corrupt kind and nature to that most odious and abominable Vice Expl. 52. The reasons here annexed are such as are attempered and suited to those two affections in man namely fear and hope which are the two hinges upon which all Religion doth turn for 1. here is a severe threatning to move and stir up that passion of fear which may prevent or restrain our disobedience to this command or at least to scare us from continuing in any kind of Idolatry Superstition c. which it doth forbid And in this threatning we have 1. The hainousness of the Sin forbidden for 't is here intimated spiritual Whoredom because God is here represented as jealous over his people that are entered into a marriage-Covenant with him under the notion of a Husband that is inraged with jealousie in reference to the unchast behaviour of his Wife 2. In the punishment threatned the grievousness of the sin is intimated when God doth threaten to punish this Sin to the third and fourth Generation 3. 'T is here implyed that this Sin is a hating of God when 't is said of them that hate me in reference to Idolaters 2 dly We have here a gracious promise for the encouraging of hope to the careful observers of this command and in this promise there is observable 1. Gods love to them in shewing mercy to thousands of them 2. Their love to God in keeping his commands and consequently the love of the world or any thing more than God is flat Idolatry and the Apostle doth call covetousness by that name A. 53. The third Commandment is 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 Hom. VII Almighty God to the intent his holy Name should be had in honour and evermore be magnified of the people commandeth that no man should take his name vainly in his mouth threatning punishment unto him that irreverently abuseth it by swearing forswearing and blasphemy Expl. 53. The infinitely wise God very well knowing that if any seem to be Religious and bridleth not his tongue that man's Religion is vain he doth therefore in this command lay a restraint upon man's tongue that it may not any way break forth to the dishonour of his great name for although God does give a particular command for the direction of the tongue in reference to our neighbour sc. the ninth Command yet he doth provide for his own honour first in this third command A. 54. The third Commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of Gods Names Titles Attributes Ordinances Word and Works Artic. 39. As we confess vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and Iames his Apostle So we judg that Christian Religion doth not prohibit but that a man may swear when the Magistrate requireth in a cause of Faith and Charity so it be done according to the Prophets teaching in justice judgment and truth Thus an Oath if it have with it these three conditions is a part of Gods glory which we are bound by his Commandments to give unto him Expl. 54. In this 't is observable that when the abuse of Gods name in any kind whatsoever is here forbidden the Religious and reverent use of it is thereby commanded Now by Gods Name we are in the general to understand that whereby he is in a peculiar manner made known to us and distinguished from all false Gods whatsoever just as a man is made known by his name and distinguished from all other men not but that more men may have the same name but that there doth belong some peculiar property to a man of such a particular name whereby he is known from every body else and so though there be Gods many and Lords many in name yet to us there is but one God who by something or other in his Titles attributes words and works is distinguished from all other Gods ex gr when we call God wise we are to understand that he is infinitely so and consequently distinct from all his creatures hereby Then next for his Ordinances Word and Works they must be holily and reverently used that is with a serious sense of his Divine Majesty whether these be used in our thoughts words or actions but most especially this command requireth that when we take Oaths or make lawful vows we do it from such principles in such a religious manner and to such right ends as that the Name of God be thereby honoured A. 55. The third Commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known Hom. VII He forbiddeth all vain swearing and forswearing both by God and by his creatures as the common use of swearing in buying selling and our daily communication When men do swear of custom in reasoning buying and selling or other daily communications as many be common and great swearers such kind of swearing is ungodly unlawful and forbidden by the Commandment of God for such swearing is nothing else but taking of Gods holy Name in vain To. 2. Hom. X. p. 2. Let us not be scorners jesters and deriders of the Scripture for that is the uttermost token and shew of a Reprobate of a plain enemy to God his Wisdom Expl. 55. Here is forbidden in the general all manner of prophanation or abuse of any name of God as any of his Titles as wise good holy c. any of his works as those of Creation or Providence his Word written or preached any of his Ordinances as Prayer Preaching Sacraments as when we make any unhandsom reflection upon any of these in our words or carriage or do not use them at all when we should and when we do not as we ought more particularly here are forbid 1. All rash Oaths whether before a Magistrate or in a mans private passion 2. All horrid and prophane Oaths as when men swear Wounds Blood c. and use their Dammees and Sinkmees 3. All blasphemous Oaths ex gr All such wherein the name of God or Christ are prophanely abused 4. All mincing or contracting of Oaths and here some tell us that I marry is but the contracting of I by St. Mary though some use it only as an expletive 5. All mock-Oaths or apeing of them 6. All injurious and perjurious Oaths 7. All cursing c. 8. All violation of lawful Oaths Vows Covenants 9. All wilful forbearing of Oaths in necessary cases 10. All prophane scoffing c. A. 56. The reason annexed to the third Commandment is that however the breakers of this Commandment may escape punishment from men yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment To. 1. Hom. VII The most holy Name of God being commonly used and abused vainly and unreverently talk'd of sworn by and forsworn to the breaking of Gods Commandment is the procurement of
The Main PRINCIPLES OF Christian Religion IN An 107 short Articles or Aphorisms generally receiv'd as being prov'd from Sripture Now further cleared and confirm'd by the Consonant Doctrine recorded in the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England under Four Heads VIZ. Of things to be I. Believed comprehended in the CREED II. Done in the TEN COMMANDMENTS III. Practis'd in the GOSPEL particularly TWO SACRAMENTS IV. Pray'd for in the LORDS PRAYER EXPLAIN'D By Tho. Adams M.A. sometime Fellow of Brazen-Nose College in Oxon and late Chaplain to the Right Honourable Countess Dowager of Clare LONDON Printed in the Year 1675. To the Inhabitants of Wood-Church in Wirral-Hundred in Cheshire Dear Countrymen and Friends WHiles in my retired condition I was lately devising how I might do some good to the place of my Nativity I had a strong apprehension from the affections many of you have express'd to my Fathers Family that some of the Labours of my dear Brother Mr. Thomas Adams now with God would be very acceptable to you for the edification of your souls and thereupon as most generally useful for you I resolv'd to be at the charge of Printing this Catechetical Explanation of His. 'T is well known amongst you that my Grandfather Mr. Richard Adams was Rector of your Church and then by his purchase Patron of the perpetual Advowson Six of his Line and Name since all devoted to the Ministry of the Gospel viz. Mine honoured Father Mr. Charles Adams and Uncle Mr. Randal Adams yet I hope alive in Ireland my self and three Brothers Peter Thomas and Charles Adams were born in the Personage-house My dear Mother who also bore two other of my Brothers viz. Iames and Iohn there too the Daughter of a worthy Gentleman was likewise born in your Parish My Reverend Father and Uncle did some short part of their time exercise their Ministry amongst you and all of us Brethren in the Ministry have preached an occasional Sermon or more to you though none of us could be setled with you to spend our selves and be spent amongst you However we that are alive and at a distance from you do often bear you upon our hearts and earnestly desire that you may be saved in the day of our Lord Iesus Christ. Some of you cannot but remember whiles my dear Father had the charge of your Souls he did preach the Gospel to you both in season and out of season beseeching you to be reconciled to God who soon took him off from that work with you to his eternal rest And I do assure you my Brother whose sound and wholesome fruit you may here taste was very solicitous and so are those who yet survive that you may be acquainted with the truth as it is in Iesus In order whereunto I do now present and heartily recommend to you this short Manual of Christian Doctrine I pray you be pleased to receive it kindly and entertain it friendly not only out of love to the Author or Donor but to the Truth It is proverbially said amongst you Cheshire Chief of Men there having anciently been valiant ones born and bred there Let not now any Prophet of the Lord have occasion to complain of you that none are valiant for the truth which none can be as they ought unless well-trained instructed or Cateehised as Abrahams brave ones were for the war in the mysteries of the Gospel for lack of knowledg wherein a professing people will be destroyed Being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart He that made them will not have mercy on them and he that formed them will shew them no favour To prevent this mischievous ignorance and help your understandings that you may rightly know God and do his will Such as I have give I you Let none then despise this small token of my love which I do in the name of Iesus Christ send to you Others of their plenty have formerly given to the meaner sort of you Milk and Bread for the body and lately Means for the instructing the Minds of your Children in the Rudiments of Learning now I do offer a Mite out of my penury to establish your hearts in Religion spiritual milk and bread which I know you have need of It comes not to eat your Bread but to distribute something of the bread of life to every Family I expect you should bid it welcome and not distaste it as the Gaderens for the sake of their Hogs did the company of Christ himself wishing him to leave their Coasts Lest coming in kindness to you all at this day it should be a Testimony against any of you at the great day Believe me I would not have it as the Flying Roll in the Prophets Vision to consume any House whereinto it doth enter but to warn every person and every family of you in this crooked generation to flee from the wrath to come and meet God by repentance I confess it would trouble me to come into any of your Houses or have tydings thereof and find this little Book designed for your good to be carelesly thrown up and down and given to little ones to play with and tear in pieces or the leaves cut out with a knife and burnt as the Book that Baruch wrote from the mouth of the Prophet Ieremiah was misused and mostly for the sake of those careless and untoward ones Yet if one sinner be reclaimed by it from the error of his ways built up in faith and love and brought really to obey the Gospel that will answer all my cost and be abundant matter of much joy But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost However I may in some sort say with the Apostle for his Countrymen Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for you is that you may be saved I shall therefore take the freedom upon this occasion to enlarge something under these three following heads viz. 1. Concerning the necessity of instructing and being instructed in the Doctrine which is according to godliness 2. The import and advantage of this Book before you and how you may particularly use and improve it 3. Some general Rules consonant to Scriptures and the Materials of this Book grourded thereon to help you all in your Practise I. The necessity of instructing or Catechising both as it respects those who Teach and those who are Taught is evident from the Injunction of the supream Lawgiver who doth frequently charge Superiours to teach and Inferiours to learn Which strongly obligeth those who have others under their authority to do it as they are able and if they cannot read themselves to put those who have learn'd to read upon the work and see them do it to the utmost of their power for edification To strengthen this charge of so great and useful importance
understanding will and subsistence by it self and distinguished from any thing else by some peculiar property that belongs to it and to nothing else besides it self as there is something peculiar in every one man to distinguish him from another this for a person in general But now for a Divine person or a person in the Godhead 'T is a substance that is undivided and absolutely perfect in Being Understanding Will and manner of Subsistence yet actually really and eternally distinguished from any other person by some relative property that belongs to it and not to that person 2. For the number of the persons in the Godhead they are three not only in the reckoning of man or according to humane apprehension but also in reality and in Gods account whether men should reckon them so or no and are therefore called a Trinity of Persons Yet 3. though they be so distinguished one from another as that the Father is not the Son and the Son not the Father and the Holy Ghost neither Father nor Son yet they are not cannot be divided or separated one from another because the whole and single Godhead is wholly coequally and coessentially in all three by virtue whereof 't is said these three are one i. e. one God A. 7. The Decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his own will whereby for his own glory he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass Artic. xvij Everlasting purpose of God whereby before the foundations of the world were laid he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us c. Expl. 7. In this A. we have 1. the nature and properties of Gods Decrees they are like Himself from everlasting whatever God did purpose and determine to do or permit to be done he did thus purpose from eternity 2. Here is the Rule of Gods Decree the counsel of his own Will and yet nothing that he decrees can be any other than reasonable and good because by reason of the infinite perfection of his Nature his Will is essentially just and holy and cannot be otherwise 3. The matter of his Decrees is whatsoever comes to pass though there be never so much of that which we call hap-hazard in them 4. The end of his Decrees for his glory for God neither does nor designs any thing but for the highest end and that is his own glory A. 8. God executeth his Decrees in the Work of Creation and Providence Homil. xvij Praise of Almighty God in the consideration of the marvelous Creation of this world or Conservation and Government thereof wherein his great Power and Wisdom might excellently appear to move us to dread and honour him Expl. 8. Here is shew'd how God doth bring to pass what he hath purposed 1. In the work of Creation by which we are to understand not only Gods making the world and all things therein in six days but also Gods producing or bringing into Being every thing else that came into Being since that time to the worlds end whether it became a Being in an ordinary way and by means as in the natural generation of things or in an extraordinary way by the immediate or miraculous power of God 2. In the work of Providence which is not only to be restrain'd to what is naturally good as every creature of God is but also reaches to what is naturally evil as affliction and to what is morally evil as sin A. 9. The work of Creation is Gods making all things of nothing by the word of his power in the space of six days and all very good To. 2. Hom. viij God through his Almighty power wisdom and goodness created in the beginning Heaven and Earth the Sun the Moon the Stars the Fowls of the Air the Beasts of the Earth the Fishes in the Sea and all other Creatures for the benefit and use of man Hom. xij Among all the Creatures that God made in the beginning of the World most excellent and wonderful in their kind there was none as the Scripture beareth witness to be compared in any point almost unto Man who in Body and Soul exceeded Expl. 9. By the work of Creation we are to understand Gods making of the world in time or in the beginning according as he had purposed from eternity or before all beginning of time and here it is observable 1. That this work is ascribed only to God the true God in opposition to Idols yet is not so to be ascribed to any one person in the Godhead as to exclude the other for all the three persons sc. Father Son and Holy Ghost being one in Essence or Godhead they must necessarily be one in working or as it were joyn hand in hand in all external works whether of Creation or Providence And therefore when the Creation is ascribed in the Apostles Creed to the Father Almighty it doth not exclude the Son or Holy Ghost from being Almighty or from joining with the Father in the work of Creation but only because the Father is the first in order of the three persons when we conceive of them and because there might be in the Church an outward distinction made but no real separation among the three persons in those works which are more eminently and peculiarly affirmed of each person as that the Father creates the Son redeems and the Spirit sanctifies 2. That he did not as an Artificer begin his work upon or out of materials which is beyond the skill of art and power of nature 3. Without any instrument or help for 1. There was nothing then in Being when he began his work therefore no instrument 2. He needed none being infinite in power 3. To have used any would not have been so consistent with the glory of his Wisdom and Power 4. Obs. That he did his work in six days that we might see it was a work of Wisdom and Counsel and not of Chance and to set us an example to work six days and rest the seventh 5 ly That he made all very good in their nature in their order and in their end A. 10. God created man male and female after his own image in knowledg righteousness and holiness with dominion over the creatures Homil. xij He was made after the similitude and image of God endued with all kind of heavenly gifts he had no spot of uncleanness in him was sound and perfect in all parts both inwardly and outwardly his reason was uncorrupt his understanding was pure and good his will was obedient and godly he was made altogether like unto God in righteousness and holiness in wisdom and truth to be short in all kind of perfection God made him Lord and Ruler over all the works of his hands Homil. viij Whom also he had created to his own image and likeness and given him the use and government over them all to the end he should use them in such
their knowledg to discern the Lords body of their faith to feed upon him of their repentance love and new obedience lest coming unworthily they eat and drink judgment to themselves Artic. XXVIII The body of Christ is given taken and eaten in the Supper only after an heavenly and spiritual manner and the mean whereby the body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper is Faith To. 2. Hom. XV. We must certainly know that three things be requisite in him which would seemly as becometh such high mysteries resort to the Lords Table i. e. first a right and worthy estimation and understanding of this mystery Secondly To come in a sure faith Thirdly To have newness or pureness of life to succeed the receiving of the same p. 2. Newness of life and godliness of conversation as fruits of faith are required in the partakers of this Table We may learn by eating of the typical Lamb whereunto no man was admitted but he that was a Jew and was circumcised and was before sanctified Expl. 97. By worthiness we are only to understand fitness for in order to a Christian's practice of this Ordinance he must examine himself in these two things 1 As to his Right and Title for if a man has no right to or interest in the righteousness of Christ when he receives this seal he has it only to a blank 2 As to fitness called in Scripture the wedding garment for he is no more fit to be a guest at Christ's table who wants this garment than he is to feast with a Prince at his royal table who is cloathed with nothing but rags and nastiness yet more distinctly he must examine himself 1 st in point of knowledg whether or no he be competently acquainted with the terms of the Covenant of Grace of which this Sacrament is a seal and with the necessary principles of Religion and with the indispensable duties of the Gospel and with the greatness of the love of Christ in dying for sinners for he who is grosly ignorant of these things as also of the difference between the Sacramental elements and actions and what is spiritually intended by them can never be able to discern the Lord's body but above all he must be sure to know practically and experimentally Christ crucified in this Sacrament 2 dly He must examine his faith as 1 Whether he be in a state of faith a believer which he may know by his being a new Creature 2 Whether he do upon this particular occasion exercise the Grace of faith but especially whether he doth heartily assent to the truth of the Gospel and whether he does heartily close with Christ in the Gospel 3 His repentance whether it be such as doth break his heart as well from sin as for sin which hath broken and crucified the body of his dear Redeemer 4 His love whether this doth fill him 1 with admiring thoughts of the love of Christ in dying for him greater love than this hath no man seen 2 With readiness and resolution to suffer yea dye for Christ if called to it 5 New obedience which may be known to be such 1 By the spring from whence it doth flow the Grace of God or the new nature 2 By the manner of its being performed sc. in a spiritually-natural way with delight and zeal 3 By the rule of it the Law spiritually interpreted 4 By the end of it the glory of God and that person who finds himself thus qualified may come and welcome to the Lord's table so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. CHAP. IV. Of things to be pray'd for in the Lords-Prayer in 10 Articles with their Explanation From A. 98. to the end A. 98. PRayer is an offering up of our desires to God for things agreeable to his will in the name of Christ with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies To. 2. Hom. VII p. 1. Prayer is necessary for all men at all times and in all places Be fervent in prayer assuring our selves that whatsoever we ask of God the Father in the Name of his Son Christ and according to his will he will undoubtedly grant it p. 2. In all our necessities direct our prayers to him call upon his holy Name desire help at his hands and at none others He is able will help us hears understands better than our selves what we lack and how far we have need of help Hom. IX Be sure that in all prayer your minds be devoutly lifted up to God else your prayers are to no purpose Hom. XVII All good things came down to us from the Father of light Jesus Christ his Son and our Saviour is the mean by whom we receive his liberal goodness in the power and virtue of the Holy Ghost we be made able to receive his gifts and graces Expl. 98. Concerning Prayer there are two things to be noted 1 the name 2 the thing it self The name of that which is here described is Prayer a term more comprehensive than invocation which is only vocal Prayer for it doth comprehend in it Invocation Petition Confession Thanksgiving Supplications and Intercessions whether expressed in words or only pent up in a devout breast 2 For the thing it self we have 1 the necessary Requisites of Prayer 2 The ordinary sorts and kinds of it Necessary Requisites are 1 st that it be an offering up of our desires to God and this is essential to all Prayer that there be a holy motion of the will towards God in pious and devout desires though these should never be framed into words Internal or heart-Prayer in some cases is all that God requires and therefore he will graciously accept of it But this spiritual Sacrifice must be presented only to God for 1 He only knows and can supply our wants 2 Faith and Prayer must go together and faith is only to be in God 3 The Lords Prayer doth only send us to God and no other But then c. See Expl. 99. A. 99. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer but the special Rule of Direction is that Form of Prayer which Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer To. 2. Hom. VII p. 3. What better example can we desire to have than of Christ himself who taught his Disciples and other Christian men first to pray for heavenly things and afterwards for earthly things as is to be seen in that Prayer which he left unto his Church commonly called the Lords-Prayer Expl. 99. 2 dly 'T is essentially necessary to Prayer that it be only for things agreeable to Gods will 1 The whole Will of God in general As men must not make their lust their end in begging any thing of God for those who ask that they may consume what they ask upon their lust do ask amiss for the end so neither their fancy their
pray against afflictions though these are also tentations and lead us not c. but we do absolutely pray to be delivered from the evil of sin and this by God alone who can bring good out of evil A. 107. The Conclusion of the Lords-Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever Amen teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen To. 2. Hom. IX Amen which word is as much as to say as truth that the blessing or thanksgiving may be confirm'd Expl. 107. In this Conclusion we are taught 1 Self-denial and the renouncing of all worth and merit in our selves for we are not to say Lord do thus and thus for I am worthy for whom thou shouldst do so and so but for thine is the Kingdom c. i. e. Thou who hast commanded us to pray for what we need hast Power to give us what we beg though in our selves never so unworthy From that word therefore Lord we may note 1 That answering of prayers is a special part of Gods providence in governing the world which he will have every supplicant to own and acknowledg The belief of a providence is very necessary to the offering up unto God the sacrifice of prayer 2 From those words and the Power we may note sc. That what God may do as Governour of the world in answering prayers by virtue of his supreme Authority that he hath strength and ability to execute and perform 3 From those words and the Glory observe 1 That God looks upon it as one of his Titles of Honour to be a God hearing prayers 2 That therefore in our prayers as well as in any other part of Divine worship we should principally aim at the honour of God and 't is one of the greatest arguments we can have of hope to speed when our design is rather to gloririfie God than to gratifie our selves 3 That the Kingdom and Power of God and that honour which does redound to him from both these are everlasting 4 That Praise should accompany Prayer 5 That whatever we ask of God in the name of Christ according to his will believing we shall receive for that 's the meaning of that word which doth seal up this Prayer Amen because so it is or so be it or in the words of Christ be it unto thee even as thou wilt a greater encouragement than which unto prayer no rational supplicant can desire for 't is no more than ask and have that your joy may be full FINIS a Psal. 87.5 6. b Ier. 9 3. c Gen. 14.14 d Hos. 4.6 e Eph. 4.18 f Isa. 27.11 g Act. 3.6 h 1 Cor. 3.2 Heb. 5.12 i Mat. 4.4 Amos 8.11 k Luk 8.26 37. 9 5. 10 11 12. l Mat. 10.14 40 c. m Zach. 5. n Ier. 36 23. o 2 Cor. 4.3 p Rom. 10.1 q Gal. 6.6 r Deut. 11.18 19 c. 6.6 7 8. 4.9 Eph. 6.4 Isa. 28.10 Ex. 13.8 Psal. 78.5 Prov. 22.6 29 3. 10.1 1.10 4.1 2. Col. 3.11 12. Gen. 18.18 19. 2 Tim. 1.5 with 3.15 c. s 1 Tim. 4.3 4 5. Ioh. 8.29 t 1 Tim. 3.5 u 1 Pet. 2.2 Isa. 55.1 2. * Sir Edwyn Sands observed Eighty years ago that this was a notable means for the growth of the Reformed Religion x Deut. 17.18 19. y Prov. 29.15 17. with 4. 1 Sam. 2.23 c. 3.13 Luk. 12.47 48. Prov. 1.24 25 c. * Decembâ—r 1670. 1 Tim. 6.3 Eccl. 12.13 Joh. 13.17 Phil. 4.13 1 Cor. 9.23 27. Mat. 10.13 14 -40. Luk. 10.16 1 Thes. 4.8 Joh 12.25 48. Prov. 19.2 Heb. 12.13 1552. 1562. Artic. XXXV 13 Eliz. c. 5. 1655. Dec. 11. 1670. What is the chief End of Man a 1 Cor. 10.31 Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the glory of God b Psal. 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee 26. My flesh and my heart saileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever What Rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him c Eph. 2.20 And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Iesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone d 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness e 1 Joh. 1.3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Iesus Christ. What do the Scriptures principally teach f 2 Tim. 1.13 Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus What is God g Joh. 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth h Job 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection i Psal. 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God k Jam. 1.17 The Father of lights with whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning l Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am and he said thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel I AM hath sent me unto you m Psal. 147.5 Great is our Lord and of great power his understanding is infinite n Rev. 4.8 Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come o Exod. 34.6 The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth 7. Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty g Joh. 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth h Job 11.7 Canst thou by searching find out God Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection i Psal. 90.2 From everlasting to everlasting thou art God k Jam. 1.17 The Father of lights with whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning l Exod. 3.14 And God said unto Moses I am that I am and he said thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel I AM hath sent me unto you m Psal. 147.5 Great is our Lord and of great power his understanding is infinite n Rev. 4.8 Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come o Exod. 34.6 The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth 7. Keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty Are there more Gods than one p Deut. 6.4 Hear O Israel the Lord our God
that so many of us as were baptized unto Iesus Christ were baptized into his death f Rom. 6.4 Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so also we should walk in newness of life To whom is Baptism to be administred g Act. 2.41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized h Gen. 17.7 And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee 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 Act. 2.38 And Peter said unto them Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Iesus Christ for remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost 39. For the promise is to you and to your Children and to all that an afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call What is the Lords Supper i Luk. 22.19 And he took Bread and gave thanks and brake it and gave unto them saying this is my body which is given for you this do in remembrance of me 20. Likewise also the Cup after Supper saying This Cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you k 1 Cor. 10.16 The Cup of blessing which we bless is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ The Bread which we break is it not the Communion of the body of Christ What is required in the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper l 1 Cor. 11.28 But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of this Bread and drink of this Cup. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body m 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the Faith n 1 Cor. 11.31 If we would judg our selves we should not be judged o 1 Cor. 11.18 When you come together in the Church I hear there be divisions among you 20. When ye come together therefore in one place this is not to eat the Lords Supper p 1 Cor. 5.8 Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leuen neither with the leven of malice and wickedness but with the unlevened bread of sincerity and truth q 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. What is Prayer r Psal. 62.8 Trust in him at all times ye people pour out your hearts before him God is a refuge for us s Rom. 8.27 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 t Joh. 16.23 Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you u Dan. 9.4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession w Phil. 4.6 Be careful in nothing but for every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God What Rule hath God given us for our Direction in Prayer x 1 Joh. 5.14 And this is the considence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us y Mat. 9.6 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in Heaven Hallowed be thy Name c. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us z Isa. 64.9 Be not wrath very sore O Lord neither remember iniquity for ever behold see we beseech thee we are all thy people a 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 b Luk. 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heauenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him c Eph. 6.18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints What do we pray for in the first Petition d Psal. 67.1 God be merciful unto us and bless us and cause his face to shine upon us 2. That thy way may be known upon the earth and thy saving health among all Nations 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee e Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to him be glory for ever Amen What do we pray for in the second Petition f Psal. 68.1 Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him flee before him g Psal. 51.18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion build thou the walls of Ierusalem h 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 Rom. 10.1 Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved i Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Iesus What do we pray for in the third Petition m Psal. 119.34 Give me understanding and I shall keep thy Law yea I will observe it with my whole heart 35. Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments for therein do I delight 36. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies l Act. 21.14 And when he would not be perswaded we ceased saying The will of the Lord be done m Psal. 103.20 Bless the Lord ye his Angels which excel in strength that do his Commandments hearkening unto the voice of his Word 22. Bless the Lord all his works in all places of his Dominion Bless the Lord O my soul. What do we pray for in the fourth Petition n Prov. 30.8 Remove far from me vanity and lies give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me o Psal. 90.17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish thou the work of our hands upon us yea the work of our hands establish thou it What do we pray for in the fifth Petition p Psal. 51.1 Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving-kindness according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions q Mat. 6.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you What do we pray for in the sixth Petition r Mat. 26.41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation Psal. 19.13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me s Psal. 51.10 Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me 12. Restore unto me joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free Spirit What doth the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us t Dan. 9.18 We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and do defer not for thine own sake O my God u 1 Chron. 29.11 Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the Majesty for all that is in the Heaven and in the Earth is thine 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious Name w Rev. 22.20 Amen Even so come Lord Iesus