CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

2. As God hath appointed this for his honour, so likewise for our honour, that we may be admitted into his presence, and have holy Communion with him; It's the greatest honour that we are capable of, that we are allowed at all times to make our requests known to him, For Prayer is an heavenly commerce with God, God and man cannot meet together unless they be agreed, how can the consuming fire and stubble be near one another? Might not God say to all, which he doth to some, What hast thou to do to take my words into thy mouth? Psal. 50. As Christ rebuked the devils, and would not own their confession of him though it was true, so might God abhor our Petitions, and account it a dishonour for us to come near him, yea, and that though we had no sin, because we are but finite creatures, and so not able to do any thing suitably to his great Majesty: Oh then let us not look upon a prayer as a burden, as a task, far be it from us to be haled and pulled to it, when any such listlessness and unwillingness is on thee, Oh consider can there be more glory and honour put on me? Did Haman grudge to come in Ahasuerus his presence, and to the Royal Banquet? Did he not rather glory of it to his Wife and Friends?

2. As God hath appointed this for his honour, so likewise for our honour, that we may be admitted into his presence, and have holy Communion with him; It's the greatest honour that we are capable of, that we are allowed at all times to make our requests known to him, For Praier is an heavenly commerce with God, God and man cannot meet together unlesse they be agreed, how can the consuming fire and stubble be near one another? Might not God say to all, which he doth to some, What hast thou to do to take my words into thy mouth? Psal. 50. As Christ rebuked the devils, and would not own their confession of him though it was true, so might God abhorre our Petitions, and account it a dishonour for us to come near him, yea, and that though we had no sinne, because we are but finite creatures, and so not able to do any thing sutably to his great Majesty: Oh then let us not look upon a praier as a burthen, as a task, farre be it from us to be haled and pulled to it, when any such listlisnesse and unwillingnesse is on thee, Oh consider can there be more glory and honour put on me? Did Haman grudge to come in Ahashuerus his presence, and to the Royall Banquet? Did he not rather glory of it to his Wife and Friends?