A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

1. Because of the Offence, Scandal, and Mischief done to the Church by his Fall; and to make amends, he prayeth the more earnestly, Let not Zion fare the worse for my sake. From thence observe, That the Sins of particular Persons oft bring a Mischief upon the whole Community. David had made a Breach in the Walls of God's Protection, and left them naked, and more in danger of Judgment: Therefore do good, &c.

2. David was not only a private Member, but a Prince, and their Sins have a more universal Influence. The Sins of Magistrates draw down Judgments on their People, all smart for their Miscarriages. Hezckia• •s Pride cost Israel dear▪ 2 Chron. 32. 25. Wrath was upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem: It did not stay upon his Person: As a great Oak cannot fall, but all the Shrubs about it suffer Loss. But,

2. David was not only a private Member, but a Prince, and their Sins have a more universal Influence. The Sins of Magistrates draw down Judgments on their People, all smart for their Miscarriages. Hezckia• •s Pride cost Israel dear▪ 2 Chron. 32. 25. Wrath was upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem: It did not stay upon his Person: As a great Oak cannnot fall, but all the Shrubs about it suffer Loss. But,

3. David having some comfortable Assurance of the Pardon of his Sins, doth now seek Mercy for the Church. From thence observe, That we are never fit to pray for the Public, till we have made our Peace with God. As the Priests under the Law offered Sacrifice, first, for their own Sins, and then for the Peoples.