A94156:443
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.
3. He that prayeth constantly, hath set times every day for prayer; The Morning and Evening Sacrifice were called the continual Sacrifice. Numb. 28.4. The Christian hath his set meals for his soul every day, as well as for his body. With the Mary-gold he opens himself in the morning, for ⟨p. 181⟩the sweet dews of Heavens grace and blessing, and he doth at night (though his occasions hinder him in the day) like a Lover find some opportunity to converse with his beloved.
He is most free and fresh in the morning, the top of the milk is the cream, and he doth not think his best too good for God. His evening fare is sometime extraordinary, like the Jewish feasts which were at Supper. The spiced cup is best at the bottom. Prayer is the key of the morning, to open the door of mercy, and prayer is the bolt at night to shut him up in safety. The Jews prayed in the Temple the third, sixth, and ninth hour of the day; our privileges under the Gospel are enlarged, and I know no reason why our prayers should be lessened.
He is most free and fresh in the morning, the top of the milk is the cream, and he doth not think his best too good for God. His evening fare is sometime extraordinary, like the Jewish feasts which were at Supper. The spiced cup is best at the bottom. Prayer is the key of the morning, to open the door of mercy, and prayer is the bolt at night to shut him up in safety. The Jews prayed in the Temple the third, sixth, and ninth hour of the day; our priviledges under the Gospel are enlarged, and I know no reason why our prayers should be lessened.
He that prayeth continually, doth upon all occasions in the day time, whatever he be about, put up his supplication to God. He hath his ejaculations his holy Apostrophes, wherein he doth turn his speech (at least internal and inarticulate) om man to God. This liberty is a great privilege, and this practice turns to wonderful profit. When Jacob was blessing his Sons, he takes breath with, I have waited for thy Salvation O Lord, Gen 49.14. Nehemiah when at the Kings Elbow, would not open his mouth to the King, till he had opened his heart to God.