Doctrine and principally from the Word especially implying a difference and distinction of Elders as is it a note of distinction in other places of Scripture as you may reade Gal. 6.10 doe good to all especially to the household of faith And 1 Tim. 4.10 who is the Saviouiour of all especially of them that believe as also from other places of Scripture that besides Pastors and Preachers There are other Elders Assistants to the Ministers of Christ and helpes in government as divers Reformed Churches have used and yet have in their practize of Discipline Quest 39. What kinde of graces or qualifications ought Elders Rulers Deacons or Church officers bee endowed with that they may bee fit to governe in the Church Ans Verily Elders and Deacons and Ministers or any Rulers in the Church according to the Scriptures they ought to be spirituall Heavenly-minded men Acts 6.1 2.3 endued with the Holy Ghost James 3.17 men of wisdome and knowledge in Religion endued with wisdome 1 Tim. 3.9 that is from above 2 Tim. 2.1 2. pure peaceable gentle full of mercy and good fruits without partiality or hypocrisy sound and sincere in the Faith Heb. 5.14 Prudent Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience grave sober Titus 1.9.13 14. not given to drinke patient able in meeknesse to instruct those who oppose themselves 1 Tim. 3.8 2 Tim. 2.23 24 c. Titus 1.5 6 7. not proud as Lords of Gods inheritage but of blamlesse life and conversation humble minded that they may shew themselves good examples to the Flock and when the chiefe Sheapheard shall appeare 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. receive a never fading Crowne of Glory Quest 49. What is the Office of such Elders Rulers or Governours in the Church Answ Being rightly chosen by the Church Acts 6.3 Acts 15.22 23. 1 Cor. 12.28 Acts 9.26 27. Acts 10.45 47. they are to be helpers and assistant in the Government of Christs Church to take care with the Chuch to further the right admission and uniting of Members do the Communion of Saints and especially to Churh fellowship in the holy communion and Supper of the Lord for better not for worse 1 Cor. 11.17 c. Exo. 12.48 Ezek. 44.7 8 9. Jer. 15.19 Mat. 18.15 16. 1 Thess 5.12 13. 2 Thess 3.14 15. that all ignorant unbelieving prophane Scandalous impenitent persons be kept away to separate the pretious from the vile They are to assist in Christian exhortations in godly and brotherly admonitions reprehensions counsells comforts yea to assist not onely in suspensions from the Sacrament that lesser but in that great censure of Excommunication if necessity require they are to assist in overseeing or watching over the flock according to their place and power Mat. 18.17 18 19 20. 1 Cor. 5.3 4 5 c. Iames 5.15 16. Acts 6.1 2 3. Zach. 14.5 â—1 Revel 21.3 in visiting of the sicke and having eyes with the Deacons whose office is to take care for the poore Saints and goods of the Church to the glory of God and benefit of Saints in faith and holinesse that the Lord may be found to dwell in the Tabernacle of his Saints with delight Thus the duty of spirituall Fathers Quest 41. Now what are duties commanded and sins forbidden of civill Parents and children in the civill politicall or Common wealth Estate in the relations between Magistrates Kings Princes Governours and people or subjects Ans I shall touch these but very briefly for present and what followeth also in the other Commandements But first for duties of superiors The duty of all Magistrates Deut. 17.18 19 20. Deut. 18 2â— 2 Sam. 13.3 4. Prov. 29.4 2 Cron. 28.9 2 Sam. 8. â—5 2 Cor. 19.5 6. Daniel 4.34 37 Deut. 16.18 19 20. 2 Chron. 15.10 Prov. 28. â—1 Magna Charta Kings Princes Governous or any in higher or lower places is to know the Law of God and in the feare of God in Justice and equity to governe the Common Wealth and people over whom the Lord placeth them to rule according to the Word of God and the good Lawes of the same Nation or Kingdome over which they are considering that they are under God and governe for God as vice-Gerents under the great Kings of Kings and Lord and King of Heaven and Earth Quest 42. What is the sinne of Magistrates and Governours contrary to this duty whether they bee in higher or lower places Ans To Rule or Governe without the knowledg or feare of God unâ—ustly tyrannically or in any corrupt and sinfull way contrary to the Word of God and good Lawes of the Land to sell or defer or deny Justice and right to any man Quest 43. You have held forth the duty of Magistrates and Fathers of the common wealth now what if the duty of subjects and people to Kings Princes Magistrates and Governours in higher or lower places Ans The dutie of subjects and people to their Soveraigne Princes Kings Magistrates or any under God in high or lower places is as to know and acknowledge them as their superiors and bee subject to them in their respective places to love honour preserve 2 Sam. 18 3. Rom. 13.1 2 Pet. 1.17 1 Pet. 2.13 14. 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. Mat. 22.21 and obey them in their just and lawfull commands to be serviceable unto them in and for that which is good and to pray for them that they may so governe that we may leade a quiet and peaceable life in all godlinesse and honesty being carefull to render to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods Quest 44. What are the sinnes of the people and inferiors against their superiors 2 Chron. 36.13 1 Sam. 24.6 1 Sam. 26.9 2 Sam. 1.14 15. Ex 22.28 Ans To Rebell against dishonour or disobey the lawfull and just commands of superiors in higher or lower places Kings Princes or Magistrates to conspire Treason against them to curse them or neglect to pray for them according to the Scriptures is a fearfull sin 2 Sam. 16.7 Eccl. 10.20 1 Sam. 12.23 Quest 45. Sir yoU have manifested the duties and sinnes both of superiours and inferiours declared in Scriptures and to he referred unto this fifth â—ommandement as required by the Lord in this Rule of life and comfortable walking with God in Christ in our severall callings and relation now what use may a Christian make of the knowledge of so many duties requred and sinnes forbidden in this fifth Commandement and what light from Christ to leade us unto Christ for our comfort and direction herein Ans Truly by light from Christ we may here learne to see as in a glasse our owne inability to keepe the Law of God 2 Cor. 3.5 and so consider our extreame neede of Christ First as a justifyer that we may seeke our rest not in our selves or any of our owne performances 1 Cor. 1.30 Eph. 2.14 Isai 11.10 but
this light appear Ans First in the undersanding by that spark or light of reason left in the mindes of men and women since the fall of Adam Rom. 1.18 c. Acts 17.24 c. by which from the visible things which are and are seen and the natures order and government of them they may and have argued and attained to the knowledge of an invisible God which must of necessity be the being of beings the incomprehensible nature that gives nature to nature it self and is that first cause and ruler of all things and this light shining so far as to make all men without excuse Quest 8. If there be such a light of reason What was the cause then that divers naturall Heathen men did deny or doubt whether there was such a God Ans That ignorance and Atheisme did not arise from any principle in pure nature but from nature corrupted and that Idolatry and blinde superstition of the Gentiles who having lost the knowledge of true God Ier. 44.17 18. Rom. 2.15 Rom. 1.19 20. Rom. 1.19 c. Psal 14. Wisd 13. 14. c. wandred in the seeking out and setting up so many false Gods creatures and images and imaginations so that blinde men seeing the vanity and falshood of these were tempted and drawn like the foolish man to think in their hearts and sometimes to say there was no God at all Quest 9. How doth this appear further Ans Because however some particular men have doubted Exod. 31.30 33. Exo. 32.4 5. Deu. 7.4 2 Kin. 18.33 c. Acts 17.23 yet no Nation under heaven but have confessed a God though they did not lightly know the true God Quest 10. What other light is there from the book of nature Ans The world and creatures themselves which could not be from all Eternity but must have a beginning Rom. 1.10 Ps 19.1 2 102.25 26. pro. 16.4 Acts 17.18 Psal 8.1 2 c. Iob 38. 39. 40. nor could the creatures make themselves and besides nature order and use of the creatures in heaven and earth some without life as earth and light and heat and rain nourishing grasse and herbs which have a growing life and grasse and herbs nourishing beasts and cattell which have a sensitive life and all these serving men which have a reasonable life and whom should men serve and honour but their first maker who is the cause of all things and giveth life and being unto all and who must of necessity be God and none but God Quest 11. But doth not the preservation of the Creatures and right ordering of times and seasons Summer and Winter witnesse God Ans Yes verely If we consider First Acts 14.17 Deut. 32.39 Ier. 14.22 Psa 14 P. 1 2 c. 2 Kin. 5.6.7 Deu. 8.3 Mat. 5.45 6.25 c. 10.29 c. the wonderfull preservation of the Creatures in their kindes and the continuance of them in all Ages Secondly the variety of herbs and plants by vertue of the earth and rain and warmth of the Sun not as of themselves but from God Thirdly the admirable generation breeding and forming of the Bird in the egge of the silk worm and Phoenix and such like Fourthly the variety of the forms of men and beasts and the fashioning of man and all his parts before he is born Fifthly the giving of life and quickning power of life which man nor any Creature can give Sixthly the forming of the Spirit of man within him Zach. 12.1 Seventhly the giving vertue to our cloathes to warm us and our meat which is without life to nourish life in us All this must needs hold forth a Divine living being which must needs be God ordering all by his power and wise Providence Quest 12. What further testimony is there in the Book of Nature of the Divine being as of a great mighty everliving and powerfull God Ans Even the conscience of man within him which is an act of the whole soul reflecting upon it self First In the memory as a Register recording Rom. 2.14 15. and when God awakens accusing or excusing and witnessing thoughts words or actions good or evil Secondly In the understandinding Gen. 42.22 a Iudge giving sentence to condemne or to acquit according to that light rule or Law with which it is enlightned Thirdly In the hearts Gen. 4.13 14. Mat. 26.75 will and affections an Executioner to punish or reward with joy or grief with boldnesse or terror according to the nature of the fact or feeling of it Rom. 2.15 Gen. 42.21 22. Iudg. 1.7 Dan. 5.5.6 Ier. 10.4 Act. 24.15 GeÌ„ 4.14 Fourthly And all this with trembling in wicked men and joy in good As a Coroners inquest or verdict preparing for the Judge of Assize or Sessions so doth the conscience in reference to some higher power and divine Iudge to whom account must be given in the end which Iudge must needs be God Mat. 27.3 4 15. 2 Tim. 4.7 8. Quest 13. You have given good evidence from the light and book of nature What is there from the light of Grace and Book of the Scripture witnessing this Divine essence and Eternall being of such a God Ans There are many evidences revealed in Scripture of God and his Divine eternall infinite wisdom power and incomprehensible nature filling heaven and earth and in a wonderfull manner creating and governing all things Quest 14. What is the first Evidence Ans His wonderfull voice from heaven without beholding any similitude or likenesse at all Exod. 19.19 20.1 18 19. Heb. 11.18 19 c Deut. 4.12 15. 5.22 23 24. 1 King 19.8 to 18. Mat. 3.17 17.5 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18. Quest 15. What is the second evidence Ans His wonderfull Promises and Prophecies made so many hundred years before and fulfilled in time Gen. 3.15 Gal. 4.1 2 3. Gen. 15.13 14 15. Exod. 12.40 41. Ier. 25.11 12. Dan. 9.1 2. 2 Chron. 36.21 22 23. Ezra 8.31 32 c. Quest 16. What is the third Evidence Ans Gods dreadfull judgements upon wicked men for their sins Gen. 6.3 and 7.11 12 21. and 11.7 8. and 19.24 25. Dan. 6.24 Acts 12.23 Quest 17. What is the fourth Evidence Ans His miracles and miraculous deliverance of his Children in times of danger Exod. 14.21 to 31. Iosh 10.12 13. Isa 28.1 2 King 10.11 and 5.14 Dan. 3.24 and 6.22 23. and 4.33 34 35 36. Matth. 11.4 5 6. Quest 18. What is the fifth Evidence Ans Gods admirable revealing of secrets to the convincing even of Pagans themselves who knew not God Gen. 4.8.9 10. Iosh 7.18 19 c. 1 Sam. 23.11 12. 2 King 6.8 9 c. Dan. 2.46 47. Iosh 1.48 49. 1 Cor. 14.24 25. Heb. 2.4 12. Quest 19. What is the sixth Evidence Aâ—s The wonderfull conversion of men and women to believe and confesse a God to believe in Christ to repent and become new Creatures for the manifestation of Gods wisdom power and
yet so but naturall Quest 6. What are a third sort of actions Ans They are mixt actions partly naturall partly tending to Spirituall ends and in outward appearance Spirituall actions as to come to the Church to hear a Sermon Mark 6.20.21 2 Kin. 10.16 31. to partake of the outward Ordinances to reach out the hand in Sacrament to receive the elements of Bread and Wine to joyn with the lips and mouthes in common and ordinary praiers or praises Iohn 3.3 5. to make a shew of Religion like Herod and have a John like zeal of Reformation and he may have a kinde of naturall free will in all these Ioh. 3.3 and yet be a naturall man or woman and never enter into the Kingdom of heaven Quest 7. But is the understanding will and judgement as right now in these actions by nature as they were before the fall Ans Assuredly no In these and the like motions and actions Rom. 8.7 Thef 4.17 c. Mat. 5.20 the understanding since Adams fall is weak and dark the judgement subject to erre and be deceived and the will is weak and wounded weighed by corrupt affections when it meets with temptations as a bowle is drawn with a byas or a corrupt Lawyer Souldier Committee-man or any other in state of nature is drawn contrary to a good conscience And the rule of Gods Word Quest 8. What are the fourth sort of actions Ans They are actions Spirituall and these are of two kindes First Evil and sinfull actions tending to death and damnation Secondly Good and right actions tending to life and salvation in and by the merit and righteousnesse of Christ apprehended by faith 1. Evil as Adams actions Gen. 3.6 or as Cains Gen. 4.8 Gal. 5.19 20.2 Good actions as Abraham Gen. 15.6 Rom. 4.3 as Iayler Acts 16.30 c. Quest 9. What is the condition and power of mans will in the first of these sinfull thoughts words or works tending to death and damnation Ans Mans will in nature corrupted is free to evil thought Gen. 6.5 8.21 words and works yea prone and ready to consent to sin without compulsion with a kinde of delight the will in respect of defilements and inticements of corrupt affections being servile and running not constrained but willing to sin Quest 10. What is the condition of mans will by nature in Sprituall good things tending to life and Salvation as in Divine knowledge Faith Repentance Conversion to God and new obedience in Jesus Christ and such like graces Ans In the very first act of Conversion although the will be free from all violent constraint Rom. 3.9 c. yet in Spirituall good things the will is unable to convert it self Phil. 2.13 or will a turning of it self to God the Free-grace of God in order of nature goeth before and enlightens the minde and moveth the will and yet in the order of time the Spirit of Christ freely moves Act. 9.6 Luk. 19.5 c. and the will of man willingly wills both together to believe to repent to be converted and obey God in Christ Quest 11. But is there any principle in man or mans will to joyn willingly with the motions of Gods Spirit in Faith and Conversion to God Ans No The life of Grace and principle of Grace is wholly dead in man by the fall Eph. 2.1 Phil. 3.13 Col. 2.13 and all is of Gods Free-grace who works both the will and the deed of his good pleasure preventing with his Free-grace both the unwilling that he may will and the willing that he may not will in vain Quest 12. But cannot a naturall man or woman will or desire their own Salvation Ans A naturall man hath not a power and principle in himself to understand 1 Cor. 2.14 1.18 Luke 11.21 Num. 13.10 Acts 8.19 or be sensible of his own misery or danger of eternall damnation and so he cannot desire eternall salvation as a freedome from it yet as Salvation is held forth in the Gospel as a good thing so far as he is enlightned by the common grace of the Spirit he may desire it as Baalam did the death of the righteous or Simon Magus power by laying on hands to Communicate the Holy Ghost Quest 11. But can they desire Salvation truly in a right way 1 Cor. 3.5 Mark 16.15 16. Mat. 16.24 Luke 13.5 Mat. 19.21 22. Ans No For desire of Salvation in the way and means of it the true knowledge of Christ Faith Repentance self-deniall taking up the Crosse leaving all for Christ Thus a naturall man cannot desire it but rather leaves Christ and Salvation as the yong man did in the Gospel Quest 14. But if a naturall man by naturall power cannot so much as will or desire the right way and means of his own Salvation nor by all he can do procure life Eternall To what end then should a naturall man go to Church attend the Preaching of the Word or perform any good duty whatsoever since by all he can do he cannot save himself Ans Yes verily even a naturall man is bound to wait upon God in Christ in all the means of Grace as far as God giveth him power as to come to the Church to attend the work of Christ by his Spirit in hearing of the Word Preached in Catechizing in Christian conference and such like outward Ordinances Matthew 22.1 2 3 4 c. Luke 14.16 c. Quest 15. But why should he doe this Ans Because although a man or woman cannot convert themselves to God Ier. 10.23 Mat. 20.1 c. Act. 16.4 Iohn 5.2 3 4. Rom. 8.15 Mat. 16.17 Gal. 1.16 Acts. 2.37 38. 3.18 c. yet as that multitude of impotent folk of blinde halt and withered came or were brought to the Pool of Bethesda waiting for the moving of the Water that they might be healed so these may come to the Gospel and wait till the Spirit of Christ come and open their hearts and trouble their consciences with sight and sense of sin and misery reveal Christ and give them life and work grace to believe and be converted and be saved and made happy for ever The ninth Classis or Company of Questions 1 Question YEt once again Exo. 20.1 to 20. Lev. 18.5 2.6 Deut. 28. Ezek. 20.21 Isa 8.20 Luke 10.25 c. if man by naturall strength or by good works cannot redeem himself nor gain heaven To what end then did God hold forth the ten Commandements though not by way of any Covenant of works yet as the matter or Articles of the Law or first Covenant as some call them on Mount Sinai and since that in divers places of the Old and New Testament as if it were a repetition of the Covenant of works with Promises of life upon obedience and threatnings of death if the Law be broken Ans There are divers Answers may be given to satisfie this doubt Chiefly these following may
Rev. 2.10 2 Tim. 4.8 c. Mat. 16.16 c. an acceptation of our person and all our services in this life and an assurance of the crown of Righteousnesse and glory in heaven with perseverance in grace and protection from men and Devils here and preservation to that heavenly Kingdom and Salvation These and many more are the rich blessings Christ hath purchased and God the Father given to his Church in Christ Jesus Quest 25. But what is this Church and people for whom the Lord Christ hath procured and to whom he communicates so many excellent benefits both of grace and glory Ans * Eph 1.4 5 6 7. Act. 20.28 Mat. 1 21. Rom. 8.29 30. 1 Pet. 1.4 5. 2 Tim. 4.7 8 18. 2 Cor. 5.1 2 8. Phil 1.23 Rev. 14.13 1 Thes 4.16 17. The Church of God is that company of people who are Gods chosen ones whom Christ hath purchased with his own blood saved from their sins in time calleth justifieth sanctifieth and preserveth here in grace in a condition Militant and in the end translateth to glory in and to an estate Triumphant in the heavens for ever Quest 26. Is there a communion of Saints or of this Church and people of God 1 Cor. 12.12 c. 1 Ioh. 1.3 Eph 4.3 c. Gal. 3.27 c. Ans Yes certainly true believers are united as one Body in Christ their Head and have a sweet union and communion with God the Father and with the Lord Jesus Christ and one with another in Christ in all these rich benefits procured by Christ for their souls and bodies and their happinesse for ever Quest 27. Who is the Head of the Church Ans The Lord Christ himself who was exalted up on high Eph. 1.20 c. Phil. 2.9 10. Eph. 4.15 16. Mat. 28.18 when he was raised from the Dead by the working of Gods mighty power and set at Gods right hand far above all principalities and power and every name in heaven and earth and appointed him to be the Head over all things to the Church all power being given unto Christ in heaven and in earth Quest 28. Is there but one Head of the Church 1 Cor. 12.12 27. 1 Thes 2.3 4 Ans Certainly no as Christs Church is one mystical Body so it hath but one mystical Head Christ himself to have two Heads ascribed to the Church were to make it a Monster Therefore the Pope or whosoever taketh upon him to be Head of the Church is not a friend of Christ but Antichrist Quest 29. Rev. 17.14 1 Cor. 12.27 c. Eph. 4.12 Heb. 1.1 c. Eph. 1.22 23. Heb. 12.22 Re 19.10 Who are the Members of Christs Church Ans All who are truly called and chosen and faithful believers and children of believers Elected in Christ yea the Elect Angels themselves in some respect are the Members of this Church of Christ he being exalted to be Head both of Angels and Men. Quest 30. How manifold is the Church of Christ Ans The Church of Christ is one Body of which Christ is the Head Gal. 3.28 Eph. 4 4. Can 6.8 Ioh. 10.16 one Dove one Flock as there is one Shepheard the Lord Jesus But in divers respects it hath divers names ascribed unto it 1. It is called Catholike or Universal Gal. 3.28 Heb. 12.23 Rev. 2. 3. as it relates to the children of God in all Ages and places of the world yea in heaven as well as in earth 2. It is called Particular as it relates to particular Countreys and Congregations believing in Christ and professing the Gospel Act. 2.41 2 Tim. 2.19 Eph. 6.11 Mat. 25.34 3. It is called visible as it relates to the open professors of the Faith 4. It is called invisible as it respects the Elect chiefly known to God himself 5. It is called Militanâ— as it is warring on Earth And 6. Triumphant as they are conquerours in the Kingdom of Heaven Quest 31. What are the marks of the Church Mat. 28.19 20. Act. 2.42 1 Cor. 11.23 c. 2 Thes 2.13 Ans First the outward marks are two The pure Preaching of the Word of God and right Administration of the Sacraments Secondly the inward are Faith and holinesse as the way to happinesse Quest 32. How are the keys of Jurisdiction or Discipline to be ordered in the Church Mat. 16.19 Ioh. 20.23 Mat. 18.15 c. 1 Cor. 5.5 16.22 2 Cor. 2.7 8 Ans According as Christ hath set down in the Scriptures to Gods glory and good of his Church Quest 33. You have briefly spoken of the true Church and true Members of the Church Gods Elect known to God But doth every visible National or particular Congregation of men professing themselves to be a Church of Christ consist only of such true Members without Hypocrites or false Christians in name not in truth Ans Certainly we do not read of any National Church visible but had or might seem to have some Hypocrites in it some false Brethren some who after they were admitted or taken as Members in the judgement of the Church proved erroneous in judgement and fell to Errors and Heresies or scandalous in life and fell to prophanenesse until they were discovered and Excommunicated or Schismatically rent themselves from that true Church and Congregation wherein they were as the Churches of Corinth Rev. 2.12 c. 1 Ioh. 2.18 19. of Galatia Ephesus Pergamos and other Churches since the Apostles times and History of Churches witnesse at large Quest 34. Are there so many absolute independent Churches of Christ as there are particular Churches or Congregations truly professing Christ and enjoying the Word and Sacraments in truth throughout the Christian World Ans Verely the Church of Christ is but one as we proved before Eph. 4.2 3 4. 4.1 5 16. and this one Catholique or Universal Church is depending upon Christ the Head whose Body the Church is and every particular true Church called Congregational Classical Provincial or National or by any other name is a Member of this Universal Church or Mystical body of Christ the Head 1 Cor. 12.21 c. and as no Member of the Body of man or woman is absolute and independent of itself but all the Members stand in need one of another are to submit one to another in love and duty and to be helpful one to another for the good of the whole Body So I humbly conceive it is and ought to be with the Churches of Christ 1 Cor. 12.20 Eph. 5.25 26 Act. 20.28 who are many Members yet but one Church which he hath loved and given himself for and purchased with his own blood and as no Church ought to be tyrannical or have a tyrannical power over another so no particular Member Church is or ought to be so independent 1 Cor. 12.25 c. but that the Member Churches should have the same care one for another that there be no Schisme
from hell and damnation Thirdly A being affected by the power of Christ with recipiscence or beginning to be wise again with a shame and confusion of soul for sins past Hos 14.1 2 c. Fourthly with a renewing of spirit and change of minde and judgement of heart will affections desires and whole man and all by the powerful vertue of Christ and the Holy Spirit of the Father and the Son Ezek. 36.31 Fifthly A dislike and loathing of sin and former evil courses as contrary to the nature of God and new nature of grace in the soul Sixthly Acts 11.18 2 Cor. 7.10 Rom. 12.2 Ioh. 3.5 2 Cor. 5.17 Psal 51.14 Luke 22.32 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Rom. 8.15 Psal 51.1 2 3 c. Luke 22.61 62. 2 Cor. 7. as 2 Kin. 23.2 3. It is inabled by Christ unto an aversion and turning from all sin and Satans Kingdom in thought word and deed and a conversion unto God and all goodnesse with a love unto and a delight in righteousnesse and true holinesse And this not onely in our first conversion or repentance as a work of grace begun in us But all the dayes of our lives perfecting holinesse by the vertue of our Saviour to the glory of God good of our neighbours and comfort of our own souls in Christ Jesus especially in the renewing of our Covenant when we meet Christ in the holy Sacrament Quest 2. You have given a large discription of Repentance to give in the substance of what repentance is in fewer words as you understand and conceive of it in your minde Ans Repentance is a grace Act. 5.31 Iere. 31.19 1 Sam. 7.2 Iob 34.32 Hos 14.8 and free gift of God in Christ by which a poor sinner upon sight and sence of sin and misery and bondage revealed by the spirit is affected with true sorrow and shame for his original and actual transgression and though he despair in himself yet by faith resting on Gods free love in Christ Zach. 12.10 11. Prov. 28.13 2 Thes 2.13 Eph. 4.20 c. 1 Thes 5.23 is drawn to a hatred of sin that crucified Christ and is converted by Christs vertue from all sin to God forsaking of all sin daily more and more and the Image of God daily renewed in him more and more that he may glorifie God in grace on earth till Christ bring him to glory in Heaven Quest 3. Who is the author and efficient cause of this Evangelical Repentance Regeneration Renovation and Conversion from sin to God in Christ Rom. 1.7 and 1.4 1 Thes 5 23. 2 Thes 2 13 14. 2 Cor. 5.10 Ans The whole Trinity in common and in special the Holy Spirit that Spirit of sanctification sent of God the Father and the Son with the Word into the mindes and hearts of poor sinners to this end that they may repent be born again converted and changed from glory to glory by the vertue of Christ Quest 4. What is the internal moving cause of this Repentance and Regeneration and Conversion of poor sinners unto God Titus 3.4 5. Iohn 1.12 13. Ephes 2.4 5 c. Ans The free-grace and good will of God in Christ giving and working this grace of his own goodnesse in the hearts of his children Quest 5. What is the internal principle meritorious vvorking cause by vertue vvhereof this change is vvrought in our souls Ans This is Christ himself Eph. 5.25 26 27. Revel 1.5 6. and his merits and blood by which we are cleansed sanctified and changed that we may be presented blamelesse before God Quest 6. What is the instrumental outvvard cause of this Repentance Regeneration and Conversion or turning unto God in Christ Ans Ordinarily the Word of God Exod. 19.18 20. Acts 2.36 37 38 39. Luke 3.9 10. Rom. 3.20 Acts 9.1 2 c. 1 Pet. 1.23 Acts 16.25 c. both Law Gospel brought home to the soul in the powerful preaching of it by the work of Christs spirit and sometimes extraordinary means as thunders lightnings judgements of God afflictions fears terrors and such like with which God worketh as he pleaseth to this end Quest 7. What is the subject matter of this Repentance and nevv birth and sanctification and turning unto God or that vvhich is thus converted to God in Christ Ans The whole man all the powers and faculties of the soul understanding will memory affections conscience and all the parts 1 Thes 5.23 24 Rom. 6.19 20 21. Rom. 12.1 2. Acts 15.9 1 Cor. 10.32 and 6.15 c. Rom. 6.3 4 c. Ephes 2.1 2 c. Isai 1.16 17 c. Eph. 4.21 c. Isai 5.7 Col. 3.9 10. Gal. 2.20 and members of the body eyes ears hands feet heart all purified and sanctified to glorifie God by Christ Iesus Quest 8. What is the form or manner of this Repentance Regeneration and Renovation unto nevvnesse of life or vvherein doth this form consist Ans In the mortification of the old man and the vivification or quickning of the new man the old man or old Adam being crucified and the body of sin destroyed and the new man created and enlived by Christ living in the soul and so an aversion from all evil and a turning or conversion unto good by the vertue of Christ Quest 9. What is the end of this grace of Repentance Renovation and Conversion to God in Christ Ans The cheif end is the glory of God the edification of our neighbour and the assurance and enjoynment of our own eternal salvation 2 Tim. 2.21 2 Thes 1.11 12. Matth. 5.16 Gal. 1.22 23 24. 2 Pet. 7.8 9 10 11. 2 Thes 2.13 Quest 10. You have made profession of your knowledge and of the grace of Faith and concerning Evangelical repentance now what light hath Christ revealed to you concerning the fourth and last Grace we noted in the wedding Garment to be examined and enlivened before we come to the Lords Supper Ans The grace of Christian love and charity is a necessary Garment to be worn as at all times so especially when we meet Christ in the Ordinance of the Lords Table Quest 11. What is this grace or affection of love and charity as you have learned from Christ Ans First in general love is an affection of the soul moving in the heart of a man or woman to embrace some known good thing First with a desire of union with it Secondly a Sympathy or good will of beneficence or well doing to it Thirdly an acquiescence 1 Sam. 17. 1 Sam. 18.1 2 3. or rest in the fruition or enjoyment of it as under God the chief present joy and satisfying delight of the soul as the love of Ionathan to David of husband and wife parents and children or the like First Ionathan observed David and knew him to be a valiant good man 1 Sam. 19.4 1 Sam. 20.4 2 Sam. 9.1 2 c. Secondly in his heart desiredd union and was knit to Davids heart
in the Primitive times truly believers and converted to Christ before they were baptized 1 Cor. 12.13 Rom. 8.11 and indeed all the Saints in the world make but one body or Church of Christ quickened by Christs spirit to life eternal This godly Mr. Perkins excellently sets forth by a similitude which I shall expresse in this order Mr. Perkins on the creed Suppose a man as high as heaven his legs standing one in Asia the other in America his hands spred out one over Europe the other over Africa his toes and fingers in England France Germany and other parts of the world many hundred miles distant asunder and all quickened by one and the same soul This distance of place doth not hinder the union of every part of the body to the head and of each part to the fellow members or the truth of any part in particular There is and may be a sweet union and communion of one part with another though far distant in places and Countries Kingdoms Cities and Common wealths where they live and a truth of each part though not all beautiful alike one excelling in graces above another In the same manner the Head of the mystical Body and Church of Christ is now in heaven the Lord Christ himself our Lord and Saviour and some of his members in heaven with him and some in earth and of these some part in England some in Scotland some in Germany some in divers other Kingdoms Nations Provinces Cities Parishes and Congregations of men in several places of the world many hundred ye thousand miles some parts distant from the other and the spirit of God is as it were the soul of this body which giveth spiritual life unto all the members and all united by this one and the same spirit by whom we are all baptizâ—d into one body as we noted before And so first you see how the Church may be said to be Catholike or Universal as it comprehendeth all the members of the body scattered in divers Countries Secondly how it is and may be called national as it is a company called of God to believe repent and professe subjection to the Faith and Gospel-holinesse living and preserved in England Scotland or other Nations Thirdly how it was or might be called a Church provincial in the Province or Countrey of Galatia in the Cities of Ephesus Corinth Geneva London or other Cities and Provinces greater or lesse whatsoever Lastly how the same Church of Christ is and may be called particular or congregational as it relates to persons called professing Faith and holinesse admitted to Church communion and united together in a holy profession and participation of Word Sacraments and other ordinances of Christ Iesus in one parochial or congregational Assembly all as particular true members of the Catholike or Universal Church of Christ Quest 17. What or how manifold is that outward corporal or visible entrance into the visible Church of Christ and fellowship of the Saints Ans As the inward entrance is but one in substance Eph. 1.5 2 Tim. 1.9 1 Cor. 6.11 Ioh. 10.7 Ioh. 14.6 and thus in and by Christ we are elected and chosen of God the Father but it is in and by Christ and so we are inwardly called and justified and sanctified but it is in and by the same spirit of Christ The Lord Christ is the onely way and door of entrance into the Church Millitant and Church triumphant and so likewise there is but one outward entrance and admission into the Church of Christ for the substance and principal matter of it and this was by way of Covenant and seal of the Covenant as an Ordinance of Christ although there have been divers manners and wayes in the practise of the Churches and amongst the Saints of the most High yet all I conceive by a charitable and Christian construction may be referred to and for substance ageee with the Ordinance and institution of Christ Quest 18. What is or was the first of these wayes of admission and entrance into the Church or Church-fellowship and communion of Saints before Christ coming in our humane nature Ans To omit former times and what was the practise of the Church then and Gods Ordinance the footsteps thereof not being easily to be found I look upon that Ordinance and Institution of Christ with Abraham and the practise of the Church in Abrahams family and Generation Rom. 4.16 17. Abraham being in some respect the Father of the Faithful and the Church in his house a Type if I may so call it of the Church of Christ since the coming of Christ and of the household of Faith Quest 19. Gen. 17.2 3 c. Isai 56.6 7. Num. 15. Exo. 12.48 Gen. 17. What was the Institution of Christ and Direction to Abraham for admission and entrance into the Church Ans This Ordinance of Christ to Abraham was by way of Covenant between God and Abraham and Abrahams Seed the Faithful or beleevers and compleated by a signe and seal of this Covenant in Abraham and his children and all that should come in to be of Abrahams family and so members of the Church and to their children at eight dayes old as to Isaac and all Abrahams posterity This signe and seal was Circumcision as we may reade Gen. 17. Quest 20. But howsoever there was and might be a Covenant between God and Abraham and so between men of ripe yeers and the Lord mutually Yet how could there be a Covenant between God and Abrahams young children or the children of other beleevers when they were circumcised Whereas they were but eight dayes old and Circumcision in the ordinary way to be deferred no longer And how were these admitted into the Church by Covenant and Circumcision the signe and seal of the Covenant of Grace between God and Abraham Ans First The Covenant or Promise on Gods part or by the Lord was with Abraham himself and in and with Abraham to and with the children and beleeving posterity of Abraham And all Proselytes whom the Lord should convert and draw in to beleeve and to be of Abrahams Family or of the Church by Faith and Profession manifested by submitting unto and accepting of Circumcision Gen. 17. that signe and seal of the Covenant appointed by the Lord to Abraham and to and for Abrahams posterity and all such converted Proselytes and their children whatsoever Secondly As on Abrahams part Gen. 12. Gen. 17. Rom. 4.11 the Covenant was mutually made with God by himself in taking the Lord for his God as he had done before by beleeving the Promise That in him that is in his Seed Christ should all the nations of the Earth be blessed renewed here again as expressed more fully in and by acceptance of and submitting unto circumcision the signe and seal of the Covenant of Grace and of the righteousnesse of Faith in Christ the Messiah to come and so by men of ripe years Proselytes converted to
knowledge and till the face of my soul shine and be glorified with those glorious apprehensions of God in the face of Jesus Christ which are accompanied with joy unspeakable and full of glory The three and twentieth Classis or company of Questions 1 Question HOw may a Christian man or woman enliven the knowledge of himself that he or she may come fitly to the holy Sacrament Ans Having in the same manner first made choice of fit time And secondly place or at the same time and place Thirdly he or she may by the power of Christ examine his knowledge of himself and mankinde Gen. 1.27 and 1.31 and 28. Eccl. 7.29 First in respect of his estate by creation righteous and good Secondly of his state of corruption sin and death by Adams fall Gen. 6.5 Eccl. 7.29 Eph. 2.1 2 3. Col. 1.12 13 14. and 2.6 7. Mat. 5.8 and 19.29 Luk. 22.9 22.30 Rev. 7.14 and his or her misery and bondage under it a woful estate Thirdly of his state of Grace and bringing some to God in Christ in his effectual vocation or calling from the thraldom of sin and death by the Gospel and spirit of Christ Fourthly of state of glory looked for in Heaven Quest 2. What is the fourth means or how in the next place is this knowledge of a mans self to be quickened Ans By meditation and thinking of this fourfold estate First of Creation Secondly of the Fall Thirdly of Grace And fourthly of glory until my heart be truly and rightly affected with the consideration of it by the power of Christ and his spirit First till I can lament my fall and losse of Gods Image in my soul Psal 51.1 c. Rom. 10.7 8. Eph. 2.1 2 3. Mat. 5 2 8 6 5 2 Secondly till I can see and feel in my heart my natural corruption and bondage under sin and Satan yea my subjection by sin to the wrath of God and damnation for sin and my extreme need of Christ both for my redemption and repair of the Image of God in my soul Thirdly Rom. 8.12 Phil. 4.11 c. Eph. 5. i 2. 1 Cor. 2.9 2 Thes 2.13 2 Cor. 5.1 c. Phil. 1.20 c. 2 Pet. 1.10 11. Gen 1.27 31. Eccl. 7.29 Eph. 2.3 Mark 9.44 till I be affected with the state of Grace as a happy condition being freed from the condemning and commanding power of sin and death and enjoying a lively power from Christ to walk thankfully in grace and holinesse towards glory Fourthly till my heart be affected and ravished with thoughts of Heaven longing and labouring for the assurance of that most glorious and blessed state of glory and all this not by any strength of my own but by the vertue and power of Christ in my soul Quest 3. What is the fifth means of enlivening this knowledge in your own soul in special for your joyful meeting Christ in this Ordinance Ans Application of my knowledge of every state and condition to my own soul in particular First that I was made holy and happy in Gods own Image very good Secondly that I lost that happy estate and became most miserable under the bondage of sin and Satan and subject to the wrath of God and Hell fire for ever Thirdly that I redeemed from this miserable bondage under sin and death by my Lord Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Gal. 2.20 1 Pet. 1.3 c. Eph. 1.10 c. Phil. 1.20 c. Tim. 4.7 8. Mat. 25.34 who loved me and gave himself for me Fourthly that I am perswaded there is a glorious inheritance in Heaven which God hath prepared and Christ hath purchased for me and that when I have fought my fight and finished my course the Lord shall then give it me in my soul when I shall be dissolved and be with Christ which is far better and at the resurrection of the just and unjust I shall a rise and in soul and body possesse that Kingdom of Glory for ever Quest 4. How or by what means may your knowledge of Christ be enlivened Ans First in a time fitly chosen And secondly a place for this work Thirdly examine and catechize my soul in the knowledge of Christ as he is set forth unto me in this or the like catechism or as the Lord hath revealed this knowledge of Christ unto me First in his natures Divine and humane Secondly In this personal union of both natures in one person Thirdly In his offices of mediatorship Priest Prophet and King of his Church Fourthly Ioh. 1.14 Isa 9.6 Psa 110.1 Isa 61.1 2 3. Rom. 8.29 30. Luke 1.31 Gal. 4.2 3 4. in his benefits and graces communicated as of Election Redemption Calling Justification Sanctification and Adoption to glory and the like All proved and noted before Quest 5. What is a fourth help in which you may wait on Christ for your enlivening your divine knowledge of the Lord Iesus and what light from Christ for this Answer Meditation of Christ according to my knowledge in all these untill I see Christs glory and rejoyce in Christ Psal 104 33 34. Ioh. 8.56 Isa 61.10 Can. 5.1 2 3 4. Cant. 1.2 3 4. Cant. 1.1 2 3 4. Cant. 5.8 9 10. Iohn 20.27 28 29. Rom. 8.9 Rom. 9.38 39. Galat. 2.20 and fall in love and be ravished with divine longing after a more full union and enjoyment of Christ and his rich graces and benefits in my soul Fifthly in application of Christ and his vertue and efficacy of his grace in his whole office of mediatorship as high Priest Prophet and King untill I see I live and feel the life-blood of grace and vertue from Christ in assurance of Christs love springing in my soul as I sometimes feel my life-blood springing in my body Quest 6. What is a sixt and last help of enlivening the knowledge of Christ in you Answer Waiting upon God in faithfull and fervent prayers to God in the name of Christ untill I gain an answer of grace Psal 85.8 9. Gen. 41.16 Psal 42.1 2 3. and finde and feel life from Christ to quicken graces in me that I may come with more longing to meet Christ in the Sacrament walk with Christ in my life Quest 7. How or by what means may you enliven your knowledge of the Sacrament Answer By the same meanes I may wait upon Christ as before First choose a fit time Secondly a fit place Thirdly examine my knowledge of the Sacraments especially of the Lords Supper in the severall particulars as is expressed in the Catechisme before or in the Scripture of truth of author matter form and end and the like Quest 8. What is the fourth help Fourthly to meditate of the Sacrament and Christ communicating himselfe to prepared souls untill my heart be filled with spirituall hunger and longing to meet Christ in that holy ordinance as David to come into Gods presence Psal 63.1 2 3 4. 5. or as Israel longed
Christ by faith O my soul and rightly endeavour to declare thy thankfulnes to God in Christ again and shew forth my thankfulness to my Lord Jesus in daily remembring of him until he translate thee to eternal glory Quest 23. What are the subsequent graces to be acted and duties to be exercised and practised in manifestation of your thankfulnesse to your God in Christ all the dayes of your life And what light from Christ have you received for direction herein Gal. 2. 20. 2 Cor. 5. 14 .. Mat. 22.37 .. Gal. 5. 13 14. Eph. 4.1 c. Ans There is one root-grace flowing into my soul from Christ and Christs wonderful love to me Christ loving me and giving himself for me And this is the grace of love that love of Christ with a holy gracious power as a precious Loadstone doth draw my soul to my God in Christ and sweetly constrain me to love Christ again who loved me first moving me powerfully to live henceforth not to my self but to him that dyed for me and role again and the fruits of this love are to be made evident by the power of Christ dwelling in me 1. Towards God the Father in Christ 2. Towards my self in true charity 3. Towards my Neighbour in love and unity all the dayes of my life all comprehended in one Grace Love And all this as fulfilling the Law of Christ Gal. 6.1 2. Iohn 13.34 25. and 15. 12 c. and because I finde God hath loved me first in the Lord Iesus John 4.19 Quest 24. What is the fruit that spring from this root Grace of your Christian Walking the free love of God to you in Christ assured by the spirit and faith and the reflex of that love as the eccho of love in your souls answering love again Ans The manifestation of my thankfulnesse or thankful remembrance of Christ of Christ Ioh. 4.9 c. love held forth to me in this Sacrament by a conltant and continued acting and exerciting of that grace of love wrought in me by the power of Christs spirit in my soul 1. Towards God my Father Iohn 20.17 2. Towards my self as to a childe of God in Christ Luke 10.17 3. Towards my Neighbour and especially towards the Houshold of saith the Church and Saints of the most High God and my fellow-members in Christ Iesus Gal. 6.10 Quest 25. Wherein ought you to declare your thankfulnesse and exercise your love towards God and your Neighbour in Christ Ans In yielding obedience to the will of God as my Father in Christ Iohn 5.39 6.68 First in believing whatsoever truth the Lord my God holdeth forth to be believed in the Scriptures Secondly Iohn 14.21 in doing or suffering whatsoever is by the will and pleasure of God my Father to be done or suffered by me according to his will Thirdly in praying to or praising God all the dayes of my life Quest 26. What light from Christ or what directory or rule is there of your faith or of tbose truths in which you are to declare in thankfulnesse your love and duty to God your Father by believing Ans The holy Scripture or whole Word of God recorded in Gods Book Ioh. 5.32 2 Pet. 1.19 20. Gen. 3.15 22. Isa 53. Ioh. 3.16 the holy Bible is my light but that which is especially for my comfort is the promises of the Gospel or Covenant of grace held forth unto me in the Old and New Testament by the Lord himself or by men of God as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Quest 27. What brief or sum is there to be believed of that which is taught at large as the Doctrine of faith in the holy Scriptures Ans Those twelve Articles in that symbole of faith or brief sum commonly called the Apostles Creed explained further in those other ancient Creeds received in the Church of Christ and known by the Names of Nicene Creed and Athanasius Creed Quest 28. Which call you the Apostles Creed Ans That which begins thus I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth And in Iesus Christ his onely Son our Lord c. as is expressed at large in my lesser Catechism Quest 29. Which call you the Nicene Creed Ans That Creed which beginneth as followeth I believe in one God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth and of all shings visible and invisible and in one Lord Iesus Christ the onely begotten Son of God begotten of his Father before all Worlds God of God Light of Light very God of very God begotten not made c. Quest 30. Which call you Athanasius Creed Ans That Creed which begins and follows thus Whosoever will be saved before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholike Faith Which Faith except every one do keep whole and undâ—filed without doubt he shall perish everlastingly And the Catholike Faith is this That we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Vnity Neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the Substance For there is one Person of the Father another of the Son and another of the Holy Ghost But the Godhead of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is one The glory equal the Majesty co-eternal c. as is also Printed at large in my lesser Catechism Quest 31. But are these Creeds the ground or rule of Faith 2 Pet. 1.19 2. Iohn 5.39 Ans The holy Scripture is the most proper ground of Faith and most perfect rule for judging all Controversies But these Creeds as they are grounded on the Scriptures and holy Wod of God are and may be an objâ—ct and directory of our faith and so they have been and are yet received in the Church of Christ and are very profitable for our help and furtherance in the knowledge and remembrance of the Doctrine of Faith Iohn 5.39 Romans 15.4 2 Timothy 3.15 16 17. 2 Peter 2.19 20. The thirtieth Classis or company of Questions 1 Question VVHat directory or rule is there of your thankfulnesse and declaration thereof in doing or suffering the will of God as your God and loving Father in Iesus Christ What light from Christ for instruction in our Christian walking with God all our life long Deut. 4.1 c 6.1 c. Psa 119.105 Isa 8.20 Matthew 5 6 7 c. Ans The will and command of God my God and Father held forth to his Church and to me in the Decalogue or ten Commandments and the Explication and meaning of them by Moses and the Prophets in the Old Testament and by Christ and his Apostles in the New Testament as is evident by many places of Scripture in the Book of God Quest 2. What light is there from Christ Or what is that directory or rule of the Decalogue or ten Commandments held forth as a light to older our obedience and thankfulnesse is unto God as to our Father who hath brought us out of the
a comfortable walking with God in Christ in the whole course of our lives or for terrour of wicked and ungodly men Answ First for wicked and ungodly men out of Christ 2 Tim. 3.5 Mat. 5.20 Phil. 3.5 6 7. this declares their damnable condition be they never so civilly righteous or formally and outwardly because the very sinnefull thoughts and lusts and imaginations of their hearts Gen. 6.5 6 Gen 7. are enough to drowne them in the bottomlesse Sea of Gods wrath for ever as the wicked of the old World were drowned in the floud of waters Mark 9.44 yea to drowne them in a Sea of fire in hell where the Worme never dieth and the fire never goeth out Iohn 6.44 45. except God in time open their eyes to see their misery and not onely reveale but draw them to Christ that they may believe and repent and bee saved Secondly for Gods children who are Christ's and in Christ Rom. 7.7 Rom. 7.23 24 25. this by light from Christ may bee a glasse to see their many failings even in their thoughts Phil. 3.7 8 9 10. and teach them first to love and prize Christ more who hath freed them from condemnation and curse of this Law Christ himselfe being made a curse for them that they might be blessed secondly to presse dayly to meet Christ in his ordinances publike Mat. 18.20 and secret and that by his strength their hearts may be more and more purified in believing Acts 15.5 and that by Christs vertue this Law may be written in their hearts Isai 61.3 that they bring forth and abound in all fruits of Righteousnesse that God may be glorified by their walking as a people in covenant with God in Christ Jesus Quest 16. You have declared what a Christian should doe and what use to make of this Rule of a Christian life in respect of his failings and inability to keept this Law But what if the child of God finde himselfe inabled by Christ evangelically to walke after the commandements so as hee believes as his person Gen. 4.1 2 3 4. Heb. 11.4 so his actions and services and performances are accepted with God in Christ how now ought a Christian to behave himselfe Ans To rejoyce in all thankfulnesse in Christ Jesus 2 Cor. 2.12 Phil. 4.4.13 1 Tim. 1.12 13 14. that hee is enabled by Christ in any measure to obey his Fathers will and to walke in those steps of holinesse wherin Christ walked in any the least degree in sincerity Isai 26.8.9 and endevour though not in perfection 2 Cor. 12.9 1 Cor. 4.4 Luke 17.9 1â— Titus 3.5 6.7 1 Cor. 1.30 Isai 11.10 Coloss 1.2 2 Pet. 3.18 19. But yet not to rest on our selves or in any or all his duties services or performances for justification before God or peace of conscience but to eye Christ in all as a justifyer and a sanctifyer and to rest in Christ as his peacemaker whose rest is a glorious rest dayly waiting on and seeking unto Christ for vertue and power to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in faith and holinesse praising God in all good workes of piety and charity Galat. 6.16 and by dayly light from Christ walking comfortably with Christ and all the Saints in grace according to Christs Rule untill hee or shee shall be translated to enjoy that full Communion with all the Saints yea with God the Father Sonne and blessed Spirt in Glory for ever Quest 17. Is there any further directory or light Christ for the attaining of power from Christ for this end both in my generall calling as a christian and in my speciall calling and particular relation wherein it hath pleased God to place mee Ans Certainly the best directory is to waite upon the Lord Jesus Christ who is both the way the truth and the life both for direction and power and this dayly as in private Reading Meditation Prayer and Christian conference and Chatechiseing or building up one another in our most holy faith improving our Christian Communion and society to this end for Gods glory and good edification one of another so in the publike ordinance of Christ as oft as may bee in the Preaching of the Word the administration of the Sacraments godly discipline and Prayer that all meanes may bee effectuall in and by Christs vertue to our soules for Gods glory and the good of Gods Church and children Iohn 14.6 Iohn 5.39 Coloss 3.16 as 1 Tim. 4.31 Iude. 2.15 Quest 17. What is the chiefe end of all Ans In all these the glory of God and Kingdome of the Lord Jesus is to be set up both in our hearts and lives untill wee come to Christs Kingdome of glory in the Heavens for ever And in these there are also many doubts questions and cases of conscience to bee resolved which may bee resolved in time if the Lord permit 1 Cor. 16.7 Quest 18. I shall desire the resolution but of a very few questions more and study to declare my thankefullnesse to God and you for what J am instructed in already What I pray you is the best directory for Prayer and Thanksgiving to God that J may receive all graces needfull from God in Christ and abilities to glorifie my God in every state and condition of life into which it shall please the Lord to call mee what light from Christ for this grace Ans First for the matter of Prayer in generall the Directory is that briefe forme which our Saviour himselfe taught his Disciples as it is recorded by the blessed Evangelist Mat. 6. and the 9.10 11 12 13. verses and in these words according to our English translation After this manner pray yee Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed by thy Name thy Kingdome come thy will bee done in Earth as it is in Heaven give us this day our dayly Bread and forgive us our debts as wee forgive our debtors and leade us not into temptation but deliver us from evill for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen Quest 19. Js this sufficient direction for matter of Prayer Ans Yes certainly if the severall petitions in the Lords Prayer be rightly understood here is an excellent direction for a Christian to ground First his confession of sinne to God Secondly his petition for graces wanting And thirdly thanksgiving for grace received and to make his requests knowne to God upon all occasions both for attaining of good and avoyding of evill according to the Apostles direction Phil. 4.6 7. Quest 20. But doe you thinke that the repeating or saying of this or other Prayers as commonly people have used to doe to bee a sufficient manner of Prayer unto God Ans Certainely Prayer is not only a speaking of words with the mouth 1 Sam. 1.15 but a powering out of the heart and soule to God Zach. 12.10 and that by the strength