The Lordes Prayer . The Lordes prayer hath sixe petitions . The three first concerne GOD : The three last , vs .

OVr Father which art in heauen . Two things must bee considered of vs , when we bende our selues to praier : First , Gods loue conteyned in these woordes , Our Father : Secondly , Gods power conteyned in these words , Which art in heauen . God is our father , because we are his children . Yf this be true , howe is Christe the onely sonne of GOD ? both are true : Christ is Gods sonne by nature : Ioh. cap. 1. ver. 14. we by adoption . Rom. chap. 8. ver. 15. Galat. cap. 4. ver. 6. That which was his by nature , is ours by grace . We pray vnto God in the name of Christe alone , for God is our father by the meanes of Christ . If it be so , then Christ is the alone Mediatour of intecession . 1. Tim. chap. 2. ver. 5. Rom. cap 8. ver. 34. Heb. chap. 7. ver. 25. So are Angelles and dead Sainctes barred from this office . The sacrifice of Christs death and continuall intercession are necessarily linked together , they are two parts of Christes Priesthood . Heb. 5. & 7. Chapters . If we graunt Angels or dead Saincts to be Intercessours , we giue vnto them the glory of Christes Priesthood .

Wee haue all one father , therefore vnitie is required among vs . Math. cap. 5. ver. 23.24 . Ephesi . chap 4. ver. 3.4.5.6 . Vnitie I meane , in Christe . Rom. chap. 15. ver. 5. Philip. chap. 4 ver. 2. For without Christe it is accursed . Better is godly discord then wicked concord . GOD is our Father , wee ought not therefore too dispayre of his mercy . Our sinnes I confesse , doe throwe vs downe to Hell . Esay . chap. 59. ver. 2. Rom. chap. 6. ver. 23. Though they be greeuous and many , yet Gods mercy is aboue all . Esay chap. 1. ver. 18. Ezech. cap 18. ver. 23. The earthly father cannot but be good to his vngracious childe , if he returne from his lewdnesse . Luke . chap. 15. ver. 20.21.22.23.24 . Gods mercy is more exceeding . Esay . cap. 49. ve. 14.16 . 1. Timoth. chap. 1. ver. 13.14.15.16 . If it be compared with the other , it is as a great Sea vnto a litle Riuer . Gods power is set foorth in these wordes , Which art in heauen , whereby is ment that all thinges whatsoeuer are vnder the gouernment of the eternall God , and that al thinges are ordered by his Prouidence . Psalme 115. ver. 3. Though God be in heauen hee is not there shut vp . Such thoughtes must bee farre from vs : for the Heauen of Heauens cannot conteyne him . 2. Chronicles , chapt. 2. ver. 6. GOD by this speache is exempted from beeyng a Creature , and wee are taught not too thinke basely of so mightie a GOD , for hee is higher then all the worlde .

1 Hallowed be thy name . Wee desire that Gods name may be famous and reuerenced in all the earth , yf it is to bee reuerenced , then must we neuer speake or thinke of God without great reuerence : it is too bee wished that all were thus affected : but if none were , God abideth faithful , he cannot deny him selfe . 2. Timoth , cap. 2. ver. 13.

2 Thy kingdome come . Wee desire that the lustes of our fleshe , wicked thoughtes , and such like may be subdued , & that Gods spirit may rule in our harts . This is brought to passe , partly by the worde preached , partly by the holy spirit : who if hee touche not our heartes , as the woorde doeth pearce our eares , the worde is a shut booke . Esay . chap. 29. ver. 11. and as a sealed letter vnto vs . We doe well in praying dayly , Thy kingdome come , for it is encreased by continuall goinges forwarde euen in the best men . Philip. chap. 3. ver. 12. Colossi . chap. 1. ver. 9.10 . Wee are all in a race and short of the macke , whilest wee are in the fleshe , wee must goe from faith too faith , and from vertue to vertue , Prouerb . cap. 4. ver. 18. Ephesians chap. 4. ver. 15. There must be no standing ●●il : not to go forwarde in a godly life is to goe backewarde .

3 Thy will be doone in earth , as it is in heauen . The wyll of God is of two sortes . The fyrst secrete : the seconde reuealed in his woorde . None can withstande Gods secrete will . Esay . chap. 46. ver. 10. Rom. cap. 9. ver. 19. his reuealed wyl is meant in this place : so that this is the meaning : we desire that all creatures may bee obedient to Gods will reuealed in his woorde without muttering or resistaunce . The Angels doe execute his wil. Psalm. 103. ver. 20. We must doe the like so neare as we can .

4 Geue vs this day our dayly bread . By Bread are vnderstanded al things necessary for this life , as meate , drinke , and such like . 2. Kinges chap. 6. ver. 22.23 . It is called our bread , not because of right it is due vntoo vs , but because by Gods good will it is appoynted for our vse . Psalme 145. ver. 15.16 . If wee will bee fed of the Lorde , wee must abstayne from other mens goods , and bee content with our owne , Prouerb . chap. 5. ver. 15. Gen. chap. 3. ver. 19.2 . Thess. cap. 3. ver. 12. The worde dayly signifieth suche prouision as may godly bee come by , though it bee neuer so homely , it taketh away all desire of delicates . I neither doe nor dare condemne great fare , dayntie prouision , and suche like . Gods giftes doe serue not onely for necessitie , but also for pleasure , Psalm 104. ver. 15. we may vse them I say for pleasure , wee may not abuse them : They which thynke otherwyse , do thinke amisse . These wordes this day , doe take away distrustfull care for the time to come , which is condemned by Iesus Christ . Math. chap. 6. ver. 25.28.31.34 . Riche men haue Sellers full of Oyle . Garners full of Wheate , what need they to aske ? they haue enough alreadie . I graunt they haue great store : but all is nothing without Gods blessing . Yf the staffe of bread be broken : Leuit. chap. 26. ver. 26. Ezech. chap. 9 ver. 16. If God blowe vppon our corne : Aggeus chap. 1. ver. 9. It wil do vs no good . Man liueth not by breade onely , but by euery worde that proceedeth out of the mouth of God . Deut chap. 8. ver. 3.

Wee pray for bread : notwithstanding our praiers , it is Gods gift . Psa. 145. ver. 15.16 . If the least things be Gods gifts , then eternall life much more . Rom. chap 6. ver. 23.

And forgiue vs our trespasses . By Trespasses are ment sinnes . Sinne is threache of Gods Lawe . 1. Iohn chap. 3 ver. 4. Eyther in word , deede , or thought . None are free from sinne . Prouerb . cap. 24. ver. 16. Luke chap. 1. ver. 47. 1. Iohn . cap. ver. 8.10 . Al haue neede of pardon : for al desire forgeuenes of theyr sinnes . If Gods children haue need to be pardoned , they are none of gods which say they need not forgiuenes of sinnes . As we forgeue them that trespasse against vs . Iniuries doone vnto vs must be forgiuen & forgouttē . Gen. chap. 50. ver. 21. Col. cap. 3. ver. 13 If we be reuiled in worde , or euill intreated indeed we must neither be hard to forgiue , nor hastie to reuenge , wee must forgiue an hundred pence , if we wil be forgiuen ten thosand talents . Mat. cap. 18. ver. 35. Our forgiuing of other is not the cause why wee are pardoned . Gods mercy is the cause . Ephesi . cap. 2. ver. 45. but it is a certaine argument that God hath , and will forgeue vs , yf wee can finde in our hearts vnfeynedly to forgeue other . Mat. cap. 6. ver. 14.

5 And lead vs not into temptation , but deliuer vs from euil . That is to say , Deliuer vs from euill , that wee bee not carried into temptation . By temptation are meant all euill motions , which do allure vs to sinne . By euyl , I vnderstande the Deuilliso that this is the meaning of this petition : though euyll motions ( O Lord ) do continually assault vs and fight against our soules , yet assist vs mightily with thy grace , that wee neuer be ouerwhelmed of them . We desire Gods defence against our enimie , & we haue great need so to doe . The Diuell is mighty : Ephesi . cap. 6. ver. 12. Wee weake , and not able of our selues too withstand him . Ephesi. 6. ver. 11. Colos. chap. 1. ver. 11. But in Christe we ouercome : for stronger is hee that is in vs , then he that is in the worlde . 1. Iohn . cap. 4. ver. 4. If wee needed not Gods ayde , this prayer were in vaine . We are taught in this petition , that God leadeth some into temptation . Esay . cap. 6 ver. 10 Rom. cap. 1. ver 24. The wordes are plaine . And leade vs not into temptation . It seemeth strange that God shuld lead into temptation . It is strange , I confesse , to mans reason , but Gods doing is aboue our reason . His iudgements are alwayes iust , though they bee often secrete : and God then leadeth intoo temptation , when he punisheth one sinne by another : & when by taking away his spirite , and ditection he leaueth man to himselfe . For thine is the kingdome , and the power , and the glory for euer . Amen . We may bee bolde too aske , and sure to obtaine at Gods handes our godly desires , for his kingdome , power , and glory cannot bee taken from him . Gods kingdome is mightie glorious & euerlasting . Earthly Princes if they bee compared with God are nothing , and theyr kingdomes laste but a while . Wicked men had not neede to wage battell against the Lorde , they fight in vayne and hurt themselues most . Dan. cap. 4. ver. 32. Gods kingdome wil be aloft , do what they can . Dan. cap. 4. ver 31. Ephe. cap. 1. ver. 21.

God geue vs grace to be & to continue his children , that wee may haue a crowne of glory in his euerlasting kingdome for his Christes sake . Amen .

Is any among you afflicted ? let him pray . Iames , chap. 5. ver. 13.

¶ Faith is the gift of God . Philip. Cap. 1. ver. 29.

Faith is an assured knowledge of Gods fatherly goodwill vnto vs by Iesus Christe , and a trust in the same good will , which hath ioyned with it an earnest care to liue a godly life .

The Articles of our Faith .

I Beleeue in God , &c. To beleeue in God , is to put our whole trust & affiance in god . We must apply this belief euery man to himself , otherwyse it will not profite vs . The plaister , if it be not layd to the wounde , will neuer heale the sore . The iust man shal liue by his owne faith . Rom. cap. 1. ver. 17. The father almighty &c. God is almighty , because althings are vnder his gouernment , and are ruled not by chaunce , but by his heauenly prouidence . Dan. cap 4 , ver. 32. Mat. cap. 10. ver. 29.30 . Ephe. cap. 1. ver. 11. If it were not thus , Sathan and the wicked , who can do nothing without Gods sufferance , Iob. cap. 1. ver. 2. would easily ouerthrowe vs . Maker of heauen and earth . By heauen and earth are meant al creatures whatsoeuer and wheresoeuer they be . Apoc. cap. 10. ver. 6. When wee confesse God to be maker of al creatures , wee doe not deny that he hath care of preseruing them in theyr estate . Heb. cap. 1. ver. 3. That were in deede the high way to ouerthrowe his prouidence : and suche thoughtes doe not become the children of God .

AND in Iesus Christe . &c. The Sonne of GOD is called Iesus , because hee saueth his people from theyr sinnes . Math. cap. 1. ver. 21. His name is according to his office . He is called Christe , because hee was annoynted with the giftes of the holy Ghoste , not by measure as we are , Ephe. cap. 4. ver. 7. But without measure . Iohn . cap. 3. ver. 34. That he might powre on vs great store of heauenly graces . Our pouertie is great , but by Iesus Christe we are contimally enriched : his Storehouse cannot be emptied and his Fountaine can neuer be dryed vp . The Sonne of GOD was annoynted a Prophet , to open vnto vs the will of God and the glad tidinges of the Gospell . Luke cap. 4. ver. 18. He was moynted a Priest too redeeme vs from eternall deathe by the Sacrifice of his owne body , offered once , not often , by himselfe , not by others . Heb. cap. 9. ver. 26.28 . And to make continual intercession for vs miserable sinners . Heb. cap 7. ver. 25. He was annoynted a king to gouerne vs by his worde , which is his Scepter , and by his Spirite , whiche is the earnest of our inheritaunce . His onely Sonne our Lorde . Christ is our lorde , because wee are not our owne but his . Wee are his , because we are bought with a price . 1. Cor. cap. 6. ver. 20. Not with siluer and golde , but with his precious blood , 1. Pet. chap. 1. ver. 18.19 . Wee haue good cause too loue Christe : For hee bought vs dearely . Act. cap. 20. ver. 28. Apocal. cap. 5. ver. 9. Wee must honour and feare him : For he is our Lorde . Malach. cap. 1. ver. 6. Which was conceaued by the Holy Ghoste . If Christe had beene conceaued by man , he had not beene voyde of sinne : Iohn chap. 3. ver. 6. Iob , cap. 25. ver. 5.6 and therefore vnfit to deliuer vs from sin . Heb cap. 7. ver. 26. Borne of the Virgin Mary . Christe was like vnto vs in all things , onely sin except . Heb. cap. 4. ver. 15. He tooke our nature vpon him . Heb. cap. 2. ver. 14. It is happy for vs that hee did so : for by this meanes the Deuil that had power of death , is destroyed , and we are reconciled vnto the fauour of GOD . Heb. cap. 2. ver. 14.17 Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate . Christes life vppon the earth did not much differ from death : but a little before and at his death , barbarbarous crueltie was practised . Math. chap. 27. ver. 26.28.29.30.38.39.40.42.43 . he was innocent by the iudgement of Pilate , but most vniustly condemned by that wicked hypocrite . Math. cap. 27. ver. 24. Christ was free from sin : 1. Iohn cap. 3. ver. 5. and therfore suffered not for his , but for our sinnes . Rom. chap. 4. ver. 25. 2. Cor. chap. 5. ver. 21. If any say , that notwithstanding Christes death , sin doth still remaine euen in the faithful : 1. Iohn . 1. ver. 8. hee may bee answered , that sinne doeth bite , but not deuoure them . The sheelde of faith may be wounded , but it cannot be stricken through . Was crucified . The death of the crosse was most greeuous of al other deaths : it was accursed by Gods owne mouth . Deut. chap. 21 ver. 23. Christ did abide the death of the crosse . Philip. cap. 2. ver. 8. He was made a curse to redeeme vs from the curse of the lawe . Galat. chap. 2. ver. 13. so that wee may be now assured that Satans head is broken . Gen. chap. 3. ver. 15. and that the hande writing which was against vs , is put out by Iesus Christe , and fastened to his crosse . Col. cap. 2. ver. 14.

Dead . Gods iustice could not bee satisfied for our sinnes , but by the death of the Sonne of GOD . Heb. cap. 2. ver. 9.17 . It was therfore necessary for vs that he shoulde dye the death . If any meruaile why we dye , when Christe hath dyed for vs , they may bee aunswered that death is greeuous , but not deadly too Gods Children : that it dwelleth in them , but hath not dominion ouer them : and that they dye , but doe passe by the deathe of the body , as by a gate of eternall life . 2. Cor. cap. 5. ver. 1.2 . Philip. cap. 1. ver. 23. Seeing therfore that the losse of this short and transitory life , is the high way and entraunce into Gods kingdome , wee must not be afraide to dye , when our louing God doth call vs , vnlesse wee make greater account of earth then of heauen , and of the company of men then of God and his Angels .

And buried . Christe was buryed by an honorable Counsellour Ioseph of Aramathia , who begged his body of Pilat . Mark . chap. 15. vers. 43. His burial is mencioned too assure vs that hee dyed indeede .

He descended into Hel ( that is to say ) He suffered the torments of Hel , and did abide the most bitter sorowes of death , Acts. chap. 2. ver. 24. As if hee had beene forsaken of GOD his father . Matth. chap. 27. ver. 46. All this was for our cause . Esay . chap. 63. ver. 4.5 . When wee are in great torment , and griefe for our sinnes , when we are euen at the brink of despayre , then it will bee a notable sheelde to beare of all grieuous assaultes , too remember that our Sauiour Christe went downe into Hell , to deliuer vs from the torments thereof . This lesson if it ●e surely learned and setled in our hartes , wyll heale a wounded conscience , wyll tayse vs vp from the gates of Hell , and wil in our greatest distresse be very sweet ●nto vs . Christ did not discend into hell , to fetch from thence the godly Patriarkes , and other which died well before his comming in the flesh : that is a wicked dreme , and hath neyther grounde to stand on , nor ●ight to shewe it by in Gods Booke , for they were neuer there . Ecclesiast. chap. 12. ver. 7. 1. Cor. chap. 10. ver. 3.4 . The thirde day he rose againe from the dead . Christes enimies did what they could to keepe him downe : they laide a stone vpon his graue , they sealed the stone , they made the graue sure with a watch : Mat. 27. ver 65.66 . but al was in vaine , for Christ rose the third day from death . Math. chap. 28. ver. 6.7 . Christes resurrection was great losse vnto Satan , it swalowed vp death , and broke in peeces the bonds of the deuil : Coll. cap , 2. ver. 15. It is gainfull too vs , for therby we haue a sure pledge of our resurrection : 1. Cor. cap. 15. ver. 20.21.22 . and are made partakers of the righteousnesse of Christ . Rom. cap. 4. ver. 25. He ascended into heauen . Christs ascending into heauen is manifestly prooued in the Scriptures : Mark . cap. 16. ver. 19 Act. cap. 1. ver. 9. Heb. cap. ver. 14. Hee ascended into heauen to prepare vs a place . Iohn . cap. 14. ver. 2. and to pray continually for vs vnto God his father . Rom. ca. 8. ver. 34. Seing that Christ is our Atturney and pleadeth for vs , we may go boldly vnto the throne of grace , that we may receiue mercy & finde grace to helpe vs in time of neede . Heb. cap. ver. 16. If Christ be in heauen bodily , as we are plainely taught in Gods booke by S. Peter & by S. Paul : Act. cap. 3. ver. 21. Phil. chap. 3. ver. 20. Heb. cap. 9. ver. 24. Then he neither is nor can be bodily in many places at once . It is true that Christe promised his Apostles , & in them other , that he would be with them vnto the ende of the worlde . Mat. cap. 28. ver. 20. But hee ment by the vertue of his spirite : Ioh. cap. 14. ver. 18. in which sense S. Paule sayth that Christ ascended aboue all heauens too fulfill all things . Ephe. cap. 4. ver. 10. And sitteth at the right hand of God the father almightie . God is a spirit : Ioh. cap. 4. ver. 24. He hath neither hands , eyes , armes , eares , nor such like as some haue imagined . I graunt the Scripture giueth eies , armes , eares , &c , vnto God , not that hee hath suche , but to helpe our weakenes by such maner of speaches . Christ is sayd to sit at the right hand of God , because he is aboue all rule and power , and might , and dominion and euery name that is named , not in this worlde onely , but also in the world to come . Ephe. chap. 1. ver. 21.22 . Seeing that Iesus Christe is of so great power , Gods children may assure them selues of a singular defence , and the wicked maye reckon of a greeuous ouerthrow .

From thence shal he come to iudge the quicke and the dead . Christ when hee was on the earth was most vniustly iudged : but in the great day he shall sit in Iudgement , and all the worlde shall appeare before his Maiestie . 2. Cor. cap. 5. ver. 10. none shall escape his iudgement . Apoc. chap. 20. ver. 12.13 . Dead and lyuing shall come before his presence . Acts. chap. 10. ver. 42. 2. Timoth. cap. 4. ver. 1. If any saye that death is the house of all fleshe : Hebr. chap. 9. ver. 27. And therefore that none shall bee aliue at Christes second and glorious appearance , he may be answeared , that as they which eyther haue already dyed , or shall dye heereafter before the day of Iudgement , haue and shall put of the Substaunce of theyr bodyes , so they which shall bee aliue at that tyme shall put of , not the Substaunce of theyr bodyes as the other haue , but the Qualities of theyr bodyes : which is no doubt a kinde of death : and thus is the place of Saint Paule to be vnderstoode Wee shall not all sleepe , but we shall all be chaunged . 1. Corinth . Chapter . 15. verse . 51.

This day of Iudgement will bee a comfortable and ioyfull day to God his children : Luke chap. 21. verse . 28. Philip chap. 3. ver. 20.21 . 1. Thessa . chap. 4. ver. 16.17 . for then they shal haue ful possession , aswel in body as soule , of Gods euerlasting kingdome . Matthew cap. 25. ver. 34.49 . It will bee a fearefull day to the wicked . 2. Thessalonians chap. 1. verse 7.8.9 . For then Gods vengeaunce shall bee plentifully powred vppon them . Apocalips . chap. 20. ver. 15. Matthewe chap. 25. ver. 41.46 .

I beleeue in the holy Ghoste . By holy ghost I vnderstand the third person of the holy Trinitie , proceeding from the father and the sonne . Iohn cap. 15. ver. 26. who as he is true God : Act cap. 5. ver. 3.4 . 1. Cor. cap. 3. ver. 16. so by his inwarde and heauenly working in our harts , he assureth vs that wee are of the number of Gods children , Rom. chap. 8. ver. 16. and that we are & shal be cloched with Christ , as with a precious garment , and haue Christes benefices plentifully and with a full horne powred vpon vs . The holy Catholike Church , that is to say , I beleeue that almightie God had from the beginning of the worlde , hath presently in the world , and shall haue vntil the ende of the world his church on the earth . Ezdr. cap. 9. ver. 8. Esay . cap. 29. ver. 18.22 . though not alike visible at al times in the eyes of men . Esay . chap. 49. ver. 21 , Dan. cap. 7. ver. 21.22 . Apoc. chap. 12. ver. 6. The visible Churche is the company of those which make profession too serue the true god in Christ The Church is called holy , not because it is without sinne , or cannot be dusked with some spot , ( for the whole Church prayeth for pardon of their sinnes ) Math. cap. 6. ver. 12. But for that Iesus Christe , who is the head of the Church , is holy and that the holinesse of the Church is begun in this life . The Church is called Catholike or vniuersall , because it is not tyed to any time , persons , or place . Ezech cap. 11. ver. 22.23 . Mat. cap. 23. ver 37.38.39 . Act. cap. 13. ver. 27.28 . but because it is scattered ouer the face of the world , according to the plesure of almightie God . This Catholike Church of God standeth not in multitude of persons , Act cap. 19. ver. 27. Apo. cap. 28. ver. 28. but in weight of trueth . Ephe. chap. 2. ver. 20 otherwise Christe himselfe and his Apostles had not byn Catholike , for his flock was very litle . Luk. ca. 12. ver , 33. and the catholik or vniuersal consent of the world stoode against it . Acts. cap. 4. ver. 26.27 . The communion of Saints . By Saints are mental the faithful whersoeuer , sanctified by the holy Ghost : so that this is the meaning of this Article : I beleeue that there is a communion or felowship of and amongest the children of God . This communion or felowship of Saints is first , & especially with Iesus Christ , who as he is the onely head of the Church : Col. cap. 1. ver. 18. Eph. cap. 4. ver. 15.16 . So he giueth life and spirituall giftes to the faithful , who are his members . This communion or felowship is also amongst the godly themselues , & appeareth euidently by vnitie of faith , by partaking of the holy Sacraments , & lastly by relieuing one another , either with spiritual graces , Heb cap. 3. ver. 13.1 . Thes. chap. 5. ver. 11.14 . Which must bee vsed to the comfort and good of others according to our calling , or els with part of those external blessings which the Lorde in mercy hath made vs stewards of . 2. Cor. cap. 8. ver. 3.11.12 . Heb. cap. 13. ver. 16. The forgeuenes of sinnes : ( that is to say ) I beleeue that Almightie God hath , doth , and will forgiue me and al his children , al our sinnes committed both before and after baptisme , 1. Iohn . cap. 1. ver. 7.1 . Pet. cap. 2. vers. 24. howe greate and many so euer they bee . Esay . cap. 1. ver. 18. Mat. cap. 12. ver. 31 not for any worke or merite of ours , Luke cap. 17. ver. 10. Esay cap. 43. ver. 25. and chap. 64. ver. 6. but for the death & bloodshed of the immaculat lambe Iesus christ 1. Pet. chap. 1. ver. 18.19 . Apoc. chap. 1. ver. 5. With whose righteousnes because we are clothed , we may assure our selues that we are deliuered from eternal death , which is the stipende and wages of sinne , Rom. cap. 6. ver. 23. Almightie god hath and doth bestow many good things dayly vpon vs , for which wee are greatly and deepely bound vnto his maiestie : but this benefite of washing vs from our sinnes in Christs blood , if it be compared with the other , doth as farre passe than , as the Diamond doeth the Peeble stone .

The resurrection of the body : ( that is too say ) I beleeue that all mens bodyes , euen the selfe same wee carrye about vs in our life time , and no other then they , as touching the substaunce , ( whether they rotte in the Graue , or bee any otherwise consumed ) shall bee raysed vp againe at the last day , and bee ioyned to their soules . Iob. chap. 19. ver. 26.27.1 . Cor. cap 1.5 . ver. 52.53 . Philip cap. 3. ver. 22. At which time the godly shal haue ful possession of eternal life , and the wicked of eternall death . Iohn . cap. 5. ver. 28.29 . The life euerlasting , That is , to say : I beleeue , that as I haue the seede of eternal life already sowne in my heart , which is very sweete , and a sure staffe to rest on in all miseries of this life whatsoeuer : so I shall be perfectly happy in the life to come , and shal then & there praise the Lorde God without ceassing , and yet without weatinesse . Apoc. cap. 21. ver. 4. If Gods children do beleeue eternal life , then they neither can , nor ought to doubte of the certayntie of their saluation : for faith and doubting cannot stand togeather . 2. Cor. chap. 13. ver. 5. Rom. chap. 8. vers. 14.16.7 . The Lorde for his mercy sake increase our faith , and giue vs grace to liue alwayes in his feare , that when we shal leaue this transitorie life , we may haue the ende of our faith , which is the saluation of our soules purchased vnto vs by the precious death and bloodshed of our Lorde and onely Sauiour Iesus Christe .

Amen .

Without faith it is impossible to please GOD .

Heb. chap. 11. vers. 6.

Sinne is a breaking of Gods law . 1. Iohn . 3. ver. 4. either in woorde , thought , or deed . The ten Commaundements of almghtie God . The first 4. Commaundements teache vs our duetie to God . The 6. last , teache vs our dutie towards men .

1 THou shalt haue no other gods but me . that is , thou shalt put thy trust in god only , & worship him only . Deut. cap. 6. ver. 13. Mat. cap. 4. ver. 10. The Lord cannot abide to haue any ioyned with him . Deu. cap. 6. ver. 14.15 . He will either haue al or none . Ezec. cap. 20. ver. 39. Iosua cap. 24. ver. 23.24 . They which trust in any other then God alone , doe forget the Lorde . Psalm. 44. ver: 20.

2 Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image , nor the likenesse of any thing that is in heauen aboue , or in the earth beneath , or in the waters vnder the earth : ( that is ) Thou shalt not make any Image , either to represent god who cannot be seene : Deu. cap. 4. ver. 12.15 . Acts. cap. 17. ver. 29. Or to worship God by : Rom. cap. 1. ver. 23.25 . for it is against this commandement , Thou shalt not bowe downe to them , nor worship them , ( that is ) thou shalt not shew so muche as outwarde reuerence vnto them , no not the bowing of the body , or any part therof : Exo. cap. 34 , ver. 14. 2. Co. cap. 7. ver. 1. Rom. cap. 11. ver. 4. For Images are lying scholemaisters . Ier. cap. 10. ver. 8.14.15 . Abac. cap. 2. ver. 18.

3 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine ( that is ) thou shalt neither sweare often and vainly : Mat chap. 5. ver. 34.37 . Iam. chap. 5. ver. 12. Much lesse blasphemously in thy common talke : Leuit. cap. 34. ver. 15.16 . Neither forsweare thy selfe : Math. cap. 5. ver. 33. Neither consent vnto them , which offend in this or any other wicked sort . Eph. cap. 5. ver. 11.12 .

But bicause the name of God is holy Psa. 103. ver. 1. Thou shalt not defile it , but vse it with great reuerence . Leuit. chap. 19. ver. 12.

Is it lawfull to sweare at al ? it is , for the testifiyng of a truthe , whereby eyther Gods glory is promoted : 1. Reg. cap. 22. ver. 14. or controuersies ended amongest our neighbors . Gen. cap. 31. ver. 53. Heb cap. 6. ver. 16. Is it lawful too sweare by Saints , or any other creature ? No , wee must sweare by God alone . Deut. cap. 6. ver. 13. Esay . cap. 45. ver. 23. And that in the cases before remembred : for a lawfull othe is a part of Gods worship . Esay . cap. 19 ver. 18. Ierem. cap. 12. ver. 16.

4 Remember that thou keepe holy the Sabboth day : ( that is ) thou shalt spend that day in hearing gods most holy worde , in common prayers and such like , to Gods glory and thine owne comforte . Is it not lawfull to haue some other sette dayes for common and Christian assemblies ? yes , no doubt , if superstition ( that is to say ) the esteeming of one day more holy than another be absent , & the Lord god sincerely honoured . But the Lordes day which we call the Sunday , is especially appointed , because of our weakenesse by Gods church in steed of the Iewes Sabboth . Actes . chap. 20. ver. 7. 1. Cor. cap. 16. ver. 2. They which absent themselues from Christian meetings , where God is truely serued , either wilfully as Gods enimies do , or for dispatch of busines ( which may be wel deferred ) as worldlings doe , are guiltie , the one sort of contemning God and his Church , both which are highly to be esteemed . Mat. cap. 18. ver. 20. 1. Tim. chap. 3. ver. 15. Ephe. chap. 5. ver. 27. the other of preferring their greedie desires , before the Lords vnspeakeable mercies . Mat. cap. 22. ver. 2.3.5 .

The second Table .

5 HOnor thy Father and thy mother : ( that is ) giue reuerence to thy father and mother . Leuit. chap. 19. ver. 3. Gen. cap. 46. ver. 29. Col. chap. 3. ver. 20. and help them : if , and wherein they haue neede , as thou art able . Gen chap. 45. ver. 9.10.11 . 1. Sam. chap. 22. ver. 3.4 . And be alwayes humble and obedient vnto them in the Lord. Ephe. cap. 6 ver. 1. but neuer against the Lorde , Luke chap. 14. ver. 26. Must wee honour none but our Fathers and Mothers ? Yes , al those must be honoured , whom God hath any waies set ouer vs : as the Magistrate , Rom. cap. 13. ver. 1. Tit. cap. 3. ver. 1. 1. Pet. cap. 2. ver. 13.14 . The Minister of Gods word , Heb. ca. 13. ver. 17. 1. Thess. cap. 5. ver. 12.13 . 1. Tim. cap. 5. ver. 17. our bodily maisters : 1. Tim. cap. 6. ver. 1. Ephe. cap. 6 ver. 5. and such like : But yet euer in , and neuer against the Lord .

6 Thou shalt not kill : ( that is ) thou shalt neither vse any violence thy self , nor be authour , or consenting that any be vsed by other against thy neighbour . Leui. cap 19. ver. 16. Thou shalt neither be are hatred or malice against him . Math. cap. 5. verse . 22. 1. Iohn . chap. 3. verse . 15. Thou shalt neither secretly nor openly take away his good name . Psalm. 101. ver. 5. Iam. chap. 4. ver. 11. Thou shalt vse thy neighbour louingly both in woord and deed , 1. Ioh. cap. 3. ver. 18. And thou muste doe good euen vnto thy enimie . Exod. cap. 23. ver. 4.5 . Math. cap. 5. ver. 44. Rom. chap. 12. ver. 20. Is it not lawful to put notable offenders to death ? it is : not for priuate men , whose handes the Lord hath bound : Gen. chap. 9. ver. 6. Matth. cap. 26. ver. 52. But for the Magistrates , whom God hath armed with the sword . Prou. cap. 20. ver. 26. Psal. 101 ver. 8 Rom. chap. 13. ver. 4. If the Magistrate condeme vs vniustly , must we obey ? we must euen to the abiding of death . 1. Pet. cap. 2. ver. 23. But yet commit our cause to God , who iudgeth iustly . 2. Chronic. chap. 24. ver. 22. 1. Pet. chap. 2. ver. 23. Rom. cap. 12. ver. 19. And thinke our selues happy that we suffer for righteousnesse sake . Mat. cap. 5. ver. 10. & 16. ver 25. 1. Pet. cap. 2. ver. 19.

7 Thou shalt not commit adulterie , ( that is ) thou shalt keepe thy minde free from lusting after strange flesh . Mathew . chap. 5. ver. 28. 1. Cor. chap. 6. ver. 20 And thy body and euery part thereof , free from all wantonnesse : whether it be the committing of any whoorishe and filthie deede : 1. Cor. cap. 6. ver. 18.19.20 . Heb. cap. 13. ver. 4. or corrupt talk : 1. Cor. cap. 15. ver 33. Ephe. cap. 4 , ver. 29. Or light behauiour . Iob. ca. 31. ver. 1. They which haue not the gift of continencie may and ought to marry : 1. Cor. chap. 7. ver. 2.9 . Heb cap. 13. ver. 4. But they must ioyne with such as feare God . Gen. cap. 24. ver. 3.2 . Cor. cap. 6. ver. 14.15 . And with the consent of their parents . Gen. cap. 34. ver 4.1 . Cor. cap. 7. ver. 37.

8 Thou shalt not steale ( that is ) thou shalt be so far of from committing theft , which the Princes lawes do punish with deeth , that thou shalt neither by vsurie , Ezech. cap. 18. ver. 8.13 . Psal. 15. ver. 5. colour of law , 1. Cor. cap. 6. ver. 9.10 . by inclosures of commons , whereby the poore either are , or ought to be relieued . Mich. chap. 2. ver. 1.2.3 . Deut. chap. 5. ver. 21. or by any meanes whatsoeuer defraude or oppresse any man in any matter . 1. Thes. 5. ver. 6. If thou haue sinned in any of these sorts ( thou must make restitution : Nehe. ca. 5. ver. 11.12.13 . Eze. ca. 33. ver. 15. & steale no more , but labour rather with thy hands in the thing which is good , that thou maist haue to giue to him that needeth . Eph. chap. 4 ver. 28. If false dealing must not be vsed in things that appertaine to this life : Leuit. chap. 19. ver. 11. much lesse are Gods people , to bee spoyled of the foode of their soules , either by corrupting the word of life , or making marchaundise thereof 2. Cor. chap. 2. ver. 17. and. chap. 4. ver 2.

9 Thou shalt not beare false witnes . against thy neighbour : ( that is ) thou shalt not put thy hand with the wicked , to be a false witnesse , Exod. chap. 22. ver. 1 either by word or othe : thou shalt not by receiuing or reporting a lye , Exod. cap. 23. ver. 1. either impaire thy neighbours good name . Psal. 15. ver. 3. Prou. cap. 22. ver. 1. or diminishe the leaste parte of his goods , much lesse endanger his life : Thou halt not misconstrue his woordes as the wicked doe . Matth. chap. 16. ver. 6. Act. chap. 6. ver. 13.14 . But thou shalt cast of lying , and speake trueth vnto thy neighbour , Ephe. chap. 4. ver , 25. plainely , but yet louingly rebuking him , and not suffering him to sinne . Leuit. chap. 19. ver. 17. Mat. cap. 18. ver. 15. As it is great wickednesse to beare false witnesse any way , or to any end : so is it very lawfull to witnesse a trueth , either for the increase of Gods glory , the ending of controuersies amongst our neighbours , or for the safety of our Prince & Country . To refuse too witnesse or vtter the truthe in these cases , either by worde or othe , is too be wicked and false witnesses .

10 Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house . Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours wife , nor his seruant , nor his maid , nor his Oxe , nor his Asse , nor any thing that is his . ( that is ) thou shalt be so far from doing the least wrong vnto thy neighbour , in any of thy outwarde doings , that thou shalt not once think or desire to hurt him any way . Zac. cap. 8. ver. 17. Gods lawe doeth not onely binde our bodies , & euery part therof to obedience , but our mindes also : it is therefore spiritual . Rom. cap. ver. 14. Gods lawe doeth forbid all vnlawfull concupiscence : therefore vnlawfull concupiscence , though it burst not out into outward act , is sinne , Rom. cap. 7. ver. 7.

CAn any of Gods children keepe gods commaundementes perfectly in this life ? no , not one of them , onely Iesus Christ excepted , who was free from sin . 2. Cor. chap. 5. ver. 21. 1. Pet: cap. 2. ver. 22. not one of them I say eyther was , is , or shal be able to keepe Gods commaundements in this life .

SEeing that none can keepe gods commaundements in this life : why wil the Lorde haue them so exactly and seuerely preached ? I answere , that we seeing in the law as in a glasse , what greeuous sinners we are , and how by our corrupt nature we doe incline , yea rather are carried headlong to sin , Rom. cap. 3. ver. 20. & . cap. 7. ver. 8. might haue feeling of , & be sory for our sinnes , and so be led by the law , as by a scholemaister to Iesus christ : that we might be made righteous by faith in him . Galat. chap. 3. ver. 24. by whose stripes we are healed . 1. Pet. ca. 2. ver. 24.

The Lord possesse our hearts with his holy spirite , that wee may be carefull too please , and affraid to displease him . The Lorde forgiue vs all our sinnes , euen for his great mercies sake . Amen .

OH that my wayes were directed to keepe thy statutes . Psal. 119. ver. 5. Open mine eies that I may see the wonders of thy Lawe . ver. 18. I am a stranger vpon earth : hide not thy commaundements from mee . vers. 19. Make mee to vnderstande the way of thy preceptes , and I will meditate in the wonderful workes . verse . 27.

FINIS .