Righteousness to justifie thee and the Spirit without measure to Sanctifie thee Isa 45.24 25. Dan. 9.24 Phil. 3.7 8. Joh. 3.34 Q. Is this made mine if I receive Christ A. Yes If thou receive him as God offereth him to thee John 3.16 Q. How doth God offer him to me A. Even as a rich Man freely offereth an Alms to a Begger and so must thou receive him John 6.32 33 34 35. Q. Hath he indeed made amends for sin and would he indeed have me accept of what he hath done A. That he hath made amends for sin 't is evident because God for Christs sake forgiveth thee and 't is as evident that he would have thee accept thereof because he offereth it to thee and hath sworn to give thee the utmost benefit to wit Eternal life if thou dost receive it yea and â—â—th threatned thee with eternal Damnation if after all this thou shalt neglect so great Salvation Ephes 5.1 Rom. 3.24 Mat. 28.19 Act. 13.32 33 38 39. Heb. 6.17 18. chap. 2.3 Mar. 16.16 Q. But how must I be qualified before I shall â—are to believe in Christ A. Come sensible of thy sins and of the Wrath of God due unto them for thus thou â—â—t bid to come Mat. 11.28 Q. Did ever any come thus to Christ A. David came thus Paul and the Jailer came thus also Christ's Murderers came thus Psal 51.1 2 3. Acts 9.6 Acts 16.30 31. Act. 2.37 Q. But doth it not seem most reasonable that we should first mend and be good A. The whole have no need of the Physitian but those that are sick Christ came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Mar. 2.17 Q. But is it not the best way if one can to mend first A. This is just as if a sick man should say is it not best for me to be well before I go to the Physician or as if a wounded man should say when I am cured I will lay on the Plaister Q. But when a poor Creature sees its vileness it is afraid to come to Christ is it not A. Yes But without ground for he hath said say to them that are of a fearful heart be strong fear not and to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite Spirit and trembles at my word Isa 35.4 Chap. 66.2 Q. What incouragement can be given us thâ—â— to come A. The Prodigal came thus and his Father received him and fell upon his neck and kissed him Thus he received the Colossians and consequently all that are saved Luke 15. Colos 2.13 Q. Will you give me one more encouragement A. The Promises are so worded that they that are Scarlet-sinners Crimson-sinners Blasphemous sinners have incouragement to come to him with hopes of life Isa 1.18 Mar. 3.28 Joh. 6.36 Luk. 24.47 Act. 13.36 Q. Shall any one that believeth be saved A. If they believe as the Scriptures have said if the Scriptures be fulfilled in their believing Joh. 7.38 Jam. 2.23 Q. What do you mean by that A. When Faith which a Man saith he hath proveth it self to be of the right kind by its Acts and Operations in the mind of a poor sinner Jam. 2.19 20 21 22. Q. Why is there many kinds of Faith A. Yes There is a Faith that will stand with a heart as hard as a rock a short-winded Faith which dureth for a while and in time of temptation such fall away Luke 8.13 Q. Is there any other kind of Faith A. Yes There is a Faith that hath no more life in it than hath the body of a dead man Jam. 2.26 Q. Is there yet another of these unprofitable Faiths A. Yes there is a Faith that is of our selves and not of the special Grace of God Eph. 2.8 Q. Tell me if there be yet another A. There is a Faith that standeth in the Wisdom of men and not in the power of God 1 Cor. 2.5 Q. Is here all A. No there is a Faith that seems to be holy but it will not do because t is not the most holy Faith 2 Pet. 2.20 Jude 20. Q. Alas If there be so many kinds of Faith that will not profit to Salvation how easie is it for me to be deceived A. It is easie indeed and therefore the holy Ghost doth in this thing so often caution us be not deceived let no man deceive you and if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing he deceiveth himself 1 Cor. 6.9 Eph. 5.6 Gal. 6.3 Q. But is there no way to distinguish the right Faith from that which is wrong A. Yes And that by the manner of its Coming and Operation Q. What do you mean by the manner of its Coming A. Nay you must make two questions of this one that is what is it for Faith to come and in what manner doth it come Q. Well then what is it for Faith to come A. This word Faith comes supposeth thou wert once without it it also supposeth that thou didst not fetch it whence it was it also supposeth it hath a way of coming Gal. 3.23 25. Q. That I was once without it you intimated before but must I take it without proof for granted A. I will give you a proof or two God hath concluded them all in unbelief and again it is said Faith comes And again the Holy Ghost insinuateth our estate to be dreadful before Faith come Rom. 11.32 Chap. 10.17 Gal. 3.23 Q. Why How is it with men before Faith comes A. Without Faith or before Faith comes it is impossible to please God for whether their actions be civil or religious they sin in all they do The Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination and the plowing of the wicked is sin Prov. 21.4.27 Q. Is not this a very sad condition A. Yes But this is not all for their present unbelief bindeth them over to wrath by shutting them up to the Law it also draweth them away from God and will drown them in everlasting damnation if the grace of God prevent not Gal. 3.23 Heb. 3.17 18. John 3.36 Q. What if a man saw himself in this condition A. There are many see themselves in this Condition Q. How came they to see it A. By the preaching and hearing the Word of God Joh. 16.8 9. Q. And what do such think of themselves A. They do not only think but know that in this Condition they are without Christ without Hope and without God in the World Eph. 2.11 12. Q. Are not they happy that see not themselves in this Condition A. Yes If they have seen themselves delivered therefrom by a work of Faith in their Souls else not Q. How do you mean A. I mean if they have seen themselves delivered from this state by being by the Word and Spirit of God implanted into the Faith of Christ Rom. 11.17 18 19. Q. Are not they happy that are never troubled with this sad sight of their condition A. They are just
best begin to serve God A. Just now Remember now thy Creator now thou hast the Gospel before thee now thy heart is tender and will be soonest broken Q. But if I follow my play and sports a little longer may I not come time enough A. I cannot promise thee that for there be little Graves in the Church-yard and who can tell but that thy young life is short or if thou dost live perhaps thy day of Grace may be as short as was Ishmael's of old read also Prov. 1.24 25 26. Q. But if I stay a little longer before I turn I may have more wit to serve God than now I have 〈…〉 A. If thou stayest longer thou wilt have more sin and perhaps less wit for the bigger sinner the bigger fool Prov. 1.22 Q. If I serve God sometimes and my sins sometimes how then A. No Man can serve two Masters Thou canst not serve God and thy Sins God saith My Son give me thy heart Also thy Soul and Body are his but the double minded Man is forbidden to think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord Mat. 6.24 Prov. 23.26 1 Cor. 6.20 Jam. 1.7 8. Q. Do you find many such little Children as I am serve God A. Not many yet some I do Samuel served him being a Child when Josias was young he began to seek after the God of his Father David And how kindly did our Lord Jesus take it to see the little Children run tripping before him and crying Hosannah to the Son of David 1 Sam. 3.1 2 Chron. 34.3 Mat. 21.15 16. Q. Then I am not like to have many Companions if I thus young begin to serve God am I A. Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life and few there be that find it Yet some Companions thou wilt have David counted himself a Companion of all them that love God's Testimonies all the Godly though Gray-headed will be thy Companions yea and thou shalt have either one or more of the Angels of God in Heaven to attend on and minister for thee Mat. 7.13 14. Psal 119.63 Mat. 18.10 Q. But I am like to be slighted and despised by other little Children if I begin already to serve God am I not A. If Children be so rude as to mock the Prophets and Ministers of God no marvel if they also mock thee but it is a poor Heaven that is not worth enduring worse things than to be mocked for the seeking and obtaining of 2 Kings 2.23 24. Q. But how should I serve God I do not know how to worship him A. The true Worshippers worship God in Spirit and Truth Joh. 4.24 Phil. 3.3 Q. What is meant by worshipping him in the Spirit A. To worship him in God's Spirit and in mine own that is to worship him being wrought over in my very heart by the good Spirit of God to an hearty Compliance with his will Rom. 1.9 Chap. 6.17 Psal 101.3 Q. What is it to worship him in truth A. To do all that we do in his Worship according to his Word for his Word is truth and to do it without dissimulation Heb. 8.5 Joh. 17.17 Psal 26.6 Psal 118.19 20. You may take the whole thus Then do you worship God a-right when in heart and life 〈…〉 Q. How must I do to worship him with my spirit and heart A. Thou must first get the good knowledg of him And thou Solomon my Son said David Know thou the God of thy Fathers and serve him with a perfect heart Mind you he first bids know him and then serve him with a perfect heart 1 Chron. 28.9 Q. Is it easie to get a true knowledg of God A. No Thou must cry after Knowledg and lift up thy voice for Understanding If thou seekest for her as Silver and searchest for her as for hid treasure then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledg of God Pro. 2.1 2 3 4 5. Q. How comes it to be so difficult a thing to attain the true Knowledg of God A. By reason of the pride and ignorance that is in us as also by reason of our wicked ways Psal 10.4 Eph. 4 18 19. Tit. 1.16 Q. But do not every one profess they know God A. Yes But their supposed knowledg of him varieth as much as doth their faces or complexions some thinking he is this and some that Q. Will you shew me a little how they vary in their thoughts about him A. Yes Some count him a kind of an heartless God that will neither do evil nor good some count him a kind of an ignorant and blind God that can neither know nor see through the Clouds some again count him an inconsiderable God not worth the injoying if it must not be but with the loss of this World and their Lusts Moreover some think him to be altogether such an one as themselves one that hath as little hatred to sin as themselves and as little love to holiness as themselves Zeph. 1.12 Job 22.12 13. chap. 21.9 10 11 12 13 14 15. Psal 50.21 Q. Are there any more false Opinions of God A. Yes There are three other false opinions of God 1. Some think he is all Mercy and no Justice and that therefore they may live as they list 2. Others think he is all Justice and no Mercy and that therefore they had as good go on in their sins and be damned as turn and be never the better 3. Others think he is both Justice and Mercy but yet think also that his Justice is such as they can pacifie with their own good works and save themselves with their own right hand Rom. 3.8 Jer. 2.25 Job 40.14 contrary to these Scriptures Hab. 1.13 Isa 45.21 Q. How then shall I know when I have the true Knowledg of God A. When thy Knowledg of him and the holy Scriptures agree Q. The Scriptures do not all false Opinions of him flow from the Scriptures A. No in no wise 't is true Men father their errors upon the Scriptures when indeed they flow from the ignorance of their hearts Ephes 4.18 Q. But how if I do not understand the holy Bible must I then go without the true knowledg of God A. His Name is manifested by his World the Scriptures are they that testifie of him and they are able to make the Man of God perfect in all things and wise unto Salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ John 17.6 7 8. John 5.39 2 Tim. 3.15 16. Q. But what must one that knoweth not God do to get the knowledg of God A. Let him apply his heart unto the Scriptures as unto a light that shineth in a dark place even this World until the day dawn and the day-Star arise in his heart Eâ—â— 22.7 chap. 23.12 2 Pet. 1.19 20. Q But how shall I know when I have found by the Scriptures the true knowledg of God A. When thou hast also found the true knowledg of thy self Isa 6.5 Job
be acceptable and to confess it with the mouth and to love it with the heart is a lying unto God and a provocation of the eyes of his Glory Q. What do you mean by feigning and dissembling in this work A. When men confess it yet know not what it is or if they think they know it do not conclude it so bad as it is or when men ask pardon of God but do not see their need of pardon this man must needs dissemble Q. What do you mean by doing it by the halves A. When men confess some but not all that they are convinced of or if they confess all yet labour in their Confession to lessen it or when in their Confession they turn not from all Sin to God but from one Sin to another They turned but not to the most high none of them did exalt him Prov. 28.13 Job 31.33 Jam Q. What is it to confess Sin without sence of Sin A. To do it through Custom or Tradition when there is not guilt upon the Conscience now this cannot be acceptable Q. What is it to confess it with the mouth and to love it with the heart A. When men condemn it with their mouth but refuse to let it go when with their mouth they shew much love but their heart goeth after their Covetousness Job 20.12 13. Jer. 8.5 Ezek. 33.31 Q. But I asked you what frame of heart I should be in in my Confessions A. I have shewed you how you should not be Well I will shew you now what frame of heart becomes you in your Confessions of Sin Labour by all means for a sence of the evil that is in Sin Q. What evil is there in Sin A. No man with Tongue can express what may by the Heart be felt of the evil of Sin but this know it dishonoureth God it provoketh him to wrath it damneth the Soul Rom. 2.23 Ephes 5.5 6. 2 Thes 2.12 Q. What else would you advise me to in this great work A. When we confess sin tears shame and brokenness of heart becomes us Jer. 50.4 Isa 22.12 Psal 51.17 Jer. 31.19 Q. What else becomes me in my Confessions of 〈…〉 A. Great detestation of sin with unfeigned Sighs and Groans that expresseth thou dost it heartily Job 42.5 6. Ezek. 9.4 Jer. 31.9 Q. Is here all A. No Tremble at the Word of God Tremble at every Judgment lest it overtake thee Tremble at every promise lest thou shouldest miss thereof for saith God To this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite Spirit and that trembles at my Word Isa 66.2 Heb. 4.1 2. Q. What if I cannot thus confess my Sins A. Bewail the hardness of thy heart keep close to the best Preachers remember that thou hangest over Hell by the weak thread of an uncertain life And know God counts it a great evil not to be ashamed of not to blush at sin Isa 63.17 Jer. 6.15 Chap. 8.12 Q. Is there no thanks to be rendred to God in Confessions A. O Yes Thank him that he hath let thee see thy sins thank him that he hath given thee time to acknowledg thy sins thou mightest now have been confessing in Hell thank him also that he hath so far condescended as to hear the self-bemoaning sinner and that he hath promised Surely to have Mercy upon such Jer. 31.18 19 20. Of Faith in Christ. Quest I Am glad that you have instructed me into this part of the worship of God pray tell me also how else I should worship him A. Thou must believe his Word Q. Is that worshipping of God A. Yes after the way which ye call heresy so worship I the God of my Fathers believing all things that are written in the Law and the Prophets c. Acts 24.14 Q. Why should believing be counted a part of Gods worship A. Because without faith 't is impossible to please him Heb. 11.6 Q. Why not impossible to please him without believing A. Because in all true Worship a man must believe that God is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Besides he that worships God must also of necessity believe his Word else he cannot worship with that reverence and fear that becomes him but will do it in a superstitious prophane manner for whatsoever is not of Faith is sin Rom. 14.23 Q. But do not all believe as you have said A. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit And again the Children of the flesh these are not the Children of God but the Children of the promise are counted for the Seed Joh. 3.6 Rom. 9.8 Q. What do you mean by that A. Thou must be born twice before thou canst truely believe once Joh. 3.3 5. Q. How do you prove that A. Because believing is a Christian act and none are true Christians but those that are born again But I mean by believing believing unto Salvation Q. Can you prove this A. Yes They that believe in the Name of Christ are such which are born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Joh. 1.12 13. Q. What is believing A. It is such an act of a gracious Soul as layeth hold on Gods Mercy through Christ Act. 15 11. Q. Why do you call it an act of a gracious Soul A. Because their minds are disposed that way by the Power of the Holy-Ghost Rom. 15.13 Q. If such a poor sinner as I am would be saved from the wrath to come how must I believe A. Thy first question should be on whom must I believe Joh. 9.35 36. Q. On whom then must I beleive A. On the Lord Jesus Christ Act. 16.31 32. Q. Who is Jesus Christ that I might believe on him A. He is the only begotten Son of God Joh. 3.16 Q. Why must I believe in him A. Because he is the Saviour of the World 2 Pet. 1.1 1 John 4.14 Q. How is he the Saviour of the World A. By the Fathers designation and sending for God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved John 3.13 Q. How did he come into the World A. In Mans flesh in which flesh he fulfilled the Law died for our sins conquered the Devil and Death and obtained Eternal Redemption for us Gal. 4.4 Rom. 10.3 4. chap. 8.3 Heb. 2.14 15. chap 6.20 chap 9.12 24. Q. But is there no other way to be saved but by believing in Jesus Christ A. There is no other name given under Heaven among men whereby we must be saved and therefore he that believeth not shall be damned Act. 4.12 Mar. 16.16 John 3.18.36 Q. What is believing on Jesus Christ A. It is a receiving of him with what is in him as the gift of God to thee a sinner Joh. 1. 12. Q What is in Jesus Christ to encourage me to 〈…〉 A. Infinite
so happy as is that man who lieth fast asleep in his house while that is on fire about his ears Can a man be happy that is ignorant that he is without God and Christ and Hope Can a man be happy that is ignorant that he is hanging over Hell by the poor weak thread of an uncertain Life for this is the state of such an one Q. But may not Faith come to a man without he see himself to be first in this Condition A. It is Gods ordinary way to convince men of this their sad Condition before he revealeth to them the righteousness of Faith or work Faith in them to lay hold of that Righteousness Joh. 16.9 10 11. Gal. 3.23 25. Q. How then do you conclude of them that never saw themselves shut up by unbelief under sin and the curse of God A. I will not judg them for the future God may convert them before they die but at present their state is miserable for because they are shut up and held prisoners by the Law by their lusts and by the Devil and unbelief therefore they cannot so much as with their heart desire that God would have mercy upon them and bring them out of their Snares and Chains Q. Then do you count it better for a man to see his Condition by nature than to be ignorant thereof A. Better a thousand times to see it in the World than to see it in Hell-fire for he must see it there or here now if he sees it here this is the place of Prayer here is the preaching of the Word which is God's Ordinance to beget Faith Besides here God applyeth Promises of Mercy to the desolate and Christ also hath protested that he that cometh to him he will in no wiâ—â— cast out Joh. 6.37 Q. I am convinced that I was once without Faith and also that I cannot fetch it but pray teâ—â— me the way of its coming A. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10.17 Q. How by hearing A. God mixeth it with the Word when he absolutely intendeth the Salvation of the sinner Heb. 4.2 3. Act. 13.48 Q. And how do Men hear when Faith is mixed with the Word A. They hear the Word not as the word of Man but as it is in truth the Word of God which worketh effectually in them that believe Thes 2.13 Q. Pray tell me now the manner of its coming A. It comes through difficulty it comes gradually Q. What are the difficulties which oppose it 〈◊〉 its coming A. Sense of unworthiness guilt of Conscience natural Reason Unbelief and arguments forged in Hell and thence suggested by the Devil into the heart against it Luk. 5.8 Mar. 9.24 Isa 6.5 Rom. 4.18 19 20. Q. How doth Faith come gradually A. Perhaps at first it is but like a grain of Mustard-seed small and weak Mat. 17.20 Q. Will you explain it further A. Faith at first perhaps may have its excellency lie in view only that is in seeing where â—ustification and Salvation is after that it may â—â—ep a degree higher and be able to say it may be or who can tell but I may obtain this Saâ—vation again it may perhaps go yet a steâ— higher and arrive to some short and transier assurance Heb. 11.13 Joel 2.13 14. Zeph. 2.3 Psal 30.7 Q. But doth Faith come only by hearing A. It is usually begotten by the Word preached but after it is begotten it is increased several ways It is increased by Prayer it is increaâ—ed by Christian Conference it is increased bâ— Reading it is increased by Meditation it increased by the remembrance of former Experiences Luk. 17.5 Mar. 9.24 Rom. 1.12 chap. 1â— 25 26. 1 Tim. 4.12 13 14 15. Mat. 16.8 9. Q. What do these things teach us A. They teach us that the Men of this Worlâ— are very ignorant of and as much without desiâ—â— after Faith they neither Hear nor Pray Confer nor Read nor Meditate for the sake of Faith Q. But you said even now that this Faith wâ—â— distinguished from that which profiteth not to Salvation as by the manner of its coming so by iâ— operation pray what is its operation A. It causeth the Soul to see in the lighâ— thereof that there is no Righteousness in thâ— World that can save the sinner Isa 64.6 Q. How doth it give the Soul this Sight A. By giving him to understand the Law and his own inability to do it Gal. 2.15.16 Q. And doth it also show the Soul where Justâ— A. Yes It shews it that Justifying Righteousness is only to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ in what he hath done and suffered in the Flesh Isa 45.24 25. Phil. 3.3 4 5 6 7 8. Q. How doth Faith find this Righteousness in Christ A. By the Word which is therefore called the Word of Faith because Faith by that findeth sufficient Righteousness in him Rom. 10.6 7 8 9. Q. How else doth it operate in the Soul A. It applieth this Righteousness to the sinner and also helps him to embrace it Rom. 3.21 22. 1 Cor. 1.30 Gal. 2.20 Q. How else doth it operate A. By this application of Christ the Soul is quickned to Life Spiritualized and made Heavenly For right Faith quickneth to Spiritual Life Purifies and Sanctifies the Heart and worketh up the Man that hath it into the Image of Jesus Christ Col. 2.12 13. Act. 15.9 chap. 26.18 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. How else doth it operate A. It giveth the Soul peace with God through Jesus Christ Rom. 5.1 Q. Surely Christ is of great esteem with them that have this Faith in him is he not A. Yes Yes Unto them therefore which believe he is precious precious in his Person precious in his Undertakings precious in his Word 1 Pet. 2.7 chap 1.18 19. 2 Pet. 1.3 4. Q. Can these people then that have this Faith indure to have this Christ spoken against A. O! No! This is a sword in their bones and a burden that they cannot bear Psal 42.10 Zeph. 3.18 19. Q. Doth it not go near them when they see his ways and people discountenanced A. Yes And they also chuse rather to be despised and persecuted with them than to enjoy the pleasures of Sin for a season Heb. 11.24 25. Q. Do they not pray much for his second Coming A. Yes yes They would fain see him on this side the Clouds of Heaven their Conversation is in Heaven from whence they look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ Phil. 3.20 Q. And do they live in this World as if he was to come presently A. Yes For his coming will be glorious and dreadful full of Mercy and Judgment The day of the Lord will come as a Thief in the night in which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the Elements shall melt with servent heat the earth also and the works therein shall be burnt up seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought we
to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness 2 Pet. 3.10 11. Of Prayer Q. WEll I am glad that you have shewed me that I must worship God by confession of sin and Faith in Jesus Christ Is there any other thing a part of the true Worship of God A. Yes several I will mention only two more at this time Q. What are they A. Prayer and self-denial Q. Is Prayer then a part of the worship of God A. Yes a great part of it Q. How do you prove that A. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our Maker Psal 95.6 Q. Is there another Scripture proves it A. Yes Then she came and worshipped him saying Lord help me Mat. 15.25 Q. What is Prayer A. A sincere sensible affectionate pouring out of the Soul to God in the Name of Christ for what God hath promised Prov. 15.8 Jer. 31.18 19. Psal 42.2 3 4. Joh. 14.13 14.1 Joh. 5.14 Q. Doth not every body pray A. No the wicked through the pride of his Countenance will not seek after God God is not in all his thoughts Psal 40.4 Q. What will become of them that do not pray A. They do not worship God and he will destroy them Pour out thy fury said the Prophet upon the heathen and upon the families that call not upon thy name Psal 79.6 Jer. 10.25 Q. But seeing God knoweth what we want why doth he not give us what we need without praying A. His Counsel and Wisdom leadeth him otherwise Thus saith the Lord I will yet be enquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them Ezek. 36.37 Q. Why will God have us pray A. Because he would be acknowledged by thee that he is above thee and therefore would have thee come to him as the Mean come to the Mighty Thus Abraham came unto him Gen. 18.27 30. Q. Is there another Reason why I should pray A. Yes For by Prayer thou acknowledgest that help is not in thine own power 2 Chron. 20.6 12. Q. What Reason else have you why I should Pray A. By Prayer thou confessest that help is only in him Psal 62.1 Q. What other Reason have you A. By Prayer thou confessest thou canst not live without his Grace and Mercy Mat. 14.30 Heb. 4.16 Q. Are all that pray heard of the Lord A. No They looked that is prayed but there was none to save them even unto the Lord but he answered them not 2 Sam. 22.42 Q. To What doth God compare the Prayers which he refuseth to answer A. He compareth them to the howling of a Dog Hos 7.14 Q. Who be they whose Prayers God will not answer A. Theirs who think to be heard for their much speaking and vain repetition Mat. 6.7 Q. Is there any others whose Prayers God refuseth A. Yes There are that ask and have not because what they ask they would spend upon their lusts Jam. 4.3 Q. Is there any other whose Prayer God refuseth A. Yes If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear my Prayer Psal 66.18 Q. Is the regarding of sin in our heart such a deadly hindrance to Prayer A. Son of Man saith God these men have set up their Idols in their heart and have put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face should I be enquired of at all by them I will set my face against that man and will make him a Sign and a Proverb And I will cut him off rom the midst of my people Ezek. 14.3 8. Q. Whose Prayers be they that God will hear A. The Prayers of the Poor and needy Psal 34.6 Isa 41.17 Q. What do you mean by the poor A. Such as have poverty in Spirit Mat. 5.3 Q. Who are they that are poor in Spirit A. They that are sensible of the want and necessity of all those things of God that prepare a Man to the Kingdom of Heaven Q. What things are they A. Faith Hope Love Joy Peace a new Heart the Holy Ghost Sanctification see Jam. 2.5 2 Thes 2.16 Ezek. 36.26 27. Q. What do you mean by the needy A. Those whose Souls long and cannot be satisfied without the injoyment of these blessed things Psal 63.1 Psal 119.20 Q. Will God hear the prayers of such A. Yes For he satisfieth the longing Soul and filleth the hungry Soul with good things Psal 107.9 Q. How shall I know that I am one of those to whom God will give these things A. If thou seest a beauty in them beyond the beauty of all other things Psal 110.3 Q. How else shall I know he heareth me A. If thou desirest them for their beauties sake Psal 90.14 17. Q. How else should I know I shall have them A. When thy groanings after them are beyond expression Rom. 8.26 Q. How else should I know and so be incouraged to pray A. When thou followest hard after God in all his Ordinances for the obtaining of them Isa 4.31 chap. 64.5 Q. How else should I know A. When thou makest good use of that little thou hast already Rev. 3.8 Q. Is here all the good signs that my Prayers shall be heard A. No There is one more without which thou shalt never obtain Q. Pray what is that A. Thou must plead with God the Name and Merits of Jesus Christ for whose sake only God giveth thee these things If we ask any thing in his name he heareth us and whatsoever you ask the Father in my name saith Christ I will do it Joh. 14.13 14. Q. Doth God always answer presently A. Sometimes he doth and sometime he doth not Isa 30.19 Dan. 10.12 Q. Is not God's deferring a sign of his anger A. Sometimes it is not and sometimes it is Q. When is it no sign of his anger A. When we have not wickedly departed from him by our sins Luk. 18.7 Q. When is it a sign of his anger A. When we have backsliden when we have not repented some former miscarriages Hos 5.14 15. Q. Why doth God defer to hear their Prayers that have not wickedly departed from him A. He loves to hear their voice to try their Faith to see their importunity and to observe how they can wrestle with him for a blessing Song 2.14 Mat. 15.22 23 24 25 26 27 28. Luk. 11.5 6 7 8. Gen. 32.25 26 27. Q. But is not deferring to answer Prayer a great discouragement to Praying A. Though it is because of our unbelief yet it ought not because God is faithful Therefore men ought always to Pray and not to faint Luk. 10.1 2 3 4 5 6. Of Self-Denial Q. I Am glad you have thus far granted my request But you told me that there was another part of God's Worship pray repeat that again A. It is Self-denial Q Now I remember it well pray how do you prove that Self-denial is called a part of God's Worship A. It is said of Abraham that when he went to offer up his Son Isaac upon the Altar for