Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	believe_v	faith_n	reason_n	4,345	5	5.9961	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A64241	Jacob wrestling with God, and prevailing: or, a treatise concerning the necessity and efficacy of faith in prayer Wherein divers weighty questions and cases of conscience about praying in faith, are stated and resolved. For the comforting and satisfying of weak and scrupulous consciences: the conviction of formal hypocrites, and awakening of all saints, both weak and strong, great and small, to this great duty of prayer. By one who hath obtained mercy to be a minister of, and sufferer for, the gospel of Jesus Christ in this hour of temptation.	Taylor, Thomas, 1624 or 5-1700.	1663 (1663)	Wing T555; ESTC R222503	60,235	214

and_o stretch_v out_o thy_o hand_n over_o the_o sea_n and_o divide_v it_o and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v go_v on_o dry_a ground_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o vers_fw-la 22._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n upon_o the_o dry_a ground_n and_o the_o water_n be_v a_o wall_n unto_o they_o on_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o their_o left_a oh_o the_o admirable_a and_o marvellous_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n that_o by_o it_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v be_v divide_v and_o make_v to_o stand_v upon_o heap_n as_o a_o wall_n to_o god_n israel_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v moses_n cry_v to_o the_o lord_n at_o the_o sea_n even_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o the_o water_n be_v divide_v and_o become_v a_o wall_n to_o israel_n in_o their_o passage_n towards_o canaan_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a all_o which_o with_o many_o other_o bless_a experience_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o do_v amount_v to_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n and_o do_v abundant_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o bless_a promise_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o his_o poor_a servant_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n upon_o which_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v establish_v and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n thereof_o do_v yet_o more_o full_o appear_v be_v brief_o these_o three_o reason_n 1_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n or_o believe_a prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v heavenborn_a they_o be_v influence_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o influence_n and_o manage_v the_o saint_n in_o this_o great_a concern_n and_o work_v of_o prayer_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n when_o they_o ask_v in_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o inward_a breathe_n and_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n breathe_v in_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v which_o of_o themselves_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o can_v do_v rom._n 8.26_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o help_v and_o assist_v the_o saint_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o prayer_n exciting_a their_o grace_n quicken_a and_o draw_v out_o their_o affection_n help_v they_o to_o right_a end_n and_o aim_v in_o prayer_n all_o which_o be_v also_o necessary_o require_v but_o do_v also_o suggest_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n how_o and_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o ask_v of_o god_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v teach_v from_o heaven_n what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o they_o ought_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n do_v teach_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o pray_v here_o on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o how_o reproachful_o and_o blasphemous_o soever_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o so_o call_v extemporary_a prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o heavenborn_a the_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o let_v wicked_a man_n know_v that_o in_o blaspheme_v the_o reproach_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o do_v blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n itself_o but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n etc._n etc._n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v exceed_o magnify_v and_o cry_v up_o their_o stint_a form_n and_o book-prayer_n because_o as_o they_o imagine_v compose_v and_o indict_v by_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o that_o with_o the_o deep_a judgement_n and_o most_o serious_a consideration_n have_v of_o the_o thing_n meet_v to_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o do_v condemn_v the_o prayer_n of_o god_n saint_n because_o as_o they_o judge_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v always_o enmity_n against_o god_n extemporary_a 8.7_o rom._n 8.7_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a without_o any_o deep_a consideration_n and_o matter_n prepare_v beforehand_o but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o the_o best_a of_o their_o stint_a form_n and_o book-prayer_n be_v but_o indict_v by_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o prayer_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n offer_v up_o in_o faith_n though_o extemporary_a be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o give_v in_o immediate_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v better_a what_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n extemporary_a than_o the_o great_a bishop_n doctor_n and_o learned_a man_n upon_o earth_n can_v do_v by_o their_o deep_a consultation_n and_o let_v such_o resolve_v this_o question_n whether_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n those_o prayer_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o give_v in_o from_o above_o as_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v which_o they_o put_v up_o in_o faith_n or_o those_o which_o be_v compose_v and_o impose_v by_o the_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o coercive_a power_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o one_o word_n more_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n though_o encompass_v with_o utmost_a humane_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n yet_o be_v breathe_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o his_o heart_n and_o breathe_v out_o again_o in_o faith_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v more_o of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o true_a spiritual_a excellency_n in_o it_o than_o the_o most_o magnify_a and_o admire_v form_n that_o ever_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o great_a doctor_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o again_o vers_fw-la 31._o he_o that_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o speak_v of_o the_o earth_n he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n be_v above_o all_o as_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v above_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v above_o all_o the_o doctor_n bishop_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o teach_v as_o how_o and_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a prayer_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o hypocritical_a show_n and_o pretence_n of_o prayer_n by_o this_o character_n ephes_n 6.18_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n true_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v always_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o judas_n 10._o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sum_n and_o close_a of_o the_o matter_n be_v prayer_n of_o faith_n do_v come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o prevail_v with_o god_n prayer_n of_o faith_n be_v heavenborn_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o find_v acceptance_n there_o reason_n 1_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o believe_a prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n do_v always_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o stint_a form_n and_o compose_v prayer_n of_o formal_a hypocritical_a pretender_n to_o religion_n do_v always_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o run_v counter_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o their_o petition_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o to_o a_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o use_v such_o a_o form_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n and_o no_o other_o shall_v avoid_v

have_v promise_v so_o that_o by_o compare_v these_o two_o scripture_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o sarahs_n doubt_v through_o weakness_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o hinder_v her_o acceptance_n with_o god_n in_o that_o action_n wherein_o there_o be_v the_o real_a exercise_n of_o her_o faith_n though_o weak_a and_o waver_a for_o say_v the_o text_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v therefore_o she_o do_v believe_v the_o promise_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a doubt_v and_o stir_v of_o unbeleef_n in_o her_o heart_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o yet_o she_o resist_v and_o also_o at_o length_n do_v overcome_v whence_o these_o two_o thing_n may_v true_o be_v gather_v 1._o that_o great_a doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n may_v consist_v with_o the_o real_a though_o weak_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a action_n 2._o that_o such_o holy_a action_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o such_o doubt_n instance_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v also_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o he_o who_o bring_v his_o child_n to_o christ_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o dumb_a spirit_n and_o now_o find_v his_o case_n to_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a in_o that_o he_o have_v already_o try_v the_o disciple_n and_o they_o can_v not_o cast_v out_o this_o dumb_a spirit_n out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v 9.18_o he_o begin_v through_o unbeleef_n to_o haesitate_n and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n also_o and_o put_v a_o if_o upon_o the_o matter_n vers_fw-la 22._o but_o if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o and_o help_v we_o so_o that_o here_o be_v great_a doubt_v and_o stir_v of_o unbeleef_n which_o christ_n reprove_v vers_fw-la 23._o and_o reply_n to_o he_o if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v which_o reproof_n of_o christ_n prevail_v so_o far_o upon_o he_o to_o the_o break_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o humble_v of_o he_o for_o his_o unbeleef_n that_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o tear_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o child_n misery_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbeleef_n now_o here_o be_v some_o faith_n mix_v with_o great_a doubt_v and_o unbeleef_n yet_o be_v bewaile●_n and_o confess_v the_o prayer_n of_o this_o distress_a and_o afflict_a father_n o●_n the_o behalf_n of_o his_o child_n be_v hear_v and_o answer_v for_o the_o dumb_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o his_o child●_n heal_v vers_fw-la 25_o 26_o 27._o oh_o the_o infinite_a riches_n an●_n condescension_n of_o free_a grace_n tha●_n ever_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o this_o shoul●_n be_v hear_v and_o answer_v that_o pu●_n a_fw-mi if_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v find_v some_o faith_n in_o this_o prayer_n though_o attend_v with_o so_o great_a doubt_v and_o act_v of_o unbeleef_n it_o be_v accept_v and_o own_a by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o answer_n and_o resolution_n therefore_o of_o the_o question_n be_v that_o although_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o press_v after_o such_o faith_n in_o prayer_n as_o be_v without_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o such_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a and_o to_o be_v reprove_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v cherish_v and_o allow_v yet_o such_o doubt_v and_o waver_v as_o do_v arise_v only_o from_o weakness_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n where_o there_o be_v also_o a_o real_a exercise_n of_o faith_n though_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o low_a degree_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v at_o any_o time_n hinder_v the_o acceptance_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n with_o god_n 18_o ephes_n 1.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o james_n 5.17_o 18_o but_o their_o person_n and_o prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n jesus_n with_o a_o notwithstanding_o to_o all_o such_o infirmity_n 4._o quest_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n then_o whether_o be_v it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n require_v that_o he_o who_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n do_v absolute_o and_o determinate_o believe_v for_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o or_o that_o he_o pray_v with_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n either_o to_o have_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o or_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n may_v see_v to_o be_v better_o for_o he_o the_o occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o question_n be_v that_o some_o christian_n be_v earnest_o carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n against_o some_o particular_a lust_n or_o corruption_n as_o pride_n envy_n inordinate_a love_n to_o the_o creature_n or_o against_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o lusting_n of_o any_o other_o sin_n which_o they_o feel_v stir_v in_o themselves_o pray_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o for_o any_o other_o particular_a mercy_n which_o they_o have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o obtain_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n now_o because_o they_o find_v not_o a_o answer_n in_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v but_o the_o same_o lust_n or_o corruption_n remain_v still_o unsubdued_a and_o the_o mercy_n so_o great_o desire_v still_o deny_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o prayer_n they_o usual_o conclude_v that_o they_o pray_v not_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o accept_v or_o answer_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o thing_n ask_v refer_v their_o case_n to_o that_o of_o james_n 4.3_o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o and_o not_o only_o in_o this_o case_n of_o inbred_a corruption_n but_o also_o in_o many_o other_o case_n christian_n be_v much_o put_v to_o it_o to_o know_v when_o they_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o ask_v amiss_o many_o conclude_a they_o ask_v not_o in_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v ans_fw-fr the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v either_o absolute_a and_o determinate_a in_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v or_o conditional_a and_o latitudinary_a refer_v to_o what_o may_v b●_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_v o●_n god_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o ver●_n thing_n ask_v or_o something_o else_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o th●_n thing_n which_o we_o ask_v the_o rule_n therefore_o which_o th●_n apostle_n propose_v to_o himself_o concern_v prayer_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o every_o christ●an_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o i_o will_v pray_v wi●●_n the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o it_o therefore_o concern_v every_o christian_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o praye●_n otherwise_o he_o may_v ask_v amiss_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n may_v fall_v under_o a_o double_a distinction_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o which_o every_o christian_a ought_v diligent_o to_o mark_v and_o consider_v that_o so_o he_o may_v frame_v his_o petition_n and_o exercise_v his_o faith_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o faith_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v go_v against_o the_o word_n nor_o without_o the_o word_n in_o any_o thing_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o come_v to_o ask_v of_o he_o in_o prayer_n be_v either_o clear_o and_o absolute_o reveal_v promise_v and_o foretold_v in_o his_o word_n or_o else_o secret_a and_o not_o reveal_v which_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o come_v to_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v either_o absolute_o and_o pierce_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o or_o they_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o only_o upon_o such_o and_o such_o variable_a consideration_n and_o supposition_n as_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o mistake_v about_o now_o to_o apply_v these_o general_a rule_n to_o our_o case_n and_o question_n in_o hand_n rule_n 1_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v absolute_o foretold_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o act_v our_o faith_n absolute_o and_o determinate_o for_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o not_o to_o admit_v the_o least_o doubt_n or_o question_n but_o to_o maintain_v a_o holy_a confidence_n that_o such_o prayer_n be_v always_o hear_v though_o not_o present_o answer_v as_o 1_o john_n

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 ou●_n mouth_n and_o yet_o not_o pray_v in_o hi●_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 wee●_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

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 th●_n devil_n and_o thy_o own_o unregene●●_n will_v with_o such_o cavil_v a●_n shift_v but_o set_v upon_o the_o wo●●_n in_o good_a earnest_n up_o and_o be_v d●_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 ha●●_n labour_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v los●_n labour_n john_n 6.27_o labour_v 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v b●●_n for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v un●●_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 f●_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 ●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 i●_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 gr●●●_n and_o favour_n answ_n thou_o shall_v know_v th●_n thou_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o th●_n father_n have_v give_v to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thy_o come_n to_o he_o and_o clos●_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 ●●ceive_v life_n from_o he_o thou_o ca●_n not_o know_v beforehand_o that_o th●_n be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o je●●●_n christ_n but_o thou_o must_v first_o co●●_n unto_o christ_n and_o then_o th●_n may_v know_v that_o the_o fath●●_n have_v give_v thou_o to_o he_o and_o 〈◊〉_d thou_o come_v unto_o jesus_n chri●●_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 o●●_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 beco●●_n new_a 2_o chron._n 33.1_o 20._o mar●_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 ca●●_n seven_o devil_n and_o yet_o she_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o when_o she●_n come_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n he_o di●_n not_o cast_v she_o out_o so_o likewise_o paul_n be_v a_o great_a sinner_n befor●_n conversion_n a_o persecutor_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o injurious_a and_o ye●_n he_o obtain_v mercy_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ●_o and_o wherefore_o do_v the_o lo●●_n single_a out_o these_o great_a and_o chie●_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 glorio●●_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