DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3689#0009
A
SERIOUS CALL
TO A
Devout and Holy Life.
Chapter I.
Concerning the Nature and Extent of
Christian Devotion.
DEVOTION is neither private nor public Prayer, but
Prayers whether private or public, are particular
parts or instances of Devotion. Devotion signi-
fies a life given, or devoted to God.
He therefore is the devout man, who lives no
longer to his own will, or the way and spirit of the world, but to
the sole will of God, who considers God in everything, who
serves God in everything, who makes all the parts of his common
life, parts of piety, by doing everything in the name of God, and
under such rules as are conformable to his Glory.
We readily acknowledge, that God alone is to be the rule and
measure of our Prayers; that in them we are to look wholly
unto him, and act wholly for him; that we are only to pray in
such a manner, for such things, and such ends, as are suitable to
his Glory.
Now let anyone but find out the reason, why he is to be thus
strictly pious in his prayers, and he will find the same as strong
a reason, to be as strictly pious in all the other parts of his life.
For there is not the least shadow of a reason, why we should
make God the rule and measure of our prayers ; why we should
then look wholly unto him, and pray according to his will; but
what equally proves it necessary for us to look wholly unto God,
and make him the rule and measure of all the other actions of
our life. por any wayS Qf life, any employment of our talents,
whether of our parts, our time, or money, that is not strictly ac-
cording to the will of God, that is not for such ends' as are suit-
able to his glory, are as great absurdities and failings, as prayers
SERIOUS CALL
TO A
Devout and Holy Life.
Chapter I.
Concerning the Nature and Extent of
Christian Devotion.
DEVOTION is neither private nor public Prayer, but
Prayers whether private or public, are particular
parts or instances of Devotion. Devotion signi-
fies a life given, or devoted to God.
He therefore is the devout man, who lives no
longer to his own will, or the way and spirit of the world, but to
the sole will of God, who considers God in everything, who
serves God in everything, who makes all the parts of his common
life, parts of piety, by doing everything in the name of God, and
under such rules as are conformable to his Glory.
We readily acknowledge, that God alone is to be the rule and
measure of our Prayers; that in them we are to look wholly
unto him, and act wholly for him; that we are only to pray in
such a manner, for such things, and such ends, as are suitable to
his Glory.
Now let anyone but find out the reason, why he is to be thus
strictly pious in his prayers, and he will find the same as strong
a reason, to be as strictly pious in all the other parts of his life.
For there is not the least shadow of a reason, why we should
make God the rule and measure of our prayers ; why we should
then look wholly unto him, and pray according to his will; but
what equally proves it necessary for us to look wholly unto God,
and make him the rule and measure of all the other actions of
our life. por any wayS Qf life, any employment of our talents,
whether of our parts, our time, or money, that is not strictly ac-
cording to the will of God, that is not for such ends' as are suit-
able to his glory, are as great absurdities and failings, as prayers