A. Divines give us these reasons against it, (1.) Because this prayer is set down diversly by the evangelists; Mat. vi. 10, 12. Thy king- dom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And Luke xi. 3, 4. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins ; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (2.) Christ and his apostles did not always use this form of words afterwards, as appears by his prayer at Lazarus' grave, John xi, and that for his apostles, John xvii. (3.) Because these words. Mat. vi. 9. After this manner, &c. plainly shew, its use was intended for a directory to us.
Q. 10. What is the first inference from hence ?
A. Hence we learn the fulness and completeness of the Scriptures, not only for the guiding and settling of our faith in things that are to be believed, but also of our whole practice, in every duty we are to perform.
Q. 11. What is the second inference hence ?
A. Hence we are informed, liow necessary it is to acquaint our- selves with the mind of God, revealed in his word, that we may guide ourselves in prayer, both for matter and manner thereby : and not utter to God words without knowledge.
Q. 12. What is the last int'erence from hence ?
A. That those who neglect all prayer, and those that satisfy them*
296 AN EXPOSITION OF THE ASSEMBLY'S CATECHISM.
selves with a form of prayer, which they utter without knowledge of affection, do greatly sin against God. And that it is the duty of all Christians, from a sense of their own sins, wants, and mercies, to be often with God in prayer, guiding themselves in that spiritual duty, by such inward, and outward helps, as his word and Spirit are able to furnish them with.
Of the Preface to the Lord's Prayer.
Quest. 100. W HAT doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us.'*
A. The preface to the Lord's prayer^ which is, [Our Father which- art in heaven,] teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy rever- ence and confidence^ as children to a Father, able and ready to help us: and that we should pray with and for others.
Q. 1. What doth the word Father import in this preface ?
A. It imports the Spirit of adoption to be the principal thing in all acceptable prayers ; Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Q. 2. What is the first benefit, or help we have in prayer, from the Spirit of adoption ?
A. He excites our spirits to seek God in prayer ; Psal. xxvii. 8. When thou saidst. Seek ye my face ; my heart said unto thee. Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Q. 3. What is the second assistance he gives us in prayer ?
A. He indites and suggests suitable and acceptable matter to us in prayer ; Rom. viii. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our in- firmities : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but the Spirit itself makcth intercession for us, &c.
Q. 4. What is the third benefit we have by him in prayer.^
A. He fills our souls with spiritual and holy affections in prayer, and helps us to act his graces in our duties ; Rom. viii. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but the Spirit itself maketh interces- sion for US, with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Q. 5. What else doth this word Father import ?
A. It imports that holy confidence which believers may, and ought to draw near to God withal, as children to a Father ; Eph, iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access, with confidence, by the faith of him.
Q. 6. Doth it only signify our relation and confidence ?
A. No, it also signifies the reverential fear of God, which ought at all times to be on our hearts, especially in prayer ; Mai. i. 6. A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honour.? and if I be a master, where is my fear ?
Q. 7. What is further imported in this word Father .? . A^ It imports God's willingness and readiness to grant the best
AX EXPOSITION OF THE ASSEMBLV's CATECHISM:. 297
mercies to bis people that seek them duly at his hand; Mat. vii. 11. If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your chil- dren ; Ik)W much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him ?
Q. 8. Why is he here called our Father "?
A. To signify to us, that it is not only our duty to pray secretly by and for ourselves, but also with and for others? Eph. vi. 18. Praying always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints.
Q. 9. Why is God said here to be in heaven ?
A, It is to note his sovereign power and dominion over all, as a ground-work of faith in prayer.
Q. 10. What else doth it import ?
A. The great distance between God and us, which should fill our
hearts with an holy awe of him ; Eccl. v. 2. God is in heaven,
and thou upon earth : therefore let thy w^ords be few.
Q. 11. What is the first inference from hence ?
^. It shews us, what a sad case all those are in, that have no special interest in God as a Father.
Q. 12. What is the second inference from hence.'*
A. It shews us, what a glorious privilege the Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased for, and settled on his people.? Heb. iv. 15, 16. For we have not an high-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Q. 13. What is the last inference from hence ?
A. That seeing believers have a Father in lieaven, thev should never fear wants while they live, nor be afraid to die, since death briags them to heaven their Father's house.
Of sanctifying God's Name.
Quest.. 101. f V HAT do we pray for in the first petition ?
A. In the first petition, which is, [Hallowed be thy name,] zve pray, that God would enable us and others, to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself' known, and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.
Q. 1. Is there any ward full enough, perfectly to express what God is ?
A. No, his name is secret; Judges xiii. 18. And the angel of the Lord said unto him. Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is
secret ? A name which none can tell ; Prov. xxx. 4. AVhat is his
name, and what is his Son's name, if thou canst tell ?■ A name above every name ; Phil. ii. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. But the name by
S98 AN EXPOSITIO^^ OF THE ASSEMBLY'S CATECHISMr
which he more especially manifests himself, is the name I AM ; Exod, iii. 14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM : And he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.