The Godly Man's Picture

10. A spiritual prayer is, when we have spiritual ends in prayer: There is a vast difference between a spiritual prayer, and a carnal desire; the ends of an Hypocrite are secular and carnal; he looks asquint in prayer; it is not the sense of his spiritual wants that moves him, but rather lust, Jam. 4. 3. Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. The sinner ⟨p. 125⟩prays more for food than Grace; this God doth not interpret praying, but howling, Hosea 7. 14. They howled upon their beds, they assemble for corn and wine. —Da modo lucra mihi.—¹

10. A spiritual prayer is, when we have spiritual ends in prayer: There is a vast difference between a spiritual prayer, and a carnal desire; the ends of an Hypocrite are secular and carnal; he looks asquint in prayer; it is not the sense of his spiritual wants that moves him, but rather lust, Iam. 4. 3. Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. The sinner ⟨p. 125⟩prays more for food than Grace; this God doth not interpret praying, but howling, Hosea 7. 14. They howled upon their beds, they assemble for corn and wine. —Da modo lucra mihi.—¹

1. 1Ovid.

Prayers which want a good aim, want a good answer: A godly man hath spiritual ends in prayer; he sends out his prayer, as a Merchant sends out his Ship, that he may have large returns of spiritual blessings; his design in prayer is, that his heart may be more holy, and that he may have more communion with God: A godly man drives the Trade of prayer, that he may increase the stock of Grace.