A CATECHISM briefly opening the mystery of our redemption by Christ, having the ●ro●es of every point so annexed, and joined under every answer, that the ruder sort of people, may be much furthered thereby, if they would use a little diligence and endeavour to commit it to memory, or be much conversant in reading thereof, or if they cannot read in hearing it read by others, unto knowledge, and godliness. Philipp. 1.9.10. And this I pray, that your Love may yet more and more abound in knowledge and all judgement, that ye may know things which differ, that ye may be sincere, and go forward in a blameless course until the day of Christ. Proverb. 3.13.14.15. Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise thereof is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof is better than gold, it is more precious than pearls, and all that thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Seen and allowed by authority. Printed by W. How, for Henry Car, and are to be sold at the Blazing star in Paul's Churchyard. To the Right worshipful master Henry Warner Esquire, & the virtuous Gentlewoman his wife, T.S. wisheth grace, and mercy from God, through Christ jesus, and daily supply of all godliness, and virtue, the right directors to, and augmentors of all true worship. THe Lord (Right worshipful) the most wise disposer of all actions, having given unto me his least able minister, an entrance into the Town of Mildenhall, to publish there in the cares of that great people, according to his grace bestowed upon me, his glorious Gospel: I was straightway, after I had some knowledge of their state, moved with compassion towards them, and framed myself so near as I could, to use such a familiar, and plain kind of teaching, as I thought to serve most for their understanding and capacity. And although I had not granted unto me, (which was never yet granted to any faithful minister) to please, & approve my doings to all: yet a few scorners set apart, which seem as the Prophet speaketh, E●●●●● To have made a covenant with death, and to be at an agreement with hell, being more devout to serve Bacchus, than the true God: and therefore can like of no Prophet, except such, as saith an other Scripture, Can walk in a liing spirit, Mich. 2.11. and prophesy unto them of wine, and strong drink: And a few other which being altogether worldly minded, be frozen in their dregs; which seem to have made their large Fen their God; it pleased God to make the rest, likers & allowers of the holy doctrine, wishing to have the same continued amongst them, and willing to impart something of their substance unto the disposer, towards his maintenance and living. In the behalf of these, (Sir) I do unfeignedly thank & bless God the Father, Lord of heaven and earth, by his Son Christ, conceiving no small hope, through his blessing, of their more increasing and growing in faith and godliness, which God grant unto them for his Christ his sake Amen In the behalf of those, I do earnestly pray, enforcing myself in all my doctrine, jude. 23. as the Apostle Jude saith, to save them with fear, and to pull them out of the fire, wishing that at any time God would give them repentance, that they may come to amendment, out of the snare of the Devil. But if they will not hear this, My soul shall weep in secret for their pride, jerem. 13.17 (as the Prophet speaketh) & mine eye shall weep & drop down tears to see God's judgements upon them. And now if I might speak of your worship without suspicion of flattery, & coorying of favour, by your diligent attending upon the hearing, accompanied always with your virtuous wife, most godlily likewise disposed to hear the holy word of God, and so much as might be your whole family And by your good countenance most cheerfully showed unto me, a poor minister of God, that I may not speak of other your beneficence towards me, you most evidently declared, not only what love yourself had unto the truth of God, that is his word, & his pure and holy worship, but also your care by your godly example to draw others to like and allow of the same, that so Christ jesus might be entertained & his kingdom erected at Mildenhall. And I cannot forget how (which did declare your desire and care to have the word of God's grace, that is the Gospel continued at Mildenhall, for the salvation of the people) you spoke to the Right honourable the Lord North, coming over to his house at Mildenhall, not only to show me his favourable countenance, for my continuance at Mildenhal, but also to procure me a more ample, and large salary and stipend: which thing his Honour, of his godly disposition unto Religion, was willing to do. In consideration of these things, as they concern God's glory, first I give God hearty thanks: Secondly as they concern the help of me his Minister, not otherwise knowing how to requite any way your Worship's good will, as a testimony of a grateful mind, I bestow upon your Worship, & the virtuous Gentlewoman your wife, a little Catechism, which I have lately made, in my small judgement, not altogether unfit (for indeed I laboured to make it fit) for the state of the inhabitants of Mildenhall, not for any great use of yourselves (for I verily persuade myself, that you have not now need to learn the first principles of the word of God, but are able to digest much stronger meat,) but for the use of your babes, your two sons, and daughter, and others which afterwards it may please God to give, and bless you withal, whom I do not doubt, to be instructed in the principles of Religion, so soon as they have laid away their stammering tongues, according to God's commandment given to all parents, Deut. 6.7. without exception of degree, Psal. 78. ℣ s● 5, 6, 7. Ephes. 6.4. and condition in the world it will be unto you both, no little care and study: which that it may be so, I shall daily pray. Accept (good Sir) of this mine enterprise, as I trust you will; And thus I take my leave, beseeching God that ye do none evil, that his good graces may be multiplied upon you, and that your whole spirit, soul, and body, may be kept blameless unto the coming of our Lord jesus Christ. Your worships in all godly dutifulness most ready Thomas Settle. To the Christian Reader, and especially to the inhabitants of Mildenhall in the County of Suffolk, for whose cause chief this little Catechism was written, grace, mercy, and peace. AFter so many Catechisms of so many good and godly men had been already published in our Church, if thou demandest why now I do adventure the publishing of this of mine, as though I would seem to accuse them of some negligence, or want in that behalf, or to add unto them: I answer, that my mind was free from any such purpose. But as they, in study and care I do not doubt, to further religion and godliness, did take liberty unto themselves, in form as they be extant, to frame and set forth theirs, so have I done. They have written some largely, some briefly, and some have kept a mean between long and short, and I have laboured, if not to be the briefest, yet to come as near it as I might. They some have quoted for confirmation in their margin, some have omitted quotations, and some have proves set forth at large by directions alphabetical; as every one of them thought best, so have they proceeded. I have made proof of every answer immediately upon the answer, and almost made the words of the text the answer, hoping thereby the more to allure the reader and hearer. God make me partaker of my hope, and my godly brethren of theirs. And thou (good Reader) remember, in the bowels of Christ I beseech thee, that the more pains I & my brethren bestow for thine instruction by preaching & writing, the more and grievous shall be thy condemnation if thou profit not by it, which thing would be our grief. Consider what I say, & the Lord give thee understanding. Thine in Christ, Th. Settle. ¶ A CATECHISM, briefly unfolding the mystery of our redemption by Christ, with other necessary points of Divinity thereunto annexed. Question. WHO made you, and to what end were you made? Answer. God, & for his glory (as saith the Prophet Esay) chapter 43. I created him for my glory, Esay. 43. ℣ se 7.21. formed him and made him. Quest. What is God? Ans. Even as (proclaiming his own name in Exodus 34.) be describeth himself, Exod. 34. ℣ s. 5.6. saying: The Lord, the Lord, strong merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in goodness and truth, reserving mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin and not making the wicked innocent. In the fourth of the gospel after john▪ he is said to be a spirit. john. 4.24. Exod. 6.3. jehova what it doth signify. In Exodus the sixth, he calleth his own name jehovah, which is as much to say, as one that hath his being of himself: which name importeth his everlastingness. Qu. What can you say further concerning God? An. Verily that he is three distinct persons, that is, Father, Son, and holy ghost, and yet in substance one God only. As john the Apostle evidently teacheth in the fift chap. of his first Epistle, saying: 1. john. 5. v. 7. For there are three which bear record in heaven, the Father, the word, and the holy Ghost: and these three are one. Qu. How do you prove that the holy Ghost is God? An. In 28. of Matthew, Math. 8.19. Christ commandeth to baptise in the name of the holy Ghost. Now this is certain, the baptism is to be ministered in no name, 1. Cor. 1. vers. 14.15. but in the name of God. But it being commanded to be ministered in the name of the holy ghost, doth manifestly prove that the holy Ghost is God. In the 5. of the Acts, Peter saith unto Ananias: Act. 5. vers. 3.4.5. Why hath Satan filled thine heart that thou shouldest lie to the Holy Ghost? etc. How is it thou hast conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. This place also proveth in plain words that the Holy ghost is God. Qu. You said even now that God made you, and you showed to what end: show now in what state he made you? An. According to his own image, that is to say, in righteousness and true holiness, as Paul expoundeth it in the 4. to the Ephesians, Ephes. 4.24. calling it being repaired in Gods elect by the spirit, in other words the new man. Qu. Do you continue in that state of righteousness and true holiness wherein you were at the first by God created? An. No verily: For Paul witnesseth in the 3. to the Romans, Rom. 3.25. that all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. And in the second to the Ephesians the same Apostle saith, Ephes. 2, 3. that they as well as others were by nature the children of wrath. And as David in the 51. psalm confesseth, so may all others, ●sal. 51, 5. that they were conceived and borne in sin. Qu. You said even now that you were made after the Image of God righteous and holy, and now ye confess that ye were borne a sinner: how can this be? Ans. Adam the first man was created after the Image of God righteous & holy, and so I, and all other in him our first parent, were created righteous and holy: But when he by his sin, in eating the forbidden fruit, made himself unrighteous and unholy, than I, and all the world being then in his loins, (for who saith job in the 14. chapter of his book, can bring a clean thing out of filthiness) were made unrighteous and unholy. job. 14.4. And to prove that man was made righteous at the beginning, the Preacher saith in the 7. of his book: Only lo, this have I found, Eccles. 7.27. that God hath made man righteous; But they have sought many inventions: Qu. Do you then affirm that the sin which Adam committed is also your sin? An. Yea verily: for so affirmeth holy Scripture in the 5. to the Romans: By one man's disobedience many (that is all) became sinners. Rom. 5.19. And again in the same chapter. By the offence of one the fault came on all men. Rom. 5.18. Yea, & a little before in the same chapter the apostle saith; that Death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them also that sinned not, Rom. 5.14. after the like manner of the transgression of Adam: he meaneth even the very babes and young sucking children, to be by Adam's sin subject unto death and damnation. Qu. Do you think, that if your sin in Adam in eating the forbidden fruit, were not laid unto your charge, that you should be righteous and holy, and free from sin? An. No verily: for the scripture crieth out every where to the contrary. Our nature was so poisoned thorough Adam's sin, that we can do nothing but sin. As it is written in Genesis the sixth: The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, Genes. 6.5. and all the imaginations of the thoughts of his heart were only evil continually. And Paul confesseth saying in the 7. to the Romans: Rom. 7.12. I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing; for to will is present with me, but I find no means to perform that is good. And again in the 8. to the Romans, it is said, Rom. 8.3. that The Law is weak thorough the flesh, that is to say, that the flesh by reason of the corruption thereof, No free will in man since Adam's fall, or ability to do good. and weakness, is not of ability to perform the Law, which Law was engraven in Adam's heart. Finally, we may all that are descended of Adam's race, cry out as it is in the 130. psalm: Psal. 130.3. If thou (O Lord) straitly markest iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? Qu. What then is the state and condition of you, and all other, through your sin in Adam, and your own daily sins, by reason of your corruption of nature drawn from Adam? An. Most woeful truly & miserable is mine, and the state of all men else in themselves because of sin: for it is written in the 5. to the Romans: Rom. 5.18. By the offence of one the fault came on all men to condemnation. And again in the 2. to the Romans: Tribulation & anguish shallbe upon the soul of every man that doth evil. Rom. 2.9. Qu. Set forth yet more fully the punishment of sin, and the state of condemnation. Qu. In the 30. chapter of isaiah it is said, Tophet (which by a borrowed speech is Hell) is prepared of old, isaiah. 30.33. it is even prepared for the king, he hath made it deep and large, the burning thereof is fire and much wood, the breath of the Lord like a river of brimstone doth kindle it. In the 66. of the same Prophet, isaiah. 66.24. it is also said: And they (that is the godly) shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me, for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched, and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh. In the 8. of Matthew it is said, Math, 8, 12. The children of the kingdom (that is the jews) shallbe cast out into utter darkness, where shallbe weeping and gnashing of teeth. In the 21. of the Revelation it is written, that The fearful, unbelieving, Revel, 21, 8. and abominable shall have their portion in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. In consideration of which extreme punishment, the wicked at the coming of Christ shall say, as it is in the 6. of the Revelation, to the mountains & to the rocks, Fall upon us, Revel, 6, ℣ se 16, 17. & hide us from the presence of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, and who can stand? Qu. O most woeful depth of misery, and cruel calamity because of sin, but is there no mean to avoid this woe? Ans. One only means to escape is provided by God. Acts, 4, 12. Qu. Show what it is? Ans. God straightway after Adam's fall, raised him and all other his elect up again unto hope by the promise of a saviour to vanquish the power of Satan, & to set the enthralled free: as appeareth in Genesis 3. where it is denounced against Satan, Gen, 3, 15. that The seed of the woman should bruise his head. Qu. Did any desert of Adam move God hereunto? An. None at all. It was only God's love, pity, and compassion that procured this salvation: As it is written in the 3 of john's gospel; john 3, 16. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that every one that believeth in him might not perish but have eternal life. And again in Romans 5. Rom, 5. ver, 8 But God setteth out his love towards us, seeing that while we were yet sinners (yea and a little after Enemies) Christ died for us. Qu. What natures were in Christ? An. Two. The nature of man, and the nature of God in one person: As it is proved by these words in Romans 9 Rom. 9, 4. 1, john, 5, 20. Of whom (that is of the Isralites) concerning the flesh Christ came, who is God over all, blessed for ever. Qu. Why was it needful that our Redeemer should be man? An. That God might satisfy his justice in punishing man (as he threatened if his commandment should be broken when he gave it first to Adam) for that which man had offended. Which thing the Apostle seemeth to say in Hebrews 2. where he saith: Heb, 2, verse 14, 15, 16, 17 Forasmuch as the children were partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part with them, that he might destroy through death him that had the power of death (that is the devil) and that he might deliver all them which for fear of death were all their l●fe time subject unto bondage. And Peter saith in the third chapter of his first Epistle: 1. Pet. 3, 18. Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust to bring us to good, Qu. Why was it necessary that our redeemer should be God? An. To the intent that the infirmity of his manhood might be sustained by his Godhead, that so he might overcome death, & the sorrows of death. And therefore it is said in Romans ●. that He was declared mightily to be the son of God, Rom, 1, 4. touching the spirit of sanctification, by his resurrection from the dead. And again the same Apostle saith in 2. 1, Cor, 13, 4. Corinthians chapter 13. For although he was crucified according to his infirmity (that is his Manhood) yet doth he live by the power of God. If he had been but only man, he could not have overcome death, and therefore Peter in the third chapter of his first epistle, ascribeth the quickening of Christ (that is the raising of his body from death) to the spirit, 1. Pet. 3.18. that is to the divine power. Q. Was Christ himself who was borne of a sinful woman, free from the contagion and infection of sin? You alleged out of job the 14. chapter, That none could bring that is pure out of filthiness. An. If Christ had not been free from the infection of sin, be had been unmeet to have ransomed and delivered other there from; And therefore it is said in the 7. to the Hebrews, that Such an high Priest it becomes us to have, Heb. 7.26. as is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, & made higher than the heavens. And in the fift of the 2. to the Corinthians Paul saith; He was made sin for us which knew no sin. 2. Cor, 5, 21. And therefore to the intent he might be free from sin, he was conceived in the womb of the virgin, Luke, 1, 35. as appeareth in the first of Luke, by the holy ghost. Q. Do you think that the bodily death which Christ did suffer, was sufficient to deliver all mankind from the punishment due both to their bodies and souls? A. Notwithstanding that the Scripture oftentimes ascribeth for givenes of sins, & our redemption to the shedding of his blood, as in the first to the Ephesians; By whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Ephes. 1.7. And in the first chap. of the first epistle of Peter: Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, 1. Pet. 1. ℣ se 18, 19 from your vain conversation, received by the traditions of the Fathers: but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb undefiled, and without spot, and many such like places. Yet we are always to understand, that a special part of our redemption consisteth in the sufferings of his soul. For therein he bickered, & had combat with all the powers of hell & damnation, which was due for our sins, the stings, horrors & sorrows (as Peter Acts 2. calleth them) whereof, caused him to sweat drops like water & blood, trickling down from his body: so great was his agony, Luke 22, ●● as Luke in the 22. chapter recordeth, when the angels came to comfort him. Again, upon the cross the wrath of God did so press his soul for our sins, that for extreme anguish this pitiful exclamation was wrested from his mouth; Mat, 27, 49. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Who can think that these strong cryings & tears, as in Hebrews 5. they are termed, Heb, 5, 7. were ever in the Son of God, for & because of a bodily death, which we do see many weak men (yea, which suffer for no good cause amongst us) most constantly to endure. In these his sufferings he hath spoiled death & hell, as it is written in threatening wise; O Death, I will be thy death, O grave, Hosea 13, 14 I will be thy destruction. And again in Collossians 2. 2, 15. And he hath spoiled the principalities and powers, and hath made a show of them openly, and triumphed over them in the same cross. Qu. But now sith none can enjoy the joys of heaven and eternal life, but those that fulfil the will of God, and perfect obedience unto his Law. How shall we poor sinners do in this behalf? An. The goodness of our God hath in this behalf also provided for us, raising up for us a mighty salvation. The Apostle saith in the 4. to the Galathians, that Christ was made under the law, that he might redeem them which were under the law, Gal, 4, v. 4▪ 5. that they might receive the adoption of sons. And again he saith in the second to the Collossians, And you which were dead in sins, 2. ver. 13, 14, 15. and in the uncircumcision of your flesh hath he quickened together with him, (that is Christ) forgiving all your trespasses, and putting out the hand writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, he even took it out of the way, and fastened it unto his cross. Again, 1 Rom, 10, 4 in Romans the 10. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness unto every one that believeth. 1, Cor, 1, 30. Lastly in 1. Corinthians 1. it is said, that Christ is made of God our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, & redemption (that is to say) that whatsoever we have need of to the obtaining of eternal life & salvation, we have it in him as in a full fraught and plentiful storehouse. Qu. Doth this salvation pertain to all, and shall all be partakers of the same? An. The salvation is offered to all, but none shall have it but those that believe. As it is written in the 16. of the gospel after Mark: Mark. 16▪ 15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature; He that shall believe and be baptised shall be saved, and he that will not believe shallbe damned. Qu. What is it to believe? An. To believe, is to be fully persuaded that God the father, which hath made me the promise of salvation in his Son, will faithfully perform his promise unto me. For as Abraham having Gods promise made unto him, as the Apostle affirmeth in the 4. to the Romans did not doubt of the promise through unbelief, Rom. 4. ℣ se ●0. 21. but was strengthened in the faith, and gave glory to God, being fully assured, that he which had promised was also able to do it: even so also we having Gods promise: (for saith the apostle in the same place, it is not written for him only, Rom. 4.23. but also for us) must not doubt of the promise through unbelief, but be fully assured to obtain it, God being both able and faithful. Q. How is faith wrought in men? An. Three things especially for the working of faith are to be noted from the Scripture. First the preaching of God's word: For saith the Apostle Romans the 10. How shall they hear without a preacher, Rom. 10, 15. and how shall they preach except they be sent, etc. Then faith is by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 1. Cor. 1.21. And again in the 1. Corinthians. 1. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. john. 11.20. Also john the 11. I pray not (saith Christ) for these (my disciples) alone, but for them also which shall believe in me through their word, that is their preaching. Qu. What is the second thing that you note from the scriptures to be necessary to the begetting of faith? An. The second is, that he which preacheth be sent & authorized of God. For how (saith the Apostle in the 10. to the Romans) shall they preach except they be sent? Rom. 10.15. Again the Prophet jeremy in his 23. chapter saith: jere. 23, 32. I sent them not nor commanded them, therefore they being no profit to this people. Our saviour Christ saith in the 10. of john: john. 10. ℣ s. 1, 2. That he that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some otherway he is a thief and a robber. And in the 10. verse he saith, That a thief cometh not but for to steal, to kill and to destroy, so far is it of that they shall beget men to the faith. job calleth such a messenger a man of a thousand in his 33. chapter. job. 33, 23. Qu What is the third thing? An. The working of the Holy ghost in the ministration of the word with power in the hearer's hearts, as by these places of Scripture is, and by many other may be proved. Paul in the fourth chapter of his former Epistle to the Corinthians threatening to come to Corinth, to make trial of the doctrine of the false Apostles, which were so highly extolled, and of the effectualness thereof affirmeth, 1. Cor. 4. ℣ s. 19, 20. that the kingdom of God (that is the ministry of the Gospel) stands not in word but in the power of the Spirit. In the second chapter of the same Epistle he saith: ●. Cor. 2, 4. Neither stood my word and my preaching in the enticing speech of man's wisdom, but in plain evidence of the spirit and power, that your faith might not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Again in the former Epistle to the Thessalonians the first chapter: 1. Thess. 1, 5. For our gospel was not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy ghost. In all these three places Paul setteth forth the power of the Holy ghost in begetting of faith by the outward ministry of his preaching. In the fift chapter to the Galathians Paul saith: Galat. 5.22. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentletlenesse, goodness, faith, meekness, temperancy. Qu. What men are meet for the planting of faith? An. Those only that have a feeling of their own misery and woe, due from God's justice for their sins. For those only doth Christ call in the eleventh of Matthew, saying: Math. 11, 28 Come unto me all ye that are weary and laden and I will ease you. In the second of the Acts we read that those that were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter and the other Apostles, Acts. 2. ℣ se 37, 38, 39 Men and brethren what shall we do, immediately after believed. Qu. To what head or point of religion do you refer this sorrow and trembling conceived of the sight of God's displeasure for sin. An. To the point of Repentance, Acts. 2 ●7. as a foregoer thereof in the elect. Qu. What is Repentance? An. Repentance is a turning from sin unto God, What Repentance is. that is to say, a framing of our whole life to obey him. And the word that the Scripture useth most commonly to express it by, doth signify a change or alteration of the mind. That new birth which our saviour Christ speaketh of in the 3. of john unto Nicodemus is nothing but Repentance. john. 3, 3. It is called Regeneration. Regeneration or Repentance hath two parts represented in baptism, that is, Dying unto sin, called mortification, termed in the Scripture circumcision of the heart: And newness at life. Both these parts of repentance are in sundry places of the Scriptures expressed. As in the 2. chapter unto Titus in these words: Titus. 2. ℣ se 11, 12. For that grace of God that bringeth salvation unto all men hath appeared, and teacheth us, to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, (this is Mortification) and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (this is Newness of life.) In the 2. to the Collossians these two parts are also expressed, where the Apostle saith: Coloss. 2. ℣ s. 11, 12. In whom also ye are circumcised with circumcision made without hands, by putting off the sinful body of the flesh through the circumcision of Christ, in that ye are buried with him through baptism, Ephes. 4. ℣ se 22, 23.24. in whom ye are also raised up together through the faith of the operation of God. In the 6. of the epistle to the Romans, Rom. 6.4. and in the 4. of the first epistle of Peter, both these parts are manifestly expressed: 1. Pet. 4. ℣ se 1, 2. the one proceedeth of the force of Christ's death, the other of his n =" *" Phil. 3, 10. resurrection. Qu. How is repentance wrought in man's heart? An. By the holy ghost in preaching of the laws and the gospel. John 3, 5. Except a man (saith Christ) be borne of water and the Holy ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Again Paul saith in the 6. of his first epistle to the Corinthians: 1. Cor. 6.11. And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord jesus, & by the spirit of our God. And again in the 3. chapter of the second epistle to the Corinthians: 2. Cor. 1, 12. But we all behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord with open face, and are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord. Qu. You have proved that Repentance is the work of the Holy ghost. Now prove that it is in the ministry of the law and the gospel. An. In the 1. chapter of Titus it is commanded Titus that he should sharply rebuke the Cretians, Titus. 1. ℣ se 12, 13. because one of their own prophets witnesseth that they were always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies, that they may be sound in the saith. Rom. 3.20. The whole Scripture (both the law & the gospel) saith the same Apostle in the 3. of his 2. Epistle to Timothy, 2. Timoth. 3. ℣ se 16, 17. is given by inspiration from God, and is profitable to convince, to correct, and to instruct, etc. thus much for the ministry of the law. For the gospel: Our Saviour Christ saith in the fifteenth of john: Now are ye clean through the word that I have spoken unto you. john. 15, 3. Also Peter saith in the 1. chapter of his first epistle: Being borne again, not of mortal seed but of immortal, 1. Pet. 1.23. by the word of God. Lastly in the twenty and six of the Acts, it is witnessed, that Paul was sent by jesus Christ by preaching the gospel unto the Gentiles, To open their eyes, Acts. 26, 18. that they might turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins, & inheritance among them that were Sanctified by faith in him. Thus it is plain that Repentance is the work of the Holy ghost, by the ministry of the law and the gospel. Qu. Whether is faith before Repentance, or Repentance before faith? An. The question is busy: there is no doubt but faith & repentance are very nigh adjoined, as touching their beginning, as is the cause and the effect. Let it suffice us to know, that when a sinner thorough the preaching of the law is thrown down to the sight of his deserved damnation, by the avenging justice of God, that then (if he be Gods elect) faith in God's promise of salvation in Christ is wrought in him by the preaching of the gospel: whereupon followeth an hatred of sin and care to avoid it, a love of righteousness and care to do it, which are especial effects of repentance in token of thankfulness for salvation by Christ. The Scripture in sundry places doth ascribe sanctification and purging of the heart unto faith. As in the twenty and six of the Acts: Acts. 26, 18. That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith in me. Again in the 15. He put no difference between us and them after that by faith he had purified their hearts Now Sanctification, regeneration, & repentance being all one, it followeth that they are effects of faith. Further because without faith (as the Apostle saith in the 11. to the Hebrews) it is impossible to please God: Hebr. 11, 6. & in another place, Rom. 14.23 What soever is not of faith is sin. We have most warrant to think that faith is before repentance. Notwithstanding some writers are of mind that some part of repentance goeth before faith, and some part followeth as an effect thereof. Qu. When ceaseth repentance in men? An. When men cease altogether to sin: But sin doth not cease to be in the most holy man so long as he liveth, therefore men must continue repentance so long as they live. It is written in Genesis the 8. For the imagination of man's heart is evil even from his youth. Gen. 8, 21. And in james the 3. james. 3, 2. In many things we sin all. And in the 5. to the Galathians: The flesh lusteth against the spirit, Galat. 5, 17. & the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary one to the other, so that ye cannot do the same things ye would. We are commanded to pray continually by Christ: Matth. 6. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass etc. Qu. Do you hold it for a certain truth that men are justified only by Christ, and that the works of sanctification and newness of life begun in us, do merit nothing concerning the work of our salvation? An. I hold it for an undoubted truth, that the whole work of our salvation is wrought in the person of Christ without us, and without all respect of our works, either before or after repentance, whatsoever the Papists prate. But yet there are many places of Scripture which do seem to give something to works to the obtaining of salvation: As the 15. Psalm; Psal. 15. ℣ se 1, 2, 3. Lord who shall rest upon thy holy mountain: He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart. Again the 24. Psalm: Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord, and who shall stand in his holy place, Psal. 24. ℣ se 3, 4. Even he that hath innocent hands and a pure heart etc. Again Esay the 33. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire, Esay. 33. ℣ se 14, 15. who among us shall dwell with the everlasting burnings, he that walketh in justice, & speaketh righteous things, refusing gain of oppression, etc. Psalm. 50, 23 Again Psalm 50. And to him that disposeth his way aright will I show the salvation of God. Math. 7. ℣ se 21, 22. Again Math. 7. Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven. Again john 5. john 5. ℣ se 28, 29. For the hour shall come in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice & they shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, but they that have done evil unto the resurrection of condemnation. Mat. 25. ℣ se 34, 35. Again Math. 25. Come ye blessed of my father inherit ye the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world, for I was an hungered and ye gave me meat, I thirsted & ye gave me drink, I was a stranger and ye lodged me, I was naked & ye clothed me, I was sick & ye visited me, I was in prison & ye came unto me. And there be many such like. I answer unto these places, & all such like in the scripture (which answer if it be marked of the simple, may be a key unto them to open much of the Scripture, and may enable them to stop the Papists mouths,) that these places do not set down & express the causes of salvation, and of eternal life: but describe & point out who they be that shallbe saved, by the effects that follow faith, & repentance. The Apostle termeth good works the fruits, not the causes of righteousness in the 1. to the Philippians, Philip. 1, 11. where be prayeth that they may be filled with the fruits of righteousness, The end of good works the glory of God. which are by jesus Christ to the glory of God. But when the Scripture setteth down the causes of salvation, & why men are saved, & obtain eternal life, it giveth all to Christ jesus. As by these places following, and many such like, & none to the contrary appeareth. Acts 4. Acts. 4. ℣ se 11, 12. This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is the head of the corner, neither is the salvation in any other, for among men there is given none other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. Hebr. the 7. Hebr. 7, 25. But this man (meaning Christ) because he endureth ever, hath an everlasting priesthood. Wherefore he is able perfectly to save them that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for us. Hebrews the 10. Hebr. 10, 14. For with one offering hath he consecrated for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews the 9 Hebr. 9.28. So Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many, and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Romans 3: Rom. 3. To him that worketh the wages is not imputed of favour, but of debt, but to him that worketh not, but believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Ephes. 2. ℣ se 8, 9 Ephesians the 2. For by grace are ye saved through faith & that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works that men may boast. Philippians 3. Paul saith, Philipp. 3. Touching the righteousness that is in the laws I was unrebukable: ℣ see 6, But the things that were vantage unto me, ℣ see 7, ℣ see 8, the same I counted loss for Christ's sake: ℣ see 9, yea doubtless, I think all things but loss, ℣ see 10 for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ jesus my Lord, for whom I have counted all things loss, and do judge them to be but dung, that I might win Christ and might be found in him, that is, not having mine own righteousness which is by the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ even the righteousness which is of God through faith, etc. And the Scriptures are almost infinite that make to this purpose. Qu. What meaneth this phrase of speech so much used in Scripture we are justified by faith? An. It meaneth nothing else, but that God accounteth and acknowledgeth us for righteous and holy in Christ (in whom, as the Apostle saith in the first of the second Epistle to the Corinthians, all the promises of God are yea, and Amen,) whom we lay hold on by faith, and apply unto our souls against all terrors of sin, death, and damnation, Roman. 5. and so have peace with God, ℣ se 1, 2. who hath said from heaven that in him he is well pleased. Matth. 3.17. Qu. Now seeing there is such abundance of salvation in Christ, why do not all lay hold of it? An. No man (saith Christ) cometh unto me except my father draw him. john. 6, 44. john. 6, 37. And again he saith in the tenth of john: But ye believe not: john. 10, 26: for ye are not of my sheep. Qu. Now seeing none can be saved but those that have repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord jesus Christ, tell me how a man may know certainly that he hath faith and Repentance? An. If he can say in true feeling, The good that I would do that I do not, Rom. 7, 19 and the evil that I would not do, that I do, with Paul in the 7. to the Romans, Math. 5. and mourn under the burden of his sin. If he delight in the law of God in the inner man. Rom. 8, 16. If he be led by the spirit of God. Rom. 8, 14. If he have crucified the flesh with the affections of the flesh. Galat. 5, 24. If he walk according to the rule of a new creature, Galat. 6, 15. & be a new creature, peace shallbe upon him, & mercy, as saith the Apostle. If he can say with the Apostle, 2. Cor. 1, 12. This is my rejoicing the testimony of my conscience, that in simplicity, & godly pureness, and not in fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, I have had my conversation in the world. If he have true love towards the brethren, even to be grieved in their griefs, and joyful in their good: and careful to help them in christian compassion, by easing their grieves, and furthering their good; it is a true mark of the child of God. And thereby (saith john) we know that we are of the truth, 1. john. 3.19 and shall before him (that is God) assure our hearts. And in 1. john. 4. he saith: Herby we know that he dwelleth in us, and we in him, because he hath given us of his spirit, that is the fruits of his spirit. Roman. 8. And if any have not the fruits of the spirit the same is none of his. The fruits of the spirit are, as appeareth in Galathians 5. love, joy peace, Galat. 5, 22. long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, etc. If a man by these notes examine himself he may judge of his repentance. If any man have not repent he is diligently to attend upon the holy ministry of the law & the gospel that he may be called in God's good time. Qu. How may God's people know a faithful man? An. By 3. marks specially. First by his professing & frequenting of the public worship of God, when it may be had. As in Romans 10. Rom. 10, 9 For if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord jesus, & believe with thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. And in 1. Peter. 3. 1. Pet. 3.15. Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of that hope that is in you. Our saviour Christ saith in john. 8. He that is of God heareth God's word. john. 8, 47. Secondly by his honest & godly conversation among men: for Paul saith, 2. Tim. 2. The Lord knoweth who are his, ℣ see 15 & let every one that nameth the name of Chrst depart from iniquity. Show me (saith james in the second of his Epistle) thy faith by thy works, james. 2, 18. and I will show thee my faith by my works. Where he plainly showeth, that if good works be away, Matth. 7. there is no faith. Ye shall know them (saith Christ) by their fruit, verse, 16, 20. for a good tree bringeth forth good fruit, etc. Thirdly by true Christian love: john. 13, 35. Hereby (saith Christ in the 13. of john) shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to an other. These are three sure marks to know a faithful man by so far as man may judge. Hypocrites God will either display in this world in time, by bringing their sins abroad to the view of all men, as he did Simon Magus his sins, judas, saul's, and many others, or else when the secrets of all men's hearts shallbe disclosed, he will throw those tars into unquenchable fire with others prepared to condemnation. Qu How may a man know an unfaithful man and an infidel? An. By his life unreformed, & continuance in his wickedness after he is rebuked, & heareth how he ought to walk. Luke. 6. verse 43, 44. It is not a good tree (saith Christ in the sixth of Luke) which bringeth forth evil fruit, neither an evil tree that bringeth forth good fruit. Again, john saith in his first epistle and third chapter: 1, john, 3, 10. In this are the children of God known, and the children of the devil, whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God. And again, He that committeth sin is of the devil. proverbs 29. He that hardeneth his neck when he is rebuked, Prou. 29, 1. shall suddenly be destroyed, and cannot be cured. Psalm 68 Surely God will wound the head of his enemies, Psal. 68, 21. and the hairy pate of him that walketh in his sin. Qu. Now show what joys are prepafor true Christians? An. Such as (saith the Apostle in the second chapter of the former Epistle to the Corinthians) The eye hath not seen, 1, Cor, 2, 9 neither the ear heard, neither the heart of man conceived, prepared by God for them that love him. Peter in the fift of his first Epistle, termeth those joys the incorruptible crown of glory. In the 21. of the Revelation, 1, Peter 5, 4. Revel, 21, ℣, 10, 11, 12, 13 14, 15, 16, 17 18, 19, 20, 21 22, 23, 24, 25. this joy is described in the description of new jerusalem, builded of gold precious stones, and pearls, etc. where, by most excellent earthly things is set forth the excellency of those things, which pass and exceed man's capacity. Wherefore let none of us be a profane person as was Esau, Hebr. 12, 16. to sell our birthright for a mess of pottage, and for the pleasures of the dunghill of this world, which endure but for a season, to lose the joys and dainties of heaven, which are eternal. Which thing God grant unto us for his Christ his sake, to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost, three persons & one only God, King of kings, and Lord of lords, who only hath immortality, and dwelleth in the light that no man can attain unto, whom never man saw, neither can see, be honour and power everlastingly, Amen. The end of the Catechism. To the Christian Reader. BEcause this Catechism is very short, I thought it needful to add and adjoin unto the end thereof (good Reader) certain duties required by God at the hands of his people, to be performed under pain of damnation, and the testimonies of Scripture which prove the same. For surely this naughty age in performance of duty is very remiss & untoward, persuaded, as it seemeth, that a mere profession of Religion with the lip is Christianity enough. And what is the speeches of the most part of men in these days when they are blamed for their ungodly life, but these & such like? Why, God is merciful, men cannot be saints and angels, you are over precise & pure. Luke 1, ℣ se 74, 75. As if it were not written that we are therefore delivered by Christ from our enemies, Hell, Death, and Damnation, that we should serve God without fear all the days of our life in holiness and righteousness before him, and in another place that we should live soberly, Tim. 2, ℣ se 12. righteously, and godly in this present world. And in another place: That if any be in Christ, he must be a new creature. 2, Cor, 5. And again: Fellow peace with all men, Heb, 12. and holiness, without the which no man shall see the Lord. And to the same effect there are infinite testimonies of holy Scripture. But I would such mocke-gods were once mindful of their woeful state, which may rather be termed incarnate Devils then Christian men, or members of the holy body of Christ, so long as they continue so desperately nought. I would (good reader) either thine or mine admonition might do some of them good. Farewell in Christ, and let us pray in the spirit, for the peace and prosperity of Zion, & our gracious Sovereign. Thine in Christ, Th. Settle. A farthel of Christian duties, needful to be taken up and borne of all such as travail towards eternal life according as every of their callings require. 1. That all Christian men and women are bound to go to Church, or the place appointed for God's worship, namely where God's word is preached, prayers and Sacraments ministered: & to join themselves in fellowship in those holy exercises of religion, that so they may grow up in true Christianity. But ye shall seek the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes, Deut, 12, verse 5. to put his name there and there to dwell, & thither thou shalt come. This place was under the law jerusalem, or where God's Ark and tabernacle was pitched. And now since Christ's birth, is all places of the world where God's word and sacraments are truly preached and ministered. It shall be in the last days, Esay 2, ver, 2. that the mountains of the house of the Lord shall be prepared in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. And And many people shall go & say: Micha, 4, 1. Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord to the house of the God of jacob, and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths. And they that dwell in one City shall go unto an other, Zachar. 8, ℣. 21, 22. saying: Up, let us go and pray before the Lord, One must provoke, another to go to the assemblies. and seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also. Yea, great people and mighty nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee, Psal, 84, ℣ see 5, 6, 7. & whose heart are in thy ways. They going through the vale of Baca make wells therein, etc. They go from strength to strength, till every one appear before God in Zion. Then a shower of rain ought not to be an excuse for any to absent himself from the holy assemblies, as many a one of our dainty Christians do in these days make it. 2. Examples of the meetings of Christians for the hearing of the word, prayer, and administration of Sacraments. ANd they continued in the Apostles doctrine, and fellowship, Acts, 2, 42. and fellowship, & breaking of bread, and prayers. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, Acts 2, 46. and breaking of bread at home. And daily in the temple, Acts 5, 46. & from house to house they ceased not to teach and preach jesus Christ. And the next Saboth day came almost the whole City together to hear the word of God. Acts 13, 44. And the first day of the week the Disciples being come together to break bread, Acts 20, 7. Paul preached unto them ready to departed on the morrow, & continued the preaching until midnight. When ye come together therefore into one place, 1, Cor, 11, 20 this is not to eat the Lords Supper. 3. Examples of the servants of God, rejoicing to go to the assemblies of God, and to see others go. And of the servants of God complaining & sorrowing for the want of the holy assemblies, when as by persecution they were hindered, and of their desires to be there. I rejoiced when they said to me, Psal, 122, ℣ see 1, 2. we will go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O jerusalem. O Lord of hosts how amiable are thy tabernacles. Psal, 84, verse 1, 2, 3. My soul longeth, yea and fainteth for the courts of the Lord, for my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest for her where she may lay her young, even by thy altars O Lord of hosts, my king and my God. Blessed are they that may dwell in thine house, they will ever praise thee. As the Hart brayeth for the rivers of water, Psal, 42, verse 1, 2, 3, 4. so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul lusteth for God, even for the living God, when shall I come and appear before the presence of God. My tears have been my meat day & night, while they daily say unto me, where is thy God. When I remembered these things, I poured out my very heart, because I had gone with the multitude, and led them into the house of God, etc. And he said (that is David unto Saul) Wherefore doth my Lord thus persecute his servant, 1, Sam, 26, 18, 19 for what have I done, or what evil is in my hand. Now therefore I beseech thee, let my Lord hear the words of his servant. If the Lord have stirred thee up against me, let him smell the savour of a Sacrifice: But if the children of men have done it, cursed be they before the Lord. For they have cast me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord God, saying: go serve other Gods. Hezekia hearing the message of death from the Lord, Esay 38. ℣ se 1, 2, 3, 18, 19 prayed and wept not for fear of death, but as the whole chapter doth evidently declare, because he should no longer live to praise God in his sanctuary, and to grow up among the people of God in more graces to promote God's glory. For saith he (after he had promise of life) The grave cannot confess thee, death cannot praise thee, they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. But the living, the living he shall confess thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall declare thy truth. One thing have I desired of the Lord that I will require, Psal, 27, 4. even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord & to visit his temple. David by the beauty of the Lord in this place, meaneth neth nothing else but the hearing of God's holy word, prayers, praises, thanksgiving & the use of other God's ceremonies for that ministration appointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand other where: Psal. 84, 10. I had rather be a door keeper in the house of my God, then to dwell in the tabernacle of wickedness. 4 That all must hear & receive God's word. Receive with meekness the word that is grafted in you, james 1, 21. which is able to save your souls. As new borne babes desire the sincere milk of the word, 1, Pet 1, 2. that you may grow thereby. He that is of God heareth God's word: john 8, 47. ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Prou. 28, 9 even his prayer shallbe abominable. Despise not prophesying. 1, Thes. 5, 20 Prou. 13, 13. He that despiseth the word shall be destroyed. 5 That God's word is effectual, and full of power to convert men, and to alter their minds, and cleanse their hearts. THe law of the Lord is perfect, Psal. 19, 7. converting the soul. Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. john 15, 3. Sanctify them with thy truth. john 17, 17. Thy word is truth. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, Rom. 1, 16. for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. For the word of God is lively, Heb. 4, 12. & mighty in operation, & sharper than any two edged sword, & entereth through, even unto the dividing a sunder of the soul & the spirit, & of the joints and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart. Nevertheless though we walk in the flesh, 2, Cor. 10. ℣. 5, 6, 7. yet we war not after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to cast down holds, casting down the imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted above the glory of God, & bringing into captivity every thought, to the obedience of Christ. And having ready the vengeance against all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Is not my word even like a fire, saith the Lord, jerem, 23, 29 and like an hammer that breaketh the stone? Surely as the rain cometh down, and the snow from the heaven, Esay 55. ℣ 10, 11. and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sour, and bread unto him that eateth. So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I will, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 1, Cor. 14. vers. 24, 25. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned, he is rebuked of all, and is judged of all: and so are the secrets of his heart made manifest, and so he will fall down on his face, and worship God, and say plainly that God is in you indeed. These places then considered, it will appear that they which neglect and despise the hearing of the word preached, cannot be saved, though they trust never so much to secret revelations, they shall shall assoon come to heaven, as he to France that will pass the sea without a ship. 6 That for every thing that a Christian man doth, he ought to ask council at the word of God, and make that the rule of all his doings. TAke heed therefore that ye do as the Lord your God hath commanded you: Deut, 5, 32. turn not aside to the right hand, nor to the left. Whatsoever is not of faith (that is of knowledge from the word) is sin. Rom. 14, verse 23. And when they shall say unto you, inquire at them that have a spirit of divination, Esay 8. verse 19, 20. & at the soothsayers which whisper and murmur. Should not a people inquire at their God? From the living to the dead, to the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word: it is because there is no light in them. woe to the rebellious children (saith the Lord) that take council but not of me, Esay 30, ℣ see 1, 2 & cover with a covering, but not by my spirit, the they may lay sin upon sin, which walk forth to go down into Egypt (& have not asked at my mouth.) Examples of David. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet, Psa. 119, 105 and a light unto my path. Also thy testimonies are my delight, Psal. 119, 24 & my counsellors. 7 That the word of God containeth all things necessary unto salvation. THe Law of the Lord is perfect, Psal. 19, 7. converting the soul. And that thou hast known the holy scriptures of a child, 2. Tim 3. ℣. 15, 16, 17. which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ jesus. For the whole scripture is given by inspiration of God, & is profitable to teach, to improve, to correct, & to instruct in righteousness. That the man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works. Receive with meekness the word that is grafted in you, james 1, 21. which is able to save your souls. Search the scriptures, john 5, 39 for in them ye think to have eternal life. Then if eternal life & salvation of our souls be obtained by the scriptures, and doctrine of the word contained therein, much good do the Papists with the rest which they get more by the means of traditions and unwritten verities. 8 Of Magistrates, and first what men are to be chosen. Moreover, provide thou among all the people men of courage, Exod. 18.21. fearing God, men dealing truly, men hating covetousness, & appoint such over them to be rulers over thousands, rulers over hundreds, etc. 9 That Magistrates are to execute justice uprightly towards all. ANd I charged your judges that same time, saying: Deut. 1, 16. Hear the causes of brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, & the stranger that is with him, ye shall have no respect of persons, but shall hear the small aswell as the great: ye shall not fear the face of man, for the judgement is Gods. Ye shall not do unjustly in judgement, Devitie. 19 verse 15 thou shalt not fanour the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty, but thou shalt judge thy neighbour justly. Thou shalt not esteem a poor man in his cause. Exod, 23.3. judges & officers shalt thou make thee etc. and they shall judge the people with righteous judgement. Deut. 17, 18. 10. That judges and magistrates must take no rewards nor bribes, nor wrest the Law. ANd he set judges in the land through out all the strong Cities of juda, 2. Chron. 19 verse 5, 6, 7. city by city: And said to the judges take heed what ye do. For ye execute not the judgements of man but of the Lord, & he will be with you in the cause and judgement. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you, take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord, neither respect of persons, nor receiving of reward. Hear this I pray you ye heads of the house of jacob & princes of the house of Israel, Mich. 3. verse 10, 11. they abhor judgement and pervert all equity, they build up Zion with blood and jerusalem with iniquity, the heads thereof judge for rewards, &c: therefore shall Zion for your sakes be ploughed as a field. To make good for the evil of their hands the prince asked, Mich. 7. vers. 3, 4. & the judge judgeth for a reward. Therefore the great man speaketh out of the corruption of his heart, and so they wrap it up, the best of them is like a brier, & the most righteous is sharper than a thorn hedge. Thou shalt take no gift, Exod. 23, 8. for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. Wrist not thou the law, Deut. 16, 19 neither respect any person, neither take reward, for the reward blindeth the eyes of the wise, & perverteth the words of the just. Their ruler's love to say with shame bring ye. Osea, 4, 18. Woe unto them which justifieth the wicked for a reward, Esay, 5, 23. and taketh away the righteousness of the righteous from him. Read the 82. Psalm. 11. That magistrates must punish the wicked, or else they shall provoke God's wrath against themselves, and be a cause to increase sin. A Wise king scattereth the wicked, Prou. 20, 26 & causeth the wheel to turn over them. For Princes are not to be feared for good works, Rom 13. ℣ se 3, 4. but for evil, wilt thou be without fear of the power? do well, so shalt thou have praise of the same, for he is the minister of God for thy wealth: but if thou do evil, fear; for he beareth not the sword for nought, for he is the mininister of God to take vengeance on him that doth evil. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, Eccles. 8, 10. therefore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to do evil. Neither will I be with you any more except ye destroy the excommunicate from among you. Iosu●. 7, 12. Examples. I put on justice, job 29. verse 14, 15. and it covered me, my judgement was as a rob & a crown. I was the eyes of the blind, and I was the feet to the lame: I was a father unto the poor, and when I knew not the cause I sought it out diligently, I broke also the jaws of the unrighteous, and plucked the pray out of his teeth. Betimes will I destroy all the wicked of the land, Psal. 101, ●. that I may cut of all the workers of iniquity from the city of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord, 1. Kings. 20. ℣ se 42. because thou Ahab hast let go out of thine hands a man (that is Benhadad king of Aram) whom I appointed to die, thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people. A worthy example to be noted of all magistrates, that they may not spare & foolishly pity Idolaters and vile sinners, whom God in his law commandeth to be slain. 12. That princes, magistrates, and men in authority ought to be religious, & maintainers and nursers of religion, and take especial delight in those that fear God. BE wise now therefore ye kings, Psal. 10. ℣ se 11, 12. be learned ye judges of the earth, serve the Lord in fear, and rejoice in trembling. Kiss the son lest he be angry & ye perish in the way, when his wrath shall suddenly burn. And when he (that is the king) shall sit upon the throne of his kingdom, Deut. 17. ℣ se 18, 19 then shall he write him this law, repeated in a book by the priests of the Levites, and it shallbe with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, and to keep all the words of this law, & these ordinances for to do them. That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, but that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, & his sons in the midst of Israel. Let not this book (the Lords words to josua & in his person to all magistrates) of this law departed out of thy mouth but meditate therein day and night, josua. 1, 8. that thou mayst observe & do according to all that is written therein. For then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, & then shalt thou have good success. Thou (that is the Church) shall suck the milk of the Gentiles, Esay. 60, 16. & shalt suck the breasts of Kings, & thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy saviour. Kings shallbe, Esay. 49, ℣ se 23, 24. thy (that is the churches) nursing fathers and queens thy nurses, they shall worship thee with their faces towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord. In the Revelation it is written: reve. 21, 24 That the kings of the earth shall bring their glory & honour unto the new jerusalem. Example of David. O my soul, Psalm. 16.2. thou hast said unto the Lord thou art my Lord, my well doing extendeth not to thee: but to the Saints that are in the earth, & to the excellent: all my delight is in them. I am a companion of all them that fear thee and keep thy precepts. Psal. 119, 63, Mine eyes shallbe unto the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me, Psal. 101, 6. he that walketh in a perfect way he shall serve me. When I remembered these things I powered out my very heart, Psal. 42, 4. because I had gone with the multitude & led them into the house of God. 13. That all subjects are to obey their princes, and those that are appointed under them, that is inferior magistrates in all things, not contrary to the commandments of God, & to pay them tributes. LEt every soul be subject unto the higher powers: Rom. 13. ℣ se 1, 2, 3. for there is no power but of God: whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist shall receive to themselves judgement. For princes are not to be feared for good works, but for evil, wilt thou then be without fear of the power? do well, so shalt thou have praise of the same, etc. wherefore ye must be subject, not because of wrath only, but also for conscience sake. For this cause ye pay also tribute, for they are Gods ministers, applying themselves for the same thing. Give to all men therefore their duty, tribute to whom ye own tribute: custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom ye own honour. Put them in remembrance that they be subject to the principalities & powers, Titus. 3, 1. and that they be obedient and ready to every good work. Submit yourselves unto all manner ordinance of man for the Lords sake, 1. Peter. 2. ℣ se 13, 14. whether it be to the king as unto the superior, or unto governors as unto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. Honour all men, 1. Pet. 3.17. love brotherly fellowship: fear God honour the king. Give unto Cesar, Math. 22, 21 the things which are Caesar's, and give unto GOD those things which are Gods. And when they were come to Capernaum they the received polle money came to Peter & said, Math. 17. ℣ s. 24, 25, 26, 27. doth not your master pay tribute, He said yes. And when he was come into the house Jesus prevented him, saying: what thinkest thou Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take tribute or poll money? of their children or of strangers? Peter said unto him of strangers: them said jesus unto him, then are the children free. Nevertheless lest we should offend them, go to the sea and cast in an angle, and take the first fish that cometh up, and when thou hast opened his mouth thou shalt find a piece of twenty pence, that take, and give it to them for thee and me. And the king said to his sergeants that stood about him, 1. Sam. 22, 1● turn & slay the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled and showed it not to me. But the servants of the king would not move their hand to fall upon the priests of the Lord. And when they had brought them they set them before the Council, Acts. 4. verse 27, 28, 29. & the chief priest asked them, saying: did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this manner & c? Then Peter & the Apostles answered & said, we ought rather to obey God then men. 14. That none ought to curse or use railing or evil speeches of magistrates. CVrse not the king, Eccles. 10, 20 no not in thy thought, neither curse the rich in thy bed chamber, for the foul of heaven shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall declare the matter. Thou shalt not rail upon the judges, Exod. 22, 28. neither speak evil of the ruler of the people. Likewise notwithstanding the dreamers also defile the flesh, jud. 8. and despise government, and speak evil of them that are in authority. Yet Michael the archangel, etc. Example of Paul. I am not mad o noble Festus, Acts. 26, 29. but I speak the words of truth and soberness. Yet none of these things do let why the ministers of God's word should not after the example of john Baptist to Herod, Mark. 6. 1. Kings. 21. ℣ se 20. & Elias to Ahab, & others of God's servants to other magistrates, if need require, sharply reprove them when they serve from godliness and become wicked. 15. That good princes and magistrates are taken away, and an alteration of states often made because of the sin and wickedness of the people. FOr the transgression of a land there are many princes thereof, Prou. 28. ●. but by a man of understanding and knowledge a realm likewise endureth long. For lo, Esay 3 ℣ se ●▪ 2, 3, 4. the Lord God of hosts will take away from jerusalem and from judah the stay and the strength: even all the stay of bread, and all the stay of water. The strong man and the man of war, the judge and the prophet, the prudent and the aged, the captain of siftie and the honourable, and the counsellor and the cunning artificer, and I will appoint children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. 16. That the ministers and pastors of the Church ought diligently to seed their flocks and teach their people, under pain of damnation, and that faithfully without chopping and changing. ANd of Levi he said, Deut. 33, 10. let thy Thummin & thy urine be with thy holy one, etc. They shall teach jacob thy judgements and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thy face. And they (that is the Levites) read in the book of the law of GOD distinctly, Nehem. 8.8. and gave the sense, and caused them (that is the people) is understand the reading. O Son of man I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel, Ezech. 33. ℣ s,, 9 therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and admonish them from me. When I shall say unto the wicked man, O wicked man thou shalt die the death: if thou dost not speak and admonish the wicked of his way, the wicked man shall die for his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hands. Neverthelosse if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, if he do not turn from his way he shall die for his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul. Take heed unto yourselves and to all the flock, Acts, 20, 28. whereof the Holy ghost hath made you the overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. I charge thee therefore before God, 2. Timoth. 4 verse 1, 2. and before the Lord jesus Christ which shall judge the quick and the dead, at his appearing and in his kingdom, Preach the word, be instant in season and out of season, improve, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine. The Elders which are amongst you, 1. Pet. 5. verse 1.2. I beseech which am also an Elder, etc. Feed the flock of GOD that dependeth upon you, caring for it not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, etc. Let a man so think of us as of the ministers of Christ, 1. Cor. 4. ℣. 1, 2. and disposers of the secrets of God, and as for the rest, it is required of the disposers that every man be found faithful. The Prophet that hath a dream let him tell a dream, jere. 23, 28. and he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully, for what is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord? Therefore seeing we have received this ministration, 2. Corint. 4. ℣ se 1, 2. as we have received mercy, we saint not, but have east of the cloaks of shame, and walk not in craftiness, neither handle we the word of God deceitfully: but in declaration of the truth we approve ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. For we are not as many which make merchandise of the word of God, 2. Cor. 2.17. but as of sincerity, but as of God in the sight of God speak we in Christ. O I would to God that all our ministers could thus in truth speak. 17. That ministers and pastors ought to be examples to their flocks in holy conversation and godly life, otherwise they are a slander to the ministry. BE unto them that believe an example in word, 1. Tim. 4.12 in conversation, in love, inspirit, in faith, and in patience. In all things show thyself an example of good works, Titus 2, 7. with unedrrupt doctrine, with gravity and integrity, and with the, wholesome word which cannot be condemned, that he which withstandeth may be ashamed, having nothing conrerning you to speak evil of. Feed the flock of God, 1. Pet. 5, 3. etc. That ye may be examples to the flock. Ye are witnesses and God also (saith Paul) how holily, justly, 1. Thess. 2. ℣ se 10. and unblameablely, we behaved ourselves among you that believe. We give none occasion of offence in any thing that our ministry should not be reprehended. 2. Cor. 4.6. Brethren, be ye followers of me, Philip. 3. ℣ se 17, 18. and look on them which walk so, as you have us for an example. For many walk of whom I have told you often, & now tell you weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is damnation, whose God is their belly, & whose glory is to their shame which mind earthly things. 18. That the pastors and ministers of God's word are to be esteemed greatly of, to be reverenced, and to be obeyed in their message, otherwise reproach is offered to God. LEt a man so think of us, 1. Cor. 4 1. as of the ministers of Christ, and disposers of the secrets of God. How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of peace, Rom. 10, 15 〈◊〉 bring glad tidings of good things. Now we beseech you brethren that ye acknowledge them, 1. Thes. 5. verse 12, 13. which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, that ye have them in singular love, for their works sake. Obey them that have the oversight of you, Hebr. 13, 17. and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls: as they that must give accounts, that they may do it with joy and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you. Verily, john. 13, 20. verily I say unto you, if I sand any, he that receiveth him receiveth me: and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that heareth you heareth me, Luke. 10, 16. and he that despiseth you despiseth me: and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. Example. And the trial of one which was in my flesh, ye despised not neither abhorred, Gal. 4.14. but ye received me as an angel of God, yea as Christ jesus. Receive him therefore (that is Epiphroditus) in the Lord with all gladness, Philip, 2, 29. and make much of such. 19 That the people or parishes which have God's word preached, diligently & faithfully unto them, are bound in conscience, liberally to sustain and nourish those that preach unto them. BEware that thou forsake not the Levite, Deut. 12, 19 as long as thou livest upon the earth. The Levites were appointed to teach the people, which came of Levi jacobs' son. Deut. 33, 10. And into whatsoever house ye enter first, Luke 10, ver. 5, 6, 7. say peace be to this house, etc. & in the house tarry still eating & drinking such things as shallbe set before you by them: for the labourer is worthy of his wages. My defence to them the examine me is this: 1. Cor. 9 ver. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14. have we not power to lead about a wife being a sister, as well as the rest of the Apostles, & as brethren of the Lord and Cephas? or I only & Barnabas have not we power not to work? who goeth a warfare any time at his own cost? etc. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things? Do ye not know that they which minister about the holy things eat of the things of the temples? & they which the altar? so also hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. The elders that rule well are worthy double honour, 1. Timoth. 5. ℣ se 17, 18. (that is double reward) specially they which labour in the word & doctrine. For the Scripture saith, thou shalt not mosel the mouth of the are that treadeth out the corn, the labourer is worthy of his wages. Let him that is taught in the word, Galath. 6.7. make him that teacheth him partaker of all his goods, be not deceived God is not mocked. 20. That the not having or to be deprived of faithful Pastors & Ministers is a sign of God's wrath and displeasure against a people, and to have them is a sign of mercy. surely I will no more spare those that dwell in the land, Zachar. 11▪ ℣, 6, 15, 16. saith the Lord, etc. And the Lord said unto me, take to thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd, for lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not look for the thing that is lost, nor seek the tender lambs, nor heal that which is hurt, nor feed that which standeth, but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their paws in pieces. The days of visitation are come: Osei 9, v. 7. the days of recompense are come: Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad for the multitude of thine iniquities: therefore the hatred is great. We see not our signs, Psal. 74, 9 there is not one Prophet more, nor any with us that knoweth how long. Behold the days come saith the Lord God, Amos 8, 11. that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, and a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord. For lo, Esay 3, v. 1, 2 the Lord God of hosts will take away from jerusalem, etc. The judge & the prophet, the prudent and the aged. Behold, Esay 24, ℣ s. 1, 2. the Lord maketh the earth empty, and he maketh it waste, he turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof, and there shall be like people like Priest, like servant like master. Turn again, jerem. 3. ℣ se 34 15. O ye disobedient children, (saith the Lord) for I am your Lord, and I will take you one of a City and two of a tribe, and will bring you to Zion. And I will give you Pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge & understanding. 21 That parents ought to instruct their children, and bring them up in the fear of the Lord, & not to provoke them with bitterness. AND when your children ask you what service is this you keep, Exod. 12, ℣ s. 25, 27. than ye shall say it is the sacrifice of the Lords passover, etc. And the Lord said, Gen. 18, ℣ se 17, 19 shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do? For I know him, that he will command his sons and household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, and do righteousness and judgement. And these words which I command thee this day shallbe in thine heart, Deut. 6, ℣ se 7.8. & thou shalt rehearse them continually unto thy child, and shalt talk of them when thou tarriest in thine house, & as thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. How he established a testimony in jacob, & ordained a law in Israel, Psal. 78, ℣ see 5, 6, 7, 8. which he commanded our father's that they should teach their children, that the posterity might know it, and the children which should be borne should stand up & declare it to their children, that they might set their hope on God, & not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments, & not to be as their Fathers, a disobedient and rebellious generation. Ye fathers, Ephes. 6.1. provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in instruction, and information of the Lord. Fathers, 3, 2. provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Teach a child in the trade of his way, Prou. 22, 6 and when he is old he shall not depart from it. Example. And he (that is Elisha the Prophet) 2 Kin. 2, ve. 23, 24. went up from thence unto Bethel, & as he was going up the way little children came out of the City and mocked him, & said to him: come up thou bald head, come up thou bald head. And he turned back and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord, and two bears came out of the forest, and tore in pieces two and forty children of them. A just judgement of God both upon the parents and children: upon the parents because they taught them no better: upon the children for mocking the holy Prophet of God. But it is made but a small fault in our days t● flout Gods holy ministers, and deride them by these and such like terms: Lo our Sir john; our pelting priest, yea and knave priest. And thus they hate them, ●●●os▪ 5, 10. as saith the Prophet, that reprove in the gate, and not children, but those that being of sufficient years should have more knowledge and fear of God. 22. That parents ought to give correction to their children if need require, also beside instruction. HE that spareth his rod hateth his ●●ou. 13, 24 son, but he that loveth him chasteneth betime. Withhold not correction from the child, Prou. 23.13. if thou smite him with the rod he shall not die, thou shalt smite him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell. Chasten thy son while there is hope, Prou. 19, 18. and let not thy soul spare for his murmuring. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, Prou. 22, 15. but the rod of correction shall drive it away. The rod & correction give wisdom, Prou. 29, 15. but a child set at liberty maketh his mother ashamed. Correct thy son, Prou. 29, 17 and he will give thee rest, and will give pleasures to thy soul. Example of God's judgements. Then the Lord said to Samuel, 1, Sam. 3. ver. 11, 12, 13. behold I will do a thing in Israel, whereof whosoever shall hear, his two ears shall tingle. In that day I will raise up against Eli all things that I have spoken concerning his house, when I begin I will also make an end. And I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knoweth, because his sons ran into a slander, and he stayed them not. And Adonias the son of Haggith, 1. Kin 1, vers. 5, 6. exalted himself, saying: I will be king, and he got him chariots & horsemen, and ●●fty men to run before him. And his Father would not displease him from his childhood to say why hast thou done so, and he was a very goodly man. Behold what fruit cometh of cockering children, even to be driven by them out of our houses by Gods just judgement. To let our children when they sin in our sight escape unpunished, 1, Sam. 2, 29 is to honour them more than God. 23 That children are to obey their parents in their lawful commandments. CHildren, 3, 20 obey your parents in all things: for that is well pleasing unto the Lord. Children, Ephes. 6, 1. obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honour thy father and thy mother. Exod. 20. Prou. 1, verse 10, 11. My son, hear thy father's instruction, & forsake not thy mother's teachings. For they shallbe a comely ornament unto thine head, & as chains for thy neck. 24 What law God appointed for the punishment of a disobedient son in Israel. IF any man have a son that is stubborn and disobedient, Deut. 21, for 18.19. which will not hearken unto the voice of his father, & the voice of his mother, and they have chastened him, & he would not obey them: then shall his father and his mother take him, & bring him out to the elders of his City, & unto the gate of the place where he dwelleth, & shall say to the elders of his City, this our son is stubborn & disobedient, & he will not obey our admonition, he is a riatour and a drunkard. Then all the men of the City shall stone him with stones unto death: so thou shalt take away evil from among you, that all Israel may hear it and fear. 25 That all servants are to obey their masters, and to serve them faithfully, and to bear patiently their rebukes without murmuring, and also to honour them. LEt as many servants as are under the yoke count their masters worthy of all honour, 1, Tim. 6, ℣. 1.2. that the name of God and his doctrine be not evil spoken of, and they which have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather do service because they are faithful, and beloved, and partakers of the benefit. Let servants be subject to their masters, Titus 2, vers. 9, 10. and please them in all things, not answering again, neither pickers, but that they show all good faithfulness, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our saviour in all things. Servants, Ephes. 6, ver. 5, 6, 7. be obedient unto them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear & trembling in singleness of your hearts, as unto Christ: not with service to the eye as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with goodwill, serving the Lord and not men: and know ye that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same he shall receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Servants, 3. ℣ se 22, 23, 24, 25. be obedient unto them that are your masters according to the flesh, in all things: not with eye service as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart fearing God, and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ, but he that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong that he hath done, and there is no respect of persons. Servants, 1, Pet. 2. ℣ se 18, 19, 20. 21. be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good & courteous, but also to the froward. For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what praise is it if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently; but and if when ye do well, ye suffer wrong and take it patiently, this is acceptable to God. For hereunto ye are called, for Christ also suffered for us, leaving for us an example that ye should follow his steps. jacob an example of a faithful servant to Laban. This twenty year have I been with thee, Gen. 21, verse 38, 39, 40. thine ewes and thy goats have not cast their young, and the Rams of thy flock have I not eaten. Whatsoever was torn of beasts I brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself: of mine hand didst thou require it, were it stolen by day, or stolen by night, I was in the day consumed with heat, and frost in the night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes. 26 That Masters and Mistresses own duties to their servants, and what those duties are. ANd ye Masters, Ephes. 6, 9 do the same thing unto them (that is your servants) putting away threatening, & know that even your master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of person with God. Ye masters, 4, 1. do you unto your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven. A servant will not be chastened with words, Prou. 29, 19 though he understand, yet will he not answer. Such a servant then when he is known must have the scourge. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from his youth, Prou. 29, 21 at length he will be even as his son: which is by masters to be considered of. Example of jobs good dealing with his servants far from rigour. IF I did condemn the judgement of my servant, job 31, verse 13, 14, 15. and of my maid when they did contend with me, what then shall I do when God standeth up, and when he shall visit me, what shall I answer? he that hath made me in the womb, hath he not made him? hath not he alone fashioned us in the womb? Hereby may those masters see their wickedness, which will not hear their servants speak, but upon a simple surmise and brainsickness, do evil entreat them by cruel stripes, when indeed there is no just cause. Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant, Deut. 24, 14 that is needy & poor, neither of thy brethren, nor stranger, thou shalt give him his hire for his day. 27 What the duties of husbands are unto their wives. LIkewise ye husbands, 1, Pet 3, 7. dwell with them (that are your wives) as men of knowledge, giving honour unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, even as they which are heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not interrupted. Let the husband give unto the wife due 1, Cor. 7, ● benevolence, and likewise also the wife unto the husband. Husbands, 3, 19 love your wives, and be not bitter unto them. Husbands, Ephes. 5. ℣ se 25, 26, 28. love your wives even as Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify it, etc. so ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself. 28 What the duties of wives be unto their husbands. wives, Ephes. 5.22. submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord: for the husband is the wives head, even as Christ is the head of the Church, & the same is the saviour of his body: therefore as the church is in subjection to Christ, even so let the wives be to their husbands in all things. The man is the woman's head. 1, Cor. 11, 3. 1, Cor. 7, 3. Let the wife give unto her husband due benevolence. Wives, 3, 18. submit yourselves unto your husbands, as it is comely in the Lord. Likewise also the women, 1. Tim. 2, 9.10, 11, 12, 13 that they array themselves in comely apparel, with shamefastness and modesty, not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly apparel, but as becometh women that profess the fear of God with good works. Let the women learn in silence with all subjection, I permit not a woman to teach, neither to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence: for Adam was first form, than Eve, & Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, and was in the transgression: notwithstanding through bearing of children she shall be saved, if they continue in faith and love, and holiness with modesty. Let the wife see that she fear her husband. Ephes. 5, 33. Unto the woman he said (that is the Lord) I will greatly increase thy sorrow, Gen. 3, 16. & thy conceptions, in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, & thy desire shallbe subject to thy husband, & he shall rule over thee. Let your women keep silence in the Churches, 1, Cor. 14, ℣ 34, 35. for it is not permitted unto them to speak: but they ought to be subject as also the law saith, & if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame for women to speak in the Church. Likewise let the wives be subject to their husbands, 1, Pet. 3, verse 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 16. that even they which obey not the word, may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives. While they beheld your pure conversation, which is with fear: whose appareling let it not be outward, as with broidered hair, and gold put about, or in putting on of apparel. But let the hid man of the heart be uncorrupt with a meek and quiet spirit, which is before God a thing much set by. For even after this manner in times past, did the holy women which trusted in God, attire themselves, and were subject to their husbands. As Sara obeyed Abraham, and called him Sir, whose daughters ye are whilst ye do well, not being afraid of any terror. Duty of husband and wife. The wife hath not the power of her own body, 1, Cor. 7, 4.5 but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud not one another, (that is, leave not one another's bed) except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and again come together, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 29 That one Christian ought to instruct edify, and exhort another. WHerefore exhort one another, s, Thes, 5, 11 and edify one another even as ye do. Take heed brethren, Heb. 3, ver. 13, 14. lest at any time there be in any of you an evil heart, and unfaithful to depart away from the living God: but exhort one another daily while it is called to day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love, Heb. 10, 2. & to good works, not forsaking the fellowship that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is, but let us exhort one another, & that so much the more, because you see that the day draweth near. Then spoke they that feared the Lord, Mal● .3, 16 every one to his neighbour, & the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord. The righteous teacheth the house of the wicked. Prou. 21, 1 The lips of the righteous feed many. Prou. 10, 21 Let every man as he hath received the gift, 1, Pet, 4, 10. minister the same one to another, as good disposers of the manifold grace of God. 30 That every Christian is bound in conscience, when his brother sinneth, to rebuke him for his sin. THou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart, levit. 19, 17 but thou shalt plainly rebuke thy neighbour, and suffer him not to sin. Let the righteous smite me, Psal. 141, 5. for that it is a benefit, and let him reprove me, & it shall be a precious oil that shall not break my head, for within a while I shall even pray in their miseries. We desire you brethren, admonish them that are unruly, 1, Thes, 5, 14 comfort the feeble minded, bear with the weak, be patiented towards all men. 31 That private offences are to be rebuked privately or secretly. IF thy brother trespass against thee, Math. 18, 15 go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone, if he hear thee, thou hast won thy brother. 32. That open sin must have open rebuke. THem that sin rebuke openly, 1. Tim. 5.20 that the rest also may fear. And when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him openly, Galat. 2, 11. for he was worthy to be rebuked. He that rebuketh a man shall find more favour at the length, Prou. 28, 23. than he that flattereth him with his lips, why then should any man cast any of these doubts? why than I shall lose his good will, and I am afraid he will not take it well, having his promise of God. A reproof entereth more into him that hath understanding, Prou. 17. than an hundredth stripes into a fool. A scorner loveth not him that rebuketh him, Prou. 15, 12. neither will he go unto the wise. A wise son will obey the instruction of his father, Prou. 13, 1. but a scorner will hear no rebuke. Better is it to hear the rebuke of wise men, Prou. 7, 7. than the song of fools. He that hardeneth his neck when he is rebuked, Prou. 29, 1. shall suddenly be destroyed and cannot be cured. 33. That no Christian ought to have any fellowship with any wicked man, who professing christianity, leadeth his life lewdly to the slander of the profession, but to avoid such a one as filthiness and dirt. IF any that is called a brother (that us to say a Christian man) be a fornicator, 1. Cor. 5. or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such one eat not. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, Ephes. 5.11. but even reprove them rather. If any man obey not our sayings, 1. Thes. 3. verse 14. note him by letter, and have no company with him that he may be ashamed. He that walketh with the wise shallbe wise, Prou. 13, 20. but a companion of fools shallbe afflicted. For, Epes. 5. verse 6.7. for such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, be not therefore companions with them. They that forsake the law praise the wicked, Prou. 28, 4. but they that keep the law set themselves against them. Lord who shall dwell in thy tabernacle, Psal. 15.1, 4. etc. He in whose eyes a vile person is contemned: but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. Example. ℣ se 2 And jehu the son of Hannani the Seer went to meet him (that is jehoshaphat who went to the war with Ahab king of Israel) and said to king jehoshaphat, 2. Chron. 19 wouldst thou help the wicked, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore for this thing the wrath of the Lord is upon thee. Yet after this did jehoshaphat king of judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel who was given to do evil, 2. Chron. 20 ℣ s. 35, 36, 37 and he joined with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, & they made the ships in Ezion Gaber, than Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Meresha prophesied against jehoshaphat, saying: because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah the Lord hath broken thy works, & the ships were broken that they were not able to go to Tarshish. 34. That all Christians ought to be full of good works, and to what end. FOr we are his workmanship created in Christ jesus unto good works, Ephes. 2, 10. which God hath ordained, that we should walk in them. This is a true saying, Titus 3, 8. & these things I will thou shouldest affirm, that they which have believed God might be careful to show forth good works, these are good and profitable to men. Who gave himself for us, Titus 2, 14. to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purge us a peculiar people unto himself, zealous of good works. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high minded, 1. Tim. 6, 17 & that they trust not in uncertain riches but in the living God, which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy, that they do good and be rich in good works, and ready to distribute and communicate. End of good works. Let your light so shine before men, Math. 5.16. that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven. And have your conversation honest among the Gentiles, 1. Pet. 2, 12. that they which speak evil of you as of evil doers, may by your good works which they shall see, glorify God in the day of their visitation. And this I pray that your love may abound, Philip. 1. ℣ se 9, 10, 11. yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement, that ye may discern things that differ one from another, that ye may be pure and without offence until the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. join moreover virtue with your faith, 2, Pet. 1. ℣ se 5, 6, 7. and with virtue knowledge, and with knowledge temperance, and with temperance patience, and with patience godliness, and with godliness brotherly kindness, and with brotherly kindness love. For if these things us among you and abound, they will make you that ye neither shallbe idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord jesus Christ, for he that hath not thess things, is blind, and cannot see far of, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. And let ours learn to show forth good works for necessary uses, Titus 3.14. that they be not unfruitful. Now good Reader this being ended, there remaineth nothing but thy diligence, carefully to practise that which thou shalt here find, as thy calling shall require, and bind thee, which that thou mayst do, I shall not cease to pray. And thus in Christ I bid thee farewell. FINIS.