Q1. How many fold is the will of God?

A. TWOFOLD; his will of purpose, or disposing will; and his will of precept, or revealed will.

Q2. What is his will of purpose, or disposing will?

A. It is what he himself purposes to be done, as the final determination of the event of things, Isaiah 46:10 - "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."

Q3. How is this will commonly designated?

A. It is termed his will of providence, because he infallibly brings it about, or accomplishes it, in the course of his adorable providence, Psalm 135:6.

Q4. What is God's will of precept, or his revealed will?

A. It is the rule of our duty, prescribing what he would have us to do, or not to do, Matt. 26:39 - "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Q5. Whether is it God's will of purpose or precept that is meant in this petition?

A. Both are included, but chiefly his will of precept.

Q6. When we say, "Thy will be done," for what do we pray with reference to God's will of purpose?

A. We pray, that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing - to submit to it, and acquiesce in it, so soon as it is discovered or made known to us, Acts 21:14 - "And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done."

Q7. What does our praying for submission to God's will of purpose or providence, necessarily imply in it?

A. It implies that we are "by nature - prone to repine and murmur against his providence,"191 especially in afflictive dispensations, Num. 14:2.

Q8. When do we submit to afflictive dispensations?

A. When we justify God in them, Dan. 9:7; and acknowledge that he "hath punished us less than our iniquities deserve," Ezra 9:13.

Q9. For what do we pray, when we pray that God's will of precept may be done?

A. We pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know and obey the same.

Q10. Why do we pray that God would make us able and willing to know and obey his revealed will?

A. Because, "by nature, we and all men, are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and do the will of God; but prone to rebel against his word, - and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh, and of the devil."192

Q11. Why do we pray that God would make us able and willing by his grace?

A. Because it is wholly of his free love and sovereign grace, that he works in us either to will or to do, Phil. 2:13 - "It is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Q12. For what do we pray, when we pray that God would make us able and willing to know his revealed will?

A. We pray, that, by his Spirit, he would take away our natural blindness, and open our understanding, that we may "understand the scriptures," Luke 24:45.

Q13. For what do we pray, when we pray that God would make us able and willing to obey his will?

A. We pray, that he would remove the weakness, indisposedness, and perverseness of our hearts; and, by his grace, incline us to set about, and keep up the practice of every commanded duty, in the strength of that grace which is secured in the promise, Ezek. 36:27 - "I will cause you to walk in my statutes;" 2 Cor. 12:9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Q14. Why is knowing the will of God mentioned before the obeying of it?

A. Because there can he no true and acceptable obedience, but what flows from that saving knowledge which is inseparable from the faith of God's operation, John 13:17 - "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

Q15. Where should we desire that the will of God may be done?

A. We should desire that it may be done on earth, by all persons, and in all places on it, Psalm 150:6.

Q16. In what things should we pray that the will of God may be done on earth?

A. We should pray that it may be done in all things, Psalm 119:6.

Q17. Why in ALL THINGS?

A. Because we may be quite sure, that God's will, both of precept and providence, is perfectly, or in every respect, equal, and just, Ezek. 18:25.

Q18. Whom should we resemble in our obedience?

A. The holy angels: we should study to do the will of God as the angels do in heaven.

Q19. Can we know and obey the will of God as perfectly on earth, as the angels do in heaven?

A. No; but we should copy after them, as to the manner of their obedience.

Q20. What is it to copy after them as to the manner of their obedience?

A. It is to essay obedience "with the like humility, cheerfulness, faithfulness, diligence, zeal, sincerity, and constancy, as the angels do in heaven."193

Q1. What will of God is here intended?

A. Not the will of his decree; for that is in himself alone; 1 Corinthians 2:11. The things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God.

Q2. What will then is here meant?

A. The will of his providence may be here meant; Psalm 125:6. Whatever the Lord pleased, that did he in Heaven, and in earth, and in the seas, and all deep places. And Psalm 119:89. Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in Heaven. Verse 91. They continue this day according to your ordinances; for all are your servants.

Q3. How are we to understand the doing of this will of providence in Heaven?

A. (1.) As it done by the sun, moon, and stars; Psalm 119:89. Your word is settled in Heaven. Verse 91. They continue this day according to your ordinances. Psalm 19:6. His going forth is from the end of the Heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hidden from the heat thereof. (2.) As it is done by angels; Psalm 104:4. Who makes the angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire. Hebrews 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Q4. How do these perform the will of God's providence?

A. (1.) The heavenly bodies do it evenly, constantly, and unweariedly; Psalm 104:19. He appoints the moon for seasons, the sun knows his going down. (2.) The angels do it speedily, voluntarily, cheerfully, and so knowingly; Psalm 103:21. You ministers of his that do his pleasure.

Q5. Must we be agents in this providential will?

A. Yes, we must; Acts 13:36. For David, after he had served his generation by the will of God, fell on sleep.

Q6. How must we do it?

A. By employing our abilities, faculties, and interests, in the duties of our particular callings, and by moving constantly, prudently, and vigorously in our own sphere, and so imitate those in Heaven.

Q7. Why do we pray that God's will of providence may be done by us?

A. Because we are his creatures, and the most noble instrument of the inferior world; and therefore we should be willing to be acted by him, and active for him; and because this will of providence is always just, good, and true, and for his own glory; Psalm 145:17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Psalm 119:89. Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in Heaven. Verse 91. They continue this day according to your ordinances; for all are your servants.

Q8. What other will of God is here meant?

A. The will of his precepts, and this is chiefly intended.

Q9. And how is this will of God done in Heaven?

A. By the angels it is done universally, cheerfully, constantly, humbly, thankfully, readily; Psalm 103:20. Bless the Lord, you his angels that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. And so it is done by the saints in Heaven; Revelation 7:15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; And chapter 22:3. And his servants shall serve him.

Q10. Do we pray then that we may thus do the will of God?

A. Yes; for though we cannot perfectly without sin do it, yet that is our duty; Matthew 5 ult. be therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect. And in all other particulars we may and we must intimate them herein; Psalm 119:6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all your commandments. Verse 14. I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies as much as in all riches. Verse 69. I made haste, and delayed not to keep your commandments. Verse 112, etc. I have inclined my heart to perform your statutes always even unto the end.

Q11. How must we know God's will?

A. Not notionally and rationally only; but spiritually also; 1 Corinthians 2:14. They are spiritually discerned.

Q12. Why is knowing God's will placed here before doing it, etc.?

A. Because the understanding is the leading faculty, without which it is impossible there should be any obedience; Proverbs 19:2. Also that the soul be without knowledge it is not good. Jeremiah 5:4. Therefore I said, Surely these are poor, they are foolish; for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God.

Q13. Why pray we to God for this knowledge? can we not know it of ourselves?

A. No, it is the special gift and grace of God; Galatians 1:15, 16. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Heathen, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Ephesians 1:17, 19. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.-And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Ephesians 5:8. For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord.

Q14. Why do we pray that we may obey; can we not do it of our own free-will when we know it?

A. No, for our wills are stubborn and rebellious against God's commands, as well as our minds ignorant of them; Romans 8:7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Ezekiel 36:25, 26. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Philippians 2:13. For it is God that works in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Q15. What is meant by submitting to God's will?

A. (1.) Either a voluntary subjection of soul, and a preparedness actually to do his will: Or, (2.) A voluntary and silent submission to his will of providence in affliction: but in this particular we cannot imitate those in Heaven, because no cross ever befalls them.

Q16. Why is will added in all things?

A. Because partial obedience is no obedience; he who does not obey God in everything, obeys him in nothing; James 2:10. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Q17. Why do we pray that God by his grace would work this will in us, and by us?

A. Because it is free grace that determines it; 2 Timothy 1:9. Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began. And efficacious grace that works it in us, and enables us to do it; Ephesians 5:8. For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord. Verse 10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Q18. What is the first inference from hence?

A. That it is man's glory and felicity to be conformed to the will of God, Proverbs 12:26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor. Psalm 19:10, 11. More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Q19. What is the second inference?

A. That we must mortify in ourselves every lust that contradicts God's will, and renounce without ourselves everything that comes in competition therewith; 1 Corinthians 9 ult. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast-away. Galatians 6:14. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Q20. What is the third inference?

A. That it is in vain, yes, a provocation to pray, if we be not obedient to God's will; Proverbs 2:8, 9. He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints. Then shall you understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yes, every good path.

Q21. What is the fourth inference?

A. That the law still has the authority of a rule to believers, because it reveals God's will, which they must do. Concerning our daily Bread

Q1. Is the will of God's commands the rule of our action?

A. Yes: We must understand what the will of the Lord is, Eph. 5:17.

Q2. Are we to pray that we may conform to this rule?

A. Yes: That we may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, Rom. 12:2.

Q3. Must we pray that God would give us to know his will?

A. Yes: Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, Ps. 119:34.

Q4. And to know it fully?

A. Yes: That ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, Col. 1:9.

Q5. And to know it in doubtful cases?

A. Yes: Teach me thy way, O Lord, lead me in a plain path, Ps. 27:11.

Q6. So all who are sanctified truly desire to know God's will?

A. Yes: What saith my Lord unto his servant? Josh. 5:14.

Q7. When we know God's will, are we able of ourselves to do it?

A. No: We are not sufficient of ourselves, 2 Cor. 3:5.

Q8. Must we therefore pray to God to make us able?

A. Yes: Now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands, Neh. 6:9.

Q9. And must we depend upon his grace?

A. Yes: I will go in the strength of the Lord God, Ps. 71:16.

Q10. Must we pray to God to make us willing?

A. Yes: Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, Ps. 119:36.

Q11. And to make us entirely willing?

A. Yes: Unite my heart to fear thy name, Ps. 36:11.

Q12. Must we pray that we may be sincere in our obedience?

A. Yes: Let my heart be sound in thy statutes, Ps. 119:80.

Q13. And that we may be exact in our obedience?

A. Yes: O that my ways were directed to keep thy commandments! Ps. 119:5.

Q14. And that we may be universal in our obedience?

A. Yes: That we may stand complete in all the will of God, Col. 4:12.

Q15. And that we may be armed against that which would divert us from our obedience?

A. Yes: Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy way, Ps. 119:37.

Q16. And must we pray that others also may do God's will?

A. Yes: That they may be perfect in every good work, to do his will, Heb. 13:21.

Q17. Is the will of God's counsel the rule of his actions?

A. Yes: For he worketh all according to the counsel of his own will, Eph. 1:11.

Q18. Must we desire that this may be done?

A. Yes: The will of the Lord be done, Acts 21:14.

Q19. Rather than our own will?

A. Yes: Not as I will, but as thou wilt, Matt. 26:39.

Q20. And must we acquiesce in it?

A. Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. 3:18.

Q21. And must we pray that he will enable us to do so?

A. Yes: That we may be strengthened with all might, unto all patience and longsuffering, with joyfulness, Col. 1:11.

Q22. Do the angels in heaven do the will of God?

A. Yes: They do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word, Ps. 103:20.

Q23. Do they do it readily?

A. Yes: They fly swiftly, Dan. 9:21.

Q24. Do they do it zealously?

A. Yes: For they are a flaming fire, Ps. 104:4.

Q25. Do they do it with an eye to God?

A. Yes: For they always behold the face of our Father, Matt. 18:10.

Q26. And are we to pray that God's will may so be done on earth?

A. Yes: That the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, Rev. 11:15.