A51845:76
A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer
A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer by ... Thomas Manton.
London: printed by J.D., 1684
Introduction › AN INTRODUCTION TO THE EXPOSITION OF THE Lord's-Prayer. › APPLICATION.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
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 ⟨p. 28⟩what we do for the Approbation of God, and Acceptance with him.