A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

Use 1. To reprove those that do not desire the coming of Christ, but put off the thoughts of it; why? Because it casts a damp upon their fleshly rejoicing: Which put far away the Day of the Lord, the evil Day; it is so to them, Amos 6. 3. They wish it would never come, and would be glad in their Hearts to hear such News; why? For Christ's coming is their Torment and Burden; they look upon it as a Vengeance, and an evil Day, therefore are loth to entertain the thought of it. Saith Austin, Canst thou pray that the Kingdom of God may come, when thou art afraid the Kingdom of God should come? A carnal Man cannot say the Lord's Prayer, without being afraid; they tremble at the remembrance of it; they are afraid it should be true, and afraid to be heard; if it might go by their Voice, Christ should never come. The Voice of corrupt Nature is, Depart from us: And what can the Almighty do for them? Job 22. 17. Or if they do desire it, it is but in a slight formal manner, as those in the Prophet, that would see the Day of the Lord, yet they could not bear it. Amos 5. 18. Woe unto you that desire the Day of the Lord; to what end is it for you? The Day of the Lord is Darkness, and not Light. They little consider what they are doing, and what is their Danger, when they are making such a Prayer to God, Thy Kingdom come.

Vse 1. To reprove those that do not desire the coming of Christ, but put off the thoughts of it; why? Because it casts a damp upon their fleshly rejoycing: Which put far away the Day of the Lord, the evil Day; it is so to them,