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IT might seeme to some, that this petition is superfluous, for what neede hee care for temptations, that hath the pardon of his sinnes? but our Sauiour did not teach vs thus to pray without speciall reason. 1. Because forgiuenesse of
sinnes, and grieuous temptations be inseparable companions in this life: which thing we find to be true, both in Gods word and in Christian experience: for there is no man in this world so beaten, and buffeted with temptations, as the penitent sinner that cries most bitterly for the pardon of his sinnes. This is the estate that fewe men in the world are acquainted with. For many are neuer troubled with temptation, but liue in all peace and quietnes both in bodie and soule. Luk. 11.21. When the strong man armed keepes his hold, the things that hee possesseth are in peace. Whereby is signified, that the wicked of the world being possessed of Satan, are not a whit molested by him with any temptations: nei∣ther neede he trouble them, seeing hee hath them at commandement to doe what he wil. But when a man once begins to make conscience of sinne, and to sue vnto the Lord for pardon of his offences, and still continues in dislike of sinne and Satan: then the enemie bestirres him, and vseth all meanes to bring that man to confusion: he offereth all maner of temptations to molest him, & neuer affoards this poore sinner any rest. Hereupon, for feare of beeing ouer∣come, hee must pray continually vnto the Lord, that hee may not be lead into temptation.
Here some Christian conscience may reason thus. No man is so troubled with sinne and Satan, as I: therefore I am not in Gods fauour, but am a plain castaway. Ans. If pardon of sinne and temptations goe togither, all is contrary. If thou hadst no griefe for sinne, no buffettings of thine enemies, the flesh, the world, and the deuil, thou couldst not be in Gods fauour, but vnder the pow∣er of Satan: now this great measure of the spirituall temptations, is a signe ra∣ther of Gods loue. For whome God loues, the deuill hates; and where God workes in loue, the deuill workes in malice.
2. Secondly, this petition is ioyned with the former to teach vs, that as wee must be carefull to pray for pardon of sinnes past: so also we must endeauour to preuent sinnes to come: we must not fal againe into our old sinnes, neither must we be ouertaken with new sinnes.