sinceall_a partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n much_o more_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o especial_a grace_n to_o interest_n one_o another_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o thereby_o maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n q._n but_o since_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a why_o have_v our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n a._n first_o because_o heaven_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a place_n of_o god_n residence_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o affect_v we_o with_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n second_o because_o god_n no_o where_n hear_v our_o prayer_n with_o acceptation_n but_o only_o in_o heaven_n for_o there_o only_o be_v they_o represent_v by_o christ_n intercession_n which_o he_o make_v in_o both_o nature_n q._n what_o learn_v you_o from_o our_o be_v command_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n a._n that_o we_o shall_v so_o pray_v as_o to_o pierce_v heaven_n which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o voice_n but_o of_o our_o zeal_n and_o affection_n q._n be_v the_o voice_n necessary_a in_o prayer_n a._n it_o be_v only_o upon_o three_o account_n 1._o as_o that_o which_o god_n require_v shall_v be_v employ_v in_o his_o service_n 2._o when_o in_o secret_a it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o raise_v our_o affection_n still_o keep_v it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o secrecy_n 3._o in_o our_o join_n with_o other_o it_o be_v a_o help_n likewise_o to_o raise_v and_o quicken_v their_o affection_n q_o what_o be_v the_o first_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n a._n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n q._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n a._n first_o god_n name_n be_v himself_o psal_n 20.1_o the_o lord_n hear_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n defend_v thou_o and_o many_o other_o place_n second_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v any_o perfection_n ascribe_v unto_o he_o whereby_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o q._n what_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n a._n his_o title_n and_o his_o attribute_n q._n what_o be_v his_o title_n a._n they_o be_v many_o as_o jehovah_n which_o signify_v be_v and_o give_v being_n creator_n denote_v his_o infinite_a power_n lord_n and_o king_n denote_v his_o authority_n and_o dominion_n father_n signify_v his_o care_n and_o goodness_n towards_o his_o creature_n redeemer_n note_v his_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o temporal_a evil_n and_o especial_o from_o eternal_a death_n q._n what_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n a._n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o incommunicable_a or_o communicable_a q._n which_o be_v his_o incommunicable_a attribute_n a._n such_o as_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o the_o divine_a essence_n that_o they_o can_v in_o any_o measure_n or_o resemblance_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o creature_n such_o be_v the_o eternity_n immensity_n simplicity_n and_o immutability_n q._n what_o be_v his_o communicable_a attribute_n a._n they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v in_o some_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o holiness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n wisdom_n and_o power_n q._n since_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n how_o be_v they_o then_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n a._n they_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o he_o free_a from_o all_o those_o imperfection_n that_o attend_v they_o in_o the_o creature_n q._n what_o be_v these_o imperfection_n a._n they_o be_v three_o 1._o first_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o original_o from_o themselves_o but_o derivative_o from_o god_n 2._o second_o they_o be_v not_o infinite_a but_o limit_v 3._o three_o they_o be_v not_o unchangeable_a but_o mutable_a q._n how_o then_o do_v these_o become_v the_o name_n of_o god_n a._n when_o we_o ascribe_v they_o unto_o god_n as_o original_o from_o himself_o and_o infinite_o and_o unchangeable_o in_o himself_o q._n what_o be_v it_o to_o hallow_v this_o name_n of_o god_n a._n it_o signify_v to_o make_v his_o name_n holy_a q._n how_o can_v god_n or_o his_o name_n be_v make_v holy_a a._n neither_o by_o dedication_n to_o holy_a uses_n nor_o by_o infusion_n of_o holy_a habit_n both_o which_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v hallow_v or_o sanctify_v but_o only_o by_o declaration_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o holiness_n q._n how_o do_v we_o hallow_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o declaration_n a._n when_o in_o our_o most_o reverend_a thought_n we_o observe_v and_o admire_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o endeavour_v to_o set_v they_o forth_o to_o other_o both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n q._n what_o pray_v you_o for_o in_o this_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n a._n for_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o general_n 1._o first_o we_o beg_v such_o grace_n for_o ourselves_o as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n q._n what_o be_v they_o especial_o a._n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o nature_n will_n and_o work_v thankfulness_n for_o every_o mercy_n patience_n under_o every_o affliction_n faith_n in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n for_o to_o believe_v god_n word_n give_v glory_n to_o his_o name_n rom._n 4.20_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n whereby_o we_o especial_o glorify_v god_n and_o induce_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o matt._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o last_o savoury_a and_o well_o order_v speech_n that_o we_o may_v not_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o oath_n or_o curse_n or_o vain_a use_v it_o but_o speak_v of_o he_o with_o all_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n q._n what_o else_o do_v we_o beg_v of_o god_n in_o this_o petition_n a._n we_o beg_v that_o other_o also_o may_v receive_v grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o sanctify_v his_o name_n and_o three_o we_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v so_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n that_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v promote_v by_o they_o q._n what_o learn_v you_o from_o christ_n make_v this_o the_o first_o petition_n of_o his_o prayer_n a._n 1._o first_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o we_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o john_n 12.27_o 28._o now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n then_o come_v there_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o 2._o second_o that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o beg_v assistance_n from_o god_n to_o present_v they_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v hallow_v q._n what_o be_v the_o second_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n a._n thy_o kingdom_n come_v q._n how_o manifold_a be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a._n it_o be_v two_o fold_n either_o universal_a or_o else_o his_o peculiar_a kingdom_n q._n what_o be_v god_n universal_a kingdom_n a._n the_o whole_a world_n both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o hell_n itself_o and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o psal_n 103.19_o the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o his_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o q._n how_o do_v god_n exercise_v his_o dominion_n over_o this_o kingdom_n a._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o all_o their_o action_n according_a to_o his_o will._n q._n but_o since_o wicked_a man_n be_v rebel_n against_o god_n how_o do_v he_o maintain_v his_o dominion_n over_o they_o a._n three_o way_n 1._o first_o in_o that_o they_o can_v sin_v without_o his_o permission_n 2._o second_o in_o that_o he_o restrain_v they_o when_o he_o please_v 3._o three_o in_o that_o he_o just_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n sometime_o in_o this_o life_n always_o in_o the_o next_o q._n what_o be_v god_n peculiar_a kingdom_n a._n his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o either_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n or_o else_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n q._n how_o be_v the_o church_n militant_a to_o be_v consider_v a._n as_o it_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a q._n what_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n a._n it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n open_o profess_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o celebrate_v the_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n q._n
by_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v receive_v in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o his_o praise_n psal_n 50.15_o and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o q._n what_o direction_n have_v we_o concern_v the_o season_n and_o frequency_n of_o pray_v a._n the_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o thes_n 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_n 18.1_o and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v to_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n ephes_n 6.18_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n q._n must_v we_o therefore_o be_v always_o so_o actual_o engage_v in_o this_o duty_n as_o to_o do_v nothing_o but_o pray_v a._n no_o for_o therefore_o we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o perform_v other_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o christian_a life_n neither_o ought_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n to_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o for_o we_o justle_v out_o one_o duty_n by_o another_o beside_o the_o sinful_a omission_n of_o what_o we_o shall_v perform_v that_o which_o we_o do_v perform_v become_v unacceptable_a because_o unseasonable_a and_o so_o we_o commit_v two_o sin_n in_o do_v one_o duty_n q._n what_o then_o be_v it_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v a._n prayer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o cease_v four_o way_n 1._o when_o we_o observe_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o a_o prayer_n at_o fix_a and_o appoint_v time_n thus_o gen._n 8._o ult_n god_n promise_v that_o winter_n and_o summer_n day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v and_o so_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n be_v call_v a_o continual_a burnt-offering_a exod._n 29.42_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v offer_v only_a morning_n and_o evening_n 2._o when_o we_o be_v frequent_a and_o importunate_a in_o our_o prayer_n so_o act_v 12.5_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o make_v prayer_n for_o peter_n without_o cease_v and_o our_o saviour_n speak_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_n 18.1_o 3._o when_o we_o frequent_o dart_v up_o short_a mental_a prayer_n and_o ejaculation_n unto_o god_n which_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o neh._n 2.4_o so_o i_o pray_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n 4._o when_o we_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o pray_a frame_n and_o temper_v so_o that_o they_o be_v on_o all_o occasion_n fit_a and_o ready_a to_o pour_v out_o themselves_o before_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o thus_o we_o habitual_o pray_v always_o q._n what_o must_v we_o observe_v to_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v such_o a_o pray_a spirit_n a._n two_o thing_n especial_o 1._o that_o we_o ingulf_n not_o ourselves_o too_o deep_o in_o the_o business_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n for_o these_o will_v dark_a and_o deaden_a the_o heart_n to_o prayer_n 2._o that_o we_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_v and_o presumptuous_a sin_n for_o guilt_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o slavish_a fear_n and_o shame_n and_o both_o will_v drive_v we_o from_o god_n q._n what_o be_v the_o kind_n of_o prayer_n a._n three_o 1._o public_a as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o private_a as_o we_o stand_v engage_v in_o family_n relation_n and_o 3._o secret_n as_o we_o be_v particular_a christian_n q._n who_o be_v to_o send_v up_o public_a prayer_n a._n the_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n join_v with_o he_o and_o these_o prayer_n though_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o general_a yet_o with_o all_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o any_o other_o matt._n 18.19_o again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n q._n who_o be_v to_o make_v private_a or_o family_a prayer_n a._n every_o master_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n and_o this_o he_o be_v not_o to_o do_v seldome_a than_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n in_o the_o morning_n prayer_n be_v the_o key_n that_o open_v the_o treasury_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o evening_n it_o be_v the_o key_n that_o shut_v we_o up_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o safeguard_n two_o sermon_n preach_v by_o the_o same_o author_n a_o discourse_n upon_o providenec_n matth._n x._o 29_o 30._o be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n providence_n next_o to_o that_o of_o man_n redemption_n be_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o inscrutable_a it_o be_v easy_a in_o both_o to_o run_v ourselves_o off_o our_o reason_n for_o as_o reason_n confess_v itself_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o it_o attempt_v a_o search_n into_o those_o eternal_a decree_n of_o elect_a sinner_n to_o salvation_n and_o design_v christ_n to_o save_v they_o so_o must_v it_o likewise_o when_o it_o attempt_v to_o trace_v out_o all_o those_o entangle_a maze_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o the_o divine_a providence_n walk_v we_o may_v soon_o tire_v reason_n in_o such_o a_o pursuit_n than_o satisfy_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n when_o we_o have_v drive_v it_o to_o a_o nonplus_n to_o relieve_v ourselves_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o this_o knowledge_n therefore_o be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o conduct_v you_o into_o that_o secret_a place_n that_o pavilion_n of_o cloud_n and_o surround_v darkness_n where_o god_n sit_v hold_v the_o rudder_n of_o the_o world_n and_o steer_v it_o through_o all_o the_o float_n of_o casualty_n and_o contingency_n to_o his_o own_o foreordain_v end_n where_o he_o grasp_v and_o turn_v the_o great_a engine_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o hand_n fasten_v one_o pin_n and_o lose_v another_o moving_z and_z removing_z the_o several_a wheel_n of_o it_o and_o frame_v the_o whole_a according_a to_o the_o eternal_a idea_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n let_v we_o content_v we_o to_o consider_v so_o much_o of_o god_n providence_n as_o may_v affect_v we_o with_o comfort_n in_o reflect_v on_o that_o particular_a care_n which_o he_o take_v of_o we_o rather_o than_o with_o wonder_n and_o astonishment_n by_o too_o bold_a a_o pry_n into_o those_o hide_a method_n whereby_o he_o exercise_v it_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o this_o chapter_n give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n obviate_v a_o objection_n they_o may_v make_v concern_v the_o great_a danger_n that_o will_v certain_o attend_v such_o a_o undertake_n to_o send_v they_o upon_o such_o a_o hate_a employment_n will_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o thrust_v they_o upon_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n to_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o sheep_n into_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n who_o will_v doubtless_o worry_v and_o devour_v they_o sure_o we_o be_v to_o have_v our_o message_n deride_v our_o person_n injure_v and_o that_o holy_a name_n of_o thou_o on_o which_o we_o summon_v they_o to_o believe_v blaspheme_v and_o revile_v and_o though_o our_o word_n may_v prove_v a_o word_n of_o life_n to_o some_o few_o of_o the_o hearer_n yet_o to_o we_o who_o be_v the_o preacher_n of_o it_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o other_o than_o death_n a_o vile_a and_o wretched_a world_n the_o while_o when_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n shall_v thus_o stir_v up_o enmity_n and_o persecution_n against_o the_o ambassador_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o proclaim_v it_o now_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n answer_v first_o by_o show_v what_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o adversary_n power_n be_v how_o far_o it_o can_v reach_v and_o what_o mischief_n it_o can_v do_v when_o god_n permit_v it_o to_o rage_n to_o the_o very_a utmost_a and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o 28_o verse_n the_o verse_n immediate_o forego_v the_o text_n fear_v not_o they_o who_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n or_o as_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o chap._n 12.4_o they_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o they_o can_v do_v alas_o be_v such_o man_n to_o be_v fear_v who_o when_o they_o do_v their_o worst_a can_v only_o destroy_v your_o worst_a part_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o accident_n
teach_v we_o first_o to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a condescension_n and_o our_o own_o unspeakable_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n indeed_o for_o god_n to_o be_v a_o father_n by_o creation_n and_o providence_n though_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n yet_o be_v no_o privilege_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o be_v parens_fw-la rerum_fw-la the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o the_o father_n of_o devil_n themselves_o and_o of_o those_o wretch_n who_o be_v as_o wicked_a and_o shall_v be_v as_o miserable_a as_o devil_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v thy_o father_n by_o regeneration_n and_o adoption_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v thou_o his_o son_n through_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o he_o shall_v rake_v up_o such_o dirt_n and_o filth_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o lay_v it_o in_o his_o bosom_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v alien_n and_o stranger_n near_o unto_o himself_o and_o adopt_v enemy_n and_o rebel_n into_o his_o family_n register_v their_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n make_v they_o heir_n of_o glory_n coheir_n with_o jesus_n christ_n his_o eternal_a son_n as_o the_o apostle_n admire_o recount_v it_o rom._n 8.17_o this_o be_v both_o mercy_n and_o miracle_n together_o second_o it_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o high_a and_o honourable_a relation_n into_o which_o we_o be_v take_v and_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o child_n ought_v to_o do_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o a_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o will._n this_o god_n challenge_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o be_v our_o father_n mal._n 1.6_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o 1_o pet._n 1.17_o if_o we_o call_v on_o the_o father_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n and_o likewise_o by_o give_v thou_o leave_v to_o style_v he_o by_o this_o name_n of_o father_n he_o put_v thou_o in_o remembrance_n that_o thou_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n to_o be_v like_o thy_o father_n and_o so_o approve_v it_o to_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o all_o other_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o a_o child_n a_o son_n of_o god_n three_o be_v god_n thy_o father_n this_o then_o may_v give_v we_o abundance_n of_o assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n what_o we_o ask_v if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v not_o hear_v unless_o he_o shall_v turn_v our_o prayer_n into_o curse_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n choose_v this_o among_o all_o god_n title_n and_o attribute_n to_o prefix_v before_o this_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a name_n by_o which_o we_o can_v style_n god_n in_o our_o prayer_n unto_o he_o for_o this_o name_n of_o father_n embolden_v faith_n and_o be_v as_o a_o pledge_n and_o pawn_n before_o hand_n that_o our_o request_n shall_v be_v hear_v and_o grant_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n argue_v very_o strong_o from_o this_o very_a title_n of_o father_n matth._n 7.9_o 10_o 11._o what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v he_o for_o bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n when_o your_o child_n ask_v they_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v my_o father_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o encourage_v argument_n for_o if_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o earthly_a parent_n who_o yet_o many_o time_n be_v humorous_a and_o who_o tender_a mercy_n be_v but_o cruelty_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n if_o his_o compassion_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o child_n to_o be_v defeat_v in_o their_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a request_n how_o much_o less_o will_v god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o and_o who_o have_v inspire_v all_o parental_a affection_n into_o other_o father_n suffer_v his_o child_n to_o return_v ashamed_a when_o they_o beg_v of_o he_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o their_o want_n what_o do_v thou_o then_o o_o christian_n complain_v of_o thy_o want_n and_o sigh_v under_o thy_o burden_n be_v not_o god_n thy_o father_n go_v and_o bold_o lie_v open_v thy_o case_n unto_o he_o his_o bowel_n will_v certain_o roll_v and_o yern_v towards_o thou_o be_v it_o spiritual_a blessing_n thou_o want_v spread_v thy_o request_n before_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v thy_o father_n so_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o of_o his_o fullness_n for_o god_n love_v that_o his_o child_n shall_v be_v like_o he_o or_o be_v it_o temporal_a mercy_n thou_o want_v why_o he_o be_v thy_o father_n and_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o why_o shall_v thou_o go_v so_o deject_v and_o disconsolate_a who_o have_v a_o father_n so_o able_a and_o so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v and_o supply_v thou_o only_o beware_v that_o thou_o ask_v not_o stone_n for_o bread_n nor_o scorpion_n for_o fish_n and_o then_o ask_v what_o thou_o will_v for_o thy_o good_a and_o thou_o shall_v receive_v it_o four_o be_v god_n thy_o father_n this_o than_o may_v encourage_v we_o against_o despair_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o manifold_a sin_n against_o god_n and_o departure_n from_o he_o for_o he_o will_v certain_o receive_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o return_v to_o he_o this_o very_a apprehension_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v upon_o the_o prodigal_n luke_n 15.8_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o guilt_n and_o vileness_n without_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n tend_v only_o to_o widen_v the_o breach_n between_o he_o and_o we_o for_o those_o that_o be_v altogether_o hopeless_a will_v sin_v the_o more_o implacable_o and_o bitter_o against_o god_n like_o those_o the_o prophet_n mention_n jerem._n 2.25_o that_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n but_o now_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o that_o though_o we_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o duty_n and_o obedience_n of_o child_n yet_o upon_o our_o submission_n he_o will_v bid_v we_o welcome_a and_o instate_v we_o again_o in_o his_o favour_n this_o to_o the_o ingenious_a spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o sweet_a and_o powerful_a motive_n to_o reduce_v he_o from_o his_o wander_a and_o stray_v for_o it_o will_v work_v both_o upon_o his_o shame_n and_o upon_o his_o hope_n upon_o his_o shame_n that_o ever_o he_o shall_v offend_v so_o gracious_a a_o father_n and_o upon_o his_o hope_n that_o those_o offence_n shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o through_o that_o very_a mercy_n that_o he_o have_v abuse_v thus_o we_o read_v jerem._n 3.4_o 5._o will_v thou_o not_o henceforth_o cry_v unto_o i_o my_o father_n thou_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o youth_n will_v he_o reserve_v his_o anger_n for_o ever_o will_v he_o keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n note_v that_o when_o we_o plead_v with_o god_n under_o the_o win_a name_n of_o father_n his_o anger_n can_v long_o last_v but_o his_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n will_v at_o last_o overcome_v the_o sentiment_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o justice_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o endear_n title_n of_o father_n which_o our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o to_o use_v in_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n second_o the_o next_o thing_n observable_a be_v the_o particle_n our_o our_o father_n which_o note_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o men._n he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o by_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o interrogation_n mal._n 2.10_o have_v we_o not_o all_o one_o father_n have_v not_o one_o god_n create_v we_o but_o he_o be_v especial_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o regeneration_n and_o adoption_n who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1.13_o this_o therefore_o shall_v teach_v we_o first_o to_o esteem_v one_o another_o as_o brethren_n outward_a respect_n the_o grandeur_n and_o earthly_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n make_v no_o disparity_n in_o god_n love_n to_o we_o or_o in_o our_o relation_n to_o
to_o another_o part_n less_o dangerous_a so_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n many_o time_n turn_v man_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n to_o a_o lesser_a sin_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v but_o few_o man_n who_o if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o examine_v their_o life_n may_v produce_v may_v instance_n both_o of_o the_o devil_n policy_n in_o fit_v they_o with_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o sin_v and_o of_o god_n providence_n in_o cause_v some_o urgent_a affair_n or_o some_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a accident_n to_o intervene_v whereby_o they_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o what_o they_o purpose_v four_o sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o take_v off_o the_o object_n against_o which_o they_o intend_v to_o sin_n thus_o god_n preserve_v st._n peter_n from_o herod_n ambitious_a rage_n he_o intend_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o that_o very_a night_n god_n send_v his_o angel_n to_o work_v his_o escape_n and_o thereby_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o thus_o in_o all_o age_n god_n many_o time_n hide_v his_o child_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o their_o wrath_n against_o they_o like_o saul_n javelin_n miss_v david_n and_o strike_v only_o the_o wall_n from_o whence_o it_o often_o rebound_v back_o into_o their_o own_o face_n these_o now_o be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a method_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o prevent_v the_o sin_n of_o men._n and_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o if_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o reflect_v back_o upon_o and_o strict_o examine_v that_o part_n of_o their_o life_n that_o be_v past_a and_o go_v they_o may_v easy_o produce_v many_o remarkable_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o devil_n policy_n in_o fit_v they_o with_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_v and_o of_o god_n providence_n in_o cause_v some_o immergent_fw-la affair_n or_o some_o other_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a accident_n to_o interpose_v so_o that_o he_o have_v either_o gracious_o take_v away_o our_o power_n or_o take_v away_o the_o object_n of_o our_o lust_n or_o divert_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o to_o this_o we_o owe_v much_o of_o the_o innocency_n and_o in_o some_o respect_v blamelessness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o have_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o gospel_n a_o shame_n to_o the_o good_a and_o a_o scorn_n to_o the_o bad_a and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n how_o god_n preserve_v from_o sin_n by_o his_o providence_n second_o god_n preserve_v from_o sin_n by_o his_o restrain_v grace_n now_o this_o restrain_v grace_n be_v that_o which_o be_v common_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a indeed_o god_n by_o it_o deal_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n with_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o change_v the_o habitual_a yet_o he_o change_v the_o present_a actual_a disposition_n of_o it_o so_o as_o not_o only_o by_o external_a check_n lay_v upon_o man_n lust_n but_o by_o internal_a persuasion_n motive_n and_o argument_n they_o be_v take_v off_o the_o prosecution_n of_o those_o very_a sin_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o they_o unmortified_a and_o reign_a thus_o esau_n come_v out_o against_o his_o brother_n jacob_n with_o a_o troop_n of_o two_o hundred_o ruffian_n intend_v doubtless_o to_o take_v revenge_n upon_o he_o for_o his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n but_o at_o their_o first_o meeting_n god_n by_o a_o secret_a work_n so_o mollify_v his_o heart_n that_o instead_o of_o fall_v upon_o he_o to_o kill_v he_o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o neek_z and_o kiss_v he_o here_o god_n restrain_v esau_n from_o that_o bloody_a sin_n of_o murder_n not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o external_n providence_n only_o but_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o immediate_o turn_v about_o his_o heart_n and_o by_o see_v such_o a_o company_n of_o cattle_n bleat_v and_o bellow_v timorous_a woman_n and_o helpless_a child_n bow_v and_o supplicate_v to_o he_o he_o turn_v his_o revenge_n into_o compassion_n and_o with_o much_o urge_n receive_v a_o present_a from_o he_o who_o he_o think_v to_o have_v make_v a_o prey_n the_o same_o powerful_a restraint_n god_n lay_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o abimelech_n a_o heathen_a king_n gen._n 20.6_o where_o god_n tell_v he_o i_o withhold_v thou_o from_o sin_v against_o i_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v i_o thou_o not_o to_o touch_v she_o here_o be_v nothing_o visible_a that_o may_v hinder_v abimelech_n but_o god_n invisible_o wrought_v upon_o his_o heart_n and_o unhinged_a his_o sinful_a desire_n and_o from_o these_o two_o instance_n of_o esau_n and_o abimelech_n we_o may_v clear_o collect_v how_o restrain_v grace_n differ_v both_o from_o restrain_v providence_n and_o from_o sanctify_a grace_n from_o providence_n it_o differ_v because_o usual_o when_o god_n providential_o restrain_v from_o sin_n he_o do_v it_o by_o some_o visible_a apparent_a mean_n which_o do_v not_o reach_v to_o work_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n upon_o the_o heart_n but_o only_o lay_v a_o external_a check_n upon_o man_n sinful_a action_n but_o by_o restrain_v grace_n god_n deal_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n with_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o although_o he_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o alter_v the_o present_a inclination_n of_o it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o desire_n of_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o mortify_v and_o from_o sanctify_a grace_n it_o differ_v also_o in_o that_o god_n vouchsafe_v it_o to_o wicked_a man_n and_o reprobate_n to_o the_o end_n that_o their_o life_n may_v be_v more_o plausible_a their_o gift_n more_o serviceable_a and_o their_o condemnation_n more_o intolerable_a and_o indeed_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o restrain_v grace_n may_v be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o may_v appear_v but_o very_o little_a difference_n between_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a who_o special_a grace_n sanctify_v and_o the_o conversation_n of_o one_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n who_o common_a grace_n only_o restain_v they_o may_v both_o live_v outward_o without_o blame_n or_o offence_n avoid_v the_o gross_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shine_v in_o a_o sphere_n above_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o one_o be_v a_o star_n and_o the_o other_o but_o a_o meteor_n the_o highway_n may_v be_v as_o dry_v and_o as_o fair_a in_o a_o frosty_a winter_n as_o in_o a_o warm_a summer_n burr_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o in_o summer_n the_o sun_n dry_v up_o the_o moisture_n in_o winter_n the_o frost_n bind_v it_o in_o so_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o have_v only_o a_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o they_o may_v be_v as_o fair_a and_o clear_a as_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o be_v true_o sanctify_v but_o the_o cause_n be_v vast_o different_a grace_n have_v dry_v up_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o one_o but_o own_o bind_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o other_o now_o god_n do_v thus_o by_o his_o restrain_v grace_n preserve_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o propound_v to_o they_o such_o consideration_n and_o argument_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v conscience_n against_o it_o when_o yet_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v still_o bend_v towards_o it_o restrain_v grace_n thunder_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o brandish_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o sinner_n report_v nothing_o but_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o such_o terrible_a thing_n which_o may_v scare_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n though_o still_o they_o love_v they_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n even_o by_o legal_a terror_n and_o usual_o these_o be_v a_o good_a preparation_n and_o introduction_n for_o save_a grace_n doubtless_o the_o thought_n and_o fear_n of_o hell_n have_v with_o very_o good_a success_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o those_o sin_n that_o lead_v unto_o hell_n but_o yet_o if_o in_o our_o conflict_n against_o temptation_n we_o can_v draw_v argument_n from_o no_o other_o topic_n but_o hell_n and_o eternal_a death_n and_o destruction_n if_o we_o can_v as_o well_o quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o in_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o our_o abstain_v from_o sin_n be_v from_o any_o high_a principle_n than_o what_o be_v common_a only_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o not_o for_o love_v of_o god_n or_o goodness_n three_o god_n have_v another_o method_n of_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v by_o his_o special_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o