35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.



Ver. 35. And in the morning, &c.] The fittest time for prayer, or any serious business. Therefore not only David, Psa_5:3, and other saints, but also heathens chose the morning chiefly for sacrifice; as Nestor in Homer, the Argonauts in Apollonius. The Persian magi sang hymns to their gods at break of day, and worshipped the rising sun. The Pinarii and Potitii sacrificed every morning and evening to Hercules, upon the great altar at Rome, &c. Men should rise early, on the Sabbath day especially, both the better to prepare for the public, as also to consecrate as much time as they can, Psa_92:2; Exo_19:14-16 Shall Philistines be up early to go to see Dagon, Papists to matins, Israel to dance before their golden calf, Exo_32:5-6; young men may go Maying, ringing, &c.; worldlings to their markets, fairs, by peep of day; and shall Christians lie bathing in their beds on their Lord’s day?