A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word.

CAP. XXXI.

That Gouernours of families ought to traine vp those which are vnder their charge in the duties of godlinesse.

§. Sect. 1 That it is not enough for go∣uernours to be themselues re∣ligious, but they must also traine vp those which are vn∣der their go∣uernment, in the knowledge and practice of Religion.

THe next duties belonging vnto a godly life, are such as a Christian ought to performe in his family, all which may ge∣nerally bee referred to this mayne duty, that hee not onely duly and diligently serue God himselfe, but also teach those who are vnder his charge to ioyne with him, and not onely by instruction shew them the right way, but also by wise and religious go∣uernement, guiding and training them vp in the feare of the Lord, hee must cause them to accompany him, and to put in practice the holy duties of Gods seruice, in which he hath informed them. Neither is it sufficient that gouernours of families be good Christians in their owne particular and personall carriage, but according to that place wherein God hath set them, and that vocation whereunto they are called, they ought to be Chri∣stian gouernours, and not onely fight the Lords battels as common Soul∣diers, but as wise and valiant Captaines, they must leade on those which are vnder their charge, and see that they in their places performe good seruice to our grand Emperour and chiefe Commander the Lord of Hosts, as well as they. And as Stewards and Bayliffes vnder our great Lord and Master, they must appoint their children and seruants vnto their

taske, and see also that they performe it. And thus Ioshuah, as a gouernour of the Common-wealth, instructed the whole congregation in the Law of * 1.1 God, with the women, little ones, and the strangers that were conuersant amongst them: And as a master of a family, vndertaketh not onely for himselfe, but also for his whole houshold, that hee with them would serue the Lord. And as Dauids care extended to the wise and religious gouernement of the whole Common-wealth, as their King and Soueraigne, so he thought these high and waighty imployments no priuiledge to exempt him, from performing his speciall duty, as a Master in the well ordering of his fami∣ly. And therefore he professeth that hee would walke within his house with * 1.2 a perfect heart; neither nourishing wickednesse in himselfe; nor induring it in any of his seruants. And that hee would driue out and expulse vn∣godly men out of his family, and setting his eyes vpon the faithfull of the land, and such as walked in a perfect way, as his speciall fauourites, he would make choice of them for his houshold seruants. Yea vertuous Hester, * 1.3 though a Queene, matched with an idolatrous King, and vnder an hea∣thenish gouernement, not onely her selfe diligently serued God by fasting and prayer, but also had so trained vp her maides in the true feare of God, that they were fit to beare her company. By which examples wee learne, that there are no distractions so great, no imployments so waighty, which should hinder any gouernours of families from performance of the like duties.

§. Sect. 2 Diuers reasons which may mooue gouer∣nours to the performance of this duty.

To which end let vs consider, first, that euery family is a member and part of the whole body, which ought to resemble it in nature and gouern∣ment, * 1.4 and as it were a particular Church, in which, the publike duties are priuately to bee performed, as the Apostle teacheth vs, whereas hee saluteth Nymphas and the Church which was in his house; and the Master of the family representeth the Minister, and the rest of the house the people in the Congregation, who are to bee gouerned and in∣structed by him; whereof it is that the Apostle would not haue wiues and women to speake in the Church, and publikely to propound their doubts in the assembly, but to craue resolution of their husbands at home. Secondly, let vs consider, that inferiours are set vnder our go∣uernement, * 1.5 not as bruite creatures, but as reasonable men, and there∣fore, that not their bodies and bodily imployments alone are commit∣ted vnto our charge for gouernement and direction, but their soules likewise, that they may bee trayned vp by vs in all religious duties, and spirituall exercises, for which wee shall giue an account vnto God, hovv vvee haue indeuoured to make them to thriue vnder vs in the grovvth of Christianity, and fitted them for the seruice of God, as vvell as hovv vvee haue taught them their Trades, and in vvhat sort they should demeane themselues towards vs in our seruice. So that if vvee take no further care of them then vvee doe of our beasts, that is, onely so to gouerne, feede, and order them, as that they may bee fitted for earthly imployments, and for the aduancing of our world∣ly profit; when that their soules perish through our negligence, their blood will bee vpon our heads, and wee shall haue a fearefull account to make at the day of Iudgement. Thirdly, let vs consider that the family

is the Seminary of the Church and Common-wealth; and as a priuate schoole, wherin children and seruants are fitted for the publike assemblies, as it were the Vniuersities, to performe, when they meete together, all re∣ligious duties of Gods worship and seruice. And as it is a notable meanes to make Vniuersities to flourish, and the Students in them to succeed and prosper in their studies, when as the Masters of priuate schooles doe well fit and prepare them, teach and nurture them in learning and man∣ners, before they send them thither: So if Masters of priuate families would carefully traine vp all their houshold in the feare of God, and in the exercises of Christian Religion all the weeke, they would with more cheerefulnesse on Gods Sabbaths come vnto the publike assemblies, and with much more reuerence and attention, care and conscience set them∣selues as in Gods presence to heare his Word, and call vpon his holy Name, much better vnderstand what they heare, and lay it vp in memo∣rie, profit farre more by the vse of Gods holy Ordinances, for the conscio∣nable practice of what they know, and thriue more in their spirituall growth in one Sabbath, then others can doe in many, who, for want of in∣struction in the maine principles and acquaintance with the Scriptures by priuate reading, vnderstand not what they heare in the publike Mini∣stery; and not being seasoned all the weeke in any religious duties, can finde no taste or rellish in them, when on the Sabbath they come to per∣forme them with the rest of the congregation. Fourthly, let vs know that by this exercise, we shall not onely doe much good vnto those whom wee instruct, but also vnto our selues, seeing thereby wee doe stirre vp and in∣crease Gods graces in our owne hearts as well as in theirs. For heereby we shall mooue the Lord to impart vnto vs a larger measure of his gifts, when as wee doe so freely communicate them to the vse of our brethren; and to impart his will and counsels vnto vs, when as with Abraham wee * 1.6 will teach them vnto our children and houshold; wee shall learne much in teaching others, because it will giue vs occasion to set our wits more seri∣ously for the finding out of the truth, then in our priuate studies and Me∣ditations, and much cleare our iudgements, when we labour to deliuer the things that we teach plainely and distinctly, which were before confusedly heaped vp together in our vnderstandings, as it were, in the whole lumpe. Wee shall thereby much strengthen our memories, whilest by teaching others the things wee know, wee shall worke them into them, and cause them to make a deeper impression. Finally, we shall inflame our hearts with the loue of good things, by those meanes which we vse to worke the like affection in the hearts of others; and prouoke our selues vnto a con∣scionable practice of what wee know, by the same arguments and reasons which wee vse to perswade them vnto it. And consequently, in seeking to saue them, we shall also thereby much further our owne saluation; accor∣ding to that of the Apostle to Timothy, Meditate vpon these things, giue thy selfe wholly to them, that thy profiting may appeare to all; Take heede vn∣to thy selfe, and vnto the doctrine, continue therein; for in so doing, thou shalt both saue thy selfe and them that heare thee. Which priuiledges, howsoeuer they belong more principally to the publike Ministery, yet doe they in some good proportion appertaine also to those, who exer∣cise

themselues in this priuate dutie of teaching their family. Fifth∣ly, let vs consider that it is the best meanes to make our children and seruants faithfull and conscionable in performing their duties vnto vs, when they are first made carefull and conscionable in Gods seruice. For when their hearts are seasoned with the true feare of God, then doe they * 1.7 performe their dutie as vnto God in vs; not out of seruile feare, but for conscience sake; not for temporall rewards, but in hope and assurance of those that are heauenly and eternall; not with eye-seruice as men-pleasers, but with singlenesse of heart, as in the sight & presence of God, whom they labor to please in all things; seeing from him they expect the chiefest and best part of their wages and reward. Which meanes if masters and parents neglect, let them neuer complaine of bad seruants and vntoward children: for it is iust with God, that these should neglect their duties toward them, when as they, by neglecting their duties in trayning them vp in his feare, doe cause them to neglect their duties towards him. Sixthly, let vs remem∣ber, that if we will thus set vp Gods Kingdome in our families, he will go∣uerne together with vs, and so by his wise and powerfull prouidence guide and prosper all our indeuours, as that they shall wholy tend to his glory and our good. For thus performing our dutie, he will double and redouble his fauours vpon vs, blessing our seruants and children for our sakes, and vs for their sakes, by causing all their labours to prosper in their hands, as wee see in the example of Abrahams seruant, Iacob, Ioseph, * 1.8 and the Souldiers and seruants of Cornelius, who being trayned vp in the feare of God, either by their masters or their own parents, prospered in their proceedings, and so brought a blessing vpon them & the whole fami∣lies. Whereas contrariwise, the neglect of these religious duties bringeth Gods wrath vpon the gouernours▪ & those likewise that belong vnto him; according to that of the Prophet; Powre out thy fury vpon the heathen that * 1.9 know thee not, and vpon the families that call not on thy Name. Lastly, it would bee a notable incouragement to make vs diligent in performing these religious duties in our families, if wee would but consider that wee should heereby bee speciall meanes of gayning many vnto Christ, which shall heereafter bee the Crowne of our reioycing; that wee shall much more comfortably trauell in the way of holinesse and righteousnesse, and in our tedious pilgrimage towards our heauenly home, when wee goe not aboue, but haue those that belong vnto vs to beare vs company, who will be ready at hand to assist vs in our iourney, to admonish vs when wee are going out of the way, to keepe vs from falling, and when we are falne, to put to their helping hand for the raising of vs vp againe, and to fight on our side against those spirituall theeues, that come to rob vs of the rich treasures of Gods graces, and the malicious enemies of our saluation, when they incounter vs in the way, that they may foyle vs in the fight, or force vs with their fury to desist from our course, and to returne backe againe into the wayes of sinne and death. Finally, that we shall, with vn∣speakeable ioy and rauishing comfort, appeare before the Lord at the lat∣ter day, when being accompanied with those (who hauing beene by God committed vnto our charge, we haue carefully gouerned and guided in the wayes of saluation) we shall resigne and re-deliuer them vnto God, to

be crowned with the same happinesse which our selues shall inioy; saying with our Sauiour, of our families, as he of his Church; Behold mee and * 1.10 the children which thou hast giuen me: which will infinitely more reioyce our hearts at that day, then if hauing beene Monarchs of the whole world, we should haue left it to our posterity, as an inheritance after vs.

§. Sect. 3 That it is the dutie of hous∣holders to ca∣techize their family; and of the causes why it is neglected.

Now that wee may thus nurture our familie in Gods feare, and trayne them vp to the performance of all religious and Christian duties, as prayer, singing of Psalmes, reading the Scriptures, holy conferences, and such like, of which wee haue already spoken, there is required first, that we instruct them in the knowledge of God and his will; and secondly, wise gouernement, whereby they may be moued and drawne to put in pra∣ctice, and make an holy vse of all that is taught and learned for the right informing of their liues. Concerning the former, it is the duty of parents and gouernours of familyes, that they instruct and catechize their chil∣dren and seruants in the true knowledge of God, and in the maine prin∣ciples of Christian Religion; which though it be a most necessary and profitable dutie to bee performed of all, yet is it in these dayes exceeding∣ly neglected of the most, as a thing needlesse and not belonging vnto them. Of which neglect, these seeme to bee the chiefe causes; first, the pro∣fanenesse of mens mindes, and contempt of religion, which maketh them thinke this one thing so necessary in Christs iudgement, to bee in theirs * 1.11 of all things most vnnecessary: and that whereas knowledge in all other professions is required in some perfection, some little smattering or a bare shew, is sufficient in the profession of Christianity; which notwith∣standing as farre excelleth them, as the soule the body, or heauen earth. Secondly, An erroneous iudgement, whereby they perswade themselues, that though this knowledge bee necessary for all, yet that the dutie of instructing their familie in it, belongeth not at all vnto them, but vnto the Ministers onely. Thirdly, their ignorance which disableth them vn∣to it, being such as the Apostle complaineth of, who when for the time * 1.12 they ought to be teachers, yet had neede to bee catechized themselues in the first principles of Religion, and to be fed with milke rather then strong meate. Which is accompanied with a carnall shame of bewraying it to their inferiours. Fourthly, A much more impious shame to be noted of those, who are as bad or worse then themselues, for men too precise and forward in things not pertaining vnto them. The last and chiefest cause is worldly-minded∣nesse, whereby men are wholy taken vp with earthly affaires, so as they haue neither leysure nor pleasure to follow spirituall exercises, which so farre preuaileth with many, that they not onely neglect this dutie themselues, but also will not suffer those, who are vnder their charge, to be taught by others. First, because they would not haue them more wise or religious then themselues. Secondly, because they imagine, that they would bee lesse pliable to vniust courses, for the getting of vnlawfull gaine; and that being more intent to Gods seruice, they would become lesse diligent in the seruice of the carthly Mammon. Lastly, because they cannot indure, that any time should be spent in religious duties, as think∣ing all lost, which is not spent in worldly imployments, and consecrated to their earthly Idoll of gaine and profit. Yea this dutie of catechizing is not

only neglected of houshold gouernours, but also of Ministers, not onely such as are either idle or insufficient to teach the people, but likewise of many who are otherwise able and diligent. And that first, because they consider not the profit and necessity of this excellent exercise. Secondly, because they suppose that it is not pleasing and plausible to the people. And lastly, because they thinke it too meane a subiect for their great lear∣ning and eminent gifts. But let such in the feare of God consider, not what they are able to teach, but what the poore people, committed to their charge, are able to learne, and that they must like nurses, giue vnto their children, not the best and strongest meate, but that which they finde by experience the fittest to nourish them. Let them remember Christs charge to feede the tender Lambes, as well as the stronger sheepe; and the A∣postle * 1.13 Pauls practice and example, who chose rather to speake fiue words * 1.14 with vnderstanding, that he might teach others, then ten thousand words in an vnknowne tongue; and fitted his speech vnto those which were babes in Christ, and fed them with milke, and not with stronger meate, be∣cause * 1.15 they were not able to beare it; becomming vnto the weake as weake, that * 1.16 hee might gaine the weake, and all things to all men, that he might by all meanes saue some. Finally, that Salomon himselfe, who excelled in all learning and wisedome, stooped to the capacity of the meanest, and fitted his * 1.17 speech, that not onely the wise in heart might increase in learning, but al∣so that the simple might attaine vnto wisedome.

§. Sect. 4 Reasons which may moue all Gouernours to this dutie of catechizing. First, because it is Gods Commande∣ment.

And thus haue wee shewed the causes of the great neglect of this holy exercise. Let vs in the next place consider of some reasons which may reforme it, and perswade all sorts of men to put it in practice with more di∣ligence. The which may be reduced vnto two heads, as respecting either gouernours of families, and Ministers who are to giue instruction, or inferiours in the family, as children and seruants, and people in the con∣gregation, that they may giue themselues ouer to bee instructed by them. The former sort may be perswaded by these reasons. First, because it is Gods Commandement, that parents and gouernours of families should teach and catechize their children and seruants, not onely instruct∣ing them in the knowledge of Christian Religion, but also requiring an account of them by way of questions and answers, how they haue profi∣ted by their teaching, for the increasing of their knowledge. Thus the Lord requireth of the people of Israel, that they should not onely them∣selues remember and lay vp in their hearts his words and workes which they had heard and seene, but also that they should teach them their sons, and * 1.18 their sonnes sonnes. And in another place: These words which I command thee this day, shall bee in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently vnto thy children, and thou shalt talke of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou lyest downe, and when thou risest vp. So the Psalmist saith, that God established a Testimonie in Iacob, and appointed a Law in Israel, which he cōmanded their fathers, that they should make them known * 1.19 vnto their children, &c. But if parents neglect this dutie, Ministers are tyed to performe it, both by Christs precept, who inioyned them to feede his Lambes as well as his Sheepe, and also by his example, seeing his care extended to little children, whom hee would haue to come vnto * 1.20

him; and also in his childhood submitted himselfe to this ordinance of God, though he were replenished with all diuine wisedome, and more fit to teach, then to be taught of others, and sitting, as it is probable, among the cathecumenoi, which came to be catechized, heard the Doctours, and * 1.21 asked them questions. Now Christs examples in holy duties are our in∣structions; according to that, I haue giuen you an ensample, that you should * 1.22 doe as I haue done to you. The second reason is drawne from the loue of pa∣rents towards their children, and of pastours towards their flocke, which ought to extend vnto the soule more then to the body, as being much the more excellent part. And therefore if they prouide for their bodies all things necessary, as food, clothing, houses, lands; how much more should they be carefull for the nourishment of their soules? which if they neg∣lect, they shew plainly that their loue is carnall, and but to the halues, lo∣uing onely the worse part, or rather none at all: For, Godlinesse is the chie∣fest * 1.23 gaine, and is profitable both vnto body and soule, for all things, hauing the promises of this life, and of that which is to come.

§. Sect. 5 Other reasons inforcing the former duty.

The third reason is taken from the consideration of their naturall prone∣nesse vnto euill, euen from the brest, as experience teacheth, which by * 1.24 wholesome and timely instruction is to bee preuented; that being first seasoned with this precious liquor of true Religion, and sauing know∣ledge, they may retaine the taste and sauour of it to the end of their dayes. According to Salomons counsell; Traine vp (or as the word signifieth) Ca∣techize a child in the way that he should goe; and when he is old he will not depart from it. Vnto which, if we adde their readinesse to relapse into their natu∣rall corruptions; if by wholesome instructions they bee not daily confir∣med and strengthened in good courses; and how soone sinne will grow to a custome, and bring them to an habite of wickednesse, from which they can hardly afterwards be reclaimed; wee shall easily vnderstand the profit and necessity of this exercise. Fourthly, the desire that children and seruants should performe their duties to their parents and gouer∣nours, should make them carefull in the first place to teach them Religi∣on and the true feare of God. For if this be not the foundation, all other obedience is false and counterfeit, seeing they who yeeld it, are onely tyed vnto it in the carnall bonds of feare and rewards, and therefore it quite ceaseth when they cease. Neither will any with an honest heart and good conscience performe it, if it rise not out of loue and obedience towards God, but with respect of persons, selfe-loue, and such other sinister and by-respects. Fifthly, the care which euery Christian should haue to propa∣gate the Church of God, should mooue them to this duty, seeing God is thereby glorified, when as his Kingdome is inlarged and aduanced: for as the Wise man saith, In the multitude of a people is the honour of a King. Now * 1.25 this is most reasonable, that God, who created our children, should be ho∣noured by our consecrating of them vnto his seruice, and that wee should re-deliuer them vnto him, who first gaue them vnto vs, seeing they are his by a double right, both of creation and redemption, and also chalenged * 1.26 by him as his owne right and heritage. Sixthly, this may moue vs vnto this duty, if we consider that the time of youth is most seasonable for in∣struction; seeing then, like waxe, they are most apt to receiue all impressi∣ons

of good or euill, and also to retaine them when they are receiued. And therefore let it be the care of all gouernours, to stampe first Gods seale vpon their children, that thereby also they may bee marked for the children of God, before Satan hath preuented them, by sealing them for his slaues, and stamping vpon them the markes of perdition. Let them instruct them in the principles of true Religion, when as by their docible age they are most fit to learne, and most strong and able to retaine what they haue learned, in faithfull memories; lest neglecting this duty, Satan and the world teach them in their schoole of impiety, all prophanenesse and wickednesse; or if they incline at all to some Religion, doe by their instruments seduce them from the truth, sow in their minds the seeds of errours, schisme and heresies, and draw them away from God, by teach∣ing them to offer vnto him for his pure seruice, their owne, or other mens inuentions and traditions, will-worship, superstition and idolatry.

§. Sect. 6 Examples of the faithfull who haue ca∣techized their family.

Lastly, the examples of the faithfull in all ages, who haue been diligent in the performing of this duty, may perswade vs vnto it. Thus wee reade * 1.27 that Cain and Abel serued God by sacrifices, which they could not haue done, there being then no written Word for their direction, vnlesse they had beene instructed in Gods true Religion by their parents. So Abraham is commended for this duty, from whom God would not hide his secret counsels, because he knew that he would command his children and his houshold * 1.28 after him, that they might keepe the way of the Lord. Thus Salomon was in∣structed * 1.29 by Dauid his father, and by Bathsheba his mother, from his tender youth, to his riper age, as himselfe professeth; I was my fathers sonne, ten∣der * 1.30 and onely beloued in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said vn∣to me, Let thine heart retaine my words: keepe my commandements and liue, &c. And we reade that Iehoash the King was instructed from his tender youth * 1.31 in the knowledge of God, by his good vncle Iehoiada the Priest. So also in the New Testament, this duty was practised; for there were two sorts of Catechumenoi, or such as were catechized; first, such as were adulti, and of ripe age, who were catechized in the principles of Christian Religion before they were baptized; as Theophilus, the Eunuch, Cornelius, and his houshold, Apollos, and many others, whereof these principles were cal∣led * 1.32 the doctrine of Baptismes. And the second sort borne in the Church, who being in the Couenant, were baptized in their infancie, and after that cate∣chized, and then confirmed by the imposition of hands, whereof the prin∣ciples were called the doctrine of the imposition of hands, in the same place; because at their confirmation they first rendred an account of their faith. And thus Paul remembring Timothies vnfained faith, saith, that it dwelt * 1.33 first in his grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice, of whom hee maketh honourable mention, because they had instructed him from his youth in the doctrine of it. And therefore, if wee would bee numbred in the Calen∣der of the faithfull, or be made happy in their rewards; let vs follow their example, and as we haue opportunity and conuenient time, let vs cate∣chize and instruct in the principles of Christian Religion, all those that being capeable of knowledge, are committed to our charge.

§. Sect. 7 Reasons moo∣uing children to submit themselues to be catechized.

And these are the reasons which may perswade gouernours to performe this duty of Catechizing; vnto which, we will adde some others, which

may mooue those who are vnder their gouernement, to submit them∣selues willingly vnto this Ordinance of God, to receiue instruction from them, and attentiuely to heare them, carefully to treasure vp in their hearts and memories what they haue learned, and chearefully to render an ac∣count of it, when they are called thereunto. The which I thought neces∣sary, in respect of the backwardnesse which is to be obserued in most fami∣lies and congregations amongst all sorts, not onely nor chiefly among children in yeeres, but especially such as being riper in age, are notwith∣standing children in knowledge. The which is caused by their naturall auersenesse to these religious duties, by the corruption of their iudge∣ments, perswading them that they are vnnecessary, by the worldlinesse and prophanenesse of their hearts, which hindreth them from attending vnto instruction, and consequently maketh them vnwilling to bee called to ac∣count, because they finde themselues vnable to answere and giue any sa∣tisfaction to their teachers; by carnall pride, and proud bashfulnesse, which causeth them scornefully to cast off Christs yoke, and contemptu∣ously to refuse subiection vnto his Ordinance, because they feare to be dis∣graced before others, for their ignorance and small profiting in the know∣ledge of Christian Religion; and finally, by the subtill malice of the deuil, which casteth before them all discouragements which hee can deuise or raise against this profitable exercise, because he well knoweth, that it is a most powerfull meanes to dispell the mists of ignorance, through which hee misleadeth men to prophanenesse, heresie, hell, and destruction, and to inlighten mens minds with sauing knowledge, to beate him from his throne, and to cast downe the strong holds of sinne, and to set vp and establish in their hearts the gracious Kingdome of Iesus Christ, by which they shall be brought to all glory and heauenly happinesse.

§. Sect. 8 Reasons moo∣uing those which are of yeeres to sub∣mit themselues to be catechi∣zed, if they be ignorant.

Now these reasons concerne not onely children in yeeres, but also chil∣dren in knowledge, though they bee ancient in respect of age. The first * 1.34 whereof may be taken from the end of their creation and redemption, for they are created vnto good workes, which God hath ordained that they should walke in them; they are redeemed out of the hands of their spirituall enemies, that they should serue God in holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of their liues; they are not their owne, but bought with a price, that they might glorifie their Redeemer in their soules and bodies. But none can truely serue the Lord, vnlesse they know him, his will, and Word, from which they must not decline to the right hand nor to the left, and neither adde any thing to it, nor detract ought from it; for else through naturall ignorance, they will (as our Sauiour chargeth the Samaritans) worship they know not what, * 1.35 and in stead of his true seruice, offer vnto him their owne will-worship and inuentions. Neither can wee come to this knowledge, but by the meanes which God hath ordained, one of the chiefe whereof is this religious ex∣ercise. Secondly, we haue vowed in our baptisme, that we will fight vn∣der Christs Banner against our spirituall enemies, which wee cannot doe without receiuing a shamefull ouerthrow, vnlesse our Christian Armour be put on and fastened vnto vs with the girdle of verity, and vnlesse wee be trained vp in this Christian warfare, and taught rightly to vse the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Now if vowes must be paid without delay, then * 1.36

how much more this which importeth vs as much as our saluation? A third reason may be taken from Gods loue and fatherly care and proui∣dence watching ouer vs, and preseruing vs from all perils and dangers in the time of our infancie and childehood, vnto which as we were natu∣rally most prone, so were wee vtterly vnable to auoid them by our owne prouidence, or to vse any meanes to helpe our selues. Which considera∣tion should moue vs, as soone as we are come to knowledge and discreti∣on, to testifie our thankefulnesse by learning his waies, that wee may walke in them, and thereby glorifie him who hath so graciously preserued vs. Fourthly, let vs consider, that the Law was giuen, not onely to the ancient and them of ripe age, but also to children and young men, that they might cleanse their wayes by taking heede thereunto according to Gods * 1.37 Word; which made Iosuah to reade it vnto them all alike. And both old * 1.38 and yong shall be called to giue an account of their workes and waies at the last day, according to that in the Reuelation, I saw the dead, great and * 1.39 small, stand before God, and the bookes were opened, &c. and the dead were iudged out of those things which were written in those bookes, according to their workes. And therefore the young as well as the old, must prepare themselues for their reckoning, and learne both what strength the Booke of the Law hath to indite and condemne him, and how by the Gospell they may trauerse this inditement, and be acquitted from that dreadfull sentence of con∣demnation, by pleading full satisfaction by Iesus Christ. And therefore when his soule wallowing it selfe in carnall delights, saith vnto him; Re∣ioyce, * 1.40 O yong man, in thy youth, and let thine heart cheere thee in the dayes of thy youth; and walke in the waies of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; then let him remember, that for all these things God will bring him to iudgement. Fifthly, consider that this age aboue all others, is most fit to receiue and retaine instruction and information in the wayes of the Lord, as also refor∣mation and amendment of our sinfull courses. Which if it bee deferred to riper age, they will be lesse able to learne the will and wayes of God, to hold them in memory, or to obey and walke in them. For the facul∣ties of the soule will bee more enfeebled, and they distracted with earth∣ly cares, and loue of the world, ambition, couetousnesse, voluptuousnesse; they will then be more apt to content themselues with their ignorance, wherin they haue bin so long nuzzled; their passions will grow strong and violent, and custome of sinning laying fast hold on them, will pull them backe from the schoole of piety, yea will make them openly to professe, that they are now too old to learne; by all which, who seeth not how des∣perately they hazzard their saluation, who put off instruction, and neglect the meanes of it, in the time of their youth? And therefore let vs hearken to the Wise mans counsell; and remember now our Creator in the daies of our * 1.41 youth, while the euill daies come not, nor the yeeres draw nigh when thou shalt say, I haue no pleasure in them. Sixthly, let vs remember, that God would haue first fruits offered vnto him, as a type to teach vs, that the prime of our age is an oblation wherein he chiefly delighteth; that our Sauiour was much pleased, when little children entertained him with their applause, Crying * 1.42 Hosanna to the Sonne of Dauid; that God out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hath ordained strength, because of his enemies, that he might stil the enemie & the

auenger. Finally, that in the time of the law, they were inioyned to offer vn∣to God the yong and lusty, & not the old and lame, to shew that the Lord would haue the prime of our age and strength consecrated to his seruice; although in the Gospell all are inuited to the marriage Supper, the poore, * 1.43 maimed, halt and blinde, because (so we bring with vs the wedding gar∣ment) it is better in our age to come halting to the feast, and through the dimnesse of our sight, groping for the right way, then to frame worldly excuses, and absent our selues altogether.

§. Sect. 9 Of the great profit of this exercise of ca∣techizing.

Lastly, let the profit & manifold benefits which accompany this dutie, be an effectuall meanes to perswade vs vnto it. For they only are saued who * 1.44 haue faith, and they faith alone, who haue knowledge, both which come by hearing, as the Apostle teacheth vs, How shall they call vpon him, in whom they haue not beleeued? and how shall they beleeue in him of whom, they haue not heard? and how shall they heare without a Preacher? So then faith commeth by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. And this the Apostate Iulian well knew, and therefore to roote out the Church, he thought it the most effectuall way, to put downe Christian Schooles, and Religious ex∣ercises, that being depriued of all meanes of knowledge, hee might leade them in their ignorance which way hee listed. Secondly, it is a notable meanes to free them from errours and heresies, when they are grounded in the knowledge of the truth, and the analogie of faith, that will serue them as a touchstone and rule, according to which doctrines must bee ex∣amined; which whoso want, may easily be led euen into fundamentall er∣rours. For as the Apostle saith, there must bee heresies in the world, vnto * 1.45 which men naturally are more inclined then vnto the truth; and there∣fore we must not hand ouer head hearken vnto euery spirit, nor when we heare, iudge of them according to our naturall reason, but wee must, as the Apostle Iohn exhorteth vs, try them whether they be of God or no, by * 1.46 bringing them to be examined by the touchstone of his Truth. The which wee shall be vtterly vnable to doe, if we be not acquainted with the Scrip∣tures, and haue no knowledge of the maine principles, and the analogie of faith contayned in them. Where, by the way wee may note the cause why Popery so much increaseth amongst vs, namely, because for want of catechizing in many places, the people remaine ignorant of the princi∣ples of Christian Religion, and so vpon the alleadging of any carnall rea∣son, plausible to corrupted nature, they become an easie prey to the Priests and Iesuites. Thirdly, It helpeth notably to the hearing of Sermons with profit, both because being grounded in the principles and maine parts of diuinity, wee shall bee able to referre all things wee heare to their heads, and also to examine Doctrines according to the analogie of Faith. For seeing there will be many false christs and antichrists, false prophets, false teachers, and rauenous wolues that will come in sheepes clothing; wee must not receiue all that is preached in a pulpit, but try all things, and take * 1.47 that onely which is good. The which wee cannot doe, if wee be vnacquain∣ted with the Scriptures, and destitute of the knowledge of the principles of Christian Religion. Where, by the way wee may note the reason why most men, euen in the chiefe Cities, and places where the Gospell hath beene long preached, yea euen such as make most sincere profession of

Religion, are so void of all sound iudgment in hearing Sermons, that they are more affected with the strength of the voice, thē the powerfulnes of ar∣guments, looke more after the manner, then after the matter, & to a ready and fluent speech, then soundnes of Doctrine and faithfull handling of the text. Why also they so little profit by their much hearing for their increase in knowledge, & strengthning of their faith, the sanctifying of their hearts, & walking in a settled course of a Christiā life. Finally, why they with such earnestnes, flock after new commers, & so easly harken vnto euery new opi∣nion, though the broacher of it haue onely a shew of sanctity, and be quite destitute of al good learning or sound knowledge of Diuinity; namely, be∣cause the people being vngrounded, & ignorāt of the principles of Religi∣on, are wholy vnstayd and vnsettled in their iudgments, & wanting the spi∣rit of discerning, are not possibly able to make any good choyce. Fourthly, This exercise is most profitable for such as are weake in y^e spiritual growth, and but babes in Christ, because it is the fittest food for their Spirituall nourishment, seeing in respect of their weakenes which maketh them vna∣ble to disgest stronger meat, they would quickly be famished & fall into a deepe consumption of all grace, if there were not prepared for them meats of such easie and light disgestion. For stones (as we know) will doe little children as much good as the whole loafe, they wanting strength to cut it, or teeth to chew it, and so also it is in the spirituall nourishment, the weak∣lings being as vncapable of high mysteries, deepe points of Diuinity, and difficult and perplexed controuersies, as of a speech vttered in a strange language. And therefore as it must be the teachers care and wisedome to prepare fit nourishment for those vnder their charge, and to feede babes * 1.48 in Christ with milke; or when they prouide stronger meate for their sake who are of riper age, yet as much as they can, they must like louing nurses haue also therein respect to their little ones, diuiding and (as it were) chewing this more solid meate, and making it soft and easie with fami∣liar similitudes, and plaine examples, as our Sauiour taught his Disciples, not according to the greatnesse of his diuine wisedome, but so as they were * 1.49 able to heare it: So on the other side, those which are children in knowledge, must chiefely affect that food which is fittest for their nourishment, and not out of foolish wantonnesse and vaine curiosity, affect the hearing of learned discourses, high points of diuinity and hidden mysteries, when as they are ignorant of the easie principles, as it is the custome of many sim∣ple people, who most applaud and magnifie their teachers, when their speeches most exceed the pitch and reach of their shallow vnderstanding. Fifthly, they shall by this exercise be inabled to giue an account of their faith, not in some few points onely, like smatterers, but in all which are * 1.50 substantiall and fundamentall. The which will be a notable incourage∣ment to the profession of Christ and the true Religion, especially in the time of persecution, when wee distinctly know what wee hold and be∣leeue, and wherein wee differ from our aduersaries; the want whereof is a great hinderance to Christian apologie, and a speciall meanes to make vs to deny Christ before men; seeing the most are ashamed to make pro∣fession of that truth, whereof when they are examined, they can giue no * 1.51 account; to suffer for that Religion which they cannot defend, or at least

disttinctly conceine, or to take vpon them like Christs Champions to fight for the truth against the enemies of it, euen to the shedding of their blood, when as they haue no skill in handling the sword of the Spirit. Lastly, heereby they shall not onely bee informed in the wayes of godli∣nesse, but also incited and inabled to walke in them; as we see in the ex∣ample * 1.52 of Isaac, who by his fathers instruction, became obedient to the death; prayeth and meditateth in fields, and in all things followed his fa∣thers steps. And of his seruant likewise, who being trained vp by Abraham, and catechized in the knowledge of God and his truth, carryeth him∣selfe religiously towards God, and faithfully towards his Master. And also of Salomon, who being taught by his father, to esteeme and labour af∣ter, aboue all things, wisedome and vnderstanding, afterwards when God putteth him to his choyce, to aske and obtaine whatsoeuer he would, he * 1.53 desireth an vnderstanding heart, that hee might iudge the people, and dis∣cerne betweene good and bad. Vnto which wee might adde innumerable more examples, both of former and latter times; all which may serue as strong inducements, to perswade all weake Christians both young * 1.54 and olde, to bee diligent in this exercise, if, at least, they haue any care to know Gods will, or make any conscience of yeelding obedience vnto it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ios. 8. ••5. & 24. 15.
• * 1.2

  Psal. 101.
• * 1.3

  Hest. 4. 16.
• * 1.4

  Col. 4. 15.
• * 1.5

  1. Cor. 14. 35.
• * 1.6

  Gen. 18. 19.
• * 1.7

  Eph. 6. 5, 6, 7, 8. Col. 3. 22, 23, 24.
• * 1.8

  Gen. 24. 52, 56. Gen. 30. 27. & 39. 3, 22. Act. 10. 2, 7, 23.
• * 1.9

  Ier. 10. 25.
• * 1.10

  Heb. 2. 13.
• * 1.11

  Luke 10. 42.
• * 1.12

  Heb. 5. 12.
• * 1.13

  Iohn 21. 15.
• * 1.14

  1. Cor. 14. 19.
• * 1.15

  1. Cor. 2. 2, 3.
• * 1.16

  Chap. 9. 22.
• * 1.17

  Pro. 1. 4, 5.
• * 1.18

  Deut. 4. 9. & 6. 7. Exod. 12. 26.
• * 1.19

  Psal. 78. 5, 6.
• * 1.20

  Marke 10. 14.
• * 1.21

  Luk 2. 46.
• * 1.22

  Joh. 15. 13. The second reason drawne from the loue of parents.
• * 1.23

  1. Tim. 6. 6. and 4. 8.
• * 1.24

  Prou. 22. 6.—nunc adhibe puro pectore verba ••••cr. nunc te melioribus offer. Quo semel est imbutarecens seruabit odorem Testadiu. Horat. ad Lol∣lium. epist. lib. 1. ep. 2.
• * 1.25

  Prou. 14. 18.
• * 1.26

  1. Cor. 6. 20. Psal. 127. 3.
• * 1.27

  Gen. 4. 1, 2.
• * 1.28

  Gen. 18. 19.
• * 1.29

  1. Chro. 28. 9. Pro. 30.
• * 1.30

  Pro. 4. 3, 4.
• * 1.31

  2. King. 12. 2.
• * 1.32

  Heb. 6. 2.
• * 1.33

  2. Tim. 1. 5.
• * 1.34

  Eph 2. 10. Luk. 1. 74. Deut 28. 14. Deut. 12. 32.
• * 1.35

  Ioh. 4. 22.
• * 1.36

  Psal. 76. 11.
• * 1.37

  Psal. 119. 9.
• * 1.38

  Iosh. 8. 35.
• * 1.39

  Apoc. 20. 12.
• * 1.40

  Eccles. 11. 9.
• * 1.41

  Eccles. 12. 1.
• * 1.42

  Math. 21. 15. Psal. 8. 2.
• * 1.43

  Luke 14. 21.
• * 1.44

  Ioh. 3. 16, 17, 36 Mar. 16. 16. Rom. 10. 15, 17.
• * 1.45

  1. Cor. 11. 19.
• * 1.46

  1. Ioh. 4. 1.
• * 1.47

  1. Thes. 5. 21.
• * 1.48

  1. Cor. 3. 2. Heb. 5. 12, 13.
• * 1.49

  Marke. 4. 33.
• * 1.50

  1. Pet. 3. 15.
• * 1.51

  Matth. 10. 34.
• * 1.52

  Gen. 22. & 24. 63.
• * 1.53

  Pro. 4. 4, 5.
• * 1.54

  1. King. 3. 9.