bearing no other but his image and superscription But Lord doe thou deface that cursed image blot out that superscription dissolue in vs the malicious worke of the Diuell Let the old man of corruption bee dispossessed by the new man of grace and the strong man of sinne by the stronger man of thy spirit Let no sinne O Lord haue dominion ouer vs mortifie in vs the whole body of death crucifie and put to shamefull death our speciall corruptions shew vs the ougly face of sinne grant that we may see it as thou seest it and hate it with a perfect hatred euen as thou abhorrest it Yea let vs see thee O Christ whom we haue perced with our sinnes bleeding with the wounds thou hast receaued from vs that wee may iustly detest both our sinnes as the weapons and our selues as the traitors that haue slaine our Sauiour On the contrary side good Lord renew thine owne image in vs. Enlighten our darke minds with the knowledge of thy truth mollifie our hard hearts with the oyle of thy grace reuiue our dead consciences with the soule of new life that liuing in the spirit we may also walke in the spirit Plant in vs faith without presumption loâ—e without dâ—ssimulation feare without infidelitie zeale without hyprocri ie knowledge without pride puritie without iudgeing Giue vs wisdome ioined with simplicitie courage accompanied with meekenesse cheerefulnesse tempered with sobrietie and let euery grace in vs be graced with humilitie Fill vs with all the fruits of a liuely and sauing faith working by loue let the fire thereof flame in our hearts and the light thereof shine in our liues to the praise of thy name and the comfort of our consciences And thus without ceasing lead vs forward to perfection guiding vs by thy grace and after bringing vs to thy glorie And now O Lord hauing in the first place sought thy kingdome and righteousnesse giue vs leaue in the next place to seek thy fauour in outward things Be with vs this night O Lord to watch ouer vs for good and not for euill Let it bee our comfort that thou seest vs in the darke and takest knowledge of vs when wee are vnmindfull of our selues But aboue all things keepe vs euen in our sleepe from being vnmindfull of thee Let our hearts alwaies bee awake and keepe thy watch O Lord euen as wee would thou shouldst keepe a watch ouer vs that whensoeuer thou shalt call for vs by the generall alarum of iudgement or the particular summons of our death whether at midnight or at the cocke crowing or at the dawning of the day we may bee found ready to accompany our heauenly bridegroome In the meane time sanctifie the blessing of sleepe vnto vs that the rest of the night may make vs fit for the labour of the day and night day being spent in thy seruice may prepare vs for that day of thine which shall neuer giue place to night Lastlie seeing thou hast vouchsafed this honour to thy seruants on earth to make intercession vnto thee one for another wee commend vnto thy maiestie the care of thy whole Church and of all our fellow members in the bodie of Christ Cause theÌ„ all in thy due time to be brought forth fashioned and perfected according to the image of Christ our head Let the Angell neuer cease flying with the euerlasting Gospell to enlighten them that sit in darknesse to preach good tidings to the poore to binde vp the broken hearted to proclaime libertie vnto the captiues till Babilon be quite ruined and thy Ierusalem bee reared vp and finished To this end blesse all Christian Princes and States by name thy seruant Iames our Soueraigne with our gracious Queene the royall children and as thou hast crowned them with worldly honour vpon earth so direct them vnto that more glorious crowne in heauen Make them strong and faithfull to maintaine the crowne dignitie of thy sonne that vnder his protection they may happily raigne and execute iudgement Assist with thy counsell the Honorable priuie Counsellors adorne the Nobles with spirituall nobilitie prosper the worke of thy Gospell in the hands of thy seruants the Ministers and the affaires of Iustice in the hands of the Magistrates Vouchsafe to take speciall notice from vs of those whom thou hast specially recommended to vs and to them and vs and all that desire to feare thy name grant all the blessings of mercie and peace in Iesus Christ our onely blessed Sauiour to whom with thee and thine eternall Spirit O Father be all honour obedience and thanksgiuing throughout all generations Amen A priuate Prayer for the pardon of sinne and for the fauour of God O Lord God mighty in power excellent in Maiestie righteous in iudgement rich in mercie Thou art so farre from despising and driuing from thee a weake vile sinfull wretch as I am that thou callest and drawest such vnto thee Vnto thee therefore the God that hearest the prayer I am bold to approch in the name of thy Sonne my Lord Iesus Christ beseeching thee to hold out the golden scepter of thy grace and to admit me into thy presence Let thy power not dismay but strengthen my weakenes Let thy glorie not confound but couer my vilenesse let thy puritie not pursue but purge my wickednesse let the riches of thy mercie not disdaine but take pittie of my pouertie and wretchednesse O Lord I can plead nothing but miserie in my selfe to make way vnto thy mercie from thee alone must all motiues vnto compassion be drawne For till thou didst miraculously create mee I was without any being and if in the state of creation thou sawest any thing in my nature it was thine owne and not mine But woe is mee O Lord that which I could not giue vnto my selfe I did by sinning against thee in Adam take from my selfe and deface thaâ— holy image of thine which was all the contentment thy spirit had in me and all the reioicing I could haue in my selfe And so haue I imitated the patterne of that first sinne in the dayes of my vanitie that thy spirit hath found no matter but of strife and contention with me My whole nature hath been an armorie of weapons an armie of souldiers to fight against thee And how that wicked warre hath been waged by malicious thoughts words and workes prouoking the eyes of thy glorie my conscience in great part witnesseth and thou O Lord that art greater then my conscience canst better tell Yea since the time that I was called by thy mighty word and powerfull grace to some beginnings of new obedience thy spirit hath beene put to continuall strife within me My corrupt flesh hath still maintained a rebellious partie against thee and I my selfe which is the height of shamefull trecherie taking part with it haue giuen the repulse and foyle vnto thy good spirit I ought to haue serued thee in holinesse but I haue caused thee to serue by my sinnes and
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
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
that they become a Psal 21.6 blessings vnto others Q. What is the fourth A. b Ps 31.20 37.19 Immunitie from outward euils as punishments of sinne which yet if as trials and chastisements God inflict vpon them they are assured to finde c Esay 27 7 mercy and mitigation in the hand correcting d 1. Cor. 10.13 2. Cor. 12.9 strength to beare what is laid vpon them the speciall prouidence of God causing all things to e Rom. 8.28 worke together for the best vnto them and finally a f 1. Cor. 10.13 Psal 149.4 glorious issue out of all troubles in due time Q. What is the fift prerogatiue A. Dignitie and praeeminence in that the faithfull haue g Gen. 9.26 27. Pro. 14.19 Psal 105 14 15. dominion and vpperhand ouer the wicked their enemies are h Mar. 6.20 Act. 5.13 honorable in the eyes and hearts of men though not ioyning with them in profession Q. What â—nsueth here vpon to make vs outwardly blessed A. i Pro. 10.22 Ioy without mixture of sorrow in prosperitie and in affliction abundant * 2 Cor. 1.5 consolation SECT XXII Of Glorification begunne in our nature viz. Sanctification Q. HOw are we made holy in our nature A. By the grace of Sanctification which is the * Tit. 3.5 renewing of our nature according to the a 2. Cor. 3.18 Ephes 4.24 image of God in righteousnesse true holinesse making vs after a sort b 2 Pet. 1.4 partakers of the godly nature Q. How farre forth and by whom is our nature in this life renewed A. This renewing is of our c 1. Thes 5.23 Rom. 12.2 whole nature spirit soule and bodie our vnderstanding being enlightened our will enfranchised and our outward man reformed but d Ioh. 13.10 not wholly in this life being the worke of e Ps 51.10 Ezek. 36.26 God not of our selues yet f Ezek. 18.31 required at our hands both to shew vs what wee ought to doe by the power of grace and to stirre vs vp to seeke by prayer and all holy endeuour to attaine vnto that supernaturall strength Q. By what meanes is this worke of God wrought in vs A. By the power and * Rom. 6.5 â— 2 Joh 15.3 Rom. 8.13 Act. 1â— 9 efficacie of the death and resurrection of Christ conueyed vnto vs by his word and Spirit which being apprehended by faith and setting faith on worke are auaileable vnto each part of our sanctification Q. What are the parts of Sanctification A. They are two according to the powerfull meanes whereby they are wrought Viz. 1. a Rom. 6.6 7. Mortification or dying vnto sinne and thereby freedome from the dominion thereof by the vertue of the death of Christ 2. b Ro. 6 4.11 Viuification or quickning vnto newnesse of life by the power of the resurrection of Christ in regard whereof it is also called our c Reu. 20.6 first resurrection Q. How doth Sanctification differ from the former grace of Iustification A. In many maine and materiall differences as 1. In the order not of time wherein they goe both a Rom. 8.30 together nor of knowledge and apprehension wherein this b 1. Cor. 6.11 latter hath precedence but of nature wherein the former is the c 2. Cor. 7.1 ground of this latter 2. In the subiect the righteousnesse whereby we are iustified being inherent in Christ for vs but this of sanctification d Rom 8.10 in our selues from him 3. In the cause our iustification being from the merite our sanctification from the e Ephes 1 19. c. 2.1 efficacie of the death and life of Christ 4. In the instrument faith which in iustification is onely as an hand receiuing in sanctification a f Act. 15.9 Gal. 5.6 co-working vertue 5. In the measure Iustification being in all beleeuers at all times alike but sanctification wrought g 2. Cor. 3.18 2. Pet. 3.18 differently and by degrees 6. In the end which beeing in both eternall life a Ro. 6.22.23 yet is the one among the causes of reigning the other only as the high way to the kingdome SECT XXIII Of the rule of Sanctification viz. the Law with the direction of the Gospell Q. VVHat is the rule square of our Sanctification A. The whole b Psal 119.9 word of God as containing that c Rom. 12.2 will of his which is d 1. Thes 4 3. c. euen our sanctification Q. What meane you by the whole word A. e Job 22.22 Ioh. 17.17 Both the Law and Gospell the old Testament and the new Q. Are wee not then deliuered from the law by the meanes of Christ A. From the f Gal. 3.10 11 12 13. burthen of the law exacting in our owne persons perfect obedience and from the curse of it due vnto disobedience wee are deliuered by Christ But from the Commandement as a a Jam. 2.8 rule of life we are not freed but contrariwise enclined and disposed by his b Psal 51.12 119 2 45 1. Ioh. 5.3 free spirit to the willing obedience thereof Thus to the regenerate the Law becometh as it were Gospel euen a c Jam. 1.25 2.12 law of libertie Q. How is the Gospell a rule of obedience being the rule of faith A. The Gospel * 1. Tim. 1.11 Eph 4.20 21 directeth the faithfull to the obedience of the Law only with difference 1. Of the manner the Law propounding God to bee worshipped of vs in himselfe as our Creator the d Ioh. 14.1 5.23 Gospel in Christ as our Sauiour 2. Of the end the Law requiring all duties as for the procurement of our owne saluation the Gospell in way of e 1. Thes 5.18 thankefulnesse for saluation in Christ alreadie bestowed 3. Of the effect the Law like Pharaoh that required bricke but allowed no strawe f Rom. 10.5 6. c. demanding obedience but vouchsafing no assistance supposing man as in the state of Creation but the Gospell both requireth and conferreth faith vnto the Elect and that not onely as a hand to lay hold on Christ but also as the chiefe vertue working by loue in all parts of obedience without which euen the Gospell is law that is a a 2. Cor. 3.6 killing letter as to the vnregenerate Q. Doth not the Gospell adde other precepts or counsels to those of the law A. Not any other in substance of action but onely reneweth enforceth b 1. Ioh. 2.7 8 those of the law and specifyeth some duties as of faith in the Messiah of the Sacraments c. which haue their generall ground from the law As for those that are propounded in forme of counsell and doe concerne things indifferent they are not c Reu. 3.18 therefore arbitrary courses of higher perfection much lesse meritorious of greater glory but as they are applied with due circumstances necessary precepts
behooueth vs also to suffer in the flesh ceasing from sinne hereto crauing and employing the power of the same death of Christ to a Ro. 6 2. c subdue and crucifie our carnall lusts and affections whereto also belongeth the help of b 1. Cor. 9.25 c. Abstinence for the repressing of the inordinate desires of nature SECT XXXVII Of good workes in generall Q. THus farre of the spiritual warfare What is a good worke A. Whatsoeuer thing is done of us c 2. Cor. 3.5 not by the force or conduct of nature but by the power of the d Rom. 8.10 spirit of Christ dwelling in vs and according to the rule of the e Rom. 12.2 knowne will of God vnto the f 1 Cor. 10.31 glory of God the g 2. Pet. 1.10 c. assurance of our election and the h 1. Cor. 10.23 edification of others Q. Is there no concurrence of nature in the doing of a good worke A. Taking nature in the common sense of Scripture for that a Ephes 2.3 1. Cor. 2.14 hereditarie corruption that cleaueth to all the sonnes of Adam b Rom. 8.7 no good work hath any ground or help from nature but is altogether contrarie thereto but if we vnderstand by c Rom. 2.14 nature the created abilities of soule and body as the light of reason libertie of will motion of the bodily members c. wee acknowledge nature to be d Mat. 16.17 not the principal mouer or guide but the e 1. Thes 5.23 thing moued guided by grace in well doing Q. Are there any workes of men perfectly good A. None no not of the most perfect in this life by reasoÌ„ of the f Esay 64.6 Gal. 15.17 remainders of corruption but onely the workes of Christ in whom alone there was g 1. Pet. 2.22 no mixture of sinne Q. Can all men doe good workes A. No but onely the regenerate who are for that purpose h Ephes 2.10 2. Tim. 2.21 created a new and indued in measure with the spirit of Christ and power of his resurrection As for the vnregenerate they are a Mat. 7 17 c. Jer. 13.23 the euill tree that bringeth forth onely euill fruit Q. Are there not some good workes specially commended to vs in the word of God A. Yes and namely among the duties of the first Table Prayer and among those of the second Table Almes touching which therefore our b Mat. 6.1.5 c. Sauiour giueth speciall directions in the sixt of Matthew Q. Is not fasting also of which our Sauiour in the c Math. 6.16 c. same place entreateth a speciall good worke A. Fasting is not properly a good worke but an helpe and assistance thereto namely to Prayer as shall appeare SECT XXXVIII Of Prayer Q. TO proceede then What is prayer A. It is the d Phil. 4.6 request of an humble sanctified heart together with thanksgiuing offered by the power of the a Rom. 8.26 spirit of prayer as a speciall b Psal 50.15 seruice vnto God in the c Ioh. 14.14 name of Christ in behalfe of our selues and d Eph. 6.18 others with e 1 Joh. 5.14 assurance to be heard in what we pray for according to the will of God Q. Why doe you call it a request with thanksgiuing A. Because in all our prayers there must bee both f 1. Thess 5.17 petition of the good things we need and g Verse 18. thankefull acknowledgement of those we haue obtained As for those formes which containe neither supplication nor giuing of thankes as the Articles of our faith the Decalogue c. they may and ought for other good purposes bee committed to memory and h Deut 6.7 rehearsed but to vse them as prayers i Mâ—â—h 6 7. sauoreth of deepe ignorance if not of superstition Q. Why doe you call it the request of the heart A. Not to exclude the vse of bodilie gesture much lesse of the voice and tongue in the action of inuocation therefore called the a Hos 24.3 Calues of the lips but to shew 1. That the b 1. Cor. 14.15 Psal 45.1 108.1 heart is on our part the first and principall moouer and speaker in prayer from whence both voyce and gesture haue their force and grace 2. That prayer in sudden occasions may be c Exod. 14.15 Nehem. 2.4 secretly and powerfully offered and is of God accepted and heard when neither any voice is vttered nor any bodily gesture imploied Q. Why doe you adde of an humble and sanctified heart A. Because as in generall d Psal 109.7 none can pray or doe any thing acceptably but such as are truely regenerate and e Psal 51.15 sanctified vnto this and euery good worke so in speciall and for the present action of prayer it is required as the f Psal 51.17 summe of all sacrifices that the heart be humble and contrite g Dan. 9 8 9 acknowledging it owne vnworthinesse by reason of sinne h Psal 143.6 feeling the want of Gods grace and mercy and i Luk. 15.18 19. submitting it selfe vnto him willing to be beholding for the least degree of fauour Q. What is the spirit of prayer A. An especiall grace and operation of the a Iude vers 20. holy Ghost called therefore the b Zech. 12.10 spirit of grace and deprecation enabling vs to c Psal 62.8 powre out our soules vnto the Lord with d Rom. 8.26 sighs that cannot be expressed Q. Are wee to direct our prayers to God alone A. Yea to one God in Trinitie and to none other for he alone 1. As the searcher of the hearts e Psal 65.2 heareth the voice and f Rom. 8.27 knoweth the meaning of the spirit of praier 2. Is g Eph. 3.20 able to grant whatsoeuer we demand 3. Challengeth our h Rom. 10.14 faith and confidence without which wee cannot pray For which causes the Scripture alloweth not prayer to any other Q. In whose name or for whose sake must we sue to God A. In the onely i Dan. 9.17 Joh. 16.23.24 name and for the onely sake of his sonne our Lord Iesus Christ the alone k 1. Tim. 2.5 mediator betweene God and man as of a 1. Joh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 propitiation so of a 1. Joh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 intercession who through the b Heb. 10.19 c. vaile of his flesh and merit of his blood hath prepared for vs a new and liuing way whereby we may bee bold to enter into the holie place in c Gal. 4.5 whom alone wee are made children of God and haue liberty to call him Father Finally in with and for d Rom. 8.32 whom God giueth all good things to his Elect. Q. For whom are wee to pray A. For our selues and others vs and ours In a word 1. For e 1.
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
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
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
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
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
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
thy will and guide my feete in thy waies that I fall not by the deceiueablenesse of sinne and so become a slander to thy Gospell Little is the good that is in me O Lord and that not of my selfe it is thy gift yet grant that it may be sound and sincere not as the morning dew that wasteth at the first heate buâ— as the morning light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Let mee measure my selfe not by that others iudge mee or I feele my selfe to bee but by that I desire and labour to be that I may neither iustifie my selfe louing sinne though I commit it not nor condemne my selfe longing after grace though I cannot finde that I haue attained to it Let my reioicing be not that I haue deluded the world with a fained shew of holinesse and integritie but that in simplicitie and godly purenesse I haue had my conuersation among men as in thy sight Renew my youth O LORD as the Eagle not to the seruice of sinne but of thy name Let it bee my meate and drinke to doe thy will and let my hunger after it bee so great that it may breake through all the stone walles of impediments and discouragements thereto Yea the more I am discouraged and withdrawne from dutie by the practises of Satan and the weakenesse of my flesh the more let mee striue thereto and abound therein that Satan finding himselfe a looser may bee forced to giue ouer his assaults Let mee bee so farre from wearinesse in thy seruice in the time of prosperitie as I would thou shouldest bee from neglecting mee in the houre of necessitie Let thy loue toward mee O Father winne mee to the loue of thee and let my loue to thee constraine mee euen with deniall of my selfe to serue thee Teach mee to looke for all good things from thee by the meanes of IESVS CHRIST and in him to offer vp my daily sacrifices vnto thee Disperse in mee the clouds of sinne that my heart as in a cleare day may alwaies behold thee Let all worldly ioyes bee swallowed vp in mee with the ioy of thy holy Spirit and before all peace let mee preferre the peace of a good conscience Let mee reioyce in thee without lightnesse and mourne for mine owne and others sinnes without discouragement Powre vppon mee thy Spirit of grace and supplication that I may call vpon thee with sighes that cannot bee expressed that cannot bee denied that with this key I may open the treasurie of thy goodnesse and enrich my selfe Make mee a meete guest to sit downe at the marriage feast of the Lambe and graunt that I may bee carefull not to bee found without the wedding garment of faith working by loue Let mee keepe a diligent account of what I receiue from thee and remembring that there shall bee a day of reckoning graunt mee so to gouerne my selfe in the employing of thy talents that both thou maist receiue of me thine owne with aduantage and I beeing found faithfull in little may bee made ruler ouer much Let mee account this terme of life a seede time and let mee not doubt to cast my bread vpon the waters seeing at the end of dayes I shall finde it againe Let me not esteeme my selfe the poorer for bestowing vpon thy needie seruants but let mee thinke that as the corne which is sowen remaineth not in the ground but returneth with encrease to the sower so what I giue in thy name shall not remaine with the receiuer but returne vnto mee with aduantage Make mee willing to bestow and to bee bestowed for the good of thy Saints and withall humble to ascribe both the gift and the willingnesse to giue to thy grace onely Graunt good Lord that beeing a pilgrim vpon earth I may haue my conuersation in heauen and professing my selfe to bee a citizen of that Ierusalem which is from aboue I may desire not onely to enioy the priuiledges but also to speake the language and to bee gouerned by the lawes of that Citie Make mee wise O Lord to vnderstand and consider my latter end Let my whole life bee a preparation to death and the meditation of death the rule of my life O Lord guide my heart to the loue of thy Maiestie and the waiting for of thy Sonne Vnto mine old age and gray head O God forsake mee mee not and let thy feare keepe mee from forsaking thee Let mee bee among those that are planted in thine house and flourish in thy Courts Let mee bring forth more fruit in mine age Let my later dayes bee my best daies and my workes more at the last then at the first Finally enable mee in this pilgrimage of my life so to walke from strength to strength that at the length I may appeare before thee with the Congregation of the first borne in that kingdome of glorie which thou hast prepared for all that loue the appearance of thy Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ To whom with thee O Father and thy Spirit bee all honour and obedience in the Church hence forth and for euer Amen FINIS A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE ABRIDGED OVT OF the larger Treatise for the more conuenient vse of priuate Families and instruction of the yonger sort By SAM CROOKE PROV 22.6 Traine vp or Catechise a Child in the way he should goe and when he is old he will not depart from it LONDON Printed by John Pindley for Nathaniel Butler and are to be sold at his shop neere S. Austins gate at the signe of the Pyed Bull. 1613. A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE SECT I. Of the Scripture Question HOw may a man attaine true blessednesse Ans Onely by a Job 22.21 22. acquaintance and fellowship with God as hee offereth himselfe to bee knâ—wne of vs in his b Joh. 6.68 word Q. What meane you by the word of God A. The holy c 2. Tim. 3.25 16. Scriptures of the old and new Testament giuen by inspiration of God SECT II. Of God Q. HOw doe the Scriptures propound God to be knowne of vs A. Partly in himselfe partly in his workes Q. What doe the Scriptures teach vs touching God himselfe A. Foure things and first that a Heb. 11. â— there is a God Q. What is the second thing A. That God is a b Ioh. 4.24 spirit most simple eternall infinite constant and absolute Q. What is the third thing A. That there is onely c 1. Cor. 8.6 me God and no more Q. What is the fourth thing A. That in this one Godhead are d Mat. 28.19 1. Joh. 5.7 three distinct persons the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost SECT III. Of Gods decree Q. VVHat are the workes of God A. They are a Ephes 1.11 1. His decree and 2. The execution thereof Q. How may wee take a view of these workes of God A. Generally in all creatures specially in Angels and men Q. What did God decree concerning all creatures A.