A44674:52
A discourse of an unconverted man's enmity, against God Preached to a country congregation
A discourse of an unconverted man's enmity, against God Preached to a country congregation, by J.H. And published by one who wrote it from his mouth.A discourse of an unconverted man's enmity, against God Preached to a country congregation, by J.H. And publish'd by one who wrote it from his mouth.
London: printed by J. Heptinstall, 1700
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.
1. For Prayer, 'tis a charge laid upon all persons, considered in their single and personal capacity, Matth. 6. 6. But thou when thou prayest, enter into thy Closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret. I fear, that most of them, who bear the Christian Name, carry the matter so, as if there were no such place in the Bible. When the mind and will of God is made known to us by his Son, who came out of his Bosom, that he will be sought unto; and that not only publicly, but secretly, and daily: that as we are taught by our Lord himself, to pray for our daily Bread, and the forgiveness of our daily trespasses; we are also to pray in secret to him that sees in secret. Can such commands be constantly neglected and disobeyed, and not signify the contrary bent of our will, especially when we consider, that it is enjoined us for our own good? It ⟨p. 22⟩would be profane to say, what profit is it to us to call upon the Almighty? But it is most justly to be said, what profit is it to the Almighty that we call upon him? It is honourable to him, but very profitable to our selves. If we know not how to pray in a corner; confessing our sins, and supplicating for mercy; we cannot but live miserable lives. When therefore this is not done, whence is it, but from an enmity of mind? To a Friend we can unbosom our selves; not to an Enemy.
1. For Prayer, 'tis a charge laid upon all persons, consider'd in their single and personal capacity, Matth. 6. 6. But thou when thou prayest, enter into thy Closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret. I fear, that most of them, who bear the Christian Name, carry the matter so, as if there were no such place in the Bible. When the mind and will of God is made known to us by his Son, who came out of his Bosom, that he will be sought unto; and that not only publickly, but secretly, and daily: that as we are taught by our Lord himself, to pray for our daily Bread, and the forgiveness of our daily trespasses; we are also to pray in secret to him that sees in secret. Can such commands be constantly neglected and disobey'd, and not signify the contrary bent of our will, especially when we consider, that it is enjoyned us for our own good? It ⟨p. 22⟩