A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

Use. 1. To reprove us, that we are no more affected with God's Glory, O how little do we aim at and regard it in our Prayers? We should seek it, not only above the Profits and Pleasures of this Life, but even above Life it self; yea, above Life present and to come. But alas! since the Fall we are corrupt, and wholly poisoned with Self-Love, we prefer every base Interest and Trifle before God; nay, we prefer carnal Self before God. Some are wholly brutish, and so they may wallow in Ease and Pleasure, and eat the Fat, and drink the Sweet, never think of God, care not how God is dishonoured, both by themselves and others. And then some, O how tender are they in matters of their own Concernment, and affected with it, more than for the Glory of God! Joh. 12. 43. They are more affected with their own Honour, and their own Loss and Reproach, than with God's dishonour, or God's Glory. If their own Reputation be but hazarded a little, O how it stings them to the Heart! But if they be faulty towards God, they can pass it over without Trouble. A Word of Disgrace, a little Contempt cast upon our Persons, kindles the Coals, and •ills us with Rage; but we can hear God's Name dishonoured, and not be moved with it. When they pray, if they beg outward Blessings, if they ask any thing, it is for their Lusts, not for God; 'tis but to feed their Pomp and Excess, and that they may shine in the Pomp and Splendour of external Accommodations. If they beg Quickening ⟨p. 141⟩and Enlargement, it is for their own Honour; that their Lusts may be fed by the Contributions of Heaven: So by a wicked Design, they would even make God to serve the Devil. The best of us, when we come to pray, what a deep Sense have we of our own Wants, and no desire of the Glory of God. If we beg daily Bread, Maintenance and Protection; we do not beg it as a Talent to be improved for our Master's use, but as Fuel for our Lusts. If we beg Deliverance, it is because we are in pain, and ill at ease; not that we may Honour and glorify God, that Mercy and Truth may shine forth. If we beg Pardon; it is only to get rid of the Smart, and enlarged out of the Stocks of Conscience. If they beg Grace; it is but a lazy Wish after Sanctification, because they are convinced there is no other way to be happy. If they beg eternal Glory;

Vse. 1. To reprove us, that we are no more affected with God's Glory, O how little do we aim at and regard it in our Prayers? We should seek it, not only above the Profits and Pleasures of this Life, but even above Life it self; yea, above Life present and to come. But alas! since the Fall we are corrupt, and wholly poisoned with Self-Love, we prefer every base Interest and Trifle before God; nay, we prefer carnal Self before God. Some are wholly brutish, and so they may wallow in Ease and Pleasure, and eat the Fat, and drink the Sweet, never think of God, care not how God is dishonoured, both by themselves and others. And then some, O how tender are they in matters of their own Concernment, and affected with it, more than for the Glory of God!