Place This of Grace is on earth that of Glorie in heauen 3. In Condition This is continually warfairing against many enemies in which respect it is stiled the Church militant That triumpheth ouer all the enemies in which respect it is called the Church triumphant 4. In Order of entring into them This is to be entred into and passed through before we can enter into that The Priest was to enter through the Sanctuarie into the Sanctum Sanctorum 5. In the manner of Gouernment This is gouerned and ordered by many subordinate meanes as Magistrates Ministers and sundrie ordinances That immediatly by God himselfe 6. In Continuance This hath a date and is to come to an end That is euerlasting without end §. 39. Of the Churches Gouernment Q. VVHat learne we from this title kingdome here applied to the Church A. Gods Church is a well gouerned estate Psal 122. 3. Therein is a King a iust wise and potent King No King is or can be like to him He can not onely restraine and subdue his enemies but also change their hearts and linke them to his subiects He can make the Wolfe dwell with the Lambe c. Isa 11. 6. c. Therein are righteous lawes excellent priuiledges and all things requisite for a well ordered politie all tending to the good of the subiects For it is the estate whereof God taketh most care Exod. 19. 5. They therefore that seeke to take away order Order in the Church and to bring confusion into the Church do much dishonour this kingdome and the King thereof 1. Cor. 14. 33. who is not the author of confusion but peace So do they also who professe themselues to be members of the Church Iudg 21. 25. and yet liue as if they were without law in no kingdome vnder no gouernment This condition of the Church to be a kingdome if the King scepter lawes and priuiledges thereof were well knowne would be a strong motiue to draw such Isa 11. 10. as are out of the Church into it and to retaine such as are of it in it and to make them say It is good to be here There is nothing worthy to be desired in a kingdome but is after a most excellent manner in this kingdome as sufficient supply of all things needfull safe protection against all things hurtfull Thus much of this title kingdome The next word to be considered is come §. 40. Of the encrease of the Church Q. VVHat doth this word come import A. 1. A want of perfection 2. A progresse thereto The word Cui dicitur veni nondum perueneral Bern. in Cant. Serm. 25. come is metaphoricall That which is comming is not where it would be it may yet go further and in that it is comming it doth step by step draw nearer and nearer to that whereunto it would come otherwise it did not come but stand still Hereby then we are giuen to vnderstand that the kingdome here spoken of hath not yet attained to the highest pitch Adueniat regnâ—â— tuum veniat vtique quod perfectain est euacuetur quod est ex parte Bern. Serm. in Nat. Mar. and fullest perfection thereof Therefore we desire that by degrees it may so proceed on thereto as it may at length attaine that whereunto it doth proceed that that which is in part may depart and that which is perfect may be accomplished Q. To which of Gods kingdomes is this Metaphor to be applied A. To his peculiar kingdome the Church in both the parts thereof militant and triumphant In the militant Church it is to be extended to all that in Gods decree are deputed thereto whether called or not called To such as are not called that they may be called and so come into the kingdome of grace To such as are called that they may be more and more fitted to come into the kingdome of glorie so as it may be full and perfect in all the parts thereof §. 41. Of the Churches imperfection Q. WHat doctrine doth this desire of the comming of Gods kingdome imply A. Gods Church is not yet perfect This is true of both the parts of the Church militant and triumphant The militant Church whether it be considered in the seuerall assemblies and congregations thereof which consist of such as are but hypocrites as well as such as are vpright or in the best of those particular persons which make vp those congregations and hath in them flesh as well as spirit cannot bee denied to be imperfect whereupon as in regard of the mixture of good and euill persons b Cant 2. 2. Dicuutur spinae propter malignitatem morum d cuntur filiâ— propter communionem sacramentorum Christ saith of his Church As a Lilly among thornes so is my loue among the daughters Thornes they are called for their wicked disposition but daughters for their communion in holy things so in regard of the mixture of spirit and slesh in such as are vpright she saith of her selfe c Cant. 1. 4. Posest spousâ— cum pulchritudine naeuo non carere nigredinis Bern. in Cant. Serm. 25. I am blacke but comely Blacke by reason of her infirmities and imperfections as well as of her afflictions and persecutions For with some comelinesse there may be blacknesse The triumphant Church also though in regard of that part thereof which is in heauen it be d Ephes 5. 27. glorious not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing yet because the combate of all that blessed communion is not yet full and the bodies of them whose soules are in glory yet be in the power of death may be truely said to be imperfect For the e Acts 3. 21. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab Hâ—sychio exponitur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 times of restitution or perfection of all things is to come God will haue his creatures waite for it f Hab. 2. 3. The vision is yet for an appointed time though it tarrie wait for it because it will surely come Shall now particular Churches which by the true notes of a Church may be proued to be true Churches bee denied to bee Churches and forsaken because of some imperfections therein They who will abide in no Church but in that which is perfect may wander from Church to Church and finde none on earth to abide in Were it not for the Churches imperfection there would not be so great need of this Petition This is thus noted not to iustifie any corruption or imperfection For this Petition which implyeth impersection enioyneth vs to pray against it And that which is prayed against must not be patronized but rather the best meanes that can be must bee vsed to redresse the same As not particular Churches so nor particular persons must be mis-iudged by reason of the imperfection of grace or the corruption of flesh remaining in them All here on earth is in part all is imperfect Spirits of iust men made perfect are to
Psal 10. 13. 42. 3. Their insultations and cursed exprobrations and that against God himselfe §. 35. Of Gods kingdome what it is and what be the kinds of it Q. VVHich is the second Petition A. Thy kingdome come Q. What is the kingdome of God A. That estate where as a King he ruleth For that is a kingdome where a King raigneth and ruleth Where God therefore raigneth there is his kingdome Q. How doth God raigne as a King A. 1. By his absolute power he raigneth ouer the whole world 2. By his speciall grace he raigneth ouer his Church According to this different manner of Gods raigning is his kingdome distinguished For 1. He hath an vniuersall kingdome Gods vniuersall kingdome Vbique regnat vbique imperat vbique maiestas eius Bern. de verb. Isay Serm. 5. called his kingdome of power because by his absolute and supreme power he ouer-ruleth all creatures whatsoeuer or wheresoeuer they be In regard of this vniuersall soueraignty of God the Scripture saith His kingdome ruleth ouer all For who hath resisted his will And thereupon he saith vnto God Psal 103 19. How terrible art thou in thy workes Through the greatnesse of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselâ—es to thee Rom. 9. 19. 2. He hath a peculiar kingdome Psal 66. 3. called his kingdome of Grace Gods peculiar kingdome his Church whereby he raigneth ouer a select people culled out of the world which voluntarily yeeld obedience vnto him The companie of this people is in one word the Church and it is a societie chosen of God Sanè secundum praedestinationem nunquam Ecclesia electoric penes deum non suit Bern. super Cant. Serm. 78. redeemed by Christ called and sanctified by the holy Ghost which hath bene in all ages of the world some in heauen others on earth spread ouer the face thereof farre and neare in which respects it is stiled the holy Catholicke Church This is properly the kingdome of Christ in and by whom the Father raigneth For it is said that a kingdome was giuen to the Sonne of man Dan. 7. 14. Of whom saith the Father I haue set my King vpon my holy hill of Sion Psal 2. 6. whose people shall be willing in the day of his power Psal 110. 3. Herein lyeth a maine difference betwixt Gods manner of gouernment in his vniuersall and in his peculiar kingdome that the worlds subiection is forced Psal 66. 3. 110 3. but the Churches subiection is free §. 36. Of Gods raigning ouer rebels TOuching that vniuersall kingdome of God ouer all creatures in all places seeing there are many which rebell against God and say Psal 2. 3. Let vs breake his bonds asinder and cast his cords from vs Luke 19. 14. We will not haue him to reigne ouer vs and therupon walke according to the Prince of the â—re Eph. 2. 〈◊〉 the spirit which worketh in the children of disobedience and seeing the diuell is the god of this world a doubt may be made how God can be said to be their King and Gods kingdome thus vniuersally extended ouer the whole world Answ 1. Rebelion of subiects taketh not away the right of a Soueraigne Psal 2. 1 6. Christ therefore notwithstanding the tumult of people is said to be a King 2. None can do any thing at all without his permission Instance the arch-rebell of all Iob 1. 11. 2. 5. of all Satan in the case of Iob. Instance also the many plots and practises of the wicked which in all ages by an ouer-ruling hand of God haue bene disappointed and made void 3. God can 2. King 19. 28. when and as it pleaseth him restraine them as he restrained Senacherib yea and beate them downe and vtterly destroy them Exod. 14. 28. as he destroyed Pharaoh and his whole hoste 4. Satan to whom the fore-named rebels are subiect is but Gods executioner 1. King 22. 2â— he is one of the number of Gods seruants though of his guiltie and reprobate seruants Satan vnus de numero seruor 〈◊〉 est licet reorum iam atque reproborum Chrys hom 20. in Mat. 6. So as euen in that power which Satan hath ouer them God sheweth himselfe to be their King Q. Is this vniuersall kingdome of God here ment A. No further then that God would order it to the good of his peculiar kingdome which is here principally intended §. 37. Of the kingdome of Grace and Glorie Q. HOw may the peculiar kingdome of God be considered A. 1. In the beginning and progresse of it 2. In the consummation and perfection of it In the former respect it consisteth of a mixture of euill persons with good ones Kingdome of Grace and of euill qualities in those good persons with good ones Math. 13. 24. 47. in regard of which mixtures it is resembled to a field wherein grow tares with wheate and to a draw-net which gathereth of all sorts Mar. 4. 26. and to corne which ariseth with straw and chaffe as well as with sound and solid graine In the latter respect it consisteth onely of such as are euery way perfectly good Kingdome of glorie and therefore said to shine as the Sunne Math. 13. 41 43. which hath no darknesse Reu. 21. 27. nor any speck or spot in it In the former respect especially it is called a kingdome of Grace and that 1. In opposition to those who neuer were Why the kingdome of grace is so called nor euer shall be of it and therefore are obiects of Gods seuere iustice and reuenging power Ier. 10. 25. but in it grace raigneth 2. For distinction from those who are translated out of it into heauen Rom. 5. 21. For by reason of the many temptations and imperfections whereunto the Saints on earth are subiect thy stand in need of much more grace then the Saints in heauen who are iust and perfect Heb. 12. 23. In the latter respect it is called a kingdome of Glory Why the kingdome of glorie is so called and that by reason of the Place where it is and of the Persons which are of it 1. The Place where it is is the most glorious place of all the world euen the highest heauens 2. The Persons both King and Subiects thereof are decked with vnspeakable glorie The King doth there manifest his glorie more then any where else as brightly as can possibly by the creature be discerned The Subiects there partake of as much glorie as they are capable of and that in soule and body so as they are all glorious within and without §. 38. Of the difference betwixt the kingdome of â—â—Grace Glorie THis kingdome of Grace and of Glorie is but one and the same kingdome distinguished into two parts which differ in sixe circumstances 1. In Time The kingdome of Grace is now present while here we liue The kingdome of Glorie is to come 2. In
bee found in heauen not on earth Heb 12 23. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They that think themselues perfect are for the most part furthest from perfection Let vs for our parts be of the same minde whereof the blessed Apostle was Phil. 3. 12 14. not to thinke our selues already perfect but to follow hard after perfection and to presse toward the marke for the price of the high calling of God in Iesus Christ §. 42. Of mans inabilitie to come vnto God Q. VVHat learne wee from the application of this word COME to the Kingdome of God A. Man of himselfe cannot come to Gods Kingdome It must come to him Isa 65. 1. before he can come to it I was found saith the King of this Kingdome of them that sought me not Ioh 16. 44. For No man can come vnto him except the Father draw him which made the Church thus to pray and promise Cant. 1. 3. Draw me and we will runne after thee Man by nature is dead in sume Ephes 2. 1. Non iam captiuos oculâ—s extolleâ—e in alâ—um Sponte potest c Prosp de Ingra c. 40. Can hee that is dead come till he be come vnto and haue life put into him Hereby both the free preuenting grace of God is commended vnto vs and also all selfe-conceit in man is remoued and much matter of humiliation ministred vnto him § 43. Of the force of this word THY in the second Petition Q. TO whom hath this particle THY relation A. Euen to him to whom the same Particle had relation in the former Potition And it doth here import the same things that it did there 1. A reason 2. A restraint 3. An extent of this Petition A Reason as it is referred both to the Preface and also to the first Petition The kingdome here meant is the kingdome of him who is our Father who is in heauen and whose name is to be hallowed Great reason therefore that we should pray for this Kingdome to come A Restraint as it implyeth that this Kingdome onely should be desired to come So as not any kingdome which is contrarie to this and hindreth the comming of this but euery kingdome which is any helpe to the comming of this in that onely respect as it is such an helpe ought to be desired to come An Extent in that it implyeth a comming fit for such a kingdome as Gods is yea and answerable to the excellencie of him who is the King thereof §. 44. Of Gods power to make his Kingdome come Q. WHat learne wee from directing this Petition vnto God A. It is in the power of God to perfect his Church He can gather all the parts thereof together and bring them all to that measure of perfection which is meetest for them Otherwise it were in vaine to make this Petition to him 1. Cor. 3. 7. It is God that giueth the encrease It is he that is able to make grace to abound 2. Cor. 9. 8. Let vs therefore euer call vpon him to be fauourable vnto Sion and to build vp the walles of Ierusalem Psal 51. 18. and let vs in faith depend on him for the good of his Church and so long as hee remaineth King thereof not feare what any creature can doe against it Psal 118. 6. Thus much of the meaning of the words and instructions arising out of them The order and fit inference of this Petition vpon the former followeth §. 45. Of the best meanes and fittest persons to hallow Gods Name Q. VVHy is this second Petition inferred on the first A. 1. To point out the best meanes of hallowing Gods Name 2. To shew what persons are fittest thereto Q. What is the best meanes A. The Church Psal 65. 1. wherein praise waiteth for God For God is knowne in Iudah Psal 76. 1. his name is great in Israel No where is God so well knowne as in his Church Q. Who are the fittest persons to hallow Gods Name A. Such as are members of the Church Them therfore doth Dauid cal vpon to praise the Lord. Psal 135. 19 20 21. No other persons can hallow Gods Name aright for this is a worke of Gods sanctifying Spirit 1. Cor. 12 3. No man can say that Iesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost Vpon the two forenamed grounds we ought the more earnestly to pray for the Church that so the Name of God may be the more hallowed Dan. 9. 19. This moued Daniel to bee exceeding feruent in Prayer to God for his Church §. 46. Of the spirituall blessings to be craued for the whole militant Church Q. VVHat are the particular good things which by vertue of the second Petition we ought to pray for A. All such things as concerne the good of the Church militant or triumphant In our Prayer for the Church militant we ought to haue respect to the things which concerne the whole body or the seuerall parts thereof whether they bee more remote or nearer to vs and so we more especiall members thereof Q. What are wee to pray for in regard of the whole bodie of the Church militant A. 1. That God would blesse it with all needfull blessings both spirituall and temporall 2. That he would protect it from all manner of euill Vnder the blessings craued for the Church the meanes which God hath sanctified for the better effecting of them are comprised Q. What are the spirituall blessings which wee ought to desire for the Church on earth Spirituall blessings for the whole militant Church A. 1. In generall that as God hath chosen it to bee as his Vineyard and Orchard so he would take an especiall care of it hauing his eye continually vpon it to plant it to water it to fence it to doe for it whatsoeuer he himselfe seeth requisite for it Because we know that God better knoweth then we doe what is good for his Chnrch therefore ought our desire of the good thereof to be referred to him extended to that knowledge which he hath of it To which purpose Dauid thus prayeth Doe good in thy good pleasure vnto Sion Psal 51. 18. 2. In particular we ought to desire both the dayly encrease of Gods Church on earth and also the establishment of it For the encrease of it two especiall things are to bee desired and that indefinitely without any limitation to any particular place 1. That where no Church is Pray that Churches may be where none are Psal 67. 2. God would bee pleased to plant one Such ought the extent of our desire to be herein as to pray that Gods sauing health may be knowne among all Nations Especially among such as haue a particular promise made to them Rom. 11. 25 26. as the Iewes Psal 67. 4. On this ground when they were a people and we none they prayed for vs. 2. That where any foundation of a Church is laid Pray that Churches
being restrained by sicknesse or any other meanes 2. Cor. 1. 3 11. they are againe restored 4. 1. Thes 1. 2 8. When the Gospell hath a free passage and soundeth forth from one place to another 5. 1. Thes 1. 5. When the ministry of the word is in power and fruitfull among the Saints Col. 1. 6. 6. Psal 147. 12 13 14. When the Church hath rest peace and prosperitie 7. When such as are persecuted stand stedfast in the faith and are not terrified with any oppositions against the truth 1. Thes 3. 8 9. nor drawne to denie the same 8. Psal 124. 6. When the Church is deliuered from any plots of the enemies against it 9. Est 9. 17. When vengeance is executed on the enemies of the Church Exod. 15 1. 10. When Seminaries of the Church as Schooles of learning Colleges and Vniuersities do prosper 11. 2. Ioh. 4. When pietie is planted in families especially in our owne 12. Phile. 4. When priuate Christians grow in Grace especially if withall they edifie one another 13. Congratulemur vt dignum est patri nostro qus a pium est defunctum plangere Malachiam pium magi◠Malachiae congaudere viuenti Bern. Serm. in trans Mal. When Saints that haue giuen vndoubted euidence of their perseuerance in the true faith depart out of this life Though that losse which the Church on earth may haue of them minister matter of mourning yet in that the triumphant Church is encreased by their departure it is matter of thanksgiuing 14. When we see the time of our m 2. Tim. 4. 6. owne departure to be at hand 15. When we obserue any of those n Luke 21. 28. signes to fall out which Christ hath foretold of the end of the world Pro fidelibus defunctis debemus gratias agere Idem de mod◠bene viu Serm. 70. and of his glorious comming vnto iudgement §. 54. Of the duties required vnder the second Petition Q. VVHat duties are we to endeauour after by vertue of the second Petition A. Euery one ought according to the estate and condition wherein he is to do what lyeth in his power to helpe on the comming of the kingdome of God and that both in himselfe and in others also For which end these particulars following are carefully to be obserued 1. They who are out of the Church must come into it If they be in the kingdome of darknesse they must not abide therein This is especially to be obserued of them to whom the light of the Gospell appeareth and discouereth their darknesse To such it is said Eph. 5. 14. Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall giue thee light 2. They who are in the Church must walke worthy of their calling Ephes 4 1. To such it is said Ye were once darknesse but are now light walke as children of light Eph. 5. 8. 3. They who being of the Church are among such as are out of it must labour to win them Saint Paul went so farre he rein as he became as without law 1. Cor. 9. 21. that he might gaine them that were without law To shew that this is a common dutie belonging to euery member of the Church 1. Pet. 1. 1 2. Saint Peter exhorteth women so to carrie themselues towards their husbands as if any obey not the word they may without the word be wonne by the conuer sation of their wiues 4. 1. Thes 5. 11. Fellow members of the Church must edifie one another and hearten Heb. 10. 24. encourage and prouoke one another vnto good workes and to stand stedfast in the faith 5. Rom. 15. 1. 14 13. They who are strong must beare with the weake and euery one take heed that they lay no stumbling blocke before any to make them fall 1. Cor. 8. 9. nor giue any offence 6. Gen. 17. 12. If any be parents of children they must be carefull to bring them to be incorporated into the Church by the Sacrament of Baptisme and that while they are infants and as they come to any yeares of discretion Eph. 6. 4. to bring them vp in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Pro. 22. 6. that thus when they are translated into the triumphant Church they may leaue their children behinde them true members of the militant Church and that successiuely generation after generation 7. Philem. v. 2. If any be housholder their care must bee to make their houses as the houses of Philemon Rom. 16. 5. Aquila and Priscilla were Churches of God And in this respect take vpon them the faithfull endeuour of Abraham Gen. 18. 19. and setled resolution of Iosua 8. Ios 24. 15. They who are Ministers must take heed to all the flockes whereof the Holy Ghost hath made them ouer-seers to seed the Church of God Act. 20. 28. and doe all things vnto edifying 1. Cor. 14. 26. 9. They who are Magistrates must maintaine true religion in their dominions and cause all that are vnder their iurisdiction to stand to the couenant of God 2. Chro. 34. 33. Yea they ought to be so watchfull ouer the Lords vineyard as to suffer neither wilde boare to roote it vp Cant. 2. 15. nor foxes to make any hauocke therein They must suffer neither profest enemies nor running seducers to harbour therein §. 55. Of the things to be bewailed vnder the second Petition Q. VVHat are the things that we ought to bewaile by vertue of the second Petition A. All such things as any way make to the disaduantage or disparagement of the Kingdome of Christ As 1. 2. Cor. 4. 4. That great sway which Satan hath in the world whereof he is the god Ephes 2. 2. and worketh in the children of disobedience and that all the world worshippeth him Reu. 13. 3 4. For all Infidels Idolaters Heretiques Schismatiques hypocrites and profane persons are his vassals and these are they with whom the world is filled 2. Mic. 7. 1. The small circuit of Christs Kingdome The Prophet thus bringeth in the Church her selfe bewailing her small number Woe is mee for I am as when they haue gathered the summer fruits as the grape gleanings of the vintage 3. Math. 13 25 c. The mixture of Satans subiects with Christs in that small circuit For where the Lord of the field soweth good seed the enuious man soweth Tares which maketh the seruants of the Lord to complaine 4. The many clouds which obscure the light of the Gospell I meane the clouds of errour superstition humane traditions and such like whereby the cleare light of the Gospell is hindred from shining forth in his full brightnesse Christ himselfe complaineth that the Word of God is made of none effect through the many traditions of the Iewes Mar. 7. 13. 5. Psal 50. 13. The spoiles of
to the highest heauen of all where the forenamed Angels and Saints are who in all things by a most free and willing choice do perfectly fulfill the will of God Q. How can they whom we see not to be a patterne for vs A. By the word we may know what is done by them For God hath thereby manifested how they do his will §. 65. Of the manner of following a perfect patterne Q. HOw can we do Gods will as they do it seeing they in all points do it most perfectly and it is impossible for vs to attaine to such a perfection A. 1. In such a manner as they do may we also do Gods will though not in so compleate a measure A candle giueth light in an house euen as the Sunne doth in the world in such a manner not in so great measure There may be in qualitie and likenesse a comparison betwixt things that are in quantitie and measure very vnequall In this respect they who haue hope in Christ are said to purifie themselues euen as he is pure 2. All the Saints euen on earth haue the beginning of that heauenly perfection wrought in them 1. Ioh. 3. 3. which beginning the Apostle stileth The first fruites of the Spirit Rom. 8. 23. Now we may be confident of this very thing Phil. 1. 6. that he who hath begun a good worke in vs will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ 1. Cor. 1. 8. that we may be blamelesse in that day 3. Our desire and endeauour may and must be beyond our abilitie Phil. 3. 13. as shall be proued by and by §. 66. Of the matter of Patience which the inhabitants of heauen haue Q. HOw can there be a sufficient patterne where there is no triall of Patience as in heauen there is none For the Angels and Saints in heauen are not subiect to any crosses that should trie their patience A. This patterne is especially for actiue obedience 2. Those heauenly Spirits do many things which they would not but for the will of God When it is the will of God the Angels do willingly descend from heauen to earth Gen. 28. 12. sometimes to bring glad tidings to the Church Reu. 14. 6 19. and sometimes to execute vengeance on sinners Yea the soules of the Saints which haue bene taken out of their bodies carried into Abrahams bosome that place of ioy and blisse haue bene contented at the will of God to leaue their glorie m Mat. 27. 53. and to returne againe into their bodies euen as n Ioh. 6. 38. Ioh. 11. 44. Christ came downe from heauen not to do his owne will but the will of him that sent him and as his soule o Luke 23. 43. after it had bene in Paradise p 24 5 6. returned into his body in earth Now heauen Paradise and Abrahams bosome is a place of such glorie and so conspicuously doth the brightnesse of Gods glorie there shine forth as the coelestiall spirits would neuer be willing to depart out of it but to do the will of their Lord. 3. There is a compassion in them for the afflictions of the Church in earth For the Saints in earth and in heauen are fellow members of one and the same bodie in which respect there cannot but be some sympathie and fellow-feeling of their fellow-members afflictions euen as q Mat 25. 42. c. there is in the head of that bodie Iesus Christ The maine reason why the r Reu. 6. 10. soules of the Martyrs departed desire vengeance on the enemies of the Church is for those Saints sake who were liuing and so subiect to their tyrannie and crueltie It is said that there is ioy in the presence of the Angels of God Luke 15. 10. ouer one sinner that repenteth Why not then compassion also ouer the Church that is afflicted 4. The Saints in heauen through patience inherit the promises Heb 6. 12. For through many afflictions men enter into the kingdome of God and therein we are exhorted to be followers of them Acts 14 22. Sancti similes nobis â—â—â—cre passibiles ipsi peregrinationis huius exilij dâ—ploraucre molestias c. Bâ—â—â— infest oâ—â— Sanct Serm. 1. 5. With patience they expect the resurrection of their bodies and perfect consummation of that glorie which is ordained for the whole bodie of Christ and all the members thereof When it was tould the soules of the forenamed Martyrs deceased that they should rest vntill their brethren should be fulfilled they were silent and patient they replied not againe Thus then wee see that in heauen there is a patterne of patience Reu. 6. 11. §. 67. Of well doing good Q. VVHat learne we from this direction as it is in heauen added to the Petition A. Good things are to be done after a right manner So much is noted in the summe of the Morall Law as a Mat. 22. 37 39 In sacrificijs quae Abel Cain primiobtulerunt non munera eorum deus sed corda intue batur vt ille placeret in munere qui placebat in corde Cypr. de Orat. Dom. §. 18. Christ hath set it downe The good things enioyned are to loue God and our neighbour The manner of louing God is to do it with all the heart c. The manner of louing our neighbour is to loue him as our selfe If the Scriptures be obseruantly read we shall find them as copious in prescribing the right manner as in pressing the maine matter of any duâ—ie and in declaring Gods approbation of the one more then of the other Take for example the first worke of pietie recorded to be done after mans fall In the sacrifices which Abel and Caine first offered God did not behold the offering but the heart that he might please God in his offering that pleaseth him in his heart The offering declared the worke the heart the manner of doing it For b 1. Pet. 2. 15. Gods will is manifested in the manner as well as in the matter Yea if a good thing be euilly done God will say c Isa 1. 12. who required this at your hands For a good thing is d Isa 66. 3. cleane peruerted and made euill by an euill manner of doing it It is therefore very requisite that we e 1. Cor. 11. 28. examine good things euen by the manner of doing them and not thinke it sufficient that the thing we do is for the matter and substance of it lawfull and warrantable As many if not many more transgressions are committed by failing in the manner of doing good things as by doing things which are simply euill §. 68. Of propounding a perfect patterne before vs. Q. VVHat are we taught by the kind of patterne set before vs A. The patterne which we follow must be perfect such a patterne is the example of those that are in heauen f Heb. 12. 23. They are spirits
indeed as good an opinion and as high an esteeme of Gods will as Dauid had we would cleaue as close to it as he did 2. A right discerning of the vanity and corruption of the creatures will especially when it is not agreeable to Gods but swerueth from it Psal 94 11. In this respect it is said The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man that they are but vanity Iob 5. 13. and He taketh the wise in their craftinesse If we could truely and thorowly discerne as much would wee be so blockish as to preferre the will of any man before Gods 3. A deniall of our owne will a point which the wise man much presseth Pro. 3. 5 7. in these and such like prohibitions Leane not to thine owne vnderstanding Be not wise in thine owne eyes Seldome or neuer are selfe-conceited men brought to yeeld simple obedience to Gods will They will bee so inquisitiue into the ground and reason thereof that if they be not satisfied therein their owne will Pro. 26. 12. and not Gods shall be done There is more hope of a foole then of such an one 4. Mortification of the flesh Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit so that wee cannot doe the things that we would When we would doe the will of God Rom. 7. 28 c. yea and delight in the Law of God after the inner man wee shall finde the flesh warring against that Law of the minde and bringing vs into captiuitie to the law of sinne This made Saint Paul with so bitter an exclamation to say O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from the body of this death Q. What desire wee in regard of the extent of the fore-named Rule be done A. 1. An accomplishment of whatsoeuer God hath determined That what God willeth to be done may accordingly bee done whether the creature will it or nill it For we ought to beleeue that God wisely willeth all things to the best and thereupon to desire that his counsell and purpose may stand and euen from our hearts to say m Act. 21. 14. The will of the Lord be done n 2. Sam. 15. 26. Let him doe as seemeth good to him 2. A contented submission to euery thing which God bringeth to passe Hereof we haue worthy patternes in the examples of o Iob 1. 21. Iob p 1. Sam. 3. 18. Eli q 2. Sam. 16. 10. Dauid r 2. King 20. 19. Hezekiah and other Saints Wee can not be ignorant that euents doe declare the determined purpose of God When such and such a thing is falne out we may then conclude that God had so and so purposed it For as Gods Word declareth his approuing will what he would haue so euents declare his peremptory will what hee will haue Our submission therefore to Gods will is tried in both This is to bee applyed to all manner of crosses and losses whether of goods children or other friends to death it selfe or to any other thing that may seeme bitter to vs. Q. What desire we in regard of the place here specified for doing the will of God In earth A. 1. Grace well to vse the time of this mortall life For the time while wee abide on earth is f; Ioh. 9. 4. the day wherein wee may worke and t Gal 6. 10. the time of doing good n Ioh. 9. 4. Christ tooke the aduantage of the day and x 1 Phil. 2. 5. we ought to bee of the minde of Christ Thus shall wee shew that wee haue as great respect to Gods honour as to our owne happinesse and as great a desire to doe the worke appointed as to receiue the reward promised 2. Vniuersall subiection to Gods will throughout this world For this indefinite phrase in earth sheweth that our desire ought to bee extended to all that are on the face of the earth We pray not that Gods will be done only in our own house or in our owne countrey or in the countries neere adioyning to vs but in earth x 1 Psal 67. 2 c. All the graces therefore before mentioned to be craued for our selues must also bee craued for euery member of the militant Church §. 74. Of the things to be prayed for in the direction of the third Petition WHat are we taught to pray for in regard of this direction Quid est aliud dicere Fiat volâ—â—tas tuâ— in coelo sicut in terra quam vt sint homines similes Angelis c. Abb. Isa de Vrat c. 20. as it is in heauen A. In generall a conformitie of the Church militant to the Church triumphant That though these two parts of Gods Church be in one place distant one from another yet they may bee of like minde and disposition towards God and his will In this respect we are said to be partakers of the heauenly calling and our conuersation to be in heauen Heb. 3. 1. 2. In particular such a manner of obedience as is performed by the Saints and Angels in heauen Phil. 3. 20. §. 75. Of the distinct heads of the manner of doing Gods will in heauen Q. TO how many heads may their manner of obedience be reduced A. To sixe especially which are these that follow 1. Sinceritie 1. Sinceritie Whatsoeuer those heauenly spirits make shew of Reu. 14. 5. they doe it from the heart In their mouth is found no guile for they are without fault before the Throne of God 21. 27. None that maketh alye can enter into that pure place 22. 15. They are without whosoeuer loue lies All in heauen shine as the Sunne They are transparent Mat. 13. 43. there is no couer for hypocrisie This sincerity did Dauid desire where he prayed that God would take from him the way of lying Psal 119 29 36 80. and encline his heart to his Testimonies and let it be vpright in his Statutes 2. Integritie 2. Integritie Reu. 14. 4. which is an vniuersall subiection to euery part of Gods will The heauenly spirits follow the Lambe whether soeuer he goeth In all places they attend vpon their Lord and alwayes behold his face Mat. 18. 10. to know what his will is that they may doe it They are therefore by a kinde of excellency said to doe his commandements Psal 103. 20 hearkening to the voice of his Word Neuer was there any stop or stay in any that euer entred into heauen at any thing that God willed to be done This integritie also did Dauid desire where he said Oh that my wayes were directed to keepe thy Statutes Psal 119 5 6. then shall I not be ashamed when I haue respect to ALL thy commandements Deut. 5. 29. yea this did God himselfe earnestly desire for his people 3. Alacritie 3. Alacritie There is nothing wherein the heauenly spirits shew more cheerefulnesse then in doing Gods will It is musicke and
a man to deuoure that which is consecrated Ezek. 48. 14. The first fruites of the Lord might not be sold exchanged or alienated because they were holy to the Lord consecrated to him 5. Lawfull oathes Mat. 5. 33. These must be kept though they bee made to a mans hurt Psal 15. 4. 6. The bond of mariage Mat. 19. 6. Hereof it is said What God hath ioyned together let no man put asunder 2. Other things by custome become immutable as 1. Euill practises Ier. 13. 23. Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the Leopard his spots then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do euill 2. Ciuill ordinances Mat. 27. 15. At the Passeouer the Gouernour was wont to release vnto the people a prisoner whom they would thereupon it is said Of necessitie he must deliuer one to them Luke 23. 17. 3. Sundry things are made immutable by speciall supportance as 1. Coelestiall spirits Eph. 1. 10. These are the things in heauen which are said to be gathered together in Christ by whom they are confirmed and established 2. The Church militant Mat. 16. 18. For the gates of hell shall not preuaile against it Psal 125. 1. 3. Particular Saints Rom. 11. 29. They that trust in the Lord shall bee as mount Sion which cannot be remoued but abideth for euer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—â—â—smodi sunt vt eorum ipsum 〈◊〉 non possit 〈◊〉 〈…〉 4. The gifts and calling of God These are without repentance Such as God neuer repenteth the bestowing of them On this ground the Apostle thus saith of such as were called and made partakers of the gift of God Phil. 1. â— I am confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good worke in you will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ 4. There are many things which haue an immutable nature giuen them so as according to that course which God hath appointed they cannot be altered as 1. Sundry natiue properties Ier. 13. 23. Can the Ethiopian change his skin Mat. 5. 36. or the Leopard his spots Thou canst not neake one haire white or beatke 2. The earth and the mountaines thereon Eccl. 1. 4. These abide for euer Psal 125. 1. 3. Seasons and intercourse of times Gen. 8. 22. While the earth remaineth seed-time and haruest and cold and heate and summer and winter Ier. 33. 20. and day and night shall not cease Thus saith the Lord If ye can breake my couenant of the day and my couenant of the night and that there should not be day or night in their season Then c. Here the immutable entercourse of those seasons is set downe as an vndeniable principle 4. The visible heauens and the host thereof Ier. 31. 35. The Lord giueth the Sunne for a light by day and the ordinances of the Moone and of the Starres for a light by night namely so to abide without alteration 5. The highest heauen and all therein Mat. 6. 20. There neither moath nor rust corrupt nor theeues breake through nor steale 5. Some things are essentially in themselues immutable and so immutable as it is impossible they should be changed as 1. God himselfe Mal. 3. 6. Iam. 1. 17. 2. Gods counsell Psal 33. 11. Heb. 6. 17. 3. Gods Law Luke 16. 17. 4. Gods oath Psal 110. 4. Isa 45. 23. 5. Gods couenants Ier. 33. 20 21. 6. Gods promises Heb. 6. 13 18. 7. Euery word of God Num. 23. 19. 8. Gods loue Ier. 31. 3. As God himselfe is so are the things which are essentiall to him and come out of him as those which are before mentioned and others like vnto them immutable inuiolable §. 227. Of the difference betwixt the immutabilitie of the Creator and creatures Q. WHerein lyeth the difference betwixâ— the immutability of the Creator and of the creaturcs A. 1. God hath his stabilitie of himselfe which is euident by this stile which God giueth to himselfe I AM THAT I AM. Exod 3. 14. Creatures haue all that stabilitie which they haue of God Ier. 31. 35. The Lord giueth the ordinances of the Moone and of the Starres hee hath appointed them the courses which they keepe so constantly Prou. 3 19. He hath founded the earth and established the heauens 2. It is simply and absolutely impossible that Gods stabilitie should be altered Heb. 6. 18. But the most stedfast stabilitie of the creatures may be altered Iude ver 6. Some of the Angles kept not their first estate The Lord remoueth the mountaines and ouer turneth them in his anger Iob 9. 5 6 7. He shaketh the earth out of her place and maketh the pillars thereof tremble He commandeth the Sunne and it riseth not c. In Ioshuahs time the Sunne stood still Ios 10. 13. In Hezekiahs time it runne backe Though many creatures neuer were nor shall be changed 2. King 20. 11. as the good Angell yet is it not simply impossible that they should be changed Hee that made them can destroy them If God in Christ had not confirmed them but should leaue them to themselues there might be feare of their falling 3. God remaineth immutable by himselfe Mal. 3. 6. I am Iehouah saith the Lord I change not Because hee is Iehouah of himselfe by himselfe therefore he changeth not But the creatures are supported by God and kept stable and vnchangeable by his prouidence As the Lord first appointed them their firme and stable course so that they may the better keepe it he putteth vnder the hand of his diuine prouidence to support them Col. 1. 17. By him all things consist The immutabilitie therefore which is in any creature is wholy at Gods disposing either to confirme or alter it So as immutabilitie properly taken is proper to God §. 228. Of the duties which arise from Gods immutabilitie Q. TO what duties are we bound by reason of Gods immutabilitie A. 1. To put difference betwixt the Creator and creatures as the Psalmist did where in opposition betwixt the Creator and creatures he saith Psal 102. 26. They shall perish but thou shalt endure c. 2. To respect God as Saints in former times haue done He is the same God now that euer he was Why then should he not be accordingly esteemed b Mal. 3. 4 5. 6. This argument taken from Gods immutabilitie doth God himselfe vse to prouoke to pietie to reclaime them from all impietie c 2. Chro. 17. 3. 4. True Saints haue also hereby bene moued to carrie themselues towards God 29. 2. as their fathers of old haue done 34. 2 3. 3. To trust in the Lord. Psal 125. 1 2. As the mountaines round about Ierusalem stand vnmoueable for the defence and saferie thereof So the Lord is round about his people for euer 4. To beleeue Gods word and promise Sarah beleeued Gods word
assured faith of obtaining the very things which are prayed for To that wich is not so absolutely promised which is the fourth with such a submission of our selues wholy to Gods good pleasure as to beleeue that God will do that which he in his wisedome seeth to be best for vs. That he will giue such temporall blessings as he knoweth to be good for vs or giue vs such grace as shall enable vs to beare the want of such things as he denieth vs. What God denieth to the Prayers of his Saints he knoweth that it is good for them to be without it He therefore that is well instructed in Gods wisedome and assured of his loue will without question thinke it much better to haue that which God knoweth to be hurtfull or vnmeet for him to be denied rather then granted vnto him If that which we pray for bee not at the first granted wee ought to persist and hold on in praying for it as o Gen. 32. 26. Iaakob who said to the Angell of the Couenant the Lord Iesus Christ p Hos 12. 4. Of perseuering in Prayer See the whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 18. Treat 3. § 141. c. with whom by Prayer he wrestled I will not let thee go except thou blesse me And in this perseuerance in Prayer we must also waite and with patience expect a gratious answer of our humble and faithfull supplications ordered according to the will of God This is the expresse charge of the Prophet q Hab. 2. 3. Though it tarrie waite for it This is the propertie of true faith For r Isa 28. 16. Of waiting See The whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 17. Treat 1. Part. 7. §. 9. 〈◊〉 Hope He that beleeueth will not make haste §. 245. Of setting AMEN in the last place Q. VVHy is AMEN set in the last place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cyri◠Catech myst 5. A. 1. To shew the extent of it 2. To shew the vse of it For the extent of AMEN It must be applyed to the whole Prayer that goeth before it and to euery part and particle thereof Therefore in reciting the particular curses of the Law * Deut. 27. 15. c. AMEN was expresly added to euery particular curse Though so expresly by an audible voice it be not alwaies added to euery clause of euery Prayer yet the mind giuing assent and the heart inclining a desire and mind and heart yealding faith to the whole and to euery part Amen after all is vttered is a testification of as much Thus then by saying AMEN when all the Lords Prayer is ended we shew that our assent desire and faith is extended to praise as well as to Petition and among Petitions to such as tend to Gods glorie as our owne good and of them which tend to his glorie to that which maketh to the prosperous encrease of his Church as well as to that whereby his Name is hallowed yea and to that which tendeth to the doing of his will and that in the manner of doing it as it is done in heauen as well as in the matter thereof and among the Petitions that tend to our good as well to them which concerne our spirituall well-fare as to that which concerneth our temporall well-fare and of those which promote our spirituall well-fare as well to that whereby our sanctification is craued as to that whereby we desire to be iustified and in that of our iustification of our profession of forgiuing our debters as well as to our supplication for Gods discharge of our debts to him and in that of our sanctification both to preseruation from Satans assaults and also to recouer out of his snares and full deliuerie from all euill yea in euery Petition to others good as well as to our owne Were Amen placed in any other place then in the very end of a prayer euen after all is finished it could not haue so large an extent 2. For the vse of AMEN It is a recapitulation or collection into a briefe summe of all that hath gone before so as it being vttered when the prayer is finished it sheweth that when all particulars haue been in speciall mentioned we must as in a generall view cast our mind vpon them all againe and reuiew our desire of them As Salomon did more amply and expresly For after he had finished his long pithy powerfull prayer which he made at the dedication of the Temple with a new and fresh desire hee compriseth the summe of all and thus commendeth it to God 1. King 8. 59. Let these my words wherewith I haue made supplication before the Lord be nigh vnto the Lord our God day and night that he maintaine the cause of his seruant and the cause of his people Israel at all times Prayer must not be abruptly broken of◠as the matter shall require As the Preface therefore prefixed before the Lords Prayer teacheth vs not rashly but aduisedly with due preparation to come into Gods presence and to pray to him so AMEN being added after the Prayer teacheth vs not abruptly but circumspectly with due consideration of all that hath bene prayed to depart out of Gods presence and to breake off Prayer Whensoeuer we present any Prayer to the the diuine Maiestie let vs so do AMEN FINIS AN ALPHABETICALL Index of the most materiall points that are handled in the Explanation of the Lords Prayer A ABSOLVTION DIfference betwixt Gods Absolution and mans apprehension thereof 132 Popish Absolution 133 AMEN Amen What it meaneth 330 Vse of Amen set before a speech 330 Duties of Amen before a speech 330 Vse of Amen added to a speech 331 To what kindes of speeches Amen is added 331 By whom Amen may rightly bee vsed 332 Why Amen is vsed of all sorts 333 Duties which Amen requireth of such as vtter the prayer 334 Duties which Amen requireth of such as heare the prayer 334 Amen to be vttered aloud by the whole assembly 335 Duties which Amen requireth both of speakers and hearers 335 Amen why set in the last place 339 Amen must be applied to euery part of the prayer 339 Anabaptists arguments against the vse of the Lords Prayer 3. 4 Application of Gods Father-hood The benefits thereof 16 ATTRIBVTES Attributes of God doe by a propertie and excellency belong to him 285 Auricular Confession 133 B BLame of sin on man 245 BREAD See Temporall Bread put for al temporal blessings 98 Bread when vsed for spiritual food 99 What particulars are comprised vnder Bread 116 C CArking too much for the things of this world 125 CHVRCH Church Militant Triumphant 49 Churches gouernement 51 Churches encrease 52 Churches imperfection 53 Blessings for the Church Militant 56 Euills which annoy the Church 61 Blessings for particular Churches 62 Blessings for the Church Triumphant 64 Duties to bee done for the good of the Church 67 What makes to the disaduantage of the Church 69 CONFESSION Confession of sin