A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

Partly, because here our Converse with God is more express as to our own Case. When we join with others, God may do it for their sakes; but here, Psal. 116. 1. I love the Lord, because he hath heard [my] Voice, and [my] Supplication. When we deal with him alone, we put the Promises in Suit, and may know more it is we that have been heard: We put God more to the Trial; we see what he will do for us, and upon our asking and striving.

Partly, here we are more put to the Trial, what Love we will express to our Father in secret, when we have no outward Reasons, no Inducements from Respects of Men, to move us. In public Duties, (which are liable and open to the Observance of others) Hypocrites may put forth themselves with great vigour, quickness, and warmth; whereas in private Addresses to God, they are slight and careless. A Christian is best tried and exercised in private, in those secret Intercourses between God and his own Soul; there he finds most Communion with God, and most Enlargement of Heart. A Man cannot so well judg of his Spirit, and discern the Workings of it in public, because other Mens Concernments and Necessities, mingled with ours, are taken in, and because he is more liable to the Notice of others: But when he is with God alone, he hath only Reasons of Conscience and Duty to move him. When none but God is conscious, and our own Hearts, then we shall see ⟨p. 28⟩what we do for the Approbation of God, and Acceptance with him.

Partly, here we are more put to the Trial, what Love we will express to our Father in secret, when we have no outward Reasons, no Inducements from Respects of Men, to move us. In publick Duties, (which are liable and open to the Observance of others) Hypocrites may put forth themselves with great vigor, quickness, and warmth; whereas in private Addresses to God, they are slight and careless. A Christian is best tried and exercised in private, in those secret Intercourses between God and his own Soul; there he finds most Communion with God, and most Enlargement of Heart. A Man cannot so well judg of his Spirit, and discern the Workings of it in publick, because other Mens Concernments and Necessities, mingled with ours, are taken in, and because he is more liable to the Notice of others: But when he is with God alone, he hath only Reasons of Conscience and Duty to move him. When none but God is conscious, and our own Hearts, then we shall see