The Fiftieth Lord’s Day

50 The Fiftieth Lord’s Day 
On the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Give us this day, etc.
The sum of this petition contains things necessary for this present life. For by a Synecdoche, bread is understood to mean all that sustains and comforts bodily life. The act of God that is humbly desired about these necessary things, is that he would give us not only the first free imparting of things to us that we do not have, but also the continuation of those things that we have, together with the right use and fruit of them, by the blessing of God1 — and moreover, the removal of all other things (as on the other side) that are contrary to this present life, or to the comfort, quietness, and contentment of it. This bread then, thus understood, is illustrated from its subject and adjunct: from its subject, in that it is called our bread; and from its adjunct, in that it is calleddaily bread; that is, it is fit for us and our use day by day, or from day to day. God giving us what we desire is illustrated also from the adjunct of time, this day; that is, now when we have need. And from its object, to whom; namely, to us men of all sorts, or all men, but especially those who are of the household of Faith. This petition depends on the first Petition,2 in as much as all other comforts of this life should in no other way, nor be further made use of, than as they are instrumental, or made necessary to hallowing God’s name, or glorifying him. It depends also upon the last preceding petition3 (and also on the one going before it4), because by the necessaries of this life we are made the fitter, and ought to be readier for doing the will of God upon earth as it is done by the holy Angels in Heaven.
Doctrine 1. Necessaries of this life are chiefly to be desired and sought on this ground, that by them we may be better fitted and enabled to do the will of God, and glorify his name. This follows from the connexion that we have shown. 
Reason 1. Because thus all things are referred to the glory of God as their last end, as they should be.
Reason 2 . Because while we thus receive these outward goods, we get all the good that is in them; and at the same time we also keep ourselves free from all the evil that in some way clings to them. In regard to this, they are called snares, thorns, and all that is intended in Scripture by such like names, that indicate to us great danger by them, or from them.
Reason 3 . Because thus such bodily goods are turned in some way into spiritual goods, as they are looked upon as effects and signs of God’s blessing, and are received as pledges of his love, and directed in their use to the increase and furtherance of spiritual good things. Use. Of Reproof: against worldly men who seek the goods of this life in a carnal manner, and also use them only carnally.
1 This is also understood by another Synecdoche.
2 Hallowed be thy name. 
3 Thy will be done. 
4 Thy kingdom come.
Doctrine 2. All the necessaries of this life, both the greatest of them and the least, come to men’s use by the free gift and bounty of God.
This follows from the manner of seeking them, give us, etc.
Reason 1. Because God is absolute Lord of all that is in heaven and on earth; and therefore whatever any creature possesses or enjoys, it has all this from God’s free indulgence. 
Reason 2. Because the thing itself that we possess depends on God; so also does the whole fruit, use, and benefit of it, in every way. 
Reason 3. Because this gift of God is singular in this, and freely bountiful, in that he gives them to those who are unworthy, and those too who unworthily use them, and abuse his gifts.
Use 1 . Of Refutation: against the doctrine of Papists about men’s merits, which have no place in our daily bread, or in so much as one crumb of bread, much less in respect to the life to come, or eternal glory.
Use 2 . Of Direction: that we do not place our confidence in second causes, but in God alone, even for these outward things; and that we show all thankfulness to God even for these worldly things; and especially beware that we do not abuse these gifts of God, and make them an occasion and matter of sinning against the Author and donour of them.
Doctrine 3. We should all live contentedly on that pittance1 of the conditions of this life that God has measured out to us. 
This follows from this, in that we are taught to seek only our daily bread. So Proverbs 30:8 says, Feed me with the food of my daily portion, or pittance, measured out to me.
Reason 1 . Because we should not to be carried towards such things with the same sort of desire with which we seek the kingdom of God and its righteousness, but we should seek them with greater moderation and with far lower desires. Reason 2. Because we should not bind and prescribe to God the measure of the things that we desire from him, but for that, we should rest content with his pleasure.2
Reason 3 . Because as he gives, and as we have it from him, if we enjoy it with contentment, it brings more true good with it to us than all the greatest riches can bring, or can bring to worldly men.
Use. Of Exhortation: to keep ourselves from all inordinate care and solicitude about worldly things. 
Doctrine 4. Our confidence or trust in God, and prayer to him, even about the necessaries of this life, is to be renewed daily.
This follows from the words , this day. 
Reason 1. Because there is no day in which we do not stand in need of God’s favour and blessing, even in such things.
1 An allowance or portion; although the word generally implies that it is inadequate, that is not the case here. 2 That is, with whatever he chooses to give us. 
Reason 2. Because the blessings of God are renewed towards us daily, and therefore our worship towards him ought to be renewed daily also.
Reason 3 . Because every day has in it as it were, a picture which represents the whole life of man; and we are uncertain whether we shall live until the next day; therefore every day, as it goes over us, we ought to take care of this duty.
Reason 4. Because there is great danger that we will find no time to apply ourselves to such duties, but that we will forget and pass them over altogether unless we renew the duty daily, and do it every day in its own day.
Use. Of Reproof: against those who either neglect these daily prayers, or very slightly1 and coldly go about performing them. 
Doctrine 5. We should not only pray for and procure such things for ourselves, but also for all others, as much as it lies in us to do so.
From this: give us, not give me. 
Reason 1. Because this belongs to Charity. 
Reason 2. Because it is the duty of a good steward of the gifts of God.
Use. Of Reproof: not only against those who commit thefts and robberies, but also against all those who are guilty of sparing too greatly, niggardliness,2and envy. 
1 Either briefly or without due regard.
2 Extreme stinginess – akin to Charles Dickens’ character Scrooge in his novella, “A Christmas Carol.”