GOD'S TREASURY DISPLAYED: OR, The promises, and threatenings of Scripture, etc. Methodically Composed, for the help of weak Memories: And contrived into Question, and Answer, for the comfort of ZIONS mourners, and for the awakening of the Laodicean-like secure. DEUT. 30.15. See, I have set before thee this day, Life, and Good; Death, and Evil. LONDON. Printed by B. ALSOP and T. FAUCET, for F. Clifton, and are to be sold at his shop on new Fishstreet-Hill. 1630. TO THE RIGHT HONble, ROBERT GREVILL, Lord BROOKE of BEAUCHAMP-COURT, Grace, and Peace. RIGHT HONOURABLE, YOur Goodness as the timely Spring, sprouting forth into the buds, and blossoms of pious resolutions, and so Honourably attended, is as a City set on a hill, which cannot be hid. But promiseth a fare off, unto all honest passengers to be a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the Tempest: Isa. 32.2. Wherefore this ensuing Treatise having now received its birth, & being; and as a Pilgrim, being to pass abroad into the world, to seek entertainment; doth conceive hope of safety under your shadow, and of good acceptation in the Church, and among others of the household Faith, and heirs of Promise, through your favourable acceptance. And therefore I have made bold humly to present it unto your Honourable protection, and noble admission, to do yourself its first service; that from this hill of ZION, unto the valleys of the same; the streams thereof running down, as a river of still waters, may refresh, and make glad the City of GOD. Which present, as it is mine, can promise no more unto your Lordship, than could the Carkeiss, of a dead Lion unto SAMSON or than JEREMIAH his girdle, which was profitable for nothing: (jere. 13.7.) And therefore, as a thing undesired, to be buried out of your sight. Yet if you shall vouchsafe to way the contents, and the matter whereof it consisteth, you may be moved to think the same meet to attend your most retired presence. But not to detain your Lordship in the gate; because of wisdom's voice: (Prou. 8.1.) Wh●ch is as the noise of many waters: (Reu 1.15.) Crying from within and saying. Eat O friends; drink; yea drink abundantly, O beloved. (Cant. 5.10.) Yea come, buy Wine, and milk, without money, and without price: (Isa. 55.1) Therefore humbly taking my leave, and leving your Lordship a● this feast of fat things, which the Lord of hosts hath made unto all people (I●a. 25.6.) there well to far. And with my unfeigned, and fervent desire, and prayer unto God, for a daily growth, and increase of all grace in your Lordship so happily begun, I do rest, and shall for ever remain. Your Lordships, most humbly devoted▪ F. B. TO THE READER. THough the Lord in Heaven, of his infinite goodness, and mercy hath left unto us his poor people on earth, his holy & blessed word, to be a light to our feet, and a Lantern to our paths, which is able to make us wise to Salvation, and absolute to every good work, to guide us well and safely through this dangerous world, and to bring us home to himself at the last in peace: And hath given us charge to search the Scriptures, as they that testify of Ch●rist jesus, and in wh●ch we look to have Eternal life, and that it should dwell plenteously in us in all wisdom, and hath given unto us in this Land peaceable, and happy times affording us leave, and opportunity to exercise ourselves in the same, yet such is the extreme folly, and sinfulness of the heart of man, that the most part of people cumber themselves about many things; profits, pleasures lusts, or any thing, and neglect that one thing that is necessary, few choosing the good part, that never shall be taken from them that have it, but spend their time, and strength of affection upon fading vanities, that will leave them without comfort in their greatest need; having a price in their hand to get wisdom (which is fare better than all pearls) but have no hart, nor do understand the things that belong to their peace, in this day of their visitation. Wherefore as the Lord may take up the l●ke complaint against us, as he did against his Israel long ago: (Hos. 8.12.) That he had written unto them the great things of his Law, but they had counted them a strange thing: so may he also have a Controversy against us, as against them: (Hos. 4.1.2.) For that there is no mercy, nor truth, nor knowledge of God in the Land, for the generality being too true with us. And therefore he may justly take away the Gospel of the Kingdom from us, & give it to them that will more highly esteem it, make better use, & bring forth more fruit of the same: (Math. 27.43) And send us a Famine ●ot of bread, and thirst of water, but of that bread of life, the good word of God, that Spiritual Manna, so much loathed or at least so little regarded: (Amos, 8.11.12.) Yet as our gracious and good God forbeareth this sinful, and unthankful Nation, with admirable and unspeakable patience beyond expectation, so ceaseth he not by many means to bring us to a greater care and Conscience of our duty in this behalf of exercising ourselves (I mean) in his most blessed and good word; partly sending us of later years, many Afflictians, and Crosses, and daily threatening more, that finding trouble and sorrow in the world, we might be glad to seek Comfort in God, and in his blessed word. He calls on us also hereto by the daily Ministry of his Servants the Prophets, together with their holy books and writings. And that no means might be left untried to do us good, or leave us without excuse, lo here to you which are the people of God, how he hath raised up one from among yourselves, of the common order of men (a private Christian I mean) for your Conviction, for your Instruction. To convince you how much wisdom and understanding may be obtained even of private person's, by a constant, and painful Reading of the Scriptures, joined with a diligent attendance on the public ministry of the word: as may well appear by this worthy work that this Author presenteth unto you: whereby the humble, and wellminded Readers may be whetted on to the like diligence in the Scriptures, which here they shall see, and that not without hope of attaining that which may be worthy of Iheir pains, that so they may become wise and undtrstanding Christians. For want of which, it proves a great fault even among the better sort of people, that they hold the points of their Religion from the mouth of their Ministers, and not from the voice of God in the Scriptures, and so build, as if but a Fox run upon it he shall break down their stony wall. If one of like parts, and place shall teach the contrary they will be shaken and ready to be removed especially if he be backed with Authority: whereas if every Truth he holds in Religion, he had it well grounded on a plain testimony of Scripture, two or three, he should not be moved with every wind of contrary Doctrine, but stand firm, and unmoveable as Mount Zion, and having withal the love of the Truth in his heart, all the men, and means in the world could, nor should not remove him from his steadfastness, which is the honour of a Christian indeed. And this wisdom, skill and ability, every man may see by this his work, to be in the Author of this Book, who hath brought forth so innumerable places of Scripture for his several purposes, with that soundness of judgement, singular dexterity, and great understanding, as is not to be expected from a private Christian. But he having been a daily hearer of the word, and that from Zealous and fruitful Teachers, having made use also of the same with great diligence, and constancy in his Family; and besides these, spent very much time in private reading and study, he hath obtained a great degree in the Faith, and is higher by head and shoulders, (as it is said of SAUL) than the rest of his own rank. For I count that Interpretation and giving the sense of Scriptures as it is a difficult, so a peculiar work to the Ministers of God (ordinarily) and not to be adventured upon by Christians in their Families, or private meetings, any further than they have good bottom from that which they have learned by the Ministry of the Word, nor to write such Books as this, wherein is occasion of the use of so much Scripture, lest there should be found many mistake therein, which were both sinful and dangerous, and yet most likely. But God hath very mercifully guided this Author, in this his work, which may, and I hope will be of much fruitful and good use in the Church of God: For as it may help any ordinary Christian, yea or Minister with more parallel places, than may be he would have at hand of himself, so it will help well to the understanding of many places of Scriptures, seeing here, in what sense, and to what purposes they are brought and applied. The pains hath been very great no doubt to one man, but if the Benefit may be much, and good to many, and so God be glorified, the Author no doubt, will think his labour happily bestowed, and abundantly rewarded, which is my great desire, and humble and earnest prayer also, who is the true, though weak, and unworthy Servant of the Church of God, JOHN ROGERS. CHRISTIAN READER. IN the perusal of this Treatise thou shalt find that the Author threof hath taken very great pains, and that which is more, great pains to good purpose. Great pains are but a small Commendation where they prove not beneficial to a common good. There are not wanting in the world that take pains more than enough in the Composing, and writing of some Books, of wh●ch when they have done, it may be truly said as of JEREMY'S Girdle; That they are Good for nothing. (jer. 13 7.) The curious trifles of many ill employed wits want happily for no pains, but consider whether such persons may not in another sense take up SALOMON'S words: (Eccles 2, 11) I looked on all the works that mine hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do; and behold, all was vanity, and there was no profit. The a Non cernis quòd propterea animalium gloriosissima est ap●s, non quia laborat, ●ed quia alijs la●orat. Etiam aranca laborat & fatigatur, & tenues per panetes extendit textur as omnem mulieris sapientiam excedentes, sed est ignobile animal, quia opus ejus est nulla ènus v●●●●. ● ales 〈◊〉 libi laborantes & se defatigantes. Chrysost. ad Pop. Antioch. Hom. 12. Spider is industrious in her kind, and takes pains in making of her Web, as well as the Bee in making of her Honey, and Combs. And yet who respects the Spider's web, as the Bees work? The profit that comes of the labour of the Bee, is it that makes her labour to be in more esteem than the Spiders. Now in this Treatise thou shalt find the Author to have been a diligent Industrious Bee, that hath brought a great deal of profitable sweet Honey to this his hive; it being a Treasury and Collection out of the Word of GOD'S Promises which are sweeter than the Honey, and the honey Combe. Thou shalt in this Author's Industry see how much is to be gotten by the diligent and observant reading of the Scriptures. I wish with all mine heart that his Industry may prove exemplary; and that many may hereby be provoked to the like religious diligence in acquainting themselves with the word. It was good counsel that a godly old man gave b In vita Musculi apud Melch. Ad. p●. 370. MUSCULUS when he first began to Preach. That Si bonus velit fieri Concionator det operam ut sit bonus Biblicus, That if ever he would prove a good Preacher, he must take pains to be well acquainted with the Bible. And it were to be wished that all Preachers would follow that counsel. Preaching would prove the more solid, savoury, and successful. But I will go further than that old man; and I say, Si bonus velis fieri Christianus, des operam v● sis bonus Biblicus. If thou wilt prove a good Christian, thou must be well skilled in the Holy Bible. How happy were it if the Scriptures were more carefully read than they are! It is said of c Nunquam Cyprianus absque Tertulliani lectione unum diem praeterijt & crebro dicere solirus. Da Magistrum Tertullianum significans. CYPRIAN, that he let no day pass without reading TERTULLIAN, & was wont often to say, Give me my Master, meaning TERTULLIAN. Such diligence in reading the Scriptures would do well; Especially, they being GOD'S own Epistle, and letter from Heaven unto us that we should know his mind. And if Prince's letters are to be read thrice over, then how much more says d De Principum Epistolis proverbio dicitur, ter eas legendas, sed profecto Dei Epistolae, sic enim Scripturam appellar Gregorius, septies ter, imo septuagies septies, seu ut plus dicam, infinities legendae sunt, etc. Luther in Gen. 16. LUTHER, should the Scriptures be read seven times thrice; yea, seaventy times 7. times thrice, yea infinite times over. We are commanded, (Prov. 2, 4.) To seek for Knowledge as for Silver, and to search for her as for hid treasures. If it be asked where we must seek, the Prophet tells us, (Isa. 35, 16.) Seek in the book of the Lord, and read. If it be asked where we must search, our Saviour tells us: (joh. 5.34.) Search the Scriptures. Those are indeed the Mines where the veins of this silver, and these hid treasures are to be found. And yet to see how silly men are in wearying themselves by digging in those earths which yield little precious treasure, and in the mean while neglect searching these golden Mines. It is our shame and sin that we bestow more time, and pains in reading any Book more than Gods. What excellent, and worthy monuments did e Ego odi meos libros, & saepe opto eos interire, quòd metuo ne morentur lectores, & abducant à scripturae ipsius lectione quae sola omnis sapientiae fons est. Luth. in Genes. 19 LUTHER leave to the world in his Writings, and how well spent is time spent in reading his works. And yet out of a Zeal to the reading of the Scriptures, he sticks not to wish that his own books might perish, because he feared the reading of them would hinder men from reading the Scriptures. What would he wish now to a number of vain idle, corrupt, and corrupting writings, if he saw how miserably the Scriptures were neglected for the reading of these? Now for this present Treatise, I conceive it such a Work as needs not the Ivy bush of an Epistle commendatory: f Plaut. in Poen. Invadibili merce oportet emptorem ultro adducere Proba merx facile emptorem repperit, tametsi in abstruso sita est. I say no more of this Author's pains than SALOMON speaks of the virtuous Woman, Give him of the fruit of his hands, and let his own work praise him in the gates. And whether his work will do it, or no, let all prejudice be laid aside, and do but as PHILIP bids NATHANAEL, (joh. 1, 46.) Come and see, And thou shalt soon see, that what I say of this Treatise, is much short of what it doth deserve. Thus wishing that thy profit in the reading may be answerable to his pains in the writing of this work, I leave thee to the grace of GOD, and rest, Thine, in CHRIST JESUS, jer: Dyke. THE AUTHOR'S EPISTLE TO THE READER. CHRISTIAN READER, THe Wise man saith, that of making many Books, there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh: (Eccl. 12.12.) And therefore in so great variety of Books now extant, it will be thy wisdom for thy exercise to make choice of some few of the best. By which means, thy toil in reading will be the less, and thy gain the more. The Book of all Books is the Bible; which by way of Excellency is called the Scripture. Of which I may say, as DAVID of the Sword of GOLIATH, there is none like that: (1, Sam, 21.9.) Notwithstanding the Word of the LORD is to many a reproach, and they have no delight in it: (jer. 6, 10.) And being full, do despise the Honey comb: (Prou. 27.7.) Such are but natural, not having the Spirit: (jud. 19) And therefore unable to discern their own need, or where to be supplied: (Reu. 3.17.) Others there are, of whom I am persuaded better things: who having tasted of the good Word of God: (Heb. 6, 9) And by it also how gracious the Lord is, do as new borne Babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby: (1. Pet 2.3.) But yet they finding many things hard to be understood: (2. Pet. 3.16.) And themselves to be but as a Child weaned from the milk, and drawn from the Breasts: (Isa. 28 9) Not having the understanding of a man in them: (Prou. 30.2) Are by this means much discouraged from the reading of it; which yet in the very entrance thereinto, doth give light, and understanding to the simple: (Psal. 119.130.) Such must know, that as when the Iron is blunt, and the Wood knotty, men put to the greater strength; so natural defects, in the effecting of difficult things, and of such consequence, as is the reading of the Scripture, must not make them to desist; but rather set them on, to be more serious, humble, orderly, and constant in the reading of the same. And for their further direction therein, this must be remembered, that the Book of Scripture, is as the Waters of the Sanctuary, (Ezek. 47.) In which a Lamb might wade, and an Elephant Swim. Therein is contained strong ●staete, as well as Milk: (Heb. 5.12) Such as do discern themselves to be but Babes, there is Milk provided for them: And let them leave the strong meat unto such, who by reason of use, have their senses exercised in discerning good & evil, until themselves also come to a more full age in Christ: Heb. 5.14, Now if such also, shall complain, of the shortness of memory; by means whereof, together with the prolixity of the Book of GOD, and the various matter promiscuously couched therein; so as what they have read, is as water spilt on the ground: (2, Sam. 14.14.) Such with the reading of Scripture, in the manner aforesaid, must join after meditation: as DAVID, who hide the word in his heart: (Psal. 119.11.) And MARY who pondered, and thereby kept those things, which were told her by the Shepherds: (Luk. 2.19.) Moreover, if they will not be forgetful hearers of the Word, they must be doers of the same: (Isa. 1.25.) And withal, let them pray the Comforter, which is the HOLY GHOST, who shall then both teach; and bring all things to their remembrance, whatsoever he hath said unto them. Notwithstanding all which labour, because many things, as ears of Corn out of the Sheafe may sl p weak memories; I have therefore gleaned after; and from the whole B●oke of GOD, as out of a large and fertile Field, gathered up such Simples, a● are most Cordial to the weakest Christian, and of special use unto all. Among which, because the Promises, are both the breeders, and nourishers of Saving-faith, the Fountain of Spiritual Life; and therefore of price unto drooping Spirits, who are weary, and heavy laeden: (Math. 11.28.) I have for their sakes more principally laid hold upon them; that with joy they might draw Waterpot of the Wells of Salvation: (●sa. 12.3.) And because there are others also, with whom the Consolations of GOD, are small, or of none effect; (job. 15.11.) I h●●● unto each promise, annexed its conti●●● judgement. And in fine, have summed up all the particular judgements under the General, and therewith also, answered such Objections, as are by Carnal Men usually made. And out of all, I have also inferred such uses of Reproof, Instruction, and Exhortation, as the said Scripture hath brought to my hand, meetly to be applied. That if such will but read what is written, and lay hold on Instruction, they may no longer forsake their own Mercies, but be moved to come unto CHRIST and live. All which I have as well as I could, reduced to such Heads, and in such order Composed them; as by the help of my Table, and Catalogue of Chapters, immediately ensuing; every Reader may readily find out such places, as he stands in need of, and shall desire to be furnished with. But with this Caution to the intelligent Reader; that for such Scriptures, as may diversely be referred; if in searching he do miss of them in one place, he may find them in another. And for the better preventing or removing of Scruples from the ignorant, or tender Conscience; and of Cavils from the wilfully obstinate; I have Dialogue-wise contrived the same into Question and Answer. And such things, as in which the Scripture is more plenteous, I have answere● one Question, with many Scriptures Which the ignorant Reader advisedly comparing together: that is to say, the dark and obscure places, with those which a● more plain, and easy, and the Question with the answer, he shall find his judgement also, in the understanding of such places something bettered thereby. And if in 〈◊〉 doing, he shall find himself yet to seek, an● therefore do say as the Eunuch unto PHILIP How shall I understand these things without a guide? (Act 8.31.) Because the Priest's lip are to preserve knowledge, let him therefore seek the Law at their mouth: (Mal. 2.7. ● That by conference with some learned an● godly Minister; the knots being unloosed and the hard shell broken to his hand he may through GOD'S blessing, at th● last attain unto the sweetness of th● Kernel, which is the true sense of Scripture. Which work, now some years passed I having finished; and at the first onset, intended for my own private: Notwithstanding by the encouragement of som● learned, and instigation of other Christia● friends, I have yielded the same, as tho● seest, to the Press, for the use of many. By which my labour, if thou findest thyself any thing helped in thy joy, or some other way Christianly edified (leaving the Instrument to vanish in his own obscurity) let thine eyes be fixed on him, who by the mouths of Babes and Sucklings, is able to make perfect his own praise. Unto whose Grace I commend thee. Thine, if his own, F. B. The Author would desire the Reader, to Correct such escapes, of th● Press as 〈◊〉 shall meet withal; whic● for lac●● 〈◊〉 ●●●e and leisure coul● not be p●●● 〈◊〉. A Catalogue of Chapters. CHAP. 1 THe Preface or Introduction. PAGE. 1 CHAP. 2 Christ promised. PAGE. 4 CHAP. 3 Christ exhibited. PAGE. 7 CHAP. 4 Union and Communion with Christ and his members. PAGE 18 CHAP. 5 justification. PAGE. 29 CHAP. 6 Reconciliation; where of Peace and I●● PAGE. 51 CHAP. 7 Adoption and Regeneration. PAGE. 57 CHAP. 8 God●●●●rly d sposition to his. PAGE. 66 CHAP. 9 God 〈◊〉 Prayers PAGE. 72 CHAP. 10 God 〈◊〉 his in their services. PAGE. 84 CHAP. 11 Go● 〈◊〉 ●eth his in well doing. PAGE. 87 CHAP. 12 God 〈◊〉 ●uch his in their ways. PAGE. 96 CHAP. 13 The 〈◊〉 of Angels. PAGE. 99 CHAP. 14 Allthings work for good to the go●●y. PAGE. 100 CHAP. 15 Comforts against Death, where Of the Resurrection PAGE. 102 CHAP. 16 Of the last judgement. PAGE. 112 CHAP. 17 Of eternal Life. PAGE. 125 CHAP. 18 Of eternal Death. PAGE. 140 CHAP. 19 Of Sanctification in general. PAGE. 146 CHAP. 20 Of Knowledge. PAGE. 152 Of Faith PAGE.. 154 Of Trust. PAGE. 155 Of Hope. PAGE. 157 CHAP. 21 Of Leite. PAGE. 159 Of Fear. PAGE. 160 Of Sorrow. PAGE. 162 Of Humility. PAGE. 163 CHAP. 22 Of Zeal. PAGE. 165 CHAP. 23 Of Charity. PAGE. 170 Of justice. PAGE. 174 Of Content. PAGE. 179 CHAP. 24 Of Sincerity. PAGE. 181 Of Perseverance. PAGE. 188 CHAP. 25 Of Temptations in general PAGE. 194 Of Temptations of the Flesh. PAGE. 195 CHAP. 26 Of Temptations of the Devil. PAGE. 203 CHAP. 27 Of Temptations of the World. PAGE. 210 On the left hand, Afflictions in general. PAGE. 211 CHAP. 28 Of Persecutions. PAGE. 243 On the right hand, CHAP. 29 Of evil Examples. PAGE. 279 CHAP. 30 Of false Teachers. PAGE. 282 CHAP. 31 Of outward Prosperity. PAGE. 294 CHAP. 32 Of the Word of God. PAGE. 299 CHAP. 33 Of Ministers. PAGE. 319 CHAP. 34 Of the Sacraments. PAGE. 339 CHAP. 35 Of Discipline. PAGE. 347 CHAP. 36 Of the continuance of these means of grace with God's blessing on them. PAGE. 351 CHAP. 37 Of Temporal blessings. PAGE. 356 Long life. PAGE. 357 CHAP. 38 Of Preservation from dangers. PAGE. 361 CHAP. 39 Of Deliverance out of trouble. PAGE. 374 CHAP. 40 Of outward Prosperity. PAGE. 385 CHAP. 41 Of the Land for Possession. PAGE. 393 Much people PAGE. 395 CHAP. 42 Of good Government. PAGE. 397 CHAP. 43 Of Peace. PAGE. 417 Of Food. PAGE. 418 Of Health. PAGE. 425 CHAP. 44 Of Strength. PAGE. 42● Of Beauty. PAGE. 42● Of Wisdom. PAGE. 43● CHAP. 45 Of Wealth. PAGE. 43● CHAP. 46 Of Favour of men. PAGE. 44● Of a good Name. PAGE. 44● Of Honour. PAGE. 44● Of the use of Earthly things. PAGE. 44● CHAP. 47 Promises concerning the seed of the faithful. PAGE. 44● CHAP. 48 Of the use of all the Promises. PAGE. 47● CHAP. 49 Of the Properties of the Promises. PAGE. 47● CHAP. 50 Of the objects to whom the Promise do belong. PAGE. 49● CHAP. 51 Of the wicked, and of their reward PAGE. 50● CHAP. 52 Of the wicked convinced of sin PAGE. 51● CHAP. 53 Of the wicked convinced of judgement PAGE. 52● CHAP. 54 Of the sinner Converted. PAGE. 54● GOD'S Treasury displayed in his— Promises, according to their kinds, extended to the Faithful CHRIST Pag. 4. Union, pag 18. Communion. 23. All things Spiritual justification, pag. 29. Parts Forgiveness of sins, pag. 30. Imputed righteousness. 41. Fruits Reconciliation, where of Peace. pag. 51. joy.. pag. 51. Adoption, and so GOD Makes sons, in Right of adoption. 87. Conformity. pag. 62. Assurance. pag 63. Gives prerogatives Exercised, by Love.. p. 66 The f●uites, in regard of— persons Esteeming of. Pag. 66 Delighting in. Pag. 67 Caring for. pa. 68 actions by accepting of— Prayers. pag. 72 Works. pag. 84 Expressed Present doing good, by himself, to Reward. p. 87 Guide. p. 96 Angels, to guard. pag. 99 causing all things to work for good. pa. 100 Future in— Time Death. pag 102 Resurrection. 103 Last judgement. pag. 112 Eternity. pag. 125 Sanctification, the Grace wrought in them, in General. pag. 146. Special, (pag. 151.) Knowledge. Pag. 152 Faith. pag. 154 Trust. pag. 159 Hope. pag. 157 Love.. pag. 159 Fear. pag. 160 Sorrow. pa. 162 Humility. p. 163 Repentance. Pag. 164 Zeal. pag. 165 Charity. p. 170 justice. pag. 174 Content. p. 179 Sincerity. Pag. 181 Perseverance. pag. 188 working by them, in withstanding the— Flesh. pag. 294. Devil. pa. 203. World, p. 210 Frowning. 211. Fawning. 279 Means Word. 299 Sacraments. 239 Discipline. 347 Temporal, In— General. pag. 356 Special, Life. pag. 357 comforts of Life, Freedom from evil. pag. 361 Fruition of good, General. pag. 386 Special— Land for possession. pag. 393 Much people. p. 395 Good government. pag. 397 Peace. pag. 417 Food. pag. 418 Health. pa. 425 Strength. pag. 427 Beauty. pag. 429 Wisdom. pag, 430 Wealth. pag, 436 Favour with men. pag, 440 A good Name. Pag. 442 Honour. pag, 442 Seed Having Children. pag. 449. Blessing on children. p. 453. Circumstances Properties, as Made— True. pag. 474. Free. pag. 479. General. pag. 485. Executed Speedy. pag. 489. Constant. pag. 490. Unresistable. pag. 495. Objects. Threaten Propound. pag. 505 Illustrated, whereby the sinner is Convinced of Sinne. pag. 513 judgement. pag. 522. Converted. pag. 540. GOD'S TREASURY Displayed. CHAP. I. The Preface, or Introduction. Question. HOw was Man created? Answer. 1. In knowledge, after the image of him that created him, Col. 3.10. Who taught him more than the beasts of the earth, and the fowls of the heaven. job 35.11. 2 He was created after God, in righteousness and true holiness. Ephes. 4.24. 3 In dignity, he was made a little lower than the Angels, and was crowned with glory and honour, and was made to have dominion over the work of God's hands, who did put all things under his feet: Ps. 8 5.6. Gen. 1.28. Q. Did he continue so? A. No: for he did eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; of which the Lord said, thou shalt not eat of it: Gen. 2.17. 3.6. whereby he like man, transgressed the covenant, and trespassed against God: Hos. 6.7. And so sin entering into the world, all men by him have sinned: Rom. 5.12. Q. What followed this his transgression? A. 1 Man's understanding is thereby darkened, and he is become a stranger from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in him: Ephes. 4.18. Col. 1.21. Rom. 3.11. even a beast by his own knowledge: jer. 10.14. & 51.17. and like a wild Ass● colt, job 11.12. and much worse, Isai. 1.3. wise he is to do evil; but to do good he hath no knowledge: jerem. 4.22. and in the thing he professeth himself to be wise, he is become a fool. Rom. 1.22. and 8.5. 2 Cor. 3.5. 2 Man's will is thereby also perverted: for hereby the wickedness of man is great in the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart is only and continually evil, Gen. 6.5. & 8.21. And there is no just man on earth that doth good, and sinneth not: Eccles. 7.20. There is none righteous, no not one, etc. they have all gone out of the way, they have been made altogether unprofitable, there is none that doth good, no not one, etc. Rom. 3.10, 12. And if any man say he hath not sinned, he maketh him a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 john 1.10. For who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Prou. 20.9. And what is man that he should be clean, or the son of man that he should be just? job 15.14. This therefore have I found, that God hath made man righteous; but he hath sought many inventions, Eccles. 7.29. job 25.4. and 14.4. Isa. 1.5, 6. Rom. 7.18. 3 The wages of sin is death. (Rom. 6.23.) For as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, (Rom. 5.12.) and reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them also, that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, Rom. 5.14. job 17.14. CHAP. II. Christ promised. Q. DId God leave man thus? A. No, For he made a promise afore by his Prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his son jesus Christ, our Lord, Rom. 1.2. Q. Which was the first of that kind? A. That which was made to Adam and Eve; concerning whom, God said unto the Serpent, I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: It shall break thine head, and thou shalt bruise his heel: Gen. 3.15. Q. Show me some more of them, in the manner they were propounded. A. 1 Without exception of doubt, saying; The Lord thy God will raise unto thee a Prophet, from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, Deut. 18.15. He will bring forth his servant the branch, Zach. 3.8. And the man whose name is the branch, he shall grow up out of his place, (Zach. 6.12.13.) and shall be King over you, and you shall have one shepherd: Ezech. 37.24.34.24. jer. 33.17. 2. As uncertain when, and long to come. For saith Balaam, I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy the children of Sheth, Numb. 24.17. 3 In a time determined. The Sceptre (saith jacob) shall not departed from judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come. Gen. 49.10. And after threescore and two weeks, 〈…〉, was the Messiah to be cut off. Dan. 9.26. 4 As near at hand. The Lord (saith Malachi) whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his Temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. Mal. 3.1. 5 As if already come. For unto us a child is borne, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace. isaiah 9.6. 6 By the place where. For saith Micah, and thou Bethlahem Ephrath, though thou be little among the thousands of judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that shall be ruler in Israel, whose doings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5.2. 7 By the manner how, which was with much humility. For saith Isaiah, he shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets. Isa. 42.2. But he shall be poor, and riding upon an Ass, and upon a Colt, the foal of an Ass. Zech. 9.9. And he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath neither form nor comeliness when we shall see him, there shall be no beauty that we should desire him, Isa. 53.2. 8 By his parentage. I will saith God raise unto David a righteous branch, jer. 23.5. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his root. Isa. 11.1. For behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Immanuel, Isa. 7.14, 16.5. jer. 33.15. CHAP. III. Christ exhibited. Q. Were these promises fulfilled? A. This day these Scriptures are fulfilled in your ears, Luke 4.21. For when the fullness of time was come, God sent his Son made of a woman, (Gal. 4.4.) And of the seed of David hath he according to his promise, raised unto Israel, a Saviour jesus. Acts 13.23.3.18.13, 33. Ob. These are but idle tales, and who so foolish to believe them? A. Behold, ye despisers, and wonder & vanish away; for I have wrought a work in your days, a work which ye shall not believe, if a man would declare it unto you. Act. 13.41 Ob. All you can say in this matter, is but by flying reports: than which, what is more uncertain? A. We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power, and coming of our Lord jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his Majesty. 2 Pet. 1.16. For the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, & was made manifest unto us, etc. 1 joh. 1.2, etc. Act. 26.23. Q. But yet let us see how by Scripture it may be proved that jesus was the Christ. A. divers ways. 1 By the predictions in him fulfilled. As Micha 5.2. with Mat. 2.5. As Hos. 11.1. with Mat. 2.15. As Isa. 40.3. with Mat. 3.3. As Isa. 9 1. with Mat. 4.13.14. As Isa. 53.4. with Mat. 8.17. As Zech. 9.9. with Mat. 21.2. As Isa. 53.9. with 1 Pet. 2.22. As Zach. 11.13 with Mat. 27.7. As Psal. 22.18 with Mat. 27.35. As Isa. 53.1. with joh. 12.37, 38. As Psal. 35.19 with joh. 15.24.25. As Psal. 109.7. with joh. 17.12. As Psal. 2.7. with Acts 13.33. As Exo. 12.46 with joh. 19.36. As Zech. 12.10 with joh. 19.37. 2 By comparing the types of Christ with the truth. As Psal. 78.2. with Mat. 13.34. As Psal. 69.21. with Mat. 27.48. As jonah 1.17 with Mat. 12.39. 3 By the witnesses of his coming. For lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon 〈◊〉 Shepherds by night, and said unto them Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people: for unto you is borne this day, in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Chris● the Lord, Luke 2.8. 2 There came Wisemen from the East to jerusalem to worship him saying; where is he that is borne King of the jews, for we have seen his star in the East. Where upon they being sent by Herod the King to Bethlehem, lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, ti●● it came, and stood over the place where the babe was. Mat. 2.1, 9 3 There was a man sent from God, whose name was john; thissame came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. joh. 1.6, 7, 15. 4 His Disciples came and worshipped him, saying of a truth, thou art the Son of God: Math. 14.33. And we believe and are sure, that thou art that Christ, etc. joh. 6. 69, 11, 27.4.29.39, 41, 42. 1 joh. 5.20. 5 The multitude that went before him, and followed, cried saying, Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest. (Mat. 21.9.) And many of the people said, of a truth, this is the Prophet. Others said, this is the Christ. (joh. 7.40, 41.) And all men came to him. joh. 3.26, & 10.41.42. 6 Many of the chief rulers believed in him, (joh. 12.42.) For the Centurion and they that were with him, said of him, truly this was the son of God. (Mat. 27.54.) And Nichodemus, a ruler of the jews, said unto him, Rabbi: we know that thou art a teacher come from God. joh. 3.2. 7 The devil in the man possessed, crying said, what have we to do with thee, jesus thou son of God most high? we beseech thee torment us not. Mat. 8.29. 8 God the Father, who both at his baptism, (Mat. 3.17.) and transfiguration spoke from heaven saying, this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him. Mat. 17.5. john 5.32. 2 Pet. 1.17, 9 God the Son beareth witness of himself, saying, that he was the Son of God. Mat. 27.11.43. who though he do bear record of himself, yet his record is true, joh. 8.14. 10 God the holy Ghost, when at his baptism, the heavens opened unto him, john saw the Spirit of God descending like a Dove, and lighting upon him, Math. 3.16. 11 He that believeth in the Son of God, hath the witness in himself, and he that believeth not, hath made God a liar, because he believeth not the record God gave of his Son, (1 joh. 5.10.) and so shall dye in his sins, joh. 8.24. Ob. Notwithstanding these so many witnesses, that which you do avouch concerning this man is questioned by many, both Turks, and Pagans. A. Flesh and blood can not reveal these things unto them, (Mat. 16.17.) neither can any man say, that jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost, (1 Cor. 12.3.) nor come unto Christ, except the Father draw him. Only they which have heard, and have learned of the Father, do come unto him, joh. 6.44, 45. joh. 5.44. Ob. Not only those of the Gentiles, but many of the jews also, which were his own, received him not, joh. 1.11. And his brethren did not believe in him. joh. 7.5. Mat. 13.55, 56. A. A Prophet is not without honour, save in his own Country, Mat. 13.57. And did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Mat. 21.42. Yet Apollo's helped them much which had believed through grace. Acts 18.28. And Paul mightily convinced the jews, and that publicly, showing by the Scriptures, that jesus was the CHRIST. Acts 9.22. & 17.2.3. Q. But what sign did he show, that we also may see and believe in him? A. The blind received their sight, the lame did walk, the leopers were cleansed, the deaf did hear, and the dead were raised up. Mat. 11.5. Thus this jesus of Nazareth was approved of God by miracles, wonders a dsignes, as the jews themselves could not deny. (Acts 2.22.) So as when that Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than this man hath done? (joh. 7.31) But if he wrought such works, as no mere man ever did; although ye believe not him, yet believe the works, that ye may know, and believe that the Father was in him, and he in him. joh. 10.37, 38.14.10.11. Heb. 2.4. Q. But did he not work these works by the power of Satan, and by Beelzebub cast out devils? A. If this man had not been of God, he could have done nothing: (joh. 9.33:) Therefore not Satan, but the Father that dwelleth in him, he did the works (joh. 14.10) For can the devil open the eyes of the blind? (joh. 10.21.) Every Kingdom divided against itself, shall not stand, etc. And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? etc. But if Christ did cast out devils by the Spirit of God, than the Kingdom of God is come unto you, etc. Mat. 12.25, etc. Luke 11.20. And therefore, how long will ye provoke the Lord? how long will it be ere ye do believe in jesus for all the signs which he hath showed among you? Numb. 14.11. joh. 9.16.9.30. Ob. Why then say the Scribes that Elias must first come? A. I say unto you, that Elias is come already, and they knew him not: but they have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Mat. 17.12. Q. For my own part, I have no more to say against your allegations, yet want I the comfort and assurance thereof still. A. If you will do the will of God, you shall know the doctrine alleged to be of God, and not of man, joh. 7.17. And the comforter whom Christ will send unto you from the Father, even the Spiri● of truth, which proceedeth from the Father's he shall testify of him, and you also shal● bear witness of him. john 15.26.27. Q. What use are we to make o● this Doctrine, teaching us the certainty of Christ being come in the flesh? A. 1. Herein behold your happiness above many who do see, and hear of these things: for verily I say unto you, that many Prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them, Mat. 13.16.17. 2 According to the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straigth, (Mark, 1.3.) in the desert, an high way for our God. Isa. 40.3. 3 Rejoice greatly (O daughter of Zion) shout O daughter of jerusalem, behold, thy King cometh unto thee, (Zech. 9.9.) and cry, saying, Hosanna to the son of David, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest heavens, Mat. 21.9. And Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people; and he hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy Prophets, which have been since the world began, Luke 1.68, etc. Luke 1.54, 55, 46; 47. Mat. 23.39. Mar. 11.10. 4 Oh Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountains of jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice, be not afraid, say unto the Cities of judah, behold, your God, (Isa. 52.7) and to the daughters of Zion, behold, thy salvation is come; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him, Isa 62.11. 5 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo here is Christ, or lo there, believe it not: For there shall arise false Christ's, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch, that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very Elect. Behold, I have told you before; wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert, go not forth, behold, he is in the secret chambers, believe it not, etc. Mat. 24.23, etc. Ob. If these tidings be so good, why is Christ said to be a stumbling-blocke and a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel? Isa. 8.14. A. Unto you which believe he is precious; only unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And i● stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence even to them that stumble at the Word, being disobedient; whereunto also they wer● apppointed. 1 Pet 2.7.8. Isa. 59.20. CHAP. FOUR Union with CHRIST. Q. What interest have believers in Christ, thus promised and exhibited? A. Christ is wholly ours: for he● came unto his own, (joh. 1.11.) And vnt● us a Son is borne, and unto us a child●●●●iuen. Isa. 9.6. Q. By what means came Christ to be ours? A. By being united unto him: for we are in him that is true, even in the Son of God, jesus Christ, (1 joh. 5.20.) For saith he, Father, I will that they may be one, as thou O Father art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us, I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one. joh. 17.21, 23. He therefore that is joined to the Lord is one spirit, 1 Cor. 6.17. for in the dispensation of the fullness of times he doth gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in him. Ephes' 1.10. joh. 14.20.17.11. Q. By what similitudes, doth the Scripture set out this our union with Christ? A. They are many. 1 Of a building: For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Isa. 28.16. And other foundation can no man lay then that which is laid, which is jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3.11. In whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord, Ephes. 2.21. 2 Of house and inhabitants. Christ as a son is over his own house, whose house are we, (Heb. 3.7.) In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit, (Eph. 2.22.) who dwelleth in you, (1 Cor. 3.16.) and maketh his abode with you, john 14.23.6.56. 1 Cor. 6.19. 3 Of consanguinity. For both he that sanctifieth, and they that are sanctified, being all one, he is not ashamed to call them brethren, (Heb. 2.11.) But doth profess that whosoever doth the will of God, is his brother, sister, and mother, Mark. 3.35. 4 Of husband and wife, unto whom we are betrothed and espoused, (Hos. 2.19, 20 2 Cor. 11.2.) even as the bridegroom to the bride, (joh. 3.29,) whereby our maker is become our husband, Isa. 54.5. And is the head of his Church, as the husband is the head of his wife, Eph. 5.23. 5 Of head and members. He is the head of the body, the Church, Col. 1.18. and we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones, (Eph. 5.30.) for as the body is one & hath many members, & all the members of that one body, being many are one body, so also is Christ, 1 Cor. 12.12. Know ye not therefore that your bodies are the members of Christ? 1 Cor. 6.15. Ephes. 1.22, 23. Collos. 1.24. Rom. 12.4, 5. 6 Of the vine and branches. Whereof Christ is the vine, and we are the branches, john 15.5. Q. What may this our Union with Christ teach? A. To examine and to prove your own selves; Kow ye not your own selves, how that jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Cor. 13.5. Q. Lay me down some marks whereby our union with Christ may be known. A. 1 Because Christ dwelleth in our hearts by faith, Ephes. 3.17. Therefore, examine yourselves whether you be in the faith, 2 Cor. 13.5. 2 Hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 1 john 3.24. But if any man have not the spirit of Christ, the same is not his, Rom. 8.9. 1 joh. 4.13. 3. Whosoever shall confess that jesus is the Son of God, dwelleth in him, and he in God. 1 joh. 4.15. 4. By this shall all men know that you are his Disciples, if ye have love one to another. (joh. 13. ●5.) God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God & God in him. 1 joh. 4.16.1.4.11, 12: 1.2.9.10. 5. Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not; whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, nor known him, 1 joh. 3.6. But he that keepeth the commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him, 1 joh. 3.24: joh. 15.5.6: 13.18. Gal. 5.24. Q. What if upon due examination I do find myself to be out of Christ? A. For this cause, bow your knees unto the Father of our Lord jesus Christ, that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, etc. that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth & length, and depth and height, & to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all the fullness of God. Eph. 3.14. Q. What if I find myself to be in Christ? A. Then clean fast unto him without separation, 1 Cor. 7.35. And hold the head, from which all the body, by joints & bands having nourishment ministered, & knit together, increaseth with the increase of God Col. 2.19. 2. He that saith, he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as he walked (1 joh. 2.6.) For in Christ jesus, neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Gal, 6.15. Therefore, having put on the Lord jesus Christ, make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof: Rom. 13.14: Rom. 7.4. Col. 2.6.7. Gal. 5.24. Q. What followeth upon this our union with Christ? A. Our communion. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son jesus Christ our Lord, 1. Cor. 1.9. For saith he, I stand at the door and knock, if any hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me: Revel 3.20. Cant. 5.1. Prou. 9.1, etc. Q. Wherein have we communion with Christ? A. In his life. For because he liveth, you shall live also: (john 14.19) And As the living Father sent him, and he liveth by the Father; so he that eateth him shall live by him: (john 6.57.) For in him was life, and the life was the light of man. (john 1.4.) whereby we live, yet not we any more, but Christ liveth in us. Galat. 2.20. Ephes. 5.14. Rom. 6.8. 2 Cor. 4.10. john 11.25, 14.6. 2 In his sufferings, who being lifted up from the earth, he doth draw all men unto him, (joh. 12.32.) who are crucified with him, Gal. 2.20. 3 In his death, Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptised into jesus Christ, were baptised into his death? Rom. 6.3. 4 In his burial. Therefore we are buried with him in baptism, into death, Rom. 6.4. Col. 2.12. 5 In his resurrection. We are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead: (Col. 2.12.) For if the Spirit of him that raised up jesus from the dead, dwell in you, he that hath raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you, Rom. 8.11, and 6.5. 6 In his ascension, making us to sit together in heavenly places, in Christ jesus: Ephes. 2.6. Q. Had the Fathers who lived before Christ this communion with him? A. Brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed thorough the Sea, and were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud, and in the Sea, and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ, 1 Cor. 10.1. & joh. 8.56. Q. What then may this our Communion with Christ teach us? A. 1 Not to know any thing save jesus Christ, & him crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2. To know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death: Phil. 3.10. Col. 3.1. 2. To walk worthy of him, 1 Thes. 2.12. For this is the message we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not truly: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another: 1 joh. 1.5. Q. What followeth upon this our union, and communion with Christ? A. 1 If we be one body in Christ, we are every one another's members, Rom. 12.8. Ephes. 4.25. 1 Cor. 12.27. 2 There is a community among these members, (Act. 4.32.) Whereby in giving and receiving one doth communicate unto another, (Phil. 4.15.) And so are comforted, by the mutual faith each of other: Rom. 1.11.12 Q. What doth this our union with the members of Christ teach us? A. To keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph. 4.3, etc. And to let this peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which you are also called in one body, (Col. 3.15.) And all speaking one thing, there may be no division among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgement, 1 Cor. 1.10. Ephes. 4.15, 16. Psalm. 133.1, 2. Gen. 13.8, 9 Pro. 15.17: 17.1.17.9.14: Eccl. 4.6. Col. 3.8.9, 10. james 4.1. Rom. 14.19. 2 Cor. 13.11. Q. What doth our communion with these members teach us? A. 1 That no man seek his own wealth, but every one one another's wealth, (1 Cor. 10.24.) Rejoicing with them that rejoice, and weeping with them that weep, and to be of the like affections one towards another, Rom 12.15, 16. Whereby, if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, or if one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it, 1 Cor. 12.26. 2 Because all members have not the same office, Rom. 12.4. But have gifts that are diverse, (Rom. 12.6.) Such as are strong aught to bear with the infirmities of the weak, not pleasing themselves, but let every man please his neighbour in that which is good, to the use of edification, Rom. 15.1.2.3. 1 Cor. 12.14, etc. Q. I would gladly hear you to express yet more fully what we are the better for this union, and communion with Chrst? A. My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory, by Christ jesus: (Phil. 4.19.) By whom all things are yours, etc. (1 Cor. 3.21, etc.) which do appertain unto life, and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (2 Pet. 1.3.) For he that hath given Christ unto us, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Rom. 8.32. Mar. 2.27. 2 Cor. 4.15. joh. 1.16. Col. 2.10. 1 Cor. 1.5. Q. What may the consideration of this teach us? A. To do as the wise Merchant did, who seeing good pearls, when he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had to buy the same: Math. 13.44, etc. Q. What spiritual blessings are with Christ to be had? A. Of him are we in Christ jesus, who is of God made unto us righteousness, and sanctification, 1 Cor. 1.30. Q. How shall man be just with God? job 9.2.25.4. A. Christ jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him: (2 Cor. 5.21.) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. Rom. 5.19. Isa. 53.9.53 11.12: Ezek. 16.9. Ob. But what did Christ in our behalf, that could be available for righteousness, either for the fathers who lived so many years before him, or unto us who do live so long after? A. By one offcring, he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified: whereof also, the holy Ghast is a witness: (Heb. 10.14, 15.) Not that Christ should offer himself often, as the high Priests entered into the holy place, every year with the blood of others; for than must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world. But now once in the end of the world, hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself: Heb. 9.25.10.18. Q. Is then the guiltiness, and punishment of sin taken away by Christ? A. This is a faithful saying, and worthy all acceptance, that Christ jesus came into the world to save sinners, 1 Tim. 1.15. And you know that he was made manifest, that he might take away our sins, (1 joh. 3.5.) who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the Tree, 1 Pet. 2.24. which was prefigured by the scape-gote, (Leu. 16.21, 22.) Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and that remission of sins should be preached in his name among all Nations, beginning at jerusalem: Luke 24.26.27. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: Act. 13.38. Math. 9.2: 1.21. revelat. 1.5, 6. joh. 1.29. Ob. By what authority did he these thing? And who gave unto Christ this authority to forgive sins? Math. 12.23. Mar. 2.7. A. As no man took this honour to himself, (to offer for sin) but he that was called of God as was Aaron: So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high Priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee, he gave it him, (Heb. 5.4.) And hath exalted him with his right hand, to be a Prince, and Saviour, for to give repentance unto Israel, and forgiveness of sins, (Act. 5.31,) But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (he saith to one sick of the palsy) I say unto thee, arise and take up thy bed; who immediately arose, and took up his bed, and went forth among them all. Mar. 2.10. etc. Q. What witnesses can you produce to convince us of remission of sins by Christ? A. Caiaphas (though his enemy) yet being high priest, professed that jesus should dye for the Nation of ●he jews, and not for that Nation only, but that also he should gather together in one, the Children of God, that were scattered abroad, (joh. 1●. 51, 52.) To whom also give all the Prophet's witness, That through his name whosoever believeth in him, should receive remission of sins, (Acts 10.43.) This is he that came b● water and blood; even jesus Christ, not by water only, but by water and blood; and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Sp●rit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven; the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost; and these three are one: And there are three that bear witness in earth; the Spirit, and water, and blood: and these three agree in one. joh. 15.6, etc. Q. But will God make good their testimony? A. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, (1 joh. 1.9.) For when David said unto Nathan, I have sinned: Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin: 2 Sam. 12.13. Isa. 6.5, etc. 2 Chro. 7.14. Mat. 18.26, 27. Luk. 15.18, etc. Q. Is there no forgiveness of sin without confession? A. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; only, he that confesseth and forsakes his sins shall have mercy, Pro. 28.13. For saith David, When I kept silence, my bones waxed old, through my roaring all the day long, etc. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid: I said I will confess my transgressions, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Psalm. 32.3, etc. Luke 15.18. Q. What are the sins which God, for Christ's sake will forgive? A. He will cleanse them from all their iniquities; whereby they have sinned against him, and he will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned and whereby they have transgressed against him. jer. 33.8. And the blood of jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin: 1 joh. 1.7. Psal. 130.8: 85.2. Q. How fare forth doth God forgive sins? A. To the utmost extent thereof: For, 1 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, 2. Cor. 5.19. 2 As not seen, For he hath not beheld iniquity in jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel, (Numb. 23.21.) Whereby when the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, there shall be none, and the sins of judah, and they shall not be found, etc. jerem. 50.20. Isa. 38.17. Psalm. 85.2. Ezek. 16.8. 3. As not remembered, For he will be merciful unto our unrighteousness, and our sins, and iniquities will he remember no more: Heb. 8.12. 4 As far away removed, For as heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy towards them that fear him: as fare as the East is from the West, so fare hath he removed our transgressions from us, Psal. 103.11, 12. 5 As swallowed up. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us, he will subdue our iniquities, and cast all their sins into the depth of the sea, Micah 7.19. 7 As a cloud vanished. He hath blotted out as a thick cloud our transgressions, and as a cloud our sins Isai. 44.22. 7 As a writing defaced. I, saith God, even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions. Isai. 43.25. Q. Why? is the curse of sin with the guilt taken away by Christ? A. GOD sent not his Son into the World to condemn us, but that we through him might be saved, (john 3.17.) For surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows, etc. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for ouri-niquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed, etc. Isa. 53.4.5. There is therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ jesus, Rom. 8.1. For he hath redeemed them from the curs of the Law, by being made a curse for them: as it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Gal. 3.13: Rom. 5.14, etc. joh. 3.17. Q. What moved the Lord, through Christ to take away our sins? A. We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, (Ephes. 1.7.) And for his own names sake, (1 joh. 2.12.) If the Lord indeed should mark iniquities, who should stand? But there is forgiveness with him, that he may be feared: Psalm. 130.3, 4: Ezech. 20.44: Isa. 43.21. Q. What would you infer upon this so rich and plenteous grace of God? A. Even as David, who describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord will not impute sin, Romans 4.67.8. Ob. This blessedness might belong to Abraham, and such as he was, but not unto me, and such as I am? A. It was not written for his sake alone, that it was not imputed, but unto us also to whom it shall not be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up jesus our Lord from the dead, Rom. 4.23. 1 Tim. 1.16. Ob. Many alas are the duties I might have performed, which I have foolishly omitted? A. He will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices, or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before him, Psalm. 50.8. Ob. Multitudes of actual transgressions, also have I committed, some of ignorance, or without observation, many whereof are out of mind and forgotten. A. Who can understand hts errors? Therefore say unto God, Cleanse thou me from my secret faults, (Psalm. 19.12.) For as the high priest, under the Law went alone, once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people, (Hebr. 9.7. Leu. 4.2, etc. 5.15, etc.) So CHRIST jesus by his own blood entered into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us, Hebr. 9.12: Acts 3.17.19. 1 Tim. 1.13: Luke 7.47: Psalm 78.40.41: Acts 13.18: Psal. 78, 38.39. Ob. But I have sinned also of knowledge, yea, presumptuously, and with an high hand. A. Come now, let us reason together, saith the LORD, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool, (Isai, 1.18.) For verily I say unto you, all manner of sins and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto men. Math. 12.31: Leu. 5.13.6.5.6.7. Leu. 19.20, etc. Luk. 7.47. 2 Chro. 33.9, etc. 1 Tim. 1.3. Act. 9.1.26.9, etc. 1 Tim. 1.13, 15: Micah 7.18.19. Deut. 9.19: Luk. 15.13. Ob. But I have long lived in the practice of these horrible wickednesses. A. As the Labourer working but one hour had his penny, (Mat. 20.8.) And the thief on the Cross his paradise, (Luke 23.43.) So when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not dye: Ezekiel 18.27.28. Ob. Whatsoever you can say to the contrary, my own conscience tells me, that I am no better than a condemned man. A. As for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness, (Ezechiel 33.12.) For when God saith unto thee, Thou shalt surely dye, if thou turn from thy sin, and do that which is lawful and right, etc. thou shalt surely live, thou shalt not die, etc. Ezek. 33; 14.15.19. Q. If the Lord should pardon us many thousands of times, yet shall we continue to provoke him still? A. My little children, these things I writ unto you that you sinne not: And if any man do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitiation for all our sins: (1 joh. 2.2.) For whose sake the Lord is slow to anger, and plentiful in mercy, (Psal. 103.8.) Long suffering, abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, (Exod. 34 6.) Yea, for his name's sake will he defer his anger; and for his praise will he refrain from thee, that he cut thee not off: Isa. 48.9: Psal. 40.11, 12: 86, 5: Neh. 9.26, etc. Ob. There is no man living that will forgive after this manner; how then should I in the conscience of so much guiltiness, dare to look God in the face? A. God's thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are his ways your ways: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are his ways higher than your ways, and his thoughts, than your thoughts, (Isa. 55.7, 8, 9) For you say, if a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's; shall he return unto her again? shall not the Land be greatly polluted? Notwithstanding, though thou hast played the harlot with many lovers, yet return again unto me saith the Lord: jerem. 3.1. Ob. But besides my sin and guiltiness, my very righteousnesses are but as filthy rags, Isa. 64.6. A. Christ jesus he was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. Heb. 7.26. And is the end of the Law for righteousness unto every one that believeth? (Rom. 10.4.) For which cause, this is the name by which he was called, The Lord our righteousness: jer. 33.6. Math. 3.15: Cant. 1.5: Zech. 3.3, 4. Ob. But the Law seems to impose a curse upon those that perform not as well personal, as perfect obedience unto the same: Deut. 27.26. A. The Law is not made for a righteous man, but for the Lawless and disobedient For the ungodly and profane, for murderers of fathers, for murderers of mothers for man-slayers, for them that defile themselves with mankind; for man-stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing, that is contrary to sound Doctrine 1 Tim. 1.9. Q. These things were good indeed if my heart could be drawn to believe them. A. Christ jesus being ascended up unto the Father, will send the Comforter unto you. And when he is come, he will convince you of righteousness; and that upon this ground; Because he goeth unto the Father, and you shalt see him no more: joh. 16.7. Q. What is our work we have to do for the furthering and procuring of our own justification? A. This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent, (joh. 6.29.) And the just shall live by faith, Hab. 2.4. For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed GOD, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. Rom. 4.3. Galathians 3.6.8. james 2.23. Rom. 3.21.22 For the Scripture foreseeing that GOD would justify the Gentiles through faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the Gentiles (being in themselves full of all unrighteousness: Rom. 1.29.) be blessed: Gal. 3.8. Ob. But was not Abraham our Father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his Son upon the Altar, (james 2.21.) And will you herein so include faith, as wholly to exclude works? james 2.24. A. By works Abraham was manifested, but not made just: james 2.18. Moreover, that no man is justified by the Law; it is evident for the just shall live by Faith, (Galathians 3.11.) And when we were yet of no strength, CHRIST died for the ungodly, (Romans 5.6.) to declare at this time his righteousness that he might be just, an● a justifier of him which believeth in Iesu● (Rom. 3.26.) By whom all that beleeu● are justified from all things, from whic● they could not be justified by the Law 〈◊〉 Moses, (Acts 13.39.) And to him tha● worketh not, but believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is accounte● unto him for righteousness, Rom. 4.5. Moreover, the Law is weak through th● flesh, (Rom. 8.3.) And all having sins (Rom. 3.23.) by the Law comes the knowledge of sin, (Rom. 3.20.) Whereby, s● many as are of the works of the Law, ar● under the curse. Gal. 3.10. Whereupon the Gentiles which followed not righteousness, have attained to righteousness; even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel which followed after the Law of righteousness, hath not attained the Law of righteousness, wherefore? because they sought it not by faith; but as it were by the works of the Law: For they stumbled at the stumbling stone, (Rom. 9.30.) And if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before GOD, Rom. 4.2. Seeing then it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith, (Rom. 3.30.) Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law: Rom. 3.28: 1 Cor. 4.4: Rom. 3, 21, 22. Gal. 2.16: 3.8.4.3.2. Ob. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharises which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and commanded to keep the whole Law of Moses. Acts 15.5. A. Men and brethren, you know, how that a good while ago, God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the Gospel, and believe; now therefore these men did but tempt God, in putting a yoke upon the neck of the Disciples, which neither our fathers, nor we were able to bear: Acts 15.7.10. Ob. Moses himself describeth the righteousness which is of the Law, that the man which doth those things shall live by them? A. But the righteousness which is 〈◊〉 faith speaketh on this wise, Say no● thou in thine heart, Who shall ascen● into Heaven, that is, to bring down CHRIST from above? Or who shal● descend down into the deep, that is, to bring CHRIST from the dead? But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thine heart, that is, the Word of faith which we preach. And which with the heart we believe unto righteousness: Rom. 10.6. Q. Is the Law then against the promise? A. GOD forbidden. For if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily, righteousness should have been by the Law; but the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise of the faith of JESUS CHRIST might be given to them that believe. Gal. 3.21. Q. If righteousness be not by the Law; why was it exhibited? The Law was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come, to whom the promise was made, Galathians 3.19. And it was our Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ: Gal. 3.24. Moreover, the Law entered that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound; that as sin had reigned unto death, so might grace reign through righteousness, unto eternal life, by JESUS CHRIST our Lord: Romans 5.20, 21. Ob. But if while we seek to be justified by CHRIST, we ourselves are found sinners; Is therefore Christ the minister of sin? Gal. 2.17 A. GOD forbidden. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a trespasser: For, I through the Law, am dead to the Law, that I might live unto GOD: (Gal. 2.17.) You therefore are as free, an● not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God, (1 Pet 2.16.) But if ye are lead by the spirit, ye ar● not under the Law, (Gal. 5.18.) The fruit● whereof, is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentlense, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no Law: Gal. 5.22. Q. You have well satisfied me in the article of justification, tell me therefore what use I am to make thereof? A. 1 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord; for he will have mercy upon him, and to our God; for he will abundantly pardon, (Isai. 55.7.) and will blot out their sins, when the time of refreshing shall come: Acts 3.19. But if they will not obey his voice, let them beware of him; for he will not pardon their transgressions, (Exo. 23.21.) But the soul that doth presumptuously, shall be cut off from among his people: Numbers 15.30, 31. 2. Take unto you words, and turn unto the Lord, and say unto him; Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciousty, (Hosea 14.2.) Pardon I beseech thee mine iniquities according to the greatness of thy mercies, (Numb. 14.19.) And enter not into judgement with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Psal. 143.2. and 41.4.51.1, etc. 25.11. 3 Because when you have thus prayed, the Lord will say, I have pardoned according to thy words, Num. 14.20. therefore hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plentiful redemption● Psal. 130.7: 131.3. 4 Say, Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgresions of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy, Micah 7.18. Psal. 103.1, etc. Isa. 44.23. 5 Say, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's children? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that is dead, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, (Rom. 8.33.) For in the Lord shall the seed of Israel be justified, & shall glory: Isa. 45.25. & 61.10. 6 Account therefore all things but loss for the excellent knowledge of Christ jesus your Lord. For whom Paul also suffered the loss of all things, and did account them but dung, that he might win Christ; and be found in him, not having his own righteousness which is of the Law; but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of GOD through faith: Phil. 3.8.9. and 3.3 etc.— 7 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage: Gal. 5.1. 8 What shall we say then; shall we continue still in sin, that grace may abound? God forbidden, (Rom. 6.1, 2.) And shall we sinne because we are not under the Law, but under grace? God forbidden. For brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh, Gal. 5.13: Romans 7.5, 6: 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. 1 Peter 4.1. etc. Rom. 7.1, etc. 8.12. 9 Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you, (Eph. 4.32.) For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive ●ou: But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, no more will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses: Math. 6.14.15: Col. 3.13: Mat. 18.22. Math. 18.33. CHAP. VI Reconciliation. Q. YOu having thus dispatched the promise of justification, tell me what grace is that which doth next and immediately flow from it? A. Being justified by faith, we have peace towards God, through our Lord jesus Christ, (Rom. 5.1.) Who is our peace, and hath broke down the middle wall of partition between us, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the Law of commandments, contained in ordinances, for to make to himself one new man, and so making peace, Eph. 2.14. whereby in Christ jesus, we who sometimes were fare off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ: and by him we have an access by one spirit unto the Father. Ephes. 2.13. Col. 1.21.2.14. 2 Cor. 5.19. 1 Tim. 2.5, Isa. 26.3: 27.4. 2 Thes. 3.16. Q. May not this peace and agreement once made, be again lost? A. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth it, give I unto you, (joh. 14.27.) For this is as the waters of Noah; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn, that I will not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee: for the mountains shall departed, and the hills shall be removed; but my kindness shall not departed from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee: Isa. 54.9. Numb. 25.12 Isa. 9.7. Phil. ●. 7. Q. What other grace hath this peace with God attending it? A. joy in the holy Ghost, (Rom. 14.17.) whereby the meek shall joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the holy one of Israel, (Isa. 29.19.) And shall be full of joy with his countenance, (Act. 2.28.) And be satisfied as with marrow, and fatness: Psal. 63.5. By means whereof job had songs in the night, (job 35.10.) And David was made exceeding glad with God's countenance, Psal. 21.6: Nehe. 12.43: Psal. 33.21: jer. 4.2: Psal. 104.34: joh. 15.11: 17.13: Psal. 89.15. Isa. 65.18. Acts 8.39: 16.34.13.52. Psa. 4.7. Isa. 9.3. Q. What followeth upon this our peace and joy in God? A. 1 Peace with men. For than shall they beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more, Isa. 2.4. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf, and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. Isa. 11.6. The hatred of Ephaim shall departed, and the adversaries of judah shall be cut off. Ephraim shall not envy judah, neither shall judah vex Ephraim: Isa. 11.13.65.25. Micha. 4.3. Zech. 3.10. Gen. 21.27. Zech. 9.10. Isa. 66.12. 2 Peace with all other creatures. For they are at league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field, they are at peace with them: job. 5.23. Because God hath established his covenant with them, and with their seed after them, and with every living creature; of the fowl, of the cattles, and of every beast of the earth, (Gen. 9.9.) and with the creeping things of the ground, (Hosea 2.18.) And the fear of them, and the dread of them, shall be upon every beast of the earth, upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, & upon all the fishes of the sea; into their hand are they delivered: Gen. 9.2. Ob. You tell me of peace and joy, but behold trouble and sorrow: jer. 4.10. A. You now have sorrow, but your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you, joh. 16.22. For light is sown for the righteous, & joy for the upright in hart: Ps. 97.11. Mark the perfect man, behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace, (Psal. 37.37.) And though now the earth be moved, and though the mountains fall into the midst of the Sea; though the waters thereof rage, and be troubled, and the mountains shake at the surges of the same; yet there is a river whose stream shall make glad the City of God, (Psalm 46.2.) Whereby they shall lift up their voice, and shall shout for the magnificence of the Lord, and shall rejoice: Isa. 24.14. Q. What are the means whereby this joy and peace with God, and the creature, may be maintained? A. 1 Pray, saying, The Lord of peace, give us peace, always, by all means. (2 Thes. 3.16.) That we may see the good of thy chosen, that we may rejoice in the gladness of thy Nation, that we may glory with thine inheritance, (Psal. 106.5.) Let the righteous be glad, let them rejoice before thee, yea let them exceedingly rejoice, Ps. 68.3.51: 8.5.11.40.16.48.11.122, 6.7: 1 Sam. 25.6. 2 The work of righteousness is peace, (Isa. 32.17.) And to as many as walk according to this rule, Peace shall be on them, (Gal. 6.16.) I will therefore hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his Saints: but let them not turn again to folly, Psal. 85.8. For the wicked are like the troubled Sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire, and dirt; There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked: Isa. 57.20.48.22: Rom. 8.6: 14.17: james 3.18. 2 Corinth. 13.11. 3 If you would have peace with men, provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men, (Rom. 12.18.) And therefore seek peace and pursue it, (Psal. 34.14.) And follow hard after the things that make for it: Rom. 14.19. 4 Would you have peace with the creatures? To the pure, all things are pure, (Titus 1.15.) And every creature of God is good, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God, and by prayer: 1 Tim. 4.4.5. CHAP. VII. Adoption, and Regeneration. Q. What followeth upon our justification, and reconciliation? A. To be the children of God through faith in Christ jesus, (Gal. 3.26.) For to as many as received him, to them he gave this prerogative to be his sons, even to them that believe in his name, joh. 1.12. Who came to redeem us that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, Gal. 4.5. Behold, therefore what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: 1 joh. 3.1. Math. 5.9. Reuel. 21.7. Ob. This seems to be no great matter, for they live in no such outward pomp; nay their condition seems to be worse than other men's: Psal. 73.5. A. The Kingdom of God is not of meat and drink, (Rom. 14.17.) nor cometh with observation; neither shall they say, Lo here, or lo there: for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you, (Luke 17.20.) and is all glorious there: Psal. 45.13. Q. But what portion, and inheritance hath God for such as be his children? A. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand, (joh. 3.35.) In whom we also have obtained an inheritance, (Ephes. 1.11.) For, if we be children, then are we heirs, heirs of God, and jointheires with Christ: Rom. 8.17. Gal. 4.7. Psal. 16.5. Ob. This belonged unto Abraham, and to his seed, but not to the sinners of the Gentiles. A. If you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to promise, Gal. 3.29. Neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children; but in Isaac shall thy seed be called, that is, they which are the children of the flesh, they are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted for the seed: Rom. 9.7. Now we brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise, Gal. 4.28.3.7. 1 Pet. 3.6.1.2.10: Luk. 19.9: Mat. 3.9: joh. 8.39.47. Hos. 1.10.2.23: Isa. 65.1. Ob. This privilege may concern some great personages of the Gentiles, but not such abject, and despised persons as I am. A. Harken my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him, james 2.5. For you see your calling, how that not many wise men after the flesh, nor many mighty, nor many noble are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world, confound the things that are mighty; a● base things of the world, and things wh● are despised hath God chosen, yea, thi● which are not, to bring to nought thi● that are, that no flesh should glory in presence: 1 Cor. 1.26. Isa. 66.2. Ob. If I could do some thing worthy of such a reward, there were th● some hope. A. God hath called us, not according works, but according to his own purpose, a● grace whieh was given us in Christ Ies●● before the world began, 2 Tim. 1.9. For 〈◊〉 promise made to Abraham, that he sho● be the heir of the world, was not to ●braham and his seed through the Law, 〈◊〉 through the righteousness of faith: For they which are of the Law be heirs, faith made void, & the promise made of none ●fect: Ro. 4.13.11.5: Luk. 17.7. Tit. 3.3. Ob. Notwithstanding, it will not o● of my mind, but that it is my well d●ing (if at all) that must enter me in this estate. A. This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you, (Gal. 5.8.) For God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the Law to redeem them that are under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of Sons, Gal. 4.4.5. And therefore tell me, you that desire to be under the Law, do you not hear the Law? For it is written, Cast out the bondwoman, and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman: Gal. 4.21. Gen. 21.10. Q. How comes it then to pass, that we miserable creatures should be so highly exalted? A. We have not chosen him, but he hath chosen us, (joh. 15.16.) And hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children by jesus Christ, to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephes. 1.5.11.) For behold the heaven, and the heaven of heaven is the Lords; the earth also, with all things that therein is. Only the Lord hath a delight in us, & hath chosen us above all people, as it is this day: Deu. 10.14. Isa. 60.21. Rom. 11.5. Ob. Can it be imagined that me● instamped with the devil's image should become the children of God? A, No: For there are also given unto us, great and precious promises, that 〈◊〉 these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that 〈◊〉 in the world through lust, (2 Pet. 1.4. Whereby we have put off the old man wit● his deeds, and have put on the new ma● which is renewed in knowledge, after th● image of him that created us, Col. 3.9. An● are changed into the same image, from glory, to glory: 2 Cor. 3.18. Q. What are the causes by which this Image of God is wrought in us? A. 1 Principal efficient, the Spirit of the Lord, (2 Cor. 3, 18.) For we are borne not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man; but of God, (joh. 1.13.) That which is borne of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is borne of the Spirit, is Spirit: joh. 3.6.8: Tit. 3.5. 2 Instrumental, the word. For of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures, (james 1.18.) Being borne again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever: 1 Pet. 1.23. 3 Ministering; the Preachers who do beget us by the Gospel, (1 Corinth. 4.15.) And do travel in birth until Christ be form in us: Gal. 4.19: Isa. 66.8: 1 Cor. 9.1.2. Q. How may we know ourselves to have this image and so to be the children of God? A. By these marks, we know that we are of God; when yet the whole world lieth in wickedness: 1 joh. 5.19. 1 God himself hath sealed us, and hath given the earnest of the spirit in our hearts, (2 Cor. 1.22.) which spirit beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God: Rom. 8.16. 2 He that believeth on the Son, hath the witness in himself, that he is borne of God: 1 joh. 5.10.5.1. 3 He that is of God, heareth God's word, john 8.47. And as new borne babes, do● desire that sincere milk of the Word, tha● he may grow thereby: 1 Peter 2.2. 4 If you know that he is righteous, you know, every one that doth righteousness, i● borne of him, (1 john 2.29.) And being new borne, he doth not commit sin, because his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sinne because he is borne of God. In thi● therefore are the children of God known, and the children of the devil, whosoever doth not righteously is not of God, 1 joh. 3.9.3 Epist. 11: Rom. 8.14. 5 Love is of God, and every one that loveth is borne of God, and knoweth God: 1 john 4.7. 6 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Mat. 5.9. But if you have bitter envying, and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth, (james 3.14.) For your spot is not the spot of his children; they that are such, are a crooked and perverse generation▪ Deut. 32.5. Hosea 1.9: Deut. 32.32, 33. john 8.44: Isa. 57.3. Q. What may this privilege of being the children if God teach us? A. 1 To pray that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance is in the Saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power: Ephes 1.18. 2 To call no man your father on earth, for one is your father in heaven, (Math. 23.9.) But be ye followers of God as dear children: For ye were once darkness, now are ye light in the Lord, walk as children of the light, (Ephes. 5.1.8.) And let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven: Math. 5.16: Mal. 1.6: 1 Pet. 1.17. Ephes. 4.30. 3 To look diligently that there be no profane person, as was Esau: who for a morsel of meat sold his birthright; for you know how that afterwards, when he would have inherited the blessing he was rejected: For he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears: Hebr. 12.15.16. Gen. 25.32: Hosea 3.3. CHAP. VIII. God's disposition to his children. Q. WHy, what is the disposition o● this our Father toward us? A. 1 When he passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold thy time was the time of love, (Ezeck. 16.8.) For the Father himself loveth you, (joh. 16.27.) Which love of his was herein manifested, because he sent his only begotten Son into the World, that you might live through him: 1 joh. 4.9. Thus the Lord loveth the righteous, (Psalm. 146.8.) But the wicked, and him that loveth violence, his soul hateth: Psal. 11.5: Prou. 8.17.15.9: john 14.21: 1 Cor. 8.3. Rom. 5.8. 1 joh. 3: 16.15.9. joh. 11.36: Dan. 10.11: joh. 17.26: Hos. 14.4. 2 He esteemeth of us: For the Lord's portion is his people, jacob the lot of his inheritance, (Deut. 32.9: jerem. 10.16: Psal. 132.13: 135.4.) Even a chosen generation, a royal Priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, 1 Peter. 2, 9: Reu. 1.6, 5, 10. A crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, a Royal diadem in the hand of their God, (Isa. 62.3.) whereby as one in a certain place saith, so say I, Lord, what is man that thou art so mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou makest account of him? Heb. 2.6. Psal. 144.3: job 7.17: Exo. 19.5. Deut. 14.2: 1 Pet. 3.4. Psalm. 33.12: Isa. 49.16. Pro. 20.15. 3 The Lord taketh pleasure in his people, Psal. 149.4. He will rejoice over them with joy, he will rest in his love, he will joy over them with singing: Zeph. 3.17. For saith Christ to his Church, thou art beautiful my love, as Tirza, comely as jerusalem, terrible, as an Army with banners. Turn away thine eyes from me; for they have overcome me. Cant. 6.4. Behold, thou art fair my beloved, yea, pleasant, also our bed is green, (Cant. 1.16. Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse, thou hast ravished my heart, with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. How fair is thy love my sister, my spouse? how much better is thy love than wine, and the smell of thine ointments than all spices? Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honey comb, honey and milk are under thy tongue, and the smell of thy garment, is like the smell of Lebanon. Cant. 4.9: 7.1.2.2.2.14.3.6.4.7.2 16: Psal. 45.11: jer. 31.20. Thus as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee, Isa. 62.5. Isa. 62.4.5.7. Hosea 9.10. Psalm 147.11: Pro. 15.26. Contrarily, the thoughts of the wicked are abomination to the Lord, (Pro. 15.26.) For he is not a God that taketh pleasure in wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with him: Psalm. 5.4: Prou. 26.11: 15.8. Psalm. 106.39: Amos 6.8: Psalm. 78.59. levit. 26.30. 4 He hath a tender care over them: For he shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather his lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young, (Isa. 40.11.) As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young; spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings, so the Lord alone leadeth his people, and there is no strange God with him, (Deu. 32.11.) And the land also which they possess, is a land which the Lord their God careth for; the eyes of the Lord, their God is always upon it, from the beginning of the year, even unto the end of the year: Deut. 11.11, 12: 1 Peter 5.7: Hesea 11.3: Cant. 2.6. Moreover, as a father pittieh his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth their frame, he remembreth that they are but dust: Psal. 103.13: 2 Kings 13.4: 13.23.2.14.26, 27. Acts 26.14, 15. Zech. 2.8. Math. 6.25.34. Q. May not this love of God, and of Christ be through temptation extinguished? A. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned: Cant. 8.7. Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom. 8.35.) He is our God for ever, and ever. Psal. 48.14. Q What should this love of Christ teach us? A. A mutual desire after Christ, and delight in him saying: Lord lift up the light of thy countenance, (Psal. 4.6.) and cause thy face to shine upon us, (Psalm. 67.1.) Set us as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm, Cant. 8.6. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for thy love is better than wine. Draw me, we will run after thee, we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine, (Cant. 1.2.4.) And our soul shall follow hard after thee: Psal. 63.8.132.3: Cant. 8.1. Psalm. 37.4. For all thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad, (Psal. 45.8.) while the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof A bunddle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me, he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts; my beloved is unto me, as a cluster of Camphire in the vineyards of Engedie. (Cant. 1.12.) And as the apple tree, among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. (Cant. 2.3.) Thou art fairer than the children of men, grace is poured into thy lips. (Psal. 45.2.) Thy mouth is most sweet, yea thou art altogether lovely. (Cant. 5.16.) Therefore my beloved is mine and I am his, (Cant. 2.16.) I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love: Cant. 2.3. Awake O Northwind, and come thou South, blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruit: Cant. 4.16: joh. 3.29. 1 Cor. 16.22. 2 Thou must for him forsake thine own people, and thy father's house, (Psal. 45.10.) Even as Levy, who said unto his Father, and to his Mother, I have not seen him, neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor know his own children: Deu. 33.9: Mar. 10.29. Luk. 14.26.33: 17.32. Heb. 10.34. Q. But where is Christ this our beloved to be found? Can. 1, 7. A. Where two or three are gathered together in his name, there is he in the midst of them, (Math. 18.20.) Therefore if thou know'st not (O thou fairest among women) go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids besides the shepherd's tents: Cant. 1.8. Acts 10.6. CHAP. IX. Of God's hearing Prayers. Q. WHat are the fruits of Gods Fatherly dispotion towards us his people? A. One is that thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, (job 22.27.) In an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation, (Isa. 49.8.) Thou shalt call, and the Lord shall say, here I am, (Psa. 58.9.) At the voice of thy cry, when he shall hear it, he will answer thee, (Isa, 30.19.) Yea, it shall come to pass, that before you call he will answer, and whiles you are yet speaking, he will hear: Isa. 65.24. Math. 18 19: jerem. 29.12: joh. 4 10. Gen. 20.7. For in my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God, he heard my voice out of his Temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears, (Psal. 18.6.) And whiles Daniel was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel came unto him, & said at the beginining of thy suppications, the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee the vision, (Dan. 9.20.) And so the Lord answered the Angel, praying for jerusalem, with good words, and comfortable words: Zec. 1.13: Gen. 19.20, 21: 20.17.24.12, etc. Exod. 2.23: 8.12, etc. 12.30.9.33. 10.18.15.24, 25.17.11.32.9.10.33.17: Numb. 21.6, 7, 8: 14.19, 20: josua 10.12: 1 Sam. 1.27.7.9.12.18: 1 Kings 13.6.17.21: 18.38: 2 Kings 1.9: 6▪ ●7. 1 Chron. 4.10: 2.20: 12.30.27: Ezra 8.23: Psal. 6.8: jona. 2.10: Acts 4.31: 10.4: 12.5: 16.25: Heb. 5.7. Ob. I am sure there is no day wherein I do miss prayer, and yet I am never the near. A. You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, (james 4.3.) And your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good things: jer. 5.25. Q. What is then required of a man that he may pray aright, and with assurance of being heard? A. 1 Concerning the person: and first that he be in Christ; who because he prayeth not for the world, but for those the Father hath given him, (john 17: 9) If ye abide in him, ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you: joh. 15.7. 2 That he be righteous: the prayer of the righteows availeth much, (james 5.16.) For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers, (1 Pet. 3.12. If ye regard wickedness in your heart, the Lord will not hear you, (Psal. 66.18.) But if your heart condemn you not, then may you have confidence towards God, and whatsoever you ask, you shall receive of him, because you keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight, 1 john 3.21. For the Lord is fare from the wicked, but he heareth the prayer of the righteous, (Prou. 15.29.) The fear of the wicked it shall come upon him, but the desire of the Righteous shall be granted, Pro. 10.24. Now because in many things we sinne all, (Eccles. 7.20.) What prayer, and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all the people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, then will God hear in heaven, his dwelling place. 1 Kings 8.38: Psalm 145.19: joh. 15.7: 1.3.22. CONTRA. jud. 10. 14.11.7: Isa. 59 1. jer. 3.4.7.16. Hos. 5.7.14. Micha 3.4. Prou. 1. 24.21.1● judges 11.7. 2 The thing we pray for must be good. For they that seek the Lord, sh● want no good thing, (Psalm. 34.10.) F●● what man is there of you, whom if his son● ask bread, will he give him a stone, or if ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If then being evil know how to give good gif● to your children, how much more sh● your Father which is in heaven give go●● things to them that ask him: Mat. 7.9. 3 The manner must be according t● Gods will. For this is the confidence th● we have in him, that if we ask an● thing according to his will, he hears us: 1 joh. 5.14. Q. what is then the will of God concerning the manner of prayer; that so praying we may obtain? A. 1 You must ask in faith, nothing waverering, for he that wavereth, is like ● wave of the sea, driven with the wind, an● tossed; neither let not that man think, that he shall receive any thing of the Lord, james 1.6.). But if thou do commit thy ●ay unto the Lord, and trust in him, then ●hall he bring it to pass: Psal: 37.5. 2 In sincerity. For the Lord is nigh ●ll them that call upon him, to all that call ●pon him in truth: Psal. 145.18. 3 Prayer shall be available if it be cruent, (james 5.16.) Open thy mouth ●ide, and he will fill it, (Psal. 81.10) ●ry aloud, and he shall hear thy voice, Psal. 55.17.) And if with jacob thou ●rastle with God, thou as a Prince shalt ●aue power with God and man, and ●halt prevail Gen. 32.26: Hosea 12.4. Exod. 32.10: Luke 11.5. Heb. 5.7. 4 Pray continually, (1 Thes. 5.17) even ●uery day, saying; Give us this day our ●aly bread, (Mat. 6.11.) and without cea●ng, praying night and day, (2 Tim. 1.3.) ●ea, evening and morning, and at noon ●hen you pray, he shall hear thy voice Psalm 55.17. For Peter and james and john with the ●est, continued with one accord in prayer, and supplication, (Acts 11.4.) And suddene there came a sound from heaven, as of a rus●ing mighty wind, which filled all the hou● where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fir●● and it sat upon each of them; and they we●● all filled with the holy Ghost; and began to speak with other tongues as the Spir●● gave them utterance: Act. 2.2.9.2.3. 5, We must submit ourselves vnt● Gods will for the success; as di● Christ, who prayed, saying, O my Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from m● nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wil● (Math. 26.39.) and was heard in that h● feared: Hebr. 5.7. 6. With charity towards men▪ whe● ye stand praying, forgive; if you ha●● ought against any, that your Father al● which is in heaven may forgive you, (Mar● 11.24.) For with what measure you me●● it shall be measured to you again. Mat. 7. ● 7 We must do all in the name 〈◊〉 Christ: For through him we both have a● access by one spirit unto the Father, (Eph 2.18.) In whose name, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father, that will he do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son: john 14.13. Ob. All these things I have striven for in prayer; but I am so cumbered with sin, as may justly move the Lord to keep good things from me. A Elias was a man subject to the like passion as we are, and he prayed earnestly, that it might not rain, and it reigned not: james 5.17. Ob. That might be but a chance. A. He prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth her increase: james 5.18. Ob. But what is that to me? A. This was written for the generations to come, (Psal. 102.18.) And there is no difference between the jew and the Greek; for the same Lord, over all, is rich unto all that call upon him, (Rom. 10.12.) For which shall every one that is godly prey unto him, in a time when he may b● found: Psalm. 32.6: john 17.20. Q. What are the reasons of Gods hearing our prayers? A. 1 Because he is your Father, and knoweth what things you have need of before you ask him, Math. 6, 8: and 7.9. 2 The Angel of the covenant standing at the altar, having a golden censer, there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden altar, which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the Saints, ascended up before God, out of the Angel's hand, revelat. 8.3. For ye are not come unto the mount, that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words, which voice, they that heard; entreated that the word should not be spoken unto them any more: But ye are come to jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel: Heb. 12.18. Which jesus hath promised that if we shall ask the Father any thing in his name, that he will pray unto the Father for us, (john 16.26.) By whose prayers, our prayers also are sanctified: Mat. 23 19 Q. Seeing God hath thus promised to hear our prayers, what in the sense of our wants must we do? A. Having therefore boldness to enter into the holy place, by the blood of jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say his flesh; and having an high Priest, over the house of God, let us draw near, with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, (Heb. 10.19.) And be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer, and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your rqevests be made unto God: Phil. 4.6. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you, (james 4.8.) And come boldly to the throne of grace, that ye may obtain mercy, to find grace, to help in time of need Heb. 4.16: Mat. 7.7: Luke 11.9: 1 Tim. 2.8: 1 Pet. 2.4. Col. 4.2: job 8.5: Ephes. 6.18. Isa. 65.16. 2 Saying unto God, hear the voice of my supplication, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hand towards thy holy oracle, Psal. 28.2. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, and my redeemer. Psal. 19.14. Numb. 10.36. 1 King. 8.26.28.52.57. 1 Chro. 4.10. Psal. 5.1.28.2.30.10.84.8.86.6.88.1.130.1.143.1. Isa. 37.17. Dan. 9.19. Mar. 14.36. Ob. But I wanting a gift of prayer, how can I expect that GOD should hear me? A. Likewise also, the spirit will help your infirmities. For though we know not how to pray, as we ought, yet ihe spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings, which cannot be uttered. But he that searcheth of the hearts, knoweth what is the mind of the spirit; because he maketh intercession for the Saints, according to the will of God. Rom. 8.26. Q. When God hath heard our prayers, what is then to be done? A. Say, I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice, and my supplications; because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live, Psal. 116.1. I said in mine haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes; nevertheless, thou heardest the voice of my supplication, when I cried unto thee, (Psal. 31.22.) In the day when I cried, thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul, (Psal. 138.3.) Thou hast given me the desire of my heart, and hast not withdrawn from me the request of my lips: Psal 21.2.10.17. Praise waiteth for thee in Zion, and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayers, unto thee shall all flesh come, (Psal. 65.1.) Blessed be God which hath not turned away our prayer, nor his mercy from us, Psalm. 66.20: Ephes. 3.20. Psal. 66.16, 17. Deut. 4.7. CHAP. X. God accepts his in their services. Q. WHat other fruit can you show of God's fatherly disposition towards us his children? A. He shall also be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, (Psalm. 51.19.) For these are good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Saviour, (1 Tim. 2.3.) And as an odor of a sweet smell: Phi. 4.18. For Noah built and altar, and the Lord smelled a sweet savour, (Gen. 8.20.) Moreover, God had respect unto Abel, and his offering, (Gen. 4.4.) And so shall the offerings of judah and jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years: Mal. 3.4: judges 13.23. Isa. 4.2. Ob. I can perform no work worthy of God's acceptance. A. If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not, (2 Cor. 8.12.) As well as the widow with her two mites, more than the rich, casting in of their abundance: Luke 21.1. Mark 12.44. Ob. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, thou art my Lord, my goodness extendeth not to thee; but to the Saints: Psalm. 16.2. A. I was hungry, and you gave me meat, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came unto me. For verily I say unto you, in as much as you have done it, unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me, (Mat. 25.35.) And whoso shall receive but such a little child, receiveth me: Math. 18.5. Q. What may this teach us? A. Therefore as living stones, being built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, let us offer up spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God, by jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 2.5. And to do good, and to distribute, forget not; because with such sacrifices God is well pleased, (Heb. 13.16.) For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men: Rom. 14.18. Col. 3.17. 2 Cor. 9.7. Ob. If God do accept us in our welldoing, whence then this complaint? We have fasted, and God seethe not; we have afflicted our souls, and he taketh no knowledge: Isa. 58.3. A. If they did well, should they not be accepted? (Gen. 4.7.) When they fasted and mourned, did they at all fast unto me? And when they did eat and drink, did they not eat for themselves, and drink for themselves? Zech. 7.5. Behold, in the day of their fast, they find pleasure, and exact all their labours. Behold, they fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness, (Isa. 58.4.) Thus they have brought an offering, and should I accept this at their hands, saith the Lord: Mal. 1.13. For the ploughing of the wicked is sin, (Prou. 21.4.) And thereir sacrifice is abomination, how much more when they bring it with a wicked mind? Pro. 21.27. jerem. 6.20, 14.12. Isa. 1.11.58.5. Amos 5.21.5.25. Isa. 66.3. Psalm 50.9. Hosea 6.6. 1 Cor 7.19. Psalm. 40.6. Mark 12.33. james 1.22. Luke 11.41. jer. 7.22. Hos. 4.19. Hag. 2.11. Mal. 1.7.13. CHAP. XI. There is a reward for the righteous. Q. But suppose we have God's acceptance; is this all we shall have for our well doing? A. He that soweth righteousness, shall also have a sure reward: (Prou. 11.18.) And every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labour. 1 Cor. 3.8. Whether he be bond or free: Ephes. 6.8. So that he which followeth after righteousness and mercy, findeth life, righteousness and honour, (Prou. 21.21.) For behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him; Behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him, (Isa. 40.10.) So that a man shall say. verily there is a reward for the righteous, verily he is a God that judgeth the earth; Psalm. 58.11. Prou. 19.8.24.4.21.21. job. 34.7, etc. Therefore Vzziah so long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper, (2 Chro. 26.5.) Hezechiah also wrought that which was good and right and true before the Lord, and prospered, 2 Chro. 31.20: 17.3. Numb. 25.11. Math. 26.13: Exod. 1.21. Zech. 3.7. Gen. 22.16. jerem. 35.18: Heb. 11.5. Gen. 18.17.19.24.12. with 26.2 Chro. 14.7, etc. 2.13, 18: Psal. 18.20. Ob. Much good is done which God may neither see nor observe. A. The Lord searcheth the heart, and tryeth the reines, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: (jerem. 17.10.) For he is the great and mighty God, the Lord ●f host is his name, great in counsel, and mighty in work; for his eyes are open, upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings, (jer. 32.18.) And do run to and fro, throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong, in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him, 2 Chron. 16.9: Psal. 111.5. Ob. But may not God forget our welldoing? A. God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed towards his name, in that you have ministered to the Saints, and do minister: Heb. 6.10. For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant, (Psal. 105.42.) And when they that feared the Lord, and speak often one to another, the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name Mal. 3.16. I have waited long and yet hau● no reward. A. Yet be not weary in welldoing, fo● in due season you shall reap, if you faint not Gal. 6.9. For how ever the son of man be a● one gone into a fare country, to recei●● unto himself a kingdom; yet will he return, (Luke 19.11.) And come in the glory of his Father, with his Angels, and the● he shall reward every man according to hi● works: Mat. 16.27. Therefore turn thou to thy God, keep mercy, and judgement, and wait on thy Go● continually: Hos. 12.6. Ob. As for works of mercy, wherein I do part with my goods, the more good I do for others, the less good remains to myself. A. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth: The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself: (Prou. 11.24.25.) He which soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully, (2 Cor. 9.6.) Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down shaken together, running over: Luke 6.38. For God is able to make all grace to abound towards you, that you having sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work. As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever: 2 Cor. 9.8. Psalm. 112.9. 1 Kings 17.16. Isa. 32.8. Psalm 41.1. Q. Why will God thus reward our welldoing in this kind? A Because the administration of this service, not only supplieth the want of the Saints; but is abundant also by many thanksgiving unto God: whiles by the experiment of this minsteration, they glorify God, for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them: 2 Cor. 9.12. Math. 5.16. Q. What is the use of this? A. 1. To confute the scorner, for what man is he then, who drinketh up scorning like water which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and w●keth with wicked men? For he saith profiteth a man nothing, that he shou●● delight himself with God, (job 34.7. And what profit is it, that we have kept h● ordinances, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts, whic● call the proud happy, and say, that suc● as work wickedness, are set up; yea, the● that tempt God, are even delivered. Where as they that fear me, shall be mine, sait● the Lord of hosts, in that day when I ma●● up my jewels; and I will spare them, as man spareth his own son that serveth him Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not: Mal. 3.14. Therefore, harken unto me ye men of understanding; far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should commit iniquity. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways: job 34.10, Mal. 2.17. 2 Pray, saying; Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my ●ood deeds, that I have done for the house ●f my God, and for the offices thereof: (Neh. 13.14.) Do thou O Lord recompense my works, and give unto me a full reward: (Ruth 2.12.) And let thy mercy be upon me, according as I hope in thee: Psal. 33.22. 3 Be strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak; for your work shall be rewarded: (2 Chron. 15.7.) And as every man hath received the gift, even so minister ●he same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God: (1 Pet. 4.10.) Because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto: (Deut. 15.10.) And shall also recompense thee at the resurrection of the just: Luke 14.14. Deut: 14.29. Gal. 6.10. Eccles 11.1. Hebrews 13.2. Colloss. 3.24. Prou. 3.28. 1 Tim. 6.17. Isa. 3.10. Q. Among other good works, show me how the works of charity must be done, that so I neither neglecting th● work, nor fail in the manner of doing them, may be sure not to faile● my reward? A. Take heed, that you do not your alm● before men to be seen of them; otherwise you have no reward of your Father which in Heaven: But when thou dost thi● alms, etc. let not thy left hand know wh● thy right hand doth, that thine alm● may be in secret, and thy Father whic● seethe in secret, himself shall reward th● openly: Math. 6.1.16. And whatsoever you do, do it hearty as to the Lord, a●● not unto men, knowing that of the Lord y●● shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ. Col. 3.23. 2 He that receiveth a Prophet, in th● name of a Prophet, shall receive a Pr●phes reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. An● whosoever shall give to drink unto one 〈◊〉 these little ones a cup of cold water, only i● the name of a Disciple, verily, I say vnt● you, he shall in no wise lose his reward: Math. 10.41. Ob. I see many in want, neither Prophets, nor righteous men, but my enemies, and no lovers of goodness; what in this case must I do? A. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee, (Prou. 25.21) And cast thy bread upon waters, for thou shalt find it after many days: Eccles. 11.1: Luke 6.27. Mat. 5.44. Psal. 35.13. 2 Sam. 1.11, 12 Acts 7.60. Q. What reward shall be to such, as are fruitless in good works? A. As he that giveth to the poor shall not lack, so he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse: (Prou. 28.27.) And he shall have judgement without mercy, that showeth no mercy, james 2.13. And therefore say ye, woe be unto the wicked, it shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him, (Isa. 3.11.) For I say unto you, that unto every one which hath, shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him: Luke 19.26. Prou. 11.26, 27.21.13.11.31.17.5. Isa. 29.1. CHAP. XII. God will teach his in their ways. Q. WHat is the fourth privilege, God bestoweth upon his children? A. That he will instruct and teach them in the way that they should go, and will Guide them with his eye: (Psal. 32.8.) The meek will he guide in judgement, the meek will he teach his way; what man is he that feareth the Lord, him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose? (Psal. 25.9.12.) And will be their guide even unto death: Psal. 48.14. Exo: 33.14 Gen. 46.4. Nehe. 9.20. Psalm. 37.23. joh. 10.3 4. Thus the Lord led his people forth by the right way, that they might go to a City of habitation, (Psal. 107.7.) And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, which his right hand had purchased: Psalm. 78.54. Deut 1.31. Psalm. 78.52, 53. Exod. 13.21.22.40.38. Ob. Notwithstanding I am very subject to miss my way? A. Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left: (Isa. 30.21.) I will bring the blind by a way that they know not, I will lead them in the paths that they have not known; I will mak● darkness light before them, and crooked things strait: (Isa. 42.16.) For I am the light of the world; he that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life: john 8.12.12.46. Q. Is this blessing common to all both good and bad? A. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his ways; but the wicked, shall fall by his own wickedness, (Prou. 11.5.) For they wait for light; but lo it is darkness; for brightness, but they walk in darkness; They grope for the wall, like the blind, and grope as one without eyes; they stumble at the noon day, as in the twilight, they are in solitary places, as dead men: Isa. 59.9. Q. What may these things teach us? A. 1 To pray, saying; show me thy way O Lord; teach me thy paths, lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day (Psal. 25.4.) Led me O Lord in thy righteousness, because of mine enemies, make thy ways straight before my face: (Psal. 5 8.) And if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee. For wherein shall it be known here, that I have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with me? Exod. 33.13.16. Psal. 86.11.27.11.31.3. 2 To ponder the paths of thy feet, that thy ways may be ordered aright, Pro. 4.26. 3 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths: Prou. 3.6. Q. When we have found God to be his words master in this, what is to be done? A. Say, I will bless the Lordw, ho hath given me counsel, my reines also teach me in the night season, (Psal. 16.7.) He restoreth my soul, he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, for his name's sake: (Psalm. 23.3.) For a man's doings being of the Lord, how can he then understand his own ways; Pro. 20.24. CHAP. XIII. The guard of Angels. Ob. NOtwithstanding, which way so ever I go, many dangers do attend me. A. Therefore God hath added another privilege; for the Angels, of the Lord, shall encamp round about thee, to keep thee in all thy ways; they shall bear thee up in their hands, that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone: (Psal. 91.11.) For are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister, for their sakes, which shall be heirs of salvation? Hebr. 1.14. Exod. 32. ●3. 34.2. Behold therefore the mountains full of horses, and chariots of fire, round about Elisha, 2 Kings 6.17.1.19.5. Mark 1.13. Luke 22.43. Gen. 19.10. Acts 27.23.5.19.12.7.10.3. Q. What use make you hereof? A. It admonisheth the wicked, to take heed they despise not one of the least of God's children: because that in heaven their Angels do always behold the face of their Father which is in heaven: Math. 18.10. CHAP. XIV. All things work for good. Ob. IF God do thus guide and guard his children, whence is it, that so many crosses do betide us in our way? A. From God, by whose providence we know that all things work together for Good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose: Rom. 8.28. Q. Will other men's sins in seeking my hurt do me good? A. Yea, for how ever they (as did the brethren of joseph) think evil against us, yet God meaneth it unto good, as then, to bring to pass, by saving much peope alive Gen. 50.20. Q. Their sins turned to the relief of their bodies; but will my own sins, turn to the good of my soul? A. Yea, For Onessimus departed for a season, that he might be received for ever; not then as a servant, but a brother, beloved both in the flesh, and in the Lord, Phile. 15. Moreover, through the sharp contention of Paul, and Barnabas, whereby they departing asunder one from the other, many were edified. Acts 15.37. CHAP. XV. Comfort against death. Ob. IF these be the privileges of the Saints, whosoever then is joined to all the living, there is hope: (Eccles. 9.4.) But what man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? (Psalm. 89.48.) Is not the grave the house apppointed for all the living? (job 30.23.) And will death also work for our good? job 34.14. Eccles 3.18.11.8.9.10. 1 Kings 2.10. Acts 13.36. john 8.52. Gen. 3.19. 2 Sam. 3.38. job 9.25.14.5. Psa. 90.10.103.15.144.4.39.12.39.4, 5. 1 Chron: 29.15. Isa. 40.6. Prou: 19.20. Numb: 23.10. Acts 22 9 A. Man indeed is not Lord over the Spirit, to retain the Spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death: (Eccles: 8.8.) Yet the day of death is better than the day of ones birth, (Eccles. 7.1.) For I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, writ; Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours: (Revel 14.13.) For the wicked have there c●ase● from their tyranny, and there they that laboured valiantly are at rest: The prisoners rest together, and hear not the vo●ce of the oppressor, and the servant is free from his master: (job 3.17.) Peace shall then come, they shall rest in their beds, every one that walketh before him. Isa. 57.2. 2 Though they die, yet their works die not; but do follow th●m: (Revel. 14.13.) And when the wicked by death are driven away in his wickedness, yet the righteous hath hope in his death: Prou. 14.32. Rom: 14.8. Prou: 11.7. Q. Why can these dead bones live? Ezech. 37.3. A. Thy dead men shall live together, with my dead body shall they arise: (Isa▪ 26 19) For since by man came death, by man came the resurrection of the dead: And as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Cor 15.21.) And therefore we have hope towards God, that the resurrection shall be of the just, and unjust: Acts 24.15. Ezech. 37.5. Psalm. 90.3. Q. There is no article of faith, doth more stagger me than this of the resurrection; and therefore I pray help to confirm me in it. A. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth: john 5.28. Now that the dead are raised up, even Moses showeth at the bush, when he calleth the Lord, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob; for he is not the God of the dead, but of the living; for all live unto him: Luke 20.37. Why then should it be thought an incredible thing with you, that God should raise the dead? Acts 26.8. Q. Make the certainty of the resurrection further to appear, by some examples of such as have been raised up from the dead. A. The son of the Shunamite being dead, was by the Prophet Elisha, restored unto his mother alive: 2 Kings 4.32. A dead man also being let down into the sepulchre of Elisha, he revived, and stood upon his feet. (2 Kings 13.21.) And when Christ with a loud voice, said, unto Lazarus arise and come forth; then he that was dead, came forth bound hand and foot, with the grave clothes: (john 11.43.) Likewise at the death of Christ, the graves were opened, and many of the bodies of the Saints which slept, arose and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy City, and appeared unto many, (Math. 27.52.) Remember also that jesus Christ, made of the seed of DAVID, was raised again from the dead, according to my Gospel: 2 Tim. 2.8. Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you, that there is no resurrection from the dead? 1 Cor. 15.12.1.15.4. Acts 10.40. Reue● 1.18. Acts 13.30. Gal. 1.1. Acts 26.23. Q. What doth it concern me, th●● Christ is raised from the dead? A. Very much; for Christ being r●sen from the dead▪ is become the first fruit of them that sleep, (1 Cor. 15.20.) A● this is a faithful saying, that if we be de● with him, we shall also live with him, 2 Tim 2.11. For God that hath raised up th● Lord, will raise up us by his own powe● (1 Cor. 6.14.) who by him do believe i● God, that raised him up from the dead, an● gave him glory that your faith and hop● might be in God: 1 Pet. 1. 2●. 2 Corin. ● 14. Rom. 8.11. Ob. But death is called the King 〈◊〉 terrors: (job. 18.14.) who then ca● overcome it? A. I am (saith Christ) the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, (john 11 25.) I will ransom them from the powe● of the grave, I will redeem them from deat● O death, I will be thy plague! O grave, will be thy destruction,! The sting of death sin, and the strength of sin is the Law; ●t thankes be to God, which hath given ●s victory through our Lord jesus Christ, Cor. 15.55 Psal. 68.20. Hosea 13.14. Ob. I may be drowned in the sea, and devoured of fishes. A. The sea shall give up the dead which ●ein it, and death and hell, shall deliver ●p the dead which were in them, Revel. 20. ●3. Ob. Though I should be buried in ●he earth, yet amidst so many bodies, consumed to dust, and so confusedly ●ixed, my body may be lost. A. This is the Father's will which hath ●ent me, that of all which he hath given me, should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day: joh. 6.39. Ob. The same bodies for number ●hat died, may be raised from the dead; but not the same in identity of bodies. A. I know my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand the latter day upon the earth, and though after my skin, wor● destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall see God; whom I shall see for myself, a● mine eyes shall behold, and not another though my reines be consumed within m● job 19.25. john 11.24. Q. How are the dead raised up? and wi● what bodies do they come? 1 Cor. 15.35. A. Thou fool, that which thou sowest not quickened except it die, and that whi●● thou sowest, thou sowest not that body th● shall be, but bare grain, it maybe cha●● wheat, or some other grain. But God giue● it a body, as it pleaseth him, and to every se● his own body, etc. So also is the resurrection from the dead. It is sown in corruption, is raised in incorruption; It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sowne● weakness, tt is raised in power: it sowne● natural body, it is raised a spiritual bod● 1 Corin. 15.36. Q. You say that all shall be raised; wherein then will stand the difference between the Elect, and reprobate at that day? A. As with Pharaohes chief butler, and chief baker, whose heads were both lifted up; but the one unto his butlership, the other unto the gallows, to be hanged up, (Gen. 40.20.) So all both good and bad, shall come forth. They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation: joh. 5.29. Dan. 12.2.13. Q. What shall become of them, who shall be found alive at the general resurrection? A. Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed: 1 Cor. 15.51. Q. Now I know that we shall rise again in the resurrection, at the last day: joh. 11.24. What therefore would you thence infer? A. 1 Concerning them that sleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others without hope. For if we believe that jesus died and rose again, even so them also, which sleep in jesus, w● God bring with him, 1 Thes. 4.13. 2 Though I walk in the valley, of t●● shadow of death, I will fear no evil; fo● thou art with me, thy ●od, and thy sta● comfort me: (Psalm 23.4.) Therefore also my heart is glad, my glory rejoiceth my flesh also shall rest in hope: for thou wi●● not leave my soul in hell. Psal. 16.9. 3. Let us therefore which have the fir● fruits of the spirit groan within our selue● waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies: Rom. 8.23. 4 Let none of us live or die to our selue● for whether we live, we live unto th● Lord, or whether we die, we die unto th● L●●●, For to this purpose, Christ dye● 〈…〉 and revived, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and living, (Rom 14.7.) Wherefore labour we, that whether present, or ahsent we may be accepted o● him: 2 Cor. 5.9. Q. When this dust returneth to th● earth, (Eccle. 12.7.) who knoweth the spiri● of a man that goeth upward, and the spirit o● the beast that goeth downward to the earth: Eccles. 3.21. A. We know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, but eternal in the heavens, (2 Cor. 5.1.) For the spirit shall return to God, that gave it, (Eccles. 12.7.) and shall be with Christ in Paradise, (Luke 23.43.) And with Lazarus in Abraham's bosom: Luke 16.22. Q. How stand you affected with this? A. I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to departed, and to be with Christ, which is far better, (Pbil. 1.23.) For in this we groan earnestly, desiring to be clothed upon with our house, which is from heaven; if so be that being clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life (2 Cor. 5.2.) Therefore we are always confident; knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, (for we walk by faith, and not by sight) we are confident I say, and willing, rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord, 2 Corin. 5.6. Math. 17.4. CHAP. XVI. Of the last judgement. Ob. WHat we shall have after death I cannot say, but in these days of my vanity I have seen; there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness: (Ecces. 7.15.) yea, the tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; for into their hand God bringeth abundantly, (job 12.6.) Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world, they increase in riches, verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency: For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning: Psal. 73.12, 13. jer. 5.27.12. 1. Eccl. 8.14. A. God hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world, in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17.31.) So that, we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. (Rom. 14.10.) Who shall judge his people. (Heb. 10.30.) Unto whom they also must come to give an account. 1. Pet. 4.5. Heb. 9.27. Psal. 96.13.98.9. Eccles. 11.9. Ob. Where is the promise of his coming? For since the Fathers fell a sleep, all things continue, as they were from the beginning? 2, Pet. 3.4. A. This you are willingly ignorant of, that by the Word of GOD, the Heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water, whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished. But the Heavens, and the earth which are now, by the same word, are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgement, and perdition of ungodly men. But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as ● thousand years, and a thousand years a one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (as some men cou● slackness) but is long suffering, to us ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2. Pet. 3.5. Q. Tell us then when these thing shall be, and what shall be the signs, o● the end of the World. Mat. 24.3. A. 1 Before the end come, many shall come in CHRIST'S name, saying, I am CHRIST, and many false Prophets shall arise. Mat. 24.5.11. 2 The day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (2. Thes. 2.3.) and many be deceived. Mat. 24.5.11. 3 That man of sin shall first be revealed; the son of perdition, who opposeth, and exalteth himself, above all that is called GOD, or that is worshipped. 2. Thes. 2.3.4. 4 You shall hear of wars, and rumours of wars: for Nation shall rise against Nation, & Kingdom against Kingdom, but the end shall not be yet. (Mat. 24.6.7.) 5 Because iniquity shall be increased, the love of many shall wax cold, Mat. 24.12. 6 This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all Nations, and then shall the end come. Mat. 24.14. 7 When the fullness of the Gentiles is come in, all Israel shall be saved; as it is written. The deliverer shall come out of Zion, and shall turn away ungodliness from jacob, Rom. 11.25. 8 As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man; they did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah went into the Ark, and the Flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it reigned fire, and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all; even thus shall it be in the day, when the Son of man is revealed. (Luke 17.26.) And when they shall say peace, and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them; as travel upon a woman with child, (1. Thes. 5.3.) Or as a thief by night, 2. Pet. 3.10. Reuel. 16.15. Math. 24.38. Now learn a parable of the Fig tree, when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. (Math. 24.32.) And when ye see a cloud rise out of the West, straight way ye say a shower cometh, and so it is. And when ye see the South wind blow, ye say, that it will be hot, and it cometh to pass. (Luke 12.54.) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the door. (Math. 24.33.) But of the day and hour, knoweth no man, no not the Angels of heaven, but my Father only, Math. 24.36. Eccles. 8.5.7. Act. 1.7. Q. What shall be the manner of CHRIST'S coming to judgement? A. He shall send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, and they shall gather together, his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven, to the other. (Math. 24.31) Then the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt away with fervent heat: the earth also, with the works that are therein shall be burned up, (2. Pet. 3.10.) And there shall be a great earthquake; the son shall become black, as sackcloth, with hair, and the Moon become as blood, and the Stars of Heaven shall full to the earth, and the heavens shall departed as a scroll. Revel 6.12. And there shall be signs in the Sun, and in the Moon, and in the Stars, and the Sea, and the waves roaring: the powers of the Heaven shall be shaken, and then shall they see the sign of the son of Man coming in the Clouds with power, and great glory. (Luk. 21.25.) Who shall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, (2. Thes. 1.7.) With ten thousands of his Saints, in glory, and all his holy Angels with him. (Mat. 25.31.) Thousands thousands, shall minister unto him; and ten thousand times, ten thousands shall stand before him: and the judgement Seat sha●l be set, and the books opened. (Dan. 7.9.) And every eye shall see him Reu. 1.7. Q. How shall men, in the s●nce o● these things, stand affected? A. Upon the earth there shall be distress of Nations, with perplexity: men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which shall then come on the earth. (Luk. 21.26.) And al● the kindreds of the Earth shall wail because of him. Reuel. 1.7. And in those days shall men seek Death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to dye, and death shall fly from them. (Reu. 9.6.) Then the Kings of the earth, and the great men, and every bondman, and every free man, shall hide themselves in the Dens, and in the Rocks of the Mountains, & shall say to the Mountains, and Rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand? Reuel. 6.15. Isa. 2.19.13.7.33.14. Hos. 10.8. Q. But shall the godly be thus perplexed at the beholding of these things? A. Beloved if our heart condemn us not, then shall we have confidence towards God. (1. joh. 3.21.) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of Power, of Love, and of a sound Mind. (2, Tim. 1.7.) And therefore, when these things begin to come to pass, then shall we look up, and lift up our heads, because our Redemption draweth nigh. (Luk. 21.28.) For CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation, (Heb. 9.28.) And herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness at the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in the World: joh. 1.4.17, 18. Rom. 10.11. Q. When Christ is set down upon his throne of glory, what is the first work he shall do? A. He shall separate the sheep from the Goats; and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on his left, (Mat. 25, 32.) Among whom, there shall be two in one bed; one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken and the other left. Two men shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left. Luk. 17 34. Q. What shall follow upon this separation? A. Such as have followed CHRIST in the Regeneration, when the Son of Man shall sit in the Throne of his glory; they also shall sit upon twelve thrones; judging the twelve tribes of Israel, (Mat. 19.28.) Know ye not also that the Saints shall judge the Angels? 1. Cor. 6.3. Q. What are the things whereof judgement shall be given? A. GOD shall bring every work into judgement with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil, (Eccl. 12.14.) Moreover I say unto you, that for every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgement. For by their words they shall be justified, and by their words they shall be condemned. Matth. 12, 36. joh. 3.18. jude, v. 15. Q. What is the evidence which shall be produced? A. He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove by the hearing of his ears, (Isa. 11.3.) but by the Books which shall be then opened, (Reuel. 20.12.) their Consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing. Rom. 2.15. Q. What are the rules according t● which CHRIST shall judge. A. 1. As many as have sinned with out law, shall perish without law and ● many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. Rom. 2.12. 2. GOD shall judge the secrets of men by JESUS CHRIST, according to m● gospel (Rom. 2.16.) The words also whic● CHRIST hath spoken, shall judge them i● the latter day. joh. 12.48. jam. 2.12. Q. What is the sentence itself which CHRIST shall pronounce? A. He shall say unto them on his righ● hand, come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you, from the foundation of the word. Then sha● he say unto them on his left hand, Departed from me ye Cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil, and his Angels (Math. 25.34.) And unto his servant's h● shall say, bind them hand and foot, (Mat. 22.13.) and cast you these unprofitable servants into outer darkness. Math. 25.30. Q. What shall be the issue of this sentence? A. God will then render to every one according to his deeds. To them who by patiented, continuance in well doing, seek glory, and honour, and immortality; eternal life. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth; but obey unrighteousness; indignation, and wrath tribulation, and anguish upon every soul of man, that doth evil, to the jew first, and also to the Gentile. But glory, and honour, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the jew first, and also to the Gentile. Rom. 2.7. 2. Cor. 5.10. Mat. 25.46. Q. What may the consideration of these things teach us? A. 1. Rejoice O young man in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes, but know thou that for all these things GOD will bring thee into judgement Eccles. 11.9. 2. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons aught ye to be in all holy conversation, and godl●nes? Looking for and hasting, unto the coming of the day of the Lord. And seein● ye look for such things, be diligent, th● ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2. Pet. 3.11, 12, 14. And seeing the day of the LORD shall come as a Thief in the night (1. Thes. 5.2.) Blessed are those Servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall fir● watching, (Luk. 12.37.) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all things, whic● shall come to pass, and to stand before th● Son of man. Luk. 21.36. 1. Thes. 5.4 Reu. 3, 11.16.15. Mar. 25.19. 2. Thes. 13.5. 3 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the Counsels of the hearts, and then shall every man have praise with God, (1. Cor. 4.5.) And say not, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, & he shall save thee. Pro. 20.22. Mat. 7.1. Eccl. 3.17. Rom. 12.19. CHAP. XVII. Of Eternal Life. Q. YOu have said that after the day of judgement, GOD will give Eternal life unto his children: But is ●here any certainty thereof? A. This is the promise that he hath promised unto us, even Eternal life; and ●his life is in his Son: (joh. 1.2.25.1.5.11.) Unto whom he hath given power over all flesh, that he should give Eternal life, to as many as GOD his Father hath given him: (joh. 17.2.) That whosoever liveth, and believeth in him should never die, (job. 11.26.) For this corruptible, shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality. (1. Cor. 15.53.) That as sin had ●aigned unto death, even so might Grace ●aigne, through Righteousness, unto Eternal Life, by JESUS CHRIST our lord Rom. 5.21. joh. 6.40.47. ● 14.15 Rom. 6.9.6.23. Heb. 9.12. ● 24, Reu. 20.6. Mark. 16.19. Psal. 133, ● Gen. 5.24. 2. King. 2.11. Pro. 14. 2● 15.24. Q. Whereunto shall we be th● like? A. We shall then be as the Angels GOD. (Mat. 22.30.) And be made conformable to the Image of his Son. (Ro● 8.29.) When he shall first have change our vile bodies, and made them like vn● his glorious body. (Phil. 3.21.) For as the earthly, such are they that are earthly and as is the heavenly, such are they th● are heavenly. And as we have borne t● image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly: (1. Cor. 15 48. Having bodies shining as the brightness of the Firmament, and as the starred (Dan. 12.3.) Yea as the Sun for ev●● and ever. Matth. 13.43. Exod. 3● 30.35. Q What manner of dwelling sha● we then have? A. Full glorious things are spoken of this City of GOD. (Psal. 87.3.) For it is such a City, as Abraham looked for, whose builder and maker is GOD. (Heb. 11.10.) The same is a great City, having the glory of GOD: whose light is like unto a stone most precious: even like a jasper stone, clear as Crystal. It hath a wall great, and high, with twelve Gates, and at the Gates twelve Angels. And the wall of the City hath twelve foundations, and the City lieth four square; and the length is as large as the breadth, twelve thousand furlongs: and the length, and the breadth, and the height of it are equal. And the building of the wall it is jasper, and the City pure gold, like unto clear glass; and the foundations of the wall of the City, are garnished with all manner of precious stones. Reuel. 21.10. etc. Q. What good company shall we there have? A. 1 All the faithful: for we shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. Maht. 8.11. Luk. 13.28. 2 CHRIST; with whom we sh● appear in glory, (Col. 3.4.) and sh● for ever be with the Lord, (1. Thes. 4. 17● who died for us, that whether we awake or sleep, we should live together with him (1. Thes. 5.10.) And therefore he gone to prepare a place for us; who w● come again, and receive us unto himself to the end, that where he is there we m● be also, (job. 14.3.) to behold his glor● joh. 17.24.12.26. 3 GOD himself: for I heard great voice from Heaven, saying, behold the Tabernacle of GOD is with man; an● he will dwell with them: (Reuel. 21.3. ● Who shall be as Moses, unto whom th● Lord spoke face, to face, as a man speaks to his friend: (Exod. 33.11. (Matth▪ 5.8. Q. But is this house large enough to hold so much company? A. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have tol● you. I go to prepare a place for you. joh▪ 14.2. Q. Shall we then, and there be subject to any more misery? A. The voice of weeping shall be heard no more there, nor the voice of crying. (Isa. 65▪ 19) For God shall wipe all tears from your eyes, (Reu. 21.4.) You shall hunger no more, nor thirst any more, neither shall the son light on you nor any heat. (Reuel. 7.16.) For there is the tree of life, the leaves whereof, are for the healing of the nations, and there shall be no more curse. Reu. 22.2. Isa. 54, 4. Reuel. 7.17, 14.13. Heb. 4, 6. Q. Shall we then have the benefit of all our earthly comforts, and delights, we now enjoy? A. In the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, Math. 22.30. Moreover there is no temple there, (Reu. 21.22.) they need no candle, neither light of the Sun. (Reuel. 22.25.) The Sun shall be no more, a light by day, neither for brightness, shall the Moon give light unto them. Isa. 60.19. Q. What then shall our provision be? A. Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by th● ear, neither hath the eye seen what GOD hath prepared for them that waiteth fo● him. (Isa. 64.4.) For the Lord GOD Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple in it, (R●u. 21.22.) Who also shall giu● them light, (R●u. 22.5.) and shall be their glory, (Isa. 60.19.) And the● shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of his house, and shall be made t● drink of the Rivers of his pleasures. (Psal 36.8.) For in his presence is fullness of joy, and at his right hand, there are pleasures for evermore. Psal. 16.11.17.15 Reuel. 22.1.2. 1. Cor. 2.9.2.12.2. Ob. This were a large Patrimony, if there were any assurance to be has thereof? A. He which stablisheth us with you in CHRIST, and hath anointed us, i● GOD, who hath also sealed us, and given us the earnest of the spirit in our hearts, (2. Cor. 1.21.) Wherein GOD willing more abundantly, to show unto the heirs of Promise, the immutability of his Counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it was not possible that GOD should lie, we might have strong consolation; who have fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before us; wh●ch hope we have, as anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that, which is within the veil, whether the forerunner is for us entered. Heb. 6.17. Q. Show me then some marks whereby I may discern whether or no, myself am one of that number which shallbe saved? A. 1. This is life Eternal, that we know him to be the only true God, and JESUS CHRIST whom he hath sent. joh. 17.3. 2. GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life, (Io●. 3.16.) These things I writ unto you that believe in the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life. 1. joh. 5.13. joh. 5.24.3.36. Acts 16.31. 3. It shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved, Act. 2 21. 4. We know that we are passed from death, to life, because we love the brethren. 1. Io. 3.14 5. Whosoever shall humble himself, and become as a little child, the same is great in the Kingdom of GOD. Mat. 18.4. Mat, 5.3.19.14. 6 The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. (Mat. 11.12.) and for joy thereof, depart, and sell all that they have to purchase it, Mat. 13.44, 5.10. 7. There shall in no wise enter into it, any thing that defileth, nor whosoever worketh abomination, or that maketh a lie. (Reu. 21.27.) For without are dogs, and Sorcerers, and Whoremongers, and Murderers, & Idolaters, (Reu. 22.15) Neither shall any that worketh abomination enter into the Kingdom of GOD. Reu. 21.27. The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness shall surprise the Hypocrites: Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire; who among us, shall dwell with the everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly, he that despiseth the gain of the oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, and stoppeth his ear from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing of evil: he shall dwell on high: (Isa. 33.14.) And to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of GOD. Psal. 5●. 23.15.1.119.155 Math. 5.19. jer. 17.13. Ob. These things in some measure I do find to be in myself, yet my grief is, that I can be no more sensible of this happiness? A. 1. Now we see through a glass darkly; but then face, to face; Now we know in part, But then shall we know, even as also we are known. 1. Cor. 13.12. 2. We are saved by hope, but hope that is seen, is not hope. For what a man seethe, why doth he hope for it? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it, (Rom. 8.24.) As well as JACOB, who said, I have waited for thy salvation O LORD. Gen. 49.18. 1. Pet. 1.9. 3. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, (Heb. 11.1) Whom having not seen, you love: in whom though you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1. Pet. 1.8. 4. For this end, pray, saying, Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit, (Psal. 51.12.) And then with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. Isa. 12.3. Ob. I am beset with so many enemies, that my fear is, I shall fall short of Heaven? A. We are kept by the power of GOD through faith unto salvation ready to berevealed in the last times. (1. Pet. 1.5.) When Christ shall put down all rule, and all authority, and power. For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet: the last whereof that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet; but when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest, that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 1. Cor. 15.24. Q. Seeing GOD ha●h provided for us such an inheritance, what therefore are we to do? A. 1. We are bound to give thankes always to GOD, because GOD hath from the beginning chosen us to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and the belief of the truth. Whereunto he called us by the Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord JESUS CHRIST, 2. Thes, 2.13. 1. Pet. 1.3.4. 2 Because the Scriptures are call●d the Word of the Kingdom (Mat. 13.19.) Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think to have eternal life: joh. 5.39. In which, because some things are hard to be understood, (2. Pet. 3.16.) Let every man be swift to hear, (jam. 1.19.) For after that in the Wisdom of GOD, the World by Wisdom knew not GOD, it pleased GOD by the foolishness of Preaching, to save them that believe, 1. Cor. 1.21. 3. Seeing we here have no continuing City, but we seek one to come, (Heb. 13.14.) And the time here being short, it remaineth that both they that have Wives, be as though they had none, and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not, and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this World passeth away: (1. Cor. 7.29.) And we according to his Promise, look for new Heavens, and a new earth, where dwelleth Righteousness. 2. Pet. 3.13. joh. 6.27. 4. Make you friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness, that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. Luk. 16.9. Sell that ye have and give Alms, and provide yourselves Bags, which wax not old, and treasures in Heaven that fail not. Luk. 12.33. Matth. 6.19. 5. Having therefore these promises, let us cleanse ourselves, from all filthiness, of flesh, and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD, 2. Cor. 7.1. And let us fear left a promise, being left us, of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it, (Heb. 4.1.) Wherein we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, least at any time we should let them slip. For if the Word spoken by Angels was steadfast, and every transgression, and disobedience, received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed to us, by them that heard him. Heb. 2.1. Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling, and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom, of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST, 2. Pet. 1.10, 11. R●u. 22.14. Heb. 12, 28. 1. Cor 15 34 R●m. 13.11. 1. Cor. 6.9. Tit. 2.11. Q You tell me of Heaven, and if these be the cond●tions of attaining it, how shall I ●e animated to come there? A. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever shall save his life, shall lose it; and whosever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? And what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Math. 16.24. Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all, yet one receiveth the prize. So run that you may obtain. And every one that proveth mastery▪ abstaineth from all things; and they do it to obtain a corruptible Crown; but we for an incorruptible 1. Cor. 9.24. Therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen h●m to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for a mastery, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth, must first be partakers of the fruits. Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 2. Tim. 2.3. Math. 10.37. Q. When we have done what we can, will our well-doing merit Heaven? A. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saveth us, by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly, through JESUS CHRIST our Saviour; that being justified by his Grace, we should be made heirs, according to the hope of Eternal life. Tit. 3.5. Ephes. 2.8. CHAP. XVIII. Of eternal Death. Q. YOu have well satisfied me concerning the happiness of the Saints, after the day of judgement; show me also more fully, what shall then be the punishment of the wicked? A. They shall see Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of GOD, and themselves thrust out. Luk. 13.28. 2. They shall be delivered to the tormentors, (Math. 18, 34.) who shall bind them hand and foot, (Math. 22, 13.) and cast them into a furnace of fire (Mat. 13.42.) which is unquenchable, (Math. 3.12.) The place is deep and large; the pile thereof is fire, and much wood; the breath of the Lord of hosts, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it, (Isa. 30, 33.) There they shall be scorched with great heat; so as they shall blaspheme the name of God, which hath power over these plagues. There shall be great darkness, and they shall gnaw their tongues for pain, (Reuel. 16.9, 10.) For they shall drink of the wine of the wrath of GOD, which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation, and they shall be tormented with fire, and brimstone, in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment, ascendeth up for ever, and ever: and they shall have no rest, day, nor right, (Reu. 14.10.) For their worm shall not dye, neither shall their fire be quenched. (Isa. 66.24.) Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the Cities about them, in like manner, giving themselves over to Fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, of suffering the vengeance, of Eternal fire, jud. v. 7. job. 21, 30. Math. 13, 42. Psal. 119.155.9, 17. jer. 17, 13. Math. 8, 12. Ob. This is but a mere scarecrow, and therefore we will go on and prosper. A. O serpents, the generation of vipers how can ye escape the damnation of Hell. (Math. 23.33.) For do you commit such things, and do you think to escape the judgement of GOD? (Rom. 2.3.) Have ye not asked them that go by the way? And do ye not know their tokens? That the wicked is reserved to the day of Destruction: they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. job 21.29. Ob. It may be the base rabble cannot escape Hell; but my greatness will bear me out well enough. A. Riches profit not in the day of wrath, (Prou. 11.4.) For Dives though rich went to Hell, when as Lazarus though poor was carried into Heaven▪ Luk. 16.23. Moreover, Tophet is ordained of old, for the King it is prepared, (Isa. 30 33.) Therefore Hell hath enlarged itself, and hath opened his mouth without measure, and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth among them, shall descend into it, (Isa. 5.14.) For God accepteth not the person of Princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; for they are all the work of his hands. job, 34, 19 Luk. 10.15. Ob. These terrors may concern Turks, and Papists, and Pagans; but for such as live in the bosom of the Church they shall never, as I hope, be touched with them. A. Even in the Church also there are many called, but few chosen. (Math. 20, 16.) As in a great house, there are vessels not only of gold, and of silver, but also of wood, and of earth; and some to honour, and some to d shonour, (2. Tim. 2, 20.) And the children of the Kingdom, shall be cast out, into outer darkness, (Math. 8.12.) For the Son of man shall send forth his Angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom, all things that offend, and them that do iniquity. (Math. 13 41.) These are the tares which shall be bound in bundles, to ●e burnt. Math. 13, 30.13, 47.3.7, 8.10, 1●. Ob. Lord have we not eaten, and drunken in thy presence, and hast thou not taught in our streets? (Luk. 13 26.) And have not most of thy mighty works been done amongst us? Math. 11.20. A. Woe unto thee Corazin, woe unto thee Bethsaida; for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tire and Sidon they would have repent long ago in sack-cloathand ashes. But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable, for Tire and Sidon at the day of judgement, then for you. And thou Capernaum, which art exalted unto Heaven, shalt be brought down to Hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable, for the Land of Sodom, in the day of judgement, than for thee. Math. 11.21. Ob. But Lord have we not Prophesied in thy Name, and in thy name cast out Devils? Math. 7.22. A. I profess unto you, I never knew you, depart from me ye workers of iniquity. Math. 7.23. Q. What then may the condemnation of Hell teach us? A. Therefore dear beloved, avenge not yourselves, but give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay it, saith the LORD, Rom. 12, 19, Math. 7, 1. Eccl. 3, 17. 2 Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, (2. Cor. 5, 11,) to mortify their members which are upon the earth: fornication uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry, for which things sake, the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. (3, Col. 5,) And enter ye in at the strait gate for wide is the Gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. But strait is the Gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it: Mat. 7, 13, 7, 19, 5 29, 30, 31. Q. What must I do, when upon good ground, I shall fi●d myself to be delivered, from so great a condemnation? A. Give thankes to God and say, Great is thy mercy towards me; for thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. Psal. 86.13. Q Why? Is it not in man's power, to purchase Heaven, and to deliver himself from Hell? A. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be borne again of Water, and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Heaven. (joh. ●. 3.) And without holiness no man can see the Lord, (Heb. 12, 14.) And yet who can say my heart is clean, I am pure from my sin, Prou. 20, 9 I●b. 9, 20. Isa. 64, 6. job. 9.30, 31. Psal. 93, 5. CHAP. XIX. Of Sanctification. Ob. IF this be our case, who then can be saved? Mark. 10, 26. A. With men this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible, (Math. 19, 26.) By whom there shall be a fountain opened, to the house of DAVID for sin, and for uncleanness, Zach. 13.1.) And you shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all your Idols will he cleanse you. Ezek. 36.25. And will turn to you a pure language, (Zeph. 3, 9) that he who blesseth himself in the earth, shall bless himself in the GOD of Truth. (Isa. 65, 16) And shall serve the Lord, their GOD, and DAVID their King, whom he will raise up unto them. jer. 30, 9 Hos. 2.16, 17. Zeph. 3, 13. Psal. 37.30, 31. 2. Tit. 14. joh. 17, 19 Heb. 10.7, 10. 2. Cor. 13.8. Rom. 8, 9 Zach. 8, 3. Ezek. 37, 28 1. Thes. 5, 23. Math. 13.33. Isa. 4.2. Thus the heart of JEHOSAPHAT was lifted up in the ways of the Lord, (2. Chro. 17 6.) And ZACHARIE, and ELIZABETH, were both righteous, and walked, in all the ordinances of the Lord, blameless. Luk. 1, 6. Act. 23, 1.24, 16. Heb. 13, 18. Act. 10, 22. Ob. Can the Blackmoores' skin be changed, or a Leopard his spots? And can he be good, that is accustomed unto evil? jer. 13, 23. A. Yea; for if the blood of Bulls, and of Goats, and Calves, and the ashes of an heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctify to the purifying of the Flesh: how much more shall the Blood of CHRIST, who through the Eternal spirit, offering himself without spot unto GOD, purge your Consciences from dead works, to serve the living God. Heb. 9, 13. Eph. 2, 1. Gal. 1, 23. Ob. I feel the dwelling of sin in me still? A. So did JOB, (job, 9, 20.9, 30.31.) and DAVID, (Psal. 38, 4.51, 3.) and ISAIAH, (Isa. 64, 6.) and PAUL (Rom. 7, 18. 1. Tim. 1, 15.) And so though you also do walk in the flesh, yet do you ●ut war after the flesh. (2. Cor. 10, 3.) Sin shall not have dominion over you; for you are not under the Law, but under Grace, (Rom. 6, 14.) For the law, of the Spirit, of Life, which is in CHRIST JESUS shall free thee, from the law of Sin, and of Death. Rom. 8, 2. 1. Cor. 12, 3. Q. Why doth CHRIST wash us who are so unclean? A. CHRIST loveth his Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify, and cleanse it, with the washing of water by the Word, and that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such th●ng, but that it should be holy, and without blemish. Ephes. 5, 25. Hos. 14, 4. Q. Is there nothing required of us for the furthering of this Grace in ourselves? A. He that hath this hope purifieth himself as he is pure, (1. joh. 3, 3.) you shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ●ee shall be holy, for I am holy: neither shall you defile yourselves, with any manner of creeping thing, (Leu. 11.44.) But if you walk in the Spirit, you shall not fulfil the lusts of the Flesh, (Gal. 5, 16.) For every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. joh. 15, 2. Rom. 6, 12. Leu. 20, 8.20.26. But his own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his own sins, (Prou. 5, 22.) For God will give him up unto his own hearts lusts, whereby he shall walk in his own counsels. Psal. 81, 12. 2. He must pray saying; O Lord, why hast thou made me to err from thy ways, and hardened my heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants sake, (Isa. 63, 17.) Create in me a clean heart, O GOD, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not th● holy Spirit from me, (Psal. 51, 10.) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me. (Psal. 19, 13.) Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from my secret faults, (Psal. 19, 12.) I will run the ways of thy Commandments, when thou hast enlarged my heart. Psal. 119 32, 41, 4. joh. 17, 17. Q. When we find this grace of Sanctification to be wrought in us, what must we then do? A. Because it is GOD which worketh in you both to will, and to do, of his good pleasure, (Phil. 2, 13.) Therefore s●y ye, God be thanked, that we were the servants of Sin, but we have obeyed from the heart, that form of Doctrine, which was delivered us. Rom. 6, 17. Q. But shall no Sanctifying grace of GOD be wanting? A. GOD gave not CHRIST the Spirit by measure: (joh. 3, 34.) For it pleaseth the Father, thut in him should all fullness dwell, (Col. 1, 19) And unto every one of us is given Grace, according to the measure, of the gift, of CHRIST, (Ephes. 4, 7.) So that you shall come behind in no gift, (1. Cor. 1, 7.) But of his fullness you shall receive, and grace, for grace, joh. 1, 16. Isa. 11, 2, 3. Psal. 68, 19 Zach. 14, 8. Ephes. 1, 3, 4. CHAP. XX. Of Knowledge, Faith, Trust, and Hope. Q. WHich is the fi●st of those Graces? A. To know the Truth, (joh. 8, 32.) I will (saith God,) give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord, (jer. 24.7.) For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, etc. I will put my Laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, etc. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord; for all shall know me from the least, to the greatest, (Heb. 8 10. jer. 31, 33.) And the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD; as the waters cover the Sea, (H●b. 2, 14) Moreover, the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun; and the light of the Sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of the 7. days, (Isa. 30.26.) Whereby the people that sat in Darkness, saw great light; and to them which sat in the Region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up, Mat 4, 16. And we know that the Son of GOD is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true, (1. joh. 5.20.) Which in other ages was not made known unto the Sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles, and Prophets by the spirit. Eph. 3, 5. joh. 1, 18, Pro. 2, 6: job. 32, 8. Pro. 18, 15, 14, 6. Thus the Romans were filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another, Rom. 15, 14. 1, Cor. 1, 5. Psal. 119, 98, 99, 100 ver. joh. 15, 15, joh; 17, 25, 17, 6. On the contrary, a Scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not (Pro. 14, 6,) he is ever learning, and never able to come to the Knowledge of the truth: (2. Tim. 3, 7.) His way is as darkness, he knows not at what he stumbleth. (Prou. 4, 19) He shall dye without instruction, and in the greatness of his folly, he shall go astray, Pro. 5.23. Prou. 18.2.14.18.3.32. job, 17.4. Pro. 14.8. 15.14. Hos. 4.6. Q. What may this teaeh us? A. 1. Not to be as the Horse, and Mule, which have no understanding, (Psal. 32.9. No nor yet to be as children; but in understanding to be men, (1. Cor. 14, 20.) Suffering the Word of CHRIST to dwell in you richly in all wisdom: Col. 3.16. 2. Pray that GOD'S ways may be known upon earth, and his saving health among all Nations, (Psal. 67.2.) And for yourselves that you may understand the ways of ●his Commandments, (Psal. 119.27.) and behold the wonderful things of his Law? Psal. 119.18. Psal. 119.7, 33, 34, 73, 125 169.171. ver. 2. Tim. 2, 7. Of Faith. Q. Which is the second sanctifying Grace? A. GOD will fulfil in you all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of Faith with power, (2. Thes. 1, 11.) Whereby every one that hath heard and learned of the Father, cometh unto CHRIST, joh. 6, 45. For STEPHEN was a man full of Faith, (Acts. 6, 5.) And the Faith of the Romans, was spoken of throughout the whole world, (Rom. 1, 8. Acts, 24, 14, 27.25. joh. 10, 42. Q. What may hence be learned? A. Because all men have not Faith. (2. Thes. 3, 2.) Therefore build up yourselves in your most holy Faith, praying in the holy Ghost: (jud. 20.) and saying, Lord increase our Faith, (Luk. 17, 5.) Lord we believe, help our unbelief: Mark. 9, 24. Of Trust. Q. It being long betwixt the promise, and the accomplishment of it, how may we in the mean while be upheld? A. Thou shalt stay upon the holy one of Israel in truth▪ (Isa 10, 20.) Under his Wings shalt thou trust, (Psal. 91.4.) For he is the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are a fare off upon the Sea. (Psal. 65, 5.) Whereby they that know his name, will put their trust in him, Psal. 9, 10. Math. 12, 21. Isa. 51, 5, Psal. 40, 4, 84, 12. Thus David trusted in the Lord: (Psal. 31, 6.) And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah King of judah, 2. Chro 32, 8. Psal. 20, 7, 11, 1, 18, 2, 52, 8.144 1▪ 2, 56, 3, 4. job. 13, 15. Q. What would you hence infer? A. Commit thy ways unto the Lord, trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass, (Psal. 37, 5.) thy thoughts shall be established, (Pro. 16, 3.) And happy shalt thou be, (Pro. 16 20.) For it is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man; it is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in Princes. (Psal. 118, 8.) Surely men of low degree are vanity; and men of high degree are a lie; to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Psal. 62, 9▪ 115, 9, 146, 3 4 34 22. Isa. 2, 22, 26, 4, 31, 1, 36, 6, Pro. 3, 5. Of Hope. Ob. GOD may not only delay his promise, but also by some evil occurrent unsettle my confidence? A. The wicked indeed is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his death, (Pro. 14, 32) For Abraham against hope believed in hope; (Rom. 4, 18.) so Christ is in you the hope of glory, (Col. 1, 27.) Thou hadst (saith Iou●●) cast me into the deep, in the midst of the Sea, and the Floods compassed me about, all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again towards thy holy temple, (jon. 2, 3.4.) And now Lord what wait I for? my hope is in thee, Psal. 39, 7▪ 46, 2, 33, 22, 119, 81 Psal. 119, 166. Lam. 3, 24. Isa. 8, 17. Micha 7, 7. Tit. 2, 13, Acts 26, 6. job, 5, 16. Q. What use is to be made hereof? A. Therefore look you also for the mercy of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, unto eternal life: (jud. 21.) And wait on thy GOD continually, (Hos. 12, 6.) For happy is he, that hath the GOD of JACOB for his help; whose hope is in the LORD his GOD, which made Heaven, and Earth, Psal. 146, 5, 33, 22, Lam. 3, 25, 26. Hos. 12, 6. Ob. Then is every one happy, for who will not say, that his Hope is in GOD? A. The hope of the Righteous shall be gladness; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish, (Pro. 10, 28.) The eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the Ghost, job. 11, 20, 8, 13. etc. job. 27, 8, 9, 10. CHAP. XXI. Of Love, Fear, Sorrow, Humility, and Repentance. Q. WHat other Sanctifying Grace will GOD bestow upon us? A. He will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed to love the LORD thy GOD, with all thine heart, and with all thy Soul, that thou mayst live, Deut. 30, 6. Pro. 8, 17. Cant. 1, 4, 3, 10. Psal. 26, 8. Psal. 116, 1. 1. King. 3, 3. Thus MARY MAGDALEN she loved much, (Luk. 7, 47.) I also love the LORD, (Psal. 18, 1.) Yea LORD, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee: (joh. 21, 17.) And if any man love not the LORD JESUS CHRIST let him be Anathema Maranatha, 1. Cor. 16, 22. Q. What may this teach us? A. To pray that the Lord would direct your hearts into the Love of GOD, (2, Thes. 3 5.) And that your love may abound yet more, and more, in knowledge, and in all judgement: Phil. 1, 9.1, Thes. 3, 12. 2 Labour to keep yourselves in the love of GOD, jud. 21. Of Fear. Q. But that our love be not exorbitant, wherewith shall it be swaved? A. He will give you one heart, and one way that you may fear him for ever, for your good, and the good of your Children after you, (jer. 32, 39) And you shall fear the LORD, and his goodness in the latter days, (Hos. 3, 5. Psal. 34, 11. Deu●. 4, 10. Isa. 2●, 22, 23. Hos 3.5. For thus the Midwives feared God: (Exod. 1 17) And OBADIAH feared the LORD from his youth, (1. King. 18, 3 12.) So did CORNELIUS with all his household, Acts, 10, ●. Deut. 9, 19, job. 1.1. But the transgression of the wicked, saith within my heart that there is no fear of GOD before his eyes, (Psal. 36, 1, 2,) For the fear of the Lord is to hate evil, as pride, and arrogancy, and every evil way. Prou. 8, 13. Deut. 5, 29. Q. What would you hence infer? A. Therefore fear the Lord ye his Saints, for there is no want to them that fear him, (Psa. 34 9) Yea let all the Earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. Psa. 33, 8.85, 9 jer. 10.7. For, 1. There is Mercy with him, that he may be feared, Psa. 130, 4▪ 2 With GOD is terrible majesty, (job. 37, 22.) He is a consuming fire, even a jealous God, (Deut. 4, 24.) The Pillars of the earth tremble, and are astonished at his reproof. (job. 26, 11.) The foundations also of the Hills moved, and were shaken, because he was wroth, Psal. 18, 7, 97, 5, 104, 32. Nahum 1, 3.1. Sam. 6, 20. Heb. 10, 31. Hab. 3, 16. job. 9, 5.37, 1. Exod. 24.17. Deut. 5, 25, 26. Isa. 2, 10. jer. 5, 2●, 22, 10, 10. Of godly Sorrow. Ob. If the fear of the Lord be to hate evil, then woeful is my condition, who have again crucified CHR1ST by my sins? A. Notwithstanding you shall look on him whom you have pierced, and you shall mourn for him; as one mourneth for his only Son, and be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first borne: (Zach. 12, 10.) And you shall remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and you shall loathe yourselves in your own fight▪ for your iniquities, and for your abominations: Ezek. 36, 31, 20, 43. Ezek. 6, 9 jer. 31, 19, 51, 4. Zach. 13, 4, 1. Sam. 7.2. Thus God's people gathered themselves together at Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted, and said, we have sinned against the lord 1, Sam. 7, 6. 2, Sam. 2.24, 10, 17, jer. 3, 25, job. 40, 4, 5. But as for the wicked, were they ashamed, when they had committed abomination? Nay they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush, (jer. 8, 12,) But were Brass, and Iron, jer. 6.28, 29, 8, 5, 6, 2, ●5. Isa. 22, 12, 3, 9 Of Humility. Ob. The pride of my hart is also so great, as that I fear I shall not stoop unto this? A. There is indeed a generation, O how lofty are their eyes, and their eye lids are lifted up? (Pro. 30, 13) as if they were rich, and stood in need of nothing, (Reu. 3, 17.) We have heard also of the pride of Moab, (Isa. 16, 6,) And of such which say, stand by thyself, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou, Isa. 65, 5. Numb. 12, 1. But as for me, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty, neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a Child that is weaned of his Mother: My soul is even as a weaned child, (Psal. 131, 1.) And APOLLO was willing to submit himself unto the teaching of AQVILA, and Priscilla, (Acts. 18, 26.) And therefore whosoever is wise, and of knowledge amongst you, let him also show out of a good conversation, his works, with meekness of wisdom, james, 3, 13 Psal. 75, 4, 138, 6, 147, 6. 2. Cor. 10, 17, 18. Prou. 25, 27, 27, 2, 25.6, 7, 16, 5.6, 16, 18, 18, 12. Galath. 6, 3. Luk. 14, 11. Rom. 12, 16, 12, 3. Mat. 11, 29. Ezek. 21, 26. jer. 9, 23. (48▪ 29.) 50, ●1, 32. Isa. 2, 12, 3, 16. Acts. 12.21. Of Repentance. Ob. But what is confession of sin, without conversion from sin? A. He will also heal thy backslidings, (Hos. 14, 4) For unto you, G●D hath raised up his Son JESUS and sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you, from your iniquities, (Acts, 3, 26.) And hath also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life,: Acts, 11, 18) Who were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd, and Bishop of their souls, 1, Pet. 2, 25. Isa. 17, 7, 8.19, 18.19, 19, 21.23, 18. Zach. 13, 4, 5. jer. 50, 5. For Zachaeus stood, and said to the Lord, behold Lord the half of my goods I give unto the poor; & if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I rerestore him four fold. Luk. 119, 8. But the Reprobates they return, but not to the most high (Hos. 7, 16.) They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God. (Hos. 5, 4) For their bones are full of the sins of their youth, which shall lie down with them in the dust. job. 20.11. CHAP. XXII. Of Zeal. Q. WHat other Grace will GOD work in us? A. Zeal, and that first of liking affections. 1. To CHRIST. For Paul and Barnabas hazarded their lives, (Acts 15.26,) being ready not to be bound only, but also to dye at jerusalem, for the name of the LORD JESUS Act. 21, 13, Deut, 33, 9 2 To his word, for saith David, I have rejoiced in the ways of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches, (Psal.. 1●9. 14.) Mine eyes prevent the night watches that I might meditate in thy Word, (119, 148,) My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath to thy judgements, at all times (119, 20,) Thy Statutes have been my Songs, in the house of my Pilgrimage (119, 54,) O how love I thy Law? It is my Meditation continually: 119, 97, 122.1. Not to be daunted by any. But he will speak of GOD'S testimonies before Kings, and will not be ashamed, (Psal. 119, 46.) Who though they do speak against him, yet will he meditate in God's word: Psal. 119, 23, 51, 69, 83, 143, 157, 161, ver. But is increased by opposition. It is time saith he, for the Lord to work, for men have made void thy Law. Therefore love I thy Commandments above gold, yea above five gold, (Psal. 119, 126) And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight, 2. Sam. 6.22. Acts 21, 13. 3 To his works I have not hid saith David, thy righteousness within my heart, I have declared thy truth, and thy salvation. I have not concealed thy loving kindness, and thy truth from the great congregation, (Psal. 40 9, 10.) Seven times a day, I will praise thee, because of thy righteous judgements. Psal. 119, 164.119, 62. 4 To the worship of God. For David prepared with all his might, for the house of his God. (1. Chron. 29.2. ver. 8, 9) And the free gifts of the people for the Tabernacle, were more than enough, and therefore were restrained from bringing any more. Exod. 36.5. 2, Sam. 24, 24.1. Chro. 29, 21.29, 13, 14. 2, Chro. 29.32, 33, 30, 24. 2, Chro. 35, 7. Neh. 4.17, 21, 23, 6, 11.7, 7●. Ezra. 2.68, Hag. 1, 14. Though the wicked say the time is not come; the time that the Lords house should he built. Hag. 1.2. 5 By rejoicing in the good they see in others. Having no greater joy than to see God's Children walking in the truth. (joh. 3. Epist. 4. And are alive, if they stand fast in the Lord, 1. Thes. 3, 8. Phil. 2.7. 2. Chron. 29, 36. 6 By love towards God's Ministers. For Paul doth bear record unto the Galathians, that they would have plucked out their own eyes, and given them to him. (Gal. 4, 15.) Priscilla also, and Aquila, have for his life laid down their own necks Rom. 16, 3.4. 2. Tim. 1.16. 1. King. 18, 4. 7 Love to God's people. I could wish saith Paul, that myself were accursed from CHRIST, for my Brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, (Rom. 9, 3.) And if (saith Moses to GOD) thou wilt not forgive their sins, blot me I pray thee, out of thy book, which thou hast written: Exod. 32, 32. 2. Cor. 9, 1, 2, 8, 1, 2. 2 Zeal of disliking affections. For Lot that righteous man dwelling among them of the old world, in seeing, and hearing, vexed his righteous Soul, from day to day, with their unlawful deeds, 2. Pet. 2.8. And do not I hate them O Lord, that hate thee, and am I not grieved with them that rise up against thee? I hate them with a perfect hatred, I count them mine enemies (Psal. 139, 21.) The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up, and the reproaches of them that reproached thee, are fallen upon me, Psal. 69, 9 Psal. 119, 53. Psal. 119, 136, 139, 158. vers. Act. 17, 16. jer. 9 2. Exod. 32, 19 Nehem. 13.21. 25.1, 4. Isa. 30.22. Num. 25, 8. Rom. 15, 3, 9 2 Phil. 3, 18. Ezra, 9, 3. Dan. 10, 2. 1 Sam. 4, 18, 21, 22. Q. What may we learn from all this? A. Not to be slothful to do service, but to be fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord, (Rom. 12, 11.) And to be valiant for the Truth upon the Earth, (jer. 9, 3.) Knowing that if you lose your first love, God will remove your Candlestick out of his place, (Revel. 2, 4.) And if you shall be lukewarm, he will spew you out of his mouth, Revel. 3, 16. CHAP. XXIII. Of Charity, justice, and Content. Q. But with our love to GOD, shall we also have charitable hearts unto men? A. You are taught of God to love one another, (1. Thes. 4, 9) whereby the Charity of every one of you all, one, towards another, aboundeth, 2. Thes. 1, 3. Q. Wherein shall our Charity towards our Brethren be exercised, and expressed? A. 1 Towards their Souls. 1 As STEPHEN, who prayed for his persecuters, crying with a loud voice; Lord lay not this sin to their charge, (Act. 7.60.) And as DAVID, who when his Enemies were sick, his clothing was Sackcloth, he humbled himself with fasting, (Psal.. 35, 13.) And as ABRAHAM for ABIMILECH, (Gen. 20, 17.) MOSES for PHARAOH, (Exod. 8, 12.) for Israel, (Exod. 17, 11.) and for MIRIAM, Num. 12, 13. 1. Sam. 12, 18. 1. King. 13, 6. Dan. 9, 20. Zach. 1, 12, 13. Acts, 12, 5. 2 As DAVID, (Psal. 32, 8.) and SALOMON, (Prov. 1, 2.) and JOB, who instructed many, and strengthened the weak hands, (job, 4 3) So to be a guide of the blind, a light to them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of Babes, (Rom. 2, 19) In meekness instructing those also that oppose themselves, if God per adventure will give them Repentance, 2. Tim. 2, 25. 2 Towards their Bodies; and therein first, Let them be as thine own bowels in the Lord, (Phil. 20.) That so thy bowels may sound like a Harp, as for Moab, and thy inward parts as for Kirharesh, (Isa. 16, 11.) Saying, look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the Daughter of my people, (Isa. 22, 4.) For how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? Esther, 8, 6. job, 30, 25. jer. 9, 1, 48, 31. Psal. 35.13.14. 2 Sam. 1, 11, etc. 2 In keeping Hospitality; as did the old man of mount Ephraim, who coming from his work, and lifting up his eyes, he saw a way faring man in the street of the City, he brought him into his house, and gave provander to the Asses; and they washed their feet, and they did eat, and drink, (judg. 19, 16, 21, ver.) And as the Brethren of jerusalem, who gladly received PAUL, with other Disciples of Samaria, and of his company, (Acts 21.16.) And as OBADIA●, who took an hundred Prophets, and hide them by fifty in a Cave, and fed them with Bread and water, 1 King. 18, 4. 2 Sam. 6.19. Acts 16.34. 3 In giving Alms; For TABYTHA, was full of good Works, and Almsdeeds, which she did. (Act. 9.36.) CORNELIUS also gave much Alms to the people, (Acts 10.2.) And the Disciples, every man according to his ability, sent relief unto the Brethren, which dwelled in judea, and sent it to the Elders, by the hands of BARNABAS and SAUL, (Act. 11.29.) We do you also to ●it Brethren of the grace of God bestowed ●n the Churches of Macedonia; how that 〈◊〉 great trial of affliction, etc. their deep poverty abounded, unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bare record; yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves. 2 Cor. 8.1. 2 Cor. 9.1. 2 Tim. 1.16. Acts 20.34. Rom. 16.1, 2. Act. 4.32. Psal. 37.21. 2 Chro. 28.15. Thus the righteous considereth the cause of the Poor; but the wicked regardeth not to know it, (Pro. 29.7.) For they will send the Widows away empty, and the arms of the Fatherless will they break. job 22.9. job 24, 6. Amos 2.7. 2 Sam 23.7. Prou. 12.10. judg. 5.23. 2 Chro. 19.2. Isa. 32, 6. Q. What therefore must we do? A. Seeing ye have purified your souls, in obeying the truth, through the Spirit, unto an unfeigned love of the Brethren, see that ye love one another, with a pure heart, fervently: (1 Pet. 1, 22.) And be ye followers of God as dear children, and walk in Love, as CHRIST also hath loved us, (Ephes. 5, 1.) That as you abound in every thing, in faith, in utterance, and knowledge, so that ye abound in this Grace also. For ye know the Grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich, (2. Cor. 8, 7) Remembering also his words, how that he saith; It is a blessed thing to give, rather than to receive, Act. 20, 35. 1. Tim. 6, 18. Pro. 17, 17, 14, 21, 14, 31. Luk. 14, 12. 1. Pet. 4, 8. 1. Cor. 16, 1, 2.2, 8, 13. 1 Thes. 4.9, 10. Zach. 7, 9 judg. 1, 7. 1 Sam. 15, 33, Leu. 19, 33, 25, 35. 1 joh. 4, 20. Nehem. 8, 10. Deut. 15, 7. M●th. 5.42. joh. 15, 12. Of justice. Ob. I have observed some men who have been very open handed in relieving the poor, who yet have made no Conscience to defraud the rich? A. Surely Righteousness, and Mercy shall meet together, (Psal. 85, 10.) For I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness, (Isa. 60, 17.) Yea, thy people shall be all Righteous, (Isa. 60, 21.) And thou shalt be called the City of righteousness, the faithful City, Isa. 1, 26. Psal. 72, 3. Isa. 26 9 Mal. 3, 3. Prou. 20, 7. Eccles. 7, 15. As for me, my righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go, my heart shall ●ot reproach me, so long as I live, (job, 27.6.) For behold here I am; witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed, whose Ox have I taken? Or whose Ass have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or of whose hands have I received a bribe, to blind mine eyes therewith? And I will restore it you, (1. Sam. 12, 3.) Receive us, we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man, (2. Cor. 7, 2.) The Lord is witness, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found aught in our hands, (1. Sam. 12, 4) We have not taken one Ass from you, neither have we hurt one of you, Numb. 16, 15. 1 Sam. 25, 14, 15, 1, 29, 6. 2 King. 12, 15, 2, 22, 5, 2, 145. 1 Sam. 29, 8. job, 29.14. Isa. 51.1, 7. Gen. 6, 9 Deut. 33, 21. Prov. 8, 15. Q. But is the practice of justice a gift of GOD common unto all? A. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again, (Psal. 37, 21.) They know not to do right, saith the Lord, who store up robbery, and violence in their Palaces, (Amos, 3.10.) There is no equity in their doings, they have made them crooked paths, (Isa. 59.8.) They will sell the Righteous for silver, and the Poor for a pair of shoes; they pant after the dust of the Earth, on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek, (Amos. 2.6.) Among them judgement is turned backward, and justice standeth fare off; for Truth is fallen in the street, and Equity cannot enter; yea truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey, Isa. 59.14. Micha, 2.1, 2. Hos. 12.7. Q. What is the danger, which such wicked oppressors, do bring upon themselves? A. He that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong that he hath done: (Col. 3, 25,) For I will come near to them in judgement, and I will be a swift witness against those that oppress the hirelings. (Mal. 3, 5.) For as much as their treading is upon the poor, and they take from them burdens of Wheat; they have built houses of hewn stone, but they shall not dwell in them; they have planted pleasant vineyards, but they shall not drink the wine of them. The prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. Amos 5, 11, 3, 15, 5, 4, 7. Hab. 2, 6, 10, 11. Pro. 20, 10. jam. 5.1. Mich. 6, 12. Deut. 27, 17, 25. Mich. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, Zac. 5, 1, etc. Q. But I have observed none to prosper more than these men? A. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his way, though he be rich, (Pro. 28, 6) A little that the righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked, (Psal. 37, 16.) For an inheritance may be hastily gotten, at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed: (Prou, 20, 21.) Bread of deceit may be sweet to a man; but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel, (Prou. 20, 17) For as the Partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end, he shall be a fool. jer. 17, 11. Eccl. 5, 13. Prou. 12, 27, 13, 11, 10, 2, 20, 17, 16, 8, 21, 7. job. 20, 28. Q. What may these things teach us? A. Therefore withhold not good from them, to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it: (Prou. 3, 27) Remove not the old Landmark, and enter not into the Fields of the Fatherless, (Pro. 23, 10.) Do no unrighteousness in judgement, in met-yard, in weight or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just Ephah, and a just hin, shall you have: (Levit. 19, 35.) Trust not in oppression, become not vain in Robbery: (Psal. 62, 10.) And let no man go beyond, and defraud his brother in any matter; because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also, have forewarned you, and testified: 1. Thes. 4, 6. Content. Ob. Alas, I have coveted greedily all the day long: (Prou. 21, 6.) and therefore am upon every occasion tempted to Injustice: (Eccles. 4, 7, 6, 1, 2. Hab. 2, 5. A. Why so? For I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, (Act. 20, 33.) Yea, I have learned in whatsoever estate I am in, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, I know how to abound; every where, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry, both to abound, and to suffer need, I can do all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4, 11. job, 1, 21. 2. Sam. 19, 33, etc. Q. What are these examples to me? A. Therefore take heed, and beware of covetousness, for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, (Luk. 12, 15.) But yet every one that is greedy of gain taketh away the life of the honours thereof: (Prou. 1, 19,) Moreover, he that loveth silver, shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase: (Eccl. 5, 10) Only Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing with us into this world, and it is certain that we shall carry nothing out. And therefore having food & raiment, let us therewith be content, (1. Tim. 6, 6) Which that you may be. 1 Drink of the water which I shall give you, of which whosoever drinketh, shall never be more a thirst; but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water, springing into everlasting life: joh. 4.13. 2 And withal pray, saying; Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy way: Psal. 119.36. Eccles. 6.12, Hab. 2, 13, Prou. 23, 4. CHAP. XXIIII. Of Sincerity, and Perseverance. Q. THese were excellent Graces, if they were accompanied with Sincerity? A. True, for GOD himself desireth truth in the inward parts; and therefore in the hidden part he shall make thee to know wisdom: (Psal. 51, 6.) For he shall put his law in thy mind, and write it in thine heart. (jer. 31.33.) Whereby thou shalt stand with thy loins girt about with truth, (Eph. 6, 14.) And be as the King's Daughter, all glorious within. (Psal. 45, 13) And as the Elder to the elect Lady, whom he loved in the truth; for the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever; (joh. 2, Epist. 1.2.) So that in the uprightness of thine heart thou shalt willingly offer unto the Lord, an offering in Righteousness: 1. Chro. 29.17. For thus Enoch walked with God (Gen. 5, 22.) Behold also Nathaniel, an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile. joh. 1, 47. Gen. 24, 40. Psal. 116, 9 2, King. 20, 3. Acts, 24, 16. Of Hypocrisy. Q. Is this any common Grace? A. Help Lord, for the godly man ceaseth: for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every man with his neighbour; with flattering lips, and with a deceitful heart do they speak, (Psal. 12, 1, 28, 3.) Their mouth is full of deceit, and fraud, they sit in the lurking places of the villages, (Psal. 10, 7.) There is no faithfulness in their mouths, their inward parts are very wickedness, their throat is an open sepulture, they flatter with their tongues, Psal. 5, 9 Prou. 20, 14. Dan. 11, 34. jer. 5, 26. As judas who betrayed his master with a kiss, (Mat. 26, 49.) And as joab who took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him, and slew him with the other. 2, Sam. 20, 9 Gen. 49, 21. joh, 12 6.1, Sam. 18, 17. So the house of jacob (saith God) do seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the Ordinances of their GOD; they ask of me the Ordinances of justice, they take delight in approaching to GOD: (Isa, 58, 2.) and yet they bend their tongue like their bow, for lies, but they are not valiant for the truth upon the Earth: (jer. 9, 3.) Neither have they cried unto me with their hearts, when they howled upon their beds: (Hos. 7, 14. And though they say the Lord liveth, yet do they swear falsely: (jer. 5, 2.) They return unto me, not with their whole heart, but feignedly, saith the Lord: jer. 3, 10, Isa. 59, 13. Hos. 8, 2. 2, Tim. 3, 5. For when he slew them, they sought him: Nevertheless they flattered him with their mouth, and lied unto him with their tongue; for their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his Covenant: Psalm. 78, 34. etc. Math. 23.5, 14, 25, verses. 2, King. 10, 31. 1, Sam. 26, 21, 1, 24, 17. Ob. It should seem this grace of Sincerity is very rare, and yet who will not say, my heart is upright? Stand apart, come not near me, I am holier than thou. Isa. 65, 5. A. Most men will proclaim every man his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find? (Prou. 20, 6.) All the ways of a Man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD pondereth the spirits, (Pro. 16.2) He that is first in his own cause, seemeth just; but his Neighbour cometh and searcheth him out: Prou. 18, 17, 25, 14. And therefore, if any man seem to himself to be somewhat when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself: Galath. 6, 3.2. King, 10, 15. Q. What is the danger of Hypocrisy? A. Shall not I visit for those things saith the Lord? shall not my soul be avenged on such a Nation as this, (jer. 5, 29.) Yea cursed shall he be that smiteth his neighbour secretly, and all the people shall say Amen. (Deut. 27.24.) So that the Hypocrites hope shall be cut off, and their trust shall be a Spider's web. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand; he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure, job, 8, 13. Psal. 12, 3. Q. Wherein then lies the difference, betwixt the estate of the Hypocrites, and the true Nathaniels, in whom is no guile? A. He that walketh uprightly, walketh surely; but he that perverteth his way shall be known, (Prov. 10, 9.28, 18.) The integrity of the upright shall guide them; but the perverseness of the transgressors shall destroy them, (Prou. 11, 3, 5, 6.) By the blessing of the upright the City is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked, (Prou. 11, 11.) For lying lips, are abomination to the Lord; but they that deal truly are his delight, (Prou. 12.22.) And therefore better is the poor that walketh in his Integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool, Prou. 10, 29.14.2.19, 1.14, 5.13, 6. Psal. 84, 11. Ob. But such become great, and do wax rich, they wax fat, they shine: jer. 5.28. A. What is the hope of the Hypocrite, though he have gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry, when trouble cometh upon him? Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call upon God? job, 27.8.8.13, 11, 20. Pro. 10.28. Q. What may this teach us? A. Because as in the water, face answereth face, so the heart of man, to man; (Prou. 27.19.) Therefore let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another: Gal. 6.4. 2 Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharises, which is Hypocrisy, (Luk. 12.1.) Let love be without dissimulation: (Rom. 12, 9) And be ye perfect with the Lord your God: (Deut. 18.13.) Not to be almost, but altogether such as PAUL was, (Acts 26.29.) That so you may be able to say; Search me O God, and know my heart, and try me, and know my thoughts: see if there be any way of wickedness ●●me: Psal. 139.23.26. 1. Math. 6, 1. 3 Pray saying; Let my heart be sound ● thy statutes, that I be not ashamed, (Psal. 119.80.) Draw me not away with the ●icked, and with the workers of Iniquity, ●hich speak peace to their Neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts: (Psal. 28. ●.) O continue thy loving kindness to them that know thee, and thy righteousness in the upright in heart. Psal. 36.10. 4 Take ye heed, every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any Brother; for ●very Brother will utterly supplant, and ●very Neighbour will walk in slanders: ●●d they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: They have taught their tongues to speak ●yes, and weary themselves to commit iniquity: (jer. 9.4.) Put ye not confidence in a guide, keep the doors of thy Mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom: (Micha, 7.5.) But learn of CHRIST, who did not commit himself unto the jews; because he knew all men: for he knew what was in Man: joh. 2, 24. The simple man indeed believeth every word, but the prudent man looketh well to his doings. Pro. 14, 15. Esa. 59, 14. jer. 12.6. Of Perseverance. Q. Sincerity I do confess to be a singular Grace, gracing all the rest; but what assurance can you give me of persevering therein? job, 27.10. A. The path of the Justice is a shining light, that shineth more, and more unto the perfect day, (Prou. 4, 18.) If therefore that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the same, and in the Father, (1. joh. 2.24.) who shall establish you an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto you. (Deut. 28, 9) And shall confirm you unto the end, that you may be blameless, in the day of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, 1 Cor. 1, 8. Psal. 84 7. For the Converts continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking Bread, and in Prayers, (Acts 2, 42) And the Church of Thiatira Her last works were more than the first: (Revel. 2, 19) MARY also chose that good part, which was not taken from her: (Luk. 10.42.) And as for me my foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined; neither have I gone back from the Commandment of his lips: (job, 23, 11. But have inclined mine care to perform his Statutes always, even unto the end: (Psal. 119, 112.) And if you also (saith CHRIST,) keep my Commandments, you shall abide in my Love, even as I have kept my Father's Commandments and abide in his Love: joh. 15, 10. Hos. 14, 9 Ob. But I have seen some in my days, who have been lights, and leaders of others in the way of Godliness, and yet themselves proved Apostates: 1 Tim. 1, 19 Psal. 36, 3.78, 57 joh. 5, 35. jer. 8, 5. Hos. 4, 16. jer. 2, 32. Prov. 26, 11. A. Verily, verily I say unto you, whosoever committeth Sin, is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the Son abideth ever. (joh. 8.34) For every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up: (Math. 15, 13.) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: But they went out, that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us. 1. joh. 2.19. True it is, some men's sins are open before hand, going before to judgement, and some men follow after: (1. Tim. 5.24.) And many of the first shall be last, and the last first: (Math. 20.16.) Nevertheless, the foundation of GOD standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth who are his. 2. Tim. 2.19. Ob. While they stood, I could not come near them, and now they are fallen, what less can be expected, but that my turn will be next? A. You are not of them that draw back unto perdition; but of them which believe, to the saving of the soul: (Heb. 10. ●●.) For (saith God) I will make an everlasting covenant with thee, that I will not ●●rne away from thee, to do thee good, 〈◊〉 I will put my fear into thine heart, ●ut thou shalt not departed from me. jer. ●. 40 Now the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil (2. Thes. 3, 3.) For he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with 〈◊〉 for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the World cannot receive; because 〈◊〉 seethe him not neither knoweth him: for he dwelleth in you, and shall be 〈◊〉 you: (joh. 14.16.) And you need ●ut that any man teach you; but as the some anointing teacheth you of all things, ●●d is truth, and is no lie, and even as it ●ath taught you, you shall abide in him. 1 joh. 2.27. Q. But what must I do, that this promise of perseverance may be made good unto me? A. Pray saying; O Lord GOD of ABRAHAM, ISAAC, and ISRAEL our father, keep this for ever in the thoughts of my heart, and prepare my heart unto thee. (1. Chro. 29.18.) Hold up my doings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not: (Psal. 17.5.) And make me to increase and abound more and more; and to establish my heart unblameable in holiness before thee, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, with all the Saints: 1. Thes. 3.12. 2 Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall: (1. Cor. 10.12.) Looking to yourselves, that you lose not those things which you have wrought, that you may receive a full reward: (joh. 2. Epist. 8.) And hereof I give you a charge in the sight of GOD, who quickeneth all things, and before CHRIST JESUS, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good Confession, that you keep the Commandments, without spot, and unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord JESUS CHRIST: (1. Tim. 6.13.) For our desire is, that every one of you do show the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith, and patience inherit the promises: (Heb. 6, 11.) Lifting up the weak hands, wh●ch hang down, and the feeble knees, and making strait paths for your feet, lest that which is lame, be turned out of the way: but let it rather be healed: (Heb. 12, 12.) And grow in grace, and in the knowledge if our Lord JESUS CHRIST, (2. Pet. 3, 18.) That so he that is righteous may be righteous still, and he that is holy, may be holy still: Revel. 22, 11. Heb. 10, 23. Phil. 3.12. 1, Cor. 9, 24.2, Chron. 34, 31.2. Cor. 6, 1. Acts, 13, 43. 2. Tim. 3, 14. Q. Why? what is the danger of falling away? A. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die for the some, he shall even die for his iniquity, which he hath done: Ezek. 18, 24, 26. The Lord indeed is with you, while you be with him; and if ye seek him▪ he will be found of you, but if you forsake him he will forsake you: (2, Chron. 15, 2.) And will lead you forth with evil doers (Psal. 125, 5.) And feed you as a lamb in a large place: Hos. 4, 16. Know therefore, and see that it is an evil thing, and bitter to forsake the LORD thy GOD: jer. 2, 19, 2, 13. Heb. 10, 38. Psal. 73, 27. jud. 5.6, 2, King. 23, 27. Ezek. 33, 12, joh. 2. Epist. 9 jer. 2, 17. Mat. 15, 13. 2, Pet. 2, 20. CHAP. XXV. Of temptations in general, and in particular of the Flesh. Ob. IF this be the danger of backsliding, what will become of me, who am exposed to many temptations? A. There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man; but GOD is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted, above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape: (1, Cor. 10, 13.) For in that CHRIST suffered, and was tempted, he is able to secure them that are tempted: (Heb. 2, 18.) And will establish you, and keep you from evil: (2. Thes. 3, 3.) As well as he did PAUL who fought a good fight, who finished his course, and kept the faith, (2, Tim. 4, 7. Revel. 3, 10) And therefore pray you also, that you enter not into temptation: Luk. 22, 40. Ob. But is not GOD said to lead men into Temptation? how say you then that he will deliver us out of temptation? A. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of GOD; for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man; but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own Concupiscence, and is enticed: 1. jam. 13.14. Ob. If the case stand thus, what shall I do, who have so much flesh remaining in me? A. Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no Physician there? Why then is not the health of the Daughter of my people recovered? jer. 8.22. Ob. Alas this corruption is grown to such a head, as is not now to be subdued? A. Though your iniquities prevail against you yet he shall purge them away, (Psa●. 65 3● Moreover every valley shall be exalted▪ and every mountain and h●ll shall be made low, and the crooked things shallbe made strait and the rough places plain: (Isa. 40 4.) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD, to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought, to the obedience of CHRIST: 2, Cor. 10, 4. Acts 9, 20. Ob. But do not you as PAUL did of himse fe, say of yourself, that what I would do, that I do not, but what I hate that do I? Rom. 7, 15, 23. Gal. 5.17. A. If I do that I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now than it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me: (Rom. 7, 16.) And though I walk in the flesh, yet do I not war after the flesh, (2, Cor. 10.3.) For the Lord is that spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty: (2, Cor. 3, 17) Therefore I thank GOD through JESUS CHRIST our Lord, hat with the mind I serve the Law of GOD, though with the flesh the Law of sin: Rom. 7, 25. Q. What is required of us to be done, for the furthering of this Grace in ourselves? A. Dear beloved, I beseech you as strangers, and Pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the Soul. 1, Pet. 2, 11. 2 Pray saying, keep back thy Servant from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me; then shalt thou be upright, and innocent from the great transgression: Psal. 1● 13. Ob. Notwithstanding, do what I can this burden of sin presseth me very sore? A. Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest: (Mat. 11.28.) For I am not come to call the Righteous, but sinners to repentance: Mat. 9.13. Ob. Behold we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God, (jer. 3, 22.) But we have gone astray like lost sheep, (Psal. 119, 176.) And the way of man is not in himself; neither is it in man that walketh to direct his steps, jer. 10, 23. A. I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel: (Mat. 15, 24.) Therefore I am come to save that which was lost (Mat. 18, 11.) and to bring again that which was driven away, (Ezek. 34.16.) For how think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety, and nine, and goeth into the Mountains, and seek that which was gone astray etc. Even so it is not the will of the Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish: Mat. 18, 12, 10, 6. Luk. 15, 8, etc. Ob. The worst as yet remains; for though I see my way before me, yet can I not walk therein? A. The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak, (Math. 26, 41.) Yet a bruised reed will he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory: (Mat. 12, 20.) And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness: 2, Corinth. 12, 9 Ob. All this while my appetite after 2Grace is not allayed? A. I will pour waters upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground, (Isa. 44, 3) For as the Scriptures have said out of his belly shall flow Rivers of living water: which be spoke of the spirit, which they that believe on him should receive. (joh. 7, 38, 39) I am also the bread of life he that comes unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst: john, 6, 35, 4, 13. Luke, 1, 53. Ob. It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto Dogs: Mat. 15, 26. A. True, yet the Dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the Master's table: (Mat. 15, 27.) And therefore, if any man thirst let him come unto CHRIST, and drink: (joh. 7, 37.) And he that hath no money come; yea buy, and eat; yea come buy wine, and milk without money, and without price. Wherefore do you spend money on that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Harken diligently unto me and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear come unto him; hear, and your soul shall live, (Isa. 55, 1.) And the spirit, and the bride say, come; and let him that is a thirst come▪ and whosoever will, let him take of the Waters of life freely: Revel. 22, 17. joh. 4, 10. Q. But in coming shall I not be rejected? A. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast off. joh. 6.37. Ob. Sir give me then this water that I thirst not: (joh. 4.15.) For notwithstanding all you have said; It is the very breaking of my heart, to think that I can serve GOD no better? A. The Sacrifices of GOD are a broken Spirit; a broken, and a contrite heart, God will not despise: (Psal. 51 17.) For thus saith the high, and lofty One, that inhabiteth Eternity, whose name is Holy. I dwell in the high, and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite, and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones: (Isa. 57.15.) To open the blind eyes, to bring the Prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, out of the prison house: (Isa. 42.7.) That they might be called the trees of Righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isa.. 6●. 2, 3.) Therefore turn ye to the strong holds ye prisoners of hope; for even to day do I declare, that I will render double unto thee: Zach. 9, 12. Isa. 49.8.61. 1. Psal. 34.18.147, 3. Ob. These are sweet promises I confess; but yet I want comfort still. A. The Lord God hath given CHRIST the tongue of the Learned, that he should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: (Isa. 50, 4) Blessed therefore are you that mourn, for you shall be comforted. Math. 5.4. Ob. Yet for all this the distresses of my soul are such, as be intolerable to bear, and how to be delivered I know not? A. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay upon his GOD: (Isa. 50.10.) and seek unto him that maketh the seven Stars, and Orion, and turneth the shadow of Death, into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night; that calleth for the waters of the Sea, and poureth them ●●t upon the face of the earth; the LORD ●his name. Amos, 5, 8. CHAP. XXVI. Of the Temptations of the Devil. Ob. THough I should prevail against the motions of the Flesh this fear yet remains, lest by any means, as the Serpent beguiled EVE, through his subtlety, so my mind should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST. 2. Cor. 11.3. job, 1.7. A. Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you: (jam. 4.7.) Now is the judgement of this world, now shall the Prince of this world be cast out. joh. 12, 31. Ob. What hope have we to prevail against so potent an Enemy? A. I have written unto you Young men, because ye have overcome the wicked o● (1. Io●. 2.14.) For we know that he that is begotten of GOD keepeth himself and that wicked one toucheth him not: (● joh. 5.18.) For the Church of Pergam● dwelling even where Satan's throne wa● yet held fast her profession. Revel. 2.13 job, 2.3. Ob. It is not possible for me in m● own strength to prevail? A. For this purpose appeared the Son●● of GOD, that he might destroy the work● of the Devil: (1. Io●. 3 8.) Who sh●●● bruise Satan under your feet shortly (Rom. 16.20.) And though the Prince of this world come, yet hath he nought i● him: (joh. 14.30.) But in two combate● was foiled, and in the third was put to flight by him: (Math. 4.1.) So as the gates of Hell prevailed not against him: Math. 16.18. Numb. 21.9. Q. Wherewith was CHRIST furnished against Satan? A. Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise, took part of the same, that through Death, he might destroy him that ●●d the power of Death, that is the Devil: ●Heb. 2.14) And the Saints overcame ●●m also, by the Blood of the Lamb. Rev. 12, 11. Q. May not Satan overcome at the ●ast? A. No: for CHRIST hath spoilt Principalities, and Powers, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in his Cross: (Col. 2.15) And when he ascended up on h●gh, he led Captivity captive: (Ephes. 4 8.) Wherefore he is able to save them to the utmost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth, to make intercession for them: (Heb. 7.25.) For he giveth unto them Eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of his Father's hands; because his Father which gave them him, is greater than all. joh. 10.28. Psal. 68, 18. Ob. But the Dragon, and his Angels do still continue their fight against us? A. I have put enmity betwixt thee, and the Woman, and between thy seed, and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel: (Gen. 3.15.) Therefore though they fight, yet they prevail not, neither shall their place be found any more in Heaven. Revel. 12, 8. Luk. 10.18. Prou. 29, 27. Q. What shall then become of them, when they are so cast our? A. The great Dragon was cast out, that old Serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world, he was cast out into the earth, and his Angels were cast out with him. Reu. 12, 9 Ob. How is it then that when the sons of God come to present themselves before the Lord, Satan is not shut out, (job, 2, 1.) but is ready to stand at his right hand to resist them? Zach. 3.1. A. The Lord said; Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as Wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; (Luk. 22.31.) Saying, the Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord, that hath chosen jerusalem, rebuke thee. Zach. 3.2. Q. Did the Lord JESUS make good his promise? A. Yea; for though he were once foiled, yet he again recovered, for he went ●●t, and wept bitterly. Luk. 22.62. Q. Was he not by this foil of his, made for ever after the more faint-hearted? A. No: for with greater courage, and boldness he both Preached, and professed the name of Christ. Act. 2, 14, 3, 12, 4, 8, 4, 19 Ob. Notwithstanding my fear is that at my appearing before God's tribunal, Satan will find some thing whereof to accuse me? A. Why art thou so fearful, O thou of little faith. (Math. 8.26.) For I heard a loud voice, saying in Heaven, now is come Salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; for the accuser of the Brethren is cast down, which accuseth them before our God, day and night. (Reu. 12.10.) Moreover when Christ cometh, he will convince the world of judgement, because the Prince of this world is judged: (joh. 16, 8, 11.) There is therefore, no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: (1, joh 4, 18) And herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as he is, so are we in the world: 1, joh. 4, 17. Q. What shall then become of the Devil at the last? A. The Devil that deceiveth Men, shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the Beast, and the false Prophet are, and shall be tormented, day, and night for ever, and ever: Revel. 20.10. Q. What use make you hereof? A. Therefore rejoice ye Heavens, and ye that dwell in them: Revel. 12, 12. 2 Fight the good sight of Faith, (1, Tim. 6, 2.) And sta●d fast in the faith, quit you like men, and be strong (1, Cor. 16, 13.) in the Lord and in the power of his might 〈◊〉 ●ut on the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil: Ephes. 6, 10. 3 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1. Pet. 5.8. 1, Cor. 16.13. 4 Pray, with all prayer, and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication: Ephes. 6, 18. Ob. If the Devil be cast out, and is gone; what need is there of any more watching against him? A. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest▪ and finding none: he saith I will return unto my house, whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished Then goeth he and taketh 7. other spirits more wicked than himself: and they enter in, and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first: Luk. 11.24. CHAP. XXVII. Of the temptations of the World, and in particular of Afflictions. Ob. NOtwithstanding all my watching and praying, if the Devil should cast out of his mouth water as a flood, using the world, as an assistant, am I not in danger to be carried away of the Flood? A. No; for the earth shall help the Woman, and by opening of her mouth, shall swallow up the Flood, which the Dragon shall cast out of his mouth: (Revel. 12, 16) Thus Gallio helped PAUL against the jews: (Acts, 18, 14.) So did the town-clerk also against the uproar of the people, (Acts 19, 35.) And the Scribes on the Pharises part, helped him against the Sadduces: Act●, 23, 9, 23, 22, 21, 31, 32. 2, Co●. 11▪ 32. Exod. 2, 6. Est. 9, 3. Ob. But do we not see many a man how they are vanquished by the world, and brought into subjection of the same? A. Whosoever is borne of GOD overcommeth the world, and this is the victory that overcommeth the world, even your faith: 1, joh. 5 4. Ob. We for our part have no more power against the world, than we have against Satan? A. CHRIST gave himself for our sins, that he might redeem us from this present evil world, according to the will of GOD, and our father, (Gal. 1, 4.) And prayed, not that he should take us out of the world; but that he should keep us from evil. joh. 17, 15. Ob. If the child of GOD have overcome the world, whence is this vanity which is done upon the earth: that there is just men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous? Eccl. 8, 14. A. Can a bird fall in a snare where no fowler is? (Amos 3, 5) Affliction cometh not forth out of the Dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the Grave, (job. 5, 6.) Is there any evil in the City which the Lord hath not done? (Amos, 3, 6.) From the Lord of Hosts which dwelleth in Mount Zion: (Isa. 8, 18.) Who formeth the light, and creates darkness, who maketh peace, and creates evil; he, even he doth all these things, Is●. 45, 7. Gen. 45, 8. ●am. 3, 38, Psal. 17, 12. Q. What may hence be learned? A. Therefore le● no man be moved by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For we told you before that we should suffer tribulation, even as it comes to pass, and you know it, (1. Thes.. ●, 3.) For shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? job, 2, 10, 4, 17.1, Sam. 26, 9 joh, 18.11. Q Why? what is the disposition of GOD towards his Children in their afflictions? A. As a man chasteneth his Son, so doth the Lord chasten them: (Deut. 8, 5.) For whom he loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastising, GOD dealeth with you as with Sons. For what Son is the●e that the Father chasteneth not? If ye be without chastening, whereof all are partakars, then are ye bastards and not Sons: Heb. 12, 6. Revel. 3, 9 Q Show me wherein this fatherly disposition of his in affl cting his children is exercised, and expressed? A. 1 He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men; Lam. 3, 33. 2 In all their afflictions, he is afflicted. (Isa 63, 9) For when Israel put away the strange Gods from among them, and served the Lord, his soul was greeved for the miseries of Israel: (judg. 10, 16.) And his bowels were troubled for them: (Ier, 31, 20.) Saying, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Acts, 9, 4.) For we have not an high Priest, which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities e (Hebr. 4, 15.) But he that toucheth us, toucheth the Apple of his own eye: Zach. 2, 8. Psal. 103, 13 2, King. 13 4.13 23, 2, 14.26. Acts, 26, 14. 1. Pet. 5, 7. Mat. 6, 25, 34 2, Chron. 36, 15. Ob. In all my afflictions I have had an eye unto GOD, but yet could never discern any such affection in GOD towards me? A. Then say unto GOD; O LORD, I have waited for thee in the way of thy judgements; the desire of my Soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my Soul have I desired thee in the night, and with my spirit within me will I seek thee in the morning: (Isa. 26.8.) Look down from Heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness, and of thy glory; where is thy zeal, and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels, and of thy Mercies towards me? Are they restrained? Doubtless thou art our Father, though ABRAHAM be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou O LORD art our Father, our Redeemer, thy Name is from Everlasting: Isa. 63, 15. etc. Psalm. 77, 7. Q. But why doth GOD lay Afflictions upon us, being his children? A. What hath the Lord, now done? Is there not cause? (1, Sam. 17, 29.) namely. 1 To prevent sin. For he openeth the ear of man, and sealeth their instruction, that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man, (job. 33, 16.) And lest he should be exalted above measure, there is given him a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan, to buffet him: (2, Cor. 12, 7.) His way also is hedged up with thorns, and there is a wall made, that he may not find his paths: (Hos. 2, 6.) Therefore fear not, because of affliction, for GOD is come to prove you, that his fear might be before you, that you sinne not: Exod. 20, 20, 13, 17. 2 To remove sin. For if they be bound in fetters, and holden in the Cordes of Affliction, than he showeth them their works, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He openeth their ear also to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity: joh. 36, 8. By this therefore shall the iniquity of jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin: (Isa. 27, 9) and that he may be made partaker of his holiness: (Heb. 12, 10.) For which cause we faint not, for though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day: 2, Cor. 4, 16. Hos. 5, 15. Isa. 26, 9 4.4. 2, Cor. 7, 8. Zach. 13 9 Ezek. 39, 22: Numb. 12 11. Ez●k. 20, 37. Mal. 3, 2. Thus the Israelites in their trouble visited the Lord, and poured out a prayer when his chastisements was upon them, (Isa. 26.16.) M●nassen after his affliction, knew that the Lord he was God: 2, Chro. 33, 1●, 34, 27. Gen 42 21. Psal. 119, 67. job 40, 4 23, 16. jona. 3.3. Luk. 15.17. But for the wicked, why should they be smitten any more? they fall away more, and more Isa. 1.5.22.12. Hos. 7.10. Amos, 4, 6. 3 To make us trust in God. For we had the sentence of Death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in GOD which raised the Dead: (2. Cor. 1.9.) And GOD suffered Israel to bunger, that he might make them know, that man doth not live by Bread only, but by every Word, that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord, doth man live: (Deut. 8, 3.) The remnant also of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of JACOB, stay not upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the holy one of Israel in truth. Isa. 10.20. 4 For our trial. God left HEZIKIAH to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart: (2. Chron. 32, 31.) And he left the Canaanites to remain, to prove Israel, whether they would keep the ways of the Lord, and to walk therein: (judg. .3.4.) JOSEPH also was sold for a Servant, and his feet were hurt in the fetters, he was laid in the Iron, until the time that his word came; the Word of the Lord tried him: (Psal. 105, 17.) And a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed: (Luk. 2.35.) And thou shalt remember all the way, which the Lord thy GOD led thee these 40. years in the Wilderness, to prove thee, and to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldst keep his Commandments, or no: Deut 8, 2. Gen. 22, 1. Gal. 6, 17. Reu. 2, 10. 1. Pet. 1, 7. job, 23, 10. 5 To make us conformable unto CHRIST. That we may know him, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his Death: (Phil. 3, 10.) For we all are weak in him, (2. Cor. 13.4.) Filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of CHRIST, in our flesh, for his body's sake, which is the Church: (Col. 1.24.) Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren, that are in the World: 1. Pet. 5.9. 6 That we may escape the judgements of the wicked. When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the World: (1. Cor. 11, 32.) JOSEPH was sent before into Egypt, to preserve life: (Gen. 45, 5, 7) JOSIA was gathered to his Fathers, and to his Grave in peace, that he might not see all the evil that was to ●●me: (2. Chro. 34.28.) Blessed ●herefore 〈◊〉 the Man whom GOD chasteneth, and reaches him out of his Law, that he may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the Wicked: Psal. 94, 12. Exod. 23.28, etc. 7 To further us unto Salvation. For ought not CHRIST to suffer these things and to enter into his Glory? (Luk. 24.26.) And if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: (2. Tim. 2, 12.) For our light Affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us, a fare more exceeding, and Eternal weight of Glory: (2. Cor. 4, 17.) Though now for a season, if need be, we are in heaviness, through manifold Temptations; that the trial of our Faith, being much more precious than Gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honour and glory, at the appearing of JESUS CHRIST. 1. Pet. 1.6. Confirm therefore the souls of the Disciples, and exhort them to continue in the Faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of GOD: Acts, 14.22. Phil. 2 8. Luk. 23.40. 8 That we may the better esteem of Prosperity. My wrath saith GOD, shal● not be poured out upon jerusalem by the hand of SHISHAKE. Nevertheless, they shall be his servants, that they may know my service, and the service of the Kingdoms of the Countries. 2. Chro. 12.7, 8. 9 That we may comfort others. For whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings, which we also suffer; or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation, and salvation: 2. Cor. 1.6. Heb. 4.15. 10 For examples sake to the wicked. Because (saith GOD) they have profaned my Name, among the Heathen, whether they went, I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the Heathen, which they have profaned in the midst ●f them; and the Heathen shall know that I ●im the LORD, (saith the Lord God) when I shall be sanctified in them, before their eyes: (Ezek. 36.22.) For I will set my Glory among the Heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgement that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them, etc. And the Heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into Captivity, for their Iniquity because they trespassed against me; and therefore, hide I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their Enemies. Ezek. 39.21.23. Q I know now that GOD'S judgements are right, and that he in faithfulness doth afflict us: (Psal. 119.75) But what moderation doth he observe in the same? A. He will not lay upon man more than is right, that he should enter into judgement with GOD: (job, 34.23.) Neither hath he dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our Iniquities: (Psal. 103, 10.) But exacteth of us less than our iniquities deserve: job, 11, 6. Ob. Though our Afflictions be not according to our Sins, yet may they press us beyond our strength. job, 6.12. A. Through the Lords mercies we shall not be consumed, because his compassions fail not: (Lam. 3 22.) We are troubled indeed on every side, but not in distress; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (2. Cor. 4, 8.) As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, but not killed; as sorrowing, and yet always rejoicing; as poor, and yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things: (2. Cor. 6.9.) And though we fall, we shall not utterly be cast down; for the LORD upholdeth us with his hand: (Psal. 37, 24.) Neither will he execute the fierceness of his anger; he will not return to destroy Ephraim; for he is GOD, and not Man, the holy One of Israel in the midst of them: (Hos. 11, 9) Whereby unto the upright there ariseth light in darkness: (Psal. 112.4.) And when I said, my foot slippeth, his Mercy held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me, his comforts delight my Soul: Psal. 94, 18. No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old Garment; for that which is put in, to fill it up, taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse; neither do men put new Wine into old bottles; else the bottles break, and the Wine runneth out, and the bottles perish; but they put new wine into new bottles, and so both are preserved: (Math. 9, 16.) And will GOD plead against thee, with his power? No, he would put strength in thee: (job, 23, 6.) and strengthen thee, with strength in thy soul: Psal. 138.3, 55.22, 34.20. Isa. 27, 8, 28, 27, 28, 29, 43, 2, 3. Exod. 3, 2. Numb. 11, 11. etc. jonah, 1, 17. Amos, 9, 8. jer. 10, 24. Ob. Notwithstanding this moderation, if God should be always wroth the Spirit should fail before ●im, and the souls which he hath made. Isa. 57.16. A. The Lord will not cast off for ever; but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies: (Lam. 3.31.) And though the Afflictions of the righteous be many, yet the Lord will deliver them out of them all. (Psal. 34.19.) The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that are bowed down. (Psal. 145.14.) Whereby they shall forget their misery and remember it as waters that pass away. (job. 11.16.) And it shall come to pass, that as he hath watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, to destroy and to afflict, so will he watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the lord (jer. 31.28.) who delivereth us from so great a death, and doth deliver us. In whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us. 2, Cor. 1.10. Psal. 41.1.34.6. 1, Kings 11.39. Isa. 28.28. Nehe. 9 28. Ob. If we in respect of affliction should obtain but a bare, and naked deliverance, the comfort thereof would not be great? A. They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, and bring his sheaves with him: (Psal. 126, 5.) For thus saith the Lord, like as I brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good I have promised, (jer. 32, 42.) A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one, a strong Nation, (Isa. 60, 22.) As one whom his Mother comforteth, so will I comfort you, and you shall be comforted in jerusalem. And when you see this, your heart shall rejoice▪ and your bones shall flourish like an herb, and the hand of the LORD shall be known towards his Servants, (Isa. 66, 13.) For he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her Desert like the Garden of the Lord. joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody; (Isa. 51, 3.) The voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the Bride, the voice of them that shall say; Praise the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: jer. 33, 11. I●a. 61, 11.61, 7, 60, 15, 57, 17, 18, verses 58, 8. Zach. 9, 13. Micha. 7, 8, 4, 6, 7. jer. 30▪ 19 Esth. 8, 16. 2, Cor. 7, 5, 6. Psal. 71, 19 21. Ob. Our case seems to be too desperate, thus to be delivered? A. O thou afflicted, and tossed with tempest, and not comforted; behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations, with Saphires and I will make thy Windows of Agates, and thy Gates of Carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones: (Isa. 54.11.) And though you have lain among pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a Dove, eovered with silver, and her feathers with yellow Gold: (Psal. 68, 13.) For he raiseth up the poor out of the Dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the Dunghill, to set them among Princes, and to make them inherit the throne of Glory; for the Pillars of the Earth are the Lords, and he hath set the world upon them: 1, Sam. 2.8. Psal. 113.7.42.7, 8. Ezek. 37.12. Q. Doth the Lord dispense this goodness of his, unto all men alike in their afflictions? A. The just man falleth seven times a day and riseth again; but the wicked shall fall into mischief, (Prou. 24.16.) In the hand of the LORD there is a Cup, the Wine is red, it is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the same, but the Dregges thereof all the wicked of the Earth shall wring out, and drink them: (Psal, 75.8.) Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? Or is he slain, according to the slaughter of them, that are slain by him? In measure when it shooteth forth, he will debate with it, he stayeth his rough wind, in the day of the East wind: (isaiah, 27.7.) For how should I give thee up Ephraim? How should I deliver thee Israel? How should I make thee as Admah? How should I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together? Hos. 11, 8. Therefore fear thou not O jacob my Servant, saith the LORD for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the Nations whether I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure: jer. 46.28, 19, 10. Numb. 24, 20 Psal. 18, 27. Prou. 11, 28. Moreover thus saith the Lord God, behold my Servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry, behold my Servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold my Servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed; behold my Servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. And you shall leave your name for a curse, unto my chosen, for the LORD GOD shall slay thee, and call his Servants by another name: Isa. 65, 13. jer. 10, 24, 25. Prou. 14.10. Q. But will it not be long ere this deliverance cometh? A. I will bring near my righteousness, it shall not be fare off, and my salvation shall not tarry: (Isa. 46, 13.) A little while, and ye shall not seem; and again a little while and ye shall see me; because I go to my Father: (joh. 16, 16.) GOD is a very present help in trouble: (Psal. 46, 1.) His anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning: (Psalm. 30, 5.) After two days will he revive us, in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight: Hos. 6, 2. Come therefore my people, enter thou into thy Chambers, and shut thy doors about thee, hide thyself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast: Isa. 26, 20.65, 1, 17, 14, 2, Sam. 24, 12, 13, 25. Ob. But Zion said, the Lord hath forsaken me, and my LORD hath forgotten me (Isa. 49▪ 14.) I am weary of my crying, my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for my GOD: (Psalm. 69.3.) Behold I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him; on the left hand where he doth work▪ but I cannot behold him; he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: job. 23.8.9.19.13.3.3.13.26.33.19, 6.4.7.20 13.24.16.12.19.6. Psal. 88. 3.40.12.102.3.1●6.3 Ruth 1, 20. Isa. 38.10. jer. 20.15.15 10. A. But he knoweth the way that thou takest when he hath tried thee, thou shalt come forth as Gold. (Ilb. 23 10.) Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgement is before him therefore trust thou in him (job. 35, 14.) For the needy shall not always be forgotten, the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever: (Psal. 9.18.) For can a woman forget her sucking Child, that she should not have compassion, on the Son of her womb? Yea they may forget, yet will not I forget thee, saith the LORD: (Isa. 49.15.) The hope indeed deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire is accomplished, it is a tree of Life: Prou. 13.12. Ye have therefore need of patience, that after ye have done the will of GOD, ye might inherit the Promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry: Heb. 10.36. Psalm. 56.8. Q What man ever lived that could be patiented, in suffering such things; with so long waiting for deliverance as I have done? A. He that believeth shall not make haste, (Isa. 28.16.) Therefore I wait for the Lord, my Soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope; my Soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning, (Psal. 130.5.) Notwithstanding my confusion is continually before me, & the shame of my face hath covered me. For the voice of him that reproacheth, and blaspheameth by reason of the enemy, and avenger. All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten GOD, neither have we dealt falsely in his Covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from his way. Though he hath sorely broken us in the place of Dragons, and covered us with the shadow of Death: (Psal. 44.15.) Woe is me, saith JEREMY, for my hurt; my wound is grievous. But I said, truly this is a grief and I must bear it? (jer. 10, 19) I JOHN, am also your Brother, and Companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom, and patience of JESUS CHRIST. Rev. 1, 9 Take therefore my Brethren the Prophets, who have spoken in the name of the LORD, for an example of suffering Affliction, and of Patience: james, 5, 10. 2, Timoth. 2, 5. Psalm. 119.83, 141, 143, 39, 9.123, 2, 38, 12, 13. Isa. 26, 8, 39, 8. 1, Sam. 26, 19, 2, 15, 25, 2, 16, 11. job. 1.21. 1, Corinth. 4, 12. Q. Why? what will a man's patience profit him? A. Behold we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of JOB and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (jam 5.11.) And so ABRAHAM after he had patiently endured he obtained the promise: (Heb. 6.15.) Blessed therefore are all they that wait for him. (Isa. 30.18.) For the Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord: Lam. 3.25. In your patience possess ye your souls: (Luk. 21.19.) And let Patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect, and entire wanting nothing: (jam. 1.4.) And take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your Souls: (Math. 11.29.) And it shall be said in that day, lo this is our GOD, we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord we have waited for him, we will be glad, and rejoice in his Salvation: Isa. 25.9. Therefore wait on the LORD, be of good cheer, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait I say on the Lord: (Psal. 27, 14.) Saying, why art thou cast down O my Soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in GOD, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God: Psal. 43, 5.42.11.62.1.2. Q. By what means may this Grace of patience be attained? A. 1 If any of you lack Wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him: jam. 1.5. 2 This is my comfort in my Affliction, for his Word quickeneth me: (Psal. 119.50.) And if my delights had not been in his Word I had perished in mine Affliction. Psal. 119, 92. 3 I remembered his judgements of old, & have comforted myself. (Psal. 119, 52) I have considered the days of old, and the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my Song in the night: (Psal. 77.5.) I remembered the years of the right hand of the most high, I remembered the works of the LORD, surely I remembered his wonders of old: (Psal. 77, 10, 11.) And so strengthened my hand in GOD: 1. Sam. 23.16. Psal. 119, 52, 143, 5. 2 Cor. 1.10. 2 Tim. 4, 17, 18. 1 Sam. 17.37. Q. When comfort, and deliverance comes, will it abide by us? A. Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an everlasting excellency, a joy of many Generations: (Isa. 60.15.) For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hide my face from thee, for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord, thy Redeemer: (Isa. 54.7. Lift up your eyes to the Heavens, and look upon the Earth beneath, for the Heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the Earth shall wax old like a Garment, and they that dwell therein shall dye in like manner; but my Salvation shall be for ever, and my Righteousness shall not be abolished: Isa. 51.6. A woman when she is in travel hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but as soon as she is delivered of the Child, she remembreth no more the anguish, for joy that a Man is borne into the world. And ye now also have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you: (joh 16.21.) For you shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting Salvation, ye shall not be ashamed, nor confounded, world without end: Isa. 45, 17. Amos, 9.15. Ob. This your discourse imports much comfort, notwithstanding all which, I do remain but in the forlorn hope? A. Are the Consolations of God small with thee? (job, 15, 11.) Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat, and they draw near unto the gates of Death: (Psa. 107.17, 18.) Wherefore then doth a living man complain? A man for the punishment of his sins: (Lam. 3.39.) And why criest thou for thine affliction? Thy sorrow is incurable, for the multitude of thine Iniquities, and because thy sins are increased, I have done these things unto thee: (jer. 30, 15.) Thine own wickedness correcteth thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee. Know therefore that it is an evil thing, and a bitter to have forsaken the Lord thy GOD, and that his fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts: jer. 2 19 Ob. If our transgressions, and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how shall we then live? Ezek. 33.10. A. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help: (Hos. 13.9.) Therefore return thou back-sliding Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you; for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquities, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy GOD, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord. (jer. 3.12.) If thou were pure, and upright, then surely he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase: (job, 8.6) It is meet therefore to say unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: job, 34.31, 32. Wherefore if iniquity be in thy hands put it fare away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy Tabernacles; for then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear, because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away. And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday, thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the Morning: (job, 11.14.) Turn thou therefore unto thy GOD, keep Mercy, and judgement, and wait on thy GOD continually: (Hos. 12, 6.) And acquaint thyself I pray thee with him, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee: job, 22, 21. For did not HEZIKIAH King of judah fear the Lord; and the Lord repent him of the evil he had purposed against him? (jer. 26, 19.12▪ 16. Hos. 10, 12.6, 1. jer. 26.3, 12.6, 18 8. Amos, 5, 4. Ezek. 18, 27. job, 33, 23. Ob. I have endeavoured myself in the work of Repentance what I can, and yet my Affliction continueth pressing me very sore? A. Then cry unto the Lord, and he shall save you, out of your distresses: (Psal. 107.19.) Saying, Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak, O Lord heal me, for my bones are vexed: (Psal. 6.2.) Take away thy rod from me, and let not thy fear terrify me: (job. 9.34) Turn thou unto me, and have mercy upon me, for I am desolate and Afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged, O bring thou me out of my distress. Look upon my Affliction, and my pain, and forgive me all my sins: (Psal. 25, 17.) O remember not my former iniquities, let thy tender mercies speedily prevent me, for I am brought very low. Help me O God, of my salvation, for the glory of thy name deliver me. (Psa. 79.8.) I stretch forth my hand unto thee, my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily O Lord, for my spirit faileth; hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. (Psal. 143 6.) O Lord correct me, but in judgement, not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. (jer. 10.24.) I am like a flower that is cut down, which flieth also as a shadow, and continueth not; and dost thou open thine eyes upon such a one? And bringest thou me to judgement with thee? (job. 14.2.) Thine hands have made me, and fashioned me together, round about, yet thou dost destroy me. Remember I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay, and wilt thou bring me into the dust again? (job. 10.8.) Are not my days few? Cease thou, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, before I go, whence I shall not return: job. 10.20. Psal. 79.5.77.7.85, 4, 25, 6, 7, 39, 12, 13.88.1.88, 14.102.1, 118, 25.119, 77, 143, 8.11. job. 10, 1.13, 24.14, 6. jer. 17, 14.17. Psalm. 42, 6, 119, 107. Isa. 64.8. Q. When by these means I have found comfort and deliverance, what am I then to do? A. In that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee, though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, & thou comfortest me. Behold God is my Salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength, and my song, he also is become my Salvation, (Isa. 12.1.) My soul wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence, therefore I shall not be moved. In God is my Salvation, and my glory, the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God, (Psal. 62, 5.) For thou hast taken away all thy wrath, thou hast turned thy self from the fierceness of thine anger, (Psal. 78, 38.) Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling: (Psal. 116.8.) My lips therefore shall greatly rejoice, when I sing unto thee, and my Soul which ho u hast redeemed, my tongue also, shall talk of thy Righteousness, all the day long (Psal. 71, 23.) I will say unto thee, thy Righteousness O GOD is very high, who hath done great things, O God who is like unto thee? Thou who hast showed me great and sore troubles, hast quickened me again, and hast brought me up again from the depths of the earth: thou hast increased my greatness and comforted me on every side: (Psal. 71.19.) To the end that my glory may sing unto him and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thee thankes for ever. Psal. 30, 12, 49, 15.22, 22, 63, 7.66, 8.30, 3, 103.1, 4.85, 2, 3, 116, 7, 9 Isa. 61, 10, 49.13.38 20. Exod. 4, 31. Luk. 17.15. Psal. 35.18, 85.9, 116.5. CHAP. XXVIII. Of Persecution. Ob. I Know now, that in the midst of judgement, the LORD will remember Mercy; notwithstanding the fear I have of falling into the hands of men, is the very breaking of my heart. A. I, Even I am he that comforteth you; who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall dye, and of a man, that shall be made as grass? And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that spreadeth forth the Heavens, and layeth the foundations of the earth, & hast feared continually every day; because of the fury of the oppressor; as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor? (Isa. 51, 12,) Behold I will make thy Face strong against their Faces, and thy Forehead strong against their Foreheads: is an Adamant, harder than flint have I made thy Forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house: Ezek. 3.8. Are not two Sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father; but the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear ye not therefore for you are of more value than many Sparrows (Math. 10.29.) So that we may boldly say▪ the Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me (Heb. 13, 6. ● For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded, therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth me, who will contend with me? Let us stand together, who is mine Adversary? Let him come near to usee, Behold the LORD GOD will help me, who is he that shall condemn me? Lo all they shall wax old as a Garment; the Moth shall eat them up. Isa. 50, 7. Numb. 22, 18.38, verses, 24. 12, 13, 23, 8. Heb. 11, 27. Psalm. 140.12. Ob. But do I not with these eyes see many of my Brethren, how cruelly they have been handled by them? Psal. 22, 12, 13, 143, 3, 4. A. All that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS shall suffer persecution. (2. Tim. 3.12.) As formerly he that was borne after the flesh, persecuted him that was borne after the Spirit, even so it is now, (Gal. 4.29.) that the Brother shall betray the Brother to death, and the Father the Son, and the Children shall rise up against their Parents, and shall cause them to die. And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: Math. 10.21. These things have I spoken unto you, that you should not be offended; they shall put you out of the Synagogue, yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth GOD Service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I have told you them: joh. 16, 1. Notwithstanding if the world hate you, you know it hated me, before it hated you. If ye were of the World, the World would love his own; but because you are not of the world; but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the words that I said unto you, the Servant is not greater than his Lord; if they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also: (john, 15, 18.) For if they do these things to a green Tree, what shall be done to the dry? Luke, 23, 31. Math. 10.16.1, Corinth. 4, 9.10 13, 2. Cor. 6.9. Psalm. 22.12. Notwithstanding they can have no power at all against you, except it be given them from above: (joh. 19.11.8, 20.) For if Balaak would give unto Balaam his house full of Silver, and Gold; he could not go beyond the word of the LORD, to do less, or more: (Numb. 22, 18, 38, 24, 12, 13, 23, 8.) But unto you it is given in the behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe, but also to suffer for his sake: Phil. 1.29. Ob, The very tongues of these wicked men do cut like a sharp razor: (Psal. 52, 2.) Adder's poison is under their lips, (Psalm. 140.3.) Their teeth are as swords, and their jaws are knives to eat up the afflcted out of the earth, and the poor from among men, Prou. 30, 14. job. 17, 6. Lam. 1, 7. Isa. 8, 18. Psal, 120.4, 22, 13.69, 11, 31, 12, 13 verses, 22.6.7.8. verses, 71.10, 83.3. jer. 18.18. Deut. 32.33. A. Beloved remember ye the words which were spoken, before of the Apostles of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, how that they told you there should be mockers in the last times, (jud. 17.18.) And call to remembrance the former days, in the which after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight in afflictions; partly while ye were made a gazing stock, both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly while ye became Companions of them that were so used: (Heb, 10, 32.) But as the LORD turned the Curse of Baalam into a Blessing: (Deut 23, 5.) So it may be he will look on your Affliction also, and requite good for their cursing this day: (2. Sam. 16, 12.) And if ye be reproached for the name of CHRIST, happy are ye; for the Spirit of Glory, and of GOD resteth upon you, which on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified: 1. Pet. 4, 14. Therefore harken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my Law; fear ye not the reproaches of men, neither be afraid of their revile; for the Moth shall eat them like a Garment, and the Worm shall eat them like Wool, but my Righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation shall be from Generation, to Generation. (Isa. 51.7.) And consider him which endured such contradiction of sinners, lest you be weary and faint in your minds, (Heb. 12.3.) And go forth unto him without the Camp, bearing his reproach, (Heb. 13.13.) And say you unto such a one, why boastest ●hou in mischief, O mighty man? The good●esse of God endureth continually. (Psa. 52. ●.) And rherfore I will be more vile than ●hus, and will be base in my own sight. ●. Sam. 6.22. Math. 10.24. And turn unto God and say; have ●ercy upon us O Lord, have mercy upon ●s; for we are exceedingly filled with contempt, our soul is exceedingly filled with ●he scorns of those that are at ease, and ●ith the contempt of the proud. (Psal. 123. ●. 4.) Remove fare from us reproach, and contempt, for we have kept thy testimonies: Psal. 119.22. Ob. They do not only use threatening ●nd reviling words, but they lay to my charge things I never did: (Psal. 35. ●1.) They rejoice at me, as if I had been ●ound among thiefs. jer. 48.27. Act. 6.11. ●3. 14. ver. 25.7.17.6. Math. 11.18.26.65. joh. 10.20.7.12. jer. 15.10. Isa. 54.17. A. Also now thy witness is in heaven, ●nd thy record on high. (job. 16.19.) The Lord will not leave thee in the hand of the wicked nor condemn thee when thou art judged: (Psal. 37, 32.) For he shall stand at thy right hand, to save thee from those that condemn thee: (Psal. 109, 31.) And will put to silence those lying lips, which speak grievous things, proudly, and contemptuously against the Righteous, (Psal. 31, 18.) wherein they think it strange that you run not with them unto the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you; who shall give an account unto him that is ready to judge, the quick, and the dead: 1. Pet. 4, 4. Isa. 66▪ 5. Blessed therefore are you when men shall revile you, and Persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you: Math. 5, 11. Luk. 6, 22.) But let none of you suffer as a Murderer, or as a Thief, or as an evil doer, or as a busy body in other men's matters; yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify ●OD in this behalf: (1. Pet. 4, 15.) ●nd have your conversation honest a●●ng the Gentiles, that whereas they ●●ke against you, as evil doers, they ●y by your good Works, which they shall ●●ld, glorify GOD in the day of Visi●ion. For so is the will of God, that by ●ll doing, ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (1. Pet. 2, 12, 15.) 〈◊〉 being reviled, we bless; being permuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we ●reat; we are made as the filth of the ●●rld, and the of-scouring of all things ●o this day. 1. Cor. 4, 12. Thus doing mayest thou pray; Deli●● my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, ●el from a deceitful tongue: (Psal. 120. ●) And who is he then that will harm 〈◊〉, if you be followers of that which is ●nd? (1. Pet. 3, 13.) Or if any shall so ●●e, as the Sparrow by wand'ring, and the ●allow by flying escape, so the Curse cause●●e, shall not come: Prou. 26, 2. Psalm. 19, 161. Ob. But I shall one day fall into their hands: (1. Sam. 27, 1.) And be brought before Governors, and Kings for the Name of CHRIST: (Math. 10.18.) And what alas shall I then do? A. Do as TIMOTHY did, who professed a good profession before many witnesses: (1. Tim. 6.12.) And as the Church of Pergamus did, who held fast his name and denied not his Faith, even in those days wherein ANTIPAS his faithful Martyr, who was slain where Satan dwelled: (Reu. 2.13.) And if they forbidden you to speak any more in that Name, then say unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you, more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard: Act. 4 19.20, Ob. Ah Lord God; behold I can not speak, for I am a Child. jer. 1.6. A. The hand of the Lord shall be upon thee, and shall open thy mouth, and thou shalt be no more dumb: (Ezek. 33, 22.) The tongue of the Stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly: (Isa. 32.4.) For out ●f the mouths of Babes, and sucklings hath 〈◊〉 ordained strength, because of his Enemy's, that he might still the enemy, and ●avenger. Psal. 8, 2. Say not then I am a Child, for thou shalt ●nto all that I shall send thee, and what●●ever I command thee thou shalt speak. jerem. 1.7.) For who hath made man's Youth? Or who maketh the dumb, and be deaf, have not I the Lord? Now ●herefore I will be with thy mouth, and ●uch thee what thou shalt say. Exod. 4, 11. When they therefore deliver you up, ●ike no thought, how, or what you shall ●eake, for it shall be given you in that ●ime hour, what you shall say: (Math. 10, 19 Luk. 21.14) And I will give you a ●outh, and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay, nor resist: (Luk. 21.15. Act. 6, 10.) For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed: (Rom. 10, 11.) For with the Heart man believeth unto Righteousness, and with the Mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom. 10, 10 You having therefore the same spirit● of Faith, according as it is written, believed, and therefore have I spoken; you also believe, and therefore speak: (2. Cor 4, 13.) And be not afraid, and hold not thy peace; for I am with thee, and no ma● shall set on thee to hurt thee: (Acts, 18.9.) But sanctify the Lord God in your heart and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, and that with meekness, and fear, 1. Pet. 3, 15. Math. 10, 32. Prou. 16.1. Acts, 4.9. Luk. 12.12. Ob. If for the hope of Israel I should thus stand in defence of the truth, I shall for my labour be cast into some Dungeon: (jer. 38.6.) be bound with a chain, (Acts 28.20.) And my feet hurt with fetters of Iron. Psal. 105.18. Ezek. 19.9. john, 21, 28. A, Though you suffer trouble as an evil doer, yet the word of God is not bound (2. Tim. 2.9.) You may be a bondman in deed, yet the Lord God will not forsake you in your bondage, (Ezra. 9, 9) No more than he forsook PAUL and SILAS, whoring ●ing psalms in Prison, Acts, 16, 25. For the Lord heareth the poor, and des●seth not his Prisoners, (Psal. 69.33.) ●et hath broken the Gates of Brass, and ●●t the Bars of iron in sunder: (Psal. 107. ●6.) And bringeth out those that are ●●und with chains, (Psal. 68, 6.) For the iron gate opened unto Peter of its own ●ucord, whereby he escaped the hands of Herod, Acts, 12, 10. jer. 38.13.52.31. Psal. 102.19.116 16. Ob. It may be they will not always de●aine me a prisoner; but which is worse, 〈◊〉 may be banished into the Land of Strangers abroad: Reu. 19.10. Heb. 11.38. Act. 8, 1. A. Although they shall cast you a far off ●mong the Heathen, and although they do scatter you among the Countries; yet will the to you as a little Sanctuary in the Countries where you shall come: (Exek. 11.16.) And when you are in the Land of your Enemies, I will not cast you away, neither will I abhor you to destroy you utterly, and to break my Covenant with you; for I am the Lord your GOD: (Levit. 26.44.) But I will give you a reviving there: (Ezra, 9 8.) And make you to be pitied of all those that shall carry you Captive: (Psal. 106, 46) And make the Enemy to entreat you well: (jer. 15.11.) And I will be with you as with JOSEPH in Egypt, who was a prosperous man, (Gen. 39, 2.) forgot all his toil, and all his Father's house, and became fruitful in the Land of his Affliction: Gen. 41, 51, 52, 46 3, 47 27, 23, 11. jer. 40.4, 37, 21. Deut. 4, 29. Reuel. 1.9, 10. Psal. 105, 12. jer. 31, 10. 2 Moreover, hear the Word of the Lord, and declare it in the Isles a fare off, and say, he that scattered Israel, will gather him: (jer. 31.10.) Fear not, for I am with them, I will bring their seed from the East, and gather them from the West. I will say to the North give up, and to the South keep not back. Bring my Sons from fare, and my Daughters from the ends of the earth even every one that is called by my name, for I have created him for my glory: (Isa. 43, 5.) For as the Shepherd seeketh out his flock, in the day that he is among his Sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my Sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy, and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the Countries, and I will bring them to their own Land: (Ezek. 34, 12.) So that the redeemed of the Lord, shall return and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their head, they shall obtain gladness, and joy, and sorrow, and mourning shall flee away: Isa. 51, 11. Say ye therefore, turn again our captivity O Lord, as the streams in the South: (Psal. 126, 4.) O that Salvation were come out of Zion, when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. Psalm. 14, 7, 53.6, 81, 5, 68, 22. Deut. 30, 1. Gen. 15.15.48, 21. Isa. 14, 12 26, 2, ●9, 10.30, 10, 27, 13, 49.25, 60, 15. jer. 23, 3 24, 5. Ezek. 36, 24. Amos, 9, 14. Zach. 10, 10. Exod. 12.41. Ob. But in the mean while would it not grieve a man to part with his dear friends, with what else he hath? jer. 5, 2. Lam. 5, 15, 3, 45, 46. Dan. 9, 15. A. No mo●e than it would have grieved Levi, who said unto his Father, and to his mother, I have not seen him, neither did he acknowledge his Brethren; nor knew his own Children, (Deut. 33.9.) Or than others, who took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing in themselves, that they have in Heaven a better, and an enduring substance (Heb. 10, 34.) For I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or Brethren, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands for my sake, or the Gospel, but he shall receive an hundred fold; now in this world Houses, and Brethren, and Sisters and Mothers, and Children, and lands with Persecutions, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Mark. 10, 29, Luk. 14, 26, 14.33.17.32. Ob. But more grievous things than these are imposed: for, for his sake are we killed all the day long, and are counted as sheep for the slaughter: Psal. 44, 22, 74.4. Lam. 3.42. A. Yet I will not leave you comfortless, (joh. 14, 18.) But as my sufferings abound in you so your consolation also aboundeth: (2, Cor. 1, 5.) For I will pray the Father, and he shall g●ue you another comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive; because it seethe h●m not, neither knoweth him. But ye know him for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you: (joh. 14.16.) Whereby our hope of you is steadfast, knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the Consolation. 2, Cor. 1, 7. And therefore think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as if some strange thing happened unto you: (1 Pet. 4.12.) But rather glory in tribulation, (Rom. 5, 3.) As well as others, who were stoned, who were sawn asunder, who were tempted, who were slain with the Sword, and otherwise tortured, and yet not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: (Heb. 11, 35, 37.) So that we ourselves gloried in the Churches of GOD, for the faith, and patience of such, in all their persecutions, and tribulations, which they endured: 2, Thes. 1, 4. M●th. 10, 28. Luk. 17, 33. Dan. 3.16. Ob. If my torments should be as long, as violent, I shall shrink under them? A. The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the Righteous, lest the righteous put forth his hand unto wickedness, ● Ps l, 125,3) For except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved, but for the elects sake those days shall be shortened. (Math. 24 22.) For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction: Isa. 10, 25. 2, Tim. 3.9, 2, 4.17. Q. When deliverance comes, shall the same last, and continue? A. For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise saith the Lord, I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him: (Psal. 12.5.) And then there shall be no more a pricking briar unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn, of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord: Ezek. 28, 24. Therefore hear now this thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with the Wine, thus saith thy Lord, the LORD and thy GOD, that pleadeth the cause of his people; behold I will take out of thine hand the Cup of trembling; even the Cup of the Dregs of my f●ry, thou shalt no more drink it again; but I will put it into the hands of them that afflict thee, which have said to thy soul, bow down, that we may go over, and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street to them that went over: Isa, 51, 21, etc. Q. What may these comfortable promises, concerning the persecution of the Saints teach? A. To endure hardness, as a good Soldier of JESUS CHRIST, (2 Tim. 2, 3.) And be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the power of GOD: (2. Tim. 1, 8.) And in nothing be terrified by your Adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition; but to you of Salvation, and that of GOD: (Phil. 1 28.) Seeing it is a righteous thing with God, to recompense Tribulation to them that trouble you, and to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord jesus shall be revealed from Heaven, with his mighty Angels, 2: Thes. 1, 6. Wherefore rejoice, in as much as you are made partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed you may be glad also, with exceeding joy: (1. Pe●. 4.13.) For when you are tried, you shall receive the Crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, (jam. 1, 12,) For the which cause, I also suffer these things. Nevertheless I am not shamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day. (2. Tim. 1.12.) Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of GOD, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful creator. 1 Pet. 4.19. Reu. 20.6. 7.13. Luk. 12, 6. 1 Sam. 23.16.1.30.6. Act 14 22. 2 Pray saying; O God, the proud are risen against us, and the assembly of wicked men have sought after our soul and have not set thee before them. Psal, 86, 14) Have a respect unto the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitation of cruelty: (Psal, 74, 20.) Hear us, O Lord our GOD, lighten our eyes, lest we sleep the sleep of death: (Psal. 13, 3.) Arise O LORD, lift up thyself, because of the rage of our Enemies, awake for us to the judgement thou hast commanded ● Psal. 7, 6. Psal. 17, 7, 17, 12, 7, 1, 119, 122, 140, 4, 25, 19 Lam. 3, 47, etc. Attend unto our cry, for we are brought very low, deliver us from our persecutors, for they are stronger than we: (Psal. 142 6) Consider our enemies for they are many. (Psal 25.19) Give us help in trouble, for vain is the help of man, Psal. 108, 12, 8, 6 56, 1. Psal 74 20. 2, Chron. 20, 6, 12. Act ●4, 26. Our enemi●● have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth, Psal. 17, 1●.) They have hid a snare for us and cords; they have spread a net by the way side; they have set grins for us: (Psal. 140, 5.) Rid, and deliver us from the hands of strange children; whose mouths speak vanity; and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: (Psal. 144, 11, 83, 5, 74, 20.) We have done judgement and justice, leave us not to our oppressors: (Psal. 119.121.) For they have digged a Pit for us, which is not after thy Law: (Psalm. 119, 85) Let integrity and uprightness preserve us, for we wait on thee: (Psal. 25, 21.) O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; 〈◊〉 the righteous GOD, tryeth the heart, ●●d the reynes: (Psal. 7.9) Shall the 〈◊〉 one of iniquity have fellowship with thee, ●uch frameth mischief by a Law? Psal.. ●4 20.) Let none that wait on thee ●●t ashamed, but let them be ashamed ●hich transgress without cause: Psal. 5, 3, 119, 6.35, 23.43, 1, 7, 3. Lam. ● 59 Thy City, and thy people are called by ●y name: (Da●. 9, 19) We are thine, ●ou never barest rule over them, they ●re not called by thy name: (Isa. 63, 19) ●t now O Lord, thou art our Father, we ●t the clay, and thou art our Potter, and we ●e all the work of thine hand. Be not ● o'th' very sore O Lord, neither remem●●r iniquities for ever: Behold see we ●eseech thee we are all thy people: (Isa.. ●4, 8.) Why doth thine anger smoke against the Sheep of thy pasture? Remember thy Congregation which thou hast purchased of old, the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed, this is mount Zion wherein thou hast dwelled. (Psal. 74.1.) O deliver not the soul of thy turtle do v● unto the multitude of the wicked, forge● not the congregation of the poor for ever▪ Have respect unto the covenant (Psal. 74 19) Abba, father all things are possible t● to thee. Mark. 14.36. 2. Thes. 3.2. jer. 14.9 21. Dan. 9.17. Psal. 79.10.13. Deut. 9.26 Psal. 86.16. joel 2.17. Psal. 74.20. Neh 1.10. Thy holy Cities are a wilderness; Zion is a wilderness; jerusalem a desolation Our holy, and our beautiful house, wher● our Fathers praised thee, is burned up wit● fire and all our pleasant things are laid waist. Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things O Lord? Wilt thou hold thy peace and afflict us very sore? (Isa. 64 10.) know that for thy sake we have suffered rebuke (jer. 15.15.) Arise O God, plead thine own cause, remember how the foolish men reproach thee daily. Forget not the voice of thine Enemies; the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually. Psal. 74.22.74.7.8.83.12. Ios. 7.8. O Lord though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake; 〈◊〉 our backslidings are many, we have sin●ed against thee. (jer. 14.7,) Yet do not abhor us for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory. (jer. 14.21.) ●et thy work appear unto thy servants, ●●d thy glory unto their children. (Psal 90. ●6.) Let our mouths be filled with thy ●aise, and with thy honour all the day. Psal. 71 8.) That men may know that thou ●hose name alone is jehovah, art the most ●igh, over all the earth. Psal. 83.18.106. ●7. 22.25.79.13.9.13.43.4.22.22.74. ●●, Deut. 9.26. Bring our souls out of prison that we ●ay praise thy name; the righteous shall impasse us about, because thou hast dealt bountifully with us. (Psal. 142.7.) And 〈◊〉 men shall fear, and declare the works ●f God; for they shall wisely consider thy ●oings. The righteous shall be glad in ●he LORD, and shall trust in thee; all the upright in heart shall glory. (Psal. 64. ●.) Let not them that wait on thee O Lord GOD of hosts be ashamed for ou● sakes; let not those that seek thee be confounded, for our sakes O God of ISRAEL. Because for thy sake we have born● reproach; shame hath covered our faces Ps●l. 69.6. Ah Lord God behold thou hast made th● heaven & the earth by thy great power, an● stretched out arm, and there is nothing t● hard for thee. Thou showest loving kindness unto thousands, etc. the great, th● mighty God, the Lord of hosts is his name great in counsel, and mighty in work (jer. 32.17.) And is thy hand shortened, that it cannot help? or is thy ear heavy that thou canst not hear? (Isa. 59.1.) Thou O Lord remainest for ever, thy throne is from generation to generation; Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsakest us so long time. (L●m. 5.19.) why shouldest thou be as a man astonished? As a mighty man that cannot save? (jer. 14.9.) For thou art the God of our strength, why dost thou cast us off? Why go we mourning because of the oppressions of the Enemy? Psal. 43.2. Our Fathers trusted in thee, they tru●ed, and thou didst deliver them they ●yed unto thee, and were delivered; 〈◊〉 trusted in thee, and were not con●unded. But I am a worm, and no ●●n, a reproach of men, and despised ●f the people, (Psal. 22.4) Thou hast also ●rought thy people out of the land of EGYPT, with a mighty hand, and hast got thee renown, (Dan. 9.15.) Lord where ●●e thy former loving kindnesses, which thou didst swear unto DAVID in truth? (Psal. 89.49.) Thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts; I was ●●st upon thee from the womb, thou art ●y GOD from my Mother's belly: be not fare from us, for trouble is near, and ●here is none to help. (Ps. 22.9.71.5.) Cast us not off in the time of old age, forsake us not when our strength faileth. Ps●l. 71.9, 22.20. Isa. 33, 2. jer. 32, 21.14▪ 8. Isa. 51, 9 2 Chron. 20, 6, 12. Psalm. 22, 21. Exod. 32, 11. Remember Lord the reproaches of thy servants; how we do bear in our bosom the reproaches of all the mighty people, wherewith thine Enemies have reproached; O Lord, wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed. (Psal. 89.50.) Grant not O Lord, the desires of the wicked, further not their wicked devices lest they exalt themselves. (Psal. 140.8.) And let them not rejoice over us▪ let them not say in their heart, ah, so would we have it; let them not say we have swallowed them up. Psal. 35.24▪ 35.19 25.1.2.13.4.36, 11.86, 17. Lam. 5.1. Deut. 9 26. Psal. 79.10. Exo. 32.12. joel 2.17 Psal. 68.3. O satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad, all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. (Psal. 90.14.15.) O that the salvation of ISRAEL were come out of Zion! When the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, JACOB shall rejoice, and ISRAEL shall be glad. Psal. 14.7.43.3.83.3.86.17.40 10. But thou hast covered thyself with a Cloud, that our Prayers shall not pass through: (Lam. 3 44.) Thou hast vtter●y rejected us, thou art very wroth against it, (Lam. 5, 22.) Awake; why sleepest thou O LORD? Arise, cast us not off for ever: wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction, and our oppression? (Psa●. 44; 23.) Hast thou utterly rejected Iuda●? Hath thy soul loathed Zion? Why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? We look for peace and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble: (jer. 14, 19 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? Put up thyself into the scabbard; rest, and be still. How can it be quiet, seeing the Lord hath given it a charge against Zion? there hath he appointed it. jer. 47, 6. Now therefore our GOD; the great, the mighty, and the terrible GOD, who keepest Covenant, and mercy; let not all the trouble seem little before thee that hath come upon us. (Neh. 9.32.) But redeem Israel O God, out of all his troubles: Psal. 25, 22 40, 1, 40, 17. jer. 15, 18. Psal. 119, 84.119, 123.89 46.13, 1.80, 4 74, 9.22, 1. Q. When God giveth deliverance unto his Church, what shall become of their cruel persecutors? A. When the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion, and on jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the King of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks: (Isa. 10.12.) They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame, and their dwelling places shall come to nought, (job, 8.22.) and perish; the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of Lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away: (Psal. 37, 20.) They that devour thee shall be devoured; they that spoil thee shall be spoiled; and they that pray upon thee, I will give for a pray: (jer. 30.16.) As they have shed the blood of Saints, and Prophets, so they shall have blood to drink; for they are worthy: (Reuel. 16, 6.) For the Lord will plead the cause of his Servants, and spoil the Soul of those that spoilt them: (Prou. 22, 23.) So that the wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressors for the upright: Prou. 21, 18. Isa. 33, 1.49, 26.51.23. Numb. 24, 8. Psal. 53, 5, 7, 15.37, 13. joel, 2, 20.3.1, 3.19. Amos. 1, 2. Zach. 2, 8. Obad. 10. Mich. 7, 10. Zach. 12, 6, 14, 12, 10, 5. Reu. 18.5, 12.13. Deut. 32, 41. Mal. 4, 3. jer. 20.11, 49, 12, Psal. 57, 6. Thus Absalon persecuting David, was himself slain. (2, Sam. 18, 15.) And in the place where Dogs licked the blood of Naboth, the Dogs licked the blood of Ahab, & did eat jezabel by the wall of jezrael: 1, King. 21, 19, 23, 1, 22, 38, 1.13, 4, 2, 2, 24, 2, 9, 35. Acts, 12, 23, Dan, 6, 24, 3, 22. Gen. 12, 17, 19, 11. Exod. 7, 20, 8, 6.8, 17, 8, 24. 9, 6, 10, 9, 24, 25, 10.13, 10.22.12.29, 12.33. Esth. 7.10.9.10.9.25. Numb. 21.3. Therefore fret not thyself because of evil doers, neither be thou envious at the workers of iniquity; for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and whither as the green herb: Psal. 37.1. Ob. But do you not see, how the limbs of Antichrist do still prevail against the Church? A. The ten horns upon the beast, which are ten Kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as Kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power, and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the lamb, and the lamb shall overcome them; for he is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, etc. And then these ten horns shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate, and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God shall put in their hearts, to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their Kingdom unto the Beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled: Reu. 17.12. etc. Q What use is to be made of these promises? A. 1. Therefore O ye cruel persecutors, What mean you that ye beat my people to pieces and grind the faces of the poor, saith the LORD GOD of Hosts? (Isa. 3, 15.) Touch not mine anointed, and do my Prophets no harm (Psalm. 105, 15.) And refrain from these men, and let them alone; for your counsel, and your works being of men, shall come to nought; but this being of God, you can not overcome it, least happily ye be found even to fight against God, (Acts, 5, 38) And let my sons go, that they may serve me; and if ye w●ll refuse to let them go; behold I will slay your Sons, even your first borne: Exod. 4, 23. Prou. 22, 22. 2, King. 19.21. Psal. 2, 1. 2. Come out of Babylon my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues: Revel. 18, 4. 3 Pray, saying; Arise, O Lord, let notman prevail, let our enemies be judged in thy sight; put them in fear, O Lord, that they may know themselves to be but men, (Psal. 9, 19) Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek thy name O Lord. Psal. 83, 16. Otherwise, let them be turned back, and brought to confusion, that devise our hurt. Let them be as Chaff before the Wind, and let the Angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery; and let the Angel of the Lord persecute them, (Psal. 35, 4.) As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God: (Psal. 68, 2.) Bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with a double destruction, (jer. 17.18.) For they have eaten up jacob, and devowred him▪ and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate, (jer. 10, 25.) Therefore render unto them a recompense, O Lord, according to the work of their hands. Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them. Persecute, and destroy them in anger, from under the Heavens of the Lord, (Lam. 3, 64.) Do unto them, as to the Midianites, as to Scisera, as to jabin, at the Brook of Kison; which perished at Endor; they became as dung for the earth. Make their Nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb; yea all their Princes, as Zeba, and Zalmunna; who said, let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession. O our God, make them like a wheel, as the stubble before the Wind. As the fire burneth Wood, and as the flames set the Mountains on fire; so persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea let them be put to shame, and perish: Psalm. 83, 9 Psal. 68, 1, 129, 5.40, 14. Psal. 79, 10, 35, 1, 45, 3, 68, 1. judges, 5, 31. Q. What are we to do, when our Persecutors are thus destroyed, and we thereby delivered? A. Break forth into joy, and sing together; because, the Lord hath comforted his people; because he hath redeemed jerusalem, and made bare his holy arm, in the eyes of all the Nations: (Isa, 52, 9) And sing ye the Song of MOSES the Servant of GOD, and the song of the Lamb, saying; great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just, and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints. Who shall not fear thee O Lord, and glorify thy Name? For thou only art holy; for all Nation's shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are made manifest. Reu. 15, 3. And as the Angels of the Waters, say unto God, thou art righteous, O Lord; which art, and waste and shalt be; because thou hast judged thus; even so, Lord God Almighty true and righteous are thy judgements▪ (R u 16, 5,) Wherefore we give thee thankes O Lord God Almighty; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned: Reu 11.17.) And in the day that I called upon thee, thou saidst, fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the cause of my Soul, thou hast redeemed my life: (Lam. 3, 57) Yea, many a time have they afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me. The Plowers ploughed upon my back, and made long their furrows. The Lord is righteous; he hath cut a sunder the Cords of the wicked. I. Psal. 129, 2. etc. 97, 10, 66, 13.14. 2, Cor. 1.3, 4. Psal. 31, 23.18, 16, 9, 11. Isa. 26.13. Reu. 19, 1, etc. CHAP. XXIX. Of Temptations by evil Examples. Ob. WEll have you satisfied me concerning temptations on the left hand; but I find more bitter than death, the woman whose heart is snares, and nets, and her hands are bands. Eccl. 7.28. Prou. 23.27. A. Notwithstanding, who so pleaseth God, shall escape from her: (Eccles. 7, 26.) For joseph harkened not to his lewd M●stresse, (Gen. 39.10.) Noah also was a just man, and perfect in his generation: (Gen. 6 9) And Lot being righteous, and dwelling among the wicked, in seeing, and hearing: vexed his righteous soul from day, to day, with their unlawful deeds: (2, Pet. 2.8,) And we know that we are of God, when yet the whole World lieth in wickedness▪ 1, joh. 5, 19 Dan. 11.32. O● the contrary, the mouth of the strange woman being a deep Pit, he that is abhorred of the Lord, shall fall therein: (Prou. 22, 14) And the sinner shall be taken by her: (Eccl. 7, 26.) As was Herod, by the dancing of Herodias: Math, 14.6. Numb. 31, 16. Dan. 11, 32. Q. But what means must be used, that so I be not overtaken by such enticements as these? A. 1. Concerning the works of men, by the words of his mouth, thou shalt be kept from the path of the Destroyer: (Psal. 17.4.) For when wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy Soul, discretion shall preserve thee, and understanding shall keep thee; to deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger that flattereth with her words, P●●●. 2, 10, 2, 16. 2. Because, as he that walketh with a wise man, shall be wiser; so the Companion of fools shall be destroyed: (Prou. 13.20.) Therefore from such turn away: (2, Tim. 3, 5.) And say, O my Soul, come not thou in to their secret; unto their assembly mine honour be not thou united: (Gen. 49.6.) But depart from me, O ye will doers; for I will keep the Commandment of my God: (Psal. 119.115.) I will not ●●t with vain persons; neither will I go 〈◊〉 with dissemblers: Psal. 26 4. Prou. 23, 10, 24, 1, 2, 22, 24, 25. 1 Cor. 5, 9 Psal. 120.5, 6.106, 35.143, 10. Numb. 25, 1. Deut. 4, 28. Prou. 1, 10. 3 Because we cannot altogether avoid their company, but by going out of the world: (1. Cor. 5.10.) See therefore that ye walk circumspectly; not as fools, ●●t as wise, (Ephes. 5.15) working out our salvation with fear and trembling; etc. that ye may be blameless, and ●●rmlesse, the sons of GOD without rebuke, in the mids of a crooked, and perverse Nation; among whom you shine is lights in the world, holding forth the word of Life. Phil. 2.12.15.16. Leu. 18, 3, 4. 4 Pray, Incline not my heart unto a●y evil thing, to practise wicked works, with men that work iniquity, and let me not eat of their dainties. Let the Righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: Psal. 141.4, 5. CHAP. XXX. Of temptations by false Teachers. Ob. IF neither the tyranny of Persecutors, nor the practices of profane ones, shall unsettie us from our steadfastness, then are we safe, and out of danger? A. But there were false Prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false Teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable Heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them: (2 Pet. 2, 1.) And many of them shall come in my Name, saying; I am CHRIST, and shall deceive many. Math. 24, 5. Act. 15.1. 1. joh. 4, 1. Ob. You teatme such Seducers, who ●ill not stick to say the same of you? A. This I confess unto thee, that af●●r the way which they call Heresy, so worship I the GOD of my Fathers; believing ●ll things, which are written in the Law ●nd the Prophets. Act. 24 14. Ob. Many of these being learned in the Scriptures, and as they say, grounding their opinions on the same, how ●hould they swarm from it? A. Some of these speak lies in Hypocrisy, having their Consciences seared, with a hot Iron: 1 Tim. 4.2. 2 O●hers of them, God hath shut up ●heir eyes, that they cannot see, and their ●earts that they cannot understand. Isa.. ●4. 18.6.10. 1. Cor. 1.19. Rom. 11.8. 3 The God of this world also hath blinded the minds of some of them, which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of CHRIST, who is the Image of God should shine unto them. 2. Cor. 4.3.4. ●. Chro. 18.21. 4 Some things in the Scriptures themselves, are hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned, and unstable, wrist unto their own destruction: 2 Pet. 3, 16. Q. How cometh it to pass that these broaching abroad Error, in stead of Truth, should be so readily received? A. Such are deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the Apostles of CHRIST, and as the Ministers of righteousness. (2 Cor. 11.13.15.) Who through Covetousness, do with feigned words make merchandise of men: (2. Pet. 2.3.) And come in sheep's clothing; though inwardly they are ravening Wolves: Math. 7, 15. jude, 12. 2 They speak of the World, and therefore the world heareth them. joh. 1, 4, 5. 3 Many are laden with sins, and led away with diverse lusts; and therefore are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, and so are led captive by such. 2 Tim. 3, 6. Q. Why then doth God permit such dangerous Heretics to remain in the Church? A. There must be heresies among you, ●hat they which are approved, may be made manifest among you. 1 Cor. 11, 19 Q. But are not we also in danger to ●e seduced by them? A. We are of GOD; he that is of God beateth us, although he that is not of God fears us not. Hereby we know the Spirit of Truth, and the spirit of Error: (1 joh. ●, 6.) And you also little Children being if God, have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you than he hath is in the world: (1 joh. 4, 4.) Moreover CHRIST ●alleih his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his ●●ne sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice, and a stranger will they not follow, but will ●ee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers. joh. 10▪ 3. And therefore such Heretics shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be manifest unto all men. And you for your part, have fully known my Doctrine, and manner of life, etc. Only evil men, and seducers shall wax worse, and worse; deceiving, and being deceived. 2. Tim. 3.9.13. Ob. Notwithstanding it staggereth me not a little, to see, and hear what miracles some such have wrought. A. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that you will be none otherwise minded. (Gal. 5.10.) For who should so bewitch you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes JESUS CHRIST hath been evidently set forth, and Crucified among you: (G●●. 3 1. Knowing this that Ant●christ his coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders and w●th all deceivableness, of unrighteousness in them that perish. 2. Thess. 2 9 Q. How may I be preserved from these impostures? A. Believe not every Spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of GOD, (1. joh. 4, 1.) proving all things, and bolding fast that which is good: (1 Thess. 5, 21.) As did the Church of Ephesus, who tried them, which said they were Apostles and were not, and found them liars: Reu. ●, 2. 1 Cor. 14, 32. Prou. 14, 15. Isa. 8, ●0. Acts, 17.11. Q. Show us then the marks whereby they may be known? A. You shall know them by their fruits: ●ath. 7, 16. 1 By their Entrance; For he that entereth not in by the door, into the sheepfold; but climbeth up some other way, the same is a Thief, and a Robber; but he that uttreth in by the door, is the Shepherd of the sheep: joh. 10, 1, 2. 2 By their Doctrine; For hereby know ye the Spirit of GOD; every spirit ●hat confesseth that JESUS CHRIST is ●ome in the Flesh, is of God. And every spirit that confesseth not that jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God, and this is that Spirit of Antichrist, whereof you have heard▪ that it should come, and e●en now is already in the World: 1 joh. 4, 2.1, 2, 22, 23. 3 By their opposing of faithful Ministers; For as JANNES', and JAMBRES withstood MOSES, so do these also resist, the truth; men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the Faith. 2 Tim. 3.8. 4 By their evil lives; ungodly men they are, turning the grace of God into wantonness, and do defile the flesh. jude, 4, 8. 5 If thou say in thine heart, how shall we know the Word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a Prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the Prophet hath spoken it presumptuously. Deut. 18.21. Ob. Some of these men have foretold us of things, which have come to pass? A. If there arise among you a Prophet, or dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign, or wonder; and the sign, or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spoke unto thee, saying, let us go after other Gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them, thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that Prophet, or that dreamer, of dreams: for the Lord your God prooveth you, to know whether you love the Lord your God w●th all your heart, and with all your soul: Deut. 13.1. Therefore to the Law, and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them: Isa. 8, 20. Q. What is the danger that such Heretics do expose themselves unto? A. As they have sown the wind, so they shall reap the whirlwind: (Hos. 8, 7) For they being before ordained to condemnation: (jud. 4.) Their judgement now a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not, 2, Pet. 2, 3, Gal. 5, 10. Reuel. 22, 18. Mat. 23, ●5. jer. 28, 16.17. ver. 29, 31, 32. Q. These Heretics being a people so dangerous, what may thence be learned? A. Ye therefore beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest you also; being led away with the errors of the wicked, fall from your own stedfaslnes, (2, Pet. 3, 17.) And be taken in a snare after them: (Deu●. 12, 30.) By being carried about with diverse, and strange Doctrines: for it is a good thing, that the heart be established with grace; but not with meats, which have not profited them that have been exercised in them: (Heb. 13, 9) But hath occasioned them to err concerning the faith: 1. Tim. 6, 20. 1, Cor. 3, 11. 1, joh. 5, 21. Prou. 19, 27, 30, 6. 2, Tim. 2, 1, 2, 2.1, 13, 14. Col. 2, 6. Math. 24, 26. Q What do you account Heresy? Is every little swerving from the truth damnable? A. If any man buildeth upon (Christ) the foundation: gold silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest. For the day shall declare it; because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall he burnt, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be save; yet so, as by fire: 1, Cor. 3.12. Gal. 5.9. Q. You have then said enough for my settling; but because the time will come, when other men will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves Teachers, having itching ears, and shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to Fables: When these things come to pass, what am I to do? 2. Tim. 4, 3. A. Say unto such a one, I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another Gospel▪ which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though we, or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you, than that which we have preached, let him be accursed: 〈◊〉 1, 6. Q. What if such a one shall yet not only persist in his error himself, but shall seek to pervert others also? A. Then set thine eyes upon him, and say, O full of all subtlety, and all mischief, thou child of the Devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? Now therefore the hand of the Lord shall be upon thee: Act. 13.9 Q. What if he shall yet continue to despise my admonitions, and these fearful menaces of judgement? A. A man that is an Heretic, after the first, & second admonition reject, knowing that het●●● is such, is subverted, and sinneth being condemned of himself: (Tit. 3▪ 10.) And if such a one come unto you, receive him not to house, neither bid him God speed, (job. 2. Epist, 10.) But he shall be slain, because he hath spoken, to turn you away from the Lord your GOD, to thrust thee out of the way, wherein the LORD thy GOD commanded thee to walk; so shalt thou take the evil away forth of the midst of thee: Deutrinom. 13, 5, 27, 18, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20.7. 2. Hos. 8, 7. Iosh. 23, 12. Ob. Though I have not proceeded against such Heretics, after this manner; yet have I kept myself found in the faith? A. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest, that woman jezabel, which calleth herself a Prophetess, to teach, and to seduce my Servants, to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto Idols: Reu. 2, 20. Ob. Shall I in this my neglect of duty, be as sorely punished, as they in these their damnable Heresies? A. N●, for behold I will cast her into a Bed and them that commit Adultery with her, into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds, etc. But unto you I say, and unto the rest of them of Thiatira; as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan; as they speak, I will put upon you none other burden: Reu. 2, 22. CHAP. XXXI. Of Temptations by Prosperity. Q. I Do now see there is much danger to be feared from earthly men, but is the like danger to be expected from earthly things? A. Yea; for Vzziah, when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: (2. Chron. 26.16.) And the Israelites assembled themselves, for Corn, and Wine, and they rebelled against the Lord: (Hos. 7, 14.) For because they did ride on the high places of the earth; did eat the increase of the fields and did suck the honey out of the Rock; & oil cut of the flinty Rock; butter of Kine, and milk of Sheep, with fat of Lambs▪ etc. Therefore lesurum waxed fat, grew thick, was covered with fatness, etc. Then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his Salvation. Of the Ro●●e that begat them they were unmindful, and did forget him that form them: (Deut. 32, 13.) Whereby it appears to be more easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven: Math. 19, 24. Isa. 26, 10. Hosea, 4, 7, 4, 11, 10, 1.13, 6. Daniel, 5, 4. job. 21, 14, 21, 7. jam, 2, 6. Prou. 23, 29. Eccl. 3, 11. Ob. Who then can be saved? Math. 19 25. A. With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible: (Math. 19, 26.) For by faith Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the Son of Pharoahs' daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction, with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproaches of Christ greater riches, than the treasures of Egypt: Heb. 11, 24. For the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, though the heart of the fool is in the house of mirth: Eccl. 7, 4. Isa. 32, 5. Gen. 24.35.22, 12. job. 1, 1. Dan. 1 12. Q. Because of this, and such like examples, are we altogether to be without fear, in the enjoyment of earthly things? A. When thou hast eaten, and art full, beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his Commandments, and his judgements: (D●ut. 8, 10.) For which en●, remember Lot's wife: Luk. 17, 32. Gen. 19.26, Deut. 6, 10, 11. Q. How may we then be preserved from the danger of earthly things? A. 1. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: (1, joh, 2, 15.) For wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? Prou. 23, 5. 2. Use this world as if you used it not, (1. Cor. 7, 31.) For no man that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him, who hath chosen him to be a Soldier: etc. 2 Tim. 2, 4. jam. 1.10, 11. Cant. 2, 10. Gal. 6, 14. Prou. 23, 1, 2, 3. 3 Pray, saying; Turn away mine eyes ●●om beholding vanity, and quicken thou ●●t in thy way: (Psal. 119, 37.) Two things ●●ue I required of thee, deny me them ●ut before I die, remove fare from me vanity and lies; give me neither Poverty ●●r Riches, feed me with food convenient for me; lest I be full and deny thee, and ●●y, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor ●nd steal, and take the name of my God in ●aine. Prou. 30, 7. Q. What further encouragement can ●ou give me to stand out against these ●o many Temptations, of the Flesh, the Devil, and the World? A. He that endureth to the end shall it saved: (Math. 10 22.) And to him that overcommeth will I give to eat of the ●ree of Life, which is in the mids of the Paradise of GOD: (Reuel. 2, 7.) And to ●●te of the hidden Manna, and I will give ●im a white stone, and in the stone, a new ●ame written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it: (Revel 2, 17.) He shall (also) be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his Name out of the book of Life; but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his Angels. (Reu. 3.5.) And will grant him to sit with me in my Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne: Reuel. 3.21, 3▪ 12.21.7 Luk. 22.28.29.30 verses. Q. What should this so rich and plentiful a reward moon us unto? A. To walk circumspectly not as fools, but as wise: (Ephes. 5.15.) And to ponder the paths of thy feet, that thy ways may be established, and turn not to the right hand nor to the left, but remove thy foot from evil: Prou. 4, 26, 27. 2. Pray that you fall not into temptation: (Math. 26, 41.) But that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness, and righteousness, before him, all the days of ●●r life. Luk. 1.74. CHAP. XXXII. Of the Word of GOD. IN the mids of so many Temptations on the right hand, and on ●e left, what one means of upholding ●●th GOD left unto his Church? A. When all Israel is come to appear ●●fore the Lord thy GOD, in the place ●here he shall choose, thou shalt read this ●●w before all Israel, in their hearing. ●oth of Men, and Women, and Chil●●n, and thy Stranger that is within ●y Gates; that they may hear, and that ●●y may learn, and fear the Lord your ●OD, and observe to do all the words 〈◊〉 this Law; and that their Children ●hich have not known any thing, may ●●re, and learn to fear the LORD ●●r GOD, as long as ye live: (Deut. ●, 11. Exod. 24, 7. Ios. 8, 34, 35. Q. Why? what excellency is there in this law of GOD, more than in other writings of men, whereby to work such a fear of God in our hearts? A. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the Soul; the of testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the Commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes: (Psal. 19, 7.) Not coming unto you in Word only, but also in Power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance: (1 Thess. 1, 5.) Being able to make thee wise unto Salvation, through Faith, which is in Christ jesus; and is profitable for Doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in Righteousness, that the Man of GOD may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works: (2 Tim. 3, 15.) For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from Heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it to bring forth, and bud, that it may give seed to the Sour, and Bread to the eater; so shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my ●outh; it shall not return to me void; ●●t it shall accomplish that which I ●ease, and it shall prosper in the thing ●hereto I send it: Deut. 32, 2. Isa. 55, 10. ●9, 2. job, 6, 25. Eccles. 12, 11. Act. 26, ●8. Heb. 4, 12. Rom. 10, 17. Thus the Churches were by the Word, established in the Faith: (Acts, 16, 5.) And I am sure also, that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of CHRIST: Rom. 15, 29. Col. 1, 6. Acts, 4, 4.18, 8. 17, 11, 12, 34. verses, 12, 24, 17, 4, 15, 32, 8. 12, 24, 25. joh. 15, 3. Q. Whence hath the Scripture this power, and efficacy? A. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer, the holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy GOD, which teach thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go: (Isa. 48, ●7.) I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace, to him that is fare off, and to him that is near: (Isa. 57, 19) It is written in the Prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. joh. 6, 45. Who then is PAUL? And who is APOLLO? But the Ministers by whom ye believed; even as the Lord gave to every man. I have planted, APOLLO watered, but GOD gave the increase▪ So than neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase: (1. Cor. 3, 5.) So that your Faith standeth not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom, among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this World, nor of the Princes of this world, that cometh to nought; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery; even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the World, unto our glory. ●● Cor. 2, 4.) Whereunto I also labour, ●●●iving according to his working, which 〈◊〉 ●●th in me mightily: (Col. 1, 29.) For 〈◊〉 ●use also thank we God without cea●●●cause when ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it, ●ut as the word of men; but as it is in truth ●●e word of God; which effectually also wor●●th in you that believe: (1 Thess. 2, 13.) ●lessed therefore art thou Simon Bar-lo●●●, for flesh, and blood, hath not revealed 〈◊〉 unto thee, but my Father which is in Heaven: Mat. 16, 17. Mark. 17 20. 2. Tim. ●, 16. 1 Cor. 1, 18. Act. 15, 17.10, 44. Gal. 2, ●, 1.11, 12. M●cha, 3, 8. Q. But is every part of the Word, for ●he working of grace, of like efficacy? A. This only would I learn of you; received you the Spirit, by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of Faith? (Gal. 3, ●.) For which cause I am not ashamed of ●he Gospel of CHRIST; for that is the ●ower of God unto Salvation, to every one that believeth: (Rom. 1, 16.) For if the ministration of death; written, and ingra●●n in stones was glorious; so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold th● face of MOSES, for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done ●way: how shall not that ministration of the Spirit, be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of Righteousness exeeed in glory. For even that which was made glorious, had no glory, in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which was done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious: 2. Cor. 3.7.1.1.21. Q. What in lieu of this Word doth God require of us? A. Because he hath showed his word unto jacob, and his Statutes, and his judgements unto Israel; and hath not dealt so with every Nation; and for his judgements they have not known them, therefore praise ye the Lord: Psal. 147.19. Q. Why? do all such as have the Word, reap benefit thereby? A. No; for GOD shall smite the Earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked: (ja. 11.4.) And we are unto God a sweet savour of CHRIST; in them that are saved, and in them that perish. To the one we are the savour of death unto death, and to the other, the savour of l●fe unto life: 2, Cor. 2.15. Q. Hath the word one and the same entertainment among all them that perish? A. No; for when PAUL disputed of Righteousness, and Temperance, and of the judgement to come, Faelix trembled: Acts, 24, 25. 2 Herod he heard john gladly, and did many things: (Mark. 6, 20.) Unto others the Word of the Lord is a reproach; they have no delight in it: jer. 6.10. 3 The Princes and people of Israel, when they heard the Word of the Lord, let their Servants go free, but afterwards repent: jer. 34, 10, 11. 4 When JEREMIAH preached the Word of the Lord, to the jews that went down into Egypt, to sojourn there, they would not at all hearken to him: (jer. 44, 16.) And from the preaching of Zachariah, they pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear; yea they made their hearts as an Adamant stone, lest they should hear the Law, and the words which the Lord of Hosts hath sent in his spirit, by the ministry of the Prophets: Zach. 7, 11. jer. 6, 16.44, 3.4.32.23. 2, Chron. 24, 19, 2, 33, 10. Hos. 7, 1. Ezek. 33, 30. 5 O●hers mocking said; these men are full of new wine: (Act, 2.13.) And with their mouths make jests: Ezek. 33.31. jer. 20.7, 8, 9 Acts. 17, 32, 17, 18.2, Chron. 36, 16. 6 And the multitude of the jews, when they heard PAUL, cried, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth; for it is not fit that he should live; and as they cried out, they cast off their clothes, and threw dust in the Air. (Acts 22, 22.) And when PAUL sent into Macedonia, Timotheus and Erastus, there arose no small stir also about that way, (Acts 19, 22) And when the jews heard Steven they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth, Acts, 7.54. 7 Others make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the Gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought: Isa. 29, 21. Mat. 10.34. Q. What are the reasons of so much profane, and unprofitable hearing of the Word? A. Some it profiteth not; because it is not mixed with faith, in them that hear it: Heb. 4, 2. Acts 28, 24 19.9. 2 Herod would not part with Herodias, and therefore JOHN touching him upon that sin, he cast him into prison: (Mark. 6, 17.) And so every man that evil doth, hateth the light; neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved: joh. 3, 20. Ezek. 33, 31. 3 They are but natural, not having the spirit: (jud. 19) And the natural man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God; because they are spiritually discerned. 1, Cor. 2, 14.1, Cor. 2, 11.1, 2, 6, 7.8. Hos. 8.12. jer. 6, 10. Act. 17, 20. Math. 11, 27, 13.11, 11, 25, 26. 4 God hath given them the Spirit of slumber; eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear unto this day: (Rom. 11.8.) For it is written I will destroy the w●sedome of the wise, and will cast away the understanding of the prudent▪ saith the LORD 1, Cor. 1 19 Isa. 6, 10 44.18. 5 If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; whom the God of this world, hath blinded the minds of them that believe not; that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, which is the image of God, should not shine unto them: 2, Corinth. 4, ●. 6 Some are hindered by the pride of their outward greatness, and therefore not the rich, but the poor receive the Gospel: (M●t 11.5) For saith Amazia unto Amos, O thou Seer, go flee thee away into the Land of judah, and there eat bread, and Prophesy there. But Prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the King's Chapel, and it is the King's Court: Amos, 7, 12. 7 Others think they are rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; not knowing how they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Reu. 3 17.) And therefore being full, they despise the honey Combe; Whereas to the hungry Soul, every bitter thing is sweet: Prou. 27, 7. joh. 9, 39▪ 1, Cor. 1, 19 Q. What are the dangers which do attend the contempt, and abuse of the Word? 1. A Famine; not of Bread, but of hearing the Word of the Lord: (Amos, 8, 11, 12.) For which cause Paul, and Barnabas turned from the jews, unto the Gentiles: Acts, 13, 46.18.6, 16, 6. joh. 12, 35. 1, Sam. 28, 6. 2, Chron. ●5, 3. Ezek. 7, 26. Amos, 8, 9 2. Unrecoverable dest●●ction. Because saith God, I have called and ye have refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but you have set at naught all my Counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity, and I will mock when your fear cometh: (Prou. 1, 24.) And then as I cried, and you would not hear; so you shall cry, and I will not hear: (Ier, 11, 11.) But I will do unto you as I have done to Shiloh; and I will cast you out, as I have cast out all your Brethren; even the whole seed of Ephraim: Io. ●7. 13. etc. For the Earth which drinketh in the Rain that cometh oft upon it, and yet beareth thorns, and briers, is rejected and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned: Heb. 6.7, 10, 28. Hos. 6.5. Deut. 17, 12. Revel. 2, 16. Math. 12, 41. 2, Chron. 36, 14, etc. jerom. 11, 6. Nehem. 9, 29. Ezek. 34, 13, 33, 33. Prou. 13.13 Q. What use are we to make of all this? A. Therefore suffer the words of exhortation: (Heb. 13, 22.) And hear what the spirit saith to the Churches▪ (Reu. 3, 13) That so the word of God may dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom, (Col. 3, 16) For why should their be a price put into the hand of a Fool to get wisdom, and he hath no heart? (Prou. 17, 16.) Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired, are not to be compared to it: (Prou, 8, 10.) Therefore buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding: (Prou. 23, 23.) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear and your soul shall live: Isa. 55, 3. 1, Thess. 5, 20. Heb. 12, 25. Prou. 8, 33, 16, 16.1, 20, 22, 23, 8, 12, 9 1, jam. 1, 21. job. 22, 22. 2, Cor. 6, 11. Luk. 10, 41. Deut. 11, 18 4, 9, Luk. 2, 18. Reu. 1, 3. 2 Take heed therefore, how you hear, for whosoever hath to him shall be given: and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he seemeth to have: (Luk. 8, 18.) And with what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you: Mark. 4, 24. Q. Tell us therefore how we may hear the Word with fruit? A. 1. H●are it diligently. my Son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my Commandments with thee; so that thou wilt incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart unto understanding; yea if thou criest after knowledge & liftest up thy voice for understanding: If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her, as for hid treasures: then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of GOD: Prou. 2, 1, 1, 5, 6. 2 Lay aside all malice, and guile and Hypocrisies, and envies, & evil-speakings: (1. Pet. 2; 1.) And all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness jam. 1, 21.) And break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the fore skins of your hearts: jer. 4.3 4. 3 As new borne babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby: (1. Pet. 2.2.) For wheresoever the Carcase is, thither will the eagle's resort: Math. 24.28. 4 Receive with meekness the engrafted ●ord, which is able to save your Souls: (●. jam. 21.) And let no man deceive ●●mselfe; for if any man among you would 〈◊〉 wise in this World, let him become a ●oole that he may be wise: (1. Cor. 3, 18.) For JESUS said, For judgement I am ●●me into this World, that they which see ●ut, might see, and they which see might 〈◊〉 made blind, joh. 9 39 Math. 11.25 26.5 Pray saying; 1. Open thou mine eyes, that may behold the wondrous things of thy ●●w. I am a stranger on earth; hide not thy commandments from me. (Psal. 119.18.) will praise thee with uprightness of heart ●hen I shall have learned thy righteous ●●dgements. Psal. 119.7.27 33, 34 73.125.69.171. verses. 2 Pray, O that my ways were directed 〈◊〉 keep thy statutes, then shall I not be asha●●d, when I have respect unto all thy commandments, (Psal.. 1● 9.5.) with my whole ●●art have I sought thee, O let me not wan●●r from thy commandments, (119.10.) ●eale bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word, (119.17.) Let my heart be sound in thy statutes, that I be not ashamed, (119, 80.) Order my steps in thy word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me: 119.133. 6 Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own souls. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not ● doer; he is like unto a man, beholding hi● natural face in a glass; for he beholdet● himself, and goeth his way, and straight wa● forgetteth what manner of man he wa● But who so looketh into the perfect law o● liberty, and continueth therein; he no● being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of th● work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. jam. 1.22, Deut. 4, 5.5.1.30, 11. Luk. 11▪ 28. 1. Thess. 4.1. Eph. 4.17. Phil. 4.8. Rom. 2, 13. Reuel. 1.3. 1 Pet. 4.6. Math 7.24. Ob. I have done my poor endeavour to observe these rules, yet when I am present at the word, I cannot keep my mind from wand'ring. A. The ears of them that hear, shall hearken. (Isa. 32.3.) And the ears of the deaf shall be opened, (Isa. 35.5.) For he ●akeneth morning, by morning, he will waken thine ear, to hear, as the learned, (Isa. 50.4.) Or as he opened the heart of LIDDEA, whereby she attended unto the things which were spoken by PAUL, (Act. 16.14.) Whereby thou shalt be able to say, ●eake LORD, for thy servant heareth. ●. Sam. 3.9. Neh. 8.3. Act. 8.6. Luk. 19 ●8. Ob. The Scripture is a book so fast sealed, and I myself, am a man so dull of conceit, that I cannot understand the ●●me. Isa. 28.9. etc. A. The entrance in to GOD'S word giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple. (Psal. 119, 130.) Whereby they that err in spirit, shall come to understanding, and they that murmur ●hall learn Doctrine. (Isa. 29.24.) The people that walk in darkness, have ●●ene a great light, and they that ●well in the land of the shadow of death, ●pon them hath the light shined, (Isa. 9.2.) For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in your hearts; to give the light of the knowledge of God, in the face of JESUS CHRIST. 2 Cor. 4 6. I have (indeed) spoken unto you in Proverbes, but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak to you in proverbes, but I shall sh●w you plainly of the Father: (joh. 16, 25.) In that day, shall the deaf hear the words of this Book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness: Isa. 29, 18, 35, 5, 32, 2 50 4. Prou. 1, 1, 4, 8, 9 1 Cor. 2, 10, 12. Nehem. 8 8. Luk. 24 45. Tit. 1, 3. Mal. 2.7. Deut. 17 8.9. Reu. 5.5.8. Now therefore thankes be unto God, which always maketh manifest, the savour of his Knowledge by us in every place: (2 Cor. 2.14.) For there is Gold, and a multitude of precious Stones; but the lips of Knowledge are a precious jewel: Prou. 20.15. Neh. 8.12. Math. 11.25. Ob. But I am so hardhearted, that I can not be affected with the Word? A. I will put a new Spirit within you, and I will take the stony heart out of thy flesh, and I will give thee an heart of Flesh: (Ezek. 11.19) As well as to the Iew●s who wept when they heard the words of the Law; (Neb. 8.9.) For is not my Word l●ke a fire, saith the Lord, and like a hammer, that breaketh the Rocks in pieces? jer. 23, 29.26.18. joh. 5.25. Act. 2.37, 16.29. 2 His words were found; and I did eat them, and they were unto me, the joy and rejoicing of my heart: (jer. 15, 16.) I will therefore delight myself in his Statutes: (Psal. 119.16.) How sweet is his Word unto my taste? Yea sweeter than honey to my mouth: (Psal. 119.103.) Therefore my Son eat thou honey, because it is good, and the honey comb, which is sweet to thy taste. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul, when thou hast found it: Prou. 24.13. Act. 15.31.13.48. job, 23.12. Act. 2.41. Psal. 119.16.17.111.174.162. verses. Luk. 24.32. Ob. I am no sooner gone from the Word, but all is forgotten? A. The Comforter which is the holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name; he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (joh. 14.26.) Whereby MARY kept all those things in her heart, which were told her by the Shepherds. (Luk. 2.19.) Neither did I forget God's word. Psal. 119.16. 2. Pet. 1.12.13. Ob. The hardest task is yet behind, to wit; to put in practice what we hear? A. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in the paths that they have not known; I will make darkness light before them, and crocked things strait, saith the LORD. (Isa. 42.16.) Who hath opened mine ears and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward, (Isa. 50.5.) Yea I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep his word, (Psalm. 119.101.) So that when he said seek ye my face, my heart said unto him, thy face LORD will I seek: (Psal. 27.8.) For this is the love of GOD that we keep 〈◊〉 Commandments, and his commandments are not grievous: 1 joh. 5, 3. Hag. 1, 12. Psalm. 119, 15, 48, 57, 104, ● 68 Math. 13, 8.23. Col. 1, 6. Luk. 1.5, ●, 2. Chron. 17, 6. CHAP. XXXIII. Of Ministers. Ob. YOu tell me of the Word, and the great benefit thereof; but how ●●ould I either know, or do what the Word teacheth, without a guide? Act. ●, 31. A. When CHRIST ascended up on high he gave gifts unto men, etc. and he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, ●nd some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and Teachers; for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for ●he edifying of the Body of CHRIST; till we all eome in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature, of the fullness of Christ: (Eph. 4.8.11.) And therefore though the LORD give you the bread of Adversity, and the water of Affliction, yet thy Teachers shall not be removed into a corner any more; but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers: (Isa. 30.20.) For the Lord giveth the Word, great is the company of Preachers: Psal. 68.11. jer. 33.18. levit. 10, 11. Isa. 41.27. Isa 62.6. Q. But shall we have such Pastors, as will deal faithfully with us? A. I will give you Pastors according to mine own heart; which shall feed you, with knowledge, and understanding: (jer. 3, 15.) Who will very gladly spend, and be spent for you: (2. Cor. 12.15.) As Moses who was faithful in all his house: (Heb. 3.5.) And as of Levi it was said the Law of truth is in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace, and equity: and did turn away many from iniquity: Mal. 2, 6. Moreover ye know from the first day, that Paul came into Asia, after what manner he hath been with you, at all seasons: serving the Lord with all humbleness of mind, and with many tears, and temptations: which befell him, by the lying in wait of the jews: and how he kept back nothing, that was profitable unto you: (Act, 20.18.) And you know the proof of Timothy; that as a Son with the Father he hath served with Paul in the Gospel: (Phil. 2 22.) And for the work of Christ, he was nigh unto death; not regarding his life: (Phil. 2, 30.) And daily in the Temple, and in every house, the Disciples ceased not to teach, and to preach JESUS CHRIST: (Acts, 5, 42.) These are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God; but as of sincerity; but as of God, in the sight of God, speak they in Christ: 2, Cor. 2, 17▪ 11, 23, 1, 9, 27, 1, 9.19.2, Chron 17▪ 9, 8, 13. Col. 4, 7, 10, 11, 1▪ 7. Act, 20, 23.30, 31, 18, 24. Ezek. 34, 23. Hag. 1, 13. 1, Thes. 5 6, 7. jer. 23, 4, 4, 19 8, 21, 9, 1, 3, 17. Ezra. 7, 6, 10. 1. Sam. 3, 21. Q. Wherefore are these promises recorded in God's word, concerning his Ministers? A. 1. That they may be apt to teach: (1, Tim. 3.2.) And therefore give attendance unto reading: (1. Tim. 4 1●) And study to show ●hēselues workmen that need not to be ashamed: dividing the Word of truth aright: (2, Tim. 2, ●5.) For every Scribe taught unto the Kingdom of Heaven: is like unto a man, that is a householder: which bringeth forth out of his treasury, things both new, an old: Math. 13, 52. 2 That they be diligent, to know the state of their flocks, and to look well to their herds: (Prou. 27, 23.) Taking the oversight thereof: (1, Pet. 5, 2.) For they are set for a defence, and fortress among the people: that they may know, and try their ways: jer. 6, 27. 3 That they feed the flock of GOD, which is among you: (1, Pet. 5, 2.) And preach the word, and be instant; in season, and out of season: to reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering, and doctrine: (2, Tim. 4, 2,) Not shunning to declare the whole Council of God: (Acts, 20.27) But to cry aloud; and lift up their voice l●ke a Trumpet; to show my people their transgression, and the house of jacob their sins: (Isa. 58, 1.) And in the Spirit, and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the Fathers to the Children: and the disobedient, to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord: (Luk. 1, 17.) Exhorting them that with full purpose of heart, they would cleave unto the Lord: (Act, 11.23.) Exorting the elder women as mothers: the younger women, as sisters, with all purity: 1, T●m. 5, 2. Wherein if any man speak, let him speak as the Oracles of GOD: (1, Pet. 4, 11,) The Prophet that hath a Dream, let him tell a Dream; and he that hath my Word, let him speak my Word faithfully; what is the Chaff to the Wheat, saith the LORD? jerem. 23, 28. 1, Co●▪ 9, 16. 1. Pet. 5, 4 job, 21, 15. Math. 28, 19, 20. Isa. 62, 1, 2. 2, Timoth. 2, 24. Amos, 3 7. 4 Not to be as Lords over God's heritage; but as ensamples to the flock: (1, Pet. 5, 3.) Giving no offence in any thing, that their Ministry be not blamed; but in all things approving themselves as the Ministers of God: (2, Cor. 6, 3.) Performing the same not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind: 1, Pet. 5, 2. 1, Timoth. 3, 1. Math. 23, 8. Q How doth GOD tax the negligence of his Priests under the Law? A. I have seen (saith GOD) foolishness in the Prophets of Samaria; that prophecy in Baal▪ and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen also in the Prophets of jerusalem, filthiness; they commit adultery, and walk in lies; they strengthen also the hands of the wicked, that none can return from his wickedness: (jer. 23, 13.) They prophesy lies in my name, saying; I have dreamt, I have dreamt; yea they are Prophets of the deceit of their own heart: (jer. 23 25.) They have healed also, the hurt of the Daughter of my people slightly saying; Peace, peace: when there is no peace: (jer. 6, 19) Others they bite with the teeth, and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him: Mich. 3, 5, 1●. Some of them also are blind▪ they are ignorant, they are dumb Dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber: yea they are greedy Dogs, which can never have enough: and they are Shepherds, that cannot understand, they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter: (Isa. 56, 10.) All these shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men: for they neither go in themselves, neither suffer them that are entering in, to go in: Math: 23, 13. jerem. 10, 21, 8 11. 23, 16, 17, 5, 30, 31. Ezek. 13, 6, 7. Zephan. 3, 4. Mal. 2, 9 Q. How doth GOD threaten such Priests under the Law? A. T●a● their way should be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness; and ha● they should be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them; even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord? (jer. 23, 12.) And I will require my Flock at their hands: (Ezek. 34.10.) And mine hand shall be upon the Prophets, that see vanity, and divine lies: they shall not be in the Assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the House of Israel: (Ezek. 13, 9) And they shall bear their punishment; the punishment of the Prophet, shall be, even as the punishment of him that asketh: (Ezekiel, 14, 10.) And because they make many to stumble at the Law, and have corrupted the Covenant of ●eui; therefore will I make them contemptible, and base before all the people: (Mal. 2, 8) Night shall be unto them, that they shall not have a Vision; and it shall be dark unto them, and they shall not d●vine, and the Sun shall go down over the Prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall they be ashamed, and confounded; yea they shall cover their lips; for there is no answer from GOD: Mich. 3, 6. Ob. But are not Gods Ministers, even now under the Gospel, discouraged by their people, and flickr, for their deadness, and dulness, in their works of piety and devotion? Son of man, I have made them Watchmen to the house of Israel; therefore they should have heard the Word at my mouth, and have given them warning from me. So that when I have said unto the wicked, thou shalt surely dye: and thou hast not given him warning, nor spakest to admonish the wicked from his wicked way, that he might live; the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at their hand. Yet if they had warned the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness: nor from his wicked way he shall dye in his iniquity; but such Ministers should have delivered their own soul: Ezek. 3, 17, 33, 2, 2, 8, 2, 4, 5. isaiah, 49, 4 5. Ob. Some of these might have been more faithful in their Ministry, if in the discharge thereof, they did with godly Zeal, and discreet courage express themselves, and their Consciences? A. Therefore say unto such a one, thus saith the Lord; If thou take away the precious from the vile, thou shalt be according to my word; let them return unto thee: but return not thou unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a strong brazen Wall, and they shall fight against thee; but they shall not preva●le against thee: for I am w●th thee to save thee. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the tyrants: jer. 15.19. Thou therefore truss up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not afraid of their fa●●s, lest I destroy thee before them: jer. ●, 17, 20.11.26, 24. Ezek. 2.6, 3, 9, 2, 4, 5. Q. I now see the work of a Minister to be of importance: what therefore is the people's duty towards ●im? A. Against an Elder receive not an accusation under two, or three witness: 1, Tim, 5 19 2 Say to A chippus' look well to thy Ministry thou hast received in the LORD, that thou fulfil it: Colos. 4, 17. 3 Because the Harvest is great, and the labourers are few▪ therefore pray ye to the Lord of the Harvest that he would send forth more Labourers into his Harvest: Math. 9, 37. 2 Say, let thy Priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy Saint's shout for joy: Psal. 132.9. 3 As of LEVI it was said, Let thy Urim, and thy Thummim, be with thy holy ones, (Deut. 33 8.) That utterance also may be given ●ē that they may open their mouths boldly; to make known the mysteries of the Gospel: (Ephes. 6.19. Col. 4.3 4,) That so, for the gift bestowed upon us, by the means of many persons; thankes may be given by many, on our behalf. 2. Cor. 1.11. 4 That they may be delivered from unreasonable, and wicked men; because all men have not faith: 2. Thess. 3.2. Rom. 15.30. 5 That their service may be acceptable to the Saints. Rom. 15.31. 6 Finally pray, that the word of the Lord may have a free course, and be glorified: 2. Th●ss. 3, 1. 4 Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth in al● good things: (Gal. 6.6.) For the scripture saith, thou shalt not mousle the mouth of the Ox, that treadeth out the co●ne. And the labourer is worthy of his reward, (1. Tim 5.18.) If ye be made partaker of their spiritual things, your duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things: (Rom. 15, 27.) For will a man rob GOD? (Mal. 3.8.) Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap Life everlasting: Gal. 6, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 9.7. Mal. 3, 9, 10. Gen. 47.22. Deut. 12.19. 2 Chron. 31 4, 5. 5 Let the Elders which rule well be ●ounted worthy of double honour; especially they, who labour in the Word, and Doctrine: (1 Tim. 5.17.) And let no man desp●se such: (1 Cor. 16, 11.) but esteem ●hem very highly, in love; for their works sake: 1 Thess. 5, 12. 6. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your Souls; as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you: (Heb. 13.7. 1 Cor. 16.16.) Therefore do according to that thing which they show you; according to the Law which they shall teach you; and according to the judgement, which they shall tell you, shall you do: you shall not decline from the thing which they shall show you; neither to the right hand, nor to the left: Deut. 17, 10. Heb. 13 7. Q. What is the danger of such as do not honour, but do offer wrong, and dishonour to their Minister? A. If any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their Enemies. And if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed; For these have power to shut Heaven, that it rain not in the days of their Prophecy; and have power over Waters, to turn them to Blood, and to strike the Earth with all plagues, as often as they will: Reu. 11.5. Ob. I would be loath to hurt our Minister; but yet what if his life be not answerable to his Doctrine? A. Though he be as wicked, as were the Scribes, and Pharises; yet he sits in MOSES seat; all therefore whatsoever he bids you observe, that observe, and do; but after his works do not; because he saith, and doth not▪ Math. 23, 2. Ob. But he is also so unlearned a man, that in one Sermon of many, you shall not hear one word of Latin, or Gre●ke, to come out of his mouth? A. Brethren if your Minister come unto you speaking with tongues what shall he profit you; except he shall speak to you, either by Revelation, or by Knowledge, or by Prophesying, or by Doctrine? And even things without life, giving sound; whether Pipe, or Harp; except they give a distinction in the sounds; how shall it be known, what is piped, or harped? For if the Trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise we, except we utter by the tongue words easy to be understood; how shall it be known what is spoken? For we shall speak into the air. There are it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world; and none of them are without signication. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a Barbarian; and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 1. Cor. 14.6.1.14.2.14.21. Ob. It seems you are an English Preacher; you plead so much against tongues? A. I thank my GOD, I speak languages more than they all; yet in the Church I had rather speak five words, with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also; then ten thousand words in a strange tongue. 1. Cor. 14.18.19. Ob. Whatsoever you allege against the use of tongues, yet as I hope, you will not deny, unto such Ministers, the greatest praise, as are most eloquent? A. The things of GOD we speak; not in the words, which man's wisdom teacheth; but which the holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things, with spiritual, (1, Cor. 2. 1●.) that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1. Cor. 2.5.) For CHRIST ●nt me to preach the Gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross 〈◊〉 CHRIST, should be made of none ●fect. (1. Cor. 1.17.) But seeing the ●orld by wisdom knew not GOD; 〈◊〉 pleased GOD, by the foolishness of ●reaching, to save them that believe: ●1. Cor. 1.21.) We have therefore renounced, the hidden things of dishone●ie; not walking in craftiness, nor ●●ndling the Word of GOD deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the ●ruth, commending ourselves to every ●ans Conscience, in the sight of GOD. ●. Corinth. 4.2.) Not Preaching our values; but CHRIST JESUS the LORD, and ourselves your sergeant's for JESUS sake. 2. Cor. 4.5. ●. 2.1. Ob. Then as it seems to you, every Minister as well for matter as manner of ●eaching must suit himself to the capacity of his auditory, etc. A. True. For we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered. Not because we cannot speak them; but because you are dull of hearing. For when for the time you ought to be Teachers; you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the Oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk, is unskilful in the word of Righteousness; for he is a Babe: (Heb. 5 11.) And I brethren could not speak unto you, as unto Spiritual men, but as unto Carnal; even as unto babes in CHRIST. I have fed you with Milk, and not with Meat, for hitherto ye were not able, to bear it; neither yet now are ye able: 1. Cor. 3, 1, 2. Q. Are we therefore always to be dealt withal like Children, and to be fed like Babes? A. No longer than while ye become unto full age, and are such as have your senses exercised, to d●scerne both good, and evil: (Heb. 5.14) Whereby it appearing that you are become strong men; then leaving the principles of the doctrine of CHRIST, let us go on unto perfection; not laying the foundation of Repentance, from dead works, and of faith towards GOD; of the Doctrine of Baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the Resurrection from the dead, and of eternal judgement: Heb. 6, 1. Q It neither the frequent use of tongues: nor humane eloquence: nor deep, and profound teaching, be of esteem with you: I pray tell me wherein you Ministers are in your teaching, most praise worth●? A. Do we begin again to commend ourselves; or need we as some others, Epistles of commendations to you; or letters of commendations from you? Ye are our Epistle, written in our hearts, known, and read of all men. For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ, ministered by us; written not with Ink, but with the spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in the fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to Godward, not that we are sufficient of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who hath also made us able Ministers, of the new Testament; not of the Letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life: (2, Cor. 3, 1.) And are not you my work in the LORD? If I be not an Apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you; for the Seal of my Apostleship, are ye in the LORD: 1, Corinth. 9, 1, 2. Q But why should GOD use the Ministry of men, and not of Angels? A. We have this treasure in earthen vessels; that the excellency of the power, may be of GOD, and not of us: 2, Cor. 4, 7. 2 Every high Priest, taken from among men, is ordained for men, in things pertaining to God; that he may offer both gifts, and sacrifices for sins, who can have compassion on the ignorant, and of them, that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity: Heb. 5, 1, 2. Ob. The case so being, Christ jesus himself, being both God, and Man: had been a Minister, without all exception? A. I tell you the truth: it was expedient for you, that he go away; for if he had not gone away, the Comforter would not come unto you; but in that he departed, he hath sent him unto you, etc. Who being come, he doth guide you into all truth: etc. (joh. 16, 7, 13.) Let men therefore teach, to observe, all things whatsoever he commandeth you; and lo he is with you, even unto the end of the World: Matthew, 28, 20. CHAP. XXXIIII. Of the Sacraments. Ob. IF the Ministry of the Word be no less efficatious, then as you have said it is; what further need is there of the Sacraments? A. Circumcision verily profiteth: (Rom. 2, 25.) For Abraham received the sign of Circumcision: a Seal of the righteousness of Faith: (Rom. 4.11. Act, 7, 8.) In whom you also are circumcised, with the Circumcision made without hands: in putting off the body of the sins, of the flesh; by the Circumcision of CHRIST: Col. 2, 11. Deut, 10, 16. Q What promise hath GOD made to Baptism? A. Tha● he will baptise thee with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. (Math. 3, 11.) For by one spirit we are all baptised into one body, whether we be jews or Gentiles; whether we be bond or free: (1, Cor. 12, 13.) Whereby Baptism doth now save us: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh; but the answer of a good conscience towards God, by the Resurrection of JESUS CHRIST: 1, Pet. 3, 21. Acts, 16, 14. Luk. 7, 29, 30. Q. Unto whom doth this belong? A. 1, To the Ministers, that they teach all Nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Math 28, 19 2 To the people, to do as the publicans; who justified GOD, being baptised with the baptism of john. And not to ●o as the pharisees, and Lawyers, who rejected the counsel of God against themselves: being not baptised of him: Luke, 7, 29.30. Gen. 17, 14. Q. See th●n, here is water: what doth hinder me to be baptised? Acts 8, 36. A, 1 If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest? (Act, 8 37) For can any man forbidden water, that these should not be baptised, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Act●, 10.47. 2 You must amend your lives, (Act. 2, 38.) And circumcise the foreskin of your heart: (Deut. 10.16.) And then be baptised every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST: Acts, 2, 38. Ob. If Faith, and Repentance be necessary unto Baptism: seeing Infants cannot actually believe, nor repent; are they therefore to be excluded from this Sacrament? A. Suffer little Children to come unto me, and forbidden them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God: (Math. 19.14.) And if the root be holy so are the branches: (Rom. 11, 16.) For the promise was made to Abraham, and his seed: Gal. 3, 16. Gen. 17, 2, 7▪ 17, 12, 21, 4. Acts, 2, 39 Q Doth the efficacy of Baptism depend on the worthiness of the Minister? A. No: but on whom, thou shalt see the Spirit descend, and remain on him; the same is he that doth Baptise, with the Holy Ghost: (joh. 1, 33) john in deed baptised with Water: but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost: Math. 3, 11. Q. What need then is there of the Supper of the Lord? A. The Cup of blessing which we bless: is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ? The Bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread: (1, Cor. 10, 16.) Therefore saith Christ; take, eat, this is my body: and of the Cup, drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the new Testament, which is shed for many, for the Remission of sins: (Math. 26.26.) This do as often as ye do it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat of this bread, and drink of this Cup, ye do show the Lords Death till he come: 1, Corinth. 11, 25, 11, 23. Q. May any profane person be admitted unto the Supper of the Lord? A. No: for if any shall eat of this bread, and drink of this Cup of the Lord unworthily, he shall be guilty of the body and Blood of the LORD: and he eateth, and drinketh judgement to himself, not discerning the Lords body: 1, Cor. 11.27, 29. Moreover they cannot drink the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Devils: they cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and the Table of Devils: (1, Cor. 10, 21.) For thus saith the LORD GOD: no stranger uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh; shall enter into my Sanctuary, that is among the Children of Israel: Exek. 44, 9 Ezod. 12 48. levit. 2, 13. Q. What is then to be done before our coming unto this Sacrament? A. Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup: (1, Cor. 11, 28) Also if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep this Supper unto the Lord: according to the ordinance, and according, to the manner thereof; so shall he do: (Numb. 9, 14.) Who if he do also judge himself: he shall not be judged. 1 Cor. 11, 31. Ob. This search I have made, and can find but one sin, which I desire to retai●e; now the good Lord be merciful unto thy Servant in th●s point: 2, Kin●, 5, 18. A. Know ye not that a little leaven, ●●aveneth the whole Lump? Purge ●ut therefore the old leaven, that ye may 〈◊〉 a new lump as ye are now unleavened: for even CHRIST our Passeover, 〈◊〉 sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep ●●e feast not with old leaven, ne●ther with 〈◊〉 leaven of malice, and wickedness, ●●t with the unleavened bread of sincerity, ●●d truth: 1, Cor. 5, 6. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the Altar, and there remember'st that thy ●rother, hath aught against thee: leave ●here thy gift before the Altar, and go ●y way: first be reconciled to thy Brorher, ●●d then come, and offer thy gift: Math. ●, 23. Psal. 26, 6. Ob. When we have done all we can 〈◊〉 preparing ourselves, yet shall we fail ●f that which is written. A. Therefore with H●zekiah, pray, saying; The good Lord pardon every one, that ●repareth his heart, to seek God; the Lord ●f his Fathers; though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the Sanctuary. After which Prayer so made, the LORD will hearken unto thee, and will heal thee: (2. Chro. 30.18.) For when AARON was to minister; he was to put upon his forehead a plate of pure gold; on which was engraven holiness to the LORD; that AARON might bear the iniquity of the holy things; which the children of ISRAEL should hollow, in all their holy gifts, which was always to be upon his forehead, that they might be accepted before the LORD: (Exo. 28.26.) So was there also ordained, a Goat for a sin offering, which was for the people; the blood whereof was to be sprinkled upon the Mercy seat, and before the mercy seat; wherewith the Priest was to make an atonement, for the holy place; because of the uncleanness of the children of ISRAEL; and because of their transgressions, in all their sins, and make an atonement for the Priests, and for all the people of the Congregation: Leu. 16.15.16.33. verses. Q. What if any man, that is apt for the Sacrament; shall wilfully neglect the same? A. The man that is clean, and is not 〈◊〉 journey; and forbeareth to keep the ●●seover; even the same Soul, shall be 〈◊〉 off from his people; because he brought 〈◊〉 the offering of the Lord, in his appointed season: that man shall bear his sin. ●umb. 9, 13. Exod. 4.24. CHAP. XXXV. Of Discipline. Ob, I Know some, who notwithstanding the frequent use of 〈◊〉 these means of Grace: have fall'n ●y fearfully. A. Therefore GOD hath to the for●er means added Discipline: saying; ●hou shalt not hate thy Brother in thine ●eart: but thou shalt in any wise rebuke ●y Neighbour, and not suffer sin upon ●im: (Levit. 19, 17.) For as Iron sharpeneth Iron: so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend: Prou. 27, 17. Q How am I to deal with such one, that he may be reclaimed? A. If thy brother shall trespass against thee go, and tell him his fault, between the● and him alone: if he shall hear thee; tho● hast gained thy brother. But if he will no● hear thee; then take with thee, one, o● two more; that in the mouth of tw● or three witnesses, every word may be● established. And if he shall neglect 〈◊〉 hear them, tell it unto the Church: Math 18.15.16. Q. What if he shall neglect to hear● the Church? A. I verily as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, a● though I were present concerning suc● a one, in the name of our Lord IESV● CHRIST, when ye are gathered together &c. to deliver such a one unto Satan; fo● the destruction of the flesh; that the spiri● may be saved, in the day of our Lord JESUS: (1 Cor. 5.3.5.) Verily I say unto you; That as whatsoever ye shall lose on Earth, shall be loosed in Heaven; so whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall ● bound in Heaven. (M●th. 18.18.) And ● they whose sins ye remit they are re●tted unto them: so whose sins so ever 〈◊〉 retain, they are retained: I●h. 20, 23. ●rou. 15.10. Q. What if notwithstanding this Church's censure, he shall remain ob●●nate in sinning; as was Himineus, and Alexander? 1 Tim. 1, 20. A. Let him be unto thee, as an Hea●en man, and a Publican: (Math. 18 17.) And call him reprobate silver; because ●e Lord hath rejected him: (jer. 6, 30.) ●nd withdraw yourself from him, (2. ●●est. 3 6) and note him; and have no ●●mpany with him; that he may be alumed: 2 Th●ss. 3, 14. Hos. 4, 17. Q. But may I not still seek to reclaim him? A. Give not that which is holy unto ●ogs; neither cast your pearls before ●●ine; lest they trample them under their ●eet, and turn again, and rend you: (Mat. ●, 6.) For be that reproveth a scorner, getteth to himself shame; and he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth himself a blot. Reproove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: (Prou. 9.7.) For correction is grievous, to him that forsaketh the way; neither will he go unto the wise: Prou. 15.10, 12. Q. What if such a one, in the sense of this Curse, shall come to be truly humbled for his sin? A. Sufficient, unto such a man, is this punishment; so that contrariwise, ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him; lest perhaps, such a one, should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you, that you would confirm your love towards him; lest Satan should get an advantage over him: for we are not ignorant of his devices: 2. Corinth. 2, 6, 7. 11, 2, 2, 1, 2. Prou. 27.9. CHAP. XXXVI. Of the Continuance, with GOD'S blessing on the means of Grace. Q. YOu have in some measure satisfied me, concerning the means of perseverance in Grace; but have we any assurance that all these means of Grace, shall be continued? A. I will dwell among you: (Exod. 29.45.) And set my Sanctuary in the midst of you, for evermore. My Tabernacle also shall be with you; yea, I will be your GOD, and you shall be my people. And the Heathen shall know, that I the LORD do sanctify Israel; when my Sanctuary shall be in the midst of you, for evermore: Ezek. 37, 26. levit. 26.11, 12. Exod. 29, 42. Ob. Though these means of Grace should be continued; yet may I grow weary, in the use of them? A. One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I w●ll seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my l●fe; to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his Temple: (Psal. 27 4.) For I have loved the habitation of his house, and the place where h● honour dwelleth: P. 26 8.) L●k w●s● it shall come to pass; that from one new Moon, unto another and from one Sabbath to another; shall all Flesh come to worship before me, s●●●●●he LORD: Isa 66, 23. Ob. Notwithstanding the continued use of these means; Grace itself may decay? A. In all places where GOD doth record his Name: he will bless thee: Exod. 20, 24.) The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: (Psal. 128.5.) So that thou shalt flourish like a Palm tree, and like a Cedar in Libanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD, shall flourish in the Courts of our GOD: they shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat, and flourishing: to show that the Lord is upright, he is my rock, and that there is no unrighteousness in him: Psal. 92, 12, 84, 7 65 4. 1, Cor. 15, 10. Math. 13, ●1, 32. Isa. 61, 11. Q. What is required of us, to the ●nd, that these means of Grace, may be thus continued with success? A. 1 Get David's appetite after them, ●aying; As the heart panteth after the wa●●r brooks; so doth my heart pant, after ●hee, O GOD. My Soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come, ●nd appear before God? (Psal. 42, 1.) My Soul longeth; yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord: my heart, and my flesh ●rieth out for the living God, etc. For a ●ay in his Courts is better than a thousand; 〈◊〉 had rather be a door keeper in the house ●f my God: than to dwell in the tents of wickedness: Psal. 84, 1, 10. verses, 63, 1, 2, 137, 5, 6. 2 A delight in them. Rejoice with Ie●usalem, and be glad with her: all you ●hat love her; rejoice, for joy with her, ●ll you that mourn for her: that yo● may suck, and be satisfied, with the breasts of her consolation: that you may milk out, and be delighted, with the abundance of her glory: isaiah, 66, 10. 3 Pray saying: O send out thy light, and thy truth; let them lead me: let them bring me, unto thy holy Hill, and to thy Tabernacles: (Psalm. 43, 3.) Send me help from thy Sanctuary: and strengthen me out of Zion. Remember all my offerings; and accept my burnt Sacrifice: Psalm. 20, 2, 3. 134.3. 4 Keep thy foot when thou interest into the house of God and be more near to hear, than to give the Sacrifice of fools: (Eccl. 5, 1.) For which end, wash thy hands in innocence, and so compass the Altars of God: Psal. 26, 6. 5 When you come to worship the LORD, in the beauty of holiness: (Psal. 96, 9) Worship the Father in spirit, and in truth; for the Father seeketh such, to worship him. GOD is a spirit, and they that worship him; must worship him in spirit, and truth, job. 4.23. 6 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy; for the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it: (Exod. 20.8, 11.) Wherefore if thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy will, on my holy day: and call the Sabbath a delight: and consecrate is, as glorious to the LORD; and shalt honour him: not doing thine own ways, not seeking thine own will, not speaking a vain word, then shalt thou delight in the LORD, and I will feed thee with the hreitage of JACOB thy Father: For the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it: (●●a. 58, 13.) Blessed is the man that doth this, and the Son of man which layeth hold on it, (Isa. 56, 2.) And embraceth my Covenant: him will I bring unto my Holy Mountain, and make him joyful in mine house of Prayer: Isa. 56, 6.7. Reu. ●, 10. Q. If I should forbear my work on the Sabbath day, I should come to beggary, at the last? A. See; for that the LORD, hath given you the Sabbath: therefore he giveth you on the sixth day, the bread of two days: therefore abide you every man in his place: let no man go out of his place on the seaventh day: Exod. 16, 29, 16, 5. CHAP XXXVII Of Temporal Blessings, and in particular of long life. Q. ALl these promises, you have mentioned: are of singular use unto the Soul: but what provision shall we have for the body? A. You shall inherit the earth: (Math. 5, 5.) For as CHRIST, so the world is yours: 1, Cor. 3, 22. Ob. What will the world profit us, if we be taken away by Death: and be accounted among them that go down into the pit? Shall Gods loving kindness be declared in the Grave? Or his faithfulness in destruction? Psalm. 88, 4, 11. A. If thou forget not my Law, and thy heart keep my Commandments; length of days, and long life shall they add unto thee: (Prou. 3 1.) And the years of thy life shall be many: (Prou. 4.10.) And there shall old men, and old women dwell in the streets of jerusalem, & every man, with his staff in his hand, for very age. (Zach. 8, 4.) There shall be there no more an Infant of days: nor an old man, that hath not filled his days: for the Child shall dye an hundred years old. For as the days of a Tree, are the days of my people: (Isa. 65, 20, 22.) And with long life will I satisfy them: (Psalm. 91, 16.) For they shall see their children's Children: (Psal. 128, 6.) And come unto their Grave in a full age, like as a shock of Corn cometh, in due season, into the Barn: (job. 5, 26.) As well as ABRAHAM: who died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years: Gen. 25, 8. Psal. 33, 18, 19 jer. 45, 5, 39, 17. Gen. 15, 15, 35, 29 47, 28, 50. 23. judg. 8, 32. 1, Chron. 29, 28, 2, 24, 15. 1, Sam. 25, 29. Q. Is long Life a blessing of any worth? A. The hoary head is a Crown of Glory, if it be found in the way of Righteousness: (Prou. 16, 31.) For as the beauty of young men is their stregnth: so the glory of the aged, is their grey head: Prou. 20, 29. Q. Is this promise, of long life, a blessing, common unto all? A. No: for GOD shall bring the wicked down, into the pit of destruction: the bloody and deceitful man shall not live ou● half his days: (Psal. 55.23.) His confidence shall he rooted out, of his Tabernacle; and it shall bring him to the King of terrors: (job. 28, 14.) As the whirlwind passeth; so is the wicked no more: only the righteous is an everlasting foundation: (Prou. 10.25.) For as righteousness, tendeth unto life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it, to his own death: Prou. 11, 19, 10, 27. Psal. 145, 20. Ob. But do you not see many of the wicked; how their days are prolonged? A. The woman that liveth in pleasure, is dead while she liveth: (1, Tim. 5, 6) And men living ●ruitlessely, are, as trees, twice dead, and plucked up by the roots: (jud. 12) And therefore, though a sinner, do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear GOD, which fear before him: Ecc. 8, 12. Q, What would you hence infer? A. Therefore be thou not overmuch wicked; neither be thou foolish: for why shouldest thou dye, before thy time? (Eccl. 7, 17.) But set your hearts unto all th● words which I testify among you this day: that ye may command them unto your Children; that they may observe and do all the words of this Law. For it is no vain word, concerning you; but it is your life, & by this word ye shall prolong your days, Deut. 32, 46, 47, 4, 40.6, 1 2 16.20. Q. Why? doth God for the sins of his own Children, shorten their days also? A. Yea: for Moses; because he trespassed against the LORD, died in the Mount Nebo, (Deut, 32, 50) For this cause also, many of the Corinthians were weak, and sick, and fall'n asleep: 1, Cor. 11, 30. 1 Sam. 2, 30, 31. But yet when they are thus judged; they are chastened of the Lord: that they should not be condemned with the world: (1, Cor. 11, 32.) And be taken away from the evil to come: (Isa. 57, 1.) For josia was gathered to his Fathers in peace; that his eyes might not see all the evil that was to come upon the Nation of the jews: 2, Chron. 34, 27. CHAP. XXXVIII. Of preservation from Dangers. Ob. THough my days upon earth should be many; yet the many dangers attending them, will make my life without comfort? A. Who so hearkeneth unto me, shall dwell safely; and shall be quiet, from the fear of evil: (Pro. 1.33.) Remember I pray thee; who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? (job. 4.7.) The humble person shall deliver the Island of the innocents; and it is delivered, by the pureness of thine hands. (job. 22.30.) Whereby thou shalt walk in thy way safely; and thy foot shall not stumble: when thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet: (Prou. 3, 23.) Surely thou shalt not be moved, for ever. Thou shalt not be afraid of evil tidings; thy heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Thy heart is established; thou shalt not be afraid: (Psal. 112, 6.) But shalt be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the Mountains, are round about jerusalem: so the Lord is round about his people; from henceforth, even for ever: Psal. 125.1. Therefore harken unto me, O house of jacob; and all the remnants, of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly; which are carried from the womb; and even to your old age I am he, and even to your hoary hairs I will carry you, and so will deliver you: Isa. 46, 3. Psal. 34, 4, 4, 8 27, 5.121, 3, 4, 8, 16, 8, 63, 8, 7, 10.11.3, 4. Zach. 10, 12. Acts, 2, 25. Prou. 18, 10. Deut. 33, 12. Isa. 4 5. Ob. I know the rage of our enemies to be such; as they will leave, no means unattempted, for our hurt. A. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him; but the Lord will not leave him in his hands, nor condemn him, when he is judged: (Psal. 37, 32.) He shall hide him in the secret of his presence, from the pride of men; he shall keep them secretly in a pavilion, from the strife ●f tongues: (Psal. 31, 20.) As Birds ●y flying, so will the Lord of Hosts defend jerusalem, defending also he will deliver it; and passing over, he will preserve it: (Isa. 31.5.) Whereby no man shall set ●n thee to hurt thee: (Acts, 18.10.) Neither shall one hair of your head perish: (Luk. 21, 18.) For the Lord will deliver ●ou from every evil work; and will preserve you, to his heavenly Kingdom: 2, Tim. 4, 18. Therefore fear you not; stand still, and ●ee the Salvation which the Lord will show ●●u: (Exod. 14, 13.) And be not afraid of ●heir faces; for I am with thee: to deli●er thee, saith the Lord: (jer. 1, 8.) Behold I have graved thee upon the palms of my ●ands; thy walls are continually before ●e: Isa. 49, 16 54, 17 27, 2, 3. Exod. 14, 10, 23, 22. jer. 1, 18, 15, 20. Psal. 12, 8, 108. ●3. Acts. 9, 24, 25.9, 29, 30 31. Numb. 22 12, 18, 24, 1. 2, King. 6, 10. Neh. 4, 15. Deut. 20, 3. Isa. 31, 4. Ob. My enemies do so much overmatch me, as that before the combat, they do promise unto themselves the conquest, saying; Let her be defiled, let our eye look upon Zion: Micha, 4, 11. Exod. 15 9 A. Who hath despised the day of the small things? (Z●ch. 4, 10.) Let not him, that girdeth on his harness, boast himself; as he that putteth it off: 1 King. 20, 11. We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is exceeding proud, his loftiness and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart; I know his wrath, saith the LORD: but it shall not be so: (jerem. 48, 29.) But because ●hey rage against me; and thei● tumult, is come up into mine ears: therefore will I put my hook into their nose, and my bridle into their lips; and I will turn them back by the way, by which they come: Isa. 37, 29.29, 8. For he poureth contempt upon Princes; and causeth them to wander in the Wilderness, where there is no way; yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families, like a flock: (Psal. 107.40.) He frustrateth the tokens of liars, and maketh Diviners mad; and turneth wise men backward, and maketh their Knowledge foolishness: Isa. 44, 25. Therefore be strong, and of good courage; fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy GOD, he it is that doth go with thee: he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee: (Deut. 31, 6.) With them is an arm of flesh; but with you is the Lord your GOD, to help, and to fight your battles: 2 Chron. 32 8.20, 15. Ios. 1, 5. Isa. 50, 1.44 25, 18, 7.9, 15, 16. 2 Sam. 16, 23. 17, 14. jerem. 1, 18.15, 26. job, 41, 34. 2 K●ng. 19 32. Zach. 12, 7. Examples. 1 Sam. 18, 11.1.21, 1.1.25, 10.1.23, 14.1.23, 25.14, 44. 2 Sam. 21, 16.2.20, 22. Acts. 14, 5.14, 19, 20. 26, 21. Psal. 105, 12. Ob. Though GOD should preserve us once, and again, from our Enemies; yet if they be suffered to stand in their strength; ours is the fear, and theirs is the hope, of their prevailing at the last. A. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his council; for he shall gather them as the sheaves into his floor. (Micha. 4.12.) Behold they shall gather together; but not by me, whosoever shall gather together against thee, shall fall for thy sake. (Isa. 54.15.) Now will I arise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; Now will I lift up myself; they shall conceive chaff, they shall bring forth stubble; their breath as fire shall devour them, And the people shallbe as the burning of l●●e as thorns cut up shall they be burnt in the fire: (Isa. 33.10.) And as ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts: Mal. 4.3. Thus when SIHON gathered all his people together, to fight against Israel; Israel smote him, with the edge of the sword: (Num. 21.23.) Also OG the King ●f Bashan, with his sons, and all his people; until none was left alive: (Numb. 21.35.) So shall ye also know, that I am the LORD your GOD, dwelling in Zion, my holy Mountain; then shall jerusalem be holy, and there shall no Stranger pass through her any more: joel, 3, 17. Isa 41.10.41.15.16. Deut. 9, 3, 7.22, 3.21.22, 33, 17. Ios. 21 44. Psal. 89, 23. Isa. 63, 3.26, 1. Examples: Numb. 31, 7, 8. 1 Sam. 19, 8, 1, 27, 8, 1, 30, 16. 2 Sam. 3, 1, 2, 5, 25. 8, 1, 2, 6, 13, 14.2, 12, 26. Exod. 17, 13. 14, 30. 2, Chron. 32, 21. 2 King. 19, 35. Ios. 10, 40.12 20. Ob. But our Enemies are many, and mighty; and therefore not to be subdued? A. GOD shall break in pieces mighty men without number, & set others in their stead: (job, 34 24.) He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength; who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered? Which removeth the Mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger; which shaketh the Earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble, etc. Behold he taketh away: who can hinder him? Who will say unto him, what dost thou? If GOD will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him: (job. 9.4 12.) But your Enemies are men, and not GOD: their Horse's flesh, and not spirit: when the Lord shall stretch out his hand; both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is helped shall fall down; and they shall all fail together: (Isa. 31. ●3.) For there is none like unto the GOD of Iesur●●: Who rideth upon the Heavens, in thy help, and in his Excellency on the sky. The Eternal GOD is thy refuge: and underneath are the everlasting arms; and he shall thrust out the Enemy from before thee, and shall say, Destroy them: (Deut. ●3. 26.) Whereby thou shalt know, that the Lord is greater than all Gods: for in the thing, wherein they deal proudly, he is above them: (〈◊〉. 18, 11.) For the Chariots of the Lord are twenty thousand, even thousands of Angels: the Lord is among you, as in Sinai; in the holy place: (Psal. 68, 17) And he shall bring them down that dwell on high: the lofty City, he layeth it low, he bringeth it low even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down; even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy: Isa. 26, 5. For a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakins; the LORD destroyed before Israel: (D●ut. 2, 21.) Of whom it was said; who can stand before the Children of ANA●? (Deut. 9, 2) Were not the Aethiopians also, and the Lubim● an huge Host; with very many Chariots, and Horsemen? yet because AS● did rely on the Lord, he delivered them into his hand: 2 Chron. 16 8. If therefore thou shalt say, in thine heart; These Nations are more than I: how can I dispossess them? Thou shalt not be afraid of them; but shalt well remember what the Lord thy GOD did unto PHARAOH, and unto all Egypt; the great temptations, which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD brought thee out. So shall the Lord thy God do unto all the people, of whom thou art afraid, etc. Deut. 7, 17. Numb. 23, 23. Psal. 91, 13. 1, Sam. 2, 9 Deut. 20.1.33, 29.11.22.23.2, Sam. 5 20. Isa. 40 12.40, 22, 40. ●8. 63 3. Psal. 108.10.60, 12. Examples, Deut. 4, 37.3.8. Ios. 23.9.11, 1. judg. 7, 12. 1, Sam. 13 5. Ob. You tell me of great things, the Lord will do for his people; but I see no means to effect the same? A. He will have Mercy upon the house of judah; and will save them by the Lord their GOD: and will not save them by Bow, nor by Sword, nor by Battle, by Horses, nor by Horsemen: (Hos. 1, 7,) But by a sling, and a stone, (1, Sam, 17.49) With trumpets of Rams-hornes, (Ios. 6, 20) With an Ox goad, (judg. 3, 31.) By I●el Hebeus wife: (judg. 5.27) By Ehud, a man lame on his right hand: (judg. 3.15.) By Gedeon, whose family was least in his Father's House: (6, 15.) And that when there was no Smith in Israel: 1, Sam. 13.19. One man shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight: (Deut. 32.30. Ios. 23.10.) As with jonathan, and his armour bearer, (1, Sam. 14.13.) And in the want of other means; one enemy, shall help to destroy another: 2, Chron, 20.22. judg. 7.22.2, Chron. 20.17. 2, King. 19.6. For he will send his fear before thee: (Exod. 23, 27.) And he will put the dread of thee, and the fear of thee upon the Nations, that are under the whole Heaven: who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble and be in anguish, because of thee: (Deutrinom. 2, 25.) They shall lick the dust like a Serpent; they shall move out of their holes like Worms of the Earth; they shall be afraid of the LORD our GOD; and shall fear because of thee: Micha, 7, 17. As well as SAUL, who was afraid of DAVID; because the Lord was with him: (1 Sam. 18, 12.) So the hearts of all the Kings of the Amorites fainted: (Ios. 5.1.) And were in great fear; for GOD is in the generation of the Righteous: Psal. 14 5. Isa. 19, 17.33.14. Zach. 12.1. Deut. 11.25.28 10. Ios. 29. Num. 22, 3. Psal. 53 5. Gen. 35.5. Q. Seeing the promises, of Preservation from Enemies are such, and so many; what may this teach us? A. Therefore say ye not a Confederacy, to all them, to whom all these people shall say a confederacy; neither fear you their fear; nor be afraid, Sanctify the LORD of Hosts himself: and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread: (〈◊〉. 8.12) And strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of fearful heart: Be strong: fear not: Isa. 35, 3. ●1. 13. Deut. 20, 3. Num. 14 9 2 King. 19, 6. ●oh ●4 1. 2 Trust ye in the LORD for ever; because in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: (Isa. 26.4.) It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in Man; it is better to trust in the LORD, than to put confidence in Princes: (Psal. 118, 8.) O Israel trust thou in the LORD: he is their help, and their shield. O house of AARON, trust in the Lord; he is their help and their shield: ye that fear the Lord trust in the Lord; he is their help and their shield: Ps●l. 115 9 3 Ar●se, and thresh O Daughter of Zion, for I will make thine horn Iron, and I will make thy hoofs Brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people, saith the LORD: (Micha, 4, 13.) Be of good courage, and let us play the Men; for our people, and for the Cities of our GOD; and let the Lord do that which seemeth him good: 2 Sam. 10, 12. CHAP. XXXIX. Of Deliverance, out of the foresaid evils. Ob. AH, my LORD; if the Lord be thus, with us: Why then is all this come upon us? And where be all his Miracles, which our Fathers told us of, and said; Did not the LORD deliver us from the Spanish Invasion, in the year, LXXXVIII? But now the LORD hath forsaken the Palatinate, and delivered it into the hand of the SPANIARD? judg. 6, 13. 1, Sam. 4, 13. Deuteronomie, 28, 25. Nahum, 3, 11. A. ISRAEL hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my Covenant, which I commanded them; for they have taken even of the accursed thing, etc. Therefore they could not stand before their enemies: (Ios. 7, 11.) And because they served not the LORD their GOD, with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore do they serve their enemies, which the Lord hath sent against them, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in the want of all things: Deut. 28.47. Who then gave JACOB for a spoil, and Israel to the Robbers? Did not the Lord; he, against whom they have sinned? For they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law. Therefore he hath poured upon them the fury of his anger, and the strength of Battle, and it hath set them on fire, round about; yet they know not, and it burdeneth them, and they lay it not to heart: (Isa. 42, 24.) Therefore the Emperor before, and the Spaniard behind, have devoured ISREAL with open mouth; and yet for all this, his anger, is not turned away: but his hand is stretched out still. For the people turneth not to him that smiteth them: Neither do they seek the LORD of Hosts: Isa. 9, 12, 65.12. 10, ●, 4 66, 24. levit. 26, 17, 25, 26, 32. 32, 26.36. jer. 7.30 19.9.2, King. 21, 1. Amos, 6, 8.1, Sam. 28, 19 Lam. 4, 11. Thus when Israel did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, etc. The anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and he delivered them up into the hands of the spoilers, that spoiled them, etc. so that they could not any longer stand before their Enemies▪ (judg. 2, 11.) Likewise the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great Host into their hand. Because they had forsaken the Lord GOD of their Fathers: 2 Chron. 24, 23. judg. 3, 7.8.3.12.4.1.2.6.1.13.1.16.20. 1 Chron. 10 13.2.16.7. 1 Sam. 4.2.10. 1 King. 14.25.2.13.1. Exod. 32.25. Q. But have the sins of the Palatinate been so great, as that there is ●o way left, whereby they may escape the Enemy's hands? A. If yet they shall confess their iniquity the iniquities of their Fathers; with their trespass, which they trespassed against me; and that also they have walked contrary unto me, and that I also have walked contrary unto them, etc. If now their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they do accept of the punishment of their iniquity; then will I remember my Covenant with them and also my Covenant with Abraham, will I remember; and I will remember the Land: (●euit. 26.40.) And when they shall walk after m●, I will roar like a Lion▪ when I shall roar: then the Spaniard and Emperor shall tremble. They shall tremble, as a B●rd out of Egypt, and as a Dove out of the Land of Assyria, and I will place them in their Houses, saith the LORD: (Hos. 11, 10.) Up therefore, and let them sanctify themselves against the morrow: Ios. 7, 13. Psal. 81, 13. Which that you may do, remember then the King of Egypt came up against jerusalem; because they had transgressed against the LORD, etc. Therefore he left them in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon, the Princes of Israel, and the Kings humbling themselves, saying the LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw, that they humbled themselves: the Word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying; they have humbled themselves; therefore will I not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out upon JERUSALEM; by the hand of SHISHAK: (2, Chron. 12, 2.) Yea many times did he deliver them, but they provoked him by their Council, and were brought low for their iniquities; nevertheless he regarded their affliction when he heard their cry. And he remembered for them his Covenant, and repent according to the multitude of his Mercies: Psal. 106.43, Thus also will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you: and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you; for the LORD is a GOD of judgement: (Isa. 30.18.) For he will judge his people, and he will repent himself, concerning his Servants: Psal, 135.14.2, Chron. 15, 3, 33, 9, & 32, 25.1, King. 21, 27. jona. 3, 10.4.2. Hos. 10, 12. Deut. 4, 29. judg. 6, 11, 33 1, Sam. 12.7. Q. What use are we, and they of the Palatinate to make hereof? A. Therefore fear not: for though ye have done all this wickedness: yet depart not from following the Lord; but serve the Lord with all your heart, neither turn ye back; for that should be after vain things, which cannot profit you, nor deliver you; for they are but vanity: (1, Sam. 12, 20.) And if ye do turn unto the Lord, with all your hearts; then put away the strange Gods: and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your heart unto the Lord, and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of your Enemies: 1, Sam. 7, 3. Hosea, 13, 1. Lament. 3, 40 41. Deut. 13, 17. jeremiah, 3, 12.2, Chronicles, 30, 8. 2 Sanctify you a fast call ye a solemn assembly, gather together the Elders, and all the Inhab tants of the Land into the house of the Lord your GOD, and cry unto the Lord: (Io●l. 1, 14.) And say; take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we r●nder the Calves of our lips. Ashur shall not save us, we will not ride upon Horses: Neither will we say any more to the work of our hands; ye are our GOD'S: For in thee, the Fatherless find mercy. Hos. 13, 1. O Lo●d our God other Lords, besides thee have ruled over us: but we will remember thee only, and thy Name: isaiah, 26, 13. Rise up Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate thee flee before thee, and return O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel. (Numb. 10, 35.) Or if thou wilt needs afflict us: let us now fall into the hand of the Lord; for his Mercies are great, and let us not fall into the hands of men: (2, Sam. 24.14.) Whose tender mercies are cruel: Prou. 12 10. Neh. 1, 5 9.32 2 K●ng. 9, ●5. Psal. 10, 35, 8, 1, 2. 1, Kings, 8, ●3. Q. When GOD hath delivered us ●om our enemies, what are we then 〈◊〉 do? A. Awake, awake Deborah: awake, ●●ake; utter a song: arise Barak thou Son (Ab●●oam. Judge. 5, 12.) Come and be●●ld, the works of the LORD, what deso●tions, he hath made in the earth? He takes the Wars to cease unto the ends of ●he earth: he breaketh the bow, and cut●th the spear in sunder: he burneth the chariot's in the fire. (Psal. 46, 8.) Sing ●nto the LORD, for he hath triumphed ●●●riously: the Horse and the rider, hath he thrown into the Sea. The LORD is my strength, and my Song, and he is become my Salvation: he is my GOD, and I will prepare him an habitation: my Father's GOD, and I will exalt him. The LORD 〈◊〉 a man of War; the LORD of Hosts this name: (Exod. 15.1.) Who is like ●nto thee O LORD, amongst the Gods? who is like thee; glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders: (Exod. 15, 11.) Who would not fear thee, O King of Nations? For to thee doth it appertain: for as much as among all the wise men of the Nations, and in all their Kingdoms, there is none like unto thee: (jer. 10, 7. Psal. 35, 9) Thou bringest the Counsels of the Heathen to nought, thou makest the devises of the people of none effect: Psal. 33, 10.9, 6. Gen. 14, 20. Psal. 64, 6.66.1, ●3, 2, 13.5.18, 35, 30, 1, 31, 7, 76.1, 98 1, 124, 1, 18, 36, 18.46, 28.7, 9, 1.144, 1.140, 7. Isa. 25, 1, 2.52, 9 Psal, 74, 12, 47, 1. 1, Sam. 2, 1. Psal. 31, 21.44, 8, 48, 1, 3, 31, 7, 92 9 Ob. Were it to be granted, that the hand of man, may be either too short to reach us: or too weak to hold us under: yet who can stand when God himself, as with an overflowing flood, shall come to judge terribly the earth? Numb. 24, 23. isaiah. 64.3, 2, 19 jerem. 47, 2. A. The Lord knoweth how to deliver ●he godly, out of temptations; and to re●oue the unjust, unto the day of judgement, 〈◊〉 be punished: (2, Pet. 2, ●.) For behold ●be name of the Lord cometh from fare; ●is face is burning, and the burden thereof 〈◊〉 heavy; his lips are full of indignation, ●●d his tongue is a devouring fire. And his spirit is a river, that overfloweth up to the ●ucke: it divideth a sunder to fan the Nations, with the fan, of vanity. But ●here shall be a song unto you: as in the ●ight; when a solemn feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as he that cometh with a pipe, to go unto the Mount of ●he LORD, to the mighty one of ISRAEL, (Isa. 30.27.) The LORD ●●all roar out of ZION, and utter his voice from JERUSALEM; and the Heaven's and the Earth shall shake, but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Is●●el: (joel. 3, 16.) When men are cast ●●wne; then they shall say there is a lifting 〈◊〉; and he shall save the humble person: job. 22.29. Ezek. 9, 4, 6. Reuel. 9, 4, 7, 2, 3. Ez●k. 14 14. Mal. 4, Psal. 91, 3. Isa. 6, 12, 13, 65, 8.1.9.17, 5. joel. 2, 32. Amos, 3, 12 9, 8, 4 11. For your eyes have seen, what the LORD did because of Ba●l-poor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you: but ye that did cleave unto the Lord your GOD, are all alive: every one of you, until this day: Deut. 4, 3. Exod. 8, 22, 9.6.9 5. ●0. 23.11.7.12.23.14.27 Heb. 11.31. Ios. 6, 17 6.24. Numb. 14, 12. 2, King. 22.15. jer. 40.4. Gen. 19.16. Q. What may this teach us? A. 1. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the Earth, which have wrought his judgements; seek Righeeousnesse, seek meekness: it may be, ye shall be h●d in the day of the Lor●s anger: (Z●ph. 2, 3.) For the eyes of the Lord run too and fro, throughout the whole earth: to show himself strong, in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him: 2, Chron. 16, 9 2 Be not afraid of sudden fear; nor if the dissolation, of the wicked when it ●●mmeth, for the LORD shall be thy confidence, and keep thy feet from being ta●en: (Prou. 3.25.) GOD is our refuge, ●nd strength; a very present help in trouble. Therefore do not fear, though the Earth be remooved, and though the Mountains be carried, into the midst of the Sea. Though the waters thereof ●●are, and be troubled; though the Mountains shake, with the swellings thereof. There is a river; the streams whereof, ●hall make glad, the City of GOD: the holy place, of the Tabernacle of the most ●igh. GOD is in the midst of her; she ●●all not be moved: God shall help her; and that right early. The Heathen ●●aged: the Kingdoms were moved: he ●●terd his voice: the Earth melted. The LORD of Hosts is with us; the GOD ●f JACOB, is our refuge: Psal. 46, 1. 3 Come my people, enter thou into thy hambers, and shut thy doors about thee; ●●de thyself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold the Lord cometh out of his place, to punish the Inhabitants of the Earth, for their iniquity; the Earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain: (Isa. 26, 20.) So that except, the LORD of hosts, had left us, a very small remnant; we should have been, as SODOM; and we should have been, like unto GOMORRAH: Isa. 1, 9 CHAP XL. Of outward Prosperity. Ob. NOw am I well apayed in regard of evils feared; but if a man live many years; and the days of his years, be multiplied: and yet his Soul be not satisfied, with good things; I say unto you, That an untimely fruit, is better than he: Eccles. 6.3. A. If you serve, and obey him; you shall spend your days in prosperity, and your years in pleasures: (job, 36, 11.) Thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee; and the light shall shine upon thy way. (job. 22, 28) And you shall rejoice in all that you put your ●and unto: and your households: wherein the Lord your GOD hath blessed you: (Deut. 12, 7.) You shall be to me a name of joy; a praise, and an honour, before all the Nations of the earth; which shall bear of all the good that I do unto you; and they shall fear, and tremble, for all the goodness, and for all the prosperity, that I procure unto you: (jer. 33, 9) And they shall call you Blessed; for you shall be a delight some Land: saith the Lord of hosts: (Mal. 3.12.) Who shall greatly bless thee in the Land, which he giveth thee, for an Inheritance, to possess it. Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice, of the LORD thy GOD; to observe; to do all these Commandments, which I command thee this day: Deut. 15.4.28.2.8. Psal. 128.2.1.1. 2 Chron. 31, 21. job, 11, 17. Hosea, 14, 5. For HEZEKIAH cleaving unto the Lord, and departing not from following him; but keeping his Commandments, which the Lord commanded MOSES; the Lord was with him, and he prospered, whethersoever he went forth: (2. King. 18.6.) The Lord was ●●●o with jehosaphat; because he walked in the first ways of his Father D●vi●, and sought not unto Baalim, but sought the Lord GOD of his Fathers; and walked in his Commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the Lord established the Kingdom in his hands. And all judah brought to Iehosapha● presents; and he had riches, and honour in abundance: 2, Chron. 17.3. Numb. 24.3. Deut. 2, 7, 40. Psal. 23, 5.6. 1 King. 8 66. Gen. 39, 23. Q. What use are we to make of this? A. Pray, saying; Save now, I beseech thee O Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee send now prosperity: (Psal. 118, 25.) Let the beauty of the Lord our GOD be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea the work of our hands, establish thou it: Psal. 90.17. 2 Bee thou strong and very courageous; that thou mayest observe, to do according to all the Law, which MOSES my servant commanded thee: turn not from it, to the right hand, or to the left; that thou mayst prosper, whethersoever thou goest. This book of the Law, shall not departed out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein, day and night; that thou mayest observe to do, according to all that is written therein; for then shalt thou make thy ways prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success: Ios. 1, 7. Ob. Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee; yet let me talk with thee of thy judgements? Wherefore doth the way of the Wicked, prosper? Wherefore are all they happy, that deal very treacherously? Thou hast planted them; yea, they have taken root: they grow: yea, they bring forth fruit: (jer. 12, 1.) Behold these are the ungodly; who prosper in the World; they increase in riches: Psal. 73.12, etc. jerem. 5, 27. job, 12, 6. A. My righteousness is like the great Mountains, and my judgements are as a great deep: (Psal. 36.6.) Yet enter thou into the Sanctuary of GOD; for then shalt thou understand: Psal. 73, 16. 1 That the wicked do rejoice, in deed: but not from the heart: (2. Cor. 5.12.) For in their laughter their heart is sorrowful: (Pro. 14.13.) Of such laughter I said, thou art mad; and of such mirth, what doth it? Eccles, 2.2, 2. They have their portion in this life: (Psal. 17, 14.) As ESAV the fatness of the Earth: (Gen. 27 39,) And do prosper, till the indignation accomplished. D●n. 11.36. 3 Better is the end of a thing, than the beginning: (Eccl. 7.8.) For doth not their execellencie, which is in them go away? (job. 4.21.) How oft is the candle of the wicked put out? And how oft cometh their destruction upon them? (job, 21.17.) Yea the light of the wicked shall be put out; and the spark of his fire, shall not shine. The light, shall be dark in his Tabernacle, and his candle shall be put ●●t with him. The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. (job. 18.5.) Yea all the horns of the wicked shall be broken. Psal. 75.10. Eccl. 5, 15. Pro. 24, 19 20, 4 Knowest thou not this of old: since Man was placed upon earth; that the triumphing of the wicked is short; and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? (job. 20.4.) I have seen the foolish taking root; but suddenly I cursed his habitation. (job. 5, 3,) How are they brought into desolation as in a moment? As a dream, when one awaketh; so shall GOD despise their image: Psal. 73.19.20. 5 There is hope of a tree if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, etc. but the wicked man dyeth and where is he? (job. 14.7.) He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more: A. A faithful man aboundeth with blessings: (Prou. 28, 20.) Even all these blessings, shall come upon him, and overtake him: Deut. 28, 2. 1. He shall inherit the Land, & dwell there in, for ever: (Psal. 37, 29.) And shall possess his possessions: (Obad. 17.) He shall be no more plucked out of his Land, which I have given him, saith the LORD; Amos 9, 15. levit. 20.24.25.18. Deut. 11, 24.2, Sam. 7, 10. joel 3, 20. jer. 12, 16. Numb. 14, 8, 24. Iosh. 24, 13.14, 9, 14.14. But the sinners, shall be destroyed, out of the Land: (Isa. 13.9.) And be brought unto a Nation; which neither they, nor their Fathers have known: (Deut. 28, 36.) And the LORD shall scatter them, among all people, from the one end of the Earth, even unto the other: (Deut. 28, 64.) For he will send unto them wanderers, that shall cause them to wander; and shall empty their vessels, and break their bottles: (jer. 48, 12.) And they shall be among the Gentiles, as a vessel, wherein there is no pleasure: (Hos. 8, 8.) Then shall the Land enjoy her Sabbaths, as long as it ly●th desolate, and they be in their Enemy's Land; even than shall all the land rest, ●nd enjoy her Sabbaths. As long as it lieth desolate, it shall rest; because it did not rest in their Sabbaths, when they dwelled upon it: (Levit. 26, 34.) And it shall come to pass; when ye shall say; wherefore doth the LORD, our GOD, all these things unto us? Then shalt thou answer them: like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange GOD'S, in your Land, so shall ye serve strangers, in a Land that is not yours: jer. 5, 19.24.8.23.7.2, King. 24 9.2, 17.6.7.2.18 9, 10.12. verses 114.15.2, Chron. ●6, 20. Numb. 14, 22. 30, 35.37, 20.24. Ezek. 26, 13, 28, 25, 39, 25. M●l. 14, 5. levit. 26, 39, 20, 22.18.24. jer. 6, 8. I●r. 9, 16. Q. Which is the second outward blessing? A. Multitude of people: for who could count the dust of JACOB; and the number, of the fourth part of ISRAEL? (Numb. 23, 10.) With whom the Land of Egypt was filled: (Exod. 1, 7.) For they became, as the Stars in Heaven, for multitude: (D●utr. 10, 22.) And were more and mightyer than their Enemies: Exod. 1, 9.12, 13.2, Sam. 24, 9 isaiah. 48, 18. But if thou wilt not observe, to do all the words of this Law, etc. Ye shall be left few in number: (Deutron. 28.58.62.) And your high ways shall be desolate: Levit. 26.22. Isa, 13.20. Hear therefore O ISRAEL; and observe to do it; that it might be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily; as the LORD GOD of your Fathers hath promised thee: Deut. 6, 3. CHAP. XLII. Of good Government. Q. HOw shall so much people be governed? A. It shall come to pass if ye diligently hearken unto me, (saith the LORD, etc.) Then shall there enter, ●nto the gates of this City, Kings and Princes; sitting upon the Throne of DAVID; riding in Charets, and Horses; they, and their Princes: (jer. 17, 24.) And your eyes shall see the King in his beauty: (isaiah, 33, 17.) And your Nobles shall be of your selves; and your Governors shall proceed from the midst of you: jer. 30, 21, 22, 4. 1, Kings, 2.45. But if you will not hearken unto the LORD your GOD; ye shall have cause to say; we have no King: because we fear not the LORD; And what shall a King do to us? (Hos. 10.3.) For from us, GOD taketh away a King, in his wrath: Hos. 13, 12. Isa. 3, 2. Q. What is the hurt which cometh to a people, by having no King, or Ruler, to govern them? A. As when there was no King in ISRAEL: every one, did that which seemed good, in his own eyes: (judg. 17.6.) So there shall be, as with the people, so with the Priest; as with the Servant, so with the Master: as with the Maid, so with the Mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller: as with the Lender: so with the Borrower: as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury: Isa. 24, 2. judg. 18, 18.19.22. Q. What benefit, doth the Church receive, by the government of Kings? A. When the Earth, and all the Inhabitants thereof are dissolved; he will bear up the Pillars of it: (Psal. 75. 3.) He is the light of ISRAEL: (2, Sam. 21, 17.) And the beauty thereof: (2, Sam. 1, 19, 23, 4.) The very breath of your nostrils, and under his shadow, you shall be preserved: (Lam. 4, 20.) And a man shall be, as a hi●ing place from the Wind, and a covert from the Tempest: as Rivers of water in a dry place: and the shadow of a great Rock, in a weary land: (Isa. 32, 2.) King's shall be your nursing Fathers, and Queens your nursing Mothers: Isa. 49.23. For the jews, and all ISRAEL, dwelled safely: every Man, under his Vine, and under his Figtree, from DAN, even to BEER-SHEBA; all the days of SOLOMON: (1, King. 4, 25.) And GOD saved ISRAEL, by the hand of JEROBOAM: 2, King. 14, 27. 2. Sam 8, 3. Q. By what means, doth a King become, so blessed an instrument, of our good? A. Because by GOD it is that King's Reign; (Prou. 8, 15.) He shall give him another heart: (1, Sam. 10.9.) And he shall be turned into another man: (1, Sam. 10, 6.) And the wisdom of God, shall be in him, to do judgement: 1, King. 3, 28. For it shall be when he sitteth upon the Throne of his Kingdom that he shall write him a Copy of the Law in a book. And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn, to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this Law, and the Statutes to do them: (Deut. 17.18.) Whereby a divine sentence shall be in the lips of the King, and his mouth transgresseth not in judgement: (Prou. 16, 10.) But he shall reign in justice, and your Princes shall rule in judgement: Isa. 32, 1. For David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgement, and justice among all his people: (1. Chron. 18, 14. And judged uprightly: (Psal. 75 2.) And that was because the Lord loved Israel: 1, King. 10.9. 2, Chron. 2, 11. For as when the Righteous are in authority the people rejoice, so when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn: Prou. 29, 2.4. Prou. 28, 15, 16.29, 12. Eccl. 10 17. 1, Sam. 28, 3, 2, 5.12. 1, Kings, 15. 1●, 2, 10, 28, 2, 14, 5, 6, 2, 23, 3. 2, Chron. 14, 3, 29, 3, 34, 3, 2, 36.22. 2 Because the work will be too heavy for one man; neither is he able to perform it alone: (Exod. 18, 18.) He, af●er the wisdom of his GOD, that is in his heart, shall set up Magistrates, and judges; which may judge all the people: (Ezra, 7, 25.) And place such over them, ●s are able men; such as fear GOD; ●en of truth, hating covetousness; to be ruler's of thousands, and Rulers of hundreds, and rulers of fifties, and rulers of ●●nnes; to judge the people at all seasons: Exod. 18, 21. And the King shall charge them, saying; Thus shall ye do, in the fear of ●he LORD faithfully and with a perfect ●eart. So that whatsoever cause shall come to you of your Brethren, that dwell in their Cities, etc. You shall warn them, that they trespass not against the LORD: (2, Chron. 19, 9) Ye shall not wrest the judgement of the poor in his ●ouse: (Exod. 23, 6.) But ye shall justify the Righteous, and condemn the wicked: (Deut. 25.1.) Which that ye may the better do, ye shall take no gift; for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the Righteous: (Exod. 23.8.) Neither shall you respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: (Levit. 15.19.) You shall take heed what ye do, for ye judge not for men, but for the LORD; who is with you in the judgement. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Take heed and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts: (2, Chron. 19.6.) Thus shall you judge the people, at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter you shall bring unto me; but every small matter, you shall judge: so shall it be easier for me, when you shall bear the burden with me: Exod. 18.22. 1, Sam. 7, 15, 16. Deut. 16, 19, 1, 17. jer. 22 3.21, 12. Amos, 5, 15. Micha, 3.1. Psal. 82, 2. Prou. 18.5. 2, Sam. 23, 3. Q. What good shall come to us by these substitutes in Government? A. As the Mountains shall bring peace to the people; so the little Hills by righteousness: (Psal. 72, 3.) For God led his people like a flock, by the hand of Moses, and Aaron: (Psal. 77.20.) And Mordecay sought the wealth of his people, and spoke peace unto all his seed: Esth. 10.3. Psal. 72.4. job. 29.12. 2, King. 8, 6. Q. What may the promise of good Rulers teach us? A. To pray, saying; Let the Lord, the GOD of the spirits of all flesh set a man ●ver the Congregation, which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the. Congregation of the Lordly ●●e not as Sheep, which have no Shepherd: (Numb. 27.16.) But that we may lead a quiet, and peaceable life, in all Godliness, and Honesty: 1, Tim. 2, 2. Q. When we have a King, and others sent of him to govern us, what is required of us? A. 1 Fear the LORD in truth and with all your hearts; because if you shall do wickedly, you shall be consumed, both you and your King: 1, Sam. 12.24.25. 2 I exhort that supplications and prayers, with giving of thankes be made for Kings, and for all that are in authority: (1, Tim. 2, 1.) Wherein because the King's heart is in the hand of the Lord; as the Rivers of water, he turneth it whethersoever he will: (Prou. 21, 1.) Pray, give the King thy judgements O Lord, and thy Righteousness unto the King's Son: that so he may judge the people with righteousness and the poor with judgement: (Psal. 72, 1.) And as thou hast set thy Servant over thy people, give him an understanding heart, to judge thy people, that he● may discern between good, and bad; for who is able to judge this so great a people? (1, King. 3, 9) And take away the wicked from the King, that his Throne may be established in righteousness: Prou. 25 4. Bless Lord his substance, and accept the work of his hands; smite through the loins of them that rise against him and of them that hate him, that they rise not again: (Deut. 33, 11.) Let him abide for ever before thee. O prepare mercy, and truth which may preserve him; so will I sing praises unto thy name for ever: (Psal, 61, 7.) And the King also shall joy in thy strength, O LORD, and in thy salvation, how greatly shall he rejoice? Psal. 21.1, 80, 17. 1, King. 8, 25. 3 Honour the King: (1, Pet. 2, 17.) A● did ARAUNAN who when he saw the King coming towards him; he went out, and bowed himself before the King, on his face, on the ground: (2, Sam. 24.20) And be not hasty to go out of his sight: Eccl. 8, 3. 4 Let them be had in double honour: (1, Tim. 5.17.) For, for this cause pay you tribute also; for they are GOD'S Ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute, to whom tribute is due, custom to whom Custom: (Ro●, 13.6.) Even unto CAESAR, the things that are CAESAR'S: Math. 22.21. 5 Submit yourselves unto every ordinance of man for the Lords sake: (1, Pet. 2, 13.) And let every Soul be Subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power, but of GOD: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of GOD; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and ●hou shalt have praise of the same; for ●ee is the Minister of GOD, to thee for good: (Rom. 13.1.) For in the light of the King's Countenance is life, and his savour is as a Cloud of the latter rain: (Prou. 16, 15.) And as the dew upon the grass; but his wrath is as the roaring of the Lion: (Prou. 19, 12.) And as the Messenger of death: he that is wise will pacify it: Prou. 16, 14, 20, 2 Math. 22.21. I counsel thee therefore to keep the King's commandment, but yet according to the oath of GOD. And stand not in an evil thing, for he doth whatsoever pleaseth him. Where the word of a King is, there is power; and who may say unto him, what dost thou: Eccl. 8, 2. Numb. 27, 20. Ob. How comes it to pass, that so many thousands in a Kingdom, should subject themselves unto the government of one man? A. As in judah, the hand of GOD was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the King, and of the Princes: (2, Chron. 30.12.) So doth he still bow the hearts of all Men; Even as the heart of one man unto him: (2, Sam. 19.14.) Whereby all that he commandeth, they will do; whether soever he sendeth them, they will go; according as they harkened unto MOSES, so will they hearken unto him: Iosh. 1, 16.4, 14. Q But is this the case of every King, to have all his people in subjection? A. No: for the Children of Belial say of their King, how shall this man save us? And do despise him, and will bring him no presents: (1, Sam. 10.27.) And do despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities: (jud. 8.) Saying, We will not have this man rule over us: (Luk. 19, 14.) As Sheba the Son of Bichri, who blew a trumpet, and said, we have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the Son of jesse: 2, Sam. 20.1. Num. 12.1. Q. What is the danger, of such Rebels, against their Sovereign? A. Whosoever will not do the Law of the King, let judgement he executed speedily upon him; whether it be unto death, 〈◊〉 to banishment, or to confiscation of ●oods, or to Imprisonment: (Ezra, 7, 26) And if the sons of ZERVIAH be too ●●ard for him, the Lord shall reward the doer of evil, according to his wickedness: 2, Sam. 3, 39 Thus MIRIAM, for speaking against MOSES, became leprous, as white as snow. (Numb. 12.10.) And the Earth swallowed up DATHAN and ABIRAM, with ●ll that they had: (Numb. 16.32.) For they do not reject man, but GOD, that he should not reign over them: 1. Sam. 8.7. 2. Sam. 16.5. Numb. 16.49. judg. 9.53.9.16.9.10.11. Q. What may this teach us? A. To pray, saying; The LORD forbidden, that I should stretch forth my hand, against the LORDS anointed: 1. Sam. 26.11. 2 Curse not the King; no not in thy thoughts; and curse not the rich in thy bed chamber: for a bird of the air, shall carry thy voice, and that which hath wings, shall tell the matter: Eccles. 10.20. Ob. But shall even he, that hateth right, govern? (job, 34.17.) For I saw under the Sun; the place of judgement, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there: (Eccles. 3.16.) Her Rulers do love with shame, give ye: (Hosea, 4.18.) Shall the throne of iniquity, have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief, by a Law? Psalm. 94.20.82.5. Eccles. 10.5. Zephan. 3.3. Micha. 3.9.1. Sam. 8.11. Isa. 3.12.10. 1. Habac. 1.2.1.13. Nehem. 5.15. 2. Kings, 24.4. Amos. 6.12.5.7. Isa. 29.21. Micha. 3.2. A. EPHRAIM is oppressed, and broken in judgement; because he willingly walked after the commandment: (Hos. 5.11.) They make the King glad with their wickedness, and the Princes with their lies: (Hos. 7.3.) Notwithstanding, to subvert a man in his cause, the LORD approveth not: Lam. 3.36. Wherefore if thou seest, the oppression 〈◊〉 the poor, and violent perverting of ●●dgement, and justice in a Province; ●●rvell not at the matter: for he that 〈◊〉 higher, than the highest, regardeth; and ●●re be higher than they: (Eccles. 5.8.) 〈◊〉 GOD standeth in the congregation of 〈◊〉 mighty; he judgeth among the Gods: Psalm. 82.1.) He doth execute the ●●dgement, of the Fatherless and Wid●●: (Deut. 10, 18.) And shall judge 〈◊〉 Righteous, and the Wicked: for there 〈◊〉 time there, for every purpose, and 〈◊〉 every work: (Eccles. 3, 17.) when ●●e LORD will enter into Iudge●●●nt, with the ancients of his peony, and the Princes thereof: (Isa. 3, 4.) And will pour out his wrath, ●pon them like Water: (Hosea. 5, 10.) And break them with a rod of I●●●, and dash them in pieces like a ●●tters vessel: Psalm. 2, 9 Deuteron. ●7, 19 Ecclesiast. 4, 13. Hosea, 5, 5. ● Sam. 28, 17. 2, Chron. ●5, 27. Micha, 3, 12. Amos, 5, 12. Dan. 4, 25, 33. 1, King. 20, 42. Psal. 82, 6. Isa. 3, 15. Q. If this be the condition of Rulers, and of men in Authority, in the commission of Injustice; what use are they to make of it? A. 1 Be wise now therefore, O ye Kings: be instructed ye judges of the earth: Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way; when his wrath is kindled, but a little; blessed are all they that put their trust in him: Psalm. 2, 10.29, 1. Amos, 5, 24. Prou. 20, 28. 1, Kings, 2, 46. 2 Rob not the Poor, because he is poor; neither oppress the Afflicted in the gate: for the LORD will plead their cause; and spoil the soul of them that spoiled them: (Prou. 22, 22.) Deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain: Prou. 24, 11, 12. Ob. If notwithstanding, what is said, such should continue, to oppress; I ●uch fear, what the end thereof may ●ee? A. If you be willing, and obedient, Isa. 1, 19) violence shall no more be ●urd in thy Land; wasting, nor destructi●● within thy borders: (Isa. 60, 18.) For ●will turn my hand upon thee; and pure● purge away thy dross, and take away ●●l thy tin. And I will restore thy Iud●●s as at first, and thy Councillors as at the beginning: afterwards thou shalt be called the City of Righteousness, the faith●●ll City: Isa. 1, 25. Ob. I now see cause enough; and I ●ould be contented, to submit myself ●nto my Sovereign, and his substitutes 〈◊〉 the Commonweal; this only trou●leth me, that I do yet remain in the condition of a Servant? A. Let every man abide in the same ●ocation, wherein he was called. Art ●hou called being a Servant? Care not for 〈◊〉; but yet if thou mayest be made free, ●se it rather: for he that is called in the LORD, being a Servant, is the Lords freeman; likewise also, he that is called being free, is CHRIST'S servant. 1, Cor. 7, 20. Q. What then ought to be our carriage towards our Masters? A. Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own Masters, worthy of all honour; that the Name of GOD, and his Doctrine, be not blasphemed: 1, Tim. 6, 1. 2 Servants be obedient unto them that are your Masters, according to the flesh, with fear, and trembling; in singleness of your heart, as unto CHRIST: Not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of GOD from the heart; with goodwill, doing service, as to the LORD, and not to Men: Ephes 6, 5. M●th. 8, 9 Ob. I, and my Master, are both of one brotherhood in CHRIST; why then should I be subject unto him? A. They that have believing Masters, let them not despise them, because they are Brethren; but rather do them service: because they are faithful, and loved, partakers of the benefit: 1, ●im. 6, 2. Q. How fare forth are we to be sub●●ct unto them? A. Let servants be subject to their own ●●sters, and please them in all things; not answering again: not purloining, but ●●ewing all good fidelity, that they may abourne the doctrine of GOD, our Saviour 〈◊〉 all things: Tit. 2 9 2 Be subject not only to thee good, and ●●ntle, but also to the froward. For this 〈◊〉 thankworthy, if a man for conscience ●●ward GOD endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if when 〈◊〉 man be buffeted for his faults he shall ●ike it patiently? But if when ye do ●●ll, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with GOD. For even hereunto were ye called; because CHRIST also suffered for us, lea●ing us an example, that ye should follow ●●s steps: 1. Pet. 2.18. Q. This is a very hard task imposed; but what good shall I reap thereby? A. As he that keepeth the Figtree shall eat the fruit thereof; so he that waiteth on his Master shall be honoured: (Prou. 27, 18.) A wise Servant, shall have rule over a Son, that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance, among the Brethren: (Prou. 17, 2.) Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free: Ephes. 6, 8. Ob. But shall my Master always be let alone in his rigour? A. No: for GOD who seethe thine affliction, and the labour of thy hands will rebuke thy Master, as he did LABAN: (Gen. 31, 42.) Saying unto him, and such as he is, ye Masters do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening; knowing that your Master also is in Heaven: neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephes. 6, 9 Gen. 31, 24. Eccles. 7, 21. job, 31, 13. Deut. 15, 13, 14, 18. CHAP. XLIII. Of Peace, Food, and Health. Q. WHich are the fourth, fifth, and sixth particular outward blessings? A. The fourth is peace. The meek ●hall delight themselves with the abundanc● of Peace: (Psal. 37, 11.) For GOD maketh Peace in their borders: (Psal. 147.14.) And they shall lie down, and none ●hall make them afraid: (Levit. 26.6.) And they shall know that their Tabernacle ●s Peace: (job. 5.24) For when he giveth Peace, who can make Trouble? job. 34, ●9. Psal. 48, 8 9 isaiah. 33, 20, 48, 18, jam, 3, 18. Thus the LORD gave DAVID rest, ●ound about, from all his enemies: (2, Sam. ●, 1.) And judah and Israel dwelled safe●y; every man under his Vine, and under ●is Fig tree from Dan, even to Beer●heba, all the days of SOLOMON: (1, King. 4, 25.) So that there was neither Adversary, nor evil occurrent: 1, King. 5, 4.2, Chron. 20, 30, 2, 15.15. Iosh. 23, 1. Acts. 9.31. But there is no peace, saith my GOD, to the wicked: (isaiah, 57, 21.) To him that went out, nor to him that cometh in; but great vexations were upon all the Inhabitants of their Countries: 2, Chron. 15 5. Zach. 8, 10. jer. 19.9. isaiah, 48.22, 9, 21. The fifth outward blessing is Food. He giveth meat unto them that fear him: (Psal. 111.5.) He will abundantly bless their provision, and satisfy their poor with bread: (Psal. 132, 15.) Corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new Wine the Maids: (Zachariah, 9, 17.) Your threshing shall reach unto the Vintage, and the Vintage shall reach unto the seeds time, and you shall eat your bread to the full: (Levit. 26, 5.) And you shall eat of the old store, and bring forth the old store, because of the new: levit. 26, 5, 10. For of JOSEPH it was said; Blessed of the LORD is his Land, for the sweetness of Heaven, for the dew, and for the depth lying beneath, and for the sweet increase of the Sun, and for the sweet increase of the Moon, and for the sweetness of the ancient Mountains, and for the sweetness of the old Hills, and for the sweetness of the Earth, and the abundance thereof, and the good will of him that dwelled in the Bush: Deutr. 33, 13, 11.14.28.4, 7, 13. Isa. 32, 20.30, 23. Psal. 144, 13.104.13. jer. 31, 12. Gen. 9.3.27.28. Zach. 8, 11.12.10. 1. Ezek. 34, 26. Prou. 27, 18.1, King. 8, 35. joel. 3, 18. Ob. I am notwithstanding much pinched with hunger, and thirst, and know not where to be satisfied? A. When the poor, and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open Rivers in high places, and Fountains in the midst of the valleys, I will make the Wilderness a Pool of water, and the dry Land springs of water: (Isa. 41, 17.) The The Righteous shall not be ashamed in evil times, and in the days of Famine they shall be satisfied: Psal. 37, 19 Prou. 10.3. Psal. 65, 9.107, 35. Hos. 2, 21. Mal. 3.11. Deut. 10, 18. Isa. 62 8 9 58, 11.65.21, 22. joel. 2, 21. GOD was the GOD, that fed jacob all his life-time: (Gen. 48, 16.) And reigned bread also from Heaven: (Exod. 16, 4, 18.) Wherewith the Israelites were fed forty years, until they came unto a Land inhabited: (Exod. 15, 35.) Water also was given unto Samson out of the jaw bone of an Ass: (judg. 15.19.) And to the Israelites out of a Rock in abundance: Numbers, 20, 11. Ruth, 1, 6.1, King. 17, 16.2, 7, 18, 3, 17, Deut. 32, 13. Gen. 21, 19.26, 12. Exod. 23, 25. Q. What may this teach us? A. Therefore take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink. Is not the life more than meat? Behold the fowls of the Air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into Barnes, yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? etc. Therefore take no thought, saying; what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD, and his Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you: Math. 6.25. joel, 2, 21. Numbers, 11, 22. 2 Bee glad then, ye Children of ZION, and rejoice in the LORD, your GOD; because he hath given you, the former Rain, moderately: (joel, 2 23.) For are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles, that can cause rain? Or can the Heavens give showers? Art not thou he, O LORD our GOD? therefore we will wait upon thee; for thou hast made all these things: jer. 14, 22. Bless the LORD, O my Soul; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things: (Psal. 103.5.) And let the people praise thee, O GOD, let the people praise thee; then shall the earth yield her increase, and GOD, even our own God shall bless us? Psal. 67, 5. Deut. 8, 10. 3. Because when goods increase, they are increased that eat them: (Eccl. 5.11.) And because it is good, and comely to eat, and to drink: (Eccles. 5, 18, 3.12.3.13.22.) Therefore go your ways, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them, for whom nothing is prepared: Neh. 8, 10. 4 Trust in the Lord, and do good; for verily thou shalt be fed: (Psal, 37, 3.) O fear the LORD, ye his Saints, for there is no want to them that fear him. The young Lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing: Psalm, 34, 9 jeremiah, 11, 4. Deuteronomie, 6.10.8, 11.12. For the LORD will not suffer the Soul of the Righteous to famish, thought ●e cast away the substance of the wicked: (Prou. 10.3.) The Righteous eateth to the satisfying of his Soul; but the belly of the wicked shall want: (Prou. 13, 25. Isa. 65, 13.) And they shall wander abroad for bread, saying where is it? (job. 15.23.) And when I have broken the staff of bread, ten women shall bake their bread ●n one oven, and they shall deliver their bread by weight; and they shall eat, and ●ot be satisfied, etc. Yea they shall eat the flesh of their Sons, and the flesh of their Daughters shall they eat: levit. 26 26, etc. Prou. 13, 2.10, 5, 28, 19 Amos, 5, 16. Deuteron. 11, 16, 28, 24.28.17.18, 28, 38. Isa. 1, 19, 20. joel. 1, 4. levit. 26, 16.19, 20. verses. jer. 7, 19.20. Hos. 4, 1. Psal. 106, 14.15. Numb. 11.33. Luk. 6, 25. job, 20.23. Exodus, 7.20.9, 25.8, 3, 10.15. Hosea, 8, 7. Ob. You seem to restrain this hunger-bitten judgement to the wicked Whereas the contrary hath proved true; As of the rich man, and Lazarus: Luk. 16, 19 etc. A. There is a vanity, which is done upon the Earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked: again there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the Righteous: Eccl. 8, 14.7.15. But as for me, I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the Righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread: (Psal. 37, 25.) And although the Figtree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the Vines: the labour of the Olive shall fail, and the Fields shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the Fold, and there shall be no herd in the Stalls; yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will joy in the GOD of my Salvation: (Habakuc, 3, 17, 18.) As it is written: (Deuteron. 8, 3.) Man shall not live by Bread only, but by every word, that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD: Math. 4 4. Q Which is the sixth outward blessing GOD will bestow upon us? A. I will (saith GOD,) put none of ●he diseases upon thee, which I have ●rought upon the Egyptians; for I am ●he LORD, that healeth thee: (Exod. 15, 26.) Thou shalt not be afraid, for ●he terror by night; nor for the arrow ●hat flieth by day; nor for the Pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon day. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall ●ut come nigh thee: Psal. 91, 5. Ob. Notwithstanding the Lord doth follow me with grievous sickness. A. The LORD will strengthen thee, upon thy bed of languishing; he will make ●ll thy bed in thy Sickness: (Psal. 41, 3.) Thy flesh shall be fresher than a Child's; ●hou shalt return to the days of youth: (job, 33, 25.) For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hand makes whole: job, 5, 18. Deut. 7, 15.2, King. 20, 4, 5, 5, 10. Isa. 38, 21. job, 42, 10. Math. 8, 7. Luk. 17, 19, 18, 42. Q. Upon what condition shall this Promise be made good? A. That thou fear the LORD, and departed from evil; for this shall be Health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones: (Prou. 3, 7, 8.) Incline thine care unto his sayings, etc. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh: Prou. 4, 20. Exod. 15, 26. Q. What then is the danger of living in Sin? A. It shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy GOD, to observe, and do all his Commandments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day, etc. The LORD shall make the Pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the Land. The LORD shall smite thee with a Consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation: Deut. 15, 21. Moreover, he will bring upon thee the diseases of Egypt, and which thou 〈◊〉 afraid of; and they shall cleave vn●●hee. Also every Sickness, and eue●lague, which is not written in 〈◊〉 book of the Law; them will the ●●RD bring upon thee, until thou be ●●●troyed: Deut. 28, 60.27, 35. verses. ●●it. 26, 16, 25. Exod. 9, 9.2, Chron. ● 15. Examples: 2, Chron. 21, 18.26, 19 King. 5, 26.2, 1.3.4, 17. Psal. 78, 50. ●●m. 46, 11. CHAP. XLIIII. Of Strength, Beauty, and Wisdom. WHat other Temporal blessing will GOD bestow vp● his Children? A. He giveth power to the faint, an● to them that have no might he increase● Strength. Even the youths shall fain● and the young men shall utterly fall; b●● they that wait upon the LORD, shall r● new their strength. They shall mount v● with wings as Eagles, and they shall runn● and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint: Isa. 40, 29. Thus MOSES being one hundred an● twenty years old, his eyes were not dimmy nor his natural force abated: (Deut. 34 7.) JOSHVA also, at Eighty and five years, was as strong for War, both to g● out, and to come in, as when MOSE● sent him to search the Land: (Ios. 14 11.) It is GOD also that girdeth me with strength, etc. He teacheth my han● to war, so that a Bow of steel is broke● by mine arm: Psalm. 18, 32, 34. Iud● 14, 6.15, 14, 16, 3.16, 12, 16, 14.16, 3● Num. 23, 22. Q. What may this teach us? A. Therefore ascribe ye strength vn●● GOD; his Excellency is over Israel, an● h●● strength is in the Clouds. The God of ●●el is he also that giveth strength, 〈◊〉 power to his people: blessed be GOD: ●l. 68, 34. Q. What is the case of such as do a●e their strength? A. Those that imagine mischief a●st GOD, who had bound, and strengthened their arms: (Hos. 7, 15.) Their ●ngth shall be hunger bitten, and de●●ction shall be ready at their side. It ●ll devour the strength of their skin, 〈◊〉 the first borne of Death shall de●●re their strength: job, 18, 12, 13. Q. Which are the eighth and ninth ●●thly Blessings? A. The eighth is Beauty. For the ●ORD of hosts shall be for a crown● 〈◊〉 Glory, and for a Diadem of beauty unto 〈◊〉 people: (Isa. 28, 5.) And will give 〈…〉 to them beauty for ashes: (Isa. 61, 3.) ●●d be as the dew unto Israel; they shall 〈◊〉 as the Lily, and fasten their roots ●he trees of Libanon: Hos. 14, 6. Psal.. ●13. Thus JOSEPH was a goodly people and well favoured: (Gen. 39, 6) S● was also MOSES: (Exod. 2, 2.) A● DAVID was ruddy, and withal of Be●tifull countenance, and goodly to look t● (1, Sam. 16, 12.) SARA also was ve● fair: Genes. 12, 14 24, 16.29, 1 Esther, 2, 7. Notwithstanding the LORD seethe 〈◊〉 as man seethe: (1, Sam. 16, 7.) For favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but Woman that feareth the Lord she shall 〈◊〉 praised: Prou. 31, 30. The ninth is Wisdom. For DAVI● went out whither SAUL sent him, a●● behaved himself wisely: (1, Sam. 1 5.) And that in all his ways: (1, Sa● 18, 14.) Yea, with more Wisdom, th● all the servants of SAUL: 1, Sam. 1● 30. Deut. 34, 9 Psalm. 105, 22. Eccle 1, 16. And unto SALOMON was given wise, and understanding heart; so 〈◊〉 either before, or after him, there was no● like him: (1, King. 3, 12.) For there w● Wisdom of GOD in him, to do judgement: 1, King. 3, 28.1.10, 1, 24.2, Sam. ●, 20.2, 20.16, 22. Moreover, see saith GOD, I have calid by name Bezaleel, and I have filled him ●ith the spirit of GOD in Wisdom, and ●nderstanding, and in Knowledge, and in ●ll manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works: (Exod. 31, 2.) And have put 〈◊〉 his heart that he may teach Aholiab: Exod. 35, 34.30, 30. And in all matters of Wisdom, and ●nderstanding, that the King inquired of DANIEL, HANANIAH, MASHAEL, and AZARIAH, he found them ten times better, than all the Magicians, and Astro●ogers that were in all his Realm: Dan. 1, ●0. 2, 14, 5, 12. And doth the Ploughman, blow all the ●ay to sow? Doth he open, and break the clods of his ground? When he hath made ●laine the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the Fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal ●heat, and the appointed Barley, and the Rye in their place? For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him: Isa. 28, 24. Q. Is humane Wisdom of any great worth? A. Wisdom maketh a man's face to shine: (Eccles. 8, 1.) And is good with an inheritance; and by it there is profit to them, that see the Sun: (Eccles. 7, 11.) For it strengtheneth the wise, more than ten mighty men, which are in the City: (Eccles. 7, 19) For there was a little City, and few men within it, and there came a great King against it and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it; now there was found in it a poor wise man; and he by his wisdom delivered the City. Then said I, Wisdom is better than Strength: Eccles. 9, 14, 9, 16, 18. verses. Q. What then is the worth of Wisdom, more than of Folly? A. As the light is more excellent than darkness: (Eccles. 2, 13.) For the Wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; but the folly of Fools is deceit: (Prou. 14.8.13, 16.) A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart is at his left: (Eccles. 10, 2.) The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words, of his mouth, is foolishness, and the end of his talk, it mischievous madness: (Eccles. 10, 12. Prou. 15, 2.) Every wise woman also buildeth her house; but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands: Prou. 14, 1. Q. What may this concern the children of Wisdom? A. That they bless the GOD of heaven, saying; Blessed be the name of God forever, and ever; for Wisdom, are his. He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them, that know understanding. He revealeth the deep, and secret things, he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him: Dan. 2, 19 Q. What is the contrary judgement denounced against the wicked? A. The LORD shall smite them with madness, and blindness; whereby they shall grope at noon-days, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and they shall be mad, for the sight of their eyes, which they shall see: (Deut. 28.28. job, 5.14.) And they shall have no delight in understanding; but that their heart may be discovered: Prou. 18.2. Isa. 29.14. Ob. The council of ANITOPHEL, though wicked, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of GOD: (2. Sam. 16.23.) And the men of this world are in their generation, wiser than the children of light: Luk. 16.8. A. 1 Therefore behold the LORD will do a marvelous work in this people; even a marvellous work, and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men, shall be hid: (Isa. 29, 14.) For the Lord turned the counsel of A●ITOPHEL into foolishness: (2, Sam. 15, 31, 17, 14.) And so he taketh all such wise men in their own craftiness and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong: job, 5.13. 2 As dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour; so doth a little folly him that i● in reputation for Wisdom: Eccles. 10, 1. 3 Such are foolish, they have not known me (saith the LORD,) they are sottis● children, they have none understanding; they are wise to do evil; but to do good, they have no knowledge: (jerem. 4, 22.) For they want the fear of GOD, which is the beginning of true Wisdom: (Psalm. 111, 10.) And they have rejected the Word of the LORD, and what Wisdom is in them? jerem. 8, 9 CHAP. XLV. Of Wealth. Q. WHat is the tenth Temporal blessing? A. Wealth, and riches also, shall be in the house of the man that feareth the LORD: (Psal. 112, 3.) He shall lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir, as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be his defence, and he shall have plenty of silver: (job, 22, 24.) For brass, I will bring him gold, and for iron, I will bring silver; and for wood brass, and for stones iron: Isa. 60, 17. Prou. 8, 21. Thus ABRAHAM was rich in Cattle, in Silver, and Gold: Gen. 13, 2, 6. verses, 26, 13.30, 43.32, 10. job, 1, 3, 42, 2. Q. When GOD hath fulfilled this promise upon any, what is to be done? A. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded; that they do good, and be rich in good works: 1. Tim. 6.17. 2 Therefore thou shalt remember the LORD thy GOD; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth: (Deut. 8.18.) And it is his blessing that maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it: Prou. 10.22. Q. Doth not GOD, in this kind, bless the wicked, living wickedly; as well as his own children, in the use of lawful means? A. In all labour there is profit, but the talk of the lips tendeth only to poverty: (Prou. 14, 23.) He that oppresseth the Poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want: (Prou. 22, 16.) He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him: (Prou. 28, 22.) He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man, and he that loveth Wine, and oil shall not be rich: Prou. 21, 17.24, 30.21, 5, 10, 4, 13, 11, 12, 27. Ob. I do observe the wicked to thrive more than many of GOD'S own children. A. Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right: (Pro. 16, 8.) For treasures of wickedness profit not: (Prou. 10.2.) And what good is there to the owners thereof, save the beholding of them with their eyes? Eccles. 5, 11. Prou. 12, 27.19, 22. 2 As in the house of the righteous is much treasure, so in the revenues of the wicked is trouble: (Prou. 15.6.) Therefore much better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure, and trouble therewith: Prou. 15, 16. Eccles. 5, 19, 3, 12, 13. verses. 8 15. Psal. 39, 6. 3 There is an evil which I have seen under the Sun; namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt: (Eccles. 5.13.) Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel: (Prou. 20, 17.) The increase of his house shall departed, and his goods shall flow away in the day of God's wrath: (job, 20, 28.) when the rust of their Gold shall be a witness against them, and shall eat their flesh as it were fire: jam. 5.3. Prou. 28, 20.21, 6. Math. 6, 24. Psal. 49, 11. Luk. 12, 17, 20. 4 They are disquieted in vain, he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them: (Psal. 39, 6.) And though they heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; they may prepare it; but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver: (job, 27, 16.) For to the sinner GOD giveth travail, to gather, and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before GOD: (Eccles. 2, 26.) And the wealth of the Sinner is laid up for the Just: Prou. 13, 22. Psalm. 49, 10. Isa. 23, 18. Genes. 31, 1, 31, 8, 9 Exod. 3, 22.12, 35, 22, 12. Esther, 8, 1, 2. Psal. 105, 43. Ios. 24, 13, 11, 23. Deuter. 6, 11.2, 35, 3, 3, 4.3.12. 1, King. 10, 10. Eccles. 5, 13.2, 22. Q. What use is to be made hereof? A. 1 Go to now ye rich men, weep, and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you: jam. 5, 1. 2 Therefore, let not thine heart (who art righteous,) be envious against sinners; but let it be in the fear of the LORD continually: (Prou. 23, 17) Neither choose thou any of his ways: Prou. 3, 31. CHAP. XLVI. Of favour with Men; a good Name, and Honour. Q. WHich are the eleventh, and twelfth, and thirteenth temporal blessings? A. The tenth is, the favour of Men. He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips, the King shall be his friend: (Prou. 22, 11.) And when the ways of a man please the LORD, he will ●ake his enemy to become his friend: Prou. 16, 7. jer. 15.11. Prou. 28. ●3. For when ESAV saw JACOB coming towards him, he ran to meet JACOB, and embraced him, and fell on his ●ecke, and kissed him: (Gen. 33.4. ●0.) GOD gave the people favour also in the sight of the Egyptians: (Exod. 3, 21.11.3.12.36.) And extended mercy unto EZRA, before the King and his Counsellors: (Ezra, 7, 28,) ARTAXEREXS the King, also granted unto NEHEMIA, according to the good hand of his GOD upon him: (Neh. 2, 8.) And ESTHER obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her: Esth. 2, 15. Gen. 26.26.11. verses, 39, 4, 39.21, 33, 4. Ruth. 2, 13.1, 16, 17. 1, Sam. 2, 26 1, 18, 1.3, 1, 18.16, 1, 19, 1, 1, 24.16.1.26, 17 1, 20.17.31.1.27, 6. 1, Chron. 12, 38. Ezra. 6, 22.7, 28, Esth. 8, 17, jer. 39, 11. Dan. 1, 9 Act. 21.40, 24.23, 27.3. The twelfth, is a good Name: for thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: (job. 5 21.) And thy good name shall be better than a precious ointment: (Eccl. 7, 1.) And though for thy transgression I do give JACOB to the curse, and Israel to reproaches: (Isa. 43, 28.) Yet upon thy repentance I will bring forth thy Righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noon day: (Psal. 37, 6.) When the name of the wicked shall rot: Prou. 10, 7, 12.8. Hosea, 12, 14. But woe be unto the wicked, when all men shall speak well of them; for so did their Fathers to the false Prophets: Luk. 6, 26. The thirteenth outward blessing is Honour, If any man will serve me, him will my Father honour: (john. 12, 26.) And it shall come to pass, that if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the LORD thy GOD, to observe and do all his Commandments which I command thee this day; that the LORD, thy GOD shall set thee on high, above all the Nations of the Earth: (Deuteron. 28, 1.) And thou shalt ride on the ●igh places of the Earth: (Isa, 58.14.) And I will make you a name and a praise, ●boue all people of the Earth, saith the LORD: (Zeph. 3.20.) The LORD ●●all make thee the head, and not the tail: Deut. 28.13.) And many shall make ●●ite unto thee: (job. 11, 19) And bow ●efore thee: Prou. 14, 19 Numb. 24.7. ●sa. 45, 14. Reu. 3.9. job. 36, 7, 11.9.1, Sam. 24, 20. Thus JOSEPH was set over all the Land of Egypt: (Gen. 41 41,) For the King sent, and loosed him, even the Ruler ●f the people and let him go free. He made ●im Lord of his House, and Ruler of all ●is Substance: to bind his Princes at his pleasure: (Psal. 105.20. Psalm. 78.70, 71.) And King NABUCHADNEZZAR made DANIEL a great man, even a Ruler over the whole Province of Babylon, (Dan. 2, 48) King AHASHVERUS set the Royal Crown upon esther's head, and made her Queen instead of VASTI: Esth. 2, 17. MORDECAY was by HAMAN brought on Horseback through the street of the City; and he proclaimed before him, thu● shall it be done unto the man whom the King delighteth to honour: (Esth. 6.11.) For MORDECAY being of the seed of the JEWS, HAMAN could not prevail against him, but did fall before him: Est. 6, 13. Dan. 5, 29. Iosh. 4, 14. 1, Sam. 18.7. 1, Chron. 29, 25.2, 32.33, 2, 15, 9 1, King. 4.21. Thus GOD raiseth the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill, that he may set him with Princes, even with the Princes of the people: (Psal. 113, 7.) But as for evil men, they bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the Righteous: (Prou. 14, 19) Their enemies will he clothe with shame; but upon them shall their Crown flourish: (Psalm. 132, 18.) The wise shall inherit glory; but shame shall be the promotion of Fools: Prou. 3, 35, 14, 34. Deut. 28, 43, 28, 68 Isa. 43, 27, 28. Q. What may this teach us? A. Therefore get wisdom, and exalt ●er, and she shall promote thee, she shall ●●ing thee to honour when thou dost embrace her; she shall give to thine head an ●nament of Grace; a Crown of Glory, ●hall she deliver to thee: Prou. 4, 7. 2 Pray for the Church, saying; Let the people serve thee, and Nations bow down to thee; be LORD over the Brethren, and let thy mother's Sons bow down to thee: Gen. 27, 29. Ob. Notwithstanding there is an evil which I have seen under the Sun, as an error which proceedeth from the Ruler. Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen Servants upon Horses, and Princes walking, as Servants upon the Earth: Eccl. 10, 5. A. As Snow in Summer, and as Rain i● Harvest; so is Honour not seemly fo● a Fool: (Prou. 26, 1.) For as he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth Honour to a Fool: Proverbs, 26, 8. 2 Though his Excellency mount up to the Heavens, and his head reach unto the Clouds: yet shall he perish for ever, like his own Dung, they which have seen him shall say where is he? He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found, yea, he shall be chased away as a Vision in the Night. The eye also which saw him, shall see him no more, neither shall his place any more be found. His Children shall seek to please the poor: (job. 20.6.) His Root shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branches be cut off, his remembrance shall perish from the Earth, and he shall have no name in the Street: job, 18, 16. isaiah, 28, 3. Psalm, 49.12. 3 He hath no full content in it. For though HAMAN were advanced; and set above all the Princes that were with him, so as all the King's Servants, that were in the King's Gate, bowed, and reverenced him; the King commanding the same, concerning him: (Esth. 3, 1.2.) ●nd ●hough he alone were invited with the King, unto the Banquet of the Queen, what doth this avail him; so ●ng as he seethe MORDECAY, the jew 〈◊〉 in the Gate? Esther, 5, 13. 4 All this have I also seen, ●nd applied my heart unto, every ●orke that is done under the Sun: there is a time, wherein one man ruleth over mother to his hurt: Ecclesiastes, 8, 9 Of the Use of Earthly things. Q. You have now, something satisfied my mind, concerning outward things: what therefore may the promise of so many Temporal blessings ●each us? A. 1. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said; I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee: (Heb. 13, 5.) But seek ye first, the Kingdom of GOD, and his Righteousness: and all these things, shall be added unto you: Math. 6, 33. 2 I know that there is no good in these things; but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat, and drink, and enjoy the good of his labour: it is the gift of God: Eccl. 3, 12, 13. 3 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same, one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of GOD: 1 Pet. 4, 10. 4 Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do; do all to the Glory of GOD: (1, Cor. 10 31.) Saying; How great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, before the Sons of men: (Psal. 31, 19) Blessed be the Lord, who daily ladeth us with his blessings: even the God of our Salvation: Psal. 68, 19 5 What man is he, that desireth Life, and loveth many days; that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile: depart from evil, and do good: Psal. 34, 12. CHAP. XLVII. Promises concerning Posterity. Oh. HAd I all these Temporal blessings in possession, thus promised, yet O LORD GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless? Gen. 15, 2. A. O that thou hadst harkened to my Commandments, than had thy seed been ●s the Sand, and the offspring of thy bowels, like the gravel thereof: thy name should not have been out off, nor destroyed from before me: Isa. 48, 18.18. Q. But what if I do repent, and amend? A. Then be thou fruitful, and multiply: (Gen. 9, 1.) Let thy wife be as a fruitful vine, by the sides of thine house; thy Children like Olive plants round about thy table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD: (Psal. 128, 3.) Lo children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward: Psal. 127, 3. For the Lord opened LEAHS' womb: (Gen. 29, 31.) HANNAH also whose womb before time, the LORD had shut up, yet did she bore a Son, and called his name SAMVEL: 1, Sam. 1, 20, 25, 21, Ruth. 4, 13. judg. 13.2, 24. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thy offspring as the grass of the Earth: job, 5, 25. Psal. 113.9. Gen. 4.1.4. 25.33.5. Ob. After I am waxed old, shall I have pleasure; my Lord being old also? (Gen. 18, 12.) Nay my Lord, thou man of GOD, do not lie unto thine handmaid, 2, King. 4, 16. A. Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed, saith GOD, I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and thou shalt have a Son: (Gen. 18, 14.) And the Lord did unto SARAH as he had spoken: (Gen. 21.1.) For through faith she received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child, when she was past age; because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the Stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the Sea shore innumerable: Heb. 11.11. 2, King. 4. 14. Luk. 1, 7, 13.1, 57.60. Ob. I have seen many of GOD'S Children, both live, and dye Childless? A. Let not therefore the Eunuch say; Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD to the Eunuches, that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the thing that pleaseth me, and taketh hold of my Covenant; even to them will I give in mine House, and within my Walls a place, ●nd a name better than of Sons, and of Daughters; I will give them an everlasting Name, that shall not be cut off: Isa. 56, 3. Ob, But this fear yet remains, that when my Child cometh to the birth, my wife shall have no strength to be delivered. A. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth, saith the LORD? Shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb saith thy GOD? (Isa. 66.9.) For SARAH said, GOD hath made me laugh, so that all that hear, will laugh with me: (Gen. 21.6.) Therefore fear not ZACHARIAS, for thy wife ELIZABETH shall bear thee a Son, and thou shalt have joy, and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth: Luk. 1.13, 14. Q. If the having of Children be of the blessing of GOD to the Righteous, what shall the wicked have? A. Give them O LORD, what thou wilt give? Give them a miscarrying womb, and dry breasts: (Hos. 9, 14) And writ ye this man childless: (jer. 22, 30.) For he shall neither have Son nor Nephew among his people, nor any remainder among his dwellings. They that come after him shall be astonished at his day, as they that went before were affrighted. Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God: job. 18, 19 2, Sam. 6, 23. Ob. But who more than the wicked, do abound with Children? A. If their Children be multiplied it is for the sword. (job. 27, 14.) Also I will send wild beasts among them, which shall rob them of their Children: (Levit. 26, 22.) For the face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the Earth: Psal. 34, 16, 37, 28.1, King. 14, 10, 1, 15, 29.1, 16.3, 41.16. 11, 12.1, 21.21.25 2.9.8.2.10.7.11. Hos. 14. 1. Ezek. 24.21.25. 2, Sam. 12, 9.2, 12.18. Q. When I have Children, what is the comfort I shall receive by them? Eccl. 2, 18, 19 A. The Father of the Righteous shall greatly rejoice, and he that begetteth a wise Son shall have joy in him. His Father, and Mother shall be glad, and she that bore him shall rejoice: (Prou. 23, 24) For as arrows are in the hand of the mighty man, so are Children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his Quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate: Psal. 127.4. For NOAH'S two Sons covered their Father's nakedness: (Gen. 9, 23.) And JOSEPH nourished his old Father, and Brethren in the time of dearth: (Gen. 45, 9, 50, 1.) And NAOMIE her Son, was a restorer of her life, and a nourisher of her old age: Ruth, 4, 15. 2, Chron. 2, 12. Gen 28, 7, 45, 23. But SENAGHERIB as he was worshipping in the House of NISROCH his GOD, that ADRAMELECH, and SHAREZER his Sons, smote him with the Sword that he died: 2, King. 19, 37. Ob. When God by death taketh me away, what the miseries are, which shall then befall my Children, I know not. A. A good man walking in his integrity, his Children are blessed after him: (Prou. 20, 7.) For he leaveth his inheritance to his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just: (Prou. 13, 22.) His seed shall be mighty on the Earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed: (Psal. 112, 1.) They shall spring up among the Grass, as willows by the water courses: (Isa. 44 4.) Their seed also shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them that they are the seed, which the Lord hath blessed: Isa. 61, 9 Know therefore, that the LORD thy GOD, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth Covenant, and mercy, with them that love him, and keep his Commandments, to a thousand Generations: Deut. 7, 9 Isa. 65, 23. Psal. 102, 28.103.17. 1, Sam. 25, 28.1, King. 9, 4. Exod. 20, 6. Heb. 11.20. Gen. 25, 11. Prou. 11, 21. Psal. 146.9. But it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in the house of the wicked; shall come, and crouch to the Righteous for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say; put me I pray thee into one of the Priests offices, that I may eat a piece of bread: (1, Sam. 2, 36.) For his riches perish by evil travel, and he begetteth a Son, and there is nothing in his hand: (Eccl. 5, 14.) Neither shall his offspring be satisfied with bread: job. 27, 14. Ob. What assurance can you give me, that my Children will not prove wicked, whereby to be liable to the curse, as well as other Children, whose Parents are out of the Covenant? A. If the first fruits be holy, the lump is also holy; and if the Root be holy, so are the brunches. (Rom. 11.16.) And as for me, this is my Covenant with you; my spirit that is upon thee, and my word which I have put in thy mouth, shall not departed out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy Seeds seed: saith the LORD, from henceforth, and for ever: (Isa. 59, 21.) For the LORD made not this Covenant with our Fathers; but with us, even us, who are all of us alive this day: (Deut. 5, 3.) For God being the God, not of the faithful only, but also of their seed: (Gen. 17, 7.) Thou shalt be saved, and thy House: Acts, 16, 31. Gen. 17, 21.4.4. Ob. One of the Parents themselves may be out of the Covenant; how then can this Covenant belong unto their posterity? A. The unbelieving Husband is sanctified by the Wife, and the unbelieving wife, is sanctified by the husband; else were your Children unclean, but now are they holy: 1, Cor. 7, 14. Ob. It were much more to my comfort, if we were both of us within the Covenant? A. If any man obey not the Word, they may without the Word be won, by the conversation of the wives: (1, Pet. 3, 1.) For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O Man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 1. Cor. 7, 16. Ob. But doth not the Son bear the iniquity of his Father? Else whence this Proverb? The Fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge: Ezek. 18, 2. A. The Fathers shall not be put to death for the Children, neither shall the children be put to death for their fathers; every man shall be put to death for his own sin: (Deut. 24, 16.) And every man shall bear his own burden: Gal. 6, 5. What mean they then to use this Proverb, saying: The Fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? (Ezek. 18, 2.) For every one shall dye in his own iniquity, every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge: jer. 31.29, 30. Ezek. 18, 18. Num. 14, 29. Deut. 1.39. 1, King. 14, 13, 15, 3. Q. What may the Children of wicked parents learn hence? A. Not to walk in the statutes of their Fathers, nor to observe their judgements, nor to defile themselves with their Idols: (Ezek. 20.18.) to be as their Fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, etc. (Psal. 78, 8.) hardening their hearts as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the Wilderness, etc. (Psal. 95, 8.) Unto whom the former Prophets have cried, saying; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Turn ye now from ●our evil ways, and from your evil doing; but they did not hear nor hear. ●●n unto me, saith the LORD: Zach. 1.4. Q. But what if the Children of godly parents prove wicked? Shall the godliness of the parents shelter them from the judgements of the wicked? A. As I live, saith the LORD, though Conaiah, the son of jehoiakim, King of judah, were the Signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck him thence: jer, 22, 24. I said indeed unto ELY; That thy house, and the house of thy Fathers, shall walk before me for ever: but now be it fare from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed: (1. Sam. 2. 30.) Wherefore cursed be CANAAN, a servant, of servants shall he be unto his Brethren: (Gen. 9.25.) and even as EPHRAIM being wicked, shall bring forth his children to the Murderer: Hos. 9, 13, 9, 12. 1, Sam. 4, 11. 1, King. 2, 27. 1, 11.11, 11.14, 11.23, 11, 31. Q. What if parents, and children, do both of them prove wicked? Psalm. 106, 6. A. GOD will then visit the iniquities of the Fathers upon their Children, unto the third, and fourth Generation, of them that hate him: (Exod. 20, 5.) Whereby their iniquities, and the iniquities of their Fathers shall be together, etc. And he will measure their work, into their own bosom: Isa. 65, 7. Q. What means are then to be used, whereby these evils being prevented, I may have comfort in my Children? A. 1 Your power being to lead about a wife being a sister: (1, Cor. 9, 5.) Marry to whom you will; only in the LORD: (1, Cor. 7.39.) Thou shalt not take a Wife that is a whore, or profane, neither shall you take a woman, put away from her Husband: (Levit. 21, 7.) None of you shall approach to any that is near of affini●●ie to him, to uncover their nakedness: (Levit. 18, 6.) Nor yet as the Sons of GOD in the old World, who when they saw the Daughters of men that they were fair, took them wives, of all which they chose: (Gen. 6, 1.) But as ABRAHAM who would not take a wife unto his Son of the Daughters of Canaan, among whom he dwelled, but of his own Country, and Kindred: Gen. 24, 3, 6, 3. 2 Take heed to your Spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth; for did he not make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed: (Malac. 2, 15.) Therefore make a Covenant with thine eyes; for why shouldest thou think upon a Maid? job, 31, 1, 9, 10. verses. Math. 19, 4. Mal. 2, 13, 14. Leu. 18, 20.20, 10. 2, Sam. 12, 11. Hos. 4, 10. 3 Do as NAOMI did, who took her Child, and laid it in her bosom, and became a Nurse unto it: (Ruth, 4, 16.) Which that HANNAH might also do, she went not up to offer unto the LORD her yearly offering, until her child was weyned: 1, Sam. 1, 22. Exod. 2, 8. Lam. 4, 3. 4 Suffer your little Children to come unto CHRIST, to be Baptised, and forbidden them not: (Math. 19, 14.) And then lend them unto the LORD, as long as they live: 1, Sam. 1, 28. 5 Observe, and hear all the words which I command thee, so shall it be well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever; when thou dost that which is good, and right in the sight of the LORD thy GOD: (Deut. 12, 28.) For the Just walking in his integrity, his Children are blessed after him: (Prou. 20, 7.) Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished; but the seed of the Righteous shall be delivered: Prou. 11, 21. Num. 25, 12. 2, Tim. 1, 5. 2, King. 10, 30. Prou. 13, 22.14, 26. 6 Do as JACOB, who by Faith, when he was a dying, blessed both the ●●nes of JOSEPH, and worshipped, lea●ing upon the top of his Staff, (Heb. 11, ●1.) and saying; The Angel, which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, ●nd let my name, be named on them, and ●he name of my Fathers ABRAHAM, and ●SAAC, and let them grow into a multitude, in the midst of the Earth: (Gen. ●8, 16.) And as plants grown up in their ●outh; let my Daughters be as corners ●ones, polished after the similitude of a Palace: Psal. 144, 12. Ruth, 4, 11, 12. ●, Sam. 6 20.2, 7, 27. Deut. 33, 24. 7 Because, if you train up your children in the way they are to go, they will ●ut departed from it when they are old: (Prou. 22, 6.) Therefore you Fathers provoke not your Children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture, and admonition of the Lord: (Ephes. 6, 4.) And let the words which I command you this day be in thy heart, and do ye teach them diligently unto your Children: (Deut. 6, 6, 20.) And let your Children tell their Children; and their Children another Generation: joel. 1, 3. Psal. 78, 1.44.1. Iosh. 4.5, 4, 21. Exod. 12, 26.13.8, 14, 5. Numb. 31.54. Isa. 38, 19 Deut. 32, 46. 2, Tim. 1, 5, 6.2, 3, 15. Q. This admonition I shall the better give, if you will give me some direction therein. A. Say thus unto thy Child; my Son hear the instruction of thy Father, and forsake not the Law of thy Mother; for they shall be an ornament of Grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck: (Prou. 1, 8.) Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck; when thou goest it shall lead thee, and when thou sleepest it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest it shall talk with thee: (Prou. 6, 21.) For I was my Father's Son, tender, and only beloved in the sight of my Mother, He taught me also, and said unto me, let thy heart retain my words, keep my Commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding, forget is not, neither decline from the words of my ●outh. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; ●herefore get wisdom, and with all thy ●etting get understanding: exalt her, and ●he shall promote thee, she shall bring thee ●o Honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head ●n Ornament of Grace, a Crown of Glory shall she deliver to thee: Prou. 4, 3, 1, 10. Exod. 13, 14. Deut. 6, 20.1, King. 2, 2. Thus if thou shalt do, all thy Children shall be also taught of GOD, and great shall be the prosperity of thy Children: Isa. 54, 13. Ob. I have thus fare proceeded already in the instruction of my Son, yet is he never the better. A. Then say unto him; what my Son! And what the Son of my womb! And what the Son of my vows! (Prou. 31.1.) Why dost thou such things? For I hear of your evil dealings, by all this people, Nay my Sons, for it is no good report I hear; ye make the LORDS people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge, shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? (1. Sam. 2, 23.) Thus if thou correct thy Son, he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight to thy Soul: Prou. 29, 17.15, 31. 1, King. 2, 1.2, 11. Ob. But my Son will not be chastised with words; for say I to him what I can, he will do what himself listeth. A. Folly is bound in the heart of a Child; but the rod of Correction will drive it fare from him: (Prou. 22, 15,) The blueness of the wound, cleanseth away evil; so do stripes the inward parts of the belly: Pro●. 2●, 30. Therefore withhold not correction from the Child, for if thou beatest him with t●e ●od he shall not dye. Thou shalt bea●e him with the Rod, and shalt deliver his Soul from Hell: (P●●●. 2●, 14.) For the Rod, and reproof give Wisdom, but a Child left to himself, bringeth his Mother to shame: Prou. 29, 15. 2, Chron. 22, 3. 1, King. 1, 5, 6. Prou. 13, 24 19, 18. Q. What if upon my Sons committing of some gross sin, I should neglect to chast●se him? A. It shall be unto thee, as it was with ELI, unto whom it was said; Because thy Son hath made himself vile, ●nd ●ho● hast not restrained him, therefore (says GOD) I have sworn to the house of ELI, that the iniquity of ELIES' House shall not be purged with Sacrifice, nor offering for ever: (1, Sam. 3.14.) And so it came to pass, that his Sons were slain: (1, Sam. 4, 11) And ELI himself fell from off his Seat backward, by the side of the Gate, and his neck broke, and he died: etc. And his Daughter in Law PHINEHAS Wife was with child, near to be delivered; who when she heard these tidings, she bowed herself, and travailed, and so died: 1, Sam. 5.18. Ob. My fear is, that when my Son is passed the rod, he do as ESAV, who by his marriage of the Daughter of the Hittites, was a grief of mind unto ISAAC, and REBECHA: (Gen. 26.34.) So my Son by the like marriage, be a grief unto me. A. For prevention, Say unto him; Is there never a woman among the Daughters of the Brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? (judg. 14, 3.) Thou shalt not make marriages with them: (Deut. 7, 3.) Nor take a wife of them: Gen. 28.1, 34.14. Ez●●. 9, 12. Nehem. 13.25. 1, King. 16, 31. For did not SALOMON, King of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many Nations, was there no King like unto him, who was beloved of his God: and God made him King over all Israel; nevertheless, even him did Out landish women cause to sin: (Neh. 13.26.) And did not Israel, when they took the Daughters of the Canaanites to be their wives and gave their Daughters to their Sons, serve their GOD'S? (judg. 3.6.) Did not Ahazia also walk in the way of the house of Ahab, in doing evil in the sight of the LORD a● did the House of Ahab? (2. King. 8, 27.) And will you again break God, Commandments, and join in affinity with such? (Ezra. 9, 14.) Will you deal thu● treacherously, and commit this abomination in Israel; in profaning the holiness of the Lord, which he loved, and marry the Daughter of a strange God? The Lord will cut off the man that doth this; the Master, and the Scholar, out of the Tabernacles of JACOB, and him that offereth an offering to the Lord of Hosts: Mal. 2, 11. Iosh. 23 12. Numb. 33.55, Q. The labour of Parents in educating their Children, seems to be great; what recompense therefore in lieu thereof shall Children return unto their Parents? A. They sh●ll fear every man his mother and his Father: (Leu●●. 19.3.) And shall obey their Parents, for that is right. They shall honour their Father, and Mother which is the first Commandment with promise: Eph. 6, 1. P●ou. 23, 22. 1, King. 2, 19 jer. 35, 6. Numb. 30.3. Ob. There is a Generation that curseth their Father and doth not bless their Mother: Prou, 30, 11. A. The eye that mocketh at his Father, and despiseth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young Eagles shall eat it: (P●●u. 30 17.) And every one that curseth his Father, or his Mother shall be surely put to death: he that hath cursed his Father, or h●s Mother, his blood shall be upon him: (Levit. 20, 9) And his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness: (Prou. 20 20.) Y●● cursed be he that setteth light by his Father, or his mother, and all the people shall say, Amen; Deut. 27, 16.28, 24. CHAP. XLVIII. The Use of all the Promises. Ob. WHat may these blessings on ourselves, and our posterity teach us? A. Go therefore, and sit before the Lord, and say, Who am I O Lord God, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord God; but thou hast spoken also of thy Servants house for a great while to come; and is this the manner of man, O Lord God? And what can I say more unto thee? etc. And now O Lord God, thou art that God who hast promised this goodness unto thy Servant; therefore now let it please thee, to bless the house of thy Servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou O Lord God, hast spoken it, and with thy blessing let the house of thy Servant be blessed for ever: 2, Sam. 7, 19, 28, 29. verse●. 2 Because it shall be said of JACOB, and of Israel, what hath GOD done? (N●mb. 23, 23.) Return unto thine own house and show how great things the LORD hath done for thee: (Luk. 8, 39) And rejoice before the Lord your God, ye and your Sons and your Daughters, and your Men Servants, and your Maid-Servants, Deut. 12, 12, 16, 11.15. isaiah. 12.4. Saying; It is a good thing to give thanks unto God, and to sing praise unto thy name, O thou most high; to show forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night: (Psal. 92, 1.) For many O Lord my God are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us ward they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered: (Psal. 40, 5.) Thy mercy, also O Lord, is in the Heavens, and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the Clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great Mountains, thy judgements are a great Deep: (Psal. 36, 5.) How precious are thy thoughts unto me O GOD; how great is the sum of them? ●f I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: Psalm. 139.17.31.19. ●2. 4.5. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and night, be unto our GOD: (R●u. 7.12.) For ever, and ever: (1. Tim. 1.17.) and from everlasting, to everlasting; and let ●ll the people say, Amen: Psalm. 106.48.63.3.4.69.30.31. Isa. 63.7.25.1. Psalm. 104.33.34.1.35.28.116.13.40.9.45.17. Exod. 15.11. Psalm. 57. 7.147.1.33.1.34.3.97.1●.68.4.30.4.47.6.7. Psalm. 72.18.135.1.19.136.1.103.20.150.6.72.19. CHAP. XLIX. The properties of GOD'S Promises. Q. GReat cause indeed have we thus to give thanks; for here are many Promises, and for all purposes, both great, and precious, if they be as true, as good. A. These things saith the Amen, the faithful, and true witness, (Reu. 3.14) are the true sayings of GOD, (Reuel. 19.9.) I JESUS have sent mine Angel to testify these things in the Churches. (Reu. 22.16.) Therefore writ, these words are true, and faithful. (Reu. 21.5.22, 6.) For GOD will perform his truth to JACOB, and his mercy to ABRAHAM, which he hath sworn to our Fathers, from the days of old: (Mi●h. 7. ●0.) He confirmeth the word of his Ser●●nt, and he performeth the counsel of his Messengers: (Isa. 44, 26.) He said not unto the seed of JACOB; Seek ye my face in vain, I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare the things that are right: (Is●. 45 19) For it is GOD that cannot lie who hath thus promised, before the World began: (Titus, 1, 2.) When efore let GOD be true, and every man a liar, as it is written; that thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and overcome when thou art judged: Rom. 3.4. 2, Cor. 1.18. P●al. 58.11.33.5.12, 6.30, 5. Num. 23, 19 Q. What good witnesses can you produce, that may convince us of the truth of these things? A. Though (saith CHRIST,) I bear record of myself, yet my record is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that hath sent me beareth witness of me: (Io●. 8, 14, 18.) who is true; and I speak to the world, the things which I have heard from him: (joh. 8, 26.) The Disciple also whom JESUS loved testified these things, and we know that his testimony is true: (joh. 21.24.) JOHN indeed did no miracle, but all things that JOHN spoke of this man were true: (joh. 10, 41.) And every one that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true: joh. 3, 33. 1. joh. 1, 5. Q. Who have at any time upon their own experience proved them so to be? A. Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts, and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed, of all the good things which the Lord your GOD spoke concerning you; all things are come to pass unto you, not one thing hath failed thereof: (Ios. 23, 14.21.45.) For it came to pass, at the end of four hundred and thirty years, as was promised: (Gen. 15, 14.) even the selfsame day, it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt: (Exod. 12, 41.) unto whom the LORD gave all the Land which he swore to give to their Fathers, and they possessed it, and they dwelled therein. And the ●ORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he swore unto their ●athers, and there stood not a man of all ●heir enemies before them. There failed ●ot ought of any good thing, which the LORD hath spoken unto the house of ISRAHL; all came to pass: (Iosh. 21, 43.) So that he hath dealt well with his servants, according to his Word: (Psal. 119.63.) And all his counsels of old are faithfulness, and truth: Isa. 25, 1. 1 King. 8, 20. 2 Chron. 6, 15. Q. What then, may this truth of GOD in promising teach us? A. 1 To believe: for if we receive the witness of men: the witness of GOD is greater. For this is the witness of GOD, which he hath testified of his Son: (1, joh. 5, 9) Wherefore sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe GOD; thus it shall be, even as it was told me: (Act. 27 25.) For shall mortal man be more just than GOD? And shall a man be more pure than his Maker? job, 4, 17. Rom. 3, 3, 4. Luk. 11.13. 2 To say, Lord GOD of Israel, there is no GOD like thee in Heaven above, or on Earth beneath, who keepeth Covenant, and mercy with thy servants, that walk before thee, with all their hearts: (1, King. 8, 23.) Wherefore blessed be the LORD, which spoke with his mouth unto DAVID my Father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it: 1. King. 8.15.20. 3 To Pray, saying; Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to trust: Psal. 119.49. 4 Thou also shalt keep my covenant therefore; thou, and thy seed after thee, in their generations: (Gen. 17, 9) As well as the jews, who did according to their promise. Else, as the Prophet shaken his lap, and said: so GOD shall shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not his promise; even thus be he shaken out and emptied, unto which say, Amen: Nehem. 5, 13. 5 For which and also say; Led me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art ●e GOD of my salvation: Psal. 25, 5. Ob. I do now acknowledge GOD to ●ee true of his Word; but was he not hooved to make these promises for ●ame thing of special worth he see to ●e in us deserving the same? A. Were ye not as the Ethiopians unto ●e, O children of Israel, saith the LORD? (Amos, 9.7.) For even TERAH the Father of ABRAHAM, and the Father ●f NACHOR, they served other Gods: (Iosh. 24.2.) So hath the LORD also called thee, being a Woman forsaken, and afflicted in spirit, and as a young wife when thou wast refused, saith thy GOD. (Isa. 54 6) And when he passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thy own blood, he said unto thee, when thou wast in thy blood, live. Yea, he said unto thee, when thou wast in thy blood, live: Ezek. 16.6. Isa. 51.1.2. Hos. 14.4. Ob. Though he did find us wicked, yet doth he not leave us so; and therefore for some foreseen good, that would be in us, he might be moved hereunto. A. Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? Or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect? (job. 22, 2.) Look unto the Heavens, and see, and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. If thou sinnest, what dost thou against him? Or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what dost thou unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? Or what receiveth he of thine hand? job, 35, 5. Psal. 16, 2. Which of you having a Servant Ploughing or feeding Cattles; will say unto him by, and by; when he is come from the field; Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, make ready, wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten, and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat, and drink. Doth he thank that servant, because he did these things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all these things, which are commanded you, say; We are unprofitable servants; we have done but that which is our duty to do: Luk. 17 7. Q. What was it then, which moved the LORD thus liberally to deal with us? A. Because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the Oath which he swore unto your fathers: (Deut. 7, 8, 9, 6.) Herein is love, not that we loved GOD, but that he loved us: (1, joh. 4, 10.) And we love him because he loved us first: (1 joh. 4 19) For was not ESAV JACOBS' brother, saith the LORD? Yet I have loved JACOB: (M●l 1, 2.) For the Children being not yet borne neither having done good, or evil: that the purpose of GOD, according to the Election might stand; not of Works, but of him that calleth▪ it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger, as it is written: Rom. 9.11. So than it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy: (Rom. 9 15.) And so Mercy and Truth are met together: Psal. 85, 10. Exod. 33, 19 jer. 31, 3. Rom. 11, 32. jam. 5, 15. Ps●●. 25.11. Ob. But why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Rom. 9.19. A. Nay, but O man who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing form say to him that form it, why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the Potter power over the clay; of the same lump, to make one vessel unto honour, and another to dishonour? (Rom. 9, 20.) Woe unto him that ●hu● striveth with his Maker; let the Potsherd strive with the Potsherds of the earth, etc. Woe be unto him that saith to his Father, what begettest thou? Or to the woman, what hast thou brought forth? (Isa. 45, 9) And is it not then lawful for me to do as I will with mine own? Math. 20, 15. Ob. ●he branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in? Rom. 11, 19 A. Well; because of unbelief, they were broken off and thou standest by faith; be not high minded, but fear. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness, and severity of GOD; on them that fell severity but towards thee goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise, thou also shalt be cut off. And they also if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in; for God is able to graft them in again: (Rom. 11.20.) Boast not therefore against the branches; but if thou boast thou bearest not the root, but the root thee: Rom. 11, 18. Q. Why? what is the reason of this free, and undeserved mercy of GOD? A. 1 That no flesh should glory in his presence but according as it is written; let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord: 1, Cor. 1, ●9, ●1. 2 That ye might learn not to think of men, abo●e that which is written; that none of you be puffed up, for one against another: 1, Cor. 4, 6. Q. What may this free mercy of God teach us? A. To say, O the depth of the Riches, both of the wisdom, and knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out? For who hath known the mind of the LORD? Or who hath been his Counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? Rom 11, 33. 2 To say, not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name be given the glory: (Psalm. 115, 1.) F●r as for me, I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, and of all the truth which, he hath showed unto his Servant: (Gen. 32, 10.) For off him, and through him, and for him are all things; to him therefore be glory for ever, and ever, Amen. Rom. 11, 36 1. Cor. 4, 7. 3 I beseech you Brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living Sacrifice Holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable Service, (Rom. 12, 1.) And sow to yourselves in Righteousness, and reap in mercy: H ●. 10, 12. 4 Pray, saying; Remember me O my GOD concerning my good deeds, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. (Neh. 13, 14, 22.) Crying, Grace, Grace unto it: Zach. 4 7. Q. Are these blessings common unto all degrees of men? A. Will he regard your persons, saith the LORD of Hosts: (Mal. 1, 9) He will bless them that fear the LORD both small and great: (Psal. 115, 13.) Neither is there respect of persons with him: (Eph. 6, 9) For he that is called in the LORD, being a Servant, is the LORDS free man: 1, Cor. 7, 22. 1, Tim. 2, 4. Q. Are not these blessings peculiar unto the nation of the jews? A. In thy seed (saith GOD to ABRAHAM) shall all the Nations of the earth be blessed: (Gen. 26, 4.) Is he the GOD of the jews only, and not of the Gentiles also? (Reu. 3, 29.) There is no difference, betwixt the jew, and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him R●m. 10, 12. john, 11, 51. Z●ch. 6, 15, 8, 23. isaiah, 60.4.5, 9.10. verses, 60, 22.11, 10.42, 6, 45, 23 49, 6. Gen. 12, 3. Acts, 10, 15.28.28.28.11.20.15.11.14 21.14 27. Mat. 12, 21. joh. 10.16.12, 32. Ob. But doth not PAUL say, that unto the Israelites pertaineth the promises? A. True, and therefore it was necessary, that the word of God should first be spoken unto them; but they put it from them, and thereby judi●●●● themselves unworthy thereof, we turned to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying. I have made thee a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldest be fo● Salvation unto the ends of the earth: Act ●3, 46. And God which knoweth the hearts, bear witness to the Gentiles, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto the jews; putting no difference, between us and them, after that by faith he had purified their hearts: (Acts, 15.8.) That the Gentiles should be fellow Heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in CHRIST by the Gospel: (Eph. 3, 6.) There is therefore neither jew nor Greek, there is neither bond, nor free; there is neither male, nor female; for ye are all one in CHRIST JESUS: Gal. 3, 28. 1, Tim. 2.15.1.2.7. Rom. 15.15. Math. 22.2.23.37. Acts. 14.2. joh. 1, 11. Isa, 65, 2. Rom. 10.21. Ob. What advantage then hath the jew? Or what profit is there of Circumcision? A. Much every way; chief because that unto them, were committed the Oracles of God: Rom. 3, 2. Ob. We see, not only the Nation of the jews, but many others of the Gentiles also to be without the benefit of the Gospel. A. This is because of their unbelief: (Rom. 11.20.) For they will not receive CHRIST: (joh. 1.11.) But are disobedient, and a gainsaying people: (Rom. 10.21.) For as I live saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live: (Ez●k. 33, 11.) And I would have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth: 1, Tim. 2, 4. joh. 1, 5. Q. Whereunto may the generality of the promises be of use? A. Let not the Son of the stranger that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people; neither let the Eunuch say, behold I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD, to the Eunuches that krepe my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my Covenant; even unto them will I give in mine House and within my Walls a place, and a Name better than of Sons, and of Daughters, I will g we them an everlasting Name, that shall not be cut off (Isa. 62 2.) Sing O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud: thou that didst not travail w●th Child, for more are the Children of the Desolate, than the Children of the married wife saith the LORD. Enlarge the place of thy Tent, and let them stretch forth the Curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy Cords, and strengthen thy Stakes for thou shalt break forth on the right hand, and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate Cities to be inhabited: isaiah, 54, 1. 1, Corinth. 7, 21, 22. I●a. 45 22. Math. 22, 2. Tit. 2, 11. Heb. 1●. 13. Ob. Now of a truth I perceive, that GOD is no accepter of persons, but in every Nation, he that feareth him, and worketh Righteousness, shall be accepted with with him: (Acts, 10, 34.) But will it not be very long betwixt the promise, and the time of their accomplishment? A. He which testifieth these things, saith, surely I come quickly: (Revel. 22.20.) And my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be: Reu. 22, 12. Ob. Long have I waited, and yet have not obtained? A. Beloved be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The LORD is not slack concerning his promise (as some men count slackness:) (2. Pet. 3.8.) And he that believeth shall not make haste: (Isa. 28.16.) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry: (Hab. 2.3.) For so ABRAHAM after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise (Heb. 6.15.) Amen, even so come LORD JESUS. (Reu. 22.20. Q. But may not GOD alter his mind? A. The Counsel of the LORD standeth for ever; the thoughts of his heart, unto all generations: (Psal. 33.11) With him is no variableness, nor shadow by turning: (james, 1.17.) Concerning his testimonies I have known them of old, that he hath founded them for ever: (Psal. 119.152.) The words which he hath commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with ABRAHAM, and his oath unto ISAAC, and confirmed the same unto JACOB, for a law, and unto ISRAEL for an everlasting Covenant: (Psal. 105.8.) For th●● saith the Lord, If ye can break my Covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there shall not be day, and n●ght, in their seasons; then may also my Covenant be broken: (jer. 33.20) I have sworn by myself; the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return: Isa. 45.23.46, 10. 2, Cor. 1, 18 jerem. 4, 28. Hos. 13, 14. Numb. 23, 20. 1 Sam. 12.22. Haggai, 2, 6. Num. 18, 19 Psal. 22, 6.105, 8. 117, 2.119, 90. 93, 5. Heb. 6, 17. Ob. I have seen an end of all perfection? Psal. 119, 96. A. But his Commandment is exceeding large: (Psalm. 119, 96.) The strength of ISRAEL will not lie, nor repent: (1, Sam. 15, 29.) When your Father, and Mother forsake you, then the LORD will take you up: (Psal. 27, 10.) For GOD is not as Man, that he should lie; or the Son of man that he should repent: Num. 23 19 Lift up your eyes to the Heavens, and look upon the Earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall dye in like manner; but my Salvation shall be for ever, and my Righteousness shall not be abolished: Isa. 51, 6.40, 8. 2, Sam. 7, 24. Math. 24.35. Ob. Why? hath not GOD cast away his ancient people the jews? A. GOD forbidden. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of ABRAHAM, of the Tribe of BENJAMIN. God hath not cast away his people, which he foreknew, etc. But even at this present time also, there is a remnant according to the election of Grace: Rom. 11, 1, 5, 1. For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of GOD without effect? (Rom, 3.3.) And have they stumbled that they should fall? ●od forbidden. But rather through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles for to ●ovoke them to jealousy. Now if the ●ll of them be the riches of the World; ●nd the diminishing of them, the riches of ●he Gentiles; how much more their fullness? (Rom. 11, 11.) For afterwards ●hall the Children of ISRAEL return, ●nd seek the LORD their GOD, and DAVID their King; and shall fear the Lord, and his goodness, in the latter days: Hos. 3, 5. 2 Cor. 3, 15. Isa. 11, 12, 19, 24, 25 50, 1. Zach. 2, 12. Rom. 11, 20, 26, 28. verses. Ob. Though GOD should never alter with us, yet shall we by our sins, break Covenant with him. Isa. 63, 10. Exod. 32, 33. A. If you break my Statutes, and keep not my Commandments, then will I visit your transgression with the rod, and your iniquities with stripes; nevertheless, my loving kindness, I will not utterly take from you, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My Covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my Holiness, that I will not lie unto David, His seed shall endure for ever, and his Throne as the Sun before me. It shall be established for ever, as the Moon, and as a faithful witness in Heaven: Psalm. 89, 30. 2, Sam. 7, 15. Numb. 23, 20. Q. What are the reasons of this unchangeable dealing of God towards his people? A. 1. He himself changeth not: (Mal. 3, 6.) He is the first, and with the last even the same: Isa. 41.4. 2 JESUS CHRIST also, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever: Heb. 13, 8. 3 Whom he once loveth, he loveth unto the end: (joh. 13.1.) Who is the LORD GOD of your Fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of I●aac, and the God of jacob; this is his name for ever, and this is his memorial, unto all Generations: Exod. 3, 15. isaiah, 49, 1. 4 The gifts and callings of GOD, are without repentance: Rom. 11, 29. Q. What would you infer upon this unchangeableness in GOD? A. Say not thou, what is the cause that the former days were better than these; for thou dost not inquire w●sely concerning this: Eccl 7, 10. 2 Therefore my beloved brethren; be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord: for as much as you know, that your labour is not in vain in the Lord: (1, Cor. 15, 58.) And turn ye not aside; for than shall ye go after vain things, which cannot profit, nor deliver you; for they are vain: 1, Sam. 12, 21. Q. Why? Is God able to make his word good? A, Behold, saith GOD, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for me? (jer. 32, 27.) The Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (Isa. 14 27.) The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of Majesty; the voice of the Lord breaketh the Cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the Cedars of Lebanon, (Psal. 29.4.) neither by arm, nor strength; but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts: (Zach. 4, 6.) Yea whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in Heaven, and in Earth, and in all deep places: Psal. 135, 6. And now behold, the Lords hand is not shortened, that in cannot save, neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (Isa. 59, 1.) And though it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of his people, in these days; shall it also be marvellous in my eyes, saith the LORD of hosts? Zach. 8, 6. Gen. 18, 14. Isa. 40, 26, 48, 13, 50, 2, 3, 43, 13. 1 joh. 4, 4. Mark. 10, 27. Q. What shall we then say to these things? Rom. 8.31. A. 1 Ascribe ye strength unto GOD, his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the Clouds: Psal. 68, 34. 2 Pray, saying; Thou O GOD, who commandest our Strength, strengthen O God that which thou hast wrought for us: Psal. 68, 28. 3 Because I know whatsoever GOD doth it shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: (Eccles. 3, 14.) If GOD be for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8 13.) Therefore against hope, believe in hope, not staggering at the Promise, through unbelief, etc. But bring strong in the Faith, let us give glory to GOD: being fully persuaded, that what he hath promised, he 〈◊〉 able also to perform: R●m. 4, 18 20. Eccles. 3, 14. Psal. 62, 10, ●1. Gen. 17, 1. CHAP. L. The objects of the Promises. Q. I Know now that GOD can do every thing: (job 42, 2.) What therefore is required at my hands, that all things also may be possible unto me? A. As thou believest, so it shall be done unto thee: (Math. 8, 13.) And if thou canst believe, all things are possible, to him that believeth: (Mark. 9, 23.) For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning; that we through Faith, and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope: (Rom. 15, 4.) And that the blessing of ABRAHAM, might come on the Gentiles, through JESUS CHRIST; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit, through Faith: (Gal. 3, 14.) So then they which he of Faith, are blessed with faithful ABRAHAM: (Gal. 3.9.) For the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by the Faith of JESUS CHRIST, might be given to them that believe: (Gal. 3, 22) Blessed therefore, is he that believeth, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told him from the LORD: Luk. 1, 45. Habac. 2, 4. 1 Tim. 4, 10. Psal. 34, 8. Hebr. 11, 29. jerem. 17, 5. Dan. 6, 23. 2 Hold the mystery of the Faith, in a pure Conscience: (1 Tim. 3.9.) For bodily exercise profiteth little, but Godliness, is profitable unto all things; having the Promises of the life that now is, and of that which is to come: (1, Tim. 4.8.) He therefore that hath clean hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his Soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully; he shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the GOD of his Salvation: (Psalm. 24, 4.) For the Lord GOD is a Son, and a shield, the LORD will give Grace, and Glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly: (Psal. 84.11.) Know therefore that the LORD thy GOD, he is God the faithful God which keepeth, Covenant, and Mercy, with them that love him, and keep his Commandments, to a thousand generations: (Deut. 7, 9) For the righteous LORD, loveth Righteousness, his Countenance doth behold the upright: (Psal. 11, 7.) And therefore, blessed are they which keep judgement, and he that doth Righteousness at all times: Psal. 106, 3. 119, 1. 73, 1. Prou. 12, 28.16, 7.14, 27. Isa. 58, 13.56, 2. Deut. 7, 12. 1 King. 6, 12. joh. 13, 17. Exod. 39 43. Psal. 4, 3. Ob. I have long lived in want notwithstanding all my care, and endeavour in the study, and practise of Godliness: job, 35, 3. A. But are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God? (2, Chro. 28, 10) For GOD is good, and doth good: (Psal. 119, 68) And withdraweth not his eyes from the Righteous: Ilb, 36, 7. Psal. 125, 4. O thou therefore that art named the house of JACOB, is the spirit of the Lord straitened? Are these his doings? Do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly, saith the Lord? (Micha, 2, 7) All the paths of the Lord, are Mercy, and Truth unto such as keep h●s Commandments, and his testimonies: Psal 25, 10. To the pure all things are pure▪ but unto them that are defiled is nothing pure: (Titus, 1, 15.) For the hand of our GOD is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power; and his wrath, is against them that forsake him: Ezra, 8, 22. 2 Chron. 19, 11. Q. What use then are we to make hereof? A. 1 Take heed therefore brethren, lest there be in any of you, an evil heart, of unbelief, in departing from the living GOD: (Heb. 3.12.) For to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest; but to them that believed not? So we see then, that they could not enter in, because of unbelief: (Heb. 3, 18.) Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it: (Heb. 4, 1.) For he that cometh to GOD, must believe that GOD is; and that he is a rewarder of them, that diligently seek him: (Heb. 11, 6.) Here me therefore, O JUDAH, and ye inhabitants of jerusalem; believe in the Lord your GOD, so shall ye be established; believe his Prophets, so shall ye prosper: (2, Chron. 20, 20.) For these things are written, that ye might believe that JESUS is CHRIST the Son of GOD; and in believing, ye might have life through him: Io●. 20. 3●. Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy, and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost: Rom. 15, 13. 2 Having therefore these Promises, (dear beloved) let us cleanse ourselves, from all filthiness of the Flesh, and Spirit; perfecting holiness, in the fear of GOD: (2, Corinth. 7.1.) And be not conformed to this World; but be ye transformed, by the renewing of your mind; that ye may prove, what is that good, that acceptable, and perfect will of GOD: (Rom. 12, 2.) And he that will love Life, and see good days: let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good, let him seek peace, and pursue it: (1, Pet. 3, 10.) For this is a faithful saying, and these things I will, that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in GOD, might be careful to maintain good Works; for these things are good, and profitable unto Men: (Titus, 3, 8.) Observe therefore, and hear all these things, which I command thee, that it may be well with thee, and with thy Children after thee for ever; when thou dost that which is good, and right in the sight of the Lord thy GOD: Deut. 12, 28.6, 17, 18, 4, 39, 40. 10, 12, 13. Iosh. 3, 5. Therefore give diligence, to add to your Faith, virtue; and to Virtue, knowledge; and to Knowledge, temperance; and to Temperance, patience and to Patience, godliness; and to Godl●nesse, brotherly kindness; and to Brotherly kindness, Charity: (2. Pet. 1, 5.) And let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; fear GOD, and keep his Commandments; for this is the whole duty of Man: (Eccles. 12, 1●.) Which if ye do, ye shall never fall: 2, Pet 1.10. Now if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you, this day whom ye will serve etc. But as for me, and my house we will serve the LORD: I●sh. 24 1●.) For all people every one w●ll walk in the name of his GOD, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our GOD, for ever, and ever: M●cha, 4, 5. O house of JACOB, come ye also, and walk in the light of the Lord: (Isa. 2, 5.) Provoking one another unto Love, and good Works: (Heb. 10, 24) And exhorting one another daily, while it is called to day: Heb. 3, 13. CHAP. LI. Of the Wicked, and of their Reward. Q MAy it be expected that all should be moved by these promises, unto the exercise of faith, and, new obedience? A. Nothing less; for there are some who walk after their own ungodly Lusts; these be they, who separate themselves sensual, having not the Spirit: (jud. 18.) Of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are Enemies to the Cross of CHRIST: (Phil. 3, 18.) For as they that are after the spirit, do mind the things of the Spirit; so these being after the flesh, the things of the flesh. Because their carnal mind, is enmity against GOD; for it is not subject to the Law of GOD, neither indeed can be: (Rom. 8, 5.7.) But are wicked and sinners before the Lord: (Gen. 13, 13.) Rebelling against the Commandment of the LORD their GOD, not believing, nor harkening to his voice: (Deut. 9, 23.) They are corrupt, and have done abominable works: (Psal. 14, 1.) I have called them transgressors, from the womb: (Isa. 48.8.) A perverse and crooked generation: (Deut. 32, 5.20.) Their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorah; their grapes are the grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: their wine is the poison of Dragons, & the cruel venom of Asps: Deut. 32, 32. Behold their sin is come before me: (jona. 1, 2.) And I am pressed under them, as a Cart is pressed that is full of sheaves: (Amos, 2, 13.) And their sins are written with a pen of Iron, and with the point of a Diamond; and it is graven upon the tables of their hearts, and upon the horns of their Altars: (jer. 17, 1.) They have a whorish forehead; they will not be ashamed: (jer. 3, 3.) But are obstinate, and their neck is an iron sinew, and their brow brass: (Isa. 48, 4.) For they have sold themselves to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD: (1, King. 21, 20.) GOD is not in all their thoughts: Psal. 10.4. And though I earnestly protested unto their Fathers, rising early, and protesting saying; Obey my voice; yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear; but walked, every one in the imagination of their own evil heart: jer. 11, 7. Ezek. 16.49. jer. 44.9, 16, 11. Gen. 38.7. Exod. 5, 2.14.11.15.24.16, 3, 17.2.32.7. judg. 2.11. Psal. 53.2.78.10. Prou. 21.10. Hos. 10, 4. Q. Is there no reward for such men as these from God? A. Is not destruction to the wicked, and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? (job. 31, 3.) The great God, that form all things, both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth the transgressors: (Prou. 26, 10.) According to his ways, and according to his doings will he recompense him: (Hos. 12, 2.) The transgressors shall be destroyed together, and the end of the wicked shall be cut off: (Psalm. 37.38.) GOD shall rain snares fire, and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their Cup: (Psal. 11, 6.) And the heritage appointed unto them by God: (job. 20 ●9.) For is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures saith the Lord? (Deu. 32, 34.) Even as I have seen, they that plough iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same: (job. 4.8.) Trouble and anguish shall make them afraid; they shall prevail against them, as a King ready to the battle: (job. 15.24.) And I will feed them with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink: (jer. 9.15.) Yea, I will bring such evil upon them, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle: (2, King. 21, 11.) And if they will not for all this hearken unto me, than I will punish them seven times more for their sins: (Leu. 26, 18.) And if they walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me, I will bring seven times more plagues upon them, according to their sins, etc. And if they will not be reform by these things, but will walk contrary to me, then will I also walk ●●ntrary to them, and will yet punish them ●ven times more for their sins: Leu. ●6, 21.) Terrors shall take hold of them 〈◊〉 waters; a tempest stealeth them away as 〈◊〉 the night: (job. 27, 20.) And hay shall ●e no more, and though they be sought for, ●et shall they never be found, saith the Lord God: Ezek. 26, 21. Isa. 9, 18.1, 25. Deu●. 32, 22.28, 16.19, 20. Zeph. 1, 14. Ezek. 24, 10. Pro. 22, 8 Hos. 7, 13, 9 9 jer. 6, 11.15. 2.22.8.23.10.48.13.15.5. 1 Sam. 2, 10, job. 4, 20.18.11 Isa.. ●4 17. Amos, 5, 18.8 3. Nahum, 1, 9 Ezek. 21.6. Deut. 28.20. joel. 2.26. Amos. 5.24. Psalm. 68.21. Behold therefore, I set before you this day a blessing, and a curse: a blessing if ye obey the Commandments of the LORD your GOD; which I command you this day; and a curse if ye will not obey the Commandment of the Lord your GOD; but turn aside out of the way, which I command you this day, to go after other Gods, which ye have not known: Deut. 11.26, 30.15. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them; but the transgressors shall fall therein: Hos. 14.9. 1, Cor. 10, 6. Prou. 10.6, 19.16, 12. 2, 3.12, 7, 13.6, 21, 12, 12, 21, ver. Psal. 32, 10. Ob. Whatsoever you Ministers say, I am become rich, I have found me out substance in all my labours: (Hos. 12.8.) Neither shall evil come upon me. And therefore the Prophets shall become wind, and the Word is not in them: jer. 5, 13. A. Because sentence against an evil work is not speedily executed, therefore the heart of the Sons of men, is fully set in them to do evil: (Eccl. 8.11.) The Stork in the Heavens knoweth her appointed times and the Turtle, and the Crane, and the Swallow, observe the times of their coming, but this people know not the judgements of the LORD: (jer. 8.7.) They will not behold his high hand; but they shall see it, and be confounded: Isa. 26, 11. The LORD indeed is flow to anger; but he is great in power, and will not surely ●leere the wicked: (Nah. 1, 3.) For will a Fowler take up the snare from the Earth, and have taken nothing at all? (Amos, 3, ●,) Your fathers where are they? And the Prophets do they live for ever? But my words, and my statutes which I commanded my Servants the Prophets did they not take hold of your Fathers? And they returned, and said; like as the Lord of Hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us: (Zach. 1, 5.) And despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of GOD, leadeth thee to Repentance? But after thy hardness, and impenitent heart, that cannot repent, treasurest up to thyself wrath, against the day of wrath, and Revelation of the righteous judgement of GOD: Romans, 2, 4. Take heed therefore, lest there should be among you, a Root that beareth gall and wormwood. And it cometh to pass when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying; I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart; to add drunkenness to thirst; the Lord will not spare him; but then the anger of the Lord, and his jealousy, shall smoke against that man: and all the curses that are written in this book, shall lie vp●n him: and the LORD shall blot out his name from under Heaven: Deut. 29.18. Isa. 47, 7.57.11. Ezek. 21.9. Amos 6 3 9.10. Psal. 50.18. Iosh. 23, 15. Zeph. 2, 15.1.12. Isa. 28.17. Zach. 1, 15. Happy therefore is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into mischief: (Prou. 28.14.) The wise man's eyes are in his head: but the fool walketh in darkness: (Eccl. 2, 14.) The prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself but the wicked pass on and are punished: (Prou. 27, 12.) A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth and is confident: Prou 14.16.22, 3. CHAP. LII. The Wicked Convinced of sin. Ob. THese judgements may befall Heathens, and such as are without; but we are the people of GOD, with whom the Lord hath made a Covenant of Peace; and therefore none of these things shall befall us. A. The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you: (2, Chron. 15.2.) For at what instant I shall speak concerning a Nation, and concerning a Kingdom, to build, and to plant it; if it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, than I will repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them: (jer. 18, 9) And the punishment of the iniquity of the Daughter of my people, is greater, than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown in a moment: Lam. 4, 6. Wherefore trust ye not in lying words, saying; The Temple of the LORD, the Temple of the LORD, the Temple of the LORD, are these: (jer. 7.4.) But go ye now unto my place which was in Shilo, where I set my name at the beginning, and behold what I did to it, for the wickedness of my people Israel: (jer. 7,12.) For so will I make this House like Shilo, and make this City a curse to all Nations of the Earth: jer. 26.6. 1. King. 9.6. Exod. 32, 35. Isa. 57.3.4. Deutr. 8.19. Ob. We do not only live in the Church, but by Baptism are made members of the same? A. Baptism, verily profiteth, if thou keep the law; but if thou be a breaker of the Law, thy Baptisms is made no Baptism: (Rom. 2, 25.) Circumcision is nothing; and Uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the Commandments of GOD: 1, Cor. 7, 19 It is 〈◊〉 that Egypt, and judah, and Edome, and the Children of Ammon, and Moab, even all these Nations are uncircumcised, and thou art uncircumcised in heart: (jer. 9.25.) And therefore thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised, by the hand of the strangers; for I have spoken it, saith the LORD GOD: Ezek. 28, 10. 1, Cor. 10.1. Ob. I have not only been entered, and enrolled a member of the Church, but also have joined with others in the worship of GOD, and in the profession of the same: judg. 17.3. Isa 58.3. A. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness: (Prou. 30.12.) Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and Sacrifices, as in obeying his voice? Behold to obey is better than Sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of Rams: (1, Sam. 15.22.) The Sacrifices of the wicked is abomination to the Lord; but the Prayer of the upright is his delight: Prou. 15. 8.21.27. jam. 1.27. But unto the wicked saith God; what hast thou to do to declare my Statutes, or that thou shouldest take my Covenant within thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee: (Psal. 50, 16.) For the LORD loveth judgement, and hateth Robbery for burnt offerings: (Isa. 61, 8) Wherefore let no man deceive you, he that doth righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous; but he that committeth sin is of the Devil: 1, joh. 3, 7. Hag. 2, 11, 12. Isa. 29 1.58.4, 66, 3, 1, 11. Amos, 2, 8.5, 25, 21. Leu. 26, 31. Z●ch. 7, 5 Malipiero, 1, 7, 1, 13. jer. 6.20, 7, 22, 14.12. Psal. 50, 9, 40 6. Hos. 6, 6, 4, 19 Mark. 12, 33. Luk. 11.41. Ob. Blessed be thou of the LORD, for I have kept the Commandments of GOD, (1, Sam. 15, 13.) Have done many things; (Mark 6, 20.) And have been zealous for the Lord of Hosts. 2, Kin. 10.16, Hos. 12, 8. A. What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the Oxen which I hear? (1, Sam. 15.14.) For in thee have they set light by Father, and Mother; in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger; in ●hee have they vexed the Fatherless, and ●he Widow. Thou hast despised my Holy things, and hast profaned my Sabbaths. In thee are Men to carry tales to shed blood: in the midst of thee they commit Lewdness: (Ezek. 22, 7.) Wherefore I have a few things against thee: (Revel. 2.20.) As well as against ISRAEL, who feared the LORD, and made unto themselves, the lowest of them Priests of the High-places. They feared GOD, the LORD, and served their own Gods; they feared not the Lord: (2, King. 17, 32.) For the fear of the LORD is to hate evil, as pride, & arrogancy, and every evil way: (Prou. 8, 13.) And therefore, cursed art thou, if thou confirm not all the words of this Law to do them; and all the people shall say, Amen: Deut. 27, 26, 4, 2.6.17.12.32.18.13. jam. 1, 26, 2.10.3, 9, 10. Ezek. 18, 10. 2, Cor. 8, ●1. 2, King. 22.2. Ob. I deny not, but do freely confess, Murder, and Adultery to be grievous sins, deserving death; now then, if I can acquit myself of such sins, I shall do well enough? A. You have heard, that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgement. But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his Brother Racha, shall be in danger of a Counsel; and whosoever shall say thou Fool, shall be in danger of Hell fire. You have heard also, that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not commit Adultery. But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart: (Math. 5, 21, 27. ver.) And for every idle word, that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgement: Math. 12, 36. Ezek. 16.49. 1, Chron. 13.9.2.32.24. 1, Sam. 6.19. 1, King. 20 35. Numb. 20.12. Deut. 32.50. Ob. What a precise●●●sse call you this? For what if now, and then I meeting with a good fellow, or two, do make myself merry with them, and do follow some other tricks of youth? A. Woe be unto you that call evil good, and good evil that put darkness for light, and light for darkness: that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter: Isa. 5.20. You are they which justify yourselves before men; but GOD knoweth the hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is abominable in the sight of GOD: (Luk. 16, 15.) The show of your Countenance doth witness against you, and you declare your sin as Sodom, and hide it not: woe unto you, for you have rewarded evil unto yourselves: Isa. 3.9. jer. 6.15. 2.35. Prou. 14.12.16.25. Ob. You are very rash in judging; for who but God knoweth the heart? A. Doth not the Ear try words? And the mouth taste his meat? (job. 12.11.34.3.) Even a Child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right: (Prou. 20.11.) For doth a Fountain send forth at the same place sweet water, and bitter? Can a Figtree bear Olive berries? Either a Vine, Figs? So can no Fountain yield salt water, and fresh: jam. 3, 11. Luk. 6, 43. Math. 12, 33, 7.16. Ob. Notwithstanding your show of preciseness, if your faults were written in your forehead, we should have much worse things to say of you. A. Speak not evil one of another (Brethren) he that speaketh evil of his Brother, and judgeth his Brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the Law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy, who art thou that judgest another? (jam. 4, 11.) judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again: Math. 7, 1. Ob Thou seemest to restrain wisdom to thyself; but what knowest thou that we know not? Or what understandest thou that is not in us? job, 15, 8.15, 2. A. If ye know these things, happy ●re ye if ye do them: (joh. 13, 17.) Thy Father judged the cause of the poor, and needy, than it was well with him; was ●ot this to know me, saith the LORD? (jer. 22, 16.) For behold the fear of the LORD that is Wisdom, and to departed from evil is understanding: (job, 28, 28.) You profess you know him, but in Works you deny him, being abominable, and unto every good work reprobate: Titus, 1, 16. And how do ye say we are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Ye have rejected the Word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in you? jer. 8, 8.5, 4. jam. 3, 13. Prou. 3, 17. Luk. 12, 47. jam. 4, 16, 3, 17. Rom. 2, 17. 1 joh. 2, 4. joh. 15, 22, 9, 1. Prou. 26.12.26, 16. CHAP. LIII. The wicked Convinced of judgement. Ob. IT should seem this man hath seen some vision, or hath had some other extraordinary revelation: Therefore watch man, what of the night? Watchman what of the night? Isa. 21.11. A. The watchman said; The morning cometh, and also the night; (Isa. 21, 12.) And are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you: (Ezek. 20, 3.) Beware ye despisers and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you: (Acts, 13, 40. Habac. 1, 5.) Now therefore be not mockers, lest your hands be made strong, for I have heard from the LORD GOD of hosts, a consumption, even determined upon the whole Earth. Give ye ear, and hear my voice, harken and hear my speech: (Isa. 28, 22.) Then said I; Ah, LORD GOD, they say of me; Doth he not speak parables? Ezek. 2● 49. 14, 7. Ob. But when went the Spirit of the LORD, from our Ministers unto thee? (1. King. 22, 24.) Who do say to us, ye shall not see the Sword, neither shall ye have Famine; but the LORD will give you assured peace in this place: jerem. 14, 13.23, 18, 18, 18.23, 17. 1, King. 18, 17. A. AMEN, the LORD do so; the Lord perform the words that they have spoken: (jerem 28, 6.) As for me, I have not hastened from being a Pastor to follow thee, neither have I desired the woeful day, thou knowest; that which came out of my lips, was right before thee: jer. 17, 16. And as for your Ministers, if any of them think himself to be a Prophet, and Spiritual, let him acknowledge, that the things that I writ unto you, are the Commandments of the LORD; but if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant: (1, Corinth. 14, 37.) But let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these shing, cometh the wrath GOD, upon the Children of disobedience: Ephes. 5, 6. Your Prophets, prophecy lies, in my Name, I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them; they Prophesied unto you a false vision, and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the Prophets, that prophecy in my Name, and I sent them not; yet they say, Sword, and Famine, shall not be in this land; by sword, and famine shall those Prophets be consumed. And the people to whom they Prophesied shall be cast out into the streets of jerusalem, because of the Famine, and the Sword, and they shall have none to bury them; for I will pour their wickedness upon them: (jerem. 14, 14.) And when the words of the Prophets shall come to pass, then shall you know, that the LORD hath truly sent him: jerem. 28, 9.50, 30.31, 23, 19.23.25.23.30.28.15. Ezek. 14, 9.13, 6.13, 22. Hosea, 4.9.9.7.8. Isa. 29.9.42.19. 1. King. 22, 23.25. Isa. 3, 12. Ob. I think you will never give over these threatening words, give me such a Minister, as will preach comfortable things unto us. A. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the Truth? Gal. 4, 16. As for these Ministers, they have healed your hurt with sweet words, saying; Peace, peace, when there is no peace. (jerem. 8.11.) And if a man walking in the spirit, and falsehood, and do lie, saying; I will Prophecy unto thee of wine and strong drink; he shall be even the Prophet of this people: Micha, 2, 11. Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the Prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy Mother: Hos. 4, 5. 1 King. 18, 18. Isa. 30.8. Hos. 4 4. Ob. Though these judgements you threaten, be certain, yet they may not be near; (Ezek. 11, 3.) But the vision, may be for many days to come, and you Prophecy of the times that are fare off: Ez●k. 12, 27. A. Who is like me? And who will appoint me the time, saith the LORD? (jerem. 49, 19) Therefore, thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more; but the word which I have spoken, shall be done, saith the Lord GOD: (Ezek. 12, 28) Yea, eue● in your days, O rebellious house will I say the thing, and will perform it: (Ez●k. 12, 25.) He shall come as an Eagle to the house of the LORD: (Hos, 8, 1.) And he will be a swift witness against such scorners: (Malac. 3, 5.) For the days of visitations are come, the days of recompense are come: (Hosea, 9, 7.) It shall be in a moment, even suddenly, (Isa. 29.5) as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly, at an instant: (Isa. 30, 13.) For no man knoweth his time; but as the Fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of Men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them: Eccles. 9.12. Amos, 9, 10, 8, 1, 2. Zeph. 1, 14. Deut. 32, 35. Isa. 47, 11. jerem. 1, 12.48, 16.50.31.51.33. Lam. 4, 18.22. Ezek. 7, 12, 21.9. Hos. 4.19. joel, 2, 1. Gen. 19, 24. Dan. 5, 3, 30. Ob. If the worst things do fall, yet have I many means, to guard, and to defend me from the same. A. O inhabitant of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the Cedars how gracious shalt thou be, when Pangs come upon thee, as the pain of a woman in travel? (jerem, 22.23.) The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the Rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exaltest thyself as the Eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the Stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD: (Obad. 3, 4.) Your silver, and your gold shall not be able to deliver you in the day of the wrath of the LORD: (Ezek. 7, 19) The Lord is wise in heart, and mighty in strength; who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered? job, 9, 4. Prou. 10.2.11.4. Ezek. 28.4, 7, 19 Zeph. 1.18. Zach. 9.3. jer. 49.4. 4.30. Hab. 2.9. Ob. If our own power be too weak, we have multitudes of allies, and many good friends will stand by, and secure us? A. EPHRAIM is fed with the Wind, and followeth after the Eastwind: (Hos. 12.1.) For though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: Prou. 16, 5. And how say ye then, we are mighty, and have strong men for the War? (jer. 48, 14.) Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the Rivers, that had the waters round about it, whose Rampart was the Sea, and her Wall was from the Sea? Nahum, 3, 8. Ye have ploughed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity, ye have eaten the fruit of lies; for because thou didst trust in the multitude of thy mighty men; therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy Fortresses shall be spoilt: (Hos. 10.13.) When also thy lovers will despise thee, and will seek thy life: (I●r. 4.30.) Your hired men shall be turned back, and fly away together: (jer. 46.21.) And the multitude of thy strangers shall be like the small dust, and the multitude of thy terrible ones, shall be as the Chaff, that passeth away, (Isa.. ●9, 5.) And you shall be ashamed of a people, that could not profit you; nor be an help, nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach. For they shall help in vain, and to no purpose● therefore have I cried concerning this their strength is to sit still: (Isa. 30 5, 7. Wherefore cease ye from Man, whose breath is in his nosthrels; for wherein is he to be accounted of? Isa. 2.22. 1, Cor. 10.22. Isa. 8.6.57.13. job. 36.19, 15.31. 2, Samuel, 16, 23.2, 17.14. jer. 18. ●. Ob. If we cannot with safety stand out against these judgements, we will then fly from them, and they shall not overtake us: Isaiah, 30.16. A. Am I a GOD at hand, saith the LORD, and not a GOD a fare off? (jer. 23.23.) Whether will ye go from his spirit? Or whether will ye flee from his presence: Psal, 139.7. He which fleeth of you, shall not flee away; and he that escapeth of you, shall not be delivered: (Amos, 9, 1.) But it shall be with you, as if a man did fly from a Lion and a Bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a Serpent bitten him: Amos, 5, 19 Isa. 30.16. Amos 2, 14. Ob. If we cannot escape by flying, we will then hide ourselves in some dark Corner of the earth: job. 22, 12, 13. Psal. 94.7, Isa. 29, 15. A. I know Ephraim, saith GOD, and Israel is not hid from me: (Hos. 5, 3.) Neither is there any creature which is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked, and open unto the eyes of him, with whom we have to do: (Heb. 4.13.) Whereby it shall come to pass, that though you die into Hell, thence shall my hand take you; though you climb up to Heaven, thence will I bring you down, and though you hide yourselves in the top of CARMEL, I will search, and take you out thence: and though you be hid from my sight in the bottom of the Sea, thence will I command the Serpent, and he shall bite you: Amos. 9.2. Hos. 7, 2. Zach. 4. 10. job. 12.22. Ob. If this be our case, we will then cease from open sinning against GOD; and what we do, we will do in such sort as no eye shall see us? A. Woe unto you, that seek deep to hide your Counsel from the LORD, and your works are in the dark, and you say who seethe us? And who knoweth us? Surely your turning of things upside down, shall be esteemed as the Potter's clay: For shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it; he had no understanding? isaiah, 29.15. You take Counsel, but not of me; and you cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that you may add sin to sin: (Isa. 30, 1.) But the spirit of man, is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly: (Prou. 20.27.) And his eyes behold his eyelids try the Children of men: (Psalm. 11.4.) To give every Man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: jerem. 17, 10. Psalm, 139.2, etc. Ob. But will not a gift in the hand, pacify God's wrath? A. The LORD your GOD, is the GOD of Gods, and LORD of Lords, a great GOD; a mighty and a terrible; which regardeth not persons, nor taketh rewards: (Deut. 10, 17.) For every Beast of the Forest is his, and the Cattles upon a thousand Hills. He knoweth all the Fowls of the Mountains, and the wild Beasts of the Field are his. If he were hungry he would not tell thee; for the world is his, and the fullness thereof: Psal. 50.10 Wherefore then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians, and PHARAOH hardened their hearts: (1, Sam. 6, 6.) For because there is wrath, beware lest he take you away with his stroke; then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Will he esteem thy riches? No not Gold, nor all the Forces of strength: job. 36, 18. Ob. Whatsoever you can say, I know that GOD'S mercies, do surpass the measure of our sins, and he that made us, will save us. A. He that made you will not have mercy on you, and he that form you will show you no favour: (Isa. 27.11.) But it shall come to pass, when you hear the words of this curse, and you bless yourselves in your heart, saying; We shall have peace, though we walk in the imagination of our hearts, to add Drunkenness to thirst; the LORD will not spare you, but then the anger of the LORD, and his jealousy shall smoke against you, and all the curses that are written in this book, shall lie upon you, and the Lord shall blot out your Name from under Heaven. Deut. 29.19. Ob. I know that God is not so much without pity, but that if when trouble cometh, we do cry unto him, he will hear, and have Mercy upon us. A. You shall then cry unto the LORD indeed, but he will not hear you; he will even hide his face from you at that time, as you have behaved your selves ill in your doings: (Micha, 3, 4.) And he will say unto you, go, and cry unto your GOD'S which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in time of your Tribulation: judges, 10, 14. Not that the LORDS hand is shortened, that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you, and your GOD, and your sins, have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness: isaiah, 59, 1. Wherefore behold, he will bring evil upon you, which you shall not be able to escape, and though you cry unto him, yet he will not hearken unto you: jer. 11.11. Hosea. 5.6. judg. 11.7. jer. 14.12.7.13. Ob. If Mercy cannot be had for our own sakes, yet by the Prayers, of the Righteous, and for their righteousness sake, we shall be delivered. A. Though these three men NOAH, DANIEL, and JOB were in it, they should deliver but there own souls, by their righteousness, saith the LORD GOD: (Ezek. 14.14) And though MOSES and SAMVEL stood before me, yet my mind could not be towards this people; cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth: jerem. 15.1. Therefore, they shall not pray for this people, nor lift up cry or prayer for them, neither entreat me, for I will not hear them, saith the LORD: jerem. 7.16.14.11.11.14.15.5.16.5. Ob. But will GOD destroy the righteous with the wicked? (Genes. 18.23.) Or shall one man sin, and will he be wrath with all the Congregation? Numb. 16.22. A. Did not ACHAN commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the Congregation of ISRAEL? And he perished not alone in his Iniquity? Iosh. 22.20. 2. Chron. 28.19. Notwithstanding run ye to and fro, through the streets of JERUSALEM, and see now, and know; and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man; if there be any, that executeth judgement, that seeketh the Truth, and I will pardon it: jer. 5, 1. But from the least of you to the greatest of you, every one is given to Covetousness; and from the Prophet even to the Priest, every one dealeth falsely: (jeremiah, 6, 13.) The good Man is perished out of the Earth, and there is none upright among them; they all lie in wait for blood, they hunt every man his Brother with a Net: that they may do evil with both hands, earnestly. The Prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a Reward; and the Great man he uttereth his mischievous desires; so they wrap it up. The best of them is as a Brier; the most upright is sharper than a thorn Hedge; therefore the day of thy Watchmen, and thy Visitation cometh, now shall be your perplexity: Micha, 7, 2. Numbers, 16, 26. Ezekiel. 22.25.22.30. Ob. If I may be sure to escape so long until some common judgement come upon our whole Land, I shall do well enough. A. If thou continue thus presumptuously to sin, the LORD shall separate thee unto evil, out of all the Tribes of ISRAEL, according to all the Curses of this Covenant, that are written in this book of the Law: (D●uteronomie, 29, 21.) As well as he did ACHAN who for his sin, was by all ISRAEL stoned with stones, and his goods with all that he had burned with fire: (joshua, 7, 25.) Woe therefore be unto thee, wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be? jeremiah, 13.27. CHAP. LIIII. Of the Wicked Converted. Q. IF our sin guiltiness deserve such inevitable judgements, go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our GOD shall say, and speak thou unto us, all that the LORD our GOD shall speak unto thee, and we will hear it, and do it: Deuteron. 5, 27. A. The LORD hath heard the voice of your words, and said unto me; I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee; they have well said, all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep my Commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their Children for ever: Deuter. 5.28. But ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying; Pray for us unto the LORD our GOD, and according to all that the LORD our GOD shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it. And now I have this day declared it unto you; but ye do not obey the voice of the LORD your GOD, nor any thing, for the which he hath sent me unto you. Now therefore know certainly, that ye shall dye by the Sword, by the Famine, and by the Pestilence; in the place whether ye desire to go, and to sojourn: (jer. 42, 20.) For ye cannot serve the LORD; for he is an holy GOD; he is a jealous God; he will not forg●●e your transgressions, and sins: joshua, 24.19. How long then halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be GOD follow him; but if BAAL, then follow him: (1, King. 18.21.) And harken to me, ye men of ENGLAND, that GOD also may hearken unto you: (judg. 9.7.) Give glory to the Lord your GOD, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark Mountains; while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my Soul shall weep in secret places for your Pride, and mine eyes shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORDS Flock is carried away captive: jerem. 13, 16. Q. We have indeed, besides all other Sins, dissembled with the LORD; but now the Lord GOD of Gods, the Lord GOD of Gods he knoweth, (Iosh. 22, 22.) that him will we serve, and his voice will we obey: (Iosh. 24.24.) The LORD be a true, and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things, for the which the LORD thy GOD shall send thee to us. Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our GOD, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the Lord our GOD: jerem. 42, 5. Iosh. 24, 21, 24. A. Then gird your loins, and lament, ye Priests, howl ye Ministers of the Altar: come lie all night in Sackcloth, ye Ministers of my GOD, etc. Sanctify ye a Fast, call a solemn Assembly, gather the Elders, and all the inhabitants of the Land, into the house of the LORD your GOD, and cry unto the LORD: joel, 1, 13. jer. 4.14, Zeph. 2, 1. joel 2, 12, ●5. jona, 3, 8. joel, 1, 13. Psal. 46, 8. Lam. 2, 14. joel, 2, 17. jam. 4, 8. Saying, We acknowledge our wickedness, and the iniquities of our Fathers; for we have sinned against thee: (jerem. 14, 20.) We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts, and from thy judgements. Neither have we harkened unto thy servants the Prophets, which spoke in thy Name, to our Kings, our Princes, and our Fathers, and to all the people of the Land. O LORD, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; because of our trespass, that we have trespassed against thee: (Dan. 9, 5.) O our GOD, we are ashamed, and blush, to lift up our face to thee, our GOD; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the Heavens. And now, O our GOD, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken thy Commandments: Ezra, 9, 6, 10. O LORD, we beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the Prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy Name, and do confess our sins which we have sinned against thee; both we and our father's house have sinned (Nehe. 1.11.16.) And have gone astray like lost sheep; therefore seek thy servants, for we will not forget thy Commandments: (Psalm. 119.176.) Turn us again, O GOD of hosts, and cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved: (Psal. 80.7.) Do thou incline our heart unto thee, to walk in thy ways, and to keep thy Commandments, and thy statutes, and thy judgements, which thou commandedst our Fathers: (1. King. 8.58.) That which we see not teach thou us; if we have done iniquity we will do no more: job. 34, 32, 13, 23. Psalm, 80.18. Psalm, 143.8. 2 Do you take hold of his strength, that you may make peace with him, and you shall make peace with him: (Isa. 27.5.) And thereby good shall come unto thee: job. 22.21. And because no man cometh unto the Father, but by CHRIST: (john, 14.6.) Nor unto CHRIST, except the Father draw him: (john, 6, 44,) Therefore pray, saying; Draw me, we will run after thee: Can. 1 4 3 Wash ye, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well; seek judgement, relieve the oppressed, judge the Fatherless, plead for the Widow. Come now, and let us reason together saith the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like Crimson, they shall be as Wool. (Isa. 1.16.) Yet the LORD will wait that he may have mercy upon you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have compassion upon you; for the LORD is the GOD of judgement: Isa. 30, 18. Hosea, 13.9. Ezekiel, 33, 11. Zach. 1.3.8.16. jer. 18, 11. Mal. 3.7. Psal. 4, 4. Eccl. 12.23. 1, King. 8, 61. Isa. 66, 1.2. 4 Being thus converted, you should enter into a Covenant with the LORD your GOD, and into his oath, which the LORD your GOD shall make with you: so shall he establish you this day for a people unto himself, and be unto you a God, as he hath said unto you, and as he hath sworn unto your Fathers: Deut. 29, 12. Nehemiah, 9.38. 2, Chronicles, 15.12.23.3. 2, Chronicl. 29.10.34.31. Ezra. 10.3. Q. Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken: (Isa. 39 8) We do therefore enter into a Covenant, that we will be the Lords people: (2, Chron. 23.16.) And we, our Wives, our Sons, and our Daughters, even every one of us, having knowledge and understanding, do here enter into a Curse, and into an Oath to walk in GOD'S Law, which was given by MOSES, the Servant of GOD, and to observe and do all the Commandments of the LORD our GOD, and his judgements, and his Statutes: (Neh. 10.28.) The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey: Iosh. 24.24. Nehem. 9.38. A. Then have you delivered yourselves, out of the hand of the Lord: (Iosh. 23, 31.) And as you have avouched the LORD this day to be your GOD, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his Statutes, and Commandments, and his judgements, and to hearken unto his voice; so the LORD hath avouched you this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised you, and that you should keep all his Commandments, and to make you high above all Nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour, and that ye may be an holy people unto the (LORD your GOD, as he hath spoken: (Deuter. 26.17.) And these very stones shall be a witness unto you; for they have heard all the words of the LORD, which he hath spoken unto you; they shall be a witness unto you, lest ye deny your GOD: I●sh. 24.27. For this cause, we also will not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all Wisdom, and spiritual understanding: that ye may walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful unto every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Col. 1, 9 Now the GOD of peace that brought again from the dead, our LORD JESUS, that great Shepherd, of the Sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant; make you perfect in every good work, to do his will; working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through JESUS CHRIST: (Heb. 13.20.) And our LORD JESUS CHRIST himself, and GOD, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through Grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word, and work: 2, Thes. 2, 16. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless, before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy; to the only wise GOD, and Saviour, be Glory, and Majesty, Dominion, and Power, now, and ever: jud. 24. And now Brethren 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: Acts, 20.32. The Grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, be with you all, Amen. Revel. 22.21. FINIS.