Works, Religious treatise 1 – Table of contents 1

Works · Religious treatise 1 – Table of contents 1

p. 71A SHORT FORME OF CATECHISING.

WHereas all men desire to bee blessed, and the most men are deceiued in seeking blessednes, tell mee which is the true way thereunto?

To know God to bee my Father in Iesus Christ, by the reuelation of the spirit according to his word, & therfore to serue him according to his will, and to set forth his glorie; belieuing that I shall want nothing that is good for mee in this life, and that I shall enioy euerlasting blessednes in the world to come.

How know you this?

By the working of the holie Ghost, and by the meanes of Gods word.

What call you Gods word?

It is the reuealed will of GOD, set forth vntounto vsus in the holy Scriptures.

Which call you the holie Scriptures?

The Bookes of the olde and new Testament, commonly called Canonicall.

Are all things that are necessary for vsus to know contained in them?

Yea: for God being full of all wisedome and goodnesse, would leaue out nothing that was requisite for vsus to knowe.

Is it lawfull for to adde or to take any thing from Gods word?

No: for God hath flatly forbidden it, and hath pronounced grieuous curses vponupon those that doe it.

Why is it so grieuous a sinne?

Because it is a very great sinne to alter the last will of a mortall man: therefore much more grieuous a sinne it is to change the last Testament of the eternall God.

Why is it requisite that the will of God should be set forth vntounto vsus?

That wee might hauehave pure rules of his worship, and sure grounds of our saluation.

Is it not lawfull to repose any part of Gods Worship, or of Saluation in the doctrine and doings of men?

No: for all men by nature are lyars, and defiled with sinne.

What followeth hereof?

That all mens doctrines and doings are mingled with lyes and corruptions.

How farre are wee bound to their doctrine and doings?

So farre forth as they be agreeable to Gods word.

May all reade the Scriptures?

Yea, all that be of age able to discerne betweene good and euill, ought to encrease in knowledge, for their furtherance in saluation, as they encrease in yeares.All must reade the Scriptures.

Why must all such reade the Scriptures?

1. First, because eueryevery one must be able to prooue and trie himselfe, whether hee be in the Faith, or no, 2. Cor: 13. 5.

Why else?

2. Secondly, because eueryevery one must be able to proue and examine mens doctrines andAct. 17.Acts 17 p. 72doings by the Scriptures, that they be not in their saluation by them deceiued.

3. Thirdly, because eueryevery one must be able, as his calling requireth, to teach, admonish,Heb. 3. 12.Heb 3:12 exhort, and comfort one another.

4. Fourthly, because eueryevery one must be able to make an account of the faith and hope1. Pet. 3.1 Pet 3 that is in him.

What if men cannot reade?

Then they must vse the helpe of others that can reade.

Is it enough to reade the Scriptures priuately, or with others?Reading the Scriptures in the Church.

No: for God hath also commaunded to heare them read publikely in the Church.

And is it enough to heare them read publikely in the Church?

No: for hee also hath ordained preaching to be vsed.

Why must preaching be ioyned with …eading?

Because it is the most principall and proper meanes to beget Faith in vsus.Heb. 4. 2.Heb 4:2

Why must Faith be mixed with the Word, read, and preached?

Because otherwise the word profiteth vsus nothing.Preaching.

How many things are requisite to bee in eueryevery one that will come to heare the Word read and preached?

Amongst others, foure are necessarie.

What is the first?

1. First, a reuerend feare of the Maiestie of God.Hearing the Word.

2. Secondly, an assured faith in Christ.

3. Thirdly, an earnest endeuour to frame our liues thereafter.

4. Fourthly, they must pray for the holie Ghost to bee giuen them, to enlighten their mindes, and to write all these things in their hearts.

Which be the principall parts of Gods word?

The Law and the Gospell.

What call you the Law?

It is that part of the Word that commaundeth all good, and forbiddeth all euill.Law.

What if wee could keepe the Law?

Then wee should be blessed.

What if wee breake the Law?

Then we are subiect to the curse of God, and so to death and damnation.

What call you the Gospell?

It is that part of the word which containeth the free promises of God, made vntounto vsus inGospell. Iesus Christ, without any respect of our deseruings.

What doth that worke in vsus?

It worketh in vsus a true and liuely faith in Iesus Christ, whereby wee lay holde of the free remission of our sinnes in him, and the true repentance of them.

What must wee learne by the whole word of God?

Two things:—

1. First, to make a right and sound entrance to our saluation.

2. Secondlie, how to encrease, and continue in the same vntounto the ende.

What is required for our right and sound entrance to our saluation?

Three things are required.

1. First, to know and to be perswaded of the greatnes of our sinnes, and the miserie due to the same.

2. Secondly, to know and be perswaded, how we may be deliuered from them.

3. Thirdly, to know and bee perswaded what thankes wee owe to—God for our deliuerance.

How shall wee come to the right sight of our sinnes, and a sound perswasion of the greatnesse of them?

By the spirit of God leading vsus into the true vnderstanding of the Law, and a due examination of our selues thereby.

Where is the Law set downe?

p. 73It is written in many places of the Scriptures, but the summe thereof is contained in the ten Commandements.

Rehearse them.

I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt hauehave none other gods but me.

How are they deuided?

Into two principall heads or tables, as they be called.

What doth the first table teach vsus?

It teacheth vsus our dutie towards God, and is contained in the foure first Commaundements.

What doth the second teach vsus?

Our dutie towards our neighbour, and is contained in the sixe last Commandements.

Why are the duties towards God set downe before the duties towards our neighbour?

1 Because the louelove of God is the ground of the louelove of our neighbour.Amo… Dei amorem proximi ge…e…at. Generall obseruations concerning the D…calogue.

What followeth hereof?

2 That none can rightly louelove his neighbour except he first louelove God.

Why are the duties towards our neighbour ioyned to our duties towards God?

3 Because the louelove of our neighbour is the proofe of our louelove towards God.

What ensueth hereof?

4 That none can louelove God aright, except he also louelove his neighbour.

Why are the Commandements set downe in ten parts, and not in generall?

5 Because God is not pleased with doing our duties in generall or in some part, but he will be wholy serued in all and eueryevery one of his Commandements.

Why are they set downe singularly or to eueryevery one?

6 Because eueryevery one must doe his owne dutie, though none goe before him.

What followeth of this?

That eueryevery one must beare his owne burthen, and none shall hauehave excuse by the example of others.

Are there not some rules which serue for the better vnderstanding of eueryevery one of the Commandements?

Yea, there be foure which hauehave speciall vses:

1 First, in eueryevery commandement where euill is forbidden, there the contrarie good isRules. commanded.

2 Secondly, many moe euils are forbidden, and many moe good things are commanded in eueryevery commandement, than in words are expressed

3 Thirdly, because God is a spirit, therefore his commaundements are spirituall, and require spirituall obedience.

4 Fourthly, in eueryevery commaundement where euill is forbidden, there the occasions of the euill are forbidden: and where good is commanded, there also the occasions of good are commanded.

Rehearse the first Commandement.1. Pre…pt.

Thou shalt hauehave none other gods but me.

What euill is here generally forbidden?

Euen that which the words doe import.

What good is commaunded?

To hauehave God to be my onelyonly God, and to be alwaies in his presence.

What is it to hauehave God to be our onelyonly God?

To giuegive him all things which be proper and peculiar to his Maiesty.

Which be those that properly concerne God, and therefore be the speciall things commanded?

They be very many.

Rehearse the summe of them wher… b… the rest may be vnderstood.

I am bound to beleeue in God, to louelove God, to feare and obey him, to pray vntounto him and praise him.

After what sort m…st you performe these duties of faith, louelove, feare, obedience, prayer, and thankesgiuing?

p. 74With my whole mind and vnderstanding▪ with my whole heart and my whole strength.

Which bee the peculiar sinnes herein forbidden?

To faile in giuing to God any of these or the like forenamed good things, in any partEuill forbidden. or in any respect.

What else is particularly forbidden?

To giuegive any of the forenamed good things to any creature, or any other thing whatsoeuer, whereby my heart may be withdrawne from God in any part, or in any respect.

Which be the occasions of the breach of this Commandement?

1. First, the vaine desire of the pleasures, riches, and glorie of this world.

2. Secondly, a negligent and carelesse vse of the meanes to serue God his prouidence.

Are not the contrarie good things to these commaunded?

Yea.Good commanded.

Which are they?

1. First, a heart contented with any estate, and vsing things of this world, as though we vsed them not.

2. Secondly, a reuerend and diligent vse of the meanes to serue Gods prouidence.

Rehearse the second Commaundement.

Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image, nor the likenesse, &c.The second commandement.

What euill is expressely forbidden in this Commaundement?

I am forbidden to make any Image either to represent God, or to worship him by.

What euill is generally forbidden?

I must auoide all inuentions and deuices of men in the outward worship of God, whichGenerall euils be contrarie or besides the written word of God.

Which be the speciall euills forbidden?

Chiefly all corruption in the substance of doctrine, prayer, Sacraments, and disciplineSpeciall euils of the Church.

What occasions of euill be forbidden?

There be some which wee must necessarily auoyd, vnlesse wee will fall into superstitionOccasions of the breach of the secōd law and idolatrie; and they be these:

1. First, to ioyne the false parts of worship with the true worship of God.

2. Secondly, to be present in bodie at idolatrous and superstitious seruice.

3. Thirdly, the reseruation of some speciall monument of superstition and idolatrie.

Which bee the lesser occasions forbidden, and yet (so wee hauehave the speciall groundes of Gods worship) we must, and may tolerate them, when we cannot helpe them?

1. First, all vaine, idle, and superstitious Ceremonies.What wee must tolerate in a Church, which lies not in our power to reforme.

2. Secondly, all keeping companie with false worshippers.

Is not the euill in heart also forbidden?

Yea, so farre forth as I lust in my heart to hauehave any of them preuaile or be established.

What good is generally commaunded?

All the outward meanes of Gods worship, which be agreeable to his written word.

What is specially commaunded?

General good Speciall good thingI must vse such doctrine, prayers, Sacraments, and discipline of the Church, as bee agreeable to Gods word in the substance.

What occasions of good be here commaunded?

1. First, to hauehave and vse good bookes of the doctrine and history of the Church, writtenOccasions of good. according to Gods word.

2. Secondly, erecting and maintaining schooles of learning, as nurseries of the ministerie.

3. Thirdly, sufficient prouision to be made for the Ministers of Gods word.Sufficient prouision for God… s…ruie?.

4. Fourthly, building and maintaining Churches, and all things belonging thereunto.

5. Fi…ly, I must v… …ll good ceremonies and orders agreeable to the word of God.

6. Sixtly, … fami… company with the true worshippers of God.

What good in heart is commaunded?

I am commaunded to vse the meanes of Gods worship, not onelyonly outwardly, but also in spirit and truth.

p. 75What is me… by these words: For I the Lord thy God am a iealous God, &c?

That God will punish false worship in the false worshippers, and in their posteritie vntounto the …rth generation.

What is meant by these word…: And will shew merciemercy vntounto thousands, &c?

Th… God will blesse his true worship in the true worshippers and their posteritie, vntounto the thousand des…ent

W…t is … … …f these?

The vse is to make false worshippe more vile, and his true worship more pretious in our eyes.

… third Commaundement.

Thou … not taketh… Name of the Lord thy God in vaine, &c.3. Precept.

What … forbidden?

1. First, …, …ning or …ursing, enchanting, or coniuring.

2. Secondly, all … by false Gods, or naming them with reuerence.

3. Thirdly, … swearing, or speaking of GOD without reuerence.

4. Fourthly, to c…use Gods Name to bee dishonoured by false Doctrine or vngodlie life, … in my … …r in others.

W…at good is herein commaunded?

1. First, in matters concerning Gods glorie, I must sweare by GOD onelyonly in

Iustice.

Iudgement.

Truth.

2. Secondly, I must endeuour from my heart to growe vp in true knowledge, and a godly life, that so Gods Name may bee praised in my selfe, and by mine example in others.

What is meant by these words: For the Lord will not holde him guiltlesse, &c?

That God will certainely punish the dishonoring of his Name in any sort.

What is the vse of this?

The vse of this is, to make vsus more fearefull to dishonour him, and more carefull to glorifie his Name.

Rek… the fourth Commandement.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keepe it holie, &c.

What is here generally commaunded?

I am commanded to make it my whole delight, to sanctifie the holie Sabbath of the4. Precept. Lord from morning to night.

What is … commaunded?

1, First, to vse …ll the publike meanes of Gods worship in the congregation of GodsPublike exercises. people.

2. Secondlie, to reioyce to vse all such priuate exercises, as may make the publike meanes …table to my selfe and to others.

W… bee those priuate exercises?

1. First, the examining of my sinnes and wants, priuate prayer, reading of the Scriptures, singing of Psalmes, conference with others, and applying all things to my selfe,Priuate exercises. with a care to profite others.

2. Secondly, relieuing the needle, visiting the sicke, and them that be in prison, comforting them that bee in any miserie, reconciling them that be at variance, admonishing the vnruly, and such like.

What is especially commanded?

The spirituall beholding of the Creatures of God, thereby to prouoke my selfe and others to praise him.

What else is?

A diligent searching of my heart, with a like care to finde it out, and to reape some profite of the forenamed meanes, so that I may be the better for and through them.

What is then particularly forbidden?

2. All such labours and pleasures, in thought, worde, and deede are forbidden, as may hinder mee and others, for vsing of, or profiting by the same meanes.

p. 762. Secondly, the leauing … of those publike meanes or priuate exercises

What is here generally forbidden▪

The vsing either of those publike or priuate meanes in ceremonie without some good fruite in my selfe, or care of fruite in others.

Rehearse the fift Commaundement.

Honour thy Father and thy Mother, that thy dayes may be long in the Land, &c.

Whom doe you vnderstand by father and mother?

5. Precept.By father and mother I doe not vnderstand onelyonly my naturall parents, but also those whom God hath set ouer me for my good, as Magistrates, Ministers, Masters, & such like.

What duties doe children owe vntounto their naturall parents?

Children ought reuerently and obediently to receiue the instructions, commaundements, and corrections of their parents, to succour them, and to pray for them.

What are they forbidden to doe?

To refuse, or murmure at the instructions, commandements, and corrections of their parents, or to neglect any dutie belonging to them.

How may they trie their louelove by these duties?

They may trie whether their louelove be right three wayes.

1. First, if they bee as desirous to doe all these duties to their parents, as they wouldTriall of the louelove of children to Parents. hauehave their parents to doe all duties vntounto them.

What is the second?

2. Secondly, if they be as desirous to doe all duties to their parents, as they would hauehave their children hereafter to honour them.

What is the third?

3. Thirdly, if they bee as willing to doe all these duties to their parents, as they would receiue long life, or any other blessing at the hands of God.

What duties doe parents owe to their children?

Parents ought to teach, correct, pray, and prouide for their children.

How may they trie their louelove by these duties?

They may trie their louelove two wayes.

What is the first?

Triall of the louelove of Parents to children?1. First, if they be as carefull to doe all duties to their children, as they would hauehave had their parents in times past to hauehave performed all good duties vntounto them.

What is the second?

2. Secondly, if they bee as carefull to doe duties to their children, as they would hauehave their children hereafter to be dutifull vntounto them.

What be the duties of Seruants to their Maisters?

Seruants ought in feare and trembling to submit themselues to the instructions, commandements, and corrections of their Maisters, and to doe no eye-seruice to them.

What if Parents and Maisters doe not their duties to their Children and Seruants?

Yet they must obey them for conscience to Gods ordinance.

What if they command vniust things?

Then they must obey God rather then men, and submitte themselues to their correction.

Why are these words added, That thy dayes, &c?

They are added to allure vsus more carefully to keepe, and willinglie to obey this Commandement.

And shall not disobedience bee punished?

Yea; it shall be rewarded with a short and miserable life.

How may they trie their louelove by these duties?

They may trie it three manner of wayes.

What is the first?

1. First, if they bee as desirous to doe all these duties to their Maisters, as they wouldTriall of the louelove of Seruants to their Maisters. hauehave their Maisters to doe the dutie of Maisters vntounto them.

What is the second?

p. 77Secondly, if they bee as carefull to doe all these duties to their maisters, as they would hauehave their seruants to be dutifull vntounto them when they shall be maisters.

What is the third?

Thirdly, if they be as willing to doe all duties to their maisters, as they would be glad to receiue long life, or any other blessing at the hand of God.

What duties doe Maisters owe to their seruants?

Maisters ought to teach and correct their seruants, and to pray for them.Triall of the louelove of Maisters to Seruants.

How may they trie their louelove by these duties?

They may trie their loues two wayes.

What is the first?

1. First, if they be as desirous to doe all these duties to their seruants, as they would hauehave their Maisters deale with them, if they were seruants.

What is the second thing?

2. Secondly, if they be as carefull to doe all these duties to their seruants, as they would be to hauehave their seruants to doe all duties vntounto them.

Rehearse the sixt Commandement.

The sixt Precept.Thou shalt doe no murther.

How many things are here forbidden?

Foure especially:

1. First, is forbidden, by weapon or poyson to kill our brother.

2. Secondly, by wound or blowe, or anie other meanes to shorten the life, or empaire the health of any man.

3. Thirdly, by word, countenance, or gesture, to mocke, grieue, or contemne any man.

4. Fourthly, wee are forbidden all anger, hatred, or enuie, whereby we may be brought to reuenge our selues vponupon our brother.

What good is here commanded?

1. First, wee are commaunded to hauehave peace with all men, as much as is possible and in vsus lyeth.

2. Secondly, wee are commaunded in thought, word, and deede, to seeke the preseruation of the health of our brother.

Rehearse the seuenth Commaundement.

The seuenth Precept.Thou shalt not commit adulterie.

How many things are here forbidden?

Three things are forbidden.

Which is the first?

First, all outward actions are forbidden whereby the bodie is defiled, as Adulterie, Fornication, vncleannesse.

How many wayes is vncleannesse committed?

Two wayes:

First, either against

Our owne bodies, which is vnnaturall: or,

The bodies of beasts; which is monstrous.

Secondly, by marrying one

1. Of a false religion. or,

2. Of no religion at all.

3. Within the degrees forbidden.

4. Without the consent of parents.A man may commit adulterie with his owne wife.

5. It is committed by vsing the marriage bed intemperately.

What is the second thing forbidden?

Secondly, all instruments and occasions are forbidden, whereby this sinne is raised vp or strengthened in vsus; and they bee all contained in this word, Wantonnesse.

How is this wantonnesse seene?

p. 78In two things:

First, when either

1. The whole bodie is abused in idlenes, or vaine sports: or,

2. Any part of the bodie, as the eye, the eare, the—tongue, the nose, the hand, or foote are abused.

Secondly, when we doe intemperately abuse meate, drinke, sleepe, or—apparell, or vse any inconuenient companie, time, or place.

What is the third thing forbidden?

Thirdly, all inward setled lusts are forbidden, wherunto the heart doth giuegive consent.

What good is cammaunded?

1. First, I am commaunded to keepe my selfe pure and chaste both in body and soule.

2. Secondly, to vse those meanes carefully, which may keepe vsus chaste.

Which …ee the meanes of Chastitie?

Continuall sobrietie, in meate, drinke, sleepe, and apparell.Meanes of Chasti ie.

Continuall painfulnes in our calling.

Fasting and watching, so often as neede requireth.

What if by these meanes wee cannot be kept chaste?

3. Then thirdly, wee are commanded to marrie, and in marriage to vse those meanes carefully, whereby the marriage bed may be kept pure and vndefiled.

Rehearse the eight Commandement.

Thou shalt not steale.8. Precept.

How many euils are herein forbidden?

1. First, all those outward acts are forbidden, whereby stealth is committed.

How many wayes is stealth committed outwardly in acte?

Two waies, either

By our selues, and this is three waies.

1. First, all secret filching and open robberie, …e it neuer so small a thing, for neuer so great a neede.

2. Secondly, all extortion or violent wrong, all oppression and vnmercifull dealing.

3. Thirdly, all deceit in buying and selling, or exchanging, in restoring things borrowed, found, giuen to keepe, and such like.

By others, either

By commanding or counselling others to steale.

By keeping counsell.

By consenting any way to them when they steale.

Which are the second euills forbidden?

2. Secondly, all outward occasions of stealth forbidden.

Which be they?

All idlenes, wastfull spending of goods, liuing in an vnlawfull calling, all false weights,Idlenesse, measures, coynes, and such like.

What is thirdly forbidden?

3. Thirdly, all inward stealth of the heart is forbidden.

What is that?

The setled will or desire of our neighbours goods, although wee cannot get them, or for feare, …hame, or some other respect we doe not take them.

What is h… recommaunded?

1. First, to restore goods euill gotten, or wrongfully kept.Restitution.

2. Secondly, to labour faithfully in a lawfull calling, to be sparing of that wee get, and to helpe others, as their neede requireth.

Rehearse the ninth Commandement.

Thou shalt not beare false witnes, &c.9. Prccept.

What is forbidden herein?

Wee are forbidden not onelyonly to beare false witnesse our selues, but also to be partakers with false-witnes bearers.

p. 79How many wayes doe m…n …eare false witnesse?

Two waies:

1. outwardly and against others, and that is

in iudgement. or

out of iudgement. or

2. inwardly themselues.

When they denie that to bee in them which is indeed: or

When they take vponupon them thatFalse witnes. which belongeth not vntounto them, whether it be good or euill.

In Iudgement, when they giuegive or receiue false information, pronounce or write anie false sentence.

Out of Iudgement.

1. When anie raise vp, spread abroad, or listen after false reports.Psal. 15.Ps 15

2. When anie report the faults of others without care of their credit,—or when with flattering hearts they commend any man.

2. Inwardly, either

1. In suspition without iust cause.Susp…ion against any man without any iust cause▪ a sinne against the ninth commandement. 1. Cor. 13. Charitie suspecteth no euill.1 Cor 13

2. In iudgement falsly or hardly of anie man.

Which bee the occasions of false witnesse hearing?

They be fleshly hatred of our enemies, the carnall louelove of our selues or of our friends; to get the things we louelove, and to auoide the things we feare or hate.

How are wee partakers with false witnes bearers?

If we either command or counsell it to be done.

If wee mislike it not, or not stay it if we can.

What is here commanded?

1. First, in iudgement to further righteous causes, so farre forth as my calling requireth.

2. Secondly, to speake the truth from my heart to eueryevery man, so farre forth as it is requisite for him to know it.

3. Thirdly, to be as carefull of the credit of my neighbour as of mine owne, both in his presence and absence, so farre forth as the nature of his offence will permit.

4. Fourthly, to hope and belieue the best of eueryevery man.

Rehearse the tenth Commandement.

Thou shalt not couet, &c,

Ar… all motions and desires euill?10. Precept.

No: for the desire of meate, drinke, sleepe, and such like are naturall, and in their owne nature good, vnlesse through our corruption they become sinfull.Motions.

What motions be euill?

These motions be euill, which are either against

God, or

our Neighbour,

Are all those forbidden in this Commandement.

No: for all those which are against God are forbidden in the first commandement: but these motions onelyonly are here forbidden, which are against our Neighbour.What motiōs are forbiddē in the tenth Commandement.

Seeing in the former Commandements wee are forbidden to hurt our neighbour in heart, how doth this differ from the former?

In the former Commandements the setled desires of the heart are forbidden: but the motions are onelyonly here forbidden, whereunto the heart doth not consent.

Whereof doe these motions arise?

They either arise from our owne corruption, or are offered by Sathan, or by the world.

Are all these motions sinne in vsus?

All that arise of our corruption, are sinnes in vsus: but they that be offered by Sathan or the world are not sinnes; vnles we be infected with them.

How are wee infected with them?How wee be infected with the motions.

1. First, when weetake pleasure in them.

2. When wee be intangled with them.

p. 803. When we suffer them to tarrie in o… …in…es, though our hearts doe not giuegive co…sent.which come from Sathan & the world.

How is this Commaundement brok…?

Three waies.

1. First, when euill motions arise of our corruption, moouing vsus to hurt our Neighbours.

2. Secondly, when we be infected with those motions which Sathan or euill men doe put …nto our mindes.

3. Thirdly, when we doe not with like affection desire the good of our Neighbour as wee doe our owne.

What is then commaunded?

I am commaunded to louelove my Neighbour as my selfe.

Who is your Neighbour?

Who is our Neighbour.Eu…ry one that is neere mee, and standeth in neede of my helpe, and it lieth in me to helpe him, though otherwise he be a stranger vntounto me, or my foe.

Why iudge you so?

Because of the Image of God in him, and that hee is mine owne flesh in respect of our first parents.

Doth the Law of God prescribe the perfect rule of righteousnes?

Yea, for there is no good thing in deede, worde, or thought, but heere it is commaunded, and likewise no euill, but heere it is forbidden.

Can eueryevery one keepe the Law of God perfitl…?

They that are not borne againe of God cannot keepe it, neither in all, nor in any one point, as pleasing God thereby in respect of themselues.

Why so?

Except a man be borne againe of God, hee cannot see the kingdome of heauen, notIoh. 3.John 3 enter therein, neither can hee keepe the commaundements of God: moreouer, all men by nature being borne and conceiued in sinne, are not only insufficient to any good thing, but also disposed to all vice and wickednes.Ephès. 2. 3.

What punishment is due to the breakers of Gods Law?

In this life the curse of God, and death, with manifold miseries both of body or soule, or both.

What else?

Where this curse is not taken away, euerlasting death and damnation both of bodie and soule in the world to come.

But God is mercifull.

Hee is indeed full of merciemercy, but hee is also full of righteousnes, which must fully be discharged, or else wee cannot be partakers of his merciemercy.

And cannot wee by our selues make satisfaction for our sinnes?

We cannot by any meanes, but rather from day to day encrease our debt.

But doth not God wrong to man, to require of him that he is not able to performe?

No; for God made man so, that hee might hauehave performed it: but hee by his sinne, spoyled himselfe and his posteritie of those good gifts.

Can anie creature in heauen or earth, which is onelyonly a creature, make satisfaction to his righteousnesse?

No, none at all: for, First, God will not punish that in another creature, which is due to be paid by man; and besides, none that is onelyonly a creature, can abide the wrath of God against sinne, and deliuer others from the same.

What manner of man is to be sought out to bee our Mediatour and Deliuerer?

Hee which is indeed a very man and perfectly righteous, and more mightie than allThe Mediator described creatures, that is hee which also is very true God.

Why must hee be man and perfitly righteous?

Because that the righteousnes of God requireth, that the same nature that sinned, should pay, and make amends for sinne.

Why must hee be God withall?

Because that by his godly power hee may abide the burden of Gods wrath in his flesh, and p. 81may get againe and restore to vsus the righteousnes and life which wee hauehave lost.

Who is that Mediatour, which is very God and very man, and perfi…ly righteous withall?

Our Lord Iesus Christ, who was made vntounto vsus Wisedome, Righteousnes, Sanctification, and Redemption.1. Cor. 1.1 Cor 1

What is the vse of all that hetherto hath b…ene taught?

The vse is, to bring vsus to a sound perswasion and f…eling of our sinnes, because they hauehave deserued so grieuous punishmēt, as either the death of the sonne of God, or hell fire.

Are they onelyonly deliuered from the curse of the Lawe, and made partakers of the merites of Christ that are truely humbled?

They onelyonly and none other: Es…i, 57. Matthew. 5. 3. 4. 5. and as for the Lawe, heauen and earth shall passe away: but one jote or title of Gods Law shall not fa…e till all be fulfilled.

How is the truth of Gods Law fulfilled?

It is fulfilled in-

1. Gods children; because it bringeth them to be truely humbled in themselues for their sinnes, and then sendeth them to Christ, in whome it is fully fulfilled.

2. The wicked; because it declareth to them their iust confusion,—when to the ende they either presume or despaire.

Is sorrow for sinne sufficient to bring vsus to Saluation?

No: for wee must also hauehave a true Faith.

What is that true Faith that saueth vsus?

It is a true perswasion of the mercies of God merited by our Lord Iesus Christ.Faith defined.

How shall wee attaine to this true Faith?

By the spirit of God, giuing vsus this true perswasion by the Gospell.

Where is the Gospell declared vntounto vsus?

It is generally declared vntounto vsus in the holy Scriptures: but the Church of God hath gathered out of them a certaine summe thereof.

Which is that?

The Articles of our Christian faith, commonly called the Creede.

Rehearse the Articles of our Christian faith?

I belieue in God the Father Almightie, maker of heauen and earth, &c.

Into how many p…t… are these Articles diuided?

Into two:

The first is, of Faith in God.

The second is, of Faith concerning the Church.

What are you taught to beleeue in the first part?

In the first part, I declare that I beleeue in God the

Father.

Sonne.

H. Ghost.

Why say you I belieue in God and not in Gods?

Because there is but one onelyonly true God, vponupon whome my Faith is wholly stayed.

Seeing there is but one God, why name you three, the

Father,

Sonne,

Holy-Ghost?

Because that God hath so manifested himselfe in his word, that these sundry persons, are but one true and euerlasting God.

Why say you I belieue in God, and not rather, that there is a God?

By saying, I belieue in GOD, I declare that I put my whole trust and affiance in God; whereas the Diuels and wicked men belieuing that there is a God, yet cannot put their whole trust and confidence in God.

Why say you I belieue, and not, Wee belieue?

Because I must be saued by mine owne faith, and not by the faith of another.

Why call you God FATHER?

Because hee is the Creator of heauen and earth, and so is the Father of all creatures.

Why call you God, Creator of heauen and earth, and not Maker of heauen and earth?

p. 82Because hee created all things of nothing; for to Create, is to make a thing of nothing▪ What Creati… ….but to make, is to make a thing of that which was something before.

Why call you him Almighti…?

Because as hee created all things of nothing, so doth hee preserue and guide them by his Almightie power, wisedome, Iustice, and merciemercy.

What comfort doth this article … ▪

It ministreth vntounto me …oure notable comfortsVse of the first article of the Cr…e…e.

1. First, that all the good Angels of God shall watch ouer me▪ & pitch their tents about me.

2. Secondly, that neither the diuell nor men shall hauehave any power to hurt mee, but when, and as farre forth as God doth giuegive them leaue.

3. Thirdly, that I shall hauehave a profitable and conuenient vse of all Gods creatures.

4. Fourthlie, though I suffer hu…t by Sathan, or want of the creatures; yet all this shall turne to my good in the ende.

How can this bee?

Because God can doe it as an Almighty God, and will doe it as a most mercifull and l…ing Father.

True it is, that by Creation wee had this benefite but wee hauehave …st it▪ & are bec…me the children of wrath: how then can God become our Father and shew his merci vn… vsus?

He is become our Father by Faith in Iesus Christ the Sonne of God.

What beleeue you of God the Son…e?

1. First, I beleeue that hee is able to worke my saluation.

2. Secondlie, I beleeue that hee hath wrought it indeed, after that manner that is set downe in the Creede.

How can you beleeue that hee is able to worke your saluation?

I doe belieue it, because hee is both God and man, and hath an office from God the Father to worke my Saluation.

By what words in the Creede doe you belieue Christ to be God?

By these words, His onelyonly Sonne: I declare that I belieue in Christ the onelyonly begotten Sonne of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, verie God of very God, begotten not made, beeing of one substance with the Father, by whome all things were made.

Why call you him the onelyonly begotten Sonne of God?

Because hee is the alone Sonne of God by nature.

How can this bee, seeing Adam, the Angles, and we also, be the sonnes of God?

Ad…m was the Sonne of God by Creation, which wee hauehave lost, but yet wee be the sonnes of God by regeneration.

Why was it r…qui…te that he should be God?

Because nothing but God was able to abide and ouercome the wrath of God, and the punishment due vntounto sinne.

What comfort hauehave you by this that Christ is God?

Hereby I am sure, that hee is able to saue me, by reconciling mee to the Father, that heChrist verie GOD. may make me the childe of God.

By what words in the Creede doe you shewe that you belieue Christ to be man?

By these words, Borne of the Virgine Marie, I doe shewe, that Christ is borne of the Virgin Marie, as others bee, and subiect to all infirmities of man, sinne onelyonly excepted.

Why are these words added; Conceiued by the holie Ghost?

To shewe, that Christ by the holie Ghost was conceiued in the wombe of Marie, (shee continuing still a pure Virgine) and that hee was borne holie and without sinne, whereunto all other men by nature are subject.

Was it n…edfull that Christ should be without sinne?

Yea, for otherwise the Godhead and Manhood could not be ioyned together: and againe, if hee had been a sinner, he could not hauehave satisfied for the sinnes of other men.

Why was it requisite that Christ should be Man?

Because the righteousnesse of God requireth, that the same Nature which had sinned,Christ very Man. should also pay and make amends for sinnes.

p. 83What comfort hauehave you by this that Christ is man?

Hereby I am assured, that Christ is fit to suffer the punishment of my sinne; and being man himselfe, is also meete to bee more pitifull and mercifull vntounto men.

What fruite hauehave you by his holie Conception?

I am assured that this holy Conception hath couered the corruption of my nature, andVse of holie Conception. that his pure Conception shall be imputed vntounto me.

What comfort hauehave you by this that hee is both God and man?

By this I am most certainly assured, that he is able most fully to finish my saluation, seeing that as he is man he is meete to suffer for sinne; as he is God, he is able to beare the punishment for sinne, and to ouercome in suffering: and therefore hee is called IESVS.

What doth IESVS signifie?

It doth signifie a Sauiour.

W…y doe you c…ll him IESVS?

I doe call him IESVS, (that is, a Sauiour,) because he saueth me from all my sinnes, and because there is none other meanes whereby I may in part or in whole bee deliuered from them.

What comfort hauehave you by this?

My comfort is euen the same which I hauehave said, and the rather because GOD from heauen gaue him his name, and the Church on earth hath subscribed therevnto.

What signifieth CHRIST?

It signifieth Annointed▪

W…y is hee so called?

Because he was annointed to be a

Prophet for all his people, and so for mee.

Priest for all his people, and so for mee.

King for all his people, and so for mee.

How gather you this?

By the annointing of Prophets, Priests, and Kings, which were figures of him.

Was Christ annointed with materiall oyle as they were?

No: but he was annointed with all gifts of the holie Spirit without measure.

Why d…e you call him Prophet?

Because hee was, he is, and euer shall be the onelyonly teacher of the Church.

What were then the Prophets and Apostles?

They were his Disciples and seruants, and spake by his spirit.

What comfort hauehave you by this?

Hereby I am sure, that he will leade me into all truth, reuealed in his word, needfull forVse of Christs Prophesie. Gods glorie and my saluation.

Why call you him Priest?

Because offering vp himselfe a sacrifice once for all, he hath satisfied for all my sinnes, and maketh continuall intercession to the Father for me.

What comfort hauehave you by the Priesthood of Christ?

Hereby I am assured that he is my Mediatour, and that I also am made a Priest.

How are you made a Priest?

Vse of his Priesthood.By him I hauehave freedome and boldnes to drawe neere, and offer my selfe, and all that I hauehave to God the Father.

Why call you him King?

Because …e doth guide and gouerne me vntounto euerlasting life by his word and spirit.

What comfort hauehave you by this?

Hereby I am assured, that by his kingly power, I shall finally ouercome the flesh, theVse of Christs kingdome. world, the diuell, death, and hell.

Why call you him Lord?

Because not with gold nor siluer, but with his precious bloud hee hath purchased vsus to bee a peculiar people to himselfe.

What comfort hauehave you by this?

Seeing he hath paid such a price for mee, he will not suffer me to perish.

p. 84What is the second thing wherein the faith of Christ consisteth?

Secondly, I beleeue that he hath wrought my saluation indeed after that manner that is set downe in the Creede.

After what manner hath he wrought your saluation?

1 By his most painfull sufferings for sinne.

2 By his most glorious victorie and triumph ouer sinne.

In what words are his most painfull sufferings expressed?

In these words; Suffered vnderunder Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell.

What is the generall meaning of these words?

By them I shew my selfe to beleeue, that Christ endured most grieuous torments bothChrists passion most grieuous in bodie and soule. of body and soule.

What comfort hauehave you by this?

I am freed from all those punishments of bodie and soule which my sinnes hauehave deserued.

How then commeth it to passe, that we are so often afflicted with grieuous torments both in bodie and soule?

Our sufferings are not by desert any satisfaction for our sinnes in any part, but being sanctified in the most holy sufferings of Christ, they are medicines against sinne.

Why are these words added; Suffered vnderunder Pontius Pilate?

Not onelyonly for the truth of the storie, but also to teach that he appeared willingly and of his owne accord before a mortall Iudge, of whom he was pronounced innocent, and yet by the same he was condemned.

What comfort hauehave you hereof?

That my Sauiour thus suffering not any whit for his owne sinnes, but wholy for mine and for other mens sinnes before an earthly Iudge, I shall be discharged before the heauenly iudgement seate.

What is meant by this; That he was crucified?

That he died not onelyonly a common death, but such a death as was accursed both of God and man.

What comfort hauehave you by this?

I am comforted in this, because I am deliuered from the curse which I hauehave deserued by the breach of the law, and shall obtaine the blessing due vntounto him for keeping of the same.

What is meant by this; That he died?

That his soule was separated from his bodie, so that he died a corporali death.

Why was it requisite that he should die?

Because by sinne came death into the world, so that the iustice of God could not hauehave beene satisfied for our sinnes, vnlesse death had beene ioyned with his sufferings.

Why is it …rther added, That he was buried?

To assure vsus more fully that he was truely dead.

What comfort have you by his death and buriall?

1 I am comforted, because my sinnes are fully discharged in his death, and so buried,Vse of Christs buriall. Phil. 3. 9. 13. Rom. 6. 12.Phil 3:9Phil 3:13Rom 6:12 that they shall neuer come into remembrance.

2 Secondly, my comfort is the more, because by the vertue of his death and buriall sinne shall be killed in me, and buried, so that henceforth it shall hauehave no power to reigne ouer me.

3 Thirdly, I neede not to feare death, seeing that sinne which is the sting of death is taken away by the death of Christ, and that now death is made vntounto me an entrance into this life.

What is the meaning of this, He descended into hell?

This is the meaning; that my Sauiour Christ did not onelyonly suffer in body, but also in soule did abide most vnspeakable vexations, griefes, painfull troubles, & feare of minde, …to the which both before, and most of all when he hanged vponupon the crosse, he was cast.

p. 85What comfort hauehave you by this?

I am comforted in this, because in all my grieuous temptations and assaults I may stay and make sure my selfe by this, that Christ hath deliuered mee from the sorrowfull griefes and paines of hell.

What beleeuest thou in this article, Hee rose againe from the dead?

I belieue that Christ in his manhood hath suffered for mee, and that he did in the third day, … againe by his owne power from the dead.

Wherin doth this article minister comfort vntounto thee?

In three things:

1. His resurrection doth assure me, that his righteousnes shall be imputed to me for my perfect iustification.

2. it comforteth mee, because it doth from day to day raise me vp toVse of the article of the Resurrection righteousnes and newnes of life in this present world.

3 It ministreth vntounto me a comfortable hope, that I shall rise againe in the last day from bodily death.

What beleeuest thou in this Article, Hee ascended into heauen?

I belieue that Christ in his humane Nature (the Apostles looking on,) ascended into Heauen.

What comfort hauehave you thereby?

1. I am comforted in this, that Christ hath prepared a place for mee in heauen: whichIohn. …. 14. now I see by Faith, and her…a…ter shall fully enioy.

2. I am comforted by his intercession to the Father for me.

What fruite hauehave you by his intercession▪

1. First, it doth reconcile me to the Father, for those sinnes which I doe daily commit.Vse of Chrstes intercession.

2. Secondly, being reconciled in him, I can pray to GOD with boldnesse, and call him FATHER.

What is the meaning of this article, Hee si…tteth at the right hand of God the Father?

I belieue that CHRIST in mans nature, was aduanced by the FATHER vntounto that high authoritie, whereby hee ruleth all things in heauen and earth.

What comfort hauehave you thereby?

1. I am comforted, because I shall receiue from him all things needfull for mee vnderunder his gratious gouernment.

2. By his power all mine enemies shall be subdued, and troden vnderunder my feete.

What beleeue you in this article, From thence hee shall come, &c?

1. Thess. 4. 26. 1. Cor. 15.1 Thess 4:261 Cor 15I belieue that Christ shall come in his Majestie, to pronounce sentence vponupon all those that were dead before, and vponupon them that then shall befound aliue.

What comfort hauehave you by this?

1. I am comforted in my greatest miserie, knowing that CHRIST will come one day and … of all.

2. I am sure that hee will giuegive sentence on my side, and take me to glorie with him.

Why say you I beleeue in God the holie Ghost?

Because he is God, equall with the Father and the Sonne.

Why call you him …?

Because hee is the Author of all holinesse.

What fruite hauehave you by this?

1. The holie Ghost doth assure mee that I am the childe of God, by making mee to call him A… Father.

2▪ He assureth me, that by the vertue of the death and resurrection of Christ, that sinne dieth in mee, and I am raised vp to holinesse of life.

3. The holy Ghost leadeth me into all truth needfull to Gods glorie & my saluation.Phil. 3. 10. Rom. 12. 13.Phil 3:10Rom 12:13

4. Hee comforteth mee in all my troubles, and in death assureth me of a better life in this same bodie and soule.

What is the meaning of this article, I belieue that there is a Catholike Church?

That God hath a certaine number of his chosen children, which hee doth call and gather to himselfe.

p. 86Why say you, I belieue that there is a Catholike Church.Church.

Because that the Church of God cannot be alwayes seene with the eyes of man.

Why call you the Church Holie?

Because the Church on the earth though in it selfe it is sinfull, yet in Christ the head it is holy, and in the life to come shall be brought to perfection of holines.

Why doe you call it Catholique?

Because God in all places, and of all sorts of men had from the beginning, hath now, and euer wil hauehave an holy Church.

What is the meaning of this article, The Communion of Saints?

The whole Church communicateth with Christ, and eueryevery member one with another in the benefites of Christ.

What comfort hauehave you by this article?

1. I am comforted, because I am iustified by that Faith whereby Adam and Abraham were iustified, which is tyed to no time, or place, and excludeth no person.

2. I am comforted, because I am made partaker of Christ and all his mercies by Faith, and of all the blessings of the Church by louelove.

What belieuest thou in this article, I belieue the forgiuenesse of sinnes?

I belieue that God for Christs sake doth freely forgiue me, not onelyonly all my sinnes, but also the punishment that I hauehave deserued by them.

Why say you, I belieue the forgiuenesse of sinnes?The holie Ghost alone giueth vsus the assurance of the pardon of sinnes.

Because no reason can perswade mee, but the holie Ghost onelyonly must worke the assurance of it in my heart.

What comfort hauehave you heereby?

1. First, I am comforted, because all the sinnes I hauehave, and daily commit, shall neuer be laide to my charge.

2. Secondly, I am comforted, because that the weaknes and wants of all my duties are couered and supplied in Christ.

3. Thirdly, I am comforted, because God will heare mee praying for others, that they may hauehave Faith to **By Faith wee come by degrees to feele & to hauehave a comfortable experience of the pardon of sinnes.feele the forgiuenes of sinnes.

What belieuest thou in this article, The resurrection of the body vntounto life euerlasting?

I belieue that this bodie after it shall be dissolued into dust, shall bee raised vp againe at the last day, and my soule shall liue in euerlasting glorie.

What comfort reape you thereby?

1. I am made comfortable and chearefull in well-doing, seeing my labour shall not be in vaine.

2. I am made to despise the pleasures and glory of this world, and with patience to suffer all troubles that are laide vponupon me in this present life.

3. It comforteth me ouer the death of my dearest friends, and maketh mee carefull in death, knowing that I shall hauehave a part in the resurrection of the iust.

What fruite hauehave you when you belieue all these Articles?

All doe come to this ende, that being iustified by faith, I am righteous in Christ before God.

What be the seuerall fruites?

1. First, I am at peace with God, although in my selfe for my outward sinnes which I daily commit, and my inward corruption which remaineth, I am daily accused.The comfortable vse of all the articles of the Creede.

2. I get strength to fight against my outward sinnes, to subdue my inward corruption, to doe outward good workes, and to delight in the law of God in the inward man.

3. I hauehave a right to all Gods creatures, so that the vse and want of them shall turne to the furtherance of my saluation.

4. I am assured of the glorification of my soule and bodie in the heauens, because I am made an heire of euerlasting life.

Why is this giuen wholly and onelyonly vntounto Faith?Faith onelyonly iustifieth. Rom. 3. 28.Rom 3:28

Not because Faith doth deserue it: but because the merits of Christ can be laid holde on and applyed to my selfe, by none other meanes but by Faith alone.

p. 87Cannot our good workes in some part iustifie vsus before God?

No: for the righteousnes which is able to stand in the iudgement of God, must be perfect in all respects.

Are not our good workes perfect?

No: for in many things wee sinne all; and againe, the best workes we doe, are defiled with sinne, and therefore can deserue nothing at the hands of God.

Why then doth God promise a reward vntounto them?

The reward that God doth promise, it is not for the desert of workes, but of his owneA reward to workes is promised of Gods free merciemercy, and not for merit Workes. grace and merciemercy.

Will not this doctrine make men carelesse of well doing.

No: for they that be ingraffted into Christ, must needes bring forth good workes.

Why is it needfull that they should doe good workes?

1. First, that wee may by them shew our selues thankfull vntounto God for all his benefites.

2. That we may be assured of our Faith and election by good works.

3. That by our good workes wee may edifie others.

How maiest thou edifie others?

1. First, by encouraging and strengthening those that are good.

2. Secondly, by winning those that are not come vntounto God.

3. And then by stopping the mouthes of the wicked.

4. The fourth ariseth of the former, and that is the glorie of GOD, which is aduanced by them.

Are good workes so needfull, that without them wee cannot be saued?

Yea: for although good workes doe not worke our saluation in any part, yet because they that are iustified are also sanctified; they that doe no good workes, declare that they neither are iustified nor sanctified, and therefore cannot be saued.

Then they must much more be condemned, which commit sinne and lye in it?Law and Gospell cōdemne sinners which lie in sinne without repentance.

Yea: for such are not onelyonly pronounced to bee accursed by the Law, but also the Gospell hath denounced, that they shall not inherite the kingdome of heauen.

Can eueryevery one doe good workes?

None can doe good workrs, but they that are borne againe.

How can they that are thus borne againe doe good workes?

They that are thus borne againe, and carrie in them the Image of God, hauehave repentance wrought in them; from whence good workes doe proceede.Repentance defined. Note.

What is Repentance?

Repentance is a turning of our selues to GOD, whereby wee crucifie and kill the corruption of our nature, and reforme our selues in the inward man, according to Gods will.

What is it to crucifie the corruption of our nature?

It is truely, and with all my heart to be sorie, that I hauehave angred God with it, and with my other sinnes, and eueryevery day more and more to hate it and them, and to flie from them.

How is this sorrow wrought?

It is wrought in mee partly by the threatnings of the Law, and the feare of Gods iudgements, but especiallie increased by feeling of the fruit of Christ his death, whereby I hauehave power to hate sinne, and to leaue it.

How is this reformation of our selues wrought in vsus?

OnelyOnly by the promises of the Gospell, whereby we feele the fruit of the rising againe of Christ.

What doth insue hereof?

Hereby wee are raised vp into a new life, hauing a law written in our hearts, and so reforme our selues.

Hereby it appeareth that none can repent of themselues, or when they will?

Yea: for it was saide before, that it is the gift of GOD, giuen vntounto them that are borne againe.

By this it is also euident that Gods Children stand in neede of Repentance, so long as they liue?

p. 88Yea: for there is none of Gods Saints but alwayes carrying this corruption aboutThe faithfull hauehave a cortinuall repentaence all their life. them, they sometime fall, and are farre from that perfection of goodnes, which the Lord requireth.

Se…ing it was said before, that good workes did proceede from Rep…ntance, what properties are required of workes?

1. First, that they be such as God hath commanded in his Law.

2. Secondlie, that they that doe them bee such as be ingrafted into CHRIST, and continue in him.

What say you then of the good workes of them that be not in Christ?

They doe no good workes, because they neither are as yet members of Christ, nor doe offer them to GOD in the Name of Christ.

3. The third propertie of workes is, that they may bee to glorifie God, and to assure our saluation.

Is it not lawfull to seeke our owne praise and merit by our owne good woorkes?

No: For all our good workes are imperfect, and saluation is onelyonly merited by the death of Christ, as was saide before.

We hauehave heard that the Law worketh the knowledge of our sinnes, and feeling of our miseri… What meanes hath God ordained to worke and increase Faith in vsus?

Hee hath ordained

1. The Gospell to beget and breede it in vsus.

2. Prayer

3. Sacraments

4. Discipline

5. Affliction.—to confirme it in vsus.

What is the Gospell?Gospell defined.

It is that part of Gods word, whereby the holie Ghost worketh in vsus a liuely Faith, to apprehend the free remission of sinnes in Iesus Christ.

How many kindes of Faith be there?

Two, a

Generall Faith, whereby I belieue God to be true in all his workes.

Speciall, and this is either whereby I belieue God to be iust in his threatnings, and so am made penitent; Or, whereby I belieue him to bee made mercifull in his promises, and so come to repentance.Penitence & repentance how they differ.

What difference is there betweene Penitence and Repentance?

Penitence is a sorrow for sinne, wrought by the Law: Repentance is a recouering our selues from sinne, wrought by the Gospell.

Is there such difference betweene the Law and the Gospell?

Yea: for the Law differeth from the Gospell in foure things.Foure differences betweene the law & gospel.

1, First the Law reuealeth sinne, rebuketh vsus for it, and leaueth vsus in it: but the Gospell doth reueale vntounto vsus Remission of sinnes, bringeth vsus to CHRIST, and …reeth v… from the punishment belonging vntounto sinne.

2. The Law commandeth to do good, and giueth no strength: but the Gospell inable… vsus to do good, the holy Ghost writing the law in our hearts, & assuring vsus of the promise.

3. The Law is the ministerie of wrath, condemnation and death; but the Gospell is t…e ministerie of grace, iustification, and life.

4. In many points the Law may be conceiued by reason; but the Gospell in all poin… is farre aboue the reach of mans reason.

Wherein doe they agree?

They agree in this, that they bee both of God, and declare one kinde of righteousnesse,Rom. 3. 2.Rom 3:2 though they differ in offering it vntounto vsus.

What is that one kinde of righteousnesse?

It is the perfect louelove of God and of our neighbour.

What thing doth follow vponupon this?

That the seuere law pronounceth all the faithfull righteous.

How doth the Law pronounce them righteous?

Because that they hau… in Christ all that the Law doth aske.

p. 89But yet they remaine transgressors of the Law.

They are transgressors in themselues, and yet righteous in Christ, and in their inward man they louelove righteousnes and hate sinne.

What then is the state of the faithfull in this life?

They are pure in Christ, and yet fight against sin.

What battell hauehave they?

They hauehave battell both

within: the battell of the flesh against the Spirit. and

without: the temptation of

Sathan.The combat of the faithfull.

the world.

How shall they ouercome?

By a liuely Faith in Iesus Christ. 1. Ioh. 5. 4.

What call you th… flesh?

The corruption of our nature, wherein wee were borne and conceiued.Flesh defined

Doth that remaine after regeneration?

Yea: it dwelleth in vsus, and cleaueth fast vntounto vsus so long as wee carie the outward flesh about vsus.

How doth the flesh fight against the spirit?

By continuall lusting against the spirit.

What is that?

1. By hindering, or corrupting vsus in the good motions, words, and deeds of the spirit.The motions and lustes of the flesh.

2. By continuall moouing vsus to euill-motions. words. deeds.

What call you the spirit?

The holie Spirit, which God in Christ hath giuen vsus, whereby wee are begotten againe.

D… wee not receiue the spirit in full measure, and in perfection at the first?

No: but first, we receiue the first fruits, and afterward the daily increase of the same vntounto the end, if the fault be not in our selues.

How doth the Spirit fight in vsus?

By lusting against the flesh.

How doth it lust against the flesh?

1. First, partly by rebuking, and partly by restraining in vsus the euill motions and deedsThe spirit rebukes and restraines euill motions in vsus. of the flesh.

2. By continuall inlightning and affecting vsus with-thoughts, words, deedes. agreeable to Gods wil.

What call you the world?

The corrupt state and condition of men, and the rest of the creatures.

How doth the world fight against vsus?

By alluring and withdrawing vsus to the corruptions thereof.

What meanes doth it vse?

1. It allureth vsus by false 1. Pleasures 2. Profit 3. Glorie. of this world, from our obedience to God.The liues of the world.

2. It allureth vsus other-paines, losses, and reproches, to distrust Gods promises whiles by

How shall wee ouercome the pleasures, profit, and glorie of this world?

1. By a true Faith in IESVS CHRIST, who despised all these things to worke our saluation, and to make vsus ouercome them.

2. By Faith in Gods word, that feareth vsus from doing any thing against his will.

How shall wee ouercome the Paines, losses, and reproches. of the World.

p. 901, By aliuely Faith in Iesus Christ, who suffered all those things to worke our saluation, and to inable vsus to suffer them.

2. By a …ledfast Faith in Gods promises and prouidence, that wee shall want no good thing, & that all things seeming hurtfull, shalbe turned to the furtherance of our saluation.

What call you Sathan?

The aduersarie of enemie of God and his people.

How doth hee fight against vsus?

1. By subtiltie, alluring vsus to sinne, and therefore …e is called a Tempte… or Serpent.Sathan how he fights.

2. By laying fearefully to our charge our sinnes committed, and therefore hee is called the Diuell, an accuser.

3. By seeking by manifold inward terrors and outward troubles to swallowe vsus vp, and therefore is called a roaring Lyon.

How shall wee fight against Sathan and his temptations?

1. By Faith in Iesus Christ, who ouercame all his temptations in his owne person, that so wee might ouercome in him.

2. By resisting the inward motions and outward occasions of sinne.To resist the inward motions and outward occasions of sinne.

How shall wee do… that?

By belieuing that wee are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ.

How shall wee ouercome Sathan, and his accusations?

1 By Faith in Iesus Christ, who hath iustified vsus from all the sinnes for the which hee can accuse vsus.

2, By all those comfortable promises of forgiuenes of sinnes, which in CHRISTS Name are made vntounto vsus.

How shall we ouercome him in our terrors and troubles?

1. By Faith in Iesus Christ, who was heard in all his troubles, to giuegive vsus assurance that wee shall not be ouercome in them.

2. By Faith in Gods prouidence, whereby wee know that hee can doe no more vntounto vsus than the Lord doth direct, (and as it were) giuegive in commssion for our good.

Wee hauehave heard that the Word is the first and chiefe meanes not onelyonly to beget, but also to strengthen and increase Faith in vsus: What is the next principall meanes?

Prayer is the next principall meanes, seruing for the strengthening and encreasing of Faith.

What is Prayer?Prayer defined.

It is a lifting vp of the minde, and a powring out of the heart before God.

Is there any prescript rule of Prayer left vsus in the Scriptures?

Yea, euen the Prayer which our Sauiour CHRIST IESVS taught his Disciples, called the Lords prayer.

Is it lawfull to vse no other forme of words?

Wee may vse another forme of words, but wee must pray for the same things, and with like affection, following the same rules which are prescribed in that prayer.

How is that prayer diuided?

It is diuided into the

Preface, or entrance to the prayer.

Prayer it selfe.

Conclusion, or shutting vp of the prayer.

Which is the Preface?

Our Father which art in heauen.

What doth the Preface put vsus in minde of?

1. First, of him to whom wee pray.

2. Secondly, of our owne estate in prayer.

To whom doe we pray?

OnelyOnly to GOD the

Father.

Sonne.

Holy Ghost.

Why do you heere name the Father?

Because discerning the persons, wee pray to the Father secretly vnderstanding it, that p. 91wee doe in the mediation of the Sonne, by the working of the holie Ghost.

Why must wee pray to the Father in the mediation of CHRIST his Sonne?

Because GOD being displeased for sinne, we can hauehave no dealing with him, but onelyonly by the meanes of his Sonne, in whom he is well pleased.

Why is it required that wee pray by the working of the HOLY GHOST?

Because the holie Ghost assureth vsus that hee is our Father; and whereas wee know not what to pray, nor how to pray, the holie Ghost doth teach vsus both.

What must wee be perswaded of, and how must wee be affected in prayer?

Partly concerning.

ourselues:

1. Wee must be truly humbled; which is wrought in vsus two wayes:

1. By a perswasion of our sinfull miserie and vnworthines to be helped.

2. By a perswasion of the louing merciemercy—of God in heauen that must helpe vsus.

2. We must hauehave a certaine confidence we shalbe heard: and this is wrought in vsus,

1. By faith, being perswaded that God loueth vsus as his own childrē, in our L: Iesus Christ.

2. By faith, being perswaded that our Father being God Almightie, hee is able to doe—whatsoeuer he will in heauen & in earth.

others We must bee per swaded▪

1. That all Gods people pray for vsus.

2. That it is our bounden dutie to pray for others as well as for our selues.

How are the petitions deuided?

Into two parts: for

1. We make request for those things that concerne Gods Majestie.

2. For those things which concerne our owne welfare.

Which be those that concerne Gods Majestie?

The three first:

1. Hallowed be thy Name.

2. Thy Kingdome come.Part of Lords…

3. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen.

What is meant by the Names of GOD?

1. The Names and Titles of GOD, as Iehouah; the Lord of Hostes; and such like.

2. The

1. Wisedome—of GOD.

2. Power of GOD.

3. MercieMercy of GOD.

4. Goodnes. of GOD.

5. Truth. of GOD.

6. Righteousnes of GOD.

7. Eternitie.—of GOD.

Why bee these Names called the Names of GOD?

Because as names serue to discerne things by; so GOD is knowne to be GOD, by these things.

What is meant by the word Hallowed?

We pray that as God is glorious in himselfe, so he may be declared and made knowne vntounto men to be a most glorious God

How shall Gods Name be declared to bee holie and glorious?

1. First, we pray that his wisedome, power, goodnes, merciemercy, truth, righteousnes, & Eternitie, may more and more be imparted and manifested vntounto vsus and other of Gods people.

2. Secondly, wee pray, that according as wee know these things, so the fruites of them may appeare in our, and other Gods peoples liues, that so Gods Name may bee honoured and praised.

What doe wee pray against in this petition?

1. First, wee pray against all ignorance of holie things wee should know, and want of workes, whereby God wants of his glorie.

2. Wee pray against all false religion, wickednesse, and vngodlinesse, whereby Gods Name is dishonoured.

I cannot as yet finde any more of this Catechisme; If any man hauehave the rest in his priuate vse, he shall doe well to communicate the same vntounto the Church for the good of manie.

HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE

THE SECOND PART OF THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND AND FAITHFVLL SERVANT OF IESVS CHRIST, MAISTER RICHARD GREENHAM, MINITSER AND PREAcher of the Word of GOD, containing seuerall Treatises, the Titles whereof appeare in the next Page following.

Psalme 94. 12.

Blessed is the man whom thou chastisest, O Lord, and teachest in thy Law.

AT LONDON, Imprinted by Thomas Creede, for William Welbie, and are to be solde at his shoppe in Paules Church-yard, at the signe of the Swanne. 1611.

SVCH TREATISES AND MATTERS AS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS PART, ARE THESE.

1. A comfortable Treatise for an afflicted conscience, on the 18. of the PROVERBS. vers. 14.

2. Another short treatise of the same argument.

3. The markes of a righteous man.

4. Notes of election.

5. A treatise of Contract.

6. A large treatise of the Sabbath.

7. Short notes of our saluation, and of an vpright heart▪

8. Necessarie rules for the profitable reading of holy Scriptures.

9. A treatise of the Resurrection.

10. A treatise of Examination, both before and after the Lords Supper.

11. A treatise of Gods feare.

12. A treatise of hypocrisie.

13. A treatise of Anger.

14. A treatise of blessednes.

15. A treatise of Fasting.

16. A treatise of sending the holy Ghost.

17. A short treatise of Prayer vponupon the wordes of the Prophet Ioel, chapt. 2. vers. 32. alleadged by Saint Peter, Acts 2. vers. 21.