said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place V. 6. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck V. 7. Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him who is able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared of a Priest and (z) Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion Isa 9.6 For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace V. 7. Of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice from hence forth even for ever the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Matth. 21.5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion Behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass Psal 2 8. Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel V. 10. Be wise now therefore O ye kings be instructed ye judges of the earth V. 11. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling of a King both in his Estate of †Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross V. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name V. 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth V. 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Humiliation on Earth and Exaltation in Heaven 29. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Prophet A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Prophet ‖ Heb. 1.1 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets V. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds in revealing to us by his †Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him 1 Pet. 1 10. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you V. 11. Searching what or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signisie when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow V. 12. Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven which things the angels desire to look into Word and Spirit the * Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you Will of God for our Salvation ‖ Joh. 20.31 These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing you might have life through his Name 30. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a Priest A. Christ as our Redeemer executeth the Office of a Priest (a) Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God. V. 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation in his once offering up of himself a (b) Ephes 5 2. And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour sacrifice to satisfie Divine Justice and (c) Heb. 2.17 In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Rom. 5.9 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him V. 10. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life reconcile us to God and in making (d) Heb. 7.24 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood V. 25. Wherefore he is able to save to the utmost those that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them continual Intercession for us 31. Q. How doth Christ execute the Office of a King A. Christ executeth the Office of a King (e) Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool V. 2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies V. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth Acts 15.14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a People for his Name V. 15. And to this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written V. 16. After this I will return and build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruins thereof and I will set it up in subduing us to himself (f) Isa 33.22 The Lord is our Judge the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us in ruling (g) Isa 32.1 Behold a King shall reign in Righteousness and Princes shall rule in Judgment V. 2. And a Man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind and a covert from the tempest as Rivers of Waters in a dry place as the shadow of a Rock in a weary Land. and defending us (h) 1 Cor. 15.25 For he must reign till he hath put all his Enemies under his feet Psal 110.5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath V. 6. He shall judge among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead
know you not that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates him of their (g) 1 Cor. 11.31 For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged Repentance (h) 1 Cor. 10.16 The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ V. 17. For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread Love and (i) 1 Cor. 5.7 Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us V. 8. Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth new Obedience lest coming unworthily they eat and drink Judgment to (k) 1 Cor. 11.28,29 themselves § 3. The third outward and ordinary Means whereby Christ communicateth to us the Benefits of Redemption is Prayer Q. What is Prayer 1. A. Prayer is an Offering up of our Desires unto (l) Psal 62.8 Trust in him at all times ye people pour out your hearts before him God is a refuge for us Selah God for things agreeable to his (m) 1 Joh. 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us Will in the Name of (n) Joh. 16.23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you Christ with Confession of our (o) Psal 32.5 I acknowledge my sins unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah V. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found surely in the floods of great waters they shall come nigh unto him Dan. 9.4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him and to them that keep his commandments Sins and thankful Acknowledgment of his (p) Phil. 4.6 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Mercies Q. What Rule hath God given for our Direction in Prayer 2. A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in (q) 1 Joh. 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us Prayer but the special Rule of Direction is that Form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called The (r) Matth. 6.6,10,11,12,13 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father c. Luk. 11.2 And he said unto them When ye pray say Our Father c. Lord's Prayer PART IV. A short Exposition of the Lord's Prayer IN the Lord's Prayer there are three Parts 1. A Preface 2. Six Petitions 3. The Conclusion 1. Q. What doth the Preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lord's Prayer which is Matth. 6.9 Our Father which art in Heaven teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy Reverence and Confidence as Children to a Father ready to (a) Rom. 8.15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear but we have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Luk. 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him help us and that we should pray with and for (b) Acts 12.5 Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men V. 2. For kings and for all that are in authority c. others 2. Q. What do we pray for in the first Petition 1. A. In the first Petition which is Hallowed be thy Name Matth. 6.9 we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself (c) Psal 67.2 That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations V. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee known and that he would dispose all things to his own (d) Psal 83. throughout Glory Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition 2. A. In the second Petition which is Mat. 6.10 Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satan's Kingdom may be (e) Psal 68.1 Let God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him flee before him V. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace might be (f) Rev. 12.10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven Now is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before God day and night V. 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in (g) 2 Thess 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Rom. 10.1 Brethren my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine V. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be (h) Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so Come Lord Jesus hastened Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition 3. A. In the third Petition which is Mat. 6.10 Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his Will in all (i) Psal 67. throughout Psal 119.36 Encline my heart to thy testimonies and not to covetousness Matth. 26.39 And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying O my Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt 2 Sam. 15.25 And the king said unto Zadock Carry back the
2 1. You may use this as a Form of Prayer or only as a Copy or Pattern if you be so well skilled and instructed as to be able to improve your Knowledge in these Principles of Religion to this Duty of Prayer But those who cannot attain to that Liberty and Boldness may use so much of the Prayer every Day as is not proper to some special Occasions as that for the Lord's Day and that before the Sacrament and that before Hearing of the Word and leaving these out of the ordinary Course to their proper Seasons the rest may be drawn together to serve either for Morning or Evening or any other convenient time 2. If you cannot spend so much time at once for Prayer then let that which is omitted at one-time be used at another and particularly on the Lord's Day and before the Sacrament it is requisite to be more large and full 3. The least Prayer you can use at any time is the shorter Confession noted in the Margin with those Petitions for Effectual Calling and the Benesits of Redemption for Grace the Means of Grace and outward Mercies for the Morning and the Evening which are all noted in the Margin 4. Though I have not drawn up a Form of Thanks-giving for you yet as it is your Duty to return Thanks for Mercies received as much as to pray for Mercies so if you observe how good God hath been to you in granting your Requests it is but turning that which was before the matter of your Request into the matter of Thanks-giving and presenting your Returns of Praise in the Name of Christ 5. You may use this Prayer alone as well as with others changing We for I and I for We Vs into Me and Me into Vs This is necessary for the younger and weaker sort to observe 6. Take heed of praying by Rote in meer Form as a laudable Custom But strive for the Spirit of Supplication and Adoption affect your Hearts with your Exigencies and the Excellency of the things you pray for section 3 In the next place I warn and exhort you to take heed 1. Of neglecting this holy Duty both in your Families and in secret also 2. Of the careless sleepy and cold Performance of it 1. Consider that God never had nor hath a Child who doth not use to call upon him Prayer is the first Exercise of a Convert Act. 9.11 They who are born of God and adopted have the Spirit of Sons Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.6 They who are effectually called are a Royal Priest-hood every one of them offereth up spiritual Sacrifices to God 1 Pet. 2.5,9 2. No Master or Superior in Families can neglect set and solemn Prayer in and with his Family without Sin and Danger 1. Not without Sin for to pray without ceasing to continue in Prayer and watch in the same with Thanksgiving are joined with other Duties which belong to Relations and Members of a Family see Ephes 6. to v. 10. and v. 18. and very clearly Col. 4.1,2 It is as much your Duty to continue in Prayer c. with your Eamilies as it is for your Masters to give to your Servants that which is equal Secondly You cannot omit Prayer but with Hazard and Danger Jer. 10.25 He is as an Heathen who calleth not upon God and lies open to the Fury and Wrath of God. Prayer is a Protection to Families and Persons Ezek. 9.4 'T is true many thrive and live in Ease and Peace who call not upon God But is their Prosperity and Peace blessed to them See 1 Tim. 4.5 2. Take heed of the cold and careless Performance of Prayer see Mat. 15.8 Rom 12.11 As you must not be slothful in your own Business so not cold but servent in the Service of God James 5.16 And take heed of Formality Hypocrisie and Boasting Luk. 18.10 c. section 4 Qu. But how shall I bring my Heart to be serious and earnest in this holy Duty Ans 1. By the gracious Assistance of the Spirit of Supplication who teacheth and exciteth the Soul to Prayer and maketh Intercession in us Rom. 8.26 2. Study well and work upon thy Heart a serious Consideration of those Answers that unfold the State of Sin and Misery and the places of Scripture out of which they are taken 3. Know and be assured that the multitude of thy Sins are against an higher Law and Power than Man's against the infinite and soveraign Majesty of the most high God. Arraign thy self before his highest Tribunal Let Conscience indict thee of the Omissions of what is commanded by the holy Law of God and which thou art engaged by solemn Promise in Baptism to obey and keep and what thou hast committed which is expresly and clearly forbidden And then consider against whom thou hast offended even that God who is infinite in Holiness hating Sins in Righteousness taking Vengeance upon all Impenitents in Wisdom knowing where to find you out and where to punish you in Power able to undo thee and to torment thee in Hell for ever and to make this World an Hell to thee 4. Lay to heart the desert of every Sin God's Wrath and Curse all the Miseries of this Life though he forbear and spare thee the Sting of Death and the Pains of Hell. 5. Affect thy Heart with the Heinousness of thy Sins and their many Aggravations whereby thou deservest far sorer Punishment And if ever thou wilt be scrious these Considerations will make thee section 5 Quest But what do you mean by the Aggravations of Sin Answ By Aggravations of Sin are meant those Circumstances which render the Sin greater To aggravate is to greaten magnifie to make to weigh heavier Such as these The Person offending if of Age Place Office Experience Profession doth more offend even in the same Sin than others do Thou that teachest another c. Rom. 2.21 Heb. 5.12 For instance The Quality of the Person offended as God Christ Spirit Superiors c. Sins against the Gospel are greater than against Moses's Law as being against clearer Light and Grace more amply revealed Sins often repeated long continued in against Reproof Purposes c. and the Circumstance of Time makes the Sin the greater As to â—erve Sin the Devil and the World on the Lord's Day or any other time of divine Worship These and other Circumstances do aggravate that is do add to the greatness and weight of the Offence section 6 Quest But when I see my Iniquity and my Sin and am humbled for them how shall I deal with God for Mercy What shall I say and plead Answ 1. Confess thine Iniquity and lament thy perishing Condition without a Redeemer if God had left thee to perish in the Estate of Sin and Misery 2. Plead this that God out of his own meer good Pleasure without thy seeking or the motion of any for thee did elect some to Eternal Life and did enter into a Covenant of Grace to bring them out of the