A Short Treatise Containing the Principal Grounds of Christian Religion, Catechism · Question 102 – Question 143
Q. Which is the fourth petition?
A. 16 GiueGive vsus this 17 day, 18 our 19 dayly 20 bread.
Expoſ. 16. All both poore and rich muſt pray, GiueGive vsus, becauſe we hauehave nothing but by Gods free gift, 1 Cor. 4. 7. Iam. 1. 17. hauehave title to nothing, but in Chriſt Ieſus, Heb. 1. 2. with Rom. 8. 32. can keepe nothing but by the Lords licence, Iob. 1. 12. neither can any thing proſper with vsus but, by his bleſſing, Deu. 8. 16. Pro. 10. 22. Pſal. 127. 1. 2. Hag. 1. 6. Eſa. 3.
17. Wee may prouide for the time to come in a lawfull manner, when God giues oportunity, Eph. 4. 28. Gen. 41. 34. 35. &c. and 50. 20. 2. Cor. 12. 14. Act. 11. 28. But yet we muſt euer waite vponupon Gods prouidence, 1. Pet. 5. 7. Pſal. 55. 22. both when we hauehave the meanes, Pro. 3. 5, 6. and when wee want them, Eſa. 28. 16. caſting off diſtruſt, exceſſiue, diſtracting, vnprofitable, and needles cares, Mat. 6. 25. &c. to the end.
18. Bread is ſaid to bee Ours, when it is gotten by iuſt and lawfull meanes, Eph. 4. 28. in a good and honeſt calling, Gen. 3. 19. our perſons beeing accepted of God in Ieſus Chriſt, 1. Cor. 3. 22, 23. for that which wee ſo poſſeſſe, is giuen vsus of God in louelove and mercy.
19. By dayly bread is meant, bread for the ſupply of our preſent neceſſity, or rather that which is fit for vsus, or agreeable to our preſent condition, Pro. 30. 8, 9.
20. By bread, is not meant the bread of life, which is Chriſt, Ioh. 6. 48. but all outward things, Pro. 27. 27. Ier. 11. 19. Pro. 31. 14. for our neceſſity, and Chriſtian delight. Pſal. 104. 15. Io. 12. 3.
Q. What deſire you of God in this petition?
A. That 21 God would beſtowe on vsus, all things neceſſary for this life, as foode, maintenance, &c.
Expoſ. 21. Here we pray for foode and raiment, Gen. 28. 20. ſleep, Pſ. 3. 5. and 4. 8. fitting delig…ts, Pſ. 23. 5. Pro. 5. 18, 19. Gen. 21. 8. and 29. 22. and for contentation with our eſtates, Heb. 13. 5. 1. Tim. 6. 6. though they be meane, Phil. 4. 12. 1. Tim. 6. 8. reſting on God… prouidence, Prou. 16. 3. louelove of iuſtice, Iob 29. 14. faithfulneſſe and painfulneſſe in our callings, 2. Theſ. 3. 12. ioy and thankfulnes, Deut. 28. 49. and 8. 10, 11. and Gods bleſſing vponupon them, Gen. 24. 12. Pſa. 67. 1. 6, 7. and the ſanctification of whatſoeuer wee enioy, 1. Tim. 4. 4. as alſo for peace, Pſal. 122. 7, 8. protection by the Magiſtrate, 1. Tim. 2. 12. ſeaſonable weather, &c. 1. King. 8. 35, 36. Hoſh. 2. 21. Deut. 28. 12. valiant ſouldiers, 2. Sam. 23. 8, 9, 10, to 39. learned and good Phyſitians, Col. 4. 14. And we pray againſt couetouſnes, Pſa. 119. 36. diſtracting cares, Mat. 6. 34. diſtruſt, Pſal. 78. 22. diſcontent with our eſtate, 1. Tim. 6. 10. idleneſſe, Matth. 20. 3. 6. oppreſſion, in iuſtice, careleſneſſe, vniuſt warre, or whatſoeuer doth vnlawfully hurt and impeach our outward proſperitie.
Q. Which is the fift petition?
A. And 22 forgiue vsus our 23 treſpaſſes, as we 24 forgiue them 25 that treſpaſſe againſt vsus.
Expoſ. 22. To forgiue ſinne, is to couer it, put it away out of ſight, and not to impute it, or call to a reckoning for it. Pſa. 32. 1, 2.
23. Sinnes are called treſpaſſes or debts, Mat. 18. 25. becauſe we are bound to make ſatisfaction for them by ſuffering the iuſt iudgement of God, Luk. 11. 4. Gen. 2. 17. if the diuine iuſtice bee not ſatisfied by another. Col. 1. 20.
24. Our forgiuing others, is not a cauſe why God forgiues vsus, Matth. 18. 32. 33. Col. 3. 13. 1. Ioh. 4. 10, 11. but a ſigne whereby wee are aſſured that God hath pardoned vsus. Mat. 6. 14, 15. and 5. 23, 24. Matth. 7. 11.
25. The wrong that is done vntounto vsus (though not alwaies the damage, 2. Chr. 19. 6. 1. Tim. 5. 8. Eph. 5. 29. Exod. 22. 1. 15. Act. 16. 37. compared) we ought to forgiue, Mar. 11. 25. but the ſinne being the breach of the diuine law, God onelyonly can pardon, Pſa. 51. 1. 4.
Q. What deſire you of God in this petition?
A. That 26 God of his free aEſ. 43. 45.merciemercy in Ieſus Chriſt, would fully bPſa. 51. 2.pardon all our ſinnes, as cLuk. 11. 4.wee doe pardon the wrongs and iniuries we receiue from others.
Expoſ. 26. In this petition we acknowledge our ſelues to be miſerable ſinners, Pſa. 40. 12. Pſa. 25. 11. Ezr. 9. 6. and that wee hauehave no power to ſatisfie for ſinne, Pſal. 49. 7, 8. Act. 2. 37, 38. Ezec. 16. 4, 5. and that God is patient, bearing with vsus ſo long, Lam. 3. 22. Pſal. 145. 8. Pſal. 86. 5. 15. and 103. 8. and mercifull, not giuing leaue onelyonly, Dan. 9. 18, 19. 2. Chro. 7. 14. but commaunding alſo to pray for pardon, Hoſh. 14. 1, 2. whereby he giues hope of forgiueneſſe: and hence wee are drawne to flee to the throne of grace, Pſ. 86. 15, 16. Ioel 2. 12, 13. for the full forgiuenes both of guilt & puniſhment, Pſ. 51. 1, 2. EueryEvery day we ſinne, Eccl. 7. 21. Iob 14. 4. and therefore euerie day wee muſt pray for pardon, Pſ. 55. 17. and our faith is weake, Luk. 24. 21, 22, 23. Rom. 14. 1. We muſt pray daily, that wee may hauehave greater aſſurance of our ſaluation▪ Lu. 17. 5. 2. Sam. 12. 13. with Pſa. 51. 1, 2.
Q. Which is the ſixt petition?
A. And 27 lead vsus not into temptation, but deliuer 28 vsus from euill▪
Expoſ. 27. Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes, and grieuous temptations, are inſeparable companions, Luk. 11. 21, 22. 24, 25, 26. Act. 9. 17. 23, 24. Temptation is any triall whereby the heart is inticed to ſinne, by Satan, the world, or the fleſh, 1. Theſ. 3. 5. Iam. 1. 14. Matt. 26. 41. God is ſaid to tempt his ſeruants to trie and humble them, by offering occaſions of ſinne, ſending afflictions, and deferring to helpe, Deut. 13. 3. Deut. 8. 2. Gen. 22. 1. Pſa. 10. 1. but this in reſpect of God is euer good, Matth. 19. 17. Hab. 1. 13. Iam. 1. 13. Sathan, the world, and the fleſh, are ſaid to tempt, by inticing alwayes vntounto ſinne. Sathan by inward ſuggeſtions, 1. Chron. 21. 1. Ioh. 13. 2. and outward obiects, 2. Sam. 11. 2, 3. Matth. 4. 3, 4, 8. The world by bad examples, Ier. 44. 17. or wicked perſwaſions, alluring or terrifying, Gen. 3. 6. and 39. 7. and Iob 2. 9. 1. Kin. 13. 8. Mat. 16. 22. Act. 21. 12. The fleſh tempteth when wee are inticed of our owne corruption, Obad. 3. Iam. 1. 14. 1. Pet. 2. 11. Temptation hath theſe degrees; ſuggeſtion, delight, conſent, and practiſe, Iam. 1. 14. To be lead into temptation, is to be ouercome of temptation; ſo that Sathan doth preuaile againſt vsus, and get the victorie, Matth. 26. 41. 1. Chron. 21. 1. God is ſaid to lead into temptation, when in any triall he doth forſake man, doth with-hold or withdraw from him his grace, ſuffer him to fall, 2. Chro. 32. 31. harden his heart, Exod. 3. and giuegive him wholly vp into Sathans power, and the full ſway of his owne corrupt heart, Rom. 1. 24. 26. 28.
28. To deliuer, is either to ſupport vnderunder, or els to protect and defend from euill, 2. Cor. 12. 9. By euill, the power and poyſon of ſinne, Satan, and the world is vnderſtood, Matth. 5. 37.
Q. What deſire you of God in this petition?
A. To bee freed from 29 trialls themſelues, ſo far dMatth. 26. 39.as it will ſtand with Gods good pleaſure; and alwaies from the euill thereof, eRom. 8. 28. 1. Cor. 10. 13.that wee faint not vnderunder them, or be foyled by them.
Expoſ. 29. Here we acknowledging the Lords power ouer our enemies that tempt vsus, Zach. 3. 2. Iude 9. and our own frailtie, Pſa. 103. 14, 15. withall bewayling our proneneſſe to euill and corruption, Rom. 7. 24. 18. wee deſire God to bridle Sathan, 2. Cor. 12. 7, 8. kill ſinne, Pſal. 19. 13. ſupport vsus by his grace, Epheſ. 3. 16. 1. Theſſ. 3. 13. ſtirre vsus vp to bee watchfull in prayer, Eph. 6. 18. giuegive vsus hope, patience, conſolation, Col. 1. 11. 2. Theſſ. 2. 17. and a good iſſue out of all trialls, Pſal. 6. 4. that we neither preſume nor deſpaire, Pro. 30. 9. and free vsus from miſerie, ſo farre as may ſtand with his good pleaſure.
Q. Which is the Thanksgiuing in the Lords Prayer?
A. For thine is the 30 kingdome, the 31 power, and the 32 glorie, for euer and euer.
Expoſ. 30. God is the right owner, and ſupreame and abſolute ruler ouer all things in heauen and earth, Gen. 14. 19. 1. Chr. 29. 11. Pſal. 24. 13. all bleſſings therefore are to bee craued at his hands, Pſal. 145. 14, 15, 16. for whether ſhould ſubiects flee, but to their King? Pſa. 70. 5. Pſ. 2. 9, 10, 11, 12.
31. God can giuegive whatſoeuer we ſtand in need of, Matth. 7. 7. and 8. 2. ſtrengthen▪ vsus againſt any ſinne, 2. Tim. 4. 18. Iude 24. and vntounto any duty, Heb. 13. 21. and we hauehave no ſtrength but from him, 1. Chro. 29. 15, 16. 2. Cor. 3. 5. therefore we muſt call vponupon him alone.
32. God ought to bee glorified by vsus in all things, Col. 3. 17. gaineth glory by hearing the prayers of his people, Pſ. 79. 11. Pſa. 50. 15. and 30. 11, 12. and for his glory will not denie them any thing that ſhall be good. Matth. 7. 11. Luk. 11. 13.
Q. Doe not theſe words containe a reaſon alſo, why we begge the former bleſſings at the hands of God?
A. Yes, for ſeeing the kingdome, power, and glorie are the Lords, wee ſhould call vponupon him in all our neceſſities.1. Chro. 29. 11. 13.
Q. Which is the Concluſion of the Lords Prayer?
A. Amen, which is a witneſſing of our faith, and deſire of the things prayed for.Ier. 11. 5.
Q. What doth Amen 3• ſignifie?
A. So it is, or ſo be it.1. Kin. 1. 36. Ier. 28. 6. and 11. 5.
Expoſ. 33. Amen, is ſometimes a title of Chriſt, Reu. 3. 14. becauſe of his faithfulneſſe and truth in performing all promiſes, 2. Cor. 1. 20. In the beginning of ſentences, it is an earneſt aſſeueration, Ioh. 6. 26. Matth. 24. 47. Luk. 12. 44. But when it is added in the end of bleſſings, prayers, or imprecations, it implyeth both a deſire of the thing ſo to bee, and confidence that ſo it ſhall be, Num. 5. 22. Deut. 27. 15. 1. Cor. 14. 16. Chriſt teaching vsus to end our prayers with Amen, doth thereby admoniſh vsus, both to deſire grace of God, and to beleeue that God preſently heareth, and will certainly in due time grant our requeſt, 1. Cor. 14. 16. ſo that coldnes, d…ubting, diſtruſt, are to be ſtriuen againſt, 1. Tim. 2. 8. Iam. 1. 6.
Q. What muſt we doe after we hauehave prayed?
A. Obſerue how 34 wee fPſal. 3. 4. and 85. 8.ſpeed, and what anſwer we receiue.
Expoſ. 34. Here we muſt knowe, that God doth heare and grant our requeſts, when yet hee doth deferre to giuegive vsus the ſenſe thereof, Eſa. 65. 24. 2. Sam. 12, 13. with Pſa. 51. 1, 2. Dan. 9. 22. 23. and 10. 12, 13. Alſo he doth not alway giuegive the particular thing wee aske, but what hee knowes beſt for vsus, Rom. 1. 10. 2. Cor. 12. 7, 8, 9. Heb. 5. 7. Further, we muſt take heed, that we limit not the Lord to our owne time, Eſa. 28. 16. nor yet receiue Sathans anſwer f…r the Lords: Sathans anſwer is either contrarie to the word of truth; or if he ſpeake the truth, it is to a wrong end, viz. deſpaire or prophaneneſſe. Laſtly, obſerue that we ſpeed wel when God giueth vsus the ſame thing that we craue, beeing good, Lam. 3. 57. Gen. 30. 19. 22. and 20. 17. Pſa. 21. 2. 4. Exod. 17. 11. Ioſh. 10. 13. or another as fit, or more fit for vsus, Gen. 17. 18, 19. Mar. 14. 35. with Heb. 5. 7. or more patience and ſtrength to waite, 2. Cor. 12. 7, 8, 9. Pſal. 40. 1.
Q. What benefit ſhall we gaine hereby?
A. It will ſtirre vp the heart to gPſa. 31. 21, 22.thankfulneſſe 35, remooue hPſa. 88. 13. and 4. 1, 2.36 dulneſſe and 37 negligence, ſtrengthen 38 our iPſal. 4. 3.faith, and inflame 39 our hearts with kPſal. 116. 1. Pſal. 28. 6, 7.zeale, ioy, & louelove.
Expoſ. 25. The hearing of our holy prayers is a pledge of Gods louelove, and a ſweete, and comfortable teſtimonie of of his mercy, Pſal. 31. 21. 22. prouoking the heart cheerefully to praiſe, Pſa. 30. 8. 10, 11, 12.
36. When God anſweareth our praiers, the light of his countenance ſhineth vponupon vsus, and this reuiueth the dull ſpirits, Pſal. 116. 6, 7. 9. 2. Sam. 2. 27.
37. Experience of good receiued from God, and begged in prayer, doth quicken vsus thereunto, Pſal. 68. 6, 7. and 116. 1, 2.
38. God is vnchangeable, ſo that former mercies giuen, doe aſſure vsus of future bleſſings, Pſal. 61. 5, 6.
39. Though our hearts are cold by nature, yet the ſight of Gods louelove doth mooue vsus effectually to louelove the Lord againe, Pſal. 145. 18, 19, 20. 21.
Q. What muſt we doe if God anſwere vsus not the firſt or ſecond time?
A. Examine 40 how we lIam. 4. 3.pray, and mLuk. 18. 1.continue 41 feruent therein, waiting nHab. 2. 3. Pſal. 5. 3.vponupon the Lord vntill we ſpeed.
Expoſ. 40. Sometimes we aske and receiue not, becauſe we aske amiſſe, ignorantly, raſhly, coldly, with wearines, diſtruſtfully, and without louelove, Iob. 27. 9. Pro. 21. 13. asking either things not good, Matth. 20. 21. 22. Luk. 9. 54, 55. or not fit for them for whom we pray, or to a wrong end. But here obſerue that they doe pray well, that doe take notice of their wants in prayer, Pſal. 31. 22. and ſometimes the child of God prayeth beſt, when he knoweth not that he praieth at all, Rom. 8. 28. Alſo God ſometimes giueth vsus what we pray for, when we pray but coldly, Ma…. 9. 22. 24, 25. that he might encourage vsus to pray, and denies vsus ſometimes when we pray feruently, that we might not truſt to our prayers, Pſa. 22. 2.
41. God for a time may denie what we aske, Pſal. 6. 3. and 13. 1. that he may exerciſe our humilitie in regard of our wants, Lam. 3. 44. Iud. 10. 13. 14. our faith and patience in waiting, Matth. 15. 22, 23, 24. 26, 27, 28. and trie our obedience whither we will in conſciēce obey, though we want the comfort promiſed, Pſal. 44. 17, 18, 19. 26. Moreouer, he deferreth to helpe for a ſeaſon, to quicken vsus to prayer, make vsus knowe our ſelues, carefully preſerue his graces when once we hauehave them, and doe vsus good in the latter ende, Iud. 20. 26. we ſhould not then be faint hearted, but hold out vntounto the ende, being ſupported with faith, hope, and louelove, Pſal. 40. 1. and 37. 7.
Q. Who ought to pray?
A. Though God require oMatth. 7. 7, 8. Pſal. 14. 2.it of all men vponupon earth, yet it more ſpecially belongeth to the members of pIoh. 16. 23. 26.the Church militant.
Q. Who can or may pray with hope to ſpeede?
A. OnelyOnly they qPſal. 66. 18.that 42 depart from iniquity.
Expoſ. 42. Such onelyonly as feele the burden of ſinne, and hauehave a deſire to be eaſed, are called to come vntounto Chriſt; and hauehave a promiſe to find good ſucceſſe, Eſ. 55. …. Matth. 11. 28. Others doe but mocke God, Pſal. 78. 34. 35, 36. neither can they pray with the graces required, as faith, reuerence, feruencie, louelove, &c. ſo long as they louelove wickednes, Zach. 12. 10. 2. Tim. 2. 19. Prayer is not a worke of nature, but of the ſpirit of ſanctification, Rom. 8. 15. 28. Gal. 4. 4, 5. and he cannot fulfil the luſts of the fleſh, that hath the ſpirit of grace, dwelling in him, Gal. 5. 16. ſo that the prayers of the wicked, are an abhomination to the Lord, Pro. 15. 8. Io. 9. 31. Eſa. 58. 7, 8, 9. Ezek. 17. 18. Our deparing of ſinne is at the firſt very rude and imperfect, Io. 21. 15. 1. Pet. 2. 1. we muſt pray daily to be renued, Col. 1. 9. Phi. 1. 9. 10. 11. 1. Theſ. 3. 23.
Q. For whom muſt we pray?
A. For 43 all r1. Tim. 2. 1.ſorts of men now liuing, or that ſhall liue ſIo. 17. 20.hereafter, but 44 not for the tLuk. 16. 24, 25.dead.
Expoſ. 43. The commaundement of God, Iam. 5. 16. Eph. 6. 18. Col. 4. 3. Rom. 15. 30. our louelove to our brother▪ who is of our fleſh, and may appertaine to the kingdome of grace, Rom. 10. 1. 1. Io. 5. 16. doth require that we pray for al ſorts of men liuing, both priuate, Iam. 5. 14. 1. Sam. 12. 25. & publique perſons, 1. King 1. 36, 37. Eſr. 6. 10. friend, Iob. 42. 8. 10. and foe, Pſal. 35. 13. neere in blood, Numb. 12. 13. Gen. 25. 21. and 17. 18. and 27, 28. and 28. 3. 1. Chro. 29. 19. and ſtranger, Col. 1. 9. weake or ſtrong Chriſtians, 1. Theſ. 5. 14. Col. 4. 12. 2. Cor. 1. 11. Heb. 13. 18, 19. ſuch as ſtand, 2. Theſſ. 3. 5. or bee gone aſtray, Cant. 8. 8. Ex. 32. 31, 32. Rom. 10. 1. All neede the prayers one of another, Iam. …. 16. Satan ſeekes to moleſt and trouble all men, Luk. 22. 31. Iob. 1. 9, 10. Eph. 6. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 8. the fall of any man is a diſhonour to God, Rom. 2. 23, 24. a ſinners conuerſion brings glory to his name, Apo. 16. 9. Mal. 2. 1, 2. the prayer of the weakeſt Chriſtian is auaileable with God, Pſal. 65. 2. and 145. 18. Pſal. 102. 17. at leaſt it ſhall returne into his owne boſome, Pſal. 35. 13. Ezek. 14. 14. it is a ſpeciall act of louelove, Matth. 5. 44. a means to reconcile our enemies vntounto vsus, Rom. 12. 20. or to preuent danger, or hurt, that otherwiſe we might receiue from him, Pſal. 109. 4.
44. Prayers cannot auaile the dead, Reu. 14. 13. 1. Pet. 3. 19. Heb. 9. 27. neither can a prayer for them be a worke of faith: for commandement to doe it, promiſe of good to come by it, or approoued example to warrant it in Scripture, there is not any. Superſtition did firſt hatch theſe praiers, and ſuperſtition now is the foundation of them. LoueLove is the pretence which the ignorant ſort make to defend them, but indeede they are vaine, ignorant, raſh, and vncharitable.
Q. May men content themſelues to pray in priuate onelyonly, or onelyonly in publike?
A. No, but 4• they muſt uAct. 2. 42.vſe both publique and wLuk. 11. 1.priuate 46 prayer,
Expoſ. 45. Publique prayer, is that which is vſed in the publique meetings and aſſemblies of Gods feruants. This is a principall part of Gods worſhip, Act. 3. 1. acceptable vntounto his maieſty, becauſe we acknowledge him openly to be the giuer of eueryevery good gift, and ſpeake of his free fauours, to the praiſe of his grace, Pſal. 22. 25. and 40. 10. euer vſed in the houſe of God, Mat. 21. 13. ſanctifying eueryevery other dutie, 1. Tim. 4. 5. commaunded by Chriſt, who hath promiſed his preſence in a ſpeciall manner in the congregation, Pſal. 27. 4. Matth. 18. 20. Alſo hereby wee are quickned to pray more feruently, Zach. 8. 20, 21, 22. doe teſtifie our faith, hope, thankfulnes, profeſſe our ſelues to be the ſeruants of Chriſt, and ſtirre vp others by our example, Pſal. 95. 6. and 96. 1, 2, 7, 8. And it is much to our comfort, that what we aske, is approoued, and ſought with common conſent, publique ſeruice beeing of more worth then priuate, as a ſocietie exceedeth the worthines of one man, Pſa. 29. 9. and 87. 2. and 35. 18. and 111. 1.
46. Priuate prayer, is that which is performed in a familie, or by one alone. Zach. 12. 12, 13, 14. In the familie praier is neceſſarie, God by his commaundement binding parents and maſters to ſee it performed, Ioſh. 24. 15. Gen. 18▪ 18. the faithful hauehave followed the Lords dir…ction herein, Iob. 1. 5. hereby the affaires of the whole family are ſanctified, 1. Chro. 16. 43. Pſal. 127. 1. 1. Tim. 4. 5. and God will power downe a bleſſing vponupon that family, that ioyntly ſeeketh his fauour by hearty ſupplication, Act. 1. 14. 15. and 12. 5. 6. Alone we muſt pray, Gen. 24. 63. and 32. 9. 10. Luk. 11. 1. Matth. 6. 6. that we may be more fit to ioyne with others to our edification, and hauehave comfort when we are alone. Pſal. 30. 10. 11. 12. Alſo we hauehave priuate ſins to confeſſe, wants to bewaile, croſſes vnderunder which we ſhould be humbled, Pſal. 6. 2. 3. 6. 7. Matth. 14. 31. and fauours for which we ſhould be thankefull. Lam. 3. 23. Pſa. 71. 23, 24. and 66. 19. 20.
Q. What other meanes hath the Lord appointed to increaſe faith?
A. The due xGen. 17. 9, 10, 11. Rom. 4. 11.adminiſtration, and receiuing of the 1 Sacraments.
Expoſ. 1. This word Sacrament did in auncient times ſignifie an oath, wherby ſouldiers both bound themſelues to be true to their captaine, and the generall in like manner did bind himſelfe to the ſouldiers; but now it is vſed to ſignifie the ſeales of the couenant, whereby the Lord doth bind himſelf in Chriſt Ieſus to be mercifull to vsus, and we bind our ſelues to be true vntounto Chriſt. The Sacraments are ſpeciall meanes to confirme faith, becauſe Chriſt is after a ſpeciall manner repreſented and offered vntounto all, and effectually beſtowed vponupon eueryevery worthy communicant.
Q. Who ought to adminiſter the Sacraments?
A. OnelyOnly they that yHeb. 5. 4.are 2 lawfully called thereunto by the Church.
Expoſ. 2. Such are lawfully called to adminiſter the Sacraments, who being furniſhed with the gifts of knowledge, and holines, are ſet apart for that office by the Church, Deut. 33. 10. Mal. 2. 7. Mat. 5. 14, 15, 16. 1. Tim. 3. 2. 4, 5, 6, 7. Tit. 1. 7, 8, 9. Matth. 24. 45. Rom. 1. 1. Tit. 1. 5.
Q. What is a Sacrament?
A. A ſeale 3 of yRom. 4. 11.the couenant 4 of grace.
Expoſ. 3. Sacraments are appointed not onelyonly to helpe the vnderſtanding, and the memory, but alſo to perſwade, and aſſure the heart that Chriſt is ours.
4. That couenant is ſealed in the Sacrament, which God of his meere grace, and fauour, made with vsus in Ieſus Chriſt, being miſerable ſinners, Gen. 17. 7. 9. 10. 11. &c.
Q. In what words is this couenant expreſſed in Scripture?
A. I will be 5 thy zIer. 31. 33.God, and thou ſhalt be my people.
Expoſ. 5. In this couenant, God doth promiſe to be our Sauiour, King, and Father, to pardon our ſinne, ſanctifie our nature, beſtowe all good things vponupon vsus, and protect vsus from euill, Gen. 17. 1. 2. Leu. 26. 11. 12. 2. Cor. 6. 16, 17, 18. Heb. 8. 10. 11. 12. we promiſe to chooſe God to be our God, truſt on him, louelove▪ and feare him, and walke in obedience before him, Ex. 15. 2. and 19. 18. and 24. 3. 7.
Q. What are the parts of a Sacrament?
A. Two: an 6 outward viſible ſigne, ſanctified 7 to repreſent and ſeale another thing to the minde and heart; and an inward 8 grace, which is the thing ſignified.
Expoſ. 6. Of a ſigne there muſt needes be two parts, the vnderſtanding thereby conceiuing one thing, and the ſenſe another: Gen. 9. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. Eſa. 38. 7, 8. therefore of a Sacrament there muſt needes be two parts, one inward, another outward.
7. A ſiigne ſanctified, is that which is appointed by the Lord himſelfe to ſigfie, Exod. 40. 11. 13. and not by man vponupon any conceited analogy or proportion.
8. The inward grace, is the free and ſpirituall gift, which God beſtoweth vponupon the ſoule, Gen. 17. 7. Matth. 26. 28.
Q. Who is the Author of the Sacraments?
A. The Lord aEſa. 7. 14. and 38. 7.onelyonly 9 who made the couenant.
Expoſ. 9. God is the onelyonly Law-giuer of his Church, Iam. 4. 12. Matth. 23. 8. 10. Act. 3. 22. to teach it by word and ſigne. And as to forgiue ſinnes, and receiue vntounto grace is proper to the Lord alone, Mic. 7. 18. Hoſ. 14. 1, 2. ſo it is his peculiar to inſtitute a ſigne and ſeale for the confirmation thereof.
Q. How many Sacraments be there?
A. In 10 the Newe Teſtament onelyonly two: bIo. 1. 26.Baptiſme, and the Lords cLuk. 22. 19. 20.ſupper.
Expoſ. 10. In the old Teſtament the Iewes had many Sacraments, ſome ordinary, Gen. 17. 9. 11. 12. &c. Exod. 12. 1. 2. 3. &c. ſome extraordinarie, 1. Cor. 10. 1. 2. 3. 4. but the Newe Teſtament hath onelyonly two. For there be no moe Sacraments of the newe Teſtament then Chriſt did inſtitute, and receiue before his death, becauſe it was neceſſarie that he ſhould receiue both, to ſanctifie them in his owne perſon, and to ſeale that communion which is betweene him and vsus. The nature of a Sacrament agreeth not to the fiue forged Sacraments of the Papiſts; either they are not proper to Church, or are not inſtituted of God, or conſiſt not of an outward viſible ſigne, and an inward grace: the couenant of grace is ſealed in any of them. Theſe Sacraments of the Newe Teſtament are perpetuall and neuer to be abrogated, Heb. 8. 13.
Q. What is Baptiſme?
A. A 12 Sacrament eMatt. 28. 19. Act. 8. 38.of our ingrafting into Chriſt, communion with him, and entrance into the Church.
Expoſ. 12. The ſeed of Abraham, Gal. 3. 7. or children of Chriſtian Parents, are within the couenant, are Chriſtians and members of the Church, 1. Cor. 7. 14. Rom. 11. 16. Baptiſme therfore doth not make them Chriſtian ſoules, but doth ſolemnly ſignifie, and ſeale their ingrafting into Chriſt, and that communion which the members of Chriſt hauehave with him their Head, and doth confirme that they are acknowledged members of the Church, and entred into it. 1. Pet. 3. 21.
Q. What is the outward ſigne?
A. Water fAct. 10. 47., wherewith the party baptized is gMatth. 3. 6. 11. 13. 16. Act. 16. 15.waſhed, by dipping or ſprinkling hMatth. 28. 19.into the 12 name of the Father, Son, and holy Ghoſt.
Expoſ. 12. To bee baptized into the name of the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghoſt, is to be cōſecrated vntounto the worſhip and ſeruice of the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghoſt.
Q. What is the inward grace or thing ſignified?
A. Forgiueneſſe iMark. 1. 4. Act. 2. 38.of 13 ſinnes, and kTit. 3. 5.ſanctification.
Expoſ. 13. Water in Baptiſme doth ſignifie both Chriſts blood, by which all our ſinnes are waſhed away, and Chriſts ſpirit, by which wee are regenerated, Rom. 6. 3. Matth. 3. 11. Ioh. 1. 26. Col. 2. 12. wherefore the inward grace in Baptiſme, is the pardon of our ſinnes, and renewing of our nature. Tit. 3. 5.
Q. To what condition doth the party baptized binde himſelfe?
A. To beleeue dAct. 8. 37.in 14 Chriſt, and eMatth. 3. 12.to forſake his ſinne.
Expoſ. 14. Gods promiſe to vsus, and our promiſe to God implyed in the Couenant, is ſealed in Baptiſme, Act. 16. 14, 15. 31, 32, 33. ſo that we bind our ſelues thereby, to the performance of our duty. Infants baptized hauehave not the vſe of reaſon, much leſſe faith to beleeue; but yet as they bee in the couenant, ſo they doe oblige themſelues to beleeue in Chriſt, and depart from iniquitie; which they are bound to performe when they come to yeares of diſcretion, Act. 2. 39. with 2. Cor. 6. 17, 18.
Q. How oft neede a man to be baptized?
A. It is enough 15 once to be fAct. 7. 8.baptized: for baptiſme is a pledge of our gTit. 3. 5.new birth,
Expoſ. 15. We neuer read that Chriſt or his Apoſtles did adminiſter Baptiſme more then once, to one man. And Circumciſion, the ſeale of entrance into the Church of the Iewes, in the place whereof Baptiſme is come, was onelyonly once applyed by Gods appointment. Gen. 17. 23, 24, &c.
Q. Who ought to be baptized?
A. Infidels hAct. 8. 12.conuerted to 16 the faith; and 17 infants, iAct. 2. 39. 1. Cor. 7. 14.of one or both Chriſtian 18 parents.
Expoſ. 16. All they who be within the couenant, and ſuch onelyonly are to be receiued into Baptiſme.
17. Infants of Chriſtian parents are within the couenant; to them appertains the promiſe of forgiueneſſe of ſinnes, and the Kingdome of God. Alſo Circumciſion amongſt the Iewes, which anſwereth to our Baptiſme, was adminiſtred to Infants, Gen. 17. 12. and 21. 4. Luk. 1. 59. and 2. 21. And when the faithfull which the Scripture ſaith, were conuerted with their whole houſhold were baptized, it may probably bee thought there were ſome children amongſt them of thoſe houſholds, who were not excluded. Act. 16. 14, 15.
18. Though wee acknowledge ſuch onelyonly to be ſincere Chriſtians, who ſerue God with vpright hearts, Rom. 2. 28, 29. yet thoſe are not denied to be Chriſtians, who make ſo much as a generall profeſſion of Chriſt. Act. 11. 26. 1. Cor. 1, 2. with 5. 1, 2, 3. and 15. 12.
Q. What is the Lords Supper?
A. A k1. Cor. 10. 16.Sacrament of our continuance and growth in Chriſt.
Expoſ. 1. Chriſt is giuen to be ſpirituall nouriſhment vntounto the ſoule, that wee might grow and increaſe in him, Ioh. 6. 33. 48, 50, 51, 53, 54, 56. as plants are not onelyonly grafted, but doe growe in the ſtocke: and this is ſealed in this Sacrament.
Q. Who is the author of this Sacrament?
A. The Lord l1. Cor. 11. 23, 24.Ieſus 2 in the ſame night • that hee was betrayed.
Expoſ. 2. Chriſt who is the Lord and head of his Church, Act. 10. 36. Epheſ. 1. 22. Col. 1. 18. hauing authoritie to inſtitute Sacraments, Matth. 28. 18, 19. and power effectually to performe whatſoeuer is ſignified and ſealed therein, Ioh. 1. 4. Eph. 5. 14. did in his owne perſon inſtitute and ordaine it.
3. When Chriſt was preparing himſelfe to the greateſt worke of louelove that euer was, hauing his thoughts wholly bent to procure the eternall good of his Elect, then did he out of his infinite louelove, euen in the ſame night that he was to be betrayed, appoint this holy Sacrament; knowing that the inſtitution and ſealing of the Teſtament, ought to goe before the death of the Teſtator. This ſhould ſtirre vsus vp with care and reuerence, to receiue this pledge of Chriſts louelove, and to come vntounto it as vntounto a ſpirituall feaſt, beeing perſwaded that Chriſt will reſpect vsus now hee is glorified, ſeeing he did not forget vsus in his agonie and paſſion.
Q. What is the outward ſigne?
A. Bread 4 and mMat. 26. 27, 28.wine, with the actions pertaining to them, as 5 breaking, giuing, receiuing, eating, and drinking.
Expoſ. 4. Beſides that bread and wine are moſt vſuall, fit, and neceſſarie nouriſhments, Pſal. 104. 15. they doe of all other beſt ſerue to expreſſe the bodie and blood of Chriſt, Io. 6. 33. Leauened or vnleauened bread are of free vſe, Act. 20. 7. Matth. 26. 17. 26. but it is expedient, that it bee bread that hath ſubſtance in it. The vſe of the wafer cake is iuſtly blamed as ſuperſtitious by our Church. And becauſe the Sacrament is a ſpiritual feaſt, therefore the fineſt bread, and pure wine, is of moſt laudable vſe. Out of niggardlines to mixe water with wine, ſauoureth of an ill minde, Malac. 1. 7. 8. Chriſt beeing not onelyonly the true, but the ſufficient nouriſhment of the ſoule, intending to giuegive vsus a ful meale, appointed both bread and wine, and that ſeuerally to be vſed in the Lords Supper, 1. Cor. 11. 23, 24. So that it is ſacriledge to deliuer this Sacrament in one kind onelyonly, and preſumption not to adminiſter them ſeuerally, ſeeing Chriſt intended to ſet forth his violent death, wherein his bodie and blood were ſeparated.
5. The bread is to bee broken according to the example of Chriſt and his Apoſtles, becauſe this Sacrament was appointed ſpecially to repreſent the death and paſſion of our Sauiour Chriſt, in which his bodie was crucified, and his blood ſhed, Matth. 26. 26, 27, 28. Act. 20. 7.
Q. What is the inward grace?
A. Chriſt n1. Cor. 11. 24.with all 6 the benefits of 7 his death and paſſion.
Expoſ. 6. Not onelyonly Chriſt his benefits, but euen Chriſt himſelfe is offered vntounto vsus; for we cannot bee partakers of the benefits of Chriſt, vnleſſe we be vnited vntounto him. Io. 15. 2. Eph. 4. 16. Col. 2. 19. Chriſt is truely and ſpiritually preſent in the Sacrament, exhibited to the ſaith of eueryevery worthy receiuer, but not corporally vnited to the bread and wine in reſpect of place. Act. 3. 21. with Mat. 28. 6. Ioh. 16. 18.
7. The bread ſignifies the bodie of Chriſt, the wine betokeneth his blood; the breaking of the bread ſetteth foorth the crucifying of Chriſt, &c.
Q. What is the dutie of the Miniſter in the adminiſtration of the Sacrament?
A. To o1. Cor. 11. 23. 24. Matth. 26. 26, 27, 28. Mark. 14. 22. Luk. 22. 19.conſecrate 8 it by 9 declaring the inſtitution thereof, and 10 prayer, ioyned with thankſgiuing 11: as alſo to break the bread, and afterwards to deliuer the bread and wine to the people of God.
8. To conſecrate, is to ſet apart the bread and wine vntounto an holy vſe. 1. Tim. 4. 5. Ex. 13. 2. and 22. 29.
9. If Chriſt had not inſtituted this vſe of bread and wine, it could neuer hauehave had the beeing, efficacie, and vertue of a Sacrament; therfore the inſtitutiō ought to be declared.
10. God is euer ready preſt to beſtow a bleſſing vponupon his ordinances, Mal. 3. 10. Pſa. 81. 13. but yet looketh to be ſought vntounto, Ioh. 4. 10. Act. 6. 2. 4. and 4. 31. therfore the Miniſter muſt craue Gods bleſſing to ſanctifie the bread and wine to their right ends.
11. The worke of our Redemption being liuely ſet forth in this Sacrament; praiſe to God for that benefit ought not to be omitted, Reu. 5. 9. Pſa. 103. 4. Reu. 1. 5. 6. Zach. 9. 9.
Q. What is hereby ſignified?
A. The action of God the Father, offering Chriſt to all, and beſtowing him p1. Cor. 10. 16.effectually vponupon the worthy receiuer.
Q. What is the dutie of the receiuers?
A. To qMatth. 26. 26, 27. 1. Cor. 11. 23, 24.receiue 12 the bread and wine deliuered, and to 13 eate and drink thereof.
Expoſ. 12. It is moſt expedient, to receiue the bread and cup into the hand, and not ſuperſtitiouſly, or vnſeemely to hauehave the bread put, or the wine powred into the mouth. Matth. 26. 26. 1. Cor. 14. 40.
13. Eating importeth more then to ſuffer a thing to melt in the mouth; for commō bread fit for nouriſhment which ſhould be vſed, ſhould by chewing, &c. be prepared for the ſtomacke.
Q. What is ſignified he rehy?
A. Our r1. Cor. 10. 16.receiuing and feeding vponupon Chriſt by faith.
Q. Is it ſufficient to receiue this Sacrament once?
A. No: but ſAct. 2. 42. and 20. 7.we muſt receiue it 14 often.
Expoſ. 14. Chriſts commandement, 1. Cor. 11. 26. the Apoſtles practiſe, Act. 20. 7. our owne neceſſitie, weaknes of faith, 1. Sam. 27. 1. Mar. 16. 14. dulneſſe of vnderſtanding, Io. 20. 9. Mar. 8. 17. 18. forgetfulneſſe, Luk. 24. 6. and ſpirituall wants and decayes in grace, Mat. 24. 12. Reu. 2. 4. and 3. 2. doe require that we receiue this Sacrament often, Reu. 3. 2. 3. We muſt receiue it as often, as it is adminiſtred in that Congregation where we liue, vnleſſe wee be iuſtly hindred; or companies in great pariſhes bee ſorted for ſeuerall dayes, becauſe they cannot commmunicate all at once, Numb. 9. 13. 2. Chro. 30. 12. Act. 2. 42. Mat. 22. 5. 6. 1. Cor. 10. 16.
Q For what end and vſe ought we to receiue this Sacrament?
A. To t1. Cor. 10. 16.conſirme our 15 faith, communion with Chriſt, and all ſauing graces in vsus, to keepe 16 in u1. Cor. 11. 24. 26.remembrance the Lords death vntill he come againe, and to teſtifie w1. Cor. 12. 13.our louelove one vntounto another.
Expoſ. 15. The increaſe of faith, and of communion with Chriſt, inferre neceſſarily an increaſe of all graces which ſpring thence as from the roote. Io. 15. 4. Eph. 2. 21. 22. Io. 7. 37.
16. This ſtirreth vp to a more ſerious thinking on Chriſts louelove and goodnes in his death, and ſo preſerues the ſame more truely in memorie. And by eating this bread, & drinking this wine men do profeſſe, and after a ſort preach vntounto others, vntounto the worlds ende, the my ſterie of the Goſpel; the ſumme and ſubſtance whereof conſiſteth in the death of Ieſus Chriſt, and the fruits that flowe therefrom, ſhadowed in the Sacrament.
Q. What is the danger of vnworthy receiuing?
A. Vnworthy x1. Cor. 11. 27. 29.receiuers 17 are guiltie of the 18 body and blood of the Lord, and doe eate and drinke iudgement to themſelues.
Expo. 17. Vnworthy receiuers are ſuch who eate and drinke vnworthily, that is, who receiue the bread and wine without due reuerence & reſpect to the myſterie contained in them. 2. Sam. 6. 6. 1. Sam. 6. 19. 2. Chro. 30. 20. or to the holy endes why they were ordained, or to the perſon by whoſe authoritie they were appointed. 1. Sam. 2. 29. with Reu. 3. 4. Luk. 3. 8.
18. To bee guiltie of the bodie and blood of the Lord, is to offer a ſpeciall wrong & iniurie to the perſon of Chriſt, and his ſufferings, and in a ſpeciall manner to ſinne againſt the worke of our redemption, which is fully ſet forth in the Lords ſupper.
Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament?
A. Such as know 19 their miſerie yMatth. 11. 28.by ſin, the remedie thereof in Chriſt, and zExod. 12. 26. 27.the •• doctrine of the Sacrament; withall earneſtly aReu. 22. 17.longing 21 to be ſatisfied with the bread of life.
Expoſ. 19. Chriſts death is ſignified by the Sacrament, and Chriſt with all the benefits of his death and paſſion is offered herein: vnleſſe we knowe Chriſt, our miſerie without him, and the exceeding benefits of his death, we can neuer deſire, Io. 4. 10. or reioyce in thankſgiuing for that merciemercy. Rom. 7. 25. Eph. 2. 1. 4. and 5. 8. 1. Tim. 1. 13, 14.
20. This Sacrament is a ſigne and ſeale: therefore before we can vſe it wel, or prepare to receiue; or examine our ſelues how we receiue, 1. Cor. 11. 28. we muſt hauehave vnderſtanding. Exod. 12. 26, 27. Ioſh. 4. 6. 2. Chro. 30. 22.
21. The thirſty who are euer lowly, are the onelyonly welcome gueſts vntounto the Lords table, Ioh. 7. 37. Reu. 22. 15. This deſire is ſtirred vp in vsus by a conſideration of the neceſſitie of the Sacrament, our owne want thereof, Math. 9. 12. the benefits beſtowed therein, Pſ. 63. 1, 2, 3. P…. 4. 7. and the helps wee hauehave thereby to quicken and confirme our faith.