A plain AND true RELATION OF THE goodness OF GOD towards the summer islands, written by way of exhortation, to stir up the people there to praise God. WHEREVNTO ARE ADDED certain questions AND ANSWERS CONCERNING THE KEEPING HOLY OF THE sabbath day, and public exercises of Religion, written in the Summer islands for the benefit of the people there. By LEWES HVGHES Minister of Gods word. AT LONDON: Printed by Edward All-de, dwelling near Christs Church. 1621. striving to keep them in thankful remembrance, and as occasion serveth, to ●●eake of them in all places, to stir up as many, as you can to praise God with you; I for my part will help what I can. 1 First, let us think vpon& consider of the great goodness of God towards those islands in their first creation; how God did then environ and fortify them about, with fearful Rocks and shoals; by means whereof, you dwell as safe from foreign invasion, as any people in the world, which is a great comfort. 2 Consider we also, how Almighty God by his gracious providence; in their first creation did fit them with two goodly and large harbours, with such curious& narrow coming in, as few men in the Plat-formes and Forts on both sides the Channels are able( by the help of God) to sink all Ships of Enemies that shall offer to come in. 3 Note also the goodness of God towards you in the matter of artificial fortification, in that, howsoever at the arrival of captain nathaniel Butler your governor, there was by former neglects, a general decay that way; yet, within the space of one onely year, we haue attained to that perfection, that the particulars following mention: As first, at the Kings Castle, there are at this present 18. great pieces excellently mounted, the most of them vpon new carriages of Caedars; and five more are mounted in Southampton Fort, newly made by captain Butler, which flankers the Kings Castle so, that there are in all 23. pieces of Ordinance that play vpon the mouth of that Harbour. At Pembroke Fort there are two great pieces; in Pagets Fort five; and in smiths Fort five, the which two last Forts command the mouth of the Harbour of St. Georges. At Warwick Fort are three more to command that Harbour: At the town before the governors house are eight to command the Harbour, and to keep Shallops from landing; another at the foot of the Mount, to serve for a warning-piece; and at St. Katherines Fort two, to skoure that Bay: In all, you haue at the present 53. pieces of great Ordinance very well mounted, whereof 26. are newly mounted by captain Butler, and most of all the other so repaired, as that now they are become fully serviceable. The Mount which was blown down with a terrible gust of wind, being the Eye of the island, and a great comfort, because from the top of it, ships were discovered, is built again by captain Butler, so that now these islands are well fitted and prepared both within and without, against all foreign invasions. Gods holy& great name be therefore praised. 4 Consider also of the goodness of God, in reserving and keeping these islands, ever since the beginning of the world, for the English Nation, and in not discovering them to any, to inhabit but to the English. 5 Consider also of the manner, how they were discovered, and( by the mercy of God) made as a jonas his Whale, to receive into safety, men out of hope of life: I mean, when in the year of our Lord, 1609. eight sails of Ships, were sent from England to Virginia; all which continued together from the 15. of May, till the 25. of july, when( by reason of a storm, which continued three dayes, wherein they saw neither Sun, moon, nor stars) the admiral, called the Sea: adventure, a Ship of 300. tons, lost sight of the rest, and was ready to sink every hour, being nine foot deep of water in the hold( the storm still increasing) and all the men out of hope of life, and tired with bailing and pumping: then( by the mercy of God) they descried these islands and within two houres after, the ship( ready to sink, if shee had gone but her length further) did strike between two rocks, where she stuck fast; then presently God shewed his mercy, and his power in rebuking the wind, so as it ceased, and the Sea, which before with every wave, was ready to ouer-rake her, became quiet and calm, on the sudden, and all with glad hearts went quietly to shore, praising God, who turneth the stormy wind into a calm, Psal. 107.29. and ruleth the raging of the Sea, and stilleth the waves thereof when they rise, Psal. 89.10. They remained in ihese islands about ten moneths, and builded a couple of Pinnaces, with which they sailed to Virginia, and carried with them good store of powdered pork and Bacon, made of wild hogs, whereof they found in these islands great plenty. Also they carried live Tortoyses, salted Birds, and salt Fish which they took and salted here, and therewith saved many of their lives that were in Virginia, whom they found there ready to perish through want of food: Before that provision was spent, Ad●irall of the Fleet. Sir Geo. Summers returned hither for more, and here ended his dayes. Sir Geo. Summers being dead, his men would not go again to Virginia, but came for England,& left behind them in these islands three men; Edward Chard, Christofer Carter, and Edward Waters●n? these three they left here, because they would not go with them( God did put into their hearts such love and liking of these islands.) These three men found good store of ambergris to the value of 9000. pound, which I am persuaded, God brought into their hands of purpose to encourage the adventurers to undertake this Plantation. Thus it pleased God to discover these islands, in great mercy for the safety of them that were ready to perish in the Sea, and for the saving of their lives also, who were ready to perish in Virginia, through want of food, though now they be( as I hear) in good estate, thanks be to God. I am persuaded that Almighty God, who by his miraculous and gracious providence, hath discovered and bestowed these islands vpon our Nation, hath some great work of wonder, to bring to pass by them, to his great glory: therefore be glad of them, and praise him for them, despise them not for the smallness of them, because Almighty God doth most commonly by small means bring great things to pass. And take heed that your sins do not provoke God to cut you off; so as your eyes shall not see, what God will bring to pass. The more to stir you up to praise God, consider how many ways, God hath shewed his love, and care of you, since your coming into these islands. 1 You that were sent in the first Ship called the plough, with Mr. Richard Moore governor, in the year of our Lord 1611. you were no sooner within the Harbour, but, for your welcome, God brought plenty of good Fish to the Ship side, which did attend vpon you, and follow the Boat to shore, where some did cast out of the water with their hands, so much as did suffice you all, which did rejoice you much. 2 Consider also how( to your further ioy) God brought unto you, the three men that were left in the island, all three in good health, fat and well liking, though out of clothes. 3 Consider also how God by them had provided an Acre of good Wheat, ripe and ready to be gathered, besides the Wheat that you found in their houses, with Indian beans and Pease, and great store of ripe Pompions. Also you found Tortoyses ready taken, and by the providence of God, roasted and sod so much, as sufficed you all. 4 Consider also how bountifully God brought unto you the Fowles of the air in great abundance, which did offer themselves to be taken by you, so as if one did but sit on the ground,& make any mournful noise, more came to him, then he was able to kill and carry away, so as one man in one hour, hath taken above thirty dozen. 5 Consider also of the goodness of God, in blessing your first labour, in clearing of ground, and setting of corn, so as by the blessing of God, you had great increase, notwithstanding that the corn was set late. Vpon your second Crop,( partly for the unthankfulness of some, and partly for the trial of other some, God denied his blessing, so as you received not your seed again, therefore fear of great want came vpon you: Then, even then when your hearts began to be troubled with fear of want, Almighty God who never faileth nor forsaketh them that are his, did sand you a comfortable supply unlooked for. While that was spending, your looking for more supplies out of England, and following Tobacco too greedily, did cause you to neglect setting of corn, whereby you were brought into great want. Then the number of people increasing, and as they increased, sin and disorder did also increase, which brought the correcting hand of God vpon you many ways, so as diuers did perish very miserable: but, consider I pray you, that most of them that so dyed, were ungodly, slothful, and heartless men, which sheweth plainly that God hath not reserved these islands from the beginning of the world, to bestow them now vpon such, as shall dishonour and provoke him every day, as many of them did. I cannot but wonder, when I think vpon the nastiness& loathsome laziness, wherein too many of them died, 〈◇〉 night and day for meat, notwithstanding they had m●●●●nough, if not too much; for, they did nothing night and day but dress, and eat, and so greedy, as they would not stay till their meate was sod; but more like dogges then Christians did devour it blood raw. The first night that I lay in the island, which you call Coopers island( whither the lazie-staruing-crue were sent, and with them, some honest industrious persons, though then much out of heart, and now living, and well, thanks be unto God) when I saw in every cabin, Pots& Kettles full of birds boiling, and some on Spits roasting, and the silly wild birds coming in so tame into my cabin, and go so familiarly between my feet, and round about the cabin, and into the fire, with a strange lamentable noise, as though they did bemoan us, and bid us take, kill, roast, and eat them: I was much amazed, and at length said within myself, surely the tamenesse of these wild birds, and their offering of themselves to be taken, is a manifest token of the goodness of God, even of his love, his care, his mercy and power working together, to save this people from starving. Mr. Moore then governor, fearing that their over eating themselves, would be their destruction, did remove them from thence to Port Ryoll, where they found but little, or no want: for, birds they had there also, brought to them, every week, from the islands adjoining, whither some were sent of purpose to bide for them: Also they had fish brought unto them, a boats loading at a time, and Palmetoe Berries, which you know are so wholesome and nourishing, as a man may live well with them, and be in heart, and strength, though he haue nothing else: notwithstanding all this, they died miserable, some with meat in their mouths crying for more. This surely was a great iudgement of God vpon those slothful and greedy belly-Gods, and a manifest sign and token( as I said even now) that God hath not reserved these islands from the beginning of the world till now, to bestow them vpon such as shall provoke him every day, as many of them did. The correcting hand of God, which then lay heaviest vpon the lazy ones, did stretch out itself over all, even the most industrious, when their Lines, Hooks and Nets were worn out, so as many of them also died. 6 You that came in the first Ship with Mr. Moore, being about 60. persons, haue great cause to praise God for his goodness in preserving you; so as you are now all alive in health and strength, except one that was killed with shooting off a great piece: it is now almost nine yeares since you came hither. God make you all thankful, the worst( by the grace of God) is past; your hope and common talk is, that( by the help of God) you shall never see the want, that you haue seen. Now that a constant course is held in planting of corn, you are sure by the blessing of God to haue two Wheat harvests every year, with less labour then they haue one in England, because here is neither ploughing nor harrowing. You haue plenty of good Fish, if you will take pains to go out to Sea for it. In stead of the plenty of wild hogs, that you found here at your first arrival, you haue tame hogs, and also Turkyes and Powltry, so many as you can keep. The Kine in St. Georges island( you see) do multiply and prosper well, so as in time, by the blessing of God, they will be a great comfort unto you; so will the Goates also, if care be had of them. Potatoes you haue plenty, as good as any bee in the world, Plantynes, Pynes, and other delicate Indian fruits, you are like to haue plenty, if you will haue a care to plant them. Also if( according to the Statute made in the first year of captain Butler his government) you make your Fences of fig and pomegranate Trees, you will haue more figs and pomegranates then you will be able to spend: what a comfort will it be unto you, to haue all your Fences of fig Trees& pomegranate Trees? the like( I think) is not to be found in the world. Sugar Canes, though they are not like to prove any merchantable commodity, yet they will be a great comfort to you many ways. The Casaua roote is like to prove a great blessing of God unto you, because it makes as fine white bread as can be made of Wheat, and( as I am persuaded) wholesome, because the Indians that live of it, are tall and strong men. The bread will keep as long as biscuit, and therefore good for the Forts. If it yield a little, and become soft, do but lay it out in the sun, and it will bee as hard, as when it was first baked. The planting of Casaua would not be neglected, because it is a sure food: your corn is subject to blasting, and to the worms, so is not the Casaua. How to make Bread of Casaua roots. FIrst wash, and scrape clean; or pare away the out-side. Then grace the root vpon a Grater, as you do bread: get Graters made of purpose, with holes somewhat bigger then ordinary. If you want a Grater, you may make shift with a rough pumish ston, whereof you may find some vpon the bays by the Sea side, or with nails broad pointed, driven thick through a board. press out the juice through a bag of hair, as you do Veriuice; then spread the grated roote vpon a clean cloath in the sun to dry. That which will not go through the Siue, beat in a mortar till it be small like meal, and fift it again. Take the sifted roote, and strew it in a clean dripping pan, and put it into the oven, and it will bake in a quarter of an hour. The oven must not be too hot. You must not knead the roote, as you do Dowe, nor put water to it, but strew it dry, like Saw-dust, almost an inch thick. If you haue no oven, you may bake it on a Triuet or three stones, with a little fire, if you make a great fire, it will not bake, but crumble like Saw-dust: remember to turn it three or four times, unless you bake it in a oven, then it needs no turning. Your chief and Merchantable commodity for the present is Tobacco: pray to God to bless you with some other commodity, which may be more to his glory, and comfort of his people then Tobacco is. There is great hope of the Silke-worme, captain Butler your governor saith, that the Mulberrie Trees growing in the Summer islands, are as good, if not better, then those, that he hath seen, where silk is made. The Spiders do make perfect silk; therfore I am persuaded there is no doubt to be made of the Silke-worme, fail not therefore to plant Mulberrie Trees near your houses, that you may haue meat at hand for the worms, when they shall be sent you. Forget not the goodness of God, in manifesting the love and care that he hath of you, by blessing you with a Parliament, wherein diuers laws and Statutes fitting your estate, and agreeing with the laws of England, haue been made: wherein also I observe the good hand of God, in that( notwithstanding your discontentments and grievances were many; and that diuers did purpose( as I did gather by their speeches) to stand stiffly or rather obstinately to haue things carried according to their own wills, so as I did fear it would prove, an unhappy, long, and troublesone Parliament.) It pleased God so to direct captain Butler your governor in the ordering of it, and also to change the mind of diuers of the Burgesses, as when they were assembled, there was such reasonableness and sweet unity of mindes even in all, as the bills did pass, and were granted on all sides, readily, and cheerfully, which to me seemeth a great work of wonder, and a manifest sign, that God, who is the God of love and peace, was in the midst of us, guiding and assisting us with his holy spirit; his holy and great name be therefore praised. I hope that God will give the like blessing to the next Parliament, and in his good time establish a good politic civil estate amongst you. Consider well I pray you of the goodness of the Lord Iesus, in choosing and taking you out of his Vineyard in England, and in bringing you into these islands, to plant you here, so as now these islands also, which formerly haue been called the island of devils, are become the Vineyard of the Lord Iesus, and you the plants that his right hand hath planted here. Consider I pray you of this, and take heed that you bring not forth the sour Grapes of unthankfulness and disobedience, least God do to his Vineyard here as he did to his Vineyard in judea; when it did so, he took away the hedges, broke down the walls, and laid it waste. Isai. 5.56. Consider also of the goodness of God in preserving all ships belonging to these islands, so as none haue been cast away neither going nor coming: true it is that this last year 1619. a Ship was cast away, not going nor coming, but riding at anchor in the harbour. My heart giveth me, that among other sins, the abominable sin of drunkenness, that aboundeth among you, every shipping time, did much further the bringing of that iudgement vpon her, to admonish some to bee no longer Bawds to drunkenness, by sending over so much Aqua-vitae, and also to admonish you to suppress drunkenness and all other sins, as much as you can, which do abound too much among you, to the great dishonour of Almighty God, and daily provoking of him to wrath. Forget not the iudgement that God hath shewed on Drunkards among you. In Summerset, you know how one died suddenly with drinking himself dead drunk. Also in the town at St. Georges, a man of Summerset drunk himself dead drunk, and being by a Coroners Inquest found guilty of his own death, was by the commandement of captain Butler your governor, butted in the high way, with a stake driven through him, by them in whose company he drank himself dead, each of them having a paper on his back with this superscription, These are the Companions of him, which killed himself with drinking. Two of the most notorious of them were punished, the one whipped at the whipping Post, the other( because he was a soldier) did ride the Cannon, shot off full charged, which did shake him terribly. Forget not the Boats of Summerset that were ouer-turned with the keel upward, and some of the men drowned, because they that should guide them, were troubled in their brains with Aqua-vitae. Let not the hand of God, which lay heavy vpon you in captain Tuckers time, be forgotten, when the Rats did abound, and go by Sea, from island to island, so as no island was free, but all were like so many Coney-Warrens: I say they went by Sea, from island to island, because fishes haue diuers times been taken three leagues off at Sea, with Rats in their maws, which sheweth plainly, that the Rats did swim, and were snapped up of the fishes. Consider what a plague of God they were unto you both within doors, and without: within, they devoured your corn, and other provision of food, and your clothes and shoes,( as myself hath good cause to remember:) without, they devoured your corn by scraping it out of the ground: when it was new set, the Grains which were thrust in so deep, as they could not scrape up, until God in mercy hearing our poor prayers, took them away, on the sudden in three or four dayes, I mention the time, because I took good notice of it. assoon as the Rats were destroyed, field Cats, that were neither seen nor known, to be in any such abundance, came marching out of the Woods, to your houses, six, seven, or eight in a company: then it was in every bodies mouth that the Cats had destroyed the Rats, and some said, that the coldness of the Winter killed them. I remember indeed, that we had a very cold time a little before they were destroyed, which( I am persuaded) God in mercy did sand, for the killing of them: therefore give the glory to God and not to the Cats, nor( as some do to the Traps, nor to the ruinating of the islands with fire; and take heed, that your unthankfulness bring them not again, or some other plague as bad. Haue God always in mind, and pray for grace to set forth the praise and glory of his holy and great name, according to the meaning of the first Petition of the Lords Prayer. Follow not the sway of your own corrupt lusts: let them not overrule you, but pray to God to rule and govern you by his word, and holy spirit, according to the meaning of the second Petition. Make conscience even of the least sin, and take heed of following your own wills in any thing: but pray to God for grace to do his will in all things, according to the meaning of the third Petition. abhor idleness, and take pains for your living honestly in the fear of God: be content with your estate, how mean soever it bee; trust to Gods fatherly providence, 〈◇〉 pray to God continually according to the me●●ing of the fourth petition, for such things as you stan● 〈◇〉 ●●●●of. Con●esse your sins unto God every day, and with grieved hearts desire God, according to the meaning of the fift Petition, for Christ his sake, to forgive them. Pray to God every day for grace to amend your lives, according to the meaning of the sixth petition, especially when you are tempted to do any evil: pray hearty that God will deliver you; that is, not then leave you ●nto yourselves, with power and mind to do that 〈◇〉 whereunto you are tempted: but rather take that power and mind from you, and cause your hearts to fail you, as he did the heart of joseph, when being tempted by his mistress to commit adultery, said, How can I do this great wickedness, and so sin against God. Gen. 39.9. Forget not, but carefully remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy, the doctrine whereof, which( by the mercy of God, I preached unto you, I haue for your sakes) writ by way of question and answer, as plainly as it pleased God to enable me, in hope that God will bless it unto you, to his glory, and your comfort through Christ Iesus: to whom with the Father, and the holy Ghost, be all honour, thanks, praise, and glory, now and for ever. The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you all, Amen. Yours, as his own, LEWES HVGHES. To the Reader. CHristian Reader, let this little taste that J haue given thee of the goodness of God towards the Summer Jlands, satisfy thee for the present: ere it be long thou shalt haue a larger relation thereof, written by captain Nathaniel Butler, now governor of the said Jlands. questions AND ANSWERS CONCERNING THE heeping holy of the sabbath day, and public Exercises of Religion. Question. WHat is it to keep holy the sabbath day? Answer. To keep holy the sabbath day, is to rest vpon it from worldly business, sinful pleasures, and all ungodliness, and to spend it in holy exercises. Quest. How ought we to rest? Ans. The rest, must be inward in heart, from studying, musing, and plodding vpon worldly businesses, and from thinking and lusting after carnal pleasures, especially from imagining, devising, and lusting after that which is more simply evil. Quest. What are the things that wee ought most to think of, on the sabbath day? Ans. First, forasmuch as the sabbath is kept in remembrance of the goodness of God the Father towards us in his work of Creation; we ought therefore to think vpon him, and his goodness, and therewith comfort ourselves, and stir up our hearts to love him, to rejoice in him, and to praise his holy name. When we think vpon God, as he is the Creator of all things, wee ought then also to think of him, as he is the preserver, ruler, governor, and disposer of all things, and therein take notice of his wisdom, power, providence and goodness, and praise him for the same. also wee ought then to think vpon our duty towards him, as he is Creator, preserver, governor and disposer of all things, and examine ourselves whither we do our duty. If our consciences tell us that we do not, we ought then to be hearty sorry, and with grieved hearts desire God to forgive us for Christ his sake, and to give us grace to amend. Quest. What is our duty towards God, as he is the Creator of all things? Ans●. Our duty is, from our hearts to aclowledge God the Father, son, and holy Ghost, three persons and one God, to bee the Creator of all things, and that therefore all things are his, and for his sake ought to be regarded, and no way abused, nor cruelly handled: no, not such creatures as are hurtful, and which we may lawfully hunt and destroy: when they fall into our hands, we ought to show mercy on them, by ridding them out of their lives as soon as we can, and not sport ourselves with tormenting them. Also for as much as there is no creature, but in the creation of it, and end wherefore it was created, the wisdom, power, and goodness of God doth appear, our duty is therefore to take notice of his wisdom, power,& goodness in every thing, and to praise him for the same; especially for his goodness in creating all things to serve us, and us to serve him. Qu. What is our duty towards God as he is the preserver of all things? Answer. Our duty is, from our hearts to aclowledge God the Father, son, and holy Ghost, to bee the preserver of all things, as the Prophet david doth, Psal. 145.15.16.147.8.9. and therein also take notice of his wisdom, power, providence and goodness, and to praise him for the same, especially for his goodness in preserving us so graciously as he hath done, from the hour that wee were born to this hour, and above all things, for preserving us to eternal life, through Iesus Christ. Also in regard that God hath a care of us, our duty is to cast our care vpon him, 1. Pet. 1.7. and seek unto him by prayer, for such things as wee stand in need of, according to the meaning of the fourth petition of the Lords prayer. Quest. What is our duty towards God as he is the governor of all things? Answ. Our duty is to submit ourselves unto him to be ruled and governed by him, according to the meaning of the second petition of the Lords prayers, and to forsake our own wills to do his will, according to the meaning of the third petition. Quest. What is our duty towards God, as he is the disposer of all things? Answ. Our duty is to be well content with that estate of life, wherein it shall please God to place us, Phil. 4.11.12. and patiently to bear whatsoever shall please him to lay vpon us, either for our sins as Eli did, 1. Sam. 3.18. or for our trial as job did, job 1.21. Wee ought every day to think vpon, and to haue a care of our duty towards God, especially on the sabbath day. Secondly, for as much as the Apostles did( by the motion of Gods holy spirit) change the day, so as our sabbath is not that day whereon God the Father restend from his works of creation: but, the day whereon our ●●uiour Christ did rise again from the dead for our justification. We ought therfore to think vpon our saviour Christ,& his goodness towards us, and therewith also comfort ourselves, and stir up our hearts to love him, to rejoice in him, and to praise his holy name, because it is written, That all men should honour the son, as they honour the Father: he that honoureth not the son, the same honoureth not the Father, joh. 5.32. Thirdly, in regard the sabbath was ordained for the public worship, and service of God; we ought therefore to think vpon that public worship and service, and of the time, place, and manner of assembling thereunto: and haue a care to prepare ourselves, by holy meditations and prayer; that we may be ready presently to join, with the congregation in that part of Gods worship, that is then in hand, as if the Minister be then reading or preaching the word of God, we ought not then to kneel, and pray, as many do, but harken to Gods word: or if the Minister& people be praying or singing of psalms, we ought presently without any delay to join with them. queen. show the manner how we ought to come to worship God? 1. Answ. Willingly, Psal. 110.3.122.1. 2. Gladly. Deut. 28.47. Psal. 42. 3. reverently. Psal. 5.7. Eccles. 4.17. 4. With holy affections. Psal. 93.5. 5. With mind desirous to be taught, and purpose to do as we are taught. Isai 2.3. 6. In charity and peace with all men, so far as we can, Math. 5.23. Quest. What ought wee to think vpon, all the while that wee are in the public assembly? Answ. All that while, we ought to think and consider with ourselves, that wee are there after a special manner in the presence of God, and that therefore as in all other places, so especially there wee ought to haue a care to behave ourselves, so as wee give no offence unto his holy majesty. Quest. When the public worship is ended, what ought wee to think vpon then? Answ. Wee ought then presently to think vpon the goodness of God in bringing us together, in health and strength of body and mind, in peace and safety from all enemies, to worship him, and with all our hearts to gi●e him thanks. We ought then also to think vpon our weaknes●● and by-thoughts, in calling vpon his holy name, and in hear●ening unto his holy word, and desire him for Christ his sake to forgive vs. All this wee may do as we are rising, and going from our seats to the Church door. Then next as wee are going from Gods hou●e, to our own houses, and when we are come home, wee ought to think vpon the holy word of God, which was red and preached unto us, and meditate vpon it, whi●●●t is ●●●●h in our memory, and desire God to bless it unto vs. When we think vpon Gods word, we ought th●● also to think vpon our lives and conversations, whither they be according to Gods word. Those things which we shall see, by the ●●ght of Gods word to be amiss in us; we ought then to grieve to think vpon them, and with grieved hearts desire God for Christ his sake to forgive us, and to grant us grace to amend. Also we ought then, to resolve and purpose with our selves, by the grace of God to amend, without any further prolonging of time. Also, forasmuch as God will not forgive us our sins, except we also forgive them, that haue offended us: wee ought therefore to think vpon such, as haue offended us, and forgive them with all our hearts, and also resolve and purpose( by the grace of God) to love them, and of love, to do them all the good we can. Lastly, forasmuch as God will not hear our prayers, until we haue done our best endeavour, to be reconciled unto such, as wee haue offended; wee ought therefore to think vpon them, and use all the good means we can, to be reconciled unto them; this we ought to do every day, especially on the sabbath day. Quest. What ought to be our chiefest talk vpon the sabbath day? Answ. Our chiefest talk ought to be of God, and of his works, word, and Sacraments, especially of his word, which was red and preached unto us, to repeat it to them, that be of our family, Deut. 6.6.11.18.19. And to confer of it with our neighbours that fear God, Mal. 3.16. and with our Minister, if we doubt of any thing, Mal. 2.7. queen. Is merry talking and i●sting, and singing of merry Songs a breach of the sabbath? Answ. Yes, and that not onely in him, that useth it, but also in others, in that it causeth them to withdraw their mindes from holy meditations to harken thereunto. Quest. May not men reckon with their Seruants and Labourers, and pay them their wages; and appoint them their work? Ans. No: unless it be in case of extreme necessity, because their hearts& tongues are busied, so as they cannot be employed for that time, in the sanctifying of the sabbath. object. To pay Labourers wages is an alms deed, and therefore no breach of the sabbath. Answ. Labourers wages is no alms deed, but a due debt, which ought to be paid, assoon as he hath done his work, unless he be one, that hath no present need, Leuit. 19.30. Deut. 24.19. Quest. What are the things that may be done on the sabbath day? Answ. every work that is necessary required to the performance of the service of God, Math. 12.5. Also all such works of mercy, and urgent necessity, as cannot be prevented before; nor deferred to another day, as to resist the in●●sion of enemies, or robberies, to quench the rage of fire, to dress meat, but not to make riotous feasts, because thereby men are made unfit for the duties of the sabbath, and many are kept from the Church: also to visit, help, and comfort such, as are in prison, sick, or comfortless. Also to fodder cattle, and lead them to water, and to pull a sheep or beast out of a pit, Luke 13.14. Mat. 12.11. In these and the like cases of necessity, God saith, I will haue mercy, and not sacrifice, Hos. 6.6. When vpon any such occasion, wee are absent from the Church, our love towards God, and his holy worship ought to bear such a sway in our hearts, as to cause us to be sorry, that we cannot be there, and take heed that wee make not the visiting of our friends that be well, nor of them that are sick, when woe can do them no good, to be an occasion to keep us from the Church. Quest. May not Husbandmen labour in ear-ring time and harvest? Answer. No, for they are forbid by express words. Exod. 34.21. Quest. May not shoemakers, tailors, and such like, as haue hast of work, and they that haue Tobacco to look too, as many haue in these islands, may not they work on the sabbath day? Answ. No: for their labour is not of such necessity, as the Husbandmens labour is, in ear-ring time and harvest, which yet is forbidden. Note here, that if the works of our vocation, without which we cannot live be unlawful, much more are vain and sinful pastimes. Quest. May not Chap-men, Higlers, Carriers, and watermen, carry commodities out of the city into the Country, and out of the Country into the city? Answ. No: for that were to prefer the service of the city& Country, before the service of God. Neh. 13.15. Quest. YOu said that the sabbath ought to be spent in holy exercises, show what those Exercises are, especially the public exercises? Answ. They ought to be such, as the ancient people of God the Iewes did use. Quest. What were they? Answ. First, they had public prayer, and therefore the place of their public assembly was called the house of prayer. Secondly, they had singing of psalms: the 92. psalm was made of purpose to be sung on the sabbath day, to stir up the people to aclowledge God, and to praise him in his works, and therefore in the title of it, it is called a psalm for the sabbath. Thirdly, they had the holy Scriptures red and expounded, Neh. 8.7.8.9. Act. 13.15. Fourthly, they had certain Sacrifices and Sacraments to represent Christ, instead whereof Christians haue baptism and the Lords Supper. Fiftly, at the breaking up of their assemblies, they had voluntary offerings for necessary uses, Mar. 12.41. Quest. Now show how these parts of Gods outward worship ought to be performed, and first show how we ought to pray? Answ. Our prayers ought to bee made to God onely, Psal. 51.15. in a known tongue. 1. Cor. 14.14. in the name of Iesus Christ, joh. 16.23. from our hearts, Math. 5.8. fervently, Iam. 5.16. in true faith and repentance, Iam. 1.6.7. Psal. 66.18. without wrath, 1. Tim. 2.8. in peace and charity with all men, Mat. 5.24.6.14.15. looking up, Isai 45.22. joh. 17.1. and lifting up our hands, Lam. 3.41. with great reverence, kneeling, if we can conveniently, Psal. 5.7.59. Isai 45.23. Quest. Are you able to pray as you ought? Answ. No: for it is written, that we know not how to pray as we ought, Rom. 8.26. therefore every time that we are about to pray, we ought to desire God to help us and to teach vs. Quest. What do you to stir up, and to strengthen your faith in prayer? Answ. I do think vpon God and consider of him: first, that he is my God, and my Father, joh. 20.17. Secondly, that being my God, and my Father, he hath a care of me, 1. Pet. 1.7. Thirdly, that he seeth me, and the estate that I am in. Pro. 15.3. Fourthly, that he knoweth what I stand in need of, and how to help me, Math. 6.8. 2. Pet. 1.8. Fifthly, that he doth hear me according to his promise, Psal. 50.15. Sixthly, that he is both willing and able to help me? willing, as he is my loving Father, and able as he is God almighty. Dan. 3.7. eleventhly, that his love and care of me is such, as he doth not, neither can forget me. Isai 49.15. Quest. How ought we to sing psalms? Answ. In a known tongue, with our spirits and understanding, and with grace in our hearts to the Lord, 1. Cor. 14.15. Col. 3.16. Quest. How ought we to hear Gods word? Answ. While the Minister is reading, or preaching Gods word, we ought to look vpon him, if we can, Luk. 4.20. and harken carefully, Heb. 2.1.2. with honest and good hearts, Luke 8.15. desirous to learn the ways of God, that we may walk in them, Isai 2.3. applying every sentence unto ourselves, as spoken rather by God, then by man, 1. Thess. 2.13. Quest. How ought we to receive the Sacraments? Answ. In true faith and repentance, Mar. 14.16. Quest. How many Sacraments are there? Answ. Two, baptism and the Lords Supper. Quest. What is baptism? Answ. baptism, is a seal of the everlasting covenant of grace, that God hath made with his Elect. Quest. How ought it to be ministered? Answ. With water( by a lawful Minister) in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost. Quest. What is meant by name? Answ. Name signifieth, authority and commandment. Quest. What is meant by baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost? Answ. To baptize in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost, is to baptize by virtue of authority, power, and commandement, received from God the Father, son, and holy Ghost. Also for as much as baptism is a seal or mark, wherewith God doth seal and mark them that are his, to distinguish them from others, therefore to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost, doth signify: First, that God the Father doth mark the party baptized, for one of them whom he hath elected. Secondly, that God the son doth mark him for one of them whom he hath redeemed. Thirdly, that God the holy Ghost doth mark him for one of them whom he will regenerate, guide, comfort and preserve to eternal life through Christ. Quest. What is meant by water? Answ. Water doth signify the blood of Christ, wherewith the sins of all the Elect are washed away. Quest. What is meant by baptizing with water? Answ. To baptize with water in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost, doth signify: First, that God the Father hath washed the party baptized from all his sins, in the blood of his beloved son Iesus Christ, he being one of his Elect. Secondly, that God the son, according to the good will and pleasure of his heavenly Father, hath shed his blood for the party baptized, and therein hath washed him clean from all his sins. Thirdly, that the holy Ghost is or shall be given to the party baptized, to regenerate, guide, comfort, and preserve him to eternal life. Quest. Whether ought the party that is to be baptized be dipped in water, as the manner was in the pr●●●●●●e Church, or but sprinkled with water, as the manner is now? Answ. To dip in, or to sprinkle with water is all one, for the blood of Christ is called the blood of sprinkling, Heb. 12.24. And St. Peter writeth, that wee are elected unto sanctification by the sprinkling of the blood of Iesus Christ: which sprinkling of the blood of Christ, was figured in the old Testament, by the sprinkling of the blood of the sacrifices, and is signified in the new Testament by the sprinkling of water in baptism. Quest. The body when it is dipped in water, or hath water sprinkled vpon it, is then under the water, what is meant by the being of the body under the water? Answ. The being of the body under the water, doth signify the death and burial of sin in the Elect, by virtue of Christ his death and burial. Quest. What is meant by the coming of the body out of the water? Answ. The grace that God doth give unto his Elect, to rise from sin to newness of life, by virtue of Christ his resurrection, Rom. 6.4. Quest. show me yet a little more fully and plainly, what is done in baptism; first, what God doth; secondly, what the party baptized doth? Answ. Forasmuch as baptism is a seal of the covenant of grace, that God hath made with his Elect, God therefore in and by baptism doth feale and make sure unto the party baptized, all his gracious promises contained in the everlasting covenant of grace, which may be reduced into these three. First, that God for his beloved son Iesus Christ his sake, will bee to all his Elect their God and their Father and dwell among them, to protect and deliver them from satan, and his instruments, and to provide for them all things necessary for this life, and the life to come, 2. Cor. 6.16.18. Ezech. 37.26.27. Zeph. 3.17. Secondly, that God for his beloved Son Iesus Christ his sake, will receive them to favour, and forgive, ●nd forget all their sins for ever, jer. 31.34. 1. joh. 1.7. Thirdly, that for repairing his Image in them, he will writ his law in their hearts, and give unto them his holy Spirit, to regenerate, guide, comfort, and preserve thei● to eternal life through Iesus Christ. Besides, the feeling and confirming of these promises, God doth in,& by baptism renew th● conditions whereon these promises were made, and by baptism doth bind every of his Elect, that cometh to be baptized, to perform the same; as first, that he shall take God the Father for his God, and Father, and take his beloved son Iesus Christ for his Lord and saviour, and his holy Spirit for his sanctifier, guide, comforter, and preserue●, to eternal life, through Christ; yet so, as he shall attribute the glory thereof, to God the Father, and to God the son, as well as to the holy Ghost; because the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father, and the son, so as whatsoever the holy Ghost doth, the same also doth the Father, and the son, by the holy Ghost. Secondly, that he shall fear, love, reverence, and serve God the Father, son, and holy Ghost, in holinesse, according to the meaning of the commandments of the first table, and in righteousness according to the meaning of the commandments of the second table. Thirdly, when through infirmity he shall break any of Gods commandements, that then he shall not despair, nor presume; but repent and beleeue in Iesus Christ. Quest. Now that you haue shewed what God doth in baptism, show also what the party baptized doth? Answ. The party baptized, by giuing his name unto God; and by receiving of baptism, as an earnest penny, or press money, and mark whereby he is marked for one of Gods household seruants, doth thereby enter himself by name, as a covenant seruant unto God, and also bindeth himself to serve God, and to renounce satan and sin, and whatsoever is against the honour and glory of God. baptism therefore may be said, to be a mutual obligation between God and his Elect, wherein they stand bound the one to the other. Of the Lords Supper. Quest. WHat is the Lords Supper? Answ. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament ordained, in stead of the paschal lamb, to represent Christ and all his benefits, now in the time of the gospel, as the paschal lamb did in the time of the Law. Quest. By whom was the Lords Supper ordained? Answ. By the Lord Iesus, and therefore is not to be regarded, as a devise of man, but as an holy ordinance of the Lord Iesus: neither ought it to bee altered in any part, by putting to, or leaving out any thing; for that were to control the wisdom of the Lord Iesus, as though we were wiser then he, or did see more then he. Quest. Is it to bee regarded now, being ministered by men as much as it was then, when it was first ordained and ministered by the Lord Iesus? Answ. Yes verily: for it is the Lords Supper now, as it was then,& the Lord Iesus is present now as well as then, and is the chief Minister of it. Quest. How is the Lord Iesus present now? Answ. By his holy Spirit, according to his promise, where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Quest. How is he chief Minister of it? Answ. By his holy Spirit in the Minister, directing and teaching him, how to pray, how to preach, and how to minister, revel. 2.1. Quest. When was it ordained? Answer. In the night wherein our saviour was betrayed. Quest. Why in that night? Answ. That it might bee a remembrance of his death and sufferings, which then did seize vpon him, when he was betrayed. Quest. In what time of the night? Answ. After Supper, Luk. 22.20. as our saviour and his Disciples were eating, Mar. 14.22. Quest. What had they to eat after Supper, that is, after the paschal lamb was eaten? Answ. A little banquet which the Iewes did always use to make vpon that night, assoon as they had eaten the paschal lamb, as an entrance into the Feast of unleavened bread. Quest. Why did they begin that feast then? Answ. Because the fifteenth day of the month, which was the first day of that feast, did then begin? Quest. show the manner of that banquet, and whereof it was made? Answ. It was thus: the table being furnished with a salad of h●●rbs, and sour sauce, and a loaf of unleavened bread, and a cup of wine; the master of the family took the loaf, and gave thanks, cut it in two, and put one half by itself, covering it with a table napkin: then he took the other half, and cut it in pieces among them that fate at the table with him, which they did eat with the salad, dipping their morsels in the sour sauce: That done, he took the other half loaf, and broke it in pieces, and gave it unto them, saying, This is the bread of sorrow that your Fathers did eat in Egypt, &c. calling it the Bread of sorrow, because it was ordained to be a remembrance of the sorrow of the Fathers in Egypt. Then he took the cup, which he called the Cup of blessing, gave thanks, and then gave it unto him, that sate next unto him, and he to the next, and so from one to another, till every one had drunk a little; then they sung certain psalms, and so departed. Quest. How doth it appear that our saviour Christ, and his Disciples had such a banquet? Ans. Very plainly: for it is written, that assoon as our saviour and his Disciples had eaten the paschal lamb, he rose, and washed his Disciples feet, joh. 13.2.4.12. and did eat, Mar. 14.22. and as the manner was, did dip their morsels in the Platter, Mar. 18.20. That done, as the Master of the family took the Cup, gave thanks, and then gave it to him, that was next unto him, and he to the rest, till all had drunk: so our saviour Christ took the Cup, gave thanks, and then gave it to his Disciples, saying, Take this and divide ●t amongst you, Luk. 22.17. Quest. Was not that Cup the Communion Cup? Answ. No▪ for mention is made of the Communion Cup afterward in the twentieth verse. Quest. Why was the Lords Supper ordained after Supper, and after the banquet when then stomacks were full? Answ. To show that it was not ordained so much for the belly, as for the soul; therefore men coming to the Lords Table, must not look to haue their bellies filled, but their souls comforted. Quest. Wh●ther ought is now to bee received fasting, or after one hath eaten something? Answ. To re●ceiue it fasting, or after one hath eaten something, is indifferent, so as eating and drinking before bee not excess●ue; not fasting, be not an occasion of fainting; or thinking the time that is spent in the worship of God, to be too long and tedious, howbeit, for those who are not of weak stomacks, I hold most convenient to receive it fasting, because then wee are the better sitted for holy duties. Quest. Whereof was the Lords Supper ordained? Answ. Of Bread to represent the body: and of Wine to represent the blood of our saviour Christ. Quest. Why of Bread and Wine rather then of something else? Answ. Because there is nothing more fit to represent the strength and comfort, that all true believers haue from Christ; nor to express the communion and fellowship that they haue with Christ, and one with another. Quest. How doth the Bread and Wine represent the strength and comfort that all true believers haue from Christ? Answ. As Bread doth strengthen the heart, and Wine doth make it glad, Psal. 104.15. so Christ by his word and holy Spirit doth comfort and preserve all true believers to eternal life. Quest. What is meant by the Communion that the faithful haue with Christ? Answ. A communion is a joining of many together in one, so as every one hath a part in that one. By the Communion that the faithful haue with Christ, is meant a joining of them all together in Christ, so as every one hath his part in Christ, and Christ in every one of them. Quest. How doth the Bread and Wine represent the Communion? Answ. As the Bread is made of many grains, so joined together, as they all make but one loaf, and the Wine is made of many grapes so united, as they all make but one Wine: so the true believers being many, are so united in Christ, as they all make but one Christ. 1. Cor. 12.12. Quest. Where, and when were they so united? Answ. In the womb of the virgin Mary, before our saviour was born, he there took vpon him the true Nature& substance of all the Elect, and was made true man, flesh of their flesh, bones of their bones, and blood of their blood, so as every one of them hath his part in Christ. Quest. How is Christ in them? Answ. He is in them by his holy Spirit. Gal. 4.6. Working and preserving Faith in them, whereby they are united unto him,& do in heart ascend up to him in heaven, and do cleave fast and grow in him spiritually, as branches in a Vine. joh. 15. Quest. What benefit haue the faithful by the communion that they haue in Christ? Answ. As a married woman, by reason of the communion and fellowship that is between her and her husband, is called by his name, as evah is called Adam, Gen. 5.2. and hath right to all that is her husbands: So the faithful by reason of their communion, and spiritual marriage with Christ, are called Christ, 1. Cor. 12.12. And haue right to all things that are his. 1. Cor. 3.22. Quest. How doth the Bread and Wine represent the communion that the faithful haue one with another. Answ. As Bread consisteth of many grains all making but one loaf, and the Wine consisteth of many grapes, all making but one Wine, so the faithful being many are mystically but one body, whereof Christ is the head, and haue all but one Spirit, the spirit of Christ, which causeth them to love one another and to agree lovingly together, and to be of one mind, one Faith, and one Hope. Ephes. 4.3. &c. Quest. After what manner was the Lords Supper ordained? Answ. Our saviour Christ in ordaining and ministering his Supper, did in many things Imitate the Master of the Family before mentioned, he took Bread, gave thankes, broke it, and gave it to them that sate with him, saying: This is the Bread of sorrow that your Fathers did eat in egypt: So our saviour took Bread, gave thankes, broke in, and gave it to his Disciples, saying: This is my Body, meaning that as the Bread, which the Master of the family gave to his guests, was a remembrance of the sorrows of the Israelites in egypt: So our saviour had ordained that Bread, and the breaking thereof to bee a remembrance of his Body, and of the things he suffered in his body for vs. Also as the Master of the family took the Cup, gave thankes, and gave it to his guests, so our saviour took the Cup, gave thanks, and gave it to his Disciples, saying: This 〈◇〉 the 〈◇〉 Testament in my Blood, mo●●ing that a● 〈◇〉 had ordained the Bread to bee a remembrance of hi● Body, so he ordained the Cup, that is, the Wine in the cup, to be a remembrance of his Blood, wherewith the new Testament is confirmed. Quest. What are the principal things, that wee are to consider of in this m●●●er of ordaining, and ministering this Supper by our saviour Christ? Answ. First, his taking of the Bread. 2. His not breaking of the Bread assoon as he took it. 3. His giuing of Thankes, before he broke it. 4. His breaking of the Bread. 5. His giuing of the Bread to his Disciples. 6. His words when he gave the Bread, saying: Take, eat, this is my Body, &c. Quest. What was signified by his taking of the Bread? Answ. The Bread signified Christ himself: his taking of the Bread, and setting it a part, signified that, as that bread was by him set a part: so he was from everlasting( by the eternal Decree of God his Father) set a part alone from all others, to suffer for all the Elect. This was figured in the old Testament by taking a lamb and setting it a part from the rest to be slain. Exod. 12.5. Quest. What was signified by his not breaking of the Bread assoon as he took it? Ans. It signified, that Christ should not bee slain assoon as he came into the world; but live till the time wherein God his Father, had from everlasting appointed for him to die in: This was figured in the old Testament by taking the paschal lamb on the Tenth day, and keeping it alive until the Fourteenth day at even. Quest. Why did our saviour give thankes before he broke the Bread? Answ. To sh●w that when w●e are about to ●se any of God● creatures, we might first to ●cknowledge the goodness of God in providing them for us, and to give him thankes, and also pray for his blessing vpon the●●, especially when wee come to Gods house to call upon his holy Name, and to hear his holy Word, we ought with thankful hearts to aclowledge the goodness of God, in granting us access and free liberty to call vpon his holy name, and in bestowing his holy word vpon us, and desire him for Christ his sake to hear our prayers, and to bless his holy word unto vs. Also, when we come to receive the Lords Supper, wee ought with thankful hearts to aclowledge the goodness of God the Father, in be●towing his bel●ued son vpon us, to feed and preserve our bodies and souls to eternal life: wee ought them also with thankful hearts to aclowledge the goodness of our saviour Christ in laying down his life for us, and in ordaining his good creatures of Bread and Wine, to represent unto us, his Body which was crucified, and his Blood which was shed for us, and desire him to bless these his good creatures unto us, so as by our receiving of them according to his holy institution, our weak Faith may bee strengthened, our Consciences comforted, and wee stirred up to love him more then we haue done, and to bee more careful of his Glory to serve and please him in holinesse and righteousness all the dayes of our life. So much of his thanksgiving. Quest. Now show what his breaking of the Bread signified? Answ. By his breaking of the Bread was signified, the tearing and breaking of his Flesh for us, with the nails when they were thrust through his hands and feet; and with the spear when it was thrust through his side; and with the crown of thorns when it was put vpon his head, and with the Whip when he was scourged. His sundering of the Bread one piece from another, signified the sundering of our saviour one part from another for our sakes; his soul ascended into heaven, his body hanging on the cross, and his blood spilled vpon the ground. Quest. What was signified by his giuing of the Bread unto his Disciples? Answ. His giuing of the Bread unto his Disciples, signified the goodness and love of God his Father in bestowing him, his beloved son vpon us, according to the prophesy, unto us a son is given, Esa. 9.6. And also to signify his own love in giuing himself to die for vs. Ephe. 5.2. Quest. Now come to the words of our saviour when he gave the Bread. What were they? Answ. They were these: Take, eat, this is my Body, &c. Quest. What was his meaning in saying so? Answ. His meaning was to show, that he did institute, and appoint the bread to bee a sign, and remembrance of his Body; and therefore these words, Take, eat, this is my body, are commonly called the words of institution. Quest. Why did our saviour call the Bread his Body, being but a sign or remembrance of his Body. Answ. Because it is an usual thing in the holy Scriptures to use figurative speeches, and to call the sign by the name of the thing signified. Quest. What manner of sign is the Bread? Answ. Not a bare sign, but such as( by virtue of the words of Institution) together with it is conveyed Christ and all his merites, to the worthy receiver; Therefore St. Paul calleth the bread, the communion of the body of Christ. 1. Cor. 10.16. Quest. Doth the Minister when he giveth the Bread and Wine, give Christ also with the bread and wine? Answer. No, the Minister giveth but the Bread and Wine, God doth at the same time by his Spirit offer unto our Faith, and in truth doth give Christ unto us, and Christ himself doth then also offer, and give himself and all his merites to the worthy receiver. Quest. What did our saviour next after the giuing of the Bread? Answ. he gave the Cup, saying: drink you all of it for this is my blood of the new Testament which was shed for many, for remission of sins. Quest. Why did our saviour say so? Answ. To show that he did institute, and appoint the Wine in the cup to bee a sign, and remembrance of his Blood, wherewith, the new Testament is confirmed. Quest. For whom was the Lords Supper ordained? Answ. For all true hearted Christians. Quest. Who be they? Answ. They that haue the Spirits of Christ, and do truly beleeue in him, repent of their sins, hear his voice, and follow him in those things, wherein he ought to be followed especially in these virtues following: 1. zeal of Gods glory, joh. 2.15.16.17. 2. Obedience to his heavenly Father. Phil. 2.8. his earthly Parents. Luke. 2.51. the higher Power. Mat. 17.25.26.27 3. love towards Gods children. Ephes. 5.2. 4. meekness and lowliness of heart. Math. 11.29. 5. Patience in tribulation. 1. Pet. 2.21.23. Heb. 12.1.2. 6. Prayer for himself, for others, yea, for his Enemies, Math. 26.39. joh. 17. Luke. 23.24. 7. love of righteousness,& hatred of iniquity. Psa. 45.7. 8. Care in all places to do good. Quest. What if a man find weakness in himself so as he is not able to be such a true Christian, as he ought, may he receive? Answ. Yes, so long as he findeth the grace of God in himself. Quest. What Grace? Answ. First, grace to see and aclowledge his weakness, and to bee offended with himself and grieved, longing earnestly to be freed from the slavery of sin, as St. Paul did. Rom. 7.15.18.24. Secondly, grace to do his endeavour, alway to keep a clear Conscience towards God, and towards man, Act. 24.16. though with much weakness, Rom. 7.23.24. and to promise and vow unto God amendment of life, every time that he cometh to the Table of the Lord. Thirdly, a lively Faith to apprehended Christ, and all the merites of his Passion, which are not onely signified, but also exhibited to all worthy receivers. Quest. What if after he hath promised and vowed amendment of life, and received the Lords Supper, he find himself not able to keep the vow and promise he made unto the Lord? Answ. Let him be thereby humbled and hearty sorry, and confess his weakness unto the Lord, and pray for forgiveness and grace to amend, and come again to the Table of the Lord, assoon as he 〈◇〉 to renew his vow and promise unto the Lord. Quest. You said that the ancient people of God, at the breaking up of their Assemblies, had voluntary offerings for necessary uses, which also ought to be in all Christian assemblies, 1. Cor. 16.1. show how wee ought to contribute to such uses. Ans. cheerfully, 2. Cor. 9.2. without vain glory, Mat. 6.1. or opinion of meriting, Luk. 17.10. As God shall make us able. 1. Cor. 16.2. Quest. Now that you haue spoken of the public exercises of Religion, and how every part ought to bee performed; come to the persons that are bound by the commandment to keep holy the sabbath day: Who be they? Answ. every one, young and old, poor and rich, high and low, bond and free. Quest. Is the Commandement laid vpon all alike? Answ. No, the greatest charge is laid vpon the Parents that haue Children, and Masters that haue Seruants. Quest. Are Magistrates exempted? Answ. No, the Magistrates above all other, ought to haue a care of the sabbath as Nehemiah had, Cap. 13. For, as the Loadstone draweth Iron, so doth the Magistrates example draw the people: when Asa swore to seek the Lord the people sought the Lord with him, 2. Chro. 15. When Rehoboam forsook the Law of the Lord, he lead away all Israell with him, 2. Chro. 12. Quest. Why is mention made of Cattle? Ans. Partly for their sakes, that they may rest, Exo. 23.13. and partly for our sakes, least by means of their labour we should profane the sabbath, as they do that do use to ride about worldly businesses and pleasures on the sabbath day, thinking they break not the sabbath, because not they, but the Horses that carry them do travell. Quest. Now come to the reasons set down in the Commandement to move us to yield obedience unto it: What is the first? Answ. The first is drawn from the goodness of God in allowing us six dayes, and but one for himself. Quest. What is the second? Ans. The second is drawn from the Authority of God to command; and power( as he is Lord) to punish such as will not obey, in these words: It is the Saba●th of the Lord. Quest. What is the third? Ans. The third is drawn from the gracious covenant that God hath made with us, to bee our God, in these words,( thy God) as if God had said, I haue made a covenant with you, that I will bee your God, and that you shall be my people to serve me, and haue appointed the sabbath day for my service, therefore you ought to remember it, to keep it holy. Quest. What is the fourth? Ans. The fourth is drawn from the Example of God, in working six dayes and resting the seventh. Quest. What is the fift and last? Ans. The fift and last is drawn from the two principal Ends of the sabbath, for which it was ordained, in these words: God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it. Quest. What is meant by hallowing the seventh day? Answ. To hallow or sanctify a thing, is to set it a part for the worship and service of God. God hath sanctified the seventh day, that is, God hath set it a part from other dayes, to be kept Holy for his service; therefore we ought to remember it, to keep it holy. Quest. What is meant by blessing the seventh day? Answ. To bless, is to bestow some good gift vpon one; therefore a good gift is called a blessing, Gen. 33.11. God hath blessed the seventh day, that is; God hath ordained the keeping Holy of the seventh day, to bee a means to procure his blessing to come vpon all them, that remember it to keep it holy; They therefore that desire the blessing of God, ought to remember the sabbath day to keep it holy: Which grace, God almighty grant to every one of us, for Iesus Christ his sake, to whom with the Father, and the holy Ghost, be all honour, thankes, praise, and Glory, now and for ever. Amen. Here endeth this catechism. Grace before Meate. heavenly Father, thus it pleaseth thee to show thy love and thy care in providing thy good Creatures for us; thy holy and great Name bee therefore praised; forgive us our sins for Christ his sake, and give us grace so to consider of thy love as thereby we may be stirred up to love thee again, and to be truly zealous of thy Glory, and careful to serve and please thee: and give thy blessi●g to these thy good creatures, so as they may haue power to nourish us, to make us the stronger and more fit to serve thee to thy Glory through Christ Iesus. Amen. Grace after Meate. HOly Father, thy holy and great Name be blessed and praised now and for ever: forgive us our sins for Christ his sake and give us grace to amend, what hitherto haue been amiss in us, so as from henceforth wee may live to thy Glory through Christ Iesus. A Prayer for the Morning. O Most mighty and glorious God, full of incomprehensible Power and majesty; whose Glory the very heaven of heaue●s is not able to contain: look down vpon us thy poor Children with thine eyes of mercy, for Iesus Christ his sake, and let thine ears be open unto our prayers: help us also, and teach us to call vpon thee according to thy holy will, and pardon our unworthiness to open our mouths to speak unto thy holy majesty wee humbly entreat thee for Iesus Christ his sake. Holy Father, wee do from our hearts aclowledge that we haue broken all thy Commandements, by sinful motions, unclean thoughts, evil words, and evil deeds, and are in such hardness of hearts, as we cannot repent us of our sins as we ought, and are therefore in danger of thy judgements,& curses due unto the transgressors of thy laws. O dear Father, enter not into iudgement with us, we humbly entreat thee for Iesus Christ his sake, deal not with us according to our deserts, but do thou accept of the suffering and obedience of Iesus Christ as a sufficient recompense and satisfaction for all our sins, and grant true and speedy repentance unto us, and turn away from us all judgements due unto our sins. give us grace to love and fear thee above all, and to love our neighbours as ourselves:& as we would that men should do unto us, so give us grace to do unto them, especially to such as put us in trust: make us truly thankful unto thee, for the quiet rest and sleep, that thou hast bestowed vpon us in this night past, and for all other thy mercies and blessings bestowed vpon us, and for Christ his sake continue thy goodness towards us: bee good unto us this day, keep us under the shadow of thy wings that no evil come unto us: keep us from sin especially,& from satan and all his instruments: guide us with thy holy Spirit, instruct us with thy holy word, and prosper us in every good thing that we shall take in hand to thy glory: bless unto us all thy good creatures that we shall use this day, and give us grace to use them temperately and thankfully; bless also all crosses and afflictions unto us, that so all things may turn to thy glory& our good: Be good to all other thy Children wheresoever they be by Sea or by Land, give unto thy holy word a free passage throughout all the Nations of the world, convert or confounded all them that are the enemies of it any manner of way: accomplish the number of thine Elect and hasten the coming of thy beloved Son Iesus Christ unto Iudgement, to make an end of these sinful dayes. dear Father hear us in these our supplications, and pardon our weakness,& all our wandring& by-thoughts, in calling vpon thy holy Name, we humbly entreat thee for Iesus Christ his sake, in whom thou art well pleased with us, in whose name we conclude these our weak and imperfect prayers, with that most perfect and absolute Prayer that himself hath taught us, saying: Our Father which art, &c. A Prayer for the evening. O heavenly Father, wee thy poor Children according to our bound duty, do here cast down ourselves before thy most holy majesty in the name of thy beloved Son Iesus Christ, to aclowledge thy great goodness towards us, not onely in this day past, but also in all the dayes of our life, even from the hour that we were born to this hour; thy goodness towards us hath been exceeding great, and so great, as we are not able to express: for thou hast every way shewed thyself a good& a loving Father unto us, and hast always had a loving and a Fatherly care of us, to preserve us from infinite perils and dangers, and most graciously from time to time thou hast relieved us and provided for us according to our necessities; and above all things we do aclowledge thy great goodness towards us from everlasting, in electing us for thy Children,& in ordaining us to eternal life through Iesus Christ. fain we would lift up our dull and heavy hearts unto thee, to offer unto thee such an evening sacrifice of thanks& praise as thou deservest: but, dear Father thou seest there is that weakness in us as wee are not able to give unto thee, the least part of that thankes& praise as thou deservest: pardon our weakness for Iesus Christ his sake: pardon also our unthankfulness past and all other our sins, and for Christ his sake continue thy goodness towards us,& suffer not our unthankfulness past to be any hindrance: receive us into thy protection this night: keep us under the shadow of thy wings that no evil come unto us, and bestow vpon us quiet rest and sleep, to refresh our weak& frail bodies, whereby we may be made the stronger and more fit to serve thee to thy glory, through Christ Iesus. Bee good to all other thy Children, wheresoever they be, by Sea or by land; give repentance to thy people in England, and for the glory of thy great Name that is called vpon amongst them, continue thy goodness towards them,& turn away from them all those judgements that their sins do daily cry for: above all, as duty bindeth us, we beseech thee to be good unto our King; Lord keep him under the shadow of thy wings that no evil come unto him; keep him from sin especially, and from satan and all his instruments. The Prince, Lord keep as the apple of an eye, that no evil come unto him, and as he shall grow in yeares, so let him grow in the graces of thy holy Spirit. bless also the Kings Daughter and that Christian Prince that hath married her: bless them with Children as thou hast begun, and let thy blessing remain vpon their Children. bless all Christian Kings, Princes, Iudges, Magistrates, and Ministers of thy holy word throughout the whole world, especially within our Kings Dominions every where. give unto thy holy word a free passage, and to that end wee beseech thee to convert or confounded all the enemies thereof, especially that man of sin and child of perdition, the Pope of Rome: in thy good time bring vpon him his deserved ruin and destruction, according to thy word. Lord, stir up the hearts of those Christian Princes mentioned in the holy revelation of our saviour Iesus Christ, to join their Powers together against him, The Christian Princes that haue already begun to join their powers together; Lord, bee with them to streng●●en them; Lord, make their arms as brass, and their feet as Iron, to bring down that man of sin and his maintainers. hear us dear Father in these our supplications, and pardon our weakness, and all our wandring and by-thoughts in calling vpon thy holy Name we humbly entreat thee, even for Iesus Christ his sake, in whom thou art well pleased with us, and in whose Name wee do further call vpon thee as he himself hath taught us, saying: Our Father which art in heaven, &c. FINIS.