The works of George Swinnock, M.A

1. The Petitioner, that is Christ, who was the wisdom of the Father, in him dwelt the treasures of wisdom and knowledge: He fully understood what request would be most advantageous for his people. Besides, he was the Head and Husband of his Church, naturally caring for her welfare as his own, and so his love would prompt him to desire what his wisdom saw most conducing to her happiness. 2. The repetition of his petition; He begs the same boon of his Father four times in three verses; He had the Spirit without measure, and so could not be guilty of vain tautologies. Surely then that which Christ (whose wisdom was unsearchable, and whose love to his beyond all compare) doth press with so much earnestness and instance, must needs be of very great weight and consequence. 3. The particular season of this petition, for unity, or the subject of it. He had in the former part of his prayer confined himself within the narrow compass of the Apostles; but in the 20. v. having made a perfect transition from them to all believers, to all that should believe on him through their word • he is importunate with his Father for their union and unity. When the dearest Redeemer puts the whole company of believers together both Jews and Gentiles, that were at that present, or ever should be in the world, he pitcheth upon this as the most eminent petition he could put up for them. It is not That they all may be enriched, or honoured upon earth; nay it ⟨p. 238⟩is not That they all may be adopted, sanctified and saved; but, That they all may be one as we are one; as if the whole Kingdom of Grace and Glory did consist in this, and as if this once obtained, all were done that was needful for them. Besides, he makes this the visible character of their Christianity, that badge which would publish to all they met their relation to Christ; By this shall all men know ye are my Disciples, if ye love one another; this is the livery which will speak to what Master ye belong. By this, not by casting out Devils, but by casting out Discord; not by relieving one another occasionally, but by loving each other fervently, shall all men know ye are my Disciples.

1. The Petitioner, that is Christ, who was the wisdom of the Father, in him dwelt the treasures of wisdom and knowledge: He fully understood what request would be most advantagious for his people. Besides, he was the Head and Husband of his Church, naturally caring for her welfare as his own, and so his love would prompt him to desire what his wisdom saw most conducing to her happiness. 2. The repetition of his petition; He begs the same boon of his Father four times in three verses; He had the Spirit without measure, and so could not be guilty of vain tatologies. Surely then that which Christ (whose wisdom was unsearchable, and whose love to his beyond all compare) doth press with so much earnestness and instance, must needs be of very great weight and consequence. 3. The particular season of this petition, for unity, or the subject of it. He had in the former part of his prayer confined himself within the narrow compass of the Apostles; but in the 20. v. having made a perfect transition from them to all believers, to all that should believe on him through their word he is importunate with his Father for their union and unity. When the dearest Redeemer puts the whole company of believers together both Jews and Gentiles, that were at that present, or ever should be in the world, he pitcheth upon this as the most eminent petition he could put up for them. It is not That they all may be enriched, or honoured upon earth; nay it