Quest. CXCVI.

QUEST. CXCVI. What doth the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

ANSW. The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, [which is, For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever, Amen] teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments, which are to be taken, not from any worthiness in ourselves, or in any other creature, but from God; and with our prayers, to join praises, ascribing to God alone eternal sovereignty, omnipotency, and glorious excellency; in regard whereof, as he is able and willing to help us, so we, by faith, are emboldened to plead with him that he would, and quietly to rely upon him that he will fulfil our requests, and to testify this our desire, and assurance, we say, Amen.

As we are taught to begin our prayers with those expressions of reverence, becoming the Majesty of God, when we draw nigh to him; so we are to conclude them with a doxology, or an ascription of that glory which is due to his name; whereby praise is joined with prayer, and we encouraged to hope, that he will hear and answer our petitions.

In the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, we are directed to ascribe to God the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever; and to sum up all with that comprehensive word, Amen. This may be considered in two respects,

1. As we hereby express the due regard we have to the divine perfections: And,

2. As we improve or make use of them as so many arguments or pleas in prayer.

1. We shall consider this doxology as containing the sense we have of the divine perfections. Accordingly,

(1.) We say, Thine is the kingdom; whereby his sovereignty and universal dominion over all creatures, is acknowledged as he has a right to every thing that he gave being to: And, as this is more especially a branch of his relative glory, since the idea of a king connotes subjects, over whom his dominion is exercised; so it supposes in us an humble expression of subjection to him, and dependence on him for all things that we enjoy or hope for. We also consider him as having a right to make use of all creatures at his pleasure; inasmuch as the earth is his, and the fulness thereof: And, as we are intelligent creatures, we profess our obligation to yield obedience to his revealed will, and are afraid of incurring his displeasure by rebelling against him, with whom is terrible Majesty: And when we take a view of him; as seated on a throne of grace, and his government as extended to his church, upon which account he is adored as king of saints, Rev. xv. 3. we hope for his safe protection and for all the blessings which he bestows on those whom he governs in a way subservient to their everlasting salvation.

(2.) We adore him as a God of infinite power, Thine is the power. Dominion without power will not be sufficient to maintain its rights; therefore, since God is described as having the kingdom belonging to him, or being the governor among the nations; his attribute of power ought next to be considered, whereby he can, without the least difficulty, secure the welfare and happiness of his subjects, and bring to nought the designs of his enemies; or, as it is elegantly expressed, look on every one that is proud, and bring him low, and tread down the wicked in their place, hide them in the dust together, and bind their faces in secret, Job xl. 12, 13.

(3.) It is farther added, Thine is the glory. This may be taken in two senses; either as including in it all his perfections, whereby he is rendered glorious in the eyes of angels and men; so that there is nothing that we esteem beautiful or excellent in the whole system of created beings, but what is deformed, and, as it were, vanishes and sinks into nothing, when compared with him: Or else, the meaning of the expression is, that all the praise and honour that arises from every thing that is done in the world, which appears great and excellent, or has a tendency to raise our esteem and admiration, is to be ascribed to him; whereby we disclaim the least shadow or appearance of divine honour, which we are ready, upon all occasions to acknowledge to be due to him alone: Thus we adore him as having all divine perfections, when we say, Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.

And it is farther added, that they belong to him for ever and ever; whereby it is intimated, that whatever changes there may be in the nature or condition of created beings, he is unchangeably the same, and therefore will remain glorious in himself, and be for ever admired and adored by all his saints, whose happiness depends upon it.

2. We shall consider these divine perfections, as they afford us so many arguments, or pleas, in prayer, from whence we take encouragement to expect a gracious answer from him, as appears from that illative particle, FOR, which is prefixed to this doxology. Therefore we may consider it as subjoined to the foregoing petitions, as the strongest motive to induce us to hope, that the blessings we pray for, shall be granted us; accordingly we disclaim all worthiness in ourselves, and desire that our name or righteousness should not be mentioned; but that the whole revenue of glory may redound to God, as all our expectation is from him. We might here apply the several arguments or pleas contained herein, to every one of the foregoing petitions; which would tend very much to enforce them, and afford matter for our farther enlargement in prayer: But I shall rather chuse to reduce the subject-matter thereof to the two general heads, under which they are contained; and accordingly to shew how we may make use of those arguments that are taken from the kingdom, power, and glory, belonging to God, for ever and ever, in our praying for those things that concern his glory, agreeably to what we are directed to ask for in the three first petitions; or our temporal or spiritual advantage, as in the three last.

(1.) As to what respects the glory of God in the world, viz. that his name may be hallowed, his kingdom advanced, and his will be done: Therein we pray, that, as he is a great King, the blessed and only Potentate, the Governor of the world and the church, he would sanctify his glorious name; that his interest may be maintained, and prevail against every thing that opposes it, that he would take to himself his great power and reign; and, since the success of the gospel, and the advancement of his kingdom of grace, is a work surpassing finite power, and there are many endeavours used to weaken and overthrow it; we trust, we hope, we plead with him, for the glory of his name, that he would give a check to, and defeat the designs of his and our enemies, that the enlargement of his kingdom may not be obstructed, nor his subjects disheartened, whilst Satan’s kingdom, that is set in opposition to it, makes such sensible advances, and prevails so much against it.

And, that his name may be sanctified by his people, and his kingdom advanced in this lower world, we farther pray, that his subjects may be inclined to obey, and submit to his will in all things; or, that it may be done on earth as it is in heaven: Therefore, when we ascribe the kingdom, power, and glory to him, we do, in effect, say, “Lord, what would become of this wretched world, if it were not under thy gracious government, which is its glory and defence? Thou sittest on the throne of thy holiness, which thou hast established of old: Therefore, we are encouraged to hope, that thou wilt not forsake thy people, who are called by thy name, nor suffer thine interest to be trampled on, nor thy name profaned by those who say, Who is the Lord, that we should obey him? Thine arm is not shortened, that thou canst not save, since thine is the power; and therefore nothing is too hard for thee. Thou hast given us ground to expect, that thou wilt shew thy people marvellous things; and thou hast promised, that all nations shall bow down before thee and serve thee; and that the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of Christ: This thou canst easily accomplish by thine almighty power, though it be too hard for man.—Thou art never at a loss for instruments to fulfil thy pleasure; for all things are in thy hand: Neither, indeed, dost thou need them; for, by thy powerful word, thou canst cause light to shine out of darkness, and revive thy work in the midst of the years, that thy people may rejoice and be glad in thy salvation. Take the work, therefore, into thine own hand, and, thereby, give us occasion to admire and ascribe to thee the glory that is due to thy name.”

(2.) We are to consider, how we may plead for temporal or spiritual blessings, as making use of this argument, that the kingdom, power, and glory, belong to God; accordingly, we pray, that he would give us that portion of the good things of life, that he sees necessary for us, and that we may enjoy his blessing with it, in order to our being prepared for a better, q. d. “Give us daily bread; for the earth is thine, and the fulness thereof: Thou hast subdued us to thyself, and hast told us, that thou wilt surely do us good, and bring us, at last, to thy heavenly kingdom: Therefore we humbly wait upon thee, that we may not be suffered to faint by the way, or be destitute of those blessings that are needful for us in our present condition. Thou art able to supply all our wants: We have hitherto been upheld by thy power, and thou hast sometimes done great things for us, that we looked not for, and hast been our refuge and strength, a very present help in every time of trouble. Thou hast granted us life and favour, and thy visitations have preserved our spirits; what thou hast given us we have gathered; thou hast opened thy hand, and filled us with good. And, as the treasures of thy bounty are not exhausted, nor thy power diminished; so we desire to exercise a constant dependence on thee, and to hope in thy mercy; that, as thou hast given us those better things that accompany salvation, thou wilt also bestow upon us what thou seest needful for us in our way to it; which will not only redound to our comfort, but thy glory; who givest food to all flesh; for thy mercy endureth for ever.”

As for those spiritual blessings that we stand in need of, we encourage ourselves to hope for them; and accordingly, when we pray for forgiveness of sin, we consider God as sitting upon a throne of grace, and inviting us to come and receive a pardon from his hand: Therefore we say, “Lord, thou art ready to forgive, and thereby to lay eternal obligations on thy subjects, to love and fear thee; if thou shouldst resolve to display thy vindictive justice in punishing sin, according to the demerit thereof, thy kingdom of grace would be at an end; but thou encouragest us to hope for forgiveness, that hereby grace may reign through righteousness unto life eternal. And, as thou art a God of infinite power, we beg that thou wouldst thereby work in us those graces that flow from, and are the evidences of our having obtained forgiveness, that being delivered from the guilt of sin, we may walk before thee in newness of life. We also ask this privilege, as what thou bestowest for Christ’s sake, that hereby he may be glorified as the purchaser of this blessing, and we laid under the highest obligations to love him, as being constrained hereunto by his love, expressed to us in washing us from our sins in his own blood.”

When we pray to be kept from temptation, or recovered, when fallen by it, we consider ourselves as the subjects of Christ’s kingdom, and his enemies as endeavouring to draw us aside from our allegiance to him; and, as dreading the consequence thereof, we address ourselves to him, to secure us from the danger we are exposed to from them; and accordingly, when we say, Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, we are furnished with arguments adapted to our present exigencies, q. d. “The power of our spiritual enemies is great, and much more formidable, because of the treachery of our own hearts; yet we are encouraged to implore thine assistance against them, O our God and King, that we may be kept in the hour of temptation; inasmuch as all the attempts that are made against us, carry in them an invasion on thy sovereignty and dominion over us. We desire always to commit ourselves to thy protection, and hope to find it, since there are no snares laid for us, but thou art able to detect and prevent our being entangled by them, and also canst bruise our enemies under our feet, and, if we are at any time overcome by them, recover us from the paths of the destroyer: Do this for us, we beseech thee, that thou mayest have all the glory: We have no might, but our eyes are upon thee, who art able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless, before the presence of thy glory, with exceeding joy.”

As for the word, Amen, with which our Saviour concludes this prayer, it is of an Hebrew original, and is sometimes prefixed to what is asserted with a vehemency of expression, designed not only to confirm, but to bespeak the utmost attention to what is said, as being a matter of very great importance; in which case it is rendered by the word verily. And it is sometimes repeated to add greater force to it: Thus when our Saviour asserts the necessity of regeneration, he says, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, John iii. 3. And elsewhere, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you, chap. xvi. 23.[127]

It is put in the close of each of the evangelists, as denoting, that whatever is contained therein, is to be depended on, as being of infallible verity; and almost all the epistles are concluded with it, as is also the book of the Revelation, in which it is put after a short prayer or doxology; in which respect it signifies, that what is therein requested of God, is earnestly desired, and the petition summed up, and ratified thereby; or, that the glory which is ascribed, is again acknowledged to belong to him, and we rejoice in the discovery that is made thereof to us.

Again, sometimes the word is not only used, but explained at the same time, as containing a summary account of what we ask for: Thus when Benaiah preferred a petition to David in the behalf of Solomon, and had a grant from him, that he should reign in his stead; it is said, He answered the king, and said, Amen; the Lord God of my lord the king say so too, 1 Kings i. 36.

Thus then the word, Amen, with which this and other prayers are to be concluded, signifies, so it is, let it be so, or, so it shall be; each of which respective significations are to be applied to the subject-matter of our prayers: As it respects sins confessed, or the glory that we ascribe to God for mercies received, it denotes, so it is: As it refers to the promises which we plead and take encouragement from, or the blessings which we desire, it signifies, so it shall be, and so let it be. Thus it is to be applied in this prayer; and in particular, as it is joined to the doxology, Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever, we express our faith herein, together with our adoration of these divine perfections. And there are some prayers or doxologies, in which the glory of Christ and the gospel-state is described, which are concluded with the repetition of the word: Thus when the Psalmist had been enlarging on this subject, he concludes with, Blessed be his glorious name for ever; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory, Amen and Amen, i. e. God has determined that it shall be so, and the whole church is obliged to express their faith, and say, Amen, so let it be.

Some have thought it expedient in joint prayer, for the whole assembly, together with him that is the mouth thereof, to say, Amen, with a loud voice, and thereby to signify their consent to, and concern in the subject-matter contained therein; which appears to have been the practice of the church in the early ages thereof; as Justin Martyr observes it was in his time[128]; and it was afterwards observed in Jerom’s time, who compares the sound they made with their united voices to that of thunder[129]; which, though it was done with a pious design, and not in the least to be blamed, yet it is not to be insisted on as necessary, since all present professedly join in every part of the prayer, as much as though they repeated the words with an audible voice; and accordingly it is sufficient for every one, when prayer is publicly concluded with this comprehensive word, to lift up his heart to God, and thereby express the part he bears therein.

As for the contrary extreme, when one, whose office was altogether unknown to the primitive churches, is appointed to say, Amen, in the name of the whole congregation; this is, I think, altogether unwarrantable; though several Popish commentators defend it from the apostle’s words, who speaks of him that occupieth the room of the unlearned, as saying, Amen, at the giving of thanks, 1 Cor. xiv. 16. where, by the unlearned, we are not to understand the Clerk of a congregation[130], but one who understands not the subject-matter of that prayer, which the apostle supposes to be put to God in an unknown tongue: All therefore that can be inferred from hence is, that we ought to pray to God with understanding and faith, that hereby we may be able to sum up our requests and glorify him by saying, Amen.

Footnote 127:

As in John only it is repeated, he wrote it only in the Hebrew character, it is presumed, and understood by it “the truth;” the second Amen was exegetical and in the Greek character, for the sake of the unlearned.

Footnote 128:

Vid. Justin Martyr, Apol. ii. pro Christ. who intimates, that when public prayer and giving of thanks was ended, the whole congregation testified their approving of it by saying, Amen; ωᾶς ὄ ωαρωγ λαὸς ὀπευφημεὶ λὲγων αμῆν.

Footnote 129:

Vid. Hieron. in Lib. ii. comment. ad Galat. in Proen. Ad similitudinem cælestis tonitrus reboat, [scil. Ecclesia.] Amen.

Footnote 130:

Vid. Whitby in loc.

Theological Questions.

Many theological instructors teach their pupils successfully, by requiring them, besides the usual course of systematical reading, interrogative examinations, and critical study of the scriptures in the original languages, also to write disquisitions on a number of Questions in Theology. Hereby they are provided with a store of arguments, on the most difficult subjects, and furnished with the mature advices of their preceptors; to which they may recur in any period of after life. To aid in this important work, the following List of Questions has been subjoined to this first American edition of Ridgley; and every instructor, or pupil, will select or vary at his pleasure.

QUEST. 1.—How does it appear, that something has existed from eternity?

2. What evidence is there, that the existence of man is derived, and dependent?

3. How do you prove the existence of God?

4. What is Theology?

5. What is natural Theology?

6. What does it discover of the Divine character?

7. What arguments prove the genuineness, authenticity; and what, the inspiration of the Old and New Testaments?

8. How do you prove the Unity of God?

9. How do you prove the divinity and personality of the Son, and the Holy Ghost?

10. What are the Manichean, Arian, Sabellian, Socinian and Unitarian heresies, and how are they respectively confuted?

11. How do you prove that there are divine purposes, and that these are eternal and immutable?

12. Wherein does the certainty of events, taught in the scriptures, differ from the fatality of heathen philosophers and modern sceptics?

13. How do you prove that the world was created?

14. In what estate was man created?

15. What are the acts of God’s providence; or how is it employed about created things?

16. What is the difference between a law and a covenant?

17. How do you prove that God did enter into a Covenant with Adam, which included him and all his posterity?

18. What are we to understand by Adam’s freedom of will?

19. What is necessary to constitute a moral agent?

20. What is the difference between natural, and moral, power, and inability?

21. How is the doctrine of universal absolute decrees consistent with the moral agency of man?

22. How do you define sin?

23. Are there venial sins?

24. How do you describe the sin against the Holy Ghost?

25. How do you prove the depravity of unrenewed men to be total?

26. What was implied by the death threatened in case of disobedience?

27. Wherein consists the punishment of the damned?

28. How do you prove the eternity of hell torments?

29. How do you define the Covenant of Grace?

30. Is there any ground for a distinction between the Covenant of Redemption and the Covenant of Grace?

31. Wherein do the Covenants of Works, and Grace agree, and differ?

32. Are the Law, and Gospel inconsistent with each other?

33. What is an atonement? And what the nature, and extent of the atonement of Christ?

34. Was the sacrifice of Christ Jesus absolutely necessary for our salvation?

35. Whence did the obedience, and sufferings of Christ derive their efficacy?

36. How was his death consistent, with the justice of God?

37. How do you describe the nature, mode of administration, extent, duration and glory of Christ’s kingly office?

38. What is to be understood by his descent into Hell?

39. What are we to understand by the application of Redemption?

40. How do you prove that the influence of the Holy Spirit is of free and sovereign grace?

41. What is regeneration, or effectual calling?

42. Whence arises the necessity of it?

43. What are the means of grace, and what their use?

44. What is the utmost the unregenerate do in the use of the means of grace?

45. To what are they to be exhorted?

46. Wherein consists the difference of the special call of the Spirit, and the more outward call of the gospel?

47. How do you describe the nature of gospel repentance, with the difference between this, and conviction of sin, or legal repentance?

48. How do you describe the nature, and necessity of justifying faith; and what species of causality has it in our justification?

49. What is included in, and what are the effects of justification?

50. How are full satisfaction and free pardon consistent?

51. What are we to understand by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness for justification?

52. What are the absurdities implied in supposing a justifying faith to consist in a sure confidence of the pardon of our sins?

53. Point out the nature, privileges and evidences of adoption.

54. How do you describe, and prove the possibility of attaining an assurance, of God’s love?

55. How do you describe the believer’s peace of conscience, and point out the difference between it, and the false hope of the hypocrite?

56. How do you prove the doctrine of the saint’s perseverance in a state of grace unto eternal life? And explain Ezek. xviii. 24. Heb. vi. 4-6, and the falls of David, Peter, and Judas?

57. Is sinless perfection attainable in this life?

58. What is the condition of the souls of believers immediately after death?

59. How do you prove that there shall be a general resurrection of the just and the unjust?

60. How do you prove there shall be a general judgment?

61. What are the consequences of the judgment to the righteous and the wicked?

62. How do you prove that the institution of the Sabbath, is of perpetual obligation?

63. How do you prove that public worship is to be celebrated on the Sabbath?

64. What is the nature of a Christian church?

What are its standing officers?

To whom does the right of ordination belong?

65. What is the nature and import of baptism?

How do you prove that other modes than immersion are lawful?

66. How do you prove the divine right of infant baptism?

67. What is the nature and use, and who are the proper partakers of the Lord’s supper?

68. What errors are implied in a prayer, the object of which is a change of divine purposes?

69. What is the nature, use and necessity of prayer?

70. How do you prove that family-prayer is a duty?

71. Wherein consist the unity and communion that should subsist in the church of Christ, and the benefits or advantages of it?

72. What are the rules and end of church discipline?

What is the nature and design of excommunication?

73. What are the qualifications necessary to a minister of Christ?

74. In what does the happiness of heaven consist?

INDEX.

The volumes are denoted by a, b, c, and d.

A.

Abraham offering Isaac, c 544

Absolute free-will, a 498

Adam, his temptation, b 102 not a mediator, b 164

Acts of faith, direct and reflex, c 132

Actions sinful, d 66

Adoption, c 145

Adultery, d 9

Affections, government of, d 10

Afflictions, relative, b 156

All-sufficiency of God, consolatory, a 129

Amen, d 468

Angels, their creation, b 25 their nature, b 27 their power, b 28 their employment, b 68. 30 providence of God toward them, b 62

Anger is heart-murder, c 548

Antinomians, c 418

Anti-trinitarians, a 388

Apostacy, considered, c 225

Apostles, b 572

Arius, his error, note, a 208

Arminians, b 128

Ascension of Christ, b 464

Assurance of salvation, c 243 how lost, c 273 what essential to faith, c 270

Atheism, its absurdity, a 24. 29. 38 c 439

Atonement, b 187. 275. note. 276. 280 value of it, b 282. 285 design of it, b 285 propriety of it proved, against Deists, b 299 vindicated against christian errors, b 303 extent of the purchase, b 301 for whom specially intended, b 316. 321 how sufficient for all men, note, b 349 modern opinions on, b 276. b 280. 292. 297

Author of sin, God is not, in note, d 433. 435

B.

Baptism, an ordinance, d 174 meaning of the word , d 216 a generic term, in note, d 175 the right of infants, d 182. 186. d 187. 193 objections to subjects of, d 200. 206. 186. 194 by pouring or sprinkling, d 218 sponsors in, d 228 sign of the cross in, d 228 how to be improved, d 229. 234

Backbiting, instances of, d 48

Being of God proved, a 21

Believers, sons of God in Christ, c 146

Benevolence, disinterested, a 19

Blindness of mind, b 146

Borrowing and not paying, d 23 whether Israel was guilty of it, d 24

Bread, daily to be prayed for, d 407

Burnet, his scheme of the Millenium, b 369

C.

Call of the gospel, c 16

Character of sacred writers, a 101

Charity to the poor, d 20

Child-like dispositions required in us, d 364

Christ, typified by Melchizedec, b 264 his humiliation, b 396 betrayed, denied, condemned, slain, b 424. 426. 429. 433 descent into hell b 440 1 Pet. iii. 18. explained, note, b 442 his resurrection, b 444 his ascension, b 464 his intercession, b 473 his coming to judgment, b 481

Christianity, reasonable, note, a 1

Church, the word how used, b 510. note 515

Church, its testimony, a 116

Church, invisible, c 9 its union to Christ, c 10

Commandments, rules to interpret, c 428

Communion with God, by innocent man, b 77 with Christ in grace, c 65 in glory, c 280

Conflagration, b 387

Conflicts of flesh and spirit, c 187

Conscience, horror of, b 153 distinguished, b 154

Contentment a universal duty, d 50 motives to it, d 51

Contingency of events, a 517

Corruption of nature, forbidden, d 56 not from traduction, &c., b 128 how, b 131

Covenant of grace, divisible or not, b 165 with whom made, b 167 how, a testament, b 169 eternity of it, b 272 acceptance by elect, b 184

Covenant of works, more than a law, b 78 its extent, b 80. 88 its seals, b 88. 90 violation of, b 74. 93 not a promise of salvation, b 164

Covetousness and its aggravations, d 58 excuses for it answered, d 59

Creation, work of, b 6 immediate, b 7 mediate, b 7 time of, b 8 design of, b 15 not instantaneous, b 17 its progression, b 19. 23 at what season of the year, b 24 its goodness, or perfection, b 25 of man, b 34

Creed, account of, b 440

Critical examination of 1 John v. 7, a 329

D.

Day of grace, what, b 331

Death, appointed of God, c 293 its effect on the spirit, c 300 of Christ, design of it, b 285 for whom, b 290 perversion of the doctriner, b 291 a true and proper sacrifice for sin, b 292 of some saints, c 285

Decrees of God, a 417. 430 proved, a 422. 452 not stoical fate, a 516 misrepresentations of it, a 465

Deists, b 494

Deity of the Son, proved, a 295 by divine names, a 296 by divine attributes, a 342 by religious worship, a 377 improved, a 414

Diligence, d 20. 21

Discontent, remedies against, d 61

Dispensations of the covenant, b 199

Delusions, b 147

Dominion of man in innocency, b 74

Duels, c 542

E.

Eden, garden of, where situated, b 70

Effectual calling, c 39

Elect, to what chosen, a 438 included in Christ, b 132 ransomed by him, b 316 peculiarly, b 322

Election, what, a 529. 434 objects of, a 436 proved, a 447 its design, a 461 its properties, a 469 knowledge of, a 470 free, a 476 unchangeable, a 481 objections to, a 507 distinct from fate, a 516

Elijah, whether guilty of falsehood, d 36

Elisha reproached at Bethel, d 43

Endor, witch of, c 451

Enlightened conscience, c 184

Errors, of Arius and Sabellius, a 208

Eternal generation of Christ, a 259

Eternity of the covenant of grace, b 172

Eutychus, who he was, note, b 223

Eve, the manner of her temptation, b 100

F.

Faith, how, a condition, b 189 how above natural ability, b 193 various kinds of, c 121-125 justifying, c 98. 125 how it justifies, c 110 a duty, b 193 a means of salvation, d 76

Fall of man, b 74-93

Father, God is to men, d 360 to be addressed as in heaven, d 365

Food of man in innocency, b 72

Foreknowledge of God, a 452

Foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, what is meant, d 433

Forgiveness of sin, c 70. d 417 of others, what meant by it, d 424 argument to induce to it, d 426

Freedom of divine decrees, a 432. 433

Free will, absolute, absurd, a 498 doctrine of, examined, a 501

Frugality, d 17

G.

Genealogy of Christ defended, a 88

Genuineness of the scriptures, a 79

Glorifying God, what is meant by it, a 13

Glory of God, how things are disposed, d 382

Glory of Christ as Mediator, b 244

God, proofs of his being, a 22-48 is a Spirit, a 123 his unity, a 194 holy, a 159 not the author of sin, a 424. 523. 530 is infinite, a 126 all-sufficient, a 127 eternal, a 129 immutable, a 135 incomprehensible, a 138 omnipresent, a 139 almighty, a 140 omniscient, a 145 most wise, a 152 just, a 164 true, a 186 merciful, a 168 even in punishing, note, a 170 how glorified, a 14

Goodness, ibid

Gospel, how offered to all, b 332 faith in it the duty of all, b 336

Government, civil, c 524

Grotius, on the authority of the scriptures, in note, a 97

Grace, of God, in providing a Mediator, b 187

Guilt of Adam’s first sin, b 119 its consequences, b 196-259

H.

Happiness of saints, future, c 399

Hardness of heart, b 149 causes of, b 150 in believers and unbelievers, b 151

Hearing the word, d 158

Heathens, b 491. c 163

Hell, descent of Christ into, b 440

Heinousness of sins not equal, d 67

Holy Ghost, procession of, a 260 his Deity proved, a 295 his titles, a 400 attributes, a 404 works, a 405 worship, a 408. 414

Holiness of God, a 159 motives to, c 160

Holy places, c 424 times, c 427

Holy Spirit, implants all graces, b 197 applies salvation, b 237

Humiliation of Christ, b 396 in his birth, b 398 in his life, b 401 by temptations, b 410 by sinless infirmities, b 422 in his death, b 423 in being betrayed, b 424 forsaken, b 425 condemned, b 429

Humiliation of Christ, in being tormented, b 431 crucified, b 433 in his burial, b 437

Human nature of Christ, b 421

Hypocrisy, sin of, d 39 whether Paul and Daniel guilty, d 40

I.

Idolatry, c 443. & a194

Image-worship, c 461

Immortality of the soul, c 302 asserted and denied by heathens, c 303

Imputation, what, c 85-95

Imputation of Adam’s sin, b 107. 113

Inability of sinners to believe, note, b 193 to keep the commandments, d 62

Incarnation of Christ, b 227 the time of, b 231 duration of, b 234

Incarnation, necessity for, b 235

Independency of God, a 124

Infants, their state, b 138

Inferiors, duties of, c 520

Innocency, man’s condition in, b 72

Inspiration of scripture, a 110

Integrity of the church in all ages, b 199

Interest in Christ, b 189

J.

Jesus, why so called, b 244

Judgment, final, c 359

Justice, in our dealings, d 19

Justification, c 67 its foundation, c 73 not before faith, c 117 not by works, c 101 not by repentance, c 101

K.

Kingdom of Heaven, c 399 of Providence, d 385 of grace, d 386 of Christ, how advanced, d 389 of glory, d 394

Kingly office of Christ, b 351 its exercise, b 352 submission to, b 357 opposition to, b 360 times of exercise, b 364 in the Millenium, b 366 on earth, b 381 duration of, b 392 the two-fold states of, b 396 in humiliation, b 399

L.

Law, moral, c 421 judicial, c 422 ceremonial, c 423

Law-suits, when unjust, d 26

Liberty, c 34

Life, bounds of fixed, a 508 to be preserved, c 540

Light of nature, a 21. 230

Light of revelation, sufficient, b 206 increased by the gospel, b 214

Long-suffering of God, a 176 in harmony with justice, a 181 improvement of, a 183

Lord’s supper, d 234 a gospel ordinance, d 236 what the elements and actions, d 237. 238 to whom to be administered, d 237. 245. 263 examination previous to, d 246-256 who to be debarred from, d 263 meditation at, d 269 what to be done at, d 270. 273. 275 vows may be made at, d 278 frequent attendance on, d 280 how it differs from baptism, d 281-284

Lie, definition and kinds of, d 33 whether midwives in Egypt guilty of, d 34 Rahab’s, d 34 whether Jacob was guilty of, d 35 whether Elijah was guilty, d 36 whether Paul was guilty, d 37 David’s, d 38

M.

Magee’s, two discourses on the atonement, note, b 298. 317

Man, his creation, b 34 his twofold nature, b 39 in the divine image, b 42 his mutability, b 44 providence of God toward him, b 70 employment in Paradise, b 72 fallen, b 117 his misery, b 136

Marks of grace, c 260-262

Marriage, its institution and design, b 75

Masters, duties of, c 533

Means of salvation, d 76

Mediator, his office generally, b 186 his intercession or satisfaction, b 186 who he is, b 216 his sufficiency, b 218 his incarnation, b 221 why called Jesus Christ, b 244

Melchizedec, who he might be, b 264

Messiah of the Old Testament is Christ, b 200 the substance of the ceremonial law, b 201 Jesus of Nazareth, b 245 his commission, b 248 his offices, b 249 prophetical, b 252 priestly, b 259 kingly, b 351

Millenium, b 366-382

Moral obligation, foundation of, c 405

Moral law, c 421 civil, its origin, b 127

Mortification, c 155

Moses, no astrologer, c 454 killing the Egyptians, c 545

Murderers do not escape, c 547

Musical instruments unauthorized in gospel worship, d 85

Mystery, scriptural, a 215. 217

Mysteries, Dr. Bates Aon, in note, a 217

N.

Name of God, what meant by it, d 369 how sanctified, d 370. 373 when profaned, c 473 hallowed, what meant by, d 375-381

Natures of Christ, b 235 why two-fold, b 242 without confusion, b 243

O.

Oaths, religious, c 472 profane, c 470

Objections, to the harmony of the scriptures, a 88-93 to the doctrine of election, a 507 to the divine predetermination, a 509

Obligation, moral, c 405

Offences, their aggravations, d 67 from the parties, d 68 from the nature of the offence, d 70 from the circumstances, d 72

Officers of the, church, b 572

Offices of Christ, their number, b 249 suited to the state of man, b 250 not to be confounded, b 251 their order, b 252

Office, prophetical, b 254 for whom intended, b 255 how executed, b 256 when, b 257 the priestly, b 259

Officers among the Jews, d 139

Ordinances of the gospel, d 83

Original righteousness lost, a 121

Original, transgression, b 105 sin, what, b 118 its transmission, b 129. 132 its punishment, b 141

P.

Parable of the debtor, c 238

Paradise, where, b 71 after death, c 318

Parents, duties of, c 531

Papal doctrines, a 162, d 315

Pardon of sin is from God only, d 417

Pelagianism, b 125

Perfection, absolute, not in this life, c 178 at death, c 312

Perfections of God, a 121-142

Perseverance of the saints, c 194-197 proved, c 201-217 objections to answered, c 220

Person, Calvin on the word, in note, a 207

Person of Christ, why God and man, b 235

Personality in the Godhead, a 207. 244

Pharisees, d 140

Polygamy was ever unlawful, d 11 aggravations of, d 13 the occasions of, d 14

Praise, d 82. 85. 95

Prayer, to be made to God, d 299 to be in the name of Christ, d 300. 301 Spirit’s aid in, d 303-306 for whom to be made, d 309-312 for whom not to be made, d 315-318 for what we may pray, d 322 how we are to pray, d 323 faith in, d 329 promises of help, d 331 to an unchangeable God, in note, d 397-402 discouragements in, removed, d 336 rules for our direction in, d 338-356

Predestination to sin, not scriptural, a 530

Preaching the word, how to be done, d 151

Priestly office of Christ, b 259 like that of Melchizedech, b 264 necessity of it, b 272

Priestly, Dr. his disingenuity, in a note, a 397

Procrastination, in note, d 78

Procession of the Holy Ghost, a 260

Profanation of the Sabbath, c 508

Promises of temporal and spiritual blessings, d 344-350 annexed to the fifth commandment, c 537

Prophets, a 56

Prophetical office of Christ, b 252 when executed, b 257

Providence of God, what, b 45 immediate or mediate, b 46 over good actions, b 51 over evil actions, b 52-58 objections to answered, b 59-62 toward angels, b 62-69 toward man, b 70

Publicans, d 140

Psalms of David, proper to be sung, d 89 scripture and hymns preferable, d 96

Punishment of sin, b 136 original, b 137 in the world to come, b 158 proved by reason, note, b 161 when not stayed by sacrifice, b 262

Purgatory, c 313

Purpose, eternal, a 507

Purpose of God, its certainty, b 5

Q.

Qualifications of preachers of the word, d 147

Quenching the Spirit, what, a 414 when committed, a 50

R.

Recovery of man, its moving cause, b 162

Redemption, intended, b 161 for whom, b 316 for whom not, b 322 application of it, b 323 not universal, b 324. 326 special, b 329. 338 covenant of, b 178

Regeneration before faith, c 26 man passive in it, c 48

Remember, import of, in the fourth commandment, c 512

Repentance, what, c 167 the effect of grace, c 169 how by the word, c 169 a means of salvation, d 76

Representation, note, b 77. 103. 114

Reproach, differs from reproof, d 42

Reprobation, decree of, a 486 not of sovereignty, a 490 but of justice, a 491

Restitution, a duty, d 27

Resurrection, b 383. 389. c 326 proved from the Old Testament, c 332 the first, b 383. 388

Revealed will of God, c 408

Revelation, necessary, a 71 not impossible, a 71

Righteousness, original, lost in Adam, b 121

S.

Sabbath, its institution, b 76 its morality, c 480 its change, c 486

Sabellius, his error, note, a 208

Sacraments, d 161 how seals, d 161 to whom administered, d 166 benefits of them, d 167 by whom administered, d 168 but two, d 172

Sacrifice of Christ, sufficient for all, note, b 349

Sadducees, d 140

Saints kept by divine power, c 199

Salvation, what, b 162 its subjects, b 162 the cause of, b 163 for whom, b 164 not universal, b 326

Samaritans, d 140

Samson’s death, c 540

Sanctification, c 152

Sanctifying the Lord’s day, c 497

Satan, the tempter, b 95 his method and instruments, b 96. 97 his empire in the unregenerate, b 144

Satisfaction for sin, b 275-293

Scriptures, genuineness of, a 79 authenticity, a 97 inspiration of, a 72 a sufficient rule, a 61 to be read publickly, d 107 in families and private, d 108 how they should be read, d 113 various translations of, d 117 to be compared, d 121. 122 general rules for explaining of, d 144

Self-interest, how far lawful, a 19. 20

Self-murder, c 545

Self-examination, c 256

Sentiment, influence of, a iii

Servants, duties of, c 593

Similitudes of Trinity unlawful, a 235

Singing praises, a divine institution, d 82

Sin, its origin, a 425 daily committed, d 63 extent of the first, b 105 exists in intentions, note, b 145 its imputation, b 109 its consequences, b 136 punishment of, c 377 its punishment in this world, b 146 in the world to come, b 158 what satisfaction is demanded, b 275. 280 its desert, and the way of escape, d 74 unto death, what it is, d 318-320 not from God, a 423. d 433-435

Son, his divinity, a 295 his personality, a 248

Sonship of Christ, eternal, a 277

Souls, origin of, note, b 41 pre-existence of, a mere fancy, b 126 after death, c 318. 325

Spirit, the Holy, his procession, a 260 his divinity, a 398. 410 his witness to the word, in the heart, a 118 his work in applying salvation, b 197

Sufferings of Christ, and the design of them, b 284. 285 why not eternal, b 296

Sum of relative duties, c 514

Superiors, duties of, c 518

Supper, of the Lord, d 234

Supralapsarians, and Sublapsarians, a 445

Suretyship of Christ, c 77, b 173

Swearing, c 470

T.

Tables of the law, c 433

Temptations of Christ, b 404-420 mental, note, b 420 from prosperity, d 439 from adversity, d 441 from the flesh, d 442 from Satan, d 443

Testament, and covenant, how the same, b 169 how different, b 171 how received, b 181 implies the death of the testator, note, b 294

Testimony of the Church, a 116

Theatrical amusements, sinful in note, d 15

Theft, d 23

Thoughts, sinful, d 64

Tree of life, b 88 why so called, b 89 of knowledge of good and evil, b 92

Trinity of persons, a 206 important, a 210 in what respects one, a 243 not unreasonable, a 226 proved, a 249-251 Dr. Jameison, on the, in a note, a 243

Truth of God, a 185

Trust, breach of, d 23

Trust in Christ, c 121

Types of Christ, in ceremonial law, b 202 errors concerning them, b 203 in persons and things, b 205 their spiritual meaning, b 207 misunderstood by some, b 209

U.

Uncleanness forbidden, d 10

Unction, or anointing of the Mediator, b 245

Union, of divine and human natures, b 221 denied by Nestorius, b 222 without confusion or mixture, b 223 by subordination of human will, b 223 of a divine nature to real human body, b 224 of a divine nature to real human soul, b 226 necessary, b 235

Universal redemption, b 326-341

Unitarian objections answered, note, b 292. 297

Unity of God, a 194 proved by his works, a 197 light of nature, a 200 uncompounded, a 203

Universal expressions of limited meaning, b 239 redemption considered, b 343

Usury, d 27

V.

Variety, but no contrariety in the will of Christ, b 226

Vicarious death of Christ, b 292-297

Vile affections described, b 153

Virgin really predicted, Isa. ix. 6., b 228. 229

Vivification, c 159

W.

War of plunder and oppression in it, d 25

Wicked, their prosperity, a 45 how made for the day of evil, a 495

Will of God, secret or revealed, a 471 sovereign, a 476 how can we pray for it to be done? d 403

Will, free in our first parents, b 94 our averse to that of God, d 402 of the Mediator as man, subordinate, b 226

Williams, Dr. on election, in a note, a 529

Witness of the Spirit, c 266

Words, sinful, d 66

Word of God, a 48 distinguished from moral obligation, a 48. 49 understood by Israel, a 53 Chronology of prophets, a 56 how a rule, a 60. 61 complete and entire, a 66 enlightens and convinces of sin, d 101 humbles and draws to Christ, d 102. 103 other instances of its efficacy, d 104

World, not eternal, b 8 its antiquity, b 11 false accounts of, b 11

Wrath of God is not passion, d 75

Writing, origin of, b 13

PRESBYTERIAL QUESTIONS FOR EXEGESES.

Vid. Form of Gov. c. xiii. sec. 3.

1. Quî Deus unus dicitur?

2. Quibus testimoniis probas Trinitatem?

3. Cur Christum verum hominem esse opportuit?

4. Quæ argumenta probant scripturam a Deo profectam esse?

5. Qua ratione peccatum originis transmittitur in posteros?

6. Estne peccatum aliquid positivum an privativum?

7. Quid est peccatum in Spiritum Sanctum?

8. An una et eadem ratio salutis consequendæ post lapsum fuit?

9. Quæ sunt causa efficiens fidei, et objectum?

10. Quo sensu fide justificari dicimur?

11. An opera renatorum bona sunt pura, nulloque vitio contaminata?

12. Qua ratione vita æterna dicitur merces?

13. Quandoquidem mortuus est pro omnibus Christus, annon omnium Redemptor?

14. Eruntne damnatorum pœnæ perpetuæ?

15. Quæ sunt veræ et internæ ecclesiæ proprietates?

16. Nullumne est discrimen inter episcopum et presbyterum?

17. Quibus est exhibenda cœna Domini?

18. Quinam sunt baptizandi?

19. Licetne homini christiano, cum vocatur, magistratum gerere?

20. Quinam ad judicium ecclesiasticum vocandi sunt?

NOW IN PRESS

THE REV. DR. JOHN GILL’S COMMENTARY.

The OLD TESTAMENT is now in the press, and the first volume expected out in the month of May. To subscribers the price will be 6 dollars per vol. sheep; $7 in calf; and $5 25 per vol. in boards. On subscribing, the New Testament can be delivered in 3 volumes, being already printed.

The following is taken from the Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association—October, 1815.

“Oct. 18.—This association have heard with pleasure, by a communication from Mr. Woodward, of his intention to publish Dr. Gill’s Exposition of the Old Testament, in six large quarto volumes; one of which he hopes, if life and health be spared, to issue every 4 or 5 months, at the price originally proposed; that is, $5,25 each vol. in boards—6 in sheep, and 7 in calf. Resolved that this association recommend to the churches, and the brethren of our denomination generally, the encouragement of the work, and that each church subscribe at least for a copy for its respective minister for the time being, and communicate the result of their subscriptions to Mr. Woodward, as early as possible. He hopes to issue the first volume in the Spring. Sister associations throughout the union are affectionately invited to patronize the publication, and should their piety and wisdom approve of the measure, recommend the adoption of a plan in their churches generally similar to what is above recommended.”

SCOTT’S FAMILY BIBLE.

W. W. Woodward is preparing for the press, in 3 vols. quarto, the Rev. Dr. SCOTT’S FAMILY BIBLE, on a new arrangement. The work will contain every article, except the Marginal References; and the Notes will follow immediately after the verses to which they belong, and the Practical Observations at the end of each chapter. The first volume will be published as speedily as possible.—The flattering encouragement already received, induces the publisher to put to press a large edition. A copy-right is secured for this popular plan. Price in boards 18 dolls. 75 cents, bound 21 dolls. Proposals shall be sent to any persons who will interest themselves in the work—one copy for every five subscribed for. The Royal Octavo Bible, recently printed by W. W. W. contains all the Marginal References, all the Introductions to the Books, and also to the Chapters, with the General Preface, for $5, common, and $5 50, fine paper; plates added, $1 50; David’s Psalms, or Watts’s imitation, 50 cents; Concordance, 25 cents. It may be had with or without the above; with them separately, or all bound in one, or two volumes: one dollar advance, if bound in two volumes.

The FIRST VOLUME will be out in the Spring, and the other volumes as early after as practicable—this plan is exceedingly popular. The following is an extract of a letter from a respectable clergyman:—viz. “I am happy to inform you, your edition, on the new plan, meets the general approbation. Of this you will be convinced, when I tell you, that in obtaining two hundred subscribers, I have done little else than to follow along after Proposals for other editions of the same work. About 40 sets of the above are to be bound in calf.—Many have subscribed for this, who have absolutely refused to subscribe for others. I think you may safely conclude, therefore, that many families will be blessed with this excellent work, who would, perhaps, have ever remained destitute, had it not been for this edition.”

A new Edition of

THE POCKET BIBLE,

Will be ready in January, 1816, in a variety of bindings, from 125 to 500 cents.

CONFESSION OF FAITH, or, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; containing the Catechism, and the Directory for the worship of God: together with the Plan of Government and Discipline, as amended and ratified by the General Assembly at their Session in May, 1805. Price 1 dollar 12-1/2 cents. Sheep gilt 1 dollar 25 cents.

The CONFESSION OF FAITH: the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, with the Scripture-proofs at large; the Covenants, national and solemn League; the Acknowledgment of Sins, and Engagement to Duties: the Directories for Public and Family Worship; and the Form of Church Government; with Acts of Assembly and Parliament relative thereto, and approbative of, the same, of public authority in the Church of Scotland: and also in the Associate Church, and the Reformed Church, in the United States of America. Together with the Sum of Saving knowledge, and the practical use thereof.—Price 1 dollar 75 cent fine, and 1 dollar 50 cents common.

Pocket Edition of WATTS’S PSALMS AND HYMNS.—W. W. Woodward has printed a new edition, which may be had at the following prices:—Plain 75 cents. Gilt backs, fine paper, 1 dollar 12-1/2 cents. Morocco 2 dollars. Morocco with gilt leaves, 2 dollars 25 cents. Red sheep 1 dollar 62-1/2 cents.

Also, just published—a neat and correct edition of the above, with a large type: taken from W. W. W’s last corrected pocket edition. Price, fine paper, 1 dollar 25 cents, plain; morocco, gilt leaves, 3 dollars 25 cents; sheep gilt, 1 dollar 75 cents; common paper, 1 dollar in plain binding.

RIPPON’S SELECTION (copy-right) in a neat pocket volume, with a variety of New HYMNS, not in former editions; prepared by the Rev. Dr. Staughton.—Prices, plain bound and lettered, 75 cents. Gilt backs 1 dollar 12-1/4 cents. Morocco, yellow leaves, 2 dollars, and gilt leaves, morocco, 2 dollars 25 cents.

JUST PRINTED,

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Proposals are out for printing the WORKS of The Rev. JOHN B. LINN, D. D. Late Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.—2 vols. octavo.

Lately Printed, BUCK’S PRACTICAL EXPOSITOR, Price 112-1/2 cents.

ALSO, THE PIOUS SELECTION 112-1/2 cents.

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● Transcriber’s Notes: ○ The author’s archaic and idiosyncratic punctuation, spellings, and capitalization have been retained. ○ Text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores (italics). ○ Footnotes have been moved to follow the chapters in which they are referenced.