Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

$3 That we muff not pray with wandring thoughts. both which do found in the eares of the Lord, and . then confider whether we would rn ke fuch a fpeech, I fay not, according to Malachi's rule, to our Prince,but,to any man whom we regard,which we are not abathed to offer unto the Lord. And thus have you heard the two faults oppofed to praying in truth: whereof the former is a note of hypocrites and impenitent finners;the latter,though a foul fault and carefully to be avoided, yet incident to the children of God : For even in this fenfe the belt of us may complain with David that our heart forfaketh us, Pfal. 4o. r 2. and as Augufline citeth Contra frsti- out of Ambrofe; Ipfo in tempore quo elevare mentent an. tib.z. ex dmbro¡ De paramos, infertis inanibus cogitationibus adterrena ple- fulaa feculi. runque dejicimur : In the very time wherein we en- deavour to lift up our minds, vain thoughts being inferted we are for the moll part caft down unto earthly things. Wherein if we pleafe our felves and are fatisfied with firth wandring prayers , as though fuch wandring thoughts were not to be regarded, as the Schoolmen teach, we allo play the hypocrites in our prayers, and (peak in vain in the aire without fruit or efficacies for fucha prayer is dead and with - out life. But if we come with upright hearts , intending a religious fervice unto God, though fometimes our devotions be hindred with wandring thoughts, yet if webegrieved for them and pray and firive againft them, this infirmitie through Gods mercy and in- tercefsion of Chrift shall not be imputed unto us. CHAP.