The works of George Swinnock, M.A

They who walk abroad without prayer, may fear they walk abroad without Gods Protection; Oratio matutina clavis diei; Morning prayer is the key of the day, which openeth the treasury of divine bounty, and locketh the soul up in safety. A Prayerless person goeth all day unarmed, and may expect many wounds from that hellish crew, that lye always in ambush to destroy him; The neglect of this pass, gives Satan a great advantage to take the City; When Saul had left off calling at Heavens gate, the next time you hear of him is, knocking at (a Witches, at) the Devils door. Prayer is one of the great ordinances that batters down the strong holds of the Devil; hence he sets his wits at work, to divert men from it. It is the Souls armour, and Satan's terror; he that knoweth how to use this holy spell aright, need not fear but he shall fright away the Devil himself. The Lord Jesus, when he marched out against the powers of darkness, and was to fight with them hand to hand, armed himself beforehand ⟨p. 503⟩with prayer, (Luk. 3. 21, 22.) not only for his own protection, but also for a pattern to us. Every day we walk in the midst of enemies, which are both mighty and crafty, and will watch all advantages to undo us; and should we go amongst them without prayer, we are sure to become their prey. Its too late to wish for weapons, when we are engaged in a Battle; Caesar cashiered that Soldier, who had his armour to furbish and make ready, when he was called to fight. The moral of the Fable is good; The Boar was seen, whetting his Teeth, when no enemy was near to offend him, and being asked the reason, why he stood sharpening his weapons when none was by to hurt him; he answered, It will be too late to whet them when I should use them; therefore I whet them before danger, that I may have them ready in danger.

They who walk abroad without prayer, may fear they walk abroad without Gods Protection; Oratio matutina clavis diei; Morning prayer is the key of the day, which openeth the treasury of divine bounty, and locketh the soul up in safety. A Prayerless person goeth all day unarmed, and may expect many wounds from that hellish crew, that lye always in ambush to destroy him; The neglect of this pass, gives Satan a great advantage to take the City; When Saul had left off calling at Heavens gate, the next time you hear of him is, knocking at (a Witches, at) the Divels door. Prayer is one of the great ordinances that batters down the strong holds of the Devil; hence he sets his wits at work, to divert men from it. It is the Souls armour, and Satans terrour; he that knoweth how to use this holy spell aright, need not fear but he shall fright away the Devil himself. The Lord Jesus, when he marcht out against the powers of darkness, and was to fight with them hand to hand, armed himself beforehand