8. He was wont often to complain of the wickedness of his heart, and
seemed to be more grieved for the corruption of his nature, than, for
actual sin.
9. He was much troubled for the wandering of his thoughts in prayer, and
that he could not always keep his heart fixed upon God, and his
affections more constantly raised.
10. He kept a watch over his heart, and observed the workings of his
soul, and would complain that they were so vain and foolish, and so
little busied about spiritual things.
11. He was exceedingly importunate with God in prayer, and would plead
with God at an unusual rate; and he would beg and expostulate, and weep
so, that sometimes it could not be kept from the ears of the neighbours:
so that one in the next house was forced to cry out, "The prayers and
tears of that child in the next house will sink me to hell!" because by
it he did condemn his neglect of prayer and his slight performance of
it.