[Summarie and short meditations touching sundry poynts of Christian religion] [gathered by T.VV. and now published for the education and profit of Gods saints]. T. W. (Thomas Wilcox), 1549?-1608. 1610 Approx. 66 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 28 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A14608 STC 24919.5 ESTC S4955 24111356 ocm 24111356 27191 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A14608) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 27191) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1843:20) [Summarie and short meditations touching sundry poynts of Christian religion] [gathered by T.VV. and now published for the education and profit of Gods saints]. T. W. (Thomas Wilcox), 1549?-1608. [52+] p. F. Kingston, [S.l. : 1610?] Caption title with statement of responsibility. Running title: A summarie of Christian religion. Publisher and date of publication suggested by STC (2nd ed.). Imperfect: t.p. and all after signature E₂ lacking; cropped and tightly bound, with slight loss of print. Reproduction of original in the Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Christianity -- Essence, genius, nature. 2002-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-03 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-04 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2002-04 Sara Gothard Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion SVMMARIE AND SHORT MEDITATIONS touching sundry poynts of Christian Religion , gath●●●● by T. VV. and now publi●h●d for the ed●●●cation an● profit of Go●s Saints . Lord Iesus begin and make an end . TO cloake sin , seeing it runneth vp and downe in eu●ry mans mouth , that we are all sinfull , is dangerous and damnable : Dangerous , because the holie Ghost saith , he that hideth his sin , shall ●ot prosper . And damnable , because it caus●●h men to lie weltring and wallowing in iniquitie , without repentance . But humblie and vnfainedlie to conf●sse it , is a readie way to obtaine pa●don , and forgiuenes of the same , at the hands of Almightie God , because the Scripture telleth vs , that if wee acknowledge and forsake our sinnes , wee shall finde fauour . And againe , If wee confesse our sinnes , God is faithfull and iust , to forgiue vs our sinnes , and the blood of Iesu● Christ shall purge vs from all iniquitie . We haue sundrie true and vnpartiall witnesses , both within vs , and without vs , against our selues , to proue this truth vnto vs , that we are miserable sinners . First , the stinging testimonie of our own conscience , which though we many times bleere and blot out , yet doth it sundrie times tell vs , yea almost euery day when wee rise vp , and euery night when we lie downe , wee haue done many things , that wee ought not to haue done , and haue omitted many things , which we ought to haue done . Secondly , God himselfe , who beside that in his infinite knowledge , he is able to charge vs with a thousand transgress●ons , for euery one that wee know by our selues , or others , is also greater , than our heart and conscience , to condemn● vs , because he knoweth all things . Yea , this eternall God doth by his iudgements conuince vs to bee sinners , whether they be generall , or particular . By the generall , his wrath being made manifest from heauen , against all vngodlinesse and vnrighteousnesse of all men : and against all the creatures themselues : And by the particular , whilest he manifesteth them either against some Nations , as Israel , Iuda , &c. or some Cities , as Sodom , Gomorrah , Ierusalem , &c. or els priuate persons , as Cain , Ham , Iudas , and such like . Beside these iudgements , the Lord our God hath his blessed word , which is pure and holy as himselfe , to conuince vs of sinne , which straightly chargeth vs , first with the sinne and fall of our first parents Adam and Euah , as guiltie therof vnto euerlasting condemnation . Secondly , with the sinne wherein we are conceiued and borne , which we call originall sin : which if we had no more vpon vs , and in vs but that , maketh vs the children of Gods wrath and displeasure . Thirdly , with the fruites of that originall sin , which are all manner of disobediences inward and outward , against Almightie God and our neighbours . By al this we may see , that al mouthes and hearts are iustly stopped and shut vp , frō cleering themselues , by thought , word , or otherwise , and that all men are made subiect vnto the condemnation of God : which that wee may the better feele , it shall be good for vs , first , rightly to compare the horrible filthinesse that is in vs , both outward and inward , of bodie and soule , with the wonderfull holinesse that is in God himselfe , and he requireth of vs in his law . Then to consider the greatnesse and notoriousnesse of our offences , which may bee iustly aggrauated , by looking into the qualities of the parties offending , as Magistrates , Ministers , &c. and the parties offended , as Gods most excellent Maiesty , and our deare brethren , together with sundrie other circumstances , of time , place , manner of doing● &c. Thirdly , to thinke vpon the multitude of our iniquities , whic● are more in number than the haires of our head , and being as the sand of the Sea , both for multitude and weight , are become as a burthen ouer heauie for vs to beare . Lastly , to weigh Gods fearfull iudgements , both temporall and eternall , which our sinnes haue deserued to bee powred forth vpon vs , and for our terrifying are set down in his word , and manifested in the world : which are many indeed , but chiefly these : First , his heauie hand lying sore vpon his creatures , for our transgressions , which should so much the more terrifie vs and humble vs indeed , by how much themselues are subiect thereto , not for any sinne of their own , which they haue not , but for our ini●uities . Secondly , the aduersities and afflictions of our life : which are either bodily , as sicknesses ; or spirituall , as anguish of soule , and torment of conscience , which also the more heauily they are inflicted vpon vs , the more mightily they s●ould cast vs downe , and work vnderstanding in vs , least otherwise God should haue iust cause to complaine , that hee hath stricken vs in vaine . Thirdly , naturall death it selfe , which is the parting asunder of the soule and the bodie for a time , and was laid vpon our first parents , and in them vpon vs , as a part of that iust deserued punishment , that they and we procured to our selues , because we are all standing and falling together with them and in them . And lastly , the curse of the eternall God , pronounced in his law vnto euerlasting condemnation both of bodie and soule , without vnfained repentance and heartie turning to the Lord , this most fitly sorting , both for infinitnes and weight , with our infinite and innumerable transgressions . Whosoeuer fe●leth himselfe in such a miserable case , must of necessitie ( as other good men heretofore haue done ) ( vnl●sse hee will wittingly refuse comfort , and willingly cast away himselfe ) seeke some both sure and spe●die remedie , least continuing in that lamen●able estate , they bee swallowed vp of despaire and ouer much heauinesse . If wee seeke to Angels , and would worship them , as some haue done heretofore , they cannot stand vs in steed : for howsoeuer they be excellent creatures , yet they haue not that of themselues : yea God should finde imperfection in thē , if they were not maintained by his power : and besides as they were not ordeined or created for such a purpose : so they are iustly our enemies for sinne ( as whose nature is so pure , that they cannot abide it ) and the armed souldiours of the Lord , by his special appointment to our destruction , for our vngodlines . If we would looke to dead Saints , as in time of superstition and Popery wee were taught , and did , as I feare me , many men yet doe , they cannot fitte vs any whit at all : as well because the dead know nothing at all : as also for that they themselues haue continually confessed of and against themselues , that they haue alwaies stood in need of a Sauiour , and if th●y could not saue themselues , much lesse others . If we cast our eies vpon men vnregenerated , and yet liuing , the scripture telleth vs , there is none that doth good , no not one : nay th●y are all by nature the children of wrath , and firebrands of condemnation , not only vnapt , and vnable to good workes for themselues , but most fitte to all euill , both against themselues and others . If to them , in whom regeneration is begun , yea and it may be also much aduanced , and who are in the word : indeed called the Saints of God , they accuse themselues of wonderfull euils and manifold imperfections , saying from a free heart , that all their righteousnes are● as filthie and stained clouts , and againe , the good , they sho●ld doe , that they doe not , the euill that they should not doe , that doe they , and therefore are not so much as willing to take such an office vppon them , though wee would a thousand times giue it them . If we would giue al that we haue vnto the Lord , for a ransome for our own s●ns or others : yea if wee would giue our first borne for our transgressions , and the fruits of our bodies for the sinne of our soules , as many idolators haue done heretofore , it will not auaile vs , for it is nothing , nay as a polluted thing in his fight : and besides it hath no power to purge away sinne , or to purifie conscience . If wee would cleaue to outward and feigned holinesse , as the Pharisees haue done , and the hypocrites of all ages do , wee must make this account of it , that though it bee neuer so glittering and glorious in mās sight ( which is not able to discerne of spiritual colors or things ) yet it is abbomination before God , to whom and before whom both wee our selues , and all our actions must stand and fall . If we stand vpon , the perswasion or practise of superstitious and idolatries deuised by man , we must needs fall : for besides that they are so many corruptions and defilings of Religion and seruice , that we performe vnto God , which is and ought to bee pure and simple as himselfe , God himselfe also reiecteth them , as things vile and displeasing in his blessed presence . Whither shall we then goe ? to Christ onely we must needes come : and why to him . First because , in him dwelleth the fulnes of all goodnes , yea chefulnes of the godhead bodily : and God hath giuen him to vs , to the end that beleeuing in him wee should not perish , but haue e●erlasting life . How shal we know that ? By the Lords own word and voice from heauen , who hath said ( and therefore we may , nay we ought to beleeue it ) that he is his welbeloued sonne , in whom he is well pleased . Secondly , because our Sauiour himselfe so graciouslie calleth vs , saying : Come vnto me all ye that trauaile , be wearie , and are heauy laden , and I will ease you . But when we come , we shall find nothing in him . Yes verilie : for through him , apprehended and appropriated to our selues by faith , we shall find eternall peace to Godward , and life and immortalitie brought vnto the beleeuers . In this our Christ , let vs for our comfort & instructiō cōsider , first the names and titles giuen him , which are not bare or idle , or expresse graces , in and for himselfe onely , but are full of fruit and efficacy , and that for vs and our good , specially for spirituall comfort here , and eternall saluation in the life to come . He is called Iesus , that is to say Sauiour : because he alone and no other doth and shall saue all his people from their sinnes . He is called Christ , that is , annointed and sealed by his father , to be our King , Priest and Prophet . By his kingdome establishing his double gouernment , one inward in the hearts of his children , by his holy spirit , and the other outward in the Church , by the scepter of his word , and his owne discipline . By his Priesthood , offering himselfe vp once for all , as a full and sufficient sacrifice , for all the sinnes of his people . And his Prophecy , he being become , the only law-giuer to his Church , so as the godlie now are not to hearken to anie ●oice , doctrine or spirit , but to him a●one , and those that speake according ●o his truth . Secondly let vs consider his person , which consisteth of these two natures , ●he Godhead and the Manhood . As he is God● he hath power in him●elfe , to doe whatsoeuer pleaseth him both in heauen and earth and all deepe places , yea to ouercome all our enemies , specially spirituall , which are so manie and mightie , as none can encounter with , much lesse vanquish but God onely , alone belongeth mercie and forgiuenesse of sinnes ● as the scripture saith . And as he is man , hee is both sufficiently able , and also very willing , to endure and suffer for vs , whatsoeuer was for our sinnes to be laid vpon him , yea and also willing , to haue compassion on th●● that are ignorant , and that are out of the way , ●●●ng made man like vnto vs , in euery respect , sinne only excepted , and therfore being both compassed with infirmity and tempted himselfe , is the better able to pitie and succour them , that are infirme or tempted . So that God manifested in the flesh , iustified i● the spirit , seene of Angels , preached vnto the Gentiles , beleeued on in the world , and receiued vp into glorie , is hee that wee must cleaue to alone , for the peace and comfort of our consciences , and the saluation of our soules , because there is none vnder heauen giuen vnto vs , whereby wee must bee saued , but onely the same of Iesus . Thirdly , let vs earnestly behold what ●ingular effects he worketh in his children , & what wonderful graces he free●y bestoweth vpon thē . He is the Lambe of God , that alone taketh away the sinnes of the world : he is he alone in whom it hath ●leased God to reconcile the world vnto himselfe : he is he that is made of God vnto vs , wisdome , righteousnesse , sanctification and redemption . Wisedome , because he is the eternall wisedome of the Father , from before all beginnings : and because comming out of the bosome of the Father , he hath declared vnto vs all the councels of God , concerning our instruction and comfort and that in far greater both plenty and plainnes , specially plainnes , than the Fathers before his comming had . Righteousnes , for these respects : first ●ecause he hath fu●●y satisfied the iustice of God being wou●ded for our transgressio●s , and broken for our iniquities , carrying also the chastisement of our peace vppon him , and healing vs with his stripes , bearing vpon his backe and shoulders the course of the law , due to vs for our sins , and ouercōming the same in redeeming vs from it : and secondly because that through his obedience and fulfilling of the law , wee haue iustification imputed vnto vs before God , and i●●choated in our selues , and before men in the world : and so obtaine at the last , the blessing of the law , which is eternall life . Sanctification or holines , because it pleased God the Father , in the riches of mercie , to send his owne Sonne , in the similitude of sinfull flesh , and for sinne , cond●mned sinne in the flesh , and not onely to impute vnto vs his holines , and to cloath vs with the same , but also through the mightie working of his holie Spirit to frame vs to walke in true holinesse and righteousnes before God and men , all the daies of our lif . Redemption , because that by offeri●g vp himself once vpon the altar of the crosse , he hath redeemed vs from sinne , and set vs free from the diuell , and eternall condemnation , keeping vs so in his hands , that none shall pull vs out of the same , vntil the full manifestation of our adoption shall appeare , euen the deliuerance of our bodies from all corruption and sinne , at what time hee shall returne our redeemer ●rom heauen , and shall change the bodies of our basenes , that they may be made like vnto his glorious bodie . To conclude , it hath pleased the Father , that in him should bee hidden all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge , and that in him should all fulnes dwell , yea the verie fulnes of his godhead bodilie , and of all other good things whatsoeuer , that so the Church , which is his bodie , & euery particular sound member thereof might receiue of his abundance , as it is writen : Of his fulnes haue wee all receiued , and grace for grace , that is , grace vpon grace , or as a man would say , graces heaped one vpon another , and that so he should be , the beginning and ending , yea , the very yea and Amen of all Gods Promises . To know these things , in such sort as before is declared , yea and in more ample manner , than is here set downe , and not to haue the particular feeling of them in a mans owne conscience , is to little or no purpose at all , vnlesse it bee more and more to afflict the conscience for want of comfortable feeling of them , and to plung vs into a more great and grieuous iudgment , because he that knoweth the will of his Master and doth it not shall be beaten with many stripes . Wherefore it greatly behooueth vs to striue to attaine the meane , whereby we may lay hold of them : and that meane , yea the only meane is nothing else , but a true and liuely faith , for by faith Christ and we are lincked together , he and all his merites being become ours , and we his , whilest he purgeth our hearts by faith , yea d●elleth in them , and maketh vs fruitfull ●o all good workes . This faith sealeth vp in our hearts , forgiuenes of past sinnes . Freedome from condemnation to come , and assurance of eternall life , pacifying our consciences towards God , and instructing vs to apply particularly vnto our selues , Christ Iesus and all his merites . And by this faith , it pleaseth almightie God , to purifie and purge the corruption of mans heart , and to frame it and fashion it to new obedience . Yea it is appointed by God to bee a necessarie instrument , whereby wee may ouercome the world , and as a shield of steele , by which we may quench all the fiery dartes of the wicked : and in which being stedfast , we must resist and vanquish the diuell . Other singular effects and fruites of this liuely faith , are largely reckoned vp in the Epistle to the Hebrues , chap. 11. But this faith is not of all men , that is most true : yea wee affirme , that no man hath it by nature , arte , wit , or any such other meane in man , but that it is the onely free and gracious gift of God , to his owne children alone . For the effecting of this precious grace in them , the Lord himselfe vseth two effectuall instruments to worke it in their hearts by . The one is inward , and the same most powerfull , namely his most ●●ly and blessed Spirit , speaking for kn●●●●dge , peace , and all good graces , more effectually to our hearts , than the outward sound doth to the eare . The other outward , and that is the whole ministerie of truth , whether it be in the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , &c. wee diligently subiecting our selues thereto , carefully receiuing the same , and daily growing in grace thereby , as wee doe in yeeres and strength in the bodie . This Spirit is called the spirit of adoption , because it beareth witnes vnto our spirits , that God hath adopted vs to be his children , and heires of his kingdom , teaching vs also with confidence and boldnes , to crie Abba Father . This Spirit is called the Comforter , because he ministreth vnto the children of God in all their heauinesses and distresses whatsoeuer , either outward or inward , vnspeakable ioyes . He is called the Spirit of truth , because he alone doth not only free vs from the errors of the wicked , and the darknesse of our owne hearts , but also inlightneth our vnderstanding , and leadeth vs into all truth . He is called the Spirit of sanctification , because he frameth them , in whom he dwelleth , to sanctification , and holinesse , and fitteth them indeede to all good workes . He maketh vs able to search into , and to vnderstand , the deep things of God , yea such deepe and hidden secrets , as the eye hath not seene , the eare hath not heard , neither haue they entred into mans heart . He frameth and fashioneth in vs vnfained loue to God , and to his people for his sake , working also in vs a sound minde , in al the duties and seruices that we doe either to God himselfe in heauen , or to men vpon earth . This Spirit helpeth our infirmities , teaching yea inabling vs ( who know not what to aske or pray as wee should ) to send foorth requests vnto God , with sighes and groanes which cannot be expressed . Also when or wheresoeuer it be bestowed , it bringeth with it a most holie and heauenly libertie , because if the Son by his blessed spirit make vs free , we shall be free indeed . Lastly , he is ( as it were ) the very earnest pen● , and assured seale or pledge of the trueth of the gracious promises , which Almightie God hath made vnto vs in Iesus Christ , generally for all good things , and especially for our eternall election in Christ , before the foundations of the world were laid . Touching the word , I take it in generall to be the ground and foundation of our faith , and that therefore it is rightly called the arme of the Lord , as vpon which onely we must leane . But most specially I meane that part , which containeth Gods most louing promises , made vnto vs in Iesus Christ , and is rightly called the Gospell . And this Gospell is the glad tidings of great ioy , and the mightie power of God vnto saluation , to euery one that beleeueth . Yea it is indeed the message of peace , becau●e it offereth quietnes of conscience , through the forgiuenes of sinnes , to those that are farre off , and to those that are nigh . It is called the word of grace , as well because it is freely bestowed vpon vs , as also because it offereth vnto vs the grace of God. It is the word of truth , because it manifesteth to vs all truth , both of faith and obedience , and setteth out before vs the truth of God , in the acco●plishing of his promises . It is also the word of life , not onely because it offereth life euerlasting , for that it doth to al in the Church , but also because that being rightly and reuerently receiued , it sealeth vp the same in our hearts , and frameth vs in this life to a new life , worthie our calling , by the which word also our sauiour Christ hath brought life and immortalitie to light , which before seemed as it were , to bee hidden : in which respect , it is called in sundry places of the new Testament a mystery or secret , yea such a mystery or secret , as was hidden since the world began . This word must be , first reuerentlie esteemed , because if wee prize it not as we should , it will grow into contempt . Then faithfullie credited , because otherwise our estimation and regard of it will do vs no good . Lastly , carefully receiued and profitably practised , because these indeed are true testimonies of our reuerence and beliefe : yea it must be reuerenced , credited , and receiued , not as the word of a mortall man , but as it is indeed the word of the eternall God. First , because of him that is the author thereof , which is God onely good , who besides , that hee hath the fulnes of mercie in him , to recompence our labour and loue that way , hath also infinit power , to reuenge the abuse or contempt of it , in what sort soeuer , or in whom soeuer . Secondly , because of the matter , or matters rather , that it propoundeth and setteth out vnto vs , which are faith in the promises , obedience to the pre●cepts , and reconciliation and agree●ment betweene God and vs , procure● for vs , and purchased vnto vs , in th● death of his dearely beloued Sonne . Thirdly , because of the persons , who● the Lord hath vsed in the publishi●● and speaking of it , who in times pas●●● were Prophets and holy men of Go● yet notwithstanding inspired by the sp●●rit of God. But in this latter time , he hath deliuered this trueth most fully vnto vs in the mouth of his owne sonne , in whom are all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge hid . And since that time by the blessed Apostles and Euangelists , whom he sent abroad into all the world , to preach the Gospell to all creatures . And now in this last age of the world , by the setled ministerie of ordinarie pastors and teachers . Whom God doth vse , not as though he were not able without them , to work his own wil , both in the sauing of them , whom he hath made heires of life , and in the condemning of the wicked ; but that hee might in their labours , haue a more readie entrance , by his word , into mens hearts , hee hauing appointed to season men by them , and to inlighten their darke and ignorant hearts , because they are the salt of the earth , and light of the world , indeede to season mens cor●upt hearts , and to deliuer them from the power of darknes , and to translate them into the kingdome of his deare Sonne . Who bring also with them the ambassage of peace , and reconciliation , God himselfe , as it were by them , intreating vs to be reconciled vnto his Maiestie . And are indeede the effectuall in●●●●●ments of God , for the gathering together of the Saints , for the worke of the ministerie , and for the ed●fication of the bodie of Christ , vntill wee all meete together , in the vnitie of faith and knowledge of the Sonne of God , vnto a perfect man , and vnto the measure of the age of the fulnes of Christ , that we hencefoorth be no more children , wauering and carried about , with euerie winde of doctrine , by deceit of men , either others , or our selues , or by the exercised subtilties of our spirituall aduersaries . Wherfore good reason is it , that they that bring vs such glad and acceptable tidings of such good things , taking continuall care for vs , and watching for our soules , should not onely bee reuerently esteemed , as the ministers of Christ , and disposers of Gods secrets , but also religiously and louingly receiued , because he that receiueth them , receiueth God the Father , and God the Sonne , that hath sent them : whereas on the other side , whosoeuer doe contemne them , thrust from them the blessed Godhead , and refuse the meanes that the Lord hath ordained and sent abroad for their saluation . The doctrine deliuered by these men , specially the Gospel preached , is a most liuely painting out of Christ before our eyes , and as it were a visible crucifying of him in our sights , who died for our sinnes , and rose againe for our righteousnes . And though they that perish , count it foolishnes ; yet is it that mighty power of God vnto saluation , and the excellent wisedome of the Lord , by which it pleaseth him through the foolishnes of preaching , to saue them that beleeue . And it is that effectuall instrument , whereby the Father of his owne good will begetteth vs againe vnto himselfe , that we should be as the first fruits of his creatures , being borne anew , not of mortall seede , but of immortall by the word of God , which word end●reth for euer . At our first receiuing of it , it is sincere milke , which as new borne babes we should long after , that wee may grow vp thereby and come vnto Christ , who is the liuing stone , that w●●● our selues also as liuing stones , may be made a spirituall house , and a holy Priesthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God , through Iesus Christ. And when wee are passed the age of our infancie in Christ , it is become our ●ound and stedfast meate , wherewith the Lord continually feedeth vs in his family , vntill that hauing laid downe th●● our earthly house of this tabernacle , we obtaine the building giuen vs of God , that is an house not made with hands , but eternall in the heauens , whose builder and framer is God. The Lord knowing whereof we be made , and remembring that we are but dust , hath not only giuē vs his word , to work faith in our hearts , but hath also l●ft vs for the more strengthening and confirming of the same , in the truth of his promises , the vse of two holy Sacraments only , and no more , namely Baptisme , and the Lords Supper , both of them being instituted by him , to whom alone indeede it belongeth to ordaine Sacraments ●n his Church , because hee alone hath power to giue and worke the grace that is meant , signified , or set ou● thereby . Baptisme witnesseth and pledgeth vnto vs diuers things , as first that we are ingrafted into the bodie of Christs Church , wherof Christ is the head , from whom alone the bodie receiueth increase , vnto the building vp of it selfe in holy loue . Then that regeneration is begun in vs , and wee become as it were new borne ●abes vnto God , our heauenly Father , the Lord sauing vs according to his mercie , by the washing of the new birth , and the renewing of the holy Ghost . It sealeth also vnto vs , the forgiuenes and washing away of our sinnes , in the sacrifice of Christs death , water no more effectuallie taking away the spotts and filth of our flesh , than Christs blood doth the guilt , power , and punishment of our sinnes . And it pledgeth this vnto vs , that wee are the sonnes of God by faith in Christ Iesus , because al that are baptised into Christ haue put on Christ , euen to this end , that so they might become sonnes , yea heires of God , and fellow heires with our Sauiour himselfe . It teacheth vs also , that we should indeuour , to keepe the vnitie of the Spirit , in the bond of peace , hauing the same loue , being of one accord , and of one iudgement , no man seeking his owne , but euery man one anothers wealth , seeing that we are one bodie in Christ and euerie one , one anothers members , as we are all by one sacrament of baptisme , coupled vnto one head which is Christ , and ioyned together too in one ●ody , which is his Church . It representeth vnto vs also thus much , that we being baptised into Christs death , shall by the power thereof die vnto sinne , and that by the vertue of his rising againe , we should walke in newnes of life . Lastly that wee shall be raysed vp at the last day out of the dust of the earth , and meete the Lord in the ayre , and dwell with him for euer and euer . The Lords supper sealeth vnto our consciences , that Christ is that liuing bread which came downe from heauen , of which whosoeuer truely eateth shall liue for euer , because he doth not nourish vs to death , for that is contrarie to his nature , nor for a time , because he liueth for euer and cannot die ( and such are the effects that flowe from him ) but vnto euerlasting life . Also it setteth out vnto vs , Christs death and passion , with the benefits we reape therby , and namely the remission and forgiuenes of our sinnes , because as he neuer did any thing in vaine , so much lesse died fruitlessely , but that hee might purchase for vs , eternal peace with God , through the worke of our reconciliation with him . Further it preacheth vnto vs that Iesus Christ himselfe God and man , with all his spirituall and heauenly treasures , is fully and wholie giuen vs by the Father , that in him and through him , taken hold of by faith , we may bee fully nourished in the inward and outward man , to the hope of euerlasting life . It doth also confirme vnto vs , the mystical vnion which is betwixt Christ and his Church , hee dwelling in our hearts by faith , and we thereby made members of his bodie , of his flesh , and of his bones . Lastly , it teacheth vs what vnitie and loue ought to be amongst vs , because that thereby wee that are many , are one bread and one bodie , in as much as wee are all partakers of one bread . To the worthy receiuing of this sacrament , there is necessarilie required an earnest examination and true tryall of our selues , which chiefely consisteth , as I take it , in effectuall stedfast faith , and hartie repentance towards God , and vnfained loue towards men . Faith is a certaine perswasion , and stedfast assurance , which euery true christian man ought to haue , that God the Father loueth him , for Iesus Christ his Sonnes sake , hee by the meanes of that faith , particularly applying vnto himselfe all Gods promises , specially those that concerne forgiuenes of sinnes , and eternall saluation , made vnto vs in the same his sonne Iesus Christ , in whom all his promises , are yea and amen . Repentance is an earnest hatred of all manner of sinne , inward , outward , past , present or to come , all proceeding from a right and reuerent feare of Gods eternall Maiestie , which worketh so farre in vs , that it maketh vs to forsake our selues , and to striue to the mortification of our corruption , to the ende wee may wholy giue ouer our selues to bee altogether gouerned by the holy Spirit of God , in the seruice of his Maiestie . Loue containeth in it , not onely a sound affection to our brethren and friends , but also the vnfained reconciliation of our selues vnto those whom wee haue offended , and a readie forgiuing of others the offences they haue cōmitted against vs , euen as willingly , gladly , & freely , as we would the Lord should forgiue vs , for his Christs sake . That faith that is outwardly wrought in vs by Gods word , and confirmed by the partaking of the holy Sacraments , is not an idle , vaine , or dead faith , but stedfast , vnfained , and working by loue , yeelding foorth the fruites of blessed obedience , not according to the darknesse and corruption of our owne will , lusts , and affections ; for they euermore rebell against God. Neither according to mens manners and examples , because they are no sufficient warrants for our conuersation : nor yet after the customes and fashions of this present euill world , for we are forbidden to fashion our selues thereby : but according to that good , perfect and acceptable will of God , set foorth and commaunded vnto vs in his law , which is and must be alwaies a light vnto our feete , and a lanterne vnto our paths , and is indeed the onely , true , sufficient , a●d right rule of all righteousnesse and well doing . This large volume of Gods will , plentifully and plainly reuealed in the Canonicall Scriptures of the old and new Testament , God the Father hath in great mercie for our weaknesse sake , abridged into two tables , containing ten Commandements . Wherein wee are specially to marke these two things : First , that it is the minde of the Law-giuer , in commanding good things , to forbid the contrarie euils : and in forbidding euill things , to commaund the contrarie good , the Almightie therein meeting with mans corruption and the frowardnes of his heart , who supposeth that if hee doe no euill , though he lead an idle and vnprofitable life from goodnesse , thinketh notwithstanding that hee hath performed his dutie . Secondly , that the Lord by his law mindeth to teach vs to bridle and subdue , not onely the act of sinne , as the Pharisies imagined ; nor the consent to the same in our hearts and affections alone , as the Sorbonists , and Popish schoole Diuines dreame a● this day , but also the least lust and motion that may prick vs thereto , or rise vp in our minde against the same . We must know further that this law of God is obserued and broken , inwardly and outwardly : for the inward breaking or obseruing thereof , because ●o man knoweth what is within man , but ●he spirit of God and the spirit of man him●elfe , euery man must be left vnto him●elfe : and yet all are bound both by the ●ertue of Gods holy Commandement , ●nd also by that excellent profession , ●●ter which they are named , not onely ●eeply to enter into the consideration of themselues , but also to know that they walke in his presence , before whose eyes all things are naked and plaine . Touching the outward breaking o● obseruing thereof wee must know , that the breach of it is then done , when any thing forbidden by that law is committed , or any thing commanded by that law is left vndone : and on the other side that obedience is then yeelded , when any thing commanded by that law is performed , or any thing forbidden by that law , is left vnaccomplished . For good reason is it ( whatsoeuer mans witte can cunningly dispute , or say against the same ) that these onely should bee allowed and done as good workes , which hee himselfe hath commaunded , and those fled from as euill , which hee himselfe hath forbidden , because hee hath al light and soundnes of true iudgment in himselfe , and is not carried away with partialitie of affection , to pronounce a wrong sentence , a matter very common amongst all men . Wherefore no good or godly Christian should allow , vse , or defend any Idolatrie , Soothsaying , Coniuring , Sorcerie , Witchcraft , Charming , false doctrine , feare , loue , or estimation , of any whatsoeuer creature , aboue God or equally with him , or the persons which shall vse such things . None must make , or cause to be made , either allow of , vse or defend any Images to expresse or counterfeit God by , or to seeke him or worship him in the same , or any other manner of superstition whatsoeuer , abstaining altogether in his holy seruice , from our own inuentions , blind deuotions , mens doctrines , and other mens examples or rules . None ought to vse or abuse the name of God , either in vaine or rash swearing , be the oathes as men account them neuer so small , or in blasphemie , sorcerie or witchcraft , or in cursing , forswearing and such like : yea none should talke or speake or thinke of God , his word , his workes , or whatsoeuer else hee is made knowne vnto vs by , without some vrgent and weightie cause , and that with great reuerence and feare of his Maiestie . None should abuse the Lords day , or any other day in doing of their owne wils , or in any wicked and vngodly exercise whatsoeuer , as dauncing , dicing , carding , table-playing , Tauerne or Ale-house haunting , resorting to the beholding of Enterludes , Beare-baitings , and such like . None should rebell against , disobey , or speake euill of Magistrates , Ministers , Masters , Mistresses , fathers and mothers , or any other person , whom the Lord in his wisedom and goodnesse hath made their superiours , either by age , authoritie , wealth , office , or any other manner of way whatsoeuer . Al hatred , malice and enuie ; al braulling , chiding , quarrelling , fighting , bloodshed , murther and such like , yea al manner of desire to do hurt or reuenge , must be auoided . All whoredome , fornication , adulterie , together with bawdie and filthie talke , loue-songs , tickings and toyings , and all other wanton and light behauiour , and other vnseemely gestures , in bodie or countenance ( which indeede are nothing else , but violent prouocations to filthinesse and euill ) yea and all vncleannes both of bodie and minde must be auoided . All theft & stealing , either openly or secretly , either by force , fraud , or otherwise , together with all deceiuable buying or selling , all vsurie , all extortion , all briberie , all vncharitable getting , and keeping of other mens goods , and to conclude , all manner of false dealings whatsoeuer , by cousenage , weight , measure , &c. ought to be shunned . Not only manifest periurie , and breaking of lawfull othes and promises , but also all lying , slandring , backbiting , flatterie , and dissembling , together with all euill speaking against others , either in words or writing , proceeding from the malice , corruption , and naughtinesse of mans heart , must be auoided . The very pricks and motions to sinne in mans minde ( which the holy Scripture sometimes calleth the lusts and concupiscences of our cursed nature ) must so farre foorth , as God shall inable vs , bee subdued , and that in their first assault , least otherwise temptation further preuailing vpon vs with delight , we be carried on forward by the subtiltie of sinne , both to consent vnto the euill , and to striue for the attempting and accomplishment thereof . And here , because vnlawfull wishes be dependents of this sinne of lust and coueting , men must learne to bridle and master the same , and not to haue them so often and common in their mouthes , as , I would I had this , I would I had that , &c. On the other side , because the life of a true Christian is not an idle life , and wee are commaunded by Gods holie word not onely to flie from euill , but to do that which is good , euery godly faithfull man must earnestly striue , according to the power that the Lord hath giuen him , to render vnto him his due honour and seruice , that is , to obey him in all things , and aboue all , to worship him onely , to put their whole trust in him onely , in all feare and dangers to flie vnto him , and to call vpon him onely , acknowledging him to bee the Creator , preseruer , and gouernour of all things , in heauen and earth . To giue vnto him that manner of worship and seruice onely , which hee himselfe in his word requireth , without adding thereto , or taking from it , and withdrawing themselues from al superstitious and carnall imaginations . To take an oath ( but yet vsing therein with great reuerence the fearfull and glorious name of our God only , and of no creature whatsoeuer ) when there is iust occasion , as to affirme or maintaine a trueth ( specially if the Magistrate require or commaund it , to set foorth the glorie of God , and to preserue mutuall agreement and brotherly charitie among men . To spend the Sabbath , as in ceasing from the honest labours of their lawfull callings , so in frequenting of godly exercises , in ioyning themselues to publike assemblies , reuerently and quietly there to behaue themselues in diligent hearing of the word read and preached , in prayer and singing of Psalmes , and as occasion shall serue , and is offered , in communicating in the holy Sacramēts , and afterward to bestow the rest of the time in priuate reading of Gods word and meditating therein , and in the earnest consideration of his most noble and wonderfull workes . And because all authoritie , either of Magistrates , officers , Ministers , Masters , Mistresses , Fathers , Mothers , and others , is of God , and that there is a like consideration of them al in that respect , euerie one must vse humble obedience towards them , bearing a reuerent minde to them , being readie to relieue , assist , and aide them , and willing to doe after their commandements , in all things in the Lord , and for the Lord , according to their dutie . Vnfained loue , patience , humilitie , humanitie , keeping & making of peace , sauing and helping all such as bee in danger , gentle words , soft answeres , and all duties of compassion , must continually be exercised . And because they are the temples of the holy Ghost , all purenes and chastitie , not onely as touching the act , but also in heart , word and behauiour , must bee profes●ed and practised . There must be put in vre all true and faithfull dealing , due paiment of debts , diligent seruice , together with all carefull and friendly sauing and deliuering of other mens goods . All must witnesse , iudge , and speake the truth , yea the whole truth , and nothing els but the truth ( as occasion shall be offered ) without any respect touching all men , and matters whatsoeuer . Lastly , when the Lord putteth good motions into their minds , men must diligently take heede , that they doe not suffer them to die in them , or to bee quenched , through the corruption and naughtinesse of their owne hearts , but must carefully striue by al holy meanes , and the diligent and often vse of the same , with earnestnes to pursue them , and to bring them to good effect . But we cannot performe these holie duties . That is true indeede , for we are not sufficient of our selues , as of our selues to thinke a good thought , much lesse to doe any good deede , but all our sufficiencie is from God , to whom alone we must haue recourse by earnest supplications and heartie prayers , that by him we may be made able not onely to know , what that good , holy , and acceptable will of his is : but also be strengthened from him ( from whom alone commeth euery good and perfect gift ) to accomplish and performe the same . And because wee are very dull and sluggish to performe this , as all other holie duties , the Lord hath ●ot onely giuen vs certaine sharpe spurres to prouoke vs thereto ( as his holy commandement , which wee ought carefully to obey ; his comfortable promises , which wee ought stedfastly to beleeue ; the pledge of his blessed spirit , which assureth our spirits that wee are his children , and stirreth vp in vs those groanings , that no tongue is able to expresse ; a true taste and feeling of our owne miseries and wants , and of the miseries and wants of our brethren , both in respect of our bodies , and of our soules ) but also hath taught vs such a short , and yet notwithstanding so sufficient a forme of prayer , as doth briefly comprehend in it , al such points and matters as be meet and lawfull for vs to demaund : therefore wee should continually labour , rightly to vnderstand it , and carefully to put it in practise , all the daies of our liues . But before wee enter into this , or any other prayer , it shall bee good for vs to consider some circumstances , and to obserue certaine rules , to the end that we , and our prayers , may by that means be foūd more acceptable in Gods ●ight . As first , how great and wonderfull our wretchednes , miserie and pouertie is , without the which as wee may easily be puffed vp with pride in our selues , so cannot our prayers be piercing , because a full belly despiseth a ho●y combe , as the holy Ghost saith . Also what is the excellencie , maiestie , power and goodnes of Almighty God , to whom we pray : for if that be not setled in our hearts , we shall without re●erence , yea in a certaine kinde of hypocriticall and superstitious boldnes , rush into his maiesticall presence , as the horse doth into battell . The earn●●t and deepe weighing of both which points , may work in vs true and vnfained humbling of our selues in his presence , and also a certaine assurance that our prayers and requests shal be granted ( so farre foorth as shall bee expedient for his glorie and our comfort ) because wee come to him that hath the fulnes of all will and power in himselfe to performe any thing that we shal demaund , according to the same . Besides , wee must know and beleeue that wee must pray vnto this alsufficient God onely , as well because hee alone knoweth the things wee stand in neede of , as also because he alone can help vs , and yeeld reliefe and supplie , when and as best pleaseth himselfe . And that our prayers must bee made vnto him in the name of his dearely beloued Sonne Iesus Christ onely , because it pleased the Father by him alone , to reconcile all things to himselfe , both which are in heauen and in earth● , and to appoint him to be the onely Mediatour betweene God and vs. Also that wee must aske good things onely : for it is vnreasonable , yea irreligious , to make the most good and holie God , a slaue to satisfie our corrupt affections , now wee haue said before , that nothing is good , but that hee alloweth and liketh of , by his will reuealed in his word . And we must aske these good things to good and holy vses onely , as the aduancement of his glorie , the helpe and comfort of our brethren , and our owne good , and not to consume them on our lusts ; as wantonnes , gluttonie , drunkennes , enuie , abominable idolatrie , and such like . And lastly , that we must not pray only with our mouth and lips , after the manner of hypocrites , but must yeeld consent to the same in our vnderstandings , hauing indeede the summe of euery petition in our hearts , as we readily haue the words thereof in our mouthes , otherwise all that we do in this behalfe , will be but lip-labour , yea lost labour . For outward behauiour in our prayers , it is seemely and meete that wee should order our selues reuerently and religiously , in humble kneeling vpon our knees , in stedfast holding vp of our hands , and earnest lifting vp of our eyes to heauen ward , and in disposing euery part and member both of our bodies and of our mindes , in such sort that wee our selues may feele , and others that be present with vs , may sensibly perceiue that wee reuerence his Maiestie , before whom we appeare , and rightly vse that exercise that hee hath enioyned vs , as a special peece of his seruice , euen for our owne health and welfare , as well ●s for his glorie . Vnderstand me as I meane . My purpose is not to tie men to that forme of prayer alone , or to te●●●●hem to vse only those gestures aboue prescribed : for that were to limit the Spirit , and to represse occasions and prouocations giuen vs from God , and felt in our selues , to holy prayer , but that euery one shuld striue ( because of that rebellion that is in our harts ) as much and as effectually , both in word and deede , to humble our selues before God , as possibly wee can , least otherwise God resist vs ( for he resisteth the proud ) and reiect our prayers . Now let vs come to a short opening of that prayer , which the Lord himselfe hath taught vs. The preface or beginning thereof is this . O our Father which art in heauen . Out of which words wee may learne many things , as first in this word O , the earnest affection that ought to bee in them that pray , who must bring with them mindes , not onely farre remoued from earthly and carnall things , but so sted●astly set vpon those heauenly and spirituall graces , that at that present they demaund , that they minde nothing but those alone . Secondly , in 〈◊〉 word , our , the vnfained loue and feeling that ought to bee amongst Christian brethren , no man praying for himselfe onely , but praying as carefullie for others as for themselues . Thirdly , in this word , Father , his fatherly prouidence and assured fauour and good will , towards his children in Christ , on the one side , and their sincere loue and hearty obedience towards him on the other side , according to that of the Prophet : If I be your Lord , where is my honour , and if I be your father , where is my loue ? Fourthly , in these words , which art in heauen , the exceeding Maiestie , power and glorie of God , aboue all things : which if wee respect not in prayer , and feele in our selues to appertaine to vs , the fruites of our lips will fall downe , as water spilt on the earth . The first petition is : Hallowed be thy name : wherein wee pray for the knowledge and reuerence of God , so to be in our hearts , that all our thoughts , words and deedes , may in all godlinesse onely so shine before men , that God our heauenly Father may thereby be glorified . And on the other side , wee pray against ignorance and contempt of God , and of all these meanes whereby hee hath made himselfe knowne vnto vs , as his word , workes , &c. Also wee pray against all loose life and vngodly behauiour whatsoeuer . The second petition is : Thy kingdom come : wherein we pray for the effectuall feeling and working of Gods blessed spirit , and all his gifts in vs , as righteousnes , peace , comfort , &c : also for the sincere preaching , reuerent hearing , and right receiuing of Gods holy word and discipline . We pray for Magistrates and Common-wealths , and for the Church of Christ wheresoeuer dispersed , and we pray for the glorious appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ , either particularly to visite euery one of vs , or generally to iudge the quicke and the dead , with wonderfull glorie and maiestie , in that great and last day . On the other side we pray against all the illusions , suggestions and assaults , either of Sathan , or of our owne corruption ; wee pray against the bondage of sinne , the kingdome of Antichrist , and the contempt and forgetfulnes of Gods either particular , or general iudgement . The third petition is , Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen : wherein wee p●●y for wisedome , will , power , and grace , that we may yeeld our selues , our soules and our bodies , with euery part and member , both of the inward and outward man , and that all other things also together with vs , may bee made conformable here vpon earth , vnto the obedience of Gods will declared by his word , as his Angels , which bee his heauenly creatures , studie nothing but to please him , without any motion to the contrarie . On the other side , wee pray against presumption , wilfulnes , ignorance , rebellion , muttering , grudging , or repining against his good will and pleasure , together with all such inordinate and fleshly desires resting in vs , as are contrarie to his blessed will and ordinance . The fourth petition is , Giue vs this day our daily bread : wherein wee pray for meate , drink , apparel , health , wealth , libertie , peace , good order , and all other good things whatsoeuer , that God knoweth to bee meete for vs in this world , to sustaine , keep and defend our bodies and li●es by . On the other side , wee pray against hunger , nakednesse , scarsitie , pestilence , ●icknes , pouertie , bondage , warres , disorder , and all manner of euils whatsoeuer , tending to the hurt of our bodies and liues . And let vs marke the words , with which we vtter this petition . We rather say giue , than pay , because wee cannot require bodily things ( much lesse spirituall things ) for any desert that is in vs , but for Gods ●ree and gratious goodnesse onely . And wee say , Giue vs , rather than me , to teach vs , that in charitable loue wee are bound , both to pray and labour for others , and not of selfe-loue onely for our selues , as worldlings doe . And wee require rather this day daily bread , than euery day daintie fare , because wee should learne rather to stay our selues vpon , and to content our ●elues with Gods continual prouidence , ●inistring vnto vs alwaies sufficient , for ●resent necessitie , than to incomber our ●●lues with worldly care and carking to ●et by indirect meanes , or to keepe any ●●perfluitie . The fift petition is 〈…〉 trespasses , as we forgiue 〈…〉 against 〈◊〉 : wherein wee pray 〈…〉 feeling of Gods 〈◊〉 , pur●ha●ed ●●to vs by Christ , an●●is obedience only , to put away all our sinnes● we p●●y also for peace and ioy of conscience , 〈◊〉 for vnfained loue and bro●herly r●co●●ciliation amongst men , which is an assured pledge of the fre●●ardon and full ●orgiuenes of all our iniquities before God. On the other side , wee pray against wrath , vengeance , despaire , and many strong illusions , that may bee and are raised vp in vs vnto condemnation in sinne : also against hatred and hard hartednes towards men . The sixt petition is : And leade v● not into temptation , but deliue● vs fro● euill : wherein we pray for Christian patience , strength , and continuance against all temptation , and suggestions whatsoeuer , to sinne : also for contemp● of the world , mortifying of the 〈◊〉 and quickning of Gods holie Spirit Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A14608-e10 Confession of sinnes . Foure witnesses that we are sinners . 1. Our owne conscience . 2. God himself . 3. Gods iu●●●●ments . 4. Gods vvo●● vvhich chargeth vs vvit●● 1. Adams fall● 2. Originall s●●● 3. T●e fruites of originall sin● ● good 〈◊〉 to bring 〈◊〉 the fee 〈◊〉 of Gods 〈◊〉 ements . 〈◊〉 comparing 〈◊〉 ans filthi●●●●e and Gods ●●●●t●ousnesse . The grie●●usnesse of sin ●●mmitted . 3. The multitude of transgressions . 4. Gods he●● iudgement vvhich ar● executed . 1. Vpon the creatures . 2. Vpon men this life● and are either invvard or out●vvard . 〈…〉 ●●ternall con●●●nation . ●n being f●lt , ●●liefe must be ●ught . ● . Angels . 2. Dead Saints . 3. Men vnregenerate . 4. Men regenerate . 5. Goods and riches . 6. Counterfeite holines . 7. VVill worshippings , canno● appease the cons●i●nce vvounded with the feeling of Gods iudgements and sin . Christ alone must be our refuge . VVe haue Gods ovvne testimonie for it . And Christs owne vvord . Christs names full of doctrine and comfort . Iesus . Christ. 1. Christs kingdome . 2. Christs priesthood . 3. Christs Prophecie . Christs person . Christ God. 3. Christ man. 4. Christ : God and man our on●ly Sauiour . Christ alone takes away sin . 1. Christ is our vvisedome . 2. Christ is our righteousnes . 3. Christ is our holinesse . 4. Christ is our redemption . 5. Christ is all in all . Faith and know●ed●e must g●e together . Notable ●ff●cts of true fa●th . 1. Faith vvorketh peace in our cons●i●nces . 2. Faith clenseth our heart 3. Faith ouercommeth the vvorld , the flesh and the diu●ll . Faith is the fre● gi●t of God. Faith f●amed in vs two manner of vvaies . Spirit of adoption . Spirit , a comforter . Spirit of truth . Spirit of sanctification . Spirit , together vvith the powers and effects thereof . Gods vvord generally the gro●nd of fai●h . But most specially the Gospel . 1. Gospell what it is . 2. The message of peace . 3. The vvord of grace . 4. The vvord of truth . 5. The vvord of life . 6. A mysterie or secret . How the vvord must be receiued , and for what cause . Prophets . Christ Iesus . Apostles , Euan●gelists , Pastors● Doctors and Ministers , wha● manner of men they ought to be . ●he ends of the holy Ministery . Ministers and Ministery must be much made of . 1. The doctrin● preached , painteth out Christ● death and passion . 2. It sealeth to vs our saluation . 3. It vvorketh our regeneration . How the word is milke . ●ow and when ●he vvord is ●rong meate . Gods goodnes . Mans frailtie . The tvvo Sacram●nts , aides ●o our faith . 1. Baptisme se●●leth our ingra●●ting into the Church . 2. Our regeneration . 3. Remission of sinnes . 4. Our adoption . 5. Our spiritu●ll vnitie . 6. Our mortification , and sanctification in Christs death and resurrection . 7. Our resurrection . 1. The supper pledgeth our eternall life . 2. Christs death and passion . 3. Our spirituall nourishment in and by him . 4. The vnion betvvixt Christ and his church . 5. The vnitie amongst the members of the Church . Examination before the Supper . Tvvo parts of it , ●aith and r●pentance tovvards God , and sincere loue towards men . Faith vvhat it is . Repentance what it is . Loue , and what it comprehendeth . True faith is not fruitlesse . 1. Naturall corruption . 2. Other mens manners . 3. And the fashions of this world , no rules to ●rame our liues by . 4. But Gods wor● onely . Two tables , ten commaundements . VVe must flie ●rom euill , and doe good . 1. Act of sinne . 2. Consent to the same . 3. Yea , lust or motion must be auoided . 1. Gods law is obserued or broken after tvvo sorts . Outvvard breach . Inward and outward obedience . Things forbidden by the first commaundement . By the second . By the third . By the fourth . By the fifth . By the sixth . By the seuenth . By the eighth . By the ninth . By the tenth . Vnlavvfull vvishes . Things commaunded by the first precept . By the second . By the third . Three ends of an oath . By the fourth . By the fifth . By the sixth . By the seuenth . By the eight . By the ninth . By the tenth . Our vvant of abilitie is supplied by earnest prayer to God. Spurs to prayer specially foure . 1. Gods commandement . 2. Gods promises . 3. The assured pledge of the ●pirit . 4. Our ovvne vvants . Seuen poynts to be marked before we pray . 1. Our wretchednesse . 2. Gods greatnesse . 〈…〉 od will , an●●ods great power mu●t not be sundered in prayer . 3. That God onely must be called vpon . 4. I● the name of his ●onne Christ onely . 5. Good things onely must ●e asked . 6. And that to good ends only . 7. Mouth and heart must be ioyned together . Outvvard behauiour in prayer must plainely preach reuerence of Gods maiestie . Men may not be tied of necessitie to th●t or any forme of praier , or to any sort of gesture therein . The preface to the Lords prayer expounded . 1. Earnest in prayer . 2. Vnfained loue . 3. Gods prouidence , and our obedience . 4. Gods povver . The first petition , vvhat we pray for . VVhat vve pray against . The second petition , vvhat vve pray for . VVhat vve pray against . The third petition , vvhat we pray for . VVhat vve ●ray against . The fourth petition , vvhat vve pray for . VVhat vve pray against . 1. Merits ouerthrovvne . 2. Selfe-loue euill . 3. Gods prouidence , our only stay . 〈…〉 pray for . VVhat vve pray against . The sixth petition , vv● at vve p●ay for .