A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

If there be a wicked Ruler, or an obstinate Child or Servant, &c. that he would sanctify himself upon them, and change their Hearts.

2. You discover much Love to God, when as you would not dishonour him your selves, so you are careful others may not dishonour him. Praise him, all ye Ends of the Earth. Psal. 98. 4. & 100. 1. You would have all the World own him. Private Spirits, that would impale and enclose Religion, that they may shine alone, they do not love God, but themselves, their own Credit, and their own Profit. Would to God all the Lord's People were ⟨p. 158⟩Prophets! Numb. 11. 29. That was a free and noble Speech. God is resembled to the Sun, because it is He that must shine alone; but the Church is compared to the Moon and Stars, where all may shine, but every Star in its own glory. True Christians would have all to be as they are, unless it be with respect to their Bonds and Incumbrances.

3. You discover Love to others, you would have them glorify God. The Angels, they rejoice when a Sinner is converted; they have a great Love to Souls. Luke 15. 7. And so do Christians; the more spiritual they are, the more they come near to the blessed Spirits above, and the more affected they are with the good done to others, and with their Conversion. Saith Paul, Rom. 9. 3. I could wish that my self were accursed from Christ, for my Brethren, my Kinsmen according to the Flesh: Such a Zeal and entire Affection he had to the Souls of others, that he could lay all his personal Happiness at Christ's feet. And thus you see what need we have to deal seriously with God in this Business, if indeed we make this our Aim: Especially those which are in public Relations, as Paul was, which had an Office put upon him to procure the Salvation of others; how will their Hearts run out upon it?