Section 5: The third Part is of Man’s Thankfulness

Whereas we are delivered from all our Sins and Miseries without any Merit of ours, by the Mercy of God, only for Christ’s sake; for what cause are we to do good Works?

Because, after that Christ hath redeemed us with his Blood, he reneweth us also by his Spirit to the Image of himself, that we receiving so great Benefits,^a should shew our selves all our life time thankfull to^b God, and honour him; secondly that every one of us be^c assured of his Faith by his Fruit; and lastly, that by our good Conversation we may^d win others to Christ.

Whereas we are delivered from all our Sins and Miseries without any Merit of ours, by the Mercy of God, only for Christ’s sake; for what cause are we to do good Works?

Because, after that Christ has redeemed us with his Blood, he renews us also by his Spirit to the Image of himself, that we receiving so great Benefits,^a should show our selves all our life time thankful to^b God, and honor him; secondly that every one of us be^c assured of his Faith by his Fruit; and lastly, that by our good Conversation we may^d win others to Christ.

Cannot they then be saved which be unthankful, and remain still careless in their Sins, and are not converted from their Wickedness to God?

By no means; for as the Scripture beareth Witness, neither unchast Persons, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Thievs, nor Covetous nor Drunkards, nor Slanderers, nor Robbers,^a shall enter in to the Kingdom of God.

Cannot they then be saved which be unthankful, and remain still careless in their Sins, and are not converted from their Wickedness to God?

By no means; for as the Scripture bears Witness, neither unchaste Persons, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Thievs, nor Covetous nor Drunkards, nor Slanderers, nor Robbers,^a shall enter in to the Kingdom of God.

Of what Parts consisteth the Conversion of Man unto God?

It consisteth of the^a mortifying of the old Man, and a quickning of the new Man.

Of what Parts consists the Conversion of Man unto God?

It consists of the^a mortifying of the old Man, and a quickening of the new Man.

What is the mortifying of the old Man?

To be truly and heartily sorry that thou hast offended God by thy Sins, and daily more and more hate^a and eschew them.

What is the mortifying of the old Man?

To be truly and heartily sorry that you have offended God by your Sins, and daily more and more hate^a and eschew them.

What is the quickning of the new Man?

True Joy in God^a through Christ, and an earnest Desire to order thy Life according to God’s Will and to^b do all good Works.

What is the quickening of the new Man?

True Joy in God^a through Christ, and an earnest Desire to order your Life according to God’s Will and to^b do all good Works.

What are good Works?

Those only which are done by a^a true Faith, according^b to God’s Law, and are^c referred only to his Glory, and not those which are imagined by us as seeming to us to be right and good, or which^d are delivered and commanded by Men.

What are good Works?

Those only which are done by a^a true Faith, according^b to God’s Law, and are^c referred only to his Glory, and not those which are imagined by us as seeming to us to be right and good, or which^d are delivered and commanded by Men.

Which is the Law of God?

The Decalogue, or^a ten Commandments.

Which is the Law of God?

The Decalogue, or^a ten Commandments.

How are these Commandments divided?

Into^a two Tables, whereof the former delivereth in four Commandments, how we ought to behave our selves towards God: the latter delivereth in six Commandments, what duties we^b owe unto our Neighbours.

How are these Commandments divided?

Into^a two Tables, whereof the former delivers in four Commandments, how we ought to behave our selves towards God: the latter delivers in six Commandments, what duties we^b owe unto our Neighbors.

What is the Preface to the ten Commandments?

I am JEHOVAH, the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage.

What is the Preface to the ten Commandments?

I am JEHOVAH, the Lord your God, which brought you out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage.

What learn we from this Preface?

Three things: first he sheweth to whom the right of all Rule belongs, that is, to God himself. for I am (saith he) JEHOVAH. Secondly, he saith, he is the God of his People, that through the Promise of his Bountifulness he might allure them to obey him. Thirdly, he saith, which brought thee out of the Land of Egypt; as if he should say, I am he who have manifested my self unto thee and bestowed all those Blessings upon thee, therefore thou art bound to shew Thankfulness and Obedience unto me.^a

What learn we from this Preface?

Three things: first he shows to whom the right of all Rule belongs, that is, to God himself. for I am (says he) JEHOVAH. Secondly, he says, he is the God of his People, that through the Promise of his Bountifulness he might allure them to obey him. Thirdly, he says, which brought you out of the Land of Egypt; as if he should say, I am he who have manifested my self unto you and bestowed all those Blessings upon you, therefore you are bound to show Thankfulness and Obedience unto me.^a

Do these things belong unto us?

They do so, because they do figuratively comprehend and imply all the Deliverances of the Church; and further, also this was a Type of our wonderful Deliverance atcheived by Christ.

Do these things belong unto us?

They do so, because they do figuratively comprehend and imply all the Deliverances of the Church; and further, also this was a Type of our wonderful Deliverance achieved by Christ.

What is the first Commandment?

Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

What is the first Commandment?

You shall have no other Gods before me.

What doth God require in the first Commandment?

That as dearly as I tender the Salvation of my own Soul, so earnestly should I shun and sly^a all Idolatry, Sorcery,^b Inchantments, Superstition, praying to Saints, or any^c other Creatures, and should^d rightly acknowledg the only and true God,^e trust in him^f alone, submit and subject my self unto him with all^g Humility, and^h Patience, look for all good things from him alone, and lastly with the intire Affection of my Heartⁱ love,^j reverence, and^k worship him, so that I am ready to renounce and forsake all Creatures rather^l than to commit the least thing that may be against his Will.

What does God require in the first Commandment?

That as dearly as I tender the Salvation of my own Soul, so earnestly should I shun and sly^a all Idolatry, Sorcery,^b Enchantments, Superstition, praying to Saints, or any^c other Creatures, and should^d rightly acknowledge the only and true God,^e trust in him^f alone, submit and subject my self unto him with all^g Humility, and^h Patience, look for all good things from him alone, and lastly with the entire Affection of my Heartⁱ love,^j reverence, and^k worship him, so that I am ready to renounce and forsake all Creatures rather^l than to commit the least thing that may be against his Will.

What is Idolatry?

It is in Place of that one God, or besides that one true God who hath manifested himself in his Word and Works, to make or imagin, and account any other thing wherein thou reposest^a thy Hope and Confidence.

What is Idolatry?

It is in Place of that one God, or besides that one true God who has manifested himself in his Word and Works, to make or imagine, and account any other thing wherein you reposest^a your Hope and Confidence.

What is the second Commandment?

Thou shalt make to thee no graven Image, nor the Likeness of any thing which is in Heaven above, or in the Earth beneath, nor in the Waters under the Earth: thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them, for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children, unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me, and shew Mercy to thousands of them which love me, and keep my Commandments.

What is the second Commandment?

You shall make to you no graven Image, nor the Likeness of any thing which is in Heaven above, or in the Earth beneath, nor in the Waters under the Earth: you shall not bow down to them, nor worship them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the Fathers upon the Children, unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me, and show Mercy to thousands of them which love me, and keep my Commandments.

What doth this second Commandment require?

That we should not^a express or represent God by any Image or shape and figure, or worship him any otherwise then he hath commanded himself in^b his Word to be worshipped.

What does this second Commandment require?

That we should not^a express or represent God by any Image or shape and figure, or worship him any otherwise then he has commanded himself in^b his Word to be worshipped.

May there then at all any Images or Resemblances of things be made?

God neither ought, nor can be represented by any means: and for the Creatures, although it be lawful to express them, yet God forbiddeth notwithstanding their Images to be made or had, as thereby to worship or honour either them, or God by them:^a

May there then at all any Images or Resemblances of things be made?

God neither ought, nor can be represented by any means: and for the Creatures, although it be lawful to express them, yet God forbids notwithstanding their Images to be made or had, as thereby to worship or honor either them, or God by them:^a

But may not Images be tolerated in Churches, which may serve for Books unto the common People?

No, for ’tis not seemly that we should be wiser then God, who will have his Church to^a be taught by the lively preaching of his Word, and not with^b dumb Images.

But may not Images be tolerated in Churches, which may serve for Books unto the common People?

No, for ’tis not seemly that we should be wiser then God, who will have his Church to^a be taught by the lively preaching of his Word, and not with^b dumb Images.

What is the third Commandment?

Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain.

What is the third Commandment?

You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his Name in vain.

What doth God decree in the third Commandment?

That not only by cursing^a or forswearing, but also by^b rash swearing we should not use his Name despitefully, or unreverently, neither should by silence nor connivance be Partakers of these horrible Sins in others, but that we use the sacred and holy Name of God ever with great Devotion^c and Reverence, that he may be worshipped and honoured by us with a true and^d stedfast Confession^e and Invocation of his Name; and lastly, in all our Words and Actions whatsoever.

What does God decree in the third Commandment?

That not only by cursing^a or forswearing, but also by^b rash swearing we should not use his Name despitefully, or unreverently, neither should by silence nor connivance be Partakers of these horrible Sins in others, but that we use the sacred and holy Name of God ever with great Devotion^c and Reverence, that he may be worshipped and honored by us with a true and^d steadfast Confession^e and Invocation of his Name; and lastly, in all our Words and Actions whatsoever.

Is it then so grievous a Sin by swearing, or banning, to take the Name of God in vain, as that God is also angry with them who in as much as in them lieth do not forbid or hinder it?

Surely^a most grievous: for neither is there any Sin greater, or more offending God, than the despiting of his sacred Name; wherefore also he would have this Sin to be punished with Death.^b

Is it then so grievous a Sin by swearing, or banning, to take the Name of God in vain, as that God is also angry with them who in as much as in them lies do not forbid or hinder it?

Surely^a most grievous: for neither is there any Sin greater, or more offending God, than the despiting of his sacred Name; wherefore also he would have this Sin to be punished with Death.^b

May a Man swear religiously and lawfully, by the Name of God?

He may when as either the lawful Magistrate exacteth it, or otherwise necessity requireth it: by this means the Faith and Truth of any Man, or thing to be ratified and established, whereby both the Glory of God may be advanced, and the safety of others procured: for this kind of Swearing is^a ordained by God’s Word, and therefore was well^b used of the Fathers both in the old and new Testament.

May a Man swear religiously and lawfully, by the Name of God?

He may when as either the lawful Magistrate exacts it, or otherwise necessity requires it: by this means the Faith and Truth of any Man, or thing to be ratified and established, whereby both the Glory of God may be advanced, and the safety of others procured: for this kind of Swearing is^a ordained by God’s Word, and therefore was well^b used of the Fathers both in the old and new Testament.

Is it lawful to swear by Saints, or other Creatures?

No, for a lawful Oath is an Invocation of God, whereby we desire that he, as the only searcher of Hearts, bear Witness unto the Truth, and will punish the Swearer if he^a wittingly swear falsely: but this Honour^b agreeth to no Creature.

Is it lawful to swear by Saints, or other Creatures?

No, for a lawful Oath is an Invocation of God, whereby we desire that he, as the only searcher of Hearts, bear Witness unto the Truth, and will punish the Swearer if he^a wittingly swear falsely: but this Honor^b agrees to no Creature.

What is the fourth Commandment?

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day: six Days shalt thou labor, and do all that thou hast to do, but the seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt do no manner of Work, Thou, nor thy Son, nor thy Daughter, thy Man-Servant, nor thy Maid-Servant, nor thy Cattel, nor the Stranger that is within thy Gates: for in six Days the Lord made Heaven, and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, and hallowed it.

What is the fourth Commandment?

Remember that you keep holy the Sabbath Day: six Days shall you labor, and do all that you have to do, but the seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God, in it you shall do no manner of Work, You, nor your Son, nor your Daughter, your Man-Servant, nor your Maid-Servant, nor your Cattle, nor the Stranger that is within your Gates: for in six Days the Lord made Heaven, and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, and hallowed it.

What are we taught by the fourth Commandment?

That one Day in seven be kept in the Worship of God, which under the old Testament was the last Day of the Week, but under the Gospel changed to the first Day of the Week, and this Lord’s Day to be spent in private and publique Devotion, as hearing the Word diligently, practising the Gospel-Sacraments zealously, and doing Deeds of Charity conscionably, and resting from servil Works, cases of necessity excepted, this being the laudable Practice of the holy Apostles, who best knew the Mind of Christ as to the time of Worship; neither do we find in all the new Testament, that any Gospel Church in the Apostles times did set any other Day apart solemnly to worship God, save the first Day: and well might they so do, for if Israel, the natural Seed of Abraham, was to keep the seventh Day, to keep up the Remembrance of their Deliverance out of temporal Bondage, how much more are we bound to keep the first Day in Remembrance of Christ’s Deliverance of us from eternal Bondage?^a

What are we taught by the fourth Commandment?

That one Day in seven be kept in the Worship of God, which under the old Testament was the last Day of the Week, but under the Gospel changed to the first Day of the Week, and this Lord’s Day to be spent in private and public Devotion, as hearing the Word diligently, practising the Gospel-Sacraments zealously, and doing Deeds of Charity conscionably, and resting from servile Works, cases of necessity excepted, this being the laudable Practice of the holy Apostles, who best knew the Mind of Christ as to the time of Worship; neither do we find in all the new Testament, that any Gospel Church in the Apostles times did set any other Day apart solemnly to worship God, save the first Day: and well might they so do, for if Israel, the natural Seed of Abraham, was to keep the seventh Day, to keep up the Remembrance of their Deliverance out of temporal Bondage, how much more are we bound to keep the first Day in Remembrance of Christ’s Deliverance of us from eternal Bondage?^a

What is the fifth Commandment?

Honour thy Father and Mother, that thy dayes may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

What is the fifth Commandment?

Honor your Father and Mother, that your days may be long in the Land which the Lord your God gives you.

What doth God enjoin us in the fifth Commandment?

That we yeild due honour, love, and faithfulness to our Parents, and so to all who bear Rule over us, and^a submit our selves with such obedience as is meet to their faithful Commandments and chastisements; and further also by that our patience^b we bear and suffer their manners, ever thinking with our selves that God^c will govern and guide us by their hand.

What does God enjoin us in the fifth Commandment?

That we yield due honor, love, and faithfulness to our Parents, and so to all who bear Rule over us, and^a submit our selves with such obedience as is meet to their faithful Commandments and chastisements; and further also by that our patience^b we bear and suffer their manners, ever thinking with our selves that God^c will govern and guide us by their hand.

What is the sixth Commandment?

Thou shalt do no Murder.

What is the sixth Commandment?

You shall do no Murder.

What doth God exact in the sixth Commandment?

That neither in thought nor in gesture, much less in deed, I reproach, or hate, or harm, or^a kill my Neighbour, either by my self, or by another, but cast away^b all desire of revenge; furthermore, that I hurt not my self, nor cast my self^c wittingly into any Danger. Wherefore also that Murther might not be committed, he^d hath armed the Magistrate with the Sword.

What does God exact in the sixth Commandment?

That neither in thought nor in gesture, much less in deed, I reproach, or hate, or harm, or^a kill my Neighbor, either by my self, or by another, but cast away^b all desire of revenge; furthermore, that I hurt not my self, nor cast my self^c wittingly into any Danger. Wherefore also that Murder might not be committed, he^d has armed the Magistrate with the Sword.

But this Commandment seems to forbid Murther only?

But in forbidding Murther, God doth further teach, that he hateth the Root, to wit,^a Anger,^b Envy,^c Hatred, and Desire of Revenge, and^d doth account them all for Murther.

But this Commandment seems to forbid Murder only?

But in forbidding Murder, God does further teach, that he hates the Root, to wit,^a Anger,^b Envy,^c Hatred, and Desire of Revenge, and^d does account them all for Murder.

Is it enough then that we kill no Man, in such sort as hath been said?

It is not enough; for when God condemneth Anger, Envy, Hatred, he requireth that^a we love our Neighbour as our selves and that we^b use Humanity, Lenity,^c Courtesie, Patience,^d and Mercy towards him, and^e turn away from him as much as we may whatsoever may be hurtful unto him; in a word, that we be so affected in Mind as that we^f stick not to do good also unto our Enemies.

Is it enough then that we kill no Man, in such sort as has been said?

It is not enough; for when God condemns Anger, Envy, Hatred, he requires that^a we love our Neighbor as our selves and that we^b use Humanity, Lenity,^c Courtesy, Patience,^d and Mercy towards him, and^e turn away from him as much as we may whatsoever may be hurtful unto him; in a word, that we be so affected in Mind as that we^f stick not to do good also unto our Enemies.

What is the seventh Commandment?

Thou shalt not commit Adultery.

What is the seventh Commandment?

You shall not commit Adultery.

What is the meaning of the seventh Commandment?

That God hath^a in Execration all Turpitude and Filthiness, and therefore we also^b must utterly hate, and detest it, and contrary-wife, live temperately, modestly, and^c chastly, whether we^d live in holy Wedlock, or in single life.

What is the meaning of the seventh Commandment?

That God has^a in Execration all Turpitude and Filthiness, and therefore we also^b must utterly hate, and detest it, and contrary-wife, live temperately, modestly, and^c chastly, whether we^d live in holy Wedlock, or in single life.

Forbiddeth God nothing else in this Commandment but actual Adultery, and such kinds of uncleanness?

Yea, for seeing both our Body and Soul are the Temples of the Holy Ghost, God will have us to possess both in Purity and Holiness, and therefore Deeds,^a Gestures, Words,^b Thoughts, filthy Lusts, and whatsoever inticeth a Man unto these, all these God^c wholly forbiddeth.

Forbids God nothing else in this Commandment but actual Adultery, and such kinds of uncleanness?

Yea, for seeing both our Body and Soul are the Temples of the Holy Ghost, God will have us to possess both in Purity and Holiness, and therefore Deeds,^a Gestures, Words,^b Thoughts, filthy Lusts, and whatsoever entices a Man unto these, all these God^c wholly forbids.

What is the eighth Commandment?

Thou shalt not steal.

What is the eighth Commandment?

You shall not steal.

What doth God forbid in the eighth Commandment?

Not only those^a Thefts and^b Robberies, which the Magistrate punisheth, but by the name of Theft he comprehendeth whatsoever Evil, Crafts, Fetches, and Devices, whereby we seek after other Mens Goods, and indeavour with force, or with some shew of Right, to^c convey them over unto our selves; of which sort are^d false Weights, false Ells^e uneven Measures, deceitful Marchandize, counterfeit Coin,^f Usury, or any other way or means of furthering our Estate, which God hath forbidden: to these we may add all^g Covetousness, and the manifold wast and^h abusing of Gods Gifts.

What does God forbid in the eighth Commandment?

Not only those^a Thefts and^b Robberies, which the Magistrate punishes, but by the name of Theft he comprehends whatsoever Evil, Crafts, Fetches, and Devices, whereby we seek after other Mens Goods, and endeavor with force, or with some show of Right, to^c convey them over unto our selves; of which sort are^d false Weights, false Ells^e uneven Measures, deceitful Merchandise, counterfeit Coin,^f Usury, or any other way or means of furthering our Estate, which God has forbidden: to these we may add all^g Covetousness, and the manifold were and^h abusing of Gods Gifts.

What are those things which God here commandeth?

That to my Power, I help and further the Commodities and Profit of my Neighbour, and that I so deal with him as I would desire to be dealt with my self, and that I do my own Work plainly and faithfully, that I may thereby help others who are distressed with any need or Calamity.^a

What are those things which God here commands?

That to my Power, I help and further the Commodities and Profit of my Neighbor, and that I so deal with him as I would desire to be dealt with my self, and that I do my own Work plainly and faithfully, that I may thereby help others who are distressed with any need or Calamity.^a

What is the ninth Commandment?

Thou shalt not bear false Witness against thy Neighbour.

What is the ninth Commandment?

You shall not bear false Witness against your Neighbor.

What doth the ninth Commandment exact?

That I bear no^a false Witness against any Man, neither falsifie any Man’s words, neither backbite^b nor reproach any Man, nor^c condemn any rashly, or unheard, but avoid, and^d shun with all carefulness all kind of Lies, and Deceipts, as the proper Works of the Devil, except I mean to stir^e up against me the most grievous Wrath of God; and that in Judgments and other Affairs, I follow the Truth, and freely and constantly^f profess the matter as it indeed is, and moreover defend and increase as much as in me lieth, the good Name and Estimation of others.^g

What does the ninth Commandment exact?

That I bear no^a false Witness against any Man, neither falsify any Man’s words, neither backbite^b nor reproach any Man, nor^c condemn any rashly, or unheard, but avoid, and^d shun with all carefulness all kind of Lies, and Deceits, as the proper Works of the Devil, except I mean to stir^e up against me the most grievous Wrath of God; and that in Judgments and other Affairs, I follow the Truth, and freely and constantly^f profess the matter as it indeed is, and moreover defend and increase as much as in me lies, the good Name and Estimation of others.^g

What is the tenth Commandment?

Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House, nor his Wife, nor his Servant, nor his Maid, nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that is his.^a

What is the tenth Commandment?

You shall not covet your Neighbors House, nor his Wife, nor his Servant, nor his Maid, nor his Ox, nor his Ass, nor any thing that is his.^a

What doth the tenth Commandment forbid?

That our Hearts be not at any time moved by the least Desire or Cogitation against any Commandment of God, but^a that continually and from our Heart we detest all Sin, and contrarily delight in all Righteousness.

What does the tenth Commandment forbid?

That our Hearts be not at any time moved by the least Desire or Cogitation against any Commandment of God, but^a that continually and from our Heart we detest all Sin, and contrarily delight in all Righteousness.

But can they who are converted to God, perfectly observe, and keep these Commandments?

No, but even the holiest Men as long they live, have only small Beginnings of^a this Obedience, yet so that they^b begin with an unfeigned and earnest desire and endeavour to live not according to some only, but according to all the Commandments of God.

But can they who are converted to God, perfectly observe, and keep these Commandments?

No, but even the holiest Men as long they live, have only small Beginnings of^a this Obedience, yet so that they^b begin with an unfeigned and earnest desire and endeavor to live not according to some only, but according to all the Commandments of God.

Why will God then have his Law to be so exactly and severely preached seeing there is no Man in this life able to keep it?

First, That all our life time we more & more^a acknowledg the great proneness of our Nature to Sin, and so much the more^b greedily desire remission of Sins, and Righteousness in Christ. Secondly, That we be doing of this always, and always thinking of it, and so implore and crave of the Father the^c Grace of his Holy Spirit, whereby we may daily more and more be renewed to the Image and likeness of God, until at length after we are departed out of this life we may joyfully attain unto that Perfection which is promised unto us.

Why will God then have his Law to be so exactly and severely preached seeing there is no Man in this life able to keep it?

First, That all our life time we more & more^a acknowledge the great proneness of our Nature to Sin, and so much the more^b greedily desire remission of Sins, and Righteousness in Christ. Secondly, That we be doing of this always, and always thinking of it, and so implore and crave of the Father the^c Grace of his Holy Spirit, whereby we may daily more and more be renewed to the Image and likeness of God, until at length after we are departed out of this life we may joyfully attain unto that Perfection which is promised unto us.