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

5. Importunity and assiduity in prayer is highly prevalent.¹ [Non ut fastidiosa continuetur oratio, sed ut assidua frequenter effundatur,] not that we should lengthen out prayer with tedious and vain repetitions, as the Heathen did of old, or as the Euchitae in Constantius his time, that did little else but pray; but that we should be frequent and continue instant in prayer. Whereas our Lord bids us to pray always, and the Apostle Paul to pray without ceasing, we are to understand it of Constancy at times every day. As the morning and evening Sacrifice at the Temple is called the Continual burnt-offering. As Mephibosheth is said to eat bread Continually at David's table, and Solomon's Servants to stand Continually before him, i. e. at the set and appointed times: So 'tis required of us to be constant and assiduous at prayer, and to follow our lawful requests with perseverance. Thus Hannah is said to multiply prayer, ²and received multiplied answers; expressly indeed she prayed but for one Son, but she had six children returned in upon prayer.

5. Importunity and assiduity in prayer is highly prevalent.¹ [Non ut fastidiosa continuetur oratio, sed ut assidua frequenter effundatur,] not that we should lengthen out prayer with tedious and vain repetitions, as the Heathen did of old, or as the Euchitae in Constantius his time, that did little else but pray; but that we should be frequent and continue instant in prayer. Whereas our Lord bids us to pray always, and the Apostle Paul to pray without ceasing, we are to understand it of Constancy at times every day. As the morning and evening Sacrifice at the Temple is call'd the Continual burnt-offering. As Mephibosheth is said to eat bread Continually at David's table, and Solomon's Servants to stand Continually before him, i. e. at the set and appointed times: So 'tis required of us to be constant and assiduous at prayer, and to follow our lawful requests with perseverance. Thus Hannah is said to multiply prayer, ²and received multiplied answers; expresly indeed she prayed but for one Son, but she had six children returned in upon prayer.