A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

First; Because of the Danger of Ingratitude. Usually we never forget God more, than when he remembereth us most. When Men have what they would have, then God is neglected; they grow careless in Prayer, or flat and cold in the performance of it. There is a great deal of difference between Men poor and rich: When poor, they will seem to put a natural Fervency into their Prayers; but when rich, they grow cold and careless. Mark what the Lord saith, Hosea 13. 6. They were •illed, and their Heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. O how frequent is this, that many having been kept under a great Sense of God in a low Condition, but when ⟨p. 325⟩they have been well at ease, then they bear it up, as if they could live without God. the Bucket comes to the River with an empty Mouth, gaping to receive its Fullness, as it were; but when it is full, the Bottom is turned towards it: So it is very usual with Men, to turn their Backs upon the Mercy-Seat; and when the Lord hath given them great Increase in worldly Things, and leased out a great Estate to them, he hath very little Rent from them. Now because this is usual, therefore those whom God hath blessed with the Supplies of the present Life, how should they study Thankfulness!

First; Because of the Danger of Ingratitude. Usually we never forget God more, than when he remembreth us most. When Men have what they would have, then God is neglected; they grow careless in Prayer, or flat and cold in the performance of it. There is a great deal of difference between Men poor and rich: When poor, they will seem to put a natural Fervency into their Prayers; but when rich, they grow cold and careless. Mark what the Lord saith, Hosea 13. 6. They were •illed, and their Heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. O how frequent is this, that many having been kept under a great Sense of God in a low Condition, but when ⟨p. 325⟩they have been well at ease, then they bear it up, as if they could live without God. the Bucket comes to the River with an empty Mouth, gaping to receive its Fulness, as it were; but when it is full, the Bottom is turned towards it: So it is very usual with Men, to turn their Backs upon the Mercy-Seat; and when the Lord hath given them great Increase in worldly Things, and leased out a great Estate to them, he hath very little Rent from them. Now because this is usual, therefore those whom God hath blessed with the Supplies of the present Life, how should they study Thankfulness!