our soueraigne with our gracious Queen Anne Prince Charles the Count Palatine with the Lady Elizabeth adorne them with all Princelie graces answerable to their high estate but especiallie with such spirituall graces as may make them Kings and Priests to thee and thy sonne for euer Impart of the same spirit of grace and gouernement to all the honorable of his Maiesties priuie Counsell to the Nobilitie and Magistracie of the Land Blesse thy seruants the Ministers of thy word and sacraments and giue them sufficiencie fidelitie and successe in thy businesse Take knowledge of our priuate friends our kinsfolkes our charges and whosoeuer may claime interest in this duty at our hands Finally to them and vs and all that call on the name of Iesus Christ both our Lord and theirs grant whatsoeuer we haue or ought to haue asked and that for the only mediations sake of the same thy sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ to whom with thee O Father and the holy Ghost one God be praise and dominion for euer and euer Amen A Prayer for the Euening O Lord God by whose gracious prouidence the night succeedeth the day and the day the night we acknowledge that if wee had no other glasse to see thee in nor booke wherein to reade of thee but that of thy creatures wee could not without shamefull vnthankefulnesse bee ignorant of thee for as much as day vnto day vttereth thy goodnesse and night vnto night teacheth knowledge But whereas thou art further pleased to reueile thy selfe vnto vs in the booke of thy Scriptures and in the glasse of thy Sonne Iesus Christ if now we should not know thee or not acknowledge thee how desperate were our blindnesse how damnable were our vnthankefulnesse wherefore wee entreat thee to accept from vs in the name of Christ humble thankes for the manifold witnesses pledges of thy loue towards vs. Thou O Lord hast made vs not wee our selues yea thou hast made vs men and women not beasts perfect in shape noâ— monsters sensible and of vnderstanding not fooles Thou didst preserue vs in the woâ—be nourish vs when wee hanged vpon the brests prouide vs meanes of education fit vs for some honest employment wherein now by thy goodnesse wee are exercised and doe therein finde thine assistance and blessing Thou hast brought vs forth in a fruitfull land in times of peace and prosperity so â—hat we haue our share in the common blessings of a most happy gouernment Besides thou hast in priuate compassed euery one of vs with particular mercies tending to the comfort of life And euen this day past hast beene our guide our Father and our friend and now bringest vs before thee with matter of praise and not of mourning so that we may adde the day past vnto the number of the daies of our wellbeing And as if thou thoughtest all this too little for vs thou hast from all eternity set thine heart vpon vs and appointed vs to saluation by the meanes of our Lord Iesus Christ reueiled thy couenant of grace vnto vs by thy Gospell confirmed to vs in particular the promises of mercy by the outward seales of thy sacraments and by the inward seale of thy spirit changed our vile and cursed nature and made vs in some measure partakers of thy diuine nature sealed vs vp by the Holy Ghost vnto the day of redemption In a word it is thou O Lord that hast giuen vs light light of nature light of grace and light of glory For all which mercies wee doe now and alwaies magnifie thy glorious grace beseeching thee to stirre vs vp vnto a greater measure of thankefulnesse and obedience that as there is euerie day in the booke of thine account much goeing out towards vs from thee so thou maist finde somewhat from vs comming in vnto thee And now O Lord being answered in our prayers of the Morning and of the former time of our life we are emboldened to come againe vnto thee who therefore doest heare the praier that to thee all flesh may come Wee beseech thee therefore be not weary of our importunity be not ashamed of our pouertie but as the sense thereof leadeth vs vnto thee so let the pitty and commiseration of the same encline thy mercifull heart towards vs. O Lord we cannot come into thy sight but we bring with vs great matter occasioÌ„ either of wrath or of mercy from thee Our naturall corruption which as the leprosie of Adam cleaueth to vs all his posteritie filling vs euen from our conception with the seedes of all euill so that wee brought with vs a world of sinne into this thy world Our actuall transgressions which in imitation of Adams sinne we haue eueryone of vs committed our thoughts our words our works by which the eies of thy glorie haue beene daily prouoked Finally the heinous circumstances whereby our sinnes haue beene made out of measure sinfull as the abuse of thy patience quenching of thy spirit despising of thy Gospell vnthankefulnesse for thy mercies vnfaithfulnesse in thy couenant These O Lord and many moe are the mischiefs with which our natures are blemished our liues pestered our consciences burdened thy heauie wrath most iustly procured Yet because thou hast giuen thy Sonne Iesus Christ a meanes of propitiation in whom thou reconcilest the world to thy selfe wee haue boldenesse through him to entreat thee of grace and pardon Lord let his death and sufferings satisfie thy iustice for all our sinnes and procure vs fauour and forgiuenesse from thee that so mercy may reioice ouer iudgement in our behalfe as both meet together in thee Let thy Christ O Lord be our Iesus to saue vs from our sinnes and deliuer vs from the wrath to come Enrich vs with the treasure of his merits that may both ransome vs out of the hand of our deadly enemie and purchase vs an euerlasting estate in the kingdome of thy glory Let it not greeue thee O Lord thus to make vs more then gainers at thine hand seeing at the hand of him our suretie thou art sure to bee no looser And whereas thou hast not onely promised so to deale with vs but commanded vs to beleeue that promise of thine O Lord in desire to obey thy commandement and to seale vnto thy truth we professe that wee doe beleeue yet priuie to the weakenesse of our faith wee pray thee helpe our vnbeliefe Speak peace O Lord vnto our consciences replenish vs with the comforts of thy spirit multiplie in vs the euidences of our saluation Shed thy loue abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost set vs as a seale vpoÌ„ thine hand and set thy seale O Lord vpon vs not onelie that seale of Election whereby thou knowest vs to bee thine owne but also the seale of Sanctification whereby we may know our selues to be thine O Lord if we see nothing in our selues but what wee haue of our selues or of the world we cannot say wee belong to any but to Satan
appointed food let it teach vs resolutely to shake of all impediments carefullie to redeeme all occasions and gladlie to embrace all opportunities of doing good Finally vnto all these good purposes worke in vs by thy holie word spirit a dailie encrease of liuing and sauing faith O Lord it is thine onely vnspeakeable gift without whom it is no more possible to beleeue that which thou promisest then to performe whatsoeuer thy law requireth Thou therefore O Father for Christ Iesus sake by the powerfull operation of thy Spirit worke and encrease in vs this mother grace Teach vs so to lay hold on Christ and lodge him in our hearts that we may not onely applie and assure vnto our selues all the promises of life and mercie but also cleanse our selues from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit and grow vp vnto full holinesse in the feare of thy Maiestie And now Lord for outward things wee submit our selues to thy wise and fatherlie prouidence onely beseeching thee to giue vs this day what thou knowest needefull and behoofefull vnto vs for the day Lord feede vs with food conuenient for vs giue vs such a portion of health maintenance credit and all outward comforts as may make vs thankefull and seruiceable vnto thee And aboue all giue vs grace to employ and improue all thy blessings as thy talents to the furtherance of the worke thou hast giuen vs to doe Lord giue vs euerie day but especially on thy Sabbath dayes more then a naturall and common vse of thy good creatures Let vs in all things tast and see how sweet and gracious a God thou art Let thy good blessings be not as a wall to stop our sight that we may not looke beyond them but as a glasse through which wee may the better discerne thy loue and faithfulnesse towards vs concerning heauenly things Let vs serue thee with an vpright heart in the duties and businesses of this day bringing the generall profession of religion into particular practise according to our seuerall callings Lord let vs neuer bee a burden vnto humane societie nor a blemish vnto the profession of Christianitie by idlenesse or inordinate liuing Make our labours and endeauours fruitfull and beneficiall not onely vnto our selues that wee may eat thereof and reioice before thee but also vnto all others whom they concerne that they may praise thee with vs and for vs. Blesse thy whole Church O Lord and build it vp more and more in perfect beautie Take pittie on those thine elect that walke yet in darkenesse and cause the light of thy Gospell of grace to shine vnto them Confirme thy gracious worke in those who haue receiued the first fruits of thy spirit Comfort such as mourne for sinne Fulfill the desires of all that trulie long and sigh after thee Support and cure the infirmities of all that are humbled vnder thine hand and that haue seene affliction in the rod of thy visitation Preserue the good land wherein woe liue make vs more thankefull for all thy rich blessings and our manifold mightie deliuerances Saue thine Annointed seruant our Soueraigne Lord King Iames with our gracious Queene Anne and the Royall progenie Assist with thy spirit and grace all that are in authoritie sanctifie all those whom thou emploiest in the worke of the ministerie Remember in speciall mercie those whom thou hast knit vnto vs in the bands of consanguinitie affinitie neighbourhood or Christian amitie Finallie vnto all thine and ours vouchsafe Peace and mercy through Iesus Christ thy deere Sonne our alone Redeemer and Sauiour To whom with thee O Father and thy holie Spirit one God and King euerlasting be rendred all honor seruice and thankesgiuing for euermore Amen A short Prayer for the Euening O Almightie God King of Glory Father of Eternitie who dwelling on high abasest thy selfe to behold things in heauen in earth being the first the last giuest beginning ending to all times affaires wherein thy creatures are employed we acknowledg with humble thaÌ„kfull hearts the riches of thy bountie afforded vs thine vnworthie seruants as well this day now past as in the whole course of our liues Thou O Lord hast made vs and that fearfully and wonderfully thou hast been our hope from our mothers brests Thou hast lengthened the daies of our life vnto this houre therein hast shewed vs many mercies Thou hast freed our bodies from diseases dangers our names from reproch our substance from spoile our liberty from violent and vniust restraint Thou hast strengthened vs vnto labour satisfied vs with thy good creatures cheared our hearts with the fellowship and loue of thy people our fellow seruants and blessed our endeauors with successe through thy good prouidence Thou hast heard our prayers accomplished our desires turned away our feares mitigated our troubles and put an end from time to time to all our afflictions Thus hast thou shewed thy selfe to be the God that delightest in the prosperitie of thy seruants But O Lord how can we worthilie magnifie thy mercy towards vs in Iesus Christ In whom thou hast from all eternitie appointed an heauenly Kingdome vnto vs By whose word thou hast called vs by whose blood thou hast redeemed vs by whose Spirit thou hast sanctified and sealed vs vnto the day of redemption In whom we haue this liberty to call thee Abba Father In whom and with whom all earthly blessings are giuen vnto vs not onely for our bodily comfort but also as pledges of our heauenly inheritance Oh how deare therefore are thy thoughts of mercie vnto vs O Lord how great is the summe of them Blessed Father enlarge our hearts to comprehend thy loue and encline them to loue thee who hast so loued vs. But let vs mourne and be ashamed that wee haue returned nothing vnto thy maiestie but hatred for thy good will Let it strike our hearts that wee haue abused thy bodily blessings vnto couetousnesse or intemperance thy patience vnto presumption the grace of thy Gospell vnto licenciousnesse in sinning Let vs abhorre our selues that wee haue prophaned thy sabbaths despised thy word quenched thy spirit vnhallowed thy name many waies defiled the holy profession we haue taken vpon vs. Let vs repent in dust and ashes for our wilfull blindnesse of minde hardnesse of heart remorselessenesse of conscience whereby wee haue resisted the worke of thy grace in vs. Thou O Lord wouldest haue purged vs and we would not be purged thou wouldest haue cured vs but wee would not be cured Thâ—se and all other our sinnes O Lord let vs recount before thee with true sorrow and astonishment of heart But doe not thou O Father straightly marke iniquities nor deale with vs as we haue deserued Truth Lord vnto vs belongeth nothing but confusion and condemnation but vnto thee compassioâ— and forgiuenesse though wee haue grieuously rebelled against thee Thou hast in thy word proclaimed thy selfe vnto vs to be The Lord mercifull gracious slow to anger
Cor. 3.9 these of the new Testament haue great preeminence SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The former Sacrament of the new Testament by the a Eph 5.26 washing of water representing the powerfull b 1 Cor 6.11 Heb. 10.22 washing of the bloud and spirit of Christ and so sealing our a John 3.5 Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of grace Q. How was this Sacrament ordained and brought into the Church in the place of Circumcision A. At the b Iohn 1.33 commandement of God by the ministery first of c Matth. 3.1 Iohn therefore called the Baptist after sanctified and confirmed by our Sauiour Christ himselfe being d Matt. 3.13 baptized by Iohn and giuing e Mat. 28.18 commission to his Apostles and Ministers to continue the same in his Church vnto the end Q. What are the necessary and essentiall parts of this Sacrament A. Two viz. 1. The outward element of f Iohn 1.31 water together with the actioÌ„ of g Eph. 5.26 Act. 8.36 c. 2.41 washing that is dipping or sprinkling the party baptized h Mat. 28.19 In the name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost 2. The spiritual thing signified viz. the i Heb. â— 14 bloud k 1. Cor 6.11 spirit of Christ washing away both the l Act. 2.38 guilt and m Eze. 36.25 filthinesse of sinne Q. Doth this spiritual washing alwaies accompany the outward action A. No for howsoeuer God for his part doe euer a Ezek. 24.13 offer it at the present vnto all yet doe the b 1. Pet. 1.2 Elect onely effectually partake the spirituall benefit and that c Gal. 3.27 then first when by the spirit and faith they are vnited vnto Christ from which time baptisme once receiued remaineth a d Zech. 13.1 fountain alwaies open for sinne and for vncleannesse Q. How farre forth doth Baptisme cleanse the elect from sinne A. From e 1. Cor. 6.9.10 11. 1. John 1.7 Psal 51 7. all sins as well actuall as originall as wel committed after Baptisme as before and that f Esay 1.18 perfectly in respect of the guilt although g Ioh. 13.10 Psal 51.2 imperfectly by degrees in respect of the pollution and power of sinne Q. Who are to be admitted to this Sacrament A. Whosoeuer are outwardly comprehended in the Couenant whether th y be 1. of riper yeares h Acts 8.37 coÌ„uerted to the profession of the faith or 2. i 1 Cor. 7.14 children borne of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords Supper A It is the other Sacrament of the new Testament wherein God by the signes of bread and wine signifieth sealeth and exhibiteth to euery faithfull receiuer the body and bloud of Christ for his spirituall nourishment and growth in Christ so confirmeth him in the Couenant of Grace Q. How was this Sacrament instituted in stead of the Passeouer A. Our Lord Iesus Christ a 1. Cor. 11.23 in the night that he was betraied b Matth. 26.26 c. immediatly after hee had eaten the Passeouer with his Disciples did both himselfe with them celebrate this holy Sacrament and withall c 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. giue charge for continuance of the same in the Church vntill his second comming in which regard it is called the d 1. Cor. 11.20 Lords Supper Q. What are the essentiall parts of this Sacrament A. As of all other Sacraments two to wit 1. The outward signes viz. the a Mat. 26.26 27. elemeÌ„ts of bread wine together with the actions of blessing distributing taking communicating according to our Sauiours first institution 2. The spiritual b Ibid. things signified viz. the body bloud of Christ sanctified and c Ioh. 6.50 51 giuen vs by God and by faith receiued of vs for the nourishing and preseruing of our soules and bodies vnto eternall life Q. Is Christs body and bloud together with the outward elements receiued of all Communicants A. No for howsoeuer they be d Mat. 26.26 offred by God to all yet are they receiued by such alone as haue the hand of faith to lay hold on Christ As for those that come without faith they receiue e 1. Cor. 11.27 onely the outward elements and that vnto f Vers 29. condemnation Q. Who are to be partakers of this Sacrament A. All baptized who are of yeeres sound iudgement to discerne the Lords body ought to repaire to this Sacrament but those onely come worthily who professing the true faith haue duly a 1. Cor. 11.28 examined prepared theÌ„selues Q. How ought euery Christian comming to this SacrameÌ„t to examin prepare himselfe that he may come worthily A. By due search triall of himself whether he haue in him the conditions by God required in worthy Communicants viz. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith grouÌ„ded vpoÌ„ knowledge both of Gods will in generall this holy Sacrament in particular c Heb. 10.22 Iames 48. RepentaÌ„ce of sins past atteÌ„ded with true d Zech. 12.10 lâ—ue of God of his e 1. Cor. 16.14 brethren Q. How ought euery Christian thus prepared to demeane himselfe in receiuing and after A. 1. In the present actioÌ„ with reuereÌ„ce intention thanksgiuing f 1. Cor. 11.26 coÌ„memorating the Lords death for the coÌ„fort refreshing of his soul g Rom. 12.1 ofring vp himselfe soule body as a sacrifice of thanks in which regard it is called the Eucharist 2. Afterward coÌ„tinually indeuoring to finde an h Col. 2.6 7. increase of his faith in Christ loue to God all his saints power to subdue sinne and practise obedience with all other * 2. Pet. 3.18 sauing and sanctifying graces SECT XVII Of the inward meanes of reuealing the Couenant of Grace viz. the Spirit and Faith Q. VVHat are the inward meanes whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz. 1. The Spirit 2. Faith Q. What is here meant by the Spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ before-mentioned dwelling in our hearts testifying on Gods part his free loue and gracious purpose touching our saluation in a Psal 35.3 particular bearing b Rom. 8.16 witnesse with our spirits that we are in Christ his Children and hee our Father withall guiding vs to the c Psal 16.7 Ioh. 14.26 knowledge of the whole will of God reuealed in his word called therefore the d Ephes 1.17 spirit of wisedome or Reuelation Q. Doth the Spirit alwaies witnesse the loue of God vnto vs A. The witnesse of the spirit is a Rom. 5.5 Ephes 2.13.14 continuall yet it is b Psal 51.10 ver 7.8 not alwaies with like feeling and comfort apprehended because neither are our hearts alwaies alike purged humbled and enlarged to receiue it nor the
sweet promises of the Gospell c Esay 59.21 whereon the spirit groundeth this testimonie with like care attended on and meditated Q. How may wee discerne betweene the perswasion of Gods Spirit and the presumption of our owne hearts A. Among other by these three differences Viz. that 1. Presumption giueth d Deu. 29.19 libertie to continue in sinne but Gods spirit e Ioh. 16.8 rebuketh vs for euery sinne 2. Presumption f Jer 3.4 5 relyeth on Gods loue not louing him but Gods spirit maketh vs g Cant. 8.6 1. Ioh. 4.19 loue him because hee hath loued vs first 3. Prosumptiō is ioined with self-loue but Gods spirit reuealing his mercy to vs maketh vs h Iob 42.5 6. Ezek. 16.63 36.31 abhor our selues Q. What meane you here by Faith A. That speciall act of faith whereby we a 1. Ioh. 5.10 giue credit to the report of the word and spirit of Christ touching our saluation in particular and so b Ioh. 3.33 set to our seale that God is true Q. How are we brought to giue credit to the word and spirit A. By the c Rom. 10.17 ministerie of the same word with the Sacraments annexed and the power of the same spirit by which onely meanes God worketh and setteth on worke this grace of faith in the hearts of his Children from the generall promises of the Gospell d 1. Tim. 1.15 Ioh. 20.28 particularly and e Iob 19.25 1. Pet. 1.13 vndoubtedly to conclude their owne saluation Q. Can all that haue faith particularly and vndoubtedly resolue of their saluation A. 1. Many for a time rest secure in a flirting perswasion which may appeare not to be true faith in that it f Act. 15.9 purgeth not the heart 2. The Elect hauing true faith g Luk. 22.32 Rom. 11.29 neuer failing and working in them sound assurance must yet ordinarily h Mar 9.24 Luc. 17.5 striue against doubting and may i Psal 51.12 31 22. 42.5 at times falling into sin or some spirituall affliction loose for a season the ioy and feeling of this assurance SECT XVIII Of the manner of reuealing the Couenant of Grace viz. Vocation Q. THus much of the meanes now what is the manner of reuealing the Couenant of Grace A. It is a Rom. 8.30 Heb. 3.1 Vocation or Calling when God by the meanes aforesaid acquainting men with his gracious purpose of saluation by Christ b Hos 2.14 inuiteth them to come vnto him Q. Are there not different kindes of Calling A. Yes there is two fold calling 1. Effectuall peculiar to those few that are Elect whereby God become in Christ their Father doth not onely outwardly by his word inuite but e Gen. 9.27 Psal 65.4 25.14 Ioel. 2.32 Acts 2.39 inwardly also powerfully by his spirit allure and winne their hearts to cleaue to him inseparably vnto saluation 2. a Esay 48.12 Outward onely and ineffectuall whereby b Mat. 22.14 many are called who are not chosen as hath been shewed Q. How doth this latter differ from the former calling A. Howsoeuer wee are to c 1. Cor. 1.2 iudge charitably of all outwardly called because who among them are also inwardly called is onely d 2. Tim. 2.19 knowne to God yet doth this outward calling differ from the former 1. In that it is wrought onely by e Heb. 4.2 outward meanes and common illumination without the f Iud. v. 19. spirit of regeneration or any portion of g Luk. 8.13 sauing faith 2. In that they are admitted onely to an outward and h Act. 8.13 Rom. 9.4.5 temporarie league of formall profession i 1. Ioh. 2.19 1. Cor. 1.8.9 not to that entire fellowship with Christ required vnto saluation SECT XIX Of the Subiects to whom the Couenant of Grace is reuealed viz. the Church Q. TO come to the third thing propounded touching this Reuelation to whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace A. a Ioh 14.22 17.9 Mat. 11.25 1. Cor. 2 8 c. Not to the world but to his Church called out of the world Q. What meane you by the Church A. The whole number of Gods Elect effectually called into b Ephe. 5.32 fellowship with Christ by the meanes and in the manner formerly mentioned which wee professe to beleeue vnder the title of the holy Catholike Church Q. Where is this holy Catholike Church A. Part already in heauen c Heb. 12.13 Reu. 7.14 c. triumphant in their Masters ioy d Reu. 6.7 waiting for the fulfilling of the number of their fellow members and their owne consummation in perfect blisse Part as yet a Reu. 1.9 12.11 militant on earth in the seruice warrefare of their Lord expecting in due time to be also b 2. Tim. 4.7 8 crowned with victory and triumph in glory Q. Who are true members of the Church militant on earth A. Those alone who as c Ephe. 1.22 23. Col. 1.18 liuing members of the mysticall bodie are by the spirit and faith d Col 3.3 Psal 83.3 sccretly and inseparably conioined vnto Christ their head in which respect the true militant Church is both inuisible and e Mat. 16.18 inuincible Q. But are none to be accounted members of this Church but such as are so inseparably vnited vnto Christ A. Truely and properly f 1. Joh. 2 19 none other howbeit because God vseth outward meanes with the inward for the gathering of his Saints and calleth them as well to g Act. 2 42. Cant. 1.7 outward profession among themselues as to inward fellowship with his Sonne whereby the Church becommeth visible hence it commeth that so many as h Act. 8.13 partaking the outward meanes doe ioyne with these in league of visible profession are therefore in humane iudgement accounted members of the true church and a 1. Cor. 1.2 Saints by calling vntill the Lord who onely knoweth who are his doe make knowne the contrarie As wee are taught in the b Mat. 13 24.47 c. parables of the tares the drawnet c. Q. Hath Christ then his Church visible vpon earth A. Yea throughout the world in the particular c Rom. 3.3 congregations of Christians called to the profession of the true faith obedience of the Gospel In which d Rom. 11.5 visible assemblies and not else-where the true members of the Church inuisible on earth are to bee found and vnto which therefore all that seeke saluation must gladly e Esay 60.4 ioyne themselues Q. Are we to acknowledge one visible Church or many A. f Ephe. 4.4 c. Cant. 6.8 Gal. 3.28 One alone as there is but one Lord one Spirit one Faith and one Baptisme notwithstanding the parts of this one Church may bee distinguished in respect 1. Of time as the Churches a Heb. 13.8 before Christ and since Primitiue and present reformed c. 2. Of
wearied thee with mine iniquities I ought to haue beene controuled and kept in order by thee but such hath been my boldnesse in sinning that I haue checked thee and put to silence thy good grace that rebuked sinne in mee I ought to haue liued as vnder couenant with thee but wretch that I am I haue in many particulars broken my vow falsified my faith violated the euerlasting couenant Finally what cōmandement of thine is there O Lord that I haue not transgressed What grace that I haue not abused what curse that I haue not deserued Thou hast graciously disposed mee and led mee into some good actions but euen in the best I haue halted and stumbled through infidelitie selfeloue and manifold infirmities so that if thou challenge that which is thine owne nothing remaineth to mine account euen in my best seruices but the imperfection of them Thus sinning perfectly I haue deserued thine absolute curse but by mine imperfect obedience I can claime no portion of reward no release of punishment at thine hand And now O Lord if thou straightly markest iniquities O Lord who shall stand But there is mercie with thee that thou maist be feared O Lord there is glorie with thee but that is not to be approached there is wisedome with thee but that is not to be comprehended there is iustice with thee but that is not to bee endured but there is mercy with thee yea mercie reioicing ouer iudgement and for that thou art for euer to bee reuerenced and adored That linke of mercie being laid hold on draweth all the golden chaine of thy glorious attributes and reconcileth thy fearefull maiestie vnto poore sinners That linke of mercie O Father of mercies I am bold in the name of Christ and by the hand of faith to lay hold vpon yet feeling the weakenesse and palsie of mine hand I beseech thee strengthen my vnbeliefe And what assurance I cannot haue from my saith weakely embracing thee let me haue it from thy selfe embraced by me yea rather embracing mee who art mighty to saue Thou didst enable thy seruant Iacob to lay hold on thee and not to lot thee goe till thou hadst blessed him Lord giue me the same strength the same courage the same successe Nay let mee not let thee goe for any blessing For what blessing doe I seeke of thee but that thou abide with me by the presence of thy fauor For that blessing teach mee to wrestle with thee my God with the wrestling of God Thou hast promised thou wilt be found of them that seeke thee not and seekest them that goe astray from thee so haue I found thee or rather was found of thee when I was thine enemie the seruant of sin the souldiour of Satan Thou foūdest me by thy word reuealing the way of Saluation vnto me thou foundest me by thy spirit winning my heart vnto the obedience of faith yea it pleased thee to enter into couenant with thy seruant neuer to suffer that spirit and word of thine to depart from mee but to establish thy feare in mine heart that I should not depart from thee Giue me leaue to put thee in remembrance of that promise of thine wherein thou hast caused mee to put my trust and by vertue thereof to claime the continuance of thy fauour and loue Oh let it neuer be said that thou forsakest the workes of thine owne hands or that thou repentest of shewing mercie whose glorie it is to repent onely of the euill Shew thy selfe to bee Iehouah that changest not that thy gifts and callings are without repentance and that thou louest with an euerlasting and victorious loue that ouercommeth all impediments Truth it is O Lord that I deserue thou shouldest be wearie of me and from henceforth pursue me with thine hatred seeing I haue walked so vnworthy of thy loue But though my sins doe testifie against me yet deale thou with me according to thy Name Let thine owne gracious and constant nature moue thee Let thine owne promise and the word of thy Couenant binde thee Let the beginnings of thine owne workemanship and lineaments of thine image preuaile with thee to continue thy mercie truth towards me vnto the end Let it suffice that I know mine iniquities and do not thou take knowledge of them Let it suffice that I set them in order before my selfe by serious examination and before thy Maiestie by vnfained and heartie confession and doe not thou enter into that heauie Iudgement with mee as to set them in order before mee to reprooue me for them Let it suffice that I now look vp by thy spirit of grace vpon my Sauiour whom I haue pierced with my sinnes and doe not O Lord doe not gather my soule among those that shall at the last day behold him to their confusion and waile before him for euer Yea Lord therefore thou shewest mee my sinnes that thou mightest shew mee thy mercie in the pardon of them therefore thou teachest mee to reproue my selfe that I might beleeue in thee who iustifiest the vngodly therefore thou causest the wound of my conscience to bleed and smart that I might looke to thee in Christ in whom thou healest the broken hearted and bindest vp all their sores Thou O Christ art annointed of God the Father to be the author of this soueraigne cure Thou art the Sunne of righteousnes that sheddest the beames of health and saluation into the hearts of thy people Thou hast taken my flesh vpon thee that beeing the kinsman thou mightest bee fit to recouer my patrimonie lost in Adam and to raise vp liuing seede vnto my dead nature O spread the skirt of thy garment ouer me and shrowde my soule from the wrath of GOD my iudge Let the sweet perfume of thine vnualuable sacrifice take away the odious sauour of mine iniquities Let the cry of thy precious blood speaking good things in the eares of God the Father drowne the loud cry of my grieuous transgressions Let thy glorious face and countenance appearing before God for me turne away his eyes from my sinfull deformities Let thy death be my ransome and propitiation to deliuer me from the wrath to come and thine obedience the price to purchase for me the kingdome of glorie Thine it is O Sauiour by a double right The one of nature as thou are the euerlasting Sonne coequall with the Father by which thou claimest for thy selfe the glorie thou haddest from the beginning The other of purchase by thy voluntarie submission and obedience to that Law of which thou wert the Lord and maker which it pleaseth thee by the Couenant of grace to dispence to all beleeuing repentant sinners Herein herein O Christ grant that with all Saints I may haue my share and may enioy that which thou in my behalfe hast so fully payed for Let the assurance of this thy mercie giue rest vnto my conscience from the terrors of death and hell Let the expectation of this thy glorie sustaine my
THE GVIDE VNTO TRVE BLESSEDNESSE OR A BODY OF THE DOctrine of the Scriptures directing man to the sauing knowledge of GOD. Collected By SAM CROOKE 2. TIM 3.15 Thou hast knowne the holy Scriptures of a Child which are able to make thee wise vnto saluation through the faith which is in Christ Iesus LONDON Printed by Iohn Pindley for Nathaniel Butter and are to be sold at his shop neere S. Austins gate at the signe of the Pyed Bull. 1613. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL SIR ARTHVR CAPELL Knight his singular good Patrone the Author wisheth what the worke describeth TO whome vnder Christ should I render this account of my poore labours in my charge but vnto your selfe Right worshipfull by whose meanes the Lord vouchsafed mee so free and comfortable an entrance therein to Jt is the Lord Iesus the doore of the sheepe of whom you haue obtayned this mercie rather to be among few a faithfull dorekeeper in his house then to dwell with manie in the Simoniacall tabernacles of wickednesse Neither shall it euer repent you that you haue not drunke of those stollen waters or rather of that blood of soules wherewith too manie in these gold-thirstie daies doe purchase Aceldama vnto them and theirs Let others enrich themselues with the wages of vnrighteousnesse let them make their boast of their couetous desire and blesse themselues in their contempt of the Lord but let the Lord keep this for euer in the purpose of the hearts of his seruants to deale faithfully and vprightlie in so honourable and weightie a trust And let such as haue found this blessing in these corrupt daies to haue a free accesse to the worke and charge of the ministerie thankfullie acknowledge the same both to God and man Amongst whome I gladlie professe my selfe to be one and therefore to the honour of God and the iust acknowledgement of your Christian integritie I commend this worke to your worthy name and Patronage your example to the memorie and imitation of posteritie your selfe with all your Worshipfull familie to the holie direction and safe tuition of Almightie God Your worships in Christ euer bounden SAM CROOKE TO THE CHRISTIAN READERS especially those of my charge the inhabitants of Wrington in Somersetshire Christian Reader BLessednesse is the Alpha and Omega of Man the beginning of nature and the end of Grace The naturall Philosopher in his inquest of Happinesse laieth this ground Arist Ethiâ— lib. 1. cap. 1 that All things desire that which either in trueth or in opinion is good for them and that onely is good which tendeth vnto the onely good the vttermost end and perfection of their seuerall natures But where Philosophie ends Religion begins or rather where Reason failes Grace supplies proclaiming all that nature in the blindnesse of Corruption accounts excellent to be vanitie of vanities Eccl. 1.2 and the end of all and whole of man Eccl. 12.13 14. to be the feare of God and the keeping of his Commandements And that with respect to the last Iudgement wherein all workes of men whether good or euill though neuer so secret shall come to light and triall and receiue their due reward Yea so farre was nature in staken in the matter of Blessednesse that it could not truely define so much as the happinesse and perfection of the brute creature which the Scripture sheweth to be the Reuelation and glorious Redemption of the Sonnes of God Rom. 8.19 21. Wherefore as it is euident in nature that all men seeke blessednesse so it is apparant in experience that there is no man that can attaine thereto without a supernaturall guide without which wee see that touching Blessednesse there are as many mindes as men and as many waies as wits euery one crossing another and so all prouing that all are insufficient For this cause I haue framed this Treatise for a direction to that which all men seeke and so few finde Wherein from the ground of nature Ioh. 1.9 as of that light which enlightneth euery man that commeth into the world I endeuor to raise the building of sauing knowledge Although to speake properly the light of nature sheweth rather the necessitie then the way to sauing knowledge and is a ground rather of enquirie then of attaining thereto For all that nature can truely determine and articulatelie pronounce concerning this matter is that Blessednesse is to bee sought and such a blessednesse as may sort with the nature of man the seeker especially in regard of his better part which is his soule The rest well may shee stammer at as that the soule is not onely a reasonable but also a religious and immortall spirit and therefore cannot be blessed without the euerlasting fellowship and fauour of God to whom shee is by band of conscience obliged But plainelie to vtter these more then metaphysicall trueths is of such onely whose tongue-string is loosed and to whom the Lord hath said Ephphata be opened Mar. 7.34 35. And with this helpe Reason it selfe will yet goe further and say that the meanes of acquaintance and fellowship with God can be no other then those which himselfe affordeth and namely his Word the onely infallible Index of the minde of the speaker and therefore it cannot but reiect as vncertain and vnsafe whatsoeuer the presumptuous boldnesse of flesh and blood obtrudeth against or besides this rule And yet further touching the triall of this touchstone whether it be the word of God or no Reason it selfe will acknowledge that whatsoeuer inducements may bee from the authoritie of those whom we credit and respect none but God himselfe can thoroughly resolue vs of it and that either by the apparant traces of diuine maiestie in the letter of the Scripture or by the secret testimonie of the same Spirit that inspired it inclining the heart of the reader or hearer to embrace and subscribe vnto the authoritie of it So that now the true beleeuer may say vnto the Church as those Conuerts to the woman of Samaria Now wee beleeue not because of thy saying Ioh. 4.42 for wee haue heard him our selues Vnto reason thus enlightened or willing thus to be enlightened I hope my manner of proceeding in this Treatise will seeme reasonable wherein I haue with the vttermost of my poore abilitie faithfully endeuoured to comprise the whole bodie of the heauenly doctrine of the Scriptures and that in such a methode as vpon long and serious pensitation I haue iudged most meete to bring light to the matter and ease both for vnderstanding and memorie to the Reader A subiect I grant not of so pleasing a straine either to the writer or to the reader as some other treatises which afford more libertie of inuention and discourse But I haue learned of the blessed Apostle of the Gentiles Phil. 3.1 not to be greeued to write these same seeming triuiall things vnto you knowing that euen from these things is the experience best taken of Christ speaking in
happines in God A. By c Iob. 22.21 acquaintance and fellowship with him who is the fountaine of blessednesse d Joh. 17.3 Gal. 4.9 so knowing him or rather being knowne of him that hee may e Eccl 12.13 serue him and be f 2 Cor 5 9 accepted of g 1. Sam. 2.30 him honour him and be honoured by him Q. God being inuisible how may wee come to know him A. The inuisible things of God are reuealed vnto mankinde partly by his h Ps 19 1 c Rom. 1.20 workes to leaue all without excuse but chiefly by his i Psa 19.7 c. Iob 22.22 Ioh. 6 68 word to guide vs to saluation Q. Where is that sauing word of God to be had A. In the writings of the holy Prophets Apostles commonly called the k Joh. 5.39 2. Tim. 3.15 Scriptures of the old new Testament Q. Is there not also an vnwritten word of God A. No For howsoeuer a Heb. 1.1 Num. 12.6 at the first the whole word of God was deliuered without writing by immediate reuelation or tradition yet since that b Exo. 34.27 God commanded the Scriptures to be written the Church hath beene c Esay 8.20 Luc. 16.29 31 directed vnto the Scriptures onely for the sauing knowledge of God Q. By whom was this word written A. 1 The old Testament by Moses and the d Rom. 3.2 Prophets who deliuered the same vnto the Church of the Iewes 2 The new Testament by the Apostles Euangelist c Rom. 1.16 Reu. 1.11 by whom it was deliuered to the Church of the Gentiles Q. In what language did they write A. In the language best knowne vnto the Church the Prophets in Hebrew the Apostlos in Greeke In which tongues onely they are for the letter to be held authenticall Q. What shall we thinke of the bookes called Apocrypha A. That they are bookes of good vse and esteeme in the Church for direction of manners but not to be acknowledged as rules of faith since they were neither written in Hebrew the language of the Church before Christ nor euer receiued into the Canon of Scripture by them a Rom 3.2 to whom alone in those times the Oracles of God were committed Q. Seeing the Apostles and Prophets were men how can their writings be accounted the word of God A. Because they proceeded b 2. Pet. 1.20 21. not from the will or minde of man but holy men of God spake and wrote as they were moued by the holy Ghost in which regard the c 2. Tim. 3.16 whole Scripture is said to be by diuine inspiration Q. How may it appeare that the Scriptures were inspired by God A. 1 By the testimonie of the Church both before Christ and since 2 By arguments vn-answerable taken from the antiquitie the maiestie of the stile the truth of prophecies c. 3 And most effectually by the testimonie of the same holy spirit that inspired them a 1. Cor. 2 10 14.37 1. Ioh 2 20. who inclineth our hearts to beleeue what is reuealed in them Q. Are the Scriptures plaine and easie to be vnderstood A. 1 Vnto those b 2. Cor. 3.4 whose eyes the God of this world hath blinded c 2. Pet. 3.5 Ioh. 8.43 all things in Scripture belonging to the sauing knowledge of God are darke and difficult 2 But vnto such as are by grace d Ps 119.18 enlightened and made willing to vnderstand howsoeuer e 2. Pet. 3.16 some things remaine obscure to exercise their diligence yet the fundamentall doctrines of faith and precepts of life are all f Pro. 8.9 plaine and perspicuous Q. What need is there then of an interpreter A. 1 To g Acts 8.31 vnfold obscure places 2 To h 2 Pet. 1.12 1. Cor. 14.3 inculcate apply plaine texts Q. How are the Scriptures to bee interpreted A. By the a Nehem. 8.8 Scriptures themselues according to the Analogie of faith and the scope and circumstances of the present place Q. What is the vse of Scripture A. It serueth and is b 2. Tim. 3.16 profitable To teach truth To conuince errour For correction of vice For direction to good life For c Rom. 15.4 comfort in affliction c. SECT II. Of the Doctrine of the Scriptures touching God himselfe Q. HOw do the Scriptures guide vs to the sauing knowledge of God A. By reuealing vnto vs all necessarie truthes concerning 1 God himselfe 2 His workes Q. What doe the Scriptures teach vs concerning God himselfe A. Foure things and first that a Heb. 11.6 there is a God Q. What proofes are there of this truth besides the testimonie of Scriptures A. Diuers taken from 1 Gods workes of b Zech. 12.1 creation especially the soule of man 2 His works of prouidence chiefly his c Psal 9.16 58.10 11. apparent iudgements on the wicked 3 The common consent of all Nations who rather worship any god or gods then none at all 4 The d Esa 31.14 terrors of conscience which make the most vngodly miscreants will they nill they to acknowledge and e Psal 53 5. 14.5 tremble at him c. Q. What is the second thing that the Scripture teacheth concerning God A. What God is viz. f Joh. 4.24 a Spirit 1 Most g 1. Joh. 1.5 simple without mixture or composition 2 h 1. Tim 1. â— 17. Eternall without beginning or end 3 i 1 Kings 8 2â— Infinite without comprehension of place or thought 4 a Iam. 1.17 Constant without shadowe of change 5 b Gen 17 1. Absolute in power holines and glorie Q. How then can he be knowne of vs being incomprehensible A. We onely see his c Exod. 33.23 34.5 backe parts not his face and conceiue of him by his names expressing what an one hee is to vs not in his d Iud. 13.18 glorious nature onely knowne vnto himselfe Q. What is the third thing which is taught vs concerning God A. That there is onely e Deut. 6.4 Esa 46.9 one God and no more as also both nature teacheth guiding all things to one principle and reason acknowledgeth admitting but one that is infinite and independant Q. How is it then that many in Scripture are called Gods A. The name Elohim or God is sometimes improperly giuen to other things either as they f Psal 82.6 Exod. 7.1 participate of God his communicable attributes or as they are g 1. Cor. 8.5 Phil. 3.19 abusiuely set vp by man in the place of God but a 1. Cor. 8.6 vnto vs there is but one God and Lord vnto whom therefore the name Iehouah is in scripture incommunicably appropriated Q. What is the fourth thing that we are taught concerning God A. That in this one simple and indiuided Godhead we must acknowledge and adore b Mat. 3.16 17. 28.19 1. Ioh. 5.7 three distinct persons
false witnesse against thy neighbour Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. That wee impeach not truth or the credit of our selues or our neighbour but by all meanes maintaine and vphold the same Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. Whatsoeuer is contrarie to a true and iust opinion or report as b Apoc. 3.17 ouerweening or c Psal 31 21. vnderweening the good things in our selues d Act. 8.9 bearing our selues aboue our worth e Pro. 27.2 boasting f 1. Sa. 15 21 excusing our selues vniustly debasing our selues whether by g Iob. 27.5 vility denying Gods graces or by h Col. 2.18 dissimulation drawing others to commend vs i Col. 1.9 Apoc. 22.15 lying or aequiuocation k 1. Cor. 13.5 suspition contempt a 2. Cor. 12.6 foolish admiration or expectation of others b Esay 58.9 Psal 22.7 pointing at or deriding c 1. Tim. 4.16 forbearing to speake in the cause or credit of our neighbour d Pro. 27.14 flatterie e Pro. 24.24 excuse or defence of euill f Psal 15.3 false accusation g Mat 26.61 reporting words besides the meaning of the speaker h 1. Sa. 22.9 vttering truth with desire to doe hurt i Gen. 9.22 Psa 38.18 19 reioycing or making our selues merry with the infirmities infamie of our neighbour c. Q. What is required in this Commandement A. Whatsoeuer may nourish truth and the good name of our selues or others as to k Pro. 10.19 speake sparingly seeing in many words there cannot want iniquitie to speake the l Psal 15.2 truth from our heart to know and m 2. Cor. 13.5 10.12 c. iudge truely of our selues to loue our owne n Phil. 4.8 good name and to o 2. Cor. 12.11 defend it when neede requireth yet modestly and vnwillingly to iudge vprightly and as much as we may in the p 1. Cor. 13.7 Iam. 3 27 best sence of our neighbour to loue and q Mat. 1.19 tender his credit as our owne to r 3. Ioh. ver 12. commend him wherein hee deserueth well yet rather absent then present to a Leu. 19.17 1. Cor. 11.22 reproue him when iust cause is but rather to his face then behinde his backe and with b Reu. 2.2 3 4. c. remembrance of what is praise worthy c. Q. What are the helpes or hinderances to the obedience of this Commandement A. First we must c Psal 39.1 keepe our mouth as with a bridle yea pray to God to d Psal 141.3 set a watch before the doore of our lips Secondly we must abhorre the popish doctrine maintaining aequiuocation and teaching to e 1. Tim 4.2 speake lyes through hypocrisie also f 2. Tim. 3.2 pride and selfeloue which thrust men forward to boasting and vaunting Finally excessiue drinking and whatsoeuer else causeth the heart to g Pro. 23.33 vtter peruerse things SECT XXXIIII Of the tenth Commandement Q. VVHat are the words of the tenth Commandement A. a Exod. 20.17 Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house c. Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. That in the most inward disposition of our heart wee decline not from the rule of charitie as to lust after our neighbours house or b Cant. 8.7 whole possession his wife which is his c Gen. 39.9 chiefest and choisest treasure his d Exo. 21.16 seruants which are precious aboue all outward possessions his cattel which are next vnto the soules vnder his keeping Finally any thing how small so euer in our account belonging to him But that in all things wee keep our selues within the rule of brotherly loue Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. All lusts contrarie to charitie Viz. 1. e Mat. 15.19 Rom. 7 7 Iam. 1.14 Originall corruption so farre forth as it is the fountaine of sinne against the second Table 2. f Gâ—l 5.17 19 c. Actuall lusts as thoughts of the minde desires of the heart fond wishings and wouldings delightfull remembrances and a Jer. 4.14 meditations of euill c. Q. What is required in this Commandment A. That wee dispose of all our thoughts affections according to charitie whereto belongeth b 1. Tim. 6.8 Psal 16.6 contentment with our portion c 3. Joh. v. 2. wishing delighting in our neighbours welfare as our own d Gal. 5 16 17. striuing against lust by the help of the spirit and power of the death of Christ c. Q. What are the helpes or hinderances to the keeping of this Commandement A. First we must e Pro 4 23 keepe our heart aboue all keepings filling it with holy thoughts and f Col. 3.2 meditation of those things that are aboue and g Psa 119.36 praying to God to encline it to his testâ—monies not vnto couetousnesse c. A. Secondly wee must auoid the h Pro. 17.24 gazing and wandring eye that is in the corners of the world together with all occasions and obiects of lust c. SECT XXXV Of the effect or exercise of Sanctification viz. Repentance Q. THus farre of the Law the rule of Sanctification What is the effect or exercise thereof A. Repentance which is a a Ro 12.1 2 through change of our purpose of heart course of life from the b Esay 1.16 17 euill which Gods word rebuketh in vs to the good which it requireth of vs. Q. How is this change wrought in vs A. When the sinner once humbled with the terrours of the Law flyeth to the comforts of the Gospell hee there c Zech. 12.10 seeth in Christ crucified not onely the mercie of God discharging him of all his sinnes but also how deepe the wounds of sinne are wherewith hee hath pierced his Sauiour and how seuere the wrath of God is against sin euen to the slaughtering of his owne Sonne d 1. Pet. 4.1 hence commeth he to e Psal 97.10 hate his sinne as God hateth it and to look back thereon with a 2. Cor. 7 1â— godly sorrow resoluing for euer after to forsake all his sinnes and to liue in new obedience Q. When is this Repentance to bee â—actised of vs A. The practise of Repentance â—ught to be a continuall b Rom. 12.9 abhorring of euill and cleauing vnto that which is good for as much c 1. Pet. 4.2 3 time as remaineth in the flesh after conuersion yet at times there ought to be a more speciall practise and renewing thereof as d Psal 31 after great fals in e Amos 4.12 feare of imminent iudgements or when we would f Gen. 35.2 3 c. fit our selues to receiue speciall mercies Q. In what manner must the speciall practise of Repentance in such cases be performed A. There must be 1. A serious g Lam. 3.40 search and enquirie after all sinnes as Traytors against
God from all profane and vnholy abuse not by adding any holinesse thereto but by e Psal 96.8 acknowledging and honouring it for such whereby wee doe as it were set the crowne of holinesse honour vpon the head of God Contrariwise failing so to do we are guilty of the profanation of Gods holy name not that he can receiue any pollution from vs but onely as the man that lusteth after a chast woman is said by our f Mat 5.28 Sauiour to bee guiltie of adultery with her though shee remaine in her selfe spotlesse and vndefiled Q. What doe wee then aske of God in this Petition A. Two things Viz. 1. That he wold vouchsafe to plant encrease in vs others such graces wherby his name may be glorified as a Psal 100.3 67. â— knowledge of God b Psa 115.1 humilitie thankfulnes patience c Ps 51.15 45.1 lips opened and tongues tuned to speak of him with reuerence Finally a d Mat. 5.16 1. Pet. 2. â— Tit. 2.10 life so ordered that men may say hee is an holy God who by his grace maketh vs an holy people 2. That he would remoue root out of our hearts tongues liues all such vices by and for which his name is dishonoured as e Pro 8.13 pride profanenes f Hos 8.12 ignorance infidelity g Rom. 1.21 vnthankfulnes impatience c. those tongue-wormes of h Exod. 20.7 swearing blasphemie vnreuerent speaking of him Finally i Ro 2.23 24 euill and scandalous life for which the name of God and his religion is euill spoken of in the world SECT XLI Of the second Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the second Petition A. a Math. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy Kingdome come Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by the Kingdome of God we must vnderstand not that b Esâ— 6.5 Psa 95.3 c. vniuersall soueraignety which as Creator he exerciseth ouer all creatures disposing them all vnto their proper ends for his glorie but the c Psal 110.2 1. Cor. 15.25 spirituall regiment of the Church and of all things for the good of the Church wherein God hath appointed d Psal 2.6 Hos 3.5 Christ to be the King the e Râ—uel 15.3 saints his subiects the f Job 22.22 word his law the g Heb. 1.6 Angels and all creatures his seruants the h 2. Cor. 5.20 Ministers his Heralds and Embassadors finally the i Mat. 12.26 diuels kingdome that is wicked Angels and men k Luc. 19 27. enemies to the Kingdome of Christ his l Psal 110.1 footstoole Secondly this Kingdome is said to come 1 In regard of meanes where the a Math 12.28 13 19. Mat. 1.15 word of the Kingdome is published 2 In regard of efficacy where b Rom. 6.17 from the heart obedience is yeelded 3 In regard of perfection it hath these degrees Viz. c Math. 13.8 Encrease of grace in the time of this life The d Luc. 23.42 43. translation of blessed soules into heauen in the moment of death Finally the e Mat. 25.34 full redemption and glorification of the Saints in soule and body in the life to come Q. What things doe wee then craue of God in this petition A. Six things viz. 1 That Satans f Act. 26.18 Kingdome may be abolished the g 2. Tim. 2.26 Coloss 1.13 bonds of spirituall captiuity loosed the h Gal. 5.24 power of corruption that maketh vs like well of our bondage abated the i 2. Thess 2.8 instruments of Satans tyranny as the Turke and Pope and all such outlawes from Christ defeated 2. That the word of the Kingdome the rod and a 〈◊〉 110.2 〈…〉 â—2 Thesâ— 3.1 standard of Christs power may haue * 2. Thess 3.1 free passage euery where and bee gloriously lifted vp aduanced 3. That the eies of all men especially Princes may be opened to see the * Reu. l. 17. â— 1â— filthines of the whore of Babilon and the true * 〈◊〉 â—0 5 beauty of the pure religion spouse of Christ 4. That all * Esa 56.10 â—â— loiterers and tongue-tied Ministers remoued * M th 9.38 faithfull and able watchmen may be set ouer the flocke of Christ with sufficient encouragement of maintenance countenance protection c. 5. That the Lord by his word and spirit would g Col. 3.15 1â— rule in the hearts and liues of his Saints making them also Kings in part by ouercomming the corruption which is in the world through lust 6. That he would finish the kingdome of grace a Gen. 9.27 calling his elect vncalled b 2. Thess 2.17 confirming such as stand c Iam. 5.15 16. raising the fallen d Esa 61.3 comforting the afflicted c. and hasten the kingdome of glory both by e Phil. 1.23 taking vs in due time out of this conflicting life into peace with Christ and finally sending his Sonne the f Reuel 22.20 second time for the full saluation of vs and all his chosen that hee hauing reigned in vs by grace we may euerlastingly g 2. Tim. 2.12 reigne with him in glory SECT XLII Of the third Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the third petition A. h Mat. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heauen Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by this word thy wee exclude all wils opposed to or diuers from the will of God whether the will of a 2. Tim. 2.26 Satan or our b 1. Pet 4.2 owne naturally corrupt and enthralled to Satan yea whatsoeuer c 2. Sam 7.2 c. Iam. 4 15. lawfull intentions or desires repugnant to the will of God Secondly by the wil of God we here vnderstand not so much d Deut. 29.29 that part which he keepeth secret from vs as his eternal counsell the e Pro. 27.1 euents of outward things f Act. 1.7 times and seasons c. which it is vnlawfull to enquire into impossible to know or to withstand and g Act. 4 28. no thanke for vs to accomplish vnto which we must onely with patience and contentment h Act. 21.14 submit our selues as that part thereof which is i Deut. 29.29 reueiled and made knowne vnto vs in the word both in the promises which we are to beleeue and in the precepts which as conditions of obedience in way of thanksgiuing annexed vnto the promises we are to performe Thirdly by doing wee vnderstand not a good intent only in the heart or a a Mat. 21.30 profession of obedience in word and pretence but an actuall and through b Jam. 1.25 performance of what is required of vs. Fourthly where we say in earth as in heauen we propound to our selues the patternes of the c Psal 103.20 22 Angels and blessed soules who being
6.13 For thine is the Kingdome and the power and the glorie for euer Amen Which words though not repeated by Saint Luke yet are expresly mentioned by Saint Matthew and therefore causelesly and without warrant omitted by the Church of Rome Q. What is the meaning of these words First by Kingdome we here vnderstand Gods b 1. Chron. 29 11. absolute soueraignty and right ouer all things Secondly by power wee vnderstand the c Luc. 1.37 omnipotency of God whereby he is able to doe whatsoeuer he will Thirdly by glorie we do d Psal 65.1 2. thankefully referre all good things to the honor seruice of God that giueth them Fourthly when wee say thine and for euer wee exclude all creatures from fellowship with God in these attributes because howsoeuer Kingdom power and glorie are communicated vnto some creatures namely a Dan. 2.37 Princes as Gods instruments and b Psal 82.6 Vicegerents yet God alone claimeth them c Rom. 13.1 originally of himselfe d Pro 8.15 Job 33.13 absolutely without dependance or controll e â— Iam. 1.17 eternally without beginning or end Lastly by Amen wee vnderstand f Reuel 22.20 21. so be it or so it is or shall be Q. How is this a close of confirmation to our requests A. Because we doe not onely in generall ascribe Kingdome power and glorie vnto God as his due but also with respect vnto our prayers suites beleeuing and professing that hee as King of heauen and earth hath g Reuel 3.7 authoritie to dispose of all his treasures as omnipotent is h Eph. 3.20 able to do exceeding aboundantly aboue all that wee aske or thinke Finally as the God of glorie is interessed in the i Psa 35.27 welfare of his seruants for the maintaining of the honour of his name and a Psal 119.49 truth of his promises Wherefore wee also b Ioh 3.33 set to our seale in the word of faith Amen not onely testifying our earnest desire that so it may be but expressing our full assurance that so it shall bee as we haue prayed according to the will of God being alreadie c Math 7.7 8. let in by the key of faithfull prayer into the rich Treasurie of his mercies Q. This forme being so absolute what need wee vse any other words in praying A. Because as to refuse this forme sauoureth of a proud contempt of Christs ordinance so to confine our selues to these words alone argueth extreame idlenesse in this duty wherein d Hos 14.3 varietie of words is required for the powring out of our soules before the Lord and oftentimes according to the occasion some e Mat. 26.41 one petition is more then the rest to bee insisted on and importuned Wherefore our blessed Sauiour hath commended this for me vnto vs as an excellent coppie or lesson to be both repeated and as we may imitated or at the least aymed at by vs his schollers for which cause both a Ioh. 17.1 c. he himselfe and his b Act. 4.24 c. Apostles are recorded to haue prayed in other words which yet may be referred to these Finally the libertie which the Lord affordeth vs is not to bee abridged or despised who admitteth al languages words and formes agreeable to this patterne whether c 2. Chron. 29.30 Psal 90. 92 see the titles Num. 10.35 36. read rehearsed by heart or presently conceiued so be it we d 1. Cor. 14.15 pray both with spirit and affection and with vnderstanding also Q. What gestures of body must wee vse in praying A. Such as may best expresse and encrease the reuerence humilitie feruencie and affiance that ought to be in our hearts as the e Eph. 3.14 bowing of our knees f Lam. 1.41 Ioh. 17.1 lifting vp of our hands and eyes to heauen c which yet are not g Luc. 18.13 alwaies or absolutely necessary so our h Psal 143.8 hearts be lifted vp and the knees of our i Phil. 2.10 consciences bowed before the Lord and nothing done vnbeseeming the companie with whome wee pray and the kinde of prayer Q. What kinds are there of Prayer A. They are two Viz. 1. Publique in the a Psal 84.1 c. assembly or congregation wherein our behauiour must be b 1. Cor. 14.40 such as may witnesse our communion and desire of mutuall edification 2. Priuate that is either with our c 2. Sam 6.20 families or priuate friends or d Math 6.6 solitarily by our selues wherin wee haue * 1. King 18.42 more liberty of words and gestures then in company Q. Where must we pray A. Generally e 1. Tim. 2.8 all places are allowed the f Ioh. 4.21 c. ceremonial differences of place being remoued Christ our propitiatorie euery where g Matth. 18.20 present before vs notwithstanding according to the kindes aforementioned the publique place of resort for the worship of God h Esa 56.7 Ioel. 2.17 best fitteth common prayers and the priuate house or i Math. 6.6 closet is most conuenient for priuate supplication howsoeuer the k Nehe. 2.4 sudden lifting vp of the heart in secret vnto God may be as occasion is without gesture in whatsoeuer place or company Q. When must wee pray A. a 1. Thess 5.17 Continually as the Apostle enioineth for the whole course of a Christian is a perpetuall entercourse with the Lord either suing for mercies or b Psal 5.3 Luc. 2.37 waiting for the answere of his suits or rendring thanks for graces receiued neuerthelesse ordinarily the c Psal 92. title sabbath among the daies of the weeke and d verse 2. morning and euening among the houres of the day are to be preferred whereto such times must be added wherein we e Col. 3.17 Pro. 3.6 enter into any businesse or f 1 Cor. 10.31 1. Tim. 4.4 5 receiue any of the creatures and blessings of God extraordinarily g Psal 55.17 119.62 164. other daies or houres must also be set apart for praier especially in cases requiring longer continuance therein together with the h 1. Cor. 7.5 extraordinarie circumstance of fasting for the intension of our prayers SECT XLVII of Fasting the extraordinary circumstance of prayer Q. TO adde somewhat then concerning Fasting What meane you thereby A. Not any naturall abstinence arising from sicknesse nor medicinall vsed to preuent or remoue the same nor ciuill enioined sometimes by authoritie as in case of dearth sometimes a 2. Kings 6.25 enforced by necessitie as in siege seafaring c nor yet morall for b 1. Cor. 9.27 subduing of carnall concupiscence and preseruation of chastity required especially in some constitutions by vertue of the 7. Commandement but c Ioel. 1.14 religious that is referred to religious ends for the furtherance of the speciall practise of repentance and the enforcing of our prayers Q. What
works though imperfect do b Jam 2.18 approue their faith whereby they lay hold on Christ and his meritorious righteousnesse to be a true faith as c Gal. 5.6 working by loue in all parts of obedience SECT LII Of the execution of the last Iudgement and the euerlasting estate of the Reprobate in torment and the Elect in glory Q. HItherto of the Act of Iudgement What are we to consider in the third and last place A. The Execution of Iudgement Christ by his Almighty power and ministery of his Angels casting the diuels and reprobate men into hell and bringing Gods elect into the possession of his glorious Kingdome wherein the a Mat. 25.46 reprobate shall first bee dispatched that the b Psal 58 10. righteous may reioice to see the vengeance and as it were wash their feet in the bloud of the wicked Q. What shall be the estate of the reprobate in hell A. They shall remaine for euer in vnspeakeable torment of body and anguish of minde being c 2. Thess 1.9 cast out from the fauourable presence of God and glorious fellowship of Christ and his Saints whose happinesse they shall d Luk. 16.23 and 13.28 see and enuy into that horrible dungeon figured in Scripture by e 2. Pet. 2.17 Matth. 8.12 vtter darkenesse or blackenesse of darkenesse weeping and gnashing of teeth the f Mark 9.44 worme that neuer dieth the fire that neuer goeth out the g Reu. 20.15 lake of fire c. Finally where all things are that can be abhorred and nothing that may be desired Q. What shall be the estate of the Elect in heauen A. They shall bee a 1. Cor. 2.9 vnspeakeably and euerlastingly blessed and glorified in soule and body being freed from all passions imperfections infirmities yea from such b 1. Cor. 13.10 graces as suppose imperfection as faith hope repentance the like in a word froÌ„ all the c Reu 21.4 first things endued with perfect d 1. Cor. 13.12 wisdome and holinesse possessed of all the e Psal 16.11 pleasures that are at the right hand of God seated as Princes in f Reuâ—l 3 21. thrones of maiestie and crowned with g 2. Tim. 4.8 crownes of glory hauing h Reu. 2.26 power ouer all creatures and i 2. Pet. 3.13 possession of that new heauen and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousnesse beholding and being k Psal 17.15 filled with the fruition of the glorious l â— Thes 4.17 Reu 21.3 22 23. presence of God and of the Lambe Iesus Christ in the m Heb. 12.22 23 24. company of innumerable Angels and of all the holy Saints that haue been from the beginning of the world c. Q. Shall there not be inequalitie in the proportion of glory and of misery A. Yes for though euery one shall receiue the full measure whereof they are capeable yet First the wicked shall a Matt. 11.22 24. Luk 12.47 48. Reu. 18 7. exceed one another in capacitie of torment according to the greater merit of their sinnes Secondly the Elect shall exceed one another being made capeable of b Dan 12.3 greater glory according to the proportion not of merit but of fauour whereby in their different callings they were c Luke 12 4â— 43 44. 19 â—7 19. furnished with greater graces and made more faithfull in the imploying of them whether in d 2. Cor. 9.6 doing or in e 2. Cor. 4.17 Reu. 7.14 15 suffering for Christ his cause in the time of this life DEVT. 32.29 Oh that men were wise then they would vnderstand this they would consider their latter end A Prayer for the Morning O Lord God the Almightie maker and carefull preseruer of all thy creatures but especially the sauiour sanctifier of them that beleeue by the merit and efficacie of the bloud of Iesus Christ we acknowledge that as all thy works doe praise thee so it becommeth thy Saints especially to blesse thee and that both night and day for the blessings of the night and of the day May it please thee therefore to receiue at the hands of vs thine vnworthy seruants in the name of Iesus Christ this morning sacrifice of thanks praise for all thy mercies and namely those of the night past and of this morning Thou O Lord hast spread the darknes as thy curtaine ouer vs fauouring vs so much as to hide the light of the world and beauty of thy creatures that in the mean time we might commodiously take our rest And in the time of rest thy prouidence O Lord hath not rested in our behalfe but waked for vs whiles wee slept to keepe vs from the feares and danger of the night Yea thou hast blessed the blessing of sleepe vnto vs and hast thereby restored the decaied powres of nature in vs whereas thou mightest iustly haue cursed it turned it into sudden and vnexpected death Againe it hath pleased thee this morning to raise vp the light of the day to shine vnto our bodies laying open vnto vs the goodly shape of thy creatures and inlightning the waies wherein wee are to walke giuing vs ability of body and alacritie of spirit to proceed in the courses of our seuerall callings finally beginning the world with vs as it were and putting vs in possession of all thy works of wonder Further wee remember with thankful hearts all thy mercies formerly bestowed and continued vpon vs namely life health peace libertie maintenance credit fellowship successe in our affaires preseruation from dangers deliuerance from troubles recouery out of sicknesses consolation in afflictions and the issue of them euen a morning of ioy after a night of sorrow Lastly and aboue all for magnifying thy mercy towards vs in the great worke of our redemption and saluation by Iesus Christ and for euery linke of the golden chaine of grace whereby thou hast fastened vs vnto thy selfe namely for election vocation iustification sanctification and hope of glorification likewise for the meanes of grace thy Christ thy spirit thy word thy sacraments thy sabbaths and the assemblies of thy Saints with all the helps of example instruction admonition and fatherly correction by which thou hast indeauoured to further vs in the way of our saluation Yea that though our prouocations of thee be many and greeuous yet thy compassions faile not but are renewed euery morning For all these testimonies of thy bounty thy pitie thy patience towards vs what shall we render vnto thee O Lord Wee doe euen take the cup of saluation and call vpon thy blessed name wee doe according to our pouerty offer thee the calues of our lips confessing thy goodnesse and the due seruice of our bodies and soules as a liuing and reasonable sacrifice And now O Lord wee acknowledge our penurie to be such that we cannot liue but on thine allowance For looking into our selues we finde no store but of sinne and misery our
vnderstanding full of blindnesse vanitie and infidelitie our consciences dead and remorselesse our hearts hard and impenitent our affections disorderly and violent our appetites sensuall and brutish our whole nature deformed with originall corruption our whole life abounding with the fruits thereof in all maner of actuall transgressions no ability to any good duty no restraint or moderation in sinning against thee yea if we doe any good thing we are apt to blemish it with selfe-loue and hypocrisie if we abstaine from any euill it is manie times rather from the act then from the loue of it In this case O Lord if thou shouldest looke vpon vs as a Iudge straightly to marke iniquities or take this our confession as an euidence against vs how should we be able to stand before thee But we beseech thee take knowledge of it as of our complaint and pitie our pouerty our miserie and our nakednes Cloath vs with the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ that may both hide our filthinesse from thy sight and as the garment of the elder brother make vs accepted before thee and procure thy blessing Acquaint thy selfe with vs O Lord and renew daily with vs the couenant of thy peace and euen now this morning let thy spirit from heauen bring vs a new patent of mercie that being to meet with thee in the waies and works of this day wee may be sure to meet thee as a reconciled Father not as an offeÌ„ded Iudge Fill vs with all ioy and peace in beleeuing Comfort vs ouer all our sinnes by the assurance of thy mercie Confirme vnto our heares our title vnto thy Kingdome And because o Lord we liue vpon thine hand and all our welldoing is from thee graunt that we may yeeld thee so much due that no Lords besides thee may rule ouer vs. And to that end good Lord doe thou free vs from the contrary power rule of Sathan of sinne It is not for thine honour O Lord that thy seruants should be vnder the yoake of thine enemies redeeme vs therefoâ—e mightily froÌ„ the thraldome of the diuel help vs to leade our captiuity captiue and stablish our hearts for euer by thy free spirit For where thy spirit is there is freedome Let that spirit of thine therefore O Lord come vpon vs and strengthen vs with a greater might then that of Samson to breake in sunder the strongest cords euen our speciall sinnes Teach vs to see the vilenesse of them powre vpon vs the spirit of grace and godly sorow that we may mourne for them affect vs with an holy hatred detestation of them waken vs out of our security with the feare of thy iudgements strenghen our weakenesse with the power of thy might arme vs with the furniture of thy grace encourage vs with the presence of thy spirit and be with vs in our spirituall conflict as the King in the armie Couer our heâ—ds assure our hearts instruct our hands helpe vs so to fight that wee may ouercome so to ouercome that we may receaue the crown of victorie Further O Lord we entreat thee so to let thy kingdome preuaile in vs that wee may not onely be thy souldiers but thy seruants and subiects To this end write thy lawes in our inward parts giue vs vnderstanding of thy will set vp the scepter of thy kingdome in our consciences subdue our hearts to the obedience of thy commandements win our affections to the loue of thy statutes conforme our liues to the rule of thy righteousnesse and transforme vs daily into thine image from glorie to glory Blesse all the meanes of grace vnto vs and blesse vs with hearts sanctified and set vpon the meanes for encrease of grace Let thy holy word O Lord bee our chiefest treasure thy statutes our counsellors thy promises our comforters thy sacraments our delicates thy sabbaths our best daies and thy seruants our deerest companions Let thy seruice be our liberty let thy yoake be our ease and thy burthen as wings vnto vs. Let thy louing countenance bee our sunne thy protection our shield and thy fauourable acceptance our exceeding great reward Grant that we may account this time of thy Gospell as our haruest and let vs not now sleepe least we be the sonnes of confusion but let vs so lay vp in these daies of plenty that in the time of dearth wee may haue something in store Teach vs so to number our daies and so to spend them that euerie day and euery night we may be able to giue vp a good account especially in the night of death and morrow of iudgement And now hauing begun to speak to thee our Lord though we be but dust and ashes we are bold to continue our suit euen for bodily blessings Blesse vs therefore we pray thee this day followinâ— and all the daies of our life with that portion of health peace prosperitie and euery good thing that may enable vs and make vs cheerefull in dutie Aduise vs in all our thoughts and purposes giue good successe vnto our lawfull endeauors strengthen vs in our bodily labours sanctifie vs in our meats and drinkes recreations and companies Grant that in doing seruice to our selues and one ano her wee may still remember that wee are thy seruants Giue vs such spirituall eyesight that we may see thee in thy creatures and in thy prouidence Grant that nothing may draw vs away from thee but that euery thing may bring vs neerer vnto thee Lord let vs liue in thy sight Let vs not liue without thee as Gentils let vs not be cast out of thy presence as Kain let vs not runne against thee as Balaam but let vs walke with thee as Enoch Noah and Abraham taking knowledge of thee in all our waies And take thou knowledge of vs vpholding vs with thine hand watching ouer vs with thine eie guiding vs with thy grace setting thine heart vpon vs to loue vs and doe vs good and not euill all the daies of our life Last of all wee come vnto thee O Lord in the behalfe of thy whole Church and of all our brethren and and sisters thine elect seruants wheresoeuer they bee Call the vncalled perfect the called raise vp the fallen strengthen the weake enlighten the ignorant heale the sicke releeue the needie and distressed release such as are in restraint comfort them that mourne especially such as mourne for sinne strengthen the hand and heart of them that stand in the iust defence of religion and right quaile and confound euerie Aduersarie and Antichristian power and pollicie and so publish and propagate the Gospell of Iesus Christ that thy name may be knowne thy kingdome enlarged the number of thy Saints fulfilled Specially wee beseech thee beholde and visite this thy vine which hauing rescued from the Egyptian darkenes and slauerie of Antichrist thou hast beene pleased to plant among vs of this nation Make vs more thankefull for our long peace and for the Gospell of peace Blesse thy seruant Iames
soule whiles I flutter about like the Doue of Noah finding no rest in this world ouer-flowed with wickednesse till it shall please thee to stretch forth thine hand out of the Arke of heauen and take me to thy glorious rest Finally O my Lord being come vnto thy kingdome remember me thy seruant with the fauour of thy people and visit mee with thy saluation Let me see the felicitie of thy chosen and reioyce with the ioy of thy people and glory with thine inheritance Let mee in this life behold thy face in righteousnes and when I shall awake in the resurrection of the iust let mee bee satisfied with thine image To thee O Christ with the Father and the Holy Ghost one God and King euerlasting be all glorie dominion mercie and saluation ascribed for euer Amen A priuate Prayer for the grace of Sanctification O Lord God Father of lights author and giuer of euery perfect gift the holy one of Israel and the sanctifier thereof before whom the Seraphims hide their faces and in whose sight the heauens are not pure When I compare my filthinesse and pollution with thine absolute puritie I cannot without feare and astonishment without shame and confusion approch into thy presence that am a vile sinner of polluted lips and of vncircumcised heart But when I consider thy great mercy and goodnesse that doest open vnto sinners not onely a way into thy fauourable presence by the vaile of the flesh of Iesus Christ but also thy gracious hand to bestow the gift of holinesse vpon all those that finding lacke of it in themselues doe seeke it of thee I am encouraged to come before thee compassed as I am with miseries and infirmities that I may returne from thee compassed and cloathed with thy glorious graces O Lord if I let thee see my sinnes and defilements thou maiest proceed in iudgement against mee for them if I hide them from thee how can I look to bee cured and cleansed of them Nay I cannot hide them from thee O Lord but labouring to conceale them I shall make them more apparent Onely shew me this fauour not to behold them as a Iudge to bee auenged of them but as the onely soueraigne Physitian of my soule to cure and heale them And so good Lord let me not spare to open vnto thee the sicknes and sores of my corrupt heart and life Yea rather doe thou O Lord for the beginning of thy gracious worke shew me in the glasse of thy word my pollution by sinne that I may seeke after the lauer of thy grace to bee washed and made cleane Light vp O Lord in my heart the lampe of thy word and grace that of thee who onely searchest the heart I may learne to search know my wicked heart by the light of thy word I may bee able to worke vnder groūd vnto the bottome of the mine of sin that lurketh in my nature Let mee count all my sins as Traitors vnto thy glory my safetie search the house of my heart for them but especially for my speciall sin as for the chiefest Rebell Yea grant mee so to search my self that I may auoid preuent thy dreadfull search so to iudge my selfe that I may auoide thy iudgemēt so to cōdemn my self that I may auoid thy sentence so to hate and abhorre my selfe that I may auoide thy wrath so to be auēged of my self that I may auoide thy punishment Let sinne O Lord be as bitter to me in the attempting as in the repenting at least wise more bitter in the repenting then euer it was sweet in the committing that either heedfull preuention may keepe me from bitter repentance or the bitter reares of repentance may exempt mee from that most bitter account in the day of thy iudgement Teach me to bring into discredit with mine heart all iniquitie and all appearances thereof Grant me strength to ouercome my sinfull lusts at least let me alwaies striue against them that I may be assured I am a member of thy Church militant And whensoeuer I cease to striue let me not boast of victorie or reioice of ease but be ashamed of my foyle flight Grant that vnto faith in thee I may alwaies ioyne feare not onely of Satan with whom I am in conflict but also of the frailtie and trecherie of mine owne heart and of the slipperie paths of this sinfull world Bring downe by the batterie of thy spirit the hils of my high and proud thoughts streighten my crooked and distorted affections make plaine and smooth the rough waies of my rebellious and stonie heart that thou maist walke at ease in the middes of me and that I may see thy saluation O God Let me looke on the pleasures and profits of this life not onely as thy liberall allowances to me but also as Satans baites to inueigle me that moderately vsing them I may bee thankefull to thee for them and auoiding the excesse and abuse of them I may bee free from the snares of the Diuell Yea doe thou so weane me from the loue of the world and the things thereof that Satan may bee to seeke of baites to allure mee to sinne Let me account my selfe a stranger on earth and therefore abstaine from fleshly lusts that fight against the soule Let me not value the pleasures of sinne at so high a rate as for them to make shipwracke of a good conscience before thee or of a good report among men Let mee by light esteeming of outward things shew that I take no thought for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof and by the deniall of my selfe approue that I liue by faith putting on the Lord Iesus Christ Teach me not to set my heart on vncertaine riches which the more I desire to haue and loue when I haue them the more they will vex mee when I am to part with them but let mee vse them as things that must shortly leaue mee or I them and thy word onely as that which shall abide with me for euer Teach me with Iacob to account my selfe lesse then the least of thy mercies that by humilitie I may bee fitted for greater graces In all things giue mee grace to take heed of offending thy Maiestie and as I would not thou shouldest breake the brused reede or quench the smoaking flax in mee so graunt that I may not dare to quench the sparke of thy spirit and grace in my heart As I would thou shouldest giue mee rest from the terrors of thy wrath so grant that I may giue thy spirit rest from the prouocations of my sinnes On the other side good Lord grant mee that knowledge of religion that may beget conscience that conscience that may preserue religion binding me not by guilt to the punishment of sinne but by grace to the obedience of righteousnesse setting mee at libertie not from the band of dutifull loue but from the yoake of seruile feare Enlighten mine eies that I may discerne of
forgiuing iniquitie transgression and sinne Thou hast made many faithfull promises that thou wilt bee found of them that seeke and sue for mercie vnto thee Thou hast satisfied thy Iustice in the accursed death of thy Sonne our surety and Sauiour Iesus Christ for the sinnes of the whole word of thine elect Thou hast giuen vs of thy Spirit wherby euen we sinfull wretches are taught and enclined to forgiue for thy sake such as haue offended vs how much more wilt thou shew thy selfe a faithfull and mercifull God to pardon all our sinnes and to clense vs from all vnrighteousnesse Wherefore O Lord heare O Lord forgiue O Lord consider nâ— giue a gracious answere vnto our supplication for the Lords sake Yea Lord teach vs to rise vp with thy Maiestie against our sins that our warre with them may assure vs that we haue peace with thee Let vs not be such traitors to thy Maiestie as to harbour thine enemies Breake of in â—uerie one of vs the wicked customes of sinning abolish the power and dominion thereof crucifie the loue and affection thereto Let vs in the bloudy passion of our deare Sauiour see the ougly face heare the dreadfull cry and feele the intolerable burden of our transgressions And let vs not as if the loade were yet too light let vs not blessed God adde more vnto the waight and measure of our sinnes but rather let vs in our proportion beare part in the sufferings of our Sauiour ceasing from sinne for his sake who for our sakes refused not to offer vp his innocent soule a sacrifice for sinne Lord teach vs to doe thy will Knit our hearts vnto thee that wee may feare thy name Let thy good Spirit leade vs in all the pathes of righteousnesse and make our barren nature fruitfull in good workes Quicken vs O Lord for thy names sake with the life of grace and stablish our hearts with thy free Spirit Teach vs freely to submit our selues to the easie yoake and light burden of our Lord Iesus Christ Let thy grace so frame vs vnto heartie obedience that thy commandement may not be grieuous vnto vs. Let thy loue in Christ Iesus be so shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost that no difficulties may discourage vs in the way of well doing Let the meditation of the glorious kingdome prepared for vs so possesse and affect vs that the loue of this present world may seeme base and vnworthy of vs. Let the expectation of the suddaine comming of our Lord Iesus Christ so awaken vs that the momentanie pleasures of sinne or cares of this life may not lull vs a sleepe and ensnare vs. Watch ouer vs this night by thy gracious prouidence preserue vs from the dangers of the darknesse refresh vs with the moderate vse of thine ordinance of rest and sleepe raise vs vp with health of bodie and cheare of heart to the duties of the next day Let thy kindnesse and mercie follow vs all the dayes of our life Bring vs in peace with good report especially with a good conscience vnto the bed of the graue that after the sleepe of death wee may awake vnto blessed immortalitie Preserue thy whole Church and adde thereto from day to day such as shall be saued Be mercifull to this Land forgiue the common and crying sinnes of profanenesse worldlinesse crueltie and abuse of thy long patience and liberall blessings especially of thy Gospell Giue grace vnto all estates truely to returne vnto thee and to seek thy face and fauour Especially poure downe a liberall shower of all bodily and spirituall blessings on the Kings Maiestie with the Queene and Royall family sanctifie and assist the Magistrates and Ministers Continue these blessings of peace and of thy Gospell vnto the posteritie after vs. Blesse all that loue vs and are by any band linked or allied vnto vs. Yea take pittie of those that causelessely hate vs. Shew vs all O Lord thy mercie in this life and in the life to come grant vs thy saluation through Iesus Christ thine onely Sonne and our alone Sauiour To whom with thee O Father and thy blessed Spirit be all praise power dominion and obedience henceforth and for euer Amen FINIS