The Power of Godliness, Book 6 · Chapter 3
CHAP. III. The Rules to be observed in the Exposition of the several Petitions in this Prayer, and how they are to be distinguished. Of the first Petition, wherein is shewed what is meant by Name, and by hallowed. The Ground of this Petition, what we desire of God therein; And how God is glorified of us in spirit, word, and workes.
Question: WHat Rules are to be observed in the Exposition of the Petitions in this Prayer?
A. 1. Each Petition hath a certain and firm ground, which must be known, acknowleged and believed. 2. Each Petition doth imply some confession or acknowlegement in respect of our selves. 3. Where we pray for any good, we pray against the contrary evils,Christus non praescripsit formulam gratiarum actionis: quia sicut prec…r, ita debenius gratias agere. Nam precatio est de futuris seu tandis gratiarum actio pro praeteritis seu tandis. Alst. ubi supr. and give thanks for the good things bestowed, or evils taken away, bewailing our defects and sins with grief and sorrow. 4. If one kind or part of any thing be expressed in any Petition, all kinds and parts of the same thing are to be understood. 5. Where any good thing is prayed for in any Petition, the causes and effects thereof, and whatsoever properly belongs unto the said thing, is understood to be prayed for in the same Petition: except they fall out to be the express subject of some other Petition. And so when evils are prayed against, there causes, occasions, and events also are prayed against. 6. What we pray, we ask not for our selves alone, but for others, specially our Brethren in the faith.
Q. How may the Petitions of this Prayer be distinguished?
A. For the number of Petitions, Divines of good antiquity have reckoned seven, making two of the last; others of no less authority, have not regarded the number at all: Some of the Antient, and many of the Orthodox later Writers have reckoned but six: because the conjunction [but] knitteth, lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil, together into one sentence. But whether there be six or seven, it is no matter of our faith, and doth not deserve any heat of disputation to decide the controversie. If we respect the different persons whom the matter of the Petitions concerns,Jansen. har. cap 41. they are thus divided: the three first concern God only; the three last concern man. Again, if we respect that wh…ch ought to be the chief end of every mans desire, and the means to compass the said end,Basting. Catech. 9.122. they have this order, and are thus divided: the first expresseth the desire of the chief good; the means whereby this end is attained, are the matter of all the rest.Alsted. in orat Dom. Martin. sim. verb. Dei. Others divide them thus: In these six Petitions we ask either the end of our life, or the means which lead to this end. The end is either principall, the glory of God in the first Petition, or subordinate, our salvation, in the second Petition. The means are either leading to the end, or seducing from the end. The former we pray for, in the third and fourth Petitions, viz. piety and sustentation: the latter we pray against, in the fifth and sixth Petition, viz. sin past and present. Many such like divisions are made, but I will not stand to recite them at this present.Namen est id quo quis agnoscitur: & ita passim in Sc. usurpatur. Mol. in Psal. 20. Psal. 22.3. Psal. 22.22. Psal. 116.13. 1 Reg. 5.5. Psal. 5.12. Psal. 115.1. Isa. 29.23. Psal. 44.5. & 68.4. & 86 9. Prov. 18.10. Psal. 118.10, 11. & 20.7.1. Joel 2.26. Exo. 34.5, 6. Exo. 3.14. & 6.3. Lev. 19.12. Deut. 32.3. Act. 9.15. Isa. 42.4 Mat. 12.21. Mal. 1.11, 12. Act. 21.13. Mic. 4.5. Mat. 28.19. Act. 2.15. Isa. 26.8. Rev. 3.4. & 11.13. 1 King. 5 5. 1 Pet. 4.14.
Q. What is the first Petition?
A. Hallowed be thy Name.
Q. What is meant by thy Name?
A. Name hath reference to God, and thy Name, signifyeth God himself, the Person named. More plainly, Name is put here for God, by Name or any other waies notifyed, that is, by Titles, Properties, Works, Ordinances, Mercies, Judgments, or Signes of his presence and glory made known unto us. Name is put for the Person named, and so named, one kind of manifesting a Person for all other.
Q. What is meant by this word hallowed?
1 Cor. 6.10, 11. 2 Cor. 7.1. 1 Pet. 1.16. Exo. 20.8. Isa. 13.3. 1 Cor. 7.14. 1 Tim. 4.4. Gen. 2.3. Lev. 10.3. 1 Pet. 3.15. 1 Pet. 4.11. Isa. 29.23. Act. 11.18. 2 Thes. 1.12. Ezek. 38.23.A. 1. To hallow, is to make a thing holy, which by nature was common or prophane, as the faithfull, by nature unclean, are sanctified by grace. 2. It signifies to separate or sever a thing in it self unholy, or common to an holy or singular use civil or sacred, and that in efficacy, word or deed, by sanctification only or appropriation also. So God sanctified the Sabbath, the Temple, the Sacrifices, and the Priests. 3. To sanctifie is to declare, manifest, acknowledg, and profess the holiness of a thing that is holy already. In the first sense, the word Hallow must not be taken in this Petition: for God and his Name alwaies was, is, and for ever shall be of it self most holy: But we pray, that this holiness of God may be declared, manifested, acknowledged,Psal. 96.8. Mat. 11.19. and holily professed more and more; as wisdom is justified of her children: so declared to be, and approved of those that embrace her. This word Hallowed is set down in such a form of signification, as includeth all persons or things which are capable of setting forth and acknowledging his holiness. As, let thy Name be hallowed by thee; so saith Christ, Glorifie thy self. And,Joh. 12.28. Make me to hallow thy Name, in acknowledging thy holiness. And let all others acknowledg thee to be holy and the only true God. Thus Elias prayed,1 Reg. 18.30. Let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel.
Q. What is the ground of this Petition to be believed?
A. That God is in himself most holy, wise, strong, good, gracious, just,Psal. 148.13. Psal. 95.1, 2. Psal. 96.4, 5. Psal. 99.3, 9. 2 King. 19.19. Rev. 15.4. Dan. 5.23. Neh. 9.5. Isa. 29.23. Job. 1.21 Exo. 8.1, 2. Psal. 72.18. Psal. 113.3. & 111.9. mercifull, and of incomprehensible glory; that his Name is most excellent, wonderfull, and glorious, worthy to be praised, excelling above all thanksgiving and praise, most dear to God, and to be magnified of all his Saints.
Q. What do we acknowledg in respect of our selves?
A. We acknowledg that we were created such, as might worthily sanctifie the Name of God:Ezek. 36.21, 22 Jer. 23.27. Rom. 2.24. Amos 2.7. Mal. 1.6. but that since the fall of man we are so corrupt and wicked of our selves, so blind, hard-hearted, prophane, and poysoned with self-love, that we more regard our own credit and reputation than the glory of God; yea, that we cannot without the speciall grace of God, desire, think or do the things that pertain to his glory.
Q. What desire we of God in this Petition?
A. The summe is, that God would so work, that himself howsoever made known by Titles, Word or Works, may be discerned of us as holy,2 King. 19.19. and so confessed, and accordingly respected of us; that God would so effect this, that himself may be more and more honoured of us, who are his chosen,2 Sam. 7.26. Psal. 40.16. & 115.11. 1 Chro. 16.35 36. & 17.24. Psal. 35.27. Isa. 8.13. and in all others that are the Children of destruction. In brief, we pray that Gods infinite excellency and holiness may be declared and acknowledged amongst us, in us, and with us.
Q. What things do we a…k more particularly?
A. First, Here we ask that God would work all such things as may be matter of his praise, whether they be good things towards his Children, or judgments upon the wicked. For thus God doth honour himself,Isa. 41.20. Psal. 67.1, 2. Exo. 9.16. …sal. 25.3. Jansen har. 45. p. 41. Exo. 15.1, 2, 3, &c. Ezek. 20.9, 14, 41. veses. Ezek. 39.7. Ezek. 28.22. when he doth such things before us, upon which we take occasion to honour him. Hence it is that he will winne honour to his Name in delivering his Children, and inflicting judgments upon them that walk rebelliously, and be enemies to his Church and people. The Lord speaking of the bringing back of his people out of captivity, and destruction upon their enemies, saith, I wrought for my Names sake, that it should not be polluted before the Heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made my self known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the Land of Aegypt. Behold I am against thee, O Zidon, and I will be glorified in the midst of thee, and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have executed judgment in her. And I will sanctifie my great Name, which was prophaned among the Heathen, Ezek. 36.23.which ye have prophaned in the midst of them; and the Heathens shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. I will rain upon him [sc. Gog] and upon his bands, Ezek. 38.16, 22, 23. verses. Psal. 145.4, 5, 6, 7. Jer. 33.7, 9.and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great haile-stones, fire and brim-stone: Thus will I magnifie my self, and sanctifie my self, and I will be known in the eyes of many Nations. I will cause the captivity of Judah to return, &c. And it shall be to me a Name of joy, a praise, Isa. 5.16. Psal. 76.1, 2, 3. Isa. 64.2.and an honour before all the Nations of the earth. The Prophet foretelling what Judgments the Lord would bring upon the disobedient, saith, The Lord of Hosts shall be exalted in Judgment, Psal. 83 9, 18. Psal. 106.8, 47. Lev. 10.3. Exo. 14.18. Numb. 20.13. Psal. 9.16. Jer. 9.23. Jer. 31.32, 33. Col. 1.15. Heb. 1.2. Joh. 17.3. 2 Cor. 3.18. 1 Cor. 1.24. Joh. 1.18. Rom. 16.27. Eph. 3.21. 1 P t. 4.11. Josh. 7.8, 9. Ez…k. 36.22, 23.and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. And when he inflicted that judgment on Aarons Sonnes, he said, He would be glorified in such as come near him. If he might not have it from them, he would have it in them, by sending such Judgments on them, as might be matter of his glory. Secondly, We pray that God would make himself known unto all Nations in and through Jesus Christ, who is the Image of the invisible God, the engraven form of his Person, the brightness of his glory. For in Christ we behold the glory of the Lord as it were with open face. What we know of God by the works of creation and providence, is little in comparison of that we see of his goodness, mercy, wisdom, grace, long-suffering, and clemency in Jesus Christ. And as God glorifieth himself by the revelation of his Son; so do the Saints glorifie him in and through Jesus Christ. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Ʋnto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus. If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Thirdly, We ask of God to refrain the bringing of such things upon us, which might make wicked ones take occasion to prophane his Name. For when God saith, he will not pullute his Name among the Heathen, by the utter extinguishing of his people; he doth teach us that the giving occasion to wicked ones to crow against his people, and himself their God, is a dishonour of his Majesty: and therefore here we pray it may be prevented. Remember this, Psal 74.10, 18.that the enemy hath reproached, O Lord, and that the foolish people have plasphemed thy Name. In this respect, God is pleased both to spare his people, not bringing upon them deserved wrath, and to deliver them out of misery after he hath humbled them for a season.Deut. 32.26, 27. Ezek. 20.14, 15. Ezo. 32.12 Numb. 14 13. Deu…. 9 28. Psal 106.7, 8. Isa. 52.5. I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men; were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely. Our Fathers understood not thy wonders in Aegypt, they remembred not the multitude of thy mercies: but provoked him at the Sea, even at the red Sea; Nevertheless, he saved them for his Names sake. Now therefore what have I here, saith the Lord, that my people is taken away for nought? They that rule over them, make them to howle, saith the Lord, and my Name continually every day is blasphemed. Yet if it so fall out, that the state of Gods people is incorrigible, and they will not be reclaimed from prophaning Gods Name, it is better that the open enemy should blaspheme them, than that he should receive such intollerable indignity from his own people. Because thou hast forgotten me, Jer. 13.25, 26. Josh 7.12. Jer. 30.14.and trusted in falshood, Therefore will I discover thy skirts upon thy face, that thy shame may appear. Thy sorrow is incurable, for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sinnes were increased, I have done these things unto thee. Fourthly, We ask that God would make us grow up to acknowledge him,Jer. 9.23. Psal. 67.2 & …00.3. Hos 6.6. Joh. 17.3. Psal. 67.2. in all means and waies of his, wherein he manifesteth his glory. For as the Sunne shining brightly, should be glorious in it self, but if eyes were not opened to behold it, it should not be had in account as glorious with man; so the Lord, glorious in all his waies, hath not that glory in his creature, till, the eye of the mind opened, this be discerned of them. This is to be prayed for, because the dimme sight of the most holy men being unable to comprehend the high acts of God, hath driven them to stagger in themselves. When David beheld the prosperity of the wicked,Psal. 73.3▪ 4, 5, 6. Jer. 12.1. Hab 1.13. and considered the manifold afflictions wherewith the godly are exercised every day, he was somewhat moved at it, untill he went into the Sanctuary of the Lord, and there understood the end of these men. Fifthly, We ask that he would enable us more and more in spirit, word and work,1 Cor. 10 31. 1 Cor. 6… 20. Psal. 71 17, …8. 2 Sam. 7.26. 1 Chron. …6.35. Rom. 11.36. & 16.27. Phil. 4.20. Rom. 1.21. Luk. 5.26. Act. 3.10. Psal. …3.2. & 132.7. to give him glory from our selves, and seek that others may do the same, moved by our word and works; that as we discern him to be holy and glorious every way, so we may accordingly glorifie him; that we might be zealous of his glory. Sixthly, We desire that God would dwell amongst us in the signes of his presence, that in them we might behold his strength and glory.
Q How is God glorified of us in spirit?
A. 1. By an inward and faithfull acknowledgment, admiration,Psal. 8.1. Psal. 48.10, 11. Psal. 67.2. Col. 1.10. and consideration of his power, goodness, grace and holiness revealed in his Word, and manifested in his works above the capacity, contrary to the expectation of men in this world. O Lord, how great are thy works, and thy thoughts are very deep! A brutish man knoweth not: neither doth a fool understand this; Psal. 92.5, 6, 7. Isa. 33.9, …0. & 28.23, 24, 25. & 42.14. Joh. 3.33. Rom. 4.20. 2 Chron. 16.8, 9. Isa. 8.12, 13. 1 …et. 3.15. Psal. 22.23. Psal. 6….7. Eccl. 3.14. Jer. 5.22. Psal. 119.120. Isa. 66.2. Psal. 63 8. Psal. 139.17, 18. Psal. 19.10. & 119.97. Psal. 116.1. Psal. 33.1. Jer. 9.23. 1 Cor. 1.31. Psal. 22.26. Psal. 115.1. 2 Sam. 7.18. Psal. 8.5. & 144.3. Luk. 1.48. Psal. 69.9. Joh. 2.17. Isa. 29.23. Exo. 15.1, 2. Isa. 42.12. Psal. 50.23. Jer. 32.17. Psal. 103.1, 2. 1 Thes. 5.8. Psal. 79.9. Psal. 8.1, 2.When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish: it is, that they shall be destroyed for ever. 2. By our sound affiance and confidence in the Word of God, resting upon his grace, staying upon his power and faithfulness, adhereing unto his Commandements. Abraham staggered not at the Promise through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory unto God. 3. God is glorified by us when we stand in awe of his greatness, and fear before him continually. Sanctifie the Lord in your hearts, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. I know that whatsoever God doth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doth it that men should fear before him. 4. By intire love, and sound joy God is glorified, whereby we sincerely cleave unto him for his goodness, and heartily rejoyce in his favour. I love thee dearly, O Lord, my strength. Rejoyce in the Lord, ye righteous. 5. Humbleness of mind, and spiritual poverty fitteth the soul to glorifie God. For he that in all things denyeth himself, will give God the praise of all his works. What am I, that thou shouldst do so great things for me! 6. Ardent zeal for the glory of God is here begged also. Thy zeal hath even consumed or eaten me up. 7. He that acknowledgeth his sinnes, and offereth praise to God for his general goodness or particular favours, glorifieth him. These as they be internall Operations of the soul, must be referred to this Head.
Q. How is God glorified in word?
A. By confession of our sinnes; justifying God in his Judgments,Josh. 7.19. 1 Sam. 6.5. Psal. 119.75. Neh. 9.33. Psal. 51.4. 1 Sam. 3.18. Ezra 9.10 Isa. 39.8. Dan. 9.7. Lam. 3.22. 2 Chro. 12 6. Job 36.24. Psal. 145.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 21. Psal. 116 12. Deut. 32.3. Psal. 51.15. & 40.9, 10. Psal. 50.23. Hos. 14.3. Psal. 34.1. Act. 4.21. Psal. 29.9. Psal. 45.1. Psal. 106.47. Gen. 14.20. Ruth 4.14. 1 King. 1.48. Psal. 63 3, 4. Psal. 51.15. Psal. 71.8. Rom 14.11. 1 Pet. 3 15. though hidden and above our reach; celebrating his works, confession of his truth, and speaking good of his Name to others But all this must proceed from an heart truly, sincerely, zealously affected to the praise of God. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made, touching the King: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. The Prophet would signifie, that being enflamed by the Spirit, and provoked by the ardent love of the Messias and his Kingdom, he could not refrain his tongue and hand.
Q. How is God glorified in workes?
A. 1. By sincere worship, when we approve, esteem, and exercise the holy Ordinances of God according to his appointment. If ye will not hear, Mal. 2.2.and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my Name, saith the Lord of Hosts, I will even send a curse upon you. 2. By reformation of our lives,Jer. 13.16. Hos. 6.1 if we have gone astray. Give glory to the Lord your God before he cause darkness. 3. By fruitfulness in good works, walking before God in holiness and righteousness. Hereby is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit. Let your light so shine before men, Joh. 15.8. Mat. 5.16. Phil. 1.11. 1 Pet. 2.12. 2 Thes. 1.12. Prov. 3 11, 12. Isa. 39.8. Job 2.20. Job 33.13. Job 13.15. Mich. 7.9. Iob 1.21. 2 Sam. 16.11. 1 Sam. 3.18. Psal. 119.71. Mat. 10.3…. Psal. 119.46. 1 Pet. 4.12. Ioh. 21.19. Dan. 6.5, 6. Tit. 2.10. 1 Tim. 6.1. 1 Tim. 4.5. Phil. 1.20.that they may see your good works, and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven. 4. By patient submission to the will of God, neither despising his corrections, nor despairing under them, nor fretting against him. Why doest thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, untill he plead my cause. 5. By constant undaunted profession and suffering for the Name of Christ, if we be called thereunto. I will speak of thy testimonies also before Kings, and will not be ashamed. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye, for the Spirit of glory, and of God resteth upon you: On their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 6. By diligence, faithfulness and honesty in our callings; as it is said of Daniel he was so faithfull, that no fault could be found in him. But all these must proceed from lively faith and ardent zeal to the glory of God. Mine earnest expectation and hope is, that in nothing I shall be ashamed: but that with all boldness, as alwaies; so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.