A65285:2090
A Body of Practical Divinity
A body of practical divinity consisting of above one hundred seventy six sermons on the lesser catechism composed by the reverend assembly of divines at Westminster : with a supplement of some sermons on several texts of Scripture / by Thomas Watson ...
London: printed for Thomas Parkurst, 1692
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
V. We take Gods Name in vain, when we pray to him, but do not believe in him. Faith is the great Grace that Honours God, Rom. 4.20. Abraham being strong in Faith, gave Glory to God; but when we pray to God, but do not mix Faith with our Prayer, we take his Name in vain. I may Pray, (saith a Christian,) but I shall be never the better, I question whether God doth hear, or whether he will grant. This is to dishonour God, and take his Name in vain; this is to make God either an Idol, that he hath Ears and hears not, or a Liar, who promiseth Mercy to the Penitent, but will not make good his Word, John 5.10. He that believeth not, hath made God a Liar. When the Apostle saith, How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? Rom. 10.14. The meaning is, how shall they call on God aright, and not believe in him? But how many do call on God, who do not believe in him? they ask for Pardon, but Unbelief whispers, their Sins are greater than can be forgiven. Thus to Pray and not Believe, is to take Gods Name in Vain, and is an high dishonouring of God, as if he were not such a God as the Word represents him; Plenteous in Mercy to all that call upon him, Psal. 86.5.
V. We take Gods Name in vain, when we pray to him, but do not believe in him. Faith is the great Grace that Honours God, Rom. 4.20. Abraham being strong in Faith, gave Glory to God; but when we pray to God, but do not mix Faith with our Prayer, we take his Name in vain. I may Pray, (saith a Christian,) but I shall be never the better, I question whether God doth hear, or whether he will grant. This is to dishonour God, and take his Name in vain; this is to make God either an Idol, that he hath Ears and hears not, or a Liar, who promiseth Mercy to the Penitent, but will not make good his Word, Iohn 5.10. He that believeth not, hath made God a Liar. When the Apostle saith, How shall they call on him whom they have not believed?