vrv- rZG- cJ-- i -3i -z V .4 V3 their way, or how others account and effeem of them, idly, Olferve, (which is of affinity with the former) That a man that endeavours to have a good Confcience, and to be clear that it is fo indeed, will be very defirous to have a room in the prayers of others of God's people ; or,Such a man is one that will not lippen to,and`lay weight upon his own prayers only, but will alto highly prize Chriftian fellowíhip, and delire to have the benefit of the prayers of other Chriftians ; Paul feldom miffes this in his epiftles ; fo, Rom. i 5. Eph. 6, Col. 4. and Philip. I. he is much in putting and preffing them to pray, and to pray and ftrive for him together in prayer : The reafon is, becaufe a man of a tender Confcience hath a kindly fenfe of his own infirmity, and a great delire to he for- ward in the way of holinefs, and at much enjoyment of God ; and would therefore fain have a lift from every one that can help him : Such a man hath a native exercife in purfuing, not only after fellowíhip with God, but also with his people ; whereof this is a main part : And thon thefe may be looked at, but as little things ;; yet, if we compare ourfelves with the rule, and with the pra &ice of tender Chriflians, we will find confiderable defe&s, as to a good Confcience in them. There is a fort of dif damn or íhame in many, to Peek the help of others pray ers, as if it fuppofed their being affaulted with fome un couth temptation, or the prevailing of force grofs con. ruption, or the laying on of force extraordinary and un -. heard -of crois and affliétion ; But the Tingle defign of having a good Confcience, and of getting it entertained,; would put us, not only to pray ourfelves, but alto to de fire the help of the prayers of others. Always this is a molt certain truth, That as a good Confcience is not attain ed without prayer, fo 'tis not entertained but by prayer And 'tis indeed a wonder how many can boaft of a good Confcience, and yet negle& prayer themfelves, and under value the prayers of others for them. But, it may be asked here, i. What influence bath a Chriílian's good Confcience, in laying on the duty of prayer on others for him ? z. What influence bath a good Confcience to perfwade others to the performance of this duty for the perfon that bath its more than for T others 3.
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