and expedient Extended over all creatures whatsoever life and death heaven and hell that hath the keyes of both time and eternity Paradise and hell and will doe as he please shutteth and no man openeth openeth and no man shutteth giveth life or taketh but referreth all to his glory 8. What is that glory The scope and end of all things in the manifestation of his power and excellency of his Kingdome proposed 1. By God himselfe to all his actions of mercy justice 2. To men that they should seek it 3. To Angels and Saints eternally to desire and doe and sing it 4. To the Divells and worst creatures that though unwillingly in their misery shall shew it and in his justice be made spectacles of his glory and so we see to which end all things are and shall be referred 9. Wherein his glory most seen 1. In his creatures heaven and heaven of heavens Sun and stars that he ordained Men his Image c. Angels his glorious Courtiers c. 2. In his actions of creation redemption governance c. Mercies to all that desire them Benefits to all creatures especially Men and Angels Wisdome truth justice c. 3. In his house or Church in 1. Earth where his graces praises c. 2. Heaven where Saints and Angels perpetually his glorious servants and delight in setting forth his glory 10. How the eternity In that all other Kingdomes and Empires have their periods and ends as the heavens their revolutions but Gods Kingdome no end all other power is limited Kings nor Tyrants whose breath is in their nostrills their hearts and all in Gods hand can doe but what he appointeth nay the very Divell is herein limited that else would as a roaring Lyon be a more terrible Dragon and destroyer onely Gods power is without limit of time or coertion bounded only by his holy and good will and pleasure and to eternity and all earthly glory and beauty is fraile and mortall like that of the lillies or flower of the field though in Solomon and his royalty and shall have end yea the heavens and Sunne and Moone as they were create though of long continuance at last will perish They wax old as doth a garment but his glory in the heaven and in his servants that attend it are to endure for ever and so in his presence is fulnessesse of joy life and power kingdome and glory for evermore 11. How the certainty of it In the truth and consistency of this being who is I am who was who is and who is to come blessed for ever who is true and the truth even eternall truth and fountaine of life and of truth and so kingdome power and glory is truly and for ever his the Divell did say of the power and glory of the kingdomes of the world that they were his and he would give them but he was a lyar and that not the truth but all earthly glory power kingdome and dominion is from God and truly his and heavenly kingdome power and glory more appropriated to him and his as more fitting the Majesty of his glory and thus certainly a King powerfull and glorious holy and blessed for ever 12. How is this ascribed By all good inen Saints and Angels by the tongues of all creatures in their kindes The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth c. So the Sunne and Moone hoasts of heaven showres and dewes earth and seas and all things praise and magnifie him for ever but most especially all spirits and soules of the righteous and all holy and humble men of heart and his servants shew his glory and confesse that his is Kingdome power and glory for ever 13. What doth this teach Princes To remember to whom they owe a tribute of praise who hath given them that high estate who is absolute King of Glory and Lord of Hoasts and their Lord as King of Kings and Lord of all lords and so to doe according to his will exalt his honour follow his Law which will bee their honour and happinesse when they come to render an account of their stewardship and Kingdome to him that is their Lord Paramount and King for ever 14. What to Magistrates To remember of whom they and all Kings have that power and from whom and to what end derived unto them so to use their power so committed to them to his glory who gave or sent it them remembring also their accounts that they must make of their power and authority to him that is King of eternall power and glory 15. What to any other of high condition To remember from whom they have all their glory and high estate and so to use it as to his glory and praise him for it who is the King of glory and hath ordained all things for and to the same 16. What to all other the faithfull To erect and raise up their mindes and cogitations to heaven where they have such a Father who hath all Kingdome and Empire Power Majesty and Glory at his dispose and in his hand yea most eminently in his person for ever to whom all earthly Kings and Emperours compared are but wormes and their greatest glory to be his servants and vassalls in whose service also who most humble most honourable and so to consider the excellent dignity of the Sonnes of God to the despising and contemning of all earthly things as but clay and durt and drosse in comparison of this 17. What else learne you out of this conclusion The summe of the Lords Prayer and our desires briefly recollected and recommended to us in this close and words of the same 18. How is that observed 1. The Preface Our Father which art in heaven signified in the eternity and certainty of his Kingdome power and glory 2. The first Petition his name hallowed by this setting forth his praise and excellency of his glory 3. The second Petition his Kingdome come in the acknowledgement here of his eternall Kingdome 4. The third Petition his will be done by his Almighty power both now and for ever 5. The fourth Petition for our good comprehended in his glory for which and to which referred they ought to be desired and not else to the confidence and assurance of all of them asked in faith in the last word Amen 19. What or whence the ground of our confidence Manifested partly in the Preface and more fully in the conclusion and so most amply in both joyned together well considered here included or as I. In the Preface Our Father which art in heaven his love mercy and compassion His eternall Majesty and eminencie II. In the conclusion our Father his 1. Kingdome and dominion over all 2. Power ruling and governing all 3. Glory to it guiding and directing all 4. Eternity the happinesse of all 5. Certainty and truth that is Amen 20. How is Amen understood Either as a 1. Nowne the truth it selfe and so God and Gods word who is Yea
and Anen 2. Verbe so his actions that are done in truth and his fiat or Amen was the foundation of all creatures 3. Adverbe so it signifies certainly or without end or doubt and so are all his words and truth and such and hence our confidence 21. How is Amen used Either for 1. Wishing as usually in prayer Amen fiat 2. Confirmation or ratification as Gal. 1. 20. 3. Usuall affirmation single in speech Amen I say c. 4. Asseveration doubled as Amen Amen dico vobis even almost to oath Jo. 16. 23. 5. Consent as in many prayers praises in the Church 1 Cor. 14. 16. c. used by the people 22. How here used In any of these present respects as in 1. Our confession of praise and consent to the praises of God 2. Our affirmation or asseveration of his glory and our duty 3. Our wishing and hearty desiring our prayers to be heard 4. Our ratification of our vowes and thanksgiving and confirmation of our faith 23. For what may it serve us then 1. To confirme us in the faith and confidence we should pray with 2. To comfort us in assurance of the promises of God and truth of them 3. To Convince and 4. To condemne us if as gracelesse ones we pray unfaithfully Hypocrites wee pray but dissemblingly 24. In what may we then be assured or confirmed in this faith and confidence 1. In God who hath commanded us to pray and offer this sacrifice of praise 2. In the promises of God assuring us to bee heard if we pray faithfully 3. In the testimony of a good conscience that we pray as we ought faithfully and charitably 4. In the holy Spirit who witnesseth with our spirits and maketh us truly say Abba Father 5. In Christ in whom the promises of God are Yea and Amen and in whom as we say Father at first we may here also most confidently say Amen 25. What followeth in the Catechisme The question concerning the sum and substance of the Lords Prayer SECT 8. The thirteenth Question The summe of the Lords Prayer and all the parts thereof and petitions before rehearsed epitomized and hereby paralelled with the answer to the thirteenth Question As else the preface both severally and other petitions explained In the first petition hallowing Gods name The second petition thy Kingdome come in all the parts and branches thereof and 3. Petition Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven so likewise explicated as the fourth petition for our daily bread and â— Petition for forgivenesse of our sinnes as we forgive others and the 6. Petition for deliverance from temptation and all evill as those before with the conclusion and the whole doctrine in them comprised thus epitomized and explaned An other manner of exposition of the same by some propounded wherein the seven deadly sins in the seven Petitions so by them numbred prayed against and the opposite virtues desired though rather in very deed in every of the petitions are all the said vices and vertues and all others whatsoever plainly deprecated or desired 1. VVHat desirest thou of God in this Prayer I desire my Lord God our heavenly Father who is c. 2. What is here in these words contained An exposition by way of paraphrase of the Lords Prayer and so if we marke it we may find all the parts and petitions of it delivered and expressed in other words a little more at large for our better understanding of the sense and meaning of the same 3. How then shew you the parts and petitions of it particularly 1. The Preface of our Father which art in heaven in these words I desire my Lord God our heavenly Father who is the giver of all goodnesse 2. The first Petition Hallowed be thy name The second Petition Thy Kingdome come The third Petition Thy will be done c. That he will send his grace to me and to all people that we may worship him hallowing his name Serve him in his Kingdome Obey him as we ought according to his will 3. The fourth petition And give us this day our daily bread in these words That he will send us all things necessary both for our soules and bodies 4. The fifth petition To forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them c. in this That he will be mercifull unto us and forgive us our sinnes 5. The sixth petition Not to lead us into temptation but to deliver us from evill in these words That it may please him to save and defend us from all dangers ghostly and bodily and from all sin and wickednesse from our ghostly enemy and from everlasting death 6. The conclusion For thine is the Kingdome power and glory for ever and ever Amen in these words And this I trust hee will doe of his mercy and goodnesse in Jesus Christ our Lord and therefore I say Amen So be it 4. And how doe you more particularly shew the full exposition thereof By considering the substance of what is intimated or expressed in the severall parts and petitions aforesaid 5. How in the Preface In the confession of the great mercy love and compassion of our Father as well as his Majesty and glory in the heavens whither we are to elevate our soules and eyes considering our wants and miseries here on earth and so we say and confesse Him 1. Father of mercy and consolation and fountain of goodnesse Light and Spirits and so of our spirits 2. Our father in Jesus Christ and our loving and mercifull God 3. Who is now and for ever the same Alpha and Omega the first and last 4. In heaven the Throne of his glory by his powerfull presence glorious Majesty The Kingdome of his Church by his graces The hearts of the faithfull by his holy Spirit And thus wee confesse him giver of all goodnesse and elevating our eyes and mindes to heaven say Wee have lifted up our eyes unto the hills from whence commeth our help and to thee that dwellest in the heavens in majesty power and glory most gracious God and our loving father which art in heaven 6. How in the first Petition 1. In our confession of Gods goodnesse Thy name is worthy to receive all honour O thou holy one of Israel and holiest of all holies Our duty and it is fit O Lord wee should set forth thy praise and ever be telling of thy glory and sanctifying thy name Our neglect yet O Lord we have not honoured thee as we ought but rather many wayes prophaned thy most holy name and word and other means of our good Lord we bewaile and give us grace truly to lament our sinnes negligences and offences 2. In our requests our petition and intercessions Lord let thy name bee hallowed by us and all people more conscionably in our lives and all our actions that our tongues may shew forth thy praise and wondrous works and that we may ever be doing good and giving of thankes 3. In our deprecation
O Lord take evill out of our wayes and remove all lying lips and deceitfull tongues and keep us from blasphemy and all cursed speaking and whatsoever may polute us or prophane thy holy and sacred Name that ought to be sanctified 4. In our thanksgiving for all graces reeceived so O Lord we remember those blessings bestowed on our souls that we doe desire thy glory or in any measure performe the same Others that O Lord many on earth doe with us sanctifie thy Name shewing thy praise and so consort with those holy Quires in the heaven that doe ever sing thy honour Our blessed hope of continuance for ever in that holy course of sanctifying thy name and that confidence of that thy grace 7. How in the second Petition 1. In our confession of Gods glory Thy kingdome O Lord is an everlasting Kingdome and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages and thou O Lord art King for evermore Our duty it is meet O Lord that wee should desire thy glory and advancement of thy Kingdome Our neglect but in stead thereof wee have neglected our duty and in too many things we lament our misdeeds rather promoted the kingdome of Satan 2. In our petition and intercession of us all that thy kingdome may come both by us and all people thy kingdome may bee desired and promoted and that thou wilt 1. Governe thy universall kingdome to thy glory and in the same erect 2. Enlarge and confirme thy kingdome of grace and thereby also 3. Perfect and hasten thy kingdome of glory for the good of us and all Saints 3. In our deprecation that O Lord thou wilt bee pleased to remove all impediments of thy kingdome in us and all others and destroy the kingdome of Satan and Antichrist 4. Thanksgiving for the 1. The advancement of thy kingdome O Lord both in thy universall government and guiding all things to thy glory and particularly in thy kingdome of grace for thy erecting increasing and restoring the kingdome of Christ and the Gospel 2. The blessed hope wee have of thy everlasting kingdome of glory in the heavens 8. How in the third Petition 1. In our confession of Gods great power and authority that thy will O Lord is the perfect rule of all right cousnesse and goodnesse and so worthy to be obeyed by all as for thy wills sake they had a being and all things are and were created Our duty that it is just and meet that we and all creatures should obey thy will and conforme our selves unto it In our defects that we have been too negligent and disobedient children and have gone astray from our mothers womb it is too apparant and we lament the same 2. In our requests and intercession for our selves and others Lord let thy secret will be done according to thy good pleasure and thy revealed will so likewise by us and all creatures with ready cheerfull and willing obedience here on earth as it is in heaven 3. Deprecation Remove O Lord all obstacles both of our stubborne and uncircumcised hearts and whatsoever is displeasing to thee either in us or the world as all sinne and disobedience 4. Thanksgiving for our selves and that measure of obedience which wee are enabled unto and for thy will accomplished in us for our good Others in the like sort that doe thy will or patiently suffer the same and that thy Saints doe it jo fully Our hope and assurance that it shall be fulfilled by us and in us to our comforts though lesse perspicuously here yet more perfectly hereafter in heaven 9. How in the fourth Petition 1. In our confession of 1. Gods bounty That thou O Lord openest thy hand and fillest all things living with good feedest the hungry the Lions and young Ravens that call upon thee clothest the Lillies and refreshest all things with thy goodnesse 2. Our duty to looke up to thee the spring of all comfort and fountaine of living waters 3. Our neglect that O Lord wee have been too neglective and undutifull we have not herein honoured thee wee have fallen from thee trusted to our strength and arme of flesh and uncertaine riches we bewaile our foolishnesse and offences II. In our request or petition and intercession for all other our necessities Give us this day our daily bread all necessaries for this life yea comfort both of body and soul spirituall and temporall food and blessings with comfort to eate our bread III. Deprecation of evill and famine O Lord to keep us from hunger and want from plague pestilence and famine from battell and murder and from sudden death and all other misery and wayes of the destroyer IV. Thankesgiving 1. For ourselves and others the peace plenty and prosperity wee enjoy our daily food and comforts received both temporall and spirituall of our souls and bodies 2. For our hope and assurance of his favour and continuance of all blessings that O Lord we and all that are thine may bee sure wee shall want no manner of thing that is good for body or soul and we doe therefore praise thee and will ever sing of thy mercies 10. How in the fifth Petition 1. Confession of Gods mercy That there is mercy with thee O Lord and plenteous redemption and therefore thou shalt be feared and thou O Lord onely canst absolutely forgive sinnes 2. Confession of our duty that we should flye to the shadow of thy wings for mercy to cover our transgressions and wee ought to forgive our enemies 3. Our neglects that 1. O Lord we have gone astray every way from thee and have not hearkened to thy law and we are miserable sinners 2. Our neglects that we have not sought thee or thy mercies betimes we have not repented as we ought we lament both our sinnes and unrepentance 3. Our neglects that wee have not been mercifull as wee ought to bee the better assured and prepared for mercy c. II. In our request and intercession Lord forgive us our trespasses our sinnes and ignorances our infirmities and presumptions our unrepentant and unmercifull behaviour as we desire that wee may have thy graces more freely hereafter to performe these things and so O Lord make us to forgive others that we may be forgiven III. Deprecation Take from us O Lord our hard and stony hearts and give us hearts of flesh that we may obey thee repent us of our sinnes and forgive others as wee hope for forgivenesse from thee remove sinne and all obstacles of mercy or penitence all unmercifulnesse and impenitence IV. Thanksgiving 1. For Gods mercies that thou O Lord art so ready to forgive more then we to ask 2. For his grace that hee hath promised and assured us his mercies in Christ and hath so forgiven sealed to us his forgivnes of our many misdeeds 3. For that measure of grace and repentance give us to fly from sin desire repentance shew mercy 4. For our hope and assurance of his mercies to our selves and others and all graces
effects of the same 10. How is the Spirit of God so called Of his secret and hidden originall and proceeding as well as actions and operations in the hearts of the faithfull How in particular 1. Of his spirituall nature incorporeall and invisible spiration and secret proceeding from the Father and Son 2. Equality with Father and Son so as God a Spirit 3. Spiration and secret operation of graces in the Church 11. How called Gods Spirit As proceeding from the Father and the Sonne their holy power and vertue 12. How called holy Spirit 1. Of his originall the holy Father and the Sonne 2. Being himselfe Holy God and Holy One of Israel 3. Operations Sanctifying the Church Working all holy motions in the heart of the faithfull 13. How is his manner of existence in the Trinity As in blessed Athanasius Creed expressed not made or created nor begotten but proceeding by internall spiration from the Father his love to the Son and from the Son his love to the Father eternall with them and from both the love proceeding to the comfort and conservation of all things this good and loving Spirit of God 14. VVhat is his order in the Trinity Though in the Trinity in essence power or eternity none be afore or after other none greater or lesse then another but all three persons coeternall and coequall yet in order the Father is first from eternity producing the Son the Son second from eternity begotten in that eternall generation and the holy Ghost the third in order as eternally proceeding from both 15. VVhat is his personall propriety Proceeding from them and so distinguished from both for the holy Spirit onely is proceeding and not either Father or Son as the Son onely begotten and not the Father nor Spirit though all the three indifferently and equally named and said to be God and Lord uncreate invisible and all other the like attributes 16. VVhat are the actions of the Spirit Especially attributed to him as to his office and person the comfort renewing sanctification and conservation of all things by and in Scriptures testified as Job 38. 4. The Spirit of the Lord hath made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life So Gen. 1. The Spirit of the Lord moved on the waters and God breathed into man a living soule Exod. 31. 3. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisedome c. Psal. 51. 11. Take not thy holy Spirit from me and verse 12. Stablish me with thy free Spirit Psal. 104. 30. If thousend forth thy Spirit they are created so thou renewest the face of the earth Esa. 11. 2. The Spirit of the Lord is upon him the Spirit of wisedome c. and Esa. 61. 10. The Spirt of the Lord is upon me as recited Luke 4. 18. and so most abundantly in the New Testament 17. How there showne As the gifts and graces of God by that Spirit are said bestowed upon the Church and faithfull in Christ 1 Cor. 12. and plentifully else As 2. Tim. 3. 16. Scriptures by inspiration of the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 12. Holy men moved by the Spirit of God Rom. 8. 15. By that Spirit to cry Abba Father and Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit witnesseth with our spirit that sons c. Iohn 3. 3. Except regenerate of water and the holy Ghost not see the kingdome of God Mat. 3. 11. Where Christ is said Baptizing with the holy Ghost and being baptized the holy Ghost visibly descended c. As also in the Acts and many like places 18. How is comfort attributed As he is called the Comforter and sanctification attributed as the holy Spirit or sanctifier also teaching illumination and the like Iohn 14. 26. and 15. 26. and 16. 7. c. where the holy Spirit the Comforter shall teach them all things and lead them into all truth and bring all things to their remembrance and shew them all things to come 19. But are not these things from the Father also Yes from the Father in the Son but by the dispensation of the holy Spirit and attributed more particularly to him as the Comforter in respect of their end the comfort and sanctification of the Church by all saving graces when else in respect of the power and originall it is true Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa All three persons jointly produce these holy actions 20. What is the holy Ghost then in briefe The third person in Trinity proceeding from the Father and Son distinct in person but one in essence and coequall with them in substance eternity majesty and glory 21. What his office To effect the workes of God in his creatures and to bestow his gifts on them and especially to sanctifie the elect to eternall life 22. What are those gifts Divers according to the good working of that holy Spirit as well in regard of diversitie of times and other occasions and circumstances as persons 23. How in regard of the persons Either particular to the elect as the adoption and confirmation thereof in sanctification and other saving graces to salvation Or common to others also as knowledge power to doe excellent things yea with show of some sanctification as members of the visible Church though else reprobates found at last as seene in very Iudas and divers others 24. How in regard of the times or other circumstances Some ordinary in the Church at all times and common to all the faithfull as saving graces illumination holinesse sanctification Others extraordinary as in primitive times and else as it were in stablishing and confirmation of the faith then new planted or preached as the gifts of healing miracles tongues and such like 25. How is the Spirit given From the Father and the Sonne Joh. 14. 26. or from the Father by the Son Iohn 15. 26. 26. How is the name of the Spirit of God taken For the Spirit himselfe illuminating comforting and sanctifying the faithfull and sometimes for the gifts of the same Spirit shed into the hearts of those vessels of grace 27. Is it necessary to have the holy Ghost Yes for except we bee borne againe of water and the Spirit wee cannot inherit the kingdome of God Ioh. 3. 5. and that Spirit beareth us witnesse we are the children of God and in him only we cry Abba Father Rom. 8. 15. and without that Spirit flesh and bloud cannot inherit the kingdome of God 1 Cor. 15. 50. 28. By what meanes is the holy Ghost attained The ordinary meanes the ministry of the word use of the Sacraments frequent and fervent praier Extraordinary the good occasions offered at the pleasure of God 29. How is that holy Spirit retained By the same meanes that attained with meditation and godly care not to offend that good Spirit or neglect his graces 30. Can the Spirit of God be taken away The Spirit of adoption and regeneration is never wholly taken away from the elect though the operation sometimes eclipsed to the eye and
originall fountaine of life living of himselfe and undependently and so giving all things else their life and being 43. How doth the body live By vertue of the soule and her union with it and so by the power and operation of the same 44. What is eternity A duration and continuance or enduring without beginning or end or both 45. How explaine you this Eternity or such enduring is considered First either simply and absolutely without beginning or end and so only God absolutely eternall and inhabiting eternity 2. In part as the Schooles speake either a part ante without beginning but having end so Gods decrees from eternity either without beginning but ending in his workes or a part post having beginning but without end so the eternity of Angells and soules that by creation had beginning but by Gods grace and goodnesse continuing them shall never have end this is also called eviternity and thus all eternity is contra distinguished to time 46. In what manner As eternity absolute hath neither beginning nor end so God eternall Eviternity hath beginning but no end so Angels and Soules Time hath both beginning and end so this world and all temporall things and thus all continuance is usually distinguished 47. What is eternall life then The fulnesse of joy and comforts of life in the presence of God that shall never have end 48. How more largely The union of body and soule as the resurrection of the just to that end to be united unto God and have the fruition of the glorious God head enlightning and inhabiting those that are his for ever so making them to dwell with him in whose presence is fulnesse of joy and life for evermore 49. How is this else called Happinesse and blessednesse eternall as therein enjoying the fruits and comforts of that everlasting life 50. Js this also the life of Angels It is whose onely blessednesse and chiefe delight is in contemplation and fruition of the glory beauty and majesty of God then which there can be no greater joy or happinesse 51. How so Because in him is all goodnesse even in the fountaine all goodnesse else but a few dispersed sparkes of that eternall light or a drop of that Ocean wherein onely is plenitude to the satisfying of all desires of what goodnesse soever 52. How is eternall life else taken Sometimes in the Scripture for the meanes and beginning of this in the kingdome of Grace as it is said to Christ to whom shall we goe thou hast the words of eternall life and this is eternall life to know thee and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ. 53. How is this eternall life As it is the union of the soule to God by grace though imperfectly yet receiving the comforts of life from him by the influence of his holy Spirit bringing joy and unspeakable blessings and peace to the same 54. How manifold is eternall life then Twofold either inchoate in this life in the kingdome of grace Or consummate as aforesaid in the kingdome of glory And this is also twofold or in two degrees 55. Which are they 1. Either in that part onely the soule as that is united to God and enjoying happinesse with him when the soules of the just depart hence in the Lord. 2. Or in body and soule most fully as shall bee after the generall resurrection and so principally here intended 56. What the parts of this life and blessednesse The divine and blessed living of the soule and body when joyned together in the presence of God and union with him enjoying the fulnesse of all that is called goodnesse as both joy and pleasure riches health liberty honour glory and all these absolute and entire not mixed with any grief or any other inconvenience as worldly things but perfect according to the perfection and excellence of the person place and giver 57. And how this estate expressed else in holy Scripture By many comfortable phrases and figures expressing the joy honour glory comforts or blessings there as said to be and remaine With God and in God in the Lord. In the hand of God in his presence In heaven in eternall rest and peace In Paradise in Abrahams bosome In joy blessednes as here in life everlasting 57. But is not life everlasting to the wicked No for their estate is not properly a life as wanting all joy comforts and fruits of life but a death or continuall dying in paine and torments and so if at any time said to live it is with addition of everlasting torments or to live in everlasting chaines of darknesse with the Divell and his Angels or the like whereby signifying an eternall dying life or living death and in that respect most properly termed everlasting death 58. Why is not this their estate expressed also in the Creed Because this is here intended as a symboll of their faith so penned for the comfort of the just and to remember them of their hope and happinesse and stirre them up to godlinesse leaving the others to the hand of God whose estate yet may hence be plainly gathered and also is in St. Athanasius Creed some others more fully expressed 59. What learne we hence Many good duties as in our Christian calling so to order our lives and conversation as alwayes having an eye to this blessed hope Remembring this end without end Breaking off sinne betimes since no uncleane thing may enter here Striving to enter the strait gate of vertue leadign to eternity leaving the broad way of the world Taking joy in things that shall yeeld everlasting joy Desiring praying longing for it c. 60. Why is Amen added To shew the certainty assurance and confidence we have as well as our owne consent to this faith 61. VVhat signifieth it Verily certainly or undoubtedly or as it is else usually rendred So be it 62. What meane you then by it That we doe beleeve and confesse Not onely in word professing but from the very heart Not wavering but certainly without doubting Not as though it were in our owne power but craving helpe and strengthning of our faith from the hand of God 63. But how should Amen bee added since it is no prayer 1. Either as the last Article signifies those priviledges of the Church whereunto all faithfull soules aspire and so in that aspiration say Amen 2. Or as we generally confesse the certainty of it and our submission of soule to this faith and the will and truth of God 3. Or in particular we intimate our prayers for this or some other thing for our owne good and the Church of God 64. For what things For faith as Lord give us true faith For encrease of our faith as Lord encrease our faith For helpe and comfort Lord helpe our unbeleefe For defence Lord defend us and all professors of this faith Or the like holy aspiration to heaven and heavenly things in the meditation and confession of this faith 65. But doe not they abuse it
either our necessities require or Gods blessings invite every day houre minute of time yeelding some new blessing or it selfe a blessing in the enjoying a longer time of grace and so such imitation 6. Fideliter fidenter in true saith with love unsained and sure confidence reposing our trust in God without waving or doubting as Saint James speaketh 7. Presenter as knowing or considering with the Philosopher the present time is only ours and delay breeds danger and here is no delaying or dallying with God in this to be used for true it is Nescis quid serus vesper ferat qui non est hodie cras minus aptus erat as true in this 8. Perseveranter with all constancie and patienc waiting the Lords seisure and never weary of weldoing remembring the widow importunity prevailing with the unjust Judge as much more we with the most good God 9. Practice and thus as perseveringly even to pray continually not only the vicissitude of frequent confession in humility fervent prayer in true faith pious intercession in unfaigned charity and praise and thanksgiving in duty and gratitude a forcible kinde of prayer to pull downe new blessings each taking their turns in a constant and continued course but such gracious speech of the tongue seconding the humble desires of the heart and both seconded by a godly course of life best fitting a devout Christian as the good life of the Preacher may seeme a continuall Sermon so this godly life of a good Christian in this course may seeme a continuall prayer from which directions how great abundance of holy meditations and helpes to devotion all incentives to this divine duty will arise may plainly appeare What followeth in speciall to be considered The Lords prayer as an absolute platforme of true prayer the Preface and other parts of it SECT 3. Of the Lords Prayer in particular and the Preface thereof and that fitly in the words or forme of the Lords prayer or any part of its the Analysis of the same prayer and first of the Preface of it how is our Father and what sons he hath with the comfort that we have of such his being our Father more then in any other title or respect and what use we should make of it in our well living hom he is said ours and in what respect so by us in our prayers to be named viz. to minde us to pray for the generall good of all our brethren why it is said in heaven to minde us of our owne low estate and his excellent Majesty so to elevate our eyes and soules to his Throne of glory Whence we hope for and expect all our helps and supply from him who though on earth and in all places most gloriously there raigning with our greatest joy and comfort if we be truly his why we ought to pray and not neglect it how in this Preface the holy Trinity in mâ—â—ed or to be understood 1. IS it fit to pray in the very words of the Lords Prayer It is very convenient and being rightly understood there cannot be conceived better that if all the wise men in the world had consented together a more absolute frame could not be contrived nor uttered with humane wisdome and therefore well worthy to be used and if God be pleased with us for his sake his words also may well be deemed acceptable especially when we present our selves in his merits and our minde in his words 2. But may we not alter them 3. Not in substance but in circumstance or manner to expresse more in particular our necessities or desires which there in generall are contained 3. May we not pray the effect of any one petition by it selfe Yes if our necessities so require and though in more ample illustration yet the same in effect for if opposite or besides the matter there expressed in briefe it cannot be right or accepted and so having used our best skill to expresse our wants or desires in any particular we usually close with this as in the most perfect and assured acceptable forme that can be uttered and more acceptable how much better understood for so we pray more truly in his words and with his Spirit wherefore we ought to take the best care we may rightly to understand the same 4. What is therein contained Three parts the Preface of confession Our Father which art in heaven The Petitions for our selves and other six in number Hallowed be thy name c. The conclusion of praise and thanksgiving For thine is thy Kingdome power and glory c. 5. What is contained in the Preface I. A confession of Gods great Majesty mercy and goodnesse in that a Father our Father in heaven his throne of glory II. A confession of our owne 1. humility 2. duty 3. wants and 4. hope As we are sonnes we say our Father as we are in earth looke up to heaven up to the hills from whence commeth our helpe even to our God in his holy habitation 6. Who is here understood called Father 1. Either God according to his essence the Father of lights and so the whole Trinity may bee understood as Father of spirits and as the Sonne is called Counsellour everlasting Father and Prince of peace Isaiah 9. 6. 2. Or first Person in Trinity in relation to the Sonne and Holy Ghost and so we pray to the Father in the name of the Sonne and by the help of the Holy Ghost 7. How is God our Father Not only by creation for so are all creatures also with men and Angels But first more particularly as made sonnes in Christ his naturall Son By redemption restored By adoption acknowledged 2. Manifested sonnes by our education in his house the Church Teaching by his word and doctrine Correction by his fatherly chastisements Sanctification by his holy Spirit Inheritance of Sons in his blessing 8. What Sons hath God Both 1. generally all creatures by creation 2. Specially Princes by participation of honour and authority children called of the most High and Gods Most especially and naturally Christ by eternall generation 3. Particularly and legally all Christians by adoption in Christ and though false restored to be the Sons of God 9. What are we put in minde of by this name Father 1. Of the means wherby we are restored to favour our elder brother Christ. 2. The confidence that we may come with before him being admitted Sons 3. The love that he beareth to us whom hee accounteth so as himselfe our Father 4. The dignity and what persons we ought to be so accounted his Sons 5. The indignity we offer if we be not Sonnes or faithfull to presume and so to be assured our prayer is but sinne and we deserve a curse and not a blessing 10. Why call we him Father rather then by any other name Because a name as most truly honourable so most arguing love for though King or Judge or Prince or the like seem in common eyes more honourable titles yet
Magistrates that set forth his honour 2. All faithfull Pastors Prelates and Teachers that set forth the true faith 3. All godly Elders that governe well and give good example 4. All holy Confessors and Saints that have so set forth his glory 5. All glorious Martyrs Apostles Prophets Patriarkes and good men that have done and do their best endeavours to set forth and witnesse the truth 24. What doe you then pray for in this respect That God will be pleased to enable them with his graces more readily and cheerfully to set forth his glory as that 1. The King and Magistrate may be Carefull and zealous Prudent and Religious Just c. 2. Pastors and Prelates may be Faithfull in their places Diligent in their duty Conscionable and carefull of their charge all others may be godlily disposed according to their severall offices and duties and so to praise God for any his excellencies and graces appearing in them to the advancement of his Kingdome 25. What is opposite to this Kingdome The Divell and all his wicked agents and instruments raised up against God and his truth such 1. All evill Princes and Lawes 2. All evill Magistrates and negligent Pastors and slothfull 3. All evill and false Prophets and Idolaters 4. All evill blasphemers and 5. Generally all ungodlinesse and vanity 26. What of these That God would be pleased to overthrow root out and destroy all such as the power of the kingdome of Satan and opposite to his Kingdome 27. What in summe is there then expressed or intimated in this Petition 1. The part expressed as before shewed the 1. Petition it selfe for our selves 2. Intercession for others let thy Kingdome come for all our good II. The part intimated both a First confession of a 1. due that Gods Kingdome ought to be advanced 2. Duty from us and others that we ought so much as in us lies to advance that Kingdome 3. Defect in us and others too common to be too negligent hereof Secondly deprecation against all oppugners and opposition thereof whether in our selves or others Thirdly thanksgiving and praise 1. For the graces in us or others tending to the propagation of his Kingdome 2. For his so gracious government of us and of all things 28. How sum you up this in order 1. Confession of a 1. Due that it is most holy and just that Gods Kingdome should come and his power thereof declared 2. Duty of our selves and others that O Lord it is our duty all of us to endeavour the same and wish and seeke by all meanes to advance it 3. Defect that there is even too supine a negligence in us and others in this as well as in many other good duties II. Our petition for 1. Gods power to be shewne in advancing it 2. For our owne well disposednesse that it may be such that we may doe our best to promote it and that his Kingdome may come in us III. Our intercession for others that others may be as well disposed as we our selves and that his Kingdome may come in their hearts IV. Our deprecation that God will be pleased to pull downe all enemies of his Kingdome and all opposition and opposers with their malice and envy V. Our thanksgiving that it hath pleased him 1. So graciously to governe all things as hee doth to a good end 2. To give us grace to desire the same and to seeke it as well as many others 3. Further to assure our selves and soules of that his Kingdome so to be encreased perfected and consummate in his due time in us and others to the glory of his grace and power 29. What the third petition That Gods will may be done as readily by mee and all Gods people upon earth as by those blessed Saints and Angels in heaven where it is to be done with all joy courage and alacrity 30. What is the order of it After the desire of sanctifying Gods name and of the advancement of his Kingdome that in that Kingdom his will may be done by us and all men whereby better to be assured we are his subjects as well as those willing and ready Ministers of his Saints and Angels in heaven that his illustrious Kingdome of glory 31. What the parts The 1. Object the will of God 2. Action to be done or performed 3. Collimation of the action after the sublimed rule of Angels obedience and duty 32. What is the will of God Understood to be either his 1. Secret will which we are not to search into but he will see in due time and manner performed 2. His revealed will which is for us and other children which is required of us to be knowne and performed and so for us and our instruction revealed in his holy Word Law and Gospel a most sure and true record written for our remembrance 33. What the doing or performance of it Our holinesse in the 1. Faith knowing and beleeving it 2. Practice of good workes and obedience answerably to be thought on and proposed by us to be done as it is required at our hands by God and so herein professed obedience generally to Gods holy will and commandements and that in speciall sense as not only the actions but the heart and cogitations submitted to the performance thereof as in the last Commandement the very inmost cogitations of soule and thought to be reduced to this obedience and the love of God and thither tendeth that following collimation and direction 34. How is this that rule of direction or imitation In earth as it is in heaven understood either I. Improperly in 1. Our bodies and members that are earthly as well as in our soules and mindes that are heavenly 2. The lower parts and powers of our affections as well as higher power of will 3. Those that are yet uncalled as well as those that are called and already in the heaven of the Churches bosome and Kingdome of grace 4. In our owne selves endeavouring as in Christ to perfect the same II. Properly in earth by us that dwell in this world in the midst of many temptations and provocations to sin as well as by the inhabitants of heaven Saints and Angels free from all temptations and discouragements 35. How is it so done If as by them usually performed so we strive to doe it obeying both 1. Voluntarily which is with all our hearts willingly freely cheerfully readily without hypocrisie grudging repining murmuring griefe or delay 2. Totally endeavouring to his whole will for the matter of it manner of it every part of it so his will and not ours to the denying of our selves 3. Continually so with Constancie in our good intention Perseverance to the end and thus striving to perfection of obedience we yeeld true and sincere obedience which though in us imperfect when thus regulated by this perfect obedience and aiming at that perfection of Angels though not attaining unto it is accepted of God and so to the proportion of our ability here
us to 1. Observe and watch against the Divell world flesh and their temptations 2. To shut the corporall and spirituall eyes and senses against the baits of sinne and temptations of Satan and take heed especially of most dangerous sins as presumption despaire oblivion c. II. Of defence taking the whole armour of God Eph. 6 13. the 1. Shield of faith 2. Helmet of salvation 3. Sword of the Spirit 4. The word of God 5. Breastplate of righteousnesse c. III. Of deliverance by Christ and taken hold on by faith and effectually applied proved in true repentance and humility whereby rest and peace to the soule 14. What is here then desired All things that may confirme and strengthen us in goodnesse and to the resisting and extinguishing of evill 1. As Gods graces both preventing subsequent persevering with us to the end 2. A illumination of our spirit to discern what is good 3. As stedfastnesse of â—aith and that spirituall armour to resist temptations and evill 4. As comfort of his Spirit unto us in this life by turning evill to good unto us in humiliation of us In making us more carefull In estranging our affections from sin In privation of power to sin In preventing herein eternall death 5. Patience under the crosse c. 6. Everlasting life and blessednesse hereafter 15. What prayed against 1. Against sollicitation to sin in any degree as evill suggestion counsell consent delight c. 2. Against disertion and forsaking of God or his forsaking and leaving us 3. Against sin it selfe and the adjuncts of it oblivion of God presumption obduration despair 4. Against grievous and long afflictions and calamities 5. Against sudden death or strange and fearfull death or dangers and trialls 6. Against everlasting death and hell and our arch enemy the Divell 16. What expressed in the letter 1. The deprecation against all leading into temptation or evill 2. The Petition for deliverance from evill sin temptation 3. The intercession for others as well as our owne deliverance from evill defence against temptation 17. What intimated I. A confession of Gods power graces and free Spirit that is able ready and willing to aid us Our weaknesse and frailty ready to be tempted and overthrowne of evill Our duty to seek to him for his graces and so decline temptation and evill II. A thanksgiving and praises for 1. His graces we have had experience of Assistance in temptations and giving a happy issue to many of them 2. Many deliverances of us and others and that full deliverance the Saints enjoy 3. Our hope of full deliverance being freed from sinne hereafter in life everlasting 18. How summe you it up together in order 1. Our confession of Praises to God that he is only our Lord and Redeemer powerfull and able and willing and ready to deliver Our weaknesse that we poore creatures subject to many temptations and calamities Our duty therefore O Lord we looke to the hills whence our helpe and defence 2. Our Petition that thou O Lord wilt be a Tower of defence our Castle and defendor from temptation our deliverer from evill 3. Our intercession to him to deliver Israel from all her sinnes 4. Our deprecation against all the wicked men and instruments of the Divell temptations c. All evill remove O Lord lying lips and a deceitfull tongue and a heart that is froward all ungodlinesse and wrong all evill c. 5. Our thanksgiving and praises for our selves that have received many graces deliverances and best things as faith c. Others with us and bewayling our unfaithfulnesse and forgetfulnesse Our blessed hope of Saints that thou givest us and life everlasting promised The happinesse that thy Saints enjoy in thee O Lord eternally SECT 7. The Conclusion The conclusion with the reason and Analysis of the same wherein is shewed what is to be understood by Kingdome power and Glory so in their eminency excellency heere taught to him to bee ascribed and are now and ever shall be by all creatures most certainely to all eternity to be attributed which may teach all Kings Princes and Potentates as well as all other the aithfull and servants of God how zealously they ought to remember to set forth his glory in which conclusion the whole prayer seemes epitomized and included in assurance and confidence of which our zealous and faithfull prayers and praises as else diversly and for good respects used and here explicated as added Amen 1. VVHat is the conclusion added For thine is the Kingdome power and glory for ever and ever Amen whereby we acknowledge God both able to doe all hee will and willing to doe all for his glory which only we desire in all the Petitions and therefore in assurance to be heard in our just desires we say Amen 2. Why is it added As a very fit conclusion to prayer in the forme of praise and thanksgiving to him for so we acknowledge him the only powerfull King worthy to be praised and that there is no end of his greatnesse and honour and withall intimate our desire of his honour and that glory unto which all things are directed as to their end and it selfe without end even for ever and ever we give thanks for our and others good in it included and rejoyce in the same in that hope and assurance resting confident of his favour as our God and King as well as Father in Christ and in that desire of his glory thus conclude the thanksgiving and praises againe with prayer saying So be it 3. What herein contained A most firme reason of our faith and assurance as well as thankfulnesse drawne from 1. The object or matter ascribed Kingdome power and glory 2. The action or ascribing it Thine is the Kingdome power and the glory 3. The circumstance of the eternity of it for ever and ever certainty of it Amen 4. How a reason of our faith and assurance For that he whom we pray unto is so great and powerfull and glorious a God and King as to whom both 1. All Kingdome Power and Glory over all is due and to be ascribed 2. It is ascribed by all tongues and hearts both of men and Angels 3. It is ever and shall be acknowledged either by the good to their comfort or others to their condemnation 4. It is so certaine as truth it selfe for he hath said it that will doe it who is Yea and Amen 5. How a reason of our praise and thanksgiving Because who is more worthy to receive praise and thanksgiving then this our God whose Kingdome power and glory is so established in the heavens and whole truth endureth for ever in heaven 6. What meant by Kingdome His dominion and government absolute over and above all both generally in the world Specially over his Church in grace glory as in the second Petition more amply expressed 7. What his power His Almightinesse able to doe all that he pleaseth That we can desire That shall be good