§. Sect. 3 Of the quali∣ty of our prayers.
The second thing to be considered, is the quality of our speech, which ought to be such in our prayers, as is fittest both to stirre vp and expresse our zeale and deuotion. Wherein we are to auoyd two extremes; the first is, curious affectation of words, seeing the Lord respecteth not the elo∣quence of our speech, but the sincerity of our hearts, and the feruency of our desires, which are as loud cries, and most perswasiue orations in his eares, when wee are most barren in words. The second is, rudenesse of speech, without any fit words, or good sense, order or coherence, which is caused through negligence, want of preparation, and of due reuerence and respect of Gods glorious Maiesty, before whom wee stand, and vnto whom we speake, not caring what, nor how wee babble in his presence, though for our credit sake, wee would be more carefull in speaking to mortall man not much superiour vnto vs. For otherwise, if it proceed not from carelesnesse, but from naturall infirmity and want of vtterance (which we may iudge of, if we be so in other discourses, and vpon other occasions) our prayers notwithstanding proceeding from vpright hearts, and being ioyned with zeale and deuotion, will be acceptable vnto God; yea euen our imperfect speeches, sighes and grones, will as effectually moue him to heare vs, and grant our suits, as the most eloquent speeches which haue all the helpes and ornaments both of nature and art.