The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easy draught of the Christian…The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easie draught of the Christian…

This prayer was dictated by Christ, and for this reason ought chiefly by all Christians to be had in esteem, as coming from him that was the wisdom of God it self, which therefore both knew well all our necessities, & knew also most perfectly, what the will of God is towards us: And it was dictated, that it might be an example or pattern of all Prayers, that we ought to use; not that we should be bound up to this very frame and form of words; however it may also be freely used by us: For we read not that this very form of words was used by the Apostles, though otherwayes divers Prayers of theirs are mentioned as well in the Acts as in their Epistles. This Prayer is made up of certain Petitions, whereunto are adjoined a foregoing Preface, and a following Conclusion. The Preface is in these words; Our Father which art in H•aven. ⟨p. 271⟩And herein is proposed and commended unto us a certain description of God, to whom our prayers are always to be directed. This description suitably to its occasion; that is, unto praying, lays out unto us those perfections of God, which are most needful to be known and considered of us for a devout calling upon his name. And because nothing makes more for this, than that we be assured of Gods goodness, and good will towards us, whereby he intends good to us; and of his power, whereby he is able to do all that he pleaseth in Heaven or on earth; Therefore, • The goodness of God is declared by that title of, Our Father. And 2. His greatest power and majesty is designed in these other words; Which art in Heaven. He is called Father not only from the benefit of creation and providence, whereby as with a Fatherly care he provides for us in all things; but chiefly also for the benefit of adoption, whereby of his special favour he chooses us to be of the rank and number of his sons. And he is said to be in Heaven▪ because in Heaven, especially the third Heaven, he manifests his majesty, as it were in his royal throne, amongst the blessed and glorious spirits; and from thence he sends out his Word, as a royal declaration of his will, through all parts of the world, for the powerful effectuating of all and every thing, that he wills, or pleaseth.

THis prayer was dictated by Christ, and for this reason ought chiefly by all Christians to be had in esteem, as coming from him that was the wisdome of God it self, which therefore both knew well all our necessities, & knew also most perfectly, what the will of God is towards us: And it was dictated, that it might be an example or pattern of all Prayers, that we ought to use; not that we should be bound up to this very frame and form of words; however it may also be freely used by us: For we read not that this very form of words was used by the Apostles, though otherwayes divers Prayers of theirs are mentioned as well in the Acts as in their Epistles. This Prayer is made up of certain Petitions, whereunto are adjoyned a foregoing Preface, and a following Conclusion. The Preface is in these words; Our Father whch art in Haven.