We must stir up ourselves to praise God with the consideration both of the reason and of the encouragement we have to praise him. › We must give God thanks for the spiritual mercies bestowed upon us in particular, especially if we are called with an effectual call, and have a good work of grace begun in us.

7. For support under afflictions, and spiritual benefit and advantage by them.

Thou hast comforted us in all our tribulation, hast considered our trouble, and known our souls in adversity, and showed us thy marvellous kindness, as in a strong city. 2 Cor 1:4. Ps 31:21.

When afflictions have abounded, consolations have much more abounded. 2 Cor 1:5.

Though no afflictions for the present hath been joyous, but grievous, nevertheless, afterwards it hath yielded the peaceable fruit of righteousness ; and hath proved to be for our profit, that we might be partakers of thy holiness. Heb 12:10, 11.

We have had reason to say, that it was good for us we were afflicted, that we might learn thy commandments; for before we were afflicted, we went astray, but afterwards have kept thy word. Ps 119:67, 71.

It has been but for a season, and when there was need, that we were in heaviness through manifold temptations; and we beg that all the trial of our faith may be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen we love, in whom, though now we see him not, yet believing, we rejoice, with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; are longing to receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. 1 Pet 1:6–9.

‹ For gracious answers to our prayers. · For the performances of God’s promises. ›

Pray now: a guided prayer in six parts, with the next heads each day.

Henry’s text is in the public domain. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, No. 265 Chestnut Street. Undated, about 1840 to 1860. The preface is dated Chester, March 25, 1710. From the Internet Archive scan. The KJV text is in the public domain.