerly,Deut.27.8.whichcouldnotbeeperformed,exceptitwerewritenwiththevowellingpoints,vvhereuntoalsobelongallthoseplacesofScripture,whichtestifieofthecleernesse,andcertaintyoftheScripture,whichcouldnotatallbee,ifitlackedvowels.

Thebooks

ofMoses.

Thebooks

ofthe

Prophets.

WhatarethebooksoftheOldTestament?

ThebooksofMoses(otherwisecalledtheLaw)andtheProphets;forsoaretheyoftentimesdividedintheNewTestament,asMat.5.17.&7.12.&22.40.Luk.16.29.&24.27.Joh.1.45.Act.13.15.&24.14.&26.22.&28.23.Whereitistobeeunderstood,thattheLawistakenforthevvholeDoctrineofGod,deliveredbyMoses,whichcontainethnotonlytheLaw,butalsopromisesofmercyinChrist,asheehimselfsaith,Joh.5.46.IfyeedidbeleeveMoses,youvvouldalsobeleeveme,forMoseswroteofme:andvvhereasourSaviourChrist,Luk.24.44.untotheLawandtheProphets,addeththePsalmes,whichareapartoftheProphets,itisbecausetheyweremostfamiliartothegodly,andgenerallyknownofthepeoplebythedailyexerciseofthem,theformerdivisionnotwithstandingbeingperfect.

WhicharethebooksofMoses?

Fiveinnumber,vvhicharecalledGenesis,Exodus,Leviticus,Numbers,Deuteronomie.

HowarethebooksoftheseProphetsdistinguished?

IntoHistoricall,andDoctrinall;theformervvhereofcontaintheexplicationoftheLaw,bypractiseprincipally,thelatterbyDoctrinechiefely.

HowmanyHistoricallbooksbeethere?

The

Historicall

books.

The

Doctrinal

books.

The

Poeticall

books.

[Page]

The

Prosaicall

books.

Twelveinnumber,viz.thebookofJoshua,thebookofJudges,thebookofRuth,thetwobooksofSamuel,thetwobooksofKings,thetwobooksofChronicles,thebookofEzra,thebookofNehemiah,andthebookofEster.

HowaretheDoctrinallbooksdistinguished?

IntoPoeticall,andProsaicall;whichdistinctionisthoughtofmanytobeeobservedbyourSaviourChrist,Luk.24.44.whereheunderthenameofPsalmescomprehendethallthosebooksthatarewritenintheholyPoeticallstyle.

WhicharethePoeticallbooks?

SuchasarewriteninMeeterorpoesie,containingprincipally,wise,andholysentences,(whencealsotheymaybeecalledSententiall)andtheyarefiveinnumber,viz.ThebookofJob,thePsalmes,andSolomonsthreebooks,theProverbs,Ecclesiastes,andtheCanticles.

WhicharetheProsaicallbooks?

Suchasareforthemostpartwriteninprose,andforetellthingstocome;(whencealsomoreespeciallytheyaretermedPropheticall,orvaticinall)ofwhichkindearesixteenwritersinnumber,fourewhereofarecalledthegreaterProphets,viz.Isaiah,Jeremiah,(towhoseprophesiesis

The

Apocryphall

books.

annexedhisbookofLamentations,thoughwriteninMeeter)Ezekiel,andDaniel,andtwelvearecalledsmallerProphets,viz.Hosea,Joel,Amos,Obadiah,Jonah,Micah,Nahum,Habakkuk,Zephaniah,Haggai,Zacharie,Malachi;whichtwelveofoldwerereckonedforonebook,andthereforeAct.7▪42.StephencitingaplaceoutofAmos5.25.useththisforme;AsitiswriteninthebookoftheProphets.

BeetherenootherCanonicallbooksoftheScriptureoftheOldTestamentbesidesthesethatyouhavenamed?

No;forthoseotherbookswhichPapistswouldobtrudeuntousforCanonicall,areApocryphall,thatistosay,suchasaretolyehid,whenthereisprooftobeemadeofReligion.

HowproveyouthatthoseApocryphallbooksarenopartoftheCanonicallScriptures?

1First,theyarenotwritenfirstinHebrew,theLanguageoftheChurchbeforeChrist,whichallthebooksoftheOldTestamentareoriginallywritenin.

2Secondly,theywereneverreceivedintotheCanonoftheScripturebytheChurchoftheJewsbeforeChrist,(towhomaloneinthosetimestheOraclesofGodwerecommitted,Rom.3.2.)norreadandexpoundedintheirSynagogues.SeeJosephuscontraAppion.lib.1.Eusebiuslib.3.cap.10.

3Thirdly,theJewsweresocarefulltokeepScripture

[Page]

Theerrors

ofthe

Apocryphal

Books.

intire,astheykeptthenumberoftheversesandletters,withinwhichisnoneoftheApocrypha.

4Fourthly,theScriptureoftheOldTestamentwaswritenbyProphets,Luk.24.27.2Pet.1.19.

ButMalachiwasthelastProphet,afterwhomalltheApocryphawasvvriten.

5Fifthly,theyarenotauthorisedbyChristandhisApostles,whodoegivetestimonyuntotheScriptures.

6Sixthly,bythemostancientFathers,andCouncelsoftheprimitiveChurches,(aftertheApostles)bothGreekandLatine,theyhavenotbeenadmittedfortryallofTruth,thoughtheyhavebeenreadforinstructionofmanners,asmayappearbyEuseb.lib.6.cap.18.(outofOrigen)theCouncellofLoadicea,Can.59.vvhichisalsoconfirmedbythesixtgenerallCouncellofConstantinople,Can.2.andmanyotherTestimoniesoftheancientFathers.

7Seventhly,ThereisnosuchconstantTruthinthem,asintheCanonicallScriptures,foreverybookofthemhathfalsehood,inDoctrine,orHistory.

Shewsomeofthoseerrorsintheparticularbooks.

InthebookofTobie,theAngelmakethalie,sayingthatheeisAzariahthesonofAnanias,Tob.5.12.whichisfarrefromtheSpiritofGod,andthenatureofgoodAngelsthatcannotsin:ThereisalsotheunchasteDevillAsmodeus,the

sevenAngelswhichpresenttheprayersoftheSaints,Tob.12.15.andthemagicalltoyesofthefishesheart,liverandgall,fordrivingawayofDevils,andrestoringofsight,notsavouringoftheSpiritofGod.

JudithinherprayercommendeththefactofSimeon,Gen.34.whichtheHolyGhostcondemneth,Gen.49.5.andprayethGodtoprosperherfeignedtalesandlies,Jud.9.13.&18.

Baruchsaith,heewrotethisbookinBabylon,Chap.1.whereasitappearethbyJeremiah43.6.thatheewaswithJeremiahatJerusalem,andwentnotfromhim.Likewiseheewritethforofferings,andvessels,aftertheTemplewasburned:andinthe6Chapter,v.2.JeremiahwriteththatthecontinuanceoftheJewsinBabylonshallbeeforsevenGenerations,whereastheCanonicallJeremiahProphesiethbutof70.yeers,Chap.29.10.FortenyeerscannotmakeaGeneration,neitherisiteversotakenintheCanonicallScriptures.

ThestoryofSusannamakethDanielayoungchildeinthedayesofAstyages,andtobecomefamousamongthepeoplebythejudgementofSusanna,whereasDanielhimselfwritethotherwiseofhiscarriageintoBabylon,inthedayesofJehoiakim,underNebuchadnezzar,andofthemeansbywhichheewasknownfirsttobeeaProphet,Dan.1.2.

ThestoryofBellandtheDragonspeaksofHabakkuktheProphet,inthedayesofCyrus,whoprophesiedbeforethecaptivityofBabylon,whichwas70yeersbeforeCyrus.

[Page]

ThefirstbookofMaccabees,writinganHistoryofthingssaid,anddone,dothnotmuchinterlacehisownjudgement:andthereforedotherrethelesse,yetinhisNarration,contrarytothesecondbookofMaccabees,inmanyplaces,andtoJosephusinsomethings:Forexample,ThefirstbookofMaccabeessaith,thatAntiochusdyedatBabyloninhisbed,beeinggrievedinmindefortidingsbroughttohimoutofPersia,1Mac.6.ver.8.&16.ButinthefirstchapterofthesecondbookofMaccabees,itissaid,thatheewascutinpeecesintheTempleofNanea,andintheninthchapterofthesamebook,thatheedyedofagrievousdiseaseofhisbowels,inastrangeCountry,intheMountaines,2Mac.9.28.

ThesecondbookofMaccabeesisfarreworse,fortheabridgerofJasonsChronicle,whichdidsetitforth,dothnotonelyconfoundandfalsifiemanystories,(asitiseasietobeeprovedoutofthefirstbookofMaccabees,Josephus,andothers)butalsowhilsthegivethhissentenceofdiversfacts,dothmorebewraytheweaknesseofhisjudgement:asheecommendethRazisforkillinghimself,2Mac.14.42.andJudasforofferingsacrificeforthedead,thatwerepollutedwithIdolatry,2Mac.12.45.whereasitistobeethoughtrather,thatthesacrificewasofferedtopacifiethewrathofGodforthemthatwerealive,thattheyshouldnotbeewrappedinthecurseofthewicked,asinthestoryofAchan,Josh.7.yetheeisthemoretobeebornwithall,becauseheeconfessethhisinsufficiency(2Mac.15.38.)whichagreethnotwiththeSpiritofGod.TheadditionsuntoEsterarefabulous,convincedofmanyuntruthesbytheCanonicallbook;asnamely,first,inthe

ApocryphallEster.MordecaiissaidtodreaminthesecondyeerofAhashueros,(chap.11.2.)butintheCanonicall,theseventhyeer(Ester2.16.)AndBellarminemakingthedreamintheseventhyeer,andtheconspiracyinthesecond,makethfiveyeersdifference,andiscontrarytoChap.11.2.ThetruesaiththatMordecaihadnoreward,(Ester6.3.)thefalsesaithheehad,(Chap.12.5.)Thirdly,andthefalsealso,Chap.12.6.Thetruecalleth,andthefalsealso,HamananAgagite,Ester3.2.thatis,anAmalekite;thefalsecallethhimaMacedonian,Chap.16.10.Alsotheauthourofthoseadditions,describeththecountenanceoftheKingtobeefullofcruelty,andwrath,(Chap.15.7.)yetheemakethEstertosayitwasglorious,likeanAngelofGod,andfullofgrace,(Chap.13.14.)eitherlyinghimself,orchargingEsterwithimpudentlyingandflattering.

TheBookofWisdomeissofarreofffrombeinganybookoftheOldTestament,thatitisaffirmedbydiversancientWriters,thatitwasmadebyPhilotheJew,whichlivedsinceChrist,asS.Jeromewitnesseth,prefaceinProverbs:howsoevertheAuthourwouldfainseemtobeeSolomon,Chap.9.8.SeehiscruellsentenceagainstBastardsintheendofthethirdChapter.

JesusthesonofSyrach,sheweththefrailtyofmanindiversplacesofEcclesiasticus,andnamelyChap.46.20.whereheeacknowledgeththatSamuelindeed,andnotawickedspiritintheshapeofSamuel,wasraisedbytheWitchofEndor,1Sam.28.alsoChap.48.10.heeunderstandeththeProphesieofMalachi,ofthepersonall

[Page]

Ofthe

booksof

theNew

Testament.

commingofElias,whichourSaviourChristdothmanifestlyreferretoJohntheBaptist,Matth.11.14.

ThethirdbookofEsdrasisfullofimpudentlies,andfables,convincedbythebookofEzra,Nehemiah,Haggai,andEster;Forexample,Ezrasaith,thatallthevesselsofgoldandsilverwhichCyrusdeliveredtoSheshbazzar,werebySheshbazzarcarriedfromBabylontoJerusalem,Ezr.1.11.ThisEsdrassaith,theywereonelynumbredbyCyrus,notsent,butafterwardsDariusdeliveredthemtoZerubbabel,andbyhimtheywerebroughttoJerusalem,Esdras4.44.57.

ThefourthbookofEsdrasisnowrejectedofthePapiststhemselves,asitwasofHierome,containingalsomanyfalsities,dreams,andfables,Chap.6.49,50.Chap.13.6.4.44.&c.andChap.14.21,22,&c.

ThusmuchforthebooksoftheOldTestament,inwhatlanguagewerethebooksoftheNewTestamentwriten?

InGreek,becauseitwasthemostcommonlanguage,bestknownthentotheJewsandGentiles,teachingthatallKingdomesshouldhavetheScripturesinalanguagewhichtheyunderstand.

HowaretheBooksoftheNewTestamentdistinguished?

Theyareofthingsrevealed

Beforethewritingofthem;whichareeither

Historicall,fiveinnumber,containingtheHistoryofChrist,the4Gospelsaccordingto

MatthewMarkLukeJohn.

HisApostles,viz.theActs.Doctrinall,21Epistlesof

PaultotheRomansCorinthians

12

GalatiansEphesians,Philippians.ColossiansThessalonians

12

Timothy12

TitusPhilemonHebrewes.

JamesPeter2.John3.Jude.

Afterthewritingofthem,astheApocalyps,orRevelationofS.JohnwhichisthePropheticallBookoftheNewTestament.

Isitagreedthatallthesebooks,andtheyalone,aretheholyScripturesoftheNewTestament?

Yes;howsoeverinancienttimetheyhavenotbeenallreceivedwithlikeconsent,yettheyhavetheTestimonyofallages,andthereisnothinginanyofthemrepugnanttotherestoftheCanonicallScriptures.

WerethereneveranyBooksoftheCanonicallScriptureslost?

No;HeavenandEarthshallperish,beforeonejotortittleofthemshallperish.

WhatsayyoutotheBookofGadandNathan,2Chro.9.29.ofAhijahandIddo,(2Chro.9.29.)andPaulsEpistletotheLaodiceans,Col.4.16?

ThesebooksoftenmentionedintheOldTestament,werenotCanonicallScripture,butcivillChronicleswhereinthemattersoftheCommonwealthweremorelargelywriten,astheChronicleoftheMedesandPersians,Esther10.2.andtheEpistlementioned,Col.4.wasratheroftheLaodiceanstoPaul,thenofPaultotheLaodiceans.

[Page]

2Highest

in

authority.

3.

Sufficientin

themselves.

The

properties

oftheholy

Scriptures.

As1holy.

WhatbeethepropertiesoftheholyScripture?

First,theyareperfectlyholyinthemselvesandbythemselves,whereasallotherwritingsareprophane,furtherthentheydrawsomeholinessefromthem,whichisneversuch,butthattheirholinesseisimperfect.

Secondly,theauthorityoftheseholywritings,inspiredofGod,ishighestintheChurch,astheauthorityofGod,whereuntonolearningordegreeofAngelsormen,underwhatnameorcoloursoeveritbeecommended,maybeeaccountedequall,Gal.1.8,9.2Thess.2.2.neithercantheybeejudgedorsentencedbyany.

Thirdly,thebookesofholyScripturearesosufficientfortheknowledgeofChristianReligion,thattheydoemostplentifullycontainallDoctrinenecessarytosalvation,theybeingperfectlyprofitabletoinstructtosalvationinthemselves,andallotherimperfectlyprofitablethereunto,furtherthentheydrawfromthem;whenceitfolloweth,thatweeneednounwritenverities,notraditionsorin-ventionsofmen,noCanonofCouncels,nosentencesofFathers,muchlesseDecreesofPopes,fortosupplyanysupposeddefectofthewritenWord,orfortogiveusmoreperfectdirectionsintheworshipofGod,andthewayoflife,thenisalreadyexpressedintheCanonicallScriptures,Mat.23.8.Joh.5.39.Mat.15.9.Finally,theseholy

Thatthe

Scriptures

area

perfect

rule,for

doctrine,

life,and

Salvation.

Scripturesaretherule,theline,thesquare,andlight,wherebytoexamineandtryalljudgementsandsayingsofmenandAngels,Joh.12.48.Gal.1.9.Alltraditions,revelations,decreesofCouncels,opinionsofDoctors,&c.aretobeeimbracedsofarreforthastheymaybeeprovedoutoftheDivineScriptures,andnototherwise,sothatfromthemonelyallDoctrineconcerningoursalvationmustbeedrawnandderived,thatonelyistobeetakenfortruthinmattersappertainingtoChristianReligion,whichisagreeableuntothem,andwhatsoeverdisagreethfromthemistoberefused.

HowdoeyouprovethattheScriptureissuchaRule?

SinceGodhathappointedtheholyScriptureswhichbearewitnesseofChrist(Joh.5.39.)tobeewritenforourlearning(Rom.15.4.)heewillhavenootherDoctrinepertainingtoeternalllifetobeereceived,butthatwhichisconsonantuntothem,andhaththegroundthereofinthem,thereforeuntothemonelyistheChurchdirectedforthesavingknowledgeofGod,Esa.8.20.Luk.16.29.31.InsomuchthatallProphesies,Revelations,andMiracles,aretobeejudgedbytheirconsentwiththeLawofGodwritenbyMoses,towhichnothingistobeeadded,noranythingtobeetakenawayfromit,(Deut.12.13.1,2.)yea,ChristhimselfappealethtothetriallofthosethingswhichMosesdidwriteofhim(Joh.5.46.)beingnoneotherinanyrespect,buteventhesamewhomMosesintheLawandtheProphets(whichweretheinterpreters,andcom-

[Page]

mentariesupontheLawwritenbyMoses)didwriteof,John1.45.andhisApostlespreachingtheGospelamongallNations,taughtnothingbesidethatwhichMosesandtheProphetshadspokentobeefulfilledinChrist,asS.Paultestifieth,Act.26.22.saying,ashetaught,alltherestoftheApostlesdidteach.

WheredoeyoufindethattheScripturesareabletoinstructusperfectlytosalvation?

TheApostlePaul,in2Tim.3.15.dothexpresselyaffirmit;andreasonswhichmaybeegatheredoutofthetwoVersesfollowing,doeplainlyproveit.

WhatarethoseReasons?

1.Godbeingauthorofthesebooks,theymustneedsbeperfect,ashehimselfis,whobeingforhiswisdomeable,andforhislovetohisChurchwillingtosetdownsucharuleasmayguidethemtoeternalllife,hathnotfailedherein.

2.Theyareprofitabletoteachalltruedoctrine,andtoconfutethefalse;tocorrectalldisorderprivateandpublique,andtoinformmeninthewayofrighteousnesse.

3.ThemanofGod,thatis,thePreacherandMinisteroftheWord,istherebymadecompleatandperfect,sufficientlyfurnisheduntoeverygoodworkordutyoftheMinistery.

Howdoththislastreasonhold?

Moststrongly,forthepeoplebeingtolearnoftheMinister,whattobeleeveandwhattodoe,andmorebeingrequiredofhimthatmustbetheeyeandmouthofalltherest,ifhemaybeperfectlyinstructedbytheScriptures,theyaremuchmoreabletogiveeverycommonmansufficientinstruction.Again,seeingtheMinisterisboundtodisclosethewholecounsellofGodtohispeople,(Acts20.27.)hebeingthereuntofullyfurnishedoutofthetreasuryoftheWordofGod;itfolloweththatbyhimoutoftheScripturestheymayalsobeabundantlytaughttosalvation.

WhatfurtherproofhaveyouofthesufficiencyoftheScriptures?

ThefiveBooksofMoses,whichwasthefirstholyScripturedeliveredtotheChurch,wassufficientfortheinstructionofthepeopleofthattime,inallthatGodrequiredattheirhands,asappearethbythattheywereforbiddentoaddeanythinguntoit,ortotakeanythingfromit,buttodoethatonelywhichwasprescribedbytheLaw,(Deut.12.32.)ThePrinceandthepeoplearecommandedtobedire-ctedtherebyaltogether,andnottodepartfromit,eithertotherighthandortotheleft,(Deut.17.)HowmuchmoretheLawandtheProphets(whichdidmoreatlargesetforththeDoctrinedeliveredbyMosesbothinpreceptsandpromises,inpracticeandexample)wassufficientforthetimethatsucceededuntillJohntheBaptist?Mat.11.12.Luk.16.16.

Whatmorecanyoualledgeforthispurpose?

Psal.19.7.Davidsaith,theLawoftheLordisperfect,

[Page]

converting1thesoul;andPsal.119.96.Ihaveseenanendofallperfection,butthyCommandementisexceedinglarge.

Luk.16.29.AbrahamintheParabolicallstorytestifieththat2MosesandtheProphetsweresufficienttokeepmenfromdamnation.

John5.39.OurSaviourChristaffirmethoftheScripturesof3theoldTestament,thattheywerewitnessesofhiminwhomoursalvationisperfect.

Acts17.11.TheBereansarecommendedforexaminingtheDoctrine4oftheApostlesbytheScripturesoftheoldTestament.

Acts26.22.PaultaughtnothingbutthatwhichMosesandthe5ProphetshadwrittenofChristtobefulfilled.

1Joh.1.ver.1,2,3,Johnsaithwhattheyhaveheardandseenthat6theydelivered.

7Gal.1.8,9.PaulwisheththatifanAngelfromheavencameandtaughtanyotherDoctrineweshouldholdhimaccursed.

8Apoc.22.18,19.thereisacursepronouncedagainsthimthataddethanythingortakethawayanythingfromScripture.

91Cor.4.6.Paulsaith,thatnomanmustpresumeabovethatwhichiswritten.

Objections

againstthe

sufficiency

oftheholy

Scriptures

answered.

10John20.31.S.Johnsaith,thatthesethingsarewrittenthatwemightbeleevethatJesusistheChristtheSonofGod,andthatbeleeving,wemighthavelifethroughhisname;wherehespeakethnotonelyofhisGospel,but(beingthesurviveroftherestoftheApostles)ofalltheirwritings:Seeingthenthatfaithbythosethingsthatarewritten,andeternallsalvationbyfaithmaybeattained,itoughttobenocontroversieamongstChristians,thatthewholeScriptureoftheoldandnewTestamentdothmostrichlyandabundantlycontainallthatisnecessaryforaChristianmantobeleeve,andtodoeforeternallsalvation.

Obj.1.YetouradversariesquarrellagainstthismostrichandplentifulltreasureoftheholyScriptures,alledgingthatwereceivemanythingsbytraditionwhicharenotinScriptures,andyetwebeleevethem;asMariesperpetuallVirginity,andthebaptismeofInfants?

WemakenotMariesperpetuallVirginityanymatterofreligion,butalikelyopinionsofarasitcanbemaintained;thatitwereanunseemlyandunfittingthingforasinfullmantousetotheactofgenerationthevessellwhichwaschosenandconsecratedbytheholyGhosttosohighanuseaswasthebringingforthoftheSaviouroftheworld;ithathwarrantfromtheApostlescharge,Phil.4.8.ofdoingwhatsoeverishonest,whatsoeverisofgoodreport,whatsoeverispraise-worthy,&c.AsforbaptismeofInfantsitissufficientlywarrantedbyreasonsofScripture,thoughnotbyexample.

[Page]

Tim.

Obj.2.TheyobjectthatitisbyTradition,andnotbyScripture,thatweknowsuchandsuchBookstobeScripture?

Thoughnewbeginnersdoefirstlearnitfromthefaithfull,yetafterwardstheyknowitupongroundsofScripture;asanignorantmanmaybetoldoftheKingsCoin,butitisnotthetelling,buttheKingsstampthatmakethitcurrantandgoodCoin.

Obj.3.Itisobjected,thatitwasbyTradition,andnotbyScripturethatStephenknewMosestobe40yearsoldwhenheleftPharaoh,Acts7.23.ThatLukeknewagreatpartoftheGenealogieofChrist,Luk.3.ThatJudeknewSatansstrivingforMosesbody,Judev.9.andtheProphesieofEnoch,ver.5.14.ThatPaulknewJannesandJambres,2Tim.3.8.andthesayingofChrist,thatitismoreblessedtogivethentoreceive.Acts20.35.

SuchparticularHistoriesorspeechesmightbereceivedfromhandtohand,butnodifferentDoctrinefromthatwhichwaswritten.

Obj.4.TheApostlestestimonyisobjected,1Cor.15.3.2Thess.2.15.Holdthetraditionswhichyouhavebeentaught,whetherbywordorourEpistle.

HemeaneththedoctrinehedelivereduntothemwhichwasnothingdifferentfromthatwhichiscontainedintheScriptures.

TheScripturesyousayarearuleandaline,

An.

Qu.

Ofthe

perspicuity

oftheholy

Scriptures.

butaretheynot(astheChurchofRomeimagineth)likearuleofleadwhichmaybebowedeverywayatmenspleasures?

Theyareasaruleofsteelthatisfirmandchangethnot;(Matth.5.18.Psal.19.9.)forseeingtheyaresufficienttomakeuswiseuntosalvation,(asisbeforeproved)itfollowethofnecessitythatthereisamostcertainruleoffaithforinstructionbothoffaithandworks,tobelearnedoutofthembyordinarymeansofreading,prayer,study,thegiftsoftonguesandothersciences,towhichGodpromiseththeassistanceofhisgrace(Joh.5.39.Jam.1.5.)AndthisswordoftheSpirit,whichistheWordofGodwritten,(astheexampleofChristourgenerallCaptainsheweth,Mat.4.)isdelivereduntousbytheholyGhost,bothtodefendourfaith,andtoovercomeallourspirituallenemies,whicharetheDevilandhisinstruments,falseProphets,Hereticks,Schismaticks,andsuchlike,Eph.6.17.ThereforetheholyScripturesarenotasanoseofwax,oraleadenrule,(assomePapistshaveblasphemed)thattheymaybesowritheneverywaybyimpudentHereticks,butthattheirfollyandmadnesse,astheApostlesaith,2Tim.3.9.maybemademanifesttoallmen.

AretheScripturesthenplainandeasietobeunderstood?

TherearesomehardthingsintheScripturethathaveproperrelationtothetimeinwhichtheScripturewaswrittenoruttered,orwhichareprophesiesofthingstobefulfilled

hereafter,whichifweneverunderstandweshallbenevertheworsefortheattainingofeverlastingsalvation:thereareotherthingsinScripturebelongingtothesavingknowledgeofGod,allwhicharedarkanddifficultuntothosewhoseeyestheGodofthisworldhathblinded,(2Cor.4.4.2Pet.3.5.Joh.8.43.)butuntosuchasarebygraceenlightenedandmadewillingtounderstand,(Psal.119.18.)howsoeversomethingsremainobscure(2Pet.3.16.)toexercisetheirdiligence,yetthefundamentallDo-ctrineoffaith,andpreceptsoflifeareallplainandperspicuous;forallDoctrinenecessarytobeknownuntoeternallsalvation,issetforthintheScripturesmostclearlyandplainlyeventothecapacityandunderstandingofthesimpleandunlearned:sofarisitthattheScripturesshouldbedangeroustobereadoftheLayfolks,asPapistshold.

Howproveyouthiswhichyouhavesaid?

Deut.30.10.11,&c.Mosestakethheavenandearthtowitnesse1thatintheLawwhichhehadwritten,hehathsetforthlifeanddeath,andthattheycanmakenoexcuseofdifficultyorobscurity.ThisCommandementwhichIcommandtheethisdayisnothiddenfromthee,neitherisitfaroff,&c.whichPaulalso,Rom.10.16.appliethtotheGospel.

Psalm.19.8.theProphetDavidtestifieththattheLawofthe2Lordisperfect,convertingthesoul;thetestimoniesoftheLordaretrue,givingwisdometothesimple;andPsalme119.105.ThyWordisaLampeorCandleuntomyfeet,andaLightuntomypathes.

[Page]3Prov.1.4.Itgivethsubtiltytothesimple,andtotheyoungmanknowledgeanddiscertion;andProv.8.9.Allthewordsofwisdomeareplaintothemthatwillunderstand.

4Esa.45.19.TheLordsaith,Ihavenotspokeninsecret,inadarkplaceoftheearth,IhavenotsaidinvaintotheseedofJacob,Seekmee.

52Cor.4.3.Paulsaith,IfourGospelbehid,itishidtothemthatarelost,&c.

62Pet.1.19.S.PetercommendethChristiansfortakingheedtothewordoftheProphetsasuntoalightthatshinethinadarkplace,&c.

7TheScriptureisourFathersLettertous,andhislastwilltoshewuswhatinheritanceheleavethus,butfriendswriteLetters,andFatherstheirwilsplain.

8ItweretoaccuseGodofcrueltyordesireofmansdestruction,fortosaythatheshouldmakethemeansoftheirsalvationhurtfulluntothem.

9WomenandchildrenhavereadtheScriptures,2Tim.3.15.SaintPaulaffirmeththatTimothywasnourishedupintheScripturesfromhisinfancy;namely,byhisGrandmotherLois,andhisMotherEunice,whencethesameApostlecommendeth,chap.1.5.IflittlechildrenarecapableoftheScripturesbythesmallunderstandingtheyhave,andlessejudgement,thereisnonesogrosse(whichhaththeunderstandingofaman)butmayprofitbyit,

Ans.

ThePapists

objections

againstthe

perspicuity

ofthe

Scriptures

answered.

comminginthefearofGod,andinvocationofhisname.

Obj.1.ButherethePapistshavemanythingstoobjectagainstyou,toprovethattheScripturesaredarkeandhardtobeunderstood:andFirst,thatthematterscontainedinthemareDivine,highandbeyondmansreason;astheTrinity,theCreationofnothing,&c.

Thesemattersindeedareabovehumanereason,andthereforearewetobringfaithtobeleevethem;nothumanereasontocomprehendthem:buttheyaredeliveredinScriptureinasplaintearmsassuchmattercanbe.

Obj.2.Petersaith,thatsomethinginPaulsEpistlesbehard,andwrestedbymen,2Pet.3.16.

1First,hesaithnotthatallPaulsEpistlesarehard,butsomethinginthem,whichwegrant.

2Secondly,theyarethewickedandunsetledinknowledgethatwrestthem,astheGluttonsandDrunkardsabusemeatanddrink.

Obj.3.IfScriptureswerenotdark,whatneedsomanyCommentariesuponthem,andwhyaretheysofullofParablesandAllegoriesastheyare?

ThewholeDoctrineofsalvationistobefoundsoplain,thatitneedethnoCommentary;andCommentariesarefor

[Page]

otherplacesthatbedark,andalsotomakemorelargeuseofScripturethenanewbeginnercanmakeofhimself,whichweseenecessaryinallhumaneArtsandSciences.

Further,thoughspeechofScriptureseemhardatfirst,yetbycustomeitbecommetheasie,asreadingdothtochildren.

Obj.4.ThegodlyEunuchcouldnotunderstandtheScripturewithoutanInterpreter,Acts8.31.

Thoughheunderstoodnotsomeharderplaces,yetthathinderedhimnotfromreadingplainerplaces.

Obj.5.Themultitudeoflearnedmenthatfallintoheresies,whichtheylabourtoconfirmbyScripture,proveththattheScriptureisdark.

Itistheirnaughtyheartsthatcomenotwithanhumbleandgodlyaffectionthatmakeththemdoeso.

Obj.6.ButnowweseebyexperiencethattherearemanythatdailyreadetheScriptures,andyetunderstandnotthethousandthpartofthem?

Theyreadethemnotwithcareandconscience,withprayerandstudy,butlikethewomenwhoarealwayslearning,butnevercometotheknowledgeofthetruth,2Tim.3.7.

Obj.7.IftheScripturesthenbesoplainandperspicuous,whatneedisthereofanInterpreter?

First,tounfoldobscureplaces,Acts8.31.Secondly,to

WhyGod

hat[...]left

somepla-

cesof

Scripture

obscure.

Ofthe

Translation

inculcateandapplyplainTexts,2Pet.1.10.1Cor.14.3.

WhydidGodleavesomeplacesobscureintheScriptures?

First,thatwemightknowthattheunderstandingofGodsWordisthegiftofGod,andthereforemightbegitofhimbycontinuallprayer.

Secondly,lestweshouldflatterourwitstoomuch,ifallthingscouldpresentlybeunderstoodbyus.

Thirdly,thattheWord,forthehighandheavenlymysteriescontainedtherein,mightbeaccomptedof,whichfortheplainnessemightbelesseesteemed.

Fourthly,thatprophanedogsmightbedrivenawayfromtheseholymysteries,whicharepearlsprizedhighlybytheElectalone,Matth.13.45.butwouldbetroddendownbyswine,Mat.7.6.

Fiftly,thatweemightbestirreduptoamorediligentsearchofthesame.

Sixtly,thatwemightesteemmoreoftheMinisterywhichGodhathplacedintheChurch,thatbythemeansthereofwemightprofitintheknowledgeofthesemysteries.

WhatassurancemaybehadoftherightunderstandingoftheScriptures?

Forthewordsitistobehadoutoftheoriginall

[Page]

ofholy

Scriptures.TextorTranslationsofthesame;forthesenseormeaningonelyoutoftheScripturesthemselves,(Nehem.8.8.)whichbyplacesplainandevidentdoeexpressewhatsoeverisobscureandhardtouchingmattersnecessarytoeternallsalvation.

WhymusttheinterpretationofwordsbehadoutoftheoriginallLanguages?

BecauseinthemonelytheScripturesareforthelettertobeheldauthenticall;andasthewaterismostpureintheFountainbythespringingthereof,sotherightunderstandingofthewordsoftheholyScripturesismostcertainintheoriginalltonguesofHebrewandGreek,inwhichtheywerefirstwritten,anddeliveredtotheChurch,outofthewhichLanguagestheymustbetrulytranslatedfortheunderstandingofthemthathavenottheknowledgeofthosetongues.

Whatgatheryoufromhence?

ThatallTranslationsaretobejudged,examined,andreformedaccordingtotheTextoftheancientHebrewandoriginallChaldee,inwhichtheoldTestamentwasprinted,andtheGreekText,inwhichthenewTestamentwaswritten;andconsequentlythatthevulgarLatinTranslationapprovedbytheTridentineCouncellfortheonelyauthenticallText,isnofurthertobereceivedoftrueChristiansthenitagreethwiththeoriginalloftheHebrewandGreekText.

ButwhatsayyouoftheGreekeTranslationoftheold

An

objection

grounded

onvarious

readings

answered.

Testament,commonlycalledtheSeptuagint,approvedbytheApostlesthemselves?

ThesameaswesayofotherTranslations;foralthoughtheApostlesusedthatTranslationwhichwascommonlyreceivedandreadamongtheGentilesandJewsthatdweltamongstthem,whereitdifferednotinsensefromthetrueHebrew,yetwhereitdifferedfromittheyleftit,asbymanyexamplesmaybeconfirmed,(videHieron.Prolog.inMatth.)

HowcanthecertainunderstandingoftheScripturesbetakenoutoftheoriginalltongues,consideringthedifferenceofreadingindiversCopiesbothofHebrewandGreek:asalsothedifficultyofsomewordsandphrases,uponwhichthebestTranslatorscannotagree?

AlthoughintheHebrewCopytherehathbeenobservedbytheNazaritessomeveryfewdifferencesofwordsbysimilitudeoflettersandpoints;andbytheLearnedintheGreektonguetherearelikedi-versitiesofreadingnotedintheGreekTextofthenewTestament,whichcamebyfaultofwriters;yetinmostbycircumstanceoftheplaceandconferenceofotherplaces,thetruereadingmaybediscerned;andalbeitinallitcannot,northeTranslatorinallplacesdeterminethetrueinterpretation,yetthisdiversityordifficultycanmakenodifferenceoruncertaintyinthesumandsubstanceofChristianreligion,becausetheTenCommandementsandtheprincipallTextsofScriptureonwhichtheArticlesofour

[Page]

Whythe

Scriptures

mustbe

expounded

bythe

Scriptures.

faitharegrounded,theSacramentsinstituted,theformofprayertaught,(whichcontainthesumorsubstanceofChristianreligion)arewithoutallsuchdiversityofreadingordifficultyoftranslating,soplainlysetdown,andsopreciselytranslatedbyconsentofallmenlearnedinthetongues,thatnomancanmakeanydoubtofthem,orpickanyquarrellagainstthem.

WhymustthetruesenseormeaningoftheScripturesbelearnedoutoftheScripturesthemselves?

BecausetheSpiritofGodaloneisthecertaininterpreterofhisWordwrittenbyhisSpirit;fornomanknoweththethingspertainingtoGod,buttheSpiritofGod,1Cor.2.11.andnoprophesieofScriptureisofanymansowninterpretation;forprophesiewasnotbroughtbythewillofman,buttheholymenofGodspakeastheywereledbytheholyGhost,2Pet.1.20,21.TheinterpretationthereforemustbebythesameSpiritbywhichtheScripturewaswritten,ofwhichSpiritwehavenocertaintyuponanymanscredit,butonelysofarforthashissayingmaybeconfirmedbytheholyScriptures.

Whatgatheryoufromhence?

ThatnointerpretationofholyFathers,Popes,Councels,Customs,orpractiseoftheChurch,eithercontrarytothemanifestwordsoftheScriptures,orcontainingmatterswhichcannotnecessarilybeeprovedoutoftheScriptures,aretobeereceivedasanundoubtedTruth.

Theuseof

holy

Scriptures.

HowthenisScripturetobeeinterpretedbyScripture?

AccordingtotheAnalogieofFaith,Rom.12.6.andthescopeandcircumstanceofthepresentplace,andconferenceofotherplain,andevidentplaces,bywhichallsuchasareobscureandhardtobeeunderstood,oughttobeeinterpreted;forthereisnomatternecessarytoeternalllife,whichisnotplainely,andsufficientlysetforthinmanyplacesofScripture,bywhichotherplacesthatareabusedbytheDevillorhisministersmaybeeinterpreted,asourSaviourChristgivethexample,Mat.4.6.whentheDevillabusedtheTextofScripture,Psal.91.11.declaringthatthisplacemustbeesounderstood,asitmayagreewiththatmostevidentandexpresseCommandementwriteninDeut.6.16.ThoushaltnottempttheLordthyGod.

WhatbeethespeciallusesoftheScripturerightlyunderstood?

Two:First,toteachDoctrine,bylayingouttheTruth,andconfutingerrours.

Secondly,toexhortoutofit,bystirringustogood,andturningusbackfromevill;whereuntobelongthosefoureusesmentionedbytheApostle,in2Tim.3.16.TwowhereofareTheoricall,pertainingtotheinformationofourjudgementinmattersofDoctrine,viz.first,teachingofTruth;secondly,reprovingorconvincingofErrours.Twoarepracticall,pertainingtothedirectionofourlifeandactions,viz.first,reformationorcorrectionofVice,underwhichiscomprehended,first,Admonition,secondly,

Whomust

readthe

Scriptures.

[Page]

Thatall

mustread

theScri-

ptures,

proved.

instruction,ordirectiontogoodlife;underwhichiscomprehendedExhortation,andConsolation,whichisaspeciallinstructiontopatienceinadversities,Rom.15.4.

WhatpersonsaremeettoreadorhearetheScriptures?

TheholyScripturesarereverentlyandprofitablytobeereadandheardofallsortsanddegreesofmenandwomen,andthereforetobeetruelytranslatedoutoftheoriginallTonguesintothelanguageofeveryNationwhichdesirethtoknowthem:FortheLaypeopleaswellasthelearnedmustreadtheScriptures,orhearethemread,bothprivately,andopenly,soastheymayreceiveprofitbythem,andconsequentlyinatonguetheyunderstand,1Cor.14.2.

HowdoeyouprovethattheScripturesoughttobeereadandheardofallsortsofpeople?

First,Deut.31.11,12.MosescommandedthebookoftheLawtobeereadtoallthechildrenofIsrael,Men,Women,Children,and1Strangers,thatdweltamongstthem,thattheymighttherebylearntofearetheLordtheirGod,anddiligentlytoobserveallthewordsoftheLaw.

Secondly,Joshua8.34.therewasnotaword,ofallwhichMoses2commanded,thatJoshuareadnotbeforealltheCongregationofIsrael,withtheWomen,andlittleones,andStrangers,thatwereconversantamongthem;solikewisedidJosiah,2King.23.2.2Chro.34.30.and

Ezra,Nehem.8.2,3.

3Thirdly,Psal.1.2.Davidsheweththistobeethepropertyofagodlyman,andpronouncethhimtobeehappywhosedelightisintheLawoftheLord,andstudieththereindayandnight.

4Fourthly,Matth.22.29.ourSaviourteacheththatignoranceoftheScriptures,isthemotheroferrour,notthemotherofdevotion,asthePapistshaveaffirmed.

5Fifthly,Joh.5.39.Christcommandethallmenthatseeketernalllifeinhim,tosearchtheScriptures;SearchtheScriptures,forinthemyeethinktohaveeternalllife,&c.

6Sixthly,Act.17.11.theBereansarecommendedforsearchingtheScriptures.

7Seventhly,2Tim.3.15.theApostlePaulapprovedinTimothy,thatheehadlearnedtheholyScripturesfromayoungchilde.

8Eighthy,2Pet.1.19.theApostlePetercommendeththefaithfullfortakingheedtotheScripturesoftheApostles.

9Ninthly,Rev.1.3.Blessedisheethatreadeth,andtheythathearthewordofthisProphesie.

10Tenthly,Col.3.16.LettheWordofChristdwellrichlyinyou,inallwisdome.

11Eleventhly,Rom.15.4.Whatsoeverthingswerewritenaforetime,werewritenforourlearning,thatweethrough

ThePapists

objections

against

readingthe

Scriptures,

answered.

patience,andcomfortoftheScripturesmighthavehope;iftheScripturesbeewritenforourlearning,theyarenecessarilytobeereadbyus.

12Twelfthly,Rom.7.7.Paulsaith,heeknewnotsinbutbytheLaw;buttheknowledgeofsinisnecessaryforallthatwillrepentandbeesaved,thereforealsoistheknowledgeoftheLawnecessary.

13Thirteenthly,Lukesaith,thatheewrotetheGospeltoTheophilus,thatheemightknowthecertaintyofthosethings,whichbeforeheewascatechisedin,Luk.1.4.buteveryoneoughttolabourtobemostcertainoftheirsalvation,&c.

Diversthingsareopposedbytheadversaries,againstthenecessityoftheScriptures,andthereadingofthembyallsorts;asfirst,thereweremanybeleeversamongsttheGentilesinthetimeoftheOldTestament,whoyetwantedtheScriptures,(whichwaskeptinJury)asJobandhisfriends.

Those(ifanysuchwereaftertheLaw(forJobwasbefore)wereboundtohavetheScripturewhenitwasdeliveredbyGod,andtheEunuchhaditandreadit,Act.8.28.

Object.2.ThebookoftheLawwaslostformanyyeers,asappearethby2King.22.8.andyettheChurchwasthen;thereforeitmaywantit.

Thelosseofthatbookdothargueratherthecarelesnesse

[Page]

ofthePriests,innotkeepingit,andthesinsofthepeople,inthatGodforatimedeprivedthemofit.

Object.3.TheChurchofChristiansmanyyeersafterChrist,wantedtheScripturesoftheNewTestament,andcontentedthemselveswithbareteaching.

First,thoughtheChurchforcertainyeersthenhadnottheNew,yettheyhadtheOld.

Secondly,therepassednotmanyyeers,beforetheGospels,andEpistlesoftheApostleswerewriten,andinthemeantime,theirheavenlyDoctrineinspiredfromGod,sufficedtilltheywrote.

Object.4.TherebeemanypooreCountry-men,asPlough-men,andShepherds,whichneverlearnedtoread,whichyetaresaved,thoughtheyneverreadScripture.

Theyoughttohavelearnedtoread,andbeingnotabletoread,theymighthearetheScripturesreadbyothers.

Object.5.IfalloughttoreadScriptures,thenshouldtheyunderstandHebrewandGreek,whereintheScripturewaswriten.

ItwerehappyiftheycouldunderstandHebrewandGreek,buthowsoevertheymayreadTranslations.

Willitnotfollowhereof,thatpreachingandexpoundingoftheScriptures,maybeeneglectedasunnecessary?

No,forGodhathappointednotonelyreading,butalso

preachingofhisWord,especiallytoapplyittotheuseofallsortsofmentotheireternallsalvation,Rom.10.13,&c.SoweretheProphets,InterpretersoftheLaw,(asisbeforeshewed)theScribesandPhariseestaughtintheChaireofMoses,Matth.23.2.TheEunuchcouldnotunderstandtheProphesieofIsaiahwithoutaninterpreter,Act.8.31.TheMinisteryoftheWordthereforeisnecessary,astheordinarymeansuntosalvation,1Tim.4.16.andthepeoplebyreadingandhearingoftheScripturesarebetterpreparedtoreceiveprofitbypreaching,notdischargedfromhearingthePreacher.

Whatisthesummeofallthathathbeendeliveredhitherto?

ThatweeshouldlabourforadueknowledgeofthetrueGod,thatweemayknowwhatweeworship,andworshipwhatweeknow,1Chron.28.9.Joh.4.22.&17.3.ThatthisknowledgeofGodistobeehadpartlybyhisWorks,namely,somuchasmayservetoconvinceman,andmakehimunexcusable,Rom.1.19,20.Act.14.15.butmostsufficientlybyhisWordcontainedintheholyScriptures,whichthereforearecalledhisTestimonies,Psal.119.14.becausetheytestifieofGod,Joh.5.39.whatheeis,andhowheewillbeeservedofus.

Lastly,thatforasmuchasallthatiswritenintheWordofGod,iswritenforourinstruction,andlearning,Rom.15.4.thereforewebeingpreparedbytruePrayer,sanctifiedbyFaith,andseasonedwiththeSpiritofsobrietyandhumility,maysafelylearnsomuchasisrevealedinthe

[Page]

Thatthere

isaGod.

ScriptureforourprofitingintheknowledgeofGod.

WhatisthefirstpointofReligionthatweearetaughtintheScriptures?

ThatthereisaGod.

Whydoeyoumakethisthefirstpoint?

BecausetheScripturesaith,heethatcommethtoGod,mustbeleevethatheeis,Heb.11.6.

Haveanycalledthisintoquestionatanytime?

Yea,sosaiththeProphetDavid,butheeshewethalsothatitwasbywicked,proud,andfoolishmen,(Psal.14.1.)whoseliveswerenothingelsebutabominationandcorruption,(Psal.10.4.)

Whatpretenceofreasonmighttheyhaveforthiswickedimagination?

BecausenomaneversawGodyet,bywhichfoolishargumenttheymaydenyalsothatthereisanywind,orthatmanhathasoule,fornomanyeteversawthem.

ButhowcomeyoutoperswadeyourselfethatthereissuchaGod?

BesideinfinitetestimoniesoftheScriptures,asGen.1.1.Psal.19.▪thecommonconsentofallNationsapproveththisTruth,whoratherworshipanyGod,orgods,thennoneatall;andthoughmanbynaturedothdesiretobee

exalted,andinrespectofhimselfdespisethallothercreatures,asWoodandStone,yetwhenapeeceofwoodisframedoutlikeaman,andsetintheTemple,andmanconceivethanopinion,thatitisaGod,heefallethdownandworshippethit,(Esa.44.15.17.)

HowthencommethittopassethatthewickedsaythereisnoGod?(Psal.14.1.)

First,thoughuponasuddenpassiontheymayseemtosayso,astheDevilllabourethtotemptthem,yettheirveryConscienceafterdothcheckthem.

Secondly,theydenyratherGodsprovidence,thenhisbeeing,asappearethbyPsal.10.4.11.

WhatotherreasonshaveyoutoprovethatthereisaGod?

1GodsworksofCreationandProvidence,bothordinaryandextraordinary;For,first,thegloriousframeoftheWorld,theHeavens,andtheEarth,andtheSea,andallthatisinthem,mustneedsarguethattheirMakerwasGod(Rom.1.19,20.Act.14.17.Zach.12.1.)itbeingevidentthattheworldcouldnotbeemadebytheCreaturesthatareinit,neithercoulditmakeitself:aswhenamancomesintoastrangeCountrie,andseesfaireandsumptuousbuildings,andfindesnobodytherebutbirds,andbeasts;heewillnotimaginethateitherbirdsorbeastsrearedthosebuildings,butheepresentlyconceives,thatsomemeneitherare,orhavebeenthere.

2TheCreationoftheSouleofman,induedwithReason

[Page]

andConscience,dothspeciallyprovethesame,Zach.12.1.

3ThepreservingofthingsCreatedtogetherwiththewonderfullandorderlygovernmentoftheworld,DayandNight,SommerandWinter,&c.manifestlyconvincethesame:Forexample,BreadisnobetterinitselfthenEarth,yetmanispreservedbyBread,andifheeeateEarth,heedyeth;thereasonwhereofmustbeeattributedtotheblessingofGod,givingtotheoneforceandpowertonourishmorethentotheother.

4Bytheorderofcauses,eventheheathenmenhavefoundoutthattheremustbeeaGod,seeingthatofeveryeffecttheremustneedsbeaCause,untillwecometothefirstCause,whichistheuniversallCauseofthebeingofallthings,andiscausedofnone.

IfweshallobserveinGodsWorksaninfinitemultitude,awonderfull5variety;(Psal.104.24.)asamongstsomanymillionsofmen,neveraonelikeanotherinthecompasseoftheface,amostconstantorder,aseemlyagreement,andanendlessecontinuance,orpleasantintercourse,ofthingscommingandgoing,andwhatexceedingMajestyisinthem,wemustneedsattributethesethingstoaGod.

Theconsciencesofwickedmenaftersin,areperplexedwithfeare6ofbeingpunishedbysomesupremeJudge,whodislikethanddetestethdishonestthings,andexercisethjudgementsuponthemind,whichmakeththemostungodlymiscreants,willtheynillthey,toacknow-ledgeandtrembleathim,&c.(Rom.2.15.Esa.33.14.&

57.20,21.&66.24.Psal.14.5.&53.5.)foramanthatcommitsanysin,asmurder,fornication,adultery,blasphemy,&c.albeitheconcealethematterneversoclose(Gen.38.10.13,14.)thatnomanlivingknowofit,yetoftentimeshehathagripinginhisconscience,andfearestheveryflashingofhellfire;whichisastrongreason,toshewthatthereisaGod,beforewhoseJudgementseathemustanswerforhisfact.

ThereisadevillthatsuggestethatemptationagainstGod,intothe7mindesofmen,andsometimesalsoreallypossesseththeirbodies,whichisasufficientargumenttoprovethatthereisaGod.

ThedeathofthewickedwithGodsapparentJudgementsupon8them,(besidestheterrouroftheirconscience)andthedreadfullpunishmentexecutedeveninthisworlduponmanyAtheiststhathavelabouredtodenyit,(Psal.58.10,11.)provethatthereisaGod;thisisDavidsargument,Psal.9.16.

Thesameappearethbytherewardsofthegodly,andthemercifull9preservationofthosethetrustinGod,aboveandagainstnaturallmeans.

BythewonderfullmiracleswhichGodhathwroughtforhis10Church.

Bytheforetellingofthingstocomesomanythousandyeersbefore11theywereaccomplished.

Bythediversrevelationshehathmadeofhimselftomen,

[Page]

OfGodsEs-

sence.

Ofthe

Natureof

God.

astoAdam,12Noah,Moses,&c.

Thisgroundbeingnowlaid,thatthereisaGod,whatdothChristianReligionteachusconcerninghim?

Itinformethus,first,concerninghisnature;(Act.8.12.)Secondly,concerninghisKingdom;andthatrespectivelyastheyhaverelationonetotheother,Act.28.23.

Whatistobeenknownconcerninghisnature?

First,vvhathisEssenceis;secondly,towhomorwhatpersonsitdothbelong;Inthefirstheisconsideredinhisunity,inthesecond,intheTrinity;theformerwhereof,intheHebrewtongueisnotedbythesingularnameofJehovah,betokeningthesimplicityofEssence,thelatterbythepluralltermofElohim,importingadistinctionofPersonsintheGodhead.

CanweeunderstandwhattheEssenceofGodis?

Veryimperfectly,forallnatureisnotabletoteachuswhatGodisinhimself,neithercanmaninnaturecomprehendhim,Job36.26.1Tim.6.16.

WhyisnotallnatureabletoteachuswhatGodis?

Becausenoworkisableperfectlytoexpressetheworkerthereof,butallnatureisathingwroughtbyGod,therefore

itcannotperfectlyteachuswhatGodis.

Howproveyouthatmancannotcomprehendhim?

1Thelessecannotcomprehendthegreater,buteverymanislessethenGod,thereforenomancancomprehendGod.

2Wecannotknowthethingscreated,muchlessecanweknowtheCreator:asforexample,weknowthattherebeAngels,andthateverymanhathasoule,butwhatmannerofthingstheybeweknownot.

3TheScripturesaith,theJudgementsofGodarepastfindingout,Rom.11.33.thereforemuchmoreisGodhimselfpastfindingout;andthejoyesofHeavenareunspeakable,muchmorethereforeisGodhimselfunspeakable.

Howthencanheebeeknownofus,beingincomprehensible?

ThoughhissubstancebepastfindingoutofmanorAngels,Amos4.13.yetmayhebeknownbyhisproperties,andactions,andwemayconceiveofhimbyhisname,Exod.33.19.&34.5,6.Psal.145.1,2,&c.expressingwhataoneheistous,thoughwebenotabletoknowhimaccordingtotheexcellencyofhisgloriousnature,onelyknownuntohimself,(Jud.13.18.)ThereforehesaidtoMoses,Exod.33.20.Myface,thatis,thegloryofmyMajesty(hedothnotsay,thoumaystnot,orthoushaltnot,but)thoucanstnotsee,forthereshallnomanseemeandlive,butthoushaltseemybackparts,thatis,(vers.

[Page]

Thename

ofGod.

23.)somesmallmeasureofmyglory,sofarreasthouartabletocomprehendit:AndevenasPrinceshavetheirsecrets,whereuntoalltheirSubjectsarenotmadeprivy,neitherisitlawfullforthemtosearchintothem,andyetdoetheysofarforthpublishtheirCommandements,asisprofitableforthemtoknow:SothePrinceofallPrinceshathhissecrets,untowhichwearenotprivy,andintowhichwemaynotsearch;yethehathsofarrerevealedhimselfuntous(byhisWorksandWord)asisnecessary,andprofitableforustoknow,Deut.29.29.

WhatdoththeScriptureteachusconcerningthenameofGod?

Exod.3.13.MosesaskeththisquestionofGod,Behold,whenIshallcomeuntothechildrenofIsrael,andshallsayuntothem,TheGodofyourFathershathsentmeuntoyou,iftheysayuntome,Whatishisname?whatshallIsayuntothem?WhereuntoGodreturn-eththisanswerinthenextverse,IamthatIam,ThusshaltthousayuntothechildrenofIsrael,Iamhathsentmeuntoyou.

WhatlearnyououtofMoseshisquestion?

First,thatwebecarefulltobeinstructedinallthingsconcerningourcalling,therbytobeabletoansweralldoubtsthatmaybemoved;Secondly,thataskinganythingconcerningGod,asofhisnameornature,wemustaskitofhimself,whobecausenowhespeakethnotbutbyhisMinisters,InterpretersoftheScriptures,(2Cor.5.20.Hosea12.10.)wemusthaveourrecourseunto

them.

WhatlearnyououtofGodsanswer?

ThatthepropernameofGodisIamthatIam,or(astheHebrewsoundeth)IwillbewhatIwillbe;theHebrewsusingthefuturetimeforthepresentasthatwhichnotethacontinuance.

Whatismeantbythesewords?

HerebyissetforththemannerofthebeeingandessenceofGod,farotherwisethenthepropernamesofmen,whichdeclareeithernothingoftheirnatureandbeeing,orelsenotthewholeandfullthereof.

IstherenothingofGodtobeknownbesideshisname?

Nothingastouchinghisbeeing,fallingunderourweakandshallowcapacity.

WhatnamesofGodintheScripturearederivedfromthesewords?

Two,thenameJehovah,andthenameJah,bothwhichbeingdrawnfromthisdescriptionofGod,dothsetforthhisessenceandbeeing,teachingus,thathiseternallandalmightybeeing(whomnocreatureisabletoconceive)dependethofnoothercause,butstandethofhimself.

HowisGodonelysaidtobe,seeingthecreatureshavetheirbeeingalso?

Godissaidonelytobe,becauseheonelyisofhimself,andallotherthingshavetheirbeeingfromhim,sothatincomparisonnothinghathabeeingbutGod.ThereforetheProphetsaith,Esa.40.17.thatallnationsbeforehimarenothing,yeatohimlessethennothing;andifmenbenothing,forwhomtheworldvvasmade,hovvmuchmoreareallcreaturesinheavenandearthnothingbeforehim,andtohimlessethennothing?

CanyoufromhencedefinewhatGodis?

HemusthavetheartandlogickofGodhimself,thatmustgiveaperfectdistinctionofGod,buthemayinsuchsortbedescribedashemaybediscernedfromallfalsegods,andallcreatureswhatsoever.

WhycantherenoperfectdefinitionofGodbegiven?

ForasmuchasGodisinhimselfeternall,infinite,andincomprehensible,thefirstcauseofallcausesandeffects,therecannodefinitionbegivenofhim;seeingeverydefinitionisanexplicationofthenatureofthethingdefinedbywordsexpressingthemateriallandformallcausethereof,butofthefirstcausetherecanbenocauses,thereforenowordstoexpressethem;fortheseover-reachingtearmsofthing,beeing,somewhat,nature,&c.whichseemtocontaintheWordofGodaswellasallotherthingscreatedbyhim,doenotexpresseanymateriallcauseofGod,neitherdoetheycontainthesewordsGodandcreature,asthegeneralldothhisspecialsorkinds,butarespokenofthemequivocally,sothatthetearmonely,andnotthedefinitionofthetearmdothagree

[Page]

OfthePro-

pertiesor

Attributes

ofGod.

tothem;forinthekindsorspecialsofonegenerallthereisnopriorityofnature,asisbetweenthecauseandeffect,neitheristhiswordCauseaffirmedofGod,butasatearmoftheartofLogick;andifsubstancebethatwhichupholdethaccidents,asAristotleteacheth,neithermayGodbecalledasubstance,forthatinhimarenoaccidents,butifsubstancebetakengenerallyforabeeing,itmaybesaidthatGodisasubstance,yetnoneotherwisethenasheisabeeing,thing,nature,&c.Andiftherebenomateriallcause,therecanbenoformallcauseofGod;foralthoughwereadeintheScripturetheformofGod,Phil.2.6.yettheformisnottheretakenforanycauseofGod:buteitherforthatwhichGodindeedis,orforthatglorywhichofrightbelongethuntohim;forinspeakingofGod,whomnowordsofmanareabletoexpresse,theholyGhostoftentimescondescendingtotheweaknesseofourunderstanding,usethsuchtearms,asbeingknowntomen,doesignifiesomethingthatisliketothat,whichGodindeedisofhimself,thatwemayunderstandsomuchasisexpedientforustoknowofhim.

WhencemaythedescriptionofGodbetaken?

Fromthethingswherebyhedothmanifesthimself,calledinScripturehisname,Psal.145.1,2,3.amongwhichthechiefandprincipallarehisAttributesorProperties.

WhatarethePropertiesorAttributesofGod?

TheyareessentiallfacultiesofGodaccordingtothediversemannerofhisworking,1Joh.4.16.Psal.145.

Aretheycommunicablewiththecreatures?

No;yetofsomeofthemtherearesomeshadowsandglimpsesinMenandAngels;(asWisdome,Holinesse,Justice,Mercy,&c.)othersomearesopeculiartothedivineEssence,thatthelikeofthemarenottobefoundinthecreatures,(assimplenesse,infinitenesse,eternity,&c.)

HowmaythesePropertiesbeconsidered?

Theymaybeconsideredeitherinthemselves,astheyareessentiall,orintheirworks,oreffects,whichareallperfecteitherastheybeabsolute,orastheybeactuall;absoluteinhimself,bywhichheisabletoshewthemmoretheneverhewill;(asheisabletodoemoretheneverhewilldoe,Mat.3.9.GodisableofstonestoraisechildrenuntoAbraham)actuall,isthatwhichheshewethintheCreationandgovernmentofthevvorld(asPsal.135.7.Allthingsthathewillhedoth,&c.)Again,somethingwemayconceiveofhisEssenceaffirmatively,knowingthatallperfectionswhichvveapprehendmustbeascribeduntoGod,andthatafteramoreexcellentmannerthencanbeapprehended;asthatheisinhimself,byhimself,andofhimselfe,thatheisonetrueGodandholy;butmuchmorebydeniallorbyremovingallimperfectionswhatsoever,asofcompositionbythetitlesofsimple,spirituallandincorporeall;ofallcircumscriptionoftime,bythetitleofeternall;ofallboundsofplace,bythatofinfinite;ofallpossibilityofmotion,bythosetitlesofunchangeable,in-corruptible,andsuchlike.

WhatdescriptioncanyoumakeofGodbythese

[Page]

A

description

ofGod.

Goda

Spirit.

Properties?

GodisaSpiriteternall;ormorefully,Godisaspirituallsubstance,havinghisbeeingofhimself,infinitelygreat,andgood,Joh.4.24.&8.58.Exod.3.14.&34.6,7.Ps.145.3.8,9.

Whatlearnyouhence?

Toacknowledgebothmybeeingandwel-beeingfromhim,andforhimalone,Acts17.28.1Cor.10.30.Eph.2.10.

WhatmeanyouwhenyousaythatGodisasubstance?

Godissuchathingashathabeeinginhimself,ofhimself,andwhichgivethabeeingtoallotherthings.

WhatmeanyoubythatadditionOfhimself?

Ithathasecretoppositiontoallcreatures,whichhaveabeeing,butnotofthemselves,whereasGodaloneisheinwhomwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeeing,Acts17.28.whichproveththathealonehathhisbeeingofhimself.

HowmanythingsconceiveyouofGod,whenyousaythatheisaSpirit?

Sixethings.

First,thatheisalivingsubstance.1

Secondly,thatheisincorruptible.2

Thirdly,thatheisincorporeall,withoutbody,flesh,bloud,orbones,3foraspirithathnosuchmatter,Luke24.39.

Fourthly,thatheisinvisible,(i.)hecannotbeseenwithanymortall4eye,neithercananymanpossiblyseehim.

Fiftly,thatheisintangible,notfelt.5

Sixtly,thatheisindivisible,(i.)hecannotbedivided.6

HowproveyouthatGodisinvisible,andnottobeseenwithcarnalleyes?

ThatnomanhathseenGod,isplainlysetdown,1Joh.4.12.thatnomancanseeGod,isasplainlyproved,Exod.33.20.1Tim.6.16.andbesidesScripture,thesameisalsomanifestbyreason,forwecannotseeourownsoulswhicharetenthousandtimesamoregrossesubstancethenGod,muchlessecanweseeGodwhichisamostpureandspirituallsubstance.

Obj.1.Weread,Gen.18.1.thatGodappearedtoAbraham,andDeut.5.24.thatheshewedhimselftotheIsraelites.

Godgavethemindeedsomeoutwardsightswherebytheymightbecertainofhispresence,andthereforeitissaid,thattheLordappeareduntothem,buthissubstanceoressencetheysawnot;fortoknowGodperfectly,ispropertoGodonely,Joh.6.46.

Obj.2.Weread,Gen.1.26.thatmanwasmadeaccording

[Page]

totheimageofGod:ItwouldseemthereforethatGodiscorporeallandvisibleasmanis.

TheimageofGodconsistethnotintheshapeandfigureofhisbody,butinthemind,andintegrityofnature,or(astheScripturesaith)inwisdome,righteousnesse,andholinesse,Col.3.10.Eph.4.24.

Obj.3.WhythendoththeScriptureattributeuntohimhands,feet,&c?

TheScripturesospeakethofhimasweareabletoconceivethereof,andthereforeintheseandsuchlikespeecheshumblethitselftoourcapacity,attributingmembersuntoGodtosignifiethelikeactionsinhim.

Towhatuseserveththisdoctrine,thatGodisaSpirit?

Itteachethus,first,toworshiphiminspiritandintruth,Joh.4.23,24.Secondly,todriveawayallfondimaginationsandgrosseconceiptsofGodoutofourhearts,andallpictures&similitudesofGodoutofoursights:thatweframenotanyimageofhiminourminds,asignorantfolksdoe,whothinkhimtobeanoldmansittinginheaven,&c.ForseeingthatGodwasneverseen,wheruntoshallheberesembled?MosesurgeththispointhardandoftentotheIsraelites,saying,Deut.4.12.theyheardavoicebutsawnosimilitude;andaddeth,ver.15.Takeyethereforegoodheeduntoyourselves;hesaithnotonlytakeheed,buttakegoodheed,andthereforetakegoodheed;for(saithheagain)yesawnomannerofsimilitudeonthedaythattheLordspakeuntoyouin

The

perfection

ofGod.

Thefelicity

ofGod.

Horeboutofthemidstofthefire;thenhecommethinthenextfourversestothethingthattheymustthereforetakeheedof,thatyecorruptnotyourselvesandmakeyouagravenImage,thesimilitudeofanyfigure,thelikenesseofmaleorfemale,&c.Rom.1.23.

HowmaytheAttributesorPropertiesofGodbedistinguished?

Somedoeconcerntheperfectionofhisessence,somehislife,whichinGodbeoneandthesamething,distinguishedonelyforourcapacity.

WhatcallyoutheperfectionofGodsessence?

Hisabsoluteconstitutionbywhichheiswhollycompleatwithinhimself,andconsequentlyneedethnothingwithouthimself,butalonesufficethhimself,havingallthingsfromhimself,andinhimself;Orthus,perfectionisanessentiallpropertyinGod,wherebywhatsoeverisinGodisperfect,Gen.17.1.Psa.16.2.&50.12.Rom.11.35,36.

Whatarisethfromhence?

Allfelicityandhappinesse,allendlesseblisseandglory.

WhatisthefelicityofGod?

ItisthepropertyofGod,wherebyhehathallfulnesseofdelightandcontentmentinhimself.

WhatlearnyoufromtheperfectionofGod?

[Page]

Ofthe

Thatheistoseekhisownglory,andnotthegloryofanyinallthathewilleth,orwillethnot,doth,orleavethundone.

Whatgatheryouthereof?

TheyareconfutedthatthinkGodismovedtowillornillthingsinrespectofthecreatures,asmenthatseeingamiserablemanaremovedtopity;whereasGodofhimself,andinhimselfismovedtosaveorreject,(wespeakhereofreprobation,notofcondemnation)toreceivesome,andtocastawayothers.

Whatelse?

Thatallwhichhedothisperfect,howsoeverhedealswithus.

WhereindoththeperfectionofGodsessenceprincipallyconsist?

Insimplenesse,orsinglenesse,andinfinitenesse.

WhybethesetwocountedtheprincipallpropertiesofGod?

Becausetheyarenotonelyincommunicablethemselves,(whereasthosewhichconcernthelifeofGodhavesomeresemblanceinthecreature)butalsomakeallotherpropertiesofGodincommunicable.

WhatissimplenesseorsinglenesseinGod?

ItisanessentiallpropertyinGod,whereby

simple-

nesseor

singlenesse

inGod.

everythingthatisinGodisGodhimself;thereforewithoutparts,mixture,orcompositi-on,invisible,impassible,allessence,whenceheisnotcalledonelyholy,butholinesse,notonelyjust,butjustice,&c.Exod.33.19,20

Whatgatheryoufromhence?

First,thatGodhathnoqualitiesnoradjunctsinhimasthecreatures1have,butsuchasareattributeduntohimforourcapacity,whenitishisnaturethisissuch,1John1.5.7.John5.26.John14.6.

Secondly,thatGodsessenceorsubstancecannotbeaugmentedor2diminished,thathisnatureandwillcannotbechanged;butheremainethconstantwithoutshadowofchange,andwillbealwayssuchashehathbeenfromalleternity,Numb.23.19.James1.17.Psal.33.11.Esa.46.10.

BywhatlightofreasonmayitbeprovedthatGodisthusunchangeable?

Whatsoeverischanged,mustneedsbechangedeithertotheworse,ortothebetter,orinastateequalltotheformer:butGodcannotbechangedfromthebettertotheworse,forsoheeshouldbecomeofperfect,imperfect;andtoexchangefromtheworsetothebetter,itisimpossiblealso,forthenheshouldhavebeenimperfectbefore.Lastly,ifheshouldalterfromanequallconditiontoanequall,sothatheshouldforgoesomegoodwhichbeforehehad,andassumesomeotherwhichbeforehehadnot,

bothbeforeandafterthischangeheshouldbeimperfect,beingdestituteofsomepartofthatgoodwhichappertainedtohim,whichtoaffirmishighblasphemy.

Obj.1.ButdiversthingsareobjectedagainstthatimmutabilityofGodsnatureandwill:asfirst,thatinthemysteryofincarnation,Godwasmademan,whichbeforehewasnot.

Thatwasdonenotbyanyconversionorchangeofthedivinity,butbytheassumptionofthehumanity.

Obj.2.IfGodcannotchangehismind,whyisitsaid,thatherepentedthathemademan?

TherepentanceattributedsooftentoGodintheScriptures,signifiethnomutationinGodsnature,butinhisactions,mutablydecreedfromalleternity;andtheScriptureinthisspeakethafterourmanner,thatwemaybetterunderstandwhatisthenatureofGodagainstsin.

Declarehowthatis.

Whenwearegrievedwithanything,wedoethenrepentusthateverwedidthatthingforwhichwearegrieved;andsoisGodsaidtorepenthimthateverhemademan,withwhomhewasangry,toshewthathewasunfainedlyandhighlydispleasedwiththeevillwaysofmankind.

DidnotGodthenchangehismindwhenhedrownedtheworld?

[Page]

No;butthenhedidexecutethatwhichfromeverlastinghehaddecreed.

Obj.3.Itissaid,Exod.32.14.TheLordchangedhismindfromtheevillwhichhethreatnedtohispeople.

Thatisstillafterthemannerofmen;forman,becauseheisbutman,cannotspeakuntoGodbutasaman:andthereforeGodsspeaksagainuntomanlikeaman,becauseelsemanshouldnotunderstandwhatGodis,norwhathiswillis.

ShewmeoneexamplehereofintheScripture.

WhenMosesprayedfortheIsraelitesheusedmanyreasonstoperswadetheLord,(butespeciallytoconfirmhisownhope)atthelasthesaidthus,Turnfromthyfiercewrath,andchangethymindfromthisevilltowardsthypeople;thusdidMosesspeaktoGod,andifhehadspokentoamortallmanhecouldhavesaidnomorenornolesse,formansspeechisaccordingtohiscapacity,andbotharelimited,andbeyondhimselfhecannotgoe:thereforewhenheshewswhattheLorddid,hesaith,hechangedhismind,whichwasasmuchashecouldconceiveofGodconcerningthatmatter.Thuswespeakaswellaswecan,yetinabrokenandimperfectmannertoGod,aslittlechildrenspeaktotheirnurses;andAlmightyGodspeaksinabrokenandimperfectlanguagetousagain,forourweaknesseandunderstandingssake,asthenursedothtothechild:forifthenurseshouldspeaksoperfectlytothechild,asshecouldtooneofgreatercapacity,thechildwouldnotunderstandher:soifGodshouldspeakuntous

Gods

infinite-

ashecould,andaccordingtohisownnature,wewereneverabletounderstandhim,norconceivehismeaning.

Obj.4.ThepromisesandthreatningsofGodarenotalwaysfulfilled;thereforeitseemeththatsometimeshechangethhismind.

Hispromisesaremadewithconditionoffaithandobedience,Deut.28.13.andhisthreatningswithanexceptionofconversionandrepentance,Psal.7.12.

Whatusemaywemakeofthisdoctrine,ofthesimplenesseandunchangeablenesseofGodsnature?

First,itministrethcomfortuntothefaithfullforstrengthoftheirweakfaith,whilesttheyconsiderthatthemercyandclemencyofGodisinallperfection,andwithoutchangeuntothem;forthisisthefoundationofourhopeandcomfortinthislife,thathedothnotnowlove,andnowhate,butwhomheloveth,totheendheloveththem,Joh.13.1.

Secondly,itgivethmatterofterroruntothewicked,whilesttheyconsiderhiswrathandseverityagainstthemtobeinmostfulmeasure,theoneandtheotherbeingGodhimself.Itmayalsomakeusfeartooffendhim,becauseallhisthreatningsareunchangeableexceptwerepent.

Whatisinfinitenesse?

ItisanessentiallpropertyofGod,wherebyall

[Page]

Gods

immensity

orgreat-

nesse.

nesse.thingsinhisessencearesignifiedtobewithoutmeasure&quantity,&consequently,thatthesubstanceofGod,hispowerandhiswisdome,andwhatsoeverisinhim,isincomprehensible,Psal.139.1Kings8.27.John11.7,8,9.Rom.11.33.

WhereindoththeinfinitenesseofGodsessenceespeciallyconsist?

Inimmensityorexceedinggreatnesseandeternity,oreverlastingnesse.

Whatishisimmensityorexceedinggreatnesse?

ItisanessentiallAttributeorpropertyinGodwherebyhecontainsallthings,andiscontainedofnothing,thateitherisormaybeimagined;andconsequentlyisfreefromincreasingordecreasing,andallcomprehensionofplace,beingpresenteverywhere,bothwithinandwithouttheworld,andfillingallplaceswhollyatalltimeswithhispresence,forheisinallplaces,inheavenandinearth,andtheseaandhell,&allatonetime;neithercanhebecontainedinanycompasseofplace,(asisamanorAngeloranyothercreature)butheisinallplaces,andfillethallplacesatonce,andisbeyondallcompasseofplacethatwecanimagine,1King.8.27.Ps.139.7.&145.3.Job9.7.Esa.66.1.&40.12.Jer.23.24.

IsGodeverywherebodily?

No,forhehathnobody.

IsGodeverywhereinspeculationonly?

No,forheworkethineverythingwhichhebeholdeth.

Howthenisheeverywhere?

Heiseverywhereessentially,forhisessenceisnotcontainedinanyplace,becauseheisincomprehensible.

Dothhenotremovehimselfefromplacetoplace?

Hefillethheavenandearthandallplaces,thereforehecanneitherdepartfromanyplace,norbeabsentfromanyplace.

Ishenothalfinonehalfoftheworld,&halfintheotherhalfoftheworld?

No,butasthewholesoulisinthewholebodyandeverypartthereof,soGodiswholeandwhollyineverypartoftheworld.

Obj1.IfGodbeeverywhereessentially,thenheisinthemostfilthiestsinkandpuddle.

ItisnoabasingofthegloryofhisMajestytosaythatheisthere,1nomorethenitistotheSunwhosebeamsandlightarethere,ortoaPhysitiantobeamongstthosethataresick.

AllthecreaturesofGodinthemselvesareexceedinggood,

[Page]

and2whenheisinthemostfilthiestsinkintheworld,heisnotinamorefilthythenourselves,whetherwebesickorsound.

Theyarehisworkmanship,anditisnoabasementoftheworkmaster3tobeamongsthisworks.

Obj.2.IfGodbeeverywhere,whyisitsaidhedwellethintheheavens?Psal.2.4.

BecausehisgloryandMajestywhichiseverywherealike,shinethmostperspicuouslyandvisiblyinheaven.

Obj.3.Itissaid,Numb.14.42.heisnotamongstthewicked.

Heisnotamongstthemwithhisgraceandfavourtoprotectanddefendthem,butotherwisebyhispowerandprovidenceheisamongstthemtobridletheirragingaffections,toplaguetheirfuriousobstinacie,anddisposeoftheirdesperateattemptstohisownglory,andgoodofhispeople.

Obj.4.IfGodbeeverywhereatthesameinstantoftime,howishesaidtobesometimesnear,sometimesfartheroff▪Esa.56.6.

Godissaidtobenearuntous,whenbyhiswordoranyothermeansheofferethusgraceandfavourbythem;andwhenhehearethandgrantethourprayers,asMosessaith,Deut.4.7.WhatnationistheresogreatwhohaveGodsonighuntothem,astheLordGodisinallthingsthat

wecalluponhimfor?

Obj.5.IfGodbeinhell,thenallgoodnesseisthere,forheisallgoodnesse;andsoconsequentlythereisnowantofjoyinthedamned.

Thedamnedinhellfeelnopartofhisgoodnesse,thatis,ofhismercyandlovingfavour;butofhispowerandjustice.SothatGodisinhellbyhispowerandinhiswrath.

TowhatpurposeanduseserveththisdoctrineoftheimmensityorinfinitegreatnesseofGod?

Theconsiderationthereofshouldputusinmind,thatnothingwhichisvileandbaseshouldbeoffereduntoGodintheworshipofhim.Secondly,itservethtodriveallgrosseandidolatrousconceitsofGodoutofourminds,andtodetectandbewraytheimpietyandblasphemyofthosepersons,whoeitherbymakingofpictures(astheythought)ofGod,orbymaintainingofthem,beingmade;orbysufferingthemtostandstillwithoutdefacing,(especiallyifitbeknown)havetherebydeniedGodtobeincomprehensible.ForthosepicturesandresemblancesofGodwhichignorantmenhaveforgedintheirownbraindoetellus,andsay,thatGodmaybecomprehendedandcontainedwithinaplace,yea,inasmallplace,orinanyplace,asamanorothercreature,whichismosthighblasphemyagainsttheMajestyofAlmightyGod.

Whatishiseternity?

ItisanessentiallpropertyofGodwherebyhisessenceis

Gods

eternity.exemptedfromallmeasureoftime,andthereforeisthefirstandthelast,withouteitherbeginningorendofdayes.1Tim.1.17.Esa.41.4.&44.6.Psal.90.2.Rev.1.8.11.

InwhatrespectisGodcalledeternallintheScriptures?

1Thathehathbeenfromalleternitywithoutbeginning,isnow,andshallbeforalleternitywithoutend.

2Thatalltimesarepresentwithhimcontinually,andsonothingformernorlatter,nothingpast,nortocome.

3ThatheistheAuthorofeverlastingnesseuntoothers,becausehehathpromisedtogivehischildrenofhiseternallgoodnesse,andtohaveacontinuallcareofthemthroughalleternity,andwillhaveaKingdomeinAngelsandmenwhereofshallbenoend.

Isitnecessarythatweshouldknowthis?

Yea,thatwemayherestayourselveswiththecertainhopeofeternalllifegroundeduponhiseternity.

Howmaythathopebegroundeduponhiseternity?

Verywell;forGodbeingeternall,hecanforeverpreserveus,andseeinghehathpromised,hewillforeverpreserveus,Ps.48.14.&103.17.Herebylikewisearewestrengthnednotonlyintheimmortalityofoursoule,butalsointheimmortalityofourbodiesaftertheresurrection,consideringthatbyhiseverlastingnessehegiveth

[Page]

continuallbeeingtosuchofhiscreatures,asheispleasedtogiveaperpetuallcontinuanceunto.

WhyelseisGodsaidtobeeternall?

Thatsohemightbediscernedfromallotherthingscreated;fornothingislikeuntoGod,astheScripturestestifie:Esa.40.18.Psalm.113.45.

HowisGodsaidtobealoneeverlasting,seeingAngelsandsoulesofmenshallbealsoeverlasting?

Inregardofthetimetocometheyareeverlasting,butnotinregard1ofthetimepast;forthoughtheyshallcontinuealwayes,yettheyhadtheirbeginning,whichcannotbesaidofGod;whothereforeiscalledAlphaandOmega,Rev.1.8.

Theircontinuanceissuchasitisnotabsoluteandbyitselfe,but2proceedingfromthepowerofGodwhoisableifsohepleasedtogiveuntothemanendaswellasabeginning,inwhichrespectGodissaidonelytohaveimmortality,1Tim.6.16.

IsitnecessaryweholdGodtobeeternall,thatsohemaybediscernedfromallthingscreated?

Yea,weholditinthatrespectfortwocauses.

First,becausecertainheretickshavethoughteitherallthecreatures,1orsomeofthecreaturesatleast,tobederivedfromtheverynatureandessenceofGodbypropagation,

Thelifeof

God.

aschildrenfromtheirmotherswomb.

Secondly,thatallidolatrouscogitationsofGodmaybeexcluded2outofourminds.

WhatisthelifeofGod?

ItisanessentiallpropertyofGod,wherebythedivinenatureisinperpetuallaction,livingandmovinginitselfe;hereofisthatspeechintheScripturesooftenused,TheLordliveth:hereoflikewiseisthatformofasseverationoroathusedsooftenbothbyGod,Num.14.21.Rom.14.11.andbyman,1Sam.19.6.Jer.4.2.AstheLordliveth;andhereofitis,thattheLordsoordinarilyintheScriptureshaththenameofthelivingGod,Psal.42.2.Jer.10.10.Heb.3.12.&10.31.

WhyisGodcalledalivingGod?

Forfourcauses;first,becauseheonlyhathlifeinhimselfeandof1himselfe,andallothercreatureshavelifefromhim;Psalm.35.10.&36.9.1Tim.6.16.John5.26.

Becauseheistheonelygiveroflifeuntoman,Genes.2.7.Acts217.28.

BecauseheistheGodespecially(notofthedead,but)oftheliving;3Mat.22.32.forallliveuntohim.

TodistinguishhimtherebyfromallthefalseGodsoftheheathen,4whichhavenolifeinthem.Psal.115.5,6.

WhatmaybeknownastouchingthelifeofGod?

[Page]

Ofthe

knowledge

andwis-

domof

God.

Asalllifeisactiveinitself,sothechieflife(suchasisinthehighestdegreetobeattributeduntoGod)isoperativeinthreefacultiesandoperations;viz.inunderstanding,inpower,andwill.

WhatthenbetheattributeswherebythislifeofGodissignified?

Hisall-sufficiencie,andhisholywill;theformerwhereofcomprehendethhisomniscienceorall-knowingwisdom,andhisomnipotenceoralmightypower.

WhatistheknowledgeorwisdomeofGod?

ItisanessentiallpropertyofGodwherebyheedothdistinctlyandperfectlyknowhimselfe,andofandbyhimselfeallotherthingsthatare,were,orshallbe,orcanbe;understandingallthingsaright,togetherwiththereasonofthem:Mat.11.27.Heb.4.13.Job12.13.Psal.139.11.John21.17.1Tim.6.16.

HowmanythingsdoeyouconceiveofGodbyhisattributes?

Fourthings.1.Thatheknowethallthings.2.Thathecanbedeceivedinnothing.3.Thathemostwiselyhathdisposedandorderedallthings,insomuchthathecannotjustlybereprovedinanyofthem.4.Thathekeepethnothiswisdomtohimselfe,butbestowethituponhiscreatures,sothatwhatsoeverwisdomtheyhave,theyhaveitfromGod.

Foreknow-

ledgeand

Counsellof

God.

The

AfterwhatsortdothGodunderstandandthings?

Notbycertainnotionsabstractedfromthethingsthemselves,butbyhisownessence;norsuccessively(remembringonethingafteranother)orbydiscourseofreason,butbyoneandthesameeternallandimmutableactofunderstanding,heconceivesatonceallthings,whe-thertheyhavebeenornot.

HowgreatisthiswisdomofGod?

ItisinfiniteevenasGodisinfinitePsal.147.5.Esa.40.28.

WhatbethebranchesthereofwhenitisreferredtoGodsactions?

Foreknowledgeandcounsell,Acts2.23.

Whatisthefore-knowledgeofGod?

Thatbyvvhichhemostassuredlyforeseethallthingsthataretocome,Acts2.23.1Pet.1,2.ThoughthisbenotproperlyspokenofGod,butbyreasonofmentovvhomthingsarepast,ortocome.

Isthisfore-knowledgeofGodthecausewhythingsaredone?

No,buthisvvill.

WhatistheCounsellofGod?

Gods

absolute

wisdome

and

knowledge.

[Page]

Counsellof

God.Thatbyvvhichhedothmostrightlyperceivethebestreasonofallthingsthatareorcanbe,Job12.12,13.Prov.8.14.Eph.1.9.

FortheclearerknowledgeofthiswisdomofGod,whatistherefurthertobeconsidered?

Forthebetterunderstandingofthisattribute,vvemustconsiderthatthevvisdomofGodistvvo-fold.First,itisabsolute,andvvedoesotearmit,becausebyitGodcan,anddothsimplyandabsolutelyknovvallthingsfromalleternity:Heb.4.13.Psalm.94.11.Secondly,itisspeciall,vvherebyhedothnotonlyknovvhiselectchildrenasheknovvethallthingselse,butalsohedothacknovvledgethemforhisovvn,anddothdiscernthemfromothers,andlovethembeforeothers;2Tim.

OfwhichdoetheScripturesproperlyspeak,whentheyattributewisdometoGod?

Theyspeakthenofhisabsoluteknovvledge,vvherebyhedothnotonlyknovvalvvayes,andmostperfectlyhimselfeandthevvholeorderofhismind,butalsounderstandethandknovvethallhisvvorks,andthevvorksofallhiscreatures,past,present,andtocome;vvithallthecausesandcircumstancesofall.

HowdoetheScripturesspeakofthisabsoluteknowledge?

TheScripturesspeakofittwowayes,eitherofthe

knowledgeitself,orelseofthethingsknown,andsotheyshewfirst,whatandwhatmannerofthingitis,andsecondly,whatthingsareknownofGod.

NowtellmewhatknowledgeisinGod,andwhatwisdomdothbestagreetohisdivinenature.

Thebestwaytofindoutthat,isfirsttoconsiderwhatwisdomandknowledgedothnotagreewithhisnatureandessence:forhisknowledgeandwisdomareinfinitelygreaterthananywecanaffirmtobeinGod.

Howshallwefindwhatknowledgeisnotagreeingwithhisdivinenature?

Thisisthebestway;wemustconsiderandsetbeforeusallthekindsofknowledge,andallthewayesandmeanswherebyanyknowledgeistobeattaineduntoamongstmenandAngels,thenshallweseethatthewisdomeandknowledgeofGodarefarremoreexcellenteveryway,thenthemostexcellentthatcanbefoundorthoughtuponamongstmenandAngels.

Declarethenbywhatwayesandmeansweknowathing.

Bytwowayesormeanswedoeknowallthatwedoeknow;onewayisbyoursenses,viz.byhearing,seeing,feeling,smellingandtasting;anotherwayisbyourunderstanding.

WhetherdothGodknowanythingbysensesorno?

Hecannot,becauseheisnotasman,butisaSpirit,andbodilesse;andthereforehathnosenses.

WhythendoetheScripturesspeakoftheeyes,eares,&c.ofGod?

AlthoughtheScripturesdoeattributeeyestoGodwherebyhebeholdethallthings,andeareswherebyhehearethallthings,&c.yetindeedhehathnoneofallthese,butthesebefigurativespeechesusedforourcapacityandunderstanding,signifyingthatnothingishiddenfromtheLord.

WhetherthendothGodknowthingsbyunderstanding,orno?

Yea,butnotaswedoe.

Why,whatmannerofknowledgeisthatwhichwehavebyourunderstanding?

Itiseitheranopinion,orabeleefe,oraskillandlearning.

Whatisanopinion?

Anopinionisnocertainandevidentknowledgeofathing,butisstilldoubtfullwhattoaffirmordeny;andthereforesuchaknowledgeisnotinGod,forheknowethcertainly.

Whatmannerofthingisbeleefeorfaith?

Itisacertain,butnotanevidentknowledge;forlookwhatwebeleeveonely,thatwedoenotseenorknowbythe

[Page]

lightofnaturallunderstanding,thereforeitisnoevidentknowledge;butitisacertainandtrueknowledge,becauseheismosttruewhichrevealedituntous;forfaithorbeleefeisamostcertainknowledgegroundeduponthereportofanother.

WhetherdoththiskindofknowingthingsagreewiththenatureofGodorno?

No,forGodknowethallthingsinhimselfeandofhimselfe;butnotbythereportofanother.

Whatsayyoutoskillandlearning,thatisbothacertainandevidentknowledgeofthings;dothnotthatagreewiththenatureofGod?

Suchknowledgedothnotagreewithhisnature.

Whyso?

Becauseitcomethbyknowledgethatwentbefore,anditisgottenbyreasoninganddebatingofthings,bydefininganddividing,andbysearchingoutthecausesofthings;butinGodisneitherbefore,norafter;first,norlast;andGodhathnoknowledgeaftersuchasort.Again,ourknowledgewhichwaysoeveritbeconsidered,whetheritbeahabitinus,oranactioninus,isimperfect;forweknownotallthings,andthosethingswhichwedoeknowweknownotallatonce,butonethingafteranother,andyetstillbutinpart.

Declaretheninaword,howGoddothknowallthings.

Goddothmostperfectlyknowandunderstandallthingsatoneinstant;withoutanyconceiptofmind,alteringthiswayorthatway.

Allourknowledgeisathingdistinguishedfromourmindandunderstanding;isitsoinGod?

No,fortheknowledgeorwisdomofGodisamostsimpleandperfectessence,yea,itishisveryessenceandsubstance,andGodisallknowledge,allwisdom,andallunderstanding,infinitelymorethenallmenandAngelscanconceive.

DothGodknowandunderstandeverythingparticularly?

Yea,heknoweththenaturesandpropertiesofeveryparticularthing.

Howproveyouthat?

BytheScripture,andbyreason,fortheScripturesaith,thatGodsaweverythingthathemadethatitwasgood;thisisnotspokengenerallyofall,butespeciallyofeveryonecreature.Again,reasonmakesitmanifestbythreeexamplesintheScriptures,Gen.1.First,Adamgavetoeverylivingthingapropername,Gen.2.20.accordingtoitspropernature;wherebyitappeareththatAdamhadadistinctandparticularknowledgeofeverything:howmuchmorethenhadGodthisespeciallknowledgeofeveryparticularthing,whogavetoAdamwhatsoeverwisdomandknowledgehehad?

1King.4.

33.

Mat.10.

29,30.

[Page]

Secondly,Solomonswisdomandknowledgewassogreatthathewasabletodispute,anddidtherebydisputeofthenatureofalltrees,plants,fishes,fowl,worms,beasts,andallnaturallthings;asonethatwasmostskilfullinthem:howmuchmorethendothGodknowallthingsandtheirnaturesparticularly,whogavesuchwisdomtoSolomon?

Thirdly,ourSaviourChristsaithoftheFather,thatallourhairesbenumbredbyhim,andthataSparrowfallethnottothegroundwithoutthewillofourheavenlyFather;ifnotwithouthiswill,thennotwithouthisknowledge.

WhetherdothGodknowallthemotionsofourwillsandourthoughts?

Yea,Goddothcertainlyknowthemotionsofthewill,andthethoughtsoftheheartinallmen,andtheissueofthemall,whichismanifestbytheseplacesofScripturefollowing;Gen.6.5.Psa.94.11.Pro.21.1.Jer.17.9,10.Hereofitisthatwecitehimtobethewitnesseofourheartswhenweswearbyhim.

WhetherhathGodtheknowledgeofallevilsorno?

Godknowethallevilsandsinswhichlielurkinginallmenshearts,andthisismanifestbytheseplacesofScripturefollowing,Gen.6.5.Psal.69.6.Job11.11.Psal.90.8,9.

Whatifhedidnotknowalltheseevils?

Itisimpossiblebuthemustknowthemfortwocauses:First,ifhedidnot,hisknowledgewouldbeimperfect.Secondly,ifhedidnotknowthem,hecouldnotbeajustJudge,neithercouldherewardeveryoneaccordingtohisworksandthoughts,whichtoaffirmwereungodlyandblasphemous.

Obj.Thatwhichisnothingcannotbeknown,butsinneandevillisnothing,(foritisnothingelsebutatakingaway,orfailingofgood,anditisameercorruption)andthereforesinandevillcannotbeknownofGod.

Weknowvvhatisevill,andvveknowevillthings,andvvedoediscernthemfromgoodthings,butweknowevillonelybyhiscontrary,thatisgood;asvveknownothingbysomething,darknessebylight,deathbylife,sicknessebyhealth,vicebyvertue;thusbytheknowledgeofgoodevillisknownuntous,andthereforeseeingasGod(vvhoisthechiefegood)hedothbyhimselfknowallgoodthings,hemustofnecessityalsoknowandunderstandalltheevillthatisinallgoodthings.

WhethermayGodknowthosethingswhicharenot?

Godknoweththethingsvvhicharenot,andhedothalsotrulyknowthethingswhichshallnevercometopasse.

Whatreasoncanyouyeeldforthis?

Thereasonis,becauseheknowethallthingsbyhisessence,thereforeheknowethallthingswhicharesubjecttohisdivineessenceandpower,andthereforealsoare

[Page]

possible,butshallnevercometopasse.

Butdothheknowthemeternally,orintime?

Heknoweththemalleternally;thatis,foreverandever,heknew,&dothknowthem,astheScripturedothtestifie,Eph.1.4.2Tim.2.19.

Canyoumakethismanifestbyanyearthlycomparison?

Yea;abuilderbyvertueofhisartdothconceiveinhismindtheformofahouse,whichhousehewillneverbuild;howmuchmorecanGoddoethesame,forGodcanmakemoreworlds,andheknoweththathecan,andyethedothitnot.

Again,althoughtherewereneveranEagleintheCity,yetwecanconceiveinourmindswhatanEagleis:muchmoredothGodknowallthingsvvhicharenotinact,andvvhichnevershallbe.

Obj.Thisissomethingwhichyousay,butyourlastsimilitudeoftheEagledothnothold;forthereforewekeeptheknowledgeofanEagleinourminds,thoughallbegone,becausethesimilitudeoftheEaglewhichwassometimesintheCitydothstilremaininourmindsandunderstandings:ButwhatsimilitudecantherebeinthemindofGod,ofthosethingswhicharenot,whichneverwere,andwhichnevershallbe?

Yes;theveryessenceandsimilitudeofGodisasimilitudeofallthosethingsthatmaybeifhewill,which

hemustneedsknow,forhedothmostperfectlyknowhimself.Andthusifweconsiderhispoweroralmightyessence,allthingsshouldbedonewhichhecandoeanddothknow.

Thenwhetherishisknowledge&powerthecauseofallthings,whichare,whichhavebeen,andwhichshallbe?

Theonelyfore-knowledgeofGodalonewhichtheGrecianscallTheoreticascientia,thatis,aknowledgebeholdingallthings,isnotthecauseofthings,buthisfore-knowledgewithhiswillwhichtheGrecianscallPracticascientia,thatis,aworkingknowledge,thatisthecauseofthings.

WhethermaytheknowledgeorwisdomeofGodfaileorbedeceivedatanytime,orno?

TheknowledgeofGodismostcertain,andcannotanywaybedeceived,forallthingsareknownofGodastheyare;andallthingsare,astheyareknownofGod,andthereforehisknowledgecannotanywaybedeceived,Heb.4.13.

Obj.Butthingsdoeoftenchangeandalter,andthereforetheyarenotalwaysastheyareknown?

Althoughthingsbechangedandaltered,yetGoddothknowthereof;andalthoughtheychangeandalter,yethisknowledgedothneveralter,norchange,neitherisituncertain.

WhethermaytheknowledgewhichGodhath,beencreased,diminished,oraltered?

No,itcannot,itisalwaysthesame,firmandconstant,andcanbynomeansbeencreased,diminished,noraltered;forheneitherforgettethanything,norisignorantofanything,neitherisanythingnewuntohim,fortheScripturesaith,allthingsarealwaysmanifestinhissight;S.Jamessaith(1.17.)withGodisnochangenorshadowofchange,thereforehisknowledgeisalwaysoneandthesame.Solomonsaith,Manydevicesareinamansheart,buttheLordscounsellshallstand,Prov.19.21.

Butifhisknowledgebealwaysoneandthesame,whydoththeScripturesaythattheLordwillforgetoursins,andblotthemoutofhisremembrance,andrememberthemnomore.

TheseandsuchlikephrasesofspeecharenottobeunderstoodofthesimpleknowledgeofGod,asthoughheshouldknowthemnomore,butofhisjudiciallknowledgeuntopunishment;foralthoughheedothknowandrememberoursinnesalwaysmostperfectly,yethewillnotknowthemnorrememberthemtobringthemintoJudgement,andsotopunishusforthemwhenwedoetrulyrepent;thatis,theyshallbenomorejudgedorpunished,orlaidtoourchargeifwebeinChrist,thenifhehadquiteandcleanforgottenthem,andneverdidrememberthem;andthesespeechesservetoarmusagainstthedespairanddoubtingofoursalvationbeingtrulyinChrist.

WhereisthewisedomeofGodspeciallyofustobeconsidered?

[Page]

Theuses.

ThewisdomeofGodshinethuntousmostcleerlyinhisworksofCreationandpreservationinthevvorld;andnotonelyinhisvvorks,butalsoinhisGospel,vvherebyhecallethandgatherethhisChurchoutofthevvorldtobesavedbyhisSonourMediatorJesusChrist,Eccl.3.11.Psal.104.24.1Cor.1.21.

WasthissavingwisdomeofGodknowntothePhilosophersandnaturallwisemenintheworld?

No,itvvasnot,butonlytotheelectchildrenofGod.

IsthewisdomeofGodtobeperfectlyconceivedofus?Matth.11.25.

No;neitherisitcommunicatedtoanycreature,neithercanbe,foritisunconceiveable,astheveryessenceofGodhimselfisunconceivableandunspeakableasitis,andhisvvisdomeasvvehaveheardbefore,ishisveryessence,thatis,hisveryGodheadorGodhimself,andthatitisunconceivabletheScripturesdoetestifie,Psal.147.5.[...]om.11.33.

Whatusemaywemakeofthisdoctrine?

First,bythisdoctrineofGodsunspeakableknowledgeandvvisdome,1thetrueGodisdiscernedfromallfalsegods,andfromallthingsmade;forthatisnoGodvvhichhathnotthisdivineknowledgeandwisdomewhichtheScripture[...]oeattributetoGod.

Secondly,seeingourGodissuchaGodasknovvethall

Ofthe

Omni-

things2thataredone,said,orthought,andseethintothemosthiddencornersandthoughtsofourhearts,wemuststudyandlearntherebytodriveallhypocrisieanddissemblingfromus,andtoopenourheartstoGodofourownaccord,andtobeseechhiminhisownSonsnametocleanseusfromoursecretfaults.

Thirdly,itmustmakeustovvalkalwaysbeforetheLordaccording3tohisvvillrevealedinhisWord,vvithgreatfearandreverence,asmenalwaysinhissightandknowledge.

Fourthly,itservethtoconfirmourfaithandtrustintheprovidence4ofGod,foralthoughvveknownotvvhattodoe,norhovvtodoe,norwhatshifttomakeindangersandnecessities;yetGoddoth,andhehathknowledgeenoughforus,thoughvvebeignorant,andhisvvisdomeshallsuccourourfoolishnesseifvvedoetrulyandfaithfullyservehim,Psa.103.13,14.

Fiftly,thisshouldbeourconsolationagainstthefearofhellanddespair,5andshouldupholdinusthecertaintyofoursalvation,becausethisknowledgeandvvisdomeofGod,joynedvvithhisvvilltosaveus,isfirmandconstant,andheknowingallhiselectvvillnotloseoneofthemthatareinChristhisSon,Joh.17.12.2Tim.2.19.Joh.10.27,28,29.

WhatistheomnipotencyoralmightypowerofGod?

ItisanessentiallpropertyinGod,vvherebyheisabletoeffectallthings,beingofpower

[Page]

potencyor

almighty

powerof

God.

sufficienttodoevvhatsoeverhevvillethorcanwill,Gen.35.11.Deut.10.17.Nehem.1.5.Job8.3.&9.4.&11.7.&42.1,2.Psal.115.3.Deut.4.35.Mat.19.26.Luk.1.37.

ArethereanythingswhichGodcannotwill,ordoe?

Yea,threekindofthings.

1Suchthingsasarecontrarytohisnature,astodestroyhimself,andnottobegethisSonfrometernity.

2Thosethingswhoseactionsargueimpotency,andareasigneofweaknesse,astolie,Tit.1.2.todenyhimself,2Tim.2.13.toallowwickednesse,Hab.1.13.tobeforgerfull,todoetheworksofaincreatednature,&c.forthedisabilityofsuchthingsconfirmeth,notweaknethGodsOmnipotency.

3Suchthingsasimplycontradiction,forGodcannotmakeatruthfalse,orthatwhichis,whenitis,nottobe;oramantobeamanandastoneatoneandthesametime;orChristsbodytobeatruebody,andyettobeinallplacesordiversplacesatonce,andtobewithoutcircumscriptionandoccupyingofaplace,whichistheessentiallpropertyofabody;foroneofthesebeingtrue,theothermustbefalse,andGodwhoisthetruthitselfecannotworkthatwhichisfalseanduntrue;SothatGodsomnipotencymustalwaysteachusthatheisglorious,andtrue,andperfect,andnotthecontrary.

InwhatrespectsthenisGodsaidtobealmighty?

1Becauseheisabletoperformvvhatsoeverhevvill,orisnotcontrarytohisnature,Psal.135.6.Esa.40.28.

2Hecandoeallthingsvvithoutanylabour,andmosteasily,Psa.33.9.&148.5.&143.5.

3Hecandoethemeitherwithmeans,orwithoutmeans,orcontrarytomeans,aspleasethhim.

4Thereisnopovvervvhichcanresisthim.

5AllpowerissoinGodonely,thatnocreatureisabletodoeanythingbutashedothcontinuallyreceivepowerfromGodtodoeit,Acts17.28.Esa.40.29.sothatthereisnopowerbutisfromGod.

Whatmeanyouwhenyousay,allpowerisinGod?ItshouldseemebythatspeechthattherearemorepowersinGodthenone?

ThatwemayrightlyunderstandwhatpowerisinGod,itwereveryrequisitethatwedidfirstconsiderhovvmanyvvaysthisvvordPovveristakenintheScriptures.

DeclarethenhoworinwhatsenseitistakenintheScriptures.

IntheScripturethisvvordPovveristakentvvovvays,orintwosenses,sometimesforauthoritywhichisgroundeduponlaw,bywhichauthorityonemaydoethisorthatifhebeabletodoeit;sometimesitistakenformightandstrength,orabilitytodoeathingifonehathauthorityto

[Page]

doeit:andthesearedistinguishedbytwovvordsamongsttheGreciansandtheLatins.ForvvhentheGreciansspeakofpowerthatsignifiethauthorityandright,Mat.28.18.thenitiscalled[...],whentheytakepovverforstrength,thenitistermedbythem[...]amongsttheLatinesbeingtakenthefirstvvay,itiscalledpotestas,beingtakenthesecondvvay,thatis,formightorstrength,itiscalledpotentia,andinEnglishvvecallthembothpovver.

Itseemethbyyourspeechthattheyarenotonelydistinguished,butthattheymayalsobeseparatedtheonefromtheother.

Itistrue,forsotheyare;asforexample,aKingmayhavegreatforceandstrength,andbyhisgreatpovverhemaybeabletooverthrowanddestroyavvholeCountryorKingdomeovervvhichhehathnoauthority.Again,someKinghathpower,thatis,authorityoverhisrebels,andyethathnotpower,thatis,strengthenoughtosubduethem;sosomeperhapshavemightandstrengthenoughtogovernandruleanothermanswife,anothermanschildren,oranothermansservant,overwhichhehathnopower,thatis,authority.Andagain,fathershaveauthorityovertheirownchildren;allhusbandsovertheirownwives;andallmastersovertheirownservants;andyetallhavenotpower,thatis,strengthandabilitytorulethem.

Iperceivebythiswhichyouhavesaid,thatincreaturesthesetwomaybeseparatedonefromtheother,andmanytimesare,butwhataretheyinGod?

InGodtheyarenotdivided,butdistinguished;forhehath

allpower,thatis,allauthorityoverallthings;andhehathallpower,thatis,allstrength,force,might,andabilitytodoeallthingswithallthingsathisgoodpleasure;andthispowerisnotgivenhim,buthehathitinhimself,andofhimself,mostperfectly,absolutely,andeternally.

ButofwhatpowerdoewespeakwhenwesaythatGodisalmighty?whetherdoeyoumeanhisrightandauthority,orhisstrengthandability,orboth?

BothareinGodessentially,butwhentheScripturespeakethofGodsomnipotencyitmeaneth(andsodoewe)hisstrengthandability,wherebyheisabletodoewhatsoeverhewill,notexcludinghisright.

IfallpowerormightbeinGod,tellmehowmanifoldisthispowerwhichisattributedtoGodintheScriptures.

Tospeaksimply,thepowerofGodisbutonelyone,andamostsimpleandsinglething,whichishisessenceandsubstance,yetfordiversrespectsitissaidtobemanifold;anditmaybeconsideredtvvowayes.

Asitworkethalways,andcanworkinGodhimself;forGodin1himselfdothalwaysunderstand,will,love,&c.

AsitworkethoutofGodhimselfinthecreatures,aswhenhecreated2allthings,anddothnowworkingoverningallthings,andcanwork,ifitpleasehim,infinitethings;andofthisvvorkingofGodspower,dotheScripturesproperlyspeakwhentheycallGodalmighty.

[Page]Gods

absolute

power.

HowmanywaysmayGodspowerbeconsidered,asitworkethinhimselfe?

Twoways:First,asitiscommontoallthethreePersonsinthe1Trinity,thatis,apowerwherebyGodtheFather,theSon,andtheholyGhostdothunderstandhimself,lovehimself,andworkinhimself;andtheseactionsdoenotdifferfromtheessenceofGod,forthatinGodthereisnothingwhichisnothissubstance.

Secondly,theotherworkinginGodhimself,isthatbywhichthe2FatherdothbegeteternallyaSonofhisownnatureandsubstanceequalltohimself:andthispowerofbegettingtheSonofGodisproperonelytotheFather,andnottotheSonandholyGhost.

HowmanywaysdoyouconsiderthepowerofGodworkingoutofhimselfe?

Thatpowerwhichhathrelationorrespecttothingscreatedistwofold;thefirstisapowerabsolute,wherebyheisabletodoewhatsoeverhewill,theotherisapoweractuall,wherebyhedothindeedwhatsoeverhewill.

WheredoththeScripturespeakoftheabsolutepowerofGod,bywhichhecandoemorethenhedothifhewould?

Yea,ofsuchapowerspeakethourSaviourChrist,IcouldpraytomyFather,andhecouldgivememorethentwelveLegionsofAngels:buthewouldnotaskit,andhisFatherwouldnotgiveit:seeMat.26.53.Phil.3.21.

Gods

actuall

power.

Godspower

Infinite.

HowdoththeScripturespeakofGodsactuallpower?

OfthispowertheProphetsandApostlesmakemention,whentheyjoinhispowerandhispromisestogether,thatis,whentheysayheisnotonelyabletoperform,butdothandwillperformindeedwhatsoeverhehathpromised:andofthispowerPauldothspeakwhenhesaith,ThatGodwillhavemercyuponwhomhewill;andeverywhereintheScripturesweread,thatGodhathdonewhathewould,giventowhomhewould;wherebyweseethatGodcouldandcandoemorethenhewouldorwill,Psal.135.6.

Howgreatisthisworking,ormightypowerofGod?

Itmustneedsbehighandverygreat,foritisinfinite&hathnoend.

Declarehowitisinfinite.

Itisinfinitetwoways,orintworespects:First,initself,andofitselfitisinfinite.

Secondly,asitisextendedtothecreatures,whichmaybecalledtheobjectofGodspower,itisalsoinfinite.

Whydoeyousayitisinfiniteinitselforoftheownnature?

BecausethepowerofGodisnothingelsebuthisdivineessence,andtheessenceofGodisofhisownnature,byitself,andofitselfinfinite.

ShewhowGodspowerisinfiniteasitisextendedtothecreatures.

BecausethepowerofGoddothextenditselftoinfinitethings,thereforewesaythatitinfinite.

Declarehowthatis.

ImeanthethingswhichGodcanperformorbringtopassebyhispowerareinfinite,andthereforehispowerisinfinite;forGodnevermadesomany,norsogreatthings,buthecouldhavemademore,andgreaterifhewould:asforexample,headornedtheFirmamentwithaninnumerablecompanyofStars,andyethecouldhavedeckeditwithmore;andtospeakinaword,Godcanalwaysperforminfinitethingsmorethenhedoth,ifhewill,andthereforebothinitself,andoutofitself,itisinfinite.

WhethercanthisOmnipotencyofGodbecommunicatedtoanycreature?

No,itcannot;fortobetrulyandessentiallyomnipotent,ispropertoGodonely,andomnipotencyisGodsessence,andthereforewhosoeverisGodisomnipotent,andwhosoeverisomnipotentmustneedsbeGod,whosepowerisachiefpowerandinfinite;andthepowerofanycreatureisnotinfinite,butfinite,andsoconsequentlynocreaturecanbeomnipotent,exceptvvevvouldsaythatacreatureorathingcreatedcanbebothacreatureandaGod,oraCreatortoo;whichisbothabsurdandblasphemous.

IfGodcandoeallthings,whethercanheesinneorno;as

[Page]tolyeandtobeunfaithfullinhispromises,&c.

Godcannotsin,andyetforallthatheisstillomnipotent,fortosinisnopartorpointofomnipotency,butofimpotencie:tosinisnothingelsebuttoleavetherightandperfectvvay,ortofallfromarightandperfectaction,vvhichshevvethvvantofpovvertoupholdhimselfethatdothso;vvhichpowerisnotwantinginGod,forheisomnipotent;andbeingomnipotent,hecannotgoefromstrengthtoweaknesse,andfromperfectiontoimperfection,&c.andthereforehecannotsinne.

BywhatScripturecanyouprovethisthatyousay?

TheApostlePaulisofthatmindthatGodcannotdoeallthings:hiswordsbethese,(2Tim.2.13.)Ifwebeleevenot,yetabidethhefaithfull,hecannotdenyhimselfe;hedothnotsayhewillnotdenyhimselfe,buthecannotdenyhimselfe;andhisreasonis,because(ashesaithhimselfe)Godisfaithfullnotonelyinhiswill,butalsobyhisnature;andthereforesithGodisfaithfull,bynaturehecannotbutstandtohispromiseswhichhemadeaccordingtothegoodpleasureofhiswill,andbynatureheisomnipotent,thereforehecannotbeimpotent:bynatureheisgoodandthechiefegood,thereforehecannotbecomeevill,nordoeevill.

ButwhethercanGodbemoved,orbesubjecttopassionsorsufferingsorno?

Hecannot,forthepowerwhereofwespeak,whenwesaythatGodisomnipotent,isaltogetheractiveandnot

passive;neithercananypassivepowerbeinGod:andtothiseffectspeakethSaintAugustine,whenhesaith,DisciturDeusomnipotensfaciendoquodvult,nonpatiendoquodnonvult;thatis,Godiscalledomnipotentindoingwhathewill,notinsufferingwhathewillnot.

SomesaythatGodcansinne,buthewillnot,andthathecanbesubjecttopassions,buthewillnot,andthathecandoewhatsoevercanbeimaginedorthought,buthewillnot;whatsayyoutothose?

OfthemIsaynothing,buttheiropinionisbothfoolishandungodly;forGodcannotdoeanythingwhichdisagreethfromhisnature,andthereforehecannotsin,&c.Rom.19.15.notbecausehiswillisagainstit,butbecauseitisagainsthisnatureandnaturallgoodnesse;1John1.5.Deut.32.4.Heb.1.13.thereforedoetheScripturesdenyanyiniquitytobeinGod,andSaintAugustinesaithtothateffect,Deusinjustafacerenonpotest,quiaipseestsummajustitia;thatis,Godcannotbeunjust,becauseheismostjustandrighteousitselfe.

Obj.Butyetforallthis,Goddothinsomesortwillsinnes,forhedothnotpermititagainsthiswill;andbesidesthat,hecommandedsomethingswhichweresinnes,asAbrahamtokillhisinnocentsonne,andShimeitocurseDavid;didhenot?

SofarforthasGoddothcommand,orwill,orworkanything,thatthingisnotsininGod,forhebothwillethandworkethingreatwisdome,andaccordingtohismostholywill;andthereforenoactioncanbesininGod,butevery

[Page]

Theuses.

actionofGodismostholyandgood,andsosaiththeScripture,Psal.145.17.

TowhatuseserveththedoctrineofGodsomnipotencie?

Theuseofthisdoctrinearemany.Itserveth,

1TosustaineandstrengthenourfaithinGodspromisesthatweshouldnotdoubtofoursalvation,becauseGodcandoe,andhewilldoevvhathehathpromised,andhehathpromisedeternalllifetothefaithfull.

2ToteachusthatvveeshouldnotdespaireofthethingsthatGoddothpromise,eitherinrespectofourovvnevveaknesse,orinrespectoftheapparentweaknesseofthethingsthatGodhathsanctifiedforourgood:forwhatsoeverGodasaFatherhathpromised,thatsameasAlmighty,hecanandvvillseeperformed;Jos.23.14.Num.23.19.ThisdidstrengthenAbrahamsfaithgreatly;forPaulsaiththusofhim,hedidnotdoubtofthepromiseofGodthroughunbeleefe,butvvasstrengthnedinthefaith,andgavetheglorytoGod;beingfullyassuredthathewhichhadpromised,wasalsoabletodoeit.Rom.4.20,21.

3Tostirreusuptopray,andtocallforthosethingswhichGodhathpromisedwithoutanydoubting;forinourprayersweoughtalwayestohavebeforeoureyesthepromisesofGod,andtheAlmightinesseofGod.TheLeaperwasperswadedonelyofChristspower,heknevvnothisvvill;andthereforehesaid,Lordifthouwiltthoucanst

makemeclean,andhevvasmadeclean;Mat.8.2.Howmuchmoreshallvveobtainthosethingsvvhichvveaske,ifvvebepersvvadedofhispovver,anddoubtnotofhispromises?

4Itservethbothforaspurretodoevvell,consideringthatGodisabletosave;andabridletorestrainefromevill,seeinghehathpovvertodestroy:Fearnotthem,saithourSaviour,thatcankillthebody,&c.

5Itservethinprosperitytocontinueusinourduties,thatvveabusenotGodsblessings,becauseashegavethem,soheisabletotakethemavvayagain;asJobacknovvledge,Job1.21.

6TomakeusundergoetheCrossevvithpatienceandcheerfulnesse,andtohopeforhelpinthemidstofadversitieanddeath,becausehewhichhathpromisedtoheareandhelpusisalsoabletodoeit,thoughvveseenothovv;forheisomnipotent,andthereforeabletodeliverusoutofallourtroubles.Ps.50.15.Joh.10.29.Dan.3.17,18,&4.32.

7Tokeepusfromdespairingofanymanssalvation,althoughheseemtoberejectedofGod,andtomakeuswalkinfaithandfear,becauseGodisabletoraisehimupthatisdown,andtocastusdownthatstand;andsoPauldothreasonfromGodsomnipotency,abouttherejectionandelectionoftheJewesandGentiles;Rom.11.23.25.

8ItservethtoconfirmalltheArticlesofourChristianFaith,thesummewhereofiscontainedintheCreed.

[Page]

OfGods

will.

Thusmuchconcerningtheall-sufficiencieofGod,whatishiswill?

ItisanessentiallpropertyofGod,wherebyo[...]himselfeandwithoneacthedothmostholilywillallthings,approvingordisapprovingwhatsoeverheknovveth,Rom.9.18.James4.15.Eph.1.5.

Whatlearnyouofthis?

First,thatnothingcomethtopassebymeerhaporchance,butasGodinhiseternalknowledgandjustvvillhathdecreedbeforeshouldcometopasse.

Secondly,thatvvhatsoevercomethtopasse,thoughweknownotthecausesthereof,andthatitbecontrarytoourwills,yetweshouldbearitpatiently,andthereinsubmitourwillstothegoodwillandpleasureofGod.

HowisthewillofGoddistinguished?

Intohissecretorhidden,andhisrevealedormanifestwill;theformerisknowntohimselfe,bywhichhewillethdiversthingsofwhichmanneitherdothknow,noristoaskeareasonof;andofthistheScripturespeakeththus,IfsobethewillofGod,1Pet.3.17.ThelatteristheguideofmaninalhisactionscontainingGodsCommandements,whereinissetdownwhatweoughttodoeorleaveundone;asalsohispromiseswhichweeoughttobeleeve,Deut.29.29.

IsnotthesecretwillofGodcontrarytohisrevealedwill?

No,innowise;Itdifferethinsomerespects,butitisnotanotherwill,muchlessecontrary.

Howdifferethit?

ThesecretwillofGodconsiderethespeciallytheend,therevealedwillthethingsthatarereferredtotheend;andthesecretwillofGodistheeventofallthings,wheretherevealedwillisofthosethingsonlywhicharepropoundedintheword,astobeleeveinChrist,andtobesanctified,&c.John14.1.1Thess.4.3.

ItmayseemthattherevealedwillofGodissometimescontrarytoitselfe,aswhenGodforbiddethmurderandtheft,yetGodcommandethAbrahamtokillhisSonne,andtheIsraelitestotakethegoodsoftheEgyptians.

Hereisnocontrariety;becauseGodingivingaLavvtomangivethnonetohimself,butthathemaycommandotherwise:thereforetheLavvhaththisexception,thatitisalwayesjust,unlesseGodcommandotherwise.

ButitseemeththatthesecretwillofGodisoftencontrarytotherevealedwill,seeingbytheformermanyevillthingsarecommitted,andbytheotherallevillisforbidden.

InasmuchasbytheprovidenceofGodevillthingscometopasse,itisforsomegood,asGodsglory,orgoodoftheChurch,orboth;invvhichonlyrespecttheybytheprovidenceofGodaredone,orsufferedtobedone.

HowthendothGodwillthatwhichisgood,andthatwhich

[Page]

isevill?

Hevvillethallgoodsofarasitisgood,eitherbyhiseffectuallgoodpleasure,orbyhisrevealedapprobation;andthatwhichisevill,inasmuchasitisevill,bydisallowingandforsakingit:andyethevoluntarilydothpermitevill,becauseitisgood,thatthereshouldbeevill;Acts14.16.Psal.81.12.

IsthereanyprofitofthisknowledgeofGodswill?

Yea,greatprofitforustoknovvwhatGodwillhaveustodoe,andwhathewilldoewithus,andforus,isathingwhereinstandethoursalvation,thereforevvearevvilledbytheApostletoenquirediligentlyafterthesame,Rom.12.2.

ButthesameApostleintheeleventhChapter,vers.34.beforesaith,WhohathknownthemindoftheLord,orwhowashisCounsellour?thatistosay,none:thereforeitseemeththatthewillofGodcannotbeknown;andconsequently,thatitmaynotbesoughtafter.

IndeedbythatwelearnnottosearchintothesecretcounselsofGod,whichheneverrevealedinhisword,neitherhathpromisedtorevealeinthisworld;butaftertherevealedwillofGod,whichhehathvouchsafedtomakeknowninhisword,wemayandoughttoenquireofGod;asforthewilandcounselwhichhehathkepttohimself,wemayadmireandadoreitwithPaulandDavid;butthatwemaynotsearchafterit,ismanifestlyprovedbytheseplacesfollowing:Acts1.7.Exod.33.18,19,20.

Job.21.23.

WhethercanGodssecretwillbeknownorno?

Ifhedothrevealeit,itmay.

HowdothGodrevealehissecretwill?

Twowayes.First,sometimesbyhisSpirit,aswhenheshewedhisProphetsmanyofhisjudgementsthatweretocome.Secondly,sometimebythethingitselfwhichhewilleth,orbytheeffectsofhiswill;aswhenathingdothfalloutwhichwasbeforeunknown:asforexample,amandothnotknowbeforeitcome,whetherheshallbesickornot,orofwhatdisease,orwhen,orhowlong,butwhenallthesethingsarecometopasse,thenitismanifestwhatwasGodswillbeforeconcerningthatmatter.

ShewmewhatisourdutyinrespectofthissecretwillofGod.

Ourdutyistwofold:First,wemustnotcuriouslysearchaftertheknowledgeofit,butworshipandreverenceit.

Secondly,beforeitbemademanifestbytheeffects,wemustgenerallyrestquietlyinthesame.

Shewmehow,byanexample.

ThusaChristianmustresolvewithhimselfe,WhatsoevertheLordvvilldoewithme;whetherIliveordie,whetherhemakemerichorpoor,&c.Irestcontentwithhisgoodwillandpleasure.

[Page]

Whatmustwedoewhenhiswillisrevealeduntous?

Thenmuchmoremustwerestinit,andbethankfullforit,asIobwas,whosaid,TheLordhathgivenandtaken,evenasitpleaseththeLord,&c.Job1.21.

WhatcallyoutherevealedwillofGod?

TherevealedwillofGodistwofold:theoneisthatwhichisproperlyrevealedintheLaw,thatis,whatGodrequirethtobedoneofus;andthereforeitiscalledtheLaw:andafterthiswemustenquire.TheotherisintheGospell,whichshewethGodswilltowardsus,andwhatheehathdecreedofusinhiseternallcounsellastouchingoursalvation.

GodindeedbyhisLawhathmadeitknownwhathiswillis,thatofusmustbedoneandfulfilled;buthathherevealedinhiswordwhatishiswillandpleasuretowardsus?

Yea,hehathso,andthatisprovedbytheseplacesofScripturefollowing,John6.40.Ephes.1.5.Matth.3.17.John5.39.andaftertheknowledgeofthiswillofGodwemustdiligentlyenquire.

ButwhethermaythiswillofGodbeknownofusorno?

Yes,itmay,forasitisrevealedintheScripture,soitisalsoconfirmedandsealedbeforeoureyesintheSacraments,andthedaylybenefitswhichwereceivefromtheLord.

Andisthissufficienttoperswadeustobeleevehiswill?

No,forexcepttheLorddothperswadeusbyhisholySpiritweshallneitherbeleeveit,norknowit,asappearethbytheseplacesofScripture,1Cor.2.16.Mat.11.25.butifwehavetheSpiritofGod,thereisnoneedtogoeupintoheaven,ortogoebeyondtheSeatoknowit,becausethewordisnearuntous,inourhearts;asPaulsaith,Rom.10.6,7,8.Fortouchingthematterofoursalvation,thewillofGodissoclearlylaidopeninthepreachingoftheGospell,thatitneedsnottobemorecleare.

IfatanytimewecannotknownorunderstandthiswillofGod,astouchingoursalvation,inwhomisthefault?

Thefaultisinourselves,andthereasonisbecausewearecarnallandnaturall,anddestituteoftheSpiritofChrist;forPaulsaith,ThecarnallandnaturallmancannotperceivethethingsofGod;butiftheSpiritofChristdothcomeandopenourunderstanding,andcorrectouraffections,wecannolongerdoubtofhiswill;andthereforetheApostleimmediatelyafteraddeth,andsaith,butwehavethemindofChrist.

WhetheristhiswillofGodmadeknowntoeveryoneofGodschildrenparticularlyorno?

Yes,itis,forPaulhavingtheSpiritofChristsaith,thatthiswillofGodwasmanifesteduntohim,whenhesaith,Gal.2.20.Christlovedme,andgavehimselfeforme;andtotheCorinthianshesaith,butGodhathrevealedthem:thatis,thejoyesofheaventousbyhisSpirit,1Cor.2.9.

Howdoththisprovethatwecanhavethisknowledge?

[Page]

Verywell,forifalltheElectareledbythesameSpiritthatPaulhad,itwillalsoperswadethemofthiswillofGodaswellasPaul.

ButhowproveyouthattheyhavethesameSpirit?

ThatthesameSpiritisgiventoalltheelect,IproveitoutoftheProphetEsay,whosaiththus;MywordandmySpiritshallnotdepartfromthymouth,norfromthyseedforever:Esa.59.21.whichissuchablessing,asnoblessingcanbedesiredinthisworldgreater,moreexcellentormoreheavenly:forwhenweareoncearmedwiththeknowledgeofthiswillofGod,weshallpassethroughfireandwaterwithoutanydanger,Esa.43.2.weshallovercometheworldanddeath,andtriumphoverourenemies,asPauldid,Rom.8.38,39.

WhetheraretheremorewillsinGodthenone,orno?

ThewillofGod,insomerespectsisbutone,andinsomerespectsitismanifold.

Howisitbutone?

Forthebetterdeterminingofthispoint,wemustfirstconsiderhowmanysignificationstherebeofthisword,Will,inGod.

1ItsignifieththefacultyorabilityofwillinginGod,andsoitisGodhimself,andtheveryessenceofGod,andsohiswillisbutone.

2Itsignifieththeactitselfofwilling,andifitbesotakenitisallbutone,forGoddoththatinoneandthateternallact,willwhatsoeverhewill.

3Itsignifieththefreedecreeofhiswill,concerningeitherthedoingorthesufferingofanythingtobedone;ifwetakeitinthissensethewillofGodisstillbutone,andthateternallandimmutable.

MaywecallthedecreeofGodswill,thewillofGod?

Yea,verywell;astheTestamentofonethatisdeceasediscalledthelastwilloftheTestator,becauseitisthefirmandlastdecreeoftheTestatorswill,andmind,concerningthedisposingofhisgoods;andtheScripturesdoemakethewillofGodandthecounsellordecreeofhiswilltobeallone,asappearethintheseplacesfollowing,Esa.46.10.Acts4.27,28.Joh.6.40.

HowisthewillofGodmanifold?

TherebetworespectschieflyforwhichthewillofGodissaidtobemanifold,ormorethenone.

1First,forthediverskindsofthingswhichGoddothwill;andhereofitis,thatitiscalledsometimethewillofGodconcerningus,andsometimethewillofGoddonebyus;ThefirstishisfavourandlovetowardsusinChristJesus,inwhichhewillethanddecreeththatweshallbesavedthroughhisSon:ofthisChristspeaketh,Joh.6.40.

Theotherwhichhewillhavedoneofus,isthatwhichis

expressedinhisWord,andthatistobeleeveinChrist,andtowalkinhislaws,Psal.143.10.ofwhichDavidsaiththus,Teachmetodoethywill,becausethouartmyGod,andPaulsaith,Rom.2.18.Thouknowesthiswill,thatis,hislaw.

WhichistheotherrespectforwhichGodissaidtohavemanywils?

2ThewillofGodissaidtobemanifoldanddivers,forthatthosethingswhichhedothseemtowillthemafterdiverssorts,andnotafteroneandthesamemanner;first,afteronemannerhedothwillgoodthings,andafteranothermannerhedothwillevillthings.

Shewhowthatis.

Hewillethgoodthingsproperlyandabsolutelybythemselvesandforthemselves;hewillethevillthingsforanotherend,Rom.12.2.andthatisforgoodtoo:andthefirstiscalledthegoodwillofGod,andacceptabletohimself;thelatteriscalledthepermissivewillofGod,oravoluntarypermissioninGod,becauseheisnotcompelledorconstrainedagainsthiswill,towillthem.Again,sometimehewillethsimplyandabsolutely,sometimesheseemethtowillconditionally,andsomethingsherevealethatonetime,someatanother,andsomethingshedothforwhichhegivethareason,andthereasonsofsomethingsaresecrettohimselfonlyandforever.

WhythenbelikeyougrantthatinGodtherebemanywils?

[Page]

No,Idenythat;foralthoughinthoseaforesaidrespectsthewillofGodissaidtobemanifoldforourunderstanding,yetforallthatindeedandintruththewillofGodisbutoneonely,andthatmostconstant,eternall,andperpetuall:asforexample,hewilledsomethingsintheoldTestament,hehathwilledotherthingsinthenewTesta-ment,yetoneandthesamewillinGoddecreedboth.Again,hiswillwasthatsomethingsintheoldTestamentshouldlastforatime,thatis,tothecommingofChrist;or,astheApostlesaith,tothetimeofreformation,Heb.9.10.ButhewilleththatthethingsofthenewTestamentshalllasttotheendoftheworld,andyetonewillinGoddecreedboththesefromeverlasting.Again,althoughGodseemethtoustowillsomethingsabsolutelyandsimply,&somethingsconditionally,yetintruthtospeakproperly,allthingswhatsoeverGodwilleth,hewillethabsolutelyandsimply;andwhereasheissaidtowillsomethingsconditionally,thatistobereferredtothemanifestationofhiswill,forthereisnotinGodanyconditionallwill,butonlythatwhichopenethhiswillinthisorthat,oronthisorthatcondition;foraconditioninGodisagainstthenatureofhiseternallkingdomeandknowledge.

Obj.Godcommandethmanythingstobedonewhicharenotdone,sothatthereisawilldeclaredinhisword,andthereisanotherinhimforbiddingorhinderingthatwhichhecommandethinhisLaw,andthereforethereareinGodmanywils.

ThethingswhichGodcommandethareoftwosorts:someareabsolutelycommanded,withoutanycondition

expressedorconcealed;asthatMosesshouldcauseallthingsabouttheTabernacletobemadeaccordingtothepatterngivenhimintheMount;othersomethingsarecommandedandsetdownwithcondition,aswhenChristsaid,Marke10.17.19.IfthouwiltinheriteternalllifekeeptheCommandements,andtheLawsaith,Doethisandthis,ifthouwiltlive;andthesearepropoundedconditionallytoall,aswelltheelectasthereprobate;Godhisabsolutewillisalwaysoneandthesame.

Andaretheypropoundedtobothafteronesort?

No,notso;foralthoughtheybegiventotheelectwithcondition,yetthewillofGodtothemisabsolute;forGodswillsimplyis,thatallhiselectshallbesaved,ifnotalways,yetatthelast;andbecauseoftheirownstrengththeycannotdoetheCommandementsofGod,thereforeGoddothgivethemstrengthbyhisSpirit;andbecausebythisstrengththeycannotdoeGodswillperfectly,thereforeitisfulfilledforthembyChrist,whichismadetheirsbyfaith,andinwhomGoddothaccepttheirbrokenandimperfectobedience,asifitwerewholeandperfect.

Butasforthewickedandreprobatesitisnotsowiththem,foralthoughGoddothgivethemalawtoobey,anddothpromisethemlifeiftheydoeobeyit,yethiswilltothemisnotsoabsolute,thattheyshallkeepit,neithershalltheyobtainthepromiseseitherinthemselvesorinChrist.

ButdothnotGodmockanddeludetheReprobate,whenhewilleththeminhislawtodoethisandthatwhichyetisnothiswilltobedone?

[Page]

No,hedothnotdeludethem;foralthoughhedothnotshewwhathewillabsolutelyhavedoneofthem,whichisproperlyhiswillindeed,yetbyhislawhedothteachwhatistheirduty,andthedutyofallmen,addingmoreoverthatwhosoevershallneglectandfailinthistheirduty,hesinnethgrievouslyagainstGod,andisguiltyofdeath.

Canyoumakethisplainbysomeinstance,orexample,oranyParableintheScripture?

Yea,itismanifestintheParableoftheKingssupper,andthebiddenguests;theywhichwerefirstbiddenandcamenot,werenotdeludedbytheKing,becausehesignifieduntothemwhatheliked,andwhatwastheirduty,butyethedidnotcommandthattheyshouldbecompelledtocomein,asthetwosortswhichwerebiddenafterwards:whereweseethattheKingswillwasnotalikeinbiddingthefirstasitwasinthesecond,forincallingthelattersorthiswillwasabsolutethattheyshouldcomeindeed,andsocaused,thattheydidcome;buttothefirstheonelysignifiedwhathelikediftheyhaddoneit.

Howdoeyouapplythistothematterinquestion?

Iapplyitthus,asitcannotbesaidthatthefirstbiddenguestsweremockedbytheKing,althoughhiswillwasnotsoabsolutefortheircomming,asitwasincallingandcommandingthesecondsortofguests;soitcannotbesaidthatGoddothdeludeandmocktheReprobateingivingthemalawtoobey,althoughitbenothisabsolutewillthattheyshouldcomeandobeythelaw;foritis

Whether

Goddoth

willevil.

sufficienttoleavethemwithoutexcuse,thattheyknowwhatisacceptabletoGod,andwhatistheirdutytoGod,whohathabsoluteauthorityandpoweroverthemandoverall.

Obj.GodcommandethPharaohtoletIsraelgoe,andyethiswillwastothecontrary,thereforethereweretwocontrarywilsinGod,onerevealed,theotherconcealed.

Itfollowethnot,forthewillofGodwasoneonely,andmostconstant,andthatwasthatIsraelshouldnotbesentawaybyPharaoh,andsothatwasfulfilled;asfortheCommandementgiventoPharaoh,itwasadoctrinetoteachPharaohwhathemusthavedoneifhewouldavoidsomanyplagues,andyetshewedhimhisduty,andwhatwasjustandrighttobedone,butitwasnotestimonyoftheabsolutewillofGod.

WhetherdothGodwillevillorsin,orno?

Beforewecananswertothisquestion,wemustconsiderofthreethings.

1Howmanywayssinmaybeconsidered.

2Howmanythingsaretobeconsideredinsin.

3Howmanywaysonemaybesaidtowillathing.

Gotothen,shewfirsthowmanywayssinistobeconsidered?

Sinistobeconsideredthreeways.

[Page]

1Asitisofitselfsin,andstrivingagainstthelawofGod.

2Asitisapunishmentofsinthatwentbefore,forGoddothoftentimespunishonesinwithanother.

3Asitisthecauseofmoresinfollowing,Rom.1.26.foronesindothbegetanother,asoneDevilcallethsevenDevils,2Thess.2.11.

Nowdeclarehowmanythingsyoudoeconsiderinsin.

Ineverysintherebethreethings.

Theaction,andthatiseitherinward,oroutward:theactionwhich1wecallinwardisthreefold;eitherofthemind,asevillthoughts;oroftheheart,asevilaffectionsanddesires;orofthewill,asanevillchoice,orconsenttosin:Theactionswhichwecalloutward,aretheactionsorworkofthesensesfightingagainstthelawofGod.

Thesecondthingineverysin,isthedeformityorcorruptionofthe2action;thatis,whentheactiondothdeclinefromtheruleofGodslaw,andthisproperlyissin,ortheformofsin.

Thethirdthingineverysinne,istheoffenceorguiltinessethereof,3wherebythepartyoffendingisboundtoundergoepunishment;thisguiltinesseandobligationwherebyweareboundtoundergoethepenaltyofsin,hathitsfoundationinsinitself,butitarisethfromthejusticeofGod,Rom.6.23.whoinhisjusticerewardethsinwithdeath,asjusticeindeedgivethtoeveryonehisdue.

Nowcomeyoutoyourthirdpoint,andshewhowmanywaysoneissaidtowillathing.

Wearesaidtowillathingtwoways;eitherproperly,foritself;orimproperly,foranotherend.

Whatmeanyoubyaproperwillingofathing?

Wedoewillathingproperlyforitself,orforitownsake,whenthethingwhichwewillordesireisofitsownnaturetobewishedanddesired;asforthebody,health,food,apparell,andsuchlike;orforthesoul,faith,repentance,patience,&c.Wedoewillathingimproperly,whenthethingwhichwewillisnotofitselftobewished;butyetwewillhaveitforsomegoodthatmaycomethereof:asforexample,wewillthecuttingoffsomememberofthebody,notbecauseofitselfitistobewished,butforthehealthofthebodywhichdothfollowthatcutting.

Whatdifferenceistherebetweenthesetwowils?

Thereisgreatdifference;forthosethingswhichwewillproperly,welove&approvethem,weenclineuntothem,&wedelightinthem;butthatwhichisknownofitselftobeevill,ourwillisnotcarieduntothatwithloveandliking,butdothdeclinefromit;andwhereasamanwillethamemberofhisbodytobecutoff,wemayrathercallitapermissionthenawilling,andyetavvillingpermission.

Youhaveshewedhowmanywayssinistobeconsidered;howmanythingsaretobeconsideredineverysin,andhowwearesaidtowillathing:Nowletmehearwhatyou

[Page]

saytothematterinquestion;thatis,whetherGoddothwillsinorno?

BeforeIanswerdirectlytoyourquestion,Ithinkitisnotamissetoshewwhateveryonemustcarefullytakeheedofinansweringtothisquestion,forinansweringthereisdanger.

Letmehearwhatdangersmustbeavoidedinanswering?

Therearetwo;andeveryonemustavoidthem,andsailbetweenthemasbetweentwodangerousrocks.

Thefirstisthis,wemusttakeheedlestwemakeGodtheauthorofsinbyaffirmingthathewillethsin,astheLibertinesdo,&asAdamdid,Gen.3.12.forthatwerethenextvvaynotonlytoputoffoursinsfromourselves,andlaythemuponGod,butalsotocastoffallconscienceofsin,andallfearofGod,thenthewhichnothingcanbemoreblasphemousagainstGodandpernicioustoourselves.

Whatisthesecondthingtobeavoided?

Theotheristhis,wemusttakeheedthatweaffirmnotanyevilltobeintheworldwhichGodknowethnotof,orwhetherGodvvillorno,forthatvveretodenyGodsomnipotency,andal-knowledge.

Thesearetwodangerousrocksandheresiesindeed,butnowIexpectadirectanswertothequestion.

1Cor.10.

31.

Thatcannotbeatonce,butbygoingfrompointtopointaccordingtoourformerdistinctionofsin,andvvilling.

Verywellthen;declarefirstofall,whatthingsGoddothproperlywillwhichofthemselvesaretobewilled.

1Goddothfirstandchieflyvvillhimself;thatis,hisowngloryandMajesty,astheendforvvhichallthingsare;andthisheissaidtovvillproperly;thatis,helovethit,advancethit,anddelightethinit:andtothispurposeserveallthoseScripturesvvhichcommandustosanctifiehisname,andtoadorehisglory,asinEsa.48.11.Pro.16.4.Rom.11.36.

2Besideshimselfehedothproperlyvvillallotherthingsvvhichhemade,andvvhichhedothhimself,insomuchashedothapprovethem,andlovethem,asappearethbytheseplacesfollowing,Godsawallthathemade,anditwasgood,andthereforegaveaCommandementthatoneshouldpreserveanother,bymultiplyingandencreasing.Again,itissaid,whatsoevertheLordwillthathedoth,thereforewhatsoeverhedoththathewils,andalthoughhehatethevill,yethedothproperlywillandlovethatgoodwhichcommethofevill;thatis,hisownglory,andthesalvationofhispeople.

WhetherdothGodwillpunishmentsorno?

Yea,hiswillisthefirstandefficientcauseofallpunishment:whichisprovedbythisreasonandargument;everygoodthingisofGod,everypunishmentbeingaworkofjusticeisagoodthing,thereforeeverypunishmentisof

[Page]

God,andhedothwillit.

WhatsayyoutothewordsinEzekiel18.23.32.Iwillnotthedeathofasinner?

Thatplaceistobeunderstoodonelyoftheelect,forproperlyindeed,Goddothnotwilltheirdeath,andthereforetokeepthemfromdeath,meaningeternalldeath,hegiveththemrepentance.

WhetherdothGodwillsinasitisapunishmentofsinthatwentbefore?

Yes,hedoth,anditusuallwithGodtopunishonesinwithanother:asforexample,thehardningofPharaohsheartwasasininPharaoh,andGodbroughtituponhimnotasasin,butasapunishmentofhisformersins.

Yousaythatineverysinisanactionordeed,whichiseitherinwardoroutward;whetherdothGodwillthatorno?

SofarforthasitisanactiononlyGoddothwillit,butnotthecorruption&deformityoftheaction,forinhimwelive,move,andhaveourbeeing,Acts17.28.

ButwhetherdothGodwillsinproperly,asitisatransgressionofthelaw,andacorruptionintheactionorno?

No,hedothnot,neithercanbe,foritisagainsthisnature,andtothiseffectservetheseplacesofScripture

following,Psal.5.5.Heb.1.15.1Joh.1.4.andreasondothconfirmitmanyvvayes;forlookevvhatGoddothvvillproperly,helovethandallowethit,butGodhatethanddamnethsinastheScripturesvvitnesse,andthereforehedothnotvvillitproperly,Zach.8.17.Again,hehathsenthisSontotakeawaythesinsofthevvorld,andtodestroythevvorksoftheDevill,thereforehedothnotvvillthem.

Lastly,ifGodshouldproperlyvvillsin,thenhemustbetheauthorofsin,butheisnottheauthorofsin,fortheScripturesdoeneverattributesinuntoGod,butuntothedevil&untomen,Ro.9.14.1Ioh.2.16.

ButalthoughGoddothnotproperlywillsin,yethedothwillinglypermitsin;dothhenot?

Yes;butforthebetterunderstandinghowGoddothpermitsinvvemustconsiderhovvmanyvvays,orinhovvmanysensesoneissaidtopermitathing,andthatisthreevvays.

Topermitissometimeoftwogoodthings,tograntthatvvhichis1lessegood,althoughitvvereagainstourvvill:asforexample,amanvvouldbringuphissoninlearning,rathertheninvvarfareorinanyotheroccupation;butbecausehissonhathmoremindtoanoccupationthentolearning,anddothcraveofhisfathertogotosomeoccupation,ortobeaSoldierratherthenaDoctor,hisfatherdothgranthimhisdesire,buthehadratherhavehimtobeaScholar:Andthisisakindofpermissionandsuffering,butthispermissionoughtrathertobecalledawillindeed,forthatwhichislessegood,(yetbecauseitis

good)hedothwillit,andapproveit,anditisatrueobjectofhiswill,anditmaybecalledapermissioninrespectofthatwillwhichhadratherhavehadthegreatergood.

AndisthusGodsaidtopermitsininthissense?

No,bynomeans;forsin(asitissin)hathnoshewofgoodinitwhichmaybecomparedwithagreatergood.

Whichisyoursecondwayofpermitting?

Sometimestopermitistograntoneevilltogoeunpunished,that2many&moregrievousevilstherebymaybeprevented;asmanytimesPrinces&Magistratesarewonttodoe:andsosomedothinkthatGodhathgrantedsomesintobedonewithoutdangerorthreatningofpunishment,lestmoreandmorehainousmischiefsshouldensue.

Andarenotyouofthatmind?

No,GodforbidIshould;fortheApostlesruleisbothgenerallandtrue,wemustnotdoeevillthatgoodmaycomethereof,lestwebedamnedjustly,thereforenomanmaybythelawofGodadmitanysintoavoidanother,Rom.3.8.

Whatisyourthirdwayofpermitting?

Topermit,dothsometimesignifienottohinderandstopevilwhen3wemayandsoGodissaidtopermitsin,becausehecouldbyhisgracehinderandpreventsinsthat

[Page]

noneshouldbecommitted;andyethedothwillinglypermitusinournaturetosin:ThatGoddoththuspermitsin,itisevidentbytheseplacesofScripture,Psalm.81.11,12.Acts14.16.Thathedothpermitthemwillinglyandnotconstrainedthereunto,theseplacesdoeshew,Rom.9.19.Esa.46.10.

ForwhatcausedothnotGodhindersin,butpermitit?

Notwithoutcause,butthathemayuseoursins(whichishisinfinitegoodnesseandwisdome)tohisownglory:forherebyhisjusticeinpunishingofsin,andhismercyinpardoningofsinismademanifestandknown,tothegreatgloryofGodandpraiseofhisName.

WhetherdothGodalterhiswillatanytimeorno?

Forthebetterunderstandingofthisquestion,wemustconsidertwothings.First,howmanywaysourwillischangeable.Secondly,thecausesthatmoveustochangeourwils.

Verywell;declarethefirst,howmanywaysourwilsarechangeable?

Thewillofamanischangeabletwoways:First,whenwebegintowillathingwhichwedidnotwillbefore.Secondly,whenweeleavetowillthatvvhichvvevvilledbefore.

Nowshewwhatbethecausesthereof;andfirstwhyamandothwillthatwhichhewillednotbefore.

Thecausesofthesebetwo;firstourignorance,becausewedoknowthattobegoodafterwardvvhichvveknewnotbeforetobegood,andthenwevvillthatvvhichwecouldnotbefore;forignotinullacupido,forofthatvvhichisunknownthereisnodesire.Thesecondcausearisethfromthealterationofnature,asifthatvvhichvvashurtfulltousatonetimebecameprofitabletousatanothertime,thenwewillhavethatatonetime,whichwewouldnotanother:asforexample,insummerourwillisinclinedtocoldplaces,butinwinterourwillisaltered,anddothaffectanddesirethewarm.

WhetheristhereanysuchcauseinGodtomakehimchangehiswill,ornot?

No,neitherofthesecausescanbeinGod;notthefirst,forhedothmostperfectlyknowallthingsfromalleternity;notthesecond,forthereisnothinginGodforwhichanythingmaybefoundtobeprofitableorhurtful,heisalwaysthesame,havingneedofnothing,andthereforehecannotwillanythingthatisnewtohim,andconsequentlyhiswillisnotchangeable.

Butwhatsayyoutothesecondwayofchangingourwils;thatis,ofleavingtowilthatwhichbeforewehaddetermined,wherofcomeththat?

Forthistheremaybeyeeldedtworeasons.1.Wedochangeourwilsofourownaccord,becausethelatterthingdothseemtoustobebetterthentheformer.2.Beingconstrainedoragainstourmindswedoeoftentimeschangeourwils,becauseourfirstcounsellwashindredby

[Page]

The

somecrosseevent,thatitcouldnothavehisdueeffect.

WhetherareanyofthesetwocausesinGod,thatforthoseheshouldchangehiswill?

No,Goddothneitherofhisowneaccord,noryetbyconstraintchangehiswill,buthisdecreesare,andeverhavebeen,andalwaysshallbefulfilled,andnoneshallhinderthewillofGod,foritdothalwaysremainoneandthesame;andthisdoctrineismoststrong[...]yguardedandfencedwiththeseplacesofScripture,Num.23.19.1Sam.15.19.Mal.3.6.Esa.46.10.Rom.11.29.

Paulsaith,1Tim.2.4.ItisthewillofGodthatallmenshouldbesaved,andcometotheknowledgeofthetruth,andyetallarenotsaved;thereforeGodswillismutable.

IfthisplacebeunderstoodofGodsrevealedwill,thenthesenseisthis,thatGoddothcallallmenbythepreachingofhiswordtotheknowledgeofhistruth,andtoeternallsalvation,iftheywillbeleeveinChrist:butifitbeunderstoodofthesecretwillofGod,thesensemaybethreefold;First,allmen,thatis,ofallsortsanddegrees,hewillhavesome.Secondly,somanyasaresaved,allaresavedbythewillofGod.Thirdly,Godwilleththatallshallbesaved;thatis,alltheElect:forintheScriptures,thiswordall,isputsometimesfortheElect,withouttheReprobate;asRom.5.18.Cor.15.22.

WhatistherecomprehendedundertheholinesseofGodswill?

Esa.6.3.

Psal.145.

17.

holinesseof

Godswill.

Ofgods

goodnesse.

HolinesseisagenerallattributeofGod,inrespectofallthespeciallpropertiesofhisnature,inrespectwhereofheemostjustlyloveth,liketh,andpreferrethhimselfeaboveall:untowhichmostholywillmustbereferredbothaffections,(tospeakaccordinguntoman)asloveandhatred;withtheirattendants,goodnesse,bounty,graceandmercyontheoneside;displeasure,anger,griefandfuryontheother:andalsotheorderingofthoseaffections,byjustice,patience,long-suffering,equity,gentlenesse,andreadinessetoforgive.

WhatinstructionsdoeyoudrawfromtheholinesseofGod?

Thataseveryonecomethneareruntohiminholinesse,sotheyare1bestlikedandlovedofhim,andconsequentlyitshouldbreedaloveinourheartsofholinesseandhatredofthecontrary.

Thatthisoughttokillinusallevillthoughtsandopinionswhich2canriseofGodinourhearts,seeingthatinhimthatisholinesseitself,therecanbenoiniquity.

WhereindoththeholinesseofGodespeciallyappeare?

InhisGoodnesseandJustice,Exod.20.5.6.&34.6,7.Nahum1.2,3.Jer.32.18,19.

WhatisGodsgoodnesse?

ItisanessentiallpropertyinGod,wherebyhe

1Tim.2.2.

isinfinitelygoodinandofhimselfe,andlikewisebeneficialltoallhiscreatures;Ps.145.7.Mark.10.18.James1.17.Mat.5.45.Psal.34.9.

HowmanywayesthenisthegoodnesseofGodtobeconsidered?

Twowayes:eitherasheisinhisownnatureofhimselfsimplygoodandgoodnesseitselfe,(i.soperfect,andeverywaysoabsolute,asnothingcanbeaddeduntohim)orelseasheisgoodtoothers:bothwaiesGodisinhimselfagoodGod,butespeciallyforhisgoodnestowardsus,heiscalledagoodGod,asaPrinceiscalledagoodPrince.

Shewhowthatis.

APrincemaybeagoodmanifhehurtnoman,andlivethhonestly,&c.butheisnotcalledagoodPrinceexcepthebegoodtohissubjects,thatis,ifhebenotmilde,gentle,liberall,just,adefenderofthegodly,apunisherofthewicked;sothatthegoodmayliveaquietandapeaceablelifeinallhonestyandgoodnesse:sotheScripturescallGodagoodGod,becauseheisnotonlygoodinhimself,yeaandgoodnesseitself,butalsobecauseheisgoodtoothers;thatis,milde,gracious,mercifull,hisnatureisnotcruell,savage,norbloodytowardsus,butmostmild,pleasant,sweet,andsuchasmayallureallmentotrustinhim,tolovehim,tocalluponhim,andtoworshiphim.Psalm.16.11.34.9.

IsnothinggoodbutGod?

[Page]Nothingofitselfe,andperfectly,Matth.19.17.howbeit,byhim,andfromhim,doecomegoodthings.Gen.1.ult.whichhavenottheirgoodnesseofthemselves;forwhatsoevergoodnesseisinthecreatures,itisofGodtheCreatour;andtheyaresofarreforthgood,astheyaremadegoodbyGod,andaremadepartakersofhisgoodnesse.1Cor.4.7.James1.17.Again,thatgoodnessewhichisinthethingscreated,whetheritbenaturallorsupernaturall,isimperfectandfinite,butthegoodnesseofGodismostperfectandinfinite;andthereforeonelyGodistrulygood,andgoodnesseitselfe:yea,heisSummumbonum,thatchiefgoodofalltobedesired.

IsthegoodnesseofGodextendeduntoallcreatures?

Yea,itisso;andasthisisknownbydaylyexperience,soitiswitnessedbytheScripturesfollowing,Psal.119.64.&145.15.Mat.5.45.

HathGodshewedhisgoodnessetoallalike?

No,forthethingscreatedareoftwosorts;eitherinvisible,orvisible;invisibleasAngels,untowhomtheLordhathgivenmoreexcellentgiftsthentotheother.

Andwashisgoodnessepartedequallyamongthem?

No,forsomehesufferedtofallintosin,forwhichtheywerethrustdownfromheaventohell,2Pet.2.4.othershehathpreservedbyhisgrace,thattheyshouldnotfallawayfromhim.

Ishisgoodnessealiketohisvisiblecreatures?

No,forofthemsomeareenduedwithreason,asmankind,somearevoidofreason,andthereforeismancalledaLordovertherestofthecreatures.

IsthegoodnesseofGodaliketoreasonablecreatures?

No,forofthemGodinhismercyhathchosensometoeternalllife,whomhehathpurposedtocalleffectuallyinhistime,thattheymaybejustifiedandglorifiedbyChrist;othershehathinhisjusticelefttotheirsinswithoutanyeffectuallcalling,toperishforever.

WhattestimonyofScripturehaveyouthatGodsgoodnesseisfarregreatertotheElect,thentotheReprobate?

ItappearethbythewordsofourSaviourChrist,Mat.13.11.andoftheProphetAsaph,Ps.73.1.yetGodisgood,thatis,singularlygood,toIsrael,eventothepureinheart,butGodmakeshisElectonelytobepureinheart,Psal.51.10.

DoththegoodnesseofGodtowardsallmenturntothegoodofallmen?

No,forintheReprobateGodsgoodnesseisturnedintoevill,andservethtotheirdestruction,2Cor.2.15.andthatisthroughtheirownfault,fortheydoecontemneandaltogetherabusethegoodnesseofGod,andforallhisgoodnessebestoweduponthemcontinually,theynevertrusthim,nortrustinhim.Rom.2.4.Psal.106.13.

[Page]

Theusesof

Godsgood-

nesse.

HowmayweusethegoodnessofGodtoourgood,andtooursalvation?

IfwehavethegoodnesseofGodinatrueandworthyestimation,ifweuseitwithfeareandreverence,andtherebylearntorepentusofoursins,andtoreposeallourtrustandconfidenceintheLordforhisgoodnesse,thenshallallthings,yea,evenoursinnesworkforourgood;Rom.8.28.

WhatusemustwemakeofGodsgoodnesse?

ItteachethusthatwehaveanddoeserveatrueGod,forheisno1trueGod,thatisnotsogoodasourGodis.

Welearnhereby,thatbythisgoodnesseofhis,heusethallthings2well.

IfourGodbesogood,weshouldbeashamedtooffendhim,asitis3intolerabletohurtaninfantthatisinnocentandharmlesse,soitismostintolerabletorequitetheLordsgoodnessewithevill.

IfGodbesogood,andgoodnesseitselfe,wemusttrusthim,and4trustinhim;forwewillreposetrustingoodmen,andshallwenotmuchmoreinourgoodGod?

ItteachethusnevertolaythefaultuponGodforanything,norto5complainofGodsdealing,forheisalwayesperfectlygood;andallthathedothisperfectlygood,whatsoevermenjudgeofit.

The

gracious-

nesseof

God.

SeeingGodisgoodtous,weoughttobegoodonetowardsanother.6

Towhatendisit,thatthegoodnesseofGodisnottoallalike?1Tim.2.9.

ItservethtotheadoringandbeautifyingofGodsChurch,1Tim.2.9.1

Itservethtothemaintenanceofmutualllove,andsocietyamongst2men;forifthegoodnesseofGodweretoallalike,thenonecouldnothelpanother,andtothisendservesthevarietyofgifts,1Cor.12.20.Eph.4.7.12.

Itmakethtothegreatermanifestingofthegloryofthegoodnesseof3God;forifallhadalike,wewouldcontemnthisgoodnesse,thinkingthathewereboundtobegoodtousofnecessity.

FromtheconsiderationofGodsspeciallgoodnessetowardsushis4ElectbyChristtosalvation,wemustarisetothestudyofgoodworks,wherebyGodsgoodnessemaybeglorified,Tit.2.3,4,5,6,7,8.

WhatbetheseverallbranchesofthegoodnesseofGod?

Hisgraciousnesse,hislove,andhismercy;Tit.3.3,4,5.

WhatisthegraciousnesseofGod?

Itisanessentiallpropertywherebyheisofhimselfemostgraciousandamiable,andfreelydeclarethhisfavouruntohiscreaturesabove

[Page]

theirdesert,Psal.145.8.15,16.Rom.11.6.Tit.2.11.

Isheonlygracious?

Onlyinandofhimselfe,forthatwhatsoeverisgraciousandamiable,itisfromhim.

Whatlearnyoufromthis?

ThatweoughttoloveandreverenceGodaboveall;forseeinggraciousandamiablemendoewinneloveandreverencefromothers,inwhoseeyestheyappeargraciousandamiable,whoisablemoretowinnethisatourhands,thenGodwhoisthefountainofallgraciousnesseandamiablenesse?

Forthebetterunderstandingofthisattribute,shewhowthiswordGraceisusedintheScripture.

Itisusedinthreeseverallsignifications,sometimesitisputforcomelinesse,stature,meeknesse,ormildnesse;Luk.2.25.sometimeforfreefavourwherebyoneembracethanother,pardoningformerinjuries,andreceivingthepartieoffendingintofavouragain.Gen.6.8.Thirdly,itistakenforallkindofgiftsandgraces,whichofhisfreefavourarebestowed;whethertemporalloreternall:Acts2.23.Eph.4.7.

WhetheristheregraceinGodaccordingtothefirstsignificationofgraceorno?

Yea,forGodisofhisownnaturemostgracious,andgraceitselfe,whichgracewasinChristJesusfromhisinfancie,(ashewasman)anddideverydaymoreandmoreincrease,Luke2.52.Psal.45.9.Andamongstallthingsthatwerecreated,therewasnothinginduedwithsuchgrace,aswasthehumanenatureofChrist,andthatwasbythefulnesseoftheGodheadwhichdweltbodilyinhim,Coloss.2.9.

WhetherisgraceproperlyattributedtoGodinthesecondsenseorno?

Yea,mostproperly;forGoddothjustifieus:thatis,hedothaccountusforjustthroughhisSonneJesusChrist,andthatofhisfreegraceandfavour,withoutanydesertofourpartsoranythinginus,Rom.3.20.24.&4.16.

WhatbethecausesofthisgraceorfavourofGod?

Theefficientcauseishisgoodnesseandfreewill;thefinallcausecausethereofisthesalvationofhischosenchildren,andthegloryofhimselfe,andofhisSonChristJesus.

WhatbetheeffectsofGodsgracetouswards?

Ingenerall,thegraceofGod(whereofthereisnocauseinusbutonelyhisowngoodnesseandwill)isthefirstcause,themiddlecause,andthethelastcause,andtheonelycauseofallthatbelongstooursalvation.Rom.9.11.Andparticularly,itisthecauseofourElection,ofourRedemption,ofthesendingofChristintotheworld,ofourCalling,ofthepreachingoftheGospell;Eph.1.4.John3.

[Page]

Ofthelove

ofGod.

11.34.Rom.5.8.ItwasthecausewhytheApostleswerecalledtothepreachingoftheGospell,Gal.1.15,16.Eph.3.8.9.ItisthecauseofourFaith,oftheforgivenesseofoursinnes,ofourwholejustification,ofourregeneration,ofourrenovation,ofourlovetoGodandourneighbour,oftheHolyGhostinus,ofourgoodworks,ofourobedience,ofourperseverance,ofthefeareofGod,ofeternalllife,andoflifeitselfe.2Tim.1.9.Phil.2.13.Rom.12.6.1Cor.12.9.Rom.3.24.Tit.3.5.1John.4.9.Ezek.36.27.Jerem.32.40.andinaword,thebegining,thecontinuance,andtheaccomplishmentofourwholesalvation,dothdependwhollyuponthegraceandfavourofGod;andwhatgoodthingsoeverwehave,orhavehad,ormayhave,belongingeithertothislifeortothelifetocome,istobeattributedwhollytothegraceandfavourofGod.

WhatistheloveofGod?

ItisanessentiallpropertyinGodwherebyheloveshimselfeaboveall,andothersforhimselfe,1John4.16.Rom.5.8.John3.16.Tit.3.4.Mal.1.2,3.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

Thatweeshouldlovehimdearely,andotherthingsforhim.

ThatwemaythebetterknowwhattheloveofGodis,declarefirstwhatloveisinourselves.

Itisapassionofthemindwherebywearesoaffectedtowardsthepartywhomwelove,thatweareratherhisthenourown,forgettingourselvestodoehimgoodwhomwesolove.

AndislovesuchathinginGod?

No,thetrueloveofGodisnotsuchasourloveis.

Whatdifferenceisthere?

Thereisgreatdifferencetwowayes;First,intime,forlovewasinGodbeforeitwasinus,orinanythingcreated;forhelovedhimselfeandusalsobeforetheworldwas.John17.23.Secondly,theydifferinnatureandquality,forthatlovewhichisinGodismostperfectandpure,Rom.9.13.withoutpassion;butinusitisimperfect,andmatchedwithpassions,withimpureaffectionsandgriefofthemind.

AfterwhatmannerdoththeScriptureexpressetheloveofGod?

IntheScripturesGoddothcomparehimselfetoafatherandtoamotherlovingtheirchildren,toahengatheringherchickenstogetherunderherwings,toagoodshepherdseekinguphissheep,andtodiversotherthings.

Andwhereforeservethesecomparisons?

Theyareforourprofittwowayes.First,toshewusthatGodslovetowardsusismostvehementandsincere.Secondly,tomakeusboldincomingtohim,andcalling

uponhim;soforthisloveChristJesuscallethusbyallthenamesoflove,ashisservants,hiskinsmen,hisfriends,hisspouse,hisbrethren;andbymanynamesmoe:toshew,thathelovethuswithallloves,thefatherslove,themotherslove,themasterslove,thehusbandslove,thebrotherslove,&c.andifallloveswereputtogether,yethisloveexceedeththemall,forallcouldnotdoesomuchforus,ashealonehathdone.

IflovedothnotsignifieanyaffectionorpassioninGod,asitdothinus,whatthendothitsignifie?

InGoditsignifieththreethingsmostperfect;first,theeternallgoodwillofGodtowardssomebody;fortheloveofGod,(supposedtowardstheElect)ishiseverlastinggoodwill,orhispurposeanddeterminationtoshewthemmercy,todoethemgood,andtosavethem;asinRom.9.11.13.Secondly,theeffectsthemselvesofhisloveorgoodwill,whethertheybetemporall,concerningthislife,oreternall,concerningthelifetocome;asinthe1John3.1.Thirdly,thepleasureanddelightwhichhetakethinthatwhichheloveth,andsoitistakeninPsal.45.7.23.

WhatthingsdothGodlovebesideshimselfe?

BesideshimselfeGodlovethallthingselse,whatsoeverhemade,buthelovethnotsinneandiniquity,forhenevermadeit,asSaintJohnsaith,1John2.16.AgainhelovethhisSonbeingmanifestedintheflesh,andhelovethhischosenchildrenforhisSonssake,withwhomheiswellpleased;Mat.3.lastverse.

[Page]

Obj.1.TheScripturesaiththatGoddothhateallthatworkiniquity,howthencanGodbothhateandloveoneandthesameman?

Ineverywickedmanwemustconsidertwothings:First,Hisnature;Secondly,hissinne.HisnatureistheworkofGod,andthatheloveth,buthisiniquityisnotofGod,andthathehateth.

Obj.2.Goddothafflicthischildren,thereforehedothnotlovethem.

Whomhelovethhecorrecteth,andthereforehecorrecteththembecauseheloveththem,evenasagold-smithtryethhisgoldinthefire,becausehelovethit.

WhetherdothGodloveallalikeorno?

No,hepreferrethmankindbeforeallhisothercreatures,forwhichcauseGodiscalledPhilanthropos,thatis,aloverofmen;andthisappearethbythreeeffectsofhislove.

First,hemadehimaccordingtohisownImage,thatis,inrighteousnesseandtrueholinesse.Gen.1.26.Eph.4.24.

Secondly,hemadehimLordoverallhiscreatures,Psal.8.5,6.

Thirdly,hegavehisownSontodeathforhisransom.

DothGodloveallmenalike?

No,forhelovethhisElectbetterthentheReprobate;for

theElecthecalletheffectuallybyhisSpiritintheirhearts,whenhecallethothersbutbytheoutwardvoyceoftheGospell,&c.

Again,amongsttheElectthemselves,someareactuallywicked,andnotyetreconcilednorcalled,aswasPaulbeforehisconversion;buttherestarecalledandalreadymadeholybyFaithinChrist,asPaulwasafterhisconversion;andofthese,heloveththelattersortwithagreatermeasureoflovethentheformer;astheScripturetestifiethinProv.8.17.

WhatmanneroflovedothGodbearetohiselect?

Ithaththreeadjunctsorproperties;First,itisfreewithoutdesert.

Secondly,itisgreatwithoutcomparison.

Thirdly,itisconstantwithoutanyend.

HowistheloveofGodsaidtobefree?

Itisfreetwowayes:first,becausenothingcausedGodtoloveus,buthisowngoodnesseandgrace,andthereforeSaintJohnsaiththathislovewasbeforeours,1John4.7.

Secondly,itisfree,becauseGodinlovingus,didnotregardanythingthatbelongedtohisowncommodity;forasDavidsaith,hehathnoneedofourgoods,butonelytoourownesalvationhelovedus,Psal.162.

WhereindoththegreatnesseofGodsloveappeartohis

[Page]

Usesof

Godslove.

Elect?

Itappearethtwowayes:First,bythemeaneswhichGodusethtosaveusby,thatis,thedeathofhisSon,andsoJohnsettethforthhislove,1John3.16.whenhesaith,[...],thatis,asifheshouldsay,sovehemently,soardently,soearnestly,sowonderfullydidheloveus,thatforoursalvationhesparednothisownonlybegottenSon,butgavehimtothedeathoftheCrosseforoursalvation.

WhatelsedothsetforththegreatnesseofGodslovetowardsus?

Theconsiderationofourownselves,forhedidnotonlygivehisonlySontodeathforus,butitwasforusbeinghisenemies;andthiscircumstanceisusedbytheApostletoexpressethesame,Rom.5.7,8.

WherefindyouitwrittenthatGodsloveisconstantandperpetuall?

ThatismanifestlyshewedintheseScripturesfollowing,Hos.11.9.John13.1.Rom.11.29.forGodisunchangeableinhislovewhichishisessenceandnature,andthereforeisGodcalledloveintheScriptures,1John4.8.

WhatusemustwemakeofGodslove?

First,itfillethourheartswithgladness,whenweunderstandthatourGodissoloving,andloveitself,andwhatisthisbutthebeginning

ofeternalllife,ifeternalllifeconsistinthetrueknowledgeofGodasourSaviourChristsaith,John17.3?

Secondly,outoftheknowledgeofthislove,asoutofafountainspringeththeloveofGodandourneighbour;forS.Johnsaith,hethatlovethnot,knowethnotGod,forGodislove,1Joh.4.8.

Thirdly,whenweconsiderthatGodlovethallhiscreatureswhichhemade,itshouldteachusnottoabuseanyofthecreaturestoserveourlustsandbeastlyaffections,forGodwillpunishthemwhichabusehisbeloved,ashepunishedtherichgluttonwhichabusedthecreaturesofGod,Luk.16.

Fourthly,wearetaughttoloveallthecreatures,eventhebasestofall,seeingthatGodloveththem,andforthelovehebearethtous,hemadethem,andwemust(ifwelovethemforGodssake)usethemsparingly,moderately,andequallyorjustly;tothisendwearecommandedtoletourcattellrestupontheSabbathdayaswellasourselves;tothisendweareforbiddentokillthedammeuponhernest,andtothisendweareforbiddentomuslethemouthoftheOxewhichtreadethouttheCorn,Deut.25.4.1Cor.9.9.

Fiftly,wearetaughtfromhencetolovemankindbetterthenallothercreatures,becauseGoddothso;andthereforewemustnotspareanythingthatwehavethatmaymakeforthesafetyofhisbody,andthesalvationofhissoul.Andforthiscausewearecommandedtoloveourenemies,andtodothemgood,becauseourgoodGoddothso.

Ofthe

mercyof

God.

Sixtly,fromGodslovewelearntopreferrethegodlybrethrenandthosethatprofessesincerelythesamereligionthatweprofesse,beforeothermen,becauseGodsloveisgreatertohiselectthentothereprobate,andthisdoththeApostleteachus,Gal.6.10.

Seventhly,whereasGodsloveisfreelybestoweduponus,thisteachethustobehumble,andtoattributenopartofoursalvationtoourselves,butonlytothefreeloveofGod.

Eightly,fromhenceariseththecertaintyofoursalvation;forifGodslovewassofree&greatwhenwewerehisenemies,muchmorewillitbesoandconstantalsotousbeingreconciledtoGodbyJesusChrist,Rom.5.10.

WhatisthemercyofGod?

Itishismindandwillalwaysmostreadytosuccourhimthatisinmisery;oranessentiallpropertyinGod,wherebyheismeerlyreadyofhimselftohelphiscreaturesintheirmiseries,Esa.30.18.Lam.3.22.Exod.33.19.

Whyaddeyouthiswordmeerly?

ToputadifferencebetweenthemercyofGodandthemercythatisinmen,fortheirmercyisnotwithoutsomepassion,compassion,orfellow-feelingofthemiseriesofothers,butthemercyofGodismostperfectandeffectuall,readytohelpatallneedsofhimself.

[Page]Butseeingmercyisgriefandsorrowofmindconceivedatanothersmiseries,howcanitbeproperlyattributedtoGodinwhomarenopassionsnorgriefs?

Indeedinusmercymaybesuchathing,butnotinGod;mercywasfirstinGod,andfromhimwasderivedtous,andsoheiscalledtheFatherofmercies,2Cor.1.3.andwhenitcametous,itwasmatchedwithmanyinfirmitiesandpassions,butitisimproperlyattributedtoGodfromourselvesasthoughitwerefirstinus.

Declarethenbrieflywhatthingsofperfectionaresignifiedbythisword[mercy]inGod?

Bythenameof[mercy]twothingsaresignifiedinGodproperly.First,themindandwillreadytohelpandsuccour.Secondly,thehelpitself,andsuccourorpitythatisthenshewed.

WhereintheScriptureismercytakenthefirstway?

ThoseplacesofScripturearesotobeunderstoodwhereinGoddothcallhimselfmercifull;andsaith,thatheisofmuchmercy;thatis,heisofsuchanatureasismostreadytofreeusfromourevils.

Whereisittakenintheothersensefortheeffectsofmercy?

InRom.9.15.whereitissaid,Godwillhavemercyonwhomheewillhavemercy;thatis,hewillcallwhomhewillcall;heewilljustifiewhomheewill;heewillpardon

whomhewill;andwilldeliverandsavefromalltheirmiseriesandevilswhomhewill;andthesebetheeffectsofGodsmercies.Again,inExod.20.6.itissotaken.

FromwhencespringeththismercyofGod?

TheessenceandbeeingofGodismostsimplewithoutanymixtureorcomposition;andthereforeinhimtherearenotdiversqualitiesandvertuesastherebeinus,whereofonedependethuponanother,oronediffersfromanother,butforourcapacityandunderstanding,theScripturespeakethofGodasthoughitwereso,thatsowemaythebetterperceivewhatmannerofGod,andhowgoodourGodis.

Wellthen,seeingtheScripturesdoespeaksoforourunderstanding,letushearwhereofthismercycommeth.

Thecauseisnotinus,butonlyinGodhimself,andmercyinGoddothspringoutofhisfreelovetowardsus.

WhydoeyousayoutofthefreeloveofGod?aretheremorelovesinGodthenone?

TherearetwokindsofloveinGod:oneiswherewiththeFatherloveththeSon,andtheSontheFather,andwhichtheholyGhostbearethtowardsboththeFatherandtheSon;andthisloveIcallthenaturallloveofGod,sothattheonecannotbutlovetheother;butthelovewherewithhelovethusisvoluntary,notbeingconstrainedthereunto,andthereforeiscalledthefreeloveofGod,andthereofitcommethtopassethatmercyisalsowhollyfree,thatis,withoutrewardorhopeofrecompence,andexcludethall

[Page]

merit.

HowproveyouthatthemercyofGodarisethoutofhislove?

ThattheloveofGodisthecauseofhismercy,itismanifestintheScriptures,1Tim.1.2.PaulsalutethTimothyinthisorder,Grace,mercyandpeacefromGodtheFather,andfromtheLordJesusChrist,toshewthatthatpeacewhichtheworldcannotgive,themercyofGodisthecauseofit,andthecauseofhismercyishisgrace,andhisgraceisnothingelsebuthisfreefavourandlovetowardsus.ThesameorderdothPaulobserveinTitus3.4,5.wherehesaith,whenthegoodnesseandloveofGodourSaviourappearethnotbytheworksofrighteousnesse,whichwehaddone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedus.First,hesetsdownthegoodnesseofGodasthecauseofhislove.Secondly,hisloveasthecauseofhismercy.Andthirdly,hismercyasthecauseofoursalvation;andoursalvationastheeffectofall:andthereforethereisnothinginuswhichmaymovetheLordtoshewmercyuponus,butonlybecauseheisgoodnesseitselfbynature;andtothisdoththePsalmistbearwitnesse,Psal.100.5.saying,thattheLordisgood,hismercyiseverlasting,andhistruthisfromgenerationtogeneration.

TowardswhomisthemercyofGodextendedorshewed?

FortheopeningofthispointwearetoconsiderthatthemercyofGodistwofold:First,generall;Secondly,speciall.GodasaGoddothshewmercygenerallyuponallhis

creaturesbeinginmisery,andchieflytomen,whethertheybejustorunjust,Psal.140.&147.andsodothsuccourthem,eitherimmediatelybyhimself,orelsemediatelybycreatures:asbyAngelsorMen,bytheHeavens,bytheElements,andbyotherlivingcreatures,andthisgenerallmercyofGodisnotextendedtotheeternallsalvationofall,butisonlytemporaryandforawhile.OfthisreadLuk.6.36.

WhatsayyoutothespeciallmercyofGod?

ThatIcallthespeciallmercyofGod,whichGodasamostfreeGodhathshewedtowhomhewould,anddenyedtowhomhewould:andthispertainethonlytotheelect,andthosewhichfearhim,Psal.103.11.forheshewethmercyuponthemtotheireternallsalvation,andthatmostconstantly,whilehedotheffectuallycallthemuntohim-self,whilehedothfreelyandtrulypardontheirsins,andjustifietheminthebloudoftheLambJesusChrist;whilehedothsanctifiethemwithhisgrace,anddothglorifiethemineternalllife:andofthisspeciallmercywemayreadinEph.2.4,5,6.

HowgreatisthemercyofGod?

Itissogreatthatitcannotbeexpressednorconceivedofus:andthatisprovedbytheseScripturesfollowing,Ps.145.9.James2.13.1Cor.11.32.Psal.5710.

HowlongdoththemercyofGodcontinuetowardsus?

AlthoughthemercyofGodbegreatandinfiniteinChrist,

[Page]

Theusesof

Gods

Mercy.

yetforthatmercywhichpardonethoursinsandcallethustofaithandrepentancebytheGospel,thereisnoplaceafterdeath,butonelywhileweliveinthisworld,whichiswarrantedbytheseplacesensuing,Gal.6.10.Letusdoegoodwhilestwehavetime;toshew,thatatimewillcomewhenweshallnotbeabletodoegood.

Apoc.7.17.Befaithfulluntothedeath,andIwillgivetheeaCrownoflife,toshew,thatthetimewhichisgivenuntodeathisatimeofrepentance,andofexercisingoffaithandofworks,butafterdeaththereisnotimebuttoreceiveeitheranimmortallCrownifwehavebeenfaithfull,oreverlastingshameifwehavebeenunfaithfull:Besidesthese,seeApoc.14.13.Mark.9.45.Esa.ult.24.Luk.16.24,25,26.Mat.15.11,12.John9.4.

WhatusesmaywemakeofGodsmercies?

First,itservethtohumbleus;forthegreatermercyisinGod,thegreatermiseryisinus.

Secondly,wemustattributeourwholesalvationuntohismercy.

Thirdly,wemustfleetoGodinallourtroubleswithmostsureconfidence.

Fourthly,wemustnotabuseittothelibertyofthefleshtosin,althoughwemightfindmercywithGodafterdeath,forthemercyofGodspeciallyappertainstothosethatfearhim,Psal.103.11.

Ofthe

Justiceof

God.

Fiftly,themeditationofGodsmerciestowardsusshouldmakeusto

loveGod,Psa.116.1.Luk.7.47.fearGod,Psa.130.4.praiseGod,Ps.86.12,13.&103.2,3,4.

Sixtly,itmustmakeusmercifullonetoanother,Luk.6.36.Matth.18.32,33.

WhatisthejusticeofGod?

ItisanessentiallpropertyinGod,wherebyheisinfinitelyjustinhimself,ofhimself,for,from,byhimselfalone,andnoneother,Psalm.11.7.

Whatistheruleofthisjustice?

Hisownfreewill,andnothingelse,forwhatsoeverhewillethisjust,andbecausehewillethit,thereforeitisjust,notbecauseitisjust,thereforehewillethit,Eph.1.11.Psal.115.3.Mat.20.15.whichalsomaybeappliedtotheotherpropertiesofGod.

Explainthismoreparticularly?

Isay,thatGoddothnotalwaysathingbecauseitisjust,butthereforeanythingisjust,thatisjust,becauseGodwillhaveitso;andyethiswillisjoynedwithhiswisdome:asforexample,Abrahamdidjudgeitamostjust,andrighteousthingtokillhisinnocentson,notbythelaw,forthatdidforbidhim,butonlybecausehedidunderstanditwasthespeciallwillofGod,andheknewthatthewillof

[Page]

Godwasnotonlyjust,butalsotheruleofallrighteousnesse.

Thatweemaythebetterunderstandthisattribute,declareuntomeehowmanymannerofwayesonemaybejustorrighteous.

Threemannerofways;eitherbynature,orbygrace,orbyperfectobedience.

Howmanywaysmayonebejustbynature?

Twoways:First,byhimself,andofhimself,inhisownessenceandbeeing;thuswesay,thatinrespectofthisessentiallrighteousnesse,thereisnonejustbutGodonely,asChristsaith,noneisgoodbutGodonly.

Secondly,derivativelybythebenefitofanother,tobeeithermaderighteous,orbornjust;andinrespectofthisnaturallgiftofrighteousnessewesay,thatinthebeginningAdamwasmadejust,becausehewascreatedjust,andinhiswholenaturewasrighteousandgood,butthisrighteousnessewasderivedfromGod.

Whomdoeyoucalljustbygrace?

AlltheelectwhichareredeemedbythedeathofChrist,andthatintworespects.

First,becausetherighteousnesseofChristisimputeduntothem,&sobygraceandfavourinChristtheirheadtheyarejustbeforeGod.

Secondly,becauseofgraceandfavourtheyareregeneratedbytheholyGhost,bythevertueofwhoseinherentrighteousnesseandholinessetheyaremadeholyandjust,andwhatsoevertheydoebyitisacceptedforjustforChristssake.

WhomdoeyoucalljustandrighteousbyyeeldingperfectandwillingobediencetoGodandhislaw?

NomaninthisworldafterthefallofAdam(Christonlyexcepted)everwas,orcanbejustafterthatmanner.

WhatsayyouofChrist?howwashejust?

OurLordandSaviourJesusChristismostperfectlyjustandrighteouseverymannerofway.

First,asheisGodheisinhisownessence,ofhimself,andby1himselfmostjust,evenastheFatheriseternallrighteousnesseitself.

Secondly,ashewasManhewasjustbynature,becausehewas2conceivedwithoutsinne,andsowasbornejustandrighteous.

Thirdly,byvertueofhisunionwithhisdivinenature,whichiseternall3righteousnesseitself,heismostjust.

Fourthly,byreceivingthegiftsoftheholyGhostwithoutmeasure4heismostjust,Psal.45.7.

Fiftly,hedidmostperfectlyobeythelawofGod,andkeptitmost5absolutely,thereforethatwayalsoheismost

justandrighteous.

Whatconcludeyouuponallthis?

ThatforasmuchasGodonelyisinhisownessenceandnaturebyhimself,andofhimself,eternalljusticeandrighteousnesse,thereforethisattributeofjusticeorrighteousnessedothmostproperlyagreetoGod.

InhowmanythingsisGodjust?

Inthreethings:

First,inhisWill.

Secondly,inhisWord.

Thirdly,inhisWorks.

WhatmeanyouwhenyousaythatGodisjustinhisWill?

Thatwhatsoeverhewillethisjust,hiswill(ashathbeendeclared)beingtheruleofjustice.

WhatmeanyouwhenyousaythatGodisjustinhisWord?

Thatwhatsoeverhespeakethisjust.

WhatarethepartsofGodsWord?

Four:First,theHistory,whichisalltrue.1

Secondly,thePreceptsandtheLaws,whichareperfect.2

[Page]

Thirdly,PromisesandThreatnings,whichareaccomplished.3

Fourthly,HymnesandSongs,whicharepure,andholy,andundefiled.4

InwhatrespectisGodjustinhisWord?

First,hespeakethashethinketh.

Secondly,hedothbothashespeakethandthinketh.

Thirdly,thereisnopartofhisWordcontrarytoanother.

Fourthly,heloveththosethatspeakthetruth,andhateththosethatareliers.

WhataretheWorksofGod?

1.Hiseternalldecreewherebyhehathmostjustlydecreedallthings,andthecircumstancesofallthingsfromalleternity.2.Thejustexecutionthereofintime.

WhatjusticedothGodshewherein?

Bothhisdisposingandhisrewardingjustice.

WhatisGodsdisposingjustice?

ThatbywhichheasamostfreeLordorderethallthingsinhisactionsrightly,Psal.145.17.

Inwhatactionsdoththatappear?

First,hehathmostjustlyandperfectlycreatedallthingsofnothing.

Secondly,hehathmostwisely,justly,andrighteouslydisposedallthingsbeingcreated.

WhatisGodsrewardingjustice?

Thatwherebyherendrethtohiscreaturesaccordingtotheirworks.

Whereindoththatappear?

First,hedothbehold,andapprove,andrewardallgoodinwhomsoever.

Secondly,hedothbehold,detest,andpunishallevillinwhomsoever;towhichjusticebothhisangerandhishatredaretobereferred.

WhatmustweunderstandbyangerinGod?

Notanypassion,perturbation,ortroubleofthemindasitisinus,butthiswordAngerwhenitisattributedtoGodintheScripturessignifieththreethings.

1First,amostcertainandjustdecreeinGodtopunishandavengesuchinjuriesasareofferedtohimself,andtohisChurch;andsoitisunderstood,Joh.3.36.Rom.1.18.

2Secondly,thethreatningthesepunishmentsand

Theusesof

Gods

Justice.

[Page]

revenges,asinPsal.6.1.Hos.11.9.Jonah2.9.

3Thirdly,thepunishmentsthemselves,whichGoddothexecuteuponungodlymen,andthesearetheeffectsofhisanger,orofhisdecreetopunishthem;soitistakeninRom.2.5.Mat.3.7.Eph.5.6.

WhatusemaywemakeofthisAttribute?

First,itteachethusthatangerofitselfisnotsimplyevill,butthenitisgood,whenitissuchastheScriptureattributethtoGod,andcom-mendethtomen;whenitsaith,Beangryandsinnot,Eph.4.26.

Secondly,Godsangerseemethtoraiseusupfromsecurity.

Thirdly,wemustnotbeslothfullwhenweseethesignsofGodswrathcomming,butuseordinarymeanstopreventit.

WhatisthathatredthatisattributedtoGod?

Notanypassion,orgriefofthemindasitisinus,butintheScripturesthesethreethingsaresignifiedthereby.

First,hisdeniallofgoodwillandmercytoeternallsalvation,asRom.9.13.IhavehatedEsau;thatis,rejectedhim,andhavenotvouchsafedhimthatfavourandgracewhichIhavesheweduponJacob;andwealsoaresaidtohatethosethingswhichweneglect,and

uponwhichwewillbestownobenefitnorcredit,butdoeputthembehindotherthings,andthereforeitissaid,Ifanymancomeuntome,andhatenothisfatherandmother,andwifeandchildren,&c.hecannotbemyDisciple;thatis,hethatdothnotputallthesethingsbehindme,andneglectthemforme,sothatthelovewhichhebearethtothem,mustseemtobehatredincomparisonofthelovewhichhemustbeartome;andinthissenseitisproperlyattributedtoGod.

Secondly,thedecreeofGodsjustwilltopunishsin,andthejustpunishmentitselfewhichhehathdecreed,asinPsal.5.6.&Job30.21.Thouturnestthyselfemeerlyagainstme,andartanenemyuntomewiththestrengthofthinehand;thatis,thoudostsosorechastenme,asifthoudidsthateme;andinthissensealsoitisproperlyattributedtoGod,foritisapartofhisJusticetotakepunishmentofsinners.

Thirdly,Godsdispleasure,forthosethingswhichwehatedoedispleaseus,andinthissenseitisalsoproperlyattributedtoGod,foritisthepartofamostjustJudge,todisallowanddetestevill,aswellastoallowandlikethatwhichisgood.

Bywhatreasonmaythisbeconfirmed?

Itisthepropertyofhimthatloveth,tohateanddetestthatwhichiscontrarytohimselfe,andthatwhichheloveth.Forlovecannotbewithouthiscontraryofhatred;andasthereforetheloveofgoodthingsdothproperlyagreetoGod;sodothalsothehatredofevillthings,as

theyareevillthings.

Secondly,itismanifestbyDavid,thatitisnolessevertuetohatetheevill,thenitistolovethegood;andthishatredofsinneasitisavertue,andperfecthatredcannotbeinusbutbythegraceofGod;foreverygoodgiftisfromabove,&c.andtherecanbenogoodthinginus,butitisfirstinGodafteramoreperfectmannerthenitisinus.

Whatarewetolearnthereby?

First,thatitisagreatvertue,andacceptabletoGodtohatewickednesse,andwickedmenthemselves,notastheyaremen,butastheyarewicked;andasDaviddid,Psal.139.21,22.AndwearenolesseboundtohatetheenemiesofGod,astheyarehisenemies,thentoloveGod,andthosethatlovehim.Andifwedoeso,thenwemustalsofleetheircompany,andhavenofriendshiporfellowshipwiththem.

Secondly,thatwemustdistinguishbetwixtmenspersonsandtheirsins,andnottohatethepersonsofmen,becausetheyarethegoodcreaturesofGod,buttheirsinneswemusthateeverydaymoreandmore,2Thess.3.6.14,15.

HavingspokenoftheessenceandtheessentiallproprietiesofGod,tellmenowhowmanyGodsarethere?

ThereisonelyoneGod,andnomore.

HowmaythisunityoftheGodheadbeproved?

[Page]

ByexpressetestimoniesofGodsword;byreasonsgroundedthereon;andbynatureitselfeguidingallthingstooneprinciple.

WhatexpressetestimoniesofGodswordhaveyouforthis?

Deut.6.4.HeareIsrael,theLordourGodisoneLord:sointhe1Sam.2.2.Psal.18.31.Esa.44.6.&46.9.Mark.12.29.32.1Cor.8.4.6.

WhatreasonshaveyoutoprovethatthereisbutoneGod?

First,wearechargedtogiveuntoGodallourheart,andallourstrength,andalloursoule.Deut.6.4,5.Mark.12.29,30.Ifonemusthaveall,thereisnoneleftforanyother.

Secondly,Godisthechiefestgood,Psal.144.15.thefirstcause,andthehighgovernourofallthings,Acts17.28.Psal.19.1.buttherecanbebutonesuch.

Thirdly,thelightofreasonsheweththattherecanbenomorebutonethatisinfinite,independentandAlmighty:ifGodbeinfiniteandomnipotentthatdothallthings,therecanbebutone,foralltherestmustbeidle.

Howdothnatureguideallthingstooneprinciple?

Thewholecourseoftheworldtendethtooneend,andtooneunity,whichisGod.

Howcanthatbe,whentherebesomanysundrythingsofdiverskindsandconditions,andonecontrarytoanother?

Thatistrueindeed,butyettheyalltogetherserveoneGod.

Isthatpossible,canyougiveaninstancethereof,insomefamiliarresemblance?

Yea,verywell;inafieldtherearediversbattells,diversstandards,sundryliveries,andyetallturnheadwithoneswayatonce,bywhichweknowthatthereisoneGenerallofthefieldwhichcommandsthemall.

WhatmakesthistoconfirmyourassertionthatthereisbutoneGodoversomanydiversandcontrarythingsintheworld?

Yes,forevensointheworldweseediversthingsnotonelikeanother;forsomearenoble,somearebase,somehot,somecold,somewell,somelame,yetallservetothegloryofGodtheirmaker,andthebenefitofman,andtheaccomplishmentofthewholeworld.

Andwhatgatheryoufromallthis?

ThatthereisbutoneGodwhichcommandeththemall,liketheGenerallofafield.

IfoneGodbetheAuthourofall,whyaretheresomanypoysonsandnoysomebeasts?

Theywerenotcreatednoysomeandhurtfullatthefirst,butthesinneofAdambroughtthecurseuponthecreatures,Genes.3.17.18.

[Page]

Secondly,althoughGodhathcursedthecreaturesformanssinne,yetinhismercyheedothsodisposeandorderthemthattheyareprofitableforus,forpoysonsweeusethemforPhysick,andtheskinsofwildbeastsserveagainstthecold,&c.

Thirdly,themosthurtfullthingsthataremightbenefitusifweknewhowtousethem;andwhereastheyannoyus,itisnotoftheirownnaturesomuchasofourignorance.

Andwhatdoeyouconcludebyallthis?

Thattheyhavenottwobeginnings,onegoodandanotherbad,assomewouldimagine,butoneAuthourthereof,whichisGodhimselfe,alwayesmostgoodandgracious.

IftherebebutoneonelyGod,howisitintheScripturethatmanyarecalledGods,1Cor.8.5.asMosesiscalledPharaohsGod,Exod.7.1.andMagistratesarecalledGods,Psal.82.6.asIdols,andthebelly,Phil.3.19.yea,andtheDevillhimselfeiscalledGodofthisworld,2Cor.4.4?

ThenameElohimorGod,issometimesimproperlygiventootherthings,eitherastheyparticipateofGodhiscommunicableattributes,asinthetwofirstinstances;orastheyareabusivelysetupbymanintheplaceofGod(asintheother;)butproperlyitsignifiethhim,whoisbynatureGod,andhathhisbeeingnotfromanythingbuthimself,andallotherthingsarefromhim,andinthissenseuntousthereisbutoneGodandLord,1Cor.8.6.untowhomtherefore,thenameJehovahisinScripture

incommunicablyappropriated.

WhythenareMagistratescalledGods?

Forfourecauses:first,toteachusthatsuchmustbechosentobeare1rule,whichexcellothersingodlinesse,likeGodsamongmen.

Toencouragethemintheiroffices,andtoteachthemthatthey2shouldnotfearethefacesofmen;likeGods,whichfearenothing.

ToshewhowGoddothhonourthem,andhowtheymusthonour6Godagain,forwhentheyrememberhowGodhathinvestedthemwithhisownname,itshouldmakethemashamedtoservetheDevillortheworld,ortheirownaffections;andmovethemtoexecuteJudgmentjustly,asifGodhimselfewerethere.

ToteachustoobeythemaswewouldobeyGodhimselfe,forhe4whichcontemneththem,contemnethGodhimselfe;Rom.13.2.andwemustnotdishonourthose,whomGoddothhonour.

WhyareIdolscalledGods?

Notbecausetheyaresoindeed,butbecauseIdolatershavesuchanopinionofthem.

WhyisthebellycalledaGod?

BecausesomemakemorethereofthenofGodandhisworship,forallthattheycandoeandgetislittleenough

[Page]

Ofthe

Trinity

fortheirbellies,andwhentheyshouldserveGod,theyservetheirbelliesandbeastlyappetites.

AndwhyistheDevillcalledtheGodofthisworld.

BecauseofthegreatpowerandSoveraigntywhichisgivenhimoverthewicked,whomGodhathnotchosenoutofthisworld.

TherebeingbutonesimpleandindividedGodhead,towhomdoththisdivinenaturebelong?isittobeattributedtoone,ortomanypersons?

WemustacknowledgeandadorethreedistinctpersonssubsistingintheunityoftheGodhead.

ButdoeyounotbeleevetheGodheadistobedivided,whilstyoubeleevethatinoneGodarethreepersons?

No,notdividedintodiversessences,butdistinguisheduntodiverspersons,forGodcannotbedividedintoseverallnatures,norintoseverallparts;andthereforemustthepersonswhichsubsistinthatoneessencebeonelydistinctandnotseparateonefromanother,asintheexampleoftheSun,thebeamesandtheheat.

WhatbethoseresemblancesthatarecommonlybroughttoshadowoutuntousthemysteryoftheTrinity?

1First,theSunbegettethhisownbeams,andfromthenceproceedslightandheat,andyetisnoneofthembefore

another,otherwisetheninconsiderationoforderandrelation,thatistosay,thatthebeamsarebegottenofthebodyoftheSun,andthelightandheatproceedfromboth.

2Secondly,fromoneflameoffireproceedbothlightandheat,andyetbutonefire.

3Thirdly,inwatersthereisthewell-headandthespringboylingoutofit,andthestreamflowingfromthemboth,andallthesearebutonewater;andsotherearetherepersonsinoneGodhead,yetbutoneGod.

4Fourthly,inmantheunderstandingcomethfromthesoul,andthewillfromboth.

Mayitbecollectedbynaturallreason,thatthereisaTrinityofPersonsintheVnityoftheGodhead?

No,foritisthehighestmysteryofDivinity,andtheknowledgethereofismostpropertoChristians,fortheTurkesandJewesdoeconfesseoneGodhead,butnodistinctionofpersonsinthesame.

Howcomewethenbytheknowledgeofthismystery?

GodhathrevealeditintheholyScripturesuntothefaithfull.

Whathavewetolearnofthis?

1ThatthosearedeceivedwhothinkthismysteryisnotsufficientlydeliveredintheScripture,butdependethuponthetraditionoftheChurch.

2ThatsiththisisawonderfullmysterywhichtheAngelsdoeadore,weshouldnotdaretospeakanythinginitfartherthenwehavewarrantoutofthewordofGod,yea,wemusttyeourselvesalmosttotheverywordsoftheScripture,lestinsearchingweexceedandgoetoofarre,andsobeoverwhelmedwiththeglory.

HowdothitappearintheholyScripture,thatthethreePersonsareofthatdivinenature?

1Bythedivinenamesthatitgivethtothem;asJehovah,&c.

2Byascribingdivineattributesuntothem;asEternity,Almightinesse,&c.

3Byattributingdivineworksuntothem,ascreation,sustentation,andgoverningofallthings.

4Byappointingdivineworshiptobegivenuntothem.

WhatspeciallproofesoftheTrinityhaveyououtoftheoldTestament?

1First,theFatherissaidbyhiswordtohavemadetheworld,theHolyGhostworkingandmaintainingthem,asitwere,sittinguponthem,asthehendothontheeggesshehatcheth,Gen.1.2,3.

2Gen.1.26.TheTrinityspeakethintheplurallnumber,LetusmakemaninourImageafterourlikenesse.

3Gen.19.24.JehovahissaidtorainuponSodomfrom

[Page]Jehovahoutofheaven,thatis,theSonnefromtheFather,ortheHolyGhostfromboth.

2Sam.23.2.TheSpiritofJehovah,(ortheLord)spakebyme,and4hisWordbymytongue;thereisJehovahtheFatherwithhisWord(orSonne)andSpirit.

Prov.30.4.Whatishisname,andwhatishisSonnesname,ifthou5cansttell?

Isa.6.3.TheAngelsinrespectofthethreePersonsdoecrythree6times,Holy,Holy,Holy.

Isa.42.1.BeholdmyservantwhomIuphold,mineelectinwhom7mysouledelighteth,IhaveputmySpirituponhim.

Hag.2.5.TheFatherwiththeWordandhisSpiritmakeaCovenant.8

WhataretheproofesoutofthenewTestament?

Asallotherdoctrines,sothisistheremorecleare,asMatth.3.16.117.attheBaptismeofChristtheFatherfromheavenwitnessethoftheSonne,theHolyGhostappearinginthelikenesseofaDove;JohnBaptistsawtheSonneinhisassumednaturegoingoutofthewater,(thereisonePerson)hesawtheHolyGhostdescendinglikeaDoveuponhim,thereisanotherPerson,andheheardavoycefromheavensaying,ThisismybelovedSon,thereisathirdPerson.

Matth.17.5.Atthetransfiguration,theFatherinlikemannerspeaketh2ofhisSon.

Matth.28.19.WearebaptizedintothenameoftheFather,the3SonandtheHolyGhost.

John14.16.26.&15.26.&16.13,14,15.TheFatherand4SonpromisetosendtheHolyGhost.

Luke1.35.TheHolyGhostshallcomeuponthee;andthepower5oftheHighestshallover-shadowthee,thereforethatholythingwhichshallbebornofthee,shallbecalledtheSonofGod.

Acts2.33.ThereforebeingbytherighthandofGodexalted,and6havingreceivedoftheFatherthepromiseoftheHolyGhost,hehathshedforththiswhichyounowseeandheare.

2Cor.13,14.ThegraceofourLordJesusChrist,andtheloveof7God,andthecommunionoftheHolyGhostbewithyouall.

Gal.4.6.GodhathsentforththeSpiritofhisSonintoyourhearts.8

Tit.3.4,5,6.Godsavedusbythewashingofthenewbirth,and9renewingoftheHolyGhost,whichheshedonusabundantlythroughJesusChristourSaviour.

WhatclearproofhaveyouthatthesethreearebutoneGod,andsothatthereisaTrinityinVnity?

[Page]

1Joh.5.7.Itisexpreslysaid,therearethreethatbearRecordinheaven,theFather,theWord,andtheHolyGhost;andthesethreeareone.

WhatlearnyouofthattheApostlesaiththeyarethree?

WeelearnethatthewordTrinityalthoughitbeenotexpreslysetdownintheword,yetithathcertainegroundfromthence.

Whatlearnyouofthatthattheyaresaidtobethreewitnesses?

ThesingularfruitthatisintheTrinityofpersonsinoneunityoftheGodhead,wherebygreatassuranceisbroughtuntousofallthingsthatGodspeakethinpromiseorthreat,seeingitisallconfirmedbythreewitnesses,againstwhomnoexceptionlyeth.

Whataretheysaidheretowitnesse?

ThatGodhathgiveneternalllifeuntous,andthatthislifeisinthathisSonne,1John5.11.

Howarethesebeingthree,saidtobebutone?

Theyareoneinsubstance,beeing,oressence,butthreepersonsdistinctinsubsistence,Acts20.28.1Cor.12.4,5.Deut.6.4.Mark.12.32.1Cor.8.4,5,6.Joh.14.16.&15.26.&17.1.

Ifthreepersonsamongmenbepropoundedwhereofeveryoneisaman,canitbesaidthatthesethreearebutone

Whata

personin

theTrinity

is.

Vide

Melanch-

thonloc.

com.

man?

No,butwemustnotmeasureGodsmattersbythemeasureofreason,muchlessethiswhichofallothersisamysteryofmysteries.

Forthebetterunderstandingofthismystery,declareuntomewhatapersonisingenerall,andthenwhatapersonintheTrinityis.

Ingenerall,apersonisoneparticularthingindivisible,incommunicable,living,reasonable;subsistinginitselfe,nothavingpartofa-nother.

Shewmethereasonoftheparticularbranchesofthisdefinition.

1Isaythatapersonisfirstoneparticularthing,becausenogenerallnotionisaperson.

2Indivisible,becauseapersonmaynotbedividedintomanyparts.

3Incommunicable,becausethoughonemaycommunicatehisnaturewithone,hecannotcommunicatehispersonshipwithanother.

4Livingandreasonable,becausenodeadorunreasonablethingcanbeaperson.

5Subsistinginitself,toexcludethehumanityofChristfrombeingaperson.

6Nothavingpartofanother,toexcludethesouleofmanseparatedfromthebody,frombeingaperson.

WhatisapersonintheTrinity?

ItiswholeGodnotsimplyorabsolutelyconsidered,butbywayofsomepersonallproprieties,itisamannerofbeingintheGodhead,oradistinctsubstance,notaquality,assomehavewickedlyimagined,fornoqualitycancleavetotheGodhead,havingthewholeGodheadinit,Joh.11.22.&14.9.16.&15.1.&17.21.Col.2.3.9.

InwhatrespectaretheycalledPersons?

Becausetheyhaveproperthingstodistinguishthem.

Howisthisdistinctionmade?

Itisnotinnature,butinrelationandorder.

DeclarethentheorderofthepersonsoftheblessedTrinity.

ThefirstinorderistheFather,thenthosethatcomefromtheFather,theSonnewhoisthesecond,andtheholyGhostwhoisthethirdpersoninTrinity.

Howarethesethreedistinguishedbyorderandrelation?

TheFatherisofhimselfaloneandofnoother,theSonisoftheFatheralonebegotten,theholyGhostisoftheFatherandtheSonproceeding;andtheFatheriscalledaFatherinrespectoftheSon,theSoninrespectoftheFather,the

[Page]

Ofthe

Fatherthe

firstPerson

oftheTri-

nity.

holyGhostinrespectthatheproceedethfromtheFatherandtheSon;buttheoneisnottheother,asthefountainisnotthestream,northestreamthefountain,butaresocalledoneinrespectofanother,andyetallbutonewater.

WhatthenistheFather?

ThefirstpersonoftheTrinity,whohathhisbeeingandfoundationofpersonallsubsistencefromnoneother,andhathbycommunicationofhisessenceeternallybegottenhisonlySonofhimself,Joh.5.27.&14.11.&20.17.Psal.2.7.Heb.1.3.

HowisitprovedthattheFatherisGod?

ByexpressetestimoniesoftheScriptures,andbyreasondrawnfromthesame.

Whatarethoseexpressetestimonies?

John17.3.ThisislifeeverlastingtoknowtheetobetheonlyGod.Rom.1.7.GraceandpeacefromGodtheFather.Eph.1.3.BlessedbeGodtheFatherofourLordJesusChrist,&c.

WhatarethereasonsdrawnfromthewordofGod?

Thatwearebiddentopraytohim,Mat.6.6.9.thatherevealeththemysteries,Mat.11.25.27.sufferethhisSontoshine,&c.Mat.5.45.

HowisitshewedthathebegathisSonofhimself?

Inthatheiscalledthebrightnesseofhisglory,andtheengravenformofhisperson,Heb.1.3.andinthathisgenerationbeingfrometernity,therewasnocreaturewhomightbegethim.

InwhatrespectsishecalledtheFather?

1t.InrespectofhisnaturallSonJesusChrist,begottenofhisownnatureandsubstance,Mat.11.27.1Joh.1.14.1Joh.4.14.whenceheiscalledtheFatherofourLordJesusChrist,Eph.1.3.2lyInrespectofhisadoptedsonneswhomhehathchosentobeheirsofheaventhroughthemediationofhisnaturallSonJesusChrist,Ephes.3.14.John1.12.Rom.8.14,15.Mat.6.9.forasheisbynaturetheFatherofChrist,soishebygracetousthatbeleeveourFatheralso.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

TohonourandobeyhimasaFather,andtobefollowersofGodasdearchildren,Mal.1.6.1Pet.1.14.Eph.5.1.

WhatothernamesaregivenintheScripturetothefirstPerson?

TheFatherspakemostcommonlyintheoldTestament,forintheselasttimeshehathspokenbyhisSon,andheiscalledbythesenames.

Jehovah;thatis,IamthatIam,withoutbeginningor

[Page]

Ofthe

other

Personsof

theTrinity

ingenerall.

ending.Esa.142.8.

Elohim;thatis,mightyandstrong.2

Adonah;thatis,Judge,orinwhoseJudgementwerest.3

LordofHosts,becausehehathAngelsandmen,andallcreatures4atcommandtofightforhim,1Kings19.14.

TheGodofJacoborofIsrael,becausehemadeapromisetoAbraham,5thathewouldbehisGod,andtheGodofhisseed,andtheIsraelitesweretheseedofAbraham,Act.3.13.

HithertooftheFather;doetheotherPersonsthatareoftheFatherreceivetheiressenceorGodheadfromhim?

Theydoe,forhowsoeverinthistheyagreewiththeFather,thattheessencewhichisinthemisofitselfeuncreatedandunbegotten,yethereinlieththedistinctionthattheFatherhathhisessenceinhimself,ororiginally,andfromnoneother;theSonandtheholyGhosthavetheself-sameuncreatedandunbegottenessenceinthemselvesaswellastheFather,(otherwisetheyshouldhavehadnotrueGodhead)butnotfromthemselves.EssentiaFiliiestàseipso,&hacrationedicipotestAutotheos,personatamenFiliinonestàseipso,ideoquenonpotesthacrationediciAutotheos:personaenimejusgenitaestàPatreaccipiendoabeoessentiamingenitam;thatis,theessenceoftheSonisofhimself,andforthiscausehemaybesaidtobeGodofhimself;

Ofthe

second

Personin

notwithstandingthepersonoftheSonisnotofhimself,andthereforeforthiscausehecannotbesaidtobeGodofhimself;forhispersonisbegottenoftheFatherbyreceivingfromhimanunbegottenessence.

IfthesePersonsthatcomefromtheFatherhaveabeginning,howcantheybeeternall?

Theyhavenobeginningoftimeorcontinuance,butoforder,ofsubsistenceandoff-spring,andthatfromalleternity.

Areyouabletosetdownthemannerofthiseternalloff-spring?

Wefinditnotrevealedtouchingthemanner;andthereforeourignorancehereinisbetterthenalltheircuriosity,thathaveenterprizedarrogantlythesearchhereof;forifourowngenerationandframeinourmotherswombbeaboveourcapacity,Ps.139.14,15.itisnomarvellifthemysteryoftheeternallgenerationoftheSonofGodcannotbecomprehended.Andifthewindewhichisbutacreaturebesohardtoknow,thatamanknowethnotfromwhenceitcommeth,andwhitheritgoeth,John3.8.itisnomarvelliftheproceedingoftheholyGhostbeunsearchable.

ThusmuchingeneralltouchingthePersonswhichcomefromtheFather:NowinspeciallwhatistheSon?

ThesecondPersonoftheTrinity,havingthe

theTrinity.foundationofpersonallsubsistencefromtheFatheralone,ofwhombycommunicationofhisessenceheisbegottenfromalleternity,Joh.5.26.Psalm.2.7.Prov.8.22,&c.Prov.30.4.

Whatnamesaregivenuntohiminthisrespect?

First,theonlybegottenSonofGod,Joh.1.14.&3.18.becauseheisonlybegottenofthenatureandsubstanceoftheFather.

Secondly,first-begotten,Heb.1.6.Rom.8.29.notasthoughtheFatherbegatanyafter,butbecausehebegatnonebefore.

Thirdly,theImageandbrightnesseofhisFathersglory,Heb.1.3.becausethegloryoftheFatherisexpressedintheSon.

ButwhyishecalledtheWord?1Joh.5.7.&John1.1.

HeiscalledtheWord,orspeech,forsodothLogosmoreproperlysignifie.

First,becauseasspeechisthebirthofthemind,soistheSonofhisFather.

Secondly,asamanrevealeththemeaningoftheheartbythewordsofhismouth,soGodrevealethhiswordbyhisSon,Joh.1.18.Heb.1.2.

Thirdly,heissooftenspokenof,andpromisedintheScriptures,andisinamannerthewholesubjectofthe

[Page]

Scriptures,Joh.1.45.

HowproveyouthattheSonisGod?

HeisintheScripturesexpreslycalledGod,andJehovah,andlikewisetheessentiallproperties,theworks&actionsofGodaregiventohim,Esa.9.6.&25.9.Zach.2.10,11.Prov.1.22.Joh.1.1.&20.28.Rom.9.5.Phil.1.6.Heb.1.8.10.1John5.20.

HowdoeyouproveitbyhisWorks?

HisworksweresuchasnonecoulddoebutGod;for,

hemadetheworld,whichnonecoulddoebutGod,Heb.2.2.1

Heforgavesins,whichnonecandoebutGod,Mat.9.2.2

HegiveththeholyGhost,whichnonecandobutGod,Joh.15.26.3

HemaintainethhisChurch,whichhecouldnotdoeifhewerenot4God,Eph.4.11,12.

CanyouprovetheSontobeGodbycomparingtheoldTestament▪andtheNewtogether?

Yes;forwhattheoldTestamentspeaksofJehovah,whichisGod,thatthenewTestamentappliethtoChrist;as,

First,Davidsaith,Jehovahwentuponhigh,andledCaptivitycaptive,Psal.68.16.PaulappliethittoChrist,

Eph.4.18.

Secondly,thePsalmistsaith,Jehovahwastempted,Psalm.95.9.whichPaulappliethtoChrist,1Cor.10.9.

Thirdly,Esaysaith,Jehovahisthefirstandthelast,Psal.41.4.thisisalsoappliedtoChrist,Apoc.21.6.

Fourthly,Esaysaith,Jehovahwillnotgivehisglorytoanyotherthentohimself,Esa.42.8.butitisgiventoChrist,Heb.1.6.thereforeChristisJehovah.

FortheunderstandingofthegenerationoftheSon,shewmethediversmannersofbegetting.

Thereistwomannersofbegetting:theoneiscarnallandoutward;andthisissubjecttocorruption,alterationandtime;theotherisspirituall,andinward,aswasthebegettingoftheSonofGod,inwhosegenerationthereisneithercorruption,alteration,nortime.

DeclarethenafterwhatmannerthisspirituallgenerationoftheSonofGodwas,andyetinsobriety,accordingtotheScriptures.

Forthebetterfindingoutofthismystery,wemustconsiderinGodtwothings:First,thatinGodthereisanunderstanding,Psal.139.2.Secondly,wemustconsiderhowthisunderstandingisoccupiedinGod.

DeclareafterwhatmanneritisinGod.

Thisunderstandingishisverybeeing,andiseverlastingly,

[Page]

andmostperfectlyoccupiedinGod.

WhereupondothGodsunderstandingwork?

Uponnothingbutitself,andthatIprovebyreason,forGodbeinginfiniteandallinall,itcannotmeetwithanythingbuthimself.

WhatworkdoththisunderstandinginGodeffect?

Itdothunderstandandconceiveitself:forasinaglasseamandothconceiveandbegetaperfectimageofhisownface,soGodinbeholdingandmindingofhimself,dothinhimselfbegetamostperfectandmostlivelyimageofhimself,whichisthatintheTrinitywhichwecalltheSonofGod.

WheredoeyoufindethattheSonneiscalledtheperfectImageofGod?

Heb.1.3.Heiscalledthebrightnesseofhisglory,andtheengravenformofhisPerson,whichisallone.

WhatmeanyoubyengravenImage?

Thataswaxuponasealhaththeengravenformeoftheseal,sotheSonneofGodwhichhisFatherhathbegottenofhisownunderstanding,istheveryformofhisFathersunderstanding,sothatwhentheoneisseen,theotherisseenalso.

WhythenheisVnderstandingitself,forsoishisFather?

Yea,heisso,andhesaithsoofhimself;IhaveCounsellandWisdome,IamUnderstanding,Prov.8.14.

Butwherefindeyouthathewasbegotten?

Hesaithsohimself,inthenameofWisdome,inthesewords,WhentherewasnodepthsthenwasIbegotten,beforetheMountainsandHilsweresetledwasIbegotten,Prov.8.24,25.

Yea,hewasmadetheSonofGodwhenhewasbornoftheVirginMary;washenot?

HewasindeedthentheSonofGod,buthewasnotthenmadetheSonofGod.

WhenthenwashemadetheSonofGod?

Hewasnevermadeintime,forhewasbegottenofthesubstanceofhisFatherfromalleternitywithoutbeginningorending.

HowproveyouthattheSonofGodwasnotmade,butbegotteneternallyofthesubstanceofhisFather?

Iproveit,first,byscripture,forhesaithnolessehimself;Iwassetupfromeverlasting,fromthebeginningandbeforetheearth,Prov.8.23.andthereforeheprayedthathemightbeglorifiedofhisFatherwiththeglorywhichhehadwithhisFatherbeforetheworld.

Secondly,Iproveitbyreason,forGodsunderstandingiseverlasting,thereforethesecondPersonwhichit

[Page]

begetteth,issotoo;fortheFatherinhisunderstandingdidnotconceiveanythinglessethenhimself,norgreaterthenhimself,butequalltohimself.

AlthoughtheSonneofGodbefromeverlasting,yetheisnotallonewiththeFather,ishe?

Yesthatheis,andyetnotjoynedwithhisFatherinheavenastwoJudgesthatsittogetheronaBench,orasthesealandthewax,assomedoegroslyimagine,buttheyarebothonewithoutparting(John10.30.)ormingling,whereuponIconclude,thatwhatsoevertheFatheris,theSonisthesame,andsoconsequentlythattheybecoeternall,coequall,andcoessentiall.

Menbyreasondoeconceive,andbegetreason,whatdifferenceistherebetweentheconceivingofunderstandinginmen,andtheconceivingofunderstandinginGod?

Thereisgreatdifference;for,first,thisconceivinginmenproceedethofsenseoroutwardimagination,whichisanoutwardthingforreasontoworkupon,aswoodistofire,butGodtheFatherofhimself,begettethandconceivethhimself,andstillinhimself,asJohnsaith,theonlybegottenSonwhichisinthebosomeoftheFather,Joh.1.18.

Secondly,inmen,thethingwhichisunderstood,andtheunderstandingitselfisnotallone,butinGoditisallone.

Whatreasonhaveyouforthis?

Ofthethird

Personin

theTrinity.

Thereasonis,becauseonlyGodisaltogetherlife,andhislifeisaltogetherunderstanding,andhisunderstandingisthehighestdegreeoflife,andthereforehehathhisconceivingandbegettingmostinwardofall.

Whatmeanyouwhenyousaymostinwardofall?

ImeanthattheFatherconceivethofhimself,andinhimself,andhisconceivingisabegetting,andhisbegettingabidethstillinhimself,becausehisunderstandingcannowheremeetwithanything,butthatwhichhehimselfis,andthatisthesecondsubsistenceintheTrinitywhichwecallEverlastingSonofGod.

NowletmehearwhattheholyGhostis,andhowheproceedethfromtheFatherandtheSon.

Fortheunderstandingofthismatterweemustconsidertwothings.

First,thatintheessenceofGodbesideshisunderstandingthereisawill.

Secondly,whatbethepropertiesofthiswillinGod,Esa.46.10.

WhatarethepropertiesofGodswill?

First,itappliethhispowerwhen,where,andhowhethinksgood,accordingtohisownmind.

Secondly,itworketheverlastinglyuponitselfashis

Prov.8.3.

understandingdoth.

Whatdoeyougatherbythis?

Thatbecauseithathnootherthingtoworkuponbutitself,itdothdelightitselfintheinfinitegoodwhichitknowethinitself,fortheactionofthewillisdelightandliking.

Andwhatofthat?

ThatdelightwhichGodorhiswillhathinhisowninfinitegoodnessedothbringforthathirdPersonorsubsistenceinGod,whichwecallTheholyGhost.

WhatisthatsamethirdsubsistenceinGod?

ThemutuallkindnesseandlovingnesseoftheFatherandtheSon.

Whatmeanyoubythismutualllovingnesseandkindnesse?

TheFathertakethjoyanddelightintheSonorhisownImageconceivedbyhisunderstanding,andtheSonlikewiserejoycethinhisFatherashesaithhimself;andthereasonthereofisthis,theactionofthewillwhenitisfulfilledisloveandliking.

Whatresemblancecanyoushewthereofinsomethingthatiscommonlyusedamongstus?

Whenamanlookethinaglasse,ifhesmile,hisimage

[Page]

smilethtoo,andifhetakethdelightinit,ittakeththesamedelightinhim,fortheyarebothone.

Iftheybeallonethentherearenotthreebeeings?

Thefaceisonebeeing,theimageofthefaceinaglasseisanotherbeeing,andthesmilingofthembothtogetherisathirdbeeing;andyetallareinoneface,andallareofoneface,andallarebutoneface.

AndisitsoinGod?

Yea,forevensotheunderstandingwhichisinGodisonebeeing,thereflectionorimageofhisunderstandingwhichhebeholdethinhimselfasinaglasseisasecondbeeing,andtheloveandlikingofthembothtogetherbyreasonofthewillfulfilledisathirdbeeinginGod,andyetallarebutofoneGod,allareinoneGod,andallarebutoneGod.

Whichofthesethreeisfirst?

Thereisneitherfirstnorlast,goingaforeorcommingafter,intheessenceofGod,butalltheseastheyareeverlasting,sotheyareallatonceandatoneinstant,evenasinaglassethefaceandtheimageoftheface,whentheysmile,theysmiletogether,andnotonebefore,notafteranother.

Whatistheconclusionofall?

AswehavetheSonoftheFatherbyhiseverlastingwillinworkingbyhisunderstanding;soalsowehavetheholy

Ghostoftheloveofthembothbythejointworkingoftheunderstandingandwilltogether;whereuponweconcludethreedistinctPersonsorin-beeings(whichwecalltheFather,theSon,andtheholyGhost)inonespirituall,yetunspeakablesubstance,whichisveryGodhimself.

ButwhatifsomewillbeyetmorecurioustoknowhowtheSonofGodshouldbebegotten,andhowtheholyGhostshouldproceedfromtheFatherandtheSon,howmaywesatisfiethem?

Wellenough;forifanywillbetoocuriousaboutthispoint,wemayanswerthemthus,Letthemshewushowthemselvesarebredandbegotten,andthenletthemaskeushowtheSonofGodisbegotten;andletthemtellusthenatureofthespirit,thatbeatethintheirpulses,andthenletthembeinquisitiveatourhandsfortheproceedingoftheholyGhost.

Andwhatiftheycannotgiveusareasonforthemanneroftheirownbeeing,maytheynotbeinquisitiveforthemannerofGodsbeeing?

No;foriftheymustbeconstrainedtobeignorantinsocommonmatterswhichtheydailyseeandfeelinthemselves,letthemgiveusleavetobeignorantnotonlyinthis,butinmanythingsmoewhicharesuchasnoeyehathseen,norearhathheard,norwitofmancanconceive.

LetusnowhearoutoftheScriptureswhattheholyGhostis?

[Page]

HeisthethirdPersonoftheTrinitybycommunicationofessence,eternallyproceedingfromtheFatherandfromtheSon.

AreyouabletoproveoutoftheScripturethattheholyGhostisGod?

Yes;becausethemanypropertiesandactionsofGodarethereingiventohimastotheFatherandtotheSon.

Letushearsomeofthoseproofs.

1t.Gen.1.2.theworkofCreationisattributedtotheSpiritofGod.2ly.Esa.61.1.theSpiritoftheLordGodissaidtobeuponChrist,becausetheLordanointedhim,&c.3ly.1Cor.3.17.and2Cor.6.16.PaulcallethusGodsTemples,becausetheHolyGhostdwellethinus,SaintAugustineinhis66.EpistletoMaximinussaithitisacleareargumentofhisGodhead,ifwewerecommandedtomakehimaTemplebutoftimberandstone,becausethatworshipisduetoGodonly,thereforenowwemustmuchmorethinkthatheisGod,becausewearenotco ̄mandedtomakehimatemple,buttobeatempleforhimourselves.

WhatotherreasonhaveyououtoftheScripture?

PeterreprovingAnaniasforlyingtotheHolyGhost,said,thathe4lyednottomen,buttoGod,Acts5.3,4.

HaveyouanymorereasonsfromtheScripture?

Yea,twomore,onefromSaintPaul,andanotherfromSaintPaulandEsaytogether.

WhatisyourreasonfromSaintPaul?

Whenheshewethhowmanysundrygiftsaregiventomen,hesaith5thatoneandtheselfe-sameSpiritisthedistributerofthemall,thereforeheisGod,fornonecandistributethosegiftswhichPaulspeaksofbutGod,1Cor.12.ver.6.11.

WhatisyourreasonfromEsayandSaintPaultogether?

EsaysaithintheChapter6.9.IheardtheLordspeaking,which6placePaulexpoundethoftheHolyGhost,Acts28.25.

ButhowcanyouproveoutoftheScripturesthattheHolyGhostisGodproceedingfromtheFatherandtheSonne?

First,John15.26.WhentheComforteriscomewhomIwillsenduntoyoufromtheFather,eventhespiritoftruthwhichproceedethfromtheFather,heshalltestifieofme:ThatheproceedethfromtheFatherishereexpreslyaffirmed,thatheeproceedethfromtheSonneisbynecessaryconsequenceimplyed,becausetheSonneissaidtosendhim,asJohn14.26.TheFatherissaidtosendhimintheSonnesname,bywhichsendingtheorderofthepersonsoftheTrinityisevidentlydesigned,becausetheSonneisoftheFather,andtheFatherisnotoftheSonne;thereforewefindinScripturethattheFathersendethhisSonne,butneverthattheSonnesendethhisFather.In

[Page]

likemannerbecausetheHolyGhostproceedethfromtheFatherandfromtheSon,wefindthatboththeFatherandtheSondoesendtheHolyGhost,butneverthattheHolyGhostdothsendeitherFatherorSonne.

Secondly,John16.15.theSonnesaithoftheHolyGhost,allthingsthattheFatherhatharemine,thereforesaidIthatheshalltakeofmine,andshallshewituntoyou.AllthingsthattheFatherhath,theSonnereceivethfromhimascomingfromhim,andsowhatsoevertheHolyGhosthath,hehathitnotofhimselfevers.13.butfromtheSonne,andsofromtheFather,asapersonproceedingaswellfromtheoneasfromtheother.

Thirdly,Gal.4.6.GodhathsentforththeSpiritofhisSonneintoyourhearts:AstheHolyGhostiscalledtheSpiritoftheFather,Esa.48.16.TheLordandhisSpirithathsentme;soisheherealsocalledtheSpiritoftheSon,andRom.8.9.theSpiritofGod,andtheSpiritofChrist.Now,ifthespiritofmaninwhomthereisnoper-fectionbeallonewithman,muchmoretheSpiritoftheFatherisallonewiththeFather,andtheSpiritoftheSonneisallonewiththeSonne,andsotheHolyGhostwiththeFatherandtheSonneisthesameindeity,dignity,eternity,operation,andwill.

WhyisthethirdPersoncalledtheSpirit?

Notonelybecauseheisaspirituall(thatis)animmateriallandpureessence,(forsolikewiseistheFatheraSpirit,andtheSonneaswellashe)butfirstinregardofhisperson,becauseheisspired,andasitwere,breathedboth

fromtheFatherandtheSonne,thatistosay,proceedethfromthemboth.Secondly,inregardofthecreatures,becausetheFatherandtheSonnedoeworkbytheSpirit,whois,asitwere,thebreathofgracewhichtheFatherandtheSonnebreathethoutupontheSaints,blowingfreelywhereitlisteth;andworkingspirituallyformanner,means,andmatter,whereitpleaseth,John20.22.Psal.33.6.John3.8.Acts2.2,3,4.1Cor.2.12,13.

WhyishecalledtheHolyGhost?

NotonelybecauseofhisessentiallholinesseasGod,(forsotheFatherandtheSonnealsoareinfinitelyholyashe)butbecauseheistheauthourandworkerofallholinesseinmen,andthesanctifierofGodschildren.

WhydothnottheFatherandtheSonnesanctifiealso?

Yesverily,buttheydoeitbyhim,andbecausehedothimmediatelysanctify,thereforehehaththetitleofHoly.

WhatothertitlesaregivenuntohiminthewordofGod?

1TheHolyGhost(whoistheSpiritoftheFather)speakingintheoldTestament,haththesenamesandproperties.First,thegood2Spirit,becauseheisthefountainofgoodnesse,Psal.143.10.

3Secondly,theSpiritofGod,becauseheisGod,1Sam.11.6.

Thirdly,thefingerofGod,becauseGodworkethbyhimas

Howto

knowthat

wehave

theSpirit.

Howto

aman4byhishand,Luke11.20.

Fourthly,theComforter,becausehestrengthneththeweakheartsof5hisSaints,John20.26.

Fiftly,thespiritofAdoption,becauseheassurethourhearts,that6webetheadoptedSaintsofGod.Rom.8.15.

Sixtly,thespiritoflove,power,sobriety,wisdome,&c.becauseitworkethallthesethingsinus,2Tim.1.6,7.Esa.11.2.

WhatarethespeciallcomfortswhichthechildrenofGodreceivefromtheholyGhost?

HeisintheirheartsthepledgeofChristspresence,Ioh.14.16,17,18.26.ThewitnesseoftheirAdoption,Rom.8.15,16.Theguideoftheirlife,Joh.16.13.Thecomforteroftheirsoule,Joh.14.26.&15.26.&16.13.ThesealeoftheirRedemption,Eph.1.13.&4.30.Andthefirstfruitsoftheirsalvation,Rom.8.23.

ButhowareyouassuredthatyouhavetheSpirit?

Becauseithathconvincedmyjudgement,Joh.16.18.convertedmysoul,Act.26.18.Esa.61.1.andhavingmixedthewordwithmyfaith,Heb.4.2.itisbecomeaslifetoquickenme,Joh.6.63.aswatertocleanseme,Ezek.36.25.asoyletocheerme,Heb.1.9.asfiretomeltandrefineme,Mat.3.11.

[Page]

keepthe

Spirit.

Things

commonto

thethree

persons.

Inwhat

theyall

agree.

1.Coc-

AndhowmayyoukeeptheSpiritnowyouhaveit?

Bynourishingthegoodmotionsandmeansofit,1Thess.5.17,18.20.beingfearfulltogrieve,quench,resist,ormolestit,Eph.4.30.1Thess.5.19.Acts7.51.andcarefulltobeledbyit,andshewforththefruitsofit,Rom.8.1.14.Gal.5.&18.22.

ThusmuchofthethreePersonsseverally,whatnowremainethmoretobespokenofthemysteryoftheTrinity?

TosetdownbrieflywhatbethethingscommonwhereinthethreePersonsagree,andwhatbethethingspropertoeachofthem,wherebytheyaredistinguishedonefromanother.

WhatarethethingswhereinthethreePersonsdoecommunicate?

Theyareconsideredinregardeitherofthemselves,orofthecreatures.

Whataretheyinregardofthemselves?

Theyagreeonewithanotherinnature,beeing,life,time,dignity,glory,oranythingpertainingtothedivineEssence;forinallthesetheyareoneandthesame,andconsequently,Coessentiall,Coequall,andCoeternall.

WhatmeanyouwhenyousaytheybeCoessentiall?

Thattheybealltheself-samesubstanceor

essentiall.

2.Coequall.

3.

Coeternall,

beeing,havingoneindividuallessenceordeitycommontothemall,andtheself-sameinthemall.

VVhatmeanyouwhenyousaytheybeCoequall.

Thatastheyagreeindeity,sotheyagreeindignity,beingofonestate,condition,anddegree;andtheonehavingasgreatexcellencyandMajestyeverywayastheother:thereforetheirhonourandworshipisequallandalike;andoneofthemisnotgreaternormoregloriousthenanother,John5.18.23.Apoc.5.12,13.

WhatmeanyouwhenyousaythattheybeCoeternall?

Thatonewasnotbeforeanotherintime,butthatonehathbeenofaslongcontinuanceasanother,andallofthemhavebeenandshallbeforever(asbeingallofoneself-sameeverlastingcontinuance.)

Howproveyouthis?

John1.1.Inthebeginningwastheword,&c.andatthattimethethreePersonsspake,Gen.1.26Letusmakeman,&c.Heb.13.8.JesusChristyesterday,today,andthesameforever.

HowcantherebethisequalitybetwixtthethreePersonsoftheTrinity,seeingtheFatheristhefirst,theSonnethesecond,theHolyGhostthethird?

[Page]

BecauseeveryoneofthemisperfectGod,whoisinfinite,eternall,andincomprehensible.

Havetheyallthreeonewilllikewise?

Theyhave,andthereforetheywillalloneandthesamethingwithoutanycrossing,contradictionorvaryinginthemselves,astheSonnehimselfesaid,John8.29.Idoealwayesthosethingsthatpleasehim,viz.theFather.

IstherenothingelsetobesaidoftheCommunionofthethreePersonsbetwixtthemselves?

Yes,thatfirstoneisinanotherandpossessethoneanother;theFather1remainethwiththeSonne,theSonnewiththeFather,theHolyGhostinandwiththemboth.Prov.8.22.John1.1.&14.10.14.20.

Theyhavegloryoneofanotherfromalleternity.John17.5.2

Theydelightoneinanother,andinfinitelyrejoyceinoneanothers3fellowship,theSonnebeingthedelightofhisFather,theFatheroftheSonne,andtheHolyGhostofboth.Prov.8.30.

Whatthingshavetheycommoninregardofthecreatures?

Alloutwardactions,astodecree,tocreate,toorder,govern,anddirect,toredeem,tosanctifie,areequallycommontothethreePersonsoftheTrinity;forastheyarealloneinnatureandwill,somusttheybealsoonein

Things

properto

eachofthe

Persons.

operation,allofthemworkingoneandthesamethingtogether,Gen.1.26.John5.17.19.

Whatarethethingspropertoeachofthem?

Theylikewisearepartlyinregardofthemselves,andpartlyofthecreatures,wherebythedistinctionofthemisconceived;partlyinrelationandorderofsubsistencebetwixtthemselves,andpartlyinorderandmannerofworkinginthecreatures.

Whatthingsarepropertoeachoftheminregardofthemselves?

First,inmannerandorderofbeeing,theFatheristhefirstPerson,havinghisbeeingfromhimselfalone,andisthefountaineofbeeingtotheotherPersons;theSonneisthesecond,havinghisbeeingfromtheFatheralone,andinthatrespectiscalledtheLight,theWisdom,theWord,andtheImageoftheFather.TheHolyGhostisthethird,havinghisbeeingfromthemboth;andinthatrespectiscalledtheSpiritofGod,oftheFather,andofChrist.

Secondly,intheirinwardactionsandproperties,theFatheralonebegetteth;andsoinrelationtothesecondPersoniscalledtheFather;theSonneisoftheFatheralonebegotten;theHolyGhostdothproceedbothfromtheFatherandtheSonne.

Whatispropertoeachoftheminregardofthecreatures?

Ofthe

Kingdome

ofGod.

First,theoriginalloftheactionisascribedtotheFather,John5.17.19.thewisdomeandmannerofworkingtotheSonne,John1.3.Heb.1.2.theefficacyofoperationtotheHolyGhost,Gen.1.2.1Cor.12.11.

Secondly,theFatherworkethallthingsofhimselfeintheSonnebytheHolyGhost,theSonneworkethfromtheFatherbytheHolyGhost,theHolyGhostworkethfromtheFatherandtheSonne.

HavingspokenofthefirstpartofDivinity,whichisofthenatureofGod,itfolloweththatwespeakofhisKingdome,whichisthesecond.

WhatistheKingdomofGod?

Hisuniversalldominionoverallcreatures,wherebyhedispensethallthingsexternallyaccordingtohisownwisdome,willandpower:oraneverlastingKingdomeappointedandruledbythecounsellofhisownwill,Luke1.33.Esa.9.7.Dan.2.44.Es.40.13.Psal.99.1.&115.3.Rom.11.34,35,36.Eph.1.11.Esa.44.24.&45.27.

Wherewithdothhereignandrule?

PrincipallybyhisownpowerfullSpirit,whichnonecanresist.

WhatenddothhepropounduntohimselfeinhisKingdome?

[Page]

Hisownglory,Rom.11.36.Psal.97.6.Esa.48.11.Eph.1.12.14.

WhatisthataboutwhichhisKingdomeisoccupied?

Allthingsvisibleandinvisible.

Whenshallitend?

Never,eitherinthisworldorintheworldtocome,Psal.145.13.

WhatmannerofKingdomeisit?

ArighteousKingdom,Psal.45.6,7.&97.2.

WhatinstructionsareyoutogatheroutofthedoctrineoftheKingdomeofGod?

Theyareexpressedinthe99.Psalme;inthebeginningwhereoftheProphetspeakethinthismanner;

1.TheLordreigneth,whichteachethusthatGodalonehath,andexercisethsoveraignandabsoluteEmpireoverall;andthatheadmittethnofellow-governourwithhim.

Letthepeopletremble,shewingthatallnationsandsortsofpeople2shouldtremble,forasmuchashealoneisabletosaveandtodestroy;forifmentrembleundertheRegimentandKinglyruleofmen,howmuchmoreoughttheytotrembleunderthepowerfullKingdomeofGod,whichhathmorepoweroverthemthentheyhaveovertheirSubjects?

Thistrembling,dothitstandonelyinfeare?

No,butinreverencealso,thatthatwhichwecomprehendnotinthisKingdomewithourreason,wereverenceandadore.

Whatlearnyouthereby?

ThatwesubmitourselvestohisKingdomeerectedamongstus.

Thatwepresumetoknownothingbutthatheteachethus;towillnothingbutwhathebiddethus;tolove,hate,feare,andaffectnothingbutwhatherequireth.

Whatdothfollowinthis99.Psalme?

Vers.1,2.HesittethbetweentheCherubims,lettheearthbemoved;theLordisgreatinSion,andheishighaboveallthepeople.Whencewelearn,thatalthoughalltheworldroareandfret,yetweshouldnotfeare,becausetheLordisgreater;(Ps.39.1.4.&97.1.)Vers.3.Theyshallpraisethygreatandfearfullname,foritisholy:whichsheweththatGodoughttobemagnifiedbecauseheisgreatandfearfull,andyetholy,andholinesseitselfe.Ver.4.TheKingsstrengthalsolovethJudgment,ThoudostestablishEquity,ThouexecutestJudgement,andRighteousnesseinJacob:wherebywelearnthiscomfortfromGodsreigning,thatwhenwearewrongedandoppressedbytyrannyofmen,wemayhaveourrecoursetothejustandrighteousJudgmentofGodwhichistherighteousJudgeoftheworld.(Eccl.5.7,8.)Vers.5.Exalt

[Page]

Theparts

yetheLordourGod&c.outofthemight,andMajesty,andholinesseoftheLord,weshouldlearntoextollhimwithpraises.Ps.145.11,12.

SeeingGodiswithoutbeginning,whatdidheinthatinfinitespace,whichwaseretheworldwasmade;itbeingunbeseemingtheMajestyofGodtobeidleandunoccupiedallthattime?

Itbehovethustothinkthathedidthingsagreeabletohisdivinenature,butweshouldbeevilloccupiedinthesearchofthemfurtherthenhimselfehathmadethemknown,whichmadeanancientFathertogivethisanswertoacuriousinquirerofGodsdoingsbeforehemadetheworld,Thathewasmakinghellforthosethatshouldtroublethemselveswithsuchvainandidlequestions.August.lib.1.Confess.Chap.12.

Whatisthathehathrevealeduntousconcerningthathedidbeforethebeginningoftheworld?

BesidestheinwardworksofthethreePersonsoftheblessedTrinity(whereofwehavespoken)andthemutualldelightswhichtheytookoneinanother,andglorywhichtheygaveonetoanother;thisexternallactofhisisrevealeduntousintheScriptures,thathehathinhimselfedecreedallthings;togetherwithallthecircumstancesofallthingswhichhaveorshallbedonefromthebeginningoftheworlduntotheendthereof.

WhatthenbethepartsofGodsKingdome?

ofGods

Kingdome.

OfGods

Decree.

Thedecreedeterminingallthingsfromalleternity,andtheexecutionthereoffulfillingthesameintime;forasfrometernityhedecreed,sointimeandeverlastinglyheaccomplishethallthingsuntothefullexecutionofthathisdecree.1Cor.2.16Eph.1.11.Acts4.28.Psal.99.4.&135▪6.Sothatthefirstisaneternall,thesecondatemporallworkofGod.

Whatisthedecree?

ItisthatActwherebyGodfromalleternityaccordingtohisfreewilldidbyhisunchangeablecounsellandpurpose,fore-appointandcertainlydetermineofallthingstogetherwiththeircauses,theireffects,theircircumstancesandmannerofbeing,tothemanifestationofhisownglory,Psal.99.4.Mat.10.29.Rom.9.20,21.&11.36.Prov.16.4.Eph.1.4.11.Acts2.23.Jer.1.5.15.

Whatgatheryouofthis,thatGodsdecreeisdefinedbyhismostperfectsw[...]ll?

First,thatthethingswhichhedecreetharemostperfectlygood.Secondly,thatwemustnotsubjecthisdecreetoourshallowandbasecapacity,ormeasureitbyourreason,consideringthatthewillofGodfromwhencethedecreecometh,isunsearchable.

WhatbethepartsorkindsofGodsdecree?

ThatwhichGodhathdecreedconcerningallhiscreaturesgenerallyforthedeclarationofhispower,wisdome,and

[Page]

goodnesseintheircreationandpreservation;andthatwhichhehathdecreedspeciallytouchingthegoodorevillofthechieforreasonablecreatures,AngelsandMen,todeclarethegloryofhisgraceandjustice.

Whatnoteyouintheformer?

ThatGodaccordingtohisgoodpleasurehathmostcertainlydecreedevery(both)thingandaction,whetherpast,present,ortocome;andnotonelythethingsandactionsthemselves,butalsoalltheircircumstancesofplaceandtime,meanes,manner,andend;sothattheyshallnotcometopasseinanyotherplaceortimethenhehathordained;andthenandthere,theyshallcometopassenecessarily:Psalm.99.4.Acts27.20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27.31,32,33,34.

Doththisnecessitytakeawayfreedomeofwillinelection,orthenatureandpropertyofsecondcauses.

No,butonelybringsthemintoacertainorder,thatis,directeththemtothedeterminedend,whereupontheeffectsandeventsofthingsarecontingentornecessary,asthenatureofthesecondcauseis;soChristaccordingtohisFathersDecreedyednecessarily,Acts17.3.butyetwillingly,andifwerespectthetemperatureofChristsbody,hemighthaveprolongedhislife,andthereforeinthisrespectmaybesaidtohavediedcontingently.

Whatconsideryouintheespecialldecree,whichconcerneththegoodorevilloftheprincipallcreatures?

Of

Predestina-

tion.

Thefore-appointmentoftheireverlastingestateandofthemeanstendingthereunto,theformerwhereofiscalledPredestination.

WhatisPredestination?

ItisthespecialldecreeofGod,wherebyhehathfromevelastingfreelyandforhisowngloryfore-ordainedallreasonablecreaturestoacertainandeverlastingestateofgloryinheaven,orshameinhell.

Whatcreaturescomewithinthisdecree?

BothAngels,1Tim.5.21.Matth.25.41.andMen,1Thess.5.9.Rom.9.13.22,23.1Pet.2.8.Eph.1.5.John17.12.22.Exodus33.14.

Whatisthecauseofthisdecree?

OnlythemeerwillandfreepleasureofGodtodisposeofhisownworkashewill,Rom.9.21.Jer.5.14.&18.22.Esay64.8.

Whatmannerofdecreeisthis?

Itisadeepandunsearchable,aneternallandimmutabledecree,Rom.11.32.Eph.1.4.

Isthisdecreecertainandunchangeable?

Yea,itmustneedsbeso,becauseitisgroundedontheeternallandunchangeablewillofGod,andthereforethere

Partsof

Prede-

stination,

Election.

Reprobation.

Election.

isacertainnumberoftheelectandreprobateknownonlytoGodwhichcannotpossiblybeencreasedordiminished,John13.18.2Tim.2.19.

HowthendothMoseswishhimselfetobeblottedoutofthebookoflife?Exod.32.32.

Hespeakethconditionally,ifitwerepossible,todeclarehislovetoGodsgloryandhispeopleasPauldid,Rom.9.3.

ButifGodsdecreecannotbealtered,thenwemaybesecure,andnotcarehowwelive?

Nomorethenwemayneglectandforsakeourmeatanddrink,becausethetearmofourlifeisfore-appointed:theendandthemeansarejoynedtogetherofGod,andcannotbeseparatedbyanyman.

WhatarethepartsofPredestination?

ElectionandReprobation,1Thess.5.9.Rom.9.13.22,23.

VVhatisElection?

Itistheeverlastingpredestinationorfore-appointingofcertainAngelsandMenuntoeverlastinglifeandblessednesseforthepraiseofhisgloriousgrace,andgoodnesse,1Tim.5.21.Joh.15.16.Rom.9.22,23.Eph.1.4,5,6.9.

Istherenocause,reason,orinducementofelectionintheelectedthemselves?

[Page]

Noneatall;itiswhollyoffree-grace,withoutrespectofanygoodnessethatGodforesawinus,2Tim.1.9.Rom.9.16.Phil.2.13.Eph.1.9.forotherwisemanshouldhavewhereofhemightgloryin,andofhimself,ashavingdiscernedhimselffromothers,andGodshouldnotbethecauseofallgood,norshouldhiscounsellbeincomprehensible.

IsnotChristthecauseofourElection?

No;notofGodsdecreeingofit,(forthathedidofhisownfree-will)butoftheexecutionofit;thatis,oursalvationisforandthroughChrist.

WhattokenshaveweofourElection?

Atruefaithandagodlylife.

WhatusearewetomakeofourElection?

First,itisourgreatcomfort,thatoursalvationstandethbyGodseternalldecreethatcannotbechanged,andnotinourselvesthatdailymightloseit.

Secondly,itshewethGodsinfinitemercy,thatbeforewewere,orhaddonegoodorevill,heelectedusratherthenothersasgoodaswee.

Thirdly,itshouldmakeusloveGodallourlifetoouruttermost,forhislovetous.

Fourthly,itisahelpagainstaltemptationsofSatan,orourdoubtingnature,andalsoagainstallafflictionsand

Reprobation.

contemptoftheworld,Rom.8.38,39.

Fiftly,itservethtohumbleus,thatwehadnothingofourselvesforoursalvation,butitfreelycamefromGod.

WhatisReprobation?

Itistheeternallpredestinationorfore-appointmentofcertainAngelsandmenuntoeverlastingdishonouranddestruction;Godofhisownfree-willdeterminingtopassethemby,refuseorcastthemoff,andforsintocondemnandpunishthemwitheternalldeath,Prov.16.4.Exod.9.16.Rom.9.17.22.2Tim.2.20.Mat.25.41.

IsnotsinthecauseofReprobation?

No;forthenallmenshouldbereprobate,whenGodforesawthatallwouldbesinners;butsinisthecauseoftheexecutionofReprobation,thedamnationwhereuntothewickedareadjudgedbeingfortheirownsin.

IstherenocausethenofReprobationintheReprobate?

Noneatall,inthattheyratherthenothersarepassedbyofGod;thatiswhollyfromtheunsearchabledepthofGodsownfree-willandgoodpleasure.

ButisnotGodunjustinreprobatingsomemen,andelectingothers,whenallwerealike?

No;forhewasboundtonone,andtoshewhisfreedomeandpoweroverhiscreatureshedisposethofthemashe

[Page]

willforhisglory;asthePotterisnotunjustinmakingofthesameclaysundryvessels,sometohonour,andsometodishonour.

DothPredestinationonlycomewithinthecompasseofGodsdecree,andnotthemeansalsoofaccomplishingthesame?

Yes;themeansalsocomeswithinthisdecree,astheCreationandthefallofthereasonablecreatures.

IfGodhathdecreedtheworksofthewicked,mustnotheofforcebetheauthorofsinandevill?

Godisnotthecauseofsinneandevillwhichheforbiddethandcondemneth,butSatanandman;yetGodinhissecretwillhathjustlydecreedtheevillworksofthewicked(forifithadnotsopleasedhim,theyhadneverbeenatall)formostholyends,bothofhisgloryandtheirpunishment,asmaybeseenintheJewscrucifyingofChrist,Acts2.23.andJosephssellingintoEgypt,Gen.45.7.&50.20.ForthethingthatinitselfbyreasonofGodsprohibitingofitissin;inrespectofGodsdecreeingofitforaholyend,comesintheplaceofagoodthing,asbeingsomeoccasionorwaytomanifestthegloryofGodinhisjusticeandmercy;forthereisnothingsinasGoddecreethitorcommandethit,neitheristhereanythingofitselfeabsolutelyevill;(1Pet.3.17.)ButbecauseGodhathforbiddenit,thereforeitisevill,andonlyuntothemuntowhomGodhathforbiddenit:asAbrahamkillingofIsaacbeingcommandedofGodwastobeobeyed,andsinitweretohavedisobeyedit,whichotherwisebyreasonof

Execution

ofGods

decree.

Creation.

Providence.

Creationin

generall.

Godscommandmentforbiddingtokillwasasin;forGodforbiddethnotthings,becausetheyareofthemselves,andfirstevill,butthereforearetheytomanevill,becauseGodhathforbiddenthem;forallsinisatransgressionofalaw,andGoddothinheavenandinearthwhatsoeverpleasethhim,neitheristhereanygreaterthenhetocommandhim.

SomuchofthedecreeorpurposeofGod;whatistheexecutionofit?

ItisanactionofGodeffectuallyworkingallthingsintheirtimeaccordingtohisdecree,Eph.1.11.Acts4.28.

Whatarethepartsoftheexecution?

Creation,andProvidence,Psal.33.6,7.9.10,11.&146.6,7.Jer.10.12.

WhatisCreation?

ItistheexecutionofGodsdecree,wherebyofnothinghemadeallthingsverygood,Gen.1.1.7.Heb.11.3.

HowmanythingsingenerallareyoutoknowconcerningtheCreation?

Thecauses,andtheadjuncts;intheformerwhereofwearetoconsidertheauthourorefficientcause,thematter,theformormanner,andtheend;inthelatterthegoodnesseofthecreatures,andthetimeoftheirCreation.

[Page]

WhoistheAuthourofthiswonderfullwork?

Godalone.

Howdoththatappear?

NotonlybytheplainandmanifoldtestimoniesofholyScripture,butalsobylightofreasonwelldirected;forreasonteacheth,thattheremustneedsbeafirstcauseofallthings,fromwhencetheyproceed,notonlyastheyarethisorthat,butsimplyastheyare;thatallperfectionswhichareinotherthingsbyparticipationshouldbeinitessentially,andthatthesamemustbeofinfinitewisdomeinthatallthingsaremadeandordereduntosogoodpurposesastheyare,noneofwhichthingscanagreetoanybuttoGodalone,whenceitisthattheApostlePaul,Acts14.15.&17.24.dothpointoutGodtotheHeathenbyhisworkaboveother.

IsnotCreationthenanarticleoffaithabovereason?

Yes;inregardofthetimeandmannerofit,aslikewiseinrespectofafullandsavingassentuntoitwithcomfort.

IstheFatheralonetobeheldtheCreatorofallthings?

No;buttogetherwithhimtheSonalso,andtheholyGhost,forsoS.Johntestifieth,thatbyChristtheeternallWordandWisdomeofGodalthingsweremade,&withouthimwasmadenothing,Joh.1.3.InlikemannerS.Paulteacheth,thatbyhimallthingswerecreatedinheavenandinearth,boththingsvisibleandinvisible,whetherthey

beThrones,orDominions,orPrincipalities,orPowers,byhim,andforhimtheywereallcreated,Col.1.16.Mosesalsodeclareth,thattheSpiritoftheLordmoveduponthewaters,sustainingandholdingup,andasitwerebrooding(forthatmetaphorheuseth)theunformedmattertobringforththemostcomelyandbeautifullformsofallthings,Gen.1.2.

DidnottheAngelscreatesomecreaturesatthebeginning?orcannotManortheDevilsnowcreatecreatures?

No;CreationisaworkofGodwhichonlyheisabletodoe,andthereforewhatsoevertheDevillorJudgesliketheSorcerersofEgypt,seemtodoe,itisnothingbutadelusionofthesenses,astheDevillhimselfconfesseth,Mat.4.andtheSorcerers,Exod.4.

What,wastherenotsomethingbeforetheCreation,asthefirstmatterofallthings,orspace,orthetime,inwhichthisworldwasmade?

No;forthenthereshouldbesomethingeternallaswellasGod.

Whereofthenwereallthingsmade?

Ofnothing,thatis,ofnomatterwhichwasbeforetheCreation.

Howdoththatappear?

Becausetheyaresaidtohavebeenmadeinthebeginning,

[Page]

Gen.1.1.thatis,whenbeforetherewasnotanythingbutGodtheCreator,andbeforewhichtherewasnomeasureoftimebymenorAngels.

HowandinwhatmannerdidGodcreateallthings?

Bynomeansorinstruments,(whichheneedethnotasmandoth)butbyhispowerfulword,thatis,byhisonlywill,callingthosethingsthatarenotasthoughtheywere,Heb.11.3.Rom.4.17.Ps.148.5.

WasthatWordbywhichhemadeallthings,ChristhisSon?

AllthingsindeedthatweremadeweremadebytheSon,thesecondPersonoftheTrinity,Joh.1.3.Col.1.16.Heb.1.2.yetthatwordmentionedinthe1.Gen.whereitiswritten,thattheLordsaid,Lettherebelight,&c.wasGodscommand,whichthenhadbeginning,whereastheSonwasfromalleternity.

Towhatendwereallthingscreated?

ForGodsglory,Prov.16.4.

HowdoththegloryofGodappearinthem?

First,hiseternallpowerandGodheadisseeninraisingallthingsoutofnothingbyhiswordalone,Esay40.12.Rom.1.20.Jer.10.12.&51.15.

Secondly,hisinfinitewisdomeismadeknownbythem,Psal.104.24.Jer.10.12.&51.15.

Usesofthe

Creation.

Thirdly,hisgoodnesseuntoallhiscreaturesisherebymanifested,whichisveryexcellentlysetoutbytheProphetinthe104.Psalm.

Fourthly,hisinfiniteauthoritydothappearbythem.

WhatusesthenarewetomakeoftheCreation?

First,wearetherebytaughttodiscernthetrueGodfromallHeathenandIdollgodsintheworld,Esay45.6,7.Jer.10.11,12.fornothinginheavenandearthcangiveabeeingtoacreaturebutGod.

Secondly,wearetoweighthemandlearntheirproperties,Eccles.7.25.

Thirdly,weshouldlearntogiveGodgloryforthem,Rev.4.11.Psal.92.5.whereitismadeoneendoftheSabbath,Ps.104.throughout.

Fourthly,wearetogathercomforttoourselvesfromhence,ThatrestinguponthisfaithfullCreatorourhopeneedsnotfailussolongaseitherheavenorearthhaveanyhelpforus,1Pet.4.19.Esa.37.16,17.

WhatdoththeScripturesteachusconcerningthegoodnesseofthecreatures?

ThatGodmadealltheminsuchexcellencyofperfectionfortheirbeeing,working,orderanduse,thathimselfdidfullyapproveofthem,andsoestablishthem,Gen.1.31.which

establishedorderisthatwhichiscalledNature.

Inhowmanythingsdoththegoodnesseofthecreaturesconsist?

Inthree:First,inperfectionoftheirnature.

Secondly,intheirpropertiesandqualities,wherebytheyareabletodoethosethingsforwhichtheywerecreated.

Thirdly,intheirusesuntoman.

Howmanifoldisthatgoodwhichmenreceivebythem?

Threefold:First,profitablegood.Secondly,pleasantgood.Thirdly,honestandChristiangood.

HowwereallthingsmadegoodwhenweseetherebediverskindsofSerpents,andnoysomeandhurtfullbeasts?

Thattheyarehurtfull,itcommethnotbythenatureoftheircreation,inregardwhereoftheyatthefirstshouldonlyhaveservedforthegoodofman.

WhatdoeyounoteinthetimeoftheirCreation?

Thebeginningandthecontinuancethereof.

Mightnottheworldhavebeenbeforealltimeevenfrometernity?

No,forabsoluteeternitybelongethonlytoGod,neithercouldanythingthatissubjecttotimebeafteraninfinite

[Page]

successionofotherthings.

WhatsayyouthentoAristotleaccountedofsomanythePrinceofPhilosophers,wholabourethtoprovethattheworldiseternall?

Whereinhelabourethtofindeoutapointofwisdomewhichhehadlearnedofnoneotherthatwasbeforehim,hethereinbewrayethhisgreatestfolly;forhischiefestreasonbeinggroundedupontheeternityofthefirstmover,isofnoforcetoprovehismostabsurdposition,seeingGodasheisAlmighty,andalwaysabletodoewhathewill,soishemostfree,andnotboundtodoeallthathecan,butwhat,when,andhowitpleasethhim.ButseeingAristotlewasenforcedbyreasontoacknowledgeGodtobethefirstmover,evenagainsthiswill,(foritseemedthatheendevouredasmuchashecouldtoquenchthelightofdivineknowledgeshininginhisface,orobstinatelytoclosehiseyesagainstthesame)andyetnotonelyspoiledGodofthegloryofhisCreation,butalsoassignethhimtonohigherofficethenisthemovingofthesphears,whereuntohebindethhimmoreliketoaservantthenaLord,theJudgementofGodutteredbyS.Paul,Rom.1.21.ismostnotoriouslysheweduponhim,inthatheknowingGod,didnotglorifiehim,norgivehimthanks,butbecamevaininhisdisputations,andhisfoolishheartwasdarkned;whileheprofessedwisdome,hewasmadeafool,approvingIdolatry,andthatwickednessewhichtheApostlethereshewethtobeajustpunishmentofIdolatry,andnatureitselfabhorreth;Arist.Polit.lib.7.cap.6.&lib.2.cap.8.

HowlongisitsinceGoddidcreatetheworld?

FourthousandyearsbeforethebirthofourSaviourChrist,andsoabout5614yearsbeforethistime.

WhyistheorderoftheyearsoftheworldsocarefullysetdownintheScripture?

1ToconvinceallHeathenthateitherthoughtthattheworldwaswithoutbeginning,orthatitbeganMillionsofyearsbeforeitdid.

2TogivelighttoallsacredHistoriesoftheBible.

3ToshewthetimeofthefulfillingoftheProphecieswhichGodforetold.

Butwhywasnottheworldmadesooner?

SavingthehiddenwisdomeandfreepleasureoftheMakerthereinappeareththefreepowerofGodtomakeornottomake,andhisabsolutesufficiencywithinhimself,ashavingnoneedofanyexternallbeeing,onlycreatingthathemightcommunicate&manifesthisgoodnes.

HowlongwasGodcreatingtheworld?

Sixdaysandsixnights.

Whywashecreatingsolong,seeinghecouldhaveperfectedallthecreaturesatonceandinamoment?

First,toshewthevariety,distinctionandexcellencyofhis

[Page]

The

creationof

theparticu-

lar

creatures.

The

severallcreatures.

Secondly,toteachusthebettertounderstandtheirworkmanship,evenasamanwhichwillteachachildintheframeofaletter,willfirstteachhimonelineoftheletter,andnotthewholelettertogether.

Thirdly,toadmonishus,thatweareboundtobestowmoretimeindiscerningandknowingthemthenwedoe.

Fourthly,thatwemightalsobyhisexamplefinishourworkinsixdays.

Fiftly,thatwemightobserve,thatmanyofthecreaturesweremadebeforethosewhichareordinarilytheircauses,andtherebylearn,thattheLordisnotboundtoanycreature,ortoanymeans:thusthesunnewasnotcreatedbeforethefourthday,andyetdayeswhichnowarecausedbytherisingofthesunnewerebeforethat;sotreesandplantswerecreatedthethirdday,buttheSun,Moon,andStars,bywhichtheyarenownourishedandmadetogrow,werenotcreatedtillafterthethirdday.

Hithertoofthecreationingenerall,whataretheparticularcreatures?

Theworldandallthingstherein,Acts17.24.ortheheavens,andtheearth,andallthehostofthem.Gen.2.1.

HowmanyheavensarementionedintheScriptures?

Heavens.

Ofthe

earth.

Ofthe

invisible

creatures.

Thethird

heavenand

Three:thefirstistheayrewhereinwebreathe,thebirdsdoefly,andthesnow,rain,frost,haileandthunderarebegotten,Matth.6.26.Gen.7.11.

Thesecondisthesky,whereintheSun,theMoon,andtheStarresareplaced;Gen.1.14,15.Deut.17.3.

Thethird,whereintheAngles,andthesoulesoftheSaintsfromhencedepartedarenowin;2Cor.12.2.Mat.18.10.Mark.12.25.

Whatunderstandyoubytheearth?

Thelowestpartoftheworld,containingtheglobeofthelandandthewaters.

Whatmeanyoubythehostofthem?

AllthecreatureswhichtheLordmadetohavetheirbeginningandbeinginthem,Psal.103.20,21.148.2.&c.Deut.17.3.Joel2.10,11.

Howarethecreaturesdistinguished?

Intovisible,andinvisible;Col.1.16.

Whatarethethingsinvisible?

Thethirdheaven,andtheAngelsplacedtherein.

WhyistherenomoreexpressementioninthefirstofGenesis,ofthecreationofthese,

OfAngels.

Angels.especiallybeingcreaturesinglorysofarrepas-singothers?

1.Theyarenotexpreslymentioned,becauseMosessettethforththethingsthatarevisible;andthereforedothnotonlypassethemby,butalsomineralsandotherthingsinclosedinthebowelsoftheearth.

2.SomerespectalsomightbehadoftheweaknesseandinfancieoftheChurchatthattime;Goddidfirstteachthemmoreplainandsensiblethings,andastheygrewinknowledge,heafterwardsrevealedotherthingsuntothem;butthattheywere(inoneofthesixdayes)created,itismostevidentbyHeb.11.10.Psal.103.20.&148.2.5.Col.1.16.

Inwhichofthesixdayesweretheycreated?

ThoughitbenotsoplainlyrevealedinScripture,yetitmaybegatheredbyGen.1.1.(whereunderthetermofheavens,thesegloriouscreaturesmaybealsocomprehended)andJob38.6,7.thattheywerecreatedthefirstday.

OfwhatnaturearetheAngels?

Theyaresubstanceswhollyspirituall;(notinpartsasmanis)andinrespectoftheirsimpleessenceintheScripture,theyarecalledspirits.

HowmanythingsconceiveyouoftheAngels,whenyousaythattheyarespirits?

[Page]

Six.1.Thattheyarelivingsubstances.2.Thattheyareincorruptible.3.Thattheyareincorporeall.4.Thattheyareindivisible.5.Thattheyareintangible.6.Thattheyareinvisible.

Havetheyanymatter?

Theyhavetheirspirituallmatter,(asmanssoulehath)butnotanyearthlyorcorporallmatter.

Theyarenotthenfantasies,assomedoewickedlyimagine?

No,buttheyaresubstancesandbeings,forsomearesaidtohavefallen,otherstoappeareuntomen.

Howmanyofthemwerecreatedatthebeginning?

Theywereallcreatedatonce,andthatinaninnumerablemultitude.

HowdidGodcreatethem?

Hemadethemallatthefirstverygoodandgloriousspirits,yetmutable;Gen.1.31.Job4.18.

VVithwhatotherpropertiesaretheAngelsespeciallyendued?

Withgreaterwisdome,power,swiftnesseandindustry,thenanyman.

VVhereisthecreationofthingsvisible,especiallytaught?

Ofthe

creationof

visible

things.

InthefirstandsecondchaptersofGenesis,whereMosesdeclarethatlarge,howGodinthebeginningcreatedtheworldandallthingsthereincontained,everyoneintheirseverallnatureandkinds.

VVhatdothMosesnoteofthesecreaturesgenerally?

1Threethings:first,thattheyareallsaidtobegood,whichstoppeththemouthesofallthosethatspeakagainstthem.

2Secondly,thattheirnamesaregiventhem.

3Thirdly,thattheirusesandendsarenoted.

InwhatorderdidGodcreatethem?

First,thedwellingplaceswerefirstframed,thenthecreaturestodwellinthem,andprovisionwasmadefortheinhabitantsoftheearthbeforetheyweremade,asgrasseforthebeasts,andlightforalllivingandmovingcreatures,andallforman.Secondly,Godproceedethfromthethingsthataremoreimperfect,tothosethatareperfecter,untillhecometotheperfectest;asfromthetrees,corne,herbes,&c.whichhavebutonelife,thatis,wherebytheyincreaseandarevegetative,untothebeastswhichhavebothanincreasingandfeeling,orsensitivelife;asfishes,fowles,beasts,&c.andfromthemtomanwhichhathbesidesthemareasonablesoule.

Whatlearnyoufromthefirst?

[Page]

Ofthe

partsofthe

rude

masse.

Ofthe

Chaos,or

rude

masse.

Nottobecarkingfortheworldandthingsofthislife,nortosurfeitwiththecaresthereof,seeingGodprovidedforthenecessityandcomfortoftheverybeasts,erehewouldbringthemintotheworld.

Whatfromthesecond?

ThatweshouldthereinfollowtheexampleoftheLord,togoefromgoodtobetter,untillwecometobeperfect.

Whatarethevisiblecreaturesinparticular?

Two:first,therudemasseormatteroftheworldmadethefirstnight,whereinallthingswereconfoundedandmingledoneinanother.Secondly,thebeautifullframethereofwhichweremadetherestofthesixdayesandnights.

Whatarethepartsofthatrudemasse?

Heavenandearth(forsothematterwhereofallthebodilycreaturesweremade,seemethbyaTrope,Gen.1.1.tobesignified)asitweretheCenterandcircumference.ForastheArch-buildersfirstshadowoutinaplotthebuildingtheyintend,andasthePaintersdrawcertaingrosselineamentsofthatpicture,whichtheywillaftersetforthandfillupwithorientcolours;sotheLordourGodinthisstatelybuilding,andcunningpaintingoftheframeoftheworld,hathbeforethemostbeautifullframesetoutasitwereashadow,andacommondraughtthereof.

Ofthe

frameof

theworld.

OftheEle-

Itseemeththattherudenessewasintheearthonely,containingthewaterandthedryland,becausetheProphetsaith,thattheearthwasvoid,andwithoutshape.

ItistruethatMosesgiveththistotheearth,ratherthenthemasseoftheheavens;becausetheconfusionandrudenessewasgreatertheretheninthemasseoftheheavens,forthewateranddrylandbeingmingledtogether,therewasnoformorfigureofthem.

Itbeingwithoutformandvoid,howwasitkept?

Gen.1.2.BytheholyGhost,which(asabirdsettingoverheregges)keptandpreservedit.

Whatwerethethingswhichweremadeofthisrudemasse?

Thebeautifullframeandfashionofthisworld,withthefurniturethereof.

Whatdoeyouconsiderintheframeandfashionoftheworld?

Twothings:first,theElements,whicharethemostsimplebodies,bytheunevenmixturewhereofallbodiesarecompounded.

Secondly,andthebodiesthemselvesthatarecompoundedofthem.

HowmanyElementsarethere?

ments.

Thefoure

Elements.

Ofthemixt

or

compounded

bodies.

Therearecommonlycountedfoure.

First,thefire,whichsomethinktobecomprehendedunderthetermoflight,Gen.1.vers.3,4.becauseitisaqualityofthefire.1

Thesecondistheayre,whichsomewouldhavesignifiedbythespirit2orwindofGodmovinguponthewaters,vers.2.othersbytheFirmament,vers.6.7.setbetweenthecloudsandtheearth,todistinguishbetweenwaterandwater,andtogivebreathoflifetoallthingsthatbreath.

3dly,Thewatersv.2.severallfromthemasscalledtheearth,v.9.10.3

4thly,Theearth,vers.2.calledthedryland,vers.9,10.whichremaineth,4allotherbeingsentofGodtotheirproperplaces.

Whatarethemixtorcompoundedbodies?

SuchasaremadeofthefourElements,equallymingledtogether.

Howmanykindsbethereofthem?

[Page]

The

severall

worksof

thesix

dayes.

Thethingsthathave

1.Abeingwithoutlife.2.Abeing,andlifewithoutsense.3.Abeing,lifeandsensewithoutreason.4.Abeing,life,sense,andreason,(asman)

Whatiscommontothethreelastkinds?

Thattogetherwithlifethereispowerandvertuegivenuntothemtobringforhthelikeuntothemselvesforthecontinuanceoftheirkind,whichblessingofmultiplicationisprincipallyinthetwolastsortsofcreatures,(thathavethelifeofsense,besidethelifeofincrease)andthereforetheLordisbroughtintospeaktotheminthesecondperson,Gen.1.22.28.whichhedidnottothegrasse,corne,andtrees,whicharecreaturesofthesecondkind.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

Thatthechiefeandspeciallcauseofthecontinuanceofeverykindofcreaturetotheworldsend,isthiswillandwordofGod,withoutthewhichtheyorsundryofthemwouldhaveperishederethis,bysomanymeansasaretoconsumethem.

Declarenowinordertheseverallworksofthesixdayes,andshewfirst,whatwasdonethefirstday?

Therudemasseormatterofheavenandearth

Thefirst

day▪

Heavenand

earth,and

thelight.

Thesecond

day.

TheFirma-

ment.

Thethird

day.

Grasse,

corne,

trees.

Ofthe

waterand

earth.

beingmadeofnothingthefirstnightoftheworld,ashathbeendeclared;Goddidafter-wardcreatethelight,andcalleditday.Gen.13,4,5.

Whatnoteyouhereof?

ThewonderfullworkofGodnotonelyinmakingsomethingofnothing,butbringinglightoutofdarknesse,2Cor.4.6.whicharecontrary,anddistinguishingbetwixtdayandnight,beforeeitherSunorMoonwerecreated.

Whatwastheworkofthesecondday?

TheFirmamentwascreatedtodividethewatersabove,fromthewatersbelow.

Whatwasdonethethirdday?

Thethirdnight(asitseemed)Godcausedthewaterstoretireintotheirvessels,andseveredthemfromthedryland,callingtheoneseas,theotherearth.Theninthethirddaywhichfollowedthatnight,hecladtheearthwithgrassefortheuseofbeastsonly,cornandtreesfortheuseofmanalso.

Whatshapeisthewaterandearthof?

Theybothtogethermakearoundglobe.

Whetheristhewaterortheearthbigger?

[Page]

Thewater.

Whythendoetheynotoverwhelmetheearth?

TheyarerestrainedandkeptinbythemightypowerofGod.

Howmanysortsofwatersbethere?

Two,saltwaters(asthesea)andfreshwaters,asfloods,springs,lakes,&c.

Whatbethepartsoftheearth?

First,Hills.Secondly,Valleys,andPlaines.

Howmanybenefitsdoeyoureceivebytheearthingenerall?

Foure;First,wearemadeoftheearth.Secondly,wedwellontheearth.Thirdly,itgivethfruitsandnourishmenttoalllivingcreatures.Fourthly,itisourbedafterdeath.

Whatbenefitreceiveyoubythehills?

Theyareashadowagainststormsandheat,theybefitforgrasingofcattle,theyarefitplacestosetBeaconson,toshewthattheenemiesareathand,&c.

WhatbenefitsreceiveyoubytheValleyesandPlaines.

1.Theyreceivewatertowatertheearth.2.Theyaremostfitplacestobringforthallkindoffruit,andherbes,

Thefourth

day.

The

creationof

thelights.

andgrasse.

HowcomethittopassthatGodfirstmakeththegrass,corne,andtrees,erehemadetheheavenlybodiesoftheSunne,Moon,andStarres;fromwhoseinfluencethegrowthoftheseproceedeth?

Tocorrectourerrourwhichtyetheincreaseofthesesototheinfluenceoftheheavenlybodies,eventotheworshippingofthemtherein;forgettingtheLordwhotherebysheweththatallhanguponhim,andnotonthem,forasmuchashemadethemwhentheheavenlybodieswerenot.

Whatdoeyougatherfromhence?

Thatthefruitfulnessoftheearthstandethnotsomuchinthelabourofthehusband-man,asinthepowerwhichGodhathgiventheearthtobringforthfruit.

Thusmuchoftheworksofthe3d.day,whatwasmadethe4th.day?

Lights,whichareasitwerecertainvesselswhereintheLorddidgatherthelightwchbeforewasscater'dinthewholebodyoftheheavens.

Howaretheselightsdistinguished?

Althoughtheybeallgreatinthemselves,totheendtheymightgivelighttothedarkearththatisfarreremovedfromthem,yetaretheydistinguishedinto

GreatSmall.

SunneMoonStarres.

WhydothMosescalltheSunandMoonthegreatestlights,whenthereareStarresthatexceedtheMoonbymanydegrees?

First,becausetheyaregreatestintheiruseandvertuethattheyexerciseupontheterrestriallbodies.Secondly,becausetheyseemsotous,itbeingthepurposeoftheHolyGhostbyMosestoapplyhimselfetothecapacityoftheunlearned.

Whatistheuseofthem?

First,toseparatethedayfromthenight.Secondly,tobesignsofseasonsanddayesandyeares.Thirdly,tosendforththeirinfluencesuponthewholeearth,andtogivelighttotheinhabitantsthereof.

Howaretheysignsoftimesandseasons?

First,bydistinguishingthetime,spring,summer,autumne,winter,bytheirworkandnaturalleffectupontheearthlycreatures.

Secondly,bydistinguishingthenightfromtheday,theday

[Page]

Thefift

day.

Ofthe

creationof

fishes,and

birds.

frommonth,themonthfromtheyeare.

Havetheynotoperationalsointheextraordinaryeventsofsingularthingsandpersonsfortheirgoodandevillestate?

Noverily,thereisnosuchusetaughtofthemintheScriptures.

Whatcreaturesweremadethefiftday?

Fishesandbirds.

Whatwerethefishesmadeof?

OfallfourElements,butmore(itseemeth)ofthewaterthenotherlivingthings,Gen.1.20.

VVhatwerethebirdsmadeof?

OfallfoureElements,yethavemoreoftheearth;(Gen.2.19.)andthereforethattheyaresolight,andthattheirdelightisintheayre,itissomuchthemoremarvellous.

VVhatdidGodmakeinthesixtandthelastdayofCreation?

Itisprobablethathemadeinthe

Nightthereofthebeastsoftheearth.Thesixtday.

goingcreeping

Tameorhome-beasts.Wildeorfield-beasts.

Day,Ofthecreationofmanandwoman.maninbothsexes,thatis,bothmanandwoman,thehistoryofwhosecreationissetdownGen.1▪26,27.inthediscourseofthesixtdayswork,andrepeatedincap.2.v.7.andmoreatlargeafterthenarrationoftheLordsrestintheseventhday,vers.18,19,20,&c.

Whywasmanlastmadeofallthecreatures?

1.BecausehewasthemostexcellentofalltheworksofGodinthisinferiourworld.2.Becausehewastheendofallunreasonablecreatures,andthereforethathemightglorifieGodforallthecreaturesthathesawtheworldwasfurnishedwithforhissake.3.BecauseGodwouldhavehimfirstprovidedfor,erehebroughthimintotheworld;thatsohemighthavethisworld,forwhichGodhadmadehimPrince,asitwere,hisPalace,furnishedwithallthingsconvenient:andifhehadcareofhimbeforehewas,howmuchmorenowheis?

Whatnoteyouthereof?

Thatmanhathnottoboastofhisantiquity,allthecreaturesbeingmadebeforehimeventothevilestworm.

Whatistobeobservedinhiscreation?

Thatherefortheexcellencyofthework,Godisbroughtin,asitwere,deliberatingwithhimselfe,theFatherwiththe

Ofthe

partsof

man,and

firstofthe

body.

SonneandtheHolyGhost,andtheywithhim;thewholeTrinityentringintoasolemncounselltomakemanaftertheirImage,(Gen.1.26.)whichisnotsaidofanyothercreature;forwhereastheothercreaturesweremadesuddenly,manwas(asweshallsee)notso,butwithsomespaceoftime:hithertoalsobelongeth,thattheHolyGhoststandethlongeruponhiscreationthenupontherest.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

ThatweshouldmarksomuchthemorethewisdomeandpowerofGodinthecreationofhim,therebytoimitateGodinusingmostdiligenceaboutthosethingswhicharemostexcellent.

Whatpartsdothheconsistof?

Oftwoparts;ofabodyandasoule,Gen.2.7.Job10.11,12.

Whereofwashisbodymade?

Oftheverydustoftheearth,Gen.2.7.inwhichrespecttheworkofGodinmakinghimissetforthbyasimilitudeofthepotterwhichofhisclaymakethhispots;Rom.9.21.andthenameofAdamisfromhenceintheHebrewgivenuntoman,toputhiminmindnottobeeproud,nortodesiretobelikeGod;whichGodforesawhewoulddoe,throughSatanstemptations.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

[Page]

Ofthesoul

ofMan.

ThatseeingitpleasedGodtomakemansbodymoreprincipallyofthebasestElement,thattherebyhewouldgivemantounderstandofwhatbasematterhisbodywasframed,thatsoheemighthaveoccasionofbeinglowlyandhumbleinhisownesight;accordingastheScriptureitselfdirectethustothisinstruction,Gen.18.27.Jer.2.2.29.

Whatelselearnyou?

TheabsoluteauthoritythatGodhathoverman,asthePotterhathoverhispotsandmuchmore,Rom.9.21.

Howwasthesoulmade?

Hissoulwasmadeaspirituallsubstance,whichGodbreathedintothatframeoftheearthtogiveitalife,wherebymanbecamealivingsoul,(Gen.2.7.Mal.2.15.)

WhyisitcalledthebreathofGod?

BecauseGodmadeitimmediately,notofanyearthlymatter(ashedidthebody)norofanyoftheelements,(ashedidtheothercreatures)butofaspirituallmatter,wherebyissignifiedthedifferenceofthesoulofmanwhichwasmadeaspirituallanddivine,oreverlastingsubstance,fromthesoulorlifeofbeasts,whichcommethofthesamematterwhereoftheirbodiesaremade,andthereforediethwiththem;whereasthesoulofmancommethbyGodscreationfromwithout,(inwhichrespectGodissaidtobetheFatherofourspirits,Heb.12.9.)anddothnotriseas

The

immortality

ofthesoul.

thesoulofbeastsdoe,ofthetemperoftheelements,butiscreatedofGod,freefromcomposition,thatitmightbeimmortallandfreefromthecorruption,decay,anddeaththatallothercreaturesaresubjectunto;andthereforeasithadlifeinitselfwhenitwasjoynedtothebody,soitretainethlifewhenitisseparatedfromthebodyandlivethforever.

Whatotherproofshaveyouoftheimmortalityofthesoulbesidesthedivinenaturethereof?

Eccl.12.7.Itissaidthatatdeaththedustshallreturntotheearth1asitwas,andthespirituntoGodwhogaveit.

OurSaviourChrist,Luk.23.46.andhisservantStephen,Acts7.59.2attheirdeathcommendtheirsoulsuntoGod.

Luk.23.43.Thetheevessoulafterseparationfromthebodyisreceived3intoParadise.

Mat.10.28.Thesoulcannnotbekilledbythemthatkillthebody.4

Psal.49.14,15.Mat.22.32.Rev.6.9.&7.9.5

TheguiltinesseoftheConscience,andfeareofpunishmentfor6sin,proveththesame.

OtherwiseallthecomfortofGodschildrenwereutterlydashed;7forifinthislifeonlywehavehopeinChrist,weareofallmenmostmiserable,1Cor.15.15.

[Page]

Oftheseat

ofthesoul.

Whyisitsaid,thatGodbreathedinhisfaceornostrils,Gen.2.7.moretheninanyotherpart?

Toputmaninmindofhisfrailty,whosebreathisinhisnostrils,1Esay2.22.

Becausethesoulshewethherfacultiesmostplainlyinthecountenance,2bothforoutwardsensesandinwardaffections.

Butistheheadtheseatofthesoul?

Itisthoughtthatinregardoftheessenceofit,allofitisoverallandeverypartofthebody,asfireisinhotiron;buthowsoevertheseverallfacultiesthereofappearintheseverallpartsofthebody,yettheheartistobeaccomptedthespeciallseatofthesoul,notonlyinregardoflifebeingthefirstpartofmanthatliveth,andthelastthatdieth,butforaffectionsalsoandknowledge,asappearethby1Kings3.9.12.Mat.15.18,19.Rom.2.15.&10.10.1Pet.3.4.

Istheremanyoronesoulinman?

Thereisbutone,havingthosefacultiesinitofvegetationandsensethatarecalledsoulsinplantsandbeasts.

Whatreasonhaveyouforthissaying?

1Otherwisethereshouldbediversessentiallformsinman.

2Godbreathedbutonebreathing,thoughitbecalledthebreathingoflives,Gen.2.7.forthediverslivesand

Whatisthe

Imageof

Godin

Man.

faculties.

3InallScripturethereismentionbutofonesoulinman,Mat.26.38.Acts.7.59.

Whenmaythesoulbetrulysaidtocomeorbeinthebodyofachild?

Wheninallessentiallpartsitisaperfectbody,asAdamswaswhenGodgavehimhissoul.

Whatbethefacultiesofthesoul?

1TheUnderstanding,underwhichistheMemory(thoughitberatheroneoftheinwardsenses,thenoneoftheprincipallfacultiesofthesoul)andtheConscience.

2TheWill,underwhicharetheAffections;Sotherebefivespeciallfaculties.

WhatismeantbytheimageofGod,afterwhichmanwasmade?Gen.1.26,27.

Notanybodilyshape,(asthoughGodhadabodylikeman)butthedivinestatewhereinhissoulwascreated.

HowmanywaysistheimageofGodtakeninScripture?

EitherforChrist,asCol.1.15.Heb.1.3.Joh.12.45.&14.9.orforthegloryofmanslivelypersonage,asGen.9.6.orforhisauthorityoverthewoman,as1Cor.11.7.or

fortheperfectionofhisnature,induedwithreasonandwill,rightlydisposedinholinesseandrighteousnesse,wisdomeandtruth,andaccordinglyframingallmotionsandactionsbothinwardandoutward,Col.3.9,10.Eph.4.24.

Howisitherethentobetaken?

Itmaybetakeneitherstrictlyandproperly,ormorelargelyandgenerally.

Whatisthestrictestandmostproperacceptionofit?

WhenitistakenforthatintegrityofnaturewhichwaslostbyAdamsfall,andiscontrarytooriginallsin.

Whereinstandeththatintegrityofnature?

Inthewholeperfectionsofvertuesappearinginthefivefaculties,as

1.Intheunderstanding,truewisdomeandheavenlyknowledgeofGodswillandworks.

2.Inmemory,allholyremembranceofthingsweought.

3.Inwill,allcheerfulnessetoobeyGodscommand.

4.Allmoderationandsanctityofaffections.

5.AllintegrityofConscience.

IsanypartofGodsImageinthebody?

[Page]No,butasoriginallsininourcorruptestate;sointhestateofintegritythesevertuesshineandareexecutedbythebody.

ButisnotmantheImageofGodinrespectoftheessentiallfacultiesofthesoul,hismindandwill,andintheimmortatalitythereof?

NotinthisstrictandproperacceptionofGodsImage,whereofnowwespeak;fortheessentiallfacultiesofthesoularenotlostbyAdamsfall,andtheimmortalityremainethstill.

WhatisthelargeracceptionofGodsImage?

Whenitistakenforthatdignityandexcellencygivenuntomaninhiscreation;whichispartlyinward,andpartlyoutward.

Whereindothhisinwardexcellencyconsist?

Bothinhissubstanceandinhisqualities.

Whereinstandeththeexcellencyofhissubstance?

Inthatheonlyofallthecreaturesofthevisibleworldhathareasonableandimmortallsoulgivenuntohim,(ashathbeendeclared)andinrespectofthisspirituallnatureresemblethGodwhoisaSpirit.

Whatistheexcellencyofmanconsistinginqualities?

Knowledgeandwisdomeintheunderstanding,Psal.51.6.

Col.3.10.Righteousnesseandholinesseinthefree-will,Eph.4.24.1Pet.1.15,16.andherein,ashathbeenshewed,didmanespeciallyresemblehisMaker.

Whereinstandeththeexcellencyoftheunderstanding?

InknowledgeofalldutieseitherconceringGod,hisneighbour,orhimself;untowhichknowledgemaybereferredWisdometouseknowledge,todiscernwhen,where,andhoweverythingshouldbedone:Consciencetoaccuseorexcuse,ashisdoingsshouldbegoodorevil;Memorytoretain,Providencetoforeseewhatisgoodtodoeit,whatisevilltoavoidit;Reasontodiscusseofthelawfulnesseorunlawfulnesseofeveryparticularactionofamansownself;hithertorefertheknowledgeofthenaturesofthecreatures,wherebyhewasabletonamethemaccordingtotheirnature.

VVhereinstandeththeexcellencyofmanswill?

Inholinesse(ashathbeensaid)andrighteousnesse,oruprightnesseofdesiresandaffections;holinessecomprehendingallthevertuesofthefirst,andjusticeorrighteousnessecontainingallthevertuesofthesecondTableimprintedinthesoulofmanathisCreation.

VVhatweretheoutwardgiftswhereinmansexcellencydidconsist?

Godgavehimabodyanswerabletohissoul,enduedwithbeauty,1strength,immortality,andallgiftsservingtohappinesse,1Cor.11.7.

[Page]

Godsetsuchagraceandmajestyintheperson,especiallyinthe2faceofman,asallthecreaturescouldnotlookuponwithoutfearandtrembling,asappearethwhentheyallcamebeforemantoreceivetheirnames.

Godgavehimdominionandruleoverallcreaturesoftheworld,3whichweremadetoservehim,beingbythisexcellentCreationmadeandadoptedtobe,asitwere,thesonandheirofGod,whoistheabsoluteLordoverall,Psal.8.6,7.Gen.1.26.28.ofwhichdominiontheauthoritytonamethemwasasign,Gen.2.19.20.

WhataretheendsandusesofthemakingofmanaccordingtoGodsImage?

1ThatGodwhoisinhimselfinvisibleandincomprehensible,mightinsomemeasurebeknownofman;asapictureorimagesheweththepersonwhomitrepresenteth.

2TomovemantoloveGod,thathathsogloriouslymadehimlikehimself.

3Thatmenbetweenthemselvesmightloveoneanother,aslikedothlike.

HowmanyofmankinddidGodcreateatthefirst?

1Onlyoneman,Adam,Gen.2.7.

2Outofhim,andforhim,onewomanEvah,Gen.2.21,22.Mal.2.15.somadehethemmaleandfemale,Gen.1.

27.&5.2.

HowdothGodsay,Gen.2.18.Itisnotgoodformantobealone;didhemakeanythingthatwasnotgood?

Godforbid;bygooditisnotmeant,thatwhichissetagainstsinorvice,butinsaying(itisnotgoodformantobealone)hemeanethitisnotsoconvenientandcomfortable.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

1Howfoullytheyhavebeendeceived,thatuponthewordsoftheApostle,1Cor.7.1.Itisnotgoodformantotouchawoman,havegathered,thatmariageislittlebetterthenwhoredome;Consideringthatashere,sothere,bygoodismeantonlythatwhichisconvenientandcommodious.

2Thatmanisnaturallydesirousofthesocietyofwoman,andthereforethatMunkeries,Nunneries,andHermitagesareunnaturall,andconsequentlyungodly.

Whatismeantbythesewordsinthesameplace,Gen.2.18.[asbeforehim?]

Thatsheshouldbelikeuntohim,andofthesameform,fortheperfectionofnatureandgiftsinwardandoutward.

Whatistheendwhyshewasmade?

Tobeahelpuntoman.

Wherein?

[Page]

First,inthethingsofthislifebycontinuallsociety,1Pet.3.7.Secondly,inthislife,forgeneration,Gen.1.28.Thirdly,inthethingsofthelifetocome,evenastheywhichareheirstogetherofthegraceoflife.Andnowafourthuseisadded,tobearemedyagainstsin,whichwasnotfromthebeginning,1Cor.7.9.

WhatreasonistherebroughttoprovethatGodwastomakeawomananhelpuntoman?

Eitherhemusthaveanhelporcompanion,butthereisnonefitamongthecreatures,thereforeImustcreateone;thefirstpropositionbeingevident,thesecondisprovedbyGodsowntestimony,andAdamsexperience,whohavinggivennamestoallthecreaturestruly,andaccordingtotheirnatures,yetfoundnonefitforhiscompany,Gen.1.20.

Whatlearnyoufromthence,thattheLordwouldhaveAdamseewhethertherewereahelperamongsttheothercreatureswhichheknewwelltobeunfit?

Toteachus,thatereweenterintomariageweshouldhaveafeelingofourowninfirmityandneedofawife,wherebythatbenefitmaybecomemoresweet,andwemorethankfulluntoGod;whichifitbetrueinaman,itoughttobemuchmoreinawoman,whichisweaker,andmuchmoreinsufficientthenhe.

Whatelse?

Thatitisaperversethingtoloveanycreaturesowellas

mankind,againstthosementhatmakemoreoftheirHorsesandHoundsthenoftheirwives;andagainstthosewomenwhichmakemoreofaMonky,orofaParrat,orofaSpaniel,thenoftheirhusbands.

VVhatnoteyouofthat,thatwhenAdamwasasleephiswifewasmade?

ThattheLordisthegiverofthewifewithoutourcare,andthatbesidesourprayerstoGodforone,thecareistobelaidupontheLord,anduponourparents,whicharetousasGodwastoAdam,todirectustherein,Prov.19.14.

VVhywasnotEvahmadeoftheearthasAdamwas,butofaRibofherhusband?

Toadmonishherofhersubjectionandhumility,astheApostle1teacheth;Themanwasnotofthewoman,butthewomanoftheman,1Cor.11.8.Whichsubjectionalsoappearethinthis,thatAdamgaveherthename.

Toputtheminmindoftheneerconjunctionthatshouldbebetween2themanandhiswifeinloveandaffection.

VVhereforedothGodbringthewomantoAdam?

Tonotethathowfitsoeverawomanbe,yetsheshouldnotbereceivedtowifeuntillGodgaveher,andwhenhegivethherbyhisOrdinancethathehathappointed,thatthenheshouldreceiveher.

VVhereofdependeththis,thatamanshallleavefatherand

[Page]

OfGods

Providence.

motherandcleavetohiswife?Gen.2.24.

Ofthis,thatshewasfleshofhisflesh,andboneofhisbone,andthatGoddidgiveheruntoman,andheacceptedher.

TheCreationwhichistheformerpartoftheexecutionofGodsDecreebeingended,whatistheother?

Providence.

Howmayitappearthatthereisaprovidence?

PartlybythewordofGod,Matth.10.30.Prov.16.33.Partlybyreason.

VVhatreasonshaveyoutoprovethatthereisaProvidence?

Theagreementofthingswhicharemostcontraryintheworld,and1whichwouldconsumeoneanother,iftheywerenothindredbytheprovidenceofGod.

Thesubjectionofmaymenandwomenuntooneperson,bothin2Commonwealthsandfamilies.

Themeansofourpreservationandnourishment;formeat,drink3andclothing,beingvoidofheatandlife,couldnotpreservethelifeofmanandcontinueheatinhim,unlessetherewereaspeciallprovidenceofGodtogivevertueuntothem.

4Thosebeaststhatarehurtfulluntoman,thoughthey

encreasemoreandnomankillthem,yetarefewerthenthosethatareprofitableuntoman.

5ThefeedingoftheyoungRavensinthenestwhenthedammeforsakeththem.

6ThehatchingoftheOstrichesegge.

7TheLordhathsodisposedofthewildebeasts,thattheygoabroadinthenighttimetoseektheirprey,andlieintheirdensinthedaytime,thatmenmaygoeabroadtotheirwork.

8GoddothpreservehisChurchfromtheDevillandthewicked,sothatthoughtheybestrongerthenit,yettheycannothurtit.

Obj.1.Butitseemeththattheinequalityholdeninthegovernmentofmenshouldprove,thatallthingsarenotgovernedbytheLord,fortheworstarerichestoftentimes,andthebestpoor?

Hisgovernmentinallthingswhatsoever,isgood;forheisnolessegoodinhisgovernmenttheninhisCreation.

Obj.2.IfGoddoeguideallthings,weshouldhavenoSerpentsandothernoysomeandhurtfullthings;nowar,nosicknesse?

TheyaretheinstrumentsandmeansoftheexecutionofGodsjusticeandvengeanceuponmenthatoffendagainsthim,inwhichrespecttheProphetsaith,thereisnoevillin

Definition

ofGods

Providence.

theCitywhichtheLordhathnotdone,Amos3.6.

Obj.3.Howcommethitthentopasseifthesebeinstrumentsofvengeanceforsin,thattheyfalluponthegood,andratheruponthemthenuponthewicked?

Themostgodlyhavingtheremnantofsinthatdwellethintheirmortallbodies,deserveeverlastingcondemnation,andthereforeinthislifearesubjecttoanyoftheplaguesofGod;asforthattheyaresharplierhandledoftentimesthenthewicked,itistomaketrialloftheirpatience,andtomakeshewofthegraceshehathbestoweduponthem,whichhewillhaveknown,andthatitmaybeassuredthatthereisaJudgementoftheworldtocome,2Thess.1.whereineveryoneshallreceiveaccordingtohisdoinginthislife,eithergoodorevill.

HavingshewedthatthereisaProvidence;declarenowwhatitis.

ItisatemporaryactionofGod,wherebyhemovethanddirectethallthingsafterthecounsellofhisownwilltotheirproperends.Orthus,ItisthesecondpartoftheexecutionofGodsdecree,wherebyhehathacontinuallcareoverallhiscreaturesoncemade,sustaininganddirectingthemwithallthat,thatbelongethuntothem,andeffectuallydisposingofthemalltogoodends,Eph.1.11.Rom.11.36.Zach.4.10.Prov.15.3.Jer.23.23.Col.3.11.Psalm.139.2.&119.91.

Whysayyouitisanaction?

[Page]

TodistinguishitfromtheessentiallAttributesofGod.

Whysayyouthatitistemporary?

TodistinguishitfromtheeternalldecreeofGod.

Whysayyou,[wherebyhemovethanddirectethallthings?]

Toshewfirst,thatGodisnotidleinheaven,asEpicuresdoedream.2ly.ThatnothingcancometopassewithouttheprovidenceofGod.

Whysayyou[afterthecounsell?]

ToshewthatGoddothnothingunadvisedlyandrashly,butuseth,first,hisknowledge,wherebyheperfectlyunderstandethallthings;Secondly,hiswisdom,wherebyhedothdisposeallthingsbeingknown.

Whysayyou[ofhisownfreewill?]

Toshewfirst,thatGodisnotcompelledtodoeanything,butwhatsoeverhedoth,hedothitvoluntarily,withoutcompulsion.2ly,ThattheLordinthedispensationandgovernmentofallthings,dothnotfollowtheadviceandcounsellofanyother;neitherregardethanythingwithouthimselfe.

Whysayyou[totheirproperend?]

ToshewthattheLorddothnotonlygovernthingsgenerally,buteverythingparticularlytogetherwiththeir

properties,qualities,actions,motions,andinclinations.

IsGodsprovidencethenextendeduntoallhiscreatures?

Yea,untoallpersons,things,actions,andqualities,andcircumstances,howusuallsoevertheyseemtobe;Godexercisinghisprovidenceaboutallthingsingenerall,andeverythinginparticular;fornotonesparrow,whereoftwoaresoldforafarthing,fallethwithouttheprovidenceofourheavenlyFather,notsomuchasahaireofourheads,Mat.10.29,30.no(itmaytrulybesaid)notthebristleofaswinefallethwithouttheprovidenceofGod.

ButitseemethathingunworthyofGodsgreatandinfiniteMajestytodealeandhaveahandinsmallmatters,asforaKingtolooktothesmallmattersofhishoushold.

NomorethenitisadisgracetotheSunthatshinethinthefoulestplaces.

HowisthattobeunderstoodthenthattheApostlesaith,1Cor.9.9.HathGodcareforOxen?

Itisspokenonlybywayofcomparison,havingregardtothegreatcarehehathofmen:forinrespecthecommandedtheyshouldnotmuzzlethemouthoftheOxethatdidtreadoutthecorn,bythecarehehathofOxen,hewouldshewthathiscareismuchmoreformen;especiallyfortheMinistersofhisGospell.

WhatotherthingsbetherefromwhichsomedoeexcludetheprovidenceofGod?

[Page]

Thingsdoneby

1.Necessity.2.Art.3.Nature.4.Fortuneandluck.5.Casualtyandchance.6.Destiny.7.Free-will.

HowmanifoldisNecessity?

Twofold.1.Absolutenecessity,thecontrarywhereofcanntbe.

2.Necessitywithacondition,whichissuchasputsdownthecause,theeffectfolloweth;buttakeawaythecause,theeffectceaseth.

HowproveyouthatGodhathagovernmentinthingsthatcomebychanceandcasualtie?

Prov.16.33.Thelotsarecastinthebosome,yettheissueofthem,andtheireventhangupontheLord.Exod.21.13.Deut.19.13.

Istherenotthenanyfortuneorchanceofthingsintheworld?

NotinrespectofGod,bywhoseappointmenttheveryhairesofourheadsaregovernedandnumbred,butinrespectofmanthatknowethnotfuturethings,the

Scriptureusethsuchwords,toshewthesuddennesseanduncertaintyofathing,Exod.21.13.Eccl.9.11.Luk.10.31.

DoethecreatureseversincethefirstsixdayescontinueofthemselvesbeingonelygovernedofGod?

No,thecreationstillisafteramannercontinued,inthatallthingsaresustainedbythesamepowerwherebytheyweremade:forGodisisnotlikeabuilder,thatisthecauseonelyofthemaking,andnotofthebeingofhisbuilding;butheissuchacauseofbeingtoallcreatures,astheSunneisoflightuntotheday,sothatwithouthiscontinuallworking,allwouldreturntonothing.

WhatproofehaveyouofthiscontinuallworkingofGod?

OurSavioursaith,John5.17.myFatherworkethuntillthistime,andIalsowork;meaningincontinuanceandpreservationofallcreatures;Forinhimwelive,move,andhaveourbeing:Acts17.25,26,27,28.AndtheApostletestifieth,Heb.1.3.ThatourSaviourChristbywhomtheworldweremade,bearethupallthings,andupholdeththemintheirbeingwiththewordofhispower,hismightyword.ThusMosesteachethhowtheLordestablishedthecontinuanceandpreservationofallthecreaturesintheworldbothlivingandvoidoflife,Gen.1.SodoththeProphetalsointhe104.Psal.119.91.

HowdothGodsustainallcreatures?

Partly,bythecontinuationofparticulars,eitherforthe

[Page]

wholetimeofthisworld,asheavenandheavenlybodies,earthandotherElements,&c.2Pet.3.4.orforthetimeoflifeallotted,asalllivingcreatures,Psal.36.6.Psal.104.27,&c.Partly,bypropagationofkind,wherebycreaturesevenofshortestcontinuance,doesuccessivelyabideuntotheendoftheworld,Gen.7.3.8.21,22.

ThusGodsustainethandpreservethallthathehathmade:howdothhegovernanddisposeofthem?

Godorderethallhiscreaturesaccordingtohispleasure,guidingandimployingthemandtheirnaturestothoseseverallendsanduseswherebytheymaybestserveuntohisglory,Ps.119.91.Dan.4.34,35.andthegoodofthemselvesandoftheirfellowcreatures,especiallyofman;Ps.8.buthehathonegenerallmannerofgovernmentbelongingtoall;andanotherspeciall,whichispropertotheprincipallcreatures.

HowdothGodworkinallthecreaturesgenerally?

First,hedothmoveandstirreupthatpowerwhichhehathgiventhecreaturesuntoworking.

Secondly,hedothassist,direct,andhelpitinworkingofthatwhichisgood.

Thirdly,hedothworktogether,andgivebeinguntothatwhichiswrought.

Whataretheprincipallcreaturesyouspeakof?

Thereasonablecreatures,Angels,andMen,whichwerecreatedlikeuntoGodinahighestateofholinesseandhappinesse,Psal.8.4,5.&103.20.&104.4.Luke2.13.Mat.25.31.

Howcommethittopassethatthereisaparticularkindofgovernmentforthereasonablecreaturesaboveothers?

Becausethattheyarecreaturesofanothernaturethentherest,beingnotonlyactedandmovedinonecourseastheotherare,buthavingapowerofunderstandingwhatdothconcernthem,andofmovingthemselvesaccordingly.

Whatgovernmentdothfollowhereupon?

Thatwhichisbyteaching,andanswerablefulfillingofthatwhichistaught.

Howbyteaching?

Byinstructing,commanding,praising,forbidding,promising,threatning,andpermitting.

Howbyfulfilling?

Especially,byblessingandcursing.

WhatisthemannerofGodsworkinginhisprovidence?

Itissometimesordinary,othertimesextraordinary.

WhatistheordinarycourseofGodsprovidence?

Whenhebringeththingstopassebyordinarymeanes,andthatcoursewhichhehathsetledinnature.Esa.55.10.

Whatistheextraordinary?

Whenhebringeththingstopasseeitherwithoutmeanes,orbymeansofthemselvestooweak,orbesidethecourseofsuchmeans,andcourseofnature;whichworksareusuallycalledMiracles.

MayweindifferentlyexpectGodsextraordinaryworking,aswemayhisordinary?

No,whereordinarymeansbehad,wecannotlookforanextraordinarywork.

WhatdoetheythatrununtotheimmediateandextraordinaryprovidenceofGod,withoutnecessaryoccasions?

TheydoetemptGod.

HowmanywayesisGodtempted?

First,bydistrust:Secondly,bypresumption.

WhenisGodtemptedbyDistrust?

WhenmenthinkthatGodeithercannot,orwillnotfulfillhispromises.

WhenisGodtemptedwithPresumption?

[Page]

WhenmendependupontheimmediateprovidenceofGodwithoutanywarrantofthewordsotodoe.

HowmanysortsofmendoethustemptGod?

First,theythatdoewastfullymis-spendtheirgoods.

Secondly,theythathavingreceivedgiftsofmindandstrengthofbody,doenotusetheminsomelawfullcallingforthemaintenanceofthem,butdoeliveidlely.

Thirdly,theythatmakeanoccupationofdicingandcarding,andsuchlike.

Fourthly,theythatthrustthemselvesuponunnecessarydangers.

Fifthly,theywhichtakepainsforthemaintenanceoftheirbodiesinthislife,buthavenocareofthosethingswhichbelongtothesalvationoftheirsoulesinthelifetocome.

WhatarethemeansbywhichGoddothusetoexercisehisprovidence?

Two,thefirstpassive,thesecondactive.

Whatcallyoupassivemeans?

ThosewhichalthoughtheLorddothusethem,yethavenoknowledgenorunderstandingtomoveordirectthemselves,butarewhollymovedanddirectedbyGod.

Whatcallyouactivemeanes?

ThosewhichalthoughGoduseth,yethavereason,knowledge,andunderstandinginthemselveshowtomoveordirectthemselves,sucharemenandAngels,whethertheybegoodorevill.

DothGodworkafterthesamemannerbythewicked,thathedothbythegodly?

No,forGodworkethbythewicked,butnotinthem;asforthegodly,heworkethnotonlybythem,butalsointhem:wherbyitcomethtopasse,thattheworkofthegodlyisacceptableuntoGod,buttheworkofthewickedisnotacceptableuntoGod,althoughtheydoethesamething,whichthegodlydoth.

HowcanitbeshewedoutoftheScriptures,thatGodhathahandwherebyhegovernetheventhetransgressoragainsthisholywill?

1Gen.45.8.IsisexpreslysaidthatGoddidsendJosephbeforeintoEgypt,andthathisbrethrendidnotsendhim,whereinGodissaidtohavehadafurtherandastrongerhandinhissendingintoEgyptthenhisbrethren,andthereforeitismanifestthatGoddidthatwell,whichthePatriarchsdidsinfully,Gen.50.20.

2Exod.7.3.GodhardenedPharaohsheart.

32Sam.16.10.ItissaidthatGodhadcommandedShimeitocurseDavid.

42Sam.24.1.GodmovedDavidtonumberthepeople.

[Page]

52Chron.10.15.ItissaidthatitwasofGodthatRehoboamharkenednottothepeople.

61Kings22.19.20.23.ItissaidthattheDevillwasbiddenofGodsittingintheseatofhisrighteousjudgementtobealyingspiritinthemouthesofthefalseProphets,1Kings22.

7Esa.19.14.Godmingledamongstthemthespiritoferror.

8Esa.42.24.WhogaveJacobforaspoile,andIsraeltotheRobbers?didnottheLord?

9Esa.63.17.Whyhastthoumadeustoerreoutofthyway,andhardenedourheartfromthyfeare?

10Rom.1.26.Godgavethemuptovileaffections.

112Thess.2.11.Godsentthemstrongdelusions.

12Andtobecontentwithonemoretestimonyamongmany,letusconsiderhowthemostvileandhorribleactthateverwasdone,uponthefaceoftheearth,theLordGodissaidtohavewroughtmostholily:forasJudas,theJewesandPilateareallsaidtohavegivenChristtodeath;sotheFatherandChristaresaidtohavedonethesame,andthatinthesamewords,thoughthemannerandpurposearediverse,Acts2.23.&4.28.Rom.8.32.

DothnotGodthensuffersuchthingstobedone?

Hesufferethindeed,yetthisisnotanidlepermission,as

someimagine,butjoynedwithaveryandactivedoingorworkofGod,asinthecrucifyingofChrist,itissaidthattheydidnothingbutthatwhichthehandofGodhaddeterminedbefore;Acts2.23.&3.18.&4.28.forGodisnotonlyabarepermitteroftheevilworks,butapowerfullgovernourofthemtohisglory,andaneffecteralsoofitsofarasithathanygoodinit.

ButdothnotthisdrawGodtosomestainofsinfromwhichheismostfree,asbeingthatwhichhepunisheth?

Innowise,forthatwhichisevill,hathsomerespectofgoodnessewithGod.First,asitisameeraction,GodbeingtheAuthourofeveryaction;Acts17.28.buttheDevillandourconcupiscence,oftheevillinit:ashethatridethuponalamehorsecausethhimtostirre,butisnotthecauseofhishalting.

Secondly,asitisthepunishmentofsin,forpunishmentiscountedamorallgood,inthatitisthepartofajustJudgetopunishsinne;andthusGodwilleththesinofthewicked,fortheirpunishment,withoutsininhimselfe;Rom.2.26.&3.ult.

Thirdly,asitisachastisement,atriallofourfaith,asmartyrdome;orpropitiationforsin,asthedeathandpassionofChrist,Acts2.23.&4.27,28.wherealthoughthegivingofChristtothedeathoftheCrossebeattributedinthesamewordstoGodandChrist,toJudas,Pilate,andtheJewes;yetdiversly,andinseverallrespects,theyaredeclaredtomeetinoneandthesameaction,wherebythereappearethnolessedifferencebetweenGodand

[Page]

Christspurpose,andtheirs,thenbetweenlightanddarknesse.

DeclarehowGodcanhaveahandinthesethings,andyetbefreefromsin.

Heisacunningworkmanwhichwithanilltoolewillworkcunningly,andasamostexcellentApothecarymakethamedicineofthemixtureofpoysoninit,whichisnotyetpoysenous,butrathermedicinall;sotheLordinguidingandmanagingthepoysonofsin,drawethtreaclefromthesinsofmen,asitwerethepoyson,insuchsortastheyturntohisglory,andgoodofhisChurch;andcannotbechargedwithsinnomorethentheApothecarywithpoysoning,insoorderingthepoyson,asitdoththecontrary,byhisskill,untothatwhichbynatureitwoulddoe:andasinpainting,theblackcolourgivethgracetootherbeautifullcoloursinmakingthemshewbetter;soitisinthisworkofGod,inwhichthesinanduntruthofmen(asbyablackanddarkcolour)causeththetruthandrighteousnesseofGod(asthewhite)tobemorecommendedandtoappearebetter.

ButhowaretheseactionsofthewickeddiscernedfromtheworkofGodinthem?

First,bythecausefromwhencetheactioncommeth:forJosephsbrethrenofenviesenthimintoEgypt,butGodinmercy.ShimeicursedDavidofmalice,butGodofjusticeagainstDavidsmurtherandadulterie.Rehoboamoutoftheunadvisednesseofhisheartrefusedtherequestofhispeople;butGodbyhiswiseCounselldid

sodisposeofit.TheDevillfromhatetoAhabwasalayingspiritinthemouthofallhisProphets,butGodinjusticeagainsthisidolatrie.Pilateofambitionandfeare,theJewesofmalitiousenvie,andignorance,Judasofcovetousnesse,butGodoflovegaveChrist;andChristhimselfeinobediencetohisFather;andthereforethatactionasitwasfromGodandChristwasmostjustandrighteous,asfromtheother,mostwretchedandabominable.

Secondly,bytheendwhithertheytend:forJosephsbrethrensenthimtotheendheshouldnotcometothehonourforetoldoutofhisdreame,butGodsenthimtoprovideforhisChurch,andtofulfillthatthatwasforetold.ShimeicursedtodriveDavidtodespaire,butGoddirectedhimforexerciseofDavidspatience.TheDevillliedinthefalseProphetstoruineAhab,butGodjustlytopunishhimforhisidolatry.RehoboamtosatisfiethedesireofhisyoungbeardlesseCounsellours,butGodtoperformthewordthathehadspokenbyhisProphets.Pilatetopleasethepeople,andtokeephiscreditwithCaesar,Judasforobtainingofthemonyhedesired,andtheJewesthatourSaviourChristshouldnotreigneoverthem:butGodandChristtosavehispeople.

ButwereitnotbettertosaythatthesethingsweredonebyGodspermissionratherthenbyhisprovidenceandgovernment,therebytoavoidanabsurdityinDivinity,thatGodistheAuthourofevill?

Itismosttrulysaid,thatGodisnottheAuthourofsin,

[Page]

whereofheistherevenger;andalsothatitisdonebyGodspermission:butitisnotanidlepermissionseparatedfromtheprovidenceandgovernmentofGod,andthereforeadistinctionofGodspermissionseparatedfromhisgovernmentofsinisnotgood;especiallyconsideringthatthedistinctionofsuchapermissiondothnotdefendthejusticeofGod,forthewhichitisdevised.

Howmaythatappeare?

Ithepermitsin,hedothitagainstorwithhiswill;ifhedoeitagainsthiswill,thenishenotAlmighty;asonethatcannotletthathewouldnothavedone;ifwithhiswill,howcanhisjusticebedefended,iftheywerenotsomegoodthingsforwhichheedothwillinglypermitit?ForifaCaptainshouldwillinglysufferhissouldierstobemurtheredwhenhemighthindertheslaughterofthem,althoughheputnohandtothemurther,heisnotthereforeexcusable,andfreefromthebloodofhissouldiers.

Whatelsecanbealledgedagainstthepermissionthatisseparatedfromthegovernmentoftheprovidence?

ForthatbythismeansGodshouldbeespoyledofthegreatestpartofthegovernmentoftheworld,seeingthegreatestpartandmostoftheworldarewicked,allwhoseactionsare(astheythemselvesare)wicked.

Isthereyetanyothermatteragainstthisdistinction?

Theusesof

the

doctrineof

GodsProvi-

dence.

IfinthatGoddothpermitsinheshouldhavenohandinguidingandgoverningit,thenheshouldhavenohandinguidingandgoverningofgoodthings;forasitissaidthathepermittethsin,soitisalsosaidthathepermitteththegood,Heb.6.3.

WhatuseistobemadeofthedoctrineofGodsProvidence?

First,asintheCreation,sointhecontinuation,preservationandgovernmentofallthings,thepower,wisdome,andgoodnesseofthe1onlytrueGodissetforth;andthereforeinallthingsishetobeglorified,Rom.11.36.yeaeveninthesinsofmenforthegoodthingshedrawethforthfromtheirevill.

Secondly,theconsiderationofthis,thatnothingcancometopasse2withouttheProvidenceofGod,shouldmoveustofearGod,andmakeusafraidtocommitanysin;farotherwisethenthewicked,whouponthat,thatitistaughtthatallthingscometopassebytheProvidenceofGodaccordingtothathehathdecreed,Eccl.3.11.14.wouldconcludethatthenamanmaygivehimselflibertytodoeanything,consideringthatitmustneedsbeexecuted,thatGodhathdecreed.

Thirdly,wemustbanishallslavishfearoutofourhearts,knowing3thatnothingcancometopassewithouttheProvidenceofGod.

Fourthly,thisshouldbreedthankfulnessetoGodinprosperity,and4inallthingsthatcomeuntousaccording

OfGods

special

providence

over

Angels.

toourdesire;whatsoeverblessingwereceive,wemustacknowledgeittocomefromGod,andgivehimthepraiseandglory,Rom.11.36.notsacrificetoourownnets,Hab.1.16.orstayourmindsintheinstrumentsthereof,withoutlookinguptohimbywhosespeciallprovidenceandgovernmentweobtainourdesires.

Fiftly,thisshouldcausehumilityunderthehandofGodwhen5thingscomeotherwisethenwedesired.

Sixthly,inadversityweshouldpatientlysufferwhatsoeveraffliction6theLordlayethuponus:forthisconsiderationhathwroughtpatienceinGodsservants,ItistheLord,lethimdoewhatsoeverpleasethhim,1Sam.3.18.

Seventhly,wemustmarkandobservetheprovidenceofGodin7formertimes,thattherebyvvemaygatherargumentsofhisgoodnesseuntousinthetimetocome.

HavingthusspokengenerallyoftheProvidenceofGod;wearenowtodescenduntothespeciallconsiderationofthatwhichdothconcerntheprincipallcreatures,uponwhomGodhathdeclaredthegloryofhismercyandjustice:andfirsttobeginwithAngels:Shewhowtheyareupheldintheirbeeing.

TheyareallsustainedbythepowerofGod,sothattheyshallneverdie,orreturntonothing,Luk.20.36.

HowdothGoddisposeofthem?

[Page]

Good

Angels.

First,concerningtheireverlastingcondition,theyhadalawgiventhemintheirCreation,whichtheelectobserve,andareestablishedintheirperfection:butthereprobatessinningagainstithavelosttheirfirstestate,andarereserveduntofurtherJudgement:forallbeingbyGodcreatedgoodatthefirst,Gen.1.31.somecontinuedinhumilityandobedienceaccordingtothatdignityinwhichtheywerecreated:otherscontinuednotinthetruth,Joh.8.44.andsokeptnottheirbeeingorexcellencyinwhichtheywerecreatedofGod,(bywhomnothingcouldbemadebutgood)buttrangressedandfellfromitbytheirsinandwickednessebecommingDevils,Judever.6.

Secondly,fortheiremploymentGoduseththemall,bothgoodandevillAngels,ashisservantsandministersfortheaccomplishmentofhiswillandwork,Job1.6.

HowarethegoodAngelscalledintheScripture?

1.Elohim,orgods,fortheirexcellencyandpower,Psal.8.5.comparedwithHeb.2.7.Psal.97.7.withHeb.1.6.

2.SonsofGod,Job1.6.

3.AngelsofLight,2Cor.11.14.

4.ElectAngels,1Tim.5.21.

5.HeavenlySouldiers,Luk.2.13.

6.MenofGodfortheirOffice.

7.Principalities,andPowers,andDominions.

8.SeraphimsandaflameoffirefortheirswiftzealtodoeGodswill.

9.Cherubimsfromtheformofyoungmen,wherintheyappeared.

Havetheyanypropernames?

Someforourcapacityhavenamesgivenuntothem,asGabriel,&c.

Howmanyarethereofthem?

Theybeinnumerable,Mat.22.30.Heb.12.22.Dan.7.10.Psal.61.15.17.

AretherediversdegreesofAngels?

Yes;forsomearePrincipalities,andPowers,andDominions,andThrones,Col.1.16.whichshewethnotsomuchadifferenceinnatureasindiverseemploymentinoffice:Butwhatthosedegreesare,itisnotobservedoutofScripture,andthereforetousisunknown.

WithwhatpropertiesaretheseAngelsspeciallyendued?

Theyareenduedwithwisdome,holinesse,willingnessetoputinexecutionthewillofGod;power,swiftnesse,industry,glory,&c.faraboveanyman.

Whatmeasureofknowledgehavethey?

[Page]

Verygreatincomparisonofman,bothbyCreationandotherwise.

Howmanysortsbethereoftheirknowledge?

Three:first,naturall,whichGodenduedthemwithattherCreation,faraboveanyman,astheirnatureismoreheavenly.

Secondly,experimental,whichtheydoemarkandobservefarremorecarefullythenman,inGodsgovernmentoftheworld,andoutofallcreatures,Eph.3.10.Luk.15.10.

Thirdly,Divine,ofwhichGodinformeththemaccordingtotheseverallmattersthathesendeththemabout,andherebytheyknowthingstocome,asDan.9.theAngeltellethbeforetoDanielthetimeofChristsdeath,andMatth.1.GodtelleththeAngelJosephsthoughts.

DoenotAngelsofthemselvessknowthethoughtsofmen?

No;forthatisGodspropertyonly,1Kings8.39.2Chro.6.30.Butinsomemessages,asthatinthefirstofMatthew,Godispleasedtomanifestituntothem.

Havetheynotknowledgethenofallthingsdonehereuponearth?

No;forallthingsareonlyknowntoGodalone,Heb.4.13.yettheyknowthemattersofthosemenandplaceswhereGodappointeththemamessage,asCorneliushisalms,

Acts10.4.andtheuncomlinesseofwomenintheCongregationwheretheyare,1Cor.11.10.

CanthegoodAngelsfallatanytime?

No;Godhathconfirmedthemintheirwellbeeingthattheymightneverfallbysinfromtheirfirstblessedestate,Matth.18.18.

Whencecommeththis?

Notfromtheirownnature(whichwassubjecttomutability)butfromGodsmercy:forseeingthoseAngelsareelectofGod,1Tim.5.21.itfollowe[...]hofnecessitythattheyarekeptandupholdenonlybyhisgraceandmercy,whereuponhiselectionisgrounded.

NowfortheemploymentoftheseAngels,whatareyoutonotetherein?

Theirapparitions,andtheofficeswhichtheyperform.

InhowmanysortshaveAngelsappeared?

InasdiversasitpleasedGodtosendthem,butspeciallyintwo;namely,invisions,andtruebodies.

WhatmeanyoubyVisions?

Theirappearinginsomeextraordinarysorttothemindandinwardsenses,eitherinthenightbydreams,astoJoseph,Matth.2.13.orinthedaybysomestrangeshows,astheydidtotheProphets,Zach.2.3.

Howmanifoldwastheirapparitioninbody?

Inthetruebodies,eitherofmen,orofothercreatures.

Whatexampleshaveyouoftheirapparitioninthebodiesofmen?

Gen.19.2.twoAngels(besideChrist)appearedtoAbraham;sodidtwolikewisetotheApostles,Act.1.10.andGabrieltotheVirginMary,Luk.1.26.

Werethesebodiesoflivingmen,whohadsouls:orbodiescreateduponoccasion?

TheywerebodiesextraordinarilycreateduponthatoccasionbyGodhavingnosouls,buttheAngelstogivethemmotions;andafterweredissolvedbyGodtonothing,havingneitherbirthnorburiall.

Didtheymovefromplacetoplaceinthesebodies?

Yes;anddidmanyotheractionspropertoman:theAngelsappearingtoAbrahamdidtrulyeatanddrink,thoughwithoutneed;theAngelsdidtrulyspeakandtouchLot,pullinghim:buttheseactionsweredonebytheminanextraordinaryspeedinesseandmanner,morethenanymancandoe.

HaveAngelseverappearedinthebodiesofothercreatures?

Yes;forthereforearetheycalledCherubimsofcreaturesthathavewings,Satanspokeinthebodyofaserpentto

[Page]

Evah,andsototheHeatheninsundryothercreatures.

WithwhatfeelingdidthegodlyfindetheapparitionoftheAngels?

Manytimeswithgreatfearandterror(asmaybeseeninDaniel7.7,8,9,10,&c.)whichwascausedbythesmallglimpseofglorythatGodvouchsafedtothem,whichmanforhissincouldnotbear.

Whatlearnwebythat?

Toknowourmiseryandcorruption,andthatincomparisonofGodsappearing,weshouldbereadytoturntodust.

HowmanyaretheOfficesthegoodAngelsperform?

Twofold:First,inrespectofGod.Secondly,inrespectofthecreatures.

HowmanyaretheirdutiesconcerningGod?

Three:1.TheydoecontinuallypraiseandglorifieGodinHeaven.

2.TheydoalwayswaitupontheLordtheirGodinheaven,toexpectwhathewouldhavethemdoe.

3.Theyknowinghiswilldoeputitinexecution.

Howmanifoldaretheirdutiesconcerningthecreatures?

Twofold:eithergenerall,inrespectofallthecreatures;or

speciall,inrespectofman.

Whatisthegeneralldutie?

ThattheyaretheInstrumentsandMinistersofGodfortheadministrationandgovernmentofthewholeworld.

WhataretheOfficeswhichtheyperformtowardsMan?

Theyareeitherinthislife,orinthelifetocome.

HowmanifoldaretheOfficeswhichtheyperformtowardsmaninthislife?

Twofold:eithersuchasrespectthegodly,theprocuringofwhosegoodistheirspeciallcalling,Heb.1.14.Mat.4.11.Ps.104.4.orsuchasrespectthewicked.

HowmanygoodAngelshatheveryoneattendinguponhiminthislife?hathheonealone,orhathhemany?

ThatisasthegloryofGodandthenecessityoftheSaintsrequireth;sometimestheredoemanyattenduponone,sometimesoneuponmany.

WhatarethegoodofficeswhichtheAngelsperformtowardsthegodlyinthislife?

TheyareusedasInstruments,1.Tobestowgoodthingsuponthem.2.Tokeepthemfromevill.

HowmanifoldarethosegoodthingswhichbytheministeryoftheAngelsarebestoweduponthegodly?

[Page]

Theypartlyconcernthebody,partlythesoul.

Whatarethegoodthingsthatconcernthebody?

1.TheyareusedasInstrumentstobestowthingsneedfullforthepreservationofit,andtobringnecessaryhelpstomenintheirdistress,astoEliasandHagar.

2.TheyareappointedofGodtobeasaguardandgarrisonuntohischildrentocomfortanddefendthemwalkingintheirlawfullcallings,Psal.34.7.&91.11.

3.Theygiveanhappysuccessetotheminthegoodthingstheygoabout,Gen.24.7.40.ver.

4.TheyareappointedaswatchmenovertheSaints,thatbytheirpresencetheymightkeeptheirbodiesinshamefastnesse,holinesseandpurity,1Cor.11.10.

WhatarethegoodthingsofthesoulwhichtheLorddothbestowupontheSaintsbytheministeryofthegoodAngels?

1.TorevealthewillofGodtothem,andtoinformtheminthingswhichhewouldhavedone,Act.10.5.

2.Tostirupgoodmotionsintheirhearts.

3.Tocomforttheminsorrow,asChristwascomfortedbeingdistressedinsoul,Luk.22.43,44.andPaul,Acts27.23,24.

4.TorejoyceattheconversionoftheSaints,Luk.15.10.

HowmanifoldaretheevillthingsfromwhichthegoodAngelsdoekeepthegodly?

Theylikewisedoepartlyconcernthebody,partlythesoul.

Whataretheevilsofthebody?

Theyareeitherwithout,orwithinus.

FromwhatevilswithoutusarewepreservedbytheministeryoftheAngels?

1.Fromthosedangersthatonemanbringethuponanother.

2.Fromthosethattheyaresubjectuntobyreasonofwildebeasts.

3.Fromthoseevilswhereuntowearesubjectbyreasonofothercreatureswithoutlife.

4.TheydoenotonlypreservethebodiesoftheSaints,butalsoallthingsthataretheirsastheirgoods,wife,childrenandfamilies.

WhataretheevilswithinusfromwhichtheAngelsdoekeepus?

First,sicknesse.Secondly,famine.Thirdly,death.

VVhataretheevilsofthesoulefromwhichtheAngelsdoekeepus?

[Page]

Fromsin,andthattwoways,1.Bytheircontinualpresence.2.Bytheirpower.

WhataretheactionswhichthegoodAngelsperformtowardswickedmeninthislife?

1.Theyrestrainandhinderthemfrommanywickedthingswhichtheywouldbringtopasse.

2.Theyexecutejudgementsuponthewicked,andpunishthemfortheirsinscommitted,2Kings19.35.Gen.19.11.

WhataretheofficeswhichthegoodAngelsaretoperformtowardsmanafterthislife?

First,theycarrythesoulsofthegodly,beingseparatedfromthebody,withcomfortintoheaven,(asLazarus,Luk.16.22.)andthrustthewickedintohell.

Secondly,theywaituponChristatthedayofJudgement,togatherallthefaithfulluntohim,andtoseparatethewickedfromamongthem,(Matth.24.31.&51.)andtorejoyceatthesentencewhichheshallgive.

ArewenottoworshiptheblessedAngelsforthegoodofficeswhichtheyperformtowardsman,andtountothem?

Notinanycase;for,

1.Theythemselvesrefuseit,Rev.19.10.

Oftheevill

Angels.

2.TheyarebutGodsmessengersandourfellowbrethren.

3.Godisonlytobeworshipped,Jud.13.16.Mat.4.10.Col.2.18.

ThusmuchconcerningthegoodAngels;whatareyoutoknowconcerningtheevilones?

First,theirsinorfall.Secondly,theevillofficestheyperform.

Howmanythingsarewetoconsiderintheirfall?

Two:1.Themanner.2.Thebackslidingitself.

Whatmustbeconsideredinthemanner?

Fourthings.

1.Theywerecreated,thoughgood,yetmutable,soastheymightfall.

2.Beingcreatedmutable,theyweretryedwhethertheywouldfallornot.

3.Beingtryed,theywereforsakenofGod,andlefttothemselves.

4.Beinglefttothemselves,theycommittedallsinevenwithgreedinesse.

Howmanythingsmustbeconsideredinthefallitself?

Three:1.Fromwhencetheyfel.2.Whereuntotheyfell.3.ThepunishmentGodlaiduponthemfortheirfall.

Fromwhencefellthey?

First,fromtheirinnocencyandestatewhichGodhadsetthemin,Job4.18.Joh.8.44.2Pet.2.4.Judever.6.

Secondly,fromGod,andtherebyfromfulnesseofjoyandperfectionofhappinesse.

Whereuntofellthey?

GodsufferedthemvoluntarilyandmaliciouslywithoutanyoutwardtemptationtofallintothatunpardonablesinofApostasie,andintothemostgrievoussinsthatcouldbecommitted.

WhatwastheprincipallsinthattheAngelscommitted?

Howsoeversomethinkitwaspride,abusingtheplaceofIsaiah,14.13,14.whichismeantoftheKingofBabylon;othersenvytowardsman,asinthebookofWisdome,2.24.otherslying,outofJohn8.44.yetitcomprehendedalltheseandmoretoo,beinganutterfallingawayfromGod,andthatholystandingGodplacedthemin,especiallytoministerformansgood.

HowcommethittopassethatthefallofAngelsiswithouthopeofrestitution,sinceManisrecoveredafterhisfall?

TheDevillcommittedthesinagainsttheholyGhost,Matth.12.31.1John5.16.sinningwilfullyandmaliciously,which

[Page]

isprovedbyhiscontinualldealingagainstGod,andthereforeheshallneverberestored.

WeretheremanyAngelsthatdidthusfall?

Yes,asappearethbyRev.12.7.&Mat.8.30,31.wherealegionpossessedoneman.

WhatpunishmentswerelaidupontheAngelsfortheirfall?

First,thefearfulcorruptionoftheirnaturefromtheirfirstintegrity,andlosseofGodsimage,sothattheycanneverrepent.

Secondly,thecastingofthemoutfromthegloryofheaven,andthewantofthecomfortablepresenceofGodforevermore,2Pet.2.4.

Thirdly,agriefeandvexationattheprosperityoftheSaints.

Fourthly,alimitationoftheirpowerthattheycannotdoewhathurttheywould.

Fifthly,horrourandfeareofthejudgementofthegreatday;whereuntotheyarereservedineverlastingchainesunderdarknesse,2Pet.2.4.Jude,vers.6.

Sixthly,amoreheavytormentafterthedayofjudgementinhellfire,wheretheyaretofeeltheinfinitewrathofGodworldwithoutend.Mat.8.29.Luke8.31.Mat.25.41.Apoc.20.10.

CantheDevillworkmiracles,andtellthingstocome?

No,butGodonely;Mat.4.3.Esay41.23.

Whatpowerhavetheytohurtman?

Theyhavenomorepowerthenisundernature,(forabovenaturetheycannotwork)andyettheycandoenothingbythatpower,butwhatGodappointeth;notsomuchastheentringintohogges.Matth.8.31.

Howaretheyaffectedtowardsman?

Verymaliciously,astheirseverallnamesgiventhemdoedeclare.

Whatbethosenames?

First,Satan,becausetheymortallyhatemen.

Secondly,Devill,becausetheyslanderouslyaccusethemtoGodandman,Job1.11.&2.5.Rev.12.8,9,10.

Thirdly,theoldSerpent,fortheirsubtiletemptation.

Fourthly,thegreatDragon,fortheirdestroyingofmany,Rev.12.8,9

Howmanyofthemdoeattenduponeveryman?

Sometimesmanyuponone,andoneuponmany.

Whatbetheevillofficestheyperformagainstman?

[Page]

Somearecommontothegodlywiththewicked,othersarepropertothewickedalone.

Havetheyalikepoweroverthegodlyandthewicked?

No,forthoughGodpermitteththemoftentotryandexercisethegodly,2Sam.1.comparedwith1Chron.1.Eph.6.12.bothinbodyandinmind,(asSatanafflictedJobbothoutwardlywithgrievoussores,andinwardlywithdreamsandvisions;andsometimesbuffetedPaul,2Cor.12.7.sometimeshinderedhimfromhisjourney,1Thess.2.18.)yethelimiteththem,andturneththeirmalicetothegoodofhischildren,Luk.22.31.

Howmanifoldaretheevillofficeswhichtheyperformincommonagainstthegodlyandthewicked?

Twofold;eithersuchasrespectthebody,andthethingsbelongingthereunto,orsuchasrespectthesoule.

Howdoetheyhurtthebodyorthethingsbelongingtothebody?

TheyarepermittedbyGodformanssinne:First,tohurtthecreature,thatshouldserveforourcomfort,astheAyre,Sea,Trees,&c.Rev.7.2,3.Secondly,toabusethebodiesbothofmenandbeasts,fortheeffectingoftheirwickedpurposes.Thirdly,todeludethesenses,makingmentobeleevethingstobesuchastheyarenot,astheDevilldidbyJannesandJambresinEgypt,andbythewitchofEndor.Fourthly,toinflictsicknesseandevillsuponthebodiesofmen,andtotormentandpainthem,as

Usesofthe

doctrine

concerning

evillAn-

inJob,andtheEgyptians.Fiftly,tostrikesomedumb.Sixtly,toenterinto,andreallytopossessethebodiesofmen,usingtheminmostfearfullsort,asMatth.8.16.&12.28.Seventhly,toinflictdeathuponthebodiesbothofmenandbeasts.

Howdoetheyhurtthesoule?

First,bydeprivingsomeoftheuseoftheirreasonbyfrensieandmadnesse.Secondly,bytroublingandtormentingsomewithgriefeandvexationofsoule.Thirdly,byabusingsomewithpassionsandmelancholyfits,asSaul,1Sam.16.14.Fourthly,byseducingothers,1King.22.21,22.2Cor.4.4.Fiftly,bymanifoldandfearfulltemptationstosinandwickednesse.Sixthly,byprevailinginsuchtemptations.Seventhly,byaccusingbeforeGodthosewithwhomtheyhavesoprevailed.Eightly,byhindringmenfromdoinggoodthings.

WhataretheofficesoftheevillAngelsthatrespectthewickedalone?

First,toruleandreigninthemwithoutcontrolment,andtofinishhisworkinthem.Secondly,tomurtheranddestroytheminthisworld,andintheworldtocometotormentsouleandbodyinhellforever.

Whatusearewetomakeofthisdoctrine,concerningtheevillAngels?

First,totrembleattheLordsseveritytowardsthem,2Pet.2.4.andtobethankfullforhis

gels.

OfGods

particular

providence

overman.

bountyandmerciestowardsourselves,Psal.8.1.4,5.Eph.1.3,4.

Secondly,torememberthatifGodsparednotthosespirituallcreaturessinningagainsthim,neitherwillhespareusrebellingagainsthisMajesty,2Pet.2.4.

Thirdly,tofearetooffendGod,thathathsuchmessengerstosendathiscommand.

Fourthly,tolearntoarmourselveswiththeshieldoffaithandfearofGod,sincewehavesuchgreatenemiestofightagainst,Eph.6.11.1Pet.5.9.

Fifthly,tobecomforted,thatthoughtheDevillbepowerfullandmostmaliciousagainstus,yetChristhathbrokenhishead,Gen.3.15.andatlastwilltreadSatanunderourfeet,Rom.16.[...]0.

ThusmuchoftheprovidencethatconcernethAngels.

ShewnowhowGoddothdealewithman.

Aswiththatcreatureinwhomaboveallother,heintendethtosetforththegloryofhisWisdome,Power,Justice,andMercy;Prov.8.31.Psal.8.3.&c.1Cor.9.9,10.andthereforetheScripturesdoemostplentifullydeclarethedealingofGodwithman,bothinthetimeofthisworld,andforeverhereafter.

Howismanupheldinhisbeing?

[Page]

Twowayes.

First,asallotherbodilycreatures:partlybymaintenanceofeverymanslifehereonearth,forthetimealottedbyGodhimselfe.Acts17.28.Ps.36.6.1Tim.4.10.Partly,bypropagationofkinduntotheendoftheworld,throughtheblessingofprocreation.Gen.1.28.Eccl.1.4.

Secondly,asAngelsafterasort;Godsoproviding,thatthoughthebodyofmanreturnethtotheearthfromwhenceitwastaken,yetthesouleperishethnot,butreturnethtoGodthatgaveit;Eccl.12.7.yea,thatthesamebodyalsoandeverypartthereofispreservedinthegrave,andshallbejoynedintiretothesouleatthelastday,sotocontinueforever.Job19.26,27.

Howmanifoldisthestatewhereinmanistobeconsidered?

Threefold:first,thestateofinnocencie,commonlyhadandlostof1allmankind,bothelectandreprobate,withoutdifference,Eccl.7.

Secondly,thestateofcorruptionandmiserieseisingonallmennaturally,2butabidingwithoutrecoverieonlyintheReprobate,Rom.3.23.

Thirdly,thestateofRedemptionpropertotheelect,1Pet.2.9.3Psal.130.8.Allwhichdoemakewayuntothatfinallandeverlastingestateofhonourordishonourfore-appointeduntoallmen,beginningattheendofthislife,perfectedatthedayofjudgement,andcontinuingforeverintheworldtocome.AndthustouchingthispartofGods

OfGods

providence

towards

mankind.

Ofthe

Covenant

between

Godand

providencetheScripturesdoeteachus,boththebenefitsofGodbestoweduponmanbeforehisfall;andlikewisehisjusticeandmercytowardshimafterhisfall:hisjusticeupontheReprobate,whoareleftwithouthopeofrestitution,andreservedtogetherwiththeDevillsuntoeverlastingpunishment,Matth.25.41.Rev.20.10.15.Hismercyupontheelectwhonotwithstandingtheirfall,arerestoredagainbygrace,Gen.3.15.

Isitnotlikelythatallthevisibleworldtogetherwithman,isfallenwithouthopeofrestitutionbymercy?

Yes,foritstandethwellwiththejusticeofGod,thatseeingthevisibleworldwasmadefortheuseofman,Gen.2.9.thatwiththefallofmanitshouldbepunished,Gen.3.17,18.andwithhisraisingupberestored,Rom.8.20,21,22.

WhatisthatspeciallorderofgovernmentwhichGodusethtowardsmankindinthisworld,andintheworldtocome?

InthisworldheordereththemaccordingtothetenorofatwofoldCovenant,intheworldtocomeaccordingtothesentenceofatwofoldjudgement.

WhatunderstandyoubyaCovenant?

AnagreementwhichitpleasethAlmightyGodtoenterintowithmanconcerninghiseverlastingcondition.

[Page]

man.

1.

Covenant

Whatbethepartsofthisagreement?

Two:theoneistheCovenantthatGodmakethwithus;theotheristheCovenantthatwemakewithGod:thesummoftheformeris,thathewillbeourGod,ofthelatter,thatwewillbehispeople.Jer.31.33.

Whatgatheryoufromtheformer?

Thesir-nameofGod,asitisindiversplacesofScripture,andnamely,Exod.3.15.whereitissaid,TheLordGodofyourFathers,theGodofAbraham,theGodofIsaac,theGodofJacob,hathsentmeuntoyou;thisismynameforever,andthisismymemorialluntoallgenerations:fromwhencewemayobservethesingulargloryandpriviledgeofGodspeople,inthatGodiscontenttotakehissir-nameofthem,Heb.11.16.

Whyisthissir-nameadded?

ForthatitisafearfullthingtothinkofthepropernameofGodalone,unlessethisbeaddedtoit,wherebyhedeclarethhisloveandkindnessetous.

Whatgatheryoufromthelatter?

ThatmanstandethboundbytheseCovenantsofagreement,toperformthatdutywhichGodrequirethathishands.

HowmanysuchCovenantsbethere?

Two:First,theLawandCovenantofworks;

ofworks.Secondly,thefreepromiseorCovenantofgrace,whichfromthecommingofChristiscalledtheGospell.Rom.10.5,6.Gal.3.11,12.

Whichofthemwasfirst?

TheLaw,foritwasgiventoAdaminhisintegrity,whenthepromiseofgracewashiddeninGod.

Howso,sinceitissaidthattheLawwasfirstgiventoMoses?

ThatistobeunderstoodofthewrittenLaw,asitwaswrittenbyMoses,andingravenintablesofstonebythefingerofGod,otherwisethesamewasimprintedinthebeginningintheheartsofourfirstparents,andthereforeitiscalledtheLawofnature,Rom.2.14.

HowwasthisLawgivenuntoAdaminthebeginning?

Itwaschieflywritteninhisheartathiscreation,andpartlyalsoutteredinhiseareinParadise;foruntohimwasgivenawillbothtogoodandalsotoevill,andalsotobeinclinedtheretowithabilitytoperformit.Therewassomethinglikevviseoutwardlyrevealed,ashisdutytoGodinthesanctificationoftheSabbath,tohisneighbourintheinstitutionofmarriage,andtohimselfeinhisdaylyworkingaboutthegarden.

HowdothitappearethatthesubstanceoftheMorallLawwaswrittenintheheartsofAdamandEve?

[Page]

First,bytheeffectofitinthemboth,whoimmediatelyaftertheirfallwereforcedbytheonelyguiltofconscience(notyetotherwisecharged)tohidethemselvesfromGodspresence.Gen.3.8.

Secondly,bytheremaindersthereofinallmankind,whoevenwithouttheLaw,arebylightofnatureaLawuntothemselves.Gen.4.6.Rom.2.14,15.

HowhaththeMorallLawbeendeliveredsincethefall?

Thesummethereofwascomprisedintenwords,Exod.34.28.Deut.4.13.commonlycalledtheDecalogueortenCommandements,solemnlypublishedandengravedintablesofstonebyGodhimself,Deut.10.4.AfterwardsthesamewasmorefullydeliveredinthebooksofholyScripture,andsocommittedtotheChurchforallages,astheRoyallLawfordirectionofobediencetoGodourKing;Jam.2.8.andforthediscoveryofsinandpunishmentduethereto.Deut.27.26.Rom.1.31.&3.20.

WhatthendoththeLawnowrequireofus?

AllsuchdutiesaswererequiredofAdaminhisinnocency,Levit.18.5.andallsuchasarerequiredsincebyreasonofhisfall;Deut.27.26.bindingustoeternalldeathforourleastdefecttherein.

DeclarenowoutofthatwhichhathbeensaidwhattheCovenantofworksis.

ItisaconditionallCovenantbetweenGodandman,

wherebyontheonesideGodcommandeththeperfectionofgodlinesseandrighteousnesse,andpromiseththathewillbeourGodifwekeepallhisCommandements:andontheothersidemanbindethhimselfetoperformintireandperfectobediencetoGodsLaw,bythatstrengthwherewithGodhathenduedhimbythenatureofhisfirstcreation.

WhatwasdoneinthisCovenantonGodspart?

TherewashisLawbackedwithpromises,andthreatnings,anduntothemwereaddedoutwardseales.

WhatwasthesummeofthisLaw?

Doethis,andthoushaltlive;ifthoudostitnot,thoushaltdyethedeath.

WhatismeantbyDoethis?

KeepallmyCommandementsinthought,word,anddeed.

WhatismeantbylifepromisedtothosethatshouldkeepalltheCommandements?

Therewardofblessednesseandeverlastinglife,Levit.18.5.Luke10.28.

Whatismeantbydeaththreatnedtothosethatshouldtransgresse?

InthisworldthecurseofGodanddeathwithmanifoldmiseriesbothofbodyandsoule,and(wherethiscurseisnottakenaway)everlastingdeathbothofbodyandsoule

intheworldtocome,Deut.27.26.&29.19.20.&32.22.Levit.26.Deut.28.

Whatweretheoutwardsealesaddedhereunto?

ThetwotreesplantedbyGodforthatpurposeinthemidstofthegarden,Gen.2.9.3.3.thatAdambeforeandinthesightofthemmightresorttosomespeciallplacestoserveGodin,andmightbythesightofthembeputinmindofthosethingswhereoftheyweresignsandseales.

Whatdidthetreeoflifeservefor?

Itsealeduphappinesse,life,andgloryuntoman,uponconditionofobedience;thatbytastingthereof(whichnodoubt,accordingtothemannerofSacramentallsignes,wasatreeofmarvellouscomfortandrestoring)hemightbeassuredheshouldliveinParadiseforever,ifhestoodobedienttoGodsCommandements,Gen.2.9.Prov.3.18.Revel.2.7.

Wasthistreeabletogiveeverlastinglifetoman,orotherwise,whydidGodafterthefallshutmanfromit?

Itwasnomoreabletogiveeverlastinglife,thenthebodilyeatingofanyotherSacrament;butAdamhavingbysinlostthatwhichwassignifiedhereby,GodwouldhavehimdebarredfromtheuseoftheSacrament.

Whatdidthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevillservefor?

[Page]

Thestateof

maninthe

timeofhis

Innocency.

Bothfortriallofobedience,andalsoforawarningoftheirmutability,andofwhatwouldfollowuponsin;sosealingdeathanddamnationincaseofdisobedience,notasthoughthetreewasabletogiveanyknowledge,butthatbytastingofitcontrarytoGodscommandtheyshouldhaveexperimentallknowledgeofevillinthemselves,whichbeforetheyhadofgoodonly,andbywofullexperienceshouldlearnwhatdifferencetherewasbetweenknowingandservingGodintheirintegrityandbeingignorantofhimbytheirsin,Gen.2.17.

WhatwasdoneinthisCovenantonmanspart?

Mandidpromisebythatpowerwhichhehadreceived,tokeepthewholelaw,bindinghimselfovertopunishmentincasehedidnotobey.

InwhatstateismantobeconsideredunderthisCovenant?

Inatwofoldestate.1.OfInnocency.2.OfCorruptionandmisery.

Whatthingsareyoutonoteintheinnocentestateofman?

First,theplacewherehewasseated.Secondly,thehappyandgloriousestatehethereenjoyedbothinsoulandbody.

WheredidGodplacemanwhenhecreatedhim?

Inamostglorious,pleasantandcomfortableGarden,whichiscalledParadise,ortheGardenofEdenforpleasantnesse,Gen.2.8.

WhatdoththeScriptureteachconcerningit?

Theplacewhereitwas;andthecommoditiesthereof.

Where,andinwhatpartoftheworldwasit?

InAsianeerthemeetingofEuphratesandTygris,thosetwofamousRivers.

Whatcommoditieshadit?

AlltheprincipallcreaturesofGoddidadornit,andthereforeitissaidtobemoreextraordinarilythentherestoftheworldplantedbyGod:TherearesetdownalsothepreciousstonesthereofundertheSardonyx;puremetalsunderthegold;preciouswoodsundertheBdelium,andsoallotherlivingthingsandgrowingcreatures,thatitmightbeasitwereashopfurnishedformantoseein,andlearnbyitGodsWisdome,PowerandMajesty.

Doththisplacenowcontinue?

Theplaceremaineth,butthebeautyandcommoditiesbepartlybytheFloud,partlybymanssin(forwhichthewholeearthiscursed)almostabolished,though(asmaybeobservedoutofgoodAuthors)itisaveryfruitfullplacestill.

Whathappinessedidmanenjoy,thusplacedinParadise?

[Page]

Itwaspartlyinward,partlyoutward.

Whereindidtheinwardappear?

First,inhiswonderfullknowledge,wherebyhemadeuseofallthecreaturesofGod,asthegreatestPhilosopherthateverwas.

Secondly,inthatholyandheavenlyimageofGod,ofwhichAdamhadtheuseandcomfortbeforehisfall,itshininginhimwithouttaintureorblemish,andhetherebybeingwithoutallsinorpunishmentofsin.

Thirdly,inthefullfruitionandassuranceofthefavourableandblissefullpresenceofhisCreator,Matth.5.8.Psal.17.15.andhisheavenlycompanyandconferencewithGod,withoutallfear,asasubjectwithhisPrince,Gen.3.8.

Fourthly,inhisjoyfullservingGod,togetherwithabsolutecontentmentinhimself,Gen.2.25.

Whereindidtheoutwardappear?

First,inhavingsocomely,perfectandgloriousabody,inwhichtherewasnoinfirmity,painnorshame,thoughnaked,Gen.2.25.

Secondly,inhisdominionoverallthecreatures,thatsubmittedthemselvesanddidserviceuntohim,towhomalsoastheirLordhegavetheiroriginallnames,Gen.2.19,20.

Thirdly,inthecomfortablestateandsense,notofParadise

Ofmanin

thestateof

corruption,

andofhis

alone,butofalltheworldroundabouthim,havingneitherstorm,winter,norextremityinanycreature.

Whatemploymenthadmaninthisestate?

Atwofoldemployment;thefirstoutward,totillanddressetheGarden,Gen.2.15.theotherspirituall,toworshipandserveGodhisCreator,andtoprocurehisowneverlastingblessednesse,wheretohewasfittedwithfreedomeofwillandabilityforperfectobedienceuntoGodaccordingtothetenoroftheCovenantofworks.

Whatusearewetomakeoftheknowledgeofmanshappinessebeforehisfall?

First,toadmireandpraisethegreatgoodnesseandfavourofGodinsodealingwithman,aclodoftheearth.

Secondly,tobewailthelosseofthathappyestate,withblamingourselvesforoursininAdam.

Thirdly,tolearnhowgrievousathingsinneisinGodssight,thatprocuredmanthisdolefullchange.

Fourthly,tolabourandgasptobeheirsoftheheavenlyParadisepurchasedfortheelectbyChrist;bywhichweshalleatoftheTreeoflife,Rev.2.7.

Thusfarofthestateofinnocency;whatisthestateofcorruptionandmisery?

ThefearfullconditionwhereintoinAdamallmankindfell,Eccles.7.29.bytransgressing

[Page]

fall.andviolatingthatCovenantofworkswhichGodmadewithhimatthebeginning:Formancontinuednotinhisintegrity,butpresentlytransgressedthatholylawwhichwasgivenuntohim,willinglyrevoltingfromGodscommandthroughSatanstemptationintomanysinnesbyeatingtheforbiddenfruit,andsobythedisobedienceofone,sinreigneduntodeath,anddeathwentoverall,Rom.5.12.18.

Whatarewethentoconsiderherein?

First,Adamsfall;Secondly,thewretchedestatehethrewallhisposterityinto.

InwhatplaceofScriptureistheHistoryofAdamsfallhandled?

InthethirdChapterofGenesis,thesixformerverseswhereofsettethoutthetransgressionofourfirstparents,(whichwastheoriginalofallothertransgressions)therestoftheChapterdeclarethatlargethethingsthatfollowedimmediatelyuponthistransgression.

Howwasthewaymadeuntothisfallofman?

ByGodspermission,Satanstemptation,manscarelesnesseandinfirmityinyeeldingthereunto.

WhatactionhadGodinthisbusinesse?

Hepermittedthefallofman,notbyinstillingintohimanyevill,Jam.1.13.1John2.16.ortakingfromhim

anyabilityuntogood;ButfirstsufferingSatantoassailhim(2Sam.24.1.with1Chron.21.1.)

Secondly,leavingmantothelibertyandmutabilityofhisownwill,andnothindringhisfallbysupplyoffurthergrace,2Chro.32.31.

WasthenGodnocauseofthefallofourfirstParents?

Noneatall;butashathbeensaid,havingcreatedthemholyheleftthemtothemselvestofalliftheywould,orstandiftheywouldinrespectoftheirability;asastaffeputonanendright,dothfallwithoutthefurtheranceofthemanthatsettethitright;yetcameittopassenotonlybythepermissionofGod,butalsobyhissecretDecree,therebytomakewayforthemanifestationofhisPower,JusticeandMercy:forbeingabletobringgoodoutofevill,aslightoutofdarknesse,heorderethinhisgreatWisdomethefallofmantothesettingoutoftheglory,bothofhismercyinthosethatshallbesavedinChrist,andofhisJusticeinthosethatshallperishfortheirsins,Rom.11.32.yetwithoutwrongtoany,beingnotboundtohiscreaturetoupholdhimbyhisgracefromfalling,Rom.11.35.

WhathandhadSataninprocuringthefallofman?

Beinghimselffallen,uponaproud,enviousandmurtherousmind,hedeceivedourfirstparentsbytemptingthemtosinne,totheendhemightbringthemintothelikeestatewithhimself;andasinthisrespectheissaidtohavebeenamurthererfromthebeginning,Joh.

8.44.sodothheeversinceseektodowhathurthecantomankind,movingthemstilltosinagainstGod,andlabouringtobringthemtodamnation.

Whatdoeyouobserveherein?

HisenvyofGodsgloryandmanshappinesse,togetherwithhishatredandmaliceagainstmankind,whom(asamurthererdothhisenemy)hehatethandlabourethtodestroy.

WhatgatheryoufromthisattemptofhisagainstourfirstparentsinthestateofInnocency?

ThatSatanismostbusietoassailtheminwhomtheimageofGodinknowledgeandholinessedothappear;notlabouringmuchaboutthosewhicheitherlieinignorance,orhavenoconscienceofwalkingaccordingtoknowledge,asthosethatarehisalready.

WhatInstrumentdidSatanuseintemptingman?

HeusedtheSerpentasanInstrumenttodeceivethewoman,andthewomanforanInstrumenttotempttheman,Gen.3.1.2Cor.11.3.1Tim.2.14.

WhydidheusethoseoutwardInstruments,andnotrathertempttheirfancyandaffectioninwardly?

Itseemeththatintheirintegrityhecouldnothavethatadvantageagainsttheminthosethingswhereuntotheyweremadesubjectbytheirfall.

[Page]

WhydidhechuserathertospeakbyaSerpentthenbyanyotherBeast?

BecauseitwasthefittestthatGodpermittedhim,andwisestofallthebeastsoftheearth,especiallypossessedbyhimtodeceiveman,Gen.3.1.ItwasofallotherbeaststhesubtillestandfittesttocreepintotheGardenunseenofAdam,(whowastokeepthebeastsoutofit)andtoremaintherewithoutbeingespyedofhim,andcreepoutagainwhenhehaddonehisfeat.

Iftherewerecraftbeforethefall,thenitseemeththerewassinne?

Craftinbeastsisnotsin,althoughthewordhereusedsignifyethanimblenesseandslinessetoturnandwinditselfanyway,inwhichrespectitseemeththeDevillchosethisbeastbeforeanyother.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

ThattheDevilltoworkhismischiefisexceedinglycunningtomakehischoiceofhisInstruments,accordingtothekindofevillhewillsoliciteunto,Matth.7.15.2Cor.11.13,14.1Tim.2.14.

ButweedoenotseethatheecommethanymoreinthebodyofSerpents?

Hemay,andinthebodyofanyotherbeastwhichtheLordwillpermithimtocomein:Howbeitourcaseinthisismoredangerousthenthatofourfirstparents;fornowhe

usethcommonlyforInstrumentsmenlikeuntousandfamiliarwithus,whichhecouldnotdoebeforethefall,Eph.6.12.Rev.2.10.

WhydidSatanassailthewomanratherthentheman?

Becauseshewastheweakervessel,whichishiscontinuallpractice,wherethehedgeislowtheretogoeover,(Luk.5.30.Mar.2.16.Mat.9.11.2Tim.3.6.)andmightafterwardsbeafittermeanstodeceiveanddrawonherhusband.

Whatarewetoconsiderinhistemptingofthewoman?

First,thetimewhichhechosetosetuponher.Secondly,themannerofthetemptation.

Whatnoteyouofthetime?

First,thatitwasimmediately,ornotlongaftertheplacingoftheminthathappyestate:whichteachethhowmaliciousthewickedoneis,whoifhecouldlet,wouldnotsufferustoenjoyanycomforteitherofthislifeorofthattocome,somuchasonepoorday.

Secondly,thathecameuntoherwhenshewassomespaceremovedfromherhusband,thatheethatshouldhavehelpedherfromandagainsthiswilesmightnotbepresenttohearetheirconference:whencewelearn,thattheabsenceofwivesfromtheirhusbands,whoshouldbeastrengthuntothem,isdangerous,especiallythatweabsentnotourselvesfromthemeansofspirituallstrength,

[Page]

thehearingoftheWord,thereceivingoftheSacraments,andPrayer.

Thirdly,thatsheewasneeretotheTreeofknowledgeatthetimehesetonher:whichshewethhiswatchfulnesseintakingadvantageofallopportunitiesthatmightfurtherhistemptations.

VVhatwasthemannerofthetemptation?

First,hesubtillyaddressedhimselftothewoman,andentredintoconferencewithher.Secondly,hemadeherdoubtwhethertheWordofGodwastrueornot.Thirdly,heofferedheranobject.Fourthly,heusedallthemeanshecouldtomakeherforsakeGod,andyeelduntohim,pretendinggreaterloveandcareofmanswelldoing,thenwasinGod,andbearingtheminhandthattheyshouldbelikeuntoGodhimselfeiftheydideatoftheforbiddenfruit,Gen.3.5.

WhatwastheDevilsspeechtothewoman?

Isitevenso,thatGodhathsaid,YeeshallnoteatofallthefruitintheGarden?Gen.3.1.

Whatdoeyounoteinthis?

ThatitislikelytherehadbeensomecommunicationbeforebetweentheSerpentandthewoman,thatSatanhadaskedwhytheydidnoteatoftheforbiddenfruit,seeingitwassogoodlyandpleasanttobehold,andthatthewomanhadansweredthattheywereforbidden,whereuponhe

inferreththisthatMosessettethdowne,whereinwemayobserve,

First,theDevilssophistry,whoatfirstdothnotflatcontraryGodscommand,buttobringhertodoubtingandconferencewithhimaskeththisquestion,whetherGodhathforbiddentoeatofallthetreesintheGarden.

Secondly,thewickedspiritsmaliciousandsubtilesuggestion,inthatpassingbythegreatbountifulnesseoftheLordinthegrantofthefreeuseofallthefruitsintheGarden,heseekstoquarrellwiththeLordsliberality.

Thirdly,welearnfromhencetotakeheedlestforwantofsomeonethingwhichGodwithholdethfromus,whichwegladlywouldhave,webenotunthankfulltotheLordforhisgreatkindnesseandliberality,andenterfurtherintoamislikeofhimforthatonewant,thenintotheloveandlikingofhimforhisinnumerablebenefitsweenjoy,especiallyitbeingforourgoodthathewithholdethit,andthatbeingnotgoodwhichwedesire.

WhatdidfollowuponthisquestionofSatan?

Thewomanansweringthereunto,notasGodhadspoken,thatsurelytheyshoulddieiftheydideatoftheforbiddenfruit,butbyatearmofdoubting,lestyedie;Satanbythisconferenceanddoubting,takethadvantageandassureththemthattheyshallnotdie,buthavetheireiesopenandreceiveknowledge.

WhatobserveyouinthisreplyoftheDevill?

[Page]

First,hiscraftinapplyinghimselftothewoman,whomheseeingtobeindoubtofthepunishment,contentshimselfwithit,andabstainethfromaprecisedeniall,whitherhewouldwillinglydrawher,becausehedeemedthatthewomanwouldnotcomesofarre,andthatinaflatdeniallheshouldhavebeenbewrayed,whichnotwithstandinginthelatterendofthissentencehedothbyimplicationflatlydoe:whencewelearn,thattheDevillproceedethbydegrees,andwillnotatthefirstmovetothegrossest:asinIdolatryhelabourethtodrawmanfirsttobepresent,aftertokneelonlywiththeknee,keepinghisconsciencetohimselfe;lastly,tothegreatestworship:Inwhoredome,firsttolook,thentodally,&c.andthereforeweemustresisttheevillinthebeginning.

Secondly,thatheeisacalumniatororcaviller,whereofhehathhisnameDiabolusDevill,andanInterpreterofallthingstotheworst;anditisnomarvellthoughhedepravethebestactionsofgoodmen,seeingheedealethsowithGod,surmisingthatGodhadforbiddentoeatofthefruits,lesttheyshouldknowasmuchashe.

Thirdly,thatknowinghowdesirousthenatureofman(especiallytheyofbestspirits)isofknowledge,hepromisethuntothemagreatencreasethereof;whereasweeoughttorememberthatwhichMosessaith,thatthesecretsoftheLordaretohimself,andthatthethingsthathehathrevealedaretousandtoourchildren,Deut.29.29.

HithertoofSatanstemptation,thecauseofthefallwithout

man:Whatwerethecausesarisingfromourfirstparentsthemselves?

NotanyofGodscreation,buttheircarelesnessetokeepthemselvesintiretoGodscommand:forthoughtheywerecreatedgood,yetbeingleftbyGodtothemutabilityoftheirownwill,theyvoluntarilyenclinedandyeeldeduntothatevill,whereunto[...]weretempted,andsofromonedegreeuntoanotherwere[...]roughtuntoplainrebellion,Gen.3.6.Eccl.7.29.

Whatwastheirfirstandmainsin?

Ingenerallitwasdisobedience,thedegreeswhereofwerefirstinfidelity,thenpride,andlastly,thedis[...]vowingofsubjectionbyeatingtheforbiddenfruit,whichtheyimaginedtobethemeanswherebytheyshouldattaintoanhigherdegreeofblessednesse,butprovedtobethesinthatprocuredtheirfall,Gen.2.16,17.&3.6,7.

DidnotAdamconferrewithSatan,andtakethefruitfromthetree?

No;hereceiveditfromhiswife,andbyherwasdeceived,andshebySatan,Gen.3.4.17.1Tim.2.14.

SatanindeedwastheoutwardcauseofEvesfall,butwhatarethecausesarisingfromherself?

Theyareeitheroutwardthingsofthebody,ortheinwardaffectionsofthemindmovedbythem.

[Page]

Whataretheoutwardthingsofthebody?

Theyaretheabuseofthetongue,oftheears,oftheeyes,andofthetast:forinthatsheentertainedconferencewiththeDevill,thetongueandears;inthatitissaidthatthefruitwasdelectabletolookon,theeyes:andinthatitwassaiditwasgoodtoeat,thetastismadetobeaninstrumentofthissin.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

ThatwhichtheApostlewarneth,Rom.6.13.thatwebewarethatwemakenotthepartsofourbodiesweaponsofiniquitie:forifwithoutacircumspectuseofthemtheywereinstrumentsofevillbeforetherewasanycorruptionoranyinclinationatalltosin;howmuchmoredangerouswilltheybenowafterthecorruption,unlessetheybewellookedunto?

WhatdoeyouobserveinEvesconferencewiththeDevill?

First,herfollytoenterintoanyconferencewithSatan,forsheemighthavebeenamazedthatabeastshouldspeakuntoherinamansvoice,buthercarelesnesseandcuriositymovedhertoit.

Secondly,herboldnesseindaringtoventureonsuchanadversarywithoutherhusbandshelporadvice.

Thirdly,herwretchednesseindaringoncetocallinquestionthetruthofGodscommand,ortodisputethereof,orthentodoubtofit.

WhatinstructiongatheryoufromherentertainingconferencewithSatan?

ThatitisdangeroustotalkwiththeDevill,somuchastobidhimtodepart,iftheLordtotryus,shouldsufferhimtotemptusvisiblyashedidEve,unlessewehaveaspeciallcallingofGodthereunto.1.Becauseheistoosubtileforus,webeingsimpleinregardofhim.2.Becauseheissodesperatelymalicious,thathewillgiveplacetonogoodthingwecanalledgetomakehimleaveoffhismaliciouspurpose.

Whatshallwethendoe?

WemustturnourselvesuntoGod,anddesirehimtocommandhimaway,atwhoseonlyCommandmenthemustdepart.

Isthereanythingblame-worthyinEvesanswertothequestionoftheSerpent?

Notwithstandingthatsofarsheansweredtruly,thatGodhadforbiddenthemtoeatofthefruitofthattree,andtellethalsothepunishmenttrulythatwouldfollowthereof,yetbeganshetoslipinthedeliverybothofthechargeandofthepunishment:forwhereshesaiththeywereforbiddentotouchit,itismorethentheLordmadementionof,andshetherebyseemethtoinsinuatesomerigouroftheLordforbiddingeventhetouchofthefruit;andwheretheLordhadmostcertainlypronounced,thattheyshoulddieiftheyeatoftheforbiddenfruit,shespeakethdoubtfullyofit,asiftheyshouldnotcertainly

[Page]

die.

WhatlearnyoufromthislatterObservation?

Thatalbeitmenareoftperswadedtheysin,yetthattheyarenotperswadedoftheJusticeofGodagainstit,wherebythedoorisopenedtosin,whichistomakeGodanIdoll,inspoilinghimofhisJustice,asifheweresoallmercy,ashehadforgottentobejust,whenasheisaswelljusticeasmercy,asinfiniteintheoneasintheother,whichcorrectethsharplythesinsofsuchashewillsave.

Whatlearnyouoftheabuseofthetongueinthisconference?

ThatasthetongueisasingularblessingofGod,wherebymanexcellethallthecreaturesupontheearth,sotheabuseofitismostdangerous,becauseitsettethonfirethewholecourseofnature,anditissetonfireofhell,Jam.3.6.

Whatobserveyouofthatitissaid,thatEvesawthefruitwasdelectabletolookon?

Herlustfullandwickedeyeinsufferinghermindtobealluredtolookonthebeautyofthefruitwithapurposetoaffecttheeatingofit.

Howisitsaid,thatshesawitwasgoodtoeat,whensheehadnevertastedofit?

Sheeknewbythebeautifullcolouritwasso;forifweare

ableinthisdarknesse(wearefalleninto)todiscernecommonlybythesightofthefruitwhetheritbegood,andtheskilfullinPhysickbythecolouronelyofthehearb,totellwhetheritbehotorcold,sweetorsowre,howmuchmorewereAdamandEve,whohadtheperfectionoftheknowledgeofthosethings,moretheneverSolomonhimselfe?

Whatlearnyoubytheabuseoftheseoutwardsenses?

Thattheyare,asitwere,windoweswherebysinentredintotheheart,whentherewasnosin,andthereforewillmuchmorenow,theheartbeingcorrupted.

Whatinstructionsgatheryoufromthence?

First,thatwemustshutthemagainstallevillandunlawfulluseoftheirobjects,andopenthemtotheuseofgoodthings,makeaCovenantwiththemasJobdidwithhiseyes,Job31.1.byastrongandpainfullresistanceoftheevillthatcommethbytheabuseofthem,asitwere,andcutthemoff,andthrowthemaway,asourSaviourgivethcounsell,Mat.5.29,30.

Secondly,thatasthesensesaremorenoble,asthehearingandsight,calledthesensesoflearning,sothereshouldbeastrongerwatchsetuponthem;thosebeingthesensesthatAdamandEvewereespeciallysodeceivedby.

Whatobserveyouofthatitissaid,sheesawthatitwasdesirableforknowledge?

[Page]

Thatwasonlyhererrour,whichsheehavingbeguntosipofbycommunicationwiththeDevill,didafterdrinkafulldraughtof,bybeholdingthebeautyofthefruit,andreceivingthedelicatetastthereof;andwithallobservehowwecanheapreasonstrueandfalsetomoveustofollowourpleasures.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

Thattheheartincliningtoerrour,dothdrawthesensestoanunlawfulluseofthem,andthattheabuseofthesensesdothstrengthentheheartinerrour.

Whatgatheryouhereof?

Thatbeforetheheartwascorrupted,therewasnoabuseoftheseoutwardsenses.Butthatbeingcorrupt,theabusethereofdothsettletheheartdeeperinerrour.

Whatwastheeffectofalltheseoutwardandinwardmeanes?

First,EveyeeldedtoSatan,andputhiswillinexecutionineatingofthefruitthatwasforbidden.Secondly,sheegaveitalsotoAdamtoeat.

WhatforcehaththewordalsohereusedbytheholyGhost?

Therebyasbyaspeciallwordofamplificationthesinisaggravatedagainsther,toshewhernaughtines;notonlyincommittingthesinherselfe,butalsoinalluring

thehusbandtodoeasshehaddone.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

1.Thenatureofsinnerstodrawotherstothecondemnationtheyarein,asSatanEve,andEveherHusband,eventhosethatarenearestthem;whosegoodtheyshouldprocure.

2.ThatweshouldtakeheedofthattheApostlewarnethus,nottobepartakersofothermenssins,asifwehadnotenoughofourowntoanswerfor;whichespeciallybelongethuntothoseincharge,1Tim.5.22.

3.Howdangerousaninstrumentisanevillanddeceivedwife,whichtheLordcommandethmenshouldbewaretomakechoiceof,andifthemanwhichisstrong,muchmorethewoman.

WhatlearnyouofthatAdameatforthwith?

First,thatwhichhathbeenbeforenoted,thattheDevillbyoneofustemptethmoredangerouslytheninhisownperson;sothatSatanknewhecouldnotsoeasilyhavedeceivedAdambyhimself,asbyEve.

Secondly,forthatinexcesseofloveheyeelded;itteachethhusbandstolovetheirwives,butitmustbeintheLord,asthewivesmustdoetheirhusbands.

Howdothitagreewiththegoodnes,orwiththeveryjusticeofGod,topunishmankindsofearfullyforeatingof

Thatthe

breachof

allthe

Comman-

dements

concurred

inAdams

andEves

sin.

alittlefruit?

Verywell,forfirst,theheynousnesseofanoffenceisnottobemeasuredbythethingthatisdone,butbytheworthinesseofthepersonagainstwhomitiscommitted.AndhowmuchmoretheCommandementourfirstparentsbrakewaseasietobekept,(astoabstainfromoneonelyfruitinsogreatvarietyandplenty)somuchmoregrievouswastheirsinbybreakingit.

Secondly,thoughGodtryedtheirobedienceinthatfruitespecially,yetweretheremanyothermostgrievoussinnes,whichindesiringanddoingofthistheydidcommit:Insomuchthatwemayobservetherein,thegroundsofthebreachinamannerofeveryoneofthetenCommandements.Forthetransgressionwashorrible,andthebreachofthewholeLawofGod;yea,anApostasiewherebytheywithdrewthemselvesfromunderthepowerofGod,nay,rejectedanddeniedhim;andnotsolittleanoffenceasmostmenthinkittobe.

WhatbreachesofthefirstCommandementmaybeobservedinthistransgression?

First,infidelity,wherebytheydoubtedofGodslovetowardsthem,andofthetruthofhisword.

Secondly,contemptofGod,indisregardinghisthreatnings,andcreditingthewordofSatan,Godsenemy,andtheirs.

[Page]

Thirdly,hainousingratitudeandunthankfulnesseagainstGodforallhisbenefits,inthattheywouldnotbebeholdinguntohimforthatexcellentconditionoftheircreation(inrespectwhereoftheyoughtuntohimallfealty)butwouldneedsbehisequall.

Fourthly,curiosityinaffectinggreaterwisdomethenGodhadenduedthemwithallbyvertueoftheircreation,andagreatermeasureofknowledgethenheethoughtfittorevealeuntothem.

Fiftly,intolerableprideandambition,notonelydesiringtobebetterthenGodmadethem,butalsotobeequallinknowledgetoGodhimselfe,andaspiringtothehighestestateduetotheirCreatour.

HowdidourfirstparentsbreakthesecondCommandement?

Eve,byembracingthewordoftheDevill,andpreferringitbeforethewordofGod;Adam,byhearkningtothevoyceofhiswife,ratherthentothevoyceoftheAlmighty.Gen.3.17.

Whatwerethebreachofthethird?

First,presumptioninventuringtodisputeofGodstruth,andtoenterincommunicationwithGodsenemy,orabeastwhoappeareduntothem,touchingthewordofGod,withwhomnosuchconferenceoughttohavebeenentertained.

Secondly,reproachfullblasphemy,bysubscribingtothesayingsoftheDevill,inwhichhechargedGodwithlying,andenvyingtheirgoodestate.

Thirdly,superstitiousconceitofthefruitofthetree,imagi-ningittohavethatvertuewhichGodneverputintoit,asifbytheeatingthereof,suchknowledgemightbegottenasSatanperswaded.

Fourthly,wantofthatzealeinAdamforthegloryofGodwhichheoughttohaveshewedagainsthiswife,whenheeunderstoodsheehadtransgressedGodsCommandements.

HowwasthefourthCommandementbroken?

InthattheSabbathwasmadeatimetoconferrewithSataninmatterstendingtothehighdishonourofGod.Ifitbetruethatonthatdaymanfellintothistransgression,assomenotimprobablyhaveconjectured;forattheconclusionofthesixthday,allthingsremainedyetverygood,Gen.1.31.andGodblessedtheseventhday,Gen.2.3.

NowitisverylikelySatanwouldtakethefirstadvantagethatpossiblyhecouldtoentrapthem,beforetheywerestrengthenedbylongerexperience,andbypartakingoftheSacramentofthetreeoflife,(whereofitappearethbyGen.3.22.thattheyhadnotyeteaten)andsofromtheverybeginningofman,becameamanslayer.John8.44.

ShewbrieflythegroundsofthebreachoftheCommandementsofthesecondtableinthetransgression

[Page]

ofourfirstparents.

Thefifthwasbroken,Evegivingtoolittletoherhusbandinattemptingamatterofsogreatweightwithouthisprivity,andAdamgivingtoomuchtohiswifeinobeyinghervoyceratherthentheCommandementofGod,andforpleasingofher,notcaringtodispleaseGod.Gen.3.17.

Thesixth,bythisacttheythrewthemselvesandalltheirposterityintocondemnationanddeath,bothofbodyandsoule.

Theseventh,thoughnothingdirectagainstthisCommandement,yethereinappearedtherootofthoseevillaffectionswhichareherecondemned,asnotbridlingthelust,andwandringdesireoftheeyes,asalsotheinordinateappetiteofthetast,Gen.3.6.inlustingforandeatingthatonelyfruitwhichGodforbad,notbeingsatisfiedwithalltheotherfruitsinthegarden.

Theeighth;first,layinghandsuponthatwhichwasnoneoftheirown,butbyaspeciallreservationkeptfromthem.Secondly,discontentwiththeirpresentestate,andcovetousdesireofthatwhichtheyhadnot.

Theninth,judgingotherwisethenthetruthwasofthevertueofthetree,Gen.3.6.andreceivingafalseaccusationagainstGodhimselfe.

Thetenth,byentertainingintheirmindsSatanssuggestions,andevillconcupiscenceappearinginthefirstmotionsleadingtotheforenamedsinnes.

Sin,

guiltinesse,

punishment.

Theeffects

ofthefall.

Thusmuchofourfirstparentssinne,andthecausesthereof.

Nowletuscometotheeffectsofthesame;shewthereforewhatfollowedinthemimmediatelyuponthistransgression.

Threefruitsweremostmanifest:namely,guiltinesseofconscience,shameofface,andfeareofGodspresence.

Didanypunishmentfollowuponthissinne?

Sinne,guiltinesse,andpunishmentdoenaturallyfollowoneuponanother;otherwisethethreatning,thatatwhattimesoevertheydidtransgresseGodsCommandement,theyshouldcertainlydye,shouldnothavetakeneffect.

Declarehowthatthreatningtookeffect.

Theyweredeadinsinne,whichismorefearfullthenthedeathofthebody,asthatwhichisaseparationfromthefavourofGod:fortherecameuponthemthedecayofGodsgloriousimageinallthefacultiesoftheirsoule,andalsoacorruptionofthepowersoftheirbody,frombeingsofitinstrumentstoservethesouleasGodmadethem;andthisinthemissignifiedbynakednes;Gen.3.7.Andintheirchildrencalledoriginallsin.Thenthereissuedfromthenceastreameofactuallsinnesinthewholecourseoftheirlife;whichappearedinAdamevenuponhisfall,by

[Page]

Ofourfirst

parents

naked-

nesse.

hisflyingfromGodspresence,andaffirmingthatitwashisnakednessethatmadehimflye,hisexcusingofhissin,andlayingitonthewoman,&c.Bysinanentriebeingmadefordeath,Rom.5.12.theybecamesubjecttotheseparatingofthesoulfromthebody,whichisbodilydeath;andofbothfromGod,whichisspiritualldeath,signifiedbyexpellingthemoutofParadise,anddebarringthemofthesacramentalltreeoflife,Gen.3.22.&c.AndthusbythejustsentenceofGodbeingfortheirsindeliveredintothepowerbothofcorporallandofeternalldeath;theywerealreadyentredupondeathandhell,towhichtheyshouldhaveproceededuntillithadbeenac-complishedbothinbodyandsouleinhell,withtheDevillandhisAngelsforever,iftheLordhadnotlookeduponthemintheblessedSeed.

Forthefullerunderstandingofthethingsthatimmediatlyfollowedthetransgressionofourfirstparents;letusconsidermoreparticularlywhatisrecordedinthe3d.ch.ofGen.Andfirstshewwhatismeantbythatinv.7.thattheireyeswereopened,&theysawthemselvesnaked.weretheynotnakedbefore,andhavingtheeyesharperthenafterthefall,musttheynotneedsseetheywerenaked?

Itistrue;howbeittheirnakednessebeforethefallwascomely,yeamorecomelythenthecomeliestapparellwecanputon;beingcladwiththerobeofinnocency,fromthetopoftheheaduntothesoleofthefoot:whereforebynakednessehemeanethashamefullnaked-

nessebothofsouleandbody,astheScripturespeakethelsewhere;Rev.3.17,18.Exod.32.25.

Whatgatheryoufromhence?

Thattheloathsomenesseofsinishiddenfromoureyesuntillitbecommitted,andthenitflashethinthefacesofourconscience,andappearethinitspropercolours.

Wasthatwelldonethattheysewedfig-treeleavestohidetheirnakednesse?

Insomerespect:forasmuchastheysoughtnotremedyforthenakednesseinward,itwasnotwell;butthattheywereashamedtobeholdtheirownnakednesseofthebody,itwaswell:forinthiscorruptandsinfullestate,thereisleftthishonestyandshamefastnesse,thatneitherwecanabidetolookonourownnakednesse,andshamefullparts,muchlesseupontheshamefullpartsofothers;althoughitbeofthosethatarenearestjoyneduntous.

Whatgatheryoufromthence?

First,thatthosethatcandelightinthebeholdingeitheroftheirownnakednesse,orthenakednesseofanyother,havelosteventhehonestythatthesinfullnatureofmannaturallyretaineth.

Secondly,thatsuchasforcustomessakehavecoveredtheirnakednessewithclothes,doenotwithstandingwithfilthywords,asitwere,laythemselvesnaked,areyetmorewretched,anddeeplierpoysonedwiththepoysonof

[Page]

Oftheir

hiding

themselves.

theuncleanspirit,andhavedrunkmoredeeplyofhiscup.

Seeingournakednessecommethbysin,andisafruitthereof,itmayseemthatlittleinfantshavenosinne,becausetheyarenotashamed.

SoindeeddoethePelagianhereticksreason;buttheyconsidernotthatthewantofthatfeelingisforthewantoftheuseofreason;andbecausetheydoenotdiscernebetweenbeingnakedandclothed.

Whatfolloweth?

ThatatthenoyseoftheLordinawind,theyfledfromthepresenceofGod,andhidthemselveswherethetreesweremostthick.

Whatgatheryoufromthence?

First,thattheguiltofanevillconsciencestrikethhorrourintoaman;andthereforeitissaid,thatterroursterrifiehimroundabout,andcasthimdown,followinghimattheheeles,andleavehimnottilltheyhavebroughthimbeforetheterribleKing:Job18.11.14.Thereofitis,thatthefeastofagoodconscienceissoextolled,astobeacontinuallfeast.Prov.15.15.

Secondly,thefruitofthesinnecommingfromthefeare,whichistoflyefromGodasfromanenemy,whereofitisthattheApostleaffirmeth,Thathavingpeaceofconscience,wehaveaccesseandapproachtoGod.Rom.5.2.Theirblindnesse,whichesteemedthattheshadowor

thicknesseoftreeswouldhidethemfromthefaceofGod,whereasifwegoeupintoheavenheisthere;ifintothedeep,heistherealso,Psal.139.7.13.hebeingnotsohiddeninthetrees,butthatamanmightfindhimout.

Whatfolloweth?

ThatGodaskethwhereheis,whichknewwellwherehewas.

Whatlearneyoufromhence?

First,thatwewouldneverleaveoffrunningfromGod,untillwecometothedepthofhell,ifGoddidnotseekus,andfollowus,tofetchusasthegoodshepheardthelostsheep.Esa.65.1.Luk.15.4.

Secondly,thatthemeansofcallingushome,isbythewordofhismouth.

Whatfolloweth?

ThatAdambeingasked,assignethforcausesthingsthatwerenotthecauses,asnamely,thevoyceoftheLord,hisfeare,andhisnakednesse,whichwerenotthetruecauses,consideringthathehadheardthevoyceofGod,andwasnakedwhenheflednot;dissemblingthatwhichhisheartknewtobethetruecause.viz.hissin.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

Thatitisthepropertyofamanunregeneratetohideandcloakesinne,andtherefore,thatthemorewehideand

cloakoursinnes,whenwearedealtwithforthem,themoreweapproveourselvesthechildrenoftheoldman,thecursedAdam.Job31.33.

Whatfolloweth?

TheLordaskethhowitshouldcomethathefelthisnakednesseasapunishment,andwhetherhehadeatenoftheforbiddenfruit.

Whatnoteyoufromthence?

Thatbeforethatoursinnesbeknowneinsuchsortasthedeniallofthemisinvaineandwithoutcolour,wewillnotconfesseoursinnes.

WhatlearnyououtofAdamssecondansweruntoGod?

Thatthemanunregeneratedealtwithforhissinnes,goethfromevilltoworse;forthesinthathedidbefore,andnowcannothide,heexcuseth,andforexcusingit,accuseththeLord;asthosedoewhichwhentheyhearethedoctrineofpredestinationandprovidence,thereuponwouldmakeGodpartieintheirsins.

Whatlearnyoufurther?

ThathowsoeverAdamalledgethitforanexcuse,becausehediditbyperswasionofanother,yetGodholdethhimguilty,yeadealethvvithhimasvviththeprincipall,becausehisgiftsvveregreaterthenhisvvifes.

WhatlearnyoufromtheanswerofEve,totheLords

[Page]

question;whyshedidso?

Thesamevvhichbefore,thattheunregeneratemandothgoeabouttoexcusethesinnehecannotdeny;forsheecastethhersinneupontheSerpent,andsaidthatwhichwastrue,butkeptbacktheconfessionofherConcupiscence,withoutwhichtheSerpentcouldnothavehurther.

HowcommethittopassethattheoldSerpenttheAuthourofallisnotcalledtobeexamined?

BecausethattheLordwouldshewnomercytohim,whereforeheonlypronouncethJudgementagainsthim.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

ThatitisamercyofGodwhenwehavesinnedtobecalledtoaccompt,andtobeexaminedeitherbytheFatherofthehoushold,orbytheMagistrate,orbytheGovernouroftheChurch;andatokenofGodsfearfullJudgmentwhenwearesufferedtorestinoursinswithoutbeingdrawntoquestionforthem.

WhatobserveyouinthesentenceagainsttheSerpent?

Thatthefirstpartcontainedinthe14.ver.isagainsttheInstrumentoftheDevil;andthattheotherpartcontainedinthe15ver.isagainsttheDevil.

Whatlearnyouofthisproceedingtosentence?

Thatafterthecausewellknown,Judgementshouldnotbe

slacked.

WhydothGoduseaspeechtotheSerpentthatunderstandethitnot?

Itisformanssake,andnotforthebeastssake.

Whyformanssake?

Toshewhislovetomankindbyhisdispleasureagainstanythingthatshallgiveanyhelptodoehurtuntohim;inwhichrespecthecommandeththattheOxethatkillethamanshouldbeslain,andthatthefleshthereofshouldnotbeeaten;(Exod.21.28.)likeakindFatherthatcannotabidethesightoftheknifethathathmaimedorkilledhischild,butbreakethitinpeeces.

Whatmannerofcurseisthis,whenthereisnothinglaidupontheSerpent,butthathewasappointedtoatthebeginning,beforehebecametheDevilsInstrumenttotemptEve?

Itistrue,thathecreptuponhisbellybefore,andeatdustbefore,asappearethintheProphet,Esay65.25.buthismeaningis,thatheshallcreepwithmorepain,andlurkinhisholeforfear,andeatthedustwithlessedelightandmorenecessity.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

Nottosufferourselvestobeinstrumentsofevilltoanyintheleastsort,ifwewillescapethecurseofGod;forifGod

[Page]

didpunishapoorworm,whichhadnoreasonorwilltochuseorrefusesin,howmuchlessewillhespareuswhichhaveboth?

WhatisthesentenceagainsttheDevill?

TheOrdinanceofGod,ThatthereshallbealwaysenmitybetweentheDevilandhisseedontheoneside,andthewomanandherseedontheother,togetherwiththeeffectofthisenmity.

VVhatdoeyouunderstandbytheseedoftheDevill,seeingthereisnogenerationoftheDevils,forthatthereisnomalenorfemaleamongthem,neitherhavetheybodiestoengender?

TheseedoftheDevillareallbothwickedmenandAngels,Joh.8.44.whicharecorruptandcarryhisimage,1Joh.3.8.InwhichrespectthewickedarecalledthechildrenoftheDevil,andeverywherethesonsofBelial,Act.13.10.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

ThatthewarofmankindwiththeDevillisalawfullwarproclaimedofGod,whichisalsoperpetuallandwithoutanytruce,andthereforethathereinitiswhereinwemustshewourcholer,ourhate,ourvalour,ourstrength,notfaintlyandinshewonly,butintruth,whereaswebeingcontinuallyassaultedwithourenemy,leaveourfightwithhimtofightagainstourbrethren,yeaagainstourownsoules;hecontinuallyandwithoutceasingfightingwithus,

andnotagainsthisown,astheblasphemousPhariseessaid,Mat.12.24.

VVhatisthesentenceagainsttheWoman?

First,inthepainofconceptionandbearingchild.

Secondly,inthepainofbringingforth;whereiniscontainedthepainofnursingandbringingthemup.

Thirdly,inadesiretoherhusband.

Fourthly,inhersubjectiontoherhusband.

Wasshenotbeforedesirousandsubjecttoherhusband?

Yes;butherdesirewasnotsogreat,throughconscienceofherinfirmity,norhersubjectionsopainfull,andtheyoakethereofsoheavy.

WhatisthesentenceagainstAdam?

First,hissinisputinthesentence,andthenhispunishment.

Whatishissin?

One,thatheobeyedhiswifewhomheshouldhavecommanded;then,thathedisobeyedGod,whomheoughttohaveobeyed;thefirstbeingpropertohim,theothercommontohiswifewithhim.

Whatwasthepunishment?

Hab.3.2.

[Page]

Apunishment,whichalthoughitbemoreheavyuponAdam,yetitisalsocommontothewoman;namely,thecurseoftheearthforhissake,fromwhencecamebarrennessebyThistlesandThorns,&c.whereof,first,theeffectshouldbesorrowandgriefofmind.Secondly,labourtothesweatofhisbrows,todrawnecessaryfoodfromit,andthataslongashelived.Lastly,theexpulsionoutofParadise,tolivewiththebeastsoftheearth,andtoeatofthehearbwhichtheydideatof?

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

Thatallmen,fromhimthatsittethontheThrone,tohimthatdrawethwater,areboundtopainfulllabour,eitherofthebody,orofthemind,whatwealthorpatrimonysoeverisleftthem,althoughtheyhadwherewithotherwiseplentifullytolive.

Whatobserveyouelse?

IobservefurtheroutofthisVerseandoutofthetwonext,thatinthemidstofGodsangerheremembrethmercy:foritisabenefittoAdam,thathemayliveofthesweatofhisbrows;toEve,thatsheshouldbringforth,andnotbeincontinualltravell;untothemboth,thathetaughtthemwisdometomakeleatherCoats.

Whatlearnyoufromthatitwassaid,GodmadethemCoats?

Thatineveryprofitableinventionforthelifeofman,Godis

tobeacknowledgedtheAuthourofit,andhavethehonourofit,andnotthewitofmanthatinventedit,asisthemannerofmeninsuchcasestosacrificetotheirnets,Hab.1.16.

Whentherewerebettermeansofclothing,whydidtheyweareLeather?

Itseemeththattherebytheyshoulddrawthemselvestherathertorepentanceandhumiliationbythatcourseclothing.

Whatlearnyoufromthence?

Thathowsoeverourconditionandstateofcallingaffordusbetterarray;yetwelearneveninthebestofourclothestobehumbledbythem,asthosethataregivenustocoverourshame,andcarryalwaysthemarkandbadgeofoursinnes;especiallywhenthesewhichwere,evenafterthefall,thegoodliestcreaturesthateverlived,learnedthatlessonbythem.

Whatfolloweth?

AsharptauntthattheLordgivethAdam,ver.22.furthertohumblehim,asifheshouldsay,NowAdamdostthounotseeandfeelhowgreatlythouartdeceivedinthinkingtobelikeGodineatingoftheforbiddenfruit?

Whatlearnyoufromit?

Thatbythethingswethinktobemostesteemedcontrary

tothewillofGod,wearemostsubjecttoderision;andthatitmustnotbeaplainandcommonspeech,butalabouredspeechthatmustbringustorepentance.

WhydothGodbanishhimoutofParadise,lestheshouldliveifheshouldeatofthetreeofLife,seeingthereisnocorporallthingabletogivelifetoanythatsinnehathkil-led?

ItistruethattheeatingofthefruitoftheTreeoflifewouldnothaverecoveredhim,buttheLordthereforewouldhavehimbanishedfromit,lestheshouldfallintoavainconfidencethereof,totheendtomakehimseekforgrace.

WhereforearetheAngelssetwithaglitteringswordtokeepthemfromtheTreeoflife?

ToencreasetheircaretoseektoChrist,beingbanishedfromit,withouthopeofcommingsomuchastothesignoflife.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

ThenecessaryuseofkeepingobstinatesinnersfromtheSacramentsandotherholythingsintheChurch.

Thusmuchofthemiserableandunhappyconditionwhichourfirstparentsbroughtuponthemselves.

Didthisestatedetermineintheirpersons,orwasitderivedfromthemtoalltheirposterity?

Ofsin.

[Page]

Whyall

Adams

posterity

Itwas;fortheirsinneineatingtheforbiddenfruitwasthesinofallmen,andwethereinbecamesinnersandguiltyofeternallCondemnation:SothattheybythisfirsttransgressiondidnotonelyloseforthemselvestheImageandfavourofGod,butwithallalldeprivedtheirposterityofthatblessedestate,Rom.3.23.andplungedthemintothecontrary,Rom.3.12.bringingdamnationuponthemselvesandusall:whereforethiscursedestateofmankindiscalledinthescripturestheimageofAdam,Gen.5.3.theoldman,Ephes.4.22.theflesh,Gen.6.3.John3.6.&c.AndtheApostleteachethexpresly,Rom.5.12.Thatbyonemansinneentredintotheworld,anddeathbysinne:andsodeathwentoverallmen,forasmuchasallmenhavesinned.

HowdoththeApostleherecallthisthesinneofoneman,seeingbothAdamandEvesinnedwhicharetwo,andthatEvesinnedbeforeAdam?

InthenameofAdamwascomprehendedthemanandthewoman,forbymariagetwoaremadeone;andMosescallethboththemanandthewomanAdam,Gen.5.2.andlastofall,theApostleusedthewordheresignifyingbothmanandwoman.

Whatreasonistherethatalltheirposterityshouldtakepartwiththembothintheirfallandinthewofulleffectthereof?ItseemethnottostandwiththeJusticeofGodtopunishusforthesinthatweneverdid.

are

partakers

ofhissin

andmisery.

OurfirstparentsbyGodsappointmentweretostandorfallinthattriall,notassingularpersonsonly,butalsoastheheadandrootofallmankind,representingthepersonsofallthatshoulddescendfromthembynaturallgeneration;andthereforefortheunderstandingofthegroundofourparticipationwithAdamsfall,twothingsmustbeconsidered.

First,thatAdamwasnotaprivatemaninthisbusinesse,butsustainedthepersonofallmankind,ashewhohadreceivedgraceandstrengthforhimselfandallhisposterity,andsolostthesameforall:ForAdamreceivedthepromiseoflifeforhimselfanduswiththiscondition,ifhehadstood,butseeinghestoodnot,helostthepromiseoflifebothfromhimselfandfromus;andashisfelicityshouldhavebeenoursifhehadstoodinit,sowashistransgressionandmiseryours:SothatasinthesecondCovenant,therighteousnesseofthesecondAdam(ChristJesustheMediatour)isreckonedtothosethatarebegottenofhimbyspirituallregeneration(eventhosethatbeleeveinhisname)althoughtheyneverdidit:sointhefirstCovenant,thesinneofthefirstAdam(whohereinsustainedacommonperson)isreckonedtoalltheposteritythatdescendfromhimbycarnallgeneration,becausetheywereinhim,andofhim,andonewithhim,Rom.5.15,16,17,18,19.

Secondly,thatweallwhoaredescendedfromAdambynaturallgeneration,wereinhisloynsandapartofhimwhenhefell,andsobythelawofpropagationand

[Page]

generationsinnedinhim,andinhimdeservedeternallcondemnation;thereforeastwoNationsaresaidtobeinthewombofRebekah,Gen.25.23.andLevitohavepaidtithestoMelchisedecintheloinsofAbraham,Heb.7.9,10.whowasnotbornsomehundredyearsafter,soisithere.Thusweseethatasbytheactofgenerationinleprousparents,theparentsLeprosiemadethechildrens,andtheslavishandvillanousestateoftheparentsiscommunicateduntoalltheoff-spring,(foramanbeingaslave,hisprogenyuntothehundredgeneration,unlessetheybemanumittedshallbeslaves)evensothenaturallmanhowsoeverhethinkethhimselffree,yetintruthheissoldundersin,andistheveryservantofcorruption,andinthatstateshallforeverremain,unlessetheSondoemakehimfree,Joh.8.33,34.36.Rom.6.17.19,20.&7.14.2Pet.2.19.WeseealsothatgreatParsonagesrebellingagainsttheKing,donotonlytherebyhurtanddisgracethemselves,butalsostaintheirwholebloud,andlosetheirhonourandInheritancefromthemselvesandfromtheirchildren;forbyourLawamanbeingattaintedofHightreason,theattaintofbloudreachethtohisposterity,andhischildrenaswellashelosethebenefitofhisLandsandLivingforever,unlessetheKinginfavourrestorethemagaine,asGodinhismercyhathdoneuntous.

Thenitappeareth,thatbypropagationfromourlastparentswearebecomepartakersofthesinofourfirstparents?

Evenso,andforthesametransgressionofourfirst

Whatsinis.

parents,bythemostrighteousJudgementofGod,weareconceivedinsin,andbornininiquity,anduntomisery,Ps.51.5.formenarenotnowbornasAdamwascreated,butdeathdothreignoverthemalsothatsinnednotafterthelikemannerofthetransgressionofAdam,Rom.5.14.thatis,overinfants,whoareborninsin,&notbyimitation,butbyaninherentcorruptionofsin,evenasweseetheyoungSerpentsandWolvesthatneverstungmenordevouredsheep,arenotwithstandingworthytodie,becausethereareprinciplesofhurtfulnesseandpoysonsomnesseinthem.

Howisitshewn,thatbabesnewbornintotheworldhavesin?

Inthattheyareafflictedsundrily,whichtheybewraybytheirbittercries,andinthattheycommingoutofthemotherswombgoestraightintothegrave.

Whatisthenthenaturallestateofman?

Everymanisbynaturedeadinsinasaloathsomecarrion,orasadeadcorps,andliethrottingandstinkinginthegrave,havinginhimtheseedofallsins,Eph.2.1.1Tim.5.6.

Forthefullerunderstandingofthestateofsinandtheconsequentsthereof,declarefirstwhatsinis.

Itisdefinedinoneword,1Joh.3.4.tobethetransgressionofthelaw;namely,aswervingfromthelawofGod,makingthesinnerguilty

[Page]

beforeGod,andliabletothecurseofthelaw,Gen.4.7.

Seeingbythelawsinneis,andthelawwasnotbeforeMoses,Rom.5.13.itseemeththereisnosinuntillMoses?

WhenitissaidthelawwasnotbeforeMoses,itistobeunderstoodofthelawwrittenintheTablesofstonebythefingerofGod,andotherlawsCeremoniallandPoliticallwrittenbyMosesatthecommandementofGod:forotherwisethelaw(theCeremonialllawexcepted)waswrittenintheheartofman,andforthedecaytherofthroughsintaughtbythosetowhomthatbelongedfromthefalluntoMoses.

IseverybreachoftheLawofGodsin?

Yea,ifitbenomorebuttheleastwantofthatGodrequireth,Rom.7.7.Gal.3.10.

Anddotheverysin,theveryleast,deservethecurseofGodandeverlastingdeath?

Yesverily,becauseGodisofinfiniteMajestyanddignity,andthereforewhatsotouchethhimdeservethendlessewrath:whereforePurgatory,andourownesatisfactionforsmallsinnesisvain.

Howmanysortsofsinsarethere?

Siniseitherimputed,orinherent;theonewithoutus,andtheotherwithinus.

WhatisthesinImputed?

Imputed

sin.

Inherent

sin.

Originall

sin.

OursininAdam,inwhomaswelived,soalsowesinned;forinourfirstparents(ashathbeenshewed)everyoneofusdidcommitthatfirstsinnewhichwasthecauseofallother,andsoweallarebecomesubjecttotheimputationofAdamsfall,bothforthetrasgressionandguiltinesse,Rom.5.12.18.19.1Cor.15.22.

WhatsinsareInherentinus?

Theydoeeitherdefileournature,orouractions,theonecalledOriginallsin,theotherActuall,Col.3.9.ForeveryonenaturallydescendingfromAdam,besidetheguiltofthatfirstsincommittedinParadise;first,isconceivedandborninoriginalcorruption,Ps.51.5.Secondly,livinginthisworldsinnethalsoactually,Gen.6.5.Esay48.8.yea,ofhimselfhecandoenothingbutsin,Jer.13.23.neitheristhereanythingpureuntohim,Tit.1.15.

WhatisOriginallsin?

ItisasinwherewithallthatnaturallydescendfromAdamaredefiledevenfromtheirfirstconception,infectingallthepowersoftheirsoulsandbodies,andtherebymakingthemdrudgesandslavesofsin,foritistheimmediateeffectofAdamsfirstsin,andtheprincipallcauseofallothersins.

Howisthissinnotedoutuntous?

Inthatothersinneshavetheirspeciallnames,whereas

[Page]

thisisproperlycalledsinne,becauseitisthepuddleandsinkeofothersinnes,andforthatalsothemoreitispressed,themoreitburstethforth,asmightystreamsare,thatcannotbestopped,tillGodbyhisholySpiritrestrainit.

Whereindothitspeciallyconsist?

Notonlyinthedeprivationofjustice,andabsenceofgood,butalsoinacontinuallpresenceofanevillprincipleandwickedproperty,wherebywearenaturallyinclinedtounrighteousnesse,andmadeproneuntoallevill,Jam.1.14.Rom.7.21.23.ForitisthedefacingofGodsImageconsistingchieflyinwisdomeandholiness,whereofwearenowdeprived,andtheimpressionofthecontraryimageofSatan,John8.41,&c.calledConcupiscence,Rom.7.7.Jam.1.14.consisting,first,inanutterdisabilityandenmityuntothatwhichisgood,Rom.7.18.&8.7.Secondly,inpronenessetoallmannerofevill,Rom.7.14.whichalsoeverymanhathatthefirstminuteandmomentofhisconception,contrarytotheopinionofthePelagians,whoteachthatsinnecommethbyimitation.

IstheImageofGodwhollydefacedinman?

No,ifwetakeitinalargeacception:Formanremainethstillareasonablecreature,andcapableofgrace,havingthesamepartsandfacultieshehadbefore;andinthemsomereliquesofGodsImage,Gen.9.6.Jam.3.9.Asintheunderstandingsomelight,John1.9.intheconsciencesometimesrightjudgement,Rom.2.15.inthewillsomelibertytogoodandevillinnaturallandcivillactions:Rom.

Gal.3.22.

Rom.8.3.

Phil.3.9.

Tit.3.5.

2.14.andfreedomeinallthingsfromcompulsion,&c.

Istherenotapowerleftinman,wherebyhemayrecoverhisformerhappinesse?

Manhathstillpowertoperformalloutwardactions,butnottochangehimselfe,untillhebechangedbythegraceofGod.

IsmanthenabletoperformtheLawofGodperfectly?

TheythatarenotbornagainofGod,cannotkeepitall,norinanyonepointaspleasingtoGodthereby,inrespectofthemselves.ForexceptamanbeeborneofGod,heecannotseetheKingdomeofheaven,norentertherein;neithercanhekeeptheCommandementsofGod.Moreover,allmenbynaturebeingconceivedandborninsinne,arenotonelyinsufficienttoeverygoodthing,butalsodisposedtoallviceandwicked-nesse.

CanmaninthisestatedoenogoodthingtopleaseGod,todeserveatleastsomethingofhisfavour?

Wehavelostbythissinnealltherighteousnessewehadinourcreation,soasnowifGodshouldsaytous,Thinkbutagoodthoughtofthyselfe,andthoushaltbesaved;wecannot:butournatureisasastinkingpuddle,whichwithinitselfeisloathsome,andbeingmovedisworse.

ButdothnotGodwrongtoman,torequireofhimthathe

[Page]

The

propagation

oforiginall

sin.

isnotabletoperforme?

No;forGodmademanso,thathemighthaveperformedit,buthebyhissinsspoiledhimselfe,andhisposterityofthosegoodgifts.

IsthiscorruptionofnatureinallthechildrenofAdam?

Yea,inallandeveryonethataremeermen,noneexcepted;Rom.3.10.&5.15.AllchildrensinceAdamsfallbeingbegotteninit,Ps.51.5.

HowthendoththeApostlesay,thatholyparentsbegetholychildren?

Parentsbegetchildrenastheyarebynature,notastheyarebygrace.

HowisoriginallsinpropagatedandderivedfromtheFathertotheSonne?

Weearenottobeesocuriousinseekingthemannerhow,astomarkethemattertobeeinus:evenaswhenahouseisonfire,menshouldnotbesobusietoenquirehowitcame,asseeingitthere,toquenchit:Butthiswemaysafelysay,thatwhateffectthecommittingofthefirstsinnewroughtinthesouleofAdam,thesameitdothbytheimputationofitworkinthesoulesofhisposterity;asthereforethecommittallofthatsinleftastainebehinditinhisnature,beinglikeadropofpoysonthatbeingoncetakenin,presentlyinfecteththesoundestparts;orlikethe

deadflyethatmarreththemostpreciousointmentoftheApothecary:sointhecreationandinfusionofoursoulesintoourbodies,Godjustlyimputedthesametransgressionuntous,thesamecorruptionofnature(asthejustpunishmentofthatsin)mustensueinthelikemanner.

Haththisinbredsin,whereineveryoneisconceived,equallypollutedallmen?

Yes,thoughnotaltogetheralikefordispositionandmotiontoevill;forexperienceteachethusthatsomearebynaturemoremilde,courteous,andgentlethenothers,whichdifferencenotwithstandingisnotsomuchinthenaturesofmen,asintheLordwhorepresseththesesinsinsome,whichhesufferethtoriseupinothers.

Inwhatpartofournaturedoththisourcorruptionabide?

Inthewholemanfromthetoptothetoe,andeverypartbothofbodyandsoule,Gen.6.5.1Thess.5.23.Likeuntoaleprosiethatrunnethfromthecrowneoftheheadtothesoleofthefoot:butchieflyitisthecorruptionofthefivefacultiesofthesoule,whicharetherebydeprivedofthatholinessewhereinGodcreatedtheminAdam.

Isnotthesubstanceofthesoulecorruptedbythissinne?

No,butthefacultiesonelydepravedanddeprivedoforiginallholinesse.

Forfirst,thesouleshouldotherwisebemortallandcorruptible.Secondly,ourSaviourtookournatureupon

Themind

corrupted.

himwithoutthiscorruption.

Tocomethentothespeciallcorruptionsofthefivefacultiesofthesoul.ThenfirsthowthissinisdiscernedintheVnderstanding.

Themindofmanisbecomesubjecttoblindnesseinheavenlymatters.First,DarknesseandignoranceofGod,ofhiswill,andofhiscrea-tures;1Cor.2.14.Eph.4.17,18,19.Rom.8.5.

Secondly,uncapablenesse,unablenesse,andunwillingnessetolearnthoughamanbetaught,Rom.8.7.Luk.24.45.

Thirdly,unbeleefeanddoubtingofthetruthofGod,taughtandconceivedbyus.

Fourthly,vanity,falshoodanderror;totheembracingwhereof,mansnaturehathgreatpronenesse:Esa.44.20.Jer.4.22.Prov.14.12.&16.25.

Whatusemakeyouofthiscorruptionoftheunderstanding?

Thattheoriginallandseedsofallheresiesanderrorsareinmansheartnaturallywithoutateacher,andthereforeweshoulddistrustourownknowledge,toleadusinthemattersofGodandReligion;andonelybedirectedbyGodsholyword.

[Page]

The

corruption

oftheme-

mory.

The

corruption

ofthewill.

HowistheMemorycorrupted?

First,withdulnesseandforgetfulnesseofallgoodthingsthatweshouldremember,notwithstandingwehavelearnedthemoften.

Secondly,withreadinestorememberthatweshouldnot,andtoretainerrorsandvanities(astalesandplayes)muchmorethengodlymatters.

Whatusemakeyouhereof?

As,first,tobewailethedefectsofourunderstanding,sotolamentourforgetfulnesseofgoodthings.

Secondly,todistrustthefaithfulnesseorstrengthofourmemoriesinhearingandlearninggoodthings,andtouseallgoodhelpswecan,asoftenrepeatingthem,writing,andmeditatingonthem.

Thirdly,nottocloggeourmemorieswithvanities,forwhichweshouldratherdesiretheartofforgetfulnesse.

HowistheWillcorrupted?

First,withadisablenesseandimpotencytowillanythingthatisgoodinitselfe,Rom.5.6.Phil.2.13.

Secondly,withslaverytosinandSatan,thewillbeingsoenthralled,Rom.6.20.&7.23.andhardened,Eph.4.18.thatitonelydesirethandlustethafterthat

The

corruption

oftheaffe-

ctions.

whichisevill,Gen.6.5.Job15.16.

Thirdly,withrebellionagainstGodandanythingthatisgood.Rom.8.7.

Whatusearewetomakehereof?

First,thatwehavenofreewillleftinussinceAdamsfallforheavenlymatters.Secondly,thatfortheconversioneitherofourselvesoranyother,wemustnotlookforitfromman,butpraytoGodtoconvertman,whoworkethinusboththewillandthedeed,Phil.2.13.Heb.2.5.astheProphetsaith,Convertthoume,andIshallbeconverted.Lam.5.21.

Howaretheaffectionscorrupted?

Theaffectionsoftheheartwhicharemany,asloveandhatred,joyandsorrow,hopeandfeare,anger,desire,&c.aresubjecttocorrupti-onanddisturbance.Gal.5.24.James4.15.Job15.16.First,bybeingsetuponunmeetobjects,inaffectingandbeinginclinedtothethingstheyshouldnotbe,andnottothosetheyshould;thuswehategoodandloveevill,1Kings22.8.Andinaword,ouraffectionsnaturallyaremovedandstirredtothatwhichisevilltoembraceit,andareneverstirreduptothatwhichisgood,unlesseitbetoeschewit.Secondly,bydisorderandexcesse,evenwhenwedoeaffectnaturallygoodthings;asforourowninjuries,wearemoreangrythenforGodsdishonour;whenwearemerrie,wearetoomerrie;whensad,toosad,&c.

[Page]

The

corruption

ofthecon-

science.

Whatusemakeyouofthedisorderoftheaffections?

First,tokeepourselvesfromalloccasionstoincensethemtosinne,whereuntotheyareasproneasthetindertothefire.Secondly,tolabourtomortifietheminourselves,thatwemaybeinregardthereofpureNazaritesbeforeGod,Gal.5.24.Col.3.5.

Howistheconsciencecorrupted?

Itisdistemperedanddefiled,Tit.1.15.bothingivingdirectioninthingstobedone,andingivingjudgmentuponthingsdone.

Howintheformer?

Itsometimegivethnotdirectionatall,andthereuponmakethamantosinindoingofanactionotherwisegoodandlawfull,Rom.14.23.sometimeitgivethdirection,butawrongone;andsobecomethablindguide,forbiddingtodoeathingwhichGodalloweth,andcommandingtodoethingswhichGodhateth.1Cor.8.7.Col.2.21.John16.2.

Howinthelatter?

WheniteithergivethnoJudgementatall;beingleftwithoutfeeling;orwhenithathanevillfeelingandsense.

Howisitleftwithoutfeeling?

Whenitissosenselesseandbenummedwithsin,thatitnevercheckethamanforanysin,Eph.4.18,19.calleda

cauterizedconscience,1Tim.4.2.whichresethfromthecustomeofsinning,Heb.3.13.

Howdothitfaile,whenithathafeeling,butanaughtyone?

Sometimesinexcusing,sometimesinaccusing.

Howinexcusing?

First,whenitexcusethforthingssinfull,makingthemnosinnes,orsmallsins,andsofeedingthemindwithvaincomforts.Mark.10.20.Gen.3.10.12.Secondly,whenasitexcusethusforhavingagoodintentwithoutanywarrantofGodsword,1Chron.13.9.

Howinaccusing?

First,whenforwantoftime,direction,andlightening,itcondemnethfordoinggood,(asaPapistforgoingtoSermons)condemningwhereitshouldexcuse,andsofillingthemindwithfalsefeares.

Secondly,whenaccusingforsinitdothitexcessively,turmoylingamanwithinwardaccusationsandterrors,Esa.57.20.anddrawinghimtodespairbysuchexcessiveterror,asmaybeseeninCainandJudas.

Whatusearewetomakeofthisconfusionoftheconscience?

First,seeingitdoththusabuseus,wearenevertomakeitawarrantofouractions,unlesseitbedirectedbyGods

Ofthe

corruption

ofthebo-

dy.

word.

Secondly,wearetofearetheterrorofthegreatJudgeofheavenandearth,whenwearesooften,andsogrievouslyterrifiedwithourlittleJudgethatisinoursoul.

Whatcorruptionhaththebodyreceivedbyoriginallsinne?

Itisbecomeareadyinstrumenttoservethesinfullsoule,havingbothapronenessetoanysinthesoulaffecteth,andlikewiseaneagernestocommititandcontinueinit,Rom.6.12.19.wherebyitiscometopasse,thatthebodilysensesandmembersare,1.AsPorterstoletinsin,Job31.1.Psal.119.37.Matth.5.29,30.2.Theinstrumentsandtoolesofthemindfortheexecutionofsinne,Rom.3.13,14,15,&6.13.

VVhatusearewetomakeofthisdoctrineoforiginallsinne?

First,thedueknowledgethereofservethtohumbletheprideofmanremembringthatheisconceivedinsosinfullasort,thathowsoeverthebranchesofhisactionsmayseemgreen,yetisherottenattheroot.

Secondly,itshouldmovehimwithallspeedtoseekforregeneraonbyChrist,seeinghehathsocorruptagenerationbyAdam.

VVhatisactuallsinne?

Actuallsin.

[Page]

ItisaviolationofGodsCommandementsdonebyusafterthemannerofAdamstransgression,Rom.5.14.towit,aparticularbreachofGodsLawinthecourseofourlife,whichproceedethasanevillfruitfromournaturallcorruption,andleavethastaininthesoulebehindit,Jer.13.23.whichpolluteththesinner,anddisposethhimtofurtherevill.

Howissuchsincommitted?

Eitherinwardly,oroutwardly.

Howinwardly?

First,byevillthoughtsinthemind,whichcomeeitherbyamansownconceiving,Gen.6.5.Matth.15.19.orbythesuggestionoftheDevill.John13.2.Acts5.3.1Chron.21.1.

Secondly,byevillmotionsandlustsstirringintheheartagainsttherighteousnesseoftheLaw,whichcondemneththeveryfirstmotionsofevillthatarisefromourcorruptnature.

Howoutwardly?

Byevillwordsanddeeds,Esa.3.8.whicharisefromthecorruptthoughtsandmotionsoftheheartwhenanyoccasionisgiven,Matth.15.19.Sothattheimaginationofmansheart,thewordsofhismouth,andworksofhishands,areallstainedwithsin.

Benotoutwardsinsmoregrievoustheninward?

Somebe,andsomebenot;foriftheybeagainstthesameCommandement,andthesamebranchthereof,theyaremuchmorewickedandevill;because,first,Godismoredishonouredoutwardly;Secondly,othermenareoffended,ifgodly,orinticedbytheirexample,ifwicked;Thirdly,amandothmoreingrossehimselfeinsinoutward,theninabarethought,thatherestrainethfromoutwardaction.

Buthowmaysomethoughtsbemoreevillthenactions?

Iftheybeofmorewickedmatters:asthedenyingofGodinheart,isworsethenanidleword.

Whatusearewetomakethereof?

Itserveth,first,tocondemnthecommonsort,thatsay,andholdthatthoughtsarefree,whichareoftsosinfull;Secondly,toassureusthatmanythoughtheyleadanoutwardcivilllifeinactions,yetiftheirheartsbenotcleansedbyfaith,maybemoreodiousinGodssightthatknoweththeirthoughts,thenagodlypersonthatmaybelefttosomeoutwardweaknessesinhislife.

Whatbethedegreesbywhichmendoeproceedinthecommittingofactuallsin?

OutofJames1.14,15.thesefouredegreesmaybeobserved.

First,temptationtosin,James1.14.2Sam.11.12.which

[Page]

thenonlyissintous,wheniteitherarisethfromourowncorruption,orfromoutwardoccasionstowhichwehaveofferedourselvescarelesly.Forifeverytemptationtosinoffereduntousshouldbesinsimply,thenourSaviourthatwastemptedshouldhavesinned.ThereforetheoutwardorinwardtemptationsthatSatanmayofferbenotsinstous,tilltheygetsomeholdinus,whichis,whenwearetheoccasionofthemourselves,byinwardcorruptionoroutwardcarelesnesseinventuringupontemptations.

Secondly,concupiscencebringingsinnetoconception,James1.15.whichisdonebythesedegrees:First,entertainingthesinnewhereuntowearetempted,andsufferingittohaveabodeinthemindorthought.Secondly,withdrawingtheheartfromGod(whomweoughttofearewithallourhearts)andhisCommandements,Jam.1.14.Thirdly,consultingwhetherthatsinnewhichweoughttohatemaybedoneorno.

3.Consentofthemindtocommitsinne,whereuponensueththebirthofsin,Jam.1.15.bywhichitisbroughtforthintoactagainstGodorman.

4.Oftenrepetitionofsin,bycustomandcontinuance,whereintheheartfinallyishardened,Heb.3.13.andsinneiscometoaperfectionorripenesse,Jam.1.15.whichisthestrengththatsingettethoverman,whomitruleth,asaMasterdothaslave;inwhichestatewhosocontinuethmustlookforeternalldeath,Jam.1.15.forsinthenreigneth,whichitneverdothinthegodly.

Aretheseactualltransgressionsallofonesort?

No,fortheyarediverslyconsidered,inrespectoftheCommandementbroken,theobjectoffended,thedispositionfollowed,andthedegreesattained.

HowfortheCommandement?

ThebreachofaCommandementthatbiddeth,isasinofomission,butofonethatforbiddeth,isasinofconversion;theoneisanomissionofdutyrequired,theotheraCommissionofevillforbidden;bytheoneweoffendinomittingthosethingswhichweshoulddoe,bytheotherincommittingthosethingswhichweshouldnotdoe.

Whichbetheinwardsinsofomission?

Thenotthinkingsooftenorreligiouslyofheavenlythings,(respectingthefirsttable)orofgooddutiestomanasweshould,butsufferingourmindstobeathrough-fareforvaineorwickedthoughtstopassethroughmorethengood:whichsinne,ifitwerethoughtofwell,wouldmakemenmorehumblebeforeGod,andtomakemorecon-scienceoftheirhoures,dayes,andnights,tomarkhowtheirmindisoccupied.

WhatbeinwardsinsofCommission?

Allactuallsinsofthemindandthoughts,whetherwebeawakedealingwithGodorman,orasleepdreaming.ExamplesofthefirstagainstGod,aretothinkthereisnoGod,Psal.10.45.ortohavevileandbaseconceiptsofhimorhisgovernment,Psal.10.41.1Cor.2.14.Andtowardsman,everyinwardbreachofthesecondtable.

[Page]

Butdothmancommitsininthenightwhenhedreameth?

Yessurely,thesouleisneveridle,butwhenitthinkethnotofgood,itthinkethofevill:andthegodlymaymarkthataftertheyhavehadanydreamsofthingsunlawfull,theirheartisinameasurewounded,tilltheyobtainepeaceandpardonfromGod.

Whatusearewetomakethereof?

ToprayearnestlythatGodwouldsanctifieourcorrupthearts,thatitmaybeafountaineofholyandnotsinfullthoughts;andinthenight,1.TocommitourselvesspeciallytoGod,thatbecausewehavingourSensesandJudgementboundandsilent,arelesseabletoresistandjudgeoursinfullthoughts,Godwouldpreserveusfromthembyhisgrace;And,2.Thatweavoidalloccasionsthereofintheday.

WhatbetheoutwardsinsofCommission?

Suchastothecommittingofthembesidethethoughtofourmindanypartofourbodydothconcurre;asourtonguetowords,andotherpartstodeeds.

Howaresinnesdistinguishedinregardoftheobjectoffended?

SomesinsaremoredirectlyagainstGod,someagainstmen,eitherpubliqueorprivate,andothersagainstamansself.

Howinregardofthedispositionfollowed?

Eitheraswepartakewithotherssins,Esa.6.5.oraswecommitthesininourownperson.

Whatbethedifferencesofpartakingwithotherssins?

First,whenweconcealandwinkeatothermenssinswhichweoughttorevealandrebuke,asMagistratesandMinistersoftdoe.1Sam.313.Secondly,whenwefurtheritbyourconsent,presence,orcounsell,Act.7.58.&8.1.&22.20.&23.14,15.Rom.1.32.Thirdly,whenweprovokeotherstosin,Mark6.25.

VVhatdifferenceofdispositionisthereinthosesinswhichamandothcommitinhisownperson?

SomesinsarecommittedofIgnorance,1Tim.1.13.Ps.19.12.orofanerringconscience,1Cor.8.7.whichamandotheithernotknow,ornotmark:othersaredoneofknowledge.

DothnotIgnoranceexcuse?

AffectedIgnorancedothratherincreasethendiminishafault.

VVhatbethedifferencesofsinsofknowledge?

1.Someareofinfirmityandtemptation,forfeareofevillorhopeofgood,Rom.7.19.Mat.26.69,70.2.Someofpresumption,obstinacy,andstubbornesseinsinning,againstwhichDavidearnestlyprayed,Ps.19.13.&50.21.

Ofthesin

againstthe

holyGhost.

Eccles.8.11.andthismayproceed(ifmenhavenotthegraceofGod)toobstinateandwilfullmaliceagainstGodandhistruth,andtotheunpardonablesinneagainsttheholyGhost,Heb.6.4,5,6.&10.29.Mark329,30.

WhatisthesinagainsttheholyGhost,thehighestofallsins?

Itisawilfullandmaliciousfallingfrom,andresistingoftheGospell,afteramanhathbeenenlightnedwithit,andfeltatastethereof;manifestedinoutwardactionbysomeblasphemousoppugningthetruthofsethatred,becauseitisthetruth.

Whatareyoutoconsiderinthissin?

Thenaturethereof,andthedeadlinesseofthesame.

Whatnoteyouinthenature?

Thereasonwhyitissocalled,andthequalitythereof.

WhyisitcalledthesinagainsttheholyGhost?

NotbecauseitiscommittedagainstthethirdPersononly,(foritiscommittedagainstallthree)butbecauseitiscommittedagainstthelightofknowledgewithwhichtheholyGhosthathenlightnedtheheartofhimthatcommittedit,andthatofsetmalice:foreveryonethatsinnethagainsthisknowledgemaybesaidtosinagainsttheholyGhost,asAnaniasandSapphiraweresaidtodoe,

[Page]

Act.5.3.Butthatisnotthisgreatsinofmalice,resistingthetruth,becauseitisthetruth,butofinfirmity.

Whatqualitiesandpropertieshaththisgreatsin?

First,itmustbeinhimthathathknownthetruth,andafterfallethaway,Heb.6.5.thereforeInfidelsandHeathensdoenotsinthissinne;neitheranythatareignorant,thoughmaliciouslytheyblasphemethetruth.Secondly,itmustbedoneofsetmalice,becauseitisthetruth,asthePharisesdid,Mat.12.31.Heb.6.6.ThereforePeterthatcursedhimself,anddenyedthatheknewChrist,tosavehislife,didnotsinnethissin;norPaulthatdidpersecutehimdoingitofignorance.Thirdly,itmustbeagainstGodhimselfdirectly&hisSonChristJesus,Mat.12.31.Heb.6.6.ThereforeitisnotanyparticularbreachofthesecondTable,noraslipagainstanyspeciallsinofthefirst.

CanthesequalitiesatanytimebefalltheelectorchildrenofGod?

No:andthereforetheythatfeelinthemselvesthetestimonyoftheirelection,neednotfeartheirfallingintothissin,nordespair.

VVhatisthedeadlinesseofthissinaboveothersins?

First,Godhathpronounceditshallneverbepardoned;notbecauseGodisnotabletopardonit,butbecausehehathsaidhewillnotforgiveit.Secondly,thissiniscommandednottobeprayedfor,whenpersonsareknowntobeguilty

Ofthe

divers

differences

ofactuall

sins.

ofit,1Joh.5.16.whereasweareboundtoprayforallotherpersons.Thirdly,thisistheordinaryandfirstsinoftheDevill,andthereforeisheneverreceivedintomercy,nomorethenthosethatareguiltyofit.

ThusmuchofthesinneagainsttheholyGhost:Shewnowthedifferencesofactuallsinsinregardofthedegreesattained.

Someareonlysins,butothersarewickednesses,andsomebeastlinesses,ordevilishnesses;forthoughoriginallsinbeequallinallAdamschildren,yetactuallsinsbenotequall,butonemuchgreaterthenanother.

ArenotsinswelldividedintoVeniall,andMortall?

NoneareVenialloftheirownnature,butonlytothefaithfultheyaresomadebythemercyofGodinChrist.

Doeallnaturallmenalikecommitallthesekindsofsin?

No:forthoughallarealikedisposeduntoallmannerofevill,Rom.7.14.havingintheircorruptnaturetheseedsofeverysin;yetdothGodforthegoodofhumanesocietyrestrainmanyfromnotoriouscrimes,byfearofshameandpunishment,desireofhonourandreward,&c.Rom.13.3,4,5.

HowdothGodemploymeninthisstateofsin?

[Page]

Guiltofsin.

First,heguideththempartlybythelightofnature,Rom.2.14,15.Joh.1.9.andpartlybycommongracesoftheSpirit,Esa.44.28.untomanyactionsprofitableforhumanesociety,andfortheoutwardserviceofGod.

Secondly,heover-ruleththeirevillandsinfulactions,sothattherebytheybringtopassenothingbutwhathishandandcounsellhadbeforedeterminedforhisownglory,Act.3.16.&4.27,28.

Whatarethethingsthatgenerallyfollowsin?

Theyaretwo:Guiltandpunishment;bothwhichdoemostdulywaituponsintoenterwithit,andcannotbyanyforceorcunningofmanorAngelbeholdenfromentringuponthepersonthatsinhathalreadyentredupon;bothlikewisedoeincreaseasthesinneincreaseth.

Whatistheguiltofsin?

Itisthemeritanddesertofsin,whichisasitwereanobligationtothepunishmentandwrathofGod,wherebywebecomesubjecttoGodsdebtordanger;thatis,tocondemnation,Rom.2.15.&3.9.&10.19.ForeverymanbyreasonofhissiniscontinuallysubjecttothecurseofGod,Gal.3.10.andisinasgreatdangerofeverlastingdamnation,astheTraitourapprehendedisindangerofhanging,drawingandquartering.

Isthereanyevillintheguiltbeforethepunishmentbeexecuted?

Verymuch;foritworkethunquietnesseinthemind,aswhenamanisboundinanobligationuponagreatforfeiture,thatveryobligationitselfdisquietethhim;especiallyifhebenotabletopayit(aswearenot.)Andyetmore,becausewhereotherdebtshaveadaysetforpayment,weknownotwhethertheLordwilldemandbypunishmenthisdebtthisdaybeforetomorrow.

Whatlearnyoufromthis?

Thatsithmendoeshunbyallmeanstobeinothermensdebtordanger(asalsotheApostleexhorteth,Rom.13.8.Owenothingtoanyman;andSolomonalsocounsellethinthematterofsuretiship,Prov.6.1,2,3,4,5.)weshouldmorewarilytakeheedthatweplungenotourselvesoverheadandearsintheLordsdebt;forifitbeaterriblethingtobeboundtoanymaninstatureStaple,orMerchant,orrecognizance,muchmoretoGodwhowillbepaidtotheuttermostfarthing.

Howelsemaythehurtandevilloftheguiltofsinnebesetforthuntous?

Itiscomparedtoastroakethatlightethupontheheartandsoulofaman,wherethewoundismoredangerousthenwhenitisinthebody,Gen.44.16.1Sam.24.4,5,6.andsoitisalsoastingorabiteworsethenofaviper,asthatwhichbringethdeath.

Haveyouyetwherewithtosetforththeevilloftheguilt?

ItseemethwhentheLordsaidtoCain,ifhesinagainsthis

[Page]

brother,hissinlyethatthedoor,Gen.4.7.thathecompareththeguilttoadogthatisalwayssnarlingandbarkingagainstus;whichisconfirmedbytheApostle,whoattributethamouthtohisdesertofsintoaccuseus,Rom.2.15.

WhatistheeffectofthisguiltofConscience?

Itcausethamantofliewhennonepursueth,andtobeafraidofthefallofaleaf,Prov.28.1.Levit.26.36.

VVhenamandothnotknowwhetherhedothsinorno,howcanhebesmitten,orbitten,orbarkedat,orflieforfeare?thereforeagainstallthisevillignoranceseemethtobeasaferemedy?

Noverily;forwhetherweknowitorno,hisguiltremaineth:asadebtisadebt,thoughamanknowethitnot;anditisbysomuchthemoredangerous,asnotknowingit,hewillneverbecarefulltodischargeit,tilltheLordsarrestbeuponhisback,whenhisknowledgewilldoehimnogood.

VVemayseemanywhichheapsinneuponsinne,andknowalsothattheysinne,andyetforallthatceasenottomakegoodcheer,andmaketheirheartsmerry.

Thecountenancedothnotalwayesspeaketruth,sothatsometimesunderacountenanceinshewmerrytherearestingsandpricksintheConscience,Rom.2.15.whichyetisoftentimesbenummed,andsometimesthroughhypocrisieitisseared,asitwerewithahotiron,1Tim.4.

2.buttheLordwillfindatimetoawakenandreviveit,bylayingallhissinnesbeforehisface,Psal.50.21.

VVhenitisknownwhatistheremedyofit?

Itwerewisdomenottosufferourguilttorunlongonthescore,butreckonwithourselveseverynightereweliedowntosleep,andlookbacktothedoingsoftheday,thatinthosethingswhicharewelldonewemaybethankefullandcomfortourownhearts,andinthatwhichpassethotherwisefromus,wemaycallformercy,andhavethesweetersleep;forifSolomonwillethusinthatcaseofdebtbysuretyshiptohumbleourselvestoourCreditor,andnottotakerestuntillwehavefreedourselves,Prov.6.1,2,3,4,5,6.muchmoreoughtwetohastethehumblingourselvesuntoGod,siththebloudofChrististheonelysacrificeforsinne.

Istheguiltofsininallmenalike?

No:forasthesinencreaseth,sodoththeguilt,bothinregardofthegreatnesseandofthenumberofoursins,asappearsoutofEzra9.6.whereassinissaidtobegoneabovetheirheads,sotheguilttoreachuptotheheavens.

VVhenthesinisgoneandpast,isnottheguiltalsogoneandpast?

Christtakethawayboththeguiltandthesinofthegodly,(exceptoriginallsinwhichcontinuethduringlife)butinthewickedwhentheactofsinisgone,theguiltremainethalways;asthestrongsavourofgarlick,whenthegarlickis

Punishment

ofsin.

[Page]

eaten,orasthescarreofawound,orthemarkofaburning,whenthewoundorburningispast.

VVhatiscontrarytotheguiltofsin?

ThetestimonyofagoodConscience,whichisaperpetualljoyandcomfort,yeaandaheaventohimthathathwalkedcarefullyinGodsobedience,astheotherisatormentofhell.

Somuchoftheguilt,whatisthepunishment?

Itisthewagesofsinsentfortheguilt,Rom.6.23.namely,thewrathandcurseofGod,bywhosejustsentencemanforhissinneisdeliveredintothepowerbothofbodilyandspiritualldeath,begunhere,andtobeaccomplishedinthelifetocome,Gen.2.17.John3.18,19.&5.24.&28.29.Lamen.3.36.Esa.64.5,6.Rom.6.12.Gal.3.10.

VVhatdoyouunderstandbybodilyandspiritualldeath?

BytheoneIunderstandtheseparationofthesoulefromthebody,withallpersonallmiseriesandevilsthatattendthereon,ormakewaythereto;bytheotherthefinallseparationofbothfromGod,togetherwithpresentspirituallbondage,andallforerunnersofdamnation.

Arealltheparticularpunishmentsexpressedinthewordwhichshallcomeforsin?

Theycannotwhollybelaiddown,theybesomanifoldand

sodivers,andthereforeitissaidtheyshallcomewrittenandunwritten,Deut.29.20.&28.61.

Againstwhomarethesepunishmentsaddressed?

Againstthewholeestateofhimthatsinneth:Forwhereasexecutionsuponobligationsuntomenaresodirectedastheycanchargeeitherthepersonalone,orhisgoodsandlandsalone,soasiftheCreditorfallupontheonehefreeththeother,asifhefalluponthepersonhecannotproceedfurtherthenuntohisbody:theexecutionwhichgoethoutfromGodfortheobligationofsinisextendedtothewholeestateofthesinner,bothtothethingsbelonginguntohim,andlikewisetohisownperson.

VVhatbethepunishmentsthatextendtothethingsbelongingtohim?

Calamitiesuponhisfamily,wife,children,servants,friends,goodsandgoodname,thelosseandcurseofallthese,andunhappyandmiserableposterity,(Matth.15.22.Psalme109.12.)hinderancesingoods,Deuter.28.inname,ignominyandreproach,Matth.7.12.Job18.17.Prov.10.7.losseoffriends,acquaintance,&c.

Whatarethejudgementsexecuteduponhisperson?

Theyareexecutedeitherinthislife,orinthelifetocome.

Whatpunishmentsareinflictedinthislife?

Theybepartlyoutward,partlyinward.

[Page]

Whatbetheoutwardpunishments?

1.Hiswantofdominionoverthecreatures,andtheenmityofthecreaturesagainsthim,calamitiesbyfire,water,beasts,orothermeans,disorderintheworld,insummer,winter,heaven,earth,andallcreatures.

2.Shameforthenakednesseofbody.

3.Allhungerinextremity,thirst,nakednesse,penury,povertyofestate,andwantofbodilynecessaries.

4.Wearinesseinfollowinghiscallingwithsweatofhisbrowes,withtroubleandirksomnesse,Gen.3.19.

5.Outwardshameandinfamy.

6.Servitude.

7.Losseoflimbs,oroftheuseofhissenses,deformitiesinbody.

8.Weaknesseofbeeing,wantofsleep,painsofbody,aches,soars,sicknessesanddiseasesofallsorts,Deut.28.Mat.9.2.eventotheitch,whichfewmakeaccomptof;therbytofeeltheangerofGodandpunishmentofsin:hitheristobereferredpaininChild-bearing,Gen.3.16.

Whatbetheinwardpunishmentsinthislife?

1.Sorrowandanguishofsoulfortheseplaguesandthelike.

2.Madnesse,frenzy,andfoolishnesse.

3.Blindnesseanddistemperofthesoul,whenGodstrikethitwithanignorantspirit,withwantofjudgementtodiscernbetweengoodandbad,withforgetfulnesseofholythings,orhardnesseofheart,Eph.4.17,18,19.whichalthoughforthetimetheybeleastfelt,yetaretheymorefearfullanddangerous,thenthosewhereofthesenseispresentlysharp.

4.Terrourandvexationofspirit,drivingintohell,guiltinesseandhorrourofConscience,thefuryofadespairingsoul,beginningeveninthislifetofeelhelltorments,Deut.28.28.Heb.10.27.Esa.33.14.

5.StrangenesseandalienationfromGod.

6.Spirituallbondage,wherebysinfullmanisbecomesubjecttothelustoftheflesh,thecurseoftheLaw,theruleofSatan,andthecustomeoftheworld;yea,evenblessingsarecursed,Malac.2.2.andprosperitycausethruine,Psal.69.22.

InwhatsortismaninbondageuntoSatan?

BothsoulandbodyisunderthepowerofthePrinceofdarknesse,wherebymanbecommeththeslaveoftheDevil,andhathhimtoreigninhisheartashisGod,tillChristdeliverhim,Col.1.13.Ephes.2.2.2Tim.2.26.2Cor.4.4.Heb.2.14.Luke11.21,22.

HowmayamanknowwhetherSatanbehisGodorno?

Hemayknowitbythis,ifhegiveobediencetohiminhisheart,andexpresseitinhisconversation.

Andhowshallamanperceivethisobedience?

IfhetakedelightintheevillmotionsthatSatanputsintohisheart,anddothfulfillthelustsoftheDevil,Joh.8.44.1Joh.3.8.

Whatisthatslaverywherebyamanisinbondagetotheflesh?

Anecessityofsinning(butwithoutconstraint)untillhebebornagainbythegraceofGod,Mat.12.33,34,35.

Ifwesinnecessarily,andcannotbutsin,thenitseemethwearenottobeblamed?

Yes,thenecessityofsindothnotexemptusfromsin,butonlyconstraint.

Whatpunishmentsareinflicteduponsinfullmanafterthislife?

Atwofolddeath.

Whichisthefirstdeath?

Bodilydeathintheseverallkindes;namely,theseparationofthesoulfromthebody,Gen.3.19.Eccl.12.7.Rom.5.12.

Whereinconsisteththeseconddeath?

[Page]

1.InaneverlastingseparationofthewholemanfromthefavourablepresenceandcomfortablefellowshipofGodsmostgloriousMajesty,inwhosecountenanceisfulnesseofjoy.

2.PerpetuallimprisonmentinthecompanyoftheDevillandReprobatesdamnedinhell.

3.ThemostheavywrathofGodandunspeakabletormentstobeenduredinhellfireworldwithoutend,2Thess.1.9.

Howdoththisdeathseizeuponman?

1.Afterthislifeisended,thesouleofthewickedimmediatelyissentuntohell,theretobetormenteduntothedayofJudgement,Luk.16.22,23.

2.AtthedayofJudgementthebodybeingjoynedtothesouleagaine,bothshallbetormentedinhelleverlastingly,Matth.10.28.somuchalsothemoreastheyhavehadmorefreedomefrompainofbody,andanguishofsoule,andlosseofoutwardthingsinthislife.

Isthepunishmentofallsinsalike?

No;forastheguiltincreaseth,sodoththepunishment;andasthesmallestsincannotescapeGodshand,soasweheapsins,hewillheaphisjudgements,John19.11.Mat.11.20,21,22,23,24.

ButGodismercifull?

Heisindeedfullofmercy,butheisalsofullof

righteousnesse,whichmustfullybedischarged,orelsewecannotbepartakersofhismercy.

Cannotwebyourownpowermakesatisfactionforoursins,anddeliverourselvesfromthewrathofGod?

Wecannotbyanymeanes,butratherfromdaytodayincreaseourdebt;forweareallbynaturethesonsofwrath,andnotablesomuchastothinkagoodthought;thereforeunabletoappeasetheinfinitewrathofGodconceivedagainstoursins.

Couldanyothercreatureinheavenorearth(whichisonelyacreature)performthisforus?

No,noneatall;forfirstGodwillnotpunishthatinanothercreature,whichisduetobepaidbyman.

Secondly,nonethatisonelyacreaturecanabidethewrathofGodagainstsinne,anddeliverothersfromthesame.

Thirdly,nonecanbeourSaviourbutGod.

Couldmanbyhisownwisdomedeviseanythingwherebyhemightbesaved?

No;forthewisdomofmancandevisenothingbutthatwhichmaymakeafurtherseparationbetwixtGodandhim.

VVhatthenshallbecomeofmankind?istherenohopeofsalvation,shallallperish?thensurelyisamanofallcreaturesmostmiserable;whenadogoratoaddie,all

OfGods

Covenants

withman.

[Page]

theirmiseryisended,butwhenamandieth,thereisthebeginningofhiswoe.

Itweresoindeediftherewerenomeanesofdeliverance,butGodinhisinfinitewisdomeandmercyhathfoundoutthatwhichthewisdomeofmancouldnot,andprovidedaSaviourformankind.

Howthenismandeliveredfromthissinfullmiserableestate?

Sinneisrepressed,andmiseryasswaged,bymanymeanesnaturallandcivill,buttheyarenotremoved,normanrestored,butonelybyanewCovenant;theoldbeingnotnowabletogivelifeuntoany,byreasonoftheinfirmityofourflesh.

VVhyistheformerCovenantofworkscalledtheold?

Becausewenotonelycannotdoeit,butthroughtheperversenesseofournature(andnotbythefaultoftheLaw)itmakethouroldmanofsinelder,andwemorehastingtodestruction.

HowaretheyconvincedthatseekrighteousnessebythisCovenant?

BecausetherebytheymakeGodunjust,andthatheshouldthusgivetheKingdomeofheaventowickedmen,astothosethatcannotfulfilltheLaw.

Ofthe

Covenant

ofgrace.

SeeingthenatureofaCovenantistoreconcileandjoynethosetogetherthatareatvariance(asweseeintheexampleofAbrahamandAbimelech,LabanandJacob)whyisthiscalledaCovenant,thatcanmakenoreconciliationbetwixtGodandus?

Althoughitbenotabletoreconcileus,yetdothitmakewayforreconciliationbyanotherCovenant:neitherisitmeetstrictlytobindGodsCovenantwithmentothesameLawes,thattheCovenantsofonemanwithanotherareboundunto:Foramongstmentheweakerseekethreconciliationatthehandofthemightier,Luk.14.31,32.ButGodneitherabletobehurt,orbenefittedbyus,seekethuntousforpeace,2Cor.5.20.

VVhetherofthesetwoCovenantsmustbefirstinuse?

TheLaw;toshewus,first,ourdutywhatweshoulddoe.

Secondly,oursin,andthepunishmentduethereunto.

HowisthatotherCovenantcalledwherebywearereconcileduntoGod,andrecoveredoutofthestateofsinanddeath?

ThenewCovenant,(socalled,becausebyitwearerenued)theCovenantofgrace,ofpromise,oflifeandsalvation;thenewTestament,theGospell,&c.Ier.31.31,32.Rom.3.23,24.

WhatistheCovenantofgrace?

Godssecondcontractwithmankindafterthefall,forrestoringofhimintohisfavour,andtotheestateofhappinessebythemeanesofaMediatour,Gal.3.21,22.anditcontaineththefreepromisesofGodmadeuntousinJesusChrist,withoutanyrespectofourdeservings.

VVhomadethisCovenant?

Godalone:forproperlymanhathnomorepowertomakeaspirituallCovenantinhisnaturallestate,thenbeforehiscreationhehadtopromiseobedience.

HowaretheyconvincedbythegivingofthissecondCovenant,whichseekrighteousnesseintheLaworoldCovenant?

BecausetherebytheymakeGodunwisethatwouldenterintoanewandsecondCovenant,iftheformerhadbeensufficient.Heb.8.7.

WhenwasthisCovenantofGracefirstplightedbetweenGodandman?

ImmediatelyafterhisfallinParadise,inthatpromisegivenconcerningthewomansseed,Gen.3.15.GodinunspeakeablemercypropoundingtheremedybeforehepronouncedsentenceofJudgment.

Wasitonceonlypublished?

Itwassundrywayesdeclaredinallages,partlybyordinarymeans,andpartlybyProphetsextraordinarily

[Page]

sentanddirectedbyGod.

WhatisthefoundationofthisCovenant?

ThemeermercyofGodinChrist,wherebygracereignethuntolifethroughtheobedienceofone,whichisJesusChrist.Rom.5.21.FortherebeingthreepersonsoftheTrinity,theFathersenthisSontoaccomplishtheworkofourRedemption,andbothofthemsendtheHolyGhosttoworksavinggraceinourhearts,andapplyuntooursoulestheholinessepurchasedbytheSonofGod.

Whatispromisedtherein?

ThefavourofGodandeverlastingsalvation,withthemeansthereof,asChrist,andinhimConversion,JustificationandSanctification.

Whatistheconditiononmanspart?

ThegiftbeingmostfreeonGodspart,nothingisrequiredonmanspartbutthereceivingofgraceoffered;whichisdoneinthosethatareofcapacitybyFaithinChrist:John1.12.14,15.Acts16.31.whencefollowethnewobedience,wherebythefaithfullwalkworthyofthegracereceived;andthisalsoisbyGodsgrace.

WhatthenisthesummeoftheCovenantofgrace?

ThatGodwillbeourGodandgiveuslifeeverlastinginChrist,ifwereceivehim;beingfreelybyhisFatheroffereduntous.Jer.31.33.Acts.16.30,31.John1.12.

The

differences

between

the

Covenant

ofworks,

andand

theCove-

nantof

grace.

HowdoththisCovenantdifferfromthatofworks?

Mucheveryway;for,first,inmanypointstheLawmaybeconceivedbyreason;buttheGospellinallpointsisfarreabovethereachofmansreason.Secondly,theLawcommandethtodoegood,andgivethnostrength,buttheGospellenablethustodoegood,theHolyGhostwritingtheLawinourhearts;Jer.31.33.andassuringusofthepromisethatrevealeththisgift.Thirdly,theLawpromisedlifeonely;theGospellrighteousnessealso.Fourthly,theLawrequiredperfectobedience,theGospelltherighteousnesseofFaith.Rom.3.21.Fifthly,theLawrevealethsin,rebukethusforit,andleavethusinit:buttheGospelldothrevealeuntoustheremissionofsins,andfreethusfromthepunishmentbelongingthereunto.Sixthly,theLawistheministeryofwrath,condemnation,anddeath:theGospellistheministeryofgrace,Justificationandlife.Seventhly,theLawwasgroundedonmansownrighteousnesse,requiringofeverymaninhisownpersonperfectobedience;Deut.27.26.andindefaultforsatisfactioneverlastingpunishment,Ezek.18.14.Gal.3.10.12.buttheGospellisgroundedontherighteousnesseofChrist,admittingpaymentandperformancebyanotherinbehalfeofsomanyasreceiveit,Gal.3.13,14.AndthusthisCovenantabolishethnot,butistheaccomplishmentandestablishmentoftheformer,Rom.3.31.10.4.

Whereindoetheyagree?

[Page]

Wherein

theyagree.

OfJesus

the

Mediatour

ofthis

Covenant.

The

foundation

ofit.

Theyagreeinthis,thattheybebothofGod,anddeclareonekindofrighteousnesse,thoughtheydifferinofferingituntous.

Whatisthatonekindofrighteousnesse?

ItistheperfectloveofGod,andofourneighbour.

Whatthingdothfollowuponthis?

ThatthesevereLawpronouncethallthefaithfullrighteous,forasmuchastheyhaveinChristallthattheLawdothaske.

ButyetthoseremainetransgressorsoftheLaw?

Theyaretransgressorsinthemselves,andyetrighteousinChrist,andintheirinwardmantheyloverighteousnesseandhatesin.

WhatarewetoconsiderintheCovenantofGrace?

Thecondition,1.OftheMediatour.2.Andthenoftherestofmankind.IntheformerconsisteththefoundationofthisCovenant.TheperformancewhereofdependethonChristJesus,Acts10.43.&3.24.Rom.1.3.4.Tothelatterbelongeththeapplicationthereofforsalvation,untoallthatwillreceiveit,2Cor.5.20.Mat.6.33.

WhenwastheMediatourgiven?

Ofthe

personof

Christ.

1.IfweregardGodsdecree,fromalleternity,Eph.1.4.

2.IfthevertueandefficacieofhisMediation,assoonasneedwas,evenfromthebeginningoftheworld,Rev.13.8.

3.Ifhismanifestationintheflesh,infulnesseoftime,Gal.4.4.1Tim.2.6.fromwhencewereckonnow,1643.yeares.

WhoisthisMediatourbetweenGodandman?

Jesus,Luk.2.11.Mat.1.21.1Tim.2.5.theSonoftheVirginMary,thepromisedMessias,orChrist,whomtheFathersexpected,theProphetsforetold,John1.45.&8.56.Whoselife,death,Resurrection,&AscensiontheEvangelistsdescribe,Joh.1.1.Act.1.1.Whosewordpreacheduntothisdaysubdueththeworld,1Tim.3.16.2Cor.10.4.5.Finally,whomweelookforfromheaventobeetheJudgeofquickanddead.Acts10.42.

WhatdoetheScripturesteachustouchingChristourMediatour?

Twothings,firsthisperson,Joh.1.14.&3.33.Secondly,hisoffice.Esa.61.1,2.Luk.4.18.

WhatishisPerson?

ThesecondPersonintheGodhead,mademan.John1.14.

Whathavewetoconsiderherein?

Ofthe

divine

natureof

Christ.

Thenatures

ofChrist.

Divine.

Humane.

Firstthedistinctionofthetwonatures.SecondlythehypostaticallorpersonallunionofbothintooneImmanuell.

Whatbethosetwonaturesthuswonderfullyunitedinoneperson?

First,hisdivinenatureorGodhead,whichmakeththeperson.

SecondlyhishumanenatureorManhood,whichsubsistethandhathhisexistenceinthepersonoftheGodhead,andsowebeleeveourSaviourtobeboththeSonofGod,andthesonofman.Gal.4.4.Luk.1.31,32.Rom.1.3,4.&9.5.1Tim.3.16.Mat.26.24.

WhatsayyouofhimtouchinghisGodhead?

IbeleevethatheistheonlybegottenSonofthemosthighandeternallGodhisFather:HisWord,Wisdome,Character,andImage;begottenofhissubstancebeforeallworlds,GodofGod,LightofLight,veryGodofveryGod:begotten,notmade:finallyGod,coessentiall,coeternall,andcoequallwiththeFather,andtheHolyGhost.

WhycallyouhimtheonelybegottenSonneofGod?

BecauseheisthealoneSonofGodbynature,eventheonelybegottenoftheFatherfullofgraceandtruth,John1.14.&3.18.ForthoughothersbetheSonsofGodby

[Page]

Creation,asAdamwasandtheAngels.Job.1.6.OthersbyAdoptionandRegeneration,astheSaints,andthemanChristJesusinanotherrespectbyhypostaticallunion;yetnoneishisSonbynaturallgeneration,butthesameChristJesus;andthatinregardofhisGodhead,notofhisManhood;accordingtotheApostle,whosaith,thatheiswithoutFatheraccordingtohisManhood,andwithoutMotheraccordingtohisGodhead.Heb.7.3.

ButitseemeththatheiscalledtheSonneofGodinrespectofthegenerationofhishumanenature,whereinitissaidthattheHolyGhostdidthatwhichFathersdoeinthenaturallgeneration;especiallyseeingheisthereforesaidtobetheSonneoftheHighest,Luk.1.35.

HeisthenaturallSonneofGodonelyinregardoftheeternallgeneration,otherwisethereshouldbetwoSonnes,oneoftheFather,andanotheroftheHolyGhost;butheisthereforecalledtheSonneoftheHighest,forthatnonecouldbesoconceivedbytheHolyGhost,buthethatisthenaturallSonofGod.

HowishesaidtobeconceivedbytheHolyGhost?

BecausetheholyGhostbyhisincomprehensiblepowerwroughthisconceptionsupernaturally,whichFathersdoenaturallyinthebegettingoftheirchildren;notthatanyofthesubstanceoftheHolyGhost,whichisindivisible,cametohisgenerationinthewomboftheVirgin.

WhyishecalledtheWord?John1.1.

AsforotherreasonsdeclaredinthedoctrineoftheTrinity,soalsobecauseheishewhomtheFatherpromisedtoAdam,Abraham,andalltheholyPatriarchs,tomakehispromisesofsalvationsureuntothem,asamanthathathonesword,thinkethhimselfsureofthematterthatispromised.

WhyistheWordsaidtohavebeeninthebeginning?Joh.1.1.

Notbecausehebeganthentobe,butthatthenhewas,andthereforeisfromalleternity.

WhatgatheryouofthisthatheistheWisdomeofGod?

ThatourSaviourisfromeverlastingaswelashisFather:foritwereanhorriblethingtothinkthattherewereatimewhenGodwantedWisdome.

WhyishecalledtheCharacterorImageofhisFather?

BecauseGodbyhimhathmadehimselfemanifesttotheworldintheCreation,andespeciallyintheRedemptionofit.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

ThatwhosoeverseekethtocometotheknowledgeofGod,mustcometoitbyChrist.

HowistheGodheadofChristproved?

NotonelybyabundanttestimoniesofScripture,Esa.7.14.

[Page]

Whyitwas

requisite

thatChrist

shouldbe

God.

&9.6.&25.9.John.1.1.&20.28.Rom.9.5.1Joh.5.20.Butalsobyhismiracles,especiallyintheraisingofhimselfefromdeath,Rom.1.4.togetherwiththecontinuanceandconquestoftheGospell,Acts5.39.andthatnotbycarnallpowerorpolicie,butonelybythepowerofhisSpirit,Zach.4.6.andpatientsufferingofhisSaints,Rev.12.11.

WhywasitrequisitethatourSaviourshouldbeGod?

Because,first,nonecansatisfieforsin,norbeaSaviourofsoules,butGodalone;Psal.49.7.1.Thess.1.10.Fornocreaturethoughneversogood,isworthytoredeemanothermanssin,whichdeservetheverlastingpunishment.

Secondly,thesatisfactionforoursinsmustbeinfinitelymeritorious,otherwiseitcannotsatisfietheinfinitewrathofGodthatwasoffended;thereforethattheworkofourRedemptionmightbesuch,itwasnecessaryourSaviourshouldbeGod,totheendhisobedienceandsufferingsmightbeeofaninfinitepriceandworth,Acts20.28.Heb.9.14.

Thirdly,NofinitecreaturewasabletoabideandovercometheinfinitewrathofGod,andthesufferingsdueuntousforoursins;ThereforemustourSaviourbeGod,thathemightabidetheburthenofGodswrath,inhisflesh,sustainingandupholdingthemanhoodbyhisdivinepower,andsomightgetagain,andrestoretoustherighte-ousnesseandlifewhichwehavelost.

Ofthe

humane

natureof

Christ.

Fourthly,ourSaviourmustvanquishalltheenemiesofoursalvation,andovercomeSatan,Hell,Death,andDamnation,whichnocreaturecouldeverdoe.Rom.1.4.Heb.2.14.

Fifthly,hemustalsogiveefficacietohissatisfaction,raisingusupfromthedeathofsin,andputtingusinpossessionofeternalllife.

Sixthly,hemustgiveushisSpirit,andbyitsealethesegracestooursoules,andrenewourcorruptnature,whichonlyGodcandoe.

WhatcomforthavewethenbythisthatChristisGod?

HerebywearesurethatheisabletosavebyreconcilingustotheFather.

AndwhatbythisthatheistheSonne?

Thatunitingusuntohimselfe,hemaymakeuschildrenuntohisheavenlyFather.Heb.2.10.

BeingGodbeforeallworlds,howbecameheman?

Hetooktohimselfeatruebodyandareasonablesoule,beingconceivedintimebytheHolyGhost,andbornoftheVirginMARY.Heb.1.6.Joh.1.14.Matth.1.18.20.Luk.1.31,32.&2.7.andsobecameveryman,likeuntousinallthings;eveninourinfirmities(sinonelyexcepted.)Heb.5.7.

[Page]

InwhichrespecthehaththenameoftheSonneofmangivenuntohim,Matth.26.24.becausehewasofthenatureofmanaccordingtotheflesh,andtheSonneofDavid,Mat.9.27.becausehesprangofthelinageandstockofDavid.

Howdothitappearethathewastrueman?

BesidesmanifoldpredictionsandclearetestimoniesofScripture,Gen.3.15.Heb.2.17.1Tim.2.5,&c.itisabundantlyprovedbyplentifullexperiments,especiallybyhispartakingofhumaneinfirmities,hisConception,Birth,Life,andDeath;1Pet.3.18.Joh.4.6,7.Luk.1.31.&2.7.Heb.2.9.14,15.

HowbyhisConception?

Becauseaccordingtothefleshhewasmadeofawoman,andformedofheronelysubstance(shecontinuingstillapureVirgin)bythepowerofthemostHigh.Rom.1.3.Gal.4.4.Luk.1.34,35.

Whyishesaidtobeborn?Mat.2.1.

Toassureusofhistruehumanity,evenbyhisinfancieandinfirmitie.Luk.2.7.

WhywashebornofaVirgin?Luk.1.27.

Thathemightbeholyandwithoutsin,thenaturallcourseoforiginallcorruptionbeingprevented,becausehecamenotbynaturallpropagation.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

ThatGodisfaithfulaswellasmerciful,evermakinggoodhiswordbyhisworkindueseason,Luk.1.20.45.Act.3.18.24.

WhyistherementionoftheVirginbyhernameMary?Luc.1.27.

Formorecertaintyofhisbirthandlinage,Mat.1.16.Heb.7.14.2Tim.2.8.asalsotoacquaintuswithhisgreathumilityinsogreatpoverty,Luk.2.24.comparedwithLev.12.8.

Whatgatheryoufromhence?

ThemarvellousgraceofChrist,whobeingrich,foroursakesbecamepoor,thatwethroughhispovertymightbemaderich,2Cor.8.9.

DidhenotpassethroughtheVirginMary(assomesay)likeassaffronpasseththroughabag,andwaterthroughaPipeorConduit?

Godforbid:hewasmadeoftheseedofDavid,andwasaplantoftherootofJesse,forhetookhumanenatureoftheVirgin,andsotheWordwasmadeflesh.

Ifhewasonlymadeflesh,itwouldseemthattheGodheadservedinsteadofasouluntohim?

FleshisheretakenaccordingtotheuseofScriptureforthewholeman,bothbodyandsoul,otherwiseourSaviour

shouldnothavebeenaperfectman,andoursoulsmusthaveperishedeverlastingly,excepthissoulhadsatisfiedforthem.

WasnottheGodheadturnedintoflesh,seeingitissaidhewasmadeflesh?

Innowise,nomorethenhewasturnedintosin,orintoacurse,becauseitissaid,Hewasmadesin,andmadeacurseforus,2Cor.5.21.Gal.3.13.

IftheGodheadbenotchangedintotheManhood,isitnotatleastmingledwithit?

Nothinglesse,forthenheshouldbeneitherGodnorman;forthingsmingledtogethercannotretainthenameofoneofthesimples,ashonyandoylebeingmingledtogether,cannotbecalledhony,oroyle.2.ThepropertiesoftheGodheadcannotagreetothepropertiesoftheManhood,northepropertiesoftheManhoodtotheGodhead:For,astheGodheadcannotthirst,nomorecantheManhoodbeinallormanyplaceatonce;thereforetheGodheadwasneitherturnednortransfusedintotheManhood,butboththedivinenaturekeepethentireallhisessentiallpropertiestoitselfe;sothatthehumanityisneitheromnipotent,omniscient,omnipresent,&c.andthehumanekeepethalsohispropertiesandactions,thoughoftthatwhichispropertotheonenatureisspokenofthepersondenominatedfromtheother(whichisbyreasonoftheunionofbothnaturesintooneperson.)

ThegloryoftheGodheadbeingmoreplentifully

[Page]

Whyitwas

communicatedwiththeManhoodafterhisresurrection,diditnotthenswallowupthetruththereof,asawholeseaonedropofoyle?

No,forthesetwonaturescontinuedstilldistinct,insubstance,propertiesandactions,andstillremainedoneandthesameChrist.

WhydidhenottakethenatureofAngelsuponhim?Heb.2.16.

BecausehehadnomeaningtosaveAngels,forthattheyhadcommittedthesinagainsttheholyGhost,fallingmaliciouslyintorebellionagainstGodwithouttemptation.

ArenottheelectAngelsanywaybenefitedbythehumanenatureofChrist?

No,hishumanityonlyreachethtosinfullmankind,forifhehadmeanttohavebenefitedAngelsbytakinganothernature,hewouldhavetakentheirnatureuponhim.

Howisitthensaid,Eph.1.10.&Col.1.20.thathereconciledthingsinheaven?

ThatistobeunderstoodoftheSaintstheninheaven,andnotanywayoftheAngels,althoughbythesecondPersonoftheTrinitytheAngelswereelected,andarebyhimconfirmed,sothattheyshallstandforevermore.

WhywasitrequisitethatourMediatourshouldbeMan?wasitnotsufficientthathewasGod?

requisire

thatChrist

shouldbe

Man.

No,itwasfurtherrequisitethatheshouldbemanalso;because1.OurSaviourmustsufferanddieforoursins,whichtheGodheadcouldnotdoe.

2.OurSaviouralsomustperformobediencetothelaw,whichinhisGodheadhecouldnotdoe.

3.Hemustbemanofkintoournatureoffending,thathemightsatisfiethejusticeofGodinthesamenaturewhereinitwasoffended,Rom.8.3.1Cor.15.21.Heb.2.14,15,16.FortherighteousnesseofGoddidrequire,thatthesamenaturewhichhadcommittedthesin,shouldalsopayandmakeamendsforsin,andconsequentlythatonelynatureshouldbepunishedwhichdidoffendinAdam:Manthereforehavingsinned,itwasrequisitefortheappeasingofGodswrath,thatmanhimselfshoulddieforsin;theManChristJesusofferinguphimselfasacrificeofasweetsmellingsavouruntoGodforus,1Tim.2.5.Heb.2.9,10.&14.15.Rom.5.12.15.Eph.5.2.

4.Itisforourcomfort,thattherebywemighthavefreeaccessetothethroneofGrace,andmightfindhelpinournecessities,havingsuchanhighPriestaswasinallthingstemptedlikeuntoourselves,andwasacquaintedwithourinfirmitiesinhisownperson,Heb.4.15,16,&5.2.

5.Aswemustbesaved,solikewisemustwebesanctifiedbyoneofourownnature;thatasinthefirstAdamtherewasaspringofhumanenaturecorrupted,deriveduntousbynaturallgeneration:sointhesecondAdamtheremightbeafountainofthesamenaturerestored,whichmightbe

[Page]

Ofthe

unionof

thetwona-

turesof

Christ.

deriveduntousbyspirituallregeneration.

Whatcomfortthenhaveyoubythis,thatChristisman?

HerebyIamassuredthatChristisfittosufferthepunishmentofmysin,andbeingmanhimselfeisalsomeettobemorepitifullandmercifulluntomen.

Whatbythis,thatheisbothGodandman?

BythisIammostcertainlyassuredthatheisablemostfullytofinishtheworkofmysalvation;seeingthatasheisman,heismeettosufferforsin;asheisGod,heisabletobearthepunishmentofsinandtoovercomethesuffering;beingbytheonefit,andbytheotherabletodischargetheofficeofaMediatour:Mansnaturecansufferdeath,butnotovercomeit;thedivinenaturecannotsuffer,butcanovercomeallthings;ourMediatourthereforebeingpartakerofbothnatures,isbytheonemadefittosuffer,bytheotherabletoovercomewhatsoeverwastobelaiduponhimforthemakingofourpeace.

Arethesehisnaturesseparated?

Noverily,forthoughtheybestilldistinguished(ashathbeensaid)insubstance,propertiesandactions,yetweretheyinseparablyjoynedtogetherinthefirstmomenttheholyVirginconceived,andmadenottwo,butonepersonofaMediatour,2Cor.13.4.1Pet.3.18.1Cor.15.27,28.TheholyGhostsanctifyingthe

seedofthewoman(whichotherwisecouldnotbejoynedtotheGodhead)andunitingtwonaturesinoneperson,GodandmaninoneChrist,Luc.1.35.42.Rom.9.5.1Tim.2.5.Joh.1.14.amysterythatnoAngel,muchlessemanisabletocomprehend.

Whyso?

ForthatthemanhoodofourSaviourChristispersonallyuniteduntotheGodhead;whereastheAngelsofmuchgreaterglorythenmen,arenotabletoabidethepresenceofGod,Esa.6.2.

WasthisunionofthebodyandsoulwiththeGodhead,bytakingofthemanhoodtotheGodhead,orbyinfusingtheGodheadintothemanhood?

Byadivineandmiraculousassumingofthehumanenature(whichbeforehadnosubsistenceinitself)tohavehisbeeingandsubsistenceinthedivine;leavingofitonenaturallpersonshipwhichotherwiseinordinarymenmakethaperfectperson;forotherwisethereshouldbetwoPersonsandtwoSons,oneoftheholyVirginMary,andanotherofGod,whichweremostprejudicialltooursalvation.

WhatthenisthepersonallunionofthetwonaturesinChrist?

Theassumingofthehumanenature(havingnosubsistencyinitselfe)intothepersonoftheSonofGod,Joh.1.14.Heb.2.16.andinthatpersonunitingittothe

[Page]

Godhead,somakingoneChristGodandman,Mat.1.23.

Canyoushadowoutthisconjunctionoftwonaturesinonepersonbysomeearthlyresemblance?

Weseeonetreemaybesetintoanother,anditgrowethinthestockthereof,andbecommethoneandthesametreethoughtherebetwonaturesorkindoffruitstillremaining:SointheSonofGodmademanthoughtherebetwonatures,yetbothbeingunitedintoonepersonthereisbutoneSonofGodandoneChrist.

WhatwasthecausethatthepersonoftheSonneofGoddidnotjoynitselftoaperfectpersonofman?

1.BecausethatthentherewouldnotbeapersonallunionofbothtomakebutoneperfectMediatour.

2.ThenthereshouldbefourpersonsintheTrinity.

3.Theworksofeachofthenaturescouldnotbecountedtheworksofthewholeperson,whereasnowbythisunionofbothnaturesinoneperson,theobedienceofChristperformedinthemanhoodisbecomeofinfinitemerit,asbeingtheobedienceofGod:andthereupon,Act.20.28.GodissaidtohavepurchasedhisChurchwithhisownblood.

Whatgatheryouhence?

Thathisnameiswonderfull,Esa.9.6.andhissacrificemosteffectuall,offeringhimselfewithoutspotuntoGodfor

OfChrists

officeof

Me-

diatorship.

us,Heb.9.14.26.

Whatfurtherfruithavewebythisconjunction?

ThatwhereasGodhathnoshapecomprehensibleeithertotheeyeofthebodyorofthesoule,andthemindofmancannotrestbutinarepresentationofsomething,thathismindandunderstandingcaninsomesortreachunto;consideringGodinthesecondpersonintheTrinity,whichhathtakenournature,wherebyGodisafterasortrevealedintheflesh,hehathwhereupontostayhismind.

HowdidtheJewesthenbeforehiscommingwhichcouldnotdoeso?

TheymightproposetothemselvesthesecondPersonthatshouldtakeournature,andthesamealsothathadappearedsundrytimesintheshapeofaman,Gen.18.1,2.&19.1,2.Albeitourpriviledgeisgreaterthentheirs,astheythatbeholdhimasheis;wheretheydidbeholdasheshouldbe.

HithertoofthePersonofChrist,whatishisOffice?

TobeaMediatourbetwixtGodandman,andsotodischargeallthatisrequisiteforthereconcilingofusuntoGod,andtheworkingofoursalvation,1Tim.2.5.Heb.9.15.Joh.14.6.whencealsoheiscalledanIntercessorandanAdvocate,becauseheprayethforustotheFather,andpleadethourcausebeforehisJudgementseat.

Thatthere

isbutone

Mediatour.

Whataonemusthebethatshouldundertakethismediation?

Onewhichisinverydeedaman,Heb.2.14,15.andperfectlyrighteouswithoutexception,1Joh.3.5.andmoremightythenallcreatures;thatis,hewhichalsoistheverytrueGod,Act.20.28.

CannobaremanbeMediatourbetwixtGodandMan?

Noverily,forElisaith,1Sam.2.25.thatamanoffendingamanitmaybeaccordedbytheJudges,butifheoffendagainstGodthereisnomancanmakehispeace.

IstherethenanyotherMediatourtobeacknowledgedbesidesourLordJesusChrist?

Nonebuthe;because,1.ThereisbutoneGod,andthereforebutoneMediatourbetweenGodandman,1Tim.2.5.

2.Heonlyisfit,asheonlythatpartakethboththenaturesofGodandman,whichisnecessaryforhimthatshouldcomebetweenboth.

3.ThatisdeclaredbytheTypesofMoses,whoalonewasintheMountain,ofAaronorthehighPriest,whoonlymightenterintothe(SanctumSanctorum)holyplaceofholyplaces.

4.Thesameappearethbythesimilitudeswherewithheissetforth:Joh.10.9.Iamthedoor,bymeifanyman

[Page]

enterin,heshallbesaved,&c.andJoh.14.6.Iamtheway,nomancommethtotheFatherbutbyme.

5.Healonehathfoundsufficientsalvationforallthosethatcomeuntohim,Heb.7.9.Joh.10.

HowcommethitthentopassethatthisofficeisgiventoMosesanduntoothers?Gal.4.19.Deut.5.31.

TheyareonlyMinistersoftheWord,notauthorsoftheworkofReconciliation,2Cor.5.19.Job33.23.

ButistherenoneedofanyotherMediatourforusuntoChrist?

No:forheisthenextofkinne,Joh.19.25,26.mostmercifull,mostfaithfull,Heb.2.17.andableperfectlytosaveallthosethatcometoGodthroughhim?

HowisourSaviourgracedbyGodandcommendeduntousinhisofficeofMediation?

First,inthathecamenottoitbutbeingcalledofGodhisFatherinaspeciallsort,Esa.42.1,2,&c.Heb.5.4,5.

Secondly,inthatbeingcalledhedischargeditmostfaithfully,inwhichrespectheiscomparedtoMoses,faithfulinallthehouseofGod,&preferredbeforehimastheMasterbeforetheservant,Heb.3.2,3.5,6.

WhatusearewetomakeofhiscallingbyGod?

1.Herebywelearnthatnoneshouldpresumetotakea

Ofhis

names,

Jesus

Christ.

chargeinGodsChurchwithoutacallingsincehediditnot,Heb.5.4,5.Esa.42.1.2.

2.Therearisethherebygreatcomfortuntous,inthathethrustnothimselfin,butcameinbythewillofGodandhisappointment.ForherebywearemoreassuredofthegoodwilofGodtosaveus,seeinghehathcalledhisSonuntoit,andthathewillacceptofallthatheshalldoeforusasthatwhichhimselfhathordained.

Whatlearnyoufromhisfaithfulnesse?

Thathehathleftnothingundoneofthingsthatbelongtoourreconciliation.

WhatnamesaregivenhiminregardofhisofficeofMediation?

ThenameofJesusandofChrist,Luk.2.21.26.Matth.16.16.

WhyishecalledJesus?

HeiscalledJesus,thatis,aSaviour,becausehecametosavehispeoplefromtheirsins,Mat.1.21.andthereisnoothermeanswherebywemayinpartorinwholebedeliveredfromthem.

Whatcomforthaveyoubythis?

1.MycomfortiseventhesamewhichIhavesaid,andtherather,becauseGodfromheavengavehimhisname,andtheChurchonearthhathsubscribedthereunto.

[Page]

Mar.9.23.

Luke4.18.

Joh.3.34.

2.Thatnothingcanhurtmesolongasmyfaithdothnotfailme.

WhyishecalledChrist?

HeiscalledChrist,thatis,Anointed,becausehewasanointedofGodtobeaProphet,Priest,andKing,forallhispeople,andsoforme,Esa.61.1,2,3,4.Act.4.26,27.Luk.4.18.Ps.45.7.&110.1,2,3,4.Heb.1.9.&7.1,&c.

Whowashethatwasthusanointed?

Christ,Godandman;thoughtheoutwardanointingtogetherwiththenameofChristappertainedtoallthosethatrepresentedanypartoftheofficeofhisMediatorship;namely,toProphets,PriestsandKingswhichwerefiguresofhim.

WasChristanointedwithmaterialloyleastheywere?

No:buthewasanointedwithallgiftsandgracesoftheSpiritofGodneedfullforaMediatour,andthatwithoutmeasure,Esay61.1.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

ThatallfulnesseofgracedwellinginChrist,alltrueChristiansshallreceiveofhisfulnesse,graceforgrace,1John1.14.16.

WhereuntowasChristanointed?

UntotheofficeofhisMediation,bydischargingwhereofhemightbemadeanal-sufficientSaviour.

WhereinstandethhisMediation,andwhatarethepartsthereof?

BeingtobeaMediatourbetweenGodandman,1Tim.2.5.thefirstpartofhismediationmustbeexercisedinthingsconcerningGod,whereinconsistethhisPriestlyoffice;Heb.2.17.&5.1.&7.24.Thesecondinthingsconcerningman,whereinheexercisethhisPropheticallandKinglyfunction.

WhymusthebeaPriest?

TooffersacrificeforhisChurchandtoreconcileusuntoGod,Psa.110.4.Heb.3.1.&4.14.&5.5,6.&c.&7.3.17.&8.2,3.&9.11.14.otherwiseweshouldneverhavebeenjustified,norsanctified,andsonothavebeenatpeacewithGod.

WhymusthebeaProphet,DoctororApostle?

ToteachhisChurch,Deut.18.15.18.Act.3.22.&7.37.Luke4.18.otherwiseweshouldneverhaveknownGodnorthethingsthatbelonguntohim,Joh.1.18.

WhymusthebeaKingorPrince?

ToruleandgovernhisChurch,Psal.110.1,2,3.Luk.1.33.otherwiseweshouldneverhavebeendeliveredfromthecaptivityofsinandSatan,norbeputinpossessionof

OfChrists

Priesthood.

eternalllife.

WhatishisPriesthood?

Itisthefirstpartofhismediation,wherebyheworkeththemeansofsalvationinthebehalfofmankind,andsoappeasethandreconcilethGodtohiselect,Heb.5.5,&c.and7.1.&3.13.17,&c.and13.11,12.

WhereisthedoctrineofChristsPriesthoodespeciallyhandled?

IntheEpistletotheHebrews,andnamelyinthe7Chapter,fromthe13.ver.totheend,whereiniscontainedadeclarationofhisofficeofPriesthood,beingcomparedwiththePriesthoodofAaron;theApostleshewing,1.Whatmannerofoneheoughttobethathaththisoffice.2.Howheexecutethit.

Whereinstandeththemannerofhimthatshallhavethisoffice?

Partlywithouthim,andpartlywithinhimself;withouthim,asfirstthathewaschosenoftheTribeofJudah,andnotofLevi;toshewthathewasnotsuccessorofAaron,butratherwastoabolishallthoseCeremoniallservicesandoffices.

Secondly,thatthePriestsofLeviwereappointedbythelawofthefleshlycommandement,whereasChristwasappointedbythelawofthepoweroflife.

[Page]

Thirdly,thathewasinstalledinitbyhisFather,andappointedbyanoathforever,tobeaPriestafteraneworderofMelchisedec.

Whatbenefitarisethtousinthatthiswasconfirmedbyanoath?

Itgivethuntouscomfortableassurance,thatallthepartsofhisPriesthoodbeperformeduntous,andthathepaidtheransomeforoursins.

WasnottheWordofGodsufficientfortheperformanceofthispromise,withoutthebindingofitwithanoath?

Yes,doubtlesse,buttheLordinthispromisehavingtodealwithweakman,andwillingmoreabundantlytoshewuntotheheiresofpromise,thestablenesseofhisCounsell,boundhimselfbyanoath,Heb.6.17.

Wherebyistheperpetuitythereofconfirmed?

Inthatitdidnotproceedbysuccession,asfromAarontoEleazar,fromEleazartoPhinehas,andsobydescent;butiseverlasting,alwaysabidinginhim;whichisanotherdifferenceoftheirPriestlyoffice.

WhatprofitcomestousbytheperpetuityofhisPriesthood?

ThathecontinuallymakethintercessionforustoGod,andofhimselfaloneisabletosaveuscommingtotheFatherthroughhim.

SomuchofthequalityofhimthatistobePriest,whichiswithouthim;whatisthepartthatiswithinhim?

1.Thatinhimselfheisholy.2.Toothersharmlesseandinnocent.3.Undefiledofothers,orofanything;andtospeakinaword,heisseparatedfromsinners:inallwhich,hedifferethfromthatofAaron;fortheyareneitherholyinthemselves,norinnocent;neitherundefiled,butpollutingandbeingpollutedbyothers.

Whatisthefruitwegatherofthishisholinesse,innocencyandundefilednesse?

Thathebeingholy,innocent,undefiled,andsoconsequentlyseparatedfromsinners,thesameisattributedtothefaithfull,andthesehispropertiesimputedfortheirs;andthereforehefreeththembothfromoriginallandactuallsins:Contrarytotheirdoctrine,whosay,thathedeliverethusfromoriginallsinonely,andthatwemustmakesatisfactionforactuall.

Whatisthedifferencetouchingtheexecutionofthisoffice?

1.Thattheyofferedfirstforthemselves,heforthepeopleonly;forhimselfheneedednot.

2.Hebutonce,theymanytimes.

3.Heofferedhimself,theysomethingelsethenthemselves.

Whatistheuseofthis?

ThePopish

Priesthood

o-

verthrown.

[Page]

Toprovetheabsolutenesse,perfectionandexcellencyofthishisPriesthood.

MaynotthePriesthoodofthePapistsbeoverthrownbyallthesearguments,andprovedtobeafalsePriesthood?

Yesverily;for1.TheyarenotoftheTitleofJudah,andsocannotsucceedourSaviour.2.TheyarenotconfirmedbyanoathfromGod,andthereforenotperpetuall.3.Theyarenot(ashewas)holyinthemselves,butunholy;neitherinnocent,norundefiled,butdefilingothers,andbeingdefiledofthem;andsonotseparatedfromsinners,butaltogethersinfullandsetinsin.4.Theyofferfirstforthemselves,thenforthepeople,likewisemanytimes.5.Theyoffersacrificeswhicharenotthemselves.6.TheybringagreatdisgracetothePriesthoodofChrist,bypreferringthemselvestohimasthesacrificertothesacrifice,whomtheysaytheyoffer.7.ChristhathaPriesthoodthatpassethnotaway.

WhatcomforthavewebythePriesthoodofChrist?

HerebyweareassuredthatheisourMediatour,andthatwealsoaremadePriests.

VVhatneedwasthereofsuchaMediatour?

Betweenpartiessodisagreeing,theoneoffinitenatureoffending,theotherofinfinitenatureoffended;theoneutterlydisabledtodoanytheleastgood,2Cor.3.5.orsatisfiefortheleastsin,Job9.3.theotherrequiring

1Sam.2.

25.

OfChrists

Sa-

tisfaction.

perfectobedience,Deut.27.26.andsatisfaction,Mat.18.34.whatagreementcouldtherebewithoutaMediatour?

InthiscasewhatwasthisMediatourtodoe?

HewastoworkthemeansofoursalvationandreconciliationtoGod.1.Bymakingsatisfactionforthesinofman.2.Bymakingintercession,Mat.20.18.Joh.17.19,20.Heb.7.24,25,26,27.thereforeJesusChristourhighPriestbecameobedientevenuntothedeath,offeringuphimselfasacrificeonceforall,tomakeafullsatis-factionforalloursins,andmakethcontinuallintercessiontotheFatherinourname,wherebythewrathofGodisappeased,hisJusticeissatisfied,andwearereconciled.

VVhereinthenstandshissatisfactiontoGodsJustice,whichisthefirstpartofhisPriesthood?

Inyeeldingthatperfectobediencewhereupondependeththewholemeritofoursalvation,Dan.9.24.Eph.1.2.14,15,16.

VVhatistheeffectthereoftowardsus?

Redemption,Luc.1.69.Heb.9.24,25.whichisadeliveranceofusfromsin,andthepunishmentthereof,andarestoringofustoabetterlifetheneverAdamhad,Rom.5.15,16,17.1Cor.15.45.ForourSaviourChristhathfirstredeemedusfromthepowerofdarknesse,Col.1.13.namely,thatwofullandcursedestatewhichwehadjustlybroughtuponourselvesbyreasonofoursins.Secondly,translatedusintohisownkingdomeandglory,

[Page]

Col.1.12,13.1Cor.2.9.afarmoregloriousandexcellentestatetheneverourfirstparentshadinParadise.

HowhathChristwroughtthisRedemption?

Havingtakenournatureuponhim,hehathinthesameasasuretyinoursteadmadefullsatisfactiontoGodhisFather,bypayingallourdebts,andsohathsetusfree,Heb.7.22.

WhatisthisdebtwhichweowetoGod,thathehathpaidforus?

Thisdebtistwofold:oneisthatperfectobediencewhichweoweuntoGodinregardofthatexcellentestateinwhichwewerecreated,Deut.12.32.TheotheristhepunishmentdueuntousforoursinsintransgressingandbreakingGodsCovenants,whichisthecurseofGodandeverlastingdeath.Deut.27.26.Rom.6.23.Mat.5.17.Gal.3.13.&4.4,5.2Cor.5.21.AllwhichiscontainedinthelawofGod,whichisthehand-writingbetweenGodandusconcerningtheoldCovenant,Col.2.15.

HowwasourSaviourtomakesatisfactionforthisourdebt?

1.Byperformingthatperfectobediencewhichwedidowe.2.Bysufferingthatpunishmentdueuntousforoursins,thatsohemightputoutthehand-writingbetweenGodandus,andsetusfree.

WhatthenbethepartsofChristsobedienceand

OfChrists

sufferings.

satisfaction?

Hissufferings,andhisrighteousnesse,Phil.2.5,6,7,8.1Pet.2.24.foritwasrequisitethatheshouldfirstpayallourdebt,andsatisfieGodsjustice,Esa.53.5,6.Job33.24.byapriceofinfinitevalue,1Tim.2.6.2ly.PurchaseandmeritforusGodsfavour,Eph1.6.andkingdomebyamostabsoluteandperfectobedience,Rom.5.19.Byhissufferinghewastomerituntoustheforgivenesseofoursins,andbyhisfulfillingthelawhewastomerituntousrighteousnesse,bothwhicharenecessarilyrequiredforourJustification.

Buthowcanonesavesomany?

BecausetheManhoodbeingjoynedtotheGodhead,itmakeththepassionandrighteousnesseofChristofinfinitemerit,andsowearejustifiedbyaManthatisGod.

HowhathChristmadesatisfactionforoursinsbyhissuffering?

Heenduredmostgrievoustorments,bothofbodyandsoul,offeringuphimselfuntoGodhisFatherasaSacrificepropitiatoryforalloursinnes,2Cor.5.21.

InthisoblationwhowasthePriestorSacrificer?

NonebutChrist,Heb.5.5,6.andthatashewasbothGodandman.

VVhowasthesacrifice?

Esa.53.

10.

Christhimselfashewasman,consistingofbodyandsoul.

VVhatwastheAltaruponwhichhewasoffered?

ChristashewasGod,wastheAltaronwhichhesacrificedhimself,Heb.9.14.&13.10.Rev.8.3.

Howoftenwasheoffered?

Neverbutonce,Heb.9.28.

VVhereuntowasheoffered?

Untotheshame,pain,torment,andallmiserieswhicharedueuntousforoursins;hesufferingwhatsoeverweshouldhavesuffered,andbythosegrievoussufferingsmakingpaymentforoursins,Esa.ch.53.Mat.26.28.

VVhatprofitcommethbythissacrifice?

Byhismostpainfullsufferingshehathsatisfiedforthesinsofthewholeworldofhiselect,Esa.53.5.1Pet.2.24.1John2.2.andappeasedthewrathofhisFather:sothatherebywereceiveatonementandreconciliationwithGod,oursinsaretakenaway,andwearefreedfromallthosepunishmentsofbodyandsoul,whichoursinshavedeserved,Heb.9.26.

HowcommethitthenthatChristhavingbornethepunishmentofoursins,thegodlyareyetinthisworldsooftenafflictedforthemwithgrievoustormentsbothof

[Page]

bodyandsoul,andthatforthemostpartmorethentheungodly?

Thesufferingsofthegodlyarenotbydesertanysatisfactionfortheirsinsinanypart,butbeingsanctifiedinthemostholysufferingsofChristtheyaremedicinesagainstsin;neitheristheirafflictionproperlyapunishment,butafatherlycorrection,andchastisementintheworldthattheyshouldnotperishwiththeworld,whereasthewickedthelongertheyaresparedandthelessetheyarepunishedinthislife,theirdangeristhegreater,forGodreserveththeirpunishmentforthelifetocome.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

Thatweshouldnotgrudgeattheprosperityofthewicked,whenweareintrouble:forasthesheepandkineareputinfullpasturestobepreparedtotheShambles;sothey,themoretheyreceiveinthislife,theneererandtheheavieristheirdestructioninthelifewhichistocome,Jer.12.3.

Whatarethemoregenerallthingswhichhesufferedinthislife?

Infirmitiesinhisflesh,indignitiesfromtheworld,andtemptationsfromtheDevill(Mat.4.2.Joh.4.6,7.&8.48.52.Luc.4.2.)Hithertobelongthosemanifoldcalamitieswhichhedidundergoe,poverty,hunger,thirst,wearinesse,reproach,&c.

Christs

sufferings

inhissoul.

Whatbenefitsdoethegodlyreaphereby?

Allthecalamitiesandcrossesthatbefalltheminthislifearesanctifiedandsweetnedtothem,sothatnowtheyarenotpunishmentsofsin,butchastisementsofamercifullFather.

Whatarethemorespeciallthingswhichhesufferedatoruponhisdeath?

TheweightofGodswrath,theterroursofdeath,sorrowsofhissoul,andtormentsofhisbody,Esa.53.4.10.Mat.26.37,38.Luc.22.44.Mat.26.67.

Whatlearnyouhence?

ToadmireandimitatetheloveofChrist,whobeingtheSonofGod,becameamanofsorrowsevenforthegoodofhisutterenemies,Eph.5.2.1Joh.3.16.Rom.5.7,8.

WhatdidourSaviourChristsufferinsoul?

HedrankthefullcupofGodswrathfilleduntohimforoursakes,thewholewrathofGodduetothesinofmanbeingpouredforthuponhim(Mat.26.27,28.Luc.22.44.Rev.19.15.Joh.12.2.Esa53.5.)andthereforeinsoulhedidabidemostunspeakablevexations,horriblegriefs,painfulltroubles,fearofmind,feelingasitweretheverypangsofhell;intowhichbothbefore,andmostofallwhenhehangedupontheCrosse,hewascast;whichcausedhimbeforehisbodilypassionsogrievouslytocomplain.

[Page]

Christs

sufferings

inhisbody.

Whatbenefitandcomfortreceiveyoubythis?

HerebywehaveoursoulseverlastinglyfreedfromGodseternallwrath,andhereinarecomforted,becauseinallourgrievoustemptationsandassaultswemaystayandmakesureourselvesbythis,thatChristhathdeliveredusfromthesorrowfullgriefsandpainsofhell.

NowforourSavioursbodilysufferings,whyisitsaidthathesufferedunderPontiusPilate?1Tim.6.13.

Forthetruthofthestory,andfulfillingofhisownprophecy,foretellinghissufferingunderaforainjurisdictionandauthority,Mat.20.19.Joh.18.31,32.aslikewisetoteachusthatheappearedwillinglyandofhisownaccordbeforeamortallJudge,ofwhomhewaspronouncedinnocent,andyetbythesamehewascondemned.

Whatcomforthaveyouhereof?

ThatmySaviourthussuffering,notanywhitforhisownsins,butwhollyformineandforothermenssins,beforeanearthlyJudge,IshallbedischargedbeforetheheavenlyJudgementseat.

WhatdidhechieflysufferunderPontiusPilate?

Hewasapprehended,accused,arraigned,mocked,scourged,condemnedandcrucified(Mat.26.27.and28.chapters.)

Whatlearnyouhere?

Thathethatknewnosinwasmadesinforus,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnesseofGodinhim.2Cor.5.21.1Pet.2.24.

DidChristsufferthesethingswillingly,ashesufferedtheminnocently?

Yes;helaiddownhislifemeeklyasthesheepdothhisfleecebeforetheshearer,beingobedientevenuntothedeath,Luc.23.41.1Pet.2.22.Esa.53.7.Phil.2.8.Heb.5.8.

Vntowhatdeathwashesoobedient?

Evenuntothemostreproachfull,painfullanddreadfulldeath,thedeathoftheCrosse,Mat.27.30.38.Phil.2.8.

WhywasChristputuntothisdeathoftheCrosse?

Becauseitwasnotacommondeath,butsuchadeathaswasaccursedbothofGodandman,thatsohebeingmadeacurseforus,hemightredeemusfromacursedueuntous,Deut.21.23.Gal.3.13.

Whatcomforthaveyoubythis?

Iamcomfortedinthis,becauseIamdeliveredfromthecursewhichIhavedeservedbythebreachofthelaw,andshallobtaintheblessingdueuntohimforkeepingofthesame.

[Page]

WhywasitrequisitethatourSaviourssoulshouldbeseparatedfromhisbody?

Becausewewerealldead,thatsohemightbethedeathofdeathforus,2Cor.5.14,15.Heb.2.14.1Cor.15.54,55.forbysindeathcameintotheworld,andthereforetheJusticeofGodcouldnothavebeensatisfiedforoursins,unlessedeathhadbeenjoynedwithhissufferings.

HowcouldthedeathandsufferingsofChrist,whichwerebutforashorttime,beafullsatisfactionforus,whichhavedeservedeternalldeath?

Althoughtheywerenoteverlasting,yetinregardoftheworthinesseofthepersonwhosufferedthem,theywereequivalenttoeverlastingtorments;forasmuchasnotabareman,noranAngeldidsufferthem,buttheeternallSonofGod,(thoughnotinhisGodhead,butinournaturewhichheassumed)hisperson,Majesty,Deity,Goodnesse,Justice,Righteousnesse,beingeverywayinfiniteandeternall,madethatwhichhesufferedofnolesseforceandvaluetheneternalltormentsuponothers,yeaevenuponalltheworldbesides.ForevenasthedeathofaPrince(beingbutaman?andasinfullman)isofmorereckoningthenthedeathofanArmyofothermen,becauseheisthePrince;muchmoreshallthedeathandsufferingsoftheSonofGodthePrinceofallPrinces,notfinite,buteverywayinfinite,andwithoutsin;muchmoreIsayshallthatbeofmorereckoningwithhisFatherthenthesufferingsofalltheworld,andthetimeofhissufferingsofmorevalue(fortheworthinesseofhisperson)thenifallthe

Usesof

Christs

Passion.

Christs

buriall.

menintheworldhadsufferedforeverandever.

WhatusearewetomakeofChristsdeathandpassion?

1.Theconsiderationhereofmaybringustoasoundperswasionandfeelingofoursins,becausetheyhavedeservedsogrievousapunishment,aseitherthedeathoftheSonofGod,orhellfire.

2.Herebywereapunspeakablecomfort,forasmuchasbyhisstripeswearehealed,byhisbloudwashed,byhissacrificeGodissatisfied,andbyhisdeathwearesavedandredeemed,1Pet.2.24.Rev.1.5.Heb.10.10.12.Rom.5.8,9,10.

3.Welearnfromhencetodietooursins,andtolivehenceforthuntohimthathathdyedforus,Rom.6.2.6.2Cor.5.15.

WhatbefellourSaviourafterhissoulewasseparatedfromhisbody?

Hewasburied,Act.13.29,30.andwenttoHades,oraswecommonlyspeak,descendedintohell,Act.2.31.

WhywasitneedfullthatChristshouldbeburied?

1.Toassureusmorefullythathewastrulydead,Mat.27.59,60.94,65,66.Act.2.29.

2.Thateveninthegrave,theveryfortresseofdeath,he

His

descending

intohell.

mightloosethesorrowsandbandsofdeath,Act.2.14.1Cor.15.55.

WhatismeantbyhisdescendingintoHell?

Notthathewenttotheplaceofthedamned,butthathewentabsolutelyuntotheestateofthedead,Rom.10.7.Eph.4.9.

Whatdoeyoucalltheestateofthedead?

Thatdepartingthislifehewentinhissoulintoheaven,Luc.23.43.andwasinhisbodyundertheverypoweranddominionofdeathforaseason,Acts2.24.Heb.2.14.Rom.6.9.

WhatcomforthaveyoubyChristsdeath,buriall,andlyingunderthepowerofdeath?

1.Iamcomforted,becausemysinnesarefullydischargedinhisdeath,andsoburied,thattheyshallnevercomeintoremembrance.

2.Mycomfortisthemore,becausebythevertueofhisdeathandburiallsinshallbekilledinmeandburied,sothathenceforthitshallhavenopowertoreignoverme.

3.Ineednottofeardeath,seeingthatsinwhichisthestingofdeathistakenawaybythedeathofChrist,andthatnowdeathismadeuntomeanentranceintohislife.

Hithertoofhissufferings,whatistheotherpartofhissatisfaction?

[Page]

Christs

righte-

ousnessein

fulfillingthe

Law.

Christs

originall

righteous-

nesse.

Hisperfectrighteousnesse,wherebyhedidthatwhichwewerenotabletodoe,andabsolutelyfulfilledthewholelawofGodforus,Ps.40.7,8.Rom.3.19.&5.19.

WhywasitnecessarythatChristshouldaswellfulfilltheLaw,assufferforus?

Becauseasbyhissufferingshetookawayourunrighteousnesse,andfreedusfromthepunishmentduetousforoursins:sobyperformingforusabsoluteobediencetothewholelawofGod,hehathmeritedourrighteousnesse(makingusjustandholyinthesightofGod)andpurchasedeternallhappinesseforusinthelifetocome,2Cor.5.21.Gal.4.4,5.1Cor.1.30.Rom.8.3,4.ForaswearemadeunrighteousbyAdamssinne,soarewemadefullyandwhollyrighteous,beingjustifiedbyamanthatisGod.

HowmanifoldistherighteousnesseofourSaviour?

Twofold:Originall,&Actuall.

VVhatishisoriginallrighteousnesse?

Theperfectintegrityandpurenesseofhishumanenature,whichinhimselfewaswithoutallguile,andtheleaststaineofcorruption.Heb.7.26.

Beingveryman,howcouldhebewithoutsin?

Thecourseofnaturallcorruptionwasprevented,becausehewasnotbegottenaftertheordinarycoursebyman,butwasconceivedinthewombeofaVirginwithoutthehelpofman,bytheimmediatepowerandoperationoftheholyGhost;forminghimoftheonelysubstanceofthewoman,andperfectlysanctifyingthatsubstanceintheConception.Luk.1.34,35.42.Sowasheeborneholy,andwithoutsinne;whereuntoallothermenbynaturearesubject.

VVhywasitnecessarythatChristshouldbeeconceivedwithoutsinne?

First,becauseotherwisetheGodheadandManhoodcouldnotbejoynedtogether,forGodcanhavenocommunionwithsinne,muchlessebeeuniteduntoit,whichissinfull,inapersonallunion.

Secondly,beingourPriesthemustbeholy,harmlesse,undefiled,andperfectlyjust;withoutexception.Heb.7.26.1Joh.3.5.Forifhehadbeenasinnerhimselfe,hecouldnothavesatisfiedforthesinnesofothermen,neithercoulditbe,thatanunholythingcouldmakeusholy.

VVhatfruitthenandbenefithavewebyhisoriginallrighteousnesse?

First,hispureConceptionisimputeduntous,andthecorrupruptionofournaturecoveredfromGodseyes,whileshisrighteousnesseasagarmentisputuponus.

Secondly,ouroriginallsinneisherebydaylydiminished,

[Page]

Christs

actuall

holinesse.

andfrettedaway;andthecontraryholinesseincreasedinus.

VVhatishisactuallholinesse?

ThatabsoluteobediencewherebyhefulfilledinacteverybranchoftheLawofGod,walkinginalltheCommandements,andperfectlyperformingbothinthought,word,anddeed,whatsoevertheLawofGoddidcommand:andfailinginnoduties,eitherintheworshipandserviceofGod,ordutytowardsmen.Matth.3.15.Rom.5.18.&4.8.

VVhatbenefithavewehereby?

1.Allouractuallsinsarecoveredwhilewearecloathedbyfaithwithhisactuallholinesse.

2.Weareenabledbyhimdaylytodyeuntosinne,andmoreandmoretoliveuntorighteousnesseoflife.

ButreceivewenomorebyChrist,thenthoseblessingswhichwelostinAdam?

Yes,wereceiveanhighdegreeoffelicitybythesecondAdam,morethenwelostbythefirst,Rom.5.1.forbeingbyfaithincorporatedintohim,andbycommunicationofhisSpiritunseparablyknituntohim,webecomethechildrenandheiresofGod,andfellowheireswithChristJesus,Gal.4.6,7.1Cor.12.12,13.Rom.8.9,10.whocarriethusasourheaduntothehighestdegreeofhappinesseintheKingdomeofheaven,whereweshall

Ofthe

intercession

ofChrist.

lead,notanaturalllife,asAdamdidinParadise,withmeat,drink,andsleep;butaspiritualllifeinallunspeakeablemannerandglory.

ThereremainethyetthesecondpartofChristsPriesthood,namely,hisIntercession,whatisthat?

ItisthatworkwherebyhealonedothcontinuallyappearebeforehisFatherinheaven,tomakerequestforhiselectinhisownworthinesse,makingthefaithfullandalltheirprayersacceptableuntohimbyapplyingthemeritsofhisownperfectsatisfactionuntothem,andtakingawayallthepollutionthatcleavethtotheirgoodworks,bythemeritsofhispassion;Rom.8.34.Heb.9.24.&12.24.1Joh.2.1,2.1Pet.2.5.Exod.28.36,37,38.

Inhowmanythingsdothhisintercessionconsist?

Infive.1.InmakingcontinuallrequestinournameuntoGodtheFather,bythevertueofhisownmerits.

Secondly,infreeingusfromtheaccusationsofouradversaries.

Thirdly,inteachingusbyhisSpirit,topray,andsendupsupplicationsforourselvesandothers.

Fourthly,inpresentingourprayersuntoGod,andmakingthemacceptableinhissight.

Fifthly,incoveringoursinsfromthesightofGodby

[Page]

OfthePro-

pheticall

applyinguntousthevertueofhismediation.

Whatfruitthenhavewebyhisintercession?

1.ItdothreconcileustotheFather,forthosesinswhichwedoedaylycommit.

2.Beingreconciledinhim,wemaypraytoGodwithboldnesse,andcallhimFather.

3.ThroughtheintercessionofourSaviourChrist,ourgoodworksareofaccomptbeforeGod.

HowarewemadePriestsuntoGodbyourcommunionwithChrist?

Beingsanctifiedbyhim,andourpersonsreceivedintofavour,Ephes.1.6.wehavefreedomeandboldnessetodrawneareandofferourselves,soules,andbodies,andallthatwehave,asareasonablesacrificetoGodtheFather;andsoweareadmittedasaspirituallPriesthood(1Pet.2.5.)toofferupthesacrificesofourobedience,prayers,andthanksgiving;whichhowsoeverimperfectinthemselves,(Esa.64.6.)anddeservingratherpunishmentthenreward;(Psalm.143.2.Tit.3.5.)areyet,asourpersons,madeacceptableuntoGod,andhavepromiseofreward,(Matth.10.41,42.)bytheonelymeritandintercessionofthesameourhighPriest.

SomuchofourSavioursPriestly-officewhichisexercisedinthingsconcerningGod:howdothheexercisehisofficeinthingsconcerningman?

officeof

Christ.BycommunicatinguntomanthatgraceandredemptionwhichhehathpurchasedfromhisFather.Rom.5.15.17.19Joh.5.21.17.2.6.Luk.4.18,19.

Whatpartsofhisofficedothheexercisetherein?

HisPropheticallandKinglyoffice.Acts3.22,23.Psal.2.6,7,8.

WhatisthisPropheticalloffice?

TheofficeofinstructinghisChurch,byrevealinguntoitthewayandmeanesofsalvation,anddeclaringthewholewillofhisFatheruntous,inwhichrespecthewas,heis,andevershallbeourProphet,Doctor,orApostle;Esa.61.3,4.Psal.2.6.7.Luk.4.18.Mat.17.5.23.8,9,10.Heb.3.1,2.

ForwhatreasonsmustChristbeaProphet?

First,torevealeanddeliveruntohispeoplesomuchofthewillofGodasisneedfullfortheirsalvation.

Secondly,toopenandexpoundthesamebeingdelivered.

Thirdly,tomakethemunderstandandbeleevethesame.

Fourthly,topurgehisChurchfromerrors.

Fifthly,toplaceMinistersinhisChurchtoteachhispeople.

Inwhatrespectdoeyousaythatheistheonelyteacherof

hisChurch?

1.InthatheonlyknowingtheFathersashisSonne,haththeprerogativetorevealehimofhimselfe,andothersbyhimtous:fornomanknoweththeFatherbuttheSonne,andhetowhomtheSonnewillrevealehim,Mat.11.27.

2.Inthatheisonelyabletocauseourheartstobeleeveandunderstandthematterhedothteachandreveale.

WhatwerethentheProphetsandApostles?

TheywerehisDisciplesandservants,andspakebyhisSpirit.1Pet.1.10,11.&3.19.Nehemiah9.30.Eph.2.17.

WhatdifferenceistherebetweentheteachingofChrist,andoftheProphetsandMinisterssentfromhim?

1.ChristtaughtwithanotherauthoritythendideveranyotherMinisterbefore,orafterhim.Mat.5.22.28.32.34.44.&7.28,29.Mark.1.22.

2.ByvertueofhisPropheticalloffice,hedidnotonlybringanoutwardsounduntotheeare,butwrought(ashedidbeforehiscomming,andashedothnowbytheministeryofhisword)analterationofthemindsofarreastotheclearingoftheunderstanding.

HowthendothourSaviourperformhisPropheticalloffice?

Twowayes,outwardly,andinwardly.

[Page]

Howinwardly?

BytheteachingandoperationofhisholySpirit,Ioh.6.45.Act.16.14.

Howoutwardly?

ByopeningthewholewillofhisFather,andconfirmingthesamewithsomanysignesandwonders.

Howdidhethis?

Bothinhisownpersonwhenhewasupontheearth,Heb.2.2,3.asaMinisterofthecircumcision,Rom.15.18.butwiththeauthorityoftheLawgiver,Mat.7.29.andbyhisservantstheMinisters,Mat.10.40.Luk.10.16.fromthebeginningoftheworldtotheendthereof;beforehisincarnationbytheProphets,Priests,andScribesoftheoldTestament;Heb.1.1.1Pet.1.11,12.&3.18,19.2Pet.1.19.20,21.Hos.4.6.Mat.2.5.&6.17.&23.37.AndsincetotheworldsendbyhisApostlesandMinisterscalledandfittedbyhimforthatpurpose;2Cor.4.6.&5.19,20.Eph.4.8.11,12,13.

HowdothitappearethathehathopenedthewholewillofhisFatheruntous?

Bothbyhisowntestimony,Joh.15.15.Icallyounomoreservants,becausetheservantknowethnotwhathisMasterdoth,butIcallyoufriends,becauseallwhichIhaveheardofmyFather,Ihavemadeknowneuntoyou;andbytheApostlescomparison,Heb.3.preferringhimbeforeMoses,

thoughfaithfullinGodshouse.

InwhatrespectisourSaviourpreferredbeforeMoses?

1.Asthebuildertothehouse,oronestoneofthehouse.

2.Moseswasonlyaservantinthehouse,ourSaviourMasteroverthehouse.

3.Moseswasawitnesseonly,andwriterofthingstoberevealed,butourSaviourwastheendandfinisherofthosethings.

Whatlearnyoufromhence?

1.ThatitisafoulerrourinthemthatthinkofourSaviourChrist(sofaithfull)hathnotdeliveredallthingspertainingtothenecessaryinstructionandgovernmentoftheChurch,butleftthemtothetraditionsandinventionsofmen.

2.ThatsithourSaviourwassofaithfullinhisoffice,thathehathconcealednothingthatwascommittedtohimtobedeclared;theMinistersofthewordshouldnotsuppresseinsilenceforfeareorflatterythethingsthatarenecessarilytobedelivered,andthatareintheirtimestoberevealed.

3.ThatweshouldrestabundantlycontentedwiththatChristhathtaught,rejectingwhatsoeverelsetheboldnesofmenwouldputupononus.

DidhefirstbegintobetheProphet,Doctor,orApostleof

[Page]

hisChurch,whenhecameintotheworld?

No,butwhenheopenedfirsthisFatherswilluntousbytheministeryofhisservantstheProphets,1Pet.1.10,11.&3.19.Heb.3.7.

IshisPropheticallofficethesamenowinthetimeoftheGospell,thatitwasbeforeandundertheLaw?

Itisinsubstanceoneandthesame,butitdifferethinthemannerandmeasureofrevelation:forthesamedoctrinewasrevealedbytheministeryoftheProphetsbeforetheLaw,bywordalone,afterbywordwritten,andinthetimeoftheGospellmoreplainlyandfullybytheApostlesandEvangelists.

Whathavewetogatherhence,thatChristtaughtandteachethbytheProphets,Evangelists,andApostles?

1.InwhatestimationweoughttohavethebooksoftheoldTestament,siththesameSpiritspakethenthatspeakethnow,andthesameChrist.

2.WemustcarryourselvesinthehearingofthewordofGodnottohardenourhearts,Heb.3.8.15.Forasmuchasthecarelesseandfruitlessehearingthereof,hardenethmentofurtherJudgement:foritisatwo-edgedswordtostriketolife,ortostriketodeath;itiseitherthefavouroflifetolife,orthesavourofdeathtodeath;2Cor.2.16.

HowdoththeApostlepressethis?Heb.3.verse8,9,10.&c.

Ofthe

Kingly

officeof

Christ.

First,heaggravateththerefusallofthisofficeofourSaviouragainsttheIsraelitesbythetime,fortyyeares;bytheplace,thewildernesse,andbythemultitudeofhisbenefits;thenhemakethanapplicationthereof,verse12,13.consistingoftwoparts.

1.Aremovingfromevill.

2.Amovingtogood.

WhatcomforthavewebythePropheticallofficeofourSaviour?

1.Herebywearesurethathewillleadusintoalltruthrevealedinhisword,needfullforGodsglory,andoursalvation.

2.Weareinsomesortpartakersoftheofficeofhispropheciebytheknowledgeofhiswill:forhemakethallhistoprophecieintheirmeasure,enablingthemtoteachthemselvesandtheirbrethren,bycomforting,counselling,andexhortingoneanotherprivatelytogoodthings,andwithdrawingoneanotherfromevillasoccasionserveth.Acts2.17,18.

SomuchofthePropheticallofficeofourSaviourChrist,whatishisKinglyoffice?

ItistheexerciseofthatpowergivenhimbyGodoverall,(Ps.110.1.Ezek.34.24.)andthepossessionofall(Mat.28.18.Psalm.2.8,&c.)forthespirituallgovernmentandsalvation

[Page]

ofhiselect,(Esa.9.7.Luk.1.32,33.)andforthedestructionofhisandtheirenemies;Psalm.45.5.

ForwhatreasonsmustChristbeaKing?

1.ThathemightgathertogetherallhisSubjectsintoonebodyoftheChurchoutoftheworld.

2.Thathemightbountifullybestowuponthem,andconveyuntothemalltheaforesaidmeanesofsalvation,guidingthemuntoeverlastinglifebyhisWordandSpirit.

3.ThathemightappointLawes,andStatutes,whichshoulddirecthispeople,andbindtheirconsciencestotheobedienceofthesame.

4.Thathemightruleandgovernethem,andkeeptheminobediencetohisLawes.

5.Thathemightappointofficers,andasetledgovernmentinhisChurch,wherebyitmightbeordered.

6.Thathemightdefendthemfromtheviolenceandoutrageofalltheirenemies,bothcorporallandspirituall.

7.Thathemightbestowmanynotablepriviledges,andrewardsuponthem.

8.Thathemightexecutehisjudgementsupontheenemiesofhissubjects.

HowdothheshewhimselfetobeaKing?

Act.2.9.

Mat.25.

24.31.33,

34.

Byallthatpowerwhichhedidmanifestaswellinvanquishingdeathandhell,asingatheringthepeopleuntohimselfewhichhehadformerlyransomed,andinrulingthembeinggathered,asalsoindefendingofthem,andapplyingofthoseblessingsuntothem,whichhehathpurchasedforthem.

Howdidhemanifestthatpower?

First,inthatbeingdeadandburiedherosefromthegrave,quicknedhisdeadbody,ascendedintoheaven,andnowsittethattherighthandofhisFatherwithfullpowerandgloryinheaven,Act.10.30.Eph.4.8.

Secondly,ingoverningofhisChurchinthisworld,(1Cor.15.25,26,27,28.)continuallyinspiringanddirectinghisservantsbythedivinepowerofhisholySpirit,accordingtohisholyword,Esa.9.7.30.21.

Thirdly,byhislastjudgementintheworldtocome.

WhyisChristJesusalsocalledourLord?

BecauseheistheLordofgloryandlifethathathboughtus,(1Cor.1.2.)ourheadthatmustgovernus;andourSoveraignethatsubduesallourenemiesuntous,Act3.15.1Cor.2.8.1Pet.1,19.Eph.1.22.Joshua5.14,15.Dan.12.1.Heb.1.10.14,15.

Howhathheboughtus?

Notwithgoldorsilver,butwithhispreciousbloodhehathpurchasedustobeapeculiarpeopletohimself,1Pet.1.18.

Whatcomforthaveyoubythis?

Seeinghehathpaidsuchapriceforus,hewillnotsufferustoperish.

Whatlearnyoufromhence,thatChristisourheadtogovernus?

ToobeyhisCommandements,andbearhisrebukesandchastisements,Luk.6.46.John14.15.Col.3.23,24.

InwhatplaceofScriptureisthedoctrineofChristsKingdomespeciallylaiddown?

InEsa.9.vers.6,7.Foruntousachildisborn,anduntousasonisgiven,andthegovernmentisuponhisshoulder,andheshallcallhisnameWonderfull,Counsellour,ThemightyGod,TheeverlastingFather,ThePrinceofPeace.Theincreaseofhisgovernmentandpeaceshallhavenoneend,andheshallsituponthethroneofDavid,anduponhisKingdometoorderitandtoestablishitwithJudgement,andwithJustice,fromhenceforthevenforever;thezealeoftheLordofhostswillperformthis,Psal.110.1,2.&c.

WhatareweheretaughtconcerningChristsKingdome?

Thebenefitthatwereceivebyit,andthecauseofit.

[Page]

Howistheformersetforth?

Bydeclaration,First,ofhisperson,thatheisachildborn,namelyGodmademan,whereofhathbeenspoken.

Secondly,ofhisproperties,withtheeffectsofthesame.

Howarehispropertieshereexpressed?

TheyarefirstgenerallysetforthbycomparisonoftheunlikelihoodofhisKingdome,withtheRegimentsofworldlyPotentates.

VVhatdifferenceorinequalityisthere?

ThatwhereasotherKingsexecutemattersbytheirLievtenantsandDeputiesarmedwiththeirauthority;InourSavioursKingdomealthoughtherebeusedinstruments,yetdotheyaccomplishhiswillandpurpose,notonlybyhisauthority,butalsobyhisstrengthandvertue.

VVhatfurtherdoctrinedoeyounotehence?

Thatthemanofsin(orPopeofRome)isnottheministeriallheadoftheChurch,whichisChristsKingdom,sithheishimselfepresent,yea,andthatmostnotablybyhisSpirit,andmoretotheadvantageofhisChurch,thenwhenhewasbodilypresent,Ioh.16.7.

Howarehispropertiessetforthmoreparticularly?

First,thatheshouldbecalledWonderfull,notthatitshould

behispropername,whichwasonlyJesus:ButthatheshouldbeasrenownedlyknowntobeWonderfull,asmenareknownbytheirnames.

HowisheWonderfull?

Partlyinhisperson,asisbeforesaid,andpartlyinhisworks;namely,First,inthecreationoftheworld;Secondly,inthepreservation,andespeciallyintheredemptionofit.

VVhatisthenextthatfolloweth?

ItisshewedmoreparticularlywhereinheisWonderfull,andfirst,thatheisWonderfullincounsell,andTheCounsellour.

VVhatisheretobeobserved?

First,inthegovernmentofaKingdom,counsellandwisdomarethechief;asthatwhichispreferredtostrength,Esa.9.15.2Sam.20.16.Eccl.7.19.9.16.Prov.21.22.24.5.andthereforethatwemayassureourselves,thatintheKingdomofChristallthingsaredonewisely,nothingrashly,inwhichrespectheissaidtohavealongstoalandawhitehead,Rev.1.13,14.

Secondly,agreatcomfortforthechildrenofGod,thatourSaviourChristisourCounsellourwhogivethallsoundadvice.

Thirdly,thatwhenweareinanyperplexityandknownot

[Page]

whichwaytoturn,yetwemaycometoourSaviourChristwhoisgivenuntousforaCounsellour.

Bywhatmeansmaywecometohimforadvice?

Byourhumblesupplicationsandprayerstohim.

Howmaywereceiveadvicefromhim?

BythedoctrineofGoddrawnoutofhisholyword,whichisthereforetermedthemanofourcounsell,Psal.119.24.

VVhatisthenextproperty?

Thatheiswonderfullinmight,andthestrongGod,havingallsoundstrength.

VVhathaveweheretolearn?

1.ThatasheiswiseanddothallthingspertainingtothegoodofhisChurch,soheisofpowertoexecuteallthatheadvisethwisely.

2.Thatasthereisinusnoadviceofourselves,sothereisinusnosoundstrengthtokeepusfromanyevill,butthatashegivethgoodadvicetohis,sodothhewithhisownpowerperformandeffectit.Phil.213.Andthereforealthoughwebeasthevine,ofallothertreestheweakest,orasthesheep,ofallotherbeaststhesimplest,yetwehaveforourvineagardner,andforourshepherdChristJesusthemightystrongGod.

3.Thatweshouldtakeheedhowwedepartfromhis

obedience,forhewilldowhathelisteth;foriftoobeybeagoodmeanstohelpusintothefavourofourearthlyPrinces,itwillmuchmorehelpusinthefavouroftheKingofKings.

VVhatotherpropertiesfollow?

Twoother,whichare,asitwere,thebranchesandeffectsoftheformer.1.ThatheistheFatherofeternities.2.ThePrinceofPeace.

SithheiscalledtheFatherofeternities,istherenotaconfusionofpersons?

Innowise,foritisaborrowedspeech,signifyingthatheistheauthourofeternity.

VVhatdoeyouheregather?

ThatwhereotherKingdomesalter,hisiseverlasting,Dan.2.44.

Whatdoctrineisthereoftobegathered?

First,thattheKingdomofourSaviourChristbeingperpetuall,hedasheth&crushesinpeecesalothermightyMonarchies&Regimentsthatshallriseupagainsthim;andtherfore,thathisChurch&subjectsgenerally,andeveryparticularmemberneednottofeareanypowerwhatsoever.

Secondly,thatwhatsoeverwehavebynatureorindustry,ismomentany,likeuntothegrassethatfadethaway;and

whatsoeverdurablethingwehave,wehaveitfromChrist.

Whatisthesecondpropertyarisingoutoftheformer?

ThatheisthePrinceofpeace;thatis,theprocurer,causeandgroundofpeace,thatcausethhissubjectstocontinueinpeaceandquietnesse.

Ofwhatnatureisthispeace?

Itisspirituall,Rom.5.1.Eph.2.14,15,16,17,

1.WhenwehavepeacewithGod.

2.WhenwehavepeaceinourConsciences.

3.Whenthereispeacebetweenmenandmen,whicharisethoutofboththeformer.

Whereshouldthispeacebeestablished?

UponthethroneofDavid:thatis,intheChurchofGod.

Whatisthecauseofallthis?

TheloveandzealofGod,breakingthoroughalllets,eitherinward,fromourselvesandourownsins;oroutward,fromtheenmityoftheDevillandtheworld,Esa.9.7.

WhatfruitreceivewebytheKinglyofficeofourSaviourChrist?

ByitallthetreasuresbroughtinbyhisPriestlyand

[Page]

OfChrists

Humiliation.

Propheticalloffice,aredealttouscontinually.For,fromitallthemeansofapplyingandmakingeffectualluntousChristandallhisbenefitsdoecome;yea,withoutitalltheactionsofhisotherofficesaretousvoid,fruitlesse,andofnoneeffect.

Whatcomforthavewebythis?

Herebyweareassured,thatbyhisKinglypowerweshallfinallyovercometheflesh,theworld,thedevill,deathandhell.

TowhomwillthisblessedKingcommunicatethemeansofsalvation?

Heoffereththemtomany,andtheyaresufficienttosaveallmankind;butallshallnotbesavedthereby,becausebyfaiththeywillnotreceivethem,Matth.20.16.Joh.1.11.1Joh.2.2.

ArenottheFaithfullinsomesortalsomadepartakersofthishonorofhisKingdome?

Yesverily:FortheyaremadeKingstoruleandsubduetheirstirringandrebelliousaffections,andtotreadSatanundertheirfeet,Rom.6.12.16.20.Rev.1.6.5.10.

Youhavespokenofthetwonatures,andthreeofficesofourSaviour:ShewnowinwhatstatedidChristGodandmanperformthisthreefoldoffice.

Inatwofoldestate:1.Ofabasementandhumiliation,Phi.2.7,8.

2.Ofadvancementandexaltation,Ph.2.9.Col.2.15.Eph.1.20,21.

Intheformerheabasedhimselfbyhissufferingsforsin;whereofwehaveheardlargelyinthedeclarationofhisPriesthood:

Inthelatterheobtainedamostgloriousvictory,andtriumphedoversin,therebyfulfillinghisPriesthood,andmakingwaytohisKingdome.

WhatwashisestateofHumiliation?

Itwasthebaseconditionofaservant,wheretohehumbledhimselffromhisConceptiontohisCrosse,andsountillthetimeofhisresurrection,Phil.2.7,8.

WhereindidthisbaseestateoftheSonofGodconsist?

InhisConception,Gestation,andBirth,andinhisLifediversly;asinhisPoverty,Hunger,Thirst,WearinesseandotherHumiliationsevenuntodeath,ofwhichheretoforehathbeenspoken.

Whatlearnyoufromthis,thatChristfirstsufferedmanythingsbeforehecouldenterintohisGlory?Luk.24.26.46.

ThatthewaytoreignwithChrist,isfirsttosufferwithhim,andsuchasbeartheCrosseconstantly,shallwearthe

OfChrists

Exaltation.

Ofthe

Resur-

rectionof

Christ.

Crowneternally,Rom.8.17,18.2Tim.2.12.4.8.James1.12.

WhatishisestateofExaltation?

Hisgloriouscondition,Phil.2.9.Heb.2.9.beginningattheinstantofhisResurrection,Acts2.24,31,36.andcomprehendinghisAscension,Eph.4.8.Acts2.34.Heb.9.24,25.SittingattherighthandofGodhisFather,Psal.110.1,2,5,6.Mark16.9.1Pet.3.22.andthesecondcomminginglorytojudgetheworld,Mat.25.31.

Whatisthefirstdegreeofthisestate?

HisgloriousResurrection;forafterhehadinhismanhoodsufferedforus,hedidinthethirddayriseagainbyhisownpowerfromthedead,Eph.1.19.Luc.24.7.1Cor.15.4.

WhatitneedfullthatChristbeingdeadshouldriseagain?

Yes;itwasforhisowngloryandourgood,Acts2.24.1Cor.15.21,22.

Howforhisglory?

Thatbeingformerlyabasedasaservant,andcrucifiedasasinner,hemightthusbedeclaredtobetheSonofGod,andexaltedtobeaPrinceandaSaviour,Phil.2.7.Luc.23.33.Esay53.12.Rom.1.4.Act.5.30,31.

[Page]

Phil.3.10.

Howforourgood?

Thathavingpaidthepriceofourredemptionbyhisdeath,wemighthavegoodassuranceofourfullJustificationbyhislife,1Pet.1.19.Acts20.28.Rom.4.23.1Cor.15.17.

Whatspeciallcomfortarisethfromthis,thattheLordoflifeisrisenfromdeath?

1.ItassurethmethathisrighteousnesseshallbeimputeduntomeformyperfectJustification,thathethathadthepowerofdeathisdestroyed,Heb.2.14.hisworksdissolved,1Joh.3.8.andthatallourmiseryisswallowedupinChristsvictory,1Cor.15.54.

2.Itcomfortethme,becauseitdothfromdaytodayraisemeuptorighteousnesseandnewnesseoflifeinthispresentworld.

3.Itministrethuntomeacomfortablehope,thatIshallriseagaininthelastdayfrombodilydeath.

Whatfruitsthenarewetoshewfromthevertueofhisresurrection?

Wearetostandupfromthedead,toawaketorighteousnesse,toliveuntoGod,anddyinginhimorforhim,tolookforlifeagainfromhim,Eph.5.14.1Cor.15.34.Rom.6.4.11.Phil.3.20.1Thes.4.14.1Cor.15.22.Col.3.4.

WhyisChristsaidtoraisehimself?

Toletusknowthatashehadpowertolaydownhislife,sohehadalsototakeitupagain,Joh.10.18.

Whatgatheryouhence?

ThatbeingLordbothofquickanddead,hecanandwillbothquickenoursoulsheretothelifeofgrace,andraiseourbodieshereaftertothelifeofglory,Rom.14.9.John5.21.Phil.3.21.

Whydidherisethethirdday?

Becausethebandsofdeathcouldnolongerholdhim,thisbeingthetimethathehadappointed,andthedaythatbestservedforhisgloriousresurrection,Act.2.24.Mat.20.17.&12.40.

Whydidhenotrisebeforethethirdday?

Lestrisingsopresentlyuponhisdeath,hisenemiesmighttakeoccasionofcavill,thathewasnotdead,Mat.27.63,64.&28.13,14.

Andwhywouldhenotputitoffuntillthefourthday?

LestthefaithofhisDisciplesshouldhavebeenweakned,andtheirheartstoomuchcastdownanddiscouraged,Mat.28.1.Luc.24.21.

Whatgatheryouhence?

[Page]

OfChrists

Ascension.

Heb.10.

20.

ThatastheLordsettethdownthetearmofourdurance,sodothhechusethefittesttimeofourdeliverance,Rev.2.10.Mat.12.40.Dan.11.35.Hosea6.2.

WhatistheseconddegreeofhisExaltation?

HisAscension,Mark16.19.Ephes.4.8,9.ForwebeleevethatChristinhishumanenature(theApostleslookingon)ascendedintoheaven.

WhatassurancehaveyouofChristsAscension?

TheevidenceoftheWord,thetestimonyofheavenlyAngelsandholymen,Luc.24.51.Acts1.9.

WhereforedidChristascendintoheaven?

BecausehehadfinishedhisFathersworkonearth,Joh.17.3,4,5.andthatbeingexaltedinournature,hemightconsecrateaway,prepareaplace,Joh.14.2,3.andappearinthepresenceofGodtomakeintercessionforus,Heb.4.29.&9.24.

VVhatbenefitsdidhebestowuponhisChurchathisAscension?

Hetriumphedoverhisenemies,gavegiftstohisfriends,andtakingwithhimapledgeofourflesh,hesentandleftwithustheearnestofhisSpirit,Eph.4.8.Heb.10.12.20.2Cor.5.5.Acts2.33.

VVhatcomfortdothhencearisetoGodschildren?

Ofthethird

degreeof

Christs

Exaltation.

Hissitting

attheright

handof

God.

1.Thatourheadbeinggonebefore,wehismembersshallfollowafter;Christhavingpreparedaplaceforusinheaven,whichnowwefeelbyfaith,andhereaftershallfullyenjoy,Eph.1.22,23.1Cor.15.49.Joh.14.3.&13.23,24.

2.Thathavingsuchafriendinheavenweneednotfearanyfoesonearth,norfiendsinhell,Heb.7.25.Phil.1.28.Rom.16.20.Acts20.24.Rev.2.10.

WhatfruitsarewetoshewinourlivesfromthevertueofhisAscension,inourhearts?

1.Tohaveourconversationinheavenwhilestwebeonearth,placingourheartswhereourheadis,Col.3.1,2.Phil.1.23&3.20.

2.TolookforthepresenceofChristbyfaith,notbysight,inspirituall,notincarnallthings,Mat.28.20.2Cor.5.7.Joh.6.63.

WhatisthethirddegreeofhisExaltation?

ThathesittethattherighthandofGod,theFatherAlmighty,Mar.11.19.Eph.120,21,22.

Whatismeantbythis?

ThatChristinournatureisworthilyadvancedbytheFathertotheheightofallMajesty,Dominion,andGlory,havingauthoritytorule

allthingsinheavenandinearth,Eph.4.10.Heb.1.3,4,5.&8.13.Mat.28.18.

Howmaythisappear?

BecauseheisherebyexaltedtobetheKingsofSaints,Rev.15.3.theJudgeofsinners,Act.17.31.thePrinceofoursalvation,Act.5.31.andthehighPriestofourprofession,Heb.8.1.

WhatcomfortarisethhencetoalltrueBeleevers?

That1.asourKinghewillgovernus,Heb.1.8,9.Luc.1.33.andthatfromhimweshallreceiveallthingsneedfullforusunderhisgraciousgovernment.

2.AsourJudgehewillavengeus,Rev.6.10.&16.5,6.andasourPrincedefendus,Dan.12.1.subduingallourenemiesbyhispower,treadingthemunderourfeet.

3.AsourPriesthewillpleadourcauseandprayforus,Heb.7.25.Rom.8.34.

WhyishesaidintheCreedtositattherighthandofGod,theFatherAlmighty?

ThatwemayknowheenjoyethboththefavourandpowerofGodinfullmeasure;theFatherhavingcommittedallJudgementtotheSon,Heb1.13.Mat.28.18.Joh.5.22.

Whatdutiesarehererequired?

TohonourtheSonaswedotheFather,tocastourCrowns

[Page]

Thestateof

thegodlyin

Christ.

athisfeet,stooptohisScepter,livebyhisLaws;sotofollowhimhere,thatwemaysitwithhiminhisthronehereafter,Joh.5.23.Rev.4.10.Psal.2.10.Jam.4.12.Rev.3.21.

Dothhenotnowthusreignfortheraisingofhisfriends,andtheruineofhisenemies?

Yes;hedothgraciouslybyhisWordandWorks,Heb.1.8.Rom.10.15,16.Butheshallmoregloriouslywhenhecommethagaintojudgethequickandthedead,2Thess.1.10.Rom.14.9.

HavingthusdeclaredthatwhichconcerneththeMediatouroftheNewTestament;whatareyounowtoconsiderintheconditionoftherestofmankindwhichholdbyhim?

Twothings:1.TheparticipationofthegraceofChrist,andthebenefitsoftheGospel.2.ThemeanswhichGodhathordainedfortheofferingandeffectingofthesame.

TowhomdothGodrevealandapplytheCovenantofGrace?

Nottotheworld,buttohisChurchcalledoutoftheworld,John14.22.&17.9.Mat.11.25.1Cor.2.8.&c.thatis,nottothereprobate,appointedfromeverlastingtobevesselsofwrath,buttotheElectandchosen;Forhowsoeverthelightiscomeintotheworld,yetmostmenratherlovedarknessethenlight,Joh.1.5.Andthoughthe

Mat.13.

15.

Acts14.

16.&17.

30.

proclamationofGracebegenerall,1Tim.2.4.yetmostmenrefuseorneglectGodsgoodnessebyreasonofthenaughtinesseoftheirhearts;neitherareanysavedbutsuchasGoddrawethtoimbracehismercy,andcastethasitwereintoanewmould,Joh.6.44.

Itwouldseembythis,thatthemostpartoftheworldbeinnobetterestatethentheDevillhimself.

Mostmenquestionlesseabidewithoutrecoveryinthestateofsinanddeath,1Joh.5.19.becausetheLorddothnotgrantuntothemthebenefitofRedemption,andgraceofFaithandRepentanceuntolife,butsuffersthemtorunoninsindeservedlyuntocondemnation.

HowdothGodsufferthemtorunintoCondemnation?

Inadiversmanner;someReprobatesdyinginfants,otherofriperyears,ofwhichlastsortsomearenotcalled,otherscalled.

HowdothGoddealwithReprobatesdyinginfants?

Beingonceconceived,theyareinthestateofdeath,Rom.5.14.byreasonofthesinofAdamimputed,andoforiginallcorruptioncleavingtotheirnature,whereinalsodyingtheyperish;asforinstance,thechildrenofHeathenParents;fortouchingthechildrenofChristianswearetaughttoaccomptthemholy,2Cor.7.14.

[Page]

Eph.1.1.

Ofthe

Churchof

Christ.

HowdothGoddealwiththoseofriperyearsuncalled?

Beingnaturallypossessedwithignoranceandvanity,Eph.4.18,19.hegiveththemuptotheirownluststocommitsinwithoutremorse,withgreedinesseinareprobatemind,Rom.1.26.28.untillthemeasureofsinbeingfulfilled,theyarecutoff,Gen.15.16.Ps.69.27.

HowdothGoddealwithsuchReprobatesasarecalled?

Hevouchsafeththemoutwardmeansofsalvation,Heb.4.1,2.1Cor.10.1,2.&c.givingfarthertosomeofthemsomeillumination,Heb.6.4,5.Atemporaryfaith,Acts8.13.someoutwardholinesseandtastofheaven,whomheyetsufferethtofallaway,andthemeansofgracetobecomeafavourofdeathuntothem,2Cor.2.16.yeasomeofthesedoefalleventothesinunpardonable,Heb.6.6.

SomuchofthecompanyoftheReprobates,whicharenotmadepartakersofthebenefitofRedemption;whatistheChurchofChrist,whichenjoyeththisgreatbenefit?

AcompanyofmenandwomencalledoutoftheworldtobelieveandliveinChrist,andinduedaccordinglywithspirituallgracesfortheserviceofGod,Gal.3.26,27,28.John1.12.17.14,16.Eph.2.10.1Tim.3.15.Tit.2.14.orratherthewholenumberofGodselect,whichareadmittedintofellowshipwithChristJesus:forallthesebeingtakentogether,arecalledtheChurch;thatis,Godsassembly,orcon-

5.23.

Col.1.21.

27.

Catholick

Church.

gregation,whichintheScriptureislikenedtotheSpouseofChrist,Cant.4.9.Eph.5.32.25.whichintheCreedweprofessetobelieveunderthetitleofTheholycatholickChurch,Heb.12.22,23.Eph.5.27.

DoeyoubeleeveintheCatholickChurch?

No,IbelievethatGodhathacertainnumberofhischosenchildrenwhichhedothcallandgathertohimself,thatChristhathsuchaflockselectedoutofallnationsages,andconditionsofmen,Eph.5.23.Ioh.10.16.Gal.3.28.Rev.7.9.17.andthatmyselfamoneofthatcompany,andasheepofthatfold.

WhysayyouthatyoubeleevethatthereisaCatholickChurch?

BecausethattheChurchofGodcannotbealwayesseenwiththeeyesofman.

WhyisthisChurchcalledholy?

BecauseshehathwashedherrobesinthebloodoftheLamb,andbeingsanctifiedandcleansedwiththewashingofwaterbytheword,ispresentedandacceptedasholybeforeGod,Rev.7.14.Eph.5.2627.Col.1.21,22.forthoughtheChurchonearthbeinitselfesinfull,yetinChristtheheaditisholy,andinthelifetocomeshallbebroughttoperfectionofholinesse.

Whatlearnyouhence?

Gal.4.26.

1Pet.1.

13.14,15,

16,17.

Lev.20.7.

The

property

andoffice

ofthehead

ofthe

Church.

ThatifeverwewillhavetheChurchforourMother,orGodforourFather;wemustlabourtobeholy,asheisholy.

WhatismeantherebycatholickChurch?

Thewholeuniversallcompanyoftheelectthateverwere,are,orevershallbegatheredtogetherinonebody;knittogetherinoneFaith,underoneHeadChristJesus;Eph.4.4,5,6.12.13.Col.2.19.Eph.1.22,23.ForGodinallplaces,andofallsortsofmenhadfromthebeginning,hathnow,andeverwillhaveanholyChurch;thatis,GodswholeoruniversallAssembly,becauseitcomprehendeththewholemultitudeofallthosethathave,doe,orevershallbelieveuntotheworldsend.

Doeallthosemakeonebody?

ThewholenumberofbelieversandSaintsbycallingmakeonebody,theHeadwhereofisChristJesus,Eph.1.10.22,23.Col.1.18.24.HavingunderhimnootherVicar;andsothePopeisnottheHeadoftheChurch,forneitherpropertynorofficeoftheheadcanagreeuntohim.

WhatisthepropertyoftheHead?

Tobehighest,andthereforetherecanbebutone,evenChrist.

WhatistheofficeoftheHead?

[Page]

Thetrium-

phant

Church.

First,toprescribelawestohisChurch,whichshouldbindmensconsciencestotheobedienceofthesame,andofsuchlaw-giversthereisbutone,James4.12.

Secondly,toconveythepowersoflifeandmotionintoallthemembers,bybestowingspiritualllifeandgraceuponthem.Forthenaturallmemberstakespiritandsensefromthehead,sotheChurchhathallherspiritualllifeandfeelingfromChrist,whoisonlyable(andnocreaturebeside)toquickenandgivelife.

Thirdly,tobetheSaviourofthebody.Eph.5.23.ButChristJesusonlyistheSaviouroftheChurch,whombythistitleoftheheadoftheChurch,PaulliftethupaboveallAngels,Archangels,Principalities,andPowers.AndthereforeifthePopewerethesuccessourofPeterandPaul,yetshouldhenottherforebetheheadoftheChurch,whichagreethtonosimplecreature,inheavenorunderheaven.

SomuchoftheHead;wherebethemembersofthisholyCatholickChurch?

Partarealreadyinheaventriumphant,partasyetmilitanthereuponearth.

VVhatcallyoutheChurchtriumphant?

TheblessedcompanyofthosethathaveentredintotheirMastersjoy,Heb.12.23.Rev.7.14.16.waitingforthefulfillingofthenumberoftheirfellow-members,andtheirownconsummationin

TheChurch

militant.

perfectblisse,Rev.6.7.

VVhyisitcalledTriumphant?

BecausetheSaintsdeceasedhavemadeanendoftheirpilgrimage,andlabourshereonearth,andtriumphovertheirenemies,theworld,deathanddamnation.

AretheAngelsoftheChurchtriumphant?

No;First,becausetheywereneveroftheChurchmilitant.Secondly,becausetheywerenotredeemed,norreceivedbenefitbythedeathofChrist;andthereforeitissaid,thatHetooknotonhimthenatureofAngels,buttheseedofAbraham,Heb.2.16.

VVhatisthespecialldutywhichtheChurchtriumphantinheavendothperform?

PraiseandthanksgivingtoGod.

VVhatistheChurchmilitant?

Itisthesocietyofthosethatbeingscatteredthroughallthecornersoftheworld,arebyonefaithinChristconjoynedtohim,andfightunderhisbanneragainsttheirEnemies,theWorld,theFlesh,andthedevill;continuingintheserviceandwarfareoftheirLord,andexpectinginduetimealsotobecrownedwithvictoryandtriumphinglorywithhim,Rev.1.9.12.11.2Tim.4.7,8.

WhoarethetruemembersoftheChurchmilitantonearth?

[Page]

Thosealonewhoaslivingmembersofthemysticallbody,Eph.1.22,23.Col.1.18.arebytheSpiritandFaithsecretlyandinseparablyconjoyneduntoChristtheirhead.Col.3.3.Psalm.83.3.InwhichrespectthetruemilitantChurchisbothvisible,Mat.16.18.andinvisible,Rom.2.29.1Pet.3.4.theelectbeingnottobediscernedfromthereprobatestillthelastday.

ButarenonetobeaccomptedmembersofthisChurch,butsuchasaresoinseparablyuniteduntoChrist?doubtlessemanyliveintheChurchwhoarenotthusuniteduntohim,andshallnevercometosalvationbyhim?

TrulyandproperlynoneareoftheChurch,savingonlytheywhichtrulybeleeveandyeeldobedience,1John2.19.allwhicharealsosaved;howbeitGodusethoutwardmeaneswiththeinwardforthegatheringofhisSaints,andcalleththemaswelltooutwardprofessionamongthemselves,astoinwardfellowshipwithhisSonne,Act.2.42.Cant.1.7.wherebytheChurchbecommethvisible.Henceitcommeth,thatsomanyaspartakingtheoutwardmeans,doejoynwiththeseinleagueofvisibleprofession,Act.8.13.arethereforeinhumanejudgmentaccomptedmembersofthetrueChurch,andSaintsbycalling;1Cor.1.2.untilltheLord,whoonlyknowethwhoarehis,doemakeknownthecontrary,aswearetaughtintheParableofthetares,thedraw-net,&c.Mat.13.24.47.ThusmanyliveintheChurchasitisvisibleandoutward,whicharepartakersonelyoutwardlyofgrace;andsucharenotfullyoftheChurchthathaveentredinbutonestep,Cant.4.7.Eph.5.27.1John2.19.Thatamanmaybefullyofthe

Church,itisnotsufficient,thatheprofesseChristwithhismouth;butitisfurtherrequired,thathebelieveinhiminheart;Thesedoetheone,butnottheother;oriftheybelieveinheart,theybelievenotfully:FortheymaygenerallybelieveindeedthatChrististheSaviourofmankind,buttheyknownotwhetherthemselveshavepartinhim;yea,bytheirworkstheydisclaimanyinterestinhim.

VVhatsayyouthenofsuch?

TheyarepartakersofallgoodoftheoutwardorimperfectChurch,andthereforetheirchildrenalsoarebaptizedandadmittedasmembersofChristsChurch.Thesearelikeevillcitizens(asindeedtheChurchisGodscity)whoareintruthbutcitizensinprofessionandnameonly;Fortheyasyetwantthechiefestpoint,whichonelymakethamantodeservethetruenameofacitizen;whichistousetheplacearight.Andthereforehavenopartinthoserewardsthatareproposedforgood,andperfectcitizens;thoughtheyenjoywhatoutwardlybelongethtothecity.

ArewethentoacknowledgeoneChurch,ormany?

Onealone,asthereisbutoneLord,oneSpirit,oneBaptisme,oneFaith;Eph.4.4.Cant.6.8.Gal.3.28.Howsoever(ashathbeensaid)thereisabegun,andaperfectChurch;FortheChurchofGodisoneinrespectofthatinwardnatureofit,havingoneHead,oneSpirit,andonefinallstate:ButoutwardlytherebeasmanyChurches,astherebecongregationsofBelieversknittogetherbyspeciallbondoforder,forthereligiousexpressingofthat

[Page]

Prerogatives

ofthe

membersof

theCa-

tholick

Church.

inwardnature.Rom.1.11.Yet,thoughtherebemanyvisibleChurches,thereisbutoneCatholickandUniversallChurch,ofwhichnotoneshallbelost,andoutofwhichnotoneshallbesaved.Acts2.47.Ephes.5.23.John17.12.20.

VVhatgatheryouhence?

ThattheChurchofRomeisnottheCatholickChurch,becauseitisparticular,notuniversall;andbecauseoutofitmanyhavebeensaved,andinitsomeshallbedamned,Rev.18.4.19.20.2Th.2.11,12.

WhatarethespeciallprerogativeswhereofallGodschildren,thetruemembersoftheCatholickChurch,aremadepartakers?Joh.1.12.

IntheCreedtherearesomeprincipallnotesrehearsed.

1.TheCommunionofSaints,Heb.12.22,23.Eph.2.19.

2.Theforgivenesseofsins,Rom.8.33.

3.TheResurrectionofthebody,1Cor.15.52.Act.24.15.

4.Lifeeverlasting,Rom6.23.

TherearefouralsorecordedbytheApostlePaulinthatgoldensentence,1Cor.1.30.YeareofhiminChristJesus,whoofGodismadeuntous,WisdomandRighteousnes,Sanctification,andRedemption.

VVhyisWisdomeheresetdownbytheApostleasnecessarytooursalvation?

Becauseitwasnecessarythathavingabsolutelylostallgodlyandsavingwisdomwhereinwewerefirstcreated,thatitshouldbeagainerepairederewecouldbepartakersoflifeeternall.

Why?havewenotruewisdomenaturallyabletobringusuntoit?

Noverily:foralthoughwehavewisdomenaturallyingraffedinustoprovideforthispresentlife,andsufficienttobringustocondemnationinthelifetocome;yetwehavenotonegrainofsavingwisdomabletosaveus,ortomakeussteponefootforwarduntoeternalllife.

Whereisthiswisdomtobefound?

InthewordofGod.

Howcomewetoit?

ByChrist;forGoddwellethinlightwhichnomanhathapproachedunto,1Tim6.16.onlytheSonnewhichwasinthebosomeofhisFatherhehathrevealedhim,Joh.1.18.

WhatdoththeApostlemeanbyRighteousnesse?

Asbythechiefpartthereof,ourwholejustification,whichconsistethoftheremissionofoursins,andtheimputationofChristsrighteousnesse.

VVhat

Sancti-

ficationis.

VVhatRe-

demption

is.

Howdoeyouprovethisrighteousnessehere,tobemeantoftherighteousnessethatisinChrist?

Becausehespeakethafterwardofsanctification,whichistherighteousnessewithinus.

WhatisSanctification?

Itisfreedomefromthetyrannyofsinintothelibertyofrighteousnesse,begunhere,andincreaseddayly,untillitbefullyperfectedinthelifetocome,Rom.6.14.Psal.19.14.

VVhatisRedemption?

Itisthehappyestatethatthechildre ̄ofGodshalhaveinthelastday.

VVhatisthegroundofallthesespirituallblessings?

ThewholeworkofoursalvationmustbeascribedtothegraceofGodalone.

VVhatismeantbythegraceofGod?

Firstandprincipally,thatfreefavourwithGoddothbeartowardsus:

2.Thosegiftsandhelpsthatareinus,arisingfromthatfountain.

Ismanidleinthisworkofgrace?

[Page]

Ofour

Vnionand

Commu-

nionwith

Christ.

ManalsoworkethwithGodsgrace,butfirsthereceivethfromGodnotonlythepowertowork,butalsothewillandthedeeditselfe,Phil.2.13.

IsthisworkofGodonlyanofferingofgoodthingsuntous?

Goddothnotonlyoffergraceuntous,butcausethuseffectuallytoreceiveit,andthereforeissaidnotonlytodrawus,Cant.1.3.Joh.6.44.butalsotocreateanewheartinus,wherebywefollowhim,Ps.51.10.

WhatprofithatheveryoneofGodselectinChristtheMediatour,bytheapplicationofthecovenantofgrace?

UnionandcommunionbothwithChristhimselfeandwithhiswholeChurch,whenceariseththecommunionofSaints,wherebynothingelseisunderstood,butthatheavenlyfellowshipwhichallthefaithfullhavewithChristtheirhead,&withthemembersofhisbody,alltrueChristians,thewholeChurchthuscommunicatingwithChristandeverymemberonewithanother,Heb.3.14.12.22.23.Eph.2.19,20.4.12.1John1.3.

Whatarethebandsofthisfellowship,andwhoistheauthorofit?

TheSpiritknitsthebodytotheheadbyfaith,andthemembersoneuntoanotherbylove.1Cor.12.11.27.Col.3.14.1Cor.6.17.

Rom.12.

13.

Communion

ofSaints.

1Ioh.1.

17.

Whatcomforthavewebythis?

1.ThatwearejustifiedbythatfaithwherebyAdamandAbrahamwerejustified,whichistyedtonotimeorplace,andexcludethnoperson.

2.ThatwearemadepartakersofChristandallhismeritsbyfaith,andofalltheblessingsoftheChurchbylove.

WhatarethespeciallcomfortsofthiscommunionwithChrist?

Thatweearesuretohaveallgracesandallgoodthingsfromhim,andthatbothourpersonsarebeloved,andourservicesacceptedinhimandforhim;John1.16.17.1Cor.1.30.Eph.2.4,5,13.1Pet.2.5.

AndwhatespeciallcomfortsdoeariseoutofourcommunionwithChristians?

Thatwehaveaportionintheirprayers,Act.1.2.15.ashareintheircomforts,Rom.12.15.aroomintheirhearts,2Thess.1.3.mutuallybearinginfirmities,Gal.6.1,2.furtheringduties,Heb.10.24.andrelievingnecessities.

WhatdutydoththiscommunionofSaintsrequireofus?Eph.4.3.

Torenounceallfellowshipwithsinandsinners,2Cor.6.17toedifieoneanotherinfaithandlove,Iude5.20.todelightinthesocietyoftheSaints,Ps.16.3.andtokeep

[Page]

Eph.4.3.theunityoftheSpiritinthebondofpeace.

WhyareallBeleeverscalledSaints?

BecausetheyarepartakersofChristsholinesse,daylygrowingandincreasinginthesame;andtoletusknowthatnoneshalleverbeeSaintsinheaven,butsuchasarefirstSaintsonearth.Heb.12.10.2Pet.1.14.2Cor.7.1.2Thess.1.10.

ForasmuchasthepointofourunionandcommunionwithChrist,isofgreatimportance,andtheveryfoundationofallourcomfort,itismorelargelytobestoodupon;FirstthereforeshewhowtheelectareunitedtoChristhisperson.

Theyareincorporatedandmademembersofthemysticallbody,whereofChristishead,Eph.5.30.whichtheScripturefigureth,asbyotherresemblances,soespeciallyunderthesimilitudeofmarriage,Eph.5.2.andthewholebookoftheCanticles.

HowmayweconceiveofthisourmarriagewithChrist?

Wearetoconceivethereinasinoutwardmarriage,first,theconsentofparentsandparties,secondly,themannerofconjunction.

Whatconsentofparentsisthereinthismarriage?

OnlyGodsdonation,whobeingthealoneparentofbothparties,asinthemarriageofthefirstAdam,Gen.2.22.

givethfirstChristtousasaSaviour,John3.16.17.6.Secondly,ustoChristasapeopletobesavedbyhim,Heb.2.13.

Whatconsentofpartiesisthere?

First,Christconsentethtotakeusforhisownspouse,whichheewitnessethespeciallybytakingourfleshuponhim,Heb.2.14.thathemightbeourEmmanuel,Godwithus;Mat.1.23.

Secondly,webeingdrawnofGod,John6.44.andpreparedbythefreeingoftheBridegroom,2Cor.11.2.doeconsenttotakeChristasourLordandHusband,Cant.7.10.asweprofessebytakinghisname,Esa.44.5.andyoake,Math.11.29.uponus.

WhatisthemannerofthisourConjunction?

Mysticall,thatistosay,reallinrespectofthethingsconjoyned,ourverynature,body,andsoule,beingcoupledtothebodyandsouleofChrist,sothatwearemembersofhisbody,ofhisflesh,ofhisbones;Eph.5.30.therebyalsotothedivinenature,2Pet.1.4.Yetnotcor-porall,butspirituall,inregardofthemeaneswherebythisconjunctioniswrought.

Whatbethemeanesofthespirituallconjunction?

OnChristspart,hisonlySpirit,1John4.15.Rom.8.9.givenbyhimtoeverymemberofhisbodyintheverymomentofRegeneration,Gal.4.6.1John3.24.4.13.as

[Page]

thesouleofspiritualllife,andfountaineofsupernaturallgrace,Gal.5.25.1Cor.15.45.inwhichrespecthethatisjoynedtotheLord,issaidtobeoneSpirit,1Cor.6.17.

WhatistheSpiritofChrist?

TheHolyGhosttrulyresiding,1Cor.3.16.andpowerfullyworkinginallthosethatareChrists,Rom.5.5.deriveduntothemfromhim,Rom.8.2.andknittingtheminseparablyuntohim,1Cor.12.13.Eph.2.18.4.4.

IstheholyGhostgiventononebutsuchasarethusjoynedtoChrist?

TheHolyGhostisconsideredthreewayes:first,astheAuthourofallexcellence,evenincommongiftsofnatureandreason;asstrengthandcourage,Judg.14.6.ArtsandSciences,Exod.31.31.Policyandgovernment,1Sam.11.6.&c.inwhichsenseheisgiventomanywhichneverheardofChrist.Secondly,astheAuthourofspirituallgifts,1Cor.1.4.socalled,becausebeingsanctifiedtheyaremeansofedification;AsthepowerofworkingMiracles,Healing,Languages,&c.yeaatastoftheheavenlygift,andofthegoodwordofGod,andofthepowersoftheworldtocome,Heb.6.4,5.inwhichsenseheisgiventosundryreprobatesthatarecalled,ashathbeenshewed.Thirdly,astheAuthouroftheperpetuall,effectuall,andvirtuallinfluenceofsavinggracefromChristtheheadtoeverytruememberofhisbody,John6.51.57.63.inwhichsensetheworldcannotreceiveorknowhim,John14.17.butheisbestowedontheelectonly,1Pet.1.2.andthosetrulyregeneratedandconvertedtothe

Lord.

Butonourpartwhatmeanesisthereofthisconjunction?

Onelyfaith,whichyetisnotofourselves,butthegiftofGod;Eph.2.8.andofallother,thefirstandmoregeneralleffectandinstrumentoftheSpiritofChrist,2Cor.4.13.Gal.5.5.disposingandenablingussotoembraceandcleaveuntohim,Eph.3.16.17.asfirsttoreceivefromGodbyhim,whatsoeverbenefitsandgraces;Rom.5.2.Secondly,toreturnetoGodinhimallholyandthankfullobedience,Cor.2.7.Gal.5.6.

IsfaithabsolutelyrequiredineveryonethatisuniteduntoChrist?

Itisabsolutelyrequiredofallthosethatareofdiscretionandcapacity,butinthosethatarenotcapableofknowledge(withoutwhichtherecanbenofaith;assomenaturallyfoolesandinfants,whicharewithinthecovenant)wearenottoproceedfartherthenGodselection,andthesecretoperationofhisSpirit,Act.2.39.1Cor.7.14.12.13.

SomuchofourunionwithChristsperson:whatisourcommunionwithhim?

Itisourparticipationwithhiminthebenefitsflowingfromhisseveralloffices,wherebyheismadetousofGod,wisdome,righteousnesse,sanctification,andredemption.1Cor.1.30.SowealsobyhimafterasortbecomeProphets,Acts2.17,18.PriestsandKings,1Pet.2.9.

Justification.

Glorification.

Thebenefit

ofour

Commu-

nionwith

Christ.

Of

Justificati-

on,and

firstwhat

Justificaon

is.

Rev.5.10.asintheunfoldingoftheseverallfunctionsofourSaviourChrist,hathbeenmorefullydeclared:forbeingmadeonewithhim,wearetherebypossessedofallthingsthatarehis,Rev.2.28.Col.2.10.asthewifeofthewealthofherhusband,thebranchofthesapoftheroot,John15.5.andthemembersofsenseandmotionfromthehead,Eph.4.15,16.inwhichregardthewholeChurchisalsocalledChrist,1Cor.12.12.Gal.3.16.andtheseverallmembersChristians,Acts11.26.

WhatarethemainbenefitswhichChristiansreceivebytheircommunionwithChrist?

Justificationandglorification,Rom.8.30.Bytheonewhereofwehaveourpersonsaccepted,andnewrelationsbetweenGodanduse-stablished;Bytheother,ournaturereformed,andnewobedienceinfused:whichlatterisbutbeguninthislife,andiscalledSanctification,andperfectedinthelifetocome;whichmostusuallyhaththetermeofGlorification,ofwhichinitsproperplace.

VVhatisJustification?

JustificationisthesentenceofGod,wherebyheofhisgracefortherighteousnesseofhisSon,byhimimputeduntous,andthroughfaithapprehendedbyus,dothfreeusfromsinanddeath,andaccountusrighteousuntolife.Rom.8.30.33,34.1Cor.1.30.Phil.3.9.Forherebywebothhaveadeliverancefromtheguiltand

[Page]punishmentofalloursins,andbeingaccomptedrighteousinthesightofGodbytherighteousnesseofourSaviourChristimputeduntous,arerestoredtoabetterrighteousnessetheneverwehadinAdam.

IperceiveyourAnswerneedsfurtherexplaining;first,whycallyouJustificationasentence?

Thattherebywemaybeinformed,thatthewordtojustifydothnotinthisplacesignifytomakejustbyinfusingaperfectrighteousnesintoournatures;(thatcomesundertheheadofsanctificationbegunhereinthislife,whichbeingfinished,isGlorificationinheaven▪butherethewordsignifiethtopronouncejust,toquitanddischargefromguiltandpunishment;andsoitisajudiciallsentenceopposedtocondemnation.Rom.8.34,35.Whoshalllayanything(saithPaul)tothechargeofGodselect?ItisGodthatjustifieth,whoshallcondemn?Nowastocondemnisnottheputtinganyevillintothenatureofthepartycondemned,butthepronouncingofhispersonguilty,andthebindinghimoveruntopunishment:sojustifyingistheJudgespronouncingtheLawtobesatisfied,andthemandischargedandquittedfromguiltandjudgement.ThusGodimputingtherighteousnesseofChristtoasinner,dothnotaccounthissinsuntohim,butinterestshiminastateofasfullandperfectfreedomandacceptance,asifhehadneversinned,orhadhimselfefullysatisfied.Forthoughthereisapowerpurgingthecorruptionofsin,whichfollowethuponjustification,yetitiscarefullytobedistinguishedfromit,asweshallfurthershewhereafter.

ThisforthenameofJustification,butnowforthethingitselfe;whatisthematterfirstofourjustification?

Thematterofjustification,orthatrighteousnessewherebyasinnerstandsjustifiedinGodssight,isnotanyrighteousnesseinherentinhisownpersonandperformedbyhim,butaperfectrighteousnesseinherentinChristandperformedforhim.

WhatrighteousnesseofChristisitwherebyasinnerisjustified?

Nottheessentiallrighteousnesseofhisdivinenature,but,

First,theabsoluteintegrityofourhumanenature,whichinhimourheadwaswithoutguile.Heb.7.6.

Secondly,theperfectobediencewhichinthathumanenatureofoursheperformeduntothewholelawofGod,bothbydoingwhatsoeverwasrequiredofus,Mat.3.15.andbysufferingwhatsoeverwasdeservedbyoursins,1Pet.2.24.forhewasmadesinandacurseforus,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnesseofGodinhim.

Whatistheformeorbeingcauseofourjustification,andthatwhichmakesthisrighteousnessesoreallyours,thatitdothjustifieus?

ThegraciousimputationofGodtheFather,accountinghisSonsrighteousnesseuntothesinner,andbythataccounting,makingithistoalleffects,asifhehimselfehadperformedit.

[Page]

ButhowcanChristsrighteousnessebeaccomptedours?isitnotasabsurdtosaythatwearejustifiedbyChristsrighteousnesse,asthatamanshouldbewisewiththewisdomofanother,orliveandbeinhealthbythelifeandhealthofanother?

Nodoubtlesse,becausethisrighteousnesseisinChrist,notasinapersonseveredfromus,butasintheheadoftheChurch,thesecondAdam;fromwhomthereforeitiscommunicateduntoallwhobeingunitedasmembersuntohimdoelayclaimthereunto,andapplyituntothemselves,Rom.5.19.Rom.10.4.ForifthesinofAdamwereofforcetocondemnusall,becausewewereinhisloynes,hebeingtheheadofourcommonnature;whythenshoulditseemstrangethattherighteousnesseofourSaviourChristbothGodandman,shouldbeavaileabletojustifiethosethatareinteressedinhim,especiallyconsideringthatwehaveamorestrictconjunctionintheSpiritwithhim,theneverwehadinnaturewithAdam?Andthoughitbenotfittomeasureheavenlythingsbytheyardofreason,yetitisnotunreasonablethatamanowingathousandpound,andnotbeingabletopayit,hiscreditormaybesatisfiedbyoneofhisfriends.

IfChristhavepaidourdebt,howarewethenfreelyjustifiedbygrace?

ItisofgracethatChristisgivenuntous,andalsothathisrighteousnesseapprehendedbyfaithisaccountedours;Itistruethatthejustificationofasinner,consideringthecaseasitisbetweentheFatherandChrist,nomandare

Vsesarising

fromthe

doctrineof

Justi-

fication.

callitfree;no,thepriceofourRedemptionwasthedeepestpurchasethattheworldeverheardof;butwhateveritcostChrist,itcostusnothing:andsotousitisfreelyofgracefromChrist,yeaandtousitisfreelygracefromGodtheFathertoo;notbecauseheacquitsuswithoutafullsatisfactiontohisJustice,oracceptsthatforperfectrighteousnessewhichisnotperfectrighteousnes;butbecausehereceivesfullsatisfactionfromthehandsofasurety,andthatsuretybeinghisownSon;whenashemighthavechallengedtheuttermostfarthingatourhands,whichweretheprincipals;andthentherehadbeennopossibilityforustohavebeendelivered.

WhatgatheryoufromthisdoctrineofJustificationbyChristsrighteousnesse?

1.TocondemntheproudopinionofPapists,whoseekJustificationbytheirowneworkesandrighteousnesseinherentinthemselves;whereasthoughbeingaccepted,wemustinthankfulnessedoeallwecanforGod,yetwhenallisdone,wemustacknowledgeourselvesunprofitableservants:theonelymatterofourjoyandtriumphbothinlifeanddeath,mustbetheimputationofChristsrighteousnes;notourpersons,northebestactionsoftheholiestmendareappeareinGodspresence,butinhisnameandmerit(whoconsecratesall)theLordsJesus.

2.Wemayheretakenotice,thatthereisnocomforttoaChristiansoulelikethatwhichflowethfromthisWellofsalvation,thissweetdoctrineofJustification.1.Herewe

[Page]

OfFaith.

haveassuranceofthesufficiencieofourRedemption:thatsoulemustbethroughlyacquitedthatisstatedinsucharighteousnesse,thatdebtmustbefullydischargedthathathsuchapricelaiddownforit;oursinnesthoughneversogreat,cannotweighdownhisrighteousnesseandmerit,Rom.8.33.andGodhavingacceptedhisSonsrighteousnesforus,willnotholdusanylongertrespassers,buthedisableshisownJusticefrommakinganyfurtherdemand.2.HencethereisnothingcomesupontheSaintsfromGodsrevengingJustice,butallourcorrectionsaremedicinallfromGodsFatherlylove;topurgeoutthatsinoutofournature,whichhehathalreadypardonedtoourpersons.3.Lastly,thisdoctrinemaybegreatcomforttoweakChristiansinthemidstoftheirtroublesomeimperfections,andsenseoftheirweakmeasuresofSanctification;Toconsiderthattherighteousnessethatisinherentinthemselves,isnotthematteroftheirJustification,orthatwhichmustappearbeforeGodspresencetobepleaded:therighteousnesseofChristiscompleatandperfect;thatisourmainjoyandcrownofrejoycingtobefoundinChrist,nothavingourownrighteousnesse,butthatwhichisinhim,andmadeoursbyGodsgraciousaccount.

ButhowisthisgreatbenefitofJustificationapplyeduntous,andapprehendedbyus?

Thisisdoneonourpartbyfaithalone,andthatnotconsideredasavertueinherentinus,workingbylove;butonlyasaninstrumentorhandofthesoulestretchedforthtolayholdontheLord

Thevarious

acceptions

ofFaith.

ourrighteousnesse.Rom.5.1.&1010.Jer.23.6.SothatfaithjustifiethonelyRelatively,inrespectoftheobjectwhichitfastenethon;towit,therighteousnesseofChristbywhichwearejustified:Faithbeingonelytheinstrumenttoconveysogreatabenefituntothesoule,asthehandofthebeggerreceivestheAlmes.

Forasmuchasitstandethusmuchinhandtoknowwhatthisfaithis,wherebywehaveprofitbyChristsRedemption,declarehowmanywayesthewordFaithistakenintheScriptures.

Sometimesitistakenfortrueandfaithfulldealingbetweenmanandmanbothinwordanddeed,calledFidelityorFaithfulnesse,(asMat.23.23.Acts2.10.1Tim.5.12.1Pet.5.12.)butofthatfaithwearenotheretospeak.Sometimesitistakenforthefaith(orfidelity)ofGodtowardsman,butthatalsoisbesidesourpurpose.

HerewearetointreatofmansfaithtowardsGod,andthatwordFaithisalsotakentwowayes.

1.Fortheobjecttobeapprehended,orthingstobebeleeved,eventhewholedoctrineoffaith,orpointsofReligiontobebeleeved.(asActs6.7.&13.8.Rom.1.5.&3.31.&12.3.6.&16.26.Gal.1.22.&3.2.&5.23.1Tim.1.2.&4.1.Judevers.3.

2.Fortheactionapprehendingorbeleevingthesame,viz.thatworkofGodinmanwherebyhegivethassentorcredencetoGodinhisword;yea,andapplyeththatwhich

[Page]

Thedivers

kindsof

Faith.

anywayconcernethhiminparticular,howotherwisegenerallsoeveritbe,(asRom.10.7.&c.)Andthisfaithissetoutbytwonames,Heb.11.1.Thesubstanceofthingshopedfor,andtheevidenceofthingsnotseen;bythefirstmeaning,thatwhereasGodinhiswordhathmadepromiseofthingswhicharenotpresentlyenjoyed,butonelyhopedfor;theybeingnotinesse,butinposse:yetfaithdothafterasortgivethemapresentsubsistingorbeing,asiftheywereinesse.Bythesecondmeaning,thatwhereasmanyofthepromisesareofthingssofarreoutofthereachofman,thattheyarebothinvisibletotheeye,andunreasonableorimpossibletothesenseorunderstandingofman;yetfaithistheveryevidenceofthem,andthatwhichdothsodemonstratethemuntous,thatbyit(asthroughaprospectiveglasse)weasclearlydiscernthem,asiftheywereevenathand.

Howmanykindsoffaithbethere?

Althoughtherebebutonetruesavingfaith,(Eph.4.5.)yetoffaiththerearetwosorts.

1.Suchasiscommontoall,whichallmenhave,ormayhave.

2.Thatwhichnomanhathorcanhavebuttheelect,itbeingpropertothem.2Thess.3.2.Rom.11.32.Tit.1.1.2Cor.13.5.

Howmanysortsbethereofthecommonfaith?

Two;ordinaryandextraordinary:andoftheordinarytwo

Historicall

Faith.

Temporary

Faith.

Miraculous

Faith.

also,thatwhichwecallhistoricall,andthatweecalltemporariefaith.

Whatisanhistoricallfaith?

ItisaknowledgeandperswasionofthetruthofGodswordconcerningtheletterandstoryofit:asthatthereisoneonelyGod,andintheGodaTrinityinUnity;thatJesusChrististheSaviouroftheworld,&c.

Whatisatemporaryfaith?

ItisajoyfullentertainingofthepromisesoftheGospellwithsomeseemingconfidence,whichyetisbutvanishing,uncertain,andnotrooted;lastethbutforatime,andthencomestonothing.Mat.13.20,21.Luk.18.3,14.

Whatisthatcommonfaithwhichyoucallextraordinary?

Itisthefaithofmiracles,whichisthecleavingtosomespeciallandsingularpromise;eitherforthedoingofsomeextraordinaryeffect,orforthereceivingofsomeoutwardgood,afteranextraordi-narymanner.1Cor.13.2.Mat.21.2.&7.22.Mark.9.3.Acts14.9.Luk.17.19.

Bythiskindoffaith,JudasmightworkmiraclesaswellastheotherDisciples;andbythisFaith,manymightbeehealedbyourSaviourintheirbodies,whowerenothealedintheirsoules.

[Page]

Justifying

Faith.

Whatnowistruesavingfaith,whichnonehavebuttheelect,itbeingpropertothem?

Itissuchafirmeassentofthemindtothetruthoftheword,asflowesintotheheart,andcauseththesouletoembraceitasgood,andtobuilditseternallhappinesseonit.

WhatisthatwhichyoumaketheobjectofsavingFaith?

ThegenerallobjectoftruesavingFaith,isthewholetruthofGodrevealed;butthespeciallobjectofFaithasitjustifieth,isthepromiseofremissionofsinnesbytheLordJesus:ForastheIsraelites,bythesameeyesbywhichtheylookeduponthebrasenSerpent,theysawotherthings;buttheywerenothealedbylookinguponanythingelse,butonelythebrasenSerpent:So,thoughbythesameFaithwherebyIcleavetoChristforremissionofsinnes,Ibeleeveeverytruthrevealed;yetIamnotjustifiedbybeleevinganytruthbutthepromiseofgraceintheGospell.

OpenthenatureofthissavingandjustifyingFaith,somewhatmorefully.

JustifyingFaithmaybeeconsideredtwowayes,eitherasGodworksitinmansheart,orelseasmansheartworksbyittowardsGodagaine.

ForfirstGodenablesmantobeleeve,andthenhebeleevesbyGodsenabling.

Inthefirstrespect,FaithissaidtobeGodsgift.Eph.2.8.Phil.1.29.AnditisthegreatnesseofGodspower,thatraisethmansheartuntoit.Eph.1.19.

Inthesecondrespectmanissaidtobeleeve,Rom.10.10.andtocometoChrist.ButhebeleevesbyGodsenablinghimtobeleeve,andhecomesbyGodscausinghimtocome,Joh.6.44.NomancancomeuntomeexcepttheFatherdrawhim,saithourSaviour.

WhatdothGodworkinmanwhenhegiveshimFaith?

First,heeenlighteneththeunderstandingtoseethetruthandpreciousnesseoftherichoffersofgraceintheLordJesus.1.Cor.2.11,12.14.John1.5.John12.39.John6.45.Matth.16.17.Acts26.18.

Secondly,heenablesthewilltoembracethem,andreachallthedesiresofthesouleafterthem,andrestandbuildeternallcomfortonthem.ThethingsofGodastheyarefoolishnessetomansnaturallJudgement;sotheyareenmitytohisnaturallwill.AndthereforewhenGodgivesfaith,hegivesanewlighttotheunderstanding,andnewmotionsandinclinationstotheheart.AstheCovenantofGraceis,Iwillgivethemanewheart,Ezek.36.26.Itmustbeamightypowertoturnetheheartofmanupsidedowne,andcausehimtopitchallthedesiresofthesouleuponasupernaturallobject.Joh.6.44.

Whatgatherwefromhence?

First,themonstrouswickednesseofthePopishDoctors,

ThePopish

implicite

faith

confuted.

Thatthe

wholesoule

istheseat

ofFaith.

[Page]

whoperswadethemultitudetorestinablindfaith,whichtheycallimpliciteandfoldedup,tellingthemthatitisenoughforthemtobeleeveastheChurchbeleeves,thoughtheyknownotwhattheChurchbeleeves,norwhotheChurchis,whereastheScriptureteachethusthatFaithcomesbyhearing;thatis,byhearingtheblessedpromisesofgraceofferedtothepeople:Rom.10.14.17.

Faithdothnotconsistindarknesseandignorance,butknowledgeisoftheingredienceofit,John12.39.andthereforesometimesputforit.John17.3.Esa.53.11.WhereGoddothworkFaith,therehegivesasavinglighttotheunderstanding,thoughindiversmeasuresanddegrees;asthereareweakmeasuresofFaith,soweakmeasuresofknowledgeandapprehensionsinsavingmysteries:ButnomancanbuilduponGodsgraciouswordandpromiseforthetruthandrealityofwhathespeaks,withoutheknowwhathespeaks.

Secondly,wemayherelearnethatFaithdothnotconsistonelyintheunderstanding,oronelyinthewill,butinthewholesoule;thewholeintelligentnatureistheseatofFaith:AndthereforeeitherFaithisnotasupernaturallgiftofGod,orelsetheyspeakungraciouslyofGodsgraceintheworkofFaith,whoattributenomoretoGodthentherenovationofmansunderstanding,andrevealingthosethingstohim,whichbynaturehecouldnotsee;leavingtheactionofconsentingandembracingbyfaiththethingsrevealedtomansfree-will,sosharingthe

businesseofbeleevingbetweenGodandman;theenlightningoftheunderstandingshallbeGods,buttheincliningthewillmustbeamansown,anyfurtherthenitmaybeinvitedbymorallperswasion.ButtheScriptureeverywhereshewsfaithtobesuchatranscendentandsupernaturallgift,asfarexceedsallnaturallpowertoproduceorreachunto;GoddothallinthishighbusinessebyhispowerfullSpiritandsupernaturallgrace.

Buthowthenisitsaid,thatmanbeleeveth,manreceivethChrist,mancomesuntohim?

Thesephrasesandthelikeshewwhatmandothwhenfaithiswroughtinhim,howhissoulactsbyit,andexerciseththisexcellenthabitreceived.Anditisthus:1.ByGodsteachinghimheunderstands;byGodsenlightninghismindheseestheexcellencyoftheLordJesus,andfirmelyassentsuntothewordofgraceastrue;thatindeedChrististheonlyblessedSaviour,andthatallthepromisesofGodinhimareyeaandamen.2.ByGodschangingandenablinghiswillhewils;byGodssanctifyinghisaffectionshelovesandembraceth;byGodsprintingandsealingthemonhishearthepossessethandclosethwithChrist,andthepreciouspromisesofmercyinhim,andembraceththetenureoftheGospelasthesweetestandhappiesttidingsthateversoundedinhiseares,andentertainsitwiththebestwelcomesofhisdearestheart,andplacethhiseternallhappinesseonthisRockofsalvation.

Putnowallthesethingstogether.

Theyallshewthatfaithisnothingelsebutasupernaturall

[Page]

actionandworkeofGodinman,wherebymansheart,(thatis)allthepowersofmanssoulemoveastheyarefirstmovedbyGod:Sothattheactionofmaninbeleeving,isnothingbuthisknowingofheavenlythingsbyGodsrevealingthemandcausinghimtoknowthem;hiswillingthemandembracingthembyGodsenablinghimtowillandembracethem:ThusthemotionofmanshearttoChristbeingmovedbyGodiscalledmansbeleevingwiththeheart:evenasawheelwhichofitselfcannotmove,yetbeingmovedbyahigherwheeldothmove;whichmotionthoughitbebutone,yetissaidtobethemotionoftwo,thatis,oftheMoverandofthethingmoved.

Itseemesthenthatjustifyingfaithconsistsinthesetwothings;viz.inhavingamindtoknowChrist,andawilltorestuponhim.

Yes;whosoeverseessomuchexcellencyinChristthattherebyheisdrawntoembracehimastheonelyRockofsalvation,thatmantrulybeleevestoJustification.

ButisitnotnecessarytoJustificationtobeassuredthatmysinnesarepardoned,andthatIamjustified?

No,thatisnoactoffaithasitjustifieth,butaneffectandfruitthatfollowethafterJustification:fornomanisjustifiedbybeleevingthatheisjustified,forhemustbejustifiedbeforehecanbeleeveit:andnomanispardonedbybeleevingthatheispardoned,forhemustbepardonedbeforehecanbeleeveit.Butfaithasitjustifieth,isarestinguponChristtoobtainpardon,theacknowledginghimtobetheonlySaviour,andthehanging

uponhimforsalvation,Mat.16.16.John20.31.Acts8.37.Rom.10.9.1John4.15.&5.1.5.

Itisthedirectactoffaiththatjustifieth,thatwherebyIdoebeleeve;itisthereflectactoffaiththatassures,thatwherebyIknowIdoebeleeve,anditcomesbywayofargumentationthus,

Maj.WhosoeverrelyethuponChristtheSaviouroftheworldforJustificationandpardon,thewordofGodsaith,thathebysodoingisactuallyjustifiedandpardoned.

Min.ButIdoetrulyrelieuponChristforJustificationandpardon.Concl.ThereforeIundoubtedlybeleevethatIamjustifiedandpardoned.

Butmanytimesboththeformerpropositionsmaybegrantedtobetrue,andyetaweakChristianwantstrengthtodrawtheconclusion;foritisonethingtobeleeve,andanotherthingtobeleevethatIdoebeleeve:Itisonethingforamantohavehissalvationcertain,andanotherthingtobecertainthatitiscertain.

HowthendoththesoulreachafterChristintheactofjustifying?

Evenasamanfallenintoariverandliketobedrowned,asheiscarrieddownwiththefloudespiestheboughofatreehangingovertheriver,whichhecatchethatandclingesuntowithallhismighttosavehim,andseeingnootherwayofsuccourbutthat,ventureshislifeuponit:thismansosoonashehadfastneduponthisboughisina

What

Recon-

ciliationis.

WhatAdop-

tionis.

safecondition,thoughalltroubles,fears&terroursarenotpresentlyoutofhismind,untillhecomestohimselfandseeshimselfquiteoutofdanger,thenheissureheissafe,buthewassafebeforehewassure.EvensoitiswithaBeleever;FaithisbuttheespyingofChristastheonlymeanstosave,andthereachingoutofthehearttolayholduponhim.GodhathspokethewordandmadethepromiseinhisSon,IbeleevehimtobetheonlySaviour,andremitmysoultohimtobesavedbyhismediation:Sosoonasthesoulcandoethis,GodimputeththerighteousnesseofhisSonuntoit,anditisactuallyjustifiedintheCourtofHeaven,thoughitisnotpresentlyquietedandpacifiedintheCourtofConscience:thatisdoneafterwards,insomesooner,insomelater,bythefruitsandeffectsofJustification.

WhataretheConcomitantsofJustification?

Reconciliation,andAdoption,Rom.5.1.Joh.1.12.

WhatisReconciliation?

ItisthatgracewherebywethatwereenemiestoGodaremadefriends,Rom.5.10.wethatwererebelsarereceivedintofavour;wethatwerefaroff,andaliensfromGod,arenowbroughtneerthroughChrist,Eph.2.12,13.&18.19.1Joh.1.3.Heb.12.22,23.

WhatisAdoption?

Adoptionisthepowerandpriviledgetobethe

[Page]

The

benefitsof

Adoption.

sonsofGod,Joh.1.12.Eph.1.5.deriveduntousfromChrist,whobeingtheeternalSonofGod,becamebyIncarnationourbrother,thatbyhimGodmightbringmanysonsanddaughtersuntoglory,Heb.2.10.

WhatarethebenefitsthatflowtousfromourAdoption?

1.Someareprivativeimmunities,andfreedomefrommanygrievances;as1.Wearefreedfromtheslaveryofsin,Rom.6.14.2Fromcondemnation,Rom.8.1.3Fromallslavishfearsandterrors,Rom.8.15.Wehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondagetofearagain,butthespiritofadoption.4Fromthelaw,notCeremoniallonly,Gal.5.1.butMoral;freedImeanfromthecurseofit,freedfromthecondemningpowerofit,freedfromthecoactionandcompulsionofit,freedfromtherigorousexaction&inexorabledemandsofit,asitisaCovenantofworks:Butnotfreedfromthedoctrineofholinessecontainedinit;thejustifiedandadoptedareeverywayfreedfromtheLaw,asitwasanenemyandagainstus,Luc.1.butnotfreedasitisourguideanddirector,contai-ningtheruleofGodsholywill.OurSonshipdothnotfreeusfromservice,butfromslavery,notfromholinesse,buttoholinesse:Thereisafreeservicewhichbenefitstheconditionofason,Godsserviceisperfectfreedome.

2.Somearepositivedignities;as,1.FreeaccessetothethroneofGrace,thatwemaycometoGodinprayerastoaFather.Gal.4.6.Rom.8.15.2WehaveanInterestin

GodsparticularandspeciallProvidence,2Cor.6.ult.Rom.8.28.3WebyouradoptionhaveafreeandsanctifieduseofallGod[...]creaturesrestored,therightuntowhichweforfeitedinAdam;fornomanhathanytruerighttoanythingnowbynature;hemayhavetheuseofGodscreaturesbyGodspatience&forbearance,butnotbyGodslicenceandallowance,untillhebeinCovenantwithGodinChrist,andmadeasonandheirwithhim,andthenallthingsarerestored,1Cor.3.21.Rom.8.32.4FromAdoptionflowsallChristiansjoy,whichiscalledthejoyintheholyGhost,Rom.14.17.unspeakableandglorious,1Pet.1.8,9.Rom.5.2.ForthespiritofAdoptionis,first,awitnesse,Rom.8.16.2ly.Aseale,Eph.4.30.3ly.ThepledgeandearnestofourInheritance,Eph.1.14.setlingaholysecurityinthesoul,wherebyitrejoycetheveninafflictioninhopeofglory.

DoetheJustifiedchildrenofGodalwaysthenrejoyce?

JoyconsideredasadelightfullapprehensionofthefavourofGodgladdingtheheart,thoughitoughtcontinuallytobelabouredfor,Phil.4.4.andpreserved,yetitmaybeattimesnotonlydarknedanddaunted,butforatimeevenlost,andtoberestored,Psal.51.12.yetitisasallspirituallgiftsofGod,perpetuallandwithoutrepentance,ifweregard

1.Thematterofrejoycing,whichisGodsunchangeableloveandgrace,Mal.3.6.

2.Thecausesandfountainsofjoyintheregenerate,whicharetheneverfailinggracesofFaith,Luk.22.32.Hope,

[Page]

Sanctification.

Rom.5.5.andLovetowardsGodinChrist,1C[...]8.

3.Thevaluation(eveninthedeepestdismay)ofourpartandhopeinChristabovethepleasuresoftenthousandworlds.

4.Thepretenceandclaimofafaithfullheartpromisingandchallenginguntoitselfacomfortableharvestofjoyforthepresentseed-timeofsorrow,Psal.42.5.Psal.126.5.&57.11.

SomuchofthefirstmainbenefitwhichChristiansreceivebytheircommunionwithChrist,viz.Justification.

NowwhatisthesecondbenefitwhichiscalledGlorificationandSanctification?

ItistherenewingofournatureaccordingtotheImageofGod,inrighteousnesseandtrueholinesse,whichisbutbeguninthislife,andiscalledSanctification,andperfectedinthelifetocome,whichthereforeismoststrictlycalledGlory.

HowfarforthisournaturerenewedinthislifebySanctification?

Thisrenewingisofourwholenature,1Thess.5.23.Rom.12.2.theunderstandingbeingenlightned,thewillrectified,theaffectionsregulated,theoutwardmanreformed.Butnotwhollyinthislife;andthisisdonebythepowerfulloperationoftheSpiritofGod,whohavingbegunagoodworkinus,willperfectituntothedayofthe

The

differences

between

Justification

and

Sanctification.

Eph.1.19.

2.1.

Lord,Joh.13.6.Psal.51.10.Ezek.36.26.

WhatbethepartsofourSanctification?

Two,answerabletothetwopowerfullmeaneswherebytheyarewrought;First,Mortification,ordyinguntosin,andtherebyfreedomefromthedominionthereofbythedeathofChrist,Rom.6.6,7.

Secondly,Vivification,orquickninguntonewnesseoflife,bythepoweroftheresurrectionofChrist;Inregardwhereofitisalsocalledourfirstresurrection,Rev.20.6.

HowdothSanctificationdifferfromtheformergraceofJustification?

Inmanymainandmaterialldifferences;as,

1.Intheorder,notoftime,whereintheygoetogether,Rom.8.30.norofknowledgeandapprehension,whereinthislatterhathprece-dency,1Cor.6.11.butofnature,whereintheformeristhegroundofthislatter,2Cor.7.1.

Secondly,intheSubject:therighteousnessewherebywearejustifiedbeinginherentinChristforus;butthisofSanctificationinourselvesfromhim,Rom.8.10.

Thirdly,inthecause:ourJustificationfollowingfromthemerit;ourSanctificationfromtheefficacyofthedeathandlifeofChrist.

Fourthly,intheInstrument;Faith,whichin

[Page]

Phil.3.16.

2Cor.3.

18.

2Pet.3.

18.

Justificationisonlyasanhandreceiving,inSanctificationisaco-workingvertue,Acts15.19.Gal.5.6.

Fiftly,inthemeasure;JustificationbeinginallBeleevers,andatalltimesalike;butSanctificationwroughtdifferentlyandbydegrees.

Sixtly,intheend;whichbeinginbotheternalllife,Rom.6.23,24.yettheoneisamongthecausesofreigning,theotheronelyasthehigh-wayuntothekingdome.

WhatistheruleandsquareofourSanctification?

ThewholewordofGod,Joh.17.17.Ps.119.9.ascontainingthatwillofhis,Rom.12.2.whichisevenourSanctification,1Thess.4.3,&c.

HowdoeyouprovethatGodswordissucharule?

1.ByexpressewarrantofScripture,(2Tim.3.14.17.

2.Bytheresemblancesandthingswhereuntoitiscompared,astothewaywewalkin,(Jer6.16.Mark12.14.Act.18.24,25.)toaLightandaLanthorninadarkplace,toguideourfeetintothewayofpeace,Psa.119.105.Prov.6.23.2Pet.19.20.Luc.1.77.79.toaGlasse,Jam.1.25.toaRule,Line,Square,Measure,andBallance,wherebymustbeframed,ordered,measured,andpondered.Isa.28.17.Gal.6.16.

2Tim.3.

15,16.

Job22.22.

Joh.17.

17.

Eph.4.20,

21.

The

differences

between

theLaw

andthe

3.Becausetheyonlyarecommendedforaholyandrighteouslife,whohaveframeditaccordingtotheWord,Luc.1.6.andallotherssecluded,Isa.8.19,20.Mat.22.29.

4.BecausenothingcanbecountedholyandrighteouswhichGoddothnotsoaccompt,andthatinhisWord,soasheonlyisrighteous,andmakeththisorthattobeholyandrighteous.SohisWordonlyshewethuswhatthatiswhichhesoaccompteth,andthereforeitiscalledhisholyWord,holyScriptures,righteousLaws,&c.Deut.4.8.

VVhatmeanyouherebytheholyWordofGod?

BoththeLawandtheGospel,theOldTestament&theNew.

HowistheGospelaruleofobediencebeingtheruleoffaith?

AstheLawrequirethobedience,Jam.12.1.sotheGospeldirecteththefaithfulhowtoperformit,1Tim.1.9,10,11.onlywithdifference,

1.Ofthemanner;theLawpropoundingGodtobeworshippedofusinhimselfasourCreator,theGospelinChristasourSaviour.

2.Oftheend;TheLawrequiringallduties,asfortheprocurementofourownsalvation:TheGospelinwayofthankfulnesse,forsalvationin

Mat.19.

Gospel.

John5.23.

&14.1.

Christalreadybestowed,1Thess.5.18.

3.Oftheeffect;theLaw(likePharaoh,thatrequiredbrick,butallowednostraw)demandingobedience,butvouchsafingnoassistance;(supposingmanasinthestateofCreation)TheGospelbothofferingandconferringtotheregeneratethatwhichitrequireth,Rom.10.5,6.8.foritbothrequirethandconfirmethfaithuntotheElect,andthatnotonlyasahandtolayholdonChrist,butalsoasachiefvertueworkingbyloveinallpartsofobedience;withoutwhicheventheGospelisaLaw,thatis,akillingletter,2Cor.3.6.totheunregenerate,andwithwhichtheLawbecommethasitwereGospeltotheregenerate,evenalawofliberty,Jam.1.25.&2.12.ForastheLawsavethusnotwithouttheGospel,sotheGospelsavethusnotwithouttheLaw.

DothnottheGospeladdotherPreceptsorCounselstothoseoftheLaw?

Notanyotherinsubstanceofaction,butonlyrenewethandenforceththoseoftheLaw,1Joh.2.7,8.andspecifiethsomeduties,asoffaithintheMessias,oftheSacraments,&c.whichhavetheirgenerallgroundfromtheLaw.Asforthosethatarepropoundedinformofcounsell,anddoeconcernthingsindifferent,theyarenotthereforearbitrarycourses,Rev.3.18.ofhigherperfection,muchlessemeritoriousofgreaterglory,butastheyareapplyedwithduecircumstances,necessarypreceptsreferredtosomeorotherCommandementoftheLaw,the

23.

TheMorall

lawtherule

of

Sanctificatio ̄.

[Page]

Deut.10.

4.

neglectingwhereofexcludethfromthekingdomeofGod.

VVhatisthatlawwhichwiththedirectionoftheGospelistheruleofSanctification?

TheMoralllaw,orlawofnatureengravenbyGodhimselffirstintheheartofmaninhisCreation,afterinTablesofstone,inthedaysofMoses,andsopublishedandcommittedtotheChurchforallagesastheroyallLaw,forobediencetoGodourKing(Jam.2.8.)

WhydidGodwritethatlawinTablesofstone?

Partlytosignifietheperpetualluseandcontinuanceofthemtotheendoftheworld:Partlytoshewthestonyhardnesseofourhearts,inwhichthislawwastobewritten,andtodeclarehowharditistobringustoobedienceofthem.

VVhydidnonebutGodwritethisLawinTablesofstone?

BecausenonebutGodcanwritehisLawinourhearts.

HowwasthisLawdelivered?

ToshewthegloriousnesseofitGoddelivereditinfire,fortheMountainburned,theTrumpetsounded,thepeoplefled,andMoseshimselftrembled.

Whatdidthissignifietothem,andteachus?

Judiciall

Law.

Ceremoniall

Law.

1.ThatwithoutChristtheLawisbutdeath.

2.Thatweshouldbeverycarefultoperformobediencetothesame.

DidGodgivenootherlawbuttheMoralllawonely?

Yes,headdedtheCeremoniallandJudicialllaws,asspeciallexplicationsandapplicationsofthelawMorall,untothatpresentChurchandpeopletheIsraelites.

WhatwastheCeremonialllaw?

Thatlawwhichdidsetdownordersfordirectioninritesofoutwardworship,shadowingthegraceoftheGospel(Heb.10.1,&c.)

Areweboundtokeepandobservethoselaws?

No,forthesubstancebeingnowexhibited,thoseshadowsareutterlyabolishedbythedeathofChrist,andthereforetheuseofthemnow,wouldbeakindofdenyallofhisdeath.

WhatcallyoutheJudicialllaw?

ThatwhereinGodappointedaformofPolitiqueandCivillgovernmentoftheCommonwealthoftheJews,whichthereforeisceasedwiththedissolutionofthatState,forwhichitwasordained;savingonlyinthecommonequity.

IsthislawutterlyrevokedandabolishedbyChrist?

TheMorall

Law.

No;forhecamenottooverturnanygoodgovernmentoftheCommonwealth,muchlessethatwhichwasappointedbyGodhimself.

MaynotChristianMagistratesthenswerveanythingfromthoselawsofgovernment,whichweresetdownbyMoses?

Insomecircumstancestheymay,butinthegenerallequityandsubstancetheymaynot.

WhatJudicialllawsareimmutablytobeobservednowofChristianMagistrates?

Thosewhichhavereasonsannexeduntothe ̄,&speciallythosewherinGodhathappointeddeathforthepunishmentofhainousoffences.

VVhatistheMoralllaw?

Thatwhichcommandeththeperfectionofgodlinesse&righteousnesse,anddirectethusinourdutiestoGodandman,Deut.5.32.12.32.

ArewenotdeliveredfromthislawbythemeansofChrist?

Fromtheburthenofthelawexactinginourownpersonsperfectobedience,&fromthecurseofthatlawdueuntodisobedience,wearedeliveredbyChrist,Gal.3.10,11,12,13.ButfromtheCommandmentasaruleoflife,wearenotfreed,Jam.2.8.butcontrariwiseareinclined&disposedbyhisfreeSpirittothewillingobediencetherof,Ps.51.12.&119.32.45.1Joh.5.3.

[Page]

Theend

anduseof

theLaw.

TowhatendserveththeLaw?

First,itisaGlasse,todiscoverourfilthinesse,andtoshewusoursinnes,andthepunishmentthereof,thattherebywemaybedrivenuntoChrist,tobepurgedbyhim,(Gal.3.24.Rom.3.20.27.)Foritlayethopenallthepartsofourmisery,bothsinfulnesse,accursednesse,andimpotency,orunablenessetorelieveourselves;sowhippingus,andchasingustoChrist,thatinhimwemayfindedeliverance.

Secondly,whenwearecometoChrist,andfeeleourselvessavedbyhim,itisaguidetodirectusinthewaywehavetowalkeinallourlifeafter,Matth.5.17.Luke1.6.Deut.6.6.ForaftertheLawhathbroughtustoChrist,thefeelingoftheloveofGodwithinus,makethustostrivetowardstheobedienceofit,andthenitisaruletodirectushowtobehaveourselvesinallthingsthatwedoe,teachingushowwearetolive,insuchsortaswhosoeverwalkethnotaccordingly,cannotbesaved.

WhatfurtherusehaththeLawintheRegenerate?

First,asalightitdirectethus,fortheworldbeingadarkewildernesse,andwebeingnaturallyblinde,areincontinualldangeroffalling,unlesseourstepsbeguidedbytheLampeoftheLaw.

Secondly,asaprickitincitethustoobedience,becauseGodcommandeththem.

Thirdly,itframethustohumilitywhilstbyitwee

1.

Knowledge

oftheLaw

required.

understandthatwearefarrefromfulfillingit.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

First,whatgreatreasonthereis,thatweshouldbewellacquaintedwiththeLawofGod,seeingitisofsogreatuse.

Secondly,thateveryoneshouldhaveawarrantofallhisdoingsoutofthisLawofGod;wherebyallthecreaturesaresanctifiedformansuse.

Whatisthecontraryvice?

Ignorance;whereofChristsaith,thattheblindefallintotheditch.Matth.15.14.

SomuchoftheuseoftheLaw:Whatisrequiredforourprofitingtherein?

Inthefirstplaceitisrequired,thatwehavetherightunderstandingoftheLaw,withoutwhichitisimpossibletoreapanyoftheformerfruits;forhowcanamanacknowledgethebreachofthatLaw,whichheknowethnot?orhowcanheserveGodintheendeavouroftheperformanceofit,unlesseheunderstandhisMasterswill?

WhatRulesareprincipallytobeobservedfortheunderstandingandrightinterpretingoftheLaw?

Threeespecially.

[Page]

2.Rule:

Thatthe

Lawisper-

Rulestobe

observed

forthe

interpreta-

tionofthe

Law.

1.Rule▪

TheLawis

spirituall.

Whatisthefirst?

ThattheLawisspirituall,reachingtothesouleandallthepowersthereof,andchargingaswelltheheartandthoughts,astheoutwardman.Rom.7.14.Deut.6.5.Matth.22.37.Mark12.30.Luke10.27.

HowdoththeLawshapeallthepowersofthesoule?

Itshapeththeunderstandingtoknoweveryduty,evenallthewillofGod:Itchargeththejudgementtodiscernebetweengoodandevill;andbetweentwogoodthingswhichisthebetter:Itchargeththememorytoretain:Itchargeththewilltochusethebetter,andtoleavetheworse:Itchargeththeaffectionstolovethingstobeloved;andtohatethingstobehated.

DoththeLawrequirethesealikeofall?

No;butaccordingtotheSex,growthinage,anddifferenceofcalling;asmoreofamanthanofawoman;ofayoungmanthanofachilde;ofapublikeperson,thanofaprivateman.

WhatisthesecondRule?

ThattheLawisperfect.Psal.19.7.Notonelybindingthesoule;butalsothewholesoule,theseverallfunctionsofherfaculties,perfectly;as

fect.

1.Branch

ofthethird

Rule.

3.Rule:In

everyCom-

mandement

thereisa

Metaphor,

orSy-

necdoche.

theunderstandingtoknowthewillofGodperfectly;thejudgementtodiscerneperfectlybetwixtgoodandevill;thememorytoretain,andrememberallperfectly;thewilltochusethegood,andleavetheevillperfectly;theaffectionstolovetheone,andhatetheotherperfectly.Soincondemningevill,itcondemnethallevill:andincommandinggood,itcommandethallgood,chargingmantopractisethegood,andrefusetheevillperfectly;andthatnotonlyasitwascommandedAdambeforehisfall;butalsoaccordingtotheseveralltimes,before,in,andaftertheLaw.

Whatisthethird?

ThatineveryCommandementthereisaborrowedSpeech,wherebymoreiscommandedorforbiddenthanisnamed.

WhatspeciallRulesarecomprehendedunderthisthird?

Thesethreefollowing.

1.WhatsoevertheLawcommandeth,itforbiddeththecontrary;andwhatsoeveritforbiddeth,itcommandeththecontrary.Matth.5.21,23,24,25.SowhereanydutyisenjoynedasintheaffirmativeCom-mandements,therewemustunderstandthecontrarysinnetobeforbidden.Matth.4.10.1Cor.15.34.Andwhereanysinneisforbidden,asinthenegative,theremustweknowthecontrarydutyisrequired.Eph.4.28.

2.Branch.

3.Branch.

[Page]

2.WhatsoevertheLawcommandethorforbiddethinonekinde,itcommandethorforbiddethallofthesamekinde,andallthedegreesthereof:forunderthekinde,manifest,andplaine,areunderstoodallthingsoflikesort,andunderonemaineduty,orcrimeexpressedalldegreesofgoodorevillinthesamekindeareeithercommanded,orforbidden.Matth.5.21,22,&c.1Ioh.3.10.

Thirdly,whatsoevertheLawcommandethorforbiddeth,itcommandethorforbiddeththecausesthereof,andallmeaneswherebythatthingisdone,orbroughttopasse:Sothatwiththethingforbidden,orthedutyenjoyned,alloccasions,andprovocations,orfurtherancesthereto,areconsequentlycondemned,orrequired.1Thes.5.22.Heb.10.24,25.Matth.5.2730.

Besidesthetrueknowledge,whatisfurtherrequiredforaprofitablecourseintheLaw.

First,remembrance,withoutwhichourknowledgeisnothing,asthatwhichispowredintoarivenVessell.AndthereforeinthefourthCommandement,GodusingthiswordRemember,teachethushowdeeplynegligenceandforgetfulnesse,(althoughnotalike)inall,arecondemned.

Secondly,judgementtotakeheed,thatwedoenothingrashlyandsuddenly,butevertoexamineourwayes.

Thirdly,thewillandaffectionsmustbeformedtoan

Whythe

Com-

mandements-

are

propounded

inthese-

cond

person.

obedienceoftheCommandements:wheretoalsoitmayhelpetoconsider,thatGodpropoundeththetenCommandementsinthesecondpersonofthesingularnumber,saying,Thoushaltnot,&c.

WhyaretheCommandementsutteredinthissort;ratherthanbyyee,ornoman,oreveryman?&c.

First,becauseGodbeingwithoutpartiality,speakethtoallmenalike;aswelltherichaspoore,highaslow.

Secondly,becausenomanshouldputtheCommandementsofGodfromhimselfe,asthoughtheydidnotconcernehim:buteveryparticularmanshouldapplythemtohimselfe,aswellasifGodhadspokentohimbyname.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatGodwiselypreventethacommonabuseamongstmen,whichistoesteemethatspokentoallmen,tobe,asitwere,spokentonone:asyoushallhaveitcommonamongstmen,tosayandconfesse,thatGodisgood,andmercifull,andthathecommandeththis,andforbiddeththat;andyettheyusuallysobehavethemselves,asthattheyshiftthemattertothegenerall,asifitdidnothingbelongtotheminparticular;andasiftheynotwithstandingmightliveastheylist:andthereforeeverymanistojudgeandesteemethatGodspeakethintheLawtohiminparticular;andisaccordinglytobeaffectedtherewith.

Good

company

required.

Thatthisobediencemaybemorewillingandcheerefull;whatisfurthertobethoughtupon?

WemustsetbeforeoureyesGodsbenefitsbestoweduponus,astheLorddidbeforetheIsraelites,inthePrefacetothetenCommandements.

Whatbenefitsoughtwechiefelytocalltominde?

First,thosewhichGoddothgenerallybestowuponallhisChildren,asourElection,Creation,Redemption,Vocation,Iustification,Sanctification,continuallPreservation;andthenparticularly,suchblessingsasGodhathseverallybestowvduponeveryoneofus.

ArenotthejudgementsofGodalsotobethoughtuponforfurtherancetothisobedience?

Yesverily,tomakeusfearetooffendinourwayes.Exod.20.5.7.Psal.119.120.

Remaineththereyetanymore?

Goodcompany,whichwithDavidweemustcleaveunto.Psalme119.63.Prov.13.20.notthenoblest,orofgreatestaccount,butthegodliest:forifwewillavoydsuchasinne,wemustavoydallcompanythatdothdelighttherein;whichisnolessedangerous,thangoodcompanyisprofitable.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

[Page]Thatwhosoevermakethnochoyceofcompany,makethnoconscienceofsinne:asthosethatdarekeepecompanyfamiliarlywithPapists,andprophanepersons,thinkingthattheymaykeeptheirConsciencetothemselves.

Hithertoofthehelpesbothoftheknowledgeandpractice:InwhatpartoftheScriptureistheMorallLawofGodcontained?

ItishandledatlargethroughoutthewholeScripture;butissummarilyfirstcontrivedintotenwords,ortenCommandements,Exod.20.Deut.4.13.&10.4.andthenintotwo,Matth.22.37.40.Luke10.27.comprehendingthesummeofthewholeLaw,whicharenowtobespokenof.

WhyhathGodgiventenCommandements,andnomore?Deut.5.22.

First,thatnomanshouldeitheraddeanythingto,ortakeanythingfromtheLawesofGod.

Secondly,thatwemightbeleftwithoutexcuse,ifwelearnedthemnot;seingtheybebutten,andnomore.

HowarethesetenCommandementspropounded?

Sometimeaffirmatively,asthefourthandfift:Othersnegatively,asalltherest.Somewithreasonsannexed,asthefivefirst:Somewithout,asthefivelast:andalloftheminthetimetocome,andinthesecondperson

Whythe

Com-

mandements-

are

propounded

negatively.

singular.

Whytheyarelayddowneinthesecondpersonsingular,youhaveshewedbefore,andwhysomehavereasonsaddeduntothem,youshallhearealittleafter:DeclarenowwhyGodhathpropoundedalltheCommandementsinthetimetocome,saying,Thoushaltnot&c.

BecauseitisnotenoughforusthatweehavekepttheCommandementsofGodheretofore,exceptwecontinueinkeepingofthemtotheendofourlives.

WhyaretheremoreoftheCommandementsnegative,tellinguswhatweshouldnotdoe,thenaffirmative,tellinguswhatweshoulddoe,allofthemexcepttwo,beingsetdownenegatively?

1Toputusinmindeofourcorruption,whichneedethgreatlytoberestrained,whereasifAdamhadcontinuedinintegrity,sinnehadnotbeeneknowne,andthenvertueonelyhadbeenepropoundedtoustofollow.

2Becauseoursoulesbeingfullofsin,musthavethempluckedforth,beforewecandoanythingthatisgood.

3Becausethenegativebindethmorestrongly;forthenegativepreceptbindethalwaies,andtoallmomentsoftime,theaffirmativebindethalwayes,butnottoallmomentsoftime.

[Page]

Thedivision

ofthe

Decalogue.

Thesumof

thefirst

Table.

Thesumme

ofthe

second

Table.

HowaretheTenCommandementsdivided?

IntotwoTables,Deutero.4.13.10.1,4.whichChristcalleththetwogreatCommandements,Mat.22.

Whatdoththefirstcontaine?

OurdutytoGodinthefourefirstCommandements.

Whatdoththesecond?

Ourdutytomaninthesixlast.

Whatisthesummeofthefirst?

ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthySoule,andwithallthystrength,andwithallthyminde,Deutero.65.Mat.22.37,38.Luke10.27.

Whatisthesummeofthesecond?

ThoushaltlovethyNeighbourasthyselfe,Luke19.19.Matth.22.39Luke10.27.

Whatisthesummeofthissumme?

Love,whichconsistethintwoheads(aswehaveheard)towittheloveofGod,andofourneighbour,Luk.10.27.1Iohn5.2.1Tim.1.4,5.

Whatuseisthereofthisshortsumme?

Verygreat;bothtoshewthemarvellouswisdomeofGod,andalsoforsingularprofitthatredoundethtousthereof.

WhereinappeareththewisdomeofGod?

ThatsithitwasgreatcunningtocontrivethewholewillofGodintoTenwords,itmustneedesbeemorewonderfulltobringallintotwo.

Whatistheprofitthatredoundethuntous?

ItfurtherethusuntothattwofolduseoftheLawbeforespokenof:for,first,itisameansthemoretohumbleus,andsothemoreeffectuallytodriveusuntoChrist;secondly,ithelpethusmuchinourobediencetoChristandhisCommandements.

Whatprofitarisethofthefirstuseconcerninghumiliation?

Thatmenbeingbroughttoaneerersightoftheirsins,mightbeethemoreearnesttocomeuntoChrist.

Howshallthatbee?

Thatwhenalloursinnesaregatheredintooneheape,andmusteredintooneTroope,theymayappearethegreater,andcastusdownethemore:asamanowingsundrydebtsuntodives,oruntooneman,intheparticularsisconfidentofhisabilitytopayall,aslongasheheareththeyarebutsmallsummes,buthearingthewholesumme,despairethofthepaymentofit:orwhenastherebeemanySouldierscommingagainsttheirenemy,butyethereandthere

[Page]

scattered,theydoenotaffectuswithsogreatfeare,aswhentheybeegatheredandrangedinorder,andareallunderonesightorview.

HowisthisshewedinourlovetowardsGod?

Inthatitshouldbedoneinsimpleobedienceofthewholeman,thatis,ofallthepowersbothofbodyandsoule,whichisimpossibleforanymantodoe.

Whataretheyofthesoule?

Two,oftheMinde,andoftheWill.

WhataretheyoftheMinde?

TheVnderstandingandIudgement,untobothwhichMemoryisannexed.

Howarethesecharged?

OurunderstandingshouldperfectlycomprehendallthingthatGodwouldhaveustoknow;inIudgementweshouldthinkearightofthem,andtheMemoryaccordinglyshouldretainethem;butweeareignorantofmanythings,andthosewhichweknow,weeknowbutinpart,andthatwhichweeknow,weejudgenotarightof,norrememberasweeought.

HowstandtheWillandAffectionscharged?

Herebymustweloveperfectlyallknownegood,andperfectlyhateallknowneevill,ofwhichweecomeagreat

dealeshorter,thenoftheother.

Whataretheyofthebody?

AlltheMembers,partsandgracesofthebody(asbeauty,strength,&c)shouldbeewhollyimployedintheServiceofGod,anddoingofHisWill;butthewanderingofoureyesinthehearingoftheWord,andotherpartsofGodsService,dotheasilybewrayourgreatnegligence,andthesmallobedienceandconformityoftherestoftheMembersandpartsofthebody.

ShewthesameinourlovetowardsourNeighbour.

Inthatwemustlovehimasourselfe,whichasitissomuchthelessethentheformer,asmanisinferiortoGod;sowebeingnotabletoaccomplishit,aremuchlesseabletofulfilltheother.

Howshallthatbeetryed?

Byexaminationofourselvesinsomeparticulars:asforexample;whetherweloveastranger,orourutterandmostdeadlyenemy,asourselves,whichnomaneverdid,nayacommonMan,ortobeeplainer,evenourdearestfriend,aswedoeourselves,whichcannotbeefound,Deut.28.53,56.&c.andthereforetherighteousnesseofthePapistsisarottenrighteousnesse,andsuchaswillneverstandwiththerighteousnesseofGod.

Whatprofitarisethoftheseconduse?

Thatbyit,asbyaglasse,weemaytheeasiersee,andbeingshortlycontrived,wemaythebetterrememberourwholedutybothtoGodandman;itbeingasaCardorMappeofaCountreyeasiercarriedaboutwithus.

SeeingthenthatthewholesummeandmaineendoftheLawisLove,whatgatheryouthereof?

ThatwhichtheApostleexhortethunto,(viz.)Toleaveallidlequestionsasunprofitable,andtodealeinthosemattersonelywhichfurtherthepractiseoflove.1Tim.1.4,5.

WhyistheloveofGodcalledthefirstandgreatestCommandement?Matth.22.38.

Becauseweshouldchiefely,andinthefirstplace,regardourdutiestoGod,andbemostcarefulltounderstandhiswill,andtoworshiphim.1John4.20.InwhichrespectthefirstTableisputbeforethesecond,asbeingtheprincipall.

HowmayitappearethatourdutiestoGodaretobepreferredbeforetheothertowardsourNeighbour?

First,bytheinequalityofthepersonsoffended;becauseitisworsetooffendGodthanman.Acts4.19.

Secondly,bythepunishmentassignedintheScriptures:ForthebreachesofthefirstTablearetobemoreseverelypunishedthanthebreachesofthesecond:AshethatrevileththeMagistrateshallbearehissinne;butheethatblasphemethGodshallbeestonedtodeath.1Sam.2.25.

[Page]

Num.24.11.14.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThecraftypracticesofPapists,whowouldmakemenbeleeve,thatthechiefestgodlinesse,andmostmeritoriousgoodworkesofallrequiredintheLawofGod,aretheworkesofthesecondTable;asCharity,Almes-deeds,&c.therebydeceivingthepeopletoenrichthemselves.

AreallthedutiesofthefirstTablegreaterthanallthedutiesofthesecond?

No,unlessethecomparisonbeequallymade:forthemoralldutiesofthesecondTablebeingperpetuall,aregreaterthantheCeremonialldutiesofthefirstbeingtemporall:whereuntoagreeth,ThatGodwillratherhavemercythansacrifice.Hos.6.6.Matth.9.13.

Whendoeyoucountthecomparisonequall?

Whentheyarecomparedinlikedegrees,asthechiefeCommandementofthefirstTable,withthechiefeofthesecond,themiddledutiesoftheone,withthemiddledutiesoftheother;andthelastandleastoftheformer,withthelastandleastofthelatter:Thusifwecomparethegreatestwiththegreatest,andthemeanestwiththemeanest,thedutiesandbreachesofthefirstTablearegreaterthanthedutiesandbreachesofthesecond.Butthoughtheprincipallserviceoftheonebegreaterthantheprincipallserviceoftheother;ifthecomparisonbenot

madeinthesamedegrees:asif(forexample)themurtherofamanbecomparedwiththeleastabuseofthenameofGod;orAdultery,withtheleastbreachoftheSabbath;theseofthesecondTablearegreater.

WhyisthesecondTablesaidtobelikeuntothefirst?Matth.22.39.

Forthattheygoesohandinhandtogether,thatnomancanperformetheone,unlessetheother,asSt.Johnteacheth.SoEphes.1.2.chap.fourthandfift.ForwhosoeverkeepeththefirstTablewell,cannotbutkeepthesecond:andwhosoeverkeepeththesecond,mustneedskeepthefirst.

Whatistobesaidofthose,thatseemetokeeptheone,andcarenotfortheother?

IftheywillseemetoserveGod,andarenotinCharity,theyaremeerehypocrites;andiftheywillseemetodealeuprightlywiththeirneighbour,andhavenottheloveofGodinthem,theyareprophaneHypocrites,andveryAtheists.

WhereinelsedoetheTablesagree?

First,inthattheyarebothperpetuall.

Secondly,inthattheyarebothperfect.

WhereindoetheCommandementsofthefirstTableagree?

Inthisprincipally,thattheyconcernetheworshipofGod,

Thedivision

ofthefirst

Table.

[Page]

andcontaineourwholedutiestowardshim.

Howaretheydivided?

Theyeitherrespecttherootofthisworship,asthefirst;orthebranchesthereof,asthethreefollowing:ForthefountaineworshipofGodisprescribedinthefirstCommandement;themeanesofthisserviceintheotherthree.

WhydidGodenjoynehisworshipinfoureCommandements?

Thatwemightthebetterknowandretainetheminmind,orotherwisemightbeleftthemorewithoutexcuse.

WhatiscommontothesefoureCommandementsofthefirstTable?

Thateveryonehathhisseverallreasonannexed,yetwiththisdifference,thatthefirsthathhisreasongoingbeforetheCommandement,andtheotherthreehaveitfollowing.

HavenottheCommandementsofthesecondTabletheirreasonsalso?

YesverilyintheScriptures;butforbrevitytheyareomittedintheDecalogue.

WhyarethereasonsoftheCommandementsofthefirstTablerathersetdownthenofthesecond?

First,thatwemightknow,thatthereisnolesselightleftin

ThePreface

oftheCom-

mandements.-

usoftheworshipofGod,thenofthedutiesweeowetoourneighbours.

Secondly,toteachus,thatasallobedienceshouldbeegroundeduponReasonandKnowledge,soespeciallythatwhichconcernethGodsworship.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

Thatthosearegreatlydeceivedwhothinkeitsufficient,iftheyhavetheCommandementsbyheart,orcansaythembyroat.

WhyisthereasonofthefirstCommandementsetbefore,whichinalltheothercommethafter?

BecauseitservethnotonelyforareasonofthisCommandement,butalsoforaPrefacetoalltheten;forithathareferencetothemall,andisareasontourgetheobservancetoeveryoneofthem.

Inwhatwordsisitexpressed?

InthesewordsofGod,Exod.20.2.IamtheLordthyGodwhichbroughttheeoutoftheLandofEgypt,andoutofthehouseofBondage.

HowproveyouthistobeaReason,andnotaCommandement,assomedoethinke?

First,becauseitiscommonlyusedforareasonofotherCommandements.Exod.20.5.7.Lev.19.36.37.

[Page]

Secondly,becauseithathnottheformeofaCommandement.

Thirdly,siththeotherthreeCommandementshavetheirreasonsadded,itisunlikely▪thatthefirstandchiefestshouldhavenone.

HowisthisPrefacesetasareasontoenforcetheobservationbothofthefirstCommandement,andofalltherest?

Thus:IfIbeetheLord,theGodwhichbroughttheeoutofthelandofEgypt,thoumusttakemefortheLordthyGodalone,andkeepallmyCommandements.ButIamtheLordthyGodwhichbroughttheeoutofthelandofEgypt:thereforethoumusttakemeeforthyGodalone,andkeepallmyCommandements.

WhatgroundofobedienceistherelaidinthisReason?

ThatthisLawistobeobeyed,becauseitproceedethfromhim;whoisnotonelytheLordourMaker,Psal.100.3.butalsoourGodandSaviour,1Tim.4.10.Psal.36.6.

Whenceisthelatter?

FromtheCovenantofgrace,wherebyheisourGod,andSaviourofthemthatbelieve,1Tim.4.10.assuringthemofallgraciousdeliverancesbyvertueofhisCovenant,fromallevillsandenemies,bothbodily,andespeciallyspirituall:aproofewhereofislaiddowneinthatfamousdeliveranceofthepeopleofIsraeloutoftheslaveryofEgypt,

Howthe

reasonof

thefirst

Commande

ment

belongsto

us.

whichwassoexceedinggreat,thatbyreasonthereoftheyweresaidtobeinanIronFurnace;Deut.4.20.

HowcanthisbelongtouswhicharenoIsraelites?

ThoughwebenotIsraelinname,oraccordingtotheflesh,yetweearethetrueIsraelofGodaccordingtothespiritandpromise.

WhydoththeLordmakechoyseofthatbenefitwhichseemethnothingatalltobelonguntous,ratherthenofanyother,whereinwecommunicatewiththem?

1.BecauseitisthemannerofGodtoalluretheIsraelites,towhomtheLawwasgivenatfirst,aschildrenwithtemporallbenefits,havingrespecttotheirinfirmityandchildhood:whereasweeareblessedofGodwithgreaterknowledge,andthereforeinrespectofthemare(asitwere)atmansestate,Deut.28.13.

2.BecauseitwasfittesttoexpressethespiritualldeliverancefromSatanbyChrist,whichwastherebyfiguredandrepresented;andsoitbe-longethnolesse,ifnotmore,tousthantothem.

3.Becausewebeingfreedfromtheslaveryofourbloodyenemies,whereuntoweweresoneere,morethanonce,anduntowhomwejustlyhavedeservedtohavebeeneenthralled,anditbeingthecommoncaseofallGodsChildrentobeeincontinualldangerofthelike,andtofeelethelikegoodnesseofGodtowardsthem;wemayalso

makeuseofthisTitle,andesteemeitagreatBondalsoofusuntoGod.

4.Becauseitwasthelatestbenefit,thesweetnessewhereofwasyet(asitwere)intheirmouth:andhereintheLordhadrespectuntoourcorruptnature,whoarereadytoforgetoldbenefits,howgreatsoever.

WhatisthereisthisreasontosetforththetrueGodwhomweworship,andtodistinguishhimfromallIdollswhatsoever?

1.ThenameJehovah,whichbetokeneththatheeonelyisofhimselfe,andallotherthingshavetheirbeingofhim:wherebyweearetaught,thatthereisbutonetrueGod,whosebeingthereisnocreatureabletoconceive,andthatheegivethbeingtoallotherthings,bothbycreatingthematfirst,andbypreservinganddirectingofthemcontinually.

2.ThenameElohim,orGod;whichintheHebrewisoftheplurallnumber,tosignifietheTrinityofthePersonsintheVnityoftheGodhead.

3.ThatheisbothOmnipotent,andisabletodoallthings,andalsowillingtoimployhispowertothepreservationofhispeople,provedfromanargumentoftheeffects,inthedeliveranceoftheIsraelitesoutofEgypt.

SomuchofthePreface.WhatarethewordsofthefirstCommandement?

[Page]

Thefirst

Com-

mandement▪-

Thescope

and

meaningof

this

Comman-

dement.

Whatisfor-

biddenand

requiredin

thisfirst

Comman-

ThoushalthauenootherGodsbeforeMe.Or,ThoushaltnothaueanystrangeGodbeforeMyFace.Exo.20.3.

WhatisthescopeandmeaningofthisCommandement?

1.ThatthisJehovah,oneinsubstance,andthreeinpersons,theCreator,andGovernourofallthings,andtheRedeemerofhispeople,istobeentertainedfortheonelytrueGod,inallthepowersofoursoule,Matth.22.33.

2.Thattheinwardandspiritualworshipoftheheart,Prov.23.26.whereinGodespeciallydelighteth,Deut.5.29.andwhichisthegroundoftheoutward,Prov.4.23.Matth.12.35.istobegiventohim,andtononeother,andthatsincerelywithouthypocrisieasinhissight,whosearchethandknoweththeheart,Jer.17.10.Forthisword,Beforeme,or,Beforemyface,noteththatinwardentertainment&worshipwherofGodalonedothtakenotice:andtherebyGodsheweththathecondemnethaswellthecorruptthoughtsofmansheart,concerninghisMajesty,asthewickedpracticeofthebody;forourThoughtsarebeforehisface.

WhatisforbiddeninthisCommandement?

Originallcorruption,sofarreforthasitisthefountaineofimpietyagainstGod,Rom.8.7.withallthestreamesthereof.

dement.

The

severall

branchesof

thefirst

WhatisrequiredinthisCommandement?

Thatwesetup,imbraceandsanctifietheLordGodinourhearts,Isa.8.13.yeildingtohiminChrist,thatinwardandspirituallworshipwhichisdueuntohisMajesty.

Whereindoththisconsist?

1.InknowingofGodinhimselfe,inhisproperties,andinhisworkes;foritshouldbethejoyofeveryChristiansoule,toknowthetrueGod,andwhomhehathsent,ChristIesus.Io.17.3.

2.Incleavinguntohim.Deut.11.22.Josh.23.8.Acts11.23.

Howisthattobedone?

1.WemustbeperswadedofGodslovetous,andsorestuponhimforallwewant;beingassured,thathebothcanandwillabundantlyprovideforushereandforever.

2.Wearetolovehimsoheartilyastobeloathtooffendhim,anddelighttopleasehiminallthings.

SomuchoftheCommandementingenerall:Whatarewetoconsiderofitinparticular?

First,theseverallbranchesofit.

Secondly,thehelpes,andhinderancesoftheobediencethereof.

[Page]

Comman-

dement.

Whatitis

tohavea

God.

WhatbetheseverallbranchesofthisPrecept?

Thereisherecommanded:

1.ThehavingofaGod;andhereinReligion.

2.ThehavingofoneonelyGodandnomore;andhereinunity.

3.ThehavingofthetrueGod,andnoneotherforourGod;andhereintruth.

TowhatenddothGodcommandustohaveaGod;seeingweecannotchusebuthavehimforourGod,whetherwewillornot?

BecausealbeitallmenofnecessitymusthaveaGodabovethem,yetmanyeitherknowhimnot,orcarenotforhim;andsomakehimnoGod,asmuchasinthemlyeth.

WhatisitthentohaveaGod?

ToknowandworshipsuchaninfiniteNatureashathhisbeinginhimselfe,andgivethbeingtoallotherthings,whollytodependuponhim,andtoyieldabsoluteobediencetohiswill.

WhatisittohavenoGod?

InhearttodenyeitherGodhimselfe,oranyofhisproperties,orsotoliveasiftherewerenoGodatall.

Whatthingsaretobeconsideredinthisfirstbranchofthis

Ofthe

knowledge

ofGod.

Commandement?

Suchasdoeconcernethefacultiesofthesoule,andtheseverallpowersoftheinwardman;namely,theVnderstanding,Memory,Will,Affections,andConscience.

WhatistheVnderstandingchargedwith,inbeingcommandedtohaveaGod?

1.ToknowGodasheehathrevealedhimselfeinhisWord,andinhisWorks.1Chron.28.9.John17.3.

2.Toacknowledgehimtobesuchanone,asweknowhimtobe.

3.Tohavefaithbothinbelievingthethingsthatarewrittenofhim,andapplyingtoourselveshisgoodpromises.

WhatarewetoconsiderintheknowledgeofGod?

First,theknowledgeofGodhimselfe.Secondly,ofthethingsbelonginguntohim.

WhereinisGodhimselfetobeconsidered?

IntheVnityofhisEssence;andTrinityofhisPersons.

WhatarethethingsbelonginguntoGod?

Hispropertiesandhisactions,wherebyonelywecanknowhim,hissubstancebeingpastfindingoutofmanorAngel.

Ignorance

ofGod.

Opposites

tothe

knowledge

ofGod.

Whatarehisproperties?

HisWisedome,Omnipotence,Iustice,Goodnesse,&c.whichareinhimallessentiall.

Whatarehisactions?

Hisdetermining,andexecutingofallthings.

WhatarethethingsforbiddeninthisCommandement,asrepugnanttothisknowledgeofGod?

Theyeitherfaileindefect,orinexcesse.

Whatarethosethatfaileindefect?

1.IgnoranceofGod,andofhiswill,whichbeingabreachofGodsCommandement,doththereforedeservedamnation,2Thes.1.8.Hos.4.16.

2.Vncapablenesseofknowledge.

3.Atheisme,whichisadenyallofGod.

Howmanysortsofignorancebethere?

Three:

1.Simpleignorance,suchaschildrenandfooleshave.2.Wretchlesseignorance,whenamanmaylearne,andwillnot.3.Wilfullignorance,whenamanwouldfainebe

[Page]

ignorantofthatheknowes.

Whatisthatwhichfailethinexcesse.

CurioussearchingintothesecretsofGod,Deut.29.29.

Whatviceiscontrarytothatfaithwhichisherecommanded?

Infidelityanddoubtfulnesse,Psal.116.11.

HithertooftheVnderstanding:whatisrequiredintheMemory?

TheremembranceofGodandgoodthings,especiallyofthosewhichmostconcerneus,andchieflyatthatinstant,whenweshouldmakeuseofthem.

Whatisthecontraryvice?

Forgetfulnesse.

WhatisrequiredintheWill?

ThatweserveGodwithaperfectheart,andwithawillingminde.1Chron.28.9.

Whatisthecontrarytothis?

Vnwillingnessetogoodthings,principallythebest.

Whataffectionsbetherehereordered?

1.Affiance.2.LoveandHatred.3.Feare.4.Ioyand

Patience.

Affiancein

God.

Sorrow.

Whatarewecommandedinregardofthefirstofthese.

ToputourwholetrustandconfidenceinGod,andcontinuallytodependuponhim,Psalme22.4,5,8,9.73.25.Eph.4.14.

Whatvicesarecoudemnedrepugnanttothis?

1.Indefect,wantofdependanceuponGod,anddistrustofhispower,mercy,promises,andprovidences.

2.Inexcesse,presumingofGodsmercies,thoughweliveasweelist.Andtemptinghimwhenwesodependuponhim,thatweneglecttheuseofthemeanes,whichhehathappointed,Matth.4.6,7.

WhatvertuesdoeariseofthisaffianceandtrustinGod?

PatienceandHope.

WhatisPatience?

ThatvertuewherebywewillinglysubmitourselvestothepleasureofGodinallthings,andwithalacritygoethroughthosetroubleswhichhesendethuponuslikeobedientchildren,meeklyenduringthecorrectionofourheavenlyFather,1Sam.30.6.Heb.12.7,8,9.&c.

WhatvicesarecondemnedasrepugnanttoPatience?

Hope.

[Page]

Loveof

God.

1.Indefect;murmuringandimpatiencyingrudgingtobearewhatsoevercrossetheLordshalllayuponus.

2.Inexcesse;stupidityinnotbeingtouched,norprofitingbythehandofGodbeinglayduponus.

WhatisHope?

ThatvertuewherebyweexpectallgoodthingsfromGod,andpatientlyattendforallthingsthatweneedathishands;notonelywhenweehavethemeanes,butalsowhenwewantallapparentmeanes,(astheIsraelitesdidintheDesert.Yea,whenthemeanesseemecontrary,asthethreecompanionsofDaniel,andDanielhimselfedid,Dan.3.17,18.andJobprofesthewoulddo;IwilltrustinGod,thoughhekillme,Job13.15.Psal.22.4,5.&57.7.&37.7.

Whatiscontrarytothis?

DespaireofGodsmercies.Gen.4.13.

WhatisrequiredintheaffectionsofLoveandHatred?

First,thatweloveGodaboveall,andallthingsthatarepleasinguntohim.

Secondly,thatwehateungodlinesse,andeverythingthatGodhateth.

UponwhatisourloveofGodgrounded?

Thatweknowandbelievethatheisgood,yeathechiefest

good,andthatwelovehimaboveallthings,Deut.6.5.whichissoexcellentavertuethatitisaccountedtheendoftheLaw.

VVhatcontraryvicesareherecondemned?

ColdnesseofaffectiontowardsGod,andlittleloveofgoodnesse,ofGodsServantsandService.

2Wantofhatredagainstourowneandotherssinnes.

3HatredofGodandgodlinesse,Psal.10.3,4.Rom.1.30.

ItispossiblethatanymanshouldbeahaterofGod?

Noneindeedwillconfessethis;yetbythismarkehemaybeknown,whenheisadespiseroftheWorshipandServiceofGod.

AndhowmayonethatlovethGodbediscerned?

Whenachildedothlovehisfather,hisonlydesirewillbetodosuchthingsaspleasehisfather,andtoabstainefromthosethingswhichmightdispleasehim,yea,hischiefestfelicitywillbe,tobeealwayesinhisfavour,andinhispresence;andinhisabsenceheewillbealwaiesthinkingandspeakingofhim.SuchthenasbeetheChildrenofGod,bygrace,aslongastheyareabsentfromtheirfatherwilltalke,andmuse,andmeditateuponhim,inallthingstheydoe,theywilldesiretobewellthoughtofbyhim,theywillbeealwayescarefulltopleasehim,andbytheirhonestcallingstoglorifiehim.

Thankfulnesse.

WhatdutiesthendoearisefromtheloveofGod?

1TolovehisWordandCommandements,Iohn14.15.andver.21.23.Psal.119.97.

2ToyeildabsoluteobediencetohiswholeWill.

3Tobestowallourcare,painesanddiligenceinpleasinghim,andsotoconsecrateourselvestohim,neverbeingwearyofhisService.

Whatvicesarerepugnanttothis?

1Indefect,Profanenesse,whenaManiswithoutallcareandconscienceofglorifyingGod.

2Inexcesse,Superstition,whenamanwouldgivemoreWorshipuntoGodthenherequireth.

WhatotherdutiesappertainetotheloveofGod?

1Toesteemeofhisfavouraboveallthings.

2Togivehimthepraiseofallhisbenefits,bestoweduponourselvesandothers,andtobeethankefulluntohimforthesame,1Thes.5.18.

Whatiscontrarytothis?

Ingratitude,andunthankefulnesseuntoGod,forallhisbenefits,Romans1.21.

UponwhatisourfeareofGodgrounded?

Feareof

God.

[Page]

Reverence.

Becauseweeknowandbelievethatheismostpowerfull,andjustaboveall,weestandinsuchagodlyfeare,asnottodoeanything,butthatwhichmakethforhisglory,(Mat.10.28.1Pet.1.17.&3.2.Heb.12.28.Psal.103.13.Isa.66.2.)Forthisisnotaservilefeare,(wherebyoneisafraidtobedamned)butanawfullfeare,wherebyweareafraidtoof-fendourMaker.

Whatthenisrequiredinthisfeare?

Thatwedoenotthegoodweedoeonelyorprincipallyforfeareofdangerfrommen,butforfeareofGod.

Whatisthevicecontrarytothis?

ThewantofthefeareofGod,andcontemptofhisMajesty.

WhatsinisjoynedwiththewantofthefeareofGod?

Carnallsecurity,wherebyamandothflatterhimselfeinhisowneestate,beitneversobad.

WhatvertuesarisefromthefeareofGod?

ReverenceandHumility.

Whatistheformer?

TheReverenceoftheMajestyofGod,inregardwhereofweshouldcarrysuchanholyshamefastnesseinallouractions,thatnounseemelybehaviourproceedfromus,thatmayany

Humility.

wayesbeoffensiveuntohim;Heb.12.28.OfwhichifMenbesocarefullinthepresenceofPrinces,whoarebutmortallMen;howmuchmorecarefulloughtweetobeethereofinthepresenceoftheAlmighty,andmostgloriousGod?

HowwasthisprefiguredintheCeremoniallLaw?

ThatwhenMenwouldeasethemselves(accordingtothecourseofnature)theyshouldgoewithouttheHoast,andcarryapaddlewiththemtocovertheirfilth;because,saiththeLord,Iaminthemidestofyou;wherebythefilthinesseandimpurityofthemindewasforbiddenmorethenofthebody,andtheequityhereofreachethalsountous,Deut.23.12,13,14.

WhatiscontrarytothisReverenceoftheMajestyofGod?

IrreverenceandProphanenesseofMentoGod-ward.

WhatisHumility?

ThatvertuewherebyweaccountourselvesvileandunworthyoftheleastofGodsmercies,andcastingourselvesdownebeforehisMajestydoeacknowledgeourowneemptinesseofgood,andinsufficiencyinourselves;forsoallourbehaviourshouldbeseasonedwithhumility.

Whatsinnesarerepugnanttothisvertue?

1Counterfeithumility,whenamanwouldseememore

Pride.

Sorrow.

Ioy.[Page]

lowlythenheis.

2.Pride,vaineglory,andpresumption,wherebyweboastandgloryofourselves,andourownestrengthandgoodnesse.

Whoaretobeaccountedproud?

1Theythatwouldbeethoughttohavethosegoodthingsinthemwhichtheywant.

2Theythathavingalittlegoodnesinthem,wouldhaveitseemgreaterthenitis.

3Theythathavinganygoodnsseinthem,doethinkethatitcommethfromthemselves.

4.TheythatthinketheycanmeritfromGOD,anddeservehisfavour.

VVhatisthegodlysorrowwhichisrequiredinthisCommandement?

Spirituallgriefeandindignationagainstourowneandotherstransgressions,andalsolamentingforthecalamitiesofGodspeople,privateandpublique,thewantofbothwhichisherecondemned.

VVhatspiritualljoyistherehereinjoyned?

IoyinginGod,rejoycinginallourafflictions,withconsiderationofthejoyprepared

VnityinRe-

ligion.

forusbeforethebeginningoftheworld,Luke1.47.Rom.5.3.James1.2.thedefectofwhichspiritualljoyisherecondemned.

SomuchoftheAffections;whatisrequiredofusinrespectofourConscience?

ThatweliveinallgoodconsciencebeforeGod,Acts23.1.Heb.13.8.

Whatsinsareherecondemned?

1.Hardnesseofheart,andbenummednesseofconscience.

2.Hellishterrosandaccusations,proceedingfromdoingthingseitherwithoutoragainsttheruleoftheWord.

SomuchofthefirstbranchofthisCommandement,whatisrequiredinthesecondbranchthereof?

VnityinReligion,becausewearecommandedtohavebutoneGodandnomore.

Whatthingsarerequiredofusthatwemaycometothisunity?

Foureprincipally.

1.Anuprightandsingleheart,readytoembracethetrueReligionandnoother.

2.Constancyandcontinuanceinthetruth.

Whatitis

tohave

otherGods.

3.Agodlycouragetostandtothetruth,andwithstandtheenemy.

4.AnholyzealeofthegloryofGod.

Whatcontraryvicesareforbidden?

1.IndifferencyinReligion,whenamanisasreadytoembraceoneReligionasanother.

2.InconstancyandwaveringinReligion.

3.ObstinateandwilfullcontinuanceinanyReligionwithoutanygoodground.

4.Rashandblindezeale,whenamanwithoutknowledgeorjudgmentwillearnestlymaintaineeitherfalshoodortruthbywickedmeanes.

TowhatenddothGodwillustohavenootherGodbuthimselfe,seeingnomancanhaveanyotherGod,thoughheneversomuchdesireit?

BecausehowsoevertherebebutoneGod,yetmanydoedeviseuntothemselvesdiversthingswhichtheyplaceinGodsstead,andtowhichtheygivethathonourwhichispropertoGod,1Cor.8.4,5.10.20.

WhatsinthendothGodcondemnebyforbiddingustohavemanygods?

Allinwardidolatry,wherebymensetupanIdollintheirheartinsteadofGod,Ezek.14.3.

[Page]

Sinfull▪

Confidence.

ascribingthereuntothatwhichispropertohim,andgivingitanypartofspiritualladoration.

ShewhowthisisdoneintheUnderstanding.

WhenmendoethinkethatotherthingshavethatwhichisproperuntoGod:asPapistswhentheybeleeve;ThattheSacramentistheirmaker;ThattheSaintsknowtheirhearts;ThatthePopecanforgivesins,whichnonecandoebutGod.

HowdoththeMemoryfaileherein?

Inrememberingofevillthings,especiallyofthosewhichmostcorruptus,andchieflythen,whenweshouldbemostfreefromthethoughtsofthem.

WhatisthefaultoftheWill?

Readinesseunto,andwilfulnesseinevill,especiallytheworst.

ShewthelikeintheAffections,firstinsinfullconfidence.

ThereisherecondemnedtrustintheCreaturesmoretheninGod,andallfleshlyconfidenceinourselves,orinourfriends,honour,credit,wit,learning,wisdome,wealth,&c.thinkingourselvesthebetterormoresafesimplyforthem,Prov.18.11.Psa.62.10.Jer.17.5.2Chron.16.12.whencearisethpride,Acts12.23.andsecurity.

VVhatisourdutyconcerningthesethings?

Inordinate

Love.

Sinfull

Feare.

1.ToesteemofthemonlyasgoodmeansgivenusofGod,wherebytoglorifiehimthebetter.

2.TotrustinGodlessewhenwehavethem,thenwhenwewantthem,Job13.15.

VVhatisfurtherherecondemned?

1.Toascribethegloryofanygoodthing,eithertoourselves,oranyotherthentheLord.

2.ToseekeforhelpoftheDevillbyWitchesorWisemen.

VVhereinstandethinordinatelove?

Inlovingofevill,orinlovingofourselves,oranyotherthingmorethenGod,ofwhosefavourweoughtmoretoesteem,thenofalltheworldbesides.Heretherforeiscondemnedallcarnalllove,ofourselves,ourfriends,ourpleasure,profit,credit,oranyworldlythingelse,forwhosesakeweleavethosedutiesundonewhichGodrequirethofus,2Tim.3.4.1John2.15.1Sam.2.29.whereasthetrueloveofGodwillmoveuswithMosesandPaul,towishourselvesaccursed,ratherthenthatthegloryofGodshouldanythingatallbestainedbyus,Exod.32.32.Rom.9.3.

VVhatfeareisherecondemned?

Allcarnallfeares,andespeciallythefearingofanythingmorethenGod,Isa.7.2.8.12,13.51.12,13.Mat.10.28.

SinfullIoy

and

Sorrow.

Thethird

branchof

thefirst

Comman-

dement,

True

Religion.

Howwe

mustcome

HowmayamanknowthatheismoreafraidofGodthenofanyotherthing?

IfhebemoreafraidtodispleaseGodthenanyother,andthisfeareofGodbestrongertomoveustogoodthenthefeareofmentomoveustoevill.

VVhatdisorderinjoyandsorrowisherecondemned?

1.Immoderatecarnallmirth.

2.Abundanceofworldlysorrowes,shameanddiscontentments.

VVhatisrequiredinthethirdandlastbranchofthisCommandement?

TrueReligion,becausewearecommandedtohavethetrueGod,andnoneotherforourGod.

Whatiscontrarytothis?

ThehavingofafalseGod,andafalseReligion.

Howmanythingsarerequiredofus,thatwemaycometotrueReligion?

Three.

1.Wemustlabourearnestlytofindoutthetruth.

2.WemustexaminebytheWord,whetheritbethetruthwhichwehavefound.

[Page]

Helps

inablingus

toobeythis

Commande

ment.

tothetrue

Religion.3.Whenbytryallwehavefoundthetruthwemustrestinit.

Whatishereforbidden?

1.Allerrorsandheresies,especiallyconcerningGodandhisproperties,andthethreePersonsintheTrinity;wherewemusttakeheed,weimaginenolikenesseofGod,forasmuchasweesetupanIdollinourhearts,ifwelikenhimtoanythingwhatsoever,subjecttothesenseorimaginationofman;forthebetteravoydancewhereofwemustsettleourmindesuponChrist,inwhomonelyGodiscomprehensible.

2.TobelieveanyDoctrineconcerningGodwithoutanytryall.

3.NottobelievethatwhichhehathrevealedconcerninghimselfeinhisWord.

WehavespokenhithertooftheseverallbranchesofthefirstCommandement.Whatarethehelpesoftheobediencethereof?

TheonelymeanestosettleandupholdusinthisspirituallworshipofGod,istoendeavourtoattaineandincreaseintheknowledgeofhiminIesusChrist,2Pet.3.18.toconsiderwhatgreatthingshehathdoneforus,Psalme116.12.1Jo.3.1.Yea,inallourwayestotakeknowledgeofhispresence,promises,andprovidence,Prov.3.6.

Meansof

the

knowledge

ofGod.

Hindrances.

WhatarethemeaneswherebywemayattainetotheknowledgeofGod?

Principallytwelve.

1.Prayer.

2.Asimpleheartdesirousofknowledge.

3.HearingoftheWord.

4.ReadingoftheWordandholyWritings.

5.MeditationintheWord.

6.Conference.

7.Diligenceinlearning.

8.Remembranceofthatwelearne.

9.Practiceofthatwelearne.

10.Delightinlearning.

11.Attentivemarkingofthatwhichistaught.

12.MeditationontheCreaturesofGod.

WhatarethehindrancesoftheobedienceofthisCommandement?

TheneglectoftheknowledgeofGod.Hos.4.1.&8.12.andnotconsideringhiswordsandworkes,Esa.5.

Meansof

ignorance

here

forbidden.

Whatis

enjoynedin

the3.

following

Commande

ments.

12.&26.10.11.arethegroundofallimpiety,andspirituallIdolatryhereforbidden,Esa.1.3.4.

Whatthingsareforbiddenasmeanesofthisignorance?

Five.

First,Curiosity,whenamanwouldknowmorethenGodwouldhavehimknow.

Secondly,Vanityofminde,whenthemindeisdrawneawayandoccupieduponvaineandunprofitablethings.

Thirdly,Prideourowneknowledge,whenwethinkweknowenoughalready.

Fourthly,ForgetfulnesseofGodandhisWill.

Fiftly,Wearinesseinlearning,andtalkingofGodandhisWill.

HithertoofthefirstCommandement,concerningtheentertainingofofGodinourhearts:Whatisinjoynedintheotherthree?

Themeanesofhisservice:forasinthefirstCommandementwearerequiredtohave,sointheotherweearerequiredtoservetheLordourGod.

Whatbethebranchesofthisservice?

Eithertheyaresuchasaretobeperformedat

[Page]

Thesecond

Commande

dement.

Thescope

and

meaningof

thesecond

Com-

alltimes,asoccasionshallrequire;orsuchasconcerneacertainday,whollysetapartforhisworship.Thedutiesoftheformerkindareprescribedinthesecondandthird,ofthelatterinthefourthandlastCommandementofthefirstTable.

Howarethedutiesoftheformerkinddistinguished?

TheydoeeitherconcernethesolemneworshipofReligionprescribedinthesecondCommandement,ortherespectweshouldcarrytoGodinthecommoncourseofourliveslaiddowneinthethird.

WhatdoeyouconsiderinthesecondCommandement?

Twothings.1.TheInjunction.2.TheReasonsbroughttostrengthenthesame.

WhatarethewordsoftheInjunction?

ThoushaltnotmaketothyselfeanygrauenImage,noranylikenesseofthings,thatareinHeauenaboue,norintheEarthbeneath,norintheWatersundertheEarth;thoushaltnotbowdownetothem,norworshipthem,Exod.20.4,5.

VVhatisthescopeandmeaningofthisCommandement?

TobindeallmentothatsolemneformeofreligiousWorshipwhichGodhimselfeinhisWordprescribeth,thatweservehim,notaccordingtoourfancies,butaccordingtohis

mandement.-

Whatis

here

forbidden.

ownewill,Deut.12.32.

VVhatisgenerallyforbiddenherein?

EveryformeofWorship,thoughofthetrueGod,Deut.12.31.contraryto,ordiversefromtheprescriptofGodsWord,Mat.15.9.calledbytheApostleWill-worship,Col.2.23.togetherwithallcorruptioninthetrueWorshipofGod,2King.16.10.andalllustandinclinationofheartuntosuperstitiousPomps,andRitesintheserviceofGod.

VVhatarethepartsofthatWill-worship?

EithertheworshipofanybesidesGod,orofGodhimselfe,anyotherwaiesthenhehathcommanded;forbothvicesarehereforbidden,eithertoworshipthetrueGodfalsly,ortoworshipthosethingsthatarenotGodatall.

VVhodoechieflyoffendinthiskinde?

ThePapists,whichgivereligiousworshipuntoCreatures,andserveGod,notaccordingtohiswillprescribedintheWord,butaccordingtothePopeswill,andtheTraditionsofmen.

VVhydoththeLordforbidalltheseCorruptions,underoneinstanceofImages?

Becausethereinheforesawtherewouldbegreatestabuse.

Whatdothheexpreslyforbidconcerningthem?

[Page]

Whatis

meantby

making

Images.

1.ThatwemakenoImagetoworshipit.

2.Thatweworshipitnotwhenitismade.

WhatismeantbymakingofImages?

Allnewdevices,andinventionsofmenintheserviceofGod,wherebyweareforbiddentomakeanynewWord,newSacraments,newCensures,newMinistries,newPrayers,newFastings,ornewVowes,toservehimwithall:alsoallrepresentationsofanygraceofGod,otherwisethenGodhathappointed,ormaybeallowedbyhisWord;asChristcondemnedthePhariseeswashing.

Whatbyworshippingofthem?

AlluseinGodsServiceofanynewdevisedInventions,orpractisingofthem,andallabuseofthingscommanded.

WhatisgenerallyrequiredinthisCommandement?

ThatweworshipandserveGodinthatholymannerwhichheinhisWordrequireth.

Howisthattobedone?

First,wemustuseallthoseholyexercisesofReligion,publikeandprivate,whichhecommandeth.

Secondly,wemustperformallthepartsofGodsWorshipprescribedwithReverenceandDiligence,usingthemsocarefullyasmaybeetoGodsglory,andourgood.Eccles.

Thespeciall

branchesof

thesecond

4.17.and5.1.

WhatobserveyoubycomparingthesecondCommandementwiththefirst?

ThattheinwardandoutwardworshipofGodoughttogoetogether:ForasinthefirstCommandement,theLordrequireththatweshouldhavenootherGodsbeforehim:thatis,inthesecretofourheart,whereofhealonetakethnotice:Sointhesecond;bythewordsMake,Bow,Worship,heforbiddethanyoutwardserviceofReligiontoanyother.

WhereforemustGodbeworshippedbothbyourbodiesandoursoules?

BecauseheistheLordandMakerofthemboth.1.Cor.6.20.

Whatgatheryoufromhence?

ThatsuchasdaretopresenttheirbodiestoaMasse,ortoanyothergrosseIdolatry,andsaythattheykeeptheirheartstoGod,arehereconvictedoffalsehoodandhypocrisie.

SomuchofthesecondCommandementingenerall:whataretheparticularbranchesofit?

Thereisherefirstrequired,thatallsolemnereligiousWorshipshouldbegiventothetrueGod:andsecondly,thatitbegiventohim

Com-

mandement.-

[Page]

alone,andnotcommunicatedtoanythingwhichisnotGod.Sothatthesummeofthefirstpartis;ThoushaltworshiptheLordthyGod,andhimonelyshaltthouserve.Matth.4.10.

HowarewetoworshiptheLordourGod?

BythosemeanesonelywhichhimselfeapprovethinhisWord:accordingtothesayingofMoses:DoethatwhichIcommandthee,anddoenomore,Deut.4.2.&12.32.

Whatishererequired?

First,thatwegiveuntoGodthatWorshipwhichheehimselfehathprescribedinhisWord.

Secondly,thatwegivehimthatalonewithoutadditionoralteration.

Whatisforbidden?

First,theneglectofGodsWorshiporanyofhisOrdinances,whenwecontemne,ordespise,orleaveundonethatservice,whichheehathcommandedustoperformeuntohim.

Secondly,theaddinganythingunto,ortakinganythingfromthepureWorship,whenweservehimbyanyothermeanes,thenthatwhichhehimselfehathcommanded.

WhatarewetoconsiderinthepureworshipofGod,whichhehathprescribedinhisWord?

1.Thepartsofit.2.Therightmannerofusingofit.

Whatbethepartsofit?

TheyarepartlysuchaswegiveuntoGod,andpartlysuchasGodgivethuntous.

Whatisrequiredofustouchingthesekinds?

1.ThatweusethesethingsthatGodhathgivenus,tothatendthatGodhathgiventhemfor.

2.ThatneitheringivingtoGod,nortakingfromhim,wedeviseanythingofourownetoservehimwithall.

WhatarethethingsGodgivethustoservehimby?

HisCreaturesinthefirstplace,andhisWord,Sacraments,Ministery,DisciplineandCensuresoftheChurch,whichwemustuseaccordingastheyareinstitutedofGod.

Whatdutiesarehererequired?

OurpresenceattheexerciseofReligion,thepreaching,hearing,andreadingoftheWordofGod,togetherwithmeditation,conference,andallothermeansofincreasingourknowledgetherein,theadministringandreceivingoftheSacraments,&c.Acts2.42.

HowdoeyouworshipGodinthese?

IntheCreatures,bybeholdinghisgloryinthem;inhisVVord,bydiligenthearingofit,andcarefullbeleevingand

OfPrayer.

practisingofit;inhisSacraments,byreceivingthemduely;intheMinistery,andCensures,bysubmittingourselvestothem.

VVhatarethethingsthatwegiveuntoGod?

Theyareeithermoreorlesseordinary.

VVhatarethemoreordinary?

1.TopraytoGod,bothpublicklyandprivately.

2.TopraiseGod,bothaloneandwithothers.

ArethesedutiesrequiredofallChristians?

Yea,everytrueChristianmustofferthisSacrificetotheLordeveryday:Forinallages,andatalltimes,ithathbeenthepractiseofGodsSaints,toofferuntoGodtheSacrificeofPrayerandPraise;aswemayseebythepractiseofDaniel,andPeter,whowentupatnoonetopray,Acts10.9.andIsaac,whowentoutatEventidetoprayintheFields,Gen.24.63.

WhatarethepartsofPrayer?

Three.

1.Confession,whichistheSacrificeofabrokenHeartandwoundedSoule.

2.Petitionforsuchthingsaswelack.

[Page]

OfFasts.

OfVowes.

The

3.Thanksgivingforsuchthingsaswehavereceived.

Whatarethethingslesseordinary?

1.Fasts,publickeorprivate,Joel2.12,15.

2.SolemneThanksgivingforspeciallBlessings,Psal.50.14.whereuntoFeastingalsoisjoyned,whenspecialloccasionofjoyisgivenus.

3.MakingandperformingholyVowesuntoGod.

WhatisFasting?

Andabstinenceforatimefromallthecommoditiesandpleasuresofthislife,sofarreascomelinesseandnecessitywillsuffer,tomakeusmoreapttoPrayer,andmoreabletoserveGod.

WhatisaVow?

AsolemnepromisemadeuntoGodofsomethingsthatareinourpowertoperforme,whichwedotodeclareoutthankfulnesse,tostrengthenourfaith,andtofurtherusindoingofgoodduties,whereinwearebackward:ourabstainingfromsomeevill,whereuntowefindeourselvesespeciallyinclined.

SomuchofthepartsofGodssolemneWorship:Whatisrequiredtotherightmannerofusingofthesame?

Ourcarefull,sincere,anddiligentbehaviourinallhisService;thateverythingmaybedoneas

mannerof

Godswor-

ship.

hehathappointed,andnootherwise.

Whatarethethingsrequiredhereunto?

Theyarepartlyinward,partlyoutward;theformerwhereofconcernetheSubstance;thelattertheCircumstanceofGodsworship.

Whataretheinward?

Asallthepowersofthesoulearechargedtojoynetogether(bythefirstandgreatCommandement)intheentertainingandloving;sobythis,inperformingallactsofsolemneworshiptothetrueGod;thereforehereintheremustbeeaconcurrenceaswelloftheunderstanding,thatwehaveknowledgeoftheparticularservicewhichweedoe,Romans14.5.1Cor.14.14,15.asofthewillandaffection,thatwemayworshipGodinSpiritandinTruth.Joh.4.22.

Whatthingsarerequisitetotheperformanceofthis?

Three.

1.AdiligentPreparationandadvisednessebeforewecometoanyholyexercise.

2.Arightdispositionofthemindeintheactionofitselfe.

3.Acomfortabledeparture,uponthesensiblefeelingofthefruitthereof.

WhatisrequiredinthePreparationbeforetheAction?

Of

disposition

inthe

action.[Page]

Of

Preparati-

on.

Thatweebethinkeourselvesbefore-hand,aboutwhatthingsweecome,anddispatchourselvesofallthethingsthathinderusintheserviceofGod:whichsithwemustdoeinthingsotherwiselawfull,muchmoreinthingsunlawfull.

Whatisfurthertobeobservedherein?

ThateveryPreparationbeanswerabletotheexercisewhereuntoweearecalled:asinthepartsofPrayer,forexample.

1.InConfessionwemusthaveatruefeelingofourformersinnes.

2.InPetition,wemusthavethelikesenseofourwants,andbethinkourselveswhatneedwehaveofthethingsweaske,andstriveagainstourstaggering,anddoubtingofGodspromises.

3.InThanksgivingwemustcalltomindeatleastGodsbenefitsbestoweduponus,andconsiderthegreatnesseofthem.AndsoinallotherServicesofGod.

VVhatDispositionofthemindeisrequiredintheAction?

1.Areverent,diligent,andearnestattentivenessetothething,withallthepowersofoursoules,therebytofastenourmindes,andsotoholdthemduringtheexercise,thatnoidleorvainethoughtswithdrawusfromthesame.

Ecclesiasticall

Ceremonies.

What

required

afterthe

Action.

2.ZealeintheAction,withsuchAffectionsasareanswerabletothematterinhand:asinPrayerwemusthaveasureconfidenceinGod,thatweshallobtainethethingsweaskeagreeabletohiswill:InthanksgivingwemusthaveasweetfeelingofthebenefitsthatGodhathgivenus:intheWordandSacraments,wemustcomewithaffectiontothem.

WhatisrequiredofusaftertheAction?

Thatwefeelethefruitofit;thatis,someincrease,eitherofknowledge,oftruefeare,orcomfortforthestrengthningofusinthedutiesweperforme:Soalsoeveryonemustexaminethemselvesherein,andallthosethatbelonguntothem;elsetheyarelikeuntothem,thathavingeatenagoodmeale,bywarmewaterdoegiveitupagain.

WhatbetheoutwardthingsthatdoeaccompanyGodsWorship?

1.EcclesiasticallCeremonies,makingforOrderandDecency,1Cor.14.40.whicharelefttotheappointmentoftheChurch,beingofthatnature,thattheyarevariedbyTimes,Places,Persons,andotherCircumstances.

2.Allcomelyandreverendgesturesofthebody;askneeling,liftingupthehandsandeyestoHeaven,silenceintheserviceofGod,andsuchlike:ForthegesturesofreligiousAdorationsbeinghereforbiddentobegivenuntoImages,arethereincommandedtobegivenuntotheGod

Ofbodily

Gestures.

Ofthe

ofHeaven.

Isthereanyuseofourbodilybehaviour,sithheisaSpirit,andlookethtotheHeart?

Yesverily:For,

1.ThewholeMan;andconsequently,theBodyitselfeowethdutyuntoGod.

2.ItisaGlasse,whereintheaffectionsoftheMindarebeheld.

3.TheMindisthebetterholdeninthethingaffected,andthebetterholpen,andfurtheredintheinwardWorship,whenbothBodyandMindarejoynedtogether;notwithstandingtheMindmustalwayesproceedinAffection,elseitisshamefullhypocrisie.

WhatgesturesaremostconvenientfortheBody?

Divers,accordingtothediversExercisesofReligion;asatthereadingoftheWord,standing;atprayer,kneeling,andthereintowitnesseourhumility,bycastingdowneoureyes;ourconfidence,byliftingthemup;orwiththePublicane,toknockourbreasts,exceptourinfirmities,orthelikeLetshinderusherein.

SomuchoftherightuseofGodsOrdinances.Whereinstandeththeabuseofthem?

1.Inrash,negligent,andcarelessedealinginanyparticularpointoftheworshipofGod.

[Page]

abuseof

GodsOrdi-

nances.

2.InusinganythingthatGodhathcommandedforhisworshipotherwisethenhehimselfehathappointed,1Chron.15.13.ForthebrasenSerpentabused,wasworthilybrokeninpieces,2Kings18.4.andtheIsraelites,forcartingtheArke,wereworthilypunished,2Sam.6.3,7,8.

WhatspeciallabusesoftheWordareherecondemned?

TohangpiecesofSaintJohnsGospellaboutMensnecks,ortouseanyotherGospelltohealethediseases,asforanymantochargeaDevilltogoeoutofone,astheApostlesdid.

VVhatmaybelawfullydoneinthiscause?

WemustandmayprayonelyuntoGod,thathewouldcommandtheDevilltodepart:forheistheMasterthatauthorisedhimtogoethither.

VVhatspeciallabusesoftheSacramentsarecondemned?

Thereceivingofthemunworthily,makingthemtobeeSacrifices.1Cor11.27.29.asisdoneinPopery.

VVhatoftheMinisterie?

TheturningofthatwhichisgiventoedifieinChristtootherendsthenthoseforwhichitwasordained,andwhenMinistersexerciseTyrannicallLordshipovertheirflock,ortheirfellowservants,astheBishopsoftheChurchofRome

usetodoe.Luke22.25.1Pet.5.2,3.Orwhenintheexecutionoftheirfunction,theyseekthemselves,andnottheedificationofGodspeople.

WhatoftheDisciplineandCensures?

Whentheyareusedinanothermanner,andforothercausesthenGodhathordained.Esa.66.5.

VVhatofPrayer?

Toaskeevillthings,ortoprayforsuchthingsasGodhathmadenopromiseof;orforsuchpersonsashehathmadenopromiseunto;aswhenmenprayforsoulesdeparted;orforthosethatsinnetodeath.1Ioh.5.14,15,16.Toprayinastrangetonguewhichwedoenotunderstand;toprayonBeads,andusemuchbabling;asalsotoaymemoreinourrequestsattherelievingofournecessity,thenattheadvancementofGodsglory.

VVhatofthanksgiving?

TothankeGodforthingsunlawfullygotten,orcomeuntous.

VVhatofFasting?

Tomakeitamatterofmerrit,ortousesuperstitiouschoyceofmeats,asisdoneinPopery.

VVhatofVowes?

ToundertakerashVowes,tobreak,orelsetodelayand

[Page]

Defects

respecting

theinward

worship.

Defectsin

outward

deferrethepayingofourlawfullVowes;asalsotoperformeVowesthatareunlawfull,Psal.66.13.&76.11.Eccles.5.1.5.Gen.35.1.

VVhatdefectsarecondemnedthatconcernetheinwardthingsrequiredintheperformanceofallthesepartsofGodsworship?

1.Wantofunderstanding,whenwedoegooddutiesignorantly,orthinkethatwecanpleaseGodbymeaningwell,whenthatwhichweedoeisevill.

2.WantofZealeandAffectioninperformingGodservice.

3.Hypocrisie,whenmenmakeagreatershewoftheserviceofGodoutwardly,thentheyhaveadesiretoservehiminwardly.

4.Hearing,Reading,Meditating,Conferring,singingofPsalmes,andreceivingtheSacramentswithoutPreparation,Attention,Reverence,Delight,andProfit.

5.PrayingwithoutFaith,Feeling,Reverence,Fervency,notwaitingforanswer.

VVhatdefectsconcernetheoutwardworship?

1.Allunreverent,andunbeseemingGestures.

2.AllEcclesiasticallCeremonies,andRitesofReligion,whicharepugnanttoGodsWord,or

Worship.notwarrantablebythegenerallgroundsthereof;suchasarenotforOrder,andComelinesse,andEdification.

SomuchofthepartsofGodsWorshipprescribed,togetherwiththerightuseandabusethereof.WhatsayyouofsuchformesofWorshipasarenotprescribedbyGodinhisWord?

WearecommandedtoserveGod,notaccordingtotheTraditionsofmen,butaccordingtohisWillrevealedintheScripture,Col.2.18.Mat.15.9.

Whatfollowethhereupon?

ThatnoPowermustbeadmittedintheChurch,toprescribeotherformesofWorshipnotappointedbyGodhimselfeinhisWord.

Whatisthentobeobservedherein?

WemustobservetheApostlesruleandpractise,1Cor.11.28.wherehesaith,ThatwhichIhavereceived,Ihavedelivereduntoyou:ForifhemightaddenothingtoGodsOrdinances,muchlessemaywe.

Whatishereforbidden?

Ingenerall,allVVill-worship,wherebywemakeanythingapartofGodsservice,whichhehathnotcommanded:Forhowgreatashewsoeverithave;yetinthatitleanethtomanswisdome,itisunlawfull,Col.2.23.Inparticular,to

Helpsin

performing

Godspure

Worship.

ordaineanyotherVVord,orSacraments,thenthosewhichGodhathappointed;todeviseanyotherMinistery,thenthatwhichGodhathordained;toplaceanyReligioninMeat,Drinke,Apparell,Time,Place,oranyotherindifferentthings.

WhatCautionmustwekeepintheuseofthingsindifferent?

1.VVearetomaintainethatChristianLibertywhichChristhathpurchasedforus.

2.VVemustyetbecarefullnottoabusethesame;tothehardening,insnaring,perverting,orjustgrievingofany.

RemaineththereanythingelsetobespokenofthefirstmainebranchofthisCommandement?

Yes,thehelpsthatmayfurtherusinperformingthispureworshipofGod.

Whatbethey?

1.ThatallmenlabourforknowledgeoftheexpresseVVillofGod,touchingallpartsofhisVVorship,Mich.6.6,7,8.andthattheyincreasethereineverydaymoreandmore,byreadingtheScriptures;usingalsoforthatend,meditation,conference,goodBooks,andgoodcompany.

2.Thattheymarry,andmakeleaguesofFriendshiponlywithsuchasprofessethetrueGod;andthereforeno

[Page]

ProfessorofthetrueworshipofGodmayjoynehimselfeinMarriagewithoneofanotherReligion,oranapparent,prophane,andirreligiousperson;butwithsuchonlyasaregodly,atleastinshew.

3.Thatwegivenotolerationtosuperstition,2Chron.15.13.butshewourhatredandreluctationofallfalseWorship,sofaraswemaywithinourCalling.

4.ThatwejoynetogetherwithorderanddecencyintheperformanceofGodsWorship,1Cor.14.40.

5.Thatsuchwhomitconcerneth,takecarethatfaithfullandableMinistersbeordainedineveryCongregation,Tit.1.5.&thatsufficientmaintenanceforencouragementbeallottedthem,1Tim.5.17,18.2Chron.31.4.

6.ThatplacesforpublickeAssembliesbeerectedandpreserved,Luke7.5,6.

7.ThatSchoolesandVniversitiesbefoundedandmaintained,2King6.1.

8.ThatBooksofnecessaryuseandedification,especially,theholyBookeofGod,besetforthanddivulged,Rev.1.3.

9.Thatasoccasionrequireth,SynodsandCouncelsbecalledandassembled,Acts15.6.

10.ThatsuchwhoseCallingandabilitiereachethno

The2d

main

branchof

thesecond

Com-

mandement.-

further,doeyetaffoordthehelpoftheirprayersuntoallthese,Mat.9.38.

WhatisrequiredinthesecondmainebranchofthisCommandement?

ThatallreligiousWorshipandReverencebegivenuntoGodalone,andnotimpartedtothosethingswhicharenotGodsatall.

Whatsinsareherecondemned?

MagickeandIdolatry,bothwhicharecondemnedbythenameofspirituallAdultery,Lev.20.5,6.

Whoareguiltyofthefirstofthesesins?

1.ThepractisersofalldiabolicallArts,Lev.20.27.Deut.18.10,11.

2.Suchasseekeafterthem,Lev.20.6.Isa.8.19,20.1Sam.28.7.1Chron.10.13,14.bygoingtoWitches,orconsultingwithStar-gazers,orthelike;towhomMosesopposethaProphet,astheonlylawfullMinisterofGod:andwarrantablemeanestoknowhiswill,bysignifyingthereby,thattoseekesecretthingsofstrangeMinistriesisabominable.

Whoareguiltyofthelatterofthesesins?

1.SuchasworshipthosethingsthatarenotGod.

2.Suchascountenancethem,ordoeanythingthatmaytendtothefurtheranceofIdolatry.

WhatWorshipishereforbiddentobegivenuntothosethatarenotGod?

AllReligiousservice;as,

1.Praying,Isa.44.17.

2.Thanksgiving,Judg.16.23,24.Dan.5.4.

3.OfferingofSacrifice,2King.17.35.

4.BurningofIncense,Jer.18.15.&44.17.

5.Vowing.

6.Fasting.

7.BuildingofTemples,Altars,orotherMonumentsuntothem,Hos.8.14.&11.12.

8.ErectingofMinisters,1King.12.31,32.ordoinganyMinisteriallWorkefortheirHonour,Amos5.26.withNumbers4.24,25.

9.Preachingforthem,Jer.2.8.

10.Askingcounsellofthem,Hos.4.12.

11.OutwardreligiousAdorationofthem,Acts10.25,26.Rev.22.8,9.

[Page]

What

forbidden

concerning

Images.

TowhommustthisWorshipbedenyed?

ToeverythingthatisnotGod,astheSunneandMoone,Angels,Saints,Reliques,Images,andsuchtrash,asRomealloweth,Deut.4.17.19.Col.2.18,Rev.19.10.&22.8,9.Acts10.25,26.

WhatishereinthisCommandementexpresselyforbiddenconcerningImages?

First,themakingofthem.

Secondly,thebowinguntothem,orworshippingthem.

Whyisthefirstofthesesolargelysetforth?

TomeetwiththecorruptionofmenthatbynatureareexceedingproneuntoIdolatry.

WhatmenareforbiddentomakeImages?

AllmenwhichhavenotsomespecialwarrantfromGodtomakethem.

ButthoughIdoenotmakeImagesmyselfe,mayIworshipthemthatanothermanmakes?

No:Forthatislikewiseforbidden,Exod.32.1.

IsitnotlawfulltoputtheminChurches,orinpublickplaces,iftheybenotworshipped?

No.

WhythendidMosesmaketheCherubims,andthebrazenSerpent?

ForsodoinghehadaspeciallCommandementfromGod,whomaydispencewithhisowneLaweswhenhewill.

TowhatenddidGodcommandthemtobemade?

Theone,tosignifiethecrucifyingofChrist,Iohn3.14.Theother,tosignifietheAngelsreadinessetohelpeGodschildreninalldistresses.

IsallmannerofmakingofImagesforbidden?

No:butonelyinmattersofReligion,andGodsService:forincivillmatterstheyhavealawfullandcommendableuse,Matthew22.20.Buttomakethemforreligiousendsanduses,isaltogetherunlawfull,Amos5.26.withActs7.43.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatthePopishDoctrineofImages;thattheyareLay-mensbookes,isdirectlycontrarytothewordofGod,andthereforeasfalseanderronious,tobedetestedofallGodsChildren,Hab.2.18.Ierem.10.14.Esa.44.10.

WhatkindeofImagesareweforbiddentomake?

Allkindes,whetherhewenoringraven,cutorcarved,(whichintheCommandementisexpressed,Molten,Imbroydered,Painted,Printed,orImagined,Hosea13.2.

[Page]

Thatitis

unlawfullto

makethe

Imageof

God.

Ezekiel8.10.Acts17.25.29.

OfwhatthingsareweforbiddentomakeImages?

Ofallthingswhichareintheheavensabove;orintheearthbeneath,orinthewatersbeneaththeearth.

Whatismeantbythingswhichareintheheavens?

GOD,CHRIST,theAngels,andtheSaintswhichareintheHighest;theSunne,Moone,andStarres,whichareinthemiddle,andtheFowles,whichareinthelowestheaven,Deut.4.27.19.

IsitnotlawfulltomaketheImageofGod?

Torepresenthimbyanyshapeismostofallforbiddenandcondemned:foritisagreatsinne,toconceiveorimagineinourheartthatheeislikeanything,howexcellentsoeverwethinkeit,Acts17.29.butitismuchworsetosethimouttotheviewofothers,consideringthatthemindecanconceiveafurtherbeautythenthehandoftheArtificercanexpresse:andthereforethechildrenofIsraeldidsinnegrievously,andwereworthilycondemnedformakingGodlikeaCalfe,Exod.32.4,9,10,27,28.

Howmayitfurtherappeare,thatitisunlawfulltomaketheImageofGod?

First,becauseGodbeingInfiniteandInvisible,cannot

Thatitis

unlawfullto

makethe

Imageof

Christ.

withoutalyebeeresembledbyanyFiniteorvisiblething,Acts17.20.

Secondly,GodbysuchImagesis,asitwere,mocked,Rom.1.23.

Thirdly,whentheLawwasdeliveredbyGodhimselfeuntotheIsraelites,heappearedinnoshapeuntothem,lesttheyshouldmakealikenesseofhim,andfalltoIdolatrie.AndthereforeDeut.4.10.12.heeforewarnedthem,thatastheysawnoImageofhim,whenhegavetheLaw,butonelyheardavoyce,theyshouldlearnethattheknowledgeofGodcommethbyhearing,andnotbyseeing,Esa.40.17,18.wherethematterislaiddowneatlarge.

ButwhatmovedthePapiststopaintGodlikeanoldman?

ThefalseexpoundingofthatplaceinDaniel,whereGodisdescribedtobethatAncientofdayes,Dan.7.13.wherebyismeanthisEternity,thathewasbeforealltimes,Deut.27.15.ButwhatsoeverpropertyinGoditbee,thattheyshouldsetitforthbyanImage,itisexecrablesotodoe.

MaywethenpaintChristforremembranceofhisdeath?

Noverily.For,

1.Itisapartoftheworshiphereforbidden,becausehisbodyisacreatureinHeaven,thereforenottoberepresentedbyanImageintheserviceofGod.

[Page]

2.AnImagecanonelyrepresentthemanhoodofChrist,andnothisGodhead,whichisthechiefestpartinhim.BothwhichNaturesbeinginhimunseparable,itweredangerousbypaintingtheoneapartfromtheother,togiveoccasionofArianisme,Apollinarisme,orotherHerisies.

3.SiththatinalltheScriptures,whichspeakesomuchofhim,thereisnoshewofanyportraytureorlineamentofhisbody:itisplainthatthewisedomeofGodwouldnothavehimpainted.

4.SithbyPreachingoftheGospell,andAdministrationoftheSacraments,Christisaslivelypainted,asifheewerecrucifiedagaineamongstus,Gal.3.1.itweretonopurposetopainthimtothatend.

WhatlastlymaybeaddedtotheseformerReasons?

ThatalthoughthepaintingofChristwerebothlawfulltodoe,andprofitableforremembrance,yetbecauseithathbeensomuchabused,andnowhereintheScripturecommanded,itisnotnowtobeused:AsEzechiasworthilybraketheBrazenSerpen,beingabused,althoughMoseshadsetitupattheCommandementoftheLord,andmighthaveservedforasingularMonumentofGodsmercies,aftertheproperusethereof,hadnotthesuperstitiousopinionthereofbeen.

WhatismeantinthisCommandement,bythingsintheEarth?

Whatis

meantby

worshiping

Images.

Thelikenesseofman,orwoman,ororbeasts,orcreepingthings,Ezek.23.14.Deut.4.16,17,18.Isa.44.13.Rom.1.23.

WhatbythingsintheWatersundertheEarth?

TheresemblanceofanyFish,orthelike,Deut.4.18.

SomuchforthemakingofImages.Whatismeantbythebowinguntothem,andworshippingthem?

ThatwemustnotgivetheleasttokenofReverence;eitherinBody,orinSoule,untoanyreligiousImages,Psal.97.7.Hab.2.18.Isa.44.15.Exod.32.4.ForthatisafurtherdegreeofIdolatry;astoshrine,elothe,andcoverthemwithpreciousthings;tolightCandlesbeforethem;tokneeleandcreeptothem,ortouseanygesturesofreligiousAdorationuntothem,1King.19.18.wherein,althoughthegrosseIdolatryofPoperybetakenawayfromamongstus;yetthecorruptioncleavethstilltotheheartsofmany,asmaybeseeninthemthatmakecurtesietotheChancellwheretheHighAltarstood,andgavetheRighthanduntostandingCrossesandCrucifixes,&c.

ButthoughwedoenotreverencetheImagesthemselves,maywenotworshipGodinorbytheImages?

No:FortheIsraelitesarecondemned,notfortheworshippingthegoldenCalfeasaGod,butforworshippingGodintheCalfe.

Howdoththatappeare?

Inthattheysaid,LetusmakeaFeasttomorrowtoIehovah,Exod.32.5.AndthatMosesotherwisemightseem,nottohavedonewell,inmakingthemtodrinkethatagainsttheirconscience,whichtheyjudgedtobeGod,ver.20.

Whereindidtheysinnesogrievously?

IntyingthepresenceofGodtotheworkeoftheirownehands,andcouplinghimwiththeirIdols,whichhecannotendure:ForGodsaithbyhisProphetHosea,YoushallnomorecallmeBaal,Hos.2.16.SoimpossibleitistrulytoserveGodbyanIdoll,asthePapistsdoe.

WhatkindofImagesarehereforbiddentobeworshipped?

Allkinds;whither,suchasaremadewithmanshands,ofwhichEsayspeaketh,saying;Onepeeceofwoodiscastintothefire,andanotherofthesameTreeismadeanIdoll,Isa.44.15,17.orsuchasinthemselvesarethegoodCreaturesofGod,asthosewhichHoseaspeakethof,saying;TheyworshiptheirGoldandSilver,Hos.8.4.Yeaofwhatsoeverthingsitmaybesaid,Thattheyhaveeyesandseenot,earesandhearenot,nosesandsmellnot,feetandgoenot,Psal.115.untothemisthisWorshipforbiddentobeperformed.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatthePopishIdolatryishereflatlycondemned:For

[Page]

Of

countenan-

cing

idolatry.

althoughtheyworshipnotJupiter,Mars,andsuchlikeHeathenIdols,buttheholySaints(astheysay)inandbytheirImages;yetthatworshipoftheirsisalikewiththeother,becausetheseplacesofScripturedoeagreeaswelltotheoneastotheother;andthereforeitisimpiousandabominableIdolatry.

SomuchforthepractisingofIdolatryWhatisforbiddeninthecountenancingofit?

AllthemeanesandoccasionsofandtoIdolatrie,andgivingtheleastallowance,orlikingthatcanbethereunto.As,

1.VrgingbyAuthority,ortollerationofIdolatry,2Chron.15.16.

2.Approbationthereofbyspeech;praisingandextollingtheseinventionsofmenbysilence,oranygesture.

3.PresenceatIdolatrousworship;asgoingtoMasse,andcommunicatingwithfalseService.1Cor.10.18.20,21.&2Cor.6.16,17.

4.Contributingtowardsthemaintenancethereof.Num.7.3.5.Nehem.32.39.

5.Makingagainethereby;asthoseMerchantsdowhichsellBeads,andCrosses;andthosePainters,whichtakemoneyforreligiousImages,Acts19.24,25.

6.RetainingandpreservinganysuperstitiousReliquesor

Reasonsto

backthis

com-

mandement,-

takenfrom

histitles.

MonumentsofIdolatry,asImages,2Kings18.4.Books,Acts19.19.Names,Psalme16.4.andsuchlike.

7.KeepingcompanywithteachersofIdolatry,2EpistleofIohnver.10,11.

8.Makingleaguesoffamiliarity,society,andfriendshipwithIdolators,2Chron.19.2.

9.Ioyninginmarriage,andaffinitywiththem,2Cor.6.14.Neh.13.23.26,27.Deut.7.3,4.

WhatReasonsdothGodusetostrengthenthisCommandementwithall?

TheyaretakenpartlyfromhisTitles,andpartlyfromhisWorks.

Whathavewetolearnefromhence?

ThatifweconsiderarightoftheTitlesandWorksofGod,itwillbeanotablemeanestokeepusfromsinne.

HowisthereasondrawnefromGodsTitleslaiddowne?

Inthesewords;ForItheLordthyGodamajealousGod.

WhichisthefirstTitlethatismentionedhere?

Iehovah,whichnoteththeEssenceofGod,andtheperfectionthereof.

Iealous

God.[Page]

Whathavewetolearnefromthence?

ThatIdolatersaresofarrefromworshippingthetrueGod;thattheydenyhisBeingandPerfection.

WhatisthesecondTitle?

ThyGod;wherebytheCovenantofgraceissignified,whichonourpartisbynosinnesodirectlyviolatedasbyIdolatry;calledthereforeinScripture,SpirituallAdultery,Ier.3.8.

Whatdoththisteachus?

ThatIdolatersaremostmiserableinforsakingthetrueGod,whoisallhappinessetohispeople.

WhatisthethirdTitle?

El;Thatis,amightyandstrongGod;andthereforeperfectlyabletosaveanddestroy.

VVhatdoththisteachus?

ThatthereisnopowersogreatwhichcandeliverIdolaters,oranysinnersfromthewrathofGod.

VVhatisthefourthTitle?

Iealous:wherebythenatureofGodissignified,lovingchastityinhisSpouse,withamostferventlove;andabhorringspirituallwhoredome,withmostextreamehatred.

Reasons

drawnfrom

theworks

ofGod.

Whatarewetolearnefromhence?

ThattheLordcannomoreabideIdolatry,thenamarriedmancanbrookeit,thathisWifeshouldcommitadultery:ForhiswrathiscomparedtotherageofajealousHusband,uponunchastebehaviourofhisWife,Prov.6.34,35.

DeclarethisComparisonmoreatlarge.

ThejealousmanfindingtheAdultererwithhisWife,sparethneithertheonenortheother:SoifanythatbyprofessionhathbeenespousedtoChrist,andjoyneduntoGodinhim,andhathpromisedinBaptismetoservehimalone;yetnotwithstandingshallforsakehim,andworshipothers:Howgoodsoevertheybe(whetherSaintsorAngels)theyshallnotescapeGodswrath:ForifcorporallAdulterybesoseverelypunished,muchmoreshallspirituall.

WhatdoethereasonsdrawnefromtheWorksofGodcontaine?

AjustrecompencetothebreakersofthisLaw,andagraciousrewardtothemthatkeepit;Godshewinghimselfeinthiscasetobejealous,

1.Bypunishingsininmanygenerations.

2.ByextendinghismercyinafarmoreabundantmannertothemthatkeephisLaw.

The1.

Reason.

Sotheformerreasoncontainethathreateningtorestrainefromdisobedience;thelatter,apromisetoalluretoobedience.

Howistheformerofthesereasonslaiddowne?

Inthesewords:VisitingtheiniquitiesoftheFathersupontheChildren,untothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateme.

Whatisthesummeofthisreason?

Thathewillvisitsuchas(howsoeverpretendinglove)doethusdeclaretheirhatredofhim,andpunishthembothinthemselves,andtheirChildren,tomanygenerations.

WhatdothGodmeane,whenhesaith,ThathewillvisitthesinsoftheFathersupontheChildren?

Twothings.1.Thathewillenquireandsearch,whetherhecanfindanyoftheParentssins;andespecially,theirIdolatryintheirChildren,continuingintheirFatherssins;andthatifhedoe,hewillrememberthesameinthepunishmentofthem.

Whatarewetolearnefromhence?

1.ThathowsoeverGodforatimedothseemenottoregardoursins;yethedothbothseethem,andinhisduetimewillpunishthem,ifwedoenotrepent.

2.ThatneithertheexampleofourParents,noranyotherthatdoeamisse,canbesufficientwarranttoustocommit

[Page]

anysin.

3.ThatallParentsarecarefulltotakeheedhowtheycommitanysin;becauseinsodoing,theybringGodsIudgements,notonlyuponthemselves,butalsoupontheirChildren.

4.ThatChildrenaretosorrowforbeingborneofIdolatrousForefathers.

ButhowdoththatagreewiththeRighteousnesseofGod,topunishtheChildrenforthesinsoftheirFathers?

Verywell:forifPrinces(whosejudgementsareshallowincomparisonofGods,thedepthswhereofarepastfindingout)doewithequitydis-inheritandputtoshametheposterityofTraytors;theLordmaymuchmorejustlydoethelikewiththewickedchildewhichfollowethhisFatherssteps,andisaTraytorhimselfe,havingbothhisFatherssinneandhisowneuponhishead:forGodhereonelythreatnethtopunishthosechildrenwhichcontinueintheirFatherssinnes;andthereforeastheyhavepartintheirfatherssinnes,soitisreasontheyshouldhavepartintheirParentspunishments.

WhatdothGodmeanebythethirdandfourthgeneration?

Hemeaneththatnotonelythenextchildren,butthechildrenofdiversandmanygenerationsshallsmartfortheirfatherssinnes:AsinAmos;forthreetransgressionsandforfoure:thatis,formany.

Thesecond

Reason.

WhythendothhespeciallynamethreeorfoureGenerations?

BecauseParentslivesolongoft-times,thattheyseetheirPosterityforfoureGenerationsfollowingpunishedfortheirsinnes.

WhydothGodsay,Ofthemthathateme?

Toshew,thatnotallthesonnesofthewicked,butonelysuchascontinueintheirFatherswickednesseshallbepunishedfortheirsinnes▪Ezek.18.4.10.13,14.17.

ButisthereanythathateGod?

Yesverily,somanyasworshiphimotherwisethenhimselfehathcommanded,doehatehim:foralthougheveryIdolaterwillsay,thathelovethGod;yethereGodwitnessethofhim,thatheisalyer,andthathehatethGod,inthathehateththeworshipthathecommandeth;inthelovewhereof,Godwillhavetheexperienceofhislove,2Chron.19.2.Mic.2.8.John15.18.Rom.1.29,30.&5.10.&8.7.Col.1.21.

Inwhatwordsisthesecondreasonlaiddowne,whichisdrawnfromtheclemencyofGod?

Wherereitissaid,thatheshewethmercyuntothousandsofthemthatlovehim,andkeephisCommandements.

Whatisthesummeofthisreason?

[Page]

ThatGodwillblessetheobedientuntomanygenerations;bothinthemselves,theirchildren,andposterity,andinwhatsoeverbelongethuntothem:thusextendinghismercyuntothousandsofsuchasshewtheirloveofhimbyobediencetothishisLaw.

WhydoththeLordsay,thathewillshewmercytothemthatlovehim,andkeephisCommandements?

Toteachusthatthebestdeedsofthebestmen,cannotmeritordeserveanythingatGodshands,buthadneedtobeereceivedofhiminmercy.

Whereforedothheesay,thathewillhavemercytothousands,seeinghesaid,thathewouldvisitonelythethirdandfourthGenerationofthemthathatehim?

Becauseheismorewillingandreadytoexercisehismercythenhisanger.

ButwhatwillGodbemercifulltoalltheChildrenofthegodly?

No:Butonelysuchaslovehim,andkeephisCommandements.

IsthisBlessingpropertotheGodly?

Notaltogetherneither:ForGodrewardeththeposterityofthewicked,withoutwardbenefitsoftentimes,accordingtotheiroutwardservice,asappearethbythesuccessionofIehu.

Thethird

Commande

ment.

Thesumme

ofthethird

Com-

mandement.-

SomuchofthesecondCommandement.

Whatisthethird?

ThoushaltnottaketheNameoftheLordthyGodinvaine,FortheLordwillnotholdhimguiltlessethattakethhisNameinvaine,Exod.20.7.

Whatiscontainedinthesewords?

1.TheCommandement.

2.TheReason.

WhatisthesummeoftheCommandement?

Thatweimpeachnot,butbyallmeanesadvancethegloriousNameofGodinallthings,wherebyhemakethhimselfeknownetomen,Psal.29.2.andcarefullyendeavourinourwholelifetobringsomehonourtoGod,Mat.5.16.

Whatdoeyouobserveherein?

ThehighhonourthatGodshewethuntous,whobeingablewithoutus,tomaintainehisowneNameandglory;eitherbyhimselfe,orbyhisAngels,hathnotwithstandingcommittedthemaintenancethereofuntous,whichshouldteachustobeverychairyofit;andcarefulltodischargeourdutyfaithfully,inwalkingworthyofthishonouranddefenceofhisName,whichhevouchsafethus.

Whatisthemeaningofthosewords:Thoushaltnottake?

Psal.68.4.

Whatis

meantby

theName

ofGod.

Exod.3.

14.6.3.

Thoushaltnottakeupuponthylipsormouth,asthisphraseisopened,inPsal.16.4.and50.16.thatis,notspeake,use,ormention:forthetongueisherespeciallyboundtothegoodabearing.

WhywasitneedfulltohaveaspeciallCommandementforthedirectionofthetongueinGodsservice?

Becauseitisanuntamedevill,andunbridled,Iam.3.8.andthereforeawholeCommandementcannotbeimployedamisse,forthedirectionofitintheuseoftheNameofGod.AndseeinginthesecondTablethereisaCommandement,tendingalmostwholly,torestrainetheabusesofourtonguestowardsourneighbours,thereismuchmoreneedofaPrecept,bothfordirectionandrestraintofit,inthemattersconcerningGod,andhismostgloriousName.

WhatarewetounderstandbytheNameofGod?

Thespeechistakenfromthemannerofmen,whoareknownebytheirNames,tosignifieGodhimselfe,bothinhisEssenceandMajesty,Isa.26.8.Exod.3.13,14.&34.5,6,7.Andinallthingswherebyhehathmadehimselfeknowneuntous,asheisholy.

1.Titlesandpropernames;asIehovah,Elohim,Iesus.

2.PropertiesandAttributes;asLove,Wisdome,Power,Iustice,Exod.33.18,19.&34.5,6,7.

[Page]

Whatis

meantby

thewordin

vaine.

Whatisfor-

biddenin

thethird

Co ̄man-dement.

&14.

3.WorksandActions,Psal.8.1,9.&14.5,10.

4.Word;bothLawandGospell,Psalme138.2.Deut.18.19.22.32.3.Acts9.15.WhencetheLawofChrist,Esa.42.4.isexpoundedtobehisname,Matth.12.21.

5.Sacraments,Matth.28.18,19.Acts2.38.

6.Censures,1Cor.5.4,5.Matth.18.20

7.Prayer.Gen.4.26.

8.ThewholeworshipofGod,withalltheOrdinancespertainingthereto,andwhatsoeverhehonoured,reverenced,andglorified,Deut.5,Mal.1.11,12.Mich.4.5.Acts21.13.

Whatismeantbythiswordinvaine?

Allabuseofthem,andallrash,negligentandcarelessedealingtherein;wherementioningthesmallerfault,hedeclareththehainousnesofthegreater:Forifthetakingofhisnameinvaineonlybeasinne;howhainousasinisitwhenitisblasphemedorusedforconfirmationofalye?

WhatisthenforbiddenintheCommandement?

EverywrongofferedtothegloryofGod,anddoingofoughtthatmayanywayreproachtheLord,tocausehim

Whatis

requiredin

thethird

Commande

ment.

tobelesseesteemed,Mal.1.6.12.Allunreverentandunholyuseofhisname,andprophaningofhisTitles,Properties,Actions,andOrdinances,eitherbymouthorbyaction,Lev.21.32.

WhatarethepartsoftheProhibition?Two.

1.ThementioningorusingofGodsname,inword,orindeed,whenitshouldnotbeused;andwhenthereisnojustcausesotodoe.

2.Theusingofitamisse,andabusingitwhendutybindethustouseitwithfeareandholinesse.

Whatisrequiredinthiscommand?

1.ThatwesanctifieGodsName,asitisholyandreverend,Matth.6.9.Psal.111.9.andlabourbyallwecantoliftitup,thatothersmaybemovedbyusmoretolove,serve,andhonourhim.

2.Thatweusethethingsaforesaidwithallreverenceandcircumspection,tosuchusesastheyareappointeduntobyGod:Inaword,thatwehaveacarefullandaheedywatchtoallthingsthatmayadvanceGodsglory,anduseallsincereanddiligentbehaviourtherein.

Whatisthatwhereinthisourcarefulnesseisrequired?

1.Adiligentpreparationandadvisednessebeforewemeddlewithanyoftheseholythings,thatwebethinkeourselvesbeforehandwhatwearetodoe;andconsiderboth

[Page]

The

particuler

dutiesre-

quiredin

thethird

Com-

mandement.-

ofthecausethatshouldmoveustospeakeofthem,andofthereverentmannerofusingthem.

2.Areverentdispositionintheactionitselfe,thatweeuseearnestattentivenessetherein,andseriouslythinkehowpowerfullGodistopunishthetakingofhisnameamisse:asalsohowableandreadytoblessethemwhoshallreverentlyandholilybehavethemselvesintherightusethereof;forwhichcausewearetoremember,thattheNameofGodisfearefull,asitiswritten,Psal.99.3.Deut.28.58.

DeclarenowwhatparticulardutiesarecontainedinthisCommandement?

1.ThehonouringofGodandhisReligionbyourholyconversation,Mat.5.16.Tit.2.10.Thecontrarywhereofisprofessionjoynedwithhypocrisie,Tit.1.16.Mat.15.7,8,9.prophanenesseandanevilllife,wherebytheNameofGod,andprofessionofReligionisdishonoured,Rom.2.24.

2.ConfessionofChristuntosuffering,yea,martyrdomeifcausebe,Rev.2.13.thecontrarywhereof,is,shrinkingincaseofperill,anddenyingGodthehonorofoursufferingforhim,Mat.10.33.

3.HonourableandreverentmentionofGodandhisTitles,Properties,Attributes,Works,WordandOrdinances,Psal.19.1,2.&71.15.Prov.31.26.

Whatvicesarerepugnanttothis?

Thevices

repugnant.

Theright

useof

Oathes.

Anunreverentmention,oranunadvised,sudden,andcauselessespeakingofanyofthese,andallabusingoftheNamesandTitlesofGod.

Howisthatdone?

1.Bysayinginourcommontalke;OLord,OGod,OJesus,&c.orinwondringwise;goodGod,goodLord,&c.inmattersoflightandnomoment;andforsuchfoolishadmirations,andtakingGodsNamelightlyuponeveryoccasionisherecondemned.

2.Byidlewishes.

3.Byimprecationsandcursings,Gen.16.5.2Sam.16.8,9.

4.ByBlaspheming.

5.BytheabuseofOathes,Jam.5.12.

IsthereanytrueuseofOathes?

Yes,inmattersofimportance,thatcannotbedecidedbutbyanOath,itisgoodandlawfulltoswearebytheNameofGod,andadutyspeciallycommanded,Deut.6.13.and10.20.sothatitbedonetruly,advisedly,andrightly;forsoistheCommandement,Jer.42.Thoushaltsweareinrighteousnesse.

Howarewetosweareintruth?

Affirmingwhatweknowtobetrue,andverifyingbydeedwhatweundertake,Psal.15.4.&24.4.

WhatisheremeantbyJudgement?

AdueconsiderationbothofthenatureandgreatnesseofanOath,whereinGodistakentowitnesseagainstthesouleoftheswearer,ifhedeceive,2Chron.1.23.andoftheduecallingandwarrantofanOath;whetherpublicke,beingdemandedbytheMagistrate;whetherperilltotheswearer,Gen.43.3.2Sam.24.22,23.orprivate,incaseofgreatimportance,whenthetruthcannototherwisebecleared,Exod.22.11.1Sam.20.17.2Cor.1.23.

WhatConsiderationsarethentobehadintakingofanOath?

1.WhetherthePartywedealewith,doubtofthethingwespeakeoforno.

2.IfthePartydoubtwhetherthematterwhereofwespeake,beweightyandworthyofanOath.

3.Ifitbeweighty,whetherthequestionordoubtmaybeendedwithtrulyandverily,orsuchlikenakedasseverations,orbydoublingourasseverations,asourSaviourChristdid:forthenbyhisexampleweoughttoforbeareanOath,Mat.5.37.

4.WhethertherebenotyetanyotherfitmeanestotryoutthematterbeforewecometoanOath.

[Page]

What

persons

may

lawfully

takean

5.WhetherheforwhosecausewegivetheOath,willrestinit,andgivecredituntoit;forotherwisetheNameofGodistakeninvaine,Heb.6.16.

6.Whetherthematterisofimportance,andthereisnoothertryall,butanOath.AndthenwemusthaveourmindswhollybenttosanctifietheNameofGodbytheOathwetake;andthinkeuponthegreatnesseofGodspowertopunishOathestakenamisse,andtoblessethetrueuseofthem.

HowarewetosweareinRighteousnesse?

1.Inadueforme,whichmustbenootherthenGodsWordalloweth;viz.byGodalone,notbyanycreatureorIdoll,Deut.6.13.Isa.65.16.Zeph.1.5.Jer.12.16.Mat.5.34,&c.AlthoughinlawfullContracts,withanInfidell,orIdolater,wemayadmitofsuchOathes,wherebyheswea-rethbyhisfalseGods.

2.Toarightend,whichisthegloryofGod,Isa.45.23.withPhil.2.11.thegoodoftheChurch,andpeaceamongstmen,Heb.6.16.

WhatPersonsmaylawfullytakeanOath?

Suchonlyashaveweightymatterstodealein;andthereforeitisaltogetherunlawfullforChildrentosweare;asalso,becausetheycannotthinkesufficientlyofthedignityofanOath.NoAtheistorprophanemanshouldsweare,becauseeithertheybeleevenot,or

Oath.

Thespeciall

abusesof

anOath.

theyservenotGod,Rom.1.19.InwomenOathesshouldbemoreseldometheninmen;inServantstheninMasters;inpooretheninrich,becausetheydealenotinsoweightymatters.

WhatarethespeciallabusesofanOath?

1.TherefusingofallOathesasunlawfull,whichistheerrouroftheAnabaptists.

2.ArashandvaineOath,wherethereisnocauseofswearing,whenuponeverylightoccasionwetakeupthenameofGod,andcallhimforawitnesseoffrivolousthingsbyusuallswearing,Mat.6.24.Jam.5.12.Jer.23.10.

3.SuperstitiousorIdolatrousOathes,whenweswearebyanIdoll,orbyGodscreatures,Zeph.1.5.Amos8.14.asbythemasse,ourLady,bread,salt,fire,andmanyfondtrashes,whereasGodneverappointedthecreaturesforsuchuses.

4.AcounterfeitandmockingOath.

5.Apassionateswearing,wherebywecallGodforawitnesseofourfuriousanger,1Sam.14.39.2King6.31.

6.Outragiousandblasphemousswearing.

7.Perjury,whenGodiscalledforawitnesseofanuntruth,byforswearing,Isa.48.1.Zach.5.4.whichis,1.Whenonesweareth,thatwhichhehimselfethinkethtobefalse,

[Page]

HowGods

Nameis

takenin

vaineinre-

gardofhis

Properties.

Lev.19.12.Secondly,Whenhesweareth,anddothnotperformehisOath,2Chron.36.13.

8.TakingalawfullOath,withoutduereverenceandconsideration.

SomuchfortherightuseandabuseofanOath.Declarenowfurther,howtheNameofGodistakeninvaine,inregardofhisPropertiesandAttributes?

1.ByseldomeorneverbreakingforthintosuchConfessionordeclarationofGodspower,wisdome,justice,mercy,&c.asourselvesandothersmighttherebybestirredupthemoretobethankfulluntohim,andtostayuponhim,Psal.40.9.

2.ByabusinghisProperties;andbycarnall,carelesse,andcontemptuousspeakingofthem,2King.7.2.

HowisGodsWisdometouchedhere?

Bycallingitintoquestion,andbypryingintothehiddenCounselsofGod;aswhenamanundertakethtoforetellfuturethingsandevents.

HowishisJustice?

1.BypassingoverhisIudgementswithoutnotice.

2.ByCursingsandimprecations,wherbywemakeourselvesIudges,andattributethattoourselveswhichisduetoGod.

Howin

respectof

hisWorks.

3.BymisconstruingandpervertinghisIudgements.

HowishisMercy?

1.Bypassingoverofhisbenefitswithoutduenoticetaken;andnotobserving,andrecountingwhatspeciallmercieshehathvouchsafedusinparticular,Psal.66.16.&103.2,3,&c.

HowistheNameofGodtakeninvaine,inrespectofhisWorksandActions?

1.BynotseeingGodinhisWorks,Acts17.27.

2.BylightlypassingoverofGodsgreatWorks,ofCreation,Preservation,Redemption;asalsoofotherhisMercies,andIudgements,andnotglorifyingGodforthatwhichmaybeseeninthem.

3.VaineandfoolishthoughtsconcerningtheCreatures,wherebyavertueisattributeduntothemwhichGodnevergaveuntothem:asallghessingoffuturethingsbytheStars;byamansfaceandhands;thecountingitaprodigioustoken,thataHareshouldcrosseourway,&c.

4.NotusingtheCreaturesasweought,norreceivingthemtoGodsglorywiththanksgiving:AswhenamangivethnotthankstoGodforhismeatanddrinke,butdoththinkethemtocomewithoutGodsprovidence,whichisafearfulltakingofGodsNameinvaine.

5.CavillingattheDoctrineofPredestination,Rom.9.19,

Howin

respectof

hisWord.

20.andnotadmittingthedepthofhisCounsels,Rom.11.33,34.

6.MurmuringatGodsProvidence,underthenamesofFortune,chance,andfate,&c.Job3.23,&c.

7.Evillthoughtstowardsourbrethren,whichareafflicted;aswhenweseeonevisitedbyGod,eitherinbody,goods,orboth,wearealwayesreadytothinketheworstofhim;viz.ThatGodexecuteththesepunishmentsonhimforhissins,whenasGodmaydoeiteithertoexercisethefaithandpatienceofthepartyafflicted,asinJob;ortostirreotherstocompassionandpity;orelsetosetforthhisowneglory,aswemayseeverifiedintheexampleoftheblindmanintheGospell,Joh.9.2,3.

8.AbuseofLots,Esther3.7.Prov.16.33.

HowisGodsNametakeninvaineinregardofhisWord?

1.Bynotspeakingofitatall.Deut.6.7.Psal.37.30.

2.Byfoolishandfruitlessespeakingofit,orabusinganypartthereofuntoidleandcuriousquestions,2Pet.3.16.

3.Byabusingittoprophanemirth,byframingjestsoutofit,oragainstit,Psal.22.13.AlsobymakingPlayesandEnterludesthereof.

4.BymaintainingErrour,sinne,andprophanenessebyit,

[Page]

Ofthe

helpes&

hindrances.

Mat.4.6.Isa.66.5.

5.ByapplyingittoSuperstition,andunlawfullArts,toMagicallspels,Sorceries,andCharmes,forthehealingofdiseases,findingoutoftheft,&c.Deut.18.11.Acts19.13.

HowisGodsNametakeninvaine,inregardoftheSacraments,andotherholyMysteriesandOrdinancesofGod?

Whentheyareunworthilyreceived,andprophanelyused,Mal.1.11,12.1Cor.11.27.29.Jer.7.4,10.

SomuchofthechiefeparticularsforbiddeninthisCommandement.Whatarethehelpsorhinderancesoftheobediencethereof?

1.ThatwebothinureourheartstofeareandreverencethegreatanddreadfullNameoftheLordourGod,Deut.28.58.Eccles.9.2.andkeepacarefullwatchoverourlipsandlives,lestbyanymeaneswedishonourhim,Psal.39.1.

2.Thatweavoidboththecompanyofprophanepersons,whosettheirmouthagainstHeaven,Psal.73.9.andallunnecessarydangers,wherbydivershavebeenoccasionedtodenytheLord,Mat.26.69,&c.

WhatiscontainedintheReasonannexedtotheCommandement?

Thereason

annexedto

thethird

Com-

mandement.-

Adreadfullpenalty:ThattheLordwillnotholdhimguiltlessethattakethhisNameinvaine.

Whatisthesummeofthisthreat?

ThatGodwillnotleavethissinunpunished,1King.2.9.butwillgrievouslypunishthebreachofthisCommandement;wherebyhethreatnethextrememiseriesandjudgementstotheTransgressors:Foritbeingourhappinessetohaveoursinscovered,andnotimputed,Psal.32.2.itmustneedsbeextreameunhappinesse,tohaveitreckonedandimputeduntous.

Whatisimplyedherein?

Afitopposition:ThathowsoevermansLawestakenotholdofoffendinginthiskind;yetGodwillnotacquitthem,Psal.1.5.norsufferthemtoescapehisrighteousandfearefullIudgements,Zach.5.3.Jer.5.12.NeithershalltheTransgressorscapeunpunished,althoughtheMagistrateandtheMinisteralsowouldpronouncehiminnocent;andalthoughtheMalefactorflatterhimselfe,asifalldangerswerepast;nay,themorefree,that(usually)heescapestheIudgementsandpunishmentsofmen;themoreheavyplagues,andvengeancewillsurelylightuponhimfromGod,exceptherepent.

HithertooftheCommandementsconcerningthatservicewhichistobeperformedtoGodatalltimes,asoccasionshallrequire;whichisthatwhichconcerneththespecialltime,whollytobebestowedinhisWorship?

Thefourth

Commande

ment.

[Page]

The

meaningof

thefourth

Commande

ment.

ThefourthandlastCommandementofthefirstTable,whichsettethforthacertainday,especiallyappointedbytheLordhimselfe,tothepractiseoftheWorship,prescribedinthethreeformerCommandements:forthereinconsisteththechiefepointofthesanctifyingofthatday.

WhataretheWordsofthisCommandement?

RememberthatthoukeepholytheSabbathday,&c.Exod.20.8,9,10,11.

Whatarewetoobserveinthesewords?

First,theCommandement,andthentheReasonsannexedthereunto.

WhatisthemeaningoftheCommandement?

Itchallengethatthehandofeverymanonedayofsevenineveryweek,tobesetapartuntoaholyrest,andrequirethallpersonstoseparatethemselvesfromtheirordinarylabour,andallotherexercises,tohisserviceonthesame,thatsotheybeingseveredfromtheirworldlybusinessesandalltheworksoftheirlabourandcallings,concerningthislife,theymaywhollyattendtotheworshipofGodalone,Neh.13.15,16.Esa.58.13,14.

Whydoeyouaddethesewords[apart]and[separate?]

Whatneed

thereisof

onedayin

sevento

serveGod.

TomakeadifferencebetweentheSabbathdayes,whereinweemustwholyandonlyserveGod,andtheexercisesoftheothersixdayswhereineverymanmustservehiminhislawfullcalling.

WhatneedisthereofonewholedayineveryweektoserveGod,seeingwemayservehimeveryday?

Thatisnotenough:For,

1.Totheendthatweshouldnotplungeourselvessodeeplyintotheaffairsoftheworld,asthatweshouldnotrecoverourselves,thewisdomeofGodhaththoughtitfit,thatonedayinseventhereshouldbeanintermissionfromthem,thatwemightwhollyseparateourselvestotheserviceofGod,andwithmorefreedomeofspiritperformethesame.

2.AwholedayisneedfullfortheperformanceofallthepartsofGodsserviceandworship,ashearingofpublikePrayer,andtheWordpreached,Chatechising,AdministrationoftheSacraments,exerciseofholyDiscipline,andconsiderationofthegloryofGodinthecreatures.

3.IfAdaminhisperfectionhadneedofthisholyday,muchmorehavewewhoaresogrievouslycorrupted.

4.IftheLordinloveandwisedome,consideringournecessitiesbothofsouleandbody,hathsetoutaweekstimeforbothofprovision,thataseverydaywesetapart

[Page]

Thatthe

Sabbath

dayisnot

etremoniall.

sometimeforfood,andspendtherestinlabour,sowesetonedayintheweekasideforourspirituallfood,andbestowtheotherdayesonourearthlyaffaires:soasthisdaymayincomparisonbeaccountedthesoulesday,whereinyetweemusthavesomecareofourbodies:asonthesixdayeswemusthavesomecareofoursoules.

WhatisforbiddeninthisCommandement?

TheunhallowingorprophaningoftheSabbath,eitherbydoingtheworksofourcallingandoftheflesh,orbyleavingundonetheworksoftheSpirit.

ButisnotthisCommandementCeremoniall,andsotakenawaybythedeathofChrist?

No;butisconstantlyandperpetuallytobeobserved;andnevertoceasetillitbeeperfectlyconsummatedintheheavenlySabbath,Hebr.4.9,10.

Howproveyouthat?

1.BecauseitisplacedinthenumberoftheperpetuallCommandements;otherwisetheMorallLawshouldconsistbutofninewordsorCommandements,whichiscontrarytoGodsWord,Deut.4.13.

2.BecausethisCommandement(amongsttherest)waswrittenbythefingerofGod,Exod.31.18.whereasnopartoftheCeremoniallLawwas.

3.ForthatitwaswritteninTablesofstone,aswellastheother,Deut.5.22.Astosignifiethehardnesseofourhearts;sotosignifiethecontinuanceandperpetuityofthisCommandementaswellastherest.

4.BecauseitwasbeforeanyShadoworCeremonyoftheLaw;yeabeforeChristwaspromised,whomallCeremoniesoftheLawhaverespectunto:fortheSabbathwasfirstinstitutedinParadise,beforetherewasanyuseofSacrifices,andCeremonies,Gen.2.1,2,3.

5.TheCeremonieswereasaPartitionwallbetwixttheIewsandtheGentiles;butGoddothhereextendhisCommandementnotonelytotheIewesthemselves,butalsotostrangers.Exod.20.10.Nehem.13.15,16,&c.

6.OurSaviourChristwillinghisfollowerswhichshouldliveaboutfortyyearesafterhisAscension,topraythattheirflightmightnotbeeontheSabbathday,totheendthattheymightnotbeehindredintheserviceofGod,doththerebysufficientlydeclare,thatheeheldnotthisCommandementintheaccountofaCeremony,Matth.24.20.

Butitsometimesshadowethoursanctification,andoureternallrest.Col.2.16,17.Exod.31.13.andisthereforeCeremoniall?

Thatfollowethnot:For,

1.ThereisnoCommandementwhichhathnotsomeCeremoniestyeduntoit;asintheCommandement

Ofthe

changeof

theseventh

daytothe

first,and

thereasons

ofit.

touchingMurther,toabstainfromstrangledthings,andbloud:AndthewholeLawhadtheCeremonyoftheParchmentLaw.SothatbythatreasonthewholeLawshouldbeCeremoniall,whichisabsurd.

2.TheCeremoniallrepresentationofoureternallrestcameaftertheCommandementoftherest,andthereforeisaccessaryandaccidentall:forwhichcause,thetimeofcorrectionandabolishmentofCeremoniesbeingcome,Dan.9.7.Matth.11.13.Acts15.6.Col.2.13,14.Heb.10.14.Gal.5.2.thatusemaywellfallaway,andyettheCommandementremaine,itbeingoutofthesubstanceoftheCommandement.

Whatisthespecialldayoftheweek,whichGodhathsetapartforhissolemneWorship?

Thefirstdayoftheweek,calledtheLordsday,1Cor.16.2.Rev.1.10.Acts20.7.

Wasthisdaysetapartthereuntofromthebeginning?

No:ForfromthefirstCreationtilltheResurrectionofChrist,thelastdayoftheweek,commonlycalledSaturday,wasthedaythatwasappointedthereunto;andthatwhichthepeopleofGodconstantlyobserved.

Andwhyso?

BecauseuponthatGodceasedfromtheworkeofCreation,Gen.2.2▪Exod.31.17.

[Page]

Howcamethisdaytobechanged?

BydivineAuthority.

Howdoththatappeare?

1.BythepractiseofourSaviourChrist,andhisApostles,Iohn20.19,26.Acts2.1.20.7.whichshouldbeasufficientruleuntous,especiallytheApostles,havingaddedaCommandementthereunto,1Cor.16.12.

2.ThereisnoreasonwhyitshouldbecalledtheLordsday,Rev.1.10.butinregardofthespecialldedicationthereoftotheLordsservice:forotherwiseallthedayesintheweekearetheLordsdayes,andheistobeservedandworshippedinthem.

Whatwasthecausethatthedaywaschanged?

BecauseitmightserveforathankfullmemorialofChristsResurrection.ForasGodrestedfromhislabouronthelastdayoftheweeke:soChristceasedfromhislabourandafflictionsonthisday,Mat.28.1.Gen.2.1,2.Astheonethereforewasspeciallysanctified,inregardoftheCreationoftheWorld:sowastheother,inrespectoftherestaurationandredemptionoftheworld,whichisagreaterworkethentheCreation.

Canthisdaythenbealtered?

NopowerofanyCreatureinHeavenorEarthcanalterit,orplaceanotherseventhdayintheplaceandstead

Thetimeof

the

Sabbath,

andwhenit

beginneth.

thereof.

ButdoththisCommandementdirectlyrequiretheseventhdayfromtheCreation?

No:buttheseventhdayingenerall.

Dothnotthereasonannexed,wheretheLordinsixdayesissaidtomakeHeavenandEarth,andtoresttheseventhday,andthereforetohallowit,confirmesomuch?

No,notnecessarily:Foritdothnothencefollow,thatweshouldrestthesamedaytheLordrested;butthatweshouldrestfromourworketheseventhday,asherestedfromhis;whichseventhday,undertheLaw,heappointedtobeSaturday:sonothinghindreth,butbyhisspeciallap-pointmentundertheGospellitmaybeSunday,andyetthesubstanceoftheCommandementnothingaltered.

WhydothnottheNewTestamentmentionthischange?

BecausetherewasnoquestionmovedaboutthesameintheApostlestime.

WhenthendoththisourSabbathbegin,andhowlongdothitcontinue?

Thisday,asallthesix,isthespaceoftwentyfourehoures,andbeginnethatthedawning,thoughweoughtintheEveningbefore,toprepareforthedayfollowing.

WhydothourSabbathbeginatthedawningoftheday?

[Page]

BecauseChristroseinthedawning;andtoputadifferencebetweentheIewish,andatrueChristianSabbath.ForastheIewesbeguntheirSabbathinthatpartoftheday,inwhichtheCreationoftheWorldwasended,andconsequently,intheEvening:sothecelebrationofthememoryofChristsResurrection,andthereinofhisrestfromhisspecialllabours,andtherenewingoftheWorld,beingthegroundofthechangeofthatday;itisalsobythesameproportionofreason,tobeginwhentheResur-rectionbegan,whichwasintheMorning.

CanyoushewthisExample?

Yea,PaulbeingatTroas,afterhehadpreachedawholeday,untillmidnight,celebratedthesupperoftheLordthesamenight,whichwasaSabbathdayesexercise;andtherefore,thatnightfollowingtheday,wasapartoftheSabbath;ForintheMorninghedeparted,havingstaidtheresevendayes,bywhichitisevident,thatthatwhichwasdone,wasdoneupontheLordsday,Acts20.7,10.

IstheLordsdayonlytobeseparatedtoGodsservice?

No:ForofthismannerareholyFastsobservedfortheavoidingofsomegreatevill,presentorimminent,Lev.23.27.Ioel2.12.&holyFeasts,forthethankfullremembranceofsomespeciallmemorablemerciesob-tained,Zach.8.19.Ester.9.17,18,19.

TowhatCommandementdoeyourefertheChurchesmeetingontheworkingdayes?

Whatis

meantby

theword,

Remember.

Thatisalso,byamannerofspeechofonepartforthewhole,containedinthisCommandement:yea,itreachethtothetimeswhichtheFamilyappointeth,orthateveryoneforhisprivategoodproposeth,althoughtheBondtothattimeisnotsostrict,asistheBondtoobservethedayesofRest.

SomuchofthisCommandementingenerall:Whatdoeyounotethereininparticular?

1.TheentranceinthewordRemember.

2.ThepartsoftheCommandement.

Whatistobeobservedintheword,Remember?

ThatalthoughalltheCommandementsareneedfulldiligentlytoberemembred,yetthismorespecially.

Whyso?

1.BecausethisCommandementhathleastlightofnaturetodirectustotheobservationofit.

2.Forthatwearenaturallymostnegligentinit,sufferingourselvestobewithdrawnebyourworldlybusinesse,fromtheLordsservice,upontheLordsday;andtherefore,suchaspeciallwarningisneedfulltobeadded.

Whatthingsarewethencetoremember?

1.TolookebackeuntothefirstinstitutionoftheSabbath

[Page]

Ofthe

Preparation

ofthe

Sabbath:

dayinParadise,Gen.2.2,3.beforeallSacrificesandCeremonies.

2.Sotobeareitinmind,astoliveincontinuallpractiseofthedutieswelearnedtheSabbathdaylastpast.

3.TobethinkourselvesbeforeoftheworksoftheSabbath,andsotoprepareourselves,andouraffaires,Luke23.54.thatwemayfreelyandduelyattendontheLordintheSabbathapproaching.

WhatshouldbedoneinthispreparationoftheSabbath?

1.Weshouldsocompasseallourbusinessesinthesixworkingdayes,thatourworldlyaffairesenternot,orincroachintothepossessionoftheLordsday;Notonlywillingly,butnotsomuchasbyanyforgetfulnesse.Aswhenthroughwantofforesight,orforecastingthepaymentofmonyduebyobligation,oranysuchbusinessesthatmightbeprevented,shallfalloutonthatday.

2.Weshouldsanctifieourselves,andthosethatareunderus,tokeepthatday.

Whatiscontrarytothis?

TheneglectofPreparationfortheSabbathbeforeitcome,andoffittingourheartsforholyservice,whenitiscome.

WhatarethepartsofthisCommandement?

Theyaretwo.

What

Workes

oughttobe

declined.

Theparts

ofthe

fourth

Commande

ment.

First,tokeeptheLordsrest.

Secondly,tosanctifiethisrest:Foritisnotsufficientthatwerestfromworldlybusinesses,butitisfurtherrequired,thatitbeaholyrest.Thefirstsheweth,whatworkswearetodeclineuponthisday;theother,whatdutieswearetoperforme.

Whataretheworkesthatwemustdecline,andleaveundoneontheLordsday?

Notonelytheworkesofsinne,whichweoughttoleaveundoneeveryday,butalsotheworkesofourordinarycallingsconcerningthislife,andbodilyexerciseandlabours,whichuponotherdayesarelawfullandnecessarytobeedone,Marke3.4.Ezek.23.37,38.Num.15.32,33.Exod.31.10,11,12,13,14.&34.21.Nehem.13.15,&c.Esa.58.13.

WhatinstanceshaveyouinScriptureoftheperformancehereof?

TheIsraelitesceasedbothfromthoseworkswhichwereoftheleastimportance,asgatheringofsticks,Num.15.32.andfromsuchalsoaswereofgreatestweight,asworkingattheTabernacle,andbuildingtheTempleontheSabbathday;andconsequentlyallotherworkesbetwixttheseextreams,asbuyingandselling,workinginseedtime,orharvest,wereforbiddenuntothem.

Areweasstrictlyboundtorestfromallouroutward

businesses,andtoforbeareallworldlylabouruponthisday,astheIsraelites?

Yea,sofarreforthasthemoralityoftheCommandementreacheth,butbytheCeremoniallLaw,therewasenjoyneduntotheIewesamoreexactobservationofoutwardrest,whichtothemwasapartoftheirCeremonialworship:whereasuntoustheoutwardrestisnotproperlyanypartofthesanctificationoftheday,oroftheserviceofGod:butonlyameanestendingtothefurtheranceofthesame;evenasinFastingandPrayer;FastisofitselfenopartofGodsservice,butathingadjoynedthereunto,andsofarreforthonelyacceptableintheworshipofGod,asitmakethawayandreadierpassagefortheother,1Cor.8.8.

WhatdidthatmoststrictobservanceofoutwardrestsignifieuntotheJewes?

TheircontinuallSanctificationinthisworld,Exodus31.13.Ezek.20.12.andtheirendlesserestintheworldtocome;whereofthiswasaTypenolessethenthelandofPromise,Heb.4.4,5.10.

Howwasthelatterofthesespeciallytypified?

Inthisworld,GodsChildrenaresubjecttothefierytryall,butafterthesetroubles,restisprovidedforthem,2Thes.1.7.andnofiretobefearedinthatafterworld.Foramorelivelyrepresentationofthat,therewasachargelaiduponthechildrenofIsrael,thatnofiremightbekindledthroughoutalltheirhabitationsupontheSabbathday,Exodus35.3.thoughitwerefortheverypreparingofthe

[Page]

Whatrest

requiredin

meatwhichtheyshouldeate,Exodus16.23.whichwasalloweduntothem,eveninthetwogreatsolemnedayesofthePasseover,Exo.12.16.

IsitthenlawfullforustomakeafireanddressemeatupontheLordsday?

Yeacertainly;becausethesewerepropertothePedagogy,ormannerofgovernmentoftheChildrenofIsraelundertheLaw,asmayappeatebythis,thattherewasnosuchthingcommandedbeforetheLawwasgivenbyMoses;andconsequentlybeingnotperpetuall,mustnecessarilyfollowtobeeCeremoniall.NowaftertheSabbaththatChristourLordrestedinthegrave,theCeremoniallSabbathlyethburiedinthatgrave,togetherwiththoseotherRiteswhichwereshadowsofthingstocome,thebodybeinginChrist,Col.2.16,17.ThereforewebeingdeadwithChrist,fromtheseCeremonies,arenomoretobeburthenedwithsuchTraditions,ibid.verse20.Nortobeebroughtunderthebondageofanyoutwardthing:ItisalibertypurchaseduntousbyChrist,andwemuststandfastuntoit,thatblessedhourebeingcome,whereinthetrueworshippersaretoworshiptheFatherinSpiritandTruth,John4.23.

ToleavethentheCeremoniallSabbath,andtocometotheMorall;HowistheRestrequiredthereinlaiddowneinthefourthCommandement?

ByaDeclaration:First,oftheWorksfromwhichtheremustbeacessation.Secondly,ofthepersonsthatmustobservethisRest.

thefourth

Com-

mandement.-

Howistheformeroftheseexpressed?

Inthesewords:InitthoushaltnotdoeanyWorke,Exodus20.10.

Whatisrequiredofushereby?

Thatforthespaceofthatwholenaturallday,weceaseinmindeandbodyfromallourworldlylabours;yeafromtheworkesofourlawfullCalling,andallotherearthlybusinesseswhatsoever,morethenneedsmustbedone,eitherforGodsglory,ormansgood.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatallexerciseswhichservenotinsomedegreetomakeusfittotheLordsworke,areunlawfullupontheLordsday.

Whydoeyousay,thatwemustrestinmindeandbody?

Becausethisrestmustbeofthewholeman,inthoughts,words,anddeeds,Esa.58.13.

Isitmeerelyunlawfulltodoeanybodily,oroutwardbusinesseontheLordsday?

No.First,forsuchworksareexceptedasarepresentlynecessary,eitherforcommonhonesty,orcomelinesse.

Secondly,theactionsofPietyrequisitefortheperformanceofGodsserviceonthatday,Acts1.12.Mat.12.5.

Thirdly,extraordinaryexigentsofCharity,forthe

[Page]

Thespeciall

breaches

oppositeto

anholy

rest.

preservationoftheCommonwealth,2Kings11.9.

Fourthly,thepreservationofourowneandotherslife,health,andgoods,incaseofpresentnecessity,orgreatdangeroftheirperishing,iftheywerenotsavedonthatday,Mat.12.10,11.Marke3.4.Luke13.15,16.

WhatbethespeciallbreachesofthispartoftheCommandement?

1.ThemakingoftheSabbathacommondaythroughcommonlaboursinourordinarycallings,Neh.13.15.vainespeech,andtalkingofourworldlyaffaires,Esa.58.13.thinkingourownethoughts,andnootherbutacommonuseoftheCreatures.

2.Themakingitadayofcarnallrestuntoidlenesse,feasting,pastimes,&c.whichdrawourmindesfurtherfromGodthenourordinarylabours,Exod.32.6.Whitherarereferredallrecreations,whichdistractus,asalsoexcessiveeatinganddrinking,whichcausethdrowsi-nesse,andunaptnesseuntoGodsServiceandWorship.

3.Themakingitadayofsinne,ortheDevillsholyday,bydoingthatontheLordsdaywhichisnodaylawfull,Mar.3.4.butthenmostabominable,Ezek.23.37,38.

4.Thekeepingapeeceoftheday,notthewhole;orgivinglibertytoourselvesinthenight,beforethewholeSabbathbeended.

5.Theforbearingourselves,butimployingothersinworldlybusinesses;forpreventingofwhichsinne,Godissolargeinnamingofthepersons,whichinthisCommandementareforbiddentoworke.

WhyisthereaparticularrehearsallofthesepersonsinthisCommandement?

TotakeawayallexcusesfromallpersonsinthisCommandement;fortheLorddidsee,thatsuchwasthecorruptionofmen,thatiftheythemselvesdidrestuponthisdayfromlabours,theywouldthinkeitsufficient,notcaringhowtheytoyledoutandweariedtheirservantsathomewithcontinualllabour,asmanydoe;sothatitwerebettertobesuchmensOxenthentheirservants,sosmallcaretheyhaveoftheirsoules.

Whatisthespecialluseofthisrehearsall?

Toteachus,thatallsortsanddegreesofpersonsareboundtoyeeldthisdutyuntoGod;andthattheSabbathistobekeptbothbyourselves,andthosethatdoebelonguntous.

Wasitnotordainedalsofortherestandrefreshingofmenandbeasts;especiallyServants,whichcouldnototherwisecontinuewithoutit?

Thatalsowaspartlyintended,asmayappearebyDeut.5.14.butnotprincipally,forthethingsherecontaineddoeconcernetheworshipofGod;butthatwearingandtoylingoutofservantsandbeasts,isagainstthesixt

[Page]

Towhom

this

Commande

mentis

Commandement;andworkingishereforbidden,thatmenmightbethemorefreefortheworshipofGod;andthereforethoughservantshadneversomuchrestandrecreationuponotherdayes,yettheyoughttorestuponthisdayinthatregard.

Whyistherementionmadeofallowingresttothebeasts?

First,thatwemayshewmercyeventothebeasts,Prov.12.10.

Secondly,torepresentafterasort,theeverlastingSabbath,whereinallCreaturesshallbeedeliveredfromthebondageofcorruption,Rom.8.20,21.

Thirdly,becauseofthewholeimploymentofmenintheLordsservice:forbeastscannotbetravelledorusedinanyworkeuponthatday,unlessemanbewithdrawnefromGodsservice;yea,thoughthebeastcouldlabourwithoutmansattendance,yethismindewouldsometimeorotherbecarryedawayanddistractedthereby,thatitwouldnotbesofitasitoughttobeforGodsservice.

TowhomespeciallyisthechargeofthisCommandementdirected?

ToHousholdersandMagistrates,whostandchargedinthebehalfe,bothofthemselves,andofallthatareundertheirroofeandGovernment,Jos.24.15.Neh.13.15.Heb.13.15.

WhatisthechargeoftheHousholder?

chiefly

directed.

Thesecond

partofthis

Commande

ThatnotonlyhimselfekeeptheLordsday;butalso,hisWife,ChildrenandServants,asmuchasmaybe.Forastheyservehimintheweekedayes:sohemustseethattheyserveGodontheLordsday.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThataHousholdershouldbeascarefulloftheLordsbusinesse,asofhisowne;Andifhewillnotkeepsuchaservantasisnotcarefullinhisordinaryworke,muchlesseshouldhekeepanythatwillnotbecarefullintheLordsworke,howskilfullsoeverhebeinhisowne.

WhatistheMagistratespart?

ToseethatallwithinhisgateskeeptheLordsday,Jo.24.15.evenstrangers,thoughTurksandInfidels,Neh13.15.causingthemtoceasefromlabour,andrestrainingthemfromallopenandpublickIdolatry,orfalseWorshipofGod;muchmoreallhisowneSubjects,whomheoughttoforcetohearetheWord,2Chron.34.33.

SomuchofthefirstpartofthisCommandement,touchingourrestfromallworldlybusinesses:Whatfollowethinthenextplace?

ThesecondandgreaterpartofthisCommandement,whichisthesanctifyingofthisRest,andkeepingitholyuntotheLord,byexercisingofourselveswhollyintheserviceofGod,andperformingthedutiesofthatday.

ment,

whichisthe

sanctifying

oftheRest.

The

Exercises

andDuties

requiredon

the

Sabbath.

AreweasstrictlyboundtothesedutiesastheJewes?

Yesverily,andmorethenthey,becauseofthegreatermeasuresofGodsgracesuponus,abovethatwhichwasuponthem.

Whatisrequiredofusherein?

TomaketheSabbathourdelight;toconsecrateitasglorioustotheLord,Isa.58.13.andthatwithjoy,andwithoutwearinesse,Amos8.5.withMal.1.13.andthatalsowithcareanddesireofprofitwebestowthewholeday(asnaturewillbeare)inholyExercises.

WhataretheseExercises?

TheyarepartlydutiesofPiety,Acts13.13.15.20.7.Psal.92.1.ashearingandreadingtheWord,Prayer,singingofPsalmes,andfeedingourselveswiththeContemplationsoftheheavenlySabbath;partlyofmercy,1Cor.16.2.Neh.8.12.asvisitingandrelievingthesickeandneedy,comfortingthesad,andsuchlike.

Howarethesedutiestobeperformed?

Hartlypublick,intheChurch,wherethesolemneworshippingofGodisthespeciallworke,andproperuseoftheSabbath:Partlyprivate,outoftheChurch;andthateithersecretly,byourselvesalone,orjoyntlywithothers.

[Page]

Prayerwith

the

Congrega-

tion.

Hearingthe

Word.

Whatifwecannotbesufferedtousethepublickemeanes?

Suchasarenecessarilydebarredfromthepublickduties,musthumblethemselvesbeforeGod,mourningandsorrowingforthisrestraint,Mat.24.20.Psal.42.6.&84.1,2,3.andwithsomuchmorecareandearnestnesseusetheprivatemeanes,Psal.53.1,2.

WhatisthefirstdutywearetoperformeinthepublickAssembly?

TojoyneinPrayerwiththeCongregation,whichisanexcellentduty;forif,asChristsaith,WhentwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinhisName,hewillgranttheirrequests;howmuchmorewillhehearehisservants,whentwoorthreehundredaregatheredinhisName?

Whatisthesecond?

TohearetheWordread,Luke4.16.Acts3.16.&15.20.forblessedishethatreadeth,andtheythathearetheWord,Rev.1.3.

Whatisthethird?

TohearetheWordpreached,Luke4.16.22.Acts13.14,15.&15.21.&20.7.

Whatisthefourth?

TocommunicateintheSacramentsbybeingpresentwhentheSacramentofBaptismeisadministreduntoothers;and

Receiving

the

Sacrament.

byreceivingtheSacramentoftheLordsSupperourselves,afteradecentorderintheappointedtime,Acts20.7.1Cor.11.20.

WhyshouldamanbepresentatBaptisme?

First,thatheemaygivethankstoGodforaddingaMembertohisChurch.

Secondly,thathemightbeputinmindeofhisownVowmadetoGodinBaptismebyseeingthechildebaptized.

WhatisthefiftdutytobeperformedintheCongregation?

SingingofPsalmes.

Whatisthesixt?

ExerciseoftheDisciplineoftheChurchagainstoffenders,1Cor.5.4.

Whatistheseventh?

Collectionforthepoore,andContributionforrelievingthenecessitiesoftheSaintsofGod,1Cor.16.1,2.wherewearetogiveaccordingtoourwealths,andtheblessingofGodupontheweekgoingbefore.

WhataretheprivatedutiesthataretobeperformedoutoftheChurch?

Suchasweperformeeitherinsecretbyourselvesalone,orincommonwithourfamiliesathome,orothersabroad,

[Page]

Private

dutiesof

the

Sabbath.

bothbeforethepublickexercisesintheChurch,thebettertoperformethem,andafter,themoretoprofitbythem.

Whatbetheyinparticular?

First,PrivatePrayer.

Secondly,ReadingoftheWord.

Thirdly,holyConferencetouchingtheWordofGod,andfamiliartalkeofthingsbelongingtotheKingdomeofheavenLuke14.7.16.

Fourthly,Examinationofourselves,andthosethatbelongtous,whatwehaveprofitedbythehearingoftheWord,andotherexercisesofReligion.

Fiftly,Catechisingofourfamilies.

Sixtly,MeditationuponGodsWord,Properties,andWorkes,aswellofCreationasofProvidence;especiallythatwhichheexercisethinthegovernmentoftheChurch,Psal.80.88.92.

Seventhly,reconcilingsuchasareatvariance,andvisitingthesick,relievingthepoore,&c.1Cor.16.2.Neh.8.12.ForthesealsoareworksoftheSabbath.

VVhatproofehaveyouofthiscontinuallexerciseandimployment?

1.IntheLaw;everyevening,andeverymorningwere

Thefirst

dutiesof

the

morning.

Oftheeve-

ning

prepara-

tion.

Sacrifices,whichontheSabbathweremultiplyed,Numb.28.9.

2.The92.Psalme(entituled,APsalmefortheSabbath)tobeesungthatday,declareth,thatitisagoodthingtobeginthepraisesofGodearlyinthemorning,andtocontinuethesameuntillnight.

Thatweemayknowthen,howtospendaSabbathwell,declaremoreparticularlyhowwemaybestowthewholetimeinexercisesofholines;andfirstbeginwiththeeveningpreparation.

Ourcaremustbeovernight,thathavinglaidasideallourearthlyaffaires,webegintofitourselvesfortheLordsservice:thatsowemayfallasleep,asitwere,intheLordsbosome,andawakewithhiminthemorning.

VVhatmustbedoneinthemorningwhenweawake?

Wearetoputawayallearthlythoughts,andtotakeupsuchMeditationsasmaymoststirreupourheartswithreverenceandcheerfulnessetoservetheLordthewholedayafter:wherein,first,wearetoconsiderthegreatbenefitoftheLordsSabbath,andsocheereupourheartsintheexpectationtoenjoythesame.Secondly,tocovenantwiththeLord,morereligiouslytosanctifiethewholedayafter.

Inmakingofourselvesready,whatarewetodoe?

RisingasearlyfortheLordsservice,aswedoeforourownebusinesses;andbestownomoretimenorcareaboutourapparell,andsuchlike,thenneedsmust:wemaythenoccupyourmindeaboutsuchmattersasbeemostfitforthattime;whichordinarilymaybethesetwo.

1.TothinkeuponGodsgoodnesseingivingussuchapparell,andothernecessaries,whichmanyotherswant:sothatweemayjudgeallthingswehaverathertoogoodforus,thenbeediscontentedwithanythingweenjoy.

2.Consideringhowwellourbodiesbeapparelled,andprovidedfor;toseekmoretohaveoursoulesbetterapparelledwithChristIesus.

Beingupandready,whatarewetosetourselvesto?

Weemustsetourselvestoourmorningsacrifice,eitheralone,orwithothers,ifitmaybe,someshortPrayerforourpreparationbeingused.

VVhatMeditationsmustwehereenterinto?

Twoespecially:theone,forthatwhichispast;theother,forthatwhichistocome.

VVhatforthatwhichispast?

TocastourweeksaccountatleasthowGodhathdealtwithusinbenefitsandchastisements,andhowweehavedealtwithhiminkeepingorbreakinghisCommandements,thatbybothwemayfindematterto

[Page]

comfortandhumbleus,tomoveustothankfulnesseformerciesreceived,andtoearnestsuitandlabourforpardonofourtrespasses,andsupplyofallournecessities.

VVhatforthatwhichfolloweth?

ToprepareourselvesforthepublickMinisterie,andasitweretoapparellourselves,andmakeourselvesfittogototheCourtoftheLordofHostswithhischildren,andbeforehisAngels.

Whatthingsarenecessaryhereunto?

1.Adueregardwhitherwegoe,beforewhom,whattodoe,andwhatends,wherewithtohonourGod,andtoreceivegracefromhim.

2.Anearnesthunger,sotousethemeanestoGodshonour,andourgood.

3.Truefaith,thatweshallenjoyourdesire.

4.IoyandThankfulnesse,inthehopeofsuchBlessings.

5.Humility,inregardofourunworthinesse.

6.Vnfainedpurposeofamendmentoflife.

Whatmustbeaddeduntothese?

TotheMeditations,ferventPrayermustbejoyned,andReading,forourfurtheranceinGodsservice;andsuchasconvenientlycan,aretojoynetogetherinaChristian

Ofthe

publick

dutiesof

the

Sabbath.

Whatisto

bedone

afterthe

publick

Ministery.

Family,toread,pray,andconfer,andGovernourstoinstructtheirFamiliesinsuchmattersasarethenbefitting.

Havingthusspentthetimeprivately,whatistobedoneinpublick?

WearetogoetoChurchinallcomelysort,beforethepublickMinistryisbegun,andthenwithalldiligencetoattend,andtogiveconsentthereunto,andsototaketoheartwhatsoevershallbebroughtuntous,thatbyalltheholyexerciseswemaybeedifiedinallneedfullgraces.

ThepublickMinistryended,whatarewetodoe?

Wearetooccupyourmindsonthatwehaveheard,andwhenwecometoplaceandtimeconvenient,tosetourselvesmoreespeciallytomakeuseofit,toourselvesandotherspertainingtous,andtowateritwithourprayers,thatitmaygrowandbringforthfruit.

Whatsayyoutoourdiet,andrefreshingofournatureonthisday?

Carewouldbehad,thatitbesuchaseverywaymaymakeusfitterforholyduties;Andtothisend,wearetoseasonitwithMeditation,andspeechesofholythings.

Howistheafternoonetobespent?

1.ThetimebeforetheEveningSacrifice,wearetobestow,

[Page]

eitheralone,orwithothers,insuchExercisesasmaybestquickeninusGodsSpirit.

2.FortheEveningSacrifices▪inallrespectstobehaveourselvesasintheMorning,andtocontinuetotheend.

3.ThispublickMinistryfullyended,tokeepourminds(inlikesortasbefore)onthatwehaveheard;andsobeingcomehome,eitheralone,orwithothers,toenterintoanexaminationofourselvesforthewholeday.

Howarewetoendtheday?

1.WiththanksforGodsblessingsonourlabours.

2.Humblesuitforpardonofallourfaultsescaped.

3.Earnestdesireofgrace,toprofitbyall,thatwemaypersevereuntotheend,andbesaved.

DoeyoumakeanydifferencebetwixttheSabbathnights,andothernights?

Yes:weshouldlayourselvesdownetorestingreaterquietnessethatnight,uponthesenseandfeelingoftheformerExercises;sothatoursleepshouldbethemorequiet,byhowmuchtheformerExercisesofthatdayhavebeenmoreholy;otherwiseweshoulddeclare,thatwehavenotkeptthewholedaysoholytotheLordasweought.

WhatbethesinscondemnedinthesecondpartofthisCommandement?

Sinstobe

condemned

inrespect

ofthese-

condpart

ofthis

Com-

mandement.-

Helpsand

hin-

derancesto

thekeeping

ofthis

Comman-

dement.

OftheRea-

Generally,theomissionofanyoftheformerduties;andinparticular,

1.Idlenesse,whichisasinneeveryday,butmuchmoreontheLordsday.

2.Prophaneabsencefrom,orunfaithfullpresenceatGodsOrdinances.

3.NeglectofcallingourselvestoareckoningafterholyExercises.

4.BeingwearyofthedutiesoftheSabbath,thinkinglongtilltheybeended,Amos8.5.Mal.1.13.

WhatarethehelpsorhinderancestothekeepingofthisCommandement?

Wemustaddetotheforementioneddutiesofremembrance,anardentendevourtotastethesweetnesseofholyExercises,Psa.24.2,3.&84.1.&c.thatsowemaycometomaketheSabbathourdelight.

2.Wemustavoidandabhorreallprophaneopinions,eitherdisanullingthenecessityoftheSabbath,orequallinganyotherdaytoit,togetherwithsuchmeetings,andCompanies,Exercisesandoccasions,wherebyweshallbeindangertobedrawnetotheunhallowingoftheSabbathday,Ezek.22.26.

SomuchoftheCommandement:Whatreasons

1.Reason.

sons

inforcing

obedience

tothis

Comman-

dement.

areusedtoinforcethesame?

Foure.

Whenceisthefirsttaken?

Fromequality,byasecretreasonofcomparisonofthelesse;ThatforasmuchasGodhathallowedussixdayesofsevenforouraffaires,todoeourownebusinessein;whetheritbelabour,orhonestrecreation,andreservedbutoneforhimselfe,whenashemightmostjustlyhavegivenusbutoneofseven,andhavetakensixtohimselfe;weoughtnottothinkeitmuch,tospendthewholeseventhdayintheserviceofGod.

Whatlearneyoufromhence?

TheunequallandwretcheddealingofmostmenwithGod,whobythegrantofthisCommandementurgeusuallyattheirservantshands,theworkeofawholeday,ineveryofthesixdayes;yetupontheLordsday,thinkeitenough,bothforthemselves,andthoseunderthem,tomeasureoutuntotheLordthreeorfourehouresonlyforhisservice,usingonemeasuretometetheservicedueuntothemselves,andanothertometetheservicedueuntoGod;whichisathingabominablebeforeGod,Pro.11.1.Andsomuchthemoreasthethingsaregreater,andofmorevalue,whichtheymetewithlessermeasures.

WhenceisthesecondReasontaken?

2.Reason.

3.Reason.

[Page]

FromGodsowneright,whomadetheSabbath,andisLordofit.FortheseventhdayistheSabbathoftheLordthyGod;Thisdayishis,andnotours.

Whenceisthethird?

FromtheexampleofGod;ThatasGodhavingmadeallthingsinthesixdayes,restedtheseventhdayfromcreatinganymore:soshouldwerestfromallourworks:GodhimselfeceasingfromhisworkeofCreationonthatday,andsanctifyingit,withwhatjoyoughtwetoimitateourGodherein?Gen.2.2,3.Exod.31.17.

DidGodceasefromallworksontheseventhday?

Noverily;hedidthen,andstillcontinuethtodoeagreatworkeinpreferringthethingscreated,Ioh.5.17.

Whatlearneyoufromthis?

1.ThatwebenotidleontheLordsday,seeingGodsexampleistothecontrary,butattendupontheLordsservice.

2.ThatastheLordpreservedontheSabbathdaythingscreatedinthesixdayesbefore,butcreatednoneothernew:sobyhisexample,wemaysavethingsonthatday,whichotherwisewouldbelost;butwemaynotgetorgainemore.

Whenceisthefourthandlastreasondrawne?

Fourth

reason:

Fromhopeofblessing;becauseGodordainednottheSabbathforanygooditcandoetohim,butforthegoodofunthankfullman;andthereforeheblessedandsanctifiedit,notonelyasadayofservicetohimselfe,butalsoasatimeandmeanestobestowencreaseofgraceuponsuchasdoecontinuallydesirethesame;Exodus31.13.Esa.56.6,7.

WhatismeantbySanctifyingit?

Thesettingitapartfromworldlybusinesses,totheserviceofGod.

WhatbyBlessing?

Notthatthisdayinitselfeismoreblessedthenotherdayes;butastheacceptabletimeoftheGospellisputforthepersonsthatreceivetheGospellinthattime:sobyblessingthisday,hemeaneththatthosethatkeepitshallbeblessed;andthatbysettingitapart,andseparatingitbythisCommandementfromotherdayestobekeptholybypublickexercisesofhisholyworshipandservice,Godhathmadeitanessentiallmeanesofblessingtothemthatshallsanctifieitastheyought.

WhereinshalltheybeblessedthatkeeptheSabbathday?

1.InalltheholyexercisesoftheSabbath,whichshallservefortheirfurtherincreasebothoftheknowledgeandfeareofGod,andallotherspirituallandheavenlygracesaccompanyingsalvation.

Thesecond

Table.

Thesumme

ofthe

secondTa-

ble.

The

generallsto

2.Inmattersofthislife,weshallnotonelynotbehindredbykeepingtheSabbath,butmoreblessedthenifwedidworkethatday:asontheotherside,thegaineontheLordsdayshallbythecurseofGodmeltandvanishaway,whatshewofprofitsoeverithave,andbringsomecurseorotheruponourlaboursintheweekdayes,whichinthemselvesarelawfullandhonest.

SomuchofthefirstTable,concerningourdutiestoGod,thedueperformancewhereofiscalledPiety:whereinGod(asaKingorasaFatherofanhoushold)dothteachhisSubjectsorFamilytheirdutiestowardshimselfe.WhatistaughtinthesecondTable?

Ourdutiestoourselvesandourneighbours:theperformancewhereofiscommonlycalledJustice,orRighteousnesse;whereinGodtea-chethhisSubjectsandFamilietheirdutiesonetowardsanother.

WhatisthesummeoftheCommandementsofthesecondTable?

ThoushaltlovethyNeighbourasthyselfe.Lev.19.18.Mat.22.39.Or,Asyouwouldthatmenshoulddoeuntoyou,doeyouuntothemlikewise,Mat.7.12.Luke6.31.

WhatgenerallthingsdoeyouobservebelongingtothisTable?

1.Thatitislikeuntothefirst,Matth.12.39.

[Page] be

observedin

thisTable.

andthereforethataccordingtothemeasureofourprofitinginthefirstTable,weprofitalsointhis.InwhichrespectstheProphetsandApostlesdoecommonlytrythesincerityanduprightnesseinprofitingunderthefirstTable,bytheforwardnesseinthesecond.

2.Thattheworkesthereofareinhigherorlowerdegreeofgoodorevill,astheyarekeptorbrokentowardsoneofthehousholdoffaith,ratherthentowardsaneighbour,simply,1Cor.6.8.&10.32.Gal.6.10.Deut.22.2,3.

3.Thatoutofourbondtoourneighbourwedrawallourdutiestoallmen,1Thes.3.12.&5.15.reachingthemeventothewicked,sofarreforthaswehindernotGodsglory,norsomegreatdutytoothers,especiallythehousholdoffaith;forsometimeitmaysofallout,thatthatwhichmenrequire,(andthatotherwiseareright)maynotbeegiven;asRahab,thoughsubjecttotheKingofJericho,mightnotreviletheSpies,butshouldhavefailedinherduty,ifshehadbetrayedthemattheKingsCommandement;andthereforeinthiscasesheedidwellinpreferringtheobediencesheowedtoGod,beforethedutysheowedtoman,Josh.2.3.InlikecasealsoIonathanrevealinghisFatherscounselluntoDavid,andpreferringthegreaterdutybeforethelesser,didwell,1Sam.19.3.SoweowingagreaterdutytoourCountrie,thentoournaturallkindred,mustratherrefusetoreliefethem,iftheybeTrayters,thensufferanyhurttocometoourCountrie.

ButwhatiftwohaveneedofthatwhichIcangivebutto

Divisionof

thesecond

Table.

oneonely?

Imustthenpreferrethosethatbeeofthehousholdoffaith,beforeothers,Galat.6.10.andmykinsemen,andthosethatIamtyeduntobyaspeciallbond,beforestrangers,Iohn,Chap.1.v.14.Acts10.24.

WhatarewespeciallyforbiddentodoebytheCommandementsofthesecondTable?

Todoeanythingthatmayhinderourneighboursdignity,inthefift;Life,inthesixth;Chastity,intheseventh;Wealth,intheeighth;orgoodName,intheninth;thoughitbeebutintheleastsecretmotionsandthoughtsoftheheart,untowhichwegivenolikingnorconsent:foruntothatalsothelastCommandementdothreach.

HowarethesesixCommandementsofthesecondTabledivided?

Intosuchasforbidallpractise,oradvisedconsenttoanyhurtofourneighbours;andsuchasforbidallthoughtsandmotionsofevilltowardsourneighbour,thoughtheynevercometoadvisedconsentoftheWill.ThefirstfiveCommandementsdoeconcernesuchthingsascomeuntoconsent,andfurther;thelast,suchascomenotuntoconsentatall.

HowarethosefiveCommandementsofthefirstsortdivided?

[Page]

The

Thefift

Com-

mandement.-

Intothosethatconcernespecialldutiestospeciallpersons:andthosethatconcernegenerallduties,toallthosedutieswhichconcernespeciallpersons,arecommandedinthefirst;thosethatgenerallyconcerneallmen,eitherintheirlife,chastity,goods,orgoodname,areenjoynedinthefoureCommandementsfollowing.

Whatgatheryouhence?

Thatwearetodistinguishbetweendutiesandduties;betweensinneandsinne,donetowardsmen;andthattooffendprincipallpersons,andsuchuntowhomweeareinspeciallmannerobliged,isgreatersin,becauseGodhathsingledoutthisoneCommandementforthesepersons.

WhatarethewordsofthisCommandement,whichisthefiftinorder?

HonourthyFatherandthyMother,thatthydayesmaybelongupontheLandwhichtheLordthyGodgiveththee,Exod.20.12.

Whatistobeconsideredinthesewords?

1.TheCommandement.

2.TheReason.

WhatisthemeaningandscopeofthisCommandement?

Thattheequalityofmenspersonsandplacesinwhatsoeverestate,Naturall,Civill,orEcclesiasticall,andwithwhatsoeverrelationto

meaning

andscope

ofthefift

Com-

mandement.-

Thedutyof

Equalls.

us,beeduelyacknowledgedandrespected;foritrequireththeperformanceofallsuchduties,asonemanowethuntoanother,bysomeparticularbond,inregardofspeciallcallingsanddifferences,whichGodhathmadebetweenspeciallpersons.

Whatbethesespeciallpersons?

EitherinEqualls,orSuperioursandInferiours;forthisCommandementenjoynethallduecarriageofInferiourstotheirSuperiours;andbyconsequentalsoofSuperiourstotheirInferiours;andlikewisebyanalogy,ofequallsamongthemselves,underthesweetrelationbetwixtParentsandChildren,orbetwixtbrethrenofthesamefamily,andthegeneralldutyofhonour.

WhatareEqualls?

Theybeequallingifts,eitherofNatureorIndustrie,asbrethreninafamily,CitizensinaCommonwealth,PastorsinaChurch,&c.

WhatisrequiredofEqualls?

Thattheyliveequallyamongstthemselves,lovingoneanother,andaffordingduerespecttoeachother,Rom.12.10.thattheylivetogethersociablyandcomfortably,preferringeachotherbeforethemselves,andstrivingtogoeonebeforeanotheringivinghonour,1Pet.2.17.&5.5.Eph.5.21.Phil.2.3.thattheybefaithfullonetoanother.

Whatare

Superiours.

[Page]

Whatishereforbidden?

WantofLove,Incivility,Strife,andVaine-glory;wherebytheyseektoadvancethemselvesoneaboveanother,andtoexaltthemselvesabovetheirfellowes,Phil.2.3.Matth.23.6.

WhatareSuperiours?

TheybesuchasbyGodsordinanceshaveanypreeminency,preferment,orexcellencieaboveothers,andareheretermedbythenameofParents,2Kings2.12.&5.13.&6.21.&13.14.1Cor.4.15.Col.3.22.towhomthefirstandprincipalldutiesrequiredinthisCommandementdoeappertaine,Eph.6.1,2.

WhyareallSuperioursherecalledbythenameofParents?

1.ForthatthenameParentsbeingamostsweetandlovingname,menmighttherebybealluredtherathertothedutiestheyowe,whethertheybedutiesthataretobeeperformedtothem,orwhichtheyshouldperformetotheirinferiors.

2.Forthatatthefirstandinthebeginningoftheworld,ParentswerealsoMagistrates,Pastors,Schoole-masters,&c.

HowdoththisagreewiththeCommandementofChrist,Mat.23.7,8,9.thatweshouldcallnomanFatherorMasteruponearth?

Whoare

Inferiours.

Whatitis

tohonour.

Verywell;forthereourSaviourmeanethonelytorestrainetheambitiousTitlesofthePhariseesinthosedayes,whodesirednotonelysotobecalled;butthatmenshouldrestintheirauthorityaloneformattersconcerningthesoule.

WhoareInferiours;comprehendedhereunderthenameofChildren?

Suchas(bytheOrdinanceofGod)areanywayunderSuperiours,whoareprincipallyandinthefirstplace,toperformethedutiesrequiredinthisCommandement.

WhyistheCommandementconceivedinthenameofInferiours?

Becausetheirdutiesarehardestobeyedinallestates.

WhatisherecontainedunderthenameofHonour?

NotonelyCapandKnee,buteveryparticularduty,accordingtotheirparticularestates,Mal.1.6.

WhyarethesedutiescomprehendedunderthewordHonour?

Becauseitaddsanornamentanddignityuntothem.

WhatistheHonourthatInferioursowetoallSuperioursingenerall?

1.Reverenceinheart,word,andbehaviour,Lev.19.3.

Dutiesof

Superiours.

Eph.6.1.5.Forthereverenceofthemindistobedeclaredbysomecivillbehaviour,oroutwardsubmission;asofrisingbeforethem,andofgivingthemthehonourofspeakingfirst,&c.Lev.19.32.Iob29.8.&32.6,7.

2.Obediencetotheircounsells.

3.PrayertoGodforthem,withgivingthanks,1Timothy2.1,2.

4.ImitationoftheirVertuesandGraces,2Timothy1.5.&4.9.&8.9.

Whatcontrarysinnesarehereforbidden?

1.WantofReverence,inward,oroutward.

2.DespisingofSuperiours,Iudev.8,9,10.Prov.30.11.

3.NeglectofPrayerandotherduties.

WhatisthedutyofallSuperiourstowardstheirInferiours?

Thattheyanswerablyafforduntothemlove,blessingaccordingtothepowertheyreceivefromGod,Heb.7.7.&11.20.Gen.9.25,26,27.goodexamplefortheirimitation,Titus2.7.andthattheysocarrythemselves,asthattheymaybeworthyofthehonourthatisgiventhem,Eph.6.4.9.

Whatarethecontraryvices?

Wantoflove,failinginPrayer,andingivinggoodexample,

[Page]

Thedivers

sortsofSu-

periors.

Theduties

ofaged

persons.

dishonouringtheirplacesbyunseemlyandindiscreetcarriage,Tit.2.15.1Sam.2.23.

HowmanysortsofSuperioursarethere?

Two:WithoutAuthority;andwithAuthority.

WhoareSuperiourswithoutAuthority?

SuchasGodhathbyageonely,orbysomesupereminentgiftsliftedaboveothers;whethertheybeofthebody,asstrengthandbeauty;oroftheminde,aswitandlearning;(whicharemosttobeehonoured)orofoutwardstateandwealth,1Sam.25.8.andNobility;inwhichrespect,althoughbrethrenbeequall,yetbyagetheelderissuperiourtotheyounger;andtheman,inregardofSex,isabovethewoman;andhethatisskilfull,beforehimthathathnoskill.

Whoareinferiourtosuch?

Theywhoareyoungerandofmeanergifts,whetherofnature,orofgrace,orofsuchasaregottenbyexercise.

WhatisourdutytowardssuchSuperiours?

ToacknowledgethethingswhereinGodhathpreferredthembeforeus;andtorespectandregardthem,accordingtotheirgracesandgifts.

WhatisthedutyofthemthatareSuperioursinyears?

Dutiesof

the

younger

untothem.

Superiors

in

knowledge.

Theyarebygrave,wise,andgodlycarriageofthemselves,toprocurereverenceuntothemselves;ontheoneside,avoidinglightnesseandvariablenesse;ontheother,toomuchseverenesseandausterity.

WhatarethedutiestobeperformedtowardsAgedpersons?

Toriseupbeforethehoaryhead,andhonourthepersonoftheaged,Lev.19.32.togivethemtheway,&c.inregardtheirageishonourable;yetmenthathaveaplaceofpreeminencygiventhemoftheLord,maykeeptheirplaces.

Whatisthecontrarysinforbidden?

Despising,ordisregardingoftheAged.

WhatisthedutyofsuchasareSuperioursinknowledge,andothergraces?

Tousetheirskill,andothergracesso,asothersmaybebenefitedbythem,1Pet.4.10.

Whatisourdutytowardsthem?

Togivethemthedueapprobation;towaitfortheirwords,andgiveeareuntotheirspeeches,Job32.11.16.asbeingwiserthenourselves;toprofitbytheirgifts,andtomakeourbenefitoftheirgoodgraces,sofarasourcallingwillsuffer.

[Page]

Superiors

in

Authority.

Dutiesof

Inferiorsto

thosethat

areinAu-

thority.

Whatisthecontrarysin?

Notacknowledging,norreverencing,norimitatingthegracesoftheirSuperiors.

WhoaretheSuperiorswithAuthority?

SuchasbyspeciallOffice,andCalling,havechargeoverothers.

WhataretheInferiors?

Suchasbecommitteduntotheircharge.

WhatgeneralldutyistherebetweentheSuperiorsandInferiorsofthissort.

Topraymoreespeciallyoneforanother,1Tim.2.1.Psal.20.Psal.21.Gen.24.12.Psal.3.8.and25.22.&28.0.

WhatisrequiredoftheInferiors?

Besidesthankfulnesse,fidelity,Tit.2.10.thereisspeciallyrequiredsubjectionandobedience,Rom.13.1.

WhatisSubjection?

AnhumbleandareadymindtosubmitourselvestotheirGovernment,whoaresetoverthem,inacknowledgingthenecessityoftheirpoweringoverningthem,Rom.13.1.Tit.3.1.1Tim.6.1.

Dutiesof

Superiours

inau-

thority.

WhatisObedience?

AvoluntaryandheartydoingofthatwhichtheSuperiorscommand,Eph.6.1.5,6,7.Col.3.20.Heb.13.7.orpatientsuffering,thattheyshallinflictuponthem;albeititshouldbeeitherwithoutjustcause,orsomewhatmoreexcessivelythenthecauserequireth,Heb.12.9,10.1Pet.2.19,20.

Istherenorestraintofthisobedience?

None,savingthatwhichweoweuntoGod;inregardwhereof,ourobediencetothemmustbeintheLord;thatis,onlyinlawfullthings;otherwiseweareinreverencetorefuseandalleadgeourdutyuntoGodforawarrant.Rom.1.30.Eph.5.24.&6.1.1Sam22.17.Judg.8.6.&8,9.

Whatcontrarysinnesareherecondemned?

Disobedience,andneglectofhumblesubmissiontoourSuperiourscommandementsandcorrections,Rom.1.30.Iudg.8.6.8,9.

WhatisthedutyofSuperioursinAuthoritytowardstheirInferiours?

Toprotectandsupportsuchasarecommitteduntothem,Epes.5.23.Rom.13.4.Toprovidegoodthingsforthebodyandthesoule,Matth.7.9,10.TocommandthingsthataregoodandprofitablefortheInferiours,governingthemprudently,andafteranholymanner,notas

Tyrants,butasthosethathaveaGovernourabovethem,towhomtheyshallgiveanaccount,Ephes.6.9.andasthosewhoruleoversuchashaveatitleunto,andshallbepartakersofthesameglorywhichthemselveslookfor,1Pet.3.7.

Inwhatthingsdoththisgovernmentconsist?

Intwo:Direction,andrecompenceofReward.

WhereinconsistethDirection?

InWordandinDeed.

VVhatmustbedonebyword?

TheymustinstructandcommandtheminthethingswhichpertaintoGod,andtotheirspeciallcallings,Eph.6.4.Gen.18,19.

MusteverySuperiourinauthoritybeecarefullfortheinstructionofthosethatbeunderhiminthethingsofGod?

Yesverily:andhereinGodhathdeclaredhissingularcareoftheeverlastinggoodofmen,whohaththereforecommendedthecareofReligiontosomany,totheendtheymightbesomuchthemoreassuredlykeptinthefeareofGod.

VVhatisdirectionbyDeed?

Goodexample;wherebyintheirlife,conversation,andexperience,theyaretogoebeforetheirInferiours,that

[Page]

Kindsof

Superiors

inAu-

thority.

Superiors

inthe

Family,and

their

duties.

therebytheymaybeprovokedtofollowthem.

VVhatisRecompence?

Itiseitheracheerefullrewardforwell-doing,orajustchastisementforevill;bothwhichshouldbeeanswerableinproportiontothedeeddone.

VVhatisthesinnecontraryhereunto?

AbuseofthisAuthority,throughtoomuchlenity,1Sam.2.23.orseverity,Eph.6.4.9.

HowmanykindsofSuperioursaretherewithAuthority?

Two:privateandpublick;andconsequently,somanyinferiors.

WhoareprivateSuperiorsandInferiors?

TheyareeitherintheFamily,orintheSchooles.

WhatisthedutyofSuperiorsintheFamily?

1.ToprovidefortheHoushold,thethingsbelongingtotheirsoule,byafamiliarchatechising,andexamination,andtogoebeforetheminprayeraccordingly;theHousholderbeingthereintobethemouthofhisFamily.

2.Toprovidethenecessariesbelongingtothispresentlife;asfoodandraiment,bothsufficientandagreeabletoevery

Inferiorsin

theFamily,

andtheir

duties.

Dutiesof

Husbands&

wives.

onesplace,andestate,Gen.18.6,7,8.Prov.27.23,24,25.&31.15.1Tim.5.8.withconvenientgovernment.

WhatisthedutyofInferiorsinaFamily?

TosubmitthemselvestotheorderoftheHouse,andaccordingtotheirplacesandgifts,toperformethatwhichiscommandedbytheGovernorsthereof,forthegoodoftheHoushold,Gen.39.2,3,4.

WhatarethedifferencesofSuperiorsandInferiorsinaFamily?

Theyareeithernaturall,asHusbandandWife,Parentsandchildren;orotherwise,asMastersandservants.

WhatarethecommondutiesoftheHusbandandWifeonetowardsanother?

Mutuallandconjugallloveonetowardsanother;yetso,astheWordpressethloveattheHusbandshands,morethenattheWives,becausemenarecommonlymoreshortofthatduty,Eph.5.25.

WhereinmustthisConjugallLovebedeclared?

1.Bymutuallhelp,Gen.2.18.

2.Byduebenevolence,1Cor.7.3.exceptbyconsentforatime,thattheymaygivethemselvestoFastingandPrayer,1Cor.7.5.2Sam.11.11.

Dutiesof

the

Husband.

WhatarethesinscommontotheHusbandandtheWife?

1.WantofLove.

2.Bewrayingoneanothersinfirmities.

3.Discoveringeachotherssecrets.

4.Iealousie.

5.Contention.

WhatisthedutyoftheHusbandtowardshisVVife?

1.Inanentireloveuntoher,tocherishher,ashewouldcherishhisowneflesh,andasChristdothhisChurch,Eph.5.

2.Toprovideforherthatwhichismeetandcomely,duringhislife;andthenalso,thatshemaybeprovidedforafterhisdeath,ifitsofallout.

3.Toprotecther,anddefendherfromallevill.

4.Todwellwithher,asoneofknowledge,1Pet.3.7.

5.Togivehonourtoher,astheweakervessell,ibid.thatis,tobearewithherinfirmities.

6.Togoverneanddirecther.

WhatbethespeciallsinsoftheHusband?

1.NottodwellwithhisWife.

[Page]

Theduties

ofthewife.

2Neglectofedifyingherbyinstructionandexample.

3Denyinghercomfortablemaintenance,andimployment.

WhatisthedutyoftheVVifetotheHusband?

1Subjectioninagentleandmoderatekinde,andmanner,Eph.5.22.Foralbeititbeemadeheavierthenitwasfromthebeginning,throughtheirtransgressions,yetthatyoakeiseasierthenanyotherdomesticallsubjection.

2Obedience,whereinWivesareoftshort,asHusbandsinlove,Eph.5.33.1Pet.3.1.6.

3Shemustrepresent(inallgodlyandcommendablematters)hisImageinherbehaviour,thatinheramanmayseethewisedomeanduprightnesseofherhusband,1Cor.11.7.

4Shemustbeeanhelperuntohim,Gen.2.18.asotherwise,sobysavingthatwhichhebringethin,Prov.31.11,12.1Tim.3.11.

Finally,shemustrecompenceherhusbandscareoverher,inprovidingthingsnecessaryforhishoushold,anddoegoodforherhusbandallthedayesofherlife,Prov.31.12.thatsohemaybeeuntoher,asitwereavaileandcoveringbeforehereyes,Gen.20.16.

VVhatbethesinnesoftheVVife,inrespectofherHusband?

Dutiesof

Parents.

1Failinginreverence,whichappearethinfrowardlookes,speechesorbehaviour.

2Disobedienceinthesmallestmatters.

3Disregardofherhusbandsprofit.

VVhatdutiescomeinthenextplacetobeconsidered?

ThoseofnaturallParents,whoarespeciallymentionedinthisCommandement:whereuntoalso,aretobeereduced,allintherightlineas-cended,andtheirCollateralls,asalsoFathersinlaw,andMothersinlaw.

VVhatarethedutiesofnaturallParentstowardstheirChildren?

TheyareeithercommontobothParents,orparticulartoeitherofthem.

VVhatarethecommondutiesofbothParents?

Theydoeeitherrespectthethingsofthislife,orofthatwhichistocome.

VVhatcarearetheytohaveoftheSoulesoftheirChildren,tofitthemforthelifetocome?

1TomakethemMembersofthevisibleChurchbyBaptisme.

2TheyaretoCatechiseandinstructtheminreligion,as

[Page]

theyareabletoreceiveit,andtobringthemupinNurture,andthefeareofGod,Ephes.6.4.

3TheyaretopraytoGodfortoblessethem,andguidetheminhisfeare.

Whatisrequiredofthemforthethingsofthislife?

1TomarkethewitsandinclinationsoftheirChildren,andasfarreastheirowneabilitywillreach,toapplythemaccordinglyinduetime,tosomegoodhonestandgodlycalling,thatsobeingtrainedupinsuchatrade,astheyarefittestfor,theymaynotafterwardsliveidlywithoutanycalling,Gen.4.2.Prov.20.11.22.6.

2Toprovideforthemagodlymarriage(ifitpleaseGod)intimeconvenient,1Corinthians7.36.

3.Notonelytomaintainethemduringtheirabidingintheirhouse,butalsotolayupandprovidesomewhatforthem,thattheymaylivehonestlyafterwards:andthereforearetheytodistributetheirgoodsamongtheirchildren;andwhattheyhavereceivedfromtheirAncestors,toleavethesame(whereitmaybedonelawfully)totheirposterity,2Cor.12.14.2Chro.12.3.Prov.19.14.

WhatspeciallregardisheretobehadbyParentstotheeldestSon?

ThatsithGodhathhonouredhimwiththatdignity,astobetheirstrength,Gen.49.3,4.heshouldalsobeehonouredbythem(attheleast)withadoubleportion,Deut.21.17.

SinsofPa-

rents.

asbytherestofthebrethrenwithhonour,yetsoasheefallnotfromhishonourbysomehorriblesinne,Gen.49.4.

WhatbethecommonsinnesofParents?

1.Negligenceinnotinstructingtheirchildrenbetimes.

2.Notcorrectingthemtillitbetoolate,ordoingitwithbitternesse,withoutcompassion,instruction,andprayer.

3.Givingthemillexample.

4.Neglectinbringingthemupinsomelawfullcalling.

5.Notbestowingthemtimelyandreligiouslyinmarriage.

6.Lightbehaviourtowardsthem,andtoomuchfamiliaritywiththem,wherebytheybecomevileintheireyes.

7.Lovingbeauty,oranyoutwardparts,morethenGodsImageinthem.

WhatisrequiredoftheFatherinparticular?

Togivethenameuntothechilde,Gen.35.18.Luke1.62,63.Fornotwithstandingthemothershavesometimesgiventhenames,yetthathathbeenbytheFatherspermission.

WhatspecialldutyislaidupontheMother?

[Page]

Dutiesof

children

towards

their

Parents.

Tonursethechilde,ifshebeable,Gen.21.7.1Sam.1.23.Lam.4.3,4.1Thes.2.7,8.1Tim.2.15.&5.10.

SomuchofthedutyofParentstotheirchildren:VVhatisthedutyofChildrentowardstheirParents?

Itiseithergenerall,orspeciall,viz.inthecaseofmarriage.

Whatarethegenerallduties?

1.Toreverencethem,andtoperformecarefullobediencetotheminallthingsthattheycommand;bytheexampleofourSaviour,whowassubjecttohisParents,Luke2.51.

2.Toprayforthem.

3.Tocarrythemselves,whiletheyareundertheirParentstuition,andaftertheyarepartedfromthem,astheymaycausetheirParents(intheirgoodbringingup)tobeecommended,Prov.10.1.&17.25.&31.28.

4.Tobeanaydeuntothemaswellastheybeable,andtohelpethemwiththeirbodieswhentheyareindistresse,Ruth,Chap.1.ver.16.17,18.

5.TorepaytheirParentscareoverthem,bybeingreadytorelievethem,iftheystandinneedofreliefe,andwantanythingwherewithGodhathblessedthem,1Tim.5.4.Gen.45.11.&47.12.

WhatbethecontrarysinnesofChildren,inrespect

oftheirParents?

1.Disobedience.

2.MurmuringattheirParentschastisements.

3.Contemningthemforanydefaultofbodyorminde.

4.Vnthankfulnesse,innotrelievingthem,notstandingfortheirdeservedcredit,&c.

WhatisthespecialldutyofChildrentotheirParentsincaseofmarriage.

ThattheyoughtnotsomuchasattempttobestowthemselvesinmarriagewithouttheirParentsdirection,andconsent,especiallydaughters,Gen.24.&21.21.&27.46.&28.9.Iudges14.2.1Cor.7.36,37,38.

Whatreasonhaveyoutoperswadechildrentothisduty?

ThatseeingtheirParentshavetakensuchgreatpainesandtravellinbringingthemup,theyshouldreapsomefruitsoftheirlaboursinbestowingofthem.Besides,theyshouldgivethemthishonourtoesteemethembetterable,andmorewisetoprovidefortheircomfortablemarriagethenthemselvesare.

IsthisdutyrequiredonelyofChildrentotheirnaturallParentsthatbegatthem?

No;ItisalsoinsomedegreerequiredofchildrentotheirVnclesandAnts,ortoanyotherunderwhomtheyare,and

Dutiesof

Masters

towards

their

Servants.

thatbeeinsteadofParentsuntothem,whentheirParentsaredead,Esther2.10.20.Ruth2.18.23.

WhatisthedutyofMasterstowardstheirservants?

1.Todealehonestlyandjustlywiththem,leavingoffthreatning,remembringtheyhaveaMasterinheaven,Col.4.1.Eph.6.9.

2.Tohaveacaretoinstructandcatechisethem,andtoteachthemthefeareoftheLord.

3.ToteachthemtheirTradesandOccupations,thattheymaybeebetteredforbeingintheirfamily.

4.Toallowthemfitwagesforwhichtheyhavecovenantedwiththem,thattheymaylivehonestly;forthelabourermusthavehishire.

5.Torewardthemplentifully,andtorecompencetheirservicewhentheypartfromthem,accordingastheLordhathblessedthembytheirlabour,Deut.15.13,14.&24.14,15.

VVhatarethesinnesofMasters?

1.Vnadvisedentertainmentofsinfullservants.

2.Negligenceinnotinstructingthem,inthefeareofGod,andinsomelawfullcalling,andnotusingreligiousexerciseswiththem.

3.Notadmonishingorcorrectingthem,ordoingitinanill

[Page]

Dutiesof

servants

towards

their

Masters.

manner,grievingmorewhentheyfaileintheirbusinesse,thenwhentheyareslackinGodsservice.

4.Givingthemillexample,andusinglightbehaviourbeforethem.

5.Detainingtheirwagesfromthem,andnotrecompencingtheirlaboursbygivingthemaduerewardwhentheyarewiththem,andwhentheypartfromthem.

6.Neglectoftheminsicknesse,unjuststoppingoftheirwagesforthattime.

7.Notrelievingthem(iftheybeable)intheirage,whohavespenttheiryouthintheirservice.

VVhatisthedutyofServantstotheirMasters?

1.Toreverenceandobeytheminallthingsagreeabletotheword.

2.ToprayforthemthatGodwouldguidetheirhearts.

3.Tolearneallgoodthingsfromthem.

4.Tobefaithfull,andnotprodigallinspendingtheirgoods.

5.Withcareandfaithfulnesse,(asinthepresenceofGod)tobestowthemselveswholly(atthetimesappointed)intheirMastersbusinesse,doingtheirworkenotonelyfaithfully,andwithasingleeye,butalsodiligently,Gen.24.10,11,&cEph.6.5,6,7.

Publick

Superiours,

andtheir

duties.

VVhatarethesinnesofServantsinrespectoftheirGovernours?

1.Contempt,andDisobedience.

2.Murmuringattheircorrections,thoughunjust.

3.IdlenesseintheirCalling.

4.Vnthriftinesse,andunfaithfulnesseindealingwiththeirMastersgoodsandaffaires.

5.Stealingandprivydefraudingofthem.

6.Eye-service,Eph.6.6.

VVhoareSuperioursandInferioursintheSchooles?

TutorsandSchoole-MastersaretheSuperiours;PupillsandScholarstheInferiours;whosedutiesaretobeegatheredbyproportionoutofthoseofFathersandChildren,MastersandServantsintheFamily.

HithertoofSuperioursandInferiours,whicharemoreprivate:whoarethepublick?

Suchasgoverne,andaregovernedintheChurchandCommonwealth.

VVhatisthedutyofsuchSuperiours?

Toprocurethecommongoodofthose,ofwhomtheyhavereceivedthecharge;forgetting(tothat

[Page]

Thesortsof

publick

Superiours.

end)themselves,andtheirowneprivategood,sooftasneedshallrequire,Exod.18.13.2Sam.24.17.Matth.11.2.1Thes.2.7,8,11.

VVhatisthedutyofInferiourstotheirpublickSuperiours?

Toministercharges,andotherthingsnecessaryfortheexecutionoftheiroffices,andtotheirpowertodefendtheminthesame,Rom.13.6,7.Gal.6.6.1Tim.5.17,18.1Cor.9.4,5,6,7,9,11,13.

HowmanysortsbethereofpublickSuperiours?

Two;Ecclesiasticall,andCivill:theformerwhereofare(asitwere)Divine,theotherarecalledHumaneCreatures,2Kings2.3.1Tim.2.2.1Pet.2.13,14.

VVhydoeyoucalltheMinistersoftheChurchDivineCreatures?

Becausetheyarepreciselyintheirkindes,number,andorders,setdowninthewordofGod.

VVhycallyoutheotherHumaneCreatures?

Because,notwithstandingtheyareappiontedofGod,andsuchaswithoutthemneitherChurchnorCommonwealthcanstand;yetarenottheirkindes,andnumber,andOrdersoappointedofGod,butthatmenmaymakemoreorfewer,ofgreaterauthorityorlesse,accordingastheoccasionofplaces,times,orthedispositionofpeoples,doe

Superiours

inthe

Church&

their

duties.

The

require.

WhoaretheSuperiorsintheChurch?

AllEcclesiasticallGovernours,andtheMinistersoftheWordespecially,1Tim.5.17.

WhoareundertheGovernment?

AllChristiansandProfessorsofReligion.

WhatistheMinistersdutytothepeople?

1TobefaithfullandpainefullindispensingtothemthewillofGod,(andnottheirownefancies,ortheinventionsofmen)instructingthemsincerelyinthewayofsalvation,andbreakinguntothemthedailybreadoflife,2Tim.4.1,2.Acts20.26.

2Tocomfortandstrengthentheweake.

3Tobeanexampleuntoall,inlifeandconversation.

WhatbethesinsofMinisters?

1SlacknesseinPreaching.

2Vnprofitableorhurtfullteaching.

3Givingillexample.

WhatisthedutyofthepeopletotheirMinisters?

1Tohearethemwillingly,Mat.10.14.

peoples

dutyto

their

Ministers.

Superiours

inthe

Common-

wealth.

2TosubmitthemselvestoallthattheyshallplainelyanddirectlyteachthemoutoftheWordofGod.Heb.13.7.17.

3Frankelyandfreelytomakeprovisionforthem,thattherebeenowant,Gal.6.6.1Tim.5.17,18.1Cor.9.4,5.&c.

Whatbethesinsofthepeople,inregardoftheirMinisters?

1DisobeyingandopposingagainsttheirDoctrine.

2Denyingthemcompetentmaintenance.

3Notstandingforthemwhentheyarewronged.

WhoareSuperiorsintheCommonwealth?

AllCivillMagistrates,whethertheybeSupreame,asEmperorsandKings,orinferiorGovernoursunderthem,1Pet.2.13,15.whereuntoaretobereferredtheGenerallintheField,andCaptainesinWarre,asalsoinCourts,AdvocatesareFatherstotheirClients.

WhoareundertheGovernmentoftheCivillMagistrates?

AllpersonsandSubjectsintheRealme,CityorState,wheretheyareGovernours,Rom.13.1.

WhatarethedutiesofKingsandinferiourMagistratesintheCommonwealth?

[Page]

Theyaretwofold;First,inrespectofGodsmatters;Secondly,inregardofcivillaffaires,1Tim.2.12.Theformerwhereofregardeththegoodofthesoules,thelatter,ofthebodiesoftheirSubjects.

VVhatistheCivillMagistratetodoeinGodsmatters,andfortheSoulesoftheSubjects?

1HeshouldprayforthemthatGodwouldmaketheirheartsobedientuntohim.

2HeshouldseethatGodbehonouredinhisDominions,thatabusesinReligionbereformed,andthetruthpromotedandmaintained,aftertheexampleofDavid,Solomon,Hezekiah,Iosias,andothergoodKings,2Cro.14.3,4.&15.12,15.&17.6,9.

3.HeshouldplantthesincerepreachingoftheWordamonghissubjects;thatsotheymaybemoreobedientuntohim:Andtakecarethatthegoodthingsalreadytaughtandestablished,maybedoneasGodhathappointed.HeisnottomakenewLawesofhisowneforReligion;buttoseethoseOrdinancesofReligionwhicharegroundedupontheWordofGod,duelyestablishedandpreached,thatsoGodmaybetrulyservedandglorified;andtheChurchwithinhisRealmes,andunderhisgovernment,mayunderhimleadeaquietandpeaceablelife,inallgoodlinesseandhonesty,1Tim.2.2.ForhewhoneglecteththisdutyuntoGod,shallneverperformehisdutytoman,howpoliticksoeverheseemetobe.

VVhatistheMagistrateespeciallytoperforme,inrespect

TheMagi-

strates

dutyin

civill

affaires.

Theduties

ofSubjects

ofcivillaffairs?

1.HemustlooketothepeaceoftheCommonwealth,overwhichheisset,1Tim.2.2.defendinghissubjectsfromtheirenemies,andpreservingtheirlivesinwarandpeace,andsuppressingmurderers,robbers,andalloutragiouspersons.

2.Hemustnotonlymaintainepeace,butalsohonesty;thatbyhimwemaynotonlyleadapeaceablelife,butalsoanhonest,1Tim.2.2.wherespeciallyheistoprovide,thatalluncleannesseberemoved.

3.Hemustseethatjusticebeduelyexecuted,Psal.72.2,4.andthattheMinistersthereofgivejudgementspeedilyinmattersbelongingtotheirjudgement.

4.Hemusttakeorder,thateverymanmayenjoyhisowne,Psal.72.4.

5.Hemustcherishthegood,anddiscountenancethebad,andtakeorderthatMalefactorsmaybepunished,andwelldoersmaybeencouraged,Psal.72.4,7.Rom.13.3,4.

VVhatisthesinofMagistrates?

Carelesnesseinperformingthoseformerduties.

VVhatisthedutyofSubjectstotheirMagistrates?

1.Toprayforthem,thatGodwouldruletheirheartsbyhisholySpirit,thatunderthemwe

towards

their

Magistrates.

mayleadaquietandpeaceablelifeinallgodlinesseandhonesty,1Tim.2.1,2.

2.Tohelpthemwithourgoods,payingwillingly,customes,taxe,andtribute,duetothem,Mat.22.17,21.Rom.13.6,7.whichcondemneththepopishClergy,thatdetractthisTribute.

3.Toadventureourlivesfortheminwarandpeace,2Sam.21.16,17.and23.15,16.

4.Whentheydoeuswrongnottorebell,butendureitpatiently;foritisbettertosufferforwelldoingthenforevill.

5.Tobeobedientanddutifulluntothem,andtoobeytheirLawesintheLord.

DoetheirLawesbindetheConscience?

AsfarastheyareagreeablewiththeLawesofGod,thedoe;butotherwisetheydoenot:forthereisbutoneLawgiver,whoisabletosave,andtodestroy,Jam4.12.

VVhatlearneyououtoftheformer?

ThatDrunkards,Theeves,Murderers,&c.breakeboththisCommandement,andthatotherunderwhichthosesinsareprincipallycontained.

VVhatoutofthelatter?

ThatthePapistsaretobecondemned,whoholdthatthe

[Page]

Ofthe

helpsand

meanesin-

ablingusto

keepthis

fift

Commande

ment.

PopesLawesdoebindetheconscience.

WhatbethesinnesofSubjects?

1.Disobedience,andRebellion.

Refusingandrepiningtopaydues.

HithertoofthedutiesofSuperiours,Inferiours,andEqualls:ShewnowwhatarethehelpesoftheobedienceofthisCommandement.

Theyareeithercommontoall,orpropertoInferioursandSuperiours.

Whatiscommontoall?

TheremustbeendeavourtonourishandincreaseanaturallAffection,Rom.12.10.Humility,Rom.12.16.andWisedometodiscernewhatisgoodandfittingforourowneandothersplaces,Rom.13.7.

WhatispropertotheInferiours?

HeemustseeGodintheplaceandauthorityofhissuperiours,Rom.13.1.settingbeforehiseyesthedreadfullthreatnings,andexampleofGodsvengeanceontheseditiousanddisobedient,Eccles.10.8.

WhatispropertotheSuperiours?

HemustbethesametohisInferioursthathewouldhaveChristtobeuntohimselfe,Eph.6.9.remembringthe

Hindrances

tothese

dutieshere

comman-

ded.

Ofthe

reason

annexedto

thefift

Comman-

dement.

tragicallendsofTyrantsandVsurpers.

Whathindrancesofthesedutiesaretobeavoyded?

1.Selfe-love,whichmakethmenunfit,eithertorule,ortoobey;1Tim.3.2,3,4.

2.Partiallinquiryintothethedutiesofotherstowardsus,joynedforthemostpartwiththeneglectofourowne,Eccles.7.23,24.

3.ThefurieoftheAnabaptists.

4.Thecompanyofseditiouspersons,anddespisersofgovernment.Prov.24.21,22.

WhatisthereasonannexedtothisCommandement?

Thatthydayesmaybeprolonged,andthatitmaygoewellwiththeeintheLandwhichtheLordthyGodgiveththee,Deut.5.I6.

Whatistaughtinthisreason?

ThatGodmoveththeheartsofSuperiours,topromotethegoodestateofInferiours;forsoalsodoethewordssound,Exodus20.12.thattheymayprolongthydayes:besidestheprovidenceofGodtotheobedient,whichisfarreaboveallexperienceofmensprovision.

Whatisthesummeofthispromise?

Theblessingoflonglifeandprosperitytosuchasby

[Page]

Ofthe

promiseof

longlife,&

how

performed

keepingthisCommandementshallshewthattheyregardtheImageandOrdinanceofGod,Eph.6.1,2,3.Rom.13.1,2.

HavenottheotherCommandementsthispromise?

No,notexpressely;whichsheweththatamoreplentifullblessinginthiskindfollowethfromtheobedienceofthisCommandementthenoftheotherthatfollow.HenceitiscalledbytheApostle,thefirstCommandementwithpromise;Eph.6.2,3.itbeingthefirstinorderofthesecondTable,andtheonlyCommandmentofthatTable,thathathanexpressepromise,andtheonlyCommandementoftheTen,thathathaparticularpromise.

Buthowisthispromisetrulyperformed,seeingsomewickedmenlivelong,andthegodlyaretakenawayinthemidstoftheirtime?

1.TheLordperformethalltemporallpromises,sofarforthasitisgoodforus;andtherefore,thegodlyaresuretolivesolongasitshallserveforGodsglory,andfortheirownegood;butthewickedlivetotheirfurthercondemnation,Isa.56.20.

2.Itisenough,thatthepromisesofthislifebeperformedforthemostpart.

3.Whatloseththeobedientchilde?whatinjuryisdoneuntohim,whobeingtakenoutofthislife,isrecompencedwithabetter?orwhatbreachofpromiseisinhimthat

Thesixth

Comman-

dement.

promisethsilver,andpayethwithgold,andthatingreaterweightandquantity?Asforthewicked,theygainenothingbytheirlonglife,receivingbymeanesthereof,hereafter,judgementinhell.

DothnottheLordoftentimesrevengethebreachofhisCommandement,eveninthislife?

Yes:1.VpontheParents,whohavebeenungraciousthemselves,ingivinguntothemungraciousanddisobedientchildren.

2.VpontheChildrenthemselves,whoaresometimesimmediatelystrickenfromHeaven,andsometimespunishedbytheLawoftheMagistrate.

SomuchofthefifthCommandement,concerningallspecialldutiestospeciallpersons:WhatarethegeneralldutiesintheCommandementsfollowing,whichcomeatleasttoconsent?

TheyareeithersuchasconcernethepersonitselfeofourNeighbourinthesixth,orsuchasconcernethethingsthatbelongtohisperson:ashischastityintheseventh,hisgoodsintheeighth,andhisgoodnameintheninthCommandement.

WhatarethewordsofthesixthCommandement?

Thoushaltnotmurder,Exod.20.13.

Whatisthesummeandmeaningofthis

Thesumme

&meaning

ofthesixth

Com-

mandement.-

The

Negative

part.

The

Affirmative

part.

[Page]

Theduties

Commandement?

Thatthelifeandpersonofman(asbeingtheImageofGod)bebymannotimpeached,butpreserved,Gen.9.5.Andtherefore,thatwearenottohurtourownepersons,orthepersonofourNeighbour,buttoprocurethesafetythereof,andtodoethosethingsthatlyeinus,forthepreservationofhis,andourlifeandhealth,1Tim.5.23.

WhatisforbiddeninthisCommandement?

Allkindofevill,tendingtotheimpeachmentofthesafety,andhealthofmansperson,witheveryhurtdone,threatned,orintended,tothesouleorbody,eitherofourselves,orofourNeighbours.

WhatisrequiredinthisCommandement?

Allkindofgood,tendingtothepreservationofthewelfareofmansperson;thatweloveandcherishboththesouleandbodyofourNeigh-bour,aswewouldandoughttodoeourowne,Heb.3.13.Jam.1.27.Phil.2.12.Eph.5.29.Forsomeofthedutieshereenjoyned,concerneourownperson,somethepersonofourneighbour.

Whatbethosedutiesthatdoeconcerneourownepersons?

Theyareeithersuchasoughttobeperformed

respecting

our

persons.

Duties

respecting

oursouls,

The

contrary

vicesfor-

bidden.

byusinourownelifetime,orwhenwearereadytodepartoutofthisworld.

Whatarethedutieswearetoperformetowardsourowneselvesinourlifetime?

Theyrespecteitherthewelfareofoursoules,orofourbodies.

Whatarethedutiesthatrespectthewelfareofoursoules?

1.Tousethemeanesofgrace,1Pet.2.2.

2.Diligencetofinishoursalvation,Phil.2.12.andtomakeourelectionsurebythefruitsoffaith,2Pet.1.10.

3.Torejectevill,andapprovethatwhichisgood,Psal.1.11.Prov.1.10.15.

4.Toimitatetheexampleofgoodmen,andnottotakescandalsgivenbyothers.

5.Tofollowourvocationdiligently.

Whatbethecontraryvicesforbidden?

Crueltytoourownesoules;by,

1.Rejectingthefoodofspiritualllife,bynothearing,Prov.28.9.ornotobeyingtheWord,Jam.1.22.

Duties

respecting

ourbodies.

2.Corrupting,orpervertingitbyitchingeares,2Tim.4.3.orunstableminds,2Pet.3.16.

3.Wantofknowledge,Prov.4.13.&8.35,36.Hos.4.6.especiallywhenpeoplehavehadtheordinarymeanesappointedofGodforobtainingthesame,eitheroftheirowne,orofothers,whichtheymighthavebeenpartakersof.

4.Sin,especiallygrossesins,Prov.6.32.and8.36.andobstinacyinsinning,Rom.2.5.Tit.3.11.

5.Followingofevillcounsell,andevillexamples,andtakingofscandals.

6.Neglectingofourvocation.

Whatbethethingsthatrespectthewelfareofourbodies?

1.Soberandwholsomediet,1Tim.5.23.

2.HelpofPhysicke,whenneedis:sothatitbeafterwehavefirstsoughtuntoGod,2Chron.16.12.

3.Vsinghonestrecreation,wherebyhealthmaybemaintained,Judg.14.12.

4.Preventingunnecessarydangers.

5.Givingplacetothefuryofanother,asJacobdidtoEsau,byhismotherscounsell,Gen.27.43,44.

[Page]

The

contrary

vicesfor-

bidden.

Whatbethecontrarysinsforbidden?

1.Immoderateworldlysorrow,astheApostlesaith,workethdeath,2Cor.7.10.

2.Maliceandenvy,whichmakethamanamurthererofhimselfe,aswellasofhisNeighbours;for(astheWisemannoteth)Envyistherottennesseofthebones,Prov.14.30.

3.Neglecteitherofwholsomediet,orofexercise,andhonestrecreation,orofphysicke,topreserveorrecoverhealth:Forwemustnotthinke,thattherearenomorewayestokillamansselfe,butwithaknife,&c.

4.Drunkennesseandsurfeiting,eatinganddrinkingoutoftime,Prov.25.16.Eccles.10.16,17.orspendingonesselfebyunchastebehaviour,Prov.5.11.and7.22,23.Allwhichareenemiestothehealthandlifeofman.

5.Launcingorwhippingourflesh,1King.18.28.Colos.2.23.Ephes.5.29.asIdolatersusetodoe,orotherwisewoundingourselves.

6.Capitallcrimes,1King.2.23.

7.Vnnecessarydangers.

8.Notgivingplacetothefuryofanother.

9.Refusingthemeanesoflife.

10.Self-murther,1Sam.31.4.2Sam.17.23.Mat.27.5.

Duties

respecting

thetimeof

ourdepar-

ture.

Duties

respecting

our

Neighbour

whilehe

liveth.

Acts16.27,28.

Whatarewetodoeatthetimeofourdepartureoutofthislife?

1.Withwillingnessewemustreceivethesentenceofdeath,whenGodshallutterit,2Cor.1.9.

2.WemustthenresigneourchargeinChurchandCommonwealth,orFamily,intothehandsoffaithfullmen,Numb.27.16.2Chron.28.1,&c.

3.WemustresigneoursoulestoGodinChrist,Psal.31.5.withconfidenceofhislove,thoughhekillus,Job13.15.oftheremissionofoursins,andourresurrectionuntoimmortality,Job19.25.&c.

2Wemustleaveourbodytotheearth,asapledge,intimetoberesumed,givingorderforthecomelyandChristianburiallthereof,Gen.49.29.1King.13.31.

Hithertoofthedutiesthatconcerneourownepersons:WhataretheythatdoerespectourNeighbour?

Theylikewisearetobeperformeduntohim,eitherwhileheisalive,orafterhisdeath.

WhatarethedutiesbelongingtoourNeighbourwhileheliveth?

Theyarepartlyinward,partlyoutward.

Inward

duties

respecting

our

affections.

Whataretheinward?

Toloveourneighboursasourselves,tothinkewellofhim,tobecharitablyaffectedtowardshim,andtostudytodoehimgood,inrespectthatweareallthecreaturesofoneGod,andthenaturallchildrenofAdam;forwhichendwearetocherishallgoodaffectionsinourhearts:

Whatbethosegoodaffectionshererequired?

1.Humilityandkindnesse,proceedingfromalovinghearttoman,asheisman,Rom.12.10.Eph.4.32.

2.Acontentmenttoseeourbrotherpasseandexceedusinanyoutwardorinwardgiftsorgraces,withgivingofthankstoGodforendowinghimwithsuchgifts.

3.Compassionandfellow-feelingofhisgoodandevill,Rom.12.15,16.Heb.13.3.

4.Humility.

5.Meeknesse.

6.Patience,long-sufferingandslownessetoanger,Eph.4.26.1Thes.5.14.

7.Easinessetobereconciled,andtoforgetwrongdoneuntous,Eph.4.32.

8.Apeaceableminde,carefulltopreserveandmakepeace,Rom.12.18.1Thes.5.13.Matth.5.9.

[Page]

Duties

respecting

thepre-

servationof

peace.

Evill

passions

oppositeto

these

duties.

Whatisrequiredforpreservationofpeace?

1.Careofavoydingoffences.

2.Construingthingsinthebestsense,1Cor.13.7.

3.Partingsometimewithourowneright,Gen.13.8,9.

4.Passingbyoffences,andpatientlysufferingofinjurieslesttheybreakoutintogreatermischiefe.

Whataretheinwardvicesherecondemned?

Theconsentinginhearttodoeourneighbourharme,withallpassionsoftheminde,whicharecontrarytotheloveweowetohim.

Whatbethoseevillpassions?

1.Anger,eitherrash,orwithoutcause;orpassingmeasure,whenthecauseisjust,Matth.5.21.22.Eph.4.26.31.

2.Hatredandmalice,whichisamurtherintheminde,1Ioh.3.15.

3.Envy,wherebyonehatethhisbrother,asCainthemurthererdid,forsomegoodthatisinhim,Iames3.14.Prov.14.30.1Iohn3.12.

4.Grudgingandrepiningagainstourbrother,whichisa

Outward

duties

respecting

thesoules

ofour

neighbours.

branchofenvy,1Tim.2.8.

5.Vnmercifulnesseandwantofcompassion,Rom.1.31.Amos6.6.

6.Desireofrevenge,Rom.12.19.

7.Crueltie,Psal.5.6.Gen.49.5.7.

8.Pride,whichisthemotherofallcontention,Prov.13.10.

9.Vncharitablesuspitions,1Cor.13.5.7.1Sam.1.13,14.yetgodlyjealousieoveranotherisgood,ifitbeforagoodcause.

10.Frowardnesse,anduneasinessetobeintreated,Rom.1.31.

Whatusearewetomakeofthis?

Thatweshouldkillsuchaffectionsatthefirstrising,andpraytoGodagainstthem.

Somuchoftheinward:whatoftheoutward?

Theyrespectthesouleprincipally,orthewholeman,andthebodymorespecially.

Whatdutiesarerequiredofusforpreservationofthesoulesofourneighbours?

1.Theministringofthefoodofspiritualllife,Esa.62.6.1

[Page]

The

contrary

vicestothe

former

duties.

Pet.5.2.Acts20.28.

2.Givinggoodcounsell,andencouraginguntowell-doing,Hebr.10.24,25.

3.Walkingwithoutoffence:whichtheMagistrateoughttobecarefullofintheCommonwealth,theMinisterinhisChurch,andeveryoneinhiscalling;fortheruleoftheApostlereachethtoall,GivenooffenceneithertotheIewes,nortotheGentiles,nortotheChurchofGod,1Cor.10.32.

4.Givinggoodexample,andtherebyprovokingoneanothertolovegoodworks,Matth.5.16.2Cor.9.2.Heb.10.24.

5.Reprovingourbrotherssinnesbyseasonableadmonition,Lev.19.17.1Thes.5.14.Psal.141.5.

6.Comfortingthefeebleminde,andsupportingtheweak,1Thes.4.18.&5.14.

Whatarethecontraryvicesherecondemned?

1.Whenthefoodofspiritualllifeiswith-holden,Prov.29.18.Amos7.13.whichchargespeciallylyethuponsuchMinistersasareignorantshepheards,andcannot,oridle,andwillnotfeedtheflockecommittedtotheircharge,orforthemostpartneglecttheirown,andbusiethemselveselswhere,withoutanynecessaryandlawfullcalling,Ezek.3.18.&13.19.Jer.48.10.Isa.56.10.Acts

Duties

respecting

thewhole

personof

our

Neighbours.

20.26,27,28.

2.WhentheWordiscorruptedbyerroneous,orvaineandcuriousexpositions,1Tim.1.4.

3.WhenMagistratesprocurenotsomuchasinthemlieth,thatthepeopleundertheirgovernmentdoefrequentthehearingoftheWordread,andpreached,andreceivingoftheSacramentsinappointedtimes.

4.Whenmencommand,ortemptotherstothingsunlawfull,1King.12.28.

5.Whenmengiveoffences,eitherbyevillexampleoflife,Prov.29.12.orbyunseasonableuseofChristianliberty,1Cor.8.10,11.

6.Whenwerebukenotourneighbourwhenheisinfault,butsufferhimtosinne,Lev.19.17.

7.Whentheblindleadtheblind,Mat.15.14.andthosethatbeseducedseduceothers,Mat.23.15.2Tim.3.13.

Somuchofthatwhichconcerneththesouleofourneighbourprincipally:Whereinconsisteththatwhichrespectethhiswholeperson,andhisbodymorespecially?

Ingesture,wordsanddeeds.

Whatisrequiredinourgestures?

Afriendlycountenance,thatwelookecheerfullyuponour

Gestures.

Duties

requiredin

words.

neighbours,andanamiablebehaviour,Phil.4.8.Jam.3.13.

Whatishereforbidden?

Allgestures,whichdeclarethescornfulnesse,anger,orhatredoftheheart,withallfrowardandchurlishbehaviour,1Sam.25.17.Sothathereiscondemned,1.Ascornefulllooke,andanydisdainfullsigne,expressedbythegesturesofthehead,nose,tongue,fingers,oranyothermemberofourbody;asnoddingthehead,puttingoutthetongue,pointingwiththefinger,andallmannerofderidingofourneighbours,27.39.Gen.21.9.CompareGal.4.29.2.Alowringcountenance,suchaswasinCain,Gen.4.5,6.snuffing,Psal.10.5.frowning,&c.whichassparkscomefromthefireofwrathandhatred.

Whatdoththisteachus?

Thatwearetolooketoourownecountenance,thatitbewraynotthefilthinesseofourhearts:forGodhathsoadornedthecountenanceandfaceofman,thatinitmaybeseentheveryaffectionsoftheheart,1Cor.11.7.

Whatisrequiredinourwords?

Thatwesaluteourneighbourgently,speakekindly,andusecourteousamiablespeeches;whichaccordingtotheHebrewphraseiscalled,aspeakingtotheheartoneofanother,Eph.4.32.Ruth.2.13.

[Page]

The

opposite

vices.

Whatarethecontraryviceshereforbidden?

1.Evillspeakingofabrother,althoughthematterbenotfalseinitselfe;whenitisnotdoneeithertoarightend,orinduetime,orinarightmanner.

2.Disdainfullspeaking,whenwordsarecontemptuouslyuttered,whethertheycarrywiththemanyfurthersignificationorno,astosay,Tush,ortocallourbrother,Raca,Mat.5.22,andsuchlike.

3.Bitterandangrywordsorspeeches,wrathfullyutteredbyanyevillorviletermes,asFoole,andsuchlike,Mat.5.22.

4.Mockingsforsomewantofthebody,Lev.19.14.especiallyforpiety,Gen.21.9.2Sam.6.20.Insteadthattheyoughttobeaneyetotheblind,andafoottothelame,Job.29.15.yetGodschildrenmaysomtimesusemockinginagodlymanner,asEliasdidtothePriestsofBaal,1King.18.27.

5.Grudgesandcomplaintsoneofanother,Jam.5.9.

6.Brawling,threatening,andprovokingofothers,Tit.3.2.

7.Crying,whichisanunseemlyliftingupofthevoice,Eph.4.31.

8.Despightfullwords,revilingandcursedspeakings,Prov.12.18.yetmeninauthoritymayusesuchtearmes,asthe

Theuse.

Duties

requiredin

ourdeeds.

sinneofthosewithwhomtheydealedothdeserve.

Whatuseareyoutomakeofallthis?

ThataccordingtothecounsellofSaintPaul,weseethatnocorruptcommunicationproceedoutofourmouth,butthatwhichisgood,totheuseofedifying,thatitmayministergraceuntothehearers,Ephes.4.29.thatourspeechbealwayesgracious,seasonedwithsalt,thatwemayknowhowweoughttoanswereveryman,Col.4.6.ForasfleshinSummer,ifitbenotpoudredwithsalt,willsmell:sowillitbewiththemthathavenottheirheartsseasonedwiththewordoftruth.Andthenceforwantofcare,proceedangry,wrathfullandloathsomespeechesagainstourbrother,whichareintheScripturecomparedtoIunipercoales,whichburnemostfiercely,Psal.120.4.ortotheprickingofasword,orarazor,whichcuttethmostsharply,Prov.12.18.Psal.52.2.WhereuponthetongueisbySaintJamessaidtobeanunrulyevill,setonfireofHell,Jam.3.6,8.WeoughtthereforetogoverneourtonguesbytheWordofGod,andtakeheedofvilespeeches.

SomuchofourGesturesandourWords:whatisrequiredinourdeeds?

1.ThatwedoegoodtoourNeighbours,sofarasourpowerandcallingwillsuffer.

2.Thatwevisitandcomforthiminsicknesseandaffliction,Mat.25.36.Jam.1.27.

[Page]

The

contrary

vicestothe

former

duties.

3.Thatwegivemeat,drinkeandcloth,tothepooreandneedy.

4.Thatwegivereliefetothedistressed,andsuccourtotheoppressed,Iob29.15,&c.

5.Thatweforeseeandpreventmischiefsbeforetheycome.

6.ThatwerescueourNeighbourfromdanger,anddefendhimwithourhands,ifwecan,ifwemay.

Whatbethecontrarysinsforbidden?

1.Oppressionandcruelty,inwithdrawingthemeanesoflife,Iam.5.4.asbyusury,andbylettingoutofland,sothatmencannotlivebyit,&c.

2.Notlookinguntothesicke,andthosethatbeindistresse.

3.NeglectofHospitality,especiallytothepoore,whichbytheCommandementofGodmustbeprovidedfor.

4.Notpreventingmischiefe,andturningawayallstroaksfromourNeighbours,somuchasinuslieth.

5.ExtremityandCrueltyinpunishingwherethecorrectionisexcessive,Deut.25.3.2Cor.11.29.orisnotinflictedinloveofIustice,Deut.16.19,20.

6.Allangryanddespitefullstriking,howlittlesoeveritbe.

Howwee

doe

indirectly

endanger

our

neigbours

life.

7.Fighting,smiting,wounding,ormaimingofthebodyofourbrother,orneighbour,Iam.4.1.Lev.24.19,20.

8.Theindangeringortakingawayofhislife.

Howisthisdone?

Eitherdirectly,orindirectly.

Howindirectly?

1.Whenonedefendethhimselfewithinjuryorpurposeofrevenge,ortohurthisadversary,andnotonelytosavehimselfe,Rom.12.21.Exod.22.2,3.

2.Whenwomenwithchilde,eitherbymis-diet,orstreinebyreaching,violentexercise,ridingbyCoach,orotherwise,andmuchmorebydancing,eitherhurtthefruitoftheirwombe,oraltogethermiscarry.

3.WhenchildrenbegotteninFornicationorAdulteryarecommittedtothemtokeep,whichhavenocareofthem.

4.WhenthosetowhomitappertainethdoenotpunishthebreachofthisCommandement,Num.35,31,32.Prov.17.15.

5.Keepingofharmfullbeasts.Exod.21.29.

6.Alldangerouspastimes.

Chance-

medly,and

Howwee

doedirectly

takeaway

our

neighbours

life.

7.Whenthingsaresomade,thatmenmaytakeharmebythem,orsuchcareisnothadofthemthatoughttobe;aswhenthehigh-wayesandbridgesarenotmended;orwhenstairesaresomade,thattheyareliketohurteitherchildren,servants,orothers;whenWellsandDitches(oranysuchlikedangerousplaces)arenotcoveredorfenced,Exodus21.33.whereuntobelongeththattheLordcommandedtheIsraelitestohaveBattlementsupontheirhouses,Deut.22.8.

Howdirectly?

WhenamanwithoutaCallingdothactuallytakeawaythelifeofhisbrother,Gen.9.6.otherwisethenincaseofpublickIustice,Iohn7.19.justwarre,Deut20.12,13.ornecessarydefence,Exod.22.2.

Howmanysortsofthisdirectkillingarethere?

Three.

First,Chance-medly.

Secondly,Manslaughter.

Thirdly,Wilfullmurther.

WhatisthatwhichwecallChance-medley.

Whenitissimplyagainstourwill,andwethinkenothingofit,ashewhichfellethatree,andhisAxeheadfallethandhurtethandkilleth

howproved

tobea

sinne.

[Page]

Of

Manslaughter.

aman,Deut:19:4:5:whichistheleastsinneofthethree,andbymansLawdeservethnotdeath,andthereforebytheLawofMosesinthiscasethebenefitofSanctuarywasgranted,Exod.21.13.

Buthowappearethittobeasinneatall?

1.BecausebytheLawofMosesthepartythatcommitteththis[...]actwastolosehisliberty,untillthedeathofthehighPriest;tosignifiethathecouldnotbeefreedfromtheguiltthereof,butbythedeathofIesusChrist,thegreathighPriest.

2.BecauseitisafruitofthesinofourfirstParents,whoiftheyhadstoodinthatintegritywhereinGodcreatedthem,suchanactasthisshouldneverhavehappened.

3.Becausethereissomeimpudencyinhimthatdothit,andwantofconsideration.

Whatshouldthisteachus?

Totakeheedofalloccasionsthatmaymakeusguiltyofthissin.

WhatdoeyouaccountManslaughter?

Whenonekillethanotherinhisownedefence:whereuntoalsomaybeadded:Ifoneshouldkillamanatunawares,inhurlingstonestonouse;Orifadrunkardinreelingshouldfellanother,whereofheshould

OfDuels.

Reasons

perswading

tothe

detestation

ofthissin.

dye;forthisisdifferentfromthatwhichcommethbychance-medley,whenamanisimployedinagoodandlawfullworke.

Whatthinkeyouofkillingoneanother,andchallengestothefield?

ItdeservethdeathbythelawofGodandman.

WhatiswilfullMurther?

Whenamanadvisedly,wittingly,andmaliciously,dothslayorpoysonhisNeighbour,whichisasinofahighnature,andatnohandbytheMagistratetobepardoned,becausetherebytheLandisdefiled,Gen.9.5,6.Hos.4.2,3.Numb.35.31,33,34.Deut.21.2,7,8,9.

Whatreasonsaretheretosetoutthedetestationofthissin?

1.IfamandefacetheImageofaPrince,heisseverelypunished;howmuchmoreifhedefacetheImageofGod?Gen.9.6.

2.BythelawofMoses,ifabeast,anunreasonablecreature,hadkilledaman,itshouldbeslaine,andthefleshofit(thoughotherwisecleane)wasnottobeeaten,Exod.21.28.

3.Bythesamelaw,ifthissingoeunpunished,Godwillrequireitattheplacewhereitwascommitted,andattheMagistrateshands,Numb.35.33.

Dutiesto

be

performed

toour

Neighbor

afterhis

death.

Duties

respecting

beasts.

HithertoofthedutiesofthisCommandement,belongingtothepersonofourNeighbourwhileheisalive:Whataretheyafterhisdeath?

Theyeitherconcernehimselfe,orthosethatpertainetohim.

Whatarethedutiesthatconcernehimselfe?

1.FriendsandNeighboursshouldseethathisbodybehonestlyburied,andFuneralsdecentlyperformed,Gen.23.4,19.&25.9.1Sam.25.1.Psal.79.3.Rom.11.9.

2.Moderatemourningistobeusedforhim,Eccles.12.7.1Thes.4.13.

3.Wearetoreportwellofhim,ashehathdeserved.

4.Wearetojudgethebestofhim.

Whatisthatwhichconcerneththosethatbelongtohim?

Toprovideforhiswife,childrenandposterity,thathemayliveinthem,Ruth2.20.2Sam.9.7.

SomuchoftherespectwhichweoweuntoourNeighbours.Isitnotrequiredalso,thatweshouldshewmercifulnesseuntoourbeasts?

Yes:Arighteousmanistoregardthelifeofhisbeast,Prov.12.10.andallhardusageofthecreaturesofGodisforbidden,Deut.22.6,7.and25.4.

[Page]

Ofpunish-

mentsdue

tothe

breakersof

thisCom-

mandement.-

yetnotsomuchinregardofthem,1Cor.9.9,10.asthattherebytheLordwouldtraineusforward,toshewmercytoourNeighbour:Foritbeingunlawfulltousethedumbecreaturescruelly,itismuchmoreunlawfulltousemenso.

WhatarethebreakersofthisCommandementtoexpect?

TheApostleIamesteacheththat,whenhesaith,Iudgementwithoutmercyshallbeuponthosethataremercilesse,Iames2.13.

Ofhowmanysortsarethosejudgements?

Theyeitherconcernethislife,orthatwhichistocome.

Whatbethosethatconcernethislife?

1.Severepunishments,(bytheLaw)aretobeinflicteduponthebody,aslimbeforlimbe,eyeforeye,handforhand,toothfortooth,woundforwound,bloudforbloud,lifeforlife,Exod.21.23.Iudg.1.5,6,7.althoughitwereabeast,ifitwereknownetobeastriker,Exodus21.28.

2.Shortlife,Psal.55.23.bloud-thirstymenthatlivenotouthalfetheirdayes.

3.Magistratesthatshouldpunishmurtherers;iftheysparethem,theirlivesareindangertogoefortheoffender,asAchabsdidforBenhadads,1Kings20.42.Davidwas

Means

furthering

usinthe

obedience

ofthis

Comman-

dement.

exceedinglypunishedforsparingbloud-thirstymen,(suchaswashissonAbsalom)andnotpunishingthem,2Sam.13.28,29.&14.33.&16.11.

4.Godthreatneththatheewillnotonelyrevengethebloudoftheslaineuponthemurthererhimselfe,butalsouponhisissue,andposterityinunrecoverablediseases,2Sam.3.29.

Whatisthepunishmentthatconcerneththelifetocome?

1.Thattheirprayersarenotheard,Esay1.15.1Tim.2.8.

2.EverlastingdeathbothofbodyandsouleinthebottomlessepitofHell;andasthedegreesofsinneare,soshallthepunishmentbe.

WhatmeanesarewetouseforfurtheringustotheobedienceofthisCommandement?

Itbehovethustoconsider,thatfirst,allmenaremadeintheImageofGod,Gen.9.6.andofonebloudwithus,Acts17.26.andallChristiansintheImageofChristalso,inwhomweareallonebody,1Cor.12.17.

2.GodhathappointedtheMagistratealsotopunishproportionablyeveryoffenderinthiskinde,Gen.9.6.Lev.24.20,21.Yeahimselfealsoextraordinarilybringingmurthererstolightandpunishment,Gen.4.9.Prov.28.17.Acts28.4.

[Page]

Hindrances

ofour

obedience

tothis

Com-

mandement.-

The

VVhatmustweavoydashindrancestotheobedienceofthisCommandement?

1.Thefalseopinionoftheworld,inplacingmanhoodinrevengeaudbloud-shed,Gen.4.23,24.

2.Thecompanyoffuriousandunmercifullmen,Proverbs22.24,25.

3.Greedydesireofgaine,Prov.1.19.Mic.3.3.

4.Pride,Prov.13.10.

5.Riotanddrunkennesse,Prov.23.29.

HithertoofthegeneralldutiesthatbelongtothepersonofmancontainedinthesixtCommandement:whatfolloweth?

Thedutieswhichweowetomaninregardofthethingswhichbelonguntohim:thefirstwhereofconcerneththosethatbeemostdeareuntohim;namely,hisfamily,andhiswifeespecially,whoisnearestuntohim,andashimselfe,beingonefleshwithhim.Inrespectwhereof,temperanceandchastityisrequiredinthenextCommandement.

WhatarethewordsoftheseventhCommandement?

ThoushaltnotcommitAdultery,Exod.20.14.

seventh

Comman-

dement.

The

meaning

andscope

ofthe

seventh

Com-

mandement.-

WhatiscomprehendedunderthisnameofAdultery?

Allsinsofthatsortcommitted,eitherinthebody,orinthemindofpersons,whethermarriedorunmarried,aresignifiedbythisname,tosignifiethevilenesseofthebreachofthisCommandement.

WhatthenisthemeaningandscopeofthisCommandement?

Thatalluncleannesseandimpuritybeavoided,andchastitybyallmeanespreserved,2Cor.7.1.1Thes.4.3,4,5.

Whatishereforbidden?

Allimpurity&uncleannes,togetherwithallmeansandprovocationstolust.

Whatishererequired?

Allpurity,honestbehaviour,continentandchasteusagetowardsourselves,andtowardsourNeighbours,1Thes.2.3.1Cor.7.34.

WhatarethespeciallbreachesofthisCommandement?

Theyareeitherinward,oroutward.

Whatistheinward?

Theunchastityanddishonestyofthemind,withallfilthy

Ofinward

impurity,

andthe

branchesof

it.

imaginations,andinordinatelusts,Mat.5.28.Col.3.5.

Whatarethespeciallbranchesofthisinwardimpurity?

1.Thedesireofstrangeflesh,withresolutiontohaveitifhecould,Col.3.5.1Thes.4.5.Fortolustafterastrangewomanwithconsentofheart,isforbiddeninthis,Mat.5.28.aslustwithoutconsentisinthelastCommandement.Notthatthebareaffectionisofitselfeasin,beingrightlydirectedtoatrueandgoodobject;buttheabuseoftheaffection,therightsubject,mannerandmeasurebeingnotobserved.

2.Inwardboilingandburninginaffection,wherebygodlymotions,aswithafireareburntup,andamansmindissocarriedaway,thatheishinderedinallotherthingsbelongingtohisCalling.Thisisanhighdegreeofcorruption,whichifitbenotrestrained,willbreakeforthintofurthermischief,Jam.1.15.AndtherforeweareearnestlytopraytoGodagainstit;&ifwecannootherwiseprevaile,wemustusetheremedyofMarriageprescribedbyGodhimselfe:Foritisbettertomarrythentoburne,1Cor.7.9.

3.Evillthoughtsandcogitationsinthemindarisingfromfoolishandvainetalke,butfirstandprincipallyfromourowneconcupiscence,whenamansuffers,asitwere,hissouletobetrampledunderfootwithimpureimaginations,Jam.1.14,15.

[Page]

Abuseof

Apparell.

4.Iealousieinthemindbetwixttwopersons,uponnojustoccasion,orgoodground,whichiscontrarytothatentireloveandaffectionwhichamanshouldhavetowardshiswife,Numb.5.

Whatistheinwardvertueherecommended?

Thevirginityandconstancyofthemind,andthechastityandpurityoftheheart,1Cor.7.34.1Thes.4.3,4.&5.23.

WhatistheoutwardbreachofthisCommandement?

Suchuncleannes,asbeingonceseatedinthemind,aftershewethitselfeoutwardly.

Whereindothitshewitselfe?

Eitherinthingsthatbelongtothebody,orelseinthebodyitselfe.

Howinthosethingsthatbelongtothebody?

Intheabuseeitherofapparell,orofmeatanddrinke.

HowisthisCommandementbrokenintheabuseofapparell,andtheornamentsofthebody?

1.Byexcesse,whenitisaboveourestateorability,Mat.11.8.Isa.3.16.

2.Bylightnesse,whenitiswantonandlascivious;AndhencesomeapparelliscalledbytheHoly

Ghost,whorish,Prov.7.10.whichisagreatoccasionoflustanduncleannesse.

3.Byimmodesty,andwearingofsuchattire,asdothdisfigurethebody.

4.New-fanglednesse,whenitisnotaccordingtothecustomeoftheCountry,City,orTownewherewedwell,2Sam.13.18.

5.Whenitisotherwisethenbelongethtothesexe:Asifamanputonwomansapparell,orawomanamans,whichisabominabletoGod,Deut.22.5.

WhataretheReasonshereof?

1.Godwouldhaveeverysexeheremaintained,thatthemanshouldnotbecomeeffeminate,northewomanmannish.

2.Toavoidamostnotoriousoccasionofshamelesseandnamelessesin:ForifamanmaybeinflamedwithawantonPicturepainted,muchmorewithalivelyImage,andportraitureofthesexe.

3.Itisadishonourforamantobelyehissexe,andtospoilehimselfeofthedignityGodhathgivenhim,andpresumptionforawomantodesirethereputationofabettersexethenGodhathsetherherein.

MaynotwomenintheirapparellsubmitthemselvestopleasetheirHusbands?

Ofthe

abuseof

meat&

drink.

Theymustseeketopleasethembylawfullmeanes;andthereforebyclothingthemselvesindecentapparellwithsobriety,andfortheirsuccessetoputtheirtrustinGod,whoisablebymodestyinapparell,withoutanysuchindirectmeanes,tomaintainetheirHusbandslovetowardsthem,1Pet.3.5.

WhatApparellarewethentouse?

SuchascommethundertheruleoftheApostle;namely,suchasmaywitnesseourgodlinesseandmodesty,1Tim.2.9.Tit.2.3.Andtherefore,althoughsome(exceedingthismeasure)saytheydoeitnottoallureany;yetifothersbealluredbyit,itisasininthem,althoughnotsogrievous&greatasintheother,whopropoundtothemselves(bytheirwantonapparell)toallure.

HowisthisCommandementbrokenintheabuseofmeatanddrinke?

Eitherinregardofthequality,orofthequantitythereof.

Howinregardofthequality?

1.Whenweseekeaftertoomuchdaintinesse,Deut.14.21.Luke16.19.

2.Whenweseekesuchkindofmeatanddrinkewhichprovokethissin.

Howinregardofthequantity?

[Page]

Wanton

Gestures,

Byexcesseandintemperanceindiet,whenwefeedtofulnesse,andgiveourselvestosurfeitinganddrunkennesse,Ezek.15.49.

Whatbethecontrarydutiesherecommanded?

1.Temperance,inusingasoberandmoderatediet,Eccles.10.16.accordingtoourability,andtheuseoftheCountreywherewebe.

2.Convenientabstinence,1Cor.9.27.

SomuchofthebreachofthisCommandementintheabuseofthosethingswhichbelongtothebody:Wherinconsisteththeabuseofthebodyitself?

Partly,inthegesturesandcarriageofthebody;partly,inspeechandwords;partly,inactordeed.

Howisthewantonnesseoftheheartmanifestedbythecountenance,gesture,andcarriageofthebody?

1.Byimpudency,orlightnesseincountenance,gestureorbehaviour,Prov.6.13.&7.10,&c.

2.Bywantonlooks,whentheeye(whichistheseatofAdultery,orofChastity)issufferedtowanderwithoutregard;andeithergivethoccasiontootherstocommitAdultery,orissofixedtobeholdthebeautyofanother,orelselasciviousandwickedPictures(whereinmanysettheirdelight)andwiththelikethingswherewiththeheartis

Chastityin

theeyes,

&c.

inflamedtolust,andalluredtofilthinestherby,2Pet.2.14.Mat.5.28.Gen.39.7.Iob31.1.Eze.23.14.

3.Byuncoveringofthenakednesseofthebreasts,andotherpartsofthebody,fortheallurementofothers:whereuntomaybereferredtheApostlesCommandementforwomentobeuncovered,1Cor.11.6.AndtheexampleofRebekah,whoformodestyputavaileuponherface,Gen.24.65.notasmanydoenowadayes,forotherbyrespects.

4.Bypaintingtheface,andcounterfeitingthecomplection,aswickedJesabelldid,whowasafterwards(bythejustjudgementofGod)eatenupofdogs.

5.Bymincingandtinklingwiththefeet;bywantondancingofmenandwomentogether(whichisagreatinticementtothislust)andallotherlasciviousmotions,Isa.3.16.Marke6.22.

6.Bydalliance,andabuseofanypartofthebody,totheprovocationofothersuntolust,orsufferingthemtowanderinwantonnesse.

Whatbethecontraryvertuesherecommanded?

Chastityintheeyes,countenance,andallthepartsofthebody,modestyandgravityinbehaviour,Tit.2.3.thatwemakeacovenantwithoureyes,Job31.1.andpraythattheIordwouldturnethemawayfromseeingvanity,Psal.119.37.Finally,thatwesocarryanddirectallthe

Wanton

Speeches.

[Page]

Chastityin

thetongue

&eares.

membersofthebody,asthattheybenotweaponsofuncleannes,Rom.6.13.14.19.

HowisthisCommandementbrokenbyevillwords?

1.Byvaineandwantonspeeches,corruptandrottencommunication,wherebynotonlythespeakersheart,butalsotheheartsofthehearersareinflamed,Eph.4.29.&5.3,4.1Cor.15.33.

2.Bygivingcaretofilthywords,andtakingdelightinhearingunhonestthings,although(forourcredit)wewillnotspeakethem,1Cor.15.33.

3.BymakingofloveEpistles,amorousBooks,lewdeSongs,andBallads,andsuchlike.

4.ByreadingorhearingwantonPoems,naughtySongs,andbadBooks,andmuchmorebylearningofthem,wherebythememoryiscloyed,andsobetterthingskeptforth.

VVhatiscontrarytothis?

Chastityintongueandeares,speechsavouringofsobrietyandgrace,1Thes.5.23.modestandchastetalke;wherewearetofollowtheexampleoftheHolyGhost,who(speakingbynecessity)ofmattersunseemlytobespokenplainlyof,usethchastespeech,as,heknewher,hecoveredhisfeet,&c.Judg.3.24.1Sam.1.19.

Stage-

Playes.

Breachof

theseventh

Com-

mandement,-

inrespect

ofaction.

VVhatsayyouheretoInterludes,andStage-Playes?

TheyoffendagainstmanybranchesofthisCommandement,togetherbothintheabuseofapparell,tongue,eyes,countenance,gestures,andallpartsalmostofthebody.Forbesidesthewantonnessethereinused,bothinattire,speech,andaction,themanputtethontheapparellofthewoman,whichisforbiddenasathingabominable,Deut22.5.muchfilthinesseispresentedtothebeholders,andfoolishtalking,andjesting,whicharenotconvenient.Lastly,Fornication,andalluncleannesse(whichoughtnottobeoncenamedamongstChristians)ismadeaspectacleofjoyandlaughter,Eph.5.3,4.Thereforetheythatgoetoseesuchsights,andhearesuchwords,shewtheirneglectofChristianduty,andcarelesnesseinsinning,whenastheywillinglycommitthemselvesintothesnareoftheDevill,1Cor.15.33.

ThereremainethnowthebreachofthisCommandementinactanddeed:

Whatisthat?

Fleshlypollution,andimpurityinaction,ofwhichtheunlawfullvowesofcontinencyarenurses,Heb.13.4.1Tim.4.1,3.

Whatisthecontraryvertue?

Thepossessingofourvesselsinholinesseandhonour,1Thes.4.4.Forthepreservationof

whichpurity,holywedlockeiscommandedtosuchashavenotthegiftofcontinency,1Cor.7.9.

HowdothamanexerciseuncleannesseinAct?

Eitherbyhimselfe,orwithothers.

Howbyhimselfe?

BythehorriblesinofOnan,Gen38.9.lustfulldreames,andnocturnallpollutions,Deut.23.10.risingfromexcessiveeating,anduncleanecogitations,orothersinfullmeanes,2Pet.2.10.Gal.5.14.Col.3.5.

Howisitwithothers?

Eitherinunlawfullconjunction,orunlawfullseparation.

WhatbethekindsofunlawfullConjunction?

Itiseitherwiththosethatareofadiverse,orofthesamekind.

Whatisthefilthinessewhichconsistethintheconjunctionofdiverskinds?

ItiseitherBestiall,orDiabolicall.

VVhatistheBestiall?

Whenamanorwomancommittethfilthinessewithabeast,whichisamostabominableconfusion,Lev.18.23.&20.15,16.

[Page]

OfStewes,

andthe

unlawful-

nesseof

them.

VVhatistheDiabolicall?

Whenamanorwomanhathcompanywithanuncleanespirit,undertheshapeofamanorwoman.ThusWitchessometimesprostratetheirbodiestotheDevill,whotofulfilltheirlusts,dothpresenthimselfeuntotheminanhumaneforme.

Howisthissincommittedbetwixtthoseofthesamekind?

WhenmendoecarnallycompanywithothersoutofMarriage,orotherwisethentheLawesofholyMarriagedoerequire.

Whatiscommontothoseunlawfullmixtures?

Thattheybealleithervoluntaryinboth,orbyforceintheone.TotheformermaybereferredthemaintenanceofStewes,whicharepermittedanddefendedinPopery,tothelatter,thecaseofRape.

HowdoeyouprovetheunlawfulnesseofStewes?

1.Theyaresofarfrombeingtheremediesofuncleannesse,thattheybethespeciallnourishersthereof:Fortheactingofsindothnotextinguish,butincreasetheflameofconcupiscence.

2.TheyareexpreslyforbiddenintheLawofGod,Levit.19.29.Deut.23.17.

3.TheKingsarecommendedinScripture,whotookeaway

OfRape.

suchfilthinesseoutoftheirLand,1Kings15.12.2King.23.7.

4.Bythem,notFornicationonly,butAdulteries;yea,Incestsalsowerecommitted,whenasbothmarriedandunmarriedcamethither,andoftentimessomeofthesamebloudandAffinitycommittedvillanywithonewhore,Ezek22.11.

WhatdoeyousaytothecaseofRape?

Hereinthepartyforcedistobeholdenguiltlesse,buttheoffenceoftheotherishighlyaggravatedhereby,Deut.22.25,26.2Sam.13,14.

Ofhowmanysortsarethoseunlawfullmixtures?

Theyareeitherofonesexwiththesamesex,orofbothsexes,theonewiththeother.

VVhatisthatofonesexewiththesamesexe?

Sodomy,orBuggery,whenmanwithman,orwomanwithwomancommittethfilthinesse,Lev.18.22,29.&20.13.Deut.23.17.Rom.1.26,27.

VVhatbetheunlawfullmixturesofbothsexes,themaleandthefemaletogether?

Theyareeithermoreunnaturall,orlessecontrarytonature.

VVhatarethemoreunnaturall?

Incest.

1.Whenamandothkeepcompanywithhisownwife,orotherwomen,whenitiswiththemaccordingtothemannerofwomen,Lev.18.19.and20.18.Ezek.18.6.&22.10.

2.Whenthereisamixtureofthosebodiesthatarewithinthedegreesofkindred,oralliance,forbiddenbytheLawofGod,Lev.18.6,&c.whetheritbeinMarriage,orotherwise,2Sam.13.14.Gen.38.16.whichsinneiscalledIncest.

OfwhatsortsareIncests?

TheyareeitherindegreesofConsanguinity,orAffinity.

VVhatistheIncestofConsanguinity?

Confusionofblood,eitherintherightlineupward,asfatherwithdaughter;Collaterall,asbrotherwithsister;oroverthwartandoblique,assonnewithAunt,daughterwithVnckle.

MayCousingermans(beingintheseconddegree)marrybytheLawofGod?

Yea,butindiversrespectsitisunnecessaryandinconvenient.

VVhataretheIncestsofAffinity?

ThereisthesameprohibitionofAffinity,asofConsanguinity,asforamantohavehisSisterinLaw,&c.

[Page]

Adultery.

Fornication.

VVhatusemakeyouofthis?

ItcondemneththePope,whodispencethwiththedegreesprohibitedbyGod;andprohibitethmanydegrees,whichGodalloweth,makingthattobesinwhichisnosin,andthatwhichisnosintobesin.

Whatbetheunlawfullconjunctionsofmanandwoman,thatarelessecontrarytonature?

Theyareeitherbetwixtstrangers,orbetwixtmanandwife.

Whatbethekindsoftheformer?

FornicationandAdultery,Heb.13.4.

WhatisFornication?

WhentwosinglepersonscometogetheroutofthestateofMatrimony,Deut.22.28.Eph.5.3.

WhatisAdultery?

Whenamanorawoman,wheroftheoneatleastiscontractedinmarriage,commitfilthinessetogether.

HowmanifoldisthisAdultery?

Eithersingle,ordouble.

WhatcallyousingleAdultery?

Polygamy.

Whentheonepersonissingle,andtheothermarried,orespoused.

Whatisthedouble?

Whentwopersonsmarried,orcontracted,doecompanytogether,whichisamosthighdegreeofoffence,asbeingcommittedagainstfourepersons.

Whatistheunlawfullconjunctionbetwixtmanandwife?

Itiseitherbetwixtoneandmany,orbetwixtoneandone.

Whatistheformer?

Polygamy,andthehavingofmanywivesatonce,whichwaseverunlawfullinconscience;howsoeverforatimeitwasbornewithofGod,inregardoftheincreasingoftheWorldandChurch,andnotpunishedbythepositiveLaw,Gen.4.23.Levit.18.18.Malach.2.15,16.1Cor.6.16.and7.2.

Whatisthelatter?

WhentheholyLawesofMatrimony,andtheorderwhichGodhathappointedinhisWordareobserved.

WhatbethoseLawesandOrders?

TheydoeeitherconcernetheentranceintoMarriage,ortheholyusethereofafteritisconsummated.

VVhatisrequiredintheentrance?

[Page]

Whatis

requiredin

theen-

tranceinto

Marriage.

The

contrary

abuses.

1.Thatthepersonstobejoynedinwedlocke,meditateoftheendsofMatrimony,thatitisordainedforprocreationsake,andfortheirownemutuallcomfortandpreservation,notforfulfillingoflustonly.

2.ThattheyusePrayerforablessinguponthem.

3.ThattheylooketothedegreesofConsanguinityandAffinityprescribed.

4.ThattheylookethateitherofthembefreefromanyformerContract.

5.ThattheybeofthesameReligion.

6.ThattheyhaveconsentofParents,andthosewhichhavechargeoverthem;forParentshaveasgreatinterestintheirchildren,asinanyoftheirgoods.

7.Thattherebedueconsentandlikingbetwixtthemselves,whereParentsmusthaveacaretomarrythemwhentheyhaveunderstandinganddiscretion.

8.Thatduerespectbehadtotheageoftheparties.

9.Thattherebeeespousallsbeforemarriage,andthatthepartiesespousedjoynenotthemselvestogetherbeforethemarriagebeconfirmedbythePrayersoftheCongregation,accordingtotheexampleofIosephandMarie,Mat.1.

Whatbethecontraryabuses?

Whatis

requiredin

theholy

useofMar-

riage.

1.WhenMeditationandPrayerareneglected.

2.Whenneerenesseofbloudandkindredisnotrespected.

3.Wheneitherofthepartiesisformerlymarryed,orcontractedtosomeother,Mal.2.15.

4.WhentheyareofadiverseReligion,Gen.6.2.

5.WhentherewantethconsentofParents,Exod.22.16,17.wherestealingawayofmensdaughterscommethwithinthecompasseofAdultery,andiscondemnedinthisCommandement.

6.Whenthereisnotdueconsentbetweenthepartiesthemselves,Gen.29.23.Whereuntimelymarriagescometobecondemned,whicharethecausesofmanydiscords,andsogreatdissentionbetweenHusbandandWiveswhentheyarecometoyearesofdiscretionandage.

7.Whenthereisgreatdisparityofageinpartiescontracted.

8.Whenespousallsareneglected,orthepartiesespousedcometogetherbeforetheconsummationofthemarriage;bothwhicharebreachesofGodsOrdinances.

Whatisrequiredintheholyuseofmarriage?

1.AnholyandChristianconversationtogetherduringthewholetermeoftheirlife.

2.Thesoberuseofthemarriagebed.

Vnlawfull

Separation.

Whatisrequiredintheformer?

Thattherebemutualldelight,Prov.5.19.fidelity,Rom.7.2.andconfidenceeachinother,Prov.31.11.

Whatinthelatter?

Thattheyrenderduebenevolenceonetotheother,1Cor.7.3,4.andabusenotthemarriagebed,eitherunseasonably,oruntemperately.

Howunseasonably?

Innotobservingthetime,eitherofnaturallseparation,Lev.18.19.orofsolemnehumiliation,whereinwithconsenttheyaretogivethemselvesuntoFastingandPrayer,whichthoughitbenotstrictlycommanded,isyetpermitted,1Cor.7.5,6,7.

Howintemperately?

WhenthehonourableandchasteestateofMatrimonyisusedtowantonnesse,andnotwithmoderationandseemlinesse,1Thes.4.4,5.ForasamanmaycommitafaultinexcesseofWine,althoughitbehisowne;somayhesininabusinghisbodywithhisownewife.

Hithertooftheunlawfullconjunction:whereindothunlawfullseparationconsist?

Eitherintheutterabjurationofmarriage,orinthebreachofconjugallsociety.

[Page]

Howistheformersinnecommitted?

Bytheunlawfullvowesofcontinency;wherewemustabhorrethedoctrineofdevills,depravinganddenyingholymarriage,1Timothy4.1.3.

Howisthelattercommitted?

Eitherwhenthepartyispresent,orwhenheisabsent.

Howwhenthepartyispresent?

Whenduebenevolenceisnotyeelded,althoughtherebeaptnessethereunto,noranyhinderancebyconsent,inrespectofextraordinaryprayer,1Cor.7.3,4.

Howwhenthepartyisabsent?

Eitherprivately,orpublickly.

Howprivately?

Whenthepartywithdrawethitselfeinmislikeorloathsomnesse,orelsebylongandunnecessaryjourneysoftravelling,ofmerchandizing,&c.ormakingadesertionforhatredofReligion,1Cor.7.12,13.15.

Howpublickly?

WhenseparationhathbeenmadebytheMagistrate,withoutlawfullcause.

Isthereanylawfullcauseofdivorce?

Thepunish-

mentsof

thebreach

ofthis

Commande

ment.

Yes:Adulteryisalawfullcauseofseparation;butnotcontention,ordiscord,oranythingbeside,Matth.5.32.

SomuchoftheCommandement:Whatarethepunishmentsofthebreachofit?

1.Whenmanyothersinnesarehid,thisismostcommonlydiscovered,Num.5.13.Iohn4.16.Prov.5.14.

2.Thesinisajudgementofitselfe,Prov.22.14.Eccl.7.27,28.Rom.1.24.

3.Godjudgeththemoftentimesinthisworld,alwayesintheworldtocome,Heb.13.4.1Cor.6.9,10.Num.24.8.Gen.12.17.1Cor.10.8.Gen.34.25.Iudges19.29.Prov.7.23,26,27.Iob31.9,10,11,12.2Sam.13.14.28.

4.Moreparticularly,whippingforFornication,anddeathforAdultery,andotherunlawfullmixture,Lev.20.10.

5.Itspendeththegoods,Prov.5.10.&6.26.

6.Ithurteth,wasteth,andconsumeththebody,Prov.5.11.

7.Itbereavethamanofhisunderstandingandjudgement,Hos.4.11.

8.Itnotonelyreachethtotheoffendersthemselves,butalsototheirchildren,whoarethechildrenofAdultery;andbyMosesLaw,theBastard(tothetenthgeneration)might

[Page]

Helps&

meansof

keeping

this

Commande

ment.

notenterintotheSanctuary,Deut.23.2.

9.Hesinnethagainsthiswifeandlawfullchildren,whilsttherebyheoftentimesmakethaStewesofhishouse,asDaviddidbytheadulteryhecommittedwiththewifeofVrias,2Sam.16.21.

10.Barrennesseinhiswife,Lev.20.20.

11.ChildrenbegotteninhorribleIncestweretobeburntorslaineintheirmotherswombe.

WhatarethehelpestotheobedienceofthisCommandement?

Vntotheforementionedhelpestheremustbeadded:

1.Caretokeepagoodconscience,Eccles.7.28.

2.LabourinourVocation.

3.VVatchfulnesseoverourownefpirit,Mal.2.16.

4.ACovenantwithoureyes,Iob31.1.

5.LoveofGod,andofhiswisedome,Prov.2.10,&c.

6.Prayer,Psalme119.37.

7.HolyMeditation.

Hindrances

of

obedience.

Theeighth

Commande

Whatarethehindrancestobeavoyded?

Besidetheunlawfullvowesofcontinency,andotherprovocationsuntothiskindeofsinbeforenoted,wemustbewareof,

1.Idlenesse,inceasingfromdoinganyprofitablething▪Ezek.16.49.2Sam.11.12.1Tim.5.11,13.Gen.34.1,&c.

2.ThebreachofpeacewithGod,Prov.22.14.

3.Runningoninsin,Eccl.7.28.especiallySuperstitionandIdolatrie,Rom.1.25,26.inwhichcasesGodgivethmenovertovilelusts.

4.Lewdcompany,Prov.5.20.&7.25.

5.Idleandunwarrantableexercises.

SomuchoftheseventhCommandement,whereChastityiscommanded:therefolloweththegeneralldutieswhichweedoeowetomaninotherthingsappertaininguntohim:whatbethey?

Theyeitherregardthepreservationofhisgoods,astheeighth,orhisgoodname,astheninthCommandement.

WhatarethewordsoftheeighthCommandement?

Thoushaltnotsteale,Exod.20.15.

Whatdothitcontaine?

Theendof

theeighth

Com-

mandement.-

ment.Achargeofourowne,andourneighboursgoods,thatweshewloveandfaithfulnessetherein,andnotonelynotimpeachorhinder,butbyallmeanespreserveandfurtherthesame.

Whatspeciallmatterdoeyoulearnefromhence?

ThegrosseerrouroftheAnabaptists,thatholdcommunityofgoods,whichbythewholedriftandscopeofthisCommandementismanifestlyoverthrowne.

WhatisforbiddeninthisCommandement?

VVhatsoeverisprejudicialltoourowneorourneighbourswealth;thatwenowayhinder,diminish,orabusethesame.

Whatisrequired?

VVhatsoevermayfurtherorprosperourowne,orourneighbourswealth;thatwegivetoeveryonethatwhichishis,anddoeourbest,asfarreasourcallingsandmeaneswillsuffer,topreservehisgoods,and(asoccasionserveth)helpetoencreasethembyalllawfullcourses,Eph.4.28.andhonestdealing,Tit.2.10.

WhatistheendofthisCommandement?

Itisdivers.First,inrespectofGod,thatthegoodswhichhehathbestowedonusshouldbeconservedandimploiedtothoseusesforwhichhehathintrustedthemuntous,andprincipally

[Page]

The

occnsionof

thisCom-

mandement.-

tothesettingforthofhisglorywhogavethem.

Secondly,inrespectoftheChurch;forwhatsoeverisgivenuntoanymemberthereof,whetheritbeeitherspirituallorexternallgood,itisgivenforthecommonbenefitofthewholebody.Andthereforehethattakethawaythegoodsofanymember,orrefusethtoimployforthecommonprofitwhathehath,heeneglecteththiscommunion,andconsequentlysinnethagainstthisCommandement.

Thirdly,inrespectoftheCommonwealth;forthepreservationwhereof,justiceisrequired,ingivinguntoeveryonethatwhichishisowne;whichbeingneglected,greatKingdomesaregreatTheeveries.

Lastly,inrespectofeverysingularperson,thateverymanmayfreelyandquietlyenjoythosehisgoodswhichGodhathgivenhim.

WhatwastheoccasionofthisCommandement?

Itwasthatcovetousnessewhichnaturallyadherethuntous,whereofitcommethtopasse,thatwearenotcontentedwithourestate&means,butlustandlongafterothermens,anduseallourendeavourstocompassethem,whetheritbebyrightorwrong.Andfromhenceariseinjuries,oppressions,thefts,androbberies.Bywhichmeaneswhatisgottendothnaturallymoredelightandpleaseus,thenthatwegetinourlawfullcallings,Prov.9.17.&20.17.

OfTheft.

WhatarethewordsofthiseighthCommandement?

Thoushaltnotsteale,Exod.20.15.

Whatishereforbidden?

Theft,inallthekindesthereof.

Whatistheft?

Itisthefraudulentimbezeling,ortakingawayofthosegoodswhichbelongtoanotherman,withouttheknowledge,oragainstthewilloftheowner;ortheunjustdetainingofitfromhim,whenweeknowthatinrightitbelongethuntohim.

Whatthingsarechiefelytobehereconsidered?

Two.First,theObjects,aboutwhichitischiefelyexercised:andsecondly,theVertuesandVicescommandedandforbidden.

WhataretheObjects?

Ourowneandourneighboursgoods;orastheycommonlyspeake,meum&tuum,mineandthine.Forwhereasheforbiddeththeft,andcommandethbeneficence,heimpliethandrequireth,thatthereshouldbeedistinctproprietiesandpossessions:forotherwisetherecouldbeenotheft,norexerciseofbountyandbeneficence:foramancannotstealebutthatwhichisanothers,norgivebutthatwhichishisowne.

[Page]

Theparts

ofthis

eighth

Comman-

dement▪

WhataretheVertuescommanded,andtheVicesforbiddeninthisCommandement?

TheApostlehathcomprisedallinabriefesumme,Eph4.28.Lethimthatstolestealenomore,butratherlethimlabour,workingwithhishandsthethingwhichisgood,thatheemayhavetogivetohimthatneedeth.OfwhichtheApostlepropoundethhimselfeforanexample,Acts20.33,34,35.

WhatthenarethepartsofthisCommandement?

Two.First,thenegative,forbiddingallTheft.Secondly,theaffirmative,injoyningthejustgetting,andthejustandliberaluseofourgoods.

WhatunderstandyoubyStealing,orTheft?

Allvicesofthesamenatureandkinde,wherebyweanywayeshinderorhurtourselves,orourneighboursinourgoods.AndasTheftitselfeishereforbidden,soalsothecauseandrootofit,whichiscovetousnesse,togetherwiththemeanesandsignesofit,andtheprocuringofitinothers;Asalsothecontraryvertueshereuutoarerequired.

Howmustweproceedinhandlingofthem?

Fromthegenerallstothemorespeciall.

Whatdegreesarethereofthegenerallduties?

Generall

duties

comman-

ded.

Opposite

vices.

Theyarethree.

First,toabstainefromallinjuriesandinjustice,wherebywehurtorhinderourselves,orourneighbour,inourowne,orhisgoods.

Secondly,thatweeuseourbestendeavourtopreservebyalllawfullmeanes,bothourowneandhis.

Thirdly,thatwechearfullycommunicateourgoodstotherelievingofourneighboursnecessities.

Whatarethevicesoppositehereunto?

Theyarethree.

First,injuriouslytohurtorhinderourselvesorneighboursinourgoods.

Secondly,tobewantinginanymeaneswherebytheymaybeejustlypreserved.

Thirdly,tobeewantingtoourneighboursinrelievingthemwhentheirnecessitiesrequireourhelpe;forwearenotabsoluteownersofthethingswhichwepossesse;butGodsStewards,whoareenjoynedtoimployhisTalentstosuchusesasherequireth;andparticularlytothebenefitofourfellow-servants,Luke16.2.Matth.25.14,15,19.Luke19.13.

Whatisthesecondgeneralldutyrespectingourowne,andourneighboursgoods?

[Page]

Speciall

dutieshere

required.

Thatweuseourbestendeavourtopreservethem.First,ourowne:Forthoughweemaynotsetourheartsuponthem,Psalme62.10.yetseeingtheyareGodsgifts,andaretobeeimployedforhisgloryandourowne,andneighboursgood,ifweshouldwilfullyornegligentlysufferthemtoperish,weshouldbeworsethentheunprofitableservant,whokepttheTalentcommitteduntohim,thoughheedidnotincreaseit,Matth.25.25.

Secondly,wemustdoeourbesttoconserveourneighboursgoods,seeingtheyhavenotbychancecomeuntothem,butbythewisedisposingofGodsProvidence,whosewisedispensationweeresist,ifbyourbestendeavourwedoenotpreservethemfortheiruse.AndtothisendthatLawconcerningourneighboursCattelltendeth,Deut.22.1,2,3.Exod.23.4,5.

Whatarethespecialldutieshererequired?

Theyareoftwosorts:thefirstrespectthejustgettingandpossessing;theother,therightusingandimployingofourgoods.

Whatarethedutieswhicharereferredtotheformer?

Theyareeitherinternall,orexternall.

Whataretheinternall?

Theyarechiefelyfoure:

Arguments

disswading

fromthe

loveof

money,and

earthly

things.

First,littleornoloveanddesireofmoney.

Secondly,selfe-contentednesse.

Thirdly,alawfullmeasureofourappetite,ormoderateconcupiscence,anddesires.

Fourthly,lawfullprovidencewithoutcarkingcare,oralaudablestudy,andendeavouringettingofgoods.

Whatdoeyoumeanebylittleornoloveofmoney?

Whenweedonenotsetourheartsuponrichesandworldlywealth,Psalme62.10.ButfirstseekGodsKingdomeandrighteousnesse,Matth.6.33.

Whatisoppositehereunto?

Loveofmoney:thatis,whenweesetourheartsuponriches,andworldlythings,whichshouldbedevotedunto,andfixeduponGod.

BywhatArgumentsmaywebedisswadedfromthisvice?

Bydivers;especiallythesethatfollow.

First,becauseitisafoolishvice,seeingrichestothosethatimmoderatelylovethem,arenotonelyvaine,butalsohurtfull,andpernicious,Hab.2.6.1Tim.6.9.

Secondly,becauseitisunseemly:forwearePilgrimsinthisworld,andCitizensofHeaven;and

Selfe-

content-

ednesse.

thereforeweshouldnotsetourheartsandaffectionsonearthly,butonheaveulythings,Phil.3.20.Col.3.1,2.

Thirdly,becauseitisimpious:for1.HethatloveththeworldlovethnotGod,1Joh2.15.James4.4.neithercanweserveGodandMammon,Matth.6.24.

2.BecausealoverofmoneyisanIdolater,Eph.5.5.ForthatisourGodonwhichwesetourhearts.

Fourthly,becauseitispernicious.For,hethatsowethuntotheflesh,shallofthefleshreapcorruption,Gal.6.8.andtheirendisdestructionwhomindeearthlythings.Phil.3.19.1Tim.6.9.

Fiftly,becausetheloveofmoneyistherootofallevill,andexposethmentoalltentations,1Tim.6.9,10.

Whatisthesecondspeciallvertueherecommanded?

Selfe-contentednesse:whenamaniscontentedwiththatestateandconditionwhichGodinhiswiseprovidencehathallotteduntohim.Anddothnotcoveteitherthatwhichisanothermans,orthatwhichisunnecessaryandsuperfluous,Phil.4.11,12.Andthisspringethpartlyfromtheneglectofmoney,andcontemptofworldlythings,andpartlyfromouraffianceinGod,restingitselfeuponhispromises,providence,goodnesse,andall-sufficiency.

Whatmotivesmayinduceustoembracethisvertue?

Motives

perswading

toselfe-

content-

ednesse.

[Page]

1.Bytheconsiderationofthevanityofworldlythings,andtheprofitwhicharisethfrompiety,andtheloveofdivineexcellencies,1Tim.6.6,7,8.Godlinesseisgreatgainewithcontentation:Forthisabundantlysupplyethallourwants,1Tim.4.8.Psal.34.10,11,&37.16.Mat.6.33.Prov.15.16.BetterisalittlewiththefeareoftheLord,thengreattreasuresandtroubletherewith.

2.OfGodsprovidence,whoisourprovidentandlovingFa-ther:Andthereforeseeingwearehissonnes,weeoughttobeecontentwithourportionwhichourgraciousFatherhathallotteduntous;andtosaywithDavid,Psal.16.6.Thelinesarefalneuntomeinpleasantplaces.Forhebestknowethwhatwestandinneedof,Mat.6.32.Goe,letussubmitourselvestohiswillandprovidence.

Thirdly,letusmeditateonGodspromises,Heb.13.5,6.Becontentwithsuchthingsasyouhave,forhehathsaid,Iwillneverleavenorforsakethee.AndthereforeletuscastourcareuponGod,forhecarethforus,1Pet.5.7.Psalme55.22.CastthyburthenupontheLord,andheshallsustainthee,&c.

VVhatistheviceoppositetothisvertue?

Nottobecontentedwithourpresentstateandcondition,butimmoderatelytodesiremoreandgreaterthings,andtoafflictourselveswithdistracting,andcarkingcaresingettingandcompassingthem.

Lawfull

measuring

ofour

appetite.

VVhoaremostaddictedtothisvice?

ThosewhowillnotliveaccordingtotheproportionoftheirmeaneswhichGodhathgiventhem:forthesewantingmorethenisneedfull,theirordinarycommingsinandlawfullmeanesdoenotsufficethem,buttheydesireandseekthingssuperfluousbyunlawfullmeanes;asfoodandraimentabovetheirstateandability.

Butisitthenunlawfull,inameaneandpooreconditiontousemeanestoimproveandbetterourestate?

OuraffianceinGod,andselfecontentednessedoenothinderusfromusingalllawfullmeanestobetterourcondition,normakeusslothfullinourcallings;sothatourdesiresbemoderate,andthemeanesweeusebeelawfull,weinthemeanetimerestinguponGodsjustandwiseprovidencewithcontentation.

VVhatisthethirdinternallduty,respectingthelawfullgettingandpossessingofearthlythings?

Thelawfullmeasuringofourappetite,andthemoderatingofourconcupiscence:Forallappetiteanddesireisnotunlawfull,butthatonelywhichisinordinateandimmoderate;forthatdesirewhichtendethtotheneeessarysustentationofourselvesandothersiscommendable.

Whatthingsarehereconsiderable?

[Page]

Twothings.First,whatisnecessary.Secondly,whentheappetiteislawfull.Concerningtheformer,thingsaresaidtobenecessary,inrespectofthenecessity,eitherofourselvesorothers.

Whatthingsaretobereputednecessaryinrespectofourselves?

Theremaybeathreefoldnecessity,aseitherinrespectofNature,Person,orEstate.

WhatinrespectofNature?

Thosethingswhicharerequiredtothesustainingofnature,aswearemen;thatis,food,andraiment,1Tim.6.8.

WhatisnecessaryinrespectofPerson?

Whenwehavesufficientforourselves,andthosethatbelonguntous,1Tim.5.8.

WhatisnecessaryinrespectofState?

Whenwehavethatwhichissufficienttomaintaineusaccordingtoourranke,place,andcalling,whetheritbeMagistrates,Ministers,orordinarymen.

Whatisnecessaryinrespectofothers?

Itiseitherprivate,orpublick.

VVhatisthatnecessitywhichrespecteththeprivate?

Whenwehavewherewithtorelievethenecessitiesofprivatemen,afterwhichabilityalloughttolabour,Eph.4.18.Prov.4.15,16.Foritisamoreblessedthingtogive,thentoreceive,Acts20.35.

VVhatinrespectofthepublick?

IteitherconcerneththeChurchorCommonwealth;untobothwhichwemustbeserviceable,asbeingbornenotonelyforourselves,butalsoforthem:Thereforewemayjustlydesireandlabouraftersuchabilities,asthatwemaynotbewantingtoeitherofthem,whentheirnecessitiesrequireourhelpe.

WhenistheAppetitelawfull?

Whenitisordinateandmoderate.

Whenisitordinate?

Whenitissubordinatetoourstudy,anddesireofGodsgloryandourownesalvation,Matth.6.33.andcontrariwiseitisinordinateandpreposterouswhenearthlythingsaremoreaffectedanddesiredthenheavenly.

Whodoesinneinthiskinde?

Thosewhoseekworldlythingsbysinfullandunlawfullmeanes,tothehazzardoftheirsoules,andtheireternallsalvation;sucharemorefoolishthenEsau,thatsoldhisBirth-rightforamesseofPottage;Mark8.36.

WhatisamoderateAppetiteorDesire?

Affected

poverty.

Covetousnesse.

Whenwedesireonelythingsnecessary;andthesealsosoasthatwecanbecontent,thoughwecannotgetthem,Phil.4.11,12.AnexamplewhereofwehaveinPaul,Phil.4.11.12.andinAgur,Pro.30.8.AndChristhathtaughtustopray,Giveusthisdayourdaylybread;thatis,foodconvenientandnecessary.

VVhataretheextreamesopposedhereunto.

Theyaretwo:Thefirstisvoluntaryaffectationofpoverty,asthebeggingFriarsamongthePapists,commendingthatforavertueandadegreeofperfection,whichtheSpiritofGodhathtaughtustoprayagainst,Proverbs30.8.Andhathenjoynedusnottobegge,buttolabourwithourhands,thatwemaybehelpfulluntoothers,Eph.4.18.

Whatistheotherextreame?

Theimmoderateaffectationofrichesandhonours,andthatinagreatermeasurethenisneedfullforus.Theformer,wecallCovetousnesse;theother,Ambition.

VVhatisCovetousnesse?

AnimmoderatedesireofRiches;inwhichthesevicesconcurre.

1.AnexcessiveloveofRiches,andthefixingofourheartsuponthem.

2.Aresolutiontobecomerich,eitherbylawfull,or

[Page]

Ambition

unlawfullmeans,1Tim.6.9.

3.Toomuchhasteingatheringriches,joynedwithimpatienceofanydelay,Prov.28.20.22.&20.21.

4.Anunsatiableappetitewhichcanneverbeesatisfied,butwhentheyhavetoomuch,theystilldesiremore,andhaveneverenough,Eccles.4.8.liketheHorse-leech,Prov.30.15.theDropsie,andHellitselfe,Prov.27.20.

5.Miser-liketenacity,wherebytheyrefusetocommunicatetheirgoodseitherfortheuseofothers,orthemselves.

6.Cruelty,Prov.1.18,19.exercisedbothintheirunmercifulnesseandoppressionofthepoore.

VVhatdoeyouthinkofthisvice?

Thatitisamosthainoussinne:foritisIdolatry,andtherootofallevill,Col.3.5.1Tim.6.10.AperniciousThornethatstiflethallgrace,andchoakeththeseedoftheWord,Mat.13.22.andpiercethmenthroughwithmanysorrowes,1Tim.6.10.anddrowneththemindestructionandperdition,verse.9.

WhatisAmbition?

Animmoderateloveanddesireofhonours,whichisavicecompoundedofCovetousnesseandPride;inwhichconcurreallthosevicesinCovetousnessebeforespokenof:asanimmoderateloveof

Carking

care.

Carelesnesse.

Solicitous

honours,aresolutiontoaspireuntohonours,eitherbylawfullorunlawfullmeanes,toomuchhasteinaspiringuntohonours,notwaitinguponGodforprefermentintheuseoflawfullmeanes,unsatiablenesinaspiringhigherandhigher,andenlargingoftheambitiousmansdesire,likeuntohell,Hab.2.5.VntowhichmaybeaddedArrogancy,wherebyheecovetethtobepreferredbeforeallothers;andEnvy,wherebyhedisdaineththatanyshouldhepreferredbeforehim.

Whatisthefourthandlastvicehereforbidden?

Immoderateandcarkingcare,inthepursuingoftheseearthlythings,richesandhonours;andcontrariwise,moderateappetiteanddesiresofhaving,andmoderatecareofprocuringthemisapprovedandrequired;thatwemaynotbeburthensome,butratherhelpfulluntoothers,2Cor.12.13.Eph.4.28.

Whataretheextreamesopposedtotheformervertue?

Theyaretwo:thefirst,iscarelesnesseandneglectofourgoodsandstate.Forasheiscommendedwhogatherethinseasonabletimes,soheiscondemnedwhoneglecteththoseopportunities,Prov.10.5.&6.6.andiscensuredbytheApostletobeworsethenanInfidell,1Tim.5.8.

Whatistheotherextreame?

Anxiousandsolicitouscare,whichdistracteththemindethatitcannotbewhollyintentto

[Page]

and

distracting

cares.

Godsservice.AndthisdothpartlyarisefromCovetousnesse,andpartlyfromdiffidenceinGodsPromisesandProvidence.

Whatarethereasonsthatmaydisswadefromthisvice?

Theyarechiefelytwo.First,becauseitisImpious.Secondly,becauseitisFoolish.

Whyisitimpious?

BecauseitchargethGodeitherwithignorance,thatheknowethnotourwants,contrarytothat,Matth.6.32.orofcarelesnesse,thatheeneglectethus;orofimpotency,thatheisnotabletosupplyourwants;whereasheisomniscient,andknowethournecessities;omnipotent,andabletorelieveus;Eph.3.20.andourmostgraciousFather,andthereforewillingandreadytohelpeusintimeofneed.

Secondly,becauseitdivideththeheartbetweenGodandMammon,andwecannotatonceservetheseMasters,Matth.6.24.1John2.15.Iames4.4.

Thirdly,becauseitisheathenish,Mat.6.32.

Whyisitfoolish?

Becauseitisbothsuperfluousandvaine:superfluous,becauseGodhathundertakentoprovideforus;andthereforeintheuseoflawfullmeanesweemustcastallourcareuponhim,1Peter3.7.Psalme55.22.

What

requiredto

just

getting.

Howisitvaine?

BecauseitisGodsblessingonelythatmakethrich,Prov.10.22.Deut.8.18.andbyourownecareweecannomoreaddetothatstintofstatewhichhehathallotteduntous,thenwecantherebyaddeoneCubittoourstature,Matth.6.27.

Youhavespokengenerallyoftheinternallduties:whatdutiesareexternally,andmorespeciallyrequired?

Theyrespecteitherthejustacquisitionandgettingofourgoods,orthejustretentionandpossessingofthem;untowhichisopposedtheunjustgetting,andkeepingofthem;whicharehereforbiddenunderthenameofTheft.

Whatisrequiredtojustgetting?

Thatwegetthembyjustandlawfullmeanes:ForrichesareThorns,whicharenottobehastilycatched,buttobehandledwarily,andwithmuchcaution,thattheydoenotpiercethesoule,andwoundtheconscience.

Whatmaymoveushereunto?

First,byconsidering,thatalittlejustlygotten,isbetterthenabundancegottenunjustly,Prov.16.8.Psal.37.16.

Secondly,thatwhatisjustlygottenisthegiftofGod,andapledgeofhislove;butthatwhichisgottenunjustly,isgiveninhiswrath,andisasnareofthedeviltoour

[Page]

LawfullCal-

ling&

labourinit.

destruction.

Thirdly,thatasgoodsjustlygottenareGodsgifts,whichheblessethuntous,Prov.10.22.sothatwhichisillgotten,islyabletohiscurse,Prov.13.11.Hab.2.9.Jer.27.11.

Howmanywayesaregoodslawfullygotten?

Twowayes.First,withoutContract.Secondly,byContract.OutofContract,eithersuchasaregottenbyourselves,orreceivedfromothers.

Howgottenbyourselves?

Eitherordinarily,orextraordinarily.OrdinarygettingisbythesweatofourbrowesinourlawfullCallings.Sothatheretwothingsarerequired:First,alawfullCalling:andsecondly,thatwelabourinit,Eph.4.28.

WhatisalawfullCalling?

Itisthesettingapartofsingularmenuntosomelawfulllabourandimployment,accordingtothevarietyoftheirgifts,andinclinations,whethertheybepublickorprivate.

Whatisinthesecondplacerequiredofeveryman?

Thattheydiligentlylabourintheirlawfullcalling,1Thes.3.10.andthatvariously,accordingtoeverymanscondition,andthevarietyoftheirseverallcallings.Forif

Extraordinary

getting.

AdamwasnottobeidleinthestateofInnocency,Gen.2.15.muchlesseweafterthefall,Gen3.19.

Whatdoeyoucallextraordinarygetting?

Thatwhichisacquiredbythelawofnature,orthelawofNations,asthatwhichisgottenbythelawofArmes,orthatwhichiscasuallyfound,beinglost,ofanother,untowhichmenhaveright,whenasbydiligentenquirytheownercannotbeknowne.

Howaregoodsjustlygottenastheyareretainedfromothers?

Whenasbyacivillrightweretainethemfromothers,whoarethetrueandlawfullowners;andthateitherbyfreegift,orbysuccessionandinheritance,whetheritbegivenuntousbytheTestatorswill,orbyLawandrightdoefalluntous.

Whatarethevicesoppositetotheformervertues?

Allmeansandkindsofunjustgetting,oppositetojustacquisition,whetherordinaryorextraordinary.

VVhatisoppositetoordinaryjustgetting?

Inordinatewalking,2Thes.3.6.7.11.whichisopposedeithertoalawfullcalling,ortolabourrequiredinit.

WhatisopposedtoalawfullCalling?

Whatis

oppositeto

alawfull

Calling.

EithernoCallingatall,orsuchaCallingasisunlawfull.TheywhohavenoCalling,areunprofitableburdenstotheCommonwealth,andlikepernicioushumoursinthebody.

Whoarethese?

First,sturdybeggersandrogues,whocanworkeandwillnot,butliveuponothermenslabours:whichkindeofpeoplearenottobesufferedinaCommonwealth.Forthoughweshallhavethepoorealwayes,Deut.15.11.Mat.26.11.yetthereoughttobenobeggers,andinordinatewalkers,whoeate,labournot,2Thes.3.10,12.

Secondly,idleandsuperfluousGentlemen,whohavingnoCalling,spendalltheirtimeinpleasure,hunting,hawking,revelling,gaming,&c.

Thirdly,suchasthrustthemselvesintosuchCallingsforwhichtheyarealtogetherunfit,andsostealetherewardsandprofitsofit,towhichtheyhavenoright.

WhatareunlawfullCallings?

ThosethathavenowarrantoutofGodsWord,ortheLawesoftheLand:asthosethatlivebyunlawfullArts;asWhores,Bawdes,Deut.23.17,18.Witches,Wizards,Deut.18.11,12.Stage-playes,Beare-wards,Gamesters,andthelike.

WhatisopposedtolawfulllabourinourCallings?

[Page]

Vnjust

gettingout

ofcontract.

Theft.

Domesticall

theft.

Anidlelife,whichasitiscondemnedintheseventhCommandement,asbeingacauseandincentiveoflust:sohereasacompanionandcauseoftheft,Eph.4.28.Prov.18.9.Forslothcausethbeggery,andthisstealing,Prov.6.11.&28.19.&30.9.

WhatarethekindsofunjustgettingoutofContract?

Theyaretwo:

1.Theft.

2.RapineorRobbery,Lev.19.13.Bothwhichmenmaycommiteitherasprincipals,oraccessaries.

WhatisTheft?

Thefraudulenttakingofanothermansgoods,againsttheknowledgeorthewilloftheowner;whichisthesinthatischieflyforbiddeninthisCommandement,andcomprehendethunderitalltherest,whichisagreatsinstrictlyforbiddenbyGod,Lev.19.11.andseverelypunished,Zach.5.3,4.1Cor.6.10.andbyourLawesalsomadeCapitall.

WhatarethekindsofTheft?

TheyareeitherDomesticall,andintheFamily,oroutoftheFamily.TheftsintheFamily,areeitherofthewife,orchildren,orofservants.

WhatistheTheftoftheWife?

Theftcom-

mittedout

ofthe

family.

WhenshepurloinethherHusbandsgoods,eitherwithouthisknowledge,oragainsthiswill.Forhowsoevershehavearightuntotheminrespectofuse,yettheproprietybelongethonlytotheHusband.

WhatistheTheftoftheChildren?

WhentheytakeawaytheirParentsgoods,eitherwithouttheirprivity,oragainsttheirwill:ForhowsoeverChildrenthinkethistobenoTheft,yetSalomonsaithotherwise,Proverbs28.24.WhosorobbethhisFatherorhisMother,andsaithitisnotransgression,thesameisthecompanionofadestroyer.

WhatistheTheftofServants?

Whentheyareunfaithfull,orwastfull;unfaithfull,whenastheypurloinetheirMastersgoods,John12.6.Tit.2.10.orareidleandnegligentintheirservice,orrunawayfromthem,asdidOnesimus,Philem.12.orgiveawaytheirgoodswithouttheirknowledgeandconsent,thoughitbetogooduses.Wastfull,whenastheywastfullyandriotouslyconsumetheirMasterssubstance.

HowisTheftthatiscommittedoutoftheFamilydistinguished?

Itiseitherofgoods,orofpersons;ofgoods,eithercommonandsacred,andthoseeitherprivateorpublick:Private,aresuchgoodsasbelongtoprivatemen;whetheritbeCattell,money,oranythingthatismoneyworth.

Sacriledge.

[Page]

WhatistheTheftofpublickthings?

WhenthingsarestollenwhichbelongtothepublickState,orBodyoftheCommonwealth,whichismorehainousandcapitallthenthatwhichiscommittedagainstaprivateman.Andinthiskinde,inclosuresofCommonsaretobereputedastheft,Prov.23.10,11.

WhatistheTheftofsacredthings?

Whenthingsconsecratedtoanholyandsacreduse,arepurloinedandembezeled;thewhichweusuallycallSacriledge.AswhentheutensilsandinstrumentsofdivineWorshiparestollen;whentheLandsorTythesdevoteduntoGodforthemaintenanceofhisMinistersareimbased,withheld,ortakenaway,Mal.3.8.Inwhichkind,thechiefeoffendersarecorruptPatrons;whohavingonlytherightofpresentationoffitpersons,doeincroachuponpartoftheTythes,orsellChurch-Livingsformoney;andalsoProprietaries,whoseiseuponChurch-LivingsdevotedrothemaintenanceoftheMinistry,andconvertthemtotheirowneproperandprivateuse:Andfinally,theCourtHarpies,whoseiseupontheRevenuesoftheChurch,bypreferringofunworthy,idle,andambitiousmen.

Whatdoeyouthinkeofthissin?

Thatitismosthainous,seeingsuchascommitit,robGodhimselfe,Mal.3.8.andtherebybringhisheavycurseuponthem,vers.9.AsweseeintheexampleofAchan,Nebuchadnezzar,Belshazzar,Ananias,Sapphira,andthe

Theftof

persons.

Rapine.

rest.

WhatistheTheftofPersons?

ItisanhainoussinpunishedbytheLawofGodwithdeath,Exod.21.16.Deu.24.7.Asbeingsomuchworsethenthetheftofgoods,asthepersonsofmenarebetterthenthey,Mat.625.Andthisiscommittedbysuchasstealemenorchildren,tosellthemforslaves;andbylustfullorcovetouswooers,whostealemensdaughterstomakethemtheirwives.

YouhavespokenofTheftproperlysocalled:VVhatistheotherkindwhichismoreimproper?

Rapine,whichisaviolenttakingawayofanothermansgoods;whichisdoneeitherforhisprofitwhotaketh,ortohislossefromwhomitistaken.AndtheformeriscommittedunderthepretextofAuthorityandlegallpower,orelsewithoutit.Theformerarepublicktheeves,ofwhichSalomonspeaketh,Prov.21.7.whichareworsethencommontheeves,andshallbemoreseverelypunished,Wisd.6.6.becausetheirsinisaggravatedbytheabusingoftheirAuthority;andbecausecommonlyviolenceandcrueltyisjoynedwithit,Zeph.3.3.Ezek.22.27.Mica.3.2,3.Esa.3.14,15.

WhatisthisTheftcalled?

Oppression,andExtortion;whenamanspoylethhis

Oppression.

Accessaries

totheft.

neighbourundercolourofLaw,asAhabandJezabeldidNaboth,1Kings21.

WhatisthatRapinewhichiscommittedwithoutanypretextofAuthoritie?

ItiseitherinWarre,orinPeace.InWarre,eitherbyLand,whenSouldiersbeingnotcontentwiththeirpay,doespoyleandplunder,notonelytheirenemies,butalsotheirfriends,Deut.2.5,6.Luke3.14.Orbysea,whenasPiratstheyrobandspoylealltheymeetwith,andcanmaster.

WhatisthatRapinewhichisexercisedontheLand?

Itiseitherrobberybythehigh-way,Luke10.30.John18.andlastverse;orBurglary,whenastheybreakopenhousesthattheymayrobtheinhabitants.

AretherenoothertobeesteemedTheevesbutthoseonelywhoacttheftthemselves?

Yes;Theyalsowhoareaccessaries,Psal.50.18.anddoeconsenttothetheftofothers:Andthesetheftsarecommontoall,orpropertoSuperiours.Theformeriscommittedbefore,with,orafterthetheft.

Howisamananaccessarybeforethetheft?

Whenhecounsailethorprovokethanotheruntoit,asJezabelldidAchab,1Kings21.Prov.1.11,13,14.

[Page]

Acquisition

bylawfull

Howwith,orinthetheft?

EitherwhenheaideththeTheefe,ordothnothinderhimwhenasitisinhispower.

Howafterthetheft?

First,whenhereceiveth,andconcealethwhatisstolne,orhideth,orkeepeththeTheefefrombeingapprehended.

Secondly,whenhepartakethwithhiminthestolnegoods,Prov.29.24.Andthisisdone;1.WhenhetakeththegoodsfromtheTheef,thathemaykeepthemtohimselfe.2.Whenheeknowinglybuyethstolnegoods,whichoughttoberestoredtotheowners.3.WhenbysilenceheconcealeththeTheefe.

HowaretheSuperioursaccessary?

Whentheydoeanywayesencourage,ordoenotpunishthem:especiallywhentheydoeacquitthemforaBribe.

Somuchofthatacquisition,andgettingofgoodswhichisoutofContract:Nowshewthatwhichisin,orbyContract:AndfirstwhatalawfullContractis,andwhatisrequiredinit.

AContractisanagreementbetweenpartiesbymutuallconsentaboutthealienationofgoodsfromonetoanother,uponsomejustandhonestconditions.Andthiseitherrespecteththethingsthemselves,or

Contract.

Acquisition

byliberall

alienation.

theiruseforatime.

Whatisrequiredinalawfullcontract?

Thatitbedoneinsimplicityandintegrity,withoutguileanddeceit;untowhichthreethingsarerequired:first,truthinourwords:secondly,fidelityinourpromises:thirdly,justiceinourdeeds,Psal.15.24.Zac.8.16.

Whatisopposedhereunto?

First,allcollusionanddeceit,wherebyoneseekethtocircumventanother,1Thes.4.6.whichisaviceodiousuntoGod,Ezek.22.12.andseverelypunished,Psal.5.7.&55.andlastv.Mic.7.2.

Secondly,lyesincontractingthebargaine,Prov.21.6.andmostofallwhentheyareconfirmedbyoathes.

Thirdly,perfidiousnesseinpromises,whencovenantsarenotkept.

Lastly,injusticeinContracts,whenequalityisnotobserved.

WhatarethesortsofthingsgottenbyContract?

Theyareeitherofthingsalienated,orcommittedtotrust:andtheformeriseitherliberall,orilliberall.

Whatisliberallalienation?

[Page]

Acquisition

byilliberall

alienation.

Itiseitherforever,oronelyforacertainetime.Forever,aswhenthingsaregivenabsolutely,oruponcertaineconditions.

Whatisliberallalienationforatime?

Whenasthingsarelentforatime,eithertoberestoredinthesame,orinthelikekind;asmoney,corne,andsuchlike.

VVhatisopposedhereunto?

WhentheBorrowerbeingabledothnotpayall,ornotattheappointedtime,ordothnotdoehisbestendeavourtopayit,Psalme37.21.

VVhatisthatAcquisition,whichyoucallilliberallalienation?

Thatwhichismadebywayofrecompence,orexchange,whichiseitherofthethingitselfe,ortheuseofit,oroflabourandindustrie:inwhichthegenerallruletobeobservedis,thattherebeanequallandjustproportionintherecompenceorexchangebetweenethethingsexchanged;asbetweenthepriceandthingprised,theindustry,labourandreward.

VVhatisoppositehereunto?

Whenasthisjustproportionisnotobserved?

VVhatarethekindesofthealienationofthethingitselfe?

Merchandise.

OfSelling.

Theyaretwo:Eitherthatwhichisforever,orthatwhichisonelyforacertainetime.

VVhatdoeyoucallalienationforever?

Merchandise,whichconsistethinbuyingandselling:anditisacommutationeitherformoneyforware,whichisbuying,orofwareformoney,whichisselling.

VVhatdoeyouthinkeofit?

IholdthatMerchandiseisalawfullcalling,butliabletomuchdangerofsinneinthemanagingofit,Ecclus.26.andlast.27.1,2.Hos.12.7.Mat,21.12,13.

VVhatisselling?

AContractaboutthealienationofgoodsforeveratacertainepriceagreeduponbetweenthesellerandthebuyer,withoutanyfraudorguile.

VVhatisrequiredtojustselling?

First,inrespectoftheperson,thathebethejustowner,orbyhimappointedtosellinhisright.

Secondly,inrespectofthegoods,thatitbesaleable,andneithersophisticatedbymixture,norbaseandcorruptinrespectofthesubstance.

Thirdly,inrespectofuse,thatitbeprofitablefornecessityoflife,orforornamentanddelight.

Vicesand

corruptions

inselling.

Fourthly,inrespectofthemannerofselling,thatitbeewithoutanydeceit.

Fiftly,thatitbeesoldatajustandequallprice,accordingtotheworth,respectbeinghadbothtotheuseofthethingitselfe,andalsotothenecessarypainesanddangerwhichtheSellerhathbeeneatingettingofit.

VVhatisrequiredtothemanneroflawfullselling?

Thatitbedonewithsimplicityandintegrity,andthatwedoenotinbargainingdefraudandover-reachoneanother,1Thes.4.6.Levit.25.14.

VVhatarethevicesandcorruptionsinsellingoppositehereunto?

Theyaremany;andconcerneeithertheSellerhimselfe,theWare,orthingssold,theprice,orthemannerofselling.

VVhataretheviceswhichrespectthepersonoftheSeller?

First,whenasheselleththatwhichisnothisowne.

Secondly,whenasheselleththatwhichisnotvendible:asfirst,whenitisdefective,andfaulty,ornotusefull.Secondly,whenasitissuchathingasoughtnottobesold,asGehazi,2Kings5.20.themiracleofhealing,wroughtbydivinepower.SowhenMagistratesforBribesselljustice,Amos2.6.Esa.5.23.&1.23.Thirdly,whenmenbylyingandfalsewitnesse-bearingsellthetruth;in

[Page]

whichranke,Lawyersarechieflytobenumbred,whowittinglyforFeespleadillcauses.

HowdoththeSelleroffendinrespectoftheprice?

Whenasheobservethnotajustandequallproportionbetweenetheprice,andtheworthofthethingsold:Andthisistheviceeitherofprivatemen,orofwholesocieties.Privatemenwhothusoffend,arethosewhichwecallRegraters,Monopolists,hoardersupofCorne,andothercommodities,toraisetheMarketbymakingadearthandscarcity,Prov.11.28.

HowdoewholeSocietiesinthiskindeoffend?

First,whenastheyofthesameTradeandCraftagreetogethertoselltheirwaresatanunequallrateabovethetrueworth.

Secondly,nottofinishtheworkwhichanotherhathbegun,thoughhedealethdeceitfullyandunjustlywithhiswork-Master.

WhatarethesinnescommittedbytheSellerinrespectofthemanner?

Theymaybereferredtotwoheads;EitherhisWords,orDeeds.

HowoffendethheinWords?

First,whenasheimmoderatelypraisethhiswaresabovetheirtrueworth,andconcealeththefaultsanddefectsin

them,whichhewellknoweth.

Secondly,whenasheaskethmuchabovetheworth,andprotesteththathecannotafforditbettercheap.

HowdothheoffendinhisDeeds?

Eitherinrespectofthekinde,quality,orquantity,ofhiswares.Inrespectofthekinde,whenashesellethonethingforanother,oronecolourforanother,presumingontheignoranceofthebuyer.

HowinrespectoftheQuality?

Whenashedeceitfullyselletholdfornew;thatwhichiscorruptandsophisticated,forthatwhichispureandsimple;andbadforgood.Towhichendheusethmanyarts,andfalselights,andshewingcourseandbadwares,tocommendthoseforthebestwhichheshewethafter,thoughtheybebutalittlebetter.

HowinrespectoftheQuantity?

WhenashedetractethfromthejustandequalproportionbyusingfalseweightsandmeasuresnotagreeabletotheStandard,usinglesseandlighterwhentheysell,andlargerandheavierwhentheybuy,whichGodforbiddeth,asabominable,Lev.29.35,36.Deut.25.14,15.Prov.11.1.&20.10.23.Hos.12.7.Amos8.5,6,Mic.6.10,11.

YouhavespokenofSelling:Nowwhatisthatalienationwhichisbybuying?

[Page]

Ofbuying,

andwhatis

required

untoit.

BuyingisaContract,wherebymoney,orajustpriceisalienatedandpartedwithforwaresofproportionableworth.

Whatisrequiredinbuying?

Thingsanswerabletothosebeforespokenofinselling:andrespect;first,thepersonbuying:secondly,thethingbought:thirdly,thepricegiven:andfourthly,themannerofbuying.

Whatisrequiredinrespectofthepersonbuying?

Thatheebuyonelyofhimwhomheethinkethtobeetherightownerofthethingsold:forhethatbuyethknownestolnegoods,communicatethintheTheft.

Whatinrespectofthething?

Thatheebuythatonelywhichheknowethmaybelawfullyboughtandsold.

Howdoemensinneinthisrespect?

Whenastheyoffertobuy,withSimonMagus,spirituallgiftsandgraces,orthingsconsecratedtodivineworship,thattheymayalienatethemfromtheirrightuse;Pardons,andIndulgencies,sacredOrdination,Benefices,andthelike.

Secondly,theywhichbuyIustice,andmuchmoreinjusticebyBribery.

Thirdly,theythatbuyLyesandfalseTestimoniestopreventIustice.

Whatisrequiredofthebuyerinrespectoftheprice?

Thataccordingtohisknowledgeandjudgementhegiveajust,equall,andproportionableprice,accordingtothetruevalueofthethingssold,andbought;especiallywhenhebuyethofthepoore,whoarebypresentnecessityenforcedtosell,whetheritbewaresorlabour;uponwhich,ifanytakeadvantagetobeatdownethejustprice,theygrievouslyoppressethepoore,Amos8.6.&2.6.Mic.2.2.3.

WhatisrequiredofBuyersinrespectofthemanner?

Thattheyuseallsimplicity,anduprightdealing,andshunallinjusticeanddeceitbothintheirWordsandDeeds.

HowinWords?

First,thattheydoenotoffermuchunderthetruevalueofthewarestheybuy,accordingtotheirknowledgeandjudgement.

Secondly,thattheydoenotundeservedlydispraiseit,andwithoutcause,tobeatdowntheprice;yeaevenwhentheyinwardlylikeandapproveit,Prov.20.14.

HowinDeeds?

Whenastheydoenotpayatall,orlessethenthepricethatwasagreedupon:andthisdeceitrespectetheitherthe

Of

pawning,

andwhatis

required

untoit.

quality,whenastheyputoffinpaymentbaseandadulteratemoney;orinquantity,whenastheypasseforpaymentcliptmoney,Gen.23.16.orsuchasisdefectiveinweightornumber:Andtotheseprivatetheftsinbuying,wemayaddeonethatismorepublick;whenasthebuyerbuyethupandingrossethawholecommodity,thathavingallinhisownehand,heemayraisethemarket,andsellatwhatratehelisteth.

Hithertoofthatilliberallalienationwhichisforever:whatisthatwhichisonelyforatime?

Itiscalledpawning;whichisacontractwherebythedominionandrightofamansgoodsisalienatedfromtheownertoanotherman,onelyforatime,uponsomeconditionagreeduponbetweentheparties;whichconditionbeingnotobserved,therightofthethingbelongethtothereceiver,atleastsolongtillitbeperformed.Andthispawningiseitherofmoveables,andiscalledproperlypawning;orofimmoveables,andiscalledmorgaging.

Whatishisdutywholayethathingtopawne?

First,toprovide,thatthethingpawnedbeeatleastofequallworthtothatforwhichitispawned.

Secondly,thatheredeemitattheappointedtime.

Whatishisdutythatreceivethapawne?

[Page]

OfLocation

andletting.

First,thatifthepartybepoore,andthethingpawnednecessarytothepreservationoflife,thateitherhedoenotreceiveit,orthatheedoerestoreittotheownerwhenhisnecessityrequirethit,Deut.24.6.&24.10,11,12,13,14,15,Ex.22.26.

Secondly,thatiftheborrowerbenotabletorestoreitattheappointedtime,hedoenotuseextremity,nortakeadvantageuponhisnecessity,tomakehimforfeitthethingpawned;butatthemost,provideonlyforhisowneindemnity,Ezek.18.7.12.&33.15.

SomuchoftheilliberallAlienationofthethingitselfe:NowwhatistheilliberallAlienationonlyoftheuse?

ThiscontractofAlienationconcerningonlytheuse,iseitherlocationandletting,whichisthealienationofthethingforhire:orhiringandconduction,whichisthealienationofthehirefortheuseofthething.

VVhatisLocationorletting?

Itisacontract,wherebyonlytheuseofathing,andnottheinterestanddominionisalienatedfromtheownertoanother,forhireandwagesagreedupon,andthatonlyforacertainetime:Andtherefore,bythiscontract,thesameindividuallistobereturned.

VVhatishisdutythatletteth?

1.Thatherequireanequallandproportionablepricefor

Of

conduction

andhiring.

thethingheletteth.

2.Thathelettethonlysuchthingsasareusefulltohimthathireththem.

3.Thathedoenotexactanyrecompenceforanyhurtwhichhappenethtothethinghired,whichcommethnotbythefaultornegligenceofhimthathirethit,Exod.22.11.15.

VVhatisConductionorhiring?

Itisacontract,wherebyamangetteththeuseofathingforacertainetime,forajustpriceorreward.

VVhatishisdutythatthushirethanything?

First,thatheusethethinghiredonelyforthatendandpurposetowhichhehiredit.

Secondly,thatheuseitnoworsethenifitwerehisowne.

Thirdly,thatherestoreittotheowneratthetimeagreedupon.

Lastly,thatherestorewholeandsoundthethinghired;orifthroughhisfaultornegligenceithavereceivedanyhurt,thathegivetotheowneravaluablerecompence,Exod.22.12.

WhatisthatwecallUsury?

[Page]

OfVsury.Itisalendinginexpectationofcertaingaine.

Whatdoeyouthinkeofit?

IfyouspeakofthatpropertywhichtheScripturesforbidandcondemne,itisawickedandunlawfullContract,intowhichasacommonsinke,thefilthofmanyothersinnes,andunlawfullContractsdoerunne;afruitfullwombe,inwhichmanyvicesandcorruptionsarebred;andbywhich,ifweliveanddyeinitwithoutrepentance,weeareexcludedoutoftheKingdomeofheaven,Psalme15.5.&Ezek.10.8.&22.13.

ButthereismuchquestionwhatthisUsuryiswhichtheScripturecondemneth.

Thereforeitshallbeourwisdomeinmattersconcerningoursalvationtotakethesurestandsafestcourse;andthatiswhollytoforbeareit,andnottoputoursoules,whichareofmorevaluethenthewholeworld,uponnicedisputes,andsubtledistinctions,Mark8.36.

YouhavespokenofthatalienationwhichisinilliberallContracts,inrespectofthethingsthemselves,ortheuseofthem:Nowwhatisthatalienationwhichisforrecompenceofcare,labour,andindustry?

TheseContractsareeitherpublickorprivate;theprivate,areeitherintheCommonwealth,betweentheMagistrateandpeople;orintheChurch,betweentheMinistersandpeople.

Of

Contracts

between

Ministers&

Of

Contracts

between

Magistrates

andpeople.

WhatistheContractbetweentheMagistrateandpeople?

ThattheMagistratesshouldreceivefromthemtheirstipends,tribute,andmaintenance,andthepeoplefromthem,andbythem,protection,direction,andpeaceablegovernment.

WhatthenistheMagistratesdutytothepeople?

Thathefaithfullybestowallhislabourandindustry,hiscareanddiligence,thathemayintheLordgovernethepeoplecommittedtohischarge;anddirect,correct,andprotectthemforthecommongood,Rom.13.4.Psal.78.71,72.Andiftheyhavetheirreward,andneglecttheirduty,theyareguiltyoftheft,andsinagainstthisCommandement,Ezek.34.2,3.

WhatisthePeoplesdutiestothem?

Thattheyfaithfullypayuntothemtheirtributeanddue,asanhonourablerewardoftheirpainesandcare,Mat.22.21.Rom.13.7.

WhatisthepublickContractbetweenMinistersandpeople?

ThattheMinistersreceivingtheirportionandmaintenancefromthepeople,orratherfromGodhimselfe,thattheyfeedthepeoplecommittedtotheircharge,withthebreadoflife,faithfullypreachingtheWord,andadministringthe

people.Sacraments,andshiningbeforethembyanholyexample,andthelightofagodlylife,seekingratherthemthentheirs,2Tim.4.1,2.1Cor.12.14.

WhatishisTheft?

1.Whenhereceivethhisreward,andneglectethhisduty.AswhenhepressethintohisCallinguncalled,bythewindow,andnotbythedoore,John10.1.beingneitherqualifiedwithgifts,norwillingtoimploythosehehathforthegoodofthepeople

2.Whenhefeedethhimselfeandnotthepeople,eatingthemilke,andclothinghimselfewiththewooll,butneglectingtheflocke,Ezek.34.2,3.Zach.11.15.17.

3.VVhenforgaineheeitherpreachethfalsedoctrine,orconcealeththetruth,Mich.3.11.

Whatisthedutyofthepeople?

ThatreceivingspirituallthingsfromtheirMinisters,theycommunicateandimpartuntothemtheircarnallthings,1Cor.9.10.

WhatisthePeoplesTheft?

VVhenreceivingthesespirituallthings,theydefraudethemoftheirdues,andwithholdfromthemtheirmeanesandmaintenancewhichtheLawesofGodandmandoeallotuntothem:Thewhichisnotonlytheft,buteven

[Page]

OfWork-

masters

and

hirelings,

andtheir

dutiesto

one

another.

sacriledge,andtherobbingofGodhimselfe,Mat.3.8.

WhatisthatAlienationwhichisinprivateContracts?

VVhenasmenimployotherstodoetheirworkeuponpromiseofreward,oranywayestousetheirgiftsandabilities;theircare,industryandlabourforajustrecompence.

Whatisrequiredofsuchasthusimployothers?

1.Thattheygiveanequallandproportionablerecompencetothosewhomtheythushire,1Tim.5.18.

2.Thattheypayitwithoutdelay,especiallytothepoore,whoarenotable,norwillingtoforbeareit,Deut.24.14,15.Lev.19.13.

WhatthenistheirTheft?

VVheneithertheygivenotanequallandjustrecompence,ordelaytopayittothepoore,whoareunabletoforbeareit,Jam.5.4.

WhatisthedutyoftheMercenaryorhireling?

1.Thatherequirenomorethensuchwagesasisequallandproportionabletohisskill,careandlabour.

2.Thathedoehisworkethathirethhim,faithfullyanddiligently.

Ofthings

deposited,

and

committed

totrust.

YouhavespokenofsuchContractsasrespectAlienationandchange:Nowwhatarethosewhichareofthingscommittedtotrust?

Theyareeitherofthingscommittedtoothersonlyforsafecustody,orsuchasarecommittedtoFeoffeesoftrustforusesappointed,orsuchasbylastwillareintrustedtoExecutors.

VVhatisthenatureofthingsdeposited?

VVhenneitherthedominionandright,northeuseofthethingisalienated,butonlythesafecustodyiscommittedtoaman.

Whatishisduty?

Thatheesafelykeepthatwhichiscommittedtohistrust,andwillinglyrestoreittotheownerwhenhecallethforit.

VVhatishisTheft?

First,whenheconverteththethingcommittedtohiskeepingtohisownuse.

Secondly,whenhewillnotrestoreittotheownerwhenhedesirethtohaveit.

Butwhatifthethingsdepositedbeestolne,orbecomeworse?

Ifitbeebyhisdefaultthathadthekeepingofthem,heeistomakeitgood:butifbyoathhecanclearehimselfeofall

Ofpersons

committed

totrust.

[Page]

Thedutyof

Executors.

unfaithfulnesseandnegligence,theownerandnothemustbearethelosse,Exod.22.7,8.

WhatisthedutyofFeoduciariesandExecutors?

Thattheyfaithfullydischargetheirtrust,anddoetheirwill(andnottheirowne)whohavereposedconfidenceinthem.

Howdoetheyoffend?

Whentheyfaileintheirtrust,andaimemoreattheirowneprofit,thenattheperformingoftheirwillwhohaveentrustedthem,orthefaithfulldischargeoftheirduty.

Thesearedutieswhichrespectthingscommittedtotrust:whatsayyouofpersonsthusintrusted?

ThosearePupills,andchildrenintheirnonage,whobeingunabletogoverne,direct,protect,andorderthemselves,arebytheLawesofGodandman,committedtothecareandtuitionofothers.

WhatisthedutyoftheirTutorsandGuardians?

Thattheycarrythemselvestowardsthemfaithfully,accordingtothetrustreposedinthem;andlikeParents,aimechieflyatthegoodoftheirPupilsandWards,andnottheirownegaineandprofit,Esth.2.7.remembringthattheyshallonedaybecalledtogiveanaccountofthesepersonscommittedtotheirchargeand

Ofjustpos-

sessionof

goods,and

whatis

required

untoit.

trust,andofallthegoodsbelonginguntothem.

Somuchofjustgettinggoods:nowintheorderpropoundedwearecometothejustpossession,andretentionofthem:whatisrequireduntothisjustpossession?

Twothings.

First,thekeepingofourownegoods.

Secondly,therestitutionofthatwhichjustlybelongethtoothers.

WhatdoththisCommandementrequireofusintheformerrespect?

Thatwebenotwantingtothejustpreservation,notonelyofourneighbours,butalsoofourownegoods.

Howproveyouthis.

BecauseourgoodsareGodsTalents,eommitteduntous;ofwhichweemustgiveanaccounttoourgreatLordandMaster.Andthereforeifthroughourownefaultandnegligenceweesufferthemtobeelost,ortobetakenunjustlyfromus,werobourselves,andthepoorealso,whohaverightuntothatwhichweecanwellsparefromourowneuses.

WhatdoththisCommandementrequireconcerningrestitutionofothermensgoods?

Of

Restitution,

andwhatis

tobeconsi-

deredinit.

Thatwereadilyrestorethosegoodswhicheitherwehaveunjustlygottenfromtherightowners,orwhichwecannotjustlyretaine.

Howdoeyouprovethatgoodsunjustlygottenoughttoberestored?

BothbyGodsPrecepts,theexamplesofthegodly,andnecessaryreasons.Forthefirst,Godstrictlyrequireth,thatifanythingbeunjustlygotten,aseitherbyviolence,orbyfraudanddeceit,oranyotherwayes,restitutionbeemadetothetrueowner,Lev.6.2,3,4,5.Num.5.6,7,8.

Bywhatexamplesdoeyouevinceit?

BeforetheLaw,bytheexampleofJacobandhissonnes,Gen.43.1221.VndertheLaw,bytheprofessionofSamuel,1Sam.12.4.andthepracticeofMicah,Judges17.2.who,thoughanIdolater,madeconscienceofit;andoftheJewes,Nehem.5.11,12.AndundertheGospellwehavetheexampleofZaccheus,Luke19.8.YeaJudashimselfe,beingconvincedofhissinne,makethrestitution:sothattheyhereinareworsethenJudaswhorefusetodoeit.

Whatreasonhaveyouforit?

Becauseitisadutynecessarilytobeperformedbyallthathopeforsalvation:ForwithoutrestitutionweecanneitherhaveanytruefaithtoperswadeusthatoursinneofTheftisremitted,noranysincereRepentance.ForGodpardons

[Page]

nosinwhichwestillpertinaciouslyretaineandlivein,Prov.28.13.Buthethatrestorethnotill-gottengoods,livethstillinhistheft,andrepentethnotofit,seeingrestitutionisaninseparablefruitofrepentance,Ezek.33.15.

Butwhatistobeconsideredinthisrestitution?

Fourethings.

First,whoistomakeit;namely,everymanwhohathgottenanythingunjustly,eitherbyforceorfraud,bycontractoroutofcontract,bycalumny,andfalseaccusation,bylying,oppression,oranyotherevillcourse,Luke19.8.Numb.5.6Lev.6.23.

Secondly,towhomrestitutionistobemade;namely,tohimwhoiswronged,defraudedoroppressed;Lev.6.5.ortohiskindred,ifhebeedead,orifnonesuchcanbefound,topioususes.

Thirdly,howmuchoughttoberestored;towit,allthewholethatisunjustlygotten,ifhebeable,oratleastsomuchtotheuttermostasheisable;yeatheLawofGodrequired,thattotheprincipallafifthpartshouldbeadded,Lev.6.5.Numb.5.7.Andevenequityitselferequireth,thatbesidetheprincipallitselfe,somuchmoreshouldbeaddedasthepartyisdamnifiedbythisunjustdetentionofhisgoods.

Fourthly,whenthisrestitutionoughttobemade;namely,notattheendofourlives,orafterourdeath;butassoone

Oftheright

useand

fruitionof

goods.

Of

parsimony

and

aswerepent,anddesireatGodshandsthatoursinshouldbeforgiven.Wemustconfesse,bewayle,andforsakeoursin,thatGodmaybereconcileduntous,andthenwemustmakesatisfactiontoourwrongedNeighbour,Mat.5.23,24.

Whatarethethings,whichthoughtheybejustlygotten,yetareunjustlydetained?

Suchthingsasothershavinglost,wehavefound:ForsuchthingscomeuntousbythedisposingofGodsprovidence,andwemayjustlykeepthemtillwecanfindoutthetrueowners;sothatwemakediligentenquiryafterthem,witharesolutiontorestorewhatwehavethusfound,whenweknowtowhomtheybelong,Deut.22.3.Exod.23.4.

Hithertoofthedutieswhichbelongtojustgettingandpossessionofgoods:Nowwhatisrequiredtotherightuseofthem?

Twothings:Fruition,inrespectofourselves;andcommunication,inrespectofothers,Prov.5.15,16.

Whatisrequiredtotheformer?

ThatwethankfullyandcomfortablyenjoyGodsblessingswhichhehathbestoweduponus,Eccles.5.17,18.

Howmustthisbedone?

Byexercisingtwovertues.Thefirstis

frugality.Parsimonyorthriftinesse,wherebywehonestlykeepandpreserveourgoods,thattheybenotvainlyandunprofitablymis-spent,John6.12.Prov.27.23.to28.

ThesecondisFrugality,wherebywedisposeofourgoodsjustlyandhonestlygotten,tofitandnecessaryuses,inasoberandmoderatemanner.

Whatvertuesthenmusthereconcurreintherightuseofourgoods?

Thesefoure:

1.Iusticeingettingthem.

2.Thriftinesseinkeepingthem.

3.Frugalityinenjoyingthem.

4.Liberalityincommunicatingthem.

Forwithoutjustice,parsimonydegeneratethintocovetousnesse;Frugalitywithoutliberality,intosordidmiserlinesse;Liberalitywithoutparsimonyandfrugality,intoprodigality.

Whatvicesareopposedtothesevertues?

Two:

1.Tenacity,orsordidgripplenesse.

[Page]

Oftenacity

&

miserlinesse.

Secondly,profusion,andwastefulnesse.

Whatistenacity?

Akindeofcovetousnessewhichrestrainethmen,bothfromcommunicatingtheirgoodstoothers,andfromenjoyingthemthemselves,Eccles.6.2.&5.10,11.

Whereindoesuchoffend?

Bycommittingadoubletheft.

First,againsttheirneighbours,seeingGodhathnotmadethemabsoluteownersoftheirriches,butStewards,whomustdisposeofthemalsoforthegoodofothers,whichiftheydoenot,theyrobthemoftheirright,James5.1,2,3.

Secondly,againstthemselves,indefraudingtheirownesoulesoftheuseofthoseblessingswhichGodhathallowedthem,Eccles.4.8.

WhatdoeyouthinkofsuchMisers?

First,thatnonearemorewicked,seeingtheyareneithergoodforthemselves,norothers,Eccles.14.5.

Secondly,nonepoorer,seeingthoughtheypossessemuch,yettheyenjoynothing,andwantaswellwhattheyhave,aswhattheyhavenot.

Thirdly,nonemorefoolish,seeingtheywantforfeareof

Profusion

and

Prodigality.

Of

Liberality.

wanting,andlivepoorethattheymaydyerich.

Fourthly,nonemorewretched,seeingtheydeprivethemselvesbothofthecomfortsofthislife,andofthejoyesofthelifetocome.

Whatistheotherextreame?

Profusionandwastfulnesse:Andthisistwofold,eitherinspendingabovetheirmeanesinunnecessarieexpences,wherebytheyeitherruinetheirestates,orexposethemselvestothedevillstentations,inusingunlawfullmeanestorecoverthatwhichtheyhavewastfullymis-spent.

Orsecondly,inwastingtheirgoodsindishonest&riotouscourses,tendingtoluxurieandriot,wherebytheynecessitatethemselvestouseallunlawfullmeanestogetsomuchmorewealthasmayservetomaintainetheirriotousexpences;andsoLuxurybecommeththemotherofCovetousnesse;andCovetousnessethenurseofLuxuriousnesse.

Whatistheuseofourgoodsrespectingothers?

Itisbycommunicationorliberallalienationofthemfortheuseandbenefitofothers.

Whatvertuesarehereuntorequired?

Two:LiberalityandIustice.Liberality,wherebywecommunicateourgoodswithareadyand

Oflending.

[Page]

OfFree-

giving.

cheerefullminde.

Secondly,Iustice,thatwethuscommunicatethatonelywhichisourowne.Andthesemustgoehandinhand,andarethereforeconjoynedbySalomon,Proverbs21.21.

Whatarethekindesofliberallalienation?

Theyaretwo.Foritisforacertainetimeonely,orforever.

Whatisthatwhichisonelyforacertainetime?

Itiseitheraliberallalienationoftheuseonelyofathingforacertainetime,orofthedominionalso,andthatfreely,withoutanyexpectationofrecompence.Forboththeseoughttobeliberall,respectingonelytheprofitofthereceiver:andsecondly,just,towhichisrequiredthatthatwhichislentbeehisownwholendethit,andfitforhisusewhobor-rowethit:Andthisdutyiscommended,Psalme112.5.andcommanded,Deut.15.7.8,Matth.5.42.Luke6.35.

Whatisthatalienationwhichisforever?

Itisfreegiving,whenasgoodsarealienatedfromthetrueowneruntoanotherliberally,andwithoutexpectationofanyrecompence,2Cor.9.7.Acts20.35.

Whatisfurtherrequiredtoit?

Thatitbenotonlyfree,butalsojust,givingthatonlywhichisamansowne,andnotanothers,whichwerenobetterthentheft:Aswhenamanbylavishgivingdefraudethhischildrenoftheirinheritance,orgivethhisgoodsorlandsfromhisdaughterstostrangers,orremotekindredofhisname,becausehehathnosonnestocontinueit.

Secondly,Thatwemakegoodchoiceofthoseuponwhomweconferbenefits,eitherfortheirworthorindigency;butespecially,wemustgiveanddoegoodtothosewhoareofthehousholdoffaith,Gal.6.10.

Whataretheusesuntowhichwemustfreelycontribute?

Theyareeitherpublickorprivate,andthepublickareeithercivillorEcclesiasticall.

WhataretheCivill?

Whenaswefreelygiveourgoodsfortheservice,preservationandbenefitoftheCommonwealth,bothinthetimeofpeaceandwarre.Towhichuseswemustgivefreely,totheuttermostofourability:yea,evenaboveit,whenthenecessityoftheStaterequirethit,seeingthegoodofthewholebodymustbepreferredbeforethegoodofanyparticularmember,2Sam.17.27,28,29.

WhataretheEcclesiasticall?

WhenaswegivefreelyforthemaintenanceoftheMinistery,andmeansofGodsWorship,tendingtothe

Theninth

Comman-

dement.

salvationofoursoules.Towhichuseswemustgivesomuchthemorecheerefully,asthesouleistobepreferredbeforethebody,oroutwardestate,Luke10.andlast.Prov.3.9.AnexamplewhereofwehaveintheIsraelites,Exod.36.5,6.1Chron.29.9.AndiftheyweresofreeandliberallingivingtowardsthebuildingoftheTabernacleandTemple,howmuchmoreshouldwetowardsthebuil-dingofGodsspirituallHousesandTemplesfortheHoly-Ghost?

Whataretheprivateuses?

Forthebenefitandreliefeofprivatemen,whosenecessitydothrequireitofusaccordingtoourabilities;andthesearethoseAlmes-deeds,andotherworksofmercy,untowhichtheApostleexhorteth,Heb.13.16.Andarepartlyfruitsofmercy,andpartlyofbrotherlylove,andChristiancharity,ofwhichweshallhaveoccasiontospeakeafterwards.

HithertoyouhavespokenofthedutiesrespectingourowneandNeighboursperson,bothinregardoflifeinthesixth,andofchastityintheseventh,asalsoourowneandtheirgodsintheeighth.NowwhatistheninthCommandement?

Thoushaltnotbearefalsewitnesseagainstthyneighbour.

WhatisthemainescopeandendatwhichGodaymethinthisCommandement?

Theconservationoftruthamongstmen,andof

[Page] Thescope

orend.

The

occasionof

thisCom-

mandement.-

ourowneandNeighboursfameandgoodname.

WhydothGodsomuchregardtruth?

Becauseitismostdeareuntohim;forheistheGodoftruth,Deut.32.4.Psal.31.5.yeatruthitselfe,John14.6.ThereforeChristcameintotheworld,thathemightbearewitnesseuntothetruth,John18.37.andbyspeakingthetruthGodisglorified,Josh.7.19.

Whydothherespectsomuchourfameandgoodname?

Becauseitishisownegoodgift,andthereforehetakethcaretopreservethatuntous,whichhimselfhathgiven.

Whatwastheoccasionofthiscommandement?

First,ournaturallcorruption,whichmakethuspronetolying,Psal.58.3.Rom.3.4.asappearethhereby,inthatwenosoonerspeakthenlye,andnotonelyforadvantage,butwithoutanycause,outofmeervanity.

Secondly,outofanaturalldispositionmenarereadytotrespasseagainstthefameandgoodnameofothers;andthisarisethoutofmeereenvieandpride,whichmakethusreadytoabaseothers,toadvanceourselves:AndthesecorruptionsGodopposethinthiscommandement.

Whatisthethingthatisherechieflyforbidden?

ThatweshouldnotinlegallproceedingsandCourtsof

Thechiefe

sinhere

forbidden.

The

Negative

part.

justicegiveafalsetestimonyconcerningourneighbours,asappearethbythewordsexpreslyused,Thoushaltnotanswereafalsetestimonyconcerningthyneighbour,whichimplyaprecedentquestionorexamination,unlessewewillsaythatansweringishereusedforspeakingorsaying,asitisoftentimes,Matth.11.25.Luk.14.3,5.Matth.28.5.andthenthemeaningis,thatwemustnotgiveafalsetestimonyofourneighboureitherpublikelyorprivately,whetheritbewithoragainsthim;orifwehadrathertakeitoflegalltestimoniesinCourtsofjustice,thenbyasynecdochewemustunderthisonekindeunderstandallotherkindesoffalsetestimonies,butthisisherenamedasthechiefe,andofalltherestmosthurtfullandperni-cious,tocomprehendunderitalltherest,asitisintheothercommandements.

Whatthenisthenegativepartofthiscommandement?

Itgenerallyforbiddethallfalse,vaine,andoffensivespeechesconcerningourneighbour,whetheritbefororagainsthim,whetherinjudgementoroutofjudgement,althoughprincipallyhereareforbiddenallfalsetestimonieswhichtendtotheprejudiceofthefameorstateofourneighbours;ormorebrieflyitforbiddethallfalsityanduntruth,especiallythatwhichisprejudicialltoourneighbourinanyrespect,ortoourselves.

Whatdoththeaffirmativepartrequire?

Twothings:theconservationofthetruth,andofourown

The

Affirmative

part.

[Page]

Thesumme

ofthe

dutieshere

required.

andneighboursgoodname,withalldutiesofthetonguehomogeneallandofthesamenatureandkind,withallhelpsandmeanestendinghereunto.

Whyareourwordsandspeechessomuchtoberegarded,seeingtheyarebutwinde,asiscommonlysupposed?

Greatcareistobehadofourspeech,seeingitisanexcellentfacultypeculiartoman,andbeingaspeciallgiftofGoditmustnotbeabusedtoGodsdishonourandourownedestruction.Neitherarewordsslightlytoberegarded,seeingwemustgiveaccountofeveryidleword,andbyourwordsweshallbejustifiedorcondemned,Matth.12.37.Andthewisemantellethus,thatdeathandlifeareinthepowerofthetongue,Pro.18.21.andthatawholesometongueisatreeoflife,whereasanevilltongueisanunrulyevill,andfullofdeadlypoison,James3.8.whichifwedoenotsubdueandrule,whatsoeverprofessionwemakeofReligionitisallinvaineJames1.26.

Whatisthesummeofthedutiesofthetonguehererequired?

Thatourspeechesbebothtrueandcharitable:forthesemustinseparablygoetogether;forCharityrejoicethintruth,1Cor.13.6.andthetruthmustbespokeninlove,Eph.4.15.Fortruthwithoutlovesavourethofmalice,andcharitywithouttruthisfalse,vaine,andfoolish.

OfTruth.

UntowhatheadsthenarethesedutiesoftheTongue,requiredinthisCommandement,tobereferred?

Vntotwo:1.Theconservationoftruthamongstmen;And2.theconservationofourowneandourneighboursfameandgoodname.

WhathaveyoutosayconcerningTruth?

Twothings.First,whatthistruthis.

Secondly,themeanesofconservingit.

Whatistobeconsideredintruthitselfe?

Threethings,First,whatitis.

Secondly,whetheritbetobeprofessed.

Thirdly,afterwhatmanner.

Whatistruthorveracity?

Itisanhabitofspeakingthatwhichistruefromourhearts,Psal.15.2.

Whatisrequiredhereunto?

Twothings.First,thatourspeechbeagreeabletoourminds.

Secondly,thatourmindsbeagreeabletothething:Forthoughwespeakthatwhichistrue,yetifwethinkitfalse,

Truthmust

be

professed,

andhow.

wearelyers,becauseourtongueagreethnotwithourmindes:andifthatwespeakbefalse,andyetwethinkittrue,wedoenotspeaktruely,forthoughtruthbeinourhearts,yetalyeisinourmouths;andthoughwecannotbecalledlyers,becausewespeakaswethink,yetmaywebesaidtotellalye,becausethatwesayisfalse.

Whatgreatnecessityisthereofthistruth?

Verygreat:forifspeechbenecessary,(asallconfesse)thenalsospeakingtruth,withoutwhichtherewouldbenouseofspeech;fortakeawaytruth,anditwerebetterthatweweredumbe,thenthatweshouldbeenduedwiththisfacultyofspeaking

Whatothermotivesaretheretoembraceit?

BecauseitisbothcommendedandcommandedintheScripture:ItiscommendedasavertuewhichGodgreatlyloveth,Psal.51.8.asanoteofaCitizenofheaven,Psal.15.2.andofonewhoshallbeestablishedforever,Pro.12.19.ItiscommandedEphes.4.25.Zach.8.16,19.

Isitonelysufficienttoknowthetruthandbeleeveit?

No:wemustalsouponallfitoccasionsprofesseitwithourmouthes,Rom.10.9,10.Matth.10.32,33.

Howmustthetruthheprofessed?

Freelyandsimply.

[Page]

Opposites

totruth.

1.Lying.

Howisitdonefreely?

Whenasweprofesseitwillinglyandundauntedly,sofarreforthasthematter,place,andtimedoerequire.SoDan.3.16,17,18.Acts4.8,10,13.

Howisitdonesimply?

Whenasitisdonewithoutguileanddissimulation,shiftsorshuffles.

Whatarethevicesoppositetotruth?

Theyaretwo:First,falsityandlying.

Secondly,vanity,oranhabiteoflying.

Whatislying?

Itistwofold:First,whenwespeakthatwhichisfalse.

Secondly,whenaswespeakthatwhichistrue,falsly,andwithamindtodeceive.

Whatisittospeakthatwhichisfalse?

Whenaswedoenotspeakasthethingis,whetherwethinkeittrueorno.

Whatisittospeakfalsly?

Whenaswedoenotspeakaswethink,whetherthething

Reasonsto

disswade

fromlying

betrueorfalse.

Whatarethereasonswhichmaydisswadefromlying?

1.BecauseGodistrue,andtheauthoroftruth;andtheDevillalyer,andthefatheroflyes;andastruthmakethuslikeuntoGod,solyesmakeuslikeuntotheDevill.

2.BecauseitisstrictlyforbiddenintheScriptures,Lev.9.11.Exod.23.7.Col.3.9.Eph.4.25.

3.Becausethelyersinnethgrievously,notonelyagainsthisneighbour,butalsoagainstGodhimself,Lev.6.2.

4.BecausetheScripturescondemnelyingasthespawneoftheoldserpent,John8.44.andasathingabominableandodiousuntoGod,Pro.12.22.&6.17.

5.Becauseitperverteththeuseofspeech,takethawayallcreditandfaithbetweenmanandman,andquiteoverthrowethallhumanesociety,whichcannotstandwithoutcontractsandcommerce,northeywithouttruth.

Lastly,becauseGodseverelypunishethlyes,Pro.19.5,9.Psal.5.6.Acts5.1,2,3,&c.andthatbothinthislifewithinfamyanddisgrace,foritmakethamanesteemedbaseandofnocredit,sothattheusualllyerisnotbeleevedwhenhespeakethtruth,Eccles.34.4.Andinthelifetocome,foritexcludethoutofheaven,Apoc.22.15.andcastethmenintothatlakewhichburnethwithfireandbrimstone,chap.21.8.

[Page]

Threesorts

ofLyes.

Howarelyesusuallydistinguished?

Intothreesorts,

MerryLyes.OfficiousLyes.PerniciousLyes.

WhataremerryLyes?

Suchasarespokenonelytodelightthehearers,andmakesport.

Aresuchtobecondemnedassinfull,seeingtheydoenomanhurt?

Yesverily,fortheScripturescondemnenotonelyfalse,butalsoallvainespeeches,Matth.12.29.

Secondly,becausetheyareagainsttruth,andcannotbespokenwithoutimpeachingofit.

Thirdly,liesmustnotbespokentodelightPrinces,whohavemostcauseofcareandtrouble,Hos.7.3.

Fourthly,lyesmustnotbespokenforprofit,andthereforemuchlessefordelight.

WhatareofficiousLyes?

Suchasarespokeneitherforourowne,orneighboursprofit,anddoenothurtanyman.

Vices

oppositeto

freedomof

speech.

Aresuchlyesunlawfulllikewise?

Yessurely,anduponthesamegrounds;forthoughwemaybuythetruthatadearepurchase,yetwemustnotsellitatanyrate,Prov.23.23.AndifitbeunlawfulltolyeinthecauseofGod,becauseithathnoneedtobesupportedbyourlyes,Iob13.7,8.muchlesseforourowneorneighboursprofit.

WhatdoeyoucallVanityinlying?

Whenmenbyacorruptcustomearesohabituatedtolying,thattheywilllyeforeverycause,yeaevenfornocause,andwhentheymightattaintheirendsaswellandeasilybyspeakingtruth.

WhatvicesareoppositetoFreedomeandLibertyinspeakingthetruth?

Theyareeitherintheexcesse,orinthedefect.

VVhatintheexcesse?

Vnseasonableandundiscreetprofessionofthetruth,withthedangerorlosseofourselvesorothers,whenneitherthegloryofGod,norourown,orneighboursgooddothrequireit.AndinsuchcasesourSaviourhimselfewouldnotprofessethetruth,thoughhewerepresseduntoitbyhismaliciousenemies,Iohn18.20,21.BecauseheshouldtherebyhavebutcastPearlesbeforeSwine,contrarytohisowneDoctrine,Matth.7.6.

Opposites

to

simplicity

ofspeaking

truth.

Whatisoppositeindefect?

Wheneitheroutofacowardlyfear,orsomeothersinisterrespectweedenythetruthinourwords,orbetrayitbyoursilence.OftheformerwehaveanexampleinPeter,Matth.26oftheotherinthoseweakChristians,2Tim.4.16.

Butisitnotsometimelawfulltoconcealethetruth?

Yessurely,whenneitherthegloryofGod,norourowne,orneighboursgooddoerequiretheprofessionofit,butyetwiththiscaution,thatwedoenotspeakanyuntruthtoconcealeit.1Sam.16.2.5.

Whatisopposedtosimplicityinspeakingthetruth?

Simulationordoubledealing;whichistwofold,eitherinourwords,ordeeds.

Whatisthatinourwords?

Whenweespeakeonething,andthinkeanother,orspeakewithanheartandaheart,intheScripturephrase,Psalme12.2.Thisiscalledadeceitfulltongueandmouth,Zeph.3.13.andatonguethatframethdeceit,Psalme50.19.asitisdescribed,Psalme52.22.Ier.9.8,9.Thewhichistobeavoyded,Psalme34.14.andChristsexampletobeimitated,1Pet.2.22.

Whatissimulationinourdeeds?

[Page]

Meansof

preserving

truth.

Whenasonethingispretended,andanotherthingisintended.SoIoabkilledAbner,andAmasaunderpretenceoffriendship.Buthowsoeverthisisesteemedpoliciewithmen,yetitisodioustoGod,Psal.5.7.andpunishedwithimmaturedeath,Psal.55andlast.

Youhavespokenoftruthitselfe,andtheoppositesuntoit;nowshewwhatarethemeanesofit?

Theyareoftwosorts.

First,thatitmaybeamongstmen.

Secondly,thatitmayhaveaprofitablebeing.

Whatisrequiredtothebeingofit.

Twothings.

First,thatitmaybeknowne.

Secondly,thatbeingknowne,itmaybepreserved.

Whatisrequiredtotheknowingofit?

Twothings.

First,aloveofthetruth.

Secondly,teachablenesse.

Whatistheloveofthetruth?

First,whenasmenaresoaffectedtowardsthetruth,that

theystudywithalltheirendeavourtogetit,butwillnotsellitatanyprice,Proverbs23,23.

Secondly,whenastheyarewillingtodefendituponalloccasions,Ecclus.4.33.

Whatisoppositehereunto?

First,loveoflies,whichexcludethoutofheaven,Apoc.22.15.

Secondly,voluntaryignorance,2Pet.3.5.

Whatisoppositetothedefenceoftruth?

Whenasitisdesertedoropposed.

Whatisteachablenesse?

Afruitoftheloveoftruth:whenasmenarereadyandwillingtoadmitthetruth,andtogiveplacetobetterreasons,Acts17.11.

Whatisfurtherrequiredtothepreservingoftruth?

Thatwebeconstant,andnotcarriedawaywitheverywindeofDoctrine,Eph.4.14.Andthesetwovertuesmustconcurre:forteachablenessewithoutconstancydegeneratethintolevityandvaincredulity,andconstancywithoutteachablenesseintopertinacie.

Whatarethemeanesoftheprofitablebeingoftruthamongstmen?

Profitable

speech.

[Page]

Curtesie

and

affability.

Profitablespeech;whichisaccompaniedandfurtheredwithcurtesie,andcivility,andremediedwithsilence.

Whenisourspeechprofitable?

First,whenitadvancethGodsglory,eitherinrespectofthematterofit,ortheend.Thematter,whenaswepraiseGod,andcelebratehisglory,Psalme50.andlast.Ephes.5.4.Iames5.13.AndGodsgloryistheendofourspeech,whenasitischiefelyreferredthereunto.

Howdothourspeechtendtoourneighboursprofit?

Firstandchieflywhenittendethtohisspirituallgoodandedification,asinstructingtheignorant,counsellingthemthatneedcounsell,comfortingtheafflicted,strengtheningtheweak,exhortingthesluggish,admonishingthemthaterre,andrebukingthemwhowilfullyoffend.

Secondly,whenittendethtohistemporallprofiteitherforhishonestdelightinawittyandfacetiousway,calledVrbanity,whichmaybecalledthesaucethatseasonethtruth,2Cor.12.15.orforhisprofit,whenasithathsomenecessaryuseforthegoodofhisbodyorstate.

Whatisthemeanesoffurtheringthisprofitabletruthinourspeeches?

Curtesieandaffability,whichisavertuewherebyweareeasilydrawntocommunicatewithothers,bytalkingwiththeminahumane

Seasonable

silence.

Opposites

to

profitable

speech.

1.

Vnprofitable

andcurteousmanner,withexpressionsofloveandgood-will:anexamplewhereofwehaveinChrist,John4.7,10.whoforthiscausewassaidtobeafriendtopublicansandsinners.

Whatistheremedyagainstthecontraryvice?

Taciturnity,orseasonablesilence,whichisavertuethatkeepethcounsell,andrestrainethusfromutteringsecrets,oranyunprofitable,unnecessary,andunseasonablespeeches,whichintheScripturesismadeanoteofawiseman,Pro.17.andlast,10.19.Jam.1.19.andiscommendedtoall,especiallytowomen,1Tim.2.11,12.andyoungmeninthepresenceoftheireldersandbetters,Ecclus32.9.Andthesetwovertues,taciturnityandaffability,mustgoetogether;foraffabilitywithoutseasonablesilencedegeneratethintovainebabling;andsilencewithoutaffabilityintoCynicallsullennesse,andsowrechurlishnesse.

Whataretheoppositestothesevertues,andnamelytoprofitablespeech?

Theyaretwo:First,speechunprofitable.

Secondly,thatwhichishurtfull.

VVhatisunprofitableandvainespeech?

ThatwhichisnotreferredeithertoGodsglory,orourownorneighboursgood,whichis

3.Rotten

speech.

2.Hurtfull

speech.

condemnedintheScripture,Psal.12.2.Deut.5.20.Tit.3.9.Pro.30.8.andaccountableatthedayofjudgment,Matth.12.36.

Whatishurtfullspeech?

First,thatwhichtendethtoGodsdishonour,asimprecations,blasphemies,rashandfalseoaths.

Secondly,thatwhichtendethtoourowneandneighbourshurt,andisopposedeithertoedification,orthetemporallgoodofhisperson,name,orstate.

Whatisspeechoppositetoedification?

Rottenandunsavouryspeech,Eph.4.29.whichiscalledrotten,becauseitspringethfromarottenandpoisonousfountaine,andisalsoapttoinfectandpoisonthehearers,1Cor.15.33.

Whatarethekindsofthisrottenspeech?

Theyaremany:asbyourwordstomisse-leadmen,togiveevillcounsell,grievetheafflicted,toencouragementorunoninsinne,topraisemenintheirevillcourses,andthelike.

WhatvicesareopposedtoUrbanity?

Therearedivers:someintheexcesse,aswittyspeecheswantonlywicked,scurrility,talkativenesse,andvaine

[Page]

Fameand

goodname.

babling.Inthedefect,suchspeechesasarefoolishandunsavoury.

VVhatvicesareoppositetoAffability?

Intheexcesse,counterfeitComplements,2Sam.15.5.Secondly,lightnesseandidletalk.Andinthedefect▪Morosity,andchurlishspeeches.

VVhatvicesareopposedtoseasonablesilence?

Prating,andimmoderateandunseasonablemultiplyingofwords,Pro.10.19.Psal.140.11.

Secondly,futility,whenmencanholdinnosecrets;butunseasonablyventoutallthatisintheirmindes,Prov.15.28.and12.23.and29.11.Ecclus21.29.

Thirdly,unseasonablesuppressingoftruthwithsilence.

Youhavespokenofconservingoftruth,nowspeakofourfameandgoodname:andfirstshewwhyitistoberespected?

Weoughttohavesingularcareofpreservingofourowneandneighboursgoodname,becauseitisnolessedearetoagoodmanthenhislife,Eccles.7.2.Pro.15.30.&22.1.

VVhatisrequiredtotheconservingofourneighboursgoodname?

First,aninternalldisposition,care,andstudyofpreserving

it,whichweshallshewbythesefruits:First,whenwearegladofit,andrejoiceinit,Rom.1.8.Coloss.1.3,4.andaregrievedwhenasitisblackedandblemished.

VVhatotherfruitsarethereofit?

Theyrespecteitherourhearing,judgment,orreports.

Ourhearing;first,whenasweshutourearestowhisperersandslanderers;fortheirdetractionsandslanderscannothurtourneighboursgoodname,ifwewillnotheareandbeleevethem,Pro.25.23.AndthisisanoteofaCitizenofheaven,Psal.15.3.

Secondly,whenaswewillinglyandcheerfullyhearethepraisesofourneighbours,whichisasigneofanhonestheart,thatisfreefromself-loveandenvie.

VVhatisrequiredinthejudgement?

Acandidandingenuousdispositiontopreserveourneighboursfame,andinallthingsdoubtfulltojudgethebestofhiswordsanddeeds.

VVhatarethefruitshereof?

Nottonourishhardconceitsofhim,butwhentheyarisetosuppressethem,ifthegroundsofthembenotveryprobable.

Secondly,nottobeleeverashlyanyevillofourneighbour.

Thirdly,totakeandconsterallthingswelldoneand

[Page]

spokenbyhiminthebestsense.

Fourthly,tointerpretandtakethingsdoubtfullinthebetterpart.

VVhatarethefruitsrespectingreports?

Silenceandsecrecy:ForitisaChristiandutytokeepsecretourneighboursfaults,whichproceedfrominfirmityandhumanefrailty,unlesseitbetoamendhimbyadmonitionorseasonablereproofe,Lev.19.17.Matth.18.15,16.Gen.37.2.1Cor.1.11.ortogivewarningtothehearer,thathemaypreventsomeevillthatisintendedagainsthim,Jer.40.14.Act.23.16.ortopreservehimthathebenotinfectedwiththecontagionofhissinnewithwhomheconverseth:orfinally,whenhimselfeisnecessitatedtodiscoveranothersfaultsandcrimes,lestbysilencehebecomeaccessaryuntothem,asincaseofFelony,Murther,orTreason,Eccles.19.8.

Whatarethevicesoppositetothesevertues?

Tothecareofpreservingourneighboursnameisopposed,

First,carelesnesse,asifitdidnotconcerneus,whicharguethdefectoflove.

Secondly,astudyanddesiretodetractfromhisfame,andtolessenhiscreditandestimation,whichisafruitofhatredandenvie,Matth.21.15.

Whatarethevicesoppositetothosevertueswhich

respectthemeanes?

Theyarereferredeithertohearing,thejudgement,orreport.

Whatarethosewhichrespecthearing?

First,tohaveitchingearesaftersuchrumorsastendtoourNeighborsinfamyanddisgrace,forbidden,Exod.23.1.Prov.17.4.whichwasSaulssin,1Sam.24.10.

Secondly,tohaveourearesopentohearecalumniesandreproaches,andshuttoourNeighbourspraises,whichisafruitofenvyandself-love.

Whataretheviceswhichrespectthejudgement?

Theyarevicesoppositetocandidingenuity;asfirst,suspiciousnesse,whenwesuspectevillofourNeighbourwithoutjustcause,anduponeveryslightoccasion,1Tim.6.4.whichisafalsetestimonyoftheheart.

Secondly,tobeleeverashlyrumorsreportedfromothers,tendingtothedisgraceofourNeighbours,whichhavenosureground;whichwasPutipharsfault,Gen.39.19.andDavids,2Sam.16.3,4.

Thirdly,hardanduncharitablecensures;eitherinrespectoftheirsayingsanddoings,sinisterlyinterpretingthingswellspokenordone,ortakingthingsdoubtfullintheworstsense:orinrespectoftheirpersons,censuringandcondemningthemrashly,whenaswehavenojustcause,

Publick

Testi-

monies.

1Sam.1.13.Acts2.13.Luke7.39.and13.1.Acts28.4.

Whatvicerespectethreport?

First,whenasmenraisefalsereportsagainsttheirNeighbours.

Secondly,whenastheydiscoveruncharitablytheirsecretfaults,especiallyarisingfrominfirmityandhumanefrailty,Prov.10.18.

Whatisoppositetotheexternallprofessionoftruth,concerningourneighbour,whichoughttobecharitable?

First,amalicioustestimony,thoughtrue,whicharisethfrommaliceandenvy,andtendethtoasinisterandevillend,1Sam.22.9.Psal.52.3,4.

Secondly,afalsetestimony,whichiseithersimplyfalse,asthat1King.21.13.Acts6.13.ortrueintheletterofthewords,butfalseinthesense,asthatagainstthirst,Mat.26.60,61.John2.19.

IntowhatsortsaretestimoniesspokenofinthisCommandementtobedistinguished?

Theyareeitherpublick,orprivate;andthepublick,eitherintheCourtsofIustice,oroutofthem.

OfwhichdoththisCommandementprincipallyspeake?

[Page]

OfpublickandLegallTestimonies,whicharetoberegardedaboveothers,becauseitisthejudgementofGodratherthenman,Deut.1.17.2Chron.19.6.andthereforehethatperverteththisjudgement,makethGodhimselfeasmuchasinhimis,guiltyofhissinofinjustice.

WhatarethekindsofLegallTestimonies?

TheyareeitheroftheIudge,oroftheNotary,orthepartiessuing,contendingandpleading,oroftheWitnesse.

WhatistheTestimonyoftheJudge?

Itishissentencewhichhegivethinthecausetryedbeforehim.

Whatishereinrequiredofhim?

First,thatbeforehegivesentence,hethroughlyexamineandfindeoutthetruthandequityofthecause,Deut.13.14.&17.4.&19.18.accordingtoGodsowneexample,Gen.3.9,10.&18.21.

Secondly,thatinpassingsentencehejudgeaccordingtotruth,justice,andequity:forIudgesmustbemenoftruth,Exod.18.21.Secondly,justandrighteous,Deut.1.16.&16.20.Lev.19.15.Andthirdly,notjustinarigidandextreameway,accordingtotheletteroftheLaw;butsoaswhenthereisjustoccasionhemustmoderatetherigouroftheLawwithequity,whichisthetruesenseandlifeoftheLaw.

Rash

Iudgment

ButisnottheJudgetogivesentenceaccordingtothingslegallyalleadgedandproved?

Yesordinarily.Butifheundoubtedlyuponhisownecertaineknowledgeknow,thatthingsareotherwisethentheyseemetobebyTestimonies,pleadingsandreasonsalleadged,hemustjudgeaccordingtoknownetruth,anddefendthecause,beingjust,whichisoppressedbyfalseevidencesandreasons,orotherwiseheshallsinagainsthisowneknowledgeandconscience,Prov.31.8,9.

Whatarethevicesoppositehereunto?

Theyaretwo:

1.Rash.

2.Perversejudgement.

WhatisrashJudgement?

Itisdonediverswayes:

First,whenastheIudgepronouncethsentencebeforethecausebesufficientlyexaminedandknowne,Prov.18.13.

Secondly,whenastheycondemneanymanbeforetheyhaveheardhiscause,Acts25.15,16.

Thirdly,whenastheypronouncesentence,havingheardonepartonly.SoDavid,2Sam.16.4.LetsuchrememberthatofSalomon,Prov.18.17.

Perverse

Iudgment.

Theduties

Fourthly,whenastheyinmattersconcerninglifeanddeathgivesentenceuponthesingletestimonyofonewitnesse,Deut.17.6.

WhasisperverseIudgement?

Whenastruthisoppressed,andjusticeandrightisperverted,wherebythewickedisacquitted,andthejustcondemned,Prov.17.15.whichforthemostparthapneth,becausetheIudgeiscorruptedwithbribes,oracceptethpersons,bothwhichareforbiddenandcondemned,Deut.16.18,19.Exod.23.8.Prov.24.23,24.&2821.Lev.19.15.Deut.1.16,17.

WhatmustIudgesdoetoavoidthis?

TheymusteverrememberthatintheSeatofIusticetheyrepresentGodhimselfe,andinthatregardarecalledGods,Exod.22.28.Psal82.1,2.andthereforetheymustjudgeasGodwouldifhewerepresent,2Chron.19.6.whichiftheydoenot,theymustexpectthatwoethreatened,Isa.5.23.Neithermusttheyprotractsuites,butputasspeedyanenduntothemasthecausewillpermit,Exod.18.17.23.

WhatisthedutyoftheNotary?

Thattheycommitthingstrulytowriting,conservethemtruly,andtrulyrecitethem.

WhatarethePersonssuingandcontendinginLaw?

[Page]

ofthe

Plaintiffe,

andthe

vices

opposite

hereunto.

Theyareeithertheprincipall,orlesseprincipall:TheprincipallarethePlaintiffeandDefendant,tobothwhichthiscommondutybelongeth.

1.ThattheydoenotcontendinLaw,unlesseintheirconsciencestheyareperswadedthattheircauseisgood&just;yeaandnecessaryalso.

2.Thatinpursuingofittheydoenotsayordoeanythingthatisfalseandunjust.

Whatarethevicesoppositehereunto?

First,tocommencesuitsoutofaloveanddesireofcontention.

Secondly,toproducefalseinstruments,writings,proofes,seales,andsubornefalsewitnesses.

WhatarethespeciallcorruptionsofthePlaintiffe?

First,tocalumniateuponafalseoruncertaineground,Deut.19.16.SoHaman,Esth.3.8.SoActs25.7.

Secondly,whenprevaricatingandtriflinginthecause,theyconcealeandletpasseweightymattersandhainouscrimes,andinsistuponthosewhicharelight,feigned,andimpertinent;soastheymayseemtodallyandtriflewiththeiradversary,ratherthentocontendinalegallmanner.

Thirdly,whenastheyfalloff,andhangbackfromajust

Thevicesof

the

Defendant.

accusationonceundertaken.

WhatarethespeciallsinnesoftheDefendant?

Todefendhimselfeinafalseway;whichisdoneinavariousmanner.

First,byfalsespeaking,indenyingthefaultwhereofheeisaccused,andstandethguilty,asitisusuallamongus;whereasweeshouldgivegloryuntoGodbyconfessingoursinne,Ios.7.19.Iob31.33.andnotbydenyingthetruth,toaddesinuntosins

Secondly,byconcealingandhidingthetruth,whichheeoughttoconfesse.

Thirdly,byansweringindirectly;andsowavingajustaccusation.SoAdam,Gen.3.12.

HowelsedoththeDefendantoffend?

First,bymakinganunjustappealetoprotractthesuit.

Secondly,byresistingajustsentence,whichistoresistGodsOrdinanceinalawfullpowerinstitutedbyhim,andsotomakehimselfeliabletodamnation.Rom.13.2.

Whoarethepersonsthatarelesseprincipall?

TheLawyers,whopleadthecauseofthepartiesandprincipalls.

[Page]

Theduties

ofLawyers,

andthe

opposite

vices.

Whataretheirduties?

First,toundertakethedefenceofsuchcausesonelyasintheirjudgementappearetobegoodandjust.

Secondly,todefendtheminatrueandjustmanner.

VVhatarethecorruptionsoppositehereunto?

First,wittingly,toundertakethedefenceofillandunjustcauses,whereintheysinne;First,againstGod,whilsttheylabourtooverturnetruthandjudgement,Eccles.5.7.

Secondly,againsttheirneighbour:asFirst,againsttheIudge,inseekingtocorrupthisjudgement,thatheemaypasseanunjustsentence:Secondly,againsthisClient,byincouraginghiminasinfullcourse,ifheeprevaile;ordefraudinghimofhismoney,ifheedoenot:Thirdly,againsthisadversary,whomhewoundeth,eitherinhisbody,goods,orfame,Prov.25.18.

Thirdly,againsthisownesoule:first,inasinfulldefenceofanunjustcause,Exod.23.1.2.Chr.19.2.Rom.1.31.2.Secondly,bysettinghistonguetosaletospeaklyesforfees,Prov.21.6.andwiththeirtonguetheirsoulesalso.

WhatothervicedoeLawyerscommitbyhandlingoftheircausesinanevillmanner?

Theyhandlethemill,

Thedutyof

witnesses.

First,bylyingeitherfortheirclient,oragainsttheiradversary;inbothwhichtheyareguiltyofafalsetestimony.

Secondly,byprevaricationinbetrayingthecauseoftheirClient,whilsttheyseemetodefendit:andthisistheworstkindeofcousenageandtheft.

WhatisthetestimonyofthewitnessewhichthisCommandementspeciallyrespecteth,andwhatisrequireduntoit?

Twothings.

First,thathebereadyandwillingtogivehistestimonywhenneedrequireth.

Secondly,thathedoegiveatruetestimony.

Whendothneedrequireit?

Eitherwhenlawfullauthoritycallethforit;orwhentherebyhecandoehisneighbourgood,Prov.24.11.Psal.82.4.Prov.14.25.

Whatarethevicesoppositehereunto?

First,todetractandwithholdatruetestimony.Secondly,togiveafalsetestimony.

Whatdoeyouthinkeofthissinne?

Thatitisodious,&abominabletoGod,Pro.6.18.and

False

testimony

inthepub-

lick

Ministeryof

theword.

thereforeGodmadechoiceofthissinasmosthainous,tocomprehendunderitalsosinsofthelikekinde,asintheotherCommandementsforbiddingmurther,adultery,theft.

Secondly,becauseheaddethperjurietohisfalsetestimonie.

Thirdly,becausehesinnethagainsttheIudge,whomhelabourethtopervert,againstthePlaintiffeandtheDefendant,Prov.25.18.andmostofallagainsthisownesoule,asbefore,Prov.19.5.9.&21.28.Deut.19.16.19.Apoc.21.15.&21.8.

YouhavespokenofpubliketestimoniesinCourtsofJustice:NowwhatarethosewhicharegivenoutofCourts?

Theyareeitheropenandmanifest,orelsehidandsecret.

Whatarethosethatareopenandmanifest?

TheyareeitherinthepublickministeryoftheWord,orinpublickWritings,orinElections.

HowinthepublickMinistery?

Hegiveththereinafalsetestimony,whopreachethfalseDoctrine,whichisrepugnanttoGodsglory,orhindrethmanssalvation,whichGodhathappointedtobepunishedwithdeath,Zach.13.3.Andthesameistobesaidofthosewhointheirpublickwritingsbroacherrours,oropposethetruth.

[Page]

Howinelections?

Whenthosearenotpreferredthatareworthy,butthosethatareunworthy;forinelectionsmentestifietheirexcellencythatarechosenbeforeothers.

Whatarethefalsetestimoniesthatarehiddenandinsecret?

TheyareeitherininfamousLibels,whichbytheCivillLawdisableamanfromgivinganytestimony;orthespreadingoffalserumours,andscandalousreports,tendingtothedisgraceofourneighbours,Exod.23.1.

Youhavespokenofpubliketestimonies,nowwhatareprivatetectimonies,ortheprivateprofessionofthetruthwithcharity?

Itiseitherofthevertues,orvicesofourneighbours.

Whatisthedutywhichrespectsthevertuesofourneighbours?

Itiswillinglytoacknowledge,andingenuouslytocommend,thevertuesandgoodpartsofourneighbours,bothabsentandpresent,tothegloryofGodthatgavethem,andtheencreaseofvertueinhimthathathreceivedit,1Cor.11.2.

Whatisthatdutywhichrespecteththevicesofourneighbour?

Itisfreelytoadmonishandreprovehimbeingpresent,

Evill

speaking.

Flattery.

Matth.18.15.Lev.19.17.Pro.27.5,6.Psal.141.5.andinhisabsencetocoverhisfaults,asfaraswillstandwithjusticeandcharity,1Pet.4.8.

Whataretheoppositevices?

Theyaretwo:Flattery,andevillspeaking.

VVhatisflattery?

Itisfaireandfawningspeech,wherebyamanisfalslyandunworthilypraised.

HowdoththeFlattereroffend?

First,inrespectoftheobject,whentheycommendanothereitherforathingdoubtfullanduncertaine,whetheritbegoodorevill;orforaknowneevill,Pro.28.4.&24.24,25.

Secondly,inrespectofthemanner,andthateitherindissimulation,Pro.27.24.orabovemeasure,Acts12.22.

Thirdly,inrespectoftheend,andthateitherfortheirowneprofit,asParasitesdoe;orforhishurtandruinewhomtheyflatter,Pro.29.5.Jer.9.8.Matth.22.16.

VVhatisthesecondoppositevice?

Itisevillspeaking:andthisiseitheragainstonepresent,byrailingandreproachfullwords,tendingtohisdiscreditanddisgrace,Matth.5.22.1Cor.6.10.andbyscoffingandmocking,

Whispering.

[Page]

Obtrectation.

whichisakindofpersecution,Gen.21.9Gal.4.29.Orelseagainstoneabsent,whichiswhispering,orobtrectation,ordetraction.

Whatevilsareintheviceofwhispering?

Whisperersdefametheirneighbours,bydiscoveringtheirfaultsandfailings;dissolveallfriendshipbetweenmanandman▪Pro.16.28.andsowdissensionsbetweenthem,Pro.26.20.

Secondly,theyspoiletheirneighboursoftheirgoodname,whichisbetterthenriches,Pro.22.1.andmoresweetthenapreciousointment,Eccles.7.2.andalsooftheirfriends,bysowingdiscordamongstthem,Pro.6.19.

WhatisObtrectation?

Theblackingandbrandingofourneighboursgoodnamebysecretandmalitiouswords;andthateitherbydetractingfromhisvertues,orbymalitiousdiscoveringofhisvices.

VVhatdoeyouthinkeofthisvice?

Thatitisagrievoussinne:foritdeeplywoundethourneighbourinhislife,goods,andfame.InwhichregarditiscomparedtoBowesandArrowesthatshootinsecret,Ier.9.3.8.Psal.64.3,4.tocoalesofIuniper,Psalme120.4.toaSword,Psalme64.3.Proverbs12.18.toaRasor,Psalme52.2.tothetongueofaSerpent,Psalme140.3.Eccles.10,11.

Howshouldwekeepourselvesfromit,beingnaturallyaddictedtoit?

ByconsideringthattheScripturesforbidit,Lev.19.16.Iames4.11.andcondemneitasanhainoussinne,Psalme50.20.Ezek.22.9.Rom.1.30.

Secondly,becauseitisasigneofanhypocrite,whowilldeclameagainstthesinnesofothers,thatthemselvesmaybethoughtreligious,James1.26.

Thirdly,becauseaboveothersinnesitmakethmenlikeuntothedevill,whohathhisnamefromslandering,beingaslandererfromthebeginning,2Tim.3.3.Tit.2.3.

Lastly,becauseGodsheavyjudgementsandpunishmentsaredenouncedagainstit,Psalme50.20,21.Ezek.22.9.Psalme52.5.&15.3.

Butisitnotlawfulltospeaketruelyofourneighboursfaults?

Therearefewdetractersandback-bitersdoeso,buteitherdevisecalumniesofthingsthatarenot,oraddesomethingthatisuntrueoftheirowne.Butthoughamanspeaktruth,yetifitbemalitiouslytodoehurt,oroutofavainecustometokeeptheirtongueinure,heisaslanderer,andoffendeth,ifnotagainsttruth,yetagainstcharity.

Whatisthechiefecauseofdetraction?

Tobecuriousinpryingintoothermenslivesandmanners,

Conserving

ofourown

goodname.

andnegligentinlookingintoourowne,andjudgingourselves.

Youhavespokenofconcerningourneighboursfame:nowwhatisrequiredtotheconservingofourowne?

Twothings.First,thateveryonehaveacareofpreservinghisownegoodname.

Secondly,thateveryonegiveatruetestimonyofhimselfe.

Whatistobeconsideredintheformer?

Threethings.First,whatthisgoodfameis.Secondly,howhighlytobeesteemed,thatherebywemaybemovedtothiscareofpreservingit.Thirdly,bywhatmeanesitmaybeattaineduntoandkept.

WhatisgoodFame?

Itisagoodopinionandesteemwhichmenconceiveofothersfortheirvertuesanddeedswelldone.Andthisishighlytobevalued,Proverbs22.1.Eccl.7.2.asbeingnotonelyprofitabletoourselves,butalsountoothers,whoarerefreshedwiththesmellofthisfragrantoyntment;andstudiouslytobesoughtafter,Phil.4.8.

Whereindoththecareofconservingourgoodnameconsist?

First,inprosecuting,andusingthemeanesofgettingit.

[Page]

The

meanesof

gettinga

goodname.

Secondly,inavoydingthemeanesofbothvaine-glory,andalsoinfamy.

VVhatarethemeanesofgettingandconservingourfameandgoodname?

First,andaboveallthingstoseekGodsglory,hiskingdomeandrighteousnesse,andtoglorifiehimbyourseriousstudytowalkebeforehiminholinesseoflife,andtheexerciseofallgoodworkes,Mat.6.33.&5.16.Psalme112.6.1Sam.2.30.Prov.10.7.

Secondly,wemustavoydthemeanesofvain-glory,wherebymenseekmorethepraiseofmenthenofGod,John12.43.&5.44.

Thirdly,topreferrethetestimonyofagoodconscience,beforetheapplauseofmen,2Cor.1.12.

Fourthly,tolookmoretotheinward,thentheoutwardman,andtakemorecaretobegoodthentoseemegood,andtoapproveourheartsuntoGodthenouroutwardactionsuntomen,Rom.2.29.

Fiftly,toavoidhypocrisieanddissimulation,whichthoughforatimeitmaygainethepraiseofmen,yetatlengthGodwillpulloffthisfalsevizard,andexposethehypocritetoshameandcontempt.

Sixtly,toshunthatglorywhichmenseektogainbyvanityandvice,2Sam.18.18.whichweretoglorieinour

shame.

Seventhly,toabhorreflatterers,andparasites,andtolovethosewhofaithfullyadmonishuswhenweerre,andreproveuswhenweoffend,1Kings22.18.

Eightly,tobesevereinjudgingourselves,andcharitableincensuringothers,Matth.7.1,2.Forifwethinkewellofothers,theylikewisewillthinkewellofus.

Lastly,nottoundertakegreatmattersaboveourstrengthtogaineanopinionofourgreatpartsandabilities,buttobelowlyinourowneyes,Psalme131.1.Luke14.28,29.

Butmaywenotatallinourgoodactionsseekthepraiseofmen?

Wemaynotprincipally,andinthefirstplaceaimeatthisendinperformingourduties,butratherGodsglory,andtheadorningoftheGospellwhichweprofesse;yetifGodcastuponusthisblessingofagoodnameandpraiseofwell-doing,asavantageuntothebargaine,itisnottobeneglected;seeingcontemptofothersopinionofus,especiallythosethataregood,arguethbotharrogancy,anddesperatedissolutenesse;weemustseekGodsglorybygoodreport,andevillreport,2Cor.6.8.Butifhebepleasedtoblesseuswithunaffectedfame,letusthankfullyacceptit,anduseitasincouragementinwell-doing,Phil.4.8.Rom.13.3.1Pet.2.14.

Whatarethemeanesofinfamyfromourselves?

[Page]

Atrue

testimony

ofour

selves.

Allmannerofsinne.Forassinneisthecauseofshame,soshamethepunishmentofsinne.Thereforeallsinneistobeeavoydedofhimthatwouldpreservehisfame.Asfirst,opensinnes,Eccles.10.1.Yeanotonelythesinneitselfe,butallappearanceofit,1Thes.5.22.Rom.14.17.

Secondly,secretsins,whichiftheybenotrepentedof,Godwilldiscoverthemtoourshame,2Sam.12.12.ifnotinthislife,yetatChristscommingbeforemenandAngels,Luke10.17.&12.2.Matth.25.31.Luk.8.17.1John2.28.

Whatarethemeanesofinfamyfromothers?

EithertheopprobriousobloquiesofRailers,ortherumoursandwhisperingsofBack-bitersandSycophants,againstwhichweareboundtopreserveourfamebyspeaking,writing,and(ifneedbee)theauthorityoftheMagistrate;especiallyifwebepublikepersons,whoseinfa-mymayprejudicetheChurchandCommonwealth.

Youhavespokenofconservingourfame,whatsayyoutothesecondthingpropounded,thatis,atruetestimonyofourselves?

EveryoneisboundbythisCommandementtogiveatruetestimonyofhimselfe,asoccasionisoffered:Foraswemustspeakenothingbuttruthofourneighbours,soalsoofourselves.

Howisthisdone?

The

opposites

tothe

profession

oftruth

concerning

ourselves.

Eitherbymodestacknowledgingthatwhichisgoodinus,oringenuousconfessingthatwhichisevill;orbydenyingafalsegoodattributeduntous,modestlyandhumbly,orafalseevill,wiselyandwarily.

Whatisoppositehereunto?

Whenaswegiveafalsetestimonyofourselves,bydenyinganytruth;oraffirmeanythingfalseconcerningourselves,whetheritbegoodorevill.

Maywethenacknowledgthatwhichisgoodinourselvswithoutvanity?

Yes,ifwedoitwithmodesty,andchieflytoGodsglory,fromwhomwehavereceivedallthatisgoodinus,1Cor.15.10.

Whatisoppositetotheprofessionoftruthconcerningourselves?

First,anironicallspeech,wherebytruegoodinourselvesisdenied.

Secondly,boastingorbragging,wherebyitisfalslyarrogated.

Howistheformervicecommitted?

Eitheroutofsimplicity,wheninanhumbleconceitofthemselvesmenspeakastheythink,thoughitbenottrue,andthereforedoenotproperlylye,becausetheirwordsagreewiththeirminde;whoarenotwhollyto

Arrogancy

and

boasting.

bejustified,becausetheyspeakthatwhichisnottrue,yettheirfalsityisnomoretobecondemnedthentheirhumilitytobecommended.AndsuchwastheexcuseofMoses,Exod.3.11.&4.10.13.andofJeremy,Jer.1.6

Orsecondly,theyspeakworseofthemselvesthentheyareintheirownopinion,andthateitheroutofmodesty,toavoidbragging;whichthoughitcannotbewhollyexcusedfrombeingsinfull,becauseitisingratitudetoGodtodenyhisgifts,andsoderogatorytohisgloryandbounty,andnotfreefromlying,yetitisextenuatedbymodestyandhumility;orelseitproceedethfromadissembledandcounterfeitmodestyandprideofheart,whenmendenythegoodthatisattributeduntotheminaslightmanner,todrawondoublepraise;andsomenoffendbothinopposingtruthbylying,andhumilityalsobyseekingpraiseinacunningway.

Whatistheotheropposite?

Boastingandarrogancy.Foraswemusttrulyprofessethegoodthatisinus,ordonebyus,toGodsglory,whenneedrequireth,inamodestmanner;somustwecarefullyshunallvainebragging,inarrogatinguntoourselvesthatgoodwhichbelongethnottous,orextollingitaboveduemeasure,seeingitcannotstandwithmodesty,Pro.27.2.andisoppositetoGodsglory,fromwhichwesomuchdetractaswearrogatetoourselves,1Cor.4.7.John5.31.

Inwhatrespectdoththearrogantboasteroffend?

[Page]Threewayes;First,inrespectoftheobject:Secondly,themanner:Thirdly,theend.

Howinrespectoftheobject?

Whenthatheboastethofthatwhichisnottruelygood,butevill,whicharguethdesperatewickednesse,asinDoeg,Psal.52.1.Phil.3.19.Gen4.23,2[...].Andsucharethosewhogloryintheirdrinkingandwhoring.

Howinrespectofthemanner?

Whenthisboastingiscontrarytotruthorcharity:Totruth,eitherinrespectofthethingitselfe,orofopinion.

Howinrespectofthethingitselfe?

Whenhearrogatethtohimselfethegoodhehathnot,orinagreatermeasurethenitis:SoMatth.26.33,35.

Howinrespectofopinion?

Eitherhisowne,whenhearrogateththattohimselfewhichinhisowneopinionbelongethnottohim:ortheopinionofothers,whenhisboastingexceedeththatmeritandworth,whichmentruelyconceiveisnothisdue,orabovethatmeasurethathedeserveth.

Howdothhesinneagainstcharity?

BothinrespectofGod,andhisNeighbour.InrespectofGod,eitheropenlyandprofessedly,aswhenhearrogatestohimselfethatwhichisdueonelytohim,Ezek.28.2.

Confession

ofsinne.

Exod.5.2.Esa.36.20.Dan.3.15.Orelsemorecovertlyandcunningly,whenhespoylesGodofhisglory,byat-tributingthepraiseofthegoodthingshehathgivenhimuntohimselfe,Esa.10.15.

Secondly,inrespectofhisneighbour,whenashisownepraisestendtothedisgraceofothers,Luk.18.10.

Howdoemensinneinrespectoftheend?

Whenastheyboastandbragge,eitherfortheirglory,whichusuallyisaccompaniedwithshame,Rom.1.22.Pro.26.12.Orfortheirgaine,aswhentheygloryintheirskilltodrawonprofit;whichisthepracticeofEmpericksandMountebancks,Acts8.9.

Whatistheconfessionoftruthconcerningtheevillthatisinus,ordonebyus?

ItiseitherbeforeGod,ormen:BeforeGodwemustconfesseoursins,ifweexpecttohavethempardoned,Pro28.13.1John1.9.Psal.32.5.

Howaretheytobeconfessedbeforemen?

SofarreforthasthegloryofGodrequirethit,Josh.7.19.John1.10.orthegoodandsalvationofourneighbours,orourowneprofitandnecessity,James5.15.otherwiseitisnotnecessarythatweshouldlaythemopentoourowneshame.Buthowsoeverwemayconcealethatwhichisevillinus,yetwhenitisquestionedwemustnotdenythat

[Page]The10.

com-

mandement.-

Theendof

this

Comman-

dement.

whichistrue,norconfessethatwhichisfalseinus:Forbydenyingthetruth,welye,andaddesinuntosin,Gen.18.15.andbyconfessingthatevillfalslywhichisnotinus,wealsolye,andexposeourselvestodisgraceanddanger,2Sam.1.10.comparedwith1Sam.31.4,5.

VVhatistheTenthCommandent?

ThoushaltnotcovetthyNeighboursHouse,thoushaltnotcovetthyNeighboursWife,&c.

VVhatisthesinnechiefelyhereforbidden?

Concupiscence,thatis,thosesecretandinternallsinnes,whichgoebeforeconsentofwill,andaretheseedesofallothervices,ofwhichsortarewickedandcorruptinclinations,thoughts,desires,whicharerepugnanttocharity.

VVhatistheendofthisCommandement?

ItrespectetheitherGod,ourNeighbours,orourSelves.

VVhatistheendwhichrespectethGod?

ThatHemightshewtheperfectionofthatCharitywhichinHisLawHerequirethofus,andtheexcellencyofitaboveallotherhumanelaws.ForhumaneandDivineLawesdiffer,astheLawgiversthemselves.AndasGodisaSpirit,whoisomniscientandsearcheththe

The

occasionof

thisCom-

mandement.-

heart,soHeerequirethspirituallobedience,Rom.7.14.andbindethbyHisLaw,whichisspirituall,likeHimselfe,notonelythehand,tongueandoutwardman,asmendoebyhumanelawes,buteventhemostinward,hiddenandsecretthoughtsanddesiresofthemindeandheart.

VVhatistheendrespectingourNeighbours?

Thatweemightnotthinkeordesireanythingtendingtotheirhurt,butthatwithallthepowersofoursoules,weexerciseCharity,indoingthemgood,notseekingourownegoodonely,buttheirsalso,1Cor.13.5.

WhatistheendofthisCommandementrespectingourselves?

Thatitmightdiscoveruntousourcorruption,andhowfarweearefromthatperfectionwhichGodsLawrequireth,Rom.7.7.13.24.Prov.20.9.Psal.19.13.andsecondly,thatitmightbeeuntousaperfectruleofspirituallobedience,andmightteachuschieflytoobserveourhearts,Prov.4.23.tosuppressethefirstandinwardmotionsofsin,andtoaspiretothatoriginallpuritie,thatwehadbyCreation.

WhatwastheoccasionofthisCommandement?

Threefold:first,thepravityofourheartsandthoughts,Gen.6.5.and8.21.

Secondly,theblindnesseandstupidityofourmindesandhearts,whichcouldneitherseenor

Twosorts

of

concupiscence.

[Page]

feeletheirownepravityandcorruption,Rom.7.7,8.

Thirdly,theerrourofourjudgements,whichsupposethatourthoughtsbefree,andthatconcupiscenceandfirstthoughtsarenotsinstilltheyhaveourconscent,becausetheyarenotinourpowertorestrainethem.

WhatisthedifferencebetweenethespirituallobediencerequiredinthisandtheotherCommandements?

Inthatitnotonelyrequireththeinternallobedienceoftheheart,withtheoutwardman,astherestdoe,butalsorestraineththefirstmotionsandinclinations,whichgoebeforeconsent;Ifweehadnotrathersay,thatitisaddedtotheother,asafullandmorecleareexplicationofthatspirituallobedience,whichisrequiredinalltherest.

Nowshewthemeaningofthiscommandement;andfirst,whatisthatconcupiscencewhichisherespokenof?

Therearetwosortsofconcupiscence,oroftheaffectionsoftheheart;thefirstcalledtheIrascible,conceivedagainstthingsevilwhichweshu[...],asanger,hatred,feare,griefe,&c.TheothercalledConcupiscible,con-ceivedtowardsthingsgoodanddesirable,aslove,joy,delight,&c.Andthesearethingseithertruelyevillorgood,orelsesoonelyinappearance.

Isallconcupiscencehereforbidden?

No,forthereissomegoodandlawfull,someevilland

Lawfull

concu-

piscence.

Vnlawful

con-

cupiscence,

andthe

kindes

thereof.

unlawfull;theonecommanded,theotherforbidden.

Whatislawfullconcupiscence?

Itiseithernaturall,orspirituall.Naturall,thatwhichdesireththingsgoodandnecessarytoourbeing,orwell-being;asfood,cloathing,andotherlawfullcomfortsofthislife.

Secondly,spirituall,whichlustethandfightethagainsttheflesh,Gal.5.17.andaffectethandcovetethafterspirituallthings,Psal.119.40.

Whatisoppositehereunto?

Vnlawfullandevillconcupiscence,Col.3.5.whichisalsocalledconcupiscenceofmen,1Pet.4.2.concupiscenceoftheflesh,Gal.5.16,17.worldlyconcupiscence,Tit.2.12.lustsoftheDevill,John8.44.

Whatarethekindesofthisevillconcupiscence?

Eitherhabituall,oractuall:Habituall,isanevillinclinationandpronenessetothatwhichisevill,oranevilldesiringofit,whichisapartoforiginallinjustice,Rom.8.6,7.

Whatisthatevillconcupiscencewhichisactuall?

Itisdistinguishedintotwokinds.

First,inrespectoftheforme.

Thegrowth

ofsinne.

Secondly,inrespectoftheobject.

Whatisthatwhichrespecteththeforme?

Itiseitherinchoateandimperfect,whichisanactofsensualityonely,andthefirstandsuddenmotionsofconcupiscence,whichgoebeforetheactofreasonandthewill,ticklingthemindeandheartwithakindeofdelight:Oritisformedandperfected,havingalsotheactofthewilljoyningwithit,andconsentingtoit,1Thess.4.5.

Whatarethedegreesofthatinchoateconcupiscence?

Theyarethree:First,anevillmotioncastintoourmindes,byeithertheDevill,theWorld,orourowneFlesh,corruptingthesense,memory,orphantasie,wherebyweehaveanhangingandhankringappetiteafterthatwhichisourNeighbours,asthinkingitfitandconvenientforus.

Secondly,alongingafterit,andwishingforit,followingthatmotion.

Thirdly,aticklingdelight,arisingfromaconceitofthepleasureorprofitwhichweshouldhaveintheenjoyingofit,James1.13,14,15.

Howthendothsinnegrowfromitsfirstconceptiontoitsfullgrowth?

SaintJamesinrespectofthedegreesofitcomparethittotheconception,growth,andbirthofanInfant,in,andfromthewombe,James1.14,15.

[Page]

Thefirstis,theabstractionofthemindeandheartfromgoodtoevill,bytheevillmotionandappetite,whichmaybecalledthecarnallcopulationbetweentheheart,andsinne,andSatan.

Thesecond,inescation,andenticingoftheheartwithdelightandconsentuntoit,asitweretheretentionoftheseed.

Thethird,consenttotheactingofit,whichmaybecalledtheconceptionofit.

Thefourth,deliberationafterthisconsent,bywhatmeanesandhowitmaybeacted,whichisthearticulationandshapingofthepartsandmembers.

Thefifthistheactingofsinitselfe,thatisthebirthofit,whichbeingbornecausethdeath:WhichdegreesandgrowthofsinmaybeobservedintheexampleofEve,Ahab,andDavidhimself.

Howmayevillconcupiscencebedistinguishedinrespectoftheobject?

Intothreekindes.

First,ofpleasure,whichisthelustoftheflesh.

Secondly,ofprofit,whichisthelustoftheeyes.

Thirdly,ofhonourandglory,whichistheprideoflife,1John2.25.

Originall

con-

cupiscence.

Theparts

ofthis

Comman-

dement,

and1.the

negative.

WhatarethepartsofthisCommandement?

Two:First,theAffirmative:Secondly,theNegative:Thefirstisheretobeunderstood,theotherisplainlyexpressed.

WhatisforbiddenintheNegative?

Evillconcupiscence,whichistwofold,eitheroriginalloractuall.

Whatisoriginallconcupiscence?

Originallsin,whichisthecorruptionanddisorderofallthepowersandfacultiesofsouleandbody,disposingthemtoallthatisevill:Itisalsocalledhabituallconcupiscence,whichisnothingelsebutanevillinclinationandpronenessetothetransgressionofGodsLaw,whichbycorruptNatureisbredwithus.

HowisitcalledintheScriptures?

Theoldman,Ephes.4.22Coloss.3.9.Sininhabitinganddwellinginus,theLawofsin,theLawofthememberswarringagainsttheLawofthemind,theflesh,theencompassingsin,&c.Rom.7.23.Gal.5.17,24.Heb.12.1.

Isthistobereputedsinne?

Yes,andagreatsin,asmayappearebythesereasons.

That

originall

concupiscence

issinne.

[Page]

First,becauseitdefilethandcorrupteththewholeman,souleandbody,withalltheirfaculties,powers,andparts;astheminde,will,memory,heart,affections,appetite;withallthemembersofthebody,whichitmakethtobetheinstrumentsofevill.

Secondly,itpollutethallourwordsandworks,andmakeththemallrepugnanttotheLawofGod.

Thirdly,itistherootandfountaineofallouractuallsins,fromwhichtheygrowandspring.

Fourthly,becauseitcontinuallywarrethagainstthespirit,andchoakethandquencheththegoodmotionsofit,Gal.5.17.1Pet.2.11.

Fifthly,becauseitmakethamantheslaveofsinneandSatan,Rom.7.14,23.

Sixthly,becauseitjoynethwiththeDevillandtheWorld,andbetrayethustotheirtentations,Eph.2.2,3.

Seventhly,becauseitisanuncurableevill,seeingitsohangethuponusthatwecannotshakeitoff,Heb.12.2.

Eighthly,becauseitisbutthemoreirritatedbytheLawofGod,whichshouldsuppresseit,Rom.7.8.

Lastly,becauseitmakethuschildrenofwrath,andliabletoeverlastingcondemnation,althoughdyinginchildhood,weshouldnevercommitanyactuall

Actuall

Con-

cupiscence.

transgression:FordeathanddamnationraignedevenoverthemwhichhadnotsinnedafterthesimilitudeofAdam.thatis,byactualltransgression,Rom.5.14.

ButdoththisCommandementextendtotheprohibitionofOriginallsininthewholebody,andallthepartsofit?

No;foritforbiddethsinscommittedagainstourNeighboursonly,likeallotherCommandementsofthesecondTable,asappearethbythewordsthemselves,andtheApostlesepitomizingofthiswholeTable,inthosewords:Thoushaltlovethyneighbourasthyselfe,Rom.13.9.Andtherefore,alloriginallinjustice,wickedinclinations,thoughtsandaffectionsarehereonlyforbidden,astheyrespectourneighbours,andareoppo-sitetocharity;butastheyrespectGod,andarerepugnanttotheloveofhim,theyareforbiddeninthefirstTable.

WhatareactuallConcupiscences?

Theyareevillmotionswhicharerepugnanttocharity.

Whatarethekindsofthem?

Theyareeithersuchasarevaineandunprofitable,orsuchasarehurtfullandpernicious.

Howaretheyunprofitable?

Sofarreforthastheyfastenmensmindstoearthlythings,andtherebywithdrawthemfromheavenly.

Evill

thoughts.

Inwhatrespectsaretheyhurtfull?

First,becausetheyareinstrumentsofsin,astheyarefitobjectstoeverysininitskinde:Forifanyobjectsareofferedtothemindeorsenses,whichself-lovecauseththemtothinketobeprofitable,pleasantanddesireable,concupiscencepresentlyapprehendethandcatchethatthemtosatisfieworldlylusts.

Secondly,TheychoaketheseedoftheWordintheheartsofcarnallmen,Mar.4.19.

Thirdly,Theymakemeninsatiable,knowingnoendormeasureinpursuingworldlythings.

Fourthly,Theycastmenheadlong,inwhomtheyraigne,intosin,Eph.2.3.andgivethemuptovilelusts,andareprobatemind,Rom.1.24.Psal.81.12.

Fifthly,Theyfightagainstthesoule,andiftheyovercome,bringittodestruction,1Pet.2.11.

Howmanywayesarethesemotionsevill?

Twowayes,eitherinrespectofthephantasieandcogitationsoftheminde,orinrespectoftheaffectionsandimaginationsoftheheart.

Whenarethethoughtsevill?

Then,andsofarforthastheysolliciteandenclineusuntoevill.

[Page]

Evill

thoughts

injectedby

Satan.

Whydoementhinkethatthoughtsarefree,andnottobechargeduponmen,orcalledtoaccount?

Foolishmenthinkeandsayso,buttheScripturessayotherwise,andaffirmethemtobesins,Prov.24.9.asbeingrepugnanttocharity,1Cor.13.5.andthereforeforbidthem,Deut.15.9.injoyneustoconfessethem,andtocravepardonforthem,Isa.55.7.Acts8.22.andthoughwesleightthemyetGodtakethnoticeofthem,Psal.94.11.1Chron.28.9.Ezek.11.5.Psal.139.2.yea,hehatethevillthoughts,asabominable,Prov.15.26.Zach.8.17.andseverelypunisheththem,asweseeintheexampleoftheoldworld,Gen.6.5.and8.21.

Howaretheseevillthoughtsinjected?

EitherbySatan,orelsearisefromoriginallconcupiscence,andbothofthemeitherwakingorsleeping.

HowaretheyinjectedbySatan?

Eitherimmediatelybyhimselfe,1Chron.21.1.John13.2.Luke9.46,47.ormediatelybyhisinstruments,asofoldbytheserpent.Andthathemaythemoreeasilyinsinuateintohismindewhomhetempteth,heoftensuborneththosethatarenearestanddearestuntoustobehisinstruments,asweseeintheexampleofJobswife,andPeter,Iob2.9.Math.16.23.

Butarethesetentationstobereputedoursins?

Evill

thoughts

arising

from

naturall

corruption.

Notifwerepellandextinguishthem,asfireinwater:forChristhimselfewastempted,yetwithoutsin,Heb.4.15.Butifweadmitthem,anddoenotpresentlyrejectthem,theyinfectourmindsandheartswiththeirpoison,andbecomeoursins.

Howelsedoeevillthoughtsariseinus?

Fromournaturallcorruption,andhabituallconcupiscence,Luke24.38.Gen.6.5.Math.15.19.2Cor.3.5.Andthesethoughtsariseinus,eitherwakingorsleeping.

Howarethesemotionsevill,inrespectoftheaffectionsoftheheart?

Thesethoughtheyhavenottheconsentofthewilltoactthem,yetaretheysinfullinrespectofthesinswhicharisefromthem,ofwhichalsotheyarethefirstdegrees,asweseeinthefirstboylingofangerintheheart,andoflustanduncleanemotions,whichproceedfromthedefectofthatcharityandpuritywhichGodrequirethinus,andafterwardsproducetheactsofmurtherandfornication,whenthewillconsentethuntothem,Mat.5.22,28.

Aretherenodegreesoftheseevillaffections,andperturbationsoftheheart?

Yes,fortheyaretobeconsideredeitherintheirfirstbeginnings,astheyarethefirstmotionsofconcupiscence,bywhichthemindeisfirstwithdrawnefromitsrectitude,andthentheheartsuddenlyaffected:Orelse,whenbythe

[Page]

pleasureanddelightinthosefirstmotions,theyaretickledandinticedtoretainethemstill,thattheymayenjoyagreaterandmorefullmeasureofdelight.

Whatfolloweththispleasurethusretainedandcontinuedinthemindandheart?

Consenttotheactingofthesin,whichinGodssightisallonewiththesinitselfe,seeinghereputeththewillforthedeed,whetheritbeingoodorevill,2Cor.8.12.Mat.5.28.

Whythen,itseemeththatitwereasgoodforamantoactsin;astoconsenttotheactingofit?

Notso:Forthoughtheybebothsins,theoneaswelastheother,yetnotequall,andinthesamedegree;butastheoneismorehainousthentheother,andmoredefileththeconscience,somakethitamanliabletoadeeperdegreeofhellishcondemnation.

Youhavespokenofthedegreesofevillaffections:nowshewwhatarethekindes?

Theyareeitherconcupiscible,aboutthingsaffectedanddesired;orirrascible,aboutthingswhichtheyabhorandshun;assuddainandrashanger,andthefirstmotionsofenvy,&c.

Howaretheconcupiscibledistinguished?

BytheObjects:foritiseitherthelustoftheeyes,thelust

Thespeciall

kindeof

con-

piscence

here

forbidden.

oftheflesh,ortheprideoflife,1John2.15.allwhichareforbiddeninthefirstCommandement,astheyarerepugnanttotheloveofGod:andinthisCommandement,astheyareoppositetotheloveofourneighbours;andsofarreforthastheyaremoresecretandcovert,andthefirstmotionsofconcupiscence,andthefirstprinciplesanddegreesofthesinsagainstourneighboursforbiddenintheotherCommandements.

Youhaveshewedwhatconcupiscenceisinthegenerall;nowshewwhatitthatspeciallkindeofitwhichishereexpresselyforbidden.

Theconcupiscenceoftheeyes,whichisvariedanddiversifiedbytheremovingofdiversobjects.

Butwhyisthisratherforbidden,thenanyotherkinde?

Becauseitistheworstofall,andmostpernicious,andthereforefittesttocomprehendunderitalltherest,asitisdoneintheotherCommandements.

Butwhyisitthemostpernicious?

First,becauseitistherootofallthevicesforbiddenintheotherCommandements,eitherinbegettingornourishingthem.

Secondly,becauseitextinguishethcharitytowardsGod,byturningtheheartfromhimafterearthlythings,Ephes.5.

5.Col.3.5.andtowardsourneighboursbydisposingmensheartstocruelty,lust,andcovetousnesse;andmakingthemaversetocharity,mercy,andChristianbeneficence.

Thirdly,becauseitisunsatiable,Eccles.4.8.

Fourthly,becauseitisunquietandrestlesse,vexingthecovetousmindeandheartasitwerehellishfuries,1Tim.6.10.1Kings21.4.

Fiftly,becauseitisjoynedwithselfe-loveandenvy.

Lastly,becauseitbetrayethmenuntoSatanstentationstotheirdestruction,1Tim.6.9.

Butisallconcupiscencehereforbiddenasunlawfull?

No,butthatonelywhichisrepugnanttocharitytowardsGodandourneighbours;thatwhichisinordinate,andthatwhichbyunlawfullmeanesseekethtobesatisfied,andtendethtoanevillend,James4.3.Finally,thatwhichiseitherimmoderate,havingnobounds,orelseunjust,covetingthatwhichisanothermans,againsttheirwillandprofit.

Whataretheobjectswhicharehereremoved?

Theyareinfiniteandinnumerable;butforexamplessake,heeinsistethuponsomewhichmenmoreusuallyandardentlycovetafter.

Whatmeanethhebythehouseofourneighbour?

[Page]

Neighbours

wife.

Whatis

meantby

ourneigh-

bours

house.

Our

neighbors

servant.

Bothhisplaceofhabitation,andhisfamily,Genesis17.andlast.Forahouseisnecessarytohimthathathafamily;whichconvinceththemofagreatsin,thatforeveryslightcausethrusttheirTenantsoutoftheirhouses,Esa.5.8.

WhatarethepartsoftheFamilyherenumbred?

Thewife,servant,maid,&c.Thewifeofanothermustnotbecoveted:forsuchistheunioninmarriagebetweenmanandwife,thatitisunlawfulltocovetanothermanswife;notonelytocommitadulterywithher,buttoenjoyherforhisown,thoughbylawfullmeanes,andaftertheothersdeath.

Whataretheotherpartsofthefamily?

Servants,menandmaidens,whomwearehereforbiddentocovet,ortouseanymeanestoenticethemfromtheirmasterstocometous.

ForthoughthiswereagreatersinneamongtheIewes,becausetheyhadaproprietyinthem,theirservantsbeingpartoftheirgoods:yetitisasinnealsoamongstus,asbeingagainstcharityandthecommonruleofIustice,whichenjoynethustoleteveryonehavehisowne,andtodotoanotheraswewouldhavehimdoeuntous.

WhatotherthingsdoththisCommandementforbidtocovet?

HisOxe

andAsse.

The

affirmative

part.

OurneighboursOxe,orAsse,whichareherenamed,tocomprehendallothergoods,immoveable,ormoveable,becausetheyareofmostnecessaryuseformanslife.Andlestweshouldthinkitlawfulltocovetanyotherthingnotherenamed,heincludethallinthelastwords;NoranythingthatisthyNeighbours:whetheritbeefornecessity,profit,ordelight.

Whatdoeyoufurthergatherfromhence?

First,thatthosethingsareourNeighbourswhichGodhathgivenhim.

Secondly,thatbythisgiftofGodeverymanhathaproprietyanddistinctrightinthathepossessethbyvertueofthistenure.

Thirdly:thatheoughttobecontentedwiththatportionwhichGodhathgivenhim,andnottocovetanothermans:andconsequently,thattheDoctrineandpracticeoftheFamilists,iserroneousandwicked.

YouhavespokenhithertooftheNegativepart:nowshewwhatistheAffirmative.

Hereiscommandedapure,charitable,andjusthearttowardsourneighbours,1Tim.1.5.untowhich,thoughnonecanattaineinalegallperfection,yetoughtalltodesireandaspireuntoit.

[Page]

Whereindoththispurityconsist?

Intwothings:

First,inoriginalljustice,andinternallperfectcharity,inwhichweewerecreated.

Secondly,inspirituallconcupiscence.

WhatisoriginallJustice?

Notonelyanexactpurityfromallspotsofunrighteousnesse,butalsoadispositiontoperformecheerefullyallofficesofCharityandIustice.

WhatisspirituallConcupiscence?

Itcontainestwothings:

First,goodmotionsoftheSpirit.

Secondly,afightoftheSpiritagainstthelustoftheFlesh.

WhatarethosegoodmotionsoftheSpirit?

Charitableandjustmotions,thoughts,desires,andaffections,thatallwhichwethinkordesiremaybeforourneighboursgood.Andthisweemustdoefrequentlyandconstantly.

Whatisthefightagainstfleshlylusts?

Whenasbeingregenerate,andassistedbyGodsSpirit,we

The

meanes

enablingus

toobeythis

com-

mandement.-

makewarreagainsttheflesh,andtheluststhereof;andinallwemay,labourtomortifie,crucifie,andsubduethem,becausetheymakewarreagainstoursoules,andspirituallpart,Gal.5.17.1Pet.2.11.Rom.7.23.

Whatarethemeanesmoving,andenablingustoperformethedutiesrequiredinthisCommandement?

Theyareeithergenerallandcommon;orelsemorespeciallandproper.

Whatarethegenerallmeanes?

Suchastendtotheconservingoftheheartinpurity,thatitmayshunallsinfullconcupiscence:Asfirst,towalkewithGod;andsotodemeaneourselvesatalltimes,andinallthings,asbeingalwayesinhispresence,whosearcheththeheartandreines.

Secondly,toobserveandsetawatchoverourhearts,Prov.4.23.Andfirst,thatitdoenotadmitanyevillconcupiscence.Secondly,thatifitbeadmitted,itbenotretained.Andthiscaremustbetakenbothwhenweebeawake,thatwekeepourmindesintentuntolawfullandgoodthings,Matth.12.44.Andwhenwegoetosleep,thatbyheartyprayerwecommendthemtoGodskeeping.

Butwhatifthehearthaveadmittedevillconcupiscences?

Wemuststriveandfightagainstthem,andneverbeatrest,untillwehavecastthemout,andextinguishedthem.

The

impossi-

bilityof

Whatfurtherisrequiredtotheconservingoftheheartinpurity?

Inthethirdplacewemustobserveoursences,thattheydoenotbringintoourmindessuchobjectsasbeingapprehended,willstirreupinusevillconcupiscence,Gen.3.6.&6.2.Josh.7.21.2Sam.11.2.Matth.5.28.Job31.Psal.119.37.

Whatarethespeciallmeanestosuppresseortakeawaytheconcupiscenceoftheeyes?

First,wemustmortifieselfe-love,andnotseekourowne,buteverymananotherswealth,1Cor.10.24.

Secondly,wemustpullouttheeyesofenvy.

Thirdly,wemustlabouraftercontentation,Phil.4.11.Andtothisendconsider:First,howmanywantthosegoodthingswhichthouenjoyest,whoarefarremoreworthyofthem.SecondlythineowneunworthinesseoftheleastofGodsbenefits.Thirdly,meditateonGodsprovidence,andfatherlycare,whoprovidethallthingsnecessaryforthygoodandsalvation.

WhatdoeyoulearnefromthisCommandementthusexpounded?

Thatitismostimpossibleforanymantokeepit.Forwhocansay,thathisheartiscleanefromthefirstmotionsofsinne,andconcupiscencethatgoebeforeconsent?Prov.20.9.

[Page]

keeping

this

Commande

ment.

Repentance

&new

Towhatpurposeserveththeknowledgeofthisimpossibility?

Tohumbleusinthesightandsenseofoursinnes,whichhavemadeussubjecttothewrathofGod,andthecurseoftheLaw;thatsodespairinginourownemeritswemaybedrivenoutofourselves,andwithmoreardentdesire,flyeuntothemerciesofGodinthesatisfactionandobedienceofIesusChrist.

Whatotherusearewetomakeofit?

ThatbeingbyChristfreedfromthecurseoftheLaw,westudyandendeavourtoconformeourselves,oursoulesandlivesaccordingtotheprescriptruleofthisholyandmostperfectlaw,Matth.5.48.andthatmortifyingtheflesh,withallthecarnallconcupiscences,andlustsofit,webedaylymoreandmorereneweduntotheImageofGodinallholinesseandrighteousnesse,andwalkeworthyofourhighcalling,asitbecommethSaints,Eph.4.1.

HithertowehavetreatedoftheruleandsquareofourSanctification,viz.ThetenCommandements:

NowwhereinistheeffectorexerciseofSanctificationseene?

INunfeignedrepentance,andnewobediencespringingfromthence.ForthefruitsofSanctification,are;First,inwardvertues,

obedience.

Repentance

whatitis.

wherebyallthepowersofthemindearerightlyordered.Secondly,theexerciseofthesame,byputtingthoseheavenlyandsanctifiedabilitiestoholyuseandservice.

IfthentheexerciseofSanctificationbefirstseeninrepentance,whatisrepentance?

Aninwardandtruesorrowforsinne,especiallythatwehaveoffendedsograciousaGod,andsolovingafather;togetherwithasetledpurposeofheart,andacarefullendeavourtoleavealloursinnes,andtoliveaChristianlife,accordingtoallGodsCommandements,Psalme119.57.212.OraturningofourselvestoGod,wherebyweecrucifieandkillthecorruptionsofournature,andreformeourselvesintheinwardman,accordingtoGodswill.

Whatisittocrucifiethecorruptionofournature?

Itisfreely,andwithallourhearttobesorrythatwehaveangredGodwithit,andwithourothersinnes,andeverydaymoreandmoretohateitandthem,andtoflyefromthem.

Howisthiswroughtinus?

Itiswroughtinus,partlybythethreatningoftheLaw,andthefeareofGodsjudgements,butespeciallyincreasedbyfeelingthefruitofChristhisdeath,wherebywehavepowertohatesin,andtoleaveit:ForwhenthesinnerisoncehumbledwiththeterroursoftheLaw;heflyethtothe

[Page]

comfortsoftheGospell:andhethereseethinChristCrucified,notonelythemercyofGod,discharginghimofallhissinnes;butalsohowdeepthewoundsofsinare,wherewithhehathpiercedhisSaviour,Zach.12.10.andhowseverethewrathofGodisagainstsin,eventotheslaughteringofhisowneSon;andhence1Peter4.1.commethhetohatehissins,Psalme97.10.asGodhateththem,andtolookbackethereonwithgodlysorrow,2Cor.7.10.resolvingforeveraftertoforsakethemall.

Howisthereformationofourselvesnewnesseoflifewroughtinus?

OnelybythepromiseoftheGospel,wherebywefeelethefruitoftherisingagainofChrist.

Whatdothensuehereof?

Herebyweareraisedupintoanewlife,havingtheLawwritteninourhearts,andsoreformeourselves.

Whereinthendothrepentanceproperlyconsist?

InathoroughchangingofourpurposeanddesiresfromtheevillwhichGodsWordrebukethinus,tothegoodwhichitrequirethofus,Rom.12.1,2.Esa.1.16,17.

Whatisrequiredinrespectoftheevilweturnefrom?

First,knowledgeoftheevill,thenacondemningofthesame,togetherwithajudgingofourselvesforit,andthenwithgodlysorrowforthatwhichispast,ahatredofitfor

When

repentance

istobe

exercised.

ever,andallthisbecauseitissin,anddispleasethourGod.

Whatisrequiredinregardofthegoodweturneunto?

First,aknowledgeandapprobationofgoodtobedone,withapurposeofhearttodoeit:then,anearnestloveofthesame,shewedbycare,desire,andendevour.

Canmenrepentofthemselves,orwhentheylist?

No,foritisthegiftofGod,givenuntothemthatarebornagaine.

Isitsufficientoncetohaverepented?

No,wemustcontinueitalwayesindisposition,andrenewitalsoinact,asoccasionisgivenbyourtransgressions,andGodsdispleasure:forthereisnoneofGodsSaintsbutalwayescarryingthiscorruptionaboutthem,theysometimesfall,andarefarrefromthatperfectionandgoodnessewhichtheLordrequireth,andthereforestandinneedofrepentancesolongastheylive.

Whenthenisthisrepentancetobepractisedofus?

Thepracticeofrepentanceoughttobecontinually,anabhorringofevill,andcleavinguntothatwhichisgood,Rom.12.9.forasmuchtimeasremainethinthefleshafterourconversion,1Pet.4.2,3.yetattimesthereoughttobeamorespeciallpracticeandrenewingthereof;as

[Page]

aftergrievousfalls,Psal.51.infeareofeminentjudgements,Amos4.12.Gen.33.2,3,&c.orwhenwewouldfitourselvestoreceivespeciallmercies,Gen.35.2,3,&c.

Inwhatmannermusttheespeciallpracticeofrepentanceinsuchcasesbeperformed?

Theremustbe

1.Aserioussearchandenquiryafterallsins,Lam.3,40.asTraitorsagainstGod;butespeciallyspeciallsins,Ier.8.6.Psal.18.23.astheArch-rebels.2.HumbleconfessionofSins,

1.OfnecessityuntoGod,withshameofface,andtruesorrowofheart,Prov.28.13.Ier.31.18,19.2.Vntomenconditionally,Luk17.9.viz.ifeither

1.TheChurch,forsatisfactionofthepublikeoffence,doenjoyneopenacknowledgment,2Cor.2.6.Or,2.Somepersonallwrongdedemandprivatereconciliation,Luk.17.4.Or,3.TheweaknesseofthelabouringConsciencedorequirethesecretassistanceofafaithfullandableMinisterorbrother,Iames5.16.

3.Ferventandfaithfullprayer,Psal.51.1,2,&c.toGodinChrist,bothforpardonofwhatispast,verse7.andforsupplyofrenewinggraceforthetimetocome,verse10.4.Promiseofamendmentandsatisfactiontosuchas

Ofthe

spirituall

warfare.

wehaveendammaged.

Seeingmanydoefalslypretendthattheyrepent,howmayweknowthatourrepentanceistrue?

Atruetriallofununfainedrepentancemaybetaken,

1.Fromthegeneralityofit,viz.ifitextendtotheabhorringandshunningofallsins,Psal.119.128,139,24.andtotheloveandpracticeofalldutieswithoutreservation,Psal.119.6.2.Fromthethorowperformanceofeachpart,viz.

1.Hatredofsin,inspirituallwarfareagainstit,andthatevenuntoblood,ifneedbe,Heb.12.4.2.Oftheloveofrighteousnesse,inbringingforthfruitworthyamendmentoflife,Matth.3.8.towit,goodworks.

Whatisthespirituallwarfare?

Thedailyexerciseofourspirituallstrengthandarmouragainstouradversary,withassuredconfidenceofvictory;forthestateofthefaithfullinthislifeissuch,thattheyaresureinChrist,andyetfightagainstsin,therebeingjoynedwithrepentanceacontinuallfightingandstruglingagainsttheassaultsofamansowneflesh,againstthemotionsoftheDevill,andenticementsoftheworld.

Howshallweovercometheseenemies?

ByalivelyfaithinChristIesus.

[Page]

Ofthe

spirituall

Armour.

Whatisthenourprincipallstrength?

ThepowerfullassistanceofGodinChrist,Ephes.5.10.whohathlovedus,wherebywebecomemorethenconquerous,Rom.8.37.

WhatisourspirituallArmour?

Thecompleatfurnitureofsavingandsanctifyinggraces,calledthereforetheArmorofrighteousnesse,2Cor.6.7.andthePanoplie,orthewholearmorofGod,Eph.5.11,14,&c.viz.

1.Thegirdleofverityandsincerity.

2.Thebreastplateofrighteousnesse,thatis,holinesseoflife,andgoodconscience.

3.Theshooesofthepreparation(orresolutiontogoethroughwiththeprofession)oftheGospellofpeace.

4.TheshieldofFaith.

5.Thehelmetofthehopeofsalvation.

6.TheswordoftheSpirit,whichisthesoundknowledge,andwiseapplicationoftheWordofGod.

7.Finally,continuallandinstantprayerinthespirit.

WhoaretheAdversariesinthespirituallconflict?

Theyareeitherourfriendsprovingus,orourenemies

seducingandendangeringus.

Whoisthatfriendofoursforourprobation,whoentrethintoconflictwithus?

Godhimselfe,whothoughhetemptnomanuntoevill,nomorethenhecanhimselfebetempted,Iam.1.13.yetasaMasterofdefenceenurethustoconflict,bycontendingwithuseveninhisowneperson,viz.1sometimesbyprobatorycommandements,Gen.22.1.orsensibleapparitions,2Gen.32.24.butmoreordinarilybystrikingourheartswithhisterrors,Job6.4.withdrawingthecomfortofhisgraciouspresence,Psal.77.7.3leavingusforatimetoourselves,2Chron.32.31.thatbyourfalswe4mayacknowledgeourweaknesse.Finally,exercisingusunderthecrosseandyokeofoutwardafflictions,Heb.12.5,6.Rev.3.19.

HowmustwecontendwithGod?

NootherwisethenIacob,Hos.12.3,4.andotherholymenhavedone;thatis,byobedience,humility,patience,andferventprayeruntoGod,whoonlyinablethustoprevilewithhimselfe,givingustheblessingandnameofIsrael,Gen.32.28.

Whatarethoseenemiesofoursthatseeketoseduceandindangerus?

WhatsoevermarchethunderthebannerofSatan,thegodandprinceofthedarknesseofthisworld,2Cor.4.4.Eph.6.12.whosometimesimmediatelyassailethuswith

[Page]

Ofourfirst

enemy,

Satan.

impiousandodioussuggestions,2Cor.12.7.Zach.3.1.Butmoreusuallyimployethhisforcesorattendants,namely,theworld,1Iohn2.15.andtheflesh,Gal.5.24.Sothatthefaithfullinthislifehavebattell,bothwithout,bythetemptationsofSatan,andtheworld;andwithin,bythebattellofthefleshagainstthespirit.

Howdoetheseenemiesfightagainstoursoules?

Byimployingallforceandfraud,todrawusbysinfromtheobedienceandfavourofGoduntodamnation,1Iohn2.15.

Whatmustwedoebeingthusassaulted?

Wemuststandfast,beingstrongintheLord,andinthepowerofhismight,andtakinguntousthewholearmourofGod,Eph.6.13,14.thatwemaybeabletoresistintheevilldayeandtolead▪captivitycaptive.

Howshallweovercome?

ByalivelyfaithinIesusChrist.

Tocomethentotheseenemiesinparticular:WhatcallyouSatan?

TheadversaryorenemyofGodandhispeople.

Howmaywebeabletostandagainsthisassaults?

First,wemustlabourtoinformeourselves,thatwemay

notbeignorantofhisenterprisesorstratagems,2Cor.2.11.

Secondly,wemustboldlyresist,Iam.4.7.1.Pet.5.9.thatis,givenoplaceorgrounduntohim,Ephes.4.27.oradmitnoconferencewithhim,butratherneglectanddespisehissuggestions.

Thirdly,wemusttaketheshieldoffaithinChrist,andhisassistance,settinghimonourrighthand,whoismightytosave,Psal.16.8.Isa.63,1.wherebywemayquechallthefierydartsofthewickedone,Eph.6.16.

Forthly,wemustbrandishagainsthimtheswordoftheSpirit,thatis,thewordofGod,Eph.6.17.aftertheexampleofourSaviour,Mat.4▪4.&c.keepingourselvestothatonlywhichGodrevealethtous,andrequirethofus.

WhatisthefirstassaultofSatanagainstus?

Bysubtiltyheallurethustosin,andthereforeheiscalledaTempter,andaSerpent.

Howshallweovercomehiminthesetemptations?

First,byfaithinIesusChrist,whoovercameallSatanstemptationsinhisowneperson,thatsowemightovercomehim.

Secondly,byresistingtheinwardmotions,andoutwardoccasionsofsin.

Howshallwedoethat?

BybeleevingthatwearebaptizedintothedeathandResurrectionofChrist.

WhatisthesecondassaultofSatanagainstus?

Helayethfearfullytoourchargeoursinscommitted,andthereforeheiscalledtheDevill,andaccuser.

Howshallweovercomehimintheseaccusations?

First,byfaithinIesusChrist,whohathjustifiedusfromallthesinsforwhichSatancanaccuseus.

Secondly,byallthosecomfortablepromisesofforgivenesseofsins,whichinChristnamearemadeuntous.

WhatisthethirdassaultofSatanagainstus?

Heseekethbymanifoldinwardterrors,andoutwardtroubles,toswallowusup,andthereforeiscalledaroaringLyon.

Howshallweovercomehimintheseterrorsandtroubles?

1.ByfaithinIesusChrist,whowasheardinallhistroubles,togiveusassurance,thatweshallnotbeovercomeinthem.

Secondly,byfaithinGodsprovidence,wherebyweknowthatSatancandoenomoreharmeuntous,thentheLorddothpermithimforourgood.

[Page]

2.Enemy,

theWorld.

SomuchofSatanourfirstenemy:WhatcallyoutheWorld?

Thecorruptstateandconditionofmen,andoftherestofthecreatures,whichSatanabusethashisstore-house,orarmoryoftemptations,1Iohn2.15.

HowdoththeWorldfightagainstus?

Byalluringandwithdrawingustothecorruptionthereof.

Whatmeanesdothituse?

First,itallurethustoevill,withhopeoffalsepleasures,gaineandprofit,prefermentandgloryofthisworld,drawingusfromourobediencetoGod,1Joh.2.16.

Secondly,otherwhileswithfeareofpaines,troubles,losses,reproaches,itdiscouragethusfromourduty,andallurethustodistrustGodspromises,Joh.16.33.

Howmaywewithstandthesetemptationsoftheworld?

Byourfaith,1Joh.5.4.whichsettethabetterworld,evenGodsheavenlykingdombeforeoureyes,andsoenablethusbothtocontemne,Heb.11▪24,&c.andcrucifie,Gal.6.14.theloveofthispresentworld,andtoenduremanfullythethreatsandwrongsthereof,Heb.11.36,37.bothconfessingChristinperill,andsufferingmartyrdomeforhissake,ifwebetheretocalled,Rev.12.11.

Howarethenthepleasures,profits,andgloryofthisworldtobeovercome?

Third

enemy,our

flesh.

First,byatruefaithinIesusChrist,whodespisedallthesethingstoworkeoursalvation,andtomakeusovercomethem.

Secondly,byfaithinGodsword,thatfearethusfromdoinganythingthatisagainsthiswill.

Andhowshallweovercomethepaines,losses,andreproachesofthisworld?

First,byalivelyfaithinIesusChrist,whosufferedallthesethingstoworkeoursalvation,andtoenableustosufferthem.

Secondly,byastedfastfaithinGodspromisesandprovidence,thatweshallwantnogoodthing,andthatallthingsseeminghurtfull,shallbeeturnedtothefurtheranceofoursalvation.

SomuchoftheWorld,thesecondenemy:WhatcallyoutheFlesh?

Thecorruptionofournaturewhereinwewereborneandconceived.

DoththatremaineafterRegeneration?

Yea,itdwellethinus,andcleavethfastuntous,solongaswecarrytheoutwardfleshaboutus.

HowdoththefleshfightagainsttheSpirit?

Asatreacherouspartewithinus,beingbySatanstirred

[Page]

up,andinvegledwiththebaitsoftheworld,ordiscouragedwiththeevillentreatythereof,itfightethonhissideagainstoursoule,1Pet.2.11.Thatis,ourspiritualllifeandwelfare,bycontinualllustingagainsttheSpirit,Gal.5.24.

Howisthat?

First,byhindring,orcorruptingusinthegoodmotions,words,anddeedsoftheSpirit.

Secondly,bycontinuallmovingustoevillmotions,words,anddeeds.

WhatcallyoutheSpirit?

TheholySpiritwhichGodinChristhathgivenus,wherebywearebegottenagaine.

DoewenotreceivetheSpiritinfullmeasureandperfectionatthefirst?

No;butfirstweereceivethefirstfruits,andafterwarddailyincreaseofthesameuntotheend,ifthefaultbenotinourselves.

HowdoththeSpiritfightinus?

Bylustingagainsttheflesh.

Howdothitlustagainsttheflesh?

First,partlybyrebuking,andpartlybyrestraininginusthe

evillmotionsanddeedsoftheflesh.

Secondly,bycontinuallenlightningandaffectinguswiththoughts,words,anddeedsagreeabletoGodswill.

Howmaywewithstandthetemptationsofourflesh?

BysettingbeforeoureyesthepatterneofthedeathofChrist,andarmingourselveswiththesameminde,thatitbehovethusalsotosufferintheflesh,ceasingfromsinne,1Pet.4.1.heretocravingandimployingthepowerofthesamedeathofChrist,tosubdueandcrucifieourcarnalllustsandaffections,Rom.6.2.&c.WheretoalsobelongeththehelpeandassistanceoftheSpirit,fortherepressingofourinordinatedesiresofnature,1Cor.9.25.

Somuchofthespirituallfight:whatfollowethafteramanhathgottenthevictoryinanytempatationoraffliction?

ExperienceofGodsloveinChrist,andsoincreaseofpeaceofconscience,andjoyintheholyGhost,Rom.5.3.2Cor.1.5.

Whatfollowesifinanytemptationhebeovercome,andthroughinfirmityfall?

Afterawhiletherewillarisegodlysorrow;whichis,whenamanisgrievedfornoothercauseintheworld,butforthisonely,thatbyhissinhehathdispleasedGod,whohathbeenuntohimamostmercifullandlovingfather,2Cor.7.8,9.Matth.26.75.

Whatsigneisthereofthissorrow?

Thetruesigneofitisthis:whenamancanbegrievedfortheverydisobedienceofGodinhisevillwordordeed,thoughheshouldneverbepunished,andthoughtherewereneitherheavennorhell,1Pet.2.18,19.

Whatfollowesafterthissorrow?

Repentancerenewedafresh,1Cor.7.11.

Bywhatsigneswillthisrepentanceappeare?

Byseven,2.Cor.7.11.

1.Acaretoleavethesinwhereintoheisfalne.

2.Anuttercondemningofhimselfeforit,withacravingofpardon.

3.Agreatangeragainsthimselfeforhiscarelesnesse.

4.Afearelestheshouldfallintothesamesinagaine.

5.AdesireeveraftertopleaseGod.

6.Azealeofthesame.

7.Revengeuponhimselfeforhisformeroffences?

Thusfarreofrepentanceandthespirituallwarfareaccompanyingthesame:Whatarethosegoodworkeswhereinournewobedienceisexercised?

Newobedi-

ence.

[Page]

Ofgood

worksin

generall,

andofthe

Properties

ofthem.

Thatwhichproceedingfromapersonacceptable,issomethingofGodcommanded,performedinrightmanner,anddirecteduntoagoodend:namely,whatsoeverthingisdoneofus,notbytheforceorconductofnature,2Cor.3.5.butbythepoweroftheSpiritofChristdwellinginus,Rom.8.10.andaccordingtotheruleoftheknownewillofGod.Rom.12.2.untothegloryofGod,1Cor.10.31.theassuranceofourelection,2Pet.1.10,&c.andtheedificationofothers,1Cor.10.23.

Howmanythingsthenareneedfullforthemakingofouractionsgood,andwhatpropertiesaretoberequiredingoodworks?

Five:

1.TheythatdoethemmustfirstbesuchasareingraffedintoChrist,andcontinueinhim,thatsotheirpersonsmaybeacceptableuntoGod.

2.TheymustbeagreeabletotheLawofGod;andhethatdoththem,mustknowthathehathawarrantforhisactionfromtheCommandementofGod.

3.Hethatdoththem,mustnotonlyhaveawarrantforhisaction,andknowthatitislawfull,buthemustalsodoeitinthatmannerwhichGodhathappointed.

4.Hethatdoththem,mustbeperswadedinhisheartthatGodalloweththem.

5.TheymustbedonetothatholyendforwhichGodhathcommandedthem;namely,toglorifieGod,andtoassureourownesalvation.

Cannotallmendoegoodworks?

No,butonlytheregenerate,whoareforthatpurposecreatedanew,andinduedinsomemeasurewiththespiritofChrist,andpowerofhisresurrection,andcarrytheImageofGodinthem,Ephes.2.10.2Tim.2.21.

Whatsayyouthenofthegoodworksoftheunregenerate?

Theydoenogoodworks,becausetheyneitherareasyetmembersofChrist,nordoeofferthemtoGodinthenameofChrist,andthereforearetheevillTree,whichbringethforthonlyevillfruit,Mat.7.17,&c.Jer.13.23.

Istherenodifferencebetweenthoseunregenerate,whichkeepthemselvestotheirownewives,andthosethattakeothermens:Orbetweenhimthatstealeth,andhimthatlivethofhisownelabour,thoughnotconverted?

Yesverily:Fortheformeractionsarecivillygoodandprofitableformaintenanceofthesocietyofmen,andbeforeGodnotsoabominableastheywhicharecommittedagainstcivillhonesty;yetcommingfromsomeothercause(eitherofvain-glory,orofservilefeare,oropinionofmerit)thenfromfaith,andconsequently,theloveofGod,theyarenobetterthensins,whatshewofgoodnessesoevertheyhave.

[Page]

Thatthere

isnomerit

ingood

works.

Istherenoconcurrenceofnatureinthedoingofagoodworke?

Takingnature(inthecommonsenseofScripture)forthathereditarycorruptionthatcleavethtoallthesonsofAdam,Eph.2.3.1Cor.2.14.nogoodworkehathanygroundorhelpfromnature,butisaltogethercontrarythereto,Rom8.7.Butifweunderstandbynature,asRom.2.14.thecreatedabilitiesofsouleandbody,asthelightofreason,libertyofthewill,motionofthebodilymembers,&c.weacknowledgenaturenottobetheprincipallmoverorguide,Mat.16.17.butthethingsmovedandguidedbygraceinwelldoing,1Thes.5.23.

Doenotourgoodworksmakeusworthyofeternalllife,orinsomepartjustifieus,oranywhitmeritanddeservethefavourofGod?

No:because,

1.WearetenthousandtimesmoreindebtedtoGod,thenallourgoodworks,orourselvesareworth.

2.WecandoenogoodthingbutthatwhichcommethfromGod.

3.TherighteousnessewhichisabletostandinthejudgementofGod,mustbeperfectinallrespects,butinmanythingswesinall.Andagaine,ourbestworksareimperfect,corruptanddefiledwithsin,andthereforecandeservenothingatthehandsofGod,whobeingperfect

righteousnesseitselfe,willfindinthebestworkswedoe,morematterofdamnationthenofsalvation:wherefore,wemustrathercondemneourselvesforourgoodworks,thenlooketobejustifiedbeforeGodthereby,Ps.143.2.Isa.64.6.Iob.9▪3.

Istherenoworksofmanperfectlygood?

Noworkeofasinfullmaniswhollyfreefromsin,neitheristhereanygoodworkeperfect,nonotofthemostperfectinthislife,byreasonoftheremaindersofcorruption,Isa64.6.Gal.5.17.butonlytheworkeofChrist,inwhomalonetherewasnomixtureofsin,1Pet.2.22.

ButwhenourSanctificationherebegunshallbeperfectedintheworldtocome,shallwenotthenbejustifiedbyaninherentrighteousnesse?

No,butbytheimputedrighteousnesseofourSaviourChrist,whichbeingoncegivenus,isnevertakenawayfromus.

HowispollutionconveyedintothegoodworkswhichGodworkethinus?

Thereis(besidestheworkeofhisownehand,throughtheoperationofhisholySpirit)apollutioninus,andaninfectionofours,whichcommethfromthesinthatdwellethinus:asclearewaterputintoanuncleanevessell,orrunningthroughafilthychannell,receivethsomeevillqualitythereof.

Wherein

ourgood

worksfaile.

WhereindoeourgoodworksfaileofGodsIustice?

Partlyintheinstrumentallcausesfromwhichtheyproceed,andpartlyinthefinallcauseorendwhereuntotheyayme.

Whataretheinstrumentallcauseshindringtheperfectionofourworke?

1.Ourunderstanding,inthattheworkeisnotdonewithknowledge,absoluteandthroughlyperfect.

2.Ourmemory,inthatourremembranceisinfeebled,anddothnotsofullyretainethatwhichtheunderstandingconceiveth.

3.Ourwillandaffections,inthattheyareshortoftheirduty.

4.Ourbody,inthatitisnotsoaptandnimblefortheexecutionofgoodthingsasisrequired.

Expressethisbyasimilitude.

WeareintheinstrumentallcausesliketoacommonLabourer,whichbeinghiredbytheday,workethwithonehandwhereasbotharerequired,orworkethapeeceoftheday,beinghiredforthewhole.

Whatisthefinallendwhereingoodworksfaile?

InthatwehavenotsodirectaneyetoGodsglory,orthegoodofourneighbourasisrequired;butlookeasquint,as

[Page]

WhyGod

rewardeth

ourworks.

itwere,atthosedutieswhichareinjoynedus:LiketothoseArtificers,whopreferretheirownecreditintheirskillbeforetheirMastersprofit.

Ifthenitbesothatsincleavethtoourbestworks,andmakeththemsin,arenotourgoodworkssin?andarenotallevillworksequall?

No,doubtlesse,beitfarfromustothinkeit:Fortheirimperfectionissinfull,butthegoodworkeisnotasin,andeveninbadactions(ashathbeensaid)somearebetter,thatislesseevillandhurtfullthenothers.

Butseeingourworksarethuscorrupt,howcantheypleaseGod?andwhydothhepromisearewarduntothem?

First,therewardthatGoddothpromise,isnotforthedesertofourworks,butofhisownegraceandmercy.

Secondly,thecorruptionandpollutionthatcleavethuntoourgoodworksistakenawaybytheintercessionofourSaviourChrist,forwhosesakeGodcoveringtheimperfection,acceptethandaccountethof,andsorewardeththem,asiftheywereperfect,1Pet.2.5.Exod.28.36,37,38.

WhatDoctrineishencetobegathered?

ADoctrineofgreatcomforttothechildrenofGodtostirthemuptoaboundingoodworks,siththeyareso

Theendsof

good

works.

acceptabletoGodandChristIesus:forwhenmenknowanythingtobedelightsometotheirPrince,theywillwithallendeavour&striveforit:howmuchmorethenoughtwetobeprickedforwardtotheserviceofGod,whoquenchethnotthesmoakingFlaxe,norbreakeththebruisedReed,Matth.12.20.yeawhichforgettethnotacupofcoldwatergiveninfaith,andforhissake?Matth.10.42.

Declarenowtheendsforwhichgoodworksaretobedone.

1.ThatbythemGodsglorymaybeadvanced.

2.ThatbythemwemayshewourthankfulnessetoGodforallhisbenefits.

3.Thatbythemwemaybeassuredofourfaithandelection.

4.Thatbyourgoodworkeswemayedifieothers.

Howmayweedifieothers?

1.Byencouragingandstrengtheningthosethataregood.

2.BywinningthosethatarenotcometoGod.

3.Bystoppingthemouthesofthewicked,andofthosethatareincorrigible.

Isitnotlawfulltoseekourownepraiseandmeritbyourgoodworks?

No;forallourgoodworksareimperfect,andsalvationis

[Page]

onlymeritedbythedeathandobedienceofChrist,(ashathbeensaid.)

ButwillnotthisDoctrinemakemencarelesseofwell-doing:

No;fortheythatareingraffedintoChrist,mustneedsbringforthgoodworks;andgoodworkesarenecessary,(ashathbeendeclared)thoughnotformerit,yetforGodsglory,theedificationofothers,andourowneassuredcomfort.

Aregoodworkssoneedfull,thatwithoutthemwecannotbeassuredofsalvation?

Yes;forthoughgoodworkesdoenotworkeoursalvationinanypart;yetbecausetheythatarejustifiedarealsosanctified,theythatdoenogoodworkes,doedeclarethattheyneitherarejustified,norsanctified,andthereforecannotbesaved.

Thentheymustmuchmorebecondemned,whichcommitsinne,andlyeinit.

Yea;forsucharenotonelypronouncedtobeaccursedbytheLaw,butalsotheGospellhathpronounced,thattheyshallnotinheritthekingdomeofheaven.

Whatconsiderationmaydrawustobezealousingoodworks?

Thatifwedoewell,weshallhavewell,astheold

sayingis.

Butthatisahardthingtobeperswadedof?

Soitisindeed;becauseourheartsarenaturallydistrustfullinthepromisesofGod:Asalsoourflesh,theworld,andthedevilldoesuggestuntous,thatitisavainethingtodoegood.Mal.3.14.

Whatremedyisthereagainstthisassault?

Thatitshallbewellwiththemthatdoewell,bythetestimonyofGodhimselfe,commandingtheProphetEsaiahtosaysototherighteous,Esa.3.10.whichoughttoteachallmen,thatlayingasidealltheirowneopinions,andwhatsoeverseemethgoodintheirowneeyes,theyshouldrelywhollyuponthedirectionofGod.

Whatmaybegatheredofthis?

ThatitisbettertoendangerourselveswithobediencetoGod,thenwithdisobediencetoridourselvesoutofappearanceoftrouble.

ButwhydidtheLordthuschargetheProphet?

Becausethewicked(assaithMalachi)weariedGodwiththeirblasphemies,saying,thathedelightedintheirwickednesse,Mal.2.17.

Howsecondlyisthatpoyntconfirmed?

Byacontinuallpracticeandexperiencefromtimetotime,

asthefriendsofJobdoewellreasonthereupon.

Whatisthethirdproofe?

ThatsiththeLordmustdoeeithergoodforgood,orevillforgood;andthatitisabsurd,yeablasphemous,tosaythatGoddothevillforgood;itmustneedsfollow,thathewilldoegoodforgood:forifareasonablehonestmanwouldnotrequitekindnessewithunkindnesse;itcanmuchlessefallintothenatureofGodsotodoe;especiallysee-inghedidthenshewkindnesseuntous,whenwewereenemiesuntohim.

Howfourthlyisitconfirmed?

InthatGodissaidtowriteupthegooddeedsofhisservantsintohisbookofRecords,astheKingsoftheeartharewonttodoe,Mal.3.16,17,18.

Butthisseemethnotso,siththewickeddoesotriumphoverthegodly,asiftherewerenodifference?

Adifferenceshallspeciallyappeareatthedayofjudgement,whenbythesentenceofthegreatIudgethewickedlikestubbleshallbeconsumedwithfire,andtheSunofrighteousnesseshallshineuponthejust.

Istherenodifferenceatallinthislife?

Yes,inwardly:Forthegodlyindoingwellhavealwayesagoodconscience,howsoeverearthlythingsgoewiththem;sothatthegreenSalletofhearbs,ordrybread,isbetter

Ofspeciall

goodworks

required.

[Page]

Ofprayer,

whatitis.

tothemthenalltherichmanswealth;becausethegraceofGodgoethwiththemwhithersoevertheygoe,whereasthewickedhaveahellintheirconscience,howwellsoevertheyfareoutwardly.

Somuchofgoodworksingenerall:WhatspeciallgoodworksarecommandedusintheWordofGod?

ThethingswhichwegiveuntoGod,prescribedinthefirstTable;andthegivingofalmestoourneedyNeighbour,touchingwhichamongallthedutiesofthesecondTable,ourSaviourgivethspecialldirectioninthesixtofMatthew,whereheentreatethofprayerandfasting.

WhatarethosethingsthatwegiveuntoGod?

PrayersandVowes,Psal.50.13,14.&66.13,14.whichbeingspeciallpartsofGodsworshipmaynotbecommunicatedtoanyother,Esa.42.8.&48.11.

Whatisprayer?

ItisafamiliarspeechwithGodinthenameofChrist,1John5.14.openingthedesiresofourheartsuntohim,andsoaliftingupofthemind,andapowringoutoftheheartbeforeGod,forthemoreampleandfreefruitionofthegoodthingswehaveneedof,Psal.50.15.Jer.33.3.Lam.2.19.Phil.4.6.

HowfurtheristhenecessityofPrayerconsidered?

The

necessityof

prayer.

PrayerisakeytoopentheStore-housesofallGodstreasuresuntous;andasbyknockingweenterintotheplacewegoeto,sobyPrayerweobtainethosethingsweneed.Alsoasmenprovidegiftstomakewayforfavour,Pro.17.8.soPrayerisagifttoappeaseGodsangertowardsus,andasahooketoreachthosethingsthatareaboveourreach,andtoputbythosethingsthatstandinourwayandletus.Addehereunto,thatitissonecessary,aswithoutittheuseandenjoyingofthethingswehaveisunlawfull,1Tim.4.5.ForasifwetakeanythingthatisourNeighbourswithoutaskinghimleaveweareaccountedTheeves,sototakeanythingofGods(whoseallthingsare)withoutaskingthemathishand,isFelony.Finally,PrayerisaprincipallmeanesservingforthestrengtheningandencreasingofFaith,andforthefurtheradvancingandmoreplentifulleffectingoftheoutwardmeanesofsalvation,Jude20.1Thess.5.17,18.Psal.4.6,7.AndthereforetheApostlesdidnotonelysayuntoChrist,Increaseourfaith,Luk.17.5.butalso,LordteachustoprayasJohntaughthisDisciples,Luke11.1.

Whatgatheryouhence?

ThatwecanneverhonourGodaright,incallinguponhisname,unlesseweebringfaithfullandfeelingheartsbeforehim,James1.6,7.1Sam.1.16.

DescribePrayeryetmorelargely?

ItisareligiouscallinguponGodaloneinthenameofChrist,bythetitleswherewithintheScriptureheisset

Amorefull

description

ofprayer.

[Page]

forthuntous,aswelltherebytodoeserviceandhomageuntotheLord,astoobtainethosefurtherthingsandGracesthatarenecessaryforus.Orthus.Itistheholyrequestofanhumbleandsanctifiedheart,togetherwiththanksgivingPhil.4.6.)offeredbythepowerofthespiritofPrayer(Rom.8.26.)asaspeciallserviceuntoGod(Psal.50.15.)inthenameofChrist(John14.14.)inbehalfeofourselvesandothers,(Ephes.6.18.)withassurancetobeheardinwhatweeprayforaccordingtothewillofGod,1Iohn5.14.Iames1.6.

Whydoewecallitarequestwiththanksgiving?

BecauseinallourPrayerstheremustbothpetitionofthegoodthingsweneed,andthankfullacknowledgmentofthosethingswehaveobtained,(1Thess.5.17,18.)Asforthoseformeswhichcontaineneithersupplicationnorgivingofthanks,astheArticlesoftheBeleefe,theDecalogue,&c.theymay,andought,forothergoodpurposes,becommittedtomemoryandrehearsed,Deut.6.7.buttousethemasPrayerssavourethofdeepignorance,ifnotofsuperstition,Matth.6.7.

Whydoeyoucallittherequestoftheheart?

Nottoexcludetheuseofbodilygesture,muchlesseofthevoiceandtongue,intheactionofInvocation,(thereforecalledtheCalvesoftheLips,Hosea14.2.)buttoshew,first,thattheheartisonourparttheprincipallmoverandspeakerinprayer,fromwhencebothvoiceandgesturehavetheirforceandgrace,1Cor.14.15.Psal.45.1.&

Whatis

required

thatprayer

maybe

holy.

108.1.

Secondly,thatPrayeronsuddenoccasionsmaybesecretlyandpowerfullyoffered,andisofGodheardandaccepted,whenneitheranyvoiceisuttered,noranybodilygestureemployed,Exod.14.15.Nehem.2.4.

Whydoeyouadde,Ofanhumbleandsanctifiedheart?

Becauseasingenerallnonecanpray,ordoeanythingacceptable,Psal.109.7.butsuchasaretruelyregenerateandsanctifieduntothisandeverygoodwork,Psal.51.15.soinspeciall(andforthepresentactionofprayer)itisrequiredasthesummeofallsacrifices,thattheheartbehumbleandcontrite,Psal.51.17.acknowledgingitowneunworthinessebyreasonofsinne,Dan.9.8,9.feelingthewantofGodsgraceandmercy,Psal.143.6.andsubmittingitselfeuntohim,willingtobebeholdingfortheleastdegreeoffavour,Luke15.18,19.

Whatthenisrequiredofus,thatourprayersmaybeholy?

1.ThatwepraywithfaithandassurancethatGodforChristsakewilheareus.

2.ThatwepraywithfeareandreverenceofGod.

3.Thatwepraywithhumility,andalivelysenseofourowneunworthinessetoobtaineanythingatGodshands.

4.Thatwepraywithatruefeelingofourownewants,andanearnestdesiretoobtainethosethingsforwhichwepray.

5.Thatouraffectionsbeagreeabletothematterforwhichwepray.

6.Thatwepurposetouseallgoodmeanesfortheobtainingofthosethingsforwhichwepray.

Inbrief,thesebethespeciallpropertiesoftrueprayer.Itmustbe

1.Infaith,withoutwavering,Iames1.6.

2.Intruth,withoutfaining,Psal.145.18.

3.Inhumility,withoutswelling,Luke18.13.

4.Inzeale,withoutcooling,Iames5.16.

5.Inconstancy,withoutfainting,Luke18.1.

Whatlearneyouhence?

ThateventheywhicharemostfrequentandferventinthisdutyhadneedtoprayGodtoforgivetheirprayers,inconscienceoftheirownefrailtiesandinfirmities,Esa.38.14,15.Psal.77.9,10.&32.3,5.

WhatisthespiritofPrayer?

AnespeciallgraceandoperationoftheholyGhost,Iude

[Page]

Thatwe

mustpray

toGod

alone.

20.calledthereforethespiritofgraceandsupplication,Zachary12.10.enablingustopowreoutoursoulesuntotheLord,Psalme62.8.withsighesthatcannotbeexpressed,Romanes8.26.FortheholyGhostmustbeeourhelperinprayer,toteachusbothwhattopray,andhowtopray,Rom.8.26.

Towhommustwepray?

ToGodalone,andtononeother.For1.Healoneisthesearcherofthehearts,heareththevoice,andknoweththemeaningofthespiritofprayer,Psal.65.2.Rom.827.

2.Heisabletograntwhatsoeverwedemand,Eph.3.20.

3.Hechallengethourfaithandconfidence,withoutwhichwecannotpray,Rom.10.14.Whereforeseeinghealonehearesallprayers,healesallsins,knowesallsuiters,Jer.31.18.2Chron.7.14.&6.30.1Chro.28.9.Psal.44.21.Healonehathloveenoughtopittyall,andpowerenoughtorelieveallourwantsandnecessities,tohimalonewearetopray,andtononeother.

Whatlearneyouhence?

ThatseeingtheScriptureforbiddethustocommunicateGodshonourtoanyother,Isa.42.8.&48.12.suchasprayeithertoSaintsorAngels,Col.2.18.haveforgottenthenameoftheirGod,Psal.44.20.whichcondemneththoseoftheChurchofRome,whowouldhaveustopray

Thatwe

mustpray

onlyinthe

mediation

ofChrist.

Forwhom

toAngelsandSaintsdeparted.

Whethermustwedirectourprayers,totheFather,ortheSonne,ortotheHoly-Ghost?

WemustpraytotheTrinityofPersonsintheVnityoftheGodhead;thatistosay,toourGodinTrinity.

Inwhosename,orforwhosesakemustwepraytoGod?

Intheonlyname,andfortheonlysakeofhisSonneourLordIesusChrist,Dan.9.17.Iohn16.23,24.thealoneMediatorbetweenGodandman,1Tim.2.5.Asofpropitiation,soorintercession,1John2.1,2.Rom.8.34.whothroughthevaileofhisflesh,andmeritofhisbloud,hathpreparedforusanewandlivingway,wherebywemaybeboldtoenterintotheholyplace,Heb.10.19.inwhomalonewearemadethechildrenofGod,andhavelibertytocallhimFather,Gal.4.5.Finally,in,with,andforwhomGodgivethallthingsthatbegoodtohisElect,Rom.8.32.

WhoarecondemnedbythisDoctrine?

TheyoftheChurchofRome,whoteachustoprayinthenameofSaints,andmakethemtobeourMediatorsbetweenGodandus.

Forwhomarewetopray?

Forourselvesandothers,usandours;ina

wemust

pray.

[Page]

word,forallmen,1Tim.2.1.evenourenemies,Mat.5.44.becausetheybearethecommonImageofGod,Jam.3.9.andbloudofmankinde,whereofweareallmade,Act.17.26.unlesseitbeapparentthatanyonehathcommittedtheunpardonablesin,1John5.16.Butprincipally,forsuchasareourbrethreninChrist,andofthehousholdoffaith,Eph.6.18.Gal.6.10.

Secondly,forallsortsanddegreesofmen,especiallypublickpersons,asRulers,andsuchasareinauthority,1Tim.2.2.Ministersthatwatchoveroursoules,Eph.6.19.Col.4.3,&c.

Whatassurancehavewethatweshallbeheardinwhatweprayfor?

1.BecausewepraytothatGodthathearethprayers,Psal.65.2.

2.Andistherewarderofallthatcomeuntohim,Heb.11.6.andinhisnametowhomwhosoasketh,Goddeniethnothing,Iohn11.42.andtherforehowsoeverwearenotalwayesansweredatthepresent,Psal.77.1.orinthesamekindthatwedesire,2Cor.12.9.yetsoonerorlaterwearesuretoreceiveevenabovethatweareabletoaskeorthinke,ifwecontinuewithconstancy,patience,andimportunitytosueuntohimaccordingtohiswill,Luke11.5.&18.1.1Iohn5.14.

WhatthingsmustwecometoGodinprayerfor?

Notfortriflesandtoyes,butforthingsneedfullandnecessary,andsuchasGodhathmadeuspromiseof;somewhereofdoeimmediatelyconcernethegloryofGod,othersthenecessityofman;eitherinthingsbelongingtothispresentlife,orthoseespeciallywhichbelongtothelifetocome.

ButhowcanwerememberallthepromisesthatGodhathmadethereintogroundourPetitions,especiallybeingunletter'd?

Therearegenerallpromises,thatwhatsoeverweeshallaskeaccordingtohiswill,itshallbegivenus,1John5.14.Againe,whatsoeverwereadorhearethattheservantsofGodhaveuncontrollablydemandedintheScriptures,orwithoutspeciallcalling;thatisagoodwarrantforustodemandatthehandsofGod.

WherethenisthatwillofGodrevealed,accordingwheretowemustdirectourprayers?

ThroughoutthewholebookeoftheScripturesofGod,whichenformeusasconcerningotherduties,soespeciallyconcerningthisofprayer.Recordingalsoforthispurposemanyexcellentprayers,asofMoses,David,Daniel,Nehemiah,Paul,&c.ButmostabsolutelyinthatpassageorportiondeliveredbyourSaviourhimselfe;andthereforecommonlycalled,theLordsPrayer.

Whatlearneyoufromthence?

Thatforhelpeofourweaknesseandrudenesseinprayer,

wearetolooktotheprayersoftheholymenofGod,setdowneinScripture,accordingtothestatewhereintheywereatthetimeofthoseprayers,maybestsortwiththespeciallcaseswhereinwearewhenwepray.Butespecial-ly,andaboveanyother,yeaaboveallofthemtogether,weearetolookeuntothatmostabsoluteprayerwhichourSaviourChristhathtaughtusintheGospell.

VVhatisthespeciallendanduseofPrayer?

Torecoverourpeace,andtonourishourcommunionwithourGod,Dan.9.9.Phil.4.6,7.John17.or1John.1.7.

Whatgatheryouhence?

Thatsuchashaveleastcare,andmakeleastconsciencetocalluponhim,havealsoleastacquaintanceandacceptancewithhim,Psalme14.3.

Whatistheexcellencyofthisduty?

Itsettethheadandheart,andallourbestaffectionsaworke,givingGodthepraiseofhisMajestyandmercy,goodnesseandgreatnessebothtogether,1Sam.10.12,13.Jam.5.13.14.Psal.50.23.andthereforeitiscom-paredtoIncenseorsweetperfume,Psalme1412.forthatitisacceptabletotheLord,asperfumesaretomen;andtothedropsofhoney,asitweredroppingfromthelipsoftheChurch,asfromanhoney-combe,Cant.4.11.ThylipsômySpousedropasthehoney-combe,honeyandmilkareunderthytongue.

[Page]

Theparts

ofPrayer.

OfPetition.

HowcanGodsoinfinitelywise,takedelightinourPrayersthataresorude?

BecauseinChristhetakethusforhischildren;andthereforeasParents,rathertakepleasuretohearetheirchildrenstammer,thensomeothertospeakeloquently;sodoththeLordtakepleasureintheweakeprayersoftheSaints.

HithertoofInvocationandPrayeringenerall:whatarethepartsthereof?

Twoprincipally,(Psalm50.15.23.1Thes.5.17,18.1Tim.2.1.Phil.4.6.Petition,orRequest,(properlycalledPrayer)wherebywecravethingsneedfull;andThanksgiving,orPraise,wherebywemagnifiethegoodnesseofGod,andgivethanksforbenefitsreceived;tobothwhichisannexed,confessionofsinnes,andoftherighteousjudgementofGodagainstthem:attheviewwhereofwebeinghumbled,maycomemorepreparedlytoprayerinbothkindes.

WhatisPetition?

Petition,(orprayerproperlysocalled)isareligiouscallinguponthenameofGod,bysuteorrequest;inwhichwedesireandbegallthingsnecessary,Luke11.1,2.3.Phil.4.6,7.Psalme50.15.Anditiseitherforthingsofthispresentlife,withthisexception,sofarreforthasthesameshallbeethoughtgooduntothewisdomeofGod;or(andthatespecially)for

thethingsofthelifetocome,withoutexception,Matth.8.2.2Sam.15.25.26.

Whatlearneyouofthis;thatitisareligiouscallinguponGod?

First,thatwemaynotrushunadvisedlyintoGodspresence,butapproachhisThronewithfeareandreverence,Heb.12.28.Eccl.5.1.

Secondly,thatthebesthearingisinheaven,andreadiesthelpfromGodshand,2Chron.7.14.

WhatdoeyoumeanebycallinguponGod?

Notthecallingofthetongue,butthecryoftheheart;asHannahcalleduponGod,whenhervoycewasnotheard,1Sam.1.13.andMosescryeduntotheLord,whenyethespakenotaword,Exod.14.15.

VVhatgatheryouhence?

Thattheheartwithoutthetongue,maypraywithfruitandfeeling1Sam.1.10.Butthetonguewithouttheheartisnothingbutvainebabling,Matth.6.7.

WhatdoeyoumeanebythenameofGod?

Godhimselfeconsideredinhisattributesandproperties,whereby(asmenbytheirnames)heeisknowneuntous.Exod.34.6,7.Psalme145.12,&c.

Whatlearneyouhence?

[Page]

First,thatneitheranymayclaime,norwemayyeeldthisduty,butwherewemayfindthepowerandpropertiesoftheDeity,Psa.44.20.21.

Secondly,thatitisagoodgroundofprayertostayourheartsonsuchofGodsproperties,asarebestsuitingwithournecessities,2Chron.20.6,7,8,9.Neh.1.5.

Thirdly,thattheythatwillnotsettletheirheartsonGodalonebyfaithcanneverliftuptheirheartstohimaloneinprayer,Rom.10.14.Psal.44.20.Lam.3.41.

Fourthly,thatineverystateandcondition,theythatpraybest,speedbest,andlivebest,Dan.9.23.Psalme.50.15.&66.18,19.

ItseemethtobeofnousetomakeourPetitionstoGod,seeinghebothknowethwhatwewant,eitherforhisgloryorourgood,andhathdeterminedwhattobestowuponus?

Yesverily:wemustaske,andthatcontinually;thatis,atsettimes,withoutintermission,bytheCommandementofChristhimselfe,biddingusaskeandweshallreceive,seekeandweshallfind,knockeanditshallbeopenedtous,Mat.7.7.whereinweshouldrest:ForasGodhathfore-appointedallnecessariestobegivenus;sohathhealsoappointedthemeaneswherebytheyshouldbebroughttopasse,whereofPrayerisachiefe.

Whatotherreasonhaveyouforthis?

Weshouldthereforeprayforthethingswehaveneedof,thathavingreceivedthem,wemaybeassuredwehadthemofGod,andnotbyaccidentorfortune,asnaturallmensay.

What,dothnotGodoftentimesbestowhisbenefitswithoutPrayer?

Yes:bothuponthewicked,eithertoprovokethemtorepent,ortomaketheminexcusable;anduponhisownechildren:evenasalovingfather,inregardofhisignorant,andsometimesnegligentchilde,dothgivethingsunasked,evensodothGodtowardshis.

WhywilltheLordhaveusbeghisblessingsofhim?

Toexerciseourfaithinseeking,Mat.7.7.andourpatienceinwaiting,Jam.5.10,11.asalsotostirupafeelingofourwants,Mat.15.22.andtoquickenouraffectionsuntogoodthings,Phil.4.6.

Whatgatheryouhence?

Thatwheretheheartisfaithlesse,thePrayermustneedsbefruitlesse;foraccordingtoourfaithitshallbeuntous,Luk.18.11,14.Iam.1.6,7.

Butwhydothnotheanswerwhenweaske,butdelayestohelpuswhenyetheseesandhearesus?

Becausewearesometimestoohaughty,andhewillhumbleus;sometimestoohasty,andhewillcurbeus,2

Cor.12.7,8,9.sometimeswefaileinthematterasking,weknownotwhat;sometimesinthemannerasking,weknownothow;andsometimesintheend,askingweknownotwherefore,Iam.4,2,3.

Dothhenotsometimesdelayus,whenyethepurposethtoanswerus?

Yeshedoth:

First,becausehelovestohearethevoiceofhisownespiritinus,Rom.8.26,27.

Secondly,becausethesuitemaybegood,andyettheseasonnotsomeetforus,Rev.6.10,11.Acts1.7.

Thirdly,hetakespleasureinourconstancy,beingafruitoffaithandfervency,Luk.18.1.Mat.15.27,28.

Fourthly,becausesuchblessingsasarewonbylongandstrongprayers,arealwayesesteemedveryhighly,receivedinhumility,enjoyedinsobriety,andimployedfaithfullyformansgoodandGodsglory,1Sam.1.20,21.1Chron.29.14,15.

Whatgatheryouhence?

Thatifwefaintnotinpraying,weshallindueseasonbesureofablessing,Luk.18.7,8.AndthatwhenourGoddenyesus,ordelayethusinthatwhichseemesgooduntous,eventhenhegivesusthatwhichheknowesisbetterforus,2Cor.12.8,9.

[Page]

The

meanesof

obtaining

thegiftof

prayer.

Whatgoodmeanesmayweusetoobtainethegiftofprayerinsomemeasure?

1.Togetsometruefeelingofourmisery,forsenseofmiserybreedssuitformercy,Matth.15.22.

2.Bringhungringandthirstysoulesaftergraceandgoodthings,Psal.42.1,2.whenthesoulepantethmost,thesouleprayethbest.

3.Gatherprinciplesofknowledge,thattheheadmayguidetheheart,1Cor.14.15.forwhatweknowisworththehavingwewillnotlosefortheasking.

4.ConsidertheexamplesofGodsservantsinlikesorrowes,andmakelikesuits,Dan.9.Nehem.9.bethouastheyweretohim,andhewillbetotheewhathewastothem.

5.BewellperswadedofChristsordinance,Masterteachustopray;Luke11.1.andofGodsacceptance,reckonofhimasofourfather,Matth.6.5,9.foraccordingtoourfaithitshallbeuntous.

6.Beresoluteagainstsin,neitherlivingingrosseriniquities,norallowinglesserinfirmities,Rom.7.15.sohewillnevershutoutourprayers,notwithholdhismerciesfromus,Psalme66.19,20.

7.Inreadingorhearingturnepreceptsintoprayers;Lordgivewhatthoucommandest,andcommandwhatthou

wilt:Dutiesenjoyned,gracescommended,blessingspromised,andcursingsthreatned,doallquickenustoprayer,andfurnishuswithmatterforthesame,Matth.5.6,7.Rom.12.Ephes.6.

Butwhenforallthisourprayersarefewandfaint,coldandweak,whatspeciallhelpsmaywethenhaveagainstourinfirmities?

Nonebetterthentoprayforthespiritofprayer,whichhelpethandhealethourinfirmities,andteachethusbothformanner,measure,andmatter,tolayopenallournecessities,Rom.8.26.Luke11.13.Andsecondly,callotherswhicharebestacquaintedwiththepracticeandpowerofprayer,topraywithus,beingpresent,Iames5.14.andforus,beingabsentfromus,Rom.1.9.

Whatbethesignesofasoundprayer?

1.Touseallothergoodmeanescarefully,Acts27.23,31.

2.ToseekGodsgloryprincipally,Exod.32.11,12.

3.Todesirethebestthingsmostearnestly,Col.1.9,10,11.

4.ToaskenothingbutwhatGodsWordwarrantethus,1Iohn5.14.

5.Towaitpatientlytillheheareandhelpus,Psal.40.1.Iam.5.10,11.

Whatmotivesmaywehavetostirreupourheartstothis

Motivesto

prayer.

[Page]

Hinderances

ofPrayer.

duty?

Manyandgood:BecauseprayeristhevoiceofGodsspiritinus,Rom.8.26.ajewellofgracebequeathedbyChristuntous,Luke11.2.Itisthehandoffaith,thekeyofGodstreasury,thesoulesSolicitor,theheartsArmour-bearer,andthemindesinterpreter,Matth.7.7.Ephes.6.18.Itprocurethallblessings,preventethcurses,2Chro.7.14.sanctifiethallcreatures,thattheymaydoeusgood,1Tim.4.5.seasonethallcrosses,thattheycandoeusnohurt,2Cor.12.18.Lastly,itkeepstheheartinhumility,thelifeinsobriety,strengthenethallgraces,overcommethalltemp-tations,subduethallcorruptions,purgethouraffections,makesourdutiesacceptabletoGod,ourlivesprofitableuntomen,andbothlifeanddeathcomfortabletoourselves,Acts9.11.Eph.6.18.Iude20.Act.4.24.&7.5,9.

WhataretheletsandhinderancesofPrayer?

Therebesomewhichhinderthepowerofit,asourordinaryinfirmities,Mark9.23,24.otherwhichhindereitherthepractiseorthefruitofit,asourcustomaryandgrosseriniquities,Psalme66.18.

WhataretheinfirmitiesthatweakenthepowerofPrayer?

Rovingimaginations,inordinateaffections,dulnesseofspirit,weaknesseoffaith,coldnesseinfeeling,faintnesseinasking,wearinesseinwaiting,toomuchpassioninour

ownematters,andtoolittlecompassioninothermensmiseries,Psalme32.3,4.Marke9.24.Isa.38.13,14.Ionah4.2,3.

WhatbethecustomaryiniquitieswhichhinderthepractiseofPrayer?

1.TheprophanenesseoftheAtheists,innotcallinguponGod,Psal.14.4.

2.ThesottishnesseofthePapists,liftinguptheirheartsandhandstobaseIdols,Psal.4420.

3.Thesensualityofthevoluptuousdrowningallhisdesiresindelights,andhisprayersinpleasures,2Tim.2.3,4.

4.Thestupidityofworldlings,thatthinketheyhavenoneedofpraying,butofcarkingandcaring,toylingandmoylingintheworld,Luke12.17,18.Phil.3.19.

5.Thefoolishnesseofthemalitious,whichbecausetheywillnotforgivetheirbrothera100pence,cannotpraytoGodtoforgivethemthe1000Talents,Mat.18.32.

WhatbethegrossesinsthatshuttheearesoftheLord,andhinderthefruitofourPrayers?

1.Gracelessehypocrisie,drawingnearewithourlips,buthavingourheartsfarfromhim,Isa.29.13.

2.Shamelesseimpiety,whenturningourearesfromhisprecepts,heturnethawayhisfromourprayers,Prov.28.9.

Thesubject

ofour

requests.

3.Senselesseimpenitency,whenthecryofoursinsunrepentedof,drownesthevoiceofourprayersthatareoffered,Zach.7.13.

4.Mercilessecruelty,whenweeithercauseorsuffertheafflictedtocrywithouthearing;theLordhearinguscryinourafflictionwithouthelping,Gen.42.22.

Whatisthegenerallsubiectofourrequests?

Good,orevill;Goodtoobtaineit,andevilltoremoveorpreventit,Col.1.9.2Thes.3.1,2.Thatwhereinweprayforgoodthingsiscalledsupplication,1Tim.2.1.

Thatwhereinweprayagainstevill,iscalledDeprecation.

WhatdoeyoumeanebyGoodorEvill?

Whatsoeverishelpfullorhurtfull,eitherforsouleorbody,goodsandgraces,sinsandsorrowes,merciesandjudgements,inspirituallorincarnallthings,Phil.1.9.Luke18.13.Dan.9.

Whatgatheryouhence?

1.ThatasPrayeristhekeyoftheheart,toopenallournecessitiesuntoGod,Iames2.9.soitisalsothekeyofhistreasury,toobtainehismerciesfromhim,Mat.7.7.

2.ThatthegiftofPrayerisapledgeandearnestpennyofallothergoodgiftsandgraceswhatsoever,Rom.8.26,27,32.andthatsolongaswecanpray,thegreatestevill

[Page]

Prayerfor

others.

cannothurtus,Ionah2.1.2Cor.12.7,8.northegreatestgoodwithoutPrayer,caneverbeeprofitableuntous;1Tim.4.5.

Areweonlyboundtoprayforourselvesbyrequestforgoodandagainstevillthings?

No;wearealsoboundtopraylikewiseforothers;whichkindeofprayeriscalledIntercession,1Tim.2.1,2.

WhatisIntercession?

ItisthesuteoftheheartuntoGodforthegoodofothers.AsAbrahamprayedforAbimelech,Gen.20.17.Jacobforhissonnes,Gen.49.Paulforthepeople,1Thes.1.2.andtheyforhim.

WhydoththeLordrequirethisdutyofus?

1.Forcommunicatingourgiftsandhisgraces,James5,5.14,15.

2.Fornourishingourlove.

3.Forincreaseofourcomforts.

4.Formutuallsupportandreliefeinallcrosses.

Whatgatheryouhence?

Thatallsuchpersonsasarelinkedtogetherinneerestbondsofsocietie,arealsomutuallyboundtodischargethis

Of

thanksgi-

ving.

duty,1Tim.2.1,2.James5.10.Asfirst,inthehousholdofFaith,thestrongeristoprayfortheweaker,thathefailenot,Phil.1.9.andtheweakerforthestronger,thatheefallnot,2Thes.3.1,2.

Secondly,theSoveraignefortheSubject,thathemayobeyinpietyandloyalty,2Cor.6.13,14.TheSubjectfortheSoveraigne,thathemayruleinrighteousnesseandreligiouspolicy,1Tim.2.1,2.andsoinallsocieties,whetherofpublickassemblies,orprivatefamilies.Job1.5.Deut.33.6.1Chron.29.19.

Whatfollowethofallthis?

Strongconsolation,thatwhenwefindesmallpowerorcomfortinourprayers,theLordhathordainedthatwemayseekeandfindebothintheprayersofhisChurchandchildren,James5.14,15.Acts12.5.7.

YouhavenowspokenofthefirstpartofInvocation,namelyPetition:whatfolloweth?

Thesecond;whichisPraiseandThanksgiving,1Thes.5.18.

WhatisthisPraiseandThanksgiving?

ItisareverentcallinguponthenameofGod,whereintheheartbeingchearedwithsometasteofhisgoodnesse,acknowledgethallfromhismercy,andpurposethallforhisglory,Luke10.21.1Chron.29.10,11,12,13.Anditiseitherinpraisingallhis

[Page]

Inwhat

thanksgiving

consisteth.

goodnesse,wisedome,power,andmercy;andgenerallyforthegovernmentofhisChurch;orforthoseparticularfavours,thatbyPetitionweehavereceivedfromhismercifullhand.

Whencedoththisdutyofpraisearise?

AsPetitionarisethfromthefeelingofourmiserie:sopraisefromthefeelingofGodsmercy:Petitionbeggethwhatwewant,andpraiseacknowledgethwhatandwhencewehaveit,Rev.15.3.1Chron.29.12.

Whatgatheryouhence?

ThatwhentheLordhathgranteduntousourPetitions,weareforthwithboundtorenderuntohimhisduepraises,Exodus15.1,Psalme66.19,20.

Whereindoththisdutyofpraisespeciallyconsist?

1.Inemptyingourselvesofallworthinesse,Gen.32.10.

2.Inacknowledginghimtheauthorofeverygoodgift,andfountaineoflivingwaters,James1.17.Jer.2.13.

3.Inspeakinggoodofhisnameuntoothers,Psalme40.9,10.

4.Inrejoycingbeforehiminallhismercies,Deut.26.11.

5.Inresolvingtobestowallforhishonourandservice,1

Why

thanks-

givingis

required.

The

properties

ofpraise.

Chro.29.2,3.

WhereforedoththeLordrequirepraiseandthanksgivingatourhands?

First,becauseitisthefairestandsweetestfruitoftruePiety,Psal.92.1.

Secondly,itentirelypreservethGodsglory.

Thirdly,itboweththehearttotruehumility.

Fourthly,itistheconditionoftheCovenant,whenhegivesandweereceiveanymercy,Psalme50.15.

Fiftly,itprovokethotherstofaithfulnesseandcheerefulnesseinGodsservice,Psalme95.1.

Sixtly,itmaintaineththeintercourseofmerciesanddutiesbetwixtGodandman.

Whatbethepropertiesoftruepraise?

1.Itmustbefaithfull,withoutglossing,withasimple,notwithadoubleheart,Psalme145.18.

2.Itmustbeplentifull.Psalme18.1,2.IfGodgivehismerciesbyshowers,wemaynotyeeldourpraisesbydrops.

3.Itmustbecheerfull,1Chron.29.14.heegivesfreely,andweemustofferwillingly;forhelovesacheerefull

The

meanesof

thanksgiving.

giver,2Cor.9.7.

4.Itmustbepowerfullwiththebestmeasure,withthebestmemberPsalme81.1,2.

5.Itmustbeskilfull,inthebestmanner,sutinghisseverallproperties,withtheirduepraisesaccordingtothenatureofthepresentblessings,Ex.[...]5.2.3.Psal.144.1,2.

6.Itmustbecontinuall,aslongashismercyendureth,andlifelasteth,Psal.146.1Thes.5.18.

Whatmeanesmayweusetoattaineuntothisduty?

1.Seriousconsiderationofthegreatthingsheehathdoneforussovilecreatures,1Sam.12.24.

2.TodesiretotasteGodsloveintheleastofhismercies,Genesis28.20,21.

3.Togivehimatasteofourloveinthebestofourservices,Psalme116.12.

4.Torestcontentwithourallowance,andestatewhereinhehathsetus,Phil.4.11.

5.TocompareourestateswithmanyofGodsSaints,whowantmanycomfortswhichweenjoy,andfeelemanysorroweswhichweefeelenot,Psalme147.20.

6.TobefaithfullinallTalents,andfruitfullinallgraces,willbegreatmeanestomakeuspraiseGodinallhis

[Page]

Motivesto

thanksgiving.

Signesof

thankfulnesse.

mercies,Matth.25.23.Phil.1.11.

Whatmotiveshavewetoprovokeustothispraise?

1.Itisagood,comely,andpleasantthingtopraiseGod,Psal.147.1.

2.Itishiswillthustobehonoured,1Thes.5.18.

3.ItisadutyofSaintsandAngels,bothhere&hereafter,Luke2.13,14.

4.ItspreadethabroadReligion,magnifiethandsanctifiethhimthatismosthigh,andmostholy,Psalme145.1,2,3.Esa.8.13.

5.Itkeepstheheartfromswelling,andthesoulefromsurfeitingwithGodsblessings.

6.Itfitstheheartforfurthergraces,andprovokestheLordtofreshmercies.

WhatbethespeciallsignesandmarkesofonethatdesirestobethanksfullandunfeignedlytopraiseGodinallthings.

1.Contentednesse,Psalme4.11.

2.CheerfulnesintheuseofGodsblessings,Deut.26.11.Psal.63.5.

3.Faithfulnesseinourduties,bothofourpersonsandplaces.

Ofthe

Lords

Prayer.

4.ReadinessetodrawothersintothefellowshipofGodspraise,Psal.66.16.&135.1.

5.RejoycinginGod,eveninthemiddestofmanycrosses,Job1.

6.Fruitfulnesseingoodwordsandworks,John15.8.

7.Aconscionablecarefulnessetotakealloccasions,anduseallmeanstosealeupourlove,andsetforthGodsglory.

SomuchoftheprincipallpartsofInvocation,Petition,andThanksgiving:Arewelimitedandboundincertainewords,howandwhereintopray?

Noverily;butwehaveaprescriptrule,andperfectpatterneofPrayerofallkindes,leftusinthatprayerwhichourSaviourChristtaughthisDisciples,andinthemallsucceedingages,calledtheLordsPrayer.

WhatistheLordsPrayer?

ItisanabsolutePrayerinitselfe;andaPrayergivingaperfectdirectiontoframeallothersprayersby.

ItisthoughtbysomenottobeaPrayer,butonelyaplatformetodirectallourPrayersby?

Itisbothaprayerwhichwebothmay,andoughttopray;andalsoaplatformeofPrayer,whereuntowearetoconforme,andbywhichweoughttosquareallours:and

[Page]

thereforeasSt.Matthewbiddethusprayafterthissort,Matth.6.9.soSt.Lukebiddethussay;OurFather,&c.Luke11.2.theonepropoundingitasthemostperfectplatformetobeimitated;theother,asthemostexcellentformetobeusedofallChristians.

WhatistheplatformepropoundedinthisPrayer,whereuntoweoughttolooke?

Itteachethusboththemannerhowtopray,andthematterforwhichtopray.Itteachethusinallourprayerstowhom,andthroughwhom,andforwhattopray.Alsowhatdifferencetomakeofthethingsweaske,andwithwhataffectionwearetocomeuntoGodinPrayer.

WhatarethewordsoftheLordsPrayer?

Theyarethussetdowneinthe6.ofMatth.9.Afterthismannerthereforeprayyee,

OurFatherwhichartinheaven,&c.

Whatdoeyouobservehereingenerall?

ThatPrayeristobemadeinalanguagewhichweunderstand:forourSaviourChristtaughthisDiscipleshereinaTonguewhichtheyunderstood,andnotinanunknowneTongue;whichcondemneththepracticeoftheChurchofRome,whichteachthepeopletoprayinanunknowneTongue,contrarytoChristspracticehere,andthewillofGod,whocommandethustoservehimwithallourhearts,andthereforewithourunderstandingaswellas

Ofthep

[...]e

[...]ace.

ouraffection.

Whatarethepartsofthisprayer?

Theyarethree.

1.APrefaceofcompellationforentranceintoprayer,inthefirstwords,OurFatherwhichartinheaven,&c.

2.AbodyofPetitions,containingthematterofPrayer,inthewordsfollowing.

3.Aconclusionforshuttingup,forconfirmationandcloseofprayer,inthelastwords,ForthineistheKingdome,&c.

Whatgatheryouofthis,thatthereisapreface?

ThatChristianmenarenottocomemalapertlyorrashlywithoutpreparation,Eccles.5.1.Psalme26.6.Exod.3.5.fortheAngeloftheLordstandethattheentry,tostrikewithhardnesseandblindnesse&c.thosethatcomenotwithpreparation:AndifwemakepreparationbeforewecometoanearthlyPrince,andbethinkusofourwordsandgesture,howmuchmoreoughtwetodoeitwhenwecomebeforethePrinceandLordofheavenandearth?

Howarewetoprepareourselves?

Notonelytoputoffourevillaffections,1Tim.2.8.butevenourhonestand(otherwiseintheirduetime)necessarycogitations,asthecaresandthoughtsofourparticularvocations,asofhouse,family,&c.

Whatdoththeprefaceputusinmindof?

1.Ofhimtowhomwepray.

2.Ofourowneestateinprayer,thatwecomeuntoGodastoourfather,withboldnesse,andyetwithreverenceofthatMajestythatfilleththeheavens.

Whatarewetaughtconcerninghimtowhomwemustpray?

ThatGod,andGodonely(notanySaintorAngel)istobeprayedunto,Rom.10.14.Psal.73.25ForalthoughtherebeotherFathersbesidesGod,andothersinheavenbesideshim,yetthereisnonewhichisourFatherinheavenbutGodalone.Besidesthat,thisbeingaperfectplatforme,apatterneofallprayer,itisevidentthatallprayers(asinotherthings,sointhis)mustbeframeduntoit.

WhydoeyouherenametheFather?

BecausediscerningthePersons,wepraytotheFather,secretlyunderstandingthatwedoeitinthemediationoftheSon,bytheworkingoftheholyGhost;andsocometothefirstpersonintheTrinity,byhisSon,throughtheholyGhost;whichformeistobekeptforthemostpart,althoughitbealsolawfulltoprayuntoChrist,ortohisblessedSpiritparticularly,Acts7.59.2Cor.13.13,14.ifsobethatinourunderstandingwedoeconjoynthem,asthosewhichcannotbeseparatedinanyactionseitherbelongingtothelifetocome,orpertainingtothislife.

[Page]

WhymustwepraytotheFatherinthemediationofJesusChristhisSonne?

BecauseGodbeingdispleasedforsin,wecanhavenodealingwithhim,butonlybythemeansofhisSon,inwhomheiswellpleased,Mat.3.17.andinwhomalonewehavelibertytocallhimFather,Gal.4.5.

WhyisitrequiredthatwepraybytheworkingoftheHolyGhost?

BecausetheHolyGhostassurethusthatheisourFather:Andwhereasweknownotwhattopray,norhowtopray,theHolyGhostdothteachusboth.

Whatmustwebeperswadedof,andhowmustwebeaffectedinPrayer?

OurFather.

Partlyconcerning

Ourselves.1.Wemustbetrulyhumbled,whichiswroughtinuswithacertaineperswasion,

1.Ofoursinfullmiseryandunworthinessetobehelped.2.OfthegloriousMajestyofGodinheaventhatmusthelpus.

2.Wemusthaveacertainconfidenceweshallbeheard,andthisiswroughtinusbyfaith,beingperswadedthat,

1.GodlovethusashisownechildreninourLordIesusChrist.2.OurFatherbeingGodAlmighty,heisabletodoewhatsoeverhewillinheavenandinEarth.

Others.1.ThatallGodspeopleprayforus.2.Wemustbeperswadedthatitisourboundendutytoprayforothersaswellasforourselves.

WhydothourSaviourdirectustogivesuchTitlesuntoGodinthebeginningandentranceofourPrayers?

Thattherebywemaytestifie,increase,andstrengthenourfaithinGod,consideringwhatheistous,towhomweareabouttopray,Heb.11.6.

Whatarewetaughttoconsiderfromthis,thatweare

taughttocallGodFather?

ThatGodinChristisbecomeourFather,andgivethus,boththepriviledge,John1.12.andspiritofsons,Gal.4.6.sotocallhim.

Whatarisethfromhence?

First,confidenceinhisfatherlyloveandcompassiontowardsusashischildren,Psalme103.13.withassuranceofobtainingoursuitesanddesires,1Iohn5.14,15.ForasyoungchildrendesiretocomeuntotheirFathersbosome,ortositupontheknee,orintheMotherslap:sowebyprayersdoecreepintotheLordsbosome,andasitwere,doestandbetweentheLordslegges,Deut.33.3.commingwithboldnesseuntohim,asuntoourmercifullFather,whosebowelsarelargerinpittifullaffectionthenanyparents,yeathentheMotherstowardsthetendrestchilde,ifwecomewithfaithandaffiance,thathewillgrantwhatwerequire:Forifparentswillgivegoodthingstotheirchildrenwhentheyaskethem,muchmorewilltheLordgivehisspirittothemthataskeitofhim,withoutdoubting,Mat.7.11.Luke11.13.andthisdoubtingisthecausewhymanygoeawaysooftenfromprayerwithoutprofitandcomfort,Iames1.5.whichoverthroweththelongandidleprayersofthePapists,whohavenotassuranceofGodslovetowardstheminthethingtheydemand.

Secondly,necessityofdutyonourparts:thatwebothreverence,Mal.1.6.andimitatehim,Mat.5.45.asourFather,Eph.5.1.1Pet.1.17.

[Page]Thirdly,thattocomeinanyothernamethenourSaviourChrists,isabominable,whichwasfiguredinMoses,Exod.24.2.&20.19.andAaron,Levit.16.17.ButisnotablysetforthoftheApostle,1Tim.2.5.thereforeitisabominabletocomebySaints,asinPoperytheydoe.

Whatistobeconsideredbythis,thatwearedirectedtocallhimourFather?

Thenatureoffaith,whichistoapplyithometohimselfe,John20.28Gal.2.20.Matth.27.46.Also,thatourSaviourChrististhenaturallSon,andwehisSonsbygraceandadoption.

Maynotamansayinhisprayer,MyFather?

Yesverily,andthatwithwarrantofourSaviourChristsexample,Matth27.46.

Whythenarewetaughtheretosay,OurFather?

AsthewordFatherdirectethustomeditateupontherelationbetweenGodandourselves,sothewordOurdirectethustomeditateupontherelationbetweenourselves,andsomanyasareormaybethechildrenofthesamefatherwithus.

Whatdoththisputusinmindof?

Thatwemustatalltimesmaintainorrenewloveandpeaceonewithanother,butespeciallywhenwemakeourprayerswemustcomeinlove,asonebrotherloveth

Whichart

inheaven.

another,andthereforereconcileourselves,iftherebeanybreach,1Tim.2.8.Esa.1.15.Matth.5.25,&c.Secondly,thatweareboundtopray,andtobesuitorstoourGodandFatheroneforanother,aswellasforourselves,James516.Thateveryoneprayingforall,andallforeveryone,wemayjointlyencreaseandenjoythebenefitofthecommonstockofprayers,laidupinthehandsofGod.

Wheretodoethewordsfollowingdirectus,whenwesay,Whichartinheaven?

Tothemeditationoftheglory,powerfullprovidence,wisdome,andholinesseofGod,inwhichregardheissaidtodwellinthehighandholyplace,Psalm11.4.Esa.57.15.notthatheisexcludedfromearth,orincludedinheaven,oranyplace,whofillethallplaces,Jer.23.24.yea,whomtheheavenofheavensisnotabletocontaine,1Kings8.27.Butfirst,becausehiswisdome,power,andglory,appearethmostevidentlyintheruleoftheheavens,asofthemostexcellentbodilycreatures,bywhichinferiournaturesareruled,Psal.19.1,&c.&8.3.&103.9.

Secondly,forthatinheavenhedothmakehimselfeandhisgoodnesseknownetotheAngels,andblessedSpiritsofmen,immediately,andwithoutthehelpsandaidswhichwehave.

Thirdly,becausehecommunicatethhimselfeandhisgoodnessemorepowerfullytothemthentous:andsoGodissaidtobepresentintheTemple,andintheElect.

[Page]

Fourthly,becausethere,andnotonearth,weshouldnowseekhim,Psalm123.1.Col.3.1,2.wherealsowehopeanotherdaytodwellwithhim,inthesamehappyfellowship,whichnowtheholyAngelsandblessedsoulesdoeenjoy;whichteachethusnottohaveanyfleshlyconceit,buttohaveourcogitationsaboveanyworldlymatter.

Fiftly,toteachusthataswecomeboldlytohimastoaFather,soalsowearetocomewithhumilityandreverenceofhisMajesty,whoissohighaboveus;wewretchedmenbeingaswormescraulingupontheearth,andhesittingingreatMajestyinthehighestheaven,Eccles.4.16.&5.1.

Sixtly,toteachustopraynotonelyreverently,butalsoferventlybeforehim,sodirectingandliftingupourheartstoAlmightyGod,thatourprayersmayascendintoheaven,2Chro.32.20.

Seventhly,toencreaseourconfidenceinhim,whoisbothreadyandabletodoeallthingsforus,thatacknowledginghimtorideontheheavensforourhelp,(able)asinheaventodoeforuswhatsoever(asafather)hewill,Psal.115.3.wemaywithfullconfidenceinhispowerandloveaskeverygoodthingofhim,Psalm2.8.Luke11.13.

Thusmuchofthepreface:Nowarewetocometotheprayeritselfe:Whatisgeneralluntoit?

Thatouraffectionswithzealeandearnestnesseoughttowaitandattendonprayer,whichappearethbythe

Theparts

oftheLords

Prayer.

6.Petitions

intheLords

Prayer.

shortnesseofallthepetitions.

Whatisdeclaredhereby?

Thegreataffectionweshouldhavetothethingswecomefor:whichgivethachecktoourcoldprayers,wheretheunderstandingiswitho[...]theaffection,and(asitwere)thesacrificewithouttheheavenlyfire[...]oliftitup,andmakeitmountintoheaven,bothinpublikeandprivateprayers.

SomuchofattentiongeneralltothePrayer:Whatarethepartsther[...]of?

AformeofPetition,andofThanksgiving.

Whatistaughthereby?

First,thatwhensoeverwecomeuntoGodinPetition,weare[...]givehimthanks,Phil.4.6.Luke17.17,18.thingsnottobe[...]meanestomakewayforfurthergraces,andbenefitstobeobtain[...]▪.

Secondly,thatitisafaultofus(whenwearedistressed)in[...]tocomeuntoGodinPetition,butnottoreturnThanksgiving[...]benefitsreceived.

HowmanyPetitionsarethereintheLordsPrayer?

Six,(equallydivided,asitwere,intotwoTables)whereof[...]concerneGod,asdoththefirstTableoftheLaw;threedoeconcern[...]ourselvesandourneighbours,asdoththe

[Page]

secondTable:ForinthethreefirstwemakerequestforthosethingsthatconcerneGodsMajesty,whosegloryandservicewearetopreferrebeforeourownegood,Iohn12.27,28.Inthethreelatter,forthosethingsthatconcernethenecessityofman,andourownewelfare,whichwemustreferretotheformer,Psalme50.15.SothatbytheveryorderofthePetitions,welearnethisinstruction,thatwemustandoughtfirsttothinkeuponGodsglorybeforeanythingthatappertainesorbelongstous,andthatweshouldseeketheserviceofGodbeforeourownegood,John12.27,28.yea,andpreferretheglorifyingofthenameofGodbeforeourownesalvation,Rom.9.3.AsalsobytheorderoftheCommandements,whichbeingdividedintotwoTables,thefirstconcernestheWorshipofGod,thesecondourselves.

Whatobserveyoufromthis?

Ourhypocrisie:forwereitnotforourselvesandourwants,wewouldnotcometoGodatallinprayer:AsinPopery,alltheirprayersareforthemselves,andtheirsalvation,&c.whereasthisword(thy)inallthesePetitionsdothshutforththeconsiderationofourselves,totheendthatwemighthaveourmindsaltogetherfastenedupontheserviceofGod.

WhatfurtherobserveyoupropertothosePetitionsthatconcernethegloryofGod?

Thatastheymustbebeggedinthefirstplace,somusttheylikewisebeperformedwithfurtherzealeofspirit,andearnestnesseofaffection:asmaybegathered,inthatthey

1.Petition.

arepropoundedwithoutanybandorcouplingofonewithanother.

HowarethethreefirstPetitionsdivided?

Thus:thefirstconcernethGodsgloryitselfe,theothertwo,thethingswherebyGodisglorified;aswhenhisKingdomecommeth,andhiswillisdone.

WhatarethewordsofthefirstPetition?

HallowedbethyName,Mat.6.9.Luke11.2.

WhatisthesummeofthisPetition?

ThatinallthingsGodmaybeglorified,Thathe,whoinhimselfe,hiswordsandworksismostgloriousandholy,maybeacknowledgedandhonouredforsuchbyus,Psal.46.8.1Pet.2.9.

WhyisthisPetitionsetbeforeall?

Becauseitisthatwhichoughttobedearestuntous,andforthatallthingsaretobereferreduntoit,Prov.16.4.1Cor.10.31.

WhatistobeconsideredforthefurtheropeningofthisPetition?

First,forthemeaningofthewordsapart,thenofthemtogether.

WhatismeantbythewordName?

Whatis

meantby

Name.

BythenameofGod,wearetounderstandGodhimselfe,1King.5.5.Isa.26.8.ashemakethknownetousthefameandgloryofhisnature,otherwiseunconceivable,Gen.32.29.ForthenameofGodintheScripturesignifiethGodhimself;becausethenatureofathingistakenforthatitisthenameof,asActs1.15.hisEssence,andallthingsbywhichheisknowneuntous.

WhatarethoseNameswherebyGodismadeknowneuntous?

First,hisTitles;asJehovah,Elohim,theLordofHosts,andsuchlike,Exod.3.14.and6.3.

Secondly,hisAttributesandProperties;ashiswisedome,power,love,goodnesse,mercy,justice,truth,Exod.33.18,19,&c.&34.5,6,&c.whichbeingessentiallinhim,areforourcapacityexpressedunderthenameofsuchqualitiesinus,andarecalledthenamesofGod,becauseasnamesservetodiscernethingsby,soGodisknownebythesethings.

Thirdly,alsohismemorialssignifiedbyhisname,becausehegettethglorybythem.

WhataretheseMemorials?

First,theworksandactionsofGod;astheCreationandgovernmentoftheworld,Psal.104.butespecially,theworkeofredemption,Psalme19.14.

[Page]

Whatis

meantby

hallowed.

Secondly,thethingsthatbelonguntoGod;ashisWorship,Word,Sacramentsanddisclipine;butespeciallyhisWord,Psalme138.2.&19.&c.whichisthebookeofgrace,andtheboxeofointment,outofwhichthesweetsavourofhisnameismosteffectuallypowred,Cant.1.2,3.

WhatismeantbythewordHallowed?

Sanctifiedandreverenced:fortohallow,istosetapartathingfromthecommonusetosomeproperend;andthereforetohallowthenameofGod,istoseparateitfromallprofaneandunholyabuse,toaholyandreverenduse.

CananymanaddeanythinguntoGodsholinesse?

No,no,wecannotaddeanyholinesseuntoGod,ortakeanyfromhim;butasGodisholyinhispropertiesandactions,andalsoinhisOrdinancebothintheChurchandCommonwealth,soweedesiretheymaybe(andthatnotonelybyourselves,butalsobyallmen)acknowledgedandreputedastheyareworthyinthemselvestobereputedandaccounted.Andinthisrespectonelyarewesaidtohallowhisname,whenweacknowledgeitandhonouritforsuch,Psal.96.7,8.thereby(asitwere)settingtheCrowneofholinesseandhonourupontheheadofGod:contrariwise,failingsotodoe,weareguiltyoftheprofanationofGodsholyname;notthathecanreceiveanypollutionfromus,butonelyasamanthatlustethafterachastwomanissaidbyourSaviourtobeguiltyofadulterywithher,thoughsheremainethinherselfspotlesseandundefiled,Matth.5.28.

Whatwe

askinthis

petition

MaynoneelsebeglorifiedbutthenameofGod?

Whenitissaid,Hallowedbethyname,therebyisnotedthatnogloryorhonourshouldbegiventoanythingintheworld,buttothenameofGod,Esa.42.8.&48.11.furtherthentheyareinstrumentswherebywemayarisetotheglorifyingofit;forGodwillnotgivehisglorytoanyotherthing,nonottothemanhoodofourSaviourChrist.

Whatistobeconsideredinthewordstogether?

ThatitisasingularbenefitofGodtoadmitustothesanctifyingofhisname,and(asitwere)tosettheCrowne(whichishisglory)uponhishead,andtoholditthere,especiallyseeingheisablehimselfalonetodoeit;andwhenhewoulduseothersthereto,hehathsomanyLegionsofAngelstodoeit,yea,canraiseupstonestodoeit.

WhatdoeyouthenaskeofGodinthisPetition?

ThatasGodisgloriousinhimselfe,sohemaybedeclaredandmadeknowneuntomen:thatthereforeGodwouldhavehimselfeknownandacknowledgedbyallmen,butespeciallybymyselfe,tobemostholy;thatwhetherwespeak,think,oranywayusehisname,properties,works,orWord,wemaydoeitholily,andwithallreverence:Thathiswisdome,power,goodnesse,mercy,truth,righteousnesse,andeternity,maymoreandmorebeimparteduntome,andotherofGodspeople:Thathemaybeacknowledgedjust,wise,&c.inallhisworks,evenin

[Page]

What

graceswe

herepray

for.

hisordainingofsometoeternalllife,andothersometoeverlastingdestruction:Thathisinfinitejustice,andinfinitemercyoverallhiscreatures(butespeciallyoverhisChurch)maybereverencedandadoredbyallmen,butespeciallybymyselfe:ThatthenameofGodmaybereverentlyandholilyusedofallmen,butespeciallyofmyselfe:ThatwhenthegloryofGodcommethinquestion,betweenmyselfeandanythingthatbelongethuntome,Imaypreferrethatuntothis:Finally,thatGodwouldvouchsafetoplantandencreaseinmeandotherssuchgraceswherebyhisnamemaybeglorified.

Whatarethosegracesforwhichweprayhereinparticular?

1.KnowledgeofGod,Psalme100.3.&67.2.ThatGodwouldgiveustheknowledgeofhimselfe,hisWord,andWorks;forwecannotglorifiehisnameunlesseweknowit.

2.BeliefeofhisWord,thatweeandothersmaysanctifieGodinbelievinghisWordhowunlikesoever,Iohn3.33.WhereforeMosesandAaronaresaidnottohavesanctifiedthenameofGod,becausetheybeleevednot,Numb.20.12.ContrariwiseAbrahamglorifiedGodinbeleeving,Rom.4.20.

3.FearingtheLordalone,andnotmen;ThattheLordbeourfeare,Esa.8.12,13.1Pet.3.14,18.

4.Humility,(forourselvesandothers)withoutwhichweecannotglorifieGod,asitismeet,Psalme115.1.2Sam7.

What

thingswe

herepray

against.

18.Psal.8.4,5.&144.3.Luke1.48.

5.Patience,(arisingfromthence)wherebyweedoewillinglysubmitourselvesuntothecorrectinghandofGod,asEli,1Sam.3.18.&Hezekiah,Esa.39.8.

6.Thankfulnesse,thatwemaypraisehimforhisbenefits,moreparticularlywherewearetohallowGodsname,aswellbypraisingitforthebenefitswehavereceived,asforhiswonderfullworksintheCreationandgovernmentoftheworld,theChurchespecially.

7.Lipsopened,andtonguestunedtospeakofhimwithreverence,Psal.51.15.&44.1.&45.1.

8.Alifesoordered,thatmenmaysayheisaholyGod,whobyhisgracemakethusanholypeople,Matth.5.16.1Pet.2.9.Tit.2.10.ThataccordingasweknowthevertuesofourgoodGod;sothefruitsofthemmayappeareinours,andallgoodpeopleslives,thatsohisnamemaybehonouredandpraised,andhemaygetglorybythegodlyconversationofusandothers.

VVhatdoeweprayagainstinthisPetition?

Weprayagainstallignoranceofholythingsweshouldknow,Hos.8.12.andagainstinfidelityandwantofgoodworks,wherebyGodwantsofhisglory:weprayagainstallloftyandhighthingsthathinderthatGodonelycannotbeexalted,Esa.2.11,12,13,14,15,16.especiallytheprideofourhearts,whichwearetoconfesse

[Page]

Thesecond

Petition.

andlament,Prov.8.13.Againstallfalsereligionandprophanenesse,impatience,unthankfulnesse,Rom.1.21,&c.thosetongue-wormesofswearing,blasphemy,andunreverentspeakingofGod,Exod.20.7.Esa.2.11,12,13,14,15.Prov.8.13.togetherwithallwickednesseandungodlinesse,wherebyGodsNameisdishonoured.Inaword,wepraythatGodwouldremove,androotoutofourhearts,tongues,andlives,allsuchvices,byandforwhichhisnameisdishonoured,especiallyanevillandscandalouslife,forwhichthenameofGodandhisreligionisevillspokenofintheworld,Rom.2.23,24.

Whatdoththisteachus?

Ourdulnesseisherebycondemned,whobynaturearesoill-disposedtoglorifieGod,andtousehisnameholilyandreverently.

WhatistobeconsideredinthesecondPetition?

LetthyKingdomecome,Matth.6.10.Luke11.2.

OneofthemeaneshowtohavethenameofGodsanctified,whichisadependanceoftheformerPetition.

WhatisthesummeofthisPetition?

ThatGodmayreigneinourhearts,andnotsinne;andthattheKingdomeofourLordIesusChristbothbytheinwardworkingofhisSpirit,andalsobytheoutwardmeanesmay

Whatis

meantby

Kingdome.

beenlargeddayly,untillitbeeperfectedatthecommingofChristtojudgement;thattheKingdomeofsinneandSatanbeingmoreandmoreabolished,Acts26.18.Col.1.13.Christmaynowreigneinourheartsbygrace,Col.3.15,16.andwewithhimforeveringlory,2Tim.2.12.

WhatismeantherebyKingdome?

ThatgovernmentwhichourSaviourChristexerciseth;first,intheworld,theninthelastday,bothinthewholeChurch,andineverymemberthereof:ForbytheKingdomeofGodweemustunderstandherenotsomuchthatuniverallsoveraignty,whichasCreatorheexercisetho-verallcreatures,disposingthemalltotheirproperendsforhisglory,Esa.5.6.Psal.95.3,&c.asthespirituallregiment,Psalme110.2.1Cor.15.25.oftheChurch,andofallthings,forthegoodoftheChurch:whereinGodhathappointedChristtobetheKing,Psalme2.6.Hos.3.5.theSaintshisSubjects,Rev.15.3.theWordhisLaw,Job22.22.theAngelsandallcreatureshisservants,Heb.1.6,theMinistershisHeralds,andAmbassadors,2Cor.5.20.

Finally,theDevillskingdome,Matth.12.26.thatis,wickedAngels,andmenenemiestotheKingdomeofChrist,Luke19.27.hisfoot-stoole,Psalme110.1.

HowisthisKingdomesaidtocome?

1.Inregardofthemeanes,Whatismeantbycomming.wherethewordoftheKingdomeispublished,Matth.

[Page]

12.28.&13.19.Marke4.15.2.Inregardofefficacy,wherefromtheheartobedienceisyeelded,Rom.6.17.3.Inregardofperfection,ithaththesedegrees.

1.Increaseofgraceinthetimeofthislife,Matth.13.18.2.Thetranslationofblessedsoulesintoheaveninthemomentofdeath,Luke23.42,43.3.Finally,thefullredemptionofglorificationoftheSaintsinsouleandbodyinthelifetocome,Matth.25.34.

VVhatdoewethendesireconcerningthekingdomeofGodinthisPetition?

Weprayeitherforthatheexercisethinthisworld;orforthatheeexercisethintheworldtocome,calledthekingdomeofglory.

Howmanysortsarethereinthatkingdomeheexercisethinthisworld?

Two:First,thatheexercisethoverallmen,andothercreaturescalledkingdomeofpower:Secondly,thatheexercisethoveralltheChurchcalledthekingdomeofgrace.

WhatdesireweofGodconcerningthegovernmentheexercisethoverallCreatures?

Thathewouldgoverneallthecreatures,bothinthenaturallcourseofthings,andinthecivillanddomesticall

governmentofmen,yea,intheruleofDevilsthemselves,insuchsortastheymayserveforthegoodofhisChurch,Psal.97.1.Mat.6.13.John17.2.

WhatdesireweconcerninghisgovernmentintheChurch?

Thatitmaybehereinthisworldinlarged,andthatitmaybeaccomplishedinthelastday,Psalme112.6.Isa.62.7.

Whatdoewedesirefortheinlargementofitinthisworld?

ThatbyChristtheheadoftheChurch,Godwouldgovernehispeopletotheperfectsalvationoftheelect,andtotheutterdestructionofthereprobate,whetheropenRebels,orfaignedhollow-heartedSubjects.

WhatgreatneedistherethatweshouldprayforthekingdomeofGod?

Forthatbeingtaught,thatweshouldpraythatthekingdomeofGodmaycome,herebyweareputinmindofanotherkingdomeofSatananddarknesse,whichopposethstronglyagainsthiskingdome,Mat.12.24,25.2Cor.6.14,15,16.

WhydoeallmennaturallyabhorreSatan,eventotheverynameofhim?

Theydoeinwordsandshew:butwhentheydoehiswill,liveunderhislawes,delightinhisworksofdarknesse,subjectthemselvestothePope,andotherhisinstruments;theyarefoundindeedtolovehimastheirfather,and

honourhimastheirPrince,whominwordstheywouldseemetoabhorre:ForasthesamemenareaffirmedbyourSaviourChristtoapproachuntoGodwiththeirlips,andtohavetheirheartsfarrefromhim,Mat.15.8.soaretheyintheirlipsfarrefromSatan,butnearehimintheirhearts.

WhatotheroppositionsarethereagainstGodsKingdome?

Thefleshandtheworld,Gal.5.10,17.

Whatbethemeanesweoughttoprayfor,thatourSaviourChristmaygovernehisChurchinthisworldthereby?

Inward,andoutward.

Whatinwardthingsdoeweprayfor?

ThatGodwouldgivehisholySpirit,asthechiefeandprincipallmeanes,wherebyourSaviourChristgatherethandrulethhisChurch,conveighinghisspiritofknowledge,andgoodmotionsintohispeople:Andconsequently,weprayagainstthemotionsandtemptationsofSatan,andofourowneflesh.

Whataretheoutwardthingsweprayfor?

ThemeaneswherebytheSpiritisconveighed;namely,theWord,andthedependancesthereof,theSacramentsandCensures.

WhatprayweforconcerningtheWord?

[Page]

ThatitbeingthescepterofChristskingdome,Mar.1.13.therod&standardofhispower,Psal.110.2.Isa.11.4,10.Isa.44.4,10.&calledtheWordofthekingdome,Mar.1.13.&thekingdomeofheaven,Mat.13.mayhavefreepassageeverywhere,2Thes.3.1.andmaybegloriouslyliftedupandadvanced;anditonlyhavingplace,allnotagreeablethereunto,andalltraditionsandinventionsofmenmayberejected.

WhatprayweforconcerningtheSacraments?

ThatastheyaretheSealesofGodspromises,andthewholeCovenantofgrace,sotheymaybebothministredandreceivedinthatpurenesseandsincerity,whichisaccordingtohisWord,andallfalseSacramentsandsacrificesputunderfoot.

WhatprayweforconcerningtheCensures?

Thatnotonlyprivatepersons,butthewholeChurchmayberuledbythelineofGodsWord,thatsowelldoersmaybeadvanced,andevilldoerscensuredandcorrected,accordingtothedegreeoftheirfault;andtherefore,thatallimpunityortyrannoustorturesofconsciencemaybetakenaway.

Whatfurtherdoeweprayfor?

ThatGodwouldfurnishhisChurchwithallsuchOfficersasheapproveth,thatbeinginduedwithspeciallgifts,maybebothableandwillingtoexecutetheirchargediligentlyandfaithfully.

The

particulars

here

prayedfor,

respecting

the

WhatfurtherdesireyouinthisPetition?

Thatwherethesethingsareonlybegun,theymaybeperfected;AndthateveryChurchmaybepolishedandgarnished,thatSionmayappeareinherperfectbeauty,andsotheIewesmaybecalled,andsomanyoftheGentilesasbelonguntoChrist,andthecontraryenemiesmaybeeitherconvertedorconfounded.

WhatdoeweprayforinrespectofeverymemberoftheChurch?

Evenaspoorecaptivesarealwayescreepingtotheprisondoore,andlabouringtogetofftheirboults:soweoutofasorrowfullfeelingofthespirituallbondageweareintoSatanandsin,praythatthekingdomeofChristmaycomeandbeadvancedineveryoneofourhearts,injustice,righteousnesse,peaceandjoyintheHolyGhost,Rom.14.17.thatasKingsuntoGod,wemaysubduewithinusallthoseeitheropinionsoraffectionsthatriseupandrebellagainstGod.

Whatthenaretheparticularsconcerningthekingdomeofgrace,thatwedoecraveofGodinthisPetition?

1.ThatSatanskingdomemaybeabolished,Acts26.18.thebandsofspirituallcaptivityloosed,2Tim.2.26.Col.1.13.thepowerofcorruption,thatmakethuslikewellofourbondage,abated,Gal.5.24.theinstrumentsofSatanstyranny,astheTurkeandPope,andallsuchout-lawesfromChristdefeated,2Thes.2.

[Page]

kingdome

ofgrace.8.

2.ThatitwouldpleaseGodtogatheroutofeverypartoftheworldthosethatbelongtohiselection.

3.ThatGodforthegatheringofthem,wouldraiseupfaithfullandpainfullMinistersineverypartoftheworld,wherethereareanywhichbelongtohiselection.Thatallloyterersandtongue-tyedMinistersbeingremoved,Isa.56.10,11.faithfullandablewatchmenmaybesetovertheflockeofChrist,Mat.9.38.withsufficientencouragementofmaintenance,countenance,protection,&c.andthewordofGodmaybefreelypreachedeverywhere,2Thes.3.1.

4.ThatitwouldpleaseGod,withtheblessingofhisspirit,toaccompanytheword,sothatitmaybeofpowertoconvertthosethatbelonguntohim.

5.ThatitwouldpleaseGodeverydaymoreandmoretoincreasetheholygiftsandgracesofhisholySpirit,intheheartsofthosewhomhehathalreadycalledeffectually.

6.ThattheLordbyhiswordandspiritwouldruleintheheartsandlivesofhisSaints,Col.3.15,16.makingthemalsoKingsinpart,byovercommingthecorruptionwhichisintheworldthroughlust.

7.ThatGodwouldraiseupgodlyandreligiousMagistrates,whichshouldfurtherandcountenancehisworshipasmuchasinthemlyeth.

2.

Respecting

the

kingdome

ofglory.

8.Thattheeyesofallmen,especiallyPrinces,maybeopenedtoseethefilthinesseofthewhoreofBabylon,Rev.17.16.andthetruebeautyofpureReligion,andoftheSpouseofChrist,Isa.60.3.

9.ThatGodwouldbanishandrootoutofhisChurchallthosethingswhichmayhindertheproceedingofhiskingdomeintheheartsofthosethatbelonguntohim.

10.Finally,thathewouldfinishthekingdomeofgrace,callinghiselectuncalled,Rom.9.27.confirmingsuchasstand,2Thes.2.17.raisingthefallen,Jam.5.15,16.comfortingtheafflicted,Isa.61.3.andhastenthekingdomeofglory.

WhatdoewedesireofGodinthisPetitionconcerningtheKingdomeofglory,andourgoodintheworldtocome?

1.ThatGodwouldbepleasedtotakeusoutofthissinfullandconflictinglife,intopeacewithChrist,andtranslateusuntothekingdomeofheaven,Phil.1.23.

2.Thatthenumberoftheelectbeingaccomplished,thefinalldissolutionofallthingsmaycome:ThatGodwouldhastenthesecondcommingofhisSontojudgementfortheelectssake,whowithsingularloveandaffectionlongforit,saying;ComeLordJesus,comequickly,Rev.22.20.2Tim.4.8.thatweandallhischosenmayobtainefullsalvation,andenjoythefruitionofthatglorypreparedforusbeforethebeginningoftheworld.

[Page]

Thethird

Petition.

3.ThatGodwouldgethimselfeglorybythefinallconfusionofhisenemies.

WhatarethewordsofthethirdPetition?

ThywillbedoneinEarthasitisinHeauen,Mat.6.10.Luke11.2.

WhatisthesummeofthisPetition?

ThatGodwouldgrantus,thatwemayvoluntarilyandwillinglysubjectourselvesuntohimandhisprovidence:ThatrenouncingthewillofSatan,andourownecorruptinclination,2Tim.2.26.1Peter4.2.andrejectingallthingsthatarecontrarytothewillofGod,wemaydoehiswill,notaswewill,norgrudgingly,butreadily,Psalme119.60.andheartily,Col.3.23.followinginourmeasuretheexampleoftheAngelsandSaintsthatareinheaven,Psalme103.20.Finally,thatobediencemaybegiventoChrist,inrulingusuntillwebeastheholyAngels.

Whatismeantbythisword[Thy.]

Herebyweexcludeallwilsopposedto,ordiversefromthewillofGod;whetherthewillofSatan,2Tim.2.26.orourowne,1Peter4.2.naturallycorruptandenthralledtoSatan;yea,whatsoeverunlawfullintentionsordesires,repugnanttothewillofGod,2Sam.2.7.James4.15.ForwhenweprayforobediencetoGodswill,wepraythatallwilsofwickedAngels,Zach.3.2.andmen,Psal.140.8.ascontrarytothewillofGod,maybedisappointed.Wedesirealsothesuppressionofourownewill,asthatwhich

beingpronetoallsin,asamatchtotakefire,isnaughtandrepugnanttothewillofGod,sofararewefromhavinganyfree-willnaturallytodoethatwhichisgood,Psalm86.11.&119.37,Gen.6.5.&8.21.Rom.8.6.&7.24.whichwemustbewailebothinourselvesandothers,2Pet.2.7.Ezek.9.4.freelyacknowledgingthatwecannotofourselvesdoethewillofGod,butbyhisassistance,anddesiringgracethatwemayobeyhiswill,andnotthelustsofourflesh.

HowmanifoldisthewillofGod?

Twofold,Deut.29.29.

1.Hissecretandhiddenwill,whereoftheScripturespeakeththus,IfsobethewillofGod,1Pet.3.17.whereuntoaretobereferredhiseternallcounsell,theeventsofoutwardthings,Pro.27.1.timesandseasons,&c.Acts17.1.

2.Hismanifestwill,whichisrevealedandmadeknowneuntousintheWord,bothinhispromises,whichwearetobeleeve,andinhispreceptsandcommandements,which(asconditionsofobedienceinwayofthanksgivingannexeduntothepromises)wearetoperforme.

Whatwillarewetounderstandinthispetition?

NotsomuchthatpartwhichGodkeepethsecretfromus,asthatpartthereofwhichhehathrevealedinhisWord,whereinissetdownewhatweoughttodoe,orleaveundone.

Howdoththatappeare?

1.BecauseitisunlawfulltosearchorenquireintothesecretwillofGod,andimpossibleformantoknowituntillitcometopasse;whereastothedoingofthiswillknowledgeisrequisite.

2.NomancanresistorwithstandGodssecretwill,neitherisitanythankforustoaccomplishit,Acts4.28.

3.TherearenopromisesforperformingthesecretwillofGod,seeingamanmaydoeitandperish,asPilate,&c.

4.Godproposethmanythingsinhissecretwill,forwhichitisnotlawfullforustopray.

WhatthenmustweespeciallyprayforinthesecretwillofGod?

ThatwhenGodbringethanythingtopassebyhissecretwill,whichisgrievoustoournatures,wemaywithpatienceandcontentmentsubmitourwilstohiswill,Acts21.14.

WhatdoeweaskeofGodinthispetitionconcerninghisrevealedwill?

1.Thatwemayknowhiswill,withoutthewhichwecannotdoeit.

2.Thatwemaydoeallhiswillbeingknowne,andshewourselvesobedienttoourheavenlyFatherandLord.

[Page]

3.ThathewouldbestowuponusthegiftsandgracesofhisSpirit,thatsoourheartsbeingbygracesetatlarge,strengthened,anddirected,Psal.119.32,36.wemaybeenabledtodoehiswill.

4.Thathewouldremovefromusallthingsthatshallhinderusfromknowinghiswill,andputtingitinexecution;asignoranceoftherevealedwillofGod,Psal.119.18.rebellion,dis[...]bedience,murmuring,&c.1Sam.15.22,23.allpretences,anddispensations,orpowers,presumingtodispencewiththewillofGod.Inaword,thatsomanyasaresubjectsinthekingdomeofChristmaydoethedutyofgoodsubjects,andbeobedienttotherevealedwillofGod,seekinghiskingdomeandhisrighteousnesse,Matth.6.33.sothatthereisamutuallrelationofthispetitiontotheformer,wherewepraythatGodmayrule;ashere,thathisrulemaybeobeyed.

WhatunderstandyouinthispetitionbyDoing?

Notagoodintentonelyintheheart,orprofessionofobedienceinwordandpretence,Matth.21.30.butanactuallandthoroughperformanceofwhatisrequiredofus,Iames1.25.Andthereforeweeprayhere,thatthewillofGodmaynotonelybeintendedandendevoured,butalsoaccomplished,althoughitbewithgriefeandsmart,Phil.2.13.Acts20.24.

Whatisheremeantbyearthandheaven?

Byearth,thosethatareinearth,andbyheaven,thosethatareinheaven:Forherewepropoundtoourselvesthe

patternsoftheAngelsandblessedsoules,whobeingfreedfromallmixtureofcorruption,doeintheirkindperfectlyobeyGod,Psal.103.20,22.wherebywelearnethatourobedienceshouldbedonemosthumbly,willingly,readily,cheerfully,andwholly,(notdoingone,andleavinganotherundone)evenasthewillofGodisdonebytheAngels,Matth.18.10.whothereforearesetforthwinged,toshewtheirspeedinesse,Esa6.2.androundfooted,toexpressetheirreadinessetoallandeverycommandementofGod,Ezek.1.7.

Butseeingwearesinfull,andtheAngelsholy,howcanweeimitatethem?

Wedesiretoimitatetheminthemanner,thoughweknowwecannotequalltheminmeasureanddegreeofobedience:andherebywearetaughtthatweshouldendevourtothelikeholinesse,andsogrowthereindailymoreandmoretillwebelikeuntothem;notthatwecanperformeittothefullastheydoe.AsalsointhisregardGodhimselfesaith,BeyeholyasIamholy,Lev.11.44.1Pet.1.16.andyetitwereabsurdtosayorthink,thatanymancouldcometotheholinesseofGod,whoseholinesseheiscommandedtofollow:AndthisanswerethtoourdesireofhasteningtheLordscommingintheformerpetition.

WhatthendoeweedesirehereforthemannerofperformanceofGodswill?

Thatwemayaftertheheavenlypatterneaforementioned,willingly,withoutconstraintorrepugnancy,Psalm110.3.

[Page]

Thethree

last

Petitions.

speedily,withoutdelay,Psal.119.60.sincerely,withouthypocrisie,Deut.5.28,29.fully,withoutreservation,Psal.119.6.andconstantly,withoutintermission,Psal.119.112.beleevethepromisesofmercy,andobeythepreceptsofholinesse:andsoallunwilling,andbylawonelyinforcedobedienceisherecondemned,andweenjoinedtoperformeourservicewithdelight,joy,andalacrity.

ThusfarreofthethreefirstPetitions,forthingsconcerningGod.Tocometothethreelatterthatconcerneourselves,andourneighbour;whatarewegenerallytonoteinthem?

1.TheorderanddependancetheyhavefromtheformerthreeconcerningGod;wherebywearetaughtthatthereisnolawfulluseofthesePetitionswhichfollow,oranyofthem;unlessewefirstlabourintheformerPetitionsconcerningtheserviceofGod.Forwearethenallowed,andnottillthen,(Luke17.7,&c.)toseekgoodthingsforourselves,whenwehavefirstminded,andsoughtthosethingsthatconcernethegloryofGod;becauseuntogodlinesseonelythepromisesofthislifeandthatwhichistocomeareentailed,1Tim.4.8.

Whatfurther?

Thatasintheformertheword[Thy]didonlyrespectGod,sointhesefollowingbythesewords[ourandus]welearnetohaveafellow-feelingofthemiseriesandnecessitiesofothers;andthereforeincaretoprayforthem,whichisonetryallofthetruespiritofprayer.

Isthereanythingelsecommontothemall?

ThatinallthesePetitionsunderonethingexpressed,otherthingsarefigurativelyincluded,andunderonekindealltherest,andallthemeanestoobtainethemarecomprehended,asshallappeare.

HowarethesePetitionsdivided?

Thefirstconcernethmansbody,andthethingsofthislife:thetwolastconcernethesoule,andthingspertainingtothelifetocome.ForallwhichwearetaughttodependonGod;andnamelyaccordingtotheorderobservedintheCreed,(calledtheApostles)1.OntheprovidenceofGodourFathertheCreatorforournourishment,andallout-wardblessings.2.OnthemerciesofChristourSaviourforpardonofoursinnes.3.OnthepowerandassistanceoftheholySpirit,oursanctifier,forstrengthtoresistandsubduealltemptationsuntoevill.

WhatobserveyououtoftheorderofthesePetitions?

ThatwehavebutonePetitionforoutwardthings,aslessetobeesteemed:butforspirituallthingstwo,asaboutwhichourcareistobedoubled,Matth.6.33.toteachushowsmallyearthlythingsaretobeaccountedinregardofheavenly:andthereforethatourprayersforthethingsofthislifeshouldbeshort,andfurtherdrawnoutforthethingsthatbelongtothelifetocome.

WhythenisthePetitionforthetemporallthingsputbeforethePetitionsforspirituall?

[Page]

Thefourth

Thefirstplaceisgiventooutwardthings,notbecausetheyarechiefest,butbecause,

First,itisthemanneroftheScriptures,commonlytoputthingsfirstthataresoonestdispatched.

Secondly,thatoutwardthingsmaybehelpestoenableustospirituallduties,(Gen.28.20.21.)andthatinhavingaforehandearthlythings,wemaybethemorereadyandearnesttointreatforheavenlythings:soourSaviourChristhealedthebodilydiseases,toprovokeallmentocomeuntohimforthecureofthespirituall.

Thirdly,thatoutwardthingsmaybeasstepsordegrees,wherebyourweakefaithmaythebetterascendtolayclaimeandholdonspirituallgraces,(Acts17.27,28.)Thatbyexperienceofthesmallerthingswemayclimbeuptohigher;wherebytheirhypocrisieisdiscovered,whichpretendgreatassuranceofforgivenesseofsinnes,andoftheirkeepingfromtheevillone;whereastheyaredistrustfullforthethingsofthislife.

Fourthly,Godhathaconsiderationofourweaknesse,whoareunapttoperformeanyduties,orservicetoGod,ifwewantthethingsofthislife,andthatwhichisrequisitetosustaineandsufficenature.

Toproceedinorder:whatarethewordsofthefourthPetition,whichconcerneththethingsofthislife?

Giveusthisdayourdailybread,Matth.6.11.Luke11.3.

Petition.

What

meantby

(Bread.)

WhatisthesummeofthisPetition?

ThatGodwouldprovideforuscompetentmeanes,andsuchaportionofoutwardblessings,asheshallseemeetforus,Prov.30.8.notonlyforournecessities,butalsoforChristianandsoberdelight,accordingtoourcalling,andhisblessinguponus.Likewise,thathewouldgiveusgracetorelyeourselvesuponhisprovidence,forallthemeanesofthistemporalllife,andtorestcontentedwiththatallowancewhichheshallthinkefitforus,Phil4.11,12.

WhatismeantbyBread?

Alloutwardthings,servingbothforournecessity,andsoberdelight,Prov.27.27.&31.14.ashealth,wealth,food,physick,sleep,rayment,house,&c.togetherwithallthehelpsandmeanestoattainethem;AsgoodPrinces,Magistrates,peace,seasonableweather,andsuchlike;Asalsotheremovallofthecontrary,aswar,plague,famine,evillweather,&c.AndtheblessingofGoduponthesecreatureswchhebestowethuponus.

Whatisheretobeobserved?

Thatwemustdesirebread,notQuailes,orotherdelicates,notrichesandsuperfluity,James4.3.Num11.4,5,6.butaproportionofmaintenance,credit,liberty,&c.convenientforus,Prov.30.8.1Tim6.8.andthatwithcondition,ifGodshallseeitgoodforus,orsobehisgoodpleasure,Mat.8.2.James4.15.2Sam.7.27.whichexceptionisacautionpropertothisPetitionforoutward

What

meantby

(Give)

[Page]

things.

Whatneedisthereofaskingthesethings?

Thefrailtyofournature,notabletocontinueinhealthscarseonedaywithoutthesehelps,andasitwere,propstoupholdthisdecayedandruinouscottageofourmortallbodies,lesseabletoforbearethemthenmanybeasts:forseeingtherewereanecessaryuseofourmeatinthetimeofinnocency,thenecessitybyourfallismuchgreater.

Whatlearneyoufromtheword[Give?]

First,thatfromGodallthingscome,Psal.104.27,28,29,30.Acts14.17.whichwearereadytoascribeeithertotheearthcalledthenurse,ortoourmoneywherewithwebuythem,ortoourfriendsthatgivethemus:AsifweshouldlookeupontheStewardonly,andpassebytheMasteroftheFamily;oruponthebreastthatgivethsucke,andneglectthenurseorbottlewedrinkeof,andpassebythegiver.

Whatnext?

Thatalthoughinregardofourlabour,orbuyinganything,itmaybecalledours,yetwesay,GiveLord,bothbecauseweareunablebyanyserviceorlabourtodeservetheleastcrumofbread,ordropofwater,(muchlessethekingdomeofheavenandsalvation)atthehandsofGod,Luke17.10.Gen.32.10.andbecauseourlabouranddiligencecannotprevailewithoutGodsblessing.

Whatlearneyoufurther?

ThatseeingGodgivethtowhomhewill,andwhathewill,welearnetobecontentwithwhatsoeverwehavereceived:Moreover,tobethankfullforit,seeingallthingsinregardofGodaresanctifiedbytheWord,andinregardofourselves,byprayerandthanksgiving,1Tim4.5.Andlastofall,nottoenvieatothermensplenty,beingitisGodsdoing,Matth.20.15.

Whatreasonisthere,thattheyshouldprayforthesethingsofGod,whichhavethemalreadyintheirGarners,Cellars,&c.inabundance?

Verygreat.Because,1.ourrightuntothecreaturesbeingforfeitedinAdam,wehavingnownothingtoplead,butonelyGodsDeedofgiftmadeuntousinChristthesecondAdam,andheireofallthings,inwhom,andwithwhom,allthingsareconveyedtous,Psalm8.7,8,9.Heb.1.2.Rom.8.32.1Cor.3.22.sothatalthoughwepossessethem,yetarewenotrightownersofthembutbyfaith,whichisdeclaredbyprayerforthem.

2.Thethingswedoepossessewemayeasilyahundredwayesbethrustfromthepossessionofthembeforewecometousethem,accordingtotheproverb,thatmanythingscomebetweenthecupandthelip,1Sam.30.16,17.Dan.5.5.2Kings7.17.

3Althoughwehavetheuseofthem,yetwilltheynotprofitus,neitherinfeedingnorcloathingus,unlessewehavetheblessingofGoduponthem;yea,withoutthe

[Page]

Giveus.

Thisday.

whichtheymaybehurtfullandpoisonableuntous,Esa.3.1.Hag.1.6.Prov.10.22.Dan.1.13,14,15.Psal.78.30,31.Byallwhichreasonsitmayappeare,thattherichareaswelltousethispetitionasthepoorest,prayingthereinnotsomuchfortheoutwardthings,asGodsblessinguponthem.

Whydoewesay,Giveus?

HerebyweprofesseourselvesPetitionersforallmen,especiallythehousholdoffaith;thatforthemostparteveryonemayhavesufficient,andwherewantis,othersmaybeenabledtosupplyitoutoftheirabundance,2Cor.8.14.

Whydoewesay,Thisday,or,Fortheday?

Thatwearetoprayforbreadforaday,andnotforamonth,oryeare,&c.itistoteachustorestraineourcare,thatitreachnottoofarre▪buttorestinGodsprovidenceandpresentblessing,andthereforenottobecovetous,Exod.16.19,20,21.Pro.30.8.Sothatherebyweprofessethemoderationofourcare,anddesireofearthlythings,Matth.6.34.withourpurposeeverydaybylabourandprayertoseeketheseblessingsatthehandsofGod.

Isitnotlawfulltoprovideforchildrenandfamily?

Yesverily;notonelylawfull,butalsoneedfull,Gen.41,34,35.Acts11.28.29.2Cor.12.14.1Tim.5.8.Buthereouraffectionsareonelyforbiddentopassemeasure,

Out.

Daily.

astohaveacarkingandtroublingcare,seeingthevexationofthedayisenoughforitselfe,Matth.6.34.butcommitourwayesuntotheLord;andtorollourmattersuponhimwhowillbringthemtopasse,Psalme37.5.Prov.16.3.

WhyistheBreadcalledours,seeingthatGodmustgiveitus?

Toteachus,thatwemustcomeuntoitbyourownelabour,Gen.3.17.Psalme128.1.1Thes.4.11.Inwhichrespect,heethatwillnotlabour,shouldnoteate,2Thes.3.8,9,10.Foritiscalledourbread,whichcommethtousbytheblessingofGodonourlawfulllabours,2Thes.3.12.sothatneitherGodnormancanjustlyimpleadusforit.

Whatisthereasonoftheworddaily?

Bydailybread,orbreadinstantlynecessary,orsuchasistobeaddedtooursubstance;weeunderstandsuchprovision,andsuchaproportionthereof,asmaybestagreewithournature,charge,andcalling,Pro.30.8.ForthiswordintheEvangelists,Matth.6.11.Luke11.3.andintheproperlanguageoftheSpiritofGodisthebreadfitforme,oragreeabletomycondition;Whichisanespecialllessonforallestates,andcallings,tokeepthemwithintheirbounds;notonelyofnecessity,butofChristianandsoberdelight,andnottoaskethemforthefulfillingofourfleshlydesires,Psalme104.15.Iohn12.3.Prov.30.8.1Tim.6.8.Rom.13.14.Iam.4.3.Herebyalsowearetaught,thatevery

Whatwe

beginthis

Petition.

dayweemustrequiretheseblessingsatGodshands.

WhatdoewethenbeggeofGodinthisPetition?

1.ThatitwouldpleaseGodtopreservethismortalllifeofours,solongasheseethgoodinhiswisedomethatitmakethforhisglory,andourgood.

2.Thathewouldbestowuponusallgoodthings,needfullforthepreservationofthislife.

3.Thathewouldgiveuscareandconsciencetogetthoseneedfulthingsbylawfullmeanes:whichcondemneth:First,thosethatusewickedandunlawfullmeanestowardsmen.Secondly,thosethatgoetothedevill.

4.Thathewouldgiveusgracetousepainfulnesseandfaithfulnesseinourcalling,thatlabouringwithourhandsthethingthatisgood,wemayeateourownebread,Ephes.4.28.2Thes.3.12.

5.Thatwemayaddeuntoourlabourprayer,(thatitwouldpleaseGodtoblesseourlaboursingettingthosethings)andthanksgiving,(forthembeinggotten)aswherebyonourpartallGodsblessingsareassuredandsanctifieduntous,1Tim.4.4,5.

6.Thatwemayputourconfidencenotinthemeanes,butinGodsprovidence,andcontainourselveswithinthecareforthemeanes,leavingeventsuntoGodsonelydisposition,Phil.4.6.Psal.37.5.

[Page]

Thefifth

Petition.

7.ThatitwouldpleaseGodtogiveusfaithandgrace,aswellinwantasinabundance,todependonhisprovidenceforoutwardthings,Phil.4.12.

8.Thatwemaybecontentedwith,andthankfullforthatportionoftemporallblessings,whichitshallpleasetheLordtomeasureoutuntousashisgift,Heb.13.5.Psal.16.6.notenvyingsuchtowhomhegivethmore.

SomuchofthePetitionforthingsbelongingtothislife:Whatdoewedesireinthosetwowhichbelonguntothelifetocome?

Perfectsalvation,standinginthedeliverancefromtheevilspast,containedintheformer,andthosetocome,comprisedinthelatter:Bytheformerweprayforjustification,andbythelatterforsanctification.

Tobeginthenwiththeformer:WhatarethewordsofthefifthPetition?

Andforgiueusourdebts,aseuenweforgiuethemthataredebtersuntous,Mat.6.12.Luk.114.

Wherewearetoobserve:

1.ThePetitionfortheforgivenesseofoursins.

2.Thereasonaddedfortheconfirmationthereof,orareasonoftheperswasionthattheyareforgiven.

WhatisthesummeofthisPetition?

Whatis

meantby

debts.

Thatwemaybejustified,andbeatpeacewithGod,thatGodgivingusatrueknowledgeandfeelingofoursins,wouldforgiveusfreelyforhisSonssake,andmakeusdailyassuredoftheforgivenesseofoursins,asweareprivytoourselvesoftheforgivenesseofthosetrespasseswhichmenhaveoffendedusby,Job33.24.Psal.35.3.Jer.14.7.Col.3.13.

Whatismeantherebydebts?

Thecomparisonisdrawnefromdebters,whicharenotabletopaytheircreditors,towhomallwearecompared,forthatwehaveallsinned;Thereforebydebtswemustunderstandsins;(asSaintLukeexpoundeththemetaphor)andthatnotinthemselves,asbreachesoftheLawofGod,(forwhowouldsaythatweowe,andaretopaysinuntoGod?)butwithrespecttothepunishment,andsatisfactionduetoGodsjusticefortheoffenceofsin:Forourdebtbeingproperlyobedience,wheretoweareboundunderpenaltyofallthecursesoftheLaw,especiallyeternalldeath,Rom.8,12.13.18.Gal.5.3.weallinAdamforfeitedthatbondwherbythepenaltybecameourdebt,andisdailyincreasedinusallbysinning,Luke13.4.Mat.18.24,&c.Rom.6.23.

Whatlearneyoufromhence?

Herehencetwothingsareimplyed:One,afrankeandhumbleconfession,thatwehavesinnedbothoriginallyandactually;Another,thatthereisnopowerinustomakesatisfactionforoursins.

[Page]

WhatuseisthereofConfession?

Great,forthatwehavenaturallyasenselesnesseofsin:orelse,beingconvincedthereof,wearereadytolessenitandmakeitlight;thecontrarywhereofappearethinthechildrenofGod,1John1.8,9.Psal.32.3,4.Prov.2813.Job31.33.1Sam.15.19,20.Psal.51.3,4,5,6.Acts22.3,4,5.1Tim.1.13,15.

Howcanamanconfessehissins,beingnotknowne,andwithoutnumber?

Thosethatareknownewemustexpreslyconfesse,andtheotherthatareunknowne,andcannotbereckonedgenerally,Psal.19.12.

Howappearethitthatwearenotabletopaythisdebt?

BecausebytheLawasanobligationeveryonebeingboundtokeepitwhollyandcontinually,Deut.27.26.Gal.3.10.sothatthebreachthereofevenonce,andintheleastpoint,makethusdebtorspresently,(ashavingforfeitedourobligation)thereisnomanthatcaneitheravoidthebreachofit,orwhenhehathbrokenit,makeamendsuntoGodforit,consideringthatwhatsoeverhedothafterthebreach,isbothimperfectlydone,andifitwereperfect,yetitisduebytheobligationoftheLaw,andthereforecannotgoeforpaiment,nomorethenamancanpayonedebtwithanother.

Whatdothitdrawwithit,thatcausethittobesoimpossibletobesatisfied?

Therewardofit,whichiseverlastingdeathbothofbodyandsoule,Rom.6.23.thegreatnesseandalsonumberwhereofisdeclaredbytheparableoftenthousandtalents,whichnomanisabletopay,beingnotabletosatisfiesomuchasonefarthing.

Butarewenotabletosatisfiesomepartofit,asamaningreatdebtissometimeabletomakesomesatisfaction,especiallyifheehavedaygivenhim?

No:andthereforewearecomparedtoachildnewborne,redwithbloud,andnotabletowashhimselfe,nortohelphimself,Ezek.16.4,5.Andtocaptivescloseshutupinprisonandfetters,keptbyastrongone,Luke4.18.Matth.12.29.sothatthereisassmalllikelihoodofourdelive-ranceoutofthepowerofSatan,asthatapooreLambshoulddeliveritselfefromthegripesandpawesofaLion.

Whatisthemeanestofreeusfromthisdebt?

BythispetitionChristteachethus,thatbeingpressedwiththeburdenofoursin,weshouldfleeuntothemercyofGod,andtoentreathimfortheforgivenesseofourdebt,Matth.11.28.Esa.55.1.eventhecancellingofourobligation,thatinLawitbenotavailableagainstus.InwhichrespectthepreachingoftheGospeliscomparedtotheyeareofIubile,whennomanmightdemandhisdebtofhisBrother,Luke4.19.

HowshallweobtainethisatGodshands?

BytheonelybloodandsufferingofChrist,astheonely

[Page]

ransomeforsin:contrarytothePapists,whoconfessingthatoriginallsinneistakenawaybyChristinBaptisme,doeteachthatwemustmakepartofoursatisfactionforouractuallsin,andthereforesomeofthemwhipthem-selves,asiftheirbloudmightsatisfieforsinne,whichisabominabletothink.

Whatdoeyouthenunderstandherebyforgivenesse?

SuchremissionasmayagreewithGodsjustice,whichwillnotendurehimtobealoser,whereforeitisforgivenesseofusbytakingpaimentofanother,Job33.24.evenofoursuretyIesusChristinourbehalfe,1John2.2.

Whatmeaneyoubysaying,Vs,andOurs?

WeincludewithourselvesinthispetitionasmanyasareinChristenabledbyatruefaithtolayholdonhim,andtopleadhispaimentandsatisfaction,Psal.130.7,8.&51.18.

Doewehereprayforthesinnesofthisday,asbeforeforthebreadofthisday?

Notonelyforthem,butalsoforallthateverwehavedoneatalltimesbefore,totheendthatwemightbethefurtherconfirmedintheassuranceoftheremissionofalloursins.

WhatisfurthertobeconsideredinthisPetition?

ThatasintheformerbyBreadmorewasunderstood,sohereunderonepartofourIustification,towit,the

Whatwe

askeofGod

inthisfifth

petition.

remission,ornotimputationofsinsuntodeath,bymeanesofthesatisfactionofChristssufferings,wedoealsoconceivetheotherpart,whichistheimputationofhisholinesseuntolifeeternall,asimplyedundertheformer,andinseparablyannexedthereto.ForasChristhathtakenawayoursinsbysuffering,sohehathalsocloatheduswithhisrighteousnesse,byfulfillingoftheLawforus,Dan.9.24.2Cor.5.21.

WhatdoewethenaskeofGodinthisPetition?

Sixthings,viz.

1.Grace,feelinglytoknow,andfranklyandtremblinglytoconfesse,withoutexcuseorextenuation,thegreatdebtofoursins,Psal.51.3.andourutterinabilitytosatisfieforthesame,orfortheleastpartthereof,Psal.103.3.&142.2.

2.ThatGodwouldbestowuponusChristIesus,andforhissakeremoveoutofhissightalloursins,andtheguiltandpunishmentdueuntousforthesame.

3.Thepowerofsavingfaith,Luke17.5.tolayholdonthemeritorioussufferingsandobedienceofourLordIesusChrist,untoourfullIustification,Esa.53.5.

4.TheSpiritofprayer,thatwithgriefeandsorrowforoursinsweemaycravepardonforoursinnes,andincreaseoffaith,Zach.12.10.Mark9.24.

[Page]

Thereason

ofthe

petition.

5.AnassuranceoftheforgivenesseofoursinsbythetestimonyoftheSpiritofChrist,Rom.8.15,16.andexemplifyingandapplyingthegenerallpardonofsinsonceforallgranteduntousatourconversion,untotheseverallsinsanddebtsofeverydayandmomentofourlife.

6.Weprayforremissionofsin,notasintendingourselvestoundergoethepunishment,oranypartthereof,Jer.14.7.Butcontrariwise,thatthewholedebt(whichisproperlythepunishment,ashathbeenshewed)maybeacceptedatthehandsofChristourSurety,andwefullydischargedandacquitted,sothatnothingmayremaineonouraccount,buttherighteousnesseofChrist,Psal.3.8,9.wherebythefavourandkingdomeofGodispurchasedforus.

SomuchofPetition:Whatissetdowneinthereason?

Atruenotetocertifieuswhetheroursinnesareforgivenusornot,bythatweforgive,ornotforgiveothers,thathaveoffendedus.

DoththisreasonbindeGodtoforgiveus?

Nootherwisethenbyhisgraciousandtruepromises,thisbeinganecessaryconsequentandfruitoftheother,andnotacause.Forwhenwesay,Aswe,orforwealsoforgive,&c.wearguewiththeLord,notformerit,butfromthemodellofGodsgraceinus,Matth.6.14,15.whichbe-ingincomparablyinferiourtothemercyandloveofGod;andyetdisposingustoforgiveandletfall(inregardofhatredorprivaterevenge,(Rom.12.19.)anywrongsandinjuriesofourbrethrenagainstus,maybothstirreup

thecompassionoftheLordtowardsushischildren,Neh.5.19.andassureusoftheattainingofthisourrequest,Iames2.13.Andthereforethatwemaynotbedestituteofsoimportantanargument,Marke11.25.1Iohn3.14.bothtopleadformercywithGod,andtoassureourselvesofsuccesse,wedesireofGodaportionofthatmercywhichissoabundantinhim,thatwemaybetenderlyaffectedonetowardsanother,forgivingoneanother,evenasGodforChristssakeforgivethus,Eph.4.32.Col.3.13.

ButseeingGodaloneforgivethsinnes,Matth.9.2.Mar.2.7.Iob14.4.Esa.43.25.hereunderstoodbythewordDebt:Howisitsaidthatweforgivesinnes?

WeforgivenotthesinnesofarasitissinneagainstGod:butsofarasitbringethgriefeandhinderanceuntous,wemayforgiveit.

AreweherebyboundtoforgiveallourDebts?

Noverily;wemaybothcraveourdebtsofourdebtors;andiftherebenootherremedie,goetoLawinasimpledesireofIustice;(yeainlawfullwarrewemaykillourenemies,andyetforgivethem)beingfreefromangerandrevenge;yetso,thatifourDebtorsbenotabletopay,weareboundinadutytoforgivethem,oratleasttohaveaconscionableregardoftheirinability.

Howisthisreasondrawne?

Fromthelessetothegreater,thus:ifwewretchedsinnersuponearthcanforgiveothers,howmuchmorewillthe

graciousGodofheavenforgiveus?Matth.5.7.&6.14,15.ifwehavingbutadropofmercycanforgiveothers,howmuchmorewillGod,whoisaseafullofgrace?1Iohn2.10.&3.14.especiallywhenwebyforgivingsometimessufferlosse:whereasfromGodbyforgivingusnothingfallethaway.

WhereinappeareththeinequalitybetweenourdebtuntoGod,andmansdebtsuntous?

First,inthenumber;ourdebtstoGodbeingcomparedtotenthousand;mensdebtstous,toonehundred.

Secondly,intheweight;ourdebtstoGodbeingcomparedtotenthousandTalents,mensdebtstoustoanhundredpence.

Howriseththisgreatinequalityintheweight?

FromthegreatinequalitybetweenGodandman:foriftostrikeaKingbemuchmorehainousthentostrikeapooreboy;whatisitthentostrikeGod,whoisinfinitelygreaterthenalltheKingsoftheearth?

Whatistobegatheredoutofthisreason?

ThatweshoulddailyprayuntoGod,thathewouldmercifullyworkeinusamercifullaffection,andgiveuslovingandcharitableheartstowardsallmen,freefrommaliceandrevenge,anddesirousoftheirsalvation:Andthatasthisisatestimonytoourhearts,thatGodwillforgiveus,ifweforhissakecanheartilyforgivesuchas

[Page]

haveoffendedus:soontheotherside,ifwecanshewnofavouruntoothers,wecanlookfornoneatthehandsofGod:Andthereforetopray,withoutforgivingsuchashaveoffendedus,werenotonelyameerebabling,butalsoaprocuringofGodswrathmoreheavilyagainstus:whichcondemneththehypocrisieofmany,whichassuringthemselvesingreatconfidenceoftheforgivenesseoftheirsinnes,yetcannotfindeintheirheartstoforgiveothers;endsobymockingtheLord,bringacurseuponthemselvesinsteadofablessing;seeingheart,andhand,andmouthshouldgoetogether.

Whatfurtherlearnewebythisreason?

Thatasourforgivenesseisnothing,unlessethedangerofimprisonmentbetakenaway,whichinabilityofpayingthedebtdothdrawwithit:soitavailethusnothingtohaveoursinnesforgivenusofGod,unlessethepunishmentalsobeeforgiven.ContrarytothePapists,whoteachthatsinneandtheguiltthereofistakenawaybyChrist,butthatwemustsatisfieforthepunishmentofit:whereintheymakeGodlikeuntothosehypocrites,(herealsocondemned)whowillseemtoforgive,andyetkeepeaprickandquarrellintheirhands,watchingalloccasionsofadvantage,whichsay,theywillforgive,butnotforget.

SomuchoftheformerPetitionbelongingtothelifetocome:Whatarethewordsofthelatter,whichisthesixtandlastPetitionoftheLordsPrayer?

Andleadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromevill,Matth.6.13.Luke11.4.

Thesumme

ofthesixt

Petition.

Thesixt

Petition.

Whatisthesummeofit?

Initweprayforsanctificationandstrengthagainstoursinnes;thatsinnemaynotonelybepardoneduntous,butdailymortifiedinus,Rom.6.1,2.andweeitherkeptbytheprovidenceofGodfromtemptations,Prov.30.8.2Cor.12.8.arepreservedbyhisgracefrombeinghurtthereby,1Cor.10.13.2Cor.12.9.andaswepraythatbythepowerofGodwemaybestrengthenedagainstalltentations;sodowealsopray,thatbythesamepowerwemayberaiseduptonewobedience:Forunderonepartofsanctification,thatistheavoydingandmortifyingofsinne,isimplyedtheotherpartalso,whichisabilityuntonewobedience,2Cor.7.1.Rom.6.11.

Whatisheretobeobservedinregardoftheorder,thatthisPetitionconsequentlyfollowethupontheformer?

ThatthereforetostrengthenourfaithfortheobtainingofthisPetition,wemustbeassuredoftheformer;thatseeingGodhathforgivenusoursinnes,hewillbepleasedalsotomortifieourflesh,andquickenourspirit,whicharethetwopartsofsanctification,andneverseveredfromtruejustification.

Whatlearneyouofthis?

ThatwecannotrightlydesireGodtoforgiveusoursinnes,unlessewecravealsopowertoabstainefromthelikeintimetocome,elseourprayersisbutbabling:sothathere

[Page]

wewouldbestirredtoprayforstrengthtoavoidthosesinneswhereofwecravedpardonforbefore:Sofarreisitthatmenshouldthinkethattheyarejustified,whentheyhavenotsomuchasapurposetoleavetheirsinne.Forwhobeingdeliveredfromagreatdiseasewillreturnetoitagain,andnotratherdesireaDietwherebyhemayescapeit.Swineindeedaftertheyarewashed,anddogsaftertheirvomitreturne,theonetotheirmire,theothertotheirvomit,Prov.26.1[...].2Pet.2.22.AsdoealsothePapists,whoafterauricularconfession,beingdischargedintheiropinion,willgoetotheirsinsafresh;butthosethataretrulywashedbythebloudofChrist,willnevergivethemselvesovertotheirsinsagaine.

Iftheycannotreturnetotheirvomit,whatneedhavetheytopray?

Yes,verygreat,becauseGodhathordainedprayeronemeanesofkeepingthemfromrevolt,andtheyoughttobesomuchthemoreearnestinprayer,astheyaremoresubjecttobebeatenandbuffetedwithtentationsthenothers,Zach.1.11.Luke11.21.

Whatlearneyoufromhence?

Muchcomfortintemptations,inthatitisatokenofGodsfavour,andofpardonofoursins,thatwearesubjecttotemptations.

Whatothercauseistheretopray,thatwebenotleadintotemptation?

Ofthe

tempta-

tions,and

thecau

[...]eswhy

wemust

praya-

gainst

them.

Forthattheconditionofthemthatarecalledtothehopeoflife,willbeworsethenthestateofthosethatnevertastedofthegoodwordofGod,iftheygivethemselvestoevill;Asarelapseindiseasesismoredangerousthenthefirstsicknessewas,John5.14.2Pet.2.22.Mat.12.43.

Maywepraysimplyandabsolutelyagainstalltemptations?

Noverily:

Forfirst,thebestmenthateverwere(yea,theSonofGodhimselfe)weresubjecttotemptations.

Secondly,alltemptationsarenotevill,butsomearetrialsofourfaithandhope,andoftentimesmakeforourgood:Inwhichregard,theyarepronouncedblessedthatfallintodiverstemptations;andthereforeoughtwenottopraysimplyandwithoutexceptiontobedeliveredfromthem,James1.2.Deuter.8.2.&13.3.butonlyfromtheevillofthem.

Whatthendoeweprayforconcerningthem?

ThatiftheLordwillbepleasedtotaketryallofthegracehehathbestoweduponus,eitherbyafflictionsorbyoccasionoftemptationtosinofferedus,thatwebenotgivenovertothem,orovercomebythem;butthatwemayhaveagoodissue,andescapefromthem,1Cor.10.13.Andthatifeitherwemustgoeundertrouble,oroffend

[Page]

HowGod

tempteth

theLord,wemayratherchuseafflictionthensin,John36.21.

WhyaretheycalledTemptations?

BecausebythemGodtriethourobedience,andtonotifieourfaithandpatience,bothtoourselvesandothers,whetherwewillfollowhimornot;andthereforewemaybeassured,thatsooftenaswebeatbacke,orovercomethetemptations,wehaveasmanyundoubtedtestimoniesofhislove.

WhatisheremeantthenbythewordTemptation?

Sin,andwhatsoeverthingsbythecorruptionofournatureareoccasionstoleadeusintosin;asprosperity,adversity,&c.Prov.30.9.whichotherwisesimplyarenottobenumbredamongthesetemptationswedesireheretobedeliveredfrom.

Howmanywayesmayamanbetempted?

Three:

1.ByGod.

2.BySatanandhiswickedinstruments.

3.Byamansownecorruption.

HowmayGodbesaidtotempt?

ThoughGodtemptethnomanuntoevill,ashe

us.istemptedofnone,James1.13.yetsometimesheleadethmenintotemptationsofprobation,Mat.4.1.&6.13.andthatfirstbyunusuallprobatoryprecepts,aswhenhecommandedAbrahamtokillhissonne,Gen.22.1,&c.Secondly,bysendinganextraordinarymeasureofprosperityoradversity,Deut.8.16.Thirdly,bylettinglooseSatan(hisbanddog)tobuffetandmolestthegodly,asSaintPaul,2Cor.12.7.ortoseducethewicked,asAhabsProphets,1Kings22.22.Fourthly,bydesertion,leavingmentothemselves,whetherforatime,Hos.5.15.asEzechiasinthebusinesseoftheKingofBabelsEmbassage,2Chron.32.31.orutterly,asthosewhomhejustlygivethuptotheirownelusts,Rom.1.26,28.andthepowerofSatan,Acts5.3.

HowagreethitwiththegoodnesseoftheLord,toleadethusintotemptation?

Whenallthingsareofhim,andbyhim,itmustneedsfollow,thatthethingsthataredoneareprovidedandgovernedofhim;yetinsuchsort,asnoneoftheevillwhichisinthetransgressorcleavethuntohim.

Buthowcanthatbewithoutstaineofhisrighteousnesse?

ItisarighteousthingwithGodtopunishsinwithsin,andtocastasinnerintofurthersins,bywayofjustpunishment.ThereforewedesireGodnottogiveusovertoourselves,bywithdrawinghisSpiritfromus,aswhenmendoedelightinlies,hegiveththemovertobeleevelies,2Thes.2.11.andforIdolatry,hejustlypunisheth

themwithcorporallfilthinesseinthesamedegree,Hos.4.14.Rom.1.24.Nowbeingnaturallypronetosin,whenbythejustjudgementofGodwearelefttoourselves,werushintoallevill,evenasahorseintothebattell,towhomweputthespurres,orasanEagleflyethtoherprey.

MaynotearthlyMagistratesthuspunishsin?

Noverily,itwereacursedthinginMagistratessotodoe:ButGodisaboveallMagistrates,whoevenforournaturallcorruptionmayjustlygiveusovertoallnaughtyaffections.

WhydoethePapistssay,andsufferusnottobeledintotemptation?

InavaineandfoolishfeareofmakingGodtobeguiltyofsin,ifheshouldbesaidtoleadeusintotemptation;andthereforetheylaytheLordswords(asitwere)inwater,andchangehistongue,andsethimtotheGrammarSchooletoteachhimtospeake,whichteachethallmentospeake,whosefollyissomuchthegreater,asitistheusuallphraseofScripture,Exod.4.21.&9.16.1Kings22.20,21,22.Rom.1.24.2Thes.2.11.

Whatinconveniencefollowethuponthisaddition?

Verygreat:Forbythisbarepermissionofevill,theyrobGodofhisglory(workinginthemostthingsthataredoneofmen)yeaevenofthebestthings,thedoingwhereofisattributedtohispermission,Heb.6.3.

[Page]

Deliverus

fromevill:

Whatis

meantby

it.

MaywenotofferourselvesuntotemptationasChristdid?

Innowise:forhewascarriedextraordinarilybythepowerofhisGodheadintothedesart,tobetemptedforoursakes,thatinhisvictorywemightovercome.

Whatlearneyouofthis?

1.Thatnogodlymanshouldchusehisdwellingamongthoseofasinfullprofession:Asachastemanamongstewes,oratemperatemanamongdrunkards,belly-gods,&c.

2.Ifwefallintosuchcompaniesoroccasionsatunawares,asdidIoseph,Gen.39.12.andDavid,1Sam.25.13.22.thatweprayGodforhisassistance,tocarryourselvesgodly,andinnowisetobeinfectedbythem.

Whatismeantby[deliverusfromevill?]

Thisexpoundeththeformer,byaflatcontrary;asthus,[leadeusnotintotemptation]butpullusoutofit,evenwhenwefallintoitbyourowninfirmity)andthatwithforce:Forbydelivering,hereismeant,aforciblerescuingofournature,Rom.7.24.neitherablenorwillingtohelpitselfeoutofthesedangers.

Whatdoththisteachus?

Thatmenaredeeplyplungedintosin,asabeastintothemire,whichmustbeforciblypulledout,althoughabeast

Whatis

meantby

evill.

willhelpitselfemorethenwecandoeourselves,ofourselves;notthatthereisnotafreedomeandwillingnesseinthatwhichiswelldone,butasthatforcecommethfromthatwhichiswithout,sothegracecommethnotfromus,butfromGod;thereforetheChurchsaith,Cant.1.4.drawme,wewillrun;andChrist,Iohn6.44.Nomancancometome,excepttheFatherwhichhathsentmedrawhim:Whencewelearne,thattohavethisdesireofbeingdrawneout,isasingularfavourofGod.

WhatisGodshandtopullusoutofthisevill?

TheMinistryofhisWord,wherebyheframethourwilsthroughthepowerofhisSpirittoyeeldtohisworke.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatwekickenotattheMinistersforreprovingoursins,seeingthattheystrivetopluckeusoutofthemire,butthatwerejoyceandyeeldtotheirexhortation.

Whatismeantherebyevill?

First,thatevillone,1Iohn5.18,19.Satan,(whopretendethtohavepoweroverus;)andinhim,allhisinstrumentsandprovocationstosin.Thensecondly,theeffectoftemptation,whichwithoutthespeciallgraceofGodisextreamelyevill;towit,sinanddamnation,1Tim.6.9.

IsnottheDevilltheauthorofallevill?

[Page]

What

Yes:heisthefirstauthor,butproperlythoseevilsarecalledhis,whichinhisownepersonhesuggesteth.

Fromhowmanykindsofevilsthendesirewedeliverance?

Fromtwo:

1.Theinwardconcupiscencesofourhearts,whichareourgreatestenemies,Iames1.14,15.

2.Theoutward,astheDevillandtheworld,whichdoeworkeuponusbytheformer;andthereforeifwecansubduetheoutward,theseinwardcannotannoyus.

Fromwhatevilsshouldwedesireprincipallytobedelivered?

Thosewhereuntowearemostbent,andnaturallyinclined,orwhereinourCountryespecially,orourneighboursamongstwhomweconverse,doemostdelight.Thatwemakethehedgehighest,whereSatanstrivethmosttoleapover,Matth.8.28.whoalthoughheknowethnotoursecrets,yetseeingbyhissubtiltyandsharpnesseofdiscoveringusevenbyabeckorcountenanceisverygreat,wemustdesirewisdomeofGod,todiscernehistemptations,andpoweralsotoresistthem.

Shewnowbriefly,asyouhavedoneintherest,whatthingsweeprayforinthislastPetition?

1.ThatseeingwecannotbetemptedwithoutthewillofGod,Iob1.10.norresistwithouthispower,2

thingswe

parayforin

thesixtPe-

tition.

Cor.12▪9.ifitbeehisblessedwillheewouldgiveusneitherpovertynorriches,Prov30.8.noranysuchthingasmayendangerourspirituallestate,butremovethosecausesawaywhichleadusintotemptation.

2.ThatheewouldtyeupSatan,andrestrainehismaliceandpower,2Cor.12.8.orelsemakeuswisetoknowandavoidhisstrategems,2Cor.2.11.andpreserveusfromtheevillthatisintheworld,Ioh.17.15.andabatethepowerofthecorruptionthatiswithinus,Rom.7.24,25.

3.Thatinourtrialls(ifheseegoodtoproveus)heewouldkeepusfromcharginghimwithanyinjustice,orhardmeasure,Job1.22.andthathewouldgiveusgracetobeholdhisholyhandtherein;andtomakethatholyuseofthemforwhichhehathsentthem,Esa.27.9.

4.ThatheewouldnottakehisholySpiritfromusinourtrialls:Butalwayesgiveussustentationinourtemptations,andtokeepusfromfalling,andnotsufferustobeovercomebythetemptations,1Cor.10.13.Judeverse24.

5.Thatleavingusatanytimetoourowneweaknesseforourhumiliation,heewouldgraciouslyraiseusupagainewithencreaseofspirituallstrengthandcourage,Psal.51.12.

6.Thathewouldkeepusfromallcarnallsecurity,fromdespaireandpresumptionofhismercies.

[Page]

Conclusion

oftheLords

Prayer.

7.Thathewouldputanendtoalltrialls,andtothesedayesofconflict,inhisownegoodtime,treadingSatanwithhisforcesforeverunderfeet,Rom.16.20.

8.Thathewouldencreaseandperfecttheworkeofhisgraceinus,enablingustoeverygoodworke,Heb.13.21.andinsteadoftemptationtothecontrary,affordingusallhelpesuntowell-doing,andallthingsthatmayfurtherusinholinesse,asgoodcompany,godlyexample,holycounsells,andencouragements,&c.

HithertoofthePetitions:Thereremaineththeconclusion,containingbothaThanksgiving,whichisthesecondpartofPrayer,andaconfirmationoftheformerrequests:whatarethewordsofthiscloseoftheLordsPrayer?

Forthineisthekingdome,andpower,andtheglory,forever.Amen.Matth.6.13.

Whichwords,thoughtheybenotrepeatedbySt.Luke,yetareexpresselymentionedbySt.Matthew,andthereforecauselesly,andwithoutwarrantomittedbytheChurchofRome.

Whatobserveyoutherein?

TheirSacriledge,whostealeawaythisThanksgivingfromprayer,asifitwerenopartofit;sothatitisnomarvailethatinPoperyallthewholebodyoftheirDoctrineisofthesalvationofmen,Godsglorybeingburiedinadeepsilence.

Whatis

meantby

Kingdome.

WhenceisthisformeofThanksgivingdrawne?

OutofDaniel,7.14.and1Chron.29.10,11,12,13.whereDaviduseththelikephraseofpraisingofGod;butthatwhichDavidenlargeththere,ourSaviourshortnethhere;andyetcomprehendeththemarrowofall.

Whatisthesummethereof?

ThatwegroundourassuranceofobtainingourPrayersinGodfromwhomallthingsweaskedoecome,andtowhomthereforeallglorymustreturne.

Whatobserveyouinthis?

ThatChristmakeththisThanksgivingconsistinginthepraiseofGodtobeareasonofallthePetitionsgoingbefore:andthereforeafurtherassuranceofobtainingoursuits:forsogoodmeninprayingfornewblessings,doealwayesjoynethanksgivingfortheformer.

Whatdoeyouhereunderstandby[kingdome.]

Godsabsolutesoveraigntyandrightoverallthings,1Chron.29.11.whichanswerethtothesecondPetition:andtherforethisreasonofGodsrightandauthorityoverall,oughttomoveustoprayuntohim,andtohimalone,astoonethathathonelyrighttoanythingweehaveneedof.

Whatismeantby[power?]

TheomnipotencyofGod,wherebyheisabletodoeall

Whatis

meantby

Power.

Whatis

meantby

Glory.

[Page]

things,Luke1.37.Thatbesidehisrightnotedintheformerword,heisalsoabletobringtopassewhatsoeverhewill;bothwhichconcurreinGod,thoughnotalwaiesinearthlyPrinces:whichseemethtoansweruntothethirdPetition,andoughttogiveusencouragementtoprayuntohim,whoisabletoeffectanythingweprayforaccordingtohiswill,andtostrengthenustoanythingwhichindutyweoughttodoe,althoughtherebenostrengthinus.

Whatismeantby[glory?]

Thatdue,whichrisingfromthetwoformerofkingdomeandpower,dothrightlybelonguntoGod,asfollowingupontheconcurrenceoftheothertwo.Forifwhatsoeverwedesirebegranteduntousinthathereignethpowerfully;itisreason,thatfromtheestablishingofhiskingdomeandpower,allgloryandpraiseshouldreturneuntohimagaine.ThereforeherebywedoethankfullyreferreandreturneallgoodthingstothehonourandserviceofGodthatgiveththem,Psalme65.1,2.otherwisewehavenocomfortofourprayers:AnditanswerethtothefirstPetition,andoughttomoveustoprayuntohim,andtoassureusthatourprayersaregranted;seeingbyourprayersduelymadeandgranted,heisglorified:Anditisoneofthemostpowerfullreasons,thattheservantsofGodhavegroundedtheirconfidenceon,ofbeingheard,thatthenameofGodthereinshouldbeglorified.

Whatmeaneyoubytheword[thine?]

What

meantby

Thine.

What

meantby

forever.

HerebytheseTitlesofKingdome,Power,andGlory,areappropriateduntoGod,towhomtheydobelong,andallcreaturesexcludedfromfellowshipwithhimintheseAttributes.Forhowsoever,Kingdome,Power,andGlory,arecommunicateduntosomecreatures,(namelyKings,andPrinces,Dan.2.37.)asGodsInstruments,andVicegerents,Psalme82.6.yetGodaloneclaimeththemoriginallyofhimselfe,andabsolutelywithoutdependanceorcontroll;othershavethemnotofthemselves,butasborrowed,andholdthemofhimasTenantsatwill,Rom.8.15.Prov.8.25.Job33.13.

Whatismeantbythewords,[forever,orforages?]

Byageshemeanetheternity,Dan.2.4.andtherebyputtethanotherdifferencebetweenthekingdome,power,andgloryofGod,whichise-ternall,withoutanybeginningorend,1Tim.1.17.andthatinPrinces,whosekingdomes,powers,andgloryfade.

Howisthatacloseofconfirmationtoourrequests?

BecausewedoenotonelyingenerallascribeKingdome,Power,andGloryuntoGod,ashisdue;butalsowithrespecttoourprayersandsuits,beleevingandprofessing,thatheasKingofheavenandearthhathauthoritytodisposeofallhistreasures,Rev.3.7.asomnipotent,isabletodoeexceedingabundantly,aboveallthatweeaskeorthinke,Eph.3.20.Finally,astheGodofglory,isinteressedinthewelfareofhisservants,forthe

Whatis

meantby

Amen.

maintainingofthehonourofhisName,Psal.35.27.andtruthofhispromise,Psalme119.49.ThereforethereareherecontainedthreereasonstomoveGodtograntourPetitions.Because,

First,heisourKing,andsotyedtohelpuswhoarehisSubjects.

Secondly,hehathpower,andthereforeforeisabletohelpeus.

Thirdly,thegrantingofourPetitionswillbetohisgloryandpraise;whereuponwefirmelybeleeve,thatGodthemightyandeverlastingKing,(1Tim.1.17.)can,andforhisowneglorywillgrantthethingswehavethusdemanded,Eph.3.20.Jer.14.7.Ezek.36.22.

Whatisunderstoodbythislastword,[Amen.]

Notonely,Sobeit,ascommonlymensay,butalso,soitis,orshallbe,aswehaveprayed,Rev,22.20,21.Foritisanoteofconfidence,anddeclarationofFaith,(withoutwhichourprayersarerejected)wherebyweassureourselves,thatGodwillgrantthosethingswhichweehaveprayedtohimfor.

Whyarewetaughttoconcludewiththisword?

Therebeingtwothingsrequiredinprayer:aferventdesire,James5.17.andfaith,James1.6.whichisaperswasionthatthesethingswhichwetruelydesire,Godwillgrant

[Page]

Whether

lawfullto

useany

otherforme

ofPrayer.

themforChristssake.Thisisatestimonybothofourearnestaffectionofhavingallthosethingsperformed,whichinthisPrayerarecomprehended;andtheassuranceofourfaithtoreceiveourdesires;atleastsofarreforthasGodseethgoodforus:Andsoherebywedoenotonelytestifieourearnestdesire,thatsoitmaybee,butalsoexpresseourfullassurancethatsoitshallbeaswehaveprayed,accordingtothewillofGod:andbeingalreadyletin,Matth.7.8.bythekeyoffaithfullprayer,intotherichtreasureofhismercies,weealsosetourseale,Iohn3.11.inthewordoffaith,Amen.

Isitlawfulltousenootherformeofwords,thenthatwhichissetdowneintheLordsPrayer?

Wemayuseanotherformeofwords,butwemustprayforthesamethings,andwithlikeaffectionasisprescribedinthatPrayer.

Thisformebeingsoabsolute,whatneedweuseanyotherwordsinpraying?

Becauseastorefusethisforme,savourethofaproudcontemptofChristsordinance:sotoconfineourselvestothesewordsalone,arguethextreameidlenesseinthisduty,whereinvarietyofwordsisrequiredforthepowringoutofoursoulesbeforetheLord,Hos.14.3.andoftentimesaccordingtotheoccasions,someonepetitionismorethentheresttobeinsistedon,andimportuned,Mat.26.44.WhereforeourblessedSaviourhathcommendedthisformeuntous,asanexcellentcoppyorlessontobebothrepeatedandimitated,oratleastaymedatbyushis

Schollers,forwhichcause,bothhehimselfe,Iohn17.10.andhisApostles,Acts4.24.arerecordedtohaveprayedinotherwords,whichyetmaybereferredtothis.Finally,thelibertywhichtheLordaffourdethusisnottobeabrid-gedordespised,whoadmittethalllanguages,wordsandformesagreeabletothispatterne;whetherread,rehearsedbyheart,orpresentlyconceived,2Chron.29.30.Psalme90&92.inthetitles,Numb.10.35,36.sobeitwepraybothwithspirit,andaffection,andunderstandingalso,1Cor.14.15.

MaytherenotthenbesidesthisPrayeroftheLord,benowundertheGospellasetformeofPrayerintheChurch?

Yesverily,sothatitbeleftatthelibertyoftheChurch(notofprivatemenwithoutconsentoftheChurch)toalterit.

WhereforeisitnecessarythattherebeasetformeofPrayer?

Tohelptheweakerandrudersortofpeopleespecially,andyetsoasthesetformemakenotmensluggishinstirringupthegiftofprayerinthemselves,accordingtodiversoccurrents,itbeingincidenttothechildrenofGod,tohavesomegiftofprayerinsomemeasure,Zach.12.10

RemaineththereyetanythingnecessarytobeconsideredofPrayer?

Somethingwouldbespokenofthekindsandcircumstancesthereof.

What

private

Prayeris.

[Page]

What

publick

Prayeris.

WhatkindsarethereofPrayer?

Prayeriseitherpublickeorprivate,andbothofthemeitherordinaryorextraordinary,Acts6.4,&c.1Tim.2.12.Mat.6.6.Acts10.4.Ioel2.15.Ionah3.6.

WhatispublickPrayer?

ItisprayermadeofandintheCongregationassembledfortheserviceofGod,Psal.84.1,&c.

WhatisprivatePrayer?

ItisthatPrayerwhichismadeoutoftheCongregation,anditiseitherlesseprivate,aswhenthewholeFamily,orprivatefriendsmeetinthatexercise,2Sam.6.20.Esther4.16.ormoreprivate,wheneitheroneofthemembersoftheFamily,Nehem.1.4,5,6.Gen.25.21.orsomebyreasonofspecialldutytheyhavejoyntlytogethermadetheirprayers,1Pet.3.7.

IsitnotenoughforeveryoneinaFamilytomakeprayerswiththerestofthebodyofthatHoushold?

No,itisrequiredalsothatwepraysolitarilybyourselves,Math.6.6.Foraseverymanhathcommittedspeciallsins,whichothersintheFamilyhavenot,andhathspecialldefects,andhathreceivedspeciallfavours,thatothershavenot:sointheseregardsitismeetthatheshouldhaveaspeciallresortuntoGodinConfession,Petition,andThanksgiving.

1.Gesture.

What

ordinary

prayeris.

What

extraor-

dinary

prayeris.

Circumstances

ofprayer.

WhatisordinaryPrayer?

Itisthatprayerwhichismadedailyuponordinaryoccasions,Psal.55.17.Dan.6.11.

Whatistheextraordinary?

Thatwhichismadeuponspecialloccasion,orextraordinaryaccidentfallingout,byreasonwhereofitisbothlongerandferventer,Psal.119.62.Acts12.5.Joel2.15.Ionah3.6.

ArethesamepersonsalwayestokeeptheprivateextraordinaryPrayers,thatkeepthepublick?

No:notsuchpersonsasareunderthecommandementofothers,unlesseitbepublick,orwithconsentoftheircommanders,Numb.30.13,14,&c.

WhataretheordinarycircumstancesofPrayer?

Gestures,Place,Time.

WhatbehaviourandgesturemustweuseinPrayer?

Wemustusesuchholybehaviour,andcomelygesturesofbody,asarebeseemingtheMajestyofGod,withwhomwehavetodeale,andsoholyanexercisewhichwehaveinhand;namely,suchasmaybestexpresseandencreasethereverence,humility,fervencyandaffiance,thatoughttobeinourhearts;as

Ofthe

placeof

prayer.

thebowingofourknees,Eph.3.14.liftingupofourhandsandeyestoheaven,Lam.3.41.Iohn17.1,&c.whichyetarenotalwayes,orabsolutelynecessary,Luke18.13.soourheartsbeliftedup,Psal.25.1.and143.8.andthekneesofourconsciencebowedbeforetheLord,Phil.2.10.andnothingdoneunbeseemingthecompanywithwhomwepray,andthekindofprayer.

Isnotthebehaviouralloneineverykindofprayer?

No:Inprivateprayeritsufficeththatweusesuchwords,gestures,&c.asmayexpresseourreverenceandfaithtowardsGod,1Cor.14.2.Inpublikeprayerourbehaviourmustbesuchasmayalsowitnesseourcommuniononewithanother,anddesireofmutualledification,1Cor.14.4.andverse17.40.Whenwepraybyourselveswehavemorelibertyofwordsandgesturesthenincompany,1Kings18.42.Inextraordinaryprayersthepublikemustbedonewithopenshewoftheaffection,eithersorroworjoy,Esa.1.and58.Ioel2.13.whichintheprivatemustbeco-vertandsecret,Matth.6.17.

Wheremustwepray?

Generallyallplacesareallowed,1Tim.2.8.theceremonialldifferenceofplacesbeingremoved,Iohn4.21,&c.andChristourpropitiatoryeverywherepresentbeforeus,Matth.18.20.Notwithstanding,accordingtothekindesbeforementioned,thepublikeplaceofresortfortheworshipofGodbestfittethcommonprayers,Esa.56.7.Ioel2.17.andtheprivatehouseorClosetismost

[Page]

Ofthetime

ofprayer.

OfFasting.

convenientforprivatesupplication,Matth.6.6.howsoeverthesuddenliftingupoftheheartinsecretuntoGod,maybeasoccasionis,withoutgesture,inanyplaceorcompany,Neh.2.4.

Whenmustwepray?

Continually,astheApostleenjoyneth,1Thess.5.17.ForthewholecourseofaChristianisaperpetuallintercoursewiththeLord,eithersu-ingformercy,orwaitingfortheanswerofhissuits,orrendringthankesforgracesreceived,Psal.5.3.Luke2.37.NeverthelesseordinarilytheSabbathamongthedayesoftheweek,Psal.92.Title,andmorningandeveningamongthehouresoftheday,ibidvers.2.aretobepreferred▪wheretosuchtimemustbeaddedwhereinweenterintoanybusinesse,Col.3.17.Pro.3.6.orreceiveanyofthecreaturesorblessingsofGod,1Cor.10.31.1Tim.4.4,5.Extraordinarilyotherdayesorhouresmustalsobesetapartforprayer,especiallyincasesrequiringlongercontinuancetherein,Psal.55.17.&119.62,164.

Whatcircumstancesareannexeduntosuchextraordinaryprayer?

Anholyfastingorfeasting,1Cor.7.5.Zach.8.19.Neh.8.10.theone,tofurtherourzealeinpetition;theother,inthanksgiving.

WhatmeaneyoubyFasting?

Whatan

holyFast

is.

Notanynaturallabstinence,arisingfromsicknesse;normedicinall,usedtopreventorremovethesame;norcivill,enjoynedsometimesbyauthority,asincaseofdearth;sometimesenforcedbynecessity,asinsiege,2Kings6.25.seafaring,&c.noryetmorall,forsubduingofcarnallconcupiscence,2Kings25.26,27.1Cor.9.27.andpreservationofchastity,required(especiallyinsomeconstitutions,1Cor.9▪27.)byvertueoftheseventhCommandement:Butreligious,Ioel1.14thatisreferredtoreligiousends,forthefurtheranceofthespeciallpracticeofrepentance,andtheenforcingofourprayers.

Isfastingagoodwork?

Fastingisnotproperlyagoodwork,butanhelp,anassistancethereto,namely,toprayer.

Whetheristheoutwardexercisethereofacertainemarkeofagodlyman?

ThePhariseeswhichfastedLuke5.33.camenottoourSaviourChristtolearneofhim,(48.)astheDisciplesofJohndid,Matth.9.14.althoughitwereinweaknesse)buttodiscredithim,namely,tomaketheworldbeleevethathewasabelly-god,astheChurchofRomedothchargethechildrenofGodnow,toopenaschooletoalllibertyoftheflesh,followingthestepsoftheiroldfathersthePharisees.

WhatisanholyFast?

Thechastisingofournature,andlayingasidethedelightsofthesensesforatime,Joel2.16.

[Page]

1Cor.7.5.totheendtherebytohumbleourselves,andtomakeusmoreapttoprayer.Ormorefully:FastingisareligiousabstinencecommandedofGod,wherebyweforbearenotonelytheuseofmeatanddrinke,butalsoofallotherearthlycomfortsandcommoditiesofthislife,sofarasnecessityandcomelinessewillrequire,totheendthatwebeinghumbledandafflictedinoursoulesbythedueconsiderationofoursinsandpunishment,may(groundeduponthepromiseofGod)moreearnestlyandferventlycalluponGod,eitherfortheobtainingofsomesingularbenefit,orspeciallfavourwehaveneedof,orfortheavoidingofsomespeciallpunishment,ornotablejudgementhangingoverourheads,oralreadypresseduponus,Acts16.30,31,32.&14.23.2Chron.20.Joel1.&2.12.16.

IsthereanynecessityofthisexerciseofFasting?

Yesverily;inthatitisnecessarytohumbleourselvesunderthemightyandfearefullhandofGod,;andtoafflictoursouleswiththeconsiderationandconscienceofoursins,andthepunishmentdueuntothem;untowhichthisoutwardexerciseofFastingisagoodaid:forhowsoeverthekingdomeofGodconsistethnotproperlyinthematterofmeatanddrink,whetherusedorforborne,Rom.14.17.yetfasting,asanextraordinaryhelpeuntothechiefeexercisesofPiety,haththewarrantandweightofadutyaswellfromprecepts,asexamples,bothoutoftheoldTestament,(Lev.23.27.&c.Joel2.22.Esa.22.12.)andthenew,(Mat.9.14,15.Acts13.3.)AndourSaviourChrist,Luke5.35.dothexpresselysay,thatthetimeshall

Ofthetime

ofFasting.

comewhenhisDisciplesshallfast:wherebothbythecircumstancesofthepersonsandofthetime,thenecessityoffastingisenforced.

Howso?

Bythepersons,forthattheApostlesthemselveshadneedofthishelpeofFastingfortheirfurtherhumiliation;andbythetime,forthatevenaftertheAscensionofourSaviourChrist,whenthegracesofGodweremostabundantonthem,theyshouldhaveneedeofthisexercise.

Whatisgatheredhereof?

ThatitisashamefullthingformentosaythatFastingisIewish,orCeremoniall.

Whatdoyougather,inthatourSaviourwouldnothavehisDisciplestofasttillafterhisAscension?

Hissingularkindnesse,inthatheewouldnotsufferanygreattrouble,orcauseofFasttocomeuntothem,beforetheyhadstrengthtobearethem,orwerepreparedforthem.

WhenisthetimeofFasting?

AsoftasthereareurgentandextraordinarycausesofPrayer,eitherfortheavoidingofsomegreatevill,ornotablecalamity,1Sam.7.6.Est.4.16.orfortheobtainingofsomegreatmercy,orspeciallbenefitatthehandofGod,Neh.1.

[Page]

4.Acts10.30.ForinthatourSaviourChristteacheth,Luke5.34.thatitmustnotbewhenhewhoisasitweretheBridegroomeiswithhisDisciples,tofurnishthemwithallmannerofbenefitstheyhadneedof:wearetaught,thatthetimeis,whenanygreatcalamityishangingoverus,orfalneuponus,wherebythegraciouspresenceofChrististakenfromus;orwhenthereisanyweightymattertobetakeninhand.

Whatgatheryouhereof?

ThatthefastofPoperyisfoolish,whichisholdenatsettimes,whetherthetimebeprosperous,ornotprosperous;whethertheaffairesbeecommonorordinary,orwhethertheybespeciallorextraordinary.

WhenthenisthisreligiousexerciseofFastingtobeperformedofChristians?

WhenGodcallethuponusforthisdutybytheoccasionsarisingfromhisprovidence,andourownenecessities,Matth.9.15.

Whatarethoseoccasions,wherebytheLordcallethustofasting?

Theyaregenerallytwo,ashathbeennoted,viz.

1.Evills,whichbeingfeltorfeared,wedesiretoremove,orpreventassins,1Sam.7.6.1Cor.5.2.andthejudgementofGodforsin,Est.4.16.Jonah3.7.Mat.17.21.

2.Goodthings,spirituall,Acts10.30.oroutward,Neh.1.4.whichwedesiretoenjoy,andthereforedoethusseekthem,andprepareourselvesforthereceivingofthem.

WhenisthisFasttobeginandend?

Asinallholyrests,afterpreparation,Luke23.54.itistobegininthemorningofthedayoftheFast,andtocontinuetothemorningofthedayfollowing,Marke16.2.Luke24.1.

Itseemethbythis,thattheLawofFasting,willnotsufferamantosupthenightofthatdaywhentheFastisholden?

TheFastissolongcontinuedashathbeensaid;butso,astherebeethatrefreshingwherebyhealthmaybepreserved:forsuchasbeesickorweake,aretotakesomewhatfortheirsustenance,therebytobeebetterabletoserveGodintheFast,providedthattheydoenotabusethistolicenceoftheflesh.

IsitofnecessitythattheFastshouldalwaybegininthemorning,andcontinueuntillmorning?

No;Itmaybefrommorningtoevening,Judges20.26.2Sam.3.35.orfromeveningtilleveningagaine,Lev.23.32.andaccordingtothegreatnesseoftheaffliction,theFastistobeeprolongedeventothespaceofthreedayes,asappearethbytheexamplesoftheIewes,Est.4.16.&Paul,Acts9.9.

WhatarethekindsofFasting?

Ofpublick

Fast.

Ofprivate

Fast.

Ofthe

kindesof

Fasting.

Itiseitherpublick,orprivate.

WhatisthepublickFast?

ItiswhenforagenerallcausetheChurchesdoefast,viz.whentheGovernoursandMagistrates,Joel2.15.stirredupbyconsiderationofcommonsinnes,Neh.9.1,&c.Calamity,Jonah3▪7,8.necessities,orbusinesseofgreatimportance,doeinthenameofGodblowthetrumpetandcallasolemneassembly,orassemblies:inwhichcasehethatobeyethnot,isculpablebeforeGodandman,Lev.23.29.Anditiseithermorepublick,whenallChurchesfastgenerally;orelselessepublick,whensomeparticularChurchesarehumbledinfasting.

WhatistheprivateFast?

Whenuponthevieweitherofpublickcauses,consideredofbysuchasareinAuthority,Ezek.9.4.Ezek.13.17.orofthelike,butmorepri-vateoccasions,(asdomesticallorpersonall,&c.)aChristianismovedeitherwithhisfamily,orspeciallfriends,Zach.12.12.1Cor.5.orbyhimselfesolatary,Matth.6.17.tohumblehimselfebeforetheLord:foritismoreorlesseprivate:lesseprivate,aswhenaparticularhouse;moreprivate,whenaparticularpersonishumbledinfasting.

IsthereanydifferenceinthemannerofholdingofapublikeandprivateFast?

[Page]

Whoareto

fast

Yes:inapublikeFastthesorrowandgriefeoughttobedeclaredopenlytotheviewofall,whichoughttobecoveredasmuchasmaybeintheprivateFast,whereinthemoresecrecyisused,thegreaterproofeisthereofsincerity,andhopeofblessing:whereforeourSaviourChristreproveththeprivateFastofHypocrites,thatwouldoutwardlyappearetomentofast,andcommandeththecontrary,Matth.6.16,17.

WhomdothGodcalltothisexerciseofFasting?

AllChristiansenabledbyunderstandingandgracetojudg,andarighttoperformethisweightyduty,Zach.12.12,&c.unlesseanybeexemptedbypresentdebility,Matth.12.7.1Sam.14▪29,30.butdifferently,accordingtothediversoccasionsoffasting,andthekindesthereondepending,(whereofbeforehathbeenspoken.)

MaythosethatareunderthegovernmentoftheirParents,orMasters,fastwithoutleaveofthem?

No,butinthepublikeallmayfast.

Areallpersonsmeetforthisexerciseoffasting?

BytheunfitnesseofhisowneDisciplesforitourSaviourChristteacheth,thattheythataremeetforthisexercisemustnotbeNovicesintheprofessionofthetruth;nomorethenheethatisaccustomedwiththedrinkingofoldwinecansuddenlyfallinlikingofnewwine,Luke5.33.

Ofthe

partsofa

Christian

fast.

IsitsohardamattertoabstainefromaMealesmeat,andsuchbodilycomfortsforasmalltime,whichtheyouagsuckingbabes,andthebeastsofNinevehdid,anddiversbeastsarebetterabletoperformethenanyman?

Noverily,butherebyappeareththatthereisaninwardstrengthofthemindrequired,notonelyinknowingofourbehaviourinthisserviceofGod,butalsoofpowerandabilitytogoeundertheweightofthethingswehumbleourselvesfor,whichstrengthifitbewanting,thefastwillbetothosethatareexercisedinit,asapeeceofnewcloathsewedintoanoldgarment,whichbecauseitisnotabletobearethestresseandstrengthof,hathagreaterrentmadeintoittheniftherewerenopeeceatall.

Whatgatheryouhereof?

ThatitisnomarvellthatwherethereisanyabstinenceandcorporallexerciseinPopery,yetthatthesamemakesthemnothingbetter,butratherworse,havingnotsomuchastheknowledgeofthisserviceofGod,muchlesseanyspirituallstrengthandabilitytoperformeitwith.

WhatthenarethepartsofatrueChristianFast?

Theyarepartlyoutward,partlyinward.1.Bodilyexercises,servingtotheinwardsubstances,1Tim.4.8.

2.Aninwardsubstancesanctifyingthebodilyexercise,andmakingitprofitabletotheusers.

[Page]

Whatisthebodilyexerciseinfasting?

Itistheforbearingofthingsotherwiselawfullandconvenient,inwholeorinpart,forthetimeofhumiliation,soasnaturebechastised,butnotdisabledforservice;andthedelightsofthesenselaidaside,butyetwithoutannoyanceanduncomelinesse.

Whatarethoseoutwardthingsthataretobeforborneduringthetimeoffasting?

First,food,Esther4.16.Ionah3.7.fromwhencethewholeactionhaththenameofFasting;andtheworddothsignifieanutterabstinencefromallmeatsanddrinkes,andnotasoberuseofthem,whichoughttobeallthetimeofourlives:Whereforethisoutwardexerciseisthusdescribed,Luke5.33.TheDisciplesofJohnandthePhariseesfast,butthineeatanddrinke.

Whatisheretobeconsidered?

AchargeuponPopery:Forthegreatersortofpeopleamongstthem,inthedayoftheirFastfilltheirbellieswithbreadanddrinke;andtherichersort,withallkindeofdelicates,(flesh,andthatwhichcommethoffleshonelyexcepted:)Sothatthefastingoftheoneandtheotherisbutafulnesse,andthelattermaybemoretruelysaidtofeastthenafast.

Itseemethyoumakeitunlawfullforthosethatfasttoeatanythingduringtheirfasting.

Notso:ifforhelpofweaknessethetakingofmeatbemoderatelyandsparinglyused,asbeforehathbeenobserved.

Whatotherthingsareoutward?

TheceasingfromlabourinourvocationsonthedayoftheFast,Num.29.7.totheendweemaythebetterattendtotheholyexercisesusedinfasting;inwhichrespectsuchtimesarecalledSabbaths,Levit.23.32.Thelayingasideofcostlyapparell,orwhatsoeverornamentsofthebody,andwearingofhomelyandcoursergarments,Exodus33.4,5.Jonah3.5,6.TheforbearingofSleep,Musicke,Mirth,Perfumes,&c.Dan.6.18.&10.2,3.Andthisab-stinenceisrequiredofallthatcelebratetheFast:Butofmarriedpersonsthereisfurtherrequiredaforbearanceoftheuseofthemarriagebed,andofthecompanyeachofother,1Cor.7.5.Joel2.16.

Whatisthemeaningoftheabstinencefromtheseoutwardthings?

Byabstinencefrommeatanddrinke,bywearingofcourserapparell,byceasingfromlabourinourCallings,andbyseparationinmarriedpersonsforthetime,weetherebyprofesseourselvesunworthyofallthebenefitsofthispresentlife,andthatweareworthytobeeasfarreunderneaththeearthasweeareaboveit:yea,thatweareworthytobecastintothebottomeofhell,whichtheholyFathersintimespastdidsignifiebyputtingashesupontheirheads,thetruthwhereofremainethstill,althoughtheceremonybenotused.

[Page]

Whatisthespirituallsubstanceofduty,wheretothebodilyexerciseserveth?

ItisanextraordinaryendevourofhumblingoursoulsbeforetheLord,andofseekinghisfaceandfavour,Ezra8.21.whereinthatinwardpowerandstrengthwhereofwespeakisseen.

Whereindothitconsist?

1.Intheabasingofourselves,Joel2.13.byexamination,confession,andheartybewailingofourownandthecommonsins,Ezra9.3,4.Neh.9.1,2,&c.Dan.9.3,4,5,&c.

2.IndrawingnearuntotheLordbyfaith,Luk.15.18,21.andearnestinvocationofhisname,Iona.3.8.Esa.58.4.TheformerisgroundeduponthemeditationoftheLaw,andthreatsofGod;thelaterupontheGospelandpromisesofGodtouchingtheremovingofoursins,andGodsjudgmentsuponusforthem.

HowagreeththiswiththePopishFast?

Itfailethinbothparts:forinsteadofhumblingthemselves,andafflictingtheirsoules,theypridethemselves,andliftuptheirmindes,inthinkingtheydeservesomethingatGodshandsfortheirfasting;whichisgreatabomination.NeitherhavetheyuponthedayesoftheirFastanyextraordinaryexerciseofprayer,morethenuponotherdayes;ofallwhichitmayappearehowsmallcausetheyhavetoboastoftheirfasting,whichinallthe

warpthereofhathnotathreadwhichisnotfullofleprosie.

Whatisrequiredinourhumiliation?

Anguishandgriefofourhearts,conceivedforoursins,andthepunishmentofGoduponus,forwhichweoughttobehumbledinfasting:Fortheeffectingwhereofwearetosetbeforeoureyes,

1.TheglasseofGodsholyLaw,withthebittercursesthreatnedtothebreakersthereof.

2.Theexamplesofvengeanceonthewicked.

3.Thejudgmentsnowfeltorfearedofus.

4.ThespirituallcontemplationofourblessedSaviour,bleedingontheCrossewiththewoundswhichoursinneshaveforceduponhim,Zach.12.10,&c.

WhatisrequiredinourdrawingneareuntotheLordbyFaith?

Notonelyferventlyandimportunatelytoknockatthegateofhismercyforthepardonofoursins,removallofjudgements,andgrantofthegracesandblessingsweneed,Psal.51.1,2,&c.vers.14.&112.4.butalsotomakeasureCovenantwithhisMajesty,Nehem.9.38.ofrenewingandbetteringourrepentancethenceforwardinamoreearnestandeffectuallhatredofsinne,andloveofrighteousnesse,Esa.55.7.Jonah3.8.

Whatfruitorsuccessemaywelookfor,havingthussought

Ofaholy

feast.

[Page]

theLord?

Whoknowethwhetherbythismeaneswemaystandinthegap,andcausetheLordtorepentoftheevillintended,andtosparehispeople?Joel2.14,18,&c.Ionah3.9,10.Attheleastforourparticularweshallreceivethemarkandmercypromisedtosuchasmournefortheabominationsgenerallycommitted,Ezek.9.4,6.togetherwithplentifullevidenceofoursalvation,andassuranceoftheloveofGodtowardsus,Matth.6.18.Pro.28.13.1Iohn1.9.strengthagainsttemptations,patienceandcomfortinafflictions,withallothergracesplentifullyvouchsafed(especiallyuponsuchrenewingofacquaintance)byhimwhoisthere-warderofallthatcomeuntohim,Heb.11.6.sothatweneednotdoubt,butthataswehavesowneintearessoweshallreapinjoy,Psal.126.5.andaswehavesoughttheLordwithfastingandmourning,soheyetagainewillbesought(Ezek.36.37.)andfoundofuswithholyfeastingandspirituallrejoicing.

Whatisanholyfeasting?

AcomfortableenjoyingofGodsblessings,tostirreusuptothankfulnesseandspirituallrejoicing:Or,(todescribeitmorelargely)ItisasolemneThankes-givinguntoGodforsomesingularbenefit(ordeliverancefromsomenotableevill,eitheruponus,orhangingoverus)whichheehathbestoweduponus,especiallyafterthatinfastingwehavebeggedthesameathishand,Zach.8.19.Ezek.9.ad32.forthisisadutyespeciallyrequiredforthe

Ofthetime

offeasting.

acknowledgmentofsuchmerciesaswehavebytheformercourseobtained,Psal30.11,12.&50.15.Esther9.22.andsoansweringthereto,thatfromtheonetheotherwithduereverencemaybeconceived.

Whatoughtespeciallytobethetimeofthisduty?

Thetimethatisnearestuntothemercyandbenefitwhichwehavereceived,asweseeinthestory,Esther9.wheretheIewesthatwereinthecountrey,andintheprovinces,didcelebratetheirfeastonthe14.dayofthemonethAdar,becausetheyhadoverthrownetheirenemiesthe13.daybefore:andtheIewesinSushan,becausetheymadenotanendoftheslaughteroftheirenemiesbeforethe14.daywaspast,theycelebrateditthe15.day.Look2Chro.20.26.andthatexampleofJacob,checkedfordeferringthepaimentofhisvowatBethel.

Whereforeoughtwetotakethetimethatisnextthedeliverance?

Becausewebeingmoststronglyandthoroughlyaffectedwiththebenefitwereceivethefirsttimeitisbestoweduponus,especiallywherethereisnotonelyanotablebenefitbefallenuntous,buttherebyalsowearefreedfromsomenotableevillthatwasuponus,ornearuntous,wearethenmostfittoholdafeastuntotheLord.

WhyistheordinanceofayearelyFeastbyMordocheusrathercommandeduponthedayaftertheslaughteroftheirenemies,thenthedayoftheslaughter?

Inwhatan

holyfeast

consisteth.

Tosetforththatrejoicingoughtnottobesomuchforthedestructionofourenemies,asthattherebyweobtainepeacetoserveGodin.

Whereindoththisfeastconsist?

Thescopeanddriftofitis,torejoicebeforetheLord,andtoshewourselvesthankfullforthebenefitreceived,notonelyinthatwearede-livered,butthatwearedeliveredbyprayerthatwehavemadeuntoGod,wherebyourjoyencreaseth,andwherebyitdifferethfromthejoyofthewicked,whichrejoicethattheyaredeliveredaswellaswe.

Howmaythatbebestperformed?

Partlybyoutwardandbodilyexercises,andpartlybyspirituallexercisesofgodlinesse.

Whataretheoutwardexercises?

Amoreliberalluseofthecreatures,bothinmeatandapparell,thenisordinary.

Mayweeatanddrinkonthatdaymorethenonothers?

No:theexceedingisnotinthequantityofmeatanddrink,butinamoredaintyandbountifulldietthenordinary,Neh.8.10.whichyetistobereferredtotheexerciseofgodlinesse,andthereforeoughttobeusedinthatmoderationandsobriety,asmenmaybemademoreablethereunto;evenastheabstinenceinfastingisusedto

[Page]

furtherhumiliationofthemind,andaffectingofthesoule.

Whatistheexerciseofgodlinesse?

ItiseitherinpietyanddutyuntoGod,orinkindnesseuntomen.

WhatisthedutyuntoGod?

Toliftupourvoiceinthanksgivinguntohim,asforallotherhismercies,(whereofthisbenefitshouldcausetheremembrance,asonesinnecauseththeremembranceofothers,Psalme51.)soforthatpresentbenefit;andforthatpurposetocalltoremembrance,andtocomparetheformerevills,whicheitherwewerein,orwereneereunto,withthepresentmercy,andeverypartoftheonewiththemembersoftheother.

WhatotherdutyofPietyistobeperformeduntoGod?

ByadiligentmeditationofthepresentbenefittoconfirmeourfaithandconfidenceinGod,thathethathathsomightilyandgraciouslydeliveredusatthistime,willalsointhesame,orthelikedangers,deliverushereafter,sofarreasthesameshallbegoodforus.

Whatisthekindnesseweshouldshewtowardsmen?

Anexerciseofliberality,accordingtoourpower,outofthefeelingofthebountifullhandofGodtowardsus.

Towhommustthatbeshewed?

Iudg.11.

OfVowes.

Gen.2820.

Toourfriendsinpresents;and,asitwere,inNew-yearsgifts,Rev.11.10.andportionstobesenttothepooreandneedy,Neh.8.10.

WhatremainethfurtheroftheseholyFeasts?

ThesortsandkindesofthemwhichareasbeforewehaveheardofFasts;towhichIrefertheReader.

HithertoofPrayer,andtheextraordinariecircumstancesthereof,Fasting,andFeasting:whatisaVow?

AsolemnepromisemadeuntoGodbyfitpersonsofsomelawfullthing,thatisintheirchoiseandpowertoperformeit.

ItisthoughtthatVowesareCeremoniall,andnottopertainetothetimestheGospell?

Thereareindeedgood,yea,excellentpersonsthatthinkso,whichcarrysomuchthemoreadislikeofVowes,becausetheyhavebeeneabusedinPopery.Howbeit,itappearethbythefiftyPsalme,verse14,15.thatitisaconstantandperpetuallserviceofGod;asshallappeare.

WhatistheproperendanduseofaVow?

Itistwofold:

First,tostrengthenandconfirmeourfaith.

Secondly,totestifieourthankfulnesseuntoGod;butnowaytomeritanythingatGods

30.31.

Whoareto

vow.

[Page]

1Sam.1.

11.

hand:SothatwhereastheexerciseofaFastisinadversity;andofaFeastinprosperity;theVowmaybeinboth.

Whoarethefitpersonsthatmayvow.

Suchashaveknowledge,judgement,andabilitytodiscerneofaVow,andofthedutiesbelongingtotheperformanceofthesame,Numb.30.6.

Areallsuchboundtovow?

Notsimplyall;foritisnosinnenottovow,Deut.23.22.butthoseonely,whicheitherbeingindistressefeeleawantoffeelingofGodsassistance,therebytostrengthentheirfaithforneecessaryayde:ortheywhobeingdeliveredfromsomenecessaryevill,orhavereceivedsomesingulargood,wherenovowhathgonebefore,shouldwitnessetheirthankfulnesse,Deut.13.21,22.Numb.30.2.&6.2.&c.

Whathavewehereinfurthertoconsider?

ThattheVowmustbeoflawfullthings;elseitisbetternottopaytheVow,thentopay;asHerodandthefortymentionedintheActs,23.14.AndastheMunks,FryersandNunnesvowwilfullpoverty,perpetuallabstinencefromMarriage,andCanonicallobedience,andthepeoplepilgrimage.

Maywevowanythingwhichislawfulltobedone?

Whatisto

bevowed.

Wemaynotvowanyvileorbasething:Asifawealthymanshouldvowtogivetothepooresomesmallvaluefarunderhisability;forwhateithertokenofthankfulnessecanthatbe,orwhatcomfortinhistroublescanhetakeoftheperformancethereof?

Whathavewesecondlytoconsider?

Thatthevowmustbeofsuchthingsasareinourchoicetoperforme.

Howmanywayesfailemenagainstthis?

Twowayes:

1.Invowingthatwhichwearenotabletoperforme.

2.InvowingthatwhichotherwisebytheLawofGodweareboundtoperforme.

Whobetheythatvowthatwhichtheycannotperforme?

Theyareeithertheywhosestrengthdothfailethroughthecommonfrailtyofallmen(asthosethatvowperpetualcontinency)whoseletscomefromthemselves;ortheywhichcannotperformeit,byreasonofsubjectionuntoothers;aswivesuntotheirhusbands,childrentotheirparents,servantstotheirMasters,&c.inwhosepowertheyaretoperformetheirvowes,ornottoperformethem,Numb.30.3,4.

Whymaynotamanvowsuchthingsasheisotherwiseboundtodoe?

Thedutyof

thosethat

have

vowed.

ForthattheyaredueuntoGodwithouttheserviceofavow;andthereforeitwereadalliancewithGod,tomakeshewofsomespeciallandextraordinaryservice,wherethecommonandordinaryisonlyperformed,asifamanwouldpresentasagiftuntohisLordtherentofhisownehouseduefortheoccupationthereof.

Whatmaywethenlawfullyvow?

AnincreaseofGodsservice;astopraymoreofteneverydaythenordinaryisused;ortobemoreliberalltothepoore,withsomestraineofourability,buildingofColledges,Almes-houses,&c.

Whatisthedutyofthosethathavevowed?

1.Tohaveadiligentcaretoperformetheirvowes,Eccles.5.3,4.Deut.23.21,22,23.ForifitbeareproachfullthingtodealewithGodaswithaman,itismorereproachfulltodealeworsewithGod,thenwedaredealewithanyman.

2.Nottodelaytheperformanceofit,Eccles.5.3.ForGodcorrectedsharplyinJacobthedeferringofthepaymentofhisvowes,Gen.35.1.1.Byhisdaughtersdeflowring.2.Bytherageandmurthercommittedbyhissonnes.

Isthenecessityofperformingvowessogreat,thattheymaynowayesbeomitted?

Notso:fortotheperformanceofagreaterduty,aman

[Page]

mayomithisvowforatime,andafteratimereturne,andbenotaVow-breaker:AstheRechabitesforsafetyoftheirlivescameanddweltatIerusalem,notwithstandingaformervow,thattheywouldnotdwellinanhouse,Jer.35.9,10,11.andyetGodwitnesseth,thatthevowwasnotbrokenthereby:sotohelpourneighboursinsomepresentnecessity,wemayceasefromanyvoweddutyatthattime,andnotsin;whereinthePapistsgreatlyfaile,whohavingvowedunlawfully,yetthinketheymaynotintermittheirvowes.

Ifamaninvowingdothnotconsidersufficientlythegreatnesseofthematter,mayhenotbreakthatvowthathehathnotsoadvisedlymade?

No,thevowingbeingotherwiselawfull,thatrashnesseistoberepented,butthevowmustbekept.

Whathavewetolearneofallthis?

Thatwebeadvisedinthatwedoe,andnottoenquireafterwehavevowed,tofindsomestartingholewheretogoeout;buteithernottovowatall,orifwevow,tohaveagoodremembranceofit,andadiligentcareintheduetimetoperformeit,Prov.20.25.

HavingspokenofthosegoodthingswhichwedoegiveuntoGod:LetusproceedtothatwhichwedoegiveuntoourneedyNeighbour:WhatisAlmes?

ItisadutyofChristianlove,wherebysuchashavethisworldsgood,doefreelyimparttosuchasareinwant,1

2Cor.9▪7.

1Iohn3.

17.

Luke21.2,

3.

1.Tim.6.

17.

Eph.4.28.

OfAlmes.

Whoareto

giveAlmes.

Iohn3.17.1Tim.6.17,18.Mat.5.42.

Howcanitbebothaduty,andwithallfree?

1.Thatitisaduty,appearethbymanyformallpreceptstouchingthismatter,Deut.15.7,&c.Heb.13.16.inthatitiscalledourjusticeorrighteousnesse,Psal.112.9.Matth.6.1.inthateverymanisaStewardofGodsblessingsforthebenefitofothers,1Pet.4.10.Finally,inthataccordingtotheperformanceorneglectevenofthisdutymenshallbejudgedatthelastday,Mat.25.35.42.

2.Itisfree,notasbeingleftbyGoduntoourchoice,whetherwewilldoeitorno,butasproceedingfromanheartasfreely,andascheerfullyperformingthisobediencetoGod,andreliefeofourbrother,withoutcompulsionofhumaneLaw.

WhoaretogiveAlmes?

Whosoeverhaththisworldsgood;thatis,suchaportionoutofwhichbyfrugalitysomethingmaybespared,thoughitbebuttwomites;andtherefore,notonlyrichmenandhousholdersaretogive;butalsosuchaslabourwiththeirhands,outoftheirearningsandwages,childrenoutoftheirParentsallowance,wivesoutofanyportiontheyhaveinseverallwithouttheirhusbands,orallowancefromtheirhus-bands,oroutofthecommonstocketheyenjoywiththeirhusbands;providedthehusbandsconsent(inwhomthepossession

[...]Sam.

25.3.

[Page]

Neh8.10.

2Cor.8.2.

14.

Mat.12.7.

Luke19.8.

Howmuch

mustbe

given.

2Cor.9.6.

Gal.6.7.

fundamentallyremaineth)beeitherexpressed,orbysilence,ornotgainsayingimplied.Finally,eventheythatliveuponalmes,mustsparesomethinguntothosethathavelittleornosupply.

Maytherenotbesomecases,whereinsuchasareaccomptabletoothers,maygivewithouttheirknowledge,yeaagainsttheirwill?

Yea,asappearethinthewiseandcommendableexampleofAbigail;towit,whenthelifeandwholeestateofthegiverorreceiver,maybenow,ornotatall,;thus,ornototherwisepreserved;forextreamenecessitydispensethwiththeordinarycourseofduty,bothtoGodandman.

WhereofmustwegiveAlmes?

Ofthatgoodthing(thatiswholsomeandprofitabletothereceiver)whichisjustlyourowne,notanothermans;unlesseincaseofextremitybeforementioned;forotherwise,ofgoodsevillgotten,orwrongfullydetained,notalmes,butrestitutionmustbemade.

Howmuchmustwegive?

Weemustsowliberally,thatweemayreapealsoliberally,notwithstandinginthequantityandproportionofalmesrespectmustbehad;

1.Totheabilityofthegiver,whoisnotbound

Luke3.11.

1Cor.16.

2.

2Cor.8.

13.

Acts20.

25.

Prov.11.

25.

2Cor.8.1,

2.9Luke

12.35.

Act.4.34,

35with

Acts5.4.

1Tim.5.8.

2Cor.9.

12.Iob31.

17,18,&c.

Iam.2.15,

16.

Towhom

sotogive,asutterlytoimpoverishhimselfe,andtomakehimselfofagiver,areceiver(savingthatinacommonandextreamnecessityoftheChurch,everyonemustbecontenttoabateoutofhisrevenue,thattherestmaynotperish;andsomewhoseheartsGodshallmove,mayvoluntarily,andcommendably,sellall,andputitintothecommonstocke:)yea,itisunlawfullsotogiveuntosomeonegooduse,astodisableourselvesfortheserviceoftheCommonwealth,Church,orSaintsingenerall,orforthereliefeofourfamily,orkindredinspeciall.

Secondly,totheconditionofthereceiver,thathisnecessitymaybesupplyed,notastomakehimofareceiver,agiver;forthisistogiveapatrimony,notanalmes,andbelongethrathertoIustice,bindingmentoprovideforthoseoftheirownehoushold,thentomercy.

Towhommustwegive?

Tosuchasareinwant,withthisdifference,

First,inpresentextremity,wemustpreservelifeinwhomsoever,withoutenquiringwhoandwhataonethepartiebe.

Secondly,incasesadmittingdeliberation,wemustconfineouralmestosuchasGodhathmadepoore,asOrphans,Aged,Blinde,Lame,

almsmust

begiven.

Matth.5.

41.Rom.

12.20.

Luke10.

33▪with

Ioh.4.9.

Psal.41.1.

Deut.157.

11Lev.25.

35.

Luke7.5.

2King.6.

1.&c.2

Chro34.

22.

Ioh.5.2,

3.9

2Thes.3.

10,11,12.

1Tim.5.8.

thetremblinghand,&c.whereinsuchgiftsaremostcommendableasextenduntoperpetuity,astheerecting,orendowingofChurches,Schoolesofgoodlearning,Hospitalls,&c.Butasforsuchasturnebeggingintoanart,oroccupation,theyarebyordertobeecompelledtoworkefortheirmaintenance,whichisthebestandgreatestalmes.

Whatordermustweobserveingiving?

Wemustbeginwithsuchasarenearesttousinregardofdomesticall,civill,orChristianneighbour-hood(accordingasthelawesofNature,Nations,andreligiondirectus)unlesseothercircumstances,astheextremityofwant,ortheindignityofthepersontobeerelieveddoedispence:andsoproceedtosuchasarefurtheroff,accordingasourabilitycanextend.

Whatarethetimesandplacesfittestforthoseduties?

Forpublickalmes,thefittesttimeis,whenwemeettogetherforthesolemneworshipofGod;likewisethefittestplace,whereprovisionismadeforpublickCollections:Forprivate,whenandwheresoeverthenecessityofourpoorebrotherofferthitselfe.

WithwhataffectionmustwedoeAlmes-deeds?

Mat.15.5,

6.

Deut.15.

7.What

ordermust

beobser-

vedin

giving.

Gal6.10.

1Kings17.

13.

1Cor.16.

2.

Luke21.1.

Iob31.16.

Prov.3.28.

Withwhat

affections

almesmust

begiven.

[Page]

Deut.15.

8.Mat.5.

42.

1.Withpityandcompassiononourneedybrother,Psal.112.4.

2.Withhumilityandsecrecy,notseekingpraisefrommen,butapprovingourselvestoGod,Matth.6.1,&c.

3.Withcheerfulnesse,Rom.12.8.becauseGodlovethacheerfullgiver.

4.Withsimplicity,notrespectingourselves,butthegloryofGod,andthegoodofourfellowmembers,Rom.12.8.2Cor.8.4,5.

Howmanywayesmayalmes-deedsbeperformed?

Notonlybygiving;butalso,

First,bylendingtosuchasarenotabletolendtousagaine,(somebeingnolesserelievedbylending,thenothersbygift)providedwetakenothingfortheloane,yeainsomecaseseitherremitpartoftheloane,orcommititintothehandsofourpoorebrother,withoutassurancetoreceivefromhimtheprincipallagaine.

Secondly,bysellingwhenwedoenotonlybringforththecommodity,asofcorne,&c.whichotherskeepin;butalsoinamercifullcommiserationofourpoorebrotherabate

Luke6.36.

Psal.37.

26.

Exod.22.

25.

Neh.5.11.

Luke635.

Prov.1.26.

Nehem.5.

18.

Thefruits

ofAlmes-

deeds.2

Chro.2

[...].14.

somethingoftheextreameprice.

Thirdly,byforbearingwhatsoeverisourrightincaseofgreatnecessity.

Whatfruitmayweexpectofthisduty?

NottomerittherebyatthehandsofGod:Butyet,

1.TomakeGodourdebtor,Prov.19.17.accordingtohisgraciouspromises;whoalsoinChristwillacknowledgeandrequiteitatthelastday,Mat.10.42.&25.35.2Tim.1.18.

2.TosealethetruthofourReligion,1Sam.1.27.

3.Toassureusofsalvation,Heb.6.9,10.1John3.14.1Tim.6.19.

4.Tomakeamendstomanforformercovetousnesseandcruelty,Dan.4.24.Luke19.8.

5.Tosanctifieourstore,Luke11.41.andbringablessingonourlabours,Deut.15.10.yeaanduponourposterityafterus,Psal.112.2.&37.16.2Tim.1.16.

WehavespokenatlargeoftheparticipationofthegraceofChrist,andthebenefitsoftheGospell:NowwearecomeuntothemeaneswherebyGoddotheffectthesethings.

Of

Vocation.

Externall.

Internall.

[Page]

ShewthereforehowandinwhatmannerGoddothofferandcommunicatetheCovenantofGraceuntomankinde?

Byvocationorcalling,Rom.8.30.Heb.3.1.whenGod,bythemeanesofhisWordandSpirit,acquaintingmenwithhisgraciouspurposeofsalvationbyChrist,inviteththemtocomeuntohim,Hos.2.14.andrevealinguntothemhisCovenantofgrace,Mat.11.27.&16.17.Iohn14.21.Psalme25.14.bringeththemoutofdarknessetolight,Acts26.18.

IsthisCallingofonesortonly?

No:thereisanexternallgatheringcommontoall,togetherwithsomelightoftheSpirit,andcertainefruitsofthesame,attaineduntobysomethatarenotheiresofthepromise:formanyarecalledwiththisoutward,andineffectuallcalling,whoarenotchosen,Isa.48.12.Mat.22.14.

Andthereisaninternallandeffectuallcalling,peculiartothosefewthatareelect;wherebyunfaignedfaith,andtruerepentanceiswroughtintheheartofGodschosen;andGod(becomeinChristtheirFather)dothnotonlyoutwardlybyhisWordinvite,butinwardlyalso,andpowerfullybyhisSpiritallureandwintheirheartstocleavetohiminseparablyuntosalvation,Gen.9.27.Psal.25.14.&60.6.5.4.Ioel.2.32.Acts2.39.

HowdoeboththesekindsofCallingsdiffer?

Meanesof

Vocation;

Inward,

Outward.

Inward.

TheSpirit

ofGod.

Howsoeverwearetojudgecharitablyofalloutwardlycalled,1Cor.1.2.becausewhoamongthemisalsoinwardlycalled,isonlyknownetoGod,2Tim.2.19.yetdoththisoutwardcallingdifferfromtheinward.

1.Inthatitiswroughtonlybyoutwardmeanes,andcommonillumination,Heb.4.2.withoutthespiritofregeneration,Judevers.19.oranyportionofsavingfaith,Luke8.13.

2.Inthattheyareadmittedonlytoanoutwardandtemporaryleagueofformallprofession,Acts8.13.Rom.94,5.nottothatintirefellowshipwithChristrequireduntosalvation,1Iohn2.19.1Cor.1.8,9.

WhatarethemeaneswhichGodhathappointedtocallusby?

Theyarepartlyinward,andpartlyoutward,1Thes.5.19,20.Act.10.44.

Whataretheinward?

TheSpiritofGod,whichisgivenbytheoutwardthings,Gal.3.2,3.1Tim.1.14.

WhatmeaneyoubytheSpiritofGodinthisplace?

ThatpowerofGodwhichworkethintheheartsofmenthingswhichthenaturalldiscourseofreasonisnotabletoattaineunto.

Beingincomprehensible,howmaywecometosome

understandingandsenseofit?

Bythethingswhereuntoitiscompared:

1.Towinde,Acts2.toshewthemarvellouspowerofitinoperation.

2.Tooyle,Heb.1.9.thatisofahotnature,thatpiercethandsuppleth.

3.Towater,John4.thatcooleth,scowreth,andcleanseth.

4.Tofire,Mat.3.Acts2.thatseverethdrosseandgoodmetall.

Howistheoperationofit?

Diverse;assofteningandhardening,enlighteninganddarkening,whichitworkethafteradiversemanner,bythewordintheheartsoftheelectandreprobate,accordingtothegoodpleasureofGodssecretwillonly,andafterthat,accordingtothegoodpleasureofhisrevealedwill;sothatthelawfullusethereofisrewardedwithagraciousincreaseofblessing,andtheabusepunishedwithfurtherhardnessetocondemnation.

WhatthendoththeSpiritworkeinthewicked?

Findingthemhard,ithardeneththemmoretotheirfurthercondemnation.

WhatdoththesameSpiritworkeinthegodly?

[Page]

Ofthe

Church

Faith,wherebytheytakeholdonChristwithallhisbenefits,Eph.2.8.

WhataretheoutwardthingswhichGodhathgiventocallusby?

Theyareeithercommontothewholeworld,orpropertotheChurch.

Whatarethethingscommontothewholeworld?

Godsworksnotunprofitablygiven,althoughnotsufficienttosalvation.

Isnottheknowledgeofthewisedome,powerandgoodnesseofGod,intheCreationandgovernmentoftheHeavenandEarth,withthethingsthatareinthem,sufficienttomakeuswisetosalvation?

No:

First,itservesratherforfurthercondemnationwithouttheWord,Rom.1.19,20,21.

Secondly,asbyandwiththeWord,theduemeditationandconsiderationofGodsworksisagoodhelptofurtherusinReligion,andinthegracesofGodsSpirit,1Cor.1.21,22.

SiththenGoddothnotrevealetheCovenantofgrace,noraffordsufficientmeanestosalvationtothewholeworld,butonelytotheChurch:explaineherewhatyoumeanebytheChurch.

Rev.12.

14.

visible.WeespeakenothereofthatpartofGodsChurchwhichistriumphantinglory,whobeinginperfectfruitionhavenoneedoftheseoutwardmeanesofcommunionwithhim,Rev.21.22,23.ButtheSubjecthereistheChurchmilitant:andthatweconsideralsoasvisibleinthepartsofit,consistingofdiversassembliesandcompaniesofbeleevers,makingprofessionofthesamecommonfaith:Howbeitmanytimesbypersecutionforcedtohidethemselvesfromtheeyeoftheworld,andhappilybytherageoftheenemysoscattered,thatasinthedayesofElias,1Kings19.10.theycanhardlybeknowne,orhaveen-tercoursebetweenthemselves,andsotheexerciseofthepublickordinancesmayforatimebesuspendedamongthem.

ButarenonetobeaccountedmembersofthisChurch,butsuchasaretruebeleevers;andsoinseparablyuniteduntoChristtheirhead?

Truelyandproperlynoneother,1John2.19.Howbeit,becauseGoddothuseoutwardmeaneswiththeinward,forthegatheringofhisSaints;andcalleththemaswelltooutwardprofessionamongthemselves,Acts2.42.Cant.1.7.astoinwardfellowshipwithhisSon,wherebytheChurchbecomesvisible;henceitisthatsomanyaspartakeoftheoutwardmeanes,andjoynewiththeChurchinleagueofvisibleprofession;arethereforeinhumanejudgementaccountedmembersofthetrueChurch,andSaintsbycalling,1Cor.1.1.untilltheLord(whoonlyknowethwhoarehis)doemakeknownethecontrary,as

wearetaughtintheParablesoftheTares,Matth.13.24.&Matth.13.47,&c.Andofthedraw-net,andthethreshingfloore,wherelyethbothgoodcorneandchaffe,Matth.3.

HathChristthenhisChurchvisibleuponearth?

Yea,throughouttheworld,(aswehaveshewne)intheparticularcongregationsofChristians,Rom.3.3.calledtotheprofessionofthetruefaithandobedienceoftheGospell:Inwhichvisibleassemblies,andnotelsewhere,thetruemembersofthetrueChurchinvisibleoneartharetobesought,Romans11.5.anduntowhichthereforeallthatseekforsalvationmustgladlyjoynethemselves,Esa.60.4.

DoththevisibleChurchconsistofgoodandbad,orofgoodonely?

Itconsistethofgoodandbad,asatthebeginningwemayseeitdidinCainandAbel;whereuponourSaviourcompareththeChurchtoanet,inwhicharefishesgoodandbad;andtoafield,whichinithathwheatandcockle,Matth.13.24.47,&c.

Whatarethemarkesandinfalliblenotes,wherebytodiscerneatruevisibleChurchwithwhichwemaysafelyjoyne?

First,andprincipally,thetruthofDoctrinewhichisprofessed,andthesincerepreachingoftheWord,togetherwiththedueadministrationoftheSacraments,according

[Page]

The

infallible

marksofa

truevisible

Church.

tothecommandementsofChristourSaviour,Mat.28.19,20.

Secondarily,therightorderwhichiskept,withsincereandconscionableobedienceyeeldedtotheWordofGod.

Whydoeyoumakethefirsttobetheprincipallmarkeofvisibleprofession?

BecausetheyaretheonelyoutwardmeanesappointedofGodforthecallingandgatheringofhisSaints,andwhichprovetheChurchtobeeapillaroftruth,1Tim.3.15.

CantheChurchwantthis,andyetbeaChurch?

Yea;itmaywanttheseinthetimeofwarreorpersecution;andinsuchatimewemaysafelyjoynourselvestoacompanywhichallowesofthepublickMinisteryoftheWordofGod,andadministrationoftheSacraments;howsoevertheexerciseofthesamebyreasonoftheseGarboilesarewantingforatime.

ArewetojoynewithallChurchesthathavethesemarkes?

Yea;neithermustweseparatefromthemanyfartherthentheyseparatefromChrist,Phil.1.18.Cant.1.5.asshallbeshewed.

WhatsayyoutotheothernotesthatarecommonlygivenoftheChurch?

Eithertheyareaccidentall,andingreatpartseparable,or

Whether

theCurch

mayerre.

utterlyimpertinentandforged,fortheupholdingoftheRomishSynagogue.

ButisnotAntiquityacertainenoteoftheChurch?

No;forerrorsareveryancient,andtheChurchwhenitbegan,wasaChurch;yethadnoantiquity.

Isnotmultitudeanote?

No;forChristsflockisalittleflock,Luk.12.32.andAntichristverygreat,Apoc.13.3,4▪8.&18.3.

ArenotmiraclesamarkeoftheChurch?

No;forbesidethatwickedpeoplemayworkethem,Mat.7.22,23.theChurchofChristhathbeenwithoutmiracles,andthecommingofAntichristisforetoldtobewithallpower,andsignes,andlyingwonders,2Thes.2.9.Apoc.13.13,14.SuchasthosearewhereofthePapistsbragandboastof,whichareindeednotruemiracles.

MaytheChurcherreandbecorrupted,orfall,andbecomenoChurch?

First,wemustdistinguishoferrors:somearefundamentall,suchasrazethefoundationoftheChurch,(asthedenyingthatChristcameintheflesh,orthedenyingoftheresurrection)andinthesetheChurchcannoterre;othersareoflessemoment,andintheseitmayerre.

Secondly,theCatholickChurch,consideredinhertrue

[Page]

Inwhat

members,canneverutterlyfall,Matth.16.18.Psalme1.6.1Thes.5.24.HowsoevernoCongregationbesopure,thatitmaybeesaidatanytimetobeefreefromallcorruption,Cant.1.4.orsoconstant,butthatattimesitmaybeshakenintheveryfoundationoftruth,asitmayappearebytheChurchofCorinth,Galatia,&c.1Cor.15.12.13.Gal.3.1.

Thirdly,theChurchbeingconsideredwithrespectoftheplace,Goddothnotalwayescontinueasuccessionoftruebeleeverswithinthesamelimitsandborders;andhencewesay,thatdiversChurchesarefalne,asthoseofAsia,&c.Neitherisanyplacesopriviledged,butthatforsinnetheCandlestickmayintimebethenceremoved,Rev.2.5.

HowmaywejudgeofaChurchcorrupt,orceasingtobeaChurch?

WhereGodutterlytakingawaythemeanesofhisWordandWorship,Acts13.46.hathapparentlygiventhebillofdivorce,Esa.50.1.therearewenottoacknowledgeanyChurchatall,asatthisdayinJerusalem,oncetheholyCity:Butwherethesemeanesareyetcontinued,wearetoacknowledgeaChurchofChrist,Rev.2.12,13.howsoevermoreorlessecorrupt,accordingtothegreaterorlesseabuseofGodsWordandWorship.

SinceChurchesmaybesodiverslycorrupted,fromwhich,andhowfarrearewetoseparate?

FromChurchesmortallysickofheresie,Tit.3.10,11.orIdolatry,asitwereacontagious

caseswe

maysepa-

ratefroma

corrupt

Church

Ofthe

enemiesof

theChurch.

plagueorleprosie,weearetoseparate,Rev.18.4.Howbeitwhilesthereisyetanylife,ratherfromthescaborsorethenfromthebody;thatis,fromtheprevailingfaction,maintainingfundamentallerrours,andforcingtoidolatrousworship:SuchisourseparationfromthepresentChurchofRome,notfromsuchtherein,whoeithermeaningwellingenerall,areignorantofthedepthofSatan,Rev.2.24.orsecretlydissentfromthedamnablecorruptions,1Kings.19.18.withwhom,asabodyyetretaininglife,wedesiretojoine,Phil.1.18.sofarreaswemaywithsafetyfromtheforesaidcontagion.

ArewetocontinuefellowshipwithallotherChurches,notsodeadlyanddangerouslycorrupt?

FromChurchesholdingthefoundationinsubstanceoffaithandworship,thoughotherwisenotfreefromblemish,wearenottoseparate,1Kings15.14.&22.43.fartherthenindislikeandrefusallofthatwhereintheydoapparentlyseparatefromChrist,inrespecteitherofmanners,doctrine,orformeofpublikeworship.

WhataretheEnemiesoftheChurch?

Besidesthesespirituallwickednesseswhichfightagainstoursoules,thereareoutwardenemiesalsothatvisiblyopposetheChurchofChrist.

HowdothChristdefendhisChurchagainstthoseenemies?

ThisispartlytobedonebytheCivillMagistrate,towhomitbelongethbyCivillmeanestomaintainetheChurchinthattruthandlibertywhichChristhathgivenuntoit:andpartlybythebreathofChristsownmouthinthepreachingoftheGospel,yetnotperfectlybutbythebrightnesseofhiscomminginthelatterday.

WhatistheestateoftheChurchwhentheseenemiesprevaile?

TheChurchisoftenoppressedanddarknedsobythem,thatitdothpartlydegenerate,andispartlyhid,butneverwhollydestroyed,noraltogetherinvisible.

IsnottheChurchalwayesvisibleinherparts?

Thepersonsarealwaiesvisible,forChristhath,andeverhadfromthebeginning,hisChurchvisibleuponearth,Rom.11.1,2,3,4.thatis,somecompaniesofBeleevers,makingprofessionofthesamecommonfaith:yetthepersecutionmaybesuch,thatthevisibleChurchmaynotappearethroughlyforatime,theprofessorsbeingforcedtherebytohidethemselvesfromtheeyeoftheworld,Rev.12.14.andhappilybytherageoftheenemysoscattered,thatasinthedayesofElias,1Kings10.14,18.theycanhardlybeknowne,orhaveentercoursebetweenthem-selves;andhenceitisthattheChurchiscomparedtotheMoon,sometimesinthefull,sometimesinthewane.

WhatdistinctionisthereofthemembersofthevisibleChurch?

[Page]

Ofthe

Governours

ofthe

Church.

Things

properto

thevisible

Church.

TheWord:

Sacraments.

Censures.

Generally,theyareallofthefamilyofChrist,Ephes.3.15.whichassheepofhisflockaretohearehisvoice,andtofollowhim,Joh.10.2,3,4.Butmoreespecially,outoftheseChristthechiefePriestandShepheardhathinstitutedsometobeabove,sometobeunder,ordainingsometohavepreheminenceandgovernment,otherstobegovernedandguidedbythem,Heb.13.17.

WhomhathChristappointedtobeGovernorsandguidersovertherest?

1.Church-officersandMinisters,appointedtoteachandgovernetheflockofChrist,andtofeeditwiththewholsomefoodoftheWordandSacrament,1Cor.12.28.1Tim.5.17.Luk.12.2.Joh.21.15.1Pet.5.2.

2.PrincesandCivillMagistrates,whomChristhathchargedtoseetothewayesofhishoushold,andsotoruleandorderitoutwardly,thatall,bothMinistersandPeople,doetheirofficeandduty,eveninthingsconcerningGod,Psal.78.71,72.2Chro.35.3.&34.32.

HavingnowspokenoftheChurch,andthemembersofit,whatarethosethingswhicharepropertothevisibleChurch?

TheWord,Rom.10.17.John5.25.&668.andthedependentsthereof,viz.Sacraments,1Cor.10.1,2,3,4.andCensures,Matth.18.15.1Cor.5.ofwhichintheirproperplaces.

Ofthe

Word.1

Chro.17.

7.Acts2.

40,41.&

11.20.1

Cor.4.13.

Iohn17.

10.Ephes.

1.23.Rom

3.19.&&

7.9,10.

Gal.322.

23.Acts2.

37Matth.

23.28.Gal.

2.18,19.

Heb.4.16.

Hosea14.

2,3.Rom.

8.13,26.

WhatistheWord?

ThatpartoftheoutwardMinisterywhichconsistethinthedeliveryofDoctrine,andthisistheordinaryinstrumentwhichGodusethinbegettingoffaith.

WhatorderisthereusedinthedeliveryoftheWordforthebegettingoffaith?

1.TheCovenantoftheLawisurgedtomakesinandthepunishmentthereofknowne,whereuponthestingofconscienceprickeththeheartwithasenseofGodswrath,andmakethamanutterlytodespaireofanyabilityinhimselfetoobtaineeverlastinglife.Afterthispreparation,thepromisesoftheGospelarepropounded,whereuponthesinnerconceivinghopeofpardon,suethtoGodformercy,andparticularlyappliethtohisownsoulthosecomfortablepromiseswhichintheWordispropounded.

Whatistheinwardmeanesforthebegettingoffaith?

TheholySpiritofGod.

Isitnotlawfulltoseparatetheinwardmeanesfromtheoutward?

Innocase:forthosethingswhichGodhathjoyned

[Page]

togethernomanmayseparate,Matth.19.

HowdothitappearethatGodhathjoynedboththesemeanestogether?

BecauseheesaithbytheProphetEsay,chap.59.21.thatthisistheCovenantthatheewillmakewithhispeople,toputhisSpiritandWordinthem,andinalltheposterityoftheChurch:TheApostleinlikemanner,1Thess.5.19.20.joyneththesetwotogether,QuenchnottheSpirit,anddespisenotprophesying.

ItwouldseembythesewordsoftheApostle,thattheSpiritofAdoptionandSanctification,propertothefaithfull,maybelost,whilstheexhorteththatweshouldnotquenchtheSpirit?

Bynomeans,butasGoddothassurethefaithfuloftheircontinuanceinhim,sohedothdeclarebytheseexhortations,thattheonlymeanswherbyweshouldnourishthisholyfireinus,istotakeheedtothepreachingoftheWord.

IsbythewordprophecyingonlymeantthepreachingoftheWord?

No,butbyafigurativespeech,allthoseoutwardmeaneswherebyGodusethtogivehisholySpirit;asaretheSacraments,andthedisciplineoftheChurch,overandabovethepreachingoftheWord;whichbeingprincipallofall,isheresetdownefortherest.

WhydoththeApostlesettheSpiritbeforethepreachingoftheWord,meantbyProphecy,consideringthatbyandafterpreachingoftheVVord,theLordgivethhisSpirit?

1.BecausetheSpiritisthechiefeofthetwo,theWordbeingbuttheinstrumentwherebytheSpiritofGodworketh.

2.ForthattheworkeoftheSpiritismoregenerall,andreachethtosometowhomthepreachingoftheWordcannotreach.

3.ForthattheWordisneverprofitablewithouttheSpirit,buttheSpiritmaybeprofitablewithouttheWord,asafterwillappeare.

Whatdoeyoulearneofthis,thatthemeanesofGodsSpiritandWordareusuallyconjoynedtogether?

Thatnomanistocontenthimselfewiththisphantasie,tothinkethathehaththeSpirit,andsotoneglecttheWord,becausetheygoetogether.

Whoarebythiscondemned?

TheAnabaptists,Papists,&Libertines,whichascribetotheSpiritthatwhichtheylike,althoughwickedly,seeingtheSpiritdothnotordinarilysuggestanythingtous,butthatwhichitteachethusoutoftheword,Ioh.14.26.

Whatothersortofmenareherecondemned?

TheStancharists,whoesteemtheWordtobefitto

chatechise,andtoinnitiateorenterusintherudimentsofReligion:Buttoobasetoexerciseourselvescontinuallyinit;wherastheProphetsandApostles,mostexcellentmen,didnotwithstandingexercisethemselvesintheScriptures,Mar.4.1,2,&c.comparedwithIsa.2.1,2,&c.2Pet.3.15,16.

ArenonesavedwithouthearingoftheWord?

Yes:ForfirstchildrenwhicharewithintheCovenant,havetheSpiritofGod,withouttheordinarymeanesoftheWordandSacraments,Mat.2.Rom.8.9,14.Secondly,somealsoofageinplaceswherethesemeanesarenottobehad.Thirdly,somealsowhichlivinginplaceswheresuchmeansare,yethavenocapacitytounderstandthem,assomenaturallfooles,madmen,ordeafeborne,toshewthatGodisnottiedtomeanes.

Whatmustweheretakeheedof?

Thatwepresumenotuponthis,siththatnotwithstandingthissecretworkingofGod;yetitisasimpossibletocometoheaven,ifhavingthemeansandcapacityofreceivingthemwecontemnethemeans,asitisimpossibletohaveaharvest,wherenoseedtimehathgonebefore,Mat.13.ortohavechildrenwithouttheParentsseed,1Pet.1.23.seeingamongstsuchtheSpiritofGodworksfaithonlybythepreachingoftheword:IndeedwheretheLordplacethnotthepreachingoftheVVord,therehecananddothworkfaithwithoutit;butwherehehathplacedit,hewillnotdoeitwithoutit.IntimesandplaceswherePoperyhathprevailed,manywere,(andmaybesoatthisdayin

[Page]

What

thingsare

common

between

godlyand

wicked

hearers.

SpaineandRome)convertedbytheverybarereadingoftheWord,yeawithoutthereadingoftheVVord;butnotsoamongthem,whohaveormayhaveit,eitherbygoingfromhometoit,orfetchingithometothem.

HowisthediverseworkingofGodsSpiritbytheMinistryoftheWordsetoutuntous?

Bytheparableoftheseed,threepartswhereoffellintobarrenandunprofitableground,oneintogoodandfruitfull,Mat.13.3.&9.18,19,24.

ArenotthreepartsofthefoureintheChurchlikelytobecondemnedbythisParable?

No,innocase:ForitisbothcuriousanduncomfortableDoctrine,itbeingafardifferentthingtohavethreesortsofwickedmeninfouresorts,andtohavethriceasmanyofonesort.

Whatisthefirstthingyouobserveherecommontothegodlywiththewicked?

Tounderstandsomethingofthewordofgrace,andtogiveconsentuntothesame.

Iftheyunderstandit,howisitthatthefirstsortofunfruitfullhearersaresaidnottounderstand,Mat.13.19.

Theyhavesomeunderstanding,butitissaidtobenone;becauseitisnocleareknowledge,(whereoftheycangive

areasonoutoftheWord)noreffectuall,whicharisethfromhence;forthattheycomewithoutaffection,andgoeawaywithoutcare.

Whatareweheretolearne?

1.Totakeheednottodeceiveourselvesinabareprofession,orlightknowledgeoftheWord;andthatwecometoheareitwithzeale,anddepartwithcaretoprofit.

2.TobewarealsoofthegreatsubtiltyofSatan,whoasaswiftbird,snatcheththeWordoutoftheunpreparedhearts,evenasalsodothathiefe,whichtakethawaywhatsoeverhefindethloose.

Whatobserveyouinthesecondsort,commontothegodlywiththewicked?

TohavesomekindofdelightintheWord,andaglimpseofthelifetocome,Mat.13.20.Heb.4.5.

Whatdifferenceistherebetweenagodlyjoyandthis?

1.Thisisliketheblazeofthefire,andisneverfullandsufficient;whereasthegodlyjoyisabovethatofgoldandsilver.

2.Thewickedsdelightisforanotherpurposethenisthegodlies:Foritisonlytosatisfieahumour,desiringtoknowsomethingmorethenothers;whereasthegodliesjoyistoknowfurther,totheendtheymaypractise.

Whyisitsaidtheyhavenoroot?Mat.13.21.

[Page]

Things

properto

godlyhea-

rers.

Because,thoughtheyunderstandthethings,yetaretheynotgroundeduponthereasonsandtestimoniesoftheWord;nortransformedintotheobedienceoftheGospell,andtherforewhenpersecutioncommeth,theywitheraway.

Proceedtothethirdsort.

Theyaretheywhichkeepit(itmaybewithsomesufferingofpersecution)yetthethornesofcovetousnesse,orofworldlydelights,overgrowthegoodseed,andmakeitunfruitfull.

Somuchofthethreesortsofunfruitfullsoyle,andtherein,ofthethingscommontothegodlywiththewicked:Whatarethethingspropertothegodly,signifiedbythegoodandfruitfullground?

1.Thereceivingoftheseedinagoodheart.

2.Thebringingforthoffruitwithpatience,Luke.8.15.

Whatistheremeantbyreceivingtheseedintoagoodheart?

Bytheseedismeantthewordofpromise,wherebyGodhathsaidhewillbemercifulltousinChrist:Bythereceivingitintoagoodheart,ismeantthereceivingitbyfaithinChrist.

WhereitissaidthattheWordmustbereceivedintoa

goodheart,itmayseemethatamanhathagoodheartbeforehereceiveththatseed?

Doubtlesse,naturallytheyareallalike,andthereisneverabarrellbetterherring(astheysay)butasthefaceanswereththefaceintheglasse:sooneofthesonsofAdamislikeanotherintheirnativitytheyhavebytheirparents)tilltheyberegenerated:Andthereforeitiscalledagoodheart,inrespectofGodschangingofitbytheingraffedword,James1.21.andbythesewordsheputtethdifferencebetweenthefruitsofthethreeformer,andthefruitsofthislast:Forthatthereisnodifferenceintheoutwardshewoffruits;butonlyinregardthatthosefruitsproceedfromanuncleaneheart;andthesefromaheartthatiscleansed.

Howmayweknowthatwehavetruefaith,andsoapproveourselvesthatwearegoodground?

Bygoodfruits,whicharetheeffectsoffaith.

Whataretheeffectsoffaith?

Reconciliation,andsanctification,Rom.8.1,2,3.Eph.2.6.Col.2.1,2,3.thefruitsoftheformeraresetdowne,Rom.4.1,2,3,4.Thefruitsofthelatterarerepentanceandnewobedience,whichhavebeenalreadydeclared.

Whatspecialltokensobserveyououtoftheformer,wherebywemaydiscerneajustifyingfaithfromthefaithoftheworldlings?

How

justifying

faith

differeth

fromthe

faithof

worldlings.

Theendofourfaithbeingthesalvationofoursoules,whichshallbeatthedayofjudgement,ifwecanwillinglyforsakefatherandmother,sisterandbrother,wifeandchildren,andabandontheworld,andsay,ComeLordJesus,comequickly,wemayassureourselvesweareinahappycase.

Whatspeciallmarksofjustifyingfaithobserveyououtofthelatter?

1.TobezealousofGodsglory.

2.ToloveGodschildren;forthesebethespecialleffectsofourholyfaith.

WhatistheWordfurthercomparedwith,andlikenedunto?

TheApostlePeter,1cap.2.ver.1,2.comparesituntomilke:AsnewbornebabesdesirethesinceremilkeoftheWord,thatyemaygrowthereby;teachingus,thattheVVordisnotonlyofuseforourbegettinguntoGod;butforourdailynourishment,thatwemaygrowingrace,andintheknowledgeofourLordIesusChrist,2Peter3.18.soitiscalledalight,alanthorne,andisappointedtobeourguide,ourCounsellor,ourComforter,&c.

IsthismeantonlyoftheWordpreached?

Doubtlesse,theblessingofGodbothinanespeciallmannerwaituponthatordinance,whenitissaid;ThatwhenChristascendeduponhigh,hegavegiftstomen,

[Page]

Ofthe

Sacra-

ments.

someApostles,(Ephes.4.12.)andsomePastorsandteachers,forthegatheringoftheSaints,fortheedifyingofthebodyofChrist;yetwithall,thereadingoftheWordwithPrayeranddiligence,isofsingularuseandbenefit,andcommendeduntousbyourSaviour.SearchtheScrip-tures,Iohn5.39.andhowreadestthou?Luke10.26.andbytheexampleoftheBereans,whosearchedtheScripturesdaily,andexaminedthethingstheyheardinthepublickministeryofthem,Acts16.11.

SomuchoftheWord.

Whatarethedependancesannexedtoit?

Sacraments,1Cor.10.3,4.andCensures,Matth.18.15.1Cor.5.theone,sealingthePromises;theother,thethreatningsoftheGospell.

WhatareSacraments?

ThesealesofthePromisesofGodinChrist,whereinbycertaineoutwardsignes,andsacramentallactionsconfirmingthesame,commandedbyGod,anddeliveredbyhisMinisters,ChristIesuswithallhissavinggracesissignified,conveyedandsealeduntotheheartofaChristian.ForSacramentsaresealesannexedbyGodtothewordoftheCovenantofgrace,Rom.4.11,1Cor.11.23.toinstruct,assure,andpossesseusofourpartinChristandhisbenefits,Gal:3.27.andtobindustoallthankfullobedienceuntoGodinhim,Rom.64.

The

Sacraments

ofgreat

use.

WasnotGodsWordsufficient?WhatneedhaveweofSacraments?

Thisarguesourinfirmity,andmanifestethGodsgreatloveandmercy;whoforthefurtheringofourunderstanding,hathaddedvisiblesignestohisword,thatourearesmightnotonelybeeinformedofthetruth,butoureyesalsomightmoreplainlyseeit;andforthegreaterstrengthningofourfaith,vouchsafethtoconfirmethecovenantofgraceuntous,notonelybypromise,butalsobyoutwardsealesannexedthereunto.ThelikemeaneshadAdamhimselfeinParadisetoputhiminremembraeceofGodswill:AndifheinhisperfectionneededatokenofGodsfavour,(whichwasthetreeoflife)howmuchmoreweethatarecorruptandsinfull?ifwewereSpiritsorAngels,weeshouldnotneedthesehelpes;butsithGodknowingourfrailties,andwhatisbestforus,hathgivenusthesesealestoourfurthercomfort,letususethereceiptofsoskilfullaPhysitian,unlesseweewillhastenourownedeaths.

HowdothGodbytheSacramentsassureusofhismerciesinChrist?

Bytheexhibitingtotheworthyreceiverbysuchoutwardsignes,(whetherElements,orActions)ashimselfeforthereliefeofourweaknessehathprescribed,wholeChrist,Godandmen,withallhisbenefits,1Cor.10.4.inwhomallthepromisesofGodareyeaandAmen,2Cor.1.20.

DoetheysealenothingelsebutthepromiseofGoduntous?

Whata

Sacrament

is.

[Page]

Yes,theysealeourpromiseuntoGod,thatwetakehimonelyforourGodandRedeemer,whomalonebyfaithweereston,andwhomwewillobey.

HowdoetheybindeusuntoGod?

WeereceivingthemaspledgesofhisinfiniteloveinChrist,doetherebyprofesseourselvesboundtoexpresseourthankfulnessebyalldutiestohisMajesty,Col.2.6,7.andforhissakeonetoanother,Eph.4.3,4,5.

DescribeyetmorelargelywhataSacramentis.

ASacramentisanOrdinanceofGod,whereinbygivingandreceivingofoutwardElements,accordingtohiswill,thepromisesoftheCovenantofgrace,madeinthebloudofChristbeingrepresented,exhibitedandapplyeduntous,arefurthersignedandsealedbetwixtGodandman.OritisanactionofthewholeChurch,whereinbycertainevisiblesignes,andoutwardthingsdoneaccordingtoGodsinstitution,inwardthingsbeingbetokened,Christwithallhisbenefitsisbothoffereduntous,andreceivedbyus:offered(Isay)toallintheChurch,butexhibitedonelytothefaithfull,forthestrengtheningoftheirfaithintheeternallCovenant,andthebringingthemmoreeffectuallytothepracticeofGodsCommandements,Exod.12.16.Luke1.59.&3.3.16.1Cor.11.23.Mat.26.26.Rom.4.19.&6.4.1Pet.3.21.

WhycallyouitAction?

Becauseitisnotabaresignealone,butaworke,1Cor.11.24,25.

WhycallyouitanactionofthewholeChurch?

Becauseitisapublickaction,andappertainethtothewholeChurch;andthereforeoughttobedoneinthepresenceoftheCongregation,bytheexampleofJohn,Matth.3.11,12.andcommandedofPaul,1Cor.11.18,20,22.itbeingagreaterindignityfortheSacramentstobeadministeredprivately,thenforthecivilljudgement,whichisopenandpublike:ThatwesaynothingofthesacrificesundertheLaw,whichwerenotsoexcellentasthese;andyetitwasnotlawfultooffertheminprivate:whichreproveththedisorderofthePapists,whoturnetheCommunionintoaprivateMasse,andministertheLordsSuppertoonealone,withoutthepresenceoftheCongregation.

ButmaynottheSacramentsbesoadministereduponnecessity;asnamelytoasickmanreadytodepartoutofthislife?

Thereisnosuchnecessity;foramanbelievingwantingthatopportunityofcommingtotheLordsSupper,wantethnottheeffectthereof;seeingtheLordpromisedbyEzekiel,thatheewouldbeaTabernacletohispeoplebeingbanishedfromit,Ezek.37.27.AndthereforethewantoftheSacramentsdothnothurt,whenwithconveniencyamancannotenjoythem:butthecontempt,orneglectofthem,whentheymayconvenientlybecomeunto.

[Page]

Whatthe[...]isthefittesttimeandplacefortheadministrationoftheSacraments?

ThefittesttimeistheLords,orsomeotherdayofpublikemeeting:ThemostconvenientplaceistheChurch,andusuallplaceoftheassemblyoftheCongregation.

DidnotAbrahamministertheSacramentofCircumcisioninhisprivatehouse?

HishousewasatthattimetheChurchofGod,andthereforenotprivate;andsointhetimeofpersecution,thegodlydidoft-timesmeetinBarnes,andsuchobscureplaces,whichwereindeedpublick:becausewhentheChurchofGodwerethere,thehouseorplaceavailednothingtomakeitpublickorprivate:evenaswheresoeverthePrinceis,thereistheCourtalsosaidtobe,thoughitwereinapooreCottage.

WhatdifferenceistherebetweenaSacramentandaSacrifice?

InaSacrificethereisanofferingmadetoGod;inaSacrament,thereisanoffermadebyGodtous.IntheSacrificesChristwassignifiedasgivenforus,intheSacramentsasgiventous,theSacrificesonelysignes,theSacramentssealesalso.

WhoistheAuthorofaSacrament?

Godalone;becauseheonelycanbestowthosegraceswhicharesealedinaSacrament.

HowdothGodordaineaSacrament?

ByhisWord.

HowmanypartsofGodsWordarethere,wherebyhedothinstituteandandordaineaSacrament?

Two.

First,aCommandementtodoeit.

Secondly,apromiseofablessingupontherightusingofit.

WasnottheRain-bowaSacrament,beingasigneordainedbyGod?

No;forthoughitwereasigne,yetitwasnosigneofsalvationbyChrist.

WhatisthematterandsubstanceofeverySacrament?

OneandthesameIesusChrist,althoughdiverslycommunicatedindiversSacraments;andinsomemoreforcibletheninothers;becauseofsomeelementscommunicatingwith,ortakingholdof,orreachingtomoreofoursenses.

WhatthingsthenarerequiredinaSacrament?

Three.

First,theoutwardsignes,andSacramentallactions

concerningthesame.

Secondly,theinwardthingsignifiedthereby,viz.ChristIesuswithhissavinggraces,andspirituallactionsconcerningthesame.

Thirdly,asimilitudebetwixtthemboth:AsinBaptismeforexample,thataswaterdothwashthebody,sodoththebloudofChristwashawaythespotsofthesoule.

WhatsignesareusedinSacraments?

Someonelyrepresenting,aswater,bread,andwine;someapplying,aswashing,eating,drinking,andsuchlike.

Whatarethethingssignified?

First,ChristIesusandhismerrits;andsecondly,theapplyingofthesameuntousinparticular.

Whereindoththesignesofthethingssignifieddiffer?

1.InNature.

2.Inthemannerofreceiving.

3.Inthepartieswhichdoereceivethem.

4.Inthenecessityofthereceivingofthem.

Whereindoetheyagree?

Inthis,thatthesignedothsofitlyrepresentthethings

[Page]

signified,thereby,thatthemindeofaChristianisdrawnebythesignetoconsiderofthethingssignified.

WhatisthentheSacramentallunionbetwixtthesignesandthethingssignified?

Suchasbetwixtasealedwill,andthethingsconveighedinthesame;Fromwhenceitis,thatthenames,effects,andpropertiesoftheonearegiventotheother.

WhatisthecausethatmovedtheLordtogracetheoutwardsignesintheSacraments,withthenamesofthethingssignified?

Theoutwardelementshavethenamesofthespirituallthingstheysetforth,1.Becauseoftheirfitproportionandagreement,inregardoftheresemblanceandsimilitudeoftheelementsandthethingssignified,inwhichrespecttheyarecalledsignes.2.Toshewtheinseparableconjunctionofthethingssignifiedwiththesigne,intheworthyreceiver;inwhichregardtheyarecalledSeales,asinthepersonofChristhistwonaturesaresoinseparablyunited,thatoftentimesthepropertiesandeffectsoftheoneareattributedtotheother.

WhatisthegroundofthisSacramentallunion?

IngeneralltheinstitutionofChrist,wherebyfitthingsareappointedsotobeused,withapromiseannexed.Inspeciall,theapplyingofthatworduntocertainspeciallsigneswithprayer;inparticular,anduntome,thegroundismyreverentandworthyreceiving.

Theuseof

Sa-

craments.

WhatistheuseofSacraments?

Godhathordainedthem,totheendthatbycomparingandconferringtheoutwardthingswiththeinward,theymighthelp,

1.Ourunderstanding,inwhichregardtheyareasitwereimagesandglasses,Gal.3.1.

2.Ourremembrance,inwhichrespecttheyareMonuments,Luk.22.19.1Cor.11.24.

3.Andespeciallytheperswasionofourhearts,byreasonwhereoftheyaresealsandpledges,Rom.4.11.fortheyareappointedbyGodtostrengthenusinthepromisesofsalvation,whichGodhathnotonelymadetousinword,butalsoconfirmedthesamebywrit:andlestthatweshouldanywayesdoubt(asnaturallyweareinclined)hehathsettohisseales,accordingtothemannerofmen,thatnothingmightbelackingwhichshouldincreaseourstrength.

WhatDoctrineisheretobegathered?

1.Whatrootofblindnesse,offorgetfulnesse,andespeciallyhardnesseofhearttobeleeve,isinus,thattheWordandOathofGodisnotsufficienttopluckup,butthatwemusthavesuchaides.

2.ThemercyofGod,thatappliethhimselftoourweaknesse.

Theends

why

Sacraments

are

instituted.

[Page]

3.WhatmiserablementheyarethatrefusetheSacraments.

RepeattheprincipallendsforwhichGodhathinstitutedtheSacraments?

Tohelpourinsightascleareglasses,toreleeveourmemoriesaslastingmonuments,andtoconfirmeourfaithasmostcertainsealesandpledges,fromwhencetheybecomeourbondsofobedience,andthemarkesandbadgesofourprofession:sotheendsforwhichtheyareappointedarethesefoure.

1.Theclearingofourknowledge.

2.Thehelpingofourmemories.

3.Thestrengtheningofourfaith.

4.Thequickningofourobedience.

HowmaywemoreclearlyconsiderofthosethingswhichareministredintheSacraments?

Byconsideringdistinctlythethingsgivenandreceived,andthepersonsgivingandreceiving.

Whatarethethingsgivenandreceived?

Theyarepartlyoutward,andpartlyinward.

Whataretheoutward?

Thevisiblecreatures,ordainedforsignesandfiguresofChrist,asunderthetimeoftheGospel,Water,Bread,andWine.

WhyhathGodmadechoiceofthesecreatures?

Bothinrespecttheyarefortheirnaturallpropertiesmostfittorepresentthespirituallthings,asalsoforthattheyaremostgenerallyusedofallNationsoftheworld.

Whatarewetolearnefromhence?

ThewonderfullwisdomeofGod,thathathchosenbaseandcommonthingsforsohighandsingularmysteries,whereashemighthavechosenthingsmorerare,andofgreaterprice,tosetoutsuchexcellentbenefitsasareofferedtousintheSacraments,whereinthereisgreatdifferencebetweenthetimeoftheLawandoftheGospel.

Whataretheinwardthings?

Theinvisibleandspirituallgraces,namely,Christwithallhisbenefits.

Whatlearneyouofthis?

Nottosticktotheoutwardelements,buttoliftupourheartsuntoGod,accountingtheelementsasaLadderwherebytoclimbuptothosecelestiallthingswhichtheyrepresent.

Somuchofthethings,whatarethepersons?

The

persons

thatare

actorsin

Sacraments,

andtheir

actions.

TheGiverandReceiver.

HowmanyGiversarethere?

Two;theoutward,givingtheoutward,andtheinward,givingtheinwardthings.

Whoistheinwardgiver?

Godhimself,eventheholyTrinity,GodtheFather,GodtheSon,andGodtheholyGhost.

WhataretheactionsofGodinaSacrament?

Theyareprincipallytwo.

1.ToofferandreachforthChristandhisgraces.

2.ToapplythemtotheheartsofthefaithfullCommunicant.

WhoaretheoutwardGivers?

TheMinistersespecially,representinguntoustheLord,whoseStewardstheyare,1Cor.4.1.

WhatistheMinistersofficeherein?

Toconsecratetheelements,andthentodistributethem.

Whereinconsisteththeconsecrationoftheelements?

Partly,indeclaringtheinstitutionoftheSacraments,andpartlyingoingbeforetheCongregationinprayerunto

[Page]

God:First,inpraisingGod,whohathordainedsuchmeansforthereliefeofourweaknesse:TheninsuingtoGodthathewouldbepleasedtomakethosemeaneseffectuallforwhichendtheywereordained.

Isnotthesubstancechangedoftheelementsbythisconsecration?

Noverily;onelytheuseisaltered,inthattheyareseparatedfromacommontoaholyuse;whichchangeandalterationcontinuethonelywhiletheactionisinhand.

DoththeMinisterwiththesignegivethethingsignifiedalso?

No,heonelydispenseththesignes,butitisGodthatgivethanddispenseththethingssignified,Matth.3.11.

IsGodalwayespresent,togivethethingsignifiedtoallthemthattheMinistergiveththesigne?

Nonottoall,forsomeinreceivingthesignesreceivetogetherwiththemtheirownejudgement,1Cor.1129.yetheisalwayesreadytogivethethingsignifiedtoallthosethatarefittoreceivetheSacraments;andtosuchpersonsthesignesandthingssignifiedarealwayescon-joyned.

WhoarethepersonsthataretoreceivetheSacraments?

AllChristiansthatarepreparedthereunto.

Of

preparation

tothe

Sacra-

ments.

IsthereanyspeciallpreparationrequiredtothereceivingoftheSacraments?

Yesverily:forseeingmenoughttocomewithpreparationtothehearingoftheWordalone,theyoughtmuchmoretocomewhentheSacramentsareadministredalso,whereinGoddothofferhimselfemorefamiliarlyandvisiblytous.

WhatisthepreparationthatisrequiredinthemthatcometoreceivetheSacraments?

Thereisrequiredinthosethatareofyearesofdiscretion,toaworthyparticipationoftheSacraments,knowledge,faith,andfeeling,bothintheLaw,andintheGospel.

SeeingnomanisabletoattainetotheknowledgeoftheLawandtheGospelperfectly,muchlessethesimpleandcommonpeople,tellmehowfarreisthisknowledge,faith,andfeelingnecessary?

First,concerningtheLaw,itisnecessarythatthereceiveroftheSacramentsbeabletounderstandandbeleevethecommoncorruptionofallmen,bothinthebitterrootoforiginallsinne,andinthepoysonedfruitsthereof,togetherwiththecurseofeverlastingdeathduethereunto,andthathebeabletoapplyboththese,thatis,thesinneandwagesthereof,tohimselfe.

Secondly,concerningtheGospel,thathebeable(insomemeasure)tounderstandtheCovenantofGrace,whichGod

Dutiesafter

receiving.[Page]

Matth.3.

13.

Acts8.36.

Luke22.

15.

Dutiesin

theaction

ofrecei-

ving.

inChristhathmadewiththesonsofmen;andthenthatbyfaithhebeable(insomemeasure)toapplythesametohimself.

VVhatarisethfromthisknowledge,faith,andfeeling,toafurtherpreparationthereunto?

AtrueandearnestdesiretobemadepartakeroftheSacraments,withaconscionablecaretoperformespecialldutiesinandaftertheactionofreceiving.

VVhatdutiesintheactionofreceivingaretobeperformed?

First,agraveandreverentbehaviour,befittingsuchholyMysteries.

Secondly,anattentiveheedfulnesseincomparingtheoutwardsignesandactionsintheSacraments,withtheinwardandspirituallthingswhichtheybetoken.

VVhatdutiesaretobeeperformedafterthepartakingoftheSacraments?

IfwehaveasenseandfeelingofthegraciousworkofGodbythem,wearetorejoicewiththanksgiving;ifnot,wearetoenterintojudgmentwithourselves,andtohumbleourselvesforourwantthereof.Andthoughweoughttobehumbled,ifwefeelnottheworkofGodinus,inorafter

TheOldTe-

stament

andthe

Sacraments

ofit.

theSacraments,asthatwhicharguethwantofpreparationbefore,orattentioninreceivingofthem,yetoughtwenotthereforetobealtogetherdismayed:forasthesickmanfeelethnotthenourishmentofhismeat,becauseofhismalady,andyetnotwithstandingisnourished;soitisinsuchfaithfullonesasdoenotsosensiblyfeeltheworkingofGodinandbytheSacraments,throughtheweaknesseoftheirfaith,andalthoughweecannotfeeleitimmediately,yetafter(bythefruitesthereof)weeshallbeeabletodiscernofourprofitingthereby.

HaththeadministrationoftheGospelbeenalwaiesafterthesamemanner?

Forsubstanceitalwayeshathbeenthesame,butinregardofthemanner,propertocertaintimes,itisdistinguishedintotwokindes;theOldandtheNew,Heb.11.2.13.&13.18.Act.10.43.&13.11.Luk.16.16.Joh.1.17.Heb.11.&2.8,9,10,11.2Cor.3.6,7,8.

WhatcallyoutheoldTestament?

ThatwhichwasdelivereduntotheFathers,tocontinueuntillthefulnesseoftime,whereinbythecommingofChristitwastobeeperformed,Heb.1.1.&9.10.Act.7.44.2Cor.3.7.11.

WhatarethepropertiesofthisMinistery?

First,thecommandementsoftheLawweremorelargely,andthepromisesoftheGospelmoresparingly,anddarklypropounded,thelatterbeingmoregenerallyandobscurely

delivered,asthemanifestingwasthefurtheroff.

Secondly,thepromisesofthingstocome,wereshadowedwithamultitudeoftypesandfigures,whichwhenthetruthshouldbeexhibited,weretovanishaway,Jer.31.31,32,33.Heb.11.13.2Cor.3.13.18.Heb.8.13.9.&1.8,9,10.2Cor.3.11.13.Gal.4.3,4.Col.2.16,17.

WhatwerethechiefeststatesandperiodsofthisoldMinistery?

Thefirst,fromAdamtoAbraham;thesecond,fromAbrahamtoChrist.

Whatwerethespeciallpropertiesofthelastofthesetwoperiods?

First,itwasmorespeciallyrestraineduntoacertaineFamilyandNation.

Secondly,ithadwithitsolemnerepetition,anddeclarationofthefirstcovenantoftheLaw.

Thirdly,besidestheceremonies,whichweregreatlyinlargedunderMoses,ithadSacramentsalsoaddeduntoit.Luk.1.54,55.Psal.44.19.26.Rom.9.4.Act.13.17.Deut.4.1.6,7,8.&37.1.6,7,8.14.&2.26.18,19.Joh.1.16,17.Exod.24.7,8.Deut.4.12.Rom.10.5.Heb.9.1,2,3.Joh.7.22.

WhatweretheordinarySacramentsofthisMinistery?

TheSacramentofadmissionintotheChurchwas

[Page]

Thenew

ad-

ministration

ofthe

Gospel.

Esa.41.1,

2,3.&68.

3,4,5.&

65.12.&

66.1219,

20.Joh.

16.10.

circumcision,institutedinthedayesofAbraham;theotherofcontinuallpreservationandnourishment,thePaschallLambe,institutedintimeofMoses,Exod.12.48.Act.7.8.Joh.7.22.Gen.17.9,10,Rom.4.11.Col▪2.11.Deut.30.6,7,8.Exod.12.3,4.Numb.9.11,12.Deut.16.2.1Cor.5.7.1Pet.1.19Joh.9.56.withExod.12.46.

WhatisthenewadministrationoftheGospel?

ThatwhichisdelivereduntousbyChrist,tocontinueuntotheendoftheworld,Joh.1.17.Heb.1.2.&2.3,4.&3.5,6.1.Cor.3.11.

Whatarethepropertiesthereof?

First,itispropoundedindifferentlytoallpeople,whethertheybeeJewesorGentiles,andinthatrespectisCatholickoruniversall.

Secondly,itisfullofgraceandtruth,bringingjoyfulltydingsuntomankinde,thatwhatsoeverwasformerlypromisedofChrist,isnowaccomplished,andsoinsteadoftheancienttypesandshadows,thethingsthemselveswithalargeandcleeredeclarationofallthebenefitsoftheGospelareexhibited.

Whatbeethespeciallpointsofthewordsofthisministery?

ThatChristourSaviour,whomGodbyhisProphetshadpromisedtosendintotheworld,iscomeintheflesh,andhathaccomplishedthe

Mat.18.

19,20.

Rom.15.

2526.

Ephel.3.5,

68,9.Col.

1.5,6.

Joh.1.17.

&14.21.

Rom.1.1,

2,3.1Pet.

1.10,11,

12.1Cor.

1.23,24.

workofourRedemption;thatheewasconceivedoftheholyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary,sufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,anddyeduponthecrosse;thatbodyandsoulethusseparated,hisbodywaslaidinthegrave,andremainedthereunderthepowerofdeath,andhisSoulewentintotheplaceappointedforthesoulesoftherighteous,namely,Paradisetheplaceoftheblessed,thatthethirddaybodyandsoulebeingjoynedtogetheragaine,heerosefromthedead,andafterascendedintoHeaven,whereheesittethattherighthandofhisFather,untillsuchtimeasfromthenceheeshallcomeuntothelastJudgement.Rom.1.1.,2,3.Joh.1.14.25.&19.28.30.Heb.9.12.16.18.1Tim.3.16.Luk.1.35.Matth.1.18,19,20,21,22,23.&27.2.26.ver.ad50.&12.40.&27.59.60.Rom.6.9.Luk.23.43.46,47.Matth.16.21.&28.16.1Cor.15.4.8.6.1Tim.2.8.Mark.16.19.Act.1.2,3.10,11.Ephes.4.10.Heb.1.3.2Tim.4.3.

WhataretheSacramentsofthisMinistery?

ThesacramentofadmissionintotheChurchisBaptisme,whichsealethuntousourspirituallbirth;theotherthesacramentofourcontinuallpreservation,istheLordsSupper,whichsealethuntousourcontinuallnourishment.

WhatSacramentsbeethereoftheCovenantofGrace?

Theybeeoftwosorts;someoftheOldTestamentbefore

TheSacra-

mentsof

theold

Testament.

Howthey

differfrom

theNew.

[Page]

TheSacra-

mentsof

Christscomming:othersoftheNew,underChrist.

WhatSacramentswerethereoftheOldTestament?

Besidesdiversextraordinarilygiven,(1Pet.3.20,21.1Cor.10.1,2,3,4.)andservingbutforaseason,thereweretwoofordinaryandperpetualluse,fromtheirinstitutionuntillthecommingofChrist,(towhichthoseothermaybeereferred)first,CircumcisionforentranceintothecovenantofGrace,Gen.17.10.Deut.30.6.secondly,thePasseoverforcontinuanceandconfirmationtherein,Exod.12.3.1Cor.5.7.Towhichtwo,thetwoSacramentsofthenewTestamentanswer.

HowdoetheSacramentsoftheNewTestamentdifferfromthoseoftheOld?

InrespectnotoftheAuthor,God;thesubstance,Christ;orthereceivers,thepeopleofGod;whichareinboththesame,(Rom.4.11.1Cor.10.2,3,4.)butofcontinuance,(Matth.28.19,20.)evidence,(1Cor.11.26.)easieperformance,andefficacy;inallwhichthoseoftheNewTestamenthavegreatpreheminence,(2Cor.3.9.)

WhatSacramentsbeethereoftheNewTestament?

Onelytwo;towit,Baptisme,succeedingintheplaceofCircumcision;andtheSupperoftheLord,answeringtothePasseover,(Rom.4.1.Gen.17.11,12.1Cor.10.1,2,3.&12▪13.Matth.

theNew

Testament.

Thatthere

beeonely

twoSa-

cramentsof

theNew

Testament.

26.26.&28.19.)Bytheformer,weehaveouradmissionintothetrueChurchofGod;bythelatter,weearenourishedandpreservedintheChurchafterouradmission.

HowmayitappearethattherebeenomorethentwoSacramentsoftheNewTestament?

First,whenthenumberofSacramentsweremostnecessary,asundertheLaw,theyhadbuttwo,whereforeweeneedrequirenomore,(1Cor.10.1,2,3.)

Secondly,havingmeat,drink,andcloathes,weeoughttherewithtobeecontent;(1Tim.6.8.)nowbytheSacramentofourentranceourspirituallcloathingissealeduntous,(Gal.3.27.)andbythatofourgrowthissealedourfeeding,(1Cor.10.16.)

Thirdly,thosetwosealesassureusofallGodsgraces,asofourregeneration,entrance,andingraffingintoChrist;soofourgrowthandcontinuanceinhim:andthereforeweeneednomore,(1Cor.12.13.)ForthereareasmanySacramentsastherearethingsthatneedtobeebetokenedtousaboutourjustification.Nowtheybeetwo;ourbirthinChrist,andournourishmentafterweeareborn:asinthebodilylife,weeseethatweeneednomore,buttobeeborn,andthentohavethislifepreserved.TheSacramentofBaptismeshewethusthefirst;theSacramentoftheLordsSupperthesecond.ThereforethosefiveotherSacraments,ofConfirmation,Penance,Matrimony,Orders,andextreameUnction,joynedbythe

Of

Baptisme,

andwhatit

is.

Papistsaresuperfluous,becausesomeofthemhavenowarrantatalloutoftheWordofGod,andGodhathnotpromisedablessingupontheusingofthem;othersofthem,thoughtheybeeagreeabletotheWord,yetarewithoutthenatureandnumberoftheSacraments.

WhatisBaptisme?

ItisthefirstSacramentoftheNewTestament,bythewashingofwater(Ephes.5.26.)representingthepowerfullwashingofthebloodandspiritofChrist,(1Cor.6.11.Heb.10.22.)andsosealingourregeneration,ornewbirth,ourentranceintotheCovenantofGrace,andouringraffingintoChrist,andintothebodyofChrist,whichishisChurch,(Joh.3.5.Tit.3.5.Act.8.27.)ThewordBaptismeingenerallsignifiethanykindeofwashing,buthereitisspeciallytakenforthatsacramentallwashing,whichsealethuntothosewhicharewithinGodsCovenant,theirbirthinChrist,andenteranceintoChristianity.

HowwasthisSacramentordainedandbroughtintotheChurchintheplaceofCircumcision?

AttheCommandementofGod(Joh.1.33.)bytheMinisteryofJohn,thereforecalledtheBaptist,Matth.3.1.aftersanctifiedandconfirmedbyourSaviourChristhimself,beingbaptizedbyJohn,(Mat.3.13.)andgivingcommissiontohisApostlesandMinisters,tocontinuethesameinhisChurchuntotheend,(Mat.28.18.)

WhycallyouitthefirstSacrament?

[Page]

BecauseChristgaveordertohisApostles,thataftertheyhavetaught,andmenbeleeve,theyshouldbaptizethem,thatsotheymightbeeenrolledamongstthoseofthehousholdofGod,andenteredintothenumberoftheCitizens&BurgessesoftheheavenlyJerusalem.

Whatabusedoththistakeaway?

ThatwhichsometimestheancientChurchwasinfectedwithall,namely,thattheybaptizedmenattheirdeath,andletthemreceivetheLordsSuppertwiceorthriceayeer,whereasthisisthefirstSacramentoftheCovenant.

WhataretheessentiallpartsofthisSacramentofBaptisme?

AsofallotherSacraments,two;theoutwardsignes,andtheinwardthingssignified:wherealsoistobeeconsidered,theproportionandunionwhichisbetweenthosetwoparts,whichisasitweretheveryformandinwardexcellencyofaSacrament.

WhataretheoutwardsignesinBaptisme?

Theyaretheoutwardelementofwater,andtheoutwardsacramentallactionsperformedaboutit.

WhatarethoseSacramentallactions?

First,theMinistersblessingandconsecratingthewater:Andsecondly,therightapplyingitsoconsecrated,tothepartytobeebaptized.

MaynonebutalawfullMinisterbaptize?

No;forbaptismisapartofthepubliqueMinisteryoftheChurch,andChristhathgivenwarrantandauthoritytononetobaptize,butthosewhomheehathcalledtopreachtheGospel:Goe,PreachandBaptize,Matth.28.29.thoseonelymaystandintheroomeofGodhimself,andMinisteriallysettothesealeoftheCovenant.AnditismonstrouspresumptionforWomen,oranyotherprivatepersons,(whoarenotcalled)tomeddlewithsuchhighMysteries,norcantherebeeanycaseofnecessitytourge,aswillappeareafterwards.

TouchingthefirstactionoftheMinister;howisheetoblesseandconsecratethewater?

First,byopeningtothemthatarepresenttheDoctrineofBaptisme,andtherightinstitutionanduseofit,whatinwardmysteriesaresignifiedandsealedupbythoseoutwardsignes.SodidJohn,whenheebaptized,heepreachedtheDoctrineofRepentance,andtaughtthepeopletheinwardbaptismeoftheSpirit,signifiedbyhisbaptizingwithvvater,Matth.3.11.

Secondly,byacknowledginginthenameofthecongregationmansnaturallpollution,thatvvestandinneedofspirituallvvashing,bygivingthankstoGodtheFatherforgivinghisSonneforapropitiationforoursins,andappointinghisbloodtobeeafountaintothehouseofIsraeltowashin,andforordainingofthisservicetobeeaSacramentandsealeofsogreatamystery.

[Page]

Matth.28.

19.

Whether

divingor

dippingbee

essentiall

to

Baptisme.

Thirdly,bymakingprofessionofFaithinGodspromisesinthatbehalf,andprayingthattheymaybeemadegooduntothepartythatistoreceivethesealethereof:foraseverythingissanctifiedbytheWordofGodandprayer,soinespeciallmannertheSacramentallwaterinbaptismeisblessedandconsecratedbytheWordofinstitution,andprayertoGodforablessinguponhisownOrdinance.

WhatisthesecondSacramentallaction?

Theactionofwashing,thatis,ofapplyingtheSacramentallwateruntothepartytobebaptized,divingordippinghimintoit,orsprinklinghimwithit,InthenameoftheFather,theSon,andoftheholyGhost.

Istheactionofdivingordipping,materiallandessentialltotheSacrament?oristhereabsolutegroundandwarrantforsprinkling,whichismostcommonlypractisedwithusinthesecoldCountries?

Sometherearethatstandstrictlyfortheparticularactionofdivingordippingthebaptizedunderwater,astheonelyactionwhichtheinstitutionofthisSacramentwillbear,andourChurchallowsnoother,exceptincaseofthechildesweaknesse,andthereisexprestinourSavioursbaptisme,bothhisdescendingintothewaterandrisingup:sothatsomethinkourcommonsprinklingtobee(througheaseandten-dernesse)astretchingthelibertyoftheChurchfurthertheneithertheChurchwould,orthesymbolicalnesseoftheoutwardsignwiththethingsignifiedcansafelyadmit,

ittypifyingourspirituallburiallandresurrection,Rom.6.8.

Othersconceivetheactionofsprinklingofwateruponthefaceofthebaptizedverywarrantable,especiallyinyoungchildrentowhomfurtherwettingmaybeedangerous,andthegroundsarethese:

First,itseemsthatneitherdippingisessentialltotheSacramentofBaptisme,norsprinkling,butonelywashingandapplyingwatertothebodyasacleanserofthefilththereof.

Secondly,then,asintheotherSacrament,aspoonfullofwineisassignificantasawholegallon;sohere,ahandfullofwaterisassignificantasawholeriver.

Thirdly,theactionofsprinklingbearesfitresemblancewiththeinwardgrace,aswellasdipping,andhathauthorityintheScriptures:read1Pet.1.2.andHeb.12.14.thereisspeechofthesprinklingofthebloodofChrist,andthebloodofsprinklingspeaksbetterthingsthenthebloodofAbel.

Fourthly,itisnotunlikelythattheApostlesbaptizedaswellbysprinkling,orpowringupon,asbydivinganddippinginto,sithweereadofdiversbaptizedinhouses,aswellasothersinrivers.Howeverthewashingthebodybywater,isessentiall,(Ephes.5.26.)thoughwhetherwayitbeedone,seemnottobeeessentiall,(sowaterbeeap-plyedtothebodyforthecleansingofit.)

Theinward

partor

thing

signifiedin

Baptisme.

[Page]

The

similitude

between

thesigne

andthing

signified.

ThusmuchoftheSacramentallelement,andSacramentallactions,whicharetheoutwardpartofbaptism:Whatnowistheinwardpart?

Thosespirituallthingswhicharesignified,andrepresented,andexhibitedinandbytheoutwardelementandactions:asthewatersignifiesthebloodofChrist,theMinistersconsecratingthewatersignifiesGodtheFatherssettingaparthisSonfortheexpiationofthesinsoftheworldbyhisblood;theMinistersapplyingthewatertothebodyofthebaptizedtocleanseit,signifiethGodsapplyingthebloodofhisSontocleansethesouleforjustificationandremissionofsins:andnotonelytosignifie,buttosealeupuntothebeleever,thattheinwardpartiseffectedaswellastheoutward.

Howcomethesevisiblethingstosignifiesuchinvisiblemysteries?

First,thereisanaturallfitnesseandaptnesseintheoutwardthingstoexpressetheinward,asforwatertobeearesemblanceofthebloodofChrist;thustheyagree:

First,waterisanecessaryelement,thenaturalllifeofmancannotbewithoutit,andthebloodofChristisasnecessarytohisspirituallife.

Secondly,waterisacomfortableelement:astheHartpantethafterthewaterbrooks,Psal.42.1.Thethirstofthebodycannotbeequenchedbutbywater;hencethe

heighthofmiseryisdescribedbyabarrenanddryground,wherenowateris,Psal.63.1.sothethirstofthesoulecannotbeequenchedbutbythebloodofChrist,Joh.4.13.

Thirdly,waterisafreeelement;asitisnecessary,usefull,andcomfortable,soitischeap,andeasietocomebywithoutcost;soisthebloodofChrist,Esa.55.1.Hoe,heethatthirstethcomeanddrinkfreely.

Fourthly,waterisacommonelement,nonearebarredfromit,anymaygototheriveranddrink;andthebloodofChristisofferedasgenerallytoall,richandpoore,highandlow,bondandfree,everyonemaylayclaimuntohim,come&haveinterestinhim;Joh.1.12.Whoeverreceivethhim,whoeverbeleeveth,theproposalliswithoutrestraint,nonecansay,Iamshutoutorexcepted.

Fifthly,waterisacopiousandplentifullelement,thereisnolesseintheriverforthydrinkingofit,thereisenoughforallmen:soisthebloodofChristall-sufficient,itcanneverbeedrawndry;ofhisfulnesseweemayallreceive,andyetheebeeneverthemoreempty;hencetheScripturespeaksofplenteousredemption.

Sixthly,lastlyandespecially,waterisacleansingandapurifyingelement;anditresemblesthebloodofChristfitlyinthat,for1Joh.1.7.ThebloodofChristcleansethusfromallsin.

AndherewemayalsoobservethesymbolicalnessebetwentheSacramentallactionofwashing,andtheinwardgracesignified.

First,nothingiswashedbutthatwhichisunclean;evensotheSacramentallwashingimpliesournaturallpollution:whosoeversubmitstothisSacramentofBaptism,dothbysodoingacknowledgehimselftobeedefiled;whoeverbringsachildetobeebaptized,dothbysodoing,makeconfessionoforiginallcorruptionandsinfulnesse;asJohnshearerswerebaptizedofhiminJordanconfessingtheirsins,Mat.3.6.

Secondly,astheapplyingofthewatertothebody,washethandcleanseth;soitiswiththebloodofChrist,itcleansethnotthesoule,butbybeingapplyedtoit,inthemeritandefficacyofit,bythesanctifyingSpirit,ofwhichtheoutwardministeriallwashingisasignandseale,1Cor.6.11.

Whatistherebesidesthenaturallfitnesseoftheoutwardthingstoexpressetheinward?

2.ThereisalsoconsiderableGodsdivineinstitution,ordainingandappointingthesethingstotypifietothesouleChristcrucifiedinhiscleansingquality:forotherwisethoughtherewereneversuchaptnesseinthecreature,yetithathnothingtodotomeddlewithaSacrament,unlessetheLorddospeciallyappropriateittoserveforsuchapurpose;andthenwithGodsinstitution,theregoethablessingandaspeciallvertueandpowerattendsonadivineOrdinance;thatwhichmakestheoutwardsignssignificant,isGodsWordandappointment.

ButisChristandthecleansingpowerofhisbloudonlybarelysignifiedintheSacramentofBaptisme?

[Page]

Naymore;theinwardthingsarereallyexhibitedtothebeleeveraswellastheoutward;thereisthatsacramentallunionbetweenthemthattheoneisconveyedandsealedupbytheother:hencearethosephrasesofbeingbornagainofwaterandoftheholyGhost,Joh.3.5.ofcleansingbythewashingofwater,Eph.5.26.soariseandbebaptized,andwashawaythysins,Acts22.16.soRom.6.3.weareburiedwithChristbybaptisme,&c.theSacramentsbeingrightlyreceived,doeeffectthatwhichtheydoerepresent.

Arealltheythenthatarepartakersoftheoutwardwashingofbaptisme,partakersalsooftheinwardwashingoftheSpirit?DoththisSacramentsealuptheirspirituallingraffingintoChristtoallwhoexternallyreceiveit?

Surelyno;thoughGodhathordainedtheseoutwardmeansfortheconveyanceoftheinwardgracetooursouls,yetthereisnonecessitythatweshouldtietheworkingofGodsSpirittotheSacramentsmorethentotheWord;thepromisesofsalvation,Christandallhisbenefits,arepreachedandofferedtoallintheministeryoftheWord,yetallhearershavenotthemconveyedtotheirsoulsbytheSpirit,butthosewhomGodhathordainedtolife;sointheSacraments,theoutwardelementsaredispensedtoalwhomakeanoutwardprofessionoftheGospel,(forininfantstheirbeingborninthebosomeoftheChurchisinsteadofanoutwardprofession)becausemanisnotabletodistinguishcornfromchaffe:buttheinwardgraceoftheSacramentisnotcommunicatedtoall,buttothoseonelywhoareheirsofthosepromiseswhereoftheSacraments

Thebenefit

ofbaptisme

toa

common

Christian.

Towhom

baptismeis

effectuall.

areseals;forwithoutamanhavehisnameintheCovenant,thesealsettoitconfirmsnothingtohim.

WhatistheadvantagethenorbenefitofbaptismetoacommonChristian?

ThesameaswasthebenefitofCircumcisiontotheJewoutward,Rom.2.28.Rom.3.1,2.thereisagenerallgraceofBaptismewhichallthebaptizedpartakeofasacommonfavour,andthatistheiradmissionintothevisiblebodyoftheChurch,theirmatriculationandoutwardincorporatingintothenumberoftheworshippersofGodbyexternallcommunion:andsoasCircumcisionwasnotonelyasealoftherighteousnessewhichisbyfaith,butasanoverplusGodappointedittobelikeawallofseparationbetweenJewandGentile;soisBaptismeabadgeofanoutwardmemberoftheChurch,adistinctionfromthecommonroutofHeathen;andGodtherebysealsarightuponthepartybaptizedtohisordinances,thathemayusethemashispriviledges,andwaitforaninwardblessingbythem;yetthisisisbuttheporch,theshell,andoutside;allthatareoutwardlyreceivedintothevisibleChurch,arenotspirituallyingraffedintothemysticallbodyofChrist.Baptismealwaysisattendeduponbythatgenerallgrace,butnotalwayswiththisspeciall.

TowhomthenisBaptismeeffectualltothesealingupthisinwardandspeciallgrace?

Wemustheredistinguishofpersonsbaptized;theChurchdothnotonelybaptizethosethat

[Page]

aregrownandofyears,ifanysuchbeingbredPagansbebroughtwithinthepaleoftheChurch,andtestifietheircompetentunderstandingofChristianity,andprofessetheirfaithintheLordJesus,andinGodspreciouspromises,ofremissionofsinsbyhisbloud,andtheirearnestdesiretobesealedwithBaptismeforthestrengtheningoftheirsoulsinthisfaith:buttheChurchalsobaptizethherinfants,suchasbeingbornwithinherbosomeofbeleevingparentsarewithintheCovenant,&sohaverightuntothesealthereof.

Doththeinwardgracealwaysaccompanytheoutwardsigninthoseofyearsbaptized?

No;butonelythenwhentheprofessionoftheirfaithisnotoutwardonelyandcounterfeit,butsincereandhearty,theylayingholdonChristofferedintheSacramentbyalivelyfaithwhichisthehandtoreceivethemerciesoffered,Acts8.37.Ifthoubeleevestwithallthyheartthoumaistbebaptized,saithPhiliptotheEunuch;foritwereabsurdtoextendthebenefitofthesealbeyondtheCovenant;nowtheCovenantismadeonlytothefaithfull,Joh.1.10.Mark16.16.Hethatbeleevethandisbaptizedshallbesaved;buthethatbeleevethnot,whetherhebebaptizedorno,shallbecondemned.SimonMagus(Act.8.13.)andJulian,andthousandsofHypocritesandFormalistsshallfindnohelpinthedayoftheLordbytheholywateroftheirbaptisme,withoutitbetoencreasetheirJudgement.

Butwhatsayyouofinfantsbaptizedthatareborninthe

Church,doththeinwardgraceintheirbaptismalwaysattendupontheoutwardsign?

Surelyno;theSacramentofbaptismeiseffectuallininfants,onelytothoseandtoallthosewhobelonguntotheelectionofgrace,whichthingthoughwe(inthejudgementofcharity)doejudgeofeveryparticularinfant,yetwehavenogroundtojudgesoofallingenerall;orifweshouldjudgeso,yetitisnotanyjudgementofcertainty;wemaybemistaken.

IseveryelectinfantthenactuallysanctifiedanduniteduntoChristinandbybaptisme?

Wemustherealsodistinguishofelectinfantsbaptized,whereofsomedieintheirinfancy,andnevercometotheuseofreason;othersGodhathappointedtolive&enjoytheordinarymeansoffaith&salvation.

Whatistobethoughtofelectinfantsthatdieintheirinfancy,&havenootheroutwardmeansofsalvationbuttheirbaptisme?

Doubtlesseinallthosetheinwardgraceisunitedtotheoutwardsigns,andtheholyGhostdothastruly,andreally,andactuallyapplythemeritsandbloudofChristinthejustifyingandsanctifyingvertueuntothesouloftheelectinfant,astheministerdoththewatertoitsbody,andtheinvisiblegraceoftheSacramentisconveyedtotheout-wardmeans.

Buthowcananinfantbecapableofthegraceofthe

Howinfants

maybe

capableof

thegrace

ofthe

Sacrament.

[Page]

Sacrament?

Verywell;thoughinfantsbenotcapableofthegraceoftheSacramentbythatwaywherebythegrowneare,byhearing,conceiving,beleeving;yetitfollowethnotthatinfantsarenotcapableinandbyanotherway.Itiseasietodistinguishbetweenthegiftconveyed,andthemannerofconveyingit;faithisnotofabsolutenecessitytoallGodselect,butonlytothosetowhomGodaffordsmeansofbeleeving.ItistheapplicationofChristsrighteousnessethatjustifiethus,notourapprehendingit;GodcansupplythedefectoffaithbyhissanctifyingSpiritwhichcandoeallthingsonourpartintheroomoffaith,whichfaithshoulddoe:DoewenotknowthatthesinofAdamisimputedtochildren,andtheydefiledbyit,thoughtheybenotcapabletounderstandit?evensotherighteousnesseofChristmaybe,andisbyGodssecretandunknownwaytoelectinfants;andsotothosethatareborndeaf,andfools,notcapableofunderstanding:forthoughGodtiethustomeans,yetnothimself;hethathathsaidofinfantstothebelongsthekingdomeofGod,knowshowtosettleuponthemthetitleoftheKingdome;andwehavenoreasontothink,butthatevenbeforeorin,atorbytheactofBaptismetheSpiritofChristdothunitethesouloftheelectinfanttoChrist,andcloathitwithhisrighteousnesse,andimputeuntoitthetitleofasonordaughterbyAdoption,andtheimageofGodbysanctification,andsofititforthestateofglory.

What

benefit

elect

infantsthat

liveto

yearshave

by

Baptisme

forthe

present.

ButwhatistobethoughtoftheeffectofBaptismeinthoseelectinfantswhomGodhathappointedtolivetoyearsofdiscretion?

InthemwehavenowarranttopromiseconstantlyanextraordinaryworktowhomGodintendstoaffordordinarymeanes;forthoughGoddoesometimessanctifiefromthewombeasinJeremy,andJohnBaptist,sometimeinBaptismeashepleaseth,yetitishardtoaffirm(assomedoe)thateveryelectinfantdothordinarilybeforeorinBaptismereceiveinitiallregeneration,andtheseedoffaithandgrace:Forifthereweresuchahabitofgracetheninfused,itcouldnotbesoutterlylostorsecretedasnevertoshewitselfbutbybeingattainedbynewinstruction.ButwemayratherdeemandjudgethatBaptismeisnotactuallyeffectualltojustifieandsanctifie,untillthepartydoebeleeveandembracethepromises.

IsnotBaptismethenforthemostpartavainemptyshewconsistingofshadoweswithoutthesubstance,andasignewithoutthethingsignified?

No;itisalwaysaneffectuallsealtoallthosethatareheirsoftheCovenantofgrace,thepromisesofGodtouchingJustification,Remission,AdoptionaremadeandsealedinBaptismetoeveryelectchildofGod,thentobeactuallyenjoyedwhenthepartybaptizedshallactuallylayholduponthembyfaith:ThusBaptismetoeveryelectinfantis

[Page]

asealoftherighteousnesseofChristtobeextraordinarilyapplyedbytheholyGhost,ifitdieinitsinfancy;tobeapprehendedbyfaith,ifitlivetoyearesofdiscretion.SothatasBaptismeadministredtothoseofyearsisnoteffectuallunlessetheybeleeve,sowecanmakenocomfortableuseofourBaptismeadministredinourinfancyuntillwebeleeve.TherighteousnesseofChristandallthepromisesofgracewereinmyBaptismeestateduponmeandsealedupuntomeonGodspart;butthenIcometohavetheprofitandbenefitofthem,whenIcometounderstandwhatgrantGodinBaptismehathsealeduntome,andactuallytolayholduponitbyfaith.

Explainthismoreclearly.

Weknowthatanestatemaybemadeuntoaninfant,andinhisinfancyhehathrightuntoit,thoughnotactuallpossessionofituntillsuchyears;nowthetimeofthechildsincapability,theuseandcomfortofthisestateislostindeed,buttherightandtitleisnotvainandempty,buttrueandreall,andstandsfirmelysecureduntothechildtobeclaimedwhattimesoeverheiscapableofit.Evensoin-fantselecthaveChristandallhisbenefitssealedupuntothemintheSacramentofBaptisme,yetthroughtheiruncapablenessetheyhavenotactuallfruitionofthem,untillGodgivethemactuallfaithtoapprehendthem:IsBaptismelostthenwhichisadministredinourinfancy?wasitavainandanemptyCeremony?no,itwasacom-pleatandaneffectuallSacrament,andGodsinvisiblegracesweretrulysealedupundervisiblesigns:AndthoughtheuseandthecomfortofBaptismebenot

The

lawfulness

ofinfants

baptisme.

forthepresentenjoyedbytheinfant,yetbytheparentitiswhobeleevesGodspromisesforhimselfeandforhisseed,andsobythewholeCongregation,andthethingsthendoneshallbeactuallyeffectualltotheinfant,wheneveritshallbecapabletomakeuseofthem.

Butaretherenotsomewhoutterlydenythebaptizingofinfantstobewarrantable?

Yes;butnottoinsistuponansweringtheirpeevisharguments,sufficientandcleargroundforthepractiseofourChurchinthisbehalfmaybothbepicktoutofthatwhichhathbeenspokenbefore;andfurtherevidencedbythesefollowingarguments.

1.ThefirstwedrawfromtheuseofCircumcisionintheoldTestament,whichanswerethtoBaptisme;yetthatwasappliedtotheinfanttheeightday:therecanbenoreasongiventodepriveinfantsofBaptisme,butthatwhichmaybegivenagainstCircumcision,themainwhereofistheirincapablenesseofthegraceoftheSacrament.

2.TothemtowhomtheCovenantbelongs,tothembelongsthesealoftheCovenantthatconfirmstherightuntothem;buttotheinfantsoffaithfullparentstheCovenantbelongs:Toyouandtoyourchildrenarethepromisesmade,saithPeter,Act.2.39.andtothembelongstheKingdomeofGod:ifthethingitself,thenthesignandsealofit.AndtheApostlesaith,Yourchildrenareholy,1Cor.7.14.thereisafoederallsanctity,orexternallandvisibleholinesseatleastinchildrenofbeleeving

parents,andtheyaretobejudgedofthetrueflockofChristuntilltheyshewthecontrary.

Yea,butitisobjectedthattheydoenotbeleeve,whichisintheScripturerequiredofthosethataretobebaptized,thattheymakeprofessionoftheirfaith?

3.TheScripturerequiringfaithinthepartytobebaptized,speaksofgrownmen;whentheApostlegivesarulethatnoneshouldeatbutthosethatlabour,itweremonstrousfromthencetodenymeattochildrenorimpotentpersons:besides,itisnotsimplyanimproperspeechtocalltheinfantofbeleevingparentsaBeleever;ourSaviourreckoneththemamongBeleevers,Mat.18.6.hetookachildandsaid,Whosoeveroffendethoneoftheselittleonesthatbeleeveinme;whatdoewedeemofChristianinfants?istherenodifferencebetweenthemandPagans?CertainlyasitwerehardtocallthemInfidels,soitwerenotharshtocalthe ̄Beleevers.AndfurtheritisthereceivedjudgmentofourChurch,thatthefaithoftheparents(orofthosethatinsteadofparentspresentthechildintheCongregation)issofartheinfantsastogivehimrightuntotheCovenant.Andlastly,aswehavesaidbefore,theSpiritofGodinelectinfantssuppliestheroomoffaith:andhoweveritbe,Adamscorruptioncannotbemoreeffectualltopollutetheinfant,thenChristsbloudandinnocencyistosanctifiethem;andGodswisdomewantsnotmeanstoapplyit,thoughweecannotattainuntothemanner.

ButtheAnabaptistsurgewehavenoruleinScripturefor

[Page]

Baptisme

notof

absolute

necessityto

salvation.

baptizinginfants,norexample?

4.ButdoewereadanythinginScripturethatmayinfringethelibertyoftheChurchtherein?nay,doenottheScripturesaffordmanyfriendlyproofsbyconsequenceofit?wereadofsuchanonebaptized,andallhishoushold,thehouseofLydia,oftheJaylor,ofCrispus,ofStephanus,&c.whyshouldweimaginethattherewerenoinfantsthere,orthattheywereleftout?AndiftheScripturesnotexpressingdirectlythebaptizingofinfants,weresufficientreasonwhythatSacramentshouldbedenyedthem,thenbythesamereasontheSacramentoftheLordsSuppershouldbedenyedtowomen;for(tomyremembrance)itisnotexpressedinallthenewTestament,thatanywomandidpartakeofit;whichthingyetweresenslessetodoubtof.

Thusmuchofthelawfulnesseofinfantsbaptisme:Butisbaptismeofabsolutenecessitytosalvation?

Baptisme,aswehaveseen,isahighOrdinanceofGod,andameanswherebyhehathappointedtocommunicateChristandhisbenefitstooursouls;andthereforenottobeneglectedorsleightlyesteemed,butusedwithallreverenceandthankfulldevotionwhenitmaybehad;yetwhereGoddeniethiteitherinregardoftheshortnesseoftheinfantslife,orbyanyotherunavoidablenecessity;therecomesnodangerfromthewantoftheSacraments,butonlyfromthecontemptofthem.

Whoareheretobeconfuted?

First,thePapists,whohavecontrivedintheirownwickedbrainsaroomnearhellwhichtheycall(Limbusinfantum)areceptacleforthesoulsofinfantswhichdiewithoutBaptisme;andwhereastheyfaintheyaredeprivedofGodspresence,andneverpartakeofjoyandhappinesse:adreamnotworthytheconfuting,beingnotonelyuncharita-ble,butimpious.

Secondly,manyignorantpeopleamongstus,whoforwantofbetterteachingharbourintheirmindssuchPopishconceipts,especiallythatBaptismedothconferregraceuponallbytheworkdone,(fortheycommonlylooknohigher)andtheyconceiveakindofinherentvertue,andChristendome(astheycallit)necessarilyinfusedintochil-drenbyhavingthewatercastupontheirfaces:hencetheministerisoftpostedfortobaptizeinaprivatechamber,tothedishonourofthatOrdinance:andwhichismoreintolerable,incaseofthewantofaMinister,womenwillundertaketobeBaptizers,whichisamonstrousprophanationofsohighaservice.

Howmaytheseerrorsofopinionandpractisebeavoided?

Theyproceedfromgrosseignorance,andthereforethemeanstocurethemistobeinformedintherightnatureanduseoftheSacraments,andintheextentandlimitationofthenecessityofthem.

Howmaythatbedone?

[Page]

WeemustknowthatSacramentsproperlydoenotgiveusanyrightuntoGodandhisChrist,butonelysealeupandconfirmthatrightandinterestwhichalreadyweehaveinGodsCovenantandpromise:GodpromisedtoAdamlife,andthenhegavehimtheTreeoflifetobeapledgeofhispromise;ItwasnottheTreeoflifethatgaveAdamlife,butthepromise.AdammighthavelivedbythepromisewithouttheTree;buttheTreecoulddoehimnogoodwithoutthepromise.ThusGodpromisethChristandhisbenefitstothefaithfullandtotheirseed,andthenhegivesusBaptismetosealethesepromises;itisnotBaptismethatsavesus,butthepromises;itisnotwaterthatpurgethoursins,butthebloudoftheCovenant:whythenwastheSacramentadded?forourweaknessetobeastrengtheningtoourfaith,nottogiveanystrengthorefficacytotheCovenantmadeinthebloudofChrist:GodsWordisassureashisbond,hispromiseisaseffectuallashisseal,andshallassurelybeaccomplished;theSacramentsonelygivestrengthtoourfaithinapprehendingit.

Whatinferyoufromthis?

ThatwhereGodispleasedtodispensehissealsandSacraments,theyaregreatcomfortsandpledgesofhislove;andtodespiseorsleightthemwereahorriblesleightingevenoftheCovenantitselfe.Butwherehedeniethmeansandopportunityofenjoyingthesignes,thethingssignifiedareneverthefartheroff,orlesseeffectuall.Itissaid,Gen.17.14.thattheuncircumcisedshouldbecutofffromGodspeople,becausehehadbrokethe

Baptismeto

behighly

accompted

Covenant,butitismeantonelyofvoluntaryandwilfullrefusingofCircumcision;forthepeopleofGodinthewildernessewerefortyyearswithouttheoutwardsignofCircumcision,theywerenotwithouttheinwardgrace.Davidschilddiedtheseventhday,adaybeforethetimeappointedforCircumcision,andyetbothhiswordsandhiscariageexpressethathedoubtednotofthesalvationofit:sothetheefupontheCrossebeleevinginChrist,wasreceivedwithChristintoParadise,thoughhewereneverbaptized;heehadtheinwardgraceofBaptisme,thewashingofthebloudofChrist,thoughnottheoutwardsigne:whenGodaffordethmeansweemustwaituponhimforablessinginthem,andbythem;whenhedothnotaffordmeanswemustnottietheworkingofhisgracetothem:Godwhosanctifiethsomeinthewomb,knowshowtosanctifieallhiselectinfants,andbyhisSpiritapplythemeritsofChristuntothemwithouttheoutwardwater.Somehavetheoutwardsigneandnottheinwardgrace,somehavetheoutwardsignandtheinwardgrace,somehavetheinwardgraceandnottheoutwardsign;wemustnotcommitIdolatrybydeifyingtheoutwardelement;therulewillhold,ItisnotthewantoftheSacraments,butthecontemptorwilfullneglectofthemthatisdangerous.

WhatothererrorsofopinionandpractisedoeyouobserveaboutBaptisme?

Assomethroughignoranceandsuperstitionhavetoohighaconceiptoftheoutwardsigns,soothersthroughignoranceandprophanenessehavetoomeanandbaseanopinionofthem:somethere

of.

Thatmany

havea

slighte-

steemof

this

Ordinance.

[Page]

arewhoesteemofBaptismeasofameerEcclesiasticallceremonyandChurchcomplement,asiftherewerenoseriousvertueorefficacyinit,orprofittobeexpectedbyit,orhadnootheruse,buttogivethechildeaname,andthereisanend,theylooknofurther.

HowdothitappearthatsomehavesosleightanopinionofthisOrdinance?

Bytheiranswerablepractises,suchastheseandthelike:1.OftenBaptismisdeferredandthatuponeverytriflingoccasion,asifitwereabusinesseofnogreatweightandmoment,butmightattendeveryonesleisure,andmanytimesthroughdelaythechilddiethwithoutit;whichthoughitdothnothingprejudicethechildessalvation,yetitwilllieheavyupontheparentsconscienceforneglectingGodsOrdinancewhenheaffordedopportunity.

2.OftentheMinisterissentforhometoperformthatservicewithfewinaprivatechamber,whennoeminentnecessityurgeth,tothedishonourofsosacredabusinesse,whichoughttobeeamostsolemneandpublikeactionofthewholeCongregation

3.ThoughthechildbebroughttoChurch,yetoftensomeby-dayischosen,andnottheLordsSabbath;anditisthendoneasifitwereonlywomensworketobepresentatBaptisme,whohavemostleisuretospendtimeaboutmattersofsmallerconsequence.

Whatare

themeanes

toreforme

thisslight

esteeme.

4.IfitbeontheSabbath,thenthemainecareandpreparationisaboutmattersofoutwardpompandstate,everythingisfittedandpreparedforthepurpose,butonelythatwhichshouldchiefelybe,viz.theheartsandmindesofthosethatgoeaboutabusinesseofthatnature.

5.WhiletheSacramentisinperformingthedemeanorofmany,shewthattheyhaveaslightopinionofthatservice,someturningtheirbacksuponit,&goingoutoftheChurchsosoonassermonisdone,asifthewordwasworththeminding,butnottheSacrament;otherspratingandtalkingallthewhile,asiftherewerenothingforthemtolearneby,butnodutyforthemtoperformeinthataction▪

6.Lastly,infantsarebroughttotheSacramentofBaptismeintheirinfancy,butareneverbytheirparentstaughtthedoctrineofBaptismewhentheycometoyearsofunderstanding,Baptismeisnotmadeuseof,asitought,inthewholecourseofmenslives;thesethingsshewthatmencommonlyhaveameaneconceitofthisOrdinance.

Whatisthebestwaytoreformetheseirreligiouspractises?

Aseriouspondering&consideringofthehighdignityofthisdivineordinance,thatwilcauseadevout&reverentdemeanorinthatholybusines.

1.Everyoneshouldconsiderthatitisnocustomaryformallity,butanhonourableordinanceinstitutedbythelawfulauthorityofGodhimselfe,whoneverimposedanyservice

[Page]

uponhisChurchinvain.ItwashonouredbyourSaviourChristhimself,whosanctifiedituntousbysubmittinguntoitinhisownesacredperson,confirmedbyhispractise,byhisprecept,&c.

2.Everyoneshouldconsider,thatthereareinfinitemerciessealedupbyittothefaithful,andtotheirseed.Itisavisibleadmittanceofthychild(ifthoubeestaParent)intotheCongregationofChristsflock,signifyingitsinterestintheheavenlyIerusalemwhichisabove:Isthisabusinestobemumbledoverinacorner?ChristcamefromGaliletoJordantobebaptized;isthereceivingofthychildintothebosomeoftheChurchinafullCongregation,nocomfortuntothee?isitnotmercytoseethebloudofChristministeriallysealedupuntothyInfant,topurgeitfromthatpollutionwhichithathbroughtintotheworldwithit,wchalsothoumakestconfessionofbypresentingittothismysteriallwashing?Isitnotjoytothyheart,tohearethewholeCongregationofGodsSaintsprayforthychilde;andthatGodhathhonouredtheesomuch,astocountthyverychildeholyandwithinhisCovenant?thinkeonthesethings.

3.EveryonethatispresentatBaptismeshouldconsider,thatthatbeingapublikeactionoftheCongregation,everyparticularpersonoughtreverentlytojoyninit.ShalthewholeTrinitybepresentatBaptism,Mat.3.&webegone?joynoughteveryoneinprayertoGodfortheInfant,joyninpraisestoGodforhismercy,thatwe,andourchildrenarebroughtforth,andbroughtupwithinthepaleofhisChurch,whereastherestoftheworldarelikea

wildernesse:andthankGodforaddingatthepresentamembertohisChurch;joyneveryoneoughtinmeditationofthepollutionofnature,oftheblessedmeansofredemptionbyChrist,ofthehappybenefitsthatGodsealsupuntousinourBaptism,evenbeforeweknewthem;ofthevowesandpromiseswhichweinourchildhoodmadebythosewhowereundertakersforus,andfindingourfailingseverytimewearepresentatBaptismweshouldrenewourownCovenantwithGod,andlabourtogetnewstrengthtoclosewithhispromises,whichinourBaptismhemadeuntous.ThusifwewerewisetomakearightuseofitwemightlearnasmuchataBaptismeasataSermon.

4.ParentsshouldalwayesbearinmindthepromiseswhichtheirchildrenhavemadetoGodbythem,andtheyfortheirchildren,labouringtobringthemupaccordinglyintheinstructionandinformationoftheLord,teachingthem(sosoonastheyunderstand)themeaningofthatSa-crament,unfoldinguntothemGodspreciouspromises,andtheirstrictingagements.Thenegligenceofparentsherein,isacauseofmonstrousprofanesseinmany,theybringchildrent[...]receiveChristsbadge,butbringthemuptotheserviceoftheDivell;andGodhathnotsomuchdishonourbyHeathensandPagans,asbythosewhohavetakenuponthemthenameofChristians.Lastly,BaptismeshouldbeofcontinuallusethoroughaChristianswholelife:itisadministredbutonce,butitisalwayslastinginthevertueandefficacyofit.Baptismlosethnotitsstrengthbytime;inallthyfearesanddoubtslookbacketothyBaptisme,thepromisesofGodsealedupuntothee

Ofthe

Lords

Supper,

andwhatit

is.

there,nowlayholdonthembyfaith,andthoushalthavetheactuallcomfortofthyBaptisme,andfeeletheeffectofit,thoughthouneversawit.Inthyfailings,slips,andrevolts,torecoverthyselfhaverecoursetothyBaptism,newBaptismshallnotneed,theCovenantandsealeofGodstandsfirme,hechangethnot;onelyrenewthyre-pentance,renewthyfaithinthoseblessedpromisesofgracewhichweresealedupuntotheeinthyBaptisme.

SomuchforBaptisme:WhatistheLordsSupper?

ItisthesecondSacramentofthenewTestament,whereinGodbythesignesofbreadandwinesignifiethsensibly,andexhibitethtoeveryfaithfullreceiverthebodyandbloudofChrist,forhisspirituallnourishmentandgrowthinChrist,andforsosealinguntohimhiscontinuance,withincreaseinthebodyofChrist,whichishisChurch,confirmethhimintheCovenantofgrace.Orthus:ItisaSacramentoftheGospel,whereinbytheoutwardelementsofBreadandWine,sanctifiedandexhibitedbytheMinister,andrightlyreceivedbythecommunicant,assuranceisgiventothosethatareingraffedintoChrist,oftheircontinuanceinhim,andreceivingnourishmentbyhimuntoeternalllife.

AretherediversgracesofferedtousinBaptismeandtheLordsSupper?

No,theCovenantsolemnlyratifiedinBaptismeisrenewedintheLordsSupper,betweentheLordhimselfeandthereceiver,andthesamegracesofferedagain,buttodivers

[Page]

The

difference

between

Baptisme

andthe

LordsSup-

per.

ends:InBaptisme,totheinvestingandentringofusintoChristianity,(forofthatentranceBaptismeisaseale:)IntheLordsSupper,tothenourishingandcontinuanceofusinit,ofwhichgrowthandcontinuanceinChristiannityitisaseale:AndthereforeasuntotheSacramentofBaptisme,sountothisoftheLordsSupper,thePopishfaignedSacramentofconfirmationisnotablyinjurious.

WhereinthendothBaptismedifferfromtheLordsSupper?

1.Inregardofthethingsignified,Baptisme(ashathbeensaid)isasealeofourentranceintotheChurchofGod;theSupperoftheLordofourcontinuanceinthesame;theoneofournewbirth,theotherofourspirituallfood:Theformerisordainedtothisend,thatbeingoutofChristbynature,wemightbytheSacramentofournewbirthbeingraffedintohisbody,Titus3.5.John3.5.thelatter,thatbeinginChristbygrace,wemightcontinueandincreaseinhim,1Cor.10.16.&11.23.1Pet3.21.

2.Inregardoftheoutwardsigne;waterintheone,breadandwineintheother.

3.InregardoftheCommunicants:VntoBaptismebothInfants,andthosethatareofyearesofdiscretionaretobeadmitted;butuntotheSupperoftheLord,onlythoseofyearesofdiscretion.

4.Inregardofthetime;TheSupperoftheLordistobereceivedasoftenastheLordshallgiveoccasion,Baptisme

Whyitis

calledthe

Lords

Supper.

butonce.

VVhyisthiscalledtheLordsSupper,seeingweusenottomakeitaSupper?

ItiscalledtheLordsSupper,1Cor.11.20.notbecauseheappointeditaSuppertous;butbecauseourLordIesusChristsittingathislastSupperordaineditinsteadofthePasseover;forinthenightthathewasbetrayed,1Cor.11.23.imediatelyafterhehadeatenthePasseoverwithhisDisciples,hedidbothhimselfewiththemcelebratethisholySacrament,Mat.26.26,&c.andwithall,gavechargeforcontinuanceofthesameintheChurchuntillhissecondcomming,1Cor.11.20.

Whatmaywelearnebythis;thatbothourSaviourChristandhisApostleslikewiseadministredthisSacramentafterSupper?

Thatwemustnotcomeuntoitforourbellies,buthaveourmindsliftedupfromtheseearthlyelementstoourSaviourChristrepresentedbythem;formenafterSuppersetnotbreadandwine,butbanquettingdishesupontheTable;whichservethtoreprove,

1.SuchprophanepersonsascomeforadraughtofVVineonly.

2.ThosethatrestonlyintheoutwardElements.

ButdothnottheexampleofourSaviourChristandhis

[Page]

ApostlestyeustoadministerthisSacramentinthenighttime?

No;becausetheyhadspeciallcausesotodoe,whichwehavealone.

WhatcausehadourSavioursotodoe?

HewastoadministeritafterSupper:

First,becauseitwastocomeinlieuandsteadofthePasseover,andthereforewaspresentlyaftertheeatingofit.

Secondly,thatitmightgoeimmediatelybeforehispassion,thebettertoshewwhereuntoitshouldhaverelation;wherealsoisanotherdifference;ourSaviourChristsSupperrepresentinghisdeath,whichfollowedtheSupper,andwastocome,ourSacramentrepresentingthedeathofChristalreadysufferedandpast.

WhatcausehadtheApostles?

Theydiditinthenight,becauseitwasnotsafefortheChurchtomeetinthedayforfeareofpersecution:Wherefore,hereinthelaudablecustomeoftheChurchofadministringitintheMorning,whenourwitsandcapacitiesarebest,istobefollowed:InwhichrespectalsothereissomedifferencebetweenthisSacramentandtheSacramentofBaptisme,whichmaywithoutanyinconveniencebeadministredintheafternoone.

Ofthe

matterof

theLords

Supper.

WhatisthefittestdayfortheAdministrationofthisSacrament?

TheLordsdayisthefitttestdayfortheadministrationoftheSacrament:ForalthoughourSaviourChristdidadministeritonanotherday,(forthereasonsbeforedeclared)yethedidnotbidussotodoe:ButtheApostlesexample,andreligiouspractisehereinistobefollowed,whichdidcelebratetheSupperoftheLordontheLordsday.

Somuchofthetime:NowforthenatureofthisSacrament,howmayitbeknowne?

First,bythematter;andsecondly,bytheformeofit.

WhatisthematteroftheSupperoftheLord?

Partlyoutward,astheelementsofbreadandwine;partlyinward,asthebodyandbloudofChrist.Forasmanygrainesmakebutoneloafe,andmanygrapesbutonecupofwine:soIbeleevethatthoseoutwardelementssignifieChristandhimcrucified,withallthebenefitsofhisdeathandpassion,evenwholeChrist,withallthefruitsofhismediation,Mat.26.26,27.1Cor.11.24,25.

WhereforedidtheLordmakechoiceofBreadandWinefortheoutwardElementsofthisSacrament?

Becausemeaningtosetforthourspirituallnourishmentbythem,theyareofallthemeanesofourcorporall

Thatthe

breadand

wineare

nourishmentthechiefest,Psal.104.

Whydidhenotcontenthimselfewithoneoftheseonly?

Hetookeboth,thathemightherebyshewhowplentifullandassuredredemptionwehaveinChristwhomthesedoerepresent.Whereforeitisnomarvell,thatthePapistsintheprohibitingofthecup,doeanswerablyteachoursalvationtobeneitherwhollyinChrist,norassuredly.

WhatArgumentdoeyouobserveintheinstitutionoftheSacramentagainstthisRobbery?

TheforeseeingSpiritofChrist,knowingthesacriledgethatPoperywouldbringinfortherobbingofthepeopleoftheuseoftheCup,hathpreparedapreservativeagainstit,speakingheremorefullyofthecup(whichhedidnotofthebread)Drinkeyeallofthis,Mat.26.27.

WhatBreadusedourSaviourChrist?

Ordinarybread,suchaswasusedatthecommonTable;atthattimeitwasindeedunleavenedbread,butitwasso,becausenootherwasthenlawfullatthefeastofthePasseover.

ArenottheBreadandVVinechangedintothebodyandbloudofChristintheSacrament?

No;theyarenotchangedinnature,butinuse,1Cor.10.16.Forthewordsofeatinganddrinkingdoeproperlybelongtotheoutward

not

changed

intothe

bodyand

bloudof

Christ.

[Page]

elementsofbreadandwine,andbyaborrowedspeechdoeimproperlybelongtothebodyandbloudofChrist,tonoteuntousthecommunionwehavewithourSaviourChrist,ofwhomweareasverilypartakersbyalivelyfaith,asofthebreadandwine,byeatinganddrinkingthem:Andthuswesay,thattheseelementsarechangedinuse;becausebeingseperatedfromacommonuse,theyareconsecratetosigneandsealetousourspirituallnourishmentandgrowthbythebodyandbloudofChristIesus,Luke22.19.1Cor.103,4.ForastheSacramentofBaptismedothsealetousaspirituallregeneration;sotheLordsSupperaspirituallfeeding;andevenaswellthebodyandbloudofChristisinBaptismegivenusforcloathing,astheyaregivenintheLordsSupperfornourishment:ThereforethebreadandwinearenotthetruebodyandbloudofChrist,butthesignesandtokensofthem,asinBaptismethewaterwasonelyasigneofChristsbloud,notthebloud.

WhatfurtherreasonhaveyoutooverthrowthecarnallpresenceofChristintheSacrament?

1.IfthebreadwereturnedintoChrist,thenthereshouldbeetwoChrists,onethatgiveth,anotherthatisgiven:forourSaviourChristgavethebread,&c.

2.IfthebreadbetheverybodyofChrist,thereshouldthenbeenosigneofthethingsignified,andsonoSacrament,Rom.4.11.Wheretheirmiserableshift,thatthewhitenesseisthesealeandsigne,isnotworthythe

answer.

3.ThewickedreceivermighttheneateanddrinkeChristsbodyandbloud,aswellasanytruebeleever,Iohn13.2.30.

4.TheMinistercannotgivetheinwardgrace,buttheoutwardElementintheadministrationoftheSacrament,Luke3.16.

WhatreasonwastheretomoveourSaviourChristtousesuchaborrowedspeechinthissogreatamysterie?

BecauseitisordinaryandusuallintheScripture,togivethenameofthethingsignedandsignifiedtothesigne:asitiscalledthetreeoflife,whichwasbutasigneoflifeGen.2.9.SointheSacramentsoftheoldTestament,CircumcisioniscalledtheCovenant,Gen.1710.thatis,thetokenofCovenant,verse11.OrtheLambe,orKid,thePasseover,whereofitwasasigneonely,Exo.12.TheselfesamemannerofspeechisalsousedinthenewTestamentofBaptismecalledthenewBirth,takingawayofsinnes,whereofitisonelyaseale:SothatunlessetheLordwouldinthisSacramenthavedepartedfromthewisdomeoftheSpiritofGod,accustomablyreceived,hemustneedsherealsotreadinthesamestepsofaborrowedandfigurativespeech.

Howbeit,itmayseem,thattohaveusedamoreproperspeechwouldhavebeenmoremeetforhim,beingneareuntohisdeath,andmoreconvenientfortheirunderstanding.

[Page]

HedidafterhislastSupperuseasfigurativespeeches,asthisinthe14,15,16.ofJohn,andthatwithoutalldangerofdarknesseofspeech,therebeingoftentimesmorelightinaborrowedtheninaproperspeech:AndaTropeofforcemustbeyeelded,whenhesaith,thatthecupisthenewTestament.

Itmakethfurtherforthecorporallpresence,thatourSaviourChristsaithinhissupper,thathisbodywasthenbroken,andnotthatitshouldbebrokenafter.

ThatisalsousualltotheScripture,forfurthercertaintytospeakofthingstocome,asofthemthatarepresent.

ButthereisnothingimpossibleuntoGod?

1.Thequestionisherenotofthepower,butofthewillofGod,whathewillhavedone.

2.Godcannotdoethosethings,indoingwhereofheshouldcontradicthimselfe:andthereforetheScripturefearethnot,withoutdis-honourtoGod,tosaythathecannotlye,norcannotdenyhimselfe,Tit.1.2.2Tim.2.13.

WhyisthecupcalledthecupoftheNewTestament?

BecauseitisasealeofthepromiseofGod,touchingoursalvationinChrist,whichbeinginoldtimeundertheLaw,shadowedbythesheddingofbloudofbeasts,isnowafteranewmanneraccomplishedinthebloudofChristhimselfe.

Ofthe

formeof

thisSacra-

ment▪of

theLords

Supper.

The

Sacramen-

tallactions

ofthe

Minister.

ThusmuchofthematterofthisSacrament:whereinconsisteththeformethereof?

PartlyintheoutwardactionsbothoftheMinister,andofthereceiver:partlyintheinward,andspirituallthingssignifiedthereby(theseoutwardactionsbeingasecondsealesetbytheLordsownehanduntohiscovenant.)

WhatbetheSacramentallactionsoftheMinisterintheLordsSupper?

Foure:First,totakethebreadandwineintohishand,andtoseparateitfromordinariebreadandwine.

Whatdoththissignifie?

ThatGodinhiseternalldecreehathseparatedChristfromallothermentobeourMediator,andthathewassetaparttothatoffice,andseparatedfromsinners,Exod.12.5.Heb.7.26.

Whatisthesecond?

Toblesseandconsecratethebreadandwine,bytheWordandPrayer.

Whatdoththatsignifie?

ThatGodinhisduetimesentChristintotheworld,andsanctifiedhim,furnishinghimwithallgiftsneedfullforaMediator.

[Page]

Ofthe

conse-

crationof

theBread

andWine.

HowaretheBreadandWinetobeblessedandconsecrated?

BydoingthatwhichatthefirstinstitutionChristdid.

Whatisthat?

1.HedeclaredtheDoctrineofthemysteryoftheSacramentuntohisApostles,whichreceivedit,byteachingthetruthofthatwhichtheseout-wardsignesdidsignifie.

2.HethankedhisheavenlyFatherforthathehadsolovedtheworld,thathegavehimwhichwashisonlySontodieforit,throughthebrea-kingofhismostholyBody,andthesheddinghismostpreciousbloud.Alsohegavehimthanksforthathehadordainedtheseoutwardelements,tosealeourspirituallnourishmentinChrist.

3.ByatropeofthechiefepartofPrayer(whichisThanksgiving)forthewhole,theEvangelistgivethtounderstand,thatourSaviourChristsuedtoGodhisheavenlyFather,thathisdeathinitselfe,sufficienttosave,mightbytheworkingofhisholySpiritbeeffectualltotheelect;andthatthoseoutwardsignesofbreadandwinemightthroughtheoperationofhisholySpiritbeeffectualltothepurposestheywereordainedunto.

Howshallitbeknownethathegavethanksandprayed,forthesethings,seeingthereisnomentionofthesethingsintheEvangelists?

1.Theverymatteritselfethatishandled,dothguideustotheknowledgeofthesethings.

2.ThelikemannerofspeechinotherplacesofScripture,wheretherebeingnomentionwhatwordsheused,yetmustneedsbegranted,thathegavethanks,andprayedproportionablytotheprayerandthankshereused:FortakingtheBarleyloavesandFishes,andgivingthanks,whatcanbeunderstood,butthathegivingthankstoGod,thathadgiventhosecreaturesfortheirbodilynourishment,prayedthathewouldblessethem,andmakethemeffectualltothatpurposeandend?Mat.14.14.and15.36.John6.11.Andasitisnotlawfulltoeatanddrinkethecommonmeatanddrinkewithoutsuchprayerandthanksgiving:soisitnotlawfulltocommunicatetheseelementswithoutthanksgivingandprayer.

SomuchforthesecondAction(whichtheMinisterindeedperformethwiththeCommunicants,butyetaschiefeintheaction.)

Whatisthethird?

TobreaketheBread,andpoureouttheWine.

Whatdothitsignifie?

ThepassionandsufferingsofChrist,withallthetormentsheenduredforoursinsbothinbodyandsoule;hisblessedbodybeingbruisedandcrucified,hispreciousbloudshed(tricklingandstreamingdownefromhimtoallpartsoftheground)andhisrighteoussoulepowredoutuntodeath,

TheSacra-

mentall

actionsof

the

Receivers.

Isa.53.5.&10.12.Heb.9.14.ThatChristhimselfeofhisowneaccordofferedhisbodytobebroken,andhisbloudtobeshedupontheCrosse:AndthatastheBreadnourishethnot,ifitremainewholeandunbroken;sothereisnolifeforusinChrist,butinasmuchashedied.

Whatisthefourth?

TogiveanddistributetheBreadandVVinetotheReceiver.

Whatdoththatsignifie?

ThatGodgivethChrist,andChristhimselfetous,ThatChristIesuswithallhismeritsisofferedtoallsortsofReceivers,andthatGodhathgivenhimtothefaithfullReceiverstofeedtheirsoulesuntoeternalllife,John3.14,15.&6.50,51.

WhatbetheSacramentallActionsoftheReceivers?

Theybetwo:First,totakethebreadandwineofferedbytheMinister.

Whatdoththatsignifie?

ThereceivingofChristintooursouleswithallhisbenefitsbyfaith.ThattheyandonlytheyhavebenefitbyChristcrucified,whichthusapplyChristtothemselvesbyatrueandlivelyfaith,John1.12.

Whatisthesecond?

Toeatthebreadanddrinkethewine,receivingtheminto

[Page]

thebody,anddigestingthem,1Cor.11.26.

VVhatdoththatsignifie?

OurunitingtoChrist,andenjoyingofhim,thatwemustwithdelightapplyChristandhismeritstoallthenecessitiesofoursoules,spirituallyfeedinguponhim,andgroaningbyhim.Fortheeatingofthebreadtostrengthenournature,betokeneththeinwardstrengtheningofoursoulesbygrace,throughthemeritofthebreakingofChristsbodyforus;andthedrinkingofthewinetocherishourbodies,betokensthatthebloudofChristshedupontheCrosse,and(asitwere)drunkebyfaith,che-rishethoursoules:AndasGoddothblessetheseoutwardelementstopreserveandstrengthenthebodyofthereceiver:soChristapprehendedandreceivedbyfaithdothnourishhim,andpreservebothbodyandsouleuntoeternalllife,John6.50,51.1Cor.10.3.&11.16,17.

IsChristsbodyandbloud,togetherwiththeoutwardelementsreceivedofallCommunicants?

No;forhowsoevertheybeofferedbyGodtoall,Matth.26.26.yetaretheyreceivedbysuchaloneashavethehandoffaithtolayholdonChrist;andthesewiththebreadandwinedoespirituallyreceiveChristwithallhissavinggraces:Asforthewicked,andthosethatcomewithoutfaith;theyreceiveonelytheoutwardelements,1Cor.11.27.andwithalljudgementandcondemnationtothemselves,verse29.

Somuchforthematterandforme:Shewnowthespeciall

Theends

andusesof

theLords

Supper.

endsandusesforwhichtheLordsSupperwasordained.

1.TocalltomindeandrenewthememoryandvertueofChristsdeath,1Cor.11.24.

2.Toencreaseourfaith,begottenbytheWordpreached,andtoconfirmeuntousournourishment,onelytherebybythemeansofChristsdeath.

3.Toencreaseourlove.

4.ToencreaseourjoyintheholyGhost,ourpeaceofconscienceourhopeofeternalllife,andallothergracesofGodinus.

5.TostirreusupwithgreaterboldnessetoprofesseChrist,thenheretoforewehaddone.

6.Toquickenourheartstoallholyduties.

7.ToshewourthankfulnessetoGodforhismerciebestoweduponusinChrist.

8.TomakeadifferencebetwixtourselvesandtheenemiesofChrist.

9.Toknitusmoreneereingoodwillonetoanother.

10.TopreservethepublikeMinisteryoftheWordandPrayerinChristianassemblies.

WhoaretobepartakersinthisSacrament?

[Page]

Ofprepa-

rationto

theLords

Table.

Whoareto

receivethe

Lords

Supper.

AllbaptizedwhoareofyeeresandsoundjudgementtodiscernetheLordsbody,oughttorepairetothisSacrament.Butthoseonelycomeworthilywhoprofessingthetruefaith,haveduelyexaminedandpreparedthemselves,Esa.66.23.1Cor.11.27,28.wherebyallnotofageandsoundjudgementareshutfromhisSacrament;whicharenotalwayesfromtheotherofBaptisme.

MaynonebeadmittedbytheChurchtotheSupperoftheLord,butsuchashavethesethingsinthemwhichGodrequirethattheirhands?

Yes;thosewhohavingknowledgedoemakeprofessionofReligion,andarefoundguiltyofnogreaterror,orcrimeunrepentedof.

WhatifanythrustthemselvestotheLordsTable,whoareignorantorguiltyofsuchcrimes?

TheyaretobekeptbackbythedisciplineoftheChurch.

WhatistobeperformedbyeveryChristian,thathemayworthilypartakeoftheLordsSupper?

Theremustbeacarefullpreparationbeforetheaction,greatheedinthewholeaction,andajoyfullandthankfullclozeandshuttingofit:AllwhichmustbeperformedaswellbytheMinisterasthepeople.ForthereisgreatdifferencebetwixtourSaviourChrist,thefirstdelivererofthisSacrament,andallother

Ministers,hehavingnobatteloftheSpiritandfleshinhim,butbeingalwaysprepareduntoeverygoodworke,hadnoneedofthesethings;butotherMinistershaveasmuchneedthereofasthepeople.

HowarewetoprepareourselvestothisSacrament.

Byduesearchandtriallofourownsoules,whetherwecanfindeinourselvesthethingswhichGoddothrequireinworthyCommunicants.

Howmayweperformethat?

Byfittingourmindes,&framingourheartsthereunto,1Cor.10.15,16,&11.28

Howmaywesitourmindes?

Byexaminingourwisdomeandknowledge,bothofGodswillingenerall,andofthenatureanduseofthisholySacramentinparticular,whetherwecangiveareasonoftherepresentationofChristinbreadandwine,andbringtheresemblanceanddifferenceoftheproportionofthebreadandwinewiththebodyandbloudofChrist,andoftheeatinganddrinkingoftheelementswiththepartakingofthespirituallthings,Rom.4.11.1Cor.10.3.and4.16,17.

HowmayourheartsbeframedforthefeelingofthevertueandpowerofthisSacrament?

1.Byweighingwithourselveswhatneedwehaveofit,

andwhatbenefitwemayreapebyit.

2.Byexaminingofourfaith,2Cor.13.5.1Tim.1.15.andrepentance,Heb.10.22.Iames4.8.attendedwithtrueloveofGod,Zach.12.10.andofourbrethren,1Cor.16.14.

3.Byserventinvocation,prayingforablessinguponthisOrdinanceofGod,Matth.26,26.

HowmaywefindewhatneedwehaveofthisSacrament?

Partlybyourwretchedestatebynature,andpartlybyourweakestatebygrace.

Whatmaywefindebyourestatebynature?

Thatbeingpronetoallevill,wehadneedofthisSacramenttonourishandpreservethelifeofgracenewbegun,whichotherwisebyourowncorruptionmightdyeordecayinus,1Cor.10.16.

WhatneedhaveweofthisSacramentforreliefeofourweakestatebygrace?

Thatbeingweakinunderstandingandfeebleinmemory,wemaybythesignesofBreadandWinehaveourunderstandingbettered,andmemoryconfirmedinthedeathofChrist,1Cor.11.24,26.

Whatfurtherneedmaywefindeofit?

Thatbeingfraileinfaith,andcoldinlove,wemaybythe

samecreatures,asbysealesandpledgeshaveourfaithfurtherstrengthned,andourlovemoreenflamedtoGodandGodschildren.

WhatbenefitthenmaywereapebytheLordsSupper?

Weseealreadythatthebenefitisgreat:thisSacramentbeingasaglasseforthemind,amonumentforthememory,asupportoffaith,aprovocationtolove,aquick-ningtoobedience,andasigneandsealofallthemerciesofGodinChristIesus.

HowmusttheheartbepreparedtofindethepowerofthisSacramentforsupplyofthesewantsandobteiningofthesebenefits?

Theheartmustbepurgedbyrepentanceandpurifiedbyfaith,1Cor.10.1416.21.Acts15.9.

Howmaytheheartbepurifiedbyfaith?

IfIhavenotonlyknowledgewhatChristhathdoneforhischosen,butafullassurancethatwhatsoeverhehathdone,hehathdoneitformeaswellasforanyother,1Cor.2.2.Iohn17.3.Gal.2.20.

Whatgatheryouhence?

ThattheyonelyaretopresentthemselvesattheLordsTable,whoaftertheirbaptismeareabletomakeaprofessionofthetruefaith,andcanfindethattheytrulybelieveinChrist;seeingignorantandunbelievingpersons

[Page]

dorathereatanddrinktheirownjudgement,thanreapanybenefitbythisSacrament,1Cor.11.29,30,31.

Howmaythyheartbepurgedbyrepentance?

IffrommyheartIdorepentofmyparticularsinspast,andjudgemyselfeforthem,bewailingandforsakingthem,andframetherestofmylifeaccordingtoGodswill,1Cor.11.30,31.Gal.6.16.

Whatlearneyouhence?

Thatitisdangerousforsuchasremaineintheiroldsins,oraftertheSacramentreturnuntothem;oncetoofferthemselvestotheLordsTable,forasmuchasbythismeanstheyprocurethewrathofGodagainstthem,andthosethatbelonguntothem,althoughnotincondemnationintheworldtocome(whichthefaithfullnotwithstandingtheirunworthyreceivingcannotcomeunto)yettofearefullplaguesandjudgementsinthisworld.

ItisnotmeetthatwebefreefromallmaliceinourheartswhenwecometotheLordsSupper?

Yesitis:forthisSacramentisasealbothofourconjunctionwithChrist,andofoursocietyonewithanother,1Cor.10.17.andwemustknowthattruerepentancepurgethoutmalice,amongstothersins;andasoundfaithworkethbylovetowardsGodandoutBrethren,Mat.5.22,23.Iames1.19,20,21.1Pet.2.1.Gal.5.6.

Somuchforexaminationandpreparationrequiredbefore

Whatduties

theaction.

Whatistobedonebythecommunicantinthepresentaction?

1.Theyaretousereverentattention,thebettertoapplythewholeaction,harkningtothedoctrineoftheSacramentdeliveredbytheMinister,joyningwithhiminhisprayers,makinguseofallthesacramentallactions,andsocommemoratingtheLordsdeath,forthecomfortandrefreshingoftheirownsouls,1Cor.11.17.26.

2.Accordingasitiscommanded,allmusttaketheBreadandWineintotheirhands,contrarytothesuperstitionofdivers,whichwillhaveitthrusteitherintotheirmouthes,orelsetakeitwiththeirgloves,asifthehandofaChristian,whichGodhathbothmadeandsanctified,werenotasfitastheskinofaBeast,whichtheArtificerhathtannedandsewed.

3.Theymustmoreover,accordingtotheCommandementofChrist,eatanddrinktheBreadandWine,notlayingorhangingitup,orworshippingit,asthepapistsdoe.

4.Lastly,theymustusethanksgiving,offeringupthemselvesbothsoulsandbodiesasasacrificeofthanks,Rom.12.1.inwhichregardthisSacramentiscalledtheEucharist.

Whatistobedoneaftertheaction?

1.Wemustbyandbyusejoyfullthanksgiving,

aretobe

performed

afterthe

action.

withprayerandmeditation,beingsocomfortedinheartinthefavourofGodtowardsus,thatwebereadywithafeelingjoytosingaPsalmeuntotheLord,Matth.26.30.

2.WemustcontinuallyendeavourtofindeanincreaseofourfaithinChrist,lovetoGodandallhisSaints,powertosubduesin,andpracticeobedience,withallothersanctifyingandsavinggraces,1Cor.10.16,17.&11,21.Col.26,7.2Pet.3.18.ForatruebelievershallfeeleinhimselfafterthereceivingoftheSacramentanencreaseoffaithandsanctification,afurtherdeadingoftheoldman,andsoagreatermeasureofdyinguntosin;afurtherstrengthofthenewman,andsoagreatercaretoliveinnewnesseoflife,andtowalkthemorestronglyandsteadilyinthewayesofGodallthedayesofhislife,thisbeingaSacramentnotofourincorporation,asBaptisme,butofourgrowth;whichalbeitonecannotalwayesdiscerneimmediatelyaftertheaction,yetbetweenthatandthenextCommunionitmaybeeasilyespiedinourservicetowardsGodandmen.

WhatifamanafterthereceivingoftheSacramentneverfindanysuchthinginhimself?

Hemaywellsuspecthimselfwhetherhedideverrepentornot,andthereforeistousemeanstocometosoundfaith&repentance:FortheLordisnotusuallywantingtohisordinances,ifmenpreparetheirheartstomeethiminthem.Ifwereceivenogood,norefreshmentatthisspirituallfeast,ifGodsendusawayempty,eitheritis

[Page]

OftheCen-

suresofthe

Church.

becausewehavenorightuntohismercies,beingnotinChrist,andsonotaccepted;orbecausesomesecretunmortifiedlustremainethinus,likeAchanswedgeofgold:sosomebelovedsin(eithernotseen,ornotsufficientlysorrowedfor,andresolvedagainst)lyethglowingintheheart,wchcausethGodtofrownuponourservices;&likeadeadflyecauseththeointmenttostink:&therforeinthiscase,amanshoulddescendintohimself,&makeamorestrictsearchintohisconscience,thathemayagainecomebeforetheLordwithmorehumilty,andbetterpreparednesse,andGodwillrevealehimselfinduetimetoeveryonewhounfainedlyseekethafterhiminhisordinances.

SomuchoftheSacraments:WhataretheCensures?

TheyarethejudgementsoftheChurchforratificationofthethreatesoftheGospellagainsttheabusersoftheWordandSacraments.

WhatdoetheseCensuresprofittheChurchofGod?

Verymuch;forbythemthegodlyhavingstrayedfromthecourseofsincerity,arethroughobediencebroughthomeagaine:Butthewickedarehardenedbythemthroughdisobedience;whereofitis,thatthewickedareproperlysaidtobepunished,thegodlyonlychastenedandcorrected.

ButitseemeththatcorrectionsratherbelongtoMagistratesthentoMinisters?

TheMagistratesbytheLawesoftheCommonwealthpunishsomebydeath,othersbyothertorments,andsomebypurse,whichbelongethnottotheMinister,whohathtodoeonlywiththesoule:AndthesespiritualcensuresareofasnecessaryuseintheChurch,bothtohelpthegodly,andtorestrainandrootoutthewickedoutoftheChurch,asthosepenallLawesoftheMagistrateintheCommonwealth.Theythereforewhouponthispretence,thatGodforcethnomantocomeuntohim,supposethecensurestobeunprofitable,arelikeuntochildrenthatwillhavenorodinthehouse.

WherebydoththenecessityofCensuresappeare?

Easily;forsithintheChurchofGodtherebeofallsorts,asinanetcastintothesea,whichcatchethgoodandbad:Itisimpossible(withoutcorrection)tokeepgoodorderintheChurch,especiallytorestrainethewickedhypocritesfromoffending,andtherebyslanderingtheirprofession.

Ifthentherewerenohypocrites,therewerenouseofCensures?

Notso;buttheservemostofallforthemthatmakenoconscienceoftheircalling:Forthebestmanthatis,havingsomesparkesofhisnaturallcorruptionremainingunregenerate,mayfallandoffend;andthereforemustbechastenedbytheChurch:Butthisisthedifference,thegodlyfallingbyinfirmity,bycorrectiondoeamend,butthewickedoffendingpurposely,bypunishmentarehardened.

Whatistobegatheredofthis?

[Page]

Ofthe

degreesof

Censures.

ThatsithcensuresareasneedfullintheChurch;astherodinthehouse,ortheMagistratesswordintheCommonwealthforoffendors,(yeaandofsomuchmoreuseastheseareforthebody,andthislife,andtheotherforthesouleandlifetocome)theythatsetthemselvesagainstthemcarenotwhatdisordertherebeintheChurch,butseektoexemptthemselvesfrompunishment,thattheymightdoewhattheylist,andmaketheGospelacovertforalltheirwickednesse,whoareliketotheminthesecondPsalme,thatwouldnotbearetheyoakeofGovern-ment.

SomuchfortheuseandnecessityofCensures:Whatisthedoctrineofthemespeciallydelivered?

Inthe18chapterofSaintMatthew;fromthe15versetothe20.whereboththeirinstitutionandratificationislaiddowne:ForfirstourSaviourdeclareththedegreesofthecensuresordainedforsuchasarecalledbrethren,(whicharegenerallycorrectionsaccordingtothegreatnesseoftheoffences)andthentreatethoftheirpowerandauthority.

Whatistobeobservedinthedegreesofthecensures?

Thatthecensuresbeaccordingtotheoffences;asiftheoffencebeprivatethecensurethereofmustbeprivate,whereinthecensureristodealecircumspectly;1.Thatheknowtheoffence.2.Thatheadmonishtheoffendersecretly.3.Thathedoitinlove,convincinghisoffencesotobe,bytheWordofGod.

Whatfurtherdutyisrequiredofusinthiscase?

1.Thatwerunnenottootherstoslandertheoffenders,whichMosesforbiddeth,Levit.19.16.

2.Nottokeeptheinjuryinminde,ofpurposeafterwardstorevengeit.

3.NottodealeroughlywithoneunderpretenceofseekingthegloryofGod.

4.Nottodespisetheoffender,butbyallmeanstoseekhisamendment.

WhoaretobeadmonishedopenlyintheChurch?

Thosethatsinopenly.

Whatiftheywillnotamendbyadmonition[...]▪

ThentheyarebysuspensiontobebarredforatimefromsomeexercisesofReligion:andifbythattheywillnotamend,thentheyarebyexcommunicationtobecutofffromtheChurch,anddelivereduntoSatan,asshallbedeclared.

HowaretheCensuresratified,andtheauthorityoftheChurchconfirmedbyourSaviourChrist?

ThatappearethbyhiswordsuntohisDisciples,Matth.18.18.Whatsoeveryoubindonearth,(meaningaccordingtotherule)shallbeboundinheaven,andwhatsoeveryoulooseinearthshallbeloosedinheaven:whichisasmuch

[Page]

asifaPrincegivingauthoritytooneofsmallreputation,shouldbidhimexecutejustice,hewouldbearehimout.

Howisthisfurtherproved?

Itisfurtherconfirmedintheversefollowingbyareasonofcomparison:Iftwoorthreeshallagreeuponanything,andshallaskeitinmyname,itshallbegranted:IfChristwillratifiethedeedoftwoorthreedoneinhisname,howmuchmorethenthatwhichthewholeChurchshalldoeac-cordingly?

Whyisitsaid,Andshallaskeitinmyname?

TodeclarethatbyprayeruntoGodinthenameofourSaviourChristalltheCensuresoftheChurch,butespeciallyExcommunication,shouldbeundertaken,astheApostlesaith,1Cor.5.4.WhenyouaregatheredtogetherinthenameofourLordJesusChrist,(thatis,callinguponhisname)deliversuchanoneuntoSatan.

WhatneedisthereofthisratifyingoftheChurchesauthorityinexercisingtheCensures?

BecausesomedoecontemnetheCensuresoftheChurch,asproceedingfrommenonely,asiftherebytheywerenowhitdebarredfromthefavourofGod;whereasneverthelessewhomtheChurchseparatethfromtheoutwardseales,themalsoChristdeprivethoftheinwardgraces,banishingthemfromhiskingdome,whomtheChurchhathgivenovertoSatan.

Ofthe

kindesof

Censures.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

Thatmenshouldnotslightlyshakeoff,butwithreverenceesteemethecensuresoftheChurch,asthevoiceofGodhimselfe;andalthoughtheybeneversohighandstout,yetaretheytosubjectthemselvestothejudgementofGodintheChurch,unlessetheywillsetthemselvesagainsttheLordhimself.

Wehaveheardofthegeneralldoctrineofcensures:Whatarethekindsofthem?

Theyareeitherofsoveraignemedicine,Matth.18.15,16.1Cor.4.5.oroffearfullrevenge,1Cor.16.22.Iam.1.14.2Tim.4.14.theformerproperlyarecorrections,thelatterpunishments.

Whatarethemedicinallcensures?

Theyaresuchasservetobringmentorepentance,theprincipallendofthe,nextthegloryofGod,beingthesalvationofhissoulthatiscensured.

Whatthingsarerequiredofthemthatdoeexecutethesecensuresagainstanyman?

Six:1.Wisdome.2.Freedomefromthesinreproved.3.Love.4.Sorrow.5.Patience,and6.prayerfortheparty.

OfwhatsortsarethemedicinallCensures?

Theyareeitherinword,orindeed.

Private

admonition.

Whataretheyinword?

Thechidings&rebukesoftheChurchforsinwchwecallAdmonitions.

Howmanysortsofadmonitionsarethere?

Two:thefirstisprivatebetwixtBrotherandBrother,Levit.19.17.Mat.18.15,16.theotherpublickbytheMinisterassistedbythecongregation,whentheprivatewillnotprevaileMat.18.17.1Tim.5.20.

Whatarewetoobserveintheprivateadmonitions?

Thatweshouldwatchoneanotherdiligently,witnessingtherebyourmutualllovewhichGodrequiresofus;asifanymanseeinganother(whosejourneyheknoweth)wanderoutoftheway,ifheshouldnotadmonishhimhemightjustlybeaccountedunnaturall;muchmorewe,knowingallmenthinktojourneytowardsheaven,ifweseeanygothewrongwaies(asbyRobberies,Adulteries,Vsury,Swearing,orDrunkennesse)anddonotadmonishthem,areevenguiltyoftheirwandring,especiallysiththeotherbelongethtothebody,butthisbothtobody&soul.

Butisitnotsufficientformentowatchthemselves,seeingeverymanstandethorfallethtoGod?

SuchwasthewickedanswerofCain,andtheythatuseitarelikeuntohim:butifGodcommandedinthelawtohelpourenemiesOxeorAssehavingneedofhelp,wearemore

[Page]

The

degreesof

private

admonition.

boundbythelawofcharitytohelpehimself;andunlessewereprovehim,wearepartakersofhissin,(ashathbinsaid)whichweoughtnottobe,becausewehaveenoughofourown.

Whatarethedegreesofprivateadmonitions?

Theybetwo;theformerismostprivatedonebyone,theotherisprivatealso,butmorepublickthenthefirst,anditisdonebytwoorthreeatthemost,whereofhethatfirstadmonishethmustbeone,Mat.18.15,16.

WhyhathourSaviourChristlimiteduswiththesedegrees?

Byallmeanstowintheoffender,ifitbepossible;ifnot,thathiscondemnationmayappearetobemostjust,aftersomanywarnings.

Howisthefirstdegreeofprivateadmonitionexpressed?

Ifthybrotheroffendagainstthee,orinthyknowledgeonely,tellhimbetweentheeandhim,Matth.18.15.

Areweboundtoreproveallmenofwhatprofessionsoever?

No;buthimthatisofthesameprofessionofChristianitythatwebeof,whomtheScripturetermethabrother(therebyshuttingforthIewes,Turks,Hereticks,andAtheists)exceptwehavesomeparticularbond,asofa

Howwe

must

reprove.

mastertohisservant,orfathertohischild,ormagistratetohissubject

Whatlearnyouthereby?

1.Thatweobservethisinouradmonitions,thathebeabrotherwhomweadmonish,andnotsuchaoneasisascorner.

2.Thatwearenottomakelightof,orcontemntheadmonitionsofothers,buttoacceptofthem,andaccountofthemasapretiousbalme.

Howmustwereproveourbrothersfault?

First,wemustbesurethatitisafaultwereprovehimfor,andthenwemustbeabletoconvincehimthereofoutoftheWordofGod,sothatheshallnotbeabletogainsayus,unlessehedoeitcontemptuously;itbeingbetterforusnottoreprovehim,thennottobeabletoconvincehimbytheWord,ofthatwehavereprovedhimin.Lastly,weoughttodoeitwithallloveandmildnesse,regardingthecircumstancesofpersons,time,andplace,notinconsiderately,norofhatred,ortoreproachhim,orasonethatisgladofsomewhattohurthisgoodname.

WhatismeantbyTellhimbetweentheeandhim?Matth.18.15.

Thatthegoodnameandreportofanothermanshouldbesoregardedbyus,thatifhisfaultbeprivatewearenotto

Thesecond

degreeof

private

admonition.

spreaditabroad,assomethatthinktheybeburthened,unlessetheytellittoothers,whichisnottheruleofCharity.

Whyisthisadded,Ifhehearethee,thouhastgainedthybrother?

Asanotablemeanestoencourageusinthisduty:ForifthebestowingofaCupofcoldwatershallnotbeunrewarded;howmuchmorethegainingofasoulefromSatan?

Whatifourbrotherheareusnot,andsowedoenotgainhim?

Notwithstandingwelosenotourlabour,butourrewardislaidupwithGod,Esa.49.4.ForthatwhichisdoneforGodscause,thoughitbeneversoevillytakenorused,shallcertainlyberemembredofGod,whowillrecompenceitplentifully,andlayitupamongourgooddeeds.Alsothisshallserveagainsthimthatisreprovedinjudgment,forrefusingsuchaprofitablemeanes.

WhatistheseconddegreeofprivateAdmonitions?

Itismorepublikethentheformer.Ifthybrotherhearetheenot,takeyetwiththeeoneortwo,Matth.18.16.Foralthoughhehearenotthefirstadmonition,yetlovewillnotgivehimover,butasthecaserequireth,andthenatureandconditionoftheoffendermaybediscernedtobeeasieorhardtorepent;theadmonisheris

[Page]

totakewithhimone,orifneedbetwoatthemosttoassisthim.

Thefirstadmonitionnotavailing,maywetakewhomwewilltothesecond?

Thatchoiceistobemadewhichislikeliesttotakeeffect,andthereforewemaynottakehisenemy,oronethatisnotabletoconvince;butwemustchuseoneortwosuch,whomeitherhereverenceth,oratleastfavoureth,orotherwisemaydoemostgoodwithhim,eitherbygraci-ousnesseofspeech,orabilityofpersonage,orsomeothergift:inaword,suchasbefittestbothforgiftsandauthoritytorecoverhim,orwhomthePastormaybeone,ashealsomaybethefirst.

Maythefirstadmonishersubstituteanotherinhisplacethesecondtime?

No,forourSaviourChristdothnotleaveitfreesotodoe,butwillhavehimthatdidfirstadmonishtobeeone,bothforthebetterconfirmingoftheformerdealingwiththelatter,asalsoforkeepingthefaultoftheoffenderinasmuchsilenceandsecrecyasmaybe.

Whatisgatheredhereby?

ThatgreatloveandcareofourSaviourChristtowardshim,asalsowhatdiligencewemustuse,andwhatcareforourbrother.

Whatmaynotonealonedealewithhimthesecondtime?

Publike

admo-

nitions.

Becausethatbythetestimonyoftwoorthreehemightbebroughttoreverencenow,thatwhichhewouldnotatthefirstadmonition:Andfurther,thatwaymaybemadetothepublikejudgmentoftheChurch,yeatotheothers,waybeforetheChurch,whichundertwotestimoniesatleastcannotproceedfurtheragainsthim;forinthemouthoftwoorthreewitnesseseverytruthisconfirmed,Matth.18.16.

Thusfarreoftheprivateadmonitions:Whatisthepublike?

ThatwhichisdonebythewholeChurch,ortheMinisterassistedbytheCongregation,1Tim.5.20.forifthesecondwarningservenot,ourSaviourwouldhavetheoffenderpresentedtotheChurch,astothehighestCourt,Matth.18.17.notofgreatestpersonages,butofthemostlearned,andbeautifiedwithinwardgraces,whosepresencehecannotchusebutreverence:AsinthebookofNumbers,awifesuspectedofadulterywasbroughtuntothePriestinthehouseofGod,thatthereverenceoftheplaceandpersonmightstrikeafeareinherheart,tocausehertoconfessethetruth,Num.5.15,16whereinappearethafurtherstepanddegreeofGodssingularloveandaffection.

Butthebringingofhimtoopenshameseemethratherhurtfullthenprofitable?

Nottothegodly,towhomitispreparedasasoveraignemedicineforhisdisease:ForasawealthymanbeingsickassemblethawholeColledgofPhysicianstoconsultofhis

[Page]

Of

Excommu-

nication.

Of

suspension.

disease,andthebestremedythereof,sothewholeChurchinthelikecase,havingVrimandThummim,thatis,treasuresofknowledge,shouldconsultupontherecoveryoftheoffender,whothereforehearingtheiradmonition,istobereceivednotwithstandinghisformerobstinacy:buttheheartsofthewickedbythewarningarethemorehardned,totheireverlastingperdition.

Hithertoofthecorrectionswhichareinword,whataretheyindeed?

Suspension,Num.12.14.Exod.33.6,7.andExamination,Matth.18.17.1Cor.5.

WhatisSuspension?

AcertainseparationofhimthatwillnotamendbyadmonitionsfromsomeholythingsintheChurch:as1.theuseofSacraments:2.someofficesintheChurch.

WhatisExcommunication?

ThecastingofthestubbornesinneroutoftheChurch,anddeliveringhimuntoSatan,whobeingthusdisfranchisedofalltheliberties,anddeprivedofallthebenefits,andcommonsocietyoftheChurch,isseparated,asitwere,fromthatprotectionandmercywhichmaybelookedforatthehandsofGod.

Whatistheendofthiscastingout?

Itistwofold:

First,inregardofGodsglory.

Secondly,inregardofmen.

HowinregardofGod?

BecausethathisholyNameandReligionshouldnotbeevilspokenof,bysufferingwicked&uncleanepersons,(asblasphemers,adulterers,&c.)intheChurch,whichshouldnotbeelikeuntoastie,butcleanefromallshewoffilthinesse:forifinhousesofgoodreport,aproudperson,detracter,orlyer,(muchlesseadrunkard,orfilthyperson)isnotsuffered,muchlesseoughtsuchaonetobeintheChurch,whichisthehouseofthelivingGod,lesttheGospellcometoreproachthroughsuch:inthatgodlessepersonswouldtherebytakeoccasiontoopentheirmouthsagainstthetruth.

Howinregardofmen?

Thatlikewiseistwofold,eitherrespectingthegoodofthepersonexcommunicated,oroftherestoftheChurch?

WhatistheregardthatconcerneththeChurch?

Thattheybenotinfectedwithhisnaughtinesse,andthattheymaykeepthemselvesfromthelikeoffence;forthatifheremaineintheChurch,andbenotpunished,

First,eithermenwouldbeprovokedtocommitthelikesinnes:fortheApostlecomparingasinfullmantoleaven,

[Page]

1Cor.5.6.teacheththatalittleleavenwillsowrethewholebatch;soonewickedmanwillinfectthewholeChurch.Or,

Secondly,theweakwouldtakeoccasiontherebyoffallingawayfromthetruth;andothersyetwithout,wouldbeholdenfromcomminguntoit.

Whatistheregardthatconcernethhimthatiscastout?

Thathebeingshamed,maybebroughttorepent,andturneuntotheLord,astheApostlesaithoftheincestuousperson,whoshouldbecutoffforthedestructionoftheflesh;thatis,thenaturallcorruption,andforsavingofthespirit,thatis,themanregenerate(1Cor.5.5.1Tim.1.20.)

Iftheseverityofthissentencebesuchashathbeendeclared:howthentendethittoReformation?

TheythatarethuscensuredareonlydeliveredtoSatanconditionally,iftheyrepentnot:soitisameaneseithertobringthemtoChrist,orsendthemtothedevill:asahandalmostcutoff,andhangingbutbytheskin,isindangertobelost,unlessesomeskilfullChirurgeonbindeitup.

Whatistobedonetohimifherepent?

HeistobereceivedoftheChurch,whomastheylooseinearth,ourSaviourChristloosethinheaven;yetheisnotbyandbytobeadmittedtoallpriviledgesoftheChurch,buttobesuspendedforatimetillthefruitsof

Anathema

Maranatha.

repentancemaybetterappear:forifsomeinthelawforacertainpollutioninalawfulldutyofburyingthedead,weresuspendedfromthePasseover,Numb.9.6.muchmoreintheGospellforsuchobstinacy.

Howmanysortsofsuspensionsthenarethere?

Two:onegoingbeforeexcommunication,andtheotherfollowingthesametowardsthemthatarepenitent,bothwhichwereshadowedintheLeviticalllawinthecaseofLeprosie.Forfirst,inthe13.ofLevit.wefindethatuponsuspitionofLeprosieamanwasshutupforatime,notonlyfromtheworshipofGod,butalsofromallsocietyofmen:andhowmuchmoremayitbelawfullundertheGospell,toexecutethecensureofsuspensionaf[...]ertwoadmonitionsuponaknownoffence;whenitissetdowninthe14ofLevit.Thatamancleansedfromhisleprosiewasbroughthomeuntothecampe,andplacedinhistent,wherehestayedforcertainedayes,itbeingnotlawfullforhimtocomeintotheTabernacle?

Somuchofthemedicinallcensures:whatisthelastcensureoffearfullrevenge?

ThecurseuntodeathcalledbyS.PaulAnathamaMarenatha,1Cor.16.22.thatis,accurseduntilltheLordcome,oreverlastingly;whichisthoughttohavebeenexecuteduponHymeneusandAlexanderbyPaul(1Tim.1.20.)andafterwardsuponIulianbytheChurchthen.

Againstwhomisthiscensuretoproceed?

Oftheene-

miesofthe

Church.

Thiseverlastingcurse,whichisthemostfearfullthunderclapofGodsjudgement,istobepronouncedonlyagainstsuchasaredesperatelywickedthathavenothingprofitedbytheformercensures,andsheweth[...]irincorrigiblenessebytheirobstinateandmalitiousresistingallmeansgratiouslyusedtoreclaimethem:givingtokensevenofthatunpardonablesinneagainsttheHolyGhost.Whichfearfullsinnebyhowmuchthemoredifficultitistobediscernedandknowne,bysomuchthemorecareisthisheaviedoometobeusedbytheChurch.YetdoubtlesseGoddothsometimesgiveclearetokensthereofinbl[...]sphemousApostates,suchasIulianandothers,whomalitiouslyoppose,derideandpersecutethattruthofGodwhichtheyhavebeenenlightnedin:AndwhereGoddothsetsuchmarksuponthem,theChu[...]chofGodmaypronouncethemtobesuch,andcarryitselfetowardsthemaccordingly.

WhataretheoutwardenemiesthatopposeagainsttheChurchofChrist?

Somedoeundertheshewoffriendship,andsomewithprofessionofenmity.

Whoaretheopenenemies?

Heathens,Iewes,Turks,andallthatmakeprofessionofprophanenessebysittingdownintheseatofscorners.

Whatenemiesaretheythatmakeshewoffriendship?

Sucharealthose,thatbearingthenameofChristiansdo

Ofthe

general

Apostasie.

[Page]

1Tim.4.1.

2Thess.2.

23.

obstinatelydenythefaithwherebywearejoyneduntoChrist,wcharecalledHereticks;orthatbreakthebondofcharity,wherebywearetyedincommuniononetoanother,whicharetearmedSchismaticks,orelseaddetyrannytoschismeandheresie,asthatgreatAntichrist,headofthegenerallapostasie,whichtheScripturesforewarnedbyname.

WhereareweforewarnedoftheApostasie?

WheretheApostleforetelleththatthereshallbeagenerallapostacyorfallingawayfromthetruthoftheGospellbeforethelatterday.

IsitmeantthatthewholeChurchshallfallawayfromChrist?

No:itwereimpossiblethataperfectheadshouldbewithoutabody.

Whyisitthencalledgenerall?

BecausetheGospellhavingbeenuniversallypreachedthroughouttheworld;fromit,bothwholeNationsdidfall,andthemostpartalsoevenofthoseNationsthatkepttheprofessionofit,howbeitstillthereremainedaChurch,thoughtherewerenosetledestatethereof.

IsitlikelytheLordwouldbarresomanyNationsthatlivedunderAntichrist,andthatsolong,fromthemeansofsalvation?

Of

Antichrist,

andwhohe

is.

Whynot,andthatmostjustly;forifthewholeworldoftheGentileswererejected,whentheChurchwasonelyinIuryforsome1500years;andseeingoftheIewestenTribeswererejected,andtheremainder,butafew,wereoftheChurch:withgreatreasonmighttheLordrejectthoseNationsandpeopleforsomanyages,seeingtheyrejectedGodsgraceinfallingawayfromtheGospell,whichtheLordmostgraciouslyrevealeduntothem,ratherthentotheirFathersbeforethem.

IsthisapostasienecessarilylaidupontheSeeofRome?

Yesverily,asbythedescriptionmayevidentlyappear.

WhatarethepartsofthisApostasie?

Theheadandthebody:forasChrististheheadoftheChurchwhichishisbody;soAntichrististheheadoftheRomishChurchwhichishisbody.

WhoisthatAntichrist?

HeisonewhounderthecolourofbeingforChrist,andundertitleofhisVicegerent,exaltethhimselfeaboveandagainstChrist,opposinghimselfeagainstallhisofficesandordinancesbothinChurchandCommonwealth,bearingauthorityintheChurchofGod,rulingoverthatCitywithsevenHils,whichdidbearruleoverNations,andputourLordtodeath;aManofsinne,aHarlot,aMotherofspirituallfornicationstotheKingsandpeopleoftheNations,achildeofperdition,adestroyerestablishing

[Page]

himselfebylyingmiraclesandfalsewonders:allwhichmarkstogether,doagreewithnonebutthePopeofRome.

HowdoththeApostle2Thess.2.3.describethisAntichristianheaduntous?

Firsthedescribethwhatheistowardsothers,andthenwhatheisinhimselfe.

Whatishetowardsothers?

Thatisdeclaredbytwospecialltitles,theManofsinne,andSonneofperdition;declaringherebynotsomuchhisownsinneandperdition,whichisexceedinggreat,asofthosethatreceivehismarke,whomhecausethtosinne,andconsequentlytofallintoperdition:asIeroboamwhoisoftenbrandedwiththemarkofcausingIsraeltosin:andheissomuchmoredetestablethenhe,byhowmuchbothhisidolatryismore,andhathdrawnmoreKingdomesafterhimthenIeroboamdidTribes.

Inwhatrespectishecalledthemanofsin?

Inthathecausethmantosinne;andthisthePopedothinahighdegree,justifyingsinne,notbyoversight,butbyLawesadvisedlymade,notonelycommandingsomesinnes,whichwearebyourcorruptnatureproneunto,asspirituallfornication,butalso(tothegreatprofanationoftheholynameandprofessionofChrist)permittingandteachingforlawfullsuchasevenourcorruptnature(notwhollysubvertedthrougherroniouscustomeofsin)abhorreth:asincestuousmarriages,andbreakingoffaith

Luke15.

32▪

Iohn17.

12.

andleague,equivocating,andthelike,whichprofanemen(bytheverylightofnature)doedetest.

Inwhatsenseishecalledthechildofperdition?

NotastheunthriftmentionedintheGospel,neitherasJudas,whoispassivelycalledtheSonofperdition;butactively,asitisotherwhereexpounded,whereheiscalledthedestroyer,Rev.9.11.becausehedestroyethmany:AndthatthePopeissuchanone,someofhisowneSecretariesmakeitgood,confessingthatmanywhowerewelldisposedpersonsbeforetheirentryintothatSea,becamecursedandcruellbeastswhenoncetheyweresetledinthesame,asifthereweresomepestilentpoysoninthatseatinfectingthosethatsittherein.

Whatlearneyouofthis?

ThatthecallingofthePopeisunlawfull;foreveryofficeorcallingwhichtheLorddothnotblesse,orwhereinnoneoccupyingtheplacegrowethinpiety,istobeesteemedforanunlawfullcalling:forinalawfullcallingsome(attheleast)arefoundinallagesprofitabletotheChurchorCommonwealth.

WhatistheuseofallthisDoctrine?

ThatwhosoeverarepartakersofthesinsofRome,arealsounderthesamecurse;andthereforesuchashavelivedinPoperyshouldexamineourselvesifwehavetruely

2Pet.2

[...]

repentedusofit,first,bythechangeofourunderstanding;aswhetherwehavegrownintheknowledgofthetruth:Andsecondly,bythechangeofouraffections,aswhetherwehatePopery,andlovethetruthunfainedly,andsoleteveryonejudgehimselfe,thathebenotjudged,andthatwithharderjudgment,Rom.2.4.accordingasGodhathbeenthelongerpatienttowardsus.

Whatfurther?

ThattherecanbenosoundagreementbetwixtPoperyandtheprofessionoftheGospel,nomorethenbetwixtlightanddarknesse,falshoodandtruth,GodandBeliall,andthereforenoreconciliationcanbedevisedbetwixtthem:forifthemembersofAntichristshallbedestroyed,wecannotinanysortcommunicatewiththemintheirerrours,unlessewewillbearethemcompanyintheirdestructionalso.

Dotheveryerrourdestroythesoule?

Noverily:foraseverywoundkillethnotaman,soeveryerrourdeprivethnotamanofsalvation;butasthevitallpartsbeingwoundedorinfected,bringdeath,sothoseerroursthatdestroythefundamentallpointsandheadsoffaithbringeverlastingdestruction,inwhichkindisPopery,whichsundrywaysoverthroweththeprinciplesandgroundsofourholyfaith,andthereforeistearmedanapostasie,ordepartingfromthefaith.

IsitthenimpossibleforaPopetobesaved?

[Page]No;itisnotimpossible,hissinnebeingnotnecessarilyagainsttheholyGhost,towhichonelyrepentanceisdenyed;forsome(inlikelhood)haveenteredinto,andcontinuedinthatSeaignorantly,andthereforemaypossiblyfindeplacetorepentance.Butifanybesaved,itisasecrethiddenwithGod:forconcerninganythingthatappearesbytheendofanyPope,sincehewasliftupintheEmperourschaire,anddiscoveredtobethemanofsin,thereisnogroundedhopegiventoperswadethatanyoneofthemissaved.

SomuchofAntichristwhatheistowardsothers:whatisheeinhimselfe?

Thatissetdowneintwopoints:first,inthat(contrarytoright,andbymeereusurpation)heseatethhimselfeintheTempleofGod,asifhewereChristsVicar,beingindeedhisenemy,bothwhichthewordAntichristnoteth.

Secondly,inthatheishereexpresselynamedanadversary,andonethatiscontrarytoChrist.

WhereinisthePopeadversaryuntoChrist?

Everyway,inlife,andinoffice.

Howinlife?

InthatChristbeingmostpureandholy,yeaholinesseitselfe,thePopesmanyofthemare,andhavebeenmostfilthyandabominableinblaspheming,conjuring,murthering,covetousnesse,whoring,andthatincestuously

andSodomitically,andyetwilltheyintheirordinaryTitlesbecalledholy;yeaholinesseitselfe,whichisproperonelytoChrist.

HowinOffice?

First,inhisKingdome:ChristsKingdomeiswithoutalloutwardshew,orpompe:ButthePopesKingdomeconsistethwhollyinPompe,andShewes,asimitatinghisPredecessorstheEmperoursofRomeinhisproud,stately,andlordlyoffices,princelytraine,andoutrageousexpencesineverysort.

Secondly,inhisPriesthood,inraisingupanotherSacrificethenChrist,anotherPriesthoodthenhis,otherMediatorsthenhim.

Thirdly,inhisPropheticalloffice,inthatheteachethcleanecontrarytohim;ChristtaughtnothingbutwhatheereceivedofhisFather:ThePopesettethouthisowneCanonsandDecreesofcouncells,andinthemheteachethsuchDoctrineasoverthroweththemainefoundationofthatwhichChristtaught.

Whatisthesecondeffect?

ThatheisexceedinglyliftedupagainstallthatiscalledGod.

HowdoththisagreetothePope?

Morefitlythentoanyotherperson;forChristbeingvery

[Page]

Godabasethhimselfeuntotheassumingofthenatureofman;thePopeavilemanadvancethhimselftotheThroneofGod:Christbeingaboveallsecularpower,paidtribute,andwastaxedandsufferedhimselfetobeecrownedwithacrowneofThornes,andbearehisowneCrosse;butthePopebeingunderallsecularpower,exaltethhimselfeaboveallsecularpowers,exactethTributeofKings,settethhisfootontheneckofEmperours,carriethatrippleCrowneofgold,andisborneuponmensshoulders.

Buthecallethhimselftheservantofservants.

Thoughhedoe,yet(bytheconfessionofhisowneCanonists)hedothitbutdissemblinglyandinhypocrisie,whichisdoubleiniquity;fortheysaythathedothinhumilityonelysayso,notthatheeisindeedsoashesaith.

Whataretheeffectsofthishispride?

Theyaretwo:First,hesittethintheChurchasGod,forhebindeththeconsciencesofmenbyhisdecrees,whichnoPrincesLawcandoe;forthoughmenobservenotsuchLawes,yetiftheybreakthemnotofcontempt,theyaredischarged,asiftheydidbearethepenaltyprescribedinthem.

BythisitseemeththattheChurchofRomeisyettheChurchofGod,althoughcorrupt,seeingitissaidthatheesittethintheTempleofGod.

Noverily;butitissosaid,first,becauseitbeareththenameoftheChurch,fortheScripturesgivethenametoa

thingaccordingtothatithathbeen,aswhenChristsaith,Theabominationofdesolationshallstandintheholyplace;hemeanethnotthattheTemplewasthenholy,whichatthattime,(beingnofigurenorshadowofChristandhisChurch)wasprofaned,butthatithadbeenholy;soweconfessethattherehadbeeneatrueChurchinRome,whichisnownoChurchofChrist,buttheSynagogueofSatan.

Secondly,heissaidtositintheTempleofGod,becauseheexercisethhistyrannicallruleintheChristianworld,andismostbusieinthosepartswhereChristhadhisChurch,andtheGospellisprofessed,labouringinallplaces,eitherbyhimselfeorhiswickedinstruments,tooverthroworcorrupt,poysonorhinderthefreecourseoftheGospel;sothatinthisregardhemaybesaidtositintheTempleofGod,thatis,toreigneandtyrannizeintheChurchofGod,thoughtheCitywhereheisbeSodome,andtheChurchwhereofheishead,theSynagogueofSatan.

Whatistheothereffectofhispride?

HeboastethhimselfethatheisGod,asthePopesflatterersintheCanonLawcallhim,OurLordGodthePope:Neitherdothhispridestaythere,butalsohechallengethtohimselfthingspropertoGod,asthetitleofHolinesse,alsopowertoforgivesins,andtocarryinfinitesoulestohellwithoutcheckorcontrolment,andtomakeofnothingsomething;yea,tomaketheScripturestobenoScriptures,andnoScripturetobeScripture,athispleasure,yeatomakeofthecreaturetheCreator.

[Page]

ItshouldseemetobeanimpossiblethingthatmenshouldbecarriedawayfromthefaithoftheGospelbyonesomonstrousanddirectlyoppositetoChrist.

Itmightseemsoindeed,ifatonceandatasuddenhehadshewedhimselfeinsuchfoulecolours,andthereforebycertainedecreesofiniquityheraisedhimselfetohisheightofwickednesse,anddidnotatthefirstshewhimselfeinsuchamonstrousshapeandlikenesse.

Howdoththatappeare?

BytheApostle,whointhe2Thess.2.3.unto13.shewethoftwocoursestheDevillheldtobringthistopasse;onesecretandcovert,beforethismanofsinwasrevealed:theotherwhenhewasrevealedandsetupinhisSeat.

WhatwerethewayesofAntichristscommingbeforehewasrevealed?

Thoseseverallerrourswhichwerespread,partlyintheApostlestime,andpartlyaftertheirtime,therebytomakeawayforhiscomming;andinthisrespectthismysteryofiniquitywasbeguntobewrought(asitwere)undergroundandsecretlyintheApostlestime.

HowwasthismysteryofiniquitywroughtintheApostlestime?

Bymanyambitiousspirits,(asitwere)pettyAntichrists,whichweredesiroustobeLordsovertheChurch,andwickedHereticks,whichthensowedmanyerroursand

The

differences

betweene

Christs

miracles

andthe

Popes.

heresies,asjustificationbyworks,worshippingofAngels,andwhichputReligioninmeats,andcondemnedmarriage,whichwerebeginningsandgroundsofPoperyandAntichristianisme,3John9.Acts5.1.Gal.1.6,7.&2.6.Col.2.18,21.1Tim.4.3.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatthosewhomGodhathfreedfromthebondageofPopery,shouldstrivetofreethemselvesfromalltheremanentsthereof,lestiftheycleavestilltoanyofthem,Godinjudgmentbringthewholeuponthemagaine.

HowshallAntichristsKingdomebecontinuedandadvancedafterthatheisrevealed?

BythepowerofSatan,inlyingmiraclesandfalsewonders.

WhatdifferenceistherebetwixtChristsmiraclesandtheirs?

Verygreateveryway:forChristsmiraclesweretrue,whereasthesearefalseandlying,andbylegerdemaine;ChristsmiracleswerefromGod,buttheirs,wherethereisanystrangething,andabovethecommonreachofmen,fromtheDevill;Christsmiracleswereforthemostpartprofitabletothehealthofman,buttheirsaltogetherunprofitable,andforavainshew;Christsmiraclesweretoconfirmethetruth,buttheirstoconfirmefalshood.

[Page]

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatseeingthePopesKingdomegloriethsomuchinwonders,itismostlikethatheisAntichrist,seeingthefalseChristsandthefalseProphetsshalldoegreatwonderstodeceive(ifitwerepossible)theveryElect,andthatsomeofthefalseProphetsprophesiesshallcometopasse,weshouldnotthereforebeleevethedoctrineofPoperyfortheirwonderssake,seeingtheLordtherebytryethourfaith,whohathgiventoSatangreatknowledgeandpowertoworkstrangethings,tobringthosetodamnationwhoareappointeduntoit.Moreover,whatsoeverMiraclesarenotprofitabletosomegood,neithertendtoconfirmeatruth,theyarefalseandlying;sothatastheLordleftanevidentdifferencebetweenhisMiraclesandtheinchantmentsoftheEgyptians,sohathheleftanevidentdifferencebetweentheMiraclesofChristandhisApostles,andthoseoftheRomishSynagogue,Matth.24.24.Deut.13.12.Exod.7.12.

Arenotmiraclesasnecessarynow,astheywereinthetimeoftheApostles?

Noverily;fortheDoctrineoftheGospellbeingthennewuntotheworld,hadneedtohavebeenconfirmedwithmiraclesfromheaven;butitbeingonceconfirmed,thereisnomoreneedofmiracles;andtherewekeepingthesameDoctrineofChristandhisApostles,mustcontentourselveswiththeconfirmationwhichhathalreadybeengiven.

Whatarisethoutofthis?

Theseatof

Antichrist.

ThattheDoctrineofPoperyisanewDoctrine,whichhathneedtotobeconfirmedwithnewmiracles;andsoitisnotthedoctrineofChrist,neitherisestablishedbyhismiracles.

WhatforceshalltheMiraclesofAntichristhave?

Marvellousgreat,tobringmanymentodamnation,Godinthejustrevengeofthecontemptofthetruth,sendingastrongdelusionamongthem.

HithertowehaveheardAntichristdescribedbyhiseffectsandproperties:nowtellmeherewhereistheplaceofhisspeciallresidence?

ThatistheCityofRome.

Howdoththatappeare?

First,becausehethatlettedatthetimewhenPaulwrotewastheEmperourofRome,whodidthensitthere,andmustbedisseated,(asthelearnedPapiststhemselvesgranterethePopecouldenteruponit.Secondly,Rev.17.18.JohncalledtheCitywherehemustsit,theLadyoftheworld;whichatthattimeagreedonelytoRome,beingtheMotherCityoftheworld.Thirdly,itwasthatCitywhichwasseateduponsevenhills,Rev.17.9.whichbyallancientRecordsbelongethproperlyandonelytoRome.AsfortheoccasionofthePopesplacingthere,itcamebythemeanesoftranslatingoftheSeatoftheEmpirefromRometoConstantinople,fromwhenceensuedalsothepartingoftheEmpireintotwoparts,bywhichdivisionitbeing

weakned,andafteralsosundredinaffection,aswellasinplace,wastheeasiertobeentredupon,andobtainedbythePope.

WhatdoeyoufurthergatherofthattheApostlesaith,thathethatlettethshalllet?

ThattheAntichristisnotoneparticularman,asthePapistsdoefancy;forthenbythelikephrasehethatlettethmustbeoneparticularman,whereitcannotbethatonemanshouldlivesomanyhundredyeeres;asfromPaulstimetothetimeofthetranslationoftheEmpirefromRome,muchlesseuntillwithintwoyearsandahalfofthelatterday,astheyimaginethetimeofAntichrist:andthereforeasbyhimthatlettethisunderstoodasuccessionofmen,andnotoneonelyman;soinDan.7.3.17.thefourebeasts,andthefoureKings,doenotsignifiefoureparticularmen,butfouregovernments,ineveryonewhereofthereweresundrymenthatruled:sothattheargumentofthePapistswhouponthewords[themanofsinne]wouldprovethattheAntichristtheApostlespeakethof,isonesingularman,isbutvaine,andhathnoconsequenceinit.

ButhowcanAntichristbealreadycome,seeingtheEmpireyetstandeth?

ThenameoftheEmpireonelyremaineth,thethingisgone;forhehathneitherthechiefeCity,northeTribune,northeCommandementofthepeople;andthereforehecanbenolettotheAntichristscomming,especiallythePopehavinggottensuchanupperhandoverhim,astocausehimtowaiteathisgatebarefoot,andtoholdhis

[Page]

stirrop.

WhatshallbetheendofthisAntichrist?

Godshallconfoundhimwiththebreathofhismouth,thatis,withthepreachingofhisWord:whichservethforanotherargumenttoprovethePopetobeAntichrist:forwhereashehadsubduedKingdomesandEmpiresunderhisfeet,hehathbeenoflatemightilysuppressedbytheWordpreached,andnotbyoutwardforce,asotherPotentatesusetobe.

Whatlearneyouofthis?

ThemarvellouspowerofGodsWordtosuppressewhatsoeverrisethagainstit:forifthemightiestcannotstandbeforeit,muchlessethesmallest:andthereforeitisexpressedbyamightywinde,Acts2.23.whichcarriethallbeforeit;andbyfire,whichconsumethall,andpiercethall:Anditdeclarethamarvellouseasievictoryagainsttheenemies,whenitissaid,thatwiththebreathofhismouthheeshallconsumehisenemies,2Cor.10.4,5.

WhatelseshallbetheoverthrowofAntichrist?

ThegloriousappearanceoftheSonofGodinthelatterday.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

Thatbeforethelastdayheshallnotbeutterlyconsumed,whereofnotwithstandingitfollowethnotthatthehead

shallremainetillthen;fortheBeastandthefalseProphetshallbetakenandcastintothefirebeforethelatterday;butsomeshallretainealikingofhim,andhiserrors,andsuperstitionseventillthelastday.

HithertooftheheadofthisgenerallApostasie:whatarethemembersofit?

Theyarefirstdescribedbytheirend,evenanumberofpeoplethatshallperish,whichaccordethwiththatnameandpropertyofthehead,theDestroyerorSonofperdition,beingtruelyverifiedintheminregardofthefearefullendheshallbringthemto.

Whatistheuseofthis?

Thatasnopoysoncantakeawaythelifeofanelect:sosmalloccasionscarryawaysuchasareappointedtodestruction.

HowotherwisearethesemembersofAntichristdescribed?

Bythis,thattheyneverlovedthetruth,althoughtheyunderstoodandprofessedit.

Howshouldamanlovethetruth?

Forthetruthessake,notforvaineglory,filthydelight,orcommodidities.

HowappearethitthatmenlovetheWordofGod?

Whentheywalkeaccordingly,andkeepfaithinagood

[Page]

Conscience,whichsomelosingbytheirwickedlife,lostalsotheirFaith,thatis,theirReligion,1Tim.1.19.

HowisittobeunderstoodthatGodgivethmenuptostrongdelusions?

BecauseGodisajustIudge,whichbythemeitherpunishethorcorrectethformersinnes,andespeciallythecontemptoftheGospell;inwhichregardevenamongstusnow,somearecastintothesinkeofPopery,someintotheFamilyoflove;somebecomeArians,someAnabaptists,atwhichare(asitwere)diversGaolesandDungeons,where-intoheethroweththosethatarecoldandcarelesseProfessorsoftheGospell.

Whatlearneyoubythis?

ThattheythatimagineGodfavourableuntothemnotwithstandingtheirsinnes,becausetheirlife,orgoods,orhonoursarespared,arefoullydeceived;forwhentheLordceasethtoreproveany,ortostrivewiththem,Rom.1.24,26.thendothhegivethemupintovanityoftheirownmindstodotheirwickedwills,whichisthegreatestjudgement,andveryusuallwithGodtodoe.

Whatisourdutyinsuchcases?

ToprayuntotheLordtokeepusfromallerrors;butifforourtriallandfurtherhardningofothersitpleasehimtosenderrorsamongstus,thatitwouldpleasehimtopreserveusinthatdanger,thatwetastenotofthatbaitwherebySatanseekethtocatchus.

Ofthelast

judgement.

Whatothercauseisthereofsendingtheseerrors?

Thatthosemaybedamnedwhichbelievenotthetruth:forasGodhathappointedthemtodamnation,sobetwixthiscounsellinrejectingthemandthefinalleffectofit,theremustbesintobringtheeffectjustlyuponthem.

Whatreasonisannexedfortheirjustdamnation?

Becausetheyrestinunrighteousnesse,havingtheirearesitchingaftererrors,whichtheydrinkin,astheearthdrinkethupwater.SothatalbeittheybepowerfullysentofGodinhisjudgement,yetaretheyalsogreedilydesiredandaffectedofthem.

HavingspokenatlargeoftheprovidenceofGoddisposingofmaninthisworld;itfollowethtospeakofhisprovidenceconcerningmankindeintheworldtocome.

HowdothGodthendealewithmenafterthislife?

Hebringeththemalltojudgement.

Whatismeantherebyjudgment?

Thepronouncingorexecutingoftheirrevocablesentenceofabsolutionorcondemnation.

Howisthatdone?

Partlyoneverymaninparticularatthehourofhisdeath,Heb.9.27.butfullyandgenerallyuponallmenatthesecondcommingofChrist,Acts17.31.Thedeathofevery

[Page]

Whythe

righteous

dye.

oneseverallygoethimmediatelybeforetheparticularjudgement:thegenerallresurrectionofallgoethbeforethefinalljudgementwhichshallbeatthelastday.

Mustallmenthendie?

Yeaallbothgoodandbad,Psal.49.10.Eccl.2.16.savethatuntosome,namelysuchasshallbefoundaliveatChristscomming,achangeshallbeinsteadofdeath,asshallbeshewed.

Deathbeingthepunishmentofsinne,howcommethittopassethattherighteousdye,towhomallsinnesareforgiven?

Deathindeedcameonallmankindebyreasonofsinne,Rom.5.12.butyetitisnotinallthingsthesametothegodlyandtothewicked:forhowsoeveruntobothitbetheenemyofnature,astheendofnaturalllife,1Cor.15.26.Psal.90.3.

Yet1.untothegodlyitisatokenofGodslove,untothewickedofhisanger,Psal.37.37,38.Job18.13,14.

2.Vntothegodlyitisarestfromlabourandmisery,Apoc.14.13.thelastenemybeingnowdestroyed,1Cor.15.26.untothewickeditistheheightofallworldlyevils,Luke12.20.

3.Vntothegodlyitistheutterabolishingofsinandperfectionofmortification,Rom.6.7.untothewickeditistheconquestofsinneandaccomplishmentof

Of

particular

judgement

atthe

houreof

death.

theirspirituallcaptivity.

4.VntothegodlyitissofarfrombeingaseparationfromChrist,thateventhebodyseveredfromthesouleandrottinginthegraveisyetunitedtoChrist;andthesoulefreedfromthebodyiswithhiminParadise,Luk.23.43.Phil.2.16.untothewickeditisanuttercuttingofffromthefavourablepresenceandfruitionofGod.

5.Vntothegodlyitisthebeginningofheavenlyglory;untothewickeditistheentranceintohellishandendlessetorments,Luke16.22,23.

Howaremenjudgedatthehoureofdeath?

1.Godatthatinstantpronounceth,andtheconscienceapprehendeththesentenceofblessingorcursing,Heb.9.27.

2.Thesouleofeverymanaccordinglyis(bythepowerofGodandtheministeryofAngels)immediatelyconveyedintothatstateofhappinesseormiserywhereinitshallremainetilltheresurrection,andfromthenceforthbothbodyandsouleforever,Luke16.22,23,26.Eccl.11.3.

Whatgatheryouofthis?

ThatthedoctrineofPurgatoryandPrayerforthedeadisvaine,seeingitappearethbytheWordofGodthatthesoulsofthosethatdieinGodsfavourarepresentlyreceivedintojoyIsay57.2.Ioh.5.24.Luke23.43.Apoc.

Acts1.7.

Matth.13

32.

The

generall

judg

[...]ment.

Eccl.12.

14.

2Cor.5.

10.

The

preparation

tothelast

judgement.

14.13.1Thess.4.16.andthesoulsofthosethatdyeintheirsinnescastintoendlessetorments;nomeansbeingleftafterdeathtoprocureremissionofsinnes,Isay22.14.Iohn8.24.Rom6.10.

Whatisthegenerallandfinalljudgement?

Thegreatdayofassizeforthewholeworld,whereinallmenslivesthateverhavebeen,are,orshallbe,beingdulyexamined,everyoneshallreceiveaccordingtohisworks.Inwhichjudgementwearetoconsider,

1.Thepreparationtoit.

2.Theactingofit.

3.Theexecutionofthesentence.

Whereindoththepreparationtothelastjudgementconsist?

Infivethings.

1.Intheforetokeningofthetimethereof,whichthoughitbesosealedupinthetreasuryofGodscounsell,thatneithermennorAngels,noryetourSaviourhimselfasmaninthedayesofhisfleshhadexpressenoticethereof,(thatfromtheuncertaintyandsuddennesseofitwemightbetaughttobealwayesinreadinesseforit)yetithathpleasedGodto

2Thess.2.

3.

[Page]

Mat.24.

13.33.

Thesignes

ofthelast

judgement.

Matth.24.

1Tim.4.1.

acquaintuswithsomesigneswherebywemaydiscernChristsapproaching,asmenintheSpringtimemaydiscerneSummerapproachingbytheshootingforthoftheFigtree.

Whatarethesignesforetokeningthelastjudgement?

TheyarecertainenotablechangesintheworldandChurch,somefurtheroff,someneareruntothecommingofChrist;as

1.ThepublishingandreceivingtheGospelthroughouttheworld.

2.TheApostasieofmostpartofprofessorsnotlovingthetruth.

3.TherevealingofAntichristthatManofsinneandChildeofperdition,whounderthetitleofChristsVicegerentopposethhimselfetoChristinallhisofficesandordinancesbothinChurchandCommonwealth.

4.Commoncorruptionsinmannersjoynedwithsecurity,asinthedayesofNoahandLot.

5.WarresandtroublesintheworldandChurch.

6.FalseChrists,attendedwithfalseProphets,andarmedwithfalsemiracles.

7.ThecallingoftheIewesuntothefaithoftheGospell.

Matth.24.

30.

Thesecond

thinginthe

preparation.

2Pet.3.7.

Thethird

thing.

8.Andlastly,signesinHeaven,Earth,andalltheElements.AsthedarkningoftheSunne,andMoone,&c.Yea,firingofthewholeframeofHeaven,andEarth,withthesigneoftheSonneofman,wherebyhiscommingshallthenbeclearlyapprehendedbyallmen.

Whatisthesecondthinginthepreparation?

ThecommingofIesusChristtheIudgeoftheworld,whoinhishumanevisiblebody(butyetwithunspeakableglory)shallsuddenlybreakforthlikeLightningthroughtheHeavens,ridingonthecloudsenvironedwithaflameoffire,attendedwithallthehostoftheelectAngels;andespeciallywiththevoiceandshoutofanArchangelandtheTrumpetofGod,andsoshallsitdowneintheroyallthroneofjudgement.

Whatisthethirdthing?

Thesummoningandpresentingofallbothdeadandlivingmen,togetherwithDevils,beforethegloriousthroneofChristthejudge.

Howshallallmenbothdeadandlivingbesummoned?

BythevoiceofChristappearedbytheministeryofAngels,andnamelybytheshoutandTrumpetoftheArchangel,wheretotheLordjoyninghisdivinepower(asuntothewordpreachedfortheworkofthefirstresurrection)shallinamomentbothraisethedeadwiththeirownbodiesand

Iohn5.28.

Matth.24.

31.

1Cor.15.

52.

Phil3.21.

everypartthereofthoughneversodispersed,andchangetheliving,sothatitshallbewiththemasiftheyhadbeenalongtimedeadandwerenowraisedtolifeagaine.

Shalltherebenodifferencebetweenetheresurrectionoftheelectandreprobate?

Yes;forhowsoevertheyshallbothrisebythesamemightyvoiceandpowerofChristinthesamebodieswhereintheyliveduponearth,andthosesoalteredinquality,asthentheyshallbeabletoabideforeverinthatestatewhereuntotheyshallbejudged:yet

1.TheelectshallberaisedasmembersofthebodyofChristbyvertuederivedfromhisresurrection:thereprobate,asMalefastors,shallbebroughtforthoftheprisonofthegravebyvertueofthejudiciarypowerofChrist,andofthecurseofthelaw.

2.Theelectshallcomeforthtoeverlastinglife,whichiscalledtheresurrectionoflife:thereprobatetoshameandperpetuallcontempt,calledtheresurrectionofcondemnation.

3.Thebodiesoftheelectshallbespirituall,thatis,glorious,powerfull,nimble,impatible:butthebodiesofthereprobateshallbefullofuncomelinesseandhorror,agreeabletotheguiltinesseandterroroftheirconsciences,andliabletoextreametorment.

Howshallallmenbepresentedbeforethethroneof

[Page]

Thefourth

thing.

Thefift

thing.

Christ?

TheelectbeinggatheredbytheAngels,shallwithgreatjoybecaughtupintotheairetomeettheLord,Luke21.28.1Thess.4.17.

ThereprobatetogetherwiththeDevillandhisAngels,shallwithextreamehorrourandconfusionbedrawneintohispresence,Rev.6.15.

Whatisthefourththing?

TheseparationoftheElectfromtheReprobate:ForChrist,thegreatShepheard,shallthenplacetheElect,ashisSheepthathaveheardhisvoiceandfollowedhim,onhisrighthand:andtheReprobates,withtheDevils,asstrayingGoats,onthelefthand,Matth.25.33.

Whatisthefiftandlastthing?

Theopeningofthebookofrecord,bywhichthedeadshallbejudgedRev.20.12.viz.

1.Theseverallbooksofmensconsciences,whichthenbythegloriousilluminationofChrist,theSunneofrighteousnesse,shininginhisfullstrength,shallbesoenlightned,thatmenshallperfectlyrememberwhatevergoodorevilltheydidinthetimeoftheirlife,thesecretsofallheartsbeingthenrevealed.

2.Thebookoflife,thatis,theeternalldecreeofGodto

Rom.2.12.

Matth12.

27,41,42.

Theactof

judgment,

andhow

performed.

savehisElectbyChrist,whichdecreeshallthenatlengthbemadeknowntoall.

Thusfarreofthepreparationtojudgement,whatarewetoconsiderinthesecondplace?

Theactofjudgment,whereintheElectshalfirstbeacquitted,thattheymayafterasassistantsjoynewithChristinthejudgementofthereprobatemenandAngels.

Howshalltheactofjudgementbeperformed?

1.Byexamination:2.Bypronouncingsentence.TheexaminationshallbeaccordingtotheLawofGod,whichhathbeenrevealeduntomen,whetheritbetheLawofnatureonely,whichistheremainderofthemorallLawwrittenintheheartsofourfirstparents,andconveyedbythepowerofGoduntoallmen,toleavethemwithoutexcuse;orthatwrittenWordofGod,vouchsafeduntotheChurchintheScriptures,firstoftheold,andafteralsoofthenewTestament,astheruleoffaithandlife.

2.Bytheevidenceofeverymansconscience,bringingallhisworks,whethergoodorevill,tolight,bearingwitnessewithhimoragainsthim,togetherwiththetestimonyofsuch,whoeitherbydoctrine,company,orexample,haveapprovedorcondemnedhim.

ShalltherebenodifferenceintheexaminationoftheElect

[Page]

Ezek.18.

22.

Rev.14.

17.

andtheReprobate?

Yes:for,1.TheElectshallnothavetheirsinnes,forwhichChristsatisfied,butonelytheirgoodworksremembred.

2.BeinginChrist,theyandtheirworksshallnotundergoethestricttrialloftheLawsimplyinitself,butastheobediencethereofdothprovethemtobetruepartakersofthegraceoftheGospel.

Shalltherebeanysuchreasoningatthelastjudgement,asseemethMatth.7.&25?

No:buttheconsciencesofmenbeingthenenlightnedbyChrist,shallcleareallthosedoubts,andrejectthoseobjectionsandexcuses,whichtheyseemnowtoapprehend.

Howshallthesentencebepronounced?

BytheIudgehimselfe,ourLordIesusChrist,whoaccordingtotheevidenceandverdictofconsciencetouchingworkes,shalladjudgetheElectuntotheblessingofthekingdomeofGodhisFather:andtheReprobates,withtheDevillandhisAngels,untothecurseofeverlastingfire.

Shallmenthenbeejudgedtosalvationordamnationfortheirworkessake?

1.Thewickedshallbecondemnedforthemeritoftheir

Iames2.

18.

The

execution

ofthelast

judgment.

Matth.25.

46.

Theestate

ofthe

Reprobates

inhell.

Rom.6.23.

Gal.5.6.

Psal.58.

10.

workes,becausebeingperfectlyevill,theydeservethewagesofdamnation.

2.Thegodlyshallbepronouncedjust,becausetheirworkes,thoughimperfect,doeprovetheirfaith(wherebytheylayholdonChristandhismeritoriousrighteousnesse)tobeatruefaith,asworkingbyloveinallpartsofobedience.

Hithertooftheactofjudgement:Whatarewetoconsiderinthethirdandlastplace?

Theexecutionofthisjudgement,ChristbyhisalmightypowerandministeryofhisAngels,castingtheDevilsandthereprobatemenintohell,andbringingGodsElectintothepossessionofhisgloriouskingdome:whereintheReprobatesshallfirstbedispatched,thattherighteousmayrejoicetoseethevengeance,andasitwerewashtheirfeetinthebloudofthewicked.

WhatshallbetheestateoftheReprobatesinhell?

Theyshallremaineforeverinunspeakabletormentofbody,andanguishofminde,beingcastoutfromthefavourablepresenceofGod,andgloriousfellowshipofChristandhisSaints,(whosehappinessetheyshallseeandenvie)intothathorribleDungeonfiguredinScripturebyutterdarknesse,blacknesseofdarknesse,

Theestate

oftheElect

inheaven.

1Cor.2.9.

1Cor.13

10.

1Cor.13.

12.

2Thess2.

9.

Psal.16.

11.

Rev.3.21.

2Tim.4.8.

2Pet.3.

13.

Psal.17.

15.

weepingandgnashingofteeth,theWormethatneverdieth,thefirethatnevergoethout,&c.

WhatshallbetheestateoftheElectinheaven?

Theyshallbeeunspeakeablyandeverlastinglyblessedandgloriousinbodyandsoule,beingfreedfromallimperfectionsandinfirmities;yeafromsuchGracesasimplyimperfection,asFaith,Hope,Repentance,&c.enduedwithperfectWisdomeandHolinesse,possessedwithallthepleasuresthatareattherighthandofGod,seatedasPrincesinThronesofMajesty,crownedwithCrownesofGlory,possessingthenewHeavenandEarth,whereindwellethRighteousnesse,beholdingandbeingfilledwiththefruitionofthegloriouspresenceofGod,andoftheLambe,IesusChrist,inthecompanyofinnumerableAngels,andholySaints,astheScripturephrasesare.

Whatshallfollowthis?

ChristshalldeliverupthatdispensatoryKingdome(whichheereceivedforthesubduingofhisenemies,andaccomplishingthesalvationofhisChurch)untoGodtheFather,andGodshallbeallinallforalleternity.Amen.

WhatusemaywemakeofthisDoctrine,concerningthisgenerallend,andfinalljudgement?

[Page]

Theuseof

this

doctrine

concerning

thelast

judgment.

Rev.17.

1Thess.4.

17.

Heb.12.

22.

1Cor.15.

24,28.

First,itservethtoconfute,notonelyheathenPhilosophers;who,asinotherthings,sointhis,concerningtheworldscontinuance,becamevaineintheirimaginations,andtheirfoolishheartwasfullofdarknesse,Rom.1.beingdestituteoftheWordofGodtoguidethem;butalsotoconfutemanyprophaneAtheists,intheChurchofGod,whodoenotbelieveintheirheartsthoseArticlesoftheResurrectionandofthegeneralljudgement:itismuchindeedthatthereshouldbeeAtheistsintheChurchofGod,andnoneinhell,thatanyshoulddeny,ordoubtofthatwhichthedevillsfeareandtrembleat.ButsuretheApostlePetersprophesieisfulfilled,2Pet.3.3.thereshallcomeinthelastdayesscoffers,walkingaftertheirownelusts,andsaying,Whereisthepromiseofhiscomming?forsincethefathersdyed,allthingscontinuealikefromthebeginningofthecreation:and(astheywouldperswadethemselves)sotheyshallforever:Andanswerabletheirlivesaretosuchconceits,Eccl.11.9.Butifneitherthelightofreason(itbeingimpossiblethatthetruthandgoodnesseandjusticeofGodshouldtakeeffect,iftherewerenotafterthislifeadoomandrecompence,2Thes.1.6.)Norsecondly,thelightofConscience,whichdoubtlessewithFelix,Acts24.25.makesthemtrembleinthemidstoftheirobstinategainsaying;Northirdly,thelightofScripturecanconvinceandperswademenofthistruth,thenwemustleavethemtobeconfutedandtaughtbywoefullexperience,evenbythefeelingofthoseflames,

Acts17.

whichtheywillnotbeleevetobeeanyotherthenfancies;andbyseeingtheLordIesuscomeintheClouds,whenallnationsshallweepbeforehim;andtheseAtheistsespecially,lamenttheirobstinateinfidelitywitheverdroppingteares,andeverenduringmisery.

AndthisDoctrinemaybeterrourtoallgracelesseandwickedlivers,toconsiderthatthewrathofGodshallberevealedfromheavenagainstallungodlinesseandunrighteousnesseofmen,2Thes.1.6.whenallthesweetnesseoftheirsinfullpleasuresshalbeturnedintogall,andbitternesseforever,Wis.5.6,7,8.

HowmaytheconsiderationofthisDoctrine,touchingtheendoftheworld,andthedayofJudgementbeusefulltothegodly?

First,itshouldteachus,nottoseekforhappinesseinthisworld,orseouraffectionsonthingsbelow;forthisworldpassethaway,andthethingsthereof.

Secondly,hereisafountaineofChristiancomfort,andagroundofChristianpatienceinalltroubles,thatthereshallbeanend,andaSaintshopeshallnotbecutoff.Ifinthislifeonelywehadhope,wewereofallmenmostmiserable,1Cor.15.19.ButhereisthecomfortandpatienceoftheSaints,theywaitforanotherworld,andtheyknowitisajustthingwithGod,togivethemrestaftertheirlabours,2Thes.1.9.andaCrowneaftertheirCombate,2Tim.4.8.andaftertheirlongpilgrimage,aneverlastinghabitation,2Cor.5.1,Bepatient,(saiththeApole)andsettleyour

[Page]

Luke12.

43.

[Page][Page]

Matth.25.

21.

hearts,forthecommingoftheLorddrawethneere,2Pet.2.9.whentheythathavesowneintearesshallreapinjoy,James5.7.Heb.10.36.

Thirdly,fromthisDoctrine,excellentargumentsmaybedrawnetopresseChristianstoaholylife,2Pet.3.11.Seeingthenallthesethingsmustbedissolved,whatmannerofpersonsoughtwetobeinallholyconversation,andgodlinesse?Andverse14.Whereforeseeingyeelookforsuchthings,givediligencethatyoumaybefoundofhiminpeace:WeshouldalwayesliveinexpectationoftheLordIesusintheCloudswithoyleinourLamps,preparedforhiscomming:BlessedisthatservantwhomhisMasterwhenhecommethshallfindesodoing,heshallsayuntohim,Welldonegoodandfaithfullservant,enterintothyMastersjoy.

FINIS.

TheTable.

ALLmendesireeternalllifeandhappinesse.3Religionthemeanestoobtaineit.NosalvationbutbytrueReligion.ThediverskindesoffalseReligion.WhatChristianReligionis.OfCatechising.4WhatCatechisingis.Wheretobeused,andbywhom.

Thenecessityofit.TruehappinesseconsistethinGod.HowwecometoenjoyGod.MeanestoknowGod.By

Hisdivineworks.Hisholyword.

5OfthedivineworkesofGod.TheusesofknowingGodbyhisworks.OfGodsholyWord,theScriptures.6HowtheScripturesweredelivered.ByRevelations.ByOracles.Byvisions.7WhattheScriptureis.ThattheScripturesaretheWordofGod.8ReasonstoproveGodtobetheAuthoroftheholyScriptures.1.Efficient;instrumentall.2.ThesimplicitieandsincerityoftheWriters.3.Thequalityandconditionofthepen-menoftheholyScriptures.94.TheholymattersofholyScriptures.5.ThedoctrineofScripturesareabovehumanecapacity.6.TheconcordoftheseverallWritersonewithanother.7.TheProphesiesfulfilledintheirduetimes.

8.TheMajestyandauthorityoftheScriptures.109.Themotivesusedinthemtoperswade,notreason,butcommands.10.TheendandscopeoftheScripture,whichisGodsglory.11.Theiradmirablepower.12.Theirantiquity.13.Thehatredofthedevillandwickedmenagainstthem.14.ThepreservationoftheScriptures.15.Thepowertohumbleaman,andraisehimupagaine.16.Theconsonanttestimonyofallmenatalltimes.1117.TheknownemiraclesdonebytheWriters.18.ThetestimonyoftheSpiritintheheartsofmen.WhatarethebooksofholyScripture.12InwhatlanguagetheoldTestamentwerefirstwritten,withvowelsandpricks.ThattheScripturesoftheoldTestamentwerefirstwrittenwithoutpricksorvowels.13TheBookofMoses.TheBookeoftheProphets.TheHistoricallBooks.TheDoctrinallBooks.ThePoeticallbooks.TheProsaicallbooks.14TheApocryphallBookes.TheerroorsoftheApocryphallbooks.15

[Page]

OfthebooksoftheNewTestament.16Thepropertiesoftheholyscriptures.171.Holy.2.Highestinauthority.183.Sufficientinthemselves.ThattheScripturesareaperfectRulefordoctrine,life,andsalvation.ObjectionsagainstthesufficiencyoftheholyScripturesanswered.20OftheperspicuityoftheholyScripture.21ThePapistsobjectionsagainsttheperspicuityoftheScripturesanswered.22WhyGodhathleftsomeplacesofScriptureobscure.23OfthetranslationsofholyScriptures.Anobjectiongroundedonvariousreadingsanswered.24WhytheScripturesmustbeexpoundedbytheScriptures.TheuseoftheholyScriptures.25WhomustreadtheScriptures.ThatallmustreadtheScripturesproved.ThePapistsobjectionsagainstreadingtheScripturesanswered.26ThatthereisaGod.27OfthenatureofGod.29OfGodsessence.30TheNameofGod.OfthePropertiesorAttributesofGod.32

AdescriptionofGod.Godisaspirit.33TheperfectionofGod.ThefelicityofGod.Ofthesimplenesse,orsinglenesseofGod.35Godsinfinitenesse.36Godsimmensityorgreatnesse.37Godseternity.38ThelifeofGod.39OftheknowledgeorwisedomeofGod.ForeknowledgeorcounsellofGod.ThecounsellofGod.Godsabsolutewisdomeandknowledge.Theuses.45OftheomnipotenceoralmightypowerofGod.OfGodsabsolutepower.47OfGodsactuallpower.Godspowerinfinite.Theuses.50OfGodswill.WhetherGoddothwillevill.56TheholinesseofGodswill.61OfGodsgoodnesse.TheuseofGodsgoodnesse.62ThegraciousnesseofGod.63OftheloveofGod.64UsesofGodslove.67OfthemercyofGod.

TheusesofGodsmercy.OfthejusticeofGod.70TheusesofGodsjustice.72ThatthereisbutoneGod.73OftheunityoftheGodhead.OftheTrinity.75WhataPersonintheTrinityis.78OftheFather,thefirstpersonoftheTrinity.79OftheotherpersonsoftheTrinityingenerall.OfthesecondpersonintheTrinity.80OfthethirdpersonintheTrinity.83HowtoknowthatweehavetheSpirit.86Thingscommunetothethreepersons.87Inwhattheyallagree.1.Coessentiall.2.Coequall.3.Coeternall.Thingspropertoeachofthepersons.OfthekingdomeofGod.88ThepartsofGodsKingdome.OfGodsdecree.OfPredestination.91PartsofPredestination.

Election.Reprobation.

Election.OfReprobation.

[Page]

ExecutionofGodsdecree.93Creation.Providence.

Creationingenerall.Vsesofthecreation.Creationoftheparticularcreatures.TheHeavens.Theearth.OftheinvisibleCreatures,the

thirdHeaven.andAngels.

OfAngels.Ofthecreationofvisiblethings.98OftheChaos,orrudemasse.OfthepartsoftherudeMasse.

Heaven.Earth.

Oftheframeoftheworld.OftheElements.ThefoureElements.Ofthemixtorcompoundbodies.Theseverallworksofthesixdays.100The1.day,heaven,earth,andthelight.The2.daythefirmament.Thethirddaygrasse,corne,trees.Ofthewaterandearth.The4.day,oftheCreationoflights.101

The5.day,ofthecreationoffishes,birdsThe6.day,ofthecreationofmanandwoman.102Ofthepartsofman,and1.Ofhisbody.2.Ofthesouleofman.103Oftheimmortalityofthesoule.Oftheseatofthesoule.WhatistheImageofGodinman.104Ofthewomanscreation106Theendofthecreation.OfGodsprovidence.107DefinitionofGodsprovidence.108TheusesoftheDoctrineofGodsprovidence.115OfGodsspeciallprovidenceoverAngels.GoodAngels.116OftheEvillAngels120VsesoftheDoctrineconcerningevillAngells.122OfGodsparticularprovidenceoverman.OfGodsprovidencetowardsmankind.123OftheCovenantbetweenGodandman.FirstCovenantofworks.124Thestateofmaninthetimeofhisinnocency.126Ofmaninthestateofcorruption,andofhisfall.127ThatthebreachesofalltheCommandementsconcurredinAdamandEvessinne.134Theeffectsofthefall.136Sin,guiltinesse,punishment.OfourfirstParentsnakednesse.137

Oftheirhidingthemselves.Ofsinne.WhyallAdamsposterityarepartakersofhissinneandmisery.142Whatsinneis.143Imputedsinne.144Inherentsinne.Originallsinne.Thepropagationoforiginallsinne.145Themindecorrupted.Thecorruptionofthememory.Thecorruptionofthewill.147Thecorruptionofaffections.Thecorruptionoftheconscience.Ofthecorruptionofthebody.Actuallsinne.OfthesinagainsttheHolyGhost.151Thediversdifferencesofactuallsinne.152Guiltofsinne.153Punishmentofsinne.OfGodscovenantsofman.157Ofthecovenantofgrace.158Thedifferencesbetweenthecovenantofworks,andthecovenantofgrace.159Whereintheyagree.OfJesustheMediatorofthiscovenant160Thefoundationofit.OfthepersonofChrist.

[Page]

OfthenaturesofChrist,Divine.Humane.

OfthedivinenatureofChrist,WhyitwasnecessarythatChristshouldbeGod.161OfthehumanenatureofChrist.162WhyitwasnecessarythatChristshouldbeman.164OftheunionofthetwonaturesofChrist.165OfChristsOffice&Mediatorship.166ThathereisbutoneMediator.Ofhisnames,Iesus,Christ.167OfChristsPriesthood.168ThePopishPriesthoodoverthrowne.169OfChristssatisfaction.170OfChristssufferings.171OfChristssufferingsinhissoule172OfChristssufferingsinhisbody.UsesofChristspassion.174OfChristsburiall.Hisdescendingintohell.ChristsrighteousnesseinfulfillingtheLaw.Christsoriginallrighteousnesse.175Christsactuallholinesse.OftheintercessionofChrist.176OfthePropheticallofficeofChrist.177OftheKinglyofficeofChrist.179OfChristshumiliation.183

OfChristsexaltation.OftheResurrectionofChrist.OfChristsascension.184OfthethirddegreeofChristsexaltation,hissittingattherighthandofGod.185ThestateofthegodlyinChrist.186OftheChurchofChrist.187TheCatholickChurch.ThepropertyandofficeoftheheadoftheChurch.TheChurchtriumphant.188OftheChurchmilitant.PrerogativesofthemembersoftheCatholikeChurch.190WhatSanctificationis.WhatRedemptionis.OfourunionandcommunionwithChrist.192CommunionofSaints.ThebenefitofourCommunionwithChrist.193Justification.Glorification.OfJustification.WhatJustificationis.VsesarisingfromtheDoctrineofJustification.195.OfFaith.196ThevariousacceptionofFaith.ThediverskindesofFaith.197Historicallfaith.Temporaryfaith.Miraculousfaith.

Justifyingfaith.ThePopishimplicitefaith.198Thatthewholesouleistheseatoffaith.Whatreconciliationis.200Whatadoptionis.201Thebenefitsofadoption.Sanctification.202Thedifferencesbetweenjustification,andsanctification.ThedifferencesbetweentheLawandtheGospell.203TheMorallLawtheruleofsanctification.CeremoniallLaw.204JudiciallLaw.TheMorallLaw.TheendanduseoftheLaw.2051.KnowledgeoftheLawrequired.RulestobeobservedfortheInterpretationoftheLaw.1.Rule,theLawisspirituall.2.Rule,theLawisperfect.2063.Rule,ineverycommandementthereisaMetaphororSynecdoche.1.Branchofthethirdrule.2.Branch.3.Branch.WhytheCommandementsarepropoundedinthesecondperson.207Goodcompanyrequired.WhytheCommandementsarepropoundednegatively.

[Page]

208ThedivisionoftheDecalogueThesummeofthe1.table.Thesummeofthe2.table.209Thedivisionofthe1.table.211ThePrefaceoftheCommandements.212Howthereasonofthe1.Commandementbelongethtous213ThefiftCommandement.ThescopeandmeaningofthisCommandement.214WhatisforbiddenandrequiredinthisfirstCommandement.TheseverallbranchesofthefirstCommandement.WhatitistohaveaGod125OftheknowledgeofGod.OppositestotheknowledgeofGod.IgnoranceofGod.AffianceinGod.216Patience.Hope.LoveofGod.Thankfulnesse.217FeareofGod.Reverence.218Humility.Pride.Sorrow.Joy.

VnityinReligion.219WhatitistohaveotherGods.Sinfullconfidence.220Inordinatelove.Sinfullfeare.Sinfulljoyandsorrow.ThethirdbranchofthisCommandement.TrueReligion.HowwemustcometothetrueReligion.HelpesinablingustoobeythisCommandement.221MeanesoftheknowledgeofGod.Hindrances.Meanesofignorancehereforbidden.WhatisenjoynedinthethreefollowingCommandements.ThesecondCommandement.222ThescopeandmeaningofthesecondCommandement.Whatishereforbidden.WhatismeantbymakingofImages.ThespeciallbranchesofthesecondCommandement.223OfPrayer.224OfFasts.OfVowes.225ThemannerofGodsworship.OfPreparation.Ofthedispositionintheaction.Whatisrequiredaftertheaction.226

EcclesiasticallCeremonies.Ofbodilygestures.OftheabuseofGodsOrdinances.DefectsrespectingtheinwardWorship.227DefectsinoutwardWorship.228HelpsinperformingGodspureworshipThesecondmainebranchofthesecondCommandement.229WhatisforbiddenconcerningImages.230ThatitisunlawfulltomaketheImageofGod.231ThatitisunlawfulltomaketheImageofChrist.WhatismeantbyworshippingImages.232OfcountenancingIdolatrie.233ReasonstobackthisCommandement,takenfromGodsTitles.JealousGodReasonsdrawnefromtheworksofGod.234Thefirstreason.Thesecondreason.235ThethirdCommandement.236ThesummeofthethirdCommandement.WhatismeantbytheNameofGod.WhatismeantbythewordInvaine.237WhatisforbiddeninthethirdCommandement.WhatisrequiredinthethirdCommandement.TheparticulardutiesrequiredinthethirdCommandement.Thedutiesrepugnant.238TherightuseofOathes.

[Page]

WhatpersonsmaylawfullytakeanOath.239Thespeciallabusesofanoath.HowGodsNameistakeninvaineinregardofhisproperties.HowinrespectofhisWorks.240HowinrespectofhisWord.Ofthehelpesandhindrances.241ThereasonannexedtothethirdCom-mandement.ThefourthCommandement.ThemeaningofthefourthCommandement.242WhatneedthereisofonedayinseventoserveGod.ThattheSabbathdayisnotceremoniall.Ofthechangeoftheseventhdaytothefirst,andthereasonthereof.243ThetimeoftheSabbath,andwhenitbeginneth.244WhatismeantbythewordRemember.245OfthepreparationoftheSabbath.ThepartsofthefourthCommandement.246Whatworkesoughttobedeclined.WhatrestrequiredinthefourthCommandement.247Thespeciallbreachesoppositetoanholyrest.TowhomthisCommandementischieflydirected.289ThesecondpartofthisCommandement,whichisthesanctifyingoftherest.TheexercisesanddutiesrequiredontheSabbath.PrayerwiththeCongregation.250HearingtheWord.

ReceivingtheSacraments.PrivatedutiesoftheSabbath.Oftheeveningpreparation251Thefirstdutiesofthemorning.OfthepublickdutiesoftheSabbath.252WhatistobeedoneafterthepublickMinistery.SinstobecondemnedinrespectofthesecondpartofthisCo ̄mandment253HelpesandhinderancestothekeepingofthisCommandement.ThereasonsenforcingobediencetothisCommandement.1Reason.2Reason.3Reason.4Reason.254ThesecondTable.ThesummeofthesecondTable.ThegenerallstobeeobservedinthisTable.ThedivisionofthesecondTable.255ThefirstCommandement.256ThemeaningandscopeofthefiftCommandement.Thedutiesofequalls.WhatareSuperiors.WhoareInferiours.257Whatitistohonour.DutiesofSuperiours.ThediverssortsofSuperiours.258

[Page]

ThedutiesofagedPersons.Dutiesoftheyongeruntothem.Superioursinknowledge.Superioursinauthority.Dutiesofinferiourstothosethatareinauthority.DutiesofSuperioursinauthority.259KindsofSuperioursinauthority.260Superioursinthefamily,andtheirduties.InferioursintheFamily,andtheirduties.Dutiesofhusbandsandwives.Dutiesofthehusband.Thedutiesofthewife.261DutiesofParents.SinnesofParents.262DutiesofChildrentowardstheirparents.DutiesofMasterstowardstheirServants.263DutiesofServantstowardstheirMasters.264PublickSuperiours,andtheirduties.ThesortsofpublickSuperiours.SuperioursintheChurch,andtheirduties.265ThePeoplesdutietotheirMinister.Superioursinthecommon-wealth.TheMagistratesdutieincivillaffaires.266ThedutiesofSubjectstowardstheirMagistrates.OfthehelpsandmeanesenablingustokeepthisfifthCommandement.267Hinderancestothesedutiesherecommanded.OfthereasonannexedtothefifthCommandement.

Ofthepromiseoflonglife,andhowperformed.268ThesixthCommandement.Thesummeandmeaningofit.Thenegativepart.Theaffirmativepart.Thedutiesrespectingourownepersons.269Dutiesrespectingoursoules.Thecontraryvicesforbidden.Dutiesrespectingourbodies.Thecontrarysinsforbidden.Dutiesrespectingthetimeofourdeparture.270Dutiesrespectingourneighbourwhileheliveth.InwarddutiesrespectingouraffectionsDutiesrespectingthepreservationofpeace.271Evillpassionsoppositetotheseduties.Outwarddutiesrespectingthesoulesofourneighbours.Thecontraryvicestotheformerduties.Dutiesrespectingthewholepersonofourneighbour.272Dutiesrequiredinwords.Theoppositevices.Theuse.273Dutiesrequiredinourdeeds.Thecontraryvicestotheformerduties.Howwedoeindirectlyendangerourneighbourslife.274Howweedoedirectlytakeawayourneighbourslife.

Chance-medley,andhowprovedtobeasinne.Ofmanslaughter.275OfDuels.Ofwilfullmurther.Reasonsperswadingtothedetestationofthissinne.Dutiestobeperformedtoourneighbourafterhisdeath.Dutiesrespectingbeasts.OfpunishmentsduetothebreakersofthisCommandement.276MeanesfurtheringusintheobedienceofthisCommandement.HinderancestotheobedienceofthisCommandement.TheseventhCommandement.277ThemeaningandscopeoftheseventhCommandement.Ofinwardimpurity,andthebranchesofit.Abuseofapparell.278Oftheabuseofmeatanddrink.Wantongestures.279Chastitieintheeyes,&c.Wantonspeeches.Chastityinthetongueandeares.Stage-playes.280BreachoftheseventhCommandementinrespectofaction.OfStewes,andtheunlawfulnesseofthem.281OfRape

[Page]

OfIncest.OfFornication.282OfAdultery.OfPolygamy.WhatisrequiredintheentranceintoMarriage.Thecontraryabuses.283WhatisrequiredintheholyuseofMarriage.Vnlawfullseparation.ThepunishmentsofthebreachofthisCommandement.284HelpsandmeansofkeepingthisCommandement.Hinderancesofobedience.285TheeighthCommandement.TheendoftheeighthCommandement.TheoccasionofthisCommandement.286OfTheft.ThepartsofthiseightCommandement.Generalldutiescommanded.287Oppositevices.Specialldutieshererequired.Argumentsdisswadingfromtheloveofmoneyandearthlythings.288Self-contentednesse.Motivesperswadingtoself-contentednesse.Lawfullmeasuringofourappetite.289Affectedpoverty.290Covetousnesse.Ambition.291

Carkingcare.Carelesnesse.Solicitousanddistractingcare.Whatrequiredtojustgetting.292LawfullCalling,andlabourinit.Extraordinarygetting.293VVhatisoppositetoalawfullCalling.Vnjustgettingoutofcontract.Theft.294DomesticallTheft.Theftcommittedoutofthefamily.Sacriledge.Theftofpersons.295Rapine.Oppression.Accessariestotheft.Acquisitionbylawfullcontract.296Acquisitionbyliberallaltenation.Acquisitionbyilliberallalienation.Merchandise.297Ofselling.Vicesandcorruptionsinselling.Ofbuying,&whatisrequiredtoit.298Ofpawning,andwhatisrequireduntoit.299Oflocationandletting.300Ofconductionandhiring.Ofusury.OfcontractsbetweenMagistratesandpeople.301

OfcontractsbetweeneMinistersandpeople.OfWork-mastersandhirelings,andtheirdutiestooneanother.Ofthingsdepositedandcommittedtotrust.302ThedutiesofExecutors.Ofpersonscommittedtotrust.Ofjustpossessionofgoods,andwhatisrequireduntoit.303Ofrestitution,andwhatistoberequiredinit.Oftherightuseandfruitionofgoods.304Ofparsimonyandfrugality.Oftenacityandmiserlinesse.305Profusionandprodigality.Ofliberality.Oflending.Offreegiving.TheninthCommandement.306Thescopeorend.TheoccasionofthisCommandement.307Thechiefesinnehereforbidden.Thenegativepart.Theaffirmativepart.Thesumofthedutieshererequired.308Oftruth.Truthmustbeprofessed,andhow.Oppositetotruth.3091.Lying.Reasonstodisswadefromlying.

[Page]

ThreesortsofLyes.Vicesopposedtofreedomofspeech.310OppositestosimplicityofspeakingtruthMeanesofpreservingtruth.311Profitablespeech.Curtesieandaffability.312Seasonablesilence.Oppositestoprofitablespeech.1.Unprofitable,2.Hurtfullspeech.3.Rottenspeech.Fameandgoodname.313Ofpubliketestimonies.314Ofrashjudgement.315Ofperversejudgment.Thedutiesoftheplaintiffe,andthevicesopposedhereunto.Thevicesofthedefendant.316ThedutiesofLawyers,andtheoppositevices.Thedutyofwitnesses.317FalsetestimonyinthepublikeministryoftheWord.Flattery.318Evillspeaking.Whispering.Obtrectation.Conservingourownegoodname.319Themeansofgettingagoodname.320Atruetestimonyofourselves.321

Theoppositestotheprofessionoftruthconcerningourselves.Arrogancyandboasting.Confessionofsinne.322ThetenthCommandement.TheendofthisCommandement.323TheoccassionofthisCommandement.Twosortsofconcupiscence.Lawfullconcupiscence.324Unlawfullconcupiscence,andthekindesthereof.Thegrowthofsinne.ThepartsofthisCommandement.325Andfirst,thenegativepart.Originallconcupiscence.Thatoriginallconcupiscenceissin.Actuallconcupiscence.326Evillthoughts.EvillthoughtsinjectedbySatan.327Evillthoughtsarisingfromnaturallcorruption.Thespeciallkindsofconcupiscencehereforbidden.328Whatismeantbyourneighborshouse.Neighbourswife.329Neighboursservant.HisOxeandAsse.Theaffirmativepart.Themeanesinablingustoobeythiscommandement.330TheimpossibilityofkeepingthisCommandement.

Hithertooftheruleofoursanctification,theMorall.331Theeffectorexerciseofsanctification,inrepentanceandnewobedience.Repentancewhatitis.Whenrepentanceistobeexercised.332Ofthespirituallwarfare.333Ofourspirituallarmour.334OfourfirstenemySatan.3352.Enemytheworld.3.Enemyourflesh.336Newobedience.337Ofgoodworksingenerall,andofthepropertiesofthem.338Thatthereisnomeritingoodworks.Whereinourgoodworksfaile.339WhyGodrewardethourworks.340Theendsofgoodworks.Ofspeciallgoodworksrequired.341Ofprayerwhatitis.342Thenecessityofprayer.Amorefulldescriptionofprayer.Whatisrequiredthatprayermaybeholy.343ThatwemustpraytoGodalone.344ThatwemustprayonelyinthemediationofChrist.Forwhomwemustpray.ThepartsofPrayer.346OfPetition.

Themeanesofobtainingthegiftofprayer.348MotivestoPrayer.Hinderancesofprayer.349Thesubjectofourrequests.Prayerforothers.350Ofthanksgiving.Inwhatthanksgivingconsisteth.351Whythanksgivingisrequired.Thepropertiesofpraise.Themeanesofthanksgiving.Motivestothanksgiving.Signesofthankfulnesse.352OftheLordsprayer.Ofthepreface.353OurFather.354Whichartinheaven.355ThepartsoftheLordsprayer.356SixepetitionsintheLordsprayer.ThefirstPetition.357WhatismeantbyName.Whatismeantbyhallowed.358WhatweaskeinthefirstPetition.Whatgraceswehereprayfor.359Whatthingswehereprayagainst.ThesecondPetition.360WhatismeantbyKingdome.WhatismeantbyComming.Theparticularshereprayedfor,1.respectingthe

[Page]

kingdomeofgrace.3622.Respectingthekingdomeofglory.363ThethirdPetition.ThesummeofthisPetition.WhatmeantbythewordThy.Whatwillisheretobeunderstood.364VVhatweaskeinthisPetitionconcerningGodsrevealedwill.WhatmeantbythiswordDoing.365VVhatmeantbyEarthandHeaven.TheorderofthethreelastPetitions.ThethreelastPetitions.366ThefourthPetition.367WhatmeantbyBread.WhatmeantbyGive.Giveus.Thisday.368Ourdaily.VVhatwebeggeinthisPetition.ThefifthPetition.370VVhatismeantbyDebts.WhatweaskeinthisPetition.372ThereasonofthisPetition.ThesixtPetition.374ThesummeofthesixtPetition.Ofthetemptations,andthecauseswhywemustprayagainstthem.375HowGodmaybesaidtotemptus.376

WhatismeantbyDeliverusfromevill.377VVhatismeantbyEvill.VVhatthingsweprayforinthispetition.378ConclusionoftheLordsPrayer.VVhatismeantbyKingdome.379VVhatismeantbyPower.VVhatismeantbyGlory.VVhatmeantbyThine.380VVhatbyForever.VVhatismeantbyAmen.VVhetheritbelawfulltouseanyotherformeofPrayer.381VVhatpulikePrayeris.VVhatprivatePrayeris.VVhatordinaryprayeris.382WhatextraordinaryPrayeris.CircumstancesofPrayer.GestureinPrayer.OftheplaceofPrayer.OfthetimeofPrayer.383OfFasting.WhatanholyFastis.OfthetimeofFasting.384OfthekindsofFasting.385OfapublickFast.OfaprivateFast.Whoaretofast.386OfthepartsofaChristianFast.

OfaholyFeast.388OfthetimeofFeasting.389InwhatanholyFeastconsisteth.OfVowes.390Whoaretovow.Whatistobevowed.391Thedutyofthosethathavevowed.OfAlmes.392WhoaretogiveAlmes.WhereofwemustgiveAlmes.Howmuchmustbegiven.393TowhomAlmesmustbegiven.WhatordermustbeobservedingivingWithwhataffectionAlmesmustbegiven.ThefruitsofAlmes-deeds.394OfVocation.Externall.Internall.MeanesofVocation.395Inward.Outward.Inward,theSpiritofGod.OftheChurchvisible.396TheinfalliblemarkesofatruevisibleChurch.VVhethertheChurchmayerre.397InwhatcaseswemayseparatefromacorruptChurch.398OftheenemiesoftheChurch.

[Page]

OftheGovernoursoftheChurch.399ThingspropertothevisibleChurch.TheWord.Sacraments.Censures.OftheWord.Whatthingsarecommonbetweengodlyandwickedhearers.401Thingspropertogodlyhearers.HowjustifyingFaithdifferethfromthefaithofworldlings.402OftheSacraments.403TheSacramentsofgreatuse.VVhataSacramentis.TheuseofSacraments.406TheendswhySacramentsareinstitutedThepersonsthatareactorsintheSacraments,andtheiractions.407OfpreparationtotheSacraments.408Dutiesintheactionofreceiving.Dutiesafterreceiving.OftheoldTestament,andtheSacramentsofit.409ThenewadministrationoftheGospel.410TheSacramentsofthenewTestament.OfBaptisme,whatitis.411WhetherdivingordippingbeessentialltoBaptisme.413SprinklinginBaptismewarrantable.

Theinwardpart,orthingsignifiedinBaptisme.Thesimilitudebetweenethesigneandthingsignified.ThebenefitofBaptismetoacommonChristian.415TowhomBaptismeiseffectuall.HowinfantsmaybecapableofthegraceoftheSacrament.416WhatbenefitelectinfantshavebyBaptismeforthepresent.417ThelawfulnesseofinfantsBaptism.418Baptismenotofabsolutenecessitytosalvation.419Baptismtobehighlyaccountedof.420Thatmanyhaveaslightesteemofthisordinance.Whatthemeanesaretoreformethisslightesteem.421OftheLordsSupper.422Whatitis.ThedifferencesbetweenBaptismeandtheLordsSupper.423WhyitiscalledtheLordsSupper.OfthematteroftheLordsSupper.424ThatthebreadandwinearenotchangedintothebodyandbloodofChristOftheformeofthisSacramentoftheLordsSupper.426ThesacramentallactionsoftheMinister.Oftheconsecrationofthebreadandwine.Thesacramentallactionsofthereceivers.427TheendsandusesoftheLordsSupper.428

WhoaretoreceivetheLordsSupper.PreparationtotheLordsTable.DutiesintheactionofreceivingtobeperformedbytheCommunicant.Dutiestobeperformedaftertheaction.430OfthecensuresoftheChurch.431OfthedegreesofCensures.432OfthekindesofCensures.433Ofprivateadmonition.Thedegreesofprivateadmonition.1.Mostprivate.Howwemustreprove.4342.Theseconddegreeofprivateadmonition.Ofpublickadmonition.435OfSuspension.OfExcommunication.AnathemaMaranatha.OftheenemiesoftheChurch.437Ofthegenerallapostasie.OfAntichrist,andwhoheis.438WhatdifferencebetweenChristsmiraclesandthePopes.442TheseatofAntichrist.443Ofthelastjudgement.445Whytherighteousdye.Ofparticularjudgmentatthehoureofdeath.446Ofthegeneralljudgement.Ofthepreparationtothelastjudgement.Thesignesofthelastjudgement.

[Page]

Thesecondthinginthepreparation.447Thethirdthing.Thefourththing.448Thefiftthing.Theactofjudgment,&howperformed.Theexecutionofthelastjudgement.449ThestateoftheReprobateinhell.ThestateoftheElectinheaven.TheuseofthisDoctrineconcerningthelastjudgment.450

FINIS.

ERRATA.

PAge21.line9.forsaithreadtruth.p.31.l.33.fordistinctionreaddefinition.p.232.l.31▪read,youshallnomorecallformeinBaal.p.245.l.13.forprivategoodreadprivateprayer.p.254.l.2,forpreferringreadpreserving.p.255.l.15.forrevilereadreveale.p.262.l.21.fortowardsthemreadbeforethem.p.272.l.37.forownereadvery.p.277.l.43.forcommendedreadcommanded.p.289l.3.forgoe,readandtherefore.p.293.l.10.forretainedreadreceived.l.11.forretainereadreceive.p.301.l.5.read,thepublikeareeither.p.314.l.32.forthirstreadChrist.p.323.l.11.leaveout[other.]p.364.l.36.forproposethreadpurposeth.p.374.l.13.forhandsreadhearts.p.405.l.34.forofreadand.p.417.l.41.read,nowinthetime.p.420.l.10.read,ButwhereGoddenieth.p.421.l.17.leaveout

[but.]p.423.l.36.for,whichwehavealone,read,whichwehavenot.p.427.l.47.forgroaningreadgrowingp.435.l.45.forexaminationreadExcommunication.

[Page][Page][Page]

T Prov.30.3,

4.

Joh.3.13.

[Page][Page]

§

§

IMMANUEL,OR,THEMYSTERYOFTHEINCARNATIONOFTHESONOFGOD:UNFOLDEDByJAMESVSHERArchbishopofArmagh,JOHN1.14.

THEWORDWASMADEFLESH.

LONDON,PrintedbyM.F.forRICH.ROYSTON,andaretobeesoldathisshop,atthesignoftheAngelinIvy-Lane.MDCXLV.

THEMYSTERYOFTHEIncarnationoftheSONOFGOD.

HEholyProphetintheBookoftheProverbs,posethallsuchashavenotlearnedwisdome,norknowntheknowledgeoftheholy,withthisQuestion:Whohathascendedup

intoheaven,ordescended?whohathgatheredthewindinhisfists?whohathboundthewatersinagarment?whohathestablishedalltheendsoftheearth?Whatishisname,andwhatishisSONSname,ifthoucansttell?Tohelpusherein,theSONHimselfdidtellus,whenheewashereuponearth,thatNonehathascendeduptoheaven,butheethatdescendedfromheaven,eventheSonofmanwhichisin

Esa.9.6.

Exod.9.

16.

Joh.17.5.

Ibid.chap.

10.14.&

11.6.

heaven.Andthatweemightnotbeeignorantofhisname,theProphetIsaiahdidlongbeforeforetell,thatVntousaChildeisborn,anduntousaSonisgiven;whosenameshallbeecalledWonderfull,Counseller,TheMightyGod,TheEverlastingFather,ThePrinceofPeace.

Where,ifitbeedemanded,howthesethingscanstandtogether?thattheSonofmanspeakinguponearth,shouldyetatthesameinstantbeeinheaven?thattheFatherofEternityshouldbeebornintime?andthattheMightyGodshouldbecomeaChilde;whichistheweakeststateofManhimself?weemustcalltominde,thatthefirstletterofthisgreatName,isWONDERFULL.WhenheeappearedofoldtoManoah,hisnamewasWonderfull,andheedidwonderously,Judg.13.18,19.Butthat,andallthewondersthateverwere,mustgiveplacetothegreatmysteryofhisIncarnation,andinrespectthereofceasetobeewonderfull:forofthisworkthatmaybeeverifyed,whichisspokenofthosewonderfulljudgements,thatGodbroughtuponAegypt;whenheewouldshewhispower,andhavehisnamedeclaredthroughoutalltheearth.Beforethemwerenosuch;neitherafterthemshallbeethelike.

Neitherthecreationofallthingsoutofnothing,whichwasthebeginningoftheworksofGod(thosesixworkingdayesputtingasitwereanend,tothatlongSabbaththatneverhadbeginning;whereintheFather,Son,andholyGhostdidinfinitelyglorifiethemselvesandrejoyceinthefruition

Prov.8.30.[Page]

Dan.2.11.

Rom.9.5.

[...],Joh.

1.14.

Exod.40.

34,35.

Heb.9.9.

11.

oneofanother,withoutcommunicatingthenoticethereofuntoanycreature)northeResurrectionfromthedead,andtherestaurationofallthings,thelastworksthatshallgoebeforethateverlastingSabbath(whichshallhaveabe-ginning,butnevershallhaveend:)neitherthatfirst,Isay,northeselast,thoughmostadmirablepeecesofwork,maybeecomparedwiththis;whereintheLordwaspleasedtoshewthehighestpitch(ifanythingmaybeesaidtobeehighestinthatwhichisinfiniteandexemptfromallmeasureanddimensions)ofhisWisdome,Goodnesse,PowerandGlory.

TheHeathenChaldeans,toaquestionpropoundedbytheKingofBabel,makeanswer;thatitwasararethingwhichheerequired,andthatnoneothercouldshewit,excepttheGods,whosedwellingisnotwithflesh.Buttherarityofthislyethinthecontrarytothatwhichtheyimaginedtobeesoplain:thatheewhoisoverall,Godblessedforever,shouldtakeourfleshanddwell,orpitchhistabernaclewithus.ThatasthegloryofGodfilledtheTabernacle,(whichwasafigureofthehumanenatureofourLord)withsuchakindeoffulnesse,thatMoseshimselfwasnotabletoapproachuntoit;(thereincommingshort,asinallthings,oftheLordofthehouse)andfilledtheTempleofSolomon(atypelikewiseofthebodyofourPrinceofPeace)insuchsortthatthePriestscouldnotentertherein:soinhimallthefulnesseoftheGodheadshoulddwellbo-

2Chro.6.

18.

1Tim.3.

16.

Esa.7.11,

14.

Gal.4.4.

Joh.1.3.

Col.1.16.

Act.1.21.

Heb.3.3.

6.

Joh.2.19,

21.

2Chro.7.

1,2

Coloss.2.

9.

dily.

Andtherefore,ifofthatTemple,builtwithhands,Solomoncouldsaywithadmiration:ButwillGodinverydeeddwellwithmenontheearth?Behold,heavenandtheheavenofheavenscannotcontainthee;howmuchlessethishouse,whichIhavebuilt?ofthetrueTemple,thatisnotofthisbuilding,weemaywithgreaterwondermentsaywiththeApostle,Withoutcontroversie,greatisthemysteryofReligion:Godwasmanifestedintheflesh.Yea,wasmadeofaWoman,andbornofaVirgin:athingsowonderfull,thatitwasgivenforasigneuntounbeleeverssevenhundredandfortyyeersbeforeitwasaccomplished;evenasigneofGodsownchoosing,amongallthewondersinthedepth,orintheheighthabove.ThereforetheLordhimselfshallgiveyouasigne.Behold,aVirginshallconceiveandbearaSon,andshallcallhisnameImmanuel,Esa.7.14.

Anotablewonderindeed,andgreatbeyondallcomparison.ThattheSonofGodshouldbeemadeofaWoman;evenmadeofthatWoman,whichvvasmadeofbyhimself.Thatherwombthen,andtheheavensnow,shouldcontainhim,vvhomtheHeavenofHeavenscannotcontain.ThatheewhohadbothFatherandMother,whosepedegreeisuponrecordevenupuntoAdam,

1King.8.

27.

Heb.7.3.

withEsa.

53.8.&

Mica.5.2.

Joh.14.

28.

Joh.5.18.

Phil.2.6.

[Page]

Col.2.9.

Joh.8.58.

Matth.22.

42,43,&c.

whointhefulnesseoftimevvasbroughtforthinBethlehem,andwhenheehadfinishedhiscoursewascutoffoutofthelandofthelivingatJerusalem;shouldyetnotwithstandingbeeintruth,thatwhichhisshadowMelchisedecwasonelyintheconceiteofthemenofhistime,withoutFather,withoutMother,withoutpedegree,havingneitherbeginningofdayesnorendoflife.ThathisFathershouldbeegreaterthenhee;andyetheehisFathersequall.Thatheeis,beforeAbrahamwas;andyetAbrahamsbirthprecededhis,wel-nighthespaceoftwothou-sandyeers.Andfinally,thatheewhowasDavidsSon,shouldyetbeeDavidsLord:acasewhichplungedthegreatestRabbiesamongthePharisees;whohadnotyetlearnedthiswisdome,norknownthisknowledgeoftheholy.

TheuntyingofthisknotdependethupontherightunderstandingofthewonderfullconjunctionofthedivineandhumaneNatureintheunityofthePersonofourRedeemer.Forbyreasonofthestrictnesseofthispersonallunion,whatsoevermaybeeverifyedofeitherofthoseNatures,thesamemaybeetruelyspokenofthewholePerson,fromwhethersoeveroftheNaturesitbeedenominated.Fortheclearerconceivingwhereof,weemaycalltomindethatwhichtheApostlehathtaughtustouchingourSaviour.InhimdwellethallthefulnesseoftheGodheadbodily,thatistosay,bysuchapersonallandreall

union,asdothinseparablyandeverlastinglyconjoynthatinfiniteGodheadwithhisfiniteManhoodintheunityoftheself-sameindividuallPerson.

Heeinwhomthatfulnessedwelleth,isthePERSON:thatfulnessewhichsodothdwellinhim,istheNATVRE.NowtheredwellethinhimnotonelythefulnesseoftheGodhead,butthefulnesseoftheManhoodalso.ForweebeleevehimtobeebothperfectGod,begottenofthesubstanceofhisFatherbeforeallworlds;andperfectMan,madeofthesubstanceofhisMotherinthefulnesseoftime.Andthereforeweemusthold,thattherearetwodistinctNaturesinhim:andtwosodistinct,thattheydoenotmakeonecompoundednature;butstillremainuncompoundedandunconfoundedtogether.ButHeeinwhomthefulnesseoftheManhooddwellethisnotone,andheeinwhomthefulnesseoftheGodhead,another:butheeinwhomthefulnesseofboththosenaturesdwelleth,isoneandthesameImmanuel,andconsequentlyitmustbeebeleevedasfirmly,thatheeisbutonePerson.

Andhereweemustconsider,thatthedivineNaturedidnotassumeanhumanePerson,butthedivinePersondidassumeanhumaneNature:andthatofthethreedivinePersons,itwasneitherthefirstnorthethirdthatdidassumethisNature;butitwasthemiddlePerson,whowastobeethemiddleone,thatmustundertakethismediationbetwixtGodandus,whichwasotherwisealsomostrequisite,aswellforthebetterpreservationoftheintegrityoftheblessedTrinityintheGodhead,asforthehigheradvancementofMankindebymeansofthatrelationwhich

[Page]

Gal.4.4,

5,7.

Joh.1.14.

&3.16.

Joh.1.12.

Propter

quodunum

quod(que)

esttale,

thesecondPersontheMediatordidbeareuntohisFather.ForifthefulnesseoftheGodheadshouldhavethusdweltinanyhumaneperson,thereshouldthenafourthPersonnecessarilyhavebeenaddeduntotheGodhead:andifanyofthethreePersons,besidethesecond,hadbeenbornofawoman;thereshouldhavebeentwoSonsintheTrinity.WhereasnowtheSonofGodandtheSonoftheblessedVirgin,beingbutonePerson,isconsequentlybutoneSon;andsonoalterationatallmadeintherelationsofthePersonsoftheTrinity.

Againe,inrespectofus,theApostlesheweth,thatforthisveryendGodsenthisownSONmadeofaWoman;thatWEmightreceivetheadoptionofSONS:andthereuponmakeththisinference;WhereforethouartnomoreaservantbutaSON,andifaSON,thenanHEIREofGodthroughChrist:intimatingthereby,thatwhatrelationChristhathuntoGodbyNature,weebeingfoundinhimhavethesamebyGrace.BynatureheeistheonelybegottenSonoftheFather:butthisisthehighgraceheehathpurchasedforus;thatasmanyasreceivedhim,tothemheegavepower,orpriviledge,tobecometheSonsofGod,eventothemthatbeleeveonhisName.Foralthoughheereservetohimselfethepreheminence,whichisdueuntohiminapeculiarmanner,ofbeingthefirstbornamongmanybrethren:yetinhim,andforhim,therestlikewisebythegraceofadoptionareallofthemaccountedasfirst-bornes.

Exod.4.

22,23

Heb.12.

23.

Rom.8.17.

1Joh.5.5.

Joh.1.14.

Gal.4.4.

Luk.1.42.

[...].Ja.5.

17.

illudipsum

estmagis

tale.

Rom.8.29.

SoGodbiddethMosestosayuntoPharaoh:IsraelismySon,evenmyfirstborn.AndIsayuntothee;Letmysongoe,thatheemayservemee:andifthourefusetolethimgoe;behold,Iwillslaythyson,eventhyfirstborn.AndthewholeIsraelofGod,consistingofJewandGentile,isinthesamesortdescribedbytheApostletobeethegenerallassemblyandChurchofthefirstborninrolledinheaven.ForthesamereasonthatmakeththemtobeeSons,towit,theirincorporationintoChrist,theself-samealsomakeththemtobefirst-bornes:soas(howeveritfalloutbythegroundsofourCommonLaw)bytheruleoftheGospelthisconsequencewillstillholdtrue;ifchildren,thenheirs,heirsofGodandjoynt-heireswithChrist.AndsomuchfortheSON,thePersonassuming.

TheNatureassumed,istheseedofAbraham,Heb.2.16.theseedofDavid,Rom.1.3.theseedoftheWoman,Gen.3.15.theWORD,thesecondpersonoftheTrinity,beingmadeFLESH,thatistosay,GodsownSonbeingmadeofaWoman,andsobecommingtruelyandreallythefruiteofherwombe.Neitherdidheetakethesubstanceofournatureonely,butallthepropertiesalsoandthequalitiesthereof:soasitmightbeesaidofhim,asitwasofEliasandtheApostles;thatheewasamansubjecttolikepassionsasweeare.Yeaheesubjectedhimselfinthedayesofhisfleshtothesameweaknessewhichwefind

[...].Act.

14.15.

Heb.5.7.

2Cor.13.

4.Heb.2.

17,18.&

4.15.

Heb.7.3.

[Page]

Jer.31.22.

Rom.5.12.

inourownfrailenature,andwascompassedwithlikeinfirmities;andinaword,inallthingswasmadelikeuntohisbrethren,sinonelyexcepted.Whereinyetweemustconsider,thatasheetookuponhim,notanhumanePerson,butanhumaneNature:soitwasnotrequisiteheeshouldtakeuponhimanyPersonallinfirmities,suchasare,madnesse,blindenesse,lamenesse,andparticularkindesofdiseases,whichareincidenttosomeonelyandnottoallmeningenerall;butthosealonewhichdoeaccompanythewholeNatureofmankinde,suchasarehungring,thirsting,wearinesse,griefe,paine,andmortality.

WeearefurtherherealsotoobserveinthisourMelchisedec,thatashehadnoMotherinregardofoneofhisnatures,sohewastohavenoFatherinregardoftheother;butmustbeebornofapureandimmaculateVirgin,withoutthehelpofanyman:accordingtothatwhichiswriten.TheLordhathcreatedanewthingintheearth:Awomanshallcompasseaman.Andthisalsowasmostrequisite,asforotherrespects,sofortheexemptionoftheassumednaturefromtheimputationandpollutionofAdamssin.Forsinhavingbythatonemanentredintotheworld;everyFatherbecommethanAdamuntohischilde,andconveyeththecorruptionofhisnatureuntoallthosewhomheedothbeget.ThereforeourSaviourassumingthesubstanceofournature,butnotbytheordinarywayof

Luk.1.35.

Gal.4.6.

Rom.8.9.

Luk.1.35.

Luk.1.38.

48.

naturallgeneration,istherebyfreedfromallthetouchandtaintofthecorruptionofourflesh;whichbythatmeansonelyispropagatedfromthefirstmanuntohisposterity.Whereupon,heebeingmadeofmanbutnotbyman,andsobecommingtheimmediatefruitofthewomb,andnotoftheloyns,mustofnecessitybeeacknowledgedtobethatHOLYTHING,whichsowasbornofsoblessedaMother.Whoalthoughsheewerebutthepassiveandmateriallprincipleofwhichthatpreciousfleshwasmade,andtheholyGhosttheagentandefficient;yetcannotthemanChristJesustherebybeemadetheSonofhisownSpirit.BecauseFathersdoebegettheirchildrenoutoftheirownsubstance:theholyGhostdidnotso,butframedthefleshofhim,fromwhomhimselfproceeded,outofthecreatureofthemboth,thehandmaidofourLord;whomfromthenceallgenerationsshallcallblessed.

ThatblessedwombofherswastheBride-chamber,whereintheholyGhostdidknitthatindissolubleknotbetwixtourhumanenatureandhisDeity:theSonofGodassumingintotheunityofhispersonthatwhichbeforehewasnot;andyetwithoutchange(forsomustGodstillbee)remainingthatwhichheewas,wherebyitcametopasse,thatthisholythingwhichwasbornofher,wasindeedandintruthtobeecalledtheSONofGOD.Whichwonderfullconnexionoftwosoinfinitelydifferingnaturesintheunityofoneperson,howitwasthereeffected;isaninquisitionfitterforanAngelicallintelligence,thenforourshallowcapacityto

Exod.37.

9.

Luk.1.34.

Ibid.ver.

35.

Ibid.ver.

37.

1Sam.6.

19.

[Page]

[...].

[...],1Pet.

1.12.

lookafter:towhichpurposealsoweemayobserve,thatinthefabrickoftheArkoftheCovenant,thepostureofthefacesoftheCherubimstowardtheMercy-seat(thetypeofourSaviour)wassuch,aswouldpointuntous,thatthesearethethingswhichtheAngelsdesiretostoopeandlookinto.

Andthereforeletthatsatisfaction,whichtheAngelgaveuntotheMotherVirgin(whomitdidmorespeciallyconcerntomovethequestion,Howmaythisbee?)contentus,ThepoweroftheHighestshallovershadowthee.Forastheformerpartofthatspeechmayinformeus,thatwithGodnothingisimpossible:sothelattermayputusinminde,thatthesameGodhavingovershadowedthismysterywithhisownvaile,weeshouldnotpresumewiththemenofBethshemeshtolookintothisArkofhis;lestforourcuriosityweebeesmitten,astheywere.Onelythisweemaysafelysay,andmustfirmelyhold:thatasthedistinctionofthePersonsintheholyTrinity,hindrethnottheunityoftheNatureoftheGodhead,althougheveryPersonintirelyholdethhisowneincommunicableproperty;soneitherdoththedistinctionofthetwoNaturesinourMediatouranywaycrossetheunityofhisPerson,althougheachnatureremainethintireinitself,andretaineththepropertiesagreeingthereunto,withoutanyconversion,composition,commix-tion,orconfusion.

Exod.3.2,

3.5,6.Act.

7.31,32.

Heb.12.

29.

Esa.33.

14.

Numb.12.

6,7,8.

Exo.33.

11.

Exod.33.

18.20.

Esa.41.8.

2Chron.

20.7.Jam.

2.23.

Rom.4.11.

16.Gal.3.

WhenMosesbeheldthebushburningwithfire,andyetnowhitconsumed,hewondredatthesight,andsaid;Iwillnowturnaside,andseethisgreatsight,whythebushisnotburnt.ButwhenGodthereuponcalleduntohimoutofthemidstofthebush,andsaid,Drawnotnighhither,andtoldhimwhohewas;Mosestrembled,hidhisface,anddurstnotbeholdGod.Yet,althoughbeingthuswarned,wedarenotdrawsonigh;whatdothhinderbutwemaystandaloofoff,andwonderatthisgreatsight?OurGodisaconsumingfire;saiththeApostle:andaquestionweefindepropoundedintheProphet.Whoamongusshalldwellwiththedevouringfire?whoamongstusshalldwellwiththeeverlastingburnings?MoseswasnotlikeotherProphets,butGodspakeuntohimfacetoface,asamanspeakethuntohisfriend:andyetforallthat,whenheebesoughttheLordthathewouldshewhimhisglory;heereceivedthisanswer,Thoucanstnotseemyface:forthereshallnomanseeme,andlive.Abrahambeforehim,thoughaspecialfriendofGod,andthefatherofthefaithfull,thechildrenofGod;yethelditagreatmatterthatheshouldtakeuponhimsomuchastospeakuntoGod,beingbutdustandashes.Yea,theveryAngelsthemselves(whicharegreaterinpowerandmight)arefaintocovertheirfaces,whentheystandbeforehim;asnotbeingabletobeholdthebrightnesseofhisglory.

Levit.26.

11,12.

Ezek.37.

26,27.

Revel.21.

3.

Heb.3.6.

Eph.2.22.

2Cor.6.

16.

Joh.17.

20,21,22,

23.

7.

Gen.18.

27.

2Pet.2.

11.

Esa.6.2.

WithwhatastonishmentthenmayweebeholdourdustandashesassumedintotheundividedunityofGodsownPerson;andadmittedtodwellhere,asaninmate,underthesameroofe;andyetinthemidstofthoseeverlastingburnings,thebushtoremainunconsumed,andtocontinuefreshandgreenforevermore?Yea,howshouldnotweewithAbrahamrejoycetoseethisday,whereinnotonelyournatureinthePersonofourLordJesusisfoundtodwellforeverinthoseeverlastingburnings;but,inandbyhim,ourownpersonsalsoarebroughtsonighthereunto,thatGoddothsethisSanctuaryandTabernacleamongus,anddwellwithus;and(whichismuchmore)makethusourselvestobethehouseandthehabitation,whereinheispleasedtodwellbyhisSpirit,accordingtothatoftheApostle,YeearetheTempleofthelivingGod,asGodhathsaid;Iwilldwellinthemandwalkinthem,andIwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople.Andthatmostadmirableprayer,whichourSaviourhimselfmadeuntohisFatherinourbehalf.Ipraynotforthesealone,butforthemalsowhichshallbeleeveonmethroughtheirword:thattheyallmaybeone,asthouFatherartinme,andIinthee,thattheyalsomaybeoneinus;thattheworldmaybeleevethatthouhastsentme.Iinthem,andthouinmee,thattheymaybemadeperfectinone;andthattheworldmayknowthatthouhastsentme,andhastlovedthemasthouhast

[Page]

Mat.1.21.

23.See

Anselms

CurDeus

homo.

1Tim.2.5.

Heb.2.14.

Sicpax

facta,

foedusque

lovedme.

TocompassethisconjunctionbetwixtGodandus,hethatwastobeourJESUSorSaviour,mustofnecessityalsobeIMMANUEL;whichbeinginterpretedis,Godwithus:andthereforeinhisPersontobeImmanuel,thatis,Goddwellingwithourflesh;becausehewasbyhisOfficetotobeImmanuel,thatis,hewhomustmakeGodtobeatonewithus.Forthisbeinghisproperoffice,tobeMediatourbetweenGodandmen,hemustpartakewithboth:andbeingbeforealleternityconsubstantiallwithhisFather,hemustattheappointedtimebecomelikewiseconsubstantiallwithhischildren.Forasmuchthenasthechildrenarepartakersoffleshandbloud;healsohimselflikewisetookpartofthesame,saiththeApostle.WereadintheRomanehistory,thattheSabinesandtheRomanesjoyningbattelltogether,uponsuchanoccasionasismentionedinthelastchapterofthebookofJudges,ofthechildrenofBenjamin,catchingeverymanawifeofthedaughtersofShiloh:thewomenbeingdaughterstotheoneside,andwivestotheother,interposedthemselvesandtookupthequarrell:sothatbythemediationofthese,whohadapeculiarinterestineitherside,andbywhosemeansthisnewalliancewascontractedbetwixtthetwoadverseparties;theywhobeforestooduponhighesttearmsofhostility,didnotonelyentertainpeace,butalsojoynedthemselvestogetherintoonebody,andonestate.

Rom.5.10.

Eph.2.14.

16.

percussu ̄:secuta

(que)res

miradictu,

utrelictis

sedibus

suisnovam

inVrbem

hostes

demigrarent,

&cum

generissuis

avitasopes

prodote

sociarent.

L.Flor.

histor.

Rom.li.1.

ca.1.

John20.

17.

Heb.2.11.

Godandwewereenemies;beforeweewerereconciledtohimbyhisSon.Heethatistobeourpeace,andtoreconcileusuntoGod,andtoslaythisenmity,musthaveaninterestinboththepartiesthatareatvariance,andhavesuchareferenceuntoeitherofthem,thathemaybeeabletosendthiscomfortablemessageuntothesonsofmen:Goetomybrethren,andsayuntothem:IascenduntomyFather,andyourFather;andtomyGod,andyourGod.For,aslongasheeisnotashamedtocallusbrethren;GodisnotashamedtobeecalledourGod.Andhisentringofourapparance,inhisownnameandours,afterthismanner;Behold,I,andthechildrenwhichGodhathgivenmee;isamotivestrongenoughtoappeasehisFather,andtoturnhisfavourablecountenancetowardus:asontheotherside,whenweebecomeunrulyandproverebelliouschildren;noreproofecanbeemoreforcible,norinducementsoprevalent(ifthereremaineanysparkeofgraceinus)tomakeuscastdowneourweaponsandyeeld,thenthis.DoeyethusrequitetheLord,Ofoolishpeopleandunwise?IsnotheethyFatherthathathboughtthee?andboughtthee,notwithcorruptiblethings,assilverandgold,butwiththepreciousbloudofhisownSon?

HowdangerousamatteritistobeatodswithGod,oldElishewethbythismainargument.Ifonemansinagainstanother,theJudgeshalljudgehim▪

1Sam.2.

25.

Job9.32,

33.

Rev.5.3,

4.

[Page]

Rev.5.5.

1Tim.2.5,

6.

Heb.11.

16.

Heb.2.13.

Deut.32.

6.

1Pet.1.

17,18,19.

1Joh.2.1,

2.

butifamansinneagainsttheLord,whoshallpleadorintreatforhim?andJob,beforehim.HeisnotamanasIam,thatIshouldanswerhim,andweshouldcometogetherinjudgment:neitheristhereanyDays-manorVmpirebetwixtus,thatmightlayhishanduponusboth.Ifthisgenerallshouldadmitnomannerofexception,thenwereweinawofullcase,andhadcausetoweepmuchmorethenS.JohndidintheRevelation;whennonewasfoundinheaven,norinearth,norundertheearth,thatwasabletoopenthebookwhichhesawintherighthandofhimthatsateupontheThrone,neithertolookethereon.ButasS.Johnwaswishedthere,torefrainhisweeping;becausetheLyonofthetribeofJuda,therootofDavid,hadprevailedtoopenthebook,andtoloosethesevensealsthereof:sohehimselfelsewheregiveththelikecomfortuntoallofusinthisparticular.Ifanysin,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous:andheisapropitiationforoursins;andnotforoursonely,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.

ForasthereisoneGod,soisthereoneMediatourbetweeneGodandmen,themanChristJesus:whogavehimselfaransomeforall;andindischargeofthishisofficeofmediation,astheonelyfitumpiretotakeupthiscontroversie,wastolayhishandaswelluponGodthe

Heb.5.1.

&2.17.

Rom.9.15,

16.

Heb.9.24.

Rom.8.34.

Heb.7.25.

Heb.2.17.

Rom.3.26.

partysohighlyoffended,asuponManthepartysobaselyoffending.InthingsconcerningGod,thePriesthoodofourMediatourisexercised:ForeveryhighPriestistakenfromamongmen,andordainedformeninthingspertainingtoGod.ThepartsofhisPriestlyfunctionaretwo;SatisfactionandIntercession:theformerwherofgivethcontentmenttoGodsjustice;thelattersolicitethhismercy,fortheap-plicationofthisbenefittothechildrenofGodinparticular.Wherebyitcommethtopasse,thatGodinshewingmercyuponwhomhewillshewmercy,isyetforhisjusticenoloser:beingbothjust,andthejustifierofhimwhichbeleevethinJesus.

ByvertueofhisIntercession,ourMediatourappearethinthepresenceofGodforus,andmakethrequestforus.Tothispurpose,theApostlenotethintheIIIIth.totheHebrewes,I.ThatwehaveagreathighPriest,thatispassedintotheheavens,JesustheSonofGod.(vers.14.)II.ThatwehavenotanhighPriestwhichcannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,butwasinallthingstemptedasweare;yetwithoutsin.(vers.15.)Betwixtthehavingofsuch,andthenothavingofsuchanIntercessor,betwixttheheighthofhiminregardoftheone,andthelowlinesseinregardofhisothernature,stan-deththecomfortofthepoorsinner.Hemustbesuchasutorastakethourcasetoheart:andthereforeinallthingsitbehovedhimtobemadelikeuntohisbrethren,thathemightbeamercifulland

Joh.11.

42.

Mat.3.17.

Heb.4.16.

[Page]

[...].Rom.

3.25.1

Joh.2.2.&

4.10.

[...].Matth.

20.28.

Zach.13.

7.

Phil.2.6.

faithfullhighPriest.Inwhichrespectasitwasneedfullheshouldpartakewithourfleshandbloud,thathemightbetenderlyaffecteduntohisbrethren:solikewisefortheobtainingofsogreatasute,itbehovedheshouldbeemostdeartoGodtheFather,andhavesogreataninterestinhim,ashemightalwaysbesuretobeheardinhisrequests:whothereforecouldbenoother,butheofwhomtheFathertestifiedfromheaven;ThisismybelovedSoninwhomIamwellpleased.ItwasfitourIntercessorshouldbeMan,likeuntoourselves;thatwemightboldlycometohim,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed:ItwasfitheshouldbeGod,thathemightboldlygoetotheFather,withoutanywaydisparaginghim;asbeinghisfellow,andequall.

ButsuchwasGodslovetojustice,andhatredtosinne;thathewouldnothavehisjusticeswallowedupwithmercie,norsinnepardonedwithoutthemakingoffitreparation.AndthereforeourMediatourmustnotlooktoprocureforusasimplepardonwithoutmoreadoe;butmustbeapropitiationforoursinnes,andredeemusbyfineandransome:andsonotonelybethemasterofourrequests,tointreattheLordforus;butalsotakeuponhimthepartofanAdvocate,topleadfullsatisfactionmadebyhimself,asoursurety,untoallthedebtwherewithweanywaystoodchargeable.Nowthesatisfactionwhichoursuretyboundhimself

[...].1Tim.

2.6.Job

33.24.

1Joh.2.1.

Heb.7.22.

Rom.5.19.

1Tim.5.

21.

Heb.9.14.

toperforminourbehalfe,wasofadoubledebt:theprincipall,andtheaccessorie.TheprincipalldebtisobediencetoGodsmostholyLaw:whichmanwasboundtopayasaperpetualltributetohisCreator,althoughhehadneversinned;but,beingnowbyhisowndefaultbecomebankrupt,isnotabletodischargeintheleastmeasure.Hissuretythereforebeingtosatisfieinhisstead,nonewillbeefoundfittoundertakesuchapayment,buthewhoisbothGodandMan.

Manitisfitheshouldbee,becauseManwasthepartythatbythearticlesofthefirstCovenantwastyedtothisobedience;anditwasrequisitethat,asbyonemansdisobediencemanyweremadesinners,sobytheobedienceofonemanlikewisemanyshouldbemaderighteous.Again,ifourMediatourwereonelyGod,hecouldhaveperformednoobedience(theGodheadbeingfreefromallmannerofsubjection:)andifhewereabareman,althoughhehadbeenasperfectasAdaminhisintegrity,ortheAngelsthemselves;yetbeingleftuntohimselfeamidstallthetemptationsofSatanandthiswickedworld,heshouldbesubjecttofall,astheywere:orifheshouldholdout,astheelectAngelsdid;thatmusthavebeenascribedtothegraceandfavourofanother:whereasthegivingofstrictsatisfactiontoGodsjusticewasthethingrequiredinthisbehalf.ButnowbeingGod,aswellasMan,hebyhisowneternallSpiritpreservedhimselfwithoutspot:presentinga

1Cor.9.7.

1Chronic.

29.14.16.

[...].

Luk.17.

10.

[Page]

Joh.14.

18.

farmoresatisfactoryobedienceuntoGod,thencouldhavepossiblybeenperformedbyAdaminhisintegrity.

For,besidetheinfinitedifferencethatwasbetwixtboththeirPersons,whichmakeththeactionsoftheonebeyondallcomparisontoexceedtheworthandvalueoftheother:weknowthatAdamwasnotabletomakehimselfeholy;butwhatholinessehehad,hereceivedfromhimwhocreatedhimaccordingtohisowneimage:sothatwhatsoeverobedienceAdamhadperformed,Godshouldhaveeatenbutofthefruitofthevineyardwhichhimselfehadplanted;andofhisownwouldallthathavebeen,whichcouldbegivenuntohim.ButChristdidhimselfsanctifiethathumanenaturewhichheassumed;accordingtohisownsaying,Joh.17.19.FortheirsakesIsanctifiemyself:andsooutofhisownpeculiarstoredidhebringforththoseprecioustreasuresofholyobedience,whichforthesatisfactionofourdebthewaspleasedtotenderuntohisFather.Againe,ifAdamhaddoneallthingswhichwerecommandedhim,heemustforallthathavesaid:Iamanunprofitableservant;Ihavedonethatwhichwasmydutytodoe:whereasinthevoluntaryobedience,whichChristsubjectedhimselfunto,thecasestoodfarotherwise.

Trueitis,thatifwerespecthiminhishumanenature,hisFatherisgreaterthenhe;andheishisFathersservant:yetinthathesaid,andmosttrulysaid,thatGodwashisFather,theJewsdid

Esa.53.

11.Mat.

12.18.

Joh.5.18.

Zach.13.

7.

Mat.17.

25,26.

Heb.1.6.

Heb.12.2.

Phil.2.

vers.4,5,

1Cor.15.

27.

rightlyinferfromthence,thathetherebymadehimselfequallwithGod;andtheLordofHostshimselfehathproclaimedhimtobeethemanthatishisfellow.Beingsuchamantherefore,andsohighlyborn;bythepriviledgeofhisbirth-right,heemighthaveclaimedanex-emptionfromtheordinaryservicewhereuntoallothermenaretyed:andbybeingtheKingsSon,havefreedhimselffromthepaymentofthattributewhichwastobeexactedatthehandsofStrangers.WhentheFatherbroughtthishisfirst-begottenintotheworld,hesaid;LetalltheAngelsofGodworshiphim:andattheveryinstantwhereintheSonadvancedournatureintothehighestpitchofdignitie,byadmittingitintotheunityofhissacredPerson,thatnaturesoassumedwasworthytobecrownedwithallgloryandhonour:andheinthatnaturemightthenhavesethimselfdownattherighthandofthethroneofGod;tyedtonoothersubjectionthennowheis,orhereaftershallbe;whenaftertheendofthisworldheshallhavedeliveredupthekingdometoGodtheFather.Forthenalso,inregardofhisassumednature,heshallbesubjectuntohimthatputallotherthingsunderhim.

ThustheSonofGod,ifhehadmindedonelyhisownthings,mightattheveryfirsthaveattaineduntothejoythatwassetbeforehim:butlookingonthethingsofothers,hechoserathertocomebyatediouswayandwearisomejourneyuntoit,not

7,8.

[...].Phil.

2.7.

Gal.4.4.

Rom.8.3.

Col.2.11.

13.

Gal.5.3.

Act.22.16.

challengingthepriviledgeofaSon,buttakinguponhimtheformofameanservant.Whereuponinthedayesofhisflesh,heedidnotserveasanhonourableCommanderintheLordshost,butasanordinarysoldier:hemadehimselfofnoreputation,forthetimeasitwereemptyinghimselfofhishighstateanddignity;heehumbledhimself,andbecameobedientuntillhisdeath;beingcontentallhislifelongtobemadeundertheLaw:yea,sofarre,thatashewassentinthelikenesseofsinfullflesh,sohedisdainednottosubjecthim-selfuntothatLaw,whichproperlydidconcernsinfullflesh.AndthereforehowsoeverCircumcisionwasbyrightappliableonelyuntosuchasweredeadintheirsins,andtheuncircumcisionoftheirflesh;yethe,inwhomtherewasnobodyofthesinsofthefleshtobeputoff,submittedhimselfnotwithstandingthereunto:notonelytotestifiehiscommunionwiththeFathersoftheoldTestament;butalsobythismeanstotenderuntohisFatherabond,signedwithhisownbloud,wherebyhemadehimselfinourbehalfadebtoruntothewholeLaw.ForItestifie(saiththeApostle)toeverymanthatiscircumcised,thatheisadebtortothewholeLaw.

InlikemannerBaptismeappertainedproperlyuntosuchasweredefiled,andhadneedtohavetheirsinswashedaway:andthereforewhenallthelandofJudeaandtheyofJerusalemwentoutuntoJohn,theywereallbaptizedofhimintheriverJordan,

Mat.3.6.

Mark1.5.

[Page]

Mat.3.15.

Luk.6.38.

confessingtheirsinnes.AmongtherestcameourSaviouralso:buttheBaptistconsideringthathehadneedtobebaptizedbyChrist,andChristnoneedatalltobebaptizedbyhim,refusedtogivewayuntothataction;asaltogetherunbefittingthestateofthatimmaculateLambeofGod,whowastotakeawaythesinneoftheWorld.YetdidourMediatoursubmithimselftothatordinanceofGodalso:notonelytotestifiehiscommunionwiththeChristiansofthenewTestaments;butespecially(whichisthereasonyeeldedbyhimselfe)becauseitbecamehimthustofulfillallrighteousnesse.Andsohavingfulfilledallrighteousnesse,whereuntothemeanestmanwastyed,inthedaysofhispilgrimage(whichwasmorethenheneededtohaveundergone,ifhehadrespectedonlyhimself:)theworkswhichheperformedweretrulyworkesofsupererogation,whichmightbeputupontheaccountofthemwhosedebtheeundertooktodischarge;andbeingperformedbythePersonoftheSonofGod,mustinthatrespectnotonelybeequivalent,butinfinitelyover-valuetheobedienceofAdamandallhisposterity,althoughtheyhadremainedintheirintegrity,andcontinueduntillthishoure,instantlyservingGoddayandnight.AndthusforourmainandprincipalldebtofObedience,hathourMediatourgivensatisfactionuntotheJusticeofhisFather;withgoodmeasure,presseddown,shakentogether,andrunningover.

Butbesidethis,wewerelyableuntoanotherdebt;whichweehaveincurredbyourdefault,anddrawneuponour

Luk.17.

10.Rom.8.

12.Gal.5.

3.

Matth.6.

12.

compared

withLuk.

11.4.

[...].Luk.

13.4.Mat.

13.16.

Luk.24.

26.

Heb.2.10.

[Page]

selvesbywayofforfeitureandnominepoenae.ForasObedienceisaduedebt,andGodsservantsinregardthereofaretrulydebters:solikewiseissinneadebt,andsinnersdebters,inregardofthepenaltydueforthedefault.Andasthepaymentofthedebtwhichcommethnominepoenae,dischargethnotthetenantafterwardsfrompayinghisyearlyrent;whichofitselfwouldhavebeendue,althoughnodefaulthadbeencommitted:sotheduepaymentoftheyearlyrent,afterthedefaulthathbeenmade,isnosufficientsatisfactionforthepenaltyalreadyincurred.Thereforeoursurety,whostandethchargeablewithallourdebts,ashemakethpaymentfortheonebyhisActive,somusthemakeamendsfortheotherbyhisPassiveobedience:hemustfirstsuffer,andthenenterintohisglory.Foritbecamehim,forwhomareallthings,andbywhomareallthings,inbringingmanysonsuntoglory,tomaketheCaptainoftheirsalvationperfect(thatis,aperfectaccomplisheroftheworkewhichhehadundertaken)throughsufferings.

TheGodheadisofthatinfiniteperfection,thatitcannotpossiblybesubjecttoanypassion.HethereforethathadnoothernaturebuttheGodhead,couldnotpaysuchadebtasthis;thedischargewhereofconsistedinsufferinganddying.Itwasalsofit,thatGodsjusticeshouldhavebeensatisfiedinthatnaturewhichhadtransgressed;andthatthesamenatureshouldsufferthepunishment,

Heb.2.14,

15.

Rom.8.12.

Phil.2.8.

Heb.10.5.

7.

Ib.ver.9,

10.

thathadcommittedtheoffence.Forasmuchthenasthechildrenwerepartakersoffleshandbloud,healsohimselflikewisetookpartofthesame:thatthroughdeathhemightdestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatis,theDevil;anddeliverthemwhothroughfearofdeathwerealltheirlifetimesubjecttobondage.SuchandsogreatwastheloveofGodtheFathertowardus,hesparednothisownSonne,butdeliveredhimupforusall:andsotranscendentwastheloveoftheSonofGodtowardthesonsofmen,thathedesirednottobespared;butratherthentheyshouldlieunderthepowerofdeath,wasofhimselfmostwillingtosufferdeathforthem:whichseeinginthatinfinitenature,whichbyeternallgenerationheereceivedfromhisFather,hecouldnotdoe,heresolvedintheap-pointedtimetotakeuntohimselfeaMother,andoutofhersubstancetohaveabodyframeduntohimself,whereinhemightbecomeobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecrosse,forourredemption.Andthereforewhenheecommethintotheworld,hesaithuntohisFather,Abodyhastthoufittedme;Lo,IcometodoethywillOGod.Bythewhichwill(saiththeApostle)weearesanctified,throughtheofferingofthebodyofJesusChristonceforall.

Thusweseeitwasnecessaryforthesatisfactionofthisdebt,thatourMediatourshouldbeMan:buthethathadnomoreinhimthenaMan,couldneverbeabletogoethroughwithsogreatawork.ForifthereshouldbefoundaManasrighteousasAdamwasathisfirstcreation,who

Rev.7.9.

Rev.5.9.

Esa.11.2.

Heb.10.

12.

Cant.8.6.

Esa.33.

14.

Heb.9.14.

Mark14.

33.Luk.

22.44.

Heb.5.7.

Mark14,

35.36.

wouldbecontenttosufferfortheoffenceofothers:hissufferingpossiblymightservefortheredemptionofonesoul;itcouldbenosufficientransomeforthoseinnumerablemultitudesthatweretobere-deemedtoGodoutofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation.NeithercouldanyManorAngelbeabletoholdout,ifapunishmentequivalenttotheendlessesufferingsofallthesinnersintheworldshouldatoncebeelaiduponhim.Yea,theverypowersofChristhimself,uponwhomthespiritofmightdidrest,weresoshakeninthissharpencounter;thathe,whowasthemostaccomplishtpatternofallfortitude,stoodsoreamazed,andwithstrongcryingandtearsprayedthat,ifitwerepossible,thehouremightpassefromhim.

Thismanthereforebeingtoofferonesacrificeforsinsforever;totheburningofthatsacrificehemustnotonelybringthecoalsofhisloveasstrongasdeath,andasardentasthefirewhichhathamostvehementflame,buthemustaddthereuntothoseeverlastingburningsalso,eventheflamesofhismostgloriousDeity:andthereforethroughtheeternallSpiritmustheofferhimselfwithoutspotuntoGod;thatherebyhemightobtainforusaneternallredemption.ThebloudwherebytheChurchispurchased,mustbeeGodsownbloud:andtothatendmusttheLordofglorybecrucified;thePrinceandauthoroflifebekilled;hewhose

Ib.ver.12.

Act.20.28.

1Cor.2.8.

Act.3.15.

Esa.53.8.[Page]

Zach.13.

7.with

Matth.26.

31.

2Sam.18.

3.

Matth.5.

26.

Mat.22.

43,44.

1Tim.6.

15.Rev.

19.16.

Rom.9.5.

eternallgenerationnomancandeclare,becutoffoutofthelandoftheliving;andthemanthatisGodsownfellowbethussmitten;accordingtothatvvhichGodhimselfeforetoldbyhisProphet.Awake,Osword,againstmyshepherd,andagainstthemanthatismyfellow,saiththeLordofhosts:smitetheshepherd,andthesheepshallbescattered.ThepeopleofIsrael,weread,didsovaluethelifeofDavidtheirKing,thattheycountedhimtobeworthtennethousandofthemselves:howshallwethenvalueofDavidsLord;whoistheblessedandonelyPotentate,theKingofkings,andLordoflords?Itwasindeedournaturethatsuffered;buthethatsufferedinthatnature,isoverall,Godblessedforever:andforsuchaPersontohavesufferedbutonehoure,wasmorethenifallotherpersonshadsufferedtenthousandmillionsofyears.

Butputcasealso,thatthelifeofanyothersingularmanmightbeequivalenttoallthelivesofwholemankind:yetthelayingdownofthatlifewouldnotbesufficienttodoethedeed,unlessehethathadpowertolayitdownhadpowerlikewisetotakeitupagain.For,tobedetainedalwaysinthatprisonfromwhencethereisnocommingoutbeforethepaymentoftheuttermostfarthing;istoliealwaysunderexecution,andtoquitthepleaofthatfull

1Cor.15.

17.

Joh.16.

10.

Dan.9.24.

Rom.8.33,

34.

Rom.4.25.

paymentofthedebtwhereinoursuretystoodengagedforus.AndthereforetheApostleuponthatgrounddothrightlyconclude;thatifChristbenotraised,ourfaithisvaine,weareyetinoursinnes:andconsequently,thatashemustbedeliveredtodeathforouroffences,sohemustberaisedagainforourjustification.

Yea,ourSaviourhimself,knowingfullwellwhathewastoundergoeforoursakes,toldusbeforehand,thattheCom-forterwhomheewouldsenduntous,shouldconvincetheworld,thatis,fullysatisfietheconsciencesofthesonsofmen,concerningthateverlastingrighteousnesse,whichwastobeebroughtinbyhim,uponthisveryground:BecauseIgoetomyFather,andyeseemeenomore.Forifhehadbrokenprison,andmadeanescape,thepaymentofthedebt,whichasoursuretyhetookuponhimself,beingnotyetsatisfied;heshouldhavebeenseenhereagain:Heavenwouldnothaveheldhim,morethenParadisedidAdam,afterheehadfallenintoGodsdebtanddanger.ButourSaviourraisinghimselfefromthedead,presentinghimselfinHeavenbeforehimuntowhomthedebtwasowing,andmaintaininghisstandingthere,hathherebygivengoodproof,thatheisnowafreeman,andhathfullydischargedthatdebtofoursforvvhichhestoodcommitted.Andthisistheevidencewehavetoshewofthatrighteousnesse,wherebywestandjustifiedinGodssight:accordingtothatoftheApostle.WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGodselect?ItisGodthatjustifieth:whoishethat

[Page]

Joh.10.

17,18.

Joh.2.19.

21.

Rom.1.4.

Eph.1.14.

1Pet.3.

18.

condemneth?ItisChristthatdied,yearatherthatisrisenagain;whoisevenattherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus.

Nowalthoughanordinarymanmayeasilypartwithhislife;yetdothitnotlieinhispowertoresumeitagainathisownwillandpleasure.Buthethatmustdoetheturnforus,mustbeabletosayasourJESUSdid,IlaydownmylifethatImighttakeitagain.Nomantakethitfromme,butIlayitdownofmyself:Ihavepowertolayitdown,andIhavepowertotakeitagain:andinanotherplace;DestroythisTemple,andinthreedaysIwillraiseitup;saithheuntotheJews,speakingoftheTempleofhisbody.Anhumanenaturethenhemusthavehad,whichmightbesubjecttodissolution:butbeingoncedissolved,heecouldnotbyhisownstrength(whichwasthethingherenecessarilyrequi-red)raiseitupagain;unlessehehaddeclaredhimselfetobetheSonofGodwithpower,bytheresurrectionfromthedead.TheManhoodcouldsuffer,butnotovercomethesharpnesseofdeath:theGodheadcouldsuffernothing,butovercomeanything.Hethereforethatwasbothtosufferandtoovercomedeathforus,mustbepartakerofbothnatures:thatbeingputtodeathintheflesh,hemightbeablealsotoquickenhimselfbyhisownSpirit.

AndnowareweecometothatpartofChristsmediation,whichconcerneththeconveyanceoftheredemptionofthispurchasedpossession

Ruth.3.

12.&4.

ver.1.3,

4.7.

Job19.25,

26,27.

1Cor.15.

47.

untothesonsofmen.Adearpurchaseindeed,whichwastoberedeemedwithnolessepricethenthebloudoftheSonofGod:butwhatshouldthepurchaseofastrangerhavebeentous?orwhatshouldwehavebeenthebetterforallthis;ifwecouldnotderiveourdescentfromthepurchaser,orraisesomegoodtitlewherebywemightestateourselvesinhispurchase?NowthiswasthemannerinformertimeinIsrael,concerningredemptions:thatuntohimwhowasthenextofkinnebelongedtherightofbeingGoël,ortheRedeemer.AndJobhadbeforethatleftthisgloriousprofessionofhisfaithuntotheperpetuallmemoryofallposterity.IknowthatmyGoëlorRedeemerliveth,andatthelastshallariseuponthedust(or,standupontheearth.)Andafterthismyskinisspent;yetinmyfleshshallIseeGod.WhomIshallseeformyself,andmineeyesshallbehold,andnotanotherforme.Wherebywemayeasilyunderstand,thathisandourRedeemerwastobetheinvisibleGod;andyetinhisassumedfleshmadevisibleeventothebodilyeyesofthosewhomheredeemed.Forifhehadnotthusassumedourflesh;howshouldwehavebeenofhisbloud,orclaimedanykindredtohim?andunlessetheGodheadhadbyapersonallunionbeenunseparablyconjoyneduntothatflesh;howcouldhethereinhavebeenaccountedournextofkinne?

Forthebetterclearingofwhichlastreason;wemaycalltomindethatsentenceoftheApostle.Thefirstmanisoftheearthearthy:thesecondmanistheLordfromheaven.Where,notwithstanding

[Page]

Jer.1.5.

Psal.119.

73.

Psal.139.

13.

Psal.71.6.

Job10.8.

11.

Act.17.27,

28,29.

See

Bradwar-

din.de

causâDei,

thereweremanymillionsofmenintheworldbetwixtthesetwo;yetweseeourRedeemerreckonedthesecondman:andwhy?butbecausethesetwoweretheonlymenwhocouldbeaccountedtheprimefountainsfromwhencealltherestofmankinddidderivetheirexistenceandbeeing.Forasallmenintheworldbymeandescentsdoedrawtheirfirstoriginallfromthefirstman:soinrespectofamoreimmediateinfluenceofefficiencyandoperationdoetheyowetheirbeeinguntothesecondman,asheistheLordfromheaven.ThisisGodsownlanguageuntoJeremy,BeforeIformedtheeinthebelly,Iknewthee;andthisisDavidsacknowledgement,forhispart;Thyhandshavemademeandfashionedme;thouhastcoveredmeinmymotherwomb:thouarthethattookmeoutofmymothersbowels:andJobs,forhisalso.Thyhandshavemademeeandfashionedmeetogetherroundabout:thouhastclothedmewithskinandflesh,andhastfencedmewithbonesandsinews:andtheApostles,forusall:Inhimwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeeing:whoinferrethalsothereupon,boththatwearetheoff-springorgenerationofGod;andthatheisnotfarfromeveryoneofus.Thisbeingtobeadmittedforamostcertaintruth(notwithstandingtheoppositionofallgain-sayers)thatGoddothmoreimmediatelyconcurretothegenerationandallothermotionsofthecreature,thenanynaturallagentdothorcandoe.Andtherefore,ifbyonemansoffence,deathreignedbyone;much

l.1.c.3.&

4.

Rom.5.17.

Joh.3.3.

Joh.1.13.

Heb.2.11.

Esa.53.

moretheywhichreceiveabundanceofgraceandofthegiftofrighteousnesse,shallreigneinlifebyone,JesusChrist.Consideringthatthissecondmanisnotonelyasuniversallaprincipleofallourbeeings,aswasthatfirst,andsomaysustainthecommonpersonofusall,aswellashe;butisafarremoreimmediateagentintheproductionthereof:not,asthefirst,somanygenerationsremovedfromus,butmoreneereuntousthenourverynextprogenitours;andinthatregardjustlytobeaccountedournextofkinne,evenbeforethemalso.

Yetisnotthissufficientneither:butthereisanotherkindofgenerationrequired,forwhichwemustbebeholdinguntothesecondman,theLordfromheaven;beforewecanhaveinterestinthispurchasedRedemption.Forastheguiltofthefirstmanstransgressionisderiveduntousbythemeanesofcarnallgeneration:somustthebenefitofthesecondmansobediencebeconveyeduntousbyspirituallregeneration.Andthismustbelaiddownasamostundoubtedverity;that,exceptamanbebornagain,heecannotseethekingdomeofGod;andthateverysuchmustbeborn,notofbloud,norofthewilloftheflesh,norofthewillofman,butofGod.Now,asourMediatourinrespectoftheAdoptionofSons,whichhehathprocuredforus,isnotashamedtocallusBrethren:soinrespectofthisnevvbirth,wherebyheebegettethustoaspirituallandeverlastinglife,hedisdainethnottoownusashisChildren.Whenthoushaltmakehisseedanofferingfor

10.

Psalm.22.

30.

Heb.2.13.[Page]

Ibid.ver.

14.

2Cor.5.

17.Eph.2.

10.Gal.6.

15.

Joh.1.13.

Jam.1.18.

1Pet.1.3.

1Joh.5.1.

Ibid.ver.4.

[...].1Pet.

2.2.with

1.22.

Joh.3.

vers.5,6,

8.

sin,heshallseehisseed:saiththeProphetEsaias.Aseedshallservehim;itshallbeaccountedtotheLordforageneration:saithhisFatherDavidlikewiseofhim.Andhehimself,ofhimselfe:BeholdI,andthechildrenwhichGodhathgivenmee.WhencetheApostlededuceththisconclusion:Forasmuchthenasthechildrenarepartakersoffleshandbloud,healsohimselfelikewisetookpartofthesame.Hehimself,thatis,hewhowasGodequalltotheFather:forwhoelsewasabletomakethisnewcreature,butthesameGodthatistheCreatorofallthings?(nolessepowerbeingrequisitetotheeffectingofthis,thenwasatthefirsttotheproducingofallthingsoutofnothing:)andthesenewbabesbeingtobebornoftheSpirit;whocouldhavepowertosendtheSpirit,thustobegetthem,buttheFatherandtheSonfromwhomheproceeded?thesameblessedSpirit,whoframedthena-turallbodyofourLordinthewomboftheVirgin,beingtonewmouldandfashioneverymemberofhismysticallbodyuntohissimilitudeandlikenesse.

Forthefurtheropeningofwhichmystery(whichwentbeyondtheapprehensionofNicodemus,thoughamasterofIsrael)weearetoconsider;thatineveryperfectgeneration,thecreatureproducedreceivethtwothingsfromhimthatdothbegetit:LifeandLikenesse.

9,10.

1Cor.5.

14,15.

Eph.2.4,

5.

Col.2.13.

Gal.2.20.

Acuriouslimmerdrawethhisownsonspourtraicturetothelife(aswesay:)yetbecausethereisnotruelifeinit,butalikenesseonely;hecannotbesaidtobethebegetterofhispicture,asheisofhisSon.Andsomecreaturestherebethatarebredoutofmudorotherputridmatter:whichalthoughtheyhavelife,yetbecausetheyhavenocorrespondenceinlikenesseuntotheprinciplefromwhencetheywerederived,arethereforeaccountedtohavebutanimproperandequivocallgeneration.Whereasintherightandpropercourseofgeneration(othersbeingesteemedbutmonstrousbirthsthatswarvefromthatrule)everycreaturebegettethhislike:

—necimbellemferocesProgenerantaquilaecolumbam.

Nowtouchingourspiritualldeathandlife,thesesayingsoftheApostlewouldbethoughtupon.Wethusjudge,thatifonediedforall,thenwerealldead:andthathediedforall,thattheywhichlive,shouldnothenceforthliveuntothemselves,butuntohimwhichdiedforthemandroseagain.Godwhoisrichinmercy,forhisgreatlovewherewithhelovedus,evenwhenweweredeadinsins,hathquicknedustogetherwithChrist.Andyoubeingdeadinyoursins,andtheuncircumcisionofyourflesh,hathhequicknedtogetherwithhim,havingforgivenyoualltrespasses.IamcrucifiedwithChrist.NeverthelesseIlive,yetnotI,butChristlivethinme:andthelifewhichInowliveintheflesh,

[Page]

Joh.5.26.

Joh.6.57.

Ibid.ver.

51.

1Cor.15.

45.

IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme.Fromallwhichwemayeasilygather,thatifbytheobedienceandsufferingsofabareman,thoughneversoperfect,themostsoveraignmedicinethatcouldbethoughtuponshouldhavebeenpreparedforthecuringofourwounds:yetallwouldbetonopurpose,webeingfounddead,whenthemedicinedidcometobeapplyed.

OurPhysitianthereforemustnotonelybeabletorestoreusuntohealth,butuntolifeitselfe:whichnonecandoebuttheFather,Son,andholyGhost;oneGod,blessedforever.Towhichpurpose,thesepassagesofourSaviouralsoaretobeconsidered.AstheFatherhathlifeinhimself:sohathhegiventotheSontohavelifeinhimself.AsthelivingFatherhathsentme,andIlivebytheFather:sohethateatethme,evenheshalllivebyme.Iamthelivingbread,whichcamedownfromheaven;ifanymaneatofthisbread,heshallliveforever:andthebreadthatIwillgive,ismyflesh,whichIwillgiveforthelifeoftheworld.ThesubstancewhereofisbrieflycomprehendedinthissayingoftheApostle:ThelastAdamwasmadeaquickeningspirit.AnAdamthereforeandperfectManmusthehavebeen;thathisflesh,givenforusupontheCrosse,mightbeemadetheconduicttoconveylifeuntotheworld:andaquickeningspirithecouldnothavebeen,unlesseheewereGod,abletomakethatfleshaneffectuallinstrumentoflifebytheoperationofhisblessedSpirit.For,ashimselfhath

Joh.6.63.

Gen.5.3.

Joh.3.6.

1Cor.15.

48,49.

Phil.3.21.

Ibid.ver.

20.

Eph.4.22,

23,24.

declared,ItistheSpiritthatquickneth;withoutit,thefleshwouldprofitnothing.

Asforthepointofsimilitudeandlikenesse:wereadofA-dam,afterhisfall,thathebegatasoninhisownlikenesse,afterhisimage:andgenerally,aswelltouchingthecarnallasthespirituallgeneration,ourSaviourhathtaughtusthislesson,Thatwhichisbornoftheflesh,isflesh;andthatwhichisbornoftheSpirit,isspirit.WhereupontheApostlemakeththiscomparisonbetwixtthosewhoarebornofthatfirstman,whoisoftheearthearthy,andofthesecondman,whoistheLordfromheaven.Asistheearthy,sucharetheythatareearthy;andasistheheavenly,sucharetheyalsothatareheavenly:andasweehavebornetheimageoftheearthy,weshallalsobeartheimageoftheheavenly.Weshallindeedhereafterbearitinfullperfection:whentheLordJesusChristshallchangeourbasebody,thatitmaybefashionedlikeuntohisgloriousbody;accordingtotheworking,wherebyheisableeventosubdueallthingsuntohimself.Yetinthemeantimealso,suchaconformityisrequiredinusuntothatheavenlyman,thatourconversationmustbeinheaven,whencewelookforthisSaviour:andthatwemustputoff,concerningtheformerconversation,thatoldman,whichiscorruptaccordingtothedeceitfulllusts,andberenuedinthespiritofourmind;andputonthenewman,whichafterGodiscreatedinrighteousnesseandtrueholinesse.Foras

1Cor.11.

7.

2Cor.4.4.

Heb.1.3.

Num.11.

17.25.

[Page]

Joh.3.34.

Philip.1.

19.

Col.1.19.

Rom.8.29.

2Cor.8.

23.

inoneparticularpointofdomesticallauthority,theManissaidtobetheimageandgloryofGod,andtheWomanthegloryoftheMan:soinamoreuniversallmannerisChristsaidtobeetheimageofGod,eventhebrightnesseofhisglory,andtheexpresseimageofhisperson;andwetobeconformedtohisimage,thathemightbethefirst-bornamongthosemanybrethren,whointhatrespectareaccountedthegloryofChrist.

Wereadintheholystory,thatGodtookofthespiritwhichwasuponMoses,andgaveituntotheseventyElders;thattheymightbeartheburdenofthepeoplewithhim,andthatheemightnotbearit,asbeforeheehaddone,himselfalone.Itmaybee,hisburdenbeingthuslightned,theabilitiesthatwerelefthimforgovernmentwerenotaltogethersogreat,asthenecessityofhisformerimploymentrequiredthemtohavebeen:andinthatregard,vvhatvvasgiventohisassistants,mightperhapsbeesaidtobeetakenfromhim.Butweearesurethecasewasotherwiseinhimofwhomnowweespeak:untowhomGoddidnotthusgivetheSpiritbymeasure.AndthereforealthoughsomanymillionsofbeleeversdoecontinuallyreceivethissupplyoftheSpiritofJesusChrist;yetneitheristhatfountainanywayexhausted,northeplenitudeofthatwell-springofgraceanywhitimpairedordiminished:itbeingGodspleasure,Thatinhimshouldallfulnessedwell;andthatofhis

Joh.1.16.

Joh.11.

52.

Ephes.1.

10.

Exod.26.

33.

Ibid.ver.6.

&11.

Ephes.2.

21.22.

fulnesseallweeshouldreceive,graceforgrace.ThatasinthenaturallgenerationthereissuchacorrespondenceinallpartsbetwixtthebegetterandtheInfantbegotten;thatthereisnomembertobeeseenintheFather,butthereisthelikeanswerablytobeefoundintheChilde,althoughinafarrelesseproportion;soitfallethoutinthisspirituall,thatforeverygracewhichinamosteminentmannerisfoundinChrist,alikegracewillappeareinGodsChilde,althoughinafarinferiourdegree;similitudesandlikenessesbeingdefinedbytheLogicianstobeecomparisonsmadeinquality,andnotinquantity.

Weeareyetfurthertotakeitintoourconsideration,thatbythusenliveningandfashioningusaccordingtohisownimage,Christspurposewasnottoraiseaseeduntohimselfdispersedlyanddistractedly,buttogathertogetherinone,theChildrenofGodthatwerescatteredabroad;yeaandtobringalluntooneheadbyhimselfe,boththemwhichareinHeavenandthemwhichareontheEarth.ThatasintheTabernacle,thevaildividedbetweentheHolyplaceandthemostHoly;butthecurtaineswhichcoveredthembothweresocoupledtogetherwiththetaches,thatitmightstillbeeoneTabernacle:sotheChurchMilitantandTriumphant,typifiedthereby,thoughdistantasfarretheonefromtheotherasHeavenisfromEarth,yetismadebutoneTabernacleinJesusChrist;InwhomallthebuildingfiftyframedtogethergrowethuntoanholyTempleintheLord,andinwhomallof

Sermonto

the

Commons

houseof

Parliament,

ann.1620

Joh.6.63.

1Cor.6.

17.&15.

45.Philip.

2.1.Rom.

8.9.1Joh.

3.24.&4.

13.

[Page]

Col.2.12.

2Thess.1.

11.

Gal.2.20.

&5.5.&3.

11.Ephes.

3.17.

usarebuildedtogetherforanhabitationofGodthroughtheSpirit.

ThebondofthismysticallunionbetwixtChristandus(aselsewherehathmorefullybeendeclared)isonhispartthatquickningSpirit,whichbeinginhimastheHead,isfromthencediffusedtothespirituallanimationofallhisMembers:andonourpartFaith,whichistheprimeactoflifewroughtinthosewhoarecapableofunderstandingbythatsameSpirit.Bothwhereofmustbeeacknowledgedtobeeofsohighanature,thatnonecouldpossiblybysuchligaturesknitupsoadmirableabody,butheethatwasGodAlmighty.AndthereforealthoughweedidsupposesuchamanmightbeefoundwhoshouldperformtheLawforus,sufferthedeaththatwasduetoouroffenceandovercomeit;yea,andwhoseobedienceandsufferingsshouldbeofsuchvalue,thatitweresufficientfortheredemptionofthewholeworld:yetcoulditnotbeefficienttomakeuslivebyfaith,unlessethatManhadbeenabletosendGodsSpirittoapplythesameuntous.

WhichasnobareManoranyotherCreaturewhasoevercandoe;soforFaithweearetaughtbyS.Paul,thatitistheoperationofGod,andaworkofhispower,evenofthatsamepowerwherewithChristhimselfwasraisedfromthedead.Which

Ephes.1.

19,20.&c.

Ephes.5.

30.

Joh.6.53.

Ibid.ver.

56.

Rev.5.12.

isthegroundofthatprayerofhis,thattheeyesofourunderstandingbeingenlightned,weemightknowwhatistheexceedinggreat-nesseofhispowertous-wardwhobeleeve;accordingtotheworkingofhismightypower,whichheewroughtinChristwhenheeraisedhimfromthedead,andsethimathisownrighthandintheheavenlyplaces,faraboveallPrincipality,andPower,andMight,andeveryNamethatisnamednotonelyinthisWorld,butalsointhattocome:andhathputallthingsunderhisfeet,andgavehimtobeeheadoverallthingstotheChurch,whichishisbody,thefulnesseofhimthatfillethallinall.

Yetwasitfitalso,thatthisHeadshouldbeeofthesamenaturewiththeBodywhichisknituntoit:andthereforethatheeshouldsobeeGod,asthatheemightpartakeofourFleshlikewise.Forweearemembersofhisbody,saiththesameApostle;ofhisflesh,andofhisbones.And,exceptyeeeatethefleshoftheSonofman,saithourSaviourhimself,anddrinkhisblood;yeehavenolifeinyou.Heethateatethmyflesh,anddrinkethmyblood,dwellethinmee,andIinhim.Declaringthereby,first,thatbythismysticallandsupernaturallunion,weeareastruelycon-joynedwithhim,asthemeateanddrinkweetakeiswithus;whenbytheordinaryworkofNature,itisconvertedintoourownsubstance.Secondly,thatthisconjunctionisimmediatelymadewithhishumanenature.Thirdly,thattheLambslaine,thatis,Christcrucified,hathbythatdeathofhis,madehisfleshbroken,

&13.8.

1Cor.1.

23.&2.2.

Heb.10.

19,20.

Joh.14.6.

Gen.28.

12,13.

[Page]

Joh.1.51.

andhisbloodpowredoutforusupontheCrosse,tobeefitfoodforthespirituallnourishmentofoursoules;andtheverywell-springfromwhence,bythepowerofhisGodhead,alllifeandgraceisderiveduntous.

Uponthisgrounditis,thattheApostletellethus,thatweehaveboldnessetoenterintotheHolyestbythebloodofJesus;byanewandlivingwaywhichheehathconsecratedforus,throughthevaile,thatistosay,hisflesh.ThatasintheTabernacle,therewasnopassingfromtheHolytothemostHolyplace,butbythevaile:sonowthereisnopassagetobeelookedforfromtheChurchMilitanttotheChurchTriumphant,butbythefleshofhim,whohathsaidofhimself;Iamtheway,thetruthandthelife,nomancommethuntotheFatherbutbymee.JacobinhisdreambeheldaladdersetupontheEarth,thetopwhereofreachedtoHeaven,andtheAngelsofGodascendinganddescendingonit,theLordhimselfstandingaboveit.Ofwhichvisionnonecangiveabetterinterpretationthenhee,whowasprefiguredtherein,gaveuntoNathaniel.HereafteryoushallseeHeavenopened,andtheAngelsofGodascendinganddescendingupontheSonofman.Whenceweemaywellcollect,thattheonelymeaneswherebyGodstandingabove,andhisIsraellyingherebelowareconjoynedtogether,andtheonelyladdervvherebyHeavenmaybeescaledbyus,istheSonofman,thetypeofwhoseflesh,theveile,vvasthereforecommandedtobeemadevvith

Exod.26.

31.&36.

35.

Heb.12.

22.24.

Deut.33.

10.Hagg.

2.11.Mal.

2.7.

Esa.28.7.

Jer.6.13.

&8.10.&

14.18.&

2311.33,

34.Lam.2.

10.

Ephes.4.

11.

Heb.1.14.

Cherubims;toshevvthatweecometoanin-numerablecompanyofAngels,whenweecometoJesus,theMediatouroftheNewTestament:whoastheHeadoftheChurchhathpowertosendforthallthoseministringspirits,toministerforthemwhoshallbeeHeirsofsalvation.

Lastly,weearetotakeintoourconsideration,thatasinthingsconcerningGod,themainexecutionofourSavioursPriesthooddothconsist;sointhingsconcerningman,heeexercisethbothhisPropheticallOffice,wherebyheeopeneththewillofhisFatheruntous,andhisKingly,wherebyheerulethandprotectethus.ItwasindeedapartofthePriestsofficeintheOldTestament,toinstructthepeopleintheLawofGod,andyetweretheydistinguishedfromProphets:likeasintheNewTestamentalso,ProphetsaswellasApostles,aremadeadifferentdegreefromordinaryPastoursandTeachers,whoreceivednottheirdoctrinebyimmediateinspirationfromHeaven;asthoseotherHolymenofGoddid,whospakeastheyweremovedbytheholyGhost.WhenceS.PaulputteththeHebrewsinminde,thatGodwhoinsundrypartsandinsundrymannersspakeintimepastuntotheFathersbytheProphets,hathintheselastdayesspokenuntousbyhisSonChristJesus:whomthereforeheestileththeApostle,asvvellastheHighPriestofourprofession;whowasfaithfulltohimthat

Num.12.

6,7,8.

Deut.18.

15,16,&c.

Act.3.22,

23.

[Page]

2Pet.1.

21.

[...].Heb.

1.1.

Heb.3.1,

2.

appointedhim,evenasMoseswasinallhishouse.

NowMoses,weeknow,hadasingularpreheminenceabovealltherestoftheProphets:accordingtothatampletestimonywhichGodhimselfgivethofhim.IftherebeeaProphetamongyou,ItheLordwillmakemyselfknownuntohiminavision,andwillspeakuntohiminadream.MyservantMosesisnotso,whoisfaithfullinallminehouse:withhimwillIspeakmouthtomouth,evenaparently,andnotindarkspeeches;andthesimilitudeoftheLordshallhebehold.Andthereforeweefinde,thatourMediatourintheexecutionofhisPropheticallofficeisinamorepeculiarmannerlikeneduntoMoses:whichheehimselfalsodidthusforetell.TheLordthyGodwillraiseupuntotheeaProphetfromthemidstofthee,ofthyBrethren,likeuntomee;untohimyeeshallhearken.AccordingtoallthatthoudesiredstoftheLordthyGodinHoreb,inthedayoftheassembly,saying,LetmeenotheareagainthevoyceoftheLordmyGod;neitherletmeeseethisgreatfireanymore,thatIdyenot.AndtheLordsaiduntomee,Theyhavewellspoken,thatwhichtheyhavespoken.IwillraisethemupaProphetfromamongtheirbrethren,likeuntothee,andwillputmywordsinhismouth,andheeshallspeakuntothemallthatIshallcommandhim.Anditshallcometopasse,thatwhosoeverwillnothearkenuntomywords,whichheeshallspeakinmyName,Iwillrequireitofhim.

Rom.9.5.

Exod.20.

19.Deut.

5.25.27.

Exod.34.

30,32,33.

2Cor.3.7,

1011,13.

Heb.1.3.

Joh.1.14.

2Cor.3.

11.

OurProphetthereforemustbeeaManraisedfromamonghisBrethrentheIsraelites,(ofwhom,asconcerningtheflesh,heecame)whowastoperformuntous,thatwhichtheFathersre-questedofMoses:Speakthoutous,andweewillheare;butletnotGodspeakwithus,lestweedie.Andyet(thatinthisalsoweemaysee,howourMediatourhadthepreheminence)whenAaron,andallthechildrenofIsraelweretoreceivefromthemouthofMosesallthattheLordhadspokenwithhiminMount,Sinai,theywereafraidtocomenighhim,byreasonofthegloryofhisshiningcountenance:sothatheewasfaintoputavaileoverhisface,whileheespakeuntothemthatwhichheewascommanded.Butthatwhichforatimewasthusmadeglorious,hadnogloryinrespectoftheglorythatexcelleth;andboththeglorythereof,andthevailewhichcoveredit,arenowabolishedinChrist:thevaileofwhosefleshdothsoovershadowthebrightnesseofhisglory,thatyetunderitweemaybeholdhisglory,asthegloryoftheonelybegottenoftheFather;yea;andweeallwithopenface,beholdingasinaglassethegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameImage,fromglorytoglory,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord.

AndthisisdailyeffectedbythepoweroftheMinisteryoftheGospel,institutedbytheauthority,andsecondedbythepower,ofthisourgreatProphet:whosetranscendentexcellencybeyondMoses,(untowhom,intheexecutionof

Heb.3.3,

4,5,6.

1Tim.3.

15.

Matth.16.

18.

Ephe.4.

11,12.

2Tim.2.

20.

1Cor.11.

16.

Rom.16.

16.

thatfunction,heewasotherwiselikened)isthussetforthbytheApostle.HeeiscountedworthyofmoreglorythenMoses,inasmuchasheewhohathbuildedthehousehathmorehonourthenthehouse.Foreveryhouseisbuildedbysomeone:butheethatbuiltallthingsisGod.AndMosesverilywasfaithfullinallhishouse,asaservant,foratestimonyofthosethingswhichweretobeespokenafter:butChrist,astheSon,overhisownhouse.ThishouseofGodisnootherthentheChurchofthelivingGod:whereofasheeistheonelyLord,soisheealsoproperlytheonelyBuilder.ChristthereforebeingboththeLordandtheBuilderofhisChurch,mustbeeGodaswellasMan:whichisthecause,whyweefindealltheseverallmansionsofthisgreathousetocarrythetitleindifferentlyoftheChurchesofGod,andtheChurchesofChrist.

Trueitis,thatthereareotherministeriallbuilders,whomChristemployethinthatservice:thisbeingnottheleastofthosegiftswhichheebestoweduponmenathisTriumphantAscensionintoHeaven,thatheegavenotonelyordinaryPastoursandTeachers,butApostleslikewise,andProphets,andEvangelists;fortheperfectingoftheSaints,fortheWorkoftheMinistery,fortheedifyingofthebodyofChrist.Which,whatgreatpoweritrequired,heehimselfdothfullyexpresseinpassingthegrauntofthishighCommissionuntohisApostles.Allpowerisgiven

Matth.28.

18,19,20.[Page]

1Cor.15.

10,

1Cor.3.9,

10

Ibid.ver.5,

6,7

Luk.1.70.

Mat.11.

27.

untomeeinHeavenandinEarth.GoeyeethereforeandteachallNations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost;teachingthemtoobserveallthings,whatsoeverIhavecommandedyou:andlo,Iamwithyoualway,evenuntotheendoftheWorld.Amen.

S.Paulprofessethofhimself,thatheelabouredmoreabundantlythenalltherestoftheApostles:yetnotI,saithhee,butthegraceofGodwhichwaswithmee.AndthereforealthoughaccordingtothatgraceofGodwhichwasgivenuntohim,heedenyethnotbutthat,asawiseMaster-builder,heehadlaidthefoundation;yetheeacknowledgeththattheyuponwhomheehadwrought,wereGodsbuilding,aswellasGodshusbandry.Forwho,saithhee,isPaul,andwhoisApollo,butMinistersbywhomyoubeleeved,evenastheLordgavetoeveryman?Ihaveplanted,Apollowatered:butGodgavetheincrease.Sothen,neitherisheethatplantethanything,neitherheethatwatereth:butGodthatgiveththeincrease.

TwothingsthereforeweefindeinourgreatProphet,whichdoefarreexceedtheabilityofanybareMan;andsodoedifferencehimfromalltheHolyProphets,whichhavebeensincetheWorldbegan.Forfirst,weearetaught;thatnomanknoweththeFather,savetheSon,andheetowhomsoevertheSonwillrevealehim:andthatnomanhath

Joh.1.18.

1Pet.1.

10,11

Joh.16.

13,14,15.

seenGodatanytime;buttheonlybegottenSon,whichisinthebosomeoftheFather,heebathdeclaredhim.Beinginhisbosome,heeisbecomeconsciousofhissecrets,andsooutofhisownimmediateknowledge,inabledtodiscoverthewholewillofhisFatheruntous.WhereasalotherProphetsandApostlesreceivetheirrevelationsatthesecondhand,andaccordingtothegracegivenuntothembytheSpiritofChrist.WitnessethatplaceofS.Peter,fortheProphets:OfwhichsalvationtheProphetshaveenquired,andsearcheddiligently,whoprophesiedofthegracethatshouldcomeuntoyou;searchingwhatorwhatmanneroftimeTHESPIRITOFCHRISTWHICHWASINTHEMdidsignifie,whenittestifiedbeforehandthesufferingsofChrist,andtheglorythatshouldfollow.AndfortheApostles,thoseheavenlywordswhichourSaviourhimselfuttereduntothem,whilstheewasamongthem.WhentheSpiritofTruthiscome,heewillguideyouintoalltruth:forheeshallnotspeakofhimself;butwhatsoeverheeshallhear,thatshallheespeak;andheewillshewyouthingstocome.Heeshallglorifiemee:forheeshallreceiveofmine,andshewituntoyou.AllthingsthattheFatherhath,aremine:thereforesaidI,thatheeshalltakeofmine,andshallshewituntoyou.

Secondly,allotherProphetsandApostlescandoenomore(ashathbeensaid)butplantandwater;onelyGodcangivetheincrease:theymayteachindeedandbaptize;butunlesseChristwerewiththembythepowerfullpresenceofhisSpirit,theywouldnotbeeabletosaveonesouleby

1Pet.2.5.

Psalm.127.

1.

Joh.5.25.[Page]

Ephes.5.

24.

1Cor.2.

14.

2Cor.4.6,

7.

Psal.13.3.

thatMinisteryoftheirs.Wee,aslivelystones,arebuiltupaspirituallhouse:but,excepttheLorddobuildthishouse,theylabourinvainethatbuildit.ForwhoisabletobreathetheSpiritoflifeintothosedeadstones,buthee,ofwhomitiswriten;Thehoureiscomming,andnowis,whenthedeadshallhearthevoyceoftheSonofGod;andtheythatheareitshalllive.Andagain:Awakethouthatsleepest,andarisefromthedead;andChristshallgivetheelight.Whocanawakeusoutofthisdeadsleep,andgivelightuntotheseblindeeyesofours;buttheLordourGod,untowhomweepray,thatheewouldlightenoureyes,lestweesleepthesleepofdeath?

Andasablindemanisnotabletoconceivethedistinctionofcolours,althoughtheskilfullestmanaliveshouldusealltheartheehadtoteachhim;becauseheewanteththesensewherebythatobjectisdiscernible:sothenaturallmanperceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod(fortheyarefoolishnesseuntohim;)neithercanheeknowthem,becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned.WhereupontheApostleconcludeth,concerninghimselfandallhisfellow-labourers;thatGodwhocommandedthelighttoshineoutofdarknesse,hathshinedinourhearts;togivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGod,inthefaceofJesusChrist:butweehavethistreasureinearthenvessels;thattheexcellencyofthepowermaybeeofGod,andnotofus.OurMediatour

Heb.7.25.

Esa.9.7.

Dan.7.13,

14.

Luk.1.31,

32,33.

therefore(whomustbeeabletosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyhim)maynotwanttheexcellencyofthepower,wherebyheemaymakeuscapableofthishighknowledgeofthethingsofGod,propoundeduntousbytheministeryofhisservants:andconsequently,inthisrespectalso,mustbeeGodaswellasMan.

ThereremaineththeKingdomofourRedeemer:describedthusbytheProphetIsaiah.Oftheincreaseofhisgovernmentandpeacethereshallbeenoend,upontheThroneofDavid,anduponhiskingdom;toorderit,andtoestablishitwithjudgementandwithjustice,fromhenceforthevenforever.AndbyDaniel:Behold,oneliketheSonofmancamewiththecloudsofHeaven,andcametotheAncientofdayes;andtheybroughthimneerbeforehim.AndtherewasgivenhimDominion,andGlory,andaKingdom,thatallPeople,Nations,andLanguagesshouldservehim:Hisdominionisaneverlastingdominion,whichshallnotpasseaway;andhiskingdomethatwhichshallnotbedestroyed.AndbytheAngelGabriel,inhisambassagetotheblessedVirgin.Behold,thoushaltconceiveinthywomb,andbringforthaSon,andshaltcallhisnameJesus.Heeshallbegreat,andshallbecalledtheSonoftheHighest;andtheLordGodshallgivehimtheThroneofhisFatherDavid.AndheeshallreignoverthehouseofJacobforever;andofhiskingdomthereshallbeenoend.

Jer.30.9.

Hos.3.5.

Ezek.34.

23.&37.

24.

Gal.6.16.

Ephes.5.

30.

2Sam.5.

1.

Psal.110.

1.Mat.22.

43,44.Act.

2.34,35.

Gen.3.15.

Rom.16.

20.

[Page]

1Joh.3.8.

1Tim.3.

16.

ThisisthatnewDavidourKing,vvhomGodhathraisedupuntohisownIsrael:vvhovvasinTruth,thatwhichheewascalled;theSonofMan,andtheSonoftheHighest.Thatintheonerespect,weemaysayuntohim,astheIsraelitesofolddiduntotheirDavid;Behold,weearethyboneandthyflesh:andintheother,singofhimasDavidhimselfdid;TheLordsaiduntomyLord,Sitthouatmyrighthand,untillImakethineenemiesthyfootstoole.SothatthepromisemadeuntoourfirstParents,thattheseedoftheWomanshouldbruisetheSerpentshead,maywellstandwiththatothersayingofS.Paul;thattheGodofpeaceshallbruiseSatanunderourfeet.SeeingforthisverypurposetheSonofGodwasmanifestedintheflesh,thatheemightdestroytheworksoftheDevil.AndstillthatfoundationofGodwillremainunshaken:IevenIamtheLord,andbesidemeethereisnoSaviour.ThoushaltknownoGodbutmee:forthereisnoSaviourbesidemee.

TwospeciallbranchestherebeeofthisKingdomofourLordandSaviour:theoneofGrace,wherebythatpartoftheChurchisgovernedwhichisMilitantuponEarth;theotherofGlory,belongingtothatpartwhichisTriumphantinHeaven.Hereuponearth,asbyhisPropheticallofficeheeworkethuponourMindeandUnderstanding,sobyhisKingly,hee

2Cor.10.

5.

Phil.2.13.

2Thess.5.

23.

Heb.2.11.

Psal.84.

11.

1Cor.15.

21.

Joh.6.54.

2Thess.1.

Esa.43.

11.

Hos.13.4.

rulethourWillandAffections;castingdownimaginationsandeveryhighthingthatexaltethitselfagainsttheknowledgeofGod,andbringingintocaptivityeverythoughttotheobedienceofChrist.Where,asweemustneedsacknowledge,thatitisGodwhichworkethinusbothtowillandtodoe,andthatitisheewhichsanctifyethuswholly:soareweetaughtlikewisetobeleeve,thatbothheewhosanctifyeth,andtheywhoaresanctifyed,areallofone,namelyofoneandtheself-samenature;thatthesanctifyermightnotbeeashamedtocallthose,whoaresanctifyedbyhim,hisbrethren:thatastheirnaturewascorrupted,andtheirbloodtaintedinthefirstAdam,soitmightbeerestoredagaininthesecondAdam;andthatasfromtheoneacorrupt,sofromtheotherapureandundefilednaturemightbeetrans-mitteduntotheheiresofsalvation.

ThesameGodthatgivethgrace,isheealsothatgivethglory:yetso,thatthestreamsofbothofthemmustruntousthroughthegoldenpipeofourSaviourshumanity.Forsincebymancamedeath;itwasfitthatbymanalsoshouldcometheresurrectionofthedead.Evenbythatman,whohathsaid:Whosoeatethmyflesh,anddrinkethmyblood,hatheternalllife;andIwillraisehimupatthelastday.Who,then,shallcometobeeglorifyedinhisSaints,andtobeemademarvellousinallthemthat

10.

Philip.3.

21.

Revel.1.5,

6.

[Page]

beleeve:andshallchangethisbasebodyofours,thatitmaybefashionedlikeuntohisowngloriousbody;accordingtotheworking,wherebyheeisableeventosubdueallthingsuntohimselfe.Untohimthereforethathaththuslovedus,andwashedusfromoursinsinhisownblood,andhathmadeusKingsandPriestsuntoGodandhisFather;tohimbeegloryanddominionforeverandever,Amen.

PHILIP.3.8.‘ICOUNTALLTHINGSBUTLOSSE,FORTHEEXCELLENCYOFTHEKNOWLEDGEOFCHRIST

JESUSMYLORD.’

FINIS.

Informationaboutthisbook

Titlestatement

Abodyofdivinitie,or,ThesummeandsubstanceofChristianreligioncatechisticallypropounded,andexplained,bywayofquestionandanswer:methodicallyandfamiliarlyhandled/composedlongsincebyJamesVsherB.ofArmagh,andattheearnestdesiresofdiversgodlyChristiansnowprintedandpublished;whereuntoisadjoynedatract,intituledImmanvel,or,ThemysteryoftheincarnationoftheSonofGodheretoforewriten[sic]andpublishedbythesameauthour.Bodyofdivinity

Ussher,James,1581-1656.

Editionstatement

1645

Publication

PublisherTextCreationPartnership,

PlaceofpublicationAnnArbor,MI;Oxford(UK):

Date

2005-12(EEBO-TCPPhase1).ID[DLPS]

A64622ID[STC]

WingU151ID[STC]

ESTCR19025ID[EEBO-CITATION]

12171713ID[OCLC]

ocm12171713ID[VID]

55421Availability

Thiskeyboardedandencodededitionoftheworkdescribedaboveisco-ownedbytheinstitutionsprovidingfinancialsupporttotheEarlyEnglishBooksOnlineTextCreationPartnership.ThisPhaseItextisavailableforreuse,accordingtothetermsofCreativeCommons01.0Universal.Thetextcanbecopied,modified,distributedandperformed,evenforcommercialpurposes,allwithoutaskingpermission.

Series

EarlyEnglishbooksonline.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP;phase1,no.A64622)

Transcribedfrom:(EarlyEnglishBooksOnline;imageset55421)

Imagesscannedfrommicrofilm:(EarlyEnglishbooks,1641-1700;618:2)

Source

—Abodyofdivinitie,or,ThesummeandsubstanceofChristianreligioncatechisticallypropounded,andexplained,bywayofquestionandanswer:methodicallyandfamiliarlyhandled/composedlongsincebyJamesVsherB.ofArmagh,andattheearnestdesiresofdiversgodlyChristiansnowprintedandpublished;whereuntoisadjoynedatract,intituledImmanvel,or,ThemysteryoftheincarnationoftheSonofGodheretoforewriten[sic]andpublishedbythesameauthour.,Bodyofdivinity,Ussher,James,1581-1656.,Downame,John,d.1652..

Extent

[8],451,[15],24p.

PrintedbyM.F.forTho.DownesandGeo.Badger...,.London::

1645..(Errata:p.[13]followingp.451.)(Firstedition.)("TotheChristianreader"signed:JohnDowname.)(Imperfect:"Immanuel"withspecialt.p.andseparatepaging,islackinginfilmedcopy.)(ReproductionoforiginalinUnionTheologicalSeminaryLibrary,NewYork.)

Creation

CreatedbyconvertingTCPfilestoTEIP5usingtcp2tei.xsl,TEI@Oxford.

Editorialpractices

EEBO-TCPisapartnershipbetweentheUniversitiesofMichiganandOxfordandthepublisherProQuesttocreateaccuratelytranscribedandencodedtextsbasedontheimagesetspublishedbyProQuestviatheirEarlyEnglishBooksOnline(EEBO)database(http://eebo.chadwyck.com).ThegeneralaimofEEBO-TCPistoencodeonecopy(usuallythefirstedition)ofeverymonographicEnglish-languagetitlepublishedbetween1473and1700availableinEEBO.

EEBO-TCPaimedtoproducelargequantitiesoftextualdatawithintheusualprojectrestraintsoftimeandfunding,andthereforechosetocreatediplomatictranscriptions(asopposedtocriticaleditions)withlight-touch,mainlystructuralencodingbasedontheTextEncodingInitiative(http://www.tei-c.org).

TheEEBO-TCPprojectwasdividedintotwophases.The25,363textscreatedduringPhase1oftheprojecthavebeenreleasedintothepublicdomainasof1January2015.Anyonecannowtakeandusethesetextsfortheirownpurposes,butwerespectfullyrequestthatduecreditandattributionisgiventotheiroriginalsource.

UsersshouldbeawareoftheprocessofcreatingtheTCPtexts,andthereforeofanyassumptionsthatcanbemadeaboutthedata.

TextselectionwasbasedontheNewCambridgeBibliographyofEnglishLiterature(NCBEL).Ifanauthor(orforananonymouswork,thetitle)appearsinNCBEL,thentheirworksareeligibleforinclusion.Selectionwasintendedtorangeoverawidevarietyofsubjectareas,toreflectthetruenatureoftheprintrecordoftheperiod.Ingeneral,firsteditionsofaworksinEnglishwereprioritized,althoughthereareanumberofworksinotherlanguages,notablyLatinandWelsh,includedandsometimesasecondorlatereditionofaworkwaschoseniftherewasacompellingreasontodoso.

Imagesetsweresenttoexternalkeyingcompaniesfortranscriptionandbasicencoding.QualityassurancewasthencarriedoutbyeditorialteamsinOxfordandMichigan.5%(or5pages,whicheveristhegreater)ofeachtextwasproofreadforaccuracyandthosewhichdidnotmeetQAstandardswerereturnedtothekeyerstoberedone.Afterproofreading,theencodingwasenhancedand/orcorrectedandcharactersmarked

asillegiblewerecorrectedwherepossibleuptoalimitof100instancespertext.Anyremainingillegibleswereencodedas<gap>s.Understandingtheseprocessesshouldmakeclearthat,whiletheoverallqualityofTCPdataisverygood,someerrorswillremainandsomereadablecharacterswillbemarkedasillegible.UsersshouldbearinmindthatinalllikelihoodsuchinstanceswillneverhavebeenlookedatbyaTCPeditor.

Thetextswereencodedandlinkedtopageimagesinaccordancewithlevel4oftheTEIinLibrariesguidelines.

CopiesofthetextshavebeenissuedvariouslyasSGML(TCPschema;ASCIItextwithmnemonicsdatacharacterentities);displayableXML(TCPschema;charactersrepresentedeitherasUTF-8Unicodeortextstringswithinbraces);orlosslessXML(TEIP5,charactersrepresentedeitherasUTF-8UnicodeorTEIgelements).

KeyingandmarkupguidelinesareavailableattheTextCreationPartnershipwebsite.