thy will and guide my feete in thy waies that I fall not by the deceiueablenesse of sinne and so become a slander to thy Gospell Little is the good that is in me O Lord and that not of my selfe it is thy gift yet grant that it may be sound and sincere not as the morning dew that wasteth at the first heate buâ— as the morning light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day Let mee measure my selfe not by that others iudge mee or I feele my selfe to bee but by that I desire and labour to be that I may neither iustifie my selfe louing sinne though I commit it not nor condemne my selfe longing after grace though I cannot finde that I haue attained to it Let my reioicing be not that I haue deluded the world with a fained shew of holinesse and integritie but that in simplicitie and godly purenesse I haue had my conuersation among men as in thy sight Renew my youth O LORD as the Eagle not to the seruice of sinne but of thy name Let it bee my meate and drinke to doe thy will and let my hunger after it bee so great that it may breake through all the stone walles of impediments and discouragements thereto Yea the more I am discouraged and withdrawne from dutie by the practises of Satan and the weakenesse of my flesh the more let mee striue thereto and abound therein that Satan finding himselfe a looser may bee forced to giue ouer his assaults Let mee bee so farre from wearinesse in thy seruice in the time of prosperitie as I would thou shouldest bee from neglecting mee in the houre of necessitie Let thy loue toward mee O Father winne mee to the loue of thee and let my loue to thee constraine mee euen with deniall of my selfe to serue thee Teach mee to looke for all good things from thee by the meanes of IESVS CHRIST and in him to offer vp my daily sacrifices vnto thee Disperse in mee the clouds of sinne that my heart as in a cleare day may alwaies behold thee Let all worldly ioyes bee swallowed vp in mee with the ioy of thy holy Spirit and before all peace let mee preferre the peace of a good conscience Let mee reioyce in thee without lightnesse and mourne for mine owne and others sinnes without discouragement Powre vppon mee thy Spirit of grace and supplication that I may call vpon thee with sighes that cannot bee expressed that cannot bee denied that with this key I may open the treasurie of thy goodnesse and enrich my selfe Make mee a meete guest to sit downe at the marriage feast of the Lambe and graunt that I may bee carefull not to bee found without the wedding garment of faith working by loue Let mee keepe a diligent account of what I receiue from thee and remembring that there shall bee a day of reckoning graunt mee so to gouerne my selfe in the employing of thy talents that both thou maist receiue of me thine owne with aduantage and I beeing found faithfull in little may bee made ruler ouer much Let mee account this terme of life a seede time and let mee not doubt to cast my bread vpon the waters seeing at the end of dayes I shall finde it againe Let me not esteeme my selfe the poorer for bestowing vpon thy needie seruants but let mee thinke that as the corne which is sowen remaineth not in the ground but returneth with encrease to the sower so what I giue in thy name shall not remaine with the receiuer but returne vnto mee with aduantage Make mee willing to bestow and to bee bestowed for the good of thy Saints and withall humble to ascribe both the gift and the willingnesse to giue to thy grace onely Graunt good Lord that beeing a pilgrim vpon earth I may haue my conuersation in heauen and professing my selfe to bee a citizen of that Ierusalem which is from aboue I may desire not onely to enioy the priuiledges but also to speake the language and to bee gouerned by the lawes of that Citie Make mee wise O Lord to vnderstand and consider my latter end Let my whole life bee a preparation to death and the meditation of death the rule of my life O Lord guide my heart to the loue of thy Maiestie and the waiting for of thy Sonne Vnto mine old age and gray head O God forsake mee mee not and let thy feare keepe mee from forsaking thee Let mee bee among those that are planted in thine house and flourish in thy Courts Let mee bring forth more fruit in mine age Let my later dayes bee my best daies and my workes more at the last then at the first Finally enable mee in this pilgrimage of my life so to walke from strength to strength that at the length I may appeare before thee with the Congregation of the first borne in that kingdome of glorie which thou hast prepared for all that loue the appearance of thy Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ To whom with thee O Father and thy Spirit bee all honour and obedience in the Church hence forth and for euer Amen FINIS A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE ABRIDGED OVT OF the larger Treatise for the more conuenient vse of priuate Families and instruction of the yonger sort By SAM CROOKE PROV 22.6 Traine vp or Catechise a Child in the way he should goe and when he is old he will not depart from it LONDON Printed by John Pindley for Nathaniel Butler and are to be sold at his shop neere S. Austins gate at the signe of the Pyed Bull. 1613. A BRIEFE DIRECTION TO TRVE HAPPINESSE SECT I. Of the Scripture Question HOw may a man attaine true blessednesse Ans Onely by a Job 22.21 22. acquaintance and fellowship with God as hee offereth himselfe to bee knâ—wne of vs in his b Joh. 6.68 word Q. What meane you by the word of God A. The holy c 2. Tim. 3.25 16. Scriptures of the old and new Testament giuen by inspiration of God SECT II. Of God Q. HOw doe the Scriptures propound God to be knowne of vs A. Partly in himselfe partly in his workes Q. What doe the Scriptures teach vs touching God himselfe A. Foure things and first that a Heb. 11. â— there is a God Q. What is the second thing A. That God is a b Ioh. 4.24 spirit most simple eternall infinite constant and absolute Q. What is the third thing A. That there is onely c 1. Cor. 8.6 me God and no more Q. What is the fourth thing A. That in this one Godhead are d Mat. 28.19 1. Joh. 5.7 three distinct persons the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost SECT III. Of Gods decree Q. VVHat are the workes of God A. They are a Ephes 1.11 1. His decree and 2. The execution thereof Q. How may wee take a view of these workes of God A. Generally in all creatures specially in Angels and men Q. What did God decree concerning all creatures A.
God from all profane and vnholy abuse not by adding any holinesse thereto but by e Psal 96.8 acknowledging and honouring it for such whereby wee doe as it were set the crowne of holinesse honour vpon the head of God Contrariwise failing so to do we are guilty of the profanation of Gods holy name not that he can receiue any pollution from vs but onely as the man that lusteth after a chast woman is said by our f Mat 5.28 Sauiour to bee guiltie of adultery with her though shee remaine in her selfe spotlesse and vndefiled Q. What doe wee then aske of God in this Petition A. Two things Viz. 1. That he wold vouchsafe to plant encrease in vs others such graces wherby his name may be glorified as a Psal 100.3 67. â— knowledge of God b Psa 115.1 humilitie thankfulnes patience c Ps 51.15 45.1 lips opened and tongues tuned to speak of him with reuerence Finally a d Mat. 5.16 1. Pet. 2. â— Tit. 2.10 life so ordered that men may say hee is an holy God who by his grace maketh vs an holy people 2. That he would remoue root out of our hearts tongues liues all such vices by and for which his name is dishonoured as e Pro 8.13 pride profanenes f Hos 8.12 ignorance infidelity g Rom. 1.21 vnthankfulnes impatience c. those tongue-wormes of h Exod. 20.7 swearing blasphemie vnreuerent speaking of him Finally i Ro 2.23 24 euill and scandalous life for which the name of God and his religion is euill spoken of in the world SECT XLI Of the second Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the second Petition A. a Math. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy Kingdome come Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by the Kingdome of God we must vnderstand not that b Esâ— 6.5 Psa 95.3 c. vniuersall soueraignety which as Creator he exerciseth ouer all creatures disposing them all vnto their proper ends for his glorie but the c Psal 110.2 1. Cor. 15.25 spirituall regiment of the Church and of all things for the good of the Church wherein God hath appointed d Psal 2.6 Hos 3.5 Christ to be the King the e Râ—uel 15.3 saints his subiects the f Job 22.22 word his law the g Heb. 1.6 Angels and all creatures his seruants the h 2. Cor. 5.20 Ministers his Heralds and Embassadors finally the i Mat. 12.26 diuels kingdome that is wicked Angels and men k Luc. 19 27. enemies to the Kingdome of Christ his l Psal 110.1 footstoole Secondly this Kingdome is said to come 1 In regard of meanes where the a Math 12.28 13 19. Mat. 1.15 word of the Kingdome is published 2 In regard of efficacy where b Rom. 6.17 from the heart obedience is yeelded 3 In regard of perfection it hath these degrees Viz. c Math. 13.8 Encrease of grace in the time of this life The d Luc. 23.42 43. translation of blessed soules into heauen in the moment of death Finally the e Mat. 25.34 full redemption and glorification of the Saints in soule and body in the life to come Q. What things doe wee then craue of God in this petition A. Six things viz. 1 That Satans f Act. 26.18 Kingdome may be abolished the g 2. Tim. 2.26 Coloss 1.13 bonds of spirituall captiuity loosed the h Gal. 5.24 power of corruption that maketh vs like well of our bondage abated the i 2. Thess 2.8 instruments of Satans tyranny as the Turke and Pope and all such outlawes from Christ defeated 2. That the word of the Kingdome the rod and a 〈◊〉 110.2 〈…〉 â—2 Thesâ— 3.1 standard of Christs power may haue * 2. Thess 3.1 free passage euery where and bee gloriously lifted vp aduanced 3. That the eies of all men especially Princes may be opened to see the * Reu. l. 17. â— 1â— filthines of the whore of Babilon and the true * 〈◊〉 â—0 5 beauty of the pure religion spouse of Christ 4. That all * Esa 56.10 â—â— loiterers and tongue-tied Ministers remoued * M th 9.38 faithfull and able watchmen may be set ouer the flocke of Christ with sufficient encouragement of maintenance countenance protection c. 5. That the Lord by his word and spirit would g Col. 3.15 1â— rule in the hearts and liues of his Saints making them also Kings in part by ouercomming the corruption which is in the world through lust 6. That he would finish the kingdome of grace a Gen. 9.27 calling his elect vncalled b 2. Thess 2.17 confirming such as stand c Iam. 5.15 16. raising the fallen d Esa 61.3 comforting the afflicted c. and hasten the kingdome of glory both by e Phil. 1.23 taking vs in due time out of this conflicting life into peace with Christ and finally sending his Sonne the f Reuel 22.20 second time for the full saluation of vs and all his chosen that hee hauing reigned in vs by grace we may euerlastingly g 2. Tim. 2.12 reigne with him in glory SECT XLII Of the third Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the third petition A. h Mat. 6.10 Luc. 11.2 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heauen Q. What is the meaning of these words A. First by this word thy wee exclude all wils opposed to or diuers from the will of God whether the will of a 2. Tim. 2.26 Satan or our b 1. Pet 4.2 owne naturally corrupt and enthralled to Satan yea whatsoeuer c 2. Sam 7.2 c. Iam. 4 15. lawfull intentions or desires repugnant to the will of God Secondly by the wil of God we here vnderstand not so much d Deut. 29.29 that part which he keepeth secret from vs as his eternal counsell the e Pro. 27.1 euents of outward things f Act. 1.7 times and seasons c. which it is vnlawfull to enquire into impossible to know or to withstand and g Act. 4 28. no thanke for vs to accomplish vnto which we must onely with patience and contentment h Act. 21.14 submit our selues as that part thereof which is i Deut. 29.29 reueiled and made knowne vnto vs in the word both in the promises which we are to beleeue and in the precepts which as conditions of obedience in way of thanksgiuing annexed vnto the promises we are to performe Thirdly by doing wee vnderstand not a good intent only in the heart or a a Mat. 21.30 profession of obedience in word and pretence but an actuall and through b Jam. 1.25 performance of what is required of vs. Fourthly where we say in earth as in heauen we propound to our selues the patternes of the c Psal 103.20 22 Angels and blessed soules who being
and liues least by any meanes we dishonour him Secondly that we auoide both the company of profane persons who b Psal 73.9 set their mouth against heauen and all vnnecessarie dangers whereby c Mat. 26.69 c. diuers haue beene occasioned to deny the Lord. SECT XXVIII Of the fourth Commandement Q. VVHat are the words of the fourth Commandement A. d Exo. 20.8 c. Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy c. Q. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. To challenge at the hand of euery man in behalfe both of himselfe and of all that are vnder his roofe and e Nehem. 13.15 c. Jos 24.15 gouernement one day and now since the resurrection of Christ the first of the seauen in euery weeke to be set apart vnto an holy rest for Gods publique and solemne worship and that vpon a fourefold reason 1. From equitie because God alloweth vs six dayes for our affaires and reserueth but one for himselfe 2. From his owne right because this day is his and not ours 3. From his example who on the seuenth day rested from his work of Creation 4. From hope of blessing because God hath blessed and sanctified the Sabbath not onely as a day of seruice to himselfe but also as a time and a Exod 31.13 Esay 56.6 7. meanes to bestow encrease of grace vpon such as doe conscionably obserue the same Q. What are the duties required in this Commandement A. Three Viz. 1. To remember the Sabbath day that is not onely to looke back vnto the b Gen. 1.2 3 first sanction of it in Paradise before all sacrifices and ceremonies which reason among many others may perswade that it is not ceremoniall but perpetuall not to cease till it be perfectly a Heb. 4.9.10 consummated in the heauenly Sabbath but also so to beare it in minde as to liue in continuall practise of the duties wee learned the Sabbath past and b Luk. 23.54 preparation of our selues and our affaires that wee may freely and duely attend on the Lord in the Sabbath approching 2. To c Esay 58.13 make it our delight to consecrate it as glorious to the Lord performing with care and desire of profit the duties thereof in publique and priuate to wit Of d Act. 13.13 15 Psal 92 See the title pietie as hearing and reading the word communicating in the Sacraments prayer singing of Psalmes conferring meditating of the word and workes of God especially feeding our soules with the contemplation of the heauenly Sabbath c. Of e 1. Cor. 16.2 Nehe. 8.12 mercie as collections for the poore visiting the sicke comforting the sad reconciling such as are at variance and such like Wherein such as are necessarily debarred from the publique duties must with a Mat. 24.20 Psal 42.6 sorrow for such restraint vse more carefully the b Psal 63.1 2 priuate meanes 3. To c Exod. 34.21 31.13 rest from our ordinary though lawfull businesses for the space of that whole naturall day yea to allow rest to the very cattel both that we may shew d Pro. 12.10 mercy euen to the beast and to represent after a sort the euerlasting Sabbath wherein all e Ro. 8.20 21 creatures shall be deliuered from the bondage of corruption Notwithstanding such works are excluded as are presently necessarie either for the f Act. 1.12 Mat. 12.5 actions of pietie belonging to that day or for extraordinarie exigents of charitie for the g 2. Kin. 11.9 c. preseruation of the commonwealth or of our owne or others h Mat. 3.4 Mâ—t. 12.1 c life or i 1 Ver. 11. liuelihood in case of present necessitie or danger Q. What is forbidden in this commandement A. The vnhallowing or profaning of the Sabbath which is done 1. By making it a common day through common a Neh. 13.15 c. labour in our ordinarie callings b Esay 58.13 talking of our worldly affaires thinking of our owne thoughts or no other but a common vse of the creatures 2. By making it a day of carnall rest vnto idlenesse c Exod. 32.6 feasting pastimes c. Which draw our mindes farther from God then our ordinarie labours 3. By making it a day of sinne or the Diuels holiday doing that on the Lords day which is d Mar. 3.4 no day lawfull but then most e Ezek. 23.37 38 abhominable 4. By beeing f Amos 8.5 Mal. 1 1â— weary of the duties of the Sabbath thinking long till they be ended Q. What are the helpes or hinderances to the keeping of this commandement A. 1. We must adde to the forementioned duty of remembrance an ardent endeauour to tast the a Psal 42.2 3 84.1 c. sweetnes of holy exercises that so wee may come to make the Sabbath our delight 2. We must auoyd and abhorre all b Ezek. 22.26 prophane opinions either disannulling the necessitie of the Sabbath or equalling any other day to it together with such meetings and companies exercises and occasions whereby we shal be in daunger to be drawn to the vnhallowing of this day SECT XXIX Of the fift Commaundement Q. TO proceed to the second Table What are the words of the fift Commaundement A. c Exod. 20.12 Honour thy Father and thy Mother c. Q. What is the meaning and scope of this Commaundement A. That the qualitie of mens persons and places in whatsoeuer estate naturall ciuile or Ecclesiasticall with whatsoeuer relation to vs be duely acknowledged and respected and that vpon a a Eph 6.2 3. promise of the blessing of long life and b Deut. 5.16 prosperitie to such as in so doing shall shew that they regard the c Eph. 6.1 Rom. 13.1 2. image and ordinance of God Q. What is required in this Commaundement A. All due carriage of inferiours to their superiours and by consequent of superiors also to their inferiors and of equalls among themselues vnder the sweet relation betwixt parents and children or betwixt brethren of the same familie and the generall duetie of honour importing First that all inferiours as wiues children young persons subiects seruants hearers c. doe readily acknowledge and yeeld to their superiours d Leuit. 19.3 Eph. 6.5 reuerence in heart word and behauiour e Eph. 6.1 Col. 3.20 Tit. 3.1 Heb. 13.7 obedience and submission to their commaundements counsels and corrections f T it 2.10 fidelitie thankfulnesse g Rom. 13.6 7. Gal. 6.6 maintenance h 1. Tim 2.1 2 prayer to God for them with giuing of thankes i 2. Tim. 1.5 Phil. 4.9 imitation of their vertues and graces c. Secondly that all Superiours as husbands parents aged persons Magistrates Maisters Ministers c. doe answerably affoord to their inferiours a Eph. 5.23 Rom 13.4 protection and support b Mat. 7.9 10 prouision of good things for the bodie and the soule
6.13 For thine is the Kingdome and the power and the glorie for euer Amen Which words though not repeated by Saint Luke yet are expresly mentioned by Saint Matthew and therefore causelesly and without warrant omitted by the Church of Rome Q. What is the meaning of these words First by Kingdome we here vnderstand Gods b 1. Chron. 29 11. absolute soueraignty and right ouer all things Secondly by power wee vnderstand the c Luc. 1.37 omnipotency of God whereby he is able to doe whatsoeuer he will Thirdly by glorie we do d Psal 65.1 2. thankefully referre all good things to the honor seruice of God that giueth them Fourthly when wee say thine and for euer wee exclude all creatures from fellowship with God in these attributes because howsoeuer Kingdom power and glorie are communicated vnto some creatures namely a Dan. 2.37 Princes as Gods instruments and b Psal 82.6 Vicegerents yet God alone claimeth them c Rom. 13.1 originally of himselfe d Pro 8.15 Job 33.13 absolutely without dependance or controll e â— Iam. 1.17 eternally without beginning or end Lastly by Amen wee vnderstand f Reuel 22.20 21. so be it or so it is or shall be Q. How is this a close of confirmation to our requests A. Because we doe not onely in generall ascribe Kingdome power and glorie vnto God as his due but also with respect vnto our prayers suites beleeuing and professing that hee as King of heauen and earth hath g Reuel 3.7 authoritie to dispose of all his treasures as omnipotent is h Eph. 3.20 able to do exceeding aboundantly aboue all that wee aske or thinke Finally as the God of glorie is interessed in the i Psa 35.27 welfare of his seruants for the maintaining of the honour of his name and a Psal 119.49 truth of his promises Wherefore wee also b Ioh 3.33 set to our seale in the word of faith Amen not onely testifying our earnest desire that so it may be but expressing our full assurance that so it shall bee as we haue prayed according to the will of God being alreadie c Math 7.7 8. let in by the key of faithfull prayer into the rich Treasurie of his mercies Q. This forme being so absolute what need wee vse any other words in praying A. Because as to refuse this forme sauoureth of a proud contempt of Christs ordinance so to confine our selues to these words alone argueth extreame idlenesse in this duty wherein d Hos 14.3 varietie of words is required for the powring out of our soules before the Lord and oftentimes according to the occasion some e Mat. 26.41 one petition is more then the rest to bee insisted on and importuned Wherefore our blessed Sauiour hath commended this for me vnto vs as an excellent coppie or lesson to be both repeated and as we may imitated or at the least aymed at by vs his schollers for which cause both a Ioh. 17.1 c. he himselfe and his b Act. 4.24 c. Apostles are recorded to haue prayed in other words which yet may be referred to these Finally the libertie which the Lord affordeth vs is not to bee abridged or despised who admitteth al languages words and formes agreeable to this patterne whether c 2. Chron. 29.30 Psal 90. 92 see the titles Num. 10.35 36. read rehearsed by heart or presently conceiued so be it we d 1. Cor. 14.15 pray both with spirit and affection and with vnderstanding also Q. What gestures of body must wee vse in praying A. Such as may best expresse and encrease the reuerence humilitie feruencie and affiance that ought to be in our hearts as the e Eph. 3.14 bowing of our knees f Lam. 1.41 Ioh. 17.1 lifting vp of our hands and eyes to heauen c which yet are not g Luc. 18.13 alwaies or absolutely necessary so our h Psal 143.8 hearts be lifted vp and the knees of our i Phil. 2.10 consciences bowed before the Lord and nothing done vnbeseeming the companie with whome wee pray and the kinde of prayer Q. What kinds are there of Prayer A. They are two Viz. 1. Publique in the a Psal 84.1 c. assembly or congregation wherein our behauiour must be b 1. Cor. 14.40 such as may witnesse our communion and desire of mutuall edification 2. Priuate that is either with our c 2. Sam 6.20 families or priuate friends or d Math 6.6 solitarily by our selues wherin wee haue * 1. King 18.42 more liberty of words and gestures then in company Q. Where must we pray A. Generally e 1. Tim. 2.8 all places are allowed the f Ioh. 4.21 c. ceremonial differences of place being remoued Christ our propitiatorie euery where g Matth. 18.20 present before vs notwithstanding according to the kindes aforementioned the publique place of resort for the worship of God h Esa 56.7 Ioel. 2.17 best fitteth common prayers and the priuate house or i Math. 6.6 closet is most conuenient for priuate supplication howsoeuer the k Nehe. 2.4 sudden lifting vp of the heart in secret vnto God may be as occasion is without gesture in whatsoeuer place or company Q. When must wee pray A. a 1. Thess 5.17 Continually as the Apostle enioineth for the whole course of a Christian is a perpetuall entercourse with the Lord either suing for mercies or b Psal 5.3 Luc. 2.37 waiting for the answere of his suits or rendring thanks for graces receiued neuerthelesse ordinarily the c Psal 92. title sabbath among the daies of the weeke and d verse 2. morning and euening among the houres of the day are to be preferred whereto such times must be added wherein we e Col. 3.17 Pro. 3.6 enter into any businesse or f 1 Cor. 10.31 1. Tim. 4.4 5 receiue any of the creatures and blessings of God extraordinarily g Psal 55.17 119.62 164. other daies or houres must also be set apart for praier especially in cases requiring longer continuance therein together with the h 1. Cor. 7.5 extraordinarie circumstance of fasting for the intension of our prayers SECT XLVII of Fasting the extraordinary circumstance of prayer Q. TO adde somewhat then concerning Fasting What meane you thereby A. Not any naturall abstinence arising from sicknesse nor medicinall vsed to preuent or remoue the same nor ciuill enioined sometimes by authoritie as in case of dearth sometimes a 2. Kings 6.25 enforced by necessitie as in siege seafaring c nor yet morall for b 1. Cor. 9.27 subduing of carnall concupiscence and preseruation of chastity required especially in some constitutions by vertue of the 7. Commandement but c Ioel. 1.14 religious that is referred to religious ends for the furtherance of the speciall practise of repentance and the enforcing of our prayers Q. What
according to his gracious promise who also in Christ will b Mat. 10 42. 25.35 2. Tim. 1.18 acknowledge and requite it at the last day 2. To c Jam. 1.27 seale the truth of our religion 3. To d Heb. 6.9 10 1. Joh. 3.14 1. Tim. 6.19 assure our saluation 4. To e Dan. 4.24 Luk. 19.8 make amends to men for former couetousnes and crueltie 5. To f Luk. 11.41 sanctifie our store and bring a g Deu. 25.10 blessing on our labours yea and vpon our h Psal 112.2 37.26 2. Tim. 1 1â— posteritie after vs. SECT XLIX Of the Prouidence of God concerning mankinde after this life and first of particular Judgement at the houre of Death Q. THus farre of Glorification begunne and of Redemption so farre as it is vouchsafed in this life now let vs come to entreat of perfect Redemption and Glorification and that vnder the prouidence or dealing of God with mankinde after this life How doth God then deale with men A. He bringeth them all to Iudgement Q. What is here meant by Iudgement A. The pronouncing and executing of the irreuocable sentence of Absolution or Condemnation which is done Partly on euery man in a Heb. 9.27 particular at the houre of death but Fully and b Act. 17.51 generally vpon all men at the second comming of Christ Q. Must all men then dye A. Yea c Psal 49.10 Eccles 2.16 all both good and bad saue that vnto some namely such as shall bee found aliue at the comming of Christ a change shall bee in stead of Death as shall be shewed Q. Death beeing the punishment of sinne how commeth it to passe that the righteous dye to whom all sinnes are forgiuen A. d Rom. 5.12 Death indeed came on all mankinde by reason of sinne but yet it is not in all things the same to the godly and to the wicked for howsoeuer vnto both it be the a 1. Cor. 15.26 Psal 90.3 enemie of nature as the end of naturall life yet 1. Vnto the godly it is a token of Gods b Ps 37.37 38 loue vnto the wicked of his c Job 18.13 14. anger 2. Vnto the godly it is a d Apoc. 14.13 rest from labour and miserie che e 1 Cor. 15.16 last enemie being now destroyed vnto the wicked it is the f Luk. 12 20 height of all worldly euils 3. Vnto the godly it is the g Rom 6.7 vtter abolishing of sinne and perfection of mortification vnto the wicked it is the conquest of sinne and accomplishment of their spirituall captiuitie 4. Vnto the godly it is so farre from being a separation from Christ that euen the body seuered from the soule and rotting in the graue is yet vnited vnto Christ and the soule freed from the bodie is h Luk. 23 43 Phil. 1.23 with him in Paradise vnto the wicked it is an vtter cutting off from the fauorable presence and patience of God 5. Vnto the a Luk. 16.22 godly it is the beginning of heauenly glorie vnto the b Ver. 23 wicked it is the entrance into hellish and end lesse torments Q. How are men iudged at the houre of death A. First c Heb. 9.27 in that God at that instant pronounceth and the conscience apprehendeth the sentence of blessing or cursing Secondly in that the soule of euerie man is immediately conueyed by the power of God and the ministerie of Angels into that state of happinesse or miscrie d Eccl. 11.3 Luk. 16.26 wherein it shall remaine till the resurrection and from thence-forth both soule and bodie for euer SECT L. Of the Generall and finall Iudgement and first of the preparation thereto Q. TO come to the full and finall Iudgement what are wee to vnderstand thereby A. The great day of Assise for the whole world wherein a Eccl. 12.14 all mens liues that euer haue beene are or shall bee beeing duely examined b 2. Cor. 5.10 euery one shall receiue according to his workes In which Iudgement we are to consider three things and first the preparation thereto Q. Wherein doth the preparation vnto the last Iudgement consist A. In fiue things whereof the First is the foretokening of the time thereof which though it be so c Act 1.7 sealed vp in the treasurie of Gods counsell that neither men nor Angels no nor yet our d Mat. 13.32 Sauior himselfe the Prophet of the Church as man in the daies of his flesh had expresse notice thereof that e 1. Thes 5.2 3 6 from the vncertaintie and suddennesse of it we might bee taught to bee alwaies in readinesse for it yet it hath pleased God and our Lord Iesus Christ to acquaint vs with some f Mat. 24.33 signes whereby wee may discerne of his approch g Ver. 32 as men in spring time may descry Summer approching by the shooting forth of the fig-tree Q. What are the signes fore-tokening the last Iudgement A. They are certaine notable a Mat. 24.6 c. changes in the world and Church some farther off some nearer vnto the comming of Christ as The b Mat. 24.14 publishing and receiuing of the Gospell throughout the world The c 1. Tim. 4.1 2. Thes 2.3 Apostasie of the most part of professors not louing the truth The d 1. Ioh. 2.18 2. Thes 2 3 4 8 c. reueiling of Antichrist the man of sinne and child of perdition who vnder the title of Christs vicegerent opposeth himself vnto Christ in all his offices and ordinances both in Church and Common-wealth Common e 2. Tim. 3.1 c. Mat. 24.12 37. 1. Thes 5.3 corruption in manners ioined with securitie as in the daies of Noah and Lot Warres and troubles in the f Mat. 24.6 world and g Ver. 9. Church h Mat. 24.24 False Christs attended with false Prophets and armed with false miracles The i Rom. 11.25 calling of the Iewes vnto the faith of the Gospell Finally a Mat. 24.29 Luk. 21.25 signes in heauen earth and all elements as the trembling of the earth the roaring of the sea the darkning of the Sunne and Moone c. yea the b 2. Pet. 3.7 10 12. firing of the whole frame of heauen and earth with the c Mat. 24.30 signe of the Sonne of Man whereby his comming shall then bee cleerely apprehended of all men Q. What is the second thing in the preparation vnto the last Iudgement A. The comming of Iesus Christ the d Act. 10.42 Iudge of the world who in his e Act. 1.11 humane f Reu. 1.7 visible body but yet with vnspeakeable glorie shall suddenly g Mat. 24.27 breake forth like lightening through the heauens riding on the h Reu. 1.7 Iud. ver 14 clouds enuironed with i 2. Thes 1.8 flaming fire attended with all the k Ver. 7. Mat. 25.31 host of the Elect Angels and
bearing no other but his image and superscription But Lord doe thou deface that cursed image blot out that superscription dissolue in vs the malicious worke of the Diuell Let the old man of corruption bee dispossessed by the new man of grace and the strong man of sinne by the stronger man of thy spirit Let no sinne O Lord haue dominion ouer vs mortifie in vs the whole body of death crucifie and put to shamefull death our speciall corruptions shew vs the ougly face of sinne grant that we may see it as thou seest it and hate it with a perfect hatred euen as thou abhorrest it Yea let vs see thee O Christ whom we haue perced with our sinnes bleeding with the wounds thou hast receaued from vs that wee may iustly detest both our sinnes as the weapons and our selues as the traitors that haue slaine our Sauiour On the contrary side good Lord renew thine owne image in vs. Enlighten our darke minds with the knowledge of thy truth mollifie our hard hearts with the oyle of thy grace reuiue our dead consciences with the soule of new life that liuing in the spirit we may also walke in the spirit Plant in vs faith without presumption loâ—e without dâ—ssimulation feare without infidelitie zeale without hyprocri ie knowledge without pride puritie without iudgeing Giue vs wisdome ioined with simplicitie courage accompanied with meekenesse cheerefulnesse tempered with sobrietie and let euery grace in vs be graced with humilitie Fill vs with all the fruits of a liuely and sauing faith working by loue let the fire thereof flame in our hearts and the light thereof shine in our liues to the praise of thy name and the comfort of our consciences And thus without ceasing lead vs forward to perfection guiding vs by thy grace and after bringing vs to thy glorie And now O Lord hauing in the first place sought thy kingdome and righteousnesse giue vs leaue in the next place to seek thy fauour in outward things Be with vs this night O Lord to watch ouer vs for good and not for euill Let it bee our comfort that thou seest vs in the darke and takest knowledge of vs when wee are vnmindfull of our selues But aboue all things keepe vs euen in our sleepe from being vnmindfull of thee Let our hearts alwaies bee awake and keepe thy watch O Lord euen as wee would thou shouldst keepe a watch ouer vs that whensoeuer thou shalt call for vs by the generall alarum of iudgement or the particular summons of our death whether at midnight or at the cocke crowing or at the dawning of the day we may bee found ready to accompany our heauenly bridegroome In the meane time sanctifie the blessing of sleepe vnto vs that the rest of the night may make vs fit for the labour of the day and night day being spent in thy seruice may prepare vs for that day of thine which shall neuer giue place to night Lastlie seeing thou hast vouchsafed this honour to thy seruants on earth to make intercession vnto thee one for another wee commend vnto thy maiestie the care of thy whole Church and of all our fellow members in the bodie of Christ Cause theÌ„ all in thy due time to be brought forth fashioned and perfected according to the image of Christ our head Let the Angell neuer cease flying with the euerlasting Gospell to enlighten them that sit in darknesse to preach good tidings to the poore to binde vp the broken hearted to proclaime libertie vnto the captiues till Babilon be quite ruined and thy Ierusalem bee reared vp and finished To this end blesse all Christian Princes and States by name thy seruant Iames our Soueraigne with our gracious Queene the royall children and as thou hast crowned them with worldly honour vpon earth so direct them vnto that more glorious crowne in heauen Make them strong and faithfull to maintaine the crowne dignitie of thy sonne that vnder his protection they may happily raigne and execute iudgement Assist with thy counsell the Honorable priuie Counsellors adorne the Nobles with spirituall nobilitie prosper the worke of thy Gospell in the hands of thy seruants the Ministers and the affaires of Iustice in the hands of the Magistrates Vouchsafe to take speciall notice from vs of those whom thou hast specially recommended to vs and to them and vs and all that desire to feare thy name grant all the blessings of mercie and peace in Iesus Christ our onely blessed Sauiour to whom with thee and thine eternall Spirit O Father be all honour obedience and thanksgiuing throughout all generations Amen A priuate Prayer for the pardon of sinne and for the fauour of God O Lord God mighty in power excellent in Maiestie righteous in iudgement rich in mercie Thou art so farre from despising and driuing from thee a weake vile sinfull wretch as I am that thou callest and drawest such vnto thee Vnto thee therefore the God that hearest the prayer I am bold to approch in the name of thy Sonne my Lord Iesus Christ beseeching thee to hold out the golden scepter of thy grace and to admit me into thy presence Let thy power not dismay but strengthen my weakenes Let thy glorie not confound but couer my vilenesse let thy puritie not pursue but purge my wickednesse let the riches of thy mercie not disdaine but take pittie of my pouertie and wretchednesse O Lord I can plead nothing but miserie in my selfe to make way vnto thy mercie from thee alone must all motiues vnto compassion be drawne For till thou didst miraculously create mee I was without any being and if in the state of creation thou sawest any thing in my nature it was thine owne and not mine But woe is mee O Lord that which I could not giue vnto my selfe I did by sinning against thee in Adam take from my selfe and deface thaâ— holy image of thine which was all the contentment thy spirit had in me and all the reioicing I could haue in my selfe And so haue I imitated the patterne of that first sinne in the dayes of my vanitie that thy spirit hath found no matter but of strife and contention with me My whole nature hath been an armorie of weapons an armie of souldiers to fight against thee And how that wicked warre hath been waged by malicious thoughts words and workes prouoking the eyes of thy glorie my conscience in great part witnesseth and thou O Lord that art greater then my conscience canst better tell Yea since the time that I was called by thy mighty word and powerfull grace to some beginnings of new obedience thy spirit hath beene put to continuall strife within me My corrupt flesh hath still maintained a rebellious partie against thee and I my selfe which is the height of shamefull trecherie taking part with it haue giuen the repulse and foyle vnto thy good spirit I ought to haue serued thee in holinesse but I haue caused thee to serue by my sinnes and
soule whiles I flutter about like the Doue of Noah finding no rest in this world ouer-flowed with wickednesse till it shall please thee to stretch forth thine hand out of the Arke of heauen and take me to thy glorious rest Finally O my Lord being come vnto thy kingdome remember me thy seruant with the fauour of thy people and visit mee with thy saluation Let me see the felicitie of thy chosen and reioyce with the ioy of thy people and glory with thine inheritance Let mee in this life behold thy face in righteousnes and when I shall awake in the resurrection of the iust let mee bee satisfied with thine image To thee O Christ with the Father and the Holy Ghost one God and King euerlasting be all glorie dominion mercie and saluation ascribed for euer Amen A priuate Prayer for the grace of Sanctification O Lord God Father of lights author and giuer of euery perfect gift the holy one of Israel and the sanctifier thereof before whom the Seraphims hide their faces and in whose sight the heauens are not pure When I compare my filthinesse and pollution with thine absolute puritie I cannot without feare and astonishment without shame and confusion approch into thy presence that am a vile sinner of polluted lips and of vncircumcised heart But when I consider thy great mercy and goodnesse that doest open vnto sinners not onely a way into thy fauourable presence by the vaile of the flesh of Iesus Christ but also thy gracious hand to bestow the gift of holinesse vpon all those that finding lacke of it in themselues doe seeke it of thee I am encouraged to come before thee compassed as I am with miseries and infirmities that I may returne from thee compassed and cloathed with thy glorious graces O Lord if I let thee see my sinnes and defilements thou maiest proceed in iudgement against mee for them if I hide them from thee how can I look to bee cured and cleansed of them Nay I cannot hide them from thee O Lord but labouring to conceale them I shall make them more apparent Onely shew me this fauour not to behold them as a Iudge to bee auenged of them but as the onely soueraigne Physitian of my soule to cure and heale them And so good Lord let me not spare to open vnto thee the sicknes and sores of my corrupt heart and life Yea rather doe thou O Lord for the beginning of thy gracious worke shew me in the glasse of thy word my pollution by sinne that I may seeke after the lauer of thy grace to bee washed and made cleane Light vp O Lord in my heart the lampe of thy word and grace that of thee who onely searchest the heart I may learne to search know my wicked heart by the light of thy word I may bee able to worke vnder groūd vnto the bottome of the mine of sin that lurketh in my nature Let mee count all my sins as Traitors vnto thy glory my safetie search the house of my heart for them but especially for my speciall sin as for the chiefest Rebell Yea grant mee so to search my self that I may auoid preuent thy dreadfull search so to iudge my selfe that I may auoide thy iudgemēt so to cōdemn my self that I may auoid thy sentence so to hate and abhorre my selfe that I may auoide thy wrath so to be auēged of my self that I may auoide thy punishment Let sinne O Lord be as bitter to me in the attempting as in the repenting at least wise more bitter in the repenting then euer it was sweet in the committing that either heedfull preuention may keepe me from bitter repentance or the bitter reares of repentance may exempt mee from that most bitter account in the day of thy iudgement Teach me to bring into discredit with mine heart all iniquitie and all appearances thereof Grant me strength to ouercome my sinfull lusts at least let me alwaies striue against them that I may be assured I am a member of thy Church militant And whensoeuer I cease to striue let me not boast of victorie or reioice of ease but be ashamed of my foyle flight Grant that vnto faith in thee I may alwaies ioyne feare not onely of Satan with whom I am in conflict but also of the frailtie and trecherie of mine owne heart and of the slipperie paths of this sinfull world Bring downe by the batterie of thy spirit the hils of my high and proud thoughts streighten my crooked and distorted affections make plaine and smooth the rough waies of my rebellious and stonie heart that thou maist walke at ease in the middes of me and that I may see thy saluation O God Let me looke on the pleasures and profits of this life not onely as thy liberall allowances to me but also as Satans baites to inueigle me that moderately vsing them I may bee thankefull to thee for them and auoiding the excesse and abuse of them I may bee free from the snares of the Diuell Yea doe thou so weane me from the loue of the world and the things thereof that Satan may bee to seeke of baites to allure mee to sinne Let me account my selfe a stranger on earth and therefore abstaine from fleshly lusts that fight against the soule Let me not value the pleasures of sinne at so high a rate as for them to make shipwracke of a good conscience before thee or of a good report among men Let mee by light esteeming of outward things shew that I take no thought for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof and by the deniall of my selfe approue that I liue by faith putting on the Lord Iesus Christ Teach me not to set my heart on vncertaine riches which the more I desire to haue and loue when I haue them the more they will vex mee when I am to part with them but let mee vse them as things that must shortly leaue mee or I them and thy word onely as that which shall abide with me for euer Teach me with Iacob to account my selfe lesse then the least of thy mercies that by humilitie I may bee fitted for greater graces In all things giue mee grace to take heed of offending thy Maiestie and as I would not thou shouldest breake the brused reede or quench the smoaking flax in mee so graunt that I may not dare to quench the sparke of thy spirit and grace in my heart As I would thou shouldest giue mee rest from the terrors of thy wrath so grant that I may giue thy spirit rest from the prouocations of my sinnes On the other side good Lord grant mee that knowledge of religion that may beget conscience that conscience that may preserue religion binding me not by guilt to the punishment of sinne but by grace to the obedience of righteousnesse setting mee at libertie not from the band of dutifull loue but from the yoake of seruile feare Enlighten mine eies that I may discerne of
What is faith A. The first effect of the spirit of Christ d Eph. â— 16 17. disposing vs to cleaue to him and the instrument whereby all graces are begun and increased in vs. SECT XIII Of the Gospell Q. VVHat is our communion with Christ A. The participation of the benefits flowing from his seueral offices Q. What benefite receiue wee from the Propheticall office of Christ A. The a Math. 11.27 reuelation of the Couenant of grace whereby we are made b 2. Tim. 3.15 wise vnto saluation Q. What meanes doth God vse for the reuealing of this couenant A. The meanes are of two sorts Viz. outward and inward Q. What are the outward meanes A. The word and the Sacraments Q. What meane you by the word A. The c Eph. 1.13 Gospell preached which â—ontaineth and publisheth the promises of saluation by Christ SECT XIIII Of Sacraments Q. VVHat are Sacraments A. a Rom. 4.11 Seales annexed by God to the word of his Grace b Gal. 3.27 assuring our part in Christ and c Rom. 6.4 binding vs vnto him in obedience Q. What Sacraments are there of the Couenant of Grace A. They be of two sorts Viz some of the old Testament before Christ others of the new vnder Christ Q. What were those Sacraments of the old Testament A. Two Viz d Gen. 17.10 Circumcision for entrance into the Couenant and the e Exod. 22.3 c. Passeouer for continuance and confirmation therein Q. How many Sacraments are there of the new Testament A. Two likewise Viz Baptisme for entrance and the Lords Supper foâ— confirmation in the same Couenant SECT XV. Of Baptisme Q. VVHat is Baptisme A. The seale of our a Tit. 3.5 new birth and entrance into the Couenant of Grace Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. They are two namely first the b Eph 5. â—6 element of water with the action of dipping or sprinkling the partie baptised c Math. 28.19 In the Name of the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost Q. What is the other part A. The d Heb. 9.14 blood and e 1. Cor. 6 2â— Spirit of Christ washing away both the f Act. 2.38 guilt and g Ezek. 36.25 Rom. â— 2.3 c. filthinesse of our sinnes Q. Who are to be baptised A. Whosoeuer belong to the Couenant whether h Act. 8.37 of riper yeares conâ—erted to the faith or i 1. Cor. 7.14 children of Christian parents SECT XVI Of the Lords Supper Q. VVHat is the Lords supper A. The seale of our a Eph. 4.26 spirituall nourishment and grouth in the bodie of Christ Q. What are the parts of this Sacrament A. Two Viz First the b Mat. 26.26 27. elements of bread and wine distributed and receiued according to Christs institution Q. What is the other part A. The * Mat. 26.26 27 28. bodie and blood of Christ giuen by God and receiued of vs by faith for the d Joh. 6.54 nourishing of our soules in spirituall life Q. Who are to receiue this Sacrament A. Such as professing the true faith of Christ haue duely e 1. Cor. 1.28 prepared themselues Q. How ought wee to prepare oâ—â— selues A. By examining and stirring vp in our selues three notable graces Q. What is the first A. Knowledge of the will of God especially touching the matter of the Sacrament a 1. Cor. 11.29 that wee be able to discerne the Lords body Q. Which is these second A. b 2. Cor. 13.5 1. Tim. 1.15 Faith to apply the promises of saluation vnto our selues in particular Q. Which is the third A. c Zech. 12.10 Jam. 4. â— Repentance of our sinnes past with true d 1. Cor. 16.14 loue of God and of our Brethren Q. How ought wee to receiue this Sacrament A. In a reuerent and thankefull e 1. Cor. 11.24 25 26. remembrance of the loue of Christ who gaue himselfe for vs with desire to f 2. Pet. 3.18 grow in faith and all holy graces SECT XVII Of the spirit and faith Q. WHat are the inward means whereby God reuealeth his Couenant of Grace A. They are 2. Viz the spirit faith Q. What is here meant by the spirit A. A speciall effect of the Spirit of Christ a Rom. 8.16 bearing witnes with our spirits that we are in Christ the children of God Q. What is here meant by faith A. That speciall act of faith whereby wee b 1. Joh. 5.10 Joh. 3.33 giue credit vnto the report of the word and spirit of Christ touching our saluation in particular SECT XVIII Of Vocation Q. VVHat is the maÌ„ner of reuealing the CouenaÌ„t of Grace A. It is our c Rom. 8.30 Vocation and Callingâ— when God by the meanes aforesaid inuiteth men to come vnto him in Christ for saluation Q. Are there not different kinds of Calling A. Yes for a Math. 22.14 many are called outwardly who are not chosen but the Elect are b Psal 65.4 effectually perswaded to â—leaâ—e vnto Christ SECT XIX Of the Church Q. To whom doth God reueale his Couenant of Grace A. c Joh. 14.22 Not to the world but to his Church called out of the world Q. What meane you by the Church A. The d Eph. 5.32 1. Cor. 1.9 whole number of Gods Elect effectually called into fellowship with Christ Q. Where is this Church of God A. Part already e Reuel 7.14 c. triumphant in heauen part as yet f Reuel 12.11 militant on earth in the seruice and warfare of the Lord Iesus Q. Who are meÌ„bers of the Church militaÌ„t A. As many as are liuing g Eph. 1.22 23. members of the mysticall bodie of Christ Q. How may we know them A. Not by the inward graces a 2. Tim. 2.19 onely knowne to God whereby they are inuisible to vs but by the markes of visible profession Q. What are the true markes of visible profession A. The outward meanes appointed by God for the calling and gathering of his Saints viz. b Mat. 28.19 20. the word preached and Sacraments duely administred Q. Are we to ioyne with all Churches that haue these markes A. c Phil. 1.18 Cant. 1.5 Yea neither must wee separate from any farther then they separate from Christ Q. What distinction is there of the particular members of a Church A. Though all be the sheepe and familie of Christ yet d 1 Cor. 12 2â— Luk. 12.42 some are set-ouer the rest to feede them with the foode of life as the Ministers and e Ps 78.71 72 others to rule and order them outwardly as the Magistrates SECT XX. Of Iustification Q. VVHat benefite receiue we from the Priestly office of Christ A. Our a Rom. 8.30 Iustification before God through his b Phil. 3.9 righteousnes imputed vnto vs and apprehended by vs. Q. What righteousnesse of Christ is imputed to vs A. c
another as well as for our selues Q. VVherefore are wee directed to say which art in heauen A. To encrease both our f Eccles 5.1 reuerence of him who is so high aboue vs and our g Luk. 11.13 confidence in him who can and will doe all things for vs. SECT XL. Of the first Petition Q. HOw many Petitions are there in the Lords Prayer A. Sixe whereof the three first concerne God and the three later our selues Q. Why are those Petitions first placed that concerne God A. To teach vs to a Joh. 12.27 28. preferre the glorie and seruice of God before our owne good Q. What are the words of the first Petition A. Hallowed be thy Name Q. What doe we aske of God in this Petition A. That God who in himselfe his word and workes is most holy and glorious may bee b Psal 96.8 1. Pet. 2.9 acknowledged and honoured for such by vs. SECT XLI Of the second Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the second Petition A. Thy Kingdome come Q. What doe we craue of God in this Petition A. That the a Act. â—6 18 Col 1.13 Kingdome of sinne and Satan beeing more and more abolished b Col 3.15 16 Christ may now raigne in our hearts by grace and c 2. Tim. 2.22 we with him for euer in glorie SECT XLII Of the third Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the third Petition A. Thy will bee done in earth as it is in heauen Q. What doe wee aske of God in this Petition A. That d 2. Tim. 2.26 1. Pet. 4.2 renouncing the will of Satan and our owne corrupt inclination wee may a Psa 119.60 readily and b Col. 3.23 heartily obey the will of God following in our measure the example of the c Psa 103.20 Angels and Saints that are in heauen SECT XLIII Of the fourth Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the fourth Petition A. Giue vs this day our dayly bread Q. What doe we begge of God in this Petition A. d Pro. 30.8 Such a portion of outward blessings as God shall see meete for vs together with e Phil. 4.11 12. grace to be contented with our allowance SECT XLIIII Of the fift Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the fift Petition A. And forgiue vs our Debts as euen we forgiue our Debtors Q. What doe wee craue of God in this Petition A. That God would a Job 35.24 Psal 35.3 Jer. 14.7 assure vs daily of the forgiuenesse of our sinnes for Christ his sake working in vs a b Col. 3 13 mercifull affection to forgiue for his sake such as haue offended vs. SECT XLV Of the sixt Petition Q. VVHat are the words of the sixt Petition A. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill Q. What doe wee aske of God in this Petition A. That sinne may not onely be pardoned vnto vs but daily c Ro. 6.1 2 mortified in vs and wee either d Pro. 30.8 2. Cor. 12.8 kept by the prouidence of God from temptations or e 1. Cor. 10 13. 2 Cor. 12.9 preserued by his Grace from being hurt thereby SECT XLVI Of the conclusion and circumstances of Prayer Q. VVHy are wee taught to adde those words For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glorie for euer and euer A. That wee may firmely beleeue that a 1. Tim. 1.17 God the mightie and euerlasting King b Ephe. 3.20 can and c Jer. 14 7. Ezek. 3â— 22. for his owne glorie will grant the things we haue thus demanded Q. Why are wee taught to conclude with this word Amen A. That thereby wee may signifie not onely our d Iam. 5.17 feruent desire that so it may be but also our e Iam. 1.6 Reu. 22 20. faith that so it shall be as we haue prayed Q. What other circumstances are there required in Prayer A. In priuate prayer f 1. Cor. 14.2 1. Kin. 18.42 such words gestures c. as may expresse our reuerence and faith towards God in publique prayer g 1. Cor. 14 4 17 40. such as may also witnesse our Communion one with another and desire of mutuall edification SECT XLVII Of Fasting Q. VVHen must Fasting be ioyned vnto Prayer A. When we desire to a 1. Sam. 7.6 Esther 4.16 auoid some great euill or to b Nehe. 1.4 Act. 10.30 obtaine some great mercie at the hand of God Q. What is Fasting A. The c Joel 2 16 chastising of our nature and laying aside of the delights of sense for a time and that with respect to a spirituall businesse Q. What is that spirituall businesse A. An extraordinarie endeauour of d Ezra 8. â—1 humbling our selues and of seeking the face and fauour of God SECT XLVIII Of Almes Q. VVHat is Almes A. It is a a Deut. 15.7 Heb. 13.16 dutie of Christian loue whereby b 1. Joh. 3 17 such as haue this worlds good doe c 2. Cor. 9.7 freely impart to such as are in want Q. Who must giue Almes A. Whosoeuer hath d 1. Tim. 6.17 Luk. 21.3 such a portion out of which by frugalitie something may be spared Q. To whom must Almes be giuen A. To e Deu. 15.7 11. those onâ—ly whom God by his prouidence hath made poore vnlesse f Luk 10.33 present extremitie dispense with the consideration of the person Q. How much must we giue A. We must g 2. Cor. 9 6 sow liberally that we may reape also liberally yet with respect to h 2. Cor. 8.13 our owne abilitie and the i 2. Cor. 9.12 condition of the receiuer Q. With what affection must Almes be giuen A. With k Mat 6.1 c. humilitie before God a Psal 112 4. compassion of our poore brother b 2. Cor. 9.7 cheerefulnesse and c Rom. 12.8 singlenesse of heart SECT XLIX Of Death and particular Iudgement Q. VVHat is the dealing of God with man after this life A. The bringing of all men vnto Iudgement Q. How are men brought to Iudgement A. Two waies Viz. d Heb. â— 27 seuerally at the hower of euery ones death and e Act. 17.31 generally at the last day Q. How are men iudged in the houre of death A. God then pronounceth and the conscience apprehendeth the sentence of absolution or condemnation and the f Luk. 16.22 23. soule is accordingly conueyed into ioy or miserie SECT L. Of the preparation to the last iudgement Q. VVHat is the iudgement of the last day A. The great Assise of the whole world wherein a 2. Cor. 5 10 Eccl. 12.14 all men shall appeare before the iudgement seate of Christ to receiue according to that they haue done in this life Q. When shall this day be A. b Act 1.7 It is not for vs to know the times onely wee know that c Heb. 10.37 2. Pet. 3 9 hee that is