the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o want_v the_o energy_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o bring_v forth_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n only_o by_o speak_v to_o it_o and_o their_o want_n of_o faith_n do_v appear_v in_o that_o they_o smite_v the_o rock_n twice_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o speak_v unto_o it_o numb_a 20_o 11_o 12._o verse_n compare_v with_o vers_n 8._o the_o disciple_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o miracle_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o child_n possess_v with_o a_o dumb_a spirit_n mark_v 9.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emmaus_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o want_v the_o activity_n and_o comfort_n thereof_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o death_n suffering_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a luke_n 24.25_o 26_o 27._o in_o all_o which_o action_n those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o their_o wont_a and_o usual_a success_n because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v i.e._n they_o do_v not_o exercise_v faith_n in_o those_o particular_a case_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o try_v and_o prove_v they_o that_o they_o may_v more_o sensible_o and_o experimental_o know_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o so_o keep_v a_o more_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o divine_a assistance_n now_o as_o the_o precious_a and_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v nature_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n may_v miscarry_v in_o other_o holy_a action_n and_o duty_n so_o also_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n so_o far_o as_o to_o miss_v of_o that_o bless_a fruit_n and_o success_n therein_o which_o at_o other_o time_n they_o find_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o pray_v in_o faith_n james_n 1_o 5_o 6_o 7._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v for_o let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o holy_a man_n james_n be_v now_o speak_v unto_o saint_n unto_o such_o as_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o put_v they_o upon_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o a_o particular_a case_n for_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v their_o profession_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v under_o those_o trial_n and_o temptation_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o they_o and_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n he_o give_v they_o assurance_n to_o prevail_v in_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v vers_fw-la 5._o let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o still_o with_o this_o proviso_n and_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o ask_v in_o faith_n vers_fw-la 6._o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n etc._n etc._n whence_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v true_a faith_n may_v yet_o fail_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o he_o say_v but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n intimate_v that_o a_o godly_a man_n a_o holy_a man_n may_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o thereby_o miscarry_v and_o lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o ask_n vers_fw-la 7._o let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v for_o caution_n and_o warning_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n caution_n god_n use_v caution_n whether_o they_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n whether_o their_o grace_n be_v little_a or_o much_o to_o beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o neglect_v not_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o put_v in_o exercise_n that_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v as_o in_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o work_n of_o prayer_n the_o exhortation_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o ministerial_a gift_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o every_o christian_a in_o reference_n to_o his_o grace_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o wherefore_o i_o put_v thou_o in_o remembrance_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o put_v on_o of_o my_o hand_n a_o man_n may_v have_v excellent_a gift_n and_o part_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o unless_o those_o gift_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o keep_v in_o exercise_n yea_o a_o man_n may_v in_o time_n lose_v his_o gift_n by_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o as_o mat._n 25.29_o but_o unto_o he_o that_o have_v noâ—_n i.e._n exercise_v and_o improvetâ—_n not_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o scope_n oâ—_n the_o parable_n shall_v be_v take_v aâ—â—_n even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v so_o man_n may_v have_v true_a grace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d very_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o yeâ—_n may_v in_o some_o particular_a case_n anâ—_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o moâ—â—_n precious_a ordinance_n and_o in_o thâ—_n performance_n of_o most_o holy_a duty_n be_v altogether_o fruitless_a and_o uâ—â—_n profitable_a both_o to_o himself_o anâ—_n other_o through_z not_o exercisâ—â—_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v yea_o he_o may_v think_v not_o utter_o lose_v yet_o greath_n weaken_v and_o impoverish_v his_o grace_n rev._n 5.18_o joh._n 11.26_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o &_o 5.18_o 3.2_o o_o christian_n know_v that_o thâ—_n life_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o soul_n under_o the_o most_o precious_a ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n whether_o with_o thyself_o or_o with_o other_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o thy_o have_v of_o true_a grace_n in_o thy_o have_v of_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o activity_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v oh_o therefore_o beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o thou_o neglecte_v not_o to_o stir_v up_o to_o keep_v in_o exercise_n thy_o grace_n as_o ever_o thou_o desire_v that_o thy_o soul_n shall_v thrive_v and_o prosper_v under_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v the_o life_n of_o ordinance_n the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n the_o comfort_n and_o fruit_n of_o holy_a duty_n be_v lose_v when_o once_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v lose_v take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o what_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o powerful_a ordinance_n the_o most_o sweet_a and_o precious_a promise_n the_o most_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a duty_n when_o perform_v with_o the_o great_a external_a excellency_n but_o as_o so_o many_o empty_a pipe_n as_o so_o many_o break_a cistern_n which_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n do_v so_o industrious_o tempt_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o spiritual_a slumber_n and_o security_n that_o so_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o grace_n he_o may_v deprive_v they_o oâ—_n the_o spiritual_a fruit_n and_o comfort_v oâ—_n all_o god_n ordinance_n ☞_o ☞_o and_o there_o upon_o tempt_v they_o to_o doubt_n and_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v his_o ordinance_n or_o no_o and_o at_o length_n 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v not_o sincere_a prevaileâ—_n with_o they_o to_o cast_v off_o ordinance_n as_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a anâ—_n to_o cast_v reproach_n and_o dirt_n upon_o they_o whereas_o indeed_o the_o fauâ—â—_n be_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n mal._n 3.14_o micah_n 2.7_o and_o hereupon_o hatâ—_n the_o devil_n take_v advantage_n to_o for_o those_o curse_a tare_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o non-ordinance_n ranter_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o though_o they_o differ_v among_o themselves_o yet_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o to_o cast_v all_o the_o dirt_n and_o reproach_n they_o can_v upon_o the_o precious_a and_o heavenly_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o have_v the_o devil_n do_v whilst_o professor_n be_v fall_v asleep_o and_o have_v lose_v the_o life_n exercise_n and_o activity_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v write_v mat._n 13.25_o but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1.16_o act._n 26.18_o eph._n 4.12_o rom._n 1.16_o
high_a staff_n of_o the_o ladder_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o first_o o_o therefore_o gratify_v not_o thâ—_n devil_n and_o thy_o own_o unregeneâ—â—_n will_v with_o such_o cavil_v aâ—_n shift_v but_o set_v upon_o the_o woâ—â—_n in_o good_a earnest_n up_o and_o be_v dâ—_n ing_z and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o assure_v thyself_o though_o it_o may_v prove_v difficult_a and_o haâ—â—_n labour_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v losâ—_n labour_n john_n 6.27_o labour_v 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v bâ—â—_n for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v unâ—â—_n everlasting_a life_n object_n but_o perhaps_o the_o sinner_n will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o come_v by_o 〈◊〉_d how_o shall_v i_o obtain_v it_o what_o assurance_n have_v i_o that_o if_o i_o labour_v fâ—_n this_o meat_n i_o shall_v have_v any_o fruit_n of_o my_o labour_n answ_n o_o yes_o there_o be_v a_o bless_a promise_n join_v to_o this_o command_n he_o that_o bid_v thou_o labour_n do_v promise_v thou_o thy_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v which_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v give_v unto_o you_o for_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v oh_o sinner_n know_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v seal_v i.e._n ordain_v and_o anoint_a jesus_n christ_n and_o constitute_v he_o under_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o to_o dispense_v and_o give_v out_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o blessing_n therefore_o unto_o all_o such_o as_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o he_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o donation_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o joh._n 17.2_o as_o thou_o have_v give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v eternal_a life_n to_o as_o many_o as_o thou_o have_v give_v he_o object_n but_o thou_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o if_o i_o do_v â—ome_o unto_o he_o i_o shall_v be_v receive_v oh_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o sinner_n as_o be_o such_o a_o wretch_n as_o i_o be_o iâ—_n so_o vile_a and_o wretched_a that_o i_o 〈◊〉_d he_o will_v rather_o reject_v and_o cast_v 〈◊〉_d out_o as_o a_o reprobate_n as_o a_o vessel_n 〈◊〉_d wrath_n than_o receive_v i_o unto_o grâ—â—â—_n and_o favour_n answ_n thou_o shall_v know_v thâ—_n thou_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o thâ—_n father_n have_v give_v to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thy_o come_n to_o he_o and_o closâ—_n with_o he_o in_o the_o word_n of_o 〈◊〉_d gospel_n for_o none_o but_o such_o 〈◊〉_d possible_o come_v to_o he_o 6.44_o joh._n 6.44_o so_o as_o to_o â—â—ceive_v life_n from_o he_o thou_o caâ—_n not_o know_v beforehand_o that_o thâ—_n be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o jeâ—â—â—_n christ_n but_o thou_o must_v first_o coâ—â—_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o thâ—_n may_v know_v that_o the_o fathâ—â—_n have_v give_v thou_o to_o he_o and_o 〈◊〉_d thou_o come_v unto_o jesus_n chriâ—â—_n he_o have_v assure_v thou_o in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n that_o he_o will_v not_o reject_v thou_o he_o will_v not_o cast_v thou_o oâ—â—_n how_o vile_a or_o wretched_a soever_o thou_o be_v joh._n 6.37_o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a word_n in_o no_o wise_a in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o whatever_o thy_o cause_n or_o condition_n be_v though_o never_o so_o desperate_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n yet_o if_o thou_o come_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v thou_o out_o and_o thou_o have_v the_o bless_a precedent_n and_o experience_n of_o many_o great_a sinner_n who_o upon_o repentance_n and_o come_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n have_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o be_v now_o glorify_v saint_n in_o heaven_n witness_n manasseh_n who_o use_v witchcraft_n and_o enchantment_n who_o shed_v much_o innocent_a blood_n and_o fill_v jerusalem_n with_o blood_n and_o make_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o sin_n and_o yet_o when_o in_o his_o affliction_n he_o humble_v himself_o great_o and_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o he_o that_o have_v be_v before_o 〈◊〉_d wicked_a necromancer_n a_o sorcerer_n a_o murderer_n a_o abominable_a idolater_n have_v now_o obtain_v mercy_n become_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o with_o he_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v becoâ—â—_n new_a 2_o chron._n 33.1_o 20._o marâ—_n magdalen_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sinner_n 8.2_o mark_v 16.9_o luke_n 8.2_o out_o of_o who_o christ_n have_v caâ—â—_n seven_o devil_n and_o yet_o she_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o when_o sheâ—_n come_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n he_o diâ—_n not_o cast_v she_o out_o so_o likewise_o paul_n be_v a_o great_a sinner_n beforâ—_n conversion_n a_o persecutor_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o injurious_a and_o yeâ—_n he_o obtain_v mercy_n 1_o tim._n 1._o â—_o and_o wherefore_o do_v the_o loâ—â—_n single_a out_o these_o great_a and_o chieâ—_n sinner_n and_o make_v they_o object_n of_o his_o save_a grace_n and_o favour_n 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o in_o they_o he_o may_v exhibit_v a_o pattern_n of_o his_o glorioâ—â—_n grace_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o other_o great_a sinner_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n with_o a_o presumption_n of_o find_v mercy_n at_o the_o last_o but_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v and_o come_v in_o to_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v so_o 1_o tim._n 1.16_o howbeit_o say_v paul_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long_a suffering_n for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o to_o life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o know_v poor_a sinner_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n oh_o therefore_o be_v not_o discourage_v because_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o harken_v to_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v call_v this_o day_n by_o this_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o labour_v for_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v this_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o other_o holy_a duty_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o which_o without_o faith_n thou_o can_v not_o do_v obj._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v i_o neglect_v prayer_n because_o i_o can_v in_o my_o natural_a and_o unbelieved_a estate_n please_v god_n in_o what_o i_o do_v answ_n no_o oh_o no_o thou_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v a_o natural_a duty_n write_v upon_o every_o man_n conscience_n the_o obligation_n whereof_o can_v be_v dispense_v with_o by_o any_o power_n or_o under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o thou_o must_v not_o therefore_o cast_v of_o prayer_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n and_o unbeleef_n but_o thou_o must_v cast_v off_o thy_o sin_n and_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o prayer_n which_o if_o thou_o neglecte_v thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o threefold_a robbery_n 1._o thou_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n 2._o thy_o own_o soul_n body_n and_o family_n of_o the_o mercy_n 3._o thy_o neighbour_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o thy_o prayer_n simon_n magus_n be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o yet_o peter_n bid_v he_o pray_v act._n 22.23_o but_o withal_o he_o bid_v he_o repent_v also_o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n therefore_o a_o wicked_a man_n a_o man_n in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n must_v pray_v but_o withal_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o his_o wickedness_n and_o believe_v that_o through_o christ_n jesus_n remission_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o this_o ground_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o apostle_n bid_v he_o to_o pray_v if_o peradventure_o or_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o second_o unto_o saint_n oh_o you_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n who_o have_v this_o precious_a faith_n this_o precious_a seed_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o you_o in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n unto_o you_o do_v this_o word_n of_o exhortation_n speak_v as_o unto_o son_n and_o daughter_n oh_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v exert_n and_o put_v forth_o this_o heavenborn_a principle_n and_o seed_n of_o faith_n into_o exercise_n let_v it_o not_o lie_v by_o you_o as_o a_o dead_a
jacob_n wrestle_a with_o god_n and_o prevail_a or_o a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o divers_a weighty_a question_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o pray_v in_o faith_n be_v state_v and_o resolve_v for_o the_o comfort_v and_o satisfy_v of_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n the_o conviction_n of_o formal_a hypocrite_n and_o awaken_n of_o all_o saint_n both_o weak_a and_o strong_a great_a and_o small_a to_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n by_o one_o who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o and_o sufferer_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n john_n 16.24_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1663._o to_o the_o reader_n whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o take_v this_o book_n into_o thy_o hand_n know_v that_o as_o to_o thy_o spiritual_a state_n thou_o be_v either_o a_o sinner_n or_o a_o saint_n a_o believer_n 5.12_o joh._n 3.36_o 1_o joh._n 5.12_o or_o a_o unbeliever_n in_o christ_n or_o out_o of_o christ_n for_o betwixt_o these_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la or_o middle_a state_n now_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n a_o unbelieved_a christless_a soul_n then_o here_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o thy_o spiritual_a misery_n which_o be_v great_a beyond_o expression_n and_o the_o bar_n that_o keep_v out_o all_o spiritual_a good_a and_o mercy_n from_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o estrange_v from_o communion_n the_o sweet_a and_o soul-enriching_a soul-sanctifying_a soulsaving_a and_o soul-satisfying_a communion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 17.3_o joh._n 17.3_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n the_o life_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n of_o god_n ephes_n 4.16_o alienate_v form_n the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v thy_o hell_n upon_o earth_n 2.12_o eph._n 2.12_o though_o thou_o know_v it_o not_o that_o thou_o be_v without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i._n e._n without_o true_a spiritual_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n through_o want_n of_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o thy_o soul_n and_o through_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n or_o a_o mis-performance_n as_o of_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n so_o especial_o of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o right_a performance_n whereof_o such_o sweet_a and_o bless_a communion_n with_o god_n may_v be_v enjoy_v as_o galeatius_fw-la caracciolus_n that_o famous_a italian_a convert_n have_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o have_v forsake_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o do_v not_o prize_v one_o moment_n communion_n with_o god_n before_o a_o thousand_o world_n now_o reader_n know_v that_o if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o art_n yet_o a_o stranger_n to_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o be_v one_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n to_o lead_v thou_o unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n and_o to_o instruct_v thou_o into_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o mystery_n of_o pray_v in_o faith_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v thou_o right_o to_o understand_v and_o wise_o to_o improve_v will_v open_v such_o a_o door_n for_o escape_v out_o of_o thy_o spiritual_a misery_n and_o for_o the_o let_n in_o of_o all_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n into_o thy_o soul_n as_o may_v make_v thou_o happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o saint_n a_o believer_n a_o soul_n in_o christ_n 3.5_o psa_fw-la 37.25_o cant._n 1.2_o psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3.5_o then_o to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n thy_o glory_n thy_o joy_n thy_o crown_n thy_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n nothing_o so_o sweet_a nothing_o so_o precious_a nothing_o so_o desirable_a to_o thy_o soul_n as_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o right_a use_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o heavenly_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o sweet_a walk_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1.13_o rev._n 1.13_o wherein_o he_o delight_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o those_o spiritual_a gallery_n 7.5_o cant._n 7.5_o in_o which_o the_o king_n be_v hold_v and_o retain_v by_o his_o belove_a spouse_n 4.9_o cant._n 4.9_o in_o most_o sweet_a embrace_n 6_o cant._n 2.4_o 5_o 6_o and_o soul-endearing_a converse_v to_o the_o ravish_a of_o the_o heart_n of_o each_o other_o among_o which_o spiritual_a walk_n and_o gallery_n there_o be_v none_o in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n do_v more_o delight_n and_o abundant_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n than_o in_o this_o great_a ordinance_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v his_o delight_n 15.8_o prov._n 15.8_o now_o it_o be_v also_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o further_a thy_o soul_n communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o ordinance_n of_o prayer_n by_o show_v thou_o 1._o the_o necessity_n 2._o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n resolve_v divers_a scruple_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o it_o awaken_n and_o stir_v up_o thy_o soul_n to_o it_o teach_v thou_o to_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o it_o and_o reveal_v unto_o thou_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v and_o obtain_v by_o it_o therefore_o whether_o thou_o be_v sinner_n or_o saint_n in_o christ_n or_o out_o of_o christ_n strong_a or_o weak_a in_o grace_n read_v this_o small_a treatise_n and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o to_o understand_v what_o thou_o read_v sincere_o to_o embrace_v and_o faithful_o to_o practise_v what_o thou_o understand_v and_o to_o reap_v the_o spiritual_a fruit_n thereof_o in_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o if_o thou_o reape_v any_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n to_o thy_o soul_n by_o this_o discourse_n give_v he_o the_o glory_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o truth_n not_o the_o instrument_n and_o if_o thou_o reape_v no_o fruit_n or_o be_v make_v worse_o by_o it_o blame_v neither_o the_o author_n nor_o the_o instrument_n but_o thy_o own_o heart_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o to_o the_o reader_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o author_n this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n by_o the_o worthy_a author_n thereof_o who_o humility_n be_v jealous_a of_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o piece_n by_o a_o cursory_a view_n of_o it_o i_o quick_o perceive_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o and_o press_v to_o the_o publish_n of_o it_o for_o the_o relief_n quicken_a and_o consolation_n of_o such_o as_o understand_v pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v therefore_o think_v meet_a to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n of_o prayer_n be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v a_o judicious_a and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o god_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n and_o that_o in_o bond_n for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n in_o which_o condition_n no_o doubt_n his_o soul_n be_v conversant_a in_o this_o heavenly_a exercise_n and_o be_v take_v as_o other_o of_o his_o fellow_n servant_n into_o a_o more_o intimate_a communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o breathe_n and_o cry_n with_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n be_v go_v up_o into_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n psa_n 97.11_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v great_a wrath_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o this_o hour_n and_o have_v blaspheme_v it_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o any_o generation_n be_v great_o torment_v thereat_o cry_v out_o oh_o away_o with_o this_o pray_n in_o the_o spirit_n wonderful_a it_o be_v that_o man_n pretend_v christianity_n and_o to_o have_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v decry_v pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v perfect_o oppose_v to_o stint_a form_n but_o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o call_v of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n even_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a that_o know_v it_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n as_o a_o good_a witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v out_o a_o holy_a and_o experimental_a testimony_n to_o this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o have_v discover_v the_o abomination_n of_o hypocritical_a pray_n in_o the_o vain_a repetition_n and_o say_v long_a prayer_n for_o a_o pretence_n mat._n 6.7_o and_o 23.14_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n promise_v to_o all_o minister_n send_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o saint_n especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n day_n if_o
5.14_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n that_o we_o have_v in_o he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o if_o we_o know_v that_o he_o hear_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o least_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n but_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o such_o case_n that_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o ask_v be_v grant_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_n instance_n 1_o suppose_v i_o pray_v for_o the_o downfall_n and_o utter_a ruin_n of_o babylon_n that_o mother_n of_o harlot_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v in_o prayer_n absolute_o and_o determinate_o without_o if_o or_o and_o that_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o i_o now_o ask_v be_v grant_v in_o heaven_n and_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o due_a time_n because_o god_n have_v clear_o reveal_v and_o absolute_o foretell_v and_o promise_v the_o same_o in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n rev._n 18.2_o instance_n 2_o if_o i_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o wicked_a enemy_n that_o do_v afflict_v they_o i_o ought_v to_o pray_v in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o sure_a confidence_n that_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o i_o ask_v be_v do_v in_o heaven_n and_o shall_v be_v certain_o accomplish_v in_o god_n due_a time_n because_o he_o have_v clear_o reveal_v foretold_v and_o promise_v the_o same_o in_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n psal_n 37.39.40_o instance_n 3_o so_o likewise_o when_o i_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o spiritual_a preservation_n and_o keep_n of_o his_o elect_n in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o temptation_n that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v seduce_v nor_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o faith_n herein_o i_o be_o positive_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o i_o desire_v of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v clear_o reveal_v and_o absolute_o promise_v the_o same_o in_o his_o word_n mat._n 16.18_o mat._n 18.14_o mat._n 24.24_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o petition_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v rule_n second_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n nor_o absolute_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o leave_v dubious_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a as_o to_o we_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n concern_v the_o same_o not_o be_v declare_v we_o be_v not_o in_o such_o case_n to_o believe_v positive_o for_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o to_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o choice_n therein_o with_o submission_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n instance_n 1_o thus_o the_o ninivites_fw-la in_o that_o solemn_a work_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n join_v with_o repentance_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v positive_o believe_v for_o the_o thing_n they_o ask_v of_o god_n viz._n the_o aversion_n of_o that_o national_a wrath_n which_o do_v hang_v over_o their_o head_n but_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o may_n be_v of_o faith_n a_o peradventure_o ah_o who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n that_o we_o perish_v not_o jonah_n 3.9_o and_o yet_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n therein_o and_o have_v their_o petition_n grant_v vers_fw-la 10._o instance_n 2_o so_o zeph._n 2.3_o the_o meek_a of_o the_o earth_n be_v there_o exhort_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n to_o seek_v meekness_n to_o seek_v righteousness_n with_o this_o motive_n it_o may_v be_v you_o shall_v be_v his_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n anger_n where_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o case_n be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v there_o no_o more_o be_v require_v than_o a_o may_v be_v of_o faith_n for_o faith_n can_v go_v beyond_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n instance_n 3_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v to_o simon_n magus_n act._n 8.22_o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a his_o case_n very_o difficult_a and_o singular_a the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o certain_o know_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v he_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o pray_v but_o it_o must_v be_v only_o with_o a_o may_v be_v not_o a_o certainty_n of_o obtain_v with_o a_o perhaps_o if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o rule_n 2_o in_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v absolute_o and_o simple_o good_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v our_o faith_n positive_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o pray_v for_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o waver_v in_o the_o case_n as_o suppose_v i_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n as_o may_v enable_v and_o fit_v i_o to_o discharge_v my_o duty_n in_o my_o place_n and_o station_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n here_o my_o duty_n be_v to_o act_v faith_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_v absolute_o for_o the_o thing_n i_o ask_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_v or_o waver_v for_o so_o i_o be_o command_v james_n 1.5_o 6._o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v or_o waver_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o doubt_v or_o waver_v though_o in_o some_o other_o case_n it_o may_v be_v lawful_a as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v which_o hint_n may_v give_v some_o further_a light_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o reach_v not_o unto_o all_o case_n but_o only_o unto_o case_n of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a nature_n a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o this_o case_n instance_n instance_n be_v that_o of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 3.5_o 7_o 8_o 9_o where_o solomon_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n great_a goodness_n in_o call_v he_o to_o so_o great_a a_o place_n and_o of_o his_o own_o great_a unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o manage_v the_o same_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o people_n good_a omit_v other_o thing_n of_o more_o private_a concernment_n he_o make_v his_o request_n to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n suitable_a to_o his_o place_n and_o station_n ver_fw-la 9_o give_v therefore_o thy_o servant_n a_o understand_a heart_n to_o judge_v thy_o people_n that_o i_o may_v discern_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o who_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v this_o thy_o so_o great_a a_o people_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o good_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o in_o order_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o people_n good_a he_o ask_v absolute_o and_o determinate_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o no_o other_o in_o exchange_n for_o it_o and_o how_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v this_o request_n of_o solomon_n be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o story_n vers_fw-la 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o but_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o and_o per_fw-la se_fw-la good_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o rule_n last_o part_n of_o the_o second_o rule_n but_o may_v be_v good_a or_o bad_a for_o we_o upon_o such_o variable_a consideration_n which_o be_v best_a know_v to_o god_n and_o about_o which_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o all_o such_o case_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v for_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o ask_v but_o by_o faith_n to_o rely_v upon_o and_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o that_o which_o he_o see_v best_o for_o we_o neither_o be_v we_o rash_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v ask_v amiss_o and_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o hear_v because_o we_o have_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o desire_v forasmuch_o as_o in_o all_o such_o case_n there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o submit_v such_o desire_n of_o we_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n either_o express_v or_o understand_v 1._o express_v as_o in_o that_o petition_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n mat._n 26.39_o o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o
to_o right_a ground_n to_o right_a end_n and_o aim_n and_o to_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o prayer_n only_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n can_v do_v this_o rom._n 8_o 26.27_o to_o praâ—_n without_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o truâ—_n faith_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o vain_a because_o so_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o pray_v amiss_o there_o before_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n iâ—_n prayer_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n reas_n 3_o 3._o because_o otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o pray_v with_o acceptation_n anâ—_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o the_o excellency_n of_o truâ—_n grace_n in_o every_o duty_n and_o holâ—_n action_n to_o look_v unto_o god_n as_o iâ—_n ultimate_a and_o high_a end_n to_o have_v its_o acceptation_n and_o approbation_n from_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 5.9_o wherefore_o we_o labour_v that_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o now_o that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o that_o which_o crown_v it_o with_o life_n sweetness_n efficacy_n blessing_n and_o honour_n wheâ—_n it_o come_v off_o with_o divine_a acceptation_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n the_o father_n will_v put_v the_o great_a honour_n upon_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o crown_v his_o work_n with_o he_o great_a glory_n he_o do_v it_o by_o witness_v his_o approbation_n and_o acceptation_n thereof_o from_o heaâ—en_n mat._n 3.17_o and_o again_o mat._n â—8_o 5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o â—hom_n i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o where_o this_o be_v want_v we_o may_v write_v upon_o our_o high_a enjoyment_n and_o performance_n ichabod_n the_o glory_n be_v depart_v the_o like_a sweetness_n glory_n and_o blessedness_n of_o a_o duty_n be_v lose_v where_o this_o be_v want_v gen._n 4.5_o mal._n 1.10_o now_o therefore_o it_o main_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v unto_o this_o in_o all_o â—ur_n holy_a service_n and_o sacrifice_n â—hat_n they_o may_v come_v upon_o god_n altar_n with_o acceptation_n but_o this_o cannot_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o cannot_v pray_v with_o acceptation_n if_o we_o â—o_o not_o pray_v in_o faith_n heb._n 11.6_o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o â—lease_v he_o and_o again_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o tâ—_n faithless_a prayer_n like_o blind_a aâ—_n lame_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o laâ—_n mal._n 1.8_o be_v both_o unacceptaâ—_n and_o sinful_a upon_o all_o which_o conâ—derations_n it_o do_v more_o than_o sâ—_n ficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n use_v 1_o the_o open_n and_o discover_v of_o this_o great_a gospel_n truth_n mâ—_n be_v of_o use_n both_o to_o sinner_n â—_o saint_n to_o believer_n and_o unâ—_n leever_n to_o formal_a hypocrite_n and_o to_o sincere_a christian_n whâ—_n there_o weak_a or_o strong_a and_o first_o by_o way_n of_o information_n it_o may_v serve_v to_o inform_v we_o three_o thing_n very_o needful_a aâ—_n profitable_a for_o all_o man_n to_o know_v 1._o how_o worthless_a vile_a aâ—_n useless_a yea_o how_o sinful_a and_o abâ—_n minable_a the_o prayer_n of_o all_o unbe_n leever_n wicked_a person_n and_o foâ—_n mal_fw-fr hypocrite_n be_v if_o the_o efficacy_n excellency_n anâ—_n worth_a of_o prayer_n depend_v upâ—n_v and_o be_v according_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o faith_n be_v â—he_n life_n glory_n and_o strength_n of_o â—rayer_n as_o have_v be_v already_o â—â—ewed_v then_o how_o fruitless_a vile_a â—nd_n worthless_a must_v the_o prayer_n â—f_v all_o unbeliever_n wicked_a â—_z and_o formal_a hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n need_v be_v it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o wicked_a person_n and_o formal_a hypocrite_n who_o religion_n lie_v in_o a_o few_o external_a service_n and_o ceremony_n to_o glory_n much_o in_o their_o bookâ—rayers_n their_o say-prayer_n their_o â—orm-prayers_n which_o they_o cry_v â—p_v with_o as_o much_o superstitious_a â—nd_v blind_a zeal_n as_o the_o atheniansâ—id_v â—id_z their_o goddess_n diana_n the_o â—mage_n which_o fall_v down_o from_o jupiter_n act._n 9.35_o but_o if_o we_o confider_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o â—dmirers_n and_o author_n of_o such_o â—ormal_a service_n the_o visible_a character_n of_o unbeleef_n enemy_n against_o christ_n profaneness_n 〈◊〉_d godliness_n and_o hypocrisy_n whâ—_n be_v so_o legible_a in_o their_o heart_n aâ—_n live_v that_o he_o that_o run_v mâ—_n read_v they_o for_o out_o of_o the_o abâ—_n dance_v of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speâ—_n eth_z we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o coâ—_n vince_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o bâ—_n of_o such_o their_o service_n be_v 〈◊〉_d worthless_a vain_a and_o unprofitaâ—_n thing_n which_o god_n take_v no_o pleâ—_n sure_a in_o and_o which_o thomseluâ—_n can_v have_v no_o profit_n or_o fruit_n by_o 〈◊〉_d mal._n 1.10_o where_o the_o lord_n host_n speak_v to_o a_o generatiâ—_n of_o corrupt_a and_o ungodly_a prieâ—_n and_o people_n who_o by_o their_o unhaâ—_n lowed_a and_o unsanctified_a courseâ—_n have_v pollute_v his_o name_n and_o coâ—_n rupt_v his_o true_a worship_n as_o aâ—_n pear_v vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o tell_v they_o plain_o vers_fw-la 10._o i_o have_v 〈◊〉_d pleasure_n in_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d host_n neither_o will_v i_o accept_v a_o offering_n at_o your_o hand_n and_o again_o isa_n 1.13_o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incerse_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new-moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o holy_a prophet_n in_o cut_v asunder_o the_o very_a sinew_n and_o cast_v down_o the_o very_a bulwork_n and_o strong_a hold_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n confidence_n rip_v open_a their_o hypocrisy_n and_o falsehood_n to_o the_o quick_a and_o cast_v most_o contempt_n and_o holy_a disdain_n upon_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v most_o oâ—_n all_o glory_n and_o boast_v themselves_o of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o theâ—_n deal_v most_o proud_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v most_o contemptuous_o 1._o their_o festival_n and_o selâ—_n sanctify_v holy_a day_n in_o the_o observation_n whereof_o they_o place_v 〈◊〉_d much_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o dâ—_n so_o confident_o bless_v themselves_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n contemn_v with_o utmost_a disdain_n and_o cast_a oâ—_n even_o with_o loathe_v and_o hatredâ—_n vers_fw-la 14._o your_o new_a moon_n and_o yoâ—_n appoint_v feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o i_o i_o aâ—_n weary_a to_o bear_v they_o 2._o their_o service_n which_o aâ—_n swer_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o olâ—_n yea_o their_o offering_n and_o oblationâ—_n which_o they_o bring_v and_o perform_v with_o so_o much_o carnal_a devotion_n and_o contest_v for_o with_o so_o much_o blind_a zeal_n how_o do_v the_o lord_n reject_v and_o protest_v against_o as_o most_o hateful_a and_o displease_v to_o his_o holiness_n and_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o to_o bear_v vers_fw-la 13._o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n oh_o what_o shame_n and_o confusion_n will_v one_o day_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o those_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a hypocrite_n who_o persecute_v oppress_v punish_v and_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a because_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n own_o or_o join_v with_o their_o idolatrous_a assembly_n which_o because_o of_o their_o number_n they_o call_v solemn_a and_o public_a when_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v reject_v and_o disow_v they_o and_o call_v they_o iniquity_n and_o wickedness_n not_o only_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a or_o ungodly_a but_o wickedness_n and_o iniquity_n in_o the_o abstract_n because_o it_o be_v iniquity_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n under_o a_o pretence_n oâ—_n worship_v god_n spiritual_a wickedness_n be_v the_o great_a wickedness_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o spirit_n oâ—_n wickedness_n simulata_fw-la sanctita_fw-la say_v austin_n duplex_fw-la iniquitas_fw-la &_o quia_fw-la iniquitas_fw-la &_o quia_fw-la simulatiâ—_n i._n e._n feign_a sanctity_n be_v doublâ—_n iniquity_n both_o because_o iniquity_n and_o because_o feign_a the_o religion_n of_o idolater_n anâ—_n false_a worshipper_n be_v their_o worâ—_n piece_n their_o profaneness_n swear_v curse_a drunkenness_n excess_n of_o riot_n chamber_v
address_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o person_n pray_v be_v a_o believer_n but_o also_o that_o the_o prayer_n make_v be_v a_o prayer_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o believe_a prayer_n hence_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n believe_v and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v not_o have_v believe_v but_o believe_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o a_o present_a exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v otherwise_o the_o prayer_n may_v be_v a_o unbelieved_a and_o so_o by_o consequence_n a_o fruitless_a prayer_n though_o the_o person_n be_v a_o believer_n for_o a_o godly_a man_n may_v make_v a_o carnal_a prayer_n a_o believe_a man_n may_v make_v a_o unbelieved_a prayer_n as_o the_o good_a man_n joshua_n seem_v to_o do_v josh_n 7_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v no_o more_o faith_n than_o we_o act_n and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n reprove_v his_o disciple_n as_o faithless_a when_o as_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o want_v not_o the_o habit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o cast_v out_o the_o dumb_a spirit_n mark_n 9.19_o those_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v faithless_a prayer_n in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o present_a exercise_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o person_n or_o person_n pray_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n 3._o quest_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o exercise_n and_o actuality_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n then_o whether_o may_v such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v accept_v as_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n or_o be_v such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n only_a current_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o steadfast_a without_o the_o least_o doubt_n or_o waver_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o scruple_n or_o question_n be_v that_o say_v of_o the_o holy_a man_n james_n in_o his_o chap._n 1._o v._n 6_o 7._o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v for_o let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o if_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o doubt_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o be_v altogether_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a as_o this_o scripture_n seem_v to_o import_v then_o be_v the_o hope_n comfort_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o most_o of_o god_n child_n thereby_o cut_v off_o and_o deny_v and_o if_o otherwise_o then_o how_o be_v this_o say_n of_o james_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o reconcile_v with_o other_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr doubt_v two_o kind_n of_o doubt_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a doubt_v or_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n the_o one_o which_o do_v always_o exclude_v and_o oppose_v faith_n so_o that_o where_o such_o doubt_a isâ—_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o act_v oâ—_n stir_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o other_o which_o do_v only_o argue_v weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o exercise_n and_o actuality_n thereof_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o some_o degree_n the_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n james_n abovementioned_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o former_a explain_v former_a kind_a explain_v viz._n such_o doubt_v or_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n as_o do_v oppose_v faith_n and_o be_v exclusive_a to_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o waver_a be_v set_v in_o the_o text_n the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o for_o say_v james_n let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o oppose_v thereunto_o this_o word_n waver_v nothing_o waver_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n not_o dispute_v or_o cavil_v so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o doubt_v or_o waver_v as_o argue_v a_o nullity_n and_o privation_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v no_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o dispute_v and_o cavil_v against_o it_o and_o a_o oppose_a of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o that_o lord_n on_o who_o hand_n the_o king_n lean_v when_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n foretold_v so_o great_a plenty_n to_o be_v on_o the_o morrow_n in_o the_o gate_n of_o samaria_n who_o dispute_v and_o reason_v against_o the_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o unbelieved_a heart_n answer_v the_o man_n of_o god_n behold_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v window_n in_o heaven_n may_v this_o thing_n be_v 2_o king_n 7.1_o 2._o this_o be_v such_o a_o waver_a as_o james_n speak_v of_o which_o argue_v a_o nullity_n of_o faith_n and_o strength_n of_o unbeleef_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o noble_a man_n who_o thus_o dispute_v and_o cavil_v against_o the_o promise_n give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n nor_o in_o the_o least_o acknowledge_v or_o rely_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n for_o his_o disobedience_n and_o unbeleef_n be_v tread_v to_o death_n the_o next_o day_n in_o the_o gate_n which_o verify_v the_o word_n speak_v to_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n thou_o shall_v see_v it_o with_o thy_o eye_n but_o shall_v not_o eat_v thereof_o vers_fw-la 2._o compare_v with_o v._n 19_o 20._o and_o of_o such_o a_o doubt_v as_o this_o be_v that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o be_v understand_v rom_n 14.23_o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o place_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o doubt_v as_o argue_v a_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o true_a christian_a liberty_n in_o that_o particular_a action_n of_o eat_v in_o which_o he_o that_o eat_v without_o faith_n be_v condemn_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n though_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v lawful_a yet_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a for_o want_v of_o faith_n in_o what_o he_o do_v otherwise_o a_o man_n be_v not_o condemn_v in_o that_o action_n which_o he_o do_v with_o some_o doubt_n wherein_o there_o be_v also_o a_o real_a and_o true_a exercise_n of_o faith_n though_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o low_a degree_n as_o simon_n in_o let_v down_o the_o net_n at_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n luke_n 5.5_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o doubt_v or_o waver_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n explain_v scripture_n kind_a explain_v be_v such_o a_o doubt_v as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o present_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o argue_v only_a weakness_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o the_o want_n of_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o doubt_v be_v find_v in_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n even_o in_o their_o best_a duty_n oft_o time_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o do_v also_o much_o trouble_v and_o afflict_v they_o now_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_v 14.31_o gen._n 18.13_o mat._n 8.26_o mat._n 14.31_o though_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o to_o be_v reprove_v yet_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n not_o oâ—_n wilful_a rebellion_n or_o presumption_n the_o lord_n do_v in_o mercy_n cover_v and_o pass_v it_o by_o in_o his_o people_n and_o do_v not_o therefore_o reject_v their_o person_n or_o any_o their_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a service_n but_o do_v gracious_o accept_v they_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o such_o infirmity_n as_o by_o the_o follow_a instance_n do_v appear_v instance_n 1_o and_o thus_o sarah_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o weak_a faith_n when_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o son_n to_o be_v give_v she_o in_o her_o old_a age_n though_o therein_o she_o be_v not_o without_o some_o doubt_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v gen._n 18.12_o 13_o 14._o with_o heb._n 11.11_o in_o the_o former_a viz._n gen._n 18.13_o she_o be_v reprove_v for_o she_o doubt_v wherefore_o do_v sarah_n laugh_v be_v any_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a viz._n heb._n 11.11_o she_o be_v commend_v and_o approve_v for_o her_o faith_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o action_n through_o faith_n also_o sarah_n herself_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o
our_o prayer_n be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o the_o acceptance_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o saint_n prayer_n with_o god_n turn_v only_o upon_o this_o hinge_n and_o depend_v sole_o upon_o this_o substratum_fw-la 4_o joh._n 14.13_o 14_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o rev._n 8.3_o 4_o that_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o this_o they_o lose_v all_o their_o work_n which_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n prayer_n without_o faith_n be_v prayer_n without_o fruit_n because_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v faithless_a be_v christless_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v fruitless_a for_o in_o he_o be_v all_o our_o fruit_n find_v hos_fw-la 14.8_o we_o can_v bear_v any_o fruit_n by_o any_o spiritual_a service_n or_o sacrifice_n we_o tender_v up_o unto_o god_n but_o in_o and_o through_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n now_o we_o can_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v faith_n only_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o bring_v our_o service_n unto_o god_n by_o he_o ephes_n 3.12_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n we_o may_v pray_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o ouâ—_n mouth_n and_o yet_o not_o pray_v in_o hiâ—_n name_n unless_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n that_o wherever_o weeâ—_n be_v in_o scripture_n command_v to_o do_v or_o promise_v to_o receive_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o by_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o not_o by_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o his_o name_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o to_o repose_v any_o confidence_n or_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mouth_n any_o otherwise_o than_o we_o have_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v to_o act_v more_o like_a unto_o conjuror_n than_o christian_n more_o like_a sorcerer_n than_o saint_n act._n 19.13_o 14_o 15._o then_o certain_a of_o the_o vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v over_o they_o which_o have_v evil_a spirit_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v we_o adjure_v you_o by_o jesus_n who_o paul_n preach_v and_o there_o be_v seven_o son_n of_o one_o sceva_n a_o jew_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o priest_n which_o do_v so_o and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n answer_v and_o say_v jesus_n i_o know_v and_o paul_n i_o know_v but_o who_o be_v you_o and_o the_o man_n in_o who_o the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v leap_v on_o they_o and_o overcome_v they_o etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v by_o this_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o mystical_a doctrine_n of_o necromancy_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o sorcerer_n to_o trust_v much_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o name_n but_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a christian_n they_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o prevail_v with_o god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n here_o the_o seven_o son_n of_o sceva_n come_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n think_v as_o many_o carnal_a christian_n do_v to_o do_v great_a matter_n by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o name_n but_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o prevail_v nothing_o but_o come_v off_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n through_o their_o miserable_a and_o unexpected_a expect_a disappointment_n and_o so_o will_v all_o those_o do_v that_o trust_n to_o their_o carnal_a form_n and_o liturgy_n and_o as_o they_o suppose_v most_o excellent_a and_o absolute_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o conclude_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o often_o and_o in_o vain_a do_v take_v into_o their_o mouth_n whilst_o they_o have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o pray_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n be_v fruitless_a and_o vain_a where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n be_v of_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n reas_n 2_o because_o we_o can_v otherwise_o pray_v aright_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n only_o by_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a exercise_n of_o religion_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n be_v unseen_a thing_n thing_n that_o be_v notseen_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n only_o be_v that_o by_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v see_v and_o make_v manifest_a heb._n 11.1_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v no_o inferior_a light_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v in_o and_o about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o it_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n be_v a_o inferior_a light_n in_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o brute_n be_v not_o able_a to_o guide_v he_o in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o a_o man_n as_o to_o argue_v and_o discourse_v by_o fit_a medium_n conduce_v to_o such_o a_o end_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n to_o search_v out_o the_o natural_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v guide_v in_o and_o about_o such_o thing_n he_o must_v have_v and_o exercise_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o superior_a light_n to_o that_o of_o sense_n and_o fit_v and_o suit_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o plant_v in_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n so_o also_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o inferior_a light_n to_o that_o of_o faith_n can_v guide_v a_o man_n in_o those_o action_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_a sublime_a and_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n depend_v only_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n a_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v understand_v nor_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o now_o prayer_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v a_o superior_a light_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n i.e._n the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o which_o only_a they_o can_v converse_v with_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o service_n to_o he_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o smell_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v without_o sense_n or_o to_o meditate_v discourse_n argue_v and_o understand_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o thing_n without_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o perform_v any_o other_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n without_o faith_n heb._n 11.6_o he_o therefore_o that_o pray_v without_o faith_n pray_v amiss_o and_o therefore_o receive_v not_o any_o fruit_n of_o his_o prayer_n james_n 4.3_o object_n but_o may_v not_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n make_v such_o a_o prayer_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o ask_v such_o petition_n as_o be_v right_a and_o good_a and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v find_v fault_n with_o answ_n we_o grant_v he_o may_v but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o do_v ever_o ask_v amiss_o for_o though_o he_o ask_v right_a and_o good_a thing_n in_o prayer_n yet_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o ask_v and_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o ask_v be_v rot_v and_o naught_o and_o therefore_o he_o ever_o ask_v amiss_o james_n 4.3_o you_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o to_o spend_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n reason_n and_o common_a light_n may_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o ask_v good_a and_o right_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n but_o these_o can_v help_v he_o
wantonness_n fornication_n adultery_n oppression_n cruelty_n with_o all_o other_o their_o fleshly_a wickedness_n be_v bad_a enough_o bâ—_n their_o religion_n viz._n idolatry_n superstition_n will-worship_n be_v worâ—_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o call_v emphatical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o uncleaâ—_n thing_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v forbid_v so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v as_o ever_o they_o expect_v and_o hope_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o own_a by_o god_n in_o that_o relation_n of_o adoption_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o my_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n yea_o it_o be_v call_v the_o abominable_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v hate_v jer._n 44.4_o oh_o do_v not_o this_o abominable_a thing_n that_o i_o hate_v intimate_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n have_v a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a hatred_n abomination_n and_o detestation_n thereof_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n 3._o their_o formal_a prayer_n which_o they_o make_v and_o say_v over_o with_o much_o ignorant_a devotion_n with_o all_o their_o significant_a ceremony_n attend_v the_o same_o their_o vesture_n and_o gesture_n as_o bow_v cringe_v spread_v forth_o hand_n etc._n etc._n which_o hypocrite_n do_v so_o much_o magnific_a and_o applaud_v in_o comparison_n whereof_o they_o do_v not_o only_o slight_a and_o disrespect_n but_o also_o moâ—_n desperate_o if_o not_o malicious_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v even_o thâ—_n bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n how_o do_v the_o lorâ—_n reject_v and_o disow_v they_o vers_fw-la 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o you_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n frâ—_n you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v maâ—_n prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v yoâ—_n hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n toâ—_n the_o grecian_a tyrant_n i._n e._n the_o 〈◊〉_d within_o will_v certain_o frustrâ—_n and_o make_v void_a all_o the_o extern_a service_n and_o devotion_n of_o suâ—_n wicked_a hypocrite_n in_o who_o thaâ—_n scripture_n be_v perfect_o fulfil_v prov._n 28.9_o he_o that_o turn_v 〈◊〉_d his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n eveâ—_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v abomination_n second_o this_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o true_a faith_n the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v value_v by_o their_o usefulness_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a it_o be_v breadcorn_n be_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a thing_n than_o bullymong_n horse-corn_n bullymong_n i._o e_o horse-corn_n because_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o man_n life_n and_o wisdom_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a than_o ruby_n because_o more_o useful_a for_o the_o management_n of_o humane_a affair_n grace_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o gift_n and_o part_n because_o more_o needful_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o soul_n eternal_a welfare_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v be_v happy_a and_o bless_v for_o ever_o without_o gift_n and_o part_n but_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o grace_n joh._n 3.3_o so_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o precious_a thing_n because_o so_o abundant_o sâ—_n indispensible_o so_o universal_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o not_o only_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o in_o all_o other_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o service_n which_o we_o offer_v up_o unto_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v thaâ—_n scripture_n hold_v most_o true_a heâ—_n 6.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n we_o judge_v of_o thâ—_n goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o thâ—_n tree_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o thâ—_n fruit_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n by_o thâ—_n effect_n so_o the_o excellency_n aâ—_n preciousness_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d discern_v by_o the_o excellent_a 〈◊〉_d precious_a fruit_n and_o effect_n theâ—_n of_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o 〈◊〉_d precious_a saint_n oh_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o the_o saint_n and_o 〈◊〉_d vaunt_v of_o god_n have_v be_v enable_v and_o teach_v to_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.33_o who_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n woman_n receive_v their_o dead_a raise_v to_o life_n again_o and_o as_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v so_o also_o to_o suffer_v great_a and_o strange_a thing_n by_o faith_n vers_fw-la 35._o and_o other_o be_v torture_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n and_o other_o have_v trial_n of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n yea_o moreover_o of_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n they_o be_v stone_v they_o be_v saw_v asunder_o be_v tempt_v be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n they_o wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a torment_a etc._n etc._n oh_o the_o invaluable_a and_o incomparable_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n which_o bring_v forth_o such_o precious_a fruit_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o poor_a weak_a and_o contemptible_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n encompass_v with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n liable_a to_o the_o same_o temptation_n common_a to_o man_n nature_n and_o yet_o have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o and_o against_o nature_n require_v a_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a ability_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n as_o vers_fw-la 39_o all_o these_o obtain_v a_o good_a report_n through_o faith_n optima_fw-la sanâ—_n arbour_n quae_fw-la tale_n habet_fw-la fructus_fw-la most_o excellent_a doubtless_o be_v that_o tree_n which_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n say_v the_o holy_a man_n james_n 2.18_o faith_n be_v a_o work_a grace_n and_o it_o work_v like_o its_o self_n operari_fw-la sequitur_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la i.e._n the_o operation_n and_o work_n of_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a principle_n in_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a also_o in_o grace_n if_o therefore_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a oh_o how_o excellent_a then_o be_v the_o nature_n the_o life_n and_o essence_n of_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n from_o the_o observation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o the_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a work_n and_o fruit_n of_o moral_a virtue_n in_o the_o life_n of_o some_o heathen_n that_o if_o the_o face_n and_o image_n of_o virtue_n can_v be_v represent_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n thereof_o will_v be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o will_v even_o ravish_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o the_o heathen_n be_v so_o much_o take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o morality_n because_o of_o the_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o life_n of_o some_o heathen_n oh_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_n be_v take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n because_o of_o the_o admirable_a and_o precious_a fruit_n it_o have_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v three_o this_o may_v inform_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o ofttimes_o the_o prayer_n even_o of_o godly_a and_o holy_a man_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o prove_v not_o successful_a for_o themselves_o or_o other_o as_o both_o scripture_n and_o experience_n do_v testify_v even_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o pray_v in_o faith_n a_o good_a man_n a_o precious_a holy_a man_n may_v have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o may_v want_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a case_n in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a ordinance_n or_o duty_n peter_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o want_v the_o active_a power_n and_o exercise_v thereof_o in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o confess_v and_o own_v jesus_n christ_n before_o man_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n mat._n 26.70_o 72_o 74._o moses_n and_o aaron_n have_v