§. Sect. 5 That we must pray in humi∣lity, and with reuerence and feruencie.
In respect of our hearts there are diuers things required. First, humi∣lity, whereby wee abase our selues in the sight and sense of our owne vile∣nesse and vnworthinesse, vnfainedly acknowledging, that we are not wor∣thy to tread vpon the earth, or to looke vp vnto heauen, much lesse to ap∣peare in Gods glorious presence, or to make any suites and supplications vnto him. And therefore reiecting all Pharisaicall conceit of our owne workes and worthinesse, we are to confesse with Abraham, that wee are but dust and ashes; with Iacob, that we are lesse then the least of Gods mercies, with Dauid, that wee are wormes, and no men; with Esay, that we are men of polluted lips; with the prodigall Sonne, that we are not worthy to be called Gods children; with the Publican, that wee are miserable sinners; yea with the Apostle Paul, that of all sinners we are the chiefe. And this humility will be a notable meanes to confirme our faith in this assurance, that we shall be re∣ceiued into grace and fauour with God, and that he will heare and grant all our Petitions. For he will looke vnto him that is poore and of a contrite spi∣rit; he is neere vnto him, and will dwell with him; with this sacrifice of a bro∣ken and contrite heart, wherein he chiefly delighteth, he is made propitious, and will be ready to heare his suites; for he forgetteth not the cry of the hum∣ble, but he heareth their prayer, and will prepare their heart, and will cause his eare to heare, as the Psalmist speaketh. The second thing required in our hearts, is reuerence, vnto which Dauid exhorteth: Serue the Lord with reue∣rence, and reioyce with trembling; and performed in his owne practice; In thy feare (saith he) will I worship towards thy holy Temple. The which reue∣rence may be wrought in vs, by the consideration of Gods glorious pre∣sence before whom we stand, who being present with vs, seeth all our acti∣ons, and how wee behaue our selues in his seruice, and is infinite both in Iustice and power, to punish vs, if we take his name in vaine, and abuse his holy Ordinances, in performing vnto him a formall, cold, and carelesse seruice: and also in mercy, goodnesse, and bounty, if wee worship him aright. And secondly, if we consider withall, our owne basenesse and vile∣nesse, vnto whom notwithstanding, God, of his infinite grace and mercy vouchsafeth this high honour and inestimable prerogatiue, to come into his glorious presence, and to make our suites knowne vnto him. The third thing required, is feruency of affection, and zealous deuotion, whereby we do with all earnestnes desire to haue all our sins pardoned, & our wants supplied, & with all hearty cheerefulnesse, without dulnesse and drowsines,