and liues least by any meanes we dishonour him Secondly that we auoide both the company of profane persons who b Psal 73.9 set their mouth against heauen and all vnnecessarie dangers whereby c Mat. 26.69 c. diuers haue beene occasioned to deny the Lord. SECT XXVIII Of the fourth Commandement Q. VVHat are the words of the fourth Commandement A. d Exo. 20.8 c. Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy c. Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. To challenge at the hand of euery man in behalfe both of himselfe and of all that are vnder his roofe and e Nehem. 13.15 c. Jos 24.15 gouernement one day and now since the resurrection of Christ the first of the seauen in euery weeke to be set apart vnto an holy rest for Gods publique and solemne worship and that vpon a fourefold reason 1. From equitie because God alloweth vs six dayes for our affaires and reserueth but one for himselfe 2. From his owne right because this day is his and not ours 3. From his example who on the seuenth day rested from his work of Creation 4. From hope of blessing because God hath blessed and sanctified the Sabbath not onely as a day of seruice to himselfe but also as a time and a Exod 31.13 Esay 56.6 7. meanes to bestow encrease of grace vpon such as doe conscionably obserue the same Q. What are the duties required in this Commandement A. Three Viz. 1. To remember the Sabbath day that is not onely to looke back vnto the b Gen. 1.2 3 first sanction of it in Paradise before all sacrifices and ceremonies which reason among many others may perswade that it is not ceremoniall but perpetuall not to cease till it be perfectly a Heb. 4.9.10 consummated in the heauenly Sabbath but also so to beare it in minde as to liue in continuall practise of the duties wee learned the Sabbath past and b Luk. 23.54 preparation of our selues and our affaires that wee may freely and duely attend on the Lord in the Sabbath approching 2. To c Esay 58.13 make it our delight to consecrate it as glorious to the Lord performing with care and desire of profit the duties thereof in publique and priuate to wit Of d Act. 13.13 15 Psal 92 See the title pietie as hearing and reading the word communicating in the Sacraments prayer singing of Psalmes conferring meditating of the word and workes of God especially feeding our soules with the contemplation of the heauenly Sabbath c. Of e 1. Cor. 16.2 Nehe. 8.12 mercie as collections for the poore visiting the sicke comforting the sad reconciling such as are at variance and such like Wherein such as are necessarily debarred from the publique duties must with a Mat. 24.20 Psal 42.6 sorrow for such restraint vse more carefully the b Psal 63.1 2 priuate meanes 3. To c Exod. 34.21 31.13 rest from our ordinary though lawfull businesses for the space of that whole naturall day yea to allow rest to the very cattel both that we may shew d Pro. 12.10 mercy euen to the beast and to represent after a sort the euerlasting Sabbath wherein all e Ro. 8.20 21 creatures shall be deliuered from the bondage of corruption Notwithstanding such works are excluded as are presently necessarie either for the f Act. 1.12 Mat. 12.5 actions of pietie belonging to that day or for extraordinarie exigents of charitie for the g 2. Kin. 11.9 c. preseruation of the commonwealth or of our owne or others h Mat. 3.4 Mâ—t. 12.1 c life or i 1 Ver. 11. liuelihood in case of present necessitie or danger Q. What is forbidden in this commandement A. The vnhallowing or profaning of the Sabbath which is done 1. By making it a common day through common a Neh. 13.15 c. labour in our ordinarie callings b Esay 58.13 talking of our worldly affaires thinking of our owne thoughts or no other but a common vse of the creatures 2. By making it a day of carnall rest vnto idlenesse c Exod. 32.6 feasting pastimes c. Which draw our mindes farther from God then our ordinarie labours 3. By making it a day of sinne or the Diuels holiday doing that on the Lords day which is d Mar. 3.4 no day lawfull but then most e Ezek. 23.37 38 abhominable 4. By beeing f Amos 8.5 Mal. 1 1â— weary of the duties of the Sabbath thinking long till they be ended Q. What are the helpes or hinderances to the keeping of this commandement A. 1. We must adde to the forementioned duty of remembrance an ardent endeauour to tast the a Psal 42.2 3 84.1 c. sweetnes of holy exercises that so wee may come to make the Sabbath our delight 2. We must auoyd and abhorre all b Ezek. 22.26 prophane opinions either disannulling the necessitie of the Sabbath or equalling any other day to it together with such meetings and companies exercises and occasions whereby we shal be in daunger to be drawn to the vnhallowing of this day SECT XXIX Of the fift Commaundement Q. TO proceed to the second Table What are the words of the fift Commaundement A. c Exod. 20.12 Honour thy Father and thy Mother c. Q. What is the meaning and scope of this Commaundement A. That the qualitie of mens persons and places in whatsoeuer estate naturall ciuile or Ecclesiasticall with whatsoeuer relation to vs be duely acknowledged and respected and that vpon a a Eph 6.2 3. promise of the blessing of long life and b Deut. 5.16 prosperitie to such as in so doing shall shew that they regard the c Eph. 6.1 Rom. 13.1 2. image and ordinance of God Q. What is required in this Commaundement A. All due carriage of inferiours to their superiours and by consequent of superiors also to their inferiors and of equalls among themselues vnder the sweet relation betwixt parents and children or betwixt brethren of the same familie and the generall duetie of honour importing First that all inferiours as wiues children young persons subiects seruants hearers c. doe readily acknowledge and yeeld to their superiours d Leuit. 19.3 Eph. 6.5 reuerence in heart word and behauiour e Eph. 6.1 Col. 3.20 Tit. 3.1 Heb. 13.7 obedience and submission to their commaundements counsels and corrections f T it 2.10 fidelitie thankfulnesse g Rom. 13.6 7. Gal. 6.6 maintenance h 1. Tim 2.1 2 prayer to God for them with giuing of thankes i 2. Tim. 1.5 Phil. 4.9 imitation of their vertues and graces c. Secondly that all Superiours as husbands parents aged persons Magistrates Maisters Ministers c. doe answerably affoord to their inferiours a Eph. 5.23 Rom 13.4 protection and support b Mat. 7.9 10 prouision of good things for the bodie and the soule
Heb. 7.26 The absolute integritie of our humane nature in him our head performing perfect obedience vnto the whole Law of God both by d Mat. 3.15 doing whatsoeuer was required of vs and by e 1. Pet. 2.24 suffering what wee deserued by sinning Q. Who imputeth the righteousnesse of Christ vnto vs A. God f 2. Cor. 5.19 who in Christ reconcileth the world to himselfe not imputing their sinnes vnto them Q. How is this righteousnes of Christ apprehended of vs A. Onely by g Rom. 5.1 10.10 faith which as the hand of the soule taketh hold on Christ The a Ier. 23.6 Lord our righteousnesse Q. What gaine wee being thus iustified A. Our b Act. 13.38 â—9 sinnes are pardoned the c Ephe. 1.6 fauour and kingdome of God is purchased for vs and wee admitted as a d 1. Pet. 2.5 spirituall Priesthood to offer the sacrifices of obedience acceptable to God through Iesus Christ SECT XXI Of Glorification begunne Q. VVHat benefite receiue wee from the Kingly office of Christ A. Our e Rom. 8.30 Glorification whereby our whole nature and estate is restored according to the f Rom 8. â—9 image of Christ our King Q. When is this benefite bestowed on vs A. g Col. 3.3.4 Partly in this present life but fully and perfectly in the life to come Q. How are wee glorified in this life A. a Reu. 20.6 Partly in our condition which is made blessed and partly in our nature which is made holy Q. How are wee blessed in our condition A. Both in spirituall and in outward things Q. How in spirituall things A. In that being in Christ wee are not onely admitted into b 1. Joh. 1.3 fellowship with God but also are made his c Gal 4.5 children by Adoption d Rom. 8.17 heyres of his glorious kingdome which euen now by e Rom. 5. â— faith we doe in part fore-enioy and reioyce in the hope thereof Q. How are wee blessed in outward things A. With all the f 1. Tim. 4 â— promises of God and his liberall blessings concerning this life which are all giuen vnto the faithfull with g Mar. 10.30 reseruation of enduring the Crosse when God shall see it good for vs. SECT XXII Of Sanctification Q. HOw are we made holy in our nature A. By the grace of Sanctification which is the a Tâ— 3.5 renuing of our b 1. Thes 5.23 whole nature according to the c Eph. 4.24 image of God in righteousnesse and true holinesse Q. What are the parts of Sanctification A. They are two according to the powerfull meanes whereby they are wrought Q. What is the first A. d Rom. â— 6 7 Mortification of sinne wrought in vs by the power of the death of Christ Q. What is the second A. e Rom. 6.4 Viuification or quickning of vs vnto newnesse of life by the power of Christ his resurrection SECT XXIII Of the rule of Sanctification Q. VVHat is the rule square of our Sanctification A. The a Joh. 17.17 whole word of God that 〈◊〉 both the b Jam. 2.8 Law which requireth obedience and the c 1. Tim. 1.10 11. Gospell which directeth vs how to performe it Q. How doth the Gospell direct vs 〈◊〉 the obedience of the Law A. First it d Ioh. 5.23 propoundeth God to be worshipped of vs in Christ Secondly it e 1 Thes 5.18 requireth obedience â—n way of thankefulnesse for our redemption Thirdly it f Ro. 10.6 8. offereth and conferreth to the regenerate that which it requireth SECT XXIIII Of the Law Q. VVHat is here meant by the Law A. Onely the morall Law comprised by a Deut. 4.13 God himselfe in the Decâ—logue or ten Commandements Q. Rehearse the ten Commandements A. b Exod. 20.1 c. God spake al these words saying c. Q. What vse is there of those words I am the Lord thy God that brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of thâ— house of bondage A. They are a preface enforcing the obedience of Gods Law as proceeding from him who is not onely the Lord our c Psal 100.3 maker but also our God d 1. Tim. 4.10 and Sauiour SECT XXV Of the first Commandement Q. WHich is the first Commandement A. e Exod. 20.3 Thou shalt haue none other Gods before me Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. f Rom. â— 7 Originall Corruption as the fouâ—taine of impiety with all the streames of ignorance errour profanenesse pride fleshly confidence carnall feare or loue c. Q. What is required in this Commandement A. a Esay 8.13 That we sanctifie the Lord God â—â— our hearts yeelding vnto him in Christ due faith loue feare c. SECT XXVI Of the second Commandement Q. VVHich is the second Commandement A. b Exo. 20.4 c. Thou shalt make thee no grauen Image c. Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. c Mat. 15.9 Euery forme of worship not prescribed by God himselfe in his word and namely the worship of d Hab. 2.18 images or of God in images Q. What is required in this Commandement A. e Eccl. 4.17 That wee diligently and decently performe all parts of Gods worship prescribed as hearing the word praier receiuing the Sacraments c. SECT XXVII Of the third Commandement Q. VVHich is the third Commandement A. a Exod. 10.7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine c. Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. b Mal. 1.6 12. Euerie abuse of the name of God as by * Jam. 5.12 swearing c Gen. 16.5 vnreuerent mention of him or his word and workes d Tit. 1.16 hypocrisie e Rom. 2.24 euill life dishonouring the profession of religion c. Q. What is required in this Commandement A. That we honour God and hiâ— religion f Math. 5.16 Tit. 2.10 by our holy conuersation that we make g Psal 19.1 2 honourable mention of him his word and workes that we h Jer. 4.2 swear by him truly aduisedly and rightly c. SECT XXVIII Of the fourth Commandement Q. VVHich is the fourth Commandement A. a Exod. 20.8 c. Remember the Sabbath Day to keepe it holy c. Q. What is required in this Commandement A. That wee beare the Sabbath in minde to b Luc. 23.54 fit our selues for it that we c Exod. 34.21 rest therein from our ordinary labours finally that with d Esa 58.13 ioy and desire of profit we performe the duties thereof Q. What are the duties of the Sabbath A. They are partly duties of pietie as e Act. 13.14 15. 20.7 hearing reading prayer holy conference c. partly of f 1. Cor. 16.2 mercie as visiting and releeuing the sicke and needie and such like Q. What is forbidden in this Commandement A. The vnhallowing of
place as the Churches of Iudea Asia England France Germanie c. which all beeing b 1. Tim. 3.15 one yet as the sea receiue seuerall names from the countries where through they passe and are c Reu. 1.11 accounted as so many seuerall Churches Q. Must not then this one visible Church haue one visible head here on earth A. No For it is visible not in the whole but in the parts whereto the circumstances of time and place for opportunitie of visible profession do agree and therefore as Catholike or vniuersall the Church hath no head but d Ephes 1.22.23 Christ alone alwaies e Mat 28.20 present by his word and spirit to giue f Gal. 2.20 life sense and motion to euery member Q. Is the Church alwaies visible in her parts A. Christ hath and g Rom. 11.1 2 3 4. euer had from the beginning his Church visible vpon earth that is some companies of beleeuers making profession of the same common faith howbeit many times by persecution forced to a Reu. 12.14 hide themselues from the eye of the world happily by the rage of the enemie so scattered that as in the b 1. Kin. 19 10 daies of Elias they can hardly be knowne or haue entercourse betweene themselues Q. What are the infallible notes wherby to discerne a true visible Church with which we may safely ioyne A. The same and no other which are the onely outward meanes ordained by God for the calling and gathering of his Saints and which giue being to a Church prouing it to bee a c 1. Tim. 3.15 pillar of truth viz. the d Mat. 28.19 20. word preached and Sacraments administred according to the commandement of Christ our Sauiour as for other notes they are either 1. Accidentall and in great part separable or 2. Vtterly impertinent forged for the vpholding of the Romish synagogue Q. May not such a Church erre and bee corrupted or fall and become no Church A. 1. The Church considered in her true members can a Mat. 16.18 Phil. 1.6 1. Thes 5.24 neuer vtterly fall howsoeuer b Cant. 1.4 no congregation bee so pure that it may be said at any time to be free from all corruption or so constant but that at times it may be shaken in the very foundation of truth as may appeare by the churches of c 1. Cor. 15.12.33 Corinth d Gal. 3.1 c Galatia c. 2. Being considered with respect to the place God doth not alwaies continue a succession of true beleeuers within the same limits and borders and hence we say that diuers Churches are fallen as those of Asia c. neither is any place so priuiledged but that for sinne the e Reu. 2.5 Candlesticke may in time bee thence remoued Q. How may wee iudge of a Church corrupt or ceasing to be a Church A. 1. Where God vtterly a Act. 13.46 taking away the meanes of his word and worship hath apparently giuen the * Esay 50.1 bill of diuorce there are wee not to acknowledge any Church at all as at this day in Ierusalem once the holy Citie 2. But where these meanes are yet continued wee are to acknowledge a b Reu. 2 1â— 13 Church of Christ howsoeuer more or lesse corrupt according to the greater or lesse abuse of Gods word and worship Q. Since Churches may be so diuersly corrupted from which and how farre are we to separate A. From Churches mortally sicke of c T it 3.10 11 heresie or d Reu. 18.4 idolatry as it were of a contagious plague or leprosie wee are to separate Howbeit whiles there is yet any life rather from the scab or sore then from the bodie that is from the preuailing faction maintaining fundamentall errours and forcing to idolatrous worship Such is our separation from the present Church of Rome not from such therein who either meaning well in generall are a Reu. 2.24 ignorant of the depth of Satan or b 1 â—â—n 19.18 secretly dissent from those damnable corruptions with whom as a bodie yet retaining life wee desire to c Phil. 1.18 ioyne so farre as wee may with safety from the foresaid contagion Q. Are wee to continue fellowship with all other Churches not so deadly and dangerously corrupt A. From Churches holding the foundation in substance of faith and worship though otherwise not free from blemish wee are d 1. Kâ—n. 15.14 2â— 43 not to separate farther then in dislike and refusall of that wherein they doe apparently separate from Christ in respect either of maners doctrine or forme of publique worship Q. To conclude touching the Church what distinction is there of the particular members A. 1. Generally they are all the e Ephes 3 15 familie of Christ and f Ioh. 10.2 3 4. sheepe of his flocke hearing his voice and following him 2. More specially out of these Christ the chiefe Prince and Shepheard hath instituted as guides vnto rest 1. a 1. Cor. 12 28 Ministers called Pastors b Joh. 21.15 1. Pet. 5.2 to feede his flocke with the wholesome foode of the word and Sacraments 2. Princes and Magistrates to see to the wayes of his houshold that all both c 2. Chro. 35.3 c. 34. ver 32 33 Ministers and people doe their office and dutie euen in things concerning God SECT XX. Of our Communion with Christ in regard of his Priestly office viz. our Justification Q. THus much of the benefit flowing vnto vs from the Propheticall Office of Christ what fruit haue we of his Priestly function A. Our a Rom. 3.25 2. Cor. 5.19 Reconciliation with GOD through him made vnto vs of God b 1. Cor. 1.30 righteousnesse whereby alone we are perfectly c Ro. 8.33 34 iustified i. acquitted accounted iust in the sight of God Q. How doth Christ become righteousnesse vnto vs for iustification in the sight of God A. Onely by Gods free and gracious d Ro. 5.18 19 imputation of the righteousnes of Christ vnto vs e Phil. 3.9 in which as in the garment of our elder Brother wee are accepted and obtaine the blessing from him our heauenly Father Q. What righteousnesse of Christ is it that God imputeth to vs A. Not the essentiall righteousnesse of his diuine nature but onely that perfect f Heb. 7.26 integritie of the humane nature which in him was without all guile and that absolute obedience whereby in that nature of ours hee 1. g Mat. 3.15 Fulfilled in act euery branch of the law of God 2. a Esay 53.5 1. Pet. 2.24 1. Joh. 2.2 Satisfied by his sufferings for the sinnes of the whole world of his Elect. Q. How can Christs righteousnesse be accounted ours A. Because it is in CHRIST not as in a person seuered from vs but as in the head of our common nature the second Adam b Rom. 5.19 from whom therefore it is
our soueraigne with our gracious Queen Anne Prince Charles the Count Palatine with the Lady Elizabeth adorne them with all Princelie graces answerable to their high estate but especiallie with such spirituall graces as may make them Kings and Priests to thee and thy sonne for euer Impart of the same spirit of grace and gouernement to all the honorable of his Maiesties priuie Counsell to the Nobilitie and Magistracie of the Land Blesse thy seruants the Ministers of thy word and sacraments and giue them sufficiencie fidelitie and successe in thy businesse Take knowledge of our priuate friends our kinsfolkes our charges and whosoeuer may claime interest in this duty at our hands Finally to them and vs and all that call on the name of Iesus Christ both our Lord and theirs grant whatsoeuer we haue or ought to haue asked and that for the only mediations sake of the same thy sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ to whom with thee O Father and the holy Ghost one God be praise and dominion for euer and euer Amen A Prayer for the Euening O Lord God by whose gracious prouidence the night succeedeth the day and the day the night we acknowledge that if wee had no other glasse to see thee in nor booke wherein to reade of thee but that of thy creatures wee could not without shamefull vnthankefulnesse bee ignorant of thee for as much as day vnto day vttereth thy goodnesse and night vnto night teacheth knowledge But whereas thou art further pleased to reueile thy selfe vnto vs in the booke of thy Scriptures and in the glasse of thy Sonne Iesus Christ if now we should not know thee or not acknowledge thee how desperate were our blindnesse how damnable were our vnthankefulnesse wherefore wee entreat thee to accept from vs in the name of Christ humble thankes for the manifold witnesses pledges of thy loue towards vs. Thou O Lord hast made vs not wee our selues yea thou hast made vs men and women not beasts perfect in shape noâ— monsters sensible and of vnderstanding not fooles Thou didst preserue vs in the woâ—be nourish vs when wee hanged vpon the brests prouide vs meanes of education fit vs for some honest employment wherein now by thy goodnesse wee are exercised and doe therein finde thine assistance and blessing Thou hast brought vs forth in a fruitfull land in times of peace and prosperity so â—hat we haue our share in the common blessings of a most happy gouernment Besides thou hast in priuate compassed euery one of vs with particular mercies tending to the comfort of life And euen this day past hast beene our guide our Father and our friend and now bringest vs before thee with matter of praise and not of mourning so that we may adde the day past vnto the number of the daies of our wellbeing And as if thou thoughtest all this too little for vs thou hast from all eternity set thine heart vpon vs and appointed vs to saluation by the meanes of our Lord Iesus Christ reueiled thy couenant of grace vnto vs by thy Gospell confirmed to vs in particular the promises of mercy by the outward seales of thy sacraments and by the inward seale of thy spirit changed our vile and cursed nature and made vs in some measure partakers of thy diuine nature sealed vs vp by the Holy Ghost vnto the day of redemption In a word it is thou O Lord that hast giuen vs light light of nature light of grace and light of glory For all which mercies wee doe now and alwaies magnifie thy glorious grace beseeching thee to stirre vs vp vnto a greater measure of thankefulnesse and obedience that as there is euerie day in the booke of thine account much goeing out towards vs from thee so thou maist finde somewhat from vs comming in vnto thee And now O Lord being answered in our prayers of the Morning and of the former time of our life we are emboldened to come againe vnto thee who therefore doest heare the praier that to thee all flesh may come Wee beseech thee therefore be not weary of our importunity be not ashamed of our pouertie but as the sense thereof leadeth vs vnto thee so let the pitty and commiseration of the same encline thy mercifull heart towards vs. O Lord we cannot come into thy sight but we bring with vs great matter occasioÌ„ either of wrath or of mercy from thee Our naturall corruption which as the leprosie of Adam cleaueth to vs all his posteritie filling vs euen from our conception with the seedes of all euill so that wee brought with vs a world of sinne into this thy world Our actuall transgressions which in imitation of Adams sinne we haue eueryone of vs committed our thoughts our words our works by which the eies of thy glorie haue beene daily prouoked Finally the heinous circumstances whereby our sinnes haue beene made out of measure sinfull as the abuse of thy patience quenching of thy spirit despising of thy Gospell vnthankefulnesse for thy mercies vnfaithfulnesse in thy couenant These O Lord and many moe are the mischiefs with which our natures are blemished our liues pestered our consciences burdened thy heauie wrath most iustly procured Yet because thou hast giuen thy Sonne Iesus Christ a meanes of propitiation in whom thou reconcilest the world to thy selfe wee haue boldenesse through him to entreat thee of grace and pardon Lord let his death and sufferings satisfie thy iustice for all our sinnes and procure vs fauour and forgiuenesse from thee that so mercy may reioice ouer iudgement in our behalfe as both meet together in thee Let thy Christ O Lord be our Iesus to saue vs from our sinnes and deliuer vs from the wrath to come Enrich vs with the treasure of his merits that may both ransome vs out of the hand of our deadly enemie and purchase vs an euerlasting estate in the kingdome of thy glory Let it not greeue thee O Lord thus to make vs more then gainers at thine hand seeing at the hand of him our suretie thou art sure to bee no looser And whereas thou hast not onely promised so to deale with vs but commanded vs to beleeue that promise of thine O Lord in desire to obey thy commandement and to seale vnto thy truth we professe that wee doe beleeue yet priuie to the weakenesse of our faith wee pray thee helpe our vnbeliefe Speak peace O Lord vnto our consciences replenish vs with the comforts of thy spirit multiplie in vs the euidences of our saluation Shed thy loue abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost set vs as a seale vpoÌ„ thine hand and set thy seale O Lord vpon vs not onelie that seale of Election whereby thou knowest vs to bee thine owne but also the seale of Sanctification whereby we may know our selues to be thine O Lord if we see nothing in our selues but what wee haue of our selues or of the world we cannot say wee belong to any but to Satan
freed from all mixture of corruption doe in their kind perfectly obey God whom therfore we desire to imitate in the maner though wee know we cannot equall them in measure and degree of obedience Q. What doe wee then aske of God in this Petition A. Three things viz. 1. That all wils of wicked d Zech. 3.2 Angels and e Psal 140.8 men as contrary to the will of God may bee disappointed 2. That in vs f Psal 119.18 ignorance of the reueiled will of God g 1. Sam. 15.22 23. rebellion disobedience murmuring c. being remooued all pretences and dispensations or powers presuming to dispence with the wil of God disclaimed and our hearts by grace a Psal 119.32 set at large strengthened and b Vers 36. directed wee may both know and obey the will of our heauenly Father and Lord. 3 That for the manner of performance we may after the heauenly patterne aforementioned c Psal 110.3 willingly without constraint or repugnancy d Psal 119 60. speedilte without delay e Deut 5.28 29. sincerelie without hypocrisie f Psal 119.6 fully without reseruation g Vers 112. constantly without intermission beleeue the promises of mercie and obey the precepts of holinesse SECT XLIII Of the fourth Petition Q. THus farre of the three first petitions for things concerning God To come to the three latter concerning our selues What are we generally to note in them A. The order dependance they haue 1. From the former three concerning God for we are then allowed and a Luc. 17.7 c. not til then to seeke good things for our selues when wee haue first minded sought those things that concerne the glory of God because vnto b 1. Tim. 4.8 godlinesse only the promises of this life and that which is to come are entailed 2. Betweene themselues wherein is to be obserued First that we haue but one petition for outward things as lesse to be esteemed but for spirituall things two as about c Mat 6.33 which our care is to bee doubled Secondly that yet the first place is giuen to outward things not as chiefest but as d Gen. 28.20.21 helps to enable vs to spirituall duties and as steppes e Act. 17.27 28. whereby our weak faith may the better ascend to lay claime hold on spirituall graces Thirdly that according to the order obserued in the Creed called the Apostles we are taught to depend On the prouidence of God the Father our Creator for outward blessings On the mercy of Christ our Sauiour for the remission of our sinnes On the powerfull assistance of the holy Spirit our sanctifier for the resisting and subduing of al temptations vnto euill Lastly that in all these petitions vnder one thing expressed other things are figuratiuely included as shall appeare Q. To proceed in order What are the words of the fourth petition A. a Mat 6.11 Luke 11.3 Giue vs this day our dailie bread Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by bread we must vnderstand b Pro. 27.27 31.14 all outward things seruing for our necessitie and sober delight as foode physicke sleepe raiment house c. together with the meanes thereof as peace seasonable weather and such like Secondly by daily bread or bread instātly necessary or such as is to be added to our substance we vnderstand such prouision and such a proportion thereof as may best a Pro. 30.8 agree with our nature charge and calling Thirdly by our bread we vnderstand b 2. Thes 3.12 such as commeth to vs by the blessing of God on our lawfull labours so that neither God nor man can iustly implead vs for it Fourthly when wee say giue we professe our selues c Luk. 17.10 Gen. 32.10 vnable by any seruice or labour to merit our bread much lesse our saluation at the hands of God but that our right vnto the creatures beeing forfeited in Adam wee haue nothing to plead but onely Gods deed of gift made vnto vs in Christ the second Adam and d Heb. 1.2 heire of all things e Rom. 8.32 in whom and with whom all things are conueyed to vs. Fiftly when we say giue vs wee professe our selues petitioners for all men especially the houshold of faith that for the most part euery one may haue sufficient and where want is a 2. Cor. 8.14 others may bee enabled to supply it out of their abundance Lastly when we say this day or for the day we professe the b Math. 6.34 moderation of our care and desire of earthly things with our purpose euery day by labour and prayer to seeke these blessings at the hands of God Q. What doe we then begge of God in this Petition A. Two things Viz. First bread c Iam. 4.3 Num. 11.4 5 6. not quailes or delicates not riches and superfluitie but a proportion of maintenance credit libertie c. d Pro. 30 8 1. Tim 6.8 conuenient for vs and that with condition e Jam. 4.15 2 Sam 7.27 if God shall see good which is a caution proper to this Petition for outward things Secondly faith and grace as well in f Phil. 4.12 want as in abundance to depend on the prouidence of God for outward things to bee g Heb. 13.5 contented with and thankefull for the portion which it shall please the Lord to a Psal 16.6 measure out vnto vs as his gift not enuying such to whom hee giueth more to b Ephes 4.28 labour with our hands the thing that is goo◠that wee may eate our owne bread to adde vnto our labor c 1. Tim. 4.4 5 prayer and thanksgiuing as whereby on our part all Gods blessings are assured and sanctified vnto vs Finally to d Phil. 4.6 Psal 37.5 containe our selues within the care for the meanes leauing euents vnto Gods only disposition SECT XLIIII Of the fift Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the fift Petition A. e Mat. 6.12 Luk. 11.4 And forgiue vs our debts as euen we forgiue our debtors where besides the petition is a reason added for confirmation thereof Q. What is the meaning of the words A. First by debts we must vnderstand sinnes as Saint Luke expoundeth the metaphor and that not in themselues as breaches of the Law of God for who would say that wee owe and are to pay sinne vnto God but with respect to the punishment and satisfaction due to Gods iustice for the offence of sinnes For our debt properly being a Rom. 8.12 13.8 Gal. 5.3 obedience whereto we were bound vnder penaltie of all the curses of the Law especially eternall death we all in Adam forfeited that bond whereby the b Luc. 13.4 Mat. 18.24 c. Rom. 6.23 penaltie became our debt and is daily encreased in vs all by sinning Secondly by forgiuenesse we vnderstand such remission as may agree with Gods iustice which will
works though imperfect do b Jam 2.18 approue their faith whereby they lay hold on Christ and his meritorious righteousnesse to be a true faith as c Gal. 5.6 working by loue in all parts of obedience SECT LII Of the execution of the last Iudgement and the euerlasting estate of the Reprobate in torment and the Elect in glory Q. HItherto of the Act of Iudgement What are we to consider in the third and last place A. The Execution of Iudgement Christ by his Almighty power and ministery of his Angels casting the diuels and reprobate men into hell and bringing Gods elect into the possession of his glorious Kingdome wherein the a Mat. 25.46 reprobate shall first bee dispatched that the b Psal 58 10. righteous may reioice to see the vengeance and as it were wash their feet in the bloud of the wicked Q. What shall be the estate of the reprobate in hell A. They shall remaine for euer in vnspeakeable torment of body and anguish of minde being c 2. Thess 1.9 cast out from the fauourable presence of God and glorious fellowship of Christ and his Saints whose happinesse they shall d Luk. 16.23 and 13.28 see and enuy into that horrible dungeon figured in Scripture by e 2. Pet. 2.17 Matth. 8.12 vtter darkenesse or blackenesse of darkenesse weeping and gnashing of teeth the f Mark 9.44 worme that neuer dieth the fire that neuer goeth out the g Reu. 20.15 lake of fire c. Finally where all things are that can be abhorred and nothing that may be desired Q. What shall be the estate of the Elect in heauen A. They shall bee a 1. Cor. 2.9 vnspeakeably and euerlastingly blessed and glorified in soule and body being freed from all passions imperfections infirmities yea from such b 1. Cor. 13.10 graces as suppose imperfection as faith hope repentance the like in a word froÌ„ all the c Reu 21.4 first things endued with perfect d 1. Cor. 13.12 wisdome and holinesse possessed of all the e Psal 16.11 pleasures that are at the right hand of God seated as Princes in f Reuâ—l 3 21. thrones of maiestie and crowned with g 2. Tim. 4.8 crownes of glory hauing h Reu. 2.26 power ouer all creatures and i 2. Pet. 3.13 possession of that new heauen and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousnesse beholding and being k Psal 17.15 filled with the fruition of the glorious l â— Thes 4.17 Reu 21.3 22 23. presence of God and of the Lambe Iesus Christ in the m Heb. 12.22 23 24. company of innumerable Angels and of all the holy Saints that haue been from the beginning of the world c. Q. Shall there not be inequalitie in the proportion of glory and of misery A. Yes for though euery one shall receiue the full measure whereof they are capeable yet First the wicked shall a Matt. 11.22 24. Luk 12.47 48. Reu. 18 7. exceed one another in capacitie of torment according to the greater merit of their sinnes Secondly the Elect shall exceed one another being made capeable of b Dan 12.3 greater glory according to the proportion not of merit but of fauour whereby in their different callings they were c Luke 12 4â— 43 44. 19 â—7 19. furnished with greater graces and made more faithfull in the imploying of them whether in d 2. Cor. 9.6 doing or in e 2. Cor. 4.17 Reu. 7.14 15 suffering for Christ his cause in the time of this life DEVT. 32.29 Oh that men were wise then they would vnderstand this they would consider their latter end A Prayer for the Morning O Lord God the Almightie maker and carefull preseruer of all thy creatures but especially the sauiour sanctifier of them that beleeue by the merit and efficacie of the bloud of Iesus Christ we acknowledge that as all thy works doe praise thee so it becommeth thy Saints especially to blesse thee and that both night and day for the blessings of the night and of the day May it please thee therefore to receiue at the hands of vs thine vnworthy seruants in the name of Iesus Christ this morning sacrifice of thanks praise for all thy mercies and namely those of the night past and of this morning Thou O Lord hast spread the darknes as thy curtaine ouer vs fauouring vs so much as to hide the light of the world and beauty of thy creatures that in the mean time we might commodiously take our rest And in the time of rest thy prouidence O Lord hath not rested in our behalfe but waked for vs whiles wee slept to keepe vs from the feares and danger of the night Yea thou hast blessed the blessing of sleepe vnto vs and hast thereby restored the decaied powres of nature in vs whereas thou mightest iustly haue cursed it turned it into sudden and vnexpected death Againe it hath pleased thee this morning to raise vp the light of the day to shine vnto our bodies laying open vnto vs the goodly shape of thy creatures and inlightning the waies wherein wee are to walke giuing vs ability of body and alacritie of spirit to proceed in the courses of our seuerall callings finally beginning the world with vs as it were and putting vs in possession of all thy works of wonder Further wee remember with thankful hearts all thy mercies formerly bestowed and continued vpon vs namely life health peace libertie maintenance credit fellowship successe in our affaires preseruation from dangers deliuerance from troubles recouery out of sicknesses consolation in afflictions and the issue of them euen a morning of ioy after a night of sorrow Lastly and aboue all for magnifying thy mercy towards vs in the great worke of our redemption and saluation by Iesus Christ and for euery linke of the golden chaine of grace whereby thou hast fastened vs vnto thy selfe namely for election vocation iustification sanctification and hope of glorification likewise for the meanes of grace thy Christ thy spirit thy word thy sacraments thy sabbaths and the assemblies of thy Saints with all the helps of example instruction admonition and fatherly correction by which thou hast indeauoured to further vs in the way of our saluation Yea that though our prouocations of thee be many and greeuous yet thy compassions faile not but are renewed euery morning For all these testimonies of thy bounty thy pitie thy patience towards vs what shall we render vnto thee O Lord Wee doe euen take the cup of saluation and call vpon thy blessed name wee doe according to our pouerty offer thee the calues of our lips confessing thy goodnesse and the due seruice of our bodies and soules as a liuing and reasonable sacrifice And now O Lord wee acknowledge our penurie to be such that we cannot liue but on thine allowance For looking into our selues we finde no store but of sinne and misery our
vnderstanding full of blindnesse vanitie and infidelitie our consciences dead and remorselesse our hearts hard and impenitent our affections disorderly and violent our appetites sensuall and brutish our whole nature deformed with originall corruption our whole life abounding with the fruits thereof in all maner of actuall transgressions no ability to any good duty no restraint or moderation in sinning against thee yea if we doe any good thing we are apt to blemish it with selfe-loue and hypocrisie if we abstaine from any euill it is manie times rather from the act then from the loue of it In this case O Lord if thou shouldest looke vpon vs as a Iudge straightly to marke iniquities or take this our confession as an euidence against vs how should we be able to stand before thee But we beseech thee take knowledge of it as of our complaint and pitie our pouerty our miserie and our nakednes Cloath vs with the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ that may both hide our filthinesse from thy sight and as the garment of the elder brother make vs accepted before thee and procure thy blessing Acquaint thy selfe with vs O Lord and renew daily with vs the couenant of thy peace and euen now this morning let thy spirit from heauen bring vs a new patent of mercie that being to meet with thee in the waies and works of this day wee may be sure to meet thee as a reconciled Father not as an offeÌ„ded Iudge Fill vs with all ioy and peace in beleeuing Comfort vs ouer all our sinnes by the assurance of thy mercie Confirme vnto our heares our title vnto thy Kingdome And because o Lord we liue vpon thine hand and all our welldoing is from thee graunt that we may yeeld thee so much due that no Lords besides thee may rule ouer vs. And to that end good Lord doe thou free vs from the contrary power rule of Sathan of sinne It is not for thine honour O Lord that thy seruants should be vnder the yoake of thine enemies redeeme vs therefoâ—e mightily froÌ„ the thraldome of the diuel help vs to leade our captiuity captiue and stablish our hearts for euer by thy free spirit For where thy spirit is there is freedome Let that spirit of thine therefore O Lord come vpon vs and strengthen vs with a greater might then that of Samson to breake in sunder the strongest cords euen our speciall sinnes Teach vs to see the vilenesse of them powre vpon vs the spirit of grace and godly sorow that we may mourne for them affect vs with an holy hatred detestation of them waken vs out of our security with the feare of thy iudgements strenghen our weakenesse with the power of thy might arme vs with the furniture of thy grace encourage vs with the presence of thy spirit and be with vs in our spirituall conflict as the King in the armie Couer our heâ—ds assure our hearts instruct our hands helpe vs so to fight that wee may ouercome so to ouercome that we may receaue the crown of victorie Further O Lord we entreat thee so to let thy kingdome preuaile in vs that wee may not onely be thy souldiers but thy seruants and subiects To this end write thy lawes in our inward parts giue vs vnderstanding of thy will set vp the scepter of thy kingdome in our consciences subdue our hearts to the obedience of thy commandements win our affections to the loue of thy statutes conforme our liues to the rule of thy righteousnesse and transforme vs daily into thine image from glorie to glory Blesse all the meanes of grace vnto vs and blesse vs with hearts sanctified and set vpon the meanes for encrease of grace Let thy holy word O Lord bee our chiefest treasure thy statutes our counsellors thy promises our comforters thy sacraments our delicates thy sabbaths our best daies and thy seruants our deerest companions Let thy seruice be our liberty let thy yoake be our ease and thy burthen as wings vnto vs. Let thy louing countenance bee our sunne thy protection our shield and thy fauourable acceptance our exceeding great reward Grant that we may account this time of thy Gospell as our haruest and let vs not now sleepe least we be the sonnes of confusion but let vs so lay vp in these daies of plenty that in the time of dearth wee may haue something in store Teach vs so to number our daies and so to spend them that euerie day and euery night we may be able to giue vp a good account especially in the night of death and morrow of iudgement And now hauing begun to speak to thee our Lord though we be but dust and ashes we are bold to continue our suit euen for bodily blessings Blesse vs therefore we pray thee this day followinâ— and all the daies of our life with that portion of health peace prosperitie and euery good thing that may enable vs and make vs cheerefull in dutie Aduise vs in all our thoughts and purposes giue good successe vnto our lawfull endeauors strengthen vs in our bodily labours sanctifie vs in our meats and drinkes recreations and companies Grant that in doing seruice to our selues and one ano her wee may still remember that wee are thy seruants Giue vs such spirituall eyesight that we may see thee in thy creatures and in thy prouidence Grant that nothing may draw vs away from thee but that euery thing may bring vs neerer vnto thee Lord let vs liue in thy sight Let vs not liue without thee as Gentils let vs not be cast out of thy presence as Kain let vs not runne against thee as Balaam but let vs walke with thee as Enoch Noah and Abraham taking knowledge of thee in all our waies And take thou knowledge of vs vpholding vs with thine hand watching ouer vs with thine eie guiding vs with thy grace setting thine heart vpon vs to loue vs and doe vs good and not euill all the daies of our life Last of all wee come vnto thee O Lord in the behalfe of thy whole Church and of all our brethren and and sisters thine elect seruants wheresoeuer they bee Call the vncalled perfect the called raise vp the fallen strengthen the weake enlighten the ignorant heale the sicke releeue the needie and distressed release such as are in restraint comfort them that mourne especially such as mourne for sinne strengthen the hand and heart of them that stand in the iust defence of religion and right quaile and confound euerie Aduersarie and Antichristian power and pollicie and so publish and propagate the Gospell of Iesus Christ that thy name may be knowne thy kingdome enlarged the number of thy Saints fulfilled Specially wee beseech thee beholde and visite this thy vine which hauing rescued from the Egyptian darkenes and slauerie of Antichrist thou hast beene pleased to plant among vs of this nation Make vs more thankefull for our long peace and for the Gospell of peace Blesse thy seruant Iames
bearing no other but his image and superscription But Lord doe thou deface that cursed image blot out that superscription dissolue in vs the malicious worke of the Diuell Let the old man of corruption bee dispossessed by the new man of grace and the strong man of sinne by the stronger man of thy spirit Let no sinne O Lord haue dominion ouer vs mortifie in vs the whole body of death crucifie and put to shamefull death our speciall corruptions shew vs the ougly face of sinne grant that we may see it as thou seest it and hate it with a perfect hatred euen as thou abhorrest it Yea let vs see thee O Christ whom we haue perced with our sinnes bleeding with the wounds thou hast receaued from vs that wee may iustly detest both our sinnes as the weapons and our selues as the traitors that haue slaine our Sauiour On the contrary side good Lord renew thine owne image in vs. Enlighten our darke minds with the knowledge of thy truth mollifie our hard hearts with the oyle of thy grace reuiue our dead consciences with the soule of new life that liuing in the spirit we may also walke in the spirit Plant in vs faith without presumption loâ—e without dâ—ssimulation feare without infidelitie zeale without hyprocri ie knowledge without pride puritie without iudgeing Giue vs wisdome ioined with simplicitie courage accompanied with meekenesse cheerefulnesse tempered with sobrietie and let euery grace in vs be graced with humilitie Fill vs with all the fruits of a liuely and sauing faith working by loue let the fire thereof flame in our hearts and the light thereof shine in our liues to the praise of thy name and the comfort of our consciences And thus without ceasing lead vs forward to perfection guiding vs by thy grace and after bringing vs to thy glorie And now O Lord hauing in the first place sought thy kingdome and righteousnesse giue vs leaue in the next place to seek thy fauour in outward things Be with vs this night O Lord to watch ouer vs for good and not for euill Let it bee our comfort that thou seest vs in the darke and takest knowledge of vs when wee are vnmindfull of our selues But aboue all things keepe vs euen in our sleepe from being vnmindfull of thee Let our hearts alwaies bee awake and keepe thy watch O Lord euen as wee would thou shouldst keepe a watch ouer vs that whensoeuer thou shalt call for vs by the generall alarum of iudgement or the particular summons of our death whether at midnight or at the cocke crowing or at the dawning of the day we may bee found ready to accompany our heauenly bridegroome In the meane time sanctifie the blessing of sleepe vnto vs that the rest of the night may make vs fit for the labour of the day and night day being spent in thy seruice may prepare vs for that day of thine which shall neuer giue place to night Lastlie seeing thou hast vouchsafed this honour to thy seruants on earth to make intercession vnto thee one for another wee commend vnto thy maiestie the care of thy whole Church and of all our fellow members in the bodie of Christ Cause theÌ„ all in thy due time to be brought forth fashioned and perfected according to the image of Christ our head Let the Angell neuer cease flying with the euerlasting Gospell to enlighten them that sit in darknesse to preach good tidings to the poore to binde vp the broken hearted to proclaime libertie vnto the captiues till Babilon be quite ruined and thy Ierusalem bee reared vp and finished To this end blesse all Christian Princes and States by name thy seruant Iames our Soueraigne with our gracious Queene the royall children and as thou hast crowned them with worldly honour vpon earth so direct them vnto that more glorious crowne in heauen Make them strong and faithfull to maintaine the crowne dignitie of thy sonne that vnder his protection they may happily raigne and execute iudgement Assist with thy counsell the Honorable priuie Counsellors adorne the Nobles with spirituall nobilitie prosper the worke of thy Gospell in the hands of thy seruants the Ministers and the affaires of Iustice in the hands of the Magistrates Vouchsafe to take speciall notice from vs of those whom thou hast specially recommended to vs and to them and vs and all that desire to feare thy name grant all the blessings of mercie and peace in Iesus Christ our onely blessed Sauiour to whom with thee and thine eternall Spirit O Father be all honour obedience and thanksgiuing throughout all generations Amen A priuate Prayer for the pardon of sinne and for the fauour of God O Lord God mighty in power excellent in Maiestie righteous in iudgement rich in mercie Thou art so farre from despising and driuing from thee a weake vile sinfull wretch as I am that thou callest and drawest such vnto thee Vnto thee therefore the God that hearest the prayer I am bold to approch in the name of thy Sonne my Lord Iesus Christ beseeching thee to hold out the golden scepter of thy grace and to admit me into thy presence Let thy power not dismay but strengthen my weakenes Let thy glorie not confound but couer my vilenesse let thy puritie not pursue but purge my wickednesse let the riches of thy mercie not disdaine but take pittie of my pouertie and wretchednesse O Lord I can plead nothing but miserie in my selfe to make way vnto thy mercie from thee alone must all motiues vnto compassion be drawne For till thou didst miraculously create mee I was without any being and if in the state of creation thou sawest any thing in my nature it was thine owne and not mine But woe is mee O Lord that which I could not giue vnto my selfe I did by sinning against thee in Adam take from my selfe and deface thaâ— holy image of thine which was all the contentment thy spirit had in me and all the reioicing I could haue in my selfe And so haue I imitated the patterne of that first sinne in the dayes of my vanitie that thy spirit hath found no matter but of strife and contention with me My whole nature hath been an armorie of weapons an armie of souldiers to fight against thee And how that wicked warre hath been waged by malicious thoughts words and workes prouoking the eyes of thy glorie my conscience in great part witnesseth and thou O Lord that art greater then my conscience canst better tell Yea since the time that I was called by thy mighty word and powerfull grace to some beginnings of new obedience thy spirit hath beene put to continuall strife within me My corrupt flesh hath still maintained a rebellious partie against thee and I my selfe which is the height of shamefull trecherie taking part with it haue giuen the repulse and foyle vnto thy good spirit I ought to haue serued thee in holinesse but I haue caused thee to serue by my sinnes and