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Q. Wherein consists the submission of a Christian? A. In a firm persuasion of mind, that nothing happens to us but by the will and permission of God. That he loves us better than we do ourselves, and knows the best methods of making us happy. And that therefore we should acquiesce in all events, how contrary soever to our own inclinations; and how much soever they may thwart those schemes of happiness and enjoyment which we have framed to ourselves.

Q. Wherein consists our entire dependence upon God?

A. In expecting in all our dangers, temporal and spiritual, by a serious and diligent discharge of our own duty, relief from his almighty power, which is able to help us; and from his infinite goodness, which has promised to assist us. And therefore not to disquiet ourselves with the apprehension of dangers and calamities that may never happen; or, if they do, may be overruled to our advantage.

Q. Wherein consists the contempt of the world?

A. In looking on all worldly enjoyments as little and inconsiderable, mere empty nothings in comparison of that happiness which God hath prepared for those that love him. In being content with that portion of the good things of this life, which the wise providence of God hath allotted to our share; without purchasing the enjoyment of them by the commission of any sin; without being anxiously concerned for the increase of them, or extremely depressed when they make themselves wings and fly away. In a moderate use of all those lawful pleasures and enjoyments which relate to the gratification of our senses and fleshly appetites; as becomes persons who expect their portion not in the pleasures of this world, but in the happiness of the next.

In a low esteem of those idols of the world, riches and honour; being ready to forsake them whenever they come in competition with the performance of our duty. In bearing the afflictions and calamities of this life with patience and constancy; looking unto Jesus, who, for the joy that was set before him, despised the cross; and consequently, in fixing our minds upon our chiefest good, and earnestly desiring and longing for the possession of it.

Q. What is the benefit of this humble, resigned, and depending frame of mind?

A. It is the proper disposition for devotion, and the parent of religious fear. It is the seed-plot of all Christian virtues. It makes us ready to receive the revelations of God's will to mankind, and as careful to practise what he enjoins. It makes us greatest in the kingdom of God, either as that imports our being members of Christ's church here upon earth, or our being members of the church triumphant in possession of eternal bliss in heaven.

Q. How does a freedom from covetous and ambitious desires dispose us to be true members of Christ's kingdom?

A. Not only by setting us at a distance from the most dangerous temptations of life, which are riches and worldly grandeur; but by giving our minds leisure to attend the consideration of religion, and liberty to judge and distinguish the true nature and value of things. For while the Jews expected a temporal deliverer, and were fed with the hopes of power and dominion over all nations, they were so strongly prejudiced against the mean appearance of our Saviour that they refused to acknowledge him for the Messias. And if our Saviour had not instructed his disciples in the nature of his kingdom, their disputes about preference might have undermined

their charity, and might have prevailed upon them to desert him, when frustrated in their expectations. So that as he required them to become little children in respect of such desires and expectations, it is still necessary, in order to be true followers of the blessed Jesus, to mortify these worldly affections; for otherwise the things belonging to the spirit will not live and grow in us.

THE PRAYERS.

FOR POWER TO GLORIFY GOD.

O ALMIGHTY God, who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest infants to glorify thee by their deaths; mortify and kill in me all vices, and so strengthen me by thy grace, that by the innocency of my life, and the constancy of my faith, even unto death, I may glorify thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF GRACE.

O GOD, the strength of all them that put their trust in thee; mercifully accept my prayers. And because, through the weakness of my mortal nature, I can do no good thing without thee; grant me the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments, I may please thee in will and deed, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FOR HUMILITY.

BLESSED Jesus, who hast set before me the perfect pattern of thy humility, and hast commanded me to copy out so fair an original; enable me by thy grace to imitate thy wonderful condescension; that I may not by my pride and vanity lose that happiness thou hast

purchased for me by thy humility. Make me sensible of my own vileness by reason of my sins, which are evident proofs of my weakness and folly, of my baseness and ingratitude, which make me contemptible in thy sight, and ought to cover my soul with shame and confusion. Let this prospect check all vain and aspiring thoughts, and wean me from any fond opinion of myself. To thee be the glory of all the good I enjoy; for it is from thee I receive it. To thee be the glory of all the good I think or do; for it is thy grace enables me, it is thy holy spirit that works in me both to will and do thy good pleasure. Let me never purchase the praise of men by mean flatteries and sinful compliances: let me never entertain their applause upon the best account with too great delight; lest it corrupt the purity of my intentions, and beguile me of that reward thou hast promised to all those that serve thee in spirit and truth. Make me patiently to bear the indignities I may receive from others, because I have deserved them from thee, and because thou hast suffered the same upon my account. Grant this, O blessed Jesus, who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest one God, world without end. Amen.

FOR SUBMISSION TO GOD'S WILL.

MOST gracious God, who governest the world with infinite wisdom and goodness, and dost not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men; teach me contentedly to submit to the dispensations of thy providence, how contrary soever they may be to flesh and blood. Thou knowest the surest ways of making me happy, and

Lam. iii. 33.

art infinite in loving-kindness and mercy; therefore let thy blessed will in every thing be my choice and satisfaction. Let all my dangers, either temporal or spiritual, awaken me to a careful performance of my own duty, and to a lively sense of thy power, which nothing can resist, and of thy goodness, which endureth continually; that being armed with this defence, I may serve thee quietly with a devout mind, and in thy due time be made partaker of thy everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

CHAP. IX.

THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, OR NEW YEAR'S DAY.

JANUARY. 1.

Q. What Festival does the church celebrate this day?

A. The circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, when eight days were accomplished, subjected himself to this law, and first shed his sacred blood for us.

Q. What was circumcision?

A. A rite of the Jewish law, whereby that people were received into covenant with God, as Christians are by baptism. It was first enjoined to Abraham, as a token of the covenant God made with him and his posterity. It was renewed by Joshua, when the Israelites entered the land of Canaan; it having been disused for forty years during their sojourning in the wilderness.b

Q. When was circumcision to be administered?
A. On the eighth day, because the mother being

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