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

4. Mark thy following communion with God. Inward answers make the soul vegete and lively; like plants after the shining of the Sun upon rain, lift ⟨p. 288⟩up their heads and shoot forth their flowers. A Saint in favour does all with delight.¹ Answer of prayer is like oil to the spirits, and beauty for ashes. The sackcloth of mournful fasting is turned to a wedding garment. He grows more free and yet humbly familiar with heaven. This is one I would wish you to pick acquaintance with, that can come and have what^(h) he vvill at Court. As the Lord once told a King by night, that Abraham was a Prophet and would pray for him, he was acquainted with the King of heaven, O blessed person! I hope there's many such among you, whose life is a continued prayer:³ As David that gave himself to prayer. Heb. But I prayer, he's all over prayer, prays at rising, prays at lying down, prays as he walks, he's always ready for prayer, like a prime favourite at Court that has the golden key to the privy stairs and can wake his Prince by night. Christians, there are such (whatever the besotted profane world dreams) who are ready for spiritual ascents at all seasons, besides the frequency of set communions. His wings never weary: his willing spirit is flying continually, and makes God the rock of his dwelling [Greek or Hebrew] into which he may upon all assaults have holy retirements.⁴

4. Mark thy following communion vvith God. Inward answers make the soul veget and lively; like plants after the shining of the Sun upon rain, lift ⟨p. 288⟩up their heads and shoot forth their flowers. A Saint in favour does all with delight.¹ Answer of prayer is like oil to the spirits, and beauty for ashes. The sackcloth of mournful fasting is turned to a wedding garment. He grows more free and yet humbly familiar vvith heaven. This is one I vvould wish you to pick acquaintance vvith, that can come and have what