the want of them or thâ— contrary to them shall make most for thâ— praise of his grace and for final and spiritual good 1 Iohn 5.14 Rom. 8.27 Q. For whom must we pray A. For a all men the dead b only exempted 4. For whom and such as have sinned againsâ— the Holy Ghost a 1 Tim. 2.1 1 Sam. 15.35 Ier. 28.6 Rom. 10.1 b Eccl. 9.6 Lukâ— 16 26. c 1 Iohn 5.16 The state of the dead is unalterable besides we have no example precept or promise of prayer made for the dead Q. In what manner must we pray unto God for these things A. To a right manner of praying three things are required 5. In what manner 1. It must proceed from the heart renued by the Spirit and assisted by the Holy Ghost in the very act of prayer Eph. 6.18 Iude v. 20. Gal. 4.6 with Rom. 8.15 26. 1. In the Spirit Spiritual prayer is not only opposed unto lip-lip-prayer as when the tongue is exercised without the heart and affection but also unto heartiest prayers of unregenerate persons a natural man cannot pray though he cry from the heart as they did Ion. 1.5 Hos 7.14 Psal 78.34 36. He must be a spiritual man that can pray aright and also he must be assisted in prayer by Gods Spirit else he will make unmeet requests and loose his prayers Iam. 5.15 16. Q. How shall I know when I pray in the Holy Ghost A. By three things 3 things in spiritual prayer First if the sense apprehension of spiritual wants and evils which destroy the work of grace and hinder Christs Kingdom in us do chiefly stirre us up to prayer That is prayer in the Holy Ghost there is a natural and there is a spiritual good and evill Psal 4.6 7 Q. How secondly may it be known A. By the kind of our importunity the desire is not filled nor the heart at rest unlesse God answer us with spirituall favours and mercies no not although all outward good things be granted The naturall man regards but little Gods wâ—â—l or his good will he is at rest with naturall good things natural good thingâ— fill a naturall desire c. Exod 33.1.2 15 17 with Exod 34.9 Psal 105.4 Q. How thirdly A. In spirituall prayer not only the witt tongue and memory and such like good parts of nature are exercised but the graces of the spirit as humility hope repentance faith c. This is prayer in the Spirit Psal 66.18 Iob 16.13 14 17. Job 22.27 28. 2 Chron â—0 6 7 10 12. Ezra 9.6 Psal 85. â—5 8. Neh. 1.5 6 7 8 11. Q. What second thing is required to a right manner of praying A. We must pray with feeling of our wants and earnestnesse to obtaine Sense of our wants and misery begets fervency We cannot be earnest for things which we find no need of 2. With fervency or thinke to be due to us Joâ— 3.8 Rom 8.26 Heb 5.7 Iam 5.16 Ier 29 13. Dan 9.3.8 18. Luke 18.1 5. Q. What third thing is required to a right manner of praying A. We must pray in faith that is in full assurance that the thing we aske is according to gods will 3. In Faith and that we shall obtaine our requests so far forth as is expedient and best for us We must not doubt of the things we aske whether we may pray for them or not nor yet of Gods hearing and answering us therein we pray for many things conditionally but not doubtfully c. Iam 1.6 7. Iohn 5.15 2 Cor 12.9 Q. What ground of assurance have we that we shall be heard A. Gods promise of giving such such things and of hearing us when we beg them in and through Christs mediation there is a twofold promise first God promiseth to give us his spirit to give an heart of flesh to give strength against temptations and troubles c. Secondly and he hath bid us call upon him for the same with promise to heare and answer us and this is the ground of our confidence Luke 11.9 13. Psal 50.51 Heb. 4.15 16. CAP. XLIII Of the parts of Prayer and of the Lords Prayer Q. WHat be the parts of Prayer A. Three First a particular confession and aggravation of our sins and misery before God 1. Confession or dâ—prication with grief and shame of heart and with a purpose to leave them Luke 18.13 Psal 51.3 4 5. Prov. â—8 13 Ez. 9.6 14. 1 Iohn 1.9 Psal 32.5 Luke 15.21 1 Tim. 21. Q What be the other two parts of Prayer A. 2. Petition a and supplication for good things to our selves or others 2. Petition Intercession 3. Thanksgiving and 3. Thanks-giving wherein b wee give God the glory of his own excellencies and of all the good done to us a 1 Tim. 2.1 Acts 12.5 Luke 23.42 b Hab. 1.12 13. Num 14.17 Mic. 7.18 Rev. 5.13 1 Chron. 29.11.14 Psal 103.1 2. Q. Doe all Gods Children call upon their Father in Heaven A. Yes as the Child will Crave and make his moane to his Parents so the Children of God be of a spiritual craving disposition whereby the soul hangethup on God to receive good things from him Prayerlesse people be dead and gracelesse people Gal. 4.6 Zach. 12.10 Psal 79.6 Iob 27.10 Q. When and how often must we pray A. We must pray continually that is constantly Morning and Evening and also upon special occasions 1 Thes 5.17 Luke 18.1 1 At set times Acts 3.1 Acts 10 2 9. Acts 16.13 16. Ps 92.1 2. And it is a good thing so to doe Psal 55.17 with Dan. 6.10 2 And upon special occasions Dan. 9.2 Acts 12.5 Luke 6.12 13. Q But does the Spirit of God come at and keep set houres of prayer Can prayer at set times be prayer in the spirit A. Yes for the spirit of Grace is continually abiding in us and with us and therefore the spirit of supplication also David and Daniel Peter and John did 〈◊〉 want the spirit of Prayer when they kept the houres of Prayer Q The Lords Prayer consisteth of a Preface and a Body of Petitions and there be six Petitions of the Lords prayer How be they divided A. In the first three we begge such things as doe most immediately concerne Gods glory In the three latter such as concerne our good Our Father Q. How is God our Father and why so called A. Because God is the Father of Christ and in Him ouâ— Father having begotten us by the word of truth and married us unto his own eternall deare sonne Eph. 1.3 5. Gal. 4 5. Iam. 1.18 Rom. 8.16 17. Ioh. 20.17 Math. 22.2 Cant 4.9 Eph 5.32 Q. What learne you from this that Christ teacheth us in prayer to call God Father A It teacheth us that in Prayer we must goe to God as to a Father we must consider God in our minds as a Fathâ—r to us in Christ Jesus Esay 63.15 16. Luke 15.18 Math 11.25 Iohn 17.25
in regard of the imperfection of both A. We must strive to encrease and grow in grace by a diligent and constant use of all those means which God hath set apart and sanctified to that end If we have a dimnesse in the eyes or a lamenesse we will try twenty waies to help it so c. and to this end only the wayes of God are available and must be used in their place one ordinance helps another 2 Pet. 2.18 Heb. 6.11 12. Luke 17.5 1 Thes 4.1 10. Prov. 1.24 Iob 17.9 He that hath cleane hands shall be stronger and stronger CAP. XLI Of the meanes of Working and encreasing faith 1. of Hearing the word of God THere is a threefold use and benefit of the means of grace viz. 1. To worke faith and conversion 2. To encrease graces begunne 3. To seale up the assurance of all to our hearts Q What be those means which God hath sanctified and set apart for the begeting encreasing of his saving graces in us A. Three First the exercise of the a word Read and Preached Secondly prayer b publick and private Thirdly and the use c of the Sacraments a Rom. 10.13.14 Act. 8.31 35. Act. 13.15.27 Act. 15.21 b Luk. 11.9 13. John 16.23 Act. 16.13 c Luk. 7.30 1 Cor. 10.16 1 Cor. 11.17 Mat. 3.6.7 Mark 1.4 1. Of hearing the word of God Q. How may I heare the word of God to my comfort and salvation A. Some things are required 1. Before we come to Heare 2. Some things in Hearing 3. And some things after we have Heard Q. What is required before we come A. Before I come I must set my heart and minde in frame by due preparation Exod. 19.10 11. 1 Sam. 6.20 Acts 10.33 Luc. 8.18 Q. VVherein Stands this preparation to right hearing Of preparation before Hearing or reading the word of God A. In three things First the heart must be emptied of all stumbling blocks of iniquity I must receave it in an honest heart that is with a teachable tractable heart resolving to practice whatsoever is taught me out of Gods word I must not set up any imaginations reasonings or purposes which may make me to be offended and stumble at the Word being disobedient but I must submit every opposite desire to the obedience of Jesus Christ Ezek. 14.7 Ezek. 33.32 Mat. 19.22 Ioh. 5.44 Ier. 4.3 Act. 10.33 Luk. 8.15 Rom 6.17 Iam. 1.21 1 Pet. 2.1 2 8. Lord here I am before thee as they clay fashion me to thine owne mind and will Q. Wherein secondy stands right preparation A. We must not come heavily and for formes sake but with an hungring and thirsting after the good knowledge of God desirous to grow by it in grace and goodnesse Esa 2.3 Luk. 1.53 1 Pet. 2.2 Iob. 23.12 Psal 19.10 11. Q. Wherein thirdly stands this preparation A. We must pray for the Spirit and blessing of God to accompany the outward Ordinances without which they are uneffectuall Many men know these directions but didst thou ever put them in practice Didst ever set thy selfe by hearing to get wisedome and be healed Prov. 20.12 Luk. 24 45. Esa 48.17 Psal 119.18 Q. 2. In hearing What must we doe A. The Word must be heard with reverence and attention and mingled with faith that is I must believe that it is true and true to me As if I heare a promise or a duty or a marke of grace I must take it to my selfe as true and good to me Heb 4 2.3 Luk. 4.20 Act. 13.46 Q. What help have you thus to prepare and dispose your heart A. I must consider that it is not the will a and word of man but of God by which also I shall be judged and therefore if I b resist it I stand not out against man but against God Untill I give Gods Word a divine authority over my heart I am but an hypocrite I can never believe c. a 1 Thes 1.4 5. with 1 Thes 2.13 b Zach. 7.12 Act. 7.51 2 Chr. 34.19 21. Ezra 9.4 This consideration would free the heart of impatiency and contempt of the Preacher of pride of our own hearts and other carnall affections which make the Word unfruitfull unto us Q 3. What must me doe after we have heard A. Two things First we must meditate and conferre of it and examine it as the Bereans did that so the rules of Gods Word may be rooted in our understanding memories and affections Acts 17.11 12. Luke 2.51 1 Cor 14.35 Q. What secondly A. We must be carefull to turne hearing into practice for not the hearer but the doer of the word is blessed Matth 7.24 26. Jam. 1.22 23.25 Psal 119.105 Prov. 9.21 22. Luke 11.28 CAP. XLII Of Prayer which is the second means of Grace PRayer is an excellent means to obtaine all good things spirituall and temporall at Gods hands Iam. 1.5 Luke 18.1 2. Q. What is Prayer What it is A. Prayer is a wrestling with God or a making known of our requests to God with supplications for good things according to his will and giving him the praise of all the good we have Gen 32.24 Hos 12.4 Phil 4.6 Neh 1.8 There be many things required to the making of an acceptable prayer to a right manner of calling upon God which shall be set down as followeth Q. To whom must we make our prayers A. Only to God in the name and mediation of Jesus Christ Christ bids us pray to our Father in heaven Col. 3.17 Eph. 3.12 14. 1 Tim. 2.5 Rev. 8.3 Q. What is it to pray in the name of Jesus Christ A. It is not only to say those words through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen 2. Through whom but it is by faith to plead the grace of the Covenant made with us in Christ to make him the great Master of Requests in Heaven it is an interposing and pleading of Christs merts with the Father to speed our desires Acts 4.29 30. Iohn 16.23 Heb 3.15 Q. Why must we call upon God alone and not upon any creature either Angels or Saints departed A. Because God alone searcheth all hearts knoweth all griefes hears all prayers and is alone able to satisfy our desires and supply our wants To pray to one doth suppose in him these two things 1 Omniscience that is knowledge of all hearts of all our wants desires and groanings 2. Omnipotence that is power in his own hands to help Catechismus Rom part 3. c. 6. and these are peculiar to God alone Psal 65.2 1 Kings 8.39 with 1 Kings 18.26 Acts 1.24 Esay 63.16 Psal 50.15 Q For what things must we pray A. Such things as stand with God Will and promise to grant Look what God promiseth us 3. Foâ— what and in what manneâ— he promiseth any thing the same things and in such manner must we beg them iâ— prayer some things God hath promiseâ— absolutely and some things with reservatioâ— to his Fatherly wisdome as the thingâ— themselves or
creature for religious use no testimony of reverence to be given to them of Will-worship of the parts of Gods worship and the right manner of performing the same Cap. 31. Of taking Gods name in vaine in or without an oath of conditions of a lawfull Vow and Oath Cap. 32. Of the Sabbath day the institution change and celebration the duties for sanctifying of the Rest Cap. 33. Duties of Parents and Children Cap. 34. Duties of Masters and Servants of rulers and Subjects Cap. 35. Duties of husband and Wife Cap. 36. Of Murther in the heart tongue gesture c. Cap. 37. Of Adultery in the heart tongue gesture c. Cap. 38. Of Theft Oppression Restitution Cap. 39 Of Truth Falshood in our words kinds of lying dissimulation of defending ones good name Cap. 40. Of concupiscence and first motions to evill how evill thoughts not consented unto be sinfull How it may be discovered whether evill thoughts doe arise from our owne corrupt hearts or from Satan Cap. 41. Of the meanes of working and increasing Grace How to hear the Word of God to our comfort and salvation Cap. 42. Of Prayer what it is to whom and for whom to be made Of Prayer in the Spirit and other conditions required in an acceptable prayer Cap. 43. Of the Lords Prayer of sanctifying Gods Name Cap. 44. Of Christs Spirituall Kingdome and doing Gods will Cap. 45. Of our daily bread what it is and how given Cap. 46. Of forgivenesse of sinnes what it is to whom granted signes that we forgive others Cap. 47. Of Temptations how God is said to lead into temptation of the right manner of giving praise to God Cp. 48. Of the right use abuse of the Lords Prayer of stinted Prayer of the Spirit of Prayer how to judge whether our Prayers be heard Cap. 49. Of the seales of the Covenant How the Spirit doth seale and witnesse with our spirits Of the nature Author and efficacy of the Sacraments in generall Cap. 50. Of Baptisme what it is to be baptized in the Name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Of Baptizing of Infants and the benefit of Baptisme to them Cap. 51 Of the Lords Supper Of Transubstantiation and the Reall Presence Of the sacrifice of the Masse and of the true use and end of the Lords Supper Cap. 52. Of right participation of the Lords Supper what we must doe before we come when we be there and after we have received how to find that we have received aright of receiving in a mixt cōgregation An Appendix 1. Vnfolding certaine termes used in sermons and English Bookes 2. Shewing the markes of Gods Children 3. Containing some generall Rules and Principles of Holy Life CAP. I. Of the state of Man by Creation and of the Covenant of Nature WHat should be the first and great care of every man in this World Ans To a know God betimes to serve him aright and to b provide for the eternall salvation of our poore soules a Eccl. 12.1 1 Chron 28.9 b Luc. 10.42 John 6.27 Esa 55.2 1 Tim. 6.18 19. Q. What is mans chiefest happinesse in this world A. It is to enjoy God by faith to walk with him to know our selves to be in his favour here and that we shall for ever live with him after death Without this we are as miserable as the Beasts Gen. 15. 1. Lam. 3.24 Eccl. 2.1 11 13. No earthly thing can make one happy Jer. 9.23 24. Eccl. 12.13 Math. 16 26. 1 Cor. 15.19 Eph. 2.12 Q. How shall a man attain to this true Happinesse A. Only by the Scriptures which are able to make us wise to Salvation Ioh. 5.39 46. Luke 16.29 31 Iohn 14.6 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. How are we assured that the Scripture is Gods-Word A. Not onely by the Testimony of the Church which cannot universally deceive but especially by the Testimony of the Spirit working strange and supernaturall effects in us by the Word giving us such joy contentment and satisfaction touching spirituall and eternall things by way of tast and feeling as is not possible for humane reason to doe Ioh. 4.42 Ioh. 6.68 69. 1 Thes 1.5 2 Pet. 1.18 21. 2. Cor. 4.6 Foure heads of Christian doctrine Q. What be those Parts or heads of Christian Doctrine delivered in Scripture the knowledge whereof maketh us happy A. There be foure generall heads of it 1. The Doctrine of mans creation and state of innocency 2ly Of the fall and misery of man 3ly Of mans deliverance and redemption by Jesus Christ and of the means to partake of Christ 4. How the redeemed ought to live These Truthes bring us to Humiliation Justification and Sanctification Act. 20.20 Q. God in the beginning created Adam and Eve in what state did he make them at first A. God made them upright after his own likenesse Of the state of Man by Creation i.e. in an holy and happy estate free from sin and misery Gen. 1.27 Col. 3.10 Eccles 7.29 Q. Wherein consisted the Image of God in which man was created A. It stood in two things First in that Dominion Honour and Excellency which Adam had over the creatures Gen. 1.26 Gen. 2.20 Gen. 9.6 This was externall Joh. 10.34 God is the great King and Lord of all things and all in Authority doe beare his Image 1 Cor. 11.7 Rom. 13.4 Q. Wherein chiefely did that Image of God consist A. In Holinesse and Righteousnesse wherein man was like unto God himselfe their whole soules and bodies being filled with the fulnesse of Grace Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 Q. If Adam had not sinned should he have died A. No For death came in by sinne as the wages of it Rom. 5.12 Gen. 2.17 Q. Also if he had continued upwright he should have been saved without the help of a Mediatour Of the first Covenant made with Adam A. It is true for so God Covenanted with him and in token thereof Gave him to eat of the tree of Life Gen. 2.9 16. Gen. 3.22 24. Rev. 2.7 Q. Declare more plainly the Covenant made with Adam before he fell A. It was a Covenant of Workes wherein life was promised upon condition of his continuing without sin in perfect obedience Rom. 10.5 Gal. 3.12 Rev. 22.14 Doe this and live Q. But could Adam at that time have been saved by his own inherent righteousnesse was he able to keepe that Covenant A. Yes For Adam was the Sonne of God perfect in holinesse righteousnesse and Heire of Heaven even as the holy Angels are Luk 3.38 Gen. 1.27 31. Adam had a whole will no ignorance no corruption to strive against the Spirit Q. Can any man since the fall be saved by that Covenant A. No Because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and therefore must look for salvation by another that is by Christ Jesus Rom. 3.22 23. Rom. 8.3 Heb. 8.8 Gal. 3.10 Q. Must any be judged that is stand or fall by that Covenant of Workes A. Yes all
and perseverance in grace 1. Sort are spirituall promises Q What promise of mercy hath God made to them that believe A. God hath said their sinnes and iniquities will I remember no more they are passed from death to life and shall not come into condemnation Heb. 10.17 Ioh. 5.24 Rom. 8.1 Act. 13.38 39. Mic 7.18 19 Exod. 34.6 7. Joh. 3.16 Q. Touching sanctification What promise hath God made in the Gospell A. God hath promised to teach us effectually to write his Law in our hearts to cause us to love him and not to depart from him God hath promised to work our works in us else this Covenant also would nor be sure to us Those are better promises then were in the first Covenant God doth not only keepe faith and covenant with us on his owne part but he doth also forgive our failings and unfaithfulnesse and causeth us to keep covenant with him Heb 8.10 11. Jer 32.38.40 Esa 26.12 Hos 2.19 Deut 30.6 Act 5.31 2 Tim 2.13 Rom 3.3 Q. Doe these promises belong to all degrees of believers A. Yes to the weake and to them that be cast downe as well as to them that be strong in saith and free from doubtings Mat 12.20 Mat 14.31 Q. Shew particularly what promises God hath made to the weake Christian to one that is a beginner A. First there is a promise of acceptance God will accept and cherish the ve ry first motions desires 1 To the weake and weakest performances of the honest heart Luk 15.20 2 Chron 9.1 Gen 22.16 with Heb 11.17 Esa 42.3 2 Chron. 19.3 particularly for prayer Esa 65.24 for almes 2 Cor. 8.12 Q What other promise is there for weake Christians A. Secondly there is a promise of perseverance 2 To the doubting their faith shall never finally faile but they are kept by the power of God unto salvation 1. Joh 3.9 Luk 22.32 Joh 10.28 29. 1 Pet 1.5 Zac 12.8 Esa 40.29 1 Thess 5.24 Jud v. 1. Q What promise is made to the doubting and distressed Christians disquieted about his spirituall estate A. God will heale the broken hearted beare their prayers and sustaine them with his grace The sanctifying spirit in thee is Gods witnesse that thou art his Esa 61.3 Esay 50.10 Jam 5.13 1 Cor 10.13 Ioh 13.15.16 Esa 57.16 20. Mat 5.4 Psal 51.8 Psal 77.3 Q What promise is there for them that be tempted by Satan 3. To the tempted A. Greater is he that is in us and with us than he that is against us and he will tread Satan under our feet 1 John 4.4 Rom 16.20 Re. 12.10 11 14 16. Mat. 16.18 2 Cor. 12.9 Iam. 4.7 8. Heb. 4.15.16 Q. What promise is there to a backslider that is returning 4. To the lapsâ—d A. God will heale their back-slidings and his anger shall be turned away from them Hos 14 1 4. Ier. 3.1 12. Ier. 31.18 20 22. Ezek 18.28 30. Luke 22.32 Esay 55.7 Q. What promises are made to them that long for grace and for the favour of God 5. To the hungry soule A. God will satisfie their desires and speake peace to their soules He will be found of them The spirit is compared to water 1. For its refreshing the weary 2. For its clensing of the filthy 3. For it fruitfulnesse making the barren to bring forth good fruit Mat. 5.6 Luke 11.13 Esay 44 3. 65.13 Prov. 2.25 Q. What temperall promises concerning this life hath God made to us in Christ Second sort of promises A. He will give us all needfull a blessings and turne b all hurtfull things â—â— our good a Mat. 6.26 32. Ps 84.11 Esay 43.2 Gen. 15.1 c Rom. 8.28 35 37 1 Cor 3.21 22. Q. What promises concerning the life to come hath God given us A. It is his good pleasure to give us his Kingdome Third sort of promises Luk. 12.32 Joh. 12.26 Joh. 17.24 All these things doth God promise with his Sonne saying Take him this I will doe for you I will forgive your sins and give you peace if any thirst I will fill him with good things c. And because all this shall be sure to you I will frame your hearts to love me I will be your teacher you shall be able to discern between pretious and vile when you fall I will not suffer you to fall away I will heare your prayers I will give you victory over Satan and after all I will bring you to glory This portion you shall have with my Christ Q. How doth God confirme all these promises to us In whom are they sure A. In Christ the foundation of the New Covenant to whom God hath sworne and will not repent 2 Cor. 1.20 Heb. 7.19 21 22. Heb. 6.13 17 18 19. Tit. 1.2 2 Tim. 1.1 CAP. X. Of Christ the Mediator of the New Testâ—ment and first of his wonderfull person God and man and the Benefits flowing from that personall union YOu have seen what God hath doâ— for us viz. given his Son offered hiâ— to sinners with rich and large promisâ— to them that recieve him The seconâ— party in the New Covenant is Christ thâ— Mediator The second party in the New Covenant Of this Mediator we are to consider two things 1. His person 2. Hâ— undertaking and office Q. All the promises of God have the Yea and Amen in Christ Who is Christ A. Jesus Christ is the a eternall Soâ— of God of the same b substance witâ— the Father God from everlasting c whâ— in the fulnesse of time tooke on him on nature d so that he is true God and truâ— man in one person a Mat. 16.16 b Heb 1.3 Joh. 1.1 3. Joh. 10.30 Rev. 1.8 Esa 9.6 Joh. 5.18 Phil. 2.6 c Gal. 4.4 â— d Rom. 1.3 Rom. 9.5 Col. 2.9 Maâ— 22.43 Q. What is necessary that Christ on peace-maker should be man A. Yes for three reasons First because he that redeemeth and they that be redeemed must be both of one kind and nature that so Gods Justice may accept him in our stead a right to redeeme therefore Angels that fell are not saved because he took not their nature Heb. 2.10.11 14 16. Ruth 4.4 6. 1 Cor. 15.20 21. Q. Why secondly A. That he might be put under the Law and die the which as God he could not doe He was to pay our debt and therefore to enter into our bonds Heb. 2.9 10 14. Rev. 1 5. 1 Pet. 2.24 Q. Why thirdly A. That he might be a mercifull and faithfull High Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Heb. 2.17 18. Heb. 4.15 Heb. 5.2 Our Saviour was taken from among men that he might have compassion them that be tempted and out of the way Q. Did Gods justice require him to death was it necessary that Christ should dye for us A. Yes Sin calls for death as for its wages and he that will redeem a sinner must dye for him He must
spiritual because set and taken out of the book if our hearts be affected with the matter Eccles 5.2 Job 22.27 28. Q. When is the Lords Prayer abused A. When people say it over without understanding and affection or else make vaine and needlesse repetitions of it both these are a taking of Gods name in vain 1 Cor. 14.15 Mat. 6.7 9. Our duty after Prayer Q. What is our duty after we have prayed A. 1. We must Practise what we pray for our actions must not crosse our prayers We must not pray and still rebell against God Hos 7.14 We must joyne our endeavours with our prayers Gen. 32.9 11 12. with Ps 13.30 2 Thes 2.2 with 2 Cor. 11.2 33. Q. What 2dly must we doe after we have prayed A. 2. When we have prayed we must observe how well our prayers have sped how God doth answer our requests Psal 85.8 Luke 18.5 There is expectation of answer from God to fulfill our desires if you knock at ones doore ye listen for an answer if you preferre a Petition you will look what answer is returned so c. Q. How shall I know whether my prayer be heard or not How shall I comfort my selfe in that case A. There be foure Rules First thinke not thy prayers denied though they be delayed God dealeth after diverse manners with his servants sometimes he answers presently Dan. 9.21 23. Esay 65.24 Sometimes he seemeth to stop his eare and to deny us for divers reasons as 1. Because he loves to hear the voyce of his children crying unto him 2. Perhaps thou art not ready for the blessing 3. Perhaps it is better thou shouldest want it 4. Perhaps thou takest a wrong course to obtaine it 5. Perhaps thou prescribest to God and God will give thee the blessing in a way more for his glory as Christ did John 11.3 6 15 40. Gen. 25.21 Q. What second rule have you A. If God give some better thing in stead of what we beg or strength to beare the want of our desires we must not take our selves to be denied 2 Cor. 12.9 Gen. 17.18 2 Sam. 12.23 25. Deut. 3.26 Psal 3. 4 5. Psal 138.3 Q. What third rule to judge of Gods acceptance of our prayers A. When after prayer we finde our hearts to be drawn to God and our spirits upheld to continue praying returning to that duty with fresh delight and hopes that is a signe we are heard It is a signe the begger fares well where he goeth often It is a good signe when we still goe to God as to our best friend Psal 116.1 2. 1 Sam. 1.18 28. Q. Particularly touching forgivenesse of sinnes how shall I know that my prayer is heard A. If I get a victory over my sin if the sense of Gods love doth work in me a love to God again and to the things of God that is a signe our prayer is heard Luke 8.46 47. Luke 7.47 Q But if we finde no token of Gods answering our prayers what is to be done A. We must search if there be any accursed thing that may hinder our prayers and also we must be humbled for our failings in the manner of our duty Josh 7.7 10 11. 1 Chron. 15.13 Iam. 4.3 Luke 9.54 CAP. XLIX Of the Seales of the Covenant Q. WEE have spoken of two means of working and encreasing faith viz. the Word and Prayer By what means is God wont to seale up to our hearts the assurance of our reconciliation with himselfe A. Two waies 1. Inwardly by the testimony of the Holy Ghost witnessing with our Spirits that we are Gods children Of the witnesse of the spirit 2. And outwardly by the Sacraments Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 1.32 Q. How doth the Spirit of God inwardly witnesse to a man his salvation A. Two waies first by imprinting holynesse and the stamp of grace on the heart thereby shewing us our right to the promises of life as the seale leaveth its impression on the wax so doth the Spirit And look where grace is printed there is the spirit that wrought it and we have that seale to shew for our salvation Gal. 5.18 22 23 25. Gal. 6.16 Rom. 8.13 2 Cor. 3.3 A seale makes things to be autehntick and warrantable Deeds and writings once sealed are good in Law and we may plead our right by the seale so c. Q. How secondly doth the Spirit witnesse with our Spirits A. By cheering strengthening clearing up the Conscience to see and acknowledge and to certifie our hearts of the truth of Grace so as to make us able to say I have true faith and true hatred of sinne c The spirit saith They that are called are certainly saved Now the conscience enlightened doth say 'T is so and so with me This is the answer of a good conscience the witnesse of two is true Gods Spirit and our spirits as conscience awakened can tell David thou hast done ill in the matter of Vriah so the conscience enlightened and cleared can tell Peter and make him say with confidence Lord thou knowest and I know that I love thee Iohn 21.17 Eph. 1.13 1 Pet. 3.21 1 Iohn 2.20 27. 1 Cor. 2.11 12. 1 Iohn 5.20 Q. But put case our conscience cry peace without any such impression character of grace on the heart What then A. Then it is a false cry it being but the single testimony of our owne deceived several from the true testimony of the Spirit of God which ever agreeth with the Scripture The Spirit of God doth not crosse the word it doth not blesse whom the word curseth nor curse whom the word blesseth and if our own hearts do so we know it to be a false testimony and a deceived spirit 1 Iohn 5.6 8. Psal 51.9 10. Q. Put case I finde some works of the sanctifying Spirit and yet feele unquietnesse in my owne conscience A If upon examination thou finde any sinne in thy soule pull it out and cast it from thee but if there be no sin that hinders thy peace then thy conscience ought to acquit thee Thou art in safety and in Gods favour by the spirit of sanctification whereby thou dost cleave to thy God amidst all fears and doubts Esay 50.10 Iob 27 1 4 6. Iob 13 15. Thus of the inward Testimony of the Holy Ghost followes the outward Q. How doth God seale up our Redemption to us outwardly A. By the Sacraments which to the worthy partakers are particular tokens and pledges of Gods favour good-will towards us in the death of his Son In the word God speaks generally but becomes home to each particular beleever in the Sacraments Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is a seale of the righteousnesse of faith What a Sacrament is or it is a token of the Covenant between God us Gen. 17.10 11. Rom. 4.11 A Sacrament hath two uses 1. Of a signe promisory to represent 2. Of a seale to exhibit and put us in possession of
the things granted by Gods Covenant Q. Must we be in Covenant with God before we can partake of the Sacraments A. Yes for else the outward signes doe not profit Abraham was first in Covenant with God and then he received the signe of Circumcision Even as we use first to agree upon the conditions before we seale and deliver the deeds Gen. 15.6 18. with Gen. 17 7 10 11. with Rom. 4.10 11. Acts 8.13 21 37. As in Covenant and Contract of Marriage there is first a consent of the parties and then the writings are sealed so it is in this covenant of Grace both we and our Children must be in Covenant with God before the Sacraments which are the seales of the Covenant can belong to us Some are in Covenant with God only by outward profession and such people receive the signe but not the thing signified as Acts 5.3 1 Cor. 10.3 5. 1 Cor. 11.27 Rom. 2 25. others are really in Covenant with the Lord they receive both the signe and the things thereby signified as Acts 2.41 1 Pet. 3.21 Our Children are taken into Gods Covenant and so have the signe of Baptisme Howbeit when they come to age they must performe the condition of their Fathers Faith else they forfeit all Q. The Sacraments of the Old Testament were two 1. Circumcision and 2. the Passeover of the New Testament be likewise two Sacraments Baptisme and the Lords Supper How do they differ the one from the other The New from the Old A. Not in substance for Christ is the substance and end of all Sacraments but only in the manner the Old did lead unto and fet forth Christs death which was to come the New doe set forth Christ already come 1 Cor. 10.3 4. 1 Cor. 5.7 Exod. 12.13 The parts of a Sacrament Q. How many parts be there in a Sacrament A. There be two parts in every Sacrament 1. Some outward bodily signe 2. And some spiritual benefit signifi'd thereby Q. What is the spiritual thing signified in every Sacramâ—nt A. Christ crucified or the doing away of sinnes in for the death of Christ it is not every grace represented by an outward signe that doth make a Sacrament but the benefit of Christs passion is that grace which is set forth in every Sacrament Col. 2.11 12. Marke 1.4 Matth. 26.28 1 Cor 10.16 1 Cor. 5.7 Q. What followes hereof A. Therefore those other five Sacraments of the Papists viz Confirmation Penance Orders Matrimony extreame unction are falsly called Sacraments of the New Testament as being neither ordained by Christ nor having such Sacramental signes and significations A Christian needs but two things to his being viz. a new birth and a growth in Christ both which are set forth in the other two Sacraments besides those five are not common to all Christians that be in Covenant with God nor yet peculiar to the Christian Churches Q. Who is the Author and ordainer of all Sacraments The Author A. Only the Lord God None but God can forgive sinnes bestow spiritual graces and therefore none but God can make signes and seals thereof As he alone can signe and seale a deed that hath the right to sell the land All signes and Sacraments of mans devising cannot teach or help devotion but only delude and breed superstition It is a foolish thing to make a significant signe of that which is not in our power to give Mat. 28.19 1 Cor. 11.23 Q. What is the efficacy of Sacraments Do they justifie the receiver or work in us that grace which they signify if the party him self do not hinder it by some grosse sin And Efficacy A. No Sacraments are signes of Gods grace and favour towards us but not the working causes thereof For then the signe should be before the thing whereof it is a signe which cannot be Sacraments serve as it were to put us in possession of the Covenant as a sealed deed formally delivered doth of an house or land that is sold Remission of sins and oher blessings of the Covenant are not in the Sacraments as Heat is in the fire or as a medicine in a box But as a Key given in token of possession or a deed whereby Men are enfeoft in any House or Land are in Law sure Pawnâ— of the things promised so are the holy signes given to the beleiver Remission of sins sanctification of our hearts is from God alone through the bloud of Jesus Christ yet for the applying thereof unto us there are diverse means established as 1. Baptisme Act 2.38 Mat 3.7 Mar 1.4 2ly The Eucharist Mat. 26.28 1 Cor. 10.16 3ly Preaching 2 Cor 5.19 4ly Prayer Act 8.22 Ja 5.15 5ly The power of the Keys Mat 18.18 Ioh 20.23 All these are Acts instituted by God SacrameÌ„ts are not physicall but moral instrumeÌ„ts by which God bestoweth what they represent the use of them is in our hands the effect ' in Gods for the use we have his Commandement for the effect his Conditional promise The Sacraments are not bare resemblances and memorials of things absent nor naked signes of Grace received before but means effectual whereby God delivereth into our hands the Grace signified by them Hoâ—ker Pol. l. 5. S. 57. executed by us for that purpose And therefore although the dead soul that hath no inward motion of faith to receive the benefit offered nor any disposition of heart answerable to the thing that is done outwardly these means availe nothing Gal. 5 6. Yet on Gods part offering and on mans part duely receiving and imbracing them the outward signe the spiritual benefit thereby signified doe ever goe together hence it is that in the Scripture that which is proper to the thing signified is sometimes ascribed to the signe as Acts 22.16 Arise and be Baptized washing away sinnes with 1 Cor 10.16 1 Cor 11. 24 25. The which is well expressed Art 25 of the Church of Eng. Gallica Confessio fidei Art 34.37 Harm of Confessions That the Sacraments be certain sure witnesses effectual signes of grace and Gods good will towards us in such only as worthily receive the same they have a wholsome effect By the Sacraments God doth quicken strengthen Confirme our faith ibid. CAP. L. Of Baptisme Q. WHat is Baptisme A. It is a Sacrament of our engrafture into Christ out of old Adam It is unto us an entrance into the Church witnessing unto us that whereas we were before strangers from God a God doth now receive us into his family people and we again b give up our selves together with our names unto God through Jesus Christ to walk in newnesse of life a 1 Cor 12.13 Gal. 3.27 Eph. 2.11 12 13 b Mat. 3.8 11. Rom. 6.3 4. Q What 's the owtward signe in Baptisme A. The dipping or sprinkling of water in the name of the Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 for dipping see Iohn 3. 23. Mat. 3 6