The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

Those things which relate to thy self, are thy sins, wants and mercies; There are three parts of prayer (though I know some reckon the first rather an adjunct) Confession, Petition, and Thanksgiving: Now meditation gives each of these the work which they are to do, like a faithful Steward it gives every one their proper and peculiar portion. Meditation on our sins helpeth in confession; Meditation on our wants helpeth in petition; Meditation on our mercies helpeth in thanksgiving. A ⟨p. 149⟩Christian ought to keep a Catalogue, at least in the Table book of his heart of these three particulars, David did so: He Registered his unrighteousness, or the wrong he had done to God, my sin is ever before me, Psa. 51.3. He thought much upon his wants and sufferings; He often crieth out, I am poor and needy, Psa. 109.21. Psa. 25. my sorrow is ever before me. Psa 38.17. And for Gods mercies he did not write them in the Sand, but he treasured them up in his memory. Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes, Psa. 26.3. And though some of them were stale (ancient mercies) yet they were not sour to Davids taste, he did not throw them away as Old Almanacs out of date, I will remember the days of old, the years of ancient times, Psa. 77. Rather then God should not be paid his thanks, for favours to his Fore-fathers, David would take the Debts from their score, and set them upon his own File.

Those things which relate to thy self, are thy sins, wants and mercies; There are three parts of prayer (though I know some reckon the first rather an adjunct) Confession, Petition, and Thanksgiving: Now meditation gives each of these the work which they are to do, like a faithful Steward it gives every one their proper and peculiar portion. Meditation on our sins helpeth in confession; Meditation on our wants helpeth in petition; Meditation on our mercies helpeth in thanksgiving. A ⟨p. 149⟩