Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

30 of two fpeciall benefits which we have by prayer. the other, the increafe of grace wrought in them by Gods Spirit who give themfelves to prayer. As touching the former ; Though by reafon of our wants and imperfeftions in prayer the Lord if he fhould deal in rigour with us might j uftly rej ed our prayers, yet fuch is his mercic that he doth not onely cover our wants, and for the interceffion of Chrift accepteth our prayer, but alfo granteth our define; and not onely that, but becaufe prayer is a dutie of pietie, and a principali part of that wor- fhip whereby we glorifie God, he doth gracioufly reward it, godlineffe having the promife of this life and that which is to come. Our Saviour therefore promifeth,Matth.6.6.that when we call upon God, though it be but in fecret and private prayers, and much more in publick, our heavenly Father will reward us openly. The Lord is rich to all that call up- on him : for whofooever fhall call upon the name of the Lord, 'ball be faxed, Rom. r o. 12,I. For the other: By the frequent and religious ex- ercife of this dutie our faith and affiance in God is increafed, our experience of his bountie and good - nef e towards us in hearing us confirmed , our love to his majeftie augmented, Pfal. i16. 1. our hope nourifhed, our patience exercifed. By it we grow in acquaintance with God, and taft how good and gra- cious the Lord is : By it we learn, being Gods dai- ly fuiters, fo to behave ourfelves as not to be afba- aped to appear before him : By it we elevate our minds above earthly cogitations to mind things that are above, and to have our converfation in heaven : By it we grow into affurance of our ele- ion,