CHAPTER II. 115 SECT. III. Of the Matter of Prayer. First, It is necessary to furnish ourselves with proper mat- ter, that we may be able to hold much converse with God ; to entertain our souls and others agreeably and devoutly in wor- ship ; to assist the exercise of our own graces and others, by a rich supply of divine thoughts and desires in prayer, that we may not be forced to make too long and indecent pauses, whilst we are performing that duty ;. nor break off abruptly as soon as we have begun, for want of matter ; nor, pour out abundance of words to dress up narrow and scanty sense, for want of variety of devout thoughts. I shall therefore, first, propose some rules in order to furnish ourselves with proper matter for prayer ; and then lay down some directions concerning these materials of prayer, with which our souls are furnished. Rules to furnish us with matter, are these : I. Rule. Labour after a large acquaintance with all things that belong to"religion; for there is nothing that relates to reli- gion, but may properly make some part of the matter of our prayer. This is therefore the most general advice, and the most universal rule that can be given in this case, let us daily seek after a more extensive and a more affecting knowledge of God and ourselves : A great acquaintance with God in his nature, in his persons, in his perfections, in his works, and in his word, will supply us with abundant furniture for invocation, adoration, and praise, thanksgiving and blessing ; and will suggest to us many arguments in pleading with God for mercy. An intimate acquaintance with ourselves, and a lively sense of our own frames of spirit, our wants, our sorrows, and our joys, will also supply us with proper thoughts for confession, for petition, and for giving thanks. We should acquaint ourselves therefore with the word of God in a great degree; for it is there he reveals himself to us, and there he discovers us also to ourselves. Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdom, that you maybe furnished with petitions and praises. We should also be watchful observers of the dealings of God.with us in every ordinance and in every providence, and know well the state of our own souls. We should observe the working of our hearts towards God, or towards the creature, and call ourselves to account often, and often examine our tem- per and our life, both in our natural,, our civil and religious ac- tions. For this purpose, as well as upon many other accounts, it will be of great advantage to keep by us in writing some of the most remarkable providences of God, and instances of his auger or mercy towards us, and some of our most remarkable carriages towards him, whether sins, or duties, or the exercises of grace. Such observations and remarks in our daily walking with God, will be a growing treasury to furnish us for petition n 2
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