crave of God those Aids and Supplies of his Grace which may enable me to honour him by a Holy Obedience for the time to come I must put forth in my Soul the Acts of Faith Mat. 5.6 brotherly Love and Charity and stir up in my Heart hungring Desires after Christ and the Participation of his saving Benefits in his Holy Supper Q. Why must you thus examine and prepare your self before you come to the Lord's Supper A. Lest I should receive it unworthily Q. What is the Sin and Danger of unworthy receiving A. 1 Cor. 11.27 28. He that receiveth unworthily is guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord as the wicked Jews Acts 7.52 who were his Betrayers and Murderers and eateth and Drinketh * Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 render'd in the Marg. Judgment See v. 30 31 32. Judgment or Damnation to himself being for this Sin liable to temporal Afflictions yea to eternal Damnation in the just Judgment of God Q. When doth a man receive unworthily A. When he presumeth to come to the Lord's Table in the guilt of any known Sin unrepented of or wanting that Faith Love and Charity which are required in a worthy Receiver Q. If the Sin and Danger of unworthy Receiving be so great is it not safer to forbear than to come to the Lord's Table A. He that forbears to come to the Lord's Table incurs a greater guilt and Danger for to the guilt that would make him an unworthy Receiver Luk. 22.19 he adds the Contempt of Christ's Command and of the Benefits of his Bloud 1 Cor. 10.16 freely offer'd to him in this Holy Supper Q. What then must you do that you keep your self clear from this Guilt and safe from this Danger A. I must be very carefull and serious in examining my self and finding my self guilty 1 Cor. 11.28 31. I must judge and condemn my self that I may be graciously acquitted by the Lord and accepted as a worthy Receiver Q. If you rightly receive this Blessed Sacrament what Benefit shall you have thereby A. Mat. 26.28 God will seal to my Soul the Pardon of all my Sins in the Bloud of Christ with a Right to all the Blessings and Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace Q. If after you have received this Holy Sacrament you should return to your former sins what will your State and Condition be A. Luk. 22.20 Heb. 10.28 29. 2 Pet. 2.20 21 22. VVorse than before For I shall greatly provoke the wrath of God by the Breach of a solemn Covenant ratifi'd with the Bloud of Christ Q. How must you demean your self then after you have received A. 1 Joh. 5.18 Col. 2.6 7. I must carefully keep my self from Sin that Sin especially to which I am most inclin'd and humbly walk with God in the ways of Holiness Psal 18.23 being diligent in every good Duty Q. What will be the Issue of this Holy Course A. I shall at length see my Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ glorified in Heaven 1 Joh. 3.2 Joh. 17.22 24. who was Crucifiâ—d for me on Earth and shall for ever live and reign with him in Glory COL 11.6 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the Faith as ye have been taught abounding therein with Thanksgiving If any by reason of the Weakness of their Memory or want of Ability to read cannot learn by Heart the fore-going Catechisin that they may not be kept from the Lord's Table nor come unprepar'd I have comprehended the most necessary things in the following Abridgment Let such then when they can repeat the Creed the ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer learn this Shorter Catechism But if they learn this onely at their first Admission they shall do well for an Increase of Knowledge to endeavour to learn the other also for their greater Benefit in their after-receiving A Shorter Catechism for the Younger Communicants Q. WHAT Religion is the onely sure way to Salvation A. The Christian Religion Q. What doth the Christian Religion comprehend A. Faith Obedience Prayer and Sacraments Q. What is the Sum of your Faith A. I believe in God the Father Almighty c. Q. What is the Rule of your Obedience A. The Law of God which is comprehended in Ten Commandments Q. Rehearse them A. God spake all these Words c. Exo. 20.1 17. Q. What is the Pattern of your Prayers A. The Lord's Prayer Q. Rehearse it A. Our Father which art in Heaven c. Mat. 6.9 13. Q. What are the Sacraments A. Seals of the Covenant of Grace Q. What is the Tenour of the Covenant of Grace A. I will be their God and they shall be my People Q. How many Sacraments are there A. Onely two Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. Of what Vse are these to us A. By Baptism we enter into Covenant with God and renew it in the Lord's Supper Q. How else do they differ A. Baptism is a Sacrament of our New Birth the Lord's Supper of our Spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace Q. How oft must we receive them A. Baptism but once the Lord's Supper often for we can be but once born but must be oft fed Q. What must we consider in the Sacraments A. The outward Signs the Things thereby signifi'd and the spiritual Benefits thereof Q. What is the outward Sign in Baptism A. Water Q. What doth the water in Baptism signifie A. The Grace of God's Spirit Q. VVhat doth the washing of the Body with water signifie A. The cleansing of the Soul from Sin Q. VVhat is the Benefit of Baptism A. Regeneration or a New Birth Q. VVhat is Regeneration A. A Renewing of the Nature of man by the Spirit and Grace of God Q. In whose Name is Baptism to be Administred A. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. VVho are to be Baptiz'd A. Converts to the Christian Religion and the Children of Christians Q. To what are you bound by your Baptism A. To forsake my Sins believe in Christ and obey him Q. VVhat are the outward Signs in the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine Q. VVhat do they signifie A. The Body and Bloud of Christ Q. Hath Christ a true Body A. Yes the same Body which was crucified on Earth is glorified in Heaven Q. Is the Bread in the Sacrament the very Body of Christ and the Wine his Bloud A. No They are but the Signs of his Body and Bloud Q. What doth the breaking of the Bread signifie A. The Breaking of Christ's Body in his Crucifixion Q. What doth the Minister's giving of the Bread and Wine to the Communicants represent A. God's giving of Christ and His Benefits to Believers Q. What doth the receiving eating and Drinking signifie A. Our receiving and applying of Christ by Faith Q. What are the Benefits of this Holy Supper A. The
2.18 and constant Obedience to His Holy Commands all the daies of my Life Q. 5. 5. Brotherly Love Do I entirely love all the Children of God as my Brethren in Christ even because they are God's Children bear His Image and are beloved by their Heavenly Father A. I have a Love for all men Rom. 13.9 and do Desire to love my Neighbour as myself 1 Joh. 3.14 but for those who truly fear-God I have a great esteem of them and a hearty Love to them Psal 16.3 I account them the onely excellent Ones in the Earth And the more excellency I see in them the more my Heart is endeared to them I chiefly delight in their Company and when I can enjoy mine own Choice psal 119.63 I am a Companion of them that fear God and keep his Commandments Q. 6. 6. Charity Luk. 6.37 Mat. 5.44 Rom. 12.21 1 Cor. 5.8 Am I in Charity with all men Can I freely forgive them that have wrong'd me and find in my Heart to do good to them who hate me and ahve done and would do me Hurt A. I thank God I bear no Malice in my Heart to any man I do freely forgive them who have wrong'd me and account it but a very small matter if my Lord will graciously be pleased to remit me a Debt of Ten Thousand Talents Mat. 18.23 35. to forgive to my fellow-Servant a Debt of an Hundred pence And God knows my heart if it lay in my power I could freely do Good to the worst Enemy I have in the World If he was in Danger I would do my best to preserve him If I knew him to be in any Extremity I would to my Ability Rom. 12.20 very freely relieve Him I know I more need mercy from God than any man can need Mercy from me and I am ready and willing to shew Mercy to any man Jam. 2.13 as I do expect and desire to obtain Mercy from God in the Forgiveness of my Sins and the Salvation of my Soul Q. 7. Defire of Christ 7. Have I an Appetite to my Spiritual Food Have I an earnest Defire to have Communion with Christ and to partake of his saving Benefits in his Holy Supper A. Without Christ alas I am an undone Creature Ah Lord God! What wilt thou give me if I go Christless Give me therefore O give me Christ or I die It is Pardon and Grace and spiritual strength and Comfort which he is pleased to communicate to Believers in his Holy Supper These I want these I earnestly defire 1 Cor. 15.10 I must have Pardon or perish Without Grace I can do no good Peace with God is an inestimable Priviledge without this I cannot hope to see His Face in Heaven I want Strength to do my Duties conquer my Corruptions bear my Burdens and withstand my Temptations And my Soul thirsts after those Holy Comforts which are far sweeter than all worldly Joys Psal 4.7 These are the Blessings I earnestly defire These are the Benefits of my Blessed Lord and Suviour Jesus Christ And I am willing to part with the Pleasures of Sin for ever to partake of these Holy Comforts and there is no Treasure in the whole World that I prize or desire in comparison of these inestimable Priviledges which I beseech God to communicate to me in this Holy Feast Psal 63.5 Luk. 1.47 Jude v. 25. So shall my Soul be satisfi'd as with Marrow and Fatness and I shall greatly rejoyce in God my Saviour to whom be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen Now if upon this serious Self-Examination thou canst from thy Heart make these Answers to these Questions doubt not but God will accept thee as a worthy Communicant and thou shalt beâ—◠〈…〉 Guest to the Lord's Table God in that Blessed Ordinance of Christ's Holy Supper will seal up to thy Soul the Pardon of all thy sins and that Covenant of Grace whereby he assures thee of a Kingdome of Glory for thine etenal Inheritance Conclude this Work of Self-Examination with that Confession and Prayer which is fitted for that Purpose Christian-Devotion IN Some short Forms of PRAYER PRAISE Prayers for Children A Prayer for the Morning O LORD God and my Heavenly Father I give Thee humble and hearty Thanks for that Thou hast preserved me this Night past and rais'd me up in Health and Strength this Morning whereas Thou mightest in the Darkness of the Night have cut me off for my Sins and cast me into everlasting Darkness in Hell Pardon O Lord all my past Sins and keep me from sinning for the time to come Guide bless and keep me this Day in Thy Fear and grant that I may demean my self alwaies as in thy Sight And seeing I must at length appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive according to my Works and must then give an Account of every idle VVord grant that I may keep my self this Day from all foolish-speaking evil-doing Especially grant that I may keep my Heart with all Diligence seeing out of it come those evil Things which defile both Body and Soul Keep me O Lord by thy Grace from all wanton thoughts Words and Looks and from all those fleshly Lusts which will defile my Soul and make me loathsome in thy Sight Oh keep me from my special sin and quicken me to every good Duty Keep me from mispending my precious Time in Vanity and Idleness seeing upon this little Moment of my Life depends an Eternity of Joy or Torment Sanctifie me throughout by Thy Holy Spirit and enable me by thy Grace to live to thy Glory Plant in my Heart a Hatred of Sin and Love to Holiness that I may delight to do Thy Will O my God! Psal 40.8 Joh. 4.34 and account it my Meat and Drink to be employ'd in well-doing Grant I may love Thee with all my Heart and Soul and serve Thee with all my Strength all the Daies of my Life that in the End I may be happy for ever Make me like Christ in meekness Patience Humility that I may be like to Him hereafter in Glory Keep me this Day from Sin and Danger and give me all things both for my Soul and Body which Thou seest to be needfull and good for me Make me ever Thankfull for Thy Mercies and truly contented with my Condition Do good O Lord Psal 125.4 to them that are good and convert Sinners from their evil waies that they may be saved Bless my Parents Give them Health Prosperity and Length of Days here and everlasting Happiness in Heaven Bless all my Friends and dear Relations give them Grace and all good things both for Body and Soul Bless me even me also O my Father with the Blessings of thy Love and guide me in thy Holy ways to Life eternal through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour to whom with Thy Self and Holy Spirit be all Honour and
Glory now and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Noon BLessed be Thy Name O Lord my God that Thou hast preserved me this Day hitherto Blessed be Thy Name for all the Blessings which Thou hast bee stowed upon me Forgive me all the Sins which I have committed and keep me the rest of this Day from all evil Grant O Lord that I may continue to serve Thee faithfully and truly this Day and all the Days of my Life that it may be well with me for ever and ever thro' Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour to whom with Thy self and Holy Spirit be Glory and Honour Power Praise and Thanksgiving both now and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Night O Lord my God I humbly and heartily bless and praise Thy Holy Name for thy merciful Preservation of me this Day past and for all the Blessings which Thou hast bestowed upon me I bless Thee for my Health and Strength Food and Raiment Peace and Safety and above all for my Redemption by Jesus Christ and my Hopes of Salvation by Him Forgive me I beseech Thee all the Sins which either in Thought Word or Deed I have committed against Thee this Day Forgive me that I have neglected any good which I might and ought to have done or negligently done it I have forgotten Thee O Lord and I have done evil in Thy Sight But I am heartily sorry for all my Sins and do earnestly desire and seriously resolve to serve Thee better for the Time to come Remember not against me any of my past offences but be in Christ fully reconciled unto me And give me Thy Grace that I may henceforth walk in thy Ways and obey Thy Will in all Things Take me into Thy Tuition this following Night Keep me when I cannot keep my self Keep me O Lord from all evil Thoughts and hurtfull Lusts Keep me from the Power of Satan the Prince of Darkness Let Thy Holy Angels be my Guard and thy mighty Power my Defence Defend me from all Dangers and Disquiets Hide me under the Shadow of Thy Wings Psal 17.8 and keep me as the Apple of the Eye When I am awake let me remember that Thine Eye is upon me Psal 139.2 and that Thou see'st my down-lying and discernest my secret Thoughts Give me O Lord quiet Rest and Sleep and raise me up the next Day with renewed Health and Strength to do Thee Service Continue thy Favour to me through all my Life and in Death shew me thy Salvation Bless and keep Thy whole Church Continue Truth and Peace in this Land Bless and preserve my Parents in Life and Health Let all my dear Friends and Relations be Happy in Thy Love and Favour Bless me O Father and save me for Thy Mercies sake in Christ Jesus my Redeemer To whom with thy Self and Holy Spirit be Honour Glory and Praise for ever and ever Amen Prayers for Servants A Prayer for the Morning O Lord God I heartily bless Thy Holy Name for keeping me this Night past in Safety and raising me up with renewed Health and Strength this Morning Hadst Thou dealt with me O Lord according to my Deserts Thou might'st have sent me into the Land of Darkness and I might have made my Bed in Hell But O Lord as Thou hast mercifully kept me when I could not keep my self so take me I beseech Thee into Thy Holy Tuition and keep me henceforth from all Evil Pardon my Sin and preserve me to Thy everlasting Kingdom Direct me O God and lead me forth in Thy Fear and so bless and prosper me in all the Works and Businesses of this day Grant that I may faithfully and diligently discharge the Duties required of me in the Place wherein Thy Providence hath set me Keep me O Lord from all evil Thoughts which may defile my Heart and from all evil Words and Actions whereby I may offend Thee and deprive my self of Thy Blessing and Favour Grant that I may so remember Thine All-seeing Eye as to demean my self always as in Thy Sight studying and endeavouring to please and honour Thee in all things that at the last Day I may give up my Account with Joy Protect Thy whole Church by thy Power and bless all Thy People with Peace Bless this Land and preserve the true Religion Bless this House and Family wherein I live with all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Bless guide and keep thy Servants to whom Thou hast committed the Care and Government thereof Give me Grace O Lord to look upon them as standing in Thy stead to me that by the Honour and Obedience which I yield to them according to Thy Command I may serve and honour Thee and according to thy Promise receive my Reward in Heaven Grant O Lord that the Beauty and Goodness of Thy Government of Thy Houshould the Church may appear in their wise and good Government of this House and Family committed to their Charge that this House may be to me and all that live therein as the Gate of Heaven and Way to everlasting Happiness Let thy Blessing O Lord crown all the Labours of thy Servants with good Success that whatsoever they do may prosper and man may have Occasion to say The Lord be magnified which hath Pleasure in the Prosperity of His Servants Psal 35.27 Bless all my Friends and Relations and all that have been Instruments of Good to me let all who have shew'd any Kindness to thy unworthy Servant be ever Happy in Thy Love and Favour Now O Lord be with me I beseech Thee this Day and bless me both in Body and Soul Put Thy Fear into my Heart that I may not sin against Thee Give me Health and Strength that I may chearfully serve Thee And when Thou hast finished Thy Will with me on Earth fulfill my Desire O Lord and make me perfectly happy with Thee in Heaven thro' the Merits of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ To whom with Thy Self and Holy Spirit be Glory Power and Praise now and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Night O Lord God who art Great in Power and rich in Mercy I Thy Poor Creature do here humbly cast my self down at Thy Footstool beseeching Thee for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake to forgive me all the Sins of the Day past yea all the Sins which I have ever committed against Thee Forgive me O Lord all my loose Thoughts all my rash Words all my irregular Actions whatsoever Thy pure Eye hath at any time seen amiss in me and be in Christ fully reconcil'd to me For I confess my Transgressions and am heartily sorry for my Sins Give me Grace O Lord for the time to come to serve and honour Thee by a better Obedience Heb. 8.10 Put Thy Laws in my Mind and write them in my Heart That I may know and do Thy Commandments Restrain me O God by Thy Grace from those sins to which I am most inclin'd and keep me from those Evils which I am
most apt to commit Help me to withstand Temptations and make me wise to avoid all Occasions of sin Seeing my life is but short on Earth Lord suffer me not to sin my Soul into Hell Bless all those I am bound to pray for my Friends and Kindred in the Flesh Do good to all that are good and requite all those who have done me Good let all the Benefits I have received from them be redoubled into their own Bosoms Bless this House and Family wherein I live Preserve thy Servants to whom Thou hast committed the Care and Government of the Family and all that belongs to them in safety Grant Lord that I may so shew all good Fidelity to them that I may find Favour with Thee who alone canst make me truly Happy for ever And now Blessed be thy Name O Lord who hast as well appointed the Night for Rest as the Day for Labour Keep me I beseech Thee this Night from all Evil. Give me that comfortable Rest and Refreshment which may fit me for the Duties of the following Day And grant Lord that where after a few days I shall sleep in the Dust my Soul may rest with Thee in Glory through the Merits of my Blessed Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ to whom with Thee O God the Father and God the Holy Ghost be Glory and Majesty Dominion Power and Praise now and for evermore Amen If thou art weary and sleepy or not being able to Read canst not learn the foregoing Prayers by Heart rather than lie down at Night like a Beast and rise up in the Morning and go out to thy Work without any serious Remembrance of God or pious Acknowledgment of thy Dependance on Him Acts 17.28 in whom thou livest movest and hast thy Being and without whose up-holding Hand thou canst not subsist a Moment without dropping into Dust and if in thy Sins into Hell Kneel down on thy Knees and say At Night Blessed be Thy Name O Lord God who hast kept me this Day past Forgive me I beseech Thee all my Sins and keep me from Sin and Danger this Night and raise me up refresht with quiet Rest and Sleep to serve Thee better the following Day to Thy Glory and my Salvation thro' Jesus Christ my onely Lord and Saviour Amen In the Morning Blessed be thy Name O Lord who hast kept me in Safety and refresht me with Rest and Sleep this last Night Now be with me I beseech thee and keep me this Day from all Evil. Guide me in all my ways and bless me in all my Works and bring me in the end to everlasting Life in Heaven thro' Jesus Christ my Lord and Redeemer Amen A Prayer for the Lord's Day O Most Holy and Glorious Lord God Thou art great in Thy Self and yet good to man Thou art gloriously exalted above the greatest of Kings and yet hast a gracious Regard to the meanest of Thy Creatures The Heavens O Lord are the Work of thy Hands and Thou hast made the Earth and all things therein Thou art great in Power Dreadfull in Majesty and glorious in Holiness Psal 8.4 Lord what is man that Thou remembrest him or the Son of man that Thou regardest him 39.5 Verily every man at his best State is altogether Vanity And yet how wonderfull are Thy Works 107.8 O God which thou hast wrought for the Children of men For man thou hast made the World and replenisht it with a rich Variety of Creatures both for his Use and Delight Thou hast appointed all things to serve him that he might with more chearfulness and Delight serve Thee For man thou hast sent and slain Thine own Son that guilty lost man whom Thou mightest have justly thrown into everlasting Darkness in Hell might for ever live with Thee in a Paradise of Divine Pleasures in a Heaven of Bliss and Glory O Lord grant that I thy poor Creature may so love Thee and serve Thee here that I may at length enjoy Thee fully and praise Thee eternally in heaven In Order to this End I bless Thy Name O Lord that Thou hast appointed a Day of Rest from all worldly Labours that I might attend upon Thee in the Duties of thy solemn Worship and Service O Lord make this Day of rest to be to me a day of spiritual Refreshment and holy Delight Grant that I may this Day hear the Voice of my Saviour calling to all that labour and are heavy laden to come to Him that he may give them Rest Mat. 11.28 and make me so sensible of the Burden of my Sins that I may betake my self to Him by a hearty Repentance and lively Faith and may obtain a Holy Rest in the Remission of my sins and the salvation of my soul Keep me this Day O Lord from Vanity and Idleness from foolish-speaking and evil-doing and make me very diligent and serious in the Duties of Thy service that I may not let slip a happy opportunity of insuring my salvation nor mispend that Time which Thou vouchsafest me for the Good of my soul but seriously employ it in the Duties of true Piety for the getting and encreasing of Knowledge and Grace and treasuring up for my self Glory in Heaven Keep me O Lord from all vain worldly and wanton Thoughts which may take off my Minde from a serious Attention to Thy Word and hinder me from joining with a Holy Devotion in Thy worship Grant that I may enter into Thy House as into Heaven and demean my self there as in Thy sight and Presence and Lord send me not away without Thy Blessing Grant O Lord that to Day Heb. 3.13.18 even while it is called to Day I may hear Thy Voice Thy word with a serious Resolution to obey Thy will in all Things lest Thou swear in Thy Wrath that I shall never enter into Thy Rest O let me not go from Thy House Gen. 28.17 the Gate of Heaven into everlasting Darkness in Hell But Lord speak to Thy servant this day those words which may effectually conduce to my salvation Grant I humbly beseech Thee that I may so serve Thee this Day and all the dayes of my Life that in the End I may be truly Blessed for ever through the Merits of my onely Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to whom with Thy self and Holy Spirit Be Glory and Honour Dominion and Power Thanksgiving and Praise now and for evermore Amen A Prayer before Reading the Holy Scriptures OPen my Vnderstanding O Lord Luk. 24.45 2 Tim. 3.15 that I may understand the Scriptures which are able to make me wise to Salvation Grant that I may so believe Thy word as to do Thy will and walk in that way which will bring me in the end to Life eternal Eternal through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen A Prayer at the first Entrance into the Church LOrd Luk. 18.13 be merciful to me a sinner and forgive me my sins that make me
unworthy to come into Thy Holy Presence Assist me O God by Thy Grace to the duties of thy Service Grant that I may serve Thee acceptably Heb. 12.28 with Reverence and Godly Fear Oh send me not away without a Blessing And as Thou hast now brought me into Thy House in the End bring me to Heaven through the Merits of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen At Departure from Church Forgive me O Lord all my wandring thoughts and want of due seriousness in thy holy service O let not my infirmities hinder thy Acceptance and deprive me of thy blessing Joh. 14.26 Teach me O Lord by Thy Spirit what thou hast taught me by thy word and grant that I may so remember and do thy Will that I may be Blessed in my Deed Jam. 1.25 and in my End Happy for ever through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen A Confession and Prayer to be used after Self-Examination in Order to the Receiving of the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper O Lord my God Ezr. 9.6 I have just Cause to be asham'd to lift up mine eyes to Heaven or once to look up towards Thee whom I have so grievously offended by my sins Psal 58.3 51.5 For O Lord I have gone astray from the Womb yea I was conceived and born in Sin and brought forth in Iniquity It might have been just with Thee to have snatcht me from the Bosom of Mother and cast me into the Belly of Hell But O Lord Thou wast pleased to prevent me with the Gifts of Thy Grace and Fruits of Thy Goodness For before I was capable to know Thee or to discern betwixt Good and Evil Thou wast pleased by Thy Holy Baptism to admit me into Thy House and Family and to accept me for one of Thy Children Thou wast pleased to take me into a Holy Covenant with Thy self and to promise me the Kingdom of Heaven for mine Inheritance and Thou hast been very Good and Gracious to me from that Time to this very Day But O Lord my God I have grievously sinned against Thee by too great a Complyance with the World the Flesh and the Devil contrary to that mighty obligation which was laid upon me in my Baptism I have not O Lord so stedfastly believed Thy Truth and obeyed Thy Will as lought I have daily offended Thee by the Breach of Thy Holy Commandments and have justly deserved Thy Wrath and Hell-Fire I am no more worthy to be called Thy Son Luk 15.19 or to be accounted one of Thy servants But O Lord I am heartily sorry for my sins and stedfastly purposed by Thy Grace to lead a New life Psal 57.1 Be merciful unto me O God be merciful unto me and pardon all my sins for thy Names sake and seal that Pardon to my soul in the Blood of my Saviour Thou hast promised Pardon Acts 3.19 Joh. 3.16 O Lord to the truly penitent and to him that believeth in thy Son Jesus Christ life eternal Behold O Lord I heartily repent of all my sins and stedfastly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ putting my whole Trust in him alone for my Salvation Behold I give my self up intirely to him being desirous to live to him and willing to dye for him rather than by denying his truth or disobeying his Voice to dishonour him For his sake speak Peace to my soul in the Pardon of my sins and the Assurance of my salvation And O Lord so renew me by thy Grace and uphold me by Thy Spirit that I may not relapse into any of my former sins but continue to glorifie Thee by a holy Obedience all the days of my life Grant O Lord that I may love my Brethren 1 Pet. 1.22 that bear thine Image with a pure heart fervently and that whatsoever usage I receive in the World I may be in Charity with all men Behold O Lord I heartily forgive all them who at any time have done me wrong and I beseech thee to give them that still live in the guilt of their sins true Repentance and a gracious pardon that their Souls may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus Draw forth my Heart O Lord in hungring desires after Christ and satisfie my Soul as with Marrow and Fatness with plentiful Communications of Grace from his fulness Fit me O Lord for a Holy Communion with him and raise me to a nearer Conformity to him in all his imitable excellencies that I may at length be made like to him and live with him in Glory Furnish me O Lord with all those Heavenly Graces and Holy Affections which may make me meet to Feast with my Blessed Saviour in his Holy Supper Therein seal up thine Everlasting Covenant of Grace to my Soul Communicate to me the benesits of my Saviour's Body and Blood and refresh me with the Holy comforts of thy Spirit And grant that all the rest of my life I may seriously endeavour to answer a renewed Obligation to Obedience by a constant Holy care to keep all thy Commandments Enable me O God by thy Grace to persevere to the end that I may be certainly Blessed for ever through the merits of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to whom with thy self and Holy Spirit be all Honour and Glory now and for evermore Amen A Prayer before Receiving of the Lord's Supper GOod Lord pardon my sin and seal that pardon this day to my Soul in the Blood of my Saviour Give me a lively Faith in him that as I shall receive the Bread and Wine I may partake of the saving benefits of his Body and Blood in his Holy Supper Strengthen and refresh my Soul O God with Spiritual Food and preserve me both Body and Soul to Eternal Life through Jesus Christ my onely Lord and Saviour Amen At the receiving of the Bread say with your self O Lord I heartily accept thy Son to be my Saviour and as he gave his Body to be broken for me I give my self Body and Soul to him for ever O Blessed Jesus let me rather be broken in pieces than ever do any thing which may dishonour thee my Dear Redeemer At the Receiving of the Cup say Now Lord wash away all my sins in the Blood of my Saviour and save my Soul for thy Mercies sake Then having drunk of the Wine say How sweet is thy Love O Dear Jesus who hast shed thy Blood for my Salvation O let me rather shed my dearest Life-blood for thee than ever willingly sin against thee Behold Lord I now give my self up to thee and thy service O let me see thy Salvation Having Receiv'd say with your self Now O Lord thou art my God and I am thine both in Body and Soul by a perpetual Covenant sealed with the Blood of my blessed Saviour O let my soul be furnished with thy Grace and fill'd with thy Spirit that I may chearfully serve thee while I live and when I dye fully enjoy
hath by Beast Take not his name who made thy mouth in yain It gets thee nothing and hath no excuse Lust and Wine plead a pleasure Avarice gain But the cheap swearer through his open sluce Le ts his Soul run for nought as little fearing VVere I an Epicure I could bate swearing VVhen thou dost tell anothers Jest therein Omit the Oaths which true wit cannot need Pick out of Tales the Mirth but not the sin He pares his Apple that will cleanly feed Play not away the virtue of that name VVhich is thy best Stake when griefs make thee tame Lie not but let thy heart be true to God Thy mouth to it thy actions to them both Cowards tell Lies and those that fear the Rod The stormy working Soul spits Lies and Froth Dare to be true Nothing can need a Lye A fault which needs it most grows two thereby Fly Idleness which yet thou canst not fly By Dressing Mistressing and Complement If those take up thy day the Sun will cry Against thee for his light was only lent God gave thy Soul brave wings put not those feathers Into a Bed to sleep out all ill weathers When thou dost purpose ought within thy power Be sure to do it though it be but small Constancy knits the bones and makes us stowre When wanton pleasures becken us to thrall Who breaks his own Bond forseiteth himself What nature made a Ship he makes a shelf Do all things like a man not sneakingly Think the King sees thee still for his King does Simpring is but a Lay-hypocrisie Give it a corner and the Clew undoes VVho fears to do ill sets himself to task Who fears to do well sure should wear a Mask Look to thy Mouth Diseases enter there Thou hast two Sconces if thy Stomach call Carve or discourse do not a Famine fear VVho carves is kind to two who talks to all Look on Meat think it dirt then eat a bit And say with all Earth to Earth I commit By all means use sometimes to be alone Salute thy self see what thy soul doth wear Dare to look in thy Chest for 't is thine own And tumble up and down what thou findest there VVho cannot rest till he good fellowes find He breaks up house turns out of doors his mind In Conversation boldness now bears sway But know that nothing can so foolish be As empty boldness therefore first assay To stuff thy mind with solid bravery Then march on gallant get substantial worth Boldness gilds finely and will set it forth Laugh not too much the witty man laughs least For wit is Newes only to Ignorance Less at thine own things laugh lest in the jest Thy person share and the conceit advance Make not thy sport abuses for the Fly That feeds on Duug is coloured thereby Pick out of Mirth like stones out of thy ground Profaneness Filthyness Abufiveness These are the scum with which course wits abound The fine may spare these well yet not go less All things are big with Jest nothing that 's plain But may be witty if thou hast the vein Towards great persons use respective boldness That temper gives them theirs and yet doth take Nothing from thine in service care or coldness Doth ratably thy Fortunes marr or make Feed no man in his sins for Adulation Doth make thee parcel-Devil in Damnation Scorn no man's Love though of a mean degree Love is a Present for a Mighty King Much less make any one thine Enemy As Guns destroy so may a little sling The cunning workman never doth refuse The meanest tool that he may chance to use Render to God his due part of thy time Treasure purloin'd cankers the whole Estate Sundays observe think when the Bells do chime 'T is Angels Musick therefore come not late God then deals Blessings If a King did so VVho would not hast nay give to see the show Let vain or busie thoughts have there no part Bring not thy Plough thy Plots thy Pleasures thither Christ purg'd his Temple so must thou thy heart All worldly thoughts are but thieves met together To cozen thee Look to thy Actions well For Churches are either our Heav'n or Hell Judge not the Preacher for he is thy Judge If thou mislike him thou conceiv'st him not God calleth Preaching Folly Do not grudge To pick out treasures from an Earthen pot The worst speak something good if all want Sense God takes a Text and Preacheth Patience He that gets Patience and the Blessing which Preachers conclude with hath not lost his pains He that by being at Church escapes the ditch Which he might fall in by Companions gains He that loves God's abode and to combine With Saints on Earth shall one day with them shine In brief acquit thee bravely play the man Look not on pleasures as they come but go Defer not the least virtue life 's poor span Make not an Ell by trifling in thy wo. If thou do ill the Joy fades not the pains If well the pain doth fade the joy remains The Confession G.S. in Psal 51. LORD to a sinner Mercy show Which since in thee so infinite Let all thy streames of Mercy flow And purifie me in thy sight My sins unmaskt before thee lye Who have deserv'd thy wrath alone VVhich I confess to testifie Thy truth and make thy Justice known In sin conceiv'd brought forth in sin Sin suckt I from my Mothers Breast Thou lov'st a heart sincere within VVhere wisdom is a constant guest Blot out my crimes O scparate My trembling guilt far from thy view A clean Heart in my Breast Create A Mind to thee confirm'd renew Nor cast me from thy Presence Lord Nor O! Thy Holy Spirit withdraw But thy Life-quickning Grace afford Inlarge my will t' embrace thy Law The Resolution G. S. in Psal 119. YOung man thine Actions by God's Precepts guide From these let not thy zealous servant slide Thy word writ in my heart shall curb my will Lord teach me how I may thy laws fulfil Those by thy tongue pronounc't I will unfold Thy Testaments by me more priz'd than Gold On these I meditate admire there set My Souls delight these never will forget O let me live t' observe thy laws mine eyes Illuminate to view those Mysteries Me a poor Pilgrim with thy truth inspire For which my Soul even fainteth with desire The proud is curst who from thy Precepts straies Bless and preserve my soul which them obeyes No hate of Princes from thy law deters My Study my Delight my Counsellers The Bible A. C. THis Holy Book like Heaven it self doth shine VVith thousand lights of truth Divine So numberless the Stars that well they may To Heaven's Gate make a Milky way Yet reason must assist too for in Seas So vast and dangerous as these Our course by Stars above we cannot know VVithout the compass too below Tho Reason cannot through Faith's Mysteries see It sees that there and such they be Leads to Heav'n's
Jesus Christ and trust in him alone for thy Salvation Mat. 12.21 Submit thy self to him and seriously endeavour to do all those things which he requires of thee in his word and Gospel and thou shalt be saved and inherit life Eternall What Duties God requires of thee whether as a Child or a Servant I have plainly shew'd thee from the word of God Read thy Duty oft and never sail to do it This is the way to bring down God's Blessing upon thee and to become happy in his favour When thou comest to be of a competent Age that of sixteen years is the ordinary time prepare thy self for the right receiving of the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper Know that in thy Baptism a solemn Covenant was sealed whereby thou wast obliged to forsake the World the Flesh and the Devill and to believe in God Iack. 1.74 75. and serve him in Holiness and Righteousness all the days of thy life Now know if the Vanities and Pleasures of this world gratifying thy natural appetites and Inclinations have drawn off thy mind and heart from the Remembrance Love and Service of God thou hast broken thy Baptismal vow For in stead of forsaking the World for God thou hast forsaken God for the world and thereby gratified thine own Flesh and Satan to the certain hazard and hindrance of the salvation of thy Soul But in the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper God is pleased to invite thee to renew thy Covenant with Him for thy Re-instatement in thy forfeited Felicity and thy more firm establishment in a happy state of Grace and Salvation For herein upon thy hearty Repentance and stedfast Faith in Christ he will seal unto thee the free and full Pardon of all thy past Sins and a Right to all the Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace and Felicities of the Kingdom of Glory Oh think it a happy Opportunity wherein thou may'st begin the world anew with God and be in as fair a State of Favour with him and have as firm a Hope of Happiness in Heaven as if thou hadst never sinn'd against him For the Bloud of Christ is exhibited in its Virtue in that Sacrament Mat. 26.28 to cleanse thee from all Sin 1 Joh. 1.7 Isa 1.18 so that tho' thy Sins were as Scavlet or Crimson thy Soul shall become as white as wool or snow in Salmen in the sight of God And moreover hereby thou mayst expect a Communication of those graces and comforts of the Spirit of God which may enable thee to that chearfull obedience to his holy Commands which will fit thee for the fruition of all the Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace and prepare thee for all the Felicities of the Kingdome of Glory That thou may'st not fail of these inestimable Benefits do not neglect this Blessed Ordinance but when thou hast an opportunity to receive it seriously prepare thy self for it For this purpose get by heart the Catechism for Communicants And when the time of the Administration approaches withdraw thy self from all Company into thy private chamber or some convenient place and there setting thy self as in the sight and presence of Almighty God seriously set upon the necessary work of Self-Examination This I have made very plain and casie to thee in that Pattern or example of it which I have set before thee Read it only with a serious attention and Self-application and thy work is done For hereby thou may'st clearly discern thy Spiritual State which is the great end of Self-examination And when hereby thou discoverest thy Sins and Defects humbly and heartily bewail them before God and earnestly beg Mercy and Grace stedfastly resolving to lead a new Life and to honour God by a better obedience for the time to come This thou may'st doe in the use of that Confession and Prayer which is here fitted for that purpose Fall down on thy knees therefore and with all the seriousness humility and devotion thou canst make thy Confession and Prayer to God and so may'st thou with safety and comfort go to the Lords Table that the Pardon of thy sins and the Promises of the Covenant may be seal'd up to thy Soul in the Bloud of thy Saviour and that all thy Defects and VVants may be supply'd from his abundant Grace and so thou mayst be furnished with strength for his service and filled with comfort and Joy in the hopes of his Salvation Having thus seriously engag'd thy self in a holy course of life persevere in it to the end Know now Heaven is before thee Hell behind thee it 's wofull to draw back to Perdition and therefore persevere to the saving of thy Soul Heb. 10.39 To this end be instant in Prayer Rom. 12.12 and endeavour to make a constant Progress in Piety to grow in knowledge and Grace 2 Pet. 3.18 whereby thou wilt daily make a nearer approach to the Kingdome of Glory Let no day pass without Prayer Consider in the morning it was God that kept thee the last night and if he do not keep thee and sustain thee thou canst not live another day And why should he keep thee if thou wilt not praise him for thy preservation nor pray to him to preserve thee Go not out then without Prayer lest God be angry and either cut off thy life from the Earth or shut thee out of Heaven At night kneel down on thy knees to pray before thou liest down on thy bed to sleep lest presuming to sleep in the guilt of sin thou should'st awake in the flames of Hell Make thy peace with God therefore by a hearty sorrow for the sins of that day with an earnest Prayer for pardon So mayst thou lie down in peace Psal 4.8 and sleep in safety under God's protection But still think this night this day may be my last and so demean thy self as if at the end thereof thou wast to appear before God in judgment For thy help in this holy course I have here furnished thee with certain Forms of Prayer and praise do thou add Spirit and life to them by offering them up daily with a holy fervour of affection to God The tongue may repeat the words but 't is the heart must make the Prayer For that 's no Prayer to God which is not offer'd up with a holy motion a pious affection of the heart and Soul of man Pray then that thou mayst have grace to live well and then live as thou prayest and live for ever And that thou may'st so live here as that thou may'st for ever live with God in glory diligently observe those Rules of good life which I have given thee out of the word of God Read them often on the Lord's Daies and especially on those daies on which thoureceivest the Holy-Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and therein renewest thy resolution and obligation to honour God by a Holy life Live according to these Rules carefully shun every known sin and
A. Of the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil thou shalt not eat Gen. 2.17 Q. Did he notwithstanding eat of it A. He did eat Gen. 3.6 Q. Were many the worse for this fault of one A. By one mans disobedience many were made Sinners Rom. 5.19 Q. What evil came upon all men hereby A. By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to Condemmation Rom. 5. 18. Q. Shall all men then being thus condemn'd everlastingly perish A. There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 § 3. Of Christ Q. VVHo is this Jesus A. Jesus is the Son of God 1 Joh. 5.5 Q. And was he sent to be our Saviour A. The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4.14 Q. And did he accordingly come to save us A. Jesus Christ came into the world to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Q. After what manner did he come into the world A. He took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Phil. 2.7 Q. Is he not true God A. He is the true God 1 Joh. 5.20 Q. Being true God how was he made in the likeness of men A. Being made of a woman Gal. 4.4 Q. What was this woman A. A Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph Luk. 1.27 Q. And what was the Virgin 's Name A. The Virgins Name was Mary Luk. 1.27 Q. Being a Virgin how came she to be with child A. By the Holy Ghost Mat. 1.18 Q. And where was he Born of her A. Jesus was born in Bethlehem Mat. 2.1 Q. What was this Bethlehem A. The City of David Luk. 2.11 Q. Being thus made man what did he for mans Salvation A. He humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 Q. What was done to him after his death A. He was buried 1 Cor. 15.4 Q. But did he not rise again A. He rose again the third day 1 Cor. 15.4 Q. And whether did he then go A. He was received up into Heaven and sate on the right hand of God Mark 16.19 Q. What mean you by his sitting on the right hand of God A. God hath highly exalted him Phil. 2.9 Q. What power hath he given him A. All Power is given to him in Heaven and in Earth Mat. 28.18 Q. Is he then fully able to save lost Sinners A. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him Heb. 7.25 Q. And is there no Salvation in any other A. Neither is there Salvation in any other Acts 4.12 Q. Who shall be saved by him A. He that Believeth and is Baptized shall be sased but he that Believeth not shall be damned Mark 16.16 § 4. Of Duties Q. IF Believing be so necessary to Salvation tell me how we must come by this Faith A. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 10.17 Q. What call you the word of God A. The Holy Scriptures which are able to make me wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 Q. Is Baptism ordinarily necessary to Salvation A. Except a man be born of Water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God Joh. 3.5 Q. What mean you by being born of water and the Spirit A. The washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the Holy ghost Tit. 2.5 Q. Does the promise of the Holy ghost which is the ground of Baptism belong to us that believe only or to our children also A. The promise is to you and to your children Acts 2.39 Q. In whose name is baptism to be administred A. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 28.19 Q. How should we walk who have been baptized A. We should walk in newness of life Rom 6.4 Q. How should we walk in newness of life A. Denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.12 Q. That we may so live here then as that we may enter into life eternal in the end what must we do A. Keep the Commandments Mat. 19.17 Q. VVhich is the first and great Commandment of the Law A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind Mat. 22.37 Q. VVhich is the second that is like to it A. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 22.39 Q. But what need is there of our Obedience Did not Christ by his sufferings become the Saviour of all Sinners A. He became the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Heb. 5.9 Q. VVhat hath he in his Gospel said to us to engage our Obedience unto him A If ye love me keep my Commandments Joh. 14 15. Q. VVhat special Commandment hath he given us A. To love one another 1 Joh. 3.23 Q. And what charge hath he given us concerning our enemies A. Love your Enemies do good to them that hate you Luk. 6.27 Q. What must he do that will become Christs Disciple indeed A. Deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow Him Luk. 9.23 Q. And what hath he said to encourage us to his Service A. Where I am there shall also my Servant be and if any man serve me him will my Father honour Joh. 12.26 Q. Besides Baptism for our admission into the Church what are we enjoyn'd for our holding Communion with the Church A. To eat the Lord's Supper 1 Cor. 11.20 Q. VVhat charge hath Christ given us concerning this A. This do in remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11.24 Q. Do not we hereby shew forth the Death of Christ A. As oft as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lord's Death till he come Cor 1.11.26 Q. That a man may rightly receive this Holy Supper what must he do A. Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup 1 Cor. 11.28 § 5. Of Priviledges Q. VVHAT special Benefits have we by Christ upon Believing A. Being justify'd by Faith we have peace with God Rom. 5.1 Q. But when we have offended God what must we do that our sins may be forgiven us A. Repent and be converted Acts 3.19 Q. But what hath our Saviour said shall become of us if we repent not A. Except ye Repent ye shall all perish Luk. 13.3 Q. VVhat other Benefits besides Remission of Sins do we receive by Christ A. The Adoption of Sons Gal. 4 5. Q. And what do we receive hereupon A. The Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Rom. 8.15 Q. And does God hear our prayers A. If we ask any thing according to his Will he heareth us 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. That you may obtain all good things then at his hand what must you do A. Watch and pray Mat 26.4 Q. That having done all these things you may not fall short of eternal life what must you
a Sacrament of our New Birth and the Lord's Supper of our spiritual Nourishment and growth in Grace Q. How oft must we receive these Sacraments A. Baptism but once the Lord's Supper often for we can be but once born but must be oft fed Q. What must we consider in the Sacraments A. The outward Signs the Things thereby signify'd and the spiritual Benefits thereof Q. VVhat is the outward Sign in Baptism A. Water Joh. 3.23 Acts 8.36 38. Ezek. 36.25 26. Q. VVhat doth the VVater in Baptism signify A. The renewing Grace and purifying Virtue of the Spirit of God Q. What doth the washing of the Body with water signifie A. Acts 22.16 The cleansing of the Soul from Sin Q. VVhat is the Spiritual Benefit of Baptism A. A Regeneration Joh. 3.5 or a New Birth Q. VVhat mean you by Regeneration or the New Birth A. A Change of our Nature Tit. 3.5 1 Cor. 6.11 which being depraved by Sin is therein renew'd by the Spirit of God Q. How is Baptism to be administred and by whom A. Mat. 28.19 By the Ministers of Christ in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. VVho are to be Baptiz'd A. Acts 2.38 39. Converts to the Christian Religion and the Children of Christians Q. To what are we bound by our Baptism A. Rom. 6.3 13. To forsake our Sins believe in Christ and lead our Lives according to the Laws of God and Rules of the Gospel Q. Wherein stands the Lord's Supper and how is it to be celebrated A. Mat. 26.26 27. Luk. 22.19 20. In a solemn blessing breaking and cating of Bread and Drinking of Wine with Thanksgiving in Remembrance of Christ Q. VVhat is the Intent and Meaning of this A. 1 Cor. 11.28 The setting forth of the Death and sufferings of Christ whose Body was broken on the Cross and his Bloud shed for our Sins Q. VVhat are the outward Signs in the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine Mat. 26.26 27.28 Q. What do this signifie A. The Body and Bloud of Christ Q. Hath Jesus Christ a true Body A. Yes Phil. 3.21 the same Body which was crucified on Earth is glorified in Heaven Q. Luk 22.19 20. 24.39 Is the Bread in the Sacrament the very Body of Christ and the Wine his Bloud A. No they are but the signs of his Body and Bloud and Pledges of the Benefits we receive thereby 1 Cor. 10.16 Q. What doth the breaking of the Bread signifie 1 Cor. 11.24 Gal. 3.1 A. The breaking of Christ's Body in his Crucifixion Q. What doth the Minister's giving the Bread and Wine to the Communicants represent A. Christ's giving himself Luk. 22 19. with the Benefits of his Body and Bloud to Believers Q. VVhat doth the receiving eating and drunking signifie A. Our receiving and applying of Christ Joh. 5.12 6.48 58. and his Benefits to our selves by Faith Q. What are the Benefits of this Holy Supper A. Mat. 26.28 Remission of Sins and Ratification of the New Testament Q. What mean you by the New Testament A. Heb. 8.6 9.15 16. The Covenant of Grace under the Evangelical Administration which is now establisht as the last Will and Testament of Jefus Christ whereby he hath bequeath'd unto us an eternal Inheritance Q. What follows upon the Ratification of it A. Heb. 8.8 9.10 An assured Right to all the Blessings of the Covenant with a renewed Obligation to Obedience for herein Christ gives himself with all the Benefits of his Death to me and I give my self up to serve him all the Daies of my life Q. How must you receive this Sacrament A. Heb. 12.22 29. With great Reverence and Devotion in Remembrance of Christ crucified who is herein lively set forth before mine eies 1 Cor. 11.24 25. Gal. 3.1 as broken bleeding dying on the Cross Q. But that you may be meet to receive it and partake of the Benefits thereof what must you do A. I must examine my self 1 Cor. 11.28 concerning my spiritual State Q. Herein what must you chiefly inquire after A Whether I consent to the Covenant of Grace lead my life according to the Law of God and obey the Commands of the Gospel Q. Jer. 31.33 with Heb 8.10 What is the Tenour of the Covenant of Grace A. I will be their God and they shall be my people Q. What does the Law of God require of you A. Exod. 20.2 3 8 12. To acknowledge the true God and worship him alone as God to fanctifie the Sabbath and honour my Parents Q. And what does it forbid A. Idolatry Exod. 20.4 5 7 13 17. and Abuse of God's Name Murder Adultery Thest Lying and coveting what is another man's Q. What does God in the Gospel require of you A. Mark 1.15 1 Joh. 3.23 2 Pet. 1.7 Repentance and Faith Brotherly Love and Charity Q. In examining your self concerning these Evangelical Graces what must you inquire A. 2 Cor. 7.10 11. Whether I am heartily sorry for all my sins and stedfastly resolved to lead a new Life Gal 3.21 22. Rom. 15.12 Acts 16.31 1 Pet. 1.22 4.8 whether I stedfastly believe the Promises of the Gospel and put my whole Trust in Christ for my Salvation whether I unfeignedly love the Children of God as my Brethren in Christ and am in Charity with all men Q. But wherein must you exercise this Charity A. Mat. 5.44 6.14 15. Rom. 12.20 21. Epb. 4.28 Gal. 6.10 In loving mine Enemies in forgiving of Wrongs in doing Good against Evil in releiving according to my Ability them that are in want and doing Good as I have opportunity to all men Q. But why are these Graces of Faith and Brotherly Love and Charity especially required for the right receiving of the Lord's Supper A. Mat. 26.28 Luk. 24.47 Mat. 18.34 6.14 Because the Bloud of Christ is therein exhibited for the Remission of Sins and without Repentance there is no Remission and if we do not from our Hearts for give them that have trespassed against us which is an Act of Christian Charity God will not forgive our Trespasses against him And lastly nothing can be more necessary than brotherly Love in the Lord's Supper which is a Feast of Loves and the Communion of Saints 1 Cor. 10.17 Gen. 43.16 wherein as the Brethren of Joseph with him we feast with our Elder Brother Jesus Q. When you have thus examin'd your self concerning your spiritual State what must you further do that you may rightly receive this Holy Supper A. 1 Pet. 5 6. I must cast my self down before God and with Sorrow in my Heart 1 Joh. 1.9 make an humble Confession of my Sins and earnestly implore Mercy in the free pardon of them in the Bloud of my Saviour 1 Thess 3.10 I must bewail my weaknesses and wants and earnestly
shall be wise but a Companion of fools shall be destroyed If it be known that a man has the plague or some infectious disease upon him will not every man shun his society Sin is the disease of the Soul not less infectious than the Plague Should you not have more care of your Soul than of your Body Is a Temporal Life in this World to be preferr'd before Eternal Life in Heaven Can you touch pitch and not be defil'd familiarly and delightfully converse with sinners and not contract the guilt of sin 'T is impossible Do you seriously reprove them for all their Oaths and Curses all their evil words and actions all their vanities and vitious excesses If so their company will soon become unpleasant to you and yours to them If not know you go away guilty of all their sins in the sight of God Oh! What a load of guilt do men carry home with them from ill Company Now are not thine own sins enough to damn thee How then wilt thou hold up thy head at the Judgment Seat of Christ when thou shalt be charg'd with all the horrible sins of that Company with which thou didst delightfully converse For he that keeps another Company in sinning heartens and hardens him in his sins and so at once promotes his and his own Damnation Surely if thou saw'st the Wrath of God and his Judgments hang over the heads of these sinners if thou saw'st those Black Devils that stand at their Elbowes to prompt them to wickedness if thou saw'st the burning Lake which is kindled underneath them into which they are ready to fall every step they take every sin they commit thou would'st be afraid to come into their Company and no Gold should ever bribe thee to become one of their Society If thou art wise and hast any regard to thy own welfare Eph. 5.11 12. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret Keep thy distance then from them and bind thy self with firm resolutions altogether to refrain their Society Hear the Counsel of the wisest of men Solomon and know therein thou hearest the voice of God Prov. 4.13 14. Enter not into the Path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men avoid it pass not by it turn from it and pass away Observe here the wise man repeats expressions of the same import no less than six times to engage thee to shun the Society of sinners as if he should cry out aloud to thee and say fly fly fly fly fly fly evil Company if thou lovest the life of thy Soul or otherwise thou art a dead man utterly undone for ever Know for certain such as the Company is in which thou delightest in this World such shall thy Company be hereafter either the Saints in Heaven or the Damned in Hell If thou knowest not where to have Society with good men know its far better to remain solitary and to hold converse with God wherein the Pious Soul ascends to Heaven than to be travelling on with a great deal of merry Company towards Hell IX Be very serious and constant in the Duties of God's Service Know the service of God and the Salvation of your Souls are your great work and business in this World which you are to mind above all other things And be sure what you do in these matters you do with all your might No man will endure a negligent and slothful servant who is still mindless and heedless in what he goes about Trifling with God in matters of Eternal Consequence is utterly intolerable Be very diligent in attendance on the solemn Worship and Service of God on the Lord's Dayes and be constant in the performance of the duties of Religion Prayers and Praises to God on your own daies also but be sure you serve God in both with all humble Reverence Holy Seriousness and hearty Devotion God's Service is the most excellent employment and you must alwaies attend it with the greatest earnestness of Spirit Stir up your self to serve God with all your strength employ all the powers of your Soul in the duties of Religion Gen. 32.24 30. Hos 12.4 Jacob wrestled with God in Prayer and so gain'd a Blessing If you play the Hypocrite in your Prayers you must expect nothing but the Portion of Hypocrites in Hell-fire Mat. 24.51 When you approach the presence of God remember he is that great and dreadful God who is Glorious in Majesty and Infinite in Excellency and so address to him with all possible Reverence and Humility Heb. 12.28 Let us have Grace saith the Apostle whereby we may serve God acceptably with Reverence and Godly Fear For our God is a consuming fire Psal 95.6 And O come saith the Psalmist let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the LORD our Maker How intolerable is the Pride and Arrogance of some Persons in this duty of Prayer The greatest Subject of the Kingdom if he have a request to the King presents his Petition to him on the Knee But you shall see a sorry Servant to a Mortal man that will not be perswaded to bow his Knees to Almighty God when he should joyn with the Assembly in Publick Prayers The rude Carriage of such persons in the special presence of the All-Glorious God plainly discovers a profane and Atheistical Spirit Such an one though he be come to God's House Gen. 28.17 which is the Gate of Heaven sits there upon the brink of Hell 'T is a great instance of the Divine Patience that such a Person is not smitten with death in the place where he sits Lev. 10.1 2 3. Nadab and Abihu the Sons of Aaron we know for a like presumption were both punished with sudden Death For saith the LORD I will be Sanctifi'd in them that come nigh me and before all the people I will be Glorifi'd And therefore as you tender the Honour of God and the good of your own Souls approach Gods presence with great Reverence and Humility and serve him with great seriousness and sincerity of heart in all the Duties of Religion X. Let all your Actions and Employments your Labours and Delights even your most pleasant Recreations be season'd with the Fear of God and a serious Remembrance of Death and Judgment Where ever you are whatsoever you do remember the Eye of God is upon you and so demean your self as in his sight and presence For His Eyes are upon all the wayes of the Sons of men Jer. 32.19 to give to every one according to his wayes and according to the Fruit of his Doings Remember the day is coming when you must give an account before all the World for whatsoever you have done in the Flesh Do nothing now which you would be afraid or asham'd to own then When in the most secret place you
strengthening and refreshing of our Souls by Communion with Christ in the Graces and Comforts of his Spirit Q. Why was this Sacrament instituted A. To shew forth the Death of Christ Q. How must we receive it A. In Remembrance of him Q. But that you may receive it aright what must you do A. Examine my self whether I live in any Sin Q. Why so A. Because if I live in any known Sin I shall be an unworthy Receiver Q. What is the Sin and Danger of unworthy Receiving A. He that receiveth unworthily is guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord and eateth and drinketh Damnation to himself Q. What must you then do A. Repent of my Sins and resolve to lead a new Life Q. But with what Graces must you be furnisht that you may be fit to come to the Lord's Table A. With Faith in Christ brotherly Love and Charity Q. Wherein must you specially shew this Charity A. In loving mine Enemies doing good to them that hate me and forgiving them that wrong me Q. If you rightly receive this Blessed Sacrament what Benefit shall you have thereby A. God will seal up to me the Pardon of my Sins and the Salvation of my Soul Q. But how must you demean your self after you have received A. I must carefully keep my selt from every known Sin and be diligent in every good Duty Q. What will be the Issue of this Holy-Course A I shall at length see my Saviour in Heaven and for ever live and reign with him in Glory Joh. 14.5 If ye love me keep my Commandments Self-Examination Directed by way of Example wherein The Qualification of a Worthy Communicant is disclosed by the Answer of a good Conscience to some Necessary Inquiries The Apostle's Precept 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a mau EXAMIN himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. The Christians Practice IHAVE now an Opportuni-of receiving the Blessed Sacrament of the LORD'S SUPPER I cannot neglect it without the Guilt of a great Sin the Breach of Christ's Command Luk. 22.10 who hath said This do in Remembrance of me yea the Contempt of Christ crucifid who therein offers himself freely with all the Benefits of his Body and Bloud to my Soul and the Resusal of the Renewall of my Covenant with God whereby as I am bound to a Holy Obedience so I am assured of everlasting Blessednefs And yet if I receive it unworthily I shall be guilty of the body and Bloud of the Lord 1 Cor. 11.27.29 and eat and drink to my self Judgment and become liable to Damnation Yet I know the neglect of my Duty is no way to escape this Danger But the way both to escape the Danger and to enjoy the Benefit is to Examine my self 1 Cor. 11 28. and so to come to the Lord's Table This then with the Help of God will I do I will here set my self as before God and as in his sight and Presence examine my self as he hath commanded Now the Lord direct and assist me in this Work that I may so know the State of my own Soul as that I may rightly dispose my self for the receiving of the Blessed Sacrament of Christ's Holy Supper and the Participation of the inestimable Benefits of his Body and Bloud This Holy Supper 1 Cor. 11.25 I know is a Seal of the Covenant of Grace or New Testament which is ratifi'd in the Bloud of my Saviour Now if I rightly receive this Sacrament I must heartily consent to this Covenant the Tenour whereof is this Jer. 30.22 Heb. 8.10 Ye sahll be my People and I will be your God Now Q. Examination of 1 Consent to the Covenant Psal 42. 11. 37.26 1. Do I heartily take God for my God and am I really willing to be one of his People Am I really willing to renounce all my Lusts and Sins and to love serve honour and obey God all the daies of my Life and do I rest satisfi'd in Him as my God and my Portion for ever A. O Lord my God! I have grievously sinned against Thee I have forgotten Thee Daies without Number Jer. 2.32 but now I return to Thee and here most seriously and heartily give my self up to Thee both Body and Soul to be Thine for ever I desire not to live a Day longer than I may serve and glorifie Thee I heartily rejoyce that Thou art pleased to give thy self to me Jer. 32.40 by an everlasting Covenant to be my God and Portion my Shield and exceeding great Reward Gen. 15.1 I thankfully take Thee to be my God and I rest fully satisfied in Thee as the chief est Good and my onely Happiness For whom have I in Heaven O God! but Thee Psal 73.25 And there is none upon Earth that I desire besides Thee But alas I am a guilty Sinner But having now a happy Opportunity of getting the Pardon of all my Sins seal'd to me in the Bloud of my Saviour I am resolv'd to review the Actions of my Life Lam. 3.40 and to make a diligent Search for the Discovery of my Sins that upon my penitent Confession of them I may obtain a gracious Pardon according to God's faithfull Promise who hath said He that cooereth his Sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and for saketh them Prov. 23.13 shall have Mercy Q. 2 Sin 2. What then are the Sins I am guilty of before God If I was sure I should not live to see the Light of another Day what Sin would make me affraid to die What Good have I omitted that I might and ought to have done What Evil have I committed Wherein have I transgress'd and offended God the Great Governour and Just Judge of the whole World in whose Hand my Life is Ah Lord How many are mine Iniquities and my Sins Joh. 13.23 Oh that God would make me to know my Transgressions and shew me my Sins And then as for these Enemies of my Soul Oh that as the Egyptians in the Red Sea they might be all destroy'd by my Saviour's Exod. 14.13 that henceforth I might see them again no more for ever For the finding of them out in Order to this End I will now make a diligent Enquiry And for the Discovery of my Transgressions I will lay the Law of God even the Ten Commandments before me and consider whether I have led my Life according to God's Law or not GOD hath said in his LAW Exod. 20.2 3 4 c. I am the LORD thy God c. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me Thou shalt not make unto Thee any graven Image c. See Exod. 20. 1 17. Now 1. The Breach of 1. Commandment 1 Joh. 2.15 16. Have I so taken God for my God as to love and honour Him above all Have I not loved the World and the Things of the World Riches and Honours Pleasures and worldly Delights