THE COUNTRYMAN WITH HIS HOUSEHOLD.  
Being A familiar Conference, concerning Faith towards God, and Good Works before Men; fitted for the capacity of the meanest.  
By R. S. Preacher of the word at ARLEY.  
See the Contents more particularly before the Book.  JOSVA. 24.13. 
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  1 PET. 2.17. 
Fear God,  
&  NEHEM. 1.11. 
Desire to fear him.  
Imprinted at London by Edward Griffin for jonah Man at the Talbot in Paternoster Row. 1620.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, SIR WALTER ASTON, KNIGHT OF THE  & BARONET, AT THIS PRESENT LORD AMBASSADOR FOR HIS MAJESTY TO THE KING OF SPAIN.  
AND TO THE LADY GERTRVDE, HIS MOST VIRTUOUS AND BELOVED WIFE.  
R. S. CONSECRATETH THESE HIS MEDITATIONS, TOGETHER WITH HIS BEST WISHES AND SERVICES.   

An Admonition to the Reader.  
I Presume thou knowest very well (good Reader) that as the gifts of Teachers in delivering are diverse, so are those of the Hearers for conceiving and profiting. For which cause the Christian Scribe must (as the great Divinitie-reader teacheth) 
a Mat. 13.52,  bring forth out of his treasure things both new and old, that is, as I understand it, fit his setting forth of saving truth after sundry good sorts to the estate and capacity of the Learners; 
b Phil. 3.1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. i. minimè lubricum.  and for them it is safe to write the same things unto them. Think me not then to tautologize overmuch in this Book, neither yet blame me for lack of exact method therein. For, beside that a familiar Conference, especially of the Countryman with his Household (for whose sake chief I publish these my country-meditations) is not so absolutely freed from the one, nor so strictly tied to the other; note (I pray thee) that my study and endeavour herein hath been purposely to convey the truth to the more ignorant and ruder sort in such form and so many words as I supposed them able to receive it; 
c Esai. 28.9, 10, 11. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2. & 9.22. Heb. 5.11, 12, 13.  and if they should not rightly conceive and lay hold on the truth in one place, speech or passage of the Book, yet in another they might attain to it, if it shall please the Lord. To which end I have retained (chief in the weightiest principles) some common phrases and kinds of speech used in Catechisms, because I take them to be plainest & more generally known. Namely, I have here and there used some answers out of Master William Perkins (of worthy memory) his Catechism. And in some three or four places also I have imitated others a little in some respects. The reasons against Transubstantiation, and many of those Questions and Answers about fit and worthy Receivers, and some few about Receiving worthily are the labours of that judicious man and mine especial friend Mr A. N. All the rest (so far as I remember) 
* Neither yet hath my pains been the lesser in those few things that I have taken from others, as the discreet Reader may easily perceive by my manner of using them.  are my poor endeavours, together with the frame of the whole, so shaped as I thought fittest for my purpose. Indeed when I began with this Work, I intended only some briefer thing, as a short Catechism, but afterwards partly considering the great and manifold necessities of the ignorant, and partly following the advice of diverse godly persons whom I consulted withal, I have enlarged myself to so many matters as you may see. The doctrine and substance I assure myself is sound, and (I am privy) proceedeth from a heart that is willing to promote the common salvation, 
d vers. 3.  as jude calleth it. Let it not want therefore (judicious Reader) thy Christian good word, at least let it be free from thy blame, though (it may be) there shall be found some show of Reason for such censure, considering not only my defence premised, but also the cause and honour of Him who is too often pierced through the sides of his poor servants, and fearing the offence of the weak, who (God knoweth) are soon turned out of the way. Albeit, I take, it had been no great difficulty for me to have made it both shorter and more methodical, save that (if I do not mistake) I judge this often repeating the surest or likeliest way to effect my intent and desire. And if God shall move any few of those Householders (hearts) who have hitherto used little or no means in this behalf, to use this, so that it be with conscience, I have enough. And why should they always 
e Psal. 2.3.  break Christ's bands asunder and cast away his cords from them? Now the Lord of his dear mercy conveyed unto us by the blood of of his only Son, by his all-working Spirit, bless my simple labour, thy favourable allowance, and every ones Christian use of it, unto his own praise in the building of his Church. Amen.  
Thine in the Lord, R. S.   

The Table of the Contents.  

THE drift of the Author in this Book, and concerning the instructing and reforming of the Country-mans-houshould in general, and particularly some directions and forms of teaching Children so soon as they can speak, and such as having spent a great part of their time in ignorance & carelessness, can repeat some things, as the Creed, the Lords Prayer, etc. but yet understand little or nothing thereof, and therefore cannot put what they say to any good use. pag. 1. to 59  
I The First part, Concerning the Law of God contained in the ten Commandments, which are summarily expounded, and the uses of the Law in general, briefly set down. pag. 59 to 79.  
TWO The second part, Concerning the Gospel, where the Creed is explained. pag. 79. to 111.  
III The third part, concerning the Means of Grace in general: And 

first of the Word of God, and of the Exercises thereof, pag. 111. to 115.  
Secondly of Prayer, Where. 

1: An Exposition of the Lords prayer. pag. 115. to 126  
2. Two forms of Prayer for the use of the Country-mans-Household on worke-days, the one for the Morning, the other for the Evening. pag. 126. to 148.  
3. Two forms of Thanksgiving, the one before meat, the other after meat. pag. 148. to 149.  
4. A form of Prayer for one in private, for preparation to the Sabbath. pag. 150. to 161.  
5. Certain godly Hymns or Psalms for private use. pag. 167. to 174.      
IIII The fourth part, Of the Sacraments of the New Testament p. 174. to 178 

1. Of Baptism. pag. 178. to 182.  
2. Of the Lord's Supper. pag. 188. to 194,  
where, of fit and worthy Receivers, etc. p. 194. to 206.    
V The last Part, where 

1. Of the Practice of the Communion of Saints. pag. 206. to 110.  
2. Of the Effects of the four means of Grace, both in good and bad. p. 209, to 211.  
3. Of the consideration of God's works. pag. 211, to 212.  
4. Of Christ's Protecting of his Church pag. 212, to 213.  
5. Of Christ's Disposing of all things to its greatest good, as of Sin, Afflictions, Death, etc. pag. 214. to 221.  
6. Of the last Resurrection & judgement general. pag. 221. to 228  
7. Of watching. pag. 228. to 235  
8. And of Christ's full glorifying of his Church in Heaven. pag. 235.    
The Peroration, or Sum of the whole, composed in easy & plain meeter. pag. 238. to 254.    

THE COUNTRYMAN WITH HIS HOUSEHOLD; Being A familiar Conference, concerning Faith towards God, and Good Works before Men, fitted for the capacity of the meanest.  

The Speakers conferring be these five,  
The 

Pastor.  
Parent.  
Child.  
Servant.  
Scholar.     
Pastor. 
GOd 
a 2 joh. v. 10.  speed you.  Parent. 
And you also. 
b Act. 16.15.  If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, 
c vers. 9  and help us, that we may learn and be stirred up to 
d 1 Thess. 2.11.  walk worthy of God, who hath called us unto his kingdom and glory.  Pastor. 
Indeed I have often and long time marvelled of the general-gross neglect and strangeness of yourself & other householders, in that you have contented yourselves with a bare and fashionable use of your Ministers labours in public, without seeking any fellowship (whiles you are in prosperity) with them in private, as touching the matters of God. Wherein now, at the length, it seemeth, you desire my help: For hitherto you and other Householders have by your carelessness this way, not only hindered and discouraged your Ministers in the work of the Gospel, but also wronged yourselves and your own people (besides the evil example you have given to others) in such sort that neither the judicious can well tell what to think of you, nor yet you yourselves (for the greater number I fear) know whether you profit or not by the public preaching of the word, though it be both plentifully and fitly set forth of the Ministers, and also ordinarily frequented by you. I say little of the want, yea & of the alienating of the affections of Love and Delight, (yea and of Zeal oftentimes) which as they are on the one side procured and nourished by often society and familiarity, and thereupon do much further the soul for the knowledge, belief, and practise of Godliness; not unlike to good handmaids, who by their continual industry do set forward their Mistress business, and therein promote her welfare: So on the other side, these being wanting or estranged, many good things become unprofitable, and usually very wholesome orders and directions are either refused, or little or nothing used, and so the soul is never the nearer, and it may be the further off from piety; as it cometh to pass by such maids, as either do not mind diligence, or addict themselves to other matters than their service, and therefore are so fare from profiting their Mistress, that contrarily, they do rather encumber her and hindeer her good estate. And what dishonour the Lord sustaineth by this profane course, I leave to be lamented of all those that know what Gods glory meaneth, and have any feeling of the grievous and intolerable loss of it. But I pray you what have you thought of 
e Act. 20.20, 31.  S. Paul his three years diligence at Ephesus by night and day, in teaching and warning every one of the Church of God with tears from house to house? And what use have you made of his plain exhortation, to 
f Heb. 13.17.  obey them that have the rule over you, and to submit yourselves; and likewise of his request, 
g 1 Thess. 5.12, 13.  to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake?  Parent. 
For my part I must confess, that albeit I have known such testimonies of holy writ, yet I have not so seriously considered & applied them to myself, as now of late time & every day more and more I do. And for others, I beseech God to move their hearts likewise to 
h Psal. 30.1. 1 Cor. 16.15, 16  dedicate themselves and their houses to God, that every one may help and labour with you for the entertainment and promoting of the Gospel of Christ.  Pastor. 
Verily you have caused me much grief, because through your strangeness I have been but slenderly able to follow the Lords will, 
i Ezek. 34.  by seeking out his sheep, specially those that are lost, feeding them in fat pastures, laying them in good folds, bringing them again that were driven away, binding that which was broken, strengthening that which was sick, etc. And for that I could not approve myself to be that good and careful 
k john 10.3, 4.  Shepherd, who calleth his own sheep by name, leadeth them out, and goeth before them that they may follow him. And withal you have made me much ashamed that I am so ignorant and uncertain of the particular persons estate in my flock, and the more, when I think of Cyrus the Persian King, of whom it is recorded, 
l Pliny. Solin. Val. Max. & others.  that he knew both the faces & names of all the soldiers in his army (which was very great) so that he could salute and (as need required) exhort every one by name to virtue and manhood, and yet his drift was but for earthly glory and a temporal victory: But my office is ordained of Christ the Captain of our Faith, to direct and encourage his Soldiers to get the greatest victory that ever was or can be, even over the Devil, Sin, Death, and Damnation, and to obtain everlasting glory, and that with Christ the Lord of glory. Howbeit it is come to pass through the subtlety of Satan and Man's corruption, in the lack of a religious & familiar society betwixt me and my charge, that I have but little certain knowledge of their spiritual estate, and therefore am forced to expect the lesser fruit of my public labours, eftsoons censuring myself as doing my office but by the halves, only in preaching a Sermon or two out of the pulpit each week upon the Lord's day, which yet I cannot so profitably perform in fitting my labour to their estate, as otherwise I might, to wit, if I and they had such private fellowship, as the Lord commendeth unto us in his holy word. For which and diverse other reasons, I do not only seek and take some likely opportunities with them, to set on foot this holy Ordinance of the Lord, but withal I cease not to pray the Almighty, the Author of all good gifts and Father of lights, as well to enable and guide me with necessary graces and godly wisdom, in some good & constant course, to bestow some private pains this way, as to open the doors of my people's hearts and houses to make some good use thereof; and I wait for the mercy of God in raising up some helpers to the same end, and in vouchsafing me some happy entrance into so worthy a mean of his glory, and of our spiritual advantage, so long as he continueth the earnest desire of my heart in this behalf, and my godly labours amongst them. For this course that I speak of, and you do now begin to embrace, if it be well performed and accepted, will (by God's blessing) make men's houses, yea & the meanest cottages, honourable and reverend in the account of all godly men, as we do read that sundry in the primitive Churches, founded by the Apostles, were adorned by the name of 
m Rom. 16.5. 1 Cor. 16.19. Col. 4.15. Philem. v. 2.  Churches, the worthiest societies of men in the world.  Parent. 
Nay rather, I and my Family, and such as we have been, have cause to grieve and be ashamed for our strangeness to you, & to whomsoever else might benefit us in grace, as you have showed; yea and to fear lest God in his justice should cast us out of the number and reckoning of Christian houses, as 
n Genes. 21.10, 12, 14.  Abraham at God's commandment cast out Hagar and Ishmael out of his house, because we are so far from the 
o 2 Tim. 3.5.  power of Godliness, that we want the form thereof in our houses, which ought to be (as you have said) as so many Churches both for the form and power of godliness, unless it shall please God to direct us to take a better course, and that with speed, and to bless it unto our use. Wherefore, sir, I pray you let me obtain your present counsel and furtherance to reform my Household, and to plant good order therein for this great work of God's Holy Gospel: And even now, if your time and occasions will permit, come in, 
p Act. 10.33.  that we may hear all the things that are commanded you of God.  Pastor. 
You speak in fit time, for I am not altogether unprovided at this present, to confer my small gift unto you and your household. 
q Luk. 10.5.  Peace be to this house.  Parent. 

r Psal. 129.8.  The Blessing of the Lord be upon us. Will you that I call in my people, that they may enjoy the benefit of our Conference at this time?  Pastor. 
It shall not need to do so now, till I have made a Preparative by a course which I have in hand; and then hereafter by the grace of God we will proceed altogether. My Preparative is by this Book, wherein I have set down such informations & Helps, as I judge most needful and fit for such Households as yours is. This therefore I will bestow on you, upon condition you will promise me that you will not be slack, to use it in your house, according to the directions thereof, so far forth as you shall find it upon just trial, to be the truth according to Godliness, and convenient for your estate. For this Book doth not only touch the chiefest points of Faith towards God and Good Works before Men, and that in the plainest manner I could device for the understanding of the weakest persons, and briefly expoundeth the Lord's prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Confession of Faith, with the doctrine of the Sacraments, and diverse 
s See the Table of the Contents.  other necessary things, but also it prescribeth certain forms of Prayer & Thanksgiving, and some Psalms or Hymns, which you may use for prayer and praise to God, your own edification and comfort, and the stirring up of others to seek the Lord with you. All which things, I desire you, not only to read once or twice over, (for novelties sake, as many are wont to do in these days without any further use in a manner) but also to follow the directions and course therein advised (unless you can meet with a fit help) for your better enabling and drawing on to call upon and magnify God's name, and to confess his saving truth of yourselves, without the guidance of set forms, and till you can with judgement make choice of such Psalms for private use, as are suitable for any condition of mind or body you shall be in.  Parent. 
I most hearty thank you. But (I pray you) do you propose all that you have written in this book to be learned by heart?  Pastor. 
No: But my meaning is: Note. 1 First, that the three forms of Prayer, to wit, two for the working days, and the the third for the Sabbath, the Explanation of the Creed, and the direction for singing of the Psalms be constantly used, though they be read upon the book, either by yourself, or some other of your house, whom you shall appoint, till you or some other (I say) of your house shall be able either to use them without the book, or otherwise to conceive prayer etc. of yourselves, which indeed is the thing that you must principally labour for.  
Note. 2 Secondly, that all such Questions and Answers as do pass between the Parent and the Child shall be learned by heart of all them, whose hearts God shall move and enable to labour therein, wheresoever they be placed in the Book and in such order as they stand, as also the two forms of thanksgiving before and after meat. And those things are principal and fundamental points of Religion, and therefore most needful to be learned.  
Note. 3 And thirdly, those Questions and Answers which pass betwixt the Servant and the Scholar, (wheresoever they be throughout all the five parts of the Book) I do commend unto the often and diligent reading and noting of the well-disposed, unless it shall please them of their own accord to get by heart any choice matter which they shall find in it to be most for their good. For daily use and constant practice in reading good matter, (specially being penned in form of Conference and pithily) shall by God's blessing (in tract of time) prevail much, even above expectation, (though one cannot attain to learn every word in order by heart) at least it will be a Mean to increase knowledge, and to make the Points of Doctrine much easier in hearing the public Ministry. Now this part of the Conference (I mean betwixt the Servant and the Scholar) containeth sometimes Explanations, sometimes Reasons, and sometimes Uses of the Points of Doctrine professed in the Conference betwixt the Parent and the Child, and sometimes marks of saving grace to direct the weaker sort to judge and discern the better of their spiritual estate, and sometimes confutation of errors and taking away of doubts.  
By Scholar I understand such a one as can write & read the English tongue in any ready & competent sort, though he want other literature. And because this kind of Scholars are better fitted to hear the preaching of the word, & to look into the holy Scriptures with more likelihood of fruit, than others who have not those gifts of writing & reading, I have therefore assigned him to make answer to the Servant (who also by reason of his or her age and experience for the most part, aught to have more judgement than the Child) in points that tend unto greater perfection and growth. And withal I have also brought you (the Parent) in, sometimes ask my help, and sometimes conferring otherwise with me, and myself (the Pastor) answering your Questions, replying, satisfying your demands, advising or exhorting in sundry matters and passages of the Book.  Parent. 
I thank the Lord for the care you have had of me and my people and such as we are. And I do promise (by the grace of God) to observe your order and directions both for myself and all my family, as also for other my special friends, with whom I can prevail, until it shall please God to bring us to some competent perfection, that we be as good or better than your Book.  Pastor. 
Well then, remember your promise, and consider that it is impossible for you 
t 1 Sam. 2.12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25.  to seek and serve the Lord in the Congregation, and yet to to be negligent or profane in the house. And look that you break not off a good course well begun, but hold on with cheerful resolution and constancy against all temptations and stumbling blocks. And evermore be careful to proceed with a good and honest heart, never seeming before men to be more religious than indeed you are before God, who is the searcher of the hearts. And have respect to your conversation, that it be such as may 
u Tit. 2.10.  adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. And to this good work of informing & reforming your Household, it shall be much helpful for you, often and seriously to call to mind, First, the Commandments which God hath given, together with the Promises that he hath made to the truly obedient in this behalf: And secondly, the Examples of the Godly Fathers mentioned in Scripture, who have practised & furthered this work, and specially of Abraham, josua, and David, whom the Lord made notable patterns for all Christian Householders to imitate.  Parent. 
I pray you give me some taste of God's commandments and promises laid forth to all Householders.  Pastor. 
The Commandment or rather Charge that the Lord giveth you is most plainly expressed in Deuteronomie. In one place he beginneth thus, 
u Deut. 6.6.  These words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart: And in another, thus, 
x Deut. 11.18.  Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul; And then in the former place he proceedeth thus, 
y Deut. 6.7, 8, 9  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy House and on thy Gates. His meaning is, 
Householders must apply this work.  that because man's heart is scarcely by the greatest and most continual labour brought into due order & obedience, that first, for ourselves we meditate his word so much the more carefully and earnestly, that we may understand and embrace it in the whole course of our life: and secondly, that we do our best endeavour to propagate the doctrine of it from one to another, even to all posterity. He saith, Teach them diligently; the Original hath it thus, 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Et exacues ea, vel, Et ea acutè ingeres. Tremel.  Put them pearcingly, as warriors sharpen and whet their weapons to pierce and cut their enemies with more easiness. Therefore Parents & Householders must put God's word so importunately and fitly upon their children & people, that there be no failing on their part for lack of the best course and manner that may be taken but that the other may receive it. So than you must carry yourselves towards them, as those that will have no nay, and that whatsoever else they entertain or refuse, this holy doctrine they must needs embrace.  
Thus the Lord requireth you to be diligently and evermore bend and busy to accept and promote his word to all your people, and specially to your children, pressing it upon their consciences, whether you be in rest or motion, and in what place soever you be, taking the likeliest opportunities, and using your greatest wisdom to make it effectual in their hearts. To which ends he admonisheth you to have it in a readiness in your hearts, as a thing that you always carry in your hands, to be put to present use upon each occasion, and as a thing that is ever to be seen directly before your eyes, and therefore to be always in mind, and never to be out of the way, 
z Psal. 18.21, 22.  but ready for a continual rule and constant practice in all your ways.  
Then the Promise is added in these word, 
a Deut. 11.21.  That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children in the Land which the Lord swore unto your Fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth: that is to say, Both you and yours who serve the Lord in his word shall prosper and be blessed both here & ever. For the multiplying of days noteth the happiness of time and living upon earth; and the Land of God's promise or oath (which was Canaan) signified everlasting life.  Parent. 
Show me likewise the examples of piety in this behalf, with you have named, & first of Abraham.  Pastor. 
Of Abraham the Lord said thus, 
b Genes. 18.19.  I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Lo here Gods own report both of Abraham's course in glorifying God by his children and household, & also of his own gracious blessing upon him and his progeny, according to his free promise, besides the present favour God shown him, in acquainting him with his secret purpose to proceed against Sodom and Gomorrhe: for which and other causes Abraham is often graced in the holy Scriptures with that special title, The Friend of God.  Parent. 

A digression, why Abraham is called, The friend of God.  Let me entreat you to declare unto me more largely & plainly, the meaning of that title which God gave unto Abraham, The friend of God?  Pastor. 
For three Reasons. First, we know it is the manner and duty of true and loving friends to show special favour and kindness one to another, and to make hearty and unfeigned promise of their mutual love as well either to other, as to each others posterity after them, and to give credit either to others affections and words, yea and duly and mindfully to perform their promises on both parts, as David and jonathan did: But we read in the Scriptures, of God's singular favour and mercy on th'one part towards Abraham in calling him by his grace to be faithful, 
c Rom. 4.1, 13, 16.  the father of the faithful, and the Heir of the world, and in making him great promises to the same and other purposes, and repeating them often unto him, chief concerning the Messiah, who should proceed of 
d Math. 1.1, 2, etc. Gal. 3. & 4. with Gen. 12.15.17. & 22. chap. 2 Chron. 20.7.  him and of his posterity according to the flesh, concerning himself and his seed both by nature & faith; and by faith (I say) both of jew and Gentile temporally and eternally; All which God hath performed and will accomplish to the full in Christ the blessed seed: And of Abraham's Faith and Thankfulness on th'other part; His Faith, in giving full trust and credit unto God's love and promises; His Thankfulness in behaving himself as the special friend of God and of his glory throughout his whole drift and course, labouring to promote and maintain God's name and service unto the uttermost. For Abraham 
e Gen. 12.1, 4, 5, etc. & 17.23, etc. & 18.19. & 22.1, 2. &c, 12. & 24. Ios. 24.14, 15. Esai. 41.8. john. 8. Heb. 11.8, 15. Jam. 2.23.  approved himself to be the worthy and trusty champion, propagator and maintainer of God's glory and honour, by his faithful cleaving unto God, his uprightness, his careful shunning of defection, impugning of Idolatry, and abhorring of all iniquity. This than was the special friendship betwixt God and Abraham, which was sealed on both parts 
f Genes. 17.  by the Sacrament of Circumcision given and received, as also by other divine signs, amongst which that was not the least, that God gave Abraham 
g Gen. 21.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.  a Son in his old age, and Abraham 
h Gen. 22.  would have offered him willingly in sacrifice to the Lord at his commandment.  
Secondly, 
i Philem. v. 17. 1 Sam. 18.3. & 20.14, 15, 16, 17.  special & inward friends do count each others friends and enemies common, as we see not only amongst those that are merely natural, but also with those that have been the children of grace. Now this we find also betwixt God and Abraham: For the Lord out of his special love made this promise to Abraham, and to his true seed after him, 
k Genes. 12.3.  I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and evermore duly kept it both towards him and his wife, and towards his children, 
l Gal. 3.7.  of which sort are all they which are of faith. For God did manifestly reveal what reckoning he made of Abraham and Sarah his wife their friends and enemies, first 
m Genes. 12.17, 19  by his severe plaguing of Pharaoh the Egyptian King & his house for taking Sarai into his house, though none of them abused her, for the Lord preserved her (being his Friend's wife) from their filthiness: And afterwards by his jealous and sharp 
n Gen. 20.3, 7, 17, 18. Psal. 105.15.  rebuking Abimelech King of Gerar for the like cause, telling him, that He and all His should surely die, unless he restored unto Abraham his wife, yea and striking his wife & maidservants with barrenness: but in conclusion 
o Gen. 20.13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.  after that he had restored unto Abraham, his wife undefiled, and shown other kindnesses both to him and her, the Lord at this his great Friends request, healed Abimelechs' wife and maidservants, so that they bore children: And as for Abraham's children (the Faithful) the holy Scriptures and all experience do evidently show the like dealing of God for them. Again, Abraham declared his love to his best Friend the Lord, in hating Gods enemies as if they had been his own, and so in entertaining, reverencing, and succouring the friends, messengers, and servants of the Lord, as his own, or rather above his own; all which things we read 
p Genes. 14.  in the story of Abraham's slaying Chedarlaomer and the Kings that were with him, who were not only his own enemies, but also of Melchizedec the Priest of the most High God, of Lot and others of God's Church, and consequently of God himself; 
q Gen. 24.3.  in the story of his avoiding the marriage of the daughters of Canaan with his son Isaac, for the Canaanites being out of the Covenant of God were to be reckoned amongst his enemies; and 
r Gen. 14.  in the stories of his rescuing Lot, paying tithes to Melchizedec, 
s Genes. 18.  entertaining the Angels, and praying for what righteous persons he supposed were in Sodom & Gomorrhe.  
Lastly, Great and special friends are wont to resort and continue much together, and therein to confer familiarly of their most weighty and secret matters and occasions. And I pray you how many apparitions did the Lord vouchsafe to Abraham? How familiarly did the Lord confer with him at sundry times? And how weighty and secret were the occasions which they did communicate th'one to th'other? As namely concerning Abraham and his estate, his wife and progeny, the blessed seed CHRIST JESUS, and all others of Abraham's seed, the matter of Sodom and Gomorrhe, Abraham's prayers and thanksgiuings, which undoubtedly were many and fervent, and finally his meditations upon the will of God to him revealed, which in the secret of his soul he spiritually talked of unto God. For seeing he had that zeal, holiness and love, that he did pray so long and so earnestly for the wicked and filthy Sodomites, we may easily judge how plentiful he was in his consultations and supplications with the Lord for himself and the rest of God's Church; and to conclude, what a heavenly fellowship and holy commerce was exercised between them?  Parent. 
But what use is there of all this to us?  Pastor. 
Very great, both for our instruction and comfort. For if we be faithful as Abraham was, we ought to be certainly persuaded that the Lord is the same God to us as he was to Abraham, though we have not the like extraordinary signs and testimonies. The proofs whereof are chiefly two.  
First, 
t Act. 10.34, 35. Rom. 2.10, 11. 1 joh. 1.3, 4. & 4.15, 16, 17. joh. 17.20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.  God's love is one and the same towards all his people and servants in Christ jesus, whom he gave unto the death, aswell for every one and the least of them, as for any one and the greatest of them.  
And secondly, the Lord telleth us in general, that, 
u Rom. 15.4.  whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope: yea and specifieth this thing expressly, saying, 
* Galat. 3.9.  they which be of faith, are blessed with faithful Abraham: and to put us out of all doubt, he giveth all true believers as friendly and gracious speeches, as he did to Abraham, both in the Old and New Testaments: In the Old, thus he uttereth his mind, 
x Zechar. 2.8.  he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of my eye: In the new, thus, 
y Matth. 18.6.  Who so shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea. And how honourable are those titles, 
z Tit. 1.1.  the elect of God, 
a Reuel. 1.6.  Kings, Priests, 
b 2 Cor. 6.18.  Sons and Daughters of the Almighty, 
c Heb. 2.11, 12.  the brethren of Christ, 
d Rom 8.17.  fellow heirs with Christ, & c! And 
e john. 15.13, 14, 15.  our Saviour entitleth those for whom he laid down his life, who do whatsoever he commandeth them, and to whom he maketh known his Father's will (and those verily are all such as are effectually called) with this very name, His friends. Wherefore this great title, 
☞  The friend of God, 
f Rom. 4.23, 24. Psal, 105.6, to 16.  was not written for Abraham's sake alone, but for all the believers sakes also, that they being endued with such grace as Abraham was, might assure themselves that God is their special friend, and they his.  Parent. 
What was the example of josua?  Pastor. 
josuah his example is laid forth for our imitation in these words, 
g josua. 24.15.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. For he having made most earnest exhortation to the Israelites to fear and serve the Lord in sincerity and truth, he avoucheth, that though they should generally fall away from God to Idols, yet he and his family would constantly cleave unto the Lord. Which teacheth those Householders who are enlightened, that they ought to reform themselves and their houses, but yet think themselves excused or do defer the work, either because other men, and specially their neighbours and friends do not go about the same thing, or because they are afraid of the Reproach to be counted too forward, to acknowledge their error, and to shake off all these and other their wicked shifts and delays, learning and practising with josua, whatsoever other men do or not do, to promote the service of God in themselves and in the people of their houses.  Parent. 
And what is the example we have from David?  Pastor. 
David (a King of gteat estate) did solemnly protest and vow unto the Lord, 
h Psal. 101.2, 3, 6, 7.  that he would walk within his house with a perfect heart, that he would set no wicked thing before him, that his eyes should be upon the faithful of the Land that they might dwell with him, that he that walked in a perfect way should serve him, that he that wrought deceit should not dwell within his house, and that he who told lies should not tarry in his sight. By which his course he giveth a worthy pattern to Householders, though never so great of place and worth in the world, to labour the practice of godliness in their houshold-conuersation and government with uprightness & sincerity of heart, and to see it likewise practised of all others (abandoning the froward and deceitful) so far as possibly they can procure.  Parent. 
But many of us that are poor men and simple persons, as Husbandmen, Labourers, etc. do persuade ourselves that the Examples of Abraham who was a Prophet and great Lord or Noble man; of josua, a great Captain, or rather an Emperor; and of David, a Prophet and King, do not belong to us (silly mean men) for our imitation.  Pastor. 
I know it to be true which you say, for although the Gospel hath shone very clear amongst us, and that so long time, as I verily think that scarcely any Nation hath had the like, yet England (for the greatest number) is not only simple but rude, and (for the most part) turneth of all holy examples from their use. Howbeit, I would these Objectors would consider, that the Precept of God in this behalf is delivered generally and indefinitely to all without exception of any, either great or small, noble or unnoble, rich or poor, Magistrate or Subject, Landlord or Tenent, Minister or Hearer, as we may easily perceive not only by the words in Deuteronomie above recited, but also by Psalm. 78. vers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. Give ear, O my people, to my Law, incline your ears to the words of my mouth I will open my mouth in a parable, I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generations to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in jacob, and appointed a Law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children; That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be borne, who should arise and declare them to their children; That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments, etc. and many 
i Exod. 12.26, 27. Ephes. 6.4. Deut. 4.0.  other places. And further, that there are examples of godly Householders recorded for our imitation, who have been of meaner note for their outward estate in this life, as 
k Gen. 29. & 30. chap.  jacob when he was a servant, 
l Ruth. 2.1, 2, etc.  Naomi a poor widow, who sent her daughter in law Ruth (that was one of Christ's grandmothers according to his manhood) to glean come after the reapers of Boaz, thereby to satisfy their present necessities, 
m 2 Tim. 1.5. & 3.15.  Lois the grandmother, and Eunice the mother of Timothy, 
n Act. 18.2, 3.  Aquila and Priscilla the tentmaker and his wife, 
o Act. 16.31, 32, 33, 34.  the laylour at Philippi, and diverse others mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.  Parent. 
But many of our children are so young and raw, that they can learn little or nothing, and though they could learn by heart, yet they cannot understand.  Pastor. 
You are deceived. For if you will dispose yourself to glorify the Lord with a godly mind, call upon him for his blessing, and use diligence in teaching your children, you shall find (by God's grace) that they shall learn even so soon as they shall be able to speak, and that to begin betime is the surest way to make them understand the soon, and to further those that do understand already: And finally, that the fruit of it will continue even in old age, as Solomon saith, 
p Prov. 22.6.  Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not departed from it.  Parent. 
What is meant by training up?  Pastor. 
An instructing or Catechising 
q Esai. 28.10.  by little and little, that is, easily and familiarly, 
r Deut. 32.2.  as it were by some small drops, and not a pouring in of hard doctrine as by showers, where you are directed 
s Mark. 4.33. Heb. 5.12, 13, 2 Tim. 2. 15.24, 25.  to use discretion and meekness in teaching your children and every other ignorant person according to their ability in hearing?  Parent. 
What do you understand by the way he should go?  Pastor. 
The way that a child should go, is the right manner of leading his life in the service of God, righteously and honestly in his society with man, and lawfully in the performance of all duty, whereof Godliness is the principal. And this it the lesson I have even now laid before you, namely, that The fittest time to learn the fear of the Lord is while we are young. Wherefore those Parents and Householders are much to blame, 
Note what the Prophet Esay saith. Esai. 55.1, 2, 3.  who carelessly neglect this first and chiefest care of teaching their people to live unto God, who yet pass modesty in caring and urging them how they should live unto the flesh and the world. And do not they, I pray you, confute themselves for saying, it is too early to catechise them when they are young, seeing they judge it the fittest time to invre them to do somewhat as soon as they can, and do beat into their heads how to get or save somewhat, and to forecast for a living in time to come? And do they not practise their usual proverb, Early sharp will be a thorn? Except they be such foolish persons as cocker their children with niceness, proud rags, dainty fare, &c, and make them idle drones or worse, whereby they become unfruitful for Church or Commonwealth, yea oftentimes wasters or rather destroyers of the good gifts of God, which are none of theirs by right, whatsoever title they have to them by humane laws and conveyance, but indeed belong to the children of God.  Parent. 
And what is taught, by not departing from it, when he is old?  Pastor. 
Not only that what thing is taught in youth, continueth in old age, as we may see on the one side in those, that taste in their age of the good things which they learned in their childhood: as on the other side in them that are brought up in wickedness, who cast forth the evil savour thereof in their grey hairs, but also that early instructing profiteth both the understanding and the memory. And therefore it is for the most part that the elder sort that have not been informed in their youth, do learn loddly (as the common saying is,) and remember badly.  Parent. 
Seeing then you have made it plain, that Parents must teach or catechise their children in private, as also that it is best to begin with them so soon as they are able to speak or learn any thing, I pray you show me at what particular times and seasons and how often this labour must be bestowed, and in what manner?  Pastor. 
For the particular times and oftenness, Solomon's Rule (which is general for all good duties and works of mercy) must be observed, namely, 
t Eccles. 11.6.  In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. His meaning is, that we must exercise our goodness at all times, without ceasing, so far as we can, and so often as conveniently we may. For we must not think that God is tied to man, or that he will bless our labour when we do it after a tempting manner once in a week, twice in a quarter, or but now and then at our fair leisure, as who should say, God must be at our beck, and that the most necessary grace of salvation is gotten with little ado, where in the mean space earthly things (which are transitory & sometimes do us no good) are not obtained but with great & continual pains and forecast. But we must learn to serve and wait upon the Spirit of God for his gracious blessing upon our diligent use of the means, trying when God will please to work by our labour, and taking it for his singular favour and goodness toward us, if he will prosper our endeavour at one time or other, or at all times, when we have constantly done our best from time to time. And if I may give my judgement, the fittest and likeliest seasons for your purpose, are, every night and morning, at meals, and upon such motions of their minds (whether proceeding of their own willingness, or arising of the manifestation of any notable works of God) as your pains may seem in all reason most likely to take the deeper impression in their hearts. And for the manner, which as I have showed must be easy, plain and familiar for the benefit of the capacity, so also it must be 
u Eccles. 12.10.  cheerful and pleasant (though not without reverence and gravity) thereby to win and hold the affections and to delight.  Parent. 
In what form of words do you think fit to teach children at the first?  Pastor. 
In the shortest and pithiest Questions and Answers that can well be devised, which must be strictly observed and often repeated. And for want of better, you may use this following, namely,  Parent. 

The first A. B. C. of a Christian Child.  What is your Religion?  Child. 

* Act. 11.26.  The Christian Religion.  Parent. 
In whom do you believe?  Child. 

x john 14.1.  In God.  Parent. 
What is God?  Child. 

y john 4.24.  God is a Spirit, 
z Gen. 17.1.  Almighty, 
a 1 Tim. 1.17. Psal. 90.2.  without beginning & without ending.  Parent. 
How many Gods be there?  Child. 

b 1 john 5.7.  Only one God, but three persons.  Parent. 
How be the Persons called?  Child. 

c Math. 28.19.  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  Parent. 
Who made you?  Child. 

d Heb. 1.1, 2.  God the Father.  Parent. 
Who redeemed you?  Child. 

e 1 Cor. 1.30.  God the Son.  Parent. 
Who sanctifieth and preserveth you?  Child. 

f 1 Cor. 16.11. & 12.11. Gen. 1.2.  God the Holy Ghost.  Parent. 
Wherefore did God make, redeem, sanctify and preserve you?  Child. 

g Deut. 10.12. & 32.6.  To serve him.  Parent. 
How will God be served?  Child. 

h Deut. 29.29.  After his will revealed in his word.  Parent. 
How many parts be there of the word of God?  Child. 
Two parts.  Parent. 
Which be they?  Child. 

i Galat. 3.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18. Rom. 10.5, 6.  The Law and the Gospel, otherwise called, the Covenant of works and the Covenant of Grace.  Parent. 
And what is meet to teach them in the second place?  Pastor. 
The Lord's prayer.  Parent. 
What next?  Pastor. 
The Confession of Faith, otherwise called, The Creed.  Parent. 
And what afterwards?  Pastor. 
Then you may set upon the doctrine of the Law contained in the Ten Commandments, which is the first part of this book of familiar conference that I have given you, and so proceed according to the directions I have set you down. 
k 2 Tim. 2.7.  And the Lord give you understanding in all things.  Parent. 
But I pray you, how must I deal with them who have been neglected to be taught in their youth, and are now come to men's and women's estate, who also are wont (as you said) to learn loddly and remember badly?  Pastor. 
You must take the more pains with such to teach them the true meaning and right use of the Lord prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, the words whereof they can babble without understanding; as also you must use the like diligence for the doctrine of the Sacraments, according to the Conference, or some Catechism or Treatise made for that purpose.  Parent. 
It passeth my skill to teach some of them any understanding or profitable use of that which they confess in words, and specially such as put a confidence in the saying and rehearsing of the words, 
A kind of Opus operatum.  as though there were some secret virtue and efficacy in the words, that of themselves and of the sounding or pronouncing of them do please God, and make them that can and do utter them to be Christians, as they do superstitiously suppose.  Pastor. 
Then I advice you to follow these two courses, which have been sound very profitable with such blind souls.  
First, for the understanding and use of the Creed.  
Secondly, for Application both of the Creed, the Lords prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments.  Parent. 
What is your course to convey the understanding and use of the Creed unto an ignorant soul, that can say the words without sense in himself?  Pastor. 
Provided always that you humbly beseech God to bless your labour, and likewise that you deal kindly and lovingly with such a one, you must use to reason with him or her (suppose it be your servant or any other) in as familiar and plain manner as you can, to this effect,  Housholder. 

The form of instructing such ignorant souls as are of riper age.  In whom do you believe?  Servant. 
In God.  Housholder. 
What is God?  Servant. 
The Father Almighty.  Housholder. 
How do you know that God is almighty?  Servant. 
Because he is the maker of heaven and earth.  Housholder. 
In whom do you believe beside the Father?  Servant. 
In jesus Christ.  Housholder. 
Who is jesus Christ?  Servant. 
The Father's only Son and our Lord.  Housholder. 
What mean you by, Our Lord?  Servant. 
That he is our Redeemer and Governor.  Housholder. 
How came Christ to be so?  Servant. 
He was conceived by the Holy Ghost and borne of the Virgin Marie.  Housholder. 
What did he for us as he is our Lord?  Servant. 
He suffered for us under Ponce Pilate.  Housholder. 
Who was Ponce Pilate?  Servant. 
He was a judge that condemned Christ to death.  Housholder. 
To what kind of death did Pilate condemn our Saviour Christ?  Servant. 
To be crucified.  Housholder. 
What is that?  Servant. 
He was lifted up to a Cross of wood, and nailed upon it with nails 
* This crucifying was in those times among the jews a most shameful execution of Malefactors, such as Hanging upon the Gallows is now amongst us. .  Housholder. 
How long was he crufied?  Servant. 
Till he was dead.  Housholder. 
Wherefore was Christ willing to suffer so shameful a death?  Servant. 
For to save us from Hell, which we deserved for our sins.  Housholder. 
What did they with Christ when he was dead?  Servant. 
They buried his body in a Tomb.  Housholder. 
How long did it lie buried in the Tomb?  Servant. 
Until the third day.  Housholder. 
What did Christ then?  Servant. 
He rose again from the dead, and so lived and walked upon the earth again.  Housholder. 
What did he afterwards?  Servant. 
After forty days he ascended into Heaven, that is, He went up into Heaven.  Housholder. 
What doth our Saviour in Heaven?  Servant. 
He fitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  Housholder. 
What is the meaning of that?  Servant. 
He is the great King that reigneth over us all.  Housholder. 
How long shall Christ reign so?  Servant. 
Till the day of judgement.  Housholder. 
What shall he do then?  Servant. 
He shall come again to judge both the quick and the dead.  Housholder. 
Who are the quick?  Servant. 
They that shall be then found alive upon the earth.  Housholder. 
And what dead persons shall he then judge?  Servant. 
All that have been dead before that day.  Housholder. 
In whom do you believe else, besides the Father and the Son?  Servant. 
In the Holy Ghost.  Housholder. 
What? Are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, three Gods?  Servant. 
No, Three persons, but one God.  Housholder. 
Doth no body believe thus, but only you?  Servant. 
Yes, the Holy Catholic Church.  Housholder. 
Who are that Church?  Servant. 
The Saints that dwell upon earth.  Housholder. 
Why do you call the Saints on earth, Holy?  Servant. 
Because they are made holy in Christ by Faith and a New life.  Housholder. 
Why do you call the Saints or Church of God upon earth, Catholic?  Servant. 
Because they are universally scattered over all the world.  Housholder. 
What have they among themselves?  Servant. 
A special Communion or Fellowship of Love one with another.  Housholder. 
What benefits doth God by his Holy Spirit bestow upon these his believing and penitent people, for his Son jesus Christ's sake.  Servant. 
Forgiveness of their sins, the resurrection of their bodies, and the life everlasting.  Parent. 
And what is your other course for application of the Creed, the Lords Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments, unto the capacity and use of such ignorant persons?  Pastor. 
Whatsoever you shall learn in the preaching of the word, or in the daily reading thereof, that may inform such simple persons in any of those things, you must acquaint them with it, fitting it for manner of speech and words to their ability. And so for all the works of God, his benefits and strokes, you must apply them to their estate, declare unto them their great & manifold necessity of saving grace, and always have recourse unto such things as they can say in the Creed, the Lords Prayer, the Ten Commandments 
* How ever you do, you must labour to inform and settle them, on the one side, in the use of the Law discovering sin and denouncing the curse of damnation, and on the other side, in the comforts of the Gospel giving grace by Jesus Christ, and assuring the believers and penitent of eternal salvation.  etc. And withal encourage them both to answer your questions, and to inquire boldly, and cheerfully of you what they think good, or do make any doubt of.  Parent. 
I trust the Lord will make me mindful to use these good helps which you have sought out, and fitted for such purposes, as need shall require. But I have a great desire to look into the substance of the Book that you have given me, where I hope to find directions and furtherances for myself and those that are better able to learn and practise, than either children or such ignorant persons as we have last spoken of.  Pastor. 
I doubt not but you shall gain somewhat by that which hath passed betwixt you & me already since we met together; albeit indeed the greatest use be of the points of Religion, which are handled in the Book that I have delivered unto you. But because 
l 1 Cor. 3.7.  neither he that planteth is any thing, nor he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase, therefore you must not presume upon your own strength, resolution and diligence in using this or any other Mean of Grace, neither can you make a right conscience of your promise and duty to bestow your careful endeavour in following any good directions, nor look for any blessing of God at all upon your pains, unless you shall make special prayer unto him. For which causes I have framed you one short form of prayer to be used by you, during your infirmity at such times as you shall set yourself in any special manner, to learn or teach by heart any part of the book, when you begin, and I have copied out on of S. Paul's prayers (with some small addition thereto) for the conclusion of your labour. The former is placed in the forefront of the conference, and the latter in the end of all.  Parent. 
How much am I and such weaklings as I, bound to praise God for your Love and Paines, who have so carefully provided fit helps for our guidance in our great weakness, 
m Heb. 6.1.  that we may go on to perfection, if we be not very reckless!  Pastor. 
Beware than you be not reckless. Remember God's promise, that 
n Luk. 11.9, 10.  if you will seek, you shall find; 
o Psal. 145.18.  and the Lord will be near unto you, if you will call upon him in truth; yea 
p 2 Chron. 15.2.  with you, while you be with him, 
q 2 Chr. 16.9.  for the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Who ever sought the Lord in holiness, and failed of saving grace, or of any necessary comfort or succour? 
r Luk. 11.13.  Who hath truly desired the Holy Spirit, and our heavenly Father hath not given him? Debate the matter with yourself; Hath God entrusted you with souls, putting them under your hands; 
s Gen. 33.5. & 35.2.  yea and made you instruments to beget souls (the noblest creatures in earth) and will you be careless of their eternal salvation? Hath God honoured you with them, and will you not honour God by them? Or, will you seem to teach them to honour God, and will not yourself honour God with and amongst them? Do you look that they should learn the word of God at your mouth, and will you not guide them by your own conversation? Will you not commend that unto them by the lively and constant practice of your example, which they may imitate unto eternal life? What delight, I pray you, hath the Lord in you, that content yourselves to receive honour and obedience at your people's hands, and 
t john 5.44.  seek not the honour that cometh from God only? And what 
u Mat. 16.26.  can all your earthly means advantage them, when, they want the true treasure? For, cast the eye of your mind, upon that base esteem, which the supreme God (the Possessor of Heaven & Earth) hath of that Householder & his people, that are profane and careless of true piety, and upon that his most fearful curse inflicted, and to be inflicted on the impenitent and obdurate in their sin, though they seem for the present to be in never so great safeguard and flourishing prosperity; which curse they cannot any ways escape, but by timely repentance and conversion unto God. For as Zophar saith, 
* job. 20 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29.  He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through. It is drawn and cometh out of the body, yea the glistering sword cometh out of his gall, terrors are upon him. All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: 
* That is, The vengeance of God is apt and prone to seize upon him as upon its proper and right subject. A metaphor taken from such matter as tow, drystraw, etc. which being put into the fire, need no blowing as green wood doth, but taketh fire and flame straightways.  a fire not blown shall consume him. It shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle. The heaven shall reveal his iniquity, and the earth shall rise up against him. The increase of his house shall departed, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the Heritage appointed unto him by God. Yea and though (as job showeth) 
x job. 21.14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21.  their seed seemeth to be established in their sight with them, and their of spring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. Their Bull gendereth and faileth not, their Cow calveth and casteth not her calf. They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. They take the timbrel and harp, and rtioyce at the sound of the Organ. They spend their days in wealth, Yet in a moment go down to the grave: Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty that we should serve him, and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? Lo, their good is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me. How oft is the candle of the wicked put out? and how oft cometh their destruction upon them? God distributeth sorrows in his anger. They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away. God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him and he shall know it, His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty. What pleasure then hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is out of in the midst? Wherefore it is your wisdom to forecast what sufficient answer you shall be able to make unto the Great judge at that day, when he will demand, Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayst be no longer steward, Luk. 16.2.  Parent. 
But it is a lamentable thing to see how most folks do reject all this counsel of God which you have stood upon, as needless, fantastical, new and upstart.  Pastor. 
The objection, (or rather blasphemous slander) that it is needless, and fantastical, hath been sufficiently confuted by the Holy Scriptures, as you have heard already. The same we may say for their shameless censure, that it is new and upstart. For besides that the Lord himself in his holy word doth call upon us to ask for the old ways or paths, where is the good way, and to walk therein, assuring us that we shall find rest for our souls, jer. 6.16. the godly Fathers in all ages have cried unto the people for the same thing: And amongst those that have laboured in the Church of God since Christ, we may read many worthy testimonies to this purpose, of which I will only acquaint you with the grave and memorable speech of Chrysostome in his second Sermon upon JOHN: 
* Chrysost. in Joan. Hom. 2. Illud vos admonendos hortandosque censeo pernecessarium, ut quo nunc estis animo perseveretis, neque in hoc tantùm consessu, sed domi quoque vir cum uxore, pater cum filio, invitem de his frequenter, & ultro citroque suam & ferant & inquirant sententiam, velintque probatissimam hanc & pulcherriman inducere consuetudinem. Nec mihi quispiam dicat, pueros in his occupari non oportere. Non enim tantùm opus est, ut his vacent admonitionibus, verùm etiam solis. And afterwards: Nun iram Dei in vos meritò provocatis, cùm caeteris rebus & certo tempore & diligenti curâ adhibitâ in divinarum rerum dectrinâ pueros exerceri molestum intempestivunque ducitis? Non sic, non sic, inquam, fratres dilectissimi. Haec profecto atas his maximè admonitionibus indiget. Tenera est & citò qua ei instillantur, imbibit, & audita accipit, tanquam sigillo auditus cera, hoc est, puerorum animis, impresso. Praeterea & vita cius in auditu est, & in ipsis ferè inanis, ut vel ad virtutem vel ad vitium facilè possit deflectere. Si quis igitur eos ab ipsis incunabulis & quaso vitiorum vestibulis ad viam virtulis abstraheret, in habitu quodam & natura rectè vivendi eos confirmaret, neque sponte sua facilè in deteriora prolaberentur, cùm ciusmodi à teneris ad virtutem eos alliceret. etc.  I judge it very necessary (saith he) to admonish and exhort you, that you would continue in the mind you are now in, and not only in this assembly, but at home also you would oftentimes speak, reason, and inquire of these things too and fro, one with another (bringing in this most commendable and excellent custom) the husband with the wife and the father with the child. And let none object to me, that children ought not to be busied herein. For they have need not only to intent these admonitions, but also to give themselves to nothing else. And afterwards, Do you not deservedly provoke the wrath of God against yourselves, seeing you take certain times and use diligent care for other matters, but count it troublesome and unseasonable to exercise your children in the learning of God's matters? These things ought not to be so, as you do, my most beloved brethren. Verily this age (of childhood) standeth in greatest need of these admonitions. For it is tender and quickly sucketh in whatsoever is instilled into it, and what it heareth, it receiveth; and like as wax taketh the impression of a seal, so children's minds do in hearing. Moreover their manner of life consisteth much in hearing and they are of that quality for the most part, that they may easily be bowed either to virtue or vice. If any than would wain them from their cradles, as it were from the entry of vices unto the way of virtue, he may settle them in a certain habit and nature of living well, from whence they shall not easily fall back of their own accord unto any very bad courses, sithence by such usage they are alured unto virtue from their tender age. And upon Matthew in Sermon 5. he exhorteth Householders to call to remembrance and to repeat Sermons (newly heard upon the week day) with their family at home, before they do busy themselves with other matters. Now then, you must not be discouraged by any such reproachful terms, from seeking and setting forth the sweet 
y 2 Cor. 2.14.  savour of the knowledge of God in your place and calling; for Satan is ever wont 
z 1 Thess. 2.18.  to labour the hindrance of God's word by the 
a jude ver. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.   speeches of foolish and malicious persons, as by all other means he can use, whom 
b 1 Pet. 5.9. Ephes. 6.10, 11, etc. to 21. 2 Thess 3.1, 2. 2 Cor. 2.11.  you must resist by Faith, Prayer, Wisdom and Diligence in all holy means unto the uttermost of your power, and then surely the Lord will bruise him under your feet shortly. 
Rom. 16.20.   
To conclude, I require you 
c 2 Tim. 4.1. etc.  before God and the Lord jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing & in his kingdom, that you neither neglect the public preaching of his word, 
d Act. 17.11  nor the trial of doctrine by the holy Scriptures, nor yet the private reading of the same, under pretence of using this or any other good Books whatsoever. For the holy Bible is the Book of Books, whereof I would wish you to read one Chapter at the least every workday morning, and to cause your folks (every one both great and small) severally to render you a sentence thereof in the evening before you go to prayers with them, 
* For their rawness sake, you may appoint each of them by name some short and pithy sentence out of the Chapter as soon as you have read it in the morning, and wish them to think of it in the day time, that so they may give you an account of it the more easily in the evening.  remembering that they are 
e Psal. 1.2. Deut. 5.32, 33.  blessed who exercise themselves in God's Law both day and night, to do thereafter. And 
f Act. 20.32.  I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 
g Philip. 1.9, 10, 11.  And I pray God that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement, that you may approve things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.  Parent. 
Amen.  Pastor. 
So I leave you to your Book: 
h 2 Cor. 13.11.  Farewell.  Parent. 

i 2 Thess. 3.16.  The Lord be with you.   

THE COUNTRYMAN WITH HIS HOUSEHOLD.  
A Form of Prayer before Conference.  Parent. TEach us, O Lord, by thy most holy Spirit, we hearty pray thee, that we may know Thee, thy Law, thy Gospel, ourselves, our sins, and duties aright, and that we may put all to good use, namely to the glory of thy blessed Name, to the further humiliation, sanctification and true comfort of our own Souls and Bodies, and to the edification and profit of our Neighbours, through thy only Son Christ jesus our Lord and Saviour. Child. 
Amen.  Servant. 
Amen.  Scholar. 
Amen.   


☞ THE FIRST PART. Concerning the Law, or Covenant of Works.  Parent. 
WHat is the voice of the Law or Covenant of works?  Child. 

a Rom. 10.5. with Mat. 19.16, 17.  Do this and thou shalt live for ever.  Parent. 
Which is the Sum of the Law?  Child. 

b Exod. 20.1, etc. Deut. 5.1, 2, 3, etc.  The ten Commandments.  Parent. 
Say them.  Child. 

c Exod. 20. v. 1.  God spoke all these words, saying:  

vers. 2.  I. I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. 
vers. 3.   

vers. 4.  II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graved Image, or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above, or that is in the Earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: 
vers. 5.  For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children, 
vers. 6.  unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.  
III. 
vers. 7.  Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain.  
iv Remember the Sabbath day, 
vers. 8. vers. 9 vers. 10.  to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work, But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; In it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattles, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 
vers. 11.  For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.  

vers. 12.  V Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long, upon the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee.  

vers. 13.  VI Thou shalt not kill.  

vers. 14.  VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.  

vers. 15.  VIII. Thou shalt not steal.  

vers. 16.  IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour.  

vers. 17.  X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours.  Parent. 
But the Papists do not divide the Commandments thus; some of them dashing the second quite out of the Text, and others adjoining it to the first, and so making the first and second both one: and therefore both sorts of them are forced to divide the tenth Commandment (as we reckon it) into two, thereby to make up the number of ten, counting the first member of the tenth for the ninth, and all the other members remaining, for the tenth.  Pastor. 
They do so indeed. But they are confuted by good and apparent reason. For,  
First, they that quite dash out the second out of the text of the ten Commandments, are flatly impious, because they go about to abrogate and 
d Ps. 119.126.  destroy that which God would have continued for the guidance of his people unto the end of the world, seeing at his appointment, Moses wrote it in the Tables of stone, as well as all the rest. And the reason of this their sacrilege, is vile and abominable, even to hide their manifold Idolatry, Imagery, and other wretched inventions in the worship of God, which they see clearly condemned in the second commandment.  
Secondly, they that adjoin the second to the first, as a part thereof, do not consider how God himself by his Spirit of wisdom hath noted the diversity of the matter throughout all the ten, in such sort, that every several commandment hath one principal verb, wherein the greatest force of the commandment doth consist, as in a word that beareth the sway throughout all that precept, or prohibition where it is placed, in the very forefront or near unto it, as in the Original tongue is plain to the judicious and learned. For there are ten several verbs (for each commandment one) whereupon the matter and drift of each commandment doth chief depend. Now the verb of the second, doth manifestly differ from the verb of the first, according to the diverse matter thereof: for the first imposeth upon our souls, that the true God only must be our God, and thereby excludeth all false Gods or Idols; but the second requireth us, to take and use such outward worship only of the true God, which he himself hath prescribed, and forbiddeth to Make or use any other outward worship of himself, and all outward worship or approbation of any false God or Idol at all. And as for the verb of the ninth and tenth Commandments (as they divide) it is but one, as the matter is but one, to wit, that we should not Covet, meaning with an evil concupiscence, although the things forbidden to be coveted are diverse, as our neighbour's house, wife, servant, etc. and therefore it is but one Commandment. And it is to be noted, that by their manner of dividing, they might make so many several Commandments, as there be several things forbidden to be coveted; which were absurd. The truth than is that the grosser and more sensible breach of all the particular members mentioned in the tenth Commandment, are forbidden in the five Commandments going next before, and the Lord maketh a Collection of them all together, as touching the first hatching and breeding (of those grosser breaches) in our wretched concupiscence, and condemneth it wholly, and apart, by itself in this one Commandment, which he hath in most convenient sort put in the last place. All which being indifferently weighed, we may not unfitly say, as our Saviour in a case not much unlike, 
e Math. 19.6.  What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. And this that I have said is confirmed by the Repetition that Moses maketh of the Ten Commandments in 
f Deut. 5.21.  deuteronomy, where the neighbour's wife is specified before his house, which at the giving of the Law recorded in Exodus 
g Exod. 20 17.  was otherwise. Undoubtedly, it was to teach us to refer them both, together with the members that follow, unto one chief head or commandment: If it were not so, there might be given an occasion of doubting, which were the ninth commandment, and which the tenth, but now by our division all such occasion is prevented.  Servant. 
What are those words, God spoke all these words, saying?  Scholar. 
They are a Preface to all the Commandments following.  Servant. 
What lesson do they teach?  Scholar. 

h Deut. 5.28 etc.  Because God himself delivered all the commandments with his own holy mouth, that therefore it concerneth me to learn and keep them.  Parent. 
How are the Commandments divided?  Child, 

i Deut. 10.1, 2, etc.  Into two Tables.  Parents. 
What doth the first table contain?  Child. 

k Math. 22.36, 37, 38, 39, 40.  My duty towards God in the four first commandments.  Servant. 
What is common to these four?  Scholar. 
Every one of them have several reasons added, which in the first commandment goeth before, and in the other three do come after.  Servant. 
Which is the Reason of the first commandment?  Scholar. 
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  Servant. 
What doth it principally and generally teach?  Scholar. 

l Deut. 6.4, 5, etc.  Because God is the Lord my God, the author of all good gifts and blessings, and the only Saviour and deliverer of his people, that therefore I am bound to serve him with all my hart.  Parent. 
Which is the first commandment itself?  Child. 
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.  Parent. 
What doth the first commandment enjoin?  Child. 

m 1 Chron. 28.9. Pro. 3.5.  The inward worship of the true God alone, which is both to know him, and also to fear, love and trust in him, and in nothing else.  Parent. 
Which is the second commandment?  Child. 
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graved Image, or any likeness of any thing, that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them.  Parent. 
What doth the second commandment enjoin?  Child. 

n Deut. 12.30, 31, 32. Math. 15.9.  The outward worship of the true God only, according to his appointment set down in the holy Scriptures.  Servant. 
Which is the reason of the second commandment?  Scholar. 
For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation, of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.  Servant. 
What doth it teach?  Scholar. 

o Psal. 44.21. & 106.36, 37. 2 Chron. 19.2.  That God being jealous of his own worship, is greatly displeased with all those that do worship him in a false manner, as the special haters of his name; but that he vouchsafed singular mercy to all them that do maintain his pure worship, accounting them his special lovers.  Parents. 
Why doth the Lord speak so particularly, both of the transgressors of this commandment, as though he had no other Haters but they, and also of the followers of his true worship, as though he had no other Lovers but they, seeing it is often and plainly showed in the Scriptures, that all the wicked for their transgressing other commandments, as well as this, are censured to be his Haters or Enemies, and all the righteous having respect to other commandments as well as to this, are esteemed to be his Friends or Lovers.  Pastor. 
For two causes. First, the Lord would prevent man's erroneous conceit concerning this commandment above all the rest, for man is not only 
p Exo. 32.7.8. Num. 15.39. Deut. 31.16.29. Esai. 2.8, 9 Gal. 5.16.17, etc.  exceedingly prone to Idolatry, Will-worship and Superstition through the corruption of his nature, but also his blind and deceitful heart, 
q 2 King. 18.22.25.  perversely judgeth the follower of God's true worship to be Gods special Enemy, and 
r jud. 17 4, 5.10.12, 13. jere. 44.15, 16, 17, 18.  confidently beareth himself and others in hand, that by his false worshipping he doth highly please God.  
Secondly, 
s Deut. 4.23, 24. with Exod. 32.19.  Idolatry is a notable breach of God's covenant, 
t Ezek. 16. *. Hos. 1.2. & 2.1, ●●, 4.5.  whence it is that God abhorreth both Idolaters and their Progeny continuing in this sin, as a jealous husband loatheth his whorish wife, and her children, 
u Gen. 17.7. 1 Cor. 11.2, 3.  but he embraceth with his love the true worshippers, and their seed keeping covenant with God, as the husband doth his chaste wife and her children.  Parent. 
Which is the third commandment?  Child. 
Thou shalt not take the name of thy Lord thy God in vain.  Parent. 
What doth the third commandment enjoin?  Child. 

* 1 Tim. 6. ●.  To avoid all dishonouring and abusing of God's name, in his titles, words and works.  Servant. 
Which is the reason of the third commandment?  Scholar. 
For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.  Servant. 
What doth it teach?  Scholar. 

x Zach. 5.4. I●m. 5.12.  That God will certainly punish that person in fearful manner, who dishonoureth his holy name either in word or deed.  Parent. 
Which is the fourth commandment?  Child. 
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy; Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work; But the seaventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt not do any work, thou nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattles, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.  Parent. 
What doth the fourth commandment enjoin?  Child. 

y Gen. 2.2, 3. Act. 20.7. etc. 1 Cor. 16.1. Nehem. 13.21. Esai. 58.13.14. Apoc. 1.10.  To separate ourselves and our people upon the Lord's day from all other exercises, to the service and worship of God alone.  Servant. 
What is the reason of the fourth commandment?  Scholar. 
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seaventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.  Servant. 
What doth it teach?  Scholar. 

z Gen 2.2, 3. Exod 16.23, 24, 25, 26, 27.29.  Because God himself, having made all things in six days, both rested the seaventh from creating any more, 
Esai. 56.4.7. & 58.13, 14. with john 20.19.26.  and also sanctified the sabbath for the use of his worship, we are bound to imitate his example in keeping of the Lords day, assuring ourselves that it is the way to true blessedness.  Parent. 
What doth the second table contain?  Child. 

a Math. 22.39, 40.  My duty to man in the six last commandments, 
b Epbs. 6.2.  whereof the first is with promise.  Parent. 
Which is the fifth commandemenr, being the first of the second table?  Child. 
Honour thy Father and thy Mother.  Parent. 
What doth the fifth commandment enjoin?  Child. 

c 1 Tim. 6.1. 1 Pet. 3.7.  All special duties to man, in regard of his and our special calling and degree, whether Superiors, Inferiors or Equals.  Parent. 
Which is the Promise?  Child. 
That thy days may been long upon the Land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee.  Parent. 
What doth it teach?  Child. 

d jere. 35.19. with 1 King. 14.12.13.  That if I make conscience of this Commandment, my life shall be happy upon the earth.  Parent. 
Which is the sixth commandment?  Child. 
Thou shalt not kill.  Parent. 
What doth the sixth commandment enjoin?  Child. 

e Math. 5.22. Ez●k. 33.8.  All duties to man in respect of his person, and that both to body and soul.  Parent. 
Which is the seaventh commandment?  Child. 
Thou shalt not commit adultery.  Parent. 
What doth the seaventh commandment enjoin?  Child. 

f Math. 5.27, 28. 1 Thes. 4.4.5.  All duties to man in respect of Chastity.  Parent. 
Which is the eight commandment?  Child. 
Thou shalt not steal.  Parent. 
What doth the eight commandment enjoin?  Child. 

g Ephes. 4.28.  All duties to man in respect of his goods and maintenance.  Parent. 

Psal. 62.10, 11  Which is the ninth commandment?  Child. 
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour.  Parent. 
What doth the ninth Commandment enjoin?  Child. 

h Matth. 7.1. Esai. 5.20. 1 Pet. 2.23.  All duties to man in respect of his good name.  Parent. 
Which is the tenth Commandment?  Child. 
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours.  Parent. 
What doth the tenth Commandment enjoin?  Child. 

i Rom. 7.7. jam. 1 14.  To keep my heart pure from all sinful motions, yea though I do not consent unto them.  Parent. 
What obedience doth God require at your hands to all these his Commandments?  Child. 

k Deut. 26.16. & 27.26. Jam. 2.10. Rom. 6.13, 16, 19  Perfect and continual obedience both of soul and body wholly, and of all the powers and members of the same.  Parent. 
Can you keep God's Commandments perfectly and continually?  Child. 

l Genes. 6.5. Psal. 143.2. Rom. 7.23.  No, not in the least point; yea and though I do my uttermost endeavour, yet I break them every day in thought, word and deed.  Parent. 
What do you call every breach of God's Law, yea if it be no more but the least want of that which the Law requireth?  Child. 

m 1 john 3.4. & 5.17. Gal. 3.10. Rom. 7.7.  Sinne.  Parent. 
How cometh it to pass that you are so disobedient to God's Law?  Child. 

n Rom. 5.12, 14, etc.  By reason of the corruption of my nature, which came upon all mankind through the fall of our first Parents.  Parent. 
Show me how every part of man is corrupted with sin.  Child. 
First, 
o 1 Cor. 2.14.  the mind is blinded with ignorance.  
Secondly, 
p Tit. 1.15.  the conscience is defiled either with false excuses or grievous terrors.  
Thirdly, 
q job 15.16. Gal. 5.24.  the will and affections do only lust after evil, but avoid good.  
Fourthly, 
r Rom. 6.19.  the members of the body do outwardly execute the sin of the soul.  Parent. 
What punishment hath God threatened in his Law, unto every sinner.  Child. 

s Gal. 3.10. Deut. 28.15, 16, etc.  His curse, which is all misery both spiritual and corporal in this world, and eternal condemnation in the world to come.  Parent. 
By what means are you taught how to escape the curse of God, which you deserve for your sins?  Child. 

t jer. 31.31, 32, 33, 34. Act. 13.38, 39  Only by the Gospel or Covenant of grace.  Parent. 
Wherefore then was the Law given?  Child. 
For two causes.  Parent. 
Which is the first?  Child. 

u Gal. 3.17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.  To terrify us and make us seek Christ.  Parent. 
Which is the second?  Child. 

* Math. 5.17, etc.  To be a continual rule and direction for a godly life, as soon as we believe in Christ.   

☞ THE SECOND PART. Concerning the Gospel or Covenant of Grace.  Parent. 
WHat is the voice of the Gospel or Covenant of Grace?  Child. 

a Act. 16.31.  Believe on the Lord jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.  Parent. 
How many things are to be considered in Christ?  Child. 

b John 1.14. Luk. 4.18, 19  Two, his Person and his Office.  Parent. 
Whereof consisteth his Person?  Child. 

c Rom. 1.3, 4.  Of two natures, for he is both God and Man.  Parent. 
Why must he be God?  Child. 

d 1 Thess. 1.10. Heb. 9.12. 1 Sam. 2.25.  That he might be able to sustain God's wrath, which was due to us for our sins, and that he might merit for us.  Parent. 
Which person of the Trinity is jesus Christ according to his Godhead?  Child. 

e john 3.16, 34, 35.  The second person, namely, the Son of God.  Parent. 
Why must he be Man also?  Child. 

f Heb. 2.16.  That he might be fit to satisfy for man that had sinned.  Parent. 
What is his Office?  Child. 

g john 14.6. 1 Tim. 2.5.  He is the only Mediator between God and us, for our reconciliation unto him.  Parent. 
How many parts be there of his Mediation?  Child. 

h Act. 3.22. Heb. 7.2, 3. Psal. 110. 2, 3,  Three, for he is the Prophet, the Priest, and the King of his Church.  Parent. 
What is Christ's Church?  Child. 

i Ephes. 1.4, 5, 13, 23. Reuel. 17.14. john 17.6, 14, 15, 16.  All Gods chosen people called out of the sinful fellowship of the world and believing in Christ.  Parent. 
How is Christ the Prophet of his Church?  Child. 

k Hebr. 1.1. john 15.15. Luk. 10.16. Math. 10.40. & 28.19, 20. Act. 20.20, 27.  In teaching us the whole will of God, both in his own person when he was upon the earth, and also by his Ministers from the beginning of the world unto the end thereof.  Parent. 
How is he the Priest of his Church?  Child. 

l Rom. 8.32, 33, 34.  By working the merit of our Redemption, and by making Intercession for us.  Parent. 
How hath Christ wrought the merit of our Redemption?  Child. 

m Phil. 2.8.  Both by his sufferings, especially his precious death, and also by his holy life.  Parent. 
How was Christ our Priest by his sufferings, and especially by his precious death?  Child. 

n Math. 26. & 27. chapters.  He suffered in soul and body, yea unto separation, whatsoever we should have suffered, so sacrificing himself for us.  Parent. 
What did he merit for us by such his sufferings?  Child. 

o john 1.29. Esai. 53.5, 6. Coloss. 1.14. Gal. 3.13. Heb. 10.26.  The taking away of our sins, and of all punishment due to us for the same.  Parent. 
What was his holy life?  Child. 

p Heb. 7.26. Psal. 40.7, 8, Math. 3.15.  He perfectly obeyed and fulfilled the Law of God in all points.  Parent. 
What benefit have we by his holy life?  Child. 

q 1 Cor. 1.30. Rom. 5.18, 19 & 8.3, 4. with Levit. 18.5.  The assurance of perfect righteousness and of eternal life.  Servant. 
Why must our High Priest Christ jesus, work the merit of our Redemption in such sort?  Scholar. 

r Act. 4.12. 2 Cor. 5.21.  Because it was the only way in God's wisdom to satisfy his own justice, and to show mercy, for the salvation of his chosen people.  Parent. 
Whereby do you know assuredly that Christ hath satisfied the justice of God, and obtained eternal Redemption for us?  Child. 

s Rom. 4.25. 1 Cor. 15.14, 17, 18, 20. Heb. 9.11, 12.  Because he arose from death to life and ascended into Heaven.  Parent. 
How doth Christ our Priest make Intercession for us?  Child. 

t Mal. 3.2, 3, 4. Exod. 28.38. & 29.33, etc. Heb. 4.14, 15, 16. & 12.24.  He prevaileth with the Father by presenting the merit of his Passion unto him, to receive and continue us in the Covenant of grace.  Parent. 
Whereby do you know this assuredly?  Child. 

u Rom. 8.34. Heb. 6.19, 20. & 9.24. Reuel. 1.5.  Because he sitteth at the right hand of God his Father, and so is become our continual Remembrancer.  Parent. 
How is Christ the King of his Church?  Child. 

* Luk. 1.32, 33. 1 Cor. 15.25 etc.  By ruling it in this world, and glorifying it in the world to come.  Parent. 
How doth Christ rule his Church in this world?  Child. 
First, 
x Phil. 2.13.  by working grace in the heart.  
Secondly, 
y Psal. 121.  by protecting and defending it.  
Thirdly, 
z Rom. 8.28.  by disposing all things to its greatest good.  Parent. 
What Graces doth Christ the King of his Church, 
*** The first way of Christ's ruling of his Church in this world.  work in the heart?  Child. 

a Phil. 1.29. 1 Cor. 6.11.  Faith and Sanctification or Regeneration.  Parent. 
What is Faith?  Child. 

b Eph. 3.12, 17. Rom. 4.18, 21.  Faith is a true persuasion of my heart, grounded upon the Promises of God, that whatsoever Christ hath wrought for the salvation of Man, he hath done it as well for me, as for any others.  Parent. 
In what words is Faith in Christ taught?  Child. 

Gal. 2.20.  The Son of God hath loved me, and given himself for me.  Servant. 
What is the least measure of true Faith that any one can have, who is of years of discretion?  Scholar. 

d Gen. 4.13. Rom. 8.9, 23.24, 25. Ephes. 3.17. Math. 5.6. Psal. 51.8, 9 compared.  When one is persuaded that his sins may be forgiven, and withal prayeth from the bottom of his heart, that whatsoever else God doth for him, he would forgive him.  Servant. 
But when Faith groweth to some strength, how may you know then, that you have a true and lively faith?  Scholar. 
First, 
e Rom. 5 1. Gal. 4.6.  by the inward peace of my conscience, feeling God's love in Christ, and assuring me of the forgiveness of all my sins.  
Secondly, 
f Act. 15.9. Rom. 6.19. jam. 2.14, 15, 16. etc.  by my good works, which are the fruits of a lively faith 
* See more of Faith in Part. 4. and in Part. 5. .  Servant. 
Where are the chiefest points of Faith (as touching the things themselves that are to be believed of a Christian) comprised and set all together in one short sum, for the help of the more ignorant sort & of weak memories?  Scholar. 
In the Confession of Faith, commonly called the Articles of our Belief, and by some, The Apostles Creed.  Servant. 
Why is it called, The Creed?  Scholar. 
Of the Latin word Credo, which is the first word in this Confession, and signifieth in our English tongue, I believe.  Servant. 
And why beareth it the name of the Apostles?  Scholar. 
Because it was taken out of the doctrine of the Apostles.  Servant. 
Unto whom was it prescribed?  Scholar. 
Unto every one to confess in his own person, as being indeed the Sum of all Religion.  Parent. 
Rehearse the Creed.  Child. 

The form of Confession of Faith.  I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth: And in jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Marie, suffered under Ponce Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into Hell; The third day he rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of Sins, the Resurrection of the Body, and the Life everlasting. Amen.  Parent. 
I pray you, Pastor, give us a short Explanation of the Creed, which we may use to read deliberately in our house unto our ignorant people now and than, and at the least upon the Lord's day (where better means of edification cannot be had) before or after we have been at the public Ministry of the word. In which Explanation, we would have you to direct us, how to understand and apply, every several point to each one of our selves particularly, and withal set us down in the margin, some of the plainest testimonies of holy Scripture, to prove that your exposition is grounded thereon.  Pastor. 
I will, so that you will not forget nor neglect to use it weekly, till such time as you and your Families be better instructed and settled in the truth.  Parent. 
I pray God make me and my company not only mindful and diligent to use it, but also give us grace to profit by it.  Pastor. 
Amen. Now than, a Christian man or woman, should understand and apply to his or herself, the Articles of Faith, as if he or she should say a little more largely, thus:  
The Explanation of the Creed. The Creed itself being the Sum of the holy Gospel.  
Forasmuch as 
g Heb. 11.1, 2, 3, etc. jam. 1, 12, 13. 1 Tim. 1.5. 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, 8, 9  true Faith is the only Mother and groundwork of all saving graces, and whereby also they become acceptable to God, and that every person who looketh to been saved, must attain salvation by his 
h Hab. 2.4. john 3.15, 16, 18. Gal. 3.22, 26. Heb. 10.38. & 11.6.  own faith, and not by the faith that is in any others out of himself: And forasmuch as the same true faith 
i Rom. 10.10. 2 Cor. 4.13. Matth. 10 32, 33. Act. 8.37.  will necessarily show itself by Confession, I do here make confession of it with my mouth, as I have received and do steadfastly hold it in my heart, not from the traditions or sayings of men, but as I see it warranted in Gods most holy word, unto the praise and glory of God, my own comfort, and the good example of others, in this form following: to wit,  
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven & earth. 
I do acknowledge and believe 
k Deut. 4.39.1 john 5.7.  one only God distinguished into three persons, 
l Math. 28.19.  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to be 
m john 14.1. & 20.28.  my God, 
n Ephes. 1.11. Act. 15.18. & 27.20, 21, 22, etc.  who decreed before all worlds, 
o Gen. 1. & 2. chapters.  made and fashioned in time, 
p Act. 4.24, 28. Gen. 14.19. Rom. 11.36.  disposeth and possesseth all things whatsoever with all their several actions & circumstances in most holy manner according to his infinite power and wisdom, unto his own glory, and specially Angels in heaven and Men on earth, who is both willing & able to bless me, 
q Rom. 8.28. Psal. 115.11, 13, 15.  and who I know maketh all things work together for good unto me, whom he hath called to love, fear and obey him, maugre all enemies, 
r john 20.17.  because he is Christ's father and my father, & almighty in strength. Which Father, 
s Gen. 3.1, 7. john 8.44. Rom. 7.12, 23. Deut. 27.26.  when we wretches fell shamefully (because willingly) from God, upon the enticement of the Devil, and enwrapped ourselves with unspeakable guilt, slavery and woe, rebelling against the Law of God, which is holy, just and good, and lying open to God's curse for evermore, 
t john 3.16. Rom. 5.12, 13, 14, etc.  sent forth for the praise of his glorious grace,  And in jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, 
the second Person of the Trinity, even his only begotten Son to be 
u Act. 2.36.  our Lord for our Redemption, and so to become our Saviour, which is meant by the name 
* Matth. 1.21.  jesus, and therefore he 
x Esai. 61.1, 2, etc. Heb. 1.9. john 3.34.  anointed him (for the name Christ signifieth Anointed) with the Spirit above measure, that he might be our holy 
y Deut. 18.18, etc.  Prophet to teach us the way of salvation, 
z Heb. 10.12, 14.  our merciful High Priest to offer himself a sacrifice for us, and our 
a Luk. 1.32, 33. Psal. 72. 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23.  powerful King to work in our hearts his saving grace, to govern us, to protect us, and continually to minister unto us all blessings needful both for soul and body.  Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Borne of the Virgin Marie, 

b Luk. 1.35. & 2.6, 7.  Which jesus Christ to the end he might be a fit Mediator for us, 
Rom. 5.15, 18, 19 & 8.2, 3.  took the true nature of man upon him in all things, (sin only excepted) and so was holily conceived by the extraordinary operation of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of a Virgin called Marie, thereby sanctifying our sinful conceptions, and of her was he borne, and brought forth into the world, after the common fashion of all men, 
c Gal. 4.4, 5. Heb. 2.16, 17.  that we might be sure, that by the partaking of our nature he hath communicated himself and all his goodness to us. 
d Rom. 5.19.  Who in the same our nature led a holy life according to all God's commandments, that it might be imputed unto us, and 
e Esai. 53. Luk 22.44. & 23.1. etc. john 18. & 19 chapter,  withal suffered unspeakable torments both in soul and body, sufficient to have purged the sins of the whole world, though none but the faithful shall receive any benefit thereby. 
f Deut. 21.23. Galat. 3.13. 1 Thess. 1.10. 1 john 3.8.   Was crucified, 
Who being made a Curse for us, was bound as a guilty person, that we might be loosed out of the spiritual chain and slavery of Satan and sin. 
g Matth. 27. Coloss. 2 13, 14. Phil. 1.29. Gal. 6.14. Ps. 119. 67, 71. 2 Cor. 12.20. 1 Thess. 1.10.  Who was condemned wrongfully by the judge Pilate, that we which are guilty of innumerable transgressions, might be discharged before the Tribunal Seat of God's fearful justice, and who thereupon was most shamefully executed as a most heinous Malefactor, notwithstanding he was most just and innocent, his hands and feet being fastened with nails to a Cross, and thereon tormented till he was slain, his side pierced with a spear, his blood shed both while he was alive and dead,  dead and buried, 
and so being truly dead, his body was buried: All which was to satisfy God's wrath, to wrath, to take the curse which otherwise was our due desert (because 
h Rom. 5.6, 8, 10.  we were , sinners, and Gods enemies) to kill and bury all our sins with him, 
i Ephes. 2.16.  to reconcile God and us, to slay the enmity, 
k Philip. 3.10. 2 Cor. 4.17.  and to sanctify and make happy and comfortable all our afflictions and persecutions. 
l Act. 2.24, 27, 29, 30. Ps. 16.10. Math. 12.40. 1 Cor. 15.54, 55.   He descended into Hell; 
Yea he abased himself yet further, even to the lowest degree of humiliation, continuing three days and three nights contemptibly in the bands of death, that he might utterly abolish the sting of death, that he might utterly abolish the sting of death, and teach us thorough humiliation for our sins. 
m Act. 2.24. 2 Cor. 13.4. john 10.18.  Notwithstanding, having paid the uttermost price for all our sins, and conquered Satan, 
Rom. 4.25. & 6.4, 5, 9, 10, 11. 1 Pet. 1.3, 4, 5. & 3.21. Reuel. 20.5, 6.  Sin, Hell & Damnation,  the third day he rose again from the dead, 
he triumphantly rose again from death to life upon the third day, both to assure us that God will count us righteous that do believe in his name, and also to quicken and restore us to a new and holy life, which is the first resurrection. 
n 1 Cor. 15.4, 5, 6. Act. 1.2, 3, 4, etc.  And so his soul taking his body again and quickening it by his divine power, he continued for a season upon the earth,  He ascended into heaven, 
and 
o Act. 1.9, 11. Mark. 16.19. Heb. 9 24. Ephes 4.10, 11. john 14 2. & 17.24. Col. 3.2.  afterwards did thence gloriously ascend into heaven, to take possession of it in our name, to appear in the presence of God for us, and to fill all things and specially his Church with his gifts and graces, thereby to lead it thither, whence by sin and iniquity it was banished.  And sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; 

p 1 Tim. 3.16. Heb. 7.25. 1 Cor. 15.25, 27.  There he sitteth at the Father's right hand, making intercession for us, by offering to his Father, 
Act. 2.33, 36. Psal 110.1.  and applying to us, the merit of his passion: where he hath all power and authority committed unto him to be the only Lord and King for the government of all things unto the salvation of his people and destruction of his enemies. 
q Act. 3.21. john 17.24.  And there he shall remain, as touching his manhood, until the latter day, to the end we might have assured and constant comfort, because our flesh dwelleth there in the person of our Redeemer.  Fron thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

r Act. 17.30, 31. 2 Cor. 5.9, 10. Math. 25.32. etc. Rom. 2.6.  At that day he shall return to pronounce & execute just judgement upon all mankind, both the good and bad, whether dead afore, or found alive at his coming, unto the praise of his glorious justice, rendering unto every one, according as their works shall testify their faith or unbelief. This jesus Christ than I acknowledge and believe to be both my Saviour, my Intercessor, and my judge, unto whom I earnestly cry, 
s Rev. 22.20.  Come Lord jesus, come quickly, 
t Act. 24.16. with 2 Cor. 5.6, 8, 9, 10, 11.  labouring always to have a clear conscience, that I may have boldness at that day, and so I trust that he will pronounce for me, and make me partaker of his glory.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, 
And withal I do 
u 1 Cor. 6.11. john 14.26. & 15.26.  acknowledge & believe the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, to be the Sanctifier and comforter of God's Elect, making effectual unto them, whatsoever jesus Christ hath wrought & suffered; who worketh and prevaileth in me, which I perceive not only by the graces of 
* Ephes. 4.22, 23, 24. Rom. 7.15, to the end.  true holiness and righteousness, begun and increasing in me, and by my diligent striving against the remnants of my corruption and lusts, but also 
x 2 Cor. 1.22. Rom 8.15, 16, 23, 26.  by the earnest of the same Spirit in my heart, enabling me to call God my Father, and to pray with sighs and groans within any self for the perfect adoption.  The holy Catholic Church, 
And further I do acknowledge a 
y john 10.16. Act. 2.42. etc. & 14.22. 1 Cor. 1.26, 27. 2 Tim. 3.12.  company of people called by God's free grace in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, few in number (in comparison of the rest) and ordinarily consisting of the base sort, and the same exercised with many affliction: 
z Deut. 12.30, 31, 32. & 29.29.  Serving God according to his word, 
a Gen. 4.26. Rom. 10.13.  invocating his name, 
b Heb. 13.17.  submitting themselves unto the Ministry of the Gospel, and 
c Act. 19.5. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25.  professing jesus Christ in the use of the Sacraments, Baptism, and the Supper of the lord 
d Ephes. 5.26, 27. 1 Thes. 4.7.  Holy, because both Christ's holiness is imputed to them believing in him, and also for that there doth proceed from their holy faith, a holy life and conversation. And Catholic, because this company of people is 
e Ephes. 4.12, 13, 16. john 11.52. Esai. 2.2, 3.  universally scattered over all the world, of whose number (without the which there is no salvation) I do certainly know and profess myself to be one, 
f john 6.27. & 10.27. Act. 2.47. & 24.14.  because I feel in myself an hungering after the Word and Sacraments, with all other the Ordinances of the Lord, as the means of my spiritual nourishment, and do willingly submit myself to be guided by the spirit and word of God.  the Communion of Saints, 
In which Church I acknowledge 
g 1 joh. 1.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Psal. 16.3. 1 Cor. 12.26.  that there is a partaking of gifts and graces from Christ to them, 
Esai. 11.6, 7, 8, Phil. 2.1, 2, 3, etc. Col. 3.11.12, 13, 14.  & amongst themselves mutually unto the best good and salvation of every member, which I for my part do profess and practise, both joining myself unto them in all godly exercises and labours, and feeling myself unfeignedly knit unto them in all holy affections & mercifulness. 
h Act. 13.38, 39 Psal. 103. ●, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12. Esai. 38.17. Mic. 7.19. Zach. 12.10. Rom. 7.19, 10. Matth. 5.44, 45. & 6.14. Ephes. 4.32. L●●●. 23.34. Act. 7.60.   the forgiveness of sins, 
And forasmuch as this only true Church doth apply jesus Christ's righteousness unto itself (every member particularly) and for his sake (whom they have pierced by their sins) do hearty repent, I do believe that God will forgive them their sins, and do assure myself that he will forgive me all mine, for the which cause I cannot choose but be thankful to the Lord in waging war against every sin, and in forgiving and praying for all them that have unjustly and greatly offended thee, even my sorest enemies.  the resurrection of the body, 
Finally, I acknowledge and believe, that at the last day 
i joh. 5.28, 29. Job 19.25. 1 Cor. 15. Eccles. 12.14. 2 Cor. 5.10. Matth. 25.  all the souls of the dead shall return and be put into the very same bodies wherein they once lived, and so be raised up to live again, and the quick changed, all in a moment, through the unspeakable power of God, to the end they may all come to judgement wholly both bodies and souls together, and sentence may been given upon them: When 
k Phil. 3.21. Revel. ●0. 6. & 21.4. Rom. 6.11, 13. & 1●. 1, 2●  for my part I trust to have a joyful and glorious resurrection myself (as all other the faithful shall have, whereof we have a plain earnest given us already in the Resurrection of Christ our head) free from any more misery and having all tears wiped away from mine eyes, because I feel myself rising daily unto newness of life, and my body conformed & sitted in all the parts and faculties of it more and more to serve the Lord, for I know I shall not be condemned, because I verily believe 
l Rom. 8.1.3. 2 Cor. 7.11.  jesus Christ hath been in a sort condemned for me, and hath made me condemn myself in remorse of conscience for my sins, to such effect, that I walk not after the flesh, that is, in following and satisfying the swinge of my natural corruption, but after the Spirit, that is, in framing my ways agreeable to the gift and state of regeneration wrought in my heart by the Holy Spirit. 
m 2 Cor. 5.1, 2. etc. 1 Tim. 4.8. Revel. 21.22. & 22.1, 2, 3, 4, 5.   and the life everlasting, 
From that day the Godly shall possess the kingdom of heaven in the presence of God for evermore, 
john 10.9, 10, 11, 15, 17, 28. Phil. 3.20. 1 Thess. 4.17.  the most happy and blessed life, which God hath prepared for them, and whereof I look to be partaker, forasmuch as Christ hath both merited it for me, and wrought so in me, that my conversation is in heaven, that is, such as tendeth & driveth towards the heavenly glory. 
n Reuel. 22.3. with Luk. 2.14.  There shall he be praised of me, and of all other his elect for ever. 
o Rom. 10.10. 2 Cor. 1.20. Apoc. 22.20. Tit. 3.7. Rom. 8.23.   Amen. 
All these things I do truly believe with my heart, and confess with my mouth, that they are so indeed, and do desire and wait for the full performance & accomplishment of them unto the praise and glory of God.   Parent. 
What is Regeneration or Sanctification?  Child. 

p john 3.3. Luk. 3.3, 8. 1 Thess. 5.23.  A singular grace of God, whereby I am truly changed from my sins, and made the obedient child of God.  Parent. 
What are the parts of Regeneration?  Child. 

q Ephes. 4.22, 23, 24.  The mortifying of the old man, and the quickening of the new.  Parent. 
What is the mortifying of the old man?  Child. 

r Rom. 6.3, 6, etc. & 8.13. Col. 3.5. Gal. 5.24.  The abating and crucifying of sin and of the power thereof, through the virtue of Christ's death and burial.  Servant. 
How must you use Christ's death that it may slay your sin?  Scholar. 

s Zach. 12.10. Gal. 2.20. Heb. 6.6. 1 Cor. 2.8. with 1 Pet. 4.1, 2.  Bethinking myself that my sins were the very cause of Christ's death, I must abhor to commit new, lest thereby I crucify again the Lord of life.  Parent. 
What is the quickening of the new man?  Child. 

t Ephes. 2.1. & 4.23, 24. Gal. 2.19, 20. Col. 2.12, 13, & 3.1, 2, 3, 4.  A raising up and strengthening unto newness of life, with a continual increase, through the power of Christ's resurrection and life. 
Rom. 5.10. & 6.4, 5, 9, 10, 11.   Servant. 
How must you use Christ's resurrection, that you may be quickened thereby to lead a new life?  Scholar. 

u 1 Cor. 15.56, 57 Rom. 6.4, 5. with Heb. 6.6. & Pro. 14.31.  Bethinking myself that Christ triumphing over my sins in his resurrection, made me righteous, I am stirred up unto a godly life, that I may glorify & not shame his triumph 
* See more of Regeneration in Part. 4. .  Parent. 
Notwithstanding all this, do you not sin daily?  Child. 

* Heb. 12.4. Psal. 119.59. & 73.13, 14. Rom. 6.12.  Yes, but yet I renew my repentance afresh every day, and earnestly strive with a continual endeavour against sin, suffering it not to reign in me.  Parent. 
What is your continual endeavour?  Child. 
First, 
x Psal. 39.1. Gal. 5.24. jam. 4.4. 1 Pet. 5, 8, 9 Rom. 7.17, 18, 19  I watch over all my ways, resisting the lusts of my own sinful heart and flesh, the motions of the Devil, and the enticements & terrors of the world.  
Secondly, 
y Act. 9.36. 1 Cor. 15.58.  I study to abound in all good works, and to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ. 
2 Pet. 3.17.   Servant. 
And what is your comfort in these your endeavours?  Scholar. 
First, 
z Heb. 6.11. & 13.18. Ps. 19.13  that my conscience doth not accuse me either of wilful negligence, or presumption.  
Secondly, 
a 1 Thes. 5.24. 1 Cor. 1.8, 9  my hope is confirmed that I shall conquer sin, and receive daily increase for a new life.  Parent. 
What is repentance?  Child. 

b Luk. 3.3, 8. Acts 2.38. & 11.23.  Repentance is a settled purpose in my heart, joined with a careful endeavour to leave all my sins, and to lead a new life according to all God's commandments.  Servant. 
By what notes may you know that you have Repentance and Newness of life? And more particularly, how may you be sure that you have truly repent of some sin which you have committed?  Scholar. 
First, 
c 2 Cor. 7.9, 10 Psal. 51.5. Nehem. 9.35.  when my heart is unfeignedly grieved with godly sorrow, even because I have disobeyed the Lord my most loving and tender Father in jesus Christ, though I should never be punished at all for my sin.  
Secondly, 
d Psal. 51. Job 42.6 Psal. 19.12, 13  when I am hearty sorry for all my sins, as well as for any, especially such as I have committed against my own knowledge, and do detest and abhor them.  
Thirdly, 
e Psal. 40.8. Luke 9.23. Acts 11.23. james 5.10. 2 Chron. 30.6, 7 8, 9  when I do not only steadfastly purpose, but also diligently and constantly endeavour to follow the will of God both in deeds and sufferings, and that against all temptations.  
And fourthly, 
f Phil. 4, 13. Apoc. 1.6.  when I feel myself more able to forsake sin, and to embrace righteousness through Christ which strengtheneth me. 
* See part 5. pag. 176.177.   Servant. 
But how must you utter and testify your Repentance?  Scholar. 
First, 
g Psal. 32.5. & 51, 3, 4, 14. Prou 28.13. 1 john 1.9. Math. 5.23, 24 & 18, 15, 16, 17 Acts 19.18, 19 Ios. 7.19.20, 21 jam. 5.16.  by a willing and free confession of all my sins unto God in secret, and of those that be greater offences and scandalous, both unto God and unto his Church.  
Secondly, 
h Luc. 19.8.9.10 Num. 5.5, 6.7, etc.  in those that be injurious unto men, I must make restitution unto the uttermost of my ability.  
Thirdly, 
i 1 Cor. 7, 35. Hos. 14.8. Psal. 34.14. Mat. 5.28, 29, 30.  I must thenceforth follow all the occasions of well-doing, and avoid the evil, specially of that particular sin, whereinto I have already fallen, or am most inclined unto.  Servant. 
What special help do you use for occasions?  Scholar. 

k 1 Cor. 7.20.24. Psal. 101.2. 2 Sam. 11, 2.  I have evermore a diligent respect to my particular calling.  Servant. 
By what rule may you know whether your particular calling be warrantable or not?  Scholar. 

l Ephes. 6, 6. 1 Cor. 10, 31. 1 Pet. 4.10, 11.  Every calling, whereof the word of God doth set down the special duties, ordinarily serving to God's glory, and the benefit of mankind is warrantable, else not.  Servant. 
And how do you know whether God requireth you to accept & continue in such 
* I speak now of private callings or vocations.  a calling or not?  Scholar. 
First, 
m 2 Sam. 19.33, to 39  by the strength and fitness of my mind and body to perform the duties and works of my calling.  
Secondly, 
n Gen. 46, 34 Acts 18, 3.  by the place, time and use for it.  
Thirdly, 
o Mat. 10.10. 1 Cor. 9.14.  by the benefit it ordinarily yieldeth to satisfy the labourer's necessity, if due pains be taken, and a good conscience used therein.  Servant. 
But what if your calling minister not sufficient to satisfy your necessities, though you do wisely observe all these rules? May you not leave your calling in such a case?  Scholar. 

p 1 Cor. 7, 20.24. Hag. 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, with 2, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 Phil. 4.11, 12, 13.  No verily, if I may be suffered to follow it still, but rather look well that I be truly reconciled unto God for my sins: And though I be so, yet must I patiently endure the hand of God upon my labours, and put his most wise and merciful corrections to a further good use: provided (I say) that my calling be such (all circumstances considered) as through the usual blessing of God may yield competent maintenance to the labourer.  Parent. 
And which are good works?  Child. 

q Deut. 5.32. Ephes 2.10. Rom. 14.23. Psal. 119.21. 1. Sam. 15.22. Esai. 29.13.  Only those which are truly grounded upon God's word, & the grace and spirit of God maketh me able to do in conscience of my obedience unto him.  Parent. 
Do you merit or deserve forgiveness of your sins, or any other favour at God's hands, for your faith, repentance, and good works?  Child. 
No, 
r Phil. 2.13. Ephes. 2.8.9.  for it is God that worketh in me, both to will and to do of his good pleasure, and I am saved by grace.  Parent. 
Why cannot you merit by your good works?  Child. 

s Rom. 7 13, 18 Luke 17.10.  Because the very best works of the godliest man in the world are unperfect.  Parent. 
How cometh it then to pass that any of your works do please God?  Child. 

t 1 Pet. 2.5. Exo. 28.36, 37 38. Mal. 3.17. Math. 3, 17.  God is graciously content to pass by the evil, and to accept the good (being the fruit of his own spirit) for his Son jesus Christ.  Parent. 
Is not your salvation obtained partly by Christ's grace, & partly by your own works?  Child. 
No, 
u Rom. 11.6.  for then grace were no more grace.  Parent. 
Why then must you do good works?  Child. 
First and chief, 
* Math. 5.16.  to glorify God thereby. Next, 
x 2 Pet. 1, 5, 6.7, 8, 9, 10.  to get assurance of my own election: and withal 
y 1 Pet. 2, 12, 15, etc.  for the edification and benefit of my neighbour.  Parent. 
And what doth principally move your heart to do them?  Child. 

z 2 Cor. 5, 14.  The love of Christ constraineth me.  Parent. 
Shall not every man and woman in the visible Church be saved by Christ?  Child. 
No, 
a john 3, 3, 5.18, 36. Hebr. 12.14.  but those only who are true believers, and borne anew of the holy Ghost.  Servant. 
What principal reason is there that unbelievers and unregenerate persons shall not be saved?  Scholar. 

b john 3.18, 19, 32, 33. Rom. 1.25, & 3 3, 4. 2 Thes. 1.8, 9, 10. jude. v. 4. Tit. 1.16. 2 Pet. 2, 20, 21.  Because by their unbelief they do either refuse as insufficient the only blessed Mean of their salvation, changing that most undoubted and important promise of God into a lie, or do otherwise through their unthankfulness, carelessness or presumption shamefully abuse it.   

☞ THE THIRD PART. Concerning the Means of Grace in general, and first of the Word of God.  Parent. 
WHat means doth Christ the King use in working Faith and Sanctification in the heart.  Child. 

c Esai. 59, 21. jerem. 10.23. Acts 20.32.  Partly inward, and partly outward.  Parent. 
What is the inward mean?  Child. 

d Gal. 3.2, 3. Luk. 11, 13. 1 Cor. 12, 13. Gal. 6.1.  The holy Spirit, which is given by the outward means.  Parent. 
What are the outward Means?  Child. 

* Ibidem.  These four; First, the Word of God, whereby ordinarily Faith and Sanctification are begun, & afterwards continually increased.  
Secondly, Prayer.  
Thirdly, the Sacraments.  
Fourthly, the Practice of the Communion of Saints, whereby the same graces are likewise increased and confirmed.  

The first outward mean of Grace.  Parent. 
What is the word of God?  Child. 

e joh. 5.39. & 21.31. jam. 3.17 2 Pet. 1.21. Ephes. 2.20. Rom. 1.2. with Gal. 6.16.  The Doctrine of man's salvation written by divine inspiration, and contained in the books of the old and new Testaments, called, The holy Canonical Scriptures.  Servant. 
How do you certainly know that the Scriptures are the very undoubted Word of God?  Scholar. 

f Esai. 59.21. john 10.3, 4, 5, 27. & 16.13. 1 john 2.27. 1 Thes. 1.5.  Chiefly by the inward persuasion of the Holy Ghost.  Parent. 
How is the Word made profitable unto your Salvation?  Child. 

g Rom. 10.14. Acts 17.11.  Chief and first of all, by the attentive hearing and diligent meditating of it being rightly preached, which serveth to the begetting of grace. 
h 2 Tim. 4. i. 2.3 Luk. 1.3, 4, & 24, 17, to 33. Heb. 5.12. & 6. 1, 2, etc. Psal. 1.1, 2. & 78.3 4, 5, 6.  And afterwards, principally by preaching, and then, by Catechesing, Reading, Conferring & Meditating, all for out strengthening & growth.  Servant. 
How is the Word of God rightly preached?  Scholar. 

i Nehem. 8.8. Tit. 1.9. 2 Tim. 2, 15. & 3.16. 1 Cor. 12.8.  When the true meaning is plainly given, and the profitable use thereof is made and applied to the hearers.  Servant. 
What is your attentive hearing of the Word?  Scholar. 

k Acts 16.14. & 17.11. Luk. 8.15. Eccles. 5.1  I reverently mark it with an honest and good heart, prepared to receive it with zeal and readiness.  Servant. 
And what is your diligent meditating of it?  Scholar. 

l Psa. 119.155 Prou. 8.34.  I do earnestly call it to mind, carefully search it, and think much upon it, to the end I may draw it into conscionable practice.  Servant. 
What need hath a Christian to use godly meditation?  Scholar. 

m Psal. 119.113. & 139.23, 24. Phil. 4.8.  Because they are the grounds of all good speech, and of all other holy actions, and in very deed whosoever maketh no conscience of his thoughts, maketh no right conscience of any thing at all.  Parent. 
Among the manifold meditations of a Christian, which do you think to be of special use for his good?  Pastor. 
First, 
n Psal. 16.8. Prou 15.3.  always to remember that God is present every where.  
Secondly, 
o Psal. 89.1. Phil. 1.23. joh. 14.1.2. etc.  to bear in mind God's unspeakable mercies in Christ, and particularly the promise and gift of eternal life.  
Thirdly, 
p Acts 28.26, 27. 2 Thes. 1.8, 9  to meditate often on God's judgements, especially those that are spiritual, and upon eternal condemnation, the just reward of the .  
Fourthly, 
q Ps. 78.1.7.11 & 111.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Dan. 9 11, 12, 13. Act. 4.24, 25, 26, 27, etc.  it is good to consider diligently Gods works, both ordinary and extraordinary, observing how they do seal the truth of his word.  
Fifthly and lastly, 
r 1 Thes. 3, 4. Deut. 32, 29. Eccles. 11.9. 1 Pet. 4.7. Ephes: 5.16. 2 Cor. 5.9, 10, 11  to think often of affliction, and chiefly of death and of the last judgement, studying how to redeem our time, that we may be prepared with comfort for that great and terrible day.  Servant. 
What is Catechising?  Scholar. 

s Heb. 5.12. & 6, 1, 2. Gal. 6.6. Luk. 1 4. Act. 18.25  A plain & easy instructing of the ignorant in the grounds of Religion, chiefly by Questions and Answers.  Servant. 
Who are bound to Catechise?  Scholar. 

t Gal. 9.6. Pro. 4.3, 4. & 31.1.  The Ministers in public, and * the Householders in private.   

Secondly, concerning Prayer. The second outward mean of grace  Parent. 
What is Prayer?  Child. 

u 1. Tim. 2, 1. Phil. 4.6.  Prayer is a religious calling upon the name of God, either by Petition (which we commonly call Prayer) or by Thanksgiving.  Parent. 
What is Petition?  Child. 

* Psal. 6.8, 9, Dan. 9.17, 18. Rom. 8.26.  It is our humble entreating of God for all things which we desire to enjoy.  Parent. 
What is thanksgiving?  Child. 

x Ps. 16.7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Math. 8, 2. 2. Sam. 15 25, 26.  It is our rendering praise to God for all the good things which we enjoy in deed, or by promise.  Parent. 
What must you do that you may learn to pray well?  Child. 
First, 
y Luke 11.1.  I must desire God to teach me to pray.  
Secondly, 
z Math. 6.9.10, 11, 12, 13.  I must diligently observe the directions of God's Word, and particularly of the Lords prayer.  Parent. 
What is the Lords prayer?  Child. 
That most perfect form and pattern of prayer which the Lord jesus taught his disciples.  Parent. 
Say the Lord prayer?  Child. 

a Math. 6.9, 10, 11, 12, 13.  Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.  Parent. 
Are you bound to pray in the only words of this form always?  Child. 

* See the examples of the Saints prayers in the holy Scriptures.  Not always, for Christ hath left it to our liberty for the words so that we do imitate the matter, and use the like affections. 
b Exod. 14.15. 1 Sam. 1.15, 16 Psal. 119.145. Esai. 37 14, 15, etc. Rom. 8.26. Phil. 4.6. jam. 5.16.  So whether I use this form or not, I must pray chiefly with my heart, being touched with the feeling of my wants, and pouring forth my soul before the Lord in every request.  Servant. 
God knoweth before we ask what we need, yea and hath appointed in his providence what he will bestow, how and when, therefore why should we pray at all, at least wise so earnestly?  Scholar. 

c Psal. 14.4 & 50.15. & 145.18. job. 21.15. jerem. 10.25. joel. 2.32. Acts 10.4. 1. Tim. 4.5. Luke. 23.42, 43.  Because he hath sanctified it to be his Ordinance, thereby to bless and prosper whom, and what he will, for he will save them that call upon him in truth, and none other.  Parent. 
What do you learn out of this, that the Lord jesus hath set us down what we should pray for?  Child. 

d Math. 6.9. Psal. 119.41. Exo. 32.11.13. 1 john 5.14.  I learn, that I must ground and frame all my desires upon the promises which God hath made in his Word.  Parent. 
How many principal parts be there of the Lords prayer?  Child. 
Four. 

First, the Preface.  
Secondly, the Petitions.  
Thirdly, the Thanksgiving.  
Fourthly, the Conclusion.    Parent. 
Which is the Preface?  Child. 
Our Father which art in Heaven.  Parent. 
Who is that whom you call Father?  Child. 

c Mat. 3.17. & 23.9. john 20.17.  God, who is become my merciful Father in jesus Christ.  Parent. 
What do you learn out of that?  Child. 

f Joh. 16.23. Math. 17.5. Rom. 8.15, 16. Heb. 4.16.  I learn to call upon God only, in the only name and mediation of jesus Christ, in whom he is well pleased.  Servant. 
What do you learn out of that, that you call God, Our Father?  Scholar. 

g Math. 5.23, 43, 44. Mar. 11.25.26. Luke 23.34. 1 Tim. 2, 8. 1 joh. 3.18, 22. Esai. 1.15 & 58.4, 6, 7.  I learn that all true Christians (especially) are my brethren, and therefore that I must love them hearty, and pray for them as for myself, yea also for my enemies.  Parent. 
What do you learn out of that which is added, which art in Heaven?  Child. 
First, 
h Exod. 3.5. Eccles. 5.1, 2. 1 Tim. 2 8. Psal 20.6.  I learn when I pray, to approach unto God with holy preparation, singular fear and humble reverence.  
Secondly, 
i Ephes. 3.20.  I learn that he is not only willing, but also able to help.  Parent. 
How many Petitions be therein the Lords prayer?  Child. 
Six whereof the first three do principally concern God's glory, the last three, our own necessities.  Parent. 
What do you learn out of that order?  Child. 

k Prou. 16.4. Exod. 32. 3●.  I learn that I must zealously desire the glorifying of Gods most holy name, before I seek relief for any of my own necessities.  Parent. 
Which is the first Petition?  Child. 
Hallowed be thy name.  Parent. 
What do you pray for in the first Petition?  Child. 

l 1 Cor. 10.31. Rom. 11.36.  That God may be glorified in all things.  Parent. 
Which is the second Petition?  Child. 
Thy kingdom come.  Parent. 
What do you pray for in the second Petition?  Child. 
First, 
m Mark. 1.13. & 15.43. Math. 28, 18. Psal. 51.10. & 122.6. 2 Thes. 3, 1.  that the kingdom of Grace may be daily enlarged, both by the inward working of the holy spirit, and also by the outward means, until it be perfected at the coming of Christ to judgement.  
Secondly, 
n Reuel. 22: 20 2 Tim. 4, 8.  that God would finish these sinful days, and take us to his kingdom of glory.  Parent. 
Which is the third Petition?  Child. 
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Parent. 
What do you pray for in the third Petition?  Child. 
First, 
o Deut. 29.29. Psal. 86.11. & 103.20. Acts 24.16.  that we may render dutiful obedience unto Gods revealed will, until we be as the holy Angels.  
Secondly, 
p Mark. 8.34. Phil. 1.29. jam. 5.7, 8, etc.  that we may submit ourselves to suffer his will with patience in time of afflictions.  Parent. 
Which is the fourth Petition?  Child. 
Give us this day our daily bread.  Parent. 
What do you pray for in the fourth Petition?  Child. 

q Pro. 30.8. Psal. 104.15. 1 Tim. 4.4. & 6.8. Gen. 28.20 Pro. 10 22. Math. 8.2. Rom. 1.10. Luk. 12.16.17, 18, 19, 20, 21.  That God would give us all things necessary and convenient for this present life, with this exception, If it be his good pleasure.  Parent. 
Which is the fifth Petition?  Child. 
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespasie against us.  Parent. 
What do you pray for in the fifth Petition?  Child. 

r Mat. 11.28. Esai. 55.1, etc. Psal. 19.12. & 32.1. Dan. 9.24 Zach. 12.10.  That God would justify us by the forgiveness of our sins, and the imputation of Christ's righteousness.  Servant. 
Do we deserve forgiveness for our sins at God's hands, because we forgive them that trespass against us?  Scholar. 
No, 
s Math 5.7. Luke 7.47. Mat. 18.22, 32  for first, God forgiveth us freely, and then that being felt by faith in our hearts, causeth us to forgive them that have offended us.  Servant. 
Wherefore then is that Reason added?  Scholar. 

t Mark. 11.24 25.26.  Both to teach us that we ought to forgive others when we pray, and also that by the same grace, we may get assurance that God will forgive us.  Parent. 
Which is the sixth Petition?  Child. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Parent. 
What do you pray for in the sixth Petition?  Child. 

u Psal. 51.12. job 36.21. Genes. 39.12. 1 Sam. 25.13, 22. Math. 8.28, etc. joh. 14.30. 1 Cor. 10 13. jam. 1.13, 14.  That God would sanctify us by mortifying our corrupt nature, and quickening us in newness of life.  Servant. 
Why doth Christ teach us to pray for Sanctification in so many words?  Scholar. 
To assure us, First, 
* Psal. 66.18. & 145.19. Prov. 28.13. john 9.31. jam 5.16. 1 Tim. 2.8.  that unless we truly forsake all our sins, and heartily embrace a godly life unto the uttermost of our power, God will not hear us when we call upon him.  
Secondly, 
x 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 8, 9, 10. Phil. 2.12.  that we cannot obtain Sanctification without great diligence.  Servant. 
What do you learn out of this, that, Christ hath taught us two petitions for spiritual things, and but one for temporal?  Scholar. 

y Esai. 66.2. 1 King. 8.37, 38, 39 Luk 8 13, 14. Matth. 6.33.  That being unfeignedly cast down in the sense of our spiritual misery and vileness, we do desire spiritual graces above all worldly benefits.  Parent. 
Which is the Thanksgiving of the Lords Prayer?  Child. 
For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever.  Parent. 
What do you learn out of the Thanksgiving?  Child. 

z 1 Chron. 29.10, 11, 12, 13. 2 Cor. 1.20. Phil. 4.6. 1 Tim. 2.1. 1 Pet. 4.14.  Because God hath full right and power over all, and doth all things to his own glory, and that for ever, I learn; First to ground my assurance of obtaining my prayers only on God: And afterwards to render him therefore all praise and glory back again at all times.  Parent. 
Which is the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer?  Child. 
Amen.  Parent. 
What is the meaning of Amen?  Child. 

a 1 Cor. 14.16. 2 Cor. 1.20. Reuel. 22.20.  So be it, So it is, and So it shall be.  Parent. 
What do you learn out of Amen?  Child. 

b jam. 1.6, 7. & 5.16. Mark. 11.24.  I learn thereby that I must pray not only with servant desire to obtain the thing that I ask, but also with Faith and Assurance that I shall have my desire accomplished.  Parent. 
But what if God hear not our prayers at the first?  Child. 

c Mark. 9.24. Luk. 18.1, etc. & 21.36. Psal. 42.11. 1 Thess 5.17. Esai. 62.7.  Yet we must strive against doubting and unbelief, and continue in prayer, never waxing faint, nor for any cause ceasing to importune the Lord, till he hath granted our requests.  Servant. 
How is Prayer divided?  Scholar. 
Into Public & Private, and either of the same into Ordinary and Extraordinary.  Servant. 
What do you call Public Prayer?  Scholar. 

d Act 6.4 &c Psal. 84.1. etc. 1. Cor. 14.40.  That which is made by the Church assembled for God's worship and service sake.  Servant. 
What is private Prayer?  Scholar. 

e 2 Sam. 6.20. Ester 4.15. Math. 6.6.  That which is made in private, either with others, as in the Family, or solitarily and secretly by ones self alone.  Servant. 
Which are the fittest times for Prayer and Thanksgiving to God, to be performed in and with the whole Family, ordinarily?  Scholar. 

f Psal. 55.17. Dan. 6.10.  The Morning and Evening; 
g 1 Tim. 4.3.4.5. Mat. 14.19. Luke 24.30.  And before and after Meals.  Parent. 
I pray you (Pastor) give us some convenient forms of Prayer, which during our infirmity we will use, till God enable us to conceive prayer of ourselves.  
And first, let us have a form of Prayer composed according to the principal matter and form of the Lords Prayer, as you have already explained it, and let it be fitted for the workday morning in the Household.  Pastor. 
You may use this plain and easy one, or some other that you think fit for your estate.  
A Form of Morning Prayer on the workday, for the whole Family. 
* Luke 11.1.  Lord teach us to pray.  
A prayer for the family on work-day mornings.  
O Gracious Lord, who hast not only commanded us to make known our requests unto thee only, 
See the proofs in the Conference concerning Prayer, supra.  in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, but also hast sanctified it to be thine ordinance, thereby to bless them whom thou wilt bless, assuring us that thou wilt accept the prayers of all them that do ground the same aright upon thy word and promise, we humbly beseech thee prepare our hearts by thine own Spirit, that we may now approach unto thy most sourraigne Majesty with holy fear and reverence, and in the feeling of our wants may pour forth our souls before thee, who wilt fulfil the desires of all them that call upon thee zealously.  

The Lord's Prayer.  Our Father 
And herein, chief we entreat thee to give us a true and comfortable feeling that thou art become our most merciful Father in jesus Christ thy dear Son, in whom thou art well pleased, that calling upon thy most holy name with Faith and childlike boldness through him, we may verily believe that we shall have the petitions which we desire of Thee, and thereupon expect thy blessing with comfort for all our necessities. And forasmuch as thou hast commanded us to pray one for another, we pray thee to accept our cry also in the name of thy holy Son jesus, for the behoof of all other thy children wheresoever living throughout the whole world, yea even also of their and our enemies that belong unto thee according to the election of grace, though they be not yet called.  which art in Heaven, 
And because thou art in heaven, being as able to help as thou art willing, we pray thee give us an assured trust in thy All sufficient power, as well as in thy tender and free mercy, without the which grace we cannot look to be heard of thee in any of our prayers whatsoever.  Hallowed be thy name. 
O God and Lord of all glory, we first and chiefly desire thee to vouchsafe unto us the true zeal of thy glory, that we may be willing and ready instruments truly to set forth thy name in our thoughts, words, and all our carriage, according to thy holy will revealed in thy word, and that before we seek relief for ourselves in any of our own necessities, and be thou pleased to be glorified of us, yea and let thy name be magnified over all, for of thee, & through thee, and to thee, are all things, to thee be glory for ever. Amen.  Thy kingdom come. 
Next, we entreat thee to enlarge the kingdom of thy grace in jesus Christ by the inward working of thy Spirit in our hearts and in all other thine elect: And to that end, let thy Word, thy Sacraments, and all other thy holy Ordinances have free passage and liberty in the world, and become effectual, until all thine elect shall be gathered, and fitted for thy coming to judgement, which we pray thee hasten, that these sinful days may be finished, and then take us to thy kingdom of glory.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
And therefore also we beseech thee to make us more and more thine obedient servants, striving to keep thy commandments, till we come to perfection, and to be like thy holy Angels, who harken unto the voice of thy word and do thy pleasure: And withal grant unto us, that we may neither despise thy chastenings, nor faint when we are rebuked of thee, but may give thee reverence in our sufferings with dutiful submission & joyful patience; and let thy chastenings yield us the peaceable fruit of righteousness, when we are exercised thereby.  Give us this day our daily bread. 
And seeing thou (Lord) art the Author and Giver of all temporal blessings as well as spiritual, we pray thee according to thy heavenly will and divine wisdom (for thou only knowest our necessities and what is good for us, yea and hast made us to know that all things work together for good to them that love thee) to bestow upon us all things needful and convenient for this present life, so as we may be best fitted to live to thy praise, our own souls eternal comfort, and to the spiritual profit and advantage of others in thy Church, and especially to the better relief and refreshing of thy poor & afflicted servants; unto the which ends also we pray thee bless and prosper us in the right use of those thy good gifts which we presently enjoy.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. 
But (merciful Father) howsoever thou deal with us for worldly benefits, we most heartily desire thee to forgive us all our sins that are passed, justifying us in the righteousness of thy Son jesus Christ; And that we feeling the comfort of thy love in our hearts by faith, may for thy sake unfeignedly forgive them that have offended us; and by the same grace get stronger assurance to our own souls, that thou (Lord) will't in thine infinite mercies forgive us all that great and manifold debt of ours.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
And for the time to come, we entirely beseech thee, to let us see the deep deceitfulness of our own fleshly hearts, and our corrupt inclination, whereupon the Devil for the most part worketh; and withal do thou stir us up to fight continually against the same, even against our evil and wretched lusts (the vile fruits of our unbelief) and to watch against the Devil, who walketh about as a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour, and like a subtle Serpent, studying to deceive. O Lord, grant he may neither bewitch us in prosperity, as that we should deny or forget thee, nor make us froward in adversity. Mortify our corrupt nature (the rotten and loathsome fountain of our manifold sins) and quicken us in newness of life, and in the study of true godliness. Which grace of Sanctification and a godly life, we do the more earnestly beg at thy merciful hands, because thou hast taught us plainly, that without the same, thou wilt not hear us when we call upon thee; as also, for that thou wilt not vouchsafe thine effectual grace unto any but upon their strongest endeavours. And so (O gracious Lord) we do most instantly beseech thee to save us from our sins, to cast us down unfeignedly in the feeling of our spiritual misery and vileness, to lift us up in the assurance of thy Son Christ's merits, and to make us far more laborious for grace for our souls, then for earthly favour for our bodies.  For thine is the kingdom, & the power, and the glory for ever. 
Touching all which our requests, we do ground our Faith for obtaining them, only upon thee, who hast sole right, authority and power over all, and who wilt do all things undoubtedly unto they own glory evermore, and wilt cause the spirit of glory to rest upon us, that on our part do glorify thee: And therefore we do promise to render unto thee most hearty thanks at all times for all thy mercies and favours plentifully bestowed upon us in jesus Christ, and most of all for our Redemption in him, beseeching thee to enable us to praise thee the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, in doing those good works which thou hast ordained that we should walk in them, and specially the duties of our callings and degrees wherein thou hast set us.  Amen. 
For these and all other necessary graces and blessings, we do not only most fervently desire them, but also do verily believe and desire to believe that thou hearest us always: Beseeching thee to give us grace to strive against doubting and unbelief, and confirm our faith, that we may come often unto thee with all cheerful willingness and sound delight, and may continue knocking for thy mercy without weariness, until thy Son jesus Christ shall come to dissolve us, and to crown his own grace in us with eternal glory.   
And here confessing thy free and gracious goodness in preserving & protecting us this night past, we pray thee teach us to use well thy mercy all this day, to love us still, to direct and bless us in our honest labours and businesses, and so give us more and more cause to sing praise and give thanks unto thee, and to live and die to thy glory. And make us always mindful of that great gift of thine (Christ and his Gospel) to the end we may give up ourselves to walk with him in deeds and sufferings, and seek our own and others salvation with holy fear and trembling. Finally, let not thy word departed out of our minds, neither let us go astray from thy commandments. And though we be thy most unworthy and unprofitable servants, yet be pleased to grant our suit and accept our sacrifice, sith we come unto thee in the only mediation and intercession of thy blessed Son and our Saviour jesus Christ. And therefore 
* 2 Cor. 13.14.  the grace of our Lord jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with us all. Amen.  Parent. 
Secondly, I pray you give us a form of Prayer for the workday evening, and let it be such as consisteth altogether of the phrases and sentences of holy Scripture, to the end we may take the better delight in calling upon God, for we find our hearts dull and our flesh unwilling oftentimes for this high service, but we have had experience by our using those very words which the Holy Ghost hath indicted in the Bible, that we have been quickened, and made willing, cheerful and reverend in our supplications & thanks-givings unto the Lord.  Pastor. 
You may use this following, if you please.  
A Form of Evening Prayer on the workday, for the whole Family.  
A prayer for the Family, on workday evening.  

a Esai. 6.3.  HOly, holy, holy, 
b Revel. 4.8.  Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, 
In this form, I have strictly followed the last translation of the Bible, done by his Majesty's special commandment, & appointed to be read in Churches.  and is to come, the whole earth is full of thy glory, 
c Psal. 19.14.  Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord our strength and our Redeemer. 
d Psal. 32.5. & 51.3.  We acknowledge our sins unto thee, and our iniquities we will not hide, for they are ever before us. 
e Rom. 5.12, 19  For by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and by his disobedience we are made sinners. 
f Psal. 51.5.  Thereupon we were shapen in iniquity, and in sin did our mothers conceive us. 
g Esai. 64.6.  So we be all of us as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses as filthy rags. Thence it is that we have actually 
h Dan. 9.5, 9  sinned against thee, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgements, neither have we obeyed thy voice (O Lord our God) to walk in thy Laws which thou hast set set before us by thy servants thy prophets. 
i Rom. 1.9.  Neither have we served thee with our spirits in the Gospel of thy son for though 
k Tit. 2.11, 12, 13.  thy grace that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto us, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, so looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour jesus Christ, 
l Phil. 1.27.  yet our conversation hath not been such as becometh the Gospel of Christ, 
m 2 Cor. 6.1.  but we have (over much) received thy grace in vain, 
n Ephes. 4.27,  grieving thy holy spirit, 
o v. 30.  giving place to the Devil, 
p Psal 109.22.  wounding our own hearts within us, 
q 1 Cor. 8.11.  and the weak consciences of our brethren, 
r 2 Pet. 2.8.  vexing the righteous souls by our unlawful deeds, & 
s 2 Sam. 12.14.  giving great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. 
t Lam 3.22, 23  Wherefore it is of thy mercies (oh Lord) that we are not consumed, because thy compassions fail not, they are new every morning. Besides, 
u Psal. 19.12.  we cannot understand our errors, cleanse thou us from secret faults, 
* Psal. 51.9.  hide thy face from our sins, pardon and blot out all our iniquities, 
x Psal. 25.11.  for they are great, wash us throughly 
y Apoc. 1.5.  from them through him that loved us, 
z Esai. 53.4, 5.10.  that bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, was wounded for our transgressions, whose soul thou madest an offering for sin, 
a Mat. 26.38.  exceeding sorrowful even unto death, 
b john 1.29.  the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. And 
c Heb. 12.14.  because without holiness no man shall see the Lord, and 
d jerem. 10.23  we know that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps, 
e Lam. 5.21.  therefore turn thou us (O Lord) and we shall be turned, 
f Psal. 51.11.  Create in us clean hearts (O God) and renew right spirits within us. 
g Psal. 19.13.  Keep back thy servants also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over us, that so we may be upright and innocent from the great transgression. 
h 1 Thes. 5.23  Sanctify us throughout, and we pray God that our spirits and souls and bodies may be kept blameless unto the coming of our Lord jesus Christ. To which end, 
i Ephes. 3.14, 16.17.18.19.  we bow our knees unto thee the Father of our Lord jesus Christ, that thou wouldst grant us according to the riches of thy glory, to be strengthened with might by thy spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith, that we being rooted and grounded in Love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, length, hepth, and height, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that we may be filled with all fullness of God. So let 
k 2 Cor. 5.14.  the love of Christ constrain us 
l 1 Pet. 2.9.  to show forth the praises of thee (Lord) who hast called us out of darkness into thy marvelous light 
m Verse 12. , having our conversation honest, that men may by our good works which they shall behold, glorify thee in the day of visitation, 
n 2. Pet. 1.10.  and giving diligence to make our calling and election sure, 
o Philip. 2.12.  we may work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, yea and shining as lights in the world, 
p Luk 15.10. 2 Cor. 7.4.  we may rejoice both Angels and Men, 
q Rom. 15.1, 2.  edify our weak brethren, 
r 1 Pet. 3.1.  win them that obey not the word; and 
s vers. 16.  having a good conscience, that whereas they speak evil of us as of evil doers, that they may be ashamed that falsely accuse our good conversation in in Christ, 
t 1 Pet. 2 15.  for so is thy will (O God) that with well doing we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. 
u 1 Cor. 15.58.  And forasmuch as we know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord, make us steadfast, unmoveable, and alway abounding in the work of the Lord, 
* Psal. 119.15.  directing our ways in thy statutes, 
x Gal. 6.10.  and as we have opportunity, doing good to all men, specially unto them who are of the household of faith, 
y 2 Cor. 9.7.  not forgetting, cheerfully to communicate with their afflictions, 
z Mat. 25.40.  because the very lest of them are the brethren of thy son Christ jesus, 
a Heb. 13.16.  and with such sacrifices thou art well pleased. And because 
b 1 Pet. 5.8.  our adversary 
c Revel. 12.9, 12, 17.  the Devil is come down unto us, having great wrath, because he knoweth he hath but a short time, making war with them that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of jesus Christ, 
d 1 Thes. 2.18.  hindering them also, 
e Math. 4.3. Ephes. 6.11.12.  and tempting them with his wiles and spiritual wickednesses, 
f Reuel. 12, 9  being that old serpent which deceiveth the whole world, we pray thee 
g Ephes. 6, 10.  make us strong in the power of thy might, 
h 1 Pet. 5.8, 9  to resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world, and to be sober and vigilant, 
i Ephes. 6.13, 17, 181  taking unto us the whole armour of God, especially the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, that we may be able to withstand him in the evil day, 
k john 8, 44.  and not do his lusts.  
And seeing 
l 1 Pet. 4.1, 2.  Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, grant we may be armed likewise with the same mind, no longer to live the rest of our time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to thy will, O God; nor 
m Rom. 6●.  to suffer sin to reign in our mortal bodies, 
n Luk 8.14.  that we should obey it in the lusts thereof, nor been choked with cares, and riches, and pleasure of this life. And whereas the flesh 
o Galat. 5.17.  lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other, so that we cannot do the things that we would: we (wretched persons) do entreat thee 
p Rom 7.24.  to deliver us from the body of this death through jesus Christ our Lord, 
q verse 22.  that we may not only delight in the law of God after the inward man, but also 
r Gal: 5.16.24.  walk in the spirit and crucify the flesh with the affections & lusts. And seeing 
s 1 john 5.19.  the whole world lieth in wickedness, 
t joh. 17.14.15.  and hateth us because we are not of the world, we pray not that thou wouldst take us out of this world, but that thou wouldst keep us from evil, 
u Rom. 12.2.  that we may not be conformed unto the children of this world, 
* Luke 16.8.  who are in their generation wiser than the children of light. 
x 1 Cor. 1.27, 28.29.  Thou hast made foolish the wisdom of this world, for not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but thou hast chosen the foolish things, the weak, the base, the despised, and things that are not, that no flesh should glory in thy presence. Oh then, give us grace (O Lord) 
y Jam. 4.4.  not to affect the friendship of this world, which is enmity with God, nor 
z 1 joh. 2.15, 16.17.  to love the world, nor the things that are in the world (which passeth away and the lust thereof, and is not of the father) but to do thy will (O God) and so to abide for ever. And now Lord, 
a Psal. 139.2.3.4.  who knowest our down sitting, & our vprising, who understandest our thoughts a fare off, who compassest our paths, & art acquainted with all our ways; For there is not a word in our tongues, but lo (O Lord) thou know'st it altogether, 
b Esai. 26.9.  stir us up that with our spirits within us, we may seek thee early. 
c 1 Thes. 5.6.  Suffer us not to sleep as others do, 
d Eph. 5.11.14. 1 Cor. 15.34.  in the unfruitful works of darkness, but cause us to arise from the dead, & to awake to righteousness, the thy son Christ may give us light, 
e 1 Thes. 5.10.  who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him: 
f Luk. 2.37.  so let us serve thee night & day, 
g Psal. 3.5. & 4 8.  and lie down in peace, and not be afraid, and let our sleep be sweet. Af-Afterwards, 
i Psal. 104.23  let us awake and go forth unto our works & to our labours until the evening, 
k Psal. 31.15.  for our times are in thy hand, 
l Psal. 3, 5. & 4.8.  and thou Lord only sustainest us, and makest us dwell in safety. 
m Psal. 127.2.  And because it is vain for us to rise up early, and to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, 
n Psal. 129 8.  the blessing of the Lord be upon us. If for these earthly things thou (Lord) dost say, 
o 2. Sam. 15.26  I have no pleasure in you, behold, here are we, do thou to us as seemeth good unto thee. 
p 1 Cor. 10.31  And (Lord) whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, move our hearts to do all to thy glory, 
q Esai. 64.5.  and so let us rejoice, working righteousness and remembering thee in thy ways. And for ourselves, 
r Psal. 90.12.  teach us to number our days, and because 
s job 4.19.  our houses of clay (whose foundation is the dust) are crushed before the moth, 
t Deut. 32.29.  to consider our latter end. 
u Eccles. 12.13  Make us mindful also (good Lord) that thou shalt bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil; and therefore 
* Psal. 119.37.60.  quicken us (we desire thee) in thy way, that we may make haste, and not delay to keep thy commandments with our whole man. 
x Psal. 51.18.  Do good in thy pleasure unto Zion, build thou the walls of jerusalem. 
y Acts 9.5. Luk 21 19  Grant thy persecuted members may possess their souls in their patience. 
z Math. 11.28 29.  Give rest unto the souls of all that labour and are heavy laden. 
a Psal. 147.4.  Heale the broken in heart, and bind up their wounds. 
b Psal. 72.12.13, 14.  Deliver the poor and them that have no helpers, redéem their souls from deceit and violence, and precious let their blood be in thy sight: 
c Psal. 146.7.8, 9  Execute judgement for the oppressed, give food to thy hungry ones, lose thy prisoners, preserve the strangers, relieve the fatherless and widows. 
d Psal. 41.3.  Strengthen thy merciful ones upon their beds of languishing, and make their beds in their sickness. 
e Psal. 3.8.  Let thy blessing be upon all thy people. 
f 2 Sam. 15 31  O Lord we pray thee, turn the counsel of the  into foolishness; yea and 
g Psal. 10.5.  break thou the arm of the wicked & evil men, notwithstanding let 
h Psal. 141.5.  our prayers be in their calamities. 
i 1 Tim. 2.2.  Bless our noble King and the hopeful Prince, and all that are in authority over us, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness & honesty. 
k 2 Thes. 3.1.  Let thy word have free course and be glorified. 
l Eph. 6.19.20.  Give utterance unto thy Ministers in general, & particularly to ours, that they may open their mouths boldly, and speak as they ought to speak, making known the mystery of the gospel, 
m 2 Cor. 6.4.  and in all things approve themselves as the Ministers of God. 
n Act. 17.11.  Grant we may receive the Word with all readiness, and search the Scriptures daily whether those things be so. 
o Psal. 67, 2, 6, 7.  And let thy way be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations, and so let the earth yield her increase, and let God, even our own God bless us: let God bless us, and let all the ends of the earth fear him. 
p 2 Tim. 2.19.  Let every one of us that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. 
q 1 Sam. 25.6.  Peace be to us, and peace be to our house, and peace be unto all that we have. 
r Psal 145.15  Let our eyes wait on thee, O Lord, and give thou us our meat in due season. 
s Psal. 108.12  Give us help from trouble, and 
t 1 Cor. 10 13.  suffer us not to be tempted above that we are able, but with the temptation make a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. 
u Mark. 9.24.  We believe, Lord help our unbelief. 
* Esai. 26.8.  The desire of our soul is thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. 
x Dan. 9.18.19  O our God, incline thine ear and hear, open thine eyes and behold our desolations, and the City which is called by thy name, for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. 
y Eph. 3.20.  Now unto thee that art able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 
z Vers. 21.  unto thee be glory in the Church by Christ jesus, throughout all age's world without end. Amen.  Parent. 
Thirdly, I pray you give us two easy and plain forms of thanksgiving for our daily use at every meal, the one before the receiving of our food, and the other after, to be uttered by myself if I be present, or by some other of my house in the name of all that partake of the same meal:  Pastor. 
I will.  
A form of Thanksgiving to be used of an ignorant family before meals.  
MOst gracious God, we acknowledge thee to be the author of all good gifts and blessings, we humbly pray thee to forgive us all our sins. Grant us faith and soberness in receiving these thy good creatures: bless them to our nourishment, and stir us up thereupon to serve thy holy majesty with true thanksgiving, through jesus Christ thy Son and our Saviour by thy holy spirit, Amen.  
After Meals.  
TO thee, our most bountiful Father and gracious Lord, who hast made, redeemed and ever hitherto preserved us, and at this time fed and refreshed us with thy good gifts and creatures, be all glory and obedience rendered of us and of all other thy people, both now and evermore. God save the Church universal; bless the king's Majesty; continue thy Gospel; make thy holy word effectual in our hearts; comfort all thy poor and afflicted servants, and give us thy peace and whole truth in jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.  Parent. 
Fourthly, I pray you give us some forms of prayer for morning and evening on the Lord's day for the whole household, as you have done for the workedayes.  Pastor. 
Nay: I would rather exhort you to use your best endeavours to conceive prayers of yourselves, according as the spirit of God shall enable you, and your estate shall require; for on the Sabbath day you have most time to labour in prayer, if you will make conscience to redeem your time: and verily if you would set yourselves unfeignedly to the study hereof by your humble and constant craving 
* Zach. 12.10.  of the Spirit of Prayer at the Lords hands & by a conscionable exercising of yourselves in the holy Scriptures, of a true purpose and holy desire to wrestle with God 
* Gen. 32.24, 25, etc. with Hos. 12.3, 4.  as jacob did, in supplication to his glory, the Lord will bestow this ability upon you. Howbeit, if you desire any further direction to train you up in this duty of prayer, you may profitably employ yourselves for some convenient space on the Lords days in that singular help which the Lord hath provided for you by the pains of Master john Brinsley, in his second part of the True Watch, containing The perfect Rule and Sum of Prayer; whereunto I refer you for this your fourth request: Yet I will give you a form of prayer for solitary use upon the Lord's day morning, I mean, for each one by himself apart. For although it be a Christians part, both to pray solitarily every work day, and also to join with the whole family in private prayer on the Lord's day (and the same more largely and oftener than on other days) yet there seemeth to be special reason and need for every particular person to call upon God by himself alone (for preparation) towards the beginning of the Lords day: Because,  
I. God must be entreated by all manner prayer and means possible to enable us unto the duties of this day. 
Reasons for solitary or secret prayer in the entrance of the Lords day.   
II. This solitary praying will occasion and further us to seek our nearer reconciliation with God, which as at all other times, so chiefly on that day we must give greatest diligence to be sure of.  
III. It is a special mean to make us the more careful both to bestow the more time and labour upon God's service, and to profit the better thereby, on that day.  
iv Every one knoweth best his own particular corruptions and wants in former abuse of the Sabbath, whereof he ought to beg forgiveness at God's hands in secret, and to seek his own particular healing and comfort.  
V last, consider I pray you how you know that your heart is sincere and earnest in seeking the Lord on his day, and what sound comfort you can have in yourself against the accusation of hypocrisy or of vain glory, when Satan shall by any means charge you therewith, if you be cold in your secret and solitary prayers on that day, and specially if you neglect them thereon altogether.  
Furthermore, remember that the Sabbath is the Bond of all Religion, for which cause the Lord doth often style 
* Esai. 56.2. Lam. 1.7. Ezek. 20.11, etc.  his whole Religion by the name of the Sabbath, and that therefore it is your part (being a Christian Housholder) as to have a care of yourself and of all your people for resorting unto the public worship of God with firm constancy, and there to continue with reverence from the beginning to the end of the whole, so to call yourself to a secret reckoning with God for your profiting that day, and your people all together before you, enquiring of them one by one what they have gained by each Sermon, and to teach them diligently, labouring to have conscience put upon them by the Lord, and to the same ends employing yourself and them (more that day than any other) in prayers and thanksgiuings, singing of Psalms, and use of the word, in public and private, and 
* Psal. 93. & 107. throughout, but specially v. 42, 43.  in a wise and holy observation and application of the works of God. For (whosoever you be) unless you make conscience of all these things, how can you expect God's blessing upon any public exercise (though never so holy in itself) which you shall have to do withal on that day? Therefore, if you judge this form following fit for your estate, use it (each one severally by himself) during your present ignorance and weakness.  
A Form of Prayer for the Sabbath day morning (or, the evening before) to be used of a weak Christian by himself alone tending to his better preparation for the duties of the Sabbath.  
A form of solitary prayer for the beginning of the Lords day.  

a Psal. 21.1.  Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul, and 
b Psal. 5.3.  my voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord. 
c Psal. 43.3.  Oh send out thy light and thy truth, let them lead me, let them bring me unto thy holy hill and to thy tabernacles. 
d Psal. 85.7.  Show me thy mercy, O Lord, and grant me thy salvation. And howsoever 
e Heb. 4.2. jerem. 7.8, 9, 10, 11. 1 Cor. 11.17.  I have often heard thy holy word, called upon thy great name, and had to do with the seals of the righteousness of Faith; not for the better, but for the worst, at least wise with small or no fruit, yet now, I humbly pray thee make me like 
f Luk 8.15.  good ground, that I may with an honest and good heart hear thy word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience. And although (
g Psal. 8.1, 3, 6, 9  thy name being excellent in all the earth by reason of the works of thy fingers, 
h Psal. 111.2, 3, 4, 5, 7.  which are great and wonderful, honourable and glorious, verity and judgement) I have not sought out thy works, nor 
i Esai. 5.12.  considered the operation of thy hands, because I have not had pleasure therein: yea and though, 
k Psal. 40 5.  many are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to me ward, they cannot be reckoned in order unto thee, 
l Esai. 64.7.  and I have not stirred up myself to take hold of thee, 
m Rom. 1.21.  neither have been thankful, 
n Ps. 119.76.  nor praised thee for thy merciful kindness, 
o 2 Chron. 32.35.  at least wise I have not rendered again according to the benefit done unto me, 
p Rom. 2.4.  neither have I known that the goodness of God hath led me to repentance; Yet now (Lord) 
q Esai. 26.10.  by the favour thou showest unto me, let me learn righteousness, and 
r 2 Chron. 32.26.  humble myself for my hardness of heart, that thy wrath come not upon me. And 
s jerem. 31.18.  whereas thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke, not 
t Mica. 6.9.  hearing the rod and who hath appointed it, yet (most gracious God) grant that now at the last, 
u Esai. 9.13.  I may turn unto thee that smitest me, and seek thee the Lord of Hosts. 
* Heb. 3.7, 13, 15.  To day give me grace to hear thy voice, not hardened in my heart through the deceitfulness of sin. Make me 
x 1 Pet. 2.17.  to love brotherly fellowship, 
y 1 Pet. 4.4.  not running with the profane to the excess of riot, but 
z Coloss. 3.16.  teaching and admonishing myself and others in Psalms and Hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with grace in my heart unto thee, 
a Act. 12.5.  praying earnestly and giving thanks always for all things unto thee in the name of the Lord jesus Christ, 
b Heb. 3.13.  exhorting and comforting myself and others with thy words, 
c 1 Thess 4.18.  and humbling myself unto them in thy fear, O God. 
d jam. 4.10.  Let thy word dwell richly in me in all wisdom, which grant I may 
e Prov. 4.21.  keep in the midst of my heart, that I may not sin against thee, but observe to do as thou hast commanded me, 
f Deut. 4.32.  neither turning aside to the right hand nor to the left. Evermore grant 
g jam. 4.8. Heb. 10.22. 1 King. 8.61. 1 Sam. 16.7.  that I may draw near unto thee with a true, upright and plain heart, 
h Phillip 3.9.  and studying to be found in Christ, 
i 2 Tim. 3.5.  and to have the power of godliness in me, I may 
k Phil. 3.14.  press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ jesus, that at the last 
l Rom. 9.23.  thou mayst make known the riches of thy glory upon me (a vessel of thy mercy) and 
m 1 Pet. 1.9.  I may receive the end of my faith, which is the salvation of my soul. 
n Heb. 13.7.  Make thy servant the Minister of thy Gospel, which shall speak unto me and others (this day) the word of God, 
o Ezra 7.6.  a ready Scribe, 
p Mat. 13.52.  instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, like unto a man that is an Housholder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. Stir him up 
q 2 Tim. 2.15.  to study to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 
r 2 Thess. 3 2.  Deliver him from unreasonable and wicked men. Strengthen him that he may 
s 2 Tim. 4 7, 8.  fight a good fight, finish his course, and keep the faith; and so give him the crown of righteousness. 
t Act. 16.14.  And open my heart, O Lord, that I may attend unto the things of thy word, 
u Act. 17.11.  and receive the same with all readiness of mind, searching the Scriptures daily whether those things be so. And (good Lord) 
* 2 Tim. 2.7.  give me understanding in all things, not only for to try the spirits, whether they are of God, but also that I may 
x Deut. 33.3.  receive of thy words, even 
y Luk. 12.42.  my portion of meat in due season, 
z Psal. 141.5.  yea when I am reproved, let me take it as an excellent oil which shall not break my head. Far be it from me that I should be 
a Act. 7.54.  cut to the heart, and gnash at the Minister with my tooth, but let me be pricked 
b Act. 2.37, 38.  in my heart unto repentance, and receive of the Ministry how I ought to walk and to please God, 
c 1 Thess. 4.1.  and therein to abound more and more. Prepare me (O Lord) 
d jam. 1.21.  to lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of maliciousness, that I may receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save my soul. 
e Psal. 119.39.  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness, 
f 1 Tim. 6.9.  lest falling into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish & hurtful lusts, they drown me in destruction and perdition. Always make me careful to 
g Ephes. 4.15. 1 Tim. 1.5.  grow in faith and a good conscience. And let me never 
h jam. 1.22.  deceive myself in being a hearer only and not a doer of the word. And because oftentimes 
i Math. 13.21.  tribulation and persecution ariseth because of the word, whereat (I see) many are by and by offended, I pray thee teach me, 
k Math. 7.24.  to build my house upon a rock like a wise man, 
l 2 Tim. 2.12.  and to suffer with Christ, that I may also reign with him. Finally, I humbly pray thee to sanctify my heart, that I may 
m Esai 58 13.  turn away my foot from doing my pleasure on this thy holiday, and that I may call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and may honour thee, not doing mine own ways, nor finding mine own pleasure, nor speaking mine own words; but 
n 2 Pet. 1.5.  giving all diligence 
o Phil. 2.12.  to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling, specially in 
p Lam. 3.40.  searching and trying my ways and turning again unto thee Lord, according to thy blessed Gospel, through thine only Son Christ jesus my Saviour and Redeemer, unto whom with thy holy Majesty and thy sanctifying and comforting Spirit, be of me in my most willing and constant endeavours, and of all other thy servants in thy Church likewise, ascribed and given, all honour, glory, praise, might majesty and dominion, both on this thine own holiday, and for ever world without end. Amen.  Parent. 
But what if any of us severally and alone (having no other to join with us, but must pray solitarily, unless we altogether omit the duty, after the manner of our profane and irreligious neighbours) would use those two forms of prayer which you have composed for the whole Family on the worke-days? Or, what if my whole Family or any two or more of them would in their private fellowship use that form of prayer which you have drawn for a Christian in solitary towards the beginning of the Lords day? May we not so use either the one or the other, as may be most for our comfort and edification?  Pastor. 
Yea, you may easily do so, if you will. And you are bound to do so rather than omit the duty altogether. Provided, that in such a case when you do use the two forms which are for the worke-days (as also for the forms of thanksgiving before and after Meals) you do heedfully put the singular number for the plural, as I for We, Me for Us, My or Mine for Our, etc. And that, when more than one of you shall join together in the form which is for the Lords day, you do use the plural number for the singular, as We for I, Us for Me, Our for My or Mine, etc. The which course, if you be driven of necessity to take, or do sometimes voluntarily perform, it will also prove one help to enable you to conceive prayers of yourselves without the help of these or any other forms to be read upon a Book, much sooner. For as I told you at the first, that is the end I shoot at in setting you down these forms, and which you ought to labour for in using these or any other godly forms, unto the uttermost of of your power. And assure yourselves, that though you be very ignorant and weak at this present, yea and seem to yourselves that you can do little or nothing this way, I mean, to conceive prayer of yourselves, 
* Note these directions, you ignorant persons, and remember to follow them in the fear of God; & have a special care to examine yourselves on the Lord's day in secret, and to renew your peace with God in a more settled and comfortable turning of your feet unto his testimonies, Psal. 119.19. with 92.11, 12, 13.  yet if you will conscionably seek the Lord & your own salvation, diligently frequent the Ministry that God hath sanctified unto you, delight in the often fellowship of the Godly, whom the Lord hath endued with saving knowledge already, desire their help in prayer, and therein join with them, and in their absence (which to the greatest number of you must needs fall out very often) attentively, constantly and carefully use these or any other godly forms of prayer and thanksgiving, God will bless you with such understanding of your spiritual estate, that you shall in far shorter time than you think, attain to the end of your godly desires, which is to lay away your Books, and out of your own feelings to make your petitions and thanksgiuings unto the Lord, upon any occasion either ordinary or more special and rare. But if you shall neglect this counsel of God, and profanely put off the holy duties of prayer and thanksgiving from time to time, or perform them but coldly, carelessly, unreverently, or vaingloriously, as the hypocrites do, then verily be you afraid lest the Lord should in his wrath judge you spiritually, and so you continue blind and ignorant or (after a sort) superstitious in using a set form now & than, and lest you have always such need of a Book to pray upon, that without it you shall be able to say little more then, 
* Behold a piece of the old wives their very best prayers.  Lord have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, bless our house and our harbour, and all that ever we would have good of, and send us heaven at our last end; yea and lest you fall from praying upon a Book (as I have known some) to mere nothing or worse than nothing. 
Note.  Beware then of an idle form and bare external devotion or ceremony of Godliness, without seeking the power thereof: As also of such a manner of learning, as never to be able to come to the knowledge of the truth: Which fearful judgement God doth therefore commonly inflict, because the heart is not zealous, sincere, nor godly disposed to see, obey and continue in the whole saving truth of God, but resolveth to stand out against some part of it, or to follow some sinful lusts still: 2 Tim. 3.5, 6, 7, 8.  Parent. 
Lastly, I pray you collect us such a Hymn or Psalm (out of David's Psalms) as briefly toucheth the most necessary graces, and which we may sing to God's glory and our own edification and comfort, in following the labours of our vocations and callings, and at other times when we think good.  Pastor. 
But you must consider God's proceeding with you in all things, your own necessities and estate, and accordingly seek out and sing such Psalms as God hath fitted for you in his Book, to use unto your better moving and stirring up to live unto his glory, and your own spiritual growth in faith and a good conscience.  Parent. 
We will not forget to bestow our labour that way every day once at the least, in the choice of some Psalm or parcel of a Psalm (according to our weak judgement) if God permit. Howbeit, because we have not any one Psalm of convenient shortness, that setteth forth the chiefest points and most necessary graces of Christianity, fitted for our capacity, and because many of my people are dull to learn many Psalms, prescribe us one which my ignorant ones may learn by heart, and whereby we may have a taste of the heavenly sweetness which the Godly do gather in their religious use of divine and spiritual songs.  Pastor. 
Then take this for a taste, which if you will read and sing together with all your Household, but once on every work day in the Evening, you shall find, that those who can learn any thing, shall before the year go about, perform it by heart of themselves, although they bestow no other time upon it.  
A godly Hymn or Psalm collected out of the book of DAVID'S Psalms, and composed of choice verses, which do briefly point at some of the chiefest Lessons of Faith towards God, and of good Works towards Men; all for the most part in form of prayer & praise to God.  
Fit for the more ignorant sort to sing at their ordinary work, and at other times convenient, to the glory of God and their own edification.  


Psal. 92 verse. 1 IT is a thing both good and meet,  
to praise the Highest Lord:  
And to thy name, O thou most High,  
to sing withone accord.  
verse. 2 To show the kindness of the Lord,  
betime ere day be light:  
And eke declare his truth abroad,  
when it doth draw to night.   

Psal. 55 verse. 1 O God give ear and do apply,  
to hear me when I pray:  
And when to thee I call and cry,  
hide not thy face away.  
Psal. 39 verse. 9 From all the sins that I have done,  
Lord, quite me out of hand:  
And make me not a scorn to fools  
that nothing understand.   

Psal. 143 verse. 2 If thou, O Lord, do straight mark  
our foul iniquity,  
O Lord, who can before thee stand,  
excused for to be?  
Psal. 130 verse. 4 But mercy and compassion,  
O Lord, are still with thee,  
That men may love & fear the name  
of thy great Majesty.   

Psal. 111 verse. 10 His fear true wisdom doth begin,  
his laws observe do they  
That any understanding have,  
his praise doth last for aye.  
Psal. 119 verse. 133 Direct my footsteps by thy word,  
that I thy will may know,  
And never let iniquity  
thy servant overthrow.   

verse. 36 Incline my heart thy laws to keep,  
and covenants to embrace,  
And from all filthy avarice,  
Lord, shield me with thy grace.  
verse. 37 From vain desires and worldly lusts,  
turn back mine eyes and sight,  
Give me the spirit of life and power  
to walk thy ways aright.    

The second part.  

Psal. 133 verse. 1 Behold, how good a thing it is,  
and pleasant for to see,  
Brethren together fast to hold,  
the bond of amity.  
Psal. 41 Ver. 1 And he is blest that careful is  
the needy to consider,  
For in the season perilous  
the Lord will him deliver.   

Psal. 94 Ver. 12 And, Lord, that man is happy sure  
whom thou dost keep in awe,  
And through correction dost procure  
to teach him in thy Law.  
Psal. 72 Ver. 4 Yet thou dost help the weak & poor  
with aid, and make them strong,  
And eke destroy for evermore  
all those that do them wrong.   

Psal. 116 Ver. 10 I did believe, therefore I spoke,  
yet I was troubled sore:  
Psal. 119 Ver. 94 But I am thine, save me, my God,  
for I have sought thy lore.  
Psal. 43 Ver. 5 Why art thou then so sad my soul,  
and fretst thus in my breast?  
Still trust in God, for him to praise,  
I hold it ever best.   

Psal. 125 Ver. 4 Do well, O Lord, unto all those  
that upright are in heart.  
But those that unto crooked ways  
shall choose to turn apart,  
Verse. 5 Them shall the Lord with workers lead  
of all iniquity,  
But peace upon his Israel  
for evermore shall be.   

Psal. 80 Verse. 19 O Lord of Hosts, through thy good grace,  
convert us unto thee:  
Behold us with a pleasant face,  
and then full safe are we.  
Psal. 57 Verse. 13 Set forth and show thyself, O God,  
above the heaven's bright,  
Extol thy praise on earth abroad,  
thy Majesty and might.    Parent. 
I pray you what Psalms of David do you judge most edifying and comfortable for our ordinary use?  Pastor. 

Twelve select Psalms.  Me thinketh, the first, the fourth, the eight, the twelfth, the fifteenth, the ninteenth, the twenty fifth, the thirty second, the fifty first, the seventy third, the one hundred & third, and the hundred & ninteenth are easiest and fittest for an ignorant family: For the which I refer you to your Psalm books; specially I recommend the fifteenth Psalm unto you, wherein a true Christian is pithily and summarily described by his proper marks and fruits. And if any of you can sing the tune of Psalm 136. and 148. you may sometimes use the same fifteenth Psalm, which I have paraphrased in this form following, and fitted to be sung in that tune also, by two, the one making the question, and the other answering.  

An Hymn made upon the fifteenth Psalm, 
Psalm 15. in another tune.  in manner of a Dialogue, and may be song by two, the one representing JEHOVA, and the other DAVID.  
To the tune of Psalm 136.  David. 

1.  
Iehova omnipotent,  
show forth what folk they are  
Shall sojourn in thy tent,  
As Pilgrims wont to far,  
The members here  
Of Church fight, but aye dwelling in heavens there.   jehova. 

2.  
The righteous soul, he walks  
upright in constant wise,  
Entire and justice works,  
his careful exercise;  
Likewise the truth  
in heart doth speak, without deceit,  
the simple sooth.   

3.  
This man, maliciously  
depraveth not with tongue,  
So neither frowardly  
his neighhour doth he wrong:  
Ne knows slandour,  
nor yet doth broach a foul reproach  
'gainst his neighbour.   

4.  
Each vile one is abhorred  
in his unpartial eye;  
Free fearers of the Lord  
he much doth magnify:  
And if he sweareth,  
though hurt therefrom, to him do come,  
himself not spareth.   

5.  
On gain his heart's not bend,  
as usurers for use,  
Nor 'gainst the innocent,  
reward at all doth choose.   David. 

Good godly deed  
why then doth he?   jehova 

for charity,  
and not for meed.   David. 

These marks, Lord, are they true?   jehova. 

These marks be verity.   David. 

O'erthrown just shall, I rue!   jehova. 

O'erthrown just shall not be,  
Nor any ill  
to him whose way goes not astray  
from this my will.    Parent. 
What ordinances hath the Lord appointed and left unto his Church in his wisdom and mercy, to further special prayer and thankesgining in more extraordinary occasions.  Pastor. 
Fasting for Prayer, feasting for thanksgiving, and Vows for both. Which learn in the larger Catechisms, and specially in the book, entitled, A Treatise of Christian Religion.     

☞ THE FOURTH PART. Concerning the Sacraments of the New testament, The third outward mean of Grace.  

first in general.  Parent. 
WHat are the Sacraments of the Testament?  Child. 

a Gen. 17.1, 7, 11. Rom. 4.11. 1 Cor. 11.25.  Public and holy signs and Actions ordained by the Lord jesus, mystically setting forth and sealing the Covenant of Grace.  Servant. 
Hath God ordained the Sacraments to begin grace in any persons?  Scholar. 

b Rom. 4.11. & 10.14, 17.  No, but God by his spirit in Christ doth by the Sacraments confirm and strengthen grace, where it is already begun.  Servant. 
How then do you esteem the Sacraments in respect of Christ's mind towards you?  Scholar. 

c Acts 2.38. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26. Mat. 28.19  As the very pledges of his love, the assurances and instruments of his grace, and honourable badges to profess his name by.  Servant. 
And how do you esteem them in respect of your mind towards Christ?  Scholar. 

d Acts 8, 36, 37, 39 1 Cor. 10.16, 17  As the testimonies of my Faith, receiving his grace, the tokens of my thankfulness, and the very bands of my duty both to him and his Church.  Parent. 
Who hath authority from the Lord to administer the Sacraments?  Child. 

e 1 Chron. 13.10 11. & 15.12, 13. 2 Chron. 30.3 & 35.3, 6. john 4.1, 2. Exod. 4.16. Mat. 28 18, 19  They only who are sent to preach the Word.  Parent. 
To whom do they of right belong to be received?  Child. 

f Act. 2 38, & 8.37. 1. Cor. 12 13.  To sound hearted Christians.  Parent. 
What then have the wicked to do with them?  Child. 

g Act. 2.38. 1 Cor. 11.28.  Nothing at all, till they be purged from their sins by Faith and Repentance.  Servant. 
But what if they presume to receive them without faith and repentance?  Scholar. 

h Deut. 23 21, 22. 1 Cor. 10.1 2, 3, etc. with Exo. 14.27 28, 29. Eccl. 3.4. Mat. 7.7, to 13  Yet they shall reap no benefit by them, but rather increase their sin and condemnation.  Servant. 
And what if they shall neglect or contemn them?  Scholar. 

i Gen. 17.14. Num. 9.13. Luk. 7.30.  They are then special enemies of God's glory and of their own salvation, cutting themselves off from God's covenant and Church, and so they incur Gods heavy wrath, unless they repent. 
* Oh consider that the Lord jesus himself was baptised, ate the Lords supper, and commanded both.   Servant. 
How is that proved?  Scholar. 

k Exod. 4.24, 25, etc. 1 Cor. 11.25, 26, etc.  Seeing God hath sharply corrected his own children, sound hearted and otherwise godly with sickness and weakness, yea even with death for some negligence or irreverence about the Sacraments, much more fearfully will he punish the wicked and  for their gross abusing or refusing of them.  Parent. 
After what manner are the Sacraments to be celebrated?  Child. 

l Num. 9.3, 4, 5, 12. 1 Cor. 11.23.  As is prescribed in the word of God.  Parent. 
How many Sacraments be there?  Child. 
Two; 
m 1 Cor. 12.13  Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.  Parent. 
Of what parts do they consist?  Child. 

n Heb. 6.2. 1 Cor. 10.16.17  Both of outward and inward things.  Parent. 
What are the outward things?  Child. 
The earthly creatures and certain actions of Minister the and Receivers about the same.  Parent. 
What are the inward things?  Child. 
Christ himself, his spiritual graces and works, and certain spiritual actions of the Receivers.  Parent. 
What then is the benefit which the Faithful receive by the Sacraments?  Child. 

o Mat. 28.19. 1 Corin. 1●. 20. etc. & 12.13 Gen. 17.7, 8. Ephes. 5.26.  They are confirmed in the union that they have with Christ, yea and with God the Father, and with with God the holy Ghost, through Christ.   

Of Baptism, in particular.  Parent. 
What is Baptism?  Child. 

p Mat. 28.19.  The Seal of our Entrance and first admission into the profession of Christianity.  Parent. 
What is the outward thing in baptism?  Child. 

q Math. 3.16. & 28.19.  Washing, or sprinkling with water.  Parent. 
What spiritual thing is meant thereby?  Child. 

r Eph. 5.25.26. 1 john 1.7. Apoc. 1.5. Heb. 9.14. Math. 3.11.  The blood of jesus Christ our Saviour shed for us, yea whole Christ himself purging our sins.  Parent. 
What is the work of the Minister, and the right form of Baptising?  Child. 
First, 
s Math. 28.19 1 Tim. 4.5.  to open the covenant of grace. Secondly, 
t 1 Tim. 4.4, 5. Acts 22.16. Luke 1.59.  to sanctify the water to this holy use by prayer and thanksgiving. Thirdly, 
u Mat. 28.19.  with the water to baptise 
* That is, into the Communion.  into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost.  Parent. 
What is the inward work performed by Christ?  Child. 

* 1 Cor. 1.13, 14, 15, 16. & 6.11. & 12.13 Mat. 3.11.12. john 17.21, 22, 23, 24, 26.  He putteth away my sins and giveth me a new life, thereby making me one with himself and with his Church unto my certain assurance of eternal life.  Parent. 
How doth Baptism represent the putting away of your sins by Christ?  Child. 

x Act. 2.38. & 22.16. 1 joh. 1, 7. Rom. 6.6. Col. 2.11, 12. Psal. 32.5.  Even as the water sprinkled by the hand of the Minister, washeth away the filth of my body, so the blood shedding of jesus Christ laid hold upon, by the hand of faith, cleanseth me from all my sins, and that not only by forgiving me both the guilt and punishment, but also by mortifying sin in me.  Parent. 
How doth Baptism represent the giving of a new life unto you by Christ?  Child. 

y Mat. 3.11. Mark. 1.4. Acts 15.9. 1 Pet. 3.21, 22. Tit. 3.5, 6.  Even as water maketh that fair which before was foul; so the holy Ghost purifying my heart by Faith, both justifieth me before God in the imputation of Christ's righteousness, and sanctifieth me to lead a holy life, who before was unholy and unclean.  Parent. 
What is the outward work of those that are to be baptised?  Child. 

z Math. 3.6. Act. 8, 36, 37, 38.  Confession of their sins, of their faith, and of their repentance, and readily to receive baptism in form aforesaid.  Parent. 
And what is their inward action?  Child. 

a Gal. 3.27. & 5.3. 1 Pet. 3.21, 22.  To put on Christ by faith unto newness of life.  Parent. 
Why then should infants be baptised which can do none of these things?  Child. 
First, 
b Gen. 17.7. Mark. 10.14. Act 16.15, 23 1 Cor. 7.14.  because they belong to the Covenant of God's grace, and unto his kingdom, God himself saying, I am God unto thee and to thy séed after thee.  
Secondly, 
c Gen. 17.11.12 13, 14. Exo. 12.48. Col 2.11, 12.13. compared.  they have as good right to Baptism, as the infants of the jews had to circumcision.  Parent. 
What is the duty of children after baptism?  Child. 
First, 
d Heb. 8.11. Psal. 110 27, 33  to learn the ways of the Lord, and to keep his statutes.  
Secondly, 
e Ephes. 4.1, 2, ●, 4, 5, 6 Acts. 2.41, etc.  to keep a holy fellowship with Christ and his Church.  Parent. 
When may you have true comfort by your Baptism?  Child, 

f C●●. 2.12, 13. Tu. 3.5. 2 Cor. 5.17.  When I feel myself to be regenerate or sanctified.  Parent. 
What? May you feel yourself to be regenerate?  Child. 

g Rom. 7.14.15, etc. Ps. 119.93, 94.  Yes verily, if I be regenerate indeed?  Parent. 
How may you know that you are regenerate indeed?  Child. 

h Ephes. 5.26. 1 Pet 1.23. & 2.1, 2. 2 Tim. 3.5 Psal. 119.40.  If I can find that the light and efficacy of God's Word, shining and burning in my hearts, hath truly killed the strength of sin and wrought the power of godliness in me.  Servant. 
I pray you declare more particularly, when you can perceive that?  Scholar. 
First, 
i Rom. 7.15, 16. etc. to the end. Phil. 3.10, 11, etc. Psal. 51.  when I have an unfeigned hatred and striving against all sin, but specially against mine own corruption, and contrariwise an earnest study and delight to all virtue, but specially to do mine own duty.  
Secondly, 
k Psal. 119.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Deut. 10.12, 13 16. Mat. 5.48. Col. 2.6, 7.  when I do constantly labour both for sincerity and uprightness of heart in all duties which I undertake, and also for perfection to keep all the Commandments of God unto the uttermost.  
Thirdly, 
l 1 Cor. 6.19, 20, & 10.31. Deut. 30.20. 1 Thes. 5.18. Col. 2.6, 7.  when I am moved with a holy zeal, to do all things to the glory of God, for obedience to his supreme authority, and in way of thankfulness unto him for all his benefits, but chiefly for giving me jesus Christ and his gospel.  
Fourthly and lastly, 
m Psal. 15.4. & 16.3. 1 Pet. 1.22, 23. 1 John. 3.14. & 5.1. Ps. 139.21, 22.  when I bear a singular love towards godly persons, because they are godly, and contrariwise a holy hatred against the ungodly, because of their ungodliness. *  Parent. 
But what if one shall always continue unregenerate (for unsanctified) after his baptism?  Child. 

n Deut. 10.16. Eccles. 5.4, 5. Ezek. 44.9. jerem 9.26. john. 3.3, 5, 18, 19, etc. Rom. 2.28, 29.  That is a plain token that such a one wanteth faith, & therefore is unbaptized in heart, whose damnation must needs be the greater, because he breaketh his vow made unto God.   

☞ Of the Lord's Supper, in particular.  Parent. 
WHat is the Lords Supper?  Child. 

o Mat. 26.26, etc. 1 Cor. 11.23 etc.  The seal of our spiritual nourishment and growth in Christianity.  Parent. 
What are the outward parts in the Lord's Supper?  Child. 

p Mat. 26.26, 27, etc.  Bread and Wine.  Parent. 
What be the inward parts or graces?  Child. 

q Mat. 26.26, 27, etc. john 6.35, 51.  The Body and Blood of Christ, yea whole Christ, God and Man, with all his merits.  Parent. 
What is the work of the Minister, and the right form of administering the Lords Supper?  Child. 
First, 
r 1 Cor. 11.24.25, 26. 1 Tim. 4.5. 2 Chr. 30.16, 17, 21, 22, etc. Exod. 12.6, 26, 27.  to consecrate the bread and wine to this holy use, by Prayer and Thanksgiving, declaring the Institution and using them accordingly, together with a clear opening of the Covenant of Grace.  
Secondly, 
s 1 Cor. 10.16. & 11.24. Acts 2.42.  to break the bread, and pour out the Wine.  
Thirdly, 
t 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25.  to deliver them to the people in Christ's own words, or to that effect.  Parent. 
Which are Christ's own words?  Child. 
Of the Sacramental bread Christ said, 
u Math. 26.26, 27, 28. Mark. 14.22, 23, 24. Luk. 22.17, 19, 20.1 Cor. 11.24, 25. compared.  Take, eat, 
* That is, an effectual Sacrament of my body that shall be broken, and of my blood which shall be shed.  this is my body, which is broken for you, do this in remembrance of me.  
And of the sacramental wine, thus, 
u Math. 26.26, 27, 28. Mark. 14.22, 23, 24. Luk. 22.17, 19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25. compared.  Take this, divide it among you, for 
* That is, an effectual Sacrament of my body that shall be broken, and of my blood which shall be shed.  this is my blood of the new Testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins, this do in remembrance of me.  Parent. 
And what is the outward work of the Receivers?  Child. 

’ 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26, 28. with 10.16. & 14.40.  Reverently & decently to take with their hands the bread and wine so consecrated and delivered, and to eat and drink them.  Parent. 
Which are then the principal outward actions in the use of the creatures when we celebrate the Lords Supper?  Child. 
First, the Ministers breaking of the bread, and pouring out of the wine.  
Secondly, the Ministers giving and the People's taking of both the bread and wine into their hands.  
Thirdly, the eating of the bread & the drinking of the wine by all the Receivers.  Parent. 
What grace of Christ is set forth by the Ministers breaking of the bread and pouring out of the wine?  Child. 

x Esai. 53. Math. 26.37, 38. & 27.46. Luk. 22.44. job. 19.17, 18, 33, 34. & 20.25, 27. 1 Cor. 5.7.  The most grievous and unspeakable torments that jesus Christ suffered in soul and body for his elect, yea even unto the death, and specially the breaking of his body & the shedding of his blood upon the Cross.  Parent. 
What inward work of Christ is sealed by the Ministers giving, and the people's taking of both the bread and wine into their hands?  Child. 

y John. 6.27, 29, 35, 47, etc. Rom. 8.30. Eph. 3.17, etc. with 1 Cor. 11.24, 25. & 1. job. 1.12.  That Christ offereth to all, but truly giveth himself and all his merits unto every one of them particularly, that do receive him by the hand of faith.  Parent. 
And what graces do the eating of the bread and the drinking of the wine assure unto us?  Child. 
First, 
z Math. 26.26, 27. joh. 6.35, 40, 51, 56. 1 Cor. 10.16, 17.  that jesus Christ with all his benefits is become wholly the true believers, to the feeding up of their souls in the Covenant of Grace.  
Secondly, 
a john. 17.21, 22, 23. 1 Cor. 10.16, 17.  that they are made one with him.  
Thirdly, 
b 1 Cor. 10.16. & 12.13. Ephes. 4.15, 16.  that they shall increase and grow in the feeling and enjoying of him and of his grace.  Parent. 
What then is the chiefest inward action of the Receivers?  Child. 

c 1 Cor. 10.16.  The Communion or partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ.  Parent. 
How do you communicate or partake the body and blood of Christ in the Lord's Supper?  Child. 
First, 
d Act. 2.42. Rom. 4.11. with 1 Cor. 10.16.  I feed spiritually by faith in my soul on Christ and his merits unto a more comfortable assurance and feeling of the forgiveness of my sins and of my further justification.  
Secondly, 
e 1 Cor. 12.13. with Ephes. 5.26, 27. Deut. 16.6, 7, 12, 16, 17. Exod. 13.8, 9, 10. 2 Chr. 30.19. Ezra 6.21, 22. with Deut. 26.16, 17.  in remembering his Love with thankfulness, I gather more and more strength to dye unto my sins, and to live unto God in new obedience, whereunto (by receiving this Sacrament) I do vow myself in my best endeavours.  Parent. 
But what is represented by this, that you receive the same creatures in the Lord's Supper, which all other the faithful do throughout the whole world, and that in the company of the faithful in the Congregation?  Child. 

f 1 Cor. 10.16, 17.  The Communion, mutual love and unity, that I and all the rest of the faithful have amongst ourselves from and under jesus Christ our Head.  Parent. 
How do you then communicate with the faithful in the Lord's Supper?  Child. 
First, 
g Ephes. 4.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16.  I am confirmed in all such graces as other the Faithful do receive from Christ, that they do also belong to me.  
Secondly, 
h Col. 3.14. Act. 2.41, 42, etc. 1 Cor. 12. & 13.  I bind myself in a special bond of Love, to practise all the duties thereof unto them in general (as to the joint members of the same mystical body) and particularly to remember the poor.  Servant. 
Is there any change (as the Papists say) of the bread and wine, into the natural body and blood of Christ?  Scholar. 

i 1 Cor. 11.26, 27, 28, 29.  There is a change of their use, but not of their substance.  Servant. 
What is their use at that time?  Scholar. 
Twofold. First, 
k 1 Cor. 11.26.  a solemn showing forth of the Lords death.  
Secondly, 
l 1 Cor. 10.16, 17. with 11.27, 29.  the nourishment of our souls and bodies unto everlasting life.  Servant. 
Whence have they that strength and use?  Scholar. 

m 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, etc.  From the ordinance and blessing of Christ, whereby they are consecrated to that purpose.  Servant. 
How do you prove that bread and wine remain still in their own nature after consecration?  Scholar. 

n 1 Cor. 11.26, 27, 28, 29.  First, the word of God calleth them so after.  
Secondly, 
o 1 Cor. 11.26.  there must needs be true outward signs.  
Thirdly, 
p Experience.  this consecrated bread and wine will corrupt in time.  
Fourthly, 
q The Reason is good, unless we had a word of faith to build a matter of faith upon.  we see, feel and taste nothing but bread and wine.  Servant. 
But seeing Christ saith, This is my Body, and This is my Blood, why should we not believe that they are changed into his body and blood?  Scholar. 
There are many reasons why we should not believe so.  Servant. 
Let us hear some of them.  Scholar. 
First, the natural sense of those words teacheth no such change.  
Secondly, Christ was never corporally present in any of the jewish Sacraments.  
Thirdly, Christ was not corporally present in this Supper, when he did first administer it.  
Fourthly, 
r Act. 3.21.  Christ's body shall not come down from heaven till the last day.  
Fiftly, it possesseth but one place of a true natural body, wheresoever it is.  
Sixtly, it is absurd and wicked to hold that Christ hath many bodies and in many places at once, and that men (though Reprobates) yea Dogs, Cats, and Mice may chew his flesh in their tooth.  Servant. 
Why are they then called his body and blood?  Scholar. 
First, because they are the Sacraments of his body and blood.  
Secondly, for the great similitude between them.  
And thirdly, to assure us more strongly of his spiritual presence.  Servant. 
Is it lawful to with hold either the bread or the wine from any of the Communicants?  Scholar. 
No; for first, the Lord jesus ordained both; and secondly, there is necessary use of both.  Servant. 
What necessary use?  Scholar. 

s john 6.35, 53, 54, 55, 56. Act. 4.12.  To show that he is our full and sufficient food.  Parent. 
You said that Christ giveth himself and all his merits unto every true believer in receiving the Lords Supper. 
Of fit and worthy Receivers.   Child. 
Yes, 
t Luk. 3.8. & 20.35. Col. 1.12. Reuel. 3.4.  for the Lord in his free Grace and Mercy, esteemeth such to be worthy Receivers.  Parent. 
Show me more at large whom the Lord esteemeth worthy Receivers?  Child. 
They that are furnished with such Graces, as are both necessary and fit in this case, and that do use it as Christ hath appointed, and as becometh so heavenly mysteries.  Parent. 
Which are those Graces that are most necessary and fit?  Child. 
These five: First, 
u joh. 17.3.  Knowledge.  
Secondly, 
* 2 Cor. 13.5.  a true and lively faith.  
Thirdly, 
x 1 Cor. 11.31.  Repentance & newness of life.  
Fourthly, 
y Col. 3.14.  Charity towards men.  
Fiftly, 
z Luk. 22.15. Act. 8.36.  an earnest desire to receive this Sacrament.  Parent. 

1. Of Knowledge.  What knowledge is required (at the least) for the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper?  Child. 
Some true knowledge of God, of his Law, of his Gospel, of ourselves or our own estate, and of the Sacraments.  Parent. 
What knowledge of God is required?  Child. 
That there is 
a 1 Cor. 8.4.  but one God, 
b Gen. 1.1.  the maker and 
c Act. 17.28.  governor of all things, and 
d 1 joh. 5.7.  distinguished into the persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  Parent. 
What is God?  Pastor. 

e Reuel. 4.9.  God is a living, 
f john 4.24.  spiritual, 
g 1 Tim. 1.17.  eternal, 
h Job 11.7, 8, 9  infinite and 
i Revel. 4.8.  most holy essence, 
k Exod. 3.14.  existing only of himself in all perfection, 
l Psal. 135.6. Esai. 46.10, 11. jam. 1.17. Mal. 3.6.  as touching his will most absolute, free and unchangeable, 
m Psal. 147.5. Gen. 17.1.  in his working all-sufficient for wisdom and strength, 
n Mica 7.18, 19, 20. Ps. 99.8 & 145.17. Exod. 34.6, 7.  and to his creatures most merciful and just.  Parent. 
What is a Person?  Pastor. 

o john 14.9, 16, 17, 18. & 17.21.  A distinct manner of subsisting in the Godhead.  Parent. 
Declare unto me more largely, how the one only God is distinguished into three persons, and how the three persons subsist in the one God, which we commonly call the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity.  Pastor. 
The three persons are so distinguished one from another, that they are neither separated nor confounded, either in themselves or in their working. 
* A mystery to be reverently believed, not curiously searched Hypostases inseratabiles. Divinitas individualis, personarum proprietates incommunicabiles. joh 1.33. & 5.19, 20, 21, 22, 23. & 8.16, 17, 18, 19 & 10.30. & 14.9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 16.   
In themselves, for  
First, each person hath the whole Godhead in it, in such sort as the Unity of the essence or nature of God is neither divided into parts nor destroyed.  
Secondly, each person is coeternal & coequal without difference of time or greatness.  
Thirdly, each person is in and with each other, and possesseth each other, so that yet the Father is not the same with the Son, or the Holy Ghost, or the Son the same with the Father or the Holy Ghost, or the Holy Ghost the same with the Father or the Son, as touching their persons.  
And fourthly, each person enjoyeth equal glory with other, and each hath everlasting delight in other, yet not the same, but according to the distinct manner of each persons subsistence in the Godhead.  
In their working, for though each person doth the same things that the other do, in every thing that is done, without absence or weakness, yet not any one of them worketh altogether after the same manner as another doth, but each one of them according to the distinct propriety of his Person in special.  Parent. 
How are the three Persons distinguished in their special Proprieties?  Pastor. 

p Prov. 8.22, 23, 24, etc. Psal. 2.7. john 15.26.  The Father is of himself, the Son is begotten of the Father from all eternity, and the Holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father and the Son.  Parent. 
How in their working together?  Pastor. 

q Heb. 1.1, 2. john. 5.17, 19  The Father worketh of himself by the Son and the Holy Ghost, and therefore the original & beginning of the action is ascribed to him. 
r Rom. 8.11. Heb. 1.2.  The Son worketh from the Father by the Holy Ghost, and so the disposing of the action (as it were by a Steward) is attributed to him. 
s Gen. 1.2. 1 Cor. 12.11.  The Holy Ghost worketh from the Father and the Son, and therefore the efficacy and finishing of the action is in a special sort allotted unto him.  Parent. 
What knowledge of the Law is required for worthy Receiving?  Child. 

t Deut. 6.25. Rom. 7.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13.  That it requireth true righteousness, and discovereth our corrupt nature, sin and condemnation.  Parent. 
What of the Gospel?  Child. 

u Act. 4.12. Gal. 3.13.  That Christ is our sufficient Redeemer and only remedy against God's curse.  Parent. 
What of ourselves or of our own estate?  Child. 

* Ephes. 2.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.  That we do surely stand in grace, though borne in sin and wrath.  Parent. 
What of the Sacraments?  Child. 

x Esai. 7.11. Rom. 4.11. Luk. 22.19, 20.  That they are fit & worthy helps to strengthen our weak faith.  Servant, 
How are they so?  Scholar. 

y jere. 19.10, 11. Act. 21.11. john. 3.12. Galat. 3.1. 1 joh. 1.1, 3.  Because the Lord doth work upon other our senses and faculties, as our seeing, feeling, being admitted, and cleansed, receiving, eating and drinking, tasting, digesting, being nourished, refreshed, chéered and strengthened, thereby to confirm unto our hearts his saving grace, which first by hearing the word we have believed.  Parent. 

II. Of Faith.  What Faith is required for the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper?  Child. 
Faith, which taketh hold of Christ and his benefits, and leadeth us to true thankfulness. 
* Of this grace we have conferred already in the second part. and also more in Part. 5.   Parent. 
What Repentance and Newness of Life is required? 
III. Of Repentance and Newness of life.   Child. 

* See more of this grace in Part. 2. and in Part. 5.  That godly sorrow with causeth to forsake sin, together with that effectual grace which enableth to keep God's Commandments, increasing with the increase of God.  Parent. 
What Charity towards Men, is required, 
iv Of Charity towards men.  before you receive the Lords Supper?  Child. 

z 1 john. 5.1. joh. 13.34, 35. & 15.12, 13. 2 Cor. 8.8, 9 compared.  That which is wrought and groweth in my heart towards them for jesus Christ's sake, who loved both them and me unto the death.  Servant. 
How do you further know that you have love or charity towards men?  Scholar. 
First, 
a Psal. 16.3 1 john 3. 1● & 4.1. 1 P●. 1.22. & 3.8. & 4.8, 9 etc.  because I do specially love and reverence godly persons.  
Secondly, 
b Math. 5.23.24.  I seek for conscience sake to be reconciled, after offences committed.  
Thirdly, 
c Math. 5.44. Mark. 11.25, 26.  I wish well even in my heart unto my very enemies, being ready to pardon all their wrongs and praying for them.  
Fourthly, 
d 1 Cor. 14.1. & 16.14. Galat. 6.10. Hebr. 12.14. 1 Pet. 3.11. 2 Tim. 3.3. Mal. 2.10, 14.  I bear a loving affection towards all men, following peace with them, and endeavouring to do them good, but particularly those unto whom I am bound in nature or by any other covenant of God. 
* See more of this grace in part, supra. and in part. 5. infra.   Parent. 

V Of earnest desire to receive the Lords Supper.  Why must you earnestly desire to receive the Lords Supper?  Child. 
For two causes. First, 
e 1 Cor. 11 20, 22, 23, 24, 25.  because the Lord hath both ordained and commanded it for his own glory.  
Secondly, 
f 1 Cor. 11.17. Ephes. 5.26. Act. 2.42. & 20.7.11.  God giveth more grace by it, than by the word preached alone.  Parent. 
What more grace have you by it, than by the word preached alone?  Child. 
First, 
g 1 Cor. 10.16.  Christ's death and merits are more particularly applied to me, and so I am more fully assured to be kept still in grace, yea and sealed up unto everlasting salvation.  
Secondly, 
g & 12.13.  I am more strongly bound (as by a solemn renewing of an oath) to continue in Grace.  
Thirdly, 
g Act. 2.42, etc.  I am more effectually stirred up to make profession of Faith and obedience, as often as I am called thereunto.  Servant. 
How often is every Christian bound to receive the Lords Supper?  Scholar. 

h 1 Cor. 11.25, 26. Act. 2.42. Of receiving worthily.  As often as he may, so that he be a worthy receiver.  Parent. 
But what is required of us about the time of celebrating the Lords Supper, that we may use it as Christ hath appointed, and as becometh so heavenly mysteries?  Child. 
There are required these three things: First, a due and holy preparation before. Secondly, a fit disposition in the action. Thirdly, other duties afterward.  
I. Of preparation before.  Parent. 
What preparation is required before?  Child. 
We must set ourselves apart from all other business, that we may,  
First, 
i 1 Cor. 11.28.31.  search ourselves throughly for the sanctified graces of Knowledge, Faith, Repentance, Charity, and desire to the Lords Supper aforesaid.  
Secondly, 
k Psal. 26.6. Num. 9.6.  stir them up and renew them unto better growth and practice.  
Thirdly, 
l 2 Chron. 30.18, 19, 20. Mat. 5.23, 24. 1 Tim. 4.4, 5.  humbly crave the assistance of God's spirit, and reconciliation with God; yea and with men also, where need is.  Servant. 
But what if you find the sanctified graces of God's spirit to be weak in your heart? must you not then abstain?  Scholar. 
No, 
m 2 Chr. 30.18 19.20.  I must come, and that with hope and cheerfulness, upon some conditions.  Servant. 
Why with hope and cheerfulness?  Scholar. 

n Esai. 7.11. Luk. 4.18. Mat. 15.24. with Luk. 22.19, 20.  Because the Lord's Supper was ordained of purpose for the confirmation of the weak.  Servant. 
Upon what conditions must you come?  Scholar. 
First, 
o Acts 8.37.  if the graces aforesaid be sound in me, though very weak.  
Secondly, 
p John. 4.10.  if I feel my wants with grief.  
Thirdly, 
q Mark. 9.24.  if I labour against my weakness, hungering and thirsting after God's grace in Christ.  Servant. 
What special means hath the Lord appointed for our better direction to try and examine ourselves?  Scholar. 

r Math. 3.6. Acts 8.37. jam. 5.16.  Conference with good men, and chiefly with the Minister.  Servant. 
May notorious offenders that are impenitent, fools, mad men, and children be admitted to the Lords Supper?  Scholar: 

s 1 Cor. 11.28. Exod. 12.15, 18, 19, 20, 43. Numb. 9.6.  No, for they either cannot or do not examine themselves aright before they come, and therefore are not rightly prepared.  
II. Disposition in the action.  Parent: 
What disposition is required in the whole action of celebrating the Lords Supper?  Child. 
First, 
t Num. 9.3, 5. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25.  a diligent observing of all the holy signs and actions, together with a wise understanding of their right uses, and applying them accordingly by each particular person unto himself for his own spiritual profit.  
Secondly, 
u 1 Cor. 11.20 etc. and 14.40. The reason of due preparation and disposition.  such decent behaviour and gesture of the body, as are agreeable unto every holy action.  Parent. 
Why must we thus prepare and behave ourselves?  Child. 

* 1 Cor. 11.20. etc. to the end of the chapter.  Because otherwise we shall receive unworthily.  Parent. 
What danger is it to receive unworthily?  Child. 
Very great, 
x Ibid. and 1. Sam. 4.3, 4, 10. & 5.6, 7, 9, 11 12.  for than we are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and so do eat and drink our own damnation or temporary judgement at the least, because we discern not the Lord's body.  Servant. 
How is the unworthy Receiver guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord?  Scholar. 

y 1 Sam. 2.29, 30.  Because the indignation or reproach which he offereth to this holy Sacrament, redoundeth to the things thereby signified and set forth, to wit, to the body and blood of Christ, as the disgrace done to the King's picture, Broad Seal, or Ambassador turneth to the disgrace of the King himself.  Servant. 
What indignity or reproach is that?  Scholar. 

z Psal. 50.21. Rom. 2.24.  In that the unworthy Receiver himself esteemeth, and giveth cause for others also to think, that Christ is the Saviour of evil men, or otherwise to blaspheme.  Servant. 
How is it said that the unworthy Receiver discerneth not the Lords body?  Scholar. 

a 1 Cor. 11.20, etc. to the end. Exo. 12.11, 14, 15, 16, 17, etc.  Because he cometh to receive the Sacrament with no other preparation nor devotion, then as if it were but common bread and wine.  
III. Of duties afterward.  Parent. 
What duties are required after we have received the Lords Supper?  Child. 
First, 
b Psal. 26.7.  to bless God hearty for our redemption.  
Secondly, 
c Nehem. 8.10. 1 Cor. 16.2.  to give to the poor as God hath prospered us.  
Thirdly, 
d Deut. 10.16.  to labour to feel in ourselves the strength and comfort of this Sacrament.  Parent. 
What shall a true Receiver feel in himself after the partaking of the Lords Supper?  Child. 

e 1 Cor. 10.16, 17. & 11.24. Acts 16.33.34  The increase of his faith and sanctification in Christ, and so a greater measure of comfort in Christ's merits, and a greater care & power to dye unto sin, and to walk in newness of life.  Parent. 
What if one after the receiving of the Sacrament, never find any such thing in himself?  Child. 

f Act. 8.13, 14, etc. 10 24. John. 12.4, 5, 6. & 13.21, 26, 27, etc. and 18 2, 3, etc.  He may well suspect himself, whether he did ever repent or not, & thereupon is to use means to come to sound faith and repentance.    

☞ THE FIFTH AND LAST PART. Concerning the Practice of the Communion of Saints. The fourth outward mean of Grace.  Parent. 
WHat is the Practice of the Communion of Saints?  Child. 

g Heb. 10 24.25. 1 Thes. 5.11 12. Act. 2.42.44  Such holy fellowship as the faithful do exercise among themselves, according to the word of God.  Servant. 
What faithful do you mean?  Scholar. 

h Psalm. 16.3. Gal. 4.15. Act. 18.3, 26. james 2.  All and every one of the godly, whether teacher or learner, governor or governed, great or small.  Servant. 
When is this followship exercised?  Scholar. 

i joh. 20.19, 26 Acts. 20.6, 7, etc. Psal. 101.6 & 122. Acts. 18.3.  Not only in the public use of God's worship, as upon the Sabbath days, but also in private, & as much as may be throughout their daily conversation.  Servant. 
And how, and after what manner exercised?  Scholar. 

k 1 Tim. 4.6. 2 Tim. 3.16. 1 Thes. 4.18. jam. 5. 1●. Rom. 12.15. Gal. 6.1. Luk 22.31. 1 Sam. 15.24, etc. 1 Cor. 5. 2 Cor. 2.  By teaching, admonishing, remembering, exhorting, comforting, reprooving, confessing, praying and giving thankes each with other, and for other, mutual rejoicing and mourning, conferring, advising, considering to stir up, relieving, correcting, accompanying, and otherwise as is taught in the holy Scriptures.  Servant. 
But what saith the Word concerning fellowship with the wicked?  Scholar. 

l 1 Sam. 25.14, 17, 18, 19, 25. etc. Psal. 120.5. & 101.6, 7. 1 Cor. 5.11. Luke 5.30, 31, 32. 2 Cor. 6.14, 15, 16, 17, 18, etc.  If your calling & estate will permit, we must carefully avoid all special fellowship with them (unless it be to heal them) and chiefly those that are hardened in their sins, and do contemn admonition.  Servant. 
What reasons be there why a Christian must make special conscience of his company in his daily conversation?  Scholar. 
First, 
m Mal. 3.16. 2 Cor. 6.17, 18.  God noteth it in his book of remembrance (as being specially delighted with it) how they that fear the Lord, speak often one to another.  
Secondly, 
n Pro. 1.10. & 13.20. 1 King. 11.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Psalm. 106.34, 35, 36.  Company, whether it good or ill, will entice men to be like unto themselves, and the event is commonly answerable, that, Every man is like his companions. So, he that maketh little conscience of his company, usually maketh little of sin.  
Thirdly, 
o Psal. 1 33.1, 2, 3. 1 Thes. 5.11.  not only the benefit that we receive, yea and yield to other the faithful by keeping brotherly fellowship with them, 
Even judas abstained from much evil in his Masters & fellow's company, Eccles. 4.9, 10, 11.12. 1 Pet. 4.9, 10, 11  is undoubted and oftentimes very great in ministering of grace, as saving knowledge, wisdom, love, zeal, comfort, cheerfulness and such like, at least restraint from the outward committing of sin, and that even in the hypocrites, but also we enable one another thereby against the enmiful courses of the wicked on the one side, and for the performance of many actual duties on the other, and all to the glory of God.  
Fourthly, 
p Gen. 19.8. & 42, 16. Psalm. 119.115.  though we be not grossly corrupted and perverted by them, nor yet apparently defiled with their pitch, yet our nigh and special fellowship with them, will either diminish our zeal to goodness and our hatred of evil, and so 
q Reuel. 3.15, 16, etc.  luke warmness (which is an estate very odious in the sight of God) will creep upon us, or at least 
r Ezra. 4.1, 2, 3, 4. Nehem. 6.9, 10, etc.  hinder the doing of many good things, and in those we do, we are endangered, not to do them in so good a manner for freedom, cheerfulness, and perfection, as otherwise we might have done them.  
Fifthly, 
s 1 King. 22.1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc. Gen. 34.20, 21.22, 23.  ordinary fellowship with the  (when they may be lawfully and conveniently avoided) is the way to harden them in their sinful state, especially if they be not often and throughly reproved and admonished, for they will soon conceive, that if their case were so wretched and damnable (as indeed it is) than the other would not so much converse with them: And then chiefly will they think so, when the godly make special contracts with them as marriages, or have great familiarity, or continual and joint labours with them.  
sixthly, 
t 2 Cor. 6.14.15 16. Pro. 22.1.  it is an unequal yoke, and so not only uneasy for a Christian to bear, but also against the credit of Religion, and our own good name, both which ought to be dear unto us, because the glory of God doth much depend thereon, as all experience showeth.  
Lastly, 
u 2 Chron. 18.31. & 19 1, 2, 3. & 20.35, 36, 37.  the Lord hath sharply chastised his servants, though never so upright and dear unto him, for their sin this behalf.  

Of the effects of the 4 means of grace, both in good and bad.  Parent. 
We perceive then that Christ by his Spirit giveth the benefit of his Covenant of grace unto his Church or people, 
* 2 Chron. 15.3.4, 12, 13, 14, 15 Luk 11.9, 10. Acts 2.  seeking him hearty and exercising itself religiously in these four outward Means which we have conferred of.  Pastor. 
Yes verily; but yet after diverse manners, as hath been showed.  
For  
First, 
x Rom. 10.14, 15, etc. 2 Pet. 1.19, 20.  he calleth by his word and evermore enlighteneth and guideth by it.  
Secondly, 
y Mark. 9.24. & 11.24. jam. 1.6. & 5.16, 17  he stirreth up and enableth to pray with the assurance of Faith, and with a fervent and holy desire (which are the two chief properties and sinews of Prayer) and heareth and blesseth the same.  
Thirdly, 
z 2 Chron. 30.21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27.  he settleth and comforteth the heart in Grace by the worthy receiving and remembering of the two Sacraments.  
Fourthly, 
a Act. 9.10, 20  he further moveth and strengtheneth to forsake the evil, and to choose the good, training and assisting in duty, by the conscionable use of the Communion of Saints.  Parent. 
Are all these four means effectual to the salvation of all those who have the outward use of them?  Pastor. 
No; for first, 
b 2 Cor. 2.16, 17  there are some that perish, unto whom the preaching of Christ's Gospel is not the savour of life unto life, but the savour of death unto death.  
Secondly, 
c Zach. 7.13. Psal. 109.7.  the Lord will not hear their cry who will not hear his cry, but their prayer shall be turned into sin.  
Thirdly, 
d Judas, Magus, etc.  the wicked reap no benefit by the Sacraments, but rather increase their sin and condemnation.  
And fourthly, 
e 2 Chron. 27.33. & 2 Sam. 16 23. Act. 1.17. and 8.13. John 17.12.  though some be numbered with the very chiefest, and continue in their fellowship, and that very nigh and special, yet they may be the children of perdition.   

A note or two of the consideration of God's works.  Parent. 
Is not the consideration of Gods works showed in his Creatures, and continual Providence over all, a profitable mean to teach and move us to believe, fear, love, and obey the Lord?  Pastor. 

f Psal. 19.1, 2, 3, 4, etc. & 8.3. Dan. 9.12, 13.  Yes, for the Lord doth as it were second and seal the truth of his Word by proceeding according thereunto, in his works: For the which cause, 
g Psal. 77.10, 11, 12 & 111. ●  the godly are commended in the Scriptures for their meditating and right-applying of the works of God's hands, 
h Psal. 28.5.1 Esai. 5.11, 12.  and the wicked have a woe pronounced against them for their profane neglect and abuse of them.  Parent. 
Why then have you omitted to put the Meditation of God's works unto the means of grace?  Pastor. 

i Rom. 1.18, 19, 20, 21, 22, etc.  Because the blindness and hardness of man's heart is such by our Nature corrupted, that though this book of the creatures, and of all other the works of God, be both great and plain, yet of itself it helpeth us not to attain to the grace of the Gospel, but only as we are directed and led by some one or more of those 4. means of grace that we have even now handled, and chiefly by 
k Psal. 138.2. and 19.17.  the light of the Word of God; Otherwise it serveth to make man without excuse.   

II. Of Christ his Protecting and Defending of his Church. The second way of Christ's ruling of his Church in this world.  Parent. 
How doth Christ protect and defend his Church?  Child. 

l Ps. 86. Psalm. 48. Psalm. 82.  Both by ordinary and extraordinary means.  Parent. 
By what ordinary means?  Child. 

m Rom. 13.1: 2 3, 4. Psal. 106.46. Jerem. 38.7 Gen. 37.39.40. etc. chapters. Exod. 3.4, 5, 6. etc. chapters.  By his Magistrates, by his friends, and by his foes, and that both with and against their wills.  Seru. 
Who are Christ's Magistrates?  Scholar. 

n 1 Tim. 2.2.  The King, and all in authority under him.  Servant. 
Who are his friends?  Scholar. 

o john 15.14.  They that do whatsoever he commandeth them.  Servant. 
Who are his foes?  Scholar. 

p 1 Cor. 1.23. Apoc. 13.11.  They that set themselves against his truth, either directly or in a mystery.  Servant. 
What doth Christ say of those that are either careless or slavishly afraid to maintain his truth, when it is slandered and traduced?  Scholar. 

q Math. 12.30.  He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.  Parent. 
How doth Christ protect his Church extraordinarily?  Child. 

r Believe the histories of the Bible, and open thine eyes & see the like hand of God upon many persecutors in these latter times also.  By sending it miraculous & wonderful preservations and succours, and by executing fearful and strange judgements upon the obstinate enemies thereof.   

III. Of Christ his disposing of all things to the greatest good of his Church in this world, 
The third and last way of Christ's ruling of his Church in this world, and of his beginning to glorify it in the world to come.  and of his beginning to glorify it in the world to come.  Parent. 
HOw doth Christ dispose all things to the greatest good of his Church?  Child. 

s Rom. 8.28. Math. 28.20. Mark. 16.20. 1 Cor. 15.54, 55 Psalm. 18.1. & 94.12, 13. Hab. 3.16.  Both by pouring his blessing upon all his direct means so that they take good effect; and also by turning the very sins and afflictions of his servants, and finally their death, unto contrary and profitable ends.  Servant. 
How doth he turn the sins of his people, unto a contrary and profitable end?  Scholar. 

t 1 Cor. 15.56, 57 Rom. 7.8, 9 13, 22, 23, 24, 25. Deut. 8.2. 2 Cor. 7.11. & 12.7, 8. 2 Chron. 32.31:  Whereas the end of sin is further intangling in sin, and at the last everlasting damnation by the rule of God's justice, God is pleased in mercy to let his people see their corruption and infirmities, and the deceits of Satan, by suffering them to fall into some sin, to the end they may be watchful and circumspect for the time to come, lest they fall again into the like or more grievous sins, and walking humbly before him, may the more earnestly beg his grace; So not only preventing their condemnation, but also drawing them unto him, even by that which seemed to estrange them most from him.  Servant. 
How doth Christ turn the afflictions of his servants unto contrary and profitable ends?  Scholar. 
By comforting, sanctifying and delivering them.  Servant. 
How doth Christ comfort his people in time of their afflictions?  Scholar. 

u 2 Cor. 1.3. Rom. 5.2, 3. and 8.35, 36, etc. and 14.17. 1 Cor. 10.13. 2 Tim. 4.17. jam. 1.2, 3, 4, 5. 1 Pet. 1.8.  He maketh them to rejoice in the holy Ghost (with a beginning of joy unspeakable & glorious) through the feeling of his love even in the midst of tribulation, through a steadfast perswassion that he will give a happy issue in due time; and further helpeth them in the mean space to bear their burdens with patience.  Servant. 
What principal encouragement have you to suffer afflictions with patience and comfort?  Scholar. 

* Rom. 8.28, 29 Luk. 24.26. Heb. 12.2. Philip. 3.10. 1 Pet. 4.13, 14.  Because I am conformable therein unto the Son of God, my Saviour and my Head, who thus entering into his glory, made the passage both assured and easy for me, and causeth his glorious Spirit to rest upon me.  Servant. 
Must then the Godly needs suffer afflictions and so enter into Heaven?  Scholar. 

x Luk. 9.23. 2 Tim 3.12. Acts 14.22.  Yes, and by no other way.  Servant. 
After what manner are they afflicted?  Scholar. 

y 1 Sam. 1.15. 1 Cor. 11.30.31.32. job 1.2 etc. chapters. Psal. 73 4, 5.  Both in mind and body, and that not only with such tribulations, whereunto the wicked are subject in this life, but also oftentimes after an especial manner: Besides, 
z Gal. 4.29.  they that are borne after the flesh, do persecute them that are borne after the Spirit.  Servant. 
But do not the persecutions which the Godly suffer for the Gospel, turn to the destroying of the Gospel?  Scholar. 

a Phil. 1.12, 13, etc.  No, but rather to the furtherance of it.  Servant. 
How so?  Scholar. 
First, 
b Mat. 16.18. with Phil. 1.12, 13, etc. 1 Pet. 4.14. 2 Cor. 1.8, 9 1 Cor. 1.25. & 3.18, 19  because God will get himself praise in letting all men see, that he not only maintaineth and preserveth, but also propagateth and spreadeth his truth, whatsoever opposition is made unto it. And to that end he strengtheneth the faith of his children, and confoundeth the wisdom of the world.  
Secondly, 
c Act. 28.22, 23, 24. 2 Cor. 1.6, 7.  God will graciously bless the godly sufferings of his servants, as well as other their obedience and endeavours, for the further clearing, and so for the continuance of his truth.  
Thirdly, 
d Coloss. 1.24. 2 Cor. 1.8, 9, 10. 2 Tim. 4.17, 18.  God will thereby encourage the Sufferers to persevere.  
Fourthly, 
e Philip. 1.13, 14. 2 Cor. 1 6. 2 Tim. 2 9, 10.  the weaker sort of the godly are usually emboldened through the sufferings of the stronger, and so the Gospel getteth ground.  
And fifthly, 
f Act. 4.13. & 21.33. & 25.13, 14, etc. & 26.1, etc.  the rest are moved to consider more seriously of the cause; whence it is, that sometimes even the Persecutors do attain to build that which before time they destroyed, or at least wise do cease pecsecuting, and are made more mild and favourable: though I should say nothing, that other whiles they are driven 
g Dan. 3. & 6. chapters. Matth. 27.54.  to confess the truth, albeit they will not truly convert; And some also are afterward afraid 
h Act. 9 5. It is a proverb taken from oxen or horses, who when they are pricked by the driver, do themselves no good by kicking & meeting the prick, but rather procure double harm unto themselves by receiving the prick the deeper into their own sides.  to kick against pricks, that is, lest having been convicted by the shining light of the truth, together with the Patience and Constance of the children of the truth (that do profess it and suffer for it) they do aggravate and hasten Gods fearful judgement against themselves, sith that they cannot choose but know, that, will they, nill they, they must be subject to the authority and lordship of Christ, who is the holy and strong challenger of his own saving truth and of every part thereof.  Servant. 
How doth God sanctify his people by afflictions?  Scholar. 

i Psal. 119.67, 71. Exod. 10.28. Deut. 8.2, 3, 4, 5. 2 Cor. 1.9, 10, 11. Revel. 3.19. Heb. 5.8. & 12.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 28.  Whereas affliction is in the proper nature thereof, through God's pure justice, the due punishment of sin, and such a punishment as by reason of our frowardness draweth more sins out of us, it is now made in Christ jesus, God's fatherly chastisement to reclaim us from our sins, and to make us loathe them the more; and on the other side, to nurture and train us in Faith, Patience, Wisdom and child like awe and obedience to the Lord.  Servant. 
But what if your afflictions abound and be exceeding great and long?  Scholar. 

k Rom. 8 18. 2 Cor. 4.17.  Yet I do reckon that the afflictions of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in me, as also that my light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for me a far more exceeding & eternal weight of glory, and therefore in such a case 
l Psal. 42. & 73.26. & 138.3. 2 Cor. 1.5.  I pray and strive for great and long patience, assuring myself, that God, who is the strength of my heart, will strengthen me with strength in my soul, & make my consolation abound through Christ.  Servant. 
It seemeth then that affliction proceedeth from the divine Providence and Love of our most merciful Father, as no small benefit unto them that are thereby exercised.  Scholar. 

m 2 Sam. 16.10. Matth. 5.10. Revel. 3.19.  It is very true; If first, 
n Heb. 12.6, 7.  we submit ourselves to God, not refusing to be chastened.  
Secondly, 
o Mat. 24.13. 1 Tim. 1.19. 2 Tim. 6.12. Rom. 2.7. job. 1.21.  If we endure to the end in the profession of Faith and a good Conscience, blessing the name of the Lord.  
And thirdly, 
p Heb. 12.10, 11.  If we profit thereby, partaking of God's holiness, and yielding the peaceable fruit of Righteousness; for the Righteous (saith 
q job. 17.9.  job) shall hold on his way, and he that haeh clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.  Servant. 
How doth Christ deliver his people out of afflictions?  Scholar. 

r Jona. 4.6. Esai. 38.14.  Sometimes he easeth them by mitigating their tribulations for a time, often 
s Psal. 34.19. 2 Tim. 4.18. Psal. 74.12.  he setteth them free from their special afflictions by some powerful and merciful hand of his, but 
t Esai. 57.1, 2.  at the last he surely taketh them away from whatsoever is evil by Death itself.  Parent. 
What is Death?  Child. 

u Luk. 16.22, etc. 2 Cor. 5.1. with Phil. 1.21. joh. 11.25, 26.  Death is the parting asunder of Soul and Body, which though it be unto the souls of the wicked a present entrance into Hell, yet unto the Godly it is become by Christ jesus the assured passage unto eternal life, 
* Luk. 23.43.  where they are instantly with him in Paradise.  Parent. 
What shall follow Death at the last?  Child. 

x Heb. 9.27. Dan. 12.2.  The resurrection of the Body and the last judgement.  Parent. 
To what end?  Child. 

y 2 Cor. 5.10.  That every one both elect and reprobate may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad, the one sort unto the manifestation and praise of God's mercy, and tother of his justice.  Servant. 
When shall the Resurrection of the Body and the last judgement be?  Scholar. 
Both shall be at Christ's second coming, 
z Mat. 24.36.  which for the day and hour cannot be known, either of Men or Angels.  Servant. 
What and whose bodies shall rise again?  Scholar. 

a job 19.26, 27. Math. 25.32. Rev. 20.13.  The very same & none other of every one (without exception) both of God's Elect and of the Reprobate, which they have in this life.  Servant. 
How doth the word of God distinguish the bodies both of God's Elect and of the Reprobate, at the latter day?  Scholar. 

b 1 Cor. 15.51, 52. 1 Thess. 4.15, 16, 17. Rom. 14.9. 2 Tim. 4.1.  Into two sorts, the one, of all those who have been dead from the beginning of the world until that instant of Christ's coming to judgement, the number of whom is the greater, and the other are those that then shall be found alive.  Servant. 
By what means shall the dead bodies of Gods elect be raised up?  Scholar. 

c 1 Cor. 15.  By the unspeakable power and virtue of Christ declared in his own resurrection, at the sound of a trumpet, they all and every part and member of them throughout the whole body, shall be restored & made perfect (in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye) notwithstanding all confusion and hindrances whatsoever to the contrary.  Servant. 
And what shall be done to the bodies of Gods elect that then shall be found alive?  Scholar. 

d Luk. 24. john 20. & 21. 1 Cor. 15.51, 52.  Through the same power of Christ, who was changed when he rose from death to life in his own body, they shall be likewise suddenly changed from all corruption, and so be made perfect also, which change shall be unto them in steed of a resurrection.  Servant. 
What kind of bodies shall they all then be?  Scholar. 

e Mat. 13.43. 1 Cor. 15.43, 44, 45, 53. Phil. 3.20, 21.  Supernatural, incorruptible and glorious, even like unto Christ's own glorious body, though not so glorious.  Servant. 
What saith the holy Scripture of their souls?  Scholar. 

f 1 Thess. 4.14. compared with 1 Cor. 13.10, 12, 13. & Col. 2.2, 3, 4.  Their souls (being endued with perfect knowledge, holiness and love, and descending from heaven) shall at the same instant of the Resurrection and change be reunited and coupled unto their bodies again, never to be separated any more.  Servant. 
What of soul and body together?  Scholar. 

g Revel. 21.4, 11. 1 Joh. 3.2.  They both shall be free from all infirmities and imperfections, yea and passions that have any pain joined with them, and generally from all evil.  Servant. 
What saith the Scripture of the Reprobate?  Scholar. 

h joh. 5.29. compared with the analogy of faith: & Revel. 1.7. & 6.15, 16, 17  Their dead bodies indeed shall be raised up from the grave (as Malefactors are taken from the prison to the trial) by the power of Christ their most fearful judge, and so their souls being joined again to their bodies (full of extreme ugliness and horror) they shall be made able to endure the wrath of God for evermore, and the unbeléevers then living shall likewise be changed to the same effect.  Servant. 
What shall be done next afterwards?  Scholar. 

i Mat. 25.32. Act. 10.42.  Christ will immediately bring all both good & bad unto judgement.  Servant. 
How will he bring his Elect unto judgement?  Scholar. 

k Mat. 25. 3● 32, 33. & 24.31. 1 Thess. 4.17.  After that he hath gathered all together by the Ministry of the Angels, he will sever the Elect from the Reprobate, and place the Elect at his right hand by his judgement seat.  Servant. 
How will he use the Elect in his judgement?  Scholar. 

l Math. 25.34, 35. etc. Heb. 8.12. & 10.17. Ezek 18.22.  First he will pronounce them to be righteous, not once mentioning any of their sins against them, and thereupon allot them unto his own blessed kingdom and eternal life.  
Secondly, 
m 1 Cor. 6.2, 3. Math. 19.28.  he will honourably employ them, as judges, to approve his most just sentence, upon the evil Angels and Reprobate men.  Servant. 
When shall the sentence of salvation be executed to the Elect?  Scholar. 

n Mat. 25.34, 46. 2 Thess. 1.10. 1 Thess. 4.17.  Presently and together with the giving of the sentence, they shall be glorified, even in the fight of the Reprobate; and afterwards they shall go triumphantly with Christ & his Angels into heaven.  Servant. 
But how shall the Reprobate be brought to judgement?  Scholar. 

o Math 25.34. & 24.30, 31. Revel. 1.7. & 6.15, 16, 17.  They shall be forcibly haled by the Angels before Christ's Tribunal, and there set at his left hand.  Servant. 
And how shall they be used? And what sentence shall they receive?  Scholar. 

p Matt 25.41, 42, etc.  They being upbraided and convicted of all their sins, shall receive the sentence of condemnation, whereby they shall be appointed unto hell for evermore.  Servant. 
How and when shall that sentence be executed?  Scholar. 

q Mat. 25.46. Dan. 12.2. 2 Thess. 1.8, 9 Psal. 58.10. Matth. 11.20, 21, 22, 23, 24. Luk. 12.47, 48.  Even instantly in the sight of the Elect, they shall be thrust into Hell, where they shall be punished with everlasting destruction, shame and contempt, from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power, with the Devil and his Angels, every one according to the diverse measures of the deserts of their sins.  Servant. 
Why is the day of judgement concealed from all Angels and men?  Scholar. 

r Mat. 24.36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, etc. Mark. 13.33, 37. Luk. 21. 34, 35, 36.  Both to prevent all curious enquiring, and also to make us the more watchful.  Servant. 
Why? what need have we to watch, seeing some signs that must go before that day, are not yet fulfilled, as besides others, there 
s Math. 24.23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. Mark. 13.21, 22, 23.  must be False-Christs, and False-Prophets, showing great signs and wonders?  Scholar. 
For two reasons chiefly. First, 
t Job. 33.23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. Eccles. 9 10. Ps. 89.10, 11, 12. & 90.12. & 115.17. Hebr. 3.15. 1 Thess. 5.1. to 12. Rev. 14.13. compared.  because our death is to us, as the last judgement shall be to them that then shall be found living, forasmuch as they are both alike uncertain and unknown, and we may be (yea and are often) deceived for the time of death as much as any shall be for the time of the last judgement: And seeing the last judgement shall find us in that state (whether for grace or sin) wherein death leaveth us; wherefore we must necessarily watch and prepare for death as for the last judgement.  
Secondly, 
u Mar. 13.32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37. Luk. 21.34, 35, 36. 1 Thess. 5.1, 2, 3, 4, etc.  although we should not be deceived for the time either of the one or the other, yet the danger of security (whereby men are hardened to their own destruction) can be by no other means prevented nor avoided, but by watching, the only remedy against it.  Servant. 
Wherein consisteth this so needful a Grace of Watchfulness?  Scholar. 
Both in shunning all the occasions of security, and in using all the means of a special preparation or readiness.  Servant. 
What occasions of security do you mean must be shunned, if we will watch?  Scholar. 

* Luk. 21.34, 35, 36.  Not only voluptuousness, covetousness, worldly carefulness, ambitious desires, and the like, which are gross sins; 
x Luk. 17.26, 27, 28, etc. & 14.18, 19, 20. 1 Cor. 7.24, 35. Esai. 22.12, 13, 14.  But also all abuse and excess, yea and the unseasonable use of things that of themselves are necessary & warrantable, as eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building, marrying and giving to marriage, recreating, etc. as when men do give themselves over to these things which are so much the more pernicious to the soul, because they are not ordinarily condemned amongst men.  Servant. 
What means of special Preparation or Readiness must we use?  Scholar. 
First, 
y 2 Cor. 13.5. Revel. 21.27.  we must diligently examine ourselves, whether we have the Faith, Repentance and Sanctification which lead unto salvation.  
Secondly, we must be careful 
z Mat. 25.14, 15, etc. to 31. Dan. 5.18, to 24. with 4.24, 25, 26, 27. 1 Cor. 10.31. 1 Pet. 4.10, 11.  of the talents, that is, of those gifts and graces both of mind & body, which God hath distributed to us, to use them to his glory and to the good of his Church (yea and that others also may be stirred up to seek and serve the Lord) which likewise turneth to God's advantage in the end.  
Thirdly, 
a 1 Thess. 5.17, 18, 19, 20, 23. Psalm. 16.1. Luk. 21.36. Mark. 13.33, 34. Revel. 22.20.  we must set ourselves in most serious manner, as to all the exercises of Piety, so specially to Prayer, that God would preserve us from falling away, that he would hasten his coming to judgement, and fit us thereunto.  Servant. 
How shall one know whether he have the true grace of Faith that leadeth to salvation?  Scholar. 
Besides other notes which I have declared 
* Part. 2. and Part. 5.  above, one may try himself whether he hath true saving Faith by these two.  
First, 
b Rom. 5.2, 3, etc. Heb. 10.34, 35. 1 Cor. 3.21, 23.  when he can rightly rejoice and glory in God, comfortably depending upon him in all necessities, fears and dangers, yea even in the midst of his greatest tribulations and trials, upon this ground of assurance, that all things are his, he Christ's, and Christ Gods.  
Secondly, 
c 2 Tim. 4.6, 7, 8. 1 joh. 5.4.  when his heart rejoiceth at the very remembrance and consideration of the day of judgement, because he is privy to himself that he hath fought the good fight of Faith against all his temptations, and hath also kept the same in a good conscience.  Servant. 
And how shall one perceive in himself true Repentance and Sanctification?  Scholar. 
First, more generally, 
d Math. 11.12. 1 john. 3.2, 3, 8, 10. Phil. 3.10, 11, 12, etc. Psal. 119.6. Matth. 16.23. Act. 5.3. Zach. 3.2. Rom. 16.10. 1 joh. 2.13, 14. Ephes. 4 26, 27. & 6.13.  when one fully purposeth in his heart and applieth his whole strength (pouring forth his prayers incessantly unto the Lord) both to be throughly purged from all his sins without exception, because where any one known sin reigneth, there Satan's throne is, and also to walk with God purely, in the obedience of all his commandments all his days, and most of all in such duties as God doth specially require at his hands, for the magnifying of his power and grace over Satan and Sin, and specially at what time he is most strongly tempted to evil, or opposed in that which is good.  
Secondly, more particularly by the graces of humility and mercy.  Servant. 
How may we perceive the soundness of our repentance and sanctification by the grace of humility?  Scholar. 

e Rom. 11.20, 22. Pro. 15.33. Luk. 17.10. 1 Cor. 4.5, 6, 7. job. 31.13, 14, 34. 2 Sam. 12.7, 8, etc. 13. with Psal. 51 & 141.5. & 144.3. 1 Tim. 1.15. Ephes. 3.8. Esai. 40, 17.  When in all our ways, and even in our greatest earthly prosperity, we do carry ourselves with lowliness and fear both before God and Men, as being ever in God's sight, & only upholden by his grace, having nothing but what we have received, and that of his free goodness only, which he might have given (if he had pleased) to any others (though never so unworthy) as well as to us, and of sinners that shall be saved the chief, but less than the least of all Saints in one respect or other, if not in many. And seeing all people and nations of the whole world are counted to God less than nothing and vanity, how little (judge you) is each particular person (if so he knew himself aright) in his own eyes? To conclude, it is a good note that we have humility (the ready way to glory) when we can patiently and thankfully in the secret of our hearts hear our reproofs, and holily profit by them.  Servant. 
How by Mercy?  Scholar. 

f Mark. 3.5. Luk. 19.8, 41, 42, 43.44. Act. 9.36. & 10.1: etc. Gal. 6.10. Psal. 16.2, 3. & 35, 13, 14. Heb. 6.10. & 13.3.16 jam. 2.13. Mat. 24.34. etc. Act. 9 4. Esai. 63.9. 2 Cor. 8.2, 3. & 9.7.  When we feel our hearts continually moved with compassion towards all, for their miseries both spiritual and corporal, striving to do them good, yea though they be very wicked, and our untractable enemies; and specially when we have a quick sense of the gréevances of the poor members of jesus Christ his mystical body, tendering them as if ourselves (yea Christ himself in a sort) were afflicted with them, stirring up ourselves willingly and cheerfully (though in deep poverty) to our power, 
See more of Repentance in Part 2.  and sometimes beyond our power to comfort and help them, and that the rather, because we see this grace so generally neglected amongst men, yea of those that profess godliness.  Servant. 
How may we know that we do use our talents to God's glory, and the good of his Church?  Scholar. 

g Luke 17.10. Eccles. 1.1, 2, &c the whole book. Reuel. 3.19. Gen. 22.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. Act. 21.13. Rom. 9.3. 2 Tim. 2 9, 10. Ephes. 1.12. 1 Pet 4.1, 2, 3, 10, 11.  When being inwardly ashamed and displeased at ourselves for our former follies and vanities in the abuse of our gifts, our unprofitableness, coldness, and sloth, we learn to be more affected with God's cause than our own, and with the salvation of men's souls than the safeguard of our own bodies, and thereupon do from time to time studiously employ our gifts, whether great or small, unto the same ends in taking all the most likely occasions and using them in the wisest and most gracious manner we possibly can, that they may become effectual.  Servant. 
And how shall we know that our prayers which we make in respect of the last judgement, are right before God?  Scholar. 

h Rom. 7.24. Philip. 1.21. 2 Cor. 5.2. 2 Pet. 3.12, 13.  If they proceed from an earnest desire and longing of the hart for the coming of the Lord, not so much to be freed from worldly miseries, as of a holy love to be discharged of sin, and to be clothed with righteousness.  Servant. 
Shall all they that are thus watchful find their death and the last judgement truly comfortable to themselves?  Scholar. 

i 2 Tim. 4.6, 7, 8. Luke. 21.28. 1 Thes. 5.1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Heb. 9.28. Reu. 21.2, 3, etc. and 22.20.  Yes undoubtedly, and therefore their consciences may and shall gather many comfortable tokens and pledges of God's love towards them for their eternal salvation.   

Of Christ's most full and absolute glorifying of his Church in heaven, the place of the blessed.  Parent. 
HOw will Christ most fully and absolutely glorify his Church in heaven, the place of the blessed?  Child. 

k Psal. 16.11. 1 Thes. 4 17. Luk. 20.36.  He will make them dwell evermore in his own most happy presence, sight and fellowship, together with all his blessed Angels; 
l Esai. 64.4. Reuel. 2.17. Dan. 12.3. Luk. 17.12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19  and there he will fill every vessel of mercy with honour, and joy unspeakable, according to the measure of his grace severally bestowed on them in this present life, and as they have put the same to good use in seeking of his glory, while they lived here.  Parent. 
Finally, I would entreat you (loving Pastor) to collect the sum of our whole Conference, chiefly for the most necessary matter and points, and to compose it in easy and ordinary meeter, which we will often read over or sing as we follow our earthly labours, or at our leisure, sometimes one part, and sometimes another, as we shall think needful, and fit for our edification. For we assure ourselves that you are studious to dress and order this food of our souls after sundry sorts, as good Cooks do their meats, that so our taste may be pleased, our appetite stirred up, 
m job 23.12.  and we may receive it rather than our necessary food fitted for us, if not in one manner, yet in another.  Pastor. 
Lo then, your desire is satisfied, and that in as plain a manner as I was able to attain unto, without affecting a lofty style, or using hard words, because I would benefit you, poor simple countrie-people by speaking to your understanding. 
* O you ignorant souls, will you still loath the heavenly Manna, though the Lord hath tempered it for you after so many fashions? Consider at length (if nothing else will move you) with what face you shall behold the Lord (at that day) if you continued careless. Prou. 1.29.30. etc. with 2 Thes. 1.7, 8, 9  And if you will bestow some time in singing it, or some part of it daily, you shall find (by God's grace) it will prove a good Mean, especially with some wits and dispositions, both to inform and to delight in the ways of Godliness. 
* See my warrant in Ephes. 5 19 and Col. 3.16.     

The Peroration, or sum of the whole in Meeter.  
The Peroration or Sum of the whole, in five parts.  

First, of God and his Law.  
ONe only God, yet persons three,  
I evermore confess,  
The Father, Son, and holy Ghost,  
of like Almightiness.  
Without beginning or any end,  
this living God I praise,  
Most wise, most just, and merciful,  
and infinite always.  
God maker is, and governor  
of Heaven, Earth, Seas and all,  
Of Angels, Men, all Creatures,  
all matters great and small.  
God worketh all unto the best,  
his own elect to save,  
And will condemn the Reprobate,  
themselves that misbehave.  
God made man good, just, right, and pure,  
and never to have died,  
But shamelessly and wilfully  
forbidden fruit man tried.  
Through Satan's slight, so him and his  
corrupt and bad he made,  
In soul to hatch his secret sin,  
and body it to trade.  
Then God gave man his holy Law,  
the ten Commandments,  
And charged him to keep them all,  
and thus with him indents.  
If perfectly thou do these things,  
without all sinful stain,  
Thou shalt my blessing plentiful  
and heaven's joys attain.  
But if in any thing at all  
thou fail or break my lore,  
Then surely thou my curse shalt feel  
in hell for evermore.  
Lo here the substance and the sum  
of these ten Laws of his,  
Which in most dreadful sort he gave us,  
to all his folkeywis.  

The ten Commandments.  
commandment 1 The first Commandment teacheth  
Gods inward worshid hie,  
As him to know, to fear and love  
and trust in him only.  
commandment 2 The second precept doth enjoin  
the ontward worship pure  
Of God only, as he appoints  
in Canon of Scripture.  
commandment 3 The third forbiddeth all abuse  
of Gods most sacred name,  
His titles, words and works, that I  
dishonour not the same.  
commandment 4 4. The fourth enjoineth me & mine  
the Sabbath day to keep,  
And set my heart and body both,  
the Lord only to seek.  
commandment 5 5. The fifth Commandment biddeth me,  
that special duties all,  
I rightly yield to every one,  
to high, low and equal,  
Respecting special calling theirs  
and mine. So happiness  
I shall enjoy, whether I live  
a longer space or less.  
commandment 6 6. The sixth all duties teacheth me  
to others and myself,  
Man's person eke, with due regard  
of souls and bodies health.  
commandment 7 7. The seventh Precept doth enjoin  
the rule of Chastity,  
In heart and tongue, and every part,  
to lead my life thereby.  
commandment 8 8. The eight Commandment biddeth me  
for goods and maintenance,  
To yield the right to every one,  
to poor his sustenance.  
commandment 9 9 The ninth concerning man's good name,  
all duties doth command,  
In public and in private both  
God looks for at my hand.  
commandment 10 10. The last of all bids keep my heart  
from ill concupiscence,  
And pleasing-sinfull thoughts, before  
consent to such offence.   
* Then, out alas, and welladay,  
what shall of me become,  
That every day do break God's law,  
even from my mother's womb?  
I, wretched soul, have spent my time  
each day and night in sin,  
By thought, by word and deed, yet I  
have seldom known wherein.  
From sin therefore which I not feel,  
I little care to flee;  
Nor if I did, could I escape  
by any means in me  
Against God's Law, a Rebel I  
to God and self a foe:  
And in that state fast held I am  
by Satan's snares also.  
God's curse is mine by due desert,  
even hellish condemnation:  
Who then can work my liberty,  
my peace and my salvation?   

Secondly, Of Christ and his Gospel.  
O Heavenly father thou sentest forth  
the second person hie,  
Thine only Son, who was conceived  
in womb of maid Marie  
By holy ghost, and in due time  
was borne our nature in,  
In all respects a very Man,  
excepting only sin.  
Christ jesus he both God and man  
God's holy Law obaied,  
And yet the endless curse thereof  
for us on him was laid.  
His soul was heavy to the death,  
his body hanged on tree,  
Till wrath of God was satisfied,  
It's finished than said he.  
His blood he shed to save our souls,  
he put to shameful death,  
For to prevent our hellish pain,  
our sins did stop his breath.  
So in our stead himself he gave  
an holy sacrifice;  
Imputed to the faithful flock  
that serve him in right wise.  
For Faith believes, Christ loved me,  
himself for me he gave,  
Embracing firm Christ's righteousness,  
which Gods Elect doth save.  
This Faith, if true, will comfort yield  
to each repentant heart,  
And certainly repentance shall  
perform a happy part.  
Thy mind full sore shall grieved be,  
for all offences past,  
Because thereby thou piercedst Christ,  
full bitter shall they taste:  
And them to leave Repentance will  
thee teach, and sanctify,  
In holiness and righteousness  
to lead thyself godly.  
Such thankfulness will faith bring forth  
from secret heart within,  
That Christ his will to know and do,  
forthwith thou shalt begin.  
And then thy conscience shall be built  
upon his holy Word,  
To serve him so, and for to wait  
only upon the Lord.  
Ye further eke his crossing cross  
thy mind shall not abhor,  
To take it up with Patience  
and bear it less or more.  
And finally to give thyself  
entirely unto him,  
Thy heart will melt for his great love  
and pardoning thy sin.  
But as for unbelieving souls,  
converting not to God,  
Unthankful and impatient they  
to kiss his blessed Rod.  
They work their own inventions,  
Christ's word they do neglect,  
They do but prate and make a show  
sure Christ will them reject.  
Therefore, dear Christian take good heed  
and follow not their guise,  
Their course is nought, their hope also  
is vanity and lies.  
And for to train thy silly soul,  
to walk the way aright,  
Behold Gods rich provision  
to give thee true insight.  
His Law doth show thy foul great sin,  
thy misery and curse,  
And terrify thy heart that is  
convict, but yet the worse.  
But Christ's Gospel doth show thee grace,  
speaks peace and gives thee Faith,  
And leads thee strait to obey the law  
as holy Scripture saith.   

Thirdly, of the Word of God, and of Prayer.  
Five Exercises Christ hath framed,  
for thee to labour in,  
To purge thy heart from unbelief,  
corruption and sin.  
* The first and chiefest is his Word,  
both truly preached and heard,  
Next, often read and thought upon,  
and soberly conferred.  
* And Prayer is the second thing,  
in Christ his name with Faith,  
With purity and fervency,  
such shall be safe he saith.  
For God hath sanctified this course  
to be his Ordinance,  
Thereby to bless whom ever he will,  
with loving countenance.  

The Lord's Prayer.  
To God therefore the gracious Lord,  
to call be not thou dull,  
He is become through jesus Christ,  
Our Father merciful.  
And pray with reverence, and withal  
believe that help he gives,  
And say, which art in Heaven, still  
thy power and mercy life's.  
petition 1 1. And look that thou do zealously  
desire to glorify  
Gods holy name, before all things  
and each necessity.  
For, Hallowed be thy name, Christ made  
the first Petition;  
Now Hallowed meaneth magnified,  
God's name himself alone.  
petition 2 2. And secondly Christ bid us pray,  
Thy kingdom come, apace,  
Enlarge thy Kingdom here, O Lord,  
by thy good means of grace.  
Thy spirit let work effectually,  
and holy word let run,  
And quickly end these sinful days,  
even so Lord jesus come.  
petition 3 3. The third Request, thy will be done  
in earth, to wit, that we  
May do his will, as 'tis in heaven,  
where Angels perfect be:  
And that withal we may submit  
ourselves his will to bide,  
In time of our adversity,  
when crossed on every side.  
petition 4 4. The fourth Petition Christ taught us  
Give us this day, O Lord,  
Our daily bread, each needful thing  
convenient for this world.  
Yet so, in case it be thy will,  
none otherwise we pray,  
These earthly things do sometimes help,  
and sometimes turn away.  
But saving grace, most absolute,  
without an If or And,  
We ask and seek without a Nay,  
at thine Almighty hand.  
petition 5 5. The fifth is, And forgive us (Lord)  
our debts and trespasses,  
Remit our sins, us justify,  
and give Christ's righteousness:  
As we forgive them that trespass  
against us, great and small,  
For thy free grace doth mollify  
our hearts to debtors all.  
For why? our brother's dreatest debt  
is but an hundreth pence,  
But ours to God, who knows how much?  
ten thousand great talents.  
petition 6 6. Our last suit is, And lead us not  
into temptation,  
But (Lord) deliver us from ill,  
Satan's suggestion;  
Oh mortify our nature vile,  
and quicken us afresh:  
Thy special aid we need each day  
for weakness of our flesh.  
And Lord I ground my heart, only  
to have these things from thee,  
For thine is (eke) the kingdom, and  
the power and the Glory  
For ever. So full right and power  
sure thou hast over all,  
And all things dost to thine own praise,  
all times perpetual.  
Amen, so be it, and so it is,  
and so shall be for aye  
Therefore till God shall grant my suit,  
I will not cease to pray:    

Fourthly, Of the Sacraments, the Communion of Saints, and the consideration of God's works.  
THe third Mean is Christ's Sacraments,  
Baptism and Supper (his)  
The seals of Christ's righteousness  
and pledges of his bliss.  
Baptism.  
For why? In Baptism sure there is  
assured unto thee,  
Thy sins are washed by his blood,  
and thou renewed shalt be.  
And thou art entered once for all  
into the fellowship  
Of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,  
at no time thence to slip.  
This holy Trinity is thy God,  
and thou his Child become:  
His grace is thine, thou not thine own,  
through Christ these things are done.  
And Faith is it that consecrates  
thee to the Lord alone,  
Yea Faith (I say) in Christ's death  
and Resurrection.  
Therefore unto the Lord see thou  
thyself do dedicated,  
To dye to sin and live to him,  
in state regenerate.  
As water skowreth filth away,  
so makes it fair and clean;  
Think not thy sin is washed, when yet  
thou wicked dost remain.  
The Supper of the Lord.  
* So in the Supper of the Lord,  
this gracious Covenant  
Is otherwise set forth to thee  
that art the Lords servant.  
The broken bread doth signify  
Christ's body put to death;  
The poured wine his precious blood  
doth note unto thy Faith.  
When Bread and Wine are ministered  
by Minister to thee,  
Think with thyself, Christ offereth  
himself and grace to me.  
And when thou eatest & drinkst the same  
persuade thyself withal,  
Christ's Merits now belong to me,  
to set me free from thrall.  
Thy Baptism once was ministered,  
the Supper often ought;  
The new birth needeth oft relief,  
though once 'twas truly wrought.  
Wherefore as bread and wine do fresh  
our bodies oftentimes,  
So comforts Christ the conscience  
with guilt of sin that pines.  
And as man's body gathers heart,  
by bread and wine to live;  
So by this sacred food, the Lord,  
more spiritual strength will give,  
To do his will with thankfulness,  
more perfect for to be,  
And better able sin to leave,  
this is the verity.  
And finally as thou dost join,  
and that in open place,  
Amids God's people that receive  
before Christ jesus face:  
See then that peace and love in thee  
unfeigned be to Men,  
And specially to faithful folk,  
else thou art none of them.  
Stir up thy knowledge and thy faith,  
repentance and thy love,  
Be zealous of this holy food,  
unworthy lest thou prove.  
Examine well thy heart before,  
to God thy prayer power,  
And look & try how thou dost thrive  
in grace from that same hour.  
* The fourth good Mean or Exercise  
that Christ bids thee to use,  
Is special fellowship with Saints,  
the bad thou must refuse.  
The Saints will teach & comfort thee,  
and many ways thee aid,  
The bad will badly teach and will  
make thee of grace afraid.  
* The fifth and last is noting well  
God's creatures, works and hand,  
His judgements and his benefits  
God cause thee to understand.  
His patiented longsufferance,  
and doings good always,  
Repentance and Obedience  
do teach thee every day.   

Fifthly, Of the right use of the Means of Grace, and the Reward thereof.  
DRaw near to God with upright heart,  
and use these means of grace,  
Then Christ will be thy King & Priest,  
and Prophet in each case.  
Thy King to work & rule thy heart  
according to his will,  
Most ready for to do thee good,  
and save thee from all ill.  
Thy Priest, for why? he offered up  
himself to death for thee,  
And will apply his precious merits  
thy heart to purify.  
And of this thing thou mayst be sure,  
because he rose again  
From death to life, ascended up,  
and reigneth now in heaven.  
And thence it is, he worketh by  
his sceptre and his rod,  
Making his Means effectual  
to bring thee unto God.  
And thence he is thy Prophet eke  
by Ministers that teach  
His holy word, which thou must hear  
and diligently search.  
Directing all thy ways thereto,  
with good and honest hart;  
Christ wholly thine, thou wholly his  
by true endeavour art.  
Then God will surely save thy soul  
for Christ's sake his Son,  
And prosper thee in all thy ways,  
what ere is said or done.  
he'll turn thy sufferings to the best,  
and Satan eke confound:  
His Promises he will fulfil,  
if that thy heart be sound.  
Believe then firmly in thy mind,  
that God will count thee pure,  
Full freely and full graciously,  
Christ's Gospel is most sure.  
Repent thee, turn and grow in grace,  
be thankful and rejoice  
In suffering with thy Saviour,  
obey his holy voice.  
And keep thyself within thy lot,  
thy calling and degree,  
Take pains, be just, meek, merciful,  
and God will hark to thee.  
And always watch, for Christ shall come  
to judge both quick and dead,  
Thy Body shall be raised from dust,  
and to thy soul joined.  
Thy sins he will not mention,  
the just he will declare,  
But judge he will the Reprobate,  
their sins he will not spare;  
Their damned state thou shalt behold,  
Christ's sentence to commend,  
Yet thou the joys unspeakable  
shalt have without all end.    
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉   

A Form of Prayer after Conference.  Parent. 
WE 
Coloss. 1.9.  pray thee, O God, to fill us with the knowledge of thy will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, to give us grace to walks worthy of thee (Lord) unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, to strengthen us with all might, according to thy glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness, and to make us truly thankful, unto thee, O Father, who hast made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light, and for that thou hast and wouldst deliver us from the power of darkness, and translate us into the kingdom of thy dear Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins, and 
Rom. 9.5.  who is God over all, blessed for ever.  Child. 
Amen.  Servant. 
Amen.  Scholar. 
Amen.  HEB. 6.1. 
Let us go on to perfection.  
FINIS.