I answer, all the former _Scriptures_ declare it to be an _Ordinance_ of the _New Testament_, as well as a _prayer_ itself: And for the _use_ of it, it is most admirable for the _separating_, and _abstracting_ of the _mind_, and _spirit_, from earthly _occasions_, and _comforts_, for the devoting of the _soul_ to heavenly _consideration_, and _examination_ of our wayes, for the pouring forth of _prayers_, and _cries_ to _God_ in the many great, and mighty _straights_ which _Gods_ people passe through in this _vale_ of _tears_, and _Lamentation_. And indeed it is (as I may say) the taking of a _soul sweat_, or _soul purge_ for the avoiding and cleansing out our spirituall _Humours_, and _corruptions_. [Sidenote: 3dly.] [Sidenote: Spirituall taking of cold.] Thirdly, as ever we would preserve our _spirituall health_, let us carefully take heed of spirituall _colds_ and _obstructions_: For as it is in the _naturall_ man, a _cold_ it self is a great _distemper_, and the _ground_ and _beginning_ of others, when the _warm streams_ of _blood_, and _spirits_ are stopt up, and obstructed: So is it, (and much more in the _spirituall_) when our heavenly _spirits_ are stopt by damp _colds_, and _obstructions_ of unnecessary frequenting of _cold societies_, and _places_ destitute of the _life_ of the _Sun_ of _Righteousnes Christ Jesus_. The _Lord Jesus_ is a _Christians Garment_: O let us keep that blessed _garment_ always close about us, and in all places, and in all companies, and upon all _occasions_ expresse the _life_, and _power_ of _Christ Jesus_, longing to know, and to follow his blessed _words_, and _examples_ in _life_, and _death_. [Sidenote: 4thly.] [Sidenote: Gods people must watch against the surfeiting upon worldly comforts.] Fourthly, take heed of _spirituall surfets_, that the feeding too much upon the _comforts_ of _yoak fellows_, _children_, _credit_, _profit_, (though sweet, and wholsome as _hony_) turn not to _bitternes_, and _loathing_.