AN EXPOSITION of the Creed, the Lords Prayer, the ten Commandments, and the Sacraments. Catechetically Composed BY JOHN BRISTOL, Minister of the Word of God. 2 Tim. 1.13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ jesus. LONDON, Printed by M.F. for Samuel Man, dwelling in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Swan, 1627. To the Congregation or Inhabitants of Charlewood in Surry, Grace and Peace be multiplied. SEeing that Catechising is very profitable, not only when it is used by the Minister in the public assembly of the Church, but also by Parents and Householders privately in their families; I have written this little Book, to be some help to you, in making use of it in your families. I pray you consider these weighty arguments and reasons, that show the necessity of Catechising, whereof some have relation to God, some to the persons to Catechise, and to be Catechised. Concerning God, first, his commandment a Exod. 12.27 & 13.8.14. Deut. 6.7. Prov. 22.6. Ephes. 6.4. ; secondly, his example, who briefly delivered the whole Law and Gospel b Exod. 20. Mat. 22.37.38.39. Gen. 3.15. & 17.7. ; thirdly, it is a mean to preserve the worship of God pure: this being neglected after josiah, Religion decayed very much. This is one mean to purge out the leaven of Papistry and other errors, and that if heretics come among us, they may be removed or reclaimed. Papists say in their Catechism of Trent, that we have gotten ground of them by Catechising. Let us take heed that we lose it not again by omission thereof: fourthly, this is a mean to enlarge God's Kingdom, and we ought to restore back again, and to consecrate to God, the children which we have received of him. Concerning the persons to Catechise, first, Gen. 4. & ●8. 19. Ios. 24.15. Heb. 6.1.2. 2 Tim. 3.15. we have the examples of Adam, Abraham, josuah, and the Apostles, and so was Timothy trained up; and since in ecclesiastical histories it doth appear, Catechising to have been used by the people of God in the time of Origen, Socrates, etc. Secondly, Acts 20.26. Col. 3.16. they have the charge of them that are committed to them, and must answer for them. Moreover, they are bound to be able, and to employ their talents for the good of others: thirdly, they shall receive joy by the success of such labour, when God shall be glorified, the Church and Commonwealth receive benefit, and themselves have diligent and faithful service performed: 1 Cor. 3.8. fourthly, the grief and woe they sustain by the wickedness of inferiors, furthered or not hindered by them. Concerning the persons to be Catechised, first, hereby their memory may be helped, when fundamental points are briefly set down, and they may have thereby some means to know their duties to God and men, as they covenanted in Baptism: secondly, hereby they may the better be fitted to receive the Lords Supper: thirdly, their health and salvation is hereby procured: fourthly, many miseries, yea besides the rest, damnation will be the portion of them that remain ignorant and vnreformed, for man is borne like a wild Ass' colt, rude and unruly, or like a field untilled, so as he must by teaching be fitted for good duties. Know also, that not only children, but such as be of more years, may receive profit by Catechising. For some have not spent their youth so profitably, as to be plentifully endued with knowledge as they are, which are said to have the spirit poured upon them, Acts 2.17. but have need of a guide, even in fundamental points, and are but babes, Heb. 5.12.13.14 and have need of milk; yea, & it is profitable to men that are already endued with knowledge and sound judgement, Rom. 15.4. 2 Pet. 1.12. & 3.1.2. to be stirred up and pricked forward; yea, the Apostles do write of fundamental points (among other things) to such Churches as did know the truth, and were full of knowledge and of pure minds. Finally, job 28.28. jam. 3.13.15.17 Ephes. 4.21.22 24. Esa 11.9. Prov. 18.4. 1 john 5.18.20. be careful so to know, as to practise, what you see to be revealed in the Word of God, so shall you be renewed in knowledge after the image of God, and shall grow in knowledge more and more, and be filled therewith, as God hath promised, and be in wisdom as a flowing brook, that cannot be drawn dry: and be preserved from sin that is to death, and be like builders building upon a rock. This let us do, and we shall give up our accounts with joy together, and so I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you inheritance among all them that be sanctified. Acts 20.32. Yours in all Christian duties most ready, john Bristol. An Exposition of the Creed, the Lords Prayer, the ten Commandments, and the Sacraments. Question. WHat is God? Ans. God is a spiritual essence a john 4.24. Exod. 3.14. , most holy b Esa. 6.3. , merciful c Micah 7.18. , just d Psal. 11.7. , only wise, eternal, almighty e 1 Tim. 1.17. , incomprehensible f Psal. 139. , unchangeable g james 1.17. , perfect h Gen. 17.1. job 37.16. Mat. 5.48. , blessed i 1 Tim. 6.15. , glorious k Heb. 1.3. . Q. How many Gods are there? A. There is but one GOD l Deut. 6.4. , which is distinguished into three persons m 1 john 5.7. Mat. 28.19. , the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost. Q. What is God the Father? A. The first person in the Trinity, from everlasting begetting the Son, and sending forth the holy Ghost n john 1.14. Rom. 8.11. . Q. What is God the Son? A. The second person in the Trinity, begotten of the Father o john 1.18. , and sending forth the holy Ghost p Rom. 8.9. . Q. What is God the holy Ghost? A. The third person in the Trinity, proceeding from the Father and the Son q john 15.26. . Q. What are the works of God? Psal. 124.8 Rom. 11.36. A. First, the creation of the world: Secondly, the upholding and governing thereof by his providence. Q. Wherefore did God make you? A. To serve and glorify him r Deut. 32.18. Rev. 4.11. . Q. In what estate did God mak● you at the first in Adam? A. After his own image, consisting especially in righteousness and true holiness s Gen. 1.26. Eccl. 7.29. Ephes. 4.24. . Q. Did mankind continue in tha● excellent estate wherein they were created? A. No, but lost it by the enticement of the devil, and their own wilful disobedience, eating the forbidden fruit t Gen. 3.2. 2 Cor. 11.3. , and by Adam's fall, all men are conceived and borne in sin u Rom. 5.12 Eph. 2.1, 2, 3. , and subject to all miseries in this life x Deut. 27.26 & 28.15. , and in the end of this life, to death y Rom. 6.23. , and to hell fire ever after z Luke 16.26. Mat. 25.46. . Q. How dost thou hope to be saved from such miseries? A. Only by jesus Christ, by faith believing in him a Gal. 3.13. . Q. Is it for the worthiness of faith ●hat we are saved? A. No, but only for the worthiness of jesus Christ, upon whom faith layeth hold b 1 Cor. 13.9. Mark. 9.24. . Q. What is jesus Christ? A. He is the only begotten Son of God c Mar. 17.5. Esa. 9.6. Rom 9.5. , and he is both God and man; as God he is an eternal spiritual being, (as the Father and the holy Ghost be) but as man, he consisteth of a reasonable soul and humane flesh d john 1.14. . Q. Why was it needful that he should be man? A. First, because man had sinned, and therefore suffering in the nature which had sinned, he might satisfy, and God be just in forgiving e Rom. 3.26. , and to be a redeeming kinsman according to the law, where a kinsman might ransom out of slavery f Leu. 25.49. . Secondly, that he might comfort us from experience in his own flesh g Heb. 2.17. & 4.15. . Thirdly, that he might sanctify our nature, as he that leadeth to glory, and they that ar● lead, so he that sanctifieth, and they that are sanctified, must both be o● one nature h Heb. 2.10, 11 . Q. Why was it needful that he● should be God? A. First, to sustain and uphold the manhood to overcome and vanquish death. Secondly, to merit, and to make his suffering satisfactory k Acts 20.28 , and to renew the image of Go● in us l 1 Cor. 1.30 ; and therefore although Chris● suffered but for a short time, it i● more than if all men had suffere● for ever m Heb. 9.14 1 Tim. 2.6. . Q. Shall all men be saved by Christ A. No, but few in comparison of them that perish n Mat. 7.13, 14. . Q. Who shall be saved by him, or how can any be partakers of Christ and his merits? A. Only true believers shall be saved o john 3.18.36 Acts 13.48 & 16.31 , and faith is that by which they apprehend and apply Christ, with all his merits to themselves. Q. What is faith? A. A grace of God p Eph. 2.8. john 6.29. , wrought by the Gospel q Ro. 10 14.15 Gal. 3.2.12. , whereby a believer hath some knowledge of the things contained in the whole written Word of God r 1 Tim. 2.4. , and doth consent to them to be true and good s Rom. 7.16. , and doth apply the promises therein contained to himself in particular t john 1.12 job 19.25. john 20.28, 29 Gal. 2.20. . Q. Where is the sum of things to be believed contained? A. In the Creed commonly called the Apostles Creed, which is grounded upon the Scriptures. Q. What is that Creed? A. I believe in God, etc. Q. How many Articles be in the Creed? A. Twelve. Q. Which is the first? A. I believe in God the Fath●● Almighty, maker of heaven an● earth. Q. What meanest thou hereby? A. I believe that God the F●ther made the world, and all thing therein u 1 Cor. 8.6. Acts 4.24 , and governeth the sam● by his almighty power x Heb. 1.3 Acts 17.28 Mat. 10.29. . Q. What is the second Article? A. And in jesus Christ his only begotten Son our Lord. Q. What dost thou mean hereby? A. I believe that the second pe●son in the Trinity, y Mat. 1.21. is jesus, because he saveth his people from their sins and Christ, because anointed, tha● is, set apart of God, according t● both his natures, and filled wit● graces, as man z Psal. 45.7. , to be a Prophet t● teach the Church by his Word an● Spirit a Esa. 61.1. john 6.45. Mat. 3.17. , also to be a Priest to offer v● himself a sacrifice, and to make intercession for us b Heb. 7.21.24 25, 26, 27. , and a King to govern and protect us, and to destroy his and our enemies c Luke 1.33. ; and his only Son, because he is only begotten of the Father, by eternal generation d john 1.14. ; and our Lord, because he hath redeemed us e Rom. 14.9. . Q. What is Redemption? A. The ransoming of the elect ●ut of the captivity of sin, death, ●nd the Devil, 1 Pet. 1.18. Heb. 2.14. Col. 2.15. by the precious ●lood of Christ, paid to his Father, ●nd forcibly vanquishing our spiritual enemies. Q. What is the third Article? A. Which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Mary. Q. What meanest thou hereby? A. That jesus Christ was not conceived as other men, but that ●is humane nature was miraculously ●ade, and sanctified by the holy Ghost f Luke 1.35. , in the womb of the Vir●in Mary, and so united to his Godhead, and then afterward in ●he ordinary time of travel, according to the course of nature, he was ●orne after the manner of men g Luke 2.6.7. , yet without sin h Heb. 2.15. . Q. What is the fourth Article? A. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell. Q. What meanest thou hereby? A. Christ was for our sakes arraigned before an earthly judge, Pontius Pilate, who giving sentence against him, his hands and feet were nailed to a Cross i joh. 19.15, 16 , he was put to death, and suffered not only pains in his body, but sorrow in his soul k Mat. 26.38, 39 & 27.46.50. , before his death: his body was also buried l Mat. 27 59.60 , and for part of three days he was held captive of death, and in the state of the dead, and did victoriously triumph over the Devil, and destroy the enemies of our salvation m Eph. 4.9. & 2.14, 15. . Q. What is the fift Article? A. The third day he rose again from the dead. Q. What meanest thou hereby? A. The same body of Christ that was dead, and laid in the grave, was by his divine power raised to life, and the same soul that was in it before, was brought into it again n Mat. 28.6 Acts 10.40. . Q. What is the sixth Article? A. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. Q. What is meant by his ascension into heaven? A. Christ, forty days after his resurrection in the sight of his Disciples, was in soul and body, together taken out of this world into the highest heaven o john 20.17. Luke 24.51. Acts 1.10, 11. . Q. What is meant by his sitting at the right hand of God? A. The glory and power of government which Christ had as mediator when he ascended into heaven, which shall continue until the end of the world p Psal. 110.1. Eph. 1.20. Phil. 2.9. Mat. 26.67. ; for properly God the Father hath not right hand, or left hand, as being a spirit. Q. What is the intercession of Christ? A. First, he appeareth and presenteth himself to his Father in his person and merits, as the public person of the elect that shall believe on him q Heb. 9.24. & 10.12.14. . Secondly, he willeth that his Father would accept us and our service through him r john 17.24. & 16.23.24.27. , and that not with tears, vocal prayers, or kneeling, as when he was upon the earth, but in high glory. Q. What is the seventh Article? A. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. Q. What meanest thou hereby? A. I believe that at the end of the world, Christ will come to judge such as be dead before the last day, and such as then shall be alive s Mat. 25.32.33 Acts 10, 42. ● Thes. 4.16.17 , absolving the godly, and condemning the wicked. Q What is the eight Article? A. I believe in the holy Ghost. Q. What is meant thereby? A. I ought to believe that the third person in the Trinity is true God t Es. 6.9.10. Acts 28.25, 26. & 5.3.11. , proceeding from the Father and the Son u john 5.26. & 16.14. , and that he worketh from the Father & the Son and by himself immediately, spiritual graces in the faithful, and particularly in myself x 1 Cor. 6.11. & 12.11. . Q. What are some graces of the holy Ghost given only to the elect? A. First, giving to a believer knowledge of his effectual calling and justification y Es. 53.11. 1 john. 4.16. & 5.19.20. . Secondly, Regeneration & Sanctification, to whic● may be annexed Repentance z john 3.5. Thirdly, government by counsel a Rom. 8.14. Psal. 73.23, 24. , making a man to see his way, and by motion b ●s. 30.21. Hos. 2.14. , inclining him, and by confirmation c Ezek. 36.27. Es. 11.2. . Fourthly, comfort d Psal. 45 7. john 15.26. , Fiftly, prayer with reverence, confidence, and effectual fervency, not only for heaven, but also for grace e Zach. 12.10. Luke 11.13. Rom. 8.15.26.27 . Q. What is vocation or effectual calling? A. A work of God f jude 1. , separating the elect from the world g Eph. 2.19. , giving Christ to them h john 3.16. , & them to Christ i john 17.6. , whereby they have union and communion with him k Eph. 4.15.16 . Q. What is justification? A. A work of the whole Trinity, judicially acquitting the faithful from all their sins, through the sufferings of Christ, and accepting them to eternal life, through the imputation of his holiness and obedience l ●om. 8.33.34 & 4.6.7. & 5.18. . Q. What is Sanctification? A. A work of the whole Trinity, whereby a believer hath his sins mortified, and inherent holiness wrought throughout the whole man m Ezek 36.26. ● Thes. 5.23. Rom. 6.4.5. . Q. What is Repentance? A. A grace of God wrought by the Gospel n Luke 9.6. Mark 6.12. , whereby a believing sinner so humbleth himself for all his sins o 2 Cor. 7.10. , that he turneth from them to righteousness p Acts 26.20. Luke 24.47 Ezech. 18.30. Neh. 10.28. . Q. What is the ninth Article? A. I believe the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints. Q. What is the Church? A. The whole company of God's people, chosen and effectually called out of the world, both such as be on earth and in heaven q john 10.16. Acts 20.28. Heb. 12.22, 23. Acts 2.39. . Q. Why is the Church said to be holy? A. r 1 Cor. 1.2 2 Pet. 3.13. Heb. 12.23. Because of Christ's righteousness imputed to it, and also because of inherent holiness begun in the Church militant, and perfect in the triumphant. Q. Why is the Church called Catholic or universal? A. First, in respect of time, because it hath been in all ages s Psal. 102. vlt. . Secondly, in respect of persons, consisting of some of all sorts and degrees, rich and poor t 1 Tim. 2.4. , etc. Thirdly, in respect of place u Acts 10.34, 35 john 11.52 Rev. 5.9.10. Gal. 3.28. , because it hath been gathered out of all parts of the earth, successively, although not all at one time. Q. What is meant by communion of Saints? A. Saints be holy people, whether living x 1 Cor. 14.33 or dead y Psal. 16.3.7. . Communion signifieth the fellowship they have both with Christ the head z Psal. 73.26. 1 john 1.3.7. Eph. 4.3, 4, 5, 6. & 5.32. 1 Cor. 1.9. , and one member with another, by love and the fruits thereof a Acts 4.32. Phil. 3.20 . Q. What is the tenth Article? A. I believe the forgiveness of sins. Q. What is meant thereby? A. I believe, that through the suffering of Christ, the guilt of sin binding to punishment, is taken away from the true members of the Church b Psal. 32.5. Ezek. 18.22. Mich. 7.19. 1 john 1.7. . Q. What is the eleventh Article? A. I believe the resurrection of the body. Q. What is meant thereby? A. Every believer ought to believe, that the bodies of all that have been dead from the beginning of the world, to the end thereof, shall have their souls united to them, and live again c john 5.28, 29 job 19.25. 1 Cor. 15.22. . Q. What is the twelfth Article? A. I believe the life everlasting. Q. What is meant hereby? A. The bodies & souls of God's people being united again, the godly shall have everlasting blessedness, and the wicked endless torment d Dan. 12.2. Phil. 3.21. Mat 25.46. . Q. Is there required no more but an historical profession of these twelve Articles? A. I ought to have a particular faith, to believe God the Father to be my Father, God the Son my Redeemer, God the holy Ghost my Sanctifier, and that I am a member of the Catholic Church, and that remission of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting, belong not only to other of God's people, but in particular to myself e james 2.19 john 20.28 job 19.25. Luke 1.47. G l. 2.20. . Q. Are not good works required of us, as well as faith? A. Yes f Ephes. 2.10. Tit. 3.14 . Q. What is a good work? A. That which is done in obedience g Mich. 6.8. Deut. 12.32 and honour of God h Mat. 5.16. 1 Cor. 10.31 , by the virtue of Christ i john 15. , out of the knowledge of his will, with faith of acceptance of the person and service k Heb. 11.6. . Q What are some particular good works? A. Both duties to God immediately, as love, fear, humility, patience, zeal, prayers, sanctifying the Lord's day, etc. and duties to men to be performed for conscience of God's commandment, as mercy, righteousness, temperance, chastity, contentation, modesty, and diligence in a man's own particular calling. Q. Where is the sum of good works briefly set down? A. In the ten Commandments of the moral law. Ex. 20.1. to 18. Q. What is the first Commandment? A. I am the Lord thy God, etc. Thou shalt have none other Gods before me. Q. What is briefly the sum and scope of the first Commandment, and what be some of the duties commanded therein? A. That we have & choose the true God only for our God, giving him inward worship, as first, to know God aright l 1 Chron. 28.9 ; secondly, to trust only in him m 2 Chro. 20.20 ; thirdly, to love him above all n Deut. 6.5. ; fourthly, to fear him above all o Deut. 6.13. ; fifthly, to be patiented in afflictions p Psal. 39.9 ; sixthly, to humble ourselves before him q Micah 9.8 ; seventhly, to call upon him with our heart r Psal. 50.15 ; eightly, zeal s Psal. 69.9 ; ninthly, inward obedience t Deut. 28.1 . Q. What be some of the sins forbidden in the first Commandment? A. First, ignorance and false opinions concerning the true God u Hos. 4.1.6 . Secondly, distrust, presumption, and trust in creatures x Deut. 29.19 Psal. 78.22 . Thirdly, hatred of God y Rom. 8.7 , counterfeit love of God z 2 Tim. 3.5 , and immoderate love of riches and other creatures a Eph. 5.4 2 Tim. 3.4 . Fourthly, carnal security b Prov. 28.14. , servile c 1 john 4.18. , carnal d Esa. 7.2 , and idolatrous fear e jer. 10.5 . Fiftly, pride against God f Es. 10.12 , and feigned humility g 1 King. 21.29 . Sixtly, impatience in afflictions h 2 King. 6.33. . Seventhly, omission of inward prayer and thankfulness to God i Psal. 14.4. Deut. 8.11 . Eightly, lukewarmness, and erring zeal k Rev. 3.15, 16 Rom. 10.2 . Ninthly, inward disobedience to God l Es. 30.1 . Q. What is the second Commandment? A. Thou shalt not make to thyself, etc. Q. What is the sum of the second Commandment, and what be some of the duties commanded therein? A. In general to enjoin us solemnly to perform outward worship to God m Deut. 12.30 31, 32 , and in particular, first, to worship God by such means, and after such manner as he hath prescribed in his Word, as by the Ministry of his Word n & 5.28, 29 Eph. 4.11, 12 , Prayer o Acts 2 42 , Sacraments, Discipline p Matt. 18.15 , and lawful swearing q Deut. 6.13 ; secondly, to use decent rites r 1 Cor. 14.40 ; thirdly, & fit gesture in God's worship s Neh. 8.6 Psal. 141.2 ; fourthly, to use such helps thereunto as God hath appointed, as fasting t joel 2.12.17 , vows u Psal 119.106 , and preparation for preaching by education and maintenance x 2 Kings 4.38 Deut. 12.19 Gal 6.6, 7 , and good company. Q. What be some o● the sins forbidden in the second Commandment? A. First, to make images of God y Deut. 4.15, 16 ; secondly, images of creatures religiously used z Hab. 2.18 ; thirdly, humane inventions and traditions made parts of God's worship a Mat. 15.9 ; fourthly, neglect of God's outward worship b Heb. 10.25 ; fifthly, adoring and calling upon creatures c Rev. 19.10 ; sixthly, unlawful society with idolaters d Mal. 2.11 2 Chron. 19.2 . Q. What is the third Commandment? A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, etc. Q. What is the sum of the third Commandment, and what be some of the duties commanded therein? A. In general to glorify God in our lives f Es. 8.13 Mat. 5.16 , in particular in our thoughts, words, & deeds, reverently to use first, God's titles; as God, Lord, Almighty g Deut. 28.58, 59 ; secondly, his religion, as the Word h Esa. 66.2 2 Thes. 3.1, 2 , Prayer i Prov. 15.8 1 Tim. 2.8 , Sacraments k 1 Cor 11.28. , oath l jer. 4.2 and vows m Eccl. 5.3, 4 ; thirdly, his works of creation n Rom. 1.20 , and providence in judgements and mercies o 1 Tim. 4.4, 5 Psal. 116.12, 13 job 1.21 . Q What be some of the sins forbidden in the third Commandment? A. First, unreverent thoughts and words about God's titles p Psal. 50.21. job 1.5 Ezod. 5.2 ; secondly, concerning religious duties, abusing them by making jests and charms of the Scriptures q Deut. 18.10, 11 , and by ●raying and receiving the Sacraments unpreparedly r Psal. 50.16, 17 Esa. 66.3 , and by swea●ing falsely s Mal. 3.5. and vainly t Math. 5.37 james 5.12 , and loving ●uch oaths; and by vows forced, and hypocritical, and to do things unlawful u Acts 23 12 , and by living wickedly in the profession of religion x 1 Cor. 7.9 ; thirdly, concerning the creatures, to dispraise them y Rom. 2.24 , and abuse them by sorcery z E● 45.9 , riotousness a 1 Pet. 4.4 , and unthankfulness b Hos. 2.8 . Q. What is the fourth Commandment? A. Remember thou keep holy, etc. Q. What is the sum and scope of the fourth Commandment, and what be some of the duties commanded therein? A. In general to appoint the special time of God's solemn worship: in particular; first, to rest from works of a civil nature which necessity in charity doth not require c Exod. 34. 2● Neh. 13.15, 16 17, 19 ; secondly, to perform holy duties, as first to prepare ourselves, rising betimes, and praying privately, &c d Eccl. 5.1, 2 Mark 1.35.39 Exod. 32.5, 6 . secondly, to come timely to the assembly e Acts 20.7 & 13.15 2 Kings 4.22, 23 Ezek. 46 10 and to join with the people of God in the duties there performed; thirdly, afterward to use private conference f Mal. 3.16 , meditation g Psal. 119.11.13.14, 15 Gen. 18.18. Psal. 92 , reading h Rev. 1.3 , singing i Col. 3.16 , reconciling such as be at variance, visiting the sick, and relieving the poor k 1 Cor. 16.1, 2 Luke 14.15 Rom. 7.14 ; and lastly, doing all in a good 〈◊〉 with holy thoughts l Es. 58.13 Am. 8.5 , delighting in the duties of the Sabbath m Neh. 13.15, 16, 17, 20 jer. 17.20, 21, 22. Es. 58.13 . Q. What be some of the sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment? A. First, omitting preparation for sanctifying the Lords day: Secondly, to do works or speak words, or think thoughts about th● affairs of this life, further than necessity in charity require n Psal. 92. title, with ver. 13.14 : thirdly, ●o abuse the rest idleness, vain sports drunkenness, etc. fourthly, to omit holy duties public or private, in whole or in part, and not to flourish according to the means of blessing n Psal. 92. title, with ver. 13.14 : fifthly, to omit to reforms others as any hath power. Q. What is the fift Commandment? A. Honour thy father, etc. Q. What is the scope of the fifth Commandment, and what besom duties commanded therein? A. In general to enjoin us to pres●rue the dignity of our neighbo●● and of ourselves; in particular, inferiors must yield reverence o Psal. 72.9 Leu. 19.32. and obedience p 1 Pet. 2.13 to their superiors, and maintenance if occasion require it q 1 Tim. 5.3 , and superiors ought to show a fatherly care of inferiors, by gravity, moderation, good example r Psal. 101.2 1 Pet. 3.7 Tit. 2.2.4 , and causing such as they govern, to be of the true religion in profession s Gen. 21.4 Eph. 6.3, 4 , and equals in giving honour aught to pre●●re each other t Rom. 10.12 . Q. What be some sins forbidden in the fifth Commandment? to name only the sins of inferiors? A. In subjects, to despise and speak evil of Magistrates u Exod. 22.28 , to be disobedient to their lawful commandments, and to rebel; in hearers, to despise their Ministers x 2 Chron. 26 16. ; in children, unreverence and disobedience to their Parents y Leu. 20.9 Deut. 27.16 ; so in servants towards Masters, Mistresses and Dames z Tit. 2.9 ; wives to husbands a 2 Sam. 6.20 young to aged b Es. 3.5 , inferiors in gifts, to their superiors, not giving honour according to the rules of God's word. Q. What is the sixth Commandment? A. Thou shalt do no murder. Q. What is the sum and scope of the sixth Commandment, and what be some duties commanded therein? A. In general to enjoin us t● preserve the life of the souls and bodies of our neighbours, and o● ourselves; in particular, concerning ●●e soul of our neighbour, to teach him, pray for him, and to give goo● example c jude 22.23 james 5.20 . Concerning his bodily life, first, in heart to be meek an● merciful d Rom. 12.15 Am. 6.6 ; secondly, in word courteously to give mild answers e 1 Pet. 3.8 Prov. 15: 1. thirdly, in actions to feed & cloth f Mat. 25.41.45 Prov. 3.28 to help him in danger g Mark 3.4 1 john 3.16 Gen. 13.8 Prov. 19.11 , to take a way, or prevent occasions of strife Concerning our own souls, t● hear the Word, and use other exercises for health and growth h Esa. 55.4 1 Pet. 2.2 , an● for our bodies to use food, sleep▪ physic, labour, lawful recreation i Prov. 15.13 Eccl. 5.18, 19, 20. , ●nd to repel violence offered by just defence, and to fly infections if we ●e free, & not bound by our calling to abide in the place. Q. What be some sins forbidden ●n the sixth Commandment? A. First, in heart, unjust anger k Mat. 5.22 , hatred, envy, grudging, rejoicing ●t other men's harms, unmercifulness, and desire of revenge l Gal. 5.20 Rom. 12.19 ; second●y, cruel countenance and gesture m Gen. 4.6 1 Sam. 18.9 ; ●hirdly, with the tongue n Gal 4.29 Leu. 19.16. james ●. 9. reviling, complaining, talebearing, slandering, scoffing, scorning and cursing; fourthly, in deed, not relieving o 1 john 3.17 , not defending, and by fight in ●ime of peace p Tit. 3.2 , and hurting and ta●ing away life q Gen. 9.6 : and concerning the soul, by nor instructing, by partaking in schism, and by evil example r Ezek. 3.17 Rom. 14.13.15 Math. 18.6 : and concerning a man's own soul, by neglecting instruction, and living wickedly; s Prov. 29.1 Ez●k. 1●. 4 and concerning his body, neglecting food, and physic, and thrusting himself into danger t Mat. 4.6 . Q. What is the seventh Commandment? A. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Q. What is the sum of the seventh Commandment, and what be● some duties commanded therein? A. In general to preserve th● chastity of ourselves and our neighbours, and particularly, first, inwar● chastity of the mind u Mat. 5.8.28 ; secondly, modesty in countenance, words, apparel, & behaviour x job 31.1 Gen. 4.1, 2 Es. 7.20 1 Cor. 7.3 1 Tim. 2.9, 10 Deut. 23.12, 13 ; thirdly, sobriety in diet y Pro. 23.30.33 ; fourthly, diligence in hi● vocation z 2 Sam. 11.2 ; fifthly, chaste company a Prov. 5.8 sixthly, marriage for them that cannot otherwise contain b 1 Cor. 7.2.5.9 Heb. 13.4 , and married persons ought to dwell together, and to delight in each other c Prov. 5.18, 19 Q. What be some sins forbidden in the seventh Commandment? A. First, provocations and accessories to uncleanness, as fullness o● bread d Ezek. 16.49 Rom. 13.13 Prov. 23.20.33 1 Cor. 5.9 , idleness, wanton company ᵉ, wanton sports, pictures and Books, and forbidding marriage's secondly, inward lusts of the heart f Mat. 5.28 the eyes, ears and tongue imploye● wantonly g 1 Cor. 15.33 2 Pet. 2.14 ; fourthly, fornication, adultery, incest, bestiality, & sodomy in act h Deut. 17.20. . Q. What is the eight Commandment? A. Thou shalt not steal. Q. What is the sum and scope of the eight Commandment? and what be some duties commanded therein? A. In general to preserve our own and our neighbour's goods, and particularly, first, to walk in some honest vocation i Eph. 4.28 ; secondly, to be content with our estate k 1 Tim. 6.6 Phil. 4.11 , thirdly, to be frugal, and not unthrifty l Prov. 21.20 john 6.12 ; fourthly, dealing plainly without guile or deceit m Psal. 15.2 Luke 19.8 ; fifthly, faithfulness and constancy in words and promises n Psal. 15.4 Deut. 24.14 ; sixthly, righteousness in bargaining o 1 Thes. 4.6 Am. 8.6 Leu. 19.35 , seventhly, restoring things found, and labouring to find the owner p Deu. 22.1, 2, 3 ; eightly, to lend freely q Psal. 112.5 Luke 6.35 ; ninthly, to give to uses public and private as occasion may be r 2 Sam. 17.27 etc. Exod. 36.5, 6 ; lastly, to preserve and increase our own estate by honest and good means s Eph. 4.28 . Q. What be some sins forbidden in ●he eight Commandment? A. First, covetous desire of other men's goods t 1 Tim. 6.9.10 ; secondly, envying at other men's prosperity u Pro. 24.19, 20 ; thirdly, murmuring and excessive sorrow for losses x Mat. 6.25.34 ; fourthly, idleness y 2 Thes. 3.10, 11, 12 ; fifthly, unlawful getting, by magic, gaming, stealing, deceit in buying and selling z Am. 8.6 , borrowing and not paying a Psal. 37.21 , and usury b Psal. 15.5 ; sixthly, by holding all things common; seventhly, by theft against himself by niggardliness, unadvised suretyship c Pro. 20.26, 27 , and prodigality d 1 Tim. 5.8 . Q. What is the ninth Commandment? A. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Q. Who is meant by our neighbour? A. Every man, woman & child being of our own flesh e Es. 58.7 Lu. 10.29. etc. , whether friend or enemy, dwelling near us or fare from us. Q. What is the sum of the nint● Commandment, and what be some duties commanded therein? A. The preserving of our own and our neighbours good name, an● particularly, concerning others; first in heart, gladly to hear good of others f Rom. 1.8 Col. 1.3, 4.10 , and evil unwillingly an● sorrowfully g Psal. 15.3 Prov. 25.23 and to judge thing good, well, and doubtful in the best part h 1 Cor. 13.5 , and not lightly to believe the evils reported of others, or all that we hear i Prov. 14 15 ; secondly, to speak the truth in love k Eph. 4.15.25 , publicly and privately, without flattery l Prov. 27.14 , or slander m Psal. 15.3 , and to defend their good names n 1 Sam. 22.14 , and conceal secrets o Prov. 11.13. , and to be thankful to men for benefits p ●om. 16.4 , and to advice men to such virtuous ways, as procure a good name q Phil. 4.8 ; lastly, care of our own good name, by not attempting things too high r Psal. 131.1 Luke 14. , and by giving true testimony of ourselves, as occasion may be, concerning good and evil said of us, s 1 Cor. 15.10 jonah 1.10 james 5.15 and doing such virtuous actions as be of good report, avoiding blame, and the suspicion of it t 2 Cor. 8.20, 21 . Q. What be some sins forbidden in the ninth Commandment? A. Concerning others, first, omissions, as not clearing or defending the afflicted, when we may u Gen. 40.23 Prov. 24.11, 12. , and forbearing company of men without cause x job 19.3 , and unthankfulness to men y 2 Tim. 3.2 ; secondly, commissions inter●●ll, by suspicion and disdain z Prov. 14.21 1 Tim. 6.4 , and external by mocking a Gen. 21.9 , bewraying secrets b Prov. 11.13 , wresting words c 1 Sam. 22.9.10 Psal. 52.1, 2 , lying d Rev. 22.15 , breaking promise e 2 Tim. 3.3 , slandering f Psal. 15.3 , and receiving slanders, and by flattery g Prov. 24.24. and praising or defending wickedness; and concerning himself by boasting h Prov. 27.2 , and unlawful debasing himself, and losing his good name by sinful courses. Q. What is the tenth Commandment? A. Thou shalt not covet, etc. Q. What duties be commanded in the tenth Commandment? A. First, holy thoughts concerning our neighbours and ourselves secondly, i 1 Tim. 1.5 Heb. 13.5 1 Pet. 1.22. 1 Thes. 5.23 earnestly and constantly to suppress evil lusts and motions k Rom. 7.21, 22 23, 24 . Q. What be some of the sins forbidden in the tenth Commandment? A. First, want of desire of the good of ourselves or others l Rom. 7.7 ; secondly, evil concupiscence, and motions in thoughts and affections, against our neighbour, with delight although without consent, to perform them or to the delight m james 1.14 . Q. Canst thou keep all the Commandments? A. No n Rom. 7.18, 19 & 8.3. 1 john 1.10 , yet the Law is some means to humble us o Gal. 3.24 Rom. 3.19.20 , and is a rule of good life, and our imperfect obedience is accepted through Christ, who hath freed us from the rigour of it p Mal. 3.17 . Q. Are not believers saved for the worthiness of their good works? A. No, First, because they cannot do them by their own power q Phil. 2.13 ; secondly, they are debt bound to do them r Luke 17.10 ; thirdly, there is no proportion between the works and the reward s Rom. 8.18 ; fourthly, believers are saved freely t Rom. 6.23 Eph. 2.8, 9 . Q. Are believers justified by their works? A. No, first, because their works are not perfectly good, in many things we sinne all u Es. 64.6 1 Kings 8 46 , and our best works are mixed with sin; secondly, the faithful have renounced justification by works x Psal. 143.2 & 120.3. job 9.3 Phil. 3.7, 8 , thirdly, the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, consisting of his suffering, holiness, and active obedience, is that whereby we are justified y 2 Cor. 5.21 , fourthly, good works are fruits following justification, Christ justifieth effectively, faith apprehensively, works declaratively. and declare us to be justified, they be not causes of our justification. Q. To what ends then should we do good works? A. First, concerning God, to testify our obedience and thankfulness to God, and to be like him z 1 Pet. 1.15 Eph. 5.1 , secondly, concerning ourselves to testify our faith to be true a james 2.17 , and to make our calling and election sure b 2 Pet. 1.5, 6 7, 10. , and to walk in the way to obtain God's promises c Prov. 3.17 thirdly, concerning others, to put to silence the ignorance of evil doers d 1 Pet. 2.15 , and to win them to Christ e 1 Pet. 3.1 , and to strengthen them that are converted, and to preserve the bodies of other men f Mat. 25 . Q. By what means doth God ordinarily work faith and other graces in his elect and chosen? A. By the preaching of the Gospel g Rom. 10.14.17. james 1.18. 1 Pet. 1.23. Gal. 3.2. . Q. By what means doth God ordinarily increase faith and other graces? A. First, by the h 1 Pet. 2.2. Acts 20.32. Word preached and read; secondly, by prayer i jude 20. , thirdly, by receiving the Sacraments k Rom. 4.11. ; fourthly, by experience l john 7.17. 1 john 3.19. . Q. What is the Lords Prayer which he taught his Disciples? A. Our Father which art in heaven, etc. Q. How many Petitions doth the Lord's Prayer contain? A. Six, whereof the three first concern the glory of God, and the three last the necessities of our own souls and bodies. Q. What is the Preface? A. Our Father which art in heaven. Q. What learn we out of the Preface? A. First, that we should pray only to God m Psal. 50.15. Rom. 10.14. ; secondly, not only for ourselves, but for others n james 5.16. ; thirdly, with affiance to be heard o 1 joh. 5, 14.15 ; fourthly, with reverence to God's Majesty. Q. What is the first Petition? A. Hallowed be thy name. Q. What do we pray for therein? A. That God's name may be acknowledged most holy, and be glorified by us and others i● thought q Rom. 4.20. Esay 8.13. , word r 1 Pet. 3.15. , and deed s 1 Cor. 10.31 . Q. What is the second Petition? A. Thy Kingdom come. Q. What do we pray for therein? A. That the dominion of sinn● being abolished t Rom. 6.14.17 , God may sanctify us, and so rule in us by his wor● and Spirit, in the Kingdom o● grace here u Col. 1.13. Rom. 14.17. , and that we may be● perfectly obedient subjects in th● life to come x job 17.24. Rev. 22.20. . Q. What is the third Petition? A. Thy will be done in earth, a● it is in heaven. Q. What should we pray for herein A. That we may obey the wi●● of God in truth and sincerity of affection y john 6.40. 1 john 3.23. , as the Angels and Saints i● heaven do, although we cannot i● like degree of perfection z 2 Sam. 14.17 Mat. 18.10. Psal. 119.60. . Q. What is the fourth Petition? A. Give us this day our dail● bread. Q. What should we pray for in th● fourth Petition? A. For all things necessary for the maintenance of this life a Psal. 132.15. & 107.36. Zach. 10.1. Psal. 127.2. & 144.14. Phil. 4.11, 12, 13 , as food apparel, health, commodious dwelling, God's blessing upon the means of our preservation, and contentation with our estates, etc. Q. What is the fifth Petition? A. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. Q. What do we pray for herein? A. For assurance of justification, reconciliation with God, and eternal happiness in heaven b Psal. 51.1.2. , as we who have but little mercy in respect of God, pardon the injuries we have received from men c Mar. 11.25, 26 . Q. What is the sixth Petition? A. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Q. What do we pray for therein? A. For good motions to holiness, and perseverance therein, and for strength in temptations d Psal. 51.10.11 john 8.11. 1 Cor. 10.13 Rom. 6.12, 13. 1 Pet. 5.9. Heb 12.23. 2 Pet. 3.13. , and eternal full holiness in heaven. Q. Wherefore is the conclusion added, For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the glory, for ever and ever? A. First, To strengthen our faith in the obtaining of our requests, God having right, being able, and i● being for his glory to gran● our Petitions e 2 Chro. 20.6, 7 Psal. 50.14.15. ; secondly, for thanksgiving plainly expressed, which i● the Petitions was included, not expressed f 1 Thes. 5.18. Exod. 15. judg. 5. . Q. What is meant by this word Amen? A. It signifieth so be it, so it is, and so it shall be; noting both an● earnest desire to have what we ask, and assurance of faith, that we have or shall obtain the same g 1 Cor. 14 16. The word Sacrament is used in resemblance it hath to the oath whereby Soldiers did bind themselves to their General: we hereby declare that we dedicate ourselves to Christ, to serve him, & to fight against the devil, the world, and the flesh. . Q. What is a Sacrament? A. A holy ordinance, wherein by certain outward signs, ordained by God, Christ with all his benefits is conveied to believers, Gen. 17.11 Rom. 4.11. 1 Cor. 10 16.17 Q. How many Sacraments are there? A. Two, Baptism & the Lord● Supper, 1 Cor. 10.2.3.4. Q. What is Baptism? A. A Sacrament by which such as are within the covenant, are washed with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost: that being thus ingraffed in●● Christ, they may have perpetual ●llowship with him, Math. 28.19. Q. In Baptism, what is the outward and visible sign? A. Water and the Sacramental ●e of it in washing the body by ●ipping or sprinkling h Acts 8.6. & 10 . Q. What is the inward thing signified? A. Christ i Eph. 5.26. 1 john 1.7. , who shed his blood 〈◊〉 wash and cleanse us from the guilt ●nd filthiness of sin. Q. What be the ends of Baptism? A. First, to be a pledge to us of ●ur union with Christ k 1 Cor. 12.13 Gal. 3.27. , and of the forgiveness of our sins l Acts 2.38. , and of ●ur dying to sin m Rom 6.2, 3. , and living to ●ewnesse of life, and of the resurrection of our bodies at the last day n 1 Cor. 15.29 ; ●econdly, to be a means of our first ●ntrance and admission into the visible Church o Eph. 4.5. ; thirdly, to be a ●adge and sign of Christian pro●ession b●fore the world p 1 Pet 3.21. . Q. Why are we baptised into the name of the Father, Son, and holy Ghost? Mat. 28.19. A. To signify that we are baptised by the commandment a●● authority of, and by and with inucation of one God in three person and received into the family an communion with him, 1 john 1.3. and that 〈◊〉 must line only to him, renouncing all other Lords beside. Q. Seeing such as be borne of infidel's and the like, are not to be baptiz●● until they come to years of discretion and be able to make profession of the faith, why are the children of believing Parents baptised in their infancy? A. Because such were circumcised in the old Testament q Gen. 17.17. ; and th● covenant of God is made with th● faithful and their seed, so as th● children of Christians, although they be not without original sinn● yet are borne Christians r 1 Cor. 7.14. Rom. 11.16. Gal. 1.15. The outward sign & inward grace do not always go together, some being sanctified before, as Abraham before circumcision, Cornelius and the Eunuch before baptism: some after, as Pa●l ●fter circumcision, & so many infants: some never, as rep●o●ates. , and n● Infidels or Pagans, and are holy b● a kind of external holiness, bein● within the general covenant, a● though not always holy in regard of inward sanctification, which i● the special covenant of grace. Q. Why are we baptised but once and yet must often receive the Lord's ●upper? It is called a Supper, because a spiritual banquet, and also was first celebrated in the evening. And, of the Lord, because instituted by him, and in remembrance of him, and by faith there is feeding upon him in a spiritual manner. A. Because it is enough once to ●e borne, admitted and planted in●o Christ and the covenant, but we ●eed often to be nourished, that we may grow in grace, Rom. 11.29. Q. What is the Lords Supper? A. A Sacrament, whereby with the outward signs of Bread and Wine, such as are ingraffed into Christ, are in him daily in a spiritual manner nourished to eternal life, ● Cor. 11.23.24.25. Q. In the Lord's Supper, what is ●he outward and visible signs? A. Bread and Wine, and the sacramental use thereof in the outward administration & receiving of ●he same, Matth. 26.26.27.28. Q. What is the inward thing signified? A. The Body and Blood of Christ for our spiritual nourishment. Q. What are the ends and uses of ●he Lords Supper, or why should any desire to be partakers thereof? A. First, thankfully to she forth the death and suffering Christ s 1 Cor. 11. Luke 22.19. ; secondly, to reach and co●firme us concerning our communion and growth with and in Chri●● applying Christ, and Iustificatio● Sanctification, eternal life, and a the rest of his benefits to our selu●● in particular t 1 Cor. 10.16.17. thirdly, to decla●● our communion and growth in lo●● with our brethren u 1 Cor. 13.13. . Q. How are the elements of Bre●● and Wine consecrated in the Sacrament? A. By rehearsing the institution and promises of Christ, and b● prayer and thanksgiving, and applying the outward elements to spiritual use x Mat. 26.26.27 28. 1 Cor. 10.16. & 11.23. 1 Tim. 4.4, 5. . Q. How long do the Bread an● Wine continue consecrated to be signs the body and blood of Christ? A. Only during the time o● the celebration and administration of the Sacrament and no longer; bu● after the use, they be common a● before. Q. Seeing all may not receive th● Lords Supper, but only such as can and ●e examine themselves wherein ought christians to examine themselves? A. First, concerning the knowledge in the grounds of Religion, ●d in particular, concerning the doctrine of the Sacrament y 1 Cor. 11: 26 28. second●●, concerning their faith z 2 Cor. 33.5. ; thirdly, repentance a 1 Cor. 5.7.8. fourthly, love b Mat. 5.23. . Q. It appeareth we may not re●●ue the Lords Supper, if we find not ●●ese things at all in ourselves c 1 Cor. 11.27.29. , and at the wicked do not receive the body ●●d blood of Christ d joh. 6.54. , but only the outward elements: but what if we find ●●em but weak and feeble? A. Then we may and aught to ●●ceiue, to be further strengthened e Math. 11.28. & 12.20. . Q. What is to be considered of us in ●e time of celebrating the Lords Supper? A. By the two signs, that Christ a perfect Saviour f Heb. 7.25. ; by consecrating ●d setting apart the Bread and ●ine, that Christ was appointed of ●od to be our Mediator g john 6.27. ; by brea●●ng the Bread, and pouring out the ●ine, that Christ suffered for us h Es. 53.5. john 19.34: ; by giving the Bread and Wine, th● God giveth Christ, with all his merit's, to true believers; by receiving the Bread and Wine, the application of Christ and his merits to o●● salvation i Gal. 2.20. . Q. What is to be done after the receiving the Lords Supper? A. Thanksgiving for Chr●● and all his benefits, and renewing our faith, repentance, and obedience, as we covenanted at the Lor● Table. Q. Is the Bread and Wine turn● into the body and blood of Christ? A. No, first, because the faithful in the old Testament did eat t● same spiritual meat that we do but they could not feed on him therwise then by faith, k 1 Cor. 10.1, 2, 3, 4. he haui●● not then taken flesh; second●● Christ's body shall be in heaven v●till the day of judgement l Acts. 3.21. third●● Christ said, Do this in remembrance of me, therefore he mea● not to be bodily present; fourth●● if the outward sign be taken awa● there is no Sacrament. Q. What is meant by these words of our Saviour, This is my Body, and this is my Blood? A. Math. 26.26.27.28. This doth signify and represent ●nto you, my Body crucified, and my Blood shed for remission of your sins, ●nd by your faith, you ar● spiritually partakers of my Body & Blood to eternal life. The grounds of Christian Religion somewhat enlarged by some addition to the Exposition of the Creed, the ten Commandments, and the Lords Prayer, that by often reading them, they may be known, although they be not learned without book, as the former. Question. WHat are the chief thing to be known in Christ●an Religion? A. First, how t● serve God aright Deut. 20.12. 2 Co● 10.31. secondly, ho● we may be happy, Act 16.30.31. Io● 17.3. Matth. 11.28. Q. Where is the knowledge of th● things to be gotten? A. In the holy Scriptures of the o● and new Testament, where God ha●● plainly taught us all things necessary faith and good life, 2 Tim. 3.16.17. ●eut. 12.32. Psal. 19.7. Reuel. 22.18. Q. How do you know the Scriptures to the word of God? A First, by the perfection of the ●●w and the Gospel therein contained: ●●condly, by the fulfilling of the prophet's: thirdly, by the Majesty of the style: ●●rthly, by the efficacy: fifthly, by the miracles: sixthly, by the consent: seventhly, by the wonderful preseruati●● thereof: eightly, by the testimony of 〈◊〉 holy Spirit. Q. Seeing the fundamental and chief ●●●ngs contained in the Scriptures are briefly ●●prised in the Creed, the ten Commandments, and the Lords Prayer; let us ●our to come to the understanding there●●● and first to begin with the Creed, what ●●th it contain? A. Twelve Articles, whereof the ●●t concerneth God the Father, the ●●e next, God the Son, the eight, ●●d the holy Ghost, and the four last, 〈◊〉 Church. Q. Concerning the first Article, I be●●ue in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth: you have already t● me what it is to believe, or what faith is, the definition of a special justifying fait● which is here understood; but are there 〈◊〉 other kinds or sorts of faith which are common, and not peculiar to the elect? A. Yes, there are three other, namely, first, an historical faith, whereby man doth know and assent to the wo● of God: secondly, temporary, where●● one may know, assent unto, and ma●● profession of the word, and sometime have some confused joy, and some ●st●aining graces: third●y, faith of miracles, whereby having some extraordinary promise or revelation, one believeth some miraculous thing shall co●● to pass by the power of God. Q. Although justifying faith be but 〈◊〉 in kind, yet what degrees hath it? A. There is a weak and a stro●● faith, Matth. 6.30. and 14.31. Ro●● 14.1. and 4.18.19.20. Dan. 3. 16.1● and 6. Matth. 8. and 15. Q. What is to be considered in a wea● faith? A. First, the defects thereof, 〈◊〉 weak Christian failing either in knowledge, Matth. 16.23. Act. 1.6. or in ●ot being able to apply the promises to himself, without much doubting, Esa. ●2. 3. secondly, what it hath, and ther●●, first, the seat thereof, an humbled ●eart, Esa. 57.15. secondly, the effects ●f it, he acknowledgeth his sin to be pardonable, disliketh his sins, com●ateth against unbelief, and other corks of the flesh; earnestly desireth ●race, and is teachable, Matth. 5.6. ●sal. 10.17. Reuel. 21.6. also useth the ●eanes to know more, and practiseth ●hat he knoweth: thirdly, the proper●● of it is to increase, by which it differeth from Popish implicit faith. Q. What is to be considered in a strong ●ith or believer? A. First, he hath more knowledge ●hen the weak; secondly, he applieth ●●e promises with more assurance, Rom. ●. 20. thirdly, all virtues and graces ●hich be fruits of faith, be in greater ●easure in him, yet not always in the ●●me degrees, and never without imperfection in this life; where even the strongest Christian hath combat between the flesh and the Spirit, and hath the perfection of parts, not degrees. Q. You have already told me what G● is, now how do you know that there 〈◊〉 such a God? A. First, by the testimony of 〈◊〉 Scripture: secondly, by the creati●● and government of the world a Rom. 1.20. Act. 14.17. : thi●ly, by the horror of the consciences men after the committing of sinn● fourthly, b Rom. 2.15. by the work of God's Spiri● the faith, whereby we understand, th● the world was ordained by the w● of God c Heb. 11.3 . Q. What is it to believe in God? A. To believe that he is in all t● he speaketh, that he is true, that he my God in covenant, counting the 〈◊〉 of my safety, and charge of my happiness, to belong to him, whereby 〈◊〉 heart is stayed on him, and my w● committed to him with a holy secure joh 17.3. 2 Chron. 20.20. Psal. 78. ● jerem. 31.9. 2 Tim. 1.12. Q. What is meant by the word Fath● A. The first person in the Trin● who is the Father of Christ by nat●● joh. 1.14. and of true believers by addition, Rom. 8.11. Q. How is the Father the first person? A. Not in dignity or time, but in order, because he is the fountain of the deity, the Son being from him, and the holy Ghost from both. What is it to believe in the Father? A. To be persuaded that the first person in the Trinity is the Father of Christ by eternal generation, and my Father, by adoption and regeneration, joh. 20.17. Q. What duties learn we from hence? A. First, to study to be according to his image, and to express his virtues, Eph. 5.1. Secondly, to be in subjection to him, Heb. 12.9. Thirdly, to depend upon him for provision and protection, without distrustful care and fear, Matth. 6.31.32. 2 Cor. 6.17.18. Q. What comforts? A. First, we have great dignity, joh. 1.12. Secondly, we shall persevere in God's favour, Esa. 49.14.15. Thirdly, God will bear with our infirmities, Mal. 3.17. Fourthly, we shall want nothing that is good, Luke 11.13. Q. Why is God said to be Almighty? A. First, because he doth, and hindereth whatsoever he will, Psal. 135.6. Secondly, he bringeth to pass all things without any difficulty, Psal. 148.5. T●● dly, he can do more than he doth or will do, Matth. 3.9. and 26 52 53. yet he cannot lie, for that is o● impotency & against his nature, which is truth. Tit. 1.2.2 Tim. 2.13. Q. What duties learn we from hence? A. First, to pray to God, seeking to him as to a strong and alsufficient refuge, Psal. 28.8.9. Secondly, to praise him, 1 Chro. 29.12.13. Thirdly, to tremble at his judgements, Nah. 1.2. Fourthly, to do the duties of our callings, 2 Cor 9 7. Fifthly, to repent, and to humble ourselves before him, 1 Pet. 5.6. Sixtly, to rest upon his power, where we have promise, with firmness of faith, Gen. 18.14. Seventhly, to consider his effectual power that worketh in us, Ephes. 1.19. Q. What comforts have we from God's Almighty power. A. First, such as be wicked, may be converted, Rom. 11.23. Secondly, the converted shall persevere in grace, joh. 10.29. Thirdly, hereby we are supported in our prayers, and against the rage of tyrants, 2 Chro. 20.12. Esa. 51.12.13. Q. What is meant by Creator of heaven and earth? A. Creation is a work of GOD, whereby in the beginning, he made of nothing, the heavens and the earth, and all things therein, visible and invisible; and by his providence continueth things made. Psal. 33.6. jerem. 10.12. joh. 5.17. Q. Why is the creation ascribed to the Father, being common to the whole Trinity? A. Because the Father is the fountain of the other persons, and the actions, working from himself, and by them; also the action of the Father is most manifest in Creating, of the Son ●n Redeeming, and of the holy Ghost ●n Sanctifying: yet all external works ●re common to the whole Trinity, and sometimes are ascribed to every person therein, joh. 1.3. Col. 1.16. job 33.4. Q. To speak particularly of some of ●he creatures, what are Angels? A. Spiritual substances, free from bodies, of greatest knowledge and power among the creatures, Psal. 104 4. 2 King. 19.35. created all good, bu● some have fallen from their first estate 2 Pet. 2.4. Q. What are the good? A. The elect spirits which have continued in their integrity, praising and obeying God, also ministering for th● good of them that shall be heirs of salvation, and punishing the wicked 1 Tim. 5.21. Esa. 6.3. Psal. 103.20. Heb. 1.14. 2 King. 19.35. Ma●●. 13.41. Q. What are evil Angels? A. Devils which voluntarily fe●● from their first estate, left their own habitation, and continually hate an● oppose God and men, labouring t● bring men to destruction, Luke 8.31 Zach. 3.1. Matth. 4.9. 1 Pet. ●. 8. Q What is man? A. A reasonable creature consisting of soul and body, Gen. 2.7. Q. What is the soul? A. A substance incorporeal, invisible, immortal, endued with the faculties of vegetation, sense, reason & will created of God, and united to the body to make the person of man, & to enable him to know and worship his Creator, Eccl. 12.7. Zach. 12 1 Heb. 12.7. Q. Whereof was man made? A. His body at the first was made of the earth, and his soul of nothing, Gen. 2.7. Q. What duties learn we from the Creation? A. First, to worship, fear, and glorify God, and to live to him, in whom we live, Reuel. 4.11. Secondly, Psal. 104.24. Eccles. 7.15. to meditate of the creatures, esteeming them, and to defend the credit of them: Thirdly, to be compassionate to the creatures, and to use them with sobriety. Q. What comforts have we from the creation? A. First, God will preserve and bear with us if we repent, 1 Pet. 4 19 Secondly, GOD can and will show the same power in the redemption of his chosen, Esa. 45 12.13. Esa. 27.11. yet for such as continue impenitent sinners, he that made them, will not have mercy on them. Q. What believe you of the providence of God? A. It is the work of God, whereby all things abide in their being at his will, are ruled and ordered wisely and justly to the good of his children, even the wicked wills of devils and men, and actions to us merely contingent, and whereby he punisheth the creature, or destroyeth it, as he pleaseth, Act 17.28. jer. 10.23. job 1. and 2. Math. 8. and 10.29. Q What duties learn we from God's providence? Esa. 63. A. First, we are to cast ourselves upon him as his confederates: Gen. 3. Secondly, to be thankful for all the good which befalleth us: Thirdly, to be patiented in crosses: Fourthly, to be humbled at our sins: Fiftly, to glorify God's mercy, wisdom, Eccles. 7. and justice in all, not to be over-iust, or overwise, not over-wicked, nor over-foolish. Q. You have heard before that man continued not in the state of innocency wherein he was created, but fell by eating the forbidden fruit. Know further, that Adam and E●e had the Law moral written in their hearts, besides the Law of the Sacrament all tree; but wherein doth the sin of the first fall appear to be great? A. First, Gen. 3. because it was a Sacramental tree, and therefore not to be abused: Secondly, they doubted of God's truth: Thirdly, compacted with God's enemy: Fourthly, consented to the blasphemies of the devil: Fifthly, they were unthankful to God: Sixtly, ambitious: Seventhly, regarded not what should become of their posterity. Q. What came to us their posterity thereby? A. Sin and punishment. Q. What is sin? A. Whatsoever is not fully agreeable to the holiness and perfection of the L●w of God, Rom. 7.7. 1 joh. 3.4. Q. How many kinds of sins are there? A. Original and actual. Q. What is original sin? A. It containeth, first, guiltiness of the sins of Adam, Rom. 5.12 19 secondly, want of original righteousness which should ●e in us, Rom. 3. ●0. 23. thirdly, corruptions spread through all the faculties of soul and body, Ephes. 2.1. and 4.22. Psal. 51.5. Gen. 6.5. Q. Is not original sin equal in all men? A. Yes, Ephes. 2.3. Prou. 27.19. bu● whereas some do not bring forth th● evil fruits of it, so much as some others the difference is, first, by the restraining or secondly, renewing grace of God, o● thirdly, by the temporal judgements o● God, or fear of danger from men. Q. What is actual sin? A. Every thought, motion, word and deed contrary to the Law of God whether by omission of duties commanded, or commission of sins forbidden, Gal. 5, 19.20. Matth. 3.10. an● 5.22. and 12.36. and 15.19. and 25 41. etc. Q. What is the punishment of sin? A. In this life, in the body, disease and pains; in the soul, ho rour and hardness; in name, ignominy and reproach; in goods, hindrances and losses; at the end of this life, death; and after, damnation in hell, Rom. 5.14.17, 18. and 6.23. and 3.19. Deut. 28.21.22.23.37.65 66.67. Mark 9.45.46. Q. Is there no remedy against this misery? A. Yes, God in mercy hath provided a Saviour, as in the second Article, and many of the rest appeareth. Q. Concerning the second Article, And ●●sus Christ his only begotten Son our ●●d: here know, that jesus Christ is the ●nd person in the Trinity, but why is he ●●d jesus? A. jesus signifies a Saviour, and he ●o called, because he saveth his peo●●● from their sins, Matth. 1.21. Q. What is salvation, more particular ●nd largely expressed? A. It containeth, first, what we are ●ed from; secondly, what we obtain. ●●e are freed in this life, first, from the dominion of sin a Rom. 6.6.14. ; secondly, from the ●●se of the Law, the wrath of God, and ●●m the hurt of afflictions, and in ge●●rall, from the punishment of sin, ●●ken b Gal. 3.13 properly. Then at death; first, ●●m the being of sin altogether; se●●●dly, from the temptations of Satan; ●●irdly, from the wrongs of the wic●●d; fourthly, from all diseases, labours ●●d troubles of this life. Then at the ●ay of judgement, besides the things at ●eath before named, c Reu. ●●. 13. there shall be freedom from bodily death. For the ●econd, we obtain in this life, first, vocation; secondly, justification; thi●ly, adoption; fourthly, sanctification fifthly, continual preservation, spiritual and temporal: so fare as is for o● good. Then at death; fi●st, full knowledge d 1 Cor. 12 12. ; secondly, perfect peace of conscience; thirdly, perfect freedom will to God e Heb. 12.23. ; fourthly, perfect love God, Angels and men f 1 Cor. 13.13. ; fifthly, f●● joy g Psal. 16.11. ; sixthly, fellowship with Ch●ist seventhly, the heavenly Paradise God, and the body even in the grave remains united to Christ. h Luk 23.43. Phil. 1.23. Then at t●● day of judgement; first, the soul ha●● the benefits before mentioned at deat● secondly, the body shall be strong, bea●tifull, and immediately sustained b● God; thirdly, both soul and body sha● have, first, perfection of nature & grac● secondly, the presence of God, and 〈◊〉 the Angels and Saints; thirdly, immortality; fourthly, heaven. Q. What duties learn we from hence? Matth. 18.10.11. A. First, to confess ourselves to b● lost, by losing our created state in nature; secondly, highly to esteem an● love Christ; thirdly, not to despise th● faithful, but above all societies to lou● them. Q. What comfort? A. Great, the salvation is so great, joh. 17.9. ●●t Christ is not a Saviour of all the ●orld, for only truly believers who ●●ply his merits to themselves, have benefit thereby. Q. What is meant by the word Christ? A. Anointed, because he was anointed to be King, Priest and Prophet, as ●as noted before. Q. According to what nature is he a ●riest? A. According to both, as God and ●an, Heb. 9.14. 2 Cor. 5.19. Q. What was his sacrifice? A. Christ himself, his manhood one●● suffering both in body and soul, and ●s suffering was of infinite value by ●ason of the personal union of the manhood to the Godhead, Esa. 53.10. ● Pet. 3.18. Q. What comforts receive we by our Sa●our his offices? A. We are in some measure anointed ●ith the gifts of God's Spirit, 1 job. 2. ●. 27. and are made spiritual Prophet's 〈◊〉 know the things of God, and to ap●●y our knowledge to the benefit of others, Col. 3.16. and we are Priest's t● offer up spiritual sacrifices of praie● praise, alms, a contrite heart, and obedience. 1 Pet. 25. Psal. 141 2. Heb. 1 15, 16. Psal. 51.17. Rom. 12.1. & King to s bdue our rebellious corruption Reu. 16 Rom. 6.12. and our duty is to labour to expresse such graces, and 〈◊〉 fight for our liberty. 1 Cor. 16.13. Q. Here know Christ is the only sacrificing Priest of the new Testament, properly so called, and his sacrifice proper and re● ours is but metaphorical; now why is Chr●● called the only begotten Son of God? A. Because he is only begotten the Father by eternal generation without beginning or end, and hereby appeareth, that Christ is true God, Io●● 1.14. Esa. 9.6. Rom 9.5. 1 Tim. 3.16. Q. What duties from hence? A. First, to confess him to be t● Son of God, 1 joh. 4.15. Heb. 2. ● and to worship him with our trust, lo● joy etc. joh. 14 1. Q. What comforts? A. First, the devil is subdued, 1 joh. 8. secondly, we are the children of G● by adoption, joh. 1.12. adoption i● work of God, whereby such as are justified, are the children of God. Q. How is Christ our Lord? A. By creation and government, but ●here is meant especially by redemption. Q. What duties own we to him our Lord? A. To live and dye, Rom. 14.7. Phil. 1.20. not to our own desires or profits, but to Christ our Lord, that his glory may be celebrated ●y our life and death. Q. What comforts? A. We may have confidence both in ●ife and death, Psal. 31.5. Rom. 6.22. joh. 12. 2● having a Lord that hath more care of us, than we ourselves, he ●oth can and will preserve us living, ●nd restore us to life being dead, also his service is holy, and his servants shall be where he is. Q. Concerning the third Article, he was conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Mary, which signifieth, that jesus Christ was not conceived as other men, but ●hat his humane nature was miraculously ●ade and sanctified by the holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so united to ●he second person of the Trinity; so as he is ●ot two persons, although he have two natures: now what duties learn we from ou● Saviour his becoming man thus? A. First, to magnify God's wisedom● and love; secondly, to imitate the humility of Christ, Phil. 2.2. to 7. Q. What comforts? joh. 17.19. A. Great, first, that Christ vouchsafed to take our natures, and to sanctify our conception, 2 Cor. 1.30 birth and natures; secondly, thus Christ is God with us, o●● nature joined to God, and heaven an● earth joined together. Q. Concerning the fourth Article, he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hel● You have been taught the meaning hereof but what duties learn you from Christ sufferings? A. First, to acknowledge the g●ea● mercy of our Saviour, Phil. 2.11. secondly, to mourn for our sins, Zach. 12 10. thirdly, to love Christ, 2 Cor. 5.15 Matth. 10.37 38. fourthly, to live t● him; fifthly, to celebrate the memor● of his death, 1 Cor. 11.24.25. sixthly, t● suffer for his sake; seventhly, not t● serve men as Lords of our consciences eightly, to be patiented, 1 Pet. 2.19.20 ninthly, to be harmless, humble, and louing to men: Phil. 2.2. to 9 1 Cor. 5.7.8 Eph. 5.1.2 Q. What comforts from our Saviour his sufferings? A. As great benefits come to us thereby: first, we have reconciliation with God, Rom 5.10. secondly, remission of sins, Matth. 26 28. thirdly, sanctification, Rom. 6.3 4.5.6. fourthly, crosses cease to be curses; fifthly, death is swallowed up, Heb 2.14.15. sixthly, we have liberty to enter into heaven. Q. Concerning the fift Article, Matth. 28.6 Act. 10.40. the third day he rose again from the dead, in that the same body that was dead, and laid in the grave, was by the divine power of Christ, raised to life, and the same soul that was in it before, was brought into it again: what duties learn we hence? A. First, Col. 3.1. to declare our life supernatural, by affecting and seeking things above; secondly, Rom. 8.34. to maintain our peace against fears and doubts. Q. What comforts? A. It doth assure us of the conquest of Christ over sin, Satan, the world, Rom. 4.25 & 6.4.5. 1 Cor. 15.20. death and hell, and of our justification, sanctification, and preservation, an● that our bodies shall rise again at th● last day. Q. Concerning the sixth Article, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the righ● hand of God the Father Almighty; wha● comforts arise from hence? A. From Christ's ascension, we hau● quietness of heart in assurance that w● are really possessed of heaven in Chri●● our head, and shall be personally by h● continuing of our justification, and reconciliation: and from his sitting at th● right hand of God; first, Christ as Princely Prophet hath confirmed th● Scriptures, Esa. 8.16. and given gifts t● Ministers, Eph. 4.11. and works mightily thereby, joh. 14.12. secondly as a princely Priest his sacrifice is of endless force, and he maketh intercession for us, Heb. 7 16. and 9.24. thirdly, 〈◊〉 a King, he governeth, protecteth, profitably chastiseth, comforteth his people and will receive them to heaven, an● vanquisheth all the enemies of h● Church, Heb. 1.8.9. Reuel. 3. 19.20.2● Luk. 19.27. Reuel. 17.14. and 19. 11.1● Q. What duties learn you from th● Article? A. First, to know Christ's humani●● not to be present with us, joh. 16.28. ●d 17.11. secondly, to rece●ue his doctrine, Heb. 2.1.2 etc. and 3.1. etc. ●●irdly, to con●ent ourselves with h s ●●rits, sacrifice and intercession; fourth●● to reverence and ●bey him. Act. 2.4.35. and 5.31. Phillip 2.9.10.11. Q. Concerning the seventh Article, ●●m thence Christ shall come to judge the ●icke and the dead, that is such as be dead ●●fore the last day, and such as then shall be ●●ue; what are the ends of Christ's com●●ng to judgement? A. First, in respect of God, that the ●●ory of his justice and mercy may appear, and that Christ may publicly ●ee glorified, who wa● here disgraced, ●nd that he m●y finish the office of his Mediatorship, 1 Cor. 15.24. secondly, ●n respect of men, t●at the godly may ●ee fully glorified, who are here afflicted, and the wicked fully punished, who are often here in prosperity, 2 Co●inth. 5 10. Q When shall the day of judgement be? A. God hath not revealed that to us; Mark. 13.32 ●●st, to exercise our faith; secondly, to bridle our curiosity; thirdly, to kee●● us from security, and that we might b● always ready. Q. What signs be there of the day judgement? A. First, the revealing of Antichris● 2 Thes. 2.3. secondly, departing fro● the faith, and general corruption 〈◊〉 manners, and deadness of heart, 2 Ti● 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Math. 24 37.38. thirdl● the calling of the jews, Rom. 11. Q. What signs shall concur with th● day? A. The darkening of the Sun an● Moon, the falling of the Stars, t●● shaking of the powers of heaven, the lamentations of the wicked, and the bu●ning of the world, wh● his thought b● some to be the sign of the Son o● man, Math. 24. Q. What duties learn we from th● Article? A. First, speedily to repent, Act. 1● 31. secondly, not to judge rashly 〈◊〉 men's estates and ends, by calling goo● evil, and by making evil worse than is, or taking things doubtful in th● worst part, or censuring about things indifferent, or giving final sentence of ●●en, Rom. 14.3.4.10. Esa. 5 20. 2 Thes. ●. 5.6. thirdly, Psal. 37. ●. etc. not to be impatient at ●he prosperity of the wicked, Eccl. 8.1.12. Q. What comforts have we hence? A. That our Brother, Husband, advocate and Redeemer, shall be judge, ●nd we shall have the sentence of absolution, and be manifested in holiness ●nd glory, joh. 5.24. Rom. 8.18. Q. Concerning the eight Article, I believe in the holy Ghost, why is the third ●●rson in the Trinity, called holy? A. Not only because he is holy himself, but because he is the immediate worker of holiness in the elect. Q. Why is he called a spirit? A. Not only because his essence 〈◊〉 spiritual, but because he is as it were, ●reathed, and doth proceed from the ●ather and the Son. Q. It hath been showed already what ●he graces of the holy Ghost, peculiar to the ●lect are; tell me now what be the common ●tes bestowed by the holy Ghost, on some that ●e reprobates, as well as on the elect? A. First, the gifts of practising a particular calling, Exod. 31.3. secondly, of illumination, Heb. 6.4. thirdly, o● prophecy, 1 Cor. 12.10. fourthly, confused joy, Luke 8.13. fifthly, restraining graces, Gen. 2●. 6. Q. Concerning the gifts peculiar to th● elect, show me how a man may try himself whether he have them: as how is effectual calling known? A. Fi●st, by forsaking the courses 〈◊〉 wicked men, and needless or unlawful society with them, 2 Cor. 6.16 17 1● secondly, by reachabl●nesse, in hearing and obeying the Word, when GO● doth call to us thereby, jer. 7.27. thir●ly, by daily and constant prayer, no● only for heaven, and happiness, b●● also for holiness, joel 2.32. fourthly, b● loving God and his glory above a● things, Rom. 8.28. fifthly, by loving o● another, especially such as be of t●● household of faith, Esa. 11.6. 2 Pet. 1.6.7. sixthly, by a holy profession a● confession of true religion, and endeavouring to live according to our profession, Esa. 44.5. Q. How may we know we are ius●fied? A. By a conscionable use of the ●rd, Sacraments and Prayer, Luk. 24. ● Mark. 1.9. Mat. 26.26.27.28. Hos. ●2. secondly, by the daily exercise of ●pentance, 1 joh. 1.9. thirdly, by love God, Luk. 7.47. fourthly, by love 〈◊〉 mercy to men, Ephes. 4.32. james 13. Q. How may we try our sanctification? A. First, by sorrow for sin, with egence in discovery of corruption, ●tth. 5.3. Mark. 9.24. Psal. 141.5. ●ondly, by a desire of grace, Psal. 119. ●. Matth. 5.4.5.6. thirdly, by a desire 〈◊〉 endeavour to grow in grace, 2 Pet. ●8. fourthly, by care of universal ●d constant obedience to God, Psal. ●9. 6.112.117. 1 john 3.9. fifthly, by ●e to God and his children; with clea●g to God even in the want of the larance of his love, and not only ●●ile we are assured thereof, 1 joh. 4. ●. and 5.1. Acts 11.23. job 13.15.24. ●tly, by a desire of the sincere milk of ●e word, 1 Pet. 2.2. Q. May Faith and Repentance, and ●h graces as be necessary to salvation, be 〈◊〉? A. They may be weakened for a ti●● habits being decayed, acts interrupt● feeling denied, but they are never wh●ly and finally lost, Luk. 22.32. 1 Cor. ● 13. Phil. 1.6. 1 Cor. 10.13. Q. As it is comfortable that we b● such benefits by the spirit, so what du● learn we hence? A. First, to use the gifts of the sp● to the glory of God, Phil. 1.11. seco●ly, not to grieve the spirit by our sin● Eph. 4.30. thirdly, to use the mea● whereby the holy Ghost worketh th● gifts, as ordinarily the word preach● Rom. 10.14 17. and whereby he inc●seth them; as first, the Word Preach● and Read, 1 Pet. 2.2. Acts 20.32. ●condly Prayer, jude 20. thirdly, the ●ceiuing of the Sacraments, Rom. 4. ● 1 Cor. 10 2.3.4. fourthly, to prac● what we hear and know, joh. 7. ● 2 Tim. 1.6. Q. Concerning the ninth Article, I ●leeue the holy Catholic Church, the c●munion of Saints; show a little more lar● then in the shorter Catechism, what is m● by communion of Saints? 1 Cor. 14.33. A. Saints are holy people, wher● living in this world, or departed from ●nce by death: communion signifieth ●e fellowship they have, first, with ●hrist, as his benefits are bestowed on ●em, and their sins imputed to ●hrist: and also he accounteth their af●ctions his own, and helpeth to bear ●●m, Psal. 73.26. 1 joh. 1.3. 2 Cor. 5. ●. 1 Cor. 1.9. secondly, one with another, the living with the living, by lo●ng, exhorting, comforting, and pray● for each other, and employing their ●porall goods, for the profit of each ●er, Acts 4.32. Gal, 5.13. and 6.1.2. ●eb. 3 13. Gal. 6.10. and the living ●th the dead, in that the departed do 〈◊〉 general desire the deliverance of all ●ir fellow members out of all their ●series, although they know not par●●lar conditions and persons, Reuel. 10. and the Saints on earth, do in ●art and affection, converse with them ●eauen, desiring to be with Christ, ●l. 1.23. and 3.20. Col. 3.1.2. Q. What duties learn we from ●e? A. First, to labour to make our cal●g sure, because thereby we may know we are true members of 〈◊〉 Church, 2 Pet. 1.5.6.7.10. secondly be thankful to God for choosing a calling us to be of the number of people, Ephes. 1.3, 4. thirdly, to be ●●ly, that we may be Saints on earth, ●uing holiness begun in the Church ●litant, that so we may be sure we s●● have it consummated or perfect in 〈◊〉 Church triumphant, 2 Pet. 2.9. foully, to love, esteem, and help one a●ther, 2 Thes. 3.14. Ephes. 4.2.3, ● Rom. 12.6.7.8. fifthly, to avoid vnl●full society with the wicked, Eph. ● 11. 2 Cor. 6.16.17.18. 2 Tim. 3.5. Q. Concerning the tenth Article, ●●leeue the forgiveness of sins, which blessing of God upon his Church proc●● by the sufferings of Christ, whereby the g●● of sin binding to punishment, is take● way; what comforts arise from hence? A. First, that this remission of si●● may be applied particularly, Psal. 1 1.3. Esa. 38.17. secondly, because wh● God justifieth, he sanctifieth, 1 C●● 11. thirdly, nothing can separate suc● be justified, from the love of Ch● Rom. 8.33.34.35. fourthly, bec●● ●●ch shall reign with Christ in another ●orld, Rom 5.17. Q. What duties learn we from hence? A. First to renounce our own me. ●●s, 1 King 8.46. joh. 8.11. secondly, to ●e careful ●o avoid sin, joh. 8.11. ●●irdly, to be thankful to God through ●hrist, Psal. 103.1.3. fourthly, to love ●●m, Luke 7.47 fif , to be merciful ●●men, Col 3 13. Q. Concerning the eleventh Article, every ●leeuer ought to believe, that his own bo●●, and the bodies of other men shall rise ●●m the dead, the bodies of the elect shall ●●e by virtue of the union with Christ, and 〈◊〉 glorious: the bodies of the reprobate shall ●●se by the powerful citation of Christ, and ●●at to sh●me: what comforts learn you hence? A. First, against troubles of this life, Dan. 12.1.2, 3. secondly, against death, 1 Cor. 15.55. 2 Cor. 4.14. Q. What duties? A. First, Phil. 3.20, 21. not to mourn immoderately for the dead, 1 Thes. 4.13. secondly, 〈◊〉 have the body in honour by nouri●ing it. and by avoiding uncleanness, ●●d other sins, & living righteously, Cor 15. and by burying it decently at ●eath. Matth. 25.46. 1 Cor. 2.9. Q. Concerning the twelfth Article, believe the life everlasting, what shall b● the everlasting life of the soul and body a●ter they be reunited, which although w●● cannot fully know in this life, yet it being 〈◊〉 some measure revealed; first, what shall cea●● then? A. Seven things; first, such calling as be here a 1 Cor. 15 24. , for there shall be no Magistrate or Subject, Master or Servant, & secondly, faith b 1 Cor. 13.12.13. , hope, patience, an● such virtues as be joined with grief, pity, mercy, etc. thirdly, all sinn● Heb. 12.22. fourthly, natural infirmity of body and mind, Reu. 7. 16.1● and 21.4. fifthly, natural means f● preservation of life, as meat, drink sleep c 1 Cor. 15.44. Matth. 22.30. , etc. sixthly, the vanity of th● creatures, Rom. 8.20.21.22. seventhly the Mediatorship of Christ, 1 Corint● 15.28. Q. Secondly, what shall we have th● shall be saved at the the day of iudgement● A. First, in soul, these things; fir●● perfect knowledge d 1 Cor. 12.12.13. 1 joh. 3.2. Math. 5.8. ; secondly, perfect peace of conscience; thirdly, full freedom of will to God f Heb. 12.22. 2 Pet. 3.13. ; fourthly, perfect love to God, g 1 Cor. 13 13. the Angels and Saints fifthly, full joy, Ps. 16.11. Secondly, in the body, there shall be these things; first, great strength, acuteness of senses, health, although it be sown in weakness, it shall rise in power; secondly, incorruption, no more subject to rottenness, or to be dissolved into dust; and immortality, so as death shall have no place, ●or power, 1 Cor. 15.54. thirdly, glory, beauty; shining like the stars & sun, 〈◊〉 Moses his face did, by the glory ●hich God put upon it, and as Christ ●●d at his transfiguration, Dan. 12.3. Matth. 13.43. fourthly, to be spiritual, immediately sustained by the spirit of ●od, without meat or drink, or any ●●her means, and the body shall be ●●mble, and also perfectly subject to the spirit of God. 1 Cor. 15.44. Thirdly, in ●oth soul and body, there shall be ●hese things, first, perfection of nature ●nd grace; secondly, communion with ●od, the blessed Angels and Saints, Thes. 4.17. Reuel. 22.4. 1 joh. 3.2. joh. 7.24. secondly, heaven, 1 Pet. 1.4. ●●irdly, Lordship over the creatures, ●●cept the Angels, Reuel. 21.7. fourth●●, all our blessedness shall be everlasting, Matth. 25.46. Q. Thirdly, what shall we do? A. We shall keep a perpetual Sabbath praising God, Esa. 66.23. He● 4.9. Reu. 7.15. Q. What duties learn we from hence A. First, to pray to God to ope● our eyes, that we may be able in som● measure to conceive of this felicity Eph. 1 17.18. secondly, not to set o● minds on earth, Heb. 13.14 thirdly 〈◊〉 labour earnestly to be partakers of th● blessedness, and therefore to seek th● life of grace here, Math. 6.19. etc. ve● 33. fourthly, to be patiented in troubl● and among the rest, the death of o● friends and ourselves; fifthly, not contemn others that shall be partake of the same glory, but to love them 〈◊〉 their hopes sake, Psal. 16.3. jam. 2.5. Q. What comforts may we gather fr●● hence? A. First, against contempt and approaches; secondly, against torment and all injuries of this life, Rom. 8. ● 2 Cor. 4.17.18. thirdly, against de● itself, Reuel. 14.13. 1 Cor. 15.56.57. Q. Seeing this blessedness belongs only to true believers, tell me what shall 〈◊〉 the punishment of the wicked in hell? A. First, pain of loss, by being separated from God, and all that be good, ●nd loss of all blessedness, 2 Thes. 1.9. secondly, pain of sense, and therein, first, shame, Esa. 66.24. Dan. 12.2. 1 joh. ●. 28. Mal. 4.3. secondly, the wrath of God, joh. 3.36. Rom. 9.22. thirdly, a guilty conscience, Mark. 9.44. fourthly, indignation against God, and all ●hat they conceive to be means of their misery, Reuel. 16.11. fifthly, fellowship with the devils, Matth. 25.41. Revel. ●●. 10. sixthly, the place is hell, a lake of ●●e and brimstone, Reuel. 21.8. Esa. 33. ●●. these things may be considered as ●he matter of the punishment, the man●er is, first, the punishment shall be universal in all the faculties of the soul, ●nd members of the body; secondly, jude 7. the pains of hell be manifold; thirdly, grievous; fourthly, unprofitable to ●●em; fifthly, eternal, Matth. 5.46. therefore we must believe in Christ, embrace ●nd obey the Gospel, that we may a●ide these torments, and obtain euer●sting life. Q. What is the Gospel? A. The glad tidings of remissi●● of sins, and eternal salvation by fa●● in Christ already come, Mark. 1. ● Rom. 1.2. and in the old Testament w●● the same in substance; namely, the g●● tidings of remission of sins, and e●●nall salvation by faith in Christ come, Gen. 3.15. and 12.3. Q. What is the Law? A. A perfect rule of holiness a righteousness, binding all men to obedience of it, upon pain of damnation for every offence. Q. How many Commandments a it contain? Exod 34.28. & 20. A. Ten, which were at the 〈◊〉 written upon two tables of stone; w●● of the four first written on the first ●●ble, contain the worship of God, 〈◊〉 the six last written on the second ●●ble, contain duties of charity and righteousness to our neighbours and 〈◊〉 selves, and all the ten contain du●● and service to God, being performed conscience of his commandment. Q. What learn we generally from 〈◊〉 division of the Commandments? A. That the true obedience, acc●●t●ble to the Lord is, when the Commandments of both Tables are practised together, Ezech. 18.5.6.7.8.9. Tit. 2.2. ● Pet. 1.5.6.7. Psal. 119.6.101. Q. What is hereby forbidden? A. The severing of them, doing one●y some duties to God, with omitting duties to men, or performing only ●ome duties of civil honesty to men, with neglecting the worship of GOD; Ezek. 18.10.11.12.13. jam. 2.10.11. Q. Is the observation or breach of both Tables alike? A. No, the observation or breach of the first, is greater, Matth, 22.36.37. Q. Is every sin against the first Table, greater than every sin against the second without exception? A. No, the duties of both Tables must be compared together, Commandment with Commandment; inward duties with inward; the greatest of the first, with the greatest of the second; and the least of the first, with the least of the second. Q. What rules have you for understanding the Commandments? A. First, when the Commandment is affirmative, it implieth the negative and when it is negative, it implieth th● affirmative: Rom. 7.4. secondly, the Law is spiri●tuall, as the lawgiver is, and therefore bindeth all the powers of the soul thirdly, with things commanded an● forbidden, the signs and outwar●● notes are commanded and forbidden fourthly, a part is put for the whol● wheresoever any thing is command expressly, or by name, there all oth●● things of the same sort and nature; th● occasions and means are commande● which further obedience thereunto, an● the contrary are forbidden: yet in t●● second Table, that degree of moti●● which hath not obtained consent, is be referred to the tenth Commandment; whereas such motions against ●ny Commandments of the first Tabl● are to be referred to that Law, to t●● scope whereof they tend: fifthly: whatsoever is commanded or forbidden 〈◊〉 be done, or left undone by our selves we must procure it in others to be do●● or left undone, so fare as our calli●● will suffer us, Heb. 3.13. sixthly, affirmative Commandments bind at 〈◊〉 times, but not to all times; negative ●nde both at all, and to all times. Q. Concerning the first Commandment, I am the Lord thy God, etc. what ●●e these words contain? A. First, a commandment, or duties commanded; secondly, three reasons ●rging the performance of the duties. Q. What be the duties commanded? A. In general, to have God for our ●od, giving him such inward worship, 〈◊〉 he hath required, Pro. 23.26. joh. 4. ●4. in particular, first, 1 Chro. 28, 9 Hos. 6.6. Pro. 3.6. jer. 9.23.24. a perfect knowledge Duty. 1 of God, so fare, as he hath re●ealed himself in his word and works, Deut. 29.29. as that he is one God, of a ●ature spiritual, infinite, holy, eternal, only wise, etc. and that in this one ●ssence or being; there be three persons 〈◊〉 manners of being, the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, and that his works are ●he creation and providence, as was ●●ewed in exposition of the Creed. The sins forbidden, opposite to ●his knowledge of God be; first, Atheism, holding there is no God, or that ●od knoweth not, or careth not for ●hings of the world, or cannot resist them, or will not reward well doing and punish evil doing, Psal. 14.1. Exo● 5.2. Psal. 10.11. Ezech. 9.9. 2 King. 1● 32. etc. job 21.14.15. Zeph. 1.12. s●condly, ignorance of the true God, H●● 4.1. 2 Thes. 1.8. thirdly, presumptuo● knowledge, when any falsely perswade● himself that he knoweth God, wh● doth not, joh. 7.27. fourthly, false opinions of God, as heretics have; fiftly too little knowledge, Esa. 28.9.10. He● 5.12, sixthly, ineffectual knowledge separated from practice, 1 joh. 2.4. 1 Co●● 13.2. Duty. 2 Secondly, we are commanded 〈◊〉 have legal faith, to trust upon God f● defence and deliverance, succour a●● blessedness, both in soul and body in legal faith there is required perfect holiness in the believer, which seein● it cannot be had in this life, we mu●● by evangelical faith, look to the pe●●fect holiness of Christ imputed to v● this although the Law do not reueal●● Gal. 3.11.12, 13. Rom. 3.21. nor directly command, yet for as much as here●● may be comprehended a commandment to yield obedience to whatsoeu●● God should at any time command, and ●od gave power in Adam to do whatsever it might please him at any time 〈◊〉 command, and seeing the reasons of ●●e Commandment, I am the Lord thy ●od which brought thee out of the ●nd of Egypt, etc. and the words, the ●ord thy God, in the third and fifth commandments, may be taken evangelically; we must here consider of evangelical faith, and embrace the same, seeing we cannot in this life have legal, ●ro. 3.5. Esa. 26.4. joh. 14.1. 1 joh. 3.23. ●he sins forbidden be, first, unbelief ●nd distrust, Heb. 10.38. Matth. 6.25. ●1. Rom. 10.16.21. 2 Pet. 1.8. 2 Pet. 2. ●1. secondly, presumption of faith, and tempting God, neglecting the means ●o be used, Matth. 4.6.7. Deut. 29. ●9. 20. thirdly, hypocritical faith, ma●ing a profession of faith void of good works, the fruits of faith, jam. 2.14. fourthly, implicit faith of such as ●now not what to believe, or what the Church of God is, or what it believeth, ● Pet. 3.15. Pro. 19.2. hereunto may be added rash credulity, Eph. 4.14. and con●ecturall opinions, jam. 1.6. fifthly, temporary faith, believing only for time, Luke 8.13. sixthly, trust in o●● wit, wealth, strength, Pro. 3.5. Psal. 5● seventhly, supposed merits, Luke 17. 1● or in other men, 2 Chro. 16.12. Psal. 146 3. Esa. 31.1.3. or devils, Deut. 18. 1● 11. or in any idols whatsoever, Psa● 135.18. Esa. 42.17. Duty. 3 The third duty commanded, is lega● hope, waiting and looking for help and such good things to come, as Go● hath promised; this is called the anchor of the soul, Psal. 130.7. and 40. ● 1 Pet. 1.13. The sins forbidden in this regard be, first, desperation, casting away hope when men are either besotted with present things, like the Epicures, saying eat, drink; after death there is n● pleasure; or when men imagine the justice of God greater than his mercy, an● so faint in themselves at the sight o● their sins: secondly, presumption o● mercy without promise, in such as liu● wickedly, and yet flatter themselves, jer. 7.8. thirdly, hope in creatures, it merits, the Pope's pardons, and other fictions of men. The fourth duty commanded, is to Duty. 4 ●●e God above all, Deut. 6.5. Psal. 116. ● Matth. 22.37. which is a divine ●otion whereby a believer, with all ●s mind, will, affection and strength, desires to have communion with God, 〈◊〉 well pleased with him, and indeauou●●th to please him, 1 joh. 4.7. Gal. 5.6. ●ant. 1.1.2. The sins forbidden, be, first, hatred ●f God, Rom. 8.7. and 1.30. Num. 10. ●5. joh. 15.18.24.25. secondly, sergeant love towards God, Esa. 66.5. ●ant. 1.6.7. thirdly, carnal love of our values, 2 Tim 3.2. Rom. 13.14. fourthly, immoderate love of the profits, pleasures, and honours of this world, Ephes. ● 5. Col. 3.5. 2 Tim. 3.4. Phil. 3.19 Gal. ●. 26. The fifth duty, is to fear God above Duty. 5 ●ll, which is a childelike reverence we ●eare unto God, as to our Father; fearful to displease him, because we love him; and the more we love, the more we fear; this keepeth love from waxing careless and falling asleep, as Cant. 8.4. and 5.4. Psal. 2.11. and 119.10. Pro. 28.14. The sins forbidden against thi● fear, be carnal security or hardness of heart, Pro. 21.14. which is naturally in man as he is corrupted, but increase● by drawing a false conclusion from God's lenity and long suffering, as because God striketh not by and by, therefore he will not punish, Eccl. 8 11. Psa. 50.21. secondly, there be diverse so●● of evil fear; as first, a superstitious fear, where there is no cause of fear secondly, carnal fear of men, mo●● then of God, Matth. 10.28. thirdly fear of idols, jer. 10.2. fourthly, servilely and slavish fear of God, 1 joh. 4.18. which is a shunning and going awa● from God, in despair, arising from 〈◊〉 knowledge and accusing of sin, an● feeling of God's judgement and anger and therein it differeth from a godly fear, which ariseth from confidenc● and love of God, and is exercised i● shunning of sin, this only in shunning of punishment, which fear is i● the devil, jam. 2.19. Duty. 6 The sixth duty commanded, is humility to God, 1 Pet. 5.6. which is a lo● conceit of a man's self, emptying him self of all, giving God the whole glory ●f all the good things he hath, 1 Chro. ●9. 14. herein is contained, humbling ●he heart, Matth. 11.29. and contentation with our degree and gifts, Psal. 31.1.2. not seeking for further places, ●●en our gifts be fit for. The sins here forbidden, be, first, presumption, Zeph. 3.11.12. secondly, ●nlawfull love of our own glory, Mat. 8.3.4. and vain glory, Phil. 2.3. third●●, boasting of the gifts we have, 1 Cor. ●7. fourthly, counterfeit humility, a ●ined denying of that which he secret●● desireth: the measure and danger of ●e sin of pride is exceeding great, for ●ods glory being his treasure, and the ●oud man breaking upon it, must ●●eds be guilty of great robbery; and ●e danger appeareth in that GOD ●●th threatened to set himself against ●m. The seventh duty commanded, is parence, Duty. 7 Rom. 15.4. which is a willing ●ng suffering of hard and difficult ●ings for virtue's sake; this should be without perturbation in calmness, the ●iefe being mitigated by our expectation of God's aid; therefore it is calle● a willing long-suffering, and there mu●● also be an abiding in that which 〈◊〉 good: without this patience we canno● possess our souls, Luke 21.19. Fai● may be called the foundation of virtues, and patience the roof and covering, without which, showers will fa● into the building and rot it, Luke ● 15.2 Cor. 12.10. so at length we com● to the full assurance of hope, Rom. 8.25 35. and 5.4. The kinds of patience b● a quiet bearing of that which is laid v● on us for correction, and also for tria● The reason of Gods dealing with us 〈◊〉 afflicting us, is, first, in prospero● things, we are as the dead sea; there mu●● be a stirring up, or else there will be foggishnesse in our souls; secondly that there may be a conformity between Christ and his members; thi●●ly, Satan hath his fan, ●ee must wi● now us according to the greatness our gifts; fourthly, that we may triumph over the devil, that he may not sa● Doth job serve God for nought? The sins forbidden, be, first, in defect, murmuring and fainting, bein● overcome with too much grief, 2 Cor. 16. and seeking issue by unlawful ●eanes; secondly, in excess, rashness, ●d foolhardiness, running into heedless danger and trouble, and insen●●lenesse, not being moved at the ●ords chastisements, arising from not regarding the cause from whence, nor ●e ends whereto afflictions tend; and may be, it worketh a blind grief, ●d they get pleasures and friends to ●iue it away, and so it is without pro●● to them, Esa. 1.3.4. The eight duty commanded, is prai●●, Duty. 8 that which is inward in the heart, Cor. 14.15. Exod. 14.14. Rom 8.26. it ●ust be made only to God, Rom. 10. ●4. it consisteth of petition and thanksgiving; petition containeth, first, depre●tion, when we desire to have some ●ill taken from us, for which there is ●●quired confession of sins, Psal. 32. ●● and 51.1. and secondly, supplication 〈◊〉 have some good thing granted: and 〈◊〉 hath three degrees, first, that it be gi●en, Psal. 119.34. secondly, that it be established, Psal. 68.28. thirdly, that it ●e increased, Luk. 17.5. Thanksgiving is a returning to God praise for that v● receive, the end of all being his glor● this he binds us to, in the same bon● that he binds himself to us, Psal. 5●. 15. he that receiveth aught, receiue● it on this condition, and without it is 〈◊〉 usurper; in it is required, first, confession, that we have nothing, but we ha● received it, 1 Cor. 4.7. jam. 1.17. s●condly, contentation, Psal. 16.6. thirdly, annunciation and telling it others, Psal. 66.14. fourthly, a h●● life, Psal. 106.2.3. joh. 15.8. for t● manner of prayer, it must be, first, continually, without weariness, Luk. 1● 1. 1 Thes. 5.17.18. secondly, in fai● without wavering, jam. 1.5.6. third● in humbleness without insolency, L●● 18.8, 9 Psal. 3.2. fourthly, in judgement without impudence, ask su●● things as are fit, with such hearts as a fit. The sins forbidden be, first, om●sion of prayer, Psal. 14 4. and of than fullness, Luke 17.17.18. Esa. 5.4. ●condly, to pray carelessly, proud●● grudgingly; to make petition or ascri●● thanks due to God, to idols or oth●● creatures, Hos. 2.5.8. Ier 44.17.18. The ninth duty, is to remember Duty. 9 God, thinking upon those things which we have learned concerning God and ●is Word, Eccl. 12.1. Pro. 2.1. The sin is to forget God, Deut. 8 1.14.19. Psal. 50.22. The tenth duty, is to rejoice in God, Duty. 10 rising from the feeling of God's good●esse and love to us, by which we embrace him as our joy and delight: clea●ing to him with all our soul, and a●oue all things, desire the fruition of ●is presence in heaven, Can. 1.1.2. and ●he execution of his will, Psal. 16.10. ●●d 37.4 and 104.24. Phil. 4.4. Rom. ●. 11. Psal. 19.10. 1 Cor. 1.31. 2 Cor. 10.7. 2 Sam. 30.6. 1 Thes. 1.6. The sins herein be, first, not reioy●●ng in God, nor his Word, 1 Pet. 2.3. ●●condly, delighting in any thing else, ●rowning our joy in God, or coming ●●ere in comparison to it, and to desire ●e presence of wives and children, ●ore than the presence of God, Phil. 3. ●. joh. 12, 43. Luk. 12.19. Deut. 4.27. The eleventh duty commanded is in●ard Duty. 11 obedience, which is a willing and cheerful subjection of our wills to Gods will, accounting it a heaven to please him whom we so love: this obedience must be cheerful, with the whole heart, and unto every Commandment, Rom. 6.17. Exod. 23.22. joh. 14.15. 1 joh. 5.3. The sins forbidden here be, first disobedience, the degrees whereof ar● neglect and contempt; secondly, obedience constrained by men's laws only thirdly, murmuring, as the Israelites who did not cheerfully obey God, fourthly, counterfeit obedience fo● some outward cause moving us, not fulfilling the intent of the Lawgiver when our affection is not carried after God, but following our own judgement, wisdom and will, and obeying God and man together, commanding contrary things. Duty. 12 The twelfth duty commanded, i● zeal for God, which is an ardent lou● of God, and a grief for any reproach o● contempt done to him, and an endeavour to put it away: or it is the height of all our affections for God, 1 King 19.10. Reuel. 3.19. The sins opposite hereunto be, first, ●oldnesse and lukewarmeness, Revel. ●. 15.16. secondly, ignorant zeal, Rom. 10.2. thirdly, zeal pretended where it is not. Q. What be the three reasons by which ●he Commandment is urged? A. From that, God is jehovah, an eternal being, the beginning and end ●f all things, performing his promises ●nd threatenings, from none, by none, ●or none, but all things from him, by ●im, and for him, and therefore we ●ust have no other Gods before him, Exod. 3.14. Reu. 1.8. Esa. 44.24. Exod. ●. 3. Deut. 28.58. Q. What learn we from this title Ieho●ah, or Lord? A. First, that he is of absolute authority, and therefore his will is law: ●one can call him to a reason of his doing, so that we must obey where he commands, although we see no rea●●n of the thing commanded: we must ●eleeue if he speak, although we see ●ot how it should be performed, for he 〈◊〉 Lord. Secondly, all our actions ●●ught to be directed to him as their end. Thirdly, there is no power t● withstand him, no craft to deceive hi● none to outlive him, therefore no w● to escape him when we have offende● but to fall at his feet, in who●e han● we are for life or death. Fourthly, w● ought to persevere, we should confor● ourselves in every virtue to some attribute of God, as in knowledge to h● wisdom, in belief to his truth, in o● integrity to his ubiquity, in our per●uerance to his eternity. Q What is the second reason enforce the obedience to this Commandment? A. It is in these words, thy God, strong God in covenant with the wherein must be observed, the force the rela●ion, if I be thy God, thou m● be my people, and set up to thyself: other God. Q. How doth he prove himself to 〈◊〉 their God? A. By a notable and memorable 〈◊〉 of power and goodness which he 〈◊〉 for them; their deliverance from egypt, whereby he pledged to them 〈◊〉 favour, and proved his power. Q. How can this be a reason to us, s●●g we tasted not of that benefit? A. God hath delivered us from a ●reater bondage of sin and the de●ill; and how much more the sting of conscience, sin, death, hell, and the ●euill, passed Pharaoh and all his taskmasters, torments without number pass ●●e tale of brick, so much must the remembrance of our deliverance pass ●heirs to move us to obey. Q. What is the third reason? A. It may be gathered from the al●nowledge of God in these words, Be●ore me; thus, thou must not give thine ●●ffections to any other, nor set up another but me; for I am the Lord thy God, ●nd able to punish, and it is in my sight, ●herefore thou shalt have me for thy God. Q. What may we learn out of these ●ords, Before me? A. It teacheth us, that the sins which are done in this Commandment, come only to the sight of God, Esa. 45 7. 1 joh. 3.20. the inward man ●eing bound by it, and requireth truth ●n the inward parts, integrity is the virtue commanded. Q. What is forbidden? A. Hollow hypocrisy, unsoundness of heart, when the outward man goeth without the inward, as the Pharisees or that so holdeth one religion, as tha● he is ready to follow another. Q. Concerning the second Command●ment, Thou shalt not make to thyself a● graved Image, etc. what is generally commanded herein? A. The true outward worship of th● true God, according as is prescribed i● the word written, without adding 〈◊〉 detracting, Deut. 12.32. Q. How hath this Commandment b● place next the first? A. There followeth a profession 〈◊〉 that God whom we have chosen, whic● consisteth in public worship; so th● which commandeth the profession 〈◊〉 him in public worship, which himself hath commanded, followeth the former, commanding us to choose him. Q. What may more particularly be observed in the second Commandment? A. First, the precept itself; secon●ly, reasons urging the performance o● the Commandment. Q. What particular duties be commanded, and sins forbidden in the second Commandment? A. First, First sort of duties commanded, containing seven particulars. to worship God by such means, and after such manner as he ●ath appointed, as namely, these seven. First, to be content with the Scriptures for our direction in all things, Deut. 4.2. Esa. 8.20. 2 Tim. 3.16.17. The sin forbidden here is, to set before us for our direction, for the rule of our faith and obedience, any other word written or unwritten, besides th●●nspired Books of Scriptures; as first, ●he Books called Apocrypha, which although they may be read as many other Books of godly men, yet we may not build our faith, upon them: secondly, forged Books, as the Gospel of Thomas, Barnabas, and Nicodemus: thirdly, Papists unwritten traditions, Matth. 15.9. fourthly, loathing the simplicity of serving God, that the Word prescribeth, and admiring will-worship, Col. 2.18.23. 1 Sam. 15.11.12 etc. and all good intentions not grounded on the Word, may be referred hither, 2 Sam. 6.6. joh. 16.2. Secondly, here is commanded such a Ministry of the Wo●d, as the Lo● hath appointed; the Minister is to b● called of God and the Church, Heb. 5.4. Rom. 10.15.17. Eph. 4.11. to Read and Preach the Word, Mal. 2.7. 1 Ti● 3.2. 2 Tim. 4.2. Act. 13.14. and 15.21 Neh. 8.8. and people ought to hear th● Word Read and Preached, 1 Thes. 5. 2● joh. 8.47. Esa. 2.3. Psal. 122.1. The sin forbidden, is a false Ministry, not appointed of God, as Pope● Cardinals, Priests to offer properly a r● all sacrifice propitiatory for the quick and dead, in the M●sse, Math. 15. 1● and hereunto may be added, a dumbo Ministry, Neh. 8.8. 1 Tim. 3.2. Esa. 56 10. Hos. 4.6. jer. 23.31.32. Matth. 15.14. moreover, neglect of hearing th● Word preached, Heb. 10.25. Thirdly, prayer is commanded, Psa● 65.1.2. Esa. 56.7. which that it may b● used aright, first, it is to be directed 〈◊〉 the true God only, Psal. 50.15. secondly, in the mediation of Christ alone, Col 3.17. joh. 16.23.27. 1 Tim. 2.5. other things belonging to prayer, may be noted on the third Commandment. The sins are, first, neglect of prayer, Psal. 14 4. secondly, abuse thereof, first, when it is directed to Angels or Saints, Rom. 10.14. Esay 63.16. Mal. 1.11. with 1 Tim. 2.8. secondly, when men substitute other Mediators as S. Mary, S. Peter etc. Thirdly, when people pray privately in public, Yet condemn I nor a short ciaculation at entrance, 〈◊〉 ●od assist me, God sanctify me now to these holy duties, or the like. and join not with ●he assembly in prayer, or hearing the word, Eccl. 5.1. 1 Cor. 14.40. Fourthly, ●o leave praying at the coming in of ●ny to make a leg or to place him. Fiftly, to pray with lips without touch of heart, Es. 29 13. Sixtly, to pray on●y with the heart never using the voice when conveniently we might, Hos. 14.2. A fourth duty commanded, is to administer and receive the Sacraments instituted by God, Mat. 28.19. and 26. ●6, 27, 28. Sacraments belong to the Gospel properly in regard of signification ●nd end of institution, but as parts of God's outward worship commanded by him, and as all nations by the light of nature observe some external rites in ●heir worship, they are in a general manner reduced to the second Commandment. The sins forbidden in this regard be first, to neglect the sacraments when w● might be partakers thereof, Numb. 9.13 Secondly, to have more sacrament than the Lord hath given to hi● Church; as those five of the Papist● Confirmation, Penance, Matrimony Orders, and extreme unction. Thirdly to take away the wine in the Lord's supper from the people. Fourthly, hereunto may be added Magic, worshipping the Devil by charms and otherwise, wherein they have as it were devilish sacraments, and many way● break this Commandment, Deut. 1● 10.11. 1 Sam. 28.11, 12, 13, 14. Esa. 8.19. and 65.4. Ezek. 21.21. Here is commanded discipline which is that order and government which God hath left in his Church, b● admonitions, suspensions, excommunications and absolutions, to reform abuses, and to recover such as fall into misdemeanours and sins, Matth. 28.15 16, 17, 18. 1 Cor. 5.4. 2 Cor. 2.6. The sins in this respect be, first, t● neglect this duty, and to suffer notorious and gross offenders to live without discipline, and to come to the sacrament, without testifying repentance. ●econdly, to abuse this ordinance of ●od by excommunicating men for well ●oing; john 6.2. and for trifles. Sixtly, Swearing by the true God may ●e referred to this Commandment, as part of his outward worship, Deut. 6.3. An oath is a religious and necessary confirmation of things by calling ●pon God to be a witness of truth, and revenger of falsehood, first, in assertion, ●econdly in promise, Esay 29.28. Heb. 6.16. Ruth 1.17. Heb. 3.11. 2 Cor. 1.23. The sins and sinful abuse of an ●ath as it is taken by the true God, is ●gainst the third Commandment; but some sins in swearing may be considered of here, as first by naming parts of God as if he were a man, as heart, ●oule, sides, feet, nails, body. Secondly, by his pity, mercy, passion, blood, wounds, life, death, Totus Christus adorandus est, et humanitas Christi in composite. etc. if people hereby understand Christ's humanity, either they as much as in them lieth tear his precious body: or by superstitious ignorance deify the members of Christ, for howsoever in some cases it may be lawful to worship Christ man, yet not his humanity, or parts of his body so considered as they do. Thirdly, heathenish oaths as by jupiter, etc. Fourthly, Papistical oaths, by Angels, and Saints, S. Marry, S George, the Mass, Ro●d, etc. Is. 5.7. Amos 8.14. Fiftly, by other creatures as fire, light, silver, faith, troth, honesty, etc. Sixtly, ridiculous nicknamed oahes, as bodikin, lakin, cock, faith, fack, fagges, etc. as if God regarded the pronunciation and outward found more than the oath itself, or loved to be mocked in his worship. Seventhly, to make confession of the truth, and to defend it, either by rendering a reason of it, to every one that justly demands it, 1 Pet. 3.15. or by departing with our goods for the defence and maintenance thereof, is commanded of God, and may be referred to this Precept. The sin is, first, to give our bodily presence to idolatry, our minds being against it; secondly, to see it and be silent; thirdly, to confess the truth, but with such as be like ourselves, before others to be ashamed of it, or to confess it, but not defend it, or to do it shiftingly, not plainly, Mark. 8.38. Rom. ●0. 10. Matth. 10.32. Thus much of ●he first sort of things commanded. Secondly, there is commanded fit Duty. 2 ●esture of the body belonging to the exercises of religion, as in prayer bowing of the body, Neh. 8.6. lifting up the ●ies, and hands, Psal. 141.2. and 121.1. ●ohn 17.1. they that with their eyes loo●ed upon Idols in a superstitious man●er, are accused of idolatry. Ezekiel. Gestures should be decent, and such as ●ay express the humility and devotion of our mind, and in the public service of God, it is good to follow the laudable fashion and custom of that particular Church where we live. The sin is, first, to neglect reverend gestures, as when in prayer men stare on ●uery one that cometh in, and when ●ee give such gestures to men out of ●eason, as in the time of preaching and ●rayer they do, that leave prayer and ●reaching and all to make a leg when ●heir landlord cometh in. Secondly, ●o give religious adoration to creatures, ●s to Angels and Saints departed, Rev. 19.10. Acts 10. Though civil worship or reverence is to be yielded 〈◊〉 such as be our superiors, yet not religious, as if they knew our hearts, 〈◊〉 were every where present, Almighty, 〈◊〉 the like. And it is sin to adore relics as the Cross of Christ, the sepulchre of dead men, etc. and it is sin to ado●● the bread in the Sacrament, for Chr●● is no otherwise present therein then the water at Baptism. So it is a sin kiss an idol showing some approbation of the idol thereby, Hos. 13.2. Duty. 3 3 Such rites and ceremonies should 〈◊〉 used as be decent, Although the church of England retain the name of saints days, yet without idolatry, the days being dedicated to the honour of God. according to ord●● and tending to edification, 1 Cor. 1● 13. and 14.26.40. The sin is, when ceremonies be ridiculous, unprofitable, superstitious, 〈◊〉 made parts of God's worship. And he is forbidden building of altars, or te●ples, and consecrating of days to Sain● or Angels, Exod. 22.20. also erecti●● altars, burning incense, and lighting t●pers to relics, 2 King. 18.4. Fourthly, we are commanded to sh● Duty. 4 and watch against all means and occasions of idolatry, or any false worship Deut. 7.3.4. and 11.16. and 12.13.30. ●●d Magistrates, and Ministers, and all ●●cording to their callings should be jalous to root out & abolish superstiti●●s worship, Exod. 23.24. Deut. 7.25, ●. and 12.1, 2, 3. The sin is to retain relics and monuments of Idolatry. Esa. 30.22. exod. 23.13. Fiftly, helps and furtherances to Duty. 5 ●ods worship, be commanded, and emely these four things: first fasting. 1. Fast●●● religious fast is a voluntary abstinence ●m all food, and other comforts and lights, for a convenient time, not ●eiudiciall to health, joel 2.12.17. Matt. 5.15, 16. They who cannot abstain so long from all meat, should eat for quantity very little, and for quality, course or mean food. that our humilia●on and prayer may be furthered. The ●●e of fasting ordinarily should last for ●e day, at the least until the evening, tv. 23.32. judg. 20.26. The causes of ●ting be, first, if we have fall'n into ●y grievous sin, 1 Sam. 7.6. second●en some among us have so fall'n, 1 ●●r. 5.2, thirdly, when judgement is vp●● us, or is imminent hanging over our ●ad, judg. 20.26. 2 Chro. 20.2. fourth●● for judgement upon others, 2 Sam, 12 ●. fifthly, when we stand in need of some special benefit, Acts 10. or for success of the Gospel, Acts 13.3. although all prayer require full ●ffection, yet in the time of a fast it should be extraordinary, & special in zeal, strength and continuance; therefore bring we down the body, that the spirit may be carried up. Esa. 22.12. etc. The sins forbidden be, first, no● fasting when there is occasion. Secondly, fasting is abused: First, when there i● only outward abstinence, without inward humiliation and affection, Esay 58. Sec●ndly, to abstain only from flesh. Thirdly, to fast unseasonably without respect of occasions, as when God hath called us to rejoicing. Fourthly, to fast without extraordinary prayer. Fiftly, not to keep the day of fasting in the nature of a Sabbath, Leu. 23.30. Sixtly, to keep a fast to Saints Seventhly, to think to merit by fasting. 2 Vows be helps commanded for the furthering of God's worship, Numb. 30.2. Deut. 2●. 21. Psal. 22.25. 2 King● 23.3. A vow is a promise made to God of things lawful and possible. There be three sorts mentioned in the Scripture, first, of ceremonial duties which be now abolished; secondly, a promise of moral obedience, which concerneth us, Psal. 119, 106. 1 Pet. 3.21. thirdly, a promise of some bodily work and outward duty; as to fast, to give such or such alms; to abstain from some meats and drinks, and to use or not use other indifferent things, 1 Tim. 4.8. this last may be lawful for us to make and keep, some cautions observed, as may be showed further upon the third Commandment. The sins be, first to neglect this help, and not to make vows with care of keeping them, secondly, to make vows to creatures, as to Saints, as the Papists do. A third help to God's worship, is preparation for the Preaching of the word by education and maintenance; for education, Ministers are to be trained up in the schools of learning, 1 Sam. 10.5. and 19.20. 2 King. 4.38. the sin is, to take away schools of learning, as julian the Apostate did; and secondly, when men without gifts run into the Ministry, before they be sent, 1 Kin. 13.33. Concerning maintenance, God hath commanded the Ministers of the Word should competently be provided for, Deut. 12.19. 1 Tim. 5.17. Gal. 6.6.7. The sin is, sacrilegious taking away such things as belong to the maintenance of the Ministry, Mal. 3.8. Rom. 2.22. A fourth help is society and familiarity with the true worshippers of God, Prou. 13.20. Psalm. 16.3. and 119.63. The sin forbidden in this respect, is society with idolaters in religion, 1 Cor. 10.20.21.22. and too familiar in civil affairs, Mal. 2.11. 2 Chro. 19.2. and selling things, which the seller knoweth shall be superstitiously employed; and trial of suits before idolaters, when we deal with our brethren, and other decision may be had, 1 Cor. 6.6. Q. What sins be forbidden more generally against the performance of God's worship, required in the second Commandment? A. First, making of Images of God, Deut. 4, 15.16. Esa. 40.18. Rom. 1.25. secondly, images of creatures religiously used, Exod. 8.10. yet images and pictures of creatures ma●● be made for civil use, Matth. 22.20. profitable stories being drawn, the nature of birds and beasts may more be known, and cities and countries. And the science of casting, carving, and painting, is reckoned among the gifts of God, Exod. 31.3. Object. But Images are laymen's books, and teach devotion, and therefore may be religiously used. A. They are teachers of vanity, and their doctrine is lies, Hab. 2.18. jerem. 10.8. Object. The Israelites had Cherubins in salomon's Temple. A. They had an express commandment, we an express inhibition; and they were signs of spiritual things, which being come, the use is ended; also they were out of the sight of the people, the Papists be not so. Q. Why hath the Lord made choice of ●he word Image to include so many things, ●s it appeareth are forbidden in this Law? A. Because it was from the beginning almost an invention, wherein man did please himself for God's worship; therefore under that he condemneth all other inventions. Q. What be the reasons persuading our obedience to the second Commandment? A. First, one is drawn from God's jealousy, a metaphorical speech drawn from wedlock; he is the husband of his Church: the second is drawn from his justice, punishing to the fourth generation, them that hate him; the third is from his mercy, reserving mercy for thousands that love him, and show it by keeping his Commandments. Q. Concerning the third Commandment, Thou shalt not take the name, etc. what is meant by taking his name in vain? A. Name signifieth, first, the titles and attributes of God; secondly, religion; thirdly, the works of God: by all which God is known; and, In vain, signifieth for no cause, or upon a light and fond occasion. Q. What may be observed in the word● of the Commandment? A. First, a precept; secondly, a reason enforcing obedience thereunto. Q. What is commanded in general? A. That in all our life we set forth his glory, not diminishing any thing of honour due to him. Q. Seeing that God is glorified in the right use, first, of his titles; secondly, of the exercises of religion, and thirdly, of his works; show me first what things are required to the glorifying of God jointly in all these together, and then in every of the particulars. A. First, we are commanded to know how to glorify God in all things, how to carry ourselves in all things and actions for God's glory; because knowledge goeth before practice. Ignorance is forbidden, a sin whereby the devil greatly prevaileth in men to God's dishonour, and abuse of his name. Secondly, here is commanded the propagating and spreading abroad of the things we know, that others by us may be brought to a right use of the name of God, Deut. 49. and 6.10. Col. 3.16. The sin forbidden is, first, a loathing and shunning of such speech as is had of God; secondly, the avouching or spreading abroad of some false doctrine, concerning God, his will, or works, jer. 14. Thirdly, the celebration, lauding and magnifying of God, is commanded, which is a commemoration of God's properties, and works, joined with a liking and admiration of them, that God may excel above all things. The sin forbidden, is contempt of God, and omitting of his praise, not to take knowledge of the wisdom, and goodness, and power which shineth in his works, and to deride his work, or manner of working, or to extenuate the excellency of it, or to obscure his gifts in our neighbour, and to dispraise meats at table, 1 Cor. 10.31. Rom. 1.19.20. secondly, contumely or blasphemy, which is to speak of God such things as are contrary to his nature, properties and will, either through ignorance or hatred of the truth, and God himself, 1 Tim. 1.13. thirdly, to ban and curse, either ourselves or others, speaking impious things, as if God were the executioner, to revenge our quarrel, Rom. 12.14. The fourth thing commanded, is zeal, which as it is inward; is required in the first Commandment, as practised outwardly, may be referred to the third precept. Q. To come to the particular things signified by the name of God, and the things commanded and forbidden in every of them: how is God to be glorified by the right use of his titles and attributes, as God, Lord, Almighty, Infinite, & c? A. We must reverently in heart think, First, concerning the titles of God. and with tongue confess and speak of God and his titles, and live holily in our profession, as becometh them that deal with God's attributes, having a feeling affection of the glory of God, that shineth in them, answerable to the excellency, holiness, and comfortableness of them, Zach. 2.3. 2 Chro. 24.20.21.22. Deuter. 28.58. Rom. 5.9. The sin is a careless taking up of them without any preparation of heart, or inward feeling and reverence, without regard of the ends, for every trifle; as first, in Plays and sports on Stages; secondly, with children, in telling of jests, tales and stories; thirdly, in uttering any troubled affection; fourthly, in light and vain swearing; fifthly, in using them about wicked matters, as Witches, Sorcerers, and Conjurers do; sixthly, in common salutations of courtesy, without inward reverence, or feeling; seventhly, in cursing ourselves or others, as Carders & Dicers, cursing the Cards and Dice, their luck or fortune, which is a crying out upon God, that disposeth all things by his providence; eightly, living unholy in the profession of religion, Rom. 2.24. Secondly, Concerning the exercises of religion. First, the Word. 1 Pet. 2.1.2 Luk. 8.13.14. The second thing commanded, is the right use of the exercises of Religion, as the Word, Sacraments, Prayer, Oath, and Vows; first, for the glorifying of God in the ●ight use of his Word; first, before we hear it, we must avoid excess in diet, pride, curiosity, hypocrisy, worldly care and preiudicated opinions; and we must meditate of God's ordinance in the ministry of the word to beget grace, and to increase it in us; and we must pray for the Minister, Col. 4.3. and for ourselves, Psal 119.18. secondly in the action of hearing, we must attend with reverence, Esa. 66.2. glence, job 29.9. faith, Heb. 4.2. and ●ollow it with our affections feelingly, according to the matter of it, & not de●art before the end, Ezek. 46.10. third●y, after we have heard it, we must meditate of it, Psal. 1.2. and search our ●elues, and labour to find the power of 〈◊〉 in us, conferring of it, and practising 〈◊〉, that so we may give glory to God in ●hat experience, Luk. 8.15. jam. 1.22. The sins forbidden be, first, to observe the ordinance in the outward man without the inward; to hear it without fear, care, or conscience, not stri●ing to feel the power of it; secondly, ●n some gentlemen's houses, there is a ●inne, to content themselves with common service (as it is called) with the neglect of the Word Preached, and ●hat upon the Sabbath day; thirdly, ●here is this sin in the speeches of ignorant men, saying, they had as lief ●eare an Epistle or Gospel read, as a Sermon preached; fourthly, there is a sin in the dumb Minister and people, who ●eade and hear it read, with this purpose to beget faith ordinarily, whereas God hath reserved that ordinarily t● the use of the preaching of it, not t● bare reading; fifthly, to make jests of th● Scripture phrase; sixthly, to make char●● of the sentences of it, as some do, wi● Ps. 50.8. with a key set in a book to fi●● out a thief: hereunto may be adde● other witchcraft and enchantment: ●●uenthly, in Stage-plays, Interlude and Pageants, Pro. 13.13. Esa. 66.2. 2 The Sacraments. Secondly, we must glorify God● the right use of the Sacraments: concerning Baptism, first, in our own use it, by meditating of the end of it, seek out and find in ourselves, th● we are one with God and Christ by 〈◊〉 Spirit, that our sins be not only f●● given, but even killed in the root. W● strangers in this world, and reioyci● in our privileges of the heavenly ci●● whereinto we are incorporated. W● must show in our lives, that we are ●●deed baptised with the holy Gho●● Rom. 6.2.3. and so glorify God w● praise to him for that ordinance. The sins forbidden be, first, not feel this power and comfort of it, 〈◊〉 to labour to feel it in time of temptation; secondly, not to call to mind the promises and vows made in baptism, ●or endeavouring to keep them, never ●o regard what was there done. Secondly, concerning our carriage ●f ourselves in the baptising of others, 〈◊〉 as we take not God's name in vain: ●●at must be considered of people, as ●●ey are Parents of children, or only members of the Church; Parents must ●rst prepare themselves before, by remembering the merciful covenant of ●od to them and their seed, and by ex●erience in themselves to conceive ●ope for the child: secondly, with all convenient speed that may be accor●ng to the assembly of the congregation desire that Sacrament, calling to ●inde the ordinance of God, which is ●ot only, that the child shall be ●●ought into the covenant of grace, ●●t there it must also be sealed up in ●e flesh, Genes. 17.10.11.12. Exodus ● 24. The sin forbidden is, without any ●ought of the covenant, to be led on 〈◊〉 the cords of custom, not giving ●ankes to God for that mercy, nor praying for the fruit of that Sacrament to the child: secondly, not to instruct the child being come to discretion, i● the doctrine of the covenant, and th● use of the Sacrament, nor to labour in 〈◊〉 the feeling of the power and use of th● ordinance of God for faith and sanctification: thirdly, to defer the time 〈◊〉 receiving that Sacrament, upon unnecessary occasions and trifling excuses. The rest of the assembly, and members of the Church, aught with knowledge of God's covenant, and joy of 〈◊〉 member to be added, to address the●selues unto the work, praying earnestly with the Minister, striving also 〈◊〉 feel the force of it in themselves, ci●●ling to mind the solemn vow th●● have made therein; so afterward stirring up themselves to a communicating 〈◊〉 gifts and privileges with the par●● received, and one with another, L●●●. 1.59. Eph. 4.1.7. The sin is, to run out from 〈◊〉 congregation before the Sacrament 〈◊〉 administered, without necessary occ●●on; or staying, to busy ourselves w●● other matters, not praying with t●● Minister, not calling to mind our own ●ow, and promise made in it, not to ●●iue to be comforted by it, but to esteem it as a common thing. Concerning the Lord's Supper, that ●ee may glorify God in the right use ●ereof; first, we must meditate of the ●nd thereof, in the ordinance of God, to confirm our faith, and cheerfully to remember God's goodness to us; se●ondly, we must examine ourselves of ●ur fitness for the use thereof, in knowledge, lest our sacrifice be blind, in repentance, lest it be lame, in faith and ●●ue, lest we want our wedding garment, 1 Cor. 11.28. The sin is, to come ignorantly, in ●nbeliefe, malice, and impenitency: yea ●o neglect the renewing of our repentance, 1 Cor. 11.29.30.31. Thirdly, 3 Prayer. prayer is to be made to God ●n a right manner, for which cause, first, ●e must prepare ourselves before prayer, by knowledge of God's commandment, and of the things asked, that ●hey be according to Gods will, 1 joh. ●. 14.15. and by true repentance, Esa. ●. 15. Psal. 66.18. and by love to men. Mark. 11.25. and emptying our heart of worldly matters, that we may reverently lift them up to God; secondly, i● the action of prayer, we must have 〈◊〉 sense and feeling of our wants, Psal. 63.1. and confidence to be heard, grounded upon God's promises through Christ, Mark. 11.24. joh. 16.23. an● fervency, jam. 5. ●6. Rom. 15.30. an● perseverance, Eph. 6. 1● thirdly, after prayer, we must rest and wait vpo● God by faith, and labour in the use 〈◊〉 the means for the obtaining of th●● which we prayed for. The sins be, first, when prayer i● made in ignorance of the command●ment and will of God, Rom. 10.14. an● in an unknown tongue, 1 Cor. 14. secondly, when people pray by numbe● so many prayers, without considering their particular wants, Matth. 6. thirdly, when such as pray, have no care to leave their sins, Esa. 1.15. fourthly, to pray waveringly without confidence. jam. 1.5.6. 4 Oath. Fourthly, we are commanded to glorify God by the right taking of an oath by preparing ourselves to it, by consideration of the Lord, to whose judgement we commit ourselves in the oath, ●o stir up ourselves to swear in truth, ●●st we forswear, in justice, lest we com●it iniquity, in judgement, lest we ●eare lightly and rashly, jer. 4.1. Esa. 8.1. so worshipping God in it, we rest 〈◊〉 the means for ending the strife. The sins be, first, to swear with a ●lse heart deceitfully, false things, and ●hen a man performeth not that which ●n his own accord he swore, Matth. 5.3. secondly, to swear unjustly, to do ●at which is evil, as Act. 23. third●, with a vain mind upon every occasion, without due consideration, not 〈◊〉 judgement, rashly, Eccl. 9.2. Fifthly, vows must be used aright, 5 Vows: ●●d therefore must be lawfully made ●d kept; first, the matter of them must ●●e agreeable to Gods will and Word; ●●condly, the end of them must be to ●stifie thankfulness to God for benels received, or to preserve repentance ●nd obedience by setting a Tutor over ●he will to keep it in promised obedience; thirdly, they must be made with consent of superiors, if we be under government, Numb. 30. fourthly, th● must be possible; fifthly, agreeable 〈◊〉 the calling of him that maketh the● generally as a Christian, or particular sixthly, they must be made with deliberation, not rashly; sevenly, they m●● stand with christian liberty; lastly, la●full vows must be kept, Eccl. 5. The sins be, first, to make su● vows about indifferent things, to b● parts of God's worship, when as they 〈◊〉 but stays and props to the worsh● secondly, to account them meritorio● thirdly, to make them of such things be against the express word of God, the Papists vow of continency, vo●tary poverty, and monastical life, A● 20.35. 1 Cor. 7.9.23. 2 Thes. 3. 10.1● 12. fourthly, foolish vows, rashly 〈◊〉 unadvisedly made, in ignorance 〈◊〉 lightness; fifthly, breaking of law● vows, Psal. 78. Exod. 9.28.34. 〈◊〉 keeping vows made against the w● of God. Thirdly, concerning the works of God. Thirdly, we are commanded to g●rifie God in the right use of his wor●● of creation and providence, with g●● reverence and found feeling of t●● glory of God shining in them: fi●st, to stir up our minds to search them out throughly, and the glory of God which any way may be found in them, Psal. 104.24.34. and 64.9.10. and 145.10.12. secondly, in the naming of them, to speak with reverence, as of such excellent things, Psal. 64.9.10. Luk. 2.18.19. Psal. 8.1. thirdly, to imitate that in the creature, which we may follow, Matth. 6.26.28. Pro. 6.6. and to avoid what we should shun, Psal. 32.9. fourthly, to teach the works of God to our posterity, that of the nature and quality of every work, they may take ●ruit and profit of increase unto holiness, Psal. 78.7.10.11. Deut. 4.9. fifthly, to sanctify the use of them by the Word and Prayer, 1 Tim. 4.5. sixthly, in ●he prosperity of ourselves and others, to be thankful, Psal. 124.6. and 66.16. Rom. 2.4. sevenly, in adversity ●o acknowledge God's justice, and to be humble, job 1.21. Dan. 9 Psal. 58.11.12. eightly, concerning lots, we ought with due meditation of God's providence, justice and wisdom, by prayer, ●o prepare ourselves, and with faith, wait for the immediate disposition of the lot by the Lord, to end some great matter in doubt, r●sting in the event with contentation and quietness, Pro. 18.18. and 16.33. Act. 1.23. The sins be, first, not regarding the works of God, not seeking out the excellency of them, and being silent in our knowledge of them: secondly, superstition, which is a wrong opinion conceived of the works of God's providence: the reason whereof can neither be dr●wne from the word of God, nor out of the whole course of nature, as to surmise that beasts may be tamed by verses, prayers, or the like; that it is unlucky to have a Hare cross his way, and superstitiously to consecrate water, as in Papists holy water: thirdly, to use the creatures without sanctifying them by the Word and Prayer, and to be unthankful for benefits: fourthly, to abuse the creatures by drunkenness or uncleanness: fifthly, not to be humbled at God's judgements, Esa. 1.5. jer. 5.3. sixthly, to abuse the creatures by palmistry, by inspection of the hand, and the lines, crosses, and angles of it, to tell fortunes: sevenly, by physiognomy or view of men's faces, to guess at, or ●ell fortunes: eightly, from the sta●●es by judicial astrology, to cast nativities, foretell wars, the death of great men, ●amine, etc. ninthly, concerning lots, ●o rush upon them rashly, without meditation and prayer, and to use them ●or trifles, when controversies may otherwise be ended; and to make gain ●f a lot, using subtlety to deceive; and ●o repine, and not r●st in the end of the controversy, decided by lot, lawfully used; and by casting of dice, & looking ●●to a book to tell fortunes. Q. What is the reason whereby the third commandment is urged? A. By a severe threatening, that God ●ill not hold them guiltless, but con●emne them to eternal destruction, ●●at take his name in vain, without necessity, without glory to him, or pro●● to men. Q. Concerning the fourth Commandment, Remember that thou keep holy, etc. ●hat is the general scope of the same? A. To appoint when God is especially to be worshipped. Q. What doth this word, Remember, import, which is set before this Commandment, and not before the rest? A. First, that God will in no wis● bear the forgetting and neglect of th● Commandment, because this containeth in some sort all the worship commanded in the former, being the special time set apart for the performing o● it specially and publicly; and therefore he objecteth to the Israelites, th● transgression of this Commandment when he meaneth to signify the breach of the whole Law: secondly, it m●● teach us, there is required a special preparation to the obedience of this Commandment; having it so in mind, tha● we cast all our businesses, so as we ma● ever mind, that they shall not call v● away from the sanctifying of this da● and therefore this word, Remember, 〈◊〉 specially directed to the governor's that have others within their charge under their authority: thirdly, it m●● teach us to bring a religious mind● without which, whatsoever outwa●● work we do, is not accepted; and 〈◊〉 this we must have the more care, considering our proneness by nature to forget the sanctifying of this day. Q What is the meaning of this word Sanctify, or what is it to keep the Sabbath day holy? A. To set apart, or separate a thing from a common and ordinary, to a holy ●se: so the Lord sanctifieth his people, separating them from the common do●age of the world, to be a peculiar people to himself, Levit. 27.28.14.16. so ●he Priests, Exod. 29.1. so the Sabbath, when we separate our thoughts, words, works, senses and time, from a common use, to a holy and divine. Q. Whether is it a Commandment, or 〈◊〉 permission, when God saith, Six day's ●hou shalt labour? A. The restraint of his labour about ●he work he hath to do, unto the six ●aies, is a Commandment, limiting ●he time of his labour to them, that he wreak not in upon the Sabbath. But ●or labouring the whole six days, if by ●is loitering and negligence he leave ●ot his work, to fall upon the Sabbath, 〈◊〉 take it not to be a Commandment, ●ut a permission; so as the Church may separate some of the six days, either to solemn re●oycing, or humiliation. Q. What is the meaning of this, Within thy gate? A. Figuratively it is to be taken fo● jurisdiction or authority; whatsoever we have to the uttermost bounds of it. Q. What doth it teach us? A. That they which have the government of others, are bound to see the Sabbath kept, not only in the● own persons, but in the rest that belong to them, and if they do not sta● the profaning of the Sabbath by the● authority; their breaches of the Sabba●● shall be laid upon them to answer fo● Neh. 13. Q. Doth this law still bind us, or is 〈◊〉 abrogated, because the Apostle saith, let 〈◊〉 man condemn you in a Sabbath? A. The Apostle speaketh of the c●moniall Sabbath, as the seventh year and other festival days, which are ●brogared. Moreover, the seventh da● from the creation of it, and the obs●uing it with the set ceremonies, (Nu● 28.9.10.) is taken away, Act. 20. ● 1 Cor. 16.1. Reu. 1.10. Ours for th● resurrection of Chr●st, is called the Lords day. Moreover, the Sabbath in the old Testament, was a type and figure of regeneration, Ezek. 20.12. Exod. 31.15. and of the everlasting rest of the Kingdom of heaven, Heb. 4.8.9. in this respect labours are not simply and for themselves forbidden, now as they were then, but as they hinder our spiritual exercise and sanctifying of the Sabbath or Lords day, either in public or private, but as they help us in these, they are lawful; but the moral observing of the Sabbath, is perpetual, & bindeth us, as well as the jews, as all the other of the ●enne Commandments also do. Q. How may this Commandment be divided? A. First, into the Commandment itself: secondly, reasons enforcing obedience to it. Q. What are the duties commanded, and sins forbidden? A. First, there is commanded to rest; secondly, to perform holy duties. First, 1 To rest. to rest from our labours upon that day, the better to attend upon the other duties commanded; as to rest from the works and labours of our honest and lawful callings, Levit. 23.3. Exod 34.21. and 31.5. as the husbandman's ploughing, sowing, reaping, binding, turning, or bringing home his corn; also from fairs, chafferings, bargains, Neh. 13.15.16.17.19. and from ordinary and unnecessary journeys, Exod. 16.29. yet we must know, that in case of necessity and charity, a man may do some of these works, that be servile, and not break the Sabbath, Mat. 12.1.5.11. Luk. 14.5. Mark. 2.27. first, journeys to the Prophets, and places appointed for God's service, are lawful on this day, 2 King. 4.23. Psal. 84.7. secondly, to procure some special and necessary good to others; so Midwives and Physicians may travel to women, and them that be sick, and so to help a beast out of a pit, Luke 14.15. to give them meat and water, and to provide meat and drink, Matth. 12.1. but these must be done, not as worke● of our calling simply, but as works of charity: we must know also, that wanton Dance, Drink, Church-ales, Stage-plays, great feasts in pampering the flesh, hinder the performance of the duties of the Sabbath, more than ordinary labour. Concerning solemn and sumptuous feasts, such as are made at marriages, or admitting of men into their civil offices, although they be lawful in themselves, yet not on the Sabbath day, being dangerous and unfit to be used, both because they detain many from the assemblies, and hinder almost all the private exercises and duties of the Sabbath. In this case, David's example is worthy of consideration, 1 Chro. 11.18.19. so we may say of the meats in those pompous preparations, for they be not without the hazard of men's souls. We must also know that in the thoughts and motions of our hearts, the Sabbath is to be kept, for the law is spiritual, Rom. 7. and bindeth the spirit and soul of a man as well as his body, as in all the rest of the Commandments, where the action is forbidden, the affection is forbidden, and that which is unlawful to be spoken, is unlawful to be thought on this day, as discoursing of worldly matters unnecessarily, either in table talk, or otherwise, is forbidden, so the thoughts of th● heart, although never uttered. God requireth the whole man, Thou sh●lt serve the Lord thy God with all thy tho●ght. The sins forbidden against the re●● required on the Sabbath be, to do● works, or speak words, or thinks thoughts about the affairs of this life, further than necessity in charity requires. 2 Holy duties. The second thing commanded, i● performing holy exercises, whereby th● day may be sanctified; as, First, preparation, which is a sanctifying of ourselves, and of those that belong to us, to the performing of the works of the Sabbath, by praying to GOD, and taking account of our several sins, and considering the end of the Sabbath, with the public and private exercises of the same, Exod. 32.5.6. in which respect, we rise something the earlier, that we may have time for this, Mark. 1.35.39. The sin forbidden, is to omit this preparation, to bestow the time about other matters; as many that can scarcely get out of the lookingglass by dinnertime, but if they be ready, when the bell ringeth, they think it well: secondly, to sleep out the time. Secondly, to join with the public assembly, to show that we are of the assembly of the Saints; there to be ready, at the ordinary hours of meeting, and to continue from the beginning to the end, Act. 20 7. and 13.15. 2 King. 4.22.23. Ezek. 46.10. The sin is, to refuse the assembly of the Saints, and to come negligently; to come in the forenoon, and neglect the afternoon; as if the whole day were not to be sanctified. Thirdly, we are commanded to join with the assembly in all the holy duties there to be done, as in prayers, supplications, thanksgiuings of the Church, 2 Tim. 2.2.4. The sin is, to separate ourselves in private prayer, from the common affection and prayer we should have with the Church. Moreover, we are commanded to hear reverently and attentively, the Word Read and Preached, 2 King. 4.22. Act. 13.15.16. and 20.7. The sin is, to read or pray, (as some bring books for that purpose) while the Minister is in Preaching, whereas they should draw near to hear: secondly, to sleep: thirdly, to talk: fourthly, to content themselves with the Word read, living in such Parishes, where the Minister cannot Preach, or where there is no Preaching long time together, and in a manner, a famine of the Word, and not to seek those places where it is preached. Another duty that we are to join with the people of God in, is, to receive the Sacraments, Act. 20.7. another is, to gather or give to the public gathering for the poor, 1 Cor. 16.1. The sin is, to neglect these duties. Fourthly, we are bound to private duties on the Sabbath, that we may reap profit of the public, as first, to confer of the Word we have heard, and to meditate of it; to labour the conscience and fruit of it in our hearts, Mal. 3.16. Psal. 119.11.13.14.15. herein the governor of the family may profitably to be employed, in calling his family together, to require what they have learned, and to help them to further understanding of it, and to urge the practice of it in their life, Gen. 18.18. Secondly, singing of Psalms, Ephes. 5.19. Col. 3.16. Thirdly, meditation of the works of God; as of the Creation, Redemption, preservation, Psal. 92. Fourthly, admonishing those that fall, and exhorting one another. Fiftly, reconciling such as be at variance. Sixtly, visiting the sick. The sins be to omit these duties. 5 Lastly, there is commanded, that we should account the sabbath a delight, and our chief joy, our springs being in it. Esay 58.13. Therefore although a man exercise both his thoughts and speech in holy duties, and yet have no cheerfulness in them, but accounteth them weariness, it is his sin. Q. What be the reasons wherewith this fourth Commandment is urged? A. They are three, one by a prevention drawn from the equity. ● permitted thee six days for thine own labour, thou shalt therefore set one a part for my service, and that is equal. Secondly, I rested the seventh day, and sanctified it, therefore thou must do so; an argument from God's example. Thirdly, it is a day dedicated to my worship. Q Concerning the fift Commandment, Honour thy father, etc. What is generally commanded therein? A. To preserve the dignity of ou● neighbour and ourselves. Q. What doth this Commandment contain? A. First, the precept itself, secondly, a reason. Q. What is commanded in this wer● Honour? A. First, reverence, both inward an● outward, such as the manner & custom of the Country requireth to men of such place, as by rising, standing, bowing, silence, giving precedency, Leu. 19.32. Psal. 72.9. Secondly, obedience, 1 Pet, 2.13. Thirdly, maintenance, 1 Tim. 5.3. Q. What is meant by Father and mother A. All superiors by nature, by age, 1 Tim. 5.1.2. by office, as Magistrates, Ministers, husbands, Masters, Esa. 22.21. judg. 17.10. 2 King. 13. ● King. 5.13. Q. What may we learn from the order ●f the commandments of the second Table, ●his being placed first? A. That duties commanded in the ●ther commandments for preservation ●f life, chastity, name and goods are principally commanded of us to those that ●e as parents by nature, by age, or by office unto us: And the transgression ●f every of the Commandments is a ●reater offence being against one of ●ese, then against our equals; as to kill ●ans Father, Magistrate, tutor, etc. So 〈◊〉 speak evil of, to steal from, to rise 〈◊〉 in anger against, to hate etc. then ●gainst an equal. Q. Why are superiors called fathers? A. Because of the fatherly care they ●ould have for the good of their infe●ours, being set over them for their ●ealth, Rom. 13. and in this Comman●●ment is required duty not only of ●feriours to superiors, but interchange●ly of superiors towards inferiors. Q. What is the duty of children to their ●turall parents? A. First, to love them with a child● like and natural love, cheerfully an● continually. Secondly, to reuerenc● them both inwardly, and by outward behaviour of gesture and speech, acknowledging their authority, 1 King. 1 19 Luk. 2.51. giving them also reu●rence in their correcting of them, Heb. 1● Numb. 12.14. Thirdly, obediently t● yield themselves to be governed b● them, especially in matter of callin● and marriage, Numb. 30.4.5. laying v● their instructions in their hearts, Pro● 6.20. Col. 3.20. Fourthly, to recompense their care and love, with maintaining them, according to their ability in their wants, 1 Tim. 5. Q. What are the sins by which ch●dren break this Commandment? A. First, by unnatural affection 2 Tim. 3.3. either not loving with cheerful love, or not continually, Pr●● 23.22. Secondly, to be unreverent 〈◊〉 their behaviour towards them, mo●ing or despising them, Prov. 30. ●● Thirdly, by disobeying their counsel 2 Tim. 3.3. Fourthly, by making ma● ages for themselves without their parents' knowledge or consent, Exod. 22.16.17. as Esau, Gen. 36.34. fifthly, by stealing from them, as Micah from his Mother, judg. 17. sixthly, by defaming them, or disclosing their secret faults, as Cham his Father's nakedness, Gen. 9.22. sevenly, by grieving them through dissension and wickedness, as jacobs' sons with joseph: eightly, by not relieving them in their want, 1 Tim. 5.4. ninthly, by cursing them, Pro. 30.11. or murmuring at their rebukes or corrections. Q. What be the duties of Parents towards their children? A. From the first conception to take care of them to the end of their lives; first, the father is to present his child with all convenient speed, In infancy. according ●o the assembly of the congregation, to ●he first Sacrament, that it may be baptised, Luk. 1.59. and the mother is to nourish it up, if she be able, with her own milk, and to perform all motherly care and duty, 1 Tim. 5.10. Gen. ●1. 7. 1 Sam. 1.29. Secondly, according to their years ●nd ability to train them up in the knowledge of God and his will, Eph. 6.4. Pro. 22.6. by little and little, in often repetition, and great plainness, Esa. 28.10. so framing them to be apt to receive profit by the public ministry, in acquainting them with the Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3.15. Deut. 6.6. and working conscience in them by instruction of the works of God in his mercy and justice, Gen. 18.18. The sin is, to nourish or suffer in them, the common ignorance of the world. Thirdly, to frame them to obedience of life, Pro. 20.11. keeping the● in subjection with all comeliness, 1 Tim. 1. maintaining their authority by rebuke and by correction, Pro. 29 15. and 22.15. and 20.30. The sin is, to let them alone t● themselves, or to use too much lenity as Eli, 1 Sam. 2. or to be austere or rigorous, Eph. 6.4. Fourthly, to walk before them in a● good example of sobriety, godliness and righteousness, Phil. 3.17. & 4. ● Psal. 101.2. 1 Cor. 4.16. The sin is, to command godliness to them, and to show example of all profaneness; to send them to the assembly, and themselves tarry at home, to swear and mock, and brawl, and lie in their hearing, etc. fifthly, according to the diversity of their gifts, to frame them to some profitable calling, and to beat ●nto them, gifts, and conscionable use of the gifts required of them, 1 Chron. ●8. 9. Pro. 31.1. sixthly, Parents are to provide for their children, maintenance, and help for this life, 1 Cor. 12. ●4. sevenly, In ripe age. if they have not the gift ●f continency, to counsel them and go●erne them unto a fit and religious mar●age, Gen. 42.2. Ruth 3.1. The sin is, not to care for their maintenance, 1 Tim. 5 8. secondly, to ●ake matches for them only for carnal respects: thirdly, to suffer them to ●e wantonly. Q. What is the duty of servants to their Masters, Mistresses, and Dames? A. First, a conscionable stooping twne of the heart under their autho●y, working in them fear: secondly, ●tience even under their unlawful ●rrections: thirdly, yielding themselves to be restrained in their desires, b● their Master's will, with signification in gesture, speech, and whole behaviour, that they have a feeling of the● in their hearts, as of God's image in the superiority. The sin is, contempt of heart, despising their masters, or equallib● thoughts, contradicting, murmuring 〈◊〉 impatience, under their lawful or v● lawful corrections, following their o● will, in their delights and desires. Fourthly, servants are to be obedie● expressing it in a prompt readiness 〈◊〉 heart, to please their masters in all li●● full things; even in those things that 〈◊〉 hard, and in respect of their condition have some indignity in them: v● which is required, diligence to besto● their time, and pains, with all care 〈◊〉 their master's profit, and faithfulness singleness of heart, as serving the Lo● not secretly setting apart any thing 〈◊〉 themselves of their master's goods, 〈◊〉 misspending in feasting or play, 〈◊〉 showing all good faithfulness. Their sin is, first, eyeservice ●●condly, frowardness, doing froward ●hat they do, without love or care to ●e approved: thirdly, to do it only ●f necessity or grudgingly; not as to the ●ord, freely, with good will: fourth●, seeking their own profit, with their ●asters loss. Q. What is the duty of masters to their truants? A. To keep them in subjection; ●st, for the performance of the duties 〈◊〉 holiness: secondly, for diligent per●mance of such work and labour, as is 〈◊〉 for every one, 1 Tim. 3.4. Psal. 101. ●6. 8. It appeareth, that they are to ●epe them in subjection to the duties 〈◊〉 religion, because the Commandment of the Sabbath, bindeth them to rectify it, not only in themselves, but ●o in their servants: and the godly practise of the faithful proveth it, as of Abraham, Gen. 18. jacob, Gen. 35.2. ●huah, c. 24. v. 15. Hester, c. 4. v. 16. ●d they are bound to the common ●re by their household government, not ●ely to further the peace of the commonwealth, but also of religion and ●e holiness, 1 King. 17.17. The ●rtues required in a Master for the best redressing of faults in his family, b● wisdom and patience; that they m●● be throughly sifted, and sound repr●ued, out of the Word of God: yet sometimes (keeping their authority) 〈◊〉 wink at some things for a time, till f●●ter occasion be offered, Eccl. 7.21. P● 20.21. hearing what can be allege and so by equity, to allow or dissall●● it, job 31.13. The sins be, first, hastiness and 〈◊〉 discretion, not making the ma● plain, that the conscience may 〈◊〉 touched for the fault: secondly, pri●● not to hear any excuse, although d●uered in submission: thirdly, bitter provoking, rather than amending, ●phes. 6.4. Thirdly, another duty of Masters to provide for their servants, necess●● things, as convenient clothing, foo●rest, and if need be, recreation, Pr● 31.21. and 12 9 not only accord●● to justice, paying them their due wag● but otherwise to help them, and l●rally to reward them, as fare as Chr●●anity shall bind them: they hau● the strength of their age in their serui●● Col. 4.1. Q. What is the duty of subjects to Magistrates? A. First, reverend subjection, stooping down under the authority set over them, Rom. 13. Secondly, to be obedient to all their lawful commandments with cheerfulness. Thirdly, to pray for their prosperity and godly government, and to give thankes for the profit we receive from their place and power. Fourthly, to maintain them in state, according to their place, willingly and gladly. The sins be, first, to rebel, either in act, or purpose against their power, Numb. 16. secondly, to murmur against them, or to entertain evil thoughts of them, 1 King. 12.4. thirdly, to use railing speeches; Exod. 22.28. job 34.18. fourthly, to favour traitors, or to maintain mutinous subjects, as they that harbour close Papists, and disguised jesuites: fifthly, not to execute faithfully, the office committed to them, by the Prince, either in the Church or Commonwealth: For as the King's throne is established by judgement and mercy, so for want of it, it is overthrown, and where there is no vision, the people decay. They that deceive their Prince, either in administration of justice, or in sincere Preaching, do pull down his throne, as much as in them is: sixthly, not cheerfully to pay tribute: sevenly, not to bear them up by our prayers. Q. What is the duty of Magistrates? A. To maintain and administer justice without respect of persons, Ios. 24.27. 2 King. 11.17. Levit. 19.11. Deut. 11.7. Amos 5.24. for the doing of this, the chief Magistrate is to appoint in all the gates; that is, in all fit places of public meetings, judges and Governors, Deut. 16.8. 1 Pet. 2.13.14. and they which are to be chosen and appointed; first, are to be known, and wise for government, Deut. 1.15. secondly, adorned with special virtues; true, hating gain of reward, men of courage in the fear of the Lord, and stout in the business of justice. The sins be, first, to give themselves to ease and pleasures, with the neglect of their duty, or hindrance of it, Eccl. 10.16. secondly, to hinder religion, and pervert justice, Esa. 1.23. jeroboam hath his blot that shall never ●e forgotten, That he made Israel to ●●nne: thirdly, to delay judgement and ●ustice, beyond convenience, job 31.16. ●t was a grief to see the people stand from morning to evening about Moses, awaiting for dispatch. The chief Magistrate is not discharged if he set judges & officers which abuse their places, Pro. 20.26. he must inquire, and after true knowledge of the matter, reform righteously, Esa. 22. ●5. 2 King. 18.8. Nehem. 5.7. and 13. ●7. 2 Chro. 19 Q. What is the duty of the husband to ●he wife, and the wife to the husband? A. Their duties are common to both, and proper to either: common to both; first, dwelling together, 1 Cor. ●7. 10.13. secondly, communicating of persons and goods, for mutual necessity, delight and comfort, which consists ●n due benevolence, 1 Cor. 7.3. and mutual help in word and deed, to make one another's life comfortable, and to give content either to other, in the things of this life, and the life to come. Eph. 5.29. Pro. 31. 1 Cor. 7.33.34. The proper duties either to other, be, first, of the husband, for affection, love; and of the wife, fear, Eph. 5.33. secondly, in action, the husband is so wisely to dwell with his wife, patiently bearing or covering her infirmities: yet not losing his authority, that he● may frame her to perfection of obedience, and make the image of God's wisdom shine in his government, 1 Pet. 3.7. 1 Cor. 11.7. The Wives proper or peculiar du● is, with subjection, to suffer her desire to be ordered by her Husband's wisdom, and will, bearing the use or abuse of his authority with a meek an● quiet spirit, yet advising him to the best, so it be with sense of her condition, and womanly infirmity: secondly, to make use of her husband's gifts f● increase of her knowledge and judgement, 1 Cor. 14.35. The sins common, be discord, an● separation of the one from the other without just and necessary cause. The sins of the Husband be, to b● rigorous, to deny things needful to her, being in his power, and to be his wife's underling, contrary to the ordinance of God, 1 Cor. 3.7.8.9. Eph. 5.13. The sins of the wife be, not to reverence her husband, 2 Sam. 6.16.20. and to usurp dominion over him, 1 Tim. 2.12. Q. What are the duties of the people to their Minister? A. First, to know them, which doth imply a right estimation of them, according to their work, 1 Thes. 5.12. Rom. 10.15. 1 Cor. 3.5. and 4.1. secondly, to submit ourselves to their Ministry in all the parts of it, Heb. 13.17. 2 Cor. 8.5. thirdly; to have them in singular love, 1 Thes. 5.13. Gal. 4.15. fourthly, to assist them in the defence of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 16.10. 2 Tim. 4.16. fifthly, to pray for them, that they may preach as they ought, and that they may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men: sixthly, to maintain them with our temporal goods, according to our ability, and their condition or place, 1 Cor. 9 Gal. 6. The sins forrbidden are, first, not to know them in their place, to judge them as persons by law to have the tithe, not as Pastors, in conscience set over them in the Lord for their salvation: secondly, base thoughts of them, 1 Cor. 4.13. thirdly, words of contempt or disgrace, diminishing their dignity: fourthly, nourishing that contempt in others, by countenance, counsel, etc. fifthly, disobedience, rebellion or rising up against their Ministry, either in affection, Amos 5. or in word, Hos. 4.4. or in deed, Psal. 2.3. sixthly, to embrace them with no more than common affection, also to hate them as Achab did Micaiah, to account them enemies for finding their sins: seventhly, to device some thing against them to trouble them, as they said, Let us imagine some devise against jeremy, to watch for his halting, to execute their malice, jer. 20. secretly to bring them in disgrace, by whispering or accusing, Amos 7.10. incensing the rulers against them: eightly, to forbid them to prophesy right things, Mich. 2. ninthly, not to minister to their maintenance with cheerfulness, but grudging, and of necessity; to keep back their due, Pro. 21.21. Mal. 3.8.10. Q. What is the duty of Ministers to their people? A. First, to teach them instantly, 2 Tim. 4.2. Act. 20. faithfully, keeping nothing back that is necessary; wisely, giving every one his portion, and that in season, 1 Cor. 14.3. feeding lambs and sheep, joh. 20. secondly, to pray for them, not only in the congregation, but in their chambers, and private prayer, present and absent, Colos. 4.12. thirdly, to have them in their hearts, and to long for their salvation, Phil. 1.8. 2 Cor. 6.11.12. ready to give their lives on their behalf, 2 Cor. 12.15. seeking them, not theirs, v. 14. fourthly, they must go before the people in all good example, Phil. 3.17. and 4.9. 1 Pet. 5.3. The sins forbidden be, first, dumbness, Esa. 56.10. leaving the sheep to the wolf, the people to the devil without warning: the danger whereof is blood, for blood, loss of their souls, and tormenting thereof proportionably to the carelessness that hath been in them, and the loss that hath been in the people for want of warning: secondly, unfaithfulness, when they preach but pleasing things, misapply the Word, jer. 23. or build a wall, and others daub● it with vntempered mortar; or when they mix it with their own dreams: thirdly, negligence, although they Preach sondly, yet seldom, as once in a quarter, or in a month. Cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently: fourthly, by not praying for the people privately, and striving for them: fifthly, by not having them in their heart, 1 Thes. 3.5.10. seeking theirs, not them: sixthly, by walking offensively before them, or not showing forth● example of goodness, not being a pattern in faith and love, etc. drawing contempt upon them. Q. What is the duty of young to aged! A. First, to reverence them, Levit. 19.32. 1 Tim. 5.1.2. job 32.7. secondly, to hearken to their counsel: thirdly, to imitate their example, being grave and sober. The sins be, first, to despise the aged, Esa. 3.5. secondly, not to regard their counsel, 1 King. 12.8. thirdly, to neglect their good example. Q. What is the duty of the ancient to the younger? A. First, to be sober and grave, Tit. ●. 2. Pro. 16.31. secondly, by their wisdom and experience to advice and instruct the younger, Tit. 2.14. The sins forbidden in old men, ●e, first, to be light and evil in behaviour: secondly, ignorant, or givers of e●ill counsel. Q, What be the duties of them that be inferiors in gifts, to their superiors? A. First, to reverence them, praising God for them: secondly, to seek vn●o them, to be profited by the use of ●heir gifts. The sins be, first, proudly to depise them: secondly, to abuse or neglect their gifts. Q. What is the duty of inferiors in outward estate to their superiors in that re●ard? A. To reverence them as they are, ●r may be instruments of God, for the ●ood of others, 1 Sam. 25.8. The sin is, Esay. 3.5. to disdain the wealth, and presume against the honourable. Q. What is the duty of superiors in outward estate? A. To use their wealth and riche● Nobility, Gentry, or other dignity both to the public and private good o● others. The sins be, to abuse their wealth to niggardliness, and power to wrong others. Q. What is the duty of men to their Benefactors? A. To be thankful, Rom. 16.4. an● to pray for them, 2 Tim. 1.16. and t●● requite them if we be able. The sins be, extenuating, forgetting, not recompensing, and requiting ill to benefactors. Q. What is the duty of Benefactors? A. Cheerfully, discreetly, an● readily to help others, without casting in their teeth, 2 Cor. 9.7. jam. 1.5. The sin is, to give grudgingly, seeking his own profit, indiscreetly, an● with upbraiding. Q. What is the duty of equals to each other? A. In giving honour to prefer●● each other, Rom. 12.19. The sin is, proudly, one to lif● himself above his fellow. Q. What is the reason whereby obedience to the fift Commandment is urged? A. By a promise of long life, in which respect it is called the first Commandment with promise, Eph. 6.1. Q. How have inferiors long life by their obedience? A. It may be, first, because the disobedience of children may be punished by the Magistrate, Exod. 21.17. Deut. 21.21. or secondly, God himself would punish them with some strange judgement, to cut them off, Pro. 30.17. long life is among the blessings which God doth promise to the obedience of his Law, Psal. 91.10. Q. How can long life be a blessing, seeing there are so many miseries in this life? A First, the miseries are but by accident, not of the nature of life; consider it in itself, it is a blessing: secondly, the celebrating of God's name, and worship for the good of others, is so great a good, that it overswaies all the calamities of life, in which respect some of the godly have desired to live, Esa. 38. Q. Concerning the sixth Commandment, Thou shalt do no murder, what is generally commanded therein? A. To will, procure, and preserve the safety and life of the soul and body of our neighbour and of ourselves. Q. What is commanded particularly concerning the soul of others? A. All Christians as they have opportunity, should labour to preserve the life, peace, and safety of the souls of others, by admonishing, exhorting, reproving, comforting, giving good example, and praying for others, jam. 5.20. jude 22.23. Heb. 3.12.13. especially Ministers of the Word, besides the me●nes aforesaid, by preaching sound doctrine, faithfully and diligently to the capacity of the hearers, Act. 20.28. 1 Cor. 10.28. 1 Pet. 5.2. 2 Tim. 4.2. and Magistrates and governors of families by compelling them that be under their authority, according to their power, to outward obedience, and submission to the means, as Gen. 18.19. Ios. 24.15. Nehem. 13.15. etc. Hest. 4.15.16. The sins forbidden be, first, not to love the soul of our brother: secondly, to neglect such duties of love as tend to the safety of it, jer. 3.11. joh. 6.27. as to famish it for want of food. Instruction is called feeding, and doctrine, meat; herein offend blind guides, Matth. 15.14. that preach not, Pro. 29.18. Ezek. 3.18. and such as Preach negligently, Zach. 11.16.17. and corrupt and erroneous Preaching, Mark. 7.13. 2 Tim. 2.16.18. thirdly, to give offence, or do any thing by which others may ●all or offend, Matth. 18.6.7. Rom. 14. ●5. 19.20. 1 Cor. 10.28. fourthly, to provoke others to sin, or to draw ●hem to it, or encourage them in it, by promising life, or otherwise, jer. 23.14. Hab. 2.15. in this respect the devil is ●alled a murderer from the beginning: also to consent to the sin of others is forbidden, Rom. 1.31. and not testifying our dislike, so fare as conveniently ●e may: & as every one is more bound ●y his calling and place, so is his sin ●●e greater; in saying with Cain in deed, though not in word; Am I my bro●●ers keeper? whether he be Minister, magistrate, Master of a family, etc. Q. What duties are commanded concerning his body and natural life? A. To preserve it by all good mea●● in love and tenderness; and here so●● duties concern the heart, some th● tongue, some the gesture, and other our actions. 1 For the heart. First, In the heart, there is commanded, first, meekness, labouring to wo●● our hearts to mildness, Pro. 19.11. o● being angry for light causes, slow 〈◊〉 wrath, jam. 1.19. moderating ange● when it is for just cause, Eph. 4.26.3 freely forgiving injuries without revenge. Secondly, kind-heartedness goodness, which is a general rea●nesse and disposition of the mind a● will of man, to help and secure for● preventing of all extremity of evil, the uttermost of a man's power, Col. 12. Eph. 4.32. Thirdly, mercifulness, or ten● and bowell-like pity, and compass●● which is a more particular readiness and disposition of mind and will help and succour, upon the beholds of any present necessity, or mis● Prou. 11.17. and 17.19. Fourthly, well-wishing and prayer for the good of others, not only friends, but enemies, Matth. 5.44.45. Fiftly, joying at the good of others, Rom. 12. Prou 24.17. Sixtly, study of concord, labouring ●o bring the heart to peaceableness. The sins forbidden, or sorts of murder of the heart, be, first, pride, Prou. 13.10. secondly, rash anger, Matth. 5.22. thirdly, envy, repining at others good, Rom. 1.29. fourthly, hatred, 1 joh. 3.11. fifthly, self-love, thinking all too little for one's self, 2 Tim. 3. ●. 2. sixthly, unmercifulness, shutting ●p compassion: sevenly, implacability, Rom. 1.31. eightly, desire of revenge, Psal. 5.6. ninthly, carnal rejoicing at other men's harms, Pro. 24.17. Psal. 52.3. 2 Sam. 16.8. Secondly, concerning the tongue, 2 The tongue. there is commanded, first, courteous words, Gen. 23.7.12. 1 Pet. 3.8. and mild answers, Pro. 15.1. Secondly, to persuade to concord and peace, Genes. 13.8. The sins forbidden, which be murders of the tongue, be, first, brawling, railing, and threatening, bitte● words, 2 Sam. 16.7.8. Pro. 12.18. 1 Cor. 5.11. and 6.10. secondly, reproaching or upbraiding with some inherent infirmity, Matth. 5.22. thirdly, complaining to every one of injuries done, jam. 5.7. fourthly, contentious affecting in contradicting to overcome, Gal 5.19. Eph. 4.31. fifthly, sowing contention by talebearing, and by counsel hindering peace, as Doeg, Levit. 19.16. sixthly, mocking, Gen. 21.9. and 37.19 Heb. 11. seventhly, cursing, Levit. 19.14. Psa● 109.17. 3 Countenance. Thirdly, we are commanded in countenance and gesture, to show signs 〈◊〉 love, to show ourselves of like affection with others, Rom. 12.15. testifying ou● rejoicing at their good, and condoling with them in their misery, Amos 6.6. The sins forbidden, or murder it countenance and gesture, be, first, fierce looks; secondly, nodding the hea● Matth. 27.59. thirdly, inhuman mo●rosity, and churlishness, in behaviour 4 Deeds. Fourthly, there be deeds and actions commanded, as first, to feed an● them that have need, Matth. 25. 41.45. and to supply their want, according to our ability, job 29.15. 3. Cor. 8.3. Pro. 3.28. secondly, to help them in dangers, 1 joh. 3.16. Mark 3.4. thirdly, ●o take away or prevent occasions of breach or contention, labouring to be peaceable, and peacemakers: fourthly, to labour to overcome enemies by kindness, Rom. 12.20.21. fifthly, to remit something of our own right, Gen. ●3. 8. Matth. 17.27. sixthly, decently to bury the dead, Gen, 23.4. and 25.8.9. 2 King. 22.19.20. sevenly, to be merciful to the bruit beast. The sins or murders in action be, ●irst, cowardly fearfulness and want of courage, wisely to undergo necessary dangers, for the just defence of our neighbour, Num 13.33. Deut. 20.8. Gen 14.14.15. 2 Sam. 23.8. etc. second●y, careless neglecting, and denying ●cliefe, jam. 2.15.16. Pro. 25.14. 1 joh. ●. 17. thirdly, cruelty in punishing offender's, Deut. 25.3. fourthly, oppression of the poor, jerem. 22.17. Mich. fiftly, betraying others as judas did Christ: sixthly, unjust gratifying and befriending, when any is officious, and ready to unjust and unlawful duties, o● bestoweth benefits, with a purpose to do harm; as Saul intended, in offering his daughter a wife to David: seventhly, unlawful fight and smiting one another, Levit. 24.20. eightly, killing by private men, Gen. 9.6. and 4.8. public persons, and such as be called of God, may kill, as the Magistrate in justice, the Soldier in just war, Rom. 13.4. yet Magistrates must take heed that they do not sin in inflicting punishment, as they do, if they make laws means to execute their own malice▪ and exercise justice in private revenge, and when they exercise cruelty in inflicting punishments: ninthly, saving wilful murderers, or remitting punishment due to murderers, Numb. 35.31. 1 King. 12.42. as they that appoint places of refuge for wilful murderers, 1 King. 2.34. and 20.42. tenthly, cruelty to dead bodies, Psal. 79.1.2. Reu. 11.9. eleventhly, cruelty to bruit beasts, Pro. 12. Q. What duties to ourselves are here required? A. Some things concerning our souls, & some our bodies: first, Touching our souls, we ought to hear the word, and receive the sacraments, and to hearken to the admonition of others, and to get such grace, as is peculiar to the elect: which belong to life and growth, we live in a growing age, john 6.68. Act. 5.20. and 11. The sins forbidden be contempt of the word and Sacraments, Act. 13.46. despising private admonition and living wickedly. Secondly, Concerning our bodily life, we ought to preserve our life and health, endeavouring by all good means the safety thereof, as by moderate food, apparel, moderate labour, moderate sleep, physic, and to nourish cheerfulness, Eccle. 5.17.19. to use some ●ecreation lawful, honest, and of good report, also to repel violence offered, by just defence; so as it be not done with a mind, to hurt or revenge. Also to fly infections if we be free, and not bound by our callings to abide in the place. The sins forbidden be, first, to offer violence to a man's self, and because each man is a part of the communion and fellowship, of mankind, he doth injury to the common wealth in taking away a member of it. Moreover life is the gift of God, and to his only power subdued, so there is an injury to God, Gen. 9.5. Secondly, we sin by worldly cares and sorrows, when we bring diseases upon us by them, and consume our natural moisture: we should raise up our sad soul, as David doth, P●●. ●3. Thirdly, when we neglect such means, as may prevent diseases, or cure them, and preserve health. Fourthly, when we offer ourselves willingly to danger, and thrust ourselves willingly into the hands of bloody men. Q. Concerning the seventh commandment, Thou shalt not commit adultery, what is the scope and sum thereof? A. To preserve the chastity of ourselves and others, Leu. 18.24. Deut. 23.17. Prov. 5.8. Rom. 13.13. More particularly here is commanded, first the parts of chastity: secondly, the means: thirdly, the signs thereof. First sort of duties. The parts are these, first, the mind is to judge aright of the excellency of chastity, Duty. 1 and lawfulness of marriage, Math. 5.8.28. 2 Cor. 7.1. Heb. 13.4. The sins forbidden contrary hereunto be, to think fornication venial or a small sin, Gal. 5.19. etc. and to think basely of marriage. Secondly, we are commanded to have Duty. 2 our affections holy, and lovingly disposed to chastity. The sin is unlawful lusting, Mat. 5.28. Col. 3.5. which is called evil concupiscence, or the inward burning of lust, which shows some man's necessity of marriage, which is when the godliness of his heart is overwhelmed, and as it were burnt with fire, 1 Cor. 7.9. Thirdly, outward chastity, both to Duty. 3 be practised by such as be single, and such as be married: for single persons, that are unmarried, they must live chastely in that state, while they are unmarried, and not determine to live single longer, than the gift of continency remaineth. Sins forbidden be, first, fornication, an unclean act about generation between a single man, and a single woman, Gal. 5.19. Secondly, adultery, an unclean act between two, whereof one at the least is either contracted, or married, Deut. 22.32. Thirdly, rape, a violent defiling of any maid, widow, or wife, taking her from her parents, tutors, or governors, either to marry her or not, Gen. 6.7. and 34.25. 2 Sam. 13. Fourthly, Onans sin, Gen. 38.9. uncleanness with ones self in filthy sort, practising pollutions. Fiftly, bestiality, Leu. 18.23. Sixtly, Sodomy, with one of the same sex, Leu. 18.22. Gen. 19 A punishment of former sins, specially of idolatry, Rom. 1. For the second, chastity in marriage, consider, first, a right entrance into marriage, and secondly, right living in marriage consummated: for the entering into marriage in a holy manner, 1 Cor. 7.2. there is required, first, seeking of a yoke-fellow by prayer to God, Gen. 24.12.60. and 28.2.2. Secondly, some fitness for marriage duties. Thirdly, equality in respect of religion, 2 Cor. 6.14. 1 Cor. 7.39. Fourthly, a fit distance in respect of kindred, Leu. 18. Fiftly, consent of parents, 1 Cor. 7.38. Deut. 7.3. and of parties themselves, Gen. 24.57. Sixtly, propound the right ends of marriages, namely mutual help and comfort, Gen. 2.18.20. increase of the Church in the younger fort, Gen. 1.28. Mal. 2.15. and avoiding of incontinency, 1 Cor 7.2. Seventhly, not to know each other, as husband and wife, until marriage be consummated, Exod. 22. The sins forbidden in this respect by unlawfully contracted marriages be, first, when believers marry with unbelievers, they sin against the holiness of marriage. Ob. The unbeliever is sanctified to the believer. A. That is of them which were both unbelievers in their contract, or marriage, and one of them after converted. Secondly, when the parties contracted are within the degrees forbidden, either by affinity or consanguinity, Leu. 18. 1 Cor. 5. Thirdly, when the parties contracted are unapt for marriage, either by natural weakness and imperfection, or by having some fowl, incurable, and contagious disease. Fourthly, when the parties contract themselves, without the consent of parents, Exodus 22.15. Fiftly, by polygamy, taking many wives together, or more than one during her life, 1 Cor. 7.2. For the next branch, a right living together when marriage is consummated, first, they are to delight in each other, Prov. 5. Secondly, not to forsake each other till death, 1 Cor. 7. Sin's forbidden be, first intemperate use of marriage, and that for then satisfying of lust, rather than suppressing it, that there should appear a difference between the people of God, and infidels, and between men and beasts that come together in the rage of lust, 1 Thes. 4. Secondly, companying with a woman, when she is by God's Law and nature set apart, Levit. 18.12. joel 2.15. Thirdly, brawling between husband and wife, Col. 3. Fourthly, disdain of each other, 2 Sam. 6. Fiftly, unlawful divorce or forsaking each other, Matt. 5.32. and 19.9. 2. The means. The second sort of duties commanded be the means of chastity, as first, looking to the senses of seeing, hearing, etc. job 31. Secondly, labour in our particular calling, 1 Cor. 7.17.24. Thirdly, sobriety in food, Pro. 23.29.33. apparell, 1 Pet. 3. and ●ecreations. The sins forbidden be, all such means ●s inflame lust, as first abuse of our senses; ●f our eyes by wanton and wand'ring ●usts, Matt. 5.28. 1 john 2.16. 2 Pet. 2. ●4. job 31.1. our ears by harkening ●o unchaste and wanton talk, Esay 33. ●1. our taste, by satisfying it, in every pleasant meat and drink, Prov. 23. E●ek. 16.49. our touching by letting it ●oue every where, or unlawfully, Deut. ●5. 12. Secondly, idleness, 2 Sam. 11. ● Ezek. 16.49. Thirdly, fullness of ●read, Ezek. 16.49. Fourthly, wanton ●ancing of men and women, by las●ui●us gestures provoking lust, job 20.11. Ob. 2 Sam. 6. David's example, Ex●dus 15. Miram danced Eccl. 3. A. These are not warrants for the ●anton dance now used, so far being ●nlike, first, the matter moving their ●ancing was some special benefit of God, as of David, the bringing home ●f the Ark of God: Of Miriam, the ●he deliverance of Israel, & overthrew of Pharaoh, the matter of these, lig●nesse, wantonness; secondly, the e●● of theirs, was to witness God's goodness, and to give praise to God. Therefore David said to Micol that mock● him, I did it before the Lord. Th●● have their ends divers, but all corrupt either to approve themselves in their ●●pish gestures, frisks, capers, iump● turns to the beholders, as Herod's wi●● daughter; or other carnal ends, satisfying their own carnal lusts. Fiftly, Our ordinary usual stag● plays and interludes, for first, ther● confunding of sex by apparel, whi●● seemeth contrary to the express L●● Secondly, there is filthy acting in 〈◊〉 seemly gesture, the sins of other. Contrary to that, Let it not be once name● among Christians, Ephes. 5. and ma● evil and unseemly words which corrupt good manners, 1 Cor. 15. Sixt●● wanton pictures. Seventhly, want●● music. Eightly, lewd books or Ballads. Ninthly, unchaste company, Pro● 7.25. and 5.8. 1 Cor. 5.6.9, 10. Ephe● 5.5.9. Tenthly, houses of whoredom, Deut. 23.17. Eleventh, too light punishment of whoredom, Deut. 12.22. ●ro. 6.27.29. 1 Cor. 5. 2 Cor. 2. For the third, 3. Signs of Chastity. namely signs of chastity, they are modesty, first in countenance, Gen. 24.64. Prov. 7.13. secondly 〈◊〉 words, Gen. 4.1. Psal. 51. title, Iudges ●. 24. Esay 7.20. Thirdly, in apparel, ●it. 2.3. Deut. 22.5. Fourthly, about excrements, Gen. 23.12. 1 Sam. 24.4. The sins are, first, wanton gestures, Pro. ●. 13. wanton looks, treading on the ●●e, etc. carnal kissing, an impudent ●●ce, strengthened against modesty, Pro. ●. 13. which is called a whore's forehead. ●econdly, haunting suspected places. ●hirdly, nightwalking, Prov. 5.8, ●●d 7.8, 9 Gadding out to places unfit, ●●ov. 7.11.12. Tit. 2.5. Fourthly, ●●ence of words and ribald talk, Prov. ● Fiftly, wanton apparel, curious dres●●g, 1 Pet. 3. Q. Concerning the eight Commandment, Thou shalt not steal, what is the scope ●it, and what duties be commanded, and ●hat sins forbidden therein? A. First in general it commandeth preserve our neighbour's goods, and ●r own. In particular, concerning our neighbours, there is commanded first in the mind a right conceiving o● distinction of estates and possession among men, Deut. 32.8. jer. 27.5, 6. The sin is to hold all things common as the Anabaptists do. Secondly, contentation with our ●state, Phil. 4.11. 1 Tim. 6.8. The sin is covetousness, a desi●● to be rich, with discontent in prese●● estate, Heb. 13.5. 1 Tim. 6.9.10. Thirdly, an inward affection to righteous dealing, and to all such virtuous actions as be here enjoined, for the l●● is spiritual, Rom. 7. Mat. 7.12. The sins be first, the outward action without affection to the virtue. Secondly, consenting to or favouring theft, Psal. 50. Prov. 1. and 29.24. Fourthly, to walk in some hon●● vocation, whereby he may derive 〈◊〉 himself just possession and maintenance, without wronging the Comm●●-wealth, Prov. 7. Ephes. 4.28. The sin is an inordinate life in idleness, or without a vocation, 2 Thes. ● 11. Fiftly, frugality, an honest and careful preserving of the riches we have, ●hat they may not be unthriftily laid ●ut, on unnecessary things, that so we ●ay the better do good to others ●ith them, as occasion may be, Prov. 5. ●7. and 12.26. The sin is a needless and wasteful misspending of goods, Prov. 21.17. ei●●er in gaming, feasting, whoring, or considerate entering into suretyship, ●rov. 11.15. and 17.18. and 22.26. or ●ing taken; not seeking by friends to 〈◊〉 free, Prov. 6.4.5. Sixtly, an honest plainness and sim●●city in all our dealings, speaking and ●eaning plainly without guile or de●●t, not as Absalon did steal the heart 〈◊〉 the people from his father, or as false ●●chers from God. Rom. 16. they whose ●●uth is a snare, and whose hands as ●rs and bands, Eccl. 7. Seventhly, faithfulness and constan●● in words, and promises, Psalm. 15.4. ●ov. 25.14. The sin is breaking covenant ei●●r simply, by which we bring damage ●our neighbour, Amos 1.9. or in some ●●ect of time as they that having promised faithfully and are put in trust, defraud widows, or orphans, Prov. 3.27. denying to pay debts, or deferring to their loss, that gave them day for payment, keeping back the wages of servants, or changing it as Laban did I●cobs, Deut. 24.15 jam. 5.4. denying o● deferring to restore that which is received to be kept, Exod. 22. withholding the pledge, or using it to the lo●● of our neighbour, Amos 2.8. Eightly, justice and righteousness in bargaining, 1 Thes. 4.6. Phil. 2.4. C●● 5.13. The sin is not to keep proporti● between the worth of the thing w● sell, and the price, Levit. 25.15. 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 8.13. as taking dearer for ti●● Secondly, to sell that which is not to 〈◊〉 sold, as justice, the goods of the Chu●● Prov. 20.25. souls, Rev. 18.13. Thir● when corrupt wares are sold for g● and pure; Amos 8.6. Fourthly, to 〈◊〉 diue●s weights, a greater to buy w● and a lesser to sell with, so of measure Deut. 25.13.14. Leu. 19.35. Fiftly conceal the fault, and colour it 〈◊〉 deceit, Mat. 7.12. Pro. 20.14. to 〈◊〉 ●o lower price by his necessity that must ●ell. Ninthly, restoring things found, labouring to find out the owner, Deut. ●2. 1, 2, 3. The sin is to detain the goods from ●●e owner, Prov. 3.27. as they that find ●he purse, the beast, or any thing else of ●nother man's and conceal it. Tenthly, to use only honest & good ●eanes of getting, Ephes. 4.28. The sins be to gather treasures of wickedness, as by open and violent ●heft, Zach. 5. by oppression, Eccl. 7.8. ●y unlawful piracy, by play for gain, ●y usury, Prov. 28.8. which is a certain ●aine by covenant for the bare act of ●●nding. The duties concerning ourselves are ●rst, to labour in a lawful calling for ●ur own maintenance, 2 Thes. 3.12. ●●condly, to order expenses according ●o our ability, Pro. 27.25, 26. Thirdly, ●o avoid rash suretyship, Pro. 6.1, 2. and ●ot lightly to give credit to the hazarding of what is gotten by lawful means, fourthly, to suffer nothing to perish ●●rough slothfulness, joh. 6.12. Fiftly, in giving and lending, to have respe● to our ability. Psal. 112.5. 2 Cor. 16.2. The sins be idleness, niggardliness to himself, prodigality, rash and vna●uised suretyship. Q. Concerning the Ninth Commandment, Thou shalt not bear false witness ●gainst thy neighbour, what is command●● and forbidden herein? A. In general, to defend the goo● name of our neighbour, and of our selue● and therefore to speak the truth and avoid lying. Inward duties. In particular, there is commande● first inwardly in the mind to know t●● excellency of a good name, Prov. 22. ● Eccl. 7.1. and of the truth, Ephes. 4. 1● Secondly, in thoughts taking thin● doubtful in the best part, as far as m● be, 1. Cor, 13.5. Gen. 37.31. Mat. 10. 1● Prov. 14.5. and 25.2. Thirdly, in 〈◊〉 fection a gladness to hear good rep● of others, and evil with grief, Rom. 8. Ezra 9 Fourthly, love of the tru●● Psal. 15.2. Prov 13.5. Sins forbidden here be, first, despising others, Prov. 14.21. Secondl● disdaining and envying at the credit 〈◊〉 others, 1 Cor. 13.4. Thirdly, unjust suspicion, 1 Tim. 6.4. Fourthly, thinking lying to be no sin, or very small, not hating lying, nor loving the truth. Outward duties be either in public course of judgement, Outward duties. Public or in private conversation: In public course of judgement, first, judges not to be too credulous in believing accusations, Psa. 101.5. Deut. 19.16, 17, 18, 19 and therefore not to proceed without sufficient witnesses, Deut. 19.15. Mat. 18.16, 17. 1 Tim. 5.19. The sin is to entertain false accusations, Proverb. 27.12. 2 Sam. 16.2.3. 1 Sam. 22.9, 10, etc. Secondly, witnesses ought to avouch nothing but truth known, and that certainly. The sin is, when witnesses testify false things, Deut. 19.16, 17, 18, 19 1 Kings 21.13. Matt. 26.61. 1 Sam. 22.9, 10. Concerning private conversation, Private first by word or writing, to testify the good known of any as occasion may be, 1 Sam. 20.24. 1 Cor. 16.10. 2 Cor. 8.22, 23. 3 john 12. The sin is, first to omit the defence of the good name of our neighbour, Pro. 12. not to clear the afflicted. Secondly, to forbear his company without cause, Psal. 38. job 19 Thirdly, to mock. 2 In ordinary speeches of others, we must neither utter nor receive the reports of the faults of others, false or doubtful, Exod. 23.1 Psal. 15. 1 Cor. 13.7.5. The sin is first rash and light speaking of, and spreading abroad the sins others, Levit. 19.16. Secondly, praising wicked persons, Prov. 28.4. Thirdly, spreading false and slanderous reports, Ps. 15.3. Fourthly, speaking evil of that which may or aught to be taken in good sense, 1 Sam. 17. 2 Sam. 10.13, 14. Rom. 1.28. Mat. 7.1. 3 Secret faults of others are not to be spread abroad, Leu. 19.16. Prov. 25.9.11.13. or being commonly known, they are to be spoken of with compassion to the offenders (if they be not desperate opposers of grace:) or for the warning of others, Gal. 6.1. john 66.67. Rom. 11.20, 21, 22. The sin is to publish secret faults, Prov. 11.13. 4 Privately to admonish others of ●heir faults, Levit. 19.16.17. Pro. 27.5.6. and to instruct them in good duties, whereby they may get and keep a good name. The sin is, first, omission of private reproofs, and instruction: secondly, unmerciful censuring the slips and weaknesses of our brethren, jam. 4.11. 5 In all our words we must avouch nothing but the truth, Eph. 4.25. and where in wisdom any thing ought to be concealed, it must be done either by silence or such words, as contain nothing but truth in them, 1 Sam. 16.2.3. using few and wise speeches, Prou. 10.19. Concerning this last point of truth, there is required more particularly, not to be rash in receiving reports, Pro. 11.9. and to report nothing for truth, but what we know, speaking doubtful things, doubtfully. And we ought to join with promises, a purpose of performing them, without equivocating, and after to perform them accordingly, unless, first, by mutual consent the things promised be altered; or secondly, the promises were unlawful, being against God's Word, or made by him that wanted reason and discretion, or that was not able to bind himself, being under the government of his Parents, or were at the first lawful, and afterward unlawful and impossible. The sins forbidden be, first, all kinds of lies pernicious, jesting, or officious, Rom. 3.7.8. Eph. 4.4.9. secondly, willing embracing lies from others: or lightly giving credit to them, Pro. 14.15. thirdly, avouching as truths, things unknown and doubtful: fourthly, unfaithful promising, equivocating, and breaking promise. Concerning our own good name, there is commanded a care of getting and preserving the same: first, by avoiding evil, and the appearance of it, Eccl. 10.1. secondly, by being plentiful in good works, Phil. 4.8. Pro. 10.7 thirdly, by using lawful means to clear ourselves from slanderous imputations, Psal. 101.5. fourthly, to have a care to think and speak well of others, Math. 7.2. Eccl. 7.23. and if praise of good men be added to our work, it is not to be contemned, but if it be wanting, it is to be taken in good part, 2 Cor. 1.12. Psal. 16.6. 1 Cor. 1.31. The sins forbidden be, first, vain boasting: secondly, accusing ourselves falsely: thirdly, losing our good name by sinful courses, Pro. 6.33. fourthly, neglect of just and orderly defence of a man's credit in matters of weight. Q. Concerning the tenth Commandment, Thou shalt not covet, etc. what is commanded and forbidden therein? A. The scope of this Commandment is, that our minds be full of that charity, which may be free, even from evil thoughts and lusts, that so the internal powers of the reason and will of man be carried to good, in the duties concerning man: in particular, there is commanded, first, Eph. 4.23. 1 Thes. 5.23. a mind rightly informed of God's wisdom and justice, concerning our outward estate: secondly, affections and motions holy, so as, first, to be contented with that portion of outward things which God hath given us, and in want of any thing to rest until God give it, or by lawful means we may be disburdened of afflictions: secondly, to rejoice at the prosperous estate of our neighbours: thirdly, to repress evil motions, Rom. 7.22. The sins forbidden be, first, delight in evil motions, although without consent to do the evil, or to the titillation or delight, Eph. 4.18. Luk. 10.27. Gal. 5.17. secondly, not repressing evil motions, but giving way to envy at others prosperity, or to rejoice at their adversity. Q. You have showed already, that no man in this world can perfectly and legally keep all these Commandments, tell me now more fully to what use or profit the Law serveth. A. First, it teacheth us the nature of God, that he is just, true, bountiful, holy, according to the image of him expressed in the Law: secondly, it showeth us what our estate was in our original righteousness in Adam before the fall; namely, a perfect conformity with the whole Law of God: thirdly, it revealeth the nature of sin, and is a testimony of the judgement of God, especially at the last day: fourthly, it is in some sort a schoolmaster to Christ, although it do not teach him, in that it showeth us our misery, so as we must go out of ourselves, if we would be saved; and serveth to prepare us to be humble: fifthly, it is a rule of good life, to which all our counsels, studies and actions are to be directed, that we may daily aspire to more holiness, and it is the rule of civil actions amongst men, and the bond of humane society, and doth teach us, what our estate of holiness shall be at the resurrection, when this law shall be perfectly fulfilled by us. Q. As you have showed in some measure the meaning of the Creed, and ten Commandments, proceed to the Lords Prayer, and first tell me what prayer is. A. Prayer is an ask of things lawful of God in the name of Christ, with a contrite heart and affiance to be heard, and giving thankes to God for benefits received or promised, Phil. 4.6. joh. 16.23. Psal. 51.17. 2 Chron. 20.18.19. Q. Why should we pray, seeing God knoweth what we want before we ask, and we cannot move God with our prayers? A. First, because God hath commanded us to pray, Psal. 50.15. secondly, that we may thus worship God, acknowledging him the author of every good thing, Psal. 106.23. jer. 22.30.31. thirdly, because of our necessity considered with God's order, who reserveth to prayer, things that otherwise he will not do or give, Matth. 17.21. jam. 4.2. Ezek. 36.37. Q. The Lord's Prayer being a perfect pattern of prayer, tell me how many parts it doth contain. A. Three: first, a Preface; secondly, Petitions; thirdly, the Conclusion. Q Concerning the Preface in these words, Our Father which art in heaven, who is meant by the word Father? A. Properly the fi●st person in the Trinity, called God the Father; first, because he is the Father of Christ by nature; secondly, in him he is our Father by adoption and regeneration, Matth. 23.9. Q. To whom ought we to pray? A. Only to God, and not to Saints or Angels, Psal. 50.15. first, because God will not give his glory to others, Esa. 42.8. Rom. 10.14. secondly, he only is every where present, and alsufficient, able & willing to hear us, and we have no other Father in heaven, but him, Esa. 63.16. 1 King. 8.27. Psalm. 73.29. Q. May we not pray to God the Son, and to God the holy Ghost, as well as to the Father? A. Yes, Act. 7.59. 2 Cor. 13.13. the Father is named here, being first in order, yet so as we then imply the Son and holy Ghost: also there is but one name, one kingdom, and one will of the whole Trinity, and every one of them is Father to us, although in the respect they have to themselves, there is but one Father, Esa. 9.6. jam. 1.17. Q. What learn you further in calling God our Father? A. That it is possible and necessary to know that we are the children of God, Rom. 8.16. and that only the children of God can make an acceptable prayer to him, Psal. 66.18. Pro. 15.8. joh. 9.31. and we ought to know, and may know, that God will grant our petitions, jam. 1.5.6. 1 joh. 5.14.15. Q. Why say we Our, and not My Father? A. Because although every one must believe for himself, and therefore saith, I believe, yet he must pray for others, as well as for himself, and it is comfortable that all believers pray for every one. Hab. 2.4. jam. 5.16. Q For whom ought we to pray? A. For Magistrates and Ministers a 1 Tim. 2.1.2. 9 Thes. 3.1 2. Mat. 5 41. 1 joh. 5 16. , for all sorts, not only friends, but enemies, unless they sin against the holy Ghost, (which sin is not ordinarily or commonly discerned in men,) and we may not pray for the dead b 2 Sam. 12.16. joh. 3.18. Heb. 1.3. 2 Cor. 5.10 Math. 12.36.13. God is not in pla●e circumscriptively, or definitively, but repletively. , because there is no Purgatory after this life, and we have no warrant for such prayers, an● they will do no good; for if they be● regenerate, their souls be immediately after their d●●th, carried by the Angels to heaven; and if they died in the● sins, they be irrecoverably damne● in hell, Rom 14 23. Phil. 1.23. 2 Cor. 5.1. 2. Reu. 14.13. Luk. 16.23.24. Reu. 21.8 Q Why is God said to be in heaven, seeing he is everywhere? A. Because in heaven, God dot● especially manifest his power, wisedom● and goodness, and that we might reverence Gods infinite Majesty, and know ●e is able to help us, and our desires and minds should be in heaven, confessing ourselves stranger's here, Psal. 57.3. and 18.17. and 115.3. Q. Concerning the first Petition, Hallowed be thy Name: what doth this word Name signify? A. First, God himself his titles and ●ttributes, Psal. 115.1. secondly, his Word and ordinances, Exod. 18.15. ●hirdly, his works of creation and pro●idence, and therein his mercies and ●●dgements. Q. What is meant by this word Hal●●wed? A. To be acknowledged holy, and used holily, Luk. 7.29.35. Q What is the equity and necessity of ●is Petition? A. First, because God's name only excellent, and his praise above heaven ●d earth, Psal. 148.12. secondly, he ●●th made all things for his own glo●●, Prou. 16.14. Rom. 11.36. thirdly, ●od being our Father, and having sanctified and separated us to be a holy people to himself, it is meet we should show forth his virtues, 1 Pet. 2.9. fourthly, we are naturally blind, not able to find our the glory of God in himself, his ordinances and works, Rom. 8.7. and 3.10. fifthly, we are naturally proud, seeking our own glory more than Gods, and do not esteems God aright. Q. What things do we pray for in the first Petition? A. Some things concerning ou● hearts, some our tongues, and some ou● actions. For the first, concerning ou● hearts; first, we pray that God's nam● may be known, Psal. 76.1. Exod. 14.17.18. Psal. 119.33. secondly, that we● and others may be diligent to mark and observe God's nature, ordinances and works in judgements and mercie● Psal. 107.43. and 8.1.3. and 139.14 17.18. job. 36.24.25. that we may be● able to honour God, by believing Go● and his word, as Abraham did, Rom. 4 fourthly, that we may love him abou● all things, and be zealous of his glory Ios. 7.8.9. 1 King. 19.10. Psal. 42.3.4. fifthly, that we may fear him above all Esay. 8.13. Psal. 86.11. and be humble: sixthly, that with our souls we may be thankful, admiring and highly esteeming him, Psal. 103.1. Deut. 8.11. For the second, namely, concerning our tongues, we pray that we may, first, praise his goodness, truth and power, Psal. 9.1. and 108.1. secondly, confess his truth, and defend his honour, according to our place and gifts, opposing such as blaspheme: thirdly, for our actions natural, civil and religious, that we may do them in a right manner, that God may be glorified, Deut. 23.12.13.14. Tit. 2.5. 1 Cor. 10.31. 1 Sam. 2.17. Q. What do we pray against in the first petition? A. First, concerning our hearts; first, ●gainst atheism, Psal. 10.4. secondly, ●gainst ignorance of the things of God: ●hirdly, against pride, Luk. 18.11. fourthly, against hardness of heart, Mark. 6.52. fifthly, against a mean opinion of God: sixthly, against forgetfulness of God, Deut. 8.11. sevenly, against distrust: eightly, against want of ●eale of God's glory: ninthly, against hypocrisy. Secondly, concerning our tongues; first, against swearing falsely, vainly, or by creatures, and against all blaspheming, Zach. 5.4. jer. 23.10. and 5.7. secondly, against mocking at good things, Pro. 17.5. Psal. 109.17.18. thirdly, against unthankfulness to God: fourthly, against omission of confession, by not speaking for God, when he is dishonoured by others: fiftly, against ascribing to idols, that which belongeth to God. Thirdly, Concerning our conversasation, against leading an unholy life in the profession of religion, Rom. 2.24. Q. What is contained in this first Petition, besides these supplications for good things, and deprecations against evils? A. First, confession, that of ourselves we cannot thus glorify God: secondly, a thankful ascribing to God the working of such graces, as we desire herein, and that he hath given us a desire to seek his glory, and enabled us in some measure to be fit instruments to set forth his holiness and praises. Q. Concerning the second Petition, Thy Kingdom come, what is meant thereby? A. The word Kingdom, signifieth the Kingdom, first, of God's providence: secondly, of grace: thirdly, of glory. And this word, Come, signifieth to be, to continue, to be increased, to be revealed to our knowledge more and more. Q. What is the equity and necessity of this second Petition? A. We are to pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God's providence; first, because God's glory is showed forth hereby, Psal. 19.1. and 104.24.25. Act. 14.15.17. secondly, because it doth afford matter and means for the Kingdom of grace, in propagating and upholding the Church. Concerning the Kingdom of grace, the necessity thereof appeareth; first, because the devil hath his kingdom and throne among men, yea all men naturally, joh. 14.30. Act. 26.18. secondly, the flesh, the natural viciousness, which love's disorder, prefers the reign of the devil, and setteth wicked things before just, 1 Pet. 4.3. joh. 8.45. Eph. 4.18.19. thirdly, the whole judgement of the world, preferreth earthly things before heavenly, evil before good, resisting, hating or persecuting the Kingdom of God, joh. 7.7. Rom. 1.25. 1 Cor. 16.9. Q. What is the order or placing of thi● Petition? A. The first Petition tendeth to the glory of God, the chief end of our life, the second and third, note the meane● tending to that end; the second, in tha● God is glorified when his Kingdom i● erected in our heart's, and the third i● for the manifestation of ou● subjection acknowledging God's sovereignty in 〈◊〉 loyal yielding ourselves to him, an● so glorifying him. Q. What do we pray for in the secon● Petition? A. Concerning the Kingdom o● God's providence, that we and other may acknowledge, observe, and reverence the providence of God, governing and disposing all things, Ac● 14.15.17. 1 Grace. Psal. 51. Concerning the Kingdom of grace we pray, first, that God may rule in o●● hearts by his spirit, and the Kingdoms of God may not only be erected, b●● established and increased, and sin wasted and overcome And concerning others, we pra● that the number of such as profess the ●ruth, may be increased daily, that such as shall be saved, may be added to the Church, Ezek. 37.22.24. Rom. 11.26. and that such as have grace, may be endued with greater grace, and more spiritual gifts, and be more and more confirmed, Col. 1.9. Phil. 1.9. Secondly, 2 The means of grace, as we desire the means by which God useth to erect and increase ●his Kingdom; which are first, Magistrates by good laws, and the execution of them, ruling with God, Hos. 11.12. Psal. 72.1.7. Esa. 49.23. 1 King. 15.12. Eccl. 10.16.17. Secondly, faithful Ministers, not only reading, but Preaching the word, Act. 13.14. and 15.21. Psal. 110.2. Matth. 21.43. that they may be able and willing to Preach the Word, to the edification of the body of Christ, Mat. 9.37.38. Eph. 6.19.20. Act. 4.29. Deut. 33.8.10. and that God would preserve them for the work of the Ministry, from the persecution of tyrants and wicked men, Rom. 15.30.31. 2 Thes. 3.1. and that the two Sacraments, Baptism and the Lords Supper, may be purely and duly administered, according to the first institution, being mean● of increase of grace, Rom. 4.11. and tha● we and others may be desirous an● willing, with prepared hearts, to be partakers thereof, Act. 9.37.38. Luke 1.6. 1 Cor. 11.24.25.26. etc. And for discipline, the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, that they may rightly be used for shutting up heaven, and delivering to Satan, obstinate sinners, and releasing the penitent, Matth. 16.19. and 18.15.16.17.18. and 7.6. 1 Cor. 5.5. 2 Cor. 2.6. 2 Thes. 3.14.15. Thirdly, we pray for God's spirit with Magistrates and Ministers, making the means effectual and successful, that the Gospel may run and be glorified; because God only giveth increase, and all sufficiency is of God, 2 Thes. 3.1. 1 Cor. 3.7. 2 Cor. 3.5. Ezek. 36.26.27. Fourthly, for the privileges and franchises of the Kingdom of grace, as knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of God, Matth. 13.11. freedom from the curse of the law, and from the dominion of sin, to have such spiritual dignity, as is peculiar to the elect, 1 Pet. 2.9. Reu. 1.6. and to know that we have the same to the glory of God. Lastly, we are to pray for the Kingdom of glory at death, and especially at the day of judgement that we may then be subjects perfectly obedient to God, Rom. 8.23. 2 Cor. 5. Phil. 1.23. Rev. 22.20. Q. What do we pray against in the second Petition? A. Concerning the Kingdom of God's providence, against ascribing things to fortune or destiny, and against swelling in pride against God, Exodus 5.2. Dan. 3.15. Concerning the Kingdom of grace, we pray against all lets and hindrances of this Kingdom, as first against the dominion and tyranny of the devil, & sin, that God would weaken and waste them, till they be abolished utterly, Rom. 16.20. 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. And against all the evil courses of such men as are slaves to sin, and Satan, and confederate with them; whether they be open foes or false friends, which by force or fraud go about to undermine and resist the Kingdom of Christ. The most notorious of these, are the Turk, Pope, and Antichristian hierarchy; and against libertines, that cast off all conscience, and turn the grace of God into wantonness. Secondly, concerning Magistrates, first, against the anarchy of the Anabaptists, that would have no Magistrates at all. Secondly, against evil government, when evil Magistrates set up the Kingdom of Satan in Paganism, Mahometisms, Papism, Atheism, or any superstition, or tolerate strange religion, Act. 18.17. Cant. 5.7. we pray against wicked laws and statutes, that either the making or execution of them may be hindered, such as was against Daniel, or against the jews by Haman, not praying against the magistracy, but their proceed against the truth, Psalm 68.1, 2. Ezrah 6.12. Thirdly, concerning the sins of the ministry, we pray against, first, ignorance, for which God refuseth them to minister to him, Host. 4.6. Esa. 56.10. Secondly, false doctrine, which fretteth like a gangrene, 2 Tim. 2.17. Rom. 16.17. Thirdly, against idleness, when they feed not the flock, but eat the milk, and them with the wool, and the sheep be scattered. Fourthly, against flattery and false application, daubing with vntempered mortar, Ezek. 13. jude 16. Fiftly, against rising up against the lawful ministry, that is allowed of God, causing hatred, Hos. 9.8. or raising trouble to the ministry, Deut. 33.11. 1 Cor. 16.10. Sixtly, against adding false sacraments and corrupting the true. Seventhly, against abusing the power of the keys or discipline. Eightly, against absence of the saving power and spiritual efficacy from the means: generally against all the enemies of God's kingdom, as they be enemies; especially such as be incurable; which because we cannot know particularly in ordinary course, we pray against incurable enemies in general: and for particulars, that God will convert them if they belong to him, or conditionally if they be incurable, that God would restrain or subvert them, Esa. 68.28. Psa. 104.35. judg. 5.31. Gal. 5.12. Phil. 1.28, 29. and 3.19. 2 Thes. 1.6. Rev. 19.1.6. Psal. 10.16, 17. Concerning the kingdom of glory, we pray against first, imagining that there is any full perfection on earth, secondly, against atheistical denying of the blessed glorious kingdom. Q. What is further contained in the second petition? A. First, a confession that of ourselves we cannot do the things we pray for, and secondly, a thanksgiving ascribing to God, the right ordering of the world; & for that contrary to the kingdom of darkness, he hath erected the kingdom of his son, and chosen, and called us to the same, Psal. 101.3, 4, 6. Mat. 11.25. Ephes. 1.3. Phil. 1.4, 5. Col. 1.3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13. 1 Thes. 2.13. Reu. 11.17. Q. Concerning the third petition, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven, whereas Gods will is revealed or secret, what do we pray for? A. First, for grace to deny ourselves, Mat. 16.24. Ezek. 18.31. Secondly, for knowledge of Gods revealed will, Prov. 2.10.11. Psal. 119.27.34. Col. 1.9. Thirdly, for faith to believe, that the will of God revealed to us, is his will: and to apply his gracious promises unto our own souls, joh. 6.40. 1 joh. 3.23. Fourthly, that God would give us love of obedience, and allure us thereunto effectually, that he would incline us to ●his law, and teach us to do his will with effect; and that not only in our general, but also in our particular vocations, Psal. 143.10. Phil. 2.13. Ezek. 36.26.27. Fiftly, for patience and strength when it shall please God at any time to exercise us under the cross, Col. 1.12. Concerning Gods secret will, we may not always pray that it may be done, but when by the event we see what God will have done, we patiently rest ●n it, and pray that we may do so, 1 Sam. 3.18. 2 Sam. 15.25.26. Esa. 39 ●. 7.8. Q. What do we pray against? A. First, against atheism, when men live, as if there were no God, no conscience, no heaven, or hell, job 21.14. Psal. 14. 1. Mal. 3.14.15. Tit. 1.16. ●econdly, against ignorance of Gods will: thirdly, against rebellion, when men peremptorily resist Gods will, known and urged upon their consciences: foutthly, against pride, cavilling against any of God's decrees, and judgements, Rom. 9.19.20. or rising in heart against any of his ways, jonah 4. fifthly, against impatience in afflictions, Heb. 12.9. sixthly, against taking occasion by commandments and rules of duties to fly from God, through desperation, ignorant of the covenant of grace; or to think we have strength in ourselves to do the duties commanded. Q. What do we pray for in these words, In earth as it is in heaven? A. As the Angels and Saints in heaven do the will of God, sincerely, cheerfully, willingly, speedily, universally and constantly, that we may do so, aspiring towards heavenly righteousness, 2 Sam. 14.17. Luk. 8.15. Matth. 18.10. Esa. 6.2. and 64.5. Psal. 119.60. 2 Sam. 24.16.17. Psal. 18.22. and 106.3. Q. What do we pray against? A. First, hypocrisy: secondly, weariness in well-doing: thirdly, contenting ourselves with outward civil honesty, void of faith, and not regarding universal obedience, Esa. 29.13. Gal. 6.9. Matth. 5.20. Q. What is the equity and necessity of this petition? A. First, because of God's sovereign power and holiness, it is meet we obey him, Mal. 1.6. 1 Sam. 3.18. Rom. 7.2. Esa. 39.8. Secondly, the many lets against the doing of the will of God, grieve the child of God, and in zeal move him to pray, Thy will be done; as first, the elect themselves are naturally ignorant of Gods will, both in the Law and Gospel, Tit. 3.3. secondly, their will is naturally more rebellious, than their mind is ignorant, jer. 31.18.19. Psal. 25. Col. 1.21. Rom. 8.7. and 7.5.8. 1 Pet. 4.2. yea the elect converted, find a lusting against the Law of God, and have the flesh in them so working, that they are ignorant of many things, and their wills renewed but in part, and so they do not as they should, Rom. 7. Gal. 5.17. Thirdly, the devil, and fourthly, the world are great enemies to the doing of God's will; therefore the zeal of God's children ought to carry them with earnestness, for the doing of Gods will, Psal. 119.126. Q. What is further included in this third petition? A. First, a confession of our natural rebellion and disobedience, Rom. 7.24. secondly, a thankful ascribing to God, the power which he hath begun in us, to be obedient to his will, Rom. 7.25. Q. Concerning the fourth petition, Give us this day our daily bread, what do we pray for in the same, or what is meant by daily bread? A. All things necessary for the maintenance of this life. Q. Before you show more particularly what we pray for, declare the order of this petition. A. In the three former, we pray for things immediately concerning God, in this and the Petitions following, we pray for things concerning ourselves; in this fourth, for things concerning our bodies; and in the fift and sixth for things concerning our souls: now things concerning the body, are here set down, before things concerning the soul, not as if they were more excellent, for elsewhere grace is put before peace, Rom. 1.7. Pro. 3●. 7. Matth 6.33. but for these reasons, first, because if there be not provision for our subsistence and b●ing in life, we cannot here serve God's glory, and be sustained in his service, which is the chief end of our desire of life, Psal. 18 17. and 119. 17. Esa. 38. Phil. 1.20.21. R●m 14.7. secondly, because there is an infirmity in us, that many dare less put themselves over to the hope of God's promises, for the body, then f●r the soul. He hath profited well in godliness, that is able to put off that infidelity and anxiety, which is as in ou● bones, about things of this life, which much hinder better thoughts: thirdly, by learning to depend upon God for these lesser ●hings: we be lead by degrees to depend upon his me●cy for the forgiveness of our sins, and other things necessary for a heavenly life, Hos. 2.15. joh. 4. Psal. 23. vlt. Q. What is the necessity an● equity of ●his petition? A. We desire corporal blessings of God, first, because he is the giver of every good gift, jam. 1.17. he giveth power to get substance, Deut. 8.18. the blessing of the earth is from him, Hos. 2.21.22. he maketh peace and war, Esa. 45.7. he smiteth and healeth: Magistrates and decrees of justice, council and strength, and all other good things, are from him, Pro. 8.14.15. Eccl. 2.26. secondly, all outward helps have their force from him, bread, hath force to nourish us from him, Pro. 29.26. and 21.31. Esa. 54.17. Hag. 1.6. job 17.10. Psal. 127.2. thirdly, the devil is an enemy of this earthly life, and of the maintenance of it, it is meet therefore he be repelled by prayer: fourthly, that we may show ourselves to hate all unlawful ways of getting our living. Q. Show more particularly, what we are to pray for in the fourth petition. A. First, the things whereby this life is preserved, as victuals needful for the nourishment of the body, Psal. 132 15. 2 Cor. 9.10. 1 Tim. 4.3.4.5. & 5.23. convenient apparel, Pro. 27.26. Gen 28.20. 1 Cor. 12.23. commodious dwelling, Psal. 107.36. Esa. 49.10 1 Cor. 4.11. Physic, Ezek. 47.12. Reuel. 22.2. sleep, Psal. 127.2. Hos. 2.18. peace public and private, Pro. 21.9. and 17.1. jer. 29.7. Psal. 144.14. and 122.6. good Magistrates, good laws, and the execution thereof for the common wealth, Psal. 64.2.3. for a whole mind in a whole body, for honest fame, faithful friends, favour, especially of good men, good marriage, as there may be occasion, Pro. 19.14. honest children, Gen. 25.21. Luk 1.13. an obedient family, good neighbours, fruitful seasons, Zach. 10.1. Act. 14.17. the strong man, the man of war, the judge, Councillor, Artificer, Orator, Esa. 3. secondly, for ability to do the works of our callings, Exod. 31.3. thirdly, for willingness to undergo labours in the use of the means, to serve Gods ordinary providence, 2 Thes. 3.10. 12. fourthly, for God's blessing upon our labour, and the means of our maintenance, Psal. 127.1.2. Deut. 8.2.3. Pro. 10.3.22. fifthly, for a heart to use the blessings which God giveth, and for comfortable contentation with our estate, Eccl. 2.24. 1 Tim. 6.8. Q. Why is it called Our bread? A. First, because of a civil right and title, and so we profess against possessing, that which is not ours, Habac. 2.6. 2 Thes. 3.10. secondly, by a divine right restored in Christ, Matth. 15.26. Q. May we not desire riches? A. We may desire things necessary for our nature, place, and charge, depending on us, but not more than such necessary a Pro. 39.8.9 & 23.4.5. Matth. 13.22. and 19.23. 1 Tim. 6.9.10.17. Psal. 119.36. Heb. 13.5. Phil. 4.11.12. Psal. 37.16.17.18.19. Pro. 17.1. , yet it must not hinder diligence, upon which plenty may follow; and if God cast abundance upon us, we may take and use it, and that even for ornament and lawful delight, so as piety, righteousness, charity, and sobriety be kept b 1 Cor. 12.23.24. Gen. 24.47. 2 Sam. 1.24. Deut. 12.20.21. Can. 37.10. Psal. 104.15. Deut. 8.11. Luke 21.34.35. . Q What do we pray against in the fourth petition? A. Against, first, famine, secondly, diseases, thirdly, wars civil, and also foreign invasion of enemies, Psal. 144.14. fourthly, unseasonable weather: fifthly, negligence, and injustice in Magistrates: sixthly, falling into the hands of extortioners: seventhly, unfaithfulness of servants, undutifulness of children, and other such domestical adversities: eightly, idleness, Pro. 18.9.12.17. ninthly, unskilfulness in the works of our calling: tenthly, G●ds withdrawing his blessing from the means of our maintenance: eleventhly, distrust, Mat. 6. and covetousness, Psal. 119.36. twelfthly, prodigality. Q. What is further included in this fourth petition? A. First, confession, that we have nothing of ourselves, and that we are unworthy of any thing: secondly, a thankful acknowledging God to be the giver of the things we pray for, Deut. 8. Psal. 21.3.4.5. and 104.14.15.23. and 18. judg. 5. Esa. 38.16. etc. 2 Cor. 1.3.4. Q. Concerning the fifth petition, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, what is meant by forgiving debts or trespasses? A. When through the satisfaction of Christ our surety, all our sins are freely forgiven: Christ's righteousness imputed to us, and we accepted to eternal life, Esa. 1.18. and 38.17. and 44.22. jer. 50.20. Mic. 7.19. Q. How do we forgive men their debts? A. We forgive the damage concerning ourselves, but as God's Law is violated thereby, it belongeth only to God to forgive it, Levit. 6.2. etc. Num. 5.6. etc. Q. How fare is a man bound to forgive? A. We must put away all enmity and grudge, that is against loving our neighbours as ourselves, Levit. 19.17.18. Pro. 10.12.18. but satisfaction we may sometimes require, and debts of money and the like, when the borrower is able to pay, Exod. 22.1. etc. Luk. 19.8. and sometimes the quality of the offender is such, that he must be prosecuted to punishment, Deut. 13.8.9. and 21.18.20.21. judg. 19.30. there is a difference between an adversary and an enemy; the one is of hatred, the other of love of justice, an adversary may love. Q. Is our forgiving other men, a cause of God's forgiving us? A. No, but a sign or condition, without which God forgiveth not, Esa. 43.25. Hos 14.4. Luk. 6.35. 1 joh. 3.14. and 2.10. Matth. 5.7. jam. 2.13. and 3.1. and under this particular of mercy to others, is included all repentance and amendment of life, requisite in him, that can comfortably look for forgiveness of sins, Exod 34.7. Deut. 29.19.20. Q. What is the order of this petition? A Next after that which concerneth our sustentation, we crave forgiveness of our sins, to teach us, first, by experience of God's goodness, in giving us daily bread to help our weakness, in trusting in his mercy for the salvation of our souls, Gen. 28.20.21. the wicked do not so, but after benefits say still, Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? job 21.14.15. secondly, that we might learn to look for good things from God, even concerning this life, with reconciliation and fear, or feel that when good things are kept from us, it is sin that keepeth them back from us, and separateth between us and our God, Lam. 3.39. jer. 5.24. Q. What is the equity and necessity of this petition? A. F●rst, because all men are sinners and destitute of t●e glo●y of God, 1 King. 8.46. Pro 20.9. Rom. 3.23. secondly, sin separateth from God, who is the l●●● o● our soul, as the soul is the life of the body: it is necessary to have that impediment of our spiritual life removed: Psal. 40. Gen. 4. Psal. 32.1. thirdly, sin is an intolerable bur●hen: and bless dnesse is said to be the lifting of a man's sins up, that they are not imputed: fourthly, sin imputed, corrupteth and destroyeth the precious gifts of God, and ●i● her removeth them from the sinner, or turneth them all against him, that his table is his snare, and his prosperity his ruin, Esa. 65.20. Matth. 26.24. Q. Seeing they that pray must with faith in Christ call God their Father, which cannot be but with some certainty of forgiveness of sins, and seeing in Baptism the covenant of God, for the forgiveness of all sins past, present, and to come, is sealed to the baptised: the blood of Christ, of which it is a figure, cleanseth from all sins: what necessity is thereof this petition? A. First, we daily commit offence, and therefore have need daily to crave pardon: and our assurance before hand, ●nd always is, that preier is to be used as a means to obtain pardon: secondly, we pray for forgiveness, not that we have no assurance thereof, but because our assurance is but weak, and we desire greater and more comfortable assurance thereof, that as with God, forgiveness is full and perfect, so the same may be accordingly sealed in our hats: thirdly, we pray for the obtaining of the fruit and effect of forgiveness of sins, freedom from ●ll miseries and sorrow, and perfect blessedness, we living now by faith and not by sight, 2 Cor. 5 7. Rom. 8.23. Q. What do we pray for in the fift petition? A. First, that we may know our sins, Reu. 3.17. secondly, that we may be bumbled for them, Rom. 7.24. Matth. 11.28. thirdly, that we may confess them to God. Pro. 28.13. fourthly, for assurance of justification, Psal. 51.1. etc. fifthly, assurance of reconciliation with God, 2 Cor. 5.18.19. Rom. 5.1. sixthly, for charity towards men, and more generally for repentance, the sign and condition required in them that be forgiven: sevenly, for eternal full happiness in heaven, Rom. 8.23. Q. What do we pray against? A. First, against ignorance of our sinful estate, Esa. 6.10. secondly, against desperation, which Cain and judas fell into, 1 joh. 5.10. thirdly, against presumption, hardness of heart, malice, and impenitency, Psal. 50.21. fourthly, against damnation in hell. Q. What is included more in this fifth petition? A. First, a confession of sins to God a Psal. 32.4.5. Pro. 28.13. 1 joh. 1 8. 1 Tim. 1.15. , and that we cannot satisfy for them: secondly, a thankful acknowledging God only to be the author o● forgiveness of sins, and praising him for remission of our sins, and turning away his anger, and for his favour towards us, Esa. 12.1. and 43.25. Mark. 2.7. Exod. 34.7. Rom. 8.33. Psal. 74.38 Q. Concerning the sixth Petition, Leade● us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil, what is it to be lead into temptation? A. To be forsaken of God, left to be overcome by the temptations of Satan, our own flesh, or the world, which move us to sin, Rom. 1.24 27. Exod. ●3. and 8.15. 2 Thes. 2.10. jam. 1 13. ●4. Ezek. 14 4.9. 1 King. 22.23. Hab. 1.3. Zach 8 17. Q. What is it to be delivered from ●ill? A. By increasing in us the graces of ●nctification, to be set at liberty from ●he power of the devil, the world, and ●he flesh, 2 Tim. 4.18. 1 Sam. 2.9. 1 Thes. ●. 23.24. Q. What is the order of this petition? A. It is according to the covenant ●f God, in the two parts of it, the first of forgiving sins, the second of giving is spirit to cause us to walk in his statutes, Ezek. 36.25.26.27.28. therefore ●s we prayed before for forgiveness of ●●nnes, so here for strength, that hereafter we be not overcome of sin, shew●ng that it is not only the Christians ●are, to have sin forgiven, but to resist temptation, and strive against sin; ●nd these go together in time, although in order of nature, forgiveness of sins be before the strife, and fight against sin. Q. What is the equity and necessity of this petition? A. First, within us be inclination and motions of our own flesh: we ar● naturally delighted with the deceitful baits of sin, job 15.16. Heb. 3.13 Tit. 3.3. and even the regenerate, although sin do not reign, yet it doth remain in them, and molest them, Rom 7.22.23.24. Gal. 5.17. secondly, we● have the world, out of which we be● chosen and separated, tempting us wit● flattery or force, sometimes friends offering substance, liberty, etc. sometimes frowning, changing friends into enemies, and using violence, Cant. 8.7.8. thirdly, the devil, out of whose kingdom we be taken, hath great wrath, and laboureth to get us again, as he seethe his endeavours to prevail with some, that seemed to have escaped him, 2 Pet. 2.20. Reuel. 12.4. he seeketh to repossess, where once he hath possessed, and to weaken the faith of some at the least, by the falls of some, that were held great in the Church; that he may kill ●ome, and wound others, Luk. 22.32. 1 Pet. 5.8. Eph. 6.10.11. and this appears partly by such temptations, as be merely injected in the minds of the ●dly; as thoughts of blasphemy, and ●●ly by forcible suggestion, to do ●●h things as be against reason: and to ●ch as be irksome and grievous to the ●●ture of man, as whipping, and lancing ●●e the Baalites, and offering the children even the dearest of them to the ●uill: besides the devil laboureth to ●●rther the motions of the flesh, and al●ements, or other temptations of the ●orld. Q. What do we pray for in the sixth pe●ion? A. First, for knowledge in the word 〈◊〉 God to withstand all temptations, ●phes. 6.17. Secondly, for steadfast faith, ●phes 6.16. 1 Pet. 5.9. Thirdly, for perseverance and increasing in holiness ●nd graces, john 14. and 17. 1 john 3.9. Pet. 1.5. jer. 32.40. that we may constantly resist devilish suggestions, faithfully cleave to the admonitions of the ●oly Ghost, following good examples, ●nd rightly using all occasions of holiness, offered of God, Psal. 5.9. and 27. ●1. and 119.117.125.144. 2 Cor. 12. ● 1 Thes. 3.12, 13. Fourthly, for patience in afflictions, and power to bea●● them, Rom. 5.3. Phil. 4.11, 12, 13. 2 C●● 10.13. Fiftly, that God will turn all afflictions to good, that we may be mo●● weyned from the world, more humb●● and obedient, etc. Psal. 119.67.7 1 Cor. 11.31. Sixtly, for full holiness' in heaven, Rom. 8.23. 2 Pet. 3. 1● Heb. 12.22. Q. What do we pray against? A. First against trials and affliction themselves, so fare as may stand wit● God's good pleasure. Secondly, against God's desertion, that he will not forsa●● us, or deprive us of his grace, and so ●gainst falling away from grace. Thirdly, against hardness of heart, and reigning sin. Fourthly, more generally against being overcome by the devil the world, or the flesh. Q. What else is included in the s●● Petition? A. First, a confession, and bewailing of corruption remaining in us, whereby we are prone to yield to Satan and sin, Rom. 7.23, 24. 2 Cor. 12.7. Mat. 26.41 Luke 22.31. 1 Thes. 3.5. Secondly, a thankful ascribing to God our holiness strength in temptation, & perseverance 〈◊〉 grace, Rom. 7.25. 1 Cor. 6.20. 2 Tim. ●. 17. Phil. 1.6. 2 Pet. 1.5. Q. Do we pray for all these things in all ●he petitions absolutely? A. Such things as are not necessary ●o our salvation, we pray for conditionally, if they stand with God's glory, his good pleasure, and our good. Q. How many ways doth God hear ●●ens prayers? A. First, in mercy to his children, 2 King. 20.2.5. Exo. 14 15. Mat. 26.39. Heb. 5.7. 2 Cor. 12.8, 9 giving that which they desire, or that which is better for them. Secondly, in wrath, when he sendeth the evils which men wish upon themselves; yea, in giving to some such prosperity as is their ruin, Psal. 78.29, 30, 31. Mat. 27.25. Q. Why doth God sometimes defer to grant the prayers of his children? A. First, sometime to correct them for not praying with such preparedness, and in such manner as they ought. Secondly, the more to make than see their own inability to help themselves. Thirdly, to try and exercise their faith and patience, Mat. 15.22; 23. Fourthly, to make them esteem his benefits the more. Q. For the third part, the conclusion, F●● thine is the kingdom, the power and the glo●ry for ever and ever, Amen, what is mean by kingdom, power and glory? 1 Chro. 22 11, 12. A. By kingdom is signified God● sovereign right and title, to all things with authority not only over his elect, but all things created, and that of himself, and from himself. Power noteth his force to give and work whatsoever he will. Psa. 115.3. Glory signifieth the high estimation, honour and p●aise, belonging to him in respect of the gifts coming from him, and of all actions performe● by us. Q. The reasons why these words ar● added, and the signification of the word, Amen, was showed in the shorter catechism, but should we use no other prayer but this? A. Yes we may use other prayers for form, but for matter we must have a● eye to this, and may fitly shut up our particular prayers in this. Q. Are the Creed and ten Commandments to be used as prayers? A. No, but in praying we are to crave strength to believe, that which is contained in the Commandments. Q. Is not the doctrine of the Papists in ●any things against the Creed, the ten Commandments, the Lords prayer, and the doctrine of the Sacraments? A. Yes. Q. Wherein? name some particulars, 1 joh. 5.21. Reu. 17.14. 2 Thes. 2. Reu. 18 4. for ●t were too long to name all, yet it is meet to ●●me some, that ●e may know, we must constantly stand on Christ's side against the Devil and all Antichristian errors and heresies, and know that so many martyrs have ●ot without cause constantly withstood Papistry: begin therefore to show how their doctrine is against the Creed. A. Against the first Article, yea and ●ll the rest, joh. 1.12. G●l. 2.20. 1 joh. 4.16. and 5.13, 14.15. is th●ir denying of particular ●aith, which is required in all the Articles. Also their defining of faith, to ●ee no more but a firm assent of the mind to the whole truth of God, which ●aith the devils have. Pro. 19.2. And also they commend an implicit faith, to believe ●s the Church believeth, not knowing what the Church is or what it belee●eth. Against the second Article, Heb. 7. ●5. Act. 4.12. whereas ●esus is a perfect Saviour of his people, from all their sins and punishments, they ascribe associates to Christ, as the Virgin Mary, St. Francis, the Pope's pardon, our own merits, etc. and whereas the title Christ signifieth our Saviour to be the Prophet, 1 joh. 2.22. Esa. 42.8. and 43.25. Priest & King of his Church, and will not give his honer to others, but is the only Messiah; against his prophetical office, they have men's traditions; against his Priesthood they have their Mass, and the mediation and intercession of Saints by their prayers and merits; and against his kingly office, they say the Pope can make laws to bind men's consciences, & may make new Articles of faith, and dispense with the old and new Testament; some of these errors are also against the six● and other Articles of the Creed. Against the third, they hold the humanity of Christ to be in many place● at once, and by consequence deny him to be true man. Heb. 1.3. and 7.27. and 10.14. Against the fourth, whereas Christ suffered to purge away our sins alone b● himself, by his one sacrifice once offered: they hold purging of sins by 〈◊〉 new sacrifice unbloody, which overturneth the foundation of remission of ●innes by Christ's sacrifice once offered: Heb. 9.22. 1 joh. 1.7. Rom. 3.25. ●nd unbloody differeth in substance from Christ's, where blood was not accidental; and it argueth the first to be ●neffectuall, by renewing it. And they ●erre in the doctrine of God's justice, saying it may be satisfied with men's poe●all works, as if it were not infinite; Gal. 3.10. Rom. 6.23. ●nd they hold some sins not to be damnable. Also they err in the doctrine of repentance by humane satisfac●ions to God, and also such confession, contrition & satisfaction, as they make ●arts of repentance may be without sa●ing faith. Against the sixth and seventh, and also ●gainst some other Articles is their error of transubstantiation. For if Christ ●e a true man, borne of the Virgin Ma●●, be ascended into heaven, and there ●o be contained until the end of the world, Act. 1.11. and 3.21. when he shall come to judge the quick and the dead, he cannot be made ●f bread, and present bodily at the Mass, and in many places at once. jer. 17.5. Against the ninth, they deny men to ●e Saints until they be dead, and so rob them of their communion with the Saints. Against the tenth and many of the rest, they trust in their works for salvation, holding their own merits, and humane satisfactions, Rom 3 24, 28. Ephes. 2.8, 9, 10. and justification by works. Q. How is their doctrine against the te●● Commandments? A. Against the first, by maintaining ignorance to be the mother of devotion, and by calling the Pope God, an● saying he can make holy the unholy and justify the wicked, Mat. 22.29 and dispens●● with the law of nature, and with th●● Prophets and Apostles; and calling th● virgin Mary a goddess, their hope, an● the Queen of Heaven, having pow●● to command her Son; and also callin● the wooden cross their hope. Exod. 32.5. Hos 2.16. Hab. 2.18, 19 Mat. 4.10. Psal. 50.15. Exo. 22.20 Against the second, by making images of God, and also of creatures for religious uses and worship. Also they ●dore and pray to Saints, and Angell● and burn tapers, & build temples, an● altars, and consecrate days to them, an● they worship the bread in the sacrament and yet know nor the intention of th● Priest, who if he intended not consecration, it is not Christ according to their doctrine: howsoever the bread is not to be adored. Also they make vows to creatures, and fasting meritorious, and their merits are against Gods showing mercy to thousands of them that love him, and keep his Commandments. Against the third, they dishonour God by keeping the scriptures & prayers in an unknown tongue, and by calling the virgin Mary all in all, and by holding equivocations in oaths, and that one is not bound to such oaths as the Pope dispenseth with: and swearing by creatures; also by holy water; and either they do or have baptised bells. Against the fourth, they hold many festival days to the saints to be observed with as much solemnity as the sabbath or Lords day. Against the fifth, Rom. 13.1. 1 King. 2.26, 27. they hold the Pope and Clergy not to be subject to Kings and Princes, and that the Pope may depose Kings: also they allow marriages and monastical vows, without and against the consent of their wise and careful parents. Against the sixth, they say that subjects may kill their King being excommunicated by the Pope; and they hold men may be saved by the merit of their works, jer. 17.5. and so bring the curse and murder of souls. Leu. 21. Matt. 8.14. 1 Tim. 3. Leu. 18. Against the seventh, they forbidden marriage to the Clergy, and maintain the vow of single life, although there be not the gift of continency, and defend the toleration of Stews, and marriages within the degrees forbidden in the Scriptures. Against the eight, they sell remission of sins and merits of others, and get money and lands unlawfully by such means. Against the ninth, they hold jesting and officious lies not to be damnable, and that equivocations may be used, and faith not to be kept with heretics, and they corrupt and falsify men's works. Against the tenth, they hold lust without consent, and concupiscence in the regenerate to be no sin. Q. How against the Lord Prayer? A. First, against the Preface, by praying to Saints, and making them mediators, whereas we are to pray to the Father in the name and mediation of Christ only. Also they deny particular faith, but how can he say our Father, that doth not know God is his Father. Secondly, against the first petition, by idolatry, and among the rest, ascribing to Saints that honour which belongeth to God. Thirdly, against the second petition, by keeping the Scriptures and prayers in an unknown tongue, and by false doctrine, and false sacraments, and persecuting such be the true worshippers of God. Fourthly, against the third petition, by holding freedom of will and power in themselves, and by themselves, to do the will of God. Fiftly, against the fourth petition, by merits, if we must ask daily bread to be given, we cannot deserve heaven by our works. Sixtly, against the fift petition by humane satisfactions, merits, ability to fulfil the law, and by holding, that the fault being forgiven, the punishment may be retained: and their denying particular faith is against that clause, As we forgive our debtors. Seventhly, against the sixth petition by denying perseverance in grace. Eightly, against the word, Amen, by denying particular faith, and holding prayers in an unknown tongue. 1 Cor. 14.19. Q. How against the Sacraments? A. First, by holding seven sacraments. Secondly, by saying sacraments confer grace of the work wrought without any goodness in the receiver. Thirdly, by holding children dying without Baptism remain for ever in a dungeon, and be not saved. Fourthly, by saying that the wicked may receive the very body and blood of Christ. Fiftly, by reserving the bread in a box, and carrying it about, without receiving it. Sixtly, by holding transubstantiation which is against the institution of Christ, who took the bread, broke it, delivered it, and said, Do this in remembrance of me, till I come, therefore he meant not to be bodily present. Seventhly, in that they deliver not the wine to the people, as the Apostles did. A Thanksgiving or Grace before meat. GOod Lord forgive us our sins, and give us the graces of thy holy spirit, and as thou hast provided food for our bodies, give us (we pray thee,) a sober and wholesome use thereof, that we may be more fit for thy service, through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A Thanksgiving or Grace after meat. THy holy name be praised O Lord, for that thou hast fed us at thi● time, and from time to time with thy good creatures, especially for our redemption by jesus Christ. Give us grace (we pray thee) to serve thee in holiness and righteousness before thee all the days of our life: and bless with us thy whole Church, preserve and direct our King, and other Rulers, comfort the afflicted, grant thy Gospel and peace more and more to flourish, through jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. A prayer for the morning, to be used in the family, by the Master, or some other in the family, as a help for a time, to such as be not able to conceive a prayer; for it is better to read a prayer, than not to pray at all; and observe the special parts or things required in prayer, which are set down in the margin of the prayer following, that so you may the better learn to conceive a prayer. O Eternal, Almighty, The Preface. and only wise God, thou, even thou art Lord alone, thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things that are therein, and thou preservest them all, and the host of heaven worshippeth thee, thou art the great and terrible God, that keepest covenant and mercy, for them that love thee, and endeavour to observe thy commandments. Thou hast promised that such as have access to the throne of thy grace, shall find mercy, and that if we confess our sins with a detestation of them, thou are faithful and just to forgive them all. O Lord let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servants, & forgive all our sins. Behold, Confession of sins. we were conceived and borne in sin, and by nature could not at all conceive the things of God, which are spiritually discerned. Our carnal wisdom is enmity with thee, and before our calling, we drunk up iniquity like water, all the imaginations of the thoughts of our hearts were evil only, and continually, we rebelled against all thy holy Commandments, and cast them behind our backs, we were strangers from the life of God, and enemies to thee. When we were thus wallowing in pollution and wickedness; it pleased thee in unspeakable mercy to seek us, and to reveal thyself gracious to us, through jesus Christ thy beloved Son, and to call us, and to enter into covenant with us; and yet have we sinned very unthankfully and unkindly, and have transgressed all thy Commandments, and are yet full of ignorance, worldly sorrow, distrustful and carnal fear, earthly mindedness, pride, impatience, self-love. We have not considered thy all-filling presence, not trembled at thy judgements, nor been thankful for thy benefits, as we ought; and thus we have sinned every day, in every place we have lived, in every age and condition of our life; we are in respect of these sins & many more, often multiplied against thee, most vile and wretched sinners, ashamed to lift up our eyes, or to look up to thee: we have provoked the eyes of thy glory; we have deserved all thy punishments in this world, & hellfire in the world to come. But most gracious Lord, Petition for forgiveness of sins. who art the Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, enter not into judgement with thy servants: O Lord forgive and take away all iniquities, transgressions and sins, and receive us graciously; cast all our sins into the bottom of the sea, and look upon us through Christ, whom thou hast sent forth to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood, and hast consecrated him to be the author of eternal salvation to all that obey him. Give us grace to believe, help our unbelief, say to our souls, thou art our salvation; and seeing thou justifiest none but whom thou sanctifiest: and also it were great unthankfulness to desire forgiveness of sin, with a purpose to live impenitently: we pray thee, cause us to bewail our sins with a godly sorrow, Petition for repentance and sanctification. grieving for them more than for any other crosses; and O Lord, heal our natures, mortify & crucify our sins, that the vigour and force of them may daily decay and be wasted. Teach us to deny all ungodliness, & worldly lusts, and to live righteously, soberly, & godly in this present evil world: quicken us, and renew us after thine own image, in righteousness and true holiness: enable us to serve thee, in our general and particular callings, keeping our consciences void of offence towards God and towards men, that our lights may so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify thee our heavenly Father. Petition for increase of grace. Cause us to grow in grace, & in the knowledge of our Lord & Saviour jesus Christ, to forget those things which are behind, and to reach forth unto those things which are before, pressing toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ jesus. And for perseverance. Cause us also to persevere and to hold out to the end; thou hast sufficient grace to begin and to finish, to prevent, assist and excite us. Enable us we pray thee, to continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel. Establish us in every good word and work, that we may fight the good fight, finish our course, and run out our race. And although we be unworthy to pray for ourselves, yet seeing thou hast commanded us to pray one for another, and promised to hear us through Christ; we pray thee be favourable to thy Zion, Prayer for others. build the walls of thy jerusalem; yea, bless all thy people, both among jews and Gentiles; grant thy Gospel a more free passage for the gathering of the Saints; bless Magistrates, and such as be in authority, that they may be of courage, fearing thee, hating Popery and all idolatry, atheism and covetousness, and dealing justly; especially our King, and other rulers in this land, that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty: bless the Ministers of thy holy Word and Sacraments, that they may have gifts for the work of the Ministry, use of their gifts, and success of their labours, for the converting of such as be ordaining to life by the ordinary means; the speaking of a word in season to the wearied soul, and to the convincing of gainsayers: also we humbly pray thee to comfort thy servants that be in any affliction of body or mind, give them wisdom, constancy and patience, give the issue with the temptation, turn all to them for good, lay no more upon them, than thou wilt enable them to bear, and in thy due time glorify thy name in their deliverance; give them beauty for ashes, and the oil of gladness for mourning and heaviness: bless also our friends, and them that bless us, yea also our enemies, and them that curse and hate us; turn them unto thee that are curable, and overthrew all the plots and devices whereby the devil or man any way worketh against thy Church. Thanksgiving. And we give thee humble and hearty thankes in that weak measure as we are able, for thy benefits bestowed upon us this night past, and safely bringing us hither to this day, and for all thy blessings from our birth and infancy to this present: yea for choosing us in Christ, before the foundations of the world were laid, and for preventing and keeping us from many sins, that else we had fallen into; & sparing us from many judgements which our sins have deserved; yea for justifying and pardoning us through Christ, and for redeeming and ransoming us from the devil, sin, death and hell; and that not with silver or gold, or any corruptible thing, but by the precious blood of Christ: also for giving us the first fruits of the spirit, and some love of thy Law, and some desire to have our nature and life conformable to the same; whereas else we might have cast thy Laws behind our backs, as they that perish; and for adopting us to an inheritance immortal & undefiled, and that fadeth not, reserved in heaven for us. We praise thee also for thy manifold blessings concerning this present life, preserving us from many dangers and calamities, and heaping many benefits upon us; it is thy great mercy, that the little flock of thy sheep and lambs, is preserved from being made a prey to the devil and his adherents, which are as Lions and Wolveses. We pray thee, preserve us still, and lead us by thy spirit, that we may live & dye in faith and obedience to thee. Hear us we beseech thee, and grant these things which we have prayed for, and whatsoever else thou knowest needful for us, or any other members of thy Church, for the alsufficient merits of thy beloved Son, in whom thou art well pleased, in whose name we conclude our petitions, as himself hath taught us, saying, Our Father, etc. A Prayer for the Evening. The Preface. O Eternal and Almighty Lord God, which hast stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, and form the spirit of man within him, who only knowest the hearts of all the children of men; thy name is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. We humbly confess that thou madest us righteous, and able to keep all thy laws, in out first creation in Adam, but we found out many inneutions, and made ourselves unable to do any good thing, yea, to think a good thought, by our own power in our corrupted ●state. We came into the world, defiled with original sin, as much as any other, and the same sin still hangeth fast upon us, and is not yet abolished; and from the same, as from a most impute fountain and bitter root, have proceeded many actual sins, more in number then the hairs of our heads: we have broken all thy holy commandments, in thought, word & deed: whereas we own duties to thee, and aught to trust in thee, to love thee with a zealous love, to fear thee who art Almighty, and every where present, and knowest our secret thoughts; we ought also to call upon thee, to be thankful to thee, to be patiented, and to humble ourselves under thy mighty hand; besides these and many more duties to be performed by us to thee; we also for conscience of thy commandment, own duties to ourselves and other men, superiors, equals and inferiors to us, and in all these respects, we have sinned more ways than we can remember or know; our thoughts should always have been chaste holy, and righteous, our words gracious, our actions agreeable to thy word; but we have omitted duties commanded, committed sins forbidden, and failed in the performance of the best works that ever we have done: we have not profited in the knowledge of thy will, answerable to our time, and the helps we have enjoyed for that purpose; the means to come by knowledge have been ve● negligently used of us, we have been unthankful and unkind to thee; who hast a long time given us thy glorious Gospel, with peace and plenty. Moreover, we have not so tamed our corrupt nature, and so set ourselves against the same, and the devil and the world, as we ought, but have favoured exceedingly, and given too much liberty to ourselves, loving fond ease, and loathing to take pains in running the race of Christianity; we have misspent a great deal of precious time, in that we have not spent it to thy glory, the edification of others, or providing for our own souls; our eyes and minds have been so set on these present things below, that we cannot lift them up to the high and excellent things that concern thy Kingdom, nor nourish our delight & joy in the benefit of redemption, and assurance of effectual calling as we ought: we have little feeling of the wants and miseries of others, to see how many walk ignorantly; other, many in security, hypocrisy, superstition and other sins, many also in diseases and painful troubles of body and mind. We have looked too narrowly upon bad examples, and neglected good: thus vile we are, and more than we are able to express: all our sins are mortal and damnable, being committed against thine infinite Majesty, and thine holy and undefiled word. We have grieved thy good spirit, whereby we are sealed to the day of our redemption: we are unworthy to breathe in the air, or to tread on the earth, but worthy to be left to ourselves, and to the malice of Satan, to heap up wrath against the day of wrath, and the declaration of thy just judgement. But seeing that thou so lovedst the world, that thou gavest thine only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have life everlasting; and seeing he hath canceled the hand-writing and bond which was against us, and thou hast given him to be made unto us, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, and that if we should despair, we should dishonour thee, and give advantage to the enemies of our salvation; We pray thee, enable us to glorify thee, by believing that our sins are forgiven. Good Lord wash away our crimson and scarlet red sins, with the precious blood of Christ, that we may be as white as wool, and as snow: that thou mayest see no iniquity, and behold no transgression in us: set our sins as fare from us, as the East is from the West: and seeing thou dost justify none by the merits of our Saviour, but whom thou dost sanctify by the efficacy and virtue of his precious death, and glorious resurrection; yea, & seeing it were heinous unthankfulness to desire remission of sins, and to live wickedly; we pray thee, cause us to be sorry for our sins, with a godly sorrow, and to testify our sorrow by a care to avoid sin, and the occasions thereof, and to do holy duties in a holy manner, embracing the occasions of the same: and by apology: and herein we pray thee, enable us to confess our sins, and to crave pardon, that we may be assured thou dost absolve and acquit us from all our sins: Moreover, give us indignation against our sins and ourselves, by reason of them; saying to them, get them hence, what have we to do with them any more: also work in us a godly fear, and desire, draw us, and we will run after thee, and cause us to testify our repentance, by a zeal of thy glory, that the coals of our love to thee, may be fiery coals, and a vehement flame: and by revenge, offering violence to sin, resisting and striving against, especially such sins as we are most inclined to. Sanctify us throughout, our minds, that we may know thee to be the only true God, and whom thou hast sent, jesus Christ: purge our consciences from dead works, to serve thee the living God: writ thy laws in our hearts and minds, cause us to observe and do them; set a watch before our lips, that we offend not with our tongues, but that we may be an humble people of a pure language, serving thee with one consent, hating lying, swearing, and all evil speaking: turn away our eyes from beholding vanity, direct our steps in thy word, and let none iniquity have dominion over us: cause us to give all diligence, to make our calling and election sure, by faith in thy promises, and by adding to our faith, virtue, shining in a gracious course of life among men; and to virtue, knowledge, seeing without knowledge we can do nothing well; and to knowledge, temperance, avoiding curiosity, riotousness, & wantonness; and to temperance, patience, quietly, willingly, and constantly subiecting ourselves to thy holy providence, in afflictions, coming either immediately from thy holy hand, or from men, although they wrong us thereby: and to patience, godliness, by a zealous worshipping of thee; and to godliness, brotherly kindness, showed to the household of faith in a special manner; and to brotherly kindness love, even to our enemies. Cause us to purge ourselves from all pollution, both of flesh and spirit, and to grow up to full holiness in the fear of thy name; that as our salvation is nearer, than when we first believed it, so our faith, repentance, and new obedience may be more. Enable us to put on & wear the whole armour of God, that we may stand fast; the girdle of truth against all hypocrisy and falsehood, the breastplate of righteousness against all unrighteous and evil ways, the shoes of peace assured of our reconciliation with thee, against troubles, the shield of faith against doubting, the helmet of hope against fainting, and the sword of the spirit, thy holy word, against all error and ignorance. O knit our hearts for ever to thee, that we may fear thy name, and so live, as to glorify thee, to win others to thee, and to prove our faith to be lively and true, that so we may rejoice in the Lord, and lift up our faces before the Almighty: and we pray thee to grant the same blessings, that we have craved for ourselves, to all thy people according to their necessities and conditions. Grant thy Gospel a free passage throughout all nations where thou hast appointed to gather thine elect by the ordinary means. Bless Kings and Magistrates, that they may be nurses to thy Church. Cause them to serve thee with fear, and to rejoice with trembling: especially we beseech thee to bless our King and other Rulers in this land, that true religion may flourish, popery and superstition, and all profaneness, and wickedness, more and more rooted out. Bless the Ministers of thy word, it is thy will to convey heavenly treasures in earthen vessels, and although the word seem to worldly men to be foolishness, and as weak as the trumpets used in the overthrow of jericho, yet make it thy power to the salvation of thy people, to the convincing of gainsayers. Forgive the sins of this land & other lands, where thy name is called upon, and give repentance to them that yet live swearing, drunkenness, oppression, wantonness, contempt of thy word, and such other grievous sins that make the land to mourn. Purge thy Church, that it may be fair as the moon, Purge as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. Comfort also we pray thee, the afflicted with sickness, poverty, wars, trouble of conscience, or any other adversity distressed, according to the multitude of their sorrows, let thy consolations refresh their souls: bless them also that we are bound to by nature, charge, desert, or any other bond, and those that pray for us, or have desired our prayers. And we desire to praise thy holy name, and in that weak measure as we are able, we give thee humble and hearty thankes, for our election, redemption, vocation, justification, measure of sanctification, and hope of glorification, and also for all the blessings whereby this present life hath been the more comfortable to us: an● grant that this may be the chief end of all our petitions, that we may more cheerfully serve thee, and that our love may not be a self-love, but that we may labour to prefer thy glory, before our own salvation, and be grieved that we have so much self-love in us; and finally, as thou hast graciously protected us this day past, for which we praise thy name, so we pray thee to preserve us this night; keep us from wicked dreams, and from all dangers; let thy watchful providence compass us about, and thine Angels defend us; grant us such refreshing by rest and sleep, that if it please thee to give us more time in this world, we may be the more cheerful and fit for thy service; and keep our souls awake and watchful, that at our dissolution, they may be carried by the Angels to heaven, & that when we shall awake at the last day, we may be satisfied with thine image. Hear us in these things, and whatsoever else thou knowest needful for us, or any of thine, for the merits of thy beloved Son in whom thou art well pleased: to whom with thee, and the holy spirit, be all honour and glory, dominion and power, ascribed of us & the whole Church, from this time forth, and for evermore, Amen. FINIS.