The zealous Christian taking heavenThe zealovs Christian taking heaven

2. Many a poor soul may say, I can remember since I could pray better, and ¹more largely. Now if I could pray better formerly then now, I am now grown remiss, and want this holy importunity. But this is no sound reason; for

2. Many a poore soule may say, I can remember since I could pray better, and ¹more largely. Now if I could pray better formerly then now, I am now grown remisse, and want this holy importunity. But this is no sound reason; for

1. 12. Reason confuted

1. It may be thou hadst formerly more affection, but less judgement, less experience, less spiritualness in thy prayers. It may be now thou art more sound in knowledge, thou makest a more inward progress in holiness; thou canst now make a more inward prayer to God, thou hast now more inward communion with God. Now if this be so, thou hast ⟨p. 75⟩no cause to be discouraged. God loves a judicious prayer, as well as a large and affectionate prayer; you see what you want one way, you make up another way. A young carpenter gives more blows, and makes more chips, but an old and experienced workman doth the most and the best work. A young Musician can play more quickly and nimbly upon an instrument, but an old Musician hath more skill.

1. It may be thou hadst formerly more affection, but lesse judgement, lesse experience, lesse spiritualnesse in thy prayers. It may be now thou art more sound in knowledge, thou makest a more inward progresse in holinesse; thou canst now make a more inward prayer to God, thou hast now more inward communion with God. Now if this be so, thou hast