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

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, Isa. 53.8. Wherefore have we fasted and thou seest not? God tells them they fasted, but showed not mercy; and therefore fasted not aright: and then tells them what was the fast that he had chosen, ver. 7. Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and when thou seest the naked that thou cover them, &c.

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 shew it to men. And he that stops his ear to the cry of the poor,