[ 1099] Morning Prayers commended.
ST. Origen going to comfort and encourage a Martyr,* 1.1 that was to be tormen∣ted, was himself apprehended by the Officers, and constrained either to offer to the Idolls, or to have his body abused by a Blackamore, that was ready for that purpose; of which hard choice, to save his life, he bowed unto the Idoll: But afterwards making a sad confession of his life, he said, That he went forth that morning,* 1.2 without making his prayers unto God, which he said, he knew assured∣ly to be the cause of his falling into evill. And to say truth, he that committeth not himself to Gods good guidance in the morning, may very well be without Gods good blessing all the day after. The first thing that a man doth, is to seek God, never think himself drest, till that be done, Let his soul have a mornings draught, as well as his body, I mean, a morning prayer, to fence it against the infectious aire of the world;* 1.3 Solomon tels the reason, Who can tel what a day (a big bellied day) may bring forth, whether judgment or mercy, good or bad. Therefore to make sure work, pray to God in the morning, and then come what will come, all shall be for the best.