The Guide Unto True Blessedness, Prayer 4 – Section 52
A priuate Prayer for the grace of Sanctification.
O Lord God, Father of lights, author and giuer of eueryevery perfect gift, the holy one of Iſrael, and the ſanctifier thereof, before whom the Seraphims hide their faces, and in whoſe ſight the heauens are not pure: When I compare my filthineſſe and pollution with thine abſolute puritie, I cannot without feare and aſtoniſhment, without ſhame and confuſion approch into thy preſence, that am a vile ſinner, of polluted lips, and of vncircumciſed heart. But when I conſider thy great mercy and goodneſſe that doeſt open vntounto ſinners not onelyonly a way into thy fauourable preſence, by the vaile of the fleſh of Ieſus Chriſt, but alſo thy gracious hand to beſtow the gift of holineſſe vponupon all thoſe, that finding lacke of it in themſelues doe ſeeke it of thee: I am encouraged to come before thee, compaſſed, as I am with miſeries and infirmities, that I may returne from thee, compaſſed and cloathed with thy glorious graces. O Lord, if I let thee ſee my ſinnes and defilements, thou maieſt proceed in iudgement againſt mee for them: if I hide them from thee, how can I look to bee cured and cleanſed of them? Nay I cannot hide them from thee, O Lord; but labouring to conceale them, I ſhall make them more apparent. OnelyOnly ſhew me this fauour, not to behold them as a Iudge to bee auenged of them, but as the onelyonly ſoueraigne Phyſitian of my ſoule, to cure and heale them. And ſo good Lord, let me not ſpare to open vntounto thee, the ſicknes and ſores of my corrupt heart, and life. Yea rather doe thou, O Lord, for the beginning of thy gracious worke, ſhew me in the glaſſe of thy word my pollution by ſinne, that I may ſeeke after the lauer of thy grace, to bee waſhed and made cleane. Light vp, O Lord, in my heart the lampe of thy word and grace, that of thee, who onelyonly ſearcheſt the heart, I may learne to ſearch & know my wicked heart, & by the light of thy word I may bee able to worke vnderunder groūd, vntounto the bottome of the mine of ſin, that lurketh in my nature. Let mee count all my ſins as Traitors vntounto thy glory, & my ſafetie: & ſearch the houſe of my heart for them; but eſpecially for my ſpeciall ſin, as for the chiefeſt Rebell. Yea grant mee ſo to ſearch my ſelf, that I may auoid & preuent thy dreadfull ſearch: ſo to iudge my ſelfe, that I may auoide thy iudgemēt: ſo to cōdemn my ſelf, that I may auoid thy ſentence: ſo to hate and abhorre my ſelfe, that I may auoide thy wrath: ſo to be auēged of my ſelf that I may auoide thy puniſhment. Let ſinne, O Lord, be as bitter to me in the attempting, as in the repenting: at leaſt wiſe more bitter in the repenting, then euer it was ſweet in the committing; that either heedfull preuention may keepe me from bitter repentance, or the bitter reares of repentance may exempt mee from that moſt bitter account in the day of thy iudgement. Teach me to bring into diſcredit with mine heart all iniquitie, and all appearances thereof. Grant me ſtrength to ouercome my ſinfull luſts, at leaſt let me alwaies ſtriue againſt them, that I may be aſſured I am a member of thy Church militant. And whenſoeuer I ceaſe to ſtriue, let me not boaſt of victorie, or reioice of eaſe, but be aſhamed of my foyle, & flight. Grant that vntounto faith in thee I may alwaies ioyne feare, not onelyonly of Satan with whom I am in conflict, but alſo of the frailtie and trecherie of mine owne heart, and of the ſlipperie paths of this ſinfull world. Bring downe, by the batterie of thy ſpirit, the hils of my high and proud thoughts, ſtreighten my crooked and diſtorted affections, make plaine and ſmooth the rough waies of my rebellious and ſtonie heart, that thou maiſt walke at eaſe in the middes of me, and that I may ſee thy ſaluation, O God. Let me looke on the pleaſures and profits of this life, not onelyonly as thy liberall allowances to me, but alſo as Satans baites to inueigle me, that moderately vſing them, I may bee thankefull to thee for them, and auoiding the exceſſe and abuſe of them, I may bee free from the ſnares of the Diuell. Yea doe thou ſo weane me from the louelove of the world, and the things thereof, that Satan may bee to ſeeke of baites to allure mee to ſinne. Let me account my ſelfe a ſtranger on earth, and therefore abſtaine from fleſhly luſts that fight againſt the ſoule. Let me not value the pleaſures of ſinne at ſo high a rate, as for them to make ſhipwracke of a good conſcience before thee, or of a good report among men. Let mee by light eſteeming of outward things, ſhew that I take no thought for the fleſh, to fulfill the luſts thereof, and by the deniall of my ſelfe approue, that I liue by faith, putting on the Lord Ieſus Chriſt. Teach me, not to ſet my heart on vncertaine riches, which the more I deſire to hauehave, and louelove when I hauehave them, the more they will vex mee when I am to part with them: but let mee vſe them as things that muſt ſhortly leaue mee, or I them; and thy word onelyonly as that which ſhall abide with me for euer. Teach me, with Iacob, to account my ſelfe leſſe then the leaſt of thy mercies, that by humilitie I may bee fitted for greater graces. In all things giuegive mee grace to take heed of offending thy Maieſtie, and as I would not thou ſhouldeſt breake the bruſed reede, or quench the ſmoaking flax in mee, ſo graunt that I may not dare to quench the ſparke of thy ſpirit and grace in my heart. As I would thou ſhouldeſt giuegive mee reſt from the terrors of thy wrath, ſo grant that I may giuegive thy ſpirit reſt from the prouocations of my ſinnes. On the other ſide (good Lord) grant mee that knowledge of religion, that may beget conſcience: that conſcience that may preſerue religion; binding me, not by guilt to the puniſhment of ſinne, but by grace to the obedience of righteouſneſſe: ſetting mee at libertie, not from the band of dutifull louelove, but from the yoake of ſeruile feare. Enlighten mine eies that I may diſcerne of thy will, and guide my feete in thy waies, that I fall not by the deceiueableneſſe of ſinne, and ſo become a ſlander to thy Goſpell. Little is the good that is in me, O Lord, and that not of my ſelfe, it is thy gift: yet grant that it may be ſound and ſincere; not as the morning dew, that waſteth at the firſt heate, bu… as the morning light, that ſhineth more and more vntounto the perfect day. Let mee meaſure my ſelfe, not by that others iudge mee, or I feele my ſelfe to bee; but by that I deſire and labour to be: that I may neither iuſtifie my ſelfe, louing ſinne, though I commit it not; nor condemne my ſelfe, longing after grace, though I cannot finde that I hauehave attained to it. Let my reioicing be, not that I hauehave deluded the world with a fained ſhew of holineſſe and integritie, but that in ſimplicitie and godly pureneſſe I hauehave had my conuerſation among men, as in thy ſight. Renew my youth, O LORD, as the Eagle, not to the ſeruice of ſinne, but of thy name. Let it bee my meate and drinke to doe thy will, and let my hunger after it bee ſo great, that it may breake through all the ſtone walles of impediments and diſcouragements thereto. Yea the more I am diſcouraged, and withdrawne from dutie, by the practiſes of Satan, and the weakeneſſe of my fleſh, the more let mee ſtriue thereto, and abound therein, that Satan finding himſelfe a looſer, may bee forced to giuegive ouer his aſſaults. Let mee bee ſo farre from wearineſſe in thy ſeruice in the time of proſperitie, as I would thou ſhouldeſt bee from neglecting mee in the houre of neceſsitie. Let thy louelove toward mee, O Father, winne mee to the louelove of thee, and let my louelove to thee conſtraine mee, euen with deniall of my ſelfe, to ſerue thee. Teach mee to looke for all good things duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page from thee, by the meanes of IESVS CHRIST, and in him to offer vp my daily ſacrifices vntounto thee. Diſperſe in mee the clouds of ſinne, that my heart as in a cleare day, may alwaies behold thee. Let all worldly ioyes bee ſwallowed vp in mee, with the ioy of thy holy Spirit: and before all peace, let mee preferre the peace of a good conſcience: Let mee reioyce in thee without lightneſſe, and mourne for mine owne, and others ſinnes, without diſcouragement. Powre vppon mee thy Spirit of grace and ſupplication, that I may call vponupon thee with ſighes that cannot bee expreſſed, that cannot bee denied: that with this key I may open the treaſurie of thy goodneſſe, and enrich my ſelfe. Make mee a meete gueſt to ſit downe at the marriage feaſt of the Lambe, and graunt that I may bee carefull not to bee found without the wedding garment of faith working by louelove. Let mee keepe a diligent account of what I receiue from thee, and remembring that there ſhall bee a day of reckoning, graunt mee ſo to gouerne my ſelfe in the employing of thy talents, that both thou maiſt receiue of me thine owne with aduantage, and I, beeing found faithfull in little, may bee made ruler ouer much. Let mee account this terme of life, a ſeede time, and let mee not doubt to caſt my bread vponupon the waters, ſeeing at the end of dayes I ſhall finde it againe. Let me not eſteeme my ſelfe the poorer for beſtowing vponupon thy needie ſeruants, but let mee thinke that as the corne which is ſowen, remaineth not in the ground, but returneth with encreaſe to the ſower, ſo what I giuegive in thy name ſhall not remaine with the receiuer, but returne vntounto mee with aduantage. Make mee willing to beſtow, and to bee beſtowed, for the good of thy Saints: and withall humble, to aſcribe both the gift, and the willingneſſe to giuegive, to thy grace onelyonly. Graunt, good Lord, that beeing a pilgrim vponupon earth, I may hauehave my conuerſation in heauen: and profeſſing my ſelfe to bee a citizen of that Ieruſalem, which is from aboue, I may deſire not onelyonly to enioy the priuiledges, but alſo to ſpeake the language, and to bee gouerned by the lawes of that Citie. Make mee wiſe, O Lord, to vnderſtand and conſider my latter end. Let my whole life bee a preparation to death, and the meditation of death, the rule of my life. O Lord, guide my heart to the louelove of thy Maieſtie, and the waiting for of thy Sonne. VntoUnto mine old age, and gray head, O God forſake mee mee not: and let thy feare keepe mee from forſaking thee. Let mee bee among thoſe, that are planted in thine houſe, and flouriſh in thy Courts. Let mee bring forth more fruit in mine age. Let my later dayes bee my beſt daies, and my workes more at the laſt, then at the firſt. Finally, enable mee in this pilgrimage of my life, ſo to walke from ſtrength to ſtrength, that at the length I may appeare before thee, with the Congregation of the firſt borne, in that kingdome of glorie, which thou haſt prepared for all that louelove the appearance of thy Sonne our Lord Ieſus Chriſt. To whom, with thee, O Father, and thy Spirit, bee all honour and obedience, in the Church, hence forth, and for euer. Amen.
FINIS.
A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE.
ABRIDGED OVT OF the larger Treatiſe, for the more conuenient vſe of priuate Families, and inſtruction of the yonger ſort.
By SAM. CROOKE.
PROV. 22.6.
Traine vp [or Catechiſe] a Child in the way he ſhould goe: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
LONDON, Printed by John Pindley, for Nathaniel Butler, and are to be ſold at his ſhop neere S. Auſtins gate, at the ſigne of the Pyed Bull. 1613.
A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE.
SECT. I. Of the Scripture.
Queſtion. HOw may a man attaine true bleſſedneſſe?
Anſ. OnelyOnly byaJob. 22.21, 22. acquaintance, and fellowſhip with God, as hee offereth himſelfe to bee kn…wne of vsus, in hisbJoh. 6.68. word.
Q. What meane you by the word of God?
A. The holyc2. Tim. 3.25, 16. Scriptures of the old and new Teſtament, giuen by inſpiration of God.
SECT. II. Of God.
Q. HOw doe the Scriptures propound God to be knowne of vsus?
A. Partly in himſelfe, partly in his workes.
Q. What doe the Scriptures teach vsus touching God himſelfe?
A. Foure things: and firſt thataHeb. 11.… there is a God.
Q. What is the ſecond thing?
A. That God is abIoh. 4.24 ſpirit, moſt ſimple, eternall, infinite, conſtant and abſolute.
Q. What is the third thing?
A. That there is onelyonlyc1. Cor. 8.6. me God, and no more.
Q. What is the fourth thing?
A. That in this one Godhead aredMat. 28.19. 1. Joh. 5.7. three diſtinct perſons, the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghoſt.
SECT. III. Of Gods decree.
Q. VVHat are the workes of God?
A. They areaEpheſ. 1.11
1. His decree, and
2. The execution thereof.
Q. How may wee take a view of theſe workes of God?
A. Generally in all creatures; ſpecially in Angels, and men.
Q. What did God decree concerning all creatures?
A. ThatbRo. 11.3, 6. Pro. 16 4. all things ſhould ſerue vntounto his glorie.
Q. What did God decree touching Angels and men?
A. c1. Tim. 5.…1 Mat 25.41. 1. Theſ 5.9. Ro. 9.22, 23That they ſhould remaine for euer, ſome in honour, others in diſhonour, for his glorie.
SECT. IIII. Of Creation.
Q. HOw doth God execute his decree?
A. By two Actions: to wit, Creation, and Prouidence.
Q. What is Creation?
A. TheaGen. 1. whol…. making of all things of nothing, very good, in the firſt ſixe dayes of the world.
Q. How did God create Angels?
A. HebCol. 1.16 made them all, at the firſt, very good, and glorious ſpirits; yetcJob 4.18 mutable.
Q. How did God create man?
A. HedGen. 29 made him a liuing ſoule, framing his bodie of the dust of the earth, and breathing in his face the breath of life.
SECT. V. Of Prouidence.
Q. VVHat is prouidence?
A. The continuall *Pſ. 213.6care, that God hath of all his creatures, for the ſuſtaining, and diſpoſing of them, as they may beſtaPſal. 119.91 ſerue for his glorie.
Q. How doth God ſuſtaine Angels?
A. They are all vpheld by the power of God, ſo that they ſhallbLuk. 20.36 neuer llye, nor returne to nothing.
Q. How doth God ſuſtaine men?
A. He preſerueth mankinde in generall, by the bleſsing ofcGen. 1.28 procreation: and particular men and women, both for thedPſal. 36.6. time of this life, and foreMat. 25.46. euer in the world to come.
Q. How doth God diſpoſe of Angels?
A. Hee ſufferedf2. Pet. 2.4 ſome to fall, by ſinne, into damnation without recouerie, called Diuels: the reſt heegMat. 28.20. conf…rmeth in their firſt bleſſed eſtate, called Angels of light: both which heeh…ob 1.6. employeth for the accompliſhing of his will.
SECT. VI. Of the ſtate of Innocencie.
Q. HOw doth GOD diſpoſe of man?
A. As of that creature, inaPſa. 8.3, &c whom, aboue the reſt, hee intendeth to ſet forth his glorie; wherefore the Scriptures doe plentifully declare the dealing of GOD with man, both in this world, and for euer hereafter.
Q. How doe the Scriptures ſet forth the dealing of God with man in this world?
A. In a threefold eſtate, to wit, of Innocencie, of Corruption and miſery, and of Redemption; all which make way vntounto that euerlaſting eſtate of honour or diſhonour, fore-appointed vntounto all men.
Q. What is the ſtate of Innocencie?
A. The holy and happy condition of mankinde, created in thebGen 1.27 image of God, and placed by him incGen. 2.8 Paradiſe, with abilitie to attaine to bleſſedneſſe by the Couenant of workes.
Q. What is the Couenant of workes?
A. TheaGe. 2.16, 17 ſubſtance of the Law, written in the hearts of our firſt parents, promiſing bleſſedneſſe, if they ſhould obey, and threatning death, if they ſhould tranſgreſſe.
SECT. VII. Of the Fall.
Q. VVHat is the ſtate of corruption and miſerie?
A. The fearefull condition of ſinne, and death, wherein to God ſuffered all mankinde, in Adam, tobGe. 3.1, &c fall, through the temptation of Satan, by breaking the Couenant of workes.
SECT. VIII. Of Sinne.
Q. VVHat is Sinne?
A. c1. Ioh. 3.9A ſweruing from the Law of God, making the ſinner*Gen. 4.7. g… tie of the curſe of the Law: and it … either originall, or actuall.
Q. Wherein doth originall ſinne conſiſt?
A. In vtterbRom. 7.18 enmitie of our whole nature vntounto all that is good, andcRom. 7.14 proueneſſe vntounto all euill.
Q. What is Actuall ſinne?
A. EueryEverydRom. 5.14 particular breach of the Law of God.
SECT. IX. Of Death.
Q. VVHat is Death?
A. It is the ſeparation eGen. 3.19either of the ſoule from the body, f2. Theſ. 1.…or of ſoule and body from God; with all euils that attend on the one, or the other.
Q. How doth God employ men in this ſtate of Corruption?
A. Two waies: and firſt by thegJoh. 1.9. light of nature, andhEſay 44.28 common graces, reſtraining many from groſſe ſinnes, and guiding ſome vntounto actions profitable for humane ſocietie, and for the outward ſeruice of God.
Q. How ſecondly?
A. By ouer-ruling mens euill and ſinfull actions, ſo that thereby theyaAct. 4.27, 28. bring to paſſe nothing, but what God hath determined for his owne glorie.
Q. Doth God leaue all mankinde in this ſtate of ſinne and death?
A. No: but onelyonly the reprobate, whom heebAct. 14.16. ſuffereth to runne on in ſinne, and ſo vntounto damnation deſeruedly.
SECT. X. Of Redemption by the Couenant of grace.
Q. WHat is the ſtate of Redemption?
A. ThecRo. 3.23.24 recouerie of the Elect out of the ſtate of ſinne and death, by the new Couenant of grace.
Q. What is the Couenant of grace?
A. GodsaGal. 3.21, 22 ſecond contract with mankinde, after the fall, for the reſtoring of him vntounto his fauour, and happineſſe, by the meanes of a Mediator.
Q. What are wee to conſider in the Couenant of Grace?
A. Two things: whereof the firſt is the foundation of it, to wit, the Mediator.
SECT. XI. Of Chriſt the Mediator.
Q. VVHo is the Mediator betweene God and man?
A. OnelyOnlyb1. Tim. 1.5 Ieſus Chriſt, God, and man.
Q. How is he God?
A. In that hee is thec1. Ioh. 5.20 ſecond perſon in Trinitie, to wit, the eternall Sonne of the Father.
Q. How is hee man?
A. BydIoh. 1.14 taking our fleſh into his perſon, beeing miraculouſlyeLuk. 1.35 conceiued by the holy Ghoſt, and borne of the bleſſed Virgin Mary.
Q. How is he the mediator between God and man?
A. By becoming our Prophet, Prieſt, and King.
Q. How is he our Prophet?
A. ByaJoh. 17.26. reuealing vntounto vsus the will of God.
Q. How is he our Prieſt?
A. BybEph. 2.1…. 2. Cor. 5.28. appeaſing, and reconciling God vntounto vsus, through his death, and obedience.
Q. How is he our King?
A. BycEſa. 9.7. gouerning all things, for the ſaluation of his Elect, anddPſal. 45.5. deſtruction of his enemies.
SECT. XII. Of the myſticall vnion.
Q. VVHat is the ſecond thing to be conſidered in the Couenant of Grace?
A. The application thereof to the elect, giuing themaHeb. 3.24. part in Chriſt, and in all his benefits.
Q. What part hauehave the elect in Chriſt?
A. They hauehave firſt vnion with Chriſt, and ſecondly thereby Communion.
Q. How are the elect vnited vntounto Chriſt?
A. They arebEph. 5.30. knit vntounto Chriſt the head, as members of his myſticall bodie, by the ſpirit of Chriſt, and by faith.
Q. What is the ſpirit of Chriſt?
A. The power of the holy Ghoſt,cRom. 8.9. Gal. 5.25. abiding, and working in all thoſe that are Chriſts, as the ſoule of ſpirituall life.
Q. What is faith?
A. The firſt effect of the ſpirit of Chriſt,dEph. ….16, 17. diſpoſing vsus to cleaue to him, and the inſtrument, whereby all graces are begun, and increaſed in vsus.
SECT. XIII. Of the Goſpell.
Q. VVHat is our communion with Chriſt?
A. The participation of the benefits, flowing from his ſeueral offices.
Q. What benefite receiue wee from the Propheticall office of Chriſt?
A. TheaMath. 11.27 reuelation of the Couenant of grace, whereby we are madeb2. Tim. 3.15 wiſe vntounto ſaluation.
Q. What meanes doth God vſe for the reuealing of this couenant?
A. The meanes are of two ſorts. Viz. outward, and inward.
Q. What are the outward meanes?
A. The word, and the Sacraments.
Q. What meane you by the word?
A. ThecEph. 1.13. Goſpell preached, which …ontaineth, and publiſheth, the promiſes of ſaluation by Chriſt.
SECT. XIIII. Of Sacraments.
Q. VVHat are Sacraments?
A. aRom. 4.11.Seales, annexed by God to the word of his Grace,bGal. 3.27. aſſuring our part in Chriſt, andcRom. 6.4. binding vsus vntounto him in obedience.
Q. What Sacraments are there of the Couenant of Grace?
A. They be of two ſorts: Viz: ſome of the old Teſtament, before Chriſt, others of the new, vnderunder Chriſt.
Q. What were thoſe Sacraments of the old Teſtament?
A. Two: Viz: dGen. 17.10.Circumciſion, for entrance into the Couenant; and theeExod. 22.3, &c. Paſſeouer, for continuance, and confirmation therein.
Q. How many Sacraments are there of the new Teſtament?
A. Two likewiſe? Viz: Baptiſme, for entrance, and the Lords Supper, fo… confirmation, in the ſame Couenant.
SECT. XV. Of Baptiſme.
Q. VVHat is Baptiſme?
A. The ſeale of ouraTit. 3.5. new birth, and entrance into the Couenant of Grace.
Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament?
A. They are two; namely, firſt thebEph 5.…6▪ element of water, with the action of dipping, or ſprinkling the partie baptiſed,cMath. 28.19. In the Name of the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghoſt.
Q. What is the other part?
A. ThedHeb. 9.14. blood, ande1. Cor. 6.2… Spirit of Chriſt; waſhing away, both thefAct. 2.38. guilt, andgEzek. 36.25 Rom. ….2.3, &c. filthineſſe of our ſinnes.
Q. Who are to be baptiſed?
A. Whoſoeuer belong to the Couenant; whetherhAct. 8.37. of riper yeares, con…erted to the faith, ori1. Cor. 7.14. children of Chriſtian parents.
SECT. XVI. Of the Lords Supper.
Q. VVHat is the Lords ſupper?
A. The ſeale of ouraEph. 4.26. ſpirituall nouriſhment, and grouth in the bodie of Chriſt.
Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament?
A. Two, Viz: Firſt thebMat. 26.26, 27. elements of bread, and wine, diſtributed, and receiued, according to Chriſts inſtitution.
Q. What is the other part?
A. The*Mat. 26.26, 27, 28. bodie and blood of Chriſt, giuen by God, and receiued of vsus by faith, for thedJoh. 6.54. nouriſhing of our ſoules in ſpirituall life.
Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament?
A. Such, as profeſsing the true faith of Chriſt, hauehave duelye1. Cor. 1.28. prepared themſelues.
Q. How ought wee to prepare o… ſelues?
A. By examining, and ſtirring vp in our ſelues three notable graces.
Q. What is the firſt?
A. Knowledge of the will of God; eſpecially touching the matter of the Sacrament,a1. Cor. 11.29 that wee be able to diſcerne the Lords body.
Q. Which is theſe ſecond?
A.b2. Cor. 13.5. 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith, to apply the promiſes of ſaluation vntounto our ſelues in particular.
Q. Which is the third?
A.cZech. 12.10. Jam. 4.…. Repentance of our ſinnes paſt, with trued1. Cor. 16.14. louelove of God, and of our Brethren.
Q. How ought wee to receiue this Sacrament?
A. In a reuerent, and thankefull e1. Cor. 11.24, 25, 26.remembrance of the louelove of Chriſt, who gaue himſelfe for vsus: with deſire tof2. Pet. 3.18. grow in faith, and all holy graces.
SECT. XVII. Of the ſpirit and faith.
Q. WHat are the inward means, whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace?
A. They are 2. Viz: the ſpirit, & faith.
Q. What is here meant by the ſpirit?
A. A ſpeciall effect of the Spirit of Chriſt,aRom. 8.16. bearing witnes with our ſpirits, that we are, in Chriſt, the children of God.
Q. What is here meant by faith?
A. That ſpeciall act of faith, whereby weeb1. Joh. 5.10. Joh. 3.33. giuegive credit vntounto the report of the word and ſpirit of Chriſt, touching our ſaluation in particular.
SECT. XVIII. Of Ʋocation.
Q. VVHat is the māner of reuealing the Couenāt of Grace?
A. It is ourcRom. 8.30. Vocation and Calling… when God, by the meanes aforeſaid, inuiteth men to come vntounto him in Chriſt, for ſaluation.
Q. Are there not different kinds of Calling?
A. Yes: foraMath. 22.14. many are called outwardly, who are not choſen: but the Elect arebPſal. 65.4. effectually perſwaded to …lea…e vntounto Chriſt.
SECT. XIX. Of the Church.
Q. To whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace?
A. cJoh. 14.22.Not to the world; but to his Church, called out of the world.
Q. What meane you by the Church?
A. ThedEph. 5.32. 1. Cor. 1.9. whole number of Gods Elect, effectually called into fellowſhip with Chriſt.
Q. Where is this Church of God?
A. Part alreadyeReuel▪ 7.14. &c. triumphant in heauen; part as yetfReuel. 12.11. militant on earth, in the ſeruice, and warfare of the Lord Ieſus.
Q. Who are mēbers of the Church militāt?
A. As many as are liuing gEph. 1.22, 23.members of the myſticall bodie of Chriſt.
Q. How may we know them?
A. Not by the inward graces (a2. Tim. 2.19 onelyonly knowne to God) whereby they are inuiſible to vsus, but by the markes of viſible profeſsion.
Q. What are the true markes of viſible profeſsion?
A. The outward meanes appointed by God for the calling and gathering of his Saints: viz. bMat. 28.19, 20.the word preached, and Sacraments duely adminiſtred.
Q. Are we to ioyne with all Churches, that hauehave theſe markes?
A. cPhil. 1.18 Cant. 1.5Yea; neither muſt wee ſeparate from any, farther then they ſeparate from Chriſt.
Q. What diſtinction is there of the particular members of a Church?
A. Though all be the ſheepe and familie of Chriſt; yetd1 Cor. 12.2…. Luk. 12.42 ſome are ſet-ouer the reſt to feede them with the foode of life, as the Miniſters: andePſ. 78.71, 72 others to rule and order them outwardly, as the Magiſtrates.
SECT. XX. Of Iuſtification.
Q. VVHat benefite receiue we from the Prieſtly office of Chriſt?
A. OuraRom. 8.30 Iuſtification before God, through his bPhil. 3.9.righteouſnes, imputed vntounto vsus, and apprehended by vsus.
Q. What righteouſneſſe of Chriſt is imputed to vsus?
A. cHeb. 7.26The abſolute integritie of our humane nature, in him our head, performing perfect obedience vntounto the whole Law of God; both bydMat. 3.15 doing whatſoeuer was required of vsus, and bye1. Pet. 2.24 ſuffering what wee deſerued by ſinning.
Q. Who imputeth the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt vntounto vsus?
A. God, f2. Cor. 5.19.who in Chriſt reconcileth the world to himſelfe, not imputing their ſinnes vntounto them.
Q. How is this righteouſnes of Chriſt apprehended of vsus?
A. OnelyOnly by gRom. 5.1. & 10.10.faith, which as the hand of the ſoule, taketh hold on Chriſt, The aIer. 23.6Lord our righteouſneſſe.
Q. What gaine wee, being thus iuſtified?
A. OurbAct. 13.38, …9. ſinnes are pardoned, thecEphe. 1.6 fauour, and kingdome of God is purchaſed for vsus, and wee admitted, as ad1. Pet. 2.5. ſpirituall Prieſthood, to offer the ſacrifices of obedience, acceptable to God through Ieſus Chriſt.
SECT. XXI. Of Glorification begunne.
Q. VVHat benefite receiue wee from the Kingly office of Chriſt?
A. OureRom. 8.30 Glorification; whereby our whole nature and eſtate is reſtored, according to thefRom 8.…9 image of Chriſt our King.
Q. When is this benefite beſtowed on vsus?
A. gCol. 3.3.4Partly in this preſent life, but fully and perfectly in the life to come.
Q. How are wee glorified in this life?
A. aReu. 20.6.Partly in our condition, which is made bleſſed: and partly in our nature, which is made holy.
Q. How are wee bleſſed in our condition?
A. Both in ſpirituall, and in outward things.
Q. How in ſpirituall things?
A. In that, being in Chriſt, wee are not onelyonly admitted intob1. Joh. 1.3 fellowſhip with God; but alſo are made his cGal 4.5children by Adoption, &dRom. 8.17. heyres of his glorious kingdome; which euen now, byeRom. 5.…. faith, we doe in part fore-enioy, and reioyce in the hope thereof.
Q. How are wee bleſſed in outward things?
A. With all thef1. Tim. 4 … promiſes of God, and his liberall bleſsings, concerning this life; which are all giuen vntounto the faithfull, withgMar. 10.30 reſeruation of enduring the Croſſe; when God ſhall ſee it good for vsus.
SECT. XXII. Of Sanctification.
Q. HOw are we made holy in our nature?
A. By the grace of Sanctification; which is theaT…. 3.5 renuing of ourb1. Theſ. 5.23 whole nature, according to thecEph. 4.24 image of God, in righteouſneſſe and true holineſſe.
Q. What are the parts of Sanctification?
A. They are two; according to the powerfull meanes, whereby they are wrought.
Q. What is the firſt?
A. dRom. ….6, 7Mortification of ſinne, wrought in vsus by the power of the death of Chriſt.
Q. What is the ſecond?
A. eRom. 6.4Viuification, or quickning of vsus, vntounto newneſſe of life, by the power of Chriſt his reſurrection.
SECT. XXIII. Of the rule of Sanctification.
Q. VVHat is the rule & ſquare of our Sanctification?
A. TheaJoh. 17.17 whole word of God: that …, both thebJam. 2.8 Law, which requireth obedience; and thec1. Tim. 1.10, 11. Goſpell, which directeth vsus how to performe it.
Q. How doth the Goſpell direct vsus, … the obedience of the Law?
A. Firſt, itdIoh. 5.23 propoundeth God to be worſhipped of vsus in Chriſt.
Secondly, ite1 Theſ. 5.18 requireth obedience, …n way of thankefulneſſe for our redemption.
Thirdly, itfRo. 10.6, 8. offereth, and conferreth to the regenerate, that which it requireth.
SECT. XXIIII. Of the Law.
Q. VVHat is here meant by the Law?
A. OnelyOnly the morall Law, compriſed byaDeut. 4.13. God himſelfe in the Dec… logue, or ten Commandements.
Q. Rehearſe the ten Commandements▪
A. bExod. 20.1. &c.God ſpake al theſe words, ſaying &c.
Q. What vſe is there of thoſe words I am the Lord thy God, that brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of th… houſe of bondage?
A. They are a preface, enforcing the obedience of Gods Law; as proceeding from him, who is not onelyonly the Lord ourcPſal. 100.3. maker, but alſo our God d1. Tim. 4.10and Sauiour.
SECT. XXV. Of the firſt Commandement.
Q. WHich is the firſt Commandement?
A. eExod. 20.3.Thou ſhalt hauehave none other Gods before me.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. fRom. ….7Originall Corruption, as the fou… taine of impiety, with all the ſtreames of ignorance, errour, profaneneſſe, pride, fleſhly confidence, carnall feare, or louelove &c.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. aEſay 8.13That we ſanctifie the Lord God … our hearts, yeelding vntounto him in Chriſt, due faith, louelove, feare, &c.
SECT. XXVI. Of the ſecond Commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the ſecond Commandement?
A. bExo. 20.4. &c.Thou ſhalt make thee no grauen Image &c.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. cMat. 15.9EueryEvery forme of worſhip, not preſcribed by God himſelfe, in his word: and namely the worſhip ofdHab. 2.18 images, or of God in images.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. eEccl. 4.17That wee diligently, and decently, performe all parts of Gods worſhip preſcribed, as hearing the word praier, receiuing the Sacraments, &c.
SECT. XXVII. Of the third Commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the third Commandement?
A. aExod. 10.7.Thou ſhalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine &c.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. bMal. 1.6, 12.Euerie abuſe of the name of God, as by*Jam. 5.12. ſwearing: cGen. 16.5.vnreuerent mention of him, or his word, and workes dTit. 1.16.hypocriſie: eRom. 2.24.euill life, diſhonouring the profeſſion of religion: &c.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. That we honour God, and hi… religionfMath. 5.16 Tit. 2.10. by our holy conuerſation: that we makegPſal. 19.1, 2 honourable mention of him his word, and workes: that wehJer. 4.2. ſwear by him truly, aduiſedly and rightly &c.
SECT. XXVIII. Of the fourth Commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the fourth Commandement?
A. aExod. 20.8. &c.Remember the Sabbath Day, to keepe it holy, &c.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. That wee beare the Sabbath in minde, tobLuc. 23.54 fit our ſelues for it: that wecExod. 34.21 reſt therein from our ordinary labours: finally that withdEſa. 58.13. ioy, and deſire of profit, we performe the duties thereof.
Q. What are the duties of the Sabbath?
A. They are partly duties of pietie; aseAct. 13.14, 15. & 20.7. hearing, reading, prayer, holy conference, &c. partly off1. Cor. 16.2 merciemercy, as viſiting, and releeuing the ſicke, and needie; and ſuch like.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. The vnhallowing of the Sabbath; byaNeh…. 11.15… &c. minding, or doing our ordinary affaires: bybExod. 32.… carnall reſt, or paſtime: bycMar. 3.4 taking libertie to ſinne: finally bydAmo… ….5. M…l. 1.13. being wearie of holy duties.
SECT. XXIX. Of the fifth Commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the fifth Commandement?
A. eExod. 20.12Honour thy father and thy mother &c.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. Thatf…phe. 6.1… 5, &c. inferiors reuerence, and obey their ſuperiors: thatgEph. 6.4, 9, &c. Tit. 2.7. ſuperiors ſo carrie themſelues, that they may be worthie of honour, and imitation: finally thathRom. 12.10. equals afford due reſpect each to other.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. iIude. ….9, 10.Neglect, and diſobedience, in inferiors: k1. …im. 2.2…indiſcreete carriage in ſuperiors: lMath. 23.…inciuilitie among equals.
SECT. XXX. Of the ſixt Commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the ſixt Commandement?
A. aExod. 20.13.Thou ſhalt not kill.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. Euerie hurt, done, threatned, or intended, to the ſoule, or bodie, either ofbPro. 6.32. & ….35. 1. King 2.23 & 18.28. our ſelues, or of our cMath. 23.15. & 15.14 Math. 5.21 22. &c.neighbours?
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. That we louelove and cheriſh, both the ſoule, and bodie, of our dHeb. 3.1… Iam. 1.27. Phil. 2.12. Eph. 5.…9.neighbour, as we would, and ought to doe, our owne.
SECT. XXXI. Of the ſeuenth Commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the ſeuenth Commandement?
A. eExod. 20.14.Thou ſhalt not commit adulterie.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. All impuritie, and fleſhly pollution, inaMath. 5.2…. thought, bEphe. 4.2….word, orcHeb. 13.4. action.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. Chaſtitie, and puritie, indMath. 5.8. heart, eEph. 4.29.ſpeech, andf…. Theſ. 4.4. behauiour.
SECT. XXXII. Of the eight commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the eight Commandement?
A.gExod. 10.15. Thou ſhalt not ſteale.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. The hindering, or abuſing, of hPro. 23.21. Luc. 15.13.our owne wealth, or of iPro. 1.11, &c. Amos 8.4.the wealth of our neighbour.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. That wee preſerue, and further, both our owne wealth, and our neighbours, by all kEph. 4.28.lawfull courſes, and lTit. 2.10.honeſt dealing.
SECT. XXXIII. Of the ninth commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the ninth Commandement?
A.aExo. 20.16. Thou ſhalt not beare falſe witneſſe againſt thy neighbour.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. All bCol. 3 9. Eph 4.25. Apoc. 22.15 Pſal. 15.3,lying, diſſembling, equiuocating, falſe ſpeaking, or ſurmizing; finally what ſoeuer is contrarie to truth, or good report.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. That by cPſal. 15.2. Jam. 3.17.true ſpeaking, and iudging, by d1. Cor. 12.22ſeaſonable commendation, and reproofe; finally by all meanes, wee maintaine truth, and good name.
SECT. XXXIIII. Of the tenth Commandement.
Q. VVHichWhich is the tenth Commandement?
A. aExod. 20, 17Thou ſhalt not couet, &c.
Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement?
A. Originall corruption, orbRom. 7.7. Jam. 1.14 Math. 15.19. concupiſcence, with all motions, proceeding there from, contrary to the rule of charitie, and the good of our neighbour.
Q. What is required in this Commandement?
A. That wecPro. 4 23. watch ouer our hearts, and outward ſenſes, keeping our thoughts, and affections, within the bounds ofd1. Tim. 6.8. contentment, & brotherly louelove.
SECT. XXXV. Of Repentance.
Q. THus farre of the rule of ſanctification: what is the effect or exerc…ſe thereof?
A. Repentance, which is a through change of oureRom. 12.1.2. purpoſe of heart, andfEſa. 1.16.17. courſe of life, from euill, vntounto good.
Q. How is this change wrought in vsus?
A. ByaZech. 12.10 looking on our Sauiour, in the glaſſe of the Goſpell, with godlie ſorrow for the ſinnes, wherewith wee hauehave pierced him.
Q. How may wee know that our repentance is true?
A. By two notes: whereof the firſt is, if it extend vntounto thebPſal. 119.128. hatred of all ſinnes, andcPſal. 119 … practiſe of all duties, without reſeruation.
Q. What is the ſecond note?
A. If we ſhew our hatred of ſinne, indHeb. 12.4. ſpirituall warfare againſt it, and our louelove of righteouſneſſe, in the practiſe ofeMath. 3.8. good workes.
SECT. XXXVI. Of the ſpirituall warfare.
Q. WHat is the ſpirituall warfare?
A. ThefEph. 6.10, 11, &c. withſtanding of all temptations vntounto ſinne, from thegEph. 4.27. Diuell, theh1 Joh. 5.4. world, and our ownelGal. 5.2…, fleſh, by the power of the Grace of God.
SECT. XXXVII. Of good workes.
Q. VVHat is a good worke?
A. Whatſoeuer is done of vsus, by theaPhil. 4.13. power of grace, according to thebRom. 12.2. will of God, forc1. Cor. 10.31 his glorie, and our owne, and othersd1. Cor. 10.21. good.
Q. Who can doe good workes?
A. OnelyOnly the Regenerate, who areeEph. 2.10. created anew for that purpoſe: and euen theyfGal. 5.17. imperfectlie, becauſe of the remainders of ſinne.
Q. Are not ſome good workes ſpecially commended to vsus?
A. Yes; asgMath. 6, 1, &c. Prayer, whereto ſometimes Faſting is to be ioined: and Almes.
SECT. XXXVIII. Of Prayer.
Q. VVHat is Prayer?
A. It is theaPhil. 4.6. requeſt of an humble heart vntounto God, in thebJoh. 14.14 name of Chriſt, withcIam. 1.6. aſſurance to bee heard.
Q. For whom muſt we pray?
A. Ford1. Tim. 2.1. all men, eueneMat. 5.44. our enemies: but eſpecially for ſuch, as are ourfEph. 6.18. brethren in Chriſt.
Q. How, and for what, muſt we pray?
A. g1. Ioh. 5.14.According to the will of God, and the directions wee hauehave out of his word.
SECT. XXXIX. of the Lords Prayer.
Q. VVHat directions hauehave we for prayer in the word of God?
A. Manie precepts, and platformes of holie prayers: but eſpeciallie aMath. 6.9. &c. Luk. 11.…, &c.that moſt abſolute forme, and patterne, deliuered by our Sauiour himſelfe, called the Lords Prayer.
Q. What are the words of the Lords Prayer?
A. Our Father, which art in heauen &c.
Q. Why are wee taught to call God [Father?]
A. That wee might come before him, as children, withbMal. 1.6. reuerence, andcPſal. …03.13. confidence.
Q. Why are wee directed to call him [our] Father?
A. That we might be put in minde todMat. 5.23, &c. 1. Tim. 2.8. bee at peace one with another, and toeIam. 5.16 pray one for another, as well as for our ſelues.
Q. VVherefore are wee directed to ſay, [which art in heauen?]
A. To encreaſe both ourfEccleſ. 5.1. reuerence of him, who is ſo high aboue vsus, and ourgLuk. 11.13. confidence in him, who can and will doe all things for vsus.
SECT. XL. Of the firſt Petition.
Q. HOw many Petitions are there in the Lords Prayer?
A. Sixe: whereof the three firſt concerne God: and the three later our ſelues.
Q. Why are thoſe Petitions firſt placed that concerne God?
A. To teach vsus toaJoh. 12.27, 28. preferre the glorie and ſeruice of God, before our owne good.
Q. What are the words of the first Petition?
A. Hallowed be thy Name.
Q. What doe we aske of God in this Petition?
A. That God, who in himſelfe, his word, and workes, is moſt holy, and glorious, may beebPſal. 96.8 1. Pet. 2.9 acknowledged, and honoured for ſuch, by vsus.
SECT. XLI. Of the ſecond Petition.
Q. VVHat are the words of the ſecond Petition?
A. Thy Kingdome come.
Q. What doe we craue of God in this Petition?
A. That theaAct. …6.18 Col 1.13 Kingdome of ſinne, and Satan, beeing more and more aboliſhed, bCol 3.15, 16Chriſt may now raigne in our hearts by grace, andc2. Tim. 2.22 we with him for euer in glorie.
SECT. XLII. Of the third Petition.
Q. VVHat are the words of the third Petition?
A. Thy will bee done in earth, as it is in heauen.
Q. What doe wee aske of God in this Petition?
A. Thatd2. Tim. 2.26 1. Pet. 4.2 renouncing the will of Satan, and our owne corrupt inclination, wee mayaPſa. 119.60 readily, andbCol. 3.23 heartily obey the will of God; following, in our meaſure, the example of thecPſa. 103.20 Angels and Saints, that are in heauen.
SECT. XLIII. Of the fourth Petition.
Q. VVHat are the words of the fourth Petition?
A. GiueGive vsus this day our dayly bread.
Q. What doe we begge of God in this Petition?
A. dPro. 30.8.Such a portion of outward bleſſings, as God ſhall ſee meete for vsus: together withePhil. 4.11, 12. grace to be contented with our allowance.
SECT. XLIIII. Of the fift Petition.
Q. VVHat are the words of the fift Petition?
A. And forgiue vsus our Debts, as euen we forgiue our Debtors.
Q. What doe wee craue of God in this Petition?
A. That God wouldaJob 35.24 Pſal. 35.3 Jer. 14.7 aſſure vsus daily of the forgiueneſſe of our ſinnes; for Chriſt his ſake; working in vsus abCol. 3 13 mercifull affection, to forgiue, for his ſake, ſuch as hauehave offended vsus.
SECT. XLV. Of the ſixt Petition.
Q. VVHat are the words of the ſixt Petition?
A. And lead vsus not into temptation, but deliuer vsus from euill.
Q. What doe wee aske of God in this Petition?
A. That ſinne may not onelyonly be pardoned vntounto vsus, but dailycRo. 6.1, 2 mortified in vsus: and wee eitherdPro. 30.8 2. Cor. 12.8 kept by the prouidence of God from temptations, ore1. Cor. 10, 13. 2 Cor. 12.9 preſerued by his Grace from being hurt thereby.
SECT. XLVI. Of the concluſion and circumſtances of Prayer.
Q. VVHy are wee taught to adde thoſe words, [For thine is the Kingdome, the power, and the glorie, for euer, and euer?]
A. That wee may firmely beleeue, thata1. Tim. 1.17. God, the mightie, and euerlaſting King, bEphe. 3.20.can, andcJer. 14 7. Ezek. 3… 22. for his owne glorie will, grant the things we hauehave thus demanded.
Q. Why are wee taught to conclude with this word, [Amen?]
A. That thereby wee may ſignifie, not onelyonly ourdIam. 5.17. feruent deſire, that ſo it may be, but alſo oureIam. 1.6. Reu. 22, 20. faith, that ſo it ſhall be, as we hauehave prayed.
Q. What other circumſtances are there required in Prayer?
A. In priuate prayer,f1. Cor. 14.2 1. Kin. 18.42. ſuch words, geſtures, &c. as may expreſſe our reuerence, and faith towards God: in publique prayer,g1. Cor. 14 4, 17, 40. ſuch, as may alſo witneſſe our Communion one with another, and deſire of mutuall edification.
SECT. XLVII. Of Faſting.
Q. VVHen muſt Faſting be ioyned vntounto Prayer?
A. When we deſire toa1. Sam. 7.6 Eſther 4.16 auoid ſome great euill, or tobNehe. 1.4. Act. 10.30. obtaine ſome great merciemercy at the hand of God.
Q. What is Faſting?
A. ThecJoel 2 16 chaſtiſing of our nature, and laying aſide of the delights of ſenſe, for a time; and that with reſpect to a ſpirituall buſineſſe.
Q. What is that ſpirituall buſineſſe?
A. An extraordinarie endeauour ofdEzra 8.…1 humbling our ſelues, and of ſeeking the face, and fauour, of God.
SECT. XLVIII. Of Almes.
Q. VVHat is Almes?
A. It is aaDeut. 15.7 Heb. 13.16. dutie of Chriſtian louelove, wherebyb1. Joh. 3 17 ſuch as hauehave this worlds good, doec2. Cor. 9.7 freely impart to ſuch as are in want.
Q. Who muſt giuegive Almes?
A. Whoſoeuer hathd1. Tim. 6.17 Luk. 21.3. ſuch a portion, out of which, by frugalitie, ſomething may be ſpared.
Q. To whom muſt Almes be giuen?
A. ToeDeu. 15.7, 11. thoſe on…ly, whom God by his prouidence, hath made poore; vnleſſefLuk 10.33 preſent extremitie diſpenſe with the conſideration of the perſon.
Q. How much muſt we giuegive?
A. We muſtg2. Cor. 9 6 ſow liberally, that we may reape alſo liberally: yet with reſpect toh2. Cor. 8.13 our owne abilitie, and thei2. Cor. 9.12. condition of the receiuer.
Q. With what affection muſt Almes be giuen?
A. WithkMat 6.1. &c. humilitie before God, aPſal. 112 4.compaſsion of our poore brotherb2. Cor. 9.7. cheerefulneſſe, andcRom. 12.8. ſingleneſſe of heart.
SECT. XLIX. Of Death, and particular Iudgement.
Q. VVHat is the dealing of God with man after this life?
A. The bringing of all men vntounto Iudgement.
Q. How are men brought to Iudgement?
A. Two waies: Viz.dHeb. ….27 ſeuerally at the hower of eueryevery ones death, and eAct. 17.31generally at the laſt day.
Q. How are men iudged in the houre of death?
A. God then pronounceth, and the conſcience apprehendeth the ſentence of abſolution, or condemnation: and the fLuk. 16.22, 23.ſoule is accordingly conueyed into ioy, or miſerie.
SECT. L. Of the preparation to the laſt iudgement.
Q. VVHat is the iudgement of the laſt day?
A. The great Aſsiſe of the whole world, whereina2. Cor. 5 10 Eccl. 12.14 all men ſhall appeare before the iudgement ſeate of Chriſt, to receiue according to that they hauehave done in this life.
Q. When ſhall this day be?
A. bAct 1.7It is not for vsus to know the times; onelyonly wee know thatcHeb. 10.37. 2. Pet. 3 9 hee that is to come, will come, and will not tarrie.
Q. How ſhall Chriſt come to iudgement?
A. Euen in hisdAct. 1.11 humane body, buteMat. 25.31. with vnſpeakeable glorie; attended with all the holy Angels of God, and with thef1. Theſ. 4.1… ſhout of an Arch-Angell.
Q. How ſhall all men be brought into the preſence of Chriſt the Iudge?
A. a1. Cor 15.52The dead ſhall be raiſed with their owne bodies, and the liui… changed, and that in a moment, at the ſound of the laſt trumpet.
Q. Shall the reſurrection of the Elect, and the Reprobate be the ſame?
A. No. Forb1. Cor. 15.52, 53. the Elect ſhall riſe with glorious bodies: but the Reprobate with bodies full of vncomelineſſe.
Q. How ſhall men appeare before Chriſt?
A. cLuk. 21.28. 1. Theſ. 4.17.The Elect ſhall with ioy, be caught vp to meete the Lord: butdReu. 1.7. & 6.15, 16. the Reprobate, with horror ſhall bee drawne into his preſence.
SECT. LI. Of Examination and ſentence.
Q. HOw ſhall men bee tryed in this iudgement?
A. eRo. 2.12, 15.According to the will of GOD, manifeſted vntounto them by nature, or by Scripture: and the testimonie of their owne conſciences, touching their obedience, or diſobedience thereto.
Q. Shall the Elect vndergoe this tryall?
A. Yea, but with great fauour; foraEzek. 18.22 Reu 14.13. not their ſinnes, but their good workes onelyonly, ſhall bee remembred; and thoſe not ſtrictly cenſured, but onelyonly produced, as proofes of that faith in Chriſt, whereby they hauehaveb2. Pet. 1.10, 11 entrance into the kingdome of God.
Q. How ſhall ſentence bee pronounced?
A. Chriſt the Iudge ſhall award vntountocMat. 25.34 the Elect the bleſſed kingdome promiſed: and todMat. 25.41. the Reprobate the curſe of euerlaſting fire, eRom. 6.23which they hauehave deſerued.
SECT. LII. Of the Execution of the laſt Iudgement.
Q. HOw ſhall this ſentence be executed?
A. aMat. 25.46.Chriſt by his Almightie power, and miniſterie of Angels, ſhall ca… the Diuels, and wicked men into hell fire: and after carrie vp the righteous with himſelfe, into the bliſsefull, and euerlaſting kingdome of glorie.
ECCL. 12. ver. 13, 14.
Let vsus heare the end of all: feare God and keepe his commandements: for this is the whole of man.
For God will bring eueryevery worke vntounto iudgement, with eueryevery ſecret thing, whether it be good or euill.