Obj.
But may not the Hypocrites call upon God, (and sometime more boldly then Gods little ones,) Lord Lord, Almighty and most mercifull Father, &c.
An.
I answer, an Hypocrite hath many Lords, and many Fathers, besides, and joyned with their (pretended) heavenly Father. Whereas Gods little ones cry out, (Isa. 63.) Doubtles thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, as if they had said: Thou art our only Father, above all Fathers, &c.
False calling upon God as upon a Father
2ly. The Hypocrite saies Lord, Lord, but cares for no more of the will of the Lord then may serve his own turne: But a child of God declares his child like submission, to an heavenly Fathers will in all things, according to the difference proposed by the Lord Jesus, (Mat: 7.) Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, but he that doth the wil of my Father which is in Heaven: The difference lies not in the words, but in the Heart, in the upright submission of a child of God, to all that he believes to be the will and pleasure of his heavenly Father.
2 Argum: Gods children long for more and more knowledge of God.
For a second triall therefore: Where spirituall life is (notwithstanding weaknes or distempers) there is always a professed willingnesse to get more and more knowledg of this heavenly Father, of his name, of his works, of his word, of his Christ, of his Spirit, his Saints, and Ordinances.
Hence Beleevers in Jesus, both Men and Women, are called Disciples, or Scholars of Christ Jesus, professing continually to learn more and more of this heavenly teacher. Hence his Disciples or Scholars petition to Christ Jesus, Lord teach us to pray: Lord increase our Faith, &c.
Hence they ask him many Questions, and are by little and little instructed, though for a while they were ignorant of the mystery of his Death, and Resurrection.