l 2 Tim. 2.12 and to suffer with Christ that I may also reigne with him Finally I humbly pray thée to sanctifie my heart that I may m m Esai 58 13. turne away my foote from doing my pleasure on this thy holy-day and that I may call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and may honour thée not doing mine own waies nor finding mine owne pleasure nor speaking mine own words but n n 2 Pet. 1.5 giuing all diligence o o Phil. 2.12 to worke out my owne saluation with feare and trembling specially in p p Lam. 3.40 searching and trying my waies and turning againe vnto thée Lord according to thy blessed Gospell through thine onely Sonne Christ Iesus my Sauiour and Redéemer vnto whom with thy holy Maiestie and thy sanctifying and comforting Spirit be of me in my most willing and constant endeuours and of all other thy seruants in thy Church likewise ascribed and giuen all honour glory praise might maiestie and dominion both on this thine owne holiday and for euer world without end Amen Parent But what if any of vs seuerally and alone hauing no other to ioyne with vs but must pray solitarily vnlesse we altogither omit the dutie after the manner of our prophane and irreligious neighbours would vse those two formes of prayer which you haue composed for the whole Familie on the worke-daies Or what if my whole Familie or any two or more of them would in their priuate fellowship vse that forme of prayer which you haue drawne for a Christian in solitary towards the beginning of the Lords day May we not so vse either the one or the other as may be most for our comfort and edification Pastor Yea you may easily doe so if you will And you are bound to doe so rather then omit the dutie altogither Prouided that in such a case when you doe vse the two formes which are for the worke-daies as also for the formes of thanks-giuing before and after Meales you do heedfully put the singular number for the plurall as I for We Me for Vs My or Mine for Our c. And that when mo than one of you shall joyne togither in the forme which is for the Lords day you doe vse the plurall number for the singular as We for I Vs for Me Our for My or Mine c. The which course if you be driuen of necessitie to take or do sometimes voluntarily performe it will also proue one helpe to inable you to conceiue prayers of your selues without the helpe of these or any other formes to be read vpon a Booke much sooner For as I told you at the first that is the end I shoote at in setting you downe these formes and which you ought to labour for in vsing these or any other godly formes vnto the vttermost of of your power And assure your selues that though you be very ignorant and weake at this present yea and seeme to your selues that you can do litle or nothing this way I meane to conceiue prayer of your selues * Note these directiōs you ignorant persons and remember to follow them in the feare of God haue a speciall care to examine your selues on the Lords day in secret and to renew your peace with God in a more setled and comfortable turning of your feete vnto his testimonies Psal 119.19 with 92.11 12 13. yet if you will conscionably seeke the Lord your owne saluation diligently frequent the Ministerie that God hath sanctified vnto you delight in the often fellowship of the Godly whom the Lord hath indued with sauing knowledge already desire their helpe in prayer and therein ioyne with them and in their absence which to the greatest number of you must needs fall out very often attentiuely constantly and carefully vse these or any other godly formes of prayer and thanksgiuing God will blesse you with such vnderstanding of your spirituall estate that you shall in far shorter time then you thinke attaine to the end of your godly desires which is to lay away your Bookes and out of your owne feelings to make your petitions and thanksgiuings vnto the Lord vpon any occasion either ordinarie or more speciall and rare But if you shall neglect this counsell of God and profanely put off the holy duties of praier and thanksgiuing from time to time or performe them but coldly carelesly vnreuerently or vaine-gloriously as the hypocrites doe then verily be you afraid lest the Lord should in his wrath iudge you spiritually and so you continue blind and ignorant or after a sort superstitious in vsing a set forme now than and lest you haue alwaies such neede of a Booke to pray vpon that without it you shall be able to say litle more then * Behold a peece of the old wiues their very best prayers Lord haue mercy vpon vs forgiue vs our sinnes blesse our house and our harbour and all that euer we would haue good of and send vs heauen at our last end yea and lest you fall from praying vpon a Booke as I haue knowne some to meere nothing or worse than nothing Note Beware then of an idle forme and bare externall deuotion or ceremonie of Godlinesse without seeking the power thereof As also of such a manner of learning as neuer to be able to come to the knowledge of the truth Which fearefull iudgement God doth therefore commonly inflict because the heart is not zealous sincere nor godly disposed to see obey and continue in the whole sauing truth of God but resolueth to stand out against some part of it or to follow some sinfull lusts still 2 Tim. 3.5 6 7 8. Parent Lastly I pray you collect vs such a Hymne or Psalme out of Dauids Psalmes as breifely toucheth the most necessarie graces and which we may sing to Gods glorie and our owne edification and comfort in following the labours of our vocations and callings and at other times when we thinke good Pastor But you must consider Gods proceeding with you in all things your owne necessities and estate and accordingly seeke out and sing such Psalmes as God hath fitted for you in his Booke to vse vnto your better mouing and stirring vp to liue vnto his glorie and your owne spirituall growth in faith and a good conscience Parent We will not forget to bestow our labour that way euerie day once at the least in the choise of some Psalme or parcell of a Psalme according to our weake iudgement if God permit Howbeit because we haue not any one Psalme of conuenient shortnesse that setteth forth the cheifest points and most necessarie graces of Christianitie fitted for our capacitie and because many of my people are dull to learne manie Psalmes prescribe vs one which my ignorant ones may learne by heart and whereby we may haue a taste of the heauenly sweetnesse which the Godlie doe gather in their religious vse of diuine and spirituall songs Pastor Then
so long as he continueth the earnest desire of my heart in this behalfe and my godly labours amongst them For this course that I speake of and you do now begin to embrace if it be well performed and accepted will by Gods blessing make mens houses yea the meanest cottages honourable and reuerend in the account of all godly men as we doe read that sundry in the primitiue Churches founded by the Apostles were adorned by the name of m Rom. 16.5 1 Cor. 16.19 Col. 4.15 Philem. v. 2. Churches the worthiest societies of men in the world Parent Nay rather I and my Familie and such as we haue béen haue cause to gréeue and be ashamed for our strangenesse to you to whomsoeuer else might benefit vs in grace as you haue shewed yea and to feare lest God in his iustice should cast vs out of the number and reckoning of Christian houses as n Genes 21.10 12 14. Abraham at Gods commandement cast out Hagar and Ishmael out of his house because we are so far from the o 2 Tim. 3.5 power of Godlinesse that we want the forme thereof in our houses which ought to be as you haue said as so many Churches both for the forme and power of godlinesse vnlesse it shall please God to direct vs to take a better course and that with spéed and to blesse it vnto our vse Wherefore sir I pray you let me obtaine your present counsell and furtherance to reforme my Houshold and to plant good order therein for this great worke of Gods Holy Gospell And euen now if your time and occasions will permit come in p Act. 10.33 that we may heare all the things that are commanded you of God Pastor You speake in fit time for I am not altogither vnprouided at this present to confer my small gift vnto you and your houshold q Luk. 10.5 Peace be to this house Parent r Psal 129.8 The Blessing of the Lord be vpon vs. Will you that I call in my people that they may enioy the benefit of our Conference at this time Pastor It shall not neede to doe so now till I haue made a Preparatiue by a course which I haue in hand and then hereafter by the grace of God we will proceed altogither My Preparatiue is by this Booke wherein I haue set downe such informations Helps as I iudge most needfull and fit for such Housholds as yours is This therefore I will bestow on you vpon condition you will promise me that you will not be slacke to vse it in your house according to the directions thereof so far forth as you shall finde it vpon iust tryall to be the truth according to Godlinesse and conuenient for your estate For this Booke doth not onely touch the cheifest points of Faith towards God and Good Workes before Men and that in the plainest manner I could deuise for the vnderstanding of the weakest persons and breifely expoundeth the Lords prayer the Ten Commandements and the Confession of Faith with the doctrine of the Sacraments and diuers ſ See the Table of the Contents other necessarie things but also it prescribeth certaine formes of Prayer Thanksgiuing and some Psalmes or Hymnes which you may vse for prayer and praise to God your owne edification and comfort and the stirring vp of others to seeke the Lord with you All which things I desire you not onely to read once or twise ouer for nouelties sake as many are wont to do in these dayes without any further vse in a manner but also to follow the directions and course therein aduised vnlesse you can meete with a fitter helpe for your better inabling and drawing on to call vpon and magnifie Gods name and to confesse his sauing truth of your selues without the guidance of set formes and till you can with iudgement make choise of such Psalmes for priuate vse as are sutable for any condition of minde or bodie you shall be in Parent I most heartily thanke you But I pray you do you propose all that you haue written in this booke to be learned by heart Pastor No But my meaning is Note 1 First that the three formes of Prayer to wit two for the working daies and the the third for the Sabbath the Explanation of the Creede and the direction for singing of the Psalmes be constantly vsed though they be read vpon the booke either by your selfe or some other of your house whom you shall appoint till you or some other I say of your house shall be able either to vse them without the booke or otherwise to conceiue prayer c. of your selues which indeed is the thing that you must principally labour for Note 2 Secondly that all such Questions and Answers as doe passe betweene the Parent and the Childe shall bee learned by heart of all them whose hearts God shall moue and inable to labour therein wheresoeuer they be placed in the Booke and in such order as they stand as also the two formes of thanksgiuing before and after meate And those things are principall and fundamentall points of Religion and therefore most needfull to be learned Note 3 And thirdly those Questions and Answers which passe betwixt the Seruant and the Scholler wheresoeuer they be throughout all the fiue parts of the Booke I doe commend vnto the often and diligent reading and noting of the well-disposed vnlesse it shal please them of their owne accord to get by heart any choise matter which they shall finde in it to be most for their good For daily vse and constant practise in reading good matter specially being penned in forme of Conference and pithily shall by Gods blessing in tract of time preuaile much euen aboue expectation though one cannot attaine to learne euery word in order by heart at least it will bee a Meane to increase knowledge and to make the Points of Doctrine much easier in hearing the publike Ministery Now this part of the Conference I meane betwixt the Seruant and the Scholler containeth sometimes Explanations somtimes Reasons and sometimes Vses of the Points of Doctrine professed in the Conference betwixt the Parent and the Childe and sometimes markes of sauing grace to direct the weaker sort to iudge and discerne the better of their spirituall estate and sometimes confutation of errors and taking away of doubts By Scholler I vnderstand such a one as can write read the English tongue in any ready competent sort though he want other literature And because this kinde of Schollers are better fitted to heare the preaching of the word to look into the holy Scriptures with more likelyhood of fruit than others who haue not those gifts of writing reading I haue therefore assigned him to make answer to the Seruant who also by reason of his or her age and experience for the most part ought to haue more judgment than the Childe in points that tend vnto greater perfection and growth And
accept the good being the fruit of his owne spirit for his Sonne Iesus Christ Parent Is not your saluation obtained partly by Christs grace partlie by your owne workes Child No u Rom. 11.6 for then grace were no more grace Parent Why then must you doe good works Child First and chiefly * Math. 5.16 to glorifie God thereby Next x 2 Pet. 1 5 6.7 8 9 10. to get assurance of my owne election and withall y 1 Pet. 2 12 15 c. for the edification and benefite of my neighbour Parent And what doth principally moue your heart to doe them Child z 2 Cor. 5 14. The loue of Christ constraineth me Parent Shall not euery man and woman in the visible Church bee saued by Christ Child No a Iohn 3 3 5.18 36. Hebr. 12.14 but those onely who are true beléeuers and borne anew of the holy Ghost Seruant What principall reason is there that vnbeleeuers and vnregenerate persons shall not be saued Scholler b Iohn 3.18 19 32 33. Rom. 1.25 3 3 4. 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. Iude. v. 4. Tit. 1.16 2 Pet. 2 20 21. Because by their vnbeliefe they doe either refuse as insufficient the only blessed Meane of their saluation changing that most vndoubted and important promise of God into a lye or doe otherwise through their vnthankefulnesse carelesnesse or presumption shamefully abuse it ☞ THE THIRD PART Concerning the Meanes of Grace in generall and first of the Word of God Parent WHat meanes doth Christ the King vse in working Faith and Sanctification in the heart Childe c Esai 59 21. Ierem. 10.23 Acts 20.32 Partly inward and partly outward Parent What is the inward meane Childe d Gal. 3.2 3. Luk. 11 13. 1 Cor. 12 13. Gal. 6.1 The holy Spirit which is giuen by the outward meanes Parent What are the outward Meanes Childe * Ibidem These foure First the Word of God whereby ordinarilie Faith and Sanctification are begun afterwards continually increased Secondly Praier Thirdly the Sacraments Fourthly the Practise of the Communion of Saints whereby the same graces are likewise increased and confirmed The first outward mean of Grace Parent What is the word of God Childe e Ioh. 5.39 21.31 Iam. 3.17 2 Pet. 1.21 Ephes 2.20 Rom. 1.2 with Gal. 6.16 The Doctrine of mans saluation written by diuine inspiration and contained in the bookes of the old and new Testaments called The holy Canonicall Scriptures Seruant How doe you certainelie know that the Scriptures are the verie vndoubted Word of God Scholler f Esai 59.21 Iohn 10.3 4 5 27. 16.13 1 Iohn 2.27 1 Thes 1.5 Chéefely by the inward perswasion of the Holy Ghost Parent How is the Word made profitable vnto your Saluation Childe g Rom. 10.14 Acts 17.11 Chiefly and first of all by the attentiue hearing and diligent meditating of it being rightly preached which serueth to the begetting of grace h 2 Tim. 4. i. 2.3 Luk. 1.3 4 24 17 to 33. Heb. 5.12 6. 1 2 c. Psal 1.1 2. 78.3 4 5 6. And afterwards principally by preaching and then by Catechesing Reading Conferring Meditating all for out strengthening growth Seruant How is the Word of God rightly preached Scholler i Nehem. 8.8 Tit. 1.9 2 Tim. 2 15. 3.16 1 Cor. 12.8 When the true meaning is plainely giuen and the profitable vse thereof is made and applied to the hearers Seruant What is your attentiue hearing of the Word Scholler k Acts 16.14 17.11 Luk. 8.15 Eccles 5.1 I reuerently marke it with an honest and good heart prepared to receiue it with zeale and readinesse Seruant And what is your diligent meditating of it Scholler l Psa 119.155 Prou. 8.34 I doe earnestly call it to minde carefully search it and think much vpon it to the end I may draw it into conscionable practise Seruant What need hath a Christian to vse godly meditation Scholler m Psal 119.113 139.23 24. Phil. 4.8 Because they are the grounds of all good speech and of all other holy actions and in very déed whosoeuer maketh no conscience of his thoughts maketh no right conscience of any thing at all Parent Among the manifold meditations of a Christian which do you think to be of speciall vse for his good Pastor First n Psal 16.8 Prou 15.3 alwaies to remember that God is present euery where Secondly o Psal 89.1 Phil. 1.23 Ioh. 14.1.2 c. to beare in minde Gods vnspeakeable mercies in Christ and particularly the promise and gift of eternall life Thirdly p Acts 28.26 27. 2 Thes 1.8 9. to meditate often on Gods iudgements especially those that are spirituall and vpon eternall condemnation the just reward of the vngodly Fourthly q Ps 78.1.7.11 111.2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Dan. 9 11 12 13. Act. 4.24 25 26 27 c. it is good to consider diligently Gods works both ordinarie and extraordinary obseruing how they doe seale the truth of his word Fifthly and lastly r 1 Thes 3 4. Deut. 32 29. Eccles 11.9 1 Pet. 4.7 Ephes 5.16 2 Cor. 5.9 10 11 to thinke often of affliction and chiefely of death and of the last iudgement studying how to redeeme our time that we may be prepared with comfort for that great and terrible day Seruant What is Catechising Scholler ſ Heb. 5.12 6 1 2. Gal. 6.6 Luk. 1 4. Act. 18.25 A plaine easie instructing of the ignorant in the grounds of Religion chiefely by Questions and Answeres Seruant VVho are bound to Catechize Scholler t Gal. 9.6 Pro. 4.3 4. 31.1 The Ministers in publike and * the Housholders in priuate Secondly concerning Prayer The second outward mean of grace Parent VVhat is Prayer Childe u 1. Tim. 2 1. Phil. 4.6 Praier is a religious calling vpon the name of God eyther by Petition which wee commonly call Prayer or by Thanksgiuing Parent VVhat is Petition Childe * Psal 6.8 9 Dan. 9.17 18. Rom. 8.26 It is our humble entreating of God for all things which wee desire to enioy Parent VVhat is thanksgiuing Childe x Ps 16.7 8 9 10 11. Math. 8 2. 2. Sam. 15 25 26. It is our rendring praise to God for all the good things which we enioy in déed or by promise Parent What must you doe that you may learne to pray well Childe First y Luke 11.1 I must desire God to teach me to pray Secondly z Math. 6.9.10 11 12 13. I must diligently obserue the directions of Gods Word and particularly of the Lords prayer Parent VVhat is the Lords praier Childe That most perfect forme and pattern of prayer which the Lord Iesus taught his disciples Parent Say the Lord prayer Childe a Math. 6.9 10 11 12 13. Our Father which art in heauen hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdome come Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen
Giue vs this day our daily bread And forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for euer Amen Parent Are you bound to pray in the onely words of this forme alwaies Childe * See the examples of the Saints prayers in the holie Scriptures Not alwaies for Christ hath left it to our liberty for the words so that we doe imitate the matter and vse the like affections b Exod. 14.15 1 Sam. 1.15 16 Psal 119.145 Esai 37 14 15 c. Rom. 8.26 Phil. 4.6 Iam. 5.16 So whether I vse this forme or not I must pray cheefly with my heart being touched with the féeling of my wants and powring forth my soule before the Lord in euery request Seruant God knoweth before wee aske what wee need yea and hath appointed in his prouidence what he will bestow how and when therefore why should wee pray at all at least wise so earnestly Scholler c Psal 14.4 50.15 145.18 Iob. 21.15 Ierem. 10.25 Ioel. 2.32 Acts 10.4 1. Tim. 4.5 Luke 23.42 43. Because he hath sanctified it to be his Ordinance thereby to blesse and prosper whom and what he will for hee will saue them that call vpon him in truth and none other Parent VVhat doe you learne out of this that the Lord Iesus hath set vs downe what we should pray for Childe d Math. 6.9 Psal 119.41 Exo. 32.11.13 1 Iohn 5.14 I learne that I must ground and frame all my desires vpon the promises which God hath made in his Word Parent How many principall parts be there of the Lords prayer Childe Foure First the Preface Secondly the Petitions Thirdly the Thanksgiuing Fourthly the Conclusion Parent Which is the Preface Childe Our Father which art in Heauen Parent Who is that whom you call Father Childe c Mat. 3.17 23.9 Iohn 20.17 God who is become my mercifull Father in Iesus Christ Parent What do you learne out of that Childe f Joh. 16.23 Math. 17.5 Rom. 8.15 16. Heb. 4.16 I learne to call vppon God onely in the onely name and mediation of Iesus Christ in whom he is well pleased Seruant What doe you learne out of that that you call God Our Father Scholler g Math. 5.23 43 44. Mar. 11.25.26 Luke 23.34 1 Tim. 2 8. 1 Ioh. 3.18 22. Esai 1.15 58.4 6 7. I learne that all true Christians especially are my brethren and therefore that I must loue them heartily and pray for them as for my selfe yea also for my enemies Parent What doe you learne out of that which is added which art in Heauen Childe First h Exod. 3.5 Eccles 5.1 2. 1 Tim. 2 8. Psal 20.6 I learne when I pray to approach vnto God with holie preparation singular feare and humble reuerence Secondly i Ephes 3.20 I learne that he is not onely willing but also able to helpe Parent How many Petitions bee therein the Lords prayer Child Sixe whereof the first three doe principally concerne Gods glorie the last thrée our owne necessities Parent What doe you learne out of that order Child k Prou. 16.4 Exod. 32 3◠I learne that I must zealously desire the glorifying of Gods most holy name before I séeke reliefe for any of my owne necessities Parent Which is the first Petition Child Hallowed be thy name Parent What doe you pray for in the first Petition Child l 1 Cor. 10.31 Rom. 11.36 That God may be glorified in all things Parent Which is the second Petition Child Thy kingdome come Parent What doe you pray for in the second Petition Child First m Mark 1.13 15.43 Math. 28 18. Psal 51.10 122.6 2 Thes 3 1. that the kingdome of Grace may be daily inlarged both by the inward working of the holy spirit and also by the outward meanes vntill it be perfected at the comming of Christ to iudgement Secondly n Reuel 22 20 2 Tim. 4 8. that God would finish these sinfull daies and take vs to his kingdome of glory Parent Which is the third Petition Child Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Parent What doe you pray for in the third Petition Child First o Deut. 29.29 Psal 86.11 103.20 Acts 24.16 that wee may render dutifull obedience vnto Gods reuealed will vntill wée be as the holie Angels Secondly p Mark 8.34 Phil. 1.29 Iam. 5.7 8 c. that wée may submit our selues to suffer his will with patience in time of afflictions Parent Which is the fourth Petition Childe Giue vs this day our dailie bread Parent What doe you pray for in the fourth Petition Childe q Pro. 30.8 Psal 104.15 1 Tim. 4.4 6.8 Gen. 28.20 Pro. 10 22. Math. 8.2 Rom. 1.10 Luk. 12.16.17 18 19 20 21. That God would giue vs all things necessary and conuenient for this present life with this exception If it be his good pleasure Parent Which is the fifth Petition Childe And forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasie against vs. Parent What doe you pray for in the fifth Petition Child r Mat. 11.28 Esai 55.1 c. Psal 19.12 32.1 Dan. 9.24 Zach. 12.10 That God would iustifie vs by the forgiuenesse of our sinnes and the imputation of Christs righteousnesse Seruant Doe we deserue forgiuenesse for our sinnes at Gods hands because we forgiue them that trespasse against vs Scholler No ſ Math 5.7 Luke 7.47 Mat. 18.22 32 for first God forgiueth vs fréely and then that being felt by faith in our hearts causeth vs to forgiue them that haue offended vs. Seruant Wherefore then is that Reason added Scholler t Mark 11.24 25.26 Both to teach vs that we ought to forgiue others when we pray and also that by the same grace we may get assurance that God will forgiue vs. Parent Which is the sixth Petition Child And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Parent What do you pray for in the sixth Petition Child u Psal 51.12 Iob 36.21 Genes 39.12 1 Sam. 25.13 22. Math. 8.28 c. Ioh. 14.30 1 Cor. 10 13. Iam. 1.13 14. That God would sanctifie vs by mortifying our corrupt nature and quickning vs in newnesse of life Seruant Why doth Christ teach vs to pray for Sanctification in so many words Scholler To assure vs First * Psal 66.18 145.19 Prov. 28.13 Iohn 9.31 Iam 5.16 1 Tim. 2.8 that vnlesse we truly forsake all our sinnes and hartily embrace a godly life vnto the vttermost of our power God will not heare vs when we call vpon him Secondly x 2 Pet. 1.5 6 8 9 10. Phil. 2.12 that we cannot obtaine Sanctification without great diligence Seruant What do you learne out of this that Christ hath taught vs two petitions for spirituall things and but one for temporall Scholler y
Esai 66.2 1 King 8.37 38 39. Luk 8 13 14. Matth. 6.33 That being vnfainedly cast downe in the sense of our spirituall miserie and vilenesse we doe desire spirituall graces aboue all worldly benefits Parent Which is the Thanksgiuing of the Lords Prayer Child For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for euer Parent What do you learne out of the Thanksgiuing Child z 1 Chron. 29.10 11 12 13. 2 Cor. 1.20 Phil. 4.6 1 Tim. 2.1 1 Pet. 4.14 Because God hath full right and power ouer all and doth all things to his owne glory and that for euer I learne First to ground my assurance of obtayning my prayers onely on God And afterwards to render him therefore all praise and glory backe againe at all times Parent Which is the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer Child Amen Parent What is the meaning of Amen Child a 1 Cor. 14.16 2 Cor. 1.20 Reuel 22.20 So be it So it is and So it shall be Parent What do you learne out of Amen Child b Iam. 1.6 7. 5.16 Mark 11.24 I learne thereby that I must pray not onely with seruent desire to obtaine the thing that I aske but also with Faith and Assurance that I shall haue my desire accomplished Parent But what if God heare not our prayers at the first Child c Mark 9.24 Luk. 18.1 c. 21.36 Psal 42.11 1 Thess 5.17 Esai 62.7 Yet we must striue against doubting and vnbeléefe and continue in prayer neuer waxing faint nor for any cause ceasing to importune the Lord till hée hath granted our requests Seruant How is Prayer diuided Scholler Into Publike Priuate and either of the same into Ordinarie and Extraordinarie Seruant What do you call Publike Prayer Scholler d Act 6.4 c Psal 84.1 c. 1. Cor. 14.40 That which is made by the Church assembled for Gods worship and seruice sake Seruant What is priuate Prayer Scholler e 2 Sam. 6.20 Ester 4.15 Math. 6.6 That which is made in priuate either with others as in the Familie or solitarily and secretly by ones selfe alone Seruant Which are the fittest times for Prayer and Thanksgiuing to God to be performed in and with the whole Familie ordinarily Scholler f Psal 55.17 Dan. 6.10 The Morning and Euening g 1 Tim. 4.3.4.5 Mat. 14.19 Luke 24.30 And before and after Meales Parent I pray you Pastor giue vs some conuenient formes of Prayer which during our infirmitie we will vse till God inable vs to conceiue prayer of our selues And first let vs haue a forme of Prayer composed according to the principall matter and forme of the Lords Prayer as you haue already explaned it and let it be fitted for the worke-day morning in the Houshold Pastor You may vse this plaine and easie one or some other that you thinke fitter for your estate A Forme of Morning Prayer on the worke-day for the whole Familie * * Luke 11.1 Lord teach vs to pray A prayer for the familie on work-day mornings O Gratious Lord who hast not onely commanded vs to make knowne our requests vnto thée only See the proofes in the Conference concerning Prayer supra in euery thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiuing but also hast sanctified it to be thine ordinance thereby to blesse them whom thou wilt blesse assuring vs that thou wilt accept the prayers of all them that do ground the same aright vpon thy word and promise we humbly beséech thée prepare our hearts by thine owne Spirit that we may now approch vnto thy most sourraigne Maiestie with holy feare and reuerence and in the féeling of our wants may powre forth our soules before thée who wilt fulfill the desires of all them that call vpon thée zealously The Lords Prayer Our Father And herein chiefly we intreat thée to giue vs a true and comfortable féeling that thou art become our most mercifull Father in Iesus Christ thy deare Sonne in whom thou art well pleased that calling vpon thy most holy name with Faith and child-like boldnesse through him we may verily beléeue that we shall haue the petitions which we desire of Thée and thereupon expect thy blessing with comfort for all our necessities And forasmuch as thou hast commanded vs to pray one for another we pray thée to accept our cry also in the name of thy holy Sonne Iesus for the behoofe of all other thy children wheresoeuer liuing throughout the whole world yea euen also of their and our enimies that belong vnto thée according to the election of grace though they be not yet called which art in Heauen And because thou art in heauen being as able to helpe as thou art willing we pray thee giue vs an assured trust in thy All sufficient power as well as in thy tender and frée mercie without the which grace we cannot looke to be heard of thée in any of our praiers whatsoeuer Hallowed be thy name O God and Lord of all glory we first and cheifly desire thée to vouchsafe vnto vs the true zeale of thy glory that we may be willing and ready instruments truely to set forth thy name in our thoughts words and all our cariage according to thy holy will reuealed in thy word and that before we séeke reléefe for our selues in any of our owne necessities and be thou pleased to be glorified of vs yea and let thy name be magnified ouer all for of thée through thée and to thée are all things to thée be glory for euer Amen Thy kingdome come Next we intreat thée to inlarge the kingdome of thy grace in Iesus Christ by the inward working of thy Spirit in our hearts and in all other thine elect And to that end let thy Word thy Sacraments and all other thy holy Ordinances haue free passage and libertie in the world and become effectuall vntill all thine elect shall be gathered and fitted for thy comming to iudgement which we pray thée hasten that these sinfull daies may be finished and then take vs to thy kingdome of glory Thy will bee done in earth as it is in heauen And therefore also we beséech thée to make vs more and more thine obedient seruants striuing to keepe thy commandements till we come to perfection and to be like thy holy Angels who hearken vnto the voice of thy word and do thy pleasure And withall grant vnto vs that we may neither despise thy chastenings nor faint when we are rebuked of thée but may giue thée reuerence in our sufferings with dutifull submission ioyfull patience and let thy chastenings yéeld vs the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse when we are exercised thereby Giue vs this day our daily bread And séeing thou Lord art the Author and Giuer of all temporall blessings as well as spirituall we pray thee according to thy heauenly will and diuine wisedome for thou onely knowest our necessities and what is good for vs yea and hast made vs
to know that all things worke togither for good to them that loue thee to bestow vpon vs all things needfull and conuenient for this present life so as we may be best fitted to liue to thy praise our owne soules eternall comfort and to the spirituall profit and aduantage of others in thy Church and especially to the better releefe and refreshing of thy poore afflicted seruants vnto the which ends also we pray thee blesse and prosper vs in the right vse of those thy good gifts which we presently enioy And forgiue vs our trespasses as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs. But mercifull Father howsoeuer thou deale with vs for worldly benefits we most hartily desire thée to forgiue vs all our sinnes that are passed iustifying vs in the righteousnes of thy Sonne Iesus Christ And that we féeling the comfort of thy loue in our hearts by faith may for thy sake vnfainedly forgiue them that haue offended vs and by the same grace get stronger assurance to our owne soules that thou Lord wilt in thine infinite mercies forgiue vs all that great and manifold debt of ours And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill And for the time to come we entirely beséech thée to let vs sée the deepe deceitfulnes of our owne fleshly hearts and our corrupt inclination whereupon the Deuill for the most part worketh and withall doe thou stir vs vp to fight continually against the same euen against our euill and wretched lusts the vile fruits of our vnbeléefe and to watch against the Deuill who walketh about as a roaring Lyon séeking whom he may deuoure and like a subtile Serpent studying to deceiue O Lord grant he may neither bewitch vs in prosperitie as that we should denie or forget thée nor make vs froward in aduersitie Mortifie our corrupt nature the rotten and lothsome fountaine of our manifold sins and quicken vs in newnesse of life and in the studie of true godlinesse Which grace of Sanctification and a godly life we do the more earnestly beg at thy mercifull hands because thou hast taught vs plainly that without the same thou wilt not heare vs when we call vpon thée as also for that thou wilt not vouchsafe thine effectuall grace vnto any but vpon their strongest endeuours And so O gratious Lord we do most instantly beséech thée to saue vs from our sinnes to cast vs downe vnfainedly in the féeling of our spirituall miserie and vilenes to lift vs vp in the assurance of thy Sonne Christs merits and to make vs far more laborious for grace for our soules then for earthly fauour for our bodies For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory for euer Touching all which our requests we doe ground our Faith for obtaining them only vpon thée who hast sole right authoritie and power ouer all and who wilt do all things vndoubtedly vnto they owne glory euermore and wilt cause the spirit of glory to rest vpon vs that on our part do glorifie thée And therefore we doe promise to render vnto thée most harty thanks at all times for all thy mercies and fauours plentifully bestowed vpon vs in Iesus Christ and most of all for our Redemption in him beséeching thée to inable vs to praise thée the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in doing those good works which thou hast ordained that we should walke in them and specially the duties of our callings and degrées wherein thou hast set vs. Amen For these and all other necessarie graces and blessings we doe not onely most feruently desire them but also do verily beleeue and desire to beleeue that thou hearest vs alwaies Beseeching thee to giue vs grace to striue against doubting and vnbeleefe and confirme our faith that we may come often vnto thee with all cheerefull willingnes and sound delight and may continue knocking for thy mercy without wearinesse vntill thy Sonne Iesus Christ shall come to dissolue vs and to crowne his owne grace in vs with eternall glory And here confessing thy free and gratious goodnesse in preseruing protecting vs this night past we pray thee teach vs to vse well thy mercy all this day to loue vs still to direct and blesse vs in our honest labours and businesses and so giue vs more and more cause to sing praise and giue thanks vnto thee and to liue and die to thy glory And make vs alwaies mindfull of that great gift of thine Christ and his Gospell to the end we may giue vp our selues to walke with him in deeds and sufferings and séeke our owne and others saluation with holy feare and trembling Finally let not thy word depart out of our mindes neither let vs goe astray from thy commandements And though we be thy most vnworthy and vnprofitable seruants yet be pleased to grant our suite and accept our sacrifice sith we come vnto thée in the onely mediation and intercession of thy blessed Sonne and our Sauiour Iesus Christ And therefore * * 2 Cor. 13.14 the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the loue of God and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with vs all Amen Parent Secondly I pray you giue vs a forme of Prayer for the worke-day euening and let it be such as consisteth altogether of the phrases and sentences of holy Scripture to the end we may take the better delight in calling vpon God for we finde our hearts dull and our flesh vnwilling oftentimes for this high seruice but we haue had experience by our vsing those very words which the Holy Ghost hath indited in the Bible that we haue beene quickned and made willing cheerefull and reuerent in our supplications thanks-giuings vnto the Lord. Pastor You may vse this following if you please A Forme of Euening Prayer on the worke-day for the whole Familie A prayer for the Familie on worke-day euening a a Esai 6.3 HOly holy holy b b Revel 4.8 Lord God Almightie which was and is In this forme I haue strictly followed the last translation of the Bible done by his Maiesties speciall commandement appointed to be read in Churches and is to come the whole earth is full of thy glory c c Psal 19.14 Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight O Lord our strength and our Redeemer d d Psal 32.5 51.3 Wee acknowledge our sinnes vnto thee and our iniquities wee will not hide for they are euer before vs. e e Rō 5.12 19. For by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne and by his disobedience wee are made sinners f f Psal 51.5 Thereupon wee were shapen in iniquitie and in sinne did our mothers conceiue vs. g g Esai 64.6 So wee bee all of vs as an vncleane thing and all our righteousnesses as filthy rags Thence it is that wee haue actually h h Dan. 9.5 9. sinned against thee
wée may be able to bear it u u Mark 9.24 We belieue Lord help our vnbeliefe * * Esai 26.8 The desire of our soule is thy name and to the remembrance of thee x x Dan. 9.18.19 O our God encline thine eare and heare open thine eyes and behold our desolations and the City which is called by thy name for we doe not present our supplications before thée for our righteousnesses but for thy great mercies y y Eph. 3.20 Now vnto thée that art able to doe excéeding abundantly aboue all that we aske or thinke according to the power that worketh in vs z z Vers 21. vnto thée be glory in the Church by Christ Iesus throughout al ages world without end Amen Parent Thirdly I pray you giue vs two easie and plaine formes of thanksgiuing for our daily vse at euery meale the one before the receiuing of our food and the other after to be vttered by my selfe if I be present or by some other of my house in the name of all that partake of the same meale Pastor I will A forme of Thankesgiuing to be vsed of an ignorant familie before meales MOst gratious God we acknowledge thée to be the author of all good gifts and blessings wée humbly pray thée to forgiue vs all our sinnes Grant vs faith and sobernesse in receiuing these thy good creatures blesse them to our nourishment and stirre vs vp thereupon to serue thy holy maiesty with true thanksgiuing through Iesus Christ thy Sonne and our Sauiour by thy holy spirit Amen After Meales TO thee our most bountifull Father and gracious Lord who hast made redeemed and euer hitherto preserued vs and at this time fedde and refreshed vs with thy good gifts and creatures be all glory and obedience rendred of vs and of all other thy people both now and euermore God saue the Church vniuersall blesse the kings Maiesty continue thy Gospell make thy holy word effectuall in our hearts comfort all thy poore and afflicted seruants and giue vs thy peace and whole truth in Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Parent Fourthly I pray you giue vs some formes of prayer for morning and euening on the Lords day for the whole houshold as you haue done for the worke-dayes Pastor Nay I would rather exhort you to vse your best indeuours to conceiue prayers of your selues according as the spirit of God shall inable you and your estate shall require for on the Sabbath day you haue most time to labour in prayer if you will make conscience to redeeme your time and verily if you would set your selues vnfainedly to the studie heereof by your humble and constant crauing * Zach. 12.10 of the Spirit of Prayer at the Lords hands by a conscionable exercising of your selues in the holy Scriptures of a true purpose and holy desire to wrestle with God * Gen. 32.24 25 c. with Hos 12.3 4. as Iacob did in supplication to his glory the Lord will bestow this ability vpon you Howbeit if you desire any further direction to traine you vp in this duty of prayer you may profitably imploy your selues for some conuenient space on the Lords days in that singular help which the Lord hath prouided for you by the paines of Master Iohn Brinsley in his second part of the True Watch containing The perfect Rule and Summe of Prayer whereunto I referre you for this your fourth request Yet I will giue you a forme of prayer for solitarie vse vpon the Lords day morning I meane for each one by himselfe apart For although it bee a Christians part both to pray solitarilie euery worke day and also to ioyn with the whole familie in priuate prayer on the Lords day and the same more largely and oftner then on other daies yet there seemeth to bee speciall reason and need for euery particular person to call vpon God by himselfe alone for preparation towards the beginning of the Lords day Because I. God must be intreated by al manner praier and means possible to inable vs vnto the duties of this day Reasons for solitary or secret prayer in the entrance of the Lords day II. This solitary praying will occasion and further vs to seeke our neerer reconciliation with God which as at al other times so cheefly on that day we must giue greatest diligence to be sure of III. It is a speciall meane to make vs the more carefull both to bestow the more time and labour vpon Gods seruice and to profit the better thereby on that day IV. Euery one knoweth best his owne particular corruptions and wants in former abuse of the Sabbath whereof hee ought to begge forgiuenesse at Gods hands in secret and to seeke his owne particular healing and comfort V. Lastly consider I pray you how you know that your heart is sincere and earnest in seeking the Lord on his day and what sound comfort you can haue in your selfe against the accusation of hypocrisie or of vaine glory when Satan shall by anie meanes charge you therewith if you be cold in your secret and solitarie prayers on that day and specially if you neglect them thereon altogether Furthermore remember that the Sabbath is the Bond of all Religion for which cause the Lord doth often stile * Esai 56.2 Lam. 1.7 Ezek. 20.11 c. his whole Religion by the name of the Sabbath and that therefore it is your part being a Christian Housholder as to haue a care of your selfe and of all your people for resorting vnto the publike worship of God with firme constancie and there to continue with reuerence from the beginning to the end of the whole so to call your selfe to a secret reckoning with God for your profiting that day and your people all togither before you inquiring of them one by one what they haue gained by ech Sermon and to teach them diligently labouring to haue conscience put vpon them by the Lord and to the same ends imploying your selfe and them more that day than any other in praiers and thanksgiuings singing of Psalmes and vse of the word in publike and priuate and * Psal 93. 107. throughout but specially v. 42 43. in a wise and holy obseruation and application of the workes of God For whosoeuer you be vnlesse you make conscience of all these things how can you expect Gods blessing vpon any publike exercise though neuer so holy in it selfe which you shall haue to doe withall on that day Therefore if you iudge this forme following fit for your estate vse it ech one seuerally by himselfe during your present ignorance and weaknesse A Forme of Prayer for the Sabbath day morning or the euening before to be vsed of a weake Christian by himselfe alone tending to his better preparation for the duties of the Sabbath A forme of solitarie prayer for the beginning of the Lords day a a Psal 21.1 VNto thée O Lord doe I lift vp my soule and
THE COVNTRY-MAN WITH HIS HOVSHOLD Being A familiar Conference concerning Faith towards God and Good Workes before Men fitted for the capacitie of the meanest By R. S. Preacher of the word at ARLEY See the Contents more particularly before the Booke IOSVA 24.13 But as for me and my house we will serue the Lord. 1 PET. 2.17 Feare God NEHEM 1.11 Desire to feare him Imprinted at London by Edward Griffin for Ionah Man at the Talbot in Pater-noster Row 1620. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR WALTER ASTON KNIGHT OF THE BATHE BARONET AT THIS PRESENT LORD AMBASSADOR FOR HIS MAIESTIE TO THE KING OF SPAINE AND TO THE LADY GERTRVDE HIS MOST VERTVOVS AND BELOVED WIFE R. S. CONSECRATETH THESE HIS MEDITATIONS TOGITHER WITH HIS BEST WISHES AND SERVICES An Admonition to the Reader I Presume thou knowest very well good Reader that as the gifts of Teachers in deliuering are diuers so are those of the Hearers for conceiuing and profiting For which cause the Christian Scribe must as the great Diuinitie-Reader teacheth a Mat. 13.52 bring forth out of his treasure things both new and olde that is as I vnderstand it fit his setting forth of sauing truth after sundry good sorts to the estate and capacitie of the Learners b Phil. 3.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. minimè lubricum and for them it is safe to write the same things vnto them Thinke me not then to tautologize ouermuch in this Booke neither yet blame me for lacke of exact method therein For besides that a familiar Conference especially of the Country-man with his Houshold for whose sake chiefly I publish these my country-meditations is not so absolutely freed from the one nor so strictly tyed to the other note I pray thee that my studie and endeuour herein hath beene purposely to convey the truth to the more ignorant and ruder sort in such forme and so many words as I supposed them able to receiue it c Esai 28.9 10 11. 1 Cor. 3.1 2. 9.22 Heb. 5.11 12 13. and if they should not rightly conceiue and lay hold on the truth in one place speech or passage of the Booke yet in another they might attaine to it if it shall please the Lord. To which end I haue retained chiefly in the weightiest principles some common phrases and kindes of speech vsed in Catechismes because I take them to be plainest more generally knowne Namely I haue here and there vsed some answers out of Master William Perkins of worthy memorie his Catechisme And in some three or foure places also I haue imitated others a litle in some respects The reasons against Transubstantiation and many of those Questions and Answers about fit and worthy Receiuers and some few about Receiuing worthily are the labours of that judicious man and mine especiall frend Mr A. N. All the rest so far as I remember * Neither yet hath my paines beene the lesser in those few things that I haue taken from others as the discreet Reader may easily perceiue by my manner of vsing them are my poore indeuours togither with the frame of the whole so shaped as I thought fittest for my purpose Indeed when I began with this Worke I intended onely some briefer thing as a short Catechisme but afterwards partly considering the great and manifold necessities of the ignorant and partly following the aduise of diuers godly persons whom I consulted withall I haue inlarged my selfe to so many matters as you may see The doctrine and substance I assure my selfe is sound and I am priuie proceedeth from a heart that is willing to promote the common saluation d vers 3. as Iude calleth it Let it not want therefore judicious Reader thy Christian good word at least let it be free from thy blame though it may be there shall be found some shew of Reason for such censure considering not onely my defence premised but also the cause and honour of Him who is too often pierced through the sides of his poore seruants and fearing the offence of the weake who God knoweth are soone turned out of the way Albeit I take it had bin no great difficultie for me to haue made it both shorter and more methodicall saue that if I do not mistake I iudge this often repeating the surest or likeliest way to effect my intent and desire And if God shall moue any few of those Housholders hearts who haue hitherto vsed litle or no meanes in this behalfe to vse this so that it be with conscience I haue inough And why should they alwayes e Psal 2.3 breake Christs bands asunder and cast away his cords from them Now the Lord of his deere mercy conueyed vnto vs by the blood of of his onely Sonne by his all-working Spirit blesse my simple labour thy fauourable allowance and euery ones Christian vse of it vnto his owne praise in the building of his Church Amen Thine in the Lord R. S. The Table of the Contents THE drift of the Author in this Booke and concerning the instructing and reforming of the Country-mans-houshould in generall and particularly some directions and formes of teaching Children so soone as they can speake and such as hauing spent a great part of their time in ignorance carelesness can repeat some things as the Creed the Lords Prayer c. but yet vnderstand little or nothing thereof and therfore cannot put what they say to any good vse pag. 1. to 59. I The First part Concerning the Law of God contained in the tenne Commandements which are summarily expounded and the vses of the Law in generall briefly set downe pag. 59. to 79. II The second part Concerning the Gospell where the Creed is explaned pag. 79. to 111. III The third part concerning the Meanes of Grace in generall And first of the Word of God and of the Exercises thereof pag. 111. to 115. Secondly of Prayer Where 1 An Exposition of the Lords prayer pag. 115. to 126 2. Two formes of Prayer for the vse of the Country-mans-Household on worke-daies the one for the Morning the other for the Euening pag. 126. to 148. 3. Two formes of Thanksgiuing the one before meat the other after meat pag. 148. to 149. 4. A forme of Prayer for one in priuate for preparation to the Sabbath pag. 150. to 161. 5. Certayne godly Hymnes or Psalms for priuate vse pag. 167. to 174. IIII The fourth part Of the Sacraments of the New Testament p. 174. to 178 1. Of Baptisme pag. 178. to 182. 2. Of the Lords Supper pag. 188. to 194 where of fit and worthy Receiuers c. p. 194. to 206. V The last Part where 1. Of the Practise of the Communion of Saints pag. 206. to 110. 2. Of the Effects of the foure meanes of Grace both in good and bad p. 209 to 211. 3. Of the consideration of Gods works pag. 211 to 212. 4. Of Christs Protecting of his Church pag. 212 to 213. 5. Of Christs Disposing of
haue deliuered vnto you But because l 1 Cor. 3.7 neither he that planteth is any thing nor he that watereth but God that giueth the increase therefore you must not presume vpon your own strength resolution and diligence in vsing this or any other Meane of Grace neither can you make a right conscience of your promise and dutie to bestow your carefull endeuour in following any good directions nor looke for any blessing of God at all vpon your paines vnlesse you shall make speciall prayer vnto him For which causes I haue framed you one short forme of prayer to be vsed by you during your infirmitie at such times as you shall set your selfe in any speciall manner to learne or teach by heart any part of the booke when you begin and I haue copied out on of S. Pauls prayers with some small addition thereto for the conclusion of your labour The former is placed in the forefront of the conference and the latter in the end of all Parent How much am I and such weaklings as I bound to praise God for your Loue and Paines who haue so carefully prouided fit helps for our guidance in our great weaknes m Heb. 6.1 that we may goe on to perfection if we be not very retchlesse Pastor Beware then you bee not retchlesse Remember Gods promise that n Luk. 11.9 10. if you will seeke you shall finde o Psal 145.18 and the Lord will be neere vnto you if you will call vpon him in truth yea p 2 Chron. 15.2 with you while you be with him q 2 Chr. 16.9 for the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalfe of them whose heart is perfect toward him Who euer sought the Lord in holinesse and failed of sauing grace or of any necessarie comfort or succor r Luk. 11.13 Who hath truly desired the Holy Spirit and our heauenly Father hath not giuen him Debate the matter with your selfe Hath God intrusted you with soules putting them vnder your hands Å¿ Gen. 33.5 35.2 yea and made you instruments to beget soules the noblest creatures in earth and will you be carelesse of their eternall saluation Hath God honoured you with them and will you not honour God by them Or will you seeme to teach them to honour God and will not your selfe honour God with and amongst them Do you looke that they should learne the word of God at your mouth and will you not guide them by your owne conuersation Will you not commend that vnto them by the liuely and constant practise of your example which they may imitate vnto eternall life What delight I pray you hath the Lord in you that content yourselues to receiue honour and obedience at your peoples hands and t Iohn 5.44 seeke not the honour that commeth from God onely And what u Mat. 16.26 can all your earthly meanes aduantage them when they want the true treasure For cast the eye of your minde vpon that base esteeme which the supreme God the Possessor of Heauen Earth hath of that Householder his people that are prophane and carelesse of true pietie and vpon that his most fearefull curse inflicted and to be inflicted on the impenitent and obdurate in their sinne though they seeme for the present to be in neuer so great safegard and flourishing prosperitie which curse they cannot any waies escape but by timely repentance and conuersion vnto God For as Zophar saith * Iob. 20 24 25 26 27 28 29. He shall flee from the yron weapon and the bowe of steele shall strike him through It is drawne and commeth out of the bodie yea the glistering sword commeth out of his gall terrours are vpon him All darknes shall be hid in his secret places * That is The vengeance of God is apt and prone to seize vpon him as vpon its proper and right subiect A metaphor taken from such matter as towe drystraw c. which being put into the fire neede no blowing as greene wood doth but taketh fire and flame straight-waies a fire not blowne shall consume him It shall goe ill with him that is left in his tabernacle The heauen shall reueale his iniquitie and the earth shall rise vp against him The increase of his house shall depart and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath This is the portion of a wicked man from God and the Heritage appointed vnto him by God Yea and though as Iob sheweth x Iob. 21.14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21. their seed seemeth to be established in their sight with them and their of spring before their eyes Their houses are safe from feare neither is the rod of God vpon them Their Bull gendreth and faileth not their Cow calueth and casteth not her calfe They send forth their litle ones like a flocke and their children dance They take the timbrell and harpe and rtioyce at the sound of the Organe They spend their dayes in wealth Yet in a moment goe downe to the graue Therefore they say vnto God Depart from vs for we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes What is the Almighty that we should serue him and what profit should we haue if we pray vnto him Lo their good is not in their hand The counsell of the wicked is far from me How oft is the candle of the wicked put out and how oft commeth their destruction vpon them God distributeth sorrowes in his anger They are as stubble before the winde and as chaffe that the storme carrieth away God layeth vp his iniquitie for his children he rewardeth him and he shall know it His eyes shall see his destruction and he shall drinke of the wrath of the Almighty What pleasure then hath he in his house after him when the number of his moneths is out of in the middest Wherefore it is your wisdome to forecast what sufficient answer you shall be able to make vnto the Great Iudge at that day when he will demand Giue an account of thy stewardship for thou maist be no longer steward Luk. 16.2 Parent But it is a lamentable thing to see how most folkes do reject all this counsell of God which you haue stood vpon as needlesse fantasticall new and vpstart Pastor The obiection or rather blasphemous slander that it is needlesse and fantasticall hath bin sufficiently confuted by the Holy Scriptures as you haue heard already The same we may say for their shamelesse censure that it is new and vpstart For besides that the Lord himselfe in his holy word doth call vpon vs to aske for the old wayes or pathes where is the good way and to walke therein assuring vs that we shall finde rest for our soules Ier. 6.16 the godly Fathers in all ages haue cryed vnto the people for the same thing And amongst those that haue laboured in the Church of God since Christ we may
read many worthy testimonies to this purpose of which I will onely acquaint you with the graue and memorable speech of Chrysostome in his second Sermon vpon IOHN * Chrysost in Joan. Hom. 2. Illud vos admonendos hortandosque censeo pernecessarium vt quo nunc estis animo perseueretis neque in hoc tantùm consessu sed domi quoque vir cum vxore pater cū filio invitem de his frequenter vltro citroque suam ferant inquirant sententiam velintque probatissimam hanc pulcherrimā inducere consuetudinem Nec mihi quispiam dicat pueros in his occupari non oportere Non enim tantùm opus est vt his vacent admonitionibus verùm etiam solis And afterwards Nonne irā Dei in vos meritò provocatis cùm caeteris rebus certo tempore diligenti curâ adhibitâ in diuinarum rerum dectrinâ pueros exerceri molestū intempestivūque ducitis Nō sic non sic inquā fratres dilectissimi Haec profecto atas his maximè admonitionibus indiget Tenera est citò qua ei instillantur imbibit audita accipit tanquā sigillo auditus cera hoc est puerorū animis impresso Praeterea vita cius in auditu est in ipsis ferè inanis vt vel ad virtutem vel ad vitiū facilè possit deflectere Si quis igitur eos ab ipsis incunabulis quaso vitiorum vestibulis ad viam virtulis abstraheret in habitu quodā natura rectè viuendi cos confirmaret neque sponte sua facilè in deteriora prolaberentur cùm ciusmodi à teneris ad virtutem eos alliceret c. I iudge it very necessarie saith he to admonish and exhort you that you would continue in the minde you are now in and not onely in this assembly but at home also you would oftentimes speake reason and inquire of these things too and fro one with another bringing in this most commendable and excellent custome the husband with the wife and the father with the childe And let none obiect to me that children ought not to be busied herein For they haue neede not onely to intend these admonitions but also to giue themselues to nothing else And afterwards Do you not deseruedly prouoke the wrath of God against your selues seeing you take certaine times and vse diligent care for other matters but count it troublesome and vnseasonable to exercise your children in the learning of Gods matters These things ought not to be so as you doe my most beloued brethren Verily this age of childhood standeth in greatest neede of these admonitions For it is tender and quickly sucketh in whatsoeuer is instilled into it and what it heareth it receiueth and like as waxe taketh the impression of a seale so childrens mindes doe in hearing Moreouer their manner of life consisteth much in hearing and they are of that qualitie for the most part that they may easily be bowed either to vertue or vice If any then would waine them from their cradles as it were from the entry of vices vnto the way of vertue he may settle them in a certaine habit and nature of liuing well from whence they shall not easily fal back of their owne accord vnto any very bad courses sithens by such vsage they are allured vnto vertue from their tender age And vpon Matthew in Sermon 5. he exhorteth Housholders to call to remembrance and to repeat Sermons newly heard vpon the weeke day with their familie at home before they do busie themselues with other matters Now then you must not be discouraged by any such reprochfull termes from seeking and setting forth the sweet y 2 Cor. 2.14 sauour of the knowledg of God in your place and calling for Satan is euer wont z 1 Thess 2.18 to labor the hindrance of Gods word by the a Iude ver 14 15 16 17 18. vngodly speeches of foolish and malitious persons as by all other meanes he can vse whom b 1 Pet. 5.9 Ephes 6.10 11 c. to 21. 2 Thess 3.1 2. 2 Cor. 2.11 you must resist by Faith Prayer Wisdome and Diligence in all holy meanes vnto the vttermost of your power and then surely the Lord will bruise him vnder your feete shortly Rom. 16.20 To conclude I require you c 2 Tim. 4.1 c. before God and the Lord Iesus Christ who shall iudge the quicke and dead at his appearing in his kingdom that you neither neglect the publike preaching of his word d Act. 17.11 nor the tryall of doctrine by the holy Scriptures nor yet the priuate reading of the same vnder pretence of vsing this or any other good Bookes whatsoeuer For the holy Bible is the Booke of Bookes whereof I would wish you to read one Chapter at the least euery worke-day morning and to cause your folkes euery one both great and small seuerally to render you a sentence thereof in the euening before you goe to prayers with them * For their rawnesse sake you may appoint ech of them by name some short and pithy sentence out of the Chapter as soone as you haue read it in the morning and wish them to thinke of it in the day time that so they may giue you an account of it the more easily in the euening remembring that they are e Psal 1.2 Deut. 5.32 33. blessed who exercise themselues in Gods Law both day and night to do thereafter And f Act. 20.32 I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you vp and to giue you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified g Philip. 1.9 10 11. And I pray God that your loue may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all iudgement that you may approue things that are excellent that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ being filled with the fruits of righteousnes which are by Iesus Christ vnto the glory and praise of God Parent Amen Pastor So I leaue you to your Booke h 2 Cor. 13.11 Farewell Parent i 2 Thess 3.16 The Lord be with you THE COVNTRY-MAN WITH HIS HOVSHOLD A Forme of Prayer before Conference Parent TEach vs O Lord by thy most holy Spirit we heartily pray thée that wée may know Thée thy Law thy Gospell our selues our sinnes and duties aright and that we may put all to good vse namely to the glory of thy blessed Name to the further humiliation sanctification and true comfort of our owne Soules and Bodies and to the edification and profit of our Neighbours through thy onely Son Christ Iesus our Lord and Sauiour Childe Amen Seruant Amen Scholler Amen ☞ THE FIRST PART Concerning the Law or Couenant of Workes Parent WHat is the voice of the Law or Couenant of workes Child a Rom. 10.5 with Mat. 19.16 17. Do this and thou shalt liue for euer Parent Which is
take this for a taste which if you will read and sing togither with all your Houshold but once on euerie worke day in the Euening you shall finde that those who can learne any thing shall before the yeare goe about performe it by heart of themselues although they bestow no other time vpon it A godly Hymne or Psalme collected out of the booke of DAVIDS Psalms and composed of choise verses which do breifely point at some of the cheifest Lessons of Faith towards God and of good Workes towards Men all for the most part in forme of prayer praise to God Fit for the more ignorant sort to sing at their ordinarie worke and at other times convenient to the glory of God and their owne edification Psal 92 vers 1 IT is a thing both good and meete to praise the Highest Lord And to thy name O thou most High to sing withone accord vers 2 To shew the kindnesse of the Lord betime ere day be light And eke declare his truth abroad when it doth draw to night Psal 55 vers 1 O God giue eare and do apply to heare me when I pray And when to thee I call and cry hide not thy face away Psal 39 vers 9 From all the sinnes that I haue done Lord quite me out of hand And make me not a scorne to fooles that nothing vnderstand Psal 143 vers 2 If thou O Lord do straitly marke our foule iniquitie O Lord who can before thee stand excused for to be Psal 130 vers 4 But mercy and compassion O Lord are still with thee That men may loue feare the name of thy great Maiestie Psal 111 vers 10 His feare true wisedome doth begin his lawes obserue do they That any vnderstanding haue his praise doth last for aie Psal 119 vers 133 Direct my footsteps by thy word that I thy will may know And neuer let iniquitie thy seruant ouerthrow vers 36 Incline my heart thy lawes to keepe and couenants to embrace And from all filthie auarice Lord shield me with thy grace vers 37 From vaine desires and worldly lusts turne backe mine eyes and sight Giue me the spirit of life and power to walke thy waies aright The second part Psal 133 vers 1 Behold how good a thing it is and pleasant for to see Brethren together fast to hold the bond of amitie Psal 41 Ver. 1 And he is blest that carefull is the needy to consider For in the season perillous the Lord will him deliuer Psal 94 Ver. 12 And Lord that man is happie sure whom thou dost keepe in awe And through correction dost procure to teach him in thy Lawe Psal 72 Ver. 4 Yet thou dost helpe the weake poore with aid and make them strong And eke destroy for euermore all those that doe them wrong Psal 116 Ver. 10 I did belieue therefore I spake yet I was troubled sore Psal 119 Ver. 94 But I am thine saue me my God for I haue sought thy lore Psal 43 Ver. 5 Why art thou then so sad my soule and fretst thus in my brest Still trust in God for him to praise I hold it euer best Psal 125 Ver. 4 Doe well O Lord vnto all those that vpright are in heart But those that vnto crooked waies shall choose to turne apart Vers 5 Them shall the Lord with workers lead of all iniquity But peace vpon his Israell for euermore shall be Psal 80 Vers 19 O Lord of Hostes through thy good grace conuert vs vnto thee Behold vs with a pleasant face and then full safe are wee Psal 57 Vers 13 Set forth and shew thy selfe O God aboue the heauens bright Extoll thy praise on earth abroad thy Maiestie and might Parent I pray you what Psalmes of Dauid do you iudge most edifying and comfortable for our ordinary vse Pastor Twelue select Psalmes Me thinketh the first the fourth the eight the twelfth the fifteenth the ninteenth the twenty fifth the thirty second the fiftie first the seuenty third the one hundred third and the hundred ninteenth are easiest and fittest for an ignorant familie For the which I referre you to your Psalme books specially I recommend the fifteenth Psalme vnto you wherein a true Christian is pithily and summarily described by his proper marks and fruits And if any of you can sing the tune of Psalme 136. and 148. you may sometimes vse the same fifteenth Psalme which I haue paraphrased in this forme following and fitted to be sung in that tune also by two the one making the question and the other answering An Hymne made vpon the fifteenth Psalme Psalme 15. in another tune in manner of a Dialogue and may be song by two the one representing IEHOVA and the other DAVID To the tune of Psalme 136. Dauid 1. IEhoua omnipotent shew forth what folke they are Shall soiourne in thy tent As Pilgrimes wont to fare The members here Of Church fighting but aye dwelling in heauens there Iehoua 2. The righteous soule he walkes vpright in constant wise Entire and Iustice workes his carefull exercise Likewise the truth in heart doth speake without deceit the simple sooth 3. This man maliciouslie depraueth not with tongue So neither frowardly his neighhour doth he wrong Ne knowes slandour nor yet doth broch a foule reproach ' gainst his neighbour 4. Each vile one is abhor'd in his vnpartiall eye Free fearers of the Lord he much doth magnifie And if he sweareth though hurt there-frō to him do come himselfe not spareth 5. On gaine his heart 's not bent as vsurers for vse Nor ' gainst the innocent reward at all doth chuse Dauid Good godly deede why then doth he Iehoua for charity and not for meede Dauid These marks Lord are they true Iehoua These markes be veritie Dauid O'rethrowne iust shall I rue Iehoua O'rethrowne iust shall not be Nor any ill to him whose way goes not astray from this my will Parent What ordinances hath the Lord appointed and left vnto his Church in his wisedome and mercy to further speciall prayer and thankesgining in more extraordinary occasions Pastor Fasting for Prayer feasting for thanksgiuing and Vowes for both Which learne in the larger Catechismes and specially in the booke intituled A Treatise of Christian Religion ☞ THE FOVRTH PART Concerning the Sacraments of the New testament The third outward mean of Grace first in generall Parent WHat are the Sacraments of the Testament Childe a Gen. 17.1 7 11. Rom. 4.11 1 Cor. 11.25 Publike and holy signes and Actions ordained by the Lord Iesus mystically setting forth and sealing the Couenant of Grace Seruant Hath God ordained the Sacraments to begin grace in any persons Scholler b Rom. 4.11 10.14 17. No but God by his spirit in Christ doth by the Sacraments confirme and strengthen grace where it is already begunne Seruant How then doe you esteeme the Sacraments in respect of Christs minde towards you Scholler c Acts 2.38 1 Cor. 11.24 25
26. Mat. 28.19 As the very pledges of his loue the assurances and instruments of his grace and honourable badges to professe his name by Seruant And how doe you esteeme them in respect of your mind towards Christ Scholler d Acts 8 36 37 39. 1 Cor. 10.16 17 As the testimonies of my Faith receiuing his grace the tokens of my thankefulnes and the very bands of my duety both to him and his Church Parent Who hath authoritie from the Lord to administer the Sacraments Child e 1 Chron. 13.10 11. 15.12 13. 2 ChroÌ„ 30.3 35.3 6. Iohn 4.1 2. Exod. 4.16 Mat. 28 18 19 They only who are sent to preach the Word Parent To whom do they of right belong to be receiued Childe f Act. 2 38 8.37 1. Cor. 12 13. To sound hearted Christians Parent What then haue the wicked to doe with them Child g Act. 2.38 1 Cor. 11.28 Nothing at all till they be purged from their sinnes by Faith and Repentance Seruant But what if they presume to receiue them without faith and repentance Scholler h Deut. 23 21 22. 1 Cor. 10.1 2 3 c. with Exo. 14.27 28 29. Eccl. 3.4 Mat. 7.7 to 13 Yet they shall reape no benefit by them but rather increase their sinne and condemnation Seruant And what if they shall neglect or contemne them Scholler i Gen. 17.14 Num. 9.13 Luk. 7.30 They are then speciall enemies of Gods glory and of their owne saluation cutting themselues off from Gods couenant and Church and so they incur Gods heauy wrath vnlesse they repent * Oh coÌ„sider that the Lord Iesus himselfe was baptized ate the Lords supper and commanded both Seruant How is that proued Scholler k Exod. 4.24 25 c. 1 Cor. 11.25 26 c. Séeing God hath sharply corrected his owne children sound hearted and otherwise godly with sickenesse and weakenesse yea euen with death for some negligence or irreuerence about the Sacraments much more fearefullie will he punish the wicked and vngodly for their grosse abusing or refusing of them Parent After what manner are the Sacraments to be celebrated Childe l Num. 9.3 4 5 12. 1 Cor. 11.23 As is prescribed in the word of God Parent How many Sacraments be there Child Two m 1 Cor. 12.13 Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord. Parent Of what parts do they consist Child n Heb. 6.2 1 Cor. 10.16.17 Both of outward and inward things Parent What are the outward things Child The earthly creatures and certaine actions of Minister the and Receiuers about the same Parent What are the inward things Childe Christ himselfe his spirituall graces and workes and certaine spirituall actions of the Receiuers Parent What then is the benefite which the Faithfull receiue by the Sacraments Child o Mat. 28.19 1 Corin. 1â— 20 c. 12.13 Gen. 17.7 8. Ephes 5.26 They are confirmed in the vnion that they haue with Christ yea and with God the Father and with with God the holy Ghost through Christ Of Baptisme in particular Parent What is Baptisme Child p Mat. 28.19 The Seale of our Entrance and first admission into the profession of Christianity Parent What is the outward thing in baptisme Childe q Math. 3.16 28.19 Washing or sprinkling with water Parent What spirituall thing is meant thereby Child r Eph. 5.25.26 1 Iohn 1.7 Apoc. 1.5 Heb. 9.14 Math. 3.11 The bloud of Iesus Christ our Sauiour shed for vs yea whole Christ himselfe purging our sinnes Parent What is the worke of the Minister and the right forme of Baptizing Childe First Å¿ Math. 28.19 1 Tim. 4.5 to open the couenant of grace Secondly t 1 Tim. 4.4 5. Acts 22.16 Luke 1.59 to sanctifie the water to this holy vse by praier and thankesgiuing Thirdly u Mat. 28.19 with the water to baptize * That is into the Communion into the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Ghost Parent What is the inward worke performed by Christ Child * 1 Cor. 1.13 14 15 16. 6.11 12.13 Mat. 3.11.12 Iohn 17.21 22 23 24 26. He putteth away my sins and giueth me a new life thereby making mee one with himselfe and with his Church vnto my certaine assurance of eternall life Parent How doth Baptisme represent the putting away of your sinnes by Christ Child x Act. 2.38 22.16 1 Ioh. 1 7. Rom. 6.6 Col. 2.11 12. Psal 32.5 Euen as the water sprinkled by the hand of the Minister washeth away the filth of my bodie so the bloud shedding of Iesus Christ layed hold vpon by the hand of faith cleanseth me from all my sinnes and that not onely by forgiuing mee both the guilt and punishment but also by mortifying sinne in me Parent How doth Baptisme represent the giuing of a new life vnto you by Christ Childe y Mat. 3.11 Mark 1.4 Acts 15.9 1 Pet. 3.21 22. Tit. 3.5 6. Euen as water maketh that faire which before was foule so the holy Ghost purifying my heart by Faith both iustifieth me before God in the imputation of Christs righteousnesse and sanctifieth me to lead a holy life who before was vnholy and vncleane Parent What is the outward worke of those that are to be baptized Childe z Math. 3.6 Act. 8 36 37 38. Confession of their sins of their faith and of their repentance and readily to receiue baptisme in forme aforesaid Parent And what is their inward action Child a Gal. 3.27 5.3 1 Pet. 3.21 22. To put on Christ by faith vnto newnesse of life Parent Why then should infants bee baptized which can doe none of these things Childe First b Gen. 17.7 Mark 10.14 Act 16.15 23 1 Cor. 7.14 because they belong to the Couenant of Gods grace and vnto his kingdome God himselfe saying I am God vnto thée and to thy séed after thee Secondly c Gen. 17.11.12 13 14. Exo. 12.48 Col 2.11 12.13 compared they haue as good right to Baptisme as the infants of the Iewes had to circumcision Parent What is the duety of children after baptisme Childe First d Heb. 8.11 Psal 110 27 33 to learn the waies of the Lord and to kéepe his statutes Secondly e Ephes 4.1 2 â— 4 5 6 Acts. 2.41 c. to kéepe a holy fellowship with Christ and his Church Parent When may you haue true comfort by your Baptisme Childe f Câ—â— 2.12 13. Tu. 3.5 2 Cor. 5.17 When I feele my selfe to be regenerate or sanctified Parent What May you feele your selfe to be regenerate Childe g Rom. 7.14.15 c. Ps 119.93 94. Yes verily if I be regenerate indeed Parent How may you know that you are regenerate indeed Child h Ephes 5.26 1 Pet 1.23 2.1 2. 2 Tim. 3.5 Psal 119.40 If I can find that the light and efficacie of Gods Word shining and burning in my hearts hath truely killed
the strength of sin and wrought the power of godlinesse in me Seruant I pray you declare more particularly when you can perceiue that Scholler First i Rom. 7.15 16. c. to the end Phil. 3.10 11 c. Psal 51. when I haue an vnfained hatred and striuing against all sinne but specially against mine owne corruption and contrariwise an earnest studie and delight to all vertue but speciallie to doe mine owne dutie Secondly k Psal 119.1 2 3 4 5 6. Deut. 10.12 13 16. Mat. 5.48 Col. 2.6 7. when I doe constantly labour both for sincerity and vprightnesse of heart in all duties which I vndertake and also for perfection to kéep all the Commandements of God vnto the vttermost Thirdly l 1 Cor. 6.19 20 10.31 Deut. 30.20 1 Thes 5.18 Col. 2.6 7. when I am moued with a holy zeale to doe all things to the glory of God for obedience to his supreame authoritie and in way of thankefulnesse vnto him for all his benefits but chiefelie for giuing me Iesus Christ and his gospell Fourthly and lastly m Psal 15.4 16.3 1 Pet. 1.22 23. 1 John 3.14 5.1 Ps 139.21 22. when I bear a singular loue towards godly persons because they are godly and contrariwise a holy hatred against the vngodlie because of their vngodlinesse * Parent But what if one shall alwaies continue vnregenerate for vnsanctified after his baptisme Childe n Deut. 10.16 Eccles 5.4 5. Ezek. 44.9 Ierem 9.26 Iohn 3.3 5 18 19 c. Rom. 2.28 29. That is a plaine token that such a one wanteth faith therefore is vnbaptized in heart whose damnation must néeds be the greater because he breaketh his vow made vnto God ☞ Of the Lords Supper in particular Parent WHat is the Lords Supper Child o Mat. 26.26 c. 1 Cor. 11.23 c. The seale of our spirituall nourishment and growth in Christianitie Parent What are the outward parts in the Lords Supper Childe p Mat. 26.26 27 c. Bread and Wine Parent What be the inward parts or graces Childe q Mat. 26.26 27 c. Iohn 6.35 51. The Body and Bloud of Christ yea whole Christ God and Man with all his merits Parent What is the worke of the Minister and the right forme of administring the Lords Supper Childe First r 1 Cor. 11.24.25 26. 1 Tim. 4.5 2 Chr. 30.16 17 21 22 c. Exod. 12.6 26 27. to consecrate the bread and wine to this holy vse by Praier and Thanksgiuing declaring the Institution and vsing them accordingly together with a cleere opening of the Couenant of Grace Secondly ſ 1 Cor. 10.16 11.24 Acts 2.42 to breake the bread and poure out the Wine Thirdly t 1 Cor. 11.23 24 25. to deliuer them to the people in Christs owne words or to that effect Parent Which are Christs owne words Child Of the Sacramentall bread Christ said u Math. 26.26 27 28. Mark 14.22 23 24. Luk. 22.17 19 20.1 Cor. 11.24 25. compared Take eat * That is an effectuall Sacrament of my bodie that shall be broken and of my blood which shall be shed this is my bodie which is broken for you do this in remembrance of me And of the sacramentall wine thus u Math. 26.26 27 28. Mark 14.22 23 24. Luk. 22.17 19 20. 1 Cor. 11.24 25. compared Take this diuide it among you for * That is an effectuall Sacrament of my bodie that shall be broken and of my blood which shall be shed this is my blood of the new Testament which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sinnes this do in remembrance of me Parent And what is the outward worke of the Receiuers Child ’ 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26 28. with 10.16 14.40 Reuerently decently to take with their hands the bread and wine so consecrated and deliuered and to eat and drinke them Parent Which are then the principall outward actions in the vse of the creatures when we celebrate the Lords Supper Child First the Ministers breaking of the bread and powring out of the wine Secondly the Ministers giuing and the Peoples taking of both the bread and wine into their hands Thirdly the eating of the bread the drinking of the wine by all the Receiuers Parent What grace of Christ is set forth by the Ministers breaking of the bread and powring out of the wine Child x Esai 53. Math. 26.37 38. 27.46 Luk. 22.44 Iob. 19.17 18 33 34. 20.25 27. 1 Cor. 5.7 The most gréeuous and vnspeakable torments that Iesus Christ suffered in soule and bodie for his elect yea euen vnto the death and specially the breaking of his bodie the shedding of his blood vpon the Crosse Parent What inward worke of Christ is sealed by the Ministers giuing and the peoples taking of both the bread and wine into their hands Child y John 6.27 29 35 47 c. Rom. 8.30 Eph. 3.17 c. with 1 Cor. 11.24 25. 1. Iob. 1.12 That Christ offereth to all but truly giueth himselfe and all his merits vnto euery one of them particularly that doe receiue him by the hand of faith Parent And what graces do the eating of the bread and the drinking of the wine assure vnto vs Child First z Math. 26.26 27. Ioh. 6.35 40 51 56. 1 Cor. 10.16 17. that Iesus Christ with all his benefits is become wholy the true beléeuers to the féeding vp of their soules in the Couenant of Grace Secondly a Iohn 17.21 22 23. 1 Cor. 10.16 17. that they are made one with him Thirdly b 1 Cor. 10.16 12.13 Ephes 4.15 16. that they shall increase and grow in the féeling and enioying of him and of his grace Parent What then is the cheifest inward action of the Receiuers Child c 1 Cor. 10.16 The Communion or partaking of the Bodie and Blood of Christ Parent How doe you communicate or partake the bodie and blood of Christ in the Lords Supper Child First d Act. 2.42 Rom. 4.11 with 1 Cor. 10.16 I féede spiritually by faith in my soule on Christ and his merits vnto a more comfortable assurance and féeling of the forgiuenesse of my sinnes and of my further iustification Secondly e 1 Cor. 12.13 with Ephes 5.26 27. Deut. 16.6 7 12 16 17. Exod. 13.8 9 10. 2 Chr. 30.19 Ezra 6.21 22. with Deut. 26.16 17. in remembring his Loue with thankfulnes I gather more and more strength to dye vnto my sinnes and to liue vnto God in new obedience whereunto by receiuing this Sacrament I do vow my selfe in my best endeuours Parent But what is represented by this that you receiue the same creatures in the Lords Supper which all other the faithfull doe throughout the whole world and that in the companie of the faithfull in the Congregation Child f 1 Cor. 10.16 17. The Communion mutuall loue and vnitie that I and
Christes righteousnes and pledges of his blisse Baptisme For why In Baptisme sure there is assured vnto thee Thy sinnes are washed by his blood and thou renew'd shalt bee And thou art entred once for all into the fellowship Of Father Sonne and Holy Ghost at no time thence to slip This holy Trinitie is thy God and thou his Child become His grace is thine thou not thine own through Christ these things are done And Faith is it that consecrates thee to the Lord alone Yea Faith I say in Christes death and Resurrection Therefore vnto the Lord see thou thy selfe do dedicate To dye to sinne and liue to him in state regenerate As water skowreth filth away so makes it faire and cleane Thinke not thy sin is washt when yet thou wicked dost remaine The Supper of the Lord. * So in the Supper of the Lord this gratious Couenant Is otherwise set forth to thee that art the Lords seruant The broken bread doth signifie Christs bodie put to death The powred wine his pretious blood doth note vnto thy Faith When Bread and Wine are ministred by Minister to thee Thinke with thy selfe Christ offereth himselfe and grace to mee And when thou eatst drinkst the same perswade thy selfe withall Christs Merits now belong to me to set me free from thrall Thy Baptisme once was ministred the Supper often ought The new birth needeth oft releefe though once t was truly wrought Wherefore as bread and wine do fresh our bodies oftentimes So comforts Christ the conscience with guilt of sinne that pines And as mans bodie gathers heart by bread and wine to liue So by this sacred food the Lord more spirituall strength will giue To doe his will with thankfulnesse more perfect for to be And better able sinne to leaue this is the veritie And finally as thou dost joyne and that in open place Amids Gods people that receiue before Christ Iesus face See then that peace and loue in thee vnfained be to Men And specially to faithfull folke else thou art none of them Stirre vp thy knowledge and thy faith repentance and thy loue Be zealous of this holy food vnworthy lest thou proue Examine well thy heart before to God thy prayer powre And look try how thou dost thriue in grace from that same howre * The fourth good Meane or Exercise that Christ bids thee to vse Is speciall fellowship with Saints the bad thou must refuse The Saints will teach comfort thee and many waies thee aide The bad will badly teach and will make thee of grace afraid * The fifth and last is noting well Gods creatures workes and hand His iudgements and his benefits God cause thee to vnderstand His patient long-sufferance and doings good alway Repentance and Obedience do teach thee euery day Fifthly Of the right vse of the Meanes of Grace and the Reward thereof DRaw neere to God with vpright heart and vse these meanes of grace Then Christ will be thy King Priest and Prophet in ech case Thy King to worke rule thy heart according to his will Most ready for to do thee good and saue thee from all ill Thy Priest for why he offred vp himselfe to death for thee And will apply his precious merits thy heart to purifie And of this thing thou maist be sure because he rose againe From death to life ascended vp and raigneth now in heauen And thence it is he worketh by his scepter and his rod Making his Meanes effectuall to bring thee vnto God And thence he is thy Prophet eke by Ministers that teach His holy word which thou must heare and diligently search Directing all thy wayes thereto with good and honest hart Christ wholly thine thou wholly his by true indeuour art Then God will surely saue thy soule for Christes sake his Sonne And prosper thee in all thy wayes what ere is said or done Hee 'l turne thy suffrings to the best and Satan eke confound His Promises he will fulfill if that thy heart be sound Beleeue then firmely in thy minde that God will count thee pure Full freely and full gratiously Christs Gospell is most sure Repent thee turne and grow in grace be thankfull and rejoyce In suffering with thy Sauiour obey his holy voice And keepe thy selfe within thy lot thy calling and degree Take paines be iust meeke mercifull and God will harke to thee And alwaies watch for Christ shall come to iudge both quicke and dead Thy Bodie shall be raisd from dust and to thy soule joyned Thy sinnes he will not mention the iust he will declare But iudge he will the Reprobate their sinnes he will not spare Their damned state thou shalt behold Christs sentence to commend Yet thou the joyes vnspeakable shalt haue without all end 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Forme of Prayer after Conference Parent WE Coloss 1.9 pray thée O God to fill vs with the knowledge of thy will in all wisedome and spirituall vnderstanding to giue vs grace to walks worthy of thée Lord vnto all pleasing being fruitfull in euery good worke and increasing in the knowledge of God to strengthen vs with all might according to thy glorious power vnto all patience and long-suffering with ioyfulnesse and to make vs truly thankfull vnto thée O Father who hast made vs méete to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light and for that thou hast and wouldst deliuer vs from the power of darknes and translate vs into the kingdome of thy deare Sonne in whom we haue redemption through his blood euen the forgiuenesse of our sinnes and Rom. 9.5 who is God ouer all blessed for euer Child Amen Seruant Amen Scholler Amen HEB. 6.1 Let vs goe on to perfection FINIS