The Power of Godliness, Book 6 · Chapter 7
CHAP. VII. Of the third petition, The things therein to be noted, what is meant by the will of God, by In earth, and As it is in heaven. The ground of this petition, with the particular things therein desired, and reasons to shew the necessity thereof. The benefits of obedience, with the sin and misery of disobedience.
Question: WHat is the third petition?
A. Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven?
Quest. Why is this petition necessary?
A. 1. The name of God is acknowledged to be holy, when men do his will on earth. For then God is glorified on earth,Jo. 17.4. Ph. 1.20. when those under him finish the work he hath set them to do: which is then done, when the wills of all the subjects of his Kingdom are subject to the will of their Lord and King.Mal. 1.16. Ps. 40.7, 8. Ezek. 36.26, 27. Ph. 2.13. Heb. 13.21. 2. Unless God cause that every man do his will in that particular place wherein God hath set him, the Kingdom of Christ cannot be conserved and flourish. 3. We cannot be the Citizens of the Kingdom of God, unless we do his will. But of our selves by reason of the corruption of our nature, we cannot do the will of God.
Quest. What things are to be noted in this petition?
A. Two things, 1. The matter, that Gods will be done. The thing to be submitted unto, is Gods will, implied in a special emphasis in the praticle [thy] importing thus much, not the will of Satan, or the will of men, but of God. For these words thy will, must needs have reference to the words of the preface, Our Father. 2. The matter of doing, taken from the pattern and samplar of the Angels doing Gods will.
Quest. What is signified by the will of God?
A. The will of God [to omit other significations] in Scripture signifieth two things. 1. The decree of God concerning future events.Ps. 115.3. Es. 14.27. Mal. 3.6 Es. 46.10. Rom. 9.19. 1 Pet. 3.17. Pro. 27.1. Act. 1.7. & 4.28. …s. 36.6. Rom. 11.33. The Lord doth whatsoever he will. The counsel of the Lord shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. Who hath resisted his will? But the petition is not meant of this secret will: first, because no man can know it, nor search it out until it come to pass, whereas to the doing of this will, knowledge is necessary. Secondly, For that it is unresistable and cannot be withstood by any man. Thirdly, for that there are no promises for the performing of it, seeing a man may do the secret will of God, and perish as Judas, Deut. 29.29. Rom. 12.2. Deut. 29.29. Mar. 3.35. Ps. 103.21. Math. 7.21. & 12.50. 1 Pet. 2.15. Heb. 10.36. Act. 21.14. Jo. 6.40. Jo. 14.1. 1 Thes 4.3. Rom. 6 13. Jo. 9.31. Rom 12.1, 2. 1 et. 2.15 Rom. 8.29. Eph. 3.10.Pilate, &c. Fourthly, A man may do the secret will of God, and yet sin, and purpose what is not agreeable to the secret will of God without sin. 2. The word of God, which is his revealed Will, setting down what we ought to do, believe, or leave undone, The Ministers of his that do his pleasure. And this is meant in this place. Now of the whole revealed Will of God, there be three special points, which principally belong to this petition. 1 To believe in God through Christ. This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth in him, should have everlasting life. 2. Sanctification of body and soul, This is the will of God, even your sanctification. 3. The bearing of afflictions in this life, Those which he knew before, he did predestinate to be made like to the Image of his own Son.
Quest. What is it to do the Will of God?
A. To obey it, and that both in prosperity and adversity, All that the Lord hath said, Ps. 142.10. Deut. 6.1, 2. Deut. 27.…0. Ex. 24.7. Deut. 4 6. & 5.1. Act. 21.14. Eph. 6.6. Heb. 13.21. Jam. 1.25. 1 Pet. 4.2.we will do and obey. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.
Quest. What is meant by these words, In earth?
A. Earth in this place, is put by a Metonymy of the subject, for men dwelling on the earth;Ps. 33.8. Ps. 67.2.7. Ps. 65.5. Ps. 96.9. as in that of the Psalmist, Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. The persons who should do this Will, are noted forth by the place where they live, and where this Will must be done: see, all men on earth must desire that Gods will may be done on earth. Man by nature doth his own will and the will of Satan: but he is to desire and do not his own will, but the will of God.
Quest. What is the meaning of the words following, As it is in Heaven.
A. These words shew the manner how we must pray to do the will of God, that is, readily in all parts, constantly with some resemblance to the heavenly creatures.Ps. 103.20. Luc. 1.6. 2 Reg. 23.25. Ps. 119.112. Ps. 103.20, 21. These persons are pointed at by the place where they are, and where they do the Will of God, viz. heaven, and its meant of the Holy Angels, who in heaven, do shew willing, ready, faithful and constant subjection and obedience unto God. And this is signified in the Scriptures when they are said to be winged, and to stand continually beholding the face of our heavenly Father. The particle in which the force of the sentence doth lie,Heb. 12.23. 1 Sam. 15.22. is not here a note of parity, degree or equality, but of similitude, likeness, and truth. In heaven the Angels obey God, in Earth men Living ought to be obedient.
Ps. 143.10. Jo. 5.30. Act. 21.14. Mat. 26.42. Deut. 29.29. Ps. 119.106. Col. 3.16.Quest. What desire you of God in this petition?
A. That whatsoever God revealeth as his Will unto us, which he would have us do, or by event maketh known as his Will in us, which we must suffer, that we may obey him both in the one and the other; like as the heavenly creatures obey him, that is, speedily, readily, faithfully, and constantly.
Quest. What is the ground of this petition?
Mal. 1.6. 1 Sam. 3.18. Rom. 7.12. Isa. 39.8, 1 Pet. 4.2.A. That God is our absolute Sovereign and gracious Father, whose Will is the rule of Justice, most Holy, Equal and Good, whereunto by debt and covenant we must be conformable, and which God of his grace will inable us to do.
Quest. What do we acknowledge concerning our selves?
A. First we acknowledge that once we were in that condition, that we might have done the will of God, whereunto we were obliged by the covenant and commandment of justice, and the debt of former favours received. Secondly, that since the fall we are apt to do our own will, but to neglect, yea resist the will of God, and to cast off the yoke of Christ:Tit. 3.3. with which rebellion is joyned inability to do what is commanded, or to suffer patiently what is laid upon us.
Quest. What are the particular things we desire of God in this Petition?
A. First, we desire grace to deny our own wills: because they are corrupt, unjust, and dangerous,Es. 58.13. 1 Pet. 4.2. Luc. 9.23. Gen. 6.5. & 8.21. Rom. 8.7. & 7.24. which may be proved by the corruption of the understanding after the fall, from which evil thoughts, devices, counsels, purposes and resolutions do flow: which Moses affirmeth to be evil in man even from his childhood, as also Paul saith, That the wisdom of the flesh is an enemy to God, because it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. Now if the understanding be corrupt, the will must needs be evil: and if we be not able so much as to will well, we are much less able to work well. Besides we are not in our own power, but belong unto the Lord: wherefore our own reason or will must not bear sway in our counsels and doings, we must not set before us this end to seek what is expedient according to the flesh.Mat. 16.24. Ps. 1 9.8. Vers. 19. Vers. 36, 37. Vers. 133. 1 Cor. 15.10. 2 Cor. ….5. 1 Cor 13.9. Ps. 119.18.33.34. Col. 1.9, 10. Eph 5.17. Deut. 4.14. & 5.1. Is. 8.19, 20. Ps. 1.2. & 119.97. …rov. 2.1, 2. Prov. …9.2. & 4.5, 7. Jo. 6.29. Rom. 1.5.12. Heb. 10.36, …8 Heb. 11.6. Rom. 14.23. …s. 86.11. Zeph. 2.3. Ps. 119 32, 36. Ps. 51.6. Tit. 3 8. Phil 1.10. 2 Cor. 2.17. Gen. 17.1. H…b. 13.18. 1 Tim. 1.5. M…t. 6.1, 2. Luc. 18.11, 12. Ps. 119.112.167, 168. Ps. 119.60 Deut. 5.28, 29. This renouncing of our selves is so necessary, that Christ will acknowledge none to be his disciple, unless he first deny his own will. Howbeit because nothing is more hard then to renounce our own will, because we are carnal, and love our selves, and our own too carefully, we are taught to ask it of God that he will bring this to pass, and give us power to renounce our own wills. Secondly, we pray that God would not leave us to our selves, our own errors and wicked desires. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly, I am a stranger in the earth, hide not thy commandments from me, Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity. Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Thirdly, we beg the true knowledge of Gods will, so much as may direct us in doing well, and guide us in every good motion, desire, and action: for otherwise how shall we do it? How can that servant please his master, who cannot tell what he would have done of him? Most men will have books of statutes in their houses, and if they be to deal in any great matter they will take counsel of their books: In like manner men should acquaint themselves with the word of God, which is the rule of righteousness, according to which they ought to walk. Fourthly, we crave increase of Faith that might season every affection, command every thought, and subdue every passion into the obedience of Gods will and govern in every action. It is the will of God, that we should live by faith in all estates, inseparably adhering to every commandment, and resolutely holding fast every promise, though it be far above our apprehension. Fiftly, We beg humility of heart and spirit, that we might be ready at all times to submit our selves to the good pleasure of God. Seek ye the Lord, ye meek of the earth▪ seek meekness, seek judgement. 6. Truth, soundness, integrity, uprightness, and sincerity is to be prayed for, that they may be inwardly increased, and shine forth in all our practice and conversation. Thou requirest truth in the inward parts. Paul prayeth in the behalf of the Philippians, that they might be sincere and withour offence till the day of Christ. It is the commandment of God, that we should be inti…e and upright in all things: but what he commandeth, that must we crave of him by hearty supplication. 7. Willingness, delight, diligence and fervor in well-doing is to be asked of God, that the heart being set at liberty, we might be able to set upon that which is pleasing in the sight of God, freely, with chearfulness, and without delay. Thy people shall come willingly. It is good to be zealous in a good matter. Ps. 110.3. Gal. 4.18. Psal. 119.45. Vers 60. Ps. 119.143. Ps. 119.35. Jo. 4.34. Col. 2.7. & 10. Heb. 13.18. Ps. 119.36, …7. Deut. 26.14. Heb. 13.20.21, & 6.1. 2 Cor. 7 1. 1 Pet. 1.14, 15. 2 Pet. 1.5. 1 Thess. 4.1. Ps. 119.6. Ph. 2.13. Heb. 13.21. Ps. 17.5. Act. 20.24. Ps. 139.24. Gal. 6.9. 2 Thess. 2.16, 17. Act. 24.16. Ph. 3.13.14. 2 Thess. 3.13. Ps. 119.44.112 Apo. 2.10. 1 Cor. 11.1. Ps. 106.3. Rev. 13.10. Col. 1.11. Eph. 6.15. Rom 5 8. 2 Sam. 15 25, 26. Luc. 9.23. Jam. 1.2. Heb. 12.7. Act. 14.21. Mat. 16.24. 2 Cor. 6.4. Act 4 13. & 5.29 1 Cor. 16.13. 2 Tim. 2.25.26.I will run the race of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments. Make me to go into the path of thy commandments, for therein I delight. 8. We pray that God would give us grace more and more to renounce and die to our own will and works; that he should continually kindle and keep alive in us a desire, care, and endeavor in all things to live honestly in our conversations and particular callings, and strengthen us with grace more fully in all parts to obey him, till we feel not our selves, but Christ thinking, speaking, working in us. As ye have received of us how ye ought to walk, and to please God, so abound more and more. 9. That he would inable us wholy to do whatsoever he requireth, and give us not onelyonly to will, but to do his pleasure fully in one thing as well as another. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my foot-steps slip not. Lead me in the way everl…sting. 10. That he would establish us to persevere constantly in his obedience, unto the end, and in the end, without starting, fainting, or intermission. So shall I keep thy Law continually, for ever and ever. Blessed are they that keep judgement, and he that doth righteousness at all times. 11. That he would give us in all the evils we endure, to make his Will our will, and bless his Name, and inable us with strength of grace aforehand, to bear whatsoever it shall please him to lay upon us. My brethren count it all joy, when ye fall into divers tribulations. 12. That he would strengthen us with boldness and courage in well doing, against the fear of persecution, loss of goods, liberty or life. Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. Lastly, we pray that God would bring such as belong to his mercy from the snare in which they are taken to do the divels and their own will, to do his pleasure and work in his vineyard.
Quest. What considerations should move us to the more devout making of this request?
A. These three. 1. The necessity of making this Petition. 2 The great benefits of obedience. 3. The miserable estate of them that live in disobedience.
Quest. How may the necessity of making this petition appear?
A. First if we consider how most live in the open breach of Gods commandments. Would it not grieve a good subject to see men trample down the Kings Laws, and every one run upon his own head? Secondly, if we think how many things daily we offend in our unfruitfulness, which maketh us rather to be utterly idle and pick straws, then gird up our selves to holy thoughts. Our idle light discourse, our inordinate affections, our trespasses every where, and following our own lusts. Thirdly, if we remember and call to mind what unsoundness, insincerity, partiality, unchearfulness, sloth, coldness, we shall find in doing the work of God. We are dull in hearing, slight in prayer, negligent in preparing our selves to the Sacrament, inconstant in our purposes, loose in our thoughts, senceless under the burden of sins, troubled at the sins of word or deed that break forth to our disgrace, careless of what our conscience telleth us to be amiss betwixt God and our own souls. Fourthly, how imperfectly, and in a sorry fashion, we perform our daily dutyes both towards God and one another, what a deal of sin cleaveth unto them, that we cannot perfect the things we desire. Fifthly, our inconstancy, which maketh us no sooner in a good thing, but we are out again: and as little birds leap from pale to sprig, so we are out and in, off and on, and through sloth cannot hold out at these works, which are a dead work to our unregenerate parts. Sixthly, our utter impatience to think, will, do, perfect in some sort, and persevere in any good things, and the strength of our natural inclination carrying us another w…. Sence of want makes earnest in seeking help; the hungry belly will cry for bread. He that feels corruption haling him to that which is evil, cannot but cry to the Lord for strength of grace. Lastly, the manifold discomforts which the divel doth muster against us, that he might keep us from entring into, or continuing on, in any good action.
Quest. What are the benefits of obedience?
A. 1. This is the way to gain the honor and reputation of wise men. This is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the Nations. Deut. 4.6. Eph. 5.15, 17. Jer. 4.22. Io. 7.17. Act. 13.22.To be wise unto evil is the greatest sottishness: to be wise in obedience the greatest prudence. 2. By doing Gods will we shall come to more knowledge of his will. If any man will do his will (saith Christ) he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or no. 3. To fulfill Gods will, is to be a man according to Gods own heart. It is to approve a mans self to be Gods child, and Christs brother:Mar. 3.35. He that doth the will of God, the same is my brother, sister, and mother, saith Christ. 4 God will mercifully hear the prayers of them that devote themselves to the obedience of his will If any man will do his will, him he heareth; Jo. 9.31. Ps. 50.23.and to such belongeth the salvation of God. 5. All blessings spiritual and temporal are promised, and shall be conferred upon them that obey the commandments, and walk before God in love, If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. But to him that is happy, no good thing is wanting, no evil can approach. 6.Jo. 13.17. The Kingdom of Heaven is graciously promised to them that walk in obedience.
Quest. What is the miserable estate of the disobedient?
A. 1. They are children of wrath,Eph. 2.3. & 5, 6. Rom. 6.16. because they remain children of disobedience. 2. They are yet in the power of sin; for his servants they are whom they obey. 3. These men cannot scape without punishment. He that knoweth not his masters will is worthy stripes, saith our Saviour, But he that knoweth his masters will, and yet prepareth not, Luc. 12.47, 48neither doth according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 4. Disobedience doth exasperate God, he could not else have been so much provoked by Adam and Eves transgressing his will, for to curse the world in such sort that it groaneth under the burden of it unto this day; and to damne all men in eternal flames, had not the very Son of God by taking the curse upon himself, saved a chosen number of them. How did Sauls disobedience provoke the Lord against him? Who because he rejected the Word of the Lord, the Lord rejected him;1 Sam. 15.23. yet his fact was such, as carnal reason could, and did say much in excuse of it; but it was disobedience. Wherefore let no willing transgressor of Gods Will, deceive himself, nor suffer any man to deceive him: For such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Eph. 5.6.For this is most certain, That Christ cometh in flaming fire, 2 Thess. 1.8.to render vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.