IV. And since, as has already been observed, he receives the honour which is due when he is acknowledged to be the author of all good, it follows that, in deriving all good from his hand, we ought continually to express our thankfulness, and that we have no right to use the benefits which proceed from his liberality, if we do not assiduously proclaim his praise, and give him thanks, these being the ends for which they are given. Therefore, when he demands that which is his own, and urges us to alacrity in obeying, no pretexts for doubt, how specious soever they may be, can excuse us. 102:18, 21). Let us now proceed to an exposition of the Prayer. Why the petition for bread precedes that for the forgiveness of sins. 1. When we thus speak of God, our thoughts must be raised to their highest pitch; we must not ascribe to him any thing of a terrestrial or carnal nature, must not measure him by our little standards, or suppose his will to be like ours. Erasmus, though stumbling and walking blindfold in clear light, ventures to write thus in a letter to Sadolet, 1530: Primum, constat nullum esse locum in divinis voluminibus, qui permittat invocare divcs, nisi fortasse detorquere huc placte, quod dives in Evangelica parabola implorat opem Abrah. 60:12). We must now attend not only to a surer method, but also form of prayer, that, namely, which our heavenly Father has delivered to us by his beloved Son, and in which we may recognize his boundless goodness and condescension (Mt. This faith and sure hope regarded by our opponents as most absurd. What to be aimed at, what avoided. 
For this reason God had commanded in the Law, that the priest alone should enter the sanctuary, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on his shoulders, and as many precious stones on his breast, while the people were to stand at a distance in the outer court, and thereafter unite their prayers with the priest. That we pray to God in the name of Christ alone. For it is right that those who seal up their hearts should find the ears of God closed against them, that those who, by their hardheartedness, provoke his severity should find him inflexible. that we have obtained what was fit for us, the Lord having so often and so surely engaged to take an interest in all our troubles from the moment they have been deposited in his bosom. Why then does Christ speak of a new period (at that day) when the disciples were to begin to pray in his name, unless it be that this grace, being now more brightly displayed, ought also to be in higher estimation with us? Secret prayer. Then what angel or devil ever announced one syllable to any human being concerning that fancied intercession of theirs? Answers. 106:47). Again, by this prayer we are taught to deny ourselves, that God may rule us according to his pleasure; and not only so, but also having annihilated our own may create new thoughts and new minds so that we shall have no desire save that of entire agreement with his will; in short, wish nothing of ourselves, but have our hearts governed by his Spirit, under whose inward teaching we may learn to love those things which please and hate those things which displease him. No better is the frivolous allegation of others, that it is superfluous to pray for things which the Lord is ready of his own accord to bestow; since it is his pleasure that those very things which flow from his spontaneous liberality should be acknowledged as conceded to our prayers. But as our faculties are far from being able to attain to such high perfection, we must seek for some means to assist them. 6:10). This prayer, therefore, ought to withdraw us from the corruptions of the world which separate us from God, and prevent his kingdom from flourishing within us; secondly, it ought to inflame us with an ardent desire for the mortification of the flesh; and, lastly, it ought to train us to the endurance of the cross; since this is the way in which God would have his kingdom to be advanced. The name of the Lord, says Solomon, is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Joel, after predicting the fearful disaster which was at hand, subjoins the following memorable sentence: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered. This we know properly refers to the course of the Gospel. Its blasphemy. For as he who truly and from the heart loves the father of a family, extends the same love and good-will to all his household, so the zeal and affection which we feel for our heavenly Parent it becomes us to extend towards his people, his family, and, in fine, his heritage, which he has honoured so highly as to give them the appellation of the fulness of his only begotten Son (Eph. in Enchirid. We rob not the pious breast of the privilege of enjoying a consciousness of purity before the Lord, and thus feeling assured of the promises with which he comforts and supports his true worshippers, but we would have them to lay aside all thought of their own merits and found their confidence of success in prayer solely on the divine mercy. It has farther been shown that the Lord kindly and spontaneously manifests himself in Christ, in whom he offers all happiness for our misery, all abundance for our want, opening up the treasures of heaven to us, so that we may turn with full faith to his beloved Son, depend upon him with full expectation, rest in him, and cleave to him with full hope. We can only bestow the kindness of our liberality on those of whose wants we are aware, whereas in prayer we can assist the greatest strangers, how wide soever the space which may separate them from us. Thus the two fitly correspond to each otherwe strive for the goal, 2195and at the same time neglect not the remedies which our necessities require. But who, in lifting up his hands, is not conscious of sluggishness, the heart cleaving to the earth? The forms of temptation are many and various. Hence, all the passages throughout Scripture in which we are commanded to pray, are set up before our eyes as so many banners, to inspire us with confidence. Exception by the advocates of this fiction. Seeing that this would give them the sum of all blessings, he prays that they may be regarded as of his race, this being nothing else than to transmit the succession of the covenant to them. Nor does Augustine give a different interpretation when he says, Christian men mutually recommend each other in their prayers. For how often, in inflicting punishment on the ungodly for cruelty, rapine, violence, lust, and other crimes, in curbing audacity and fury, and also in overthrowing tyrannical power, has he declared that he gives assistance to those who are unworthily oppressed though they by addressing an unknown deity only beat the air? 3:8), there cannot be a doubt that he was in the greatest perturbation. In like manner he says to the Colossians, Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, (Col. 3:16). 7:6); for he reminds us that he had received special instruction to pray for a temporal blessing.470470The French adds, dequel il neust pas autrement est asseur;of which he would not otherwise have felt assured. Is any merry? Let them then tell me what consistency there is in neglecting and rejecting Abraham, whom God preferred to all others, and raised to the highest degree of honour. Thus regard is had to the covenant rather than to the individual. 9:3). Hence that dubious muttering of Hannah (1 Sam. In like manner, we are taught by this prayer not to fix any law or impose any condition upon him, but leave it entirely to him to adopt whatever course of procedure seems to him best, in respect of method, time, and place. This is so far from supporting their error, that it is the strongest refutation of it. Hence, again, what I have previously said becomes still more clear, namely, that a bold spirit in prayer well accords with fear, reverence, and anxiety, and that there is no inconsistency when God raises up those who had fallen prostrate. God therefore to be invoked only in the name of Christ. Fourth Papistical argument from the nature of charity, which is more perfect in the saints in glory. What meant by bread. 9:11, 24; Rom. A perfect form of invocation, or an exposition of the Lords Prayer, sec.
3, sec. Also Hezekiah, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in 2155thy sight, (Is. 116:1). Nay, whenever believers beseech the Lord to do anything for his own names sake, as they declare themselves unworthy of obtaining it in their own name, so they oblige themselves to give thanks, and promise to make the right use of his lovingkindness by being the heralds of it. 46. 94) imagine not that he throws himself before his Fathers knees, and suppliantly intercedes for us; but we understand with the Apostle, that he appears in the presence of God, and that the power of his death has the effect of a perpetual intercession for us; that having entered into the upper sanctuary, he alone continues to the end of the world to present the prayers of his people, who are standing far off in the outer court. When will temptation give us a truce, making it unnecessary to hasten for help? This concurrence David expresses in a few words: But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy, and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple, (Ps. Conclusion, or summary of this section. The third petition is, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. VII. Three petitions. The higher value, therefore, ought we to set on the privilege, when the only begotten Son of God puts words into our lips, and thus relieves our minds of all hesitation. First, let us see what the nature of this invocation was among the Israelites. If this moderation is used, there cannot be a doubt that the practice is most sacred and salutary. Then individuals adopted particular saints, and put their faith in them, just as if they had been tutelar deities. Hence also we must desire that he would nullify and suppress all affections which are repugnant to his will. But this is no reason why God may not when he sees it meet bring us into bondage to Satan, give us up to a reprobate mind and shameful lusts, and so by a just, indeed, but often hidden judgment, lead us into temptation. By this anxiety they dishonour Christ, and rob him of his title of sole Mediator, a title which being given him by the Father as his special privilege, ought not to be transferred to any other. We must next descend to the wicked, who perversely and with desperate madness resist his authority. They cried unto thee, (says the Psalmist), and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded, (Ps. In endeavouring to prove that such intercession derives some support from Scripture they labour in vain. But it is very ridiculous to wrest this simple sentence in this manner; for the Lord only declares that he would not spare the iniquities of the people, though some Moses or Samuel, to whose prayers he had shown himself so indulgent, should intercede for them. 34. 16. Examples. As if his blessing and paternal favour were not eminently displayed in giving us food, or as if there were nothing in the declaration that godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, (1 Tim. We have observed (chap. 4:5, 6). David also sets us an example of this humility: Enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified, (Psalm 143:2). Its nature. Two classes of men sin in regard to this petition. Hence that vain speaking, which for a similar reason prevails so much in the Papacy in the present day, some vainly spinning out the time by a reiteration of the same frivolous prayers, and others employing a long series of verbiage for vulgar display.479479French, Cette longueur de priere a aujordhui sa vogue en la Papaut, et procede de cette mesme source; cest que les uns barbotant force Ave Maria, et reiterant cent fois un chapelet, perdent une partie du temps; les autres, comme les chanoines et caphars, en abayant le parchemin jour et nuiet, et barbotant leur breviare vendent leur coquilles au peuple.This long prayer is at present in vogue among the Papists, over their beads a hundred times, lose part of their time; others, as the canons and monks, grumbling over their parchment night and day, and muttering their breviary, sell their cockleshells to the people. With similar dexterity they proceed to quote other passages. By thanksgiving we duly celebrate his kindnesses toward us, ascribing to his liberality every blessing which enters into our lot. See end of sec. Let others if they will confide in the powers and resources of their free will which they think they possess; enough for us that we stand and are strong in the power of God alone. In this ignorance they are the less excusable, because they seem as it were avowedly to contemn the many admonitions of Scripture. 10:13; 2 Pet. 8. If we retain any hatred in our minds, if we meditate revenge, and devise the means of hurting; nay, if we do not return to a good understanding with our enemies, perform every kind of friendly office, and endeavour to effect a reconciliation with them, we by this petition beseech God not to grant us forgiveness. 3. 26. What the office of the Spirit in this respect. Nay, we must attend to the declaration of Paul, that all wishes are vicious and perverse which are not accompanied with thanksgiving. This, however, is no reason why believers should deviate from the law divinely imposed upon them, or envy unbelievers, as if they gained much in obtaining what they wished. It is strange that these delightful promises affect us coldly, or scarcely at all, so that the generality of men prefer to wander up and down, forsaking the fountain of living waters, and hewing out to themselves broken cisterns, rather than embrace the divine liberality voluntarily offered to them. Summary of this petition. The instruction given us, however, is not that every individual in particular is to call him Father, but rather that we are all in common to call him Our Father. Nor must we reject the view to which I have already advertedviz. The same thing he declares in another passage, All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive, (Mt. 48. Ask, says our Divine Master, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you, (Mt. And though believers mutually offer up prayers to God in behalf of their brethren, we have shown that this derogates in no respect from the sole intercession of Christ, because all trust to that intercession in commending themselves as well as others to God. This we shall accomplish in regard to the mind, if, laying aside carnal thoughts and cares which might interfere with the direct and pure contemplation of God, it not only be wholly intent on prayer, but also, as far as possible, be borne and raised above itself. a serious conviction of our misery, joined with sure hope. So in another passage he fortifies himself with the general doctrine, He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him, (Ps. 21. I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications, (Ps. Cest chose trop notoire de quel bourbieu de quelle racaille ils tirent leur saincts.It is too notorious out of what mire or rubbish they draw their saints. 4, 5), to carry our thoughts directly to God, whether to celebrate his praise or implore his aid, we can easily see that its primary seat is in the mind and heart, or rather that prayer itself is properly an effusion and manifestation of internal feeling before Him who is the searcher of hearts. Thus Hezekiah speaks, when asking the prophet to undertake the office of interceding. We thus ascend from the only begotten Son to the supreme Father of angels and of the Church. My intention, however, as I already observed, is not to enumerate all, but only select some admirable passages as a specimen how kindly God allures us to himself, and how extreme our ingratitude must be when with such powerful motives our sluggishness still retards us. On the whole, since Scripture places the principal part of worship in the invocation of God (this being the office of piety which he requires of us in preference to all sacrifices), it is manifest sacrilege to offer prayer to others. Hence we infer that a monstrous delusion prevails among Papists, the great majority of whom wonder when Christ is called an intercessor. In short, as the Father has consecrated him our guide and head, those who abandon or turn 2167aside from him in any way endeavour, as much as in them lies, to sully and efface the stamp which God has impressed. Refutation of errors interfering with the intercession of Christ. Still we do not condemn words or singing, but rather greatly commend them, provided the feeling of the mind goes along with them. Perseverance in prayer especially recommended, both by precept and example. Scripture, not without reason, commands us to use both continually. For in Scripture we meet with many prayers differing greatly from it in word, yet written by the same Spirit, and capable of being used by us with the greatest advantage. 28. It is also plain from the Book of Judges that, whenever they wept, though their tears were deceitful, they were delivered from the hands of their enemies. What we here speak of is another will of God, namely, that of which voluntary obedience is the counterpart; and, therefore, heaven is expressly contrasted with earth, because, as is said in The Psalms, the angels do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word, (Ps. 25), that in this way God yielded to the feigned repentance of Ahab, that he might show how ready he is to listen to his elect when, with true contrition, they seek his favour. Thus all they gain by their caviling is to be wounded by the very arms with which they deem themselves admirably protected. 62:8) he does not indiscriminately give loose reins to foolish and depraved affections; and when he promises that he will grant believers their wish, his indulgence does not proceed so far as to submit to their caprice. What, then, do such persons obtain by this petition but a heavier judgment? Let the first rule of right prayer then be, to have our heart and mind framed as becomes those who are entering into converse with God. Moreover, zeal for the kingdom and glory of God ought not to seize us by starts, but urge us without intermission, so that every time should appear seasonable. My inference, on the contrary, is this: since it thus appears that neither Moses nor Samuel interceded for the people of Israel, there was then no intercession for the dead. French, Qui est-ce donc qui se pourra assez esmerveiller dune audace tant tent et brayent de langue estrange et inconnue, en laquelle le plus souvent ils nentendent pas eux mesmes une syllabe, et ne veulent que les autres y entendent?Who then can sufficiently admire the unbridled audacity which the Papists have had, and still have, who contrary to the prohibition of the Apostle, chant and bray in a foreign and unknown tongue, in which, for the most part, they do not understand one syllable, and which they have no wish that others uncerstand? 9:5, 6), and to whom, so far as we can conjecture, he has left no means of intercourse with us. Satan is indeed the very enemy who lays snares for our life, but it is by sin that he is armed for our destruction. In what sense we are said to forgive those who have sinned against us. Different is the course which Paul prescribes, What is it then? Hence the Apostle, to show that a faith unaccompanied with prayer to God cannot be genuine, states this to be the order: As faith springs from the Gospel, so by faith our hearts are framed to call upon the name of God (Rom. 9:18-20). Let us not decline to imitate the example of David, and introduce thoughts which may reanimate our languid minds with new vigor. And thus not only were gods set up according to the number of the cities (the charge which the prophet brought against Israel of old, Jer. Perpetually reminds us of our duty, and leads to meditation on divine providence. From the previous part of the work we clearly see how completely 2146destitute man is of all good, how devoid of every means of procuring his own salvation. 1, 2) that repentance and faith go hand in hand, being united by an indissoluble tie, the one causing terror, the other joy, so in prayer they must both be present. that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more, (Ps. 42:9; Dan. In another passage Jeremiah says Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the Lord thy God, even for all this remnant. On the other hand, believers are often said to lift up prayer. 1. But besides that special confession of present guilt which believers employ, in supplicating for pardon of every fault and punishment, that general introduction which procures favour for our prayers must never be omitted, because prayers will never reach God unless they are founded on free mercy. But if the name of God is duly hallowed only when separated from all other names it alone is glorified, 2189we are in the petition enjoined to ask not only that God would vindicate his sacred name from all contempt and insult, but also that he would compel the whole human race to reverence it. We should desire this to be done every day, in order that God may gather churches to himself from all quarters of the world, may extend and increase their numbers, enrich them with his gifts, 2190establish due order among them; on the other hand, beat down all the enemies of pure doctrine and religion, dissipate their counsels, defeat their attempts. Some murmur out prayers without meditation, their only principle being that God is to be propitiated by prayer. The sixth petition corresponds (as we have observed) to the promise491491The French adds, que Dieu nous a donnee et faite;which God has given and performed to us. A man abounds in wheat and wine; but as he cannot enjoy a morsel of bread, unless by the continual bounty of God, his granaries or cellars will not prevent him from asking for daily bread. The next petition is, FORGIVE ITS OUR DEBTS. 33. Through whom prayer is to be made, sec. In this way we shall possess abundance in poverty, and comfort in affliction. Contra Parmenian, Lib. It is, indeed, to be wished, it ought even to be our strenuous endeavour, to perform all the parts of our duty, so as truly to congratulate ourselves before God as being pure from every stain; but as God is pleased to renew his image in us by degrees, so that to some extent there is always a residue of corruption in our flesh, we ought by no means to neglect the remedy. By perfunctory and formal prayer 2. Therefore, as God sends his sun indiscriminately on the evil and on the good, so he despises not the tears of those who have a good cause, and whose sorrows are deserving of relief. Answer, from the institution and end of prayer. 2:5; 1 John 2:1; see sec. What it is to be led into temptation. In The Psalms are many similar prayers, in which David calls upon God to give him what he asks, for this reasonviz. David accordingly includes both in one sentence, Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, (Ps. The knowledge of this most necessary. 16. 6:7). How to be performed. Answer. 53. Still not less true is the injunction of Paul to pray always, (Eph. By setting before us this admirable example of mildness in a man, he designed 2186to show in how much greater abundance we may expect it from him who is not only a Father, but the best and most merciful of all fathers, however ungrateful, rebellious, and wicked sons we may be, provided only we throw ourselves upon his mercy. The nature of prayer, and its necessity as a Christian exercise, sec. Nor are we thus taught by the Holy Spirit, who tells us to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, (Heb. Quanquam autem in re tanta novare quicquam prter auctoritatem Scriptur, merito, periculosum videri possit, tamen invocationem divorum nusquam improbo, c.First, it is clear that there is no passage in the Sacred Volume which permits the invoction of saints, unless we are pleased to wrest to this purpose what is said in the parable as to the rich man imploring the help of Abraham. Summary of the preface to the Lords Prayer. Also Book 4, chap. To this we may refer the exhortation which Paul gave to the believers of his age, to lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting, (1 Tim. He shows the perpetual efficacy of a pure and pious prayer, that we may be induced in like manner to pray. Who would have the presumption to arrogate 2185to himself the honour of a son of God were we not gratuitously adopted as his sons in Christ? 42:10). In the same sense David says in another passage, O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise, (Ps.
22. But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Dissuading us from the example of hypocrites, who sought the applause of men by an ambitious ostentation in prayer, he adds the better courseenter thy chamber, shut thy door, and there pray. Accordingly, a severe rebuke is administered both by Isaiah and Stephen, to those who thought that God could in any way dwell in temples made with hands (Isa. 8:17), neither our industry, nor labour, nor hands, acquire any thing for us, unless the blessing of God be present; nay, not even would abundance of bread be of the least avail were it not divinely converted into nourishment.
For this reason God had commanded in the Law, that the priest alone should enter the sanctuary, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on his shoulders, and as many precious stones on his breast, while the people were to stand at a distance in the outer court, and thereafter unite their prayers with the priest. That we pray to God in the name of Christ alone. For it is right that those who seal up their hearts should find the ears of God closed against them, that those who, by their hardheartedness, provoke his severity should find him inflexible. that we have obtained what was fit for us, the Lord having so often and so surely engaged to take an interest in all our troubles from the moment they have been deposited in his bosom. Why then does Christ speak of a new period (at that day) when the disciples were to begin to pray in his name, unless it be that this grace, being now more brightly displayed, ought also to be in higher estimation with us? Secret prayer. Then what angel or devil ever announced one syllable to any human being concerning that fancied intercession of theirs? Answers. 106:47). Again, by this prayer we are taught to deny ourselves, that God may rule us according to his pleasure; and not only so, but also having annihilated our own may create new thoughts and new minds so that we shall have no desire save that of entire agreement with his will; in short, wish nothing of ourselves, but have our hearts governed by his Spirit, under whose inward teaching we may learn to love those things which please and hate those things which displease him. No better is the frivolous allegation of others, that it is superfluous to pray for things which the Lord is ready of his own accord to bestow; since it is his pleasure that those very things which flow from his spontaneous liberality should be acknowledged as conceded to our prayers. But as our faculties are far from being able to attain to such high perfection, we must seek for some means to assist them. 6:10). This prayer, therefore, ought to withdraw us from the corruptions of the world which separate us from God, and prevent his kingdom from flourishing within us; secondly, it ought to inflame us with an ardent desire for the mortification of the flesh; and, lastly, it ought to train us to the endurance of the cross; since this is the way in which God would have his kingdom to be advanced. The name of the Lord, says Solomon, is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Joel, after predicting the fearful disaster which was at hand, subjoins the following memorable sentence: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered. This we know properly refers to the course of the Gospel. Its blasphemy. For as he who truly and from the heart loves the father of a family, extends the same love and good-will to all his household, so the zeal and affection which we feel for our heavenly Parent it becomes us to extend towards his people, his family, and, in fine, his heritage, which he has honoured so highly as to give them the appellation of the fulness of his only begotten Son (Eph. in Enchirid. We rob not the pious breast of the privilege of enjoying a consciousness of purity before the Lord, and thus feeling assured of the promises with which he comforts and supports his true worshippers, but we would have them to lay aside all thought of their own merits and found their confidence of success in prayer solely on the divine mercy. It has farther been shown that the Lord kindly and spontaneously manifests himself in Christ, in whom he offers all happiness for our misery, all abundance for our want, opening up the treasures of heaven to us, so that we may turn with full faith to his beloved Son, depend upon him with full expectation, rest in him, and cleave to him with full hope. We can only bestow the kindness of our liberality on those of whose wants we are aware, whereas in prayer we can assist the greatest strangers, how wide soever the space which may separate them from us. Thus the two fitly correspond to each otherwe strive for the goal, 2195and at the same time neglect not the remedies which our necessities require. But who, in lifting up his hands, is not conscious of sluggishness, the heart cleaving to the earth? The forms of temptation are many and various. Hence, all the passages throughout Scripture in which we are commanded to pray, are set up before our eyes as so many banners, to inspire us with confidence. Exception by the advocates of this fiction. Seeing that this would give them the sum of all blessings, he prays that they may be regarded as of his race, this being nothing else than to transmit the succession of the covenant to them. Nor does Augustine give a different interpretation when he says, Christian men mutually recommend each other in their prayers. For how often, in inflicting punishment on the ungodly for cruelty, rapine, violence, lust, and other crimes, in curbing audacity and fury, and also in overthrowing tyrannical power, has he declared that he gives assistance to those who are unworthily oppressed though they by addressing an unknown deity only beat the air? 3:8), there cannot be a doubt that he was in the greatest perturbation. In like manner he says to the Colossians, Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, (Col. 3:16). 7:6); for he reminds us that he had received special instruction to pray for a temporal blessing.470470The French adds, dequel il neust pas autrement est asseur;of which he would not otherwise have felt assured. Is any merry? Let them then tell me what consistency there is in neglecting and rejecting Abraham, whom God preferred to all others, and raised to the highest degree of honour. Thus regard is had to the covenant rather than to the individual. 9:3). Hence that dubious muttering of Hannah (1 Sam. In like manner, we are taught by this prayer not to fix any law or impose any condition upon him, but leave it entirely to him to adopt whatever course of procedure seems to him best, in respect of method, time, and place. This is so far from supporting their error, that it is the strongest refutation of it. Hence, again, what I have previously said becomes still more clear, namely, that a bold spirit in prayer well accords with fear, reverence, and anxiety, and that there is no inconsistency when God raises up those who had fallen prostrate. God therefore to be invoked only in the name of Christ. Fourth Papistical argument from the nature of charity, which is more perfect in the saints in glory. What meant by bread. 9:11, 24; Rom. A perfect form of invocation, or an exposition of the Lords Prayer, sec. 3, sec. Also Hezekiah, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in 2155thy sight, (Is. 116:1). Nay, whenever believers beseech the Lord to do anything for his own names sake, as they declare themselves unworthy of obtaining it in their own name, so they oblige themselves to give thanks, and promise to make the right use of his lovingkindness by being the heralds of it. 46. 94) imagine not that he throws himself before his Fathers knees, and suppliantly intercedes for us; but we understand with the Apostle, that he appears in the presence of God, and that the power of his death has the effect of a perpetual intercession for us; that having entered into the upper sanctuary, he alone continues to the end of the world to present the prayers of his people, who are standing far off in the outer court. When will temptation give us a truce, making it unnecessary to hasten for help? This concurrence David expresses in a few words: But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy, and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple, (Ps. Conclusion, or summary of this section. The third petition is, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. VII. Three petitions. The higher value, therefore, ought we to set on the privilege, when the only begotten Son of God puts words into our lips, and thus relieves our minds of all hesitation. First, let us see what the nature of this invocation was among the Israelites. If this moderation is used, there cannot be a doubt that the practice is most sacred and salutary. Then individuals adopted particular saints, and put their faith in them, just as if they had been tutelar deities. Hence also we must desire that he would nullify and suppress all affections which are repugnant to his will. But this is no reason why God may not when he sees it meet bring us into bondage to Satan, give us up to a reprobate mind and shameful lusts, and so by a just, indeed, but often hidden judgment, lead us into temptation. By this anxiety they dishonour Christ, and rob him of his title of sole Mediator, a title which being given him by the Father as his special privilege, ought not to be transferred to any other. We must next descend to the wicked, who perversely and with desperate madness resist his authority. They cried unto thee, (says the Psalmist), and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded, (Ps. In endeavouring to prove that such intercession derives some support from Scripture they labour in vain. But it is very ridiculous to wrest this simple sentence in this manner; for the Lord only declares that he would not spare the iniquities of the people, though some Moses or Samuel, to whose prayers he had shown himself so indulgent, should intercede for them. 34. 16. Examples. As if his blessing and paternal favour were not eminently displayed in giving us food, or as if there were nothing in the declaration that godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, (1 Tim. We have observed (chap. 4:5, 6). David also sets us an example of this humility: Enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified, (Psalm 143:2). Its nature. Two classes of men sin in regard to this petition. Hence that vain speaking, which for a similar reason prevails so much in the Papacy in the present day, some vainly spinning out the time by a reiteration of the same frivolous prayers, and others employing a long series of verbiage for vulgar display.479479French, Cette longueur de priere a aujordhui sa vogue en la Papaut, et procede de cette mesme source; cest que les uns barbotant force Ave Maria, et reiterant cent fois un chapelet, perdent une partie du temps; les autres, comme les chanoines et caphars, en abayant le parchemin jour et nuiet, et barbotant leur breviare vendent leur coquilles au peuple.This long prayer is at present in vogue among the Papists, over their beads a hundred times, lose part of their time; others, as the canons and monks, grumbling over their parchment night and day, and muttering their breviary, sell their cockleshells to the people. With similar dexterity they proceed to quote other passages. By thanksgiving we duly celebrate his kindnesses toward us, ascribing to his liberality every blessing which enters into our lot. See end of sec. Let others if they will confide in the powers and resources of their free will which they think they possess; enough for us that we stand and are strong in the power of God alone. In this ignorance they are the less excusable, because they seem as it were avowedly to contemn the many admonitions of Scripture. 10:13; 2 Pet. 8. If we retain any hatred in our minds, if we meditate revenge, and devise the means of hurting; nay, if we do not return to a good understanding with our enemies, perform every kind of friendly office, and endeavour to effect a reconciliation with them, we by this petition beseech God not to grant us forgiveness. 3. 26. What the office of the Spirit in this respect. Nay, we must attend to the declaration of Paul, that all wishes are vicious and perverse which are not accompanied with thanksgiving. This, however, is no reason why believers should deviate from the law divinely imposed upon them, or envy unbelievers, as if they gained much in obtaining what they wished. It is strange that these delightful promises affect us coldly, or scarcely at all, so that the generality of men prefer to wander up and down, forsaking the fountain of living waters, and hewing out to themselves broken cisterns, rather than embrace the divine liberality voluntarily offered to them. Summary of this petition. The instruction given us, however, is not that every individual in particular is to call him Father, but rather that we are all in common to call him Our Father. Nor must we reject the view to which I have already advertedviz. The same thing he declares in another passage, All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive, (Mt. 48. Ask, says our Divine Master, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you, (Mt. And though believers mutually offer up prayers to God in behalf of their brethren, we have shown that this derogates in no respect from the sole intercession of Christ, because all trust to that intercession in commending themselves as well as others to God. This we shall accomplish in regard to the mind, if, laying aside carnal thoughts and cares which might interfere with the direct and pure contemplation of God, it not only be wholly intent on prayer, but also, as far as possible, be borne and raised above itself. a serious conviction of our misery, joined with sure hope. So in another passage he fortifies himself with the general doctrine, He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him, (Ps. 21. I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications, (Ps. Cest chose trop notoire de quel bourbieu de quelle racaille ils tirent leur saincts.It is too notorious out of what mire or rubbish they draw their saints. 4, 5), to carry our thoughts directly to God, whether to celebrate his praise or implore his aid, we can easily see that its primary seat is in the mind and heart, or rather that prayer itself is properly an effusion and manifestation of internal feeling before Him who is the searcher of hearts. Thus Hezekiah speaks, when asking the prophet to undertake the office of interceding. We thus ascend from the only begotten Son to the supreme Father of angels and of the Church. My intention, however, as I already observed, is not to enumerate all, but only select some admirable passages as a specimen how kindly God allures us to himself, and how extreme our ingratitude must be when with such powerful motives our sluggishness still retards us. On the whole, since Scripture places the principal part of worship in the invocation of God (this being the office of piety which he requires of us in preference to all sacrifices), it is manifest sacrilege to offer prayer to others. Hence we infer that a monstrous delusion prevails among Papists, the great majority of whom wonder when Christ is called an intercessor. In short, as the Father has consecrated him our guide and head, those who abandon or turn 2167aside from him in any way endeavour, as much as in them lies, to sully and efface the stamp which God has impressed. Refutation of errors interfering with the intercession of Christ. Still we do not condemn words or singing, but rather greatly commend them, provided the feeling of the mind goes along with them. Perseverance in prayer especially recommended, both by precept and example. Scripture, not without reason, commands us to use both continually. For in Scripture we meet with many prayers differing greatly from it in word, yet written by the same Spirit, and capable of being used by us with the greatest advantage. 28. It is also plain from the Book of Judges that, whenever they wept, though their tears were deceitful, they were delivered from the hands of their enemies. What we here speak of is another will of God, namely, that of which voluntary obedience is the counterpart; and, therefore, heaven is expressly contrasted with earth, because, as is said in The Psalms, the angels do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word, (Ps. 25), that in this way God yielded to the feigned repentance of Ahab, that he might show how ready he is to listen to his elect when, with true contrition, they seek his favour. Thus all they gain by their caviling is to be wounded by the very arms with which they deem themselves admirably protected. 62:8) he does not indiscriminately give loose reins to foolish and depraved affections; and when he promises that he will grant believers their wish, his indulgence does not proceed so far as to submit to their caprice. What, then, do such persons obtain by this petition but a heavier judgment? Let the first rule of right prayer then be, to have our heart and mind framed as becomes those who are entering into converse with God. Moreover, zeal for the kingdom and glory of God ought not to seize us by starts, but urge us without intermission, so that every time should appear seasonable. My inference, on the contrary, is this: since it thus appears that neither Moses nor Samuel interceded for the people of Israel, there was then no intercession for the dead. French, Qui est-ce donc qui se pourra assez esmerveiller dune audace tant tent et brayent de langue estrange et inconnue, en laquelle le plus souvent ils nentendent pas eux mesmes une syllabe, et ne veulent que les autres y entendent?Who then can sufficiently admire the unbridled audacity which the Papists have had, and still have, who contrary to the prohibition of the Apostle, chant and bray in a foreign and unknown tongue, in which, for the most part, they do not understand one syllable, and which they have no wish that others uncerstand? 9:5, 6), and to whom, so far as we can conjecture, he has left no means of intercourse with us. Satan is indeed the very enemy who lays snares for our life, but it is by sin that he is armed for our destruction. In what sense we are said to forgive those who have sinned against us. Different is the course which Paul prescribes, What is it then? Hence the Apostle, to show that a faith unaccompanied with prayer to God cannot be genuine, states this to be the order: As faith springs from the Gospel, so by faith our hearts are framed to call upon the name of God (Rom. 9:18-20). Let us not decline to imitate the example of David, and introduce thoughts which may reanimate our languid minds with new vigor. And thus not only were gods set up according to the number of the cities (the charge which the prophet brought against Israel of old, Jer. Perpetually reminds us of our duty, and leads to meditation on divine providence. From the previous part of the work we clearly see how completely 2146destitute man is of all good, how devoid of every means of procuring his own salvation. 1, 2) that repentance and faith go hand in hand, being united by an indissoluble tie, the one causing terror, the other joy, so in prayer they must both be present. that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more, (Ps. 42:9; Dan. In another passage Jeremiah says Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the Lord thy God, even for all this remnant. On the other hand, believers are often said to lift up prayer. 1. But besides that special confession of present guilt which believers employ, in supplicating for pardon of every fault and punishment, that general introduction which procures favour for our prayers must never be omitted, because prayers will never reach God unless they are founded on free mercy. But if the name of God is duly hallowed only when separated from all other names it alone is glorified, 2189we are in the petition enjoined to ask not only that God would vindicate his sacred name from all contempt and insult, but also that he would compel the whole human race to reverence it. We should desire this to be done every day, in order that God may gather churches to himself from all quarters of the world, may extend and increase their numbers, enrich them with his gifts, 2190establish due order among them; on the other hand, beat down all the enemies of pure doctrine and religion, dissipate their counsels, defeat their attempts. Some murmur out prayers without meditation, their only principle being that God is to be propitiated by prayer. The sixth petition corresponds (as we have observed) to the promise491491The French adds, que Dieu nous a donnee et faite;which God has given and performed to us. A man abounds in wheat and wine; but as he cannot enjoy a morsel of bread, unless by the continual bounty of God, his granaries or cellars will not prevent him from asking for daily bread. The next petition is, FORGIVE ITS OUR DEBTS. 33. Through whom prayer is to be made, sec. In this way we shall possess abundance in poverty, and comfort in affliction. Contra Parmenian, Lib. It is, indeed, to be wished, it ought even to be our strenuous endeavour, to perform all the parts of our duty, so as truly to congratulate ourselves before God as being pure from every stain; but as God is pleased to renew his image in us by degrees, so that to some extent there is always a residue of corruption in our flesh, we ought by no means to neglect the remedy. By perfunctory and formal prayer 2. Therefore, as God sends his sun indiscriminately on the evil and on the good, so he despises not the tears of those who have a good cause, and whose sorrows are deserving of relief. Answer, from the institution and end of prayer. 2:5; 1 John 2:1; see sec. What it is to be led into temptation. In The Psalms are many similar prayers, in which David calls upon God to give him what he asks, for this reasonviz. David accordingly includes both in one sentence, Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, (Ps. The knowledge of this most necessary. 16. 6:7). How to be performed. Answer. 53. Still not less true is the injunction of Paul to pray always, (Eph. By setting before us this admirable example of mildness in a man, he designed 2186to show in how much greater abundance we may expect it from him who is not only a Father, but the best and most merciful of all fathers, however ungrateful, rebellious, and wicked sons we may be, provided only we throw ourselves upon his mercy. The nature of prayer, and its necessity as a Christian exercise, sec. Nor are we thus taught by the Holy Spirit, who tells us to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, (Heb. Quanquam autem in re tanta novare quicquam prter auctoritatem Scriptur, merito, periculosum videri possit, tamen invocationem divorum nusquam improbo, c.First, it is clear that there is no passage in the Sacred Volume which permits the invoction of saints, unless we are pleased to wrest to this purpose what is said in the parable as to the rich man imploring the help of Abraham. Summary of the preface to the Lords Prayer. Also Book 4, chap. To this we may refer the exhortation which Paul gave to the believers of his age, to lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting, (1 Tim. He shows the perpetual efficacy of a pure and pious prayer, that we may be induced in like manner to pray. Who would have the presumption to arrogate 2185to himself the honour of a son of God were we not gratuitously adopted as his sons in Christ? 42:10). In the same sense David says in another passage, O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise, (Ps.
22. But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Dissuading us from the example of hypocrites, who sought the applause of men by an ambitious ostentation in prayer, he adds the better courseenter thy chamber, shut thy door, and there pray. Accordingly, a severe rebuke is administered both by Isaiah and Stephen, to those who thought that God could in any way dwell in temples made with hands (Isa. 8:17), neither our industry, nor labour, nor hands, acquire any thing for us, unless the blessing of God be present; nay, not even would abundance of bread be of the least avail were it not divinely converted into nourishment.