The zealous Christian taking heavenThe zealovs Christian taking heaven

Reas. 1 1. Because though Luke here saith, when you pray, Say, Our &c. yet Matthew varies in his expression and saith, when you pray, say after this manner, Mat. 6. 9. to reach us that we are to stick to the matter contained in this prayer; but we are not confined every time we pray, to use the same expressions. By Luke we learn, that the using of this form of words is ⟨p. 3⟩lawful, by Matthew, that it is not necessary.

Reas. 1 1. Because though Luke here saith, when you pray, Say, Our &c. yet Matthew varies in his expression and saith, when you pray, say after this manner, Mat. 6. 9. to reach us that we are to stick to the matter contained in this prayer; but we are not confined every time we pray, to use the same expressions. By Luke we learne, that the using of this forme of words is ⟨p. 3⟩lawfull, by Matthew, that it is not necessary.

Reas. 2 2. A second reason is this: Because in the recital of the Lords prayer, by Matthew and Luke there is much difference; and though the difference be not material, yet it is verbal, which is enough to prove what I intend, to wit, that we are not bound to the words. In the third Petition it is thus in Matthew, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven; In Luke it is thus, thy will be done as in heaven so in earth. In the fourth Petition, it is said in Matthew, Give us this day our daily bread. In Luke it is said, Give us daily day by day our daily bread. In the fifth Petition it is said in Matthew, and forgive us our debts. In Luke it is said, for we forgive every one that is indebted to us Lastly, it is said in Matthew, For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory for ever Amen. But these words are wholly left out in Luke. Which variance teacheth us thus much, that you must not recede from the matter, or purport of the words, yet we are not to be superstitious and solicitous about the expressions, as Chemnitius observes