A25247:157
Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things
Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things: or, the doctrine of regeneration, the new birth, the very beginning of a godly life. Delivered by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amounderness in Lancashire.
London: printed by J.F. for I.A., 1650
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
For the duties required:
Say first, hast thou been ever a constant learner, hearer, and doer of Gods Word and Will? Secondly, hast thou prayed with perseverance, understanding, and power of the Spirit, without doubting or wavering? Thirdly, hast thou come preparedly ⟨p. 53⟩to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and being come, hast thou discerned the Lords body? Fourthly, hast thou used all the titles, and properties, and works, and ordinances of the Lord with knowledge, faith, reverence, joy, and sincerity?
Or for the sins here forbidden:
Say first, hast thou not sometimes in thy talk dishonoured the titles, attributes, religion, word, people of God, or any thing that hath in it the print of his holiness? Secondly, hast thou not sworn or forsworn, or loved false oaths? Thirdly, 1hast thou not caused the name of religion, or people of God to be evil thought of by thy ill course of life, or by committing some gross sin? Fourthly, hast thou not rashly, or unpreparedly, or heedlessly read the Word, heard Sermons, received the Sacraments, or performed any other part of the worship of God? Fifthly, hast thou not thought or spoken blasphemously, or contemptuously of God, or of any thing whatsoever pertaining to God? If in any of these thou hast transgressed, then hast thou broken this Commandment, Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.