[ 468] Prayers not prevailing at present with God, how to be regulated.
ANglers,* 1.1 when they have long waited, and perceive that nothing doth as much as nibble at the bait, do not impatiently throw away the Rod, or break the hook and line, but pull up and look upon the bait, and so throw it in again: Thus should every good Christian do, though he hath fished all night and caught nothing, though he hath been much in prayers unto God; yet after long expectation, not a syllyble of comfort appearing, no return made at all; let him not break off his prayers, but look to his prayers, that they be not mingled with corruptions, that they be not bare of grace, naked of faith, void of love, &c. and so mend them, and no doubt but Christ will appear at a time he thinks not of, with such a gracious answer as shall a∣bundantly satisfie his longing expectation.