that the petitioner is or ought to bee One of his children else he beares false witnesse against God in calling Him Father Q. What may be learned from it A. First to whom we ought to direct all our prayers Ioh. 16.23 to the Father through the Sonne by the Spirit rightly acknowledging and endeauouring to apprehend the Trinitie of persons in the Vnitie of essence as the obiect to terminate our thoughts in prayer Secondly Gal. 4.5 that before we can pray to God wee must be endowed with the Spirit of adoption Matth. 7.11 whereby wee cry Abba Father Thirdly euer after we may be confident of a gracious answer Mal. 1.6 praying to a mercifull Father Fourthly that we be continually carefull to please him lest we be disinherited Q. Why is it said here Our Father A. Not that it is vnlawfull to pray in the singular number and say my Father but first because prayer presupposes loue extending it selfe to all Matth. 5.44 1 Tim. 2.1 Secondly Acts 2.44 to put vs in mind of that Communion amongst Christians Ephes 3.14 especially for the exercise of prayer Thirdly to teach vs God is a Father to all beleeuers without respect of persons rich or poore Q. What is the meaning of these words which art in Heauen A. Not that God is contained there so as to be no where else Esay 66.1 Psal 19.1 but it is spoken First in regard of the speciall manifestation of himselfe Ephes 6.9 his Maiesty and glory to his Saints and Angels in heauen Col. 1.5 Secondly with respect to the finall glorification of his Children in heauen Q. What is to bee obserued hence A. First that God dwels onely in heauen and the heauenly minded Esay 57.15 Secondly in our prayers heart hands and eyes must be lift vp towards heauen Iohn 17.1 Thirdly Psal 39.12 that all Gods Children are strangers here their Father House Countrey and patrimonie is in Heauen Phil. 3 20. from whence comes all their maintenance helpe and comfort Q. Which is the first petition we are to direct to our Father which is in heauen A. Hallowed be thy Name Q. Why are we to pray for that in the first place A. First Ioh 12.28 because a reuerent esteeme and vse of the name of God is a principall signe or marke whereby a Child of God may be knowne Secondly because wee should preferre the Glory of God our Father Leuit. 10.3 aboue all things whatsoeuer 1 Cor. 10.31 Thirdly 2 Cor. 4.15 because al the following petitions doe looke backe vnto this with submission this onely absolute all the other petitions are conditionall Q. What may be vnderstood here by the Name of God A. First God himselfe the name put for the thing Secondly Esay 26.8 the seruice and worship due vnto the Name of God Thirdly 1 King 5.5 the workes and Creatures of God Psal 116.13.138.2 on which he hath set his Name Fourthly the Word of God whereby hee hath made himselfe knowne both for name and nature Mat. 28.9 Fifthly the titles and attributes whereby he is called vpon by all men in seuerall languages Q. What is it to hallow the Name of God A. First to know and acknowledge it for holy Secondly to set it a-part for holy vses and ends Psal 96 8. Leuit. 10.3 Eze 38.23 Thirdly to be mindfull of the name of God in a holy and reuerent manner Q. What doe we pray for then in this petition A. First illumination of the vnderstanding 1 Pet. 1.16 Ephes 1.17 sanctification of the heart that we our selues may Hallow it in knowledge and practice Psal 67.3.100.3 apprehending professing and conforming to the holinesse thereof Secondly that it may be sanctified and hallowed by others ouer the world so expressing both our duty and desire Q. How is the name of God hallowed by men A. Three wayes first in thoughts and so three wayes First 1 Cor. 6. â—0 by a holy conceit apprehension thereof in all the motions and meditations of the heart Secondly Psal 139.17 by heauenly raptures Mat. 11.25 admiring beyond expression the glory and holinesse of God Esay 8.13 especially in contemplation and Prayer Thirdly by a hearty longing desire it may be so entertained with others Secondly in words Iohn 7.19 and so foure wayes First by confession of his truth and of our owne sins against the same Secondly Psal 50.23.145.21 by thankesgiuing for his excellent greatnesse and goodnesse Thirdly by speaking often of God and alwaies in an honourable manner Fourthly Rom. 1.25 1 Tim. 1.17 by maintaining his honour and glory against pollution and prophanation Thirdly Num. 25.7 Math. 5.16 Iohn 21.19 in deeds and so two waies First by a blamelesse life Secondly by a patient death if we be called to suffer for his name Q. How is Gods name prophaned and polluted A. First by carnall thoughts of God 2 Sam. 12.14 Rom. 2.24 and carelesnesse forgetting or neglecting his honour and glory Secondly by corrupt communication Eph. 4.29 30 swearing lying blaspheming c. Thirdly by a scandalous life in all those that are called by his name Q. What doth this petition presuppose in men Marke 6.52 A. First a readinesse by nature to dishonour the Name of God through ignorance Luke 18.11 hardnesse of heart spirituall pride ingratitude or securitie Psal 69.9 Secondly a forwardnesse by grace to glorifie God our selues with a desire to haue him glorified by others Q. What is required in a Christian that he may hallow and glorifie the name of God A. First viuification by the spirit of sanctification Rom. 8.11 to liue a new and holy life Secondly illumination Eph. 3.18 to know and apprehend according to our measure the holinesse of his glory Thirdly separation 2 Tim. 3.5 mentall from the loue of sinne corporall from the qualities and condition of sinners Fourthly Acts 2.46 sinceritie and zeale in the expression of filiall feare knowing that none but glorifyers of God can be glorified with God Fifthly a serious consideration of the danger of the contrarie dishonouring God by commission as Herod Acts 12.23 Num. 20.12 or by omission as Moses did at the waters of Meribah Q. What sinnes doe you specially pray against in this petition A. First Atheisme in thoughts words or behauiour Secondly ignorance of the meanes whereby God is and may be glorified Psal 10.4 Thirdly prophanenesse Rom. 1.21 when men are so giuen vp as not to thinke of nor regard the honour and glory of God but study the contrary Fourthly hypocrisie whereby men draw neere God with their lips Prou. 30.3 Eze. 33.31 while their hearts are farre from him praying rather for their owne good then Gods glory Q. What doe you learne from this petition thus explained Psa 119.139 A. First that euery childe is or should be
by that awefull reuerence and respect he giues to the word and ordinances of Christ 2 Tim. 2.19 Thirdly by the Spirit of prayer and power ouer formerly preuailing corruptions Luk. 21.13 Ioh. 15.19 Fourthly by that enmitie manifested by men of this world against him only for religion and vertues sake I haue chosen you out of the world saith our Sauiour therefore the world hates you Rom. 8.16 Fifthly by the inward testimony of the Spirit Gal. 15.19 perswading him vpon good grounds to cry Abba Father and by some appearing fruits of the Spirit Sixthly by a conscionable vse of the meanes 1 Thes 1.4 5. yeelding readily vnto it both for profession and practice Q. What is Creation A. It is a raising or framing vp of man by the finger and power of God Gen. 1.26 Reu. 14.11 out of the dust of the earth after the Image of God in righteousnesse and true holinesse hauing breathed into him the breath both of a naturall and spirituall life at once Q. To what end did God create man and especially after this fashion A. First Ephes 2.10 Gen. 18.27 to serue him and seek his glory Secondly that hee should not be proud of himselfe Thirdly that he might not forget his Maker bearing his Image about on his brest Fourthly that he should not abuse any of his fellow-creatures mispend his breath which is diuine nor liue one life withâ—ut the other Q. What doe you vnderstand by this terme Redemption Rom. 8.29 30. A. First that there was a meanes appointed to recouer mankinde out of the state of damnation 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Secondly that this meanes consisted in paying of a sufficient price for the ransome of all Thirdly that this price was in Gods eternall purpose fully paid for the satisfaction of diuine iustice before mercy tooke place in the deliuery of any from the bondage of corruption Q. Who paid this ransome and thus became our Redeemer A. Iesus Christ the eternall Sonne of God made man shedding his precious blood in that painfull and shamefull death of the Crosse 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Câ—l 1.14 Gal. 3.13 therein to wash their soules from the deepe staine of sinne and become a powerfull Mediatour in their behalfe Q. Were all redeemed by his death A. First a sufficient ransome was paid for all Secondly onely they enioy the benefit who either vsing the meanes are stirred vp and quickned by the Spirit to sue out their pardon Iohn 10.11.17.9 to lay hold on Châ—ist by thâ— hâ—nd of a liuely faith Ioel 2.32 applying his promises and merits to themselues or not able to vse the meanes Luke 1.68 haue Christs merits applied vnto them extraordinarily as infants idiots strangers c. may Q From what were the Elect redeemed A. First Gal. 3.13 Col. 1.13 from the curse of the law brought on them by their breaâ—h of the first couenant of workes Secondly from the power of sinne and Satan Heb. 2.15 Thirdly 1 Thes 1.10 from a slauish feare of death Fourthly from eternall torments deserued and reserued for vnbeleeuers and misbeeleuers in Hell-fire Q. To what end were they redeemed A. First to serue their Redeemer in holinesse Luke 1.74 Phil. 1.29 2 Tim. 2.12 and righteousnesse all their dayes hauing communion with him receiuing life and motion from him Secondly to suffer with him and for his sake persecutions reproaches disgrace and death Thirdly to raigne with him in glory hereafter for euermore Q. What is vocation A. First Generally it may be described to be a sufficient invitation Mat. 11.28 directed from the loue of God to men in miserie and pointing out for theÌ„ the way to mercy Luke 14.17 18. Acts 16.14 offering life in the means sufficient to make fire-brands of hell Rom. 8.28.9.24 heires of heauen Secondly more specially it is an effectuall perswasion calling in time and at seuerall times Gal. 1.15 of Gods Elect in Christ from sinne to grace from sicknesse to health from darkenesse to light Phil. 3.14 and from the state of death to life Q. How doth the Lord call men A. Two waies first outwardly and so diuers waies First by reports of mercy shewed or iudgements inflicted vpon others as Rahab was called Iosua 2.10 2 Cor. 33.12 Secondly by afflictions inward or outward reall or verball as Manasses with diuers other called or prepared thereby for an effectuall calling Thirdly most ordinarily and vsually by his Word in the ministery of men which being preacht and prest with wisedome zeale and power is Gods Ordinance to effect a three-fold worke First Acts 16.14 to open his heart that is to be called by the Law Zach. 13.1 Iohn 5.3 4. 1 Cor. 1.21 so as to let him see himselfe in his naturall estate Secondly to offer him balme from Gilead the merits and blood of Christ to cure and cleanse his blacke and wounded soule 2 Thes 2.14 1 Cor. 3.5 Iohn 3.8 by the promises in the Gospell Thirdly to stirre vp his affection trembling at the sight of himselfe in a longing desire to haue this remedie applied Secondly inwardly God speakes to the heart First by the reflecting voice of conscience telling him what is best to be done Secondly by the worke of his owne spirit gently bowing the will enlightning the vnderstanding ordering the affections c. and neuer leaues moulding till such be called and brought obediently subiect to the Gospell of his Sonne Q. Doth not Satan labour much to hinder this calling A. Yes much and many waies Gal. 3.1 Pro. 1 10 11 Mat. 13.19 20. as First by delusion ioyning with mans deceitfull heart to counterfeit graces and so to perswade men they are called when they are not Secondly by avocation busying men with contrary employments Thirdly Luk. 14.18 by temptation telling men they are not called when they are 2 Pet. 1.10 we should therefore giue the more diligence to make our calling and election sure Quest How may a Christian know when he is called or whether he be called or no Ans First euer when hee enioyes the meanes or feeles any inward motions to good 1 The. 5.19 then let him perswade himselfe he is called Secondly if he be heartily seperate in affection and conuersation from the wicked world Rom. 5.5 Iohn 8.32 and the corruptions therein purposely cleauing vnto the Lord in holinesse of life Thirdly if hee perceiue the loue of Christ issuing from that coniugall Vnion betweene him and his Church shed abroad in his heart by a longing desire it Fourthly if he bee sensible of any spirituall liberty Gal 4.15 inward peace Psa 119.11 Mat. 10.41 secret ioy grounded on the knowledge of diuine mysteries Acts 10.25.16.33 Fifthly if hee doe earnestly affect the meanes and messengers sent to call him he may be assured of an effectuall calling and consequently of his redemption and election Q. But suppose
and in his humane nature Secondly that Hee shall manifest to all the world his power and glory in great pompe and state Mat. 24.30 Q. From whence shall Hee come A. From heauen where He is now seated on the right hand of God the Father Almighty 1 The. 1.10 but to what place whether to Mount Oliuet as some Schoolemen thinke Phil. 3.20 or to the valley of Iehosophat as other Graue Diuines or that it shall be in the Ayre any may be receiued as probable none as certainely necessary Q. For what end must Hee come A. To iudge and determine of all controuersies to passe a righteous sentence from which there can be no appeale Psal 9.7 8. no not in the thought of those which shall be iudged Q. Who are they that must be iudged by Him A. All quicke and dead found lying in their graues or liuing vpon earth Dan. 12.2 good and bad high and low as first Angels with the iudgement of a more glorious retribution Iohn 5.29 Secondly good men with the iudgement of absolution Iude 6. Thirdly wicked men and Angels of darkenesse with the iudgement of finall condemnation Q. How will Christ come A. As a iudge in State and Maiesty with a sounding Trumpet that all the world shall heare and the heauenly hoast attending Mat. 25.31 1 The. 4.16 which all the world shall see in their richest furniture Q. When will Christ come thus A. It is not reuealed that men might continually waite for it and not curiously search after the seasons which God hath reserued in his owne power preparation for it Mat. 24.36 Acts 1.7 is better then any disputation about it Q. Why is Christ appointed to iudge the world A. First for the honour of his pâ—ace and office it being giuen him as a crowne for his suffering Secondly Ioh 5.22 23. Phil. 2.9 10 that Hee might openly take vengeance vpon those his enemies who would not that Hee should raigne ouer them here in this world Thirdly Luke 19.27 that he might bring his owne Subiects into reall possession of that glory which Hee did purchase for them Fourthly 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. Luke 21.28 that the mystery of iniquity and all hidden workes of darkenesse might be publikely seene shamed and sentenced Q. What doe you learne from this Article A. First that Christ will certainely come to iudgement Secondly that I must appeare in my owne person before the Iudgement seate of Christ Heb. 9.27 Thirdly 2 Cor. 5.10 to iudge none but my selfe not the liuing I know not how God may dispose of them hereafter Matth. 7.1 nor the dead I know not how God hath disposed of them already Reu. 14.13 it is Christs office to iudge both Fourthly Acts 24.16 to make my account ready euery day in a holy preparation for it Heb. 4.16 so to liue as I desire to stand then in the presence of Christ Q. Which is the eighth Article A. I beleeue in the Holy Ghost Q. What doth this Article containe A. Two things First a description of the third person in Trinity Secondly the duty of a Christian concerning him Q. How is the third person described A. Two wayes First by his name Ghost or Spirit Secondly by his title or attribute Holy Que. Why is he called The Spirit A. Not exclusiuely both Father and Sonne are equally Spirit but emphatically because He is breathed as it were Iohn 4.24.15.26.16.13 14. in his procession from the Father and the Sonne noting the manner of his subsistence in the Godhead Q. Why is Hee called The holy Spirit A. First in regard of his nature He is holy Secondly because it is his personall office to sanctifie both the Church and the Children of the Church Rom. 15.16 Heb. 6.4 such as are effectually called and that both with common Rom. 8.9.10 and with sauing graces Q. What is the duty of a good Christian A. To beleeue in him Q. What is it to beleeue in him A. First to acknowledge him for God Mat. 28.19 Acts 5.3 4. Secondly to confesse him Thirdly to apprehend him and relye vpon him for his comforts gifts and graces Fourthly in resolution and preparation to dye in defence of this truth Fifthly to liue in a constant course of spirituall seruice required by Him Ephe. 4.30 in whom I beleeue Q. What doe you learne from the whole Article A. First that there is a holy Ghost in person distinct from the Father and the Sonne 1 Ioh. 5.7 8. in essence the same Secondly that I must beleeue in him as in the Father and the Sonne who is the sanctifier and comforter of my Soule Rom. 8.9 Thirdly that if I beleeue in Him indeed 2 Tim. 1.14 Hee dwels and hath his abode in mee Q. How may a man know whether He haue the Spirit abiding in him A. 1. By that spirituall seruice hee is stird vp vnto and enabled thereby to performe Rom. 1.4 Iohn 6.63 the Spirit quickeneth especially to prayer 2. By that holinesse of life which follows the presence of the Spirit 3. By the fruits of the Spirit loue ioy peace long-suffering Rom. 6.22 gentlenes goodnes faith meeknesse and temperance 4. Gal. 5.22 23. Rom 8.16 By that inward testimony and comfort a man may feele in all spirituall conflicts and distresses 5. Ephes 4.30 By that care he hath not to grieue the Spirit but to cherish the motions and follow the directions thereof Q. Which is the ninth Article Ans The holy Catholike Church Communion of Saints Q What doth this Article containe A. A confession and description of the house of God the Spouse of Christ the Church being the second generall part of the Creed Q. Whom doe you meane by Church here Acts 2.47 Heb. 12.22 A. That Vniuersall inuisible society consisting onely of the elect ordained to eternall life quickned by the Spirit and so prepared for glory Q. What doe you confesse here touching this Church A. First notwithstanding the Vniuersall corruption of mankind and their desperate estate vnder sinne Ephe. 1.3.4 Tit. 2.14 yet God hath his company in the world there is such a Church the Mother and nurse of Christians the pillar and ground of truth 1. Tim. 3.15 Secondly that this Church must be beleeued to bee it is aboue sence and reason Psal 14.1 2 3. Acts 13.48 they iudging it improbable if not impossible therefore called the inuisible Church in regard of her dispertion spirituall condition and mysticall Vnion with Christ Q. What is it to beleeue the Church A. First Mat. 16.18.18.17 to acknowledge a number of beleeuers alwayes extant in the world Secondly to bee perswaded vpon good grounds out of Scripture Rom. 16.1 that I am one of her children Thirdly couragiously to resolue to liue and dye in the Vnity of this Church Fourthly to assent to that truth of God
rauisht with an ardent zeale to and loue of Gods name Iohn 7.18 Secondly that their care and endeauour aboue all things should be to haue the Name of God glorified both by themselues and others Luke 2.14 Thirdly that all our prayers should be directed to the glory of God Phil. 2.10 beginning and ending with honour to his name Fourthly that whensoeuer wee make vse of the Name of God we be mindfull of hallowing and glorifying the same Q. What is the second petition we are to make vnto our father which is in Heauen A. Thy Kingdome come Q. What is the meaning of this petition in generall A. First Iohn 18.36 that there are two spirituall Kingdomes one of light wherein Gods Name is hallowed another of darknesse wherein it is prophaned continually Secondly Mat. 12.26 Ephes 2.2 that euery man by nature is a subiect vnto Satan borne vnder his dominion and must be translated before he can be saued Thirdly Iohn 8.36 that euery free-man must praise and glorifie God for his freedome by Christ Fourthly that the way and meanes to glorifie God is to seeke his Kingdome principally and the righteousnesse thereof Math. 6.33 Q. What are we to vnderstand by Kingdome here A. First the manifestation of Gods power partly towards his subiects Psal 18.1.110.1 2. in gathering ruling defending and preparing them for his kingdome aboue and partly towards rebels in restraining their fury and subduing their forces Secondly the augmentation of his grace Rom. 14.17 with the meanes and instruments thereof in regard of place and persons Thirdly Reu. 22.12 2 Thes 1.10 the glorification of his elect as in the first petition we pray God may be glorified by vs so in this second that wee may be glorified by him Q. How is the kingdome of God said to come A. First by the administration of iustice Psal 97.1 by that power and soueraigntie reserued to himselfe in the gouernment of his Church Secondly by the promulgation of his Gospell Math. 9.38.12.28 sending it where it was not before in or profession power Eph. 2.19 Thirdly Col. 1.13 by the addition of Elect infants conuersion and translation of others more aged Fourthly 1 Cor. 15.24 by a perfect consummation of the happinesse of both in glorie Q. What is it then that wee desire in this petition A. First Psal 58.11 that God would glorifie himselfe in ruling and prouiding for his Church and chosen Secondly Rom. 8.21 that he would free them from the bondage of Satan dominion of sinne 1 Thes 1.5 and the tyrannie of hellish instruments Thirdly that the word of his grace might be both more vniuersall and powerfull to our selues and others Fourthly that he would hasten the destruction of Satans kingdome Reu. 6.10 and the bringing of his owne to perfection Q. Why are we to pray for the comming of his kingdome A. First for the glory of God that we may be able to glorifie him 2 Thes 1.10 and fit to be glorified by him 2 Tim. 4.8 Secondly this loue and longing after the kingdome is a certaine testimonie of our right and adoption to it Thirdly Acts 30.8 9 10. because of those many enemies there are in the world who bend themselues against his kingdome 1 Cor. 16.9 Fourthly all our comfort consists in this Reu. 21.4 when the kingdome is come we shall neither sinne nor suffer any more Q. What doth this petition presuppose A. First that God our father hath and euer will haue a spirituall kingdome Luke 1.33 1 Iohn 3.2 wherein there are lawes subiects and rebels Secondly that his children are not alwaies assured nor yet full possessours of this kingdome Rom. 7.24 therefore they pray for it Thirdly that the tyrannie of Satan dominion of sinne and rage of euill men is great and grieuous to such as are spiritually aliue and feele it Fourthly Psa 147.20 1 Cor. 16.9 that the meanes of grace is wanting in many places finding many rubbes and lets where it is Fifthly 2 Pet. 3.9 that the Lord willingly and graciously doth delay his kingdome of glorie for the conuersion of some confirmation of others and preparation of all that belong vnto him Q. What must we doe that his kingdome may come A. First we must be sensible of our slauish seruitude vnder the tyrannous raigne of sinne and Satan Secondly Exod. 3.7 Reu. 6.10 wee must long to enioy the priuiledges of his kingdome and delight in the amplitude thereof Acts 9.6 Psal 27.8 vsing all meanes to enlarge it Thirdly we must be readie and willing to entertaine it Reu. 22.20 and to enter into it being called by the Word of Life or any of the messengers of death Fourthly wee must be instant and constant in praier for the consummation of Gods election by appointed meanes Q. How can we pray for the Kingdome of glory seeing it will be so terrible when it comes Amos 5.18 Luke 21.28 A. First terrible indeed to the disobedient and rebellious who as often as they say this praier desire the prosperitie of Sion but their owne ouerthrow Secondly a day of ioy rest and refreshing to all the faithfull though despised let them not feare it is their fathers will to giue them a kingdome Qu. What doe you learne from this petition thus explained A. First that Gods children do prize and esteeme the Kingdome of God aboue all Kingdomes in the world Psal 84.18 Rom. 8.14 nothing else will content them Secondly if wee be his children hee must rule by his spirit in our hearts Mar. 13.33 as in his Church and Kingdome Thirdly that the Kingdome of God should neuer come vpon vs vnawares 1 Tim. 2.1 2 but euer desired and expected Fourthly to pray for all the meanes whereby the kingdome of God is furthered Eph. 6.19 Reu. 22.20 especially for Christian Magistrates Ministers and Schooles of learning Fifthly 2 Tim. 4.8 daily to looke for and earnestly to desire the second comming of Christ to iudgement that the power of sinne and Satan may be subdued and the Image of God perfectly restored The spirit and the Bride say come let him that heares and reads say come Come Lord Iesus come quickely Q. Which is the third petition we are to direct to our Father which is in Heauen A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Q. What is the meaning of this petition A. First that the comming of Gods Kingdome both for time place and persons depends vpon the good pleasure Ephes 1.5 purpose and decree of God ordered and determined by the same Math. 7.21 Secondly that the subiects of Gods Kingdome are knowne from others by their obedience and submission to his wil praying is insufficient without doing Heb. 11.40 Thirdly that there are two parts of Gods spirituall kingdome and so two sorts of subiects Matth. 22.30
after and censuring the faults of others especially superiours Fourthly Luk. 18.11 he builds much vpon outward prosperitie of his bodie family and temporall estate comforting himselfe by a deceitfull comparison Mat. 14.3 4 with such as are euery way inferiour to himselfe in his owne conceit Fifthly 1 Kin. 22.8 he cannot endure to haue his beloued sinne toucht Prou. 12.5 affecting those ministers most who giue greatest libertie in gainefull things Sixtly his thoughts alwaies impure and vnprofitable range vp and downe without trouble or bounds Seuenthly Gen. 4.5 6 7 hee takes it euill any mans endeauours in matter of religion should be prefer'd before his Eighthly he is euerie day worse then other 2 Tim. 3.13 and worst at last Ninthly the close hypocrite is not sensible of his hypocrisie doing good duties onely for his owne good Q. What remedie is there against this maladie A. First feare it search after and pray against it Reu. 3.2 Secondly be watchfull ouer all you waies carefull to keepe correspâ—ndencie betweene the heart and the hand affection and conscience Thirdly decaying graces must be renewed and strengthened daily Fourthly see you be better within and in the presence of God by faith vnfained then you can appeare to be outward in the sight of men Fifthly ayme at a right end in all your religious actions Gods glorie obedience to his will and the soules safetie Q. What is Saluation A. It is the fruition of perfect happinesse in and by Iesus Christ Mat. 25.34 Acts 4.12 the Fountaine of felicity in the Kingdome of Heauen Q. What is damnation Mat. 25.41 A. It is a finall exclusion of wicked men from heauen and all hope of glory Reu. 20.14 15. being shut vp by the Iustice of God in a burning lake to be tormented euerlastingly without hope of deliuery as a punishment of sinne and impenitency Q. How may a Christian auoyd the one and attaine the others A. Onely by a sauing knowledge of Iesus Christ God and Man in one person Acts 4.12 dying to become the Sauiour of his Body which whosoeuer hath Mat. 16.24 doth first deny himselfe to rest wholly on him Secondly leaue worldly lusts to liue soberly righteously and godlily in this present world Tit. 2.11 there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ who liue not Rom. 8.1 warre not walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit Q. What must a Christian doe to get Christ A. First hee must beleeue that Iesus Christ is the Messiah foretold and promised that God the Father is well pleased with that which hee hath done Iohn 1.29 and that he himselfe hath a part in this redemption Mat 3. ult 11.28 Secondly he must abandon wicked company seeke and ioyne himselfe to the society of true Christians Prou. 4.14.2.20 pray the Lord to direct him in hearing and reading the good Word Psal 119 9.33 Thirdly hee must examine his life past Psal 4.4 confesse and bewaile his sinnes in particular resoluing to forsake all hee knowes Pâ—o. 28.14 for the loue of Christ then apply the promises which hee must particularly take notice of belonging to him Ioel 2.12 Iob 33.27 Q. Which is the second part of Christian examination necessary for our preparation to the Communion A. Concerning our life and that considered three wayes Ier. 8.6 First what it hath beene in time past Psa 119.59 with respect to those seuerall changes of age place Gen. 47.9 company and employment we haue beene in Secondly what it is for the present Thirdly what it ought to haue beene and must bee for the time to come if we thinke to attaine Heauen Q. What must wee examine our selues about in the third place A. About those sins we haue committed in our life time Psal 51.5 and that first in regard of our nature in euery passage of our life Ephes 2.3 more prone to one sinne then another Secondly 1 Pet. 4.10 11. in respect of our calling and place of employment generall and personall Eze. 9.4 Luk. 12.56 priuate or publike in Church or Common-weale Thirdly with reference to the time some corruptions beare sway more at one time in one age then another sinne like the giddie world loues to be in fashion Q. What is the fourth thing a Christian must looke vnto in his examination A. Vnto those graces which are or should be in him before hee presume to come to the Lords Table especially faith and repentance Q. What is faith A. It is a rich and precious grace of God whereby the new man is enabled Heb. 11.1 Iam. 2.5 Rom. 4.5 and doth actually and firmely rest on Christ for remission and saluation grounded vpon knowledge of the goodnes and truth of diuine reuelation concerning Christ Acts 16.21 assented vnto and applyed in particular Q. How may a Christian discerne this grace in himselfe A. First by that feare hee hath had Mat. 10.28 or doth feele in him of Gods wrath and Hell torments due to him for his many sinnes Luke 1â— 4 Secondly by a following perswasion wrought it may be he knowes not how Matth. 8.2 that his sinnes are pardonable Thirdly by a desire after faith in the least measure Mark 9.24 that hee might apply one promise and touch but the Hem of his Sauiours garment Fourthly Psal 116.10 Mat. 4.31 by an earnest prayer for pardon and Gods fauour in Christ aboue all things in the world remembring still how worthy he is of Iudgements 2 Cor. 4.8 how vnworthy of any mercy Fifthly by intermissiue doubtings of himselfe and the truth of his grace Sixthly by a finall casting of himselfe into the Armes of Christ Iob 13.15 Phil. 3.8 9. confident of the truth of his promises and resolued to thinke so what euer come Acts 15.9 Seuenthly Gal 5.6 by that purity of hart though imperfect feruent loue vnto God and the faithfull and spirituall ioy euen to admiration some times 2 Thes 1.3 and beyond expression all following Faith 2 Cor. 8.3 Eighthly by a communicating charity making him to abound in euery good worke euen beyond ability Q. What is false and faigned faith A. It is a carnall presumption and a groundlesse perswasion Luke 13.3 of men and women within the pale of a visible Church Heb. 12.14 to attaine saluation without sanctification to haue pardon of sinne without parting from sinne Q. How may this be knowne A. First by the beginning thereof Rom. 10.17 Gal. 2.20 issuing from the proud flesh without any loue or vse of Gods ordinances Secondly by diuiding in conceit selfe-crucifying from Christ crucified Math. 4.6.7.26 Thirdly by perswading men to thinke they may and doe beleeue Gods promises although they distrust his prouidence prouiding for and aduancing themselues or others vnto wealth and worldly honour indirectly Fourthly by boasting of a full perswasion