A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

Yea, Thanksgiving also is requisite as an attendant of supplication, for the giving thanks for mercy received is an effectual way to obtain New mercy: According to that known saying, Efficacissimum genus rogandi est gratias agere. Giving thanks for mercy received, is the most effectual way to obtain new mercy.

Thanksgiving carries supplication in the spirit of it. And if according to the Apostle, Phil. 4. We are in every thing to make known our request with supplication and thanksgiving, then when ever we come to God with Supplications, we are to couple them with thanksgiving.

6. The last duty I mention, which is the Appendix to the rest, is that of Alms-deeds, for when we come to beg mercy from God we should not forget to show it to men. And he that stops his ear to the cry of the poor,¹ he may cry but shall not be heard; yea, his prayers are so far from coming up as incense before God, that they are an abomination. Cornelius that was a man much in prayer and fasting also, as is noted of him, Act. 10.30. was full also of Alms-deeds, ⟨p. 258⟩Act. 10.31. and both together came up as a memorial before God. Alms-deeds as they are not to be confined to a fast day, so surely are not to be excluded. He that vvill on such a day shut up his purse, let him take heed least God shut up against him his ear his heart and his hand. The People complain,