All endeavours to be sanctified by Prayer. [ 1596]
THere was a certain Husbandman that alway sowed good seed,* 1.1 but never could have any good corn, at last a Neighbour came unto him, and rea∣soned, What should be the cause, he sowed so good seed, and r••aped so bad corn? Why, truly, said he, I give the Land her due, good tillage, good seed, and all things that be fit: Why then, replyed the other, It may be you do not steep your seed; No, truly, said he, nor ever did I hear that seed should be steeped: Yes, surely, said the other, and I will tell you how, It must be steeped in Prayer. When the Party heard this, he thanked him for his good counsel, put it home to his Conscience, reformed his fault, and had as good corn as any other Man whatsoever. Thus it is, that if ever we look to have a good im∣provement of our labours,* 1.2 and to have a blessing upon what we undertake, we must have recourse unto God by Prayer; Otherwise we may trade and trasfick, fight and warre, and get nothing; Nay, let us get ever so much, it is all in vain, because we ask not aright, Iam. 4. 2.