A94156:357
The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…
The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature and necessity of it is discovered. : As also the Christian directed how he may perform it in [brace] religious duties, natural actions, his particular vocation, his family directions, and his own recreations. / By George Swinnock ...
London: printed for T.P., 1662
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.
The infinite and glorious God, though be be so high, that he humbleth himself to behold things ⟨p. 137⟩in Heaven, and so holy that the Heavens are unclean in his sight, is yet so gracious that he condescendeth to, and converseth with poor sinful dust and ashes; amongst all those ways which he hath appointed the children of men to walk with him in, Prayer is one of the fairest and pleasantest. In this duty the children of God whisper him in the ear, open their minds, and unbosom themselves to him, as his intimate friends and favourites. He hath been pleased to command it, not only out of his Dominion over them, and for his own glory (He that offereth praise glorifieth me) but also out of his compassion to them, and for their good, that by prayers (as men far distant do by letters) there might be a constant and uninterrupted intercourse and correspondence betwixt Heaven and earth.
THe infinite and glorious God, though be be so high, that he humbleth himself to behold things ⟨p. 137⟩in Heaven, and so holy that the Heavens are unclean in his sight, is yet so gratious that he condescendeth to, and converseth with poor sinful dust and ashes; amongst all those ways which he hath appointed the children of men to walk with him in, Prayer is one of the fairest and pleasantest. In this duty the children of God whisper him in the ear, open their minds, and unbosom themselves to him, as his intimate friends and favourites. He hath been pleased to command it, not onely out of his Dominion over them, and for his own glory (He that offereth praise glorifieth me) but also out of his compassion to them, and for their good, that by prayers (as men far distant do by letters) there might be a constant and uninterrupted intercourse and correspondence betwixt Heaven and earth.
Men by discoursing together come to be acquainted at first, and continue their acquaintance by sending to and hearing from one another. Prayer which is the speech of man with his Maker, is a special means whereby he comes to be acquainted with God, as also to increase and continue this acquaintance. Prayer indeed bringeth Heaven down to man, and prayer carrieth man up to heaven; It is the chief duty wherein all the graces meet, they shine brightly like so many glorious Stars in this Firmament.