The beatitudes

3. The third privilege is this, If we are children, Privi∣ledge. 3 then God will accept of our imperfect services. A Parent takes any thing in good part from his child; God accepts of the will for the deed, 2 Cor. 8.12. oftentimes we come with broken prayers, but if we are children, God ⟨p. 328⟩spells out our meaning, and will take our prayers as a grateful present; a father loves to hear his child speak, though he doth but lisp and stammer, Isa. 38.14. Like a Crane, so did I chatter. Good Hezekiah looked upon his praying as chattering, yet that prayer was heard, ver. 5. a Sigh and groan from an humble heart goes up as the smoke of incense. Psal. 38.9. My groaning is not hid from thee. When all the glistering shows of Hypocrites evaporate, and come to nothing, a little that a child of God doth in sincerity is crowned with acceptance; a father is glad of a letter from his son, though there are blots in the letter, though there are false spellings and broken English; O what blottings are there in our holy things? what broken English sometimes? yet coming from broken hearts it is accepted; though there be weakness in duty, yet if there be willingness, the Lord is much taken with it. Saith God, it is my child, and he would do better, Ephes. 1.6. He hath accepted us in the beloved.

3. The third priviledge is this, If we are children, Privi∣ledge. 3 then God will accept of our imperfect services. A Parent takes any thing in good part from his child; God accepts of the will for the deed, 2 Cor. 8.12. oftentimes we come with broken prayers, but if we are children, God ⟨p. 328⟩spels out our meaning, and will take our prayers as a grateful present; a father loves to hear his child speak, though he doth but lisp and stammar,