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

2. Secondly, this overthrows popish Idolatry, as worshipping of Crosses, Crucifixes, Roods, &c. to put us in mind of God & Christ. We are taught to lift up our eyes to heaven; seeing God is there: and how can we do this, as long as our minds and eyes are poring upon an image made by mans art?

2. Secondly, this ouerthrowes popish Idolatrie, as woorshipping of Crosses, Crucifixes, Roods, &c. to put vs in mind of God & Christ. Wee are taught to lift vp our eies to heuen; seeing God is there: and how can we do this, as long as our mindes and eies are poring vpon an image made by mans arte?

5. Again, we are here admonished to use the action of prayer with as great reverence as possible may be. Well reasons Solomon: ⟨image 25⟩Eccle. 5. 1. Be not rash with thy mouth to speak a word before God. Why? he is in heaven, thou art in earth: therefore let thy words be few. This reverence must appear in holiness of mind and affection and in all comeliness of gesture. And for this cause, all wandering by-thoughts and all vain babbling is to be avoided. But how goes the case with us, that on the times appointed come to the assemblies to pray? Many, by reason of their blindness, pray without understanding. Many, when they are present at prayer, yet have their hearts occupied about other matters, about their goods and worldly business: such men have no joy or gladness in praying; it is a burden to them. Many come to the assembly for custom only, or for fear of punishment; if they might be left free, they could find in their harts not to pray at all. But let all such men know, that this manner of praying ⟨image 26⟩is a very grievous sin; nay, greater then mocking of father or mother, killing or stealing; for it is directly against God, the other against men. This sin, because it is against the first Table, and therefore, more hard to be discerned, it is lightly esteemed, and it less troubles the consciences of ignorant men: yet as it is indeed, so it is to be esteemed as a disgrace & plain mockery of Gods majesty. Wherefore, seeing God is in heaven, away with all drowsy and dead praying, let us come with reverence in our hearts before the Lord.