scudderpage036

yourself and others, in all lawful petitions and supplications, with thanksgiving, Phil. iv. 6; and all this with understanding, 1 Cor. xiv. 15, with the intention and full bent of the soul, James v. 16, and expectation of being heard, Mark xi. 24, in due time and measure, and in the best manner.

SECT. 3. FURTHER DIRECTIONS CONCERNING PRAYER.

Unto the directions both for preparation to prayer, and concerning prayer itself, take these cautions.

First, If it may be, omit neither the one nor the other, and let them be the first work after you are up, Psa. v. 3. But if that cannot be, because of some necessary hinderance, yet perform them so soon as you can, and as well as you can; though you can do neither, either so soon, or so well as you would, yet omit them not altogether. Break through all seeming necessities, which will daily come in your way, to hinder and thrust out these duties. The devil, knowing that nothing doth undermine and overthrow his kingdom more than these duly performed; knowing also that the spiritual performance of them is tedious to corrupt nature, will thrust upon you seeming necessities, so many, and so often, that if you be not watchful to gain, and to take time, breaking through all such hinderances as are not truly necessary; you will often, by the circumvention of the flesh and of the devil, be brought to an omission of preparation, or of prayer, or both. Upon which will follow similar temptations, together with a proneness to the like neglect, and a greater indisposition to these duties afterward.

Secondly, Lay not too great a task upon yourself in this preparation to prayer; I mean, so much as will take up more time than the works of your calling, and other needful affairs, will permit; but contrive and husband your time so, that every lawful business may have its own time, Eccles. iii. 1. God has subordinated the works of your general and particular