The application of this point concerneth not only such as (through ignorance of that fearful estate wherein they lie by sin, or a profane neglect of this holy and heavenly duty of prayer) never call upon God for this or any other blessing, in their own or others behalf: but also, and that more especially such, as through some violent temptation, and deep apprehension of Gods indignation against them, are afraid to pray for pardon of their own sins, and yet can heartily pray for the pardon of others sins. These must be well instructed in this privilege that is here afforded unto us: and in that respect which God hath to the particular prayer which is made by a penitent soul in his own behalf.1 God oft heareth one praying for himself, when he heareth him not praying for others: but we never heard of any accepted for others, that were not accepted for themselves. Every ones prayer is most available for himself. Let the mind that such have to pray for others, provoke them to pray first for pardon of their own sins. For till a mans sins be pardoned, he cannot expect any blessing on others by his prayers.
The application of this point concerneth not onely such as (through ignorance of that fearefull estate wherein they lie by sinne, or a prophaine neglect of this holy and heauenly dutie of prayer) neuer call vpon God for this or any other blessing, in their owne or others behalfe: but also, and that more especially such, as through some violent temptation, and deepe apprehension of Gods indignation against them, are afraid to pray for pardon of their owne sinnes, and yet can heartily pray for the pardon of others sinnes. These must bee well instructed in this priuiledge that is here afforded vnto vs: and in that respect which God hath to the particular prayer which is made by a penitent soule in his owne behalfe.1 God oft heareth one praying for himselfe, when he heareth him not praying for others: but we neuer heard of any accepted for others, that were not accepted for themselues. Euery ones prayer is most auaileable for himselfe. Let the mind that such haue to pray for others, prouoke them to pray first for pardon of their owne sinnes. For till a mans sinnes be pardoned, hee cannot expect any blessing on others by his prayers.
- 1Ezek. 14. 15.
