Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

Of preparation unto prayer. CHAP. XXIV. of things required out of the action of prayer. H Itherto we have fpoken of fuch things as are required in the a Lion of invocation : Now we are to treat of thofe things which muft be done out of the action, that is to fay, both before and after. Before there is required preparation. For i. if we I. Prepara- tion. ought to prepare our felves when the Lord is to The reasons fpeak unto us in the miniflery of the word, that we why prepa- y 9 Eccles 4. 17. cetffaryls ne- ma befit to hears as Exod. z . then much more are we bound to prepare our felves when we our felves are to be fpeakers, that we may be fit to fpeak to fo great a Majeftie. 2. If we will not fpeak to our fuperiours, efpecially our Prince,without preparation,how much more ought we to come prepared when we are to fpeak to the King of kings, and that concerning matters of great importance :' Thirdly, we may not be rah with our mouthes, nor let our hearts be bailie to utter any thing before God, Eccles 5. z . But as the fonne of Sirach advifeth, Before we pray we ought to prepare our felves, and not be its thofe that tempt God, Ecclus 18.23. 'Fourthly, we have the example of David Pfal. z o8. 1. and 57.7. o God, my heart is prepared, fo is my glo- ry; I will Ping andgive praife. Now this preparation confifleth partly in remo- This prep; ving the impediments, and partly in the ding ofthe ration con- means. firif We muff look to our feet Eccles 5, í'tteta'' i. in , , removing z. that is, with what affeCtions and difpofitions we itureaimcnts come to prayer; and confequericly are to lay afide all carnali thoughts and worldly cares which might diftraCt I41