THE CRYSTAL OF CHRISTIANITY, OR LOOKING GLASS OF GOD'S LOVE. Containing the Principles of our Christian profession, by the way of disputation between Master and Scholar, in Schools and Families, fit for the profitable practice of all (especially of youth) to be used. Initiated formerly by others, and amplified by R. P. Minister and Preacher of God's word. Barnard in his Morals. Sacra scriptura mentis oculis, quasi speculum quoddam opponitur, ibi pulcra nostra in Christo perspicimus, ibi feda nostra in nobis Cernimus, ibi quantum perficimus, ibi quantum a pro factu longè distamus: plane sentimus. Imprinted at London by Thomas Dawson, dwelling near the three Cranes in the Vinetree. 1617. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, VIRTUOUS, AND Religious Gentleman, master George Bostocke, justice of his majesties peace in the County of Denbigh, R. P. wisheth Grace, Peace, and in jesus Christ all health and happy prosperity. LYCURGUS (Right Worshipful) the LACEDAEMONIAN Lawmaker appointed condign punishment for every offendor according to the offence, but for an unthankful person he could find no severity (nor severe punishment) sufficient; In consideration therefore of your worship, and ever approved favours towards me, as I am bound, so I am moved to remember them, and show myself mindful and thankful for them, lest I should seem culpable of the gross sin of Ingratitude: and not have power to perform my Gratuity with gifts of excellency. I have made bold to present to your Worship (in testimony of my love) my poor labours, wherein I laboured when I was the Lord's labourer, in that Congregation where your Worship's favours were well approved, not to me alone, but to all that were faithful preachers of God's word, and conformable ministers to the commendable Laws of our gracious kings Majesty: Those apparent and approved gifts of grace, with many other commendable gifts of nature by God planted in you, hath provoked me to present; as unto a devout patron of piety, the fruits of my labours, and arguments of my love, by God's grace purposing and faithfully promising (upon your worshipful acceptation of this my widow's mite) to dedicate more ample manifestation to you and yours, of my unfeigned affection. In the mean time humbly craving pardon for this my boldness, and ever hearty (according to my bounden duty) desiring our gracious God in your heart (by his gracious blessing) to increase such holy and heavenly virtues, whereby the good gifts of grace and nature planted in you may flourish, and bring forth such fruits of godliness, whereby God's name may more be glorified, Christ's members comforted, our gracious Kings loyal Subjects, by your godly obedience, to like obedience in couraged, your Worship's worthiness more illustrated, the bodies & souls of you and all yours with blessings Temporal, more and more enriched, and with the Diadems and Crowns of glory, by the glorious King of Heaven eternally Crowned, I rest. London the first day of September. 1617. (⸫) Your worships in all love and duty over to command. R. P. A Prayer to be said at the beginning of this Book. O Lord our God (and in jesus Christ our merciful and heavenly Father) we thy poor servants assembled before thy maïestie in this Congregation, by the sight of our sins do acknowledge ourselves to be unworthy of the least drop of thy favour, or dram of thy mercies: Therefore we beseech thee, in the name of thy dear Son jesus Christ, and for his sake to pardon all our sins passed, and by thy gracious spirit, to grant us such grace at this present, that we may religiously proceed in the true understanding of thy holy word: And by the same thy spirit be made more obedient to frame our lives by direction of thy Laws, that thereby we may be more apt and able to set forth thy glory, by practising the precepts taught us in thy holy word at this present, and daily be more ready by hearing the same thy holy word, to receive such increase of faith as may sustain us to the attaining of all godly instructions, and full fruition of true and eternal felicity, world without end, through jesus Christ thy dear Son our only Saviour, Amen. The Crystal of Christianity, or looking Glass of GOD'S love. Question. AS You do profess to be a Christian, so show me what estimation you have of the divine scriptures where on you ground your Christian profession? Answer. I do and I ought to esteem the holy and Canonical scriptures, to be the spiritual glass and clear Crystal, wherein the divine favour, and everlasting love of God doth appear, even to the attaining of eternal life. john 3. 30. Q. Wherein may Christians principally prove and find that divine favour and everlasting love? A. First that God the Father did out of his mere love, create us to his own Image. Secondly, that God the Son (when that Image was defaced) did of his tender love, give himself to redeem us. Thirdly, that God the holy Ghost, graciously (both sanctifieth) and in sanctification preserveth us. Q. As you have mentioned the Godhead in three persons, Can you prove them by the Scriptures to be one, only true God? A. The Apostle john doth plainly prove it in these words, There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, and these three are one God john 5. 17. Q. Wherefore hath God Created, Redeemed, Sanctified, and in sanctification preserved Christians? A. First, that we in this life should live to the glory of God. Secondly, in the life to come, we should receive glory everlasting with God. Q. How may Christians learn to glorify God in this present life? A. By ordering this life according to the rule of God's holy word, in the Scriptures revealed. Q. What rules of life are in the scriptures revealed, to guide us to the glory of God? A. The first is the rule of God's holy precepts and Commandments. The second is constant faith in Gods fatherly promises. The third is religious Celebrating the holy Sacraments. The fourth is the practice of holy, faithful, fervent, and devout prayers. Q. How many are the precepts by God commanded? A. The Commandments are ten in number, and in two Tables they were written for our instruction. Q. What things are in those two Tables principally contained? A. In the first, a Christians duty to God. And in the second our duties to our neighbour, are both taught, contained, and commanded. Q. What are the words in the first Table mentioned? Q. I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of Bondage. Exod. xx. Q. Are these words a part of the ten Commandments? A. These words are not of the Commandments, but are a profitable preface, before the precepts. Q. What learn christians by this preface? A. A Christian by the word, Lord, may learn the Lawgiver to be the chief Lord and governor. And by the word, God, a loving Father and most merciful deliverer of his people, from bondage, distress, and dangers both of body and soul. Q. What use may a Christian make of this preface? A. A Christians use of this preface is to fears the Law giver as a Lord and Master and to love & obey him as a gracious God, and loving Father. Mala 1. Q. What are the words of the first Commandment? A. Thou shalt have none other Gods but me. Q. What learn you by this first Commandment? A. I learn that first I ought to worship God only: and to give divine worship to none but unto this divine Majesty of the Deity. Q. In how many points doth this divine worship stand and chief consist? A. The first part of divine worship consisteth in that perfect love described by our Saviour Christ. Mat. 12. 35. And in that zealous love expressed by the Prophet David saying. Whom have I in heaven? but thee: and there is none that I desire on earth in comparison of thee. Psal. 73. 25. Q. What is the second part of God's divine worship. A. The second consisteth in such reverend fear as maketh a Christian neither to omit willingly any good thing by God commanded, nor commit wilfully any evil thing by God's law prohibited. Mala. 1. 6. Q. What is the third point of God's divine worship? A. The third part consisteth in yielding all praises, and directing all our prayers to God only, and to hold it a gross impiety to give Angels, Saints, or Creatures, any such honour, glory, or divine worship, as is due to God only. Q. What is the fourth point of God's divine worship? A. The fourth part is to acknowledge God the giver of all good things james 1. And therefore to trust and depend only on God's grace and goodness, hoping as he hath given us his only son, he will by him give us all good things. Q. What are the words of the second Commandment? A. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness, etc. Q. What learn you by this Commandment? A. First, I learn to hate, loath, & abhor, the presumption of such vain men, as by imagination will presume to make the Image of the invisible God, whom no mortal man hath seen at any time, neither can be seen with mortal eyes. john 1. 18. Q. What do you learn further? A. I learn secondly to avoid, and to lament the gross blindness of men, which receive Images for Gods, and by falling down to worship Idols, do worship Devils. 1. Cor. 10. 20. Q. What learn you else by this precept? A. I learn thirdly, that as the Lawgiver is a jealous God, he will render vengeance on the third and fourth generation of all Idolaters and haters of his divine worship. Exod. 20. So he is a gracious God, which will show mercy to me, and to thousands of generations of Christians, that obey him, and religiously worship him. Psal. 103. Exod. 20. Q. What are the words of the third Commandment? A. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, etc. Q. What learn you by this Commandment? A. First I learn that I must in all things and at all times use the name of God with high reverence, and not so much as to think, or to speak of God, without a due, reverent, and a religious regard. Q. What do you secondly learn here? A. Secondly, I learn in conference and come munication to use no oath, nor to swore by any creatures. jer. 5. 7. Psal. 16. 4. Q. What learn you more hereby? A. Thirdly, I learn that to use the name of God to sorcery, enchantment, cursing, and in false testimony, is no leune then a fin of blasphemy. Deut. 18. 10. Q. When there is cause of an oath, by whom must we swear? A. In lawful and requisite causes, to swore by God is part of his glory. Deuteronomy 6. 13. Psal. 63. 71. Q. In what causes are oaths lawful and requisite? A. When before a judge to witness a truth for the ending of controversy. Heb. 6. 16. Also when the truth is testified for preservation of our brethren from intury. je. 4. 2. Likewise, when an oath is requisite in any case for the setting forth of God's glory, it may lawfully be used. Rom. 9 1. and the 2. Cor. 11. 31. Q. What is the fourth Commandment? A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day, etc. Q. What learn you by the word, Remember? A. I learn by that word, the weightiness of the matter, for in matters of weight that word is used. Eccle. 12. Q. What signifieth the word, Sabbath, and what meaneth the keeping it holy? A. The word Sabbath, signifieth Rest, and teacheth Christians to rest from bodily labours, and not to be idle, but to spend it in holy exercises, and divine duties. Q. What are those holy exercises & divine duties commanded? A. First, a Christian is to remember to seek the Lord early in such private prayers, as may move God to direct them to holiness. Pro. 8. Psal. 51. Secondly, with them that keep the holy day to resort with prepared hearts to the house of God and place of prayers. Eccle. 5. Psal. 44. Thirdly to labour to increase his faith by hearing God's word, and to strengthen his faith by often and reverend celebrating the Sacraments appointed by Christ. Rom. 10. 1. Cor. 11. Fourthly, after the hearing of the word and receiving the Sacraments, to make perfect what they have learned, by the noblemen's practice of Berea▪ Act. 17. Fiftly, and finally with devout prayers to God, and with David's devotion, in singing Psalms to the praise of God, and to spend the whole day, to the honour of the Lord, is the sanctifying and keeping holy the Sabbath. Q. Who are commanded to keeps holy the Sabbath? A. First, all Governors, as Fathers, Mothers, and Masters. Secondly, sons, daughters, men, and maid servants. And thirdly, Governors are both commanded and chief charged, that themselves, their family, and strangers in their houses, do keep holy the Sabbath. Q. What learn you more from this precept? A. I learn that the very cattle this day by God's commandment should rest, and not be laboured nor toiled. Q. What is farther to be learned out of this precept? A. In the last part remaineth a memorable president of our Lord God the Lawmaker. Q. What learn you by the Lord's president? A. First I learn, that as in six days the Lord ordered and ended his works of creation: So a Christian should order and end the work of his vocation. Also I learn, as the Lord rested the seventh day and ordained it to be sanctified: so a Christian ought earnestly to imitate God's president, and obey God's commandment. A. As you have showed me largely what a Christian should do on the Sabbath day, so show me briefly, what he should leaus undone that day. A. All things that necessity constraineth not, and God's word commandeth not, a Christian on the Sabbath ought to leave undone. Esay. 58. 13. Mat. 12. 3. 5. Q. As in order of the Tables of the Law, the duty of a Christian to God's majesty is first placed, so show me what is thereby to be learned? A. First I learn, that GOD is first and principally to be obeyed. Secondly, that the kingdom of God is before all things to be desired. Thirdly, that all our goods and substance are to God's glory to be employed. Fourthly, to express our love to God, our lives are not to be regarded. Proceed now to the first precept of the second Table. A. Honour thy Father and mother, that thy days may belong in the land, etc. Q. What learn you by this word honour thy Father? A. I learn that I am bound to love, fear and obey, to reverence, relieve, & comfort all those which God hath placed in place of my parents. Q. What persons are by God's word in place of parents to be honoured? A. First, natural parents which are instruments of our life, first are so to be honoured. Ephe. 6. Secondly, Kings and Queens, which are Gods anointed, as princely parents, and are so to be honoured. Esay. 54. Thirdly, Bishops and all Preachers, and all pastoral parents, are so to be honoured. Magistrates and all governors, which are instruments for ordering of our Country, are so to be honoured. All aged men and women, and all our elders, as is afore mentioned, are so to be honoured. Q. What learn you farther by the fourth precept? A. I learn that this commandment hath a promise of blessing, to move Christian to be more dutiful to their parents, namely long life to the obedient. Q. Seeing we do see the wicked flourish and live long. Psal. 37. and often the righteous to perish, and live not so long. Esay. 57 How can that promise be rightly approved, or to the obedient applied? A. First we are taught that a wicked man's life is death. Luk. 15. and the prolonging of his days in sinful life, is heaping of vengeance by his long life. Rom. 2. Secondly, we are taught, that the life of a righteous man doth not end when his mortal life is ended, for Abel being dead, yet speaketh. Heb. 11. And long life is not only to live in the body, but to be alive ever while the world lafteth, by faith and famous memory. Q. Do you conclude then that the wicked live long to increase their condemnation, and Gods children have a double blessing both of grey hairs, and living holy lives. A. I conclude that the wicked live long (by God's permission) to their further confusion, and Gods obedient children, both in speedy death and long life, have and justly may have, consolation of this promised blessing. Q. What is the sixth precept, & what learn you by it? A. The commandment is, Thou shalt not kill. And first I learn to refrain my tongue from lying and slandering, from mocking & quarreling. Mat. 5. 22. Psal. 15. Secondly, I learn to keep my hands from striking, fight, and generally from every thing that tendeth to killing and murdering. Thirdly, I am bound, as not to kill, so to seek to preserve life as much as in me lieth. Mat. 25. 35. Q. Rehearse the seventh Commandment, and show me what you learn by it? A. Thou shalt not commit adultery: wherein first I learn, that as the act of adultery, fornication, and all uncleanness of body is forbidden so all unchaste thoughts, desires, and unpure words are also forbidden. Mat. 5. 28. Secondly, I learn that matrimony is chief to be preserved, and the wedding bed to be undefiled, and that whoremongers & adulterers shall of God be judged. Heb. 13. Thirdly, I learn to refrain from all unchaste behaviour, all unchaste words and songs of Kibaudry. Q. Show me what are the words of the 8. precept, and what you learn thereby? A. Thou shalt not steal: whereby I learn to abstain from stealing, from robbing defranding, from unlawful dealing, and all unlawful games. Levit. 19 11. Ephe. 5. 5. 1. Thes. 4. 6. Secondly, I learn, That I am bound to labour truly for my own living. 1. Thes. 3. 10. Thirdly, I learn to the uttermost of my power, to relieve by my labour the needy members of Christ's body. 1. Tim. 6. 18. Q. Proceed and show me what is the ninth Commandment, and what you learn thereby? A. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour: Wherein first I learn not to testify any untruth. Pro. 10. 5. Secondly, I learn not to dissemble, but to speak truth in my talking. Ephe. 4. 25. Thirdly, I learn not to give out false reports, nor slanderous speeches of any man. Q. What is the tenth Commandment, and what learn you out of it? A. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house etc. whereby I learn, That all the thoughts of men's heart, are open to God's eyes, and every covetous desire of man's heart, whereby the love of God or of our neighbour is violated, though it be not sin to the eyes of men nor committed in act, yet such thoughts and desires are sinful in God's sight. Rom. 7. 7. Q. What is sin prescribed to be in the holy Scripture? A. Every transgression of God's law, either in thought, word, or deed, is sin. 1. joh. 3. Q. What is the reward of sin and transgression? A. The reward of sin and of unbelievers is death and condemnation. Rom. 6. 23. Q. Can any man so fulfil the law, whereby he may avoid eternal death. A. The most just est man is unable, by fulfilling the law to avoid eternal death. Luk. 17. 10. Q. What benefit then bringeth the law to these that obey it? A. The law is a glass, that by the sight of sin humbleth the Christian. Rom. 3. 19 And secondly the law is a schoolmaster to bring humbled Christians to believe in Christ, and to be saved. Gal. 3. 24. Q. Seeing by the works of the law a man cannot be sane, why according to the law should good works be performed? A. First, good works of the faithful ruled by the line of God's word, are done to glorify our heavenly Father. Mat. 5. Secondly, good works that proceed from the faithful, are signs of sanctification and Pars prima. work hope of election. 2. Pet. 1. 10. Thirdly good works wrought in us by the holy Ghost winneth other to godly conversation. Mat. 5. And be wrought in the faithful as arguments of salvation. Q. Seeing by good works no Christian can have salvation, show me then how shall a Christian be saved? A. Every faithful Christian obtaineth salvation by faith in Christ jesus only. Rom. 3. 28. Q. What do you learn true Christian faith to be? A. True Christian faith is a full & perfect persuasion and assurance to be saved by Christ. Rom. 8. 38. 39 Q. How is it wrought in the heart of man? A. The outward means, by hearing the word preached. Rom. 10. 9 The inward means is the infusion of grace by the holy Ghost. Ephe. 3. 16. Q. Whereon is this faith grounded and established? A. It is grounded and established on God's promises in Christ jesus. Rom. 4. 3. Gal. 3. 26. Q. Show me how and whereby Christians may behold this Christian faith? A. The twelve Apostles in a clear crystal glasie hath described it plainly. Q. Kehearse the first Article, and show me what you learn by it. A. I believe in God the father Almighty etc. First I learn hereby, God on whom I do believe is my Father, and I am his child by faith in Christ. john 1. 12. Gal. 3. Secondly, I learn I am one of them to whom God saith, I will be their God, and they shall be my sons & daughters sayeth the Almighty. jere. 33. 1. Thirdly I learn, that my almighty Father will so sustain me, that I shall lack nothing. Psal. 23. And so defend me that the gate of hell shall not prevail against me. Math. 16. Q. Rehearse the second Article, and show me what you learn by it. A. And in jesus Christ his only son our Lord. First I learn the name and nature of jesus doth assure me, that he is my saviour. Mat. 2. By the second title of his name which is Christ (and signifieth aunoynted) I am taught that as the ointment on Aaron's head did descend to all his garments, so on me and all Christians the oil of grace descendeth from Christ unto us. The third as he is the only son of God from everlasting, so he bringeth many children to God everlastingly to be saved. Fourthly I learn, That he is my Lord both by right of redemption, and my Lord and husband by right of conjunction. Hos. 2. 19 Q. Rehearse the third Article and show me what you learn by it. A. Which was conceived by the holy Ghost: borne of the virgin Mary: whereby I learn, first that he is free from sin, and altogether pure and unspotted. Heb. 9 Secondly I learn, that by his divine nature and power, he is able to perform what soever tendeth to the conquest of man's foes. Col. 3. Thirdly, it doth assure me that he being borne of a woman, is a perfect man, and in his person and manhood endured the wrath of God for the sins of mankind, and to free the faithful (by his satisfaction) from all their sin and transgression. Esay 53. Q. Rehearse the fourth Article, and show me what you learn thereby? A. Suffered under Poncius Pilate: was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell. First I learn, that under Poncius Pilate the judge, he suffered on the Cross to work out my Redemption. Math. 27. Gal. 3. 14. Secondly, his descending into hell, signifieth the humbling of his soul, to suffer the torments of hell for my sake. Psal. 22. Q. Rehearse the fixed Article, and what you learn out of it? A. He rose again from the dead: Hereby I learn, that his resurrection doth assure me of my justification. 1. Cor. 15. 17. Secondly I learn, that risting from sin and delighting in righteousness, doth assure me that I am a chosen member of his body. Rom. 6. 4. Thirdly I am taught that I rising with him, should set my affections on heavenly things where he is. Col. 3. 1. Fourthly, the rising of his body from the grave so gloriously, doth assure me that my body shall arise to enjoy with him eternal glory. 1. Cor. 15. 18. Q. Rehearse the fixed Article, and what you learn by it? A. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God, etc. First I learn by his ascension into heaven, that he hath taken possession for me, & all his members of the heavenly Mansion. Secondly, That he is seated on the right hand of God in majesty, doth assure me that he is above all Angels, placed in a secondary dignity to the father, to whom in his human nature he maketh intercession for his members continually. Thirdly, he there placed in glory assureth me and every member of his body, there to be placed with him in everlasting glory. Q. Rehearse the seventh Article, & what you learn by it? A. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. Wherein first I learn to my comfort, that my Savieur shall come to be my judge. job 19 25. Secondly, I learn that his second coming shall be with great glory, when he cometh to judgement. Mat. 25. 41. Thirdly I learn, as he shallbe glorified in giving glory to his faithful members: so he shall also be glorified in rendering vengeance in flaming fire, to the faithless that have contemned the faithful, and disobeyed the Gospel. 1. Thes. 2. 8. Q. Rehearse the eight Article, and show me what you learn out of it? A. I believe in the holy Ghost: wherein first I learn, the holy spirit being very God doth certify my soul and my spirit, that I and all faithful Christians, are the children of God and coheirs with Christ of his glorious kingdom. Rom. 8. 16. Secondly I learn, that the spiritual power of the holy spirit mollifieth sin in me, and maketh all holy desires to take place in my soul, and endueth me with true holiness of life. Ephe. 4, 23. Q. Rehearse the ninth Article, and what you learn therein? A. I believe the catholic Church: whereby I learn, that God hath on earth and throughout the world, a holy Church and sanctified Congregation of people. Math. 8. 10. Act. 10. 34. Secondly I learn, That in this holy society, there is a Communion of Saints, of which number by faith I am assured through thy favour to be one. Ephe. 5. 26. Q. Rehearse the tenth Article, and what you learn by it? A. I believe the forgiveness of sins: by which Article first I learn, and steadfastly believe, although I am a sinner, yet Christ making satisfaction for my sins, and for the sins of the whole world, my sins shall neither to me be imputed, nor to my confusion remembered. jer. 33. 34. Psal. 32. 1. Q. Rehearse the eleventh Article, and what you learn by it? A. I believe the resurrection of the Body: Whereby I learn, that when the trumpet of God thall blow, and the archangels sound out this powerful sentence, Rise you dead, my body shall be raised from the dust, and so raised shall reign with Christ for ever. 1. Thes. 4. 17. Secondly I learn, I shall be clothed with Christ his body, and in my resurrection my vile body shall be glorious. 1. Cor. 15. 42. Q. Rehearse the twelfth Article, and show me what you learn thereby? A. I believe the life everlasting▪ Wherein first I learn to my comfort, that after death I shall be placed in the throne of life, and crowned in the kingdom of life. Reu. 2. 10. 1. Tim. 4. Secondly I learn, the life which I and every faithful member of Christ shall receive, shall never end but be everlasting. Psal. 21. Thirdly I learn, that of all these graces and favours of God to me and to all the faithful, cometh of the free gift of God to me, & to all the whole Christian Church, through jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, to whom with the Father and holy spirit, I & all the faithful are bound to render, all honour and glory, world without end, Amen. (⸫) A Prayer briefly to be repeated at the end of this first part. Gracious, holy, and heavenly Father, which of thy love, hast (of clay) created us to thine own Image, by thy dear son redeemed us from bondage, and by the holy Ghost dost sanctify and preserve us in holiness to serve thee. Grant us we beseech thee, that as by thy holy word, we are taught the duties of Christianity, so we may without hypocrisy, sincerely serve thee in such sort, as may tend most to the setting forth of thy glory, in our pilgrimage of this life present: And may also most directly guide us to the attaining the eternal felicity provided for us, & all thine elect, in thy celestial Paradise in the life to come. And powerful Lord we pray thee, by the rule of thy Law, so religiously govern our hearts, that we neither stray after our own Imaginations, nor deceive ourselves by any vain ostentations, and bring us (by embracing the doctrines of thy holy Scriptures) to account and esteem them the holy, and clear Crystal, wherein thy love is revealed, and thy law for direction of our lives plainly described. To true obedience of which thy law, good Father so incline, form, and frame our hearts we beseech thee, that unfeignedly, above all things we may love thy holy Majesty, and by proceeding in the rules we practise, by an holy christian charity, we may perform our love one to another, with pure hearts unfeignedly: And finally, by a true and unfeigned faith obtain the promises of grace, to serve thee in true holiness and righteousness of life, and after this true sanctification and grace present, we may reign with thee in everlasting glory, world without end, through jesus Christ our blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. (⸫) Here followeth the second part of the Crystal of Christianity, wherein the Sacrament of Baptism is discussed very plainly, and very familiarly. Question. TO that end that all Christians may understand what the true Church of Christ is, show me whom and what you do call the true Church of Christ here on earth. Answer. The name of Church by signification, signifieth, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Calling, And all Christian people that profess the faith of Christ, are named by the name of the Church visible, generally. Q. Who are more effectually and truly called the Church? A. They truly in this world are called the true and invisible Church of Christ, whom God elected to salvation before the beginning of the world: And which in receiving Christ by faith, do believe in Christ alone to be saved eternally. Q. What is the condition and estate of them which be true members of the church and do believe in Christ effectually? A. Although it doth not to men always so appear, yet it is apparent, that the true members of the Church are replenished with true happiness, holiness, and endued with divine and saving graces. Q. How are they which are members of Christ his true Church, made happy? A. The true Church, and every member are blessed & made happy by Christ, which taketh away the curse and wrath of God due for sin from them, and bestoweth his righteousness on them. Q. How are Christ his members made holy? A. Through his holy spirit, which sanctifieth all the elect in Christ, with true holiness. Q. How are they replenished here on earth with heavenly graces? A. As the Sunbeams are made partakers of the suns glory and brightness: So the true Church is replenished, and every part made partakers of such heavenly virtues and divine graces, whereby God our heavenly Father is glorified by his grace given to the members of the Church in this life present. Q. Do you conclude then that all Christians which truly believe in the Son of God, which are sanctified by the spirit of God, and through his grace express in this life the glory of God, are effectually called into the true Church, and they are rightly called the true Church of Christ. A. This is my conclusion, that all faithful people, elected before the foundation of the world in Christ: gathered throughout the world universally, which are justified, sanctified, and ordained to be glorified, are the true Church of Christ, of whom Christ is the Lord and head, and are therefore called the true Christian Church rightly. Q. What assurance hath the Church here on earth of Christ's love? A. Christ hath appointed the preaching of God's blessed Word, and the holy Sacraments as testimonies thereof. Q. How many Sacraments hath Christ's ordained in his Church, necessary for the salvation of his Church? A. Christ hath ordained, and in his church instituted the Sacrament of Baptism, to receive and entertain them which are his members, into the favour of God, by his love. Q. What other Sacrament was by Christ instituted? A. The holy feast and banquet of his most blessed body and blood, to feed them and sustain them by, and with full assurance of his love. Q. What mean you by this word, Sacraments? A. Sacraments are outward signs, that do represent all those spiritual, inward saving graces, which the faithful receive from God through jesus Christ. Q. What is the outward sign in Baptism? A. Water, wherein the Child is dipped or sprinkled with: and it doth represent the two properties of Water, which doth both cleanse, and comfort. Q. How doth the property of cleansing agree with the inward graces represented in Baptism? A. The property of cleansing, representeth the cleansing of our sins by the precious and pure blood of Christ, which was shed on the Cross for our sins. Q. How doth Water in Baptism represent comfort to us? A. As Baptism is instituted in stead of Circumcision, which was a seal of righteousness by faith, so the faithful are sealed, and comforted by faith in Christ to be saved. Q. Doth Baptism both signify cleansing from sin, and sealing unto righteousness? A. Our cleansing from sin, even from the infection of the Leprosy, which came by Adam's disobedience: And the essential righteousness which cometh by Christ, is represented by Baptism. Q. What is the cause you compare original sin to the infectious disease of the Leprosy? A. The word doth declare original sin Gezar, or Gazar▪ to be full of evil, to flow with evil, and to overflow all men naturally, with corruption tending to damnation. Q. Doth that dangerous disease bring danger of damnation naturally on all men? A. In one significant word the Apostle doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 show that the infection, doth so infect all man's affections and parts with disobedience, that the will of the natural man will not obey the will of God: for the which rebellion the wrath of God cometh over all the children of disobedience to condemnation. Q. How are the faithful freed from this infectious sin of Leprosy, proceeding from Adam's disobedience? A. As it came by disobedience of one, upon all men to condemnation: So it is taken away by the perfect obedience of one (namely of Christ) from all that be members of Christ, and ordained to salvation. Q. Are not all men as well as some partakers of that benefit, by the perfect obedience of Christ? A. None have this benefit by Christ, but the regenerate only. Q. What mean you by regeneration? A. Regeneration is a saving grace in Baptism, pertaining to the regenerate only: for it is not sufficient for children to be dipped into the water, but to be also buried with Christ in Baptism, and to be borne anew by the power of the holy Ghost. Q. How doth this appear in the regenerate? A. As many as spiritually receive the son of God by faith, to be their Saviour: they receive privilege, and power, to be the sons of God, which is the Father of our Lord jesus Christ, and father of all the faithful. Q. Show me this privilege of them which believe, and how they be borne anew and made the sons of God. A. They are not begotten of flesh & blood, nor conceived of the will of the flesh, nor borne of the will of man, but of God. Q. How cometh it to pass that in the regenerate, the blemish of sin doth remain, being borne of God. A. God doth suffer some sin to be found and in the best to remain (but never suffereth it to reign) & it remaineth for their good, and God's glory. Q. Can the remaining of sin in the children of God, turn to their good, and God's glory? A. It can and doth appear for many purposes to be so by the word of God. Q. Show me some and such proofs as you find to be approved? A. First, the faithful find, that feeling sin, and finding their own corruption: thereby God worketh in the faithful a true humiliation. Secondly, when the faithful find they have strong combats with corruption. In such strong conflicts, the faithful fly more fervently to seek succour of God, by fervent prayer, and earnest invocation. Thirdly, the faithful finding the power of God's spirit, to support their weakness, and to preserve them safely in all perils: are provoked to praise God daily for their safety and preservation. Fourthly, God often times appointeth that the best and most perfectest shall have strongest battle with corruption: That when the victory is gained, as victors and valiant Soldiers of Christ: a greater weight of glory may be provided, and with more glorious Crowns of immortal glory shall such be crowned and glorified. Q. Do you conclude then, that all the elect shallbe glorified, which live on earth to God's glory: and such as most glorify God before men, shall receive greatest glory in heaven? A. It must be so concluded as it is by testimony of Christ himself conclnded (to the comfort and encouragement of all godly & faithful members of his true Church) which according as they covenant in Baptism, be faithful unto death. Q. What is the duty of Christians which are partakers of the Sacrament of Baptism? A. Those things ought to be in Christians baptized, which were found to be in Abraham, both when he was Circumcised, and after he had received Circumcision. Q. What was found in Abraham before Circumcision? A. First, Abraham's obedience appeared, by obeying the voice of God, when God called him from parents and patrimony, from kindred, and country. Secondly, Abraham's constant belief did appear, in believing, and by faith depending on God's promises. The third grace found in him before circumcision was his willing mind, both to receive the covenants made by God's Majesty, and to make covenants of dutiful service unto God again. Q. How can Children in infancy baptized, take any covenants from God, or make any covenants to God. A. Although Infants baptized cannot themselves, yet their sureties do enter into covenants for them, and it is their duties when they come to knowledge to perform those covenants: And as they hope to have God to be their Father by Christ, so to keep Christian covenants. Q. What are those covenants you mean? A. I mean a Christian is first bound to embrace the Christian faith with all his whole heart. Secondly, to love God with his whole heart. Thirdly, to endeavour to serve, and please God in true holiness and righteousness all the days of his life: and four, to express such obedience in this life, as his covenants he made in Baptism, bind him to perform. Q. You do approve, that even very Infants receiving Baptism, are bound by covenants to perform holy duties: Show me now the duty of Elders, of Parents, and of Masters, which are Christians, and by faith hope to be saved. A. As Abraham father of the faithful, after Circumcision, when he had entered into covenant with God, according to that covenant, himself, his seed, and his servants (by his instructions) did walk according to that holy and heavenly vocation: in believing Gods promises, & living virtuously, to the uttermost of his power obeyed God's Commandments: So in like manner, by virtue of their covenant in Baptism, all Christians are bound to perform such duties of obedience. Q. What doth Abraham's faith and obedience teach us? A. As Abraham walked, so faithful Christians must walk: and endeavour to follow his steps in faith, and obedience, and become such faithful Fathers, as may approve them, not only to show a duty of Parents, in bringing their Children to the holy Sacrament of Baptism (& see them Baptized) but also after Baptism, parents must and are bound to see their Children & servants instructed & educated from their infancy, to live holily & religiously, whereby God's name, who hath called them, may be glorified in them, their Children, and family. Q. I do understand what you mean by the Church of Christ: and likewise the benefits of Baptism, and duty of Christians in Baptism (which hope to be saved) show me now a reason why the faithful freed from eternal death, do die a bodily death. A. The benefits of bodily death are many to the faithful: and death of body bringeth advantage to Christ's members, both in body and soul. Q. What benefits bringeth bodily death to the faithful? A. First, by bodily death all rebellious affections in the flesh are utterly killed, and all sinful affections utterly quenched. Secondly, as the dead body is buried: so all carnal affections are perfectly mortified: And every part by perfect mortification made more fit to receive glory in the day of the resurrection. Q. Are both the laying into grave, and rifing from grave, benefits to the faithful? A. The grave hath ever been a chamber of safety to the faithful: But now sithence the blessed body of Christ was laid into the grave, it is made the bed of sweet spycerie to the godly. Q. If the very grave be beneficial: show me what benefits doth rising from grave, bring to the buried bodies of Christians? A. The bodies of Christians which are buried in Seas or Land, are sown in corruption, in dishonour, in weakness, in estate mortal, they rise in incoruption, in honour, in power, and in immortal estate, never to perish, never to die a second death, as the wicked do. Q. What benefits find the faithful after death, in the estate of Immortality, and after this mortal life? A. The death of every faithful member of Christ, washed in Baptism with his precious blood, is precious in God's sight, and as the sight of God shall bring all celestial joy: so the presence of God, where is all fullness of joy & perpetual peaee, shall fulfil the faithful so full of that felicity, tranquillity, and heavenly glory, which is unspeakable, for excellency & perpetuity, whether good Lord bring us all. Amen. A Prayer at the end of this second part to be used. BLessed Lord God, as we praise thy Majesty for thy mercy in instructing us, so we humbly pray thee, that we being instructed in the true knowledge of thy elected Church and sanctified Congregation, and having learned, that as a pledge of thy love, thou hast left the Sacrament of Baptism, by effectual operation to represent the washing away of our sins, and sealing assurance of salvation to our souls, by the precious blood of thy dear Son, to our eternal safety. Free us good Lord we beseech thee from all original corruption: By thy holy spirit make perfect our Regeneration, by our new birth grant that our old evils of Adam in us naturally, may more and more be mortified, the fruits of holiness in us may more be increased, to thy glory and our good. And good father we pray thee, by the example of faithful Abraham, which hath by thy word been taught us, so instruct us thy servants, that we and our seed may faithfully keep our promised Covenants made to thee in Baptism, both in obeying thy holy commandments ourselves, and also instructing our children & servants in the same obedience, so that we and our family may daily endeavour to please and serve thy Majesty in holy obedience. And gracious Lord, seeing we feel sin to have in our flesh a permanency, give us such power over our sin, that in us it may never have sovereignty. And grant us such grace, that both bodily death, and the grave, may bring benefits to us, and to all true believers: And in the day of the Resurrection (our bodies rising to immortality) may be joined to our souls, to enjoy in thy glorious kingdom, everlasting glory, through jesus Christ our Lord, and glorious Redeemer. Amen. (⸫) A Prayer before the Sacrament of the LORDS Supper. BLessed, holy, and heavenly Father, without whom there is no felicity, no sanctity, nor at the banquet of thy dear son (with thy Saints) no society. We beseech thee good Lord, sanctify us poor sinners, that both our bodies and souls, may from all former impurity be purged, and with the wedding garment of true Christianity and charity be clothed: For our farther preparation pierce our hearts with an earnest sorrow for our sins, that by such penitency, we may be purged from our grievous offences: Moreover, we beseech thee, plant in our hearts that faith in thy promises, that by believing thy Son to be the bread of life, he may sustain our souls to eternal life: And we with a lively faith believing and receiving those banqueting Dishes, and purified Wines, may through faith be freed from eternal death. And finally, grant we beseech thee to us, such faith and perfect persuasion, that in us this spiritual food may have spiritual operation, and we thereby nourished, may in grace be more increased: From death eternal, by faith freed. And by our constant faith everlasting life may be granted in thy glorious kingdom, to live and reign with thee and thy dear Son, through the same thy blessed Son, our only Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. (⸫) Here followeth the third part of the Crystal of Christianity, wherein the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is discussed very plainly, and very familiarly. Question. Proceed now to the Sacrament of the LORDS SUPPER, and both show me the outward signs of the Sacrament, and what inward saving grates be thereby presented to the Church? A. The signs in the Lord's Supper are bread and wine, signifying by bread, his blessed body broken for us, and by wine, his precious blood, powered out for remission of our sins. Q. How doth bread signify his body, and represent the blessings of his body to us? A. As the word for bread in the true signification, doth signify all kind of sustentation and nourishment for our bodies, so doth the giving us his body, signify spiritually all sustentation for soul and body. He is our wisdom, he is our sanctification, he is our justification, he is our redemption, he is our salvation: The giving of Christ from God to mankind, is with him, giving all good things to mankind, for this life, and the life to come, for he is the true bread that came down from heaven to sustain us by his grace on earth, until we attain glory with him in heaven. Q. How doth Wine represent his blood powered out for us? A. Christ calleth himself the true Vine, and his grapes are spiritual graces, and as he is full of grace, so his grapes are full of spiritual power: and when his head was with thorns razed, his hands and his feet with nails bored, his sides and heart pierced, the purified Wine of his pierced heart, was powered out (to comfort our hearts) wherewith he doth command his Prophet to comfort his people at the heart, namely, with pardon of their sins, which comfort of remission of sins, doth approve his blood to have the property of Wine, which is comfortable. Q. You call it a banquet, and a Supper of Christ, show me for whom this feast is made, and especially provided? A. It is made principally to his true church which before I expressed to be the true believers, and none but the true believers, are effectually partakers of this spiritual banquet. Q. Do not all that communicate at the Lords table, by the sign of bread receive the saving graces represented by the bread. A. As wicked judas received the bread of Christ, but not Christ the true bread, so as many as be Communicants, having such or the like corruption, can never receive the body of Christ, and his benefits presented by the bread (consecrated by the Word) although they receive bread and wine at the Sacrament with others. Q. How doth the bread that is consecrated differ from other bread, which is usual for the nourishment of our bodies? A. As Wax before it hath impression of a Seals, is bare Wax, and after it is more, it is a Seal: So the usual water in Baptism, and Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper, by the word are made sacraments and seays, of assurance from Christ, to assure his true Church (and every member thereof) of his saving graces contained in the Sacraments. Q. What may be the difference of men, which communicate all at one Communion? A. As the danger or peril of the one is great, because they receive it unworthily, not considering the Lords body, and often times such for unworthy receiving, do receive punishment, and sometimes such do eat and drink their own damnation, as the Apostle testifieth. So the benefit of them that receive it worthily is great, for by faith they feeding spiritually, do eat the spiritual food (which never perisheth) by virtue whereof they are preserved from perishing, and sustained unto eternal life. Q. What meaneth the Apostle by eating and drinking their own damnation in the Lord's supper? A. The Apostle doth signify, that even this banquet received by the wicked persons, careless, and without consideration of their own impiety, without faith, repentance, or charity, trampling under foot that precious blood: Even for such contempt (he meaneth) such wicked persons shall find the receiving thereof, to testify their condemnation more fully. Q. What doth he mean that he saith, some of you are sick, some are weak, and some are fallen asleep? A. He admonisheth them which were (and us that are now reputed faithful professors) that for lack of that worthiness, which is required of them, and us which come not fully or fitly prepared, such were and are punished with such sicknesses and punishments, as might make them better to consider their own crimes, and unadvised receiving Christ his blessed body: and so condenme their own selves: And by such punishment also God moveth them to fly to him for mercy in this world, that they may not with the wicked of this world, perish in the world to come, for want of Christian duties. Q. What duties are of Christians required which come to this Sacrament of Christ, that they may be reputed worthy receivers thereof? A. There is required principally of them, a threefold consideration or examination, which worthily and effectually be partakers of Christ. Q. Show me those principal considerations, and examinations? A. As it is not fit for a servant, or a subject, to come to the Table of a temporal King uncleanly, or uncomely, so it is much more unfit and further offence to come to the table of the eternal king Christ jesus, with any kind of uncleanness, as might give offence to his mighty Majesty. Q. Show me first what cleanness is required of Christians, coming to his presence, to be partakers of this precious banquet? A. The people were commanded when they came to hear the Law promulgated on Sina, Certain days to wash and sanctify themselves, before they came to hear the Law: When the Lord would have his people talk with his Majesty, he commanded them to wash them, and make them clean from all their wirkednesse. Before King David came to God's Altar, he washed his hands in innocency. And Christ jesus did both wash and wipe the very feet of the Apostles, when he would make them fit for this feast. Q. What learn we by all these washings? A. First, when we come to hear the Law or Gospel preached, all wickedness, and ungodliness must be washed by earnest sorrow, for former sins committed, and ourselves sanctified by belief, that pardon for sin, and increase of grace, may by Christ be granted. Secondly, when we come to the majesty of the glorious God, by invocation, or prayer, we must with the Publican see and be sorrowful for our own misery: and not with a proud, but a pure zeal of soul hope to be purged, pardoned, and by Christ justified. Thirdly, we must not presume to come to the Temple, nor to the Altar, nor Table of this great King, until heart, and hand, body, and soul, and every part, be found, by proof, to be pure and clean. Fourthly, by Christ we are taught, that except we be washed by him, & be pronounced clean by his mouth, none are fit for this feast, and that is the cause that the Apostle saith, some eat & drink their olone damnation, because that every man doth not examine himself to find, his testimony of his washing (through Christ jesus, Lord of the feast) before he come to the lords feast, and blessed Sacrament of his body and blood. Q. As you have showed me what cleanliness is fit for Christian Communicants, so show me what comeliness is required at the table and Supper of the Lord? A. As at a festival Table of a King, comely and descent garments are required: so at the feast and table of the Lord, every Christian must have a comely and Christian garment, such as may please God through Christ. Q. What garment is fit for a Christian to come to the Lords table in? A. There belongeth first, a Christian care of casting away the garment of the old corrupt Adam. And secondly, an endeavour to put on Christ jesus. Q. Show me what the casting away of the old Adam doth signify? A. First, it signifieth the casting away the corruptions that we are clothed with naturally, by Adam's transqression, and the Apostle nameth them to be principally these following, namely, lying and slandering in any sort. Secondly, stealing, and all kind of false dealing, uncomely, ungodly, and especially all filthy and profane talking. Thirdly, all bitterness, wrath, & wrathful, or evil speaking one to another, seeing we are all members of one body. Fourthly, and finally, to banish and cast from us, all thoughts, words, & works, that either are evil or tend to evil purposes. Q. Let me now understand what the putting on Christ jesus meaneth? A. First, we must understand the removing from the mind inwardly all evils, is the work of the holy Ghost, which afterward doth cloth and garnish the godly with the form and shape of God in true holiness and righteousness by Christ. Q. Show me the signs of the holiness and righteousness by Christ jesus bestowed on us? A. As we are clothed by Christ with sanctification of God's spirit, and justification before God, so it doth often appear before men, and is expressed, in speaking the truth without dissimulation. In honest dealing and godly care in our vocation, justly to labour, and live. To speak that which may be instruction for others, and consolation to those that hear our words. Christian's must be courteous one to another, merciful one to another, loving one to another, and by love, which they seeing in God towards them, one to forgive another, as God for Christ his sake forgiveth them, and in the true garment of union clothed, coming to the Communion of the body and blood of Christ, shall be accepted as guests worthy of God's graces, by Christ at the table presented. You have showed me from the first consideration, what comeliness and cleanness becometh Christians to have when they come to be partakers of the Lords supper: Show me now the manner of eating and drinking of the Lords body and blood. Q. What must a Christian man consider in the worthy eating the body of Christ jesus, and drinking his precious blood spiritually? A. As all that work the work of GOD, must believe in him whom God hath sent, so all that will eat the body of Christ, and drink his blood worthily, must believe in his Incarnation, in his Passion, in his Resurrection, and in his glorious Ascension, rightly and religiously: and on these, and such benefits spiritually feeding by believing, are nourished with the benefits of his body and blood effectually. Q. What must we consider and believe in Christ his Incarnation? A. A Christian must consider the cause of Christ his Incarnation to proceed from God's love, (for man's restoration, or restoring again into the favour of God) for the benefit of all that truly believe. And must constantly be persuaded, that believing in the Son of God, by this his faith, he shall live eternally, and shall never perish. Q. What must a Christian man consider and believe of Christ his Passion? A. A Christian must consider, that Christ in his passion did suffer all things requisite for remission of the sins of all faithful believers: And must believe, that Christ redeemed his by his passion, from all manner of sin, both concerning Adam's sinful transgression, and also concerning his daily sinful corruption, and vain conversation. Q. What must a Christian consider, and believe in Christ his powerful Resurrection? A. A Christian must consider, that as Christ jesus died for the salvation of the faithful, he (namely a Christian) must fully be persuaded that thereby he is effectually risen, and shall thereby eternally, both in body & soul be saved. Q. Now concerning Christ his glorious Ascension, show me what must be a Christians consideration, faithful belief, and full persuasion. A. First, a Christian must consider, Christ jesus being heir of all things, and having showed all power in heaven and earth to be given unto him, and having led Captivity captive, is ascended into heaven, to take real and royal possession of heaven (in his holy human soul and body.) And secondly, a Christian must believe, that where Christ is, every believer shall be, and also be fully persuaded, that from the right hand of God, where Christ now sitteth in glory Celestial, jesus Christ shall come to judgement (and after a joyful sentence sounded) all that believe in Christ, shall ascend with him to receive the fullness of joy, and peace perpetual. Q. You have showed me what consideration and examination is fit before, and at the feeding in the Lord's supper. Express unto me now, what becometh a Communicant to consider of, after he hath received the body and blood of Christ. A. That which a Christian must consider after he hath received the Supper of the Lord, is a right spiritual digestion of that spiritual food. Q. What mean you by a spiritual digestion? A. First, I mean a feeling of God's favour Motion. in Christ, when the will is so bend by force of the love of God (in sending his own Son) that those which believe in Christ should not perish: That he will with the Prophet say: I will love the Lord which hath delivered my soul from a second death, Mine eyes from wailing in the lake of eternal death, and my feet from final falling into the endless damnation of them which taste the torments of a second death. Q. What is the second operation of spiritual digestion. A. The second is a divine apprehension of Inclination God's spirit moving the mind to an holy inclination, by desiring and loving of that which may most here on earth please God's Majesty: And above all things earthly to bend and set our affections on things heavenly, and to say, I desire to be with my Saviour, of whose sweets savour, I have in this banquet tasted by faith. Q. What further feeling of divine favours is in spiritual digestion of these holy mysteries▪ A. The third operation of holy digestion Hope of fruition. is a lively hope of full, and firm fruition, of these heavenly things, that by holy desires, a true Christian member hath set his affection upon, and by this lively hope, he is fully assured, that when Christ (which is our life) shall appear in glory, he shall by his body (full of glory) so powerfully raise our mortal bodies from death, that both body and soul of the faithful, shall receive life immortal, and glory eternal. Q. Are there any farther comforts to be found or felt by spiritual digestion? A. The celestial comforts that the faithful do find in digesting these divine graces, dainty dishes, and purified wine of Christ his body and blood, are unaccountable. I will conclude with a fourth digestion, and although set last, yet is it not the least, for thereof this banquet hath (of the digestion and operation) a true right title, and denomination. Q. What name hath this feast by operation of the same? A. This feast by famous Fathers of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Church, was named by a word that signifieth a feast of thanksgiving, in the Greek tongue. Q. What is signified by that denomination? A. Thereby is expressed a fourth spiritual and holy digestion, when the feeling of God's grace, filleth the soul with such fullness of true gratuity, that as with Marrow, and fatness of meat, the bones, and body are filled, so with praise and hearty thanksgiving, the mind and mouth of the faithful are filled, and thereby forced to praise God the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, by feeding on that spiritual sustentation, and drinking of the cup of salvation, in remembrance of Christ: This grace of thanksgiving is given to all the faithful. Q. You do mean by the faithful, all the members of the true Church, which are entertained into the love of God by effectual Baptism, and freed with the Son of God spiritually in the Lord's supper here on earth: Tell me what are their triumphs in Heaven? A. I confess my powers are unable to apprehend the least part, but this the Scriptures testifieth with faithful Abraham, Isacke, and jacob, every faithful member of the Church militant shall rest, and with the triumphant Church, triumphantly reign in heavenly tranquillity, in eternal felicity, and in unspeakable glory: shine as the stars in heaven: And sing with the Angels of heaven, that holy and heavenly song of triumph, Aleluiah, all honour, glory, and praise be to God, world without end, Amen. (⸫) FINIS. A Prayer to be said at the end of this third part. O Lord our God, and gracious Creator, which of thy love, before the world, or man was created, didst in thy sacred & secret decree, appoint and ordain out of mankind, a holy Church and chosen Congregation, eternally to be saved in jesus Christ, and with him, and by him to be made Coheirs in thine everlasting kingdom. The testimony of which thine eternal love, being left by thy dear Son, to his members generally, he vouchsafed in Sacraments (as perpetual pledges) to ordain and institute publicly, of which holy ordinance we be now made partakers, we humbly beseech thy blessed Majesty, to grant us participation, of all those saving graces, and promised blessings, which appertain to faithful receivers, by spiritual receiving those holy pledges, so that by our faithful feeding on him, thy dear Son, we may feel the fruits of his In carnation, the benefits of his bitter Passion, the power of his glorious Resurrection, and receive by faith assurance of the Celestial possession, that he hath obtained by his Ascension. And after this life is ended, with him we may enjoy celestial triumph, and triumphantly with his victorious Church, in heart triumph (when sin and Satan are conquered) we may everlastingly with the Crown of eternal life be Crowned, by and through Christ our Captain, and blessed Conqueror, Amen. (⸫) FINIS. Printed at London by Thomas Dawson, dwelling near the three Cranes in the Vine-tree, and are there to be sold. 1617.