son is stubborn and rebellious he will not obey our voice he is a glutton and a drunkard V. 21. And all the men of his City shall stone him with stones that he dye So shall thou put evill away c. cursing mocking g Prov. 30. 11-17 There is a generation that curseth their father and doth not bless their mother V. 17. The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it and all such refractory and scandalons carriage as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government h Prov. 19. 26. He that wasteth his father and chaseth away his mother is a son that causeth shame and briageth reproach Q. What is required of Superiours toward their Inferiours A. It is required of Superiours according to that power they receive from God and that relation wherein they stand to love i Col. 3. 19. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them Tit. 2. 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober to love their husbands to love their children pray for k 1 Sam. 12. 23. Moreover as for me God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you but I will teach you the good and the right way Job 1. 5. And it was so when the dayes of their feasting were gone about that Job sant and sanctified them and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all for Job said It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts Thus did Job continually and blesse their inferiours l 1 King 8. 55 56. And he stood and blessed all the Congregation of Israel with a loud voice saying V. 56. Blessed be the Lord God that hath given rest to his people Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed c. Heb. 7. 7. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the greater Gen. 49. 28. All these are the twelve Tribes of Israel and this is it that their father spake unto them and blessed them every one according to his blessing he blessed them to instruct m Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart V. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up counsel and admonish them n Eph. 6. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. countenancing o 1 Pet 3. 7. Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindred commending p 1 Pet. 2. 14. Or unto governours as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of them that do well Rom. 13. 3. For Rulers are not a terrour to good works but to the evil Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same and rewarding such as do well q Esth. 6. 3. And the King said What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this Then saith the Kings servants There is nothing done for him discountenancing r Rom. 13. 3 4. For Rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil V. 4 For he is the Minister of God to thee for good but if thou do evil be afraid for he beareth not the sword in vain for he is the minister of God a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil reproving and chastising such as do ill Å¿ Prov. 29. 15. The Rod and Reproof give wisdome but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame 1 Pet. 2. 14. See above in P protecting t Job 29. 12 13 14. 15 16 17. Because I delivered the poor that cryed the fatherless and him that had none to help him V. 13. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me and I caused the widowes heart to sing for joy V. 14. I put on righteousness and it clothed me my judgement was a robe and a diadem V. 15. I was eyes to the blind and feet was I to the lame V. 16. I was as a father to the poor and the cause which I knew not I searched out V. 17. And I brake the jawes of the wicked and plucked the spoil out of his mouth Isa 1. 10 -17 Hear the voice of the Lord ye Rulers of Sodom give ear unto the law of our God ye people of Gomorrah V. 17. Learn to do well seek judgement relieve the oppressed judge the fatherless plead for the widow and providing for them all things necessary for soul u Eph. 6. 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. and body * 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any man provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house he hath denied the saith and is worse then an Infidel and by grave wise holy and exemplary carriage to procure glory to God x 1 Tim. 4. 12. Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of all the believers in word in conversation in charity in Spirit in faith in purity Tit. 2. 3 4 5. The aged women likewise that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness not false accusers not given to much wine teachers of good things V. 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober to love their husbands to love their children V. 5. To be discreet chast keepers at home good obedient to their own husbands that the word of God be not blesphemed honour to themselves y 1 King 3. 28. And all Israel heard of the judgement which the King had judged and they feared the King for they saw that the wisdome of God was in him to do judgement and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them z Tit. 2. 15. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all â—uthority let no man despise thee Q. What are the sins of Superiours A. The sinnes of Superiours are beside the neglect of the duties required of them a Ezek. 34. 2 3. 4. Son of man prophecy against the shepherds of Israel prophesie say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds wo be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves should not the shepherds feed the flocks V. 3. Ye eat the fat and cloath you with the wooll ye kill them that are good but ye feed not the
sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but have poured out my soul before the Lord. with understanding (r) 1 Cor. 14. 15. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also faith (Å¿) Mar. 11. 24. Therefore I say unto you Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them Jam 1. 6. But let him ask in faith nothing doubting for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed sincerity (t) Psal 145. 18 The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Psal 17. 1. Hear the right O Lord attend unto my cry give ear unto my prayer that goeth not out of fained lips fervency (u) Jam. 5. 16. the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much love (*) 1 Tim. 2. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting and perseverance (x) Eph. 6. 18. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplicotion for all Saints waiting upon him (y) Mic. 7. 7. Therefore I will look unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will hear me with humble submission to his will (z.) Mat. 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 Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of praying (a) 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 but the special rule of direction is that form of Prayer which our Saviour Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer (b.) Mat. 6. 9 10 11 12 13. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father c. Luk. 11. 2 3 4. And he said unto them When ye pray say Our father c. Q. How is the Lords Prayer to be used A. The Lords Prayer is not onely for direction as a pattern according to which we are to make other praiers but may also be used as a prayer so that it be done with understanding faith reverence and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty (c.) Mat. 6. 9. Compared with Luke 11. 2. See above in the letter b. Q. Of how many parts doth the Lords Prayer consist A. The Lords Prayer consists of three parts a Preface Petitions and a Conclusion Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer contained in these words Our Father which art in heaven (d) Mat. 6. 9. teacheth us when we pray to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness and our interest therein (e) Luk. 11. 13. If you 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 Rom. 8. 15. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father with reverence and all other child-like dispositions (f) Isa 46. 9. Be not wrath very sore O Lord neither remember our iniquities for ever behold see we beseech thee we are all thy people heavenly affections (g) Psal 123. 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes O thou that dwellest in the heavens Lam. 3. 41. Let us lift up our heart and our hands unto God in the heavens and due apprehensions of his soveraign power Majesty and gracious condescention (h) Isa 63. 15 16. Look down from heaven and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory Where is thy zeal and thy strength the sounding of thy bowels and thy mercies towards me are they restrained v. 16. Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not thou O Lord art our Father our redeemer thy Name is from everlasting Neh. 1. 4 5 6. And it came to pass when I heard these words that I saâ—e down and wept and mourned certain dayes and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven v. 5. And said I beseech thee O Lord God of heaven the God that keepeth Covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments v. 6. Let thine eat be now attentive and thine eyes opâ—n that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant which I pray before thee now day and night for the children of Israel thy servants c. as also to pray with and for others (i) Act. 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Q. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first petition which is Hallowed be thy name (k) Mat. 6. 9. acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in our selves all men to honor God aright (l) 2 Cor. 3. 5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Psalm 51. 15. O Lord open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise we pray that God would by his grace inable and incline us and others to know to acknowledg and highly to esteem him (m) Psal 67. 2 3. 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 his titles (n) Psal 83. 18. That men may know that thou whose Name alone is Jehovah art the most High over all the earth attributes (o) Psal 86. 10 11 12 13 -15 For thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone v. 11. Teach me thy way O Lord I will walk in thy truth unite my heart to fear thy name v. 12. I will praise thee O Lord my God with all my heart and will glorifie thy Name for evermore v. 13. For great is thy mercy towards me and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell v. 15. But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gracious long suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth ordinances word (p) 2 Thes 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 Psal 147. 19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and judgments unto Israel v. 20. He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them
temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to he tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it bestow and blesse all means of grace (Å¿) Heb. 13. 20. 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jeâ—us Christ that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ c. and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin (t) Mat. 26. 21. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation c. Psal 13. 9. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let not them have dominion over me then shall I be upright and innocent from the great transgression or if tempted that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation (u) Eph. 3. 14 15 16 17. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 15. Oâ— whom the whole family of heaven and earth is named V. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted c. 1 Thes 3. 13. To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints Jude v. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it (*) Psa 5â— 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof (x) 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10. Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divel as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour v. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world v. 10. But the God of all peace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected (y) 2 Cor. 13. 7-9 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil not that we should appear approved but that ye should do that which is honest though we be as reprobates V. 9. For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong this also we wish even your perfection Satan trodden under our feet (z) Rom. 16. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly c. Zech. 3. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan The Lord rebuke thee O Satan even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee Is not this a brand pluckt out of the fire Luk. 22. 31 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat v. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted c. and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever (a) Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelesse unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory for ever Amen (b) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments (c) Rom. 15. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christs sake and for the love of the Spirit that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God (d) Dan. 9 â— 7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. 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 keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of face as at this day c. v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy rigteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem c. v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and behold our desolation and the city that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord heatken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy city and thy people are called by thy Name and with our prayers to join praises (e) 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 ascribing to God alone eternal soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency (f) 1 Chron. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatnesse and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might c. v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and bless thy glorious Name in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us (g) Eph. 3 20 21. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh in us v. 21. 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 maist be found surely in the flâ—ods 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 and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (q) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer (r) 1 Job 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 but the speciall rule of direction is that form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer (Å¿) Mat 6. 9 10 11 12 13. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father c. Luke 11. 2. And he said unto them When ye pray say Our father c. Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer which is Our Father which art in heaven (t) Matth. 6. 9. teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence as children to a father ready to help us (u) Rom. 8. 15. For we have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but we have received the Spirit of Adoption wherebâ—y 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 aâ—k him and that we should pray with and for others (*) Act. 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 2. I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men v. 2. For Kinks and for all that are in authority c. Q. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first petition which is Hallowed be thy name (x) Mat. 6. 9. we pray that God would enable us and others to glorifie him in all that whereby he maketh himself known (y) Psal 67. 2 3. 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 hee and that he would dispose all things to his own glory (z) Psal 83. throughout Q. What do we pray for in the second Petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come (a) Mat. 6. 10 we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed (b) Psal 68. 1 -18 Let God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him fâ—â—e before him v. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captiviy captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them and that the Kingdom of Grace might be advanced (c) Rev. 12. 10 11. 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 our selves and others brought into it and kept in it (d) 2 Thes 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 hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is That they might be saved Joh. 17. 9 -20 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 thâ—se alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word and that the Kingdom of glory may be hastened (e) Rev. 22. 20. He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Jesus Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third petition which is Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (f) Mat. 6. 10. We pray that God would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his will in all things (g) Psal 67. throughout Psal 119. 36. Encline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Mat. 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 Zadok carry back the Ark of God into the city If I shall finde favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation Job 1. 21. And said Naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. as the Angels do in heaven (h) Psal 103. 20 21. Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excell in strength and do his commandments hearkning unto the voice of his word v. 21. Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily bread (i) Mat. 6. 11. we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy his blessing with them (k) Prov. 30. 8 9. Remove far from me vanity and lies give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me v. 9. Lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord and lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Gen. 28. 20. And Jacob vowed a vow saying if God will be with me and keep me in this way that I goe and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on 1 Tim. 1. 4 5. For every creature of God is good and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving v. 5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer Q. What do we pray for in the fifth Petition A. In the
to Ordination 5. Upon the day appointed for Ordination which is to be performed in that Church where he that is to be ordained is to serve a solemn Fast shall be kept by the Congregation that they may the more earnestly joyn in Prayer for a blessing upon the Ordinance of Christ and the labours of his Servant for their good The Presbytery shall come to the place or at least three or four Ministers of the Word shall be sent thither from the Presbytery of which one appointed by the Presbytery shall preach to the People concerning the office and duâ—y of Ministers of Christ and how the People ought to receive them for their work sake 6. After the Sermon the Minister who hath preached shall in the face of the Congregation demand of him who is now to be ordained concerning his faith in Christ Jesus and his perswasion of the truth of the Reformed Religion according to the Scripture His sincere intentions and ends in desiring to enter into this Calling His diligence in Praying Reading Meditation Preaching Ministring the Sacraments Discipline and doing all Ministerial Duties towards his Charge His Zeal and Faithfulnesse in maintaining the Truth of the Gospel and Unity of the Church against Error and Schism His care that himself and his Family may be unblameable and examples to the Flock His willingnesse and humility in meeknesse of Spirit to submit unto the admonitions of his Brethren and Discipline of the Church And his resolution to continue in his duty against all trouble and persecution 7. In all which having declared himself professed his willingnesse and promised his endeavours by the help of God The Minister likewise shall demand of the people concerning their willingnesse to receive and acknowledge him as the Minister of Christ and to obey and submit unto him as having rule over them in the Lord and to maintaine encourage and assist him in all the parts of his Office Which being mutually promised by the people the Presbytery or the Ministers sent from them for Ordination shall solemnly set him apart to the Office and work of the Ministry by laying their hands on him which is to be accompanied with a short Prayer or Blessing to this effect 8. Thankfully acknowledging the great mercy of God in sending Jesus Christ for the redemption of his people and for his ascension to the right hand of God the Father and thence pouring out his Spirit and giving gifts to Men Apostles Evangelists Prophets Pastors and Teachers for the gathering and building up of his Church and for fitting and inclining this man to this great work To entreat him to fit him with his holy Spirit to give him who in his name we thus set apart to this holy service to fulfil the Work of his Ministry in all things that he may both save himself and his people committed to his charge 9. This or the like form of Prayer and Blessing being ended let the Minister who preached briefly exhort him to consider of the greatnesse of his Office and Work the danger of negligence both to himself and his people the blessing which will accompany his faithfulnesse in this life and that to come and withall exhort the people to carry themselvs to him as to their Minister in the Lord according to their solemn promise made before and so by Prayer commending both him and his Flock to the Grace of God after singing of a Psalm let the Assembly be dismissed with a Blessing 10. If a Minister be designed to a Congregation who hath been formerly ordained Presbyter according to the form of Ordination which hath been in the Church of England which we hold for substance to be valid and not to be disclaimed by any who have received it Then there being a cautious proceeding in matters of Examination let him be admitted without any new Ordination 11. And in case any Person already ordained Minister in Scotland or in any other reformed Church be designed to a Congregation in England he is to bring from the Church to that Presbytery here within which that Congregation is a sufficient testimonial of his Ordination of his life and conversation while he lived with them and of the causes of his removal And to undergo such a tryal of his fitnesse and sufficiency and to have the same course held with him in other particulars as is set down in the rule immediately going before touching Examination and Admission 12. That Records be carefully kept in the several Presbyteries of the names of the Persons ordained with their testimonials the time and place of their Ordination of the Presbyters who did impose hands upon them and of the charge to which they are appointed 13. That no money or gift of what kind soever shall be received from the Person to be ordained or from any on his behalf for Ordination or ought else belonging to it by any of the Presbytery or any appertaining to any of them upon what pretence soever Thus far of ordinary rules and course of Ordination in the ordinary way That which concernes the extraordinary way requisite to be now practised followeth 1. In these present exigencies while we cannot have any Presbyteries formed up to their whole power and work and that many Ministers are to be ordained for the service of the Armies and Navy and too many Congregations where there is no Minister at all and where by reason of the publike troubles the people cannot either themselves enquire out and finde out one who may be a faithful Minister for them or have any with safety sent unto them for such a solemn tryal as was before mentioned in the ordinary Rules especially when there can be no Presbytery neer unto them to whom they may addresse themselves or which may come or send to them a fit man to be ordained in that Congregation and for that people And yet notwithstanding it is requisite that Ministers be ordained for them by some who being set apart themselves for the work of the Ministry have power to joyn in the setting apart of others who are found fit and worthy In those cases untill by Gods blessing the aforesaid difficulties may be in some good measure removed let some godly Minister in or about the City of London be designed by publike authority who being associated may ordain Ministers for the City and the Vicinity keeping as neer to the ordinary Rules forementioned as possible they may And let this association be for no other intent or purpose but only for the work of Ordination 2. Let the like association be made by the same authority in great Towns and the neighbouring Parishes in the several Counties which are at the present quiet and undisturbed to do the like for the parts adjacent 3. Let such as are chosen or appointed for the service of the Armies or Navy be ordained as aforesaid by the associated Ministers of London or some others in the countrey 4. Let them do the like when any man shall
at any time your hearts be over-charged with surfeting and drunkenness and the cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares Rom. 13. 13. Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness not in strife and envying labour (q) Eccl. 12. 12. Furthermore by these my son be admonished of making many books there is no end and much study is a weariness of the flesh Eccl. 2. 22 23. For what hath a man of all his labour and of the vexation of his heart wherein he hath laboured under the Sun V. 23. For all his dayes are sorrow and his travel grief yea his heart taketh not rest in the night This is also vanity and recreations (r) Isa 5. 12. And the harp and the viol and the tabret and pipe and wine are in their feasts but they regard not the work of the Lord nor consider the operation of his hands provoking words (Å¿) Prov. 15. 1. A soft answer turneth away wrath but grievous words stir up anger Prov. 12. 18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword but the tongue of the wise is health oppression (t) Ezek. 18. 18. As for his father because he cruelly oppressed and spoiled his brother by violence and did that which was not good among his people lo even he shall dye in his iniquitie Exod. 1. 14. And they made their lives bitter with bondage in mortar and brick and all manner of service in the field all their service wherein they made them serve was with rigour quarrelling (u) Gal. 5. 15. But if ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another Prov. 23. 29. Who hath wo who hath sorrow who hath contentions who hath babling who hath wounds without cause c. striking wounding * Num. 35. 16 17 18-21 And if he smite him with an instrument of iron so that he dye he is a murderer the murderer shall surely be put to death V. 17. And if he smite him with throwing a stone so that he dye he is a murderer the murderer shall surely be put to death V. 18. Or if he smite him with a hand-weapon of wood wherewith he may dye and he dye he is a murderer the murderer shall surely be put to death V. 21. Or in enmity smite him with his hand that he dye he that smote him shall surely be put to death for he is a murderer and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any (x) Exod. 21. from ver 18. to the end containing laws for smiters for an hurt by chance for an oxe that goreth and for him that is an occasion of harm Q. Which is the seventh Commandment A. The seventh Commandment is Thou shalt not commit adultery (y) Exod. 20. 14. Q. What are the duties required in the seventh Commandment A. The duties required in the seventh Commandment are Chastity in body mind affections z 1 Thes 4. 4. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour Job 31. 1. I have made a Covenant with mine eyes why then should I thâ—nk upon a maid 1 Cor. 7. 34. There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in body and spirit but she that is married careth for the things of the world how she may please her husband words a Col. 4. 6. Let your speech be alwayes with grace seasoned with fall that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man and behaviour b 1 Pet. 3. 2 While they behold your chast conversation coupled with fear and the preservation of it in our selves and others c 1 Cor. 7. 2-35 36. Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband V. 35. And this I speak for your profit not that I may cast a snare upon you but for that which is comely and that ye may attend upon the Lord without destraction V. 36. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin if she pass the flower of her age and need do require let him do what he will he sinneth not let them marry watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses d Job 31. 1. I have made a covenant with mine eyes why then should I think upon a maid temperance e Act. 24. 24 25. And after certain dayes when Felix came with his wife Drusilla which was a Jew he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith of Christ V. 25. And as he reasoned of Righteousness Temperance and Judgement to come Felix trembled c. keeping of chast company f Prov. 2. 16 17 18 19 20. To deliver thee from the strange woman even from the stranger which flattereth with her words V. 17. Which forsaketh the guide of her youth and forgetteth the covenant of her God V. 18. For her house inclineth to death and her paths unto the dead V. 19. None that go unto her return again neither take they hold of the paths of life V. 20. That thou maist walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous modesty in apparel g 1 Tim. 2. 9. In like manner also that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefastness and sobriety not with broidered haire or gold or pearl or costly array marriage by those that have not the gift of continency h 1 Cor. 7. 2-9 Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband V. 9. But if they cannot contain let them marry for it is better to marry then to burn conjugall love i Prov. 5. 19 20. Let her be as the loving Hind and pleasant Roe let her breast satisfie thee at all times and be thou ravisht alwayes with her love V. 20. And why wilt thou my son be ravished with a strange woman and embrace the bosome of a stranger and cohabitation k 1 Pet. 3. 7. Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge giving honour to the wife as unto the weaker vessel and as being heires together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindred diligent labour in our callings l Prov. 31. 11-27 28. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoile V. 27. She looketh well to the wayes of her houshold and eateth not the bread of idleness V. 28. Her children arise up and call her blessed her husband he also praiseth her shunning all occasions of uncleanness and resisting temptations thereunto m Prov. 5. 8. Remove thy way from her and come not nigh the door of her house Gen. 39. 8 9 10. But Joseph refused and said unto his
Spirit (z) Rom. 8. 26. Likewise the Spirit also 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 that cannot be uttered with confession of our sins (a) Psal 32. 5 6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin v. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found surely c. Dan. 9. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God c. and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (b) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Q. Are we to pray unto God onely A. God only being able to search the hearts (c) King 8. 39. Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place and forgive and do and give to every man according to his wayes whose heart thou knowest for thou even thou onely knowest the hearts of all the children of men Act. 1. 24. And they prayed and said Thou Lord who knowest the hearts of â—oll men shew whether of these two thou hast chosen Rom. 8. 27. And he that seaâ—cheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God hear the requests (d) Psal 65. 2. O thou that hearest prayers to thee shall all flesh come pardon the sins (e) Mic. 7. 18. Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance c. and fulfil the desires of all (f) Psal 145. 18 19. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth v. 19. He will fulfil the desires of them that feâ—r him he also will hear their cry and will save them and only to be believed in (g) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. and worshipped with religious worship (h) Mat 4. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve prayer which is a special part thereof (i) 1 Cor 1. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours is to be made by all to him alone (k) Psal 50. 15. Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me and to none other (l.) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. Q. What is it to pray in the name of Christ A. To pray in the Name of Christ is in obedience to his command and in confidence on his promises to ask mercy for his sake (m) Ioh. 14. 13 14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Sonâ— v. 14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it Ioh. 26. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ask and receive that your joy may be full Dan. 9. 14. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake not by bare mentioning of his Name (n) Mat. 7. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven but by drawing our incouragement to pray and our boldness strength and hope of acceptance in prayer from Christ and his mediation (o.) Heb. 4. 14 15 16. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens Iesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession v. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin v. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 1 Ioh. 5. 13 14 15. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us v. 15. And if we know that he heareth whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Q. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ A. The sinfulness of man and his distance from God by reason thereof being so great as that we can have no accesse into his presence without a Mediatour (p) Ioh. 14. 6. Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me Isa 59. 2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear Eph. 3 12. In whom ye have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to or fit for that glorious work but Christ alone (q) Ioh. 6. 27 Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life which the son of man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Heb. 7. 25 26 27. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them v. 26. For such an high Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens v. 27. Who needeth not daily as those high Priests to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus we are to pray in no other name but his onely (r.) Col. 3. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Heb. 13. 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruits of our lips giving thanks in
estate of humiliation and exaltation (t) Act. 3. 22. For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall you hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Heb. 12. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who râ—fused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Compared with 2 Cor. 13. 3. Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me which to you ward is not weak but is mighty in you Heb. 5. 5. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but he that said unto him thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee v. 6. As he saith also in another place thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedeck v. 7. Who in the dayes of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplicitions with strong crying and tears unto him who is able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared 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 the increase 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 judgement and justice from henceforth even for ever the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Mat. 21. 5. Tell ye the daughter of Sion behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and sitting upon an ass and a coalt the foal of an ass Psal 2. 8. Ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a Potters 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 rejoyce with trembling Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Prophet A. Christ executeth the office of a Prophet in reveleing to us by his word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation (u) Ioh. 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 signifie when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow v. 12. Unto whom it was reveled 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 Ioh. 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 Ioh. 20. 3â— These things are written that you might believe that Iesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing you might have life through his name Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a Priest A. Christ executeth the office of a Priest in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfie divine Justice (*) 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 withouâ— sin unto salvation and reconcile us to God (x) Heb. 2 17. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a marciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people and in making continual intercession for us (y) Heb. 7. 24. But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood v. 25. Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost those that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a King A. Christ executeth the office of a King in subduing us to himself (z) Act. 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 Prophet 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 ruines thereof and I will set it up in ruling (a) Isa 33. 22. The Lord is our Judg the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us and desending us (b) Isa 32. 1. Behold a King shall reign in righteousness and Princes shall rule in judgement 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 restraining and conquering all his and our enemies (c) 1 Cor. 15. 25. For he mâ—st reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet Ps 110. throughout Q. Wherein did Christs humiliation consist A. Christs humiliation consisted in his being born and that in a low condition (d) Luk. 2. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped him in swadling-clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the Inne made under the law (e) Gal. 4. 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law undergoing the miseries of this life (f) Heb. 12. 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God v. 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your mindes Isa 53. 2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him v. 3. He is despised