Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

(1.) That, From what hath been said, touching the Prayers of private Christians for the spreading of the Gospel, we may be assured, That God hath determined to bestow those Mercies, for which he commands his people, to pray. And more than That, He usually bestows them, in the disposal of his Providence, upon the intervention of his Peoples Prayers, as may be collected from Ezek. xxxvi. 25. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, — ver. 27. I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my Statutes. — ver. 30. I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the Field. — compared with ver. 37. Thus saith the Lord, I will yet for this, be enquired of, by the house of Israel, to do it for them.

(2.) That no godly private Christian can object against his Duty, in praying that the Gospel may be carried to all Nations, and be entertained by them, nor allege any excuse, or pretence, why they should be exempted from it. If any hesitate, let me expostulate the matter with their Consciences. Have ye received the Spirit of Christ, as the Spirit of Grace, and Supplication, and can ye not pray? Do ye feel the Love of Christ, warming, stirring, and constraining your hearts, and will ye not pray? ye dearly value the Glory of God, and sincerely desire, That the earth may be full of the Knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the Sea: And can ye refrain from praying, that this may be performed? ye tenderly compassionate the miserable condition of Poor, Perishing Souls, and will ye not afford them so much as your Prayers, that they may be relieved? Are ye not greatly affected with the distinguishing Grace of God, in bringing the Gospel to you, and opening your Hearts to receive it? How, then, Can ye offer up your Praises to God, for so signal a Mercy, without making some reflection on the deplorable state of those who have not, as yet, obtained the like favour, without lifting up a Prayer for them, that they may be made partakers of the same Grace?

(2.) That no godly private Christian can object against his Duty, in praying that the Gospel may be carried to all Nations, and be entertained by them, nor alledge any excuse, or pretence, why they should be exempted from it. If any hesitate, let me expostulate the matter with their Consciences. Have ye received the Spirit of Christ, as the Spirit of Grace, and Supplication, and can ye not pray? Do ye feel the Love of Christ, warming, stirring, and constraining your hearts, and will ye not pray? ye dearly value the Glory of God, and sincerely desire, That the earth may be full of the Knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the Sea: And can ye refrain from praying, that this may be performed? ye tenderly compassionate the miserable condition of Poor, Perishing Souls, and will ye not afford them so much as your Prayers, that they may be relieved? Are ye not greatly affected with the distinguishing Grace of God, in bringing the Gospel to you, and opening your Hearts to receive it? How, then, Can ye offer up your Praises to God, for so signal a Mercy, without making some reflection on the deplorable state of those who have not, as yet, obtained the like favour, without lifting up a Prayer for them, that they may be made partakers of the same Grace?