The river that runs slow and creeps by the banks, and prays to every turf to let it pass, is drawn into hollows, and spreads itself in smaller portions, and dies with diversion; but when it runs with100vigor, and a full stream, and breaks down every obstacle, making it even as its own brow, it stays not to be tempted with little avocations, and to creep into holes, but runs into the sea through full and useful channels: so is a man's prayer; it moves upon the feet of an abated appetite, it wanders into the society of every trifling accident and stays at the corner of the fancy, and talks with every object it meets, and cannot arrive at heaven; but when it is carried upon the wings of passion and strong desires, a swift motion and an hungry appetite, it passes on through all the intermediate regions of clouds, and stays not till it dwells at the foot of the throne, where mercy sits, and thence sends holy showers of refreshments.