wavering c. 4. As to our fervency in Prayer Jam. 5.16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Q. 6. Are these external rules and directions sufficient in themselves to enable us to pray acceptably A. In respect of external direction they are sufficient and we need no other outward rules than what the Scriptures furnish but besides that the internal helps and assistances of the Spirit are necessary to the offering up acceptable Prayer Rom. 8.26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us c. Q. 7. But doth the Scripture only furnish us with general rules of direction for Prayer A. No it furnishes us also with an excellent pattern and example of Prayer composed by Christ for our direction Mattâ— 6.9 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art iâ— heaven c. Q. 8. Are Christians tyed by a necessity to use that form of words or was it only intended for a directory to them A. That form of words may be lawfully used but it 's plain its intention was to regulate our Petitions by it and thereforâ— they that use it in spells and charms as the Papists or thoâ— that think nothing is Prayer but that form of words 〈◊〉 Christs intention in it Q. 9. How doth it appear it was not Christs intention strictly 〈◊〉 â—ind us to that very form of words in our Prayers A. Divines give us these reasons against it 1. Because thiâ— Prayer is set down diversly by the Evangelist Matth 6. 1â—â— 12. Thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heavenâ—â— And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors And Luke 11.3 4. Give us day by day our daily bread and forgive us 〈◊〉 sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us and lead 〈◊〉 not into temptation but deliver us from evil 2. Christ and 〈◊〉 Apostles did not alwayes use this form of words afterwards as appears by his Prayer at Lazarus his grave John 11. and that for his Apostles John 17. 3. Because these words Matth. 6.9 After this manner c. plainly shew its use wa◠〈◊〉 tended for a directory to us Q. 10 What 's the first Inference from hence A. Hence we learn the fulness and compleatness of the Scriâ—â—tures not only for the guiding and setling of our Faith in things that are to be believed but also of our whole practice in every Duty we are to perform Q. 11. What 's the second Inference hence A. Hence we are informed how necessary it is to acquaint our selves with the mind of God revealed in his Word that we may guide our selves in Prayer both for matter and manner thereby and not utter to God words without knowledge Q. 12. What 's the last Inference from hence A. That those who neglect all Prayer and those that satisfie themselves with a form of Prayer which they utter without knowledge or affection do greatly sin against God And that it is the duty of all Christians from a sense of their own sins wants and mercies to be often with God in prayer guiding themselves in that spiritual duty by such inward and outward helps as his word and spirit are able to furnish them with Of the Preface to the Lords Prayer Quest. 100. WHat doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer which is our Father which art in Heaven teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence as Children to a Father ready to help us and that we should pray with and for others Q. 1. What doth the word Father import in this Preface A. It imports the Spirit of Adoption to be the principle of all acceptable prayers Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath given forth the spirit of his son into our hearts crying Abba Father Q. 2. What 's the first benefit or heâ—p we have in Prayer from the Spirit of Adoption A. He excites our Spirits to seek God in prayer Psal. 27.8 when thou saidest seek ye my face my heart said unto thee thy face Lord will I seek Q. 3. What 's the second Assistance he gives us in prayer A. He indites and suggests sutable and acceptable matter to us in prayer Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us c. Q. 4. What 's the third Benefit we have by him in prayer A. He fills our Souls with spiritual and Holy affections in prayer and helps us to act his Graces in our Duties Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should ask as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession â—or us with groanings which cannot be uttered Q. 5. What else doth this word Father import A. It imports that Holy confidence which Believers may and ought to draw near to God with all as Children to a Father Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Q. 6. Doth it only Signify our relation and Confidence A. No it also signifies the reverential fear of God which ought at all times to be on our hearts especially in Prayer Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master If then I be a Father where is my honour and if I be a Master where is my fear Q. 7. What is further imported in this word Father A. It imports Gods willingness and readiness to grant the best Mercies to his people that seek them duly at his hand Matth. 7.11 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him Q. 8. Why is he here called our Father A. To signify to us that it is not only our duty to pray secretly by and for our selves but also with and for others Eph. 6.18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Q. Why is God said here to be in Heaven A. It is to note his Soveraign power and dominion over all as a ground-work of faith in prayer Q. 9.10 What else doth it import A. The great distance between God and us which should fill our hearts with an holy awe of him Eccles. 5.2 God is in Heaven and thou upon Earth therefore let thy words be few Q. 11. What 's the first Inference from hence A. It shews us what a sad case all those are in that have no special interest in God as a Father Q. 12. What 's the second Inference A. It shews us what a glorious Priviledge the Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased for and setled on his people Heb. 4.15 16. For we
and have worshipped and have sacrificed thereunto and said these be thy Gods O Israel which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt Deut. 4.15 16. Take ye therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire lest ye corrupt your selves and make you a graven image the similitude of any figure the likeness of male or female Q. 2. What is the second Sin forbidden in this Commandment A. The second Sin against this Commandment is Will-worship consisting in the addition of mans inventions to the Worship of God as a part thereof Matth. 15.9 But in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Col. 2.20 21 22 23. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world why as though living in the world are ye subject to ordinances Touch not taste not bandle not Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship and humility and neglecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh Q. 3. But if those additions be for the more decent worshipping of God is it not allowed by 1 Cor. 14.40 Let all things be done decently and in order A. No That Scripture commands that Gods Institutions be regularly and decently performed but not that we invent Ceremonies that are symbolical to make them more decent than Christ left them Q. 4. Why is the second Commandment left out in all the publick Offices of the Popish Church A. Because it expresly condemns their Idolatrous Images kneeling at the Sacrament Prayers to Saints and all their Superstitious Crosses Surplices Chrisme as sinful Q. 5. Do they not clear themseâ—ves from Idolatry by telling us they only worship God before or by them but not the Images themselves A. No they do not for the use of Images in Gods Worship is expresly condemned in this Commandment and if this would excuse the Papists it had also excused the Israelites in worshipping the Calâ— Exod. 32.4 And they said these 〈◊〉 thy Gods O Israel that brought thee up out of the land of Egypt Q. 6. What 's the first Reason annexed to the second Commandment A. The first Reason annexed is Gods Sovereignty I the Lord which shews that it belongs to God only to institute his own Worship and make it effectual and therefore to do that in his Worship which he never commanded is sinful and dangerous Ier. 7.31 And they have built the high places of Tophâ—t which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire which I commanded them not neither came it into my heart Q. 7. What 's the second Reason annexed to the second Commandment A. The second Reason is Gods Propriety in us he is our God and we belong to him and therefore to corrupt his Worship greatly aggravates our Sin Hos. 9.1 Rejoyce not O Israel for joy as other people for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God c. Q. 8. What 's the third Reason annexed to the second Commandment A. The jealousie of God over his Worship and Worshippers so that this sin of corrupting his Worship will dreadfully incense his wrath as it did Levit. 10.1 2. And Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron took either of them his censer and put fire thereon and offered strange fire before the Lord which he commanded them not And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they dyed before the Lord. Q. 9. What 's the first Instruction from the second Commandment A. That it is an hainous sin to neglect the Worship of God in that manner he hath appointed us to Worship him as in Prayer Ier. 10.25 Pour out thy fury upon the Heathen that know thee not and upon the families that call not on thy name Hearing the Word Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law even his prayer shall be abomination Q. 10. What 's the second Instruction from the second Commandment A. That those that suffer for endeavouring to preserve the purity of Gods Ordinances and non-conformity to the contrary injunctions of men have a good warrant to bear them out in all such Sufferings Deut. 4.2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you neither shall you diminish ought from it that ye may keep the Commandments of the Lord your God which I command you c. Q. 11. What 's the third Instruction from the second Commandment A. That it is highly sinful and dangerous to innovate and prescribe by Humane Authority such symbolical Rites in the Worship of God as he never appointed or allowed in his Word Matth. 15.9 But in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Q. 12. What 's the fourth Instruction hence A. Hence we learn how much Parents and Children are obliged to worship God constantly spirâ—tually and agreeably to his Will revealed in his Word otherwise the jealousie of God will visit them both in the way of Judgment For as Obedience entails a Blessing so Disobedience entails a Curse on Posterity Exod. 34 14. For thou shalt worship no other God for the Lord whose name is jealous is a jealous God Of the third Commandment Quest. 53. WHich is the third Commandment A. The third Commandment is Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain Quest. 54. What is required in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of Gods Names Titles Attributes Ordinances Word and Works Quest. 55. What is forbidden in the third Commandment A. The third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known Quest. 56. What is the Reason annexed to the third Commandment A. The Reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his Righteous Iudgment Q. 1. How doth this Commandment differ from the first and second A. The first hath respect to the object of Worship forbidding us to worship any other but God The second respects the means of Worship forbidding us to worship God by any other means than what he hath prescribed But the third respects the manner of his Worship â—orbidding all careless or profane use of his Name and commanding an holy reverence from us in all our solemn addresses to him or ordinary mention of his Name Maâ— 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master If I then be a father where is mine honour and if I be a master where is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Priests that despise my name And ye
am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls Q. 6. What are we to examine our selves about besides knowledge A. We are obliged to examine our selves about our Faith whether we have it in any saving degree 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your selves c. For without Faith we cannot please God Heb. 11.6 But without faith it is impossible to please God c. Nor enjoy Spiritual Communion with Christ Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love Q. 7. What other Grace must be examined and sought for A. We must examine our Love to Christ and all that are his because no gifts signifie any thing without Love 1 Cor. 13.2 And though I have the gift of prophesie and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have no charity I am nothing Q. 8. What else must worthy receivers examine themselves about A. The sincerity of their hearts evidenced by their Obedience without which they cannot worthily approach the Table 1 Cor. 5.8 Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth Q. 9. But if upon examination we are in doubts about our Faith and Sincerity must we forbear A. If our doubts arise from the weakness and not the total want of Grace such doubts should not hinder us Rom. 14.1 Him that is weak in the faith receive you c. Q. 10. What is the danger of coming to the Lords Table without these Graces A. The danger is exceeding great to Soul and Body 1. To the Soul 1 Cor. 11.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself c. And to the Body 1 Cor. 11.30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep Q. 11. What are the Duties of worthy receivers at the Lords Table A. Their Duties at the Table are to discern Christ by the eye of Faith under those signs of his Body and Blood 1 Cor. 11.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body On the discovery of him to mourn bitterly for sin Zech. 12.10 And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first-born And to excite all their Graces into vigorous acts for the applying Christ to themselves Cant. 4.16 Awake O north wind and come thou south blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out c. Q. 12. What is the Duty of worthy receivers after the Sacrament A. Their Duty is heartily to bless God for Christ and the benefits of his Blood Matth. 26.30 And when they had sung an hymn they went out into the mount of Olives To double their care and watchfulness against sin Ephes. 4.30 And grieve not the holy spirit whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption And to grow more fruitful in all spiritual obedience Col. 1.10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God Q. 13. What is the first Inference from hence A. That the abuse and profanation of this Ordinance either by coming to it for carnal ends or being forced upon it by fear of sufferings or approaching to it without due qualifications is a dreadful sin which God will terribly avenge Matth. 22.11 12 13. And when the king came in to see the guests he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment And he saith unto him friend how camest thou in hither not having on a wedding garment and he was speechless Then said the king unto the servants bind him hand and foot and take him away and cast him into outer darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Q. 14. What 's the second Inference from it A. That great and manifold are the blessings and advantages which Christians duly prepared may reap by this Ordinance Of Prayer Quest. 98. WHat is Prayer A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his Will in the name of Christ with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies Q. 1. Who is the proper and only object of Prayer A. God only is the proper object of Prayer it is a part of his Natural Worship therefore 't is peculiarly his Honour and Prerogative and none else can hear and answer them but God Psal. 65.2 O thou that bearest Prayer unto thee shall all flesh come Q. 2. Through whom or in whose name are our Prayers to be directed to God A. Our Prayers are to be directed to God only through Christ and his Name and not by the mediation of Angels or Saints Col. 2.18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels For the merit and satisfaction of Christ alone give success and acceptance to our Prayers Rev. 8.3 4. And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censer and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of the angels hand 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one mediatour between God and men the man Christ Iesus Q. 3. What 's the first property or quality of acceptable Prayer A. No Prayer can be acceptable to God except the matter of it be agreeable to his Will Iam. 4.3 Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts 1 Joh. 5.14 15. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he beareth us And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Q. 4. Is it enough to make Prayer acceptable that the matter is agreeable to Gods will A. No it is not for the manner as well as the matter must be so too Psal. 66.18 If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me Q. 5. What 's the first qualification of an acceptable Prayer respecting the manner of it A. That it be sincere and flowing from the heart of a regenerate person Prov. 15.29 The Lord is far from the wicked but he heareth the prayer of the righteous Jer. 29.13 And ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your hâ—art Q. 6. What 's the second qualification of Prayer respecting the manner A. It
Christian what condition God puts him into so that he may but be useful to Sanctifie and exalt the name of God therein Phil. 1.20 as always so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether it be by life or by death Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. That it 's an high and dreadful provocation of God to prophane and abuse his worship whereon his Name is called and wherein it is to be Sanctified Levit. 10.1 2 3. And Nadab and Abihu the Sons of Araon took either of them his Censer and put fire therein and put incense thereon and offered strange fire before the Lord which he commanded them not And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is it that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Of Gods Kingdom Quest. 102 WHat do we pray for in the Second petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace may he advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened Q. 1. What is the first Thing Signified by the Kingdom of God here A. The Gospel is here intended by the Kingdom of God Matth. 13.47 Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind Q. 2. What 's the thing Signified by the coming of this Kingdom of God A. It signifies the removal of all impediments that hinder its propagation in the world 2 Thess. 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Q. 3. Who and what hinders the propagation of it A. Antichrist that man of sin hinders it externally 2 Thess. 2.4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God The Devil and Mens Lusts internally 1 Thess. 2.18 Wherefore we would have come unto you even I Paul once and again but Satan hindered Luke 19.14 But his citizens hated him and sent a messenger after him saying We will not have this man to reign over us Q. 4. What then is the desire of all good men with respect to the coming of the Gospel-Kingdom A. That all Nations may be brought to Christ by the preaching of it and so Christs Kingdom be greatly exalted and enlarged Isa. 2.2 And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lords house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills and all nations shall flow unto it Q. 5. What 's the second thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. It signifies and intends the work of saving Grace wrought in Mens Souls Luke 17.21 Behold the kingdom of God is within you Q. 6. Why is this work of Grace called the Kingdom of God A. Because wherever saving Grace comes it subdues the Soul to Christs Sceptre 2 Cor. 10.5 Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Q. 7. Wherein consists the Kingdom of Grace A. It consists not in external Rites and Observances but in Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Q. 8. What do we ask of God in this Petition with respect to this Kingdom of Grace A. Herein we desire not only our own personal progressive Sanctification but the Sanctification of others all the World over Acts 26.29 And Paul said I would to God that not only thou but also all that hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am except these bonds Q. 9. What 's the third thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. By it is here meant the future state of Glory and Blessedness 1 Cor. 15.50 Now this I say brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God c. Q. 10. Why is the Heavenly state called the Kingdom of God A. This is called the Kingdom of God because in that state God reigns over his people gloriously there being no rebellion in them in the least degree Luke 20.36 For they are equal unto the angels and are the children of God being the children of the resurrection And they reign with Christ. Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne c. Q. 11. What do we desire in Prayer for the coming of this Kingdom A. We desire not only our preservation in our passage to that state of Glory 1 Pet. 5.10 But the God of all grace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Iesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you But the hastening of it to our selves and others Rev. 22.20 Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q 12. What 's the first Instruction hence A. That the Gospel is an invaluable Mercy as it is the instrument of bringing us into Christs Gracious and Glorious Kingdom Asts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me Q. 13. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That many men really hate and oppose the very thing they pray for Q. 14. What 's the last Instruction hence A. That how firmly soever Satans and Antichrists Kingdom seem to be founded in the World they must and shall fall before the dayly Prayers of the Saints Concerning the doing of Gods Will. Quest. 103. WHat do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third Petition which is Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his Will in all things as the Angels do in Heaven Q. 1. What Will of God is here intended A. Not the Will of his Decree for that is in himself alone 1 Cor. 2.11 The things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God Q. 2. What Will then is here meant A. The Will of his Providence may be here meant Psal. 125.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deep places And Psal. 119.89 For ever O Lord thy word is setled in heaven Ver. 91. They continue this day according to tâ—â—ne ordinances for all are thy servants Q 3. How are we to understand