He can now not only converse with, but gladly wait upon the poorest kind of people. He is now daily watching over the weak, humbling himself to perverse, rude, ignorant people, wherever he can find them; and is so far from desiring to be considered as a gentleman, that he desires to be used as the servant of all; and in the Spirit of his Lord and Master girds himself, and is glad to kneel down and wash any of their feet.
He now thinks the poorest creature in his parish good enough, and great enough, to deserve the humblest attendances, the kindest friendships, the tenderest offices, he can possibly shew them.
He is so far now from wanting agreeable company, that he thinks there is no better conversation in the world, than to be talking with poor and mean people about the kingdom of heaven.
All these noble thoughts and divine sentiments are the effects of his great devotion; he presents every one so often before God in his prayers, that he never thinks he can esteem, or serve those enough, for whom he implores so many mercies from God.
8. Ouranius is mightily affected with this passage of holy scripture, The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, James v. 16.
This makes him practise all the arts of holy living, and aspire after every instance of piety, that his prayers for his flock may have their full force, and avail much with God.
For this reason he has sold a small estate that he had, and has erected a charitable retirement for ancient, poor people, to live in prayer and piety; that his prayers, being assisted by such good works, may pierce the clouds, and bring down blessings upon those souls committed to his care.
9. Ouranius reads how God himself said unto Abimelech concerning Abraham: He is a prophet; he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live, Gen. xx. 7.
And again, how he said of Job: And my servant Job shall pray for you; for him will I accept, Job xlii. 8.
From these passages Ouranius justly concludes, that the prayers of men eminent for holiness, have an extraordinary power with God; that he grants to other people such blessings, through their prayers, as would not be granted to men of less piety. This makes Ouranius exceeding studious of Christian perfection, searching after every grace and holy temper, fearful of every error and defect in his life, lest his prayers for his flock should be less availing with God.