sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but have poured out my soul before the Lord. with understanding (r) 1 Cor. 14. 15. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also faith (Å¿) Mar. 11. 24. Therefore I say unto you Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them Jam 1. 6. But let him ask in faith nothing doubting for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed sincerity (t) Psal 145. 18 The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Psal 17. 1. Hear the right O Lord attend unto my cry give ear unto my prayer that goeth not out of fained lips fervency (u) Jam. 5. 16. the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much love (*) 1 Tim. 2. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting and perseverance (x) Eph. 6. 18. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplicotion for all Saints waiting upon him (y) Mic. 7. 7. Therefore I will look unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will hear me with humble submission to his will (z.) Mat. 26. 39. And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying O my Father If it be possible let this cup pass from me nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of Prayer A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of praying (a) 1 Joh. 5. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us but the special rule of direction is that form of Prayer which our Saviour Christ taught his Disciples commonly called the Lords Prayer (b.) Mat. 6. 9 10 11 12 13. After this manner therefore pray ye Our father c. Luk. 11. 2 3 4. And he said unto them When ye pray say Our father c. Q. How is the Lords Prayer to be used A. The Lords Prayer is not onely for direction as a pattern according to which we are to make other praiers but may also be used as a prayer so that it be done with understanding faith reverence and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty (c.) Mat. 6. 9. Compared with Luke 11. 2. See above in the letter b. Q. Of how many parts doth the Lords Prayer consist A. The Lords Prayer consists of three parts a Preface Petitions and a Conclusion Q. What doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer contained in these words Our Father which art in heaven (d) Mat. 6. 9. teacheth us when we pray to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness and our interest therein (e) Luk. 11. 13. If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him Rom. 8. 15. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father with reverence and all other child-like dispositions (f) Isa 46. 9. Be not wrath very sore O Lord neither remember our iniquities for ever behold see we beseech thee we are all thy people heavenly affections (g) Psal 123. 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes O thou that dwellest in the heavens Lam. 3. 41. Let us lift up our heart and our hands unto God in the heavens and due apprehensions of his soveraign power Majesty and gracious condescention (h) Isa 63. 15 16. Look down from heaven and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory Where is thy zeal and thy strength the sounding of thy bowels and thy mercies towards me are they restrained v. 16. Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not thou O Lord art our Father our redeemer thy Name is from everlasting Neh. 1. 4 5 6. And it came to pass when I heard these words that I saâ—e down and wept and mourned certain dayes and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven v. 5. And said I beseech thee O Lord God of heaven the God that keepeth Covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments v. 6. Let thine eat be now attentive and thine eyes opâ—n that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant which I pray before thee now day and night for the children of Israel thy servants c. as also to pray with and for others (i) Act. 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Q. VVhat do we pray for in the first Petition A. In the first petition which is Hallowed be thy name (k) Mat. 6. 9. acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in our selves all men to honor God aright (l) 2 Cor. 3. 5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Psalm 51. 15. O Lord open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise we pray that God would by his grace inable and incline us and others to know to acknowledg and highly to esteem him (m) Psal 67. 2 3. That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations v. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee his titles (n) Psal 83. 18. That men may know that thou whose Name alone is Jehovah art the most High over all the earth attributes (o) Psal 86. 10 11 12 13 -15 For thou art great and dost wondrous things thou art God alone v. 11. Teach me thy way O Lord I will walk in thy truth unite my heart to fear thy name v. 12. I will praise thee O Lord my God with all my heart and will glorifie thy Name for evermore v. 13. For great is thy mercy towards me and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell v. 15. But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gracious long suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth ordinances word (p) 2 Thes 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 Psal 147. 19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and judgments unto Israel v. 20. He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them
temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful who will not suffer you to he tempted above what ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it bestow and blesse all means of grace (Å¿) Heb. 13. 20. 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jeâ—us Christ that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ c. and quicken us to watchfulnesse in the use of them that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin (t) Mat. 26. 21. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation c. Psal 13. 9. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins let not them have dominion over me then shall I be upright and innocent from the great transgression or if tempted that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation (u) Eph. 3. 14 15 16 17. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ V. 15. Oâ— whom the whole family of heaven and earth is named V. 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted c. 1 Thes 3. 13. To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints Jude v. 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy or when fallen raised again and recovered out of it (*) Psa 5â— 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof (x) 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 10. Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divel as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour v. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world v. 10. But the God of all peace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected (y) 2 Cor. 13. 7-9 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil not that we should appear approved but that ye should do that which is honest though we be as reprobates V. 9. For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong this also we wish even your perfection Satan trodden under our feet (z) Rom. 16. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly c. Zech. 3. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan The Lord rebuke thee O Satan even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee Is not this a brand pluckt out of the fire Luk. 22. 31 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat v. 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted c. and we fully freed from sin temptation and all evil for ever (a) Joh. 17. 15. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelesse unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory for ever Amen (b) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments (c) Rom. 15. 30. Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christs sake and for the love of the Spirit that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me which are to be taken not from any worthinesse in our selves or in any other creature but from God (d) Dan. 9 â— 7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of face as at this day c. v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy rigteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem c. v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and behold our desolation and the city that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord heatken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy city and thy people are called by thy Name and with our prayers to join praises (e) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ascribing to God alone eternal soveraignty omnipotency and glorious excellency (f) 1 Chron. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatnesse and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might c. v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and bless thy glorious Name in regard whereof as he is able and willing to help us (g) Eph. 3 20 21. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh in us v. 21. Unto
salvation in any other but in Christ alone Å¿ Acts 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is no other name under heaven given amongst men whereby we must be saved who is the Saviour onely of his body the Church t Eph. 5. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the body Q. Are all they saved who hear the Gospel and live in the Church A. All that hear the Gospel and live in the visible Church are not saved but they onely who are true members of the Church invisible u Joh. 12. 38 39 40. That the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled which he spake Lord who hath believed our report and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed Therefore they could not believe because that Esaias said again He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart that they should not see with their eyes nor understand with their heart and be converted and I should heal them Rom. 9. 6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect for they are not all Israel who are of Israel Mat. 22. 14. For many are called but few chosen Mat. 7. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven Rom. 11. 7. What then Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for but the election hath obteined it and the rest were blinded Q. What is the visible Church A. The visible Church is a society made up of all such as in all ages and places of the World do profess the true Religion * 1 Cor. 1. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours 1 Cor. 12. 13. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit Rom. 15. 9 10 11 12. And that the Gentiles might glorifie God for his mercy as it is written For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentâ—les and sing unto thy name V. 10. And again he saith Rejoyce ye Gentiles with his people V. 11. And again Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles and laud him all ye people V. 12. And again Esaias saith There shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust Rev. 7. 9. After this I beheld and lo a great multitude Which no man could number of all nations and kinreds and people and tongues stood before the throne and before the lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands Psal 2. 8. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Ps 22. 27 28 29 30 31 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the earth shall worship before thee V. 28. For the Kingdom is the Lords and he is the Governour among the nations V. 29. All they that be fat upon the earth shall eat and worship all that go down to the dust shall bow before him and none can keep alive his own soul V. 30. A seed shall serve him it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation V. 31. They shall come and shall declare his righteousness Psal 45. 17. I will make thy name to be remembred in all generations therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever Mat. 28. 19 20. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the world Amen Esai 59. 21. As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit which is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever and of their children x 1 Cor. 7. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband else were your children unclean but now they are holy Act. 2. 39. For the Promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Rom. 11. 16. For if the first-fruits be holy the lump is also holy and if the root be holy so are the branches Gen. 17. 7. And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee Q. What are the special priviledges of the visible Church A. The visible Church hath the priviledge of being under Gods special care and government y Isa 4. 5 6. And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Sion and upon her assemblies a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory shall be a defence V. 6. And there shall be a Tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat and for a place of refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain 1 Tim. 4. 10. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God who is the Saviour of all men especially of those that believe of being protected and preserved in all ages notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies z Ps 115. throughout Not unto us O Lord not unto us but to the end Isai 31. 4 5. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me like as the lion and the yonglion roaring on his prey when a multitude of Shepherds are called forth against him he will not be afraid of their voice nor abase himself for the noise of them so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Sion and for the hill thereof V. 5. As birds flying so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem defending also he will deliver it and passing over he will preserve it Zech. 12. 2 3 4-8 9. Behold I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and Jerusalem V. 3. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burthensom stone for all people all that burthen themselves with it shall be cut in pieces though all the people of the earth be
own Poets have said For we are also of his off-spring and that he is a God in Covenant as with Israel of old so with all his people i Gen. 17. 7. And I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee Rom. 3. 29. Is he the God of the Jews onely is he not also of the Gentiles Yes of the Gentiles also who as he brought them out of their bondage in Egypt so he delivereth us from our Spiritual thraldom k Luke 1. 74 75. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear V. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our life and that therefore we are bound to take him for our God alone and to keep all his Commandments l 1 Pet. 1. 15 16 17 18. But as he who hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation V. 16. Because it is written Be ye holy for I am holy V. 17. And if ye call on the father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work pass the time of your sojoruning here in fear V. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers Lev. 18. 30. Therefore shall ye keep mine Ordinances that ye commit not any of these abominable customes which were committed before you that ye defile not your selves therein I am the Lord your God Lev. 19. 37. Therefore shall ye observe all my Statutes and all my judgements and do them I am the Lord. Q. What is the sum of the four Commandments which contain our duty to God A. The sum of the four Commandments containing our duty to God is to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our minde m Luk. 10. 27. And he answering said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all c. Q. Which is the first Commandment A. The first Commandment is Thou shalt have no other Gods before me n Exod. 20. 3. Q. What are the duties required in the first Commandment A. The duties required in the first Commandment are the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God and our God o 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon my son Know thou the God of thy father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Deut. 26. 17. Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his wayes and to keep his statutes and his commandments and his judgements and to hearken unto his voice Esai 43. 10. Ye are my witnesses saith the Lord and my servant whom I have chosen that ye may know and believe me and understand that I am he before me there was no God formed neither shall there be after me Jer. 14. 22. Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain or can the heavens give showers Art not thou he O Lord our God therefore we will wait upon thee for thou hast made all these things and to worship and glorifie him accordingly p Psal 95. 6 7. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our Maker V. 7. For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hands Mat. 4. 10. Then said Jesus unto him Get thee hence Sathan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve Psal 29. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness by thinking q Mal. 3. 16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkned and heard it and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and thought upon his name meditating r Psal 63. 6. When I remember thee upon my bed and meditate on thee in the night watch remembring Å¿ Eccl. 12. 1. Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth c. highly esteeming t Psal 71. 19. Thy righteousness also O God is very high who hast done great things O God who is like unto thee honoring u Mal. 1. 6. A son honoureth his father and a servant his master if then I be a father where is mine honour and if I be a master where is my fear saith the Lord of hosts unto you O Priests that despise my name adoring * Isa 45. 23. I have sworn by my self the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness and shall not return that unto me every knee shall bow every tongue shall swear choosing x Josh 24. 15-22 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord choose you this day whom ye will serve whether the God which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood or the Gods of the Amorites in whose land ye dwell but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord V. 22. And Joshua said unto the people Ye are witnesses against your selves that ye have chosen the Lord to serve him And they said we are witnesses loving y Deut. 6. 5. And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might desiring z Psal 73. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee fearing of him a Isa 8. 13. Sanctifie the Lord of hosts himself and let him be your fear and let him be your dread believing him b Exod. 14. 31. And Israel saw the great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians and the people seared the Lord and believed the Lord and his servant Moses trusting c Isa 26. 4. Trust ye in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength hoping d Psal 130. 7. Let Israel hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenteous redemption delighting e Psal 37. 4. Delight thy self also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart rejoycing in him f Psal 32. 11. Be glad in the Lord and rejoyce ye righteous and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart being zealous for him g Rom. 12. 11. Not slothful in business fervent in spirit serving the
Spirit (z) Rom. 8. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered with confession of our sins (a) Psal 32. 5 6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin v. 6. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found surely c. Dan. 9. 4. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God c. and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies (b) Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Q. Are we to pray unto God onely A. God only being able to search the hearts (c) King 8. 39. Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place and forgive and do and give to every man according to his wayes whose heart thou knowest for thou even thou onely knowest the hearts of all the children of men Act. 1. 24. And they prayed and said Thou Lord who knowest the hearts of â—oll men shew whether of these two thou hast chosen Rom. 8. 27. And he that seaâ—cheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God hear the requests (d) Psal 65. 2. O thou that hearest prayers to thee shall all flesh come pardon the sins (e) Mic. 7. 18. Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance c. and fulfil the desires of all (f) Psal 145. 18 19. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth v. 19. He will fulfil the desires of them that feâ—r him he also will hear their cry and will save them and only to be believed in (g) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. and worshipped with religious worship (h) Mat 4. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve prayer which is a special part thereof (i) 1 Cor 1. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours is to be made by all to him alone (k) Psal 50. 15. Call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me and to none other (l.) Rom. 10. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed c. Q. What is it to pray in the name of Christ A. To pray in the Name of Christ is in obedience to his command and in confidence on his promises to ask mercy for his sake (m) Ioh. 14. 13 14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Sonâ— v. 14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it Ioh. 26. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ask and receive that your joy may be full Dan. 9. 14. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon thy Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake not by bare mentioning of his Name (n) Mat. 7. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven but by drawing our incouragement to pray and our boldness strength and hope of acceptance in prayer from Christ and his mediation (o.) Heb. 4. 14 15 16. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens Iesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession v. 15. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin v. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 1 Ioh. 5. 13 14 15. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us v. 15. And if we know that he heareth whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Q. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ A. The sinfulness of man and his distance from God by reason thereof being so great as that we can have no accesse into his presence without a Mediatour (p) Ioh. 14. 6. Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me Isa 59. 2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear Eph. 3 12. In whom ye have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to or fit for that glorious work but Christ alone (q) Ioh. 6. 27 Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life which the son of man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Heb. 7. 25 26 27. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them v. 26. For such an high Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens v. 27. Who needeth not daily as those high Priests to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus we are to pray in no other name but his onely (r.) Col. 3. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Heb. 13. 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruits of our lips giving thanks in
fifth Petition which is and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (l) Mat 6. 12. we pray that God for Christs sake would freely pard on all our sins (m) Psal 51. 1 2 -7 9. Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions v. 2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin v. 7 Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me 〈◊〉 I shall be whiter then snow v. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities Dan. 9. 17 18 19. Now therefore our God hear thou the prayer of thy servant and his supplication v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive for thine own sake which we are the rather encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others (n) Luk. 11. 4. And forgive us our sins for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us Mat. 18. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses Q. What do we pray for in the sixth Petition A. In the sixth Petition which is And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (o) Mat. 6. 13. we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin (p) Mat. 26. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak or support and deliver us when we are tempted (q) 2 Cor. 12. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me Q. What doth the conclusion of the Lords Prayer teach us A. The conclusion of the Lords Prayer which is For thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen (r) Mat. 6. 13. teacheth us to take our incouragement in prayer from God onely (Å¿) Dan. 9. 4-7 8 9 -16 17 18 19. And I prayed unto the Lord my God and made my confession and said O Lord the great and dreadful God keeping the Covenant and mercy to them that love him and keep his Commandments v. 7. O Lord righteousuess belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces as at this day to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and unto all Israel that are neer and that are far off thorow all the countreys whither thou hast driven them because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee v. 8. O Lord to us belongeth confusion of face to our Kings to our Princes to our Fathers because we have trespassed against thee v. 9. To the Lord our God belongs mercies and forgivenesses though we have rebelled against him v. 16. O Lord according to all thy righteousness I beseech thee let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy City Jerusalem thy holy mountain because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us v. 17. Now therefore O our God hear the prayer of thy servant and his supplications and cause thy face to shine upon the Sanctuary that is desolate for the Lords sake v. 18. O my God encline thine ear and hear open thine eyes and behold our desolation and the City that is called by thy Name for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness but for thy great mercies v. 19. O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and doe defer not for thine own sake O my God for thy City and thy people are called by thy Name and in our prayers to praise him ascribing Kingdom power and glory to him (t) 1 Chr. 29. 10 11 12 13. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the Congregation and David said Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our Father for ever v. 11. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine thine is the Kingdom O Lord and thou art exalted as head above all v. 12. Both riches and honours come of thee and thou reignest over all and in thine hand is power and might and in thine hand it is to make great and to give strength unto all v. 13. Now therefore our God we thank thee and praise thy glorious name And in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard we say Amen (u) 1 Cor. 14. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit how shall he that ocupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest Rev. 22. 20 21. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lâ—rd Jesus v. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all AMEN The Ten COMMANDMENTS EXODUS XX. GOD spake all these words saying I am the LORD thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage I. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments III Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy Six dayes shalt thou labor and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six dayes the LORD made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it V. Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee VI. Thou shalt not kill VII Thou shalt not commit adultery VIII Thou shalt not steal IX Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbors FINIS The LORDS PRAYER Matth. 6. OVr Father which art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be
his own sins and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself V. 28. For the law maketh men High Priests which have infirmities but the word of the oath which was since the law maketh the Son who is consecrated for ever and so satisfie Gods justice b Rom. 3. 24 25 26. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through saith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God V. 26. To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus procure his favour c Eph. 1. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom alone I am well pleased purchase a peculiar people d Tâ—â— 2. 13 14. Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saâ—â—â—ur Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works give his Spirit to them e Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father conquer all their enemies f Luke 1. 68 69 -71.-74 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David V. 71. That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us V. 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear and bring them to everlasting salvation g Heb. 5. 8 9. Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the author of everlasting salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 9 11. to the 16. But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands that is to say not of this building V. 12. Neither by the blood of Goats and Calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us V. 13. For if the blood of Bulls and of Goats and the ashes of an Heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh V. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God V. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be Man A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be Man that he might advance our nature h Heb. 2. 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham perform obedience to the law i Gal. 4. 4. But when the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law suffer and make intercession for us in our nature k Heb. 2. 14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 7. 24 25. But this man because he continueth for ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities l Heb. 4. 15. For we have not an High Priest that cannot be touched with the seeling of ouâ— infirmitâ—es but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin that we might receive the adoption of sons m Gal 4. 5. To redeâ—m â—hem that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace n Heb. 4. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and Man in one person A. It was requisite that the Mediator who was to reconcile God and Man should himself be both God and Man and this in one person that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us o Matth. 1. 21. 23. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins V. 23. Behold a Virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call his Name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us Mat. 3. 17. And lo a voyce from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God and relied on by us as the works of the whole person p 1 Pet. 2. 6. Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture Behold I lay in Sion a choice Corner-stone elect and pretious and he that beleeveth on him shall not be confounded Q. Why was our Mediator called Jesus A. Our Mediator was called Jesus because he saveth his people from their sins q Mat. 1. 21. And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Q. Why was our Mediator called Christ A. Our Mediator was called Christ because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure r Joh. 3. 34. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him Psal 45. 7. Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness therefore God thy God hath annointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellowes and so set apart and fully furnished with all authority and ability Å¿ John 6. 27. Labour not for the meat that perisheth but for that meat which endureth to everlasting life which the Son of Man shall give unto you for him hath God the Father sealed Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth
rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them to raise up our affections thither i Col. 3. 1 2. If ye then be risen with Christ sâ—ck those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God set your affections on things above not on things on the earth and to prepare a place for us k Joh. 14. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also where himself is and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world l Act. 3. 21. Whom the heavens must receive till the â—imes of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began Q. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father m Phil. 2. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name with all fulness of joy n Act. 2. 28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance Compared with Psal 16. 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life in thy presence is fulness of joy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore glory o Joh. 17 5. And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was and power over all things in heaven and earth p Eph. 1. 22. And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 1 Pet. 3. 22. Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him and doth gather and defend his Church and subdue their enemies furnisheth his Ministers and people with gifts and graces q Eph. 4. 10 11 12. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that he might fill all things And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the body of Christ Psal 110. throughout The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand till c. to the end and maketh intercession for them r Rom. 8. 34. Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died ye rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Q. How doth Christ make intercession A. Christ maketh intercession by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven Å¿ Heb. 9. 12-24 Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us V. 24. For Christ is not entred in the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth t Heb. 1. 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high declaring his will to have it applied to all believers u Joh. 3. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him might not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 17. 9 -20-24 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me for they are mine V. 20. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also that shall believe on me through their word V. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me may be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world answering all accusations against them * Rom 8. 33 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is God that justifies Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us procuring for them quiet of conscience notwithstanding daily failings x Rom. 5. 1 2. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous And he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole word Heb. 4. 16. Let us there come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and finde grace to help in time of need access with boldness to the throne of grace y and acceptance of their persons z Eph. 1. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved and services a 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye also as lively stones are built up a Spiritual house an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ Q. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world in that he who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men b Act. 3. 14 15. But ye denied the Holy One and the just and desired a murtherer to be granted unto you and killed the Prince of life whom God hath raised from the dead whereof we are witnesses shall come again at the last day in great power c Matt. 24. 30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and in the full manifestation of his own glory and of his Fathers with all his holy Angels d Luk. 9. 26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his own glory and in his Fathers and of the holy Angels Mat. 25. 31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory and all his holy Angels with him then shall he
them also 1 Cor. 11. 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup. Q. May any who profess the faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper be kept from it A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous notwithstanding their profession of the Faith and desire to come to the Lords Supper may and ought to be kept from that Sacrament by the power which Christ hath left in his Church (i) 1 Cor. 11. 27 to the end Wherefore whosoever shall eat this Bread and drink this Cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. V. 28. But let a man examine himself and so c. V. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body V. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep V. 31. For if we would judg our selves we should not be judged c. Compared with Mat. 7. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs neither cast you your pearls before swine least they trample them under their feet and turn again and rent you And with 1 Cor. 5. to the end And with Jude v. 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted with the flesh And with 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be partakers of other mans sins Keep thy self pure until they receive instruction and manifest their reformation (k) 2 Cor. 2. 7. So that contrariwise ye ought to forgive him and comfort him least perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow Q. What is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in the time of the administration of it A. It is required of them that receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper that during the time of the administration of it with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that Ordinance (l) Lev. 10. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron This is that which the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people will I be glorified Heb. 12. 28. Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom that cannot be moved let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear Psal 5. 7. But as for me I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercies and in thy fear will I worship towards thy holy Temple 1 Cor. 11. 17-26 27. Now iâ— this that I declare unto you I praise you not that ye come together not for the better but for the worse V. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come V. 27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. diligently observe the sacramental Elements and actions (m) Exod. 24. 8. And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said Behold the blood of the Covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words Compared with Mat. 26. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins heedfully discern the Lords body (n) 1 Cor. 11. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himselâ— not discerning the Lords body and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings (o) Luk. 22. 19. This do in remembrance of me and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces (p) 1 Cor. 11. 26. For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 10. 3 4 5-11-14 And did all eat the same Spiritual meat V. 4. And did all drink the same Spiritual drink for they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ V. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased for they were overthrown in the wildernesse V. 11. Now all these things hapned unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come V. 14 Wherefore my dearly beloved flee from idolatry in judging themselves (q) 1 Cor. 11. 31 i. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged and sorrowing for sin (r) Zeâ—h 12. 10. And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and be in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first-born in earnest hungring and thirsting after Christ (Å¿) Rev. 22. 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say Come And let him that heareth say Come And let him that is athirst come And whosoever will let him take the waters of life freely feeding on him by faith (t) Joâ— 6 35. And Jesus said unto them I am the bread of life He that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst receiving of his fulness (u) Joh. 1. 16. And of his fulness have we all received and grace for grace trusting in his merits (*) Phil. 3. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith rejoycing in his love x giving thanks for his grace (y) Psal 22. 26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied they shall praise the Lord that seek him your heart shall live for ever in renewing of their covenant with God (z) Ier. 50. 5. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward saying come and let us joyn our selves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten Psal 55. Gather my Saints together unto me those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice love to all the Saints (a) Act. 2. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and in prayers * Psal 63. 4 5. Thus will I bless thee while I live I will lift up mine hands in thy name v. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips 2 Cor. 30. 21. And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven dayes with great gladness and the Levites and the Priests praised the Lord day by day singing with loud instruments to the Lord Q. What is the duty of Christians after they have received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper
to the ministery of the Word 2 Cor. 16. 1 2 3 4. v. 1. New concerning the collection for the Saints as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye v. 2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in stâ—re as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come v. 3. And when I come whomsoever you shall approve by your letters them will I send to bring your liberality to Jerusalem v. 4. And if it be meet that I go also they shall go with me Gal. 2. 9 10. v. 9. And when James Cepl as and John who seemed to be pillars perceived the grace that was given unto me they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship that we should go unto the heathen and they unto the circumcision v. 10. Only they would that we should remember the poor the same which I also was forward to do And he hath also a ruling power over the Flock as a Pastor 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and doctrine Act. 20. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the Church v. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over thee which the Holy Ghost hath made you over-â—eers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood 1 Thes 5. 12. And we beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you Heb. 13. 7 17. v. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faithf follow considering the end of their conversation v. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you Teacher or Doctor THe Scripture doth hold out the name and Title of a Teacher as well as of the Pastor 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healing helps governments diversities of tongues Eph. 4. 11. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some pastors and teachers Who is also a Minister of the Word as well as the Pastor and hath power of administration of the Sacraments The Lord having given different gifts and divers exercises according to these gifts in the ministry of the word Rom. 12. 6 7 8. v. 6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us whether prophesie let us prophesie according to the proportion of faith v. 7. Or ministry let us wait on our ministring or be that teacheth on teaching v. 8. He that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 11. 1 4 5. v. 1. Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren I would not have you ignorant v. 4. Now there are diversities of gifts but the same spirit and there are diversities of operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all v. 5. And there are differences of administrations but the same Lord. v. 7. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit with all Though these different gifts may meet in and accordingly be exercised by one and the same minister 1 Cor. 14. 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation and comfort 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the Word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and Doctrine Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers Yet where be several Ministers in the same Congregation they may be designed to several imployment according to the different gifts in which each of them do most excel Rom. 12. 6 7. 8. v. 6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us whether prophefie let us prophesie according to the proportion of faith v. 7. Or ministry let us wait on our ministring or be that teacheth on teaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. v. 10. As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God v. 11. If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God if any man minister let him do it as of the ability which God giveth that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever Amen And he that doth more excel in exposition of Scripture in teaching sound Dâ—ctrine and in convincing gain-sayers then he doth in application and is accordingly imployed therein may be called a teacher or Doctor the places alledged by the Notation of the Word doth prove the Proposition Nevertheless where is but one Minister in a patticular Congregation he is to perform so far as he is able the whole work of the Ministry as appeareth in 2 Tim. 4. 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers 1 Tim 6. 2. And they that have believing masters let them not dispise them because they are brethren but rather do them service because they are faithful and beloved partakers of the benefit these things teach and exhort A Teacher or Doctor is of most excellent use in Schools and Universities as of old in the Shools of the Prophets and at Ierusalem where Gamaliel and others taught as Doctors Other Church-governours As there were in the Jewish Church Elders of the people joyned with the Priests and Levites in the Government of the Church as appeareth in 2 Chron. 19. 8 9 10. v. 8. Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and of the Priests and of the chief of the fathers of Israel for the judgment of the Lord and for controversies when they returned to Jerusalem v. 9. And he charged them saying Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully and with a perfect heart v. 10. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their Cities between blood and blood between law and commandment and statutes and judgments ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the Lord and so wrath come upon
you and upon your brethren this do and ye shall not trespass So Christ who hath instituted a Government and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church hath furnished some in his Church beside the Ministers of the Word with gifts for governments and with commission to execute the same when called there unto who are to joyn with the Minister in the government of the Church Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our ministring or he that teacheth on teaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues Which Officers reformed churches commonly call Elders Deacons THe Scripture doth hold out Deacons as distinct officers in the church Phil. i. â— Paul and Timotheus the servant of Jesus Christ to all saints in Christ Jesus whith are at Philippi with the Bishops and Deacons 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre Whose Office is perpetual 1 Tim. 3. 8. Likewise must the Deacons be grave not double-tongued not given to much wine not greedy of filthy lucre to ver 15. see in the Bible Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplyed there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily manistration v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business v. 4. But we will give our selves continually to prayer and to the Ministry of the word To whose Office it belongs not to preach the Word or administer the Sacraments but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor Act. 6. 1 2 3 4. see before Of Particular Congregations IT is lawful and expedient that there be fixed congregations that is a certain company of christians to meet in one Assembly ordinarily for publick Worship When believers multiply to such a number that they cannot conveniently meet in one place it is lawful and expedient that they should be divided into distinct and fixed congregations for the beter administration of such ordinances as belong unto them and the discharge of mutual duties 1 Cor. 14. 26 33 40. v. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying v. 33. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace as in all Churches of the Saints v. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order The ordinary way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations and most expedient for edification is by the respective bounds of their dwellings First Because they who dwell together being bound to all kind of moral duties one to another have the better opportunity thereby to discharge them which moral tye is perpetual for Christ came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it Deut. 15. 7 11. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee thou shalt not harden thy heart nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother v. 11. For the poor shall never cease out of the land therefore I command thee saying Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy brother to the poor and to the needy in the land Mat. 22. 39. And the second is like unto it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Mat. 5. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Secondly The communion of saints must be so ordered as may stand with the most convenient use of the Ordinances and discharge of moral duties without respect of persons 1 Cor. 14. 26. Let all things be done unto edifying Heb. 10. 24 25. v. 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works v. 25. Not forsaking the Assembling of our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approaching Jam. 2. 1 2. v. 1. My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory with respect of persons v. 2. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring in goodly apparel and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment Thirdly The pastor and people must so nearly cohabite together as that they may mutually perform their duties each to other with most conveniency In this company some must be set apart to bear office Of the Officers of a particular Congregation FOr Officers in a single Congregation there ought to be one at the least both to labour in the Word and Doctrine and to rule Prov. 29. 18. Where there is no vision the people perish but he that keepeth the law happy is he 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Heb. 13. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation It is also requisite that there should be others to joyn in Government 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church First Apostles Secondarily Prophets Thirdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the reliefe of the poor Acte 6. 2 3. v. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables v. 3. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report full of the holy Ghost and wisdome whom ye may appoint over this business The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the Congregation These officers are to meet together at convenient and set times for the well ordering of the affairs of that Congregation each according to his office It is most expedient that in these meetings one whose office is to labour in the Word and Doctrine do moderate in their proceedings 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine Of the Ordinances in a particular Congregation THe Ordinances in a single Congregation are Prayer Thanksgiving and singing of Psalms 1 Tim. 2. 1. I
Of Classical Assemblies THe Scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a Church both in 1 Tim. 4. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery And in Acts 15. 2 4 6. v. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word and such other publick Officers as are agreeable to and warranted by the Word of God to be Church-governours to joyn with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth Rom. 12. 7 8. v. 7. Or Ministry let us wait on our Ministring or he that teacheth on reaching v. 8. Or he that exhorteth on exhortation he that giveth let him do it with simplicity he that ruleth with diligence he that sheweth mercy with cheerfulness 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps governments diversities of tongues The Scripture doth hold forth that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Go ernment This proposition is proved by instances 1. First Of the Church of Jerusalem which consisteth of more Congregations then one and all these Congregations were under one Presbyterial Goverment This appeareth tâ—us â— First The Church of Jerusalem consisteth of more Congregations then one as is manifest 1. By the multitude of believers mentioned in divers Both before the dispersion of the believers there by means of the persecutions mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles chap. 8. in the beginning thereof witness Acts 1. 15. And in those dayes Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples and said The number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty Acts 2. 41 46. 47. v. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls v. 46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart v. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 5. 14. And believers were the more added unto the Lord multitudes both of men and women Acts 6. 1. 7. v. 1. And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplied there a rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration v. 7. And the Word of God increased and the number of the Disciples multiplyed in Jerusalem greatly and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith And also after the dispersion Acts 9. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied Acts 12. 24. But the Word of God grew and multiplied Acts. 21. 20. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord and said unto him Thou seest brother how many thousand of Jews there are which believe and they are all zealous of the law Secondly By the many Apostles and other Preachers in the Church of Jerusalem And if there were but one Congregation there then each Apostle preached but seldome which will not consist with Acts 6. 2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Discipleâ— unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables Thirdly The diversity of Languages amongst the Believers mentioned both in the second and sixth chapters of the Acts doth argue more Congregations then one in that Church 2. Secondly All those congregations were under one Presbyterial government because First They were one Church Acts 8. 1. And Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria except the Apostles Acts 2. 47. Praising God and having favour with all the people And the Lord added unto the church daily such as should be saved Compared with chap. 5. 11. And great fear came upon all the church and upon as many as heard these things chap. 12 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison hut prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him chap. 15. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question Secondly The Elders of the Church are mentioned Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they mere received of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Bâ—rnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silus chief men among the brethren And ch 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when we were come to Jerusalem the brethren received us gladly v. 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present Thirdly The Apostles did the ordinary Acts of Presbyters as Presbyters in that Church which proveth a Presbyterial Church before the dispersion Act. 6 Fourthly The several Congregations in Jerusalem being one Church the Elders of that Church are mentioned as meeting together for acts of Government Act. 11. 30. Which also they did and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Acts 15. 4 6 22. v. 4. And when they were come to Jerusalem they were received of the Church and of the Apostles and Ellers and they declared all things that God had done with them v. 6. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 22. Then it pleased the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas sirnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren Acts 21. 17 18. v. 17. And when they were come to Jerusalem the brethren