52. Would they pray more than others? then they should resolve more than others

Luther once said in prayer, 'Our Father, let my will be done on earth, as in heaven; for thy will is mine.' The covenant of grace turns precepts into promises; and the spirit of grace converts promises into prayers.

Take with you words, and turn unto the Lord; and say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously.

God is always willing for us to hit the mark, when he directs our arrows. When he teaches us to wrestle, he then intends we should prevail. Spiritual breathings are attended with spiritual blessings. Nothing will ascend to heaven, but what came down from heaven. That prayer meets with no answer, which is not offered up in faith.

3. Would you pray more than others? then resolve more than others.

God looks more at our wills, than at our works. The first-fruits of conversion hang upon the trees of holiness. I will arise, and go to my Father. Arrows weakly shot, fall short of the mark.

Shame is that which ambitious nature abhors, and danger is what timorous nature declines. Reformation is an icy path, and cowardly spirits love to have it well beaten by others, before they will venture to tread it.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Firm resolutions are like rocks, which the waves cannot move. By our prayers we shew what we wish God to do for us; and by our purposes we manifest what we desire to do for God.