THE EPITOME OF DIVINITY Poetically compos'd by way of Dialogue, for the more easie, and pleasant learning and retaining of it in memory.
OR, A summary Abstract of Divine Knowledge, as farre as is necessary to SALVATION.
Intended for the benefit of all, and especially for the Education of Youth, in the Knowledge and Feare of God.
By WALTER FRANKE, Minister of Gods Word.
John 5. 39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye have eternall life, and they are they which testifie of me.
LONDON, Printed by J. G. for Francis Eaglesfield, at the Marigold in St. Paul's Church-yard, 1655.
To the Right VVorshipfull, and Vertuous Lady, the Lady ANNE BASSET; and to the like Vertuous and Religious Gentlewom [...]n, Mrs. Jane, and Mrs. Elizabeth Basset.
HOnoured Ladies, I am not ignorant that ingratitude is a sinne of an high nature, and none more base and monstrous; lest therefore I should seeme to you, guilty of that crime, which I have alwaies in my heart so much abhorred; I have now taken an opportunity to expresse my thankfulnesse, for the manifold favours and benefits, which (in the depth of my afflictions) I have received from you. And no other way have I really to expresse it, but by the dedication of this little Book to your Ladiships acceptance: which if you shall condescend to patronize, (as your former respects unto me, makes me confident you will) I shall rather increase, than any way lessen [Page] my engagements to you. The structure of it being so small and low, may in the eyes of some seem contemptible, in respect of those large and faire buildings of like nature, that by others of farre richer endowments have been erected: yet as you have often seen the whole world described in a little Map, or the lively portraicture of a tall Man or Woman in a Shillings compasse, so is here (although I must confesse for the manner, but rudely contrived) yet for the matter, the whole body of Divinity contained in a small Epitome; which being so little and weake, as it hath the more need of succour, so it may with the more facility from your Ladiships favour receive protection. I know you will take the paines often to peruse it (because I am well assured, that each of you doe spend some houres every day in Religious duties) and perusing it, I doubt not but you will apply it, to the edification and adorning of your owne Soules, to Gods glory, and your owne eternall comfort: which that you may doe, and daily increase in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, shall be the prayer of
Your most obliged Servant in the Lord, Walter Franke.
To the Reader.
COurteous and well-disposed Reader (if so thou art) it was the saying of him who (by the Spirit of God himselfe) is said to be a man after Gods owne heart, even David that great King, and sweet singer of Israel; I have rejoyced in the way of thy testimonies above all riches, Psal. 119. 14. And againe, Psal. 19. 10. Th [...]y are more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than the Hony, or the Hony combe, with many such exp [...]essions of like nature in the same Psalme. And will you know the reason of this his transcendent esteeme of them? you may then thus collect it. As in the whole visible World, there is nothing of more excellency than Man, and in Man, nothing more excellent than the Soule, and in the Soule, nothing more excellent than the Understanding, and in the Understanding, nothing more excellent than Wisdome; so most certain it is, that no Wisdome that the Understanding is capable of, is so excellent as the Wisdome from above, or the Knowledge of Divine things, which commonly we call Christian Divinity; for whether we have respect to the Causes, the Effects, the Subjects, the Objects, the Adjuncts, or the ends thereof, it farre exceeds all the Arts, Sci [...]nces, Knowledge or Wisdome that the World affords. The result therefore of all is, that it behoves every man that aymes at eternall happinesse, not onely most highly to est eme it, but also in some good measure to attaine unto it. And therefore gentle Reader, although many have written divers excellent and ample Volumes of the whole body of Divinity, yet (as a mite cast into the treasurie) I hope thou wilt accept of this my weake endeavour, for thy Soules good, as an instrument conducing unto that end. It is indeed, but as a little Infant in comparison with the tallest Man; yet thou maist discerne, it has its full shape, as well as hath the greatest, [Page] and Scripture enough to prove it to be Legitimate, and therefore as I doe commend it to thy charitable censure (hoping thou wilt not despise it for the smallest of its growth) so I doe no lesse desire, that thou maist fully improve it to thy owne advantage: and to this end, I could wish thou wouldst make it thy vade mecum, or thy pocket companion; that so in the end, by committing it to memory, it may (to thy comfort) become thy bosome friend; or as an hid treasurie in thy heart, that may helpe to maintaine thee in thy journey to the Heavenly Jerusalem, that so although it be but little, yet (if by a faithfull application thou make much of it) at last thou maist finde it, to grow great in thy Soule, to thy everlasting comfort: and therefore doe not onely cast an eye upon it, and so lay it by, but take the paines to reade it through. It is but an houres labour, or a little more, deliberately to view it over, which being done, if then thou lik'st it, Quo animo legis observa, & quo observas serva (as one saith well) with what affection thou readest it, observe it, and with the same affection thou observest it, remember it, and remember to practice it: and withall turne often to the Scriptures that (for the confirmation of those truths) do stand in relation to each part of it; which being often revolved in thy minde, will much advantage thee in the knowledge of God, and of his revealed will. So God shall be glorified, thy Understanding enlightned, thy Faith strengthned, and so consequently thy Soule for ever comforted. And that so it may be, is, and shall be the prayer of him, who is thy Soules true friend,
Walter Franke.
The Epitome of DIVINITY Poetically composed, &c.
1. The condition of a True Christian.
Quest.
WHat is a Christian?
A.
One that in Christs name
And to's example make his life accord e.
Q.
Answer me then, are they not Christians all,
That are baptiz'd, and live within the pale
Of Christ his Church?
A.
No, they alone indeed
Are Christians, who of the immortal seed,
Are born again f, as of the element,
That used is, in Baptismes sacrament,
For he that is Christs scholler, (what the name
Of Christian doth signifie) the same g
[Page 2]Must be Gods childe h.
Q.
Is't needfull then to be
New born?
A.
It is i.
Q.
The reason why lets see,
A.
The reason is, man is by sin deform'd k,
The childe of wrath by nature l, and reform'd
If he in heaven desires a biding place o.
Q.
Mankinde in Adam was created good?
A.
2. Concerning the Fall of man [...].
Q.
How then became it sinfull?
A.
Through the fall
Q.
How?
A.
Adam as the head of whole mankind t,
What so ere gifts of body, or of mind,
He did in his creation from the grace
Of God receive u, the same for his whole race
He had, as for himself w, and therefore when
He lost them by his fall, all other men
Lost them in him; nor onely so, but he
Being defil'd by this transgression, we
That in his loynes were hid, did then begin,
Though yet we had not being to have sin:
[Page 3]For being of the propagated mass
Begotten, all which then in Adam was,
And was in him by his first fault defil'd,
It follows, that ev'ry succeeding childe
Of his, must sinfull be x, for who can bring
A clean stream from a foul and pudled spring y?
Q.
Are all men sinners then?
A.
Yes, there is none
Q.
Sinners deserve death, and is death to all
Ʋs due, for having sin originall?
A.
Onely for this we doe deserve to die,
Though we had else done none iniquity b:
But we doe many waies offend besides c,
Because that Mother sin that still abides
Breeds alwaies, and brings forth some actuall ill f:
And whatsoe're we doe, or think, or say,
Q.
How know we this, what is the rule whereby,
We doe our actions, to be sinfull try?
A.
The Morall Law i, divided into ten
Eternall precepts, Gods own Word, which when
Sinai was all on smoke, the ayre with thunder
[Page 4]Ratled, and lightning shone, that men did wonder,
And mountain quak'd (the trumpet being sounded)
Was by JEHOVAH, in such sort propounded k.
3. The ten Commandements.
I am the Lord that made, and doe command,
The heav'n, the fire, the aire, the sea, the land,
With all things in them l, yea thy God I am;
Thy Saviour that from the land of Ham,
And house of bondage, did thee Isr'el bring m,
By a strong Arm, and Power astonishing n.
I.
HAve thou no other Gods but me alone,
Whose might, and mercy, to thee have been shewn o.
II.
Make to thy self no image, carve, nor paint,
In heaven above, of Angel, or of Saint,
In sea of fish, in earth of any creature,
For a religious use, the fansied feature:
Neither shalt thou serve it, nor it adore,
Though but with bodies bending, and no more p.
For I JEHOVAH am a jealous God q,
That doe severely visit with my rod,
The fathers sins, on their posterity,
Extending to the third, and fourth degree
Of their succeeding issue, that me hate,
And for a god, an idol consecrate r:
But mercy shew to them, and thousands more
Of them, that love me, and observe my lore ſ.
III.
My sacred name, or attributes forbear
To use irreverently, and doe not swear
Falsly, or rashly by me t, for excus'd
Ile hold him not, by whom my names abus'd u.
IV.
By pious works, and a religious rest,
Remember that thou keep my weekly feast,
The blessed Sabbath: Six daies shalt thou doe,
What work soever thou art call'd unto:
But on the seventh, which is the Sabbath day,
Of God thy Lord, no work nor labour may
Be by thy self done, or allow'd to be
Done, by thy salve, beast, guest, that is with thee w:
For in six daies, the Lord the heavens did frame,
The earth, the sea, with what is in the same;
But on the seventh day, he was pleas'd to rest;
And therefore hath it sanctifi'd and blest x.
V.
[Page 7]Honour thy parents, and observe with love
And reverence due those that are thee above y
Towards thee c, or whose age, make that they are
Fathers, or mothers, to thee, that thou live
Long, in the land, which to thee God shall give d.
VIII.
Thy neighbours goods, by any unjust way,
Thou shalt not to thy proper use convey k.
IX.
By an abusive or a lying tongue,
Thy neighbour, or his fame, thou shalt not wrong l.
X.
Thy neighbours house, his wife, his servant, maid,
His beast, or other thing that may be said
His, must thou not lust after, neither must
Thou yeeld to, or be mov'd by any lust m.
This is Gods law, which who doth not fulfill
In every jot and tittle, he doth ill n.
Q.
What is the summe hereof?
A.
This, thou shalt love
The Lord thy God, who dwells above, above
All things; with all thy powers o, let neighbour be,
As thou art to thy self, so dear to thee p
4. No man is able to keep the Law.
Q.
Is any man of power all this to doe,
Which God in this his Law commands unto?
A.
As doth appear, being by this rule try'd ſ.
Q.
Why then doth God command what cannot be
Perform'd by any man?
A.
Surely when he
Before the fall, did in mans minde engrave
Which sith by his own fault he lost w, God still
Justly requires obedience to his will x.
Besides though men not call'd, by no means can
In any point perform the Law y, that man
Who is new born, can it so farre observe,
That though his works from that perfection swerve,
Which God in's righteous justice doth expect z,
Are yet so good, that he doth them respect a
In mercy for Christs sake, who hath suppli'd,
What he doth want by having satisfi'd
On his behalf b.
Q.
But sith in measure due
It cannot be perform'd, no not say you,
By the new-born themselves; speak what may be
The use thereof?
A.
Its offices are three:
[Page 9]The one spirituall, 'cause it doth pertain
To those, who by Gods Spirit are born again;
Whom it doth teach, to worship God aright,
And walk precisely as in his pure sight c.
A second outward, serving to repress
The fear of punishment for wickedness,
Ev'n of ungodly men, so farre that they
Dare not break out, into what sins they may d.
A third more secret, when it sore affecteth
The conscience for sin, which it detecteth,
Reproves, condemns, and threatens punishment
Eternall, to be therefore consequent e.
Q.
After the Law hath thus shew'd us our sin,
And miserable estate that we are in;
Doth it not also shew the remedy,
Vhereby to cure our sinfull malady
And to prevent damnation?
A.
No f, but this,
[...]erformed onely by the Gospel is g.
5. The knowledge of the Law leads us to imbrace the Gospel.
Q.
What is the Gospel?
A.
It's Gods heavenly Word h,
Promis'd to th' fathers, by Gods Son our Lord i,
And his Apostles k, men inspired by
His blessed Spirit, declared perfectly l,
Bringing the joyfull news that by the Son
Of God procured is redemption
Q.
What is the Gospels subject?
A.
Christ q.
Q.
Is he
Ordain'd by God, the remedy to be,
For sinfull man?
A.
He is r; and there is none
That hath salvation wrought but he alone ſ.
Q.
To know Christ then is't necessary?
A.
Yes:
For to know God, and Christ, is happiness t.
Q.
What's God?
A.
One essence pure u, in persons three
Father, Son, holy Ghost w, who though they be
[Page 11]Distinct in properties, (as doe imply
Their sev'rall names x) agree in unity
Q.
Sufficeth it for man God thus to know,
As he is in himself consid'red?
A.
No g:
But it is chiefly needfull to salvation,
That we doe know God, as he hath relation
Towards us h, which is, when we understand
Aright in God, his perfect justice, and
His perfect mercy i.
Q.
Speak then, what are they?
A.
Not qualities, for that's most false to say;
But God his justice, is his nature k, as
It hates all evill, nor lets any pass
Unpunisht l: mercy is the same, as it
Gives freely to us, every benefit
We doe enjoy m.
Q.
But when especially
Appear'd this mercy?
A.
When God graciously n
Gave us his Christ o, who is the summe, and chief
Of all Gods benefits, the souls relief p:
[Page 12]And whom it is most needfull that we know,
The reason why, I did but lately show.
6. What must be known concerning Christ.
Q
What must be known concerning Christ?
A.
What doe
Concern his person, and his office too q.
Q
Touching his person, what is he?
A.
Gods Son r
Who by a sacred, secret union
Hath joyn'd our nature to his deity,
In one admired, blest, subsistency ſ:
And so is God, and man, and yet but one
Person, one Christ, and but one God alone t ▪
Q.
But was it needfull that who mankinde should
Redeem be God Almighty, neither could
Any nor all the creatures this effect?
A.
Undoubtedly they could not in respect
Both of the evils great which damnifi'd
Us, and the great good things which none beside
God could restore unto us u.
Q.
Them great evils,
What are they tell?
A.
Sins heavy weight w, the devils
Base tyrannie x, death's conquest, and the sense
Of Gods just wrath conceiv'd 'gainst mans offence z;
[Page 13]Which for to take away a, subdue, confound,
And pacifie, no creature could be found,
But God must doe it b.
Q
Say what good things are
Restor'd unto us?
A.
What sin once did marre,
And did in our first parents quite deface c,
Wisdome, true holinesse, and every grace d,
Whereby Gods image is in us reform'd e;
Now this could not be, but by God perform'd f.
Q.
God is omnipotent, and all things can,
Was't needfull then, that God should become man
To save mankinde?
A.
Though in his power he
Could save by other means, it did agree
Best with his justice, us so to redeem g,
Because man having sinned, it doth seem
Most just, that man should make amends h, and by
That nature that offended satisfie
Almighty God i.
Q.
But answer, whether might
Not God the Father, nor the blessed Sprite
Act the Redeemers part, incarnate be,
As God the Son?
A.
They might, but Gods decree
Ordain'd before that mankindes reparation,
Q.
Of Christ himself this to have said sufficeth:
[Page 12]What is his office?
A.
That he exerciseth,
According to both natures, as he is Christ m,
7. Christs threefold Office.
Q.
What is his Regall office?
A.
That whereby
He ruleth all things, but especially,
Q.
What are the parts hereof?
A.
The parts I name,
A calling by the Word u, and by the same
A judging, that is either generall,
When he doth all men generally call w;
Or specially, when unto the outward teaching z,
He joynes his spirits working, and inflecteth
The minde, that it believeth, and affecteth
Gods Word a; And this doth not to all belong,
As doth the outward calling of the tongue b
[Page 15]But to Gods chosen onely, these alone
Are called effectually, not every one c.
The other part of Christ his Office royall,
Is that whereby, he doth on his disloyall
Subjects, the wicked, punishments inflict
In this life d, and when after by his strict
Justice, he hath before his Judgment-seat,
Summon'd, arraign'd, condemn'd them in his great
And dreadfull indignation; he them sendeth
Thence into Hell, where torment never endeth e.
But those who are his servants, his elect,
He doth against his enemies protect f,
Acquit them of their sins, in the last day g,
And them reward ev'n with an heavenly pay h.
Q.
How was a Prophets Office, by our Lord
Christ executed?
A.
When he by his Word i,
Ordained Ministers n, made known what is
The Gospel, or his heavenly Fathers minde,
Concerning the redemption of mankinde o.
Q.
What is his Priestly Office?
A.
That whereby,
[Page 16]He did Gods wrath, against us pacifie p;
And put himself, a gracious Mediatour,
'Twixt sinfull man, and God his just Creatour q.
Q.
What are the parts hereof?
A.
Two: satisfaction,
When he the Law fulfill'd in holy action r,
And gave his life as a redeeming price
For us ſ, and made himself a sacrifice
Whereby now standing in the full possession
Of glory x; he desires, his offering may
Prevail with God, for his elect y, and they
May have their suits, and prayers granted still z,
When they are made according to his will a.
Q.
Of CHRIST his Person, and his Office both,
Is said enough, and now it plainly doth
Appear, how CHRIST is made our remedy:
But remedies though made, if none apply
Them to the patient, doe not heal, shew then,
How CHRIST applied is to us, and when.
8. How Christ is made ours.
A.
He is appli'd, made ours, this way alone;
By being joyned with us, and made one b.
Q.
How, speak wherein this union doth consist?
A.
In this, that we remain and live in Christ,
And he in us, that each is held possest
Of other, by a speciall interest c:
By which we grow, prosper, and are quickned n:
And he doth take on him by imputation,
Q.
What is it that we by this union have?
A.
What thing soever needfull is to save q,
Whole Christ himself r, his merits, every good,
Which the blest virtue of his flesh and blood
May yeild ſ.
Q.
What are the parts of it?
A.
I call
[Page 18]The parts these, imputation, and reall,
Or an habituall infusion:
The first is when, what Christ in's passion
Suffred, and acted by his holiness;
Imputed is to us, for righteousness t.
The second when, grace in some measure, is
Q.
What is this unions bond, the sacred tie,
That Christ and us conjoyneth mutually?
A.
The Holy Ghost x; for as the members be
All knit unto the head by nerves, so he,
By his internall operation, knits
Us unto Christ, with all his benefits y.
Q.
Doth not he work this by some instruments?
9. The means of our unity a to Christ.
A.
Q.
By faith how?
A.
Faith he gives d, and so doth make
Us able, of Christ Jesus to partake e:
For faith is to the soul, an hand extended,
Whereby Christ (though above) is apprehended,
[Page 19]And brought home to it f.
Q.
How doe you define
This faith?
A.
It is a quality divine g,
By which we know and doe assent unto
Gods word h and promises in Christ, and doe
That God in Christ doth love us graciously l.
Q.
Who is the author of this faith?
A.
The Lord m,
Q.
The object what?
A.
The Generall, his Word n
The Speciall, that part which concerns his Son
The summe whereof we have set down in brief
In the twelve Articles of our belief
Which if you please I will repeat and show
The sense of them, but briefly.
Q.
Be it so.
10. The Belief.
A
My faith's first object, & my faith's sole Author,
Is God in essence, but in person Father q,
Almighty in his power r, the earth's great founder
[Page 20]Props up my faith z, whom I believe to be
My Lord God man, in one hypostasie a,
Born of a Virgin b, whose pure womb his seat
Was made, by th' vertue of the paraclete c,
Condemn'd by Pilate d on the Crosse did die
So also into Hell he did descend;
The truth whereof ev'n thus me may defend:
In Gethsamane he suffred by's agony g,
So likewise upon the Crosse (when he did cry
ELOI, ELOI, LAMASABACHTHANI h?)
The hellish torments due to those that die
In their sins, without regeneration,
And so not capable of Gods compassion i.
Then after, on the third day he did rise k,
Triumphant Victor ore his enemies l,
[Page 21]The third main pillar of my faith is he,
Who though proceeding (to make up the three
Persons) both from the Father and the Son,
Yet is not made, because with them he's one q;
Who doth restore in us, our goodness lost
An universall Church of Saints above t,
And here united by the bond of love;
Whose sins through Christ his Son God doth forgive x:
And will me raise, though dead 'mongst other men y,
And bring me j to eternall life z AMEN.
[As the Apostles Creed is the sum of the whole Gospel, or as an abstract of the New Testament: so these eight lines following are the summe of that Creed, and therefore needs no further proof.]
[Page 22]This is the Creed, whose summe, and sense is this:
I doe confide, and put my hope of blisse,
In one Christ crucifi'd, who given me by
The Fathers mercy, doth spiritually
Impart himself unto his Church, and me
By God the Holy Ghost to make me be,
Partaker of his deaths most pretious merit,
And that I may eternall life inherit.
11. How we are justified by faith in Christ.
Q.
Then you make Christ the scope & ground of faith.
A.
I doe a, and hence it is the Apostle saith
Faith justifies b.
Q.
How?
A.
Not as 'tis a grace c,
But as it doth our Saviour Christ imbrace d,
Who is our righteousness e.
Q.
What is it then
To justifie us sinners?
A.
It is when
For Christ his sake (who both in life and death
Fulfill'd the Law for us f) God pardoneth
Imputes unto us to eternity
The righteousness of Christ i, wherewith array'd
[Page 23]By faith k (as if we had our selves obey'd
The whole Law perfectly) we in Gods sight,
Holy and pure appear, as is the light l.
Q.
Sith faith so needfull is, I'de have you tell,
By what signes may we know that Christ doth dwell
In us by faith?
A.
By these, regeneration m,
And by the Spirits secret revelation n:
For it doth with our spirits witness bear,
That we are Gods sons, so that servile fear
Remov'd as children we dare faithfully,
To God Almighty, Abba, Father, cry o.
12. Concerning Regeneration.
Q
What is Regeneration?
A.
A renewing
Of minde, will, the whole man, or an endowing
Of them with holy qualities p, for in
Whom Christ's Spirit, and faith are, there no sin
Can reign q.
Q.
What are the parts thereof express?
A.
Sin-killing, and a life of righteousness r.
Q.
What's that?
A.
'Tis by degrees for to destroy,
[Page 24](Through Christ his death) sin that doth most annoy
The soul, that from thenceforth it is no more,
So potent to deprave, as 'twas before ſ.
Q.
What are the means on our part, by which we
May sin subdue?
A.
Especially these three:
Q.
What is that other part, the which you call
A life of righteousness?
A.
It is when all
Our faculties throughout, being reform'd
By God the Holy Ghost, there are perform'd y
Such actions by them, as which God requires z;
The Minde knows the true God a, the Will desires
And every part acteth its office due d.
Q.
Follows it then, what you doe seem to say
That in whom Christ abideth, onely they
Live holy?
A.
Yes, ev'n as surely as they live,
Who have a soul, which to them life doth give e:
And therefore though faith justifies alone f;
The faith that works not, justifieth none g.
[Page 25]For as faith us (as the Apostle sayeth)
Q.
What works?
A.
Such works as both the causes whence
They come, the love of God k, & conscience
Gods glorifying, unto which they tend n,
Make pleasing unto God o, and doe agree
(In some sort) with Gods law p, although they be
Not absolutely perfect q.
Q.
What 'mongst all
Those good works, doe you think most principall?
13. Concerning Prayer.
A.
Prayer for this is the most evident
Signe of our faith, that we are confident
On Gods love to us, sith we dare desire
Of him those good things which our wants require r:
Yea, by the help of this, we get the strength,
Whereby to doe all other works at length ſ.
Q.
But what is Prayer?
A.
An affection
Of heart devout t, whereby we call upon
[Page 26]God to avert ill from us u, and to grant
Unto us such good things as we doe want w:
Which we believe through Christ he will afford
Q.
But dareth sinfull man by invocation
Soli it God?
A.
Yes through the mediation
In whom our prayers please and impetrate b.
Q.
Why say you onely; Doe not Saints likewise,
This work of interceding exercise?
A.
They doe not c, for they know not what we have
And saith that whatsoever (in his name)
We ask the Father, he will give the same f;
Why should we, nay how dare we in the stead g
Of Christ think Saints shoud intercede!
Q.
What are the things which we must pray unto
God for with hope of being heard?
A.
What doe
Then needfull things for life, as cloath's and food l,
[Page 27]And therefore that we should not pray amiss,
For things unlawfull, what our nature is
Apt to seek after m, Christ himself did teach
What good things are, and in what order each
Is to be pray'd for, in that Form which he
Prescrib'd to his Disciples, and which we
Call the Lords Prayer n.
Q.
Now this therefore say
And give its sense?
A.
Then Christ doth bid us pray
14. The Lords Prayer briefly expounded.
Chiefly in glory shining ſ, Hallowed be,
Thy Kingdome come a: as a most mighty LORD,
[Page 28]That doe maliciously thy Church oppose c:
And Rule thou in it, by thy Spirits grace d,
And make it to behold thy glorious face e:
Us men in earth h and that so readily
As it is by thy blessed Spirits that reign
Ʋs, that doe for the common good desire n,
This day; this time, (for we no longer live
Than thou unto us of thy grace dost give o)
Our souls food, Christ ſ, and every benefit
Needfull, to maintain life, or strengthen it t.
And forgive us our trespasses u, be pleas'd
For Christ his merit sake to be appeas'd,
[Page 29]Towards us, and doe thou not us condemn w
(Though we deserve death x) As we forgive men
That trespasse against us y, as we doe those
Love and imbrace as friends, that are our foes z.
And lead us not, permit us not to fall a,
Into temptation d: or to be misled
Into impiety or vanquished
By Satan, But deliver us from evil f:
Preserve us from the malice of the Devil g.
Lest after into Hell we should be hurl'd,
For thine is (onely thine) the kingdome, none
Doth reign in earth, but under thee alone,
Chief King of kings l. The power what it will
[Page 30]The world with its greatness o; and delight
The Saints beyond expression, that its sight
Fully enjoy p, for ever, both before,
Amen ſ. Let it be done, for we believe,
The things that we have pray'd for, thou canst give t.
Q.
But is it needfull that we alwaies say,
Our Saviours very word when we doe pray?
A.
No 'tis enough sometimes they doe accord
In matter with this Prayer of the Lord u,
But yet with understanding them to use,
Better it were for us, than to abuse
Our Saviours warrant for it, so to doe;
By quite neglecting or contemning to
Use those his very words, at any time;
For so to doe, will surely prove a crime,
Because our Saviour bids us when we pray,
Our Father which art in heaven—* to say.
Q.
Now you have shew d what things, shew how we must
Pray for them?
A.
Surely it is very just,
If we expect a gracious audience
[Page 31]With a minde wholly fixt on things above h.
15. Concerning Gods Word and Sacraments.
Q
Besides our faith, Gods Word and Sacraments
You said were also used as instrument's *
In [...]oyning [...] to Christ?
A.
The means whereby
God faith begetteth, and so doth apply
Christ to our souls, are these indeed i.
Q
What doe
You mean hereby the Word of God?
A.
The two
Most sacred Testaments, whose principall
Parts we the Law and Gospel use to call k.
Q.
To what end serves the preaching of the Law?
A.
By shewing us our misery l to draw
Us to desire the saving remedy m,
Such as may ease and cure that misery n.
Q.
How doth Gods Word by the Gospels preaching
[Page 32]Infuse into us faith?
A.
By therein teaching o,
And thereby hath Gods anger pacified ſ:
And that in him who doth believe t may have
Whatso'ver things is needfull them to save u.
16. Concerning the Sacraments in generall.
Q.
What is a Sacrament, whereby you say,
God doth unto our souls his Christ convey?
A.
A holy signe ordained by the Lord w,
Joyn'd to the gracious promise of his Word x
To signifie our Saviour Christ y, withall
His gifts z, and to assure us that we shall
Enjoy them a, if (as we thereby are bound)
We doe by faith b, and an obedi'nce sound
Continue his c.
Q.
How many Sacraments
Are there?
A.
l'th former of the Testaments
[Page 33]Many d, but in the Gospel onely two:
Baptisme e, and that which commonly we doe
Call the Lords Supper f: one of our isition
Into Christs body g, or our first admission
Into his Church h: the other of our growth
Q.
What are the chiefest things I'de have you show,
Touching each Sacrament we ought to know?
A.
I will, these four which represent;
The outward signes, what grace by them is meant,
[Page 34]What is the union of them both, and what
The manner, we doe both communicate.
Q.
What are the signes?
A.
The elements we see
And rites l which elements we say to be
Chang'd, not in nature or in qualitie,
But in their use, 'cause now they signifie
Celestiall things m, not through mans recitation
Of any words, but Christs own ordination n
Q.
What are the signified things?
A.
The main
Is Christ o, next him what blessings we obtain
In him p.
Q
What kinde of union doe you call
This of the signes, and things Celestiall?
A.
An union relative, which doth consist
In a respect betwixt the signes and Christ q,
Whereby with them presented to the sense
He's offer'd us to be by confidence
Apply'd r.
Q
On what dependeth this relation?
A.
Q.
How are the Sacraments thing signify'd
As signes received?
A.
In whom faith doth abide,
They are partakers of the inward grace,
And Christ himself (although in heavenly place)
As truely (through the vertue of Gods Sprite)
[Page 35]As of the signes objected to the sight u:
But faithlesse men, though they receive the signe,
Doe not the signifi'd things divine w.
17. Concerning Baptisme:
Q.
What's Baptisme?
A.
'Tis of our admittance in
To Christ his Church x; a Sacrament wherein
By Waters washing y, in the Trinities,
Fathers, Sons, Spirits, name z, God signifies,
Seals, and applies to us, our cleansing by
Q
What are the signes in Baptisme's Sacrament?
A.
Water is the externall element c:
Dipping in water first, or sprinkling, then
From under it a coming forth agen;
Are the substantiall rites d.
Q.
What's understood
By these?
A.
The sprinkling of our Saviours blood,
To wash us from our sinfull filthiness e,
And imputation of his righteousness f;
A killing of the old man, through the force
Of Christ his death and buriall, of his course g,
[Page 36]A quickning of our spirits through the strength
Of Christ, his resurrection h, and at length
A raising of our bodies i, last of all,
A sacred obligation mutuall,
Of God, and us baptized, whereby he
Doth binde himself to be our God k, and we
To serve him l, and to fight against his foes,
Q.
In Baptisme what doth water figure most
Chiefly?
A.
Christs blessed blood and holy Ghost p.
Q.
Why doth the water and these things agree,
In any manner of analogie?
A.
Yes; for as water helps to generate q
That it may fructifie doth irrigate
The earth r, doth wash away the filthiness
In manner like, through the most wholsome merit
We are regenerated x, washed white
[Page 37]And by the sweetest showers of graces drenched a
Q.
How is this sacrament received?
A
All
Who are baptiz'd in manner naturall
As by the Holy Ghost spiritually
Or if not faith it self, its heavenly seed i.
18. Concerning the Lords Supper.
Q.
What's the Lord's Supper?
A.
'Tis a Sacrament
Commemorate m, obsignate and apply
Unto the faithfull instrumentally n,
(By given and received bread and wine,
[Page 38](According unto ordinance divine o)
Christs body that was slain, blood that was shed,
To save us from damnation merited p;
By vertue of which body and which blood,
(As of our souls onely sufficient food)
Till to be perfect men in Christ we prove ſ.
Q.
What are the signs in the Lords Supper?
A.
Bread
And Wine, the elements administred t,
The rites are when the Minister hath pray'd,
And Christ his words of institution said.
And breaks the bread, and doth deliver both
The bread and wine to every one that doth
Come to the Supper, who must take both; eat
The bread & drink the wine u.
Q.
What are the great
Secrets imported by these signs?
A.
The thing
Whereof these are the signs exhibiting,
Is Jesus Christ his body and his blood w,
With ev'ry grace of his and saving good x,
Q.
What mean the Rites?
A.
The breaking of the bread
Doth shew how Christ was broken, tortured
[Page 39]Upon the Crosse, and in his agony y:
The giving of the signes, how graciously
The Father hath bestow'd on us his Son,
With all the merits of his passion z:
Our taking, eating, drinking, shew how we
By faith lay hold on Jesus Christ, and he
Becometh ours so truly and indeed,
As doth the very meat whereon we feed a.
Q
But why was bread ordained as a signe
Of Christ his body, of his blood, why wine?
A.
By reason of the likenesse 'twixt his blood
And wine, his body and that kinde of food b.
Bread is the stay of our life naturall c,
And so is Christ of our spirituall d;
Bread is our daily food e, and daily need
Our souls on Christ their heavenly bread to feed f;
As many grains one loaf of bread doe make,
And of that one loaf many may partake:
So we, though many, in one bread subsist,
And of that bread partake, ev'n Jesus Christ g.
And as from pressed grapes doe issue wine h,
[Page 40]Which comforteth the heart i, so from the vine,
There issued his blood, the liquor blest m,
That doth as wine, warm, comfort, animate,
Strengthen, revive, delight, exhilerate n.
Q.
What is the manner that we doe receive
The Supper of the Lord?
A.
What we perceive
Thereof by sense, the same we orally *
Receive o, but what they shew spiritually,
(For Christ his presence is not corporall
In the Lords Supper, but symbolicall p)
That's onely by our hearts, not hands, imbrac'd,
And is the object of our faith, not tast q.
Q.
[Page 41]Who then receives this Supper worthily?
A.
Q.
What is the end wherefore we celebrate
This Sacrament?
A.
'Tis to commemorate
Christ, and to shew his death by thinking on
Intentively, his bitter passion u;
That so by those good things we therein see w
Our souls for ever comforted may be x.
Q.
Now you have shew'd the means, whereby Christ is
Offer'd and apprehended with all his
Merits and benefits, it doth remain,
You shew to whom those graces doe pertain.
19. A discourse concerning the Church.
A.
They doe belong unto the Church y, and none
Have interest in them, but she alone z.
Q.
What is the Church?
A.
An holy company
[Page 42]To be the sole peculiar of the Lord e:
That God in it may have his habitation h,
Q.
How manifold is this Church?
A.
One n: though we
That are the members, very many be o ▪
Head of the Church ſ; so consequently, is
Of that head, Jesus Christ the Lord of all w.
Q.
If that the Church be one, in what sense doe
We say, she may be seen, and may not too?
20. Concerning the Church visible and invisible.
A.
Cannot be seen, because it doth contain
The number of all them that doe pertain
To Christ, as well the blessed saints on high,
Who cannot be beheld with mortall eye d;
As faithfull living e: though particular
Churches or Congregations, which are
But some part of that Church, apparent be,
Because we doe the outward fashion see,
Of their religion f.
Q.
The whole Church, why
Doe you call Catholick?
A.
To signifie
She is not ty'de to certain times, or men,
Nor places, (as before Christs coming, when
God was in Jury onely worshipped g)
But is throughout the whole world scattered h:
And is still to indure i, and hath among
All kindes of men, some that to her belong k.
Q.
[Page 44]Who are these?
A.
Not who onely doe professe
Faith, and have but the Form of Godlinesse l:
For albeit such kinde of men have place
In the Church visible m, yet to the grace
Of being members * of the same, attain
For Christ his Church is holy p, 'cause his blood
21. Who is head of the Church.
Q.
Who of the Churches body is the head?
A.
Christ Jesus ſ.
Q
Who besides in Christ his stead?
A.
None other, for 'tis monstrously unfit
One body should to many heads be knit t:
And what need there any head lesse principall,
To guide and rule the Church, sith there dwells all
Fulnesse in Christ u: and as the head doth sense
Unto the body, so Christ influence
Spirituall, unto the Church conveyes w,
[Page 45]And every where is with her, and alwaies x.
Q.
But may there not be some to oversee
Churches particular? Is't so that he,
Because he doth the whole Church regulate;
Excludeth governours subordinate
Of Churches visible?
A.
No each such, must
Have one, or many, who not as they lust y
But as Gods Word alloweth them, must guide,
Govern, defend it safely, and provide
That God be purely serv'd, that they be curb'd,
By whom the Churches peace may be disturb'd; *
[Page 46]That all things be in decent order done z,
And who offends may have correction a.
22. The description of a true Church.
Q
But tell me, by what markes infallible,
We may discerne a true Church visible
From a corrupt?
A.
In that Church where Gods Word
Is purely taught b, the Supper of the Lord,
And Baptisme, minister'd in manner due,
After Christs Ordinances, that Church is true c.
Q.
Is every man when he those marks hath found
In any Congregation, there bound
[Page 47]To joyne himselfe unto it, and professe
Himselfe a Member of it?
A.
Surely yes,
To some such Church or other, every man
Must joyne himselfe, so far forth as he can d:
For every such Church is a School, where God
The Testaments the Books which there are read,
The Law, and Gospell, there delivered g,
With Preachers exposition explain'd h,
Lessons that must be learned, and retain'd
In minde and heart i: now in the Schools must he,
As a young Scholer educated be k,
That doth aspire unto a place on high,
In the most glorious University l.
23. Concerning the joyes of Heaven.
Q
What Ʋniversity?
A.
Even that same where The Saints are Fellowes, who were Schollers here: The Angells Fellowes, in the joynt fruition Of joyes, arising from Gods blissefull Vision m
Q.
What joyes?
A.
eye hath seen, Nor heard by mortall eares have ever been;
[Page 48]Neither, what great joyes they are, it enter can
Into the Sinfull heart of Carnall man n.
Q.
What is this Vision whence you say arise
These joyes?
A.
It is to know God in such wise
As we our selves are knowne; to have that grace
As to behold him cleerly face to face o.
Q.
And why call you it blissefull?
A.
Cause hereon
Depend there doth our glorification p.
For seeing him r, him we shall have, and have
In him, all good things, that our Souls can crave ſ;
And we shall be transformed into his
Image, so fa [...]re forth, as our nature is
Made capable thereof t, and shine as light,
Our Souls and Bodies shall in glorie bright u.
Q.
How long?
A.
For ever w: for our blisse (as he
That is its object x) shall eternall be y.
Q.
But to be happy in such sort, you say
Belongs not unto all men?
A.
True: for they
Who are not Souldiers in the Church, that here
Is Militant, may not as Victors weare
[Page 49]Crownes, in the Church triumphant z; not behold
Christs glory, that are not of Christs Fold a.
24. Concerning the day of Judgement.
Q.
How shall it then be with the wicked?
A.
All
Shall suffer punishment perpetuall b,
According to their workes c, for Christ shall come
To judge the world d, and having placed some
Thus, he will them most graciously invite:
Come blessed of my Father, and inherit
Prepared from eternity, for you i
My constant followers and servants true k.
But to the wicked that shall trembling stand l,
With guilty Consciences m, at his left hand;
In terrifying manner, he will say,
[Page 50]Ye cursed wofull wretches, get away
Into eternall fire, prepar'd for you,
As for the Devill, and his damned crue n;
And those shall still tormented be in Hell,
When they for ever shall in Heaven dwell o.
FINIS.
WHat good is taught us here, Lord do thou make
Us perfectly to know, for Christ his sake;
And let that knowledge, so informe our minde,
That through it, in our hearts we be inclin'd,
To doe that good sincerely though we may
Offend in many things through weaknesse [...] say
O gratious God, the Word, and it will then
Be done, what we pray for, Amen, Amen.
Laus Trin uni Deo.
A Table of the Heads contained in this Epitome.
- I. THE condition of a True Christian. page 1
- II. Concerning the Fall of many. 2
- III. The ten Commandements. 4
- IV. No man is able to keep the Law. 8
- V. The knowledge of the Law leads us to imbrace the Gospel. 10
- VI. What must be known concerning Christ. ⟨12⟩
- VII. Christ's threefold office. ⟨14⟩
- VIII. How Christ is made ours. ⟨17⟩
- IX. The means of our unity to Christ. ⟨18⟩
- X. The Belief. ⟨19⟩
- XI. How we are justified by faith in Christ. ⟨22⟩
- [Page]XII. Concerning Regeneration. 23
- XIII. Concerning Prayer. 25
- XIV. The Lords Prayer briefly expounded. 27
- XV. Concerning Gods Word and Sacraments. 31
- XVI. Concerning the Sacraments in generall. 32
- XVII. Concerning Baptisme. 35
- XVIII. Concerning the Lords Supper. 37
- XIX. A discourse concerning the Church. 41
- XX. Concerning the Church visible and invisible. 4 [...]
- XXI. Who is Head of the Church. 44
- XXII. [...] [...]escription of a true Church. 4 [...]
- XXIII. Co [...]cerning the joyes of Heaven. 47
- XXIV. Con [...]rning the Day of Judgment. 49
The End.