beleeving prizing it as being of such great efficacy and necessity for our everlasting well-beings able to save our souls Bringing with them much carnal security which makes them without any desire or care to profit by it much impenitence and hardnesse of heart Not without some secret resolutions of continuing in their former courses whatever shall be said to the contrary Many worldly cares and thoughts with high conceits of their own sufficiencies prejudice against their Teachers curiosity not to learn but to censure itching ears rather to please the fancy then reforme the life Not hearkning to it without much irreverence distraction infidelity misapplication obstinacy dulnesse wearinesse Not receiving it into a good and honest heart with desire to retain and practise it Not careful after they have heard it to root and fix it in their hearts by Prayer Meditation Conference Not expressing the fruits of it in their conversation slighting those many gracious opportunities wherein God hath reached forth unto them the proffers of mercy and salvation and though he hath with much patience waited for their amendment yet they have still hardened their hearts and notwithstanding the former and the latter raine do remain like dry stakes in an hedge barren and fruitlesse without any spiritual life or growth answerable to the means which they have had 3. For the Sacraments Baptisme Supper of the Lord. Our slighting and renouncing that Covenant which we made in Baptisme abusing that good profession which we have professed before many witnesses Not walking as those that have been received into the bosome of the Church and distinguished from others that are without Not fighting against the world the flesh and the Devil as becomes such as are listed into the number of Christs faithful souldiers and servants And so for the Sacrament of Christs body and blood our not hungring and thirsting after it not partaking of it so frequently as our necessities and opportunities have required When we have approached unto it have we been careful beforehand to set any solemne time apart for the fitting of our selves unto so holy a work have we not been unwilling to ransack and examine the secret corners of our hearts to finde out and to purge out those particular bosome-sins unto which our natures do most incline us after a more especial manner to excite and stir up in our selves the graces of Gods holy Spirit to renue those conditions of the Covenant required on our parts Faith and Repentance In the receiving of the Sacrament have we noâ— been too apt to slight and dis-esteem it as if iâ— were but an empty common ceremony have we behaved our selves with so much fear and reverence as might become such a sacred mystery with such spiritual joy and delight aâ— should be in those who are fit guests for thaâ— table After the receipt of it have we not quicklâ— forgotten our good resolutions relapsed intâ— our old sins again not feeling or regarding anâ— such comfort or profit as is promised to thâ— right partaking of this ordinance have we noâ— often eat and drunk unworthily and consequenâ—â—ly eat and drunk judgement to our selves becoming guilty of the body and blood of Christ doing that horrid act which we so much detested in the Jews crucifying again our blessed Saviour and by slighting the proffers of mercy in this Sacrament doing as much as in us lies to make his Passion of none effect CHAP. X. Sins against the third and fourth Commandment THe third Commandment does forbid the abuse of Gods name By the Name of God we are to understand any thing whereby he may be known as his Titles Attributes Ordinances Works So that we sin against this Commandment by wicked Oaths Cursed execrations unlawfull Vowes every light irreverent mention of God all such idle words as do no way tend to the sanctifying of his name By breaking the Vow of our Baptisme neglecting all those good promises and resolutions which since we have made Dealing falsly in our Covenants when our heart is not set aright and our spirit not stedfast with God By our not acknowledging and effectual remembrance of his holy titles and attributes as we have had occasion Not delighting to speak good of his name and to make his praise glorious By an irreverent and customary mention of his great and glorious name upon trivial occasions By our not thinking and speaking of his word so frequently with that holinesse and reverence as we should sometimes pretending to declare his statutes and to take his Covenant into our mouths whereas we hate instruction and cast his Law behinde us By our Carelesnesse in vindicating the glory of his Name and truths when they are vilified by others By prophaning our profession of Christianity with an unholy conversation Not behaving our selves so sincerely in regard of God nor so inoffensively in respect of men as we should By defacing his glorious image instamped upon us in our Creation Becoming more vile and foolish then the beasts that perish In our regeneration relapsing into the sins of our unregeneracy Not walking worthy of that vocation whereunto we are called By our carelesnesse in discovering and acknowledging the divine power and wisdome in those special passages of his providence which befal us The fourth Commandment does forbid all carelesnesse in sanctification of Sabbaths Ordinary Extraordinary So that we sin against this when we do not remember to keep the Lords day holy that is when we are not mindful beforehand to prevent and avoid all such businesses as may distract us in those duties that belong unto this day When we our selves do not rest from our usual works and sinful desires but mis-spend much of that precious time in idlenes and vanity or else satisfying our selves in a superstitious customary observation of the outward rest without regarding the means or the works of sanctification When we are not careful to prepare our selves for publike duty by praying for Ministers in general that God would endow them with fitting gifts and abilities prospering their endeavours by giving happy successe unto their Ministery More particularly for the Pastor to whose charge we belong that God would direct him to speak unto our hearts and consciences When we are careless in the performing of our publike duties not with so much reverence sincerity spiritualnesse attention as we should When we are negligent in looking to those that are under us who by our carelesness or connivance may be incouraged to the Prophanation of this day When we faile in those private duties thâ—â— concern the Sanctification of the Sabbath Meditation of the Word we hear Searching the Scriptures to prove the truth of it Application of it to our selves examining our own hearts private prayer conference whetting the Law upon one another mutually exhorting and stirring up each other unto holy duties contemplating the creatures and the Providence of God
would make our light so to shine before men that they seeing our good works may glorifie our Father who is in Heaven That we may never grieve the hearts or shame the faces of true Professors That we may walk honestly to those that are without behaving our selves so warily that we may never occasion his name to be blasphemed That with well-doing we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men That they may be ashamed who speak evil of us and falsly accuse our good conversation That we may be more ready to observe and extoll his great power wisdome goodnesse so evident both in his making and governing of the world His various and manifold works that are done in wisdome More especially those particular passages of his providence which concern our selves That we may understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord O Lord how great are thy works and thy thoughts are very deep a brutish man knoweth not neither doth a fool understand this The fourth Commandment does enjoyn us to remember and to sanctifie the Sabbath Ordinary Extraordinary So that from hence we are taught to pray that God would teach us to esteem of the Sabbath as an holy honourable day set apart from common use consecrated to his peculiar worship and service that we may call it a delight finding a great pleasure and sweetnesse in those sacred duties that belong unto it That they may not seem tedious and irksome unto us especially since we all professe to wish and hope for such a blessed Eternity hereafter as shall be nothing else but Sabbath That we may always remember to fit our selves for the sanctifying of this day by laying aside all secular businesses and diversions endeavouring by Prayer and Meditation to put our hearts into such an holy frame as is required of those that desire to wait upon him in his Ordinances That he would be graciously present with all those assemblies of his Saints which do on that day meet together for his worship and service in any part of the Christian world That he would be pleased to assist and direct his Ministers that they may deliver his Word with plainnesse and power to the capacity of the weakest and conviction of the wisest That the people may receive it with meeknesse and faith that so it may accomplish that good work for which it is sent and mightily prevaile to the casting down the strong holds of sin the edifying of his Church and the making up the number of his Elect. That he would more especially direct and assist the Minister unto whose charge we belong to speak unto our consciences giving unto him the tongue of the learned that he may know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary Being carefull to feed the flock strengthening the diseased healing that which is sick binding up the broken seeking that which is driven away and lost That he would give unto us Pastours after his own heart who may feed us with knowledge and understanding and that the work of the Lord may prosper in their hands That he would remove from us all irreverence distraction dulnesse prejudice in hearing of his Word That he would enlighten our mindes quicken our affections and strengthen our memories for the receiving and retaining of it That we may be careful of all those publick and private duties which concerne the sanctification of this day both in respect of our selves and those comitted to our charge Not doing after our own wayes nor finding our own pleasures nor speaking our own words But may consecrate our whole selves both souls bodies and services to his more especial Worship spending the whole day with chearfulnesse in the duties of Religion necessity and mercy And so for extraordinary Sabbaths Festivals Fasts 1. For occasional Festivals the solemne times of Joy and Thanksgiving That we may be careful to keep such times holy unto the Lord not resting our selves in external jollity and freedome but may seriously ponder the mercies which we celebrate endeavouring to have our hearts affected and inlarged with love and gratitude That our mouths may be filled with his praise that by our experience of his goodnesse we may learn to depend upon him and to be more confident in him in all future exigences exciting others unto this duty O magnifie the Lord with me and let us exalt his Name together Endeavouring to expresse our thankfulnesse to him by our readinesse to relieve and supply his poor members Sending portions to those that have nothing that we may make the joy of the Lord to be our strength 2. For dayes of Fasting which are stiled Sabbaths in Scripture that we may not neglect this duty when we have any extraordinary call unto it that we may not satisfie our selves in the outward observance of it but may be most careful of the inward duties Renting of the heart afflicting of the soul Abhorring our selves and repenting in dust and ashes Remembring our evil wayes and doings which were not good and loathing our selves for them Being ashamed of our former works of darknesse Renuing our Covenants with God expressing a readinesse and zeale in the works of mercy and righteousnesse loosing the bands of wickednesse undoing the heavy burdens CHAP. XXI What we are directed to pray for in the second Table THe second Table does enjoin us to love our neighbours as our selves that is 1. We should not wish any evil more to others then to our selves 2. We should desire and as much as we can endeavour all good Natural Spiritual for others as we ought for our selves So that by this we are directed to pray that we may be kindely affectioned one to another with brotherly love without dissimulation Not in word onely and tongue but in deed and truth Loving each other with a pure heart fervently That our love may continue and increase abounding more and more towards one another and towards all men in knowledge and in all judgement As we have opportunity doing good unto all men but especially to the houshold of Faith That we may love our enemies and blesse them that curse us and pray for them that despitefully vse us and persecute us Considering one another to provoke unto love and good workes The fifth Commandment does injoyn the duties which concern the degrees and relations amongst men whether Superiours Inferiours By this we may learn to pray for all those graces and abilities whereby we may be fitted for the filling up of our several relations that we may be careful to acknowledge and observe that order which God hath appointed amongst men and to demean our selves towards them according to their places and degrees Gravely and modestly towards our Inferiours Reverently and dutifully to our Superiours Humbly and thankfully to our Benefactours Being kindly affectioned towards our Equals in honour preferring one another
themselves Lord have not we preached in thy name and cast out Devils c. they did all this in his Name that is they were by him both outwardly called and gifted for these services Such as have onely the second of these may sometimes exceed those that have the third whence it comes to passe that men of very ordinary parts in respect of any acquired abilities may be more ready and copious in this service then those who in respect of other knowledge are much beyond them But then only is this Gift compleat when there is a joynt concurrence of all these three ingredients when the heart is sanctified and the natural abilities improved by industry That is a very apposite text to this purpose and does treat particularly concerning this subject Prayer under the notion of a Gift Rom. 8.26 The Spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered The cheif Scope of that place may be comprized in these three Propositions 1. That of our selves we are very ignorant and impotent in this businesse of Prayer having many infirmities not knowing what to pray for as we ought Not but that a meer natural man upon the sence of any present want or danger may apply himself unto this duty for remedy as the Mariners in Ionah this being a common instinct of nature But to performe it acceptably either for the matter what we should pray for or the manner as we ought this is a businesse of much greater difficulty because 't is required to be according to the will of God vers 27. And the natural man understands not the things of God neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned But is disobedient and unto every good work reprobate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 void of judgement being alienated from the life of God through the blindnesse that is in him There is naturaly in every man both an impotency of judgement an enmity and aversnesse of desire towards all holy duties in general and particularly to this of Prayer We cannot order â—ur speech to God by reason of darknesse saith Eliâ—u and therefore the Disciple upon their first conversion being sensible of their own disability in this kinde they made their addresses to our Saviour that he might teach them how to pray 2. The Spirit of God must be our guide and assistance in this duty He must help our infirmities and make intercession for us Not that the Holy Ghost is our Mediator of intercession that is properly the office of the Sonne who is therefore stiled our Advocate There is one Mediator betwixt God and Man the Man Christ Jesus 'T is He onely that in respect of his merits and sufferings does make intercession for us Rom. 8.34 But now because the Spirit of God does excite our hearts to prayer and infuse into us holy desires stirring us up and instructing us in this duty therefore is he said to intercede for us So Gal. 4.6 there the Spirit is said to cry Abba Father God hath sent the spirit of his Sonne into your hearts crying Abba Father and yet vers 15. of that forecited place 't is said We have received the spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father In which places being compared the Spirit is said to cry Abba Father because it makes us to do so So is he said to pray for us because he does informe and quicken us to pray for our selves 'T is one of his peculiar titles to be stiled the Spirit of Supplication because of that special influence which he hath in the bestowing of this gift He must open our lips before our mouths can shew forth his praise Not that the other persons of Trinity are excluded from a joynt concurrence in this work Opera Trinitatis ad exâ—ra sunt indivisa All the actions of the blessed Trinity excepting onely those that are of intrinsecall â—elation being the undivided works of all the three But now because our grosse understandings are not able to conceive of this Trinity without some distinction of their offices and operations in reference to us therefore does the Scripture condescend so farre to our capacities as to speak of these common works by way of appropriation Thus Power and Creation is commonly ascribed to the Father Wisdome and Redemption to the Sonne Goodnesse and all habituall graces or gifts to the Holy Ghost These general operations of the Spirit are usually distinguished into two sorts Either 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grace 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gift Or in the common expression of the Schooles there is 1. Gratia gratum faciens which referres to those gifts of Sanctification that do more especially concerne our own happinesse 2. There is gratia gratis data which concernes gifts of Edification whereby we are made usefull to others according to our severall stations Of the first kind are all those spiritual Graces Faith Repentance Humility c. infused into us in our regeneration Unto the other are reducible all kinde of secondary endowments or abilities whatsoever that belong to the reasonable soul excepting onely those first faculties that flow immediately à principiis speciei and are in all men alike I say all kinde of abilities or good habits are reducible under this head Whether or no they are by extraordinary and immediate infusion as were those gifts in the Primitive times of tongues miracles healing c. 1 Cor. 12. Or whether they are naturall abilities arising from mens severall tempers and dispositions as strength of judgement quicknesse of fancy warmnesse of affection readinesse of speech Or else whether they are intellectuall habits which are acquired and perfected by Education Industry Experience as when men become skilfull in any particular Art or profession That skill of Bezaliel and Aholiab for those curious artificiall works of the Tabernacle to work in gold and silver and brasse and cutting of stones and carving of wood was from the Spirit of God Exod. 35.31 The secular policy of Achitophel The natural wisdome of Solomon The skill of the Plowman both in sowing and threshing does proceed from the same Spirit from whom every good and perfect gift does come In breif when men become skilfull and expert in any faculty whether Disputing Oratory Preaching Praying c. each of these does proceed from the Spirit of God as the principall Author of them dividing to every man severally as he will All other helps whether from nature or industry being but secondary subordinate Aides which are by Him made effectual for the accomplishing of these ends That Question of the Apostle being fitly applyable unto all preheminences of this kinde Who made thee to differ from another And what hast thou that thou hast not received 1 Cor. 4.7 So then all kinde of good habits or abilities and particularly this gift
any man at all times fit for them I mention these onely as right-hand infirmities upon which profane men will be apt to take great advantages and to confirme themselves in their prejudices and therefore every prudent Christian should be watchful against them There is nothing more unsuitable to the solemnity of this duty to that reverence which we owe unto the divine Majesty then to bespeak him in a loose carelesse empty manner though God is not bettered by any thing we can give or do All our services being to him as nothing yet he is pleased to esteem of them by their commensuration to us if in respect of our abilities they are the best and with any thing below our best we cannot expect he should be satisfied All kinde of worship should proceed from a desire and study to honour God and therefore ought to be performed with our utmost care and abilities Under the Law men were bound to Sacrifice unto God the best of their substance and if sacrifice be a type of Prayer then also we are bound to pray unto him in the best manner and forme that we can invent and consequently in a premeditated form when that may be most effectuall to direct us in our desires and to stirre up our affections The multiplicity of our wants the unfaithfulnesse of our memories the dulnesse and slownesse of our apprehensions the common extravagancies of our thoughts will all require our best care for the remedy of them and premeditation may be a very proper means for this purpose Job speaks of chusing out his words to reason with God As it is amongst persons and things so it is amongst expressions too some are choise and beautiful others refuse and improper Now a man should be careful to select the fittest words to expresse himself in this duty And 't is a very solemn Caveat which the Wiseman gives Eccles. 5.2 Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thine heart be hastie to utter any thing before God for God is in heaven and thou upon earth therefore let thy words be few as if he should have said when thou dost approach before the Divine Majesty in the duty of Prayer be sure that thou first ponder with thy self the greatness of that businesse settle and compose thy â—houghts to the solemn performance of it Betware of crude tumultuary meditations of idle impertinent wilde expressions Take heed of all empty repetitions digressions prolixity for God is most glorious and wise whereas thou art a poor unworthy creature and therefore shouldest not dare to bespeak him without a great deal of fear and preparation Let thy words be few Not that brevity or fewnesse of words is the proper excellency of Prayer God is as little taken with that as with the length of them He is not wearied and tired as men are But because those that speak little do probably study and ponder more upon what they say And to this purpose 't is said that the wise Preacher sought out and gave good heed to find and to set in order acceptable words Eccles. 12.10 and of such words 't is said in the next verse that they will prove as goads and nails fastened by the Masters of Assemblies that is when they are deliberate and proper they will leave a strong and lasting impression upon the hearers If it be objected that set forms are properly helps of insufficiency and therefore should not be used by those that have abilities of their own It may be answered though set forms made by others be as a crutch or help of our insufficiency yet those which we compose our selves are a fruit of our sufficiency and may likewise prove a very great advantage for the more solemn performance of this duty especially in publike and with others both for the direction of our desires and exciting of our affections Though a man ought not to be so confined by any premeditated form as to neglect any special infusion He should so prepare himself as if he did expect no assistance and he should so depend upon divine assistance as if he had made no preparation If it be objected again that men ought to rely upon that promise Dabitur in illa hora Matth. 10 19. Take no thought what ye shall speak for it shall be given you in that same houre I answer 't is true when God does call men to extraordinary services of which that Scripture speaks he does accordingly fit them with extraordinary assistance But yet when men may use the common means 't is there a great presumption to depend upon extraordinary help That 's a remarkable saying of the son of Syrach Before thou prayest prepare thy self and be not as one that tempts the Lord. He that rushes upon this duty without using the common means of fitting himself for it does tempt God for to tempt God is to expect any thing from him without using the ordnary helps So our Saviour answered the Devill when he would have perswaded him to fling himself from the Temple when as there were stairs for descent Matth. 4.7 Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God And of this fault are those guilty who depend so much upon immediate infusion as to neglect all premeditation or previous studie If any should think that that phrase of the Apostle of praying with the Spirit does imply a totall resignation of a mans self to his immediate suggestions That may easily appear to bee a grosse mistake for in the very same place 1 Cor. 14.14 15. He speaks likewise of singing with the Spirit And I presume no man would think it fitting to rely wholly upon his bare infusions in the duty of singing without preparation both of matter and words too I have been the longer upon this subject because I would willingly remove those inconsiderate prejudices which some of good affections may be transported with in this point And that this holy duty might not so often suffer in the solemnity of it by mens presumptions and negligence in this kinde CHAP. III. Arguments or motives to excite men unto the labour after this Gift HAving thus discoursed concerning the nature of this Gift together with the two extreams which on either hand do so much hinder mens proficiency in it I shall in the next place briefly suggest some few arguments or motives to engage us upon the diligent enquiry after it 1. From the excellency of it in comparison to those other abilities which are so much valued and sought after in the world As for Manual trades men are content to bestow the labour of seven yeers in the learning of them And so for the Liberal Arâ—s you know what numerous and large volumes are written concerning them how much time and pains men will lay out in the study of them counting their labour well bestowed if after many tedious watchings they can attain to any kind of eminency in these professions And yet these things can onely accommodate us
Man is like to vanity his dayes are as a shadow that passeth away Isa. 2.22 Whose breath is in his nostrils and wherein is he to be accounted of Isa. 40.17 All Nations before him are as nothing and counted to him lesse then nothing Prodigal children unprofitable servants of polluted lips and uncircumcised hearts c. 1 Tim. 1.15 The chief of sinners III. III. An expression of our purpose to approach unto him in this duty That we do desire Psal. 95.6 To worship and fall down and kneel before the Lord our Maker Num. 5.15 Num. 29.7 Jer. 17.17 To bring our iniquity to rememberance To afflict our souls in his sight To make him our hope and refuge in the day of evill To seek his face to meet him in his wayes To speak good of his Name To wait upon him in his Ordinances Psal. 65.4 To approach before him in his courts that we may be satisfied with the goodnesse of his house even of his holy Temple Psal. 66.2 To set forth the honour of his Name and make his praise glorious Verse 8. To blesse our God and make the voice of his praise to be heard Psal. 96.8 To give unto the Lord the glory due unto his Name to bring an offering and come into his Courts Verse 9. Psal. 99.5 To worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesse To exalt the Lord our God and to worship at his footstool Psal. 116.17 Verse 18. To offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving and to call upon the name of the Lord. To pay our vowes unto the Lord in the presence of his people in the Courts of the Lords house Ps. 138.2 To worship towards his holy Temple and to praise his Name for his loving kindnes and for his truth Ps. 145.5 To speak of the glorious honour of his Majesty and of his wonderous works IV. IV. A desire of his assistance acceptance and attention that we may be enabled to performe this duty in an acceptable manner with such holy affections as he hath required Rom. 8.26 Rom. 5.5 Isa. 64.7 That his good spirit may help our infirmities and make intercession for us That he would shed abroad his love in our hearts and stir up our souls to lay hold of him Ps. 51.15 That he would open our lips that our mouthes may shew forth his praise Isa. 45.19 That we may not seek his face in vain Ps. 80.18 That he would quicken us to call upon his name Verse 19. That he would cause his face to shine upon us and lift up the light of his countenance 1 Kings 8.28 Have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant and to his supplication to hearken unto the cry and to the Prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee to day Verse 30. Hear thou in Heaven thy dwelling place and when thou hearest forgive 2 Kings 19.16 Lord bow down thine eares and hear open Lord thine eye and see Neh. 1.6 Let thine ear now be attentive and thine eyes open that thou mayst hear the prayer of thy servant Psal. 5.1 Give ear to my words O Lord consider my meditation Vers. 2. Hearken to the voice of my cry my King and my God for unto thee will I pray Psal. 18.6 That he would hear our voice out of his holy Temple and let our cry come before him even into his ears Ps. 19.14 That the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts may be alwayes acceptable in his sight Psal. 27.7 Hear O Lord when I cry with my voice have mercy also upon me and answer me Ps. 55.1.2 Give ear to my prayer O God and hide not thy self from my supplication Attend unto me and hear me Psal. 88.2 Let my Prayer come before thee incline thine ear unto my cry Psal. 130 2 Lord hear my voice let thine ear be attentive to the voice of my supplication Psal. 141.2 Let my Prayer be set forth before thee as Incense and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice Psal. 143.1 Hear my Prayer O Lord give ear to my supplications in thy faithfulnesse answer me and in thy righteousnesse Vers. 7. Hear me speedily O Lord my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit Isa 63.15 Look down from Heaven and behold from the habitation of thy holinesse and of thy glory Some one or more of these Particulars may upon several occasions afford fitting matter for a Preface which is the first thing to be considered and inlarged in conceiving a form of Prayer CHAP. VII Confession of sins by enumeration of them and first of Original sin NExt to the Preface Confession does according to the more usual and ordinary course succeed The first thing to be confessed in the Enumeration of sin as is before expressed in the scheme of Confession is Original sin Whereas God at first made man upright he hath since corrupted himself by seeking out many inventions He planted our first Parents a noble Vine a right seed but they quickly turned into degenerate plants of a strange Vine So that we are transgressors from the wombe Being shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin A seed of evill doers children that are corrupters Branches of the wild Olive Being naturally dead in trespasses and sins Children of wrath bearing about us the old man A body of sin and of death A law of our members Being born only of the flesh Having sin that dwels in us And is alwayes present with us And doth so easily beset us This Originall sin hath been propagated to us both by Imputation Real Communication 1. By Imputation of Adams particular transgression in eating the forbidden fruit for we were legally parties in that Covenant which was at first made with him and therefore cannot but expect to be liable unto the guilt which followed upon the breach of it By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men 2. By reall Communication of evil concupiscence and depravation upon our natures which was the consequent of the first rebellion We were all of us naturally in our first Parents as the streams in the fountaine or the branches in the root and therefore must needs partake the same corrupted nature with them For who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean And what is man that he should be clean or he that is borne of woman that he should be righteous This might justly make us more loathsome and abominable in Gods eyes then either Toads or Vipers or any other the most venomous hurtfull creatures are in ours and for this alone he might justly cut us off and condemne us though it were meerly for the prevention of that mischief and enmity against him which the very principles of our natures are infected with Though man were at first made little lower then the Angels being crowned with glory and honour having dominion over the other
making us wanton and contemptuously to spurne at his laws Lading and wearying him with our sins whilest he does continually heap upon us his unwearied mercies By our Impatience under those small crosses that are justly inflicted upon us Not behaving our selves humbly and cheerfully under Gods fatherly chastisements Not accepting the punishment of our iniquity though it be much lesse then we have deserved Not bearing the indignation of the Lord as considering how we have sinned against him Being subject to murmuring and repining to fainting and despaire to seek help and deliverance by unlawful means By want of submission and obedience unto him according to our duty and profession very inconstant in our holy services temporary and by fits subject to backslide and revolt upon every slight temptation Our goodnesse being as the morning cloud and as the early dew which passeth away Not Vniversall in our obedience but partial and by halves apt to pick and chuse in our duties according as they may best suite with our own humours and the course of the times not having respect to all his commandments Not hating every false way Not hearty and sincere in our performances doing them with all our might but Hypocritically Perfunctorily Negligently By our not fearing of God according to the infinite power justice majesty of the divine Nature or according to those manifold sinnes whereby we have provoked his wrath Behaving our selves with much security and inadvertency under all the various dispensations of his providence as if we our selves were not at all concerned in them Not regarding the works of the Lord nor considering the operation of his hands still going on after the imagination of our own hearts as if we had made a Covenant with death and with hell were at an agreement very apt to promise to our selves peace and impunity though we do still persevere in our wonted rebellions very subject to slavish worldly fears of men that shall die and the sons of men that shall be made as grasse Forgetting the Lord our Maker who stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth Not grieving when he strikes us refusing to receive correction though he does consume us making our faces harder then a rock and refusing to return By not demeaning our selves humbly before him according as our own vileness and the greatnesse of his mercy does require Behaving our selves in our general course as if we were desirous to live without God here and content to be annihilated hereafter so we might but in this world enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season CHAP. IX Sins against the second Commandment THE Second Commandment does concern the Manner and Means of Gods worship Against this we sinne not onely by representing and worshipping of him in Images but also by entertaining grosse mis-conceits of the divine nature by mixing any will-worship superstition or our own inventions with his service when we do not serve him after such a way as is agreeable to his nature and required in his word that is not in spirit and truth Not with uprightnesse sincerity cheerfulnesse 1. It will here concern us to examine how exceedingly we have failed in the manner of those good duties which we have attempted How much aversenesse there is in us from setting about them How much distraction and benummednesse of spirit in the performance of them How much impotency and wearinesse in the Continuance of them How much pride unspiritualnesse formality want of relish deadnesse uncomfortablenesse there is mixed with our best services Serving God with feigned lips Drawing neer to him with our mouthes and honouring him with our lips when our hearts are far from him Resting our selves in the meer outsides of duties when we do not enjoy any Communion with God in them 2. We ought to examine our failings in respect of the means or kindes of divine worship Our carelesnesse to keep our selves close in a constant holy communion with God by the right use of all his sacred Ordinances 1 Prayer both Private Publike 2 Ministery of the Word 3 Receiving of the Sacraments 1. Our Negligence in setting any solemn time apart for our secret devotions betwixt God and our souls Omitting them upon every trivial occasion or slight pretence of businesse Our carelesnesse in the private observance of this duty with our families and neer relations and in publike with the Congregation Our approaching before God without that preparation reverence or attention as becomes such vile creatures speaking to so great a Majesty Regarding iniquity in our hearts not calling upon him in truth Flattering him with our mouthes and lying to him with our tongues when our heart is not right with him Not Confessing our sins with that sorrow shame and confusion of face as having thereby so much dishonoured his glorious name and endangered our own salvations Being rather apt to cover our transgressions with Adam by hiding our iniquity in our bosome Or if we do acknowledge them yet we are not careful to forsake them but do still go on in a continuall round of confessing and committing committing and confessing again Failing very much in the Matter of our Petitions not asking those things which are according to his will Apt to make our prejudicate opinions and passionate wishes the subject of our Prayers instead of the holy and unchangeable will of God For the manner of them not with faith and fervency as being truly sensible of our own wants or as if we did really beleeve this duty to be an effectuall means for the supply of them Not tenderly affectionate in our forgiving of others or our interceding for them In our thanksgiving not mentioning the favours we have received with any such hearty sense of them as may stir up in our souls cheerfulnesse love gratitude Not praising God with our whole hearts and all that is within us Coming before him with customary devotion rather to satisfie the scruples of a natural conscience then out of any true love to this duty it self or experimental evidence of comfort to be had by it our hearts being apt to wander from him even whilest we are speaking with him to think but lightly of him whilest we pretend much honour to him Not retaining any taste or relish of these duties after they are ended Not living suitably to them Not taking notice how God does answer our Prayers in the several passages of his Providence towards us 2. For the Ordinance of Preaching the Minister does herein offend by being negligent and slothful in his calling not preaching with that constancy faithfulnesse simplicity judgement authority courage demonstration of the Spirit as he should The People by neglecting to hear and read the Word according to their severall opportunities By not preparing themselves for this holy exercise Not coming unto it with hungring and thirsting desires and loving
When we are weary of the Sabbath and wish it were gone and cannot call it a delight And so for extraordinary dayes lawfully set apart for solemn Feasts Fasts Publike Private When we mispend our occasional Festivals altogether in outward carnall mirth without those inward spiritual duties of love and thankfulnesse which God requires not keeping them holy unto the Lord as we ought to do Not thereby taking occasion to enlarge our bounty to our poor brethren And so for dayes of humiliation which are called Sabbaths in Scripture Our neglect of these when there is any special occasion for them either publike or private our insensiblenesse of dangers and judgements like the old world keeping on in the road of our secular employments eating and drinking buying and selling c. putting far away the evill day chanting to the sound of the Viol drinking wine in bowls but are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph Not sighing and weeping for the abominations that are committed in the midst of us When we do observe these dayes we are ready to rest our selves in bodily abstinence outward mortification hanging down the heads sad countenances without inward afflicting of the soul Not breaking bruising renting of our hearts Refraining not our feet but loving to wander Not turning from all our evil wayes and the violence in our hands CHAP. XI Sins against the second Table THe second Table doth enjoyn the duties of Charity and Justice towards our neighbour Against this we sin when we do not love our neighbours with such true unfeigned love as our selves when we do not deal so with others as we desire they should deal with us when we do not pray for them and endeavour their good as our own In the fifth Commandment are forbidden the Vices which concerne the relations of Superiours Inferiours So that we sin against this by not behaving our selves answerably to our several relations Not modestly and gravely to our Inferiours going before them in an example of good life Not humbly and dutifully to our Superiours not submitting to them for conscience sake as being ordained of God Not thankfully to our Benefactors either not remembring or not acknowledging or not esteeming or not requiting them as we might Subject to envy and extenuate those special gifts of others whereby they have attained any preheminence above our selves Hitherto likewise appertain the vices which do more particularly concern the relations of Parents Not educating instructing chastising their children so carefully Not providing and praying for them as they should Children Not loving and reverencing their Parents not submitting to them not being so thankful towards them as they might Husband Not behaving himself as a Head to govern instruct and cherish his wife Wife By being irreverent unquiet not an helper but an hinderer of her Husbands good Masters Not careful in directing governing punishing rewarding their servants Servants Disobedient slothful unfaithful answering again murmuring Aged Not sober and grave not wise and exemplary in their carriage Younger Irreverent towards the persons of the Ancient neglecting of their good counsels and examples Superiours in gifts whether inward of the minde or outward of the estate in respect of Nobility Riches c. abusing of their gifts unto scorn pride oppression Not doing so much good as the advantage of their abilities and places does require Inferiours Either too much disdaining or too much flattering those above them Magistrates Want of diligence and uprightnesse in the discharge of their places Subjects Not so respective serviceable submissive as they should Teachers Negligent in taking all occasions of instructing reforming others by Counsel Example Learners Not teachable inquisitive c. The sixth Commandment doth forbid all those sins which are against the health and welfare of our own or our Neighbours Bodies Souls So that we sin against this not only by outward acts of violence but also by an aptnesse to entertain prejudices and misconceits against others By rash immoderate anger injurious revengeful thoughts secret grudges hatred and implacablenesse By failing in those particulars which concern the maintenance of mutual peace and friendship amongst one another By haughty insolent carriage Reviling scoffing provoking speeches Being senselesse and hard-hearted in the miseries of our brethren not weeping with them that weep not being heartily affected at those publick evils wherein we our selves are not more immediately and particularly concerned By wounding and murthering the souls of others through scandal Active misguiding them Passive grieving them when we encourage them in their evil courses either by Provocation Counsel Example Connivance By the levity and unprofitablenesse of conversing amongst others when we do not labour to stirre them up unto holinesse according to our several opportunities and relations Not instructing the ignorant comforting the weak admonishing exhorting encouraging others unto well-doing By neglecting our own bodily health and welfare through intemperance immoderate passions c. By being carelesse of our own souls not providing for the dayes of death and judgement but thrusting them farre from us bidding those dayes care for themselves By quenching and suppressing those holy motions that are at any time suggested unto our hearts preferring the base things of this world before those great matters that concern eternity The seventh Commandment does forbid all kindes of uncleannesse both of body and soul together with the means and signes of it Against this we sin not only by committing any outward act of uncleannesse either by our selves or with others But also By the Adultery of the heart by having our minds full of unchast desires by cherishing in our selves any lustful unlawful affection By delighting our thoughts in the fancy and speculation of those lusts which we have not opportunity to act When we do not labour to quench our fleshly concupiscence by vigilancy over our own hearts and wayes by avoiding all evil company and such other occasions as may inflame us when we are not moderate in our delights modest in our carriages temperate in our diet diligent and painful in our callings When our eyes are full of adultery when our eares are willingly open to filthy and uncleane communication when our tongues are given to rotten and unsavory speeches When we are not wary and circumspect in avoiding all suspitions and appearances of this evil The eighth Commandment does forbid all those vices which do concerne our own or our neighbours outward estate as Theft Oppression Deceit Sacriledge Usury Bribery Prodigality We offend against this not only by those external acts of theft and injustice which humane law does take notice of but also By the Love of money which is the root of all evil by being discontent at our estates greedy of gain full of restlesse and insatiable desires after these earthly profits When we are not so strict and conscionable in the means of getting wealth either negligent and idle
in those callings wherein we should provide for our selves and our families or else too much hastening to be rich by violence and oppression craft or over-reaching by being unfaithful in our words and promises Not so upright and sincere in our dealings with others not conscionable in paying their dues When we are not wise and moderate in the use of these outward things Not so discreet in laying out the Talents committed to our stewardship too sparing and parsimonious unto good purposes too lavish about dishonest and unnecessary occasions The ninth Commandment does forbid those vices which concern our own or our neighbours reputation as Slander Credulity Hearing of tale-bearers Censuring Sinister suspitions Flattery Silence in defending c. Against this we sin not only when we do publickly concur with others in false judgement against our neighbours But also When we are not charitable in our speaking hearing thinking of others Subject to reviling scornful slanderous speeches very ready to speak ill and to spread the faults of our neighbours when it does no way concern us or is like to benefit others Willing to entertain Back-biters Tale-bearers Scoffers ready to listen unto any report that tends unto the defamation of others too much affected unto flattering tongues and deceitful lips Busie and medling in the affairs of others where we are not concerned Full of Credulity and rash belief in judging of ill rumours too liable unto uncharitable suspitions apt to interpret good things ill and doubtful matters in the worst sense Not so careful in upholding our neighbours credit by admonishing exhorting rebuking him according to our Callings and opportunities Subject to arrogant high conceits of our selves and yet very negligent in those ways wherby we may establish our reputations Not labouring to be such as we would seem to be Not endeavouring to keep a good conscience before God and a good report before men Not avoiding all appearances of evil The tenth and last Commandment does forbid any concupisence against our neighbour though before the consent of the will whether by covetousnesse self-love evill thoughts envie Against this we sin when we have not such a holy disposition in our mindes unto the duties of charity as God hath required When we are apt to favour and entertain the temptations that are suggested to us When our mindes are full of evill fancies and wicked perturbations arising from our corrupted natures When we delight our selves in any evill imagination keeping it close and rolling it in our thoughts though our mindes perhaps do not consent to the acting of it CHAP. XII Sins against the Gospel NExt to these transgressions against the Law we ought to enumerate our sins against the Gospel which for the general kindes of them are reducible to these two heads Unbelief Impenitence 1. Our Vnbelief in the several degrees of it Not labouring to acquaint our selves with the duties promises priviledges of the Gospel though it does contain the best glad tidings and of the greatest consequence that can possibly be imagined Our not assenting to it according to its full latitude being easily carried about with every winde of doctrine any wilde erroneous fancie apt to turn aside unto our own crooked wayes And to have our minde corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ Not being sound in the faith Our not loving and esteeming of it Not sufficiently admiring that miracle of divine bounty wherein the Love of God was more especially commended and manifested towards us in that he sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him Our too much slighting and under-valuing the great love and merits of our blessed Redeemer Treading underfoot the Son of God prophaning the blood of the Covenant and doing what we could to make Christs passion of none effect Being apt to prefer drosse and dung before the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. Not counting him all in all Not rejoycing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have received the Attonement Not glorying alone in Christ and him crucified Not counting his favour and loving-kindnesse to be better then life Not claiming his promises as our heritage esteeming them the joy of our hearts Not looking upon them as being unsearchable riches exceeding great and precious Our not living by faith in all estates and conditions Not embracing the promises of the Gospel with so much readinesse nor adhering to them with so much stedfastness as the excellency and certainty of them does require Not improving and applying this rich treasure of Gospel-promises unto the various changes of this temporal life in respect of Prosperity Adversity being very apt to be altogether immersed in sensitive external things without reflecting upon those advantages we might from thence enjoy in this regard And so for our spiritual life being apt to rely on our own righteousnesse and self-justifications thereby endeavouring as much as in us lies to deprive Christ of his Saviour-ship Not owning of Christ in all his offices not willing to accept of him as well for our Lord as our Saviour And this heart of unbelief does prove unto us a root of Apostasie making us to depart from the living God 2. Our Impenitency in that when God had in some measure discovered unto us our own miserable condition by reason of the Covenant of Works we have not yet humbled our selves in any proportion to the multitude or greatnesse of our sins Nor applied our selves with any fervency of heart unto the onely means of pardon and reconcilation in the Covenant of Grace Not being inquisitive after our sins not endeavouring to examine and finde out our particular failings but rather to hide and excuse them Not being humbled and grieved for them as considering that wretched injustice folly unkindnesse that we have expressed by them Not resolving and striving against them not improving all advantages for the avoiding and subduing of them Refusing to repent though God has vouchsafed us time and means Though light be come into the world yet loving darkness rather then light Receiving the grace of God in vain Turning it into wantonness Tempting grieving quenching the holy Spirit of God whereby we should be sealed to the day of redemption Hardning our selves by a custome and delight in sin and by this means Treasuring up for our selves wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God 'T is here to be observed that though these two sins be more immediately and directly against the Gospel yet the other breaches of the Law before mentioned are in some sense reducible also under this head Evangelical obedience including Legal as subordinate to it and the Law being the rule of Gospel conversation And for this reason I am the more brief upon this head We should here likewise remember that all these offences before enumerated are
work in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure 'T is not in our power to regenerate our selves for we are not borne of blood nor of the Will of the flesh nor of the Will of man that is not of any natural created strength but of God And he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think 'T is as easie for him to make us good as to bid us to be so 2. He is willing and hath promised to give unto us a new spirit To put his law into our inward parts to write it in our hearts And if men that are evil know how to give good gifts to their children how much more shall our heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that aske him He hath professed it to be his own Will even our sanctification And he cannot deny us the performance of his own Will He hath promised that those who hunger and thirst after righteousnesse shall be filled And therefore if he hath in any measure given us this hunger we need not doubt but he will give us this fulnesse likewise He hath said that he delights to dwell with the Sons of men and what reason have we to doubt the successe of our desires when we do beg of him to do that which he delights in 2. The next thing to be prayed for is the obedience of our lives answerable to that in the Lords Prayer Thy will be done one earth as it is in heaven And here likewise we are to petition for spiritual grace and ablities both to perform and to continue and to increase in all holy duties 1. For the Performance of them that he would lead us into the paths of righteousnesse That with simplicity and godly sincerity we may have our conversation in this world That denying all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts we may live soberly righteously and godly in this present world That God would give us grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and godly feare That we may not any more be conformed unto this world That being dead unto sin we may live unto righteousnesse Not any longer spending the rest of our time in the flesh to the lustâ— of men but to the Will of God That the time past of our lives may suffice to have served divers lusts That for the future we may walk as obedient children not fashioning our selves according to the former lusts of our ignorance but as he that hath called us is holy so we may be holy in all manner of conversation To this purpose is that desire of David O that my wayes were directed to keep thy statutes and in another place Teach me to do thy Will for thou art my God let thy good Spirit lead me into the land of uprightnesse and elsewhere Shew me thy wayes O Lord and teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth and teach me for thou art the God of my salvation Teach me thy wayes O Lord and I will walk in thy truth unite my heart to feare thy name 2. For our continuance in them That we may serve him without fear in holinesse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes of our lives Being stedfast and unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord Holding faith and a good conscience Patiently continuing in well doing without wearines as knowing that in due time we shall reap if we faint not Holding fast the profession of our faith without wavering that our hearts may be established with grace that amidst all outward changes and losses we may still hold fast our integrity Thus the Apostle prayes for the Thessalonians that God would stablish them in every good word and work 3. For our Increase in them That God would make all grace to abound towards us That we alwayes having alsufficiency to all things may abound to every good work That we may be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Being filled with the fruits of righteousnesse unto the glory and praise of God That forgetting those things which are behinde and reaching unto those things which are before we may continually presse towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God Thus doth the Apostle pray for the Hebrews The God of peace make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight And Epaphras for the Collossians that they might stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God CHAP. XVIII Of the several graces and duties injoyned in the first Commandment THe graces that we should pray for are many of them briefly summed up together in several Scriptures But for our more full and distinct apprehension of them they may be more particularly considered according to their distinct relations either to the Law Gospel The duties enjoyned by both these may be easily collected from those vices and failings mentioned in our Confession The first Table in the Law doth concern our duty to God The first Commandment doth enjoyn us to have Jehovah alone for our God that is in all respects to behave our selves towards him as our God So that by this we are directed to pray for these graces and duties viz. Knowledge and Belief of him Trust and Hope in him Love towards him Zeal for him Rejoycing in him Gratitude towards him Patience under him Obedience to him Fear of him Being humble before him Because it is not good that the soul should be without knowledge we should therefore pray that he would be pleased to incline our ears unto wisdome and apply our hearts to understanding That he would open our eyes to behold the wonderous things of his Law That he would give unto us the spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of him that the eyes of our understandings being inlightened we may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints and what is the exceeding greatnesse of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power That he would enable us to be more inquisitive after those sacred truths revealed in the Word more diligent to acquaint our selves with his holy attributes and works more mindefull of his Holinesse Justice Truth Power Omnipresence that he is about our paths and beds and acquainted with all our wayes He does search and know us understanding our thoughts afar off all things being naked and open in his sight That we may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisedome and spirituall understanding that we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfull in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God that we may follow on to know the Lord.
That he would sanctifie to us the knowledge we have already attained that it may not be idle and ineffectual but may produce in our lives answerable obedience that we do not with-hâ—ld any truth in unrighteousnesse That he would open our hearts to believe all those truths revealed in his Word that he would inable us to take diligent heed lest there should be in any of us an evill heart of unbelief in departing from the living God That we may firmly assent unto his promises and threats and as we do professe our selves to believe in God so we may be carefull to maintain good works That we may not rely on such outward means as cannot help us but in all our wants and troubles we may place our chief confidence on him as knowing that he is infinitely wise powerful merciful both able and willing to succour us that when we know not what to do our eyes may be upon him That in our greatest exigences when we are in a state of darknesse and can see no light we may then trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God That we may still cast our burden upon him and abide under the shadow of the Almighty Committing our wayes unto the Lord Being careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplications make our requests known unto God who careth for us and will never leave or forsake us That we may labour to stirre up and strengthen our hope in him such hope as may be well grounded and will not make us ashamed of which we may be alwayes able and ready to give answer to every man that asketh us a reason That we may look more at the things which are not seen then at those things which are seen That in times of fear and danger we may fly for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us which hope may be as an Anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast That no condition or temptation may make us cast away our confidence That we may give all dilligence to make our callings and elections sure To clear unto our selves the evidences of our own everlasting well-beings That we may love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul and with all our might so farre above that natural affection which we do bear to those other things whether father or mother wife or children brethren or sisters yea and our own lives also that we may be said to hate and despise them in comparison of him That our love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement that we may approve the things that are excellent That we may delight in all those holy duties whereby we may enjoy communion with him That we may earnestly long and thirst after the enjoyment of him when we shall come and appear before him That he would make us Zealous and fervent in all holy duties resolute and couragious in standing to the truth not to be deterred by hopes or fears Not wronging any good cause either by our cowardize or indiscretion Not resting our selves in a luke-warm profession being neither cold nor hot but being valiant for the truth and fervent in spirit Alwayes zealously affected in a good thing Not being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God to salvation considering what he hath said That if we shall be ashamed of him in this adulterous generation he also will be ashamed of us when he comes in the glory of his Father with his holy Angels That we may rejoyce and glory in the LORD placing our chief happinesse in a spiritual communion with him Serving him with joyfulnesse and gladnesse of heart Delighting greatly in his Commandments Finding more happinesse in the light of his countenance then in the increase of corn and wine preferring his loving kindnesse before life it self That he would make us more heartily sensible of those many great favours which are continually multiplied upon us That he would draw up our hearts to heaven in the acknowledgement of his bounty and goodnesse that our souls may blesse him and our desires may be alwayes towards him that we may be ready to talk of his loving kindnesse and to speak good of his name endeavouring to expresse our gratitude by the readinesse and cheerfulnesse of our obedience Seeking to glorifie his name by bearing much fruit unto him That we may be patient under his afflicting hand as considering that he is the Author as well of the evil we suffer as of the good we enjoy And shall we receive good from the hand of God and shall we not receive evil The greatest judgement that can befal us in this life is farre lesse then our deserts 'T is the Lords mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions faile not And then besides he hath promised that all things shall work together for the good of them that love him And though the cup may be bitter yet it proceeds from the hand of a Father That we may count our selves happy in what we suffer for righteousnesse sake because the Spirit of God and the Spirit of glory resteth upon us That we may rejoyce and glory in our tribulations as knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed Reckoning with our selves that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us That in all our sufferings we may trust in the living God committing our souls unto him who is their faithfull Creatour and righteous Judge That we may accept the punishment of our iniquity waiting upon God in the way of his judgements Being willing to put our mouths in the dust rather then to open them in murmuring against him Considering how unjust and unreasonable it is for a living man to complaine a man for the punishment of his sins And that it is rather meet to be said unto God I have borne chastisement I will not offend any more that which I see not teach thou me if I have done iniquity I will do no more I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him He does punish us lesse then our iniquities deserve Not dealing with us after our sins nor rewarding us according to our iniquities and we have no reason to repine at kinde and moderated corrections Though in some respects he hath chastened us sore yet he hath not given us over to death He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men and therefore we have great reason totally to submit and resigne up both our selves and affaires to be governed by his wise providence and to let the Lord do with us what
seemeth good unto him That we may be constant universal sincere in our obedience Walking before him in truth and with a perfect heart and may do that which is good in his sight That in the generall course of our lives we may demean our selves in a setled regular way of submission and obedience having respect to all Gods Commandments Obeying from the heart the forme of doctrine delivered to us Following the Lord fully walking exactly and precisely before him That we may have not only the forme of godlinesse but the power also That we may sanctifie the Lord God of Hosts making him our fear and our dread considering that the end of all things is at hand when we must all appear before his dreadful tribunal every one to receive according to that he hath done in his body whether it be good or bad That we may be lesse afraid of other matters that cannot hurt us men that shall die and the sons of men that shall be made as grasse but may chiefly fear him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell Behaving our selves as being alwayes in his sight and presence as considering that our most secret bosome-sins which with such Art and care we have endeavoured to conceal from men are all of them naked and open in his sight before whom we must be judged at the last day That we may be humble before him ascribing nothing to our own power or merit That our hearts may not be lifted up to forget the Lord nor our mindes hardened in pride as considering that his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him And that if any man think himself to be something when indeed he is nothing he deceives himself That we may be clothed with humility counting it our safest defence and most comely ornament That we may not mind high things nor be wise in our own conceits Considering the basenesse of our Originall the many diseases and miseries which our bodies are liable unto the sinful and slavish condition of our souls our nothingnesse as creatures our vilenesse as sinners CHAP. XIX What are we directed to pray for out of the second Commandment THe second Commandment does enjoyn us to worship God after such a spiritual manner and by such holy means as is agreeable to his Nature and required in his Word So that from hence we are taught to pray for the direction and asistance of his Spirit in all our holy duties that he would work in us an holy frame and temper of heart without which 't is not possible for us to performe any acceptable service That he would quicken our affections to a greater fervency and delight in our attendance upon him That he would make us more careful in enjoying and increasing our communion with him by a conscionable observance of all those holy ordinances which he hath appointed particularly 1. Prayer 2. Ministery of the Word 3. Receiving of the Sacraments 1. That he would poure upon us the Spirit of prayer and supplication make us diligent and constant in our Publick Private devotions that we may accustome our selves to them with a greater forwardnesse and delight as being the chief means to ease our hearts of all troubles and sorrow to fill up our joy That we may be more solemn and reverent in our approaches before him as considering that we who are but dust and ashes vile despicable creatures are to speak unto that dreadful Majesty before whom all the world shall be judged at the last day That we may be more vigilant over our own hearts in respect of roving distracted thoughts which are so apt to interrupt us in this duty That we may stir up our selves to lay hold on God and set our faces to seek him Not pouring out words onely but our souls before him Serving him in our spirits Drawing near unto him with a true heart sprinkled from an evill conscience That he would be pleased to assist us and to accept of us in this duty Shedding abroad his love in our hearts Opening our lips that our mouths may shew forth his praise And then that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts may be alwayes acceptable in his sight That we may confesse our sins with a greater sense and sorrow for them feeling in our selves a greater loathing and detestation of them Acknowledging our transgressions and setting our sins before us Abhorring our selves for them and repenting in dust and ashes That we may put up our petitions with a greater faith and fervency as being truly sensible of our own wants and those gracious promises which he hath made for the supply of them Drawing near in the full assurance of faith nothing wavering Asking such things as are according to his will That his Spirit may help our infirmities and make intercession for us and that he would remember the promise which he hath made to be nigh unto them that call upon him in truth and to fulfill the desire of those that fear him That we may give thanks with greater chearfulnesse and love and sense of his favours with such heartinesse and fervency as may be in some measure proportionable to our importunity in the want of mercies That we may be ready to speak the praises of our God whilest we have any being that our meditations of him may be sweet and we may be glad in the Lord. That we may retain a relish and taste of this holy duty in our mindes after the performance of it behaving our selves answerably in the course of our lives observing what return is made to our prayers Hearkening what God the Lord will say Considering the several wayes and dispensations of his providence towards us that we may understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord. This Commandment does likewise concerne the duties which belong to that other Ordinance the Ministery of the word in reference both to Minister People The Minister may hereby be directed to pray that God would endow him with all those graces and abilities which may fit him for the discharge of his calling both in respect of his Life Doctrine that he may both save himself and them that hear him 1. For his Life That he may shew himself as a pattern of good works Of a blamelesse conversation not self-willed not soon angry Not given to wine no striker not given to filthy lucre but a lover of good men sober just holy temperate gentle unto all men apt to teach patient Renouncing the hidden things of dishonesty Not walking in craftinesse but by manifestation of the truth commending himself unto every mans conscience in the sight of God Behaving himself as a steward of the mysteries of God Not seeking so much his own profit as the profit of many that they may be saved that
Lord our 〈◊〉 may be upon us prospering the work of our hand 〈◊〉 Abrahams servant O Lord my God I beseech 〈◊〉 send me good speed this day and shew kindnes unto me c. It is he alone that must work all our works 〈◊〉 us and for us The way of man being not in himself neither is it in him that walketh to direct his steps that he would therefore lead us in the way that we should go teaching us to make straight paths to our feet and the rather because we are now fallen under a crooked and perverse generation that he would counsel and guide us in all our doubts and difficulties That he would enable us every day to poceed somewhat forward in our spiritual growth to get the mastery over our own evil hearts and affections To renue and practise all those holy purposes and resolutions which we have formerly made that proceeding from grace to grace we may at length come to be perfect in Christ Jesus 2. In our evening prayers we should likewise petition him for his particular protection over us the night following Because he hath commanded his loving kindâ—esse in the dâ—y time therefore in the night shall our song be with him and our prayer unto the Goâ— of our life It is the frailty of our natures to need a continual reparation of our strength by sleep But God is the Keeper of Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth and therefore we should beseech him that he would wake for us watch over us for good Commanding his Angels to incamp round about us that we may not be afraid of any terrors by night but may lie down in peace and sleep and that he would make us to dwell in safety That he who gives his beloved sleep would refresh us with quiet rest That we may hear of his loving kindness betimes in the morning for in him is our trust That in the time of our waking he would fill our souls with the meditations of himself that he would teach us to commune with our own hearts upon our beds and be still To remember his all-seeing eyes that the darknesse hideth not from him but the night shineth as the day the darknes and light to him are boâ—h alike That though perhaps we have foolishly wasted the day past amongst the many other dayes of our lives which he hath alotted for our repentance and amendment yet that he would still be graciously pleased out of his free bouty to continue his former protection and care over us to refresh us with sufficient rest that therby we may be enabled to do him better service in the duties of the following day Expressing our desires of commending our spirits and bodies into his hands who hath redeemed us and is the Lord God of truth That by our sleep this night we may be put in mind of our last sleep by death of the days of darkness which shall be many of that time which will shortly come when these our bodies shall be stretched on a bed of earth That when a few days are come we shall go into the place whence we shall not return That many go well to bed and never rise again till the day of judgement That every day which passeth over us does bring us neerer to our last day our dissolution and that dreadful judgement when we must give a strict account of all our actions and receive an eternal doom according to the works which we have done That these considerations may make us walk warily as being in continual expectation of the time of our departure That we may labour to grow better as we grow older that the neerer we come to our latter ends the neerer we may approach to him and his glory That if he hath determined to take us out of the world before we have another opportunity of approaching unto him in this holy duty that then he would be pleased to pardon our sins and save our souls CHAP. XXIV Concerning Intercession more General both Ordinary and Occasional NExt to praying for our selves we should likewise be careful to intercede for others because we are all fellow-members of one body And the members should have the same care one of another These Intercessions are either General Special Particular 1. General For the whole Catholick Church Militant here on earth dispersed over the face of the whole world That peace and mercy may be upon the Israel of God that he would give his Gospel a free and an effectual passage prospering it where it is and sending it where it is not that it may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men That his delight may be in mount Sion That he would grave her on the palmes of his hands and let her walls be continually before him that her builders may make haste and that he would cause her destroyers and such as would lay her waste to depart from her That he would be merciful unto all his elect people and blesse them and cause his face to shine upon them that his way may be known upon earth and his saving health among all Nations That he would enlarge the borders of Christs Kingdom and adde daily to the Church such as shall be saved Enlightening those that sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death and guiding their feet into the way of peace And here we may derive arguments from those many promises that are made in Scripture to this purpose that he would give unto Christ the heathen for his inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession That the mountain of the Lords house shall be established on the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills and all Nations shall flow unto it That the whole earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea That the worme Jacob shall thresh the mountains and make the hills as chaffe Speaking of the Kingdom of Christ under he Gospel That all the ends of the earth should see the salvation of God That all the Kingdomes of the world should become the Kingdomes of the Lord and of his Christ. And to this purpose that he would afford the means that are requisit to this end that he would informe the ignorant reclaim the erroneous encourage the backward strengthen the weak binde up the broken succour the tempted comfort the sorrowful restore the sick deliver the prisoners relieve the needy break every yoke of the oppressour and hasten the coming of his Kingdome That he would sanctifie the several gifts distributed in the Church for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of