A65285:2938
A Body of Practical Divinity
A body of practical divinity consisting of above one hundred seventy six sermons on the lesser catechism composed by the reverend assembly of divines at Westminster : with a supplement of some sermons on several texts of Scripture / by Thomas Watson ...
London: printed for Thomas Parkurst, 1692
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
5. Prayer that will prevail with God must have fixation of mind: Psal. 57.7. O God my heart is fixed. Since the fall the mind is like Quick-silver which will not fix; it hath principium motus but non quietis: The thoughts will be roving and dancing up and down in prayer: Just as if a Man that is travelling to such a place should turn out of the road, and wander he knows not whither. In prayer we are travelling to the Throne of Grace, but how often do we by vain cogitations turn out of the road, which is rather wandering than praying.
5. Prayer that will prevail with God must have fixation of mind: Psal. 57.7. O God my heart is fixed. Since the fall the mind is like Quick-silver which will not fix; it hath principium motus but non quietis: The thoughts will be roving and dancing up and down in prayer: Just as if a Man that is travelling to such a place should turn out of the road, and wander he knows not whither. In prayer we are travelling to the Throne of Grace, but how often do we by vain cogitations turn out of the road, which is rather wandring than praying.
Quest. But how shall we cure these vain impertinent thoughts, which do so distract us in Prayer, and we may fear hinder the acceptance.
Answ. 1. Be very apprehensive in Prayer of the infiniteness of Gods Majesty and Purity. Gods eye is upon us in Prayer, and we may say as David, Psal. 56.8. Thou tellest my wanderings: The thoughts of this would make us hoc agere, mind the Duty we are about. If a Man were to deliver a petition to an Earthly Prince, would he at that time be playing with a feather? Set your selves when you pray as in Gods presence: Could you but look through the key-hole of Heaven, and see how devout and intent the Angels are in their worshipping God, sure you would be ready to blush at your vain thoughts and wild impertinences in Prayer.