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

Fourthly and lastly, After thou hast used all these fore-mentioned directions (which lye couched in the bowels of these words in the Text [my hearts desire is, that Israel may he saved] For if he did heartily desire their good, as he profest, then he would use all good means proper and proportionable to that end. But then he adds, ⟨p. 214⟩his prayer to God for the same purpose, and so must thou) follow the example of our holy Apostle; Alas all thy instructions without prayer will do no good. Go to God to sanctify all, and to persuade their souls that you have a most single and sincere aim at their everlasting salvation. Pray apart for them, and if the condition of thy Relations will admit, pray with them, and therein couch some sweet reflections upon their souls. Elijah when he was in prayer with company, cries out,¹ O Lord hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God. ²Our blessed Lord also in that heavenly prayer to the Father makes most sweet and ardent mention of his Disciples who were present with him.³ Job, he sacrificed for his children, he sent for them, and sanctified them, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all; To teach us to pray for children distinctly one by one. Abraham he begs of God,⁴ Oh that Ishmael might live in thy sight, and Bathsheba she calls Solomon the Son of her vows. Austin was the child of Monica's prayers and tears. Ask counsel of God, as Manoah did,⁵ that he would be pleased to teach you what you must do with your children. Beg of God wisdom and direction, that he would order providential seasons for their good; let that be your great request in secret; Oh that such a child, such a servant might be pulled as a firebrand out of the fire, ⁶and brought home to God. Should ye have the wisdom of Angels, if God do not come in to your help, all your labour will be in vain. Cry out with the poor man in the Gospel. Lord have mercy on my Son,