An exposition of the Lords prayer in the way of catechism By William PerkinsAn exposition of the Lords praier in the way of catechisme By William Perkins

1 The Coherence.

IT might seem to some, that this petition is superfluous: for what need he care for temptations, that hath the pardon of his sins? But our saviour did not teach us thus to pray without special reason. 1. Because forgiveness of sins, and wonderful temptations, be inseparable companions in this life: which thing we find to be true, both in Gods word, and in Christian experience: there is no man in this world so beaten and buffeted with temptations, as the penitent sinner, that cries most bitterly for the pardon of his sins. This is the estate, that few men in the world are acquainted with, for they are never troubled with temptation, but live in all peace & quietness, both in body and soul. ⟨image 59⟩Luke. 11. 21. When the strong man armed keeps his hold, the things that he possesseth are in peace. Even so, the wicked of the world, being possessed of Satan, are not a whit molested by him with any temptations; Neither need he, seeing he hath them at commandment, to do what he will. But when a man once begins to make conscience of sin, and to sue unto the Lord for pardon of his offences, and still continues in dislike of sin and Satan: then the enemy bestirs him, and useth all means to bring that man to famine: he offereth all manner of temptations to molest him, and never afford this poor sinner any rest. Hereupon, he for fear of being overcome, continually must pray unto the Lord, that he may not be led into temptation.

IT might seem to some, that this petition is superfluous: for what need he care for temptations, that hath the pardon of his sinnes? But our sauiour did not teach vs thus to pray without speciall reason. 1. Because forgiuenesse of sinnes, and wonderfull temptations, bee inseperable companions in this life: which thing wee finde to be true, both in Gods word, and in Christian experience: there is no man in this world so beaten and buffeted with temptations, as the penitent sinner, that cries most bitterlie for the pardon of his sins. This is the estate, that fewe men in the worlde are acquainted with, for they ar neuer troubled with temptation, but liue in all peace & quietnes, both in bodie and soule.