The Sum of Christianity, reduced unto eight propositions, briefly and plainly confirmed out of the holy word of God. john. 1. 17. The law was given by Moses: but grace and truth came by jesus Christ. Eight Propositions containing the sum of this Treatise. 1. All men have sinned, and have fasted of the glory of God. Rom. 3. 23. 2. There is no name under Heaven given unto men, whereby we must be saved, but only by the name of Jesus. Act. 4. 12. 3. Salvation by Christ appertaineth only unto them that believe in him. 4. Faith cometh by bearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10. 17. 5. Let him departed from iniquity, whosoever nameth the name of Christ 2. Tim. 19 Who so is in Christ Jesus, is a new creature. 2. Cor. 5. 17. 6. Thy word is the lantern unto my feet, and the light unto my path. Psa. 119. 105. The commandment is a lantern, and the law a light, and reprehensions for instruction are the way of life. Pro. 6. 23. 7. The law is spiritual, but we are carnal, even sold to be subject unto sin. Rom. 7. 14 The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other, so that we can not do the things that we would. Gal. 5. 17. 8. What other helps there are unto godliness and well doing, commended unto us in the word of God▪ The sum of Christianity, reduced unto eight propositions, briefly and plainly confirmed out of the holy word of God. The first proposition. All men have sinned, and have failed of the glory of God. Rom. 3. 23. THere is none that is righteous, Rom. 3. 10. not not one. 1. john. 1, 8. 10 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, & the truth is not in us. If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and his word is not in us. For proof whereof, there are two witnesses against us. First the testimony of our own consciences, Rom. 15. w even by the light of nature accuseth us, both of leaving undone many good things we aught to have done: and of committing many evil things, in deed, word, and thought. Secondly, the Lord God himself, who is greater than our consciences, whose wrath from heaven is Rom. 1. 18. manifest against all the ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men, as well in that general curse, Gen. 3. 17. which is come upon all creatures: as by particular judgements executed against sin, from the beginning of the world. But especially, he hath most manifestly penned our indictment in his word: where first we are charged with the sin and fall of Adam, Rom. 5. 16. 18. as guilty thereof unto condemnation. Secondly, that we are borne in sin, Psal. 51. 5. and conceived in iniquity, and therefore by nature the children of God's wrath: Ephesi. 2. 3. being such, Rom. 8. 7. 8. as whose natural disposition is enmity against God, and whose cursed spirit lusteth after envy. jam. 4. 5. Thirdly, that this corruption of our nature, hath been most plentiful, Gal. 5. 19 in bringing forth all manner fruits of disobedience, Rom. 5. causing us to transgress allthe commandements of God, Rom. 3. 20. as shall most plainly appear, if we examine ourselves, and our lives, by the several precepts of his law, which teacheth us, both what duties we own unto his Majesty for his worship, and also what unto our brethren for their profit: so that we may conclude with the Apostle, that all mouths are stopped, and that all men are come under the condemnation Rom. 3. 19 of God. We must so meditate upon these things, as we may also be affected and touched with them. Which we shall the rather perform, if unto the unfeigned confession that we are sinners, we shall in the presence of God's majesty consider, first the filthiness and uncleanness of our sins, by comparing them with that holiness, righteousness, and innocency, which is described unto us in the Law. Then the greatness of our offences as committed against the most glorious excellency of the Majesty of God. Further, the multitude of our transgressions, which are more in number than the hears of our head, Psal. 40. 12 and as a mighty water overflowing us unto destruction. Also the punishment deserved by our sins, and set down in the word of God. First the curse of God, entering and remaining upon all his creatures, Rom. 8. 20. subduing them under vanity for our sakes. Secondly, all the adversities and afflictions of this life, with the diseases of our bodies, and griefs of our minds. Also death itself which is the dissolution of the soul and the body. Last of all, Levit. 27. 26. the curse of God pronounced in his law, unto everlasting damnation both of body and soul, with Satan and his Angels in hell fire, the flame whereof being kindled from the breath of the wrath of the Lord shall never Esai. 30. 33. be quenched. The misery of him that is in such a case, must needs be exceeding great, & offereth him just occasion with fear and trembling, Matth. 3. 7. to inquire what may be his remedy against so lamentable estate. Act. 2. 37. The second Proposition. There is no name under heaven given unto men, whereby we must be saved, but only by the name of jesus. Act. 4. 12. THe holy Angels of God can not save us: yea they are justly our enemies for sin, and the armed soldiers of the Lord to our destruction. Luke. 1. 47. The saints have need themselves of a Saviour, and therefore can stand us in no stead. As for ourselves, if we could (which is unpossible) do all the good things commanded us in the law, it were sufficient, if we were not condemned for them: it were no reason that by them we should be discharged of that other bond of our guiltiness, which is against us, in committing of evil. If we say we will give all that we have unto the Lord, Psal. 16. 2. it is nothing unto him: 1. john. 1. 7. If unto the poor, it is no sacrifice for sin: If we should suffer all torments of body and soul during this life, we cannot so satisfy the justice of God, for the lest of our sins, which deserveth infinite punishment. There is no help in outward and feigned holiness, Esai. 66. 3. be it never so glorious in the eyes of men, seeing it is abomination in the sight of the Lord, how much less shall it avail us, to rest for salvation upon any of the foolish superstitions Esay. 29. 13. & wicked idolatries invented by man. Standing therefore before God's judgement seat, condemned for our sins, Rom. 5. 1. we find no peace with his Majesty, but only in Jesus Christ, of whom he said from heaven, Matth. 3 17. this is my well-beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. And who witnesseth of himself, saying. So God loved the world, john. 3. 16. that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, who also calleth us unto himself, saying: Come unto me, Matth. 9 11. all ye that travel, and be heavy laden, and I will refresh you. The name Jesus Jesus. signifieth a Saviour, Matth. 1. 21. and is expounded by the Angel Gabriel: For he shall save his people from their sins. Christ. Christ in Greek, and Messiah in Hebrew, signifieth anointed, giving us to understand, that this is he, whom the father hath chosen, john. 6. 27. sealed, and anointed with his spirit, to be our Prophet, Priest, & King, and is made unto us from God, wisdom, righteousness, 1. Cor. 1. 30. sanctification, & redemption, that no flesh might glory before his Majesty, but that whosoever glorieth, might glory in the Lord. Christ, Christ our wisdom. the eternal wisdom of his Father from the beginning, was the only Pastor and teacher of his Church, 1. Pet. 1. 11. revealing by his spirit unto the holy Fathers and Prophets, the doctrine of salvation: But in the fullness of time, taking upon him our nature, he came into the world, our wisdom from God: in his own person, out of the bosom of his father, john. 1. 18. 15. 15. declaring unto us all the counsels of God, concerning our redemption, and that in greater measure, and clearness of understanding, 2. Cor. 3. 18. then ever before from the beginning. Further as he is the chief pastor and shepherd of the flock, so is it he in whom all the promises of God are, 2. Cor. 1. 20. yea and Amen. Who is also all, Col. 3. 11. and in all, Math. 17. 5. & of whom we have received commandment from heaven, that we should hear him. He is therefore both the teacher and the thing that is taught. He is made our righteousness, Christ our righteousness. first in that he hath fully satisfied the justice of GOD, borne the stripes of our correction, Esay. 53. 5. and the chastisement of our peace: Gal. 3. 10 taking upon him the curse of the law due unto us for our sins, and by bearing and overcoming the same, hath delivered us from the power of sin, Satan, Heb. 9 12. hell, and the wrath of GOD, and made an everlasting atonement upon the altar of his Cross: Ephes. 5. 2. offering up himself an oblation and sacrifice of most sweet savour unto the Lord. Secondly, in that he hath accomplished all the righteousness of the law, that we in his obedience, having the same imputed unto us, & might be justified before God, Rom. 5. 19 and obtain the blessing of the law, Gal. 3. 12. which is eternal life. He is made our holiness or sanctification, because in him is found the law of the spirit of life, which delivereth us from the law of sin and of death. Rom. 8. 3. For it is he only that hath condemned sin in the flesh, that is to say, hath perfectly purged & cleared our nature of sin in his own person, by joining it unseparably unto his deietie: that we being clothed with his most pure and unspotted humanity, Ephe. 1. 4. might in all respects appear acceptable and well pleasing in the sight of the Lord. He is made our redemption not now to offer up any new sacrifice for sin, Heb. 9 28. which he hath already done once for all: But that having all power given to him, both over things in heaven and things in earth, Mat. 28. 19 he might rule and govern his Church, by his word and by his spirit, guiding and defending the same in the Pilgrimage and warfare of this life, until the day of our adoption shall appear, Rom. 8. 23. even the deliverance of our bodies; what time he shall return our redeemer from heaven, and shall change our vile bodies, Phil. 3. 21. that they may be made like unto his glorious body, according unto that power, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. In the mean time sitting at the right hand of GOD our advocate and intercessor with the father, Rom. 8. 34. not only to make intercession for us, but also to present unto the Lord ourselves, our souls and bodies and all that we have, Rom. 12. 1. and do, Heb. 13. 15. our prayers and obedience, an holy and acceptable Sacrifice unto his Majesty. The third proposition. Salvation by Christ appertaineth only unto them that believe in him. HE that believeth in the son is not condemned, john. 3. 18. 36. but hath eternal life: and he that believeth not the son, is already condemned, neither shall he see life, but the wrath of GOD remaineth upon him, because he hath not believed in the name the only begotten son of GOD. Faith therefore is the only means whereby we possess Jesus Christ, and in him althe mercies of God unto our salvation: For by faith Christ dwelleth in our hearts, Ephes. 3. 17. 18. that being rooted and grounded in the love of God, we might be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is that breadth, & length, and depth, and height, and to know that love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge, and to be filled with all that fullness of God. Faith is that testimony of our consciences, whereby we are assured from the witness of the Spirit of God, Rom. 8. 15. 16. that all our sins are pardoned and forgiven unto us, in the merit of the Sacrifice and death of Christ, and that we stand justified as righteous before God, in the perfection of his obedience: and through him are now the adopted children of his father, and heirs of his everlasting kingdom, Rom. 8. 17. in that we are made members of his body, Ephe. 5. 30. even bone of his bone, 1. Cor. 6. 17. and flesh of his flesh, Ephe. 2. 22. to become with him one spirit, 1. Pet. 2. 5. and spiritual temple unto God. The fourth proposition, of the causes of faith, in the word preached and sacraments ministered. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10. 17. THis faith is not borne with us, neither groweth it out of our corrupt nature, Ephe. 2. 8. nor is bought with earthly treasure, nor attained unto by the labour and industry of man: but is the free and gracious gift of GOD unto his children, whom he loved from before all beginnings, wrought in their hearts by his spirit, through the preaching of the Gospel. Which spirit is therefore called the spirit of adoption, Rom. 8. 15. because it beareth witness unto our spirits, that we are the children of God, and heirs of his kingdom, teaching us with boldness & confidence to cry Abba father: and the Gospel preached, is called the arm of the Lord, Esai. 53. 1. and the mighty power of God unto salvation. The ground and foundation of our faith is the word of God, Rom. 1. 16. especially that part thereof, which containeth his most loving promises made unto us in Jesus Christ. This word was given unto man from heaven, first by the Lord himself, speaking unto the Fathers in his own person, then by the ministry of his holy angels, after by his servants the Prophets. Hebr. 1. 1. Last of all by his own Son, Col. 2. 3. in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid. This world remaineth unto us in the records of the old and new Testament which books were written by the holy men 2. Pet. 1. 21. of GOD his Prophets and Apostles, 2. Tim. 3. 16. inspired by the holy Ghost, & is profitable, to teach, to confute, to reprove, to instruct in all righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, and perfectly instructed unto every good work: containing all things necessary for us to know unto eternal life, Prou. 30. 6. from which we may not take any thing, Deut. 4. 2. neither put any thing unto it. This word is plain and easy to be understood of them that desire to do the will of God, john. 7. 17. and seek after wisdom in humility, Prou. 6. 23. 8. 9 with calling upon the name of the Lord. Ephe. 6. 18. And that the word might be made yet more profitable unto us, it hath pleased the Lord, unto that liberty we have of reading, hearing read, studying and meditation of his holy scriptures, knowing the weakness of our capacity, dullness of understanding, hardness and untowardenesse of our corruption, in great wisdom and mercy to ordain, that the same word might be applied unto us, by the holy ministry of preaching, whereunto he sanctifieth and anointeth by the gifts of his spirit, such as he hath chosen, and doth send forth into the labour of his harvest. Matt. 9 28. Of which S. Paul speaketh, when he saith, Ephes. 4. 8. that Christ ascending up into heaven, and leading captivity captive, gave gifts unto men, and filled all things, that there might be in his church some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors and teachers, to the knitting together of the Saints, to the work of the ministery, and building up of the body of Christ, until we all come unto the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, even unto the perfect growth of the stature of Christ: & that we might not be tossed and carried with any blast of doctrine, either by the declining frailty of our own corruption, or by the exercised subtlety of our adversary. This ministery is called the ministery, 2. Cor. 18. 19 and embassage of peace & reconciliation, which the Lord hath put in the mouths of all his ministers, that being Legates and Ambassadors instead of Christ, as if God himself entreated us by them, it might be said unto us in the name of Christ, be ye reconciled unto God. Math. 5. 13. 14. These are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. For the same God, which in the beginning, 2. Cor. 4. 6. commanded light to shine out of darkness, is he that shineth in the hearts of his servants, that they might give forth the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. Who himself saith, that as Moses lift up the serpent in the desert, john. 3. 14. so must the Son of man be lift up, that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And S. Paul saith, that the Gospel preached, Gal. 3. 1. is a most lively painting out of Christ before our eyes, 1. Cor. 2. 23. and a visible crucifying of him in our sight. And though it be counted of the world foolishness, and esteemed as over weak a means to so great a work, Rom. 1. 16. yet is it the mighty power of GOD unto salvation, 1. Cor. 1. 21. and the high wisdom of the Lord, by the foolishness whereof, 1. Cor. 1. those shallbe saved that believe. It is the Gospel of Christ, and the same preached, wherewith it pleaseth the Father, to beget us again unto himself, jac. 1. 18. that we might be the first fruits of his creatures: being borne a new, 1. Pet. 1. 23. 25. not of mortal seed, but of immortal, by the word of God, which word abideth for ever: and the same is it, saith S. Peter, which is preached. This is that most excellent form of Doctrine, whereunto the Lord hath committed us to be taught, Rom. 6. 17. that being obedient thereunto, we might be delivered, not only from the guiltiness of sin, but also from the servitude and bondage of the same. As the Spirit of God, first beginneth to work faith in our hearts by the word of the Gospel preached, so doth he continued, nourish, confirm, & increase faith in us, by the self same means. Wherefore S. Peter exhorteth us, that as new borne babes we should long after, that sincere milk of the word, that by it we may grow up: and coming unto Christ, which is the lively stone, 1. Pet. 2. 2. 5. ourselves also, as living stones, may be built up a spiritual house unto God, 1. Pet. 2. 2. 5. and made an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable unto God through Jesus Christ. And when we are passed the age of our infancy in Christ, the same word preached is our sound & fast meat, wherewith the Lord still feedeth us in his family, 1. Cor. 3. 2. until that, Heb. 5. 13. 14. having finished the course of this life, and ended the days of our pilgrimage and warfare in this world, he take us home into his own kingdom. Unto the word of the Gospel preached, Sacraments. for the more strengthening & confirming of our faith, in the assurance of our salvation by Christ, it hath pleased God, in like wisdom and goodness towards us, knowing our weakness, and pitying our infirmity, to add the use of two holy Sacraments, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord, The Sacrament of Baptism, Baptism. is an holy sign & seal, john. 1. 33. annexed by God himself, unto the promises of the Gospel, to witness and pledge unto us, the forgiveness and washing away of our sins in the sacrifice of the death of Christ: Act. 2. 38. and our justification before the Majesty of Gal. 3. 27. God, in the perfection of his obedience: also our engrafting into that body, whereof Christ is the head, Ephesi. 4. 16. from whom streameth the fountains of life and grace, into all his members. Further that being baptised into his death, Rom. 6. 3. we shall by the power thereof die unto sin, and by the power of his rising again, be ourselves raised up in a new creature, to walk before him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life, Luke. 1. 75. and that we shall be raised up in the last day out of the dust of earth, 1. Cor. 15. 29. 23. and meet the Lord in the air, and devil with him for ever. In the mean time, that as we are by one Sacrament of Baptism, Ephe. 4. 4. coupled unto one head: so we should consent together, in unity of spirit, preserving the same by the bond of peace, endeavouring those things which first appertain unto the glory of God, and then not seeking every one his own in private, 1. Cor. 10. 24. but as members of one body, mutually the edifying and profit one of another. The Supper of the Lord, The Supper of our Lord being a seal of the same promises, john 6. 51. further witnesseth and sealeth unto our consciences, that Christ is that bread of life, john. 6. 51. which came down from Heaven, and fountain of salvation, of which, who so tasteth shall live for ever. And that as truly as our bodies by natural means, are made partakers of the creatures of bread & wine, unto the nourishment of this present life: so our souls, by the hand and mouth of faith, through the power of the spirit of God, are made partakers of the body and blood of Christ, that, he dwelling in our hearts by faith, Ephesi. 2. we might become bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, unto the assured hope of everlasting salvation. Ephesi. 5. 30. Also in this Sacrament, is not only confirmed unto us, the mystical union between Christ and his Church, but also taught us, 1. Cor. 10. 17. what unity and love aught to be amongst us, which being all partakers of one bread, and one wine, are first coupled unto one head Jesus Christ, as members of his body, and then mutually made members one of another. Unto the worthy receiving of this holy Sacrament, it is required that we should examine ourselves, 1. Cor. 11. 28. first how we have profited under the word in the knowledge of the mysteries of our redemption. Secondly, what comfort we have received, by applying the same unto our own consciences. Thirdly, what grief we have conceived in heart, for our sins past, and what hatred and detestation of all that is contrary unto the will of God: what purpose we have, the rest of our life to cease from sin, and to follow after righteousness, 2. Th●s. 3. 1. that the Gospel may be glorified in us which do profess it. Last of all, whether as we assure ourselves of peace with God in Jesus christ, Rom. 5. 1. so we be at peace with our brethren, Matth. 5. 23. reconciling ourselves unto those whom we have offended: and forgiving unto others the offences, they have committed against us, Ephe. 4. 32. even as freely as we would the Lord should forgive us. The fifth proposition, of the effects of faith. Let him departed from iniquity, whosoever nameth the name of Christ. 2. Tim. 2. 19 Who so is in Christ jesus, is a new creature. 2. Cor. 5. 17. ALbeit the whole work of our salvation stand sound and perfect unto us in all respects, without ourselves in Jesus Christ, so that we may boldly say with Saint Paul, being then justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 5. 1. and do glory in hope of the glory of God: Yet is not Christ the minister of sin, Gal. 1. 17. nor the Gospel a doctrine, Rom. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. that giveth liberty unto evil: but contrariwise the death of Christ, is of power in those that believe in him, to 'cause them to die unto sin, and to be mortified in the old Adam of this flesh, with the lusts and concupiscences of the same. And the Gospel teacheth us, that the true members of Christ, Rom. 8. 1. must and do walk, not after the flesh, but after the spirit, 1. Cor. 6. 20. offering up themselves, Rom. 12. their souls and bodies, and all that they have, an holy and acceptable sacrifice of spiritual worship unto God: enquiring to know, and labouring to perform, that good perfect and acceptable will of God, revealed in his word. Also the same spirit, which is called the spirit of adoption, because it teacheth us to cry, Abba father, and beareth witness unto our spirits, that we are the children of God, and heirs of his kingdom, being the seal, Ephe. 1. 13. wherewith he hath sealed us, and the gage, whereby he hath pledged unto us all his promises of mercy in Christ, is also the spirit of mortification, whereby is mortified in us the works of the flesh, our old Adam being crucified with Christ in his Cross: Rom. 6. 6. and the spirit of sanctification, and of our new birth, quickening in us a new creature, and fashioning us again after image of God, Luke. 1. 70. to walk before him in righteousness and true holiness all the days of our life. Also this doctrine is both taught and sealed unto us, yea the truth and effect thereof exhibited and performed, in the use of the holy Sacraments, Rom. 6. which both of them teach us to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness, & assure us, that as the Gospel was preached unto the fathers, with this effect, that they might be condemned according unto men, that is, in the flesh, 1. Pet. 4. 6. but live according unto God, that is, in the spirit: so the same shall be accomplished, in all the true members of Christ, Rom. 6. 3. the one by the power of his death, the other by the power of his resurrection: which thing aught not a little to comfort and encourage us, in that great and dangerous conflict, with the flesh, the world, and the devil: when we know that our victory standeth not in our own strength, which is none, but in the invincible power of him, which came to destroy the works of Satan, and in whose cross our old man is so mortified, Rom. 6. 6. as the body of sin is weakened in us, which do believe. Unto whom also he hath given that spirit to devil in us, whereby he hath promised to quicken our mortal bodies, Rom. 8. 11. which now in part are subdued under sin. The sixth proposition, of the rule of righteousness. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet, and a light unto my paths. Psal. 119. 105. The commandment is a lantern, and the law a light▪ and reprehensions for instruction are the way of life. Prou. 6. 23. THe rule of holiness and obedience, is not our own will, nor lusts and affections of our corrupt and cursed nature, which evermore rebelleth against God: Rom. 7. 7. nor the examples and manners of men, or customs and fashions of the world: but only that most good, perfect and accepable will of God, Rom. 12. 3. commended and commanded unto us in his law: which must in all things be the light unto our feet, Psal. 119. 105. and the lantern unto our paths, Heb. 12. to direct us to walk with him, and before his majesty, so as we may please him with reverence and carefulness: which is the second use of the law of God. This law of GOD requireth at our hands, that we honour, love, fear, and obey him in all things, and above all, that we trust in him, The first commandment. flee unto him in all our needs, calling upon him only, and acknowledging him to be the creator and governor of all things. That we worship him, The second commandment. not with our own inventions, or blind devotions, nor with the doctrines of men, or after the example of others: but only with that worship, which he himself hath prescribed unto us in his word, 1. Thes. 4. 4. without adding thereunto or taking from it. That we have, The third commandment. and use in most high reverence his holy name, word and works, & whatsoever else he is known unto us by, that we know him to be the searcher of all hearts, the rewarder of all sincerity and truth, and the revenger of all hypocrisy, blasphemy, false and vain swearing, with all other prophaninges and abusings of his most blessed name and religion. That we sanctify the lords Sabbath, The fourth commandment. not doing therein our own will, nor walking our own ways, Esai. 58. 13. nor speaking our own words, but ceasing from the honest labours of our lawful callings (much more from vain and hurtful pastimes, Stage plays, Dicing, carding, etc.) that with all liberty, and quietness, both of mind & body, we may with our families attend upon those public exercises of religion, which the Lord hath in wisdom and mercy, appointed for his own worship, and for our edifying: Assembling ourselves together, to hear his holy word, learn and lay up the same in our hearts, for the ordering of our lives, celebrated his holy sacraments, and with one heart and one voice, call upon his name, rendering unto his majesty, most humble and hearty thanks, for all mercies hitherto bestowed upon us, and craving new benefits and blessings at his hands necessary for us and his whole Church, 1. Tim. 4. 8 both for this present life, and also for the life to come. The second table of the law requireth, that we should love our neighbours as ourselves. The fifth commandment containeth those duties, The fifth commandment. which appertain unto our several callings, commanding children, that they honour, love, Children. obey, and relieve their parents, remembering that the Lord hath made them instruments of great mercies unto their children. Parents, Parents. that beside natural duties of nourishment, and providing for them in earthly things, they bring them up, not in idleness, wantonness, and vanity, but in the fear and nurture of the Lord, Ephe. 6. 4. teaching them his ways in their youth, Prou. 22. 6. that they may not forsake them in their age, & training them in such honest exercises of labour, or study, as whereby they may be prepared, to serve the Lord in his Church, or in the common weal, for his glory, and the profit of his people: Chastising them with the rod of correction, Prou. 22. 15. that both foolishness may be chased out of their hearts, Pro. 23. 13. 14. and their souls preserved from death: Also in wisdom when necessity shall require, provide for them the remedy of their incontinency, commanded of the Lord, which is Marriage. 1. Cor. 7. 36. Servants, Servants. that they be humbly subject unto their bodily masters in all things, Ephe. 6. 5. in the Lord, Col. 3. 22. serving them with all quietness diligence and faithfulness, jos. 24. 15. as in the sight of God. masters, Masters. that they with their families serve the Lord, teaching & instructing them in all the will of God, and knowledge of their salvation. ●en. 18. 19 Ministering unto them all necessary and just things, for their honest maintenance, correcting in them, Col. 4. 1. as well the offences committed against God, as those committed against themselves. Wives, Wives. that they bear themselves reverently, and obediently, towards their husbands, in all things, adorning themselves, not outwardly in the body, with gold and precious attire, but in the inward man of the mind, with humility, 1. Pet. 3. 4. modesty, quietness of spirit, soberness, chastity, etc. Husbands, that they love their wives, as their own bodies, Husbands. dwelling with them according unto knowledge: giving honour unto the woman, Ephe. 5. 28. as unto the weaker vessel, 1. Pet. 3. 7. seeing they are heirs together of the grace of life, that their prayers be not hindered. Subjects, that they yield all honour, Subjects. obedience and tribute, unto their magistrates, not only for fear, but also for conscience, as unto the ministers of God, Rom. 13. 4. whom he hath set over them, for their great and singular benefit. Magistrates, Magistrates. that their songs be continually of mercy and judgement, Psal. 101. 1. ruling the lords people committed unto their charge in all peace, godliness and honesty, punishing the wicked and rewarding the weldoer, 1. Tim. 2. 2. defending the innocent, stranger, fatherless, widow, and him that hath none to help him, job. 29. 12. breaking the jaw of the unrighteous man, Levit. 17. 19 15. and taking the pray out of his mouth: finally, not respecting any man's person, without all corruption to administer justice, 2. Cron. 19 6. remembering that judgement is the Lords. The people, People. that they be obedient unto their pastors and Teachers, Heb. 13. 17. submitting themselves first unto the Lord, and then also unto them, which watch for their souls, Ezech. 3. 18. and shall tender an account for their blood: that they may labour the work of the lords vineyard, with joy, and not with mourning, Gal. 6 6. for that is unprofitable: communicating also with them, all good things, sowing by this means unto the spirit, that thence they may reap eternal life. Gal. 6. 8. Ministers, Ministers. that they be faithful disposers of the mysteries of God, 1. Cor. 4. 1. even the treasures of his kingdom committed unto their trust; careful, and painful in the labour of the lords harvest, setting always before their eyes, that terrible day of God's judgement: and thereby, as also by the love of Christ, 2. Cor. 5. 11. 14. to be constrained, to bring men unto the faith: not seeking themselves and their own, but Jesus Christ, and then those that be his, that they may be saved: feeding the Church of Christ, not with the doctrines of men, but with the pure and sincere milk of the Gospel of God. Not in ostentation of any gift, 1. Pet. 2. nor desiring to please men, 1. Cor. but to approve themselves unto every conscience, 2. Cor. in the sight of God, with all singleness of heart, and simplicity of speech, 1. Cor. delivering the word of life, joining spiritual things with spiritual things, as becometh. Finally, all estates and conditions of men, that learning their several duties out of the word of God, they reverently humble themselves unto the obedience of the same. The sixth commandment forbiddeth The sixth commandment. all murder and shedding of innocent blood, all fight, quarrelling, and provoking one an other, all hatred, malice, envy, and desire of revenge: Also, Rom. 12. 19 it commandeth all the duties of compassion, in saving, defending, and relieving the person, life, and health of our neighbour. The seventh, forbiddeth all uncleanness, both of body and mind, The seventh commandment. in deed, word, gesture, or behaviour whatsoever: that we assault not the chastity of any, nor be accessary unto their filthiness: 1. Thes. 4. 4. It commandeth us to keep our vessels in honour, 1. Cor. 6. 15. 19 as the members of Christ, and temples of the holy Ghost, that we may sanctify the Lord, 1. Cor. 6. 15. 19 both in our souls and in our bodies, which are the Lords: and for the relief of our incontinency, to marry, only in the Lord The eight, forbiddeth all robbing & stealing, The eight commandments. all oppression & hard dealing, all injury and wrong, Ephes. 4. howsoever it be coloured with Law: all withdrawing and withholding of that appertaineth to another: all fraud, deceit, and cozenage in word, weight, measure, ware, all covetousness and greediness of earthly things, commandeth us to acknowledge and reverence the wisdom and goodness of God, in dispensing and bestowing these outward things: to be content the Lord distribute his blessing as liketh himself, to walk faithfully and diligently in our callings, Ephe. 4. 28. labouring with our hands the thing that is good, to be instructed how to want and how to abound, Phil. 4. 11. 12. and in all things to be content with our present estate, waiting with patience upon the good providence of God, in all our necessities. And according unto the measure we have received, to bear ourselves faithful stewards and distributers of the several graces of God, 1. Pet. 4. 10. for his glory, & the benefit of our brethren. The ninth forbiddeth all false witness bearing in judgement or otherwise, all slandering, The ninth commandment. backbiting talecarying, discrediting, and dishonouring of others, all lying, scoffing, jesting, vain, & unsavoury speeches, flattering, dissembling and feigning, all uncovering the secrets of our brethren. All boasting, vaunting of ourselves or others. It commandeth us, to maintain honour and credit of all, and those especially, to whom the Lord hath committed any part of government, either in his church or in the common wealth: In all our speeches to be just, simple, modest, and loving. etc. The tenth forbiddeth the very motions of sin, The tenth commandment. even the lusts and concupiscences of our cursed nature, that they never rise up against the Lord, but that we subdue them in their first assault, lest if we receive the temptation with delight, we be further seduced, by the subtlety of sin, both to consent unto the evil, and to attempt and accomplish the same. The seventh proposition Rom. 7. 14. The Law is spiritual, but we are carnal, even sold to be subject unto sin. Gal. 5. 17. The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit, against the flesh. etc. TRue it is, that we are not able of ourselves, Rome 6. 14. so much as to think any good thought, jacob. 4. 5 much less to perform any part of that righteousness, which the Law requireth. But this is our comfort, that we are not now under the Law, but under grace, & although the Scripture saith not in vain, that the Spirit, which is in us, lusteth after envy, yet it offereth greater grace, because it saith: God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. This grace worketh first, that we know the will of God, and discern that which is contrary thereunto. Secondly, that we have a will desirous and studious of God's glory and profit of our brethren in the accomplishing of his commandments: Rom. 2. 18. Thirdly also some power through the spirit, Rom. 7. 18. to hate and forsake that, Tit. 3. 8. 14. which is evil, and to love and follow that, which is good, that our faith may become fruitful, our love laborious, and our hope patient, 1. Thes. 1. 3. through that communion, which we have with Christ, in the power of his death, Rom. 7. 4. and of his rising again. For if we be truly come unto Christ, and coupled with him, the old husband of our corruption by whom we brought forth fruit unto death, is crucified with Christ in his cross, that we might be espoused unto an other, even the new man, which is raised up from the dead, to bring forth fruit unto God. Neither have we now only a commandment unto righteousness and holiness of life: but there is given us a new spirit, by which we are regenerated and renewed in the spirit of our minds, to offer up ourselves in soul and body, an holy, acceptable, & lively sacrifice unto God. And whereas the flesh evermore rebelleth against the spirit, Rom. 12. 1● even in the children of God, we have received promises of aid & assistance in this conflict, yea of victory and triumph over all our enemies. And that we might with boldness come unto our God for aid and defence, we have entrance by Christ, even unto his mercy seat, and have received that spirit, Rom. 8. 26. which in this part helpeth our infirmity, and stirreth up in us those groanings, which no tongue is able to express, teaching us to cry Abba father, and to call upon him in all our necessities, and to ask all good things at his hands, 1. Tim. 4. 8. who hath made us promises, both of this life, and of the life to come: knowing this, that he, that hath not spared to give unto us his only begotten Son, Rom. 8. 32. will also with him give us all things, which in his wisdom he seeth to be needful for us. Our help therefore is in the name of the Lord, Which is as an invincible tower, Prou. 18. 10. whereunto the righteous fleeth, & is delivered. Also we know, who it is, that hath said: ask, and ye shall receive: seek, & ye shall find: Matth. 7. 7. knock and it shall be opened unto you: even he, which sitteth at the right hand of his father, and maketh intercession for us. When we pray, Rom. 8. 34. we must pray only unto God, only in the name of Jesus Christ, only for good things, only to a good end, with our hearts, and not only with lips: disposing ourselves reverently and religiously, as in the presence of God's majesty: touched with the want of that we ask: and grieved with the burden and fear of that we pray against: being assured that the Lord heareth our prayers & will in his own good appointed time grant our requests, as in his wisdom he knoweth to be expedient for his own glory and for our salvation. There are many notable examples of this manner of praying, in the holy scriptures, especially in the book of the Psalms, framed according to the divers estates and affections of the Servants of GOD. Let us therefore after their example, examining our selves before the Lord, in mind, body, and outward conditions of this life, according to our present feeling & sense thereof, make our humble and unfeigned supplications in his presence, for ourselves, and for all men, Gal. 6. 10. especially them that are of the household of faith, concluding & sealing up all our prayers with that form of petition, which our saviour Christ himself hath taught. Our father which art in Mat. 6. 9 Heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven: give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them, that trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The eight proposition. What other helps there are unto godliness and well-doing commended unto us in the word. THe Lord our GOD knowing the frailty of our corrupt and cursed nature, the deceitfulness of sin, the power, rage and subtleties of Satan, hath in wisdom and mercy for their further help appointed in his word two kinds of discipline unto his servants. The one private, the other public, unto the first appertaineth all the exercises of repentance, and godliness commended unto us either in precept or example of the holy scriptures. As our daily consulting with the word and laws of God, which to be unto us, as they were unto David the men of our counsel the continual examining of our ways, Psal. 119. 56. 60. & turning our feet unto the lords testimonies, our careful and diligent hasting, 2. Cor. 7. 11. and not delaying to keep his commandments The grieving of ourselves with our sins past, Heb. 12. 1. the fear of sin present, which is ready to intrapp us, the wise & circumspect preventing of sin to come, the subduing of the flesh, and bring it in subjection, after the manner of the Apostle with revenge 1. Cor. 9 27. taken upon our corruption for the mortifying of the same, by withdrawing the baits, provocations, and occasions of evil, sobriety and the pure and chaste use of all the good blessings of God: abstinence, even from lawful pleasures and profits, when they are either offensive unto others, or hurtful unto ourselves, as otherwise, so by bringing us under the bondage & servitude of earthly things, which all of them are ordained unto corruption. 1. Cor. 6. 12. Fasting, which the Scripture calleth the afflicting of the soul, Psal. 39 2. joined with continual and earnest prayer unto God. job. 31. 1. Making covenant with our mouths, that they shall not speak evil, and with our eyes, that they shall not behold vanity, imitating the virtues and godliness of the faithful, using holy company and conference with them. Hating detesting and abhorring the ways of the wicked, shunning and eschewing all consulting and conversation with them. Not ceasing our conflict against sin, Heb. 12. 4. even until blood, but casting of the old man, Rom. 8. 13. and mortifying the works of the flesh by the spirit, Ephe. 5. 8. and 11. 9 to put on the new man with the works and armour of light, to serve the Lord according to his word. They which through want of knowledge, or weakness of the mind, are not sufficient unto the well governing and brideiing of themselves, must as the Lord hath commanded be instructed, and strengthened by others: that either by merciful admonition and exhortation, they may be recovered from sin: or else may be saved by terrors and threats of the judgements of God, being thereby as it were by violence, taken out of the fire of destruction. Unto this appertaineth that notable exhortation of the Apostle: jud. 22. Let us observe and mark one another (not unto envy or occasion of sin) but to stir up ourselves mutually, Heb. 10. 24. and even to whet one an other, unto the duties of charity, and to all good works. The other kind of discipline is public, consisting of three parts. First of the preaching of the law, which is as a two edged sword in the hand of God's ministers, to offer up his people an holy and blameless sacrifice unto his majesty, not only opening our eyes, that we may see and know, Psal. 90. what is that good perfect and acceptable will of the Lord, but also through the working of the holy Ghost converting our souls and fashioning them after the image & similitude of him that made them. Secondly, admonitions, exhortations and counsels ministered by such persons, as the Lord hath appointed for the oversight of their brethren. Thirdly, of conventing of the offenders before the Church in open congregation to be judicially admonished, or according unto the quality and degree of their offence, forbidden the Supper of the Lord, or cut of from the Church, until by remorse of sin with smart and shame of punishment laid upon them for the same, they shall with certain testimonies of true and unfeigned repentance, humbly desire to be restored unto their former estate, amongst the people of God. The weakness of conscience must often times be holpen by civil punishment publicly or privately, to be executed by magistrates, parents, masters, and others, whom the Lord God hath authorised and armed with the sword of justice, and rod of correction, not for the profit only of such as offend, but also for the example & terror of others, that at lest by awe of punishment, they may fear to do evil. For as indulgence and impunity nourisheth & increaseth wickedness (as Solomon saith) and wicked men: Eccle. 8. 11. so godly severity of punishment chaseth away sin, and lessoneth the number of offenders. In punishing it must be remembered, that it be not dumb and silent, but joined with doctrine, admonition, & exhortation, that the force thereof may work the more in the heart of the offenders. It may not be the revenge of our private grief, but of the dishonour of the name of God, & of the breach of his holy commandments. It must be joined with calling upon the name of the Lord, that as it is his good ordinance, so it may be both given and received according to his will, and blessed by his spirit, to the reforming of those, that have done amiss, and forewarnings of others. jos. 7. 19 Finally all means are to be used, that the conscience of the offender may be touched with the horror of his sin and fear of God's justice: that we may clear ourselves of all corruption, 2. Cor. 7. 11. by directing the punishment not against the person, but against the sin: being grieved, that we are compelled to fly to that extreme remedy, josu. 7. 25. and yet to do it, with á godly courage and zeal, as carried with most just hatred and indignation against sin, Unto the abating of the rage of our corrupt and degenerate nature, 2. Cor. 4. 16. the Lord yieldeth us no small help by afflictions and adversities, which therefore are called chastisements and corrections, because we are thereby reformed: as the Prophet saith: before I was corrected, I went astray, but now I have kept thy commandments. In so much as he professeth, that it was good for him, that he had been afflicted, and acknowledgeth, that of very truth the Lord had chastened him: meaning thereby, that as the Lord hath covenanted with his people all good things, so is it also a part of his covenant, Heb. 12. 6. to punish and correct his children, as he knoweth to be expedient for them: 1. Cor. 11. 31. the reason whereof is rendered by the Apostle, For if we judged ourselves, we should not be punished: but when we are punished, we are nurtured of the Lord, that we might not be condemned with the world. The end of all is, that the works of Satan in the corruption of our nature, with the fruits of the same, might utterly be abolished, and▪ that the image of God, not blemished only, but even canceled and defaced by the fall of Adam, might be renewed and repaired in us. The first happeneth unto us in the dissolution of this earthly tabernacle, from which time we sin no more, as appeareth by that vehement and lamentable exclamation of Saint Paul: Miserable man that I am, Rom. 7. 24. would God I were delivered from this body of death. The second, though begun & increased in this life, shall not be fully accomplished, until our Saviour Christ return from heaven, Th●● 1. 10. be made glorious in his Saints. For albeit we are now the children of God, 1. john. 3. 2. it hath not yet appeared, what we shall be, but our life is hid with Christ in God, and we know, that when Christ, which is our life, shall be made manifest, we also shall be made manifest with him in glory. Colos. 3. 3. 4. Then shall we be clothed with that glorious tabernacle, not made with hands, eternal in heaven: then shall mortality be devoured of immortality: 2. Cor. 5. 1. 4. then shall Christ, who already is crowned with glory and honour, Heb. 2. 9 return our redeemer from heaven, and change our vile bodies, Phil. 3. 20. 21. that they may be made like unto his glorious body, according unto that power, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Then shall it be accomplished, which is written, 1. Cor. 15. 54. death is swallowed up in victory, O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? For the strength of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be unto God, who hath given us victory by Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore let us be strong and immovable in the truth, abounding always in the work of the Lord, seeing we know, that our labour is not in vain in the Lord: But the day of our redemption shall once appear, wherein the trumpets shall blow, and the dead shall rise, those that are found alive shall be changed, 1. Thes. 4. 16. and we all which believe, shall meet the Lord in the air, and so reign with him in glory for ever, which time should long since have come upon the world, 2. Pet 3. 9 saving that the Lord is patient to usward, and will not that any of us should perish, and not of us only, which now live, but of those also, which shallbe raised up in posterity after us, whom he hath likewise appointed unto salvation, Heb. 11. 40. and will in his good time call by the ministery of his Gospel, lest we without them should be consecrated in that glory, whereunto he hath redeemed us. The Lord therefore in mercy hasten the fulfiling of the number of his elect, that the days of sin may cease, and that our saviour Christ, as he appeared in the fullness of time with a sacrifice for sin, so may now again, Heb. 9 28. when all things shall be accomplished, appear without sacrifice unto the salvation of all those, that wait for his return to judge the quick and the dead. 1. Cor. 15. 24. 18. That rendering up the kingdom unto his father God may be all in al. And that we in the mean time walking as Pilgrims & strangers in this world holding forth the light of the holy word of God and bearing ourselves as heavenly Citizens, Phil. 3. 20. may have a safe and joyful passage ever lifting up our heads with the rest of his creatures, Rom. 8. and with joy and gladness look for the glorious return of that great God our Saviour Christ, Tit. 2. unto our full and perfect redemption. And in all temptations & trials whatsoever, may find the present hand of the Lord, 1. Pet. 1. 4. ready for our deliverance, to preserve us by his power unto that inheritance, which cannot perish, nor be defiled, nor fade away reserved for us in heaven, Acts 3. 21 which also waiteth as ready to be revealed upon us in the last time, when all things shallbe restored. To the Reader. If happily this little treatise shall seem needless, amongst so many of like argument: it may please thee (gentle reader) to understand, that the purpose of the author in publishing hereof, was especially to help the memory, meditation, and practise of those, to whom the doctrine herein contained, hath been by the ministry of preaching, in the same order more at large declared.