Expl. 103. In this Petition we have two things observable, (1) The matter of our obedience, it must be what God requires. (2) The manner, ⟨p. 181⟩it must be according to the pattern in the Mount, sc. as it is done in heaven. For the matter, 'tis only Gods Will which must be the Rule of mans duty; not the wills, or fancies, or traditions, or corrupt customs of men; we owe obedience no further to men in what they require from us, than it is agreeable to the Will of God, and especially in the duties of Religion, because God alone, who is the searcher of the heart, is Lord of the conscience, when-ever therefore what is required of us as matter of duty comes accompanied with a thus saith the Lord, either in the plain words, or in the plain sense of Scripture, we must not dispute, but obey. Yet to prevent mistake, we are to know, (1) There is the secret will of God, called the will of his counsel and purpose; but though this be the Rule he himself walks by, yet 'tis not the Rule of our obedience, and we are no further to pray that this will may be done, than as it seems good to his infinite wisdom; and that we may with patience submit to it, and in all events (though they may cross our wills never so much) acknowledge the holiness and rectitude of it, and nothing may displease us that pleaseth him. But (2dly,) there is his revealed will, as (1) in his promises, and here we are to pray, that they may be fulfilled. (2) In his threatenings towards the implacable enemies of his Church, that these may be executed, and this in subserviency to the former ⟨p. 182⟩Petition, that his Kingdom may come. (3) In his prophesies, that they may be accomplished. (4) And principally in his Commands, that these may be obeyed and performed above and before any thing else, or that these be done whatever else be left undone; and that (2dly,) For the manner, as it is done in heaven by Angels and the Spirits of just men made perfect, i. e. perfectly; not that we can be perfect in holiness here on earth, but that we should be aiming at it, and be perfecting holiness in the fear of God; in which are these two things, (1) The renouncing our own wills, as they do oppose the will of God. (2) Actual, real, constant, cheerful, universal compliance with the holy will of God.
Expl. 103. In this Petition we have two things observable, (1) The matter of our obedience, it must be what God requires. (2) The manner, ⟨p. 181⟩it must be according to the pattern in the Mount, sc. as it is done in heaven. For the matter, 'tis only Gods Will which must be the Rule of mans duty; not the wills, or fancies, or traditions, or corrupt customs of men; we owe obedience no further to men in what they require from us, than it is agreeable to the Will of God, and especially in the duties of Religion, because God alone, who is the searcher of the heart, is Lord of the conscience, when-ever therefore what is required of us as matter of duty comes accompany'd with a thus saith the Lord, either in the plain words, or in the plain sense of Scripture, we must not dispute, but obey. Yet to prevent mistake, we are to know, (1) There is the secret will of God, called the will of his counsel and purpose; but though this be the Rule he himself walks by, yet 'tis not the Rule of our obedience, and we are no further to pray that this will may be done, than as it seems good to his infinite wisdom; and that we may with patience submit to it, and in all events (though they may cross our wills never so much) acknowledg the holiness and rectitude of it, and nothing may displease us that pleaseth him. But (2dly,) there is his revealed will, as (1) in his promises, and here we are to pray, that they may be fulfilled. (2) In his threatnings towards the implacable enemies of his Church, that these may be executed, and this in subserviency to the former ⟨p. 182⟩Petition, that his Kingdom may come. (3) In his prophesies, that they may be accomplished. (4) And principally in his Commands, that these may be obey'd and performed above and before any thing else, or that these be done whatever else be left undone; and that (2dly,) For the manner, as it is done in heaven by Angels and the Spirits of just men made perfect, i. e. perfectly; not that we can be perfect in holiness here on earth, but that we should be aiming at it, and be perfecting holiness in the fear of God; in which are these two things, (1) The renouncing our own wills, as they do oppose the will of God. (2) Actual, real, constant, cheerful, universal compliance with the holy will of God.
