An account of the life and death of Mr. Philip Henry, minister of the…

2. As you should be persuaded of the excellent use of it, where it is attained, so also you should believe, that where it is not, it may be attained, and that without any great difficulty. No doubt but many are discouraged from endeavouring after it by an Opinion they ⟨p. 246⟩have, that it is to no purpose; they think it a thing so far above their Abilities, that they were as good sit still and never attempt it: This is of very bad Consequence, as in other matters of Religion, so particularly in this, and therefore watch against this Suggestion, and conclude, that (though it may be harder to some than others) yet it is impossible to none: Nay, this wisdom is easy to him that understandeth, where means are used in the fear of God.

2. As you should be perswaded of the excellent use of it, where it is attained, so also you should believe, that where it is not, it may be attained, and that without any great difficulty. No doubt but many are discouraged from endeavouring after it by an Opinion they ⟨p. 246⟩have, that it is to no purpose; they think it a thing so far above their Abilities, that they were as good sit still and never attempt it: This is of very bad Consequence, as in other matters of Religion, so particularly in this, and therefore watch against this Suggestion, and conclude, that (though it may be harder to some than others) yet it is impossible to none: Nay, this wisdom is easie to him that understandeth, where means are used in the fear of God.

2. You must rightly understand and consider who it is, with whom you have to do in Prayer, for your encouragement to come to him, though in the midst of many Infirmities and Imperfections. He is your Father, your loving, tender hearted Father, who knows your Frame, and remembers you are but dust; who is not extreme to mark what we do amiss, in manner and expression, where the Heart is upright with him. You may judge a little concerning his Love, by the Disposition that is in you towards your Children, when they come to ask things needful of you: And believe him to be infinitely more merciful and compassionate, than the most merciful and compassionate of Fathers and Mothers are or can be: especially remembering that we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous, who is the great High Priest of our Profession, and whom he heareth always.