and members which make vp that Summe Of these therefore wee must take notice and for these wee must giue thankes Now because that Summe is implyed vnder the negatiue we are answerably to giue thankes for freedome from the contrary which the Apostle stileth power of darknesse Vnder darknesse he compriseth sin death diuell and damnation While wee are vnder the power of these we are their vassalls It is therefore a blessing worthy of all praise to be freed from them Other particulars seuerally concerne the distinct parts of this Petition §. 198. Of the particulars for which thankes is to bee giuen by virtue of the first part of the last Petition Q. VVHat are the particulars for which the first part of the sixt Petition requireth thankes to bee giuen A. 1. Vnder standing of the law whereby we know what sin is when we are tempted thereto how fearefull a thing it is to yeeld to such temptations how wretched their case is that are left to the power of temptation Rom. 3. 20. By the Law is the knowledge of sinne That therefore which giueth vs notice of so great danger is a thing praise-worthy especially if we haue vnderstanding thereof Psal 119. 99 100 In way of thankfulnesse doth Dauid oft acknowledge this 2. Wisedome to discerne our enemies and their assaults This proceedeth from the former and goeth a degree farther and in that respect it bindeth vs to more thankfulnesse With thankfulnesse saith the Psalmist to God Psal 119. 98. Thou thorew thy commandements hast made me wiser then mine enemies 3. The victory which Christ hath goâ—ten ouer spirituall enemies It is in praise of Christ that the Psalmist saith to him Thou hast led captituity captiue Psal 68. 18. By captiuity hee meaneth the world the flesh sinne death the diuell and all other enemies of our soule Were not these by Christ made captiues and so chained restrained and kept in we could not stand against them they would soone leade vs captiues For our sakes did Christ enter combate with them and get victory ouer them We reape the benefit thereof wee therefore must giue the thankes to Christ and say as the heauenly Spirits doe we giue thee thankes because thou hast taken to thee thy great power Reu. 11. 17 18. and hast raigned and destroyed them that destroy the earth 4. Strength to withstand our enemies As Christ himselfe hath ouercome them so by his spirit hee giueth vs power to ouercome 2 Tim. 1. 7. in which respect it is said Hee hath giuen to vs the Spirit of power On which ground saith the Apostle I thanke him who hath enabled me 1 Tim. 1. 12. 5. Resolution to yeeld to no allurements whether they come from the flesh or the world Gratias deo qui iam harum rerum in vobis gloriâ— transitoriae gloriosum est operatus contemptum Bern. Epist 23. A true setled resolution is a great meanes to keepe vs safe This comes from God For by nature our disposition is wholy inclined to the world and to the flesh Wherefore as a 1. Sa. 25. 32 33 Dauid blessed God for asswaging his passion and keeping him from shedding blood so wee must praise God whensoeuer our minde is alienated from the world and flesh for that alteration of our disposition 6. Patience to beare out all brunts Afflictions to our weake flesh are soare temptations but by patience wee are kept from being swallowed vp by them In which respect the Apostle saw great cause to thanke God for the patience of the Thessalonians 2 Thes 1. 3 4. 7. Power in all conflicts to ouercome Such though they bee led vnto temptation are not led into temptation It is expressely noted of them that had gotten victory that they sang a song of praise Reu. 15. 2 3. §. 199. Of the particulars for which thankes is to be giuen by virtue of the last part of the last Petition Q. VVHat are the things for which the second part of the last Petition requireth thankes A. 1. Repentance after sinne committed This is a sure euidence of deliuerance from a great euill Therefore the Church glorified God because hee had granted repentance Act. 11. 18. 2. Rescue out of Satans clutches If Satan haue at any time got any aduantage against vs as he getteth great aduantage against witches and sorcerers yea and against other impudent and audacious sinners whom he hath fast in his clutches to bee rescued and recouered out of his hands affordeth iust cause of much thankes Luk. 8. 2 3. which Mary Magdalene out of whom went seâ—en diuels well knew to be most due and therefore in testimony of thankfulnesse shee followed Christ and ministred to him of her substance 3. Recouery out of the world Gal. 1. 4 5. The Apostle ascribeth glory to Christ for deliuering vs from this present euill world 4. Conquest of the Spirit ouer the flesh For by the Spirits conquest Rom. 7. 25. are we freed from the dominion of the flesh For this therefore the Apostle giueth expresse thankes 5. Remouall of iudgements Iudgements and all manner of crosses are in their kinde euills and remouall of them is a deliuerance from those euills Whereupon the Saints haue beene thankfull for such deliuerances Exod 15. 1 c. The Israelites giue thankes to God for freeing them from the Egyptian bondage 1. Chro. 21. 28. And Dauid for causing the Plague to cease And Hezekiah for taking away a deadly disease Isa 38. 9. c. And the Church for returning her captiuity Psal 126. 1 2. 6. Victory ouer death Death in it selfe is a dreadfull euill the very eâ—trance into damnation But by Christ the sting of it is pulled out the nature of it is altered It is made a gate into eternall glory 1. Cor. 15. 57. This is that victory for which Saint Paul giueth thankes 7. Hope of resurrection to life 8. Hope of eternall glory These are full and small deliuerances from all euill Gods promise of these to such as beleeue is as a performance of them Our hope therefore resting on Gods promise for these affordeth iust occasion of reioycing and praising GOD 1. Pet. 1. 3 4. as Saint Peter doth and Saint Paul also Col. 1. 12. §. 200. Of duties required in the last Petition Q. VVHat duties are we to endeauour after by virtue of the last Petition A. 1. To abstaine from all sinne For this is the maine thing heere prayed against This is it which maketh temptation so hurtfull as it is The more we forbeare sinne the lesse damage shall we receiue from any temptations a Psal 34. 14. Many Am. 5. 15. many therefore are the dehortations of Scripture against sinne Rom. 12. 9. 2. c 2. Cor. 7. 1. To perfect holinesse For vnder the auoiding of any euill an endeauouring after the contrary good is alwayes in Scripture implyed Yea d Isa 1. 16 17.
They who know and beleeue God to be as hee is all in all cannot but detest that heathenish and blasphemous distinction of white and blacke gods the former of which they made Bestowers of good things 1. Cor. 8. 6. the latter Deliuerers from euill things But to vs there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and wee in him Of him wee ought to seeke euery good thing wee want To him we ought to fly for succour against all euill So we are here taught so let vs doe §. 194. Of the general points for which wee are taught to pray in the last Petition Q. VVHat are wee to pray for by vertue of the last Petition 1. Such things as concerne the whole Petition in generall or the distinct parts thereof in particular 1. In regard of the whole we ought to pray for Sanctification Thus doth Saint Paul pray for the Thessalonians 1. Thes 5. 23. The very God of Peace sanctifie you wholly As our owne happinesse moueth vs to pray for Iustification in the former Petition that wee may be acquitted of sinne for which we should otherwise be damned so the honour of God should moue vs to pray for sanctification 1. Thes 4. 3. For this is the will of God our sanctification and thereby is the holy God much honoured 2. In regard of the manner of setting downe this Petition negatiuely we are taught to pray for Freedome against the power of sinne Psal 19. 13. 13. as the Psalmist doth where hee saith Cleanse meè from secret faults keepe backe thy seruant also from presumptuous sins let them not haue dominion ouer mee For in sinne there is a guilt which maketh vs lyable to Gods vengeance this is prayed against in the Fift Petition and a power which holdeth vs in bondage and maketh vs such slaues thereto as wee cannot serue God 3. For this end we are taught to pray for Participation of the power of Christs death and 4. Participation of the Spirit of Christ For in Christs death there is distinctly to be considered a Merit and a Power The Merit thereof freeth from the guilt and punishment of sinne The Power thereof from the dominion yea and by degrees from the very act of sinne which in the Saints after the death of their body shall vtterly cease Of this power of Christs death thus speaketh the Apostle Rom. 6. 4 6. We are buried with Christ by Baptisme into death c. And againe Our old man is crucified with him that the body of sinne might be destroyed that henceforth wee should not serue sinne This power of Christs death is conueighed into vs by the Spirit of Christ Ephes 2. 1. For wee are dead in sinne Rom. 8. 11. But if the Spirit of him that raised vp Iesus from the dead dwell in vs it will quicken vs. Wherefore that wee may partake of the power of Christs death wee must pray for participation of the Spirit of Christ Dauid well knew how requisite this Spirit was to keep downe the power of sinne and therefore hauing prayed for pardon of sinne Psal 51. 11. further prayeth that God would not take his holy Spirit from him These are the generall things which by vertue of this whole Petition we are to pray for We will further note out such particulars as concerne the distinct parts §. 195. Of the particulars for which we are to pray by vertue of the first part of the last Petition Q. VVHat are the particulars to be prayed for vnder the first part of the Sixt Petition A. 1. Knowledge of our spirituall enemies Without knowledge of them there will be no feare of them no desire of helpe and succour against them or of freedome from them Iudg. 18. 28. The people of Laish not knowing that the Danites were their enemies or that they had any purpose to surprize them were secure and made no preparations for their owne defence and so were vtterly vanquished Such ignorance maketh most in the world so secure as they are Experience sheweth that the more ignorant any are the more deepely they are implunged into Satans snares and the faster held thereby Here therefore we must pray for knowledge of the distinct kindes of our spirituall enemies of their number might malice subtiltie and sedulitie That we may the better know all these the Apostle doth largely and distinctly describe them Ephes 6. 12. 2. Sight of the danger wherein wee are by reason of them To know that there are enemies pernicious and dangerous enemies little moueth them who see no danger wherein themselues are by reason of such enemies 2. Kin. 6. 15. When Elisha's seruant saw the hoste of Aram that compassed the place where he was then he cryed out Alas my Master how shall we doe Thus will they bee affected that are able to discerne the danger wherein they are by reason of their spirituall enemies They will enquire what to doe But the danger which is not seene is not feared Wherefore God sends Ministers to people Act. 26. 18. To open their eyes that they may come from the power of Satan to God 3. Wisedome to discerne their wiles their many cunning stratagems and kindes of assaults and to finde out where their strength lyeth and how they may be withstood Thus shall we be kept the more safely from them that wee fall not into their temptations Psal 119. 98 99 100. and be ouercome by them Dauid who obtained such wisedome vndoubtedly prayed for it 4. Vnderstanding of our owne weakenesse How vnable we are to stand of our selues much more vnable to withstand such enemies as we haue Ephes 6. 12. which are not as we flesh and bloud but Spirits Math. 26. 41. yea Principalities and powers c. When the Spirit is ready the flesh is weake how much more weake will it be when the spirit is secure Such as know not their owne weakenesse will be so ouer-bold and presumptuous as they will not feare to cast themselues into temptations 5. Knowledge of the almightie power of God Thus doth the Apostle expressely pray in behalfe of the Ephesians that they may know what is the exceeding greatnesse of his power towards them that beleeue Ephes 1. 18 19. Knowledge of the enemies power and of our owne weakenesse cannot but affright vs and make vs faintingly fall into their temptations vnlesse withall we know the power of God to bee able to make vs stand and to subdue our enemies and cleane to free vs from all their temptations Knowledge hereof will raise vp our hearts to God in all dangers 2. Chro. 14 11. 6. Restraint of Satans power This the Angell intended when hee said to the Diuell Iude verse 9. The Lord rebuke thee So malicious and audacious is Satan as hee will not sticke to assault the best if the Lord doe not restraine him It is most likely that hee could not be ignorant that Christ was
blessings A. Many good and weightie reasons may be giuen of this order which will plainly shew that the placing of this Petition before the two following is no sufficient argument to proue that by BREAD Christ is here meant Some of them are these 1. This is an expresse Petition for good as the three former are but the two last are deprecations from euill It was therefore requisite that all the good things to be craued should be mentioned before the euils against which we pray 2. The Lord by placing temporall blessings whereof we are more sensible before spirituall doth endeauour by degrees to raise vp in vs a desire of spirituall blessings which though they be more needfull Ioh. 4. 53. are lesse sensible The Ruler whose sonne Christ healed was thereby brought to beleeue in Christ 3. This Petition being of least consequence is most fitly put in the middlemost place For as matters of greatest weight are first mentioned to stirre vp ardencie euen in the beginning of prayer so other things of much moment are reserued to the latter places to quicken the spirit and to reuiue ardencie euen in the ending of prayer This method do the best Orators vse in their Orations Thus Chrisâ— beginning this prayer with the chiefest good thing of all the glorie of Gods name endeth it with the best good things concerning men which is his spirituall good 4. Though temporall blessings be not in their kind better then spirituall yet is man more hardly brought to depend on God for temporall then for spirituall things Witnesse this prouerbiall speech God take care for my soule and I will take care for my bodie Witnesse also that distrustfulnesse for outward estate which is in many Saints that stedfastly trust in God for pardon of sinne and sufficient grace to bring them to eternall life In this respect our faith in God for things of this life hath a preheminence and precedence before faith in God for the things of a better life 5. The things craued in the two last Petitions are to be obtained in this life In this life if pardon of sinne and freedome from Satans power be not had they can neuer be had He that dieth with the burden of sinne lying on his soule shall neuer be eased of it in the world to come This life then being presupposed for obtaining pardon of sinne and deliuerance from euill it is meete that it be first prayed for §. 98. Of rising from temporall to spirituall blessings Q. VVHat may we learne from placing this order of placing temporall blessing before spirituall A. By our seeking of such things as concerne the good of our bodies we must be led on to seeke such good things as concerne our soules To this end did Christ preach that excellent Sermon of the bread of life to such as followed him from place to place to haue their bodies fed Ioh. 6. 26. c. Thus shall wee make a double vse of the temporall good things which God bestoweth on vs one to refresh our bodies another to stir vp our minds to seeke the things which may refresh our soules Blessed are they which thus vse any temporall blessings and by the sweetnesse of them are brought to hunger after the bread and water of life euen for that meate which endureth to euerlasting life §. 99. Of sundrie particulars comprised vnder the generall words of the fourth Petition Q. VVHat are the particular good things for which vnder the generall words of the fourth Petition we pray A. 1. Life it selfe That so long as it pleaseth God our temporall life in this world may bee preserued This did a Psal 21. 4. Isa 38. 2. good Kings b Psal 119. 175. Prophets c 2. Cor. 1. 8. c. Apostles and other Saints pray for being therein guided by the Spirit of God For the time of this life is d Ioh. 9. 4. the day to do the worke of God the time of death is the night wherein no man can worke 1. Ob. e 1 King 19. 4. Elias f Ion. 4. 3. Ionah and other Saints desired death Answ Therein they did not as becometh Saints That their desire was a fruite of the flesh and not of the Spirit and therefore not to be imitated 2. Ob. g Phil. 1. 23. Paul with a better spirit desired to be dissolued Answ That was no simple absolute desire of death but a thing which he could in regard of his fruition of Christs presence haue desired if that worke which God appointed by him to be done had bene finished 2. Health and strength of bodie What doth the Psalmists h Psal 88. 3. c. complaint of weaknesse imply but desire of health and strength Yea he i Ver. 2 13. expresly prayeth for as much It is noted as an especiall blessing bestowed on the Israelites when they came out of Egypt that k Psal 105. 37. none were feeble 3. Meanes which God hath sanctified to preserue life health and strength as l Psal 145. 15. meate m Iudg. 15. 18. drinke n Gen 28. 20. apparell o Psal 127. 2. sleepe c. 4. Meâ—â—es to recouer health and strength Leu. 26. 6. as Physike and all kind of mediâ—â—â—â— Chyrurgerie and all kinds of salues with the like This phrase p Mat. 9. 12. The sâ—cke need a Physitian and the q 2. King â—0 7. direction which Isaiah giueth to Hezekiah about the laying of a lump of figs vpon his boile giue warrant for the vse of Physicke and Chyrurgerie It requireth learning skill obseruation and experience both to know the nature of diseases wounds sores and other maladies and also to know the different vertue which by the diuine prouidence is giuen to hearbs rootes drugges and other creatures and wisely to apply fit and proper remedies to sundry and different maladies These things therefore may be prayed for 5. r Psal 90. 17. Good successe in our callings labours and paines to get such meanes as are fit to preserue or recouer health and strength Ruth 2. 4. and to maintaine our estate For all Å¿ Psal 127. 1 2 that we can doe is altogether in vaine except the Lord prosper our endeuours 6. Gods blessing on the things which wee possesse and vse Without this blessing a man were as good eate grauel as bread Therefore for obtaining this blessing t 1. Sam. 9. 13. grace Mat. 14. 19. as wee speake vseth to be said before meat and thereby food is said to bee blessed 7. A diuine sanctification of all we haue For u 1. Tim. 4. 5. euery creature is sanctified by prayer See § 89. 8. Freedome and deliuerance from all kinde of externall miseries as x Psal 142 6. oppression y Acts 12. 5. â— imprisonment z Exod. 2. 23. bondage a 1. King 8. 47. captiuitie and other like distresses §. 100. Of the extent of our prayers for the
wee are here taught to pray is the power of that temptation as is euident by this Particle * 173. into Yet great cause there is why we should also pray against the very act of temptation that at all we be not tempted to any sinne both because the act it selfe is euill in them that tempt to sinne and also because by nature wee are as prone to yeeld to euery euill whereunto we are tempted as dry Tinder is apt to be set on fire by euery sparke that falleth vpon it Gen. 6. 5. For Euery imagination of the thoughts of mans heart is onely euill continually Herein lyeth a maine difference betwixt the quality of Christs humane nature and ours His was so perfectly pure as no temptation could fasten vpon it It was to temptation as a sea of water to sparkes of fire which soone extinguisheth them Ours is as dry Tinder yea as dry Gunpowder §. 172. Of mans subiâ—ction to temptation Q. WHat obseruation may bee gathered from the mention of temptation in this deprecation A. Men in this world are continually subiect to temptations Rom. 7. 21. This complaint of the Apostle I finde a law that when I would doe good euill is present with mee and O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer mee from the body of this death verifieth as much so also doth wofull experience in all men If there bee a man that findes not this true in himselfe his case is desperate for either hee is depriued of all spirituall vnderstanding and sence that he is not able to discerne a temptation or his whole course of life is so full of temptations and hee such a slaue to them they so frequent on him and he so free towards them as hee cannot see the wood for trees He cannot tell when he is tempted because he is neuer but tempted Temptations are not as enemies to him to be resisted but as his best friends to haue the best entertainment that hee can afford vnto them Thus a man accounting temptations to be no temptations may in his owne imagination be free but indeed no man is free a See the whole Armour of God Treat 〈◊〉 part 5. §. 13. on Ephes 6. 15. This is thus ordered partly by b Math. 10. 29. Gods wise prouidence to c 2. Cor. 12. 9. manifest his owne diuine properties to d Iob 1. 8. make knowne the graces which are in his children to e Mat. 26. 34. discouer their weakenesses to f 2. Cor. 12. 7. preuent secret corruptions and to g Reu. 14. 13. declare a difference betwixt this present life and that which is to come and partly by the h Iob 1. 7. malice of Satan both to i Iob 1. 11. deface the image of God in men and also to k 1. Pet. 5. 8. bring them to eternall destruction For he is a professed enemy both of Gods glory and also of mans saluation A due consideration of this our condition in this world to be so subiect vnto temptations may well moue vs to l Ephes 6. 10 11 See more of this direction in the whole Armour of God be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might and to put on the whole armour of God that we may be alwayes well prepared to stand against all temptations Yea also m Mat. 26. 41. according to Christs direction to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation and n 1. Pet. 5. 8. according to Saint Peters direction to be sober and vigilant for Satan taketh great aduantage both from intemperancie and also from securitie witnesse o Gen. 19. 33. Lots Incest for the one and p 2. Sam. 11. 2 c. Dauids Adultery and murther following thereupon for the other and because of the continuall danger wherein we are by reason of the manifold temptations whereunto we are subiect while we are on earth we ought to aspire after heauen and to say with the Apostle Rom. 7. 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from the body of this death This of Temptation The Action deprecated is Lead not into §. 173. Of leading into Q. WHat is meant by leading into Non hac Sonat Ne nos inducas in tentationem quasi non permittat nos aliquando tentari sed ne permittat in tentatione positos superari Ab. Isa de Orat. Dom. c. 23. A. Giuing of one ouer to the power of that whereunto he is brought In this sence the Psalmist making by diuine instinct imprecation against a reprobate enemy saith Set a wicked man ouer him to doe with him at his pleasure Our English maketh a manifest difference betwixt VNTO and INTO which is worth the noting in this place The latter implyeth a degree further then the former Psal 109. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cyril Catech. Myst 5. A man that cannoâ— swimme may be led vnto a deepe poole yet be safe enough but if hee be led into it he is in great danger of drowning except he be pulled out againe They who translate it Cast vs not into temptation doe well expresse the sence §. 174. Of being in the power of temptation Q. WHen are men in the power of a Temptation Neâ—â—s 〈◊〉 in tentationem Aug. de 〈◊〉 Dom. in mont l. 2 Qui Orat ne noâ— induc as in tentationem Orat â—t mon Peccet Aug. Epist 95. A. When thereby they are brought into sinne For sin is the downefall of the soule into the tempters pit It is therefore in the Greeke stiled b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a slip or a fall The word most properly signifieth the very act of falling The Apostle saith of couetous men that c 1. Tim. 6. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts which drowne men in perdition and destruction The first sinne which Adam committed whereby hee apparantly sell into Satans snare is oft termed d Rom. 5. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 afall In regard of this power which temptation hath ouer a man Saint Iames saith e Iam. 1. 14. Euery man is tempted when he is drawne away of his owne lusts The Action being declared Quicunque tentatione vincitiâ— peccatum ipse committit Aug. hom 42. 〈◊〉 l. 50. Hom. The Person to whom it is directed is to be considered The Person is hee to whom all the other Petitions are made §. 175. Of Gods leading into temptation Q. HOw can God be said to lead into temptation A. Both in regard of them that tempt and of them also that are tempted In regard of them that tempt by permission and instigation Nihil contra no◠〈…〉 potest nist Deus ante permiserit Cypr. de Orat. Dom. §. 19. Nor Satan nor any other be they neuer so mighty or malicious can tempt a man except God permit them instance Iobs case yea
is the onely thing to be prayed against Obseruantly marke all the deprecations mentioned in Scripture and by a particular induction of them you shall finde this generall position abundantly proued Take one instance which may be insteed of all because it is the best of all that which Christ made a little before his death I pray not saith Christ to his Father that thou should'st take them out of the world Ioh. 17. 15. but that thou should'st keepe them from the EVILL Euill is the venime By euill things come to bee hurtfull the poison the sting that maketh any thing to be hurtfull Euill is it that makes so great a difference as there is betwixt Angels and Angels Men and Men Actions and Actions Temptations and Temptations some are good some are euill No opposits are more directly contrary one to another then good and euill As nothing therefore but that which is good is to be prayed for so nothing but that which is euill is to be prayed against Learne hence wisely to obserue what is euill in any thing Obserue what is euill in any thing and accordingly pray against it yea as it is more or more euill so more instantly and earnestly pray against it Of all euils sinne is the greatest greatest in the kinde and nature of it greatest also in the effects and fruits of it It is the cause of all euill Nothing but that which is effected or infected by it is euill The diuell the world wicked men and other creatures of God which are stiled euill are infected therewith All manner of punishments and paines which are indeed euill whether temporall spirituall or eternall are caused by it Of all other euils this ought most of all to be prayed against All things also that are causes hereof or occasions hereto are to bee prayed against as being in this respect euill Thus a Mat. 26. 41. temptations and b Pro. 38. 8. Afflictions how they are matter of deprecation and thanksgiuing afflictions are to be prayed against not simply and absolutely for c Iam. 1. 2. Saint Iames willeth vs to account it all ioy when we fall into diuers temptations and the d Acts 5. 41. Apostles reioyced in their sufferings yea e Iob 1. 21. Iob expressely blesseth God for taking away as well as for giuing For by the good and wise prouidence of God temporall crosses doe oft turne to our good and profit f Psal 119. 71. It is good for me that I haue bene afflicted saith the Psalmist g Heb. 12. 10. God chasteneth vs for our profit saith the Apostle In regard of this fruite which by the ouer-ruling prouidence of God ariseth out of afflictions they are indeed matter of thanksgiuing when God doth so order them and therefore they are not simply and absolutely to bee prayed against Yet because through the weakenesse of our flesh they oft cause discontent impatiencie and other sinnes in which respect they are euill so farre forth as they cause any such euill effect they may be prayed against at least we must pray that they bring not forth any sinne in vs. Thus are wee to pray against companie keeping against feasting against pleasures and pastimes and against all other things that are vsuall occasions of sinne Yea against the abuse of euerie good thing For the abuse of a good thing is euill And because wicked men are oft made Satans instruments of working much euill wee may also pray against all their euill plots and practises not against their persons they are to be prayed for except we know them to haue sinned against the holy Ghost or to be vtterly reiected of God or haue some particular warrant as the Prophets oft had not to pray for them More directly wee are to pray against all spâ—rituall iudgements which are not onely punishments of sinnes but sinnes themselues as hardnesse of heart errour of iudgement inordinate lusts despaire and such like These are directly euill Thus are wee to pray against eternall damnation a dreadfull euill Finally though Satan bee not the onely euill here meant yet is hee an especiall and principall euill one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 13. 19. §. 185. Of the respects wherein Satan is stiled the euill one Q. HOw is Satan an especiall euill one A. 1. He is the primarie b Ioh. 8. 44. author of euill 2. His c Eph. 6. 12. disposition is onely to euill 3. His d Gen. 3. 5. temptations are all to euill 4. His e 1. Pet. 5. 8. continuall practise is in euill 5. All f 1. Ioh. 3. 8. euill doers are of him 6. He hath his g Eph. 2. 2. hand in all euils as may be exemplified in these particulars following h Iob 1. 15 17. Outward mischiefes done by men i Iob 27. Bodily diseases k 1. Sam. 16. 14. Vexation of spirit l Iob 1. 16 18 19 Extraordinarie iudgements from heauen m Acts 5. 3 4. Euill thoughts of the heart n 1. King 22. 21 22. Euill words o Ioh. 8. 41 44. Euill actions p Mat. 16. 23. Disswasions from good q 1. Thes 2. 18. Hinderances of good r Gen. 3. 5. Prouocations to euill Satan therefore may not bee excluded out of the euills here intended but our deprecation rather is especially to be directed against him Thus much of Euill prayed against That which is prayed for is in this word DELIVER §. 186. Of the many wayes of deliuering from Euill Q. HOw may one be deliuered from euill A. 1. By keeping away that euill which is readie to fall vpon him Exod. 14. 13. Thus were the Israelites deliuered from the hoast of the Egyptians that eagerly pursued them 2. By assisting him on whom the euill is fallen so as he is not ouerwhelmed A malo deus liberat quando super id quod possumus non nos permit â—st tentari Aug. de Temp. Serm. 26. and ouercome therewith For this purpose reade Psal 69. 14 15. 3. By altering the nature of the euill and turning it to a mans good Thus b Gen. 50 20. God turned Iosephs abode in Egypt to much good Herein this Prouerbe is verified I had perished if I had not perished 4. By taking away the force of the euill Perijssem nâ—si perijssem as the force of the fire was taken away so as it burned not Shadrach Meshach and Abednego Dan. 3. 27. This deliuerance Christ promised to his disciples Mar. 16. 18. 5. By remouing the euill cleane away 2. Sam. 24. 25. Thus God deliuered Israel from the deuouring Pestilence 6. By taking one away from the euill to come 1. King 14. 13. Thus the good sonne of wicked Ieroboam 2. King 22. 20. thus the good King Iosiah Isa 57. 1. thus many righteous men haue bene deliuered §. 187. Of that hope of recouerie which remaineth to them that fall Q.
the Sonne of God and yet did hee venter to set vpon him Math. 4. 3. Now when God hath giuen vs vnderstanding of his owne power of our owne weakenesse and of Satans might and malice then shall wee see iust cause to pray to God to rebuke Satan 7. Assistance from God for though Satan be restrained yet cannot wee stand of our selues but shall fall euen thorow our owne weakenesse Psal 109. 23 26. The consideration of his owne weakenesse made the Psalmist seeke helpe of God Rom. 8. 31. For If God be for vs who can be against vs Great reason there is therefore to seeke assistance of God 8. Confidence and courage in God This is it which the Apostle intendeth Ephes 6. 10. where he exhorteth to be strong in the Lord. For nene of them that trust in God shall be desolate Psal 34. 22. 18. 30. He is their buckler Hee saueth them It is therefore most requisite to pray for affiance in him 9. Sufficient grace to beare out assaults when wee are tempted For sometimes it is needfull for vs to be tempted Then our request ought to bee that that which is needfull may proue vsefull and profitable 2. Cor. 12. 9. which cannot be without Gods grace This therefore God gaue in the time of temptation to his Apostle Primus hostis caro est aduersus spiritum concupiscens Hostem hunc crudelissimum nec fugere possumus nec fugare circumâ—erre illam necesse est quoniam alligatus est nobis Nam quod est mâ—serabilius hostem nostrum ipsi cogimur sustentare perimere eum non licet Bern. de Euang. 7. Pan. Ser. 3. teaching vs thereby in the like case to pray for the like grace 10. Power ouer the flesh The flesh is a secret inward tempter whereby Satan gets great aduantage It continually lústeth and fighteth against the Spirit If it preuaile we are gone Now in that this flesh is euer in vs so long as we retaine flesh vpon vs who hath not cause to pray and cry as the Apostle did O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer mee from the body of this death Rom. 7. 24. We can neither fly from nor put to flight this cruell enemy Wee cannot but carry it about with vs because it is bound to vs. And which is more miserable wee are forced to nourish this enemy destroy it we cannot 11. Contempt of the world The world is another tempter which hath sundry baits of pleasures profits and promotions to allure vs vnto it and thorow fiue gates the fiue sences it woundeth vs. Praesens seculum per quinque portus quinque viz. corporis sensus â—aculis suis vulnerat â—e Et â—ors intrat per senestras meas Ibid. If they be opened and our hearts attentiue to the allurements thereof wee are in great danger to bee ouer-taken therewith death may enter by those windowes So as there is great need we should pray as the Psalmist did Incline not my heart to couetousnesse Turne away mine eyes from beholding vanity Psal 119 36 37. 12. Patience vnder all crosses Crosses are a kinde of tryall and temptation By impatiency wee are brought to faint and sinke vnder them which is to be ouercome This is it which Sathan watcheth for For so soone as hee obserueth any to faint and fall hee presently seazeth vpon them Not without cause therefore did the Apostle Pray for the Colossians that they might bee strengthened with all might vnto all patience Col. 1. 11. Vnder this head are comprised Hope Comfort Ioy and Glory in afflictions all to bee prayed for Act. 4. 29. and withall an inuincible courage against persecution for the Name of Christ 13. Moderation of all afflictions Though we haue some patience yet if afflictions increase they may so try our patience as to bring it to naught For they which haue the greatest measure haue but their measure and afflictions by continuance and increase may exceed that measure Ier. 10 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which the Prophet well knew when he thus prayed O Lord correct me but with iudgement By iudgement is not there meant vengeance and indignation for it is opposed to wrath In modo Castiga me Iehoua veruntamen modicè Tremel Iun. But wisedome discretion and moderation Hereby we are kept both from fainting when we are chastened and also from murmuring against the rod. 14. Preseruation from a reprobate sence For if we be once giuen vp thereto then hath Satan fast hold of vs. God hath vtterly forsaken such Euery temptation is to them as a snare to hold them fast and as an hooke to pull them downe to destruction Most fitly may that which the Apostle saith of them that will be rich be applyed to such as are of a reprobate sence 1. Tim. 6. 9. They fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts which drowne men in perdition and destruction For men of a reprobate sence are such as being depriued of all iudgement and conscience runne headlong into such euils as are against the instinct of nature Because blindnesse of mind hardnesse of heart deadnesse of conscience peruersnesse of affection pride presumption selfe-conceitednesse idlenesse carelesnesse securitie and such like vices are fore-runners vnto a reprobate sence wee ought also earnestly to pray against them all §. 196. Of the particulars for which we are to pry by vertue of the second part of the last Petition Q. VVHat are the particulars to be prayed for vnder the second part of the Sixt Petition A. 1. Recouerie from sinne being fallen into it Psal 51. 10. This is one maine point desired in Dauids penitentiary Psalme especially in this phrase Renew a right spirit within mee Repentance is that grace whereby such as are fallen recouer themselues as is euident by this aduice which Christ giueth Remember from whence thou art fallen Reu. 2. 5. and repent Repentance therefore is heere to be prayed for Satan is as much disappointed by repenting of sinne as by not yeelding to sinne 2. Dispossession of Satan Satan is that Euill one that hath his finger in euery euill thing So long as hee abideth any where freedome from euill cannot he expected If hee therefore haue really entered into any Mat. 15. 22. as he did into the woman of Canaans daughter we must pray as she did to haue him dispossest For by prayer and fasting he may be cast out Mar. 9. 29. If otherwise hee seaze on vs by putting into vs euill thoughts or stirring vp corrupt humours or setting before vs euill obiects or affrighting vs or vexing vs any way in soule or body we are taught to pray for deliuerance from him 3. Alienation of heart from the world They who haue beene bewitched by the world so as they haue loued the same and haue beene entangled therein which is a great euill ought to pray to bee pulled out of it and
arise from the first part of the last Petition Treat 2. Part. 5. §. 16. 15. To auoide that which is any way euill This we praying against must carefully auoide 1. Thess 5. 22. The Apostle exhorteth to abstaine from all appearance of euill 16. To returne from that euill whereinto we are fallen Ier. 3. 1. For they which pray to be deliuered from euill must not lie in euill All the exhortations in the Scripture to repent Reu. 2. 5. tend to this purpose 17. To take heed of relapse A relapse in bodily diseases is dangerous much more in the soules disease It is a doggish tricke to turne to his owne vomit againe 2. Pet. 2. 22. 18. To keepe the enemie from returning after he is cast out Mat. 12. 43 44 45. Hee will seeke to reenter If he get what he seeketh our last estate will be worse then our first 19. To stand alwayes armed Eph. 6. 13. While we liue we shall be tempted Though the tempter be repulsed neuer so oft he will still be prying where to get an aduantage Therefore saith the Apostle Hauing done all stand 20. Be faithfull vnto death Reu. 2. 10. Death bringeth a finall end to all assaults 1. Cor. 15. 26. It is the last enemie He who is faithfull vnto death by death receiueth full deliuerance from all euill Perseuerantia tantum electoruÌ„ est Bern. in Serm. paru Serm. 61. Perseuerance giueth euidence of election to life for it is proper to the elect These sixe last duties arise from the last part of the last Petition §. 201. Of duties required in the last Petition in regard of others Q. VVHat duties doth the last Petition teach vs in the behalfe of others A. 1. To consider one another Heb. 10. 24. We ought to take notice of one anothers spirituall estate that so we may the better know how to do good mutually for one another This is a generall dutie whereby way is made vnto other duties 2. To keepe others from sinne Thus will they bee kept from being hurt by any temptation 2. Chro. 28. 12 13. The Captaines of Ephraim that stood vp against them that came from the warre with sundrie captiues of Iudah and suffered them not to carrie their captiues away render this reason Ye intend to adde more to our sinnes and to our trespasse Their intent therefore was to keepe their brethren from sinne 3. To edifie others 1. Thes 5. 11. They who are well built vp in grace are well armed against all temptations This is an especiall fruite of loue 1. Cor. 8. 1. For loue edifieth and that by instruction exhortation admonition and other like duties 4. To encourage others against their enemies What a notable encouragement is this of the Apostle 1. Cor. 16. 13. Watch you stand fast in the faith quit you like men â—e strong Another like but more large encouragement is set downe Eph. 6. 10 11 12 13 c. By good encouragement life and spirit is put into men and they are enboldened like Lions to stand against their enemies For this the true grounds of good encouragement must bee laid downe which are Gods presence Gods promises Gods properties the necessitie of standing out and fighting valiantly the glorie of the conquest the damages of yealding the miserie of being ouercome with the like 5. To strengthen the weake b Luke 22. 32. This did Christ expresly giue in charge to Peter And this is done not onely by encouragement but also by c Rom. 15. 1. bearing their infirmities and d Gal. 6. 2. burdens Thus they which through their owne weakenesse might haue bene made a prey to tempters may be kept safe from them 6. To keepe others from falling from the grace of God Heb. 12. 15. The Apostle aduiseth to looke diligently hereunto There is no place of standing betwixt Gods grace and Satans snare he that falleth from that falleth into this 7. To restore such as fall Gal. 6. 1. We may not leaue such as are fallen for wee pray that they may be deliuered g Deut. 〈◊〉 4. The Law teacheth to helpe vp a beast being fallen h 1. Cor. 9. 9 10. Doth God take care for beasts Or saith he it altogether for our sakes For our sakes no doubt this is written 8. To saue the obstinate with feare Iude ver 23. Though men blinded in mind and hardned in heart wilfully giue themselues ouer to Satan yet ought we not to suffer them to abide in his clutches 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But as we would snatch and with violence pull men out of the fire so ought wee to pull such out of the temptation wherein they lie 1. Cor. 5. 5. Thus dealt Saint Paul with the incestuous Corinthian Si qui in tentationem inciderunt ceperint infirmitate adprehendi agant paenitentiam facti sui desiderent communionem vlique subueniriijs debet Cypr. episl 3. §. 2. He deliuered him vnto Satan for destruction of the flesh that the Spirit might be saued Was not this to saue him with feare 9. To receiue the penitent If a man haue beene ouertaken with a temptation and by his repentance manifest a recouerie from the same wee ought so to account of him as if he had not fallen at all So S. Paul requireth the Corinthians to receiue the forenamed incestuous person and to forgiue him and comfort him This is an especiall meanes to make his deliuerance firme and stable 2. Cor. 2. 7. 10. To pray for others Iam. 5. 16. This is the maine duty here intended See §. 180. This I referre to the last place because it is a duty which may be performed when no other can be euen to such as will not accept any other duty of all the rest it is the most effectuall §. 202. Of the matter of humiliation gathered out of the last Petition Q. VVHat are the things to be bewailed by reason of the Sixt Petition A. 1. Our first Parents yeelding to the Diuell 2. Cor. 11. 3. This is the originall ground of all that spirituall slauery wherein we are and of that need wee haue so earnestly to pray against temptation 2. The power 1. Pet. 5. 8. malice subtiltie and sedulitie of Satan For Satan is the chiefe Tempter who hath a finger in all temptations in which respect the more powerfull malicious subtill and sedulous he is the more dangerous is temptation Not without cause therefore did the diuine voice cry Reu. 12. 12. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the Sea because the Diuell is come downe to you hauing great wrath 3. The many stumbling blockes in the world Math. 18. 7. In regard of these Christ cryeth Heu me quot obstacula separant quot prohibent impedimenta Bern. In Quadr. Serm. 6. Woe to the world These are so much the more to be bewailed by