The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

II. As Meditation, so Prayer is a special means on our part to be performed, for attaining unto this grace of Charity. I say, earnest and fervent prayer unto God for the same; for as he is the fountain and author of every good gift, so he hath sanctified Prayer, as the means of obtaining every good gift from him.

II. As Meditation, so Prayer is a special means on our part to bee performed, for attaining unto this grace of Charity. I say, earnest and fervent prayer unto God for the same; for as hee is the fountain and author of every good gift, so hee hath sanctified Prayer, as the means of obtaining every good gift from him.

Be earnest therefore with God in Prayer, that he would be pleased to give thee as a compassionate heart towards the needs and necessities of the poor members of Jesus Christ; so an open hand, that thou mayest freely and liberally contribute unto them, according to their necessity, and thy ability: Beg of God that as he hath blessed thee with some competent estate, so he would add this mercy, to give thee an heart to give out proportionably to what he hath given thee; and that in testimony of thy love, and thankfulness unto him. But alas how few are there who in their prayers unto God are mindful of this grace of Charity? how few are there who ever begged of God, that he would be pleased to implant this noble grace of Charity in their hearts? If upon examination thou findest thy self to have been faulty therein: Go take up a new resolution to be earnest with God in prayer for this grace especially, and never to give over, till thou find it in some measure wrought in thy soul, till thou find thy self upon all good occasions ready to distribute, and willing to communicate to the needs and necessities of thy poor Brethren.

Bee earnest therefore with God in Prayer, that he would be pleased to give thee as a compassionate heart towards the needs and necessities of the poor members of Jesus Christ; so an open hand, that thou mayest freely and liberally contribute unto them, according to their necessity, and thy ability: Beg of God that as hee hath blessed thee with some competent estate, so he would add this mercy, to give thee an heart to give out proportionably to what hee hath given thee; and that in testimony of thy love, and thankfulness unto him. But alas how few are there who in their prayers unto God are mindful of this grace of Charity? how few are there who ever begged of God, that hee would bee pleased to implant this noble grace of Charity in their hearts? If upon examination thou findest thy self to have been faulty therein: Go take up a new resolution to be earnest with God in prayer for this grace especially, and never to give over, till thou finde it in some measure wrought in thy soul, till thou finde thy self upon all good occasions ready to distribute, and willing to communicate to the needs and necessities of thy poor Brethren.