A rule how TO BRING UP Children. A treatise wherein is declared, how the Father apposeth his Son in the holy Scripture, whereby all Parents may be taught a rule how to bring up their Children, briefly collected into a short volume. Psalm. 119. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his ways, even by ruling himself after the word of God. john. 5. Non quero gloriam meam, sed glorïam Patris qui me misit. Rom. 4. By faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour. Rom. 14. Whatsoever is, not of faith, the same is sin. ¶ To the right honourable & my very singular good Lord, the Earl of Huntingdon, Knight of the noble order of the Garter, Lord Precedent of her majesties honourable counsel established in the North parts, your Lordships daily Orator, and humble suppliant, john Lyster, Clarke, late Cutate of Leedes, and now Vicar of Thorpeach, wisheth good health, long life, much increase of honour, and after a godly and faithful end. IN most humble wise, showing your good Lordship, that by your lordship's good means I obtained the benefice, whereof I am now resident, and remembering a saying of that worthy Philosopher SENECA, that there be three degrees of thankfulness, one, recognoscere beneficium, an other, gratias et laudes agere, and the third, pro loco et tempore secundam suam facultatem retribuere, or rather considering the Samaritan in the Ghospel healed by Christ of his Leprosy, returned and acknowledged Christ's mercy towards him, prostrate himself before him, and with a loud voice gave him thanks, so likewise (good my Lord) I returning, do acknowledge your Lordship's great goodness unto me, render most hearty and humble thanks unto your honour for the same, and not being able to make any recompense unto your Lordship, (as Seneca teacheth) although I have meditated with myself sundry times how to do the same. Yet notwithstanding, that your Lordship may perceive that I am not forgetful or negligent of your Lordships great good will unto me, I have drawn in Dialogue wise out of scripture, (which is able to make one learned to salvation) the duty of all states and degrees of people, how a Christian life is to be led, what things are needful to salvation, the end of man, and the strait account in the day of judgement, with the punishment of the wicked, and reward of the righteous, briefly set down, and plain for the capacity of the ignorant, putting or adding nothing thereunto, which I do present unto your good Lordship, in remembrance of my humble duty and obedient service unto your Honour, beseeching your Lordship to accept of my good and simple meaning, and to bear with my boldness and small knowledge, to write any thing to such a Noble parsonage as your Lordship. And I shall incessantly entreat the eternal and everliving God till ATRAPOS shall cut my fatal thread, for the preservation of your good Lordship, whom the King of glory, Lord of hosts, and Father of all mercy, bless, save, and keep for ever more, Amen. Your Lordships poor suppliant, JOHN LYSTER. To all Ministers & fellow labourers in the Lord's vineyard, salutations in jesus Christ. IT is not unknown unto you (my brethren) that the Lord hath elected us before we were fashioned in our mother's womb, sanctified us or ever we were borne, ordained us to be stewards of his secrets, watchmen over his people, shepperds of the sheep of his pasture, to the edifying of the saints, to the work and ministration, even to the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of faith and knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, even unto the measure of the full perfect age of Christ. And knowing myself to be the meanest among you, in respect of my knowledge, not worthy to be of that calling, although the grace of God hath otherwise dealt with me in calling me to that function, and hath given one talon unto me, for the instructing a little number of his flock which he hath bought with his blood, of whom he hath made me an overseer, and therefore it is not meet for me to pass over the sum of this life with the singing grasshopper, till the stormy nights and Boriall blasts of winter come upon me, neither to let the clear day pass idly, till the dark night come, when none can travel, neither to follow the drone Bee, eating the labours of others, but rather to study to discharge (in some measure) myself, according to my function, and to profit others. Seeing that I perceive the greatest number of you my brethren, to follow the example of the Emmit, working in the day, and busy as the Bees in the spring of the year, to gather their home, so you to accomplish the work whereunto you are called, the Lord prosper you and continue your proceed. I have therefore for my part drawn a short treatise in Dialogue manner betwixt the Father and the Son out of Scripture, wherein may fully and perfectly be perceived the duties of all sorts of people, how a Christian life is to be led, what things are needful to salvation, the end of man, and strait account in the fearful judgement, with a punishment of the wicked, and reward of the righteous, not seeking any praise for the same, but God's glory, which all men ought to do, seeing we are oftentimes tried by our chief Diocesan (according to our gracious Princess commandment) how we profit Gods people committed unto us within his grace's province, but especially seeing we shall appear before the great shepperd and Bishop of our souls jesus Christ, to give accounts of the bestowing of our Talents, that we may receive an incorruptable crown of glory, where they that have taught others shall be as the shining of heaven, and they that have instructed the multitude unto Godliness shall be like the stars world without end, and thus not doubting of your great care and diligence in your functions, I beseech the eternal God from whom all good gruiftes do proceed, increase you with wisdom and knowledge in this life, and with eternal happiness in the world to come. Thorpearche, within the ancienty or liberties of York, the 12. day of junne. 1587. Your faithful yoke-fellow in the Lord john Lyster. The Father examineth his son how he hath profited in the word of Salvation. Father. MY Son, seeing it is the duty of parents not only to educate and bring up their Children with meat and apparel, but also to instruct and teach them in the fear of God, and Christian religion, for which cause I have committed thee to the government of a learned and Godly Master, these seven years past. Wherefore my will and mind is to know how thou hast profited in the same, and what thy profession is? Son. Good Father, 1. Peter. 3 seeing it is your pleasure to demand of me a reason of my faith, I must follow the exhortation of the Apostle Saint Peter, that I be ready to give answer to every man that asketh me a reason of the hope that is in me, & that with meekness & fear, having a good conscience, that whereas they back bite me as an evil doer, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse my good conversation in Christ, demand therefore what pleaseth you, and I will according as God's holy spirit shall teach me, answer to the same. Father. In whom dost thou believe, and whom dost thou worship? Son. Acts. 24 I answer with Saint Paul, and confess unto you, that after the way which some called heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing, all things that are written in the Law and Prophets, and have hope towards God, that the resurrection of the dead, shall be both of just and unjust, and therefore I study to have always a clear conscience towards God, and towards men. Father. Show me if thou hast read perfectly the whole book of God? Son. Psalm. 1. Yea father, I may say with David, my delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in his word have I exercised myself day and night. Father. Are all things necessary to salvation contained in that book of life, called the Bible? Son. Yea truly father, Io. 5. search the Scriptures saith Christ, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me, and yet ye will not come unto-mée, that ye might have life. Saint james saith, james. 1 Suscipite insitum verbum quod potest saluare animas vestras, receive with meekness, the word which is grafted in you, being able to save your souls. Many signs truly did jesus in the presence of his disciples, Io. 20. which are not written in the Bible, but so many are written that may learn us to believe that jesus is Christ the son of GOD, and that in believing, we may have life through his name. Saint Peter saith, 1. Peter. 2 although we see not Christ, yet we do believe and rejoice with joy unspeakable & glorious, The end of faith is salvation. receiving the end of our faith even the salvation of our souls. Io. 15. Christ jesus himself saith, that we are clean through the words which he hath spoken unto us. Peter the Appostel rose up and said, ye men and brethren, Acts. 15. ye know that GOD did choose among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe, and GOD which knoweth the hearts, bore them witness, and gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us, and put no difference betwixt us and them, Purified by faith. seeing that with faith he purified their hearts. Saint Paul saith to Timothy, continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, which also were committed unto thee, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. 2. Tim. 3 And for as much also as of a Child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee learned unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ jesus, for all Scriptures given by inspiration of GOD is profitable to teach, Scripture makes men perfect in righteousness. to improve, to amend, & to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect and prepared unto all good works. Whereby you may plainly perceive (Father) that all things needful to salvation (both to the jews and Gentiles, Conclusion bond and free, is contained in the written word of God. Father. Me thinks that by these proves the holy Scriptures contained not only all things necessary for Salvation, but also all other things needful for the good government of a Christian life. Son. It is so (Father) as if it please God, you shall hear afterward in the declaring of the duties of all estates and degrees of people, for what blasphemy were it to the holy spirit of God to say, that God hath left his word, will, and Testament unperfect. Father. Is there nothing then left out of Scripture for man to teach that is needful, many rites, ceremonies, ordinances, and inventions of man have been added thereto and taught, as things most requisite even in my time. Son. Deu. 4. No father, the Lord saith, you shall put nothing unto the word which I command you, Prou 30. neither do aught there from, put thou nothing unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Revel. 22. I testify saith Saint john, unto every man that heareth the prophecy of the Lords book, if any man shall add unto those things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in that book, and if any man shall minish of the words of the prophecy of that book, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy City, and from the things that are written in that book, who then dare be so bold father, to thrust in among the ordinances and statutes of our heavenly father, man's inventions and constitutions, seeing there hangeth God's vengeance and eternal punishment over the heads of such, ready to destroy soul and body, when the Lord commandeth, and to cast them into hell fire that never quecheth. Father. Seeing that the Scripture is the word of salvation, why do so many in these days refuse to hear or read the same. Recusants Son. Christ jesus saith, Io. 8. he that is of God heareth God's words, they therefore hear them not, because they are not of God. To those Recusants saith Christ further, Io. eod. why do you not know my speech? even because you cannot abide the hearing of my word. ye believe not my words, Io. 10. because you are not of my sheep: for my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, Recusants none of his sheep. and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hands. He that heareth you saith Christ (to his disciples) heareth me, Luke. 10 and he that heareth me, heareth him that sent me, Recusants despise Christ. and he that despiseth you, despiseth me, and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. The Queen of the South shall rise at the day of judgement, Luke. 11. with this nation, and condemn it, for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth, to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold a greater than Solomon is here. Luke. 14 Nemo virorum istorum qui vocati sunt gustabunt cenam meam. None of these (saith Christ, that were called, and refused to come) shall taste of my Supper. Acts. 3. The time will come (saith the Apostle. That every soul that will not here that same Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 1. Io, 4. Recusants are not of God, neither know him. We are of God, saith Saint john: he that knoweth God, heareth us, he that is not of God, heareth us not, hereby know we the spirit of God and the spirit of error. Math. 10. When Christ sent his Desciples to preach, he said, whosoever will not receive you nor hear your preaching, when you depart out of that house, or that City, shake of the dust of your feet against them, Recusants worse than Sodomites. verily I say unto you, it shall be easier for the Land of Sodom and Gomorra in the day of judgement, then for that City. Conclusion. Whereby you may perceive Father, that the Recusantes to hear the blessed word of OOD taught by his true preachers, are already condemned with the Cities of Sodom and Gomorra. Io. 8. Except they repent and a mend, for he that believeth not (saith Christ,) is already condemned, because he believeth not in the only begotten son of God. Father. If those that refuse to hear the word of God, be in such peril of condemnation, why are they so bewitched that they deny their own salvation. Son. They are so taught by the Priests of Baal, who cause division, Seminaries and give occasions of evil, Rom. 16 contrary to the wholesome doctrine which we have learned, and therefore avoid them, for they that are such, serve not the Lord jesus, but their own bellies, and with sweet and flattering words deceive the hearts of the Innocents. The Apostle S. Paul prophesieth and foretelleth; 2. Tim. 4 that the time shall come when they shall not suffer wholesome doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they get them an heap of teachers, and shall withdraw there ears from the truth, and shallbe turned unto fables. Acts. 20. He showeth further hat after his departing should come grievous wolves among the people, not sparing the flock, and speak perverse things to draw disciples after them. Father. What is the practice of these seducers and seminaries go about, and what punishment hath happened to some of them? Son. Acts. 17. The Apostle showeth that the jews which believed not had indignation, and took unto them evil men which were vagabonds, Seminaries would make rebellion. and gathered a company and set an uproar amongst the people. Acts. 13. One Sergius paulus a prudent man and ruler of the Country, called Paul & Barnabas, and desired to here the word of GOD, but Elymas the sorcerer withstood them, and sought to turn the ruler from the Faith. Then Paul being full of the holy Ghost, looked on him and said, oh full of subtlety and deceit, thou Child of the Devil, A seducer smitten with blindness. thou enemy of righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the straight ways of the Lord, and the Lord smote him that he was blind. Corah, Dathan, and Abyron, Numer. 16 going about to seduce the people of Israel from the law of GOD taught by Moses and Aron, the earth opened her mouth, and they, there wives, children, family, cattle, and all that they had, Sunk to hell quick went down quick into hell. Whereby you may see (Father) that utter ruin, and perpetual desolation is ordained of the almighty, for all Seminaries of false doctrine, and seducers of his people from his holy Laws. Father. Seeing that the Scripture is the word of salvation and that there be many that go about to seduce us from the same, tell me in what language or kind of speech ought that word to be. Service in a known tongue. Son. Even in such a speech or language that every one may learn the same, Deu. 4. for the Lord commanded that the people should teach their children even their sons and their sons sons, the ordinances and Laws which he set before them. Deu. 6. Moses' said unto the people, the Lord your God commanded me to teach you his commandments ordinances and laws, that they might do them in the land which they go to possess it. Esay. 28. If he that speaketh to the people be even as one the useth rudeness of speech, and a strange language, whom then shall such one teach knowledge. Mark. 4. The candle saith Christ is not lighted, to be put under a Bushel or under the Table, but it is lighted to be put on a Candlestick for there is nothing so privy, that shall not be opened, neither so secret but it shall come abroad. Acts. 8. The chamberlain of Candice Queen of the Ethiopeans, although he read the Prophet Esay, yet he confessed he could not be profited thereby, The way to be expounded. except he had a guide, and the spirit of God caused Philip the Apostle, to read and expound it unto him in his own language. Acts. 2. There were at jerusalem of every nation of them that were under heaven, and after they had received the Holy Ghost, every one of them heard them speak in his own language, the great works of God. Saint Paul sayeth, 1. Cor. 14. greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues. Except he expound it that the congregation may have edifying, let all things be done to edifying. For when thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen, at the giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest, thou verily givest thanks well but the other is not edified. I had rather saith the same Apostle in the congregation to speak five words with my understanding to the information of others, Eod. rather than ten thousand words with the tongue. Conclusion And therefore you may well perceive (Father) that the sacred word of our merciful God and loving Father, hath been kept to long hid under avail from us his people, who now embrace it with joy and gladness, as it is in deed the word of salvation. Father. Thou saidest my Son that the written word of God contained not only all things necessary to salvation as thou proved, but also all things needful for the government of a christian life. Son. 2. Tim. 3 I said so Father, for saint Paul saith, all scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable to teach, to improve, to amend, and to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect and prepared unto all good works. Father. Show unto me then (Son) how every particular person ought to behave himself towards God his creator, towards his own soul and conscience, and towards all men generally? Son. I am most willing to do your commandment (loving Father,) but first I beseech you declare unto me whether I shall begin with the inferior & lowest degree, or with the supreme & chief head and governor. Father. Son begin at the superiors, and so descend, showing first who is the supreme head. Son. Christ that anointed of the Lord God, 1. Cor. 12 is supreme head over all people, and the faithful and elect are his body and members one of another. Father. Declare that the Church is the body of Christ, with some definition thereof, that the better the Church of God may be known. Church. Son. Saint Paul saith, 1. Cor. 12 ye are the body of Christ, and members one of an other. The Church, saith the Prophet Ose, Oscas. 2. is married unto the Lord in righteousness, in equity, in loving kindness, in mercy, and also in faith. There is neither jew nor Gentile, Gal. 3. bond nor free, man nor woman, but all one in Christ jesus. As the body (saith Saint Paul) is one, and hath many members, 1. Cor. 12 and all the members of one body, though they be many, yet are but one body, even so is Christ, for by one Spirit we are all baptized, to make one body, whether we be jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have all drunk of one spirit. Rom. 12. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not one office, so we being many are one body in Christ, and every man among ourselves, one an others members. Ephe. 1. Christ the head, we his members. Christ, saith Saint Paul, is made above all things the head of the congregation, which is his body, and the fullness of him that filleth all in all. Ephe. 2. Ye are not strangers and foreigners, but Citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets. The true Church. jesus Christ himself being the head corner stone. In whom what building so ever is coupled together, it groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye are also built together, to be an habitation of God through the holy Ghost. Ephe. 4. Let us follow the truth in love, and in all things that grow in him, which is the head even Christ. Head. 2. Thes. 2 They that are chosen to salvation, sanctified by his spirit through belief of the truth, What is the Church 1. Tim. 3 whereunto they are called by the Gospel, and so obtain the glory of our Lord jesus Christ. The house of God the congregation of the living God, 2. Tim. 3. the Pillar and ground of the truth. Christ hath rule over the house, whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence & the rejoicing of that hope unto the end. Saint Peter saith that the Church of God is a chosen generation, 1. Peter. 2. a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a people which are won, that should show the virtues of him, that called them out of darkness. They that hear the voice of God indeed, and keep his appointment, Exod. 19 are chosen above all nations to be the Lords own people, a kingdom of priests, Deut. 7. and an holy people. The true Church. Whereby father you may see that the faithful which hear the voice of God, and keep the Lords appointment, are members of the mystical body of Christ, and Christ jesus their head, whereby they are made an holy Temple. Father. Is there (my son) some that are not of this true Church of God, Christ being the head? Son. Yea Father, for true is that saying, The devils Chaplain. where God hath a Church, Satan hath commonly a Chapel. Father. Tell me in few words, who are of the devils Church. Son. Exod. 19 2. Thess. 2 They that refuse to hear the voice of God in deed, and deny to keep his appointment, that believe not the truth whereunto they are called by the Gospel, that build not upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets: jesus Christ being the head corner stone, The malignant Church. for any other foundation can no man lay then that which is laid, which is jesus Christ. Father. My Son, I perceive that there be many that are Recusantes, and refuse to hear God's voice, deny his holy laws, believe not the truth, which is Christ, and that build not upon this rock, but upon the constitutions of men, and traditions of Elders, flatly denying (as I think) their own salvation, whom the Lord in his good time call home out of Satan's hold, that there may be one fold, and one shepherd. But proceed (Son) to show me who is the head of the Church of God next and immediately under Christ the chief head. Son. Every Emperor, King, or prince, King supreme head within their several empires or kingdoms. Father. What sayest thou then to those that challenge Supremacy over Kings (as they say) by the succession of Saint Peter. Son. Let Saint Peter answer that himself, 1. Peter. 2 who being inspired with God's holy spirit, did foresee that many would seek honour, ambition, and promotion, and desire to be called Rabbi, contrary to Christ's words, prevented them in these words. Submit yourselves unto all manner of ordinances of man, for the Lords sake, whether it be to the King, King chief head. as unto the chief head, either unto Rulers as unto them that are sent of him for the punishment of evil doers, but for the love of them that do well. Nay, 1. Peter. 2 in an other place he (concluding upon the duty of all the true servants of God) saith, honour all men, Honour Kings. Titus. 3 love brotherly fellowship. Fear God, honour the King. Saint Paul willeth Titus and all ministers and Preachers, to warn all subjects, that they submit themselves to their King and Prince, and that they also obey all the officers ordained by them. Father. King's are the ordinance of God. Well doth the Apostle S. Peter show who is the head of Christ's members, which as he saith is the king, therefore tell me by whom are kings ordained? Son. Rom. 13. Saint Paul saith that there is no power but of God, the powers that be are ordained of God. Wisd. 6. Hear O ye kings and understand, O learn ye that be judges of the earth, give ear ye that rule the multitude, and delight in much people, for power is given you of the Lord, and the strength from the highest. 1. Kings. 9 The Lord told the prophet Samuel in his ear. And said, to morrow this time will I send a man out of the land of Byniamin, him shalt thou anoint to be king over my people of Israel, that he may save my people out of the hands of the Philistines. 1. King. 10 Samuel took a vessel of oil and powered it upon the head of saul and kissed him and said, the Lord hath anointed thee to be king over his inheritance. David said to his wife Michael the Lord hath chosen me, & commanded me, 2. King. 6, to be a ruler over all the people of the Lord, even over Israel. Thus saith the Lord of hosts unto David, 1. Cro. 17. I took thee out of the pastures when thou goest after sheep, that thou shouldest be king over my people Israel. Solomon (the third king of Israel) said to the Lord, 2. Cro. 1. thou hast made me a king over a people, which is like the dust of the earth in multitude. Solomon said, ●. Kin. 3. O Lord my God it is thou that hast made thy servant king in stead of David my father. Wisdom and strength are the Lords, Dan. 2. he putteth down kings, and setteth up kings. The Lord hath set a ruler over every people, so that the ruler, Eccle. 17. Conclusion, that the Prince is the head. Prince or king set over every people by the Lord being so ordained of God, is chief head over those people, where the Lord hath placed and set him. Father. Thou provest very well and directly my Son, if Kings and Princes are ordained of God. But now proceed and tell me for what cause? Son. 1. Pet. 2. Rom. 13. The Apostle answereth thus for the punishment of evil doers, but for the love of them that do well. Rulers are not fearful to them that do well, but to them that do evil, for he is the minister of God for thy wealth. But and if thou dost evil, then fear, for he beareth not the sword for nought, for he is the minister of God to take vengeance of him that doth evil. Exod. 18. Moses' said, judge between every man and his neighbour, and show them the ordinance of God and his laws. Gen. 26. Abymelech the king, commanded that none of his people should touch Abraham or his wife, and whosoever hurt either of them should die the death. Who are to be choose kings. Deut. 17. No stranger to be thy king. Deut. 17. Thou shalt make him king over thee which the Lord thy God shalt choose, even one from among, thy brethren shalt thou make king over thee, thou mayst not make a stranger king over thee which is not of thy brethren. The king ought to read in the law of his God all the days of his life, and not turn there from, neither to the right hand nor to the left. David reigned over Israel and executed just and right over all his people. 2. kings. 8 The King shall give sentence between parties, 2. king. 25 and justify the righteous and condemn the ungodly. The King is like an Angel of God to hear good and bad. 2. king. 14 The King ought to defend the fatherless and poor, Psalm. 82. to see that such as be in need and necessity have right. A wise King destroyeth the ungodly, Pro. 20. and bringeth the wheel over them. Father. Son, 1. Pet. 2. I understand the kings duty and that the God of heaven hath chosen him for the punishment of the wicked and for the praise of the good doer, but tell me if he have this power and authority from God over all his subjects spiritual and temporal. Son. Yea Father, over all people within his several jurisdiction, whether ecclesiastical or civil. josua commanded the Priests to take josua. 3. up the Ark of the Lord and to go before the people, and they so did. josua. 4 The Lord said to josua, command the Priests that bear the Ark of witness, to come up out of jourden, and the people to follow. 3. Cron. 8. Solomon set the sorts of the Priests to their offices, and the Priests in their watches to minister to the Lord, and the Priests the Levites, omitted not the commandment of the King concerning any manner of thing. Father. Well, but what further hath a Prince to do in the Church of God. Son. 4. king. 18 You may perceive Father by these examples following. Hezechia did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, as David had done, he put down the hill altars, and broke the Images, cut down the groves, and all to broke the brazen Serpent which Moses made, for unto that time the people did burn sacrifice to it & called it Nehustan. Dan. 6. Daryus the King wrote a commandment that all men spiritual and temporal within his dominion should fear and stand in awe of daniel's God, for he is the living God, that abideth ever, and his kingdom shall not fail, it is he that delivereth and saveth. The King ought to overthrow all Altars, break down their pillars, Deu. 7. cut down their groves, and burn the graven Images with fire. Whereby you may plainly see that the King or Prince in the Church of God hath authority to root out all superstition and Idolitrie. And to command that the living God be feared and worshipped. Father. What punishment may the King or Prince appoint for Idolaters and for those that pollute the Temple of the Lord, and will not fear the God of Israel. Son. Even what punishment as the Prince shall think good, for the Lord sayeth, josua. 2. The king's displeasure is a messenger of death. whosoever doth disobey his mouth & will not hearken unto his words in all that he commandeth him, let him die. Solomon said if thou be a Child of 3. Kings. 1 virtue, there shall not one hair of thine head fall to the earth, but if thou be wicked thou shalt die. Deu. 13 If there arise (saith the Lord) among you a Prophet, a dreamer of dreams, and give a sign or wonder, and that sign or wonder come to pass, and shall then say, come let us worship strange Gods, thou shalt have no pity nor compassion upon him, but cause him to be slain, thou shalt stone him with stones that he die. Exod. 22 He that offereth to any Gods but to the Lord only, let him be rooted out. Exod. 21 He that smiteth a man that he die, shall die for it. He that curseth his father or mother shall die for it. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand. etc. By these examples you may well note Father, that Princes may punish with imprisonment, fine, or death, offenders: whether Priests or secular persons. Father. Seeing that Princes are ordained of God for these causes, and have power to punish with death, or otherwise according to the offence, must not all persons then needs obey them. Son. Yes Father, all subjects must honour them, and obey them with their bodies, goods, and prayers: Over all which the Prince hath power. Let every soul saith Saint Paul, Rom. 13. submit himself to the authority of the higher powers. Ye must needs obey, Eod. not only for fear of vengeance, but also because of conscience. Warn them that they submit themselves to rule and power, Titus. 3 that they obey the officers. Submit yourselves unto all manner of ordinances for the Lords sake, 1. Peter. 2 whether it be to the King, as to the chief head, either unto rulers, as unto them that are sent of him for the punishment of evil doers, but for the praise of them the do well. All our Cities, possessions, Judith. 3 all mountains and Hills, all Fields great and small, cattle, Sheep, and Goats, Horses, Camels, all our goods & households, are in the power of the King, and under his subjection, we ourselves and our Children are his own. Christ jesus saith, Math. 22 give to Caesar the things that belong to Caeser, and unto God the things that are goods. Esdras 7 Whosoever will not obey the King, let him have judgement without delay. Rom. 13. Give to every man his duty, tribute to whom tribute belongeth, custom to whom custom is due, fear to whom fear belongeth, honour to whom honour pertaineth. Math. 7 jesus said to Peter, of whom do the Kings of the earth take tribute or toll, and further said, go lest we should offend and take thine angle and look that thou take the fish that first cometh up, and thou shalt find in his mouth a piece of xx. pence, that take, and give it unto them for me and thee. 1. king. 8 The Lord showing the dominion of a king over subjects, saith, he will take your sons and put them to his Chariots and make horsemen to run before him, & make of them Captains over thousands, and over hundreds, to ear his ground, & gather his harvest, and your daughters will he make cooks, apothecaries, and bakers, and he shall take the best of your fields, vine-yerds, olives, and give them to his servants. I exhort saith saint Paul, Tim. 2 that above all things prayers, Prayer for Kings. supplications, intercessions and giving of thanks, be had for all men, for Kings and for all that are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceable life, with all godliness, & honesty. And all the people said, 1. King. 10 God send the king long life. I pray God that my Lord King David may live ever. God save King Solomon, 3. kings. 1. & the people said Amen. I pray God that the Lord God of my king say so too. Daniel said, oh king, Dan. 2. God save thy life for ever. Father. What, Evil princes. are all kings and Princes to be honoured and prayed for, if they be evil and wicked? Son. Yea, Dan. 3. for why they are Gods ministers ordained of God. I read that Nabugodonozer King of Babulon, made an Image to be worshipped, howbeit Sidrach, Mysaac, and Abednago, although they refused to worship that Idol, yet they submitted themselves, and honoured the King. Daryus king of Babulon, Dan. 6 casting Danyell into a lions Den, yet Danyell honoured the king, and said, oh King, God save thy life for ever. saul a wicked king purposing to have killed Da. yet Da. honoured him, & said, 1. king. 24 the Lord forbidden that I should touch the Lords anointed. job. 34. For the wickedness of the people doth the Lord make an hippocrite to reign over them. Pro. 21. The kings heart is in the hand of God, like as are the rivers of water, he may turn it whether soever he will. So that you may perceive Father, that God ordaineth a wicked king to reign over wicked people, to scourge and plague them: For a wicked king is the lands scourge. Father. Depose. May not Subjects labour to depose their Prince if he be evil, and place another? Son. Daniel. 2. The Lord forbidden, for why, wisdom and strength are the Lords, he setteth up kings, and putteth down kings. 1. king. 17. The Lord hath rented his kingdom from thee, and hath cast thee off, that thou shalt not be king. Father. But by whom, and wherefore was saul deposed? Son. 1. Cro. 10. By the Lord was he deposed. Because he trespassed against the Lord, in that he kept not the word of the Lord, but sought and asked counsel of a woman the wrought with a spirit, and asked not of the Lord. The highest hath power over kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whom he will, Daniel. 4. and he bringeth even the very abjects of men over them. Father. Then it is not lawful for any person to rebel or make insurrection? Rebellion. Son. Who can lay his hand saith David, 1. king. 26. 1. king. 24. on the Lords anointed, and be guiltless, the Lord be merciful unto me, that I do not touch the Lords anointed. David said to the young man, 2. king. 2. how is it that thou wast not afraid to slay the lords anointed, and his young men came upon him and slew him. The unrighteous and wicked men that slew the king's son in his own house, 2. king. 4 & upon his bed, shall not I saith David, require his blood at your hands, & take you from the earth, and David caused them to be hanged up, and cut of their hands and feet. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, 1. king. 15 and disobedience, is as the sin of Idolatry. 2. king. 18 Absalon rebelling against David his father, road upon a Mule, who ran under a tree, and was hanged by the locks of his hair, and was cast into an hole and stones upon him. Math. 27 judas who betrayed his Master for thirty. pieces of silver, went out and hanged himself, and his bowels gushed out. Numer. 16 Corath, Dathan, and Abyron, rebelled, and they, & their wives and children, goods & chattles, being in their tents, the earth opened her mouth, and they went down all quick into hell. Nume. 16. Two hundredth being of the same conspiracy, not then there present, fire came down from heaven, and destroyed them. Ecclesi. 10 Wish the king no evil in thine heart, nor thy Prince any hurt in thy prievie Chamber, for a bird of the air shall bewray thee, and with her feathers shall she bewray thy secrets. Rom. 13 But chiefly mark Saint Paul's words. Whosoever resisteth, shall receive to themselves damnation, whereby you may well perceive Father, how the Lord God of heaven plaugeth rebels, not only with bodily death & destruction, but also with eternal confusion and condemnation, in the burning lake of hell, where fire and Brimstone, storm and tempest, shall be their portion to drink. Father. jesus, my son, how many conspiracies & traitorous rebellions, have been of late against our gracious Princess. Son. Yea father, yet the Lord that great and mighty jehova, doth save his anointed out of their bloody hands. A prayer And I beseech our God and heavenly father, for jesus death, & innocent bloodshedding, to bless, preserve, and save her Majesty, and either in mercy convert their hearts to their dutiful obedience unto her Majesty, or else in justice destroy them, that they may perish and have their portion with Corath & his company, which thing the eternal God for his great mercy sake grant. And thereto let all that fear God say, Amen. Father. And I beseech the Lord God, 3. kings. 1 of my princess to say so to, Amen. Proceed my son to tell me of whom have judges, judges and magestrato Rulers, Magistrates and Officers of every degree in the common wealth, their power and authority. Son. Of their head the Prince, even as the Prince hath power from his head Christ. For they are the hands of their king or Prince, whereby he worketh. Exod. 18. Be thou unto the people to Godward, that thou mayst bring the causes unto God, and thou shalt teach them ordinances & laws, judges must be true men such as fear God, not cou●tus and show them the way wherein they must walk, & the work which they must do. Moreover thou shalt seek out among all the people, men of activity and such as fear God, true men, hating covetousness, and make them heads over the people, Captanines over thousands, over hundreds, over fifties, and over ten, and let them judge the people at all seasons. Deu. 1. Moses' said to the people, I took out of your tribes, The prince commandment to judges and officers with their duties. Captains, men of wisdom, and that were expert, and made them rulers over you, and I charged your judges that same time, saying, hear the cause of your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with you, see that you know no face in judgement, but hear the small as well as the great, and be afraid of no man, for the judgement is Gods. Thou shalt not favour the poor, Levitic. 19 nor honour the mighty, but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Thou shalt not reign over thy brother cruelly, but shalt fear thy God, levit. 25 ye shall not reign over an other cruelly. Turn not aside from the law of God, Deu. 5. neither to the right hand, nor to the last. The judges shall give sentence between parties, and justify the righteous, Deu. 25. and condemn the ungodly. Thou shalt take no gifts, Exod. 23 for gifts blind the sight, and pervert the words of the righteous. Psalm. 28. Defend the fatherless and poor, saith David, see that such as be in need and necessity have right. Father. Ought these rulers also to be obeyed? Son. Yea Father, Deu. ●. for when Moses had ordained Rulers and judges over the people, they all answered and said, that which thou hast spoken is good unto us to do. josua. 1, The people answered josua, all that thou commandest us will we do, and whether thou sendest us, will we go, and whosoever he be that disobayeth thy mouth, & will not hearken unto the words in all the thou commaundst him, let him die. Exod. 17 When Moses sat down to judge the people, all the people stood before him from morning till even. Exod. 22. Thou shalt not rail on the Gods, neither blaspheme the ruler of the people. jeremis. 35 We have (said the people) obeyed jonadab our father, in all that he commanded us, and the Lord said to those Rachabites, God blesseth obedient persons because you have been obedient to jona. jona. shall not fail to have one to stand always before me out of his stock. And concluding with S. Paul's words to Titus, Titus. 3 warn them that they be subject to rule and power, & that they obey the officers. Father. preachers and Ministers. My Son, I am now desirous to know the duties of Preachers and ministers of the word of God. Son. Deu. 10. According to my little knowledge, & as I have red in God's book, I will show you the same. The Lord separated the tribe of Levy, to bear the Ark of the appointment of the Lord, & to stand before the Lord, & to minister unto him, and to bless in his name. Whosoever killeth a beast, Leuiti. 17 and bringeth it to the Tabernacle of witness, to offer to the Lord, No man may take upon him the Priest's office uncalled. blood shall be imputed to that man, as though he had shed blood, and he shallbe rooted out of the people of Israel, wherefore when the people bring offerings, let them bring them to the Priests to offer them. Look out among you seven men of honest report, Acts. 6. and full of the holy Ghost and wisdom, Who ought to be choose. to whom we may commit this business, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them. I warn thee that thou stir up the gift that is in thee, Tim. 1. Ordering of Ministers. Acts. 14 Titus. 1. by the putting on of my hands. And they ordained them elders in every congregation, by election, & prayed. Reform things that are unperfect, & ordain elders in every city, as I appointed thee. Let them be sober, sage, discreet, Titus. 2 sound in the faith, in love, in patience. 1. Cor. 6. Let us give none occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault, but in all things behave ourselves as the ministers of God, in much pains, in afflictions, in necessities, in anguish, in stripes, inprisonments, in strifes, in labours, in watchings, in fasting, in pureness, in knowledge, in long suffering, in kindness, in the holy Ghost, in love unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of righteousness, on the right hand & on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report, as deceivers, and yet true, as unknown, and yet known, as dying, and behold we live, as chastened, and not killed, as sorrowing, and yet always merry, as poor, and yet make many rich, as having nothing, & yet possessing all things. Esay. 62. I have set watchmen upon thy wales Oh jerusalem, which shall cease neither day nor night to preach the Lord. jeremy. 3. I will give you herdmen after mine own mind, which shall feed you with learning and wisdom. Ezech. 3 Thou son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel, and therefore take good heed unto the words of my mouth, and give them warning at my commandment, if I say unto thee concerning the ungodly man, that without doubt he must die, and thou givest him no warning, nor speakest unto him that he turn from his evil way and so live, then shall the same ungodly man die in his unrighteousness, but his blood will I require at thine hands, but if thou give him warning, & yet he forsake not his ungodliness, then shall he die in his own wickedness, but thou hast discharged thyself. If the people take a man of their Country, and set him to be their watchman, Ezech 34 the same man, when he seeth the sword come upon the Land, shall blow the Trumpet and warn the people. etc. I set thee over people and kingdoms, jeremy. 1 that thou mayest root out, break off, destroy and make waist, and that thou mayst build up and plant. I will send out my fishers to take them, Ieremi. 6. and after that, I will send out my hunters to hunt them out, from all mountains and hills, and out of the Caves of stone. In the Priest's lips should be sure knowledge, Malachi. 2 Gods messenger. that men may seek the Law at their mouths, for he is a messenger of the Lord of hosts. Ye are the light of the world, Math. 5. let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Math. 10. Go (saith Christ) and preach, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, that which I tell you in darkness speak in the light, and that ye hear in the ear that preach on the house tops. Math. 28 Preach the gospel to all creatures, and baptism them in the name of the Father, and of the Sun, and of the holy ghost. Mark. 16 Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creatures, he that believeth & is baptised shallbe saved, he that believeth not shallbe damned. Io. 4. He the God hath sent speaketh the words of god. A true preacher. Acts. 6. They ought to give themselves continually unto prayer, & to the ministration of the word, & to be obedient unto the faith. Acts. 20. Take heed saith the Apostle, unto yourselves, and to all the flocks, among whom the holy ghost hath made you overseers to rule the congregation of God, which Christ hath bought with his blood. 1. Peter. 5. Feed Christ's flock as much as lieth in you, taking, the oversight of them not as compelled thereto, but of a good will, not for desire of filthy lucre, but of a good mind. Father. Are all the ministers in the Church of God of like calling? Son. Some are Apostles, some Prophets, 1. Cor. 12 some teachers, some workers of miracles, unto some is given the gifts of healing, helpers, governors. Father. I here thee make no mention of bishops or ministers. Son. Father there be Bishops, Tim. 3. ministers and Deacons. Father. Let me here their several duties with the manner of their conversations? Son. A Bishop must be blameless, A Bishop's A●●ie. 1. Ti●. ●. the husband of one wife, diligent, sober, discreet, a keeper of hospitality, apt to teach, not given to overmuch wine, no fighter, not greedy of filthy lucre, but gentle, abhorring fight, abhorring covetousness, one that ruleth well his own house, one that hath Children in subjection with reverence, Titus. ●. no young scholar, lest they swell & fall into the judgement of the evil speaker, & also have a good report of them that are without. A minister must be honest, A Minister's duty. not double tongued, not given to much wine, neither greedy of filthy lucre, but holding the mystery of faith with a good conscience, Proved & then chosen. let him first be proved, saith saint Paul, and then let him minister, so that no man be able to reprove him. Deacons. Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, and such as rule their Children well and their own households. 1. Tim 4 The duty of all Ministers. Let no man saith Paul to Timothe, despise thy youth, but be unto them that believe an example in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in pureness, give attendance, to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine, & despise not the gift that is given unto thee through proficie with the laying on the hands, by the authority of priesthood. 2. Tim. 4 Preach the way of God, be fervent in season, and out of season, improve, rebuke, exhort with all suffering and doctrine. Father. False teachers. Son, but I have heard that there be false teachers, and seducers of the people, therefore let me have some mark whereby they may be known. Son. Acts. 5. The true preachers daily in the temple and in every house cease not to preach jesus Christ. True teachers. When they are called strait way, Acts. 9 Acts. 10 they preach jesus Christ in the synagogues, how that he is the Son of God, and very Christ, they keep nothing back that is profitable, but openly & in every house, both to the jews and Greeks, they witness the repentance that is towards God, and faith towards jesus Christ. They neither chop nor change with the word of God, 2. Cor 2. but even out of purensse & by the power of God, in the fight of God to speak in Christ. They do not preach themselves but jesus Christ, to be the Lord, 2. Cor. 4. & themselves the people's servants for jesus Christ sake, and further you may perceive who are true teachers by the word going before. Father. Let me hear some doctrine of the false teachers, and seducers of the people. False teachers. Son. The false teachers you shall know by their fruits, Math. 7. they go in long garments and love salutations in markets: etc. Ezech. 34. Woe be to the shepherds of Israel, they feed themselves, they eat up the fat and cloth themselves with the wool, the best have they slain, Covetous and doing not good. but the flock have they not nourished, the weak have they not holden up, the sick have they not healed, the outcasts have they not brought again, the lost have they not sought, but churlish and cruelly have they ruled them, but I will require my sheep at their hands, saith the Lord. jeremy. 2. They teach their own ways, and dare say they are without sin, justifiers. and guiltless, I have not offended, and therefore the Lord saith, I condemn thee in judgement. jeremis. 14 They preach unto you false visions, Charms, vanities and deceitfulness, of their own heart. Mark. 12 They go saith Christ in long garments, and love salutations in the market place, False teachers deceive widows with praying for their dead husbands and chief seats in feasts, and in the congregation, and devour widows houses under pretence of long prayers, but their damnation shall be great. Father. I perceive well what the false teachers are, and that their end is damnation, but let us come again to the true teachers, tell me wherefore the Lord hath placed Apostles, Prophets, Euengelists, shéepherds and teachers in his Church. Son. Saint Paul saith, Ephe. 4 even to the edifying of the saints to the work and ministration even to the edifying of the body of Christ till we all come to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man unto the measure of the full perfect age of Christ. Father. If preachers and ministers be sent for this purpose, then surely we ought to maintain them with our goods, and reverence them as the chosen messengers of God, tell me whereupon they shall live? Son. The Tithes of the people hath the Lord given them to be thire inheretaunce. Numer. 18 Tithes. They shall have saith the Lord the tithe Deut. 14 of all the increase of the field that springeth year by year. Deu. 8. The first fruit of corn, wine, and oil, the first of the wool, of thy sheep, shalt thou give to the priest. 1. Cor. 9 If we sow unto you, saith Saint Paul, special things, is it a great thing if we reap your bodily things, do you not know that they which minister about holy things, live of the sacrifice, even so did the Lord ordain that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. Gal. 6. Let him that is taught in the word minister unto him that teacheth him in all good things. josua. 13 Offerings. Heb. 13, josua gave none inheretance to the Levites but the offerings of the people. Remember them that have the oversight of you, which have spoken unto you the word of God, whose faith see that you follow, and mark the end of their conversation. Reverence Ministers Obey them that have the oversight of you, and submit yourselves unto them for they watch for your souls even as they that must give accounts, that they may do it with joy and not with grief. I beseech you be obedient to all that help and labour, 1. Cor. 16. look that you know them that are such. I was filled after that I received the things which were sent from you, Philip. 4 an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice accepted unto God. Father. But Son, what shall Ministers and Preachers do with that which remaineth of the tithes and benefices, more than they bestow of themselves, their wives, Children, and family? Son. They shall give it saith the Lord, Deu. 26. unto the stranger, the fatherless, and the widows, that they may eat within their gates, and fill themselves. Father. Thou hast spoken much what Ministers must do, and whereupon they shall live, but tell me what reward the Lord prepareth for them in the world to come. Son. The wise, Dan. 12. such as have taught others unto godliness, shall glister as the shining of heaven, and shall be as the stars world without end. Revel. 213 A crown of glory, a throne of Majesty, a paradise of pleasure, a life everlasting. Math. 15 They shall shine as the Sun in the kingdom of the Father. Esay. 51. An everlasting joy is upon their heads, they possess joy and exultation, and all pain and sorrow is fled from them. Revel. 3, I will saith Christ, grant them to sit in my seat with me. 1. Peter. 5 When the chief shepperd jesus Christ shall appear, they shall receive an incorruptable crown of Glory. Revel. 22 They shall see the face of God, and his names shall be in their foreheads. Father. Well son, the Lord is a great God and merciful father, thus to reward them that work his work, but are Ministers and Preachers reverenced of all men as the messengers of God, and disposers of his secrets? Son. No Father, sometime slandered, sometime mocked, sometime bet, and sometime put in death. They ●acked the messengers of the Lord, and despised his word, 2. Cro. 36 and misused his prophets, until the wrath of God arose against the people. They had the messengers of the Lord in●ension, 3. Esdras. 1 and look what GOD said unto them by his prophets, they made but a sport of it. The rulers beat the Apostles, Acts. ●. and commanded them not to speak in the name of the Lord jesus, but they went away from the Counsel, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. Christ left us an example that we should follow his steps, 1. Peter. 2 who did no sin, neither was there any guile found in his mouth, which when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatened not, by whose stripes we were healed. The wicked saith Saint Peter, 2. Peter. 2. live in pleasure in their own deceivable ways, and feasting, and mocking the disciples. Elia said, 3. kings. 1 the Children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, broken down thine altars, slain the Prophets with the sword, and I only am left, and they seek to take away my life. Heb. 11. Some are racked, some reproached, some whipped, some chained, some imprisoned, other stoned, cut in pieces, slain with the sword. Math. 26. Yea, Christ our Master and head, crucified. Wherefore if we be counted the off scouring of the world, and with the Apostles, and Christ himself killed, let us rejoice, Math. 5. for great shall our reward be in heaven. Father. ●a●sters. Proceed to the duties of Masters to their servants. Son. ●ollo. 4. Saint Paul teacheth plainly, saying, that Masters must do to the servants that which is just and equal, knowing also that they have a master in heaven. ●phe. 6 Ye Masters, do that which is right unto your servants, putting away threatenings, for the Lord hath no respect of persons. levitic. 19 Let no servants wages abide with she until the morning. Whosoever worketh any thing for thee, Tobias. 4. immediately give him his hire, and look that thy servants wages remain not by thee one night. If thy brother or sister serve thee six years, Deu. 15. and in the seventh year departed from thee, thou shalt not let him go from thee empty, but shall give them of thy sheep, and of thy corn, and of thy wine. Whereas thy servant worketh truly, Eccle. 7. entreat him not evil, nor the hireling that is faithful unto thee: love a discrete servant as thine own soul, defraud him not of his liberty, neither leave him a poor man. He that defraudeth a labourer of his higher, is a bloudshedder. Eccle. 34 The higher of the labourers that have reaped down your Corn fields, james. 5. which higher is of you kept back by fraud, crieth, and the cry hath entered into the ears of the Lords Sabaoth, so that if Masters detain their servants wages, or deal cruelly with them, the king of glory will burn their flesh in the fire. Father. Let me hear the servants duty to their Masters? Servants. Son. Titus. 2 Saint Paul saith, exhort servants that they be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them in all things, not answering again, neither to be pickers, but that they show all good faithfulness, that they may do worship to the doctrine of Christ our Saviour in all things. Ephe. 6. Ye Servants obey them that are your bodily masters, with fear & trembling, even with the singleness of your heart, as unto Christ, not doing service unto the eye, as they that go about to please men, but as the Servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart with good will, serving the Lord, and not men. Collo. 3 Ye Servants be obedient unto your bodily Masters in all things, not with eye service, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 1. Tim. 6 Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not evil spoken off. 1. Peter. 2 And concluding with Saint Peter's words, which are, servants obey your Masters with fear, not only if they be good and courteous, but also though they be froward. Father. Tell me some thing of the duties of husbands to their wives? Husband's Son. Saint Peter who was married himself, thus exhorteth husbands, 1. Pet. 3● ye men dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honour to the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as unto them that are heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered. Ye husbands (saith Saint Paul) love your wives, and be not bitter unto them. Collo. 3 Ye husbands love your wives, Ephe. 5. even as Christ loved the congregation, and gave himself for it, to sanctify it, so ought men to love their own wives, as their own bodies, he the loveth his wife, loveth himself, for this cause shall a man leave father & mother, & shallbe joined unto his wife, Gen. 2. and of two shallbe made one flesh. Father. Show me what wives should do to their husbands, because many now adays grow stubborn and wilful. Son. Ye wives saith Saint Paul, wives duties. submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord, for the husband is the wives head, even as Christ is the head of the congregation, therefore even as the congregation is in subjection unto Christ, likewise let the wives be in subjection unto their husbands in all things. Gen. 3. Sub potestate viri eris, thou shalt (said God) be subject to thy husband. Col. 3. Ye wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is convenient in the Lord. 1. Peter. 3 Ye wives saith Saint Peter, be in subjection to your husbands, that even they that obey not the word, may be without the word won by the conversation of the wives, while they behold their chaste conversation coupled with fear, wives apparel. whose apparel shall not be outward, with broided hair, and hanging on of Gold, either in putting on of gorgeous apparel, but let the hid man which is in the heart, be without all corruption, so that the spirit be mild, which is before God, a thing much set by, for after this manner in the old time did the holy women which trusted in God tire themselves, and were diligent to their own husbands even as Saray obeyed Abraham, and called him Lord, whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well and are not dismayed with any terror. All women should hold their husbands in honour both among great and small. ●ester 1 Father. What, may not man and woman be divorced, after they be married together? Son. At the beginning God made man and woman, and said, Gene. 2 Divorce. for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, Math. 19 and cleave to his wife, and they twain shallbe one flesh, wherefore they are not twain, but one flesh, let no man therefore put a sunder that which God hath coupled together. Father. Moses' gave the people a testimonial of divourcement, that they might put them away. Son. Yea father, Moses, Fornication Math. 19 because of the hardness of their hearts, suffered them to put away their wives, but whosoever saith jesus Christ, putteth away his wife, except it be for fornication, & marrieth an other breaketh wedlock, and whosoever marrieth her that is divorced committeth adultery. Father. Parents. The duty of parents would I learn, for many bring up their children wantonly, tell me therefore plainly and truly, although thou be but a Child in years yet I praise God thou art almost a man in wisdom and knowledge. Son. Gen. 13 The Lord said, I know that Abraham will command his Children and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, and do after right and conscience. Eccle. 26 If thy daughter be not shamefast hold her in straightly, lest she abuse herself through to much liberty. Eccle. 7. If thou have sons bring them up in nurture & learning, Daughters married to wisemen. and hold them in awe from their youth up, If you have a daughter keep her body and show not thy face cheerful towards her, marry thy daughter, give her to a man of understanding. If thy daughter be wanton keep her in straightly, Eccle. 42 lest she cause thine enemies to laugh thee to scorn. You shall saith God, Deu. 4. teach all my laws and ordinances unto your Children. Ye fathers move not your children unto anger and wrath, Ephe. 6. but bring them up in the doctrine and information of the Lord. Ye fathers provoke not your Children to anger, lest they be of a desperate mind. Collo. 3 He that spareth the rood hateth his son, Pro. 13. but who so loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Who so loveth his child holdeth him still under correction, Eccle. 30 that he may have joy of him afterward, and that he grope not after his neighbour's doors, he that teacheth his son shall have joy of him, and need not to be a shamed of him among his acquaintance. Give him no liberty in his youth, Eccle. 30 Liberty hurteth children. and excuse not his folly, teach thy Child and be diligent therein, lest it be to thy shame. Father. What saith the scripture of Children to their parents. Son. Children. Ephe. 6 Thus saith S. Paul, children obey your fathers and mothers in the Lord, for that is right, honour the father and mother that thou mayst prosper and live long on the earth. Col. 3. Ye Children obey your fathers and mothers in all things, for that is well pleasing unto the Lord. Levitic. 19 Ye shall (saith the Lord of hosts) fear every man his father and mother and keep my sabbaths. Pro. 23. Give ear to the father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Pro. 28. Robbers of parents. Tobias. 4. He that robbeth his father and his mother, & say it is no sin, he is a destroyer. Hold thy mother saith Toby, as in honour all the days of the life, for thou oughtest to remember, how great perils she suffered for thee in her womb. Tobias. 5. All that the parents command them, that they ought to do diligently, honour thy father in word and deed, Ecclesi. 3 in paciens, that thou mayst have God's blessing, and his blessing shall abide with the at the last. He that defieth his father shall come to shame, Father's blessing. and he that forsaketh his mother is cursed of God. The blessing of the Father buildeth up the houses of the Children, Eccle. 3 but the mother's curse rooteth out the foundations. He that forsaketh his Father shall come to shame, and he that defieth his mother is accursed of God. Father. Now would I know (Son) how elders both men and women ought to live for the example of the younger sort? Elders. Son. The elder men must be sober, sage, Titus. 2 discreet, sound in the faith, in love, in patience. The elder women likewise, Elder women. must be in such raiment as becometh holiness, not being false accusers, not given to much wine, but that they teach honest things, let them show themselves in all things an example in good works, with honistie and gravity. Father. How must the younger sort behave themselves? Son. The young men must be sober minded Titus. 2 Young men young women. The young women must be sober minded also, and love their husbands and children, they must be discreet, chaste, housewifely, good, obedient unto their husbands, that none have any evil to say of them. Father. What sayest thou to soldiers toll-gatherers and Bailiffs? Son. Luke. 3. Soldiers The soldiers demanded of john Babtist what they should do. And he said, hurt noman, neither trouble any man wrongfully, and be contented with your wages. Luke. 11 Lawyers. As for the lawyers the Lord cursed them, and said, woe unto you ye Lawyers, for ye laden men with burdens which they are not able to bear, and ye yourselves touch not the packs with one of your fingers. Father. But thou tellest me not what they should do. I see a great sort evil enough. Son. Math. 23 They ought to execute judgement, mercy, and faith. Father. What off bayllifs and common tol-gatherers and such like? Son. They ought to require no more than that is apponted unto them. Luke. 3 Father. Thou hast spoken of all particularly. Every man's duty. But now let me hear in general, words of the duties of all states and degrees of people, young and old, learned and unlearned, rich and poor, man and woman. Son. The grace of God saith saint Paul, Titus. 2. hath appeared, that bringeth salvation unto all men, and teacheth that all men should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that they should live soberly & righteously and Godly in this present world. They ought to fear, God, Revel. 14 and give honour unto him and worship him, that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water. They ought to follow righteousness, 1. Tim. 6 Godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, to fight the good fight of faith, to lay hand on eternal life whereunto they are called, and have professed the same before many witnesses. They ought to recompense to no man evil for evil, to warn them that are unruly, 1. Thes. 5 to comfort the feeble mind, to lift up the weak, and to be patiented towards all men. Philip. 2 They must be like minded, having one love, being of one accord, and of one mind, that nothing be done through strife or of vain glory, but in meekness of mind, let every man esteem an other better than himself. Luke. 12 They ought to seek the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof. Luke. 3. He that hath two coats must part with him that hath none, and he that hath meat must do likewise. 1. Cor. 11 Every one must be a chaste virgin unto God. 1. Peter. 2 They ought all to love as the servants of God, to honour all men, to have brotherly fellowship, to fear God, to honour the King. Ecclesi. 8 They must keep the kings commandment, and the oath that is made unto God. Eccle. 12. This is the conclusion of all things, that they fear God and keep his commandments for that toucheth all men. Father. Election. Begin to show me the goodness of God unto his people, I have heard that we are elected of God, even of his mere love. Son. Yea, Deu. 4. whatsoever the Lord God doth unto us, that it is of his mercy and love, and for our election, the Lord saith, because I loved thy fathers I chose their seed after them, and brought them out of Egypt. The Lord hath chosen thee to be a several people and nation to himself, Deut. 7. above all nations of the earth. The Lord chooseth unto himself the man that is godly. Psal. 4. I prepared thee or ever thou knewest me. Esay 45. The Lord saith, Ieremi. 1. before ever I fashioned thee in thy Mother's womb, I did know thee, and or ever thou wast borne, I sanctified thee, and ordained thee to be a Prophet unto the people. The Lord chooseth those that put their whoredom out of his sight, Oscas. 2. and their adnoutry from their breasts. He whom the Lord chooseth, shallbe holy. Nun. 16 Was not Esau, jacobs' brother, Malachi. saith the Lord, yet have I hated Esau, and loved jacob. Io. 6. No man saith Christ, can come unto me except my Father draw him. Io. 15. Chosen to good works I have chosen you, and ordained you, to go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Ephe. 1. And concluding with Saint Paul's words, the Lord hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world were laid, that we should be holy without blame before him, through jesus Christ, to be heirs unto himself. Father. Creation. What sayest thou touching our creation? Son. Gen. 1. In the beginning God made heaven and earth and all other things, and saw that they were exceeding good. Psalm. 33 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth. Esay. 41. He that called the generations from the beginning, even the Lord which is the first and the last, made and created all things. ●eremi. 27 I am saith the Lord, he that made the earth, the men and cattle that are upon the ground with my power, and outstretched arm, and I have given it to whom it pleaseth me. The Lord is the worke-master of all things, which teacheth wisdom. Wisd. 7 All things were made by the word of God, Io. 1. and without it was made nothing that was made. And concluding with Saint Paul, Collo. 1. who saith. That all things were created by him that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be Maiestraies or Lordship, either rule or power. Father. But how was man created? Son. Even after the image of God, Man's creation. Gen. 1. God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, Male and Female created he them. The Lord shaped man even of dust of the mould, Gen. 2. and breathed into his nostherells, the breath of life, and so Adam was made a living soul. The Lord (saith job, job. 10. ) made me of the mould, and shall bring me into dust again, he hath turned me as it were milk, and turned me into cruds like cheese, he hath covered me with skin and flesh, and joined me together with bones and sinews. ●ob. 33. The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the almighty, hath given me life. Eccle. 7. This I have found, that God made man just, but he hath many inventions. ●ust. ●eremy. 2 Faithful. I placed thee (saith God) a noble vine, and a good root, whose seed is faithful, but thou art turned into a bitter, unfruitful, and strange Grape. Wisd. 2. God made man to be undestroyed, yea after the Image of his own likeness made he him, nevertheless through the malice of the Devil, came death into the world. ●phe. 4 Ye are shapen after God in righteousness and true holiness. So that Father, man was created after god's Image, that is just, faithful, undefiled, fruitful, a noble vine, righteous and holy, for all that the Lord made, were exceeding Good. Father. Redemption What sayest thou of our redemption. Son. Even as the Lord God doth elect and create man, Psalm. 31 so doth he redeem man and none other. For David saith, Psalm. 49 into thy hands I commend my spirit, for thou oh Lord hast redeemed me. No man may deliver his brother, nor make agreement unto God for him, for it cost more to redeem their souls. So that they must let that alone for ever. I am he saith the Lord, Oseas. 7. that redeemed them, and yet they dissembled with me. The spirit of the Lord (saith Christ) upon me, because he hath anointed me, Luke. 4. to preach the Gospel to the poor hath he sent me, to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the Captive, and sight to the blind, freely to set at liberty those that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. We have redemption through his blood, Ephe. 1. even the forgivenenesse of our sins. Our Lord jesus Christ hath given himself for us, Christ's blood redeemed us. to redeem us from all unrighteousness. Redeemed of love. Rom. 5. God setteth out his love towards us, seeing that while we were sinners according to the time Christ died for us, much more than now we are justified by his blood, shall be saved from wrath by him, for when we were enemies, we were reconciled unto God by his blood, much more seeing that we are reconciled, we shall be preserved by his life. 1. Peter. 1 Redeemed by the blood ●f Christ only. We were not saith saint Peter redeemed from our vain conversations with corruptible things, as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of jesus Christ, as of a Lamb undefiled. Father. Sanctification. What saith the word of God of our sanctification? Son. ●o. 3. Christ himself saith, except a man be borne of water and of the holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ●o. 17 Prayer of Christ to sanctify ●is church. O father of heaven sanctify them (saith jesus Christ) through the truth, for the word is truth, and I do not only pray for my disciples alone, but for all those also which shall believe their preaching, that they may all be one. Cor. 1. To them saith Saint Paul that are sanctified by jesus Christ, called Saints, Sanctfied by jesus Christ. 1. Cor. 6. jesus and his spirit sanctifieth. Titus. 3 peace and grace. We are washed, we are justified, we are sanctified by the name of jesus Christ and through the spirit of our God. The Lord according to his great mercy hath saved us, by the fountain of the new birth, and renewing of the holy Ghost, which he hath showed on us abundantly, through jesus Christ our saviour. Father. Let me hear now by whom we are preserved, saved, and defended, Preserved, saved, defended & of whom we have our being? Son. Even by that great and mighty jehova, Gen. 7 the Lord of hosts. For the Lord called Noa into the Ark, and his household wherein they might be saved, when he destroyed the world with the deluge. The Lord said unto Isaac, fear not, Gen. 26 I am with thee and will bless thee & multiply thy seed, for my servant Abraham's sake. I will be with thee, Gen. 40 and will be thy keeper in all places whether thou goest, and will not leave thee, till I perform my promise. Gene. 40. The Lord was with joseph, and got him favour in the sight of the Lord of the prison, and showed him mercy. Exod. 13 The Lord went before the people of Israel, in the day in a pillar of a cloud, and in the night in a pillar of fire. Exod. 29. I will dwell among my people, and will be their God. Deu. 33 The eternal God is thy refuge, and under the arms of thine everlasting shalt thou live. josua. 1, I will be with thee said God, and will not forsake thee, I will be with thee whether so ever thou goest. Psalm. 17. The Lord is the saviour of all them that trust in him. Acts. 17 And concluding, in God we live, move, and have our being, and are all his generations. Father. Gifts. That we are defended, saved and preserved by our God and merciful father I perceive, but proceed and tell me of whom we have all our meat, drink, apparel, silver, gold, riches, possessions, wisdom, knowledge, learning, with all other good gifts? Son. Saint james thus answereth, james. 1 that every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of light, and further saith, Wisdom if any man lack wisdom let him ask of him that giveth it, even God. It is the Lord God that giveth the substance. Deu. 8. Riches. It is the Lord God that giveth an heart to perceive, eyes to see, and ears to hear. Deu. 29. The Lord said to Solomon, 3. Kin. 3. ask what thou wilt and I will give it thee. All things under heaven are mine saith the Lord. job. 41. God giveth unto man that is good before him, wisdom, understanding, Eccle. 2 and gladness, but to the wicked the Lord giveth weariness and superfluous care to heap riches for other men. All that a man eateth and drinketh, Eccle. 3. Meat. Drink. yea whatsoever a man earneth of all his labour, the same is the gift of God. God giveth unto man riches, Ecclesi. 6 goods and honour, so that he wanteth nothing that his heart can desire. When I perceived that I could not keep myself chaste, Wisdom Chastity without God gave it me, I stooped to the Lord and besought him. Wisd. 9 Who can have understanding of thy meaning, Holy ghost a gift of God. except thou give him wisdom, and send thy holy ghost from above, that the ways of them that be upon earth may be reform, that men may learn the things that are pleasant unto thee. Luke. 11 Your heavenly father shall give his holy spirit to him that asketh of him. Wisd. 3. Faith. Unto the elect shall be given the special gift of faith. And the most acceptable portion in the temple of God. 1. Cor. 4. Who preserveth thee, or what hast thou that thou hast not received. Gen. 8 The Lord gave to man that he should Subdue the earth, and have dominion of the fish, of the sea, and foul of the air. And of every living thing upon earth. 2. Peter. 1 And closing this with Saint Peter's words. According to his Godly power he hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness. Father. God one. Son, who is this God of whom we receive all goodness, is he but one or many, for many there be that be called Gods and Lords many? Son. There is but one true God, One true God. although there be three distinct persons of that one true GOD, I cannot make further relation of his Godhead, then that he hath spoken and called himself thus. I am, that I am. I am. Exod. 3 I am (saith he to Moses) have sent thee. This God appeared unto Abraham, Exod. 6. jehova. Gene. 17 Isaac, and jacob, as an almighty God, and in my name (saith he) jehova, was I not known unto them. I am the almighty God behold I am. Almighty. True God. Deut. 7. Eod. Mighty. Terrible, Deu. 9 A consuming fire. Deu. 32 The Lord thy God is a true God. God is among you, a mighty and terrible God. The Lord thy God is a consuming fire, he shall consume and bring the enemies down before his face. I alone am God, and there is else none, I kill and make a live. He is a God of truth without wickedness, right and Just is he. Without sin. He is an holy an jealous God, josua. 24 and can not bear with iniquity and sin. The righteous god trieth the hearts & reins. Psal. 7. What is God. The Lord is my stony rock and defence, my saviour, my God, and my might, in whom I will trust, my buckler, the horn also of my salvation and my refuge. Psalm. 14 He maketh his Angels, spirits and his ministers a flame of fire. 139. If I climb up to heaven he is there, if I go down to hell he is there also. Pro. 5. Every man's ways are open in the sight of his God, and he pondreth all men's goings. Pro. 15. Hell with her pain is known unto this God, how much more than the hearts of men. ●eremi. 10 I am, even I am the Lord of hosts, and besides me there is no saviour, The Lord's ●ame. the lord is a true God, a living God, and an everlasting King. Eod. The name of GOD is the Lord of hosts. Dan. 4. There is none that may resist his hand, or say why dost thou this. Daniel. 7 He sat him down and his clothing was as white as snow, and the hairs of his head like the pure wool, his throne like the fiery flame, and his wheels as the burning of fire, The second ●erson. a thousand served him and ten thousand times ten stood before him, the judgement was set and the books opened and the beast slain. Math. 1. Thou shalt call his name jesus, quia is saluum faciet populum a peccatis suis For he shall save the people from their sins. In the beginning was the word, Io. 1. and the word was with God, and God was the word. And the same word became flesh and dwelled among us. The spirit of God came upon the messengers of saul, and they prophesied. Third person. The Lord GOD and his spirit, Esay 48. hath sent me. I will power down of my spirit upon all flesh, joel. 2 Procedit Apatrie. Rom. 8 Procedit a filio. Io. 16. and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy. He that hath not the spirit of Christ he is none of his. When the spirit of truth cometh whom I will send from my father, he will lead you into all truth. This spirit certifieth our spirit, Rom. 8. that we be the sons of God. Trinity. Math. 3. When jesus was baptized, he came strait out of the water and heaven was open unto him, and the spirit of God came down like a Dove, & light upon him, and there came a voice from heaven which said, this is my beloved Son, In whom I am well pleased. Gen. 19 The Lord appeared unto, Abraham, and he lift up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood by him, ●3. seem one worshipped and he ran to meet them at the Tennte Door, and fell to the ground and said, Lord I beseech thee go not from thy servant. Esay. 6. The Cherubin song, holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Io. 5.3. persons one God. There be three that bear record in heaven, the father, the son, and the holy ghost, and these three are one. Spirit, water & blood There be three that bear witness upon earth, the spirit, and water, and blood, and these three are one. Revel. 22, And concluding that these three persons, the father, son, and holy ghost, are consubstantial and coequal. Alpha and Omega, without beginning or end. Father. Prayer. I beseech this holy and blessed Trinity, one true and everlasting GOD, to continue his mercy and goodness towards us his people, for his own name sake Amen. Son. And I do most earnestly entreat his majesty, to give us grace to put off the old man which is corrupt, and to put on the new man, taking hold of his mercy by faith, and so continue, never looking back, but still proceeding from virtue to virtue, till we enjoy that kingdom prepared for the elect and chosen, by this blessed Trinity. Amen. Father. Go forward son, tell me how man at the beginning knew the will and good pleasure of his God, before the Law was written, that he might do thereafter and live? Son. When the Lord made man at the beginning, Gen. 1 he made him after his own Image that was just, so that he knew how to eschew evil & do good, for it was grafted in him when he was called of God. Free will. For the Lord sent fire and water, life and death before man, Eccle. 15. that he might reach his hand to which he would. Father. And what did man being Just and in that free choice? Son. Gene. 3 He chose death and left life. He became obedient to the subtle serpent the Devil, and disobedient unto his God. As appeareth when God had made man and woman, he placed them in Paradise, where they should have lived and all their posterity, in joy and felicity for ever, they had free will and liberty over all the trees and herbs in that garden, Tree of knowledge. Gen. 3. and all other things whatsoever, except the tree of knowledge of good and bad, which the Lord commanded, that they should not (upon pain of death) touch. Father. Can they not be content with all the fruits of the garden, and abstain from that one tree, and so be blessed for ever? Son. No Father, they forsook their blessedness, and chose to be cursed, to leave life and take death, they forsook their inheritance in heaven, and chose to be fire brands in hell, they cast off the Image of GOD, and took upon them the Image of the Devil. The devils ●mage. Father. Tell me by what means this came to pass. Son. When the Lord had thus blessed them with all blessings, Gen. 3 the Devil and Sathanas hating their happy state from which he was fallen, A liar. Serpent subtler than any beast. Came as a Serpent to Eva, and demanded why they eat not of the Tree of knowledge, she said that the Lord had forbid them, and threatened death unto them, if that they eat thereof, but he said, the Lord knoweth that ye shall be as Gods, and not die, if you eat. Women are proud. So the woman desiring to be a Goddess, took and eat, and gave to her husband who did eat also, and they saw then that they were naked, destitute of all felicity, happiness, grace, and virtue. Wherewith the Lord had endued them, and were most loathsome, filthy, and stinckeing in the Nosthrells of the Lord: and the Lord God calling them to an account, bolted out the matter how Adam had eaten, moved by Eua. And Eva had eaten by the enticement of the Serpent, and the Lord said to the woman, in multiplying, I will multiply thy sorrow, and thy conceiving in sorrow shalt thou bring forth thy children, wives subject to their husbands. and thy lust shall pertain to thy husband, and he shall have rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of the woman, and hast eaten of the tree, concerning the which I said unto thee, thou shalt not eat of it, cursed is the ground for thy sake, in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life, Thorn also and Thistle shall it cause to grow unto thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field, and in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou be turned again to the ground, for out of it wast thou taken, in as much as thou art but dust, into dust shalt thou be turned again. And the Lord said to the Serpent, Gen. 3. because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field, upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life, I will also put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed, and her seed, the same shall tread down thy head, Christ promised. and thou shalt tread on his heel. And the Lord clothed Adam and Eva, with leathering garments, drove them out of Paradise to dress the ground out of the which they were taken. And he set the Cherubins, and the glistering flame of a shaking sword, to keep the way of the tree of life. Father. Let me now hear how they lived and their posterity, and whether they for the most part served God or no? Son. Adam, Sin increased● having shortly after a Son named Cane, and after him Abel, & Cane and Abel going to the field together, Cane rose up against his brother Abel and slew him, Murder. and after despaired of the mercy of God, and said, my sin and iniquity, is more than it may be forgiven. And God saw that the malice of man was great in earth, Despair. and all the imaginations of his heart, was only evil, and that continually. The imaginations of man's heart, Gen. 6. was evil even from his youth. The earth was fiilled with cruelty, and corrupted before God, for all flesh had corrupted his own way upon earth. So that the Lord destroyed all the world with the flood, Noah's flood Gen. 9 drunkenness. Mocking. Gen. 13 except eight persons. Noa being drunk, was uncovered in his tent, and his son Ham mocked him, being newly delivered from drowning. The men of Sodom were wicked and exceeding sinners before the Lord. Gen. 18. The cry of Sodom is great (saith God) and their sins are exceeding grievous. Gen. 19 Lot being drunken with wine, lay with his two daughters, being newly delivered from destruction of fire and Brimstone. Gen. 38. Eer, judas eldest son being wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord slew him. Gen. 38 Onan, another of judas sons being wicked, did the Lord slay. And thus the people still wrought wickedness in the sight of God, and sundry times the Lord therefore destroyed them with fire, pestilence, sword, noisome beasts, and such like death. Father. Exod. 20 The Lord punished the people for their uncleanness and sin as I perceive, but now tell me, Ten come. when the law was given by God which revealed sinners, Law written. which is called the law written, or ten commandments. Son. The God of heaven and earth gave them to Moses, to be taught unto his people in mount Sinai, written upon two tables of stone. Father. How many commandments were written in the first table? Son. Four, Deu, 5. even with the finger of God wherein is contained our obedience unto our God, and in the second table six commandments, wherein we may learn a perfect and absolute duty to our neighbour. Father. I have often red those precepts, I think there be none ignorant thereof, therefore thou shalt not need to repeat them, but can any man be saved by observing and keeping of them. Son. The Lord shall answer you, Levitic. 18 who saith, ye shall keep my ordinances and judgements, which if a man do, he shall live in them, I am the Lord. Math. 19 One came to Christ and said unto him, good Master what shall I do that I may attain eternal life. Christ answered, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Math. 22 A Lawyer said unto Christ, Master what shall I do to obtain eternal life. Christ said, how readest thou. And the Lawyer answered, thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thine heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thou halt love thy neighbour as thyself. And Christ jesus answered, Hoc fac et vives. This do, and thou shalt live. Gal. 2. And concluding with Saint Paul, the man that doth the things contained in the law, and fulfilleth them, shall live by them. Father. Well, let me now see how well we observe these, and whether any are saved thereby or not? Son. Deut. 11 I shall answer you thereunto, but first fee what the Lord addeth. Behold saith the Lord, I set before you a blessing and curse, a blessing, if you obey the commandment of the Lord thy God. And a curse if thou wilt not obey the commandment of the Lord thy God. Cursed is he that continueth not in all the words of the law to do them. Deut. 27. Father. I fear than we all incur the curse of God. Go to now, do we keep this law? Son. I will show you by what means we may violate and break the law. And then if we examine ourselves, we shall perceive as it were in a glass, our corruption and disobedience. We may break the law of our God, by thought, word, and work. The imaginations of man's heart is evil, even from his youth. Thought. Gen. 8. The Lord smote Pharaoh and his house, because of Saray Abraham's wife, Gen. 12. he lusting after her. Math. 5 I say unto you (saith Christ) that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, he hath committed adulery with her already in his heart. Math. 15 Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, breaking of wedlock, whoredoms, thefts, false witness, blasphemies, these defile a man. james. 3. So that evil thoughts with consent, saith Saint james, procure death. Father. Words Let me hear what words hurt? Son. 1. Cor. 15 Corrumpunt bonos mores colloquia prava. Evil words corrupt good manners. james. 3 If any man sin not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to same all the body. Ephe. 4 Let no filthy communication proceed out of your mouths saith Paul, but that which is good to edify withal, that it may minister grace to the hearers. Eod. 5. As fornication or uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh Saints, or filthiness, or foolish talking, or jesting, which are not comely, but rather giving of thanks. Of every idle word that men shall have spoken, Math. 12 they shall give accounts in the day of the Lord. Ex abundantia cordis os loquitur. Eod. Of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Out of thy words thou shalt be justified, Math. 12 and out of thy words thou shalt be condemned. So that the Law condemneth wicked words. Father. Proceed to speak of works? Works or deeds. Son. The deeds of the flesh saith S. Paul, Gal. 5. are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, worshipping of Images, witchcraft, hatred, variance, strife, seditions, sects, envying, drunkenness, gluttony, & such like. The committers of them or such shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Whosoever breaketh one of the commandments, and teacheth other men, Math. 6. so he shall be called the least in the kingdom of God. Who liveth father, james. 2 that hath not offended either in thought, word, or deed, and if he hath offended in one point, he is guilty of all, for saint james saith, whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet fail in one point, he is guilty of all. Father. Was there never any man nor woman that fulfilled the whole law? Son. All sinners none just. No father, but the man jesus Christ who was perfect God, and perfect man, for saint Paul saith, all are sinners, and stand, Rom. 3. Eod. in need of the grace of God, we do perceive that both jews and Gentiles are all under sin, there is none that doth good, their is none righteous. Original sin. Rom. 5 Gal. 3. By the sin of Adam, there sprung up evil on all men unto condemnation. The Scripture concludeth all things under sins, that the promise by the saith of jesus Christ, should be given to all that believe. Io. 1. If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, & there is no truth in us. Math. 19 None is good saith Christ but one, and that is God. Psal. 14. There is none righteous, no not one, there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God, they are all gone out of the way, they are all unprofitable, there is none that doth good no not one. There is none just upon earth, Eccle. 7 that doth good and sinneth not. So that Saint Paul concludeth, Rom. 3. None justified by the la, because none fulfil the same. that all mouths may be stopped, and that all the world may be subdued unto God, because that by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in his sight. Father. What a kind of doctrine was that which hath been taught, that man might be saved by his own merits, seeing all are sins? Son. A detestable doctrine father, Gen. 32. as you may percive by this going before, yet for satisfying your mind I will prove further unto you, mark what jacob even the Lords elect said to God. Oh Lord I am not worthy of the least of all thy fatherly mercies and truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant. It was not for thy righteoussnes sake, Deu. 9 or for the right heart that thou goest to possess the Land, for thou art a stiff-necked people, but for the wickedness of them that dwell therein, and for my promise sake to Abraham, Isaac and jacob. Psalm. 89. What man is he that shall not see death, and shall he deliver his own soul from the hand of hell. Rom. 8. I suppose that the afflictions of this life are not worthy of the glory that shall be showed on us. Luke. 17 Christ willeth us therefore when we have done all that ever we are able to say, we are unprofitable servants. Father. What sayest thou of those that justify themselves before men? justifiers. Son. Math. 23. Christ jesus curseth such. Woe unto you Scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites, you make clean the outside of the cup; and platter, but within you are full of bribery and excess, even so they outwardly appear righteous before men, but within are full of feignedness and iniquity, and all their works they do of intent to be seen of men, Math. 6 but they have their reward. jeremis. 2 Though thou washest thyself with Nitrus, and make thyself to smell with the sweet herb of Loreth, yet in my sight thou art stained with thy wickedness. Why boastest thou thyself saith God so highly, to obtain favour thereby, justifiers. Condemned when thou as yet hast stained thee with blasphemies, and teachest thine own ways, and yet thou darest say, I am without sin and guiltless, I have not offended, and therefore I condemn thee in judgement. The Prophets and Priests are polluted, jeremis. 23 hypocrites, and their wickedness have I found in my house, I will therefore bring a plague upon them. The Pharisy said, God I thank thee, Luke. 10. I am not like other men, I am no extorcionor. I am not unjust, I am not as this Publican, I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all, that I possess, and yet he went home not justified. Seeing thou puttest thy trust in thine own ways, Oseas. 9 Merits. and leanest unto the multitude of thy merits, there shall grow a sedition among the people, & all the strong holds shall be laid waist. If I justify myself, job. 9 mine own mouth shall condemn me. Tush I have good enough, Oseas. 12. in all my works shall not one fault be found that I have offended, but thou art like a false Merchant that occupieth extortion, justifiers punished ●and therefore shall his blood be powered upon himself, and the Lord God shall reward his blasphemies. Math. 16. justifiers of themselves follow not Christ. Therefore I will conclude with the words of jesus Christ, if any man will follow me, let him forsake himself, and take up his cross. Let none trust in their own worthiness, but in jesus, and follow him. Father. Thou speakest the truth that all are sinners, that we merit or deserve no goodness at the hand of God, and that none what soever is just, but sinneth seven tims a day, but what sayest thou of the elect Saints of God. Son. job. 15. job that just man (in respect of others) saith, behold the Lord doth not trust his saints, yea the very heavens are not clean in his sight. job. 25 How may a man compared to God be justified, how can he be clean that is born of a woman, the stars are corrupt in his sight. Father. What sayest thou of that Virgin Mary Mother of jesus Christ, Virgin Marie. for some say that she is coequal with God, & some affirm that she may be compared to a sack, that when the meal is out is nothing better? Son. I for my part, Exod. 20. think well of neither of these, for the one speaketh blasphemy to make any like God, who created and made all things, and the Lord is a jellious God, and I will have none to be compared to him, as for the other they speak unreverently to compare that elect and chosen of God, Marry blessed. that blessed among women to a sack or filthy vesture, for she is called of the Angel God's messenger unto her, blessed, for thus he saith: Luke. 1. Hail full of grace, our lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, for thou hast found grace with God. The mother of john the baptist that holy woman full of the holy ghost, Luke. 1 cried with a loud voice & said, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Luke. 11 Even a simple woman cried before Christ, and said, blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave the suck. She was called blessed, because she was elected to salvation by faith in her saviour, she was called blessed, because she was chosen of God to bear jesus that anointed of the father, she is called blessed by reason she obeyed the lords commandment, and yielded to his will. Luke. 1. And she was most blessed that the Lord imputed no sin unto her, and as touching this her blessedness, she saith herself. Behold from hence forth all generations shall call me blessed, so that this blessed and elect of God, is neither Goddess, for she exalteth not herself so high, neither to be compared so unreverently, seeing that it pleaseth the Lord our God and saviour to be borne of her. Father. Math. 1 Then thou makest her without sin. Son. As touching the conception and birth of Christ, she was a most pure Virgin, & in all respects touching the same undefiled, but as touching her own conception and birth, Psal. 51. she will say and confess with David, behold I was gotten in wickedness, and in sin my mother conceived me. How can he be clean that is borne of a woman, job. 25. the stars are not clean in his sight. Look at her own words. She saith, Luke. 1. my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour, if she had been clean from all sin, than she might have been saved by the law, and Christ jesus (although her Son) should have profited her nothing, therefore you may see that she findeth something in herself, that causeth her to confess with joy & gladness of soul, that her own son must be her saviour. For why there is none that cometh unto the Father of heaven, but those that are brought by Christ, for he saith. Nemo venit ad patrem nisi per me. There is none that cometh unto the father but by me. Father. May we not lawfully worship and pray unto this blessed Virgin and other Saints? Prayer to Saints. Son. No Father, for Christ saith, Dominum deum tuum adorabis, et illi soli feruies. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Revel. 19 john fell down at the Angel's feet to worship, but he said unto him, see thou do it not, for I am thy fellow servant, and one of thy brethren, even of them that have the testimony of Christ jesus, but worship God. Acts. 10 Cornelius fell down at Peter's feet and worshipped him, but Peter took him by the hand and said, stand up, I myself am also a man. Acts. 14 jupiters' Priests brought Oxen and garlands unto the Porch, and would have done sacrifice with the people, which when the Apostles Barnabas and Paul heard, they rend their clothes, and ran among the people and said, sirs why do ye this, we are mortal men like unto you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities to the living God. 4. king. 17 Fear, serve, bow, and do sacrifice to God and to none else. The Lord charged that they should fear none other God, nor bow themselves unto them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them, but fear God that brought them out of Egypt, him fear, and to him bow, and to him do sacrifice. And as touching prayer, Christ teacheth his Disciples to pray. Prayer. Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, etc. When thou prayest, Math. 6 Pray to the father of heaven. enter into thy Chamber and shut the door, and pray to thy Father which is in secret, and he will reward thee openly. I cry unto the Lord with my voice saith David, Psalm. 77 even unto God will I cry with my voice, and he shall hearken unto me. Look unto whom Abraham's servant prayed, Lord God of my Master Abraham, Gene. 24 send me good speed this day, and show mercy unto my Master Abraham. Abraham prayed for Abimelech unto the Lord, Gen. 20. and the Lord healed Abimelech. He that offereth to any but to the Lord only, let him be rooted out. Exod. 22 Serve where thou wilt saith josua, josua. 24 I and my house will serve the Lord God. The Angel said, judg. 13. if thou wilt offer an offering, thou must offer it unto the Lord. Elcana went every festival day to pray, and to offer unto the Lord God of hosts in Silo. Anna prayed and said, I have powered out my soul before the Lord, whereby you may perceive father, that none is to be worshipped, bowed unto, feared, sacrificed before, prayed unto, but only the God of heaven and earth. Father. May we not pray thus and say, GOD and our Lady help me, or God and S. john, Peter, or james▪ Son. Esay. 59 None can help but God. That is to make others equal with God. For Esay saith, that the Lord saw that none was righteous, and he wondered that there was none to help him, wherefore he held him by his own power, and sustained him by his own righteousness. And I told you before that it was blasphemy to compare any with GOD, and besides such are enemies to those Saints, for they wish that the Lord in his jealousy should plague them, by reason that they attribute that unto them, 2. King. 6. that belongeth only to the Lord. Vsa (as we reed) when he saw the Oxen stumbled which carried the Ark of God, & the Ark like to fall as he thought, None joined with god to help he offered to uphold or stay the Ark, No good intent pleaseth God that is contrary to his will. and God smote him that he died suddenly. Therefore whosoever thinketh the Lord so weak that he must have the blessed Virgin Marie, the Saints, Apostles, or Angels, to take hold with him, let that man or woman doubt, for fear the Lord smite them, as he did Vsa suddenly, for let men know that God is almighty. Father. Thou provedst before that all are sinners, but I have brought thee from that matter, yet I would gladly know further touching sin, what those are wherein all for the most part have offended. Son. Idolatry, Idolatry. for that most displeaseth God, whom all people, kindreds, and tongues ought to worship. Exod. 22. He that offereth unto any Gods but to the Lord, let him be rooted out. Exod. 32 The people made a Calf and worshipped it, they sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play, but the Lord slew three thousand for the same. Leuiti. 19 Ye shall not saith the Lord, turn to Idols, nor make you Gods of metal. jacob commanded all his households to put away the strange Gods that were among them, Gen. 35 and be clean, and so they did. Levitic. 17 Let none offer their offerings unto Devils, after whom they have gone whoring. levit. 26 Ye shall make you no graven Image, neither rear you up any stone, neither any Idol to worship it, for I am the Lord. Deu. 4. You saw no Image saith the Lord, when I spoke unto you out of the fire, then take heed that you make no manner of Image to worship, neither of man, beast, foul, etc. For if thou do, I call Heaven and Earth to record over you this day, you shall perish shortly out of this land. Ye shall overthrow their Altars, Deu. 7. A king's duty. break down their pillars, cut down their groves, and burn their graven Images with fire. The people used to burn their sons and daughters with fire before their gods. Deu. 12. If there be any within your gates, Deut. 17. Idolaters stoned. man or woman that have or worship strange Gods, the Sun, the Moon, or any of the host of heaven, they shallbe stoned to death. Th' people served Baal, and offereth, judg. 2 and the Lords wrath was hot. The Ark of God was set before Dagon the Philistines God, 1. king. 4. but Dagon was cast down, and legs and arms broken. jeroboam made two Calves of Gold, 3. kings. 12 bethel God's house made a place fo● Idol. Psalm. 9● and made the people worship, and said, these are Gods that brought you out of Egypt, and set one of them at bethel. Confounded be all they that worship Carved Images, and that delight in vain Gods, worship him all ye Gods. Let them be ashamed early that hope in Idols, Esay. 42. and say to fashioned Images, you are our Gods. Ezech. 8. There were all manner of Images, of worms and beasts, all Idols, and abominations of the house of Israel, painted every one round about the wall, there stood before the Images 70. Lords to offer incense secretly and said, tush, the Lord seeth us not. Abacuc. 2. Woe be unto him saith the Lord, that saith to a piece of wood, arise, and to a dumb stone, stand up. Wisd. 14 So father I will conclude with the Lords words. Cursed is the Image, and he that made it. Father. Pride. Go to, speak of other vices, what sayest thou of pride. Son. Eccle. 10 Initium omnis peccati superbia, quia tenebit eam ad implebitur maledictis. Proud people cursed. Eccle. 32 Pride is the beginning of all sin, he that is proud, is filled with cursing. If thou be made a ruler, pride not thyself therein, but be thou as one of the people. Pro. 26. The Lord abhorreth all such as be of a proud heart, his hand is against their hand, and they shall not escape as innocents. After pride cometh destruction, Pro. 18. and honour after lowliness. Thou Capernaum which art exalted up to heaven, Mark. 11 shalt be brought down to hell. Every one saith Christ that exalteth himself shall be brought low. Luke. 18. And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Father. What, is not covetousness a sin? Covetousness. Son A sin? yes an horrible offence, Tim. 6. for Saint Paul saith, that the covetousness of money, is the root of all evil. Woe be unto him that heapeth up other men's goods, Abacuc. 2 Covetous and their goods burned with an hot fire. woe unto him that gathereth evil gotten goods into his house, that he may set his nest on high, to escape the power of misfortune, but the Lord of hosts shall bring this to pass, that the labourers of the people, shallbe burnt with a fire, and the thing whereupon they have wearied themselves shallbe burnt. Like as hell and destruction are never full, Pro. 27 even so the eyes of men can never be satisfied. Esay 5. Woe be unto them that join one house unto an other, and one land to an other, that the poor can get no more ground. Ecclesi. 14. A covetous eye hath never enough in the portions of ungodliness, until the time that he wither away, and have lost his own soul. Mark. 10 It is easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle then for the rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Mark. 8. And thus concluding, what will it gain a man if he win all the world, and lose his own soul. Or what shall a man give to redeem his soul again withal. Father. Lechery. Tell me something of Lechery? Son. job. 31. This sin of lechery saith job, is a wickedness and sin, that is worthy to be punished, yea a fire that utterly would consume and root out all a man's substance. levit. 20 A man that breaketh wedlock with an other man's wife, let both the adulterer, and the advoutris be slain. Leuiti. 19 Thou shalt not make thy daughter common, that thou wouldst cause her to be an whore, lest the land fall to whoredom and be full of wickedness. Theridamas shallbe no whore among the daughters of Israel, Deu. 23 nor no whore keeper of the sons of Israel. There were slain of the Tribe of Biniamin, xxv. thousands, judg. 20. and all their Cities burned for adultery. In the desire of uncleanly lust, jeremis. 5 they are become like the stoned horse, every man néeth at his neighbour's wife. The children of the adulterers shall come to nought, Wisd. 4 and the seed of the unrighteous bed, shallbe rooted out. An whore's house is the way to hell, Pro. 7. and bring men down into the chambers of death. An whore is first unfaithful to the law of the highest, Eccle. 23 secondly she hath forsaken her own husband, thereby she hath gotten her children by another man, and played the whore, but a shameful repoorte shall she leave behind her, and her Children shall take no deep root. Whosoever seeth a woman and lusteth after her, Math. 5 hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. ●. Cor. 6. And I will conclude with saint Paul, flee fornication, every sin that a man doth is without the body, but he that is a fornicator sinneth against his own body. Father. Wrath. What son, is wrath counted a sin? Son. Ecclesi. 7 Yea Father, a detestable sin, be not sayeth the wise man hastily angry in thy mind, for wrath resteth in the bosom of fools. Eccle. 28 Be ware of anger, and thou shalt make thy sins fewer, for an angry man kindleth variance. Eccle. 30 Zeall and anger shorten thy days of life, and carefulness, and sorrow bringeth age before the time. james. 1 The wrath of man worketh that which is unrighteous before God, whosoever saith Christ is angry with his brother unadvisedly shallbe in danger of judgement. Math. 5. Father. What is said of envy? Son. Father, Wisd. 1. wisdom entereth not into afroward and envious soul, nor dwelleth in the body subdued unto sin. I will not have to do with consuming envy, Wisd. 6. for such a man shall not be partaker of wisdom. Let all bitterness, and fierceness, Ephe. 4 and wrath, and roaring, and cursed, speaking, be put from you with all maliciousness. Father. Tell me something of gluttony and drunkenness. Gluttony Son. Excess of meats bringeth sickness, Eccle. 37. and gluttony cometh at the last to an unmeasurable heat, through surfeit have many one perished, but he that dieteth himself temperately, prolongeth his life. Take heed to yourselves, Luke. 21 least at any time your hearts be overcomed with surfeiting, and drunkenness. He that hath pleasure in banquets shall be a poor man, Pro. 21. and he that delighteth in wine and delicates shall not be rich. Esay. 5. Woe be unto them saith the Lord, that follow drunkenness, and so continue until night. Luke. 16 For abusing Gods graces. There was a certain rich man clothed in purple and fine white, and fared deliciously every day, but when he died, was tormented in hell. Gal. 6. These are some of the deeds of the flesh, drunkenness, and gluttony, they that commit such things, shall not be inheretours of the kingdom of Christ and of God. Father. What sayst thou of sloth and Idleness? Son. Pro. 6. The wise man saith, go to the Emit thou slougerd, consider her ways and learn to be wise. Luke. 13. Behold saith Christ these three years have I sought fruit of the fig tree, and find none, cut it up, why doth it trouble the ground. Math. 25 The Lord said unto the servant that had one talon, thou evil and slothful servant, thy talent shall be taken from thee, & thou cast into utter darkness, where is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Father. What saith the scripture of swearing, Swearing. that is almost in every man's mouth a common thing? Son Let not (saith the wise man) thy mouth be accustomed with swearing, Eccle. 23. for in it there be many falls, if he swear in vain he shallbe filled with wickedness, and the plague shall never go from his house. I say unto you, saith Christ, Math. 5 swear not at all, neither by heaven, for it is God's seat, neither by the earth, for it is his foot stool, neither by jerusalem, for it is the City of the great king, neither by the head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black, but your communication shallbe yea yea, nay nay, james. 5 and whatsoever is more cometh of evil Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain, Exod. 20 for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. The prophet saw a flying book of xx. zachary. 5 cubit's long, & ten cubits broad, this is the curse that goeth over the earth for all thieves shallbe judged after this book, and all swearers shallbe judged after this book, & it shall come into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that fastie sweareth by my name saith the Lord, and shall remain in his house, and consume it with the timber and stones. Father. Then it is not lawful to swear for any cause? Son. Ieremi. 4. No father, except for the testifying of the truth in doubtful causes, being moved thereunto by a judge, and then they must swear in justice, judgement, and righteousness. Father. It would be to long to recite particularly every sin committed in the world, therefore show me the most usual sins in general words. Son. jeremis. 22 In the world they despise Father and Mother, in it they have oppressed the stranger, the fatherless & widow, they have despised the Lords sanctuary, and unhallowed the Sabothes, murders are therein, many deal shamefully with their neighbour's wife, gifts are received therein to shed blood, and usury have been committed. Father. Is not usury lawful? Usury. Son. Lawful? No horrible, Deu. 23 thou shalt not saith the Lord, hurt thy brother by usury of money or Corn, or by usury of any thing that he may be hurt with all. If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, Exod. 22 thou shalt not be as a tyrant unto him, neither shalt thou oppress him with usury. Thou shalt take no usury of thy brother, nor vantage. Leuiti. 25. Blessed is that man that hath not laid out his money for usury, Psal. 15. nor received rewards against the innocent, so on the contrary part, cursed is he that dareth out to usury. Father. Thou sayest that the Lords sabaoth is unhallowed, Saboth. is it a day to be hallowed and sanctified? Son. Gen. 2. Yea Father, for the seventh day the Lord ended his work which he had made, and rested from all his work, and GOD blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, because he had rested from all his work which he ordained to make. Exod. 16 No Manna fell on the Sabaoth day, for it is an holy rest unto the Lord. Exod. 23. The seventh day thou shalt rest, thine Ox, thine Ass, thy son, thy maid, and the stranger, and so to be refreshed. Numer. 16 Let him that gathereth sticks on the Sabaoth day, be stoned without the host. Father. Hath the Sabaoth been sometime unhallowed? Son. Esdras. 4 Yea, for Esdras saw some treading wine presses on the Sabaoth, and bringing Asses laden with grapes, figs, and bringing all manner of burdens unto jerusalem upon the Sabaoth day, and I rebuked them (said he) earnestly, the same day that they sold their victuals, and sold fish, and I reproved them, and the rulers for breaking the Sabaoth day, but after this there came none to buy nor sell on the Saboth day. Father. Who doth keep the Sabaoth & sanctify it? Sanctifiers of the Saboth. Son. He that keepeth himself that he do no evil. Esay. 56 If thou turn thy feet in the Saboth, Esay. 58 so that thou dost not the things that pleaseth thyself in my Sabaoth, and thou call the pleasant, holy, and gracious Sabaoth of the Lord, and that thou give him the honour, so that thou do not after thine own imaginations, neither seek thine own will, nor speak thine own words. It is lawful saith Christ, Math. 12 to do good deeds on the Sabaoth day. Father. Me thought thou spakest that the Lords sanctuare was defiled? Son. Yea Father, jeremy saith, jeremy. 22 they have despised the Lords sanctuary. Father. Temple. Who did first build the Temple unto the Lord? Son. 3. Kin. 6. Solomon the third king of Israel, built an house for the Lord in jerusalem, that was three score cubits long, and xx. cubit's broad, and fifty cubits high. Cro. 17. The Lord said to David, thy sons shall build me an house, and I will 'stablish his seat for ever. Father. Why did not the Lord suffer David to build his Temple? Son. 1. Cro. 22. Because he had shed much blood, and made great battles in the Lord's sight upon earth. 2. Cro. 7. The Lord appeared to Solomon by night and said, I have heard thy petition, and have chosen this place for myself to be an house of sacrifice, A house of sacrifice. I have sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever. Father. Where did Solomon build the Lord's house? Son. At jerusalem in mount Morea where the Lord appeared unto David his father in the threshing floor of Ornan the jesubite. 2. Cro. 3 Father. Thou sayest that we may not buy & sell on the Sabaoth, what must we then do? Son. We must go to the Temple of the Lord, and pray, 1. king. 1 and offer unto the Lord of hosts. Serve the Lord only, 1. Kings. 6 and prepare your hearts unto him, and he will rid you out of the hands of your enemies. Solomon the king made a long prayer in the Temple upon his knees, 3. king. 8 and his hands lifted up to heaven. The Lord answered Solomon and said, I have heard thy petition, 2. Cron. 7. and have chosen this place for myself, if I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the Locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people, Prayers, repentance, conversation in gods temple and if my people upon whom my name you called upon, do humble themselves & make intercession, and seek my presence, and turn from their wicked ways, them will I hear from heaven, and be merciful unto their sin, and will heal their land. Father. What name gave Solomon to the house that he builded for the Lord? Son. 2. Cro. 2 He called it an house of sacrifice, for he said even to burn sacrifices before the Lord shall his building be. Father. Some refuse to go to this Temple of the Lord, what sayest thou to those? Son. Psalm. 27. I say they are not of the mind of the king and Prophet David, who said, one thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require that I may dwell in the house of my God all the days of my life. I was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the house of the Lord. Psal. 122 Thanks giving. Therefore the cries go up, even the cries of the Lord, to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. Eccle. 4 To offer acceptable offerings. When thou comest into the house of God, keep thy foot, and draw nigh, that God which is at thine hand may hear, that thou give no offerings of fools, for they know nought but to do evil. We will go into the tabernacle of the Lord, Psal. 132 and fall low on our knees before his footstool. The Publican coming to the Temple, kneeled down, prayed, Luke. 18. Prayer and confession. and smote upon his breast and said, God be merciful unto me a sinner. Father. Are not the preachers and Ministers (that be in the temple) to be heard? Son. Yes truly, no less than Christ himself, for he saith, he that heareth you heareth me, and he that heareth me, heareth him that sent me. They have Moses and the Prophets, Luke. 16 let them hear them. He that is of GOD, Io. 8. heareth Gods words. He that God hath sent, Io. 3. speaketh the words of God. How shall they call on him on whom they have not believed, Rom. 10 how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard, how shall they hear without a preacher, & how shall they preach except they be sent. Father. Why, is the word of God to be heard? God's word to be hard. Son. Rom. 10 That by hearing we may have faith, and by faith be saved. Psal. 119 That we may learn to walk in the law of the Lord. It is to be laid up in our hearts that we should not sin against the Lord. Micheas. 4 Let us go to the house of our God, that he may teach us his ways, and that we may walk in his paths. Father. What ought we to do after we have heard the preacher. Son. jeremis. 26 We ought to fear the Lord, and make our prayers unto him, and then the Lord will repent of the plague that he hath devised, and not do it. jonas. 3. The people of Niniveh, when jonas preached, that within forty days their City should be destroyed, they put upon them sackcloth, laid them down in ashes, fasted, and cried mightily unto the Lord, and the Lord spared them, and destroyed them not. Father. I marvel much that the Lord destroyed not that City, for he said plainly that within forty days it should be destroyed, and yet he did it not, whereby it should seem that God's purpose is oft changed. Son. No father, the Lord is no changeling. james. 1 There is no variableness with God. For the Lord sayeth, when I take in hand to root out, to destroy, jeremis. 18 or to waste away any people or kingdom, if that people against whom I have thus devised, convert from their wickedness, I repent me of the plagues that I devised to bring upon them. Again, when I take in ha●● to build, to plant a people or kingdom, God repent if the same people or kingdom do evil before me, and here not my voice, I repent of the good that I devised to do for them, and do it not, so that the people are changed and not good. Father. Blessed be God therefore. Is the preacher appointed what he shall speak▪ Son. Yea, Exod. 4 the spirit of God speaketh by his mouth, if he be a true preacher, for the Lord said unto Moses, I will be with thy mouth, and teach the what thou shalt say. joel. 2. I will (saith the Lord) power out of my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Micheas. 3 I am full of strength, and the spirit of the Lord full of judgement and boldness, to show the house of jacob their offences, and the house of Israel their sin? 1. king. 19 The spirit of God, came upon the messengers of saul, and they prophesied. Math. 10. Christ told his disciples and said, it is not you that shall speak, but the spirit of my father that shall speak within you. Luke. 12. The holy ghost shall teach you what you shall say. Io. 16. When the spirit of truth cometh, he shall lead you into all truth. Fear not what you shall say, for it shallbe given you in the same hour what ye shall speak. Father. If the spirit of truth speak by the mouth of his true messengers, than it is likely that the spirit of error, I mean Satan, speaketh by the false Prophets, Seminaries and seducers of God's people. Son. True it is father. 1. King. 1● For an evil spirit sent of God came upon saul. I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all the Prophets. 3. king. 2● And deceive king Ahab that he may go to war in Ramoth Geliad, and so be slain. They are of their father the Devil, Io. 8. & his lusts will they follow saith Christ, he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, The devil speaketh by Seminaries. for there is no truth in him, when he speaketh a lie he speaketh of himself, for he is a liar, and the father of the same thing: take heed father of these seducers, by whom the devil speaketh. This false spirit spoke to Eva, Gen. 3. that if she eat of the tree of knowledge she should not die the death, but be as God, knowing good and bad: so many deceived now by this serpent, die the death. Father. ●an. What sayst thou by Man, what is he, and to what end shall he come? Son. Psal. 144 Man is like a thing of nought, his time passeth away like a shadow. Psal. 90. When the Lord is angry, all our days are gone, we bring our years to an end as it were a tale that is told. ●ames. 4. The life of man is even a vapour that appeareth a little time, and then vanisheth away. Gen. 3 Man is dust, and into dust thou shalt be turned again. ●ob. 7. Hath man any certain time upon earth, are not his days like the days of an hired servant. ●ob. 10 The Lord made man of mould, and shall bring him to dust again. ●ob. 14. Man that is borne of a woman, hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. ●od. While he liveth his flesh must have travel, and while the soul is within him he must be in sorrow. isaiah. 40 All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is even as the flower of grass, the grass is withered & the flower falleth away, even so the people are as grass, when the breath of the Lord bloweth upon them. Statutum est omnibus hominibus semell mori, Heb. 9 it is appointed that all men shall once die. Remember his judgement, Eccle. 38 thine also shall be likewise unto thee yesterday, unto me to day. Father. I see plainly by these parts & by dally experience, that all men must die, and that none can escape the hand of death, therefore what sayst thou to the death of the righteous. Son. The souls of the righteous, Wisd. 3. are in the hands of God, and the pains of death shall not touch them. The righteous shall shine as the sparks of fire in the read bush, Eod. and shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their GOD shall reign for ever. Psal. 65 Blessed is the man whom the Lords chooseth and receiveth unto him, he shall dwell in his court, he shallbe satisfied with the pleasure of his house, even of his holy Temple. Psalm. 72 The Lord shall deliver their souls from falsehood and wrong. For dear is the blood of his Saints in his sight. Father. I perceive that the righteous are always preserved, but what becometh of the wicked? Son. Psalm. 9 The wicked shallbe turned into hell, and all the people that forget God. Macha. 2. Fear not an unrighteous man's words, for his glory is but dung and worms, to day he is set up, to morrow he is gone. job. 24. Some men there be saith job, that remove other men's land marks, and rob them of their cattle, and keep the same for their own, The life and end of the covetous and wicked. that take the ass of the fatherless, and take the widows Ox for a pledge, that thrust the poor out of the way, that reap down the corn that is not their own, they are the cause that so many men are naked and bare. The eye of the aduoute●er waiteth for the darkness, and faith no man seeth him, but shortile are they gone, and plucked out of the way, & utterly plucked off as the ears of corn. Upon the ungodly shall the Lord rain fire and brimstone, storm & tempest, Psalm. 10 this shallbe their portion to drink. Father. What sayst thou to purgatory, Purgatory out of which men's souls are delivered by the prayers of holy Priests? Son. I say the Scripture maketh mention of no such thing. But of heaven and hell, Christ's blood. and Saint john showeth by what means we are purged and cleansed. Io. 1. The blood of jesus Christ, cleanseth us from all sin. Through mercy and faith are sins purged. Pro. 15. Almost every thing is by the Law purged with blood, Heb. 9 and without bloodshedding is no remession. The blood of jesus Christ doth purge our consciences from dead works, Eod. to serve the living God. jesus Christ loved us and purged us from our sins in his blood, Revel. 1 and made us Kings & priests unto God the Father, to him therefore be glory and dominion for ever more. Father, that was a false doctrine which was of purgatory (as you may see) and made to fill Priests purses. Father. What profit could that bring to Priests? Son. Mark. 12 It brought much worldly riches, and Gods curse withal, as Christ saith, beware of the scribes which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in market places, Damnation to them that devour widows houses with prayer. and the chief seats at feasts, and in the congregations, which devour widows houses, under a pretence of long prayer, but they shall receive greater damnation. Math. 23. And Christ saith in the xxiii. of S. Mathewes Gospel, woe unto you ye scribes, Pharasies and Ipocrits, for ye devour widows houses, Sore punishment. & that under a pretence of long prayers, therefore ye shall be sorer punished. Father. What son, doth not prayer avail the dead? Son. No father, Eccle. 100L for when the tree falleth whether it be to the South, or North, there it lieth in what place soever it fall. They that be living, Ecclesi. 9 know that they shall die, but they that be dead, know nothing, neither deserve they any more, for their memorial is forgotten, so that they be neither loved, hated, nor envied, neither have they any more profit in the world, in all that is done under the sun. Prayers help not the dead. But prayers and offerings (father) are done under the same, and therefore the dead have no part thereof. Father. If prayers help not the dead, wherefore should we go to the houses of the dead? Son. To give thanks unto God, Io. 11 and to comfort the friends and kinsfolks of the dead, as the jews when Lazarus was dead, there came many to comfort Martha and Marie, over their dead brother. Father. What must we carry out of this life with us? Son. Revel. 14 Our good deeds, and our evil, Opera eorum sequntur eos, their works saith Saint john, shall follow them. Father. Shall the rich take none of their substance & treasure with them, that they so diligently seek for, and so carefully keep? Son. job. 27. When the rich man dieth saith job, he taketh nothing with him, but perisheth, and the things he leaveth behind him come to nought. Luke. 12 Christ told a rich man that had filled his Barns and houses to the doors, and said to his soul, eat and drink, take thy rest for many yeères, and the Lord said, thou fool, this night shall they fet thy soul away from thee, than whose shall those be that thou hast prepared. Eccle. 41 The remembrance of death is bitter to a man that seeketh rest and comfort in his substance and riches, to remember that he must bid all farewell in one day. job said, job. 1. naked came I out of my Mother's womb, and naked must I return thither again. We brought nothing into this world, Tim. 6. neither must we carry any thing out. Father. Well son, shall none walk (as some imagine) nor come again after death? Son. None father, for job saith, job. 1● the way that I most go, is at hand, from whence I shall not return again. He that goeth down to the grave shall come no more up, job. 7. till the heavens perish, nor turn again to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. Whether his children come to worship or not, he cannot tell, job. 14 and if they be men of low degree, he knoweth not. After our end there is no returning, Wisd. 2. for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again. Eccle. 38. Forget not there is no returning again. 2. kings. 12 David said, seeing the child is dead, I cannot bring him again, I shall go to him, rather than he shall come to me, by this place you may perceive that men walk not, job. 7. nor rise, till the heavens perish, which is at the day of judgement. Father. What sayest thou by the prophet Samuel, who appeared to king saul, after he was dead, being called up by a woman? Son. 1. king. 28 31. He whom the woman called up, was a devil, as appeareth by these words. To morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me, for in the day following. saul took a sword and fell upon it, despairing of God's mercy, and so perished, and had his part among the desperate, and not with Samuel that elect of God. Father. But son, why was saul the first king of Israel, that anointed of GOD cast off from the Lord. Son. Because he trespassed against the Lord, 1. Cro. 10 in that he kept not the word of the Lord, and in that he sought and asked counsel of a woman that wrought with a spirit, and asked not of the Lord. Father. Seeing that none return to show how they are dealt withal, and that prayers will not help those that be dead, what must we do to be without danger. Son. We are taught by the prophet Sophonie, to examine ourselves, Sophony. 2. and search our consciences, or the things go forth that God hath concluded, Good counsel. and or the time come wherein man shall pass away as the dust, and or the fearful wrath of God come upon us, work while we live. yea or the day of the Lords sore displeasure come upon us, seek the Lord all ye meek hearted of the earth, ye that work after his judgements, seek righteousness, seek lowliness, that ye may be defended in the wrathful day of the Lord. Get thee righteousness before thou Eccle. 1● come to judgement, learn before thou speak, go to physic or ever thou be sick, examine and judge thyself before the judgement come, and so shalt thou find grace in his sight. Io. 9 Christ saith, work while it is day, for the night will come, in which none can work. Father. Why should we be so earnestly moved to flee from sin? Son. Sins part from God. Esay 59 Because they separate from the Lord, for your iniquities saith God, hath separated you from me, and your sins hide my face from you that I hear you not, for your fingers are defiled with blood, and your hands with unrighteousness, your lips speak leasing, and your tongues speak out wickedness. 4. king. 17 They left the commandment of the Lord their God, and made them Images of metal, even two Calves, and made Idol groves, These sins part from God. and worshipped the host of heaven, and served Baal, and sacrificed their sons and daughters in fire, and used witchcraft and enchantment, and the Lord therefore was exceeding wroth, and put Israel out of his sight. The Lord drove man out of Paradise at the East side, Gen. 3. because he had sinned. By the sin of one man there sprung up evil on all men to condemnation, Rom. 5 for we were enemies unto God. There is nothing that causeth the Lord to hide his face from us, but our sins and iniquities. Father. I understand that all men and women by the sin of Adam were subject to death and condemnation, What we are made by sin. in the hands of the Devil, made strangers and aliens from the Lord enemies unto God, children of wrath, firebrands of hell, but tell me how mankind was redeemed and delivered, being in this damnable state? Son. When man and woman had transgressed and broken that commandment of GOD the father, Gene. 3 and that the Lord have judged them guilty, by their own confessions, and had cursed the Serpent who deceived them, than he spoke a comfortable word, for he said, there should be one springing of a woman that should tread down all Satan's power, Seed of a woman. for he should tread on his head, yet he should prick him in the heel, this seed of the woman was promised also to Abraham. Gen. 22. In semine tuo benedicentur omnes gentes et nationes terra. In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Esay. 7. Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and thou his Mother shalt call his name Emanuel, butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and chose the good? Ezech. 35 I will raise up unto them, one only shepherd, even my servant David, he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd, I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David shall be their Prince. zachar. 10 Out of juda shall come the helmet, the naill; the battle bow, and all the princes together. It were too long for me to show you all the scriptures wherein there is prophesied of Christ his coming, death and passion, and therefore I pray you let these suffice, for one scripture is a sufficient testimony for any cause or controversy whatsoever? Father. What sayst thou of Christ's birth and coming into the world. Son. Christ was borne in Bathlem of the blessed Virgin Mary, Luke. 1 by the power of the holy ghost, as saint Paul saith, when the time was full come, that God the father had put in his own power, he was revealed unto us, for before, God the father diversely and many ways spoke unto our fathers by Prophets, Heb. ● but in these last days he spoke unto us by his own son, whom he made heir of all things. Whereas we were dead saith Saint Paul, in trespass and sins, Ephe. 2 in which in times past we walked, Dead in sin. hath he quickened us according to the course of this world, even after the governor the ruleth in the air, the same that worketh now in the children of unbelief, Children of wrath by nature among whom we had our conversation also in times, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the lusts of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the Children of wrath, even as well as others, but God which is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us (even when we were near dead by sins, What we were but for Christ. quickened us together in Christ, by grace are we saved, and raised us up together with him among them of heaven in Christ jesus. Father. Tell me what benefits we have by the nativity, death, passion, resurrection and ascension of Christ jesus? Son. Esay. 4. We are purged by Christ from all our sins, Esay saith that the Lord shall wash away the filthinesss of the daughter of Zion, and purge the blood out from jerusalem with the wind of his judgement, and with fire. Ezech. 36. I will pour clean water upon you, and you shallbe clean, yea, from all your uncleanness and Idols, shall I cleanse you. Sopho. 3 I will cleanse the lips of the people, that they may every-each one call upon the name of the Lord, Purged to serve the Lord. and serve him with one shoulder. The house of David, zachary. 3 and the Citizens of jerusalem shall have an open well to wash off sin and uncleanness. He is like a goldsmith fire, Malachi. 3 and washers soup, he shall purge the Children of Levy, and purify them as gold and silver, that they may bring meat offerings unto the Lord, in all righteousness. If the blood of Oxen and of Goats, Heb. 9 and the ashes of an young Cow, when they be sprinkled, pacified the unclean, Purged by blood to serve him. as touching the puryfiing of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ purge our consciences from dead works, to serve the living God. He was in all things like unto us, Heb. 2. that he might be merciful, and a faithful high Priest, in things concerning God, Actual & original. to purge the people's sins. The blood of jesus Christ purgeth us from all sins. 1. Io. 1. Christ washed his disciples feet, Io. 13. None clean but he that Christ washeth. & Peter said, Lord thou shalt never wash my feet, but jesus answered, if I wash the not thou hast no part with me. Father. But how is this purgation, by Christ his precious blood applied unto us, so that thereby we are purged and cleansed? Son. Acts. 15 By faith, for saint Peter saith, the Lord which knoweth the heart of men, and gave unto the jentiles the holy ghost, because they did believe, even as unto us, and put no difference between us and them, seeing that with faith he purified their hearts. Pro. 15 Through mercy and faith are sins purged. Father. And to what end are we thus purget by faith, in the blood of Christ? Son. Io. 15. Purged to bring forth good fruits good works That we may bring forth fruit in him, for the branch cannot bring forth fruit, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me, for without me ye can do nothing. Father. Tell me how we are redeemed and to what end? Son. We were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver, or goold, 1. Peter. 1 but with the precious blood of jesus Christ, as a Lamb undefiled, We have redemption through his blood, Ephe. 1. even the forgiveness of our sins. Our Lord jesus Christ hath given himself for us, Titus. 2 Redeemed to do good works. to redeem us from all unrighteousness, and to purge us a peculiar people unto himself, fervently given unto all good works. Father. How are we saved, and through whom have we salvation? Son. Saint Paul showeth you that jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. 1. Tim. 1 Show thy marvelous works, Psalm. 17 thou that art the saviour of all them that trust in thee. I shall with joy draw water out of the wells of my saviour, Esay. 1● for the Lord is my strength, and my song, and is become my salvation. I am, even I am the only Lord, None can save but Christ on● Esay. 4.3. and beside me there is no saviour. I have trodden the wine press alone, and of all people there is not one with me, I looked about me, and there was none to show me any help, No Angel or Saint can save or help. Math. 1 I marveled that no man held me, than I held me by mine own strength, & mine own arm sustained me. He shallbe called jesus, for he shall save the people from their sins. Father. How take we hold of this salvation? Son. Acts. 15. By faith, for Peter saith, we believe that through the grace of the Lord jesus Christ we shallbe saved. Father. What must we do to be saved? Son. Acts. 17. We must believe on the Lord jesus and we and our households shallbe saved. 1. Pet. 1. If we believe, we shall receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. Rom. 10 If thou believe in thine heart, thou shalt be safe, for to believe justifieth, & to knowledge with the mouth maketh a man safe. Father. What doth the Scripture say of our justification, justification. because some teach that we are justified by our works? Son. A man is not justified by the deeds of the Law, but by the faith of Christ jesus, justified b● faith, and not by the law. and we have believed on jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the deeds of the Law, because that by the deeds of the Law no flesh shallbe justified. The scripture concludeth all under sin, Gall. 3. that the promise by the faith of jesus Christ should be given to all that believe. The Law was our schoolmaster unto Christ, that we should be justified by faith, Eod. but after that faith is come, God onel● justifieth ye are no longer under the schoolmaster. It is God only that justifieth the circumcision that is of faith, Rom. 3. Circumcision & 〈◊〉 circumcision iusti●ed by fai● & the uncircumcision through faith. Father. Who are thus justified by God only? Son. ●om. 3. Both jews and gentiles, circumcision, and uncircumcision, are iusttyfied by the faith of jesus Christ. ●●d, He is counted just, and the justifier of him that believe on jesus Christ. Father. forgiveness Then tell me who doth forgive us our sins? Son. ●ark. 2 Nemo potest demittere peccata nisi solus deus, there is none that can forgive sins but God only. ●od. When jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, son thy sins are forgiven thee, the son of man hath power to forgive sins on earth. ●phe. 4. Be courteous one to an other, merciful, forgiving one an other, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ●ollo. 2 The law, ●he devil, ●orld and flesh, conquered by Christ's death. When we were dead through sin, and through uncircumcision of our flesh, hath he quickened with him, and hath forgiven us all our trespasses, and hath put out the hand writing that was against us, & hath fastened it to his cross, and hath spoiled rule and power in his own person. Father. But to whom doth the Lord forgive sins? Son. To the faithful, Mark. 2 for when jesus saw their faith, he said, thy sins are forgiven thee. Brethren, Acts 13. Sins are forgiven to the faithful. through this man is preached forgiveness of sins unto you, and that to all that believe. Father. What enemies hath the Lord conquered by his death in his own person for our sakes, and what further profit hath he brought us. Son. The Law, the Devil, the world, the flesh, sin, death, hell, and all other things, the wrath of God the father hath he pacified, and reconciled us again unto him, and we that were a far off, hath he brought nigh, hath purchased the kingdom of heaven for us, and opened the same, made us fellow heirs thereof with himself. Father. Prove that unto me briefly? Son. Heb. 2. died for all. It was appointed that jesus Christ should taste of death for all men, and that by the grace of God the father. Heb. 2, 1. Devil conquered. Through death he hath expelled him that had lordship over death, that is to say, the Devil, and that he might deliver us. Col. 2. 2. Law Fastened to the crossa. He hath put out the hand writing that was against us, and hath fastened it to his cross, and hath spoiled rule and power, in his own person. Esay. 22. None can open nor shut but he. Esay. 42. The key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder, so that he shall open and no man shut, he shall shut, & no man open. I will give him for a covenant unto the people, and a light to the Gentiles, to open the eyes of the blind, to let out the prisoners out of their bonds, & them that sit in darkness, out of the dungeon house. Math. 18. The son of man came to save that which was lost. Math. 3 This is my dear son, in whom I am well pleased. A light to lighten the Gentiles, Luke. 3. A light. and to be the glory of the people Israel. And there went out virtue from him, Luke. 6 heal all. A Phisiti and healed them all that touched him. john saith, Io. 3. Life. Io. he that believeth on the son, hath everlasting life. I am the way, the truth, and the life, Way, truth, and life. no man cometh to the father, but by me. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do, consumatum est. Io. 17. For this cause was I borne, Io. 18. and for this cause came I into the world, that I might bear witness unto the truth, Be it known unto you men and brethren, Acts. 13 that through this man is preached unto you forgiveness of sins, Belevere justified. and that by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be delivered by the law of Moses. When we were enemies, Rom. 5. we were reconciled unto God by his blood, much more seeing that we are reconciled, we shall be preserved by his life, and we shall be saved from wrath. What the law could not do (in as much Rom. 8. as it was weak, because of the flesh, An offering ●r sin. that performed God, and sent his son in the similitude of sinful flesh, and sin damned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. ●ulfillers ●f the law. Rom. 16 Rom. 14 Christ fulfilleth the law, for all that believe to justify them. The Lord jesus died and rose again, that he might be Lord both of quick and dead. ●. Cor. 15 Death is swallowed up in victory, death where is thy sting, hell where is thy victory, the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law, Death and ●ell ouer●me. but thanks be unto God that hath given us victory, through jesus Christ our Lord. ●say. 25 Death. ●seas. 25. Death hath the Lord destroyed for ever. O death, I will be thy death, O hell I will be thy sting. ●al. 4. ●onne and ●eire of ●od. Thou art not now a servant, but a son, if thou be a son, thou art an heir of God through Christ. ●phe. 2. Remember that in times past ye were without Christ being aliens from the common wealth of Israel, and strangers from the testament of promise, having no hope, being without God in this world, but now by the means of jesus Christ, ye which were sometime far off, Peace made. are made nigh by the blood of Christ, he is our peace which hath made of both one, and hath broken down the wall that was a stop between us, and hath also put away through his flesh, the cause of hatred, even the law of commandments contained in the law written, All thing crucified with ch● for to make of twain one new man in himself, to make peace, and to reconcile both unto God in one body, through the cross, and slew hatred thereby, & came and preached peace to you that were far off, and to them which were nigh, All one now both jews an● jentiles. for by him we have both one entrance unto God the Father. It pleased the father that in him should all fullness dwell, Collo. 1. Blood of the cross and by him to reconcile all things to himself, and to set at peace by him through the blood of the cross, both things in heaven, and things in earth. This we know that the father sent the son to be the saviour of the world. 1. Io. 4 And concluding to speak further of the benefits we receive by the death and passion of Christ jesus, Acts. 3. because no tongue is able to express the same, for there is no other name under heaven, by whom we must be saved, but only in the name of jesus Christ. Father. If we be purged, saved, redeemed, delivered, justified, made the children of God, and fellow heirs with jesus Christ by his death and passion, tell me to what end was the law ordained? Son. ●all. 3 It was added, because of transgression, till the seed came, to whom the promise was made. ●om. 7 To reveal sin, for I know not saith saint Paul sin, but by the law, I had not known what lust had meant, except the Lord had said unto me, thou shalt not lust. ●ll. 3. The Law was our schoolmaster unto Christ, that we should be justified by faith, but after that faith is come, we are no longer under the schoolmaster. ●b. 7. The law brought nothing to perfection, but was an introduction to a better hope, by the which we draw nigh unto God. Father. Then the law saveth none? Son. No, for none fulfilleth it, Gall. 3 therefore bringeth a curse upon the transgressors, for it is written, cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them. Father. How are we then delivered from this curse, seeing that none fulfil the law. Son. Christ jesus hath delivered us from the curse of the law, Gall. 3. in as much as he was accursed for us, for it is written, Leuiti. 18 cursed is every one that is hanged on tree, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the spirit, through faith. Father. What sayest thou to the ceremonial law, wherein were sacrifices, oblations, Ceremonial law. offerings, sin offerings, heave offerings, peace offerings, sprinkling water, and many such like ordinances of God. Son. Heb. 9 In the old Testament were ordinances and servings of God, and worldly holiness. Heb. 10. The law having but a shadow of good things to come, and not the very fashion of things themselves, can never by those sacrifices that they offer year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. Father. Was the law therefore abolished? Son. Heb. 10 Yea, for it did but prefigure the sacrifice, death, passion, and other things fulfilled by Christ jesus, for the Lord said, sacrifice and offering, and burnt sacrifice, and sin offerings thou wouldst not have, neither haste thou allowed them, which are yet offered by the law, than said he, To do gods will is the best sacrifice. lo I am here to do thy will, oh God, he taketh away the first, to establish the latter. Father. Was Christ but once offered, and was that offering perfect, how chanceth it that Priests in some places affirm that in their masses they offer Christ still unto the Father, for the sins of the quick and dead. Son. It is not in man's power to offer Christ, Heb. 9 for Christ jesus freed himself once & not every day, Christ was once offered saith S. Paul, to take away sins, and not to offer himself often as the high Priests doth, for them must he oft have suffered since the world began. Christ needeth not daily first for his own sins and then for the sins of the people to offer up sacrifice, Heb. 7. for that did he once when he offered up himself, and therefore perfect for evermore. Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto God. Father. Can not then our anointed Priests offer Christ in their masses every day? Ephe. 5. Son. No father, for see what Saint Paul saith, we have an high Priest in heaven that sitteth on the right hand of God, and is a minister of holy things, and of the true Tabernacle which God pight, & not man, Heb. 10. this man after he hath offered one sacrifice for sins, is set down on the right hand of God, for unica oblatione profectos imperpet. effecit eos qui sanctificantur, with one offering he hath made perfect for ever those that are sanctified. Heb. 1 So that father, now after that he hath purged our sins with this sacrifice, he is set down on the right hand of the majesty on high, no more to be offered. Father. Is he set on the right hand of his father no more to be offered, what profit have we by him being there? Son. Heb. 13 Sacrifice of praise. He doth always offer to God his father the sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of those lips wherewith we confess his name. Heb. 9 Christ entered into very heaven for to appear in the sight of God for us. Io. 2. If any man sin we have an advocate with the father jesus Christ the righteous, Advocate to purchase mercy for us. and he it is that obtaineth grace for our sins, and not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world. He sitteth on the right hand of God and maketh intercession for the saints according to the pleasure of God. Rom. 8. He is saith saint Paul, at the right hand of his father to make intercession for us. I saw an Angel saith S. john, Revel. 8 that stood before the Altar offering the prayers of Saints upon the golden Altar, which was before the seat, and the smoke of the odours which came of the prayers of all saints ascended up before God out of the angels hand. This Angel father, is jesus Christ that prayeth for us, and presenteth the God of heaven with our prayers, whereby they are accepted, and for whose sake our petitions granted. Father. Thou sayst that Christ jesus sitteth at the right hand of his father to pray for us, to offer up our prayers and sacrifice● of thanks giving to him, to be our advocate to obtain mercy for us, what sayest thou then to them, that say that the saints departed and the blessed Virgin Mary, do that, and not he. Son. I say the devil hath always some shift, to draw men from a steadfast faith in Christ jesus, otherwise his kingdom should decay, but there is none that is a mean for our sins, Mediator. but only jesus Christ the only Son of God, that undefiled Lamb, which hath paid our ransom. 1. Tim. 2. Thus saith Saint Paul, there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, even the man Christ jesus, which gave himself a ransom for all, that it should be testified at his time. Io. 17. This is eternal life, that we know the one only true God, and jesus Christ which thou hast sent. Gal. 3. A mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Heb. 9 He is a mediator of the new Testament, that through death, which chanced for the redemption of these transgressors that were under the first Testament, they which are called might receive the promiss of eternal inheritance, whereby you may see none to be any mean to the father for our sins, but only jesus Christ, his own natural son, fitting on his right hand. Father. Show me what mercy we may look for at the hand of God, and how merciful the Lord is? Son. God is most merciful, Ezech. 18 and would not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should convert and live. The Lord God was merciful, Exod. 34 & gracious, long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, and keeping in store mercy for thousands, forgiving wickedness, ungodliness and sin. The Lord is merciful unto Israel, judg. 10 and his soul had pity upon their misery. Even as a father is merciful unto his Children, Psal. 103 even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. Either. What must we do to be delivered from the curse of the law, and so obtain mercy of our God through jesus Christ, seeing that we are all sinners? Son. Acts. 2. Consider what answer Saint Peter gave to them that demanded what they should do to be saved, he said, repent of your sins, Repentance and be baptized every one of you in the name of jesus Christ for the remission of sins, & ye shall receive the gift of the holy ghost. Math. 3. Repent said john Baptist, for the kingdom of God is at hand, prepare the way of the Lord make his paths straight. Math. 4 jesus began to preach and said, repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mark. 1 And in the first of Saint Luke's gospel, repent and believe the gospel. Father. Repentance. What is this repentance, whereunto we are exhorted by jesus Christ and his messengers? Son. defined. It is a sorrowing and continual mourning of the heart & conscience because of sin, joined with faith and amendment of life. Father. Let me here how we must sorrow, which some call contrition? Son. The Lord by the Prophet joel saith, contrition. turn you unto me with all your hearts, joel. 2. with fasting, weeping, and mourning, rend your hearts and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord, for the Lord is merciful, gracious, long suffering, and of great goodness and compassion, and ready to pardon wickedness. Gird thee about with sack cloth, jeremis. 6 sprinkle thyself with ashes, mourn and weep bitterly, weep bitterly. for the destruction else shall suddenly fall upon you. When Ahab hard that the Lord would destroy him and his house, 3. king. 21 he rend his clothes, and put on sackcloth and fasted and went bare foot, and the Lord said, because he submitteth himself before me, I will not bring this evil in his days, but in his sons days. David said, Psal. 102 my heart is smitten down and withered like grass so that I forget to eat my bread, for the voice of my groaning, my bones will scarce cleave to my flesh. Psalm. 6. Every night wash I my bed, and water my couch with my tears. Esay. 30. In repentance and in rest shalt thou be safe, in quietness and sure confidence shall ye put your trust. Ieremi. 31 Repentance a gift of God. Convert thou me and I shallbe converted, assoon as thou turnest me I shall reform myself, and when I understand, I shall smite upon my theigh. Ezech. 20. Condemn yourselves You shall judge yourselves worthy to be destroyed, for all your wickedness that you have done. Luke. 7 Tears of repentance. A woman stood by Christ at his feet weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head. Luke. 23 And he said, many sins are forgiven thee, for thou loved much. Wept bitterly. The Lord looked upon Petter, and Peter remembered the lords words, and went out from among the wicked jews, and wéept bitterly, whereby you may perceive father, that he which truly repenteth, he is sorrowful for all his sins, as Petter was, and weepeth bitterly. Father. What other thing shall we find in him that truly repenteth? Confession. Son. A confessing, No auricular confession. an acknowledging of his iniquities to the Lord, and not in the ear of a sinful man. David said, Psalm. 32. I will confess my sin unto the Lord, and so he forgave me the wickedness of my sin. The people of Israel cried unto the Lord and said, judg. 10. we have sinned against thee, and have forsaken our own God, and served Balam. Esdras kneeled down on his knees and spread out his hands unto the Lord, Esdras 9 Kneeled down. and said, my God I am ashamed, and dare not life up mine eyes unto thee my God, for my wickedness is gone over my head, and my trespasses are exalted to heaven, oh Lord, we have forsaken thy commandments, and made the land full of uncleanness on every side. I will saith David confess my wickedness, and be sorry for my sin. Psalm 38 Daniel said, Daniel. 9 oh Lord unto us our kings and princes, belongeth nothing but open shame and confusion, we have sinned O Lord against thee, yet Lord let thy face shine over the sanctuary. Many that believed, came and confessed, and showed their works. Father. Prayer. Are there other qualities to be found in him that truly repenteth? Son. Psalm. 51. Yea Father, hearty and devout prayer unto God for pardon? David, when he had sinned, prayed thus, have mercy upon me O God after thy great goodness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies, do away mine offences. ●. Cro. 21. David said, I have sinned exceedingly in doing this thing, but now I beseech the Lord, do away the sin of thy servant, for I have done wickedly. Daniel. 9 Oh Lord, we have sinned and done wickedly against all thy righteousness, yet O Lord let thy wrathful displeasure be turned away, I beseech thee from thy City of jerusalem, thy holy hill. Daniel. 9 O Lord hear us, O Lord forgive, O Lord consider, tarry not over long, but for thine own sake do it, O my God even for thy mercy's sake, and for the temple at jerusalem. All the people prayed and humbled themselves with fasting and prayer, jud. 4 Fasting & prayer. they and their wives, the priests put on heyrie cloth, and with one accord prayed unto the Lord. And all the people fell down flat on their faces and prayed, Judith. 6 The song of the thr● children. and wept till evening, and besought the Lord of Israel the he would show his mercy upon his people. For thine own sake, for thy beloved Abraham's sake, for thy servant Isaac sake, and for thy holy Israel's sake, give us not up for ever, neither take thy mercy from us. The prodigal child repent, Luke. 15 Confession prayer. & came to his father and said, father I have sinned against heaven & against thee, I am no more worthy to be called thy son, make me I beseech thee as one of thy hired servants. The thief at Christ's death thus prayed, Luke. 23 Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, for I am justly condemned, but thou hast done nothing amiss, Christ answered, Amen, Dico tibi, hody mecum eris in Paradiso. verily this night shalt thou be with me in Padise. Luke. 18. The Publican durst not look up to heaven, but smote upon his breast & said, God be merciful unto me a sinner, and he went home justified. Father. Is prayer so effectual, and of such virtue? Son. Prayer of ●reat ver●ue. Math. 21 Yea, if it be devout and faithful, for Christ saith, all things whatsoever ye ask in prayers, if ye believe, ye shall receive them. ●o. 16 verily verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye ask the father in my name, he will give it you, hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name, ask, and ye shall have, that your joy may be full. ●ames. 1 Ask in faith and waver not saith S. james, and it shall be done to you. ●ames. 5 Helias was a man under infirmities as we are, and he prayed in his prayer that it might not rain, and it rained not the space of three years and six months, and he prayed that it might rain, and the heavens gave rain, & the earth brought forth her fruit. Whereby you may well perceive Father, that hearty prayer availeth much. Father. ●atisfactiō●ot made 〈◊〉 man. What sayest thou to satisfaction, a part of repentance, as we have been taught? Son. Father, Math. 3. there is none that can make satisfaction unto God, but the man jesus Christ, who hath made satisfaction for our sins, in whom the father of heaven is well pleased, and his justice pacified. David saith, Psal. 49. no man may deliver his brother, nor make satisfaction unto God for him, for it cost more to redeem their souls, so that they must let that alone for ever. Father. What if we have taken our neighbour's goods, or done him wrong, must we make no recompense or restitution to them, Restituti● although we can make no satisfaction to God? Son. Yes truly, that we must, for we reed in the book of Tobias, that when he was blind, his wife brought home a Kid, and her husband hearing it, said, look that it be not stolen, restore it again to the owners, for it is not lawful for us to eat any thing of theft. A thief shall make restitution. Exod. 22 If a soul sin and trespass against the Lord, Leuiti. ● and deny unto his neighbour it which he hath taken to keep, or that which was put into his hands, or doth violence or robbery unto his neighbour, or if he have found that which was lost, and denieth it, & sweareth falsely upon what-thing soever it be that a man doth, and sinneth therein, if he have so sinned or trespassed, he shall restore again that he took violently away, or the wrong which he did, & he shall restore it again in the whole sum, and shall add the fifth part thereto, ●f ye re●ore you ●all be par●oned. and shall give it unto him to whom it pertaineth, that day that he offereth for his trespass, and in so doing it shall be forgiven him what soever he hath done. Father. What if he be dead unto whom ye have done wrong, or whose goods you have taken, so that the same can not be restored to him? Son. ●um. 5 Then shall they acknowledge their offence, and restore the hurt that they have done in the whole sum, and put the fift part thereunto, and give it unto his next kinsman, to whom he did wrong, but if there be none to restore the hurt unto, nor a kinsman of his, let the trespass be made good to the Lord, and it shall be the Priests. Zacheas said unto Christ, Leuiti. 19 Oh Lord the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have done wrong to any man, I will restore to him four fold. And what answered jesus Christ, this day is salvation come to thine house, because thou art become a child of Abraham, for the son of man came to save that which was lost. Father- I perceive the most of these parts that thou hast spoken off, judas the traitor repented, but not truly. to be in judas that traitor, and yet a damned creature, he repented, he confessed that he had sinned in betraying innocent blood, and he made restitution, and cast down the thirty plates of silver, yet he desperately went and hanged himself. Son. True it is father, Faith. but he wanted the chief point of all other, which was faith, he had no belief to be saved, and therefore craving no mercy despaired, and despairing, hanged himself. Despair. The like we reed of Cain that Gen. 4. flew Abel his brother, he said unto the Lord, my sin is greater than that it may be forgiven. 1. king. 29 King saul despairing in God, and trusting to Enchanters and Couniurers, fell upon his own sword and slew himself, and all his host fled. Heb. 4. The jews entered not in, because of their unbelief. 2. kings. 17 Achetofell when he saw his counsel was not followed, he went home and set his house in order, and hanged himself. Exod. 9 Pharo said, the Lord is righteous, and I a sinner, and so despaired. job. 15. One may perceive who dispaireth. Faith. He that never believeth to be delivered out of darkness, for the sword is always before his eyes. Father. Proceed my son, tell me of this point which thou callest the principal above others in repentance, which thou sayest is a steadfast and true faith, and first tell me what faith is? Son. Heb. 11 Saint Paul saith, that faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, and a certainty of things which are not seen, and further without faith it is unpossible that any man should please God. He that cometh unto God, must believe that God is, Heb. 1 and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him. Ye must ask in faith and waver not, for he that doubteth, james. 1 let him not think that he shall obtain any thing. It profited them not, Heb. 4. in that they heard the word, because that they coupled it not with faith. By grace are ye saved, through faith, Ephe. 2. and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, lest any man should rejoice. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness, Gall. 3. ye know therefore that they that are of faith the same are the children of Abraham. All the faithful are blessed with faithful Abraham. The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, Gall. 2. Live by faith. Gall. 2. which loved me and gave himself for me. We have believed on jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ. Faith cometh by hearing, Rom. 10 and hearing cometh by the word of God. Rom. 4, By faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour, we are justified by the faith of Christ jesus. Acts. 15. We believe that through the grace of our Lord jesus Christ we shallbe saved. Acts. 2. It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shallbe saved. Io. 5. The kingdom of heaven given to the faithful. Mark. 9 He that believeth my words saith Christ, and believes on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come to damnation but is escaped from death to life. So that I will conclude with Christ's own words, that all things are possible to him that believeth, Rom. 12, & S. Paul saith whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Father. Faith a precious jewel. I see that faith is a precious jewel, God's only gift whereby we take hold of his mercy, but is this faith alone without fruit, idle without good works? Son. Math. 13 No father, the true justifying faith which I showed unto you is never Idle, for it is like a grain of musterséede which a man took and sowed in his garden, Luke. 13 and it grew and waxed a great tree, Luke. 4. and the fowls of the air made their nests in the branches of it. etc. So if we have faith like a grain of musterséede, it will grow up so great, that the birds of the air may make their nests in it, that is, the poor people may lodge in our houses, Faith and works. may be feed at our tables, clothed with our clothes, relieved as brethren, & succoured as much as lieth in us. Faith without deeds is dead in itself, therefore saith saint james, james. 2 show me thy faith by thy works. There was a fig tree which Christ came unto, Math. 21 seeing many fair leaves being an hungered, supposing to have been sustained with the fruit, but there was none but leaves only. And Christ cursed it, and said, never fruit grow of the héerefter, & it withered, so that we have fair leaves and not fruit, Math. 3 the curse of Christ will whither us. Bring forth fruits of repentance, Io. 15. and say not we have Abraham to our father. Every branch saith Christ that beareth fruit in me, will I purge, Io. 1● that it may bring forth more fruit. Heb. 6. The earth that drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, The fruitful blessed, the barren cursed. and bringeth forth herbs, meet for them that dress it, receive the blessing of God, but the ground that beareth thorns and brieres is reproved, & is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned. Math. 3 The Axe is put unto the root of the tree, every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire. Luke. 13 A certain man saith Christ, had a fig tree in his vienyard, and he came and sought fruit of it, and found none, and he said, these three years have I come and sought fruit of this fig tree, and find none, cut it up, why doth it cumber the ground. Titus. 3 And concluding with Saint Paulls words, because I may hereafter speak more of works joined to faith, He that believeth doth good. or rather springing of faith, let those that believe in God, go on forward in all good works. Father. conversio Is there ought else that pertaineth to true repentance? Son. Rom. 6. Yea, amendment of life, conversion, a new life, S. Paul saith, Amendment of life. as you have given over your members servants unto uncleanness and to iniquity, from one iniquity, unto an other, even so now give over your members servants unto righteousness, that you may be sanctified, for the end of sin is death. If you will turn unto me saith the Lord, and keep my commandments, 2. Esdras. 1 though ye were cast into the utter most part of heaven, yet I will gather you from thence, and I will bring you to the place that I have appointed and chosen. Wash you therefore, make you clean, Esay. 1. put away your evil thoughts out of my sight, cease from doing evil, learn to do right, apply yourselves unto equity, deliver the oppressed, pelpe the fatherless to his right, let the widows complaint come before you, yea though your sins were as red as scarlet, I shall make them as whit as snow, and though they were like purple, I shall make them as white as wool. Let the ungodly man forsake his own ways, Esay 55. and the unrighteous man his own imaginations, and turn again unto the Lord, and so he shall be merciful unto him, and to our God, for he is ready to forgive. Ieremi. 7. Amend your ways & counsels, judge right between a man and his neighbour, oppress not the stranger, the fatherless and the widow, shed no innocent blood in this place, cleave not to strange Gods to your own destruction, then will I let you dwell in the land. jeremis. 15 If thou wilt turn thee again, I shall set thee in my service, and if thou wilt take out the precious from the vile, thou shalt be even as mine own mouth. Ezech. 16. Think upon thy sins & be ashamed, excuse thy confusion no more when I have forgiven thee all that thou hast done, saith the Lord. Ezech. 18 When the wicked man turneth from the wickedness that he hath done, and doth the thing that is equal and right, he shall save his soul alive. Eod. Be converted, turn you clean from your wickedness, so shall there no sin do you harm. Oseas. 11 Turn to thy God, keep mercy and equity, and hope still in thy God. jonas. 3. All the Nymuits every one turned from his evil way, from the wickedness that he had in hand, and the Lord spared them. Turn you therefore, saith the Angel, Tobi. 13. ye sinners, and do righteousness before God. And be sure he will show mercy upon you. Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, Math. 3 Saying without doing, is nought. Revela. 2 and say not we have Abraham to our father. Remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee shortly and remove the candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. jeremis. 11 When I take in hand saith the Lord to root out, to destroy, or to waste away any people or kingdom, if that people against whom I have thus devised, convert from their wickedness, I repent me of the plagues, that I devised to bring upon them. Again, when I take in hand to build, to plant a people or kingdom, if the same people or kingdom do evil before me, and here not my voice, I repent of the good that I devised to do for them. Father. Blessed be that merciful God. But tell me can there none be saved without repentance, faith and conversion? Son. Revel. 2 Luke. 13. No father, for Christ sayeth, except you repent and do the first works, he will come shortly and remove the candlestick out of his place, except, ye repent ye shall all perish. Father. Refusers to repent. What will come or happen, to those that will not repent, having this good warning of the Lord? Son. ●eremy. 22 The Lord answereth by jeremy the prophet, I gave thee warning in the time of prosperity, but thou saidest I will not hear, therefore thou shalt be brought to shame in thy wickedness. ●om. 2 Dost thou not know that the patience and long suffering and kindness of God, leadeth thee to repentance, but thou after thy stubborn and hard heart that cannot repent, heapest unto thyself wrath against the day of vengeance, when shallbe opened the righteous judgements of God which shall reward every man according to his deeds. ●euel. 2 I gave jazabell time to repent saith the Lord, of her fornication, but she would not, therefore will I kill her children with death. Father. Tell me (seeing that if we repent not, we shall perish, when and what time ought we to repent? Son. The Prophet joel showeth and saith, what time we must repent. joel. 2. turn you unto the Lord your God, speaking in the presentense, that is even now repent. The holy Ghost saith, Heb. 3. to day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Make no tarrying to turn unto the Lord, and put not off from day to day, Ecclesi. 5 for suddenly will his wrath come, and in time of vengeance he will destroy. Father. Thou sayest that a desperate man believeth never to be forgiven, A desperate person and be delivered out of darkness, and that the sword is always before his eyes, how shall a man or woman that hath committed some great and notorious sin against the majesty of almighty God do, to be delivered from despair? Son. adultery & murder forgiven. Great sins forgiven. Let that man remember David, who sinned a great sin, he was an adulterer, yet when he repented, the Lord said, thou shalt not die. Let him remember Saint Peter, who sinned a great sin, for he denied his Master, Good counsel against desperation. and sword, and cursed himself, if ever he knew him, and yet when he repented, went out and wept bitterly, the Lord forgave him, and placed him in his former state. Either. Many sins forgiven. But what if your sins be many, these two sinned but in one or two things, once or twice? Son. Let us remember Marie Magdelen possessed with seven. devils, and acquainted with all sins, yet when she repent and washed Christ's feet with tears, he said unto her, Multa peccata tibi condonantur, propteria quod delixisti multum. Many sins are forgiven thee, for thou loved much. Father. What if our sins be filthy and loathsome? Son. Let us consider the woman taken in adultery, Filthy sin pardoned. even when the deed was in doing, yet when she repent, Christ said, I will not condemn thee, go and sin no more. Father. What if our sins and offences be known to every man? Son. Let us remember that Saint Matthew was a tolle-gatherer, had openly offended, Known and open sins forgiven. and his extortion known all abroad, yet when Christ said, sequere me, follow me, he strait way obeyed his calling. Father. What if we have been naughty even from our youth? Son. Then let us consider the thief that was hanged with Christ, Sins from our youth used, forgiven. whom we never read to have done good, yet when he repent and said, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, Christ answered Amen. Dico tibi hody mecum eris in Paradiso. verily I say unto thee, this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. Father. What if I have been a cruel man and persecuter, shall I not despair? Son. The Lord forbid, remember Saint Paul, a cruel persecuter of all that professed Christ jesus, cruelty pardoned. and yet being called of the Lord, obeyed him and repent, and Christ said. Iste est vas electionis mihi. This man is a chosen vessel unto me. Father. What if I have hourly fallen to sin, and from one sin to another, and that even by custom, than I may despair? Son. No Father, if we sin seven times in one day, ●urely ●nes for●en. no, seventy times seven times, and so oft repent, the Lord is merciful and will forgive, for the mercy of GOD is from everlasting to everlasting, he would not the death of a sinner, look as a Father pitieth his own children, even so is the Lord merciful unto them that repent and turn unto him, ●ayer. blessed be the majesty of that merciful God and loving father, for ever and ever, Amen. Father. Son, thou sayest that sins be they never so great, so many, so filthy, yet if a man repent, the Lord through jesus Christ doth pardon and forgive all, Clothed. but thou showest me not of any righteousness wherewith the sinner shall be clothed or covered from his nakedness and sin. Son. Father, Oscas. 2. after that we are washed from our sins, we are joined a new unto God, and clothed with righteousness and merits of Christ jesus, for the Lord saith, I will marry thee unto myself for evermore, even to mine own self will I marry thee, in righteousness, in equity, in loving kindness, and mercy, in faith also will I marry thee to myself, and thou shalt know the Lord. Behold saith GOD, zachary I have taken thy sin from thee, and I will now deck thee with change of raiments. Ezech. 36. I will pour clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean, a new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put in you, I will restore you to your old state, ●et in their ●ormer ●ate. and show you more kindness than ever you had before, I will give my spirit among you. Luke. 15 The prodigal child returning by repentance to his father, was forgiven, and his father said to his servants, bring forth the best garment and put it on him, and put a ring on his hands, and shoes on his féece, and rejoice and be merry, for this our son was dead, and is now alive again, he was lost, but is now found. Rom. 13, Let us walk honestly as it were in the day time, putting on the Lord jesus Christ. ●phe. 4. We must lay away the old man which is corrupt, and put on the new man which after God is shapen, in true holiness and righteousness. ●euel. 3 He that overcometh, shall be clothed with white array. ●od. Buy of me (saith Christ) I counsel thee, gold that is tried in the fire, that then thou may be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that thy filthy nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see. Long white garments were given to every one of them. Revel. 16 Let us be glad and rejoice, Revel. 19 and give honour to him for the marriage of the lamb is come, and his wife made herself ready, and to her was granted, that she should be clothed with pure and goodly rains. And concluding this with the words of the Evangelist john: Revel. 7. who beheld a great multitude in heaven which no man could number, of all nations, people, and tongues, that stood before the seat, and the Lamb, clothed with long white garments, and Palms in their hands. Father. If we shallbe clothed with the merits and righteousness of Christ jesus, good work than it is not needful for us to do any good works? Son. Yes Father, Ephe. 2. Created t● good work● for we are the workmanship of God, created in Christ jesus unto good works, that we should walk in him. I have made thee that thou mightest serve me saith God. Esay. 44. Ephe. 1. Elected to good works The Lord hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world were laid that we should be holy and without blame before him. ●o. 15. I have chosen you saith Christ to go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Luke. 1 Redeemed to good works. Christ hath redeemed his people, that they should serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. Father. I perceive that all men are elected, created, redeemed, sanctified, and ordained of God to do good, and to live holily. Name unto me some of those good works commanded by God, that we should walk in them. Son. The chief work is faith. The first and principal work of all other, and the spring or fountain out of which all other works flow, and the foundation next unto Christ, whereupon all are builded, showeth our Lord and saviour jesus Christ, Io. 6. Faith the ●hief work by his Evangelist Saint john. This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Father. Thou touchedst that work of faith at large before (the Lord jesus increase our faith) but now proceed to the other. Son. Charity, father, Charity. springeth and groweth out of this root faith. Father. What is Charity? Son. It is the love of God for his own worthiness, and the love of our neighbour, Charity defined. for the love we bear to our God. Father. First tell me of the love of our God, and how he is to be loved? Son. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, Math. 22. Luke. 10. with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. etc. Of this love of our God, I have spoken before. Father. What sayest thou of the love of our neighbour? Son. Christ saith, Luke. 10 thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself, above all things have fervent love amongst yourselves, 1. Peter. 4 for love shall cover the multitude of sins. Rom. 13. Dilectio proximi malum non operatur, love doth hurt none. 1. Io. 3 We must love saith saint john, not in tongue nor word only, but in deed and verity. 1. Io. 3 This is the commandment of God, that we believe on the name of the son of GOD jesus Christ, and love one an other. Either. Math. 5 It should seem that even brute beasts will love those of whom they are fed, the wicked man will after a manner love them that love him, what sayst thou, ought we not to love our enemies? Son. Math. 5 Christ saith, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them that persecute you, that you may be the children of my father which is in heaven. love our enemies. Father. Is it enough to love them, is no more required at our hands? Son. We can no more but love them, Math. 18 how be it there is much contained in this word love, for we must forgive them. If thy brother offend against thee, thou must not only forgive him seven times, but seventy times seven times. If thy brother trespass, Luke. 17 Forgive your enemies. rebuke him, and if he repent forgive him, and though he sin against thee seven times in one day, and seven times in one day turn unto thee, saying, it repenteth me, thou shalt forgive him. Father. Is there yet any more contained in this word love, but to forgive? Son. Yea, we must pray for them, Pray for your enemies. for Christ saith, pray for them that hurt you, and persecute you. Saint Stephen kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Acts. 7. and prayed thus for his persecutors, lord lay not this sin to their charge, and when he had thus spoken he fell a sleep. And concluding with Christ's own words, Luke. 23 he prayed thus for those that crucified him, father forgive them, they wot● not what they do. Father. Is there any more that we must do to our enemies? Son. Math. 5. Rom. 12 Yea, we must love them so, that we do for them what soever good we are able, for Christ teacheth thus, do good to them that hate you: if thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink. Father. I percive that all virtues and good works proceed of this love, being a fruit of a lively faith. Son. Rom. 13 Yea father, the whole law is fulfilled in this word love, for whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye to them, for this is the law and prophets. Io. 14, He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, the same is he that loveth me, and he that loveth me, shallbe loved of my father, and I will love him, and my father and I, will dwell with him. Io. 4. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Io. 16. By this shall ye be known to be my disciples, if ye love one an other. If we examine ourselves we shall find whether we be in the faith or not, 1. Cor. 15. for the Apostle saith, prove your own selves, know you not that jesus Christ dwelleth in you, except ye be reprobates: and he in whom Christ dwelleth, 2. Cor. 5 hath crucified the flesh with affections and lusts, and is a new creature in jesus Christ. So that if we be the Children of God, Rom. 8. and love one an other, God's holy spirit will certify us thereof. Father. Any man may perceive then, Religion. who is a man of God and sincere religion. Son. Yea, Io. 4. he that worshippeth one true God in spirit and truth, and loveth all men friend and foe, and hath crucified the old man, and put upon him the new, and is become a new creature in jesus Christ. Pure religion and undefiled before God the father is this, james. 1 to visit the fatherless and widows in their adversity, and to keep himself unspotted of the world. Father. Alms. Is it a sign of men that be of perfect religion to help the fatherless, widows and poor, let me here how we ought to help them. Son. Deu. 15. If any of your brethren among you be poor, saith God, within any of your gates, in the land which I give you, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother, Give and lend. but open thine hand and lend him sufficient for his need. Daniel. 4 Oh King said Daniel, be content with my counsel, that thou mayst redeem thy sins with alms, and thine offences with mercy to poor people, for this shall be an healing of thine error. Tobi. 4. Give alms of thy goods, and turn never thy face from any poor man, & then the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from thee. Be merciful after thy power, if thou hast much give plenteously. If thou hast little, do thy diligence to give of that little, for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity, for alms delivereth from sin and death, Alms rewarded. and suffereth not the soul to come in darkness. The mercy that a man showeth is as it were a purse with him, Eccle. 17 & the grace that is given to man, preserveth him as the apple of an eye. The bread of the needy is the life of the poor, he that defraudeth him of it, Eccle. 34 is the child of death. When thou givest thine alms, Math. 6. let not thy left hand know what the right hand doth, that thine alms may be in secret. And the Lord which seeth in secret, Rewarded. shall reward the openly. Whosoever hath this worlds good, 1. Io. 3 and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him. Father. What sayest thou to those that are unmerciful unto the poor, and will not suffer them somuch as to gather the ears of corn, and to glean in their fields? Son I say they are wicked people, levit. 19 not yet received to be of Christ's church, nor members thereof, for the Lord commanded thus. When ye reap down your corn fields, Gleaning. you shall not gather that which is behind in the harvest, but thou shalt leave it for the stranger and poor. I am the Lord. Leuiti. 23. When you gather in your corn field, thou shalt not make any after gathering of thy harvest, neither shalt thou make clean riddance of the field, but shalt leave it to the poor and stranger. Father. Company. Tell me what company we ought to use, if we be new creatures, & what company eschew? Son. Exod. 23 The Lord saith, thou shalt not let the wicked dwell in the land, lest they make thee sin against me. 2. kings. 22 With the Godly thou shalt be Godly, with the pure thou shalt be pure, with the froward thou shalt learn frowardness. job. 31. He that joineth himself to wicked company, shall not destruction come upon him? Ecclesi. 13. Who so toucheth pitch shallbe filled with all, & he that is familiar with the proud, shall clothe himself with pride. Bear not the yoke with the unbelievers, 2. Cor. 6. what fellowship hath light with darkness, what concord hath Christ wit'st belial, wherefore come out from among them, and touch no unclean thing. We require you brethren, 2 Thess. ● in the name of our Lord jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that behaveth himself inordinately, and not after the institution that ye have received of us. Father. Whose company then must we use? Son. I am a companion saith David, Psal. 119 of them that fear the Lord, and keep his commandments. I will go among the wise, Pro. 13 and learn wisdom. With the holy, thou shalt be holy, Psalm. 18 & with a perfect man thou shalt be perfect, and with the clean, thou shalt be clean. Thou mayest not dwell with vain persons, Psalm. 2● neither have fellowship with the deceitful, I have hated the congregation of the wicked, and will not sit among the ungodly. Father. Marriage. Let me hear something of marriage, because thou hast omitted that point? Son. Gen. 1 God the father did institute marriage in Paradise, and joined Adam and Eua● in marriage together, and said, grow and increase, and replenish the earth. ●o. 2. Christ himself, his mother, and his disciples were presents at a marriage in Cana a City of Gallelie, where he turned the water into wine, for confirmation thereof. Tobias. 6. Take her in the fear of God, and more for children, then for lust, that in the seed of Abraham, Marriage ●er procreation of children, thou mayest possess the blessing of Abraham. Father. There be almost none that deny marriage, but that it is lawful for secular people, & lay men to marry, but not priests and ministers, what saith the scripture therefore to them? Son. ●. Cor. 7. Marriage ●or avoiding of ●inne. Thus saith Saint Paul, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and every wife her own husband. If they cannot abstain, let them marry, it is better to marry, then to burn. Have we not power to lead about a, a sister, aswell as other Apostles, 1. Cor. 9 and as the brethren of the Lord, The Apostles married. and Cephas, either I and Barnabas only have not power this to do. Honorabile est inter omnes coniugium, Heb. 13 et thorus immaculatus. Marriage is honourable among all men, and a bed undefiled, but as for whoremongers and adulterers, God will judge. Father. Thou speakest generally of all men, that all may marry, but tell me by express words particularly of Bishops or Ministers marriage? Son. A Bishop (saith Saint Paul) must be blameless, the husband of one wife, 1. Tim. 3. Bishops married. and one that ruleth his own house well, and that hath children in subjection with reverence. The wives of the ministers must be honest, not evil speakers, but sober, 1. Tim. 3 Ministers married. and faithful in all things. Let the Deacons be husbands of one wife, 1. Tim. 3 Deacons married. and such as rule their children well and their own households. Father. I perceive that all the Apostles almost were married, and I see that Bishops, Ministers and Deacons, and all others may lawfully marry, why then was marriage made unlawful for Priests? Son. ●. Tim. 4 Because that those that forbid the same were led by the spirit of error, which thing Saint Paul did foreshow, and said, that the spirit of God spoke evidently, that in the latter days many should departed from the faith, Marriage ●orbid. forbidding to marry, and to abstain from meats, both which the Lord had ordained. Father. Baptism. Proceed and tell me what thou sayest of Baptism? Son. Math. 28 It is an holy Sacrament instituted by jesus Christ, for he sent his Apostles to preach and to baptize, go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creatures, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Father. Wherefore was this Sacrament instituted by jesus Christ. Son. To be a seal of his promise, Acts. 1. for Sacraments are seals of God's promises. john (saith Christ) baptized with water, Io. Water & the holy ghost. Rom. 6. but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost, after these few days. All we which are baptized in jesus Christ, are baptized to die with him, we are buried then with him by baptism for to die, for like as Christ was raised up again from death by the glory of GOD the father, even so we all should walk in a new life. By his mercy (saith Saint Paul) he saved us by the fountain of the new birth, and renewing of the holy Ghost, Titus. 3 which he shed on us abundantly, through jesus Christ our Lord. Abraham received the sign of circumcision, Rom. 4. as a seal of the righteousness of faith, that he should be the father of all that believe, though they were not circumcised. So that you may see father, that Baptism is a seal to assure us of the spirit of God, whereby we are regenerate and fully certified to have all our sins washed away. Father. Children ●hat die ●efore baptism. I pray thee son, tell me what thou thinkest of Children that die before they be baptized, for in old time we judged them to be condemned, and buried many in profane places, and not in the accustomed place of burial. Son. Gen. 17. Consider Father, I pray you, that the Lord promised to Abraham, that he should be father of many nations, and that kings should come out of his loins, and that in his seed all nations of the earth should be blessed, and he gave him this sign of circumcision as a seal thereof. Rom. 4. Faith was reckoned for righteousness to Abraham, before he was circumcised, so that children being borne of christian and faithful parents, dying without baptism, are at no danger, but in the hands of God, for Abraham was counted righteous before he was circumcised. Acts. 10. Peter the Apostle being sent to Cornelius, & preached unto him, to his friends, family, even while he was preaching, the holy ghost fell on them all the heard the preaching, & Peter said, can any man forbidden water that these should not be baptized, which have received the holy ghost aswell as we, and he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the lord Holy ghost given before baptism. You may perceive father, that they were endued with the holy ghost, before they were baptized. Even as baptism now saveth us not the putting away the filth of the flesh, 1. Pet. 3. but in that a good conscience consenteth unto God, through jesus Christ. The son of man came to save that which was lost, therefore despise them not. Math. 8. Those that are elected, Revela. 1. hath jesus Christ loved and washed from their sins in his blood. Non est voluntas coram Patre vestro qui est in coelis ut pereat unus de pusillis istis. Mark. 18 I baptize (saith S. john, Math. 3 with water unto repentance, but Christ baptizeth with the holy Ghost, and with fire, so that all that the minister can do is but baptize with water, besides prayer, but Christ either before or after can baptize with the holy spirit, and therefore father, to judge them to be condemned, whom jesus Christ hath elected, created, and washed by his blood, & regenerate by his holy spirit, is abominable. Father. If children may be saved without baptism, than it is but foolishness to use the same? Son. This Sacrament father, was instituted and commanded by jesus Christ, and therefore to be received, for as I said before, Math. 28 he commanded his Disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, and baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Which Sacrament was a seal, that the Gospel being the power of God, Rom. 1 should bring salvation to all those that should believe. Mark. 16 He that believeth and is baptized saith Christ, shall be saved, and he that believeth not shallbe damned, he that believeth not be he baptized or not baptized, circumcised or uncircumcised, shallbe damned. Rom. 3. The circumcision or washing of the heart, is true circumcision and washing. Father. What sayest thou to the Sacrament of the Lords supper, by reason I perceived you do grant to no more? Son. Father, there be but two Sacraments, Baptism, and the Lords Supper. And of Bptisme I have spoken, and this other was also the ordinance of jesus Christ, instituted in the same night that he was betrayed he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave to his disciples and said, take, eat, this is my body, and he took the cup and thanked and gave it them saying, drink ye all of this, for this is the blood of the new Testament that is shed for many, for the remission of sins. Father. What was meant by this Sacrament? Son. It did signify the deliverance of his disciples & of all faithful, Math. 26 Mark. 14 Luke. 22. out of the bondage of Satan and prison of the Devil, for this night saith Christ shall my body be slain, and my blood shed out, for the remission of sins, for this night shall the shepperd of the sheep be smitten, Luke. 2● and the sheep scattered, but behold, afterward will I go before you into Gallalye. Father. Why did Christ institue this Sacrament? Son. First, to help our weakness being dull and slow to the understanding of heavenly things, he giveth us sensible things, external singes to bring our minds by these outward singes to consider his invisible graces. Luke. 22. 1. Cor. 11 And an other cause was to put us always in remembrance of his death and benefit of his passion, for he saith, do this in the remembrance of me. As oft as ye eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, ye show the lords death till he come. And an other cause there is that moved Christ jesus to institute sacraments, that they might be links & bond of love, unity and concord among ourselves, for we have but one God, Ephe. 4. one Faith, one baptism. 1. Cor. 10. unus panis unum corpus, but one bread, so all but one body. Father. passover. There were Sacraments in the old Law, as the passover, what did that signify? Son. Exod. 12 It was a Lamb of a year old without blemish, which was killed and the blood sprinkled, signifying this immaculate Lamb of God jesus Christ, that taketh away the sins of the word. The paschal Lamb put the people of Israel always in remembrance of their bodily deliverance out of Egipte from Pharo, and from the filth and clay of the Land, by the power of God, by a mighty hand and stretched out arm. So in like manner this Sacrament of the lords supper, 1. Cro. 11 signifieth to us how that we are not only delivered from a bodily servitude, but also from hell, the devil and sin, and that by the cross, passion, Luke. 22. and blood shedding of our paschal Lamb jesus Christ. Father. Seeing that this Sacrament is so worthy a mystery, tell me how we ought to communicate? Son. We ought to judge and examine ourselves, and then eat of that bread, 1. Cor 11 & drink of that cup. If any man be defiled saith God, Num. 9 let him not eat of the passover, but it must be eaten with sweet bread & sour herbs, so father is this Sacrament to be eaten, no unclean person that hath not examined himself, may eat thereof. The passover was to be eaten with sweet bread and sour herbs, so he that eateth this Sacrament must be contrite in heart, and his conscience unleavened, that is, pure and clean. Leviti 7. If any soul that is unclean, eat of the flesh of the peace offering, the same soul shall perish from among his people. ●. Cor. 11 Whosoever saith Saint Paul shall eat of this bread and drink of the cup of the Lord unworthily shall, be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and eateth and drinketh his own damnation. Father. ●eall pre●ns. Then belike in this Sacrament is the real presence of Christ his body and blood, so that this Sacrament is transsubstantiall into his natural body and blood, if there be such benefit for the worthy receivers, and so great peril to the unworthy. Son. ●uke. 22 ●. Cor. 11 No father, for it is but a memorial of his death, and instituted for a remembrance of the same, his natural body with all parts and members thereof is ascended into heaven, Heb. 1 and sitteth on his father's right hand, Heb. 8. and shall abide there till the end come. Father. How can the unworthy receivers be in such danger then? Son. Because they set at nought the ordinances of jesus Christ. And therefore saint Paul saith, he that despiseth Moses' law dieth without mercy under two or three witnesses, how much sorer shall he be punished that treadeth under foot the son of God, and counteth the blood of the testament, wherewith he was sanctified, as an unholy thing, and doth dishonour to the spirit of grace. Father. What punishment are they worthy of that refuse or negligently regard this institution of jesus Christ our Lore and saviour? Son. Numer. 9 The lord saith, that man that is negligent to offer passouer in his due time, shallbe rooted out of his people and parish. Heb. 10. He that treadeth under foot the institution of jesus Christ, is worthy of death, because he doth dishonour to the blood of Christ, and to the spirit of grace. Father. Thou hast spoken well by these two Sacraments, baptism, and the lords supper, being instituded by jesus Christ, and therefore to be had in reverence, as the seals of our salvation, but proceed, tell me what thou sayest of extreme unction, for it should seem that Saint james alloweth of the same. james. 5 Son. james. Anointing The Apostle, father, speaketh of the holy ghost in that same place, as we may perceive by other places expounding what the anointing is, the anointing that dwelleth in you saith saint john, teacheth you all things, Io. 2. and is true and no lie. 2. Cor. 1. It is God that stablisheth us with you in Christ, and standeth by us, and hath anointed us, which hath also sealed us, and hath given us the earnest of the spirit into our hearts. When the spirit of truth cometh, Io. 16, he will lead you into all truth. The spirit of God upon me, Luke. 4. because he hath anointed me, to preach the gospel to the poor hath he sent me, to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and sight to the blind. Freely to set at liberty those that are bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. So that the ministers or elders, aught to pray over the sick and diseased, and to anoint them with this oil, which is God's spirit, to certify their consciens that their broken hearts are healed, that whereas they were captives, they are delivered, whereas they were in darkness now lightened, being in bondage, True anointing by the spirit of God now set at liberty, whereas they were overcharged with sin, the Christ had taken upon him all their offences, and that now they were acceptable offerings unto their GOD through jesus Christ. And this is the annoyting that every minister must anoint the diseased withal. Father. Ecclesiastical authority. What sayst thou of ecclesiastial authority and jurisdiction? Son. I say that they have power and authority to excommunicate & punish offenders, and when they repent, to receive them into the congregation again, and absolve. jesus breathed on his disciples and said, ●o. 20. receive the holy ghost, whose sins soever you remit, they are remitted, and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. The minister may bind, that is, preach the Law and curse thereof, Binding & losing. to impenitent persons that will not regard their own salvation, and they may lose, that is, preach the gospel and glad tidings to those that repent unfeignedly, Matb. 11 and would gladly come unto Christ to be refreshed. Father. Let me here that they have authority to excommunicate, and power to receive into the congregation again, such as repent. Son. Leuiti. 13 The Lord commanded that if any man should be a leper the Priest should look upon him, and if he judged him to be a leper he should shut him out of the congregation until he were cleansed. Saint Paul speaketh of one that was a special Leper, 1. Cor. 5 who had committed fornication with his Mother in law, and willed the Corinthians to excommunicate him saying, deliver the man that hath done this deed unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord jesus, put away the evil from among you. Father. What if the Leper be cleansed, and the fornicator be penitent, how must they be used? Son. The Leper shall come to the priest, Leuiti. 13 and if he be cleansed, the Priest shall show it to the congregation, that their brother being Leprous is healed, and after the offering commanded by God, and he shall be received into the congregation again. So likewise if the offender repent and come to the Priest, having such authority, he shall receive him, and give notice to the congregation whom he had offended, that he hath repent, and so receive him again, offering an oblation of thanks giving unto the Lord, for Saint Paul saith, Absolutions ●. Cor. 2. to whom you forgive any thing, I forgive also in the sight of Christ, lest Satan should prevent us. ●. Cor. 2. It is sufficient of the man, that he was rebuked of many, so that now contrariwise ye ought to forgive him, and to comfort him, lest that same person should be swallowed up with overmuch heavienesse. Comfort the broken hearted. Wherefore I exhort you, that love may have strength over him. Father. Ignorance, What if a man sin ignorantly, is not that excusable? Son. Leuiti. 4 No father, for the Lord commanded, that if any man should sin of ignorance and should do any of the things that the Lord had forbidden in his commandments to be done, that he should bring for his sin which he had sinned, an Ox without blemish, or a Goat for a offering, and the Priest shall make an atonement, and the sin should be forgiven. If the blind lead the blind, saith Christ, both fall into the ditch. That servant that knew not his lords will and did it not, Luke. 2 shall be beaten with few stripes. So that ye may see ignorance shall not excuse. Father. What sayest thou of holy water that was used of late years? Holy water. Son. I say it was a ceremony reproved by the Lord, speaking by jeremy, Ieremi. 2. the people have forsaken me, the well of the water of life, and have digged themselves pits, yea, vile and broken pits, that can hold no water. Ye are like to those that go down to the grave, Baruc. 3 even because ye have forsaken the well of wisdom. Father. Yea, Nun. 19 but the scripture maketh mention of sprinckeling water, and saith, he that toucheth any unclean thing, shall be unclean, until he be sprinkled with the sprinckeling water. Son. That was accounted a ceremony ordained by God the father, to signify that all were unclean, except their hearts and consciences should be sprinkled with the water of life, zachar. 1● which the Prophet Zachary speaketh of the house of David and the Citizens of jerusalem shall have an open well to wash of sin and uncleanness. zachar. 14 In that time shall the waters of life run out of jerusalem, then shall there be but one Lord only, and his name shall be one. jeremy. 17 They have forsaken the Lord, even the waters of life. ●o. 19 Sprinkling Water. One of the soldiers, when jesus was upon the Cross, with a spear thrust him to the heart, and there out came blood and water, this is that sprinckeling water wherewith we are cleansed, so that I will conclude with Christ's own words to Peter, ●o. 13. Holy wa●er. when he washed the Disciples feet with water, Peter said, Lord thou shalt never wash my feet, but jesus said, if I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me, so that unless we be washed with this water by jesus Christ, we shall never be clean, & this water of life being come that sprinckeling water (you speak of in the ceremonial law) is taken away, seeing the very thing itself is come, the shadow or figure is abolished. Father. What doth the scripture speak of free will? Free will. Son. Since the fall of Adam, jeremis. 10 there was none that had free will, for jeremy the prophet saith. I know Lord it is not in man's power to order his own ways, or to rule his own footsteps and doings. Who can have understanding of the meaning, except thou give him wisdom, Wisd. 10 and send the holy Ghost, that the ways of them that be upon earth may be reform. What I would do, do I not, Rom. 7 but what I hate, that do I, to will is present with me, but I find no means to perform that which is good. It is God that worketh in you, Philip. 2 both the will and also the deed, even of good will. We are not sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves, 2. Cor. 3 but if we have been able unto any thing, All goodness cometh of God. the same cometh of God, which hath made us able to minister the new Testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit. Father. Evil counsellors. What sayest thou of evil counsellors, for many great men delight therein. Son. Math. 16 I say they are devils incarnate, mark the words of Christ, when he was showing his Disciples that he must suffer death for the sins of the world, Peter his servant called him aside and said, Master, favour thyself, save thyself, but what answered Christ jesus, when he had turned that all might hear, Openly reproved. he said to Peter, go after me Satan, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that are of men. I pray God that all noble men, Gentlemen, and Landlords, having stewards and servants that move them to favour themselves, to live daintily in this world, to oppress their poor tenants, to enhance their rents, to pill and poll them, to drive them out of their houses, and do join house to house, and land to land, that they would answer them openly to their shame, Evil counsellors are devils. and say, come after me sathan, thou art an imp of the Devil, and a messenger of death, thy Master Satan hath sent thee to get my soul (which Christ jesus bought with his precious blood) for a little pleasure to be tormented in hell for ever, for what will it gain me if I win all the world, and lose my soul. Father. God grant that all Landlords would so do, for then God should be glorified, the poor well relieved, they themselves more honested, and in the end rewarded, the Realm by a strong and mighty commonalty strengthened, and her Majesty by dutiful subjects, dread, feared, and honoured. But proceed, tell me what is the end commonly of such evil counsellors? Son. If Satan their Master see that through them he cannot prevail, 2. king. 17 he will do with them as he did with Achetofell, for when Absalon did not follow the counsel of Achetofell his most trusty counsellor, Evil counsellors hanged. Achetofell went home & set his house in order, and hanged himself, ye may see that when Satan by his naughty counsel could not come to his purpose, to obtain the more, yet he took the less. Father. Some there be that will not only move their Masters to mischief, but also mock the poor when they cry and complain. Mockers. What sayest thou of these? Son. Math. 27 Will ye think much to suffer reproach, mockeing and derision, Christ our King and Saviour was derided, they that passed by when he was upon the Cross reviled him, wagging their heads and saying, thou that destroyest the Temple of God, and buildest it in three days, save thyself, and the high Priests likewise mocked him. job. 30, The fools and villains saith job, make me their song, & I am become their jesting stock. 4. king. 1 Little children came from bethel, and mocked Elizeus and said, go up thou bald head, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord, and two she Bears came out of the wood, and tore them in pieces. Ye may see that mockers shall be punished. Father. Merciless men. What sayest thou of such unmerciful men, that mock and oppress the poor, what shall become of them? Son. Except they repent they shall all perish, james. 2 for he shall have judgement (saith S. james) without mercy, that showeth no mercy, for mercy rejoiceth against judgement. judge not, that ye be not judged, Math. 7 condemn not, that you be not condemned, for with what measure soever you meet to others, with the same measure it shallbe measured unto you again. The Lord will not be slack in coming, nor tarry long, Ecclesi. 36 till he have smitten in sunder the backs of the unmerciful, till he have revenged himself of the cruel. Father. Well son, Sacrifices. leave these merciless men to the good pleasure of God, and proceed to tell with what offerings and sacrifices of man, is the Lord best pleased. Son. He that is merciful and giveth alms, Eccle. 35 Alms. offereth a right thank offering. A troubled spirit, Psalm. 51, a broken and contrite heart, is an acceptable sacrifice. Psal. 54. An offering of a free heart will I give thee, and praise thy name, oh Lord, because it is so comfortable. Psal. 112. He that is merciful, loving & righteous, and guideth his words with discretion, offereth a sweet savour unto the Lord. Heb. 13 To do good and to destrybute forget not, for with such sacrifice God is pleased. By jesus Christ we do offer sacrifice of land always to God, ●o●. that is to say, the fruit of those lips which confess his name. Rom. 12 Chiefly we ought to make our bodies a quick sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable serving of God. Father. Vengeance Unto whom belongeth vengeance? Son. Rom. 12, Unto the Lord, for vengeance is mine, and I will reward, saith the Lord. Psalm. 94. O Lord God to whom vengeance belongeth, thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, show thyself. Father. Humble and poor. Shall not the humble and poor be once exalted and helped? Son. Yes father, Christ saith, Luke. 18 he that exalteth himself shallbe brought low, and he that humbleth himself shallbe exalted. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, Luke. 1 and hath set up the humble and meek. Father. What sayst thou by these landlords and other unmerciful and wicked men, Evil example. that do not only wickedly, but also give evil example to others. Son. It were better for them that a Millstone were hanged about their necks, Luke. 17 and that they were drowned in the depth of the sea, for woe be unto them by whom the offence cometh. Father. Whereof ought we to glory or rejoice? Glory. Son. The Prophet jeremy saith, jeremis. 9 let not the wise man rejoice in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the rich man in his riches, but let them rejoice in this that they know me, saith the Lord. Let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in the Lord, for he is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctifying, and redemption. Father. In the beginning almost, thou toldst me that all things needful for salvation, were contained in the book of life, and also all other things necessary for the good governing of a christian, which thou hast proved, but tell me now why we ought to live so precisely as thou hast showed. Son. For diverse causes, first because the Lord our God hath so commanded, secondly, because thereby we showed ourselves to be loving unto is Majesty, and obedient to his holy will & good pleasure. Thirdly because we have enemies that lie in wait for us, to draw us from our God into perdition. And lastly, because we shall all once appear before the Majesty of almighty God, to give a just account, and make a straight reckoning of ourselves, and of all our thoughts, words and works, the Lord respecting no person, but judging every one according to their deeds. Father. Let me know first what those enemies are that are so lusty and careful, or rather watchful to draw us from God, that they may have something wherewith they may accuse us in the day of the Lord, and so bring us to perdition. Son. The Devil, the world, and flesh. Father. Describe unto me the qualities and force of that enemy the devil, and Sathanas? Son. job witnesseth that the Lord called his people before him, job. 1. and Satan appeared also. The devil searcheth every place And the Lord demanding of Satan where he had been, he answered and said, I have been through the world and seen it. jesus said to his disciples, Luke. 22. The devil trieth. Gen. 3. Crafty. Satan hath desired to sift you as it were wheat. The serpent the devil was subtler than every beast of the field, which the lord hath made. There was a man named Goliath of 1. King. 17 the Philistines host of six cubits and an hand breadth long, A strong enemy & well armed & weaponed. and had an helmet of brass upon his head, and a coat of male about him, and the weight of his coat of male was five thousand sickles of brass, and had boots of brass upon his legs, and a shield of brass upon his shoulders, and the shaft of his spear was like a weavers beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred sickles of Iron, A blasphemer of God Arailir. and he blasphemed God, and railed upon the host of Israel. job. 40, A strong enemy & mighty. Behold the beast Behemoth, lo how strong he is in his loins, & what power he hath in the navel of his body, he spreadeth out his tail like the Cedar trees, all his veins are stiff, his shins are like pipes of brass, and his rydge-bone was like staves of Iron. A great decever. Leviathan dare not thou draw out with an angle, no man is so cruel that dare stir him up, when thou thinkest to have hold upon him he shalbeguile thee, he hath horrible teeth round about, his body is covered with scales, as it were shields locked in, kept and well compact together, his weysing is like the glistering fire, and his eyes like the morning shine, out of his mouth go torches, & out of his nosthrells there goeth a smoke, like as out of an hot pot, his breath maketh the coals burn, He is never weary. and the flame goeth out of his mouth, in his neck remaineth strength, and there is nothing to laborious for him, he is as fast as the stithy that the Smith beateth upon, there may neither spear, javelen, or breastplate abide him, he setteth as much by straw as by iron, he setteth as much by a rotten stick as by brass, a sword hurteth him not, he maketh the deep to boil like a pot, The devil is a king over all children of pride. and stirreth the sea like an ointment upon the earth, there is no power like his, for he is so made that he feareth not, and he is a king over all Children of pride. The Devil is a liar, Math. Liar. and the father of the same thing, even from the beginning. From the time of his creation he was right excellent, Ezech. 31 till wickedness was found in him. Lucifer. Zachar. 13 The Angel showed me josua that high Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan stood at his right hand to resist him, and the Lord said, the Lord reprove thee Satan. Once an Angel, but now a devil. Io. 13. A tempter Ephe. 6. The devil put in the heart of judas to betray Christ. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rule, against power, against wordly rulers, even governors of the darkness of this world, against spiritual craftiness in heavenly things. ●. Peter. 5. A ●ror●ng ●on. Your adversary the devil goeth about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. ●euel. 2 Behold saith Saint john, the devil shall cast some of you into prison & tempt you, and you shall have tribulation ten days. ●euel. 9 ●ferior ●●rits. I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth, and to him was given the key of the bothomles pit, and there came out of the smoke that arose out of the pit, Locust upon earth, and to them was given power, and they had a king over them of the bothomles pit. And his name was called Abdon in Hebrew, but in greek Apollion, a destroyer. A great dragon. Revel. 12 The great Dragon, an old Serpent, the Devil and Sathanas, the accuser of the brethren, that deceiveth the world. The Dragon and all the beasts that rose up with him, An accuser Revel. 13 blasphemed the God of heaven, and his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven, and he had power given to war with the saints and overcome them, and all people and nations worshipped him, whose names were not written in the book of life, and of the lamb which was killed, from the beginning of the world, and to every one that worshipped him, was given a mark in their hand or forehead, else they could not be permitted to buy or sell. And thus Father, you may perceive the strength, subtlety, craft, and falsehood of this beast, yea, this deadly enemy our adversary, that runneth daily through the world, like a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour. Father. I tremble and quake to remember this great Dragon, this old Serpent and destroyer, tell me therefore or thou proceed any further, how I and every man and woman may escape his power, and keep us out of his hands. Son. Father, as you see that Satan is strong and well armed, so ought we to be well weaponed, and beside, manly soldiers, fight under the banner of jesus Christ, who hath overcome, and conquered this enemy in his own person, Armour of a christian we must stand saith Saint Paul, and our loins girded with the truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephe. 6, and having shoes on our feet, that we may be prepared for the Gospel of peace: above all, Truth. Righteousness. Peace. Faith. Word and prayer. let us take unto us the shield of faith, wherewith we may quench the fiery darts of the wicked, and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God, and pray always with all manner of prayer and supplication in the spirit. 1. Thes. 5 Faith and hope. love. james. 4 Be watchful and sober, armed with the breastplate of faith and love, and with hope of salvation for an helmet. Submit yourselves unto GOD, and resist the Devil, and he will fly from you. Be sober and watch, 1. Peter. 5 for our adversary the Devil goeth about like a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour, whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same affliction is appointed unto your brethren that are in the world, but the Lord jesus shall after that we have suffered a little affliction, settle, strength and 'stablish us, to whom therefore be praise for ever. We must fight with him, 1. king. 17 as David did with Goliath, he said to Goliath, I come unto thee in the name of the living GOD, and in his name I shall subdue thee, and so he did. Satan will seek to sift you like wheat, Luke. 22. Faith. but resist him by faith, and let them that be strong (saith Christ) help their brethren. Satan will tempt you, reve. 2 but be faithful to death, and I will give thee faith the Lord, the crown of life. The Saints of God overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, Revel. 12. and by the word of his testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death. Conclusion. So that although this Dragon the Devil, maketh war with the people and saints of God, and with all them that have the testimony of jesus Christ, yet if we, like manly soldiers resist him by faith, we shall overcome him by the blood of the Lamb jesus, and that Dragon will flee away, for all the soldiers of Christ are called, Faith. and faithful, and chosen, and keep their garments upon them, that men see not their filthiness. Father. Blessed be that Lamb for ever, through whose precious blood we are delivered from this roaring Lion, Those that ●ied before Christ. and always increase our faith, so that it grow daily more & more. But son, what became of our forefathers that died before Christ suffered his death, and destroyed Satan, and delivered us, were not all in the power and hands of the Devil before that time? Son. Wisd. 3. The Lord forbidden, the righteous were in the hands of God, so that no torments did touch them. And beside, Saint john saith, Revel. 13 that Christ was a slain Lamb from the beginning of the world, for the beasts fell down before him and worshipped him, and said, Revel. 5, thou wast killed from the beginning, and hast redeemed us by thy blood, and hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign ever. Oh think upon thy congregation, Psal. 74. Conclusion. whom thou hast redeemed and purchased of old. By which father, you may well perceive, that even those holy, faithful, and virtuous men that were before Christ, came in the flesh, were saved by his death, for the Devil was conquered by Christ before the foundations of the world, his promise also to Adam was yea, and Amen, but revealed to us in the time that the Lord had appointed. 1. Cor. 10 All which holy fathers drunk of that spiritual rock Christ, which we drunk off, and saved as we are. For Saint Paul saith, our fathers passed all through the sea, and were baptized all under Moses in the cloud, and in the Sea, and did all eat of one spiritual meat, and they all drank of one spiritual Rock that followed them, which Rock was Christ. Father. Go on Son, to the other enemies, the world, and flesh? Son. Math. 4 These are instruments whereby the Devil and Sathanas worketh, to bring man to perdition, for the Devil tempting Christ, showed all the world in the twinkling of an eye, and said unto him, Hec omnia dabo tibi: All these will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 1. Tim. 6 They that desire to be rich saith Saint Paul, fall into many temptations and snares of the Devil, and into many foolish lusts, which drown into perdition and destruction, for covetousness of money, is the root of all evil, which while they lusted after, they erred from the faith, and entangleth themselves with many sorrows, In exhortation to ●ee the ●orld. but thou man of God, flee such things, follow righteousness, godliness, faith, peace, love, patience, meekness. ●say. 48. Egrediamini de Babulone ut saluet unusquisque anima sua. Come from the world, and save thy soul. Flee from the world (saith Christ) for in the world ye shall have tribulation, Io. 17, but in me peace. Behold all the world is set on wickedness. 1. Io. 5 Every one that seeth the world, Nah. 3. should go from it. The world and all the concupiscences thereof, shall pass away. Io. 2. The rich man of all the world, job. 25. when he dieth, carrieth nothing away with him. The Devil deceived the rich man that Christ speaketh off, Luke. 12. and persuaded him that he should live long, and he therefore willed his own soul to eat, drink, and take his ease and pleasure for many years in the world, with his worldly riches, but Christ told him, that the Devil that night should have his soul, therefore beware good Father of these practices of Satan, for the world will deceive such as trust thereunto. Father. What means are there for men to resist this eneime? Son. Exod. 20. A remembrance of the commandments of God, which hath taught that we should not so much as desire any thing pertaining to our brethren, Tim. 6. that we should not carefully seek riches, for thereby men fall into snares of the Devil, and that the world passeth away, and yet the sinner remaineth, and that the worldlings fall down and worship Satan, math. 4 therefore we ought to seek an other place then this world: for, non habemus hic civitatem manentem, sed futuram inquerimus, we have here no biding place, but look for an other, that is an heavenly. Heb. 13 Our conversation must be without covetousness and love of this world, and be content with that which we have already. 1. Io. 2. So that as Saint john saith, if any man love the world, the love of God the father is not in him, for the world passeth away, and all the lusts thereof. Father. What sayest thou of the flesh? Son. All that is in the world saith saint john, 1. Io. 2 is the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and pride of life, these are not of the father, but of the world, but the world passeth away, & the lusts thereof, but he that fulfilleth the will of God abideth ever. These deeds of the flesh are these, Gall. 5, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, worshipping of Images, witchcraft, hatred, variance, strife, wrath, enmity, sects, drunkenness, gluttony and such like, but they which commit such things shall not be inheritors of the kingdom of Christ and God, unto these doth Satan tempt man. Father. How are the fleshly acts and devilish temptations to be refused? Son. They are te be resisted and withstand by hearty and devout prayers. Math. 17 For whereas there was a certain man that came unto Christ for his son that was lunitick, he tauld him how that he had brought him to his disciples, that they might heal him, and they could not, and after when he had healed him his disciples demanded secretly how that they could not cast out that devil, Fleshly devil cast out by fasting & prayer. and he said, because of your unbelief, how be it this kind goeth not out but by fasting and prayer. Tobias. 6. The Angel said to young Tobyas, I will tell thee of whom the devil hath power, namely of such as receive, meaning that they shut GOD from them, and from their hearts, and give themselves to lust, like horse and Mule that have no understanding. Math. 26 Christ warned his disciples, that they should watch and pray, lest they should fall into temptation, for the spirit is wiling but the flesh is week. 1. Cor. 9 I tame my body and being it into subjection, saith Saint Paul, lest by any means it come to pass that when I have preached to others I myself should be a castaway. Gall. 6. So father, we must cast away the works of the flesh, and receive the fruits of the spirit, which are these, love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meakenesse, temperance, for truly they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. Father. Let me here who are soldiers under this great dragon the devil, Satan soldiers. what cognizaunt or badge they bear, that they may be known, and what destruction cometh upon them? Son. Every one that confesseth not jesus Christ to be come in the flesh, The devils soldiers. 1 Io. 4 is a soldier of Satan. He that committeth sin, Io. 3. is of the devil, for the diull sinneth from the beginning, whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that hateth his brother. He hath power over all people and kindreds, and tongues, and nations, Revel. 13 and all that dwell upon the earth, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb. He is the Captain over all that worship devils, and Images of gold, Revel. 19 and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood, which neither can see, hear, nor go, of all murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, Impenitent persons are his soldiers. and thieves which repent not of the deeds of their hands. Father. Many soldiers than hath the devil under his banner, if all naughty men that repent not of the deeds of their own hands, be his: but what will the Lord do to them, if they amend not; and come home to their God? Son. Revel. 8 Saint john telleth, that their plauges shall come in one day, death and sorrow, and hunger, and they shallbe burnt with fire, for strong is the Lord God, which shall judge them. Rom. 1 There shall come tribulation, wrath, and anguish upon every soul of them. Father. Tell me who are soldiers under Christ's banner, and what reward shall they have? Son. Revela. 16 Those that watch and keep their garments, that they walk not naked, so that men may see their filthiness. Io. 4. He that confesseth that jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God. They that keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasant in his sight, and this is the commandment, Faith and love are badges of Christ's soldiers. that we believe on the name of his son jesus Christ, and love one another, as he hath given commandment. They are buried by baptism, Collo. 3 but raised again by faith. They have their conversation in heaven from whence they look for a saviour, even the Lord jesus Christ. Philip. 3 They believe only in Christ jesus. Gall. 3. I beheld saith Saint john, Revel. 7, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, people, and tongues that stood before the seat and the Lamb, clothed with long white garments & palms in their hands, they are they that came out of tribulation and made their garments white with the blood of the Lamb, therefore are they in the presence of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sitteth upon the seat will dwell among them, they shall hunger no more, neither thirst, neither shall the sun light on them any more, neither any heat, for the Lamb which is in the midst of the seat shall feed them and lead them unto fountains of living water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Father. Let us pray against these enemies, the Devil, world, and the flesh. Son A prayer O Lord God and merciful father, the devil goeth about like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour, the flesh lusieth against the spirit, the world persuadeth unto vainities, that we may forget thee, and so for ever ●e damned, thus are we miserably beset & be séeged on every side with cruel and restless enemies, and like at every moment to perish, if we be not defended by thy mighty hand against their tyranny, we therefore poor and wretched sinners, despairing of our own strengths, which in deed is none, most heartily pray thee to endue us with strength from above, that we may be able with strong faith to resist Satan, with fervent prayer to mortify the lust of the flesh, with continual meditation of thy holy Law to avoid the foolish vanities & transitory pleasures of this wicked world, and being set at liberty from the power of these our mortal enemies, may serve thee in true holiness and righteousness, & after be partakers of thine everlasting joys prepared for thy Children, which as they are great and unspeakable, so are they few that do enjoy them, for strait is the way, & narrow is the gate that leadeth thereunto, and few there be that find it. Notwithstanding thou hast a little flock, to whom it is thy pleasure to give that joyful kingdom, whose names are written in the book of life, make us of that number for jesus Christ his sake, & place us amongst those sheep that shall stand on thy right hand, and receive that blessed inheritance, and dwell with thee for evermore. Amen. Father. judgement general. Grant this O Lord for jesus Christ his sake. Well proceed son, is there once a reckoning to be made and an account to be given, before whom shall that reckoning be, and who shall reckon? Son. That strait account and reckoning shallbe before the majesty of that terrible and fearful God & judge jesus Christ, and they that shall reckon are all people, kindreds and tongues, good and bad, that have been, are, or shallbe till the end of the world come, and that fearful judgement be. Father. Resurrection. How shall the dead be raised up, if all shallbe judged? Son. Trump. 1. Cor. 15 With the sound of God's trumpet father, for the trump shall blow, and the dead shall rise incorruptable, and we shall be changed, for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal, shall put on immortality. In that day shall the great Trumpet be blown, Esay. 23 so that they which were lost in the land of Assyria, and those that were banished into the land of Egypt, shall come and worship the Lord in the holy mount at jerusalem. The Lord shall cry with a great shout from his court regal, jeremis. 2 he shall give a great voice like the grape gatherers, and the sound thereof shall be heard to the end of the world. The Lord shall roar out of Zion, Amos. 1 and show his voice out of jerusalem, that the heavens and earth shall quake withal. He shall send his Angels with the great voice of a Trumpet, Math. 24 and they shall gather together his chosen from the four winds, even from the highest parts of heaven, to th'ends thereof. The Lord God shall blow out the Trumpet, zachary. & shall come forth as a storm out of the south. The Lord shall disend from heaven with a shout, 2 Thess. and the voice of the Archangel and trump of God. I will blow for them, zachar. 1 and gather them together saith the Lord, for I will redeemed them. Thus by the sound of the Trumpet, shall all be raised up from death. Father. The Lord be merciful unto us. The remembrance of the voice of the Trumpet terrifieth me, which shall be heard in Heaven, Earth, and Hell, but proceed, how shall men rise? Son. ●ob. 19 job saith, I know that my redeemer liveth, and that I shall rise out of the earth at the last day, and shall be clothed again with my skin, and shall see GOD in my flesh, yea, and I myself shall behold him, not with other, but with these same eyes. ●say. 26 The dead men shall live (sayeth GOD) even with their bodies shall they rise again, awake and sing, thou that dwellest in the dust, for thy dew is even as the dew of Pearls, and the Earth shall cast them out that be under her, the earth shall disclose her own blood, and shall no more hide them that are slain in her. Behold (saith the Lord) I will open your Graves, Ezech. 37 and take you out of your sepulchres, and bring you out of the land of Israel: again my spirit shall I put in you, and ye shall live. Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake, Dan. 12. some to everlasting life, some to perpetual shame and reproof. There shall be a resurrection both of just and unjust. Good and bad. Acts. 24, For by Christ shall all men live, 1. Cor. 13 and GOD shall give to every one his own body at his pleasure. For when the Trump shall blow, the dead shall rise incorruptable, and be changed. Father. 〈◊〉 terrible lay. jesus be merciful unto us. Proceed, tell me now of this terrible day of judgement? Son. ●say. 13. The day of the Lord shall come terrible, full of indignation, fury, and wrath, to make the land waist, and to root out the sins thereof, for the Stars and Planets of heaven shall not give their light, the Sun shall be darkened in the morning, and the Moon shall not shine with his light, I shall shake the heaven, and the earth shall remove out of her place, saith the Lord of hosts. ●say. 14 Hell beneath trembleth to meet the Lord at his coming. ●say. 24. The earth shall reel too and fro like a drunken man, and shall be removed out of her place like a tent in one night, and the iniquity thereof shall be heavy upon it, it shall fall and not rise again, in that day shall the Lord visit the host that is on high above, and the kings that are upon the earth, and they shall be gathered together, and they that be in prison: the Moon shall be abashed, and the Sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in Zion and in jerusalem with worship, and in the sight of such as shall be of his counsel. Behold, Esay 28. there cometh a vehement and sore day from the Lord, like an unmeasurable hill, and perilous tempest, even like the force of mighty and horrible waters, that violently beareth down all things. The earth shall be visited of the Lord of hosts, with Thunder, Esay. 29. Earthquake, and a great noise with storm and tempest, and with the flame of a consuming fire. The heavens shall vanish away like smoke, Esay. 5● and the earth waxeth old like a cloth, and they that dwell therein shall perish in like manner. The very fishes of the Sea, Ezech. 3● the fowls of the air, the beasts of the field, and all people that are upon the earth, shall tremble for fear of me (saith the Lord) the Hills shall be turned upside down, the stars of stone shall fall, and all the walls shall sink to the ground. ●oel. 2. The day of the Lord cometh, and is hard at hand, a dark day, a glouming day, a cloudy day, yea, a stormy day, before the Lord shall be a consuming fire, and behind him a burning flame. Micheas. 1 The mountains shall consume under him, the valleys shall cleave a sunder, like as wax consumeth, and like as water runneth a pace. ●. Pet. 3. The world shall perish ●y fire. The heaven and earth that are now to be kept by his word in store, and reserved unto fire against the day of judgement and perdition of ungodly men. ●opho. 1 The great day of the Lord is at hand, it is hard by, and cometh on a pace, horrible is the tidings of the Lords day, then shall the Giants cry out, for the day is a day of wrath, and of trouble and heaviness, a day of utter destruction and misery, a dark and glouming day, a cloudy and stormy day, a day of noise of Trumpets and Shawms, Trumpets & shalms. against the strong Cities, and high Towers. ●euel. 6 I saw the Sun as black as sackcloth, and the Moon as blood, the Stars fell from Heaven, the Heaven vanished away, even as a scroll that rooled together, and all mountains and Isles were removed out of their places, the great day of his wrath is come, and who is able to endure. Christ himself saith, Math. 24 the Sun shall be darkened, and the Moon shall not give her light, the Stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of Heaven shall be moved, and then shall appear the token of the Son of man in Heaven, then shall all kindreds of the earth mourn, when they shall see the Son of man come in the clouds of Heaven, with power and great glory. Father. Merciful God, deliver us on that terrible and dreadful day of vengeance and wrath, shield us under thy wings, and cover us with thy feathers. But tell me of that judge, before whom we must make our appearances. Son. The Lord jesus shall show himself 2. The●● from Heaven with his Angels of his power, and with a flaming fire. Math. 25 The son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him, and then shall he sit upon the seat of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations. Daniel. 7. The old aged sat him down, and his clothing was as white as snow, and the hairs of his head like pure wool, his Throne like the fiery flame, and his wheels as the burning fire, a thousand served him, and ten thousand times ten stood before him, the judgement was set, and the books opened. Revela. 1 Behold saith Saint john, he cometh with clouds, and all eyes shall see, and they also that pierced him, and all kindreds of the earth shall wail over him. Father, Oh great and mighty GOD, merciful father, The judgement not ●scaped. be mindful of thy people whom thou hast bought with thy precious blood. Go on, tell me Son, if none can escape this judgement, neither by wit, policy, strength, riches, by hiding or covering themselves, nor by any other shift. Son. No Father, Revel. 20 none shall escape that ever were, are, or shall be, to that day. For S. john saith, I saw the dead both small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened, and the Sea gave up her dead which were in her, and death and Hell delivered up the dead that were in them. There shall be Kings of the earth, Revel. 6, great men, and rich men, and chief Captains, and mighty men. We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, 2. Cor. 5. that every man may give account of his works. All mighty men and Princes of the earth, Esay. 14 and all Kings of the earth shall stand up from their seats, that they may answer and speak unto the Lord. The glory of the Lord shall appear, Esay. 40 and all flesh shall at once see it. All flesh shall come to worship before me, saith the Lord, Esay. 66. and they shall go forth and look upon the carrions of them that have transgressed against me. Amos. 9 They shall not flee away, there shall not one escape, nor be delivered, though they were buried in hell, my hand shall fetch them from thence, though they climb up to heaven, yet shall I cast them down, though they hide themselves on the top of carmel, yet shall I seek them out, and bring them from thence, though they creep down from my sight into the depth of the Sea, I shall command the Serpent there to bite them. Math. 25 jesus Christ shall send his Angels with the great voice of a Trumpet, and they shall gather together his chosen from the four winds, even from the highest part of heaven, till the ends thereof. Thus father, you may see that this judgement cannot be secaped. Father. Son, the Lord comfort us. What sayest thou, shall there be no warning before the Trumpet be sounded, Suddenly. and all summoned to judgement, but shall it come unwares and suddenly. Son Christ saith, if we shall not watch, Revel. 3 he will come as a thief, and we shall not know what hour he shall come on us. The day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night, 1. Thes. 5 for when they shall say peace, then shall sudden destruction come upon them, even as sorrow upon a woman in travail, and they shall not escape. Of that day and hour saith Christ, Math. 24 knoweth no man, but my Father only, for as it was in the days of Noa, they eat and drank, married, and were married, builded and planted, until Noa went into the Ark, and the flood came and took them all away. So shall the coming of the Son of man be. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour the son of man will come. Father. The Lord give us grace to be watchful. What shall the Lord do, when all people, kindreds and tongues, and nations, are set before him? Son. Partition Math. 25 He shall separate the good from the bad, even as a shepperd parteth the sheep from the Goats. Ezech. 34. I will saith the Lord, put a partition, and make a difference among the sheep, among the weathers, and Goats. Math. 25 He shall set the sheep on his right hand, and the Goats on the left hand. Father. Christ help us, but how shall the Lord jesus among all the people of the world, know which are good to set them on his right hand, and the evil, and place them on his left hand? Son. Father, the Lord seeth and knoweth all thoughts, words, and works of all men, he seeth from everlasting to everlasting, there is nothing hid from his eyes, and beside, they shall all be marked, the faithful and good with the mark of the Lamb jesus. The wicked shall have in their hands or foreheads the Beasts mark. The Lord said to one that had a linen raiment upon him, Ezech. 9 and a writer's Inckehorne by his side, go thy way through the City of jerusalem, set a mark upon the foreheads of them that mourn, and are sorry for all the abhortions that are done therein. And to an other he said, go after him through the City, slay, over see none, spare none, kill and destroy, both men, and young maids, children, and wives, but as for those that have the mark upon them, see thou touch them not. An Angel having the seal of the living God in his hand, Revel. 7 and he cried to the four Angels that have power over the Earth, and said, hurt not the Earth, neither the Sea, neither the Trees, till I have sealed the servants of GOD in their foreheads. The names of the good are written in the Book of life of the Lamb. Revel. 3 They have his name, Eod. and his Father's name written in their foreheads. When the Lord would smite the first borne in egypt, Exod. 12 and deliver his own people, he commanded that all his own people, every household should kill a Lamb late at night, and sprinkle the door cheeks and posts of the door, with the blood, so that when the destroyer should come, he might see the blood, and might pass by that house, and not smite it. So in like manner, whosoever have their hearts and consciences sprinkled with faith in the blood of the Lamb jesus, the destroyer in the day of vengeance shall not hurt, but destroy the Egyptians, that is, the wicked that have received the beasts mark. Father. Not pacified. The Lord our God sprinkle our hearts with that blood. Son, I have brought thee a little from the purpose, but turn again to it, and tell me if the Lord will not be a merciful God at that time, and soon entreated? Son. Pro. 6. Merciful? no Father, not merciful but just, full of wrath and indignation. Solomon compareth the Lord to a jellious husband, the jealousy and wrath of the man will not be entreated, no not though thou wouldst offer him great gifts to make amends, he will not receive them. There is no daise-man betwixt GOD and man. job. 9 When he is wrath, the earth shaketh, jeremy. 10 all the Gentiles may not abide his indignation. Heaven and earth shall remove in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, Esay. 13. and in the day of his fearful indignation. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in that wrathful day of the Lord, Sophony. 1. but all the whole land shall be burned with the fire of jelousiie. Behold, Amos. 2 I will crash you in sunder like as a wain crasheth that is full of sheaves, so that the swift shall not escape, neither the strong do any thing, no, the Giant shall not be able to save his own life. I will not spare, because he persecuted his brother with the sword, destroyed his mother's womb, bare hatred very long, and so kept indignation always by him. Who may abide his wrath, Nah. 1. or who is able to abide his grim displeasure, his anger taketh on like fire, and the hard rocks are cloven asunder. He shall be like a Bear that is ravished of her whelps, even full of wrath and indignation shall the Lord be in that day. Father. Good God, what shall we do, seeing there is no mercy, but that Clausae sunt ianuae, the gates of all mercy are shut up, and justice drawn out. Cognoscetur dominus iuditia faciens. The Lord shall be known to execute justice and judgement. Proceed to tell me when all people, kindreds, and tongues, are arraigned before this terrible judge, Plead guilty or not guilty. and plead guilty, or not guilty, what shall the judge object or lay to their charge, what will he say to the faithful on his right hand? Son. Math. 25 He shall say, Oh ye blessed children of my Father, when I was hungry, you gave me meat, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, Blessed. when I was harbourless, you lodged me, when I was naked, you clothed me, when I was sick and in prison, ye came unto me and visited me. Father. And shall they answer any thing? Son. Yea father, for the Lord saith, Esay. 14 there shall be all mighty men of the earth arraigned, and Princes, and kings, and small, and great, shall stand from their seats, that they may all answer and speak unto the Lord. They shall answer, Math. 25 Lord jesus when saw we thee an hungered and feed the, thirsty and gave the drink, harbourless and lodged thee, naked and clothed thee, sick and in prison, and came unto thee? he shall answer and say, in as much as ye have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me. Father. What speech shall his Majesty use to the wicked on his left hand? Son. Oh ye cursed of my father, Cursed. when I was an hungry you gave me no meat, when I was a thirst ye gave me no drink, when I was harbourless, ye lodged me not, when I was naked ye clothed me not when I was sick and in prison ye came not unto me to visit me, and they shall answer, Lord when saw we thee an hungry, or a thirst, or harbourless, or naked, or sick, or in prison & came not unto thee, he shall say in as much as ye did it not to these my brethren, ye did it not to me. Father. jesus God, if the Lord condemn them that help not their brethren, what will he do to the unmerciful, that rob him, that taketh meat, drink, apparel, lodging, relief, and all from him, even flaying the skin from the bone, as much as lieth in them? Son. The Lord or they pass away will reward them for all, as you shall hear afterwards. Father. Well son, who shallbe present to hear all causes pleaded, and what witness shall there be against the wicked, for I am sure that the Lord will have all men see that he dealeth justly and uprightly withal? Son. True it is father, Witnesses. 2. Cor. 5 there shallbe present all Angels, Archangels, & all the hosts of heaven, there shallbe all Saints and righteous, all wicked, and ungodly that ever were upon the face of the earth, young and old. There shallbe the great Dragon, the devil, & Sathanas, with all the rabble of hellhounds and damned spirits, for Saint john saith, Revel. 20. that he saw the dead, both great and small stand before God, and the books were opened, which is the book of life, and an other book was opened and the dead were judged of those things that were written in the book according to their deeds. Whereby we may learn that the books were their conciences, laid abroad to all the world. Consciences. It is a sore thing when a mans own conscience beareth witness and record of his wickedness and condemmeth him. Wisd. 17 He that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid, and why, Wisd. 1. inquisition shall be made for the thoughts of the ungodly, and the report of his words shall come unto God, so that his wickedness shallbe punished. Eod. There is nothing so hid that shall not be revealed. Luke. 22 There is nothing so covered saith Christ, that shall not be uncovered, neither hid that shall not be known. Father. I see then that every thing shallbe opened, for I have heard that a man's conscience is quasi millie testis. As a thousand witness, but what other witnesses will there be. Son. God himself a witness. GOD himself who seeth all things from the beginning shall be both the judge and witness. Malachi. 3 I myself saith the Lord, will be a swift witness against all witches, against advoulterers, against false swearers, against those that wrongfully keep back the hirelings duty, which oppress the stranger, and hurt the widows and Fatherless. Cor. 10. The Lord will come and open the things that are in darkness, and declare the counsel of Princes, and then shall every one have praise of God. Father. What other witnesses will there be against the wicked? Works. Son. Their own works, in fine hominis denunciatio operum illius, at the end of man, there is a declaration of their works. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, Revel. 14 even so saith the spirit, that they rest from their labours, but their works follow them. The Apostle Saint Paul teacheth all men that they learn to excel in good works, Titus. 3 that they be not unfruitful in the Lord's day. My dear brethren be steadfast and unmovable, 1. Cor. 15. always rich in the works of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Father. What, are there any more witnesses? Son. The Devil that great dragon as saith saint john, which deceived all the world, Devil a witness. the accuser of our brethren which accuse them before God day and night. 1. Peter. 1 That adversary the devil like a roareing Lion seeketh whom he may devour. Father. Lord God what shall the worm-eaten conscience then do, what shall the unmerciful and covetous man say? Son. Luke. 23. Decent montibus cadite super nos, they shall say to the mountains fall upon us, and to the hills cover us from the face of the Lord. Oseas. 10 Esay. 2 Then shall they seek to creep into holes and caves, and rocks, for fear of God, but they cannot escape. reve. 6 They shall covet to hi●e themselves in dens and Rocks of the Hills, and shall say unto the rocks, fall on us and hide us from the presence of him that sitteth on the seat, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath is come, and who is able to endure. Revel. 9 At that time shall men seek for death, and shall not find it, they shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. Father. Can there none hide themselves? Son. I told you before father, Amos. 9 that although they were buried in hell, the hand of the Lord would fetch them from thence, though they climb up to heaven, yet will he cast them down, though they hide themselves upon the tope of carmel, yet will he seek them out, and bring them from thence, though they could creep into the deep of the sea, yet he will command the Serpent there to bite them. Father. Father of heaven be merciful to us. Well go on, seeing that every one must abide the sentence of God, and his strait judgement, tell me now what will follow? Son. Then shall the Lord jesus Christ call those on his right hand, and say, come ye blessed of my Father, Math. 25 inherit the kingdom of heaven prepared for you from the beginning of the world. Father. I perceive that the faithful, merciful, and righteous, shall then be blessed, and without all fear. But what shall he say to the wicked? Son Revel. 12 First when they are arraigned, there shall stand before them a terrible & most fearful judge on the one side, Wisd. 17 Malach. 3. Revel. 14, 2. Peter. 3. Math. 25 their works accusing on the other side, the Devil and all hellhounds to draw them away: with in them, their conscience crying out against them, on every side the whole world burning under them, hell and damnation wide open to swallow them, the fire of pain therein to bunre them, the sentence of jesus, thus shall be then prononced. Go you cursed of my ●ather into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels, after which curse they shallbe presēly cast into a lak● of fire & brimstone, Math. 3 where the fire never quencheth, and the worm never dieth, and have everlasting pain. Father. proceed, tell me what shall become of the Devil, death, and damned souls and bodies then? Son. Saint john saith, Revel. 20 that death and Hell shall be cast into a lake of fire, which is the second death. The beast and the false Prophets were taken, Revel. 19 and cast quick into a pond of fire, burning with Brimstone, and all that had the beasts mark. The wicked shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, Revel. 14 which is powered into the cup of his wrath, and shall be punished in fire and Brimstone, Where punishment never endeth. before the holy Angels, & before the Lamb, and the smoke of their torments ascendeth evermore. The damned shall suck the Gall of Serpents, job. 26. & the Adder's tongue shall slay him, so that he shall no more see rivers of Honey and Butter. The wicked shall be turned unto hell, & all they that forget God, Psalm. 9 so that upon them shall the Lord ra●●e fire and Brimstone, storm and tempest, this shall be their portion to drink. In that day, the Lord with his sore, Esay. 27. Christ conquered Satan and destroyed his power. great, and mighty sword, shall visit Leviathan the fugetive serpent, even Leviathan that crooked serpent, & shall slay the Dragon that is in the sea. Esay. 30. Hell in the depth prepared for Kings, so that none are spared. The fire of pain is ordained from the beginning, yea, even for kings it is prepared, this hath the Lord set in the depth, and made it wide, the burning whereof is fire and much wood, and the breath of the Lord, which is a river of Brimstone, doth kindle it. Esay 3● The wicked saith God, shall conceive stubble, and bear straw, and my spirit shall be as fire, that it may consume, and the people shall be burnt like lime, and as thorns burn that are hewed off, and cast into the fire. Esay. 34. They shall be so changed, that they shall be as black as a pot, my sword shall come down in judgement, and upon the people which I have cursed for my vengeance, The pain & fire shall continue evermore. thy folk shall be t●rned to pitch, & his earth to Brimstone, therewith shall the land be kindled, so that it ●hall not be quenched day nor night, but smoke evermore. Esay. 66. Their carrions shall lie and be looked upon, their worms shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched, and all flesh shall abhor them. Judith. 16 The Lord shall give fire and worms into their flesh, that they may burn and feel it for evermore. Thunderbolts, hills, Wisd. 5 waters of the sea, floods shall run roughly together, a mighty wind shall stand up against them. Their joy shall be turned to sorrow, Baruch. 4 for fire shall fall upon them from the everlasting God, long to endure, and shall be inhabited of Devils, The wicked will the Lord burn with unquenchable fire, Math. 3 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Mark. 13 The fearful and unbelievers, Revel. 21 and abominable, & murderers, and whorrmongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and Brimstone, which is the second death. And Christ thus concludeth, that they shall be bound ●ande and foot, and cast into utter darkness, where is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Father. The Lord make our heart's stable and unblamable, 1. Thess. 3 in holiness before God our Father, at the coming of our Lord jesus Christ, with all Saints, Amen. Proceed, tell me now of the joy prepared of God, for his elect and chosen. Revel. 28, I saw saith Saint john, a new heaven, & a new earth, new jerusalem come down from heaven prepared as a bride garnished for her husband, ●oye. and I heard a great voice from heaven saying, behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God, and GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the old things are gone. Revel. 21 They shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads, where shall appear the brightness of God. Revel. 14 They shall drink of the well of the water of life. They shall rest from their labours. Gen. 1. The Lord himself will be their reward. Revel. 7 They shall be in the presence of the seat of God, and serve him day and night in his Temple, and he that sitteth in the seat, will dwell among them, they shall hunger no more, neither thirst, neither shall the Sun light on them, neither any heat, for the Lamb which is in the midst of the seat, shall feed them, and lead them unto fountains of living water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. They shall stand before the seat of the Lamb, Eod. clothed with white long garments, and Palms in their hands. They shall sing night and day, saying, Revel. 4 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. In the kingdom of heaven shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of plenteous & delicate dishes, Esay. 25 even of most pleasant and dainty dishes. The Lord of hosts shall be a crown of glory and diamonds of beauty, Esay 28. unto his faithful people. jacob shall not be confounded, Esay. 29. nor his face pale. The reward of righteousness, Esay. 32. shall be rest, peace, and quietness, for ever. There shall Zion be seen, Esay. 33 the head City of our solemn feast, there shall thine eyes see jerusalem, that glorious habitation and Tabernacle, that never shall remove, ●eauen. whose nails shall not be taken out world without end, the Majesty of God shall be there present among us, Majesty 〈◊〉 God e'en. ●dge. lawgiver ●ing, Saviour. as a place where broad rivers and streams are, for the Lord is a judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, and he himself is our Saviour, the lame men run after the pray, there lieth no man that sayeth I am sick, but all evil is taken away from the people that dwell there. ●say. 35 They shall flourish pleasantly and be joyful, and ever be giving of thanks more and more, ●hanks ●ueing. everlasting joy shall they have, pleasure and gladness shall be among them, and as for all sorrow and heaviness shall vanish away. ●say. 60. The Lord himself shall be their everlasting light, and their God shall be their glory. czech. 37 Their children, and their childer's children shall dwell in that land for evermore, ●hrist. and my servant David shall be their everlasting prince, and I will be among them for evermore. ●uke. 5 Rejoice and be glad, for great shall your reward be in heaven. They shall be equal (saith jesus Christ) with the Angels, Luke. 20. and are the sons of God, for as much as they are the children of the resurrection, for all men live unto him. They shall eat and drink with jesus Christ in his kingdom, Eod. 23 and sit on seats judging the twelve Tribes of Israel. They shall give praise, glory, Rom. 2 and immortality to God. They shall always be with the Lord saith Saint Paul. 1. Thess. 4 They shall be Kings and Priests of Christ, Revel. 20 and shall reign with him a thousand years. And concluding that which hath no end, with the words of Saint Paul, 1. Cor. 2. the eye hath not ●●●e, the ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, the joy that God hath prepared for them that love him. Father. Thou hast brought every thing to perfection which I desired to know, let us end therefore with making ou● humble & hearty prayers unto God, thanking his Majesty for all his gracious and merciful benefits, therefore begin thou, and I will pray with thee. Son. A Prayer. O Lord jesus Christ, the Son of the everliving God, by whom all things were made, are ruled and governed, as of thy love for our redemption, thou didst not disdain to be our mediator, and to take upon thee our nature, in the womb of a most blessed Virgin, purely and without sin, by the operation of the holy spirit, that both ●hou mightest in thine own person, wonderfully beautify and exalt our nature, and work the same in us, also for abolishing the guiltiness of sin by redemption, than sin itself by death, and last of all death, by raising again these our bodies, that they may be like to thine own glorious and immortal body, according to the power wherewith thou art able to subject all things unto thee. And as of thy love for our redemption, thou becamest man, and that most poor and afflicted upon earth by the space of three and thirty years, in most humility, & payest the price of our ransom, by thy most bitter death & passion, for the which I give most heartly thanks unto thee, so of the same thy love towards us in thy good time, thou wilt come again in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, with flaming fire, with thousands of Saints, with Angels of power, with a mighty cry, shout of an Archangel, and blast of a Trump, suddenly as a lightning that shineth from the East, when men think least even as a thief in the night, when men be a sleep. Thou wilt so come ●●us suddenly in the twinkling of an eye, all men that ever have been, be, or shal●●, with women and Children, appearing before thy tribunal seat, to render an account of all things which they have thought, spoken, or done, against thy Law, openly and before all Angels, Saints and Devils, and so to receive the just reward of thy vengeance, if they have not repent and obeyed thy Gospel, and so departed from thee to the Devil and his Angels into hell fire, which is unquenchable, and of pains intolerable, easeles, endless, hopels even from the face of thy glorious and mighty power. But if they have repent and believed thy Gospel, if they be found watching with their lamps, and oil in their hands, if they be found ready apparelled with the wedding garment of innocency, if they have not hardened their hearts and hoarded up the treasure of thy vengeance in the day of wrath to be revealed, but have used the time of grace, the acceptable time, the time of salvation, that is, the time of this life, in the which thou stretchest out thine hand and spreadest thine arms, calling and crying unto us to come unto thee, which art meek in heart and lowly, for thou wilt ease all that labour and be heavy laden. If they have visited the sick and prisoners, comforted the comfortless, feed the hungry, clothed the naked, lodged the harborles. If they have not lodened their hearts with gluttony and surfeiting, and carelessness of this life. If they have not digged and hid their Talent in the ground doing no good therewith, but have been faithful to occupy thy gifts to thy glory, and have washed their garments in thy blood by hearty repentance. Then shall thy Angels gather them together (not as the wicked which shall be collected as faggots and cast into the fire) but as the good wheat that is gathered into thy barn. Then shall they be caught up to meet the in the Clouds, then shall their corruptible body put on incorruption, then shall they be endued with immortality and glory, th●● shall they be with thee and go wheyth●r thou goest, then shall they hreae come ●lessed of my Father, possess the kingdom of heaven prepared for you from the beginning, and then shall they be set on seats of Majesty, judging the whole world, then shall they reign with thee for ever, then shall God be all in all, with them & to them, then shall they enter and inherit heavenly jerusalem and the glorious restful land of Canaan, where it shall always be day and never night, where is no manner of weeping, tears, infirmities, hunger, cold, sickness, envy, malice, nor sin, but always joy without sorrow, mirth without measure, pleasure without pain, heavenly harmony, most pleasant melody, saying and singing, holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts: finally, the eye hath not seen, the ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, that they shall then inherit and most surely enjoy, although here they be tormented, prisoned, solicited of Satan, tempted of the flesh, and entangled with the world, where through they are enforced to cry, come Lord jesus, oh gracious GOD, let us find such mercy with thee, that we may repent, believe, hope and look for these things, with full fruition of those heavenly joys, which thou hast prepared for all them the fear thee. And so rest with thee for evermore, grant this oh Lord and saviour jesus Christ for thine own name sake Amen. Father. I Thought it my duty son, to bring thee up in virtue and knowledge, and in the fear of God, whereof I have opposed thee, and I thank GOD thou hast profited well, God grant that thou increase from virtue to virtue, until thou be a perfect member of jesus Christ, so that through thee, God our heavenly father may be glorified, his kingdom increased, Satan abolished, superstition and Idolatary rooted out, the common wealth beautified, thy brethren and neighbours relieved, and I comforted: and grant that all people, kindreds and tongues, may in the fearful day of the Lord be found stable and unblamable, in holiness, and so reign with thee God our heavenly father in his eternal kingdom, through the blood of the la●be jesus Christ, who liveth and ●igneth one true, eternal, immortal and everliing GOD, world without end Amen. Son. Grant this O Lord and heavenly father, for jesus Christ his sake, Amen. Father. Well son departed, apply thy study, the God of my father's Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, bless the and prosper thy labour in the Lord, Amen. FINIS. Author. Elizabetha diu valeat vigeatque regendo. O Lord of Hosts defend with hand, The gracious princess of this land: Keep her from all her foes bloody, I the beseech most heartily. And grant her strength, power & might, Virtue and grace to hau● a sight, Of the O king of glory good, That for us all shed or thy blood: And thus I stay my hand and pen, Beseeching all to say Amen. EINIS quod Lister. Printed at London by Thomas East 1588.