Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

That the impenitent cannot pray acceptably fpeaking lies unto him, Pfal. 78. and in all their prayers and praifes concerning fpirituall things playing the notorious hypocrites before God. For . the manifeftation whereof let us take a brief fur - vey of the Lords prayer, whereof the impenitent firmer is not able to utter one word aright; and if not of that then of none, for that is the fumme of all. Firft therefore they call God their Father in That the Chrift, when as they are nothing leffe.then his chìl- !went iteable n is no dren : For he that committeth lime is ofthe devil, T. truly to utter John 3.8. and, his children they are whof works they i pettoros do,John 8. They fay, our Father, Give us, as though Prayer, in brotherly love they prayed for the whole bro- therhood of the faithful!, whereas they being void of Chriftian charitie feek onely themfelves, and have no part in the communion of Saints. They dire& their prayers to God who is in heaven, infinite in majeftie, glory'and power, themfelves being on earth vile and bafe creatures, Eccles 5. as if they came in great humility in refpet of their own un- worthineffe,and reverence in refpea of the glorious majeftie of God; whereas indeed they rufh into the prefence of God with leffe regard, and fpeak unto himwith lefl'e reverence then they would to a mor- tall man, who is but a little their fuperiour. They call him Father, noting his love, which art in heaven, noting his power, as if they believed that their prayers fhould be granted,as being afrured that God is both willing and able to grant their defires, and yet have no faith in God, and therefore call not up- -on him aright in whom they have not believed. In the firft place they beg the advancement of D 4 Gods 39