A69075:2334
Christian religion: substantially, methodically[e,] [pla]inlie, and profitably treatisedChristian religion: substantially, methodicalli[e,] [pla]inlie, and profitablie treatised
London: printed by Felix Kingston for Thomas Man, 1611
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Great: for that we haue naturally a senselesnesse of sinne; or else being conuinced thereof, we are readie to lessen it, and make it light. The contrary wherof appeareth in the children of God.
How can a man confess his sins, being not known, and without number?
How can a man confesse his sinnes, being not known, and without number?
How appeareth it that we are not able to pay it?
Because by the Law, as by an obligation, every one being bound to keep it wholly,1 and continually, so that the breach thereof even once, and in the least point, maketh us presently debtors; there is no man that can either avoid the breach of it, or when he hath broken it, make amends unto God for it: considering that whatsoever he doth after the breach, is both imperfectly done: and if it were perfect, yet it is due by obligation of the law, and therefore cannot go for payment, no more then a man can pay one debt with another.
Because by the Law, as by an obligation, euery one being bound to keepe it wholly,1 and continually, so that the breach thereof euen once, and in the least point, maketh vs presently debters; there is no man that can either auoid the breach of it, or when he hath broken it, make amends vnto God for it: considering that whatsoeuer he doth after the breach, is both imperfectly done: and if it were perfect, yet it is due by obligation of the law, and therefore cannot goe for paiment, no more then a man can pay one debt with another.
What doth it draw with it, that causeth it to be so impossible to be satisfied?
1The reward of it, which is everlasting death, both of body and soul. The greatness, and also number whereof, is declared by the parable of 10000. talents, which no man is able to pay, being not able to satisfy so much as one farthing.
1The reward of it, which is euerlasting death, both of bodie and soule. The greatnesse, and also number whereof, is declared by the parable of 10000. talents, which no man is able to pay, being not able to satisfie so much as one farthing.
But are we not able to satisfy some part of it, as a man in great debt is sometimes able to make some satisfaction, especially if he have day given him?
But are we not able to satisfie some part of it, as a man in great debt is sometimes able to make some satisfaction, especially if he haue day giuen him?
1No: and therefore we are compared to a child ⟨p. 225⟩new borne, red with blood, not able to wash himself, nor to help himself:2 and to captives close shut up in prison and fetters, kept by a strong one; so that there is as small likelihood of our deliverance out of the power of Satan, as that a poor lamb should deliver it self from the gripes and paws of a lion.
1No: and therefore wee are compared to a child ⟨p. 225⟩new borne, red with blood, not able to wash himself, nor to helpe himselfe:2 and to captiues close shut vp in prison and fetters, kept by a strong one; so that there is as small likelihood of our deliuerance out of the power of Satan, as that a poore lamb should deliuer it selfe from the gripes and pawes of a lion.
What is the means to free us from this debt?
What is the meanes to free vs from this debt?
By this petition Christ teacheth us, that being pressed with the burden of our Sin,1 we should flee unto the mercy of God, and to entreat him for the forgiveness of our debt, even the cancelling of our obligation, that in law it be not available against us: in which respect, the preaching of the Gospel is compared to the year of Jubilee,2 when no man might demand his debt of his brother.
By this petition Christ teacheth vs, that being pressed with the burden of our Sinne,1 we should flee vnto the mercie of God, and to intreat him for the forgiuenesse of our debt, euen the cancelling of our obligation, that in law it be not auaileable against vs: in which respect, the preaching of the Gospel is compared to the yeere of Iubilie,2 when no man might demand his debt of his brother.
How shall we obtain this at Gods hands?
How shall we obtaine this at Gods hands?
By the only blood and suffering of Christ, as the only ransom for sin. Contrary to the Papists, who confessing that original sin is taken away by Christ in Baptism, do teach that we must make part of satisfaction for our actual sins; and therefore the Jesuits whip themselves, as if their blood might satisfy for sin; which is abominable to think of.
By the onely blood and suffering of Christ, as the only ransome for sin. Contrary to the Papists, who confessing that originall sin is taken away by Christ in Baptisme, doe teach that we must make part of satisfaction for our actuall sins; and therefore the Iesuites whip themselues, as if their blood might satisfie for sinne; which is abominable to thinke of.
Do we here pray for these sins of this day, as before for the bread of this day?
Do we here pray for these sinnes of this day, as before for the bread of this day?
Not only for them, but also for all that ever we have done at all times before, to the end, that we might be the further confirmed in the assurance of the remission of all our sins.
Not onely for them, but also for all that euer wee haue done at all times before, to the end, that wee might be the further confirmed in the assurance of the remission of all our sinnes.
