A candle lighted at the lampe of sacred scriptures. Or, A catechisme conteining all truths fundamentall, and none but fundamentalls. By Richard Bifield, minister of Gods word, and pastor in Long Dutton.. Byfield, Richard, 1598?-1664. 1627 Approx. 84 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 28 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2014-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). B07429 166384379 STC 4237.5 ESTC S91269 166384379 ocn 166384379 191513

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A CANDLE LIGHTED AT THE LAMPE OF SACRED SCRIPTVRES. Or A Catechiſme conteining all truths fundamentall, and none but fundamentalls.

By Richard Bifield, Miniſter of Gods word, and Paſtor in Long Ditton.

2 Tim 3. 15.

From a Ch • ld thou haſt knowen the Holy Scripture • , which a • e able to m • k • th • e w • ſe to ſalua • io • 〈…〉 is i • Chriſt Ieſus.

〈◊〉 ; no • Argumen • o.

Ambroſe de Spir •• u ſancto. l. 3. c. 11.

I leaue to the ſimplicity of Scripture, not the ſub •••• y of argument

Imprinted at LONDON 1627.

A Precept to Parents.

Theſe words which I commande thee this day ſhall be in thine heart: and thou ſhalt teach them diligently vnto thy childrē, and ſhalt talke of them when thou ſitteſt in thine houſe, and when thou walkeſt by the way, and whē thou lyeſt downe, and when thou riſeſt vp. Deut. 6. 6. 7.

To children and ſeruants.

Sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts, and bee readie alwayes to giue an anſwer to every man that asketh you a reaſon of the hope that is in you, with meekne •• e and feare. 1 peter. 3. 15.

TO THE CHILDREN AND youth of Long-Ditton, Kingſton vpon Thames, and Eaſt Molſey: Grace be vnto you and peace, from him which was, and which is, & which is to come.

LIttle children and youth, I am debter to you alſ • , and am taught by Iohn, 1 Ioh, 2 12, 13. the Diſciple whom our Saviour loved: to pay this debt by writing. I Dedicate therefore this little booke to you ioyntly: where in▪ you my little babes, may ſee the mercies of God in forgiuing your ſinnes for Chriſts name ſake; and may learne euen in the milke to know, and knowing to call God Father. Wherein likewiſe you young men, may, as out of the Lords armory, haue weapons ready fitted to your hand & vſe, wherewith ye ſhall overcome that wicked one. And if ye receiue by faith this doctrine, and let it abide in you, to loue it to obey it, you ſhall encreaſe your ſtrength; and the better with ſtand future aſſaults, in all of them, being more then Conquerours.

For, in the first part, yee haue orderly framed in words of Stripture, the whole body of divinitie, which we are to beleeue concern • g the Goſpell of our Lord and Saviour Ieſus Chriſt, after a familiar way of Cat • chiſing: no one matter of opinion mixed therewith, but onely fundamentall truthes; layd downe ſo that all Hereſies-now being, or formerly rooted, or that may hereafter ſpring vp, as tares amongſt the wheate, are cut off; not by humaine wi • t and Schoole diſtincti • ns: but by divine word & holy writ. here you haue much, yea all in a little, yet without obſcurity. Here ye have that faith which ever was held & profeſſed vniverſally in the Church: as will be manifeſt to the iudicious that are acquaint • d with Scripture, with Councels with the authen • iq • e Creeds, with the publike confeſſions of chriſtian m • n & Churches. The truth I dare boldly • ay, the enemies themſelues being iudges. In a word: yee haue here the heads of Doctrine, which in euery particular in the audience of the Congregation of Kingſton vpon Thames, was with feare and trembling (being part of full three years laboures their) diſcourſed off at larg • ; ſhewing in all and every point, the Harmony of both Teſtaments, the vntiyng of difficulties and knots in them, by way of explication, the wiles of Satha • and the fleſh, begui • ing vs of the fruite of ſuch knowledge and beleife in deeds, while our mouthes profeſſed the ſame in words, the concluſions profitable and famous which depend upon ſuch prime truthes. And laſtly, the Inſtr • ctions, conſolations and reproofes which theſe doctrines afford us, for the reformation of heart and life.

In the ſecond part, I preſent you with the rules of holy life, whereby you are taught as the truth is in Ieſus, to put off concerning the the former converſation, the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitfull luſts, and being renewed in the ſpirit of your minde, to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteovſnes and true holineſſe. Here I haue diuided the precepts of the Goſpell: from thoſe of the Law, to avoyd confuſion: that they are diſtinct is a thing not hitherto heeded, yet (as to them will appeare that conſider it without preiudice) moſt certaine. The words of Chriſt haue as much force to bind, as the words of the Decalogue or ten commandements.

Likewiſe the voyce of Repentance, is no voyce of the Law; and ſo of the reſt. That I haue caſt them into ten, is not out of any ſuperſtition of the number: nor any conceit of mine that there are iuſt ten, but onely to 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 help memory; they alſo fitly ariſing to that number, and • or ought I ſee, the whole comprehended. I haue in the margent ſet two different marks upon certaine anſwers or phraſes in thoſe anſwers, by which I would haue you to take notice of your eſtate before God. If thoſe or any one of thoſe graces or priviledges bee manifeſt vpon your hearts wrought by the word, which are ſigned with this ſigne 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 being that Angelicall mark, Ezek. 9. 4. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 they proue you actually the children of God. If the ſinnes or kind of offending be yet found in you which is marked with that marke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the firſt letter in the word Letzim P •• l. 1. 1. ſignifying ſcorners. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 you are unregenerated and wicked ſinners, and remaine ſ • ch till you waſh them away by true repentance, and Faith in the Lord Ieſus.

Take theſe & digeſt them thoroughly, yea eate them up; as reached forth to you from God, tho • gh by the unworthy hands of a meane Labourer in Gods V • nyard: whoſe pray • r is, that you may increaſe in wiſdome and ſtature, and in favour with God and man.

Richard Bifield.
A CANDLE LIGHTed, at the Lampe of Sacred Scriptures.
The firſt part conteining the grounds of Faith.

WHere may wee learne that knowledge which will make a man wiſe to his ſalvation.

Anſwer. In the holy ſcripture. 2. Tim. 3. 15, 16. 17. Iohn 5. 37.

Queſt. How was all Scripture of the old and new Teſtament given?

A. By inſpiration of God: for the 2 tim. 3. 16 2 Pet. 1, 20 21. holy men of God ſpake as they were moved by the Holy Ghoſt.

Q. Hath God revealed all things therein neceſſary to ſalvation?

A. Yes: no man may adde thereto, Deut. 12 32. Prou. 30. 6. or take there from.

Q. May a ſimple man learne ſo much by them? Pſal. 119, 130. 2. Cor. 4. 4.

A. The entrance into Gods word giueth light, it giueth vnderſtanding vnto the ſimple.

Q. Seeing they are ſo plaine in all neceſſary truthes, tell me what they teach you concerning God?

A. That there is but one God: an Idol is nothing in the world. 1 Cor. 8. 4.

Q. What elſe?

A. That their are three that beare record in heaven, the Father, the word 1 Ioh. 5. 7. and the Holy Ghoſt, and theſe three are one.

Q What is this one God who is three in perſons?

A. He is a Spirit, whoſe name is, Ioh. 4. 24. Exod. 3. 14 1 Tim. 1 17 Gen. 17. 1 Mat. 19. 17 I AM, the eternall, the Almighty, the only wiſe and good.

Q. Wherein did God manifeſt his wiſdome power & goodnes?

A. In that he made the world and Gen. 1 Heb. 11. 3. Rom. 1. 20. all things therein in the beginning, of nothing, and all very good.

Q. How did he make man?

A. Male & Female, after his owne Gen. 1. 27. image.

Q. What was this image chiefly?

A. Knowledge, righteouſnes and true holines. Ephe. 4. 24 Col. 3. 10.

Q Did man remaine thus righteous?

A. No: they ſought out many inventions. Eccle. 7. 29

Q▪ How did they fall?

A. Adam and Eue did eate of that Gen. 3. 1. 6▪ fruite of which God had ſaid yee ſhall not eate of it, Eve firſt was beguiled by the Serpen • , then gaue to her husband, and he did eate.

Q But that they ſinned and fell, what is that to vs?

A. By one man ſinne entred into Rom. 5. 12 the world, and death by ſinne, and ſo death paſſed on all men, in whom all haue ſinned.

Q. What is our estate then by nature?

A. All men are borne in ſinne & Rom. 3. 23 Pſa. 51, 5, Iob, 11. 12 &, 15. 14. Gen. 8. 21, 1, Ioh. 3. 4 liue therein from their youth vp.

Q. What is ſinne?

A. The tranſgreſſion of Gods Law.

Q What is the wages of ſinn?

A. Death.

Q When God had made the world. Rom. 6. 32 doth he leaue it without regard?

A. Not ſo: he ſeeth and vpholdth Pro. 15. 3, Heb, 1, 3 all by the word of his power.

Q. Doth this his prouidence reach to all?

A. Yea to the Sparrowe lightning Mat, 10, 29 30, on the ground, and the numbring of the haires of our head.

Q. He ſaueth then both man & beaſt? Pſa, 39, 6 1 Cor, 9. 9▪ 10, 1 Tim. 4, 10,

A. True, but his care is generall over all; but more eſpecially towards them that beleeue

Q. Yet many miſeries befall men?

A. The Lord doth it. Amos 3. 6.

Q. But if the Lord guide all, how cometh ſinne into the world, is he the author of ſinne?

A. No; yet he hath made all things for himſelfe even the wicked for the pſal 5. 4, 5. Pro. 16. 4. day of evill.

Q. God is holy then, when we are wicked: what ſhall be come of man?

A. He muſt periſh for euer but for the Chriſt of God. Hoſ 13. 9. Mat. 16. 26

Q. Who is the Chriſt, the Sonne of God that was promiſed ſhould come into the world?

A. Ieſus of Nazareth. Ioh 11. 27. & 8. 24,

Q. What was his office?

A. To ſaue his people from their Mat. 1. 21. ſinnes, and therefore called Ieſus the Sauiour.

Q. Did any helpe in this worke?

A. Not any; there is but one mediator 1 Tim. 2. 5. betweene God and man.

Q. Were our workes or ought in vs, the cauſe of this ſalvation?

A. Wee are ſaued according to Gods grace i • Chriſt Ieſus, and not according to our workes or ought in vs. 2 Tim. 1. 9.

Q. How then are we ſaued by Christ?

A. A new couenant or agreement Ier. 31. 31▪ 32. 33. 34. Ioh. 3. 16 1. Ioh. 2. 25 is giuen to vs in him, wherein God promiſeth to bee our God and to giue forgiueneſſe of ſins and life euerlaſting to euery one that beleiueth in Chriſt.

Q. How came we to vnderſtand this? Act. 3. 22. 23. Iohn 118. & 17. 26.

A. Chriſt Ieſus is the great Prophet, and hath revealed the whole councell of his father.

Q. When?

A. By the Prophets and Apoſtles, and in theſe laſt dayes by himſelfe here Heb. 1. 1. on earth.

Q. But our ſins ſeparat God & vs?

A. He is a Prieſt for euer after the Heb. 6. 20. & 2. 17. pſal. 110. 4 order of Melchiſedech to make reconciliation for our ſins.

Q. But the enemies of our ſaluation, he fleſh the world & the diuel are mighty?

A. He is our King and Lawgiuer. Eſa. 33. 22. 24.

Q. What kind of Kingdome is his?

A. His kingdome is not of this Ioh 18. 36. Rom. 14. 1 • • orld, neither conſiſteth in meate and • rinke, but in righteouſneſſe, peace, • nd ioy in the Holy Ghoſt▪

Q. Who may be ſubiects •• this king • ome?

A. Any of all Nations. Pſal. 2. 8.

Q. How long laſteth it?

A. For euer. Luke, 1. 33 Dan, 2, 44.

Q. When was he ordained of God to this great worke?

A. From before the foundation of 1 Pet, 1, 20 the world.

Q. When was he manifeſted?

A. In theſe laſt times, the fulnes Gal, 4, 4 of time.

Q. How?

A. The ſonne of God tooke on him the ſeed of Abraham, and was in Heb, 2, 16, & 4, 15 all things like vs, ſin only excepted.

Q. How did he become fleſh?

A. He was conceiued by the Holy Luke, 1, 35 Mat, 1, 18. 23, Ghoſt and borne of the virgine Mary.

Q. He was not then ſinfull as we are?

A. He did not ſinne, neither was guile found in his mouth. 1 Pet, 2. 22

Q. That he is righteous, what is that to vs?

A. Hee is the end of the Law for Rom, 10, 4 5. 6, 7, 8, 9, righteouſneſſe, to evety one that beleeveth.

Q. What elſe did he for vs and for our ſaluation?

A. He humbled himſelfe and became obedient to the death, even the Phil, 2, 6. 7. 8, death of the croſſe.

Q. That was an accurſſed death?

A. He was made a curſe for vs. Gal, 3, 13,

Q, Did he ſuffer any thing elſe?

A. He was buryed and layd three 1 Cor, 5, 4 dayes and three nights in the heart of the earth. Mat, 12, 40

Q: Was n • thing here to be conſidered but the mallice of the Iewes▪

A. Yes chiefly we muſt note he was Act, 4, 27▪ 28 delivered therevnto, by the determined counſell of God.

Q Why was the Lord pleaſed thus to bru • ſ • him?

A. He was our ſuretie & was woū ded Heb, 7. 22, Eſa, 53, 5, 6 for our tranſgreſſions, and on him was the chaſtiſement of our peace; for the Lord layd on him the iniquities of us all.

Q. What benefite reape we thereby? 1 Pet, 2, 24 Eph, 2, 14, 16 Col, 1, 20, 21 Act, 2, 24, 1 Cor, 1 • , 4,

A. Our peace is made with God & with his ſtripes we are healed.

Q. Was he holden downe of death?

A. It was impoſſible he ſhould, he roſe againe the third day, according to the ſcriptures.

Q. What followed after his reſurrection▪

A. Hee aſcended vp on high and Pſa, 68. 18, Ephe, 4, 8▪ led captivity captine: and gaue gifts to men, euen to the religious that the Lord might dwell among them.

Q. What is that glory the father hath beſtowed on him? Pſal 110. 1. Heb, 8. 1.

A. Hee ſitteth on the right hand of the Throne of Maieſtie in Heauen.

Q. How long muſt he thus ſit?

A, He muſt raigne till the Father 1. Cor. 15. 15. hath put all his enemies vnder his feet.

Q. What is his ſpeciall worke now at the right hand of his Father?

A. He euer liueth there to make Heb. 7. 25. 26. requeſt for us.

Q. For whom maketh he requeſt?

A. Not for the world, but the elect Ioh, 17, 9. only.

Q. Doe not Angels and Saints make interceſſion for vs?

A. Abraham is ignorant of vs and Iſraell knoweth vs not. Eſa, 63, 16,

Q. How long muſt the heauens receiue our Sauiour?

A. Vntill the time of the reſtitution of all things. Act, 3, 21.

Q. When ſhall that be?

A. At the day of iudgment?

Q. Shall their be ſuch a day?

A. Yea: God hath appointed a day in the which hee will judge the world Act, 17, 31 in righteouſneſſe:

Q. When ſhall this be?

A. Of that day and houre knoweth no man, but it ſhall be in the end Mar, 13▪ 32 Mat, 13, 40 Ioh, 6, 44. Rev. 10, 6. of the world, at the laſt day, in the laſt time; when time ſhall be no more.

Q. Who ſhall be iudge?

A. Ieſus Chriſt as he is the ſonne of man, whō we ſhall ſee come in like Ioh, 5, 22. 27. Act, 1, 11. manner as the diſciples ſaw him goe vp into Heauen.

Q. Who ſhall be iudged?

A. All both iuſt and vniuſt, ſmall 2 Tim, 4, 1, Reu, 20. 12, 13. Rome 14 12. and great, quicke and dead, euery one ſhall giue account of himſelfe to God.

Q. Of what ſhall they be iudged?

A. Of all they haue done in their bodyes, that is while they liued in 2 Cor 5. 10. Eccleſ. 12, 14, Mat, 10. 36, their bodies, euen euery ſecret thing, euery idle word, the hid things of darkeneſſe and the counſell of their harts.

Q. How ſhall men receiue their iudgment?

A. According to that they haue done, whether good or bad. 2 Cor. 5, 10.

Q. Well is it with them that are in Christ, for to them is no condemnation: who are in him?

A. They that haue the Spirit of Rom. 81. 9. Chriſt.

Q. What is this Spirit?

A. The Holy Ghoſt, who proceedeth Ioh. 15. 26. Act. 5. 3▪ 4. Mar. 3. 19. from the Father & the Sonne and is God equall with the father and the Sonne.

Q. Where might wee pertake of this ſpirit?

A. In the word whereby he worketh ſtill, as once he ſpake by the Prophets Eſa. 59. 21. and Apoſtles.

Q. What is his ſpeciall and peculiar worke in them that ſhall be ſaued?

A. The new birth, for hee is the ſanctifier of the Church. Io • . 3. 5.

Q. What elſe doth he?

A, Hee preſerueth vs in the eſtate of ho • ines for euer.

Q. How?

A. By leading vs into all trueth, by Ioh. 14. 26. 1 Ioh. 2. 27 Rom 8. 14▪ Z •• 12. 10. Ephe. 4. 30. bringing all things to our rememb • ance, by being in vs a ſpirit of adoption, of prayer, of counſell, of truth, & ſealing vs▪ vp to the day of redemption.

Q. What is ſanct • fication?

A. To die to • in and to riſe againe Rom▪ 6. 4. & 8. 10 1 per 2. 24. to newn • ſſe of life.

Q. Is this of abſolute neceſſity?

A. Elſe we ſhall neuer ſee God. Heb 12, 14 Math. 5. 8.

Q. Are any perfectly holy in this life?

A. Noe: we know in part, and beleeue 1 Cor, 13. 9. 10. in part.

Q. May one then haue a good hart to God who is of an euill life?

A. Thoſe that are ſanctified, are 1 Theſ. 5. 23. ſanctified throughout both in ſoule and body and ſpirit.

Q. Can ſuch ſinne to death?

A. He that is borne of God cannot 1 Ioh. 3. 9. & 5. 16. 17. 18. ſinne, becauſe his ſeed abideth in him.

Q: What is the chiefe grace of the ſpirit in our new birth?

A. Faith which purifieth the heart, 2 Cor. 4. 13. Act 15. 9. Gal 5. 6. and worketh by loue.

Q. What is faith?

A. The beleife of the truth, or the 2 The 2. 13 Iohn 1. 12. receiuing of Chriſt as he is offered in the promiſes of the goſpell.

Q. How doth the Holy Ghoſt work this faith in vs?

A. By hearing the word preached. Rom 10. 14

Q. In whom is this ſanctification of the ſpirit and beleife of the truth wrought?

A. In thoſe only whom God hath from the beginning choſen to ſaluation. 2 The 2. 13 Act 13. 48. And praedeſtinated to the adoption of children by Ieſus chriſt to himſelfe. Eph. 1. 4, 5.

Q. Is faith a common guift?

A. No; all men hath not faith therfore it is called the faith of Gods elect. 2 Theſ. • . 2. Tit. 1. 1.

Q. What moued God to chuſe ſome & paſſe by others?

A. The good pleaſure of his owne Ephe. 1. 5. 6. will, to the praiſe of the glorie of his grace.

Q. How doth he bring his choſen to ſaluation?

A. Whome he foreknew, them he predeſtinated to be conformed to the Rom. 8. 29 30. image of his ſonne, whom he predeſtinated, them he calleth, whom he calleth them he iuſtifieth, and whom he iuſtifieth, them he glorifieth.

Q. What are thoſe his choſen called?

A. The Church, becauſe they are Ioh. 17. 14. a company called out of the world by the voyce of Gods cryers, his miniſters.

Q. Was there euer a church of God vpon earth, and ſhall there bee ſo to the end?

A. Yes, the foundation of Gods election remaineth ſure, and Chriſt 2 Tim. 2. 19. is the rocke on which it is builded ſo that the gates of hell ſhall not preuaile Mat. 16. 1 • . againſt it.

Q. How is this Church noted out?

A. Shee is holy. Ephe. 5. 2 • , 27.

Q. How elſe?

A. Shee is catholique for in euerie Act. 10. 34. 35. nation he that feareth God and worketh righteouſnes is accepted of him.

Q. Who is the head of this Church?

A. Ieſus Chriſt alone. Ephe. 1. 22. 23. Col. 1. 18.

Q. What is the condition of the Church in this life?

A. Shee is militant, ſubiect to croſſes, Mat. 16. 24. 25. Ephe. 6. 12. afflictions, temptations and perſecutions of all ſorts.

Q. Doth the benefit of Chriſt death & reſurrection belong to all?

A. No, they belong onely to the Ephe. 5. 25. Church.

Q. Where is this Church to be found?

A. Where the word of God is ſencerely preached, and embraced, and Ephe. 5. 26. Mat. 28. 19, 20. the Sacraments according to Chriſts inſtitution adminiſtred, there the Lord hath his Church.

Q. What is the ſigne of a true viſible Church?

A. That ſhee bee Apoſtolique, that is built on the foundation of the Prophets Ephe. 2. 19, 20, 22. and Apoſtles doctrine.

Q. Is there not vnity in the Church?

A. There is but one body, one ſpirit, one hope of your calling, one Ephe 4. 4. 5. 6. Lord, one faith, one Baptiſme, one God and Father of all, who is aboue all, through all, and in them all.

Q. What ariſeth hence?

A. The communion and fellowſhip of all the Saints who are copartners 1 Cor. 12. 14. 25. 26. 27. in all good things.

Q. What ſpeciall benefit is purchaſed by Chriſt, and conferred on his Church in this life.

A. Forgiuenes of ſinnes. Ephe. 1. 7.

Q. But the Church is holy?

A. True, but by vertue of forgiuneſſe of ſinnes, for ſeeing in this life none is without ſinne, therefore the Pſal. 32. 1. Church cannot conſiſt here, without forgiuenes, every day.

Q. Muſt every member of the Church know that he is a ſinner?

A. Every one muſt feelingly know what neede he hath of forgiuenes, in 1, Iohn 1. 8 10. Pſal, 32. 3. 4. 5. Pſal. 18. 23. reſpect both of his corruption of nature, tranſgreſſions of heart and life, and the perſonall ſinnes to which he is more inclined.

Q. What is this forgiuenes?

A. It is, when the Lord eſteemeth Pſal. 32. 1 Mic. 7. 18. 19. our ſinnes as if they had never beene comitted, ſo that he will neither puniſh vs for them in this world, nor the world to come.

Q. May theſe that haue their ſinnes forgiuen, liue as they liſt?

A. No indeed, forgiuenes is granted Luke 13. 3 only to them that truely repent & bring forth fruits worthy amendment of life.

Q. What is in man to moue God to forgiue?

A. It is only Gods free grace, and Rom. 3. 24. nothing in man.

Q. Can this ſtand with his iuſtice, to account a ſinner righteous he being yet a ſinner?

A. Chriſts righteouſnes is given of 1 Cor. 1. 30▪ 2 Cor. 5. 21. God to be ours, and our ſinnes are forgiven through the death and bloud ſhedding of Chriſt, wherby the iuſtice of God is fully ſatisfied.

Q. How are we made partakers of this righteouſnes of Chriſt?

A. By faith only. Rom. 3. 25 28.

Q. Doth not God iuſtifie vs for our works?

A. By the works of the Law, no fleſh can be iuſtified in the ſight of God. Rom. 3. 20.

Q. What is the fruite of this iuſtification by faith?

A. Being iuſtified by faith we haue Rom. 5. 1. peace with God.

Q Who are appoynted of God to diſpenſe this grace?

A. The Miniſters of the goſpell: ſo that whoſe ſinnes ſoever they remitt Ioh. 20. 23. Mat. 16. 18. according to this word, they are remitted, and whoſe ſinnes they retaine according to the ſame goſpell, they are retayned.

Q. What benefite do we beleeue we ſhall receiue from Chriſt in another world?

A. The reſurrection of our bodies now layd in the duſt: in which reſurrection Iob. 19. 25, 26, 2 • . Act. 24. 15. Ioh. 5. 28, 29. both iuſt & vniuſt ſhall be raiſed, thoſe that haue done evill to the Reſurrection of condemnation, and thoſe that haue done well, to the Reſurrection of life.

Q. Is life eternall the wages of righteouſnes: as death is the wages of ſinne?

A. Noe, it is the end of an holy life, but altogether the guift of God Rom. 6. 22. 23. through Ieſus Chriſt our Lord.

Q. How hath God confirmed to vs this mercy and redemption wrought by Ieſus Chriſt, for the ſtrengthning of our faith?

A. By word, by oath, and by his Heb. 6. 17, 18. ſeales.

Q. What are thoſe Seales?

A. His two Sacraments, Baptiſme, and the Lords ſupper.

Q. What is a Sacrament?

A. A ſigne giuen of God to bee a Rom. 4. 11. Seale of rhe righteouſneſſe of faith.

Q. What is this righteouſneſſe of faith?

A. The righteouſneſſe of Ieſus Chriſt, brought in by his obedience to the death, which is made ours by faith onely.

Q. How are the Sacraments to be vſed by vs.

A. As bonds and vowes, and ſolemne profeſſions of our deſires and Rom. 6. 3. indeauors after the beginning and finiſhing of our faith and repentance.

Q. What is the outward ſigne in Baptiſme?

A. The miniſters waſhing or ſprinkling Mat. 28. 19. the beleeuer with wa • er in the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the Holy Ghoſt.

Q. What is ſignifyed and ſealed hereby to the beleeuing penitent?

A. The waſhing of the new birth Tit▪ 3. 5. Heb. 9. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 2. by the ſpirit of Chriſt, and the purging of the conſcience from dead workes, by the ſprinkling of Chriſts blood thereupon by the ſame ſpirit of faith.

Q. What elſe doth baptiſme aſſure vs of?

A. Of our adoption, our ingrafting Gal. 3. 27. Col. 2. 11. 12. Rom. 6. 5. Math. 3. 7. 1 Pet. 3. 17 18. Gal. 3 27. 1 Cor. 12. 13. & 15. 29. Rom. 6. 8. into Chriſt, our deliuer • nce from Gods wrath, the forgiueneſſe of our ſins, the communion with the ſaints, and the reſurrection of our bodies to life eternall.

Q. What is the outward ſigne in the Lordes ſupper?

A. Bread and wine, bleſſed, broken, Mat. 26. 26, 27. powred out, and giuen by the miniſter, and receiued, eaten and drunke by the faithfull.

Q. What is ſignifyed & ſealed hereby?

A. The body and blood of Chriſt crucifyed and ſhed on the Croſſe for 1. Cor. 11. 24, 25. the remiſſion of our ſinnes: which is offered by Chriſt in the word of promiſe, and verely and indeed, receiued by the beleeuer in this ſacrament.

Q. Is it enough to receiue the bread and wine?

A. No, for we may eate and drinke 1. Cor. 11. 27. 29. our owne damnation, if wee diſcerne not the Lords body.

Q. What is then to be done before we come?

A. We muſt examine our ſelues, and iudge our ſelues for our ſins, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31. 1. Cor. 5. 7. muſt purge out the old leauen of hypocriſy, falſe doctrine, malice, and wickedneſſe.

Q. And what are you to do in receiuing?

A. To keepe a ſolemne rememberance of Chriſts death for my ſinnes, and to eate this Lambe with the ſower 1 Cor. 11. 25. 26. Exod 12. 8. hearbs of godly ſorrow.

Q. How ought you to bee affected towards the godly?

A. With the affections of brotherly loue, as being one bread and one body, cleauing to their fellowſhip and forſaking all idolatrous and wicked ſocietie. 1 Cor. 10. 16. 17. 21. Pſal. 26. 4. 5 6.

Q. What is to be done after you haue receiued?

A. To liue all our dayes in holy ioy, keeping the feaſt in vnleauened bread of ſincerity and truth, and neuer to entertaine the leauen of our former 1. Cor. 5. • . ſinnes.

Q. How muſt our thirſt after this Sacrament bee raiſed in vs?

A. By weighing the multitude of our ſinnes, and the neceſſity of being 1 Tim. 1. 15. Ioh, 6. 53. made partakers of Chriſts death, that they might be forgiuen vs, together with the force of this ordinance to make vs partakers thereof.

Q. What is the force of it?

A. In the right vſe of it, it is the communion of Chriſts body & blood, 1 Cor. 10. 16. Mat. 26. 26. 28. it is his body and blood crucified on the Croſſe for vs.

Q. What els might excite this thirstin vs?

A. The command of Chriſt who ſaith, do this in remembrance of me: & 1 Cor. 11. 24, 25. the weakenes of Gods graces in vs.

The ſecond part conteining the rules of life.
Q. What doth the grace of God which bringeth ſaluation teach vs?

A. To deny vngodlineſſe and worldly Tit. 2. 11, 12, 13. luſts, and to liue godly, righteouſly and ſoberly in this preſent world, looking for the bleſſed hope of the life to come.

Q. How may I know godlineſſe from vngodlineſſe, and worldly luſts from righteouſneſſe and ſobriety?

A. By the law of God conteined in Rom. 7. 7. 9 10. Heb. 4. 12. with Ier 17. 10. ten Commandements, and by the precepts of the Goſpell.

Q. But we are not vnder the law, but under grace?

A. We are not vnder the curſe of it, Gal 3, 13. Rom 10. 5. 6. Iam 1, 25▪ Pſa, 119, 1. Mat. 5, 17 18, 19. nor vnder it as it is the couenant of workes which ſaith, doe this and liue: but as it as a glaſſe to ſhew vs our ſpots and the rule of holy life.

Q. Giue me the ſumme of the ten Commandements?

A. Thou ſhalt loue the Lord thy Mat. 22, 37▪ 38. 39. God with all thy heart, with all thy ſoule, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbour as thy ſelfe.

Q Rehearſe the firſt Commandement?

A. I am the Lord thy God: Thou ſhalt haue no other Gods but mee. Exod. 20. 1. 2.

Q. What is here required?

A. Firſt to haue the Lord Iehouah for our God. Ierm 24. 7. & 9, 23, 24 Rom 1. 19, 20. Pro. 2. 1 5, 6. Ier. 8. 9 2 Chro. 20. 20. Deut. 6. 4, 5. pſa. 37. 4. Mal. 1. 6. Deut. 10. 20. Pſal. 37. 7. and 142. 6. and 628. Deut. 10. 12, 13. and 11. 26, 27, 28. Mic. 6. 6. 8.

Q. What is it to haue God for our God

A. It is to haue him in our mindes, to know him as he hath reuealed himſelfe in his word and works; and in our hearts and affections to beleiue in him; loue him, delight in him, and feare him, to poure out our ſoules to him, & to obey him as God, humbling our ſelues to walke with him.

Q. What hath the knowledge of God in the nature of it.

A. The acknowledgement of God 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Titus. 1. 1. Hoſe. 6. 3. Amos. 5. 6. Iob. 22. 21. Eſay 64. 5. Pſal. 16. 8. and his truth, elſe we may know an Idoll: the ſeeking after God, becauſe we know but in part, the acquainting our ſelues with him, and the remembrance of him ſetting him alwayes before vs.

Q. What hath faith in it?

A. The perſuaſion of the truth of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Act. 11. 23. Lam 3. 24. Pſal. 119. 111. his word, and the cleauing to God as our portion, and to his promiſes as our heritage.

Q. What is the nature of loue?

A. To vnite our hearts vnto God 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Pſal. • 3. 8. & 73. 25. alone, and to cauſe vs to reſt in the fruition of him, vſing all things beſides to this end.

Q. That m • ſt needes breede delight: what is found in the nature thereof?

A. Spirituall ſatisfaction, a ioyfull 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Pſal. 63. 5. •• nt. 1. 2. Pſa 111. 2. & 71. 15, 16. & 34. 2. enterteinment of all the paſſages of his loue, a delightfull contemplation of his mercies, an extolling of his prayſes & the ſoules boaſting her ſelfe in him.

Q. What is in the feare you ſpake of?

A. The reuerence of Gods maieſtie 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Deut. 28. 58. Eſa. 66. 2▪ Pſal. 5. 8. in his names, worſhip, word and workes, the dreading of his holy Iuſtice, Ier. 5. 22. Reu. 15. 3, 4 Pſal. 90. 11. Hoſe. 3. 5. and the feare to offend him that is ſo gracious.

Q. What is the nature of hope? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rom. 8. 24, 25. Pſa. 37. 7. & 39. 9. & 4, 5. 1 Sa. 3. 18. Pſal. 37. 4.

A. To waite on God with patience, with ſilence in our ſoules from reſtleſſe thoughts, and reſignation of our ſelues and our wayes to his diſpoſing.

Q. How are theſe graces exerciſed?

A. In pouring out our ſoules before the Lord in prayer and prayſes. Pſa. 62. 8. al the pſalmes and prayers of Gods Saints.

Q. How is the truth of them tried?

A. By obedience to God in all 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 Ioh. 2. 3. Rom. 16. Iohn 14. 15. Pſal. 119. 6. & 18. 22. & 106. 3. & 101. 2. things, at all times, and in all places.

Q. How are they preſerued?

A. By humbling our ſoules in the thought of our owne vnworthineſſe, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gen. 32. 10 Gal. 1. 16. Mat. 6. 10. giuing vp our reaſon as not worth the obeying, and our wills as not worth the following.

Q▪ What is the due proportion they ought to haue?

A. The vtmoſt and higheſt pitch Ro. 12. 11. Reu. 3. 19. of feruency in ſpirit, which is called Zeale.

Q. What is the ſecond thing required in the first Commendement?

A. That we haue the Lord only for Eſa. 44. 8. Exod. 20. 23. our God, and no other beſides or with him.

Q. What is then charged on vs?

A. Sincerity, giuing the Lord the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 Kin. 18. 21 Hoſe. 10. 2. Pſal. 12. 2. Ephe. 4. 24. truth of our hearts, and the whole part of them.

Q. What is the third thing required?

A. That we haue the Lord alwayes for our God. 2 Pet. 2. 19▪ 20, 21.

Q. What then is charged on vs:

A. Perſeuerance and conſtancy againſt through & aboue all letts without 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Reu. 1. 10. Mat. 24. 13. Rom. 2. 7. Gal. 6. 9. Hebr. 12, 12, 13. Iob. 23. 11, 12. wearineſſe, diſcouragement, wauering or declining.

Q. Tell me generally what is condemned herein.

A. Atheiſme, ignorance, the want or Pſal. 14. Ephe. 4. 18. Eſai. 51. 7. Ier. 17. 5. 1 Ioh. 2. 15. Phil. 3. 19. Col. 3. 5. weaknes of theſe gr • ces, & the miſplacing of our affections, whereby our hearts are eſtranged from God.

Q. Rehearſe the ſecond Commandement?

A. Thou ſhalt not make to thy ſelfe any grauen Image: or ſay the whole Exod. 20. 4, 5. commandement.

Q. What is forbidden in this precept?

A. All feigned worſhip though of the true God?

Q. When is a man ſaid to make to himſelfe any thing?

A. When he deuiſeth ought of his owne head to worſhip God thereby Mat. 19. 6. without warrant from Gods word.

Q. What is meant by Grauen Image?

A. Either any image to reſemble God Deut. 4. 12, 14. therby, whether in our heads or in the Church, or whateuer means, whereby Leu. 26. 1. we thinke to worſhip God.

Q. What is condemned in thoſe wordes, thou ſhalt not bow to them, nor ſerue them.

A. By bowing downe is forbidden all Hoſ. 13. 2. reuerence & geſtures that are teſtimonies of ſubjection, as kiſſing, creeping, putting off the hat, and the like: & by ſeruing, all parts of outward worſhip, as gilding, enſhriuing, & ſetting on high their images and reliques, the building of altars & temples to them, pilgrimages, vowes, ſacrifices, prieſts, incenſe, waxe candles, faſts and feſtiuall dayes ordeined to their honor: all which the Deut. 12, 2 3, 4. Iudg. 17. 4, 5. heathen gaue to their Idolls.

Q. Tell me then what is here required?

A. The Lord requireth that ſeeing Iohn. 4. 24. Hoſe. 4. 12. with Hoſe. 8. 2. he is a ſpirit we worſhip him in ſpirit, and not in an image.

Q. What elſe?

A. That we bow before him and Pſal. 95. 6. Mat. 4. 9. 10 1 Cor. 6. 20. Prou. 3. 9. ſerue him only, both with our perſons and with our goods.

Q. And what elſe?

A. That wee reſt in that forme of worſhip and ſeruice which hee commandeth Heb. 8. 5. Deut. 12. 32. in his word, without adding thereto, or taking ought therefrom.

Q. Rehearſe the third Commandement.

A. Thou ſhalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine; for the Exod. 20. 7. Lord will not hold him guiltleſſe that taketh his name in vaine.

Q. What doth this Commandement direct vs vnto?

A. The holy vſe of all religion in heart, profeſſion, and action.

Q. What is meant by the name of God?

A. God himſelfe, his titles and attributes, Pſal. 20. 1. Deut. 28. 58. & 32. 3. Act. 9. 15. Mic. 4. 5. Deut. 12. 5. Rom. 1. 19, 20. mat. 5. 34, 35. his word, his religion, his ordinances and his workes.

Q. When are wee ſaid to take vp his name.

A. When in heart, pen, word, or deed, either in the ſeruice of God, or in our ordinary conuerſing we meddle therewith.

Q. And what is it to take it vp in vaine.

A. It is to vſe it irreuerently, raſhly and vnfruitfully, but much more to vſe it to confirme a lye, to maintaine hereſie, and to defend ſinne.

Q. Tell me then what is here charged vpon vs?

A. That we conceiue of God as Pſa 24. 7 • . Deu. 28, 58 Pſa, 66, 16. Mat, 5. 26. Lev. 22, 3 • 33. Eccle. • 3, 4. pſa. 5 • 14 deu. 10. 20. Ier. 5, 7. Heb. 6, 16. 1, Cor. 10, 31. King of glory, and ſpeake of him, his word and religion with all reuerence: that we adorne our religion with a life anſwerable to our high calling, that we pay our vowes, and ſweare by him alone in truth, in judgement and in righteouſneſſe, that we make his glory and the aduancement of his kingdome the end of all our actions?

Q. What is condemned?

A. All vnreuerent and vaine vſe of Gods name and word, all curſing, and Pſa 139. 20 prophane ſwearing.

Q. When is ſwearing prophane?

A. When we ſweare by that which 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ierm. 5, 7. Math. 5. 34 35. Eccle. 9 2. Iam 5. 12. Zac. 5. 2. 4. 1 Sa, 25. 22 Pſal, 24. 4. is not God, or ſweare in our common talke, and feare not an oath, * or ſweare outrageouſly, falſely and deceitfully.

Q. May we be guilty herein any other way?

A. Yes, if we heare another ſweare and vtter it not, or reprooue him not, Lev. 5, 1. & 19. 17. if we cauſe others to ſweare by falſe 2. Ioh. 3 7. M • t. 5. • 7. Iam. 5. 12. gods: yea what in our ordinary talke is aboue yea and nay, as vaine and idle proteſtations.

Q. What elſe is condemned?

A. To diſhonour our religion by euill 1 Sa. 2. 30. 2 Sa. 12. 14 mat. 4▪ Deu▪ 18. 10. Mic. 6. 9. life, to abuſe Gods word in charms jeſts, and defence of ſin and hereſie: To call on Gods name in coniuring, witchcraft and ſorcery; to ſet it before any wicked writing: to contemne his judgements, and to ſleight his mercies.

Q. Rehearſe the fourth Commandement?

A. Remember that thou keepe Exod. 20. 8, 9, 10, 11. holy the Sabbath day &c.

Q. What is the intent of this Commandement?

A. To direct vs to ſet apart the ſeuenth partt of our time wholly to the worſhip of God, as the former commandements taught vs our euery dayes duty.

Q. To whom is it chiefly giuen?

A. To the magiſtrates and maſters Verſe 10. of families.

Q. What is inioyned therein?

A. To remember the Sabbath before it come, and to finiſh our workes Gen. 2. 2. on the ſixe dayes, ſo that neither our he • ds be troubled with cares, nor our hands tempted to labour, nor a neceſſity brought on vs by our negligence, which might haue beene preuented.

Q. How is the day to be kept?

A. By reſting from our workes of labour, pleaſu • e, or ſin; yea, our cartell muſt reſt, that ſo all occaſions of Eſa. 56. 2. & 58. 13. mans labor may be cut off for that day: and by keeping the reſt that we might doe the workes of holineſſe.

Q. What are the workes of holineſſe?

A. The duties of Gods ſeruice publique & priu • t • , & the works of mercy.

Q. When are they done in a Sabbath-like manner?

A. If wee performe them with delight, Eſa. 56. 6. & 58. 13. Deu. 5. 12▪ Exod. 31. 16. Leu. 23. 3. Pſ. 9 • . 2. Exo. 20. 11. Eze. 46. 2. 5. with obſeruance that no duety be omitted, with intireneſſe ſanctifying the whole day, and with beleife that God will bleſſe that day and the duties thereof to our increaſe in grace.

Q. What are required as meanes to ſanctifie this day?

A. A place of aſſemblies, and perſons Leu▪ 19. 30. & 21. 6. 2 Chr. 15. 3. Hagg. 1. 1. 1 Cor. 9, 9▪ to doe the dueties of the publike worſhip, and maintenance of both.

Q▪ What are the open breaches of the Sabbath?

A. Buying and ſelling, carrying of Neh. 1 • . 16 20. Ier. 17. 22. Exo. 16 29 ne • . 1 • . 15. Exod, 32, 6. burdens, taking of journeyes, vnleſſe it be to the houſe of prayer; the finding our pleaſure in ſports and paſtime, idleneſſe, and ſinfull workes.

Q What are the ſecret breaches which are no • regar • ed?

A. To omit the dueties of the day, not to remember before it come, to Ezek. 46, 10. Lev. 13. 3. Amos 8, 5. pſa. 92. title with 13 14 Ezech. 22, 26 Eſa, 58, 13. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Neh 13. 15 19. Ier. 17 19. 25. deſire it were paſt, not calling it a delight, to * hide our eyes f • om ſeeing the authoritie and dueties of this day, to ſpeake our owne words, not to flouriſh according to the meanes God giueth vs, and hauing power not to reforme in others the abuſes of the Sabbath.

Q▪ Theſe foure Commandeme • ts teach our duty to God, what is taught in the ſixe following?

A. Our duety to our neighbour, which is fulfilled in one word, to loue him as our ſelues. Rom, 13, 9.

Q. And who is our neighbour?

A. Euery man whether friend or Luc. 10. 29. 30, 37. fo • ▪ ſtranger of our owne houſe.

Q. How is this loue ſhewed?

A. In preſeruing his dignity, perſon, chaſtity, goods and good name, Matt, 7, 12. as my owne, and as I would he ſhould doe mine, not wronging him in any of them, no • ot in the firſt riſings of my thoughts & affections againſt him.

Q. Rehearſe the fift Commandement?

A. Honour thy father and thy mother, Exo. 20, 12 Deu, 5, 16. &c.

Q. Is any thing meant by father and mother more then our naturall parents? Pro. 23. 22. Exodus 18. 18, 24. heſt. 2, 7, 20. Eſa 22, 21. 2 Kings 2. 12. 2 Kin. 5 13. • Tim. 5. 1, 2. Iob. 29, 16. Gen 4. 20. 22. & 45. 8.

A. Yes, parents by law, parents that adopt children, parents of the Country, as Kings and all magiſtrates, parents of the Church, as miniſters & all Church gouernours, parents of the family, as the Husband, the Maſter & Dame, parents in age and gifts, as our ancients, patrons, tutors, inſtructors and protectors.

Q. What is meant by honour?

A. It implieth a dignity and excellency in our neighbour, and ſignifieth 2 Pet, 2. 10. all that duty and reſpect, in heart, words and behauiour, whereby his dignity may be preſerued.

Q. By this me thinks the beames of fatherhood are light, though diuerſely, vpon all?

A. It is ſo: therefore we are charged 1 Pet. 2. 17. to honour all men, according to the degree of dignity God hath beſtowed on them.

Q. Why then is the Commandement giuen to children and parents chiefely▪

A. Becauſe the bonds of affections are herein moſt ſtrong, juſt and ſweet, and being the firſt and that which all paſſe through, is the beſt rule to guide the carriage of ſuperiour and interiour in all degrees.

Q Tell me then what owe par • nts to their children?

A. To bring them vp in the f • are Epheſ. 6. 4. Pro. 20. 11. & 2 • . 6. 2 Cor. 12. 14. Pro. 19. 14. 1 Cor. 7. 36. Pro. 13. 24. Col. 3. 21. Hoſ. 9. 14. of God, and ſome ho •• ſt trade of life, to prouide for their eſtates and marriage, and to giue them due correction, and all this guided by loue: and in ſpeciall the mother ought to nurſe her child if ſhe be able.

Q. And what is the honour children owe to their parents?

A. Reuerence in heart and behauiour, Exo. 20. 12 Col. 3. 20, Epheſ. 6. 1. Gen. 24. Leu • . 19. 3. G • n. 9. 21. 22. 1 Tim 5. 4. obedience in all things, but eſpecially in the choiſe of their calling and marriage, feare to diſpleaſe, a couering of their in firmities, and thankefull recompence, by releife if they be in need & by preſeruing their honour in life and death.

Q. Seeing all gouernours are called parents, and the gouerned are children, doe they owe in ſome meaſure the like dueties each to other?

A. Yes: The gouernours owe the loue, prouiſion, protection and nurture Rom, 13, • , 7. of a father, and the gouerned owe the reuerence, obedience, feare, couering of infirmities, and the thankfull recompence of a child.

Q. Rehearſe the ſix • Commandement?

A. Thou ſhalt not kill. Exo, 20, 13. Numb, 35, 33.

Q. Is any thing condemned here beſides the embruing of the hands in blood?

A. Yes, all hurt to our owne or any other mans perſon, and all cruelty to the Dumbe creatures.

Q. Which way are we ſelfe-murtherers beſides by laying violent hands upon our ſelues?

A. By committing ſuch crimes Nu, 16, 38. which deſerue to bee puniſhed by the magiſtrate, by euill wiſhes, by raſh attempts Mat, 4, 6. 1 Cor, 7, 10. without a calling, by worldly ſorrow, enuy, and diſtempers of the mind, by neglecting our health in Pro, •• , 22 & 15, 13. Eſa, 38, 21, want of conuenient dyet, ſleepe, labor and recreation, and by refuſing the helpe or diſobeying the directions of the phyſician when need is: and laſtly Pro. 23, 1, 2, 3. 29. 30, 31, 32. by intemperance in meate & drinke as gluttony and drunkenneſſe.

Q. All this is againſt our bodily life: How doe we kill our ſoules?

A. By hating wiſdome, * and breaking the commandements, and by deſpiſing 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Pro. 8, • 9. Pro 19. 16 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 our owne way. *

Q. Wherein may wee be murtherers of our neighbour?

A. In our hart, geſtures, words & deeds. Mat, 15. 19

Q. What is the murther of the heart?

A. Vnaduiſed anger, hatred, * hardhartedneſſè, Mat, 5, • 2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1. Ioh. 3 15. pro, 21 13. Gen 26 14. & 37. 11. * and enuy.

Q. What is the murher in the geſtures?

A. The interjections of anger, as Mat, 5, 22. Gen 4, 5. Mat. 27. 39 20, 15. pſal, 31. 15, 19. Act. 7, 54. Ez •• . 25. 6. Eſa▪ 58. 9. 2 Sa, 16. 13 tuſh, aha, fye; the falling of the countenance, nodding of the head, making of mowes, ſharpening of the eyes, winking with the eye, gnaſhing of the teeth, ſtamping with the feet, clapping of the hands, the putting forth of the finger, caſting duſt into the ayre, clamour, & all expreſſions of the inward Ephe. 4. 31 Tit. 3, 2. Pro. 12. 18 Rom 14. 10 Gal. 5. 15, • 0 Pro. 29, 20. mat, 5. 22. gal 4. 29. Ephe. 5. 4. 1, Pet, 3, 9. hatred of the heart.

Q. What words are murtherous.

A. All bitter, cenſorious, brawling, haſty, threatning, reuiling, and ieſting words.

Q. And who murthers him in his deeds? Lue, 10. 31. 32. exo. 21. 28, 29. pſal. 37. 12. Lev. 19, 33. Rom 13, 13. pro. 20. 3. & 6. 16, 19. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

A. He that releiues him not in miſery if he be able, that keepeth harmfull cattell whereby he is hurt, he that plotteth againſt him by fraud, or vexeth him by violence, & he that is contentious and ſowet • diſcord. *

Q. Are there not ſome degrees of murther more directly againſt the bodies of our neighbours.

A. Yes: all fightings, though but by making an aſſault, much more if it Exo. 21, 24 mat. 26. 2 • 1, Kin. 22. 24. exod. • 1 22. be a wound or blemiſh giuen, whether in ſcorne or fury: or any hurt to a woman with child.

Q. Who more eſpecially muſt beware of killing?

A. The phyſician, the chirurgeon, and the midwiues. Exod. 1. 17.

Q. How are we guilty of murthering the ſoule of our neighbour?

A. By euill example, by omiſſion of Mat. 5, 16. 19. Lev. 19, 17. mat. 18. 6. Rom. 14. 13. 1. Cor, 8, 11. 13. inſtruction & reproofe when wee may and ought, & by giuing offence to the weake.

Q. Who in ſpeciall muſt take heede of ſoule-murther?

A. The miniſters, who murther Eſa 56, 10. Tim. 4. 14 • oules when they teach no • , or teach falſe doctrine, or true doctrine in ſuch 1, Tim, 4, 14. Iet, 23, 13. Eze, 13, 18. Ier, 23, 11, 14, manner that the godly are diſcouraged, and the wicked ſtrengthened: or when they are prophane in life.

Q. Is it vnlawfull to wrong a priuate man, and may we wrong ſocieties?

A. God forbid.

Q. How are they wronged chi ••• ▪

A. By treaſons againſt King • ſtate.

Q. How elſe? 2 Tim, 3, 4.

A. In peace, by ſetting vp or tolerating a falſe god, or falſe worſhip, by Deut, 7. • 6. Iudg, 17, 6. 2 Kin, 18, 4. 1 Kin, 20, 33, 42. making vnwholeſome lawes, and by letting incurable and infectious members eſcape; or any ot • er way of ſecret or open practiſe that weakeneth eſtates.

Q. How in warre?

A. By vniuſt warre, by not offering firſt conditions of peace, by deſtroying 2 Sa, 20, • 8. Dent, 20, 19, 20. fruite trees, and graine, by inſulting cruelty in victory, and raſhneſſe in attempts.

Q. May any wrong bee offered to our neighbours dead;

A. Yea: Inhumanity, in not burying their corpſes, or the like, are murthers. Pſa, 79, 2, 3

Q. You ſaid that cruelty towards the beaſts is condemned?

A. Very right; for ſaith Solomon, Pro. 12. 1 • the righteous regardeth the life of his beaſt: wherefore the ouer-labouring of cattell, the ſports or Beare-baiting, Bul-baiting and Cock-pits are vnlawfull.

Q. Rehearſe the ſeauenth Commandement.

A. Thou ſhalt not commit adultery? Exo. 20. 14

Q. What is condemned vnder adultery? 1 Cor. 6. 9. 18. Mat. 15. 19. Col. 3. 5 1 Cor. 7. 2. Mat. 5. 27. Gen 39. 7. Ro 13, 13. Eſai. 3. 16. Col, 3, 8. Ephe. 5. 4.

Not the vncleaneneſſe of marryed perſons alone, but alſo fornication, vncleane thoughts, inordinate affections, burning luſts, a wanton eye or vnchaſt lookes, chambering and wantonneſſe in our geſtures, and filthy ſpeaking.

Q. What elſe?

The painting of the face, the attire or dreſſe that is whoriſh, as the garments 2 Kin, 9, 30. 22. Deu, 22 9 Hoſ, 2, 2. 1 Cor, 11. 1 Tim, 2, 9. 1 Pet, 3, 3. Eſa. 3. 16. 18, 24, Zep 1, 8. Eſa, 3, 2 • , 23. Prou. 7. 10. of another ſexe, naked breaſts, the vncouered haire in women, all art in the haire to moue others, the inticements of perfumes, ſtrange apparrell, the faſhions of infamous perſons, and all dreſſe that is againſt ſhamefaſtneſſe and modeſty, with all the inſtruments that belong to this vanity of apparrell.

Q. What elſe is condemned?

A. The occaſions of vncleaneneſſe as idlenes, pride and fulneſſe of bread, Mat • . Ez • 16, 49. pro, 7, 11. 1 Tim • , 13. Zeph 1, 9. mar, 6, 22. 1 The. 5 23. 1 Cor, 5 • , • . 1 Cor. 7, 2, 8. pratling and gadding from houſe to houſe, laſciuious dancings, bookes, ſongs, pictures, and ſtage playes, the companying with fornicators, the reſorting to lewd houſes, the maintaining of ſtewes, the making light of others fornication, and the not marrying when we haue not the gift of continency.

Q. Are there not ſome monſtrous tranſgreſſions condemned here?

A. Yes, buggery, Sodomity, inceſt, polygamy, ſelfe pollution, the vnnaturall Gen, 38, 9. Mal, 2, 11. filthines of women with women, the tranſgreſſion of Onan, the marrying of the daughter of a ſtrange god, the putting Mat, 19. 9. away ones wife & not for fornication, & the marrying of the betrothed, or vniuſtly diuorced.

Q. To auoide theſe euills more to keepe chaſtity in body and ſpirit, and to poſſeſſe our veſſells in holineſſe and honour. R • hearſe the eight Commandement?

A Thou ſhalt not ſteale.

Q. What is here charged vpon vs?

A. That we ſtudy no • our owne ſo much as euery man anothers wealth. • cor 10. 2 •

Q. What is ſtealing?

A. The vniuſt taking away or keeping backe of perſons or things perteining to God or man.

Q. How doe men ſteale from God?

A. By deuouring that which is holy, Pro. 20. 25 Mal. 3. 8. 9▪ 10. Act. 8, 18 19. & 1 • ▪ 24. 25. that is, which is conſecrated to the maintenance of Gods worſhip, and of ſchooles and vniuerſities, and to the releife of the poore; by ſetting to ſale the gifts of Gods ſpirit, and faculties to diſpenſe thoſe gifts, and by making gaine of things hindering piety & furthering ſuperſtition.

Q. How do men ſteale from themſelues? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 2 The. 3, •• Eph, 4, 28. prov, 18, 9. 19, 15 & 21 25. 23, 21. Ioh 6, 12. Pro. 11. 1 • . Eccle 5. 19.

A. By liuing without a calling, * by idlenes in their calling, by prodigality in dyet, apparrell or otherwiſe, by vnthriftines, not ſauing that wee haue, that nothing be loſt, and by raſh ſuretiſhip and by niggardlineſſe.

Q. How ſteale we from our neighbors by withholding more then is meete?

A. When we imploy not our owne Iam, 5. 2, • Pro. 11, •• 26. Iam, • . • Pſa. 37. 21. Prov 3, 27. 2 • . mat, 21. 41. Lev. 6. • Luc. 19. 8. goods, when wee withhold corne or wages, or debt, or releife from the poore, or things left in truſt, or things found if we know the owner, or things vniuſtly gotten without making reſtitution, with the better if we be able.

Q. How ſteale we by taking away?

A. By force as robbery and piracy, Pro, 28, 28. Pro, 20, 2 • . Deut, 15, 9, 10, & 18 9, 10, 11. Pro. 22. 6. Gal. 3. 19. 1 The. 4. 6. Pro. 29. 24, 34. or fraud in bargaining or out of • argaining; as is vſury, oppreſſion, fa •• e weights, the practiſe of vnlawfull arts, gaming, the falſifying o • the • i • l of the dead, with all deceit, or p • rtakeing with o • concealing of th • ſ • •• ef • s.

Q. By theſe ſinnes we may eaſily know the contrary dueties enioyned. Reh •••• e the ninth Commandement?

A. Thou ſhalt not beare falſe witnes againſt thy neighbour.

Q. What wayes may this be done?

A. In iudgement and out of iudgement.

Q. Out of iudgement how?

A. By tales, by backbiting, whiſpering, Leu. 19. 16. Pro. 16. 28. Ier. 20. 10. Rom, 1, 29. 30. Epheſ. 4. 25. Prov. 27. 24. and 15. 15. 24. 24. lying, and ſlandering, by flattery and vaine glory, by cenſuring and euill ſuſpicious, and by juſtifying the wicked.

Q. In iudgement how.

A. When the witneſſe is wholly 1 Kin. 21. 13. Mat. 26. 61 Iohn. 2. 29. 1 Sa. 22. 9. Zep. 3. 4. Exod▪ 23. 1. Pſa, 15. 5. falſe, or in part, or if true, yet it is of enuy, and when the Iudge wreſts the law, or furthers euill cauſes, or taketh Bribes though for the innocent.

Q. Who • lſe b • areth falſe witneſſe▪

A. He that con • emne 〈…〉 without Deu. 19. 15. Reu. 21. 8. Leu. 5. 1. witneſſe, he t •• t is feareful to beare witneſſe • o the truth, he that co • cealeth the tru • h and he that betrayeth cauſe •• colluſion.

Q. Rehearſe the tenth Commandement

A. Thou ſha • t not couet &c.

Q. What is meant by coueting?

A. The fi • ſt inclinations & riſings Rom. 7, 7. Iam. 1. 14. of the thoughts and affections inordinately, which tickle the heart with ſome ioy and delight, and entiſe it, called Col. 3. 5. euill concupiſcence.

Q. Why is there added, thy neighbors wife, his ſeruant, his maid, his oxe or aſſe, or any thing that is his▪

A. To ſhew, that the firſt motions of the ſoule in luſting againſt our neighbonrs dignity, life, wife, poſſeſſions, and good name are euill, though I neuer giue full conſent to them.

Q. What is here required▪

A. The purity of the heart, and the Ier. • . 14. Gal. 5. 17. holy concupiſcence and the luſting of the ſpirit.

Q. You haue vnfolded the precepts of the Law: Giue me now the precepts of the Goſpell

A. Firſt it chargeth all men euery Act. 17. 30. 31. Mat. 9 13. Luc 17. 3. where to repent, for Chriſt came to call ſinners, but to repentance, & therefore aſſureth vs that except we repent, wee ſhall all periſh.

Q. How is this worke to be done? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Pſal 4, 4. Lam. 2. 40, 1 Ioh. 1. 9. Pſal 38. 18. 1 Cor. 11. 31. p • al 51 17. Zac. 12. 10. 11. pro. 28. 13. hoſ. 14. 2. In this worke the Lord requyreth a ſpirit without gui • e. Rom. 10. 9. Ioh. 8. 24.

A. Wee muſt commune with our owne hearts in ſecret, & try our wayes by the law to find out our ſinnes, and then we muſt confeſſe them to God, and judge our ſelues for them, till the Lord giue vs a broken and a contrite ſpirit, ſo that we can mourne for our ſins as much as for the loſſe of an only ſonne: and then we muſt forſake them for time to come.

Q. What is the ſecond precept?

A. That we beleiue the glad tidings of our ſaluation by Ieſus Chriſt, and the forgiuenes of our ſinnes through his moſt precious death.

Q. What is here to be done? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 2 Cor. 13. 5. Iude 20. 21 Rom. 10. 14

A. To examine our ſelues whether we be in the faith or no, & to build vp our ſelues in our moſt holy faith daily.

Q. How may this faith and repentance be wrought in vs?

A. By the word preached?

Q. How may they be encreaſed? 1 Cor. 1. 21

A. By the conſcionable vſe of the Luc. 8. 15. 1 Cor 11. 25 Col. 2. 12. Iude 20. 1. Cor. 14. 24. 26. meanes of his worſhip which he hath preſcribed to vs, as the hearing of the word with an honeſt and good heart, the receiuing of the Sacraments and prayer in the holy Ghoſt: * which is a third precept of the Goſpell.

Q. How may wee know our encreaſe of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Eſa. 55. 1. • . 1 Pet. 2. 2. Iob. 23. 12. & 27. 10. 1 The 2, 13 faith and repentance?

A. By our holy thirſt after, and loue vnto theſe ordinances of Chriſt.

Q. Through whom muſt out prayers be offered vp to G • d?

A. In the name of Chriſt onely. Col 3. 17.

Q. What is the rule of prayer?

A. That prayer which our Sauiour Mat 6. 9. Luc. 11, 2. taught vs to ſay and to pray after this manner.

Q. Rehea • ſe it?

A. Our father which art in heauen

Q. When muſt we pray?

A. Continually watching in the Col. 4. 2. Luc. 18. 12. ſame with thankſgiuing.

Q. Where?

A. Euery where ſo that wee lift vp pure hand without wrath & doubting 1 Tim. 2. 8.

Q. What is a fourth precept of the Goſpell?

A. That we loue the Brotherhood, 1 Pet. 2. 17 Epheſ. 3. 6. euen thoſe who are partakers with vs of the ſame promiſe of the Goſpell.

Q. How muſt this loue be manifeſted?

A. By chooſing their fellowſhip as Pſal, 119. 63. & 16. 3 1 Cor. 12. 7. Rom. 12. Phil. 1. 27. Heb. 13, 2. 1 Pet. 4. 9. Gal. 6. 1, 2. the onely excellent ones, by employing our gifts for their good, by being of like affection, by being of one heart and one mind, ſtriuing together for the faith of the Goſpell, by being harberous, and bearing one anothers burthens.

Q. What muſt be auoided that we may keepe and expreſſe this loue?

A. All ſchiſme and diuiſions, judging 1. Cor. 1, 10 & 12. Rom. 14. Phil. 2. 4. Iam. 2. 1. • Ioh. 3. 18. 3 Ioh, 5. one another about things indifferent, vaine glory, reſpect of perſons, diſſimulation, vntruſtineſſe, inconſtancy, and ſuites in law.

Q. What is a Saint?

A. That we walke wiſely towards Col. 4, 5. Phil. 2. 15. Pſal, 112. Mat. 11. 29 Phil. 4. mat. 5. 16. prov. 24. 25. & 28. 4. gal, 4. 18. 1, Pet. 2. 13. 15. Dan. 6. 5. them that are without, in harmeleſnes, diſcretion, meekenes and lowlines, patience vnder wrongs, fruitfulnes in the workes of mercy, zeale & vndauntednes in a good cauſe, and ſubjection to authority.

Q. What is the ſixt precept?

A. That the firſt day of the weeke 1 Cor 16. 1. 2 is the Lords day.

Q. What is a ſeuenth?

A. That we quench not, nor griue, nor reſiſt, much leſſe that we deſpight 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . 1 The. 5. 19 Ephe. 4, 30. Act. 7. 51. Heb. 10. 26. 29. not the Spirit of grace and the worke thereof in our owne harts or the liues of others, which is the ſinne againſt the Holy Ghoſt.

Q. What is the eight you may giue;

A. That being watchfull againſt temptations to ſinne, we put on the whole armor of God euery day: building 1 Cor. 16. 13. Ephe. 6. 10. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Luc. 14. 26. all our deſires vpon the foundation o • ſelfe-deniall * and ready to ſuffer for his ſake.

Q. What is the ninth?

A. That we prepare for death. Pſal. 39. • . & 90. 12.

Q. How?

A: By learning that skill to dy daily; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 Cor. 15. 31 Heb. 11. 13. 1 Cor. 7. 31. and by liuing as pilgrimes and ſtrangers here, vſing the world as if we vſed it not.

Q. What is the tenth?

A. The liuely hope of heauen and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . 1 Pet. 1. 3. 1 The. 1. 10 2 Pet. 3. 12. daily waiting for the comming of Chriſt to judgment.

Q. What direction is giuen to diſcharge this ſincerely?

A. That we come euery day to the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ioh. 3. 22. light of Gods word, to ſee whether our deeds be wrought in God or noe.

Q. What comfort haue we in this worke?

A. We haue the loue of God as a Hoſ. 14. 4. a. Cor. 6. 18. Rom. 8. 32. 1 Cor. 6. 19 1. Pet. 1. 8. pſa. 65. 4. Eſa. 2 • . 8. Ma • . 11. 24 Heb, 1. 19. Pſa. 34. Ephe. 2. 19. Rom. 8. 28. Ioh. 10▪ 28. 29. & 6. 39. Rom. 4. 13. 1 Tim. 4. 8. 9. Pſa. 73. 24. Prarogatives of the Saints. father, Chriſt with all his benefits is ours, we are the temples of the Holy Ghoſt, who often comforteth vs with joyes vnſpeakeable and full of glory, we haue freedome to Gods Houſe, audience of our prayers, the guard of Angells, the communion with all Saints, the ſanctification of our afflictions, preſeruation from finall and totall Apoſtacie, the inheritance of the earth while w • liue, and heauen when we die.

FINIS. Soli Deo trin vni Glo • ia,