Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

3. In begging his Assistance to our own Projects. When we lay the Plot of our own Affairs, and then come to God, not for Counsel but Blessing; Self only shall give us counsel how to act; but because we believe there is a God that governs the world, we will desire him to contribute success. God is not consulted with, till the Counsel of self be fixed; then God must be the Executor of our Will: Self must be the Principal, and God the Instrument to hatch what we have contrived. 'Tis worse when we beg of God to favour some sinful Aim; the Psalmist implies this, Psal. 66.18. If I regard Iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Iniquity regarded as the aim in Prayer, renders the Prayer successless, and the Suppliant an Atheist, in debasing God to back his Lust by his holy Providence.

3. In begging his Assistance to our own Projects. When we lay the Plot of our own Affairs, and then come to God, not for Counsel but Blessing; Self only shall give us counsel how to act; but because we believe there is a God that governs the world, we will desire him to contribute success. God is not consulted with, till the Counsel of self be fixed; then God must be the Executor of our Will: Self must be the Principal, and God the Instrument to hatch what we have contrived. 'Tis worse when we beg of God to favour some sinful Aim; the Psalmist implies this, Psal. 66.18. If I regard Iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Iniquity regarded as the aim in Prayer, renders the Prayer succesless, and the Suppliant an Atheist, in debasing God to back his Lust by his holy Providence.

The Disciples had determined Revenge; and because they could not act it without their Master, they would have him be their Second in their vindictive passion, Luke 9.55. Call for fire from Heaven.