Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/283

This page needs to be proofread.

be directed to keep all these words which I have now heard thee utter, lest the servant, that knows his lord’s will and does it not, should be worthy to be beaten with many stripes.




CHAPTER II.

VARIOUS EXERCISES ON THE LORD’S PRAYER.

Steps to perfection in the order of the Lord's Prayer.


I. THE LOVE OF GOD, HIS PRESENCE, AND THE REVERENCE DUE TO HIM.

Our Father' who art in heaven.

Thou dwellest in the heavens, as upon the throne of thy glory; but the high thou knowest afar off, and strictly observest our ways. For thy eyes are brighter than the sun. Therefore, from the throne of thy majesty thou beholdest in every place the good and the evil, but thy beloved children thou regardest with particular favour and kindness. Grant me, I beseech thee, to love thee, and walk before thee, as thou commandest; and also to fear thee, not as a culprit his judge, but as a son his father; and to endeavour to be perfect, even as thou, my heavenly Father, art perfect.

II. PURE INTENTION, OR ZEAL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.

Hallowed he thy name.

Before all things I have this only wish, O good Jesus! that in thy name every knee should bow; that by me and by all men all things should be done with a right and a pure intention to the greater glory of thy name; that all should know thee and worship thee, O most holy Redeemer of the world! Oh, that our light also might so shine before men, that, seeing our good conversation, they might glorify thee, our Father in heaven!

III. LOVE AND DESIRE OF HEAVENLY THINGS.

Thy kingdom come.

For we are strangers and pilgrims upon earth. For this were we born, and what is more, were so formed to thy image, nay redeemed by thy blood, that we might be partakers of thy kingdom (for we have not now a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come); and that, seeking and minding the things that are above, not those that are upon the earth,