Bates - BT766 B3 1699

Spiritual Perfeccfion. that flinging Reproach, who, notwith. itanding the Gofpel is the tniniftration of the Spirit, do not by continual fervent Prayer apply our (elves to God, to par- take of a rich abundance of Grace from the Holy Spirit ? I shall only add, that as Prayer is a means to obtain more Grace by impa- tration, fo by 'the exercife of Grace in Prayer 'tis increas'd. Frequent Prayer has a cleanfing Vertue, in that as thofe who often come into the King's Prefence to fpeak to him, are careful to be in de- cent Habits, that they may not 'be dif parag'd in his fight ; lò thofe who draw near to God , will cleanfe themfelves from Sin, that they may be prepar'd to appear before his Holy Majefty. Hu- mility, Faith, Reverence, Love, Zeal, Refignation to the Divine Will, Cotn- paff on to the Affliaed, and other excel- lent Graces, are exercifed in Prayer, as the fphere of their aaiv ty ; and as ac- quir'd Habits fo infufed, are improved by exercife. Frequent (hooting not only makes perfons more skilful in direaing the Arrow to the Mark, but more able to draw a ¡stronger Bow. None are More holy in Converfation, than thofe that give themfelves to Prayer. Our Saviour prayed himfelf into Heaven, and a Divine Lufere appear'd in his Counte- nance.

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