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Rash, inconsiderate Prayers, reproved. [ 1502]
IT is reported in the Moscovy Churches,* 1.1 that if the Minister mistake in read∣ing, or stammer in pronouncing his words, or speak any word that is not well heard, the Hearers do much blame him, and are ready to take the book from him, as unworthy to read therein: And God is no less offended with the gid∣dy, rash, precipitate, and inconsiderate Prayers of many, who send their Petitions in post haste unto him; Whereas the Prophet David saith,* 1.2 At last I spake with my tongue; his tongue came after his heart; his words came after long-looking; what he would say, what he should say: And it is the advice of Solomon his Sonne, Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter any thing be∣fore God.* 1.3 Where he putteth the mouth before the heart, when he forbids the rashness of them because he would not have thee to put it before the heart in using of it; not to tumble out thy words when thou speakest unto God, but that they be distinctly digested into order, understanding well what thou say'st, that others may understand thee also.