all his works A. Yes O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Psal 104.24 Q. Do you believe that the God who made you doth uphold you by his good providence A. Yes it is he that hath made us and not we our selves which holdeth our soul in life Psal 100.3 Psal 66.9 Q. Do you then hold your life and being from him A. Yes in him we live and move and have our being Acts 17.28 Q. Hath not God a dominion over his own works and may do with them according to his will A. Yes his Dominion is an everlasting Dominion and his Kingdom is from generation to generation and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing and he doth according to his will in the army of Heaven and amongst the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him what dost thou Dan. 4.34 35. Q. And are not all Gods works and ways most holy and most wise A. Yes the Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works Psal 145.17 Q. Doth not God regard mean and low things as well as great things A. Yes are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father but the very hairs of your head are all numbred fear ye not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows Mat. 10.29 30 31. Q. Doth not God's providence appear in the care he taketh for the opperessed for the poor for the strangers faherless and widow and for the hungry A. Yes he executeth judement for the oppressed he giveth food to the hungry and provideth for the young raven he looseth the prisoners he raiseth them that are bowed down the Lord preserveth the strangers relieveth the fatherless and widow Psal 146 7 8 9. Job 38.41 Q If God govern the World why is it that good men are often suffering and bad men prospering A. The prosperity of fools destroyeth them and they are set in slippery places for they are brought into destruction as in a moment but the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished Psal 73.18 19 20. 2 Pet. 2.9 Q. Is there then a God who judgeth in the earth A. Yes verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth Psal 58.11 Sect. 5. Concerning the fall of man of Sin and of Gods willingness to save Sinners Q. DId man continue in that good estate in which he was created A. No God made man upright but they have sought out many inventions Eccl. 7.29 Q. How entred sin into the world A. By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin Rom. 5.12 Q. What is sin A. Sin is the transgression of the Law 1 Joh. 3.4 Q. What was the Law given to our first Parents in Paradise A. Of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it Gen. 2.17 Q. What was the threatning of that Law A. For in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye Gen. 2.17 Q. Did our first Parents break this Law A. Yes and the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise she took of the fruit thereof and did cat and gave also unto her husband with her and he did cat Gen. 3.6 Q. Was the punishment which that Law threatned inflicted upon the offender A. Yes by one mans offence death reigned by one and judgment came upon all men to condemnation Rom. 5.17 18. Q. And are all that descend from Adam by ordinary generation involved in that guilt and punishment A. Yes by one mans disobedience many were made sinners and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 5.19.12 Q. There is no man then without sin A. No if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves we make God a liar and the truth is not in us for there is not a just man upon earth that dooth good and sinneth not 1 Joh. 8.10 Eccl. 8.20 Q. Are all sins equally great A. No and he said unto me seest thou what they do even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here that I should go far on from my sanctuary but turn thee yet again and thou shalt see greater abominations Ezek. 8.6.13 Q. Doth God by his decrees necessitate and tempt man to sin A. No no let no man say when he is tempted he is tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Jam. 1.13 Q. Did God leave mankind in this lapsed stare without a remedy A. No God so loved the World that he gave his only begouen Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3.16 Q. Was this free gift bestowed upon all men A. Yes as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life Rom. 5.18 Q. God doth not then delight in the death of sinners A. No as I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live turn ye turn ye from your evil ways for why will ye die Ezek. 33.11 Q. And was it not for to save sinners that Christ came into the World A. Yes this is a faithfurl saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the World to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Q. What then is the reason that men continue in their sins A. They will not come to Christ that they might have life John 5.40 Q. Christ then is willing to save sinners and it is only mens unwillingness that is to blame A. Yes he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not 2 Pet. 3. Matt. 23.37 Q. Hath not God used all the methods of love to reclaim sinners that they perish not A. Yes what could have been done more to my Vineyard that I have not done in it Isa 5.4 Q. And is he not loath grieved and unwilling to give up with sinners A. Yes how shall I give thee up Ephraim how shall I deliver thee Israel how shall I make thee as Admah how shall I set thee as Zeboim mine heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together Hos 11.8 Sect. 6. Concerning Christ as Mediator between God and lapsed Man Q. DO you believe that God did send forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to
But must we not be sure to be at peace with God by doing his will since God heareth not sinners A. Yes can two walk together except they be agreed therefore wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings learn to do well elsâ— I will hide mine eyes from you yea when ye make many prayers I will not hear Amos 3.3 Isa 1.16 15. Q. Is repentance so necessary a duty that without it we certainly perish A Yes except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Turn ye turn ye why will ye die Luke 13.5 Q. Is this repentance any other thing but a turning from sin to God A. No repent and turn your selves from your idols and turn your faces from all your abominations and it is the design of the Gospel to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God that they may receive forgiveness of sins Ezek. 14.6 Acts 26.18 Q. But will God forgive men their iniquities if they forsake their sins and amend their lives A. Yes repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so iniquity shall not be your ruine When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed and doth that which is lawful and right he shall save his soul alive Ezek. 18.30 26. Q. Is it not our duty to repent of our sins although we had only some probability that God will forgive A. Yes repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee who can tell if God will turn and repent and turn away from his fierce anger that we perish not Act. 8.22 Jon. 3.9 Q. But have we any instance of God's with-holding of the threatned judgment upon repentance A. Yes and God saw their works that they turned from their evil way and God repented of the evil that he had said that he would do unto them and he did it not Jon. 3.10 Q. May men defer their repentance till death-bed A. No to day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth while the evil days come not Psal 95.7 8. Eccl. 12.1 Q. Is it not our duty to joyn fasting with prayer and repentance A. Yes therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning and rent your heart and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God Joel 2.12 13 Q. What is that fast that God calleth for and is acceptable to him A. Is not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him then shall thy light break forth as the morning and thine health shall spring forth speedily then shalt thou call and the Lord shall answer Isa 58 5.6 7 8. Q. Is not fasting very seasonable when we have any extraordinary thing to request from God A. Yes go gather together all the Jews that are present in Sushan and fast ye for me and neither eat nor drink three days night nor day I also and my maidens will fast likewise and so will I go in unto the King which is not according to the Law and if I perish I perish Esth 4.16 Q. Should we not avoid vain-glory in fasting A. Yes moreover when ye fast be not as the hypocrites of a sad countenance for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast But thou when thou fastest anoint thine head and wash thy feet that thou appear not unto men to fast but unto thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly Mat. 6.16 17 18. CHAP. II. Containing our Duty to our selves Sect. 1. Of those vertues which respect our souls where first of Humility as it is opposed to Pride and Vain-glory of Meekness and of consideration where an enquiry is made after the safe rule of trying our own state and condition Q. IS not humility a duty absolutely necessary to Christians A. Yes he hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 Q. Is it not a great sin to have an high and great opinion of our selves A. Yes every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord for he hates a proud look God resisteth the proud but giveth grace unto the humble Prov. 16.5 6.16 Jam. 4.7 Q. Is it not a very dangerous sin A. Yes the wicked through his pride doth persecute the poor and through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God Psal 10.2 4. Q. Is not pride the cause of anger and wrath A. Yes proud and haughty scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath Prov. 21.24 Q. Is it not also the cause of strife and contention A. Yes only by pride cometh contention Prov. 13.10 Q. And will this sin which is in it self so heinous and the root of all other vices go unpunished A. No pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord though hand joyn in hand he shall not be unpunished Prov. 16.18 5. Q. Is it not a great folly for a man to be proud of beauty strength or wit of riches honours or preferments or of any vertue or grace though of themselves desirable A. Yes I said unto the fools deal not foolishly and to the wicked lift not up the horn lift not up your horn on high speak not with a stiff neck for promotion cometh neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south but God is the Judg he putteth down one and setteth up another Man that is in honour and understandeth not is like the beasts that perish It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory therefore lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations there was given to me a thorn in the flesh the messenger of Satan to buffet me Be not wise in your own conceits Psal 75.4 5 6. 49.20 2 Cor. 12.7 Rom. 12.16 Q. Is it not a great sin to thirst after the praise and applause of men A. Yes let us not be desirous of vain-glory How can ye believe that receive honour one of another Joh. 5.44 Gal. 5.26 Q. Does not this destroy the fâ—uit of the best actiâ—â—â— A. Yes but all their works they do to be seen of men And when they give alms they sound the trumpet that they may have glory of men Mat. 23.5 6.2 Q. Is not vain-glory a very dangerous siâ— A. Yes nevertheless among the
his mercy to deliver their souls from death and to feed them in time of famine Psal 33.18 19. Q. Should we then give up our selves to idleness and expect to be fed by miracles A. Upon no means for the command is If any will not work neither shall he eat 2 Thes 3.10 Q. But what if our condition be such that we are not able to work may we then cast our burden upon God A. Yes cast all your care upon him for he careth for you 1 Pet. 5.7 Q. But if we use the means and yet cannot have whereupon to live may we in this case trust in God A. Yes when the poor and needy seek for water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will hear them I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water Isa 41.17 18. Q. Is it not then an extraordinary folly to distrust God A. Yes therefore I say unto you take no thought for your life what you shall eat or what you shall drink neither for your body what you shall put on behold the fowls of the air for they sow not neither do they reap nor gather into barns yet your heavenly Father feedeth them are ye not much better than they c. Mat. 6.25 26 Q. But I want grace and will God give me this if I ask it A. Yes if ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy spirit to them that ask him the Lord will give grace and glory and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Luke 11.13 Psal 74.11 Sect. 2. Of submission to God's will in respect of obedience of patience in suffering and of honour due to God in his house possessions his day and word Q. IS it not the duty of every man to give chearful obedience to the will of God A. Yes behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams therefore I will hear what God the Lord will speak and I will say the will of the Lord be done 1 Sam. 15.22 Psal 85.8 Acts 21.14 Q. What is that obedience that God requires of man A. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Miâ— 6.8 Q. Doth not God give up men to walk in their own counsel when they refuse to hearken to his will A. Yes but my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me so I gave them up unto their hearts lust and they walked in their own counsels Psal 81.11 12. Q. Is not a proud person very unfit to obey A. Yes the wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God Psal 10.4 Q. But may not men have high conceits of their obedience to God's will A. No when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17.10 Q. Is it not the duty of every Christian to be patient under affliction A. Yes take my brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience behold we count them happy which endure ye have heard of the patience of Job be also patient Jam. 5.10 11.8 Q. We should not then murmur or grudg at whatever he does A. No it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it 1 Sam. 3.18 Psal 39.9 Q. Is it not very unlike the act of a child to oppose his Fathers will A. Yes furthermore we have had Fathers of our flesh that corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and live Heb. 12.9 Q. Is it not sin that bringeth affliction upon people A. Yes fools because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted Psal 107.17 Q. God doth not then willingly send afflictions A. No he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men Lam. 3.13 Q. Is it not a mercy to many that they have been corrected A. Yes it was good for me that I have been afflicted before I was afflicted I went astray but now have I kept thy words Ps 119.71.67 Q. Should we not study fruitfulness under corrections A. Yes the Lord's voice cryeth unto the City and the man of wisdom shall see thy name hear ye the rod and who hath appointed it Mic. 6.9 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to honour God A. Yes a Son honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master if then I be a Father where is mine honour and if I be a Master where is my fear saith the Lord of Hosts unto you Mal. 1.6 Q. Should we not then have the highest and most excellent esteem of him in our hearts A. Yes O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth thy righteousness O God is very high who hast done great things O God who is like unto thee Psal 8.9.71.19 Q. And should we not so far honour his house as to set it a-part wholly for his use A. Yes and Jesus went up to Jerusalem and found in the Temple those that sold Oxen and Sheep and Doves and the Changers of money sitting and he said unto them take these things hence make not my Fathers house an house of merchandize Joh. 2.14 16. Q. Should we not also be glad when we have the opportunity of going thither A. Yes I was glad when they said unto me let us go unto the house of the Lord Psal 122.1 Q. But should we not be very careful over our hearts and all our senses when we go to the house of God A. Yes keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools Eccl. 5.1 Q. Is it not our duty also to have such a respect to his peculiar possessions which are set a-part for the maintenance of those that attend his service as not to turn it to any other use A. Yes will a man rob God yet he have robbed me yet ye say wherein have we robbed thee in Tithes and Offerings ye are cursed with a curse Mal. 3.8 9. Q. Is it not just and necessary that something be allotted for the support and maintenance of those that attend the service of God A. Yes the labourer is worthy of his reward and if we have sown unto you spiritual things is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things 1 Cor. 9.11 1 Tim. 5.18 Q. But should the Ministers of the Gospel have support and maintenance as well as those who did wait at the Altar were partakers with the Altar A. Yes Do
ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.13 14. Q. Is it not our duty to honour God in keeping holy his Sabbaths A. Yes keep the Sabbath-day to sanctifie it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee Deut. 5.12 Q. But must we abstain from all unnecessary works on the Sabbath-day A. Yes in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates Exod. 20.10 Q. Is it not a sin to be weary of the Sabbath A. Yes hear this ye who say when shall the Sabbath be gone that we may set forth wheat shall not the land tremble for this Amos 8.5 8. Q. Are there not special blessings promised to those that sanctifie the Sabbath A. Yes blessed is the man that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it and keepeth his hand from doing any evil even unto him will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters Isa 56.2 5. Q. But are we Christians obliged to keep one day of the seventh as well as the Jews were A. Yes think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Mat. 5.17 Q. And have we any reason for the change of the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first A. Yes and upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came together to break bread Paul preached unto them Acts 20.7 Q. Is it not our duty to express our reverence to God by honouring his word A. Yes in God I will praise his word in the Lord will I praise his word Psal 56.10 Q. Is preaching of the Word necessary A. Yes for Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10.17 Q. Should we not then be desirous to hear the Word preached A. Yes as new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 Q. Will the hearing of the Word do us any good if we be not doers of it A. No be ye doers of the Word not hearers only deceiving your own souls Jam. 1.22 Q. May any man preach the Gospel at his own pleasure A. No how can they preach except they be sent no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Rom. 10.15 Heb. 5.4 Q. Must we believe what every one that pretends to be a Preacher saith A. No believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the World 1 Joh. 4.1 Q. Is not the Scripture the rule by which their doctrine is to be tried A. Yes and the Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so Acts 17.11 Q. But should not obedience be given to those that have a lawful calling to the Office and who preach sound doctrine A. Yes obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you Heb. 13.17 Q. Should not such be also honoured and had in respect A. Yes let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and doctrine How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things 1 Tim. 5.17 Rom. 10.15 Sect. 3. Of the Sacraments of Baptisme and of the Lord's Supper Q. IS it not the duty of all that would be saved and have the remission of their sins to be baptized A. Yes then Peter said unto them repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins Acts 2.38 Q. What is Baptism A. A washing with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Q. Are we not by vertue of our Baptism engaged against sin and to walk in newness of life A. Yes know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life What shall we say then shall we continue in sin Rom. 6.3 4.1 Q. Can any thing hinder those who believe in Christ to be baptized A. No and Philip said if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest and he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and they went both into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him Acts 8.36 37 38. Q. Should the infants of Parents professing Faith in Christ be baptized A. Yes for the promise is to you and your children Acts 2.39 Q. Is it not the duty of every one that is baptized into Christ to walk as new creatures A. Yes for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 3.27 5.24 Q. Do not these men who walk in the lusts of the flesh and who walk not soberly righteously and godly blaspheme that holy name by which they are called A. Yes Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called Jam. 2.7 Q. Is it not the duty of every Christian to take the Sacrament of the Lords Supper A. Yes for I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my body which is broken for you this do in remembrance of me After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying this Cup is the new Testament in my blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11.23 24 25. Q. Have not believers a communion with Christ in the Sacrament A. Yes the cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the body of Christ 2 Cor. 10.26 Q. Are all those who eat the bread which signifieth the body of Christ as well obliged to take the cup which signifieth and represents the blood of Christ A. Yes and he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it unto them saying drink ye all of it Mat. 26.27
Q. Is it not very necessary for a man to examine himself well before he approach the Table of the Lord A. Yes let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup 1 Cor. 11.28 Q. Is it not a dangerous thing to eat and drink unworthily and irreverently A. Yes for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body 1 Cor. 11.29 Q. Must we not therefore purge our selves from sin and all uncleanness of flesh and spirit before we come to eat and drink A. Yes purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us 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 of truth 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Q. But must we let our soul be empty after it is thus purged from all manner of sins A. No as we must wash and make clean and put away the evil of our doings so we must learn to do well seek judgment relieve the oppressed judg the fatherless plead for the widow lest the unclean spirit return again and our last estate be worse than out first Isa 1.16 17. Luk. 11.26 Q. And will it not be dangerous to come to this feast if we want those spiritual graces which are the wedding-garment of the soul A. Yes and when the King came in to see the guests he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment and he said unto the servants bind him hand and foot and take him away and cast him into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matt. 22.11.13 Q. Should not that severe judgment make men afraid to approach without preparation A. Yes for who amongst us can dwell with everlasting burnings who amongst us can dwell with devouring sire Isa 33.14 Q. But is nâ—t life and happiness promised to the worthy Receivers A. Yes whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day for my flesh is meat indeed and my blood is drink indeed John 6.54 Sect. 4. Honour due to God's name Of Swearing Q. IS it not the duty of every man to honour the excellent name of the great and glorious God A. Yes O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth take not the name of God in vain Ps 8.1 Exod. 20.7 Q. Is not blasphemy or the speaking evil of God the highest degree of which is cursing a very heinous crime deserving the severest punishment A. Yes and he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord he shall surely be put to death and all the congregation shall certainly stone him Lev. 24.16 Q. Should not the Prefessors of the Gospel live up to the principles of their Religion that they may not give occasion to others to blaspheme the name of God A. Yes thou that sayest a man should not commit Adultery doest thou commit Adultery thou that makest thy boast of the Law through breaking of the Law dishonourest thou God for the name of God is blasphemed amongst the Gentiles through you Rom. 2.22 23 24. Q. Is it net the name of God only by which men ought to swear and that with reverence and fear A. Yes how shall I pardon thee for this thy children have forsaken me and swore by them that are no Gods Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and shalt swear by his name Jer. 5.7 Deut. 6.13 Q. When you swear to the truth of that you know is false or to the truth of that wherein you are doubtful do you not commit the sin of perjury which God hates and will punish A. Yes ye shall not swear by my name falsly neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God These are the things that ye shall do speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour and love no false oath for this is a thing that I do hate and the curse shall enter into the house of him that sweareth falsly by my name and it shall remain in the midst of his house and shall consume it Lev. 19.12 Zech. 8.17 5.4 Q. Must not an oath be taken in the plain and common sense of the words and doth not he who sweareth and hath no real purpose of making good his vow sin exceedingly A. Yes who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord he that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his soul to vanity nor sworn deceitfully When thou vowest a vow unto God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools pay that which thou hast vowed better is it that thou shouldst not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pay Ps 24.4 Eccl. 5.4 Q. Doth not an oath in any thing not sinful being taken oblige to performance A. Yes he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not shall never be moved Ps 15.4 Q. Is it not then a great sin to violate oaths and vows if lawful A. Yes Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant when lo he had given his hand and hath done all these things he shall not escape therefore thus saith the Lord God As I live surely mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath broken even it I will recompence upon his own head Ezek. 17.18 19. Q. Is it not a very great sin for men to make a vow to God in their trouble and when they are delivered to forget to pay it A. Yes when thou vowest a vow to God defer not to pay it for he hath no pleasure in fools Better is it that thou shouldst not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pay I will go into the house of God and pay my vows which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble Eccl. 5.4 5. Psal 66.13 14. Q. But does a vow upon the matter lawful cease to oblige to performance when the person himself is under subjection to another who protests against him when vowing A. Yes if a woman vow a vow unto the Lord and bind her self by a bond being in her Fathers house in her youth if her Father disallow her in the day that he heareth not any of her vows or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand and the Lord shall forgive her because her Father disallowed her Numb 30.3.5 Q. Since every oath we swear is the appealing to God to judg the truth of what we speak are not those vain and light oaths so usual in common discourse very sinful and a despising of God A. Yes I say unto you swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is God's throne nor by the Earth for it is his footstool therefore above all things my brethren swear not neither by
Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other oath Matt. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Q. Should not men then pray earnestly that God will enable them to overcome this wicked custom A. Set a watch O Lord over my mouth and keep the door of my lips Psal 141.3 Sect. 5. Of Worship due to God's Name of Repentance and of Fasting Q. IS it not the duty of every man to worship his Maker A. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture Psal 95.6 7. Q. Is religious worship to be given to God and to him alone A. Yes thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Mat. 4.10 Q. We must not then give this worship to any creature A. No and I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me see thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus worship God and let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels and change not the truth of God into a lie in worshipping and serving the creature Rev. 19.10 Col. 2.18 Rom. 1.25 Q. Is not the only way of coming to the Father by the Son and to ask in his name A. Yes Jesus saith unto him I am the way and the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name that will I do for he is our peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle-wall of partition between us and through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father Joh. 14.6.13 Eph. 2.14 18. Q. Are we not obliged to pray for all men A. Yes I exhort therefore that first of all prayers supplications intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Q. Must we pray for our enemies A. Yes but I say unto you love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despightfully use you Mat. 5.44 Q. Must we pray for the dead A. No while the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live but now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12.22 23. Q. Vpon the committing of sin is it not our duty to confess it if we would have the guilt removed A. Yes I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Psal 32.5 Q. Must we not also give thanks for the mercies we receive A. Yes what shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116.12 13. Q. But will God hear our prayers if we ask any thing that is lawful A. Yes and this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. But may we pray for wealth that we may live in riot and excess A. No ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts Jam. 4.3 Q. May we pray to gain the praise of devotion among men A. No and when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men Mat. 6.5 Q. Must we not take heed to what we say and not suffer our minds to wander A. Yes with their mouths they shew much love but their heart goeth after covetousness Ezek. 33.31 Q. Should we not be fervent and very zealous in prayer and not cold and faint A. Yes be fervent in spirit serving the Lord for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Jam. 5.16 Rom. 12.11 Q. May we expect the answer of that prayer that is not put up in Faith A. No ask in Faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed for let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord Jam. 1.6 7. Q. Will God hear prayers offered up from an impure heart A. No I will therefore that men pray every-where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting for if they regard iniquity in their heart the Lord will not hear their prayers the sacrifice of the wicked being an abomination to the Lord 1 Tim. 2.8 Psal 16.18 Prov 15.8 Q. But will a prayer from an humble pure and upright heart be heard in the day of trouble A. Yes the prayer of the upright is his delight Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will answer you He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their prayer and the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much Prov. 15.8 Psal 50.15 Psal 102.17 Jam. 5.16 Q. May we go to work in our own strength without looking to God for his help A. No we are not sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Q. But should we not then beg the aid of the spirit of God to assist us in prayer A. Yes he will give the holy spirit to them that ask it likewise the spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Luk. 11.15 Rom. 8.26 Q. May not these Families and Kingdoms that call not upon God be afraid of the divine wrath A. Yes pour out thy wrath upon the Heathen that have not known thee and upon the Kingdoms and Families that have not called upon thy name Psal 79.6 Jer. 10.25 Q. Is it not our duty to be present at the publick prayers of the Church A. Yes and my house is called the house of prayer therefore forsake not the assembling of your selves together as the manner of some is but let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience Mat. 21.12 Heb. 10.25 22. Q. Ought we not also to pray frequently in secret A. Yes when thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy door pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly Therefore pray always with all prayer and supplication of the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Mat. 6.6 Eph. 6.18 Q.
chief Rulers also many believed on him but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God Joh. 4.32 33. Q. Ought men to rejoyce in their bad actions because thâ—â— may be as frequently they are commended by men for such things A. No wo unto you when all men speak well of you for so did their Fathers to the false Prophets Luke 6.26 Q. Is not meekness which is a calmness and quietness of spirit a very honourable and commendable vertue A. Yes better is it to be of an humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud 〈…〉 that is slow to anger is better than the mighty 〈…〉 that ruleth his Spirit than he that taketh a City Prov. 16 19 32. Q. Is it not also a very advantagious vertue A. Yes blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth the meek will he guide in judgment Mat. 5.5 Q. Should not the noble pattern of Christ's meekness stir us up to the practice of this vertue A. Yes learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart Mat. 11.28 Q. Should not Christians bear reproaches patiently since the Lord of Glory suffered so meekly and unjustly from his own creatures A. Yes if when ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently this is acceptable with God for even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that we should follow his steps who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2.20 21 23. Q. Should we not then shun the company of an angry man A. Yes make no friendship with an angry man and with a luxurious man thou shalt not go lest thou learn his ways and get a snare to thy soul Prov. 22.24 25. Q. Is it not our duty to consider our ways and to take heed what we do A. Yes keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life put away from thee a froward mouth let thine eyes look straight before thee ponder the path of thy feet I said I will take heed to my ways that I sin not Prov. 4.23 24 25. Psal 39.1 Q. And should not every man examine his own estate that be may know whether he be in favour with God A. Yes examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. How shall I know whether I be in favour with God A. Little children let no man deceive you he that doth righteousness is righteous and he that committeth sin is of the Devil 1 Joh. 3.7 8. Q. Is this a certain and safe rule to try our state by A. Yes in this the children of God are manifest and the children of the Devil whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God 1 Joh. 3.10 Q. Since this is the rule by which God will judg us in the great day ought we not now to make this the rule of judging our selves A. Yes be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap for he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting Gal. 6.7 8. Q. What are the works of the flesh which will bring condemnation on men if they continue in them Q. The works of the flesh are manifest which are these adultery fornication uncleanness lasciviousness idolatry witchcraft hatred variance emulations wrath strife seditions heresies envyings murders drunkenness revellings and such like they who do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God Gal. 5.19 20 21. Q. What are the works of the spirit against the doers of which there is no Law A. The fruit of the spirit is love joy peace long-suffering gentleness goodness faith meekness temperance against such there is no Law Gal. 5.22 23. Q. And is it certain that the end of such men shall be peace A. Yes mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace Psal 37.37 Q. But will God punish sinners with everlasting torments if they turn from all the evil they have done and do that which is right A. No if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed and keep all my statutes and do that which is lawful and right he shall surely live he shall not die Ezek. 18.21 Q. And is this a good encouragement for sinners to forsake their wicked ways A. Yes if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 Joh. 1.9 Q. But if the righteous man forsake his righteousness and commit iniquity will his former righteousness save him A. No when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity and doth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doth shall he live all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned in his trespass that he hath trespassed and in his sin that he hath sinned in them shall he die Ezek. 18.24 Q. And should not this prevail with every man to stand fast and not to faint in well-doing A. Yes wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall for if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him 1 Cor. 10.12 Heb. 10.38 Sect. 2. Of Contentedness and the contraries to it viz. Murmuring Ambition Covetousness Envy and of Diligence with the danger of despising Grace Q. IS it not every man's duty to be well-pleased with thâ—t condition whatever it is that God hath placed him in A. Yes I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content I know both how to be abased and how to abound every-where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need Phil. 4.11 12. Q. Is not murmuring and discontentment a sin most hateful to God A. Yes do all things without murmuring that ye may be blameless and harmless neither murmur ye as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer but it is a joyful and pleasant thing to be thankful Phil. 2.14 1 Cor. 10.10 Q. Is not ambition which makes men always dislike their present condition a very odious and dangerous vice A. Yes and Human told his friends of the glory of his riches and the multitude of his children and how the King had advanced him above the Princes yet all this availeth me nothing so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King's gate Esth 5.11 13. Q. Is not covetousness a very great sin since it keeps from contentment A. Yes let your conversation be without covetousness and be
sin diminish a mans substance and help to impoverish men A. Yes for by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life for it is a fire that consumeth to destruction and will root out all a mans inheritance Prov. 6.26 Job 31.12 Q. Doth it not cast an everlasting stain upon a man's good name also A. Yes a wound and dishonour shall he get and his reproach shall not be wiped away Prov. 6.33 Q. Ought not this sin to be severely punished A. Yes 't is an heinous crime yea it is an iniquity to be punished by the Judges Deut. 22.22 Job 31.11 Q. However the committers of this wickedness may escape punishment from men yet will not God's judgments be poured out upon them A. Yes whoremongers and adulterers God will judg and if any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy Heb. 13.4 1 Cor. 3.17 Q. Is not this a sin which shuts out from the Kingdom of Heaven A. Yes and there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth be not therefore deceived neither fornicators nor adulterers nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind shall inherit the Kingdom of God Rev. 21.27 1 Cor. 6.9 Q. And should not this prevail with all men not to be partakers with these men in their sins A. Yes for this we know that no whoremonger nor unclean person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience be not ye therefore partakers with them Eph. 5.5 6 7. Q. Is not moderation and temperance in eating and drinking a commanded duty A. Yes hast thou found honey eat so much as is sufficient for thee lest thou be filled therewith and vomit it And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess Prov. 25.26 27. Eph. 5.18 Q. May not men lawfully pray for so much as sufficeth nature A. Yes two things have I required of thee deny me them not before I die give me neither poverty nor riches seed me with food convenient for me lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Prov. 30 7 8. Q. But is there not a special warning to abstain from excess in eating and drinking A. Yes take heed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be over-charged with surfeiting and drunkenness Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof Luke 21.34 Rom. 13.13 14. Q. Should we not then abstain from the company of such persons A. Yes be not amongst wine-bibbers amongst riotous eaters of flesh Prov. 23.20 Q. Do not these sins bring poverty upon men A. Yes for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty Prov. 23.21 Q. Doth not these sins bring diseases and calamities upon mens bodies also A. Yes who hath woe who hath sorrow who hath contentions who hath bablings who hath wounds without cause they that tarry long at the wine Prov. 23.29 30. Q. Doth not the Word of God tell us that drunkards are of the number of those that shall not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven A. Yes be not deceived for neither the covetous nor drunkards shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6.10 Q. Is it not a very great sin to make others drunk that they may sport with their ridiculous behaviour A. Yes wo unto him that giveth his neighbour drink that puttest thy bottel to him and makest him drunken also that thou mayest look on their nakedness Hab. 15. Q. Have they who are mighty to drink any reason to brag of this A. No wo unto them that are mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mingle strong drink Isa 5.22 Q. Are they not then very foolish who upon any pretence whatsoever do commit this sin A. Yes wine is a mocker strong drink is raging and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise Prov. 20.1 Sect. 4. Of Temperance in Sleep in Reereation and in Apparel Q. Is it not a very foolish thing to give our selves to immoderate sleep A. Yes go to the ant thou sluggard consider her ways and be wise How long wilt thou sleep when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep yet a little sleep a little slumber a little folding of the hands to sleep Prov. 6.6 10. Q. Is it not the high-way to bring poverty on men to spend their time in sleeping A. Yes love not sleep lest thou come to poverty open thine eyes and thou shalt be satisfied with bread but drowsiness shall cover a man with rags Prov. 20.13 23.21 Q. Should we not use lawful recreations with moderation and choose a seasonable time for them A. Yes to every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the Heaven a time to laugh and a time to dance he hath made every thing beautiful in his time Eccl. 3.1 4 11. Q. Doth not excess in recreations bring to poverty A. Yes he that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man Prov. 21.17 Q. Is not there a wo pronounced against those who use immoderate recreations A. Yes wo unto them that rise up early in the morning that they may follow strong drink that continue until night till wine inflame them and the harp and the viol the tabret and pipe and wine are in their feasts Isa 5.11 12. Q. And should we not be careful that our recreations have nothing of sin in them A. Yes let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness not in chambering and wantonness not in strife and envying Rom. 13.13 Q. Is not the reward of such who sport themselves with their own deceivings very sad A. Yes they shall receive the reward of unrighteousness as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day-time spots they are and blemishes sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you 2 Pet. 2 13. Q. Must not men give an account how they have spent their time in recreations A. Yes rejoyce O young man in thy youth and let thy heart chear thee in the days of thy youth and walk in the ways of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes but know thou for all these things God will bring thee into judgment Eccl. 11.9 Q. Is not temperance in apparel a commanded duty A. Yes I will therefore that women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefac'dness and sobriety not with broidered-hair or gold or pearls or costly array but which becometh women professing godliness with good works 1 Tim. 2.9 10. Q. Will not God punish their vanity who observe every phantastick light fashion A. Yes because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with stretched-out necks and wanton
the Holy Ghost the Holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the Forgiveness of sins the Resurrection of the Body and the Life everlasting Amen Private Devotions laid down in Scripture-Expressions A Prayer for Morning and Evening Our father which art in heaven who ruleth over all the kingdoms of the earth who searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts who art of purer eyes than to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity I which am but dust and ashes nor worthy of the least of all thy mercies being abominable and filthy and a transgressor from the womb do now come and kneel before thee O Lord my maker to offer to thee the Sacrifice of thanksgiving and to call upon thy name O let thy good spirit help my infirmities and make intercession for me for I know not what I should pray for as I ought I confess my transgressions unto thee O Lord I have sinned against heaven and before thee and am no more worthy to be called thy son iniquities so prevail against me that when I would do good evil is present with me O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death here mention thy most prevailing corruptions O my God I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee my God for my iniquities are increased over my head and my trespass is grown up unto the heavens But Lord to whom shall I go thou hast the words of eternal life thou hast no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live and thou hast said him that cometh to thee thou wilt in no wise cast out O stablish this word unto thy servant who is now devoted to thy fear Remember not the sins of my youth nor my transgressions for thy names sake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it is great order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me create in me a clean heart O Lord â—â—d renew a right spirit within me that I may no longer live the rest of my time in the flesh to the lusts thereof but as he that hath called me is holy so I may be holy in all manner of conversation denying ungodliness and wordly lusts and living soberly righteously and godly in this present world Into thine hand I commit my spirit and body O lord God of truth o let integrity and uprightness preserve me instruct me and teach me in the way wherein I should go guide me with thine eye this day Lord preserve my going out and my coming in establish thou the work of my hands set a watch before my mouth and keep the door of my lips encline not my heart to any evil thing to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity but give thy Angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways at night say let the Angel of the Lord encamp round about me that I be not afraid for the terror by night the Lord that keepeth Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth be my keeper In confidence of this I will both lay me down in peace and sleep for thou Lord only makest me dwell in safety Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee that thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all Nations add to the Church daily such as should be saved give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death that the Kingdoms of this World may become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ O continue thy loving kindness unto them that know thee and thy uprightness to the upright in heart Be a strength to the poor and a strength to the needy in his distress Abundantly bless our provision and satisfy our poor with bread make Wars to cease unto the end of the Earth break the bow and cut the spear in sunder let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end but establish the just and thou who hast commanded that supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority I beseech thee be a sun and shield to our dread Soveraign Lord King Charles O prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him prolong the King's life and his years as many generations that judgment may run down as waters and righteousness as a mighty stream do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion let our Priests lips always keep knowledg that the people may only seek the Law at their mouths and many may be turned away from iniquity O let the work of the Lord prosper in their hands be gracious to my brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh here thou mayest name particular persons and grant that all men do the will of their Father which is in Heaven And now what shall I render unto thee O Lord for all thy benefits towards me Thou art he that took me out of the womb and hitherto hast made me dwell in safety Many O Lord my God are the wonderful works which thou hast done for me I will sing unto thee O Lord as long as I live I will sing praise unto my God while I have my being Blessed be the Lord God who only doth wondrous things and blessed be his glorious name for ever and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen Our Father which art c. Another O Blessed and Glorious God who art exalted above all blessing and praise Thou even thou art Lord alone and there is no Saviour beside thee Lord what is man that thou takest knowledg of him or the son of man that thou makest account of him I confess I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee my God for my iniquities are encreased over my head and my trespass is grown up into the heavens I have sinned what shall I do unto thee O thou preserver of men here mention thy particular sins if thou Lord shouldest mark iniquities o Lord who shâ—ll stand but there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared O Remember not against me former iniquities let thy tender mercies speedily prevent me Help me o God of my salvation for the glory of thy name purge away my sins for thy names sake cast down every imagination that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ O grâ—nt that I may be renewed in the spirit of my mind that I put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness and that I no longer have any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness And now what shall I render unto thee O Lord for all thy benefits towards me because thou hast commanded thy loving kindness in the day time therefore this night is my prayer unto thee O God of my life Lord be my keeper and
I shall not be afraid for the terror by night in the night therefore is my prayer now unto thee O God of my life preserve my going out and my coming in and grant that I order my conversation aright I desire also to pray for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority O prolong the King's life and his years as many generations prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee O let the earth be full of the knowledg of the Lord let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end but establish the just Be gracious to my brethren according to the flesh do thou O Lord for them exceeding abundantly above all that they ask or think Now unto him that is able to keep me from falling and to present me faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy to the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen A Prayer for children being a Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer OUR Father which art in Heaven from whom every good gift and every perfect gift cometh in whom I live and move and have my being hallowed be thy name for all thy benefits towards me thou art he that took me out of the womb and hitherto hast made me dwell in safety thy mercies they are new every morning and daily thou loadeth me with benefits I will sing unto thee O Lord as long as I live I will sing praise to my God while I have my being Let thy Kingdom come O Lord that thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all Nations Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven O Lord shew me thy ways teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth and teach me to say not my will but thine be done Give me this day my daily bread feed me with food convenient for me and bless my provision help me to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and I know my heavenly Father shall add these other things he knoweth I have need of Forgive me my sins O Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World Remember not against me former iniquities purge away my sins for thy names sake O cleanse me from all filthiness of flesh and spirit let integrity and uprightness preserve me and grant that I may remember thee my Creator in the days of my youth Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil be a shield and buckler unto me this day preserve my going out and my coming in give thy Angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways this night the Lord that keepeth Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth be my keeper O hearken unto the voice of my cry my King and my God there is nothing too hard for thee for all that is in the Heaven and in the Eaath is thine thine O Lord is the greatness and glory and thou reignest over all In thine hand is majesty and might for thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever Amen Collects for several occasions very useful in Private Devotion comprehending the chief Heads of Prayer laid down in the language of the Holy Scripture Head I. Confession of Sin I Confess my transgressions unto thee O Lord I acknowledg my sin I am a transgressor from the womb Behold I was shâ—pen in iniquity and in sin did my Mother conceive me When I would do good evil is present with me O my God I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee my God for my iniquities are encreased over my head and my trespass is grown up unto the Heavens I have forsaken thee the fountain of living waters and hewed out cisterns broken cisterns that can hold no water Light is come into the world and I have loved darkness rather than light I have sinned what shall I do unto thee O thou preserver of men I acknowledg my transgressions and my sin is ever before me Father I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight and am no more worthy to be called thy son O Lord to me belongeth confusion of face because I have sinned against thee Head II. For Pardon of Sin HAve mercy upon me O God according to thy loving-kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin For thy names sake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it is great Remember not the sins of my youth nor my transgressions cleanse me from secret faults Heal me O God of my salvation for the glory of thy name and purge away my sins for thy names sake O remember not against me former iniquities enter not into judgment with thy servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gracious long-suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth O turn unto me and have mercy upon me O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and do defer not for thine own sake O my God Head III. Against the Power of Sin O Let not sin reign in my mortal body that I should obey it in the lusts thereof but grant that I may put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and that I put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ O keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me Head IV. For the Light of God's Countâ—nance GIve ear O Shepherd of Israel thou that dwellest between the Cherubims shine forth Turn me again O God and cause thy face to shine and I shall be saved make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit Hear me speedily O Lord my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit Quicken me O Lord for thy names sake and cause me to hear thy loving-kindness for thy loving-kindness is better than life O turn unto me and have mercy upon me shew me a token for good and cause thy face to shine upon me How long wilt thou forget me O Lord for ever How long wilt thou hide thy face from me Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me with-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me O Lord make thy face to shine upon thy servant and let the Lord be upon me Head V. For Grace and Spiritual good things SHew me thy ways O Lord teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth