The Power of Godliness, Book 6 · Chapter 4
CHAP. IV. Wherein is shewed, what we ask for others in this Petition, what the evils are that we pray against, and the wants that we bewail, with directions how we may devotionally make this Petition; And what the especiall blessings are for which we must give thanks according to this Petition, and the practicall conclusions that are to be drawn from thence.
Question. WHat do we ask for others in this Petition?
A. For others as yet uncalled, they are two-fold, belonging to the election of grace, or otherwise. Now for the former we intreat that God would daily bring them home to glorifie him with us; yea, that he would give them godly sorrow for such things as before their visitation they heedlesly neglected.Psal. 67.2, 3. Psal 22.31. Psal. 96.7. Let thy people praise thee, O Lord, let all the people praise thee. Give unto the Lord (O ye kindreds of the people) give unto the Lord glory and strength. For other we pray, that God would restrain them from their high prophanation of his Name, and that he would turn their rage (and so by proportion all their other sinnes) to the praise of his Name. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee.Psal. 77.10.
Q. What are the evils that we pray against?
A. All prophanation of Gods most holy Name. 1. Ignorance and folly, whereby we discern not,Lev. 18.21. & 19.12. & 21.6. & 22.3…. Hos. 8.12. Iob 21.14. 2 Pet. 3.5. Psal. 14.2. Isa. 42.20. Jer. 4.19, 22. Isa. 27.11. Hos. 4.1, 2. 2 Thes. 1.8. Jer. 10.25. 1 Cor. 15.34. Mat. 22.2, 29. Ioh. 4.22. neglect, or disregard the power, goodness, grace and holiness of God, shewing themselves brightly in his Word and Works. Who is blind but my servant? or deaf as my messenger which I have sent? Who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lords servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not: opening the ears, but he heareth not. 2. Unbelief and wavering, when the heart is divided from the Commandement, and staggereth at the Promises. The Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believe not, Numb. 20.12. & 27.14. Deut. 32.51.to sanctifie me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the Land which I have given them. 3. Carnall and wicked confidence, when we build upon sandy foundations, or rest upon rotten posts which cannot uphold. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The Temple of the Lord, Jer. 7 4, …. Amos 6.13. Psal. …2.10. Ier. 7.5. Amos 6.1. Psal. 27.1, 2.the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord are these. Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. 4. Wicked, vain, superstitious and slavish fear, when we fear the loss of pleasure, honour, or profit more then Gods displeasure; when we dread the signes of Heaven, the malice of ungodly men, and what they can do unto us, as to doubt of Gods protection and grace; when we fear his threatnings in such sort as we fly from him, or make obstinate resistance to his good will and Commandement. Be not dismaied at the signes of Heaven, Jer. 10 2. Isa. 8.12.for the heathen be dismaied at them. Fear ye not their fear, nor be afraid. 5. Carnall love and rejoycing in outward things, whereby the heart is withdrawn from God.Job 31.25. If I rejoyced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much riches. 6. Pride and self-sufficiency, whereby we are puffed up in conceit of our own excellency, trust in our own strength,Prov. 8.13. Isa. 2.11, 12, 17. Job 5.44. & 1….43. Prov. 3 7. Job 31.27. Rom. 12.16. Prov. 26.10. Hab. 1.16. & 2.4. Dan. 4.27. Act. 12.23. Luk. 18.11, 12 Mar. 6.52. & 8.17, 18. and seek the approbation and applause of men, more then the praise of God. When our first Parents were tempted in Paradise, the Devill told them they should be as Gods: which lesson, not only they, but we have learned: for we conceive of our selves as gods, though in words we deny it. This hidden pride appears in vain thoughts, secret applaudings of our own courses, spiritual fulness, and lofty imaginations which continually upon every occasion ascend in the mind. 7. Hardness of heart whereby we are hindered from knowing God aright, from making right use of mercies and judgments, and from discerning the glory and majesty of God in his works and creatures. The Disciples through the hardness of their hearts, could not see Gods power in the Miracle of feeding many thousand with a few loaves though themselves were instruments of it, and the food did increase in their hands. Our Redemption what a wonderfull work is it, but how few consider of it, or regard it? 8. Luke-warm indifferency in matters of religion; which is a temper that the Lord hateth. Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people. Ephraim is a cake not turned 9. Ingratitude or forgetfulness of Gods benefits,Psal. 71.18. Hos. 8.14. Jer. 23.27. Rom. 1.21, 28. Psal. 106.7. Psal. 78.19. 2 Pet. 3.4, 10. Jer. 34.16. 1 Tim. 6.1. Exo 20.7. Numb. 11.6. Rom. 2.23, 24. Ezek. 36 20, 23. Tit. 1.16. Ezek. 20.27. 2 Sam. 12.14. Rev. 16.9. 1 Cor. 10 1… Exo. 16.2, 3. Rev. 1 11. Jer. 36.24. 2 Chron. 36.15, 16, 17. Ezek. 9.9. when we neither seriously think upon them with our selves, nor make mention of his goodness before others to stirre them up to magnify the Lord. Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth Temples. Our Fathers understood not thy wonders in Aegypt, they remembred not the multitude of thy mercies. 10. Prophanness or disobedience in speech or life, whereby the Name of God is polluted, and pure Religion disgraced. Through breaking of the Law dishonourest thou God? For the Name of God is plasphemed amongst the Gentiles through you. 11. Impenitency, when men harden their hearts in sinne, and will not return unto the Lord, notwithstanding they have been often admonished, lovingly invited, and severely chastened. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the Name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. 12. Murmuring, impatiency, fretting at the hand of God upon us. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 13. Obstinacy and incorrigibleness, whereby the Lord is compelled to give his people into the hands of their enemies to be scourged, because no admonition, long-suffering, or gentle correction will work to sound and true amendment. Because Judah would not hearken to the Prophets of the Lord, whom he sent unto them, rising early and exhorting them to repentance: therefore he brought upon them the King of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the Sword in the house of their Sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man or him that stooped for age. 14. Denyall of the truth before men, or starting aside from our holy profession in the daies of persecution.Mat. 10.33. Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven. 15. Presumptuous arrogating or giving to any other, what is proper and peculiar to the Lord of Glory. The Angel of the Lord smote Herod, Act. 12.23. Dan. 5 23. Psal. 78.…1. Exo. 33.15, 16. Ezek 9.3. Jer. 18.17. Psal. 27.9 & 102.2. Psal. 7.9.that he was eaten of wormes; because he gave not God the glory. Lastly, We pray that God would not take from us the signes of his presence and glory, nor suffer the arrogant enemies of his truth to prevail and prosper to the dishonour of his Name.
Q. What are the wants that we bewail in this Petition?
A. 1. We bewail all the evils that we pray against in our selves or others, as knowing that God is thus dishonoured by men on earth. 2. We must not forget to confess with grief and sorrow, our dulness and deadness of heart, that we do not earnestly and constantly pray that Gods Name be glorified; that we consider not the greatness and excellency of the things we crave; that what we ask in words we deny in deeds, what we pray against we pluck down or hold upon our selves by our carelesness, forgetfulness, indulgence to sinfull passions, rushing into the occasions of sin, and works of darkness; that we weigh not our Petitions and root them in the heart, to express the power of them in life and conversation;Isa. 1.2, 3. Jer 5.7, 8. Psal. 78.32. Mar. 6.12. that our affect…ons are not stirred and moved according to the quality of Gods works and Word; and that we consider not as we ought, the wisdom, power, justice, and mercy of God appearing in his Works.
Q. How should we stirre up our selves devotionally to make this Petition?
A. To say this Petition feelingly, we must consider, First, How necessary a thing it is that God should have his glory. It is his right, and if we yeeld it not unto him,Rom. 11.36. Rev. 4.11. he will be glorified in us. For to this end all things were made, we live, move, and have being from him to no other purpose. Secondly, Though this is so necessary, yet how little God is honoured by us, who are his, he passing by us in many parts of his providence, we not seeing him, nor taking any heed to him in the things we do see; not affected with fear, joy, thankfulness as they require, little thinking on him, not speaking of him to his praise, not ordering our works in such sort as they might be to the glory of him our heavenly Father. It is God that hath formed us in the womb, brought us into the world, provided for us ever since, spred our Table, protected us against all dangers, laid us to sleep, raised us up again, dressed, undressed us, led us by the arms, and taught us to go. He hath given his Son to redeem us, revealed himself unto us in his Word, regenerated us by his Spirit, freely justified us from sinne, adopted us for his Sonnes, and sanctified us unto holy obedience. But we seldom think upon these blessings, we prize them not according to their worth, we walk not as becomes them that have received such favours from the Lord. How many waies do we take Gods Name in vain? Thirdly, We must consider how our hearts are so poisoned with love of our own names, estimation, and that glory which is from man,Joh. 12.43, 44. & 5 43. that we are altogether careless of Gods glory. Hence it is, that if we circumstantially so fail, that it craseth our reputation in any kind with men, it doth sting us, but when we be faulty towards God, we pass it over without trouble. Hence it is, that if one put the least contemptuous behaviour upon us, using a term of any disgrace, it doth kindle coales presently; but we can hear Gods Name dishonoured, and not be affected, and moved with it. We had need therefore to pray unto God, that he would heal this matter. Fourthly, To marke how fearfully with wicked ones not yet called, Gods Name is prophaned. Doth it not pity us when we hear that our friends have such servants as do twenty dishonest parts, which will redound to their discredit? Did we see their giving no regard to their Master, rioting his goods otherwise then he commandeth, drinking themselves drunk in his Cellers, would it not grieve us? Thus that Lord of us all,Psal. 119.139. that Master in Heaven is used by those that should be servants unto him; which if we well weigh, we cannot but cry to him for help, that those deluges of his dishonour might be stopped and diminished. Fifthly, We should seriously consider how forward we have been to dishonour God in thought, word and deed, before our conversion and calling out of the Kingdom of darkness. Were not our hearts set upon evil works? Did we not devise abhominable things? Were not our deeds sinfull and odious? What good thing did we receive from God, which we abused not to the dishonour of his Name? How contemptuously have we slighted mercy profered in the Gospel? And should we not zealously affect the glory of God now we be called to the participation of grace, when in former times we prophaned his Name very wickedly? Sixthly, Gods Promises to such as seek his glory,Deut. 32.51. 1 Sam. 2.30. and threatnings to such as do otherwise; He will honour such as honour him, and such as despise him, shall be dispised. Seventhly, Let us consider that this is no common honour which God vouchsafeth us, when he commendeth unto us the care of his glory, and doth so farre abase himself, that he will make account of that honour which we give unto him, and desire to have it maintained and kept safe and sound. Eighthly, Let us remember how great his wisdom, goodness, righteousness, power, and all Vertues that are in him are, which whosoever shall deeply weigh with himself, cannot but be ravished in great admiration of him, to praise and magnify him in thought, word and deed. These things pondered, will ingender some more feeling when we preferre this Petition. Lastly, We have the example of Christ our Saviour, the holy Angels, and many of the Saints of God to incite and provoke us to glorifie God. I seek not mine own glory, but I honour my Father. Holy, Holy, Ioh. 8.50. & 17.4. Isa. 6.3. Psal. 145.11. Rev. 4.11.Holy Lord of Hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy Name forever and ever. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created. Who is not awakened with this heavenly melody? Who is not stirred up to sing and rejoyce, at the hearing of those triumphant Songs of praise?
Q. What are the special blessings for which we are to give thanks according to this Petition?
A. 1. God is to be magnified for his excellent Works of creation and providence, whereby as he formed, so he governs all things in most excellent order. The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoyce in his workes. Psal. 104.31, 32, 33. Rom. 11.36He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hils, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live. 2. He is to be praised, that he hath manifested his glory in Christ Jesus unto the Church, and make known unto them his incomprehensible wisdom, mercy, compassion, love, and long-suffering. Blessing, glory, Phil. 4.29, 20. Rev. 5.12, 13.honour and power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 3. We must bless the Lord that he hath shewed his power and goodness in the protection of his Saints, and confusion of their and his enemies. Fear God, and give glory to him, Ier. 33.9. Apoc 14.7. Apoc. 15.3, 4. & 19.2, 3.for the houre of his Judgment is come. Great and marvellous are thy workes, Lord God Almighty, just and true are thy waies, thou King of Saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorifie thy Name? 4. Thanks and praise must be returned unto God for his gifts and graces freely vouchsafed unto us: that he hath enlightned our eyes to see and discern things pertaining to his glory; that he hath enriched our hearts with any measure of faith, love, reverence,2 Cor. 2.14. Eph. 5.20. 1 Tim. 1.12, 13, 14, 15. 2 Tim. 4.17, 18. hope, zeal; strengthened us to walk unblameably, given us grace to reform our evil course of life, and called us to the profession of the truth, and made us constant in manifold persecutions.
Q. What conclusions may be drawn from this Petition?
A. First, Barely to use the Titles of God is not to pray, but therein we must lift up the heart to his excellency, either to crave and beg some blessing we stand in need of,Psal. 145.6, 7 9, 10, 11. Psal. 71.15, 22, 23, 24. Psal. 63.4, 5. Nihil petimus Deo intrinsecus accedere quod antea non habuerit: sed exterius aliquid fieri quo ejus gloria innotescat ad bominum utilitatem optamus. No… en, regnum, obedientia. non sunt in illo intimo Dei bono, sed assumuntur extrinsecus. 1 Cor 10.31. 2 Sam. 12.28. Gen. 41.16. Dan. 2.20, 28. Psal. 115.1. Ioh. 13.32. or to give thanks for some benefit received. Secondly, The chief thing that we are to desire, is, that God may more and more be honoured. This is more worthy then all the creature besides. The end is more worthy, than that which serves to the end; as meat and drink which serve to maintain the bodily life, are not so good as the body. So when all the creature and all the actions of us, are to tend hither, that God may be glorified, it is sure that Gods glory is farre more excellent; which must make us seek that he be more and more sanctified of us. It was Joabs praise, so to order the Battell, that his Lord and King might have the glory of the day, and not himself; Ought not all Gods subjects to respect their God, more then he did, or could respect his King? Excellently spake Joseph, when, that the honour of interpreting Dreames might not be given unto him, he saith, It is not in me, God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. In like manner Daniel would not assume to himself the power of revealing secrets, but saith, There is a God who revealeth secrets. These examples are for our learning, so that we must alwaies say with the Psalmist, Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give glory. We see that servants of honourable personages they are all for their Lords honour; they will runne into Books, and out of good Inheritances sometimes, to maintain a kind of gallancy, which graces, as they think, the personage they serve: shall not we to our great good honour our God? If God be glorified by us, he also will glorifie us. O! let us seek his glory. Who will keep a servant no way to his credit? no more will God let us retain unto him alwaies, if we be so careless to him this way. Set and consider the dreadfull Judgments of God upon them, that in pride of heart have trampled upon his glory. Did he not honour himself upon Pharaoh and his Land, by his wonderfull Plagues which he sent amongst them,Exo. 14.4, 17. Rom. 9.22, 23. Ezek. 28.22. Isa. 37.23, 36. Dan. 4.30, 31. Dan. 5.23. Lev. 24 15, 16. Second causes are but the hands of God filled for our use, whereby he is pleased to reach forth good things unto us. Isa. 42.8. & 48.11. Psal. 79.9. Psal. 14.2. Rom. 3.10, 11. till he made Pharaoh himself and the Aegyptians to know that he was the Lord? Did not the Lord make Senacherib an example to all that should reproach the holy One of Israel? Did he not abase the pride of Nebuchadnezar, whilest he vaunted himself in his glory and greatness? For the like sinne was Belshazar weighed in the ballance, and found too light. These things are registred for our warning, that if we would not perish with them, we should not sinne as they did 3. No glory or honour should be given to any thing in the world, but to the Name of God, further then they are instruments, whereby we may arise to glorifying of it. For God will not give his glory unto any, no not to the manhood of our Saviour Christ. Fourthly, It is a singular benefit of God to be admitted to the sanctifying of his Name, and as it were to set the Crown upon his head, and to hold it there; especially seeing he is able himself to do it: and when he would use others hereunto, he hath so many Legions of Angels to do it; yea, he can raise up stones to that purpose. Ffthly, When we seek this at God, we confess it is God that teacheth and enableth us to honour him. Our Children have no behaviours more civil, to our credit, which we do not train them unto. None by nature understandeth, none enquireth after God, nor yet care to glorifie him as God. As he is the God that teacheth us to profit in all points, so in this. The use of it is to teach us to referre all unto God, that we do prosperously this way, who worketh it in us, not our selves. As also to teach us on whom we must hang with conscience of our own wants, that we may more and more be enabled this way. Sixthly, Hence we see what care we must have neither to dishonour God our selves, nor to partake with it in others: for so doing we seem to mock God, and deny in deed, that which we beg in words. He that asketh his daily bread, and is careless to get, or save any thing by some lawfull calling, should deride and tempt the living God. Seventhly, From hence we perceive, that spying Gods dishonour, we must be grieved:Ier. 9.1, 2. Ezek. 9.4. Iob 1.5. Psal. 119.136. Psal. 74.22, 23. for who can desire that truely, but it will grieve him to see the contrary? Yea, we must by ejaculation of our mind renew our requests (when we see such Spectacles) that God himself would provide for the maintaining the honour of his own Name. Arise O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily. Forget not the voice of thine enemies, the tumult of those that rise up against thee, increaseth continually. Eighthly, Holiness is the highest Title of honour and glory that can belong to any person, yea, to the most high God. As any person or thing is more holy: so is it more honourable. It was the honour of Jerusalem to be an holy City. It is the glory of the third Heaven, to be the high and holy place. As men were more holy:Psal. 16.2. so did David count them more excellent. When Christ Jesus will present his Church unto God a glorious Church, he will sanctifie it, and present it holy and without blemish. Eph. 5.26, 27.Mary magnifyeth the Lord in her song, thus;Luk. 1.49. Rev. 4.8. Rev. 15.4. Isa. 6.3. Non est omnino idem sanctificari quod glorificari sed glorificari veluti species comprehenditur in sanctificati, aut ex eo sequitur, sicut causa ex effectu. Jans. har. 41. cap. Lev. 11.44. 1 Pet. 1.14, 15. He that is mighty hath done great things for me, and holy is his Name. The four living creatures say, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. The Saints sing, Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorifie thy Name? for thou only art holy. When the Seraphims would gie God the greatest honour and glory, they cry, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Hosts. Holiness in God is the rectitude and perfection, and so the glory of his power, mercy, justice, and all other his attributes: which are all most holy, and so most glorious. And as for other things, the more they partake of holiness, the more like they are unto God, and therefore the more excellent.