Imprimatur, Martii 29. 1677. Guil. Sill. R.P.D. Hen. Episc. Lond. a Sac. Domest. THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE Oracles of God. Explained in a brief Exposition Of the CREED. The ten COMMANDMENTS. The LORDS PRAYER. And the SACRAMENTS. Together With several Hymns, or Psalms of Prayer and Praise, suited to divers occasions. Deut. VI 6.7. And these words, which I command thee this ●ay shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children; and shalt talk of them, when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Heb. V 12. For when for the time ye aught to be Teachers ye have need that one teach you again, which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God. LONDON, Printed for John Hancock, at the three Bibles in Popes-Head Alley. 1677. TO THE READER. THE Composer of this Catechism adviseth such as are otherwise likely to be discouraged with the thoughts of learning so many Questions and Answers, to begin first of all with those which are marked with Qu. and Answ. in the Margin: After which they may possibly be better encouraged to learn the rest; or at lest such as are Printed in the same large Character. But whatever they learn, let them be careful, to deliver the same distinctly, and without mistakes, the neglect whereof hath occasioned great prejudice to many, which is much more easily prevented than remedied afterwards. He desires also such as are inclined to think divers of the proofs to be superfluous, especially in that part which treats of Relative Duties, to consider that one Text of Scripture may administer further light than another, which yet speaks to the same thing: or else the manner of expression, and the Emphasis being various, it may be to good purpose to produce divers Scriptures in some cases, though the main intendment of them be one and the same. In other places he hath omitted the proofs altogether; to avoid prolixity and frequent quotation of the same Scriptures. He thinks it requisite likewise to signify, that the following Hymns are collected out of the Psalms of David; several Verses of divers Psalms being placed under the same Head: and most of them different from the common and ordinary version, or any other heretofore extant. THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE Oracles of GOD. [I believe in GOD the Father Almighty.] Quest. Quest. WHat are the Articles of your Christian Faith? Answ. Answ. I Believe in God the Father Almighty, etc. Q. How is it, that men come to Believe? A. Men come to Believe ordinarily by hearing God's Word. Rom. 10.14, 17. Faith comes by Hearing, and Hearing by the Word of God. Q. Are all those true Believers, that do hear God's Word? A. Not (a) Matth. 13.18, 19, 20, 21, 22. One received Seed by the Way side, another into Stony places, another among Thorns. Matth. 22.14. Many are called but few are chosen. Act. 7.54. When they Herd these things, they were cut to the Heart, and gnashed on him with their teeth. ; but such only in whom it worketh effectually (b) 1 Thes. 2.13. When ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. , being applied to them by God's blessed Spirit (c) 2 Thess. 2.13, 14. God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation, through Sanctification of the Spirit, and the belief of the truth, whereunto he called you by our Gospel. 1 Pet. 1.23. compared with Joh. 3.8. Being Born again not of corruptible Seed, but of uncorruptible, by the Word of God. The Wind bloweth where it listeth, etc. So is every one that is Born of the Spirit. . Qu. When is God's Word received and entertained aright? A. When it is received with attention (a) Acts 16.14. Lydia's heart the Lord opened, that she Attended unto the things which were spoken of by Paul , Faith (b) Heb. 4.2. The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with Faith in them that heard it. , Love (c) Psal. 19.10. Sweeter than Honey and the Honeycomb. Acts 17.11. The Bereans received the Word with all readiness of mind. 2 Thess. 2.10, 11. Because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. , Meekness (d) Jam. 1.21. Receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your Souls. ; and when it is remembered and practised by us (e) Psal. 119.11. Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not Sin against thee. Luke▪ 8.15. But that on the good Ground, are they which in an honest and good heart having heard the Word keep it, and bring forth Fruit with patience. Jam. 1.22, 23, 24, 25. Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. . Q. What change doth there pass on those, who are effectually wrought upon by God's Word and Spirit? A. 1. There is a change in their Understandings (a) Acts 26.16, 17, 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from Darkness to light. Eph. 1.17, 18. The eyes of your Understanding being enlightened. , so as they are brought to the knowledge of their own sinful and miserable Estate (b) The Publican smote upon his Breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Acts 2.37. They were pricked in their Heart, and said, Men, and Brethrens, what shall we do? Acts 13.38, 39 Neither is there Salvation in any other: For there is none other Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 1 Tim. 1, 1. And the Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope. 1 Tim. 2.3. One Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. , and to the knowledge of Christ (c), the only Hope set before them (d). 2. There is a change also in their wills (e) Psal. 110.3. Thy People shall be willing in the day of thy power. , so as that they do hearty lay hold upon Jesus Christ, and receive him according as he is offered to them (f) Luke 23.42, 43. Lord remember me, when thou comest into thy Kingdom. Joh. 1.12. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God. . Q. What are we to believe concerning God? A. We are to believe that there is a God, and what this God is. Heb. 11.6. He that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Q. Doth it not appear that there is a God by these things which are seen? A. Yes, the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his Eternal Power and Godhead. Rom. 1.20. Quest. Q. What do you believe God to be? Answ. A. God is an infinite (a) Job 11.7, 8, 9 Canst thou by searching found out God? Canst thou found out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as Heaven, what canst thou do? Deeper than Hell, what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the Earth, and broader than the Sea. Spirit (b) Joh. 4.24. God is a Spirit. , and of himself blessed for ever (c) Exod. 3.14. I am that I am. Rom. 1.25. Who worshipped and served the Creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. . Quest. Q. What are those Attributes, or Properties, which are ascribed unto God? Answ. A. Eternity (a) Deut. 33.27. The Eternal God is my Refuge, and underneath are the everlasting Arms. Psal. 90.2. Befo●● the Mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst form the Earth, and the World, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. , Immensity (b) 1 Kings 8.27. Behold the Heaven of heavens cannot contain thee. , Majesty (c) Job. 37.22. With God is terrible Majesty. Psal. 145.5. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy Majesty. , Unchangeableness (d) Mal. 3.6. I am the Lord, I change not. Jam. 1.17. The Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. , Wisdom (e) Rom. 17.27. To God only wise be Glory. 1 Tim. 1.17. Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God, etc. , Holiness (f) Isa. 6.3. One cried unto another and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts. 1 Sam. 2.2. There is none Holy as the Lord. Rev. 15.4. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorify thy name, for thou only art Holy. , Power (g) Psal. 157.5. Great is our Lord, and of great power. Gen. 17.1. I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be thou perfect. Jer. 32.17, 27. Ah Lord God, thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great power, and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. , Justice (h) Deut. 32.4. All his ways are Judgement, a God of truth, and without Iniquity, just and Right is he. Zeph. 3.5. The just Lord is in the midst of her, he will not do Iniquity. , Goodness (i) Exod. 34.6, 7. The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Psal. 31.19. O how great is thy Goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee! which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the Sons of men! and Truth (k) Psal. 31.5. Into thy hands I commit my Spirit, thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of Truth. Jer. 10.10. But the Lord he is the true God, etc. . Q. What do you learn from Gods being a Spirit? A. To Worship him in Spirit and truth. Joh. 4.24. Q. What do you lear● from the consideration of God's Eternity? A. That he hath no need of us, who was in, and of himself God blessed for ever (a) Rom. 1.25. , before the Mountains were framed, or the little Hills brought forth; that the happiness of the Godly (b) Psalm. 48.14. For this God is our God for ever and ever. Psal. 73.26. God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. and the misery of the Wicked shall never have an end (c) Matth. 25.41. Departed from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire. . Q. What do ye learn from the consideration of God's Immensity? A. That he is every where present, filling Heaven and Earth, so that 'tis not possible for us to hid ourselves or flee from him. Jer. 23.24. Can any hid himself in secret places that I shall not see him, saith the Lord? Do not I fill Heaven and Earth, saith the Lord? Psal. 139.7, 8. Wither shall I go from thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence. If I ascend up into Heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in Hell, behold thou art there. Q. What do you learn from the consideration of God's Majesty? A. To adore and fall down before him (a) Psal. 95.6. , and to serve him with Reverence and godly fear (b) Heb. 12.28. . Q. What do you learn from the consideration of God's Vnchangableness? A. To hold fast the profession of our Faith without wavering (a) Heb. 10.23. , seeing he is faithful that hath promised; and to be afraid of his threaten which shall accordingly be inflicted (b) 1 Sam. 15.28, 20. The Lord hath rend the Kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a Neighbour of thine that is better than thou. And also the strength of Israel will not lie nor Repent. Jer. 7.16. Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee. Deut. 3.25, 26, 27. I pray thee let me go over and see the good Land that is beyond Jordan. But the Lord would not hear me; and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee, speak not more unto me of this Matter; for thou shalt not pass over this Jordan. Ezek. 24.13, 14. Because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it, it shall come to pass, and I will do it, I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent, etc. . Q. What do you learn from the consideration of God's Wisdom? A. That God will not be mocked (a) Gal. 6.7. , that he observeth all our ways (b) Jer. 23.19. Prov. 15.3. , and before him all things are naked and open (c) Heb. 4.13. . I learn also from hence to desire his guidance (d) Psal. 31.3. , to serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind (e) 1 Chron. 28.9. , and to pray for the pardon of my most secret Sins (f) Psal. 90.8. & 19.12. . Q. What do you learn from the consideration of God's Holiness? A. To abhor that which is evil and cleave to that which is good (a) Rom. 12.9. , purifying myself even as God is pure (b) 1 John 3.3. . Q. What are we to learn from the consideration of God's Power? A. To fear him above all (a) Jer. 5.22. Matth. 10.28. , to humble ourselves under his mighty hand (b) 1 Pet. 5.6. , not to provoke him (c) 1 Cor. 10.22. , or harden ourselves against him (d) Job. 9.4. , to believe that whatever he hath promised he is able to perform (e) Rom. 20.21. , and to trust in him, not fearing what man can do unto us (f) Psal. 56.4, 11. Rom. 8.31. . Q. What are we taught from the consideration of God's Justice? A. To pass the time of our sojourning here in fear (a) 1 Pet. 1.17. , to learn righteousness (b) Isa. 26.9. , not to complain (c) Lam. 3.39. , but accept of the punishment of our Iniquity (d) Leu. 26.41. , and acknowledge that the Lord is Righteous in all his ways (e) Dan. 9.14. : I learn further from hence to do no evil to my Neighbour (f) Psal. 15.3. Rom. 13.10. , not to go beyond, or defraud him in any matter (g) Thess. 4.6. , not to have respect of persons (h) Prov. 24.23. , to tender unto all their deuce (i) Rem. 13.7. , and to commit my cause to him that judgeth righteously (k) 1 Pet. 2.23. . Q. What doth the consideration of God's Goodness teach us? A. To love him who first loved us (a) 1 John 4.19. , to give him thanks (b) Psal. 106.1. , to cast all our care upon him (c) 1 Pet. 5.7. Psal. 55.22. , to do good unto all (d) Gal. 6.10. , even to the unthankful and evil (e) Luke 6.35, 36. , and to forgive others as God for Christ's sake forgiveth us (f) Eph. 4.32. Col. 3.13. . Q. What are we to learn from the consideration of God's Truth? A. To draw near to him with a true heart in full assurance of Faith (a) Heb. 10.22. Psal. 145.18. and 17.1. , to put away lying, and speak truth every man to his Neighbour (b) Eph. 4.25. , to harbour no guile (c) Psal. 32.2. , but in all simplicity and godly sincerity to have our conversation here in this world (d) 2 Cor. 1.12. . Q. Have not Creatures likewise the same Attributes which are ascribed unto God? A. Some of God's Attributes are incommunicable and cannot be ascribed to any Creature: Others are communicable to Creatures. Thus Noah was a just man, Samson a strong man, Solomon a wise man. Q. But is there no difference between these communicable Properties; as they are in God, and as they are in the Creatures? A. Yes, they differ in three respects. 1. They are only Qualities in the Creature, but in God they are his very Essence: for whatever is in God is God. 2. They are in God Originally, he is the Fountain of them: but in Creatures they are only by participation, as they are received from him. 3. They are all in God perfectly and infinitely: but Creatures have them only in part and by measure. Q. How do you than understand those Scriptures; There is none holy as the Lord. Thou only art holy. There is none good but one, that is God? A. I understand them thus, That God only is Essentially, Originally, and Infinitely holy and good. Or, that Comparatively none is holy and good but God, in comparison of whom all Creatures are nothing and lesle than nothing. Quest. Q. What have you learned further concerning God? Answ. A. That there are three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy-Ghost (a) Matth. 3.16, 17. When Jesus was Baptised, the Spirit of God like a Dove lighted on him; and lo, a voice from Heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mat. 28.19. Go teach all nations, Baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. 13.24. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. ; and yet these three are but one God (b) 1 John 5.7. There are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy-Ghost, and these three are one. . Q. What are the personal Properties of these three Persons? A. The personal property of God the Father is to beget the Son from all Eternity: Of the Son, to be from all Eternity begotten of the Father: Of the Holy-Ghost, from all Eternity to proceed from them both. Q. How may we come to the enjoyment of God? A. By observing our Rule, which is the word of God, contained in the Old and New Mestament. Isa. 8.10. To the Law, and to the Testimony. John 20.30, 31. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his Disciples, which are not written in this Book. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name. 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God; and is profitable for Reproof, for Instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Q. What is it that the Word of God doth teach us? A. It teacheth us what we are to believe, and what we are to practise. 2 Tim. 1.13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus. [Maker of Heaven and Earth.] Quest. Q. What is the difference between God's work of Creation, and Gods works of Providence? Answ. A. God's work of Creation is his making all things of nothing (a) Gen. 1. Heb. 11.3. Through Faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. . God's works of Providence are his upholding (b) Heb. 1.3. Upholding all things by the word of his Power. and disposing of all his Creatures (c) Gen. 45.7, 8. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God. . Q. What are the parts than of Providence? A. Preservation (a) Plal. 36.6. O Lord thou preservest man and beast. and Government (b) Psal. 67.4. Thou shalt judge the people righteously, and Govern the Nations upon earth. . Q. Doth God's Providence dispose of all things? A. Yes (a) Plal. 103.19. His Kingdom ruleth over all. , even those things which to us seem most casual (b) Prov. 16.33. The Lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. and inconsiderable (c) Mat. 10.29, 30, 31. Are not two Sparrows sold for a Farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. But the very Hairs of your head are all numbered. . Q. What should the Consideration thereof teach us? A. Not to quarrel at his proceed, or distrust him; but submit ourselves to his holy will, and cast all our care upon him, who careth for us. Quest. Q. Which are the principle Creatures God made? Answ. A. Angels and Men. Quest. Q. What have you learned concerning the Angels? A. Answ. That God made them glorious Spirits (a) Col. 1.16. For by him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be Thrones, or Dominions, or Principalities, or Powers. Psal. 104.4. Who maketh his Angel's Spirits. , of whom some continued in their holy state (b) Matth. 25.31. When the Son of man shall come in Glory, and all the holy Angels with him. , the bright Inhabitants of Heaven (c) Matth. 22.30. In the Resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the Angels of God in Heaven. : other fallen from it and became Devils, who are reserved in everlasting Chains under darkness unto the Judgement of the great Day (d) John 8.44. Ye are of your Father the Devil. Judas 6. The Angels which kept not their first Estate, but left their own Habitation he hath reserved in everlasting Chains under darkness unto the Judgement of the great day. . Quest. Q. Whereof doth Man consist? Answ. A. Of an earthy Body, and of a reasonable and immortal Soul. Gen. 2.7. The Lord God form Man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living Soul. Matth. 10.28. But rather fear him which is able to destroy both Soul and Body in Hell. Q. Is not the Soul of man his better part, and chief to be minded? A. Yes certainly; for what will it profit a man to gain the whole world if he loose his own Soul? So that if I should mind my Body, and my outward estate and condition more carefully than my Soul and my Spiritual estate and condition, I shall be guilty of the greatest and most desperate folly and madness; and it would have been good for me if I had not been born. Quest. Q. In what estate was man at first created? Answ. A. In a state of Innocency after the Image of God. Gen. 1.27. God created man in his own Image. Eccles. 7.29. God hath made man Upright, but they have sought out many Inventions. Quest. Q. Wherein did that Image of God consist? Answ. A. In Knowledge (a) Col. 3.10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in Knowledge, after the Image of him that created him. , Righteousness and Holiness (b) Eph. 4.24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in Righteosness and true Holiness. , and dominion over the rest of Inferior Creatures (c) Gen. 1.28. And have Dominion over the Fish of the Sea, and over the Fowl of the Air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the Earth. . Quest. Q. What are those two Covenants, which God did make with Man? Answ. A. A Covenant of Works, and a Covenant of Grace. Qu. Quest. Which is the Covenant of Works? A. Answ. The Covenant of Works is that first Covenant, which God did make with man, promising him life upon condition of perfect, Personal, and perpetual Obedience. Gal. 3.10, 11, 12. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them. The man that doth them, shall live in them. Q. Quest. Did man perform this condition on his part? A. Not, Answ. he sinned against God in eating of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil (a) Gen. 3.6. She took of the Fruit thereof and did eat; and gave also unto her Husband with her and he did eat. , which God had strictly forbidden (b) Gen. 2.17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye. . Q. What are those heinous sins which man's eating of the forbidden Fruit did include in it? A. Besides the disobeying of God's express Commandment, this sin of our first Parents did include in it, 1. A high degree of Pride and Ambition, in that they aspired to be as God. 2. Unbelief, in that they credited not Gods Threatening. 3. Ingratitude towards God, who had made them, and done so much for them, and had given them so great a variety to eat of. 4. Credulity in harkening to Satan, when he said, Ye shall not surely dye. 5. Discontent with that which was allotted them. 6. Luxury, in indulging so much to please the sense. 7. Sacrilege, in taking that which God had so reserved. 8. Murder of themselves and their Posterity. Quest. Q. Did all man's Posterity sin in the fall of Adam? Answ. A. All that came from him by a natural and ordinary way of Generation; for they were all in his Loins; and the Covenant was made not with him only, but in him with his Posterity also. Rom. 5.12. Death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 1 Cor. 15.22. For as in Adam all dye: even so in Christ shall all he made alive. Quest. Q. What condition did Mankind fall into? A. Answ. Into a sinful and miserable condition. Q. Quest. Wherein doth the sinfulness of man's fallen Estate consist? Answ. A. In Original sin (a) Psal. 51.5. I was shapen in Iniquity, and in Sin did my Mother conceive me. , and in his actual sins (b) Matth. 15.19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, Murders, Adulteries, etc. James 1.15. Than when Lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth Sin. . Quest. Q. What is Sin? A. Answ. Sin is the transgression (or breach) of Gods Law. 1 John 3.4. Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the Law: for Sin is the transgression of the Law. Rom 4.15. Where no Law is, there is no Transgression. Q. Quest. Wherein doth Original Sin consist? Answ. A. In the guilt of that first Sin, which Adam committed (a) Rom. 5.19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made Sinners, etc. , in the want of that righteousness wherein he was created (b) Rom. 3.10. There is none righteous, not not one. ; and in the Corruption of our whole Nature, from whence proceed our actual Sins, which are the particular breaches of God's Law (c) James 1.14, 55. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed, etc. . Q. How many ways do we fall into actual sins? A. By Omission, or leaving undone what we aught to do (a) Matth. 23.23. These aught ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. : and by Commission, or doing what we aught not to do (b) Isa. 65.12. But did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. . Q. What miseries did man by his sin fall into? A. He not only lost the enjoyment of Communion with his Maker (a) Gen. 3.8, 24. Adam and his Wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the Garden. So he drove out the man, etc. , but brought himself under the wrath and curse of God (b) Ephes. 2.3. And were by nature the Children of Wrath even as others. Gal. 3.10. As many as are of the works of the Law, are under the Curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them. , became liable to all the evils, pains and sorrows of this present life, (c) Lam. 3.39. Wherhfore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? to death (d) Rom. 5.12. As by one man sin entered into the World, and death by sin; so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. , and to the endless woes and torments of Hell (e) Mat. 25.41, 42. Departed from me ye cursed into everlasting fire. . Quest. Q. What is the Covenant of Grace? A. Answ. The Covenant of Grace is that second Covenant, which (when man had broken the first) God was graciously pleased to enter into, and therein to promise' him Life and Salvation upon condition of his believing in Jesus Christ. John 3.16. For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Acts 16.31. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thine house. [And in JESUS CHRIST] his only Son, our Lord, etc. Q. Quest. What do these words JESUS and CHRIST signify? Answ. A. JESUS signifies a Saviour (a) Matth. 1.21. Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall Save his people from their sins. , and CHRIST signifies Anointed, that is appointed, fitted▪ commissionated, and sent by God (b) Luke 4.18▪ 21. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to Preach the Gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the , to preach deliverance to the Captives, etc. . Q. Who than is Jesus Christ? Answ. A. Jesus Christ is the Eternal Son of God, who for our sakes became man, and is the Anointed Saviour. Quest. Q. What is it to believe in Jesus Christ? Answ. A. To believe in Jesus Christ is to receive him entirely as he is tendered in the Gospel, and to rest upon him only for Salvation; or Faith in Jesus Christ is the hearty accepting of him, as our only Lord and Saviour. John 1.12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name. Phil, 3.8.9. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do accounted them but dung that I may win Christ, and be found in him, etc. 1 Tim. 2.5. One Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus. Quest. Q. What are the Characters of this true Faith, whereby it may be known? Answ. A. A true saving Faith may be known by a ready receiving and obeying of God's Word (a) 1 Thess. 2.13. Ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God, which effectually worketh on them that believe. Rom. 16.26. The Obedience of Faith. by a high prising of Jesus Christ (b) Cant. 5.10, 16. The chiefest among ten thousand; altogether lovely. 1 Pet. 2.7. Unto you which believe he is precious. , by purifying of the heart (c) Acts 15.9. Purifying their hearts by faith. , by good Works (d) James 2.14, 17, 20. What doth it profit my Brethrens, though a man say he hath Faith and have not works? Can Faith save him? Wilt thou know O vain man, that Faith without Works is dead? , and by overcoming of the World (e) 1 John 5.4. This is the Victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith. . Q. How is Jesus Christ God's only Son? A. By eternal Generation (a) John 3.16. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, etc. Prov. 8.23, 24, 25. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no Fountains abounding with water. . Angels (b) Job 38.7. When the morning Stars sang together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy. and men (c) Luke 3.38. Which was the Son of Enos, which was the Son of Seth, which was the Son of Adam, which was the Son of God. Acts 17.28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own Poets have said, For we are also his offspring. are Gods Children by Creation. All true Believers are Gods Children by Adoption (d) Gal. 4.5, 6. To Redeem them that were under the Law, that ye might receive the Adoption of Sons. Rom. 8.15. Ye have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. and Regeneration (e) 1 John 3.7. every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. ; and enjoy the Privileges of Children, safe Protection (f) Prov. 18.10. The name of the Lord is a strong Tower, the Righteous runneth into it and is safe. Psal. 91.11, 12. He shall give his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways, etc. , suitable Provision (g) Psal. 37.3. Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the Land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Psal. 84.11. Not good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. , due Correction (h) Heb. 12.6, 7, 8, 9 Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every Son, whom he receiveth. , Audience and Acceptance (i) Psal. 145.18, 19 The Lord is Nigh unto all them that call upon him, etc. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their cry, and will save them. John 16.23, 24. Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you. Matth. 2.9, 10, 11. What man is there among you, whom if his Son ask bread, etc. How much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him? , and a sure title to a glorious Inheritance (k) Rom. 8.17. And if Children than heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. 1 Pet. 1.3, 4. Which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again, etc. To an Inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you. . Q. How do you prove that Jesus Christ is God? A. 1. Those Attributes are ascribed to him, which are incommunicable to Creatures, as Eternity (a) Prov. 8.23. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the Earth was. John 8.58. Before Abraham was, I am. , Omnipotence (b) Heb. 1.2.3. Who being the brightenss of his Glory, and the express Image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, etc. , Omniscience (c) John 21.17. Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. , Omnipresence (d) John 28.20. Lo I am with you always even unto the end of the World. . 2. Divine Honour and Worship is to be given to him (e) Matth. 28.9. Baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son. 2 Cor. 1.2. With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Heb. 1.6. When he bringeth in the first-begotten into the World, he saith, And let all the Angels of God Worship him. . 3. He is in Scripture called God (f) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Rom. 9.5. Of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all God blessed for ever. . Q. Quest. Hath Jesus Christ two distinct entire natures? A. Yes, Answ. the Human Nature (a) John 1.14. The Word was made Flesh and dwelled among us. Gal. 4.4. When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son made of a Woman, etc. and the Divine Nature (b) Col. 2 9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. , (c) Rom. 9.5. Of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came, who is over all God blessed for ever Matth. 22.45. If David did call him Lord, how is he his Son. both in one person (e). Q. Quest. Why was our Mediator both God and Man? Answ. A. He became Man, that he might be capable of suffering, and that he might make satisfaction in the same nature that had offended (a) Heb. 2.14, 15. Forasmuch than as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, etc. 1. Cor. 15.21. For since by man came death, by man came also the Resurrection of the dead. . And being God he was able to undergo, and get through his sufferings (b) Acts 2.24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 1 Pet. 3.18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. , and his sufferings were available (c) 1 Pet. 1.18, 19 Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as Silver and Gold, from your vain Conversation, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. Heb. 10.14. For by one Offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. . Quest. Q. Was Jesus Christ conceived and born in an ordinary way, as others are? Answ. A. Not; He was conceived by the Holy Ghost (a) Luke 1.35. The Holy-Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. , and born of the Virgin Mary (b) Matth. 1.25. And knew her not, till she had brought forth her firstborn Son, and called his name Jesus. , without sin (c) Luke 1.35. Therefore that holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. Heb. 7.26. Such an Highpriest became us, as was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. . Q. Quest. What are the Offices of Jesus Christ, our anointed Saviour? Answ. A. Three; the Office of a Prophet (a) Acts, 3.22. A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your Brethrens like unto me, him shall ye hear. , of a Priest (b) Heb. 5.5, 6. Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec. , and of a King (c) Psalm 2.6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. Isa. 9.6. And the Government shall be upon his shoulder. . Q. Quest. What is Christ's Prophetical Office? Answ. A. Christ's Office, as he is a Prophet, is to reveal, or make known to us Gods william. John 1.18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 15.15. All things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Q. Quest. How doth Christ make known to us Gods william. Answ. A. Outwardly by his Word (a) Eph. 4.11, 12. And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. , and inwardly by his Spirit (b) John 14.26. But the Comforter, who is the Holy-Ghost, whom the Father will sand in my name, he shall teach you all things. . Quest. Q. Wherein consisteth Christ's Priestly Office? Answ. A. In Offering up himself a Sacrifice (a) Heb. 9.14. How much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge the Conscience from dead works to serve the living God. once for all (b) Heb. 9.28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. 1 Pet. 3.18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust. , and in making continual Intercession for us (c) Heb. 7.25. Wherhfore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. . Q. What are the two parts than of Christ's Priesthood? A. Oblation and Intercession. Quest. Q. Why did Christ offer up himself a Sacrifice? Answ. A. To satisfy the Justice of God (a) Heb. 2.17. Wherhfore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethrens, that he might be a merciful and faithful Highpriest, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. , and to purchase for us his favour (b) Eph. 5.6. He hath made us accepted in the beloved. Eph. 2.13, 14. But now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far of, are made nigh by the Blood of Christ: for he is our Peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. . Q. How did Christ fulfil and satisfy that first Covenant, whereunto man was obliged? A. In performing that Righteousness which the Law of God did require (a) Psalm 40.6, 7. Lo, I come, in the Volume of the Book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God. Rom. 8.3, 4. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh, That the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us. , (b) Isa. 53.5, 6. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our Iniquities. 1 Pet. 3.18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust. and in bearing the punishment which was due for the breaking of it (h). Q. But is it agreeable to Justice, that the innocent should suffer what the guilty deserve? A. There is no injustice in 〈◊〉 ●ince Christ did willingly, and 〈…〉 accord undertake the same, 〈…〉 ●ng power so to do. John 10.18. No man taketh my life from me, I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, etc. Q. Did the benefit of Christ's death extend to those who were before his Incarnation? A. Yes; the Saints of God who before Christ's time, were saved likewise by Faith in him (a) Rom. 3.30. Seeing it is one God, which shal● justify the Circumcision by Faith, and uncircumcision through Faith. Rom. 4.6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto who● God imputeth Righteousness without works. , who was revealed to them by Promises (b) Ge●. 3.15. And I will put enmity between thee and th● Woman, and between thy seed and her seed: ● shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his he● Gen. 22.18. And in thy seed shall all the Nations ● the Earth be blessed. , Types (c) John 3 14, 15. And ● Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness: 〈◊〉 must the Son of man be lifted up; That whose ever believeth in him should not perish, but hav● eternal life. John 6.31, 32, 33. Our Father's d● eat Manna in the desert; as it is written, he gav● them Bread from Heaven to eat. Than Jesus sa●● unto them, My Father giveth you the true bread fro● Heaven. For the bread of God is he which come●● down from Heaven and giveth life unto the Wor●● and Sacrifices (d) 1 Cor. 5.7. Christ our Passover is Sacrificed f● us. Heb. ●▪ 12, 13. Neither by the blood of Go● and 〈◊〉 but by his own blood he obtained eternal Reed. 〈…〉. For if the blood of Christ, wh● through 〈…〉 Spirit offered himself without spot to God, 〈◊〉 ●ev. 13.8. The Lamb slain fro● the foundation of the World. . Q. How is it that the second Covenant is called a Covenant of Grac● seeing Christ hath paid a full price? A. It is a Covenant of Grace an● Mercy notwithstanding (a) Rom. 3.24, 25, 26. Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ: whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God: To declare, I say, at this time his Righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. ; because 1. Christ was freely given by the Father (b) John. 3.16. For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son, etc. Rom. 8.32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, etc. . 2. What Christ did and suffered was accepted for others in thei● stead (c) Rom. 5.18, 19 By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men, unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made Sinners: so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 1 Cor. 1.30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption. 2 Cor. 5.21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. . 3. Faith itself, which is required of us, is God's gift (d) Eph. 2.8. For by Grace are ye saved through Faith, and that not of your selves; it is the gift of God. , and he inables us to that Obedience and Service we Pay unto him (e) 1 Cor. 29.14. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort. Ezek. 46.26, 27. A new heart also will I give you, and I will put my Spirit within you, and 'cause you to walk in my Statutes, and ye shall keep my Commandments, and do them. Philip. 2.13. For it is God, that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. . Q. May we than sit still and say, 'Tis God must do all? A. Not surely; we must strive to enter in at the straight Gate (a) Luke 13.24. , run that we may obtain (b) 1 Cor. 9.24. , fight the good fight of Faith, and lay hold on eternal life (c) 1 Tim. 6.12. ; give diligence to make our Calling and Election sure (d) 2 Pet. 1.10. , and because it is God that worketh in us, therefore we must work out our own Salvation with fear and trembling (e) Philip. 2.12, 13. . Q. How could Christ's Obedience satisfy for others, since he himself being a man was bound to obey God? A. Because he was also God, and did freely and voluntarily become man. Philip. 2.6, 7. Who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Heb. 2.14, 15, Forasmuch as the Children are Partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part of the same. Quest. Q. Wherein consisteth Christ's Kingly Office? Answ. A. In subduing us unto himself (a) Psal. 110.3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. , in protecting and governing us (b) Isa. 33.22. The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, he will save us. , and in Restraining, Conquering, and Triumphing over all his Enemies (c) Psal. 76.10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. 1 Cor. 15.25, 28. For he must reign, till he hath put all Enemies under his Feet. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, etc. Psal. 110.1. The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine Enemies thy footstool. . Quest. Q. In what respects did Christ humble himself? Answ. A. That he became a man (a) Luke 2.11. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Heb. 2.16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels, but the seed of Abraham. , and was born in so mean a condition (b) Luke 2.7. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in Swadling-cloaths, and laid him in a Manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn. ver. 22.24. And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord; and to offer a Sacrifice, according to that which is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of Turtle Doves, or two young Pigeons. Compared with Leu. 12.8. And if she be not able to bring a Lamb, than she shall bring two Turtles, or two young Pigeons. Colos. 1.20. And (having made peace through the blood of his Cross) by him to reconcile all things unto himself, etc. , that he was subject to the Law (c) Gal. 4.4. Made under the Law. , that he underwent the sorrows of this life (d) Isa. 53.3. He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief. , and was tempted of the Devil (e) Matth. 4.1. Than was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil. , that he endured heavy and grievous torments in his Soul (f) Mat. 26.37, 38. My Soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death. Luke 22.44. And being in an Agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground. Mat. 27.46. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? , that he submitted to divers Indignities (g) Matth. 26.67, 68 Than did they spit in his face, and buffeted him, and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophecy unto us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee. Mark 14.65. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to say unto him Prophecy: and the Servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. Matth. 27.27, 28, 29, 30. The Soldiers took Jesus into the Common-hall, and gathered unto him the whole band. And they stripped him, and put on him a Scarlet Robe. And when they had plaited a Crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a Reed in his right hand, and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail King of the Jews. And they spit upon him, and took the Reed and smote him on the head. , and died upon the Cross a shameful, painful, and cursed death (h) Philip. 2.8. He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. Heb. 12.2. Who endured the Cross, despising the shame. Gal. 3.13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a Curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Deut. 21.23. He that is hanged is accursed of God. , that he was buried (i) Luke 23.52, 53. Joseph went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus, and he took it down and wrapped it in linen and laid it in a Sepulchre. , and that he continued three days in the Grave (k) Mat. 12.40. For as Ionas was three days and three nights in the Whale's belly: so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. . Q. Who was Pontius Pilate? A. Pontius Pilate was a Roman sent by Tiberius the Emperor to be a Governor in Judea, who upon the malicious (a) Matth. 27.18. For he knew, that for envy they had delivered him. instigation (b) Matth. 27.23, 25. They all say unto him, Let him be Crucified. They cried out the more, saying, let him be Crucified. All the people answered and said, His blood be on us and on our Children. of the Jews (out of whose hands the power of life and death was taken away) (c) John 18.38. The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death. , and to content them condemned Jesus Christ to dye according to the custom of the Roman Empire, the death of the Cross (d) Mark 15.15. Pilate willing to content the people released Barrabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus to be Crucified. Luke 23.24, 25. And Pilate gave sentence, that it should be as they required, and he delivered Jesus to their william. . Q. Why was it requisite to express the person under whom our Saviour suffered? A. 1. To assure us of the time in which he suffered; and thereby the more to confirm us in the steadfast belief thereof. 2. That the very naming of Pilate might be a standing Testimony of our Saviour's Innocency, which was openly professed and declared even by him, who (to content the people) did sentence him to so ignominious a death. 3. That we may understand how it was brought to pass that Christ suffered according to the Scriptures, the manner of whose death (though he was to dye near Jerusalem) was not agreeable to the Laws and Customs of the Jews. Q. How can it be, that Christ continued three days in the grave, seeing he was buried the Friday and risen again the first day of the week, or the Lord-sday early in the Morning. A. A part of the natural day (which includes both day and night, or twenty four hours) is taken for the whole day: and than the day in which he was buried is one, and the day on which he risen is another; or he was buried upon the first of those three days, and upon the last of those three days he risen. Which is the ordinary way of reckoning in computation of time. When we read than that he was three days and three nights in the Grave, we must not look upon those nights as distinct from the days; but as Moses spoke, The evening and the morning (i e. the night and the day) were the first day. Q. What are the several parts of Christ's Exaltation? A. His rising again from the dead on the third day (a) Matth. 16.21. From that time forth, began Jesus to show unto his Disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem and suffer many things of the Elders and Chief-Priests, and Scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Rom. 8.34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died; yea rather that is risen again. 1 Cor. 15.4. And that he risen again the third day, according to to the Scriptures. ; his ascending up into Heaven (b) Acts 1.9, 10. And when he had spoken these things while they beheld he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. , when he had continued after his Resurrection forty days here upon earth (c) Acts 1.3. To whom also he hath showed himself alive after his Passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. ; his sitting on the Right hand of God the Father (d) Mark 16.19. So than after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into Heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Eph. 1.20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. ; and his coming at the last day to judge the quick and the dead (e) Acts. 10.42. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify, that it is he which was ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead. 2 Tim. 4.1. I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom. . Quest. Q. Whom do you understand to be meant by the quick and the dead? Answ. A. By the quick are meant such as shall be here alive when Christ comes to judgement: by the dead all those departed hence before the time of Christ's coming to Judgement. Quest. Q. What doth the Scripture declare of those, who shall be found here alive at the last day? Answ. A. They shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (a) 1 Cor. 15.51, 52. , and caught up in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Air (b) 1 Thess. 4.17. . Quest. Q. In what manner will Christ come to judgement? Answ. A. He will come visibly (a) Matth. 24.30. And than shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven. And than shall all the Tribes of the Earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the Clouds of Heaven. Rev. 1.7. Behold he cometh with Clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him, etc. in great power and Glory (b) Matth. 24.30. And they shall see the Son of man coming in the Clouds of Heaven, with power and great Glory. , accompanied by his holy Angels (c) Matth. 25.31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him, etc. , with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the Trump of God (d) Thess. 4.16. . Quest. Q. What is the Sentence of Absolution, which Christ will hereafter pronounce at the day of Judgement? Answ. A. Come ye blessed Children of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World. Matth. 25.34. Quest. Q. What is the Sentence of condemnation, which Christ will than pass upon the wicked? Answ. A. Departed from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. Matth. 25.41. Q. What are we more especially to learn from the Consideration of this day of Judgement? A. 1. Not to be ashamed of Jesus Christ now (a). 2. Not to allow ourselves in any way of evil, how secret soever (b) Eccles. 12.13. For God shall bring every work unto judgement, with every secret thing. Rom. 2.16. In the day, when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel. . 3. To judge nothing before the time (c) Rom. 14.4, 10, 12, 13. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth. But why dost thou judge thy Brother? or, why dost thou set at naught thy Brother? For we shall all stand before the Judgement seat of Christ. So than every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more. 1 Cor. 4.5. Wherhfore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the Counsels of the hearts. Jam 5.9. Grudge not one against another Brethrens, jest ye be condemned: behold the Judge standeth before the door. . 4. To repent (d) Acts 17.30, 31. But now commandeth all men every where to repent, because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained. . 5. To discover our moderation (e) Philip. 4.5. Let your moderation be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand. . 6. To be patiented (f) Jam. 5.7, 8. Be patiented therefore Brethrens unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the Husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the Earth, and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and the latter rain. Be ye also patiented, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. . 7. To maintain a spiritual watch (g) Matth. 24.42. Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Luke 1, 2.37. Blessed are those Servants whom the Lord when he cometh, shall found watching. , and keep our garments clean (h) Rev. 3.4. and 16.15. Thou hast a few names, which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. Behold I come as a thief, blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments. . 8. To be charitable (i) Matth. 25.35. For I was an hangred and ye gave me meat, etc. 2 Tim. 1.16.18. The Lord give mercy to the House of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. The Lord grant unto him, that he may found mercy of the Lord in that day. . 9 To wish and pray for its coming (k) 2 Tim. 4.8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day. And not unto me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Tit. 2.13. Looking for, that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3.12. Looking for, and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God, wherein the Heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat. Rev. 22.20. Surely I come quickly. Amen, even so come Lord Jesus. . And Lastly, To comfort one another with the hopes and expectation thereof (l) 1 Thes. 4.16, 17, 18. For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the Trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Than we which are alive and remain, sh●ll be caught up together with them in the Clouds, to meet the Lord in the Air; and so shall we ever be with the lord Wherhfore comfort one another with these words. . Mark 8.38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy Angels. Q. What have you learned further relating to the Day of Judgement? A. That this World shall than be burnt up (a) 2 Pet. 3.7, 10, 11. But the Heavens and the Earth which are now, are reserved unto fire against the day of Judgement, in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burnt up. Seeing than that these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons aught we to be, etc. ; and Christ will resign his Mediatory Kingdom to God the Father, that God may be all in all (b). [I Believe in the HOLY-GHOST.] Quest. Q. Whom do you understand by the Holy-Ghost. Answ. A. The Holy-Ghost (or Holy-Spirit) is the third Person in the Godhead (a) 1 John 5.7. There are three that bear Record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy-Ghost. , who proceedeth from the Father and the Son (b) John 15.26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will sand unto you from the Father, etc. Gal. 4.6. God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, etc. , and yet is equal with them both (c) 1 John 5.7. And these three are one. , and is the Sanctifier of all the elect people of God (d) Matth. 3.11. He shall Baptise you with the Holy-Ghost, and with Fire. 1 Cor. 6.11. Such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. . Q. Show me more particularly what you have learned concerning the Operations or workings of this Holy Spirit in the hearts of God's people? A, 1. It inlightens their understandings by convincing them of Sin (a) John 16.9. And when he is come, he will reprove the World of Sin. , and giving them the knowledge of God (b) 1 Cor. 2.10, 11. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man save the Spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God. 1 Cor. 12.3. No man can can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy-Ghost. . 2. It inables them to kill and mortify their corruptions (c) Rom. 8.13. If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. . 3. It doth cleanse and renew their natures (d) Matth. 3.11. He shall Baptise you with the Holy-Ghost and with Fire. Tit. 3.5. Not by works of reghteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy-Ghost. . 4. It quickens and inlivens them (d) Matth. 3.11. He shall Baptise you with the Holy-Ghost and with Fire. Tit. 3.5. Not by works of reghteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy-Ghost. , dwells in them (f) Rom. 8.9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God devil in you. 1 Cor. 3.16. Know ye not, that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? , and makes them fruitful (g) Gal. 5.22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, etc. . 5. It frees them from a servile slavish disposition, and gives them a filial spirit (h) Rom. 8.15, 16. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirits that we are the children of God. 2 Cor. 3.17. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Gal. 4.6. And because ye are Sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father. . 6. It leads them into all truth, guides and regulates them in their Conversations (i) John 16.13. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth. John 14.26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy-Ghost, whom the Father will sand in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your Remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you. Rom. 1.14. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. Gal. 5.16, 25. Walk in the Spirit, etc. . 7. It comforts and rejoiceth them even in the midst of sorrows with the sense of God's love (k) John 14.26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, etc. Acts 9.31. Than had the Church's rest throughout all Judea, etc. and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy-Ghost were multiplied. Rom. 5.5. And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy-Ghost, which is given unto us. Rom. 14.17. Righteousness and Peace, and Joy in the Holy-Ghost. 1 Thess. 1.6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction with joy of the Holy-Ghost. Gal. 5.22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc. Ephes. 1.13, 14. In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our Inheritance. . 8. It helps their infirmities, and assists them in their supplications (l) Rom. 8.26, 27. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we aught, but the Spirit itself maketh Intercession for us, with groan which cannot be uttered, etc. Zach. 12.10. And I will pour upon the House of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications. Judas 20. But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy Faith, praying in the Holy-Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God. . (e) Rom. 8.2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Q. How do you prove that the Holy-Ghost is God? A. 1, Those Attributes are ascribed to him, that are proper to God only, as Omniscience (a) 1 Cor. 2.10. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. and Omnipresence (b) Psal. 139.7. Wither shall I go from thy Spirit, and whither shall I flee from thy presence? . 2. We are Baptised in his name (c) Matth. 28.19. Baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy-Ghost. . 3. He is in Scripture called God (d) Acts 5.3, 4. Why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie unto the Holy-Ghost? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. , and said to be the same with the Father and the Son (e) 1 John. 5.7. These three are one. . [The holy Catholic Church.] Quest. Q. What do you mean by the holy Catholic Church? Answ. A. I mean by the holy Catholic (or Universal) Church all the people and servants of God throughout all ages, in the several parts and quarters of the World, united to one and the same Head, Jesus Christ (a) Eph. 2.20, 21. And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. Col. 1.18. He is the head of the body the Church. , quickened by one and the same Spirit (b) Eph. 4.4. There is one Body and one Spirit. , and embracing one and the same Faith (c) Eph. 4.5. One Faith, and one Baptism. . Q. What do you understand by the visible and invisible Church? A. The Visible Church are those, who do openly profess the true Religion, together with the Children that descend from such Parents, or from one of them: the Invisible Church are those who do hearty and sincerely embrace the same true Religion, which they do profess, giving up themselves entirely to the Obedience of Faith. Q. Why are they called Invisible? A. Because we cannot certainly discern them who they are. 1 Cor. 2.11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the Spirit of a man which is in him? Q. Wbat do you mean by the Church Militant and Triumphant? A. The Church Militant are the people and servants of God here upon Earth, wrestling and combating with many and various Enemies (a) Eph. 6.12, 13. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against Principalities, etc. Wherhfore take unto you the whole Armour of God, etc. . The Church Triumphant are the faithful servants of God, who by the gracious assistance and strength of Jesus Christ their Leader and Captain of their Salvation have conquered all their Enemies, and are now triumphing in Heaven (b) Heb. 12, 23. And to the Spirits of just men made perfect. Rev. 7.9, 10. After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all Nations, and Kindred's, and People, and Tongues stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white Robes, and Palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb. . Q. Will the Enemies of God's Church be ever able to overthrew it? A. Not, It hath continued hitherto notwithstanding all oppositions, and it will continued in a constant succession of its members to the end of the World. Matth. 16.18. The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. Matth. 28.20. Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the World. [The Communion of Saints.] Quest. Q. With whom do the Saints enjoy Communion? Answ. A. The Saints do especially enjoy Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost (a) 1 John 1.3. Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 13.14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ Christ, and the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy-Ghost be with you all. , and with one another (b) 1 John 1.3. That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us. . Q. What doth the Communion or Fellowship which the Saints have with God, include or carry with it? A. 1. Conformity or likeness (a) Psal. 4.3. The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. 2 Cor. 6.14. For what fellowship hath Righteousness with unrighteousness, and what Communion hath light with darkness. . 2. Peace and Union (b) Amos 3.3. Can two walk together except they be agreed? . 3. Mutual interest and right one in another (c) Cant. 2.16. My beloved is mine and I am his. Isa. 54.5. Thy Maker is thy Husband. 2 Cor. 6.16. I will devil in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. . 4. Mutual converse and correspondence; God communicates his Grace to the Soul, and the Soul returns the fruits of it to him (d) Cant. 4.16. Awake O North wind, and come thou South, blow upon my Garden, that the Spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his Garden and eat his pleasant fruits. Isa. 61.3. That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. 1 Pet. 2.9. But ye are a chosen Generation, a peculiar people, that ye may show forth the praise of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. . Q How many ways do the Saints enjoy Communion one with another? A. In admonishing, councelling and comforting one another (a) Luke 22.32. And when thou art Converted strengthen thy Brethrens. Levit. 19.17. Thou shalt not hate thy Brother in thine heart, thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Rom. 1.11, 12. For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual Faith both of you and me. 1 Thess. 5.11, 14. Wherhfore Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do. Heb. 3.13. Exhort one another daily, while it is called to day, etc. , in serving God together (b) Acts 2.42, 46, 47. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship, and in breaking of Bread, and in prayers, , in confessing their faults mutually, and praying one for another (c) James 5.16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another. , in bearing one another's burdens (d) Rom. 12.15. Weep with them that weep. Gal. 6.2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ. , in being good Examples each to other (e) Phil. 3.17. Brethrens, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. 1 Thess. 1.7. So that ye were Ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. , and charitably supplying one another's wants. (f) Acts 11.29, 30. Than the Disciples every man according to his ability determined to sand relief unto the Brethrens which dwelled in Judea. Which also they did, and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Gal. 6.10. As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of Faith. [The forgiveness of Sins.] Quest. Q. What is meant by the Forgiveness of Sins. A. Answ. The taking of our obligation to the punishment due unto us for Sin through Jesus Christ, who hath made a sufficient compensation and full satisfaction for the same. Rom. 8.8. There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Q. Quest. What is the desert of every Sin? Answ. A. The curse of Almighty God (a) Gal. 3.10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them. , both here (b) Deut. 28.15, 16, etc. Cursed shalt thou be in the City, and Cursed shalt thou be in the Field, etc. and hereafter (c) Matth. 25.41. Departed from me ye cursed into everlasting Fire. Rom. 6.23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. . Quest. Q. May we expect forgiveness of our Sins without Repentance? Answ. A. Not, Forgiveness of Sins, and Repentance must go together. Luke 24.47. And that Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all Nations. Acts 5.31. Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give Repentance to Israel and forgiveness of Sins. Quest. Q. Wherein doth true Repentance consist? A. Answ. In an unfeigned sorrow for sin past (a) Psal. 38.4. For mine Iniquities are gone over my head as an heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. Matth. 26.75. And Peter remembered the words of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the Cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out and wept bitterly. Acts 2.37. They were pricked to the heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and Brethrens what shall we do? , and amendment of life for the time to come (b) Rom. 6.16, 17, 18, 19 Being than made free from sin, ye became the Servants of Righteousness. 1 Thess. 1.9. And how ye turned to God from Idols, to serve the living and true God. . Quest. Q. What is it to be justified? Answ. A. To be justified, is to have our Sins pardoned (a) Rom. 3.24, 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of Sins that are passed through the forbearance of God. , and our persons accepted as righteous in and through Jesus Christ? (b) Rom. 5.19. By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 2 Cor. 5.21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him. Quest. Q. What are the parts than of justification? Answ. A. Two, Forgiveness and Acceptation. Quest. Q. What is it to be sanctified? Answ. A. To be sanctified is to be renewed after Gods own Image in knowledge (a) Col. 3.10. And have put on the new man ' which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that created him. , righteousness, and true holiness (b) Eph. 4.24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. . Q. Quest. What are the parts of Sanctification? Answ. A. Mortification (a) Rom. 6.6, 11. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve Sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin. , (or dying unto Sin) and vivification (b) Rom. 6.11, 13. But alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead. Rom. 8.1. Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. , or living unto righteousness. Q. Quest. What have you learned further concerning Sanctification? Answ. A. That it is neither equal in all (a) Heb. 5.12, 13. For when for the time ye aught to be Teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of Righteousness, for he is a babe, etc. 1 John 2.12, 13, 14. I writ unto you little Children, etc. unto you young men, etc. unto you Fathers, etc. , nor in this life perfect in any (b) 1 John 1.8. If we say we have no sin, me deceive ourselves. Heb. 12.23. And to the Spirits of just men made perfect. 1 Cor. 13.9, 10. For we know in part, and we Prophecy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, etc. , but growing up towards perfection (c) 2 Cor. 7.1. Prrfecting holiness in the fear of God. Philip. 3.12, 13.14. Brethrens, I count not myself to have apprehended▪ but reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark. . Q. Do we deserve forgiveness of sins, and eternal Salvation by our Repentance and Obedience? A. Not certainly, God saveth us according to his mercy (a) Tit. 3.5. , and the richeses of his Grace (b) Ephes. 1.6.7. , and when we have done all that we can, we are unprofitable Servants (c) Luke 19.10 . Q. What is required to tender a man's work meritorious, so as he may truly be said to deserve or merit thereby without any consideration of Grace and Favour. A. 'tis required in order to the rendering of a man's work to be thus meritorious. 1. That it be his own. 2. That it be not due. 3. It must be complete and perfect, or else 'twill need a Pardon. 4. It must be proportionable to the Reward. Q. Doth it appear from hence that whatsoever we can do, cannot merit eternal life at God's hands? A. Yes, In every of those respects; For, 1. Faith (a) Eph. 2.8. For by grace are ye saved through Faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Philip. 1.29. For unto you is given not only to believe on him, etc. , and Repentance (b) Acts 5.31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of Sins. Acts. 11.18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Than hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto life. (b) Jam. 1.17. 1 Chron. 29, 14.16. All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. All this store cometh of thine hand, and it is all thine own. 2 Cor. 3.5. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing, as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is of God. are God's gifts; yea every good and perfect gift is from above (c). 2. We own all that we have to God as we are his Creatures made and maintained by him (d) Prov. 16, 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself. Gen. 48.15. The God which fed me all my life long unto this day. Luke 17.7, 8, 9, 10. Doth he thank that Servant, because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all these things, which are commanded you, say we are unprofitable Servants: We have done that which was our duty to do. . 3. There are Iniquities in our most holy things (e) Exod. 28.36, 37, 38. And thou shalt make a plate of pure Gold, and grave upon it like the ingravenings of a Signet, Holiness to the Lord. And it shall be upon Aron's forehead, that Aron may bear the iniquity of the Holy things which the Children of Israel shall hollow in all their holy gifts, and it shall be always upon his forehead that they may be accepted before the Lord. . 4. There is no proportion between our finite imperfect Services, and a glorious infinite Reward (e) Exod. 28.36, 37, 38. And thou shalt make a plate of pure Gold, and grave upon it like the ingravenings of a Signet, Holiness to the Lord. And it shall be upon Aron's forehead, that Aron may bear the iniquity of the Holy things which the Children of Israel shall hollow in all their holy gifts, and it shall be always upon his forehead that they may be accepted before the Lord. . (f) Mat. 19.29. And every one that hath forsaken houses or Brethrens, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit eternal life. Rom. 8.18. For I reckon, that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [The Resurrection of the Body.] And the life Everlasting. Quest. Q. Is it certain, that all men must dye? Answ. A. Yes, 'tis appointed for all men once to dye. Heb. 9.27. Quest. Q. What should we learn from hence? Answ. A. To know how frail we are (a) Psal. 39.4. , to consider our latter end (b) Deut. 32.29. , and to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto Wisdom (c) Psal. 90.12. , to work while it is day, seeing the night cometh, when no man can work (d) John 9.4. . Quest. Q. When men die, what doth become of their bodies? A. Answ. Their Bodies do return to dust (d), (a) Gen. 3.19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. and see corruption (b) Acts 13.36. For David after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his Fathers and saw corruption. . Quest. Q. What becomes of the souls of men, when they departed hence? A. Answ. The Souls of the godly are than made perfectly holy (a) And to the Spirits of just men made perfect. , and received to the immediate enjoyment of God (b) Luke 23.32. To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. 2 Cor. 5.8. Willing rather to be absent from the Body and to be present with the Lord. Phil. 1.23. Having a desire to departed, and to be with Christ. , together with an innumerable company, of glorious Angels (b) Luke 23.32. To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. 2 Cor. 5.8. Willing rather to be absent from the Body and to be present with the Lord. Phil. 1.23. Having a desire to departed, and to be with Christ. , (c) Heb. 12.22. To an innumerable Company of Angels. in the Kingdom of Heaven (d) 2 Cor. 5.1. For we know, that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. . The Souls of the wicked are cast into Hell (e) 1 Pet. 3.19. By which also he went and preached unto the Spirits in Prison: which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah. , where they must suffer the vengeance of eternal Fire (f) Judas 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the Cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to Fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an Example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. , prepared for the Devil and his Angels (g) Matth. 25.41. Everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. . Quest. Q. Shall the bodies of all men both the godly and the wicked be raised again? Answ. A. Yes, There shall be a Resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust (a) Acts 25.15. . All that are in the Graves shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the Resurrection of Life; and they that have done evil, unto the Resurrection of Damnation (b) John 5.28, 29. . Quest. Q. When shall this Resurrection be? Answ. A. At the last day. John 11.24. I know that he shall rise again in the Resurrection at the last day. Quest. Q. What will immediately follow upon the Resurrection? Answ. A. The general and final judgement of Angels (a) Judas 6. And the Angels which kept not their first Estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the Judgement of the great day. and Men (b) Rom. 14.10. We shall all stand before the Judgment-seat of Christ. . Quest. Q. What doth the Scripture declare to us concerning the godly at the day of Judgement? Answ. A. That (their bodies being than raised up in Glory (a) 1 Cor. 15.43. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. Philip. 3.21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. , and united again to their Souls (b) Job. 19.26, 27. And though after my Skin worms destroy this body, Yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another, though my reinss be consumed within me. , they shall be openly owned and acquitted by Jesus Christ (c) Matth. 10.32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven. Matth. 25.34. Come ye blessed of my Father, etc. Acts 3.19.— that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. , set on his Right-hand (d) Matth. 25.32. And he shall set the Sheep on his right hand. , join with him in judgement on all wicked Men and Angels (e) 1 Cor. 6.2, 3. Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world? Know not that we shall judge the world? Know ye not that we shall judge Angels? , be for ever freed from all sin (f) Eph. 5.27. That he might present it to himself a Glorious Church, not having spot ● wrinkle or any such thing. and sorrow (g) Rev. 21.4. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, n● crying, neither shall there be any more pain. , filled with unconceivable Joy (h) Ps. 16.11. In thy presence is fullness of Joy. Matth. 24.21. Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord. 1 Cor. 2.9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. , and made perfectly blessed (i) Matth. 25.34. Come ye blessed of my Father. , in the immediate (k) 1 Cor. 13.12. For now we see through a glass darkly; but than face to face. full (l) Psal. 17.15. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness 1 Cor. 13.12. Now I know in part, but than shall I know even as also I am known. and everlasting Enjoyment of God (m) 1 Thess. 4.12. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. . Q. What is the difference between Natural, Spiritual, and Eternal (or everlasting) Life? A. Natural life consists in the union between the Soul and the Body (a) Gen. 2.7. And the Lord God form man of the Dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living Soul. , Spiritual Life in the union between the Soul and God (b) John 17.21.23. That they all may be one in us. I in them and thou in me, etc. , Eternal Life in the perfect happiness both of Soul and Body in the full (c) Psal. 16.11. In thy presence is fullness of joy and immediate (d) John 17.24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my Glory. enjoyment of God for ever (e) Psalm 16.11. At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Q. Are there not likewise three kinds of Deaths? A. Yes. 1. Natural or corporeal death, which is the separation of the Soul from the body (a) Gen. 35.18. And it came to pass, as her Soul was in departing, for she died, that she called his name Ben-oni. Eccles. 12.7. Than shall the Dust return to the earth, as it was; and the Spirit shall return unto God, who gave it. . 2. Spiritual death, which is the separation of the Soul from God; who only can quicken those that are dead in trespasses and sins (b) Eph. 2.1. , by putting into them his Spirit (c) Ezek. 36.26. , which is the Spirit of Life (d) Rom. 8.2. . 3. Eternal death, which is the utter separation both of Soul and Body from God's favourable presence to suffer the vengeance of Eternal Fire (e) Matth. 10.28. And fear not them which kill the Body, and are not able to kill the Soul; but rather fear him, which is able to destroy both Soul and Body in Hell. . Quest. Q. What shall be the final portion of all ungodly Men? Answ. A. They shall be punished with everlasting separation from God, and most grievous torments of Soul and Body without intermission in Hell for ever. 2 Thess. 1.9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and f●om the glory of his Power. Matth. 25.42. Departed from me ye cursed into everlasting fire. Mark 9.43.44. It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Q. Why is it that the damned must suffer in Hell for ever? A. Because being finite Creatures they can never make full satisfaction to God's infinite Justice. Q. Will not God have mercy upon poor ignorant people? A. They shall be destroyed for lack of knowledge (a) Hos. 4.6. . He that made them, will not have mercy upon them, and he that form them will show them no favour (b) Isa. 27.11. . Christ will come in flaming fire to tender vengeance on them that know not God (c) 2 Thess. 1.8, 9 . THE Ten Commandments. Quest. WHich be the ten Commandments? Answ. 1. Thou shalt have none other Gods before me. 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven Image, etc. 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, etc. 4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, etc. 5. Honour thy Father and thy Mother, etc. 6. Thou shalt not kill. 7. Thou shalt not commit Adultery. 8. Thou shalt not steal. 9 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour. 10. Thou shalt not covet, etc. Q. Whereon were the ten Commandments written? A. Upon two Tables of stone by the finger of God. Deut. 9.10. And the Lord delivered unto me two Tables of Stone written with the finger of God▪ and on them was written according to all the words which the Lord spoke with you in the Mount, out of the midst of the fire in the day of the Assembly. Q. What rules are there to be observed, in order to our right understanding of these Commandments? A. These four especially. 1. That every Commandment both forbiddeth evil, and requireth the contrary good. 2. That every Commandment respecteth not only our words and actions, but our thoughts also, and our affections. 3. That the Duties commanded are not to be done always or at all times: but what is absolutely forbidden must be always left undone. Or, Every negative Commandment doth bind always, and unto all times: Every affirmative doth bind always but not unto all times. 4. Every general expressed in each Commandment includes all the particular kinds thereof, and all irregularities tending thereunto. Q. How many are the Commandments of the first Table? A. Four; which do immediately respect God: the other Commandments which are the second Table, do more especially respect our Neighbour. Q. How are the Commandments of the first Table distinguished one from the other? A. The first Commandment respects the object of worship, the Second the means, the Third the manner, and the Fourth the time. Q. Proceed now to tell me what is the main and general scope and import of each of these Commandments, together with some texts of Scripture that respect the principal Duties therein required. And first of all, what is it that the first Commandment doth require of us? A. That we own and worship the only true God. Deut. 26.17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, to walk in his ways and to keep his Statutes. Psal. 95.6, 7. O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God, and we are the people of his Pasture, and Sheep of his hand. Matth. 4.10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Q. What doth the Second Commandment require? A. That we worship this true God according to his own appointment, (a) Deut. 42. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish aught from it. Math. 15.9. In vain do they worship me, teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of men. Col. 2.20, 21, 22, 23. Why as though living in the World are ye subject unto Ordinances (touch not, taste not, handle not, etc.) after the Commandments and Doctrines of men, which things have indeed a show of Wisdom in Will-Worship and humility and neglecting of the body, etc. and not by Images (b) Exod. 32.7, 8. Go get the down, for thy people which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves, they have turned aside quickly out of the way, which I commanded them, they have made a molten Calf and have worshipped it and have sacrificed thereunto. Deut. 4.15, 16. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves, (for you saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spoke unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire) jest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven Image, the similitude of any figure, etc. or any of men's own superstitious Inventions. (c) Psal. 106.39. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a Whoring with their own inventions. Q. What doth the Third Commandment require? A. That we make use of God's great and glorious name. Titles and Ordinances with a holy fear and reverence. Psal. 99.3. Let them praise thy great and terrible name, for it is holy. Psal. 68.4. Sing unto God, sing praises unto his name, extol him that rideth upon the Heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. Levit. 19.12. Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God, I am the lord Math. 5.34. etc. But I say unto you, swear not all, neither by Heaven etc. neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black; but let the communication be yea yea, nay nay, for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil. James 5.12. But above all things my Brethrens swear not, neither by Heaven, neither by the Earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay nay, jest ye fall into condemnation. Eccles. 9.2. As is the good, so is the Sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an Oath. Q. What doth the fourth Commandment require? A. The observing of a sacred or holy Rest one day in seven, which from the beginning of the World to our Saviour's Resurrection was the last day of the week, but hath since been, and continues to be the first day of the week, or the Lord's Day, which is the Christian Sabbath. Levit. 23.3. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of r●st; an holy Convocation, ye shall do no work therein, it is the Sabbath of the Lord, in all your dwellings. John 20.19, 26. Than the same day at evening being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the Disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And after eight days, again his Disciples were within, and Thomas with them; than came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you Acts 20.7. And upon the first day of the week, when the Disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them. 1 Cor. 16.2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him, that there be no gathering when I come. Rev. 1.10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. Q. What doth the fifth Commandment require? A. That we carefully perform all the duties of our several Relations. Eph. 5.21. Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Rom. 12.10. Be kindly affectionate one towards another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. Q. Who are meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment? A. By Father and Mother we are here to understand, 1. Our natural Parents (a) Prov. 23.25. Thy Father and thy Mother shall be glad, and she that bore thee shall rejoice. . 2. Such as are over us in place of authority, either in a Family (b) 2 Kings 5.13. His servants came near and spoke unto him, My Father, if the Prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it? , or Church (c), (2) 2 Kings 2.12. My Father, my Father, the Chariot of Israel and the Horsemen thereof. Gal. 4.19. My little Children of whom I travel in birth, etc. or Commonwealth (d) Isa. 42.23. King's shall be thy nursing Fathers, and Queens thy nursing Mothers. . 3. Superiors in gifts (e) Gen. 4.21. Jubal the Father of such as handle the Harp and the Organ Gen. 45.8. He hath made me a Father to Pharaoh. . 4. Superiors in age (f) 1 Tim. 5.1, 2. Rebuke not an Elder, but entreat him as a Father, and the young men as Brethrens. The elder women as Mothers, the younger as Sisters with all parity. Levit. 19.32. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God, I am the Lord. . Q. What are the relative Duties (expressly mentioned in Scripture) Of Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, Magistrates and Subjects, Ministers and People? And first of all, What are the Duties of Husbands to their Wives? A. 1. To love and delight in them (a) Ephes. 5.25, 28. Husband's love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Chuuch. So aught men to love their wives as their own bodies; he that loveth his wife loveth himself. Col. 3.19. Husband's love your wives and be not bitter against them. Ezek. 24.16. Son of Man, behold I take away the desire of thine eyes with a stroke. Prov. 5.18, 19 Rejoice with the wife of thy youth, etc. . 2. To devil with them and be respectful of them (b) 1 Pet. 3.7. Likewise ye Husbands devil with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of Life, that your Prayers be not hindered. . 3. To be true and faithful to them (c) Mal. 2: 14. The Lord hath been witness between thee and the Wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; yet is she thy Companion and the Wife of thy Covenant. . Q. What are the Duties of Wives to their Husbands? A. Love (a) Tit. 2.4. To love their Husbands. . 2. Helping, and assisting them in their affairs (b) Gen. 2.18. It is not good that the man should be alone, I will make an help meet for him. Prov. 31.11, 12, 27. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of Idleness. The heart of her Husband doth safely trust in her, she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 1 Tim. 3.11. Faithful in all things. . 3. Fidelity (c). 4. Subjection and Reverence (d) Eph. 5.22, 23, 24. Wives submit yourselves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord: For the Husband, is the head of the Wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ: so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing. 1 Pet. 3.4, 5, 6. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the Hair, etc. but the ornament of a meek and a quiet Spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in old time the holy women, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own Husbands; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord; whose Daughters ye are as long as ye do well, etc. Eph. 5.33. Let the Wife see that she reverence her Husband. . Q. What are the duties of Parents to their Children? A. 1. Tender love and mildness (a) Tit. 2.4. To love their Children. Col. 3.21. Father's provoke not your Children to anger, jest they be discouraged. . 2. Educating of them in the knowledge and Ways of God (b) Gen. 18.19. For I know Abraham, that he will command his Children, etc. Deut. 6.7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children, etc. Prov. 22.6. Train up a Child in the way he should go, etc. Eph. 6.4. Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. . 3. Praying for them (c) 1 Chron. 29.19. And give unto Solomon my Son a perfect heart to ●eep thy Commandments, etc. Gen. 17.18. And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Job. 1.5. He offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. . 4. Correcting of them, when there is need; and keeping them in subjection with all gravity (d) Prov. 13.24. He that spareth the rod, hateth his Son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Prov. 19.18. Chasten thy Son while there is hope, and let not thy Soul spare for his crying. Prov. 29.15.17. The rod and reproof give wisdom but a Child left to himself bringeth his Mother to shame. 1 Kings 1.5, 6. Than Adonijah the Son of Haggish exalted himself, saying, I will be King: and he prepared him Chariots and Horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. And his Father had not displeased him at any time in saying why hast thou done so? 1 Tim. 3.4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his Children in subjection with all gravity. . 5. Providing for their comfortable Settlement and Maintenance (e) Gen. 24. Abraham sent his Servant to take a Wife for his Son Isaac. Gen. 30.29, 30. Thou knowest how I have served thee and how thy was with me. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming; and now when shall I provide for mine own house also? . Q. What are the Duties of Children to their Parents? A. 1. Inward honour and Reverence (a) Levit. 19.3. Ye shall fear every man his Mother and his Father. Deut. 27.16. Cursed be he, that setteth light by his Father or Mother. Mal. 1.6. A Son honoureth his Father, etc. , 2. Outward Reverence in Speech and behaviour (b) 1. Kings, 2.19. Bathsheba went unto King Solomon to speak unto him for Adonijah, and the King risen up to meet her and bowed himself unto her. Prov. 31 28. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Exod. 21.15. He that smiteth his Father or his Mother, shall surely be put to death. Prov. 30.17. The eye that mocketh at his Father, and despiseth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it. Ephes. 6.1. Children obey your Parents in the Lord, for this is right. Philip. 2.22. But ye know the proof of him, that as a Son with the Father, he hath served with me in the Gospel. Mal. 3.17. I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son, that serveth him. . 3. A ready observing of their good instructions and lawful Commands (c). 4. A meek and patiented bearing of their Reproofs and Corrections (d) Deut. 21.18, 19, 20, 21. If a man have a stubborn and rebellious Son, which will not obey the voice of his Father, or the voice of his Mother, and that when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them. Than shall his Father and his Mother lay hold on him, and bring him unto the Elders of his City, and unto the gate of his Place. And they shall say unto the Elders of his City, this our Son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our Voice, he is a Glutton and a Drunkard. And all the men of his City shall stone him with Stones that he die; so shalt thou put evil away from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. 1 Sam. 2.23, 24, 25. And he said unto them, why did ye such things, for I hear of your evil deal by all this people. Nay my Sons, for it is no good report that I hear, ye make the Lords people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the Judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they harkened not unto the voice of their Father, because the Lord would slay them. Heb. 12.9. We have had Fathers of our flesh, which corrected us and we gave them reverence. . 5. Providing for their comfortable maintenance, if they want and their Children can relieve them (e) Gen. 47.12. And Joseph nourished his Father and his Brethrens, and all his Father's household with bread. Ruth. 4.15. He shall be unto thee a Restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age. 1 Tim. 5.4. Let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requited their Parents, for that is good and acceptable before God. John, 19.26, 27. When Jesus therefore saw his Mother and the Disciples standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his Mother Woman behold thy Son; than saith he to the Disciple, behold thy mother, and from that hour that Disciple took her unto his own home. . 6. Covering their weakness, and bearing with the Infirmities of their age (f) Gen. 9.23. And Shem and Japhet took a Garment and laid it upon both their Shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their Father. Prov. 23.22. Harken unto thy Father that begat thee, and despise not thy Mother when she is old. . Q. What are the Duties of Masters to their Servants? A. Gentleness and Mercy (a) Exod. 1.13, 14. And the Egyptians made the Children of Israel to serve with rigour, and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage: all their service wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. Exod. 3.7. I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their Task masters, for I know their sorrows. Ephes. 6.9. And ye Masters, forbear threatening, knowing that your Master also is in Heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him. 2. Engaging them to serve God. (b) Gen. 18.19. For I know Abraham, that he will command his Children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the lord Josh. 24.15. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 3. Making convenient provision for them, and paying them faithfully their Wages (c) Prov. 27.27. For thy food, and for the food of thine household. Deut. 24.14, 15. Thou shalt not oppress an hired Servant, at his day, thou shalt give him his hire, jest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee. Col. 4.1. Master's give unto your Servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven. Jam. 5.4. Behold the hire of the Labourers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cryeth; and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath. . Q. What are the Duties of Servonts to their masters? A. 1. Honour (a) Mal. 1.6. A Son honoureth his Father, and a Servant his Master: if than I be a Father, where is mine honour? and if I be a Master, where is my fear? Job 19.16. I called my Servant and he gave me no Answer. 1 Tim. 6.1, 2. Let as many Servants as are under the yoke, count their own Masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing Masters, let them not despise them, because they are Brethrens: but rather do them service, etc. . 2. Obedience (b) Eph. 6.5. Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart as unto Christ. Matth. 8.9. I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another Come and he cometh; and to my Servant, do this and he doth it. Tit. 2.9, 10: Exhort Servants to be obedient unto their own Masters, and to please them well in all things. . 3. Faithfulness (c) Eph. 6.6.— Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers but as the Servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with good will doing Service as to the Lord, and not to men. Col. 3.22.— In singleness of heart, fearing God; and whatsoever ye do, do it hearty, as to the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the Inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ. Gen. 24.33. And there was set meat before him to eat; but he said, I will not eat until I have told mine Errand. Tit. 2.10. not purloining, but showing all good fidelity. . 4. Meekness (d) Tit. 2.9. Not Answering again, or not gainsaying. 1 Pet. 2.18, 19 Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward: for this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. . Q. What is the Duty of Magistrates to their Subjects? A. To govern them Wisely (a), Impartially (b) Levit. 19.15. Ye shall do no Unrighteousness in Judgement: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy Neighbour. Deut. 1.17. Ye shall not respect persons in Judgement, but you shall hear the small as well as the great. Exod. 23.3. Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. , Courageously (c) Deut. 1.17. You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgement is Gods. Neh. 6.11, 13. Should such a man as I flee? Therefore was he hired that I should be afraid, etc. Neh. 5.7. And I rebuked the Nobles, etc. Neh. 13.21. Than I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the Walls? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath. 2 Chron. 19.11. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the Good. , with Humility (d) Deut. 17.20. That his heart be not lifted up above his Brethrens. , Clemency (e) Prov. 20.28. Mercy and truth preserve the King: and his Throne is upholden by mercy. and Justice (f) Deut. 16.18, 19 Judges and Officers shalt thou make thee in all thy Gates, and they shall judge the people with just Judgement. Thou shalt not wrist Judgement, neither take a gift; for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. 1 Sam. 8.3, 4. And his Sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre and took bribes and perverted Judgement. 1 Sam. 12.3. Behold here I am, witness against me, whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. And they said, Thou hast not defrauded ut, nor oppressed us, neither haste thou taken aught of any man's hand. Psal. 82.3, 4. Defend the poor and Fatherless, do Justice to the afflicted and needy; rid them out of the hand of the wicked. , in the fear of God (g) Exod. 18.21. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth hating covetousness, and place such over them, etc. 2 Sam. 23.3. He that ruleth over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. Nehem. 5.15. But so did not I (as former Governors) because of the fear of God. Psal. 72.7. In his days all the righteous flourish. Rom. 13.3. Do that which is Good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. Esth. 6.3. What honour and dignity hath been done unto Mordecai for this? 1 Pet. 2.14.— For the praise of them that do well. , encouraging the good (h), and punishing the evil (i) 1 Pet. 2.14.— Unto Governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers. Psal. 101.8. I will early destroy all the wicked of the Land, that I may cut of all wicked doers from the City of the Lord. Prov. 20.8, 26. A King that sitteth in the Throne of Judgement, scattereth away all evil with his eyes. A wise King scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. Rom. 13.4. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the Sword in vain: for he is the Minister of God, a Revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. . 2 Chron. 1.10. Give me now Wisdom and knowledge that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people that is so great? Psal. 78.72. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. Q. What are the Duties of Subjects to their Magistrates? A. 1. Honour (a) 1 Pet. 2.17. Fear God, Honour the King. 2 Pet. 2.10. That walk after the flesh, and despise Government, Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of Dignities. 1 Sam. 10: 27. But the Children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? and they despised him, and brought him no presents. Exod. 22.28. Thou shalt not revile the Gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. Eccles. 10, 20. Curse not the King, not not in thy thought, etc. . 2. Subjection (b) Rom. 13.1.5. Let every Soul be subject to the higher Powers, etc. Ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath but also for Conscience sake. . 3. Defence of them (c) 1 Sam. 26.16. Ye are worthy to dye, because ye have not kept your Master, the Lords anointed. 2 Sam. 18.3. Thou shalt not go forth; for if half of us dye, will they care for us? but thou art worth ten thousand of us. . 4. Praying for them (d) 1 Sam. 10.24. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said God save the King. 1 Tim. 21 1, 2. I exhort therefore, that first of all Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and and giving of thanks be made for all men: For Kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. . 5. Paying them tribute (e) Matth. 22.21. Tender unto Cesar the things that are Caesar's. Rom. 18.6, 7. For this cause pay you tribute also, for they are Gods Ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Tender therefore to all their deuce, tribute to whom tribute is due, Custom to whom custom, etc. . Q. What are the duties of Ministers to their people? A. 1. Tender love▪ and earnest desires of their Salvation (a) 1 Thess. 2.7, 8. We were gentle among you even as a Nurse cherisheth her Children: So being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted unto you not the Gospel of God only, but also our own Souls because ye were dear unto us. 2 Cor. 12.15. I will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the lesle I be loved. Philip. 1.8. For God is my Record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 2.19, 20. For what is our hope, or joy, or Crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our Glory and Joy. 3 John v. 4. I have no greater joy, than to hear that my Children walk in truth. Jer. 13.17. But if ye will not hear my Soul shall weep in secret places for your pride. Philip. 3.8. For many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the Cross of Christ, etc. . 2. Diligent and faithful instructing and warning them (b) 2 Tim. 4.2. Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, etc. 1 Thess. 2.4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God which trieth our hearts. 2 Cor. 4.2. Not handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's Conscience in the sight of God. Jer. 6.14. They have healed the hurt of the Daughter of my people, slightly saying Peace, Peace, when there is no peace. Ezek. 3.17, 18, 19 Son of man, I have made thee a Watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely dye, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall dye in his Iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy Soul. Col. 1.28, 29. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. . 3. Giving them a good Example (c) 1 Tim. 4.12. Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an Example of the Believers, etc. Tit. 2.7. In all things showing thyself a Pattern of good works. . 4. Praying for them (d) Eph. 1.16, 17. Making mention of you in my Prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of him. Col. 4.12.— Always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 2 Thess. 1.11, 12. Wherhfore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of Faith with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, etc. Rom. 1.9. God is my witness, whom I serve with my Spirit in the Gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. . 5. Blessing of them (e) Deut. 10.8. At that time the Lord separated the Tribe of Levi, to bear the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name unto this day. 1 Chron. 23.13. And Aaron was separated that he should sanctifiy the most holy things, he and his Sons forever, to burn Incense before the Lord, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever. . 6. Comforting and encouraging those that do well (f) Col. 4.7. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved Brother and faithful Minister, and Fellow-servant in the Lord: whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts. 1 Cor. 14.3. But he that prophesieth, speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and Comfort. 1 Thess. 3.2. And sent Timotheus our Brother and Minister of God, and our Fellow-Labourer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your Faith. 2 Cor. 13.11. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind. Heb. 10.23, 35, 37. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised) Cast not away therefore your Confidence, which hath great recompense of Reward. For yet a little while; and he that shall come will come and will not tarry. . 7. Rebuking with Authority those that are obstinate (g) Isa. 50.7, 8, 9 For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a Flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Jer. 1.7, 8, 17, 18. Thou shalt go to all that I shall sand thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces, for I am with thee to deliver thee saith the lord Ezek. 3.7, 8, 9 Fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. Tit. 2.15. Rebuke with all Authority, let no man despise thee. . Q What are the duties of people to their Minister? A. 1. Esteem and Love (a) Thess. 5.12.13. And we beseech you Brethrens to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake. Luke 10.16. He that despiseth you despiseth me. Rom. 10.5. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things? Gal. 4.14, 15. Ye received me as an Angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. I bear you record, that if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 2. Submission (b) Heb. 13.17. Obey them that have the rule over you▪ and submit yourselves, for they watch for your Souls as they that must give give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you. Isa. 50.10. Who is he among you, that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his Servant. 2 Cor. 7.15. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembreth the Obedience of you all, etc. Philip. 2.12. Wherhfore my Beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, etc. . 3. Imitation of their graces (c) Philip. 3.17. Brethrens, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an Example. 1 Cor. 11.1. Be ye followers of me, even as also I am of Christ. Philip. 4.9. Those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of Peace shall be with you. Heb. 13.7. Remember them which have the rule over you, which have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their Conversation. . 4. Praying for them (d) Eph. 6.18, 19 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, for all Saints; And for me that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel. Col. 4.3. Withal praying also for us, etc. 2 Thess. 3.1. Finally Brethrens, Pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be Glorified. . 5. Communicating to them of their temporal things (e) Gal. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the word, Communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 1 Tim. 5.7. Let the Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine. For the Labourer is worthy of his Reward. 1 Cor. 9.11, etc. If we have sown unto you Spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? etc. . Q. What are the mutual Duties of Equals? A. 1. Love (a) Pet. 2.17. Love the Brotherhood. Rom. 12.10. Be Kindly affectionate one towards another with brotherly love. . 2. Honour (b) Rom. 12.10. In honour preferring one another. Philip. 2.3, 4. Let each esteem other better than themselves. . 3. Mutual help (c) 1 Cor. 10.24. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Philip. 2.4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. . 4. Rejoicing in each others good, and bearing one another's griefs (d) Rom. 12.15, 16. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one towards another. 1 Cor. 12.26. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it: or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Gal. 6.2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ. . Q. What if any of our Relations fail of their duties to us, or act in contrariety thereunto; are we thereby excused from the performance of our Duties to them? A. Not, in no wise. We must look carefully to it that we do our part notwithstanding, even, for Conscience sake, in obedience to God, who indispensably requireth the same of us. Q. What doth the Sixth Commandment require? A. That we carefully endeavour the preservation of our own life (a) Eph. 5.28, 29. So aught men to love their Wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his Wife, loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church. Acts 16.27, 28. And the keeper of the Prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the Prison poors open, he drew out his Sword and would have killed himself, supposing that the Prisoners had been fled: but Paul crying with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here. , and the life of our Neighbour (b) Gen. 9.6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed. Gen. 37.21, 22. And Reuben heard of it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood. 1 Kings 1.4. Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly; for it was so, when Jezabel cut of the Prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred Prophets and hid them, by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water. . Q. Is it not lawful in some cases to take away the life of another? A. Yes, in case of necessary Defence (a) Exod. 22.2. If a Thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. , lawful War (b) Jer. 48.10. Cursed be he, that keepeth back his Sword from blood. , and public Justice (c) Gen. 9.6. Whoso sheddeth man's Blood, by man shall his blood be shed. Nunb. 35.31. Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a Murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. . Q. What doth the Seventh Commandment require? A. All purity, (a) 1. Tim. 5.1.2. Rebuke not an Elder, but entreat him as a Father, and the younger men as Brethrens: The elder women as mothers, the younger as Sisters with all purity. or Chastity in heart, (b) Math. 5.28. Whosoever looketh on a Woman to lust after her, hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart. Math. 15.18. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, Murders, Adultery, Fornications. Col. 3.5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, Fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence. in speech and in behaviour. (c) Eph. 5.3, 4 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh Saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking nor jesting, which are not convenient. Col. 4.6. Let the speech be always with grace, seasoned with Salt. (d) Isa 3.16. Because the Daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a Tinkling with their feet. 1. Tim. 2.9. That Women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety. 1 Pet. 3, 2. While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Prov. 6.32. Whoso committeth adultery with a Woman, lacketh understanding; he that doth it destroyeth his own Soul. Heb. 13.4. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled; but Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge. Q. What doth the Eighth Comandment require. A. That every man be careful and laborious in a lawful calling, (a) Gen. 2.15. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Gen 3.19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return to the ground. 2. Thes. 3.11.12. For we hear that there are some, which walk among you dissorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies; now them that are such we exhort and command by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread. Prov. 27.23, 24. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy Flocks, and look well to thy Herds, for richeses are not for ever. Prov. 10.4. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Prov. 18.9. He also that is slothful in his work is Brother to him that is a great Waster. Prov. 24.30. etc. I went by the Field of the Slothful and by the Vineyard of a man voided of understanding, and so it was all grown over with Thorns and Nettles had covered the face thereof, and the Stone-wall thereof was broken down, etc. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth, and thy want as an armed man. Prov. 28.19. He that tilleth his land, shall have plenty of bread, but he that followeth after vain persons, shall have poverty enough. Prov. 21.17. He that loveth pleasure, shall be a poor man; he that loveth Wine and Oil, shall not be rich. Prov. 23.20, 21. Be not among Wine-bibbers, among riotous Eaters of Flesh, for the Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to poverty and drowsiness shall cl o'th' a man with rags. and yet with due moderation, (b) Prov. 28.20.22. A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent. He that thirsteth to be rich, hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. Luke, 12.15. Take heed and beware of covetousness, for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth. Matth. 6.25. etc. Take no thought for your l fe, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for the body what ye shall put on, etc. and a comfortable enjoyment of what he hath; (c) Eccles. 5.18, 19 It is good and comely for one to eat and to drink and to enjoy the good of all thy labour that he taketh under the Sun all the days of his life which God giveth him, for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given richeses and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof and to take his p●rtion and to rejoice in his labour, this is the gift of God. Deut. 26.11. And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house; thou and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. Eccles. 4.8. There is one alone, and there is not a Second, ye he hath neither child nor brother, yet is there no end of all his labour, neither is his eye satisfied with richeses, neither saith he, for whom do I labour and bereave my soul of good. Eccles. 6.12. There is an evil which I have seen under the Sun, and it is common among men; a man to whom God hath given richeses, wealth and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his Soul of all that he desireth; yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a Stranger eateth it. This is vanity and it is an evil disease. that he be true and just in all his ways and deal, (d) Rom. 13.7. Tender therefore to all their their deuce. Ps. 15.1, 2. Lord who shall abide in thy Tabernacle, who shall devil in thy holy Hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart. Prov. 21.6. The getting of Treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and from of them that seek death. Prov. 20.14. It is naught, it is naught saith the Buyer, but when he is gone his way than he boasteth. Levit. 19.11, 13. Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. Thou shalt not defraud thy Neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. Prov. 22.22. Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: for the Lord will pled their cause, and spoil the Soul of them that spoilt them. Ezek. 22.12. In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood, thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy Neighbour by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord God. Psal. 37.21. The wicked borroweth and payeth not again. Prov. 11.1. A false Balance is abomination to the Lord, a just Weight is his delight. Deut. 25.13, 14, 15.16. Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers Weights, a great and a small; thou shalt not have in thine house divers Measures, a great and a small: but thou shalt have a perfect and just Weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have, that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth the: For all that do such things and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God and charitable according to his ability. (e) Deut. 15.7, 8, 10, 11. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy Brethrens within any of thy Gates in thy Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor Brother; but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him, because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee. etc. Ps. 112.5. A good man showeth favour and dareth. Prov. 21.13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself and not be heard. Prov. 28.27. He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack, but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. Eph. 4.28. Let him that stole, steal not more, but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Acts. 20.34, 35. These hands have ministered to my necessities and to them that were with me.— I● is more blessed to give than to receive. 1 John. 3.17. Whoso hath this world's good and seethe his Brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Q. What doth the Ninth Commandment require of us? A. That we speak nothing but the truth at all times; and that when we are sworn, we speak all the truth. Eph. 4.25. Wherhfore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his Neighbour. Acts, 5.3. etc. Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy-Ghost, etc. Rev. 21.8.— Murderers, Whoremongers, Sorcerers, Idolaters and all Liars should have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Zach. 8.16, 17. Speak ye every man the truth to his Neighbour, execute the judgement of truth and peace in the Gates, and let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his Neighbour, and love no false oath, for all these are things that I hate saith the Lord, Prov. 14.5.25. A faithful Witness will not lie, but a false Witness will utter lies. A true Witness delivereth Souls; but a deceitful Witness speaketh lies. Prov. 19.5. A false Witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Q. What doth the Tenth Commandment require of us? A. To rest well satisfied in our own condition (a) Philip. 4.11, 12. I have learned in whatsoever estate I am, therewith to be content. Heb. 13.5. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. ▪ not envying at our Neighbour (b) Gal. 5.26. Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another. James 3.14, etc. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above; but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where-envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. , or greedily desiring any thing that is his (c) 1 Kings 21.4. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken unto him, for he had said I will not give thee the Inheritance of my Fathers, and he laid him down upon his Bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread, : but rejoicing in his blessings and in our own, which God distributeth as it pleaseth him, according to his infinite Wisdom and Goodness (d) Eccles. 3.12, 13. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice and to do good in his life: and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. Rom. 12.15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice. Matth. 20.15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am Good? . Q. Can any mere man since the fall perfectly keep the Commandments of God in this life? A. Not certainly. In many things we offend all (a) James 3.2. ; and there is not a just man upon earth that doth good and sinneth not (b) Eccles. 7.20. . Q. If there be no man able to keep the Law, wherefore than serveth it? A. It serveth. 1. As a Rule unto us, according to which we must endeavour to walk and square our whole Conversation (a) Isa. 8.20. , 2. As a glass to show us our spots and deformities, thereby to humble us (b) Rom. 7.9. , As a Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, when we are throughly humbled, and see the great need we have of him (c) Gal. 3.24. . Quest. Q. What is that wherein all the Commandments are briefly comprehended? Answ. A, Love to God (a) Rom. 13.10. , and to our Neighbour (b) Matth. 22.36, etc. Luke 10.26. etc. . We are to love God with all our heart, and with all our Soul, and with all our might (c) Deut. 6.5. . And we are to love our Neighbour as ourselves (d) Levit. 19.18. . THE Lord's Prayer Quest. Quest. LET me hear you say the Lords Prayer. Answ. Answ. Our Father which art in Heaven, etc. Q. What are the parts of the Lords Prayer? A. Three, Preface, Petition, Conclusion. Q. What do we learn by the preface? A. To pray with and for others (a) Our Father. Acts 12.5. Peter therefore was kept in Prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him. 1. Tim. 2.1. I exhort therefore that first of all Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. , to pray with confidence (b) Our Father. Isa. 63.15, 16. Look down from Heaven and behold from the habitation of thy holiness, and of thy Glory, where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy Bowels, and of thy mercies towards me, are they restrained? Doubtless thou art our Father, Though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not, thou O Lord art our Father, our Redeemer, thy name is from everlasting. Luke 11.13. If ye than being evil know how to give good gifts unto your Children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him. Rom. 8.15. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage unto fear: but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. Which art in Heaven. Eccles. 5.2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart he hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few. , and with Reverence (c). Q. How many are the Petitions of this Prayer? A. Six; Whereof the three former do more immediately relate to the glory of God, the three latter concern ourselves. Q. What do we pray for in the three former of these Petitions? A. That God's great and holy name may be ever magnified (a) Hallowed be thy name. Psal. 33.8. Let all the earth fear the Lord, let all the Inhabitants of the World stand in awe of him. Psal. 67.3. Let the people praise thee O God, let all the people praise thee. ; that his Kingdom of Grace may be advanced, and Kingdom of Glory hastened (b) Thy Kingdom come. 2 Thess. 3.1. Finally Brethrens pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified. Matth. 9.38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that he will sand forth labourers into his Harvest. Rev. 22.20. He which testifieth these things, saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen, even so come Lord Jesus ; that we may serve God on earth as the Angels serve him in Heaven, and always readily obey and submit to the will of his Precept and of his Providence (c) Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven. Rom. 12.11. Fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord. Psal. 103.20, 21. Bless the Lord, ye his Angels that excel in strength, that do his Commandments, harken unto the voice of his Word. Bless the Lord all ye his hosts, ye Ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Job. 38.7. When the Morning Stars sang together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy. Isa. 6.2, 3. Above it stood the Seraphims, each one had six wings, etc. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole Earth is full of his Glory. Psal. 119.4, 5, 35, 36. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently, O that my ways were directed to keep thy Statutes! make me to go in the path of thy Commandments, for therein do I delight: Incline my Heart unto thy Testimonies, and not to Covetousness. 1 Sam. 3.18. And Samuel told Eli every whit and hide nothing from him; and he said, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good. 2 Sam. 15.25, 26. And the King said unto Zadok, Carry back the Ark of God into the City; if I shall found favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again and show me both it and his habitation; But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee, Behold here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. Matth. 26.39. O my Father, if it be possible, let this Cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. A&'s' 21.14. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. . Q. What do we pray for in the three latter of these Petitions? A. That we may have a competent portion of outward blessings (a) Give us this day our daily bread. Gen. 28.20. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, if God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and raiment to put on, etc. Prov. 30.8. Feed me with food convenient for me. , that God will be pleased to forgive us all out sins, as we do heartily forgive others, who have offended us (b) And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us. Psal. 51.9. Hid thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities. Hos. 14.2. Take with you words and turn to the Lord, say unto him, take away all iniqity and receive us graciously. Matth. 6.14.15. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men, etc. ; and that he will not suffer us unadvisedly to put ourselves upon a temptation, or suffer any temptation to prevail over us, but now and evermore save and deliver us from the evil of all temptations and from the evil one (c) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. John. 17.15. I pray not thou shouldst take them out of the World, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 2 Chron. 32.31. Howbeit in the business of the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land God left him to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. Ps. 119.133. Order my steps in thy word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Prov. 4.14, 15. Enter not into the path of the Wicked and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it and pass away. Prov. 5.8. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house. 1 Cor. 10.13. There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may ●e able to bear it. 2 Cor 12.7.8, 9 And jest I should be exalted above measure, there was given to me a Thorn in the flesh. etc. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might departed from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Luke, 22.31, 32. And the Lord said, Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may ●f: you as Wheat, but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not. Rom. 16.20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet. . Q. What do we learn from the Conclusion of the Lords Prayer? A. To enforce our requests with arguments, to join praises unto God together with our prayers (a) For thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Dan. 9.18.19. O Lord hear, O Lord forgive, O Lord harken and do, defer not for thine own sake O my God, for thy City and thy people are called by thy nams'. 1 Chron. 29.10, 11, 12.13. Bllessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever and ever. Thy O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory, and the victory and the Majesty, for all that is in the Heaven and in the Earth is thine. Thy is the Kingdom O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all, etc. Philip. 4.6. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your Requests be made known unto God. , and to desire and believe that God will hear us (b) Amen. 2. Chron. 14.11. And Asa cried unto the Lord his God and said, Lord it is nothing to thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power. Help us O Lord our God, for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God, let not man prevail against thee. 1 Kings, 1.36. And Benajah the Son of Jehoida answered the King and said, Amen, the Lord God of my Lord the King say so too. Jer. 28.6. Even the Prophet Jeremiah said, Amen, the Lord do so, the Lord perform the Words which thou hast prophesied. Rev. 22.20. He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly, Amen, even so come Lord Jesus. . Q. What are the requisite Qualifications of Prayer to God? A. It must be made in the name of his Son (a) John. 16.23. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. , by the help of the Spirit (b) Rom. 8.26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we aught; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groan which cannot be uttered. , for things lawful or according to Gods will (c) 1 John, 5.14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will he hea●o●h us. , and to a right end (d) James. 4.3. Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss that you may consume it upon your lusts. Prov. 21.27. The Sacrifice of the Wicked is abomination: how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind. , with understanding (e) 1 Cor. 14.15, 16. I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say. Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest. , Humility (f) Gen. 18.27. And Abraham said, Behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes. , Fervency (g) James, 5.16.17. The effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain etc. 1 Sam. 1, 15. I have drunk neither Wine nor Strong drink, but have poured out my Soul before the Lord. , Faith (h) Mark. 11.24. What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that you receive them, and ye shall have them. James, 1.5.6. If any of you lack Wisdom, let him ask it of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering etc. , Submission (i) Matth. 26.39. O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. , Sincerity (k) Ps. 17.1. Give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. Ps. 145.18. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Perseverance (l) Luke, 18.1.2. etc. And he spoke a Parable unto them to this end that men aught always to pray and not to faint saying, there was in a City a Judge, which feared not God nor regarded man, etc. Eph. 6.18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance. , Charity (m) Matth. 6.14, 15. For if ye forgive men their Tresgasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, etc. 1. Tim. 2.8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath, etc. Prov. 21.13. He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the Poor, he also shall cry himself and shall not be heard. and an ardent Zeal for God's glory (n) Josh. 7.8.9. O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their Enemies? For the Canaanites and all the Inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut of our name from the earth; and what milt thou do unto thy great name? John, 12.27.28. Now is my Soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour, Father glorify thy name. . Q. What are the principal parts of Prayer. A. Confession (a) Dan. 9.4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession. etc. , Petition (b) Matth. 7.11. If ye than being evil know how to give good gifts unto your Children, how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him? Thanksgiving (c) 4.6. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. . Q. What are Ejaculatory Prayers, or Ejaculations? A. Ejaculations are short and sudden dartings or liftings up of the Soul to God. Gen. 17.18. O that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen. 49.18. I have waited for thy Salvation O Lord. 2. Sam. 15.31. O Lord, I pray thee turn the Counsel of Ahithophet into foolishness. Neh. 2.4.5. Than the King said unto me, for what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of Heaven: And I said unto the King, if it please the King etc. Q. What reasons can you give, why we must pray to God alone, and why we may not pray to Saints departed? A. 1. We are to pray to him only in whom we must trust (a) Rom. 10.14. How than shall they cal● on h●m, in whom they have not believed? , and we must not trust in man (b) Je●. 17. ●5. Cursed be the man, that trusteth in man. , but in God (c) Jer. 17.7. Blessed is the man, that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord it. . 2. We are required to pray in faith without doubting (d) James. 1.6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. ; whereas they who are departed hence cannot hear us, nor do they understand how 'tis with us (e) 2 Chron. 34.28. Behold I will gather thee to thy Fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place and upon the Inhabitants of the same. Job. 14.20.21. Thou changest his Countenance and sendest him away. His Sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not, and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. Eccles. 9.5. For the living know that they shall dye, but the dead know not any thing. . 3. The Scripture requires us to worship God only (f) Matth. 4.10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve. Rev. 22.9. Than saith he unto me, see thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy Brethrens the Prophets, and of them which keep the say of this book; Worship God. Acts. 10.25.26. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet and worshipped him; but Peter took him up saying, stand up, I my also am a man. , and condemns the voluntary humility of worshipping Angels, (g) Col. 2.18. Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. though they are such glorious and excellent Creatures▪ THE SACRAMENTS. Quest. Quest. HOW many are the Sacraments of the New-Testament? Answ. A. Two only, Baptism (a) Matth. 28.18. Go, teach all Nations, Baptising them, etc. Luke 22.19, 20. And he took bread and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them saying, This is my body which is given for you, This do ye in Remembrance of me. Likewise also the Cup after Supper, saying This Cup is the New-Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. and the Lords Supper (b), which answer to the two Sacraments of the old Testament, Circumcision and the Passover. Quest. Q. What is a Sacrament? Answ. A. A Sacrament is an institution of Jesus Christ, wherein by some outward and visible sign he is pleased to represent, exhibit, and seal unto us the benefits of his Mediation. Quest. Q. What are the parts of a Sacraments? Answ. A. Two, the outward part or Sign, and the inward part or the Thing signified. Thus in the Sacrament of Baptism the outward part or sign is Water; the inward part or thing signified is remission of Sins and Regeneration or the new birth: And in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper the outward part or sign is Bread and Wine, the inward part or thing signified the Body and Blood of Christ. Q. Where do we read of Sacraments in the Scripture? A. Though this very word [Sacrament] be not in the Scripture, as likewise we do not-there found the word Trinity; yet that which we do understand by these words [Sacrament and Trinity] is there delivered to us in other words. Q. Is it from any virtue in the Sacramental Elements or him that doth ad minister them, that Grace is exhibited or imparted to those, whom the Sacraments are administered to? A. Not (a) Rom. 2.28, 29. For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly; neither is that Circumcision, which is outward in the flesh, etc. 1 Pet▪ 3.21. The like figure whereunto Baptism doth also now save us; not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, But the Answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 11.29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not disscerning the Lords body. ; The efficacy depends upon God's Blessing on his own Institutions; his Spirit accompanying the Sacraments, where they are effectual to those blessed purposes for which they were instituted (b) Matth. 3.11. He shall Baptise you with the Holy-Ghost and with Fire. 1 Cor. 12.13. For by one Spirit are we all Baptised into one Body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bound or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. . Quest. Q. What is meant by those words, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy-Ghost, which the Minister is to use when he Baptizeth? Answ. A. To Baptise In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy-Ghost, is in the Authority, and into the Faith, Profession and Obedience of them. Quest. Q. What did you promise' in that Covenant, which you entered into in your Baptism? Answ. A. I did promise' to forsake the Devil, the World, and the Flesh; to own and profess Jesus Christ; and ever to continued his faithful Servant; whom I did than give up myself unto, and accept of, for my only Lord and Saviour. Q. What is required of them that come to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper? A. They are required to examine themselves. Q. Proceed further to show what is their Duty with reference to this Sacrament? A. They aught, 1. To understand it aright, to discern the Lords Body. 2. To judge themselves in a truly humble Penitent manner for all their sins. 3. To quicken their Spiritual Appetites, and enlarge the desires of their Souls; having their eye of Faith fixed on Jesus Christ, who is that Bread which perisheth not, and the Water of Life. 4. To have a sincere and unfeigned resolution by God's gracious assistance, faithfully to observe and keep that Solemn Covenant with with God, which they come to renew. 5. To cherish and maintain a thankful Remembrance of Christ's death. 6. To bear a true Christian Love and Charity towards all their Brethrens. Q. Tell me than what are the chief ends of this Sacrament? A. 1. A solemn atd thankful Remembrance, or Commemoration of Christ's death. 2. The Renewing of our Covenant with God. 3. The nourishment, strengthening, and refreshing of our Souls. 4. The engaging us to mutual Love. Q. What are the Actions of the Minister at the Lords Supper; or holy Communion? A. 1. He takes the Bread and Wine. 2. He doth Bless or Consecrated them. 3. He breaks the Bread, and poureth out the Wine. 4. He delivers them to the Communicants. Q. What should these actions of his put us in mind of, and 'cause us to meditate upon? A. 1. That God did appoint Jesus Christ for the great work of Man's Redemption (a) Heb. 3.1, 2. Consider the Highpriest of our Profession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to him that appointed him. . 2, That Jesus Christ was furnished and qualified for this work, which he undertook (b) Psal. 45.7. Therefore God thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of gladness above thy fellows. Isa. 61.1. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me, etc. Acts 10.38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost and with power. . 3. That his body was broken (c) 1 Cor. 11.24. This is my Body, which is broken for you. , his blood shed (d) Matth. 26.28. For this is my Blood of the New-Testament, which is shed for many for the Remission of Sins. , his Soul, or Life poured out unto death (e) Isa. 53.12. Because he hath poured out his Soul unto death. . 4. That God gives his Son (f) John 3.16. For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. , and the Son gives himself for the Redemption of fallen man (g) John 6.1. And the bread which I give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the World. . Q. Are the Body and Blood of Christ in this Sacrament, received and fed upon in a corporeal and carnal manner? A. Not; they are truly and really received by the worthy Partakers, but it is in a Spiritual manner: and they who do receive Jesus Christ therein and feed upon him, do receive him Spiritually into their hearts by Faith. Q. What do you think than of Transubstantiation, or the converting of the very substance of Bread and Wine by the Priest's Consecration thereof into the very substance of the Body and Blood of Christ? A. 1. It destroys the very nature of a Sacrament, which consists of two parts, The Sign, and the thing signified. 2. 'Tis a Doctrine very opposite to Sense, and Reason, and Scripture. Q. How is it contrary to Sense? A. We plainly see and taste that the Elements remain Bread and Wine still, And this Evidence of Sense is the great Argument for the proof of our Christian Religion made use of by the Apostles (a) 1 John 1.1, 3. That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of Life. That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you. 1 Cor. 15.5, 6. That he was seen of Cephas, than of the twelve. After that he was seen of above five hundred Brethrens at once. , and by our Saviour himself (b) Luke 24.39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is myself, handle me, and see. Joh. 20.27, 28. Than saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. . Q. How is it contrary to Reason? A. 'Tis contrary to Reason. 1. That Bread should be turned into that which was in being long before the Bread itself. 2. That Christ's Body should be in Heaven, which the Scripture declares (a) Mark 16.19. So than after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Col. 3.1. If ye than be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 1 Pet. 3.22. Who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right-hand of God. Angels, and Authorities, and Power being made subject unto him. , and yet here upon Earth at the same time, and in many places upon Earth at once. Q. Proceed to declare how it is contrary to Scripture? A. 1. The Scripture declares, that Christ as man was in all points like unto us, Sin only excepted (a) Heb. 2.17. and 4.15. , so that his body was like ours, and therefore it cannot be whole and entire (as the Papists pretend it is) in many places at the same time. 2. The Heavens must receive him till the restitution of all things (b) Acts 3.21. , and at the last day he shall descend from Heaven with a shout, and with his mighty Angels (c) 1 Thess. 4.16. 2 Thess. 1.7. . 3. They only are blessed, who receive Christ Spiritually (d) Luke 11.27, 28. A certain woman lift up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the Womb that bore thee, and the Paps that thou hast sucked, But he said, Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it. , and this Sacrament is a Feast for the Soul, which Soul of man would be no way bettered, if he could in a corporeal and carnal manner eat the very Body of Christ (e) Matth. 15.17. Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth, goeth into the Belly, and is cast out into the draught? . 4. That the same Body cannot be in divers places at once, is the Argument which the Angel made use of to those Women at Christ's Sepulchre; to whom he said, He is not here, for he is risen (f) Matth. 28.6. . Otherwise they could have replied, Though he were risen, yet he might be there too notwithstanding. 5. St. Paul expressly tells us that it is bread we eat in this Sacrament (g) 1 Cor. 11.27, 28, 29, For as often as ye eat this Bread, and drink this Cup, ye do show the Lords death till he come. Wherhfore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, etc. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, etc. . Q. How do you than understand those words. This is my Body. A. In like manner as these phrases. The seven Kine, and the seven ears of Corn (which Pharaoh dreamt of) are seven years, i e. they signify seven years: and as I understand what the Apostle means, when he says. The Israelites drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ, i e. that Rock did denote, represent, or signify Christ. So here This is my Body. i e. This Bread doth denote, signify, or represent my Body. Q. Is it ordinary to meet with figurative expressions in such cases? A. Yes, we meet with them frequently in Scripture. Thus Circumcision is called the Covenant (a) Gen. 17.10. This is my Covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee, every manchild among you shall be Circumcised. , though properly it was not the Covenant, but the Token (b) Gen. 17.11. And it shall be a token of the Covenant between me and you. , and Seal of it (c) Rom. 4.11. A Seal of the Righteousness of Faith. . So also the Lamb is called the Lords Pasover (d) Exod. 12.11, 21. Ye shall eat it in haste, it is the Lords Passover. Draw out and take you a Lamb according to your Families, and kill the Passover. , which was the Sacrifice of of the Lords Passover (e) Exod 12.27. It is the Sacrifice of the Lords Passover; who passed over the houses of the Chidlren of Israel in Egypt when he smote the Egyptians and delivered our houses. . And there is more than one figure in our Saviour's expression concerning the Cup, This Cup is the New Testament, etc. Where the Cup is put for the Wine, and the New Testament, for the Seal of the New Testament, or Covenant. Q. But doth not our Saviour himself tell us, The Bread which I give is my Flesh, which I will give for the life of the World? Joh. 6.51. A. Christ doth not there speak of the Eucharist, or Lords Supper, For 1. This Sacrament was not than instituted. 2. The eating of Christ's flesh there spoken of is such, that all who eat it are saved and all who do not eat it are damned (a) John 6.53, 54. Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. , which cannot be truly said of this Sacramental eating. Q. How do you than understand those words? A. By eating of Christ's flesh and drinking his blood, we are there to understand Believing in him, a receiving of him Spiritually into our hearts; and not a carnal eating of his Body. John 6.63. The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit. Q. But if this were meant of the Eucharist, or the Lord's Supper, would it not condemn the Papists themselves, who deny the Cup to the people? A. Yes certainly; for the drinking of Christ's Blood is as indispensably there required of every one, as the eating of his Flesh. Q. Can you tell me by what Arguments they endeavour to justify their denying the Cup to the people? A. One Argument they urge for it is, The Examples which (say they) are in Scripture of receiving the Sacrament only in one kind. Acts 2.42. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship, and in breaking of Bread, and in Prayers. Acts. 20.7. And upon the first day of the week, when the Disciples came together to break Bread. Q. How do you answer this Argument? A. 1. There is no mention of the Ministers drinking the Cup neither; and yet the Papists only deny it to the Laity, or common people. 2. The Scripture expresseth in divers: place● a whole meal, or feast, by this one act of Eating where doubtless the Guests did drink too (a) 1 Sam. 9.19. Go up before me unto the high place, for ye shall eat with me to day. Luke 7.36. And one of the Pharisees desired him, that he would eat with him. Luke 14.1. And it came to pass as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread. . Q. What other Argument do they urge to this purpose? A. That the Blood is in the Flesh, so that in the Bread, that is (say they) the Body of Christ, the people have his Blood too by concomitancy. Q. What Answers have you to return thereunto? A. 1. There is no need than for the Priests to have the Cup neither: yea it doth in effect declare that Christ's appointing of the Cup to show forth his death and the shedding of his Blood was altogether needless. 2. We are commanded to drink as well as eat: but a man doth not drink Blood, if he do eat some of it in Flesh. Q. What Arguments can you give me why the common people aught to partake of the Cup too? A. 1. Our Saviour says, Drink ye all of it, which is somewhat the more observable, because he doth not expressly say, Eat ye all of it (though indeed that be a duty too). And the Apostles were at that time in the people's stead, and Christ was the Minister or dispenser of the Sacrament. 2. Both Eating and Drinking belong to the same persons, and there is no more reason to restrain the one than the other. 3. The Apostle expressly declares himself to the People of Corinth, that a man is to examine himself and than to drink of that Cup as well as eat of that Bread, 1 Cor. 11.28. Q. What is signified by the Actions of the Communicants, that is to say, their taking the Bread and Wine, their eating the one and drinking the other? A. Thereby is signified their receiving Jesus Christ, and their feeding on him for their Spiritual nourishment, refreshment, and strengthening; even as man's body is nourished, refreshed, and strengthened by Bread and Wine. Q. Is it a Duty to receive this Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or only a Privilege? A. It is not only a Privilege, but a Duty expressly required by our Saviour in these words, Do this in remembrance of me. Q. Do such as receive this Sacrament unworthily, partake of Christ therein? A. Not verily; though they do receive the Bread and Wine in this Sacrament, yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ; but are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord, and do drink Judgement to themselves. Q. Tell me now wherein these two Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper do agreed? A. They do agreed in that 1. The Author of them both is God. 2. The inward and Spiritual part of both is Jesus Christ, and the benefits of his Mediation. 3. They are both seals of the same Covenant of Grace. 4. They are both to be dispensed by Ministers of the Gospel and by none other. 5. They are both to be continued till Christ's second coming. Q. Tell me also in what respects they differ? A. In these four. 1. Baptism is to be administered but once: the Lords Supper is to be administered often. 2. In Baptism the outward part or sign is Water; in the Lord's Supper, Bread and Wine. 3. Baptism is a sign and means, and pledge of Forgiveness and Regeneration: The Lord's Supper, of our Spiritual Nourishment, Growth, and Confirmation. 4. Baptism is to be administered even to Infants, whose Parents are not both of them Unbelievers; but the Lords Supper to such only as are of years and ability to examine themselves, and discern the Lords Body. The CONCLUSION. Q. May we rest satisfied and content ourselves in the bore knowledge of these things? A. Not; We must be careful likewise to practise them, and in all our ways to walk according thereunto. Psal. 119.33, 34. Teach me O Lord the way of thy Statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy Law; yea I sh●ll observe it with my whole heart. Rev. 22.14. Blessed are they that do his Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life. John 13.17. IF YE KNOW THESE THINGS, HAPPY ARE YE IF YE DO THEM. The CREED. I Do believe in God, who made us all. In Christ his Son, who us redeemed from thrall, And will at the last day judge great and small. I do believe in th'Holy Spirit of Grace; The holy Church of God in every place; The Saint's Communion, and Remission Of Sins, the Body's Resurrection, And life eternal, when this life is done. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. SErve one true God, the maker of us all. Worship no Image, nor before it fall. Thou shalt not take the great and fearful Name Of God in vain, but reverence the same. Remember to observe the Sabbath Day. Unto thy Parents their due Honour pay, Thou shalt not Kill, for Blood will Blood require. Adultery hate▪ and every foul desire. Wrong no man, but all fraud and Theft forbear. Lie not to any, nor thyself Forswear. What is another's see thou covet not, But rest well satisfied with thy own lot. The LORDS PRAYER. OUR Father, which in Heaven's highest frame Thy Throne hast placed: Hallowed be thy name. Hasten thy Kingdom Lord, and let us love To do thy will below, as those above. Give us our daily Bread; and may we be As others we forgive, forgiven by thee. Into temptation let us not be led, But still from evil be delivered. For thine's the Kingdom, Power, and unto thee Be given all Glory to Eternity. Amen, Amen, O lord So may it be. The SACRAMENTS. THE Sacraments Christ left us in his Word Are Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord. Psalms of prayer to be used in the Morning. I. LOrd in the morning hear thou me, In th'morning hear my cry; For I direct my Prayer to thee, And will look up on high. I set the Lord still in my sight, And trust him over all; Since he doth stand at my right hand, I know I shall not fall. But who can all his errors see? O Cleanse my heart within From secret faults and keep thou me From all presumptuous sin. How I may always do thy will, Thy Servants Soul instruct; Thy Spirit is good, me to the Land Of uprightness conduct. Unite my heart to fear thy name, O make me wholly thine; Grant me the knowledge of thy Law, And 'cause thy Face to shine. Make me abhor the company Of him that telleth lies; And gather not my Soul wit●●●ose That hurtful things device. Thou art the Rock, whereon I trust, Preserve O Lord therefore My going out and coming in, Henceforth for evermore. II. INcline my heart thy Laws to keep, And Covenants to imbace; And from all filthy Avarice Lord shield me with thy Grace. Of lying and deceitful lips Remove from me the way: Grant me the knowledge of thy Law, And I shall it obey. Teach me O Lord the way to thee, And lead me on forthright. Many there be that watch for me To trap me, if they might. And give thy holy Angels charge Concerning me, that they Hold up my steps, and keep my Feet From stumbling in the way. O God, let thy exalted name Above the Heavens stand: Advance thy Glory, raise thy Fame Above both Sea and Land. III. FRom the beholding of my Sin Lord turn away thy Face; O God make clean my heart within, Renew it by thy grace. Prove me my God, I thee desire, And search my very heart; As men do prove their Gold with fire, Examine every part I do confess that I received My very shape in sin: My mother hath conceived me And brought me forth therein. Numberless sins encompass me, O how they do prevail! Moore than my very hairs they be, So that my heart doth fail. But there is mercy to be had With thee, and pardoning Grace; Therefore are men encouraged To fear and seek thy face. Purge me with Isop, and I know I shall be clean and free; And whiter than the driven Snow, When I am washed by thee. Hold up my go, be my guide Lord in thy paths divine, So that my footsteps may not slide Out of those paths of thine. The meditations of my heart, And every word I say, Accept of me, O Lord that art My Saviour and my stay. iv EXcept the Lord do build the house, Vain pains the Builder takes; Except the Lord the City guard, In vain the Watchman wakes. 'Tis but in vain that men do eat The bread of carefulness, And early rise and sit up late; 'Tis God alone can bless. Thou hast upheld me from the Womb, And thou alone all he, Who from my very infancy Hast still sustained me. Make me to understand aright Thy Precepts perfect way; So shall I of thy wondrous works Be talking every day And let the Lord our God Command His face on us to shine: Confirm the labours of our hand, Confirm them Lord by thine. V THE day is thine and so the night, Both equally are thine; Thou dost prepare the morning light, And 'cause the Sun to shine. O shine upon thy Servants now, And on my Soul advance The comforting and gracious light Of thy blessed countenance. As far as th'East is from the West, So far remove from me All my transgressions Lord, whereby I have offended thee. And into thy strict judgement Lord, Do not thy Servant call; For with thee can no mortal man Be justified at all. Set thou a watch to guard my lips, And keep my mouth from sin, That wicked works and fellowships My Soul partake not in. That I may never join myself To wicked ones nor dare At any time to taste the lest Of their delicious fare. O let them never catch me in! Lord keep me from the snare, And from their close and subtle gin, That wicked workers are. Here guide me with thy Counsel that I may hereafter be Received into thy glory, there To live and reign with thee. Psalms of Prayer to be used at Night. I. BLessed be God, that every day Doth us with blessings load, To whom Death's issues do belong, Even our Salvation's God. Sand out thy light and blessed truth, And lead me with thy Grace, Which may conduct me to thy hill, And to thy dwelling place. Thy hands have made and fashioned me, Give me thy laws to learn; And what thy testimonies be, Lord make me to discern. From vain desires and worldly lusts O turn away my sight, Give me the spirit of life and power, To walk thy ways aright. Order my steps so in thy word, I may not fall from thee: Suffer not any sin to have Dominion over me. Be thou my keeper Lord who dost Thy chosen Israel keep, Who never slumberest at all, And who doth never sleep. Grant me that with thy Gracious wing I may be covered, And let thy holy Angel pitch Their Tent about my bed. Confirm thy gracious promise Lord, Which thou hast made to me, Who am thy servant, and do love And fear nothing but thee. II. O Teach me Lord thy way and I Will keep within the same; Yea all my heart shall magnify, Thy ever glorious name. I am a stranger in the earth, Hid not thy Law from me: My Soul O Lord doth even break, For longing after thee. Thou hadst commanded us to keep Thy Precepts carefully, And with our utmost diligence To steer our course thereby. O thou that giv'st us this Command, Give grace to do the same! That I may all thy statutes keep, And never shrink for shame And now O Lord into thy hands My Spirit I do commit, For it is thou O God of truth, Who hast redeemed it. III O Lord, remember me Even with thy favour free, Which to thine own and them alone Vouchsafed is by thee. Direct me in thy truth, And keep me in thy way: Thou art my God and Saviour, And unto thee I pray. I will remember thee Upon my bed at night, And meditate when I awake, On all thy glory bright. Thou art the Fountain, whence Proceeds all my defence: Thy wings safe shade shall now be made My joyful residence. For it is thou that dost Both make the morning voice, And th'evenings constant going out To praise thee and rejoice. iv FRom all the sins that I have done Lord quit and set me free: Make me to understand the way, That leadeth unto thee. The greater sort crave worldly goods, And richeses do embrace: But Lord grant us thy countenance, Thy favour and thy grace. For thou thereby shalt make my heart Abundantly more glad Than they that of their Corn and Wine Greatest increase have had. In peace therefore lie down will I, Taking my rest and sleep; For thou alone O Lord my God Will't me in safety keep. Thy people and thine heritage Lord bless, guide and preserve: Increase them still, and rule their hearts, That they may never swerve. V INstruct me Lord in the right way Of thy statutes divine; And them to keep even to the end My heart will I Incline. O how I love thy Law? it is My meditation still: I am thy Servant, grant me Lord That I may do thy william. 'Cause me to hear of thy kind love, When morning's light I see. 'Cause me to know what way to go, For I do trust in thee. Keep me from every hurtful thing As th'apple of thine eye; And hid me underneath thy wing, As a sure Canopy. Behold, my heart's desire is bend To walk in perfect way: Lord strengthen me so with thy grace, That it perform I may. VI O Lord thou hast me searched and known, And thou dost plainly see My lying down, my rising up, And every thought in me. Thou hearest every word I say, And compassest my bed: Thou understandest all my way, And every step I tread. The darkness hides not from thy sight, But night itself shines clear: To thee the darkness and the light Do both alike appear. Search me O God and know my heart; Try me, I humbly pray, If any sin do lodge within, And lead me in thy way. Lord make me understand my end, And life's most certain date, That I may duly apprehended The frailty of my state. Of thy good pleasure Zion bless, Build up Jerusalem's Wall: Establish peace and holiness Throughout the Nations all. Psalms of Prayer for such as are sick. I. O Lord have mercy on my Soul, For I am full of pain: Lord I beseech thee make me whole, And sand me strength again. For after Death can no man have Remembrance more of thee, Nor in the dark and silent Grave Extol thy Majesty. When thou for sin dost man rebuke, He waxeth pale and wan, And like a cloth that Moths have fret, So vain a thing is man. My strength doth fail, my heart doth pant, Have mercy Lord on me; And heal my sad and sinful Soul, That hath offended thee. The days wherein I pass my life Are like the fleeting shade; And I am withered like the grass, That soon doth quail and fade. But thou art still the same, thy years Abide most firm and sure: And thy remembrance ever doth From age to age endure. II. O Lord departed not now from me In all my pain and grief, Since I have none can help but thee, None else to sand relief. Rejoice O Lord thy Servants heart, I lift my Soul to thee: For good and gracious thou art, And to forgiveness free. that the World was made or wrought, Thy seat was set on high, Beyond all time that can be thought Thou art eternally. O Lord when for offending thee Thy hand doth me chastise, Grant that I may instructed be Thereby, and made more wise. As Silver in the Furnace tried, So am I tried by thee: My feet are set within a net, O Lord deliver me. How e'er it be, yet God is good, And kind to Israel, To every one that's clean of heart And keeps his Conscience well. III. BEhold my anguish Lord, Consider all my pain, O pardon mine offence, and make Thy Servant whole again. With mercy me behold, To thee I make my moan; For I am poor and desolate, And comfortless alone. For thy most holy name O Lord I thee entreat To grant me pardon for my Sin, Which is exceeding great. Why art thou so cast down My Soul? why dost thou grieve? Why shouldst thou be moved in me? O still in God believe. Yet trust upon his name, His praise shall I record, Who doth advance my countenance, And is my gracious Lord. iv INcline thine ear unto my cry, My Soul is filled with grief: My life unto the grave draws nigh, O sand me some relief. Before the Mountains had their birth, The World, or smallest clod Of all this vast and spacious Earth, Thou art th'eternal God. The lasting of a thousand years So seemeth in thy sight, As yesterday, when past, appears, Or as a Watch by night. But mortal man that's made of Clay Is soon destroyed, and than Returns to dust, when thou dost say, Return ye sons of men. Like to a swift and hasty stream, Even so man's life doth pass: Or like a transitory dream, Or like the springing grass: Which in the morning flourisheth, And looks most pleasantly; But in the evening 'Tis cut down, All withered, dead and dry. Wherhfore my God some pity take, O Lord I pray to thee, Do not this Soul of mine forsake, But help and succour me. V LOrd hear my suit and give good heed, Regard my tears that fall: I sojourn like a stranger here, As did my Fathers all. O spare a little give me space, And yet my strength restore, Before I go away from hence, And shall be seen not more. How soon the years are passed away Even of the man that's old! We spend our time from day to day Even as a tale that's told. Lord teach us the religious art Of numb'ring out our days, So as we may apply our hearts To Wisdom's sacred ways. Grant that I always may confess How just thy judgements be, And that in very faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me. But why art thou so sad my Soul? Why fretst thou in my breast? Still trust in God, for him to praise I hold it always best. By him I have deliverance Against all pain and grief: He is my God, who always doth At need sand me relief. VI LOrd hear my prayer, and let my cry Come speedily to thee: In day of my calamity Hid not thy face from me. Cast me not of for evermore, Arise, why hidest thy face, Forgetting mine affliction sore, And my distressed case? Even as a bottle in the smoke, So am I parched and dried: Yet do I not forget thy Law, But have on it relied. The Lord that made us, knows our frame, Our mould and fashion just, How weak and frail our nature is, And that we are but dust, And how the time of mortal man Is like the withering hay: Or as the flower now fresh and fair, That quickly fades away. O Lord; my God forsake me not, O be not far from me: Make haste O Lord to help me now, And my Salvation be. VII. O Lord attend unto my cry, And to my prayer give heed, That doth not in hypocrisy From feigned lips proceed. Vouchsafe O Lord, vouchsafe thy grace, Be merciful to me: For my distressed Soul doth place Her confidence in thee. Yea to the shadow of thy wings I will for refuge fly; For he it is deliverance brings, Even he that is most high. Lord thou hast pointed out my life In length much like a Span: Mine age is nothing unto thee, So vain is every man. Man surely walks in vainest show, And doth himself annoy In getting, goods, and cannot tell Who shall the same enjoy. And now I will to thee confess Lord, what my sins have been; O pardon all my wickedness, And heal me of my sin. In Heaven I have none but thee, Nor is there any one In all the Earth desired by me Besides thyself alone. My heart and flesh do fail in me, But God doth fail me never; The strength'ner of my heart is he, And Heritage for ever. Psalms of Praise or Thanksgiving for preservation and Sustenance. I. MY Song for ever shall express The mercies of the Lord, And all his truth and faithfulness Most thankfully record. Thou wast my stay in dangerous day, To thee my strength I'll sing; God's my defence and Rock, from whence My mercy hath its spring. Out of the Womb which me possessed Thou didst me take, and I Have ever since I sucked the breast Found thee my full supply. I have been cast upon thy care Even from my birth till now; And from the womb that did me bear, My God and guide art thou. In thee be glad, in thee rejoice, And to thy name will I In Songs of Praise lift up my voice, O thou that art most high. II. O Come sing we a Song, A joyful noise be made With one accord before the Lord, Our Rock of saving aid. When I the Heavens do view, Wrought so with art Divine, The Sun at noon, at night the Moon, And all the Stars that shine. How poor a thing is man Think I! what wondrous love, That he should be thought on by thee, And visited from above? Thy blessing makes the field To yield a joyful crop: The earth with goodness thou dost crown, Thy paths with fatness drop. Thou dost enrich the land With Corn at thy command; And everything dost make to spring, When watered with thy hand. Thou art the confidence Of th' earth's circumference, And also theirs whom th' Ocean bears, Even far remote from hence. He that doth give thee praise, He glorifieth thee: And he that walks in godly ways Shall God's Salvation see. Psalms of Praise or Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Sickness. I. COme harken ye that fear God's name, To you declare will I What favour he hath showed to me And how he heard my cry. The Lord is kind and merciful, When Sinners do him grieve: The slowest to conceive a wrath, And readiest to relieve. He hath not dealt as our offence And wickedness hath been: Nor given us a recompense According to our Sin. But as the space is wondrous great 'Twixt Earth and Heaven above; So is his goodness much more large To such as do him love. And as the Parent pity shows Unto his Children dear: Such pity bears the Lord to those, That worship him in fear. Unto the Lord give thanks will I For all his righteous ways: And to the name of God most high Sing cheerful Songs of praise. II. MY Soul I charge thee to express The Lord's renown and fame, And all that is within me bless His great and sacred name. Give thanks to God for all his gifts, Show not thyself unkind: And suffer not his benefits To slip out of thy mind. Who gave thee pardon for thy faults, And thee restored again: Who healed thy diseases all, And eased thee of thy pain. Who did redeem thy life from death. And once more set thee free: His mercy and abundant love He did extend to thee. III. I Love the Lord because he heard My voice so graciously: I'll call upon him while I live, Because he heard my cry. The sorrows of most bitter death Like snares did me enfold: Trouble and anguish and the pains Of Hell on me got hold. Upon the name of God most high Than did I call, and say Deliver thou my Soul O Lord, I do most humbly pray. He gracious is and merciful To those that simple be; For I was brought exceeding low, And he delivered me. And now I charge thee O my Soul, Return unto thy rest; For largely lo the Lord to thee His bounty hath expressed. My life from death he saved, mine eyes From tears, my feet from fall: Think than, what shall I tender now Unto the Lord for all. I in the land of living men Will walk before the Lord; And his compassions plentiful With grateful mind record. Salvations cup I will take up, And on the Lord I'll call; To him I'll pay my vows, and pray Before the people all. In Gods own Courts I'll tender them Even in the midst of thee, Of thee O Great Jerusalem, Come praise the Lord with me. iv I Waited long and sought the Lord, Until at length his ear He did incline most graciously My voice and cry to hear. To me he taught a Psalm of praise, Which I must show abroad, And sing new Songs of thanks always Unto the Lord my God. Thou mad'st me feel affliction sore, And yet thou didst me save; And of thy goodness didst restore Thy servant from the Grave. thou didst touch me with thy rod, I erred and went astray: But now I keep thy holy word, And make it all my stay. Since thou hast turned my doleful note Into a cheerful voice, And hast put of my mourning weed, And made me to rejoice; Therefore my Soul uncessantly Shall sing unto thy praise: My Lord, my God, to thee will I Give laud and thanks always. V O Lord my God, thy wondrous deeds In greatness far surmount, And thine abundant love exceeds All things that I can count. When I intent and do device Thy works abroad to show; To such a reckoning they do rise, Thereof no end I know. I said in haste, thou hast me cast Of from before thine eyes; Yet heard'st thou when I cried to thee, My supplicating cries. The Lord I bless and magnify, Who turned not away His favourable face from me, When I to him did pray. His anger lasteth but a while, 'Tis quickly passed again: But in his favour and his grace Doth constant life remain. The Offerings which with heart and voice I do most freely give. Accept, and teach me how I may After thy judgements live. VI THE Lord is just in all his ways, His works are holy all: He's nigh to those that call on him, In truth that on him call. He listens to their humble suit With his attentive ear: He also will their prayers fulfil Whoever do him fear. For in the day I cried to thee, Thou answeredst me again: With inward strength thou strenghnedst me, And didst my Soul sustain. 'Tis good for me that I have been chastised with thy Rod, That I might learn thy ways, wherein I ever since have trod. I am companion to those That truly fear the Lord; Departed from me ye evil doers, For I will keep God's word. As for the Lord his word is tried, His ways is perfect pure: To all that have on him relied He is a buckler sure. The dead praise not the Lord, nor they To silence that go down: But I will bless his name always, And boast of his renown. VII. TO tender thanks unto the Lord, How great a cause have I? My voice, my prayer, and my complaint That heard so graciously. Thy vows are on me O my God, I'll tender praise to thee; For thou didst save my Soul from grave, When death arrested me. I on my right hand looked and viewed, But no man would me know: Not Creature cared for my Soul, All left me here below. Than did I cry unto the Lord, My gracious God, and said, O help me now in this distress, Who are my only aid. O hear me soon, my Spirits faint, O Lord thy servant save: I flee to thee to shelter me, Not other God I have. Yea had not Lord thy gracious word Been all my heart's delight, In my affliction certainly I should have perished quite. Therefore I never will forget Thy precepts, which I found Did stay my sad and sinking Soul, When it was almost drowned. Psalms of Praise and consideration of God's wondered works. I. PRaise ye the Lord, for it is meet Of all his acts to sing: To praise him is a work most sweet, Praise is a comely thing. How many are thy works O Lord, In wisdom all composed! The Earth by thee is richly stored With treasures there enclosed. So is the spacious Sea, wherein Are beasts both great and small, And an innumerable sort Of creeping things do crawl. There all the rich and weighty ships Do make their pathless way; There's that Leviathan too, whom thou Hast made therein to play. These on thy bounty all depend For seasonable food: Thy liberal hand thou dost extend, And they are filled with good. They gather what thou dost provide, Thou hidest thy face, they mourn; Thou tak'st away their breath they die, And to their dust return. II. LEt every thing throughout the earth Sand forth a joyful noise: The Seas, and Shores, and Hills, and Floods Clap hands and join in joys, Before the Lord, whose coming shall The earth with judgement try, Judging the world, and people all With truth and equity. Know than that he who is above, For evermore shall reign, And in the seat of Equity True Judgement will maintain. With light as with a princely robe He's covered round about; And hath the spacious Heavens made Like curtains stretched out. He in the waters lays the beams, Which do his chambers bear: He walketh on the winged winds, The Clouds his Chariot are. His Angel's Spirits, a fiery flame His Ministers he makes; He laid the Earth's foundation-frame So sure, it never shakes. Thy works do praise thee every one, Thy Saints with joint accord In Songs express the faithfulness, Of their most gracious Lord. III. SIng praise, sing praise unto the Lord, Who rideth on the Sky, And by his name of JAH extol His glorious Majesty. The Father of the Fatherless, And judge of widow's case Is God above, who all things views, From his most holy place. Who with the Lord can be compared In all the clouds abroad? Among the sons of all the gods What one is like our God? The furious raging of the Seas Thou rulest at thy will: Their swelling waves thou dost appears, And all is calm and still. He is Protector of the poor, What time they be oppressed: He is their succour in distress, And their assured rest. For who except the Lord alone A God esteemed may be? And who a mighty Rock but one? And our Jehovah's he. iv THE eyes of all things wait on thee, And thou dost give them meat: Thou openest wide thine hand most free, And they their fill do eat. The Lord doth sand the blind their sight, The lame he maketh sound: He heals the broken in their heart, And bindeth up their wound. The Stranger he doth save, and help The Widow in distress; He lifts up them that are bowed down, Relieves the Fatherless. He tells the number of the Stars, And names them perfectly: He gives the ranging beasts their food, And th'young Ravens that cry, He giveth Snow like Wool, wherewith Earth's face is covered; And the hoar-frosts upon the ground Like Ashes he doth spread. He casteth forth great flakes of Ice, Like morsels from his hand: His cold is such, that there is none Who can before it stand. He sendeth forth his mighty word, And melteth all again: His wind he makes to blow, and than The Waters flow amain. Thy righteousness O God, exceeds In wondered degree: Thou hast performed wondrous deeds; O who is like to thee! V O Lord our Lord, how wonderful And excellent is thy name! Behold thou hast thy Glory placed Above the Heaven's frame. When I behold the Sun and Moon And glorious Stars above, What's man think I, that he should be The object of thy love! Praise ye the Lord of Hosts, and sing To Isral's God each one. For he doth every wondrous thing, Yea he himself alone. And blessed be his holy name To all eternity: Let all the Earth declare the same; Amen, Amen say I The Blessings and Privileges of the Godly. I. O Blessed blessed man is he, Whose sins God passeth by; And whom the Lord reputeth free From all iniquity. Who walks not in the counsel of Those that ungodly are: Nor in the way of sinners stands, Nor sits in scorners chair. But in the perfect Law of God Doth place his whole delight; And in that Law doth exercise Himself both day and night. He shall be like a tree, that grows Fast by the River's side; That in its season brings forth fruit, And still doth fresh abide. What e'er he doth shall prospero well: The Lord continually With favour knows, and views his way With a most pleasant eye. Yea all the paths and ways of God Are mercy, truth, and grace To them that keep his Covenant, And do his Laws embrace. II. A good man's steps the Lord doth guide, Delighting in his way. He shall not sink although he slide; For God will be his stay. At any evil tidings told, He shall not be afraid: His faithful heart, which makes him bold, On God is firmly stayed. The meek and humble he will guide, And keep them in the right: Yea all shall have their hearts desire Who in the Lord delight. The Angel of the Lord doth pitch His tents about them round, Who fear the Lord, and trust in him, To keep them safe and sound. I have been young and now am old; Yet to my hoary head The just forsaken did ne'er behold, Nor his seed begging bread: And they that know thy holy name, Will put their trust in thee; For they O Lord that seek thy face, Shall ne'er forsaken be. III. BLessed are they that perfect are, And undefiled in heart: Who will not from the Law of God Allowedly departed; Blessed are they that give themselves His statutes to observe: Seeking the Lord with all their hearts, And never from him swerve. The lovingkindness of the Lord With them shall ever stand: Their childrens children shall receive Much goodness at his hand. I mean, which keep his Covenant With all their whole desire: And not forget to do the thing, That he doth them require. Come taste and see how good he is; Who trusts in him is blest: O fear the Lord, ye Saints of his, For that is always best. The Lions shall be hunger-pined, Their food shall be so scant: But they that love and fear the Lord, Not one good thing shall want; Nor shall be utterly cast down, Although they slide and fall; Because the Lord extends his hand, And saves them therewithal. iv MArk and behold the perfect man, Observe the upright well; His end will certainly be peace, And he with God shall devil. Upon the righteous every where God casts intentive eyes; And opens his attentive ear Unto their humble cries. A littl● that the righteous hath, Though he seem mean and poor, Is better far than all the lands Of many a wicked doer. As for transgressors, woe to them; Together they shall fall: God finally will cut them of, And judge them once for all. But the salvation of the just Doth come from God above, Who in their trouble sends them aid Of his free grace and love. O Lord of Hosts, that man is blest, And happy sure is he, That is persuaded in his breast All times to trust in thee. The mournful Souls Complaint and Lamentation. I. REgard O Lord when I complain, And make my moan to thee; Let not my Prayer ascend in vain, But give good ear to me. Why dost thou Lord stand of so far, And seem'st thyself to hid? O comfort now thy servant's Soul, That hath on thee relied. All the desires of mine heart Are spread before thine eyes; My groaning is not hid from thee; Thine ear doth hear my cries. O do not cast away from thee This helpless Soul of mine; Nor ever take away from me That Holy Spirit of thine. The joys of thy Salvation Lord, Restore to me again; And thy free Spirit to me afford Thy servant to sustain. A broken and a contrite heart Thou wilt not Lord despise; Enable me to offer thee This Spiritual Sacrifice. II. THE troubles of my heart Are greatly multiplied. O free me from this misery, Wherewith thou hast me tried. Trouble and anguish great Have taken hold on me: But thy Commandments O my God, My joy and comfort be. For I thy mercy made The Rock, whereon I stayed: My heart in thee shall joyful be, And in thy saving aid. Deliver Lord thy flock, And sand them sure relief; Redeem thy chosen Israel From all their pain and grief. III. O Lord, consider my complaint, Incline thine ear to me, And hear my voice my King, my God, When I do pray to thee. Have mercy Lord, and pity take On me in my distress; For thine abundant mercy's sake Blot out my wickedness. O wash me clean from mine offence, And separate sin from me: For my transgressions I confess, My sin I always see. Of joy and gladness make thou me To hear the pleasant voice: So as the bones which thou hast broke, May feelingly rejoice. And wholly will I give myself To keep thy Laws most right. Forsake me not for ever Lord, But show thy grace and might. iv HOW long O Lord of thee Forgotten shall I be? How long a space with'lt ' hid thy face, And turn away from me? O bottle up my tears, With pity on them look: Reserve them in a Glass by thee, And writ them in thy Book. Remember not the faults And frailty of my youth; Remember not, how I have sinned Against thy blessed truth. I pray thee Lord, remember Thy mercies manifold; And thy compassions plentiful, For they have been of old. V TO thee O Lord I make my moan In these my depths of grief. I call, I cry, I sigh, I groan, O sand me some relief. My throat is dry, mine eyes do fail, My crying wearieth me; O God, thou knowest my foolishness, My sin's not hid from thee. Do not O Lord in this distress Thy Servant quite forsake; Forsake me not, who am the work, That thine own hand did make. Upon the rock of thy great power My woeful mind repose; Thou art my Hope my Trust my Tower, And fence against my foes. The length of all my life and age O Lord, is in thy hand; Defend me from the wrathful rage Of them that me withstand My Soul for thy Salvation faints, But Lord I hope in thee; Mine eyes fail for thy word and say, When wilt thou comfort me? Forsake me not now I am weak, O Lord thou God of truth; For I have put my hope and trust In thee even from my youth. The believing Souls Confidence. I. THE Lord himself my Shepherd is, And him that doth me feed; Since he is mine and I am his, What is't that I can need? Such as do fear and trust in him, The Lord doth bless them all; He'll still increase them more and more, And theirs both great and small. Great peace have they that love thy Law, Nothing shall them offend; Nor such want any kind of thing, Who on the Lord depend. When both my earthly Parents shall Die, and their Child forsake; Than God my everlasting guide Of me the charge will take. My Soul wait thou on God alone, All I expect is thence; He only is my Rock of stone, Salvation and defence. II. THE Lord's my saving health and light, Why should I be afraid? He is my life, my strength, my might, Why should I be dismayed? Although ten thousand of my foes Beset me round about; I will not be afraid of those, Nor of my safety doubt. Yea though I walk through vail of death, Yet will I fear no ill: Thy rod and staff do comfort me, And thou art with me still. It's better for a man's defence To trust in God alone, Than 'tis to place our confidence In any mortal one. Yea 'tis far better to repose Our confidence in thee, Than 'tis to put our trust in those That powerful Princes be. At all times trust in him alone, Ye Saints with one accord; Pour out your heart before his Throne, Our Refuge is the Lord. III. THE Lord is our defence and Aid, The strength whereby we stand: When we with terrors are dismayed, He is our help at hand. Mere vanity the mean man is, The great man is a lie: Yea in the Scales you'll found them all Lighter than vanity, The Waters of the deep arose, The Floods lift up their waves▪ Even to the Skies their uproar flies, Their voice with tumult raves: Yet is the Lord who dwells on high, Far more of might than these; Though numerous store of waters roar, And mighty waves of Seas. iv THat Nation's blest whose God's the Lord; That people's blest, whom he Hath chosen of his own accord His Heritage to be. A King that trusteth in his Host, Thereby shall not prevail: And he that of his strength doth boast, With all his strength shall fail. A Horse too is as vain, and can't The lest deliverance bring: But God's eye saves his faithful ones From every hurtful thing. The Lord of hosts doth us defend; He is our strength and Tower: On Jacob's God we do depend, And his Almighty Power. The joyful Souls Triumph. I. YE righteous in the Lord rejoice, For praise becomes you well: And sweet it is with thankful voice Of all his acts to tell. The Counsels, which th'ungodly take The Lord doth bring to naught: He their device doth fruitless make, And frustrate every thought. But his own counsel standeth sure, And so for ever shall. Th'intentions of his heart endure To Generations all. Be wise now therefore, O ye Kings, Ye Princes understand; Be well instructed ye that are The Judges of the Land. See that ye serve the Lord each one, With reverence and with fear: Rejoice with trembling; kiss the Son, Jest he in wrath appear. Than shall ye perish from the way, If his least anger flame; O blessed, blessed than are they That trust upon his name! II. BUT that the Lord was on our side, May Israel now say; The Lord on whom we still relied Had he not been our stay; And took our part against our foes, Who furiously did drive, We had been overthrown by those, And swallowed up alive. The Waters had gone over us; Proud Seas that did abound With rolling waves, our feeble Souls Had overwhelmed and drowned. Blessed be God who gave us not Unto their teeth a prey: But as a Bird escapes we got Out of their snare away. The snare did break and we escaped, Our help is in the name Of our great Lord, who by his word both Heaven and Earth did frame. III. NOT unto us Lord, not to us, Do thou the Glory take To thine own name even for thy truth, And for thy mercy's sake. O wherefore should the Heathen say, Where is their God now gone? Our God is in the Heaven's high, And all he pleased hath done. Their Idols framed by man's device Of Gold and Silver be: Mouths have they but do not speak, And eyes, but do not see. And ears, but do not hear a jot; Noses that have no scent; Hands have they, but handle not; And feet but never went. They that do make them like them are, And those whose trust they be; But thou O Israel trust in God; Thy help and shield is he. iv THE Lord doth know the thoughts of man, His heart he seethe plain: His inmost workings he doth scan, And findeth them but vain. And yet those foolish ones do say, Tush God will never see; He's up in Heaven far away, We shall concealed be. What shall not he that made the ear, He that did make the eye; What, shall not he both hear and see All things most perfectly? He'll recompense their bold offence, And take them in their sin: The Lord I say, our God will slay And cut them of therein. Trust not in worldly Princes than, Though they in wealth abound. Nor in the Sons of mortal men, In whom no hurt is found. Their breath alas doth soon departed, How quickly are they gone? And than the counsels of their heart, Do perish every one. But he's a happy man indeed, Whom Jacob's God doth aid; And he whose hope in all his need Upon the Lord is stayed. V LET all the world O God, Give praise unto thy name: O let the people all abroad Extol and laud the same. Clap hands ye people all. And lift ye up your voice: Sing to the Lord with joint accord, In Jacobs God rejoice. Make a Triumphant sound, To God due praises sing: Sing praises, O sing praises round, Sing praises to our King. For this God is our God, He is our God for ever: Yea unto death he'll be our Guide, A guide that faileth never. Wherhfore thy holy name All ages shall record, The people shall give thanks to thee For ever more O Lord. VI THE Lords right hand doth valiantly, His right hand is renowned, The Lords right hand's exalted high, With valiant actions crowned. O all ye precious Saints of his The Lord sincerely love; For every true Believer is Preserved from above. He plenteously rewards proud Doers, Take courage and he shall Strengthen that valiant heart of yours, O ye Believers all. Give thanks therefore unto the Lord, For very good is he, His mercies sure do still endure Even to Eternity. Let Israel say this very day, His mercy faileth never; And let the house of Aron say, His mercy lasts for ever. And let them all that fear the Lord, Now join in one and say, His mercies sure do still endure, And never fall away. VII. SIng to the Lord O all ye lands, Make ye a joyful sound; Show forth his fame and glorious name; Make ye his praise renown He ever rules by Sovereign Power. His eyes all lands descry; O let not than rebellious men Exalt themselves on high. Ye Angels that excel in strength, That his Commandments do; Bless ye the Lord, who know his word, And harken thereunto. O bless the Lord ye glorious hosts, Ye Ministers of his That do fulfil and execute Whatever his pleasure is. Yea all his works both far and near, Bless ye Jehovah's name, Through his Dominions every where, My soul bless thou the same. VIII. TO bless and praise the Lord, It is an excellent thing, To magnify thy name most high, And of thy works to sing. Thy kindness to set forth. Betime as soons 'tis light, And to express thy faithfulness As duly every night. What time I am afraid, Lo I will trust in thee: Thy word will I still magnify, For it supporteth me. On God have I relied, I will not fear for aught That ever can by mortal man Against my Soul be wrought. In God's assured aid I have reposed my trust: I fear not you, what ye can do, That are but mortal dust. Unto the Lord most high Sing praises than will I, Since I have felt how he hath dealt With me most graciously. IX. SIng ye with praise unto the Lord New Songs of joy and mirth; Set forth his fame and glorious name All men of mortal birth. He is a great and mighty God, And greatly praised must be; And every where be had in fear Above all Gods must he. For all the Heathens-Nations Gods Are Idols every one: He is the Lord that Heaven did frame, Our God is he alone. X. O All ye Angels of the Lord, All ye his Hosts of might, Praise him. O praise him Sun and Moon, And all ye stars of light. Ye heavens of heavens which are so high, Praise him with full consent. And all ye Waters too, which are Above the Firmament. Praise him ye Dragons, and all deeps, Fire, Vapour, Hail and Snow, O magnify the Lord most high, And all ye storms that blow. Mountains and hills, and fruitful trees, And all ye Cedars tall; Ye Fowl with wings, and creeping things, Ye Beasts and all. Kings, Princes, People, all degrees, Ye Judges praise his name, Young men and maids, old men and babes, See that ye do the same. O praise him all both great and small. Let every breathing thing The praise record of this great Lord, And Hallelujah sing. Psalms or Hymns for the Lords day. I. COme let us bow and praise the Lord, Before him let us fall: And kneel to him with one accord The maker of us all. He is the Lord our God indeed, For us he doth provide: We are his flock, he doth us feed, His sheep, and he our Guide. Ye everlasting doors stand , Ye gates up-lifted be; Fall open wide unto the King Of glorious Majesty. Who is this ever-Glorious King? How may his name be known? The Lord in battle conquering, The high and mighty one. Ye everlastiny doors stand , Ye gates up lifted be; And than shall enter in the King Of glorious Majesty. Who may this glorious Person be? O tell me who is this? The Lord of hosts, and none but he, The King of glory is. II. EVen as the chased hart, For brooks of water pants; So pants for thee my Soul in me, Which Lords thy presence wants. O thou that hearest prayer, To thee we all repair, O blessed are those, Whom thou hast chose To see thy beauty fair! In thy Courts to reside, Where they are still supplied With grace, of which thy house is rich, And ever there abide! Praise waiteth for thee still O God, in Zions hill: And unto thee the vow shall be Performed with good william. Such as Jerusalem love, The Lord will prospero them: O pray, that peace may never cease From fair Jerusalem. Peace be within thy walls, And peace embrace thee round: Prosperity devil constantly Within thee and abound. III. THY House I do most dearly love, To me it doth excel: I have delight in being near, Where Lord thy grace doth devil. For I am sure thy word is pure, As Silver that is tried: And hath no lesle than seven times In fire been purified. Far more than many treasured sums, Of Gold to be embraced, Far sweeter than the honey-combs Can be unto our taste. O happy, happy sure are they, Whose stay and strength thou art; Which to thy House do mind the way, And seek it in their heart! For in thy Courts thy name to praise, Lord, one day's being there Is better than a thousand days, A thousand days elsewhere. For God the Lord is Sun and shield; He grace and glory gives: And no good thing shall be withheld From him that purely lives. iv O come bow down all we Before him let us fall, Admire, Adore, and kneel before The Lord that made us all. Into his presence come, Hearts truly thankful bring; And make a noise to God with joys, Sweet psalms unto him sing. Great King, great God he is, And he all Gods transcends: The spacious lands are in his hands, The Deep he comprehends. The strength of hills is his, The Sea in his command: He made the same, his hands did frame The dry and solid land. Praise Israel's God most high To all eternity; Come let us than say all Amen, Amen, Amen, say I V HOW pleasant is thy dwelling place O Lord of Hosts to me! The Tabernacles of thy grace Most amiable be. Of all perfections in this World At length I see an end: But thy Commandments O my God, Beyond them all extend. Thy word's a light unto my path, A Lamp unto my feet: Moore precious than the finest Gold, And Honey's not so sweet. As one that finds the richest prize, I in thy word delight: I hate and loathe the way of lies: But love thy Laws most right. From such as thee desire to know Let not thy grace departed; Thy righteousness declare and show To men of upright heart. VI ALL men of mortal birth That devil throughout the Earth, Make ye a noise with highest joys, And serve the Lord with mirth. O come before his throne, With singing every one: For certainly the Lord most high Even he is God alone. He made us and not we, Not we ourselves, but he: His folk and flock and pasture-stock He did us make to be. Enter his Gates with praise, And in his Courts relate His noble fame and bless his name, His honour celebrated. For God is good for ever; His truth doth still persever; And shall endure most firm and sure. His mercy faileth never. Thus will I bless and praise Thy name even all my days; And unto thine own name divine My hands devoutly raise. VII. GIve to the Lord ye mighty ones, Give to the Lord his fame. O give to him the glory due To his most holy name. His great and mighty Acts express, Worship the Lord most high In beauteous place of holiness His glorious Sanctuary, Holy and reverend is the name Of our almighty King, And only from the fear of God▪ Doth all true Wisdom spring. O Lord of Hosts, through thy good grace Convert our hearts to thee; Show us the brightness of thy face, And than full safe are we. VIII. ONE thing of God I have desired, Which I will seek for still; That I till life be quite expired May devil on Sion's hill. That of his beauteous face I may There have the lovely sight, Enquiring for the blessed way Within his Temple bright, When as thou saidst, seek ye my face, My heart said unto thee I seek thy face, Lord grant thy grace, Hid not thyself from me. That people truly blessed is, That knows the joyful sound; The light of thy sweet countenance Shall them O Lord surround. Thy testimonies, questionless Ate sure and altar never; Pure holiness (the richest dress) Becomes thy House for ever. IX. O God be merciful to us Of thine abundant grace; And grant that we with joy may see The brightness of thy face. Thy Law entirely perfect is, The Soul it purifies; Thy testimonies are most sure, And make the simple wise. The Statutes of the Lord are ri●●t, And do make glad the mind; His precepts pure, affording light To eyes by nature blind. The fear of God is excellent, And ever doth endure; The judgements of the Lord are just, And truth itself is truer. By them thy servants warned is, How he his life should frame; And there's a very great Reward In keeping of the same. Therefore will I come to thy House, Trusting upon thy grace; And reverently will worship thee Even towards thy holy place. X. MY Soul doth thirst for thee The living God most dear; O when shall I approaching nigh Before my God appear. Thy Law to me I hold Better a thousand fold Than Millions or endless sums Of Silver and of Gold. O Lord vouchsafe to me That I thy face may see: My Soul, my flesh with long fresh Do thirst and pant for thee. My Soul with Marrow than And fatness shall be fed; Thy power and praise my mouth always With joyful lips shall spread. Thy God continually O Zion reign on high; And so he shall to ages all: His name than magnify. XI. THY mercy is above all things, O God it doth excel; In trust whereof as in thy wings, The Sons of men shall devil. Within thy house they shall be fed With plenty at their will; Of all delights they shall be sped, And take thereof their fill. For lo, the well of life most pure Doth ever flow from thee: And in thy light we shall be sure The lasting light to see. Good understanding have they all, That carefully endeavour To practise thy most righteous Laws: Thy praise endures for ever. XII. GIve Glory to the Lord our King Due to his name most high: Devoutly bring an offering, And to his Courts draw nigh. Give praise to him ye kindreds all: Let every Stock and Tribe Unto the Lord with joint accord Glory and strength ascribe. Fall down and duly worship him In his most holy place: Earth far and near O stand in fear Before his awful face. All gods thou art extolled above, O thou that art most high: Ye Saints, that do Jehovah love. His Praises magnify. To God the ●●ther, God the Son, God th' Holy-Ghost be praise: As it hath ever been, is now, And shall be so always. A Prayer to be used in the Morning. [5. Ps. 3. My voice shalt thou hear in the Morning O Lord, in the Morning will I direct my prayer to thee, and will look up.] O most glorious and ever blessed Lord our God, thou searchest the hearts and tryest the reinss and understandest all our thoughts; we thy poor Creatures are here now humbly presenting ourselves before thee, to implore thy mercy in the forgiveness of all our sins; for his sake, whose Soul was made a Sacrifice for Sin. We confess O Lord, that we are vile and polluted Creatures, unclean, unclean, our natures are altogether corrupted, unwilling and backward to that which is good, prove and forward to that which is We are lost and undone in ourselves; O that we may be found in him, who came to seek and to save those that are lost; that we may be clothed in the white Robes of his Righteousness, and become amiable in thy sight! Grant that we may hate sin more than ever we loved it; that we may be truly weary and heavy laden under the weight of it, and feel no burden so heavy upon us as the burden of Sin. Plant thy fear in our hearts, that we may not departed from thee; and help us in all our ways to acknowledge thee, that thou mayest direct our steps. Let us have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Keep us from the Snares and temptations of evil Company, and let our delight be in them that fear thee. Suffer us not to love the World, nor the things of the World, seeing if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us. There be many that say, who will show us any good? Lord lift thou up the light of thy Countenance upon us; and that shall make us more to rejoice, th●n they whose Corn and Wine do increase. Enable us rightly to understand and faithfully to discharge the duties of our several Relations. Keep us from all sinful wrath and passions, from all unchastity in our thoughts, or words, or actions, from injuring and defrauding others in any matter; from lying, slandering, backbiting, or taking up a reproach against our Neighbour. Convince us more and more of the emptiness and vanity of all Creature enjoyments, and that it will no way profit us to gain the whole World, if we lose our own Souls. Incline our hearts unto thy Testimonies and not to Covetousness. Grant that we may be clothed with Humility as with a Garment, and bestow upon us the Ornament of a meek and of a quiet Spirit, which in thy sight is of great price. Give us a good Conscience, in all things willing to live honestly, serving thee faithfully in our places and Relations while we are here, that whensoever it shall please thee to put an end to this frail life, we may be received into thy Presence, where there is the fullness of Joy, and to thy Right-hand where there are pleasures for ever more. Let all the Earth fear the Lord, and all the inhabitants of the World stand in awe of him. Bless these Nations and all ranks among us, from him that sitteth on the Throne to hear her that grinds at the Mill; that our King and Nobles and all inferior Magistrates may act for thee, and promote thy glory; thy Priests lips may preserve knowledge, and the people receive thy Law from their mouths. Comfort all thine afflicted, and be thou a present help unto them in the needful time of trouble. And now O Lord, accept our Sacrifice of praise for all thy mercies. 'Tis in thee, that we live and move, and have our beings; and thou givest us all things appertaining to life and Godliness. We bless thee above all for that unspeakable Gift, thy beloved Son in whom thou art well pleased, who is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him. Through him do thou now graciously accept of us; and as thou hast preserved us in peace the night past, and refreshed us with comfortable r●st and sleep, blessed be thy name: so now we humbly commit the keeping of our Souls unto thee in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Let the blessings of the Lord always accompany and follow us. Suffer not this World to steal away our hearts from thee, but 'cause us to rejoice in the ways of thy Testimonies more than in all richeses. Herein grant, that we may exercise ourselves, to have always Consciences voided of Offence both towards God and towards man; so as this may be our Rejoicing, even the testimony of our Consciences, that in all simplicity and Godly sincerity we have had our conversations here in this world. And all we beg of thy merciful hands with whatever else thou knowest to be needful for us in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, who hath taught us to pray unto thee, saying Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven, Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our Trespasses as we forgive them that tresspass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen. A Prayer to be used at night. [Ps. 141.2, Let my Prayer be set forth before thee as Incense; and the lifting up of my hand, as the Evening Sacrifice.] O most holy and most merciful Lord God, regard us thy poor Creatures who are hear before thee, have mercy upon us and hear our prayer. We must confess, that we were conceived in sin and brought forth in Iniquity; and have lived as if the Lord did not see, and there were no knowledge in the most high. We have forsaken thee the Fountain of living waters, and hewn out unto ourselves broken Cisterns that will hold no water. We have been crrefull about many things, and neglected the one thing necessary. And now O Lord, what shall we say, for we have forsaken thy Commandments? Yet if thou wilt, thou canst make us clean. Let the blood of Jesus Christ thy Son cleanse us from all sin; and our iniquities do thou remember not more. Created in us a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within us, and let not sin reign in our mortal bodies, that we should obey it in the lusts thereof. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy Precepts diligently. O that our ways were directed to keep thy Statutes. Than shall we not be ashamed, when we have respect unto all thy Commandments. Let such a mind be in us, as was also in Christ Jesus. Raise our hearts above this world, and all the things of it; that we may rejoice as though we rejoiced not, and weep as though we wept not; and use this world as not abusing it, seeing the fashion of all these things passeth away. Feed us with food convenient for us, and give us Godliness with contentment, which is great gain. Let all thy deal towards us be sanctified, and all afflictions work together for our good. Open our eyes, that we may behold the wondrous things of thy Law; and so prepare us for Death and Judgement, that after this present life is ended, we may be received into thine everlasting Kingdom. Add daily to thy Church such as shall be saved, both of Jews and Gentiles. Bless these Nations, to which we do belong, forgive our sins, reform and establish us. Give our King thy Judgements O Lord, and teach our Senator's Wisdom. Bless all the Ministers of thy word, and grant that they may feed thy people with knowledge and with understanding. Bind up the broken hearted, give liberty to the Captives, and health to those that are sick. Hear the needy when he cryeth, the poor also and him that hath no helper. Let all our Friends and Relations found favour in thy sight, and make this Family an Household of faith. Be thou pleased to devil among us, to devil in every one of our hearts, and 'cause us to serve thee our God, and one another in love. And now blessed be the Lord, who daily followeth us with his mercies. Thou hast given us thy Laws and thy Statutes; and brought life and immortality to light through thy Gospel. God so loved the world as to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Thou hast been gracious unto us the day past, blessed be thy glorious name. Because thou hast been our help, therefore do we put our trust under the shadow of thy wings. Be thou our Sun and our Shield, give us grace and glory, and withhold no good thing from us. Keep us now in thy fear and favour this night, who art the Keeper of Israel, and never slumberest or sleepest. 'Cause us to think on thee last of all when we take our rest, and first of all when we do awake. And thou who knowest our down-sitting and our uprising, and art acquainted with all our ways, keep us by thine Almighty power through faith unto salvation. And do far more exceeding abundantly for us, than we can either ask or think, for the sake alone of Jesus Christ, in whose blessed name and words we further call upon thee, saying, Our Father which art in Heaven, etc. A Prayer to be used in secret. [Matth, 6.6. Pray to thy Father, which is in secret.] Mark. 1.35. Christ risen up early in the morning, and went out into a solitary place and there prayed. O Lord, look down from Heaven with an eye of favour and compassion upon me thy poor Creature, who in and through Jesus Christ do look up unto thee for mercy. I am a Sinner by nature and by practice, who deserve to be cast into everlasting fire. But do thou deliver me from all my sins. Give me thy grace, that I may not harbour any vain or wicked thoughts in my heart, that I may not lie or swear or take thy holy name in vain, or any other way offend thee with my tongue. Suffer me not to be guilty of stealing or any deceit; but grant that I may be true and faithful and diligent in the place where thou art pleased to set me; knowing that thine Allseeing Eye observes me in the most secret corner, and that my own conscience is more than a Thousand Witnesses. Enable me to flee youthful lusts, and to follow after Godliness, and suffer me not to be a Lover of Pleasures more than of God. Prepare me for Death and Judgement; and 'cause me so to live in thy fear and favour while I am here, that whenever it shall please thee to remove me hence, I may be received into a mansion in Heaven, and the full enjoyment of that Glory, which neither eye hath seen, nor ear heard, nor hath ever entered into the heart of man to conceive. Bless these Nations, our King and Queen and all that are in Authority. Bless all thy Ministers, all my Friends and Relations, and all thy people. Bless this Family and make me a blessing in it. Comfort those that mourn, and supply their wants. And now O Lord, as thou hast been good unto me this day night past, so bless me this night day continued thy mercies to my soul and body; and give me thy grace, that I may be truly thankful for them and careful to make a good use of them. Above all I bless thy glorious name for Jesus Christ. Grant, that I may embrace him in a right manner; and for his sake do thou accept of me and my poor prayers; which I conclude, as he himself hath taught me to pray unto thee, Our father, which art in Heaven, etc. Another short Prayer to be used especially on the Lord's day in the morning, for a Blessing on God's word, which shall be that day delivered. [Prov. 28.9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his Prayer shall be abomination. Heb. 4.7. To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.] O Lord, who art a pure and a holy God, Holiness becometh thy house for ever, I humbly pray thee so to sanctify and prepare my heart, that I may sanctify thee in the Ordinances of thy worship; and serve thee (who art a Spirit) in spirit and in truth. 'Cause me to hid thy word in my heart, that I may not sin against thee; and grant that it may distil as the dew upon the tender herb and the new-mown grass. Make me as earnestly to desire bread for my soul, as children ask bread of their Parents. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy word. Keep of from me all deadness and drowsiness and distractions, that I may not offer unto thee the Sacrifice of Fools: and enable me to receive the good word of God with attention, faith, love, meekness, and so to understand, remember and practise the same, that it may prove as seed sown in good ground to the praise of the glory of the grace of God, through Jesus Christ my Lord and blessed Saviour. Amen. Another short Prayer to be used after the word of God is delivered (and especially on the Lord's day in the Evening), for his Blessing on that which is heard. [Prov. 15.32. He that refuseth Instruction, despiseth his own Soul; but he that heareth reproof, getteth Understanding. Prov. 29.1. He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.] O Lord, I bless and magnify thy glorious name that thou hast caused my ears to hear the joyful sound and opened the doors of thine house unto me. Fellow I humbly beseeeh thee, with thy Blessing that portion of thy word which I have heard this day; and enable me to obey from the heart that form of Doctrine which is delivered unto me; jest I mourn at last and say, how have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof, and have not obeyed the voice of Teachers, nor inclined mine ears to them that instructed me? Let me not be among the number of those, who are ever learning, and yet never come to the knowledge of the truth: but fulfil in me all the good pleasure of thy will and the work of grace with power. Deliver me not up to the fearful Judgement of a hard and seared Conscience: but make my heart soft and tender, and 'cause me in this my day to know the things that belong to my peace, so as I may not hereafter cry out in the anguish and bitterness of my spirit, that thou gavest me space to repent, but I repent not. Guide me by thy Counsels here in this World, and hereafter receive me into thy glory, through Jesus Christ my only Lord and Saviour. Amen. Grace's to be said before and after meat. [1 Tim. 4.4, 5. Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and Prayer. Matth. 15.35, 36. He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven Loaves and Fishes, and gave thanks and broke them, and gave to his Disciples, and the Disciples to the multitude. Acts, 27.34, 35. I pray you to take some meat, for this is for the health, for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread and gave thanks to God in presence of them all. etc.] Before Meat. Bless me O Lord, and these thy good Creatures, which thou hast provided for me; and make me thy true and faithful Servant all the days of my Life, through Jesus Christ my Lord and blessed Saviour, Amen. After Meat. Blessed be thy name O Lord, for the good Creatures I have received at this time. O grant that I may carefully seek for the spiritual food of my Soul, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ my Lord and only Saviour. Amen. A Grace to be said before Meat in presence of others. O Lord, bless us and these thy good Creatures unto our use; and 'cause us to serve thee faithfully and thankfully in the strength of these and all thy mercies, through Christ our Lord. Amen. After Meat. O Lord, who hast made us by the word of thy Power, redeemed us by the blood of thy Son, preserved us to this day by thy gracious Providence, and at this time comfortably fed us, thy holy and blessed name be praised both now and forevermore. Amen. Another before Meat. O Lord forgive us all our sins, and bless these thy good Creatures unto our nourishment and strength. And give us thy grace, that we may hunger and thirst after the food of our Souls and the water of life; so as finally we may obtain everlasting peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour. After Meat. We bless thy glorious name O Lord, for Jesus Christ, and all thy mercies that pertain to this life and a better. Grant, we beseech thee, as thou hast now graciously fed our bodies with this perishing food, to feed our souls likewise with that food which will never perish, but endure unto everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen [1 Cor. 10.31. Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.] FINIS.