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V.

ally extended all over the earth; then in SERM.
figurative language would commence the
reign of God!

There is but too much reason, however, for us at this day to continue the petition, when we recollect that a very large part of the world is not yet converted to Chris tianity, and that, even of those who do call themselves Christians, too many are such only in name, and that men in general are far, very far distant from the purity which the gospel enjoins. The complete reign of God implies, that the whole globe should be Christians, and such Christians as our Master commands. This is a state of things which possibly may never entirely arrive; but we ought to pray, and may hope that we are continually making nearer approaches to it. Such prayers, I am sure, are our duty, and I think there are grounds for such hopes.

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Thy will be done on earth as it is in

"heaven," is the third petition.

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SERM. hallowed or sanctified, we mean to ask that IV.

all mankind may make a distinction, observe a distance between God and other things, and that they may give to him the most decided and unrivalled preference: we mean to request of the Almighty to this effect- Mayest thou every where be had in the highest veneration! May

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all honour, praise, and service be ren⚫dered unto thee by men, and by us, who are now addressing thee, in particular!'

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Thy kingdom come," is the second petition. This would be more justly and intelligibly translated, if it were- Thy

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reign come.' The profession of pure Christianity is in the scriptures constantly called the reign of God. The petition here used seems more immediately to respect the state of things at the time when Christ taught this prayer to his disciples: they were instructed here to desire that the gospel might be speedily and effectu

ally

ally extended all over the earth; then in SERM.

figurative language would commence the reign of God!

There is but too much reason, however, for us at this day to continue the petition, when we recollect that a very large part of the world is not yet converted to Chris tianity, and that, even of those who do call themselves Christians, too many are such only in name, and that men in general are far, very far distant from the purity which the gospel enjoins. The complete reign of God implies, that the whole globe should be Christians, and such Christians as our Master commands. This is a state of things which possibly may never entirely arrive; but we ought to pray, and may hope that we are continually making nearer approaches to it. Such prayers, I am sure, are our duty, and I think there are grounds for such hopes.

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Thy will be done on earth as it is in "heaven," is the third petition. Every

VOL. II.

E

decree

V.

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IV.

SERM decree of the Almighty is unquestionably received with the utmost complacency and the most entire satisfaction, by those pious and loyal spirits who surround his throne, and they are certainly ever prompt and eager to shew the most perfect obedience to his commands: such complacency and satisfaction in all events, and such obedience to all the divine commands, we in this petition desire may be exhibited by mankind. May we as fully acquiesce in all thou doest, and as exactly obey all thou enjoinest, as the blessed angels!

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The fourth petition is" Give us this

day our daily bread." This is well paraphrased in the catechism itself:-" I "pray unto God that he will send us all

things that be needful both for our souls "and bodies." Two explanations are given of this petition; it probably comprises both; either the bread of the time to come, that is, the happiness of futurity, or our maintenance in this present life. The first respects

IV.

spects our souls, and the latter our bodies. SERM. Observe the modesty of the petition as re lating to earthly things, and be careful in all your other prayers to conform to it. It asks not for riches, elegancy, splendour, but for bread; and though under the term bread is, doubtless, comprehended all necessaries, yet they are clearly necessaries alone, not superfluities. Nor do we ask even for necessaries, to make us so far beforehand that we should be independent of God; but, we say, "Give us this day our

daily bread;"'grant us what may suf'fice for our present support; for the rest < we trust cheerfully to thy providence;

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we cast all our care upon thee, in full knowledge and confidence that thou 'carest for us.'

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Forgive us our trespasses, as we for"give them that trespass against us," is the fifth petition. The first step towards obtaining forgiveness of our sins, is to

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