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.

The first Principle: Repentance from dead works.

Abraham.

MY Sonne, what doe yee call dead workes?

Isaac.

All sinnes, whatsoeuer they be.

Abra.

How many sorts of sinnes be there?

Isaac.

Two: first, birth-sinne, which is the roote of all the rest: Secondly, all euill thoughts, words, and deeds, as bad fruits of a bad tree.

Abra.

How many things doe yee consider in originall or birth-sinne?

Isaac.

These foure things: first, the want of that righte∣ousnesse wherein Adam was created: Secondly, the guilt of his disobedience imputed to vs: Thirdly, desert of pu∣nishment thereby: Lastly, corruption of nature being prone to all euill.

Abra.

Why are these things called dead workes?

Isaac.

Because they come from men dead in sinnes and trespasses: also because they doe in iustice deserue eternall death and destruction, euen the least sinfull thought.

Abra.

How so?

Isaac.

Because an infinite and eternall God is offended by euery sinne.

Abra.

But seeing we were all created in righteousnesse in Adam, how did sinne and death enter into the world?

Isaac.

First, by the temptation of Sathan, deceiuing our

first parents: secondly, by their willing obedience yeelded to the temptation.

Abra.

Let mee now heare you tell me what it is to repent from dead workes?* 1.1

Isaac.

To renounce and vtterly to depart from our sins, with griefe and hatred of them: and to returne vnto God to doe his workes commanded in his law, with loue and de∣light in them.

Abra.

How is this repentance wrought?

Isaac.

The word of the law prepareth vs to it by engen∣dring [ 1] feare of punishment. But the word of the Gospell [ 2] perswading vs of Gods mercy in forgiuenesse of sinne, wor∣keth through the holy Ghost an hatred of sinne it selfe.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Repentance.