Christian Prayer and Fasting

1. Of the inward insight of Sin, and sense of Misery

This sense and insight will be effected in thee—First, by considering thy sins, especially thy gross sins, according to the circumstance of the time when, place where, manner how, and persons with whom, it was committed. Secondly, the majesty of God against whom it was done; and the rather, because thou didst such things against him since he became a Father unto thee, and bestowed so many sweet blessings in a bountiful manner upon thee. Thirdly, in considering the curses which God has threatened for thy sin; how grievously God has plagued others for the same fault, and that no means in heaven or earth could deliver thee from being eternally damned for them, had not the Son of God so lovingly died for thee. Lastly, that if God loves thee, he must chasten thee, ere it be long, with some grievous afflictious, unless thou dost prevent him by speedy and unfeigned repentance. Let these and the like considerations so prick thy heart with sorrow, that melting for remorse within thee, it may be dissolved into a fountain of tears, trickling down thy mournful cheeks. This mourning is the beginning of true fasting, and therefore oft-times put for fasting, the first and principal part for the whole action (Matthew 9:15).

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