compasse of his power But they are the things which God aimeth at which hee hath ordained to be done in that regard no doubt can be made of Gods willingnes to grant them Seeing then that God is able to do whatsoeuer he is willing to do And seeing that whatsoeuer God is able willing to do shall be done and seeing that the things which tend to Gods glory God is both able and willing to do wil not this conclusion necessarily follow fioÌ„ those premises The things which are asked of God for the glory of God shal assuredly be granted How fitly therfore doth Christ hauing prescribed sundry Petitions which all tend to the glory of God teach vs to put God in minde of his glory for strengthening our faith in obtaining them That this motiue taken from Gods glory may rightly bee vsed in prayer and thy faith be strengthened thereby be sure that all the Petitions which thou preferrest to God do make to Gods glory Let them not bee to satisfie thy lusts Iam. 4. 3. So thou maist aske and not receine §. 232. Of Gods vnchangeable Eternitie How it maketh vs rest on God for obtaining our desires Q. HOw doth Gods vnchangeable eternitie enbolden vs in faith to call vpon God A. It maketh vs confidently to expect what God hath formerly granted and to doe for vs that which hee hath alwayes done for them that haue called on him and beleeued in him On this ground the Psalmist thus pleadeth Our fathers trusted in thee Psal 22. 4 5. they trusted and thou didst deliuer them They cryed vnto thee and were deliuered they trusted in thee and were not confounded This pleading of Gods former dealings implyeth faith in Gods vnchangeable continuing to bee the same God the same God in our time that he was of old in our fathers time the same God to vs that hee was to our fathers b Psal 74. 13 c. On this ground it hath beene vsuall with Saints to call to minde 77. 11 12 c and to make mention of Gods former dealings with others before their time 2. Chro. 20. 7. when they called vpon GOD to strengthen their faith and to c Psal 105. 5. call on others to remember the same The Prophet rendereth this reason of declaring Gods former dealings to posteritie d Psal 78. 7. That they might set their hope in God Were not the Kingdome Power and Glory Gods FOR EVER Were not God euer the same God this argument taken from Gods former fauours and Gods former workes would be of little force to make succeeding ages to trust in him Wherefore that all ages might in faith call vpon God and with confidence depend on him to be heard and helpt yea that they who haue once beene heard and helpt might hold on in calling vpon God and seeking helpe of him euery day euen all the dayes of their life fitly doth the Lord adde this clause FOR EVER to set out the immutable eternitie of God himselfe and of all his properties as of his Soueraignty Omnipotencie and Excellencie Oft meditate hereon that thou maist with as strong confidence call on God as Abraham Dauid the Prophets Apostles and other Saints haue done but with this Prouiso that thou endeuour to be such as they were and so to call on him as they did for God for euer remaineth the same and casteth his gracious eye vpon the same kinde of persons Thus much of the application of the particular properties of God to all the Petitions in generall Each Petition shall further be applyed to each propertie §. 233. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to the Kingdome of God Q. VVHat particular respects hath euery of the Petitions to Gods Kingdome A. 1. It appertaines to a King to haue his â—onour aduanced a Math. 5. 35. The Lord forbiddeth to sweare by Ierusalem because it is the Citie of the great King so as the things of the great King must not be profaned the King is dishonoured thereby which he will not brooke The Lord will giue strength to his King and exalt the horne of his anointed It is fit for a King to be exalted and haue his name hallowed Good ground therefore there is to make this Petition Hallowed be thy name to him whose the kingdome is 2. It cannot bee doubted but that a King will maintaine his Kingdome It belongeth to him so to doe Who should doe it if not he Zac. 9. 9 10. Hereupon the Prophet exhorteth Zion to reioyce in the comming of her King for comming to his owne kingdome hee commeth with saluation Well therefore may wee say to him whose the Kingdome is Thy Kingdome come 3. Obedience is most due to a King Of Christ the King of the Church it is foretold that All Kings shall fall downe before him Psal 72. 11. All Nations shall serue him Yea wee are commanded to serue him Psal 2. 6 11. because hee is a King Ought wee not then to make to him whose the kingdome is this Petition Thy will bee done 4. A King prouides all needfull things for his Subiects So much is noted in the description of a good King Psal 71. 6 7. He shall come downe like raine vpon the mowen grasse and as showers that water the earth In his dayes shall be aboundance of peace May wee not now pray thus Giue vs this day our dayly bread to him whose the kingdome is 5. It is in the power of the highest to forgiue If the King grant a Pardon to a Traitor who can condemne him Christ sitting in iudgement to shew what authoritie hee had to absolue and condemne Mat. 25. 34 41. stileth himselfe King The KING shall say Come ye blessed c. and He shall say depart you cursed c. Great reason therfore there is thus to pray Forgiue vs our debts to him whose the kingdome is 6. It is a Kings Office to deliuer his Subiects from their enemies and from the euils which may befall them Fitly to this purpose saith the Prophet Zeph. 3. 15. The Lord hath taken away thy iudgements hee hath cast out thine enemies The King of Israel euen the Lord is in the middest of thee thou shalt not see euill any more We haue therefore iust cause to say Leade vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill to him whose the Kingdome is §. 234. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods power Q. VVHat particular respect hath euery of the Petitions to Gods power A. 1. To haue Gods name rightly and duely hallowed requireth a diuine power Psal 24. 8. The Lord strong and mighty is the King of Glory Wherefore to hallow Gods name must bee desired and expected of him whose the power is 2. Gods Kingdome can not bee perfected but by almightie power For many and mighty are the enemies thereof Few and weake are the true members and friends thereof They
he is the supreme Soueraigne who hath power to require this and that to be done and withall we acknowledge that what he declareth to be his will is most good For these are the motiues which are of force to draw vs on to do any ones will the Soueraigntie that he hath ouer vs that willeth this or that and the equitie of that which hee willeth We ought therefore hereby to be the more stirred vp to do Gods will because thereby his Name is hallowed §. 72. Of shewing our selues to be Gods subiects by doing his will Q. VVHat doctrine ariseth out of the relation which this Petition hath to the second A. They are the truest subiects of Gods kingdome who are readiest to do his will Hence was it that the Psalmist where he shewed that God had set vp his Sonne a King inferreth these exhortations Serue the Lord Psal 2. 6 11 12. Kisse the Sonne c. And againe vpon a like ground he saith Psal 110. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power The Word of God which is that will of God that is here especially meant is the Scepter of his Kingdome and the law thereof All the Statutes and Ordinances of his Kingdome are comprised in his Word they therefore that doe it must needs be his best subiects This then is a true tryall of our spirituall estate Mat. 12. 49 50. whether we be indeed of his Kingdome or no. Psal 40. 8. If wee delight to doe his will and his law be in our hearts then haue we good assurance in our owne soules and giue good euidence to others that wee are true members of his Church true subiects of his Kingdome But if there be nothing but a bare profession wee are like to the Figge-tree that cumbred the ground Luke 13. 7. or like to those who said they were Gods people but indeed were the Synagogue of Satan Reu. 2. 9. Gods Kingdome commeth not by professing and saying but by performing and doing Gods will Math. 7. 21. §. 73. Of the particulars which we are taught to pray for in the third Petition Q. VVHat are the particulars for which by vertue of the third Petition we ought to pray A. 1. Such as concerne the Petition it selfe 2. Such as concerne the Direction added thereto Q. To how many heads may the things which concerne the Petition it selfe be referred A. To foure especially Which are these 1. The Rule it selfe in this word WILL. 2. The Restraint of it in this Particle THY. 3. The Extent of it in this phrase BE DONE 4. The Place where it is to be done IN EARTH Q. What desire we in regard of the Rule A. 1. Knowledge of Gods Word Psal 119. 16. For in and by Gods Word is his will reuealed Col. 1. 9 10. and knowledge thereof is the ground of true obedience Giue mee vnderstanding saith the Psalmist and I shall keepe thy Law Psal 119. 34. yea I shall keepe it with my whole heart Desire of obedience without knowledge is very preposterous An ignorant mans practise is like a blind mans wandring in by-wayes How can it otherwise bee but that such should fall into many dangers 2. A Conformitie of our wils to Gods or a readinesse in our will and heart to yeeld to whatsoeuer wee shall know to bee Gods will Psal 27. 8. When God said to Dauid Seeke my face his heart answered Psal 119. 36. O Lord I will seeke thy face For this was his prayer Incline mine heart vnto thy Testimonies It is a proper fruit of sanctifying knowledge to draw the will to embrace as good that which the vnderstanding discerneth to be true 3. Strength of Memory to hold fast Gods Word and that in the good directions and sweet consolations in the precepts and promises thereof Psal 103. 17 18. Where the Psalmist saith that the mercy of the Lord is vpon those that remember his commandements to doe them Doth he not imply that to remember Gods Word is an especiall helpe to the doing of it Things not remembred are as not knowne The Apostle noteth this to be the cause of the Hebrewes fainting in their troubles Heb. 12. 5. that they forgate the direction and consolation of the Word 4. Life of Conscience both to cheere vs vp in doing the will of God and also to checke vs when we swerue from the same and not to suffer vs to be quiet till we turne to it againe For these are the proper functions of a conscience quickened and sanctified The Apostle noteth that they who giue themselues ouer to transgresse 1. Tim. 4. 2. haue their conscience seared with an hot iron the life of it is taken away 5. Loue of Gods Word that our hearts be so set vpon it as we make it our ioy and delight This made Dauid so forward as hee was to doe the will of God for Gods Word was his loue Psal 119. 97 174 162 103 72 27. longing ioy delight more sweet then honey more precious then thousands of gold or siluer This reason of doing Gods will he himselfe rendereth in these words My soule hath kept thy testimonies for I loue them exceedingly Loue setteth all the power of a mans soule and parts of his body on worke to accomplish that which is loued But vnlesse our heart and affections be set vpon Gods Word very hardly shall wee be brought to doe it because it is contrarie to our naturall and corrupt will 6 Renouation of our outward parts that they may bee made instruments in their seuerall functions to execute Gods will that thus as there is a readinesse to will 2. Cor. 8. 11. so there may be a performance also 1. Thes 5. 23. and for this end to pray that we may be sanctified as in our whole spirit Phil. 2. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so in bodie and that he would work in vs both to will and to doe All the former without this are nothing This is the maine and principall thing here intended Voluntatis vocabulum generaliter omnes virtutes inse comprehendit ac quae singulatim per bonum intelliguntur in voluntate Dei omnia anim aduertuntur Greg. Nys de Orat. The other are but preparations and helpes thereunto Here I might take occasion to reckon vp all those vertues which in Gods Word are enioyned to vs. For Gods will compriseth vnder it all those vertues yea whatsoeuer may truely be thought to bee good is comprehended in the will of God But it is sufficient thus in generall to haue pointed at this head Q. What desire wee in regard of the Restraint of the fore-named rule in this word THY A. A distinct vnderstanding of the excellencie and perfection of Gods will Psal 119. 18. that so wee may addict our selues wholly to it Pro. 30. 5 6. nor taking from it Deut. 12. 32. nor adding to it Had we
obiections distinctly the truth of the Doctrine is made more cleare that the onely true ground of a sufficient plea in prayer is in God The grounds of plea which papists teach and practise must needs be false because they are not taken from God They are these Intercession of Saints Bloud of Martyrs Supererrogatorie workes of extraordinarie persons Merit of a mans own workes and others like to these What strength can these adde to faith in prayer What assurance can they giue of being heard when they depend on man and haue no warrant out of Gods Word We that are better instructed ought to take notice of the things whereby God hath made himselfe knowne to vs being comprised vnder this Title the a See §. 20. name of God And when wee come to prayer meditate thereon seriously that our faith being grounded on so sure a Rocke as God is and on his promises and properties wee may with comfort and patience expect a gracious answere and blessed grant of our Petitions The reason added to the Petitions being generally touched It is further more distinctly in the seuerall branches thereof to be handled §. 205. Of appropriating Gods Attributes to himselfe Q. HOw is God in this reason set out A. By his Attributes For these words Kingdome Power Glory for euer doe point out foure distinct Attributes of God which are 1. a Psal 22. 28. Soueraignty Kingdome 2. b Ier. 32. 17. 2. Chro. 20. 6. Omnipotency Power 3. c Psal 113. 4. Isa 6. 3. Excellency Glory 4. d Psal 90. 2 Isa 57. 15. Eternitie For euer Q. How are these Attributes applyed to God A. By a speciall propertie and excellency So much doth this Particle THINE and the Article THE import 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As if he had said Thine and thine onely are these Thine they are originally of thy selfe and that in an infinite measure and degree 1. Tim. 6. 16. In the same manner that the Apostle applyeth Immortalitie may these and all other diuine Attributes bee applyed to God who onely hath Kingdome and Power and Glory for euer Though this Particle THINE bee but once expressed yet by vertue of the copulatiue Particle AND 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is particularly to be applyed to euery of the other properties As for the fourth Attribute Eternitie intimated in this clause For euer it is so expressed as appertaining to all and euery of the other three For Gods kingdome is for euer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Power for euer his Glory for euer and whatsoeuer else is in God is as God himselfe for euer Well therefore may this be considered in relation to other Attributes as an attribute of them and simply in it selfe as a distinct attribute §. 206. Of Gods hauing all things at his command Q. VVHat kinde of kingdome is here meant A. Gods vniuersall kingdome Of the kinds of Gods Kingdom See §. 35. by vertue whereof hee hath a supreme and absolute soueraignty in all places ouer all things So as this kinde of kingdome compriseth all kindes vnder it Psal 103. 19. euen his peculiar kingdome also the Church of Christ In this extent it is said His kingdome ruleth ouer all Q. What doth this application of kingdome to God import A. God hath all things at his command Where Dauid applyeth this absolute soueraignty to God in the very words which Christ doth 1. Chron. 29. 11 12. saying Thine is the kingdome O Lord he addeth by way of explication All that is in heauen and in earth is thine Both riches and honour come of thee and in thine hand it is to make great and to giue strength vnto all It is God that first made all things and that still vpholdeth preserueth Rom. 11. 36. and gouerneth all things Of him and through him and to him are all things Gen. 14. 22. Hee is the possessour of heauen and earth All things therefore must needs be at his command On this ground we see what iust cause wee haue to make all the forenamed Petitions vnto God and of him to aske whatsoeuer is to be asked in Prayer For all are at his disposing The Psalmist vpon his acknowledgement of Gods soueraignty maketh this inference Psal 44. 4. Command deliuerance for Iaakob §. 207. Of the absolute Supremacie of Gods Soueraigntie Q. VVHat doth the Emphaticall manner of attributing Kingdome to God THE Kingdome import A. Gods is the most supreme and absolute Soueraignty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THE KINGDOME that is that Soueraignty which may indeed and properly be called a Kingdome which is ouer all vnder none is Gods Wherefore God is stiled b Psal 47. 2. Mal. 1. 14. A great King c 1. Tim. 6. 16. A King of Kings and Lord of Lords d Psal 95 3. A great King aboue all Gods e Isa 6. 5. The King and Lord of Hosts A King who hath the f Mat. 5. 34 35. heauen for his Throne and the earth for his footstoole God was before all euen eternall Though the creatures ouer which he raigneth were not from eternitie yet had the eternall God an eternall right of raigning by vertue whereof hee was King ouer all things that are so soone as euer they were And this right he must needs haue of himselfe and by himselfe For he being an g Ier. 10 10. 1. Tim. 1. 17. eternall King who could bee before him from whom he might receiue a right of Soueraignty As he is h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God of himselfe so is hee i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord of himselfe A supreme and absolute Monarch This Supremacie of Gods Soueraignty teacheth such as haue any Soueraignty to k Reu. 4. 10. cast their crownes downe at the feet of this high Soueraigne Howsoeuer there bee some who in their Dominions are in all causes and ouer al persons supreme Gouernours yet with this limitation vnder God That Soueraignty which they haue is Gods image by vertue whereof they are stiled l Psal 82. 6. Gods Yet because they are what they are of God and vnder God they are also stiled m Ibid. Children of the most High n Lam. 4. 20. Annointed of the Lord o Rom 13. 4. Ministers of God 2. It teacheth vs all to aduance God aboue all and to preferre him before all to p Luke 12. 4 5. feare him q Mat 22. 37. loue him trust in him and euery way respect him more then all other and to obey him rather then any other King or Gouernour This is such a ruled case so cleare and euident as r Act. 4. 19. 5. 29. the Apostles made their enemies Iudges thereof If a King in his Dominions is to bee preferred and obeyed before all subordinate Magistrates much more God before all Kings and other Gouernours thorowout the whole world §. 208. Of god being King onely Q. VVHat doth the appropriating of Kingdome
A GVIDE TO GOE TO GOD OR AN EXPLANATION of the Perfect Patterne of Prayer The LORDS PRAYER By WILLIAM GOVGE B. in D. and Minister of Gods Word in Black-Friers LONDON ISA. 30. 21. This is the way walke in it AT LONDON Printed by G. M. and R. B. for Edward Brewster and are to be sold at his shop neere the great North dore of S t. Pauls Church at the signe of the Bible 1626. TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE RIGHT Worshipfull and other my much respected Parishioners Inhabitants in Blacke-Friers London All needfull Prosperitie in this world and eternall Felicitie in the World to come I DESIRE my much honoured and entirely beloued Parishioners so long as the Lord of life shall preserue mee in the Land of the liuing I desire to goe on in promoting your spiritual edification euery way that I can priuately publikely by prayer by preaching yea and by printing too Behold here an euidence thereof What priuately I first digested in mine owne meditation and then publikely deliuered by word of mouth whereof in the open Church you heard your children and seruants examined Deus est nobis summum bonum Neque infra remanendum nobis est neque vltra quarendum Alterum euim periculesum alterum nullum est Aug. de Mor. Eccl. Cath. l. 1. c. 8 and for a blessing whereupon many prayers by vs all ioyntly and seuerally haue beene poured out before God is now thorow Gods gracious prouidence so published as it may be reuiewed so oft as you please Well accept it for it is A GVIDE TO GOE TO GOD. God is the highest and chiefest Good below which we may not remaine beyond which we cannot attaine To place our rest in any thing before we come to God is dangerous Oratione intramus coelestem illam curiam in qua Rex regum stellato sedet solio c. Bern. Serm. de 4. modis Orand Oratione praesentamus nos quasi saci◠ad faciem cum Deo loquentes Ibid. To attaine to any rest beyond God is impossible This therefore is that proper place whether the soule well enlightened and rectified aspireth as all hot light things aspire to the high hot Region The meanes whereby wee men on earth haue accesse to God in Heauen is Prayer By Prayer we enter into the Court where God sitteth in his Maiestie and wee present out selues before him speaking vnto him as it were face to face That therefore which instructeth vs to pray aright directeth vs to God This doth the Lords Prayer And nothing can doe it better For this end To teach vs how to pray it was first prescribed It is not onely a most absolute prayer in it selfe but also a perfect patterne for other prayers And in this respect the only way wherein we can goe to God Full of matter is this forme of Prayer but few the words thereof Such fulnesse of matter in so few words make it to many as the prophesie of Christ was to Candaces Eunuch whereof he said to him that moued this question Vnderstandest thou what thou readest How can I except I had a guide A guide therefore is needfull for many to direct them in this way to goe to God Loe a Guide at hand This Explanation of the Lords Prayer is offered to you for that purpose But as a Guide that directeth a Traueller in his iourney to the Kings Court maketh not the way better but sheweth him how to order his trauell in that way so this Guide this Explanation addeth nothing to the Perfection of the Prayer but onely helpeth you in the vse thereof The many particulars which minister iust matter of ardent supplication hearty gratulation deepe humiliation and conscionable obseruation of our wayes are in this Explanation distinctly set out Thereby you may see how rich a Cabonet the Lords Prayer is how full of most precious iewels vsefull for the soule of man The Excellencie of this forme of Prayer is set forth in the first Section of this Explanation Whatsoeuer is therein performed is the fruit of my affected Retirednesse and suspected Idlenesse in the countrey So many so continuall are my imployments in the Citie so many interruptions from my studies day after day are there caused as I neuer yet could find any leasure to set down distinctly such points as by Gods assistance were vttered out of the Pulpet Whatsoeuer hath hitherto been published by me hath in my retiring time been prepared for the Presse This benefit of a few weekes absence in the yeare from my charge there being in that time a good supply made by my Reuerend Brethren may gaine a sufficient dispensation with those that are not too supercilious which I hope you my Parishioners will not be For I haue euer found such true loue such good respect such kinde vsage such fauourable acceptance of all my paines in euery kinde as I haue iust cause to blesse the diuine prouidence for bringing me to this place The Lord God so blesse all my labours vnto you all as we may haue al iust cause to blesse him one for another and to continue mutually and heartily to pray one for another Doe ye so So will doe Your carefull Pastor Church-Court in Black-Friers WILLIAM GOVGE London 17. Febr. 1625 OVR Father which art in Heauen Hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdome come Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Giue vs this day our dayly Bread And forgiue vs our trespasses as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs. And leade vs not into temptation But deliuer vs from euill For thine is the Kingdome and the Power and the Glorie for euer Amen A Table of the seuerall and distinct points handled in this Explanation of the perfect Patterne of Prayer as in order they follow one another PREFACE § 1. OF the Excellencie of the Lords Prayer Page 1 2. Of the seuerall branches of the Lords Prayer 5 3. Of the preparation to Prayer 6 4. Of the meanes to prepare vs to prayer 7 5. Of praying to God alone 7 6. Of Gods goodnesse and greatnesse ioyntly considered together 8 7. Of this title Father applyed to God 10 8. Of instructions wich the title Father applyed to God import 11 9. Of the prerogatiue of Gods children to speake to him face to face 13 10. Of their dutie who haue free accesse to God 14 11. Of the parties comprised vnder this particle OVR 15 12. Of applying Gods fatherhood to our selues 16 13. Of Gods impartiall respect to all his children and sufficiencie of blessing for all 18 14. Of their mutuall duties which say Our Father 19 15. Of the Saints participation of one anothers Prayers 21 16. Of Gods being in heauen 22 17. Of the direction which Gods being in heauen giueth vs for manner of praying 24 18. Of the direction which Gods being in heauen giueth for the matter of Prayer 28 1. PETITION § 19. OF the manner of handling euerie Petition 30 20. Of the name of God and
all one A great priuiledge this will appeare to be if the benefit of Prayer be rightly discerned And a great comfort it must needs be to such weake ones as cannot pray as they desire The priuiledge of the Communion of Saints in nothing more appeares then in the mutuall participation of one anothers prayers Q. May not God be called vpon in the singular number thus My Father A. A Saint may say to God my Father Yes in priuate by one alone he may so did Christ Saint Paul also did in such a manner giue thanks vnto God Yea thus we are directed by the Prophet to call vpon God Math. 26. 39. and to say My Father Phil. 1. 3. Yet may not one so apply in particular Gods Fatherhood to himselfe ler. 3. 4 19. as to appropriate it to himselfe nor yet to be vnmindfull of others in his prayers contrary to the scope of expressing this relation in the plurall number OVR This forme is not set downe to binde vs so strictly to the words or syllables as neuer to swerue from them but it is set downe rather to teach vs what to aime at in the manner and matter of our prayers Q. May this forme Our Father be vsed by one alone A. One alone in Prayer may say Ouâ— Father Yes So did Daniel euen then when also being alone he vsed the singular number O our God saith he heare the Prayer of thy seruant Dan. 9. 17 18. And in the next clause ô my God encline thine eare In regard of that particular affiance which he had in God he saith my God and in regard of his respect euen when he was alone to other children of God he saith Our God For our loue to the brethren and our perswasion of their vnion in Christ must be manifested to God when we are alone as well as in companie Thus much of Gods Goodnesse It remaineth to speake of his greatnesse §. 16. Of Gods being in heauen Q. HOw is Gods greatnesse set forth A. By his mansion place which is in heauen A mansion place is an vsuall meanes of greatnesse or meanesse When we see a little thatcht ruinous cottage we imagine that he is a poore meane person that dwelleth there Thus Eliphas setteth out the basenesse of men Iob 4. 19. who dwell in houses of clay whose foundation is in the dust But if we see a faire and stately Pallace we thinke that he is a great personage that inhabiteth there Great Nebuchadnezzar did thus set out his owne greatnesse Dan. 4. 30. Is not this great Babylon that I haue built for the house of the kingdome and for the honour of my maiestie Yea if beggars see but a faire porch before the doore of an house they conceit that one which can spare them something there abideth To our capacitie therefore the Lord who dwelleth in the light that no creature can approach vnto is pleased thus to set forth his greatnesse 1. Tim. 6. 16. glorie and magnificence Many do so peruert this description of Gods greatnesse as thereby they much impeach the excellencie of his Maiestie For 1. God is not circumscribed in heauen Some thence inferre that God may be circumscribed and compassed in a place which is contrary to his infinite greatnesse Ier. 23. 23. by reason whereof he is said to fill heauen and earth to haue the heauen for his throne Math 5. 34 35. and the earth for his foot-stoole to be euery where Psal 139. 7 c. so as none can withdraw themselues from his presence 1. King 8. 27. yea to be so incomprehensible as the heauen and heauen of heauens cannot containe him 2. Heauen hinders not Gods sight Others thence inferre that he is so high as he cannot see the things below Iob 22. 12 13 14 which Eliphas noteth to be the mind of the prophane in his time who say Is not God in the height of heauen How doth God know Can he iudge through the darke cloud Thicke clouds are a couering to him that he seeth not and he walketh in the circuit of heauen But this conceipt is directly contrary to that omniscience and perfect sight of God which the holy Ghost thus setteth out Psal 102. 19. Out of heauen doth the Lord behold the earth Prou. 15. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in euery place beholding the euill and the good Heb. 4. 13. There is not any creature that is not manifest in his sight Gods prouidence on things below c. 2. Others thence inferre that thought it be granted that God seeth the earth all things done thereon yet he ordereth them not Apud Cicer. lib. 5 de Nat. Deorum Cotta negat DeuÌ„ curare singulos homines aut ciuitates aut nationes which was the conceipt of many Philosophers A conceipt directly contrary to that excellent discourse which God himselfe had with Iob and to the euidences of Gods prouidence extending it selfe to the smallest things as to all kinde of creatures euen to little sparrowes to the haires of our head and to the grasse of the field Iob 38. 39. 40. 41. But to let passe all such false erroneous absurd and blasphemous collections Math. 10. 29 30. 6. 30. know that this placing of God in heauen is not properly God said to be in heauen but comparatiuely and respectiuely to bee taken and that to giue vs occasion to conceiue something of Gods excellencie 1. To make our soules soare vp which is in truth vnconceiueable and incomprehensible Q. Why is God thus set forth Cum deum dicit esse in coelis à terris abducit ornatem c. Chrys Hom. 20. in Mat. 6. A. 1. To make our soules ascend as high as possibly can be when we pray vnto him Aboue heauen our thoughts cannot ascend Therefore he is said to be in heauen which is the highest place of all Psal 123 1. I lift vp mine eyes to thee who dwellest in heauen saith the Psalmist 2. To distinguish God from earthly parents 2. To put difference betweene God and earthly parents and to shew that he is farre more excellent then they euen as heauen is higher then the earth and things in heauen more excellent then things on earth No Kings or Monarchs though they should rule from one end of the earth to the other can be like to our Father which is in heauen Psal 113. 5. Who is like to the Lord our God who dwelleth on high 3. To shew that he is free from all earthly infirmities 3. To shew Gods immutabilitie and from that changeablenesse whereunto things on earth are subiect In heauen there is no corruption dimâ—uution or alteration Much lesse can there be any such thing in him who is the chiefest of all in heauen Iam. 1. 17. and with whom is no variablenesse nor shadow of turning 4. To set him
true Church yet that he himselfe may be as Ioseph was in the house of Potiphar Gen. 39. 2. a faithfull member of the true Church a free-hearted subiect of the kingdome of God and for this end euery one ought to pray that in his person he may be sanctified throughout and his whole spirit and soule and bodie be kept blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ 1. Thes 5. 23. This is that true and proper vse which wee are to make of those bonds whereby we are outwardly linked one to another that as we are more nearely knit one to another so more specially and instantly to pray that they to whom we are in outward bonds linked may with vs be fast knit to the bodie of Christ and as true members thereof may beautifie and honour it Col. 2. 19. and that all the bodie by ioynts and bands hauing nourishment ministred and knit together may encrease with the encrease of God Thus we see how our desire ought to be ordered for the militant Church It ought in generall to be extended to the whole bodie wheresoeuer more particularly applied to the seuerall parts of it as we haue any notice thereof and more earnestly extended for such parts as wee our selues are more nearely knit vnto §. 52. Of the things to bee desired for the Church triumphant Q. VVHat are we to pray for in regard of the triumphant Church the kingdome of glorie A. The full perfection and consummation thereof Whereunto tend these particulars following 1. That we which liue in this kingdome of Grace 1. Pray to be fitted for heauen may be fitted and prepared for that kingdome of Glorie that we may be presented as a chaste and pure Virgine to our Husband Christ 2. Cor. 11. 2. Such a prayer did the Apostle vse to make for the members of the militant Church 1. Thes 5. 23. 2. That we may be loosed and be with Christ in that glorious place 2. Pray to be in heauen For the gathering of such into the kingdome of Glorie Phil. 1. 23. as belong thereunto helpeth forward the consummation of it Hoc optamus vt finem nostris faciat malis nos assumat in regnum Aug. de Temp. Serm. 126 How we may pray for death Votum affectus magis quam effectus Obiect How can this desire of being dissolued stand with the vnchangeable decree of God concerning the appointed time of mans death Answ This kind of prayer rather sheweth what we could desire if the will of God were so then what we would whether it were Gods will or no. Neither is it made to alter Gods determined purpose but to manifest our longing desire after that which God in his eternall counsell hath purposed for vs. Thus did many of the faithfull Israelites Math. 13. 17. that liued long before the Messiah was exhibited 1. King 19. 4. Ionah 43. desire to see him An absolute desire of present death as was the desire of Eliah and Ionah is not warrantable but a longing after death to be in the kingdome of Glorie as was the desire of Paul is very commendable Phil. 1. 23. 3. That the number of those whom God hath ordained to 3. Pray for accomplishing the number of the Elect. make full the body of Christ may be accomplished For there is a certaine number ordained vnto eternall life Rom. 8. 29 30. till that he be full the kingdome of Glorie cannot in all the parts thereof be consummate 4. That the signes which in Gods word are fore-told to goe before the comming of Christ may accordingly fall out 4. Pray for the signes of Christs comming that by the sight of them we may be the more erected to looke for the glorious appearing of Christ Math. 24 29 c. There are signes fore-told these therefore must be prayed for 5 Pray against enemies of the Church 5. That all the obstinate enemies of the Church which any way hinder the full and perfect consummation thereof may be destroyed and those not only wicked men and cruell tyrants and persecutors but also death and him that hath the power of death 1. Cor. 15. 15. the diuell The destruction of these is promised so as there is good ground to pray for it 6. That the bodies of all the Saints which from the beginning haue slept 6. Pray for the resurrection may be raised from death to be vnited to their soules 1 Thes 4. 16. and brought vnto the kingdome of Glorie For this is absolutely promised Obiect This is to pray for the dead Answ Not for this or that particular friend departed whose estate we certainly know not How prayers to be made or not to be made for the dead but in generall for all the true members of Christs celestiall bodie nor to obtaine that for them which was to be obtained in the times of their life remission of sinnes nor yet to alter their finall estate the doome whereof passed vpon them at the moment of their dissolution but onely as their resurrection is a degree to the perfecting of the kingdome of Glorie we being taught to pray for the full perfection of that kingdome pray indefinitely for the resurrection of the Saints which is a degree thereto 7. That Christ would come in his glorie to iudgement 7. Pray for Christs coming Reu. 22. 17. 20. Mat. 13. 41 49. 25. 32. c. and make a perfect separation betwixt the elect and reprobate For so much is foretold and promised 8. That all the members of Christs mysticall bodie being glorified with him 8. Pray for the full glorificatiō of the Church He may deliuer vp the kingdome to God the Father that God may be all in all For so much is also foretold 1. Cor. 15. 24 28. §. 53. Of the things for which thankes is to be giuen by reason of the second Petition Q. FOr what are we to giue thankes by vertue of the second Petition A. Euery thing that maketh to the good of Gods Church whether directly by blessings bestowed on it or consequently by restraining or ouer-throwing the enemies of it ministreth iust matter of thanks-giuing We are therefore to be thankfull in the behalfe of the Church in these cases following and others like to them 1. Acts 11. 18. When Churches are planted where none were before Thus the Iewes glorified God when they heard that the Gospell was embraced of the Gentiles 2. When such Churches as are planted do thriue and prosper For this did S. 2. Thes 1. 3. Paul giue thankes in the behalfe of the Thessalonians 3. When good Magistrates are raised vp In which case the Queene of Sheba blessed God for setting Salomon on the throne of Israel 1. King 10. 9. Much more are we to blesse God for good Ministers of his word and that not onely when they are first raised vp but also when
the Church made by open enemies whereof Dauid much complaineth so doe also other Prophets 6. Cant. 1. 2. Treacheries of false-hearted brethren The Church complaineth that all her friends dealt treacherously with her and Christ complaineth that his owne familiar friend in whom hee trusted Psal 41. 9. which did eate of his bread lift vp his heele against him 7. Vnsaithfulnesse in Magistrates suffering such as beare no good will to the Church to creepe into it lodge in it and worke mischiefe against it Neh. 13. 4 c. This did good Nehemiah much complaine of Much more cause of complaint there is when Princes in the Church are roaring Lyons Zeph. 3 3. and her Iudges are euening Wolues 8. Vnfaithfulnesse in Ministers when they are insufficient idle corrupt in doctrine or life whereby the edification of the Church is much hindered Isa 56. 10. The Prophets oft complaine of such ler. 23. 14 17. 9. Desolation of Seminaries as of Schooles Colledges Vniuersities and such like 1. Sam. 22. 22. Dauid lamented the destruction of the Citie of Priests which was a Seminarie The comming of the Kingdome of God is much hindred by the desolation of Seminaries So also is it as much if not more hindred by corruption in Seminaries If fountaines bee poisoned can wholesome streames bee expected to flow from thence In corrupted Seminaries more vassals of Satan then true subiects of Christ are bred and brought vp 10. Disorder of Families When pietie findeth in priuate Families little or no entertainment if it bee not cleane thrust out of doores and such licentiousnesse vsed as houses are rather made sties for Satan then Churches of God great cause of mourning is giuen Ier. 7. 18. Ieremiah complaines that husbands and wiues parents and children were all giuen to wickednesse 11. Professors vnworthy walking It is meanes to keepe such as are not of the Church from entring into it when they see such as professe themselues to bee of the Church to walke as children of darknesse and to turne the grace of God into wantonnesse Phil. 3. 18. Saint Paul doth bitterly complaine of such 12. Reproaches cast vpon the Saints Sarah when she beheld Ismael scoffing at Isaak Gen. 21. 9. 10. was exceedingly moued thereat So was Dauid at Michols scorning of him for the manifestation of his zeale 2. Sam. 6. 20. Some weake members of the Church may be discouraged thereby and in that respect it is a matter to bee lamented 13. 1. King 19. 10. Persecution raised against the Church This did Eliah much bewaile yea it made him weary of his life A free passage of the Word and a free vse of other holy ordinances of God is much hindered thereby and many are thereby brought to deny the faith and therefore it is to be bewailed 14. 2. Tim. 4 16. Timorous backesliding of Professors This did S. Paul complaine of in his time Much doth this tend to the discouragement and disaduantage of the Church and much to be lamented 15. 1. Cor. 1. 11. 11 18. Scismes sects and dissentions in the Church These doe much hinder the growth of the Church yea they oft cause greater desolation then open oppositions of professed enemies 16. Repugnans fit vt quaeramus inseculo diu viuere qui petimus regnum dei velociter advenire Cypr de Orat. â— dom §. 14. Too much loue of life in this world and feare of death If men might liue as long they would how slowly would Gods Kingdome come That wee who desire the kingdome of God to come speedily should seeke to liue long in this world implyeth contradiction §. 56. Of the will of God here meant and doing it Q. VVHich is the third Petition A. Thy will bee done in earth as it is in heauen Q. What is here to be considered A. 1. The Thing desired 2. The Manner of performing it The substance then of the Petition is in these words Thy will be done in earth In the words following is a direction for the better performing of that which is desired Of these two points therefore we are to speake in order And first of the Petition that setteth out the rule which in all things we ought to set before vs namely the will of God Q. How doth God will a thing A. 1. a Ephes 1. 11. By ordaining and deternining it 2. b Rom. 12. 2. By liking and approuing it By this differing manner of willing things Gods secret and reuealed will may Gods will be distinguished into his Secret Counsell and Reuealed Word The former of these is that Soueraigne absolute will of God by which all things are and without which nothing can be For c Ephes 1. 11. He worketh all things after the counsell of his owne will d Psal 115. 3. And hath done whatsoeuer he pleased e Rom. 11. 34. For who was his Counseller The latter is stiled Gods good and acceptable will Rom. 12. 2. whereby he manifesteth what is pleasing vnto him Gods reuealed will here meant Q. Which of these is here especially meant A. His reuealed Word as is euident by these reasons 1. The reuealed things of God belong to vs and our children for euer Deut. 29. 29. 2. Gods reuealed Word is that rule which wee must lay before vs Non vbiquè sicut potestas sic voluntas eius bona beneplacita persecta Ber. de verb. Esa Serm. 5. and the marke whereat wee ought to haue an eye in all things Psal 119. 9. 3. This will of God may be resisted and is much resisted by the sonnes of men For saith Christ How oft would I c. And ye would not Math. 23. 37. Gods good and acceptable and perfect will is not euery where as his power is There is therefore great need that wee should pray to haue this done Non vt Deus faciat quae vult sed vt nos facere possimus quae deus vult Cypr. de Orat. dom §. 11. Not that God would doe what he will but that we may be able to doe what he will As for Gods secret coâ—nsell as it is kept secret it cannot be here meant as appeareth by these reasons 1. Deut. 29 29. Secret things belong vnto the Lord our God 2. Pro. 19. 21. The counsell of God shall stand it cannot but be done so as we need not pray that it may be done 3. A desire may bee made contrarie to Gods secret will without sinne Instance the desire of Dauid to build a temple for the Lord which desire both Nathan the Prophet of the Lord 2. Sam. 7. 3. and God also himselfe approued and yet it was the determined purpose of God that Dauid should not doe that which he desired 1. King 8. 18. Yet if the foresaid counsell of God bee made knowne either extraordinarily by speciall reuelation How Gods counsell is to be yeelded vnto or ordinarily
camets praeteritum Omnia igitur tempora in se continet Nomen istud sacrum sic explicat Iohannes Gracè 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vide Bezaean not in Apoc. 1. 4. Isa 96. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pater aeternitatis Iehouah doth fully set out this propertie and immutable eternitie For it compriseth vnder it all times past present future 2. The Sonne of God is called Father of Eternitie in that he is eternall himselfe and the author of such things as endure for euer 3. The Spirit of God in the beginning moued vpon the face of the waters Hebrai expoâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incubabat sicut gallina ouis suis incubat donec pulli gignantur Gen. 1. 2. He was therefore in the beginning and if he was in the beginning hee had no beginning For hee it was that formed the things that had a beginning in which respect he is said to moue or as the Iewish expositors interpret the word to sit as an Hen vpon her Egges till her Chickens be hatched 4. All the properties of God are as these three Kingdome Power Glory for euer His Dominion is an euerlasting Dominion Dan. 7. 14. euen from generation to generation Dan. 4. 31. His Glory is eternall 1. Pet. 5. 10. His righteousnesse is an euerlasting righteousnesse Psal 119. 142. His truth is for euer Psal 117. 2. His mercy is for euer Psal 136. 1. So also his Counsell Law Oath Couenant and the like whereof see § 226. Thus we see that eternitie properly taken Difference betwixt Gods eternitie and creatures is proper to God Howsoeuer other things are also stiled eternall yet there is a manifest difference betwixt that which is proper to God and that which is common to creatures 1. Gods Eternitie is without beginning So is no creatures For by him were all things created that are in heauen Col. 1. 16. and that are in earth visible and inuisible 2. Gods is without alteration So is no creature as wee shall * §. 227. afterwards shew 3. Gods is independent Hee euer was and euer remaineth to be of himselfe and by himselfe Creatures haue their continuance of God Act. 17. 28. and by God In him wee liue and moue and haue our being Rom. 11. 36 Of him and through him and to him are all things § 225. Of the Duties which arise from Gods Eternitie Q. VVHat duties doth that Eternitie which is proper to God teach vs A. 1. To acknowledge him to be the onely Creator Ioh. 1. â—2 3. By the eternitie of Christ doth S. Iohn proue that he is God and that all things were made by him 2. To seeke preseruation of him On this ground the Psalmist thus prayeth Psal 102. 24. O my God take mee not away in the middest of my dayes thy yeares are throughout all generations 3. To giue the praise of continuance of all good to him It was vsuall with the Psalmist to giue thankes to God Psal 136. because his mercy endureth for euer 4. To ascribe eternall glory to him that is eternall This phrase is frequent among the Saints To God bee glory for euer and euer 2. Tim. 4. 18. 5. In our time to serue him Thus doe wee what lyeth in our power to continue seruice to the Eternall for euer If all generations were carefull euery one in their time to serue God the mortalitie of man would be no hindrance to the perpetuitie of Gods seruice Abraham called vpon the name of the euerlasting God Gen. 21. 33. Because the Lord was an euerlasting God Ahraham was carefull in his time to worship him 6. To make him knowne to posteritie This is a further meanes of procuring an euerlasting name to the euerlasting God For our posteritie being instructed by vs may declare Gods name to their posteritie and so posteritie to posteritie throughout all generations Marke these things saith the Psalmist that ye may tell it to the generations following Psal 48. 13 14. For this God is our God for euer and euer 7. To depend on him for our posteritie Wee are mortall and shall not euer liue to prouide for our posteritie But God remaining for euer wee may well commend such as suruiue vs to his prouidence and depend on him for his care ouer them The Psalmist hauing made acknowledgement of Gods euerlasting continuance saying thus to him Thou art the same Psal 102. 27. 28. and thy yeares shall haue no end he maketh this inference The children of thy seruants shall continue and their seed shall be established before thee 8. To feare him more then creatures Creatures though neuer so mighty and malicious may die we be freed from feare of them Psal 92. 8 9. But God euer liueth Thou Lord art most high for euermore but thine enemies shall perish 9. To preferre him before all To shew what iust cause there is to preferre God before all thus saith the Lord of himselfe Before me there was no God formed neither shall there bee after me Isa 43. 10. 10. To follow after righteousnesse 11. To turne others to righteousnesse Dan. 12. 3. For both these shall shine Math. 13. 43. the one as the Firmament the other as the Starres in the Kingdome of God for euer and euer 12. To hope in death 1. Thes 4. 13 14. c. 13. To be comforted for those that die in the Lord. For the eternall God will raise vp both vs and others beleeuing in him to eternall life Thus much of Gods Eternitie plainely expressed vnder this phrase for euer His Immutabilitie is also imployed thereby §. 226 Of immutabilitie to what things it may be applyed Q. VVHat besides Eternity is implyed vnder this clause FOR EVER A. Immutabilitie That which euer remaineth the same without any alteration is most properly said to be for euer Psal 102. 27. Wherefore of God it is said Thou art the same and thy yeares shall haue no end His immutability and eternity are both ioyned together As eternitie so also immutabilitie is diuersly taken in Scripture For 1. Many things are said to be vnchangeable 1. Things immutable by voluntarie appointment because by voluntary appointment they are so ordered as 1. Sundry Lawes and Statutes Dan. 6. 15. The Law of the Medes and Persians was that no Decree nor Statute which the King establisheth may be altered 2. Last Wills and Testaments Gal. 3. 15. No man disanulleth a Testament or addeth thereto if it be confirmed 3. Sacred Vowes of such as haue power to make them Num. 30. 3. c. Indeed an husband had power in sundry cases and with due cautions to disanull his wiues vow and a father his daughters vow But otherwise the Law is strict in this case When thou shalt vow a Vow vnto the Lord thy God thou shalt not slacke to pay it Deut. 23. 21. 4. Things consecrated Pro. 20. 25. It is a snare to
euen against the ordinarie course of nature Because she iudged him faithfull who had promised Heb. 1â— 11. 5. Confidently to waite for saluation For this end hath God shewed to the heires of promise the immutabilitie of his counsell that we might haue a strong consolation c. 6. To hold close to Gods word not to alter it any way Deut 4. 2. Who shall dare to change the inuiolable word of the immutable God 7. To yeald to the counsell of God made knowne God in his counsell is vnchangeable It shall stand whether we yeald vnto it or repine against it On this ground g 1. Sam. 3. 18. the Saints where the purpose of God was manifested 2. Sam. 12. 22 23 humbly submitted themselues thereto 2. King 20. 19. 8. To be stedfast 1. Cor. 15. 58. constant and vnnioueable in euery good worke Mat. 5. 48. This is one especiall point wherein we must be perfect as our heauenly Father is perfect Some of those particulars wherein we must be vnmoueable and immutable are these 1. In our promises 2. Cor. 1. 17. 2. In our oathes Psal 15. 4. 3. In our vowes Eccl. 5. 4. 4. In our faith and hope Col. 1. 23. 5. In our profession Heb. 3. 12. 13. 9. 6. In all good duties Gal. 6. 9. Hitherto of the Attributes here appropriated to God singly and seuerally considered by themselues The relation which they haue to the Petitions is further to be declared §. 229. Of Gods kingdome How it worketh confidence in Prayer Q. VVHat relation haue the forenamed properties of God to the Petitions of this prayer A. As reasons to enforce them * See §. 203. which they do by giuing vs assurance of obtaining them which will more clearely appeare by a distinct application of euery particular propertie to the Petitions and of euery particular Petition to the seuerall properties Q. How doth Gods Soueraigntie giue vs assurance of obtaining our Petitions A. It importeth Gods willingnesse to heare vs. This is a great encouragement to moue vs to come to God and to expect a gracious answer from him Psal 65. 2. Vpon this stile giuen to God O thou that hearest prayer this inference is made vnto thee shall all flesh come Now Gods willingnesse and readinesse to heare may well be gathered from this clause Thine is the kingdome because it is the propertie of good Kings readily to open their eares to their subiects suites as is excellently set downe in the c Psal 72. 12 13 14. description of that King that was a type of Iesus Christ the King of kings But God hath all the properties of a good King in him Yea they are all originally in him as in the head fountaine and well-spring The properties that are in other good Kings are deriued from him He hath them infinitely aboue all measure We may well therfore be assured that the kingdome being Gods he being our King and Soueraigne we may boldly present our suites to him and confidently expect the accomplishment of our desires Well did he know this that did vsually in his Petitions to God stile him King saying Heaâ—ken vnto the voice of my crie Psal 5. 2. my KING Thou art my KING O God command deliuerance for Iaakob 44. 4. God is my KING of old working saluation Wherfore take due and true notice of thine estate 74. 12. whether thou bee indeed one of Gods subiects that so thou maist with the more stedfast faith present thy Petitions to God as to thy King and plead and presse this argument Thine is the kingdome §. 230. Of Gods power How it strengthenth faith in Prayer Q. HOw doth Gods power enforce our desire A. It sheweth how able God is to grant whatsoeuer we desire of him A King may be ready and willing to heare his subiects suits but if withall hee be not able to grant their Petitions and to effect their desires what confidence can they haue in calling vpon him when a poore subiect thus cryed to a mortall King 2. King 6. 26 27. Helpe ô Lord my King he answered If the Lord do not helpe thee whence shall I helpe thee What heart can a subiect haue to go to such a Soueraigne There may be more hope of helpe from him that is vnwilling then from him that is vnable b Ier. 32. 17 27. Ost therefore is Gods power alledged to strengthâ—n our faith in prayer 2. Chro. 20. 6. and Saints themselues were woâ—t to pleade it Neh 9. 32. Q. 1. Chro. 16. 25. May wee confidently expect to obtaine by prayer whatsoeuer God is ablâ— to grant 2. Chro. 14 11. A. Gods power singly by it selfe no ground of faith No * §. â—11 wee haue before shewed that God is able to do many things which he will not do Though c Mat. 26. 53. Christ knew that his Father could haue sent more then twelue legions of Angels to rescue him yet because he also knew that it was the will of his Father at that time to deliuer him into the hands of his enemies he would not pray for those legions to be sent Though God be able at any time to preserue any people from any iudgment yet when his will is not to deliuer them the prayers of d Ezek. 14 14. Noah Daniel and Iob or of e ler. 15. 1. Moses and Samuel shall not be of force for them f 1. Sam. 16. 1. Samuel prayed for Saul but was not heard Q. How then is Gods power a ground of faith Gods power and will concurring a sure ground of faith A. In that it is ioyned with his willingnesse Therefore it is here added to his kingdome a §. 229. which wee haue shewed to set out his readinesse to heare They who place their confidence on Gods power aright are not ignorant thereof Instance the Leper Math. 8. 2. who thus frameth his Petition Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me cleane In those things whereof we haue euidence for Gods willingnesse we may with confidence rest vpon Gods power for the obtaining of them Wherefore well acquaint thy selfe with Gods Word and with his promises therein that thereby thou maist bee well instructed in the things which God is willing to grant and so with greater confidence trust to his power §. 231. Of Gods glory How it setleth the soule for obtaining her desire Q. HOw doth Gods glory encourage vs with confidence to call on God A. It implyeth a concurring of his will and power together Gods glory is the maine end that he aimeth at in all things Prou. 16. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himselfe namely to set out his glorie The things therefore which tend to his glory hee will assuredly grant For they are none of those things which were b §. 210. before noted to import impotencie or imperfection and in that regard are within the
therefore that speake of the glory of Gods kingdome Psal 145. 11. talke of his power So as this Petition Thy kingdome come is to bee made to him whose the power is 3. By a strong hand it is that mortal sinful men are brought to do Gods will Mar. 10. 27. With men it is impossible To him therefore whose the power is it is requisite thus to pray Thy will be done on earth 4. All our necessities cannot bee fupplied but by a diuine power 2. King 6. 27. A King was forced to say If the Lord helpe thee not whence shall I helpe thee out of the barn-floore or out of the wine-presse 2 Cor. 9. 8. But God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye alwaies hauing all sufficiency in all things may abound to euery good worke As therefore wee would haue our desire granted so let vs say Giue vs this day our daily bread to him whose the power is 5. Whether is it easier to say to the sicke of the palsie Mar 2. 9. Thy sinnes are forgiuen thee or to say Arise and take vp thy bed and walke Both are done by the same power which is diuine omnipotent Make therefore to him whose the power is this Petition Forgiue vs our debts 6. To bee able to stand against the assaults of Satan Ephes 6. 10. c. is aboue the ability of flesh and blood To him therefore whose the power is wee must pray Leade vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill §. 235. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods glorie Q. VVHat particular respect hath euery of the Petitions to Gods glory A. 1. The hallowing of Gods Name is the chiefest part of his glory Leu. 10. 3. I will be sanctified saith the Lord in them that come nigh to me and before all the people I will bee glorified By being sanctified or hallowed God is glorified In faith therefore we may thus pray Hallowed be thy name to him whose the gloryis 2. Gods Kingdome is the prime place of his glory Psal 26. 8. It is the place where his honour dwelleth To the Church the peculiar Kingdome of God it is said Isa 60. 1 2. The glory of the Lord is risen vpon thee his glory shall bee seene vpon thee Confidently therefore to him whose the glory is wee may make this sute Thy Kingdome come 3. The creature cannot better glorifie God then by obeying his will Ioh. 15. 8. Herein saith Christ is my Father glorified that yee beare much fruit 1. Sam. 15. 22. To obey is better then Sacrifice Hee therefore that prayeth Thy will be done to him whose the glory â—s may be sâ—re to haue his prayer granted 4. The diuine prouidence in temporall blessings much amplifieth Gods glory Exod. 16. 7. By giuing bread to his people in the wildernesse God shewed his glory Psal 145. 11 15 c. Where the Prophet saith They shall speake of thy glory by way of explication hee reckoneth vp many euidences of Gods prouidence in temporall blessings thus The eyes of all waite vpon thee thou giuest them their meate in due season c. His glory therefore whose the glory is will moue him to grant this Petition Giue vs this day our daily bread 5. The glory of God is exceedingly commended by pardoning sinne Ephes 1. 6 7. To the praise of the glory of his grace we haue forgiuenesse of sinne In much confidence therefore thou maist say Forgiue vs our debts to him whose the glory is 6. Preseruation and deliuerance of Saints from euill much magnifieth and setteth forth the glory of God Where the Prophet reckoneth vp many deliuerances which God gaue to his people Isa 59. 19. he inferreth thereupon They shall feare the Name of the Lord from the West Ezek. 39. 21. and his glory from the rising of the Sun And on the same ground saith God himselfe I will set my glory among the heathen This Petition Leade vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill may in faith be made to him whose the glory is §. 236. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods vnchangeable eternitie Q. VVHat particular respect bane euery of the Petitions to Gods immutable eternity A. 1. Gods Name is for euer Psal 135. 13. and his memoriall endureth thorowout all generations 2. His Kingdome is an euerlasting Kingdome Psal 145. 13. 3. Gods will is to be done thorow-out all Ages by vs by our sonnes Deut. 6. 2. by our sonnes sonnes Wee may therefore well make these Petitions Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdome come Thy will be done though they be of euerlasting and immutable matters to the eternall God whose the Kingdome is and the power and the glory FOR EVER 4. We euery day want bread so shall we doe as long as we liue 1 Chro. 29. 15. As our Fathers from the beginning of the world haue stood in need thereof Ioh. 4. 13. so doe we and so shall our posterity also For whosoeuer drinketh of this water shall thirst againe 5. Our Fathers of old to our time haue sinned Act. 7. 51. so doe wee all our daies Ezek. 9. 7. so will our posterity for euer 6. The Diuel hath beene a murtherer from the beginning Deut 31. â—1 and euer will be Iob. 8. 44. There is perpetuall enimity betwixt the womans seede and his seede Gen. 3. 15. We and ours shall be for euer in this world subiect to many euills We therefore who make these Petitions Giue vs this day our daily bread And forgiuâ— vs our debts And leade vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill haue neede to be well instructed in Gods eternity and immutability For in faith we may make the forenamed Petitions concerning our perpetuall needs to him whose Kingdome and power and glory is FOR EVER Hitherto of the acknowledgement of Gods properties as they haue relation to the Petitions and are reasons to enforce them The said acknowledgement is further to bee considered singly and simply by it selfe §. 237. Of the necessary vse of this clause Thine is the Kingdome and the power and the glory for euer Q. WHat doth the acknowledgement of Gods properties singly considered import A. A forme of praise 1 Chro. 29. 10. 11 For where mention is made of Dauids blessing God it is set downe in this forme Thine O Lord is the greatnesse and the power and the glory c. Thus is this clause Thine is the Kingdome and the power and the glory for euer the second part of the Lords Prayer whereby the perfection of that Prayer is set out Phil. 4. 6. For prayer cosisteth of these two parts Petition Praise 1. Thes 5. 17 18. They therefore who wholy omit this clause and cast it out of this patterne of Prayer make it an imperfect patterne as Papists who thoroughout
a manifestation of assent For that which is said and vttered is manifested This manifestation of assent on the hearers part must bee as the vttering of the prayer on the Speakers part See more here of in the whole Armour of God on Ephes 6. 18. Treat 3. Part. 2. § 83. audibly Euery hearer in an assembly must vtter Amen as loud as the Minister vttereth the prayer In many places it is put off onely to the Clerke But herein all should bee Clearkes There is mention made of a celestiall sound which was as it were the voice of a great multitude and as the voice of many waters Reu. 19. 6. and as the voice of mighty thundering saying Hallelu-iah If full assemblies in our Churches did all of them andibly after a prayer say Amen so audibly as the sound of euery ones voice there present might come at least to the Ministers eares it would be such a sound as is there mentioned as heauenly sound A sound well beseeming a Church No Echo like to the Echo which maketh the wals of a Church to ring againe with Amen Such a sound would quicken a Ministers spirits and put a kinde of heauenly life into the people themselues The duties which are required both of speaker and hearers by vertue of Amen to be added Duties which Amen requireth both of Speaker and Hearers are these that follow 1. To know the ground of all that is vttered that that which is mentioned whereunto Amen is to be added is grounded on Gods Word and agreeable to his will For this is the confidence which we haue in him 1. Ioh. 5. 14. that if wee aske any thing according to his will he heareth vs. 2. To haue the minde fixed thereon The minde of the speaker as well as the Hearer may bee roâ—â—ng and wandring especially when a set prescribed vsuall forme of prayer is vttered or when a prayer is read Now because the vtterer of a prayer must say Amen to his owne prayer as well as the hearers he as well as they and they as well as hee euen all of them must hold their minde steady thereon Isa 29. 13. else will their heart be remoued from God while they draw neere to him with their mouth which is an abomination to him 3. To retaine as well as they can in memorie all that is vttered For Amen must bee applyed to the whole speech and to euery part thereof Matters well retained in memorie make Amen to come from the heart and to bee vttered with a goodwill Psal 42. 4. When I remember these things I poure out my soule in me saith the Psalmist That which is forgotten is as not heard or not vnderstood or not attended vnto 4. To be affected with the prayer This will make men double their Amen as the Iewes did when Ezra blessed the Lord. Neh. 8 6. All the people answered Amen Amen with lifting vp their hands Did not their speech and gesture both declare much affection of heart Without this inward affection Amen will be but coldly vttered 5. To beleeue Gods gracious acceptation of the prayer It hath beene a §. 241. before proued that Amen is a ratification of all that which is vttered before it But with what heart can that which is not before beleeued bee after ratified Expressely therefore saith Christ Mar. 11. 24. What thing so euer ye desire when yee pray beleeue that yee receiue it And his Apostle putteth this in Iam. 1. 6. as a necessarie prouiso to prayer Let him aske in faith §. 244. Of the grounds of Faith whereby we may expect the obtaining of what we pray for Q. HOw may we beleeue the obtaining of those things which we pray for A. By praying for such things as we know to be promised Gods promises are the true and proper ground of a sound faith Whatsoeuer is supposed to bee beleeued without a promise is but supposed or rather presumed it is not rightly and truly beleeued Psal 119. 49. The Psalmist hauing desired God to remember his promise made vnto him thus saith Vpon it thou hast caused me to hope or to trust The ground then of his confidence was Gods promise Of absolute and conditionall promises and of the vse of faith in them See the whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 16. Treat 2. Part 6. §. 75. 76. 77. Of Faith Now because Gods promises are of diuers kinds some things being absolutly promised others but conditionally as Gods promises be made so must our faith be ordered Absolute promises must be beleeued absolutly conditionall promises with submission to Gods wisedome in granting or not granting what we pray for S. Paul hauing prayed for the Philippians and knowing that he prayed for such things as God had absolutely promised thus manifesteth his stedfast faith Phil. 1. 6. I am confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good worke in you Rom. 1. 10. will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ 15. 32. But when he desired to come to the Romans he referred that matter to the will of God to be ordered therein as it should seeme good to God 2. Sam. 15. 25 26 So did Dauid in his desire of returning to his kingdome and to the Tabernacle and Arke of God when by the treason of Absolom he was forced from all Concerning the Petitions of the Lords Prayer they are most of them absolutely promised euen all of them but the fourth 1. For hallowing Gods Name God himselfe hath said I haue both glorified my Name and will glorifie it Ioh. 12. 28. 2. For the comming of his kingdome Christ hath said The gates of hell shall not preuaile against my Church Mat. 16. 18. 3. For doing his will this is a branch of the new Couenant which by Christs death is made absolute Ier. 31. 33. I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts Ezâ—k 36. 27. And againe I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my Statutes and you shall keepe my iudgements and do them 5. For pardoning sinne this is another branch of the foresaid new Couenant Ier. 31. 34. I will forgiue their iniquitie and I will remember their sinne no more 6. For not leading into temptation but deliuering from euill the Apostle saith 1. Cor. 10. 13. God will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you are able but will with the temptation make a way to escape 4. For daily bread Phil. 4. 12. God can instruct vs both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need Yea he can so giue and so take away as to minister thereby to his Saints matter of blessing him Iob 1. 21. as Iob did Well therefore may we say Amen to all the Petitions of the Lords Prayer to those fiue which are of blessings absolutely promised with an
to man 154 Confession of sin to God 155 Auticular Confession 133. 153 CONTENT See Needfull Content with that which is preseÌ„t 111 COVETOVS Couetousnesse 106 D DAily bread What ment thereby 104 Daily need 111 Sin Daily committed 131 Duties thence arising 131 DEATH Death how prayed for 265 DEBTES See Sinnes Kinds of Debts 127 Wofulnesse of the Debt of sinne 135 Many Debtes wherein man stands bound to God 142 Duties thence arising 143 Gods discharge of mans Debt 145 Man vnable to discharge this Debt to God 147 Kindes of Debts to men 174 Man to forgiue his owne debters 180 All sorts of them 178 Debts may be required 188 DELIVER Deliuerance from euill manifold 249 God onely deliuerer 251 Depart from right 177 DEPRECATION to bee added to Petition 203 DEFER Danger of Deferring repentance seeking pardon 112 DIVELL See Satan E ETERNALL VVHat things are Eternall 303 Eternity diuersly taken 304 Duties due to the Eternall 307 Eternity of God a ground of faith 316 320 EVILL Euill to be ouercome with goodnesse 165 Euill to be prayed against 204. 247 Euill to what extended 246 The Euill in euery thing to bee obserued 232 The Diuell an Euill one 249 From Euil deliuered many waies 249 Graces for deliuerance from Euil 264 EXCELLENCY See Glory Excellency of God 295. c. Excellency maketh God praise-worthy 327 F FAITH FAith and Feare mixed 8 Faith grounded on Gods power and will 315. 318 Faith supported by Gods vnchangeable eternity 316 Faith vpheld by Gods being our king 317 What in Faith may bee expected by prayer 337 Fallen recouered 250 FATHER In what respects God is stiled a Father 10 Instructions arising from Gods Father-hood 11 The Dignity and Duty of those whose Father God is 13. 14. 19. 20. Benefits of Gods Father-hood 16 FORGIVE Forgiue one another 163 Forgiuenes vsefull necessary difficult rare 166. c. Forgiue presently 169 Forgiue againe and againe 171 Saints most bound to Forgiue 172 Man must Forgiue all sorts of debts to himselfe 178 Man must Forgiue his owne debters 180 True and vnfained Forgiuenesse 183 Free Forgiuenesse 184 Forgiuenesse to be offered 185 Full Forgiuenesse 186 Forgiuenesse how manifested 187 Our Forgiuing giueth assurance of Gods Forgiuing vs. 198 Graces which make men Forgiue 216 222 Meanes of Gods Forgiuing vs. 218. 2â—1 After Forgiuenes man prone to sin 255 G GLORY See Hallow GLory What it is 295 Glory of God incomprehensible 295 Glory of God how manifested 296 Glory how proper to God 297 Glory how giuen to or taken from God 298 Duties due to Gods Glorie 299 How others brought to Glorifie God 301 Who to set out Gods Glory 302 Enemies of Gods Glory 303 How Gods Glory setleth the soule for obtaining her desire 315. 319 GOD. Gods goodnesse and greatnesse ioyntly considered 8 Gods Impartiality 18 How God is in Heauen 22 Directions thence arising for prayer 25. c. Gods Name See Name 31. c. God makes himselfe knowne 33 Gods Honour See Honour 38 Gods Kingdome See Kingdome 48 God giueth temporall things 107 Vses thence arising 108 Gods Prerogatiue to pardon sin 152 Gods patterne a motiue to shew mercy 193 How God leads into temptation 233 God no Author of Sinne. 235 Gods ouer-ruling power in Temptation 238 God to be depended on for all things 258 Gods Attributes proper to himself 285 God hath all at command 286 Gods Power See Power Gods Glory See Glory Gods Eternity See Eternall Gods Immutability See Immutable God to be praised See Praise GOOD Good to be well done 80 Goodnesse ouercometh Euill 165 Goodnesse of God maketh him praise-worthy 329 H HALLOVV See Glory HAllowing Gods Name 34 Man vnable thereto 36 Graces fit to Hallow Gods Name 42. c. Duties by reason thereof 45 Vices contrary thereto 47 Best meanes fittest persons to Hallow it 55 HEAVEN How God is in Heauen 22 Directions from Gods beeing in Heauen for prayer 25. c. Saints in Heauen a patterne of patience 79 Holinesse excellent 35 I IMprouidence Sundry branches thereof 123 Imputation of Christs actiue righteousnesse 128 IMMVTABLE What is Immutable 308 Kinds of Immutability 309 Difference betwixt Immutability of God and of Creatures 311 Duties due to Gods Immutability 312 Immutability of God a ground of Faith 316. 320 Indulgences Popish 133 Ingratitude an odious sinne Cause of many Iudgements 325. 326 IVSTICE Iustice and mercy meete in God 145 Iustification before Sactification 211 K KIndnesse of God maketh him praise-worthy 329 KINGDOME See Church Kingdome of God What it is 48 The Kindes thereof 49 Kingdome of Grace and Glory 50 Kingdome of God vniuersall 286 God onely King 287 Duties due to God as he is King 288 Kingdome of God workes confidence in prayer 313. 317 KNOVVLEDGE Knowledge of God 42 Why God is made Knowne 33 Prayer in a knowne tongue 332 L LAw how to be waged and vsed 190 Life of man for Gods glory 113 Lords Prayer See Prayer M MAgistrates how they may punish wrongs done to others to themselues 192 Manner of doing good 80 Manner of doing Gods will 89 MERCY Mercy and Iustice meete together in God 145 Mercy of God to bee answered with duty 256 Mercies of God make him Praiseâ—-worthy 329 MERIT Merit of Condignity and Congruity 158 MORTALL Euery sinne Mortall 136 Distinction of Mortall and veniall sins discussed 137 Duties because euery sin is Mortall 141 N NAME NAme of God What it is 31 Name of God how hallowed 34 See HALLOVV NEEDFVLL What may be accounted Needfull 105 No more then Needfull to be desired 105 O OBEDIENCE OBedience ruled by Gods will 73 P. PARDONS See Forgiue DAnger of neglecting to seek Pardon of sinne 134 Gods free and full Pardon 145 156 Free Pardon stands with Christs satisfaction 146 Sinne Pardonable 151 Pardon of sinne proper to God 152 Popish Pardons 153 Pardon to be sought of God 155 Comfort of Gods free and full Pardon 159 Pardon of our owne and others sinnes to be prayed for 161 Pardon how recalled 167 Pardon of sinne makes the things of this world blessings 210 Graces requisire to get pardon of our owne finnes 213 And pardon of others sinnes 215 Duties for obtaining pardon 221 Patience of Saints in heauen 79 Patterne must be perfect 81 How a perfect patterne may bee followed 78 Gods patterne a motiue 193 Perfection to be aimed at 82 POWER Power of God what it is and how large 289 Power in God absolute actuall 291 What things God cannot doe 290 How power proper to God 292 Duties due to God by reason of his power 293 Power of God causeth much comfort 294 Power of God strengtheneth faith in Prayer 314. c. PRAYER Excellencie of the Lords Prayer 1 c The Lords Prayer may be vsed 3 4. Mutuall participation of one anothers Prayers 21 Prayer to bee made for men on earth 77 Prayer to be made for our selues especially 109 And for our owne good 112 Prayer for pardon of our owne and others sinnes 161