5. Again, we are here admonished to use the action of prayer with as great reverence as possible may be. Well reasons Solomon: ⟨image 25⟩Eccle. 5. 1. Be not rash with thy mouth to speak a word before God. Why? he is in heaven, thou art in earth: therefore let thy words be few. This reverence must appear in holiness of mind and affection and in all comeliness of gesture. And for this cause, all wandering by-thoughts and all vain babbling is to be avoided. But how goes the case with us, that on the times appointed come to the assemblies to pray? Many, by reason of their blindness, pray without understanding. Many, when they are present at prayer, yet have their hearts occupied about other matters, about their goods and worldly business: such men have no joy or gladness in praying; it is a burden to them. Many come to the assembly for custom only, or for fear of punishment; if they might be left free, they could find in their harts not to pray at all. But let all such men know, that this manner of praying ⟨image 26⟩is a very grievous sin; nay, greater then mocking of father or mother, killing or stealing; for it is directly against God, the other against men. This sin, because it is against the first Table, and therefore, more hard to be discerned, it is lightly esteemed, and it less troubles the consciences of ignorant men: yet as it is indeed, so it is to be esteemed as a disgrace & plain mockery of Gods majesty. Wherefore, seeing God is in heaven, away with all drowsy and dead praying, let us come with reverence in our hearts before the Lord.
5. Againe, wee are here admonished to vse the action of praier with as great reuerence as possible may be. Wel reasons Salomon: ⟨image 25⟩Eccle. 5. 1. Be not rash with thy mouth to speak a vvord before God. Why? he is in heaven, thou art in earth: therfore let thy vvords be few. This reuerence must appeare in holines of minde and affection and in al comlines of gesture. And for this cause, al wandering bythoughts and all vaine babling is to be auoided. But how goes the case with vs, that on the times appointed come to the assē blies to pray? Many, by reason of their blindenes, pray without vnderstanding. Many, when they are present at praier, yet haue their hearts occupied about other matters, about their goods and worldly busines: such men haue no joye or gladnes in praying; it is a burdē to them. Many come to the assemblie for custom only, or for fear of punishment; if they might be left free, they could find in their harts not to pray at all. But let all suche mē know, that this maner of praiing ⟨image 26⟩is a very greenous sinne; nay, greater then mocking of father or mother, killing or stealing; for it is directly against God, the other against men. This sin, because it is against the first Table, and therfore, more hard to bee discerned, it is lightly esteemed, and it lesse troubles the consciences of ignorant men: yet as it is indeede, so it is to be esteemed as a disgrace & plaine mockerie of Gods majestie. Wherfore, seeing God is in heuen, away with al drowsie and dead praying, let vs come with reuerence in our hearts before the Lord.
