Psal 10. 13. 42. 3. Their insultations and cursed exprobrations and that against God himselfe §. 35. Of Gods kingdome what it is and what be the kinds of it Q. VVHich is the second Petition A. Thy kingdome come Q. What is the kingdome of God A. That estate where as a King he ruleth For that is a kingdome where a King raigneth and ruleth Where God therefore raigneth there is his kingdome Q. How doth God raigne as a King A. 1. By his absolute power he raigneth ouer the whole world 2. By his speciall grace he raigneth ouer his Church According to this different manner of Gods raigning is his kingdome distinguished For 1. He hath an vniuersall kingdome Gods vniuersall kingdome Vbique regnat vbique imperat vbique maiestas eius Bern. de verb. Isay Serm. 5. called his kingdome of power because by his absolute and supreme power he ouer-ruleth all creatures whatsoeuer or wheresoeuer they be In regard of this vniuersall soueraignty of God the Scripture saith His kingdome ruleth ouer all For who hath resisted his will And thereupon he saith vnto God Psal 103 19. How terrible art thou in thy workes Through the greatnesse of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselâ—es to thee Rom. 9. 19. 2. He hath a peculiar kingdome Psal 66. 3. called his kingdome of Grace Gods peculiar kingdome his Church whereby he raigneth ouer a select people culled out of the world which voluntarily yeeld obedience vnto him The companie of this people is in one word the Church and it is a societie chosen of God Sanè secundum praedestinationem nunquam Ecclesia electoric penes deum non suit Bern. super Cant. Serm. 78. redeemed by Christ called and sanctified by the holy Ghost which hath bene in all ages of the world some in heauen others on earth spread ouer the face thereof farre and neare in which respects it is stiled the holy Catholicke Church This is properly the kingdome of Christ in and by whom the Father raigneth For it is said that a kingdome was giuen to the Sonne of man Dan. 7. 14. Of whom saith the Father I haue set my King vpon my holy hill of Sion Psal 2. 6. whose people shall be willing in the day of his power Psal 110. 3. Herein lyeth a maine difference betwixt Gods manner of gouernment in his vniuersall and in his peculiar kingdome that the worlds subiection is forced Psal 66. 3. 110 3. but the Churches subiection is free §. 36. Of Gods raigning ouer rebels TOuching that vniuersall kingdome of God ouer all creatures in all places seeing there are many which rebell against God and say Psal 2. 3. Let vs breake his bonds asinder and cast his cords from vs Luke 19. 14. We will not haue him to reigne ouer vs and therupon walke according to the Prince of the â—re Eph. 2. 〈◊〉 the spirit which worketh in the children of disobedience and seeing the diuell is the god of this world a doubt may be made how God can be said to be their King and Gods kingdome thus vniuersally extended ouer the whole world Answ 1. Rebelion of subiects taketh not away the right of a Soueraigne Psal 2. 1 6. Christ therefore notwithstanding the tumult of people is said to be a King 2. None can do any thing at all without his permission Instance the arch-rebell of all Iob 1. 11. 2. 5. of all Satan in the case of Iob. Instance also the many plots and practises of the wicked which in all ages by an ouer-ruling hand of God haue bene disappointed and made void 3. God can 2. King 19. 28. when and as it pleaseth him restraine them as he restrained Senacherib yea and beate them downe and vtterly destroy them Exod. 14. 28. as he destroyed Pharaoh and his whole hoste 4. Satan to whom the fore-named rebels are subiect is but Gods executioner 1. King 22. 2â— he is one of the number of Gods seruants though of his guiltie and reprobate seruants Satan vnus de numero seruor 〈◊〉 est licet reorum iam atque reproborum Chrys hom 20. in Mat. 6. So as euen in that power which Satan hath ouer them God sheweth himselfe to be their King Q. Is this vniuersall kingdome of God here ment A. No further then that God would order it to the good of his peculiar kingdome which is here principally intended §. 37. Of the kingdome of Grace and Glorie Q. HOw may the peculiar kingdome of God be considered A. 1. In the beginning and progresse of it 2. In the consummation and perfection of it In the former respect it consisteth of a mixture of euill persons with good ones Kingdome of Grace and of euill qualities in those good persons with good ones Math. 13. 24. 47. in regard of which mixtures it is resembled to a field wherein grow tares with wheate and to a draw-net which gathereth of all sorts Mar. 4. 26. and to corne which ariseth with straw and chaffe as well as with sound and solid graine In the latter respect it consisteth onely of such as are euery way perfectly good Kingdome of glorie and therefore said to shine as the Sunne Math. 13. 41 43. which hath no darknesse Reu. 21. 27. nor any speck or spot in it In the former respect especially it is called a kingdome of Grace and that 1. In opposition to those who neuer were Why the kingdome of grace is so called nor euer shall be of it and therefore are obiects of Gods seuere iustice and reuenging power Ier. 10. 25. but in it grace raigneth 2. For distinction from those who are translated out of it into heauen Rom. 5. 21. For by reason of the many temptations and imperfections whereunto the Saints on earth are subiect thy stand in need of much more grace then the Saints in heauen who are iust and perfect Heb. 12. 23. In the latter respect it is called a kingdome of Glory Why the kingdome of glorie is so called and that by reason of the Place where it is and of the Persons which are of it 1. The Place where it is is the most glorious place of all the world euen the highest heauens 2. The Persons both King and Subiects thereof are decked with vnspeakable glorie The King doth there manifest his glorie more then any where else as brightly as can possibly by the creature be discerned The Subiects there partake of as much glorie as they are capable of and that in soule and body so as they are all glorious within and without §. 38. Of the difference betwixt the kingdome of â—â—Grace Glorie THis kingdome of Grace and of Glorie is but one and the same kingdome distinguished into two parts which differ in sixe circumstances 1. In Time The kingdome of Grace is now present while here we liue The kingdome of Glorie is to come 2. In
Satisfactions for sinnes remitted 159 133 Of the comfort that ariseth from Gods free and full discharge 159 134 Of praying for the pardon of our owne sinnes especially 160 135. Of praying for pardon of others sinnes 161 136. Of mans forgiuing another 163 137. Of speedy forgiuenesse 169 138. Of constant forgiuing 171 139. Of dealing with man as wee desire God should deale with vs. 172 140. Of the seuerall kindes of debts whereby wee be come debtors to men 174 141 Of making satisfaction for wrongs done to man 175 142. Of departing from our right 177 143. Of forgiuing all sorts of Debters 178 144. Of forgiuing our own debters 180 145. Of the force of this Particle As in the condition annexed to the Fift Petition 181 146. Of true and vnfained forgiuing one another 183 147. Of forgiuing one another freely 184 148. Of a full forgiuing one another 186 149. Of requiring proper debts 188 150. Of going to Law 190 151. Of Magistrates punishing wrong 192 152. Of imitating God in forgiuing wrongs 193 153. Of praying without reuenge and of praying for reuenge 196 154. Of assurance which our forgiuing giueth of Gods forgiuing vs. 198 155. Of reuenge which reuengefull persons bring upon themselves 201 156. Of deprecation against euill 203 157. Of taking care for our spirituall welfare 206 158. Of doubling our care for the good of our soules 208 159. Of blessings which pardon of sinne bringeth 210 160. Of the precedence of iustification before sanctification 211 161. Of graces to be prayed for in regard of the pardon of our sinnes 213 162. Of graces to bee prayed for in regard of the pardon of other sinnes 215 163. Of the graces which are to he prayed for by reason of the condition annexed to the Fift Petition 216 164. Of the things for which thankes is to be giuen by vertue of the Fift Petition 218 165. Of the things for which thankes is to be giuen by vertue of the condition annexed to the Fift Petition 220 166. Of duties required in regard of desire of pardon of our owne sinnes and others 221 167. Of duties required by reason of our profession to forgiue others 222 168. Of that matter of humiliation which the Fift Petition affordeth 223 6. PETITION § 169. OF the summe and seuerall parts of the Sixt Petition 227 170. Of Temptation and Tempters 228 171. Of the kinde of temptation here meant 231 172. Of mans subiection to temptation 231 173. Of leading into temptation 233 174. Of being in power of temptation 233 175. Of Gods leading into temptation 233 176. Of freeing God for being Author of sinne 235 177. Of mans disabilitie to resist temptation 237 178. Of Gods ouer-ruling power in temptation 238 179. Of the restraint of the power of Tempters 239 180. Of the extent of our desires for others freedome from Temptation 240 181. Of that subiection wherein Saints are to temptation 242 182. Of the freenesse of mans will in sin 143 183. Of the extent of this word Euill 246 184. Of Euill the onely thing to bee prayed against 247 185. Of the respects wherein Sathan is stiled the euill one 249 186. Of the many wayes of deliuering from euill 249 187. Of that hope of recouerie which remaineth to them that fall 250 188. Of God the onely deliuerer 251 189. Of Sanctification accompanying Iustification 253 190 Of mens pronenesse to sinne after forgiuenesse 255 191. Of mans answering Gods mercy by dutie 256 192. Of anoiding temptations 257 193. Of calling on God for all things 258 194. Of generall points for which wee are taught to pray in the last Petition 259 195. Of the particulars for which wee are to pray by vertue of the first part of the last Petition 260 196. Of the particular for which wee are to pray by vertue of the second part of the last Petition 264 197. Of the things for which we ought to giue thankes in the last Petition 267 198. Of the particulars for which thankes is to bee giuen by vertue of the first part of the last Petition 268 199. Of the particulars for which thankes is to be giuen by vertue of the last part of the last Petition 269 200. Of the duties required in the last Petition 270 201. Of duties required in the last Petition in regard of others 274 202. Of the matter of humiliation gathered out of the last Petition 276 REASONS OF THE PETITION § 203. OF pressing Prayer with weighty Reasons 281 264. Of taking grounds for faith in Prayer from God himselfe 282 GODS ATTRIBVTES § 205. OF appropriatiâ—g Gods Attributes to himselfe 285 206. Of Gods hauing all things at his command 286 207. Of the absolute Supremacie of Gods Soueraigntie 286 208. Of Gods being King onely 287 209. Of the duties due to God by reason of his Kingdome and comfort thence arising 288 210. Of Gods power what it is How farre it extendeth 289 211. Of the difference betwixt Gods absolute and actuall power 291 212. How power is proper to God 292 213. Of the Duties due to God by reason of his power 293 214. Of the comfort arising from Gods power 294 215. Of Gods glory What it is 295 216. Of the incomprehensiblenesse of Gods glory 295 217. Of the meanes of manifesting Gods glory 296 218. How glory is proper to God 297 219. Of mans giuing glory to God and taking glory from God 298 220. Of duties due to God by reason of his glory 299 221. Of the wayes whereby others are brought to glorifie God 301 222. Of those who are to set forth Gods glory 302 223. Of the chiefest enemies of Gods glory 303 224. Of Eternitie to what things it is applyed 303 225. Of the duties which arise from Gods Eternitie 307 226. Of immutabilitie to what thing it may be applyed 308 227. Of the differences betwixt the Immutabilitie of the Creator and Creatures 311 228. Of the duties which arise from Gods Immutabilitie 312 229. Of Gods Kingdome How it worketh confidence in Prayer 313 230. Of Gods power How it strengtheneth faith in Prayer 314 231. Of Gods glory How it setteth the soule for obtaining her desire 315 232. Of Gods vnchangeable Eternitie How it maketh vs rest on God for obtaining our desire 316 233. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods Kingdome 317 234. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods power 318 235. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods glory 319 236. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods vnchangeable Eternitie 320 237. Of the necessarie vse of this clause Thine is the Kingdome and the power and the glory for euer 321 PRAISE § 238. OF adding Praise to Petition 324 239. Of praising God How it is done 326 240. Of the things for which God is to be praised 327 AMEN § 241. OF the meaning and vse of Amen being prefixed before a Speech 330 242. Of the vse of Amen
Place This of Grace is on earth that of Glorie in heauen 3. In Condition This is continually warfairing against many enemies in which respect it is stiled the Church militant That triumpheth ouer all the enemies in which respect it is called the Church triumphant 4. In Order of entring into them This is to be entred into and passed through before we can enter into that The Priest was to enter through the Sanctuarie into the Sanctum Sanctorum 5. In the manner of Gouernment This is gouerned and ordered by many subordinate meanes as Magistrates Ministers and sundrie ordinances That immediatly by God himselfe 6. In Continuance This hath a date and is to come to an end That is euerlasting without end §. 39. Of the Churches Gouernment Q. VVHat learne we from this title kingdome here applied to the Church A. Gods Church is a well gouerned estate Psal 122. 3. Therein is a King a iust wise and potent King No King is or can be like to him He can not onely restraine and subdue his enemies but also change their hearts and linke them to his subiects He can make the Wolfe dwell with the Lambe c. Isa 11. 6. c. Therein are righteous lawes excellent priuiledges and all things requisite for a well ordered politie all tending to the good of the subiects For it is the estate whereof God taketh most care Exod. 19. 5. They therefore that seeke to take away order Order in the Church and to bring confusion into the Church do much dishonour this kingdome and the King thereof 1. Cor. 14. 33. who is not the author of confusion but peace So do they also who professe themselues to be members of the Church Iudg 21. 25. and yet liue as if they were without law in no kingdome vnder no gouernment This condition of the Church to be a kingdome if the King scepter lawes and priuiledges thereof were well knowne would be a strong motiue to draw such Isa 11. 10. as are out of the Church into it and to retaine such as are of it in it and to make them say It is good to be here There is nothing worthy to be desired in a kingdome but is after a most excellent manner in this kingdome as sufficient supply of all things needfull safe protection against all things hurtfull Thus much of this title kingdome The next word to be considered is come §. 40. Of the encrease of the Church Q. VVHat doth this word come import A. 1. A want of perfection 2. A progresse thereto The word Cui dicitur veni nondum perueneral Bern. in Cant. Serm. 25. come is metaphoricall That which is comming is not where it would be it may yet go further and in that it is comming it doth step by step draw nearer and nearer to that whereunto it would come otherwise it did not come but stand still Hereby then we are giuen to vnderstand that the kingdome here spoken of hath not yet attained to the highest pitch Adueniat regnâ—â— tuum veniat vtique quod perfectain est euacuetur quod est ex parte Bern. Serm. in Nat. Mar. and fullest perfection thereof Therefore we desire that by degrees it may so proceed on thereto as it may at length attaine that whereunto it doth proceed that that which is in part may depart and that which is perfect may be accomplished Q. To which of Gods kingdomes is this Metaphor to be applied A. To his peculiar kingdome the Church in both the parts thereof militant and triumphant In the militant Church it is to be extended to all that in Gods decree are deputed thereto whether called or not called To such as are not called that they may be called and so come into the kingdome of grace To such as are called that they may be more and more fitted to come into the kingdome of glorie so as it may be full and perfect in all the parts thereof §. 41. Of the Churches imperfection Q. WHat doctrine doth this desire of the comming of Gods kingdome imply A. Gods Church is not yet perfect This is true of both the parts of the Church militant and triumphant The militant Church whether it be considered in the seuerall assemblies and congregations thereof which consist of such as are but hypocrites as well as such as are vpright or in the best of those particular persons which make vp those congregations and hath in them flesh as well as spirit cannot bee denied to be imperfect whereupon as in regard of the mixture of good and euill persons b Cant 2. 2. Dicuutur spinae propter malignitatem morum d cuntur filiâ— propter communionem sacramentorum Christ saith of his Church As a Lilly among thornes so is my loue among the daughters Thornes they are called for their wicked disposition but daughters for their communion in holy things so in regard of the mixture of spirit and slesh in such as are vpright she saith of her selfe c Cant. 1. 4. Posest spousâ— cum pulchritudine naeuo non carere nigredinis Bern. in Cant. Serm. 25. I am blacke but comely Blacke by reason of her infirmities and imperfections as well as of her afflictions and persecutions For with some comelinesse there may be blacknesse The triumphant Church also though in regard of that part thereof which is in heauen it be d Ephes 5. 27. glorious not hauing spot or wrinkle or any such thing yet because the combate of all that blessed communion is not yet full and the bodies of them whose soules are in glory yet be in the power of death may be truely said to be imperfect For the e Acts 3. 21. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab Hâ—sychio exponitur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 times of restitution or perfection of all things is to come God will haue his creatures waite for it f Hab. 2. 3. The vision is yet for an appointed time though it tarrie wait for it because it will surely come Shall now particular Churches which by the true notes of a Church may be proued to be true Churches bee denied to bee Churches and forsaken because of some imperfections therein They who will abide in no Church but in that which is perfect may wander from Church to Church and finde none on earth to abide in Were it not for the Churches imperfection there would not be so great need of this Petition This is thus noted not to iustifie any corruption or imperfection For this Petition which implyeth impersection enioyneth vs to pray against it And that which is prayed against must not be patronized but rather the best meanes that can be must bee vsed to redresse the same As not particular Churches so nor particular persons must be mis-iudged by reason of the imperfection of grace or the corruption of flesh remaining in them All here on earth is in part all is imperfect Spirits of iust men made perfect are to
bee found in heauen not on earth Heb 12 23. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They that think themselues perfect are for the most part furthest from perfection Let vs for our parts be of the same minde whereof the blessed Apostle was Phil. 3. 12 14. not to thinke our selues already perfect but to follow hard after perfection and to presse toward the marke for the price of the high calling of God in Iesus Christ §. 42. Of mans inabilitie to come vnto God Q. VVHat learne wee from the application of this word COME to the Kingdome of God A. Man of himselfe cannot come to Gods Kingdome It must come to him Isa 65. 1. before he can come to it I was found saith the King of this Kingdome of them that sought me not Ioh 16. 44. For No man can come vnto him except the Father draw him which made the Church thus to pray and promise Cant. 1. 3. Draw me and we will runne after thee Man by nature is dead in sume Ephes 2. 1. Non iam captiuos oculâ—s extolleâ—e in alâ—um Sponte potest c Prosp de Ingra c. 40. Can hee that is dead come till he be come vnto and haue life put into him Hereby both the free preuenting grace of God is commended vnto vs and also all selfe-conceit in man is remoued and much matter of humiliation ministred vnto him § 43. Of the force of this word THY in the second Petition Q. TO whom hath this particle THY relation A. Euen to him to whom the same Particle had relation in the former Potition And it doth here import the same things that it did there 1. A reason 2. A restraint 3. An extent of this Petition A Reason as it is referred both to the Preface and also to the first Petition The kingdome here meant is the kingdome of him who is our Father who is in heauen and whose name is to be hallowed Great reason therefore that we should pray for this Kingdome to come A Restraint as it implyeth that this Kingdome onely should be desired to come So as not any kingdome which is contrarie to this and hindreth the comming of this but euery kingdome which is any helpe to the comming of this in that onely respect as it is such an helpe ought to be desired to come An Extent in that it implyeth a comming fit for such a kingdome as Gods is yea and answerable to the excellencie of him who is the King thereof §. 44. Of Gods power to make his Kingdome come Q. WHat learne wee from directing this Petition vnto God A. It is in the power of God to perfect his Church He can gather all the parts thereof together and bring them all to that measure of perfection which is meetest for them Otherwise it were in vaine to make this Petition to him 1. Cor. 3. 7. It is God that giueth the encrease It is he that is able to make grace to abound 2. Cor. 9. 8. Let vs therefore euer call vpon him to be fauourable vnto Sion and to build vp the walles of Ierusalem Psal 51. 18. and let vs in faith depend on him for the good of his Church and so long as hee remaineth King thereof not feare what any creature can doe against it Psal 118. 6. Thus much of the meaning of the words and instructions arising out of them The order and fit inference of this Petition vpon the former followeth §. 45. Of the best meanes and fittest persons to hallow Gods Name Q. VVHy is this second Petition inferred on the first A. 1. To point out the best meanes of hallowing Gods Name 2. To shew what persons are fittest thereto Q. What is the best meanes A. The Church Psal 65. 1. wherein praise waiteth for God For God is knowne in Iudah Psal 76. 1. his name is great in Israel No where is God so well knowne as in his Church Q. Who are the fittest persons to hallow Gods Name A. Such as are members of the Church Them therfore doth Dauid cal vpon to praise the Lord. Psal 135. 19 20 21. No other persons can hallow Gods Name aright for this is a worke of Gods sanctifying Spirit 1. Cor. 12 3. No man can say that Iesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost Vpon the two forenamed grounds we ought the more earnestly to pray for the Church that so the Name of God may be the more hallowed Dan. 9. 19. This moued Daniel to bee exceeding feruent in Prayer to God for his Church §. 46. Of the spirituall blessings to be craued for the whole militant Church Q. VVHat are the particular good things which by vertue of the second Petition we ought to pray for A. All such things as concerne the good of the Church militant or triumphant In our Prayer for the Church militant we ought to haue respect to the things which concerne the whole body or the seuerall parts thereof whether they bee more remote or nearer to vs and so we more especiall members thereof Q. What are wee to pray for in regard of the whole bodie of the Church militant A. 1. That God would blesse it with all needfull blessings both spirituall and temporall 2. That he would protect it from all manner of euill Vnder the blessings craued for the Church the meanes which God hath sanctified for the better effecting of them are comprised Q. What are the spirituall blessings which wee ought to desire for the Church on earth Spirituall blessings for the whole militant Church A. 1. In generall that as God hath chosen it to bee as his Vineyard and Orchard so he would take an especiall care of it hauing his eye continually vpon it to plant it to water it to fence it to doe for it whatsoeuer he himselfe seeth requisite for it Because we know that God better knoweth then we doe what is good for his Chnrch therefore ought our desire of the good thereof to be referred to him extended to that knowledge which he hath of it To which purpose Dauid thus prayeth Doe good in thy good pleasure vnto Sion Psal 51. 18. 2. In particular we ought to desire both the dayly encrease of Gods Church on earth and also the establishment of it For the encrease of it two especiall things are to bee desired and that indefinitely without any limitation to any particular place 1. That where no Church is Pray that Churches may be where none are Psal 67. 2. God would bee pleased to plant one Such ought the extent of our desire to be herein as to pray that Gods sauing health may be knowne among all Nations Especially among such as haue a particular promise made to them Rom. 11. 25 26. as the Iewes Psal 67. 4. On this ground when they were a people and we none they prayed for vs. 2. That where any foundation of a Church is laid Pray that Churches
true Church yet that he himselfe may be as Ioseph was in the house of Potiphar Gen. 39. 2. a faithfull member of the true Church a free-hearted subiect of the kingdome of God and for this end euery one ought to pray that in his person he may be sanctified throughout and his whole spirit and soule and bodie be kept blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ 1. Thes 5. 23. This is that true and proper vse which wee are to make of those bonds whereby we are outwardly linked one to another that as we are more nearely knit one to another so more specially and instantly to pray that they to whom we are in outward bonds linked may with vs be fast knit to the bodie of Christ and as true members thereof may beautifie and honour it Col. 2. 19. and that all the bodie by ioynts and bands hauing nourishment ministred and knit together may encrease with the encrease of God Thus we see how our desire ought to be ordered for the militant Church It ought in generall to be extended to the whole bodie wheresoeuer more particularly applied to the seuerall parts of it as we haue any notice thereof and more earnestly extended for such parts as wee our selues are more nearely knit vnto §. 52. Of the things to bee desired for the Church triumphant Q. VVHat are we to pray for in regard of the triumphant Church the kingdome of glorie A. The full perfection and consummation thereof Whereunto tend these particulars following 1. That we which liue in this kingdome of Grace 1. Pray to be fitted for heauen may be fitted and prepared for that kingdome of Glorie that we may be presented as a chaste and pure Virgine to our Husband Christ 2. Cor. 11. 2. Such a prayer did the Apostle vse to make for the members of the militant Church 1. Thes 5. 23. 2. That we may be loosed and be with Christ in that glorious place 2. Pray to be in heauen For the gathering of such into the kingdome of Glorie Phil. 1. 23. as belong thereunto helpeth forward the consummation of it Hoc optamus vt finem nostris faciat malis nos assumat in regnum Aug. de Temp. Serm. 126 How we may pray for death Votum affectus magis quam effectus Obiect How can this desire of being dissolued stand with the vnchangeable decree of God concerning the appointed time of mans death Answ This kind of prayer rather sheweth what we could desire if the will of God were so then what we would whether it were Gods will or no. Neither is it made to alter Gods determined purpose but to manifest our longing desire after that which God in his eternall counsell hath purposed for vs. Thus did many of the faithfull Israelites Math. 13. 17. that liued long before the Messiah was exhibited 1. King 19. 4. Ionah 43. desire to see him An absolute desire of present death as was the desire of Eliah and Ionah is not warrantable but a longing after death to be in the kingdome of Glorie as was the desire of Paul is very commendable Phil. 1. 23. 3. That the number of those whom God hath ordained to 3. Pray for accomplishing the number of the Elect. make full the body of Christ may be accomplished For there is a certaine number ordained vnto eternall life Rom. 8. 29 30. till that he be full the kingdome of Glorie cannot in all the parts thereof be consummate 4. That the signes which in Gods word are fore-told to goe before the comming of Christ may accordingly fall out 4. Pray for the signes of Christs comming that by the sight of them we may be the more erected to looke for the glorious appearing of Christ Math. 24 29 c. There are signes fore-told these therefore must be prayed for 5 Pray against enemies of the Church 5. That all the obstinate enemies of the Church which any way hinder the full and perfect consummation thereof may be destroyed and those not only wicked men and cruell tyrants and persecutors but also death and him that hath the power of death 1. Cor. 15. 15. the diuell The destruction of these is promised so as there is good ground to pray for it 6. That the bodies of all the Saints which from the beginning haue slept 6. Pray for the resurrection may be raised from death to be vnited to their soules 1 Thes 4. 16. and brought vnto the kingdome of Glorie For this is absolutely promised Obiect This is to pray for the dead Answ Not for this or that particular friend departed whose estate we certainly know not How prayers to be made or not to be made for the dead but in generall for all the true members of Christs celestiall bodie nor to obtaine that for them which was to be obtained in the times of their life remission of sinnes nor yet to alter their finall estate the doome whereof passed vpon them at the moment of their dissolution but onely as their resurrection is a degree to the perfecting of the kingdome of Glorie we being taught to pray for the full perfection of that kingdome pray indefinitely for the resurrection of the Saints which is a degree thereto 7. That Christ would come in his glorie to iudgement 7. Pray for Christs coming Reu. 22. 17. 20. Mat. 13. 41 49. 25. 32. c. and make a perfect separation betwixt the elect and reprobate For so much is foretold and promised 8. That all the members of Christs mysticall bodie being glorified with him 8. Pray for the full glorificatiō of the Church He may deliuer vp the kingdome to God the Father that God may be all in all For so much is also foretold 1. Cor. 15. 24 28. §. 53. Of the things for which thankes is to be giuen by reason of the second Petition Q. FOr what are we to giue thankes by vertue of the second Petition A. Euery thing that maketh to the good of Gods Church whether directly by blessings bestowed on it or consequently by restraining or ouer-throwing the enemies of it ministreth iust matter of thanks-giuing We are therefore to be thankfull in the behalfe of the Church in these cases following and others like to them 1. Acts 11. 18. When Churches are planted where none were before Thus the Iewes glorified God when they heard that the Gospell was embraced of the Gentiles 2. When such Churches as are planted do thriue and prosper For this did S. 2. Thes 1. 3. Paul giue thankes in the behalfe of the Thessalonians 3. When good Magistrates are raised vp In which case the Queene of Sheba blessed God for setting Salomon on the throne of Israel 1. King 10. 9. Much more are we to blesse God for good Ministers of his word and that not onely when they are first raised vp but also when
obiections distinctly the truth of the Doctrine is made more cleare that the onely true ground of a sufficient plea in prayer is in God The grounds of plea which papists teach and practise must needs be false because they are not taken from God They are these Intercession of Saints Bloud of Martyrs Supererrogatorie workes of extraordinarie persons Merit of a mans own workes and others like to these What strength can these adde to faith in prayer What assurance can they giue of being heard when they depend on man and haue no warrant out of Gods Word We that are better instructed ought to take notice of the things whereby God hath made himselfe knowne to vs being comprised vnder this Title the a See §. 20. name of God And when wee come to prayer meditate thereon seriously that our faith being grounded on so sure a Rocke as God is and on his promises and properties wee may with comfort and patience expect a gracious answere and blessed grant of our Petitions The reason added to the Petitions being generally touched It is further more distinctly in the seuerall branches thereof to be handled §. 205. Of appropriating Gods Attributes to himselfe Q. HOw is God in this reason set out A. By his Attributes For these words Kingdome Power Glory for euer doe point out foure distinct Attributes of God which are 1. a Psal 22. 28. Soueraignty Kingdome 2. b Ier. 32. 17. 2. Chro. 20. 6. Omnipotency Power 3. c Psal 113. 4. Isa 6. 3. Excellency Glory 4. d Psal 90. 2 Isa 57. 15. Eternitie For euer Q. How are these Attributes applyed to God A. By a speciall propertie and excellency So much doth this Particle THINE and the Article THE import 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As if he had said Thine and thine onely are these Thine they are originally of thy selfe and that in an infinite measure and degree 1. Tim. 6. 16. In the same manner that the Apostle applyeth Immortalitie may these and all other diuine Attributes bee applyed to God who onely hath Kingdome and Power and Glory for euer Though this Particle THINE bee but once expressed yet by vertue of the copulatiue Particle AND 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is particularly to be applyed to euery of the other properties As for the fourth Attribute Eternitie intimated in this clause For euer it is so expressed as appertaining to all and euery of the other three For Gods kingdome is for euer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Power for euer his Glory for euer and whatsoeuer else is in God is as God himselfe for euer Well therefore may this be considered in relation to other Attributes as an attribute of them and simply in it selfe as a distinct attribute §. 206. Of Gods hauing all things at his command Q. VVHat kinde of kingdome is here meant A. Gods vniuersall kingdome Of the kinds of Gods Kingdom See §. 35. by vertue whereof hee hath a supreme and absolute soueraignty in all places ouer all things So as this kinde of kingdome compriseth all kindes vnder it Psal 103. 19. euen his peculiar kingdome also the Church of Christ In this extent it is said His kingdome ruleth ouer all Q. What doth this application of kingdome to God import A. God hath all things at his command Where Dauid applyeth this absolute soueraignty to God in the very words which Christ doth 1. Chron. 29. 11 12. saying Thine is the kingdome O Lord he addeth by way of explication All that is in heauen and in earth is thine Both riches and honour come of thee and in thine hand it is to make great and to giue strength vnto all It is God that first made all things and that still vpholdeth preserueth Rom. 11. 36. and gouerneth all things Of him and through him and to him are all things Gen. 14. 22. Hee is the possessour of heauen and earth All things therefore must needs be at his command On this ground we see what iust cause wee haue to make all the forenamed Petitions vnto God and of him to aske whatsoeuer is to be asked in Prayer For all are at his disposing The Psalmist vpon his acknowledgement of Gods soueraignty maketh this inference Psal 44. 4. Command deliuerance for Iaakob §. 207. Of the absolute Supremacie of Gods Soueraigntie Q. VVHat doth the Emphaticall manner of attributing Kingdome to God THE Kingdome import A. Gods is the most supreme and absolute Soueraignty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THE KINGDOME that is that Soueraignty which may indeed and properly be called a Kingdome which is ouer all vnder none is Gods Wherefore God is stiled b Psal 47. 2. Mal. 1. 14. A great King c 1. Tim. 6. 16. A King of Kings and Lord of Lords d Psal 95 3. A great King aboue all Gods e Isa 6. 5. The King and Lord of Hosts A King who hath the f Mat. 5. 34 35. heauen for his Throne and the earth for his footstoole God was before all euen eternall Though the creatures ouer which he raigneth were not from eternitie yet had the eternall God an eternall right of raigning by vertue whereof hee was King ouer all things that are so soone as euer they were And this right he must needs haue of himselfe and by himselfe For he being an g Ier. 10 10. 1. Tim. 1. 17. eternall King who could bee before him from whom he might receiue a right of Soueraignty As he is h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God of himselfe so is hee i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord of himselfe A supreme and absolute Monarch This Supremacie of Gods Soueraignty teacheth such as haue any Soueraignty to k Reu. 4. 10. cast their crownes downe at the feet of this high Soueraigne Howsoeuer there bee some who in their Dominions are in all causes and ouer al persons supreme Gouernours yet with this limitation vnder God That Soueraignty which they haue is Gods image by vertue whereof they are stiled l Psal 82. 6. Gods Yet because they are what they are of God and vnder God they are also stiled m Ibid. Children of the most High n Lam. 4. 20. Annointed of the Lord o Rom 13. 4. Ministers of God 2. It teacheth vs all to aduance God aboue all and to preferre him before all to p Luke 12. 4 5. feare him q Mat 22. 37. loue him trust in him and euery way respect him more then all other and to obey him rather then any other King or Gouernour This is such a ruled case so cleare and euident as r Act. 4. 19. 5. 29. the Apostles made their enemies Iudges thereof If a King in his Dominions is to bee preferred and obeyed before all subordinate Magistrates much more God before all Kings and other Gouernours thorowout the whole world §. 208. Of god being King onely Q. VVHat doth the appropriating of Kingdome
to God import A. Gods is the onely Kingdome This Particle THINE Thine is the Kingdome importeth a property All other Kingdomes are but parts of his Rom. 13. 1. There is no power but of God The powers that be are ordained of God Dan. 5. 21. Nebuchadnezzar was forced to acknowledge as much This is to be knowne and acknowledged both to keepe vs from all base and slauish obedience to earthly Gouernours in things against Gods will and also to prouoke vs readily and willingly to obey them in all lawfull things for conscience sake Rom. 13. 5. 1. Pet. 2. 13. for the Lords sake If earthly kingdomes be as they are within the limits of Gods kingdome parts thereof subordinate thereto then no obedience must bee yeelded to the Gouernours of them but that which may stand with the Lawes of Gods kingdome so as God the onely King may bee obeyed therein and thereby But in euery thing that may stand with the Lawes of Gods Kingdome obedience is to be yeelded to Gouernours on earth because their Kingdomes are parts of Gods and they Gods Deputies and Ministers Rom. 13. 2. Whosoeuer therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God and they that resist shall receiue to themselues damnation These are the grounds that binde vs to obey Magistrates for conscience sake Not that one man hath power ouer anothers conscience this power is Gods Prerogatiue but that God to whom all mens consciences are and ought to be subiect hath ordained the Powers and requireth subiection to them So as that which is done for conscience sake is done for the Lords sake §. 209. Of the Duties due to God by reason of his Kingdome and comfort thence arising Q. VVHat are the Duties which the holy Ghost by vertue of Gods kingdome and Soueraignty requireth of vs A. 1. To suffer God to a Psal 24. 7. 9. enter in and abide among vs. 2. To be willing that he b 110. 3. raigne and rulâ— ouer vs. 3. To be c Isa 6 2 5. Dan. 6. 26. humbled and to tremble at his presence 4. To d Ier. 10. 7. feare and reuerence his Maiestie 5. To e Psal 22. 27 28. Zac. 14. 16 17. worship him 6. To f Psal 47. 6 7. 1. Tim. 1. 17. praise and glorifie him 7. To g Psal 2. 6 11 12. serue and obey him 8. To h Mal. 1. 13 14. offer to him the best that we haue 9. To i Mat. 5. 34 35. â—ake heed of profaning or abusing any thing that is his 10. To k Psal 149. 2. Zach. 9. 9. testifie our loue to him by reioycing in him 11. To l Psal 5. 2. seeke helpe of him 12. To m Isa 43. 15. Zeph. 3. 15. rest and relie vpon him Q. What is the comfort that ariseth from Gods soueraignie A. Assurance of supply of all things needfull and of protection from all things hurtfull Assurance I say to such as take him for their King and in testimonie thereof are readie to performe all the forenamed duties Though God be a King ouer all yet all take him not for their King Some being * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qui sunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 absq vtilitate vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 absque iugo sonnes of Belial without yoke say n Psal 2. 3. Let vs breake his bonds asunder and cast his cords away from vs. o Luke 19. 14. We will not haue him to rule ouer vs. Yet will they nill they God is their King And because willingly they yeald not to him by force he keepeth them vnder To these more terror then comfort ariseth from Gods soueraignty But to his loyall subiects much comfort must needs arise For their King hauing all things at his command will he suffer them to want what he knoweth to be behoouefull for them or to be annoyed with any hurtfull thing All the properties of a good King are in God But to prouide for his subiects and to protect them are properties set downe by the holy Ghost in the description of a good King Psal 72 2 3 c. Shall not God the best and chiefest of Kings the onely true King whose the kingdome is do those things for his subiect This of Gods kingdome The next propertie is his power In these words And the power §. 210. Of Gods power What it is How farre it extendeth Q. VVHat is ment by Gods power A. His abilitie to do any thing Power attributed to a creature implieth that abilitie which it hath so it doth also applied to the Creator Now as other attributes applied to God are his verie essence and as his essence is infinite so also is his power which extendeth it selfe to euery thing that by power may be done according to these Scripture Phrases a Gen. 18. 14. â—er 32. 27. Is anything too hard for the Lord b Luke 1. 37. With God nothing is impossible c Mar 10. 17. With God all things are possible In this respect he is stiled d Gen. 17. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God Almightie Q. Are all things without exception within the compasse of Gods power Reu. 4. 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A. Not such things as import impotencie or imperfection Gods power were not omnipotent but rather impotent if those were within the circuit thereof Such phrases therefore as these e Tit. 1. 2. Cannot f Heb. 6. 18. Impossible are in relation to those things applyed to God Some of the particulars which by reason of omnipotencie God cannot do are these 1. Matters of contradiction as one thing at the same time to be and not to be or one and the same thing to be infinite and finite Such things are in their nature impossible And God cannot establish them because they are against truth and imply impotencie For whatsoeuer is it is by the power of the Creator and by his power it is as it is If withall it be not when it is or be contrary to what the Creator maketh it where is the power of the Creator If he himselfe should bee supposed to establish such contradictions he cannot be supposed to establish them by his power The one part is by power the other therefore must be if it could be by that which is contrary to power euen by impotencie 2. Matters of iniquitie All sinfull matters As these are contrary to the will puritie and perfection of God so they arise from impotencie of vnderstanding will memorie conscience affection and actions By power it is that any either do not or cannot sinne By weakenesse it is therefore that any fall into sinne These emphaticall phrases i Gen. 18. 25. Shall not the Iudge of all the earth do right k Ezek. 18. 29. Are not the wayes of the Lord equall l Rom. 3. 5. Is God vnrighteous m 9. 14. Is there vnrighteousnesse with God do imply an
euen against the ordinarie course of nature Because she iudged him faithfull who had promised Heb. 1â— 11. 5. Confidently to waite for saluation For this end hath God shewed to the heires of promise the immutabilitie of his counsell that we might haue a strong consolation c. 6. To hold close to Gods word not to alter it any way Deut 4. 2. Who shall dare to change the inuiolable word of the immutable God 7. To yeald to the counsell of God made knowne God in his counsell is vnchangeable It shall stand whether we yeald vnto it or repine against it On this ground g 1. Sam. 3. 18. the Saints where the purpose of God was manifested 2. Sam. 12. 22 23 humbly submitted themselues thereto 2. King 20. 19. 8. To be stedfast 1. Cor. 15. 58. constant and vnnioueable in euery good worke Mat. 5. 48. This is one especiall point wherein we must be perfect as our heauenly Father is perfect Some of those particulars wherein we must be vnmoueable and immutable are these 1. In our promises 2. Cor. 1. 17. 2. In our oathes Psal 15. 4. 3. In our vowes Eccl. 5. 4. 4. In our faith and hope Col. 1. 23. 5. In our profession Heb. 3. 12. 13. 9. 6. In all good duties Gal. 6. 9. Hitherto of the Attributes here appropriated to God singly and seuerally considered by themselues The relation which they haue to the Petitions is further to be declared §. 229. Of Gods kingdome How it worketh confidence in Prayer Q. VVHat relation haue the forenamed properties of God to the Petitions of this prayer A. As reasons to enforce them * See §. 203. which they do by giuing vs assurance of obtaining them which will more clearely appeare by a distinct application of euery particular propertie to the Petitions and of euery particular Petition to the seuerall properties Q. How doth Gods Soueraigntie giue vs assurance of obtaining our Petitions A. It importeth Gods willingnesse to heare vs. This is a great encouragement to moue vs to come to God and to expect a gracious answer from him Psal 65. 2. Vpon this stile giuen to God O thou that hearest prayer this inference is made vnto thee shall all flesh come Now Gods willingnesse and readinesse to heare may well be gathered from this clause Thine is the kingdome because it is the propertie of good Kings readily to open their eares to their subiects suites as is excellently set downe in the c Psal 72. 12 13 14. description of that King that was a type of Iesus Christ the King of kings But God hath all the properties of a good King in him Yea they are all originally in him as in the head fountaine and well-spring The properties that are in other good Kings are deriued from him He hath them infinitely aboue all measure We may well therfore be assured that the kingdome being Gods he being our King and Soueraigne we may boldly present our suites to him and confidently expect the accomplishment of our desires Well did he know this that did vsually in his Petitions to God stile him King saying Heaâ—ken vnto the voice of my crie Psal 5. 2. my KING Thou art my KING O God command deliuerance for Iaakob 44. 4. God is my KING of old working saluation Wherfore take due and true notice of thine estate 74. 12. whether thou bee indeed one of Gods subiects that so thou maist with the more stedfast faith present thy Petitions to God as to thy King and plead and presse this argument Thine is the kingdome §. 230. Of Gods power How it strengthenth faith in Prayer Q. HOw doth Gods power enforce our desire A. It sheweth how able God is to grant whatsoeuer we desire of him A King may be ready and willing to heare his subiects suits but if withall hee be not able to grant their Petitions and to effect their desires what confidence can they haue in calling vpon him when a poore subiect thus cryed to a mortall King 2. King 6. 26 27. Helpe ô Lord my King he answered If the Lord do not helpe thee whence shall I helpe thee What heart can a subiect haue to go to such a Soueraigne There may be more hope of helpe from him that is vnwilling then from him that is vnable b Ier. 32. 17 27. Ost therefore is Gods power alledged to strengthâ—n our faith in prayer 2. Chro. 20. 6. and Saints themselues were woâ—t to pleade it Neh 9. 32. Q. 1. Chro. 16. 25. May wee confidently expect to obtaine by prayer whatsoeuer God is ablâ— to grant 2. Chro. 14 11. A. Gods power singly by it selfe no ground of faith No * §. â—11 wee haue before shewed that God is able to do many things which he will not do Though c Mat. 26. 53. Christ knew that his Father could haue sent more then twelue legions of Angels to rescue him yet because he also knew that it was the will of his Father at that time to deliuer him into the hands of his enemies he would not pray for those legions to be sent Though God be able at any time to preserue any people from any iudgment yet when his will is not to deliuer them the prayers of d Ezek. 14 14. Noah Daniel and Iob or of e ler. 15. 1. Moses and Samuel shall not be of force for them f 1. Sam. 16. 1. Samuel prayed for Saul but was not heard Q. How then is Gods power a ground of faith Gods power and will concurring a sure ground of faith A. In that it is ioyned with his willingnesse Therefore it is here added to his kingdome a §. 229. which wee haue shewed to set out his readinesse to heare They who place their confidence on Gods power aright are not ignorant thereof Instance the Leper Math. 8. 2. who thus frameth his Petition Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me cleane In those things whereof we haue euidence for Gods willingnesse we may with confidence rest vpon Gods power for the obtaining of them Wherefore well acquaint thy selfe with Gods Word and with his promises therein that thereby thou maist bee well instructed in the things which God is willing to grant and so with greater confidence trust to his power §. 231. Of Gods glory How it setleth the soule for obtaining her desire Q. HOw doth Gods glory encourage vs with confidence to call on God A. It implyeth a concurring of his will and power together Gods glory is the maine end that he aimeth at in all things Prou. 16. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himselfe namely to set out his glorie The things therefore which tend to his glory hee will assuredly grant For they are none of those things which were b §. 210. before noted to import impotencie or imperfection and in that regard are within the
compasse of his power But they are the things which God aimeth at which hee hath ordained to be done in that regard no doubt can be made of Gods willingnes to grant them Seeing then that God is able to do whatsoeuer he is willing to do And seeing that whatsoeuer God is able willing to do shall be done and seeing that the things which tend to Gods glory God is both able and willing to do wil not this conclusion necessarily follow fioÌ„ those premises The things which are asked of God for the glory of God shal assuredly be granted How fitly therfore doth Christ hauing prescribed sundry Petitions which all tend to the glory of God teach vs to put God in minde of his glory for strengthening our faith in obtaining them That this motiue taken from Gods glory may rightly bee vsed in prayer and thy faith be strengthened thereby be sure that all the Petitions which thou preferrest to God do make to Gods glory Let them not bee to satisfie thy lusts Iam. 4. 3. So thou maist aske and not receine §. 232. Of Gods vnchangeable Eternitie How it maketh vs rest on God for obtaining our desires Q. HOw doth Gods vnchangeable eternitie enbolden vs in faith to call vpon God A. It maketh vs confidently to expect what God hath formerly granted and to doe for vs that which hee hath alwayes done for them that haue called on him and beleeued in him On this ground the Psalmist thus pleadeth Our fathers trusted in thee Psal 22. 4 5. they trusted and thou didst deliuer them They cryed vnto thee and were deliuered they trusted in thee and were not confounded This pleading of Gods former dealings implyeth faith in Gods vnchangeable continuing to bee the same God the same God in our time that he was of old in our fathers time the same God to vs that hee was to our fathers b Psal 74. 13 c. On this ground it hath beene vsuall with Saints to call to minde 77. 11 12 c and to make mention of Gods former dealings with others before their time 2. Chro. 20. 7. when they called vpon GOD to strengthen their faith and to c Psal 105. 5. call on others to remember the same The Prophet rendereth this reason of declaring Gods former dealings to posteritie d Psal 78. 7. That they might set their hope in God Were not the Kingdome Power and Glory Gods FOR EVER Were not God euer the same God this argument taken from Gods former fauours and Gods former workes would be of little force to make succeeding ages to trust in him Wherefore that all ages might in faith call vpon God and with confidence depend on him to be heard and helpt yea that they who haue once beene heard and helpt might hold on in calling vpon God and seeking helpe of him euery day euen all the dayes of their life fitly doth the Lord adde this clause FOR EVER to set out the immutable eternitie of God himselfe and of all his properties as of his Soueraignty Omnipotencie and Excellencie Oft meditate hereon that thou maist with as strong confidence call on God as Abraham Dauid the Prophets Apostles and other Saints haue done but with this Prouiso that thou endeuour to be such as they were and so to call on him as they did for God for euer remaineth the same and casteth his gracious eye vpon the same kinde of persons Thus much of the application of the particular properties of God to all the Petitions in generall Each Petition shall further be applyed to each propertie §. 233. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to the Kingdome of God Q. VVHat particular respects hath euery of the Petitions to Gods Kingdome A. 1. It appertaines to a King to haue his â—onour aduanced a Math. 5. 35. The Lord forbiddeth to sweare by Ierusalem because it is the Citie of the great King so as the things of the great King must not be profaned the King is dishonoured thereby which he will not brooke The Lord will giue strength to his King and exalt the horne of his anointed It is fit for a King to be exalted and haue his name hallowed Good ground therefore there is to make this Petition Hallowed be thy name to him whose the kingdome is 2. It cannot bee doubted but that a King will maintaine his Kingdome It belongeth to him so to doe Who should doe it if not he Zac. 9. 9 10. Hereupon the Prophet exhorteth Zion to reioyce in the comming of her King for comming to his owne kingdome hee commeth with saluation Well therefore may wee say to him whose the Kingdome is Thy Kingdome come 3. Obedience is most due to a King Of Christ the King of the Church it is foretold that All Kings shall fall downe before him Psal 72. 11. All Nations shall serue him Yea wee are commanded to serue him Psal 2. 6 11. because hee is a King Ought wee not then to make to him whose the kingdome is this Petition Thy will bee done 4. A King prouides all needfull things for his Subiects So much is noted in the description of a good King Psal 71. 6 7. He shall come downe like raine vpon the mowen grasse and as showers that water the earth In his dayes shall be aboundance of peace May wee not now pray thus Giue vs this day our dayly bread to him whose the kingdome is 5. It is in the power of the highest to forgiue If the King grant a Pardon to a Traitor who can condemne him Christ sitting in iudgement to shew what authoritie hee had to absolue and condemne Mat. 25. 34 41. stileth himselfe King The KING shall say Come ye blessed c. and He shall say depart you cursed c. Great reason therfore there is thus to pray Forgiue vs our debts to him whose the kingdome is 6. It is a Kings Office to deliuer his Subiects from their enemies and from the euils which may befall them Fitly to this purpose saith the Prophet Zeph. 3. 15. The Lord hath taken away thy iudgements hee hath cast out thine enemies The King of Israel euen the Lord is in the middest of thee thou shalt not see euill any more We haue therefore iust cause to say Leade vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill to him whose the Kingdome is §. 234. Of the speciall relation which the seuerall Petitions haue to Gods power Q. VVHat particular respect hath euery of the Petitions to Gods power A. 1. To haue Gods name rightly and duely hallowed requireth a diuine power Psal 24. 8. The Lord strong and mighty is the King of Glory Wherefore to hallow Gods name must bee desired and expected of him whose the power is 2. Gods Kingdome can not bee perfected but by almightie power For many and mighty are the enemies thereof Few and weake are the true members and friends thereof They
God to take away his blessing as he threatned Israel Hosea 2. 8 9. The things which God vseth to bestow vpon gratefull persons hee vseth to take away from the vngratefull The most memorable iudgements that are recorded in the Scriptures were caused by vngratefulnesse Gen. 6. 2. c. When God had culled a Church out of the world who in that respect were called sonnes of God they vnmindfull of Gods gracious calling mixed themselues with daughters of men which made God repent that he had made man and thereupon he brought vpon the world that generall deluge wherewith he swept away all but eight persons Compare Gen. 14. 16. c. with Gen. 18. 20 21. Gen. 19. 24. After that God by his seruant Abraham had rescued Sodome and the neighbouring Cities from the hand of their enemies they were not carefull to render praise to God but continued in their beastly abominations They were therefore all burnt with fire and brimstone from heauen 2. Chr. 36 16 17. Israels vngratefulnesse was the cause of her captiuitie This was it that prouoked God to giue ouer the Gentiles to a reprobate sence Rom. 1. 21. c. and to giue Christians ouer to Antichristianisme 2. Thes 2. 9 10 11. This caused that Nebuchadnezzar was made as a beast and that Herod was eaten with wormes Dan. 4. 30 31. This I hope may be sufficient to worke some care and conscience to performe this duty of praise Acts 12. 23. §. 239. Of praising God How it is done Q. VVHat is it to praise God A. 1. To acknowledge God to be what he is Thus doth Moses in his Psalme of thanksgiuing praise God saying The Lord is a man of warre Iehouah is his name Exod. 15. 3. 2. To attribute to God that which is his as Christ doth in this forme 1. Chr. 29 10 11. and Dauid saying Thine ô Lord is the greatnesse and the power and the glory c. 3. To ascribe to God that which is done by him Thus doth c Exod. 15. 4. Moses praise God by ascribing to him the ouerthrow of Pharaoh and his hoast So doth d Psal 107. 2 3. c. the Psalmist in most of his Psalmes of praise 135. 1. c. 4. To professe that which God giueth to be giuen of him 136. 1. c. as Dauid in his forme of praise thus doth e 1. Chro. 29. 14 c. All things come of thee and of thine owne haue we giuen thee 5. To declare to others all the forenamed points concerning God 1. Chro. 16. 8 9. To this purpose saith Dauid Giue thankes vnto the Lord make knowne his deeds among the people Sing vnto him sing Psalmes vnto him talke ye of all his wondrous workes And againe I will declare thy name vnto my brethren in the middest of the congregation will I praise thee 6. To worship God in testimonie of all the said points as is euident by this exhortation 1. Chro. 16. 29. Giue vnto the Lord the glorie due to his Name bring an offering and come before him worship the Lord c. By all these particular branches of praising God gathered out of the Scriptures it is most cleare that by praising and glorifying God we giue nothing at all to God but onely what he is what is â—is what is done or giuen by him is acknowledged and declared and God with due respect reuerenced and adored Which as it directeth vs how to praise God so it setteth out Gods goodnesse in accepting that which is his owne as giuen to him by vs and also it discouereth the peruerse disposition of vngratefull persons who do as much as in them lieth to with-hold from God that which is his owne and most due vnto him §. 240. Of the things for which God is to be praised Q. VVHich are the Principall grounds for which God is to be praised A. 1. His Excellencie in himselfe 2. His Soueraigntie aboue vs. 3. His Mercie towards vs. All these shew that God is most worthy of all praise 1. Excellencie in any thing is praise worthy as excellencie of knowledge excellencie of wisedome excellencie of power and strength excellencie of any vertue yea excellencie of eloquence excellencie of beautie and euerie other excellencie It is said of the woman whose excellencies were many Pro. 31. 30 31. Shee shall be praised and Let her owne workes praise her But * §. 218. we haue shewed that all excellencies are in God Yea the excellencies which are in creatures are Gods because they come all from God If therfore praise be due to any much more to God That very praise which in any respect may lawfully be giuen to any creature is most properly due to him Where Dauid blesseth Aâ—igail for her wise aduise he first blesseth God that sent her saying Blessed be the Lord which sent thee this day to meet me 1. Sam. 25 32 33. and blessed be thy aduise Act. 12. 23. and blessed be thou c. But because Herod gaue not God the glorie which was giuen to him he was eaten of wormes Besides there are such infinitely surpassing excellencies in God as no creature is capable of as Selfe-existencie Etermitie All-sufficiency Immutabilitie Omnipotencie Vbiquitie c. That praise therefore is due to God Exod. 15. 11. which may be ascribed to no other For who is like vnto thee ô Lord amongst the Gods Who is like thee glorious in holinesse 1. Sam. 2. 2. fearefull in praises c. There is none holy as the Lord for there is none beside thee neither is there any rocke like our God Great is the Lord 1. Chron. 16. 25. and greatly to be praised Thus we see how Gods excellencie ministreth iust and great cause of praising God If when we are about to praise God our hearts were deepely fixed on a due meditation and serious consideration of Gods excellencies they would bee much quickened vnto this heauenly dutie of praising God 2. Soueraigntie maketh one to be much praised Who more praised then Kings They are praised for the things praise-worthy in their owne persons and praise-worthy in their subiects If in a kingdome there be learned Deuines faithfull Ministers iust Magistrates wise Counsellers valiant Souldiers victorious Captaines skilfull Artificers industrious Husbandmen obedient Subiects the King is much praised for them all and it is supposed that his wise and good gouernment is the cause of all Besides praise vseth to be proportioned according to the dignitie wherein men are The higher a mans place is the more praise vseth to be giuen to him Kings therefore being the highest in their Dominions greatest praise vseth to bee giuen to them But God hath beene a § 207. prooued to be the most supreme and absolute Soueraigne ouer all The King of Kings On this ground we are thus incited to praise God Sing praises to God Psal 47. 6 7. sing praises sing
Promises 6. i Reu. 1. 7. Denunciations of Iudgements What Amen importeth being added to a speech Three especiall things doth AMEN import when it is pronounced after any of the fore-named speeches 1. True assent k 1. Cor. 14 16. This the Apostle implyeth where hee directeth the Church to pray reade and preach in a knowne tongue for this end that euen the vnlearned Hearer may say Amen that is vnderstanding what hee heareth giue assent thereto 2. Earnest desire When the Prophet Ieremiah heard the prophesie of Hananiah concerning the returne of the King of Iudah to his Kingdome and the other Captiues to their land and of the vessels that were taken away to the Temple though hee knew that to bee a false prophesie yet to shew how earnestly hee desired that it might bee so l Ier. 28. 6. hee saith thereto AMEN and fully to declare what hee meant thereby hee addeth The Lord doe so the Lord performe thy words c. 3. Stedfast faith m Reu. 22. 20. Where Christ maketh a promise of his second comming saying Surely I come quickely the Church to shew her stedfast faith in that promise saith AMEN which importeth thus much Lord I beleeue what thou hast said Euen so come Lord Iesus These being the proper ends of saying Amen By whom Amen may rightly be vsed to manifest Assent Desire and Faith it is without contradiction true that whosoeuer saith Amen must vnderstand that whereunto he saith Amen In this case two things are necessarily to bee vnderstood 1. n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The words that are vttered 2. o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the meaning of those words If the words spoken bee not vnderstood 1. Cor. 14. 9. they are as spoken into the aire altogether in vaine and the speaker and hearer are as Barbarians one to another No more benefit can bee receiued by the words of a man not vnderstood then by the indistinct voice of an vnreasonable creature But suppose the words bee such as in themselues are intelligible being English words to an English man yet if the sence and meaning of them bee not conceiued they are to no better purpose then words of a strange and vnknowne language Words haue sometimes a figuratiue sence and meaning which if it bee not vnderstood the proper and true vse and benefit of them is lost If Christ had not made his Disciples to vnderstand the sence and meaning of this direction Math. 1â— 6 c. Take heed and beware of the leauen of the Pharisies and of the Sadduces they had got no good at all thereby It is therefore necessarie that as the words themselues so the proper sence of them be well vnderstood Ob. AMEN is an Hebrew word that language is vnderstood of very few why then is it vsed of all Nations of all people in all Nations learned and vnlearned A. q Rom. 1. 15. The Apostles though they spake Why Amen is vsed of all sorts and wrote not in Hebrew but in Greeke yet they vsed this Hebrew word so as we haue an expresse warrant for retaining this word in another language 2. Continuall vse hath made it familiar to all persons of all languages in all nations So as it is euery where as a proper vulgar mother word Thus these two Titles Iesus Christ though the one be Hebrew and the other Greeke are made so familiar as in all languages they are retained 3. No other one word so fit for the purpose can in any other language be inuented as Amen is Not without reason therefore and iust cause is it that it hath beene made a word of all languages It compriseth vnder it whatsoeuer is expressed or vnderstood in and by the speech whereunto it is added These words Deut 27. 26. Cursed be hee that confirmeth not all the words of this Law to doe them had a large extent yet the AMEN which the people were to say thereto extended it selfe as farre §. 243. Of the duties which AMEN added to a speech implyeth Q. VVHat duties are implyed by the vse of AMEN after a speech ended A. 1. Such as concerne the Speaker 2. Duties which Amen requireth of such as vtter a prayer Such as concerne the Hearer 3. Such as concerne both Speaker and Hearer Three duties especially are required of him that vttereth the speech whereunto Amen is added 1. To speake intelligibly in a knowne tongue This is a point much pressed 1. Cor. 14. 2. c. See more hereof in The whole Armour of God on Ephes 6. 18. § 87 88. 2. To sprake audibly so as they which are to say Amen may heare what is said Deut. 27. 14. The Leuites vnder the Law were expressely enioyned to speake to the people with a lowd voice Accordingly the Leuites that were the mouth of the people to God and prayed in their presence Neh. 9. 4. cryed with a loud voice vnto the Lord their God Be a prayer made as intelligibly as may be if it bee not heard of them that are present they cannot with assent desire and faith say Amen 3. To speake distiâ—ctly that is so treatably as hearers may obserue euery Petition and euery particular point for which thankes is giuen It is expressely noted of such as instructed the people of God that they did it distinctly Neh. 8. 8. whereby the hearers better vnderstood what was deliuered If Prayer or Thanksgiuing be vttered by a voluble swift tongue too fast hearers cannot aduisedly obserue the seuerall branches thereof so as if they say AMEN at the best it cannot bee but to some parts it cannot bee to all the prayer or praise that is vttered Three duties also are required of them who say Amen to a speech vttered by others Duties which Amen requireth of such as heare a prayer 1. To attend diligently to that which is vttered Neh. 8. 5. The people that said Amen to Ezra his blessing are said to stand vp while he spake That gesture implyeth a diligent attention If our minds be wandring and not attentiue to that which is vttered what assent what desire what faith can there be And if there bee none of these to what end is Amen said Surely it is a plaine mockage of God 2. To giue assent therto If with the mouth Amen be vttered and no assent giuen with the heart heart and tongue are repugnant and no better censure can be giuen of such an Amen then that it is the Amen of an hypocrite which is odious and detestable to God 1. Cor. 14. 16. The Apostle vnder this phrase How shal we say Amen implyeth assent for a man may vtter this word Amen to that which he vnderstandeth not but with assent of minde heart he cannot say Amen 3. To manifest that assent Deut. 27. 15. c. Amen to bee vttered aloud by the whole assembly The phrase of saying Amen oft vsed in Scripture doth import
to man 154 Confession of sin to God 155 Auticular Confession 133. 153 CONTENT See Needfull Content with that which is preseÌ„t 111 COVETOVS Couetousnesse 106 D DAily bread What ment thereby 104 Daily need 111 Sin Daily committed 131 Duties thence arising 131 DEATH Death how prayed for 265 DEBTES See Sinnes Kinds of Debts 127 Wofulnesse of the Debt of sinne 135 Many Debtes wherein man stands bound to God 142 Duties thence arising 143 Gods discharge of mans Debt 145 Man vnable to discharge this Debt to God 147 Kindes of Debts to men 174 Man to forgiue his owne debters 180 All sorts of them 178 Debts may be required 188 DELIVER Deliuerance from euill manifold 249 God onely deliuerer 251 Depart from right 177 DEPRECATION to bee added to Petition 203 DEFER Danger of Deferring repentance seeking pardon 112 DIVELL See Satan E ETERNALL VVHat things are Eternall 303 Eternity diuersly taken 304 Duties due to the Eternall 307 Eternity of God a ground of faith 316 320 EVILL Euill to be ouercome with goodnesse 165 Euill to be prayed against 204. 247 Euill to what extended 246 The Euill in euery thing to bee obserued 232 The Diuell an Euill one 249 From Euil deliuered many waies 249 Graces for deliuerance from Euil 264 EXCELLENCY See Glory Excellency of God 295. c. Excellency maketh God praise-worthy 327 F FAITH FAith and Feare mixed 8 Faith grounded on Gods power and will 315. 318 Faith supported by Gods vnchangeable eternity 316 Faith vpheld by Gods being our king 317 What in Faith may bee expected by prayer 337 Fallen recouered 250 FATHER In what respects God is stiled a Father 10 Instructions arising from Gods Father-hood 11 The Dignity and Duty of those whose Father God is 13. 14. 19. 20. Benefits of Gods Father-hood 16 FORGIVE Forgiue one another 163 Forgiuenes vsefull necessary difficult rare 166. c. Forgiue presently 169 Forgiue againe and againe 171 Saints most bound to Forgiue 172 Man must Forgiue all sorts of debts to himselfe 178 Man must Forgiue his owne debters 180 True and vnfained Forgiuenesse 183 Free Forgiuenesse 184 Forgiuenesse to be offered 185 Full Forgiuenesse 186 Forgiuenesse how manifested 187 Our Forgiuing giueth assurance of Gods Forgiuing vs. 198 Graces which make men Forgiue 216 222 Meanes of Gods Forgiuing vs. 218. 2â—1 After Forgiuenes man prone to sin 255 G GLORY See Hallow GLory What it is 295 Glory of God incomprehensible 295 Glory of God how manifested 296 Glory how proper to God 297 Glory how giuen to or taken from God 298 Duties due to Gods Glorie 299 How others brought to Glorifie God 301 Who to set out Gods Glory 302 Enemies of Gods Glory 303 How Gods Glory setleth the soule for obtaining her desire 315. 319 GOD. Gods goodnesse and greatnesse ioyntly considered 8 Gods Impartiality 18 How God is in Heauen 22 Directions thence arising for prayer 25. c. Gods Name See Name 31. c. God makes himselfe knowne 33 Gods Honour See Honour 38 Gods Kingdome See Kingdome 48 God giueth temporall things 107 Vses thence arising 108 Gods Prerogatiue to pardon sin 152 Gods patterne a motiue to shew mercy 193 How God leads into temptation 233 God no Author of Sinne. 235 Gods ouer-ruling power in Temptation 238 God to be depended on for all things 258 Gods Attributes proper to himself 285 God hath all at command 286 Gods Power See Power Gods Glory See Glory Gods Eternity See Eternall Gods Immutability See Immutable God to be praised See Praise GOOD Good to be well done 80 Goodnesse ouercometh Euill 165 Goodnesse of God maketh him praise-worthy 329 H HALLOVV See Glory HAllowing Gods Name 34 Man vnable thereto 36 Graces fit to Hallow Gods Name 42. c. Duties by reason thereof 45 Vices contrary thereto 47 Best meanes fittest persons to Hallow it 55 HEAVEN How God is in Heauen 22 Directions from Gods beeing in Heauen for prayer 25. c. Saints in Heauen a patterne of patience 79 Holinesse excellent 35 I IMprouidence Sundry branches thereof 123 Imputation of Christs actiue righteousnesse 128 IMMVTABLE What is Immutable 308 Kinds of Immutability 309 Difference betwixt Immutability of God and of Creatures 311 Duties due to Gods Immutability 312 Immutability of God a ground of Faith 316. 320 Indulgences Popish 133 Ingratitude an odious sinne Cause of many Iudgements 325. 326 IVSTICE Iustice and mercy meete in God 145 Iustification before Sactification 211 K KIndnesse of God maketh him praise-worthy 329 KINGDOME See Church Kingdome of God What it is 48 The Kindes thereof 49 Kingdome of Grace and Glory 50 Kingdome of God vniuersall 286 God onely King 287 Duties due to God as he is King 288 Kingdome of God workes confidence in prayer 313. 317 KNOVVLEDGE Knowledge of God 42 Why God is made Knowne 33 Prayer in a knowne tongue 332 L LAw how to be waged and vsed 190 Life of man for Gods glory 113 Lords Prayer See Prayer M MAgistrates how they may punish wrongs done to others to themselues 192 Manner of doing good 80 Manner of doing Gods will 89 MERCY Mercy and Iustice meete together in God 145 Mercy of God to bee answered with duty 256 Mercies of God make him Praiseâ—-worthy 329 MERIT Merit of Condignity and Congruity 158 MORTALL Euery sinne Mortall 136 Distinction of Mortall and veniall sins discussed 137 Duties because euery sin is Mortall 141 N NAME NAme of God What it is 31 Name of God how hallowed 34 See HALLOVV NEEDFVLL What may be accounted Needfull 105 No more then Needfull to be desired 105 O OBEDIENCE OBedience ruled by Gods will 73 P. PARDONS See Forgiue DAnger of neglecting to seek Pardon of sinne 134 Gods free and full Pardon 145 156 Free Pardon stands with Christs satisfaction 146 Sinne Pardonable 151 Pardon of sinne proper to God 152 Popish Pardons 153 Pardon to be sought of God 155 Comfort of Gods free and full Pardon 159 Pardon of our owne and others sinnes to be prayed for 161 Pardon how recalled 167 Pardon of sinne makes the things of this world blessings 210 Graces requisire to get pardon of our owne finnes 213 And pardon of others sinnes 215 Duties for obtaining pardon 221 Patience of Saints in heauen 79 Patterne must be perfect 81 How a perfect patterne may bee followed 78 Gods patterne a motiue 193 Perfection to be aimed at 82 POWER Power of God what it is and how large 289 Power in God absolute actuall 291 What things God cannot doe 290 How power proper to God 292 Duties due to God by reason of his power 293 Power of God causeth much comfort 294 Power of God strengtheneth faith in Prayer 314. c. PRAYER Excellencie of the Lords Prayer 1 c The Lords Prayer may be vsed 3 4. Mutuall participation of one anothers Prayers 21 Prayer to bee made for men on earth 77 Prayer to be made for our selues especially 109 And for our owne good 112 Prayer for pardon of our owne and others sinnes 161