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

Such Ejaculations or Meditations as these are mighty useful, Gods children find them so in the very paroxysm and assault. But if the Temptation continue, get into thy Closet, and humble thy self greatly before thy God, throw thy self at his feet, tell him thou wilt not rise till he hath given thee a token for good, no, thou art resolved there to lye hanging on him, and not to let him go until he bless thee. O how welcome is every honest heart to the father of Spirits, when it comes on such an errand, and in such a manner to the throne of grace! God cannot choose but melt in pity and tenderness over his poor desolate ones, when he sees the anguish of their souls. How can I give thee up O Ephraim, my bowels are troubled for thee, ¹they will not give me leave to forget thee. Is Ephraim my dear son, I do earnestly remember him, I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. Give not over wrestling like Jacob, Gen. 32.26, 27, 28. till thou risest Israel, one who hast power with God and prevailest. And it is worth observing, that the Lord takes pleasure to be called the mighty God of Jacob, and the Lord God of Israel, as if he reckoned it an honour, that once the worm Jacob wrestled with his omnipotence, and overcame him, he seems to glory in his being conquered, and chooseth that for his name, and for his memorial throughout generations which is an everlasting monument, that a poor frail man got the day of him. So much doth the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous prevail.

Such Ejaculations or Meditations as these are mighty usefull, Gods children find them so in the very paroxisme and assault. But if the Temptation continue, get into thy Closet, and humble thy self greatly before thy God, throw thy self at his feet, tell him thou wilt not rise till he hath given thee a token for good, no, thou art resolved there to lye hanging on him, and not to let him go untill he bless thee. O how welcome is every honest heart to the father of Spirits, when it comes on such an errand, and in such a manner to the throne of grace! God cannot chuse but melt in pity and tendernesse over his poor desolate ones, when he sees the anguish of their souls. How can I give thee up O Ephraim, my bowels are troubled for thee, ¹they will not give me leave to forget thee. Is Ephraim my dear son, I do earnestly remember him, I wil surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. Give not over wrestling like Jacob,