A Short Treatise Containing the Principal Grounds of Christian Religion, Catechism · Question 66 – Question 101
Q. Why was Chriſt a 20 King?
A. To 21 bridle hPſal. 110. 1. Col. 2. 14. 1. Cor. 15. 28. 1. Ioh. 10. 16. Hag. 2. 7.and ſubdue all his enemies, but i to 22 gather, and kEzek. 34. 23, 24.gouerne 23 his elect and choſen.
Expoſ. 20. The Kingly office of Chriſt is his ſpirituall, eternall, and abſolute dominion, Luk. 17. 20. Ioh. 18. 36. Dan. 2. 44. and 7. 14. Heb. 1. 8. Reu. 3. 7. whereby beeing appointed of the Father, Pſal. 2. 6, 7. and 45. 7. Pſal. 110. 2. Matth. 11. 27. Act. 2. 33. Lord of all things in heauen and earth, Heb. 2. 7, 8. and peculiarly King and Head of his Church, Eph. 1. 21, 22. he doth confound and deſtroy all his enemies, but doth gather and goue…n his elect, Hoſ. 1. 7. Eſa. 33. 22. by his word and ſpirit, for their ſaluation and the glorie of God, Eſa. 32. 15. and 59. 21. 1. Theſſ. 1. 5.
21. The enemies of Chriſt are Sathan and all his angels with all their workes, to wit, ſinne and death, Gen. 3. 15. Eph. 2. 2. 2. Cor. 4. 4. 2. Cor. 6. 15. to which we muſt adde all wicked men, who bee the inſtruments of Sathan, Ioh. 8. 44. 1. Ioh. 3. 8. amongſt whom the Antichriſt of Rome is cheife, 2. Theſſ. 2. 3. Theſe enemies Chriſt hath alreadie ouercome in his owne perſon, Eph. 4. 8. Col. 2. 14. Io. 12. 31. he doth daily bridle and repreſſe by his wiſedome, power, word, and ſpirit, Luk. 10. 18, 19. Luk. 2. 34. Reu. 12. 5. and 2. 27. 2. Cor. 10. 4, 5. and he will perfectly ſubdue at the day of iudgement, 1. Cor. 15. 25. adiudging the deuill and all his partakers to eternall condemnation, Mat. 25. 46. and vtterly aboliſhing ſinne and death, 1. Cor. 15. 26. Further is to be noted, that Chriſt as Mediatour in the execution of his Kingly office, doth outwardly call ſome wicked and vngodly men, Mat. 22. 1. 14. and 20. 16. preſcribe a law how they ought to walke, Iam. 4. 12. beſtowe many good things vponupon them both ſpirituall and temporall, though not ſuch as accompanie ſaluation, Heb. 6. 4, 5. Mat. 13. 19, 20, 21. Luk. 8. 13, 14. Iob 22. 18. and inflict diuerſe puniſhments vponupon them, in this life and the life to come, for their ſinne and diſobedience, Matth. 13. 12. and 25. 28. Eſ. 6. 10. 2. Theſſ. 2. 10, 11. Luk. 16. 23.
22. Chriſt doth not onelyonly by his word call his elect to faith, repentance, and the participation of the couenant of grace, Mark. 1. 14, 15. Matth. 11. 28. but he doth alſo effectually mooue them by his Spirit to repent and beleeue, Pſ. 110. 3. 2. Theſ. 2. 13, 14. Eph. 3. 16, 17.
23. The functions of Chriſts Kingly office, appertaining to the gouernement of his elect, are 1. The preſcription of lawes according to which his ſubiects ought to beleeue and liue; which ſtands not onelyonly in appointing the faithfull by the miniſterie of his word to liue godly, iuſtly, and ſoberly; but alſo in writing his lawe in their hearts by his holy Spirit, and inabling them by the ſame Spirit, to doe in ſome meaſure what hee requireth, Tit. 2. 11, 12. Ier. 31. 33. Ezeck. 36. 27. Ioh. 1. 16. 2. The communication and beſtowing of all good things vponupon them, appertaining to this or a better life, ſo farre as he knowes it needfull or profitable: vnderunder which we are to comprehend the remoouing of things hurtfull, and the defending of his ſubiects againſt them, Pſa. 68. 18. Iam. 1. 16, 17. Pſ. 23. 1, 2, 3. 1. Cor. 12. 8, 9, 10, 11. Eph. 1. 7. Act. 26. 18. Matth. 9. 6. Gal. 4. 4, 5. Rom. 8. 15, 16. 2. Cor. 12. 9. Phil. 4. 13. Luk. 22. 32. Ioh. 17. 11, 12. 22. 23. 1. Ioh. 4. 4. Gen. 9. 26. 27. Pſal. 81. 13, 14. Act. 4. 16. and 5. 13. Pſal. 34. 9, 10. Tit. 1. 15. Rom. 14. 14, 15. Eſa. 27. 7. Ier. 46. 28. 3. The receiuing of his elect vntounto himſelfe, and the giuing of eternall life vntounto them hauing pronounced ſentence on their ſide, Matth. 25. 46.
Q. What benefits doe wee receiue by the death and reſurrection of Chriſt?
A. We are redeemed from the 24 guilt, lCol. 1. 14.puniſhment 25, and power mLuk. 2. 74. Tit. 2. 14. 1. Cor. 15. 13.of ſinne, & ſhall be raiſed vp at the laſt day,
Expoſ. 24. Chriſt hath paid our debts, and anſwered whatſoeuer the lawe did require at our hands, 1. Pet. 2. 21. 24. and laid downe his life, according to the wil of his Father, Ioh. 10. 15. ſo that the law hath nothing againſt vsus, Col. 2. 14. Chriſts death muſt needs bee acceptable, Eph. 5. 2. and conſequently wee are not bound ouer to puniſhment.
25. Puniſhment is inflicted becauſe of ſinne, Iob. 4. 8. Prou. 22. 8. and 28. 18. Hoſ. 10. 13. and 14. 1. beeing freed from ſinne we are not liable to iudgement, 1. Sam. 12. 13. Ier. 4. 14. Ezeck. 18. 32. It ſtands not with the iuſtice of God, beeing once fully ſatisfied, to require a ſecond paiment at our hands, Gen. 18. 25. Matth. 3. 17. neither will it ſtand with his glorious mercy, the honour of Chriſt who is a perfect Redeemer, Tit. 2. 14. the price of his blood, 1. Cor. 6. 21. nor with our faith in praying for full pardon of all our debts, Matth. 6. 12. or our peace with God, Rom. 5. 1. nor yet with right reaſon, that the guilt of ſinne ſhould be remooued, and yet puniſhment for ſinne inflicted.
Q. How are we redeemed from the guilt and puniſhment of ſinne?
A. God the Father accepting the death of Chriſt as a full nRom. 3. 24, 25. Col. 1. 14.ranſome and ſatisfaction to his iuſtice, doth freely diſcharge and acquite vsus from all our ſinnes.
Q. How are we redeemed from the power and tyrannie of ſinne?
A. Chriſt by 26 his oRom. 6. 3. 4.death killeth ſin in vsus, and by his 27 reſurrection doth quicken vsus to newneſſe of life.
Expoſ. 26. Chriſt by his death did conquer ſinne; and the old man in vsus is truely ſaid to be crucified, dead, and buried, in and with the body of Chriſt, we beeing ingrafted into the ſimilitude of his death, Col. 2. 12. 20.
27. Hauing communion with Chriſt in his life, we are raiſed vp to a ſpirituall life, Rom. 8. 11. and hauehave our conuerſation in heauen, Phil. 3. 20. But this life is onelyonly begun here, and groweth by degrees, beeing perfected in heauen.
Q What are the benefits of Chriſts aſcention?
A. The leading pEph. 4. 8. 11.of captiuitie captiue, the giuing of gifts vntounto men, the powring qAct. 2. 16, 17.his ſpirit vponupon his people, and preparing rIoh. 14. 3.a place for them.
Q. What are the benefits of his interceſſion?
A. The perſons of the faithfull do alwaies remaine iuſt, and their works ſ1. Pet. 2. 5. Gen. 4. 4. Exod. 28. 38.acceptable in the ſight of God; hereby alſo they are defended againſt the accuſations of all their enemies.
Q. How wil the knowledge of theſe things worke in the heart of him whom God will ſaue?
A. It brings him to a ſerious tIer. 8. 6, 7. Luk 15. 17.conſideration of his owne eſtate, to uAct. 2. 37.grieue for ſinne, and the feare of Gods diſpleaſure, whereby wAct. 9, 6.the heart is 28 broken and humbled.
Expoſ. 28. The heart is broken and humbled, when it is caſt downe with the ſight of ſinne, Pſa. 51. 17. bruiſed with the weight of Gods wrath, and melted away for feare, Pſal. 119. 120. 2. Kin. 22. 19. knowing that God hath aduantage againſt him, and that he is worthy to be condemned.
Q. What elſe will this knowledge worke?
A. It will bring xLuk. 15. 18.a man 2• to confeſſe his ſinne, highly to yMatth. 13. 44.prize Chriſt, and hunger 30 after zEſa. 55. 1. Ioh. 7. 37.him vntill he obtaine his deſire.
Expoſ. 29. He will acknowledge his ſinnes to God as particularly as he can, 1. Tim. 1. 13. and with ſighes and grones, for pardon and forgiuenes, Rom. 8. 26.
30. Hunger after Chriſt muſt be feruent, as a thirſtie man longeth for drinke; and continuall, neuer giuing ouer till the deſire be obtained. With this deſire there is alwaies ioyned an high prizing of Chriſt, and an aduiſed willingnes to for goe all things for Chriſts ſake, Phi. 1. 22. 23. with 3. 7, 8.
Q. How are we made partakers of Chriſt with all his benefits?
A. By 1 faith aIo. 3. 16. and 1. 12. Act. 13. 39.alone,
Expoſ. 1. By faith alone we are ingrafted into Chriſt, Rom. 11. 20. receiue him, Io. 6. 56. hauehave communion with him, Reu. 3. 20. and ſo are made partakers of all his benefits, Io. 3. 36. alſo faith is the condition of the couenant of grace. Act. 16. 31. Io. 3. 18. Mar. 16. 19. Io. 9. 30. Rom. 4. 3. 5.
Q. What is faith?
A. A 2 reſiſting bPſal. 2. 12. Act. 16. 31.vponupon Chriſt alone for ſaluation,
Expoſ. 2. Bare aſſenting to the truth of Gods promiſes vponupon the credit of the reuealer, is not true and iuſtifying faith, Matth. 21. 32. Io. 2. 23. Luk. 24. 25. Luk. 8. 13. but when the poore ſoule doth caſt it ſelfe vponupon the free promiſe of God made in Ieſus Chriſt, for pardon of ſin, it doth truely beleeue, Act. 9. 42. Io. 14. 1. Io. 5. 24. with Rom. 4. 5. Eſ. 28. 16. with Rom. 9. 33. Act. 18. 8. with Rom. 10. 10, 11. This faith is certaine, Mat. 16. 18. though mixed with many doubtings, Luk. 1. 18. and 17. 5. Mar. 9. 24. and continuall, Luk. 22. 31. 32. though often ſhaken, Luk. 24. 21. A full perſwaſion ſeemes rather an effect of a ſtrong faith. Rom. 4. 21. then the nature of true faith. Ioy is a fruite of faith, 1. Pet. 1. 8. Act. 8. 6, 7, 8. Rom. 5. 4. but not an inſeparable companion thereof; a man may hauehave true faith, and feele little, or no comfort, Pſal. 22. 1. and 31. 10. and 77. 2.
Q. What is the ground of faith?
A. The free 3 promiſes of cRom. 4. 18. Heb. 11. 11.God, made in Chriſt, concerning the forgiuenes of ſinnes, and eternall righteouſnes.
Expoſ. 3. Temporall bleſſings, Eccl. 9. 12. ciuill vertues, Luk. 18. 12, 13. 14. a generall notice that Chriſt wil ſaue the elect, Matth. 13. 20. 21. ſenſe, reaſon, experience, feeling, Pſal. 10. 1. and 51. 12. are not the grounds of ſaith, but only the promiſes, which God of his grace hath made vntounto vsus in Chriſt, which ought to be receiued, becauſe God that cannot lie hath ſpoken them, Tit. 1. 2. 2. Tim. 2. 13.
Q. How is faith wrought in vsus?
A. Inwardly by dAct. 16. 14.the 4 ſpirit as the Author, outwardly by the eRom. 10. 14. Heb. 5. 11. 12. and 6. 12.preaching of the word, and 5 Catechiſing, as the inſtrument thereof,
Expoſ. 4. Faith is the gift of God, Ph. 1. 29. and a grace ſupernaturall; a man of himſelfe can no more beleeue, then a corrupt fountaine can ſend forth ſweete waters, 1. Cor. 2. 14.
5. By Catechiſing, vnderſtand a pure, plaine, briefe, and orderly inſtruction of the people in the cheife grounds of Chriſtian religion, 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Cor. 3. 1. 1. Pet. 3. 15. Heb. 6. 1, 2. Rom. 6. 17. ſo that the people may clearely and manifeſtly ſee the way vntounto ſaluation, and may knowe how to make vſe both of the Lawe, and of the Goſpel, for their humiliation and comfort, vnderſtanding how one thing dependeth vponupon another, goeth before, or followeth after.
Hereby Chriſtians are inabled to referre that which they read, to ſome head, readily to apply what they heare, to fit purpoſe, try it, and hauehave it in readines, in the time of neede. In a word to profite by the publique miniſterie, Heb. 5. 11, 12. and to knowe how to goe forward in godlines in an holy methode. To ſay nothing that Catechiſing is profitable to informe the iudgement, reforme the affection, and quicken both to the duties of a Godly life.
Q. How doth the word worke faith in vsus?
A. By ſhewing vsus fRom. 7. 7. Gal. 3. 22.our miſerie, and the true gGal. 4. 4, 5.meanes of our recouerie, encouraging vsus hMatth. 11. 28. Eſ. 61. 1, 2, 3. Reu. 22. 17.being 6 humbled, to receiue the promiſes of the Goſpel,
Expoſ. 6. The word commaundeth the humbled to beleeue, promiſeth them comfort, Matth. 9. 13. Luk. 15. 32. ſetteth forth the neceſſity, and exellency of faith, Io. 3. 18. 39. the danger of vnbeleife, Mar. 16. 15. Io. 12. 48. Act. 13. 46. the tender mercies and compaſſions of the Lord, Pſal. 103. 8. 12. and how he inuiteth, perſwadeth, and intreateth him to beleeue, 2. Cor. 5. 20.
Q. How doth the Spirit worke by the word?
A. It doth teach vsus wiſedome iEzek. 36. 37. 31.to apply things generally ſpoken, particularly to our ſelues, ſecretly vpholdeth againſt deſpaire, ſtirreth vp lPh. 2. 13.in vsus good deſires, doth mEzek. 11. 19. and 36. 26.ſoften the heart, and drawe nIoh. 6. 44.vsus to reſt vponupon Chriſt for ſaluation, before we oMatth. 11. 28. 29.hauehave the feeling of comfort,k Pſal. 51. 12.
Q. By what meanes is faith encreaſed?
A. By 7 hearing p1. Pet. 2. 2.the ſame word preached or Catechiſed, and likewiſe qLuk. 17. 5.by earneſt 8 prayer.
Expoſ. 7. Hearing the word preached, is ordained of God as a meanes to increaſe knowledge, Matth. 15. 10. Pro. 1. 5. and 8. 33. Pſal. 73. 16. 17. 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 14. 24. 25. to rectifie the iudgement, to giuegive counſell in doubtfull caſes, Pſa. 119. 24. Pſal. 73. 16. 17. to perfect the faith of the weake, Rom. 10. 8. 1. Theſſ. 3. 10. to make ſtable the ſtrong, Act. 20. 32. Rom. 1. 11. 12. to comfort them that are in heauines, 1. Theſ. 2. 11. and 3. 2. and 5. 14. to raiſe them that are fallen, 2. Sam. 12. 12. 13. Gal. 6. 1. to call backe them that wander, Eſ. 30. 21. to ſtirre vp the graces of Gods ſpirit, Cant. 4. 16. 2. Pet. 1. 13. to refreſh the ſoules of the Saints with ſweete and heauenly conſolations, Cant. 1. 1. Pſal. 119. 162. Col. 2. 2. and to build both weake and ſtrong, vntounto perfect holines, Eph. 4. 11. 1. Pet. 5. 2. 1. Tim. 4. 16. Iam. 1. 21.
8. As libertie to pray is a ſweete priuiledge Eph. 2. 18. becauſe thereby we doe, and may continually commune with the Lord after a familiar manner, 2. Sam. 7. 18. Pſal. 5. 1, 2, 3. and lay open our griefes into his boſome, 1. Sam. 1. 15. Pſ. 130. 1. 2. and 61. 1, 2. we doe teſtific our dutifull affection to him, Luk. 15. 18. and become helpers to others; Rom. 15. 30. Ph. 1. 19. 2. Theſ. 3. 1. Col. 4. 12. ſo it doth adde ſtrength to faith, Luk. 17. 5. for it giues life to the graces of God that are in vsus: by it we obtaine at the hand of God what good we ſtand in neede of, Matth. 7. 7. Iſ. 65. 24. we growe better acquainted with God, Gen. 18. 23. 27. Iam. 4. 8. we fight manfully againſt corruption, Eph. 6. 18. and learne to direct our ſelues in a godly life: by it croſſes are preuented, remooued, or ſanctified, Pſ. 3. 4. Eſ. 37. 1. 6. al things are ſanctified, 1. Tim. 4. 5. and we kept that we fall not into temptation, Matth. 26. 41. yea often we obtaine much mort good, then we deſire or expect, 1. Kin. 3. 13. Eph. 3. 20. So that prayer is a key to open the dore of Gods treaſure-houſe, Matth. 7. 7. a preſent remedy to an oppreſſed mind, Pſal. 6. 1. 8. and 31. 21. 22. a preſeruer of the godly mind, 2. Theſ. 3. 5. a giuer of ſtrength to the weake, Eph. 3. 14. 16. and an eſpeciall meanes to make a man fit to liue in eueryevery e…tate, Col. 1. 9. 10.
Q. How muſt we hear that we may get profi?
A. 9 With rEſ. 66. 2.reuerence, ſIam. 1. 21.meekenes 10, ioy 11, a tMatth. 13. 44.longing 12 deſire u1. Pet. 2. 2.to learn…, and giuing 13 credit to the truth.w Heb. 4. 1. 2.
Expoſ. 9. Reuerence is an affection of the heart, ariſing from an apprehenſion of Gods maieſtie, and our owne vilenes, whereby we are prepared to heare the word with humilitie, feare, and attention, Act. 10. 33. 1. Theſſ. 2. 13. Io. 12. 48. and 11. 28. Heb. 11. 28. Iob. 42. 5. 6. Pſa. 62. 11. Act. 16. 14.
10. Meekenes is an affection, whereby we are contented to beare the rebukes of the lawe, and to hauehave the duties of the word, to be preſſed vponupon vsus, 1. Sam. 3. 18. 2. King. 20. 19. Pſal. 25. 9. 12. Heb. 13. 22.
11. Ioy is a delight of the ſoule for ſome good thing that is preſent, Act. 8. 8. Ex. 6. 9.
12. A longing deſire to learne, is an eager appetite to be further acquainted with the knowledge of the truth, that we may reape fruite, and benefite by the ſame, Pro. 27. 7. Pro. 2. 3. 4. 9. Pſa. 119. 34. 40. 5. 35. and 7. 17.
13. To giuegive credit to the truth, is to beleeue the whole truth and eueryevery part of it, as true, and certaine, both to others and to our ſelues, ſo as we expect the benefit promiſed therein, and the effecting and making void of whatſoeuer is there ſpoken. 2. Chron. 20. 20. Eſa. 7. 9.
Q. How elſe?
A. We muſt xPſal. 1. 2. and 119. 14. 15.meditate 14 of that wee heare, apply it to our 15 ſelues, conferre of yIoh. 4. 53.it with 16 others, and with zEſa. 2. 3. Luk. 2. 51.diligence 17 ſet about the practiſe of what is required.
Expoſ. 14. Meditation is the very life of reading and hearing, 1. Tim. 4. 15. and it is a ſeparation of our ſelues purpoſely from other matters, that we may ſeriouſly think of what hath been taught, Gen. 24. 63. that it may be ſetled in the mind, and worke vponupon the affections, Ier. 8. 6. for which end we muſt ioyne examination and prayer, Luk. 18. 1.
15. To apply the word to our ſelues, is to lay it to our heart as concerning vsus, 1. Cor. 11. 28. 2. Cor. 13. 5. that the commaundements may guide vsus, the threatnings may humble vsus for ſinnes paſt, 2. Sam. 12. 12, 13. and 24. 10. and affright vsus from ſinne to come, the exhortations may incite vsus to our dutie with cheerfulneſſe, Eccl. 12. 11. and the promiſes may be for our ſupport and comfort, whether they bee in plaine ſpeaches, or myſticall propheſies, Pſal. 119. 71, 72. 52. ver.
16. We muſt communicate to others what wee hauehave learned, and learne of others what we are ignorant of, doe not well vnderſtand, or hauehave forgotten; and by admonition, exhortation, and comfort, helpe to ſtrengthen and edifie one another, Heb. 3. 13. Iob 16. 4, 5. Rom. 1. 11, 12. Leu. 19. 17. Prou. 27. 5, 6. 1. Theſſ. 5. 11. 14. Iude v. 20.
17. Inwardly we muſt heartily deſire and ſtriue, and outwardly we muſt bee carefull without delaies to take all opportunities of doing the good that God requireth, 2. Chron. 17. 6. and 19. 3. and 27. 6. Luk. 8. 15. beeing humbled for negligence and ſinne paſt, watching and fighting againſt corruption for the time to come, 1. Cor. 9. 26, 27. cheriſhing one another with befitting comforts, Eſa. 40. 1.
Q. What is Prayer?
A. It is 1 a calling vponupon God in the name of Chriſt, with the aExo. 14. 15. 1. Sam. 1. 13. 15.heart, and ſomtimes with the 2 voice, according to b1. Ioh. 5. 14.his will for our ſelues and others.
Expoſ. 1. The Commaundements, Pſ. 105. 1. 4. and 81. 10. Eſa. 55. 6. 1. Theſſ. 5. 17. Rom. 12. 12. promiſes, Matth. 7. 7. & 21. 22. Mar. 11. 24. Pſa. 91. 15. Eſ. 65. 24. Ier. 29. 12. Eſa. 49. 17. Ioh. 16. 23. threatnings of the Lord, Zeph. 3. 12. Ezec. 22. 30, 31. Dan. 9. 13, 14. Matth. 26. 41. the examples of Chriſt himſelfe, and all his people, Luk. 3. 21. and 9. 18, 29. Act. 1. 14. 24. and 2. 42. and 4. 24. and 9. 11. 14. 2. Tim. 2. 19. 22. our own neceſſities, Iud. 3. 9. 15. and 4. 3. Eſa. 26. 16. Pſa. 18. 6. Phil. 4. 6. and ſucceſſe of prayer, Pſ. 120. 1. Pſa. 3. 4. Pſ. 32. 5, 6. are ſufficient motiues and reaſons to induce vsus to the practiſe of this dutie.
2. It is lawful to vſe the voice in praier, to quicken our dulneſſe, inflame our deuotion, preuent rouings, and to edifie our brethren, Zeph. 3. 9. Pſa. 88. 1.
Q. To whom muſt we pray?
A. To 3 God cIoh. 16. 23. Col. 3. 17.alone in the name 4 of Chriſt.
Expoſ. 3. God onelyonly is eueryevery where preſent, Ier. 23. 23, 24. knoweth all hearts, 1. Kin. 8. 39. Ier. 17. 9. Pſa. 94. 9, 10. heareth all prayers. Neh. 1. 6. Pſa. 65. 2. Pſ. 66. 19, 20. is moſt able to helpe, Pſ. 57. 2. Eph. 3. 20. prayer is a diuine worſhippe, Pſal. 15. and 44. 20, 21. a ſpirituall ſacrifice, Matth. 1. 11. Pſa. 141. 2. Reu. 8. 4. and 5. 8. Exod. 22. 20. and in God onelyonly we ought to beleeue, Ioh. 14. 1. therefore he onelyonly is to be called vponupon, Rom. 10. 13, 14. as the verie Heathen ſawe by the light of nature, Ion. 1. 5.
4. To pray in the name of Chriſt, is not rudely and cuſtomarily to ſay theſe words, Through Ieſus Chriſt our Lord, &c. but in the confidence of the merits and interceſſion of Ceriſt, to call on our heauenly Father, Dan. 9. 17. Since the fall of man, none are called to come to God, or hauehave a promiſe to ſpeed, but in the name of a Mediator, Ioh. 14. 6. Heb. 4. 16. 1. Tim. 2. 5. 1. Ioh. 2. 1. Rom. 8. 33. Hebr. 7. 25. in Chriſt alone we hauehave acceſſe to the throne of grace, Eph. 2. 18. and 3. 12. Angels or Saints departed doe not preſent our prayers before God: for Chriſt onelyonly is our Mediator and high Prieſt, who getteth our prayers acceptance before God, Heb. 1. 3. and 4. 14. Reu. 8. 3. and to preſent our prayers before God, and to procure them acceptance with God, is in phraſe of Scripture all one. Dan. 10. 12. Act. 10. 4. 31.
Q. Ought we not in prayer to make particular confeſſion of our ſinnes?
A. Yes, ſo farre as d1. Sam. 12. 19. Pſal. 19. 13.we can come to the knowledge of them, and this we muſt doe eNeh. 8. 9.with 4 griefe, 5 hatred, and 6 ſhame, freely fNeh. 9. 33.accuſing and condemning our ſelues before God, with gZac. 12. 10.broken and contrite hearts.
Expoſ. 4. Sorrowe for ſinne muſt bee hearty and continuall, and as much as may be particular, Pſa. 102. 4. eſpecially for the ſinnes which hauehave made great breaches in the ſoule, Pſa. 51. 1, 2, 4. yea ſinne ſhould be our cheife ſorrowe.
5. The ſoule ſhould abhorre ſinne, eſpecially for the loathſomneſſe of it, Pſa. 97. 10. Pſa. 119. 163. Iob 42. 6. Amos 5. 15. darkening Gods glorie, Gen. 39. 9. breaking his law, ſoiling all it toucheth, 2. Cor. 7. 1. Iam. 1. 21. Hag. 2. 12, 13.
6. God is infinite in Maieſtie, Pſa. 86. 10. and of pure eyes, Hab. 1. 13. a man therefore ſhould bluſh at the remembrance and confeſſion of ſinnes before God, Ezr. 9. 6. and Dan. 9. 7. ſeeing his face would bee couered with ſhame, if a man ſhould know them.
Q. What are the parts of Prayer?
A. Petition and Thankſgiuing.
Q. What is Petition?
A. It is a Prayer wherein we deſire the preuenting hEſa. 37. 20. Matth. 6. 13., or iPſa. 6. 1, 2, 3, 4.remoouing of things hurtfull, and the obtaining of things needful either for this life, or that which is to come.
Q. How may wee make our requeſts that we may be heard?
A. With k1. Cor. 14. 15.vnderſtanding 6, lMat. 11. 28.feeling 7 of our wants, mIam. 5. 17.8 feruencie, nEccl. 5. 2.9 reuerence, o1. Tim. 2. 8.hope 10 to ſpeed, and pMat. 6. 14. Mar. 11. 25.louelove 11.
Expoſ. 6. Blind deuotion is not pleaſing to God, Prou. 19. 2. Act. 17. 22, 23, 24. Ioh. 4. 22. who requireth to be ſerued with the mind, Mat. 22. 37. Luk. 10. 27. We muſt therfore know the will of God, appearing by his commandements, promiſes, threatnings, and the approoued practiſe of the Saints, that we muſt deſire and pray for, and onelyonly ſo as we knowe Gods word doth warrant vsus, 1. Ioh. 5. 14. Our words, matter, and meaning in praier, are meet to be vnderſtood.
7. In prayer we ſhould feele ſinne as a burthen, Ier. 31. 18. Eſa. 63. 17. and be pinched with our want of grace, Pſa. 51. 10, 11, 12. Iam. 1. 5. which ariſeth from a conſideration of Gods iudgments due to ſinne, Ezra. 9. 6, 7. and of the neceſſity of ſauing grace, Luk. 17. 5. 2. Cor. 12. 9.
8. As the things wee begge are more or leſſe excellent, and of fit vſe for vsus, ſo we muſt bee more or leſſe eager to obtaine, Pſa. 51. 1, 2, 3, 9. and 80. 1, 2, 3, 4. which ariſeth from a conſideration of the neceſſitie and excellencie of what we deſire, Pſa. 79. 8, 9. and 86. 1. Pſal. 102. 13, 14. as alſo from a burning zeale of Gods glorie, and hearty louelove of our brethren, Eſa. 62. 1. Pſal. 122. 6, 7, 8. oppoſite hereunto is hypocriſie and vaine babling, Matth. 6. 5, 6, 7.
9. Conſidering Gods excellent maieſtie, we may not raſhly conceiue or vtter any thing before him but with reuerence, Gen. 18. 27. 30. 32. which is an vnfained abaſement of the mind, proceeding from a conſideration of Gods diuine maieſtie, and our owne indignitie, Luk. 15. 21. Gen. 32. 10. Eſr. 9. 6. Heb. 12. 28.
10. Hauing a promiſe from God that he will graunt our requeſts, Pſa. 34. 19. Eſa. 30. 19. and 58. 9. we muſt beleeue his word, for he is true and faithful, Heb. 11. 11. 2. Tim. 2. 13. If hope to ſpeed accompanie not our praiers, they are vaine, Iam. 1. 6. But yet this hope is weake, feeble, and many times ſeemes to bee ouerwhelmed in the godly, Pſal. 13. 1, 2. and 31. 22 and 77. 7, 8, 9.
11. By louelove is meant, that wee muſt forgiue our enemies, and carry an hearty affection to the children of God. Eph. 4. 32. Col. 3. 12, 13.
Q. What is thanksgiuing?
A. It is 12 a q1. Sam. 2. 1.prayer, wherein we render rPſa. 136. 1. andthankes to God for his generall goodneſſe, and particular ſPſal. 103. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.fauours.
Expoſ. 12. Motiues to this dutie there be many. It is an excellent, Pſal. 92. 1. auncient, Iob 38. 7. ſpirituall dutie, Heb. 13. 15. Col. 3. 16. 1. Pet. 2. 5. to be continued in heauen when other duties ceaſe, Reu. 19. 3, 4, 5. acceptable to God, 1. Theſſ. 5. 18. Pſa. 147. 1. comely for the Saints, Pſa. 33. 1. and 147. 1. practiſed by the Angels, Luk. 2. 13. ſetting on worke all the graces of God in vsus, Pſa. 103. 1, 2, 3. the ende of Gods benefits, Pſa. 13. 6. 118. 29. of our life, and all our ſeruices, Eſa. 38. 19. and the readie way to obtain what we ſtand in need of, Pſa. 50. 23. The meanes of true thankfulneſſe, are a due conſideration of our owne vileneſſe, and a ſerious meditation and remembrance of Gods benefits, 2. Sam. 7. 18. 1. Chr. 16. 16, 17. Pſal. 103. 1, 2, 3. &c. 1. Sam. 25. 32. Gen. 24. 27. Luk. 17. 15. Rom. 7. 25. with a perſwaſion that God hath in louelove beſtowed them vponupon vsus, Pſal. 116. 12. 14.
Q. What things are required in Thanksgiuing?
A. LoueLove tPſal. 18. 1. 2.to God, and uPſal. 126. 1, 2. and 104. 34.ioy in his mercy, a xPſa. 34. 11. and. 66. 16.deſire to draw others to obey and glorifie God, and an yDeut. 6. 10, 11, 12, 13. 1. Sam. 12. 14.endeauour to proceede in godlines our ſelues.
Q. What rule of direction is there, according to which we ought to frame our praiers?
A. The generall Direction is the word of God, the more eſpeciall is the 1 Lords prayer.
Expoſ. 1. The Lords prayer is ſo a direction, that it may be lawfully, and laudably, vſed as a Prayer, Mat. 6. 9. &c. Luk. 11. 2. &c. Numb. 6. 23, 24. Pſal. 22. 1. and 92. 1. It is called the Lords prayer, becauſe the Lord Ieſus taught it to his Diſciples, Luk. 11. 1, 2.
Q. How many things are to be conſidered in the Lords Prayer?
A. Three, the preface, the prayer it ſelfe, and the concluſion.
Q. Which is the preface?
A. Our 2 Father which art in heauen.
Q. What learne you out of this Preface?
A. That God is our aEſa. 63. 16.Father by grace bRom. 8. 15, 16. Gal. 4. 4, 5.and adoption, thorough Ieſus Chriſt, cPſal. 47. 2.glorious in maieſty, and dPſal. 115. 3.infinite in power, that both eEpheſ. 3. 20.can, and fPſa. 50. 15.hauehave promiſed to helpe vsus.
Expoſ. 2. There is no Chriſtian, ſo poore, weake, or vnworthy in his owne eies, but he is allowed to call God Father, Ier. 3. 19.
Q. What are you to conſider in the Lords prayer it ſelfe?
A. Sixe Petitions and a Thankſgiuing.
Q Which is the firſt petition?
A. Hallowed 3 be thy 4 Name.
Expoſ. 3. To hallow, is not here of vnholy or prophane to make holy, 1. Cor. 6. 10. 11. But to ſet apart to an holy vſe, Exod. 20. 8. or rather to acknowledge, confeſſe, and profeſſe holily the name of God, Matth. 11. 19. Leuit. 10. 3. 1. Pet. 3. 15.
4. By name; is meant God himſelfe, Pſal. 20. 7. and 115. 1. his titles, Exod. 3. 14. 15. Pſal. 83. 18. properties, Ex. 34. 5, 6, 7. ordinances, Pſal. 138. 2. and 1 Tim. 6. 1. and works, Pſal. 19. 1. iudgements, Pſal. 9. 16. Eſ. 30. 27. mercies, Eſ. 48. 9. 10, 11. Ezek. 28. 26. or any thing wherby hee makes himſelfe knowne, Exo. 20. 7.
Q. What deſire you of God in this petition?
A. That Gods infinite excellency, may be magnified gPſal. 40. 16. and 115. 1.by vsus on earth, 5 in heart, 6 in word, and in 7 deede,
Expoſ. 5. By an inward and faithfull acknowledgement, with confidence, ſcare, louelove, hope, humility, patience, ioy, and deſire of his preſence in heauen. Eſa. 8. 13. 1. Pet. 3. 15. Rom. 4. 20. Phi. 1. 20. 21, 22, 23.
6. By ſpeaking good of Gods name to others. Pſa. 34. 3. Deut. 32. 3. Pſa. 105. 1. and 145. 21.
7. By walking in holines, and righteouſnes before God, Mat. 5. 16. Io. 15. 8. 1. Pet. 2. 12. patiently ſubmitting our ſelues vntounto his will, Ioſh. 7. 19. conſtantly and vndauntedly profeſſing his truth, Pſal. 119. 46. Ioh. 21. 19. and reforming our liues if we hauehave gone aſtray. Ier. 13. 16. Mal. 2. 2.
Q. Which is the ſecond petition?
A. Thy 8 kingdome 9 come.
Expoſ. 8. Sathan hath his kingdome on earth, 2. Cor. 4. 4. Luk. 11. 18. all men by nature being his bondſlaues, Eph. 2. 2. 2. Tim. 2. 26. liuing in ignorance, error, impiety, and diſobedience, Eph. 4. 18. and Chriſt hath his kingdom, Col. 1. 13. to wit, his Church, which is the company of mankind, 1. Pet. 2. 9. Eph. 5. 23. in heauen and earth, Epheſ. 3. 15. Col. 1. 20. called from the world, Rom. 8. 30. vntounto ſaluation thorough him, Act. 4. 12. In this world it is redeemed, called, ſanctified, 1. Cor. 1. 30. after this life it is glorified, Mat. 25. 34. 2. Theſſ. 1. 10.
9. The gouernement which Chriſt exerciſeth ouer all men, and all other creatures, Eph. 1. 21. 22. Heb. 1. 6, 7. is not here meant; but the ſpeciall gouernment, which he exerciſeth ouer his Church, Eph. 5. 23. in this life, and the life to come.
Q. What doe you deſire of God in this petition?
A. That 10 Chriſt would hCant. 8. 8. Act. 7. 60.conuert ſuch as be vnderunder the power of Satan, iEph. 3. 16. 17.rule in the hearts of his choſen by his Spirit here, and kPhil. 1. 8. 9. 10, 11, 12.perfect their ſaluation in heauen hereafter,
Expoſ. 10. Particularly wee deſire that God would ſend forth his word, Mat. 9. 37. giuegive it free paſſage, Eph. 6. 19. Rom. 15. 30, 31, 32. powerfully accompany it by his ſpirit, Deut. 33. 8. 10. 2. Cor. 10. 4, 5. to bring his choſen from the power of Satan to God, Act. 26. 18. vphold ſuch as be conuerted, Pſal. 51. 12. Ioh. 17. 15. ſtrengthen the weake, Cant. 1. 4. Luk. 22. 31, 32. 1. Cor. 12. 8, 9. comfort the afflicted, Pſal. 51. 12. Cant. 1. 1. recall the wandring, Pſal. 119. 17: Luk. 19. 10. and to make all growe in grace and knowledge, 2. Pet. 3. 18. Luk. 17. 5. and therefore that the ſame word may be continued, Gal. 2. 5. the Sacraments and diſcipline purely adminiſterd, 1. Cor. 11. 23. 24. &c, 1. Cor. 5. 3, 4, 5. Heb. 3. 2, 3, 4, 5. 6. Heb. 8. 5. good miniſters and magiſtrates preſerued, Deut. 33. 11. 2. Theſſ. 3. 1, 2. Pſal. 20. 1. proſpered, Pſal. 122. 6, 7, 8. 1. Tim. 2. 2. and increaſed, Lu. 10. 2. Eſ. 49. 23. catechiſing more vſed, 1. Cor. 3. 2. ſchooles for pietie erected, and maintained, 2. King. 6. 1, 2, &c. Eſa. 62. 7. finally that Chriſt would come to iudgement, Reu. 22. 20.
Q. Which is the third petition?
A. Thy 11 will 12 be 13 done in earth, as it is in 14 heauen.
Expoſ. 11. Man by nature doth the wil of the fleſh, and Satan, Eph. 2. 3. Io. 8. 44. but he ought to deſire and doe, not his owne will, Rom. 8. 6. Matth. 26. 39. but the will of God, Eſa. 26. 8. Pſa. 119. 5. 106.
12. The word of God reuealed in the old & new Teſtament, is the wil of God.
13. To doe Gods will is to obey it: Exo. 24. 7.
14. In heauen the Saints departed, and the Angels, obey the Lord, Heb. 12. 23. Pſal. 103. 20. In earth men liuing are to bee obedient, Exod. 24. 3. 1. Sam. 15. 22.
Q. What deſire you of God in this petition?
A. That lExod. 19. 8. Rom. 12. 2.whatſoeuer God willeth in his word, might be obeyed, mPſal. 27. 8. and 4. 8.cheerefully, nPſa. 119. 32. 60.ſpeedily, oReu. 2. 10.faithfully, and conſtantly, by men on earth, as pEſ. 6. 2.Angels 15 do in heauen.
Expoſ. 15. We particularly craue of God, the knowledge of his will, Pſal. 119. 18. 33, 34. Col. 1. 9, 10. ſuppreſſion of our owne vile wills, Rom, 7. 24. faith in Gods promiſes, Rom. 1. 9. 12. conſtancy and cheerefulnes in our ſufferings, Col. 1. 9. 11. an inward deſire, care, and delight, Pſal. 119. 36. 143. 145. an endeauour, and ability to walke in holines, Pſ. 119. 112. 167, 168. Phil. 4. 13. In this life perfectly wee cannot doe the will of God, 2. Sam 12. 9. and 13. 39. and 24. …0. 2. Chron. 35. 22. Luk. 1. 6. 20. as the Angels doe: But we muſt deſire, ſtriue after, and hope for perfection, Luk. 13. 24. Phil. 1. 6. obeying with ſincerity, Gen. 5. 24. and 17. 1. Mic. 6. 8. as the Angels doe, though not in the ſame degree, 1. Cor. 13. 9. 10.