Prayer by pleasing the Spirit of God by looking to Jesus c. Of the Conclusion Quest. 107. WHat doth the Conclusion of the Lords A. The Conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever Amen teacheth us to take our encouragement in Prayer from God only and in our Prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom Power and Glory to him and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen Q. 1. Why is the Conclusion joyned to the particle For A. To teach us that therein are included arguments or reasons to press God withal and to prevail with him for audience Q. 2. But is it lawful to argue with God and to urge him with Reasons in Prayer A. 'T is not only lawful but expedient yea highly commendable as is seen in the Sains Prayers In Moses 's Numb 14.13 And Moses said unto the Lord then the Egyptians shall hear it for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them Ver. 19. Pardon I beseech thee the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy and as thou hast forgiven this people from Egypt even until now In Ioshua 's chap. 7.7 And Ioshua said Alas O Lord God wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Iordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us would to God we had been content and dwelt on the other side Iordan Ver. 9. For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it and shall environ us round and cut off our name from the earth and what wilt thou do unto thy great name In Asa 's 2 Chron. 14.11 And Asa câ—yed unto the Lord his God and said Lord it is nothing with thee to help whether with many or with them that have no power Help us O Lord our God for we rest on thee and in thy name we go against this great multitude O Lord thou art our God let not man prevail against thee In Iehosaphat 's 2 Chron. 20.6 And said O Lord God of our fathers art not thou God in heaven and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen and in thine hand is there not power and might so that none is able to withstand thee And Hezekiahs 2 Kin. 19.15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said O Lord God of Israel which dwellest between the cherubims thou art the God even thou alone of all the kingdoms of the earth thou hast made heaven and earth Ver. 19. Now therefore O Lord our God c. Q. 3. But to what purpose can we think to prevail with God by our Arguments and Importunity A. They are not used as though we would put God in remembrance of any thing or would prevail with God to do that for us which he is unwilling to give Q. 4. Why then A. For our own profit for the enlarging of our own hearts for the exciting of our fervency for the exerting of Faith Hope Zeal Charity c. in Prayer and so to prepare our selves for the Mercy that we may the more gratefully receive it and the more fruitfully imploy it Q. 5. How many Arguments are in this Conclusion A. Three Q. 6. From whence are they taken A. From Gods Kingdom from his Law and from his Glory Q. 7. What Kingdom is here meant A. Gods universal essential and absolute Kingdom wherein may be and is involved his special Kingdom over the Church Q. 8. What are the Arguments from hence A. Because all that we can pray for in this Prayer is for the advancement and perfecting of this his Kingdom by the destruction of all persons and things that oppose it and the completion of his dominion over all his Subjects therefore he would grant all these requests Q. 9. What is another 2. Because he being such an absolute Lord and Soveraign has an undeniable Right and unquestionable Authority to give and grant all we ask and to effect and bring to pass all we beg for all persons and things are his own and at his disposal Mat. 20.15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own Q. 10. What is meant by Power A. Gods essential infinite irresistible power whereby he can do what he pleases Ps. 135.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased c. Q. 11. What is the Argument from hence A. That we ask nothing from God but what he can do with infinite ease in despite of all the opposition that Hell Earth and Heart can make to the contrary Phil. 3. ult According to the working c. Eph. 3.20 Now unto him that is able c. Q 12. What is meant by Glory A. Not his essential Glory which no Man or Angel can ever apprehend Q. 13. What Glory then A His declared and acknowledged Glory even the accomplishment of all his Decrees by his Providence and then the love the adoration and the praises the self-dedications of Angels and Saints returned to him for the same Q. 14. What is the Argument or Motive from hence A. That seeing the substance of every request does directly tend to and will perfectly end in this Glory of God when they are fully answered therefore he would gradually answer them while we are here and perfectly at last to the advancement of his Glory now and the completion of it then 1 Chron. 29.11 Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory c. Jos. 7.9 And what wilt thou do unto thy great name Isa. 42.8 I am the Lord that is my name c. Isa. 48.11 For my own sake even for my own sake will I do it c. Q. 15. Why is Amen added A. Because 't is the usual Conclusion of Prayers and Praises Psal. 41.13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel c. Psal. 72.19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever c. 2 Cor 13. ult The grace of the Lord Iesus and the love of God c. Rom. 16.20 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you Amen Q. 16. But what doth this word here signifie A. It signifies 1. the reality and ardency of our desire to be granted in what we pray for Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus Q. 17. And what besides A. Our trust and firm confidence that we shall be heard and answered in all these our requests Rev. 1.7 Even so Amen Rev. 7.12 Saying Amen Blessing and glory and wisdom c. Q. 18. What are the Inferences from hence A. That we ought to use in Prayer all such Arguments as may most and best affect our Hearts towards God excite our Graces and succeed with God Q. 19. What 's another A. That all we pray for must be in a subserviency to Gods Kingdom and with a desire of his Glory Q. 20. What is the nâ—xt A. That we must act according to our Prayers do all we can for the advancement of Gods Kingdom and the exaltation of his Glory as subjects and votaries thereto Ps. 116.16 1 Cor. 10.31 Q. 21. What may more be gathered hence A. That we ought to begin so to continue and conclude our Prayers in lowest Adorations of God and acknowledgments of his Glory and Attributes Q. 22. What more doth this Conclusion teach A. That in Prayer we must be fervent in our desires and longing for what we pray Jam. 5.16 Q. 23 Is there any thing besides A. That praying for things agreeable to Gods Will we ought to be confident that we shall succeed in our requests praying for 〈…〉 and after the manner of this Prayer Jam. 1. â—â—
AN EXPOSITION OF THE Assemblies Catechism WITH PRACTICAL INFERENCES From each QUESTION As it was carried on in the Lords Days Exercises in DARTMOUTH In the First Year of Liberty 1688. By IOHN FLAVELL Preacher of the Gospel in DARTMOUTH 2 Tim. 1.13 Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus LONDON Printed for Tho. Cockerill at the Three Legs in the Poultry over against Stocks-Market 1692. And because the Answers therein are some of them pretty large and Treat of the most profound Mysteries of our Religion therefore several Persons have bestowed their good and laudable Pains some in descanting more largely and proving by Scriptural Reasons the Particulars and one has shewn the harmony thereof with the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England designed I suppose to remove the prejudice which some have taken against it Others have parted the Questions and Answers into several little ones under each to make them more intelligible to younger ones and more easy to be remembred Among whom Worthy Orthodox and Excellent Mr. Iohn Flavell may be ranked who among other of his many and most profitable Labours applied himself to the chewing of this Bread of Life or crumbling it into smaller pieces for the Cenveniency of Children and indeed of all wherein as in all his other Works he hath shewn himself a Workman that needs not to be ashamed There needs no other recommendations to this Posthumus Piece but the worthy Author's Name he was removed before he had compleatly finished it he had prepared his Questions and Answers upon the second Petition of the Lord's Prayer but lived not to propose them in the publick Congregation God then translated him into his Kingdom of Glory above while he was so industriously endeavouring to promote the Kingdom of Grace below The other five remaining Questions and Answers to compleat the Work were done by a ruder hand as may easily be discerned by any observant Reader who will find himself transfer'd from a plain clear and delightful Stile method and manner into more rough disorderly and unpleasant ones for who indeed could equal this Divine Labourer Not the Compleater who would account himself to have made very great Attainments in Divinity and Usefulness if he were left but a few furlongs behind him Let the Reader use and peruse this Piece and he will see cause to bless God for the Author VALE TO THE READER THE Divine Providence having unexpectedly cast my Lot for a few Days in Dartmouth where that blessed man of God Mr. John Flavell did for many years honour Christ and was honoured by him I have been favoured with a sight of that most judicious Explication of the Assemblies Catechism which is emitted herewith Being desired to testify my Respect to the worthy Author by Prefacing this Excellent Labour of his with a few Lines I can truly say as sometimes Beza of Calvin Now Mr. Flavell is dead Life will be less sweet and Death less bitter to me My heart bleeds to look on this desolate Place and not to see him that whilst living was the glory of it But neither the Author nor his Writings stand in need of the commendation of others much less of mine His Works already published have made his Name precious in both Englands and it will be so as long as the Earth shall endure There are some considerations which may cause the Reader to expect and he will not find himself disappointed therein that which is extraordinary in this little Manuel for the Author's Heart was very much engaged in doing this Service for Christ in thus feeding his Lambs And he did himself design the Publication of what is here committed to the Press and was very desirous with an holy submission to the Will of God to have perfected this Work before his Decease but had strange intimations that he should finish his Course before that could be done When he did viva voce deliver his Meditations there were many Enlargements and lively Passages which are not here inserted nevertheless here is as much as he thought needful for publick view not being willing that his Book should be Voluminous In his last Catechetical Exercise concerning Hallowing the Name of God he was exceedingly enlarged but he must himself go into the Kingdom of Glory when he intended to have discoursed on that Petition Thy Kingdom come He also began some Meditations on the Joys of Heaven But before he had an opportunity to express what had been in his Heart the Lord Iesus said unto him Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord. And thus doth it happen many times to the eminent and holy Servants of God Another Consideration recommending what comes herewith is that it was amongst Mr. Flavell's last Works The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Last Sayings of wise and great Men have been esteemed Oraculous and the Scripture puts an Emphasis on the last Words of David the sweet singer of Israel 2 Sam. 23.1 Not that those were the last words that ever David spake only they were written not long before his Death when he was come near Heaven So was what is now put into the Reader 's Hand written by Mr. Flavell not long before his translation to the World of Souls where the Spirits of Iust men are made perfect There was a more than ordinary presence of God with him to his last and in his last Days not the last Sermon that he preached which was June 21. 1691. He did more than once surprize his Hearers with an Intimation that that might be the last time he should speak to them in the Name of the Lord. And was not then the Secret of the Lord with him Dartmouth will know and Devonshire will know that there has been a Prophet among them And now my Soul bleeds to Look on the dear Flock of God which are as Sheep without a Shepherd The Lord Iesus the great Shepherd of the Sheep bave compassion on them and give them a Shepherd like to his blessed Servant Flavell who did for many years feed them with Knowledge and with Understanding Dartmouth March the 21th 1691 2. Increase Mather AN EXPOSITION OF THE Assemblies Shorter Catechism 1 Question Of Man's Chief End WHat is the Chief End of Man A. Man's Chief End is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever Q. 1. Seeing a Chief supposeth an inferior End What is that inferior End for which man was made A. It was prudently soberly and mercifully to govern use and dispose of other Creatures in the Earth Sea and Air over which God gave man the Dominion Gen. 1.26 And God said Let us make man in our Image after our likeness and let them have domonion over the Fish of the Sea and over the Fowl of the Air and over the Cattel and over all the Earth and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the Earth So Psal. 8.6 Thou madest him to have dominion over
of a trumpet Q. 11. VVhat doth his ascension teach us A. Heavenly-mindedness Col. 3.1 2. If ye them be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God set your affections on things above and not oâ— things on the earth And an encouragement in our Christian race Heb. 12.1 2. VVherefore seeing we also are compasâ—ed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every â—eight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with â—atience the race that is set before us looking unto Iesus the auâ—hor and finisher of our faith VVho for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is sate down at the right hand of the Throne of God The Second Part of the 28th Question of Christ's Exaltation Quest. 1. WHat was the Third degree of Christ's Exaltation A. His sitting at God's right hand in Heaven Heb. 1.3 VVhen he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the majesty on high Q. 2. VVhat doth God's right hand signify A. A State of Honour Heb. 1.13 But to which of the angels said he at any time Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool And Power Mat. 26.64 Hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power Q. 3. VVhat is implied in Christ's sitting there A. That his work on earth is finished Heb. 10.11 12. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sin for ever sate down on the right hand of God Q. 4. VVhat else doth it signify A. Christ's power over all enemies Psal. 110.2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Sion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Q. 5. VVhat learn we from Christ's sitting there A. The high honour Believers are advanced to by Christ. Eph. 2.6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Iesus Q. 6. VVhat is the last step of Christ's Exaltation A. His coming to Judgment Acts 10.42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be judge of quick and dead Q. 7. It is certain there shall be a Iudgment-day A. Yes the Scripture assures it 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. And every man's conscience witnesses to it Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ according to my Gospel Q. 8. What is the first property of Christ's Iudgment A. It will be awful and solemn 1 Thes. 4.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-angel and with the Trâ—mp of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Q. 9. VVhat is the second Property of it A. It will be exact and critical Rom. 2.16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ according to my Gospel Mat. 12.36 But I say unto you That every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of Iudgment Q. 10. What is the third Property of it A. It will be an universal Judgment Rev. 20.12 And I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the books were opened Q. 11. How is this a part of Christ's Exaltation A. He now acts in the fulness of his Kingly Power Mat. 25.34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand Come ye blessed of my father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world And this will rowl away the reproach of his enemies Rev. 1.7 Behold he cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him Q. 12. What learn we from Christ's being Iudge A. That Believers shall not be cast in Judgment Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus Q. 13. What learn we hence A. The deplorable State of Christless Persons Luke 19.27 But those mine enâ—mies that would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me Q. 14. What else learn we from Christ's Iudgment A To give all diligence to be found of him in peace 2 Pet. 3.14 Wherefore beloved seeing that ye lock for such things â—e diligent that ye may be sound of him in peace Of the Application of Christ. Quest. 29. HOW are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Christ A. We are made parâ—akers of the Redemption purchased by Chriâ—t by the effectual Application of it to us by his Holy Spirit Q. 1. What did our Redemption cost Christ A. It cost him his own Blood to obtain it Heb. 9.12 Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood he entred once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us Q. 2. Can none have the benefit of it exceept it be applied to them A. No if Christ be not applied we cannot be saved Iohn 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become theâ— Sons of God even to them that believe on his name Q. 3 Whos 's work or office is it to apply Christ to us A. It 's the office and work of God's Spirit Tit. 3.45 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost Q. 4. Wâ—at Means doth the Spirit use in applying Christ A. The external means he makes use of is the Ministry of the Gospel 1 Cor. 3.5 Who then is Paul and who is Apollo but Ministers by whom ye believed Q. 5. Is this sâ—fficient of it self A. No the Blessing and Power of the Spirit must accompany it or Christ cannot be applied 1 Thes. 1.5 6. For our Gospel came not unto you in word only but also in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost Q. 6. To whom doth the Spirit apply Christ A. To those that were given him of the Father before the world was Acts 13.48 And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed John 14.17 Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Q. 7. Is the Application of Christ to a Soul finisht at once A. Tho the first act of Faith unites the Soul to Christ yet it is a continued act 1 Pet. 2.4 To whom coming as unto a living stone Q. 8. What learn you from hence A. What a
your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Q 7. Can no man come to Christ till thus enabled A. No it 's not in the power of man's nature or will till thus renewed and enabled Eph. 1.19 20. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand in the heavenly places John 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me draw him Q 8. What sort of men are most ordinarily called A. The poor and mean ones in the world 1 Cor. 1.26 For ye see your calling brethren how that not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty Q. 9. What is the first Instruction from it A. Souls effectually called are never lost Rom. 11.29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Q. 10. What is the second Instruction A. All things co-operare to their good Rom. 8.28 For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are called according to his purpose Q. 11. What is the third Instruction A. It is dangerous to refuse God's call Prov. 1.24 Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded Q 12. VVhat is the last Instruction A. That Christians are obliged to walk suitable to their heavenly calling 1 Thes. 2.12 That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory Of the Concomitants of Vocation Quest. 32. WHAT benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this Life A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of Iustification Adoption Sanctification and the several benefiâ—s which in this life do either accompany or flow from them Q. 1. Are all that be effectually called justified A. Yes God justifies all and every Soul that obeys and answers his call Rom. 8.30 VVhom he called them he also justified Q. 2. VVhat other benefits have the called in this Life A. They are all the adopted Children of God Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will Q. 3. Are those all the benefits the called receive A. No they are not only justified and adopted but also sanctified 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Iesus who of God is made unto us wisdom righteousness and sanctification and redemption Q. 4. Do these three blessings come singly to the called A. No they are all accompanied with multitudes of other blessings flowing from them Eph 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spriritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Q. 5. VVhat are the mercies flowing from Iustification A. They are great and manifold Rom. 5.1 2 3 4 5. Therefore being justified by faith we have pâ—ace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God Q. 6. VVhat are the benefits flowing from Adoption A. Free access to God Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the saith of him And a Title to Heaven Rom. 8.17 If children then heirs Q. 7. What Blessings accompany Sanctification A. Union with Christ. Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one And Right to the Inheritance Acts 20.32 And now brethren I commend yâ—â— to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sâ—â—ctified Q. 8. What is the first Lesson from hence A. That they are Enemies to their own Souls who obey not the Gospel Call 2 Thes. 1.8 In flaming fire taking veâ—geance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Iesus Christ. Q. 9. What is the second Lesson from hence A. That the Estate of Believers abounds with spiritual priviledges 1 Cor. 3.22 23. VVhether Paul 〈◊〉 Apollo or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Q. 10. What is the third Lesson from hence A. That all the Believer's priviledges are not in hope but some in hand 1 Iohn 3.1 Behold what manner of loâ—e the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God Q 11. What is the fourth Lesson A. The greatest sufferers for Christ have no reason to repent their call Rom. 8.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us Q 12. What is the last Lesson from hence A. That we have infinite reason to bless God for the Gospel by which we are called 2 Thes. 2.14 Whereunto he calleâ— you by our Gospel Of Iustification Quest. 33. WHAT is Iustification A. Iustification is an Act of God's Free-grace wherein he pardoneth all our Sins and accepteth us as righteous in his sight only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and receivedly faith alone Q 1. What are the parts of Iustification A. It consists of two Parts First The pardon of Sin Acts 13.39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses Secondly The acceptation of our persons as righteous Rom. 5.1 2 3. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Q. 2. Whose act is it to justify Sinners A. It is the act of God alone Rom. 8.33 It is God that justifieth Man's justifying of himself is nothing Luke 16.15 And he said unto them Ye are they which justify your selves before men but God knoweth your hearts for that which is highly esteemed amongst men is abomination in the sight of God Nor other mens justifying of us Rev. 3.1 I know thy works that thou hast a name to live and art dead Q. 3. Is there any thing in man to merit his Iustification A. No it is an act of Free-grace in God Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Iesus Christ. Q. 4. If it be not for any inherent righteousness how then A. It is for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us Rom. 4.6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without
this Sin A. The Youthful Age is most apt to be drawn into this Sin Prov. 7.7 And behold among the simple ones I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding And 2 Tim. 2.22 Flu also youthful lusts c. Q. 5. How far doth this Command extend it self A. It extends it self to the Heart Mind and Fancy as well as to the Body and external Actions Matth. 5.28 But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to luâ—t after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart Q. 6. What are the usual inducements to this Sin A. The usual inducements to this Sin are 1. Idleness and fulness of the Creatures Ezâ—k 16.49 50. Behold this was the iniquity of thy siâ—er Sodom Pride fulnâ—ss of bread and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters c. 2. Wanton Gestures Isa. 3.16 Moreâ—ver the Lord saith because the daughters of Zion are haâ—ghty and walk with sâ—retched â—orth necks and wanton eâ—es walking and mincing as they go and making a tinkling with their feet 3. Filthy Communication Eph. 5.4 Neither filthinâ—ss nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient c. Q. 7. What 's the first Remedy against this sin A. The first Remedy and the most effectual is to get the Spirit of God within us to sanctifie and rule us Gal. 5.16 Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh Q. 8. What is the second Remedy A. The keeping of a strict waâ—ch over the Heart Prov. 4.23 Keep thy heart with all diligence c. And over the external Senses Iob 31.1 I made a covenant with mine eyes why then should I think upon a maid Q. 9. Whatâ—s the third Remedy against it A. Deep and serious consideration of the danger of this Sin and what God threatens against Adulterers Hebr. 13.4 Whoâ—emongers and adulterers God will judge 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Be not deceived nâ—iâ—her fornicâ—tors nor idolaters nor adulterers nor effeminatâ— shall inherit the kingdom of God And how he describes them Prov. 22.14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit â—e that is abhorred of the Lord shall fact therein Q. 16. What 's the fourth Remedy against it A. Prayer Psal. 119.37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity c. And to evidence our sincerity in Prayer we must study to shun all occasions of this Sin Psal. 18.23 I was also upright before him and I kept my self from mine iniquity Q. 11. What 's the first Inference hence A. What cause those have to bless God that have been kept from this Sin though the best ought to be humbled for their heart pollutions Q. 12. What 's the second Inference from hence A. Let it warn Parents to do what in them lyes to prevent the ruin of their Children by this Sin 1. By filling their heads and hands with lawful business 2. By serious Admonitions and Prayers for them 3. By keeping them from vain and tempting Company 4. By disposing them seasonably in suitable Marriage Q. 13. What 's the third Inference from hence A. Let those that are defiled with this Sin repent seriously of it as David did Psal. 51.8 Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thoâ— hast broken may rejoyce And apply the Blood of Christ by Faith for in so doing it may be pardoned 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Iesus Christ and by the spirit of our God Of the eighth Commandment Quest. 73. WHich is the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment is Thou shalt not steal Quest. 74. What is required in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the Wealth and outward Estate of our selves and others Quest. 75. What is forbidden in the eighth Commandment A. The eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our Neighbours Wealth or outward Estate Q. 1. What is presupposed in this Commandment A. It presupposeth that God hath given every Man a propriety in his Estate and that no Mans Goods are common to others except by his consent in times and cases extraordinary Acts 2.44 And all that believed were together and had all things common Q. 2. What is required in this Commandment A. It requires of every Man diligence in a lawful Calling to get and preserve an Estate for his own and others good Prov. 13.11 He that gathereth by labour shall increase Eph. 4.28 But rather let him labour working with his hands the thing which is good that he may have to give to him that needeth Q. 3. What else is required in this Commandment A. It requires us not only to get and keep the things of the World in a lawful manner but to distribute and communicate them to those that are in want and not cast them into temptations of sin or inevitable ruin Isa. 58.10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfie the afflicted soul then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noon-day 1 John 3.17 But whoso hath this worlds good and seeth his brother hath need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him Q. 4. VVhat else is required in this Commandment A. It requires in every Man a publick Spirit to procure and promote the good and prosperity of others 1 Cor. 10.24 Let no man seek his own but every man anothers wealth Q. 5. What eâ—se is required in this Command A It requires restitution of all Goods unjustly gotten or taken from others Levit. 6.4 Then it shall be because he hath sinned and is guilty that he shall restore that which he took violently away or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten c. And the restoring of Pawns and Pledges when it 's due Ezek. 18.7 And hath not oppressed any but hath restored to the debtor his pledge c. Or things lost if we can discover the true Owners Q. 6. What 's the first Sin forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all couzening and cheating of others in our dealings and civil commerce with them 1 Thess. 4.6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter c. Prov. 26.28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it and a flattering mouth worketh ruin Q. 7. What 's the second thing forbidden in this Command A. It forbids all exaction and oppression of our Neighbour by going beyond them or working on their necessities or detaining their dues Lev. 25.14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour or burest ought of thy neighbours hand ye shall not oppress one another Prov. 24.28 29. Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause and deceive not with thy lips Say not I will do so to him as he hath done to me I will render to the man according
Christian what condition God puts him into so that he may but be useful to Sanctifie and exalt the name of God therein Phil. 1.20 as always so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether it be by life or by death Q. 14. What 's the last Inference hence A. That it 's an high and dreadful provocation of God to prophane and abuse his worship whereon his Name is called and wherein it is to be Sanctified Levit. 10.1 2 3. And Nadab and Abihu the Sons of Araon took either of them his Censer and put fire therein and put incense thereon and offered strange fire before the Lord which he commanded them not And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is it that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Of Gods Kingdom Quest. 102 WHat do we pray for in the Second petition A. In the second Petition which is Thy Kingdom come we pray that Satans Kingdom may be destroyed and that the Kingdom of Grace may he advanced our selves and others brought into it and kept in it and that the Kingdom of Glory may be hastened Q. 1. What is the first Thing Signified by the Kingdom of God here A. The Gospel is here intended by the Kingdom of God Matth. 13.47 Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind Q. 2. What 's the thing Signified by the coming of this Kingdom of God A. It signifies the removal of all impediments that hinder its propagation in the world 2 Thess. 3.1 Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you Q. 3. Who and what hinders the propagation of it A. Antichrist that man of sin hinders it externally 2 Thess. 2.4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God The Devil and Mens Lusts internally 1 Thess. 2.18 Wherefore we would have come unto you even I Paul once and again but Satan hindered Luke 19.14 But his citizens hated him and sent a messenger after him saying We will not have this man to reign over us Q. 4. What then is the desire of all good men with respect to the coming of the gospel-Gospel-Kingdom A. That all Nations may be brought to Christ by the preaching of it and so Christs Kingdom be greatly exalted and enlarged Isa. 2.2 And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lords house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills and all nations shall flow unto it Q. 5. What 's the second thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. It signifies and intends the work of saving Grace wrought in Mens Souls Luke 17.21 Behold the kingdom of God is within you Q. 6. Why is this work of Grace called the Kingdom of God A. Because wherever saving Grace comes it subdues the Soul to Christs Sceptre 2 Cor. 10.5 Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Q. 7. Wherein consists the Kingdom of Grace A. It consists not in external Rites and Observances but in Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Q. 8. What do we ask of God in this Petition with respect to this Kingdom of Grace A. Herein we desire not only our own personal progressive Sanctification but the Sanctification of others all the World over Acts 26.29 And Paul said I would to God that not only thou but also all that hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am except these bonds Q. 9. What 's the third thing here meant by the Kingdom of God A. By it is here meant the future state of Glory and Blessedness 1 Cor. 15.50 Now this I say brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God c. Q. 10. Why is the Heavenly state called the Kingdom of God A. This is called the Kingdom of God because in that state God reigns over his people gloriously there being no rebellion in them in the least degree Luke 20.36 For they are equal unto the angels and are the children of God being the children of the resurrection And they reign with Christ. Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne c. Q. 11. What do we desire in Prayer for the coming of this Kingdom A. We desire not only our preservation in our passage to that state of Glory 1 Pet. 5.10 But the God of all grace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Iesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you But the hastening of it to our selves and others Rev. 22.20 Amen even so come Lord Iesus Q 12. What 's the first Instruction hence A. That the Gospel is an invaluable Mercy as it is the instrument of bringing us into Christs Gracious and Glorious Kingdom Asts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me Q. 13. What 's the second Inference from hence A. That many men really hate and oppose the very thing they pray for Q. 14. What 's the last Instruction hence A. That how firmly soever Satans and Antichrists Kingdom seem to be founded in the World they must and shall fall before the dayly Prayers of the Saints Concerning the doing of Gods Will. Quest. 103. WHat do we pray for in the third Petition A. In the third Petition which is Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that God by his Grace would make us able and willing to know obey and submit to his Will in all things as the Angels do in Heaven Q. 1. What Will of God is here intended A. Not the Will of his Decree for that is in himself alone 1 Cor. 2.11 The things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God Q. 2. What Will then is here meant A. The Will of his Providence may be here meant Psal. 125.6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deep places And Psal. 119.89 For ever O Lord thy word is setled in heaven Ver. 91. They continue this day according to tâ—â—ne ordinances for all are thy servants Q 3. How are we to understand
in our selves every lust that contradicts Gods Will and renounce without our selves every thing that comes in competition therewith 1 Cor. 9. ult But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection least that by any means when I have preached to others I my self should be a cast away Gal. 6.14 But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Iesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world Q. 20. What is the third Inference A. That it is in vain yea a provocation to pray if we be not obedient to Gods Will Prov. 2.8 9. He keepeth the paths of judgment and preserveth the way of his saints Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment and equity yea every good path Q. 21. What is the fourth Inference A. That the Law still hath the authority of a Rule to Believers because it reveals Gods Will which they must do Concerning our Dayly Bread Quest. 14. WHat do we pray for in the fourth Petition A. In the fourth Petition which is Give us this day our daily Bread we pray that of Gods free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enioy his Blessing with them Q. 1. Why is this Petition placed after the three former A. Because those concern immediately and generally Gods Glory in the advancement of his Name Kingdom and Will which ought to be preferred to all our personal concerns Psal. 69.9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up Acts 21.13 For I am ready not to be bound only but also to dye at Ierusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus Q. 2. Why is it put before the two following Petitions A. Not for its worth but for its order for we can have no Spiritual Blessings unless we have a Natural Being in this Life Q. 3. What kind of Bread is here meant A. Not Spiritual Bread or our Lord Christ as some but Corporal and Temporal Q. 4. What is included in this word Bread A. Not that only which we call strictly Bâ—â—ad but all the good things of this present Life Q. 5. Do we hereby beg pure necessities only A. No we pray for conveniencies for our comfort as well as necessaries for our life Q. 6. Do we herein pray only for personal good things for our being A. No we pray for civil good things for our condition that according to our degree in the World in which God hath placed us we may have a convenient allowance Q. 7. Do we pray here for our selves only A. No but also for our Charge Children and Family that under and with us they may have the good things of this Life Q. 8. Why do we pray to God for these good things can we not get them our selves or our fellow creatures give them to us A. Not without God Whatever we have of these things they are from God who ever be the second cause or instrument if our selves God gives us ability and success to get them if others God inclined their hearts and opened their hands to bestow them Deut. 8.17 18. And thou say in thine heart my power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth Q. 9. Why do we pray to God to give us Bread A. Because the least crumb of Bread is a free gift and never can be merited by all we can do or suffer Luke 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants Q. 10. Why are all these good things couched under the expression Bread A. 1. Because Bread is one of the most necessary and useful things to preserve Life 2. Because we must not ask delicacies and dainties of God Q. 11. What is meant by day in the Petition A. Either 1. a Natural day of twenty four hours Or 2. the day of our whole life Q. 12. Why do we pray for Dayly bread A. Because God must give us the mercies and good things of every day or else we cannot have them Q. 13. Why should we not pray for weekly or monthly or yearly Bread as well as dayly A. 1. Because 't is fit we should be still sensible of our dependance upon God 2 Because we do frequently pray to God and so exert our Graces and maintain communion with him and dayly render thanks for dayly favour Psalm 55.17 Evening and morning and at noon will I pray and cry aloud and he shall hear my voice Q. 14. What need we to pray for Dayly bread when we may have stores laid up for years A. They that have the good things of this Life need to pray this Petition as well as they that have them not Not that they may have Bread but that it may be Bread to them for except God give his Blessing upon it Bread would be ashes and not sustaneous neither could all the comforts of this Life do us any good Isa. 3.1 For behold the Lord the Lord of hosts doth take away from Ierusalem and from Iuda the whole stay of bread and the whole stay of water Mal. 2.1 2. And now O ye priests this commandment is for you If you will not hear and if ye will not lay it to heart to give glory unto my name saith the Lord of hosts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because you do not lay it to heart Q. 15. Why do we pray only for dayly Bread or a competency may we not pray for abundance and riches A. No because Riches are a great snare and temptation Matth. 19.23 24. Then said Iesus unto his disciples Verily I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven And again I say unto you it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God Prov. 30.8 9. Remove far from me vanity and lyes give me neither poverty nor riches feed me with food convenient for me lest I be full and deny thee and say who is the Lord Or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain Q. 16. What shall we then do with Riches if Providence cast them upon us shall we cast them away A. No for some of the best of Men and greatest of Gods favorites have lived and dyed rich But 1. We must wean our hearts from them Psal. 62.10 Trust not in oppression and become not vaine in robbery if riches increase set not your heart upon them 2. Be thankful for them and 3. Fruitful with them in acts of Piety and Charity 1 Tim. 6.17 19. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth