Page:Saint's duty in evil times (5).pdf/24

 First, Improve it, by seeing that it is only of the Lord's free mercy, that he hath given it. Ezek. xxvi. 22. 'I do not this for your sake, O! house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake.

Secondly, Improve it, by being thereby the more stirred up to your duty, Psalm cxvi. 'Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.' Hath he heard prayers in this? then be more in prayer, and be more single in prayer, and all other duties than ever heretofore.

Thirdly, Improve it, by loving the Lord himself, who hath granted you it, Psalm cxvi. 'I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and supplication.'

Fourthly, Improve it, by separating yourselves more from the abominations of the time, by making clean hearts and clean hands, Psalm vi 5 'Depart from me ye workers of iniquity, the Lord hath heard the voice of my supplication.'

Fifthly, Improve it, by having a high and becoming esteem of the ordinance, yet keeping in its own room, and not resting upon it, but seeking unto the Lord himself, Amos v. 4. 'Seek ye me, and ye shall live, but seek not to Bethel.'

Sixthly, Improve it, by answering his call therein, and let not the Lord have it to say of you, that after long and many refusals, 'Yet I came and stretched forth my wings, and would have gathered you, as a hen gathereth her chickens, but ye would not.' let him not have that to say; 'Come away, come away, enter into your chambers, and shut your doors about you, and hide yourselves as it were  a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.'