The principles of the true Christian religion breifelie selected, out of manie good bookes. first reade: and then iudge.

The Principles of the true Christian religion : breifelie selected , out of manie good Bookes .

First reade : and then iudge .

Ioh , 17 , 2 , 3 , & 3 , 16. The Godly ioye of a true Christian is : to knowe the onely God , in Christ . So shall hee obtaine the eternall ioyfull life . 1. Tim , 4 , 8. Godlinesse is good vnto all thinges : As a thing which hath promises , in the life that is now : And in the life to come .

1590.

❧ To the Christian Reader .

EVery Christian ought to haue great care , to ground him selfe in the principles of christian religion ,

a a 2. Tim , 3. 16. 17. Acts , 17. 11. & 19. 28. Ioh , 5. 39 , Reue , 3. 15. 16. Iam , 1. 6. 7. 1. Pet , 3. 15. 16. Vpon the sure rocke of the holie Scriptures : that he bee not caried awaie with euery winde to a newe religion ( nor vnto hereticall opinions ) nor wauering in his faith .

b b Mar , 16. 16. Ioh , 3. 18. 36. & 12. 48. For except a man beleeue the Catholicke faith vndoubtedlie , with an assured beleefe : he cannot be saued .

c c Act , 17. 11. The consideration hereof maie stirre vppe euerie Christian , to search the holie Scriptures : to learne to knowe Christ : and howe to attaine vnto saluation .

( These thinges caused me , to select and write this little booke , for mine owne instruction . )

Reade diligentlie ( this little booke ) ●●d ( I doubte not ) you will acknowledge to haue receiued profite , worth your paines . Thus wishing the encrease of the knowledge of God , to al people : I commend you to his gratious protection .

Thine in the Lord . Swithunc Butterfeild . Aprill . 1590.

The Principles of Christian Religion .

EVery Christian which desireth to attaine eternall life in heauen ; must knowe howe condemnation Rom , 5. 18. 19. and sinne came on all men , by the offence of our first father Adam ( from whom wee are all discended ) And therefore hee , and his posteritie accursed .

And how that condemnation and curse Ioh , 17. 2. 3. Rom , 5. 18. 19. is put from vs : ( and the ioyfull eternall life attained ) Onely , by the mercye of God : through faith in Iesus Christ our sauiour . Mar , 16. 16. Mat , 16. 26. 27. Ephe , 1. 4. 1. Pet , 1. 15. 9. Ioh , 3. 18.

Therefore euerie Christian must know , what hee must beleeue ; and howe to serue God : Thereby to obtaine forgiuenes of all his sinnes in this life : that hee may attaine vnto eternall life in heauen .

The faith in Iesus Christ , which wee Ioh , 17. 2. 3. Mat , 22. 37. to 40. Gal , 5. 14. must beleeue ; and the true seruing of God , according to his holy will : Is breifely comprised in the Creede : The tenne commaundementes of almightie God : the Lo 〈…〉 s prayer : and the right vse of the holy Sacramentes . so Religion consistes in faith , and obedience .

The Creede , teacheth what we must beleeue .

The tenne commaundementes , sheweth vs our dutie towardes God : and our dutie towardes our neighbour .

The Lordes prayer , teacheth vs how we must pra● ; and for what , we must pray .

The holy Sacramentes are ordeined to be holy signes , and assured tokens to vs ; of the mercy of God , and forgiuenes of sinnes : For the merites death and passion , of Christ Iesus our sauiour .

These foure parts containeth faith ( which is the beleeuing of the Gospell . ) The Law , Praier , and Sacramentes . ( Or more shorter , The Lawe : and the Gospell . )

Those articles of faith which wee must beleeue : are these that followe . Commonlie called the Apostles Creede .

The Creede .

I Beleeue in God , the father almightye maker of heauen and earth .

All my hope , trust , and beleefe , for al things I beleeue in God . I shall neede ( either heauenly or earthly ) is in the same ( A ) onely very God , that made the heauens and the earth .

( B ) The father of our Lord Iesus Christ ( C ) and my father for Christ his sake . ( For hee hath chosen all the faithful in Christ , to bee his children : And loueth them . )

Who is so ( D ) almightie : that hee made Almighty : maker of heauen and earth . the heauens and the earth , and all thinges therein : with his word . And doth still so preserue rule and gouerne them : that nothing happeneth in this world , but by his determination , will , and foreknowledge .

It is God onely , that giueth faire weather and foule weather : plentye and all things else ; as pleaseth him . There is not any thing that happeneth to me in blessings or punishments , but by the appointment and foreknowledge of almightie God . Whereby I knowe that the deuill is not able to doe any hurt to me , vntill God suffer him for my punishment : and that only so farre as he giueth the deuell leaue . The wicked spirites , the wicked people , and the wilde beasts ▪ are the messengers of God ; to execute his iudgementes and punishmentes .

( C ) This almighty God is so wonderfull , mighty and incomprehensible : that my minde ( nor any man whatsoeuer ) is not able to conceiue what hee is . But Christ hath taught vs : that this our good God and father , is a spirite .

a a Of God . Gen 1. Ioh , 1 , & 17 , 3. 1 , Tim , 2 , 5. 1. Cor , 8 , 6. Eph , 4 , 5 , 6. Deu , 6 , 4. Ier , 10 , 10 , 11 1 , Tim , 1 , 17. Ier , 23 , 24. Ioh , 4 , 24.

b b The father of Christ Iesus Math , 1 , 18 , 20 , & 3 , 17. Luk , 1 , 32 , 35. Ioh , 1 , 14. Rom , 15 , 6.

c c And my father . Rom , 8 , 15 , Gen , 1 , 27 , & 2 , 7 ▪ Ioh , 1 , 12. Gal , 4 , 6. Eph , 1 , 5 , 6. Ioh , 20 , 17 , 1 , Ioh , 3 , 1. Rom , 5 , 8.

( D ) Ephe , 1. Leui , 26. Psal , 89. 10. & 91 His almighty prouidence : so that nothing happeneth , but by his appointment . Heb , 1. 3. Math , 6. 31. &c. Luke , 21. 15. 1. Pet , 5. 18. Pro , 8. 15. Esay , 3. 2. 1. Cor , 2. 7. Ro , 9. 20. Deu , 11. 14. 15. 25. & 32. 39. Ma. 10. 29. 30. 31. Psal , 34. 7. Math , 18 , 10. Gen , 19. 22. 2. Sam , 24. 1. Kings , 22. 22. Math , 8. 31. Iob , 1. 7. 8. 12. Psal. 104. 14. Acts , 17. 25. &c , Iob , 37. 5 , & 38. 27. Exo. 21. 13. 2. Sam , 17. Gen , 45. 7. 8. Exod , 3. 21. & 4. & 23. 20. Iudg , 6. & 7. 1 King 17 & 20. & 22. 2. Kings , 6. & 7. Psal , 34. 37. & 127. 1. Cro , 29. 11. 12. Dan , 6. 22. Act. 12 Eze , 14 9 Amos , 3. 6. Psal , 76. 2. Esay , 3. & 47. 5. Zach , 8. 10. Esay , 44. 24. 25. & 45. 6. 7. Leui , 19. 31. Deut , 18. 10. 11. 12. Ier. 10. 2. 23. Pro , 16. Eccle , 11. 4. Deut , 32. 39 Pro , 20. 24. Act , 17. 26. 27. 28. Exod , 21. 13. Deut , 19. 5. Iosua , 11. 20. Ionas . 1. 4. 1. King , 12. 15. Iud , 9. 23. 24. 1. Sam. 16. 14. 1. King , 22. 21. 22. 2. Kin , 17 , 26. & 24. 3 2. Cor 4. 4. 1 Sam , 2. 25. 2. King , 7. Ier , 43 11. 2. Thes. 2. 9. 10. 11. Iob , 1. 10. 12. Ro. 8 27. Esay , 57. 1. & 54. 16. Pro. 16. 3. 7. Iere. 42. 11. 12.

( ● ) Iere , 23. 24. Acts , 7. 48. 50. Ioh. 4. 24. What God i● 2

ANd in Iesus Christ his onely sonne our Lorde .

And I beleeue in Iesus Christ ; that hee And in Iesus Christ . is that ( A ) sauiour which God promised , from the beginning of the world : and is also ( B ) my sauiour . And I beleeue , that God will be mercifull vnto me ; and ( c ) forgiue me my sinnes for his sake .

Christ Iesus hath reconciled all the faithfull vnto God ; by the sacrifice of his death . And is the ransome for our redemption ( for it pleased almighty God , to haue his iustice so satisfied ) .

Christ hath ( D ) wrought and done for me , all that is needfull for my saluation : if I beleeue in him , and trust in his death and merites . Whatsoeuer Christ hath wrought for mans saluation , perteineth also vnto vnto me ; and I shall be pertaker thereof .

We must not ( E ) any where else seeke saluation but onely in Christ . That as by the offence of our father Adam ( who was the first man in this world ) condemnation came on all men : and therfore he , and his posteritie ; from whence we are all descended , accursed : So ther is no meanes to bring vs from this curse and eternall damnation , but only by Iesus Christ our Lord : for by him God promised saluation , from the beginning of the world .

Wherby the holy fathers before Christs 1. Cor. 10 , 1 , to 5. Iohn , 8 , 56. comming ( in the flesh ) were saued by beleeuing , that the sauiour Christ shoulde come to redeeme them ; and obteine of God forgiuenes of their sins : & wee are saued by beleeuing Christ is come : and hath wrought all that is needefull for our saluation .

So by ( F ) our true faith , Christ his righteousnes Faith . is made ours : by beleuing , that the once offering of his body and bloud is a full satisfaction for our sins to God the father . And that by his obedience and fulfilling of the law of God : we shal be made righteous & iust before God . For as by the disobedience of our first father Adam , wee are all made sinners : So Se more at large for faith : after in the 10. article and at the end of the Creede . by the obedience of Christ Iesus , all the faithful are made righteous . Al those are made righteous by Christ , which do beleeue and trust in his death & merits : & do repent and amend their wicked liues .

a a Christ promised from the beginning , & is that sauiour promised . Gen , 3. 15. & 22. 18. Gal , 3. 16. Ge. 26. 4. & 28. 14. Deut , 18. 18. 19. Esay , 7. 14. 15. 16. & 9. 6. 7. & 11. & 42. & 53. Ier. 23. 3 to 9. & 33. 14. to 19. Mic , 3. & 5. 2 , 5 Zach , 9. 9. to 16. & 11. 12. 13. 16. & 12 10. Mala , 3. 1. 2. Math , 1. 21. 1. Pet , 1. 19. 20. Iohn , 1.

b b Christ is my sauiour . Math , 1. 21. Iohn , 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 19. 1. Cor , 1. 30. Eph , 1. 5. 7. & 2. 16. Col , 1. Act. 5. 31. Rom , 5. 10. & 8. 2. Tim , 1. 9. 10. 1. 10. 2 , 2 , Ioh , 20. 31. & 3. 36.

c c God wil for giue me my sinnes , for Christ his sake Esay , 53. Ioh , 20. 31. Acts , 4. 12. & 5. 31. & 13. 38. 39. Rom , 3. 24. 25. 26. & 4. 25 & 5. 1. Cor , 1. 30. 2. Cor. 5. 18. 19. 21. Gal. 3. 13. 14. & 4. 4. 5. 6. 7. Eph , 2. Col , 1. 13 , &c. 1. Thes. 5. 9. 10. 1. Tim , 2. 5. 6. 2. Tim. 1. 9. 10. Tit , 2. 11 , &c. & 3. 4. to 8. Hebr. 9. & 10. 1. Pet. 1. 18. 19. & 2. 24. Reuel , 5. 10. Phil , 3. 20. 21. 1. Ioh , 2. 2. & 1. 2. Rom , 8. 1. 26. 27.

d d Christ hat done all that is needfull fo● my saluation . Ioh. 19. 30. Luke , 22. 37. Ioh , 20. 31. & 14. 11. to 16. 1. Ioh. 3. 22. 23. 24.

( E ) Acts , 4. 12 & 5. 31. & 13 , 38 , 39. Col. There is no saluation , but onely by Christ . 1. 14. 1. Thes. 5 , 9 , 10. Hebr , 9. Gal , 3. 4. Ioh. 3 18. 2. Thes , 1 , 8 , 9 , Ioh , 14 , 6.

f f By faith christ his righteousnes , is ours . Hebr , 3 , 14 ▪ & 7. & 9 , & 10. Gal , 3. 14 16. 1 , Cor , 1 , 30. Rom , 5 , 19 , 21. Acts , 3 , 17. 2 , Tim , 2 , 19.

Christ Iesus is the onely sonne of God : because his manhoode was begotten of the His only son . holy Virgin Saint Mary , by the holy spirite of God : by that onely power ; ( without any acte of man ) .

Albeit we are the children of God , by grace , and adoption by Christ ; and that God created vs : yet hee begatte none ( in that order ) with his holy spirite but only Christ Iesus our Sauiour : A A Christ is the naturall , and onely sonne of God . Therefore he is the onely naturall sonne of God . ( A ) Io , 1. Mat , 1 , & 3 , 17. Lu , 2. 1. Rom , 1 , 3 , 4.

Christ Iesus is our Lord . For God is wel Our Lord . pleased in him ( A ) & hath giuen ouer to him all power in heauen and earth : that he shold giue eternal life , to al those that beleue in him .

The ( B ) fulnes of the godhead and almighty power , dwelleth and a abideth in Christ bodily ( as my soule dwelleth in my body ) . And he hath redeemed vs : & doth rule and gouerne the whole world .

( C ) And by his almighty power and working of the holy Ghost hee maketh all the faithfull to be his members , and to be one with God , as God , is in him , and he in God . And so the faithfull haue Christ dwelling in them , and are his members ; and owe to him honour and reuerence , as they honour the father : therefore he is our Lord .

a a God hath giuen all power to Christ . Math , 28 , 18 , Ioh , 17 , Ioh , 1 , Ma , 17 ▪ 5 & 3 , 17 , Ioh , 3 , 35 , & 13 , 3 , & 17 , 2.

b b The fulnes of the almighty power and godhead is in Christ : and he is our lord , and ruleth althings Io , 1 , Co , 1 , 15 , Io , 3 , 13 , 35 , Ma , 28 , 18 ▪ Io 13 , 3 , 1 , Ro , 15 , 24 , 25 , Ac , 10 , 36 Ro ▪ 14 9

c c The faithful haue Christ dwelling in them , and are his members : and he is their heade . Ioh , 17 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 1 , Cor , 12 , 27 , & 6 , 15 , 17 , 19. Eph , 5 , 23 , 30 , & 1 , 22 , Rom , 12 , 5 , & 8 , 9 , 10.

WHich was conceiued by the holye ghost , borne of the Virgin Mary .

This Iesus my sauiour , in whom I beleeue : Which was conceiued by the holy ghost was conceiued in the wombe of the holy Virgin Saint Mary ( A ) by the onelie power of the holy ghost . ( And was borne and formed of her substance ) .

Although the holy Virgin was betrothed to Ioseph to take him for her husband , and therfore acknowledged hym as her husband : Neuerthelesse Iosephe knew not her body ( at any time before this Iesus our sauiour was borne ) . Christ Iesus , conceiued of the holy Virgin without sin , by the power and vertue of the holy ghost .

This Iesus our sauiour ( B ) is the seede of the woman , and of Abraham : In whom all the nations of the earth shal be blessed .

And hee was borne very man : of the holy Virgin formed and framed of her substaunce . Beeing borne first a younge babe , and after grewe vnto mans state as we doe : and liued here on the earth vntil the thirtie three yeere of his age . Hee hungred and thirsted ▪ slept , and was werie of trauell : Thereby shewing that hee was perfect man . And also by his wonderfull miracles , shewed him selfe to bee perfect God .

( C ) Christ as concerning his diuine nature is very God : he descended merueilously Iohn , 1. 14. from heauen , and yet his diuine nature left not heauen . His diuine power and maiestie filled the whole worlde as God . And where it is said the word was made fleshe : that is to bee vnderstoode , That Christ vnited and ioyned the manhoode to the Godheade : So as the Godhead had his seuerall propertie , and was not infused or turned into fleshe , nor mingled with the bodie : but had his seate in the manhoode ; As my soule hath in my bodie . For my soule is not my body ; nor my body is not my soule : But either of them haue their seuerall properties remaining . So is Christ : one God in substance with the father and the holy ghost : And perfecte man also : as I am in all thinges ( sinne excepted ) . It was his wil to be merueilously conceiued in the virgins wombe ▪ and to dwell in her wombe for a time , and of her to be borne : and to be conuersant heere on earth vntill the thirty three yeere . And so was the sonne of God , as begotten of the father almightie : and the sonne of man , and seede of Abraham , by being borne and nourished in the wombe of the holy Virgin Sainte Marie .

a a Christ Iesus was conceiued by the holy Ghost . Math , 1 , 18. Luke , 1 , 35. Ioh. 1 , 14.

b b Christ is the seed of the woman and of Abraham in whom we are blessed : And is ▪ very man . Gen , 3 , 15 , & 22 , 18. Esay , 7 , 14. Ma. 1 , 18. Luke , 1 , 31 , & 2 , 7. Acts , 3 , 25. Gal , 3 , 8 , & 4 , 4. 5. Gen , 12 , 3 , & 18 , 18. Ioh , 4 , 6. Mat , 4 , 2. Luke , 2 , 40 , & 19 , 41.

c c Christ is very God , and very man : vnited together . Ioh , 1. 10 , 8 , 42 , & 17 , 5 , 21 , & 10. 30 Rom , 1 , 4 , & 9 , 5. Heb , 1 , 3 , 5 , 8. Col , 1 , 13 , & 2 , 9 , Math , 3. 17. Ephe. 4 , 9 , 10. Math , 28 ▪ 20.

HE suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified , dead and buried .

( A ) Christ suffered vnder Pontius Pilate : He suffered vnder Pontius Pilate . when hee was gouernour ouer the Iewes in Iurie .

Christ then suffered his manhood to be most wickedly betrayed , by Iudas his own disciple : and to be most falsely and malitiously accused by the Iewes , condemned and scourged ; with other vile abuses : And finally suffered his manhode ( or mans nature ) To be put to death on the crosse , as a malefactor . Because it was so appointed by God from the beginning of the world : that the same manhoode , ( or mans nature ) should be put to death and suffer those iniuries ; for a sacrifice and redemption : for the sins of all the world .

Christ was crucified : hee , in all his lyfe Was crucified time heere on the earth , suffered paine and greife for our sinnes .

Christ yeelded himselfe ( in our place and steed ) to satisfie God ( his father ) for our sins : and by his death and extreame torments , he appeased the wrath of God towardes vs ; and reconciled vs to God : and so by his death , hath deliuered vs from the tiranny of the deuill , and from eternall death : if wee beleeue in him .

God was displeased with vs for the offence of our first father Adam , and in his iustice he would not leaue that sinne vnpunished ; euen to Adams whole posteritie . For that we were not able to satisfie his wrath ; therefore Christ Iesus came pure and innocent , and obeyed God his father in all thinges , and fulfilled the lawe : and suffered his manhoode to bee put to a vile death on the crosse , that his obedience and death might bee a raunsome for our sins , to God his father . And that the sinnes of all that truely beleeue and trust in him : might be laid vpon him and forgiuen them . And so by faith in Christ Iesus ( and trust in Gods mercie , for his sake ) we are absolued , & obteine remission of our sinnes : and be reconciled to God .

ANd buried .

( A ) Christ his manhood being dead : was And buried buried after the common maner of men . And his bodie lay in the graue till his resurrection .

The stone ouer the graue where Christ was buried ( vntill his resurrection ) was kept with souldiers : whereby appeareth euident the very death of his manhoode , and the separation of his soule from his body . And so by his death the mysterie of our redemption was accomplished : the wrath and anger of God appeased : and peace made betweene God and vs . Our redemption dependeth wholy of the death of the manhood of Christ : for the ransome for our sinnes , is his death and passion .

( A ) Mat , 27 , 24 , &c , Luk. 23 , Iohn 19. Christ suffred his manhood to be put to death : for to be a sacrifice & attonement , for the sinnes of all the elect and faithfull . Acts 2 , 23 , & 4. 27 , 28. Luk. 24 , 26. 2. Cor. 15 , 18 , &c. Ephe. 2 , 16. Col. 1 , 20. Esay . 53 , Gal. 3 , 13 , 14 , & 4. 4 , 5. Deu. 21 , 23. Gal. 1 4. Eph. 1 , & 2. 11. &c. Col. 1 , & 2. 1. Pe. 2. 24. & 3 , 18. & 4 , 1. Ro. 5 , 8 , &c. Heb. 2 , 14 , 15 & 7 , 24 , &c. & 9 , 11 , &c. & 10. 12 , &c. Ro. 8 , 1 , 2 , 33 , 34. 1. Ioh. 1 , 7. Apo. 1 , 5. 1. Tim. 2 , 5. 2. Tim. 1 , 9 , 10. 1. Iohn . 2 , 1 , 2 , & 4. 10 , Ioh. 3 , 16. & 6 , 51. Rom. 1 , 16. 17 , & 3 , 24 25. Act. 4 , 10 ▪ 12 , & 5 , 31 , & 10 , 43. 1. Cor. 15 , 3. Mar. 10. 45.

b b Christ his manhoode being dead , was buried . Mat. 27. 5 7 , &c. Mar. 15 , 43. &c. Lu. 23 , 52 , 53. Ioh. 19 , 40 , 41. Mat. 12 , 40 ▪ Act. 13 , 29. 1. Cor. 15 , 4. Lu. 22 , 37. Ioh. 20 , 31.

HE descended into hell .

( A ) Christ suffered for me ( & all mankind ) He descended into hell . in his soule and manhood , The paines and torments of hel : ( which is due vnto the wicked ) therby to redeeme me ( and all those that beleeue in him ) from hell , and from the eternal death . Also he suffred the punishment due to our bodies and soules : both by death of his manhood , and by the torments and anguish of his soule .

( B ) Christ by his death hath vanquished and ouercome the deuil , sinne & death . And by the vertue of his death , he stroke a great terror into the deuils & wicked : wherby they knew that christ ( in his manhood ) hath vanquished & ouercom them .

a a Christ his sufferings and torments . Esa. 53 , 6 , 10 , Mat. 26 , 38. & 27 , 46 , 50 Luk. 22 , 42 , 44. Ioh. 12. 27. Luk. 23 , 43 , 46. Mat. 12 , 40. Lu ▪ 11. 29 , 30 , Act. 2 , 31. Ps. 19 , 10.

( ● ) Hebr , 2. 14. 15. Col , 2. 15. 1. Cor , 15. 24 , 25. 1. Pet , 3. 18 , 19. 20. 2. Tim , 1. 9. 10.

THe third day hee rose againe from the deade .

( A ) Christ the third day after his death The third day he rose againe . rose againe , by his diuine power , and vnited his Godhead and soule and bodie together : and in his manhoode tooke life againe .

Our sauiour Christ by the space of fortie daies ( after his resurrection ) often shewed him selfe aliue , in his manhoode vnited to his Godheade ( by many infallible tokens ) and was conuersant with his disciples , and was seene of more then fiue hundred brethren at once . The same body which suffered , and was put to death : did rise againe , and was glorified ( all infirmities being done away ) hauing the Godheade vnited to the same ( his mans ) body which rose againe .

( B ) By this his rising againe , Christ sheweth him selfe to be the son of God : and the promised sauiour . And also sheweth ( manifestly ) that he hath conquered and ouercome , the deuill , sin , and death : and is nowe the author of our life : For our righteousnesse is restored , by his resurrection .

( C ) And his rising againe , is a sure pledge to me : that my bodie ( after this life ) shall in like manner rise againe . This his rising againe is a most great comfort to all faithfull : and the victorye of our faith .

( D ) As he is risen from death : so hee causeth mee , as a member of him , to rise from sinne : and delight in righteousnes . Christ hath giuen me of his holy spirite , which subdueth sinne in me : and so mortifieth my flesh , that I hate sinne and sathan : And thereby I feele sanctification , and new life to be begonne in me , which certifieth my conscience , I am in Christ : and so of God . This benefitte I receaue by Christes rising againe , who is nowe the author of my saluation . So hee died for our sins : and rose againe for our righteousnes , to purchace vs life , with God his father . And hath sent his holy spirite to be our comfort , and to gouerne , leade and direct vs , in our dooinges .

( ● ) Whosoeuer dooth not taste of mortification and newnesse of life : hath no part in the redemption of Christ . For he giueth strength to the faithfull to subdue sinne in some measure ; and to walke in a newe life , and righteousnesse here on earth .

( F ) Christ rose from dead , To make vs partakers of his righteousnesse , sanctification , and glorification : which hee purchased for vs by his merit .

a a The bodie of Christ , which suffred : rose againe . Matt. 28 , Iohn 20 , and 21. Luk. 24 13 , &c. Acts 1 ▪ 3 , 8 , 9 , 10. and 2 , 24 , 31. and 10 , 40. and 13 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 35. 1. Cor. 15. 3 , to 9. Matth , 20. 18. Mark . 9 , 31. and 10. 34. Luke 9 , 22. 1. Peter 3 , 21. 2. Cor. 13 , 4.

b b He shewed his power , &c. & that he hath conquered the deuill , sinne and death . Rom. 1 , 4. Acts 1 , 3 , Rom. 8 , 1 , 34 ▪ 1. Cor. 15 , 26 , 54 , 57 , Ephe. 1. 19. &c. Colos. 1. 18 , and 2. 15. Heb. 2. 14 , 15.

c c I shall rise againe in like maner . 1. Cor. 15. 13. 16 , 20 , 26. 1 , Thes. 4 , 14 , &c. Rom. 6 , 23.

d d Christ causeth me to rise from sinne , & delight in righteousnes . Colos. 3 , 1 , 2 , 5. Galat. 2 , 20. Colo ▪ 1. 12 , to 25. Rom. 6 and 7. 22 , 25 , and 8 , 1 , 2 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 14 , 15 , 26. 1. Iohn 4 , 13 ▪ Iohn 3 , 36 , and 14 , 16 , 17 , 18. and 16 ▪ 7 ▪ 13.

e e He that hath not newnesse of life , hath not the spirit of Christ Rom. 6 , 6 , 12. 14 , 16. and 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 13 , 14. Col. 3 , 1 , 2 , 5. 1. Peter 2 , 24.

f f Christ rose from death to make vs partakers of his righteousnes . 6 He ascended into heauen . 1. Cor. 1 , 30 , Rom. 4 , 25. Iohn 3 , 16 , Mat. 28. 18 , 20. Rom , 5. 19. 21 , Gal. 3. 13. 14 ▪ Iohn 17 , 21 , 22 , 23. Acts 17 , 28. 1. Cor. 12 , 27.

HE ascended into heauen .

Iesus Christ our Sauiour , after his Resurrection , was here on the earth with his corporall presence fortie dayes . And after that ( A ) he ascended into heauen bodily and visibly : the people looking , and seeing him when he ascended .

Christ his mans body ( which he tooke in the wombe of the blessed virgin saint Marie ) before his ascension , was not in heauen : The same bodie he glorified , & tooke vp into heauen , there to remaine vntill he come againe at the ende of the world , to iudge the quicke & the dead .

( B ) Therfore we must seeke Iesus christ in heauen ; not in earth : spiritually , not carnally : by fayth , not by our senses . It is by the vertue of his holy spirit , that he doth communicat & pertake himself vnto ( Spirituall thinges , are not seene but with the eyes of the spirite : For what is neerer to a man , then his own soule ; yet not any man euer at any time sawe his soule , or the soule of any other man ) .

( C ) Christ his diuine presence is in the earth with vs : and is euery where . His diuinitie and Godhead , filleth both heauen and earth : and dwelleth and abideth in the faithfull . The body of Christ is in heauen , and hath left the world , vntill he come to the resurrection and iudgement of all mankinde : Neuerthelesse his holye spirite vertue and power , filleth heauen and earth : and ruleth and gouerneth vs .

( D ) Moreouer by this his entrye into heauen , hee hath made easie vnto vs the way : and dooth assure vs , that the gate is already open vnto vs , and that our sins be forgiuen vs : the which waye before was shutte vp against vs ▪ because of our sinnes . But now our sauiour Iesus is entered into the heauens with his mans body ( of the nature of our fleshe ) which is a gage and pledge , that he will conduct vs thether .

( E ) We haue these benefits by Christ his ascention . He is in heauen our aduocate and intercessor , to God his father for vs . And by him , we shall also ascend into heauen : and be glorified .

( F ) And lastly , the holy ghost is sent to vs : by whome Christ gathereth , comforteth and defendeth his church , to the worldes ende . The holy ghost was also giuen to the godly which were vnder the lawe before Christes ascension and comming in the flesh : but that was in respect of his comming in the flesh , & his ascention and glorification , which was then to come . After Christ his glorification : the holy ghost was giuen more abundantly .

a a Christ ascended visibly into heauen : there his body to remaine till he come again to iudgement . Luke , 24. 51. Mar , 16 , 19. Acts , 1. 9. 10. 11. & 3. 21. Ioh , 20 , 17. & 12 , 8. & 16 28.

b b We must seeke Christ in heauen with our spirite and faith . Acts , 1. 11. & 3 , 21. Col , 3. 1. Ioh , 4. 23 , 24. Math , 15. 9. Acts , 7. 55. Hebr , 4. 14. 15. 16. Ephe , 3. 18. Phil , 3. 20. 21.

c c Albeit Christ his body is in heauen : yet his Godheade , vertue holy spirit , and diuine presence : filleth heauen and earth , and is euery where . Math , 28. 20. Col , 1. 15. 19. & 2. 9. Iere , 23. 24 Math , 18. 20. Acts , 7. 49. & 17 28. Ephe , 1. 23.

d d Christ his entry into hea●en , is a sure pledge , that we shall bee there with him ▪ for where he is there shal we bee . Iohn , 14. 2. 17. 24. Phil , 3. 21. Heb. 4 ● . 14. & 9. 24. 1. Cor , 15. 57. Titus , 9. 2. 14. 2. Cor. 5 , 1. Ephes. 2 , 18 , 19 , Hebr. 10. 19 , 20 ▪ 1 , Thes. 4. 14. &c.

e e Christ is our aduocate and intercessor to God his father for vs . Rom. 8. 34. Hebr. 7 , 25. and 9 , 12 , 15 , 24. Iohn 17. 1. Iohn . 2 , 1 , 2.

f f Christ giueth to vs his holy spirit to comfort , defend & keepe vs . Iohn 14. 14 , to 27. and 16 , 17 , 3 , Acts 17. 28. Iohn . 17. and 7 , 39. Acts 2. 2 4 , 17. 18. Rom. 5. 5. 1. Cor. 12. Ephes. 1. 13 14 , and 4 , 30 , Heb , 3 , 14. and 10 , 14 , to 19 , Rom , 8. 9. 11. 16.

ANd sitteth at the right hande of God the father Almightie .

( A ) Christ Iesus ascended into heauen : and there sitteth at the right hande of God And sitteth : & ● . his father : That is , hath all power giuen him , in heauen and earth , ouer all things . Hee is our Lorde , and ruleth all things .

This is the meaning of the right hand : That is , hath equall power to rule . God is a Spirite , and hath no handes as wee haue : But Christ our Sauiour hath the shape of man ; in whom the fulnes of the God head dwelleth bodily . And al power is giuen him in heauen and earth ouer all things .

a a Christ hath all power , and is Lord ouer all . Mat. 28. 18. & 17. 5. Iohn 3. 35. and , 5 22 , 23. & 13. 3. Col. 1. 15. 18. 19. & 2. 9. & 3 , 1 , 2 , Fphes . 1 , 20. &c. 1 , Pet , 3. 22. Phil. 2 9 , 10. Marke 16 , 19. Actes 7. 55. and 10 , 36. Rom. 8. 34. and 14 , 19 , Hebr. 1 , 13 , 6. and 8 , 1 , and 10 , 12 , and 12 , 2. Psal. 110. 1. and 2. 9. 1. Cor. 1 , 24. Iohn 4. 24.

FRom thence shall hee come to iudge the quicke and the dead ,

( A ) Christ Iesus in the end of the world , From thence &c: shall come visibly and corporally , in the same bodie that hee departed hence : with great glorie , and multitude of Angels ; to iudge the quicke and the dead .

Christ by his Power shall raise to life againe all the bodies of all mankinde , to doe and execute the last iudgement on them , at the general resurrection : for he is ordeined of God to bee the Iudge of the quicke and the dead .

Then shal the faithful which beleued in him , be gathered into the heauen & receiue euerlasting ioy & glory . And then the reprobate and vnbeleeuers shall depart● into hel with the deuill : there to remaine in euerlasting paine and torments .

( B ) This is a singuler comforte to all the faithfull , to knowe assuredly , that none shall be their iudge , but hee that is theyr sauiour .

a a Christ Iesus onely shal be our iudge , and receiue the elect to glory : and the reprobate , shal to hell and bee in euerlasting tormentes . Act , 1. 11. Math , 16. 27. & 24. 31. & 25. 31. &c. & 19. 28. Iohn , 5. 22. 23. 27. & 12. 48. Luke , 21. 25. 26. 27. Act , 10. 42. & 17 31. Rom. 2. 16. & 14. 10 2. Pet. 3. 10. to 14. 2. Cor. 5. 10. Hebr. 9. 28. Phil , 3. 20. 2. Tim. 4. 1. 8. T it 9 2. 13. 1. Cor. 15. 51. 2. Thes. 1. 6. to 11. 1. Thes. 4. 16. 17. Apo. 20. 12. Math. 8. 12 & 22. 13. Iude. 14. 15.

b b It is a singuler comfort that Christ shal be our iudge . Hebr. 9. 28. Rom , 8. 1. Col. 3. 4. Ioh , 3. 36. 2. Tim. 4. 8. Iohn . 12. 48.

I Beleeue in the holy ghost .

( a ) I beleeue in the holy ghost . I beleeue and am fully perswaded , that the holy I beleeue in the holy ghost spirite of God , which proceedeth from Christ : dwelleth in me , and all the elect people of God : and sanctifieth and preserueth vs , to euerlasting life ; and defendeth vs here from the power of the deuill , and our wicked enemies .

So by the gouernement and defence of the holy ghost , nothing shall happen to mee , but as my sauiour Christ Iesus , appointeth ( and suffereth ) .

For our playner vnderstanding of the power of the holy ghost : behold the sun in the firmament ( beeing one thinge in substaunce ) how all thinges in the world haue of the light and heate therof . Wonderfull much more ( and more then any tongue can expresse ) dooth the power and vertue of the holy spirite of God , spread ouer the whole world , to gouerne and rule the same . Whatsoeuer benefits wee receiue from Christ : the same is giuen vnto euery of vs , by the working of the holy ghost .

( The wicked haue some giftes of the holy ghost : as Iudas and others , haue had the gifts of knowledge . But they had not the gifte of sanctification , regeneration , faith and conuersion ) .

The holye ghost , filleth heauen and earth , and is in euery place : and yet worketh saluation , but to the faithfull only . So the gifts of the holy Ghost , to saluation ; are proper onely to the faythfull and elect .

( B ) So I beleeue in God the Father ; God the Sonne ; & God the holy Ghost : Of the Trinitie . and yet not three Gods , but one God . In these three persons it pleased God to open him selfe to our fayth , in their seuerall woorking . For vnto the diuine The Father . essence ( or substaunce ) which we call God the Father ( who is a spirite ) is attributed the creation of all things . And yet the Almightie power and Godheade of the Sonne , and the holy Ghost , was then also at the beginning before all worldes , and all one in substaunce : all three beeing the whole incomprehensible diuine substance : and yet the same substance is not diuided .

Vnto the Sonne ( Christ Iesus ) is attributed The Sonne . our redemption . The almightie power and Godheade vniting or taking to it the manhoode , which was borne of the holy virgine Saint Marie : and in the same manhoode , the fulnesse of the Godheade ( and almightie power ) dwelleth and abydeth bodily . The same twoo natures Vnited together , wee call Christ : who is God and man .

( c ) The vertue and almightie power The holy ghost . which proceedeth from Christ , working his good pleasure : the same is God the holy Ghost .

( As the spirit of man which is in man is of the substance of man : So the spirit of God , which is in God ; is of the essence and substance of God : and with God before the creation of the worldes ) .

So wee bee compelled by the christian veritie to acknowledge euery person by himselfe to be God & Lord . And yet not three Gods , nor three Lordes . For in this Trinitie none is before , nor after other : none is greater , nor lesser then another : but the whole three persons be coeternall together & coequall . The vnitie in Trinitie , and the Trinitie , in vnitie ; is to be worshipped . He therefore that wil be saued must thus think of the Trinity . And beleue and confes , that our Lorde Iesus Christ the sonne of God , is God and man . God of the substance of the Father begotten before the worldes : and man of the substaunce of his mother borne in the world . Perfect God , and perfect man . Equall to the father , as touching his Godheade : and inferior to the father as touching his manhoode . Who although hee bee God and man : yet is he not twoo , but one Christ . For as the reasonable soule and fleshe is one man : So God and man is one Christ .

a a The holy ghost worketh in vs , all the benefits we receiue from Christ . And preserueth vs . Math. 10. 20. Luke , 12. 12. & 1. 35. & 11. 13. Iohn . 6. 63. & 7. 39. & 14. 16. 17. 26. & 15. 26. 27. & 16. 7. 13. & 20. 22.

1. Cor. 2 , 10. 12. & 6. 11 , 10. & 12 ▪ 3 to 14 & 3. 16. Luke ; 24. 49. Act , 1. 4. 5. & 2. 17. & 5. 32 & 9. 31. Rom. 5. 5. & 8. 9. 14. 15. 16. & 15 , 16. Gal , 4. 6. 2. Thes , 2. 13. Ephe , 1. 13 & 2 , 18. & 4. 30. Tit. 3. 5. 6. Ioh , 3. 5. 6. Mat 3. 11. 1. Pet , 1. 2. 22. 2. Pet , 1. 21. 1. Iohn , 4. 13.

Howe nothing happeneth to vs , but as Christ our sauiour appointeth ( or suffereth ) . See the proofe more a● large in the first article of the creede .

b b God the father , God the sonne , and God the holye Ghost are but one God . Math. 28. 19. & 3. 16. 17. Luke , 3. 21. 22. Iohn . 1. 14. 33. & 14. 16. 17. 26. & 15. 26. & 16 , 7. 1 , Iohn . 5 , 7 , 2 , Cor , 13 , 13 Act , 1 , 4 , Rom , 1 , 1 , to 5 , & 8 , 9 , 14 , Ephe , ● 17. Psal. 33. 6.

c c The holy ghost was from the beginning with the father and a seuerall person in working . Gen. 1. 2 , 26. Iob. 26 ▪ 13. Ioel 2. 28. Esay , 48. 16. and 61. 1. 2. Pet. 1 , 22.

THe holy Catholike Church .

( A ) I beleeue there is a holy Catholike Church . The which Church I beleeue to 9 The holy Catholike Church . be● those people elected of God , to be saued : which haue bene in this world from the beginning , and hereafter shall be to the ende : of what countrey or nation so euer through the whole world : of the which number I beleeue , I am one .

( B ) God knewe from the beginning all those that shall bee saued : and hath a tender care ouer them . ( C ) Iesus christ is the head of those people ; and they are his members : all being vnited together by the power of his holy spirit , and ioyned together in Christ as one body . He which is not a member of this Church , is from Christ : and therefore shall not be saued .

( D ) This Church is called Catholike ( or vniuersall ) because the members of the Catholike Church bee in euerie nation and countrey , vniuersally through the whole worlde , without distinction of people .

( E ) And the same church is called holy : because Christ is the head , & doth sanctify & make holy the church his members .

( F ) This church is inuisible : because men cannot visibly see , the faith , repentance and conscience of the beleuers : nor know who they be which God hath chosen to eternall life . Therefore is this church inuisible , & a matter of faith : and faith is of things which is not seene .

( G ) The members of this Catholike church here on earth are visible , ( hauing among them many wicked persons and hypocrites ) . The visible church of God ; The visible Church is a companie amongest men ) wheresoeuer they be ) which embrace and professe the true doctrine of Christ : and vse the holy Sacraments according to Christe● institution .

( H ) This whole vniuersal church , neuer erreth in the foundation of doctrine : but many particular churches , which are members of this Catholike church , do erre , & haue erred : as did some churches which the Apostles taught . Also the church of Rome : and generall counsels haue erred , and condemned the doings one of another : and haue decreed direct contrarie one to the other .

( I ) Some ( or many ) of the elect people of God , may erre ; and fall from the church for a time ( as king Dauid did ) but they shall not finally fall away for euer : but shal rise againe by sorowful repentance , and newnesse of life ; and so shall come againe to God , and haue their sinnes forgiuen them .

a a The Catholike church are only those people which shall be saued : which euer haue bene , or shall be . Ephe. 1. 3. to 12 , Rom. 8 , 29. 30. & 9. 30. 32. Heb. 3 , 6. Ier , 1. 5. 1. Pet. 2. 4. to 11 , 2. Tim. 1 , 9. 10. Tit , 3. 5. 2 , Thes. 2. 13. Iohn 15 , 16.

b b God knoweth them all , & hath a tender care ouer them . 2 , Tim. 2 , 19. Rom. 8. 29. 30. 1. Pet. 1 , 5 & 5 , 7. Mat. 10 , 29. 30 , 31. Psal. 37 , 25 ▪ & 55. 22. & 104 , 27 , 28. & 136. 25. & 145 , 15 , 16.

c c Christ is the heade of them : and they be his members vnited to him by his holye spirite . Ephe , 5 , 25 , 26 , 30. & 1 , 22 , 23. 27. & 2 , 22. & 4 , 12 , 13 , 16. & 10 , 17. Rom. 8 , 9. & 12 ▪ 4 , 5. 1. Cor , 12 , 12 , 13. & 3 , 16 , & 6 , 15 , 17 19. 2 , Cor. 13 , 5 , Col , 1 , 18 , Iohn 15 5.

d d This church is vniuersal through the whole worlde . Iohn 10 , 16 ▪ Matth , 8 , 11 , and 28 , 19 , Marke 16 , 15 , Acts 2 , 21 , and 13 , 39 ▪ & 10 , 4 , 34 , 35 , Gal. 3 , 28 , Col , 3. 11 , Rom , 9 30 , Iob 1 , 1.

e e This church is holy because christ doth sanctifie it Ephe. 1. 22 , 23 , and 5. 25. 26. 1. Pet. 2 5. Rom. 8. 9 , 1. Cor. 1. 30. 1. Cor. 12. 12. 13. Colos. 1. 18. 2. Thes. 2 , 13. Hebr. 10. 14 Iude 1. verse .

f f This church is inuisible : because the faithfull are not knowen from hipocrites . 1. Kings 19. 14 , 18. Iob 1. 1. Hebr. 11 , 1.

g g The members of this Church here on earth are visible , &c. Matth. 18 , 20 , and 28 , 19 , 20. Acts 2 , 24 , and 4 , 32. Rom. 6 , 15 , 1 , Cor. 16 19. Luke 8 , 21 , Iohn , 8 , 47 , and 10 , 27 , Gal , 1 , 8 , Ephe , 1 , 1 , Phil , 1 , 1 , 1 , Cor , 1 , 2.

h h The visible churches here on earth ( though not all ) may erre , & haue erred . Gal , 2 , 11 , &c , and 3. 1 , 3 , Actes 10 , 14. 15 , and 15. 19 , 20. and 21. 20. to 28. 1. Cor. 15. 12. 1. Iohn . 2. 19.

i i The elect shall neuer fall away finally , from God . The communion of saints 1. Iohn . 2. 19. 2. Sam. 11.

THe communion of Saints .

( A ) I beleeue that all the faythfull , doe seuerally receaue the benefites of Christ to their saluation , as members of his bodie ( vnited to him by his holye spirit ) . And that they do pray one for another : and are readie to helpe and comfort one another , as members of one head .

( B ) The faythfull are called Saints : because they are vnited to Christ ; and haue Christ dwelling in them , by his holy Spirite . And are made holy , by the sanctification of the same spirit .

a a The faithfull euery of them receiue Christes benefits to their saluation : and do comfort one another . Ephes. 5. 30. and 4. 3 , to 18. 1. Cor. 6. 17. and 10. 17. 1. Iohn . 1. 3. Iohn 10. 14. 15. 16. and 13 , 35. and 15. 5. Rom. 8. 9. 10 , 16. and 12. 5. Acts 4. 32. Phil. 2. 1. to 5. 1. Iohn 4. 13.

b b The faithfull are called Saints . 1. Cor. 1 , 2. and 2 , Cor. 1. 1. Ephe. 1. 1. Phil. 1. 1. and 4. 21. Philemon 5. verse . Col. 1. 2. 1. Thes 5 , 27. 1. Cor. 6 , 15. 17. & 16. 12. 1. Iohn 4 , 13. Rom. 8. 9. and 12. 13.

THe forgiuenesse of sinnes . 10

I beleeue and am fully perswaded in my The forgiuenes of sinnes . heart , that God will forgiue me all my sinnes , and be mercifull vnto me : for the merits , death and passion , of Christ Iesus my Sauiour .

Christ hath satisfied Gods iustice for mee : Therefore I do assuredly rest and hope in the mercye of God , through Christ , ( and in no other meane nor way ) for my saluation .

( A ) I am assured that by this faith and The faith that iustifieth . And see before in the second Article . trust in Christs death and merits , that al my sinnes shall be forgiuen me ; and that I shall liue in heauen with Christ for euer ( So that I repent my sinnes past , amende my wicked life , and haue a continuall earnest desire and endeuour to my power to obey God , & to liue godly ) . If I striue to resist sinne with all , my power : and so resist it , that I doe not Rom. 7. 15. &c. & 8. 1. 2. 1. Iohn . 3. 6. obey the lustes thereof ( and delight in it ) Then will God be merciful vnto me ; and forgiue mee all my sinnes . For if I doe that I woulde not ; then is it not I , that doeth it : but the sinne that dwelleth in me ( which for the time hath ouercome me , till Christ strengthen me with his holy spirit to ouercome it ) . So a true christian in minde and affection , doeth serue God , with a readinesse of fayth ; and willing to keepe his commaundements ( and to Vse charitie to his neighbour ) : But in his flesh and outwarde doings , he is defiled with many corruptions . Neuerthelesse hauing this fayth : the holy Ghost will worke , and frame his heart ; that all his desire ( to his power ) shall bee to glorifie God ▪ So the life of a true christian consistes inwardly in fayth towardes God : and outwardly in charitie towardes his neighbour .

a a He that beleeueth in Christ , & hath repentance & newnes of life : God will forgiue his sinnes for Christes sake . Esay 1. 15. to 19. & 55 , 6. 7. Eze. 18 21 , &c. & 33. 11 , to 20. Ioel 2. 12 , 13. Luke 24 , 46. 47. Iohn . 3. 17. 18. 19. Mark . 1 , 15. Matth. 3. 8. Iohn 13 , 34 , 35. Actes 2 , 38. and 3. 19. 26. and 5. 31. and 20. 21. and 26 , 18 , 20. Rom. 7. 15. &c. and 8. 1. 2. and 12. 1. Cor. 6. 11. Galat. 5. 6. and 6. 10. Ephe. 1. 7 , 10. 11. and 2 ▪ Col. 1. 9. &c. and 4. 23 , 24. 1. Thes. 4. 3. 4. Heber. 9. 14. and 10. 10 , 14. 1. Iohn 1. 8. 9. and 2. 1 , 2. 1. Cor. 1 , 30. Rom. 3. 23 , 24 , 25. Rom. 5. 10 and 6. 2. Cor. 5. 19. Prou. 28. 13. 2. Cor. 3. 10. 1. Tim. 1 , 15 , 16. and 6. 10 , 11. 2. Tim. 2. 19. 25 , 26. and 3 , 17. Reuel. 2. 4 , 5. Tit. 2 , 11 , &c. and 3 , 4 , to 9. Iam. 2 , 17 , 26 , 1. Pet. 1. 15 , 16. Hebr. 6 , 10. 11 and 12 , ●4 , Matth , 5 , 16. and 7 , 12 and 12 , 33. Iohn 15 , 8. 2. Pet. 1 , 5 to 10. 1 , Iohn 3 , 2. 5 , 6 , 23 , 24. 1. Thes. 4 , 1. to 10.

See more proofe a● large , before in the seconde Article of the Creed● .

THe resurrection of the bodie .

( A ) I beleeue that after this my life ended , The resurrection of the bodie . my soule shall go to God that gaue it : and my bodie shall rest in the earth vntill the appoynted time ; for the generall resurrection of all mankinde .

At the generall resurrection ; by the power of Christ : This my bodie ( which I nowe haue , although it were eaten with the foules : or deuoured by many wilde beastes , or fishes ; or lye rotten in dust , scattered a great many of yeares ) shal be ioyned againe to my soule : and shall be made like to the glorious bodie of Christ , without all corruption , to liue with him in heauen for euer . And I shall see God in heauen in this flesh , & mine eyes shall behold him for euer . ( Almightie God by his worde onely , made the heauens and earth of nothing : therefore he is able to raise our bodyes out of the dust ) . At this generall resurrection of all mankinde ( that euer were in this world ) my flesh and soule , which I nowe haue shall bee restored , and ioyned together againe , in the same maner whereof they nowe consist ( beeing altered from corruption , and made immortall ) and shall liue with Christ in heauen for euer . And the bodies of the reprobate , shall be then also restored : to liue in hell for euer , in euerlasting torments .

This resurrection ( as the holye Scripture 1. Thes. 4. 16. 17 sheweth ) shall bee in this maner . Christ shall discende from heauen with multitude of Angels : and by his power all the bodies of all mankinde that euer were , shall bee raysed to life . And those which shall bee then ly●ing , shall bee caught vp in the clowdes , with them that were raysed : to meete the Lorde in the ayre . And then shall the elect be with the Lorde , and remaine with him for euer . And the reprobate shall be sent to hell : there to remaine in torments for euer .

The day of the Lorde shall come as a 2. Pet. 3. 13. &c. theefe in the night : in the which the heauens shall passe away with a noyse , and the elements shall melt with heate , and the earth with the workes therein shall be burnt vp . But we looke for newe heauens , and a newe earth , according to his promise : wherein dwelleth righteousnesse . Wherefore seeing wee looke for such thinges : what manner of persons ought wee to bee , in holy conuersation and godlinesse ?

a a The bodies of all mankind shall be raysed againe : the elect to ioy , the reprobate to torments . Iob 19 , 25 , 26 , Esay , 26 , 16 , & 66 , 14 , and 65 , 17. Eze. 37. 5 , 6 , 10 , 13 , 14 , and 18 , 24. 26. Dan. 12 , 2. Eccles. 12 , 7 , and 11 , 3. Luke 16 , 22 , 23. and 20 , 35 , 36 , and 32 43. Matth. 22 , 30. Iohn 5. 28. 29 , and 6. 40. 44. and 11 , 24 , 25 , 26. & 12 , 48. Actes 24 , 14 , 15. Rom. 8 , 21. 1. Cor. 15 , 20 , &c. Phil. 3 , 20 , 21. Col. 3 , 4. 1. Thes. 4. 13. &c. and 5 , 1 , 2. 1 , Iohn 3 , 2. 2. Cor. 5. 2. 2 , Pet. 3. 9 , &c. Mat. 25 , and 19 , 28. Rene. 14 , 13. & 20 , 10 , &c. & 3 , 21. 1. Cor. 6. 2.

See more proofe before in the seuenth Article of the Creede .

ANd the life euerlasting .

( A ) I beleeue , that after the resurrection And the life euerlasting . of our bodies : there is no more death or chaunge : but the faythfull shall bee glorified , to liue in ioy with Christ for euer ( of the which number , I beleeue I am one ) . ( B ) And the wicked shall bee without Christ in eternal paine : with the diuel in hel , for euer .

Euerlasting life in heauen is giuen the faythfull , by the free mercie of God ; for Christ his sake . And is begun in this life by faith and conuersion ( which is a full purpose and intent , to liue according to Gods commaundements ) . Eternall life is begun , here by conuersion : and finished in heauen , by glorification .

The peace of conscience ( which is ioy and gladnesse in God ) doth assure vs in this life , of euerlasting life .

a a The faithfull shall enioy euerlasting life and dwell with christ for euer . Matth. 19 , 28. 29. and 25 , 34 , 35. Luke 20 , 36 , Iohn . 3 , 14 , 15 , 36 , and 5 , 24 29 , and 6 , 47. & 11 , 25. and 17 , 3. 1. Iohn 3 , 2. and 5 , 11 , Esay . 51 , 11. and 65 , 17 , 18. Rom. 2 , 6 and 5. 17. and 6. 23. and 8 , 17 , 30. 1 , Cor. 2 , 9. 1. Cor. 15 , 53 , 54. Actes 13 , 48. Tit. 1 , 2. Reu. 2 , 10.

b b The wicked shall haue euerlasting torments , with the deuill in hell for euer . Matth. 25 , 41 , 46. and 8 , 12. and 13 , 39 , to 43. Luke 16 , 23 , Iohn 5 , 29. Iude Iob 10 , 21. 22. Esay 66 , 15 , 16 , 24. 2 , Pet. 2 , 4.

The ende of the Creede .

In this faith I am taught how and what to beleeue concerning God the Father : who made me and all the world . Secondly what to beleeue concerning God the Sonne : who redeemed me , and all mankinde . Thirdly , what to beleeue concerning God the holye Ghost : who sanctifieth mee , and all the elect people of God . Fourthly , what to beleeue concerning Gods people , called the Church .

The conclusion how this fayth iustifieth .

( A ) This is the Catholike fayth : which Howe this faith maketh vs righteous before God . except a man beleeue faithfully , hee can not be saued .

( B ) And by this faith , we haue our sinnes forgiuen vs : and are iustified and made righteous ( freely ) by the onely mercie of God , for the merits , death and passion of Christ Iesus our sauiour and redemer .

( C ) This fayth whosoeuer hath it : doeth What is fayth . wholy ( and onely ) trust for his saluation , vpon the mercie and promises of God , in Christ . And commeth vnto Christ , with this true faith , repentaunce and newnesse of life . And so continually loueth righteousnesse , and hateth the doing of euill : for this fayth will worke in him conuersion .

NOwe is to bee called to minde , what Of faith : and the lawe . hath bene heretofore said concerning sinne . And that the whole life of a Christian , consisteth in fayth and charitie . Sinne entered on Adam , and all his posteritie Gene. 3. Rom. 5. 12 ▪ &c. ( from whom all of vs are discended ) by his offence in breaking of Gods commandement . And to make vs more Rom. 5 , 20. & 3. 20. sinfull , and to know our sinne : the law ( or tenne commandements ) of almightie God was giuen . Wherein God doth Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10. Iam. 2. 10. appoynt vs what we ought to do : and if wee faile in any one poynt , his terrible iudgement and curse doth rest vpon vs : and so eternall death .

( D ) And forasmuch , as it is altogether Acts 15. 10. Gal , 3. 24. aboue our strength and power to fulfill the lawe of God : Therefore our mercifull God hath giuen vs a meane of deliuerance , to drawe vs out of this so wretched a calamitie : thereby to attaine the heauenly eternall life . The which meane is the foresayd fayth , and trust in Gods mercie , for the merits , death and passion of Christ Iesus our sauiour & redeemer : and by him onely ( and by none other Acts 4. 12. Hebr. 10. 10. Ioh , 3. 18. & 17 3. & 14. 6. way nor meane ) it pleaseth our heauenly father , to haue mercie vpon vs , and to suucour vs . And by this our true fayth , the Lawe and cursse thereof : taketh no holde in vs ; but hath an ende . Who so euer hath this fayth assuredly : The same will worke in him repentance and conuersion , and cause him to hate euill ( and he that hateth euill , will repent his doing of euil ) . Thus repenting the breaking of Gods commaundements , and our sinnes : wee are by this our true fayth iustifyed , and made righteous by Christ our Sauiour : our sinnes shall not bee layde to our charge . And thus beeing iustified , The holy Ghost doeth sanctifie vs : and prouoke and stirre vs vp to serue God : and to our power to reliue our needie neighbours ( hauing sufficient for our familie : because he that ● . Tim. 5. 8. prouideth not for them hath denied the faith , and is worse then an infidel ) . So he that hath this fayth , will loue Christ , with all his power ; and aboue all thinges . And will haue an earnest continuall desire and endeuour to keepe Christ his commaundements . Therefore this faith can by no meane be seuered from godly affections : because Christ dwelleth in the failhfull by his holy spirite ( and vertue ) and sanctifieth them . * * 1. Cor. 1 , 30. 2. Thes. 2. 13. Hebr. 10. 14. Phil. 2 , 13. Acts 4. 12. So fayth and good workes , are ioyned together . This is the onely meane to enioy the eternall blessed life , and to dwell with God in glorie for euer .

So I conclude ; that he which hath this faith , wil to his power , endeuour to worship God aright , and to keepe his holy commaundements .

a a They that beleeue not are condemned alreadie ▪ therfore faith is an assured knowledge & trust , &c. Mar. 16 , 16 , Iohn 3 , 18 , 36 , & 8 , 24 , & 10. 25 , 26. & 12 , 48 , Heb. 3 , 19. & 10 , 22 , & 11 , 1. Col. 2 , 2 , Mat. 13 , 23.

b b The true & liuely faith iustifieth : for by faith we take hold of Christ his merits and the forgiuenes of sinnes . Haba. 2 , 4. Mar. 5. 36. & 10 , 52. & 16 16. Luke 7 , 50. & 8 , 48. Iohn 3 , 16 , 18. & 5 24. & 17 , 3 , 20 , 21 , 22. Acts 10 , 43. & 13 , 39 & 15 , 9. & 16 , 31. & 22 , 16. & 26 , 18. Rom. 1 , 16. & 3 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 28. & 4 , 5. & 5. 1 , 5 , 10 & 8 , 9 , 14 , 33 , 34. & 9 , 30. & 10 , 10. Gal. 2 16 , 20 , 21. & 3 , 11. 14 , 22 , 23 , 24. & 5. 6. Eph. 1 , 3. 5 , 7. & 2 , 8 , 3 , 9. 2. Cor. 5 , 19 , 21. Gen. 15 , 6 , 1. Pet. 1 , 5. 9. 1 , Iohn 17. & 5 , 14 ▪ Ioh. 16 , 23 , & 11 , 26 , Mat. 9 , 29. Lu. 18 42. Heb. 11. 1. Cor. 1. 30. Ti. 3. 5 , 6. Mat. 7 , 17 , & 12 , 33.

See more proofe before in the 2. & 10. Articles of the Creede : that faith iustifieth .

And what this faith is : is shewed before in all the Creede :

c c whosoeuer hath this faith wil loue christ , and hate the doing of euill : and wil relieue his needie neighbours to his power . Iohn . 15. 5. Matth. 5. 16. and 7. 12. &c. and 12. 33. Gal. 5. 6. 13. 14. and 6. 8. 15. Tit. 1. 16. and 2. 11. &c. and 3. 8 , Phil. 2. 13. Acts 17. 28. 1. Cor. 13. 1. Cor. 1. 30. 1. Pet. 1 , 15. 16. Heb. 12. 14. Iohn 13. 34. 35 & 15. 8. 1. Iohn 3. 17 , 18 Col. 1. 10. Ephe. 2. 10. 2. Tim. 3. 5. 17. Rom. 6. 16. and 12. and 13. 8. &c. and 16 , 17. 1. Tim. 1. 5. Iam. 2 , 20. 1. Thes. 4. 3. 4. 2. Thes. 3 , 6 , 14 , 15 , 18. Reue. 2. 5. 16 , & 3. 15. 16.

d d The true Christian is not vnder the law , that he should bebound with the curse thereof : but is vnder grace : for Christ is the end of the law to all that beleue in him . Rom. 6. Luke 16. 16. 1. Tim. 1 , 5. 9. Col. 2. 11. &c. Ephe. 2. 14 , &c , Gal. 3. 24. 4. 5 , 6 , 31. and 5. 18. 2. Cor. 3 , 6 , 17 , Rom. 10 , 4. Acts 15. 10. Rom. 8. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4.

a a 1. Ioh. 3. 23. Mat. 22. 37. 38. 39. The true and right worshipping of God , is by true fayth in Christ : and obeying his holy commaundements .

The holye lawe of God , and his commaundements : are briefly comprised in the tenne commaundements of almightie God .

The tenne Commandements of almightie God .

THe first foure is the worship of God . The other sixe is the preseruation of mankinde : which is our dutie towards our neighbour .

In the commaunding of vertues : the forbidding of vices is conteyned .

God is not loued , except our neighbour Iohn 4 , 7 , 8. 20 , 21. be loued : nor our neighbour truly loued , except God be loued .

GOd spake these wordes and saide : I am the Lord thy God . Thou shalt haue none other Gods but me .

Here is commaunded that a a Matt. 4 10. & 22 , 37 , & 10 , 37. mar. 12. 29. Ioh. 5 , 23. & 17 3. 1 , cor , 8 , 4 , 5 , 6. Ephe: 4 , 6 , 1 , tim , 2 , 5. deut. 6 4 , 5. & 6 , 2. & 10 10. Ier. 17 , 5. esa 31 , 1. 46 , 9. psal. 127. & 86 , 10. & 145 , 15. Iam. 1 , 17. thou shalt onely haue the almightie God ( that created the heauen and earth ) for thy God . And thou shalt haue none other for thy God , but him onely .

Thou shalt loue him with all thy hart , mind , soule , and power : and honour and feare him aboue all . Thou shalt put thy whole trust and confidence in him , and pray vnto him in all sickenesse , troubles and daungers , for helpe and succour : And shalt giue him thankes and prayse for all things , and acknowledge him the gouernour , and giuer of all things .

The ende of this commanndement is ; that due honour may bee giuen to God , in the minde , will , and heart of man .

That God is the gonornour and giuer of all things : See proofe hereof at large before in the first Art●cle of the Creede .

THou shalt not make to thy selfe , any grauen Image ; nor the likenes of any thing which is in heauen aboue or in the earth beneath , or in the water vnder the earth . Thou shalt not bowe downe to them nor worship them . For I the Lord thy God , am a gealous God , and visite the sinnes of the fathers vpon the children , vnto the thirde and fourth generation of them that hate mee , and shew mercy vnto thousands in them that loue me and kepe my commandements .

a a Esa. 40. 18. 25. & 42 , 8. & 46 , 5 , to 10. acts 17. 29. exod. 34 14 , leuit 26. 1 , deut. 4 , 15 : to 28. & 7. 5 , 6. & 27. 15. psal. 97. 7 & 115 , 4 , to 9. ier , 10 , 3 , to 17. haba . 2. 18 , 19. rom , 1. 22 , &c. 1 cor. 8 , 4 , & 10. 7 14. 2. cor. 6 , 16. 1. iohn 5 , 21 iohn 1. 18. & 4 , 23. 24. 1. tim. 6. 16. In this commandement we are commanded , that we should not thinke or imagin God , to be like man or woman , or any other thing : for we cannot imagin what the almightie God is : his diuine power is so incomprehensible . But we see and knowe his greatnesse , so farre as is needfull for vs to knowe , by the glory of the heauens ▪ and earth : and by his holy worde and workes . b b Mat. 15 , 9. & 28 , 20. mar. 7 8 , 9. deut. 12 , 32. & 17 , 2 , 3. pro. 30 , 5 , 6. reue . 22 18 , 19. gal. 1 , 8. 2. ioh. ver. 10. 11 exod. 23 , 2. esa. 29 , 13 , & 66 , 3 , 4 , tit. 1 , 4 , 13 , 14 16. col. 2 , 8. 20 , 22 , 23. ioh. 4 , 24 1 sam. 15 , 9 , &c. psal. 119 , 113. acts 5 , 29. Therefore we must not worship God , according to mans imagination : but as hee hath commanded vs in his worde .

God will be worshipped in spirit and trueth . And will not be represented by any Image , or likenesse , what so euer . Neither will hee haue vs to worshippe any Image in any manner of Religion : nor to doe any honour , seruice or obedience to it ; nor to call vppon it , nor bowe downe before it . God doth forbid these things , with most horrible and fearefull threatnings .

In this Commaundement all false worshippe of God is forbidden : and the true worshippe of God commaunded .

THou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine : for the Lord will not holde him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine .

( a a Deu. 28 , 58. & 5 , 11. 29. luke 1 , 50 , leu , 19 , 12. ) In this we are commanded : that we vse with most high reuerence the name of God , when so euer we speake or thinke vpon it . And that we doe not vse his name , to euill vses : or falsely ( and not in truth ) .

( b b Leuit. 19. 12 gal , 5 , 19 , 20 , 21 deut. 18 , 10 , 11 , 12. mala . 3 , 5. leuit . 24 , 14. ) They which vse the name of God in false swearing , coniuring , witchcraft , sorcerie , cursing , and such like : those do blaspheme the name of God ; and take his name in vaine . And the Lorde will not holde him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine .

( c c Iere , 4 , 2. mat. 5 , 34 , to 38 Iames. 5. 12 , 1 , pet. 4 , 11. gal. 1. 20. col 3 17 , 1. cor , 10 , 31 2 , cor. 1 , 23. exo. 22 , 10 , 11. hebr. 6 , 16. ) Also in this commaundement we are commaunded ; that we neuer sweare by the name of God ( in our common talke , though the matter bee neuer so true ) but onely to sweare , in truth , in iudgement , and in righteousnesse : where the glorie of God is sought , or the saluation of our brethren , or before a magistrate , witnessing the truth , when we are thereunto lawfully called .

( d d Deut: 6 , 13. & 10 , 20. iere. 5 7 , & 12 , 16. ) In which causes wee must onely sweare by the name of God , and not by any other thing .

This commandement consisteth in the right honourable vsage of the name of God .

REmember thou keepe holy the Sabbaoth day : Sixe dayes shalt thou labour , and do all that thou h●st to do : but the seuenth day is the Sabaoth of the Lord thy God . In it thou shalt do no maner of worke , thou and thy sonne , and thy daughter : thy man seruant , thy maid seruant , thy cattell , and the stranger that is within thy gates . For in sixe dayes the Lord made heauen and earth , the sea , and all that therein is , and rested the seuenth day : wherefore the Lord blessed the seuenth day and halowed it .

( a a Deut. 5 , 14. exod. 23 , 12 , & 31 , 13. eze. 20 , 12. ) In this we are commaunded to keepe holy the Sabaoth day : and to rest from our labour in our calling on the same day : and that our seruants may then also rest .

( b b Mark 2. 15 , Iohn 7 , 22 , 13. ) Neuerthelesse in that day , we may do any labour , that may not well be done on another day .

The keeping holy of the Sabaoth day , is thus : ( c c Acts 20. 7. and 16. 13. luke 4. 16 , to 21. mar. 6 , 2. ) Wee must assemble our selues together in one place with feare and reuerence , to heare ( and lay vp in our heartes ) the worde of God preached vnto vs : and then to confesse our sinnes vnto God .

( d d Mat. 18. 19. Phil. 4 , 6. 1. Cor. 16 , 2. ) And also to pray together with one consent for such thinges wee neede : and to giue God thanks for the benefites wee haue receaued : and to giue almes to our needie brethren : ( e e Acts ● , 42. 1. cor. 11. 33. ) and to vse the holy Sacraments in fayth and repentance .

This is the outward keeping holy of the Sabaoth day .

( f f Esa. 56. 2. & 58. 13. ) The inward keeping of it holy , is to rest from our worldly businesse ; and refraine from our froward desires : and so yeelde our selues wholy to Gods gouernance .

( g g Heb. 4 ● . ) So shall our Sabaoth be a figure of the holy euerlasting rest .

( h h Mar. 2 , 27. 28. nom. 15 , 32 to 36. mat 12 , 1 ●● 9. col. 2 , 16 , 17 ) Wee keepe not our Sabaoth literally as a ceremonie with straight Religion ( as the Iewes did ) . For the ceremonie of the Sabaoth ( that wee shoulde not doe any maner of worke therein vppon paine of death : but that onely which was appoynted to bee done by the lawe ) ended with Christ ; and is abrogated .

( i i 1. Cor. 14 , 26 40. ) But wee reteine the keeping holy of the Sabaoth day , as a necessarie remedie to keepe order in the Church : and that seruaunts may then rest from their labours , and then learne to knowe God . And also that our publike prayers , almes , and other good workes , may be the better done of vs .

( k k Rom. 14. 5 6 Col. 2. 16. ●gal . 4. 9 , 10. 11. ) To make difference betweene day and day ; as though one were more holy in it selfe , then an other : Saint Paule hath taught vs , that so doing is superstition ( or vaine Religion ) an honouring of that , which shoulde not bee so honoured .

The causes why the Sabaoth was instituted , was ; for the publike seruice and worship of God . In which consisteth the studie of the knowledge of god ; of good works , and of thankfulnesse vnto God : for his good benefites giuen vnto vs .

HOnour thy father and thy mother . ● That thy dayes may bee long in the lande which the Lorde thy God giueth thee .

a a Leuit , 19 , 3 32 : col , 3 , 20 , 22 23 , and 4 , 1. matth. 15 , 4 to 7. rom. 13 , 1 , 2 , 3 7. tit. 3 , 1. & 2 , 9 , 10. 1 , thes , 5 , 12 13 , heb. 13 , 17 , ●phe , 6 , 9 , mat. 7 , 12. Here , we are commaunded ; that wee should loue , feare , obey , and releiue our parents . And also all other that are vnto vs in their steade : As our Prince , and the rulers : and our teachers and maisters : And all superiours and powers , which God hath constituted and set ouer vs . For they ought to be vnto vs in their offices ; as if wee were their children .

b b Ephe. 6 , 1 , 2 3 , mat 15 , 4 , to 7 , exo. 20 , 12. & 21 , 17 , deut , 27 , 16 , prou. 20 , 20. & ●0 , 17. col. 3 , ●0 . Honour in this commaundement signifieth : outwarde reuerence , obedience and loue .

We must honour our father and mother ; in esteeming and reuerencing of them : To beare with them ; not to speak euill of them , nor to curse them : and to our power , if they haue neede ; to releiue cherish , and nourish them in all their necessities : and to obey them ; and wish to them all prosperitie and health .

This is the duetie which wee owe to our father and mother . And God here promiseth a blessing to those children , that do honour their parents .

In this commaundement ; all particuler duties , which are commanded to euery person ( in the holy Scripture ) are included and commanded . That in this obedience , God may be worshipped : and the societie of mankind , preserued .

THou shalt do no murther .

( A ) In this commandement almightie Gen. 9 , 6 , exo , 21 , 12. deu. 5 , 17 leuit , 19 , 17. mat. 5 , 22 , 44. 1. iohn 3 , 15 , pro. 20. 22. rom. 12 , 19 , 20. ephe. 4 , 26 , 32 , col. 3 , 12 : 13 , mat. 7 , 12. iohn 13 , 34. God forbiddeth vs all killing , fighting and quarelling : & all anger , malice , & desire of reuenge . And also al those things , which tend to the destruction of the life of mankind .

We are here commanded to preserue the life of all mankinde ; by exercising the workes of mercie and loue . Vnder the name of murther ; are all sinnes which accompanie it comprehended . And all those things which tende to the safetie of our life and others ; commaunded . Negatiues include affirmatiues : Gal. 6. 10 , rom. 12 , 17 , 18. as , Thou shalt doe no murther : therefore thou shalt ayde and helpe thy neighbour .

( B ) When God commandeth a man Nom 35 , 31 , leuit . 24 , 17. exo , 21 , 12 , &c. to bee slaine : then God himselfe putteth him to death by man , vnto whome he giueth this charge . For if murtherers , theeues , robbers , & such like , should not be put to death : The felowship of men should be destroyed . Therfore God punisheth , when the magistrat punisheth .

The ende of this commaundement is the preseruing of the life of mankinde : and forbidding of all things which tend to the destruction of mankind .

THou shalt not commit adulterie .

a a Rom. 13 , 9. 13. mat. 5 , 28 , 32 leui . 20. 10 , &c. deu 23 : 17 , heb. 13 , 14. 1 , cor , 5 , 11 & 6 , 9 , 15 , &c. eph . 5 , 3 , 4. 5 , 18 col. 3 , 5 , 1. thes. 4 , 3 , to 7. In this commandement we are forbidden all adulterie and fornication , and all euill desires of the heart : and all vncleannesse , whatsoeuer , which might intise vs to vnchast behauiour , or allure vs to sinne .

The end of this commaundement is , the preseruation of chastitie : and the forbidding of all vices contrary to chastity .

Incest and adnlterie , are much more heynous , then theft and robberie . For God appoynted Leu. 2010 , &c , & 18 , 29. death in Moyses lawe for the adulterers and incestuous persons : but not so for theeues and robbers .

8 THou shalt not steale .

a a 1 , Thes , 4 , 6 leui , 19 , 11 , 13 , 35 deut. 24 , 14. to 16. iob 24. 2 , esa. 1 , 23 , ●phe , 4 , 28 2. thes. 3 , 10. We are forbidden in this commandement , all stealing and robbing in outward deedes . And all desire of any mans goodes wrongfully , by deceyte and wrongfull dealings .

The end of this commaundement , is the preseruation of goodes or possessions , which God giueth to euerie one , for the maintenance of their life .

Thou shalt not steale : that is , thou shalt not couet or attempt by deceyt , to conuey thy neighbours goodes , to thee . Therefore thou must defende and preserue them : and giue thy neighbour his owne . And liue of that which is thine owne .

THou shalt not beare false witnesse agaynst thy neighbour .

a a Mat. 19 , 18. exod. 23 , 3 , to 8 deut. 19 , 16 , 21. psal. 12 , 2 , 3 , & 15 , 2 , 3 , & 34 , 12 1. pet. 3 , 10. pro. 6 , 16. to 20 , & 19 , 5. & 24 , 9 , & 25 , 18 , rom. 13 , 19 , ephe. 4 , 25. iam. 4 , 1 , 1 , pet. 2 , 1. In this we are commanded , that we neuer speake falsely in witnesse bearing : nor neuer lye , flatter nor dissemble , wherby our neighbour may take harme .

The ende of this commaundement is ; the maintenance of truth amongst men . Therefore all vntruthes , lyes , guyles , dissemblinges , slaunders , backbitinges , and euill speakings , are for bidden : for they are contrarie to truth .

THou shalt not couet thy neighbours 10 house . Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours wife , nor his seruant , nor his maide , nor his oxe , nor his asse , nor any thing that is his .

In this commaundement , Almightie God in plaine wordes , doth forbid all a a Mat ▪ 5. 28. rom. 6. 12. 13. & 17 14. 1. tim 6. 6. to 11. heb. 13 5. iam. 1. 14. 15. ●sa. 57. 17. ● . Iohn . 2 , 15. inwarde desires and affections , what so euer is vnlawfull to be done . So euery euill thought and motion is sinne : and agaynst this commaundement .

The ende of this commaundement , is a rightnesse and inwarde obedience of all our affections , towards God and our neighbour : and to maintaine the safetie of our neighbour .

The summe of the lawe .

Our Sauiour Christ hath included all these commandements , in these twoo : Thou Matth. 22. 37. to 41. luke 10. 27. to 38. shalt loue the Lorde thy God , with all thine heart , with all thy soule , and with thy minde : this is the first and greatest commaundement . The second is like vnto this : Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe . On these these twoo commaundements hang all the law and the Prophets .

A newe commaundement ( sayth our Iohn 13. 34. 3● . Sauiour Christ ) giue I vnto you : that ye loue one another , as I haue loued you . By this shall all men knowe that ye are my disciples ▪ if ye loue one another . And this is the commandement of God ( saith 1. Iohn 3. 23. Saint Iohn ) that we beleeue in the name of his sonne Iesus Christ : and loue one another as he gaue commaundement . And ( saint Paule sayth ) the law is fulfilled Gal. 5. 14. rom ▪ 13. 8. in this : thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe . For the ende of the commaundement is loue out of a pure 1. Tim. 1. 5. heart , and of a good conscience , and of fayth vnfayned .

If any man say he loueth God , and hateth 1. Iohn 4. 20. his brother : he is a lyer .

These are the commaundements of Acts 15. 10. Gal. 3. 24. Rom. 8. 8. almightie God : the perfect fulfilling thereof , no flesh can attaine vnto . ( Although I doe all that I can , yet I breake them dayly .

Therefore the vse of the lawe to the The vse of the lawe . Rom. 7 , 7 , Gal. 3 , 24. godly Christian , is the knowledge of sinne : because it is a rule wherevnto he is to frame his life : and a glasse wherein he may see his wantes : whereby he may desire more and more to be conformed vnto God , and his lawe .

The law ( of the ten commandements ) Rom. 7 , 20 , 21 , 22 . is to be taught vnto all mankinde ( and vnto all the godly ) : that we may striue and endeuour , to come as neere as wee can vnto it . That by this desire of fulfilling of the lawe , God may exercise vs , in repentance and obedience : that wee may go forwarde more and more in godlinesse .

Although the lawe doth not binde Rom , 8 , 1 , 2 , 3. 4 & 10 , 4. Ephe , 2 , 14 , 1 , Tim , 1 , 9. the true Christian with the curse thereof , and condemnation : because Christ is the ende of the law for righteousnesse , to all beleeuers : yet it must bee our rule to frame our liues by , vnto the vttermost of our power . ●nd the law is our schoolemaster , Gal. 3. 24. to bring vs to Christ our sauiour , who hath redeemed vs from the curse of the lawe , and obteyned Gods mercie for vs .

The lawe is holy , and the commaundement Rom. 7. 12. 1 , Tim , 1 , ● . is holy , iust and good . The lawe is good , if that a man vse it lawfully .

The ende of the lawe .

( Our neighbour is he that needeth our Luke 10 , 27 , to 30. mat. 23 , 8 , 1 , cor , 6 , 1 , 6 , 1 , cor , 12 , 1 , & 15 1. 1. cor , 16 , 1. our helpe . Our brother ( in the scripture phrase ) is he , that is a Christian . Christians are brethren : and Sainst .

Of Prayer .

THe things that haue bene hitherto spoken do plainly shew , howe needie and voide man is of all good things : and how he wanteth of himselfe , al helpes of saluation . Wherefore if we seeke for helpe for our releife and neede , we must go out of our selues : and by fayth to acknowledge , that what so euer wee haue neede of , what so euer wanteth in vs : a a Iohn 15. 7. Col. 1. 19. the same is in God , and in our Lorde Iesus Christ . And in Christ is the fulnesse of Gods goodnesse : from whome we must drawe by prayer ( as out of a plentifull fountaine ) whatsoeuer wee haue neede of , and whatsoeuer wanteth in vs .

b b Mat. 21. 22. mar. 11. 24. Rom. 14. 13. & 9. 14. 26. 33. eph. 5 , 3 12 heb. 4. 16. & ●ō . 12. iam. 1. 5. 6. By faith our hearts are framed to call vpon the name of God : and fayth obteyneth what so euer is graunted by prayer . And with prayer we must craue of Christ , that which we haue learned to be in him : So by prayer our fayth is exercised ▪ for faith is the cause of prayer : and prayer is the encreasing of fayth .

c c 2. Chro. 7. 14. psal. 66. 18. eze. 18. 26 27. 31. 32. Rom. 14. 13 A right prayer requireth fayth and repentance : Without fayth it is impossible to please God , and where true fayth is ; there is also true repentaunce . Without fayth rhere is no true prayer : And without the loue of our neighbour there is no fayth . Therefore wee are taught by Christ , to pray one for another .

Prayer is necessarie for all Christians , because it is the chief part of that thankfulnes which God requireth of vs . God will chiefely be worshipped of vs , and magnified : by praier and thankesgiuing . And prayer was ordeyned for vs , to bewaile our miseries to God .

Prayer is a petition , with an ardent Prayer , what it is . and earnest desire ; whereby we aske of God , those things which he ha●h commanded to be asked of him . And thankesgiuing , is an acknowledging of a benefite receyued : with giuing thanks ( and praise ) for the same .

d d Rom. 12. 1● ephe. 6. 18. Iames 5. 15. We must pray continually , for many daungers doe hang ouer vs euerye moment : and temptations doe continually assault vs , and force vs to craue helpe of God , by Christ . Neuerthelesse , we must not trust by much e e Mat. 6. 7. babling , to wring any thing from God . f f Luke 11 , 2. & 21 , 36. psal , 50 , 14 , 15 , 23. & 1 16 , 12. ephe 6 , 18 , col. 4. 2. 1 , pet. 4. 7 , iam. 5 , 13 , 14 , 15. Wee must pray because God hath commanded , that we call vppon him : and will this way chiefly and principally bee magnified of vs . And wee receyue not those blessings which are necessarie for our safetie and saluation : except wee aske them of God .

g g 1 , Thes. 5 , 17 18. 1. tim. 2 , 1 , 2 , 3 hebr. 13 , 15 col . ● . 17. And so of thankesgiuing : without giuing of thankes , wee receyue not such thinges as are to bee giuen , and are necessarie .

They which ha●e true fayth , aske the grace of God . And they who haue tasted of Gods grace , shewe themselues thankefull vnto God for it : and do more and more craue and desire it .

The wicked receyue many gifts : but not those principall gifts , which are proper to the elect : as fayth , repentance , forgiuenesse of sinnes , and regeneration ( or newnesse of life ) . Also those giftes the wicked receyue : they doe not receyue them to saluation .

Sith that all our prayers ought to bee offered and presented to God , by our Lorde Iesus Christ and that we ( h h Rom , 8 , 20. know not how to pray as we ought to do ) therfore our sauiour Christ hath giuen vs the forme of prayer . Not to binde our selues to those wordes : for Christ himselfe vsed at other times i i Iohn , 14 , 1. & 17 , iam , 1 , 5. mat , 26 , 39 , 4● . acts 4 , 24. other wordes , & longer speach . And the Apostles did so likewise .

But in this prayer , is giuen vnto vs , a law to pray aright , concerning the things themselues , that ought to be prayed for : And so teacheth vs , when we pray for particuler things which we neede : what things they must bee that wee ought to pray for , and how to aske them .

Albeit , that wee must make our prayers onely to God for helpe : yet to demaunde succour of men , is nothing contrarye to this . For wee put not our trust in them , nor seeke succour of them : but as the ministers and bestowers of Gods goodnesse to our necessitie and comfort . For what so euer wee receyue of any man , wee are bounde to take and acknowledge it , as deliuered from God , by him , vnto vs : because men are the destributers of Gods benefites one to another .

It is requisite in prayer , that wee obserue Fiue things requisite in prayer . these fiue things .

First that wee must make our prayers k k Iohn . 14 , 13 14. & 16. 23. 1. iohn 5. 14. mar. 11. 24. iam. 1. 5 , 6. & 4. 3. rom. 8 , 3. 4 , 1. tim. 2 , 5. 1. iohn 2. 1 , 2. onely to God , in the name of Christ ( and not to Saints , nor any other ) for Christ onely is our intercessor , mediator and aduocate to God for vs .

Secondly , l l Iohn 4 , 23. 24. rom. 8. 26. psal 51. 17. & 145. 18. that we be inwardly touched with the neede of the thing wee aske : hauing our minds wholy bent thervppon ( and not caried away with by thought ) .

Thirdly ▪ m m Iam. 16. mark . 11. 24. 1. iohn 5 , 24. That we trust with full assurance , that our prayer shall bee graunted ; so farre as the Lorde doeth knowe them to bee meete and needefull for vs .

Fourthly , n n Rom. 12. 12. luke 18. 1 , to 7. 1. thes. 5 , 17. col. 4. 2. ephe , 6 , 18. That wee continue in praier ; although we haue not our request at the first .

Fiftly , o o Iam. 4 , 3. Rom. 8. 26. 1. Iohn 5 , 14. That wee aske not those thinges which wee thinke good in our owne fantasie : but onelye that which God commaundeth vs to aske of him in his word . p p Matt. 6 , 9 , &c. luke 11 , 1 , 2 &c. All which things be taught in the Lords prayer .

* * 1. Cor. 14 , 15 We must pray with the spirit & vnderstanding : And lift vp our hearts to God in our prayers . Psal 25. 1.

Christ when he prayed : he lifted vp Iohn 17 , 1. his eyes to heauen , and kneeled on his Luke . 22. 41. knees ( which teacheth vs how we ought to pray ) .

The godly when they pray ; they are sorie for their sinnes , and doe craue pardon of God , in the name of Christ , with an humble confession of their faults : trusting ( through Christ ) to obteine their petition . And they rest onely vpon the mercie of God , for Christ his sake and merit : crauing nothing but that which is according to his will .

IN that prayer which Christ taught his Disciples ( which wee call the Lordes prayer ) our Sauiour Christ hath taught vs what we ought to pray for : and how to pray . Therefore we must not looke for any other thing ; then is briefly comprehended in that prayer .

The Lordes prayer which our Sauiour Christ taught : is this that foloweth .

OVr Father which art in heauen .

Our . By this worde Our a a Iam. 5 16. rom. 12. 4 5. wee are taught to pray one for another : because we are members one of another , and vnited together 1. cor. 12 , 13 , 27 , & 6. 15 , 17. 19. 2 , tim. 1 , 1 , 2 , 3. by the holy Ghost .

Father . And God is called our Father , in respect of our creation : because he created vs . b b Rom. 8 , 14 , 15 , & 5 , 8. iohn 1 , 12. gal. 4 , 6. ephe. 1. 5 , 6 , ioh. 20 , 17 , mat. 7. 11. But in this prayer , we call God our Father : because he hath chosen all the faithfull to be his children , and loueth them , for Christ his sake .

By election through Christ , wee are Gods children . c c Mar. 16. 16. iohn 3 , 18 , 36. 1. pet. 5 , 7. For if we doe not beleeue in Christ ; then are wee not the children of God : but the children of the deuill . Therefore wee can not call God our father , but by our Sauiour Christ . For all those onely that trust in his name , are chosen to bee the sonnes of God .

Which art in heauen . d d Esay 66 , 1. iere , 23 , 24. psal. 2 , 4. & 103 19 , & 11 5 , 3 , 16 : & 123 , 1. God is sayde so dwell in heauen : Thereby to teach vs to lift vp our minds to heauen , in our praiers .

God is in heauen most glorious , and hath there his seate : yet his presence is euery where , and filleth heauen & earth .

HAlowed be thy name .

Hallowed be thy name . a a Rom 11. 33. 36 , & 16. 27. 1 , cor. 10. 31 , 1 , tim. 1 , 17. luke 1 50. mat. 6 , 33. psal. 67 , & 71 , 8. iob 1 , 21. deut. 28 , 58. In this petition wee desire the true knowledge , and worship of God ; that due honour may be giuen to him . ( we may not speake nor thinke of him : without most high reuerence ) . Also that hee woulde giue vs the knowledge of his holynesse , in fayth and repentaunce : whereby wee may glorifie and prayse his holy name : and not to dishonour Rom. 2 , 24. him by our euill liuing .

Wee sanctifie and hallowe God , Iohn 17 , 2 , 3. when wee acknowledge his mercie and prouidence , and prayse him for the same : and doe knowe that of him , which hee will haue vs to knowe . The ende of all thinges is Gods glorie : Therefore 1. Cor. 10 , 31. all our doinges , shoulde bee to his honour and glorye . And wee must desire , that he will giue vs strength , whereby his diuine name may bee hallowed and sanctified of vs .

In this petition the name of God Mat. 28 , 19. Psal. 116 , 13. signifieth God himselfe , and his workes : and all those things which may bee attributed v●to God .

THy kingdome come .

Thy kingdome come . Herein we desire the Lorde a a Luke 17 , 20 21. rom. 8 , 10 , 11 psal. 143 , 10. Iohn 16 , 13. to gouerne and preserue vs with his spirite : and to correct in vs all euill desires , that we may obey him . b b Rom. 8. 21 , 22 , 23. reue . 22 , 20. mat. 6 , 33. luke 12 , 32. & 22 , 29 , 30. And also to hasten the gathering of his elect into his glorious kingdome : that they may be deliuered from all euill and wickednesse .

c c Iohn 3 , 3. 1. pet. 1. 5. Rom. 8 , 9 , to 15 Except God keepe vs , & erect in vs his rule and kingdome : wee shall neuer sanctifie his holy name . For where the holy spirite of God doth not keepe and preserue : there will the deuill bee , to to worke destruction and damnation .

The kingdome of God , is here taken Iohn 18 , 36. rom. 14. 17. 1. cor. 4. 10. to be the spirituall gouernment ; wherewith he gouerneth all the elect , by the vertue of his holye spirite , and by his worde .

Christ doth reigne in vs ; when we do Mar. 6. 12 , 16 ▪ & 8. 9. to 15. mortifie our flesh , and renounce our euil affections .

This kingdom of God hath two parts : the one to direct & mainteine the elect : The other is to ouerthrow the enemies and reprobate .

THy will bee done in earth , as it is in heauen .

Thy Will be done . &c. a a Eph. 1. 9. 11 & 5 , 7. 1. iohn 5 14. rom. 12. 2. 1. thes. 4. 3. 1. pet. 4 2. 1. iohn 2. 17 ioh. 9 , 31. 1. cor. 4 , 7. tit. 2. 12. In this petition we pray , That God wil strengthen and vphold vs by his holy spirit , to direct all our doings to his glory , that we may do his wil : & that nothing be in vs , contrarie to his will .

b b Heb. 13 , 20 21. acts 9 , 6. iob 1 , 21 , mart . 26. 39 , rom. 1. 10 & 15 , 32 , 1 , cor. 4 , 19. Wee pray that wee may bee obedient to his will , and take patiently and willingly ( without murmuring ) what so euer afflictions or troubles he sendeth on vs : that nothing be in vs against his will : but that his will may be done in earth , as it is in heauen . ( That wee may striue so farre as wee may , to such perfect obedience ) .

Therefore we must desire the Lordes c c Col. 1 , 9. Iohn 15 , 4 , 5 ▪ Phil. 2 , 13. 2 , Cor , 3 , 4. helpe to strengthen vs , to ouercome sinne ▪ and to deliuer vs from it . That wee may thereby be able to please him in obeying his will .

In the former petition , wee desire that God will begin his kingdome in vs , by ruling vs with his holy spirit : and in this petition , wee pray that wee may haue strength from God , to doe his will as becommeth vs .

d d Esay 46 , 10. Psal. 103 , 21. The will of God here signifieth : his commaundements and decrees .

e e Rom. 9 , 19 , 20. ( The will of God , none is able to resist , nor may plead agaynst his doings ) .

The three foresayde petitions , belong onely to the glory of God : and depende together . For the name of the Lorde is not hallowed , except his kingdome come : and his kingdom doth not come ; except sinne and wickednesse be remoued , and his will be done .

GIue vs this day our dayly bread .

Giue vs this day . &c. In this petition , vnder the name of a a Gen. 3 , 19. deut. 8 , 3. psal. 37 , 25 , eze. 4 , 16 & 5 , 16. & 14 , 13 mat. 4 , 4. luke 4 , 4. bread ; we pray for all such necessarie things , which the vse of our bodies ( in this life ) needeth : as foode , rayment , health , peace , and such like . And so is the name of breade vsed , in the holy Scripture .

Christ calleth the bread which wee must desire of God , b b Mat. 6 , 11. 31 , &c. luke 11 3 , psal 34 , 9 , 16. pro. 30 , 7 , 8 , 9. Dayly breade : because hee will haue euerye of vs euerye day : to desire dayly , as much as may for euerie day , necessarily suffice vs , in our vocation .

And hauing the same : that therewith c c 1 , Tim. 6 , ● to 11 , heb. 13 , ● iam , 4 , 3. wee shoulde be content . And this worde Our breade : signifieth that portion that God hath assigned vnto vs : and therefore wee call it ours .

Wee must aske onely ; thinges necessarie for our lyfe : And to put our selues wholy in the prouidence of God , to be nourished and mainteyned of him . d d 1 , Chro. 29 , 11 , 12. iam. 1. 17 And acknowledge al things we haue , to be giuen vs by him .

So resting our selues on Gods prouidence , e e 2. Thes. 3 , 1● heb. 13 , 5 , 6. and labouring diligently in our vocation : God will blesse our labours , and giue vs those thinges which f f Iam. 4 , 3 ▪ 1 , iohu 5 , 14. shall be needfull for vs ( to serue God with : and our neighbour ) according to his will .

Touching Gods prouidence , See more a● large before in the first Article of the Creede .

We must aske the things which wee shall neede in this life , with this condition annexed g g Deut. 6 , ●6 ▪ mat. 4 , 7 , 1 , cor. 10 , 9. If it be thy will : For wee must not prescribe vnto God , what hee shall giue vs : for that were to tempt God : which wee are forbidden to doe . But spirituall blessings , we must aske without this condition , for they are profitable for vs : and may not any way hurt vs .

The h h Pro. 30 , 7. 8 9 , Psa. 37. 16. 1. ●im. 6 , 6 , to 11. abundance of riches may hurt vs , if we haue not Gods speciall grace to direct vs , in the good spending of them : For the rich men are gods stewardes , to dispose them . Therefore if they do not vse riches as God commaundeth : their sinne is the greater by them .

ANd forgiue vs our trespasses : as wee forgiue them that trespasse agaynst vs .

And forgiue vs our trespasses . &c. In John 14 , 13 , 14. & 16 , 23 , 24. 1. Iohn 2 , 12. & 5 , 14. this petition we pray : that our sinnes may be forgiuen vs , for Christ his sake .

This petition teacheth vs to acknowledge our sinnes , and as earnestly as we may , To desire of God forgiuenesse of them : trusting in his mercie , for the merits , death , and passion of Christ Iesus our Sauiour and redemer .

Concerning forgiuenesse of sinnes , See is more as large before in the tenth article of the Creede : and a● the ende of the Creede in the Conclusion .

As we forgiue them . &c. Also these words , Matth. 6 , 14 , 15 , and 5 , 23. 24 44 , luke 6. 36. ● Iam. 2 , 13 , rom. 12 , 19. col , 3 , 13. As we forgiue them that trespasse against vs : doeth admonish vs , to forgiue our neighbour his offences done to vs . and that if wee doe not forgiue our neighbour , but seeke reuenge : God will not forgiue vs .

These wordes , As we forgine : doeth not signifie the degree and comparison betweene God and vs ▪ as if God shoulde forgiue so farre and no more : then wee doe forgiue .

But these assureth vs , that God remitteth our sinnes , as truely and certainly : as we forgiue and remitte our neighbour . And that if we do not forgiue our neighbour , but seeke reuenge : God will no● forgiue vs .

This prouoketh vs to fayth and true repentance : and to forgiue and loue our neighbours . For we cannot pray in fayth and true repentaunce , if wee hate our neighbour .

ANd lead vs not into temptation : but deliuer vs from euill .

And lead vs not into temptation . In praying that we be not a a Psal 125 , 5 , & 81 , 12 , rom. 1 24 , 26. 2 , thes. 2 , 11 , 12. esay , 63 , 17. & 29 , 10. 1 , sam. 16 , 14 , iohn 14. 17. rom , 6. 12 2. cor. 4 , 7 , &c. 2. tim. 4 , 18. 1 , pet. 1 , 5. & 5 , 8 , 92 , pet , 2 , 9. led into temptation , we desire that God will not withorawe his speciall grace from vs : but defende and vpholde vs with the power of his holy spirite , that we may ouercome all temptations ; and thereby may be deliuered from the consent , and doing of euill .

When God b b 1 , Sam , 16 , 14 1. pet. 5 , 8 , 9. gal. 6 , 1. 1 , cor , 7 , 5. rom. 1 , 24 , 26. esay 63 , 17. withdraweth his speciall grace , in preseruing and keeping vs , by his holye spirite : Then God suffereth the deuill , and our wicked inclinations to tempt vs , and to worke vs afflictions and troubles : thereby to exercise our fayth ; or to chastice vs for our sinnes . ( For the Lorde will c c 2. Tim: 3 , 12 , reue . 3 , 19. heb. 12 , 6 , &c. 1 , thes. 3 , 3 , 29. 2 , cor , 7 , 10 10. pro , 30. 9. correct the offences of the godly in this world , by afflictions : else our flesh would be wanton , and forget God ) .

Therefore wee pray , That he leade vs not into temptation ; That wee should be d d 1 , Cor. 10 , 13 ouercome of it , and so consent to the doing of euill : but that hee will deliuer vs from euill .

There are two sortes of temptations : The one is from God . The other is from the deuill , the wicked , and our corrupt inclinations .

The temptations whereby God tempteth vs ; is a e e Iam , 1 , 2 , 3. 12 , & 5 , 10 , 13. 1 , pet , 4 , 12 , &c. deut. 8 , 2. 2 , cro . 32 , 31. rom , 5 , 3● 5. 1 , cor. 11 , 10 , 3● tryall and proofe of our fayth and obedience : that our faith , patience and constancie , may be manifested vnto our selues and vnto men , to his glorie and prayse ; when hee deliuereth vs from that temptation and tryall .

So were f f Gen. 22 , 1 , 2 , 9. &c & 29 , 7 &c. iob 1 , 7 , &c , & 2. 1 , cro . 21. 1. &c. the temptations of Abraham , Ioseph , Iob , Dauid : and other holy men .

The tryall ( or temptation ) sent from God : is by afflictions and troubles ( as aforesayde ) g g Ioh. 15 , 5 , 6 , which come on the godly , in that tyme that God withdraweth his speciall grace in preseruing and keeping of them by his holy spirite . And then God h h Iudg. 9 , 25 suffereth the wicked , and our euill inclinations , to tempt vs , and to worke vs afflictions and troubles : that wee maye resort ( i ) Iohn 16 , 20 , 2 , cor 4. 7 , &c. rom. 8. 18 &c. to his grace , and feele the presence of his strength in succouring of vs . God not working these afflictions , ( for he k k Iam. 1. 13 , 14 , 15. tempteth none to euill ) but onely withdrawing his speciall grace for the time . For where l l 1 , Sam. 16 , 24. heb. 3 , 13. rom 8 , 9. 1 , pet. 5 , 8 , 9. the spirite of Christ is absent : there will the wicked spirit be readie and present , to worke our destruction .

The m m Iob 1. 7 , to 13 , & 2 , mat. 8 , 31. & 10 , 29 , 30 wicked spirites can do nothing vnto the faythfull , but what God shall suffer them , and giue them leaue . For the Lorde will haue regarde that those his elect , shall not perish .

So n n Iud. 9 , 23. 1. King . 22. 22. 2. King . 17 , 27. & 24 , 3. the wicked doe execute the iudgements of God .

All thinges o o Rom. 8. 28. Esa. 57 , 1. worke for the best , to them that loue God : for hee knoweth what is best for vs . Also temptations are profitable for vs , when his mercie doth accompanie them .

Wee must not p p Mat. 4. 7. Wisd. 1. 2. seeke for afflictions : for so wee shall tempt God , and prouoke his wrath . But those afflictions which be layde on the godly agaynst their will : God in the ende , when it pleaseth him , q q 2. Pet , 2 , 9 , reue . 3 , 10 , 2 ▪ cor. 4. 7 , &c. 1. Cor , 10 , 13. will deliuer the faithfull out of those temptations : and will suffer no more to be layd on them , Then he will giue them strength to beare .

The temptation whereby the deuill , How the deuil tempteth . Iam. 1. 13 , 14. 15 1. Pet. 5. 8 , 9. the wicked , and our corrupt inclinations doe tempt vs ; is euery soliciting to sinne : To the ende wee may bee withdrawne from God , and so to perish .

These are the diuersities of temptations . The diuersitie of the temptations . God tempteth , only by the withdrawing of his speciall grace , to exercise the fayth of the godly , or to chasten them for their sinnes : holding them still in his mercie , that they shall not perish : thereby to make them to resort to his grace : and so to feele the presence of his strength in succouring them .

But the deuill tempteth ; to withdrawe 1. Pet. 5 , 8. 9. vs from God : and enticeth and prouoketh vs to doe euill and wickednesse , and so to forsake God : that wee might be destroyed and damned .

BVt deliuer vs from euill .

But deliuer vs from euill . In this wee pray , That when temptations shall assault vs , and prouoke vs to doe euill : that God Iohn 17. 15. would deliuer vs from all euill , present and to come . And that hee will suffer no euill to hurt vs : but that all thinges may bee vnto our saluation .

We shall bee led into temptations : Therefore we pray that we may not be 2. Tim. 3 , 12. 1 , Pet. 5 , 8 , 9. 1 , Cor. 10. 13. ouercome of them ▪ and so to bee withdrawen from God ( but that we may be deliuered from euill ) .

FOr thine is the kingdome , the power , and the glorie for euer , Amen .

For thine is the kingdome , &c. This clause serueth to confirme our fayth : That 1 , Chr. 29 , 10 , 11 12 Psal. 14 5 , 13. 1. Tim. 1 , 17. Reue , 5 , 13. 1 , Pet. 5 , 11. Ephe. 3 , 21. Col. 3. 17. God is able to giue vs those things which we desire . For the kingdome , and all power and glorie , is his : therefore we trust in his power , mercie and goodnesse . Vnto this our God be all prayse , glorie , honour , power and thankes ( by Iesus Christ our Lorde ) for enermore .

Amen . This worde ( Amen ) signifieth : That we wish and desire , that it be so done , ( or so be it ) .

The effect of this prayer .

In the first petition , the Lord commandeth vs to desire the true knowledge and worship of God : In the second , That God woulde gouerne vs with his spirite : and so continually preserue and confirme vs , in this knowledge . In the thirde : That euery of vs ( by the helpe of his holy spirite and gouernment ) may doe and fulfill our duetie in our vocation : that we may doe nothing against his will . In the fourth : That God would giue vs corporall blessings ; whereby euery of vs may doe his duetie . In the fift : That he would giue vs spirituall blessings , in forgiuing vs our sinnes . In the sixt ( and last ) That wee may bee vpholden by his grace : that thereby we may bee deliuered from all euill . And that so wee may bee able to hallow , prayse and glorifie his name , through Christ our Lord and Sauiour .

Before hath bene declared , three parts of Religion : fayth ? the lawe ? and praier : nowe followeth the last part , which is Sacraments .

Of Sacraments .

THe Sacraments which Mat. 28. 19. 20. Mark . 16 , 16. Luk. 22. 19. 20. are to be vsed of vs Christians : are onely those which our sauiour Christ did institute , and command vs to vse . Which are only twoo : Baptisme and the Lords Supper ( which we commonly call the holy Communion ) .

These two Sacraments , Baptisme , and the holy Communion , are holy signes : ordeyned Gen. 17. 11. Rom. 4. 11. Exod. 12. 14. to be assured tokens and testimonies to me ( and all the faythfull ) of the mercie of God , and forgiuenesse of sinnes ; for the merits , death and passion , of Christ Iesus my sauiour . And with those holy Sacraments , I receyue such grace and vertue from Christ : the which my tongue cannot expresse . And the holy Ghost by them , doeth moue my heart to beleeue .

A Sacrament is a testimonie of Gods A Sacrament what it is . fauour towardes vs : confirmed by an outward signe . Or a visible signe ; of inuisible grace ▪

There are three thinges in a Sacrament . The first is the visible signe ( as in Baptisme , water : and in the holy Communion , bread and wine ) : The seconde is , the wordes of the Lords ordinance . And the third is , The thing signified by them . The thing signified is Christ : for he is the substance of all Sacraments , and they doe promise nothing without him : For by Christ is the mercie of God and saluation giuen vnto vs .

Our Sauiour Christ for the strengthening of our fayth , hath ordeyned the preaching of the Gospell . And for the further encreasing and confirming of our fayth : hath instituted and left to be vsed of vs for euer ( so long as wee are in this world ) the twoo Sacraments ( aforesayde ) Baptisme , and the holy Communion : to be testimonies of his grace and saluation .

These are called the Sacraments of the newe Testament , because Christ did institute them ; and left them to be vsed of all Christians . And none other are to be vsed of vs as Sacraments , but those onely .

The vse of our Sacraments , are ; to be Why the Sacraments were ordeyned . signes and testimonies of the eternal couenant of remission of sinnes ( or promise of saluation ) which God hath made to the faythfull in Christ . And also serue to confirme our fayth ( for that they set before our eyes the good will of our heauenly father ) and leade vs vnto Christ ; to seeke our saluation onely in , and by him . And further , by receyuing them , wee testifie our profession before men : that wee are Christians ; not Infidels . Acts 10 , 47. And by them wee binde our selues to God to followe godlinesse ( in fayth and Rom. 6 , 3 , 4. Ephe: 4 , 3 , to 7. charitie ) and yeelde vnto God obedience , prayse and thankes for our redemprion . And in giuing vs these visible signes : God testifyeth his benefites towardes vs .

The Sacramentes before Christ : Gen. 17 , 4 , 7 , 10 21. 1 , Cor. 10 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. testified that Christ shoulde come ( for without Christ none was , nor neuer shall be saued ) . And the Sacraments which Christ hath left vs ; testifie that Christ is Mat. 28 , 19 , 20 , 1 , Cor. ●1 , 26. come : and are to vs signes of the couenant of saluation ( as aforesaid ) .

Christ teacheth and instructeth vs with his worde : then strengtheneth our fayth with sacraments : and by his holy spirite he openeth our hearts to receyue the word and sacraments ( which otherwise would nothing moue our inwarde parts ) . So without the worke of the holy Ghost the sacraments doe nothing at all profite vs . It is the spirite of God which is the authour of the encrease of our fayth ▪ The office of the sacraments , The office of the Sacraments is to set forth Christ vnto vs : and in him the treasures of heauenly grace . And to confirme our fayth , in setting before our eyes the good will of our heauenly father . And by the healthfull working of the holy Ghost the faythfull do receyue with the sacraments ; such grace and vertue from Christ our sauiour : the which we are not able to expresse ▪ And so that Note . most learned man master Caluin writeth in his booke of institutions . If any man aske me saith M Caluin ) what maner of presence of Christ is in the Lords supper : I wil not be ashamed to confesse , that it is a higher secret then that it can be either comprehended with my wit , or vttered with my wordes . And to speake it more plainly , I rather feele it , then I can vnderstand it . Therefore I do here embrace the truth of God , wherein I may safely rest . With the holy sacraments Christ with his spirit discendeth to the faithful . that he may truely quicken their soules : Gal. 2. 20. Ephe. 3. 17. 2. Cor. 13. 5. 1. Cor. 6. 15 , 17. 19. & 12. 13. Rom 8 ▪ 9. & 12 , 5. 1. Cor. 10. 17. Ephe. 5. 30. and dwell in them , and they in him ? and they vnited to him , and made members of his bodie ▪ he being their head ? and also members one of another by the wonderfull working of the holy Ghost . This secret vniting of Christ with the godly , is by nature impossible to bee comprehended .

For our instruction herein , beholde Note . the Sùnne shining forth his beames on the earth ? how it is one thing in the firmament : yet all the worlde , and euery thing ; is nourished and comforted with the light and heate thereof . Much more ( and more then may bee expressed with our tongues , or conceyued in our minds ) doth the extending beames of the spirite of Christ discende to the faythfull , to quicken , comfort and defend them : with the grace , vertue and power , that commeth from the bodie of our sauiour Christ Iesus : whereby they hate the deuill and sinne , and ouercome them .

Albeit the faythfull receyue the benefites Iohn 3. 18. 1. Pet. 3. 21. Acts 8. 13. 18. 20. 21. Ioh. 1 , 33 Rom 2. 29. 1. Cor. 10. 4 , 5. aforesayde with the holy Sacraments : yet there is no such secret power knit and fastned to the Sacraments , that they may of themselues , giue vs the graces of the holy ghost .

The Sacraments doe not profite vs , vnlesse the holy ghost ioyne with them : for it is the holy ghost , that encreaseth and strengtheneth our fayth , and maketh the Sacraments to bring forth fruit in vs . We doe not denie , but Christ himselfe , Matth. 28. 20. with the power of his spirit is present at the administration of the holye Sacraments : and the grace of God is there truely present to our fayth , when we receyue them . Neuerthelesse , the inwarde grace of the spirite , is seuered from the outward ministerie . And the Sacraments doe not profite , but being receyued by fayth .

All that are baptised haue not the spirite of Christ . Simon Magus ▪ was baptised Acts 8. 13. 18 , to 25. ( by Philip the Apostle ) but had not the grace of the holy ghost : he confessed the truth , yet was not regenerate by the holy ghost . So Baptisme and the Lords supper , may be receyued without the holy ghost : Albeit God inwardly worketh by the holy ghost ? that which the Sacraments testifie .

Hee that despiseth the holy sacraments , and willingly doth forbeare the Gen. 17 , 13 , 14. Luke 14 , 24. Mar. 8 , 38. vse of them , as though he needed them not : he is not to bee accounted any of Gods people . And also thereby he refuseth the grace of Christ . But he that receyueth Iohn 3 , 16. & 17 , 20 , &c. them in fayth and repentance : vnto him the holy Sacraments seale and confirme most assuredly , the promise of 1. Iohn 2 , 3 , Rom. 3 , 25. & 5 9 , 2. cor. 5 , 21. Gal 3 , 1● . heb. 9 , 14. & 10 , 10. Col 1 , 14. grace , and forgiuenesse of sinnes : and that he shall bee partaker of Christ and his benefites , and dwell with him in heauen for euer .

Of Baptisme .

BAptisme is a holy signe , and an assured Mark , 16 , 16. Tit. 3 , 5. Gal 3 , 27. 1. Cor. 12 , 13. token to mee : that my sinnes are forgiuen mee for Christ his sake : and that I am receyued into the holy Church , as a member of the same : and vnited vnto Christ , by the speciall working of the holy Ghost .

Baptisme hath the promise of forgiuenesse Matt. 28 , 19. Mark , 16 , 16. Rom. 6 , 3. Tit. 3 , 5. 1. Pet 3 , 21. of sinnes and saluation , annexed to it : that euery one which beleeueth and is baptised , shall be saued . And in Baptisme wee are renued by the holye Ghost : whereby our euill inclinations are chaunged into good , that wee haue thereby an hatred of sinne .

In Baptisme the offence and punishment Gal. 3 , 27. Ephe. 5 , 26. Tit. 3 , 5. 1. Pet. 3 , 21. of our sinne is taken away . Neuerthelesse , the corruption or inclination to sinne , remayneth in vs : which maketh euery one of vs subiect to sinne , and alwayes , to neede the mercie of God , and 1. Iohn 1 , 8 , 9 , 10 forgiuenesse of sinnes .

Baptisme is a ceremonie , or outwarde What Baptism is : and wherefore it was ordeyned . signe , instituted by Christ : being washed with water in the name of the Father , and of the Sonne , and of the holy Ghost . Whereby Christ testifyeth 1. Iohn 1 , 7. Ephe. 5. 26. to vs , that wee are cleansed from our sinnes by his blood . And Baptisme is also a solemne signe of our receyuing into the holy Church : and the marke whereby Christians are knowne , from Infidels . Also it is the Sacrament Acts 2 , 38. of Christian profession : for by my receyuing of Baptisme , I do professe 2. Cor. 5 , 17. Rom. 6 , 3 , 4. to liue a Christian : & to beleeue & trust for my saluation ( & all things else which I shall neede ) onely , in the name of the father , the sonne , and the holy ghost ( three persons and one true and euerlasting God ) . And I doe thereby solemnly binde my selfe to Christ , to keepe his commaundements ( to my power ) and to beleeue and trust in his merits , death and passion , for my saluation . And so by Acts 22. 16. & 15 9. Mar. 16 ▪ . 16. Tit. 3. 5. fayth in Christ , I am sanctified by the spirite : vnto eternall life .

The visible signe in Baptisme , is water , with which the person baptised is washed .

The spirituall and inuisible grace is : 1. Cor. 6 , 1 1. Tit. 3. 5. forgiuenesse of sinnes , and the renuing by the holy ghost . After our Baptisme , Christ with his grace , by the working of the holy ghost ? doeth regenerate , and frame the faithfull , to newnesse of life , by fayth and repentance ( so long as they liue here in this worlde ) whereby they hate sinne and the deuill : and in the end ouercome them .

To be baptised in the name of the father , the sonne ▪ and the holy ghost : signifieth into the Religion , profession and grace ? of the father , the sonne , and the holy ghost Baptisme is the solemne receyuing of vs into the holy Church , and into Gods fauour ▪ therefore euery of vs are but once baptised in our whole life .

Although our baptisme doe require Baptisme of infants . fayth and repentance : yet the Baptisme of infants doth very well agree with the institution of Christ , and the nature of the signe . For the signes consist not in the outward ceremonies : but principally Acts 2. 39. Gal. 3 , 7. 29. Gen. 17 , 7. 1. Cor. 12. 13. depende vppon the promise of saluation , which belong also to the children of the faythfull : and wee and our children by baptisme enter into the profession of God ; that we may be reckoned his people . Also Baptisme hath the same office with vs , as Circumcision had with the Iewes . ( And God commanded the Iewes to circumcise their infants ) . Infants Mat. 19 , 14. 15. mar. 10. 14. 15. 16. Gal. 3. 29. are partakers of Christ , and heyres by promise : Therefore are not to be debarred from baptisme .

The children of Christians are accounted holy : although they bee the 1. Cor , 7 , 14. issue , but of one faythfull parent . Therefore the childe of a Christian may bee baptised . The Prophet Ieremie , and saint Iohn Baptist , were sanctified in Iere. 1 , 5. Luke 1 , 15. their mothers wombes : whereby plainly appeareth , saluation is according to Gods election : albeit the infant were Tit. 3. 5. 2 , Thes. 2. 13 neuer baptised . God hath chosen vs before the foundation of the worlde . So then saluation is not in him that willeth , Ephe. 1. 4. Rom. 9 , 16 , nor in him that runneth : but in God that sheweth mercie .

Of the holy Communion .

THe holy Communion I receyue in remembraunce , Luke 22. 19 , 20 1. Cor. 11 , 24. 25 26. Rom. 4 , 25. that Christ dyed for my sinnes : and rose againe to giue mee ( and all the faythfull ) eternall life . And in this holy Sacrament ( receyuing the same in true fayth and repentaunce ) I receyue ( by the 1. Cor. 13 , 2 , 3. working of the holy Ghost ) grace and vertue from heauen : from the verie bodie and blood of our Sauiour Iesus Christ ( for out 1. Cor. 10 , 3 , 4 , 16 , 17. gal. 2 , 20 Iohn 6 , 51 , &c. of the substance of his flesh , he giueth life to my soule ) and the holy Ghost doeth thereby nourish my heart to beleeue faythfully in Christ his death and merits for my saluation : and dwelleth in mee ; and vniteth mee vnto Christ . And also maketh mee 1. Cor. 6 , 15 , 17 19 2 , Cor. 13. 5. Rom. 8. 9. partaker of Christ his benefites : And after this lyfe , to haue eternall in heauen with Christ Iesus my Sauiour .

In this holy Sacrament we are made 1. Cor. 10. 17. Rom. 12 , 5. members of Christ , and vnited together : by his holy Spirite dwelling in vs . The Ephe. 5 , 30 , 32. manner of Christ his presence , and of our vniting , and howe wee eate Christ and drinke his blood ; is a great secret : and more then my tongue can expresse , or any mans minde able to conceyue .

When wee receyue this holy Sacrament : Col. 3 , 1. we must ( as deuoutly as wee can ) lift vp our mindes into heauen , where Christ is : And by our fayth , receyue Gal. 2 20. Ephe. 3 , 17. Iohn 3 , 16 , & 5 24. ephe. 2 , 8 , & 3 , 17. acts 10 , 43 & 26 , 18 , & 15 , 9. gal. 5 , 6. Heb , 11 , 6. grace and vertue from his verie bodie . By our true and liuely fayth , we are made partakers of Christ , and vnited to him , by his spirite dwelling in vs : and doe obteyne remission of our sinnes , and saluation .

At the receyuing of this holy Sacrament Matth 28 , 20. Iohn 17 ▪ 22 , 23. 2. Cor. 13. 5. Rom. 12 , 5. Christ is present ( by the working of his holy spirite ) : and doth make vs one with him ; and members one of another .

And we be partakers of the godly nature : 2. Pet. 1 , 4. in that we flee the corruption , which is in this world through lust .

Euery one which receiueth this holy Sacrament 1 , Cor , 13 , 2 , 3. worthily ( in true fayth , repentance 1. Cor. 10. 3. 4. Iohn 6. 54. to 57 , 63 2. cor. 13 5. 1. cor. 6. 15 , 17 19. Rom 8. 9. & 12 , 5. ephe. 5 , 30 1. Cor. 10 , 17. and charitie ) doe then receyue the body of Christ ( working by his spirite ) and forgiuenesse of all their sinnes .

Christ then dwelleth in them , and they in him : and are vnited to him , and made members of his bodie , and also members one of another : by the secret and marueylous working of the holy Ghost .

Christ doth out of the substance of Gal. 2. 20. Rom. 8. 9. 10. 11 his flesh , giue life vnto our soules . And we do liue , by his holy spirit and vertue abiding in vs . And by that vertue and power we doe hate sinne , and the deuill , and ouer come them .

Thus are the faythfull f●d with Christ Iohn 14 , 23. 1. Iohn 3 , 24 , & 4. 13. Ephe. 3 , 17. 2. Cor. 1 , 22. Rom. 8. 11. his body , and doe liue by his holy spirit and vertue abiding in them . And thereby their fayth is nourished and strength●ned : and their soules fed with this spirituall foode ( in Christ ) vnto eternall life . This is our communion with Christ : and the eating of his bodie , and the drinking of his blood . Thus by our true faith , and the working of the holy ghost , we are made his members and members one of another ; & so one body in Christ : he being our heade , from whom wee all , Rom. 12. 5. Col. 1 , 18 , to 2● doe drawe of his fulnesse . So wee eate Christ in such sort ; as hee abydeth in vs .

The maner of the receyuing of this grace and vertue ; and the incorporating Ephe. 5 , 30 , 32 . of the faythfull into Christ , is a great secrete : and more then our tongues can expresse , or our mindes able to conceyue .

This holy Sacrament ( which some call the Lordes supper : others , the holy Communion of the body and blood of our Lorde and sauiour Iesus Christ , and commonly the holy Communion ) . Christ did institute ( and ordeyne ) at his Mat. 26 , to 31. Mar. 14 , 22. to 26. Luke 22 , 19 , 20 last supper with his disciples . Which institution saint Paul expoundeth and declareth in these words following .

I haue receyued of the Lorde that 1. Cor. 11 , 23 , to 30. which I also haue deliuered vnto you . That the Lord Iesus in the night he was betrayed , tooke breade : and when he had giuen thankes , he brake it and said . Take , eate , this is my bodie , which is broken for you : this doe yee in remembrance of me . After the same maner also he tooke the cuppe , when he had supped , saying : This cuppe is the new testament in my blood : This doe as often as ye drinke it in remembraunce of mee . For as often as ye shall eate this breade , and drinke this cuppe : yee shewe the Lordes death till he come . Let a man therefore examine him selfe , and so let him eate of this breade , and drinke of this cuppe . For hee that eateth and drinketh vnworthily , eateth and drinketh his owne damnation : because hee discerneth not the Lords bodie .

Further , Saint Paule sayeth , The ● . Cor. 10 , 16 , 17 cuppe of blessing which wee blesse : is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ ? The bread which we breake : is it not the communion of the bodie of Christ ? For we that are many , are one bread , and one bodie : because we all ar● partakers of one bread .

Note that as the breade is Christs bodie : So is the cup the new Testament . The new Testament is the promise of saluation made to all beleuers in Christ . Therefore the eating of Christs bodie is spirituall , and so sayth Saint Paul . 1. Cor. 10 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4.

This forme & order of the Lords Supper we ought to hold , & wholy to keepe : for the remembrance of his death and benefites , till he come againe at the end of the world to iudgement .

THis holy sacrament , is a distributing The holy Sacrament what it is : & wherefore ordeined . of sanctified bread and wine in the assembly of the faithfull ( according to the commandement of Christ ) : To testifie that hee hath deliuered his bodie to death , and shedde his blood , for our redemption .

The visible signes of the Lords supper are bread & wine . The things signified , is the breaking of Christs body ( by the separation of his soule from his body ) and the shedding of his blood : for our redemption . And also our vnion with christ : that Christ maketh the faithfull pertakers of his body & blood , as surely and verely as they receiue the sanctified bread and wine . And that the remembraunce thereof with prayse and thankes vnto Christ for the same ; is vnto our soules Rom. 8 , 11 . spirituall meate : and nourishment and strengthening vnto our fayth . So the inuisible grace in this Sacrament is Christ himselfe .

This holy Sacrament was instituted & 1. Cor. 11. ●6 . Suke 22 , 19. appointed to bee done of all the faithfull , in remembrance of Christ his death , and the benefites wee receyue thereby . And that wee should publikely declare and confesse ( till hee come againe to iudge ) that all our trust for eternall life and saluation ; is in his death and merits .

Also this holy Sacrament is appointed Heb. 13. 15. 1. Cor. 10 , 31. Ephe. 5 , 20. Col. 3 , 17. to be a ceremonie of prayse & thankesgiuing . And that in celebrating it in our assemblies , we doe with prayse and continuall thankes , glorifie Christ : and giue him thankes for his death and passion .

Further , it is a token , of the vnion we 1. Cor. 10 , 17. Ephe 4 , 4 , 5 , 6. Rom. 12 , 5. haue with Christ : and is the bonde of loue amongst vs Christians . For we that are many , are one body in Christ , vnited together by the power of the holy ghost ; Christ being our head , and we his members .

And also the receyuing of this holy 1. Cor. 11 , 26. 1 , Cor. 10 , 17. Ephe. 4. 3 , to 8. Col. 3 , 17. 1. Thes. 5 , 18. Sacrament , is a publike confession of our fayth : and a solemne binding of our selues , to leade a Christian life in fayth and charitie ( with continuall prayse and thankes to Christ for our redemption ) .

THe wicked do not eate the body of 1. Cor. 10 , 21. Iohn 15 , 1 , to 8. Christ : for Christ doth not dwell in them . And in whom Christ doeth not abide ▪ without doubt is not partaker of Rom. 8 , 9. mat. 5 , 23 , 24 Christ his bodie , nor any member of him albeit he eate the sanctified breade and wine : which is the signe of his bodie and blood ) . He that eateth Christ ; dwelleth in Christ : and Christ in him .

( The wicked which are knowen : are to Iohn 6 , 56. 1. Cor. 5 , 9 , &c. Mat. 18 , 17. 1. Cor. 10 , 21. bee excluded from this holy Sacrament , vntill they shew their true sayth , by godly repentance ) .

THerefore they which come to this 1. Cor. 11 , 28. 2 , Cor. 13 , 5. holy Supper : must examine & proue themselues if they haue faith and repentance , and doe faythfully beleeue , that they are deliuered from damnation ; by the onely mercie of God : for the merits death and passion of Christ Iesus our sauiour . And must desire to profite and goe forward in godlinesse and newnesse of life . And so to shewe forth the Mat. 5 , 23 , ●4 . 2 , Cor. 7 , 10. 1. Cor. 13 , 2 , 3. Gal. 5 , 6. death of the Lorde ▪ in fayth and repentance , by their godly life , being heartily sory for their sinnes : and to be in charitie with all men .

He that sayth he beleeueth , and doe ● . Iohn 4 , 20. ● . Tim. 3 , 5. Tit. 1 , 16. not shewe it , in his life and doings ; is a lyer : and by his euill doings he denieth the power of godlinesse . Such persons professe they knowe God : but by their euill workes they denie him : and vnto euery good worke reprobate . Saint Paul commandeth vs to withdraw our selues 2. Thes. 3 , 6. 14. 1. Cor. 5. Rom. 16 , 17. 2. Pet. 2. 20. 21. 22. Mat. 12 , 45. Reue. 2. 5. and 3 , 16. from such , and haue no company with them that they may be ashamed . That they and euery of them may remember from whence they are fallen , and repent .

In baptisme we are receiued into the church : therefore this is but once to be done in al our life . The Lords supper is a confirming of our faith , & feding of our soules , & must be often done : to declare the Lords death ( as aforesaid ) ▪ and is to be done not to one alone , but in the assembly of the faithfull when they meet● 1. Cor. 10 , 17. and 11. 26. together .

He that hath true faith is fed with Christ : to be saued bodie and soule vnto eternall life . To whom be all prayse , honour , glory , power and thanks for euer .

Amen .

The conclusion and summe of this Booke .

THose thinges which are before written , Of the holye Trinitie : and Gods prouidence . consisteth briefly in this : That the Almightie God , and his fulnesse ( which is , the Almightie power , that made Heauen and earth ) That the same God dwelleth and abydeth bodilye in Christ Iesus . And that this holye Spirite ( the Almightie power ) which proceedeth from Christ : defendeth and keepeth vs , from the power of Sathan : and preserueth all the faythfull to euerlasting life .

Iohn 1. Colos. 1 , 22 , &c. 2 , Cor. 5 , 18 , 19. Iohn 14 , 15 , &c. Ephes. 2. 18. Rom. 8 , 9. 1. Cor. 6 , 19. Phil. 2 , 13. Acts 17 , 28. Psal. 34. 7. ● . Pet. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5.

Also that we beleeue to bee saued onely Of fayth . by the mercie of God : for the merits , death and passion of Christ Iesus our Sauiour . And that therefore God will heare our prayers , bee mercifull vnto vs , and forgiue vs our sinnes . And after our lyues here ended ( at the tyme appoynted for the Resurrection ) Christ will raise these our vile bodyes , out of the dust : ioyning againe to them our soules : and will then make the bodies of the faythfull , lyke vnto his glorious bodie : to liue in heauen with him for euer .

1. Cor. 5. 18 , 19 , 21. Rom. 5 , 10 , 19. 1 , Iohn 5 , 13. 14. 1 , Cor. 15 , 22. Col. 1 , 13 , 14. 1 , Thes. 5 , 9 , 10. 1. cor. 1 , 30. Phil. 3 , 20 , 21. 2. Thes. 3 , 14 , &c. Luke 20 , 35 , 36. Iohn 11 , 25 , 26. 1 , Cor. 15 , 33. Iohn 20 , 31.

Further , That the holy Sacraments Of Sacraments . of Baptisme and the Lords Supper , are holy signes : ordeyned to bee assured tokens to all the faythfull ; of the mercie of God , by Christ . And that we doe receyue with them , by the working of the holy Ghost ; such good benefites and graces from Christ Iesus : the which our tongues cannot expresse .

Matth , 28 , 19 , 20. Luke 22 , 19 , 20. 1. Cor. 10 , 16. 17. Iohn 6 , 63. Gal. 2 , 20. Rom. 8 , 9. Tit. 3 , 4 , to 8. 2 , Pet. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5.

And also , That whosoeuer hath this Of the life of a Chistian . assured fayth ; shall be saued . And that hee which hath this fayth , will loue Christ his Sauiour : and will haue a continuall feruent and earnest desire to keepe his commaundements : And hauing sufficient to mainteyne his familie ( for that hee which doeth not prouide for them , hath denyed the fayth , and is worsse then an infidell ) will also to his power : comfort , helpe and relieue with his goodes , his needie neighbours and brethren in Christ . And ( continually striue with himselfe agaynst his wicked nature ) to doe vnto others : as he would they should doe vnto him .

Iohn 17 , 3 and 14 , 15 , &c. 1. Iohn 3 , 23 , 24. Rom. 7 , 14 , &c. and 6 , 12 , 16 , and 8 , 1 , 2. 1. Tim. 5 , 8 , 1 , Iohn 4 , 20. 21. Iam. 2 , 17 , 26 , Mat. 7. 12.

So the whole life of a Christian is : to beleeue and trust in Christ for saluation , ( and all things else ) louing him aboue all thinges . And to receyue the holy Sacraments ; and loue one another : as Christ hath commaunded . 1. Iohn 3 , 23 , 24. Gal. 5. 6. 14.

Eschew euill : and doe good .

What Christ hath commaunded , that we should doe : what hee hath forbidden , that should we not doe .

The summe of the holy scriptures is the Lawe and the Gospell . The Law teaching vs what we ought to doe . And the Gospell sheweth vs the promises of God in Christ : and teacheth vs fayth and charitie .

The whole duetie of man is : feare Eccles. 12. 13. Pro. 8 , 8. 13. God , and keepe his commaundements . ( The feare of the Lord , is to hate euill ) . And the dutie of a christian is , to know what Christ hath taught : and to doe thereafter ( and fulfill it ) to his power . Loue Christ aboue all : and thy neighbour as thy selfe : this is the summe of christianitie .

The Lord for his mercie , direct vs euer in his truth : and that directly , and only , we may all seeke Gods glorie . Now vnto the king euerlasting , immortall , inuisible , vnto God onely wise : bee honour 1. Tim. 1. 17. and glorie for euer and euer .

Amen .

See the principles of Religion more at large : in a little booke , named A godly comfort for all Christians .

Dayly lessons to be obserued of euery Christian .

1 EVery morning and euening , and at thy meales : pray vnto God , and giue him thankes for his benefits , and be sorie for thy sinns . And alwayes when thou art tempted to euill , then thinke on Gods commandement concerning that matter : and the godly feare to breake that commandement , will ouercome that temptation . For the remembrance of God putteth away euill .

2 Begin nothing before thou know , how to finish the same : and consider well of the ende that may come thereof . Trust not to much to thine owne wit .

3 Rule thy tongue , that it runne not before thy wit : but let thy mind rule thy tong . ( First thinke and then speake : for wordes spoken haue power ouer the speaker ) . Affirme nothing before thou know the truth : nor beleeue any thing rashly . Refraine from foule language .

4 If thou will correct any man , doe it with gentlenesse . Be gentle in thy behauiour , and familier in thy communication .

5 Promise with good consideration , ( knowing first howe to performe it ) & when thou hast promised , performe it faythfully . Requite benefites , for it is due to render deserued thankes .

6 Vse no familiaritie with any vicious person : and beware of liers and flatterers .

7 When thou wilt aske counsell : aske it of him that gouernes himselfe honestly . And make no furious man , dronkard , nor vicious person of thy counsell .

8 Doe not that thy selfe , which thou dispraysest in another .

9 Eschew idlenesse : and bee not ignorant in those thinges , which is a shame to thee , not to know . Vse diligence , and doe not that to morrow , which thou mayest ( wel and lawfully ) doe the same day .

10 It is more surer for thee to pardon , then to reuenge : for euery reuenge ministreth occasions of further crueltie . Therefore seeke to liue in peace with all men : and meddle not with those matters which perteyne not to thee . Be slowe to wrath , hate crueltie , and in thy furie subdue thine affections . Be not hastie , nor wrathfull : for those be the conditions of a foole . ( Hastinesse causeth repentaunce : and frowardnesse hinderance . )

11 Vse measure in all things : for temperance calleth a man backe from all euill affections . Temperate sparing , is good gayning ( for small expences often vsed , consume great substance ) .

12 Remember what thou art : and what thou shalt be . and thinke nothing profitable , which is not honest and godly . Liue honestly , hurt no man , and giue to euery man his due . Eschew euill and doe good , and God will blesse thee .

Giue glorie , prayse and thankes : vnto Christ our Sauiour . So be it .

Imprinted at London for Iohn Hill : dwelling in Pater Noster rowe , at the signe of the golden Eagle , and the childe . 1590.