exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. v. 15. What is it then I will pray with the spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also v. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen as the giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest The Word read although there follow no immediate explication of what is read the Word expounded and applyed Catechizing the Sacraments administred Collection made for the poor dismissing the people with a blessing Of Church-Government and the several sorts of Assemblies for the same CHrist hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church to that purpose the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the world upon all occasions And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto It is lawful and agreeable to the word of God that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies which are Congregational Classical and Synodical Of the Power in common of all these Assemblies IT is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent and call before them any person within their several bounds whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern proved by Mat. 18. 15 16 17 18 19 20. v. 15. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother v. 16. But if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be estâ—blished v. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican v. 18. Verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall binde on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven v. 19. Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven v. 20. For where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispense Church-censures Of Congregational Assemblies that is The meeting of the Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof THe Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power Authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion To enquire into the knowledg and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation To admonish and to rebuke Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you 1 Thes 5. 12 13. v. 12. And we beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you v. 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake and be at peace among your selves Ezek. 34. 4. The diseased have ye not strengthened neither have ye healed that which was sick neither have ye bound up that which was broken neither have ye brought again that which was driven away neither have ye sought that which was lost but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them Authoritative suspension from the Lords Table of a person not yet cast out of the Church is agreeable to the Scripture First Because the Ordinance it self must not be profaned Secondly Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly Thirdly Because of the great sin and danger both to him that comes unworthily and also to the whole Church Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast ye your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you 2 Thes 3. 6 14 15. v. 6. Now we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us v. 14. And if any man obey not our word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that he may be ashamed v. 15. Yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother 1 Cor. 11. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. So on to the end of the chap. Compared with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partaker of other mens sins Keep thy self pure And there was power and Authority under the Old Testament to keep unclearn persons from holy things Lev. 13. 5. And the priest shall look on him the seventh day and behold if the plague in his sight be at a stay and the plague spread not in the skin then the priest shall shut him up seven dayes more Numb 9. 7. And those men said unto him We are defiled by the dead body of a man wherefore we are kept back that we may not offer an offering of the Lord in his appointed season among the children of Israel 2 Chr. 23. 19. And he sets porters at the gates of the house of the Lord that none that was unclean in any thing should enter in The like power and Authority by way of Analogy continues under the New Testament The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to suspend from the Lords Table a person not yet cast out of the Church First Because those who have Authority to judg of and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament have Authority to keep back such as should be found unworthy Secondly Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practice belonging to that Congregation When Congregations are divided and fixed they need all mutual help one from another both in regard of their intrinsecal weaknesses and mutual dependence as also in regard of enemies from without
establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God c. Rom. 15. 4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope Rom. 10 13 14 15 16 17. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved v. 14. How then shall they call on him on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a Preacher v. 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things v. 16. But they have not all obeyed the Gospell for Esaias saith Lord who hath believed our report v. 17. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 1. 16. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first and also to the Greek Q. Is the word of God to be read by all A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publickly to the Congregation (u) Deut. 31. 9 -11 12 13. And Moses wrote this Law and delivered it unto the Priests the sons of Levi which bare the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord and unto all the elders of Israel v. 11. When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall chuse thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing v. 12. Gather the people together men and women and children and thy stranger that is within thy gates that they may hear and learn and fear the Lord your God and observe to do all the words of this law v. 13. And that their children which have not known any thing may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as ye live in the land c. Neh. 8. 2 3. And Ezra the Priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding v. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water-gate from morning till noon before the men and women and those that could understand and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law Neh. 9. 3 4 5. And they stood up in their place and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day and another fourth part they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God v. 4. Then stood up upon the stairs of the Levites Jeshua and Bani c. and cryed with a loud voice unto the Lord their God v. 5. Then the Levites Jeshua and Kâ—dmiâ—l c. said stand up and bless the Lord your God c. yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves (*) Deut. 17. 19. And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them Rev. 1. 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophecy and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testifie of me Isa 34. 16 Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read no one of these shall fail c. and with their families (x) Deut. 6. 6 7 8 9. And these words which I command this day shall be in thine heart v. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children and thou shale talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up v. 8. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes v. 9. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house and upon thy gates Gen. 18. 17-19 And the Lord said Shall I hide from Abraham the thing which I do v. 19. For I know him that he will command his children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord c. Psal 78. 5 6 7. For he established a Testimony in Jacob and appointed a Law in Israel which he commanded our fathers that they should make known to their children v. 6. That the generations to come might know them even the children which should be born who should arise and declare them to their children v. 7. That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep his Commandments to which end the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the Original into vulgar languages (y) 1 Cor. 14. 6-9-11 12-15 16-24-27 28. Now brethren if I come unto you speaking with tongues what shall I profit you except I shall speak to you either by revelation or by knowledg or by prophecying or by doctrine v. 9. So likewise ye except ye utter by the tongue words easie to be understood how shall it be known what is spoken for ye shall speak into the air v. 11. Therefore If I know not the meaning of the voice I shall be unto him that speaketh a Barbarian and he that speaketh shall be a Barbarian unto me v. 12. Even so ye for as much as ye are zealous of Spiritual gifts seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the Church v. 15. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and with understanding also v. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest v. 24. But if all prophecy and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all v. 27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue let it be by two or at most by three and that by course and let one interpret v. 28. But if there be no interpreter let him keep silence in the Church and let him speak to himself and to God Q. How is the word of God to be read A. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverend esteem of them (z) Psal 19. 10. More to be desired are they then glod yea then much fine gold sweeter also then the honey and the honey-comb Neh. 8. from ver 3. to ver 10. And he read therein from morning till noon c. and the ears of the people were attentive unto the book of the Law V. 4 And Ezra the Scribe
pray that God would by his Spirit take away from our selves and others all blindness (t) Eph. 1. 17 18. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him v. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints weakness (u) Eph. 3. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthned with might by the Spirit in the inner man indisposedness (*) Mat. 26. 40 41. And he cometh to the Disciples and findeth them asleep and saith unto Peter What could ye not watch with me one hour v. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak and perverseness of heart (x) Jer. 31. 18 19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke Turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God v. 19. Surely after that I was turned I repented and after that I was instructed I smote upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confounded because I did bear the reproach of my youth and by his grace make us able and willing to know do and submit to his will in all things (y) Psal 119. 1 -8-35 36. Blessed are the undefiled in the way who walk in the law of the Lord. v. 8. I will keep thy statutes O forsake me not utterly v. 35. Make me to go in the paths of thy commandments for therein do I delight v. 36. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Act. 21. 14. And when he would not be perswaded we ceased saying The will of the Lord be done with the like humility (z) Mic. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God cheerfulness (a) Psal 100. 2. Serve the Lord with gladness come before his presence with singing Job 1. 21. And Job said Naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. 2 Sam. 15. 25 26. And the King said unto Zadok Carry back the Ark of God into the City if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord he will bring me again and shew me both it and his habitation v. 26. But if he say thus I have no delight in thee behold here I am let him do to me as seemeth him good faithfulness (b) Isa 38. 3. And said Remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart and have done that which is good in thy sight and Hezekiah wept sore diligence (c) Psal 119. 4 5. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently v. 5. O that my wayes were directed to keep thy statutes zeal (d) Rom. 12. 11. Not slothful in business fervent in Spirit serving the Lord. sincerity (e) Psa 119. 80. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes that I be not ashamed and constancy (f) Psal 119. 112. I have enclined my heart to perform thy statutes alwayes even to the end as the Angels do in heaven (g) Isa 6. 2 3. Above it stood the Seraphims each one had six wings with twain he covered his face with twain he covered his feet and with twain he did fly v. 3. And one cried unto another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Psal 103. 20 21. Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength and do his commandments hearkning unto the voice of his word v. 21. Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts ye ministers of his that do his pleasure Mat. 18. 10. Take heed ye despise not one of these little ones for I say unto you in heaven there Angels do alwayes behold the face of my Father which is in heaven Q. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily bread (h) Mat. 6. 11. acknowledging that in Adam and by our sin we have forfeited our right to all the outward blessings of this life and deserve to be wholy deprived of them by God and to have them cursed to us in the use of them (i) Gen. 2. 17. But of the Tree of knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye Gen. 3. 17. And unto Adam he said because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and hast eaten of the Tree of the which I commanded thee saying thou shalt not eat of it cursed is the ground for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the dayes of thy life Rom. 8. 20 21 22. For the Creature was made subject to vanity not willingly but by reason of him who have subjected the same in hope V. 12. Because the Creature of it self also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God V. 22 For we know that the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together until now Jer. 5. 25. Your iniquities have turned away these things and your sins have withholden good things from you Deut 28. from ver 15. to the end But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his Commandments and statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee V. 16. Cursed shalt thou be in the City and cursed in the field and cursed in thy basket and in thy store c. To the end of the chap. and that neither they of themselves are able to sustain us (k) Deut. 8. 3. And he humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger and fed thee with Mannâ— which thou knewest not neither did my fathers know that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live nor we to merit (l) Gen. 32. 10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewed to thy servant c. or by our own industry to procure them (m) Deut. 8. 17 9. And thou say in thine heart My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth V. 18. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is be that giveth thee power to
of his soul and be satisfied by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities V. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 7. 22. By so much was Jesus made a Surety of a better Testament Rom. 8. 32. He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers V. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot imputing his righteousness to them e 2 Cor. 5. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him and requiring nothing of them for their Justification but Faith f Rom. 3. 24 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God which also is his gift g Eph. 2. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God their Justification is to them of free grace h Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Q. What is justifying Faith A. Justifying Faith is a saving Grace i Heb. 10. 39. But we are not of them who draw back to perdition but of them who believe to the saving of the soul wrought in the heart of a Sinner by the Spirit k 2 Cor. 4. 13. We having the same Spirit of faith according as it is written I believed and therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak Eph. 1. 17 18 19. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him V. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power and word of God l Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition m Act. 2. 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved Act. 16. 30. And brought them out and said Sirs What must we do to be saved Joh. 16. 8 9. And when he is come he will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgement Of sin because they believe not in me Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Eph. 2. 1. And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins Act. 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved not onely assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel n Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth for pardon of sin o Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Act. 16. 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house Act. 10. 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the fight of God for salvation p Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Act. 15. 11. But we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they Q. How doth Faith justifie a Sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of those other graces which do alwayes accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it q Gal. 3. 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident for the just shall live by faith Rom. 3. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification r Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Compared with Rom. 10. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation but onely as it is an Instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteousness Å¿ Joh. 1. 12. But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is by the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith Gal. 2. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Q. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God t 1 Joh. 3. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons
have known him that is from the beginning I write unto you young men because ye have overcome the wicked one I write unto you little children because ye have known the Father V. 14. I have written unto you fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you young men because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one Heb. 5. 12 13 14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first-principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat V. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe V. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil nor in this life perfect in any a 1 Joh. 1. 8 -10 And if we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 10. If we say that we have not sinned we make him a lyar and his word is not in us but growing up to perfection b 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God Phil. 3. 12 13 14. Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus V. 13. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before V. 14. I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Q. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often foiled with temptations and fall into many sins c Rom. 7. 18-23 For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not V. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members Mark 14 66 to the end And as Peter was beneath in the Palace there cometh one of the maids of the High Priest c. Gal. 2. 11 12. But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed V. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them who were of the circumcision are hindered in all their spiritual services d Heb. 12. 1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God e Isai 64. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and we all do fade as a leaf and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away Exod. 28. 38. And it shall be upon Aarons forhead that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts and it shall be alwayes upon his forhead that they may be accepted before the Lord. Q. May not true believers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations and sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True believers by reason of the unchangeable love of God f Jer. 31. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance g 2 Tim. 2. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity Heb. 13. 20 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be glory c. 2 Sam. 23. 5. Although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow their inseparable union with Christ h 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. Who shall confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. his continual intercession for them i Heb. 7. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Luke 22. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren and the spirit and seed of God abiding in them k 1 Joh. 3. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1. Joh. 2. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of Grace l Jer. 32. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me John 10. 28. I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any pluck them out of my hand but are kept by the power of God through Faith unto salvation m 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Q. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the Estate
Rom. 2. 14 15. For when the Gentiles who have not the law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the law are a law unto themselves V. 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their conscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Gen. 2. 17. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Q. What is the Moral Law A. The Moral Law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind directing and binding every one to personal perfect and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto in the frame and disposition of the whole man soul and body p Deut. 5. 1 2 3 31-33 And Moses called all Israel and said unto them Hear O Israel the Statutes and Judgements which I speak in your ears this day that ye may learn them and keep and do them V. 2. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. V. 3. The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers but with us even us who are all of us alive here this day V. 31 But as for thee stand thou here by me and I will speak unto thee all the Commandments and the Statutes and the Judgements which thou shalt teach them that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it V. 33. Ye shall walk in all the wayes which the Lord your God hath commanded you that ye may live and that it may be well with you and that ye may prolong your dayes in the land which ye shall possess Luk. 10. 26 27. What is written in the law how readest thou V. 27. And he answering said Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind and thy neighbour as thy self Gal. 3. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things contained in the book of the law to do them 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly And I pray God your whole Spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless untill the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man q Luk. 1. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our life Act. 24. 16. And herein do I exercise my self to have alwayes a conscience void of offence both towards God and towards men promising life upon the fulfilling and threatning death upon the breach of it r Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law that the man which doth these things shall live by them Gal. 3. 10 -12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them V. 12. And the law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Q. Is there any use of the Moral Law to man since the fall A. Although no man since the fall can attain to righteousness and life by the Moral Law Å¿ Rom. 8. 3. For what the law could not do for that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Gal. 2. 16. Knowing this that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified yet there is great use thereof as well common to all men as peculiar either to the unregenerate or the regenerate t 1 Tim. 1. 8. But we know that the law is good if a man use it lawfully Q. Of what use is the Moral Law to all mâ—n A. The Moral Law is of use to all men to inform them of the holy nature and will of God u Lev. 11. 44 55. For I am the Lord your God ye shall therefore sanctifie your selves and ye shall be holy for I am holy neither shall ye defile your selves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth V. 45. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God ye shall therefore be holy for I am holy Lev. 20. 7 8. Sanctifie your selves therefore and be ye holy for I am the Lord your God V. 8. And ye shall keep my Statutes and do them I am the Lord which sanctifie you Rom. 7. 12. Wherefore the Law is holy and the commandment holy just and good and of their duty binding them to walk accordingly * Mich. 6. 8. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Jam. 2. 10 11. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all V. 11. For he that said Do not commit adultery said also Do not kill Now if thou commit no adultery yet if thou kill thou art become a transgressour of the Law to convince them of their disability to keep it and of the sinful pollution of their nature hearts and lives x Psal 19. 11 12. Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward V. 12. Who can understand his errors cleanse thou me from secret faults Rom. 3. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin Rom. 7. 7. What shall we say then Is the law sin God forbid Nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet to humble them in sense of their sin and misery y Rom. 3. 9-23 What then are we better then they No in no wise for we have before proved both Jewes and Gentiles that they are all under sin V. 23. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ z Gal. 3. 21 22. Is the law then against the promise of God God forbid for if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by
your edifying Eph. 4. 12. For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ and salvation (d) 1 Tim. 4. 16. Take heed unto thy self and to the doctrine continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee Act. 16. 16 17 18. But rise and stand upon thy feet for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose to make thee a minister and a witness c. v. 17. Delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles unto whom I now send thee v. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith that is in me Q. What is required of those that hear the Word preached A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached that they attend upon it with diligence (e) Prov. 8 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors preparation (f) 1 Pet. 2. 1 2. Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envies and evil-speakings v. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby Luk 8. 18. Take beed therefore how ye hear for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken c. and prayer (g) Psal 119. 18. Open mine eyes that I may behold wonderous things out of thy law Eph. 6. 18 19. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints v. 19. And for me that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel examine what they hear by the Scriptures (h) Act. 17. 11. These were more noble then those of Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so receive the truth with faith (i) Heb. 4. 2. For unto us was the Gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them being not mixed with faith in them that heard it love (k) 2 Thes 2. 10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousnesse in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved meekness (l) Jam. 1. 21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save your souls and readiness of mind (m) Act. 17. 11. These were more noble then those in Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so as the Word of God (n) 1 Thes 2. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe meditate (o) Luk. 9. 44. Let these sayings sink down into your ears for the Son of man shall be delivered c. Heb. 2. 1. Therefore we ought to give the more diligent heed to the things we have heard left at any time we should let them slip and confer of it (p) Luk. 24. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had hapned Deut. 6. 6 7. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart v. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up hide it in their hearts (q) Prov. 2. 1 My son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee Psal 119. 11 Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives (r.) Luk. 8. 15. But that on the good ground are they which with an honest and good heart having heard the word keep it and bring forth fruit with patience Jam. 1. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word this man shall be blessed in his deed Q. How do the Sacraments become effectual meanes of salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual meanes of salvation not by any power in themselves or any vertue derived from the piety and intention of him by whom they are administred but only by the working of the holy Ghost and the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted (Å¿.) 1 Pet. 3. 21. The like figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ Act. 8. 13 Then Simon himself believed also and when he was baptized he continued with Philâ—p and wondred beholding the miracles and signs which were done Compared with v. 23. For I perceive said Peter to Simon that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity 1 Cor. 3. 6 7. I have planted Apollo watered but God gave the inâ—rease v. 7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing nor he that watereth but God that giveth tâ—e increase 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jewâ—â— â—â— Gentilâ—â— bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit Q. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church (t) Gen. 17. 7 -10 And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and their seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee v. 10. This is my Covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee Every man-child among you shall be circumcised Exod. Cap. 12. Containing the institution of the Passover Mat. 28. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Mat. 26. 26 27 28 And as they were earing Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake it and gave it to the Disciples and said Take eat This is my body v. 27. And he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying Drink ye all of it v. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins to signifie seale and exhibit (u) Rom. 4.
Spirit (z) Rom. 8. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered with confession of our sins (a) Psal 32. 5 6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin v. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found surely c. Dan. 9. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God c. and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (b) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Q. Are we to pray unto God onely A. God only being able to search the hearts (c) King 8. 39. Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place and forgive and do and give to every man according to his wayes whose heart thou knowest for thou even thou onely knowest the hearts of all the children of men Act. 1. 24. And they prayed and said Thou Lord who knowest the hearts of â—oll men shew whether of these two thou hast chosen Rom. 8. 27. And he that seaâ—cheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God hear the requests (d) Psal 65. 2. O thou that hearest prayers to thee shall all flesh come pardon the sins (e) Mic. 7. 18. Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance c. and fulfil the desires of all (f) Psal 145. 18 19. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth v. 19. He will fulfil the desires of them that feâ—r him he also will hear their cry and will save them and only to be believed in (g) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. and worshipped with religious worship (h) Mat 4. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve prayer which is a special part thereof (i) 1 Cor 1. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours is to be made by all to him alone (k) Psal 50. 15. Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me and to none other (l.) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. Q. What is it to pray in the name of Christ A. To pray in the Name of Christ is in obedience to his command and in confidence on his promises to ask mercy for his sake (m) Ioh. 14. 13 14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Sonâ— v. 14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it Ioh. 26. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ask and receive that your joy may be full Dan. 9. 14. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake not by bare mentioning of his Name (n) Mat. 7. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven but by drawing our incouragement to pray and our boldness strength and hope of acceptance in prayer from Christ and his mediation (o.) Heb. 4. 14 15 16. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens Iesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession v. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin v. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 1 Ioh. 5. 13 14 15. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us v. 15. And if we know that he heareth whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Q. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ A. The sinfulness of man and his distance from God by reason thereof being so great as that we can have no accesse into his presence without a Mediatour (p) Ioh. 14. 6. Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me Isa 59. 2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear Eph. 3 12. In whom ye have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to or fit for that glorious work but Christ alone (q) Ioh. 6. 27 Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life which the son of man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Heb. 7. 25 26 27. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them v. 26. For such an high Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens v. 27. Who needeth not daily as those high Priests to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus we are to pray in no other name but his onely (r.) Col. 3. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Heb. 13. 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruits of our lips giving thanks in
his name Q. How doth the Spirit help us to pray A. We not knowing what to pray for as we ought the Spirit helpeth our infirmities by inabling us to understand both for whom and what and how prayer is to be made and by working and quickning in our hearts although not in all persons nor at all times in the same measure those apprehensions affections and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty (Å¿) Rom. 8. 26 27. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered v. 27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Psal 10. 17. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear Zech. 12. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and Supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and mourn c. Q. For whom are we to pray A. We are to pray for the whole Church of Christ upon earth (t) Ephes 6. 18. Praying also alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Psal 28. 9. Save thy people and bless thine inheritance feed them also and lift them up for ever for magistrates (u) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first of all supplication prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men v. 2. For Kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty and Ministers (*) Col. 4. 3. Withall praying also for us that God would open to us a door of utterance to speak the Mysteries of Christ for which I am in bonds for our selves (x) Gen. 32. 11. Deliver me I pray thee from the hand of my brother from the hand of Esau for I fear him least he will come and smite me c. our brethren (y) Jam. 5. 16. Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that you may be healed The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much yea our enemies (z) Mat. 5. 44. But I say unto you Love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despightfully use you and persecute you and for all sorts of men living (a) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. See above in u or that shall live hereafter (b) Joh. 17. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word 2 Sam. 7. 29. Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant that it may continue for ever before thee for thou O Lord God hast spoken it and with thy blessing let the house of thy sevant be blessed for ever but not for the dead (c) 2 Sam. 12. 21 22 23. Then said his servants unto him What thing is this that thou hast done thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive but when the child was dead thou didst rise and eat bread v. 22. And he said While the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live v. 23. But now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death (d.) 1 Ioh. 5. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death There is a sin unto death I do not say that he shall pray for it Q. For what things are we to pray A. We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God (e) Mat. 6. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father which art in heaven hallowed be thy Name the welfare of the Church (f) Psal 51. 18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion build thou the walls of Jerusalem Psal 122. 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper that love thee our own (g) Mat. 7. 11. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him or others good (h) Psal 125. 4. Do good O Lord to those that be good to them that are upright in their heart but not for any thing that is unlawful (i.) 1 Joh. 5. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heateth us Q. How are we to pray A. We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the Majesty of God (k) Eccl. 3. 1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear then to offer the sacrifice of fools for they consider not that they do evil deep sense of our own unworthiness (l) Gen. 18. 27. And Abraham said Behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord who am but dust and ashes Gen. 32. 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewn unto thy servant c. necessities (m) Luk. 15. 17 18 19. And when he came to himself he said How many hired servants in my fathers house have bread enough and to spare and I perish with hunger v. 18. I will arise and go to my father and say unto him Father I have sinned against heaven and before thee v. 19. And am no more worthy to be called thy son make me as one of thy hired servants sins (n) Luk. 18. 13 14. And the Publican standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven but smote upon his brest saying Lord be merciful to me a sinner v. 14. I tell you This man went down to his house justified rather then the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted with penitent (o) Psal 51. 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God wilt thou not despise thankful (p) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and inlarged hearts (q) 1 Sam. 1. 15. And Hannah answered and said No my Lord I am a woman of a
sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but have poured out my soul before the Lord. with understanding (r) 1 Cor. 14. 15. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also faith (Å¿) Mar. 11. 24. Therefore I say unto you Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them Jam 1. 6. But let him ask in faith nothing doubting for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed sincerity (t) Psal 145. 18 The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Psal 17. 1. Hear the right O Lord attend unto my cry give ear unto my prayer that goeth not out of fained lips fervency (u) Jam. 5. 16. the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much love (*) 1 Tim. 2. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting and perseverance (x) Eph. 6. 18. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplicotion for all Saints waiting upon him (y) Mic. 7. 7. Therefore I will look unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will hear me with humble submission to his will (z.) Mat. 26. 39. And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying O my Father If it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of praying (a) 1 Joh. 5. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us but the special rule of direction is that form of Prayer which our Saviour Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer (b.) Mat. 6. 9 10 11 12 13. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father c. Luk. 11. 2 3 4. And he said unto them When ye pray say Our father c. Q. How is the Lords Prayer to be used A. The Lords Prayer is not onely for direction as a pattern according to which we are to make other praiers but may also be used as a prayer so that it be done with understanding faith reverence and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty (c.) Mat. 6. 9. Compared with Luke 11. 2. See above in the letter b. Q. Of how many parts doth the Lords Prayer consist A. The Lords Prayer consists of three parts a Preface Petitions and a Conclusion Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer contained in these words Our Father which art in heaven (d) Mat. 6. 9. teacheth us when we pray to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness and our interest therein (e) Luk. 11. 13. If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him Rom. 8. 15. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father with reverence and all other child-like dispositions (f) Isa 46. 9. Be not wrath very sore O Lord neither remember our iniquities for ever behold see we beseech thee we are all thy people heavenly affections (g) Psal 123. 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes O thou that dwellest in the heavens Lam. 3. 41. Let us lift up our heart and our hands unto God in the heavens and due apprehensions of his soveraign power Majesty and gracious condescention (h) Isa 63. 15 16. Look down from heaven and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory Where is thy zeal and thy strength the sounding of thy bowels and thy mercies towards me are they restrained v. 16. Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not thou O Lord art our Father our redeemer thy Name is from everlasting Neh. 1. 4 5 6. And it came to pass when I heard these words that I saâ—e down and wept and mourned certain dayes and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven v. 5. And said I beseech thee O Lord God of heaven the God that keepeth Covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments v. 6. Let thine eat be now attentive and thine eyes opâ—n that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant which I pray before thee now day and night for the children of Israel thy servants c. as also to pray with and for others (i) Act. 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Q. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first petition which is Hallowed be thy name (k) Mat. 6. 9. acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in our selves all men to honor God aright (l) 2 Cor. 3. 5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Psalm 51. 15. O Lord open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise we pray that God would by his grace inable and incline us and others to know to acknowledg and highly to esteem him (m) Psal 67. 2 3. That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations v. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee his titles (n) Psal 83. 18. That men may know that thou whose Name alone is Jehovah art the most High over all the earth attributes (o) Psal 86. 10 11 12 13 -15 For thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone v. 11. Teach me thy way O Lord I will walk in thy truth unite my heart to fear thy name v. 12. I will praise thee O Lord my God with all my heart and will glorifie thy Name for evermore v. 13. For great is thy mercy towards me and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell v. 15. But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gracious long suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth ordinances word (p) 2 Thes 3. 1. Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Psal 147. 19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and judgments unto Israel v. 20. He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them
c the Church furnished with all Gospel officers and ordinances (g) Matth 9. 38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into his harvest 2 Thes 3. 1. Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have a free course and be glorified even as it is with you purged from corruption (h) Mal. 3. 1 11. For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same my Name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be offered up unto my Name and a pure offering for my Name shall be great among the Heathen saith the Lord of hosts Zeph. 3. 9. For then will I turn to the people a pure language that they may all call upon the Name of the Lord to serve him with one consent countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrate (i) 1 Tim. 2. 1 2. I exhort therefore that first â—f all supplications prayers intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men v. 2. For Kings and for all that are in auâ—hority thâ—t me may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins and the confirming comforting and building up of those that are already converted (k) Act. 4. 29 30. And now Lord behold their threatnings and grant unto thy servanâ—s that with all boldness they may speak thy word v. 30. By stretching forth â—hine hand to heal and that signes and wonders may be done by the Name of thy Holy Child Jesus Eph. 6. 18 19 20. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints v. 19. And for me thâ—t utterance may be given me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gentiles v. 20. For which I am an Ambassador in bonds that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak Rom. 15. 29 30 -32 And I am sure that when I come unto you I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ v. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christ sake and for the love of the Spirit that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me v. 32. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God and may with you be refreshed 2 Thes 1. 11. Wherefore we pray alwayes for you that our God would count you worthy of his calling and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power 2 Thes 2. 16 17. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our Father which hâ—th loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace v. 17. Comfort your heart and stablish you in every good word and work that Christ would rule in our hearts here (l) Eph. 3. from ver 14. to the 21. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ v. 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named v. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man v. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love v. 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height v. 19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledg that ye might be filled with the fulness of God v. 20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think c. and hasten the time of his second coming and our reigning with him for ever (m) Rev. 22. 20. He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quâ—ckly Amen even so come Lord Jesus and that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world as may best conduce to these ends (n) Isai 64. 1 2. O that thou wouldst rend the heavens that thou wouldst come down that the mountains might flow down at thy presence v. 2. As when the melting fire burneth the fire causeth the waters to boil to make thine name known to thine adversaries that the nations may tremble at thy presence Rev. 4. 8 9 10 11. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come v. 9. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne who liveth for ever and ever v. 10. That four and twenty Elders fall down before him that sat on the throne and worship him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns before the throne saying v. 11. Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Q. What do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third petition which is Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (o) Matth. 6. 10. acknowledging that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and to do the will of God (p) Rom. 7. 18. For I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not Job 21. 14. Therefore thâ—y say unto God Depart from us we desire not the knowledg of thy wayes 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can be know them because they are spiritually discerned but prone to rebel against his word (q) Rom. 8. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can be to repine and murmur against his Providence (r) Exod. 17. 7. And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribaâ— because of the chiding of the children of Israel and because they tempted the Lord saying is the Lord among us or not Num. 14. 2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron And the whole Congregation said unto them would God that we had died in the land of Egypt would God that we had died in this wilderness and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh of the devil (Å¿) Eph. â— 2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the ayre the spirit that now woâ—keth in the children of disobedience We
that we from the heart forgive others their offences (c) Lu. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us c. Mat. 6. 14 15. For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you V. 15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (d) Mat. 6. 13. acknowledging that the most wise righteous and gracious God for divers holy and just ends may so order things that we may be assaulted foiled and for a time led captive by temptations (e) 2 Chron. 32. 31. Howbeit in the business of the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his heart that Satan (f) 1 Chron. 21. 1. And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel the world (g) Luke 21. 34. And â—ake heed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting and drunkenness and acres of this life and so that day come upon you unawares Mark 4. 19. And the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things entring in choke the word and it becomes unfruitful and the flesh are ready powerfully to draw us aside in snare us (h) Jam 1. 14. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed and that we even after the pardon of our sins by reason of our corruption (i) Gal. 5. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would weakness want of watchfulness (k) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak are not onely subject to be tempted and forward to expose our selves unto temptations (l) Mat 26. 69 70 71 72. Now Peter sate without in the Palace and a damsel came to him saying Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee V. 70. But he denyed before them all saying I know not what thou sayest V. 71. And when he was gone into the porch another maid saw him and said to them that were there This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth V. 72. And again he denied with an oath saying I do not know the man Gal. 2. 11 12 13 14. But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed V. 12. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself fearing them of the circumcision V. 13. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation V 14. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel I said to Peter c. 2 Chr. 18. 3. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah wilt thou go with me to Ramoth Gilead And he answered him I am as thou art and my people as thy people and we will be with thee in the war Compared with 2 Chron 19. 2. and Jehu the son of Hanani the Seer went out to meet him and said to king Jehoshaphat shouldst thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord therefore is wrath upon thee before the Lord. but also of our selves unable and unwilling to resist them to recover out of them and to improve them (m) Rom. 7. 23 24. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin that is in my members V. 24. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from this body of death 1 Chron. 21. 1 2 3 4. And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel V. 2. And David said to Joab and the rulers of the people go number Israel from Bersheba to Dan c. V. 3. And Joab answered The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be but my lord the King are they not my lords servants why then doth my lord require this thing why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel V. 4. Nevertheless the Kings word prevailed against Joab wherefore Joab departed and went c. 2 Chr. 16. 7 8 9 10. And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asâ— King of Judah and said to him because thou hast rested on the King of Syria and not relied on the Lord thy God therefore is the host the King of Syria escaped out of thine hand V. 8. Were not the Ethiopians and Lubins a huge host c. and yet because thou didst rely on the Lord he delivered them into thine hand V. 9. For the eyes of the Lord run too and fro throughout the earth to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose hearts is perfect towards him herein thou hast done foolishly therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars V. 10. Then Asa was wroth with the seer and put him into a prison house for he was in a rage with him because of this thing and Asa oppressed some of the people the same time worthy to be left under the power of them (n) Psal 81. 11 12. But my people would not hearken unto my voice and Israel would have none of me V. 12. So I gave them up unto their hearts lust and they walked in their own counsels we pray that God would so over-rule the world and all in it (o) Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil subdue the flesh (p) Psal 51. 10 Create in me a clean O God and renew a right spirit within me Psal 119. 133. Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me and restrain Satan (q) 2 Cor. 12. 7 8. And lest I should be exalted above measure trhough the abundance of revelations there was given to me a throne in the flesh the messenger of Satan to buffet me lest I should be exalted above measure V. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me order all things (r) 1 Cor. 10. 12 13. Wherefore let him that thinks he standeth take heed lest he fall V. 13. There hath no
temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to he tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it bestow and blesse all means of grace (Å¿) Heb. 13. 20. 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jeâ—us Christ that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ c. and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin (t) Mat. 26. 21. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation c. Psal 13. 9. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let not them have dominion over me then shall I be upright and innocent from the great transgression or if tempted that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation (u) Eph. 3. 14 15 16 17. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 15. Oâ— whom the whole family of heaven and earth is named V. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted c. 1 Thes 3. 13. To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints Jude v. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it (*) Psa 5â— 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof (x) 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10. Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divel as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour v. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world v. 10. But the God of all peace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected (y) 2 Cor. 13. 7-9 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil not that we should appear approved but that ye should do that which is honest though we be as reprobates V. 9. For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong this also we wish even your perfection Satan trodden under our feet (z) Rom. 16. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly c. Zech. 3. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan The Lord rebuke thee O Satan even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee Is not this a brand pluckt out of the fire Luk. 22. 31 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat v. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted c. and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever (a) Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelesse unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory for ever Amen (b) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments (c) Rom. 15. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christs sake and for the love of the Spirit that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God (d) Dan. 9 â— 7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of face as at this day c. v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy rigteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem c. v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and behold our desolation and the city that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord heatken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy city and thy people are called by thy Name and with our prayers to join praises (e) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ascribing to God alone eternal soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency (f) 1 Chron. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatnesse and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might c. v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and bless thy glorious Name in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us (g) Eph. 3 20 21. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh in us v. 21. Unto
fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (l) Mat 6. 12. we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pard on all our sins (m) Psal 51. 1 2 -7 9. Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions v. 2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin v. 7 Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me 〈◊〉 I shall be whiter then snow v. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities Dan. 9. 17 18 19. Now therefore our God hear thou the prayer of thy servant and his supplication v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive for thine own sake which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others (n) Luk. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (o) Mat. 6. 13. we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin (p) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak or support and deliver us when we are tempted (q) 2 Cor. 12. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen (r) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely (Å¿) Dan. 9. 4-7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousuess belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces as at this day to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and unto all Israel that are neer and that are far off thorow all the countreys whither thou hast driven them because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy righteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem thy holy mountain because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and hear open thine eyes and behold our desolation and the City that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy City and thy people are called by thy Name and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him (t) 1 Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and David said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honours come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious name And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen (u) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that ocupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22. 20 21. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lâ—rd Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN The Ten COMMANDMENTS EXODUS XX. GOD spake all these words saying I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments III Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six dayes shalt thou labor and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six dayes the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it V. Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbors FINIS The LORDS PRAYER Matth. 6. OVr Father which art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be
nature of it Con. 41. Cat. 37 38. The Instrument of it Con. 42. How it is an Act of Gods free grace Con. 43. Cat. 37 38. Justification not from Eternity Con. 44. Not by Workes Cat. 39. Justification the same under the Old Testament as under the New Con. 45. How Justification distâ—rs from sanctification Cat. 42. K. The Kingly Office of Christ how executed Cat. 22. What meant by the Coming of his Kingdome Cat. 146 147. L. The Law Morall given to Adam as a Covenant of Works with Ability to keep it Con. 66. Cat. 52. The Nature of it ibid. The Law continues still to be a perfect Rule of Righteousnesse Con. 67. and to bind Beleevers as well as others Con. 68 69. Being not abolisht but establisht by the Gospel Con. 69. No man able now to keep it perfectly Cat. 11. How Beleevers are free'd from the Law Con. 69. The Uses of the Law to all men Cat. 53 54. The Uses of it to the Unregenerate Cat. 54. The severall excellent Uses of the Law to Beleevers Con. 69 70. Cat. 55. How sweetly concordant with the grace of the Gospel Con. 71. Comprized in the Ten Commandments Cat. 56. Rules for understanding the Morall Law Cat. 56 57 58 59. The Ceremoniall Law what Con. 67. Abrogated under the New Testament Con. 68. The Judiciall Law See Judiciall What Liberty Christ hath purchased for Beleevers Con. 71 72. Wherein it is enlarged under the New Testament Con. 72 73. The ends of Christian Liberty Con. 74. How it is abused Con. 74 75. Not intended to destroy Ecclesiasticall or Civill powers but to uphold them Con. 74. This Liberty no plea for an Universall Toleration Con. 74 75. Liberty of Conscience what it is and what is repugnant to it Con. 73. No Liberty to sin Con. 74. Light of Nature not sufficient to make wise to salvation Con. 1. Cat. 30 31. Lords Supper See Supper Lords Prayer See Prayer M. Magistracy an Ordinance of God Con. 88 89 Lawfull for Christians to be Civil Magistrates Con. 89. The Civil Magistrate not to be resisted upon pretence of Christian Liberty Con. 74. The Civil Magistrates power in Church-affaires stated Con. 90. Magistrates authority not null'd by Infidelity or difference in Religion on 91. 92. Ecclesiasticall persons not execmpted from obedience to the Civil Magistrate Con. 92. The duty of people to their Magistrate Man how created at first Con. 15 16. Cat. 8. Gods providence towards Man in the state of Innocency Cat. 10. Man's chiefe end Cat. 1. The Masse an abominable abuse of Christ's sacrifice Con. 108. Marriage the ends of it Con. 93. Lawfull for all sorts ibid. Whom Christians should not Marry with Con. 94. Marriage within the degrees of Consanguinity or Affinity unlawfull Con. 94 95. In what cases Marriage may be dissolved Con. 95. Marriage between more then one Man and one Woman at a time unlawfull Con. 93. The Meanes of salvation what Cat. 119. The Mediatour of the Covenant of Grace Con. 29 30. Cat. 17. No Merit in good works Con. 56. The Ministry given by Christ to the visible Church Con. 97. N. The Name of God how to be used Cat. 72 73. How it is abused Cat. 73. What meant by the Name of God Cat. 145 146. New Testament or Covenant what Con. 28. O. Oathes part of Religious Worship Con. 81 84. The nature of an Oath Con. 84. Oathes warrantable under the New Testament Con. 85. A lawfull Oath not to be refused if imposed by lawfull Authority Con. 85 86. What to be considered before taking of an Oath Con. 85 How an Oath is to be taken Con 86. An Oath binds to performance whoever it be made to if the performance be not sinfull Con. 86. Offices of Christ Propheticall Office See Propheticall Priestly Office See Priestly Kingly Office See Kingly Old Testament what Con. 27 28. Ordinances given by Christ to the visible Church Con. 97. How they are effectuall Con. 97 98. Originall sin what Con. 23. Cat. 12. The root of Actuall Con. 24. Not wholly abolished in this life Con. 24. The guâ—lt of Originall sin Con. 24 25. How propagated Con. 23. Cat. 12 13. Originall Text of Scripture the Authenticall Con. 6. P. Pardon of sin how to be prayed for Cat. 151 152. Poedobaptisme lawfull Con. 105. Cat. 129. Perseverance of the Saints proved Cat. 44. Con. 59. What it depends upon Con. 59 60. The certainty and infallibility of perseverance whence Con. 60. The Persons of the Godhead Con. 10. Cat. 5. The Coequality of the Divine Persons proved Cat. 5 6. The Personall Union of the two Natures in Christ Con. 30 31. Why requisite Cat. 20. Polygamy unlawfull Con 93. The Pope hath no jurisdiction over Civil Magistrates in their Dominions nor over their people Con. 92. The Pope in no sense Head of the visible Church Con 99. The Pope Antichrist Con. 99. Powers Ecclesiasticall and Civil not to be opposed upon pretence of Christian Liberty Con. 74 Power of the Keyes what and to whom committed Con. 111 112. Prayer what Cat. 140. To be made to God alone ibid. Prayer and Thanksgiving the duty of all men Con. 78. How Prayer is to be made Con. 78. Cat. 143 144. For what and for whom we are to Pray and for whom nor Con. 79 80. Cat. 142 143. Prayer now not more acceptable in one place then in another Con. 81. What it is to Pray in the Name of Christ Cat. 141. Why we are to Pray in the Name of Christ ibid. How the Spirit helps in Prayer Cat. 142. The Rule of Prayer Cat. 144 The Lords Prayer how to be used Cat. 144. The meaning of the First PetitioÌ„ Cat. 145 c. of the Second Cat. 146 c. of the Third Cat. 148 c. of the Fourth Cat. 149 c. of the Fifth Cat. 151 c. of the Sixth Cat. 152 c. of the Conclusion Cat. 154 c. Preaching a part of Religious Worship Con. 80. Who are to Preach the Word Cat. 123 124. How Ministers are to Preach the Word Cat. 124 125. Predestination the properties of it Con. 12. Predestination unto life Con. 12 13. Predestination unto Wrath. Con. 13 14. The Doctrine of Predestination how to be handled and what use to be made of it Con. 4. Preparation to the Sabbath requisite Cat. 82. To the Lords Supper Cat. 133. Priestly Office of Christ how exâ—cuted Cat 21. Priviledges of the Church Visible Cat. 32. Of the Church Invisible Cat. 34. Prophetical Office of Christ how executed Cat. 21 Propriety of Goods not taken away by Communion of Saints Con. 101. Providence the Nature and Extent of it Con. 16 17. Cat. 9. How Providence is exercised about Sin Con. 18 19 20 21. Gods Providence in especiall manner over his Church Con. 21 22. Gods Providence towards Angels Cat. 9 10. Gods Providence towards Man in Innocency Cat. 10. Publick Worship not to be neglected Con. 82. Punishments of sin in this world Cat. 13 14. In the
world to come Cat. 14. R. Reading the Scripture a part of Religious Worship Con. 80. Rules for Reading the Scriptures Cat. 122 123. Redemption how wrought by Christ Con. 33. The vertue of it and efficacy from the beginning of the world Con. 34. Redemption how applyed and to whom Con. 34 35. Cat. 30. Repentance unto life what Con. 50. Repentance not satisfactory for sin nor cause of pardon Con. 51. Yet no pardon without Repentance nor Condemnation where it is Con. 52. A particular Repentance required of all for particular sins Con. 52. When Repentance is necessary to be testified to others Con. 53. Reprobation the Nature of it Con. 13 14. Resurrection of the Just and Unjust the manner of it Con. 116. Cat. 49. Righteous See Beleevers Righteousnesse of Justification See Justification Righteousnesse of Sanctification See Sanctification S. Sabbath to be kept Con. 83. And that the first day of the week Cat. 78. Con. 83. What it is to keep the Sabbath aright Con. 83 84 Cat. 79. How the Sabbath is profaned Cat. 80 81. Sacraments the nature ends of them Con. 112. Cat. 127. The parts of them Cat. 128. They conferre not grace by any power in themselves Con. 103. Upon what the efficacy of Sacraments depends ibid. Sacraments to be dispensed only by the Ministers of the Word Con. 103. The Sacraments of the Old and New Testament the same for substance Con. 104. How the Sacraments are made effectuall to salvation Cat. 126. The Sacrament of Baptisme and the Lords Supper wherein they agree Cat. 138 139. Wherein they differ Cat. 139 140. Sacrament of Baptisme See Baptisme Sacrament of the Lords Supper See Supper Saints See Bâ—leevers Saints not to be worshipped Con. 78. Salvation not to be attain'd by living up to the Light of Nature nor by any other but the Christian Religion Con. 40. Cat. 31. Salvation in Christ alone Cat. 31. No larger then Election Con 40. Cat. 35. What required of us in order to salvation Cat. 119. The outward meanes of salvation ibid. Sanctification what Con. 46 47. Cat. 40 41. Universall but imperfect in this life Con. 47. The reason why Sanctification is imperfect here Cat. 43. How Sanctification differs from Justification Cat. 42. Scandalous not to be admitted to the Lords Supper Cat. 135. Scriptures why necessary Con 2 What Books to be owned for Scripture ibid. Scripture the only Rule of Faith and Obedience Con 3. Cat. 2. The only Rule of Worship Con. 77 78. Upon what Authority the Scriptures are to be received and obeyed Con. 4. Scriptures how proved to be the Word of God Con. 4. Cat. 2 3. How we are fully assured of it Con. 4. Cat. 3. Of the Scriptures Sufficiency Perfection and Perspicuity Con. 5. What necessary to the saving understanding of the Scriptures Con. 5. The Originall Text of Scripture the Authenticall Con. 6. The Scripture ought to be Translated Con. 6. Cat. 122. and read by all Cat. 121. The infallible Rule of interpreting Scripture Con. 6. The Spirit speaking in Scripture the Supreme Judge of all Controversies in Religion Con. 7. Scripture how to be read Cat. 122 123. Sin what Cat 12. The guilt of it Con. 24. Sin how the object of Gods providence Con. 18 19 20 21. God not the Authour nor Approver of Sin Con. 19. Why God suffers his children to fall into Sin Con. 20. Originall Sin See Originall Actuall Sin See Actuall Sin how punisht in this world Cat. 13 14. How in the world to come Cat. 14. Sins when to be confessed to men Con. 53. Sin not pardoned without Repentance Con. 52. The greatest Sin cannot damn men if they truly Repent ib All Sins not equally hainous Cat. 111. The demerit of every Sin Cat. 118. Sins against the First CoÌ„mandment Cat. 62 c. against the Second Cat. 68 c. against the Third Cat. 73 c. against the Fourth Cat. 80 c. against the Fifth Cat. 87 89 90. against the Sixth Cat 94 c. against the Seventh Cat 97 c. against the Eighth Cat. 101 c. against the Ninth Cat. 105 c. against the Tenth Cat. 110 c. Aggravations of Sin under severall Heads See Aggravatâ—ons Singing of Psalms a part of Religious Worship Con. 80. Soule 's state after Death Con. 115. The Spirit 's illumination necessary to the saving understanding of the Scripture Con. 5. The Spirit speaking in the Scripture the supreme Judge of Controversies Con. 7. Supererogation impossible Con. 56. Superiours how to be honoured Cat. 85 86. How to carry themselves toward their Inferiours Cat. 87 88. Supper of the Lord the Institution Nature and ends of it Con. 107. Cat. 131. Christ not offered up to his Father in the Supper nor any reall sacrifice for sin made Con. 107. The Ministers duty in administring it Con. 108. Not to be received alone ibid. To be received in both kinds ibid. The Elements in the Supper not to be adored ibid. What relation the Elements in the Supper have to Christ Con. 109. How Christ is present in the Supper Con. 110. Cat. 132. How beleevers feed upon Christ in the Supper Con. 109 110. Cat. 132. Ignorant and scandalous not to be admitted to the Supper Con. 110. Cat. 135. What preparation required before receiving the Lord's Supper Cat. 133. What duties requiâ—ed in time of receiving Cat. 136 137. What duties after receiving Cat. 137 138. The Agreement and difference between the Lords Supper and Baptisme Cat. 138 139 140. Suspension from the Lords Supper Con. 112. Swearing See Oath Synods may be called by the Civil Magistrate Con. 90. 113. In what cases Ministers may meet in a Synod without the Call of the Civil Magistrate Con. 113. What power belongs to Synods and Councils Con. 114 What submission due to their Decrees and Determinations ibid. Synods not infallible since the Apostles dayes Con. 114. How far Synods may meddle in State-affaires ibid. T. Temptation how to be prayd against Cat. 152 153 154 Testament Old and New Con. 27 28. Thanksgiving the duty of every man Con. 78. What Toleration Christian Liberty is no friend to Con. 74 75. Transubstantiation an absurd fiction Con. 109. Of the Trinity Con. 10. Cat. 5. The Coëquality of the Persons in Trinity proved Cat. 5 6. V. Vocation See Calling Vowes a part of Religious Worship Con. 81. A Vow what how and to whom to be made Con. 87. What Vowes are unlawfull Con. 88. Union of the two Natures in Christ Con. 31 32. Union of the Elect with Christ what Cat. 34. Unregenerate men's best works sinfull Con. 57 58. W. War may be waged by Christians under the New Testament Con. 89. Wicked men's condition in Judgement and after Judgement Cat. 50. The Will of God how to be done and submitted to Cat. 149. The Will of Man renewed in Effectuall Calling Cat. 35. Free Will what Con. 35. Free Will to good in the state of Innocency Con. 36. Wholly lost by the Fall ibid. Restored in part by Regeneration Con. 36 37. Perfectly and immutably in the state of Glory only Con. 37. Word of God what Cat. 2. The Word how made effectuall to salvation Cat. 119 120. To be read by all Cat. 121 122. How to be read Cat. 122 123. How to be preached Cat. 124 125. How to be heard Cat. 125 126. Works not the cause of Justification Con. 41 Cat. 39. What are Good Works and what not Con. 53 54. The excellent uses and ends of Good Works ibid. Ability to do Good Works is wholly from Gods Spirit Con. 55. The actuall influence of the Spirit required to the performing of every Good Work Con. 55. Yet this no plea at all for negligence ibid. Good Works neither merit nor satisfie and why Con. 56. Yet they are accepted by God in Christ and rewarded Con. 57. The best Works of the Unregenerate sinfull and why Con. 57 58. Yet the neglect of the more sinfull ibid. Worship to be given to God alone Con. 78. And that through Christ ibid. The Worship that is acceptable to God is instituted by himself and not left to the Devices of men Con. 77 78. The parts of Religious Worship Con. 80 81. Religions Worship not tyed now to any place Con. 81. God to be Worshipped in private and in publick Con. 81 82. FINIS
you and upon your brethren this do and ye shall not trespass So Christ who hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church hath furnished some in his Church beside the Ministers of the Word with gifts for governments and with commission to execute the same when called there unto who are to joyn with the Minister in the government of the Church Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our ministring or he that teacheth on teaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Which Officers reformed churches commonly call Elders Deacons THe Scripture doth hold out Deacons as distinct officers in the church Phil. i. â— Paul and Timotheus the servant of Jesus Christ to all saints in Christ Jesus whith are at Philippi with the Bishops and Deacons 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre Whose Office is perpetual 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre to ver 15. see in the Bible Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplyed there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily manistration v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and to the Ministry of the word To whose Office it belongs not to preach the Word or administer the Sacraments but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. see before Of Particular Congregations IT is lawful and expedient that there be fixed congregations that is a certain company of christians to meet in one Assembly ordinarily for publick Worship When believers multiply to such a number that they cannot conveniently meet in one place it is lawful and expedient that they should be divided into distinct and fixed congregations for the beter administration of such ordinances as belong unto them and the discharge of mutual duties 1 Cor. 14. 26 33 40. v. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying v. 33. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace as in all Churches of the Saints v. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order The ordinary way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations and most expedient for edification is by the respective bounds of their dwellings First Because they who dwell together being bound to all kind of moral duties one to another have the better opportunity thereby to discharge them which moral tye is perpetual for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Deut. 15. 7 11. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee thou shalt not harden thy heart nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother v. 11. For the poor shall never cease out of the land therefore I command thee saying Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy brother to the poor and to the needy in the land Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 5. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Secondly The communion of saints must be so ordered as may stand with the most convenient use of the Ordinances and discharge of moral duties without respect of persons 1 Cor. 14. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying Heb. 10. 24 25. v. 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works v. 25. Not forsaking the Assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching Jam. 2. 1 2. v. 1. My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory with respect of persons v. 2. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring in goodly apparel and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment Thirdly The pastor and people must so nearly cohabite together as that they may mutually perform their duties each to other with most conveniency In this company some must be set apart to bear office Of the Officers of a particular Congregation FOr Officers in a single Congregation there ought to be one at the least both to labour in the Word and Doctrine and to rule Prov. 29. 18. Where there is no vision the people perish but he that keepeth the law happy is he 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Heb. 13. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation It is also requisite that there should be others to joyn in Government 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the reliefe of the poor Acte 6. 2 3. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the Congregation These officers are to meet together at convenient and set times for the well ordering of the affairs of that Congregation each according to his office It is most expedient that in these meetings one whose office is to labour in the Word and Doctrine do moderate in their proceedings 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Of the Ordinances in a particular Congregation THe Ordinances in a single Congregation are Prayer Thanksgiving and singing of Psalms 1 Tim. 2. 1. I