The Return of Prayers

¹CHAP. X.

1. 1Chap. 10

Application: A reproof of those that pray, but look not after the return of their prayers: The causes of this neglect.

Application: A reproofe of those that pray, but looke not after the returne of their prayers: The causes of this neglect.

The use of all is,¹ to reprove those, who put up prayers, and are earnest in begging, but look not after them when they have done, no more than if they had not prayed: who still venture, & have a great stock of prayers ⟨p. 213⟩going, but look not after the returns that are made, cast not up their comings in and gainings by prayers; and when they have prayed, sit down discouraged, as not making account in earnest that ever they shall hear of their prayers again, even as if they had been but as words cast away: as beating the air; as bread cast upon the waters, which they think sinks, or is carried away, and they shall find it no more; but herein you despise Gods Ordinance, and err, not knowing the power of prayers; and ye contemn the Lord But you will say as they in the Prophet said, Wherein ⟨p. 214⟩in do we contemn him? if you asked a man a question, and when you had done, did turn your back upon him, as scoffing Pilate asked in scorn of Christ, What is truth? but would not stay for an answer, did you not contemn him? as not to answer when a question is asked you, is contempt, so not to regard the answer made, when you have been earnest in begging, is no less contempt also: if you had writ letters to a very friend about important business, and had earnestly solicited him for an answer, and he were careful in due time to send one, if you should