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The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan showing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...
London: printed by S. and B.G. for Nevil Simmons, 1676
THE Young Man's Guide. › Chapter 9: Containeth Directions how to live a godly and gracious Life.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. Let thy prayers be fervent, performed with earnestness of Spirit and affection. Set thy self in good earnest to seek the Lord, which is the only means to prevail with him; for it is the fervent prayer only that is effectual, Jam. 5. 16. To this end be sure thou give not way either to drowsiness of body, or distractions of mind, unto which we are all naturally too too prone; but stir up thy self to the duty, putting forth all the strength thou canst therein. Though thy strength be but weakness, yet if thy strength be in the work, God will accept thereof.
As when a Father sets his Child about such or such a work, though the Child be very weak and insufficient for the same, yet if it put forth its strength therein, to do it as well as it can, the Father will accept thereof, as if it were done after the best manner. So it is between God and us, though we are very weak, and insufficient for the performance of any spiritual duty, yet if we put forth our strength therein, God will accept thereof.
Among other directions which might be given to ⟨p. 57⟩drive away wandering thoughts in prayer, and to raise up thine affections therein, take notice of these two.
Among other directions which might be given to ⟨p. 57⟩drive away wandring thoughts in prayer, and to raise up thine affections therein, take notice of these two.