ascending to the both right and all sufficiency: highest: containing, including his omniscience and goodness, as well as omnipotence. 3. His incomprehensible excellency and blessedness, as he is the ultimate end of us and all things; "AND THE GLORY," Rom. xi. 36; 1 Cor. x. 31. ---------------------------------------- II. Whom GOD, in the word "THINE:" in him, the we praise: first efficient cause of all things, we begin: his help, as the dirigent cause, we seek: and in him, as the final cause, we terminate. III. The "FOR EVER AND EVER," to eternity: and duration. "AMEN" is the expression of our consent. For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things: to Him be glory for ever, Amen, Rom. ix. 36. So that it is apparent that the method of the Lord's prayer is circular, partly analytical, and partly synthetical; beginning with God, and ending in God: beginning with such acknowledgments as are prerequisite to petition, and ending in those praises which petition and grace bestowed tend to: beginning our petitions for God's interest and the public good, according to the order of estimation and intention, till we come to the mere means, and then beginning at the lowest, and ascending according to the order of execution. As the blood passing from the greater to the smaller numerous vessels, is there received by the like, and repasseth to its fountain; such a circular method hath mercy and duty, and consequently our desires. _Tit. 2. Some Questions about Prayer answered._ The rest of the general directions about prayer, I think will be best contrived into the resolving of these following doubts. _Quest._ I. Is the Lord's prayer a directory only, or a form of words to be used by us in prayer? _Answ._ 1. It is principally the rule to guide our inward desires, and outward expressions of them; both for the matter, what we must desire, and for the order which we must desire first and most. 2. But this rule is given in a form of words, most apt to express the said matter and order. 3. And this form may fitly be used in due season by all, and more necessarily by some. 4. But it was never intended to be the only words which we must use, no more than the creed is the only words that we must use to express the doctrine of faith, or the decalogue the only words to express our duty by.[57] _Quest._ II. What need is there of any other words of prayer, if the Lord's prayer be perfect?