An exposition of the tvvo first verses of the sixt chapter to the Hebrewes in forme of a dialogue. Wherein you have a commendation of catechising, also a declaration of the sixe fundamentall principles wherein the Christians of the Primitiue Apostolicall church were catechised. By T.W. minister of the word.

Of Patience vnder the Crosse.

Qu. YOu reckoned vp patience vnder the Crosse amongst the fruits of faith, tell vs I pray you, what is it that you call the Crosse?

An. Euery tribulation or affliction which befalleth vs in this life, but namely, and more especially such as befals vs for righteousnesse sake: so as there be both generall crosses which happen for sinne, and be common to all, and special crosses which happen for righteousnesse sake, and be peculiar to the godly.

Qu. Who sendeth these afflictions?

An. They all come from God, as it is written, No euill is

in the Citie but God hath done it, Amos. 3.6. and they are sent of God for most iust and good ends.

Qu. What be the ends for the which common afflictions are sent?

An. The end of them as God intendeth in respect of euill men, is to inuite them to repentance, that is, to giue them occasion of turning; or to leaue them without excuse, Rom. 2.4. but the euent of them in respect of the men them∣selues to whom they are sent, it is the hardning of them in sinne. Rom. 2.5. but in respect of the godly, the vtmost end of Gods counsell in afflicting them in respect of them∣selues, it is to preserue them from perishing with this vnre∣pentant world, 1. Cor. 11.32. Yee are chastised least ye perish with the vnrepentant world. There be also other ends, which sue and lead to this end: as first, the humbling and meek∣ning them vnder Gods hand: Secondly, the amendment of their liues, Euen to hide the pride of man, and to turne him from his enterprise, as Iob speaketh.* 1.1

Qu. What doe yee call the Crosse sent for righteousnes sake?

An. Such an affliction as is sent eyther for any wel-do∣ing in respect of doing any good or hindering any euill; or such as commeth to vs for our loue and profession of the Gospell, as any rebuke, iniury in word or deed, in name or goods for Christ sake, and amongst these martyrdome is chiefe, which is a willing and constant suffering of death, or torment for the truth of God.

Qu. What is the end of these kinds of Crosses?

An. First, they come for a notable tryall of the faith & constancy of the Godly: secondly, for the confirmation of the Church by their constant suffering. Phil. 1. Rom. 16. thirdly, for a testimoniall against the wicked world, Mat. 10. Lastly, after they be tryed, they shall haue a crowne of glory in heauen. Iames. 1.12.

Qu. Now define vnto vs what patience is?

An. It is the grace of the spirit whereby the Christian soule is made able to endure the shame & smart of the crosse.

Qu. What be the extreames of this vertue?

An. Blockish senselessenes, whereby the bitternesse of affliction is not felt. Secondly, impatiencie when men rage vnder the heauy hand of God, patience walks in the middle and feeleth the griefe and paine of afflictions in such sort, as yet with good contentment it keepeth vs quite vnder it, waiting by hope for a good and happy end in Gods bles∣sed time according to his promise.

Qu. By what consideration doth God vse to worke patience in the hearts of his Children?

An. By these and such like: first, that it is his will to afflict his children, Heb. 13.6.7.8.9. Secondly, that their brethren which be in the world tast of the same cup. 1. Pet. 5 Thirdly, that God will not afflict his owne aboue their strength, but will minister sufficient strength to beare. Fourthly, that hee will at last graunt a very good issue, ma∣king all things turne to their best in the end. 1. Cor. 10.13. Fiftly, that the Sonne of God was not free from afflictions, and that is a great mercy to be conformed and made like to Christ in suffering, that they may be like him in glory. 2. Tim. 1. If we suffer with him, we shall also raigne with him. Sixtly, that the afflictions of this life be both short and mo∣mentary, but the glory which followeth this life hath both perpetuitie and waight. 2. Cor. 5. Lastly, because afflictions through Gods blessing bring forth patience, and patience, experience, and experience hope, and this maketh not a∣shamed.

Qu. What doe yee call hope?

An. It is that grace vvhereby the Christian soule in re∣gard of Gods mercy and truth certainely expecteth the performance of all good things promised, but especially of life eternall.

Qu What difference betweene Faith and Hope?

An. Faith assureth vs of the truth of Gods promise, hope looketh for the accomplishment thereof.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Iob. 33.17▪