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
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
people should bee exhorted not only to learne them themselves but also to teach them to their children and family that once a yeere all their Parishioners should be examined therein and that none should presume to come unto the Lords Table let all Ministers take notice to see this order which by the Law of God ought and by the lawes of our Land may be observed in every Parish without a true knowledge thereof the same for substance during the Raigne of that renowned Queene Elizabeth King Iames and his Majestie that now is renewed still continued and confirmed notwithstanding all this lamentable it is to observe how the neglect of this dutie increaseth daily especially there where nothing or as nothing is done the later part of the Lords day secondly to render you your owne as God commands some testimony of thankfulnesse for your ready and continuing love more worth then wealth since my first comming amongst you what the good Shunamite did for Elisha 2 Kings 4.10 you have doubled to me every way and behold now you have been thus carefull for mee with all this care what is to be done for you lesse I could not and more you expect not dwelling contentedly among your owne people then meanes to further your salvation the Lord grant his Word may be in that powerfull and plaine evidence of the Spirit delivered as that many sonnes and daughters may bee borne unto Christ amongst you Thirdly to save the wearisome labour of transcription called upon we have beene lately and begun to goe over the same againe this benefit the Presse affoards not only to communicate with ease but also to prevent some inconveniences might happen both to you and mee by reason of many imperfect Copies abroad which cannot be recalled not otherwayes over-mastered now if any thing be amisse it may be amended if any point obscure it may be explained or if in any part deficient a supply may bee added Fourthly to minde men and women of that solemne vow and promise made at the Font in their behalfe for whom they become sureties to teach or see they be taught the use and end of Baptisme the Creed Lords Prayer and ten commandements in the English tongue with all other things which Christians ought to know and doe for their soules health and that they be vertuously brought up c. which many I feare undertake rashly as a matter of forme and complement never thinking of it after Fifthly to point out a common calamity which I find rife in every place many old people have no other religion nor ground for salvation but what consists in a bare and often senselesse repetition of this Cathechisme not finding but making it a prayer hoping only in the grace of regeneration by Baptisme never thinking of nor endeauouring to performe the conditions exprest in the administration of this Sacrament Sixthly in desire at least to redeeme many precious houres mispent in wanton prodigalitie which blessed be the Lord I live to bewaile and make some verball satisfaction for reall wrongs I remember done to others by enticement silence example c. which to persons remote and disperst cannot else be effected as also to repay somthing to the poore and ignorant in lieu of what I received from the richly-learned a number of good helps I found and would not lessen them learning as lands concealed is forfeit the talent hid is lost riches are counterfeit if not currant so as a portion may successively fall to every mans share who knowes what good weakest endeavours may doe to the Church unborne whose papers shall longest escape the devouring teeth of time and tyrannie or what dismall cloud of Popish darkenesse which the Lord prevent and keepe off may in after times once againe overspread this British I le to lash our wantonnesse and make our people prize more the meanes of knowledge when courser fare will be more esteemed then dainties now Secondly a purpose and desire I had If the Lord should remoove mee from you a crazie body and the daily departure of others my deare friends and neighbours minde mee often of mortalitie to leave remaining with you who have beene either called or confirmed by my ministry the summe of all which I have at severall times delivered not without presidents Saint Matthew having preacht to the Iewes and being called to the Gentiles as Bellarmine interprets Eusebius deemed it profitable to leave and that in his owne countrey language some memoriall of his doctrine with them from whom hee was to depart in body Bellar. lib. 4. de verbo Dei non scrip cap. 4. out of Eusebius lib. 3. hist Eccles cap. 21. The same is confirmed by Epiphanius and Nicephorus adding it was absentiam scripto compensare I wish all Ministers would so recompence their wilfull absence Such was the care and practice of Saint Peter 2 Peter 1.14 15 knowing that shortly I must put off this tabernacle I will endeavour that you may be able after my decease to have these things alwayes in remembrance if good bookes abound instead of Cards and Dice it will proove both exemplary and beneficiall to you and yours necessitie is laid on vs in publike and woe be unto you if private duties be neglected every governour hath a charge to teach as well as feed your wives children servants must be instructed out of the word else what doe you for them more then to your irrationall labourers so Iosephus lib. 2. cont Apion according to a continuing practice of his countreymen who point children at five yeeres to the Bible Hilarius in Psal 118. or 119. referring to that place 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16. Chrysost in Col. Hierom highly commends certaine godly Matrons of his time by name Paula Algasia Marcella Laeta Fabiola c. as by his Epistles to them appeares for such spirituall employments in their families Servulus is noted and laid downe for a patterne by Gregory one Iosephus by Epiphanius Theodorus by Cassianus Cornelia by Cicero c. but Abraham and the Baereans by the Spirit of God Timothy by Paul 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. therefore let no prophane person ignorant of antiquitie censure private duties as Puritanicall novelties nor any feare such labours can be in vaine in the Lord. Thirdly it was not the last nor least part of my care to leave these thus legible for a helpe unto my partner a meet helper and a true Israelite in performance of her duty toward our family as beeing if the Lord call mee from them the greatest legacie and love-token I am like to leave them Master W. Crompton of the Grange in Bedford neere Leigh in Lancashiere Lastly a hope these notes would bee welcome pleasing and profitable to one unto whom I owe next unto God my Father in Christ what I have or am if by any meanes I might supply that want of service which distance of place and necessary absence inevitably occasioneth not without griefe Other and better helps
for you lead me into this errour I conclude with our Apostle my dearely beloued if there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of loue if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowels and mercies fulfill yee my ioy that yee be like minded hauing the same loue being of one accord of one mind blamelesse and harmelesse the Sonnes of God without rebuke in the middest of a crooked and peruerse generation among whom yee shine as lights in the world what soeuer things are honest iust pure louely and of good report thinke of and follow them and the God of peace who brought againe from the dead our Lord Iesus that great Sheepheard of the sheepe through the bloud of the euerlasting couenant make you perfect in euery good worke to doe his will in this hope I leaue you and will neuer cease to pray for you while I remaine From my study in Barum this 9 of May 1633. Yours to doe you seruice in the Lord. W. CROMPTON Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free that you be not intangled againe with the yokes of bondage To that end Pray continually O Most gratious God and Almighty Lord Creator and Commaunder of Heauen and Earth with all therein contained in Iesus Christ a most louing and mercifull father of whose meere goodnesse it commeth that so much of the truth is reuealed vnto vs miserable sinners lying in the shaddow of death and spirituall darknesse preserue vs good Lord in the knowledge and loue thereof mae vs walke in all thankefull obedience worthy of this fauour for Christ his sake we entreate accept of him for vs of vs in him vnite vs as members into his mysticall body conuay spirituall light and life into vs that we may liue in him and get victory by him ouer all our spirituall enemies pardon all our sinnes and giue vs power ouer our many corruptions remember not the follies of our youth blot out all our transgressions as it is promised O bury them in the Graue of Christ they neuer rise vp to appeare against vs bathe our wounded and stayned soules in his precious bloud infuse and stirre vp in vs a sound and sauing faith to receiue and put on the spotles roab of his Righteousnesse wherein appearing we shall be iustified Open the eyes of our vnderstandings that seeing wee may know the truth rectifie our affections that knowing wee may loue it conforme our wils that louing we may expresse obedience in practice with perseuerance in the day of tryall and trouble and all to the glory of that great name good example of our brethren the present comfort and future safety of our poore soules that so with the rest of the Saints we may be timely prepared for death and Heauen through Iesus Christ our Lord and onely Sauiour Amen Errata Pag. 14. l. 18.20 for naturally read mutually and for worldly read worthy pag. 13. A. 1. l. 17. for euen read euer pag. 41. A. 1. l 4. for remaines read remained pag. 70. A. 2. l. 6. for and read or pag. 53. A. 1. l 18. for the read though pag. 74. A. l. 1. 3. for bound read borne pag. 102. A. 1. l. 7. for Communication read Commination p 103. l. 1. read to bring in and aduance so for confirme l 12. read conforme pag. 109. A. 1. l 5. for degrees read decrees pag. 112. l. 26. for taking read lacking an ordinary oath in some countries pag. 131 A. 2. l 9. for deuill read euill p. 154. l. 14 for remissiues read remissenesse p. 155. A. 2. l. 12. for wates read wakes a terme well knowne in Lancash pag. 167. l. 7. for sext read sexe p. 172. A. 1. l. 8. for immodesty read modesty p. 217. A. 1. l. 5. for of read it pag. 229 l. 1. place or betweene profession and power pag. 237. A. 1. l. 8. adde thirdly and pag. 246. l. 6. for 3 set 4 pag. 258. l. 3. adde these words and doth nor pardon pag. 270. A. 1. l. 3. eschew read reschew or raise vp pag. 313. A. 1. l. 16. for desire it read desire after it pag. 367. l. 3. blot out of pag. 371. l. 21. for intermission read intermissiue p. 378. A. 1. l. 2. for life our life read life of our life Multis non mihi Question WHat is Catechizing A. A diuine ordinance perpetually requisit in the Church Deu. 11.19 1 Cor. 3.1 Heb. 6.1 2. wherein the principles of Christian Religion are familiarly laid open to the capacity of the ignorant by way of question and answer Q. Who are to performe this duty A. In publike the Pastor of euery congregation Mat. 28.19 Gen. 18.19 Deut. 6.7 he is to doe it or by his Curate or lawfull Deputy to see it done In priuate Husbands are to Catechize their Wiues Parents their Children Masters their Seruants Schoole-masters their Schollers God-fathers and God-mothers their vndertaken charge Q. Who are they that are publikely to be Catechized A. Either those who being of yeeres of discretion are not yet baptized but desire to be whether they be the seed of beleeuing Parents or Proselyt's Prou. 22.6 1 Pet. 3.15 Or else such as are already baptized who stand bound to learne and giue account of their faith as the Lord shall enable them Q. Why is this exercise so requisite in the Church A. First because it is the best remedy against naturall ignorance Prou. 29.18 Gen. 4.3 Secondly it helpes to cure the backwardnesse of many superiours who neglect it till feare of publike censure driue them to it Thirdly because it is ancient hath euer beene inioyned to all sorts in euery age and place and that profitably to procure obedience preserue order and vnity in the Church for matters of faith to ground children helpe weake memories confirme the strongest to remoue rudenesse and to restraine prophanenesse in all Q. How may this duty be performed publikely A. First by insisting on a set portion of Scripture containing a principle of Religion Luke 4.17 Heb 6.2 touching Mans creation Fal Redemption duty after c. Secondly by vnfolding the summe of al things Catechetically necessary to be knowne or donâ— though without a text both wayes commendable yet for vniformity it is best that there should be one such fully compleate Catechisme generall Q. What Catechisme should Diuines make vse of in this case A. That Catechisme is most fit and conuenient Rom. 13.1 2. 1 Cor. 10.33.11.16 to be explained in the assembly which is inioyned by publike authority exprest for vs in our booke of Common Prayer being agreeable to Scripture containing all fundamentall points necessary to saluation both for beliefe and practice if fully vnderstood Q. How many parts are there in that Catechisme A. Two the first declareth what is done for vs by the Church in our baptisme the second shewes what the Church requireth to be done by vs after baptisme as first to forsake the Diuell and all his workes
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
1 Pet. 4.3 be more wisely zealous in good then euer you were foolishly forward in euill courses Eccles 12.1 2 Tim. 3.15 Fifthly let young men and women to preuent this feare and trouble seeke their Creatour in the dayes of their youth least a custome in euill presenting a pretended impossibility driue you to this straight to doubt whether it be better to turne for heauen or to despaire and so drop downe to destruction Q. What is regeneration A. A Christians second birth wherein he hath the new man raised vp in him Iohn 3.3 1 Pet. 1.23 the Image of God repaired spirituall life infused and the seed of euery necessary grace reimplanted Q. How by whom and when is regeneration wrought A. First Iohn 3.5 the principall agent is the Spirit of God infusing the habite of grace into all the powers of the soule 1 Pet. 1.23 so inabling and disposing it to all holy motions and operations 1 Iohn 3.9 Secondly the instruments whereby are of three sorts First simply spirituall such is the actiue quality of grace giuing a power to doe good by the first act and called preuenting grace stirring vp the will to make vse of that power by a second act Ephes 2.8 called working grace Acts 18.27 enabling the whole to manifest that power and will indeed by a third act and then called coworking or assisting grace 1 Cor. 15.10 Tit. 2.11 1 Cor. 4.15 Secondly morall such is the Sacrament of Regeneration Thirdly naturall such are Ministers faithfully dispensing the Mysteries of God in the promulgation of the Gospell of Christ 1 Pet. 1.23 Ioh. 10.10 Thirdly the roote and seed whence this new life flowes is Christ and his Word as head deriuing life to the members of his mysticall Body by meanes of his humanity the quickning power being in and from his Deity Eccle. 11.5 Fourthly the manner is hidden and secret Iohn 3.8 Christs incarnation points out the manner of our regeneration The Holy Ghost ouer-shaddowes the soule and by his quickning power frames the new man insensibly of immortall seed thus much onely we may know First there is a disposition by way of preparation all lets are remoued Secondly a conception by a Vnion of grace with nature in the soule Thirdly a growth graduall in diuers parts diuersly as in an infant Fourthly a birth in the manifestation of this life by a regular motion in spirituall imployments Fiftly the time is at once instantly whensoeuer it is no certainety when reuealed nor set time appointed some at one time by one ordinance some at another time by another Q. Are not all men regenerate onely in and by the Sacrament of Regeneration in Baptisme A. No for first some haue had and many haue the grace of Regeneration before they could come to make vse of that or any other Sacrament liuing and dying neuer sensible of any change in them Secondly others haue and may receiue the seede of Grace in and with the Sacrament sowne then in their hearts Ier. 1.5 may lye hid vnder the clods of naturall corruption 1 Pet. 3.21 and spring vp long after by the power of spirituall raine and heat Thirdly a third sort may haue it neither before nor in Baptisme and yet receiue it after by the vse of some other ordinance thus might Simon Magus Acts 9.22 had he repented and truely beleeued after his baptisme the Lord is a free agent may bestow his grace when and how he pleaseth willing men to yeeld honour and respect to all his ordinances Quest How may a Christian doubting be comfortably perswaded of his Regeneration Ans First let him looke backe vpon and receiue comfort from his Baptisme which did certainely bring some good to his soule Secondly let him take notice of the ordinary manner of the manifestation Gal. 3.27 thereof not without pangs Acts 2.37 paine and griefe more or lesse in all Thirdly let him especially looke vnto the effects fruits and consequents of Regeneration which are diuers 1 Iohn 5.1 as first faith in the Lord Iesus that he is the Christ Secondly 1 Iohn 3.14 1 Iohn 4.7 loue of God his ordinances and seruants Thirdly hatred of sinne Rom. 7.23 1 Iohn 3.9 and worldly corruptions as offensiue to our mercifull Father Fourthly a combate of the spirit against the flesh with victory Fiftly 2 Cor. 5.17 a new life he liues new food desired and new company delighted in Question What is Iustification A. First it is a sentence of God as Iudge wherein the beleeuing sinner receiues a full and free discharge from the guilt of sinne Rom. 8.33 3.30 in regard of condemning power Psal 32 1 2 and the consequents thereof Secondly an acceptation of their persons as perfectly righteous 2 Cor. 5.19 Luk. 22.29 by the imputation of Christs merits giuen to them Rom. 3.28 enabled by him to receiue them Thirdly a declaration of their right to the heauenly inheritance with Christ in glory Iam. 2.24 all apprehended by faith as the instrument manifested to men by good workes as the fruits Q. How may a Christian bee comfortably perswaded this sentence is thus pronounst on his side A. First by that appearance he may remember hee hath and doth daily make with a bleeding heart and trembling soule before the Iudgement Seate of God crying guiltie guiltie accusing condemning himself like the prodigall Father I haue sinned against heauen Luk. 15.18 against thee and am no more worthy c. Secondly by that appeale hee hath in his owne thoughts made from the throne of Iustice to the Mercy Seat Heb. 4.16 begging earnestly for mercy and pardon in and through Iesus Christ Thirdly Rom. 1.17 by that life he after liues through Faith beleeuing what hee seeth not hoping for what is deferred and louing God when hee frownes vpon him in some temporall crosse or spirituall conflict Fourthly Rom. 5.1 by that inward peace which followes being iustified by faith we haue peace with God Fifthly by that account hee makes in his owne estimation of Christs righteousnesse 2 Tim. 4.8 resting vpon it and longing after his second comming Quest What is Sanctification A. It is a worke of the Spirit and Word of God Ioh. 17.17 whereby first men truely conuerted are cleansed from their naturall corruption 1 Cor. 6.11 in regard of the reigning power thereof Secondly whereby originall Iustice is in part restored and inherent righteousnesse wrought in them 2 Thes 2.13 graciously disposing their formerly vngracious hearts to the performance of holy duties though with much weakenesse and many fallings for sanctification during this life is imperfect and in a word it is in the regenerate a growing vp more and more in the new man which is according vnto holinesse Quest How many parts are there of Sanctification Ans Two Mortification Vivification Rom. 6.4 First Mortification which is a destruction