A TRUE PATTERN OF Piety, meet for all Christian householders to look upon, for the better education of their families, in the fear and service of Almighty God. Collected out of the fountain of holy Scriptures, for the especial use of the faithful in the congregation of Malpasse in Cheshire. By JOHN PARKER. GEN. 18.17.19. verse 17 And the Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham the things which I do. verse 19 For I know him, that he will command his sons and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgement, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that he hath spoken unto him. PSAL. 101.2.6.7. verse 2 I will walk in the uprightness of my heart, in the midst of my house. verse 6 Mine eyes shallbe unto the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. verse 7 There shall no deceitful person dwell in mine house, he that telleth lies shall not remain in my sight. ACT. 10.1.2. verse 1 Furthermore, there was a certain man in Caesarea, called Cornelius: a Captain of the band called the Italian band verse 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his household, which gave much alms to the people, and praised God continually. Imprinted at London by john Wolf, and are to be sold at his shop with in the Pope's head Alley in Lombardstreet, 1592. TO THE CHRISTIAN and well affected Gentlemen, together with the rest of the faithful in the Congregation of Malpasse, who have given their names unto Christ I. P. wisheth all holy and perfect increase of God's graces, with the happy finishing of that good work begun in them, even through our Lord and Saviour Christ jesus. GOod Christian brethren, my prayers to God on your behalf are, that you may grow in all spiritual graces, and be established in the present faith. And if I (though unworthy I confess) might in some measure be used as God's instrument and mean, for the furthering and building of you up in that worthy work, I should surely account myself greatly favoured of the Lord. So that if I may know wherein to do you good, (beyond that which is done already) assure yourself of this, that according to my poor power, I will not fail you. And hereunto I will willingly be led, not only in regard of worldly kindnesses, and courtesies received lately and liberally from you, (for all the which I rest greatly indebted) but especially for the holy bond of our christian profession: whereinto, as we have through God's goodness made some entry, and in some sort well begun: So I hope we shall hold on therein, and never be weary, until we come to the end of our faith and hope, even the salvation of our souls. And because I have no better way yet to testify my love unfeigned, then either by writing, or speaking: therefore: (though not as I would) yet as I could, by reason of my manifold infirmities and sicknesses, I have diligently laboured to offer unto your Christian and courteous acceptations, a few holy rules and brief observations, for the godly and well govering of your several families, by catechizing them, and joining in faithful prayers to Almighty God with them. The matter itself is collected out of the sacred wellspring of God's holy word, and reduced into as short an epitome as possibly I could, for memory's sake. I have not taken this pains, as one that would persuade you to accept of this direction and none other, (knowing right well, that there are far better set forth by more learned and godly Ministers) or for that I would tie you to one special form of Prayer in your Families: whereas the spirit which is in you, will in due time teach you abundantly to crave all things at God's hands, according to your several necessities. But my simple and unfeigned purpose herein is this; that for as much as, that I am better acquainted with your estate and wants, than any other can be who knoweth you not, and that the continual care which I have over you for your good, can no better way be signified or manifested, than by provoking you to well doing. I have therefore endeavoured to frame this spectacle for you to look upon, that you hereby finding out, and conceiving the order and manner how to glorify God, by offering up holy and continnal sacrifice of prayers and praises unto his majesty, as also how to occupy yourselves in other exercises of pure religion before him, might hereby in some convenient time having learned both the matter and manner of the service of God: wholly bend yourselves to the careful and constant practice of all holy duties, unto so merciful a Father, most to his glory and your edification and comfort. And if I understand that you take that in good part, & esteem this little work. though as a simple (I confess) yet as a sound signification of my unfeigned love towards you, and care to do you good: then shall I not only think this labour (though it be not worthy of that name) well bestowed for your sakes, but also to accomplish some far better thing, if my poor talon will extend thereunto for your better proceeding in that good race, whereinto you are entered. You know the poor widows mite was accepted of God, not in regard of the gift, but the mind of the giver, & I hope this shall be no less. Farewell my good brethren, and the Lord jesus be with you to confirm and enable you to every good work, that you may be kept blameless until his glorious coming, & so walk in this world in his fear, that we may in the conclusion of your pilgrimage, end your days in his blessed favour, & at the last, live with him for ever. Amen, Your assured brother in Christ, yea your servant for Christ his sake to further your salvation. I. Parker. THE Preparative to prayer. 1. Observation. To stir us up to prayer these things to be considered. Prayer is a lifting up of the heart to God, with an assured faith to be heard, as appeareth: Psal. 25, 1.2. Psal. 86.2. & Psal. 143.8. 1. What prayer is, viz. Prayer is two fold. 1. either public 2. or private. 1. How manifold proser is viz. 1. Conc. Public it shall suffice to read 1. King. 8. how Solomon built a house of prayer at jerusalem: 1. Public. which was used of all the faithful many years after. And our Savour in his time reproveth them which abused the place of public prayer. Math. _____ and in this respect a promise is made to two or three, being gathered together in Christ's name, in the house of prayer Math. 18. 2. Conc. Private prayer, which we here entreat of. 2. Private This is commanded by God Psal. 50.15. & by Christ Math. 11.18. by the Prophet's Ierm. 10.23. joel. 2, 32. Zecha. 12.12.13. etc. and also by the Apostles, as appeareth: 1. Thess. 5.17. Ephes. 6.18: Luk. 21.36. This private prayer was practised not only of our fathers before the law: as appeareth in Abraham Gen. 18.18. and Gen. 24. where we read, that his very servant could frame a prayer to God, which no doubt he had learned of his Master. Also by Isaac. Gen. 25.21. and jacob: Gen. 32.9. but also by the godly under the law: as we read of Moses: Exod. 33.18. Deut. 9.20. No. 12.10, joshua. 7.6.7.8. judg. 3.9.7. 2. After the law in time of the Prophets: as appeareth, Dan. 6.10. & Chap. 9 totum. Isay. 37.15.16.17. jer. 9.1.2, Chron. 20.18. etc. and David, in his Psalms in infinite places, confirmeth the exercise of private prayer: professing that he will prevent the morning watch to pray, and that he will pray at morning, evening, and noontide: yea, seven times a day, that is many times. 3. This was used of the Apostles of our Saviour: as appeareth, Acts. 2.42. & 1.14. & 10.2. & 16, 13. and for this cause, both john Baptist and our saviour, gave to their disciples a form of prayer: as appeareth, Luk. 11.1.2. For this cause, uz. In that there was no greater comfort to the faithful then to talk to God by prayer. We read the Saints have prayed in all places: as Isaac in the fields, Daniel in the lions den, the Apostles in prison, and our Saviour Christ himself in the mountains and wilderness, and others in other places as occasion served. 1. 3. We are to observe the necessity of this duty of prayers Viz. Rom. 12.1. Regard of God's command, who as he commanded the Children of Israel to offer morning and evening sacrifice: so hath commanded us by the blessed Apostle, to offer up our souls and bodies, as holy and acceptable Sacrifices unto God, 〈◊〉. 12.1. not only in prayer, but also in all other parts, of his holy service. 2. In respect of Gods promises made to them that call upon him: as Psal. 50.15. Matth. 11.28. Deut. 4.7. 3. Because of the threatenings denounced against those that do not pray. jer. 10.23 Psal. 79.6. 4. In respect of our own daily necessities and wants, he being the fountain from whence we must fetch every good and perfect gift: jam. 1.5, 17. john 3.27. and for this cause, that we might see our wants, he gave us a form of prayer. 4. We must be ●●●full to consider 〈◊〉 what 〈…〉 must pray. viz. 1. That it be in the spirit, that is not with carnal, but with spiritual hearts, our affections being lifted to heaven in so heavenly an action: as also, that it be truth & sincerity, not in the lips only, or in hypocrisy to be seen of men. Math. 7.5.6, 7. & 15.8, 9 2. That we pray not for God's benefits to consume them on our lusts and concupiscences, but to employ the same to God's glory, lest our prayers be unprofitable. jam. 4.2. 3. That we approach before God, with a purpose to withstand and resist the sins which we confess and pray against, or else we pray in vain. Psal. 66.8.72. Tim. 2.19. 4. In prayer, that we be void of malice & envy, and commend the estate of others as well as of ourselves unto God, yea, to pray for our enemies, and especially to be mindful to deal earnestly with the Lord for the prosperous, Math. 5.23. & 4.44. Psal. 122.6, 7. 1. Tim. 2.1. religious, and happy estate of our Prince and governor, both in Church, and commonwealth: yea, and although any Magistrate should be a wicked man, Prou. 27.27. yet to pray for him. Lastly, not to appoint God a time of hearing our prayers, jam. 5.8. but to tarry his leisure, who seeth what is best for us. 5. We are to observe the end 〈◊〉 prayer was ordained. viz. 1. To acknowledge our obedience unto God, & the greatness of his power, from whom we receive all things, and to talk familiarly with him as one friend with an other, always provided that we pray to none but him, & that only in the name of jesus Christ, joh. 16.23. & 16.23. Math. 6.9. 2. To acknowledge our thankfulness to his Majesty for all graces and mercies both spiritual and bodily: as our election, redemption, sanctification, his word and Sacraments, our creation preservation, health, life, liberty and peace, and all good blessings whatsoever. Eph. 5.2.1. Pet. 1.3. etc. 3. Because by prayer we entertain God in our houses, and acknowledge ourselves to have renounced Satan, and to have opened the doors of our hearts, that God may come and dwell with us, and we with him, as one friend with an other Revel. 3.20. 6. & last thing, To prepare us unto prayer, is to mark, the effect of prayer, viz. That God never let the prayers of his sevantes go empty and return without a blessing, as was expedient for his glory and their good: as appeareth by these scriptures. Exod. 17. Goe 35, 5. 2. King. 19.15.2. Chr. 20, 36. josh 10, 12, 13. 1. Sam. 1, 10. to 16.2. Chron. 6, 18. 1. To conclude, let us remember, that if we will have God to hear our prayers, we must be ready to hear him calling unto us by his word and the ministry thereof, as we would have him to hear us when we call, and not to turn back our prayers. 2. That if we will have God to hear us, Conclu. thus. Look. Prou. 1.27, 28. ad finem. that we be ready and willing to hear the cry of our poor and needy brethren. Pro. 21.13. cap. 11.17.24.25. Next to the preparative, before we come to lay down the forms of prayer itself: this is to be considered of. uz. THat every Christian who will rightly know and learn how to be thus prepared & to serve God truly, provide by all means lawful, to procure and purchase the sacred holy Bible, as the best and principal riches he can labour for, according as God hath commanded in Deu. where he teacheth that not only Princes, Deut. 17.9.10.11. but Subjects must be acquainted with his laws, to know their duty, and both David and Christ himself have showed the blessedness of them that meditate in God's law night and day, Psal. 1.1. & 119 12. john. 5.39. & search the holy scriptures, wherein everlasting life is contained, and to move us hereunto, we have worthy examples in the primitive Church: of them that not only did labour in the scriptures to find out the truth of the doctrines of the Apostles, and to try the spirits as john commandeth: Acts 17 11. john 1.4. but also trained up their children from their Cradles, in the knowledge of the same. And fuxther, because this is the pearl, for the buying whereof, a man must sell all he hath, if his ability will extend so far: and that it is the only fortress for the afflicted consciences. Math. 13.45. Prou. 23.23. Let every man (though never so poor) constrain himself to be honoured with this jewel, without the which he cannot know God, & not knowing him, Rom. 10.14. ad 17. can neither rightly nor truly call upon him, but perish in his ignorance, jam. 10.23. and be numbered amongst the enemies of God. Therefore as thou lovest the Lord, thy own soul, and the souls of thy family: delay not, defer not, but procure & provide a Bible, above all things else whatsoever. God give thee this grace. 3 The Scriptures of God contained in the holy Bible being thus provided: It is next to be observed, that the word and prayer be always joined together. viz. At all times before we humble ourselves to prayer, to read one chapter, for the better stirring us up to that holy duty: that is to say, Before morning prayer, one Chapter out of the old Testament, beginning at Genesis, and at night, also before evening prayer, a Chapter out of the new Testament. And if any place as we read seemeth hard unto us, it is good rather with reverence to let it pass, then with rashness to interpret the same: waiting with patience till that either by some learned expositor, godly preacher, or some other place of scripture we can attain to find out the sense of the place, always having a care to observe those places that seem hard unto us till we have learned the true understanding of them. ¶ Before the reading of the word, and Cathechising, use this short Prayer. O Lord open our eyes, that we may see the wonderful things and excellent doctrines which are written in thy word, and may receive comfort by thy gracious promises contained in the same. Let us learn hereby more perfectly to hate sin, and love righteousness, and grant that we may so understand the things which we hearer and so believe the things which we understand, and praising that which we believe, that we may be more & more able to glorify thy name in this world, and be fully confirmed in assured hope of that glory prepared for the faithful in the world to come, Amen. 4 The word being thus read with reverence and care, then let the Governors, Here observe that 〈◊〉 that will persuade us, that all 〈◊〉 sport 〈◊〉 God's 〈◊〉 is too much, and so will breed tediousness in us. together with their whole family, humbly fall down on their knees, and the Master himself, or one in his absence, whom he shall appoint to be the mouth for all, and with a true heart, invocate upon God as followeth. Morning Prayer. O Most glorious and blessed Lord God, who art the Father of mercy and fountain of all grace and goodness. Thou Lord who hast commanded us that in all our distresses, we should come unto thee, and offering our prayers unto thee with a right heart, and true faith in the name of Christ, hast promised to hear us, behold Lord even before thee, who hast thus commanded and promised, we sinful and unrighteous creatures do humble ourselves at this time, both in our souls and bodies: beseeching thy excellent Majesty to look from heaven with thy merciful favour upon us, accepting our prayers, which we shall power out before thee, and directing us so to prefer the same unto thy holiness, that thou mayest accept them in Christ jesus. We confess O Lord God of heaven that we are most unworthy to appear before thee, and more unworthy to obtain any favour at thy gracious hands, in regard of the infinite & heinous offences which we have committed against the purity and excellent virtue of thy laws which condemn us in our sins, and revealed unto us our rebellion and unthankfulness. For O Lord we have a law in our members, resisting and fight against the law of our minds, whereby through the infirmity and vanity of the flesh: we find in ourselves no proneness to that which is good, nor any courage to resist the things which are evil: and this our untowardness is so much the greater, by how much the more we violate thy will and transgress thy holy precepts, not only in ignorance, but also in knowledge, and many times against knowledge, both grievously and fearfully: so that thy authority on the one side, nor thy mercies on the other, have neither moved, nor alured us to obey or serve thee, as we ought to have done, and these our sins which are sufficient to condemn us, go not alone but have too many companions: for O Lord our infidelity, impatiency, hardness of heart, abuse of thy patience, contempt of thy word, and little profiting by it, are erdinarie sins into the which we fall daily, we being such by nature, as esteem more of our own pleasures and profits then of thy glorious & blessed service: our hearts as corrupt fountains yielding forth nothing but distrust of thy providence, hypocrisy, covetousness, carnal and worldly concupiscences, and neglect of all good duties towwards thee and all men: the flesh continually rebelling against the spirit, so that O Lord if thou shouldest have dealt with us according to justice, we had all perished in these our sins and ignorances before this present, therefore obtaining this favour to come before thee, we unfeignedly confess that against thee O Lord, even against thee alone we have committed these sins and wickednesses, beseeching thy Majesty to pardon our ignorance & blindness, that we cannot see them more fully, and confess them more penitently than now we do, wherein we must needs acknowledge our sins to be the greater, by how much the less our repentance appeareth to be at this hour. Yet forasmuch as that O Lord God thou hast revealed thyself in thy word, to be God of infinite mercy and goodness, to them that truly repent & come unto thee, in the name of Christ jesus. We are hereby emboldened to humble ourselves before thy Majesty, beseeching thee for Christ his sake to touch our hearts with unfeigned sorrow and true contrition, for all these, & all other our sins, & grant we may both so see and abhor our guiltiness and filthiness, that we may obtain mercy & forgiveness through his precious death and passion: which we beseech thee to accept, as a full satisfaction for the same wiping them all out of thy book of remembrance, that they may never be laid to our charge, nor rise up in judgement against us. Give us a lively and true faith, to lay hold on these thy mercy's promises unto us in him, that we may be able to resist all the fiery darts of the devil. And as we crave this grace for that which is past, so let it please thee of thy Fatherly mercy, to assist & strengthen us in the residue of our life, to perform and accomplish all that obedience which thy Majesty requireth of us, and as thou art our Father, so regard us as thy children, and send down the power of thy Spirit into our hearts, that we considering how thou sittest in the heavens, and searchest the secrets of all men's hearts, may have continual care to set our affections on things which are above, and not on things which are beneath: but if that thy wisdom, power, goodness, mercy and truth, or whatsoever else thy Majesty is known by, may be truly reverenced and honoured of us, so that all profaneness of heart, all worldliness, and fleshly security may be far removed from us. To this end O Lord vouchsafe unto us that ordinary & happy means of the faithful and sincere preaching of thy blessed word, that thy spirit working therewith, it may effect in us all good graces both of faith & repentance: Yea, we beseech thee send forth faithful labourers amongst us, and bless those whom thou dost send, with all graces necessary, both purity of doctrine and sincerity of life, and so sanctify them, in all their studies and labours, that by their ministery and example we may increase in all true zeal and love to thee and thy word, and may have just cause to embrace them dearly in our hearts, and account reverently of them, as of thy merciful instruments sent unto us for our great good. Grant O Lord that we may not be hearers but doers of thy will, and that the like mind may be in us, that was in Christ jesus, and in all our godly forefathers, even with all willingness and readiness, yea, to make it our meat and drink to do thy will. And for as much as Satan is a continual adversary, seeking to choke the seed of thy word, and all other good graces in us: therefore O Lord let it please thee, to take us unto thyself: so that no temptation of the world, flesh, or devil, overtake us: but deliver us from sin, and all the occasions of sin. O Lord give us grace to stop sin at the beginning, before it come either into action or consent, so that we aiming at thy glory in all our labour and affairs, and walking as in thy presence. Endeavouring always to keep a good conscience, both in thought, word, and deed, towards thy Majesty and all men, all thy good blessings may follow and fall upon us, to the great joy of our hearts, and glory of thy name, through Christ jesus. And for these our bodies, we only crave bread for the day, & true contentation with that thou send'st, craving thy blessing upon us in our labours, that we may be able to minister to our own necessities, and rather be helpful then chargeable to others, and always to rest as well contented with adversity, as prosperity, having assurance that all shall fall out for the best, to them that love and fear thee: above all things keep us from using unlawful means to live by, and let us be ready to supply the wants of our brethren, as we would have them to fulfil our necessities. O Lord forgive our enemies, and turn their hearts if it be thy will, and grant we may always be more ready to take then give offence to any: we are this day to walk before, O Lord go before us, and so preserve us from sin and the danger thereof, that at night we come before thee again to give thee thanks for these and all thy mercies in Christ jesus. Thou Lord as duty bindeth, and as thou hast commanded, we pray thee remember thy Church universal, and more particularly this Church of England. Send thy word free passage throughout the world, and grant a good government to be continued therewithal, Lord sanctify the hearts of all thy people that enjoy it, & grant we may walk worthy of it in our lives and conversation: bring to nought all their counsels that are enemies unto it and envy the prosperous passage thereof; of; preserve our gracious Prince, the honourable Counsel, the godly & faithful bishops and pastors of thy Church and all that fear thy name, & further or favour thy truth: defend us from our enemies, and go forth with our armies against them: comfort the afflicted with all true comforts, & turn their sorrow into joy. Have mercy upon us and all thy people every where, espectallye in this land. Bless this whole family with all graces necessary for our callings even for Christ jesus sake, in whose name for these and all other the testimonies of thy favour, we pray as he hath taught us in his holy Gospel, saying: Our Father which art in heaven, etc. A short form of Morning prayer, to be used when want of opportunity and urgent affairs do hinder us to use the other. O Lord our God before whose pure and holy eyes, no uncleanness or sin can be hid or covered, we wretched & sinful creatures, and yet by thy mercy thy unworthy and poor servants, do humble ourselves before thee, in the name of jesus Christ, acknowledging ourselves to have grievously sinned against thee, in thought, word, and deed, from our first entrance into this world, unto this present time, and our repentance for the same we confess, hath been very little or nothing at all, so that we may justly fear and blush to approach into thy presence, with so small contrition of heart, and wound of conscience, as we now do, but that we know thy mercy exceedeth thy wrath, in which mercy we beseech thee to look down from heaven upon us, for Christ jesus sake, and so to work repentance in us, for our unthankfulness, abuse of thy patience, ignorance, infidelity, neglect of thy word, and all other our sins, as our wordliness, carnal security, and the rest, that it may please thee to accept us in the obedience of thy Son, and to account of the same as a perfect ransom for us, assuring our Spirits by the testimony of thy Spirit, that our sins are pardoned, and we reconciled to thy Majesty through thy promised mercy in him. And to that end that the time to come may be better employed then the time past: therefore let it please thee to give strength unto us, that we may resist all sin, and the temptations thereof, and consume our days in continual care to perform all good duties unto thy majesty, both in body and soul. And as this day we are to walk in this world among sundry and great enemies of the soul, so direct us by thy grace, that we may be circumspect in all our thoughts, words and works, redeeming the season, because the days are evil. O Lord give us grace in all our labours, and enterprises, principally to aim at thy glory, preferring the same before our own pleasure and profit, and suffer us not to start aside from the obedience of thy will in any of our affairs, but give us grace sincerely and in uprightness of heart, to walk before thee, as becometh the Saints and children of God, so that all profanes, vanity, evil speaking, anger, malice, impatiency, covetousness, and all other corruptions of our nature may vanish and die, and we by thy grace, and the power of thy holy spirit, may be made more than Conquerors over them in Christ jesus. O Lord grant that all our labours taken in hand, according to thy will, may have such issue and effect as may be for thy glory, the good of thy Church and our own comfort, and because all good graces are wrought in us by the ministry of thy word, O Lord vouchsafe this thy blessed ordinance unto us, let us hunger after it, as after our appointed food, and in the light thereof, let us walk as Children of light, and glorify thy name more and more, in the pure and true obedience thereof, in all unfeigned love to thy Majesty, and all our brethren for thy sake. Bless this whole family, and grant that the governors may rule with wisdom and godly discretion, and those that are governed may obey as those that are called by thy word, and sanctified by thy spirit, so that we may all glorify thee, and in the end be glorified of thee. Save thy whole Church we beseech thee, this Church of England especially, beseeching thy good Majesty not only to scatter the testimonies of thy favour and grace upon thy people every where, but especially upon these our dominions, and every part thereof. Regard above the rest, the good and prosperous estate of our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, honouring her Royal person, with all graces necessary for her worthy and high calling, & possess her heart with a principal zeal for thy glory, so that by her holy government, sin and superstition may be beaten down, and all virtue and godliness erected and maintained to the further increase of thy kingdom, and overthrow of Satan's dominions. Bless the honourable counsellors with wisdom and holy judgement, that from their heads and hearts, as from a happy fountain may flow all good direction and orders for the sound and right government both of Church and commonwealth. Bless all thy ministers and Church guides, with all increase of graces fit for their places, and increase the number of those that be faithful, whom thou wilt use to add souls to thy kingdom, and root out those that are unfit and not able to discharge the charge which thy word layeth upon them. O Lord, thou that art Lord of the Harvest, send faithful labourers into the Harvest, in all places we beseech thee. Bless all inferior Magistrates with all grace's fit for their places. Bless this whole land, and all sorts of people in the same, with the gift and grace of true repentance, both for the preventing of thy judgements threatened, & for the removing of those which are upon us. Fight for us against our adversaries, and through thy mercy let us obtain at all time's victory over them, that thou mayest still be our God and we thy people, and thy name may be great in Israel. Confound Antichrist and all thine enemies, comfort and in thy good time deliver all thy poor prisoners that are in affliction and bands for thy truths sake, and arm us against the like trials: be merrifull to all thy people and give peace and consolation of conscience to them that want it. These and all good graces for ourselves and all thy people wheresoever, we pray as our Saviour Christ hath taught us, saying. Our Father which art in Heaven, etc. 5 At dinner time, this must be observed, that if there be any child or servant which can read in the house: that the Master cause him to read a Chap. in time of dinner, The like is always to be done at supper time. or else if he be able when he hath dined, to read one himself before he rise from table, which will help well to season the meat, if the things that be read be rightly meditated of, always provided, that we give thanks both before and after meat. SIXTLY. Hear note that Evening prayer be done either before supper or shortly after, because otherwise, the flesh will be very unable to pray, but of the two, the rather before supper. O Lord God most mighty, our loving & merciful Father in Christ jesus we humble ourselves before the throne of thy Majesty, humbly craving pardon for all the sins which this day or any time of our life heretofore we have committed against thee, beseeching thee to forgive our coldness in thy service, our unthankfulness for thy mercies, and so to mollify our hard and barren hearts, with the force of thy word, and operation of thy blessed Spirit, that we may more truly and effectually both see and repent us of all our sins heretofore committed. Yea, grant dear Father, that we may detest and hate sin in all men, especially in ourselves, and be afraid to be stained and defiled with the corruption thereof, though it be but in appearance. And because we find in ourselves a willingness to do good (which cometh of thy grace) and yet have no power to perform the same: therefore we pray thee O Lord reform this our nature, and make it more apt to the obedience of thy will, so that all sin wherewith we have stained thy holy Image in us, may be removed out of our hearts, and decreased, and the graces of thy spirit increased in us as thou knowest them needful for us. O Lord we are pilgrims here, hide not thy commandments from us, set the fear of thy Majesty before our eyes, let us seek with all our hearts to set forth thy praises by a holy & righteous conversation, as thou hast commanded, being always afraid to violate or break the least of thy commandments, keep us safe from the contagions and manners of the worldly, and make us a light of verity and holiness unto this perverse and crooked generation amongst whom we live, give us grace good Lord to walk worthy of our high calling in Christ jesus, in all true zeal for thy glory, and unfeigned love to thy Church, and grant that in all our studies and labours, our care may be such to please thee, as that we may have the joy of thy Spirit, and the happy peace of conscience to dwell continually in our hearts. To this end let thy word be the lantern to guide all our steps by, and to direct us to all our doings, and grant we may show forth the fruits thereof, in all virtue and godliness. With favour regard our labours and enterprises, which this day we have traveled in or hereafter shall prosecute according to thy will: & grant we may so use this world, as though we used it not, and in all things and above all things, let thy glory and the setting forth of thy praises, be most dear unto us at all times. Bless thy Church every where, especially here amongst us in this land: give all true zeal unto our Prince, together, with a princely and wise heart: give unto her Counsellors the spirit of wisdom and counsel: unto our judges the spirit of judgement: and to all our Magistrates the spirit of courage and godliness, to punish vice and maintain virtue: give wisdom and faithfulness to our pastors and teachers and all holy obedience to all thy people: minister all needful comforts to the afflicted: give thy word a free passage, and grant all things needful for the finishing of the number of thy elect people, even for Christ jesus sake. Therefore Lord we thank thee for all thy mercies, and for this merciful liberty we enjoy to come before thee. We render from the bottom of our hearts all unfeigned praises unto thy Majesty for our creation and continual preservation: for our health, life, liberty and peace, for our food, raiment and all other thy benefits, for the good of our bodies. But especially we confess ourselves infinitely bounden for those blessings which are greater, as our election before all worlds, our redemption by Christ jesus, our vocation and calling by the gospel, our sanctification by the Spirit, for calling us out of darkness, into thy marvelous light, and for separating us in such poor measure, from the love of this world, and worldly commodity. We praise thee for thy word, for thy Sacraments, and all thy undeserved mercies, not only upon ourselves, but also upon our Prince and country: we thank thee for her gracious Majesty, and the peace we enjoy under her: we thank thee for the wise, and honourable Counsellors, the godly Magistrates, faithful Ministers, & for all thy faithful people. Lord continue still merciful unto us, in Christ jesus. Confirm us in the Faith and obedience of thy Son, as many as thou hast already called: and call all those that go astray, and having finished thy work: come speedily in the clouds for our full deliverance we pray thee, yea come Lord jesus, come quickly. Now Lord we commend ourselves, our souls and bodies into thy good hands, beseeching thee to keep and preserve us this night, to give quiet rest and sleep to our bodies, and peace of conscience to our souls, that we being preserved from dangers and restored to the use of thy favour: the next day we may be careful to perform all good duties to thy Majesty, most to thy glory and our comforts in Christ jesus. In whose name for the continuance of thy favour, in granting all these and all other good graces: we pray as he hath taught us, saying. Our father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name, etc. 7 Certain petitions to be used in morning or evening prayer, as occasion shall serve. In time of any general visitation, as war, sickness, famine, etc. Say this petition. O Lord our God, thou dost justly correct us for our sins by this thy hand: make it profitable unto us we beseech thee, and afflict not our land above measure, lest the enemy say, where is their God become? We are thy people & the workmanship of thy hands: remember therefore thy ancient mercies to our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, jaacob, and for Christ's sake suffer not our enemies to prevail over us, but put an end to our miseries, that we may live and dwell in peace, and enjoy our former liberty, to serve thee, and the fruits of the earth in due time. Let us therefore see the sins that most displease thee, and repent truly of them, that so thou mayest turn thy favourable countenance towards us, in our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus. In any particular visitation of thyself or any of thy family, say this petition. O Lord our God, thou art righteous in all thy doings, but we are most unrighteous, open our eyes to see our sins which thus displease thee, and touch our hearts with unfeigned sorrow for the same, that we may no longer provoke thy displeasure. And good Lord grant that we may see thy purpose in thus afflicting us, that we may find out the cause, and repent us of it, lay no more upon this thy servant than he is able to bear, let not the enemy have power over him, but assist him with thy spirit, against all assaults whatsoever, grant him patience, and deliverance out of this misery in thy good time, which way shall seem best to thy Majesty. These and all good graces, we crave for Christ jesus sake, our only Lord and Saviour, Amen. 8 Note, That the night season must not be spent in idle and filthy talking, which becometh not Christians, but shall be given account of. See Ephes. 5, 4. Math. 12.36. Therefore four nights in the week, let them be spent in honest and virtuous conference, that tendeth to edification, in reading God's word, in singing of Psalms, as these scriptures command: uz. Ephes. 4.29. Colloss. 4.6. Ephes. 5.19. Collossians. 3.16. The other 2. nights let them be passed away as opportunity and health shall permit, in conferring with our family and examining them in four or five questions of these principles of Faith, which follow: as the scriptures command and exhort us: uz. Deu. 6.6.7.8.9. Eccle. 12.1. Dan. 12.3. 2. Tim. 3.14.15. Herald 5.12. 1. Pet. 3.15. which Scriptures I pray you look over with advise. ¶ The Lord's day must thus be spent, uz. IN hearing the word, and joining with the Congregation in prayer and thanksgiving. In receiving the Sacraments when occasion shall serve. In visiting the sick, relieving the poor, meditating on God's word and his works, avoiding all lewd company, as also carding, dicing, etc. & at night to follow the example of the Church of Berea, in calling to mind the things we have learned as these scriptures teach us, 1. john 4.1.1. Th. 5.21. Act. 17.11. And in thus doing the peace of God shall be upon you. ¶ A brief catechism Containing the principles of the Christian faith, meet to be learned of all true Christian Families. Question. IS there any creature in heaven or in earth, which must not be subject unto God? Answer. No, Gen. 2.1. & 1.27. & 2.7. Exod. 20.2. joshua. 24.14.15.24. Rom 11.36. 1. Tim. 6.15. Apoc. 19.16. for he hath created both Angels and men, and all other creatures both in Heaven and earth, and all places, to that end, that they should serve and obey him. Q. How is this service and obedience performed? A. When we reverence his word and keep his commandments, Luk. 12.47.48. & 17.9.10. because thereby we manifest both our subjection and his authority over us, as our Lord, and the God of power to require the same of us. Quest. What call you the word of God, or which are his commandments? Ans. I call that the word of God which is contained in sacred and holy Scriptures, john. 5.39. Heb. 2.2, 3.4. Luke 16.29.31. Deut. 4.13. Exo. 19.18.20. of the old and new Testament, commonly called the Bible, and those are his commandments which he gave in Mount Sinai, which are as it were an abridgement and sum of the whole scriptures. Q. How many commandments be there? A. Ten. Q. Rehearse them? Ans. Then God spoke all these words etc. Exod. 20.1. ad. Q. How can these silly and dumb creatures bserue God's word and Commandments? for you say that all creatures must obey him. A. In continuing in that first order and estate wherein the Lord first placed them, Psal. 148.5.6. Psal. 104.9. and whereto by his word he first enjoined them. Q. How is man inferior to the unreasonable creatures in this obedience? A. In that our first Parents having broken God's Commandments, Gen. 3. 6.16.1● Rom. 5.14, 15, ad 20. in eating of the forbidden tree, they themselves became not only sinful and accursed, Gal. 3, 22. Psal. 14.1, 3. but have left unto us who do succeed them, the inheritance of their sin which we call original sin. Q. What then shall we think of ourselves that are thus corrupted? A. Surely that by nature we are the children of disobedience & wrath, Ephes. 2.1, ●, 3. Ro. 7.19.20, 23 prone to that which is evil, and untoward to that which is good, for this original sin hath so infected both soul and body, that we can do nothing but transgress Gods laws. Que. What call you transgression? Ans. Transgression is the breath of the Law, Rom. 7.7. Deut. 5.21. which the Apostle calleth sin. Q. Doth God allow of this sin, or may we think ourselves not to be any whit the worse, or less blessed because we are sinful? A. God forbidden we should so think, for as we sin and break God's laws daily in thought, Psal. 19.12. Gen. 6.5. Eccles. 7.22. 1. john. 1.8. Math. 5.19.22. Rom. 6.23. Gal. 3.10. jam. 2.10. word, and deed: so by the justice of God, we deserve eternal death both of soul and body for the least of our sins, though it be but in thought and in all our life, as the due and deserved stipend thereof. Q. This being so that we by nature can do nothing, and sin deserving death: what are we to do for remedy in this case? A. We are herein principally to observe four things, without the which our estate is but miserable. Q. I pray you rehearse them unto me, that I may discern whether you know them or no. A. First Rom. 7.7.9.10.11. I am to pray to God to open my eyes that I may behold myself, and see how I am convicted of my sin by his law, and have incurred his wrath against me for the same. (2) I am to repent and to forsake this my sin, 2. Act. 3.19. joel. 2.12.13. jer. 3.14.15.22. which hath brought upon me this condemnation and misery. (3) I must upon this repentance, seek only for remedy in Christ jesus, 3. john. 3.16. Math. 11.28. 1. john 2.1. Ephes. 2.9. Act. 4.12. Gall. 2.21. and not trust to any good works or deservings of my own: (4) And last, I must have assurance of faith, & be steadfastly persuaded that jesus Christ by his holy sufsufferinges, 4. Heb. 11.6. jam. 1.6. Gall. 3.13. john 14.18.26.27. Rom. 8.15. Heb. 4.16. hath appeased the wrath of his father, hath eased me of the burden of my sins, and will not only quicken me by his comforting spirit: but restore me hereby from death unto life. Q. How hath jesus Christ thus effected our peace and deliverance from so great punishment? A. Because as he was man, Ephes. 5.30. 1. Tim. 1.15. Esay. 53.5. 1. Pet. 2.24. Rom. 4.25. Colloss. 1.19.20. & 2.15. he suffered for sin in that nature in the which it was committed, uz. in men's nature: and so satisfied God's justice by that one oblation of his own body and blood for our atonement: secondly being God, he was able to overcome and break the bonds of death, and so wholly and fully to effect my salvation. Q. Having thus escaped the terror and curse of death, tell me more plainly how thou attainest everlasting life? A. Christ jesus having accomplished perfect righteousness, Psal. 32.2. john 14.16, 17. john 17.13, 21, 22, 23, 24. it is mine by imputation: and being sanctified by the fullness of his spirit which he hath received, he doth offer and present us to the father, craving that we may be partakers of everlasting life and glory with him. Q. Shall all be partakers of this life and glory? A. john 1.12. & 3.18. john 20.8. Gal. 3.11. Habak. 2.4. Rom. 1.17. Heb. 10.10.38. No, not any but the true and faithful believers, who can apply Christ's death to themselves, by a lively faith, the sum of which faith is contained in the Apostles creed, Q. Rehearse the Creed? A. I believe in God etc. Q. What call you Faith? A. It is the gift of God, john 6.29. 1. john 3.23. 1. john 5.12, 13 and as the hand of the soul, to lay hold on Christ and his merits, and all good things which are offered and promised in him. Q. How may we attain to this Faith? A. First, 1. john 2.20. & 3.24. & 4.13. by the inward means which God hath appointed to work the same in us: & secondly, by the outward, ordained for that purpose. Q. Which is the outward means ordained? A. The preaching of the word and ministration of the gospel, Rom. 10.14 Gal 4.19. Ephes. 4.11. & 1. Thes. 5.19.20. which if we neglect to receive and practise, we shall be void of all saith, and so consequently of all salvation. Q. Hath GOD appointed any means to confirm this faith? A. Yes, the blessed Sacraments, 1. Cor. 11.17. of our Lord and Saviour Christ jesus. Q. How many Sacraments be there. A. Two, Baptism, and the lords Supper, as appeareth, Rom. 4.11. 1. Cor. 10.2, 3. Act. 2.26. Math. 21.25. & 28.19, & 26.26. Q. What is a Sacrament? A. An outward and holy sign, ordained by God himself, and by the confirmation of the word applied thereunto, representeth spiritual and invisible graces unto us, to manifest God's favour towards us, and to confirm our Faith. Q. What call you Baptism, and what benefit have you by it? A. Baptism is the seal of my regeneration & uniting to Christ, Rom. 4.6. Acts 22.16. 1. Pet. 3.21. Colloss. 2, 11. Tit. 3.5. whereas before I was a bondslave to Satan And it assureth me, that as my body is wached with water, so by the death of Christ my soul is washed from sin in his blood, and from the guilt and punishment of sin. And to conclude, it teacheth me that by Christ's death I should learn to die unto sin, and by his resurrection, arise to holiness oflife, which is the new birth. Q. What are you to observe in the lords Supper, and what doth it represent unto us? A. It assureth me by the operation of the spirit, Luke 22.19.22. john 6.53.54.55.56. & 58. that now being received by Baptism into God's family, I shall be nourished with the living bread and water of the body and blood of Christ, as my body is refreshed with the outward use of bread and wine, and that as surely as the bread is broken and the wine is powered out, so assuredly the body of Christ was broken, and his blood shed for my sin. Q. How may a man know whether he have this faith, which is begotten by the word, and confirmed by the Sacraments? A. The principal and chiefest sign thereof, is the spirit of Christ, Rom. 8.9.10.11.14.15.16. which is the seal and pledge of our adoption, and the earnest penny of our Salvation: and this spirit is in none effectually but in Gods elect. Q. How shall we decern, whether this spirit be in us, or no? A. By the fruits thereof, Matth. 3.11. which will burst forth as a flame of fire. Q. Which be those fruits? A. They be these. First, love a Math. 22.37. Mark. 12.29. Exod. 20.2. Deut. 6.2. to the Lord and his word, worshipping him in soul and body, and b job 13.15. john 14.15. depending upon his providence both in prosperity and adversity: Secondly, a full c Rom. 8.10. Luke 1.75. & 10.4.2. alteration in myself: that I am dead to sin, and the manners of the world, and that I am now given to delight in God's word and the hearing of it, d Heb. 3.12. 1. Thes. 5.14. Coloss. 3.16. jam. 5.20. to exhort others unto well doing, especially e Josh. 20.15. Psalm. 101. Ephes. 6 4. those that are under my charge, being f Psal. 8.8. & 116.12. Rom. 12.1. Psal. 50.14.15. 1. Thes. 5.16. thankful to God for all his mercies in Christ jesus, using all exercises of Christianity, which tend to a godly and new life, g Math 6.2. 1. Cor 13.3. having charity towards all men, and expressing the same by some signs of my love, and to conclude holding fast the holy h Heb. 25. Ephes. 2.20.11.22. communion, with the rest of the members whereof Christ is the head. Q. How are these graces of the spirit obtained. A. Even by the same means that the spirit itself is obtained, which is, by faithful prayer unto God only, that he will not harden our hearts, & cause us to err, but give the pledge of his spirit unto us, & the graces thereof. vide. Psal. 51.10, 11. Isai. 63.17. Psal. 50.25. Q. Must we pray for nothing but for our faith and the spirit? A. Yes, Act. a. 24.29. Ephes. 6.18.19. 1. Tim. 2.12. we must pray not only for ourselves, but also for the whole Church: especially having a care to ask those things at God's hands, which may most set forth his glory, as we are taught in the Lord's prayer. Q. Rehearse the lords prayer. A. Our father which art in, etc. Q. How way we be assured, that God will give an answer to our prayer? john 16.23. 1. john. 2.1. 1. Pet. 25. Mark. 11.24. Luke. 11.9. A. First, if we ask the things we need, in and for Christ's sake. Secondly, if we ask in faith. Q. What say you then to the prayer of the wicked. A. They are undoubtedly abominable to the Lord, Prou. 1.28.29.30. & 28.9. not only in respect that they want faith, but also because they perform not obedience to the lords voice when he calleth, but turn their ears from it. Q. Rehearse now the sum of all that thou hast learned? A. The sum of all is this. 1 That I find myself to be most miserable, in respect of God's law, which condemneth me in my sin: In that it requireth I should love God above all, and my neighbour as myself, and yet I violate the same, both in thought, word, and deed. 2. That through God's unspeakable favour, I find remedy for my sin, that although the Lord hath given such a law as I cannot perform and keep, because no other law than such a perfect rule of righteousness would agree with his nature, therefore not by my own deserving, but by the mercy of our Lord God in the death of his Son, and our Saviour, the guiltiness of my sins taken away, and I am discharged. 3 And lastly, that I rest thankful all my life long, for this exceeding benefit, and show forth the fruits of my redemption, by a righteous and holy conversation, springing from a lively and true faith, which is begotten by his word, and sealed by his Spirit. This is the sum. FINIS. A Card for Communicants to look upon, before they presume to come to the lords Table, fit to be learned of all that will not receive unworthily. Question. HOw many things are to be regarded and learned of them that approach to the lords Table, to receive the holy mystery of his holy Supper. Answer. Principally one thing, which is to examine themselves before they eat, lest not discerning the lords body, they eat and drink unworthily, and so the bread and wine be unto them of no greater force than the supper was to Judas, even a seal of their condemnation. Q. What mean you by discerning the lords Supper? A. I mean that we must not come to the lords Table as to a common feast or banquet, regarding only the outward elements, as though bread and wine were become our spiritual nourishment, but that by the outward signs we be led as it were by the hand to that which they signify, namely: that Christ Jesus hath suffered the death of the cross, to take away my sins which are the cause of my condemnation, and to bring me unto everlasting life through that fullness of grace which resteth in him. Q. You say the principal thing to be regarded, is to examine ourselves: wherein doth this examination consist? A. In these four points especially which are not lightly to be considered off. Q. Which be they, tell me briefly? A. 1. That I have some knowledge to discern the Lords body as is aforesaid, and be able by a lively and true saith, to apply Christ and all his merits to my soul for my consolation & comfort, lest otherwise by having no feeling of God's mercy & love towards me, the Sacrament do appear to be but a dead letter unto me. 2. That I find myself inwardly and truly grieved for all my sins both lesser and greater, yea for all my idle words and unprofitable works, and for all sins whatsoever, whether actual, or original: and that I purpose not to sin again for any pleasure or profit whatsoever; but to behave myself before him all the days of my life▪ in performance of all holy duties according to his word. 2. That as I see by the breaking or cutting of the bread, and pouring out the wine, that Christ's body and blood was divided, broken, and powered out for my sin: so to find my heart lifted up unto God, and prepared to give humble and heavenly thanks unto him, as for all his mercies, so especially for those present benefits which we see before our eyes, and partake at his holy Table. And to conclude, to be as ready to be broken & slain for Christ's sake, as he was for mine, by taking up his cross and following him. 4. And lastly, as I find by the view of all these mercies, that God loveth me undeservedly, so that I find and feel myself ready to love all men in like sort, though they deserve it not, yea my very enemies, Q. Are these sufficient rules to examine ourselves by? A. These being conceived in our heads, imprinted in our hearts, and expressed in our lives, will further our worthy receiving, to our everlasting comfort. Certain forms of Thanksgiving. Grace before meat. O Gracious and blessed Lord God who givest all things abound antly to thy servants, and feedest them in due season: we humbly beseech thee to sanctify these thy good creatures provided for us, forgiving our sins, which have deserved the contrary. Vouchsafing for Christ's sake, to give us a sober and moderate use of thy creatures, so that whatsoever strength we receive from them, we may bestow the same in thy service, to the setting forth of thy glory in thy only Son our Lord and blessed Saviour Christ jesus. Grace after meat. WE thank thy Majesty most merciful and heavenly Father for these, and all thy mercies upon ourselves and all thy people, beseeching thee of thy fatherly goodness, to continue thy favour upon us, and upon thy whole Church. To send thy word into all places, and to grant a continual increase of the faithful disposers thereof. To bless our Prince and country, to be merciful to all our sins. Comfort all the afflicted members of Christ: arm us against the day of trial. Shorten these days of sin, and increase our faith evermore. Grant these and all good graces, even for Christ jesus sake, to whom with thee and the holy spirit, be all honour, praise and glory for ever, Amen. A thanksgiving, to be used after Cathechising. WE magnify thy name O Lord our God, for thy patience and use of thy word, at this and all other times, beseeching thy Majesty to pardon our unreverent handling of the same, and to write in our hearts the things which we have learned, and give us the practice thereof in our lives. Lord continue thy favour still towards us, by giving a long & prosperous reign to our gracious Sovereign, that under her godly and peaceable government we may still enjoy this liberty to thy glory, and our comforts, both now and for ever. Amen. FINIS.