The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

§. 116. Of the neglect of extraordinary Prayer.

Use IF we well observe Gods dealing with us, and the several occasions of extraordinary prayer from time to time afforded unto us, we cannot but condemn our selves for neglect of this duty, and extraordinarily humble our selves, even because we have not extraordinarily prayed, as just occasion hath oftentimes been given unto us. How many judgements hath God laid upon us year after year? strange sicknesses, extraordinary fires, frosts, inundations of waters, droughts when rain was needful, tempestuous and rainy weather, when calm and fair weather would have been very acceptable, with the like. Among other public judgements, I cannot let pass that sore, heavy, grievous stroke, whereby the life of that worthy admirable Prince was taken away, upon the sixth of November 1612. Had extraordinary prayer in time been used, no doubt but many of these judgements might have been prevented. Would there be so many insufficient, idle, careless, corrupt Ministers, as are in many places? or would the diligence and pains of many learned and faithful Ministers be so fruitless as they are, if extraordinary prayer were more used? What may be the reason that many marriages, offices, callings, and the like matters of moment are so unprosperous? that many Christians long lie under sore and grievous temptations and crosses, that other judgements are inflicted upon their families, their children, yea, and their own persons, and many needful blessings denied? Surely this duty is not used as it ought to be. Let it therefore more frequently and conscionably be used.

Vse IF we well obserue Gods dealing with vs, and the seuerall occasions of extraordinary prayer from time to time affoorded vnto vs, wee cannot but condemne our selues for neglect of this duty, and extraordinarily humble our selues, euen because wee haue not extraordinarily prayed, as iust occasion hath oftentimes beene giuen vnto vs. How many iudgements hath God laid vpon vs yeere after yeere? strange sicknesses, extraordinary fiers, frosts, inundations of waters, droughts when raine was needefull, tempestuous and rainy weather, when calme and faire weather would haue beene very acceptable, with the like. Among other publike iudgements, I cannot let passe that sore, heauy, grieuous stroke, whereby the life of that worthy admirable Prince was taken away, vpon the sixt of Nouember 1612. Had extraordinary prayer in time been vsed, no doubt but many of these iudgements might haue beene preuented. Would there be so many insufficient, idle, carelesse, corrupt Ministers, as are in many places? or would the diligence and paines of many learned and faithfull Ministers be so fruitlesse as they are, if extraordinary prayer were more vsed? What may be the reason that many marriages, offices, callings, and the like matters of moment are so vnprosperous? that many Christians long lie vnder sore and grieuous temptations and crosses, that other iudgements are inflicted vpon their families, their children, yea, and their owne persons, and many needfull blessings denied? Surely this duty is not vsed as it ought to be. Let it therefore more frequently and conscionably be vsed.