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
Christ c Mat. 1.2 3 God and man Q. What is the office of Christ A. The d 1. Tim. 2.5 Mediator-ship which being one hath yet three denominations from three seuerall functions Viz. Propheticall Priestly Kingly Q. What is his Prophetical Office A. The office of e Esay 61.1 Mat. 23.8.10 instructing his Church which hee did and doth performe two waies viz. 1. Outwardly as f Math. 23.37 1. Pet. 3.19 before his incarnation by the Prophets Priests and Scribes of the Old Testament and in the dayes of his flesh in his a Heb. 2.3 owne person as a b Rom. 15.8 Minister of the Circumcision but with the c Mat 7.29 authoritie of the Law-giuer so since vnto the worlds end d 2. Cor. 4.6 5.19 20 by his Apostles and Ministers e Ephes 4.11 called and fitted by him for that purpose 2. Inwardly by the f Luk. 24.49 Act. 16 14 ioynt operation of his holy spirit Q. What is the Priestly function of Christ A. It is that whereby hee g Heb. 5.1 5. c. appeaseth and reconcileth God to his Elect. 1. Performing for them absolute h Rom. 5.19 obedieÌ„ce to the whole law of God 2. Offering himselfe vnto his Father i 2. Cor. 5.21 a sacrifice propitiatorie for all their sinnes 3. k Heb 9.24 1. Ioh. 2.1 2 Rom. 8.34 Heb. 12.24 Appearing euer at the right hand of God to make intercession for them Q. What is the kingly office of Christ A. It is the exercise of that l Psal 110.1 power giuen him by God ouer all and m Mat. 28. â—8 Psal 2.8 c. possession of all for the n Esay 9 7. spirituall gouernement and saluation of his Elect and for the a Esay 9.7 destruction of his their enemies Q. In what state did Christ God and man performe this threefold office A. In a two-fold estate Viz. of 1. Humiliation and 2. Exaltation Q. What was his state of humiliation A. It was the b Psal 45.5 base condition of a seruant whereto hee humbled himselfe from his conception to his crosse and so vntill the time of his resurrection Q. What is his estate of Exaltation A. His c Phil. 2.7.8 glorious condition beginning at the instant of his d Phil 2.9 Heb. 2.9 resurrection and comprehending his e Act. 2.24 Ascension f Ephes 4.8 sitting at the right hand of God and g 1. Pet. 3.22 second comming in glorie to iudge the world h Ma. 15.31 SECT XII Of the Application of the Couenant of Grace and first of our vnion with the person of Christ Q. HItherto of the Foundation of the Couenant of Grace viz. the Mediator what is the Application of it A. The communicating thereof for saluation to euery one of Gods Elect giuing him a Heb 3.14 part in Christ the Mediator and all his benefits Q. What part hath euery Elect in Christ hereby A. 1. VnioÌ„ with Christs person 2. Communion Q. How are the Elect vnited to Christ his person A. They are incorporated made b Eph. 5.30 members of the mystical body whereof Christ is head which the Scripture figureth as by other resemblances so especially vnder the a Ephes 5.2 Item Cautic the whole hoâ—ke similitude of mariage Q. How may we conceiue of this our mariage with Christ A. We are to conceiue therein as in outward mariage 1. The consent of parents and parties 2. The maner of coniunction Q. What consent of parents is there in this mariage A. Only Gods donation who being the alone parent of both parties as in the b Gen. 2.22 mariage of the first Adam giueth 1. c Iohn 3 16. Iohn 17.6 Christ to vs as a Sauiour 2. d Heb. 2.13 Vs to Christ as a people to be saued Q. What consent of parties is there A. 1. Christ consenteth to take vs as his own spouse which he witnessed especially by taking e Heb. 2.14 our flesh vpon him that he might be our f Matt. 1.23 Immanuel or God with vs. 2. We being g Iohn 6.44 drawne of God and h 2. Cor. 11.2 prepared by the friends of the Bridegroome do a Cant. 7.10 consent to take Christ as our Lord and Husband as wee professe by taking his b Esay 44.5 name and c Mat. 11.29 yoke vpon vs. Q. What is the maner of this our coniunction A. Mysticall that is to say Real in respect of the things conioined our very nature body and soule being coupled to the body and soule of Christ so that we are d Ephe. 5.30 members of his body of his flesh and of his bones and therby also to the e 1. Cor. 1.30 diuine nature yet not corporall but Spirituall in regard of the means whereby this coniunction is wrought Q. What are the meanes of this spirituall coniunction A. On Christs part his holy f 1. Ioh. 4.15 Rom. 8.9 Spirit g Gal. 4.6 1. Iohn 3.24 4.13 giuen by him vnto euerie member of his body in the very moment of regeneration as the h Gal 5.25 1. Cor. 15 45. soule of spirituall life and fountaine of supernaturall grace in which respect i 1. Cor. 6.17 he that is ioyned to the Lord is said to be one spirit Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The holy a 1 Cor. 3.16 Ghost truly residing and powerfully b Rom. 5.5 working in all those that are Christs c Rom. 8.2 deriued vnto them from him and d 1. Cor. 12.13 Eph 2.18 4.4 knitting them inseparably vnto him Q. Is the Holy Ghost giuen to none but such as are thus ioined vnto Christ A. The Holy Ghost is considered three waies 1. As the Author of all excellencie euen in common gifts of nature and reason as e Jud. 14.6 strength and courage f Exod. 31.3 Arts and Sciences g 1. Sam. 11.6 Policie and Gouernement c. In which sense he is giuen to many that neuer heard of Christ 2. As the Author of h 1. Cor. 12.1.4 spirituall gifts so called because being sanctified they are meanes of edification as the power of working miracles healing languages c. yea a i Heb. 6.4 5. taste of the heauenly gift and of the good word of God and of the powers of the world to come In which sence he is giuen to sundry reprobates that are called as hath been shewed 3. As the Author of the perpetuall effectuall and a Ioh. 6.63 vitall influence of sauing grace from Christ the head to euery true member of his body In which sence b Ioh. 14.17 the world cannot receiue or know him but he is bestowed on the c 1. Pet. 1.2 Elect only and those truly regenerated and conuerted vnto the Lord. Q. But on our parts what meanes is there of this coniunction A. Only faith which yet is d Eph.
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
That b Ro. 11.3 6. Pro. 16 4. all things should serue vnto his glorie Q. What did God decree touching Angels and men A. c 1. Tim. 5. â—1 Mat 25.41 1. Thes 5.9 Ro. 9.22 23 That they should remaine for euer some in honour others in dishonour for his glorie SECT IIII. Of Creation Q. HOw doth God execute his decree A. By two Actions to wit Creation and Prouidence Q. What is Creation A. The a Gen. 1. wholâ— making of all things of nothing very good in the first sixe dayes of the world Q. How did God create Angels A. He b Col. 1.16 made them all at the first very good and glorious spirits yet c Job 4.18 mutable Q. How did God create man A. He d Gen. 29 made him a liuing soule framing his bodie of the dust of the earth and breathing in his face the breath of life SECT V. Of Prouidence Q. VVHat is prouidence A. The continuall * Ps 213.6 care that God hath of all his creatures for the sustaining and disposing of them as they may best a Psal 119.91 serue for his glorie Q. How doth God sustaine Angels A. They are all vpheld by the power of God so that they shall b Luk. 20.36 neuer llye nor returne to nothing Q. How doth God sustaine men A. He preserueth mankinde in generall by the blessing of c Gen. 1.28 procreation and particular men and women both for the d Psal 36.6 time of this life and for e Mat. 25.46 euer in the world to come Q. How doth God dispose of Angels A. Hee suffered f 2. Pet. 2.4 some to fall by sinne into damnation without recouerie called Diuels the rest hee g Mat. 28.20 confâ—rmeth in their first blessed estate called Angels of light both which hee h â—ob 1.6 employeth for the accomplishing of his will SECT VI. Of the state of Innocencie Q. HOw doth GOD dispose of man A. As of that creature in a Psa 8.3 c whom aboue the rest hee intendeth to set forth his glorie wherefore the Scriptures doe plentifully declare the dealing of GOD with man both in this world and for euer hereafter Q. How doe the Scriptures set forth the dealing of God with man in this world A. In a threefold estate to wit of Innocencie of Corruption and misery and of Redemption all which make way vnto that euerlasting estate of honour or dishonour fore-appointed vnto all men Q. What is the state of Innocencie A. The holy and happy condition of mankinde created in the b Gen 1.27 image of God and placed by him in c Gen. 2.8 Paradise with abilitie to attaine to blessednesse by the Couenant of workes Q. What is the Couenant of workes A. The a Ge. 2.16 17 substance of the Law written in the hearts of our first parents promising blessednesse if they should obey and threatning death if they should transgresse SECT VII Of the Fall Q. VVHat is the state of corruption and miserie A. The fearefull condition of sinne and death wherein to God suffered all mankinde in Adam to b Ge. 3.1 c fall through the temptation of Satan by breaking the Couenant of workes SECT VIII Of Sinne. Q. VVHat is Sinne A. c 1. Ioh. 3.9 A sweruing from the Law of God making the sinner * Gen. 4.7 gâ—â—â—tie of the curse of the Law and it 〈◊〉 either originall or actuall Q. Wherein doth originall sinne consist A. In vtter b Rom. 7.18 enmitie of our whole nature vnto all that is good and c Rom. 7.14 prouenesse vnto all euill Q. What is Actuall sinne A. Euery d Rom. 5.14 particular breach of the Law of God SECT IX Of Death Q. VVHat is Death A. It is the separation e Gen. 3.19 either of the soule from the body f 2. Thes 1. â— or of soule and body from God with all euils that attend on the one or the other Q. How doth God employ men in this state of Corruption A. Two waies and first by the g Joh. 1.9 light of nature and h Esay 44.28 common graces restraining many from grosse sinnes and guiding some vnto actions profitable for humane societie and for the outward seruice of God Q. How secondly A. By ouer-ruling mens euill and sinfull actions so that thereby they a Act. 4.27 28. bring to passe nothing but what God hath determined for his owne glorie Q. Doth God leaue all mankinde in this state of sinne and death A. No but onely the reprobate whom hee b Act. 14.16 suffereth to runne on in sinne and so vnto damnation deseruedly SECT X. Of Redemption by the Couenant of grace Q. WHat is the state of Redemption A. The c Ro. 3.23.24 recouerie of the Elect out of the state of sinne and death by the new Couenant of grace Q. What is the Couenant of grace A. Gods a Gal. 3.21 22 second contract with mankinde after the fall for the restoring of him vnto his fauour and happinesse by the meanes of a Mediator Q. What are wee to consider in the Couenant of Grace A. Two things whereof the first is the foundation of it to wit the Mediator SECT XI Of Christ the Mediator Q. VVHo is the Mediator betweene God and man A. Onely b 1. Tim. 1.5 Iesus Christ God and man Q. How is he God A. In that hee is the c 1. Ioh. 5.20 second person in Trinitie to wit the eternall Sonne of the Father Q. How is hee man A. By d Ioh. 1.14 taking our flesh into his person beeing miraculously e Luk. 1.35 conceiued by the holy Ghost and borne of the blessed Virgin Mary Q. How is he the mediator between God and man A. By becoming our Prophet Priest and King Q. How is he our Prophet A. By a Joh. 17.26 reuealing vnto vs the will of God Q. How is he our Priest A. By b Eph. 2 1â— 2. Cor. 5.28 appeasing and reconciling God vnto vs through his death and obedience Q. How is he our King A. By c Esa 9.7 gouerning all things for the saluation of his Elect and d Psal 45.5 destruction of his enemies SECT XII Of the mysticall vnion Q. VVHat is the second thing to be considered in the Couenant of Grace A. The application thereof to the elect giuing them a Heb. 3.24 part in Christ and in all his benefits Q. What part haue the elect in Christ A. They haue first vnion with Christ and secondly thereby Communion Q. How are the elect vnited vnto Christ A. They are b Eph. 5.30 knit vnto Christ the head as members of his mysticall bodie by the spirit of Christ and by faith Q. What is the spirit of Christ A. The power of the holy Ghost c Rom. 8.9 Gal. 5.25 abiding and working in all those that are Christs as the soule of spirituall life Q.
God but especially h Ier. 8.6 Psal 18.23 speciall sinnes as the Arch-Rebels 2. Humble confession of sinnes and that 1. Of necessitie vnto GOD with a Pro. 28.13 Ier. 31.18 19 shame of face and true sorrow of heart 2. Vnto men conditionally Viz. if either the Church for b 2. Cor. 2.6 satisfaction of the publique offence do enioine open acknowledgement or some c Luk. 17.4 personall wrong demaund priuate reconciliation or the weakenesse of the labouring conscience doe require the secret d Iam. 1.16 assistance of a faithfull and able Minister or Brother 3. Feruent and faithfull e Psal 51.1 2 c. prayer to God in Christ both for f Ver. 7. pardon of what is past and for supply of g Ver. 10. renewing grace for the time to come Q. Seeing many doe falsely pretend that they repent how may we know that our Repentance is true A. A true tryall of vnfained Repentance may be taken 1. From the generalitie of it Viz. if it extend to the abhorring and shunning of h Ps 119.128 139.24 all sinnes and to the loue and practise of a Psal 119.6 all duties without reseruation 2. From the through performance of each part Viz. 1. Of hatred of sinne in spirituall warfare against it and that euen vnto b Heb. 12.4 blood if neede be 2. Of the loue of righteousnesse in bringing forth c Mat. 3.8 fruits worthy of amendment of life to wit good workes SECT XXXVI Of the Spirituall warfare Q. VVHat is the Spirituall warfare A. The daily exercise of our spirituall strength and armour against all aduersaries with assured confidence of victorie Q. What is our spirituall strength A. The powerfull d Ephes 6.10 assistance of God in Christ who hath loued vs whereby wee become * Rom. 8.37 more then conquerors Q. What is our spirituall armour A. The complete furniture of sauing and sanctifying graces called therefore the a 2. Cor. 6.7 armour of righteousnesse and the b Ephes 6.11 Panoplie or whole armor of God Viz. The c Ver. 14. c girdle of veritie or sinceritie The brest-plate of Righteousnesse that is holinesse of life and good conscience The shoes of the preparation or resolution to goe through with the profession of the Gospell of peace The shield of Faith The helmet of the hope of Saluation The sword of the Spirit which is the sound knowledge and wise application of the word of God Finally continuall instant prayer in the Spirit Q. Who are our aduersaries in the spirituall conflict A. They are either our friend prouing vs or our enemies seducing and endangering vs. Q. Who is that friend of ours that for our probation entereth into conflict with vs A. God himselfe who though hee a Jam. 1.13 tempt no man vnto euill no more then hee can himselfe bee tempted yet as a Maister of defence enureth vs to the conflict by contending with vs euen in his owne person Viz. Sometimes by b Gen. 22.1 c. Probatorie commandements or c Ge. 32.24 Sensible apparitions But more ordinarily by d Iob 6.4 striking our hearts with his terrors e Psal 77.7 withdrawing the comfort of his gracious presence f 2. Chro. 32.31 leauing vs for a time to our selues that by our falles wee may acknowledge our owne weakenesse Finally g Heb. 12.5 6 Reu. 3.19 exercising vs vnder the crosse and yoake of outward afflictions Q. How must wee contend with God A. No otherwise then h Hos 12.3.4 Iacob and other holy men haue done that is by obedience humilitie patience feruent prayer vnto God who onely enableth vs to preuaile with himselfe a Gen. 32.28 giuing vs the blessing and name of Israel Q. What are those enemies of ours that seeke to seduce and endanger vs A. Whatsoeuer marcheth vnder the banner of Satan the b 2. Cor. 4.4 God and c Ephes 6.12 Prince of the darknes of this world who sometimes d 2. Cor. 12.7 Zech. 3.1 immediately assaileth vs with impious and odious suggestions but more vsually employeth his forces or attendants Q. What are the attendants of Satan A 1. The e 1. Ioh. 2.15 world which he abuseth as his storehouse and armorie of temptations that is both f Ver. 16 allurements to euil with hope of gaine pleasure or preferment and g Ioh. 16.33 discouragements from dutie with feare of losse trouble reproach c. 2. Our owne h Gal. 5.24 flesh which as a treacherous party within vs being by Satan stirred vp and inueigled with the baites of the world or discouraged with the euill intreaty thereof i 1. Pet. 2.11 fighteth on his side against our soule that is our spirituall life and welfare Q. How doe these enemies fight against our soule A. By imploying all force fraud to draw vs by sinne from the a 1. Ioh. 2.25 obedience and fauour of God vnto damnation Q. What must we doe being thus assailed A. Wee must b Eph. 6.13 14 stand fast beeing strong in the Lord and in the power of his might and taking vnto vs the whole armour of God that wee may bee able to resist in the euill day and to leade our captiuitie captiue Q. How may wee bee able to stand against the assaults of the Diuell A. 1. We must labour to c 2. Cor. 2.11 enforme our selues that we may not be ignorant of his enterprises or stratagemes 2. We must boldly d Iam. 4 7. 1. Pet. 5.9 resist that is e Eph. 4 27. giue no place or ground vnto him or admit any conference with him but rather neglect and despise his suggestions 3. Wee must take the f Ephes 6.16 shield of Faith in Christ and his assistance a Psal 16.8 setting him on our right hand who is b Esay 6 3.1 mighty to saue whereby wee may quench all the fierie darts of that wicked one 4. Wee must brandish against him the c Ephe. 6.17 sword of the Spirit that is the word of God after the example of our d Mat. 4.4 c. Sauiour keeping our selues to that onely which God reuealeth to vs and requireth of vs. Q How may we withstand temptations from the world A. By our e 1 Joh. 5.4 faith which setteth a better world euen Gods heauenly kingdome before our eyes and so enableth vs both to f Heb. 11.24 c. contemne and g Gal. 6.14 crucifie the loue of this present world and to h Heb. 11 36 37. endure manfully the threates and wrongs thereof both confessing Christ in perill and suffering i Reu. 12.11 martyrdome for his sake if wee bee thereto called Q. How may we withstand the temptations of our owne flesh A. By k 1. Pet. 4 1. setting before our eyes the patterne of the death of Christ and arming our selues with the same minde that it
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.
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
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
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
What is faith A. The first effect of the spirit of Christ d Eph. â— 16 17. disposing vs to cleaue to him and the instrument whereby all graces are begun and increased in vs. SECT XIII Of the Gospell Q. VVHat is our communion with Christ A. The participation of the benefits flowing from his seueral offices Q. What benefite receiue wee from the Propheticall office of Christ A. The a Math. 11.27 reuelation of the Couenant of grace whereby we are made b 2. Tim. 3.15 wise vnto saluation Q. What meanes doth God vse for the reuealing of this couenant A. The meanes are of two sorts Viz. outward and inward Q. What are the outward meanes A. The word and the Sacraments Q. What meane you by the word A. The c Eph. 1.13 Gospell preached which â—ontaineth and publisheth the promises of saluation by Christ SECT XIIII Of Sacraments Q. VVHat are Sacraments A. a Rom. 4.11 Seales annexed by God to the word of his Grace b Gal. 3.27 assuring our part in Christ and c Rom. 6.4 binding vs vnto him in obedience Q. What Sacraments are there of the Couenant of Grace A. They be of two sorts Viz some of the old Testament before Christ others of the new vnder Christ Q. What were those Sacraments of the old Testament A. Two Viz d Gen. 17.10 Circumcision for entrance into the Couenant and the e Exod. 22.3 c. Passeouer for continuance and confirmation therein Q. How many Sacraments are there of the new Testament A. Two likewise Viz Baptisme for entrance and the Lords Supper foâ— confirmation in the same Couenant SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The seale of our a Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of Grace Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. They are two namely first the b Eph 5. â—6 element of water with the action of dipping or sprinkling the partie baptised c Math. 28.19 In the Name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What is the other part A. The d Heb. 9.14 blood and e 1. Cor. 6 2â— Spirit of Christ washing away both the f Act. 2.38 guilt and g Ezek. 36.25 Rom. â— 2.3 c. filthinesse of our sinnes Q. Who are to be baptised A. Whosoeuer belong to the Couenant whether h Act. 8.37 of riper yeares conâ—erted to the faith or i 1. Cor. 7.14 children of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords supper A. The seale of our a Eph. 4.26 spirituall nourishment and grouth in the bodie of Christ Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. Two Viz First the b Mat. 26.26 27. elements of bread and wine distributed and receiued according to Christs institution Q. What is the other part A. The * Mat. 26.26 27 28. bodie and blood of Christ giuen by God and receiued of vs by faith for the d Joh. 6.54 nourishing of our soules in spirituall life Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament A. Such as professing the true faith of Christ haue duely e 1. Cor. 1.28 prepared themselues Q. How ought wee to prepare oâ—â— selues A. By examining and stirring vp in our selues three notable graces Q. What is the first A. Knowledge of the will of God especially touching the matter of the Sacrament a 1. Cor. 11.29 that wee be able to discerne the Lords body Q. Which is these second A. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith to apply the promises of saluation vnto our selues in particular Q. Which is the third A. c Zech. 12.10 Jam. 4. â— Repentance of our sinnes past with true d 1. Cor. 16.14 loue of God and of our Brethren Q. How ought wee to receiue this Sacrament A. In a reuerent and thankefull e 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. remembrance of the loue of Christ who gaue himselfe for vs with desire to f 2. Pet. 3.18 grow in faith and all holy graces SECT XVII Of the spirit and faith Q. WHat are the inward means whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz the spirit faith Q. What is here meant by the spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ a Rom. 8.16 bearing witnes with our spirits that we are in Christ the children of God Q. What is here meant by faith A. That speciall act of faith whereby wee b 1. Joh. 5.10 Joh. 3.33 giue credit vnto the report of the word and spirit of Christ touching our saluation in particular SECT XVIII Of Vocation Q. VVHat is the maÌ„ner of reuealing the CouenaÌ„t of Grace A. It is our c Rom. 8.30 Vocation and Callingâ— when God by the meanes aforesaid inuiteth men to come vnto him in Christ for saluation Q. Are there not different kinds of Calling A. Yes for a Math. 22.14 many are called outwardly who are not chosen but the Elect are b Psal 65.4 effectually perswaded to â—leaâ—e vnto Christ SECT XIX Of the Church Q. To whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace A. c Joh. 14.22 Not to the world but to his Church called out of the world Q. What meane you by the Church A. The d Eph. 5.32 1. Cor. 1.9 whole number of Gods Elect effectually called into fellowship with Christ Q. Where is this Church of God A. Part already e Reuel 7.14 c. triumphant in heauen part as yet f Reuel 12.11 militant on earth in the seruice and warfare of the Lord Iesus Q. Who are meÌ„bers of the Church militaÌ„t A. As many as are liuing g Eph. 1.22 23. members of the mysticall bodie of Christ Q. How may we know them A. Not by the inward graces a 2. Tim. 2.19 onely knowne to God whereby they are inuisible to vs but by the markes of visible profession Q. What are the true markes of visible profession A. The outward meanes appointed by God for the calling and gathering of his Saints viz. b Mat. 28.19 20. the word preached and Sacraments duely administred Q. Are we to ioyne with all Churches that haue these markes A. c Phil. 1.18 Cant. 1.5 Yea neither must wee separate from any farther then they separate from Christ Q. What distinction is there of the particular members of a Church A. Though all be the sheepe and familie of Christ yet d 1 Cor. 12 2â— Luk. 12.42 some are set-ouer the rest to feede them with the foode of life as the Ministers and e Ps 78.71 72 others to rule and order them outwardly as the Magistrates SECT XX. Of Iustification Q. VVHat benefite receiue we from the Priestly office of Christ A. Our a Rom. 8.30 Iustification before God through his b Phil. 3.9 righteousnes imputed vnto vs and apprehended by vs. Q. What righteousnesse of Christ is imputed to vs A. c