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
therefore_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n 8.16_o heb._n 10.22_o 1_o joh._n 5.13_o 14_o 15_o 1_o joh._n 5.6_o rom._n 8.16_o and_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n of_o the_o thing_n ask_v or_o hope_v for_o ground_v upon_o the_o clear_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o joint_a witness_n faith_n of_o reliance_n describe_v the_o faith_n of_o reliance_n be_v the_o inward_a rest_v of_o the_o heart_n upon_o god_n his_o name_n and_o attribute_n 18_o psa_fw-la 37.7_o jonah_n 3.8_o 9_o esther_n 4.16_o job_n 13.15_o dan._n 3.17_o 18_o viz._n his_o power_n wisdom_n mercy_n faithfulness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n in_o general_n without_o any_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o application_n thereof_o to_o its_o self_n in_o special_a want_v the_o particular_a witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o case_n which_o always_o be_v present_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n but_o always_o absent_a and_o want_v in_o this_o faith_n of_o reliance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o leper_n mat._n 8.2_o lord_n if_o thou_o will_v thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_a there_o be_v a_o reliance_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n ask_v but_o a_o doubtfulness_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o touch_v the_o application_n of_o that_o ability_n and_o heal_a power_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o he_o put_v it_o with_o a_o if_o lord_n if_o thou_o will_v speak_v of_o his_o particular_a and_o secret_a will_n in_o the_o case_n propound_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v without_o sin_n doubt_n of_o it_o but_o as_o to_o his_o general_a will_n and_o infinite_a readiness_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v abundant_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n he_o can_v not_o have_v doubt_v thereof_o without_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o will_v consequent_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o it_o thus_o have_v describe_v these_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o distinct_a and_o different_a nature_n whereby_o every_o one_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o himself_o and_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o he_o come_v withal_o we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n viz._n asser_n that_o a_o faith_n of_o rely_v ance_n be_v accept_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n where_o a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v want_v prove_v 1._o by_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o the_o general_a equity_n and_o force_n of_o which_o rule_n reach_v not_o only_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o alm_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v there_o apply_v it_o but_o also_o unto_o all_o other_o case_n wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n and_o particular_o unto_o this_o case_n of_o prayer_n for_o otherwise_o god_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o hard_a master_n reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o gather_v where_o he_o have_v not_o strew_v and_o expect_v to_o receive_v where_o he_o have_v not_o first_o give_v which_o can_v at_o any_o time_n nor_o in_o any_o case_n be_v just_o say_v of_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n and_o with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n all_o who_o command_n be_v equal_a and_o reasonable_a and_o who_o receive_v not_o from_o his_o creature_n but_o according_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v first_o bestow_v rom._n 11.35_o or_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n different_a kind_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o the_o use_n he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o remain_v that_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n and_o they_o come_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o himself_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o he_o do_v gracious_o accept_v they_o according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v not_o instance_n 1_o 2._o by_o experience_n and_o this_o also_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a experience_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o when_o they_o have_v so_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o faith_n of_o adherence_n where_o assurance_n have_v be_v want_v have_v be_v gracious_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o receive_v a_o gracious_a answer_n oâ—_n such_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o thâ—_n leper_n abovementioned_a mat._n 8.2_o 3._o who_o when_o he_o come_v to_o chrisâ—_n in_o prayer_n only_o in_o a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n upon_o his_o power_n to_o help_v when_o as_o he_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o particular_a will_n and_o purpose_n aâ—_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o put_v aâ—_n if_o upon_o that_o lord_n if_o thou_o wilâ—_n thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_o waâ—_n gracious_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o obtain_v a_o speedy_a and_o full_a answer_n of_o that_o prayer_n in_o the_o very_a thing_n he_o ask_v vers_fw-la 3._o and_n jesus_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o touch_v he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v thou_o clean_a and_o immediate_o his_o leprosy_n be_v cleanse_v instance_n 2_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.22_o 29._o who_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o her_o afflict_a daughter_n vers_fw-la 22._o say_v have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o lord_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n my_o daughter_n be_v grievous_o vex_v with_o a_o devil_n now_o here_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o woman_n though_o a_o canaanite_n a_o stranger_n a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n a_o mighty_a faith_n of_o reliance_n by_o which_o she_o do_v marvellous_o cling_v to_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o david_n rely_v upon_o his_o mercy_n and_o power_n to_o help_v she_o though_o she_o have_v no_o certain_a assurance_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v her_o petition_n grant_v but_o many_o discourage_a passage_n from_o christ_n as_o first_o his_o silence_n to_o her_o prayer_n answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n v._o 23._o second_o his_o seem_a denial_n of_o her_o request_n with_o this_o reason_n against_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o send_v save_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n vers_fw-la 24._o 3_o his_o upbraid_v she_o with_o her_o stock_n and_o generation_n be_v descend_v of_o the_o curse_a stock_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o canaaniteâ—_n in_o respect_n whereof_o he_o call_v she_o a_o dog_n vers_n 26._o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a she_o neither_o have_v noâ—_n can_v have_v any_o assurance_n but_o onâ—_n lie_v she_o exercise_v her_o faith_n of_o reliance_n notwithstanding_o all_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n and_o still_o she_o pray_v and_o worship_n thâ—_n son_n of_o david_n confess_v she_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n anâ—_n justify_v the_o lord_n in_o call_v heâ—_n dog_n and_o take_v advantage_n there_o upon_o to_o hope_v that_o yet_o there_o may_v bosom_n crumb_n of_o mercy_n for_o her_o vers_n 27._o truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v the_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n and_o at_o length_n with_o this_o faith_n she_o prevail_v and_o have_v a_o full_a answer_n of_o her_o petition_n with_o a_o high_a commendation_n of_o her_o faith_n vers_fw-la 28._o then_o jesus_n a_o swered_a and_o say_v unto_o she_o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thâ—â—_n even_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o her_o daughter_n be_v make_v whole_a the_o same_o hour_n and_o so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n 2._o quest_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n but_o whether_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v the_o habit_n and_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v the_o exercise_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n necessary_o require_v also_o answ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v the_o habit_n and_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o pray_v but_o the_o exercise_n and_o actuality_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o our_o
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
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 bewaileâ—_n and_o confess_v the_o prayer_n of_o this_o distress_a and_o afflict_a father_n oâ—_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 childâ—_n heal_v vers_fw-la 25_o 26_o 27._o oh_o the_o infinite_a riches_n anâ—_n condescension_n of_o free_a grace_n thaâ—_n ever_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o this_o shoulâ—_n be_v hear_v and_o answer_v that_o puâ—_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 bâ—_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_v oâ—_n god_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o verâ—_n thing_n ask_v or_o something_o else_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thâ—_n thing_n which_o we_o ask_v the_o rule_n therefore_o which_o thâ—_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 christâ—an_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o i_o will_v pray_v wiâ—â—_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 prayeâ—_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
drug_n when_o there_o be_v such_o quick_a trade_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n great_a merchant_n will_v empty_v their_o beware_a house_n and_o bring_v forth_o their_o rich_a commodity_n when_o they_o have_v a_o quick_a trade_n when_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o country_n do_v give_v they_o advantage_n to_o put_v off_o with_o great_a profit_n they_o will_v use_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o industry_n and_o will_v lay_v out_o themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a they_o will_v venture_v all_o their_o stock_n engage_v all_o their_o credit_n improve_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o such_o a_o season_n shall_v man_n be_v so_o wise_a for_o earth_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v as_o wise_a for_o heaven_n o_o you_o saint_n of_o god_n you_o be_v the_o heavenly_a merchant_n who_o only_o have_v this_o trade_n in_o your_o hand_n you_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o heavenly_a country_n and_o you_o have_v a_o factor_n there_o who_o be_v both_o able_a and_o faithful_a who_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o put_v off_o your_o prayer_n with_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o procure_v you_o return_n in_o the_o rich_a and_o best_a thing_n of_o the_o country_n which_o shall_v best_o answer_v your_o interest_n and_o profit_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o now_o you_o have_v a_o most_o precious_a season_n 1._o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o three_o great_a nation_n whereof_o yourselves_o be_v a_o part_n and_o in_o the_o peace_n whereof_o your_o peace_n be_v bind_v up_o do_v call_v aloud_o for_o the_o help_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v under_o as_o great_a symptom_n and_o token_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o under_o as_o black_a a_o cloud_n of_o stormy_a wrath_n as_o any_o nation_n we_o read_v of_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o take_v a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o character_n and_o mark_n express_v there_o of_o a_o generation_n mark_v out_o for_o vengeance_n and_o try_v if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o find_v upon_o this_o generation_n this_o one_o except_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o remnant_n and_o can_v you_o see_v all_o this_o and_o be_v silent_a have_v you_o not_o so_o much_o charity_n so_o much_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n for_o your_o native_a country_n 18.22_o gen._n 18.22_o your_o child_n and_o posterity_n as_o abraham_n have_v for_o sodom_n as_o lot_n for_o zoar_v 2._o the_o desolation_n of_o mount_n zion_n the_o captivity_n of_o god_n ark_n the_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n that_o be_v accomplish_v in_o your_o dear_a brethren_n who_o be_v like_o sheep_n appoint_v for_o the_o slaughter_n do_v call_v aloud_o for_o your_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o strong_a cry_n to_o be_v send_v up_o to_o heaven_n incessant_o &_o that_o you_o give_v the_o lord_n no_o rest_n till_o he_o do_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o turn_v the_o captivity_n of_o his_o people_n as_o stream_n in_o the_o south_n can_v you_o be_v at_o ease_n in_o zion_n and_o not_o regard_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n can_v you_o behold_v zion_n in_o travel_n yea_o cry_v out_o and_o in_o pang_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o not_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n 3._o the_o ruinous_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o thousand_o of_o precious_a soul_n who_o be_v like_a to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o vision_n to_o starve_v for_o want_v of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n who_o wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v find_v it_o who_o cry_v out_o for_o bread_n and_o behold_v stone_n be_v give_v they_o instead_o of_o bread_n who_o ask_v for_o fish_n but_o be_v feed_v with_o scorpion_n who_o seek_v water_n but_o find_v none_o and_o their_o tongue_n fail_v for_o thirst_n do_v also_o in_o their_o deep_a misery_n and_o distress_n cry_v out_o and_o call_v aloud_o to_o you_o oh_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o labourer_n &_o drive_v out_o loiterer_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o unto_o we_o a_o soul-searching_a &_o a_o soulsaving_a ministry_n and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o the_o heavy_a scourge_n and_o plague_n of_o a_o soul-murdering_a blind_a and_o superstitious_a clergy_n for_o where_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o must_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n oh_o you_o saint_n of_o god_n who_o only_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o soul_n who_o only_o can_v be_v true_o sensible_a of_o spiritual_a evil_n and_o know_v both_o the_o worth_n and_o want_n of_o a_o true_a gospel-ministry_n can_v you_o be_v silent_a and_o see_v such_o merchandise_n make_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o greedy_a merchant_n of_o babylon_n never_o be_v there_o a_o time_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o the_o saint_n have_v more_o advantage_n of_o do_v great_a and_o eminent_a service_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o poor_a nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o their_o dear_a brethren_n in_o suffering_n and_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a creation_n than_o at_o this_o day_n in_o which_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v so_o great_o distress_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n perplex_v and_o their_o heart_n even_o fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v on_o the_o earth_n yea_o the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o which_o zions_n consolation_n and_o babylon_n confusion_n great_o hasten_v the_o time_n of_o babel_n tyranny_n and_o the_o saint_n captivity_n be_v so_o near_o fulfil_v and_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v a_o come_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n oh_o you_o saint_n of_o god_n know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o precious_a season_n let_v but_o your_o prayer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o angel_n hand_n who_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n to_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o his_o own_o incense_n and_o then_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o earth_n rev._n 8.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n matthew_z 21.22_o 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 next_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o text_n and_o propose_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o treatise_n be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n faith_n be_v a_o plenipotentiary_n grace_n it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n in_o it_o it_o come_v with_o a_o full_a commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o poor_a disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n by_o which_o they_o may_v do_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n with_o god_n yea_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n they_o shall_v obtain_v by_o faith_n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n will_v not_o can_v deny_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o poor_a servant_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o they_o ask_v in_o faith_n he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v and_o can_v deny_v himself_o the_o word_n be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v not_o repent_v he_o will_v not_o call_v it_o in_o again_o 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 oh_o here_o be_v a_o large_a commission_n indeed_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o here_o be_v no_o limit_n no_o bound_n set_v to_o faith_n in_o prayer_n faith_n may_v ask_v what_o it_o will_v and_o have_v what_o it_o ask_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n faith_n can_v but_o ask_v and_o have_v faith_n do_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n on_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n the_o truth_n be_v faith_n be_v a_o modest_a grace_n a_o prudent_a wise_a and_o sober_a grace_n that_o look_v at_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o her_o rule_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o her_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o can_v desire_v or_o ask_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n most_o holy_a will_n or_o cross_v to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o faith_n have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o she_o and_o may_v go_v to_o the_o heap_n of_o mercy_n and_o take_v even_o what_o she_o will_v mat._n 15.28_o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o mighty_a prevail_a power_n it_o have_v with_o god_n be_v sufficient_o make_v manifest_a 1._o in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n and_o promise_n 2._o in_o the_o saint_n most_o precious_a and_o
this_o prayer_n look_v to_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n isaâ—â—_n and_o jacob_n as_o his_o rule_n in_o ask_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o his_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n and_o by_o good_a argument_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n show_v that_o to_o execute_v his_o fierce_a wrath_n in_o consume_v his_o people_n will_v neither_o consist_v with_o his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n nor_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o great_a name_n and_o therefore_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o turn_v from_o his_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o repent_v of_o this_o evil_n against_o his_o people_n and_o by_o this_o prayer_n of_o faith_n he_o prevail_v with_o god_n and_o deliver_v israel_n from_o that_o consume_a wrath_n and_o anger_n of_o god_n that_o be_v kindle_v against_o they_o so_o that_o they_o perish_v not_o in_o their_o iniquity_n as_o vers_n 14._o and_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o his_o people_n which_o famous_a prayer_n and_o intercession_n of_o moses_n be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o mention_v as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o israel_n preservation_n from_o the_o consume_a power_n of_o jehovahs_n great_a wrath_n and_o fierce_a anger_n psal_n 106_o 23._o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v destroy_v they_o have_v not_o moses_n his_o choose_a stand_v before_o he_o in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n lest_o he_o shall_v destroy_v they_o oh_o the_o prevail_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n that_o by_o one_o prayer_n of_o faith_n a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n instance_n 2_o thus_o also_o righteous_a lot_n by_o one_o prayer_n of_o faith_n deliver_v zoar_v from_o the_o common_a destruction_n and_o over_o throw_v of_o sodom_n &_o gomorrah_n that_o very_a morning_n when_o fire_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o destroy_v those_o city_n gen._n 19.18_o and_o let_v say_v unto_o they_o oh_o not_o so_o my_o lord_n behold_v now_o thy_o servant_n have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n and_o thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o mercy_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v unto_o i_o in_o save_v my_o life_n and_o i_o can_v escape_v to_o the_o mountain_n lest_o some_o evil_n take_v i_o and_o i_o die_v behold_v now_o this_o city_n be_v near_o to_o flee_v unto_o and_o it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o o_o let_v i_o escape_v thither_o be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o and_o my_o soul_n shall_v live_v this_o prayer_n of_o lot_n be_v not_o without_o some_o visible_a tincture_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n wherein_o he_o offend_v in_o that_o he_o accept_v not_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v but_o choose_v another_o ascribe_v more_o to_o the_o place_n than_o to_o the_o power_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o his_o protection_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o real_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o believe_v god_n be_v able_a to_o spare_v zoar_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o his_o preservation_n and_o more_o comfortable_a live_n than_o the_o desolate_a mountain_n and_o therefore_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o send_v he_o to_o the_o mountain_n but_o rather_o let_v he_o flee_v to_o zoar._n in_o which_o prayer_n holy_a lot_n be_v questionless_a guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o ask_v the_o preservation_n of_o that_o city_n which_o though_o visible_o threaten_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v destroy_v with_o the_o rest_n yet_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n secret_a will_n and_o purpose_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o righteous_a servant_n lot_n to_o ask_v that_o city_n in_o which_o request_n he_o be_v present_o accept_v and_o the_o life_n of_o that_o city_n grant_v at_o his_o petition_n vers_n 21._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o see_v i_o have_v accept_v thou_o concern_v this_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v not_o overthrow_v this_o city_n for_o the_o which_o thou_o have_v speak_v haste_v thou_o escape_v thither_o for_o i_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n till_o thou_o be_v come_v thither_o therefore_o the_o name_n of_o that_o city_n be_v call_v zoar._n oh_o the_o infinite_a and_o admirable_a condescension_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o poor_a frail_a man_n that_o lot_n shall_v not_o accept_v the_o mountain_n which_o the_o lord_n appoint_v he_o and_o yet_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v accept_v lot_n and_o spare_v zoar_v which_o he_o have_v speak_v for_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o holy_a indulgence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n to_o his_o pray_a child_n that_o when_o through_o humane_a frailty_n they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o his_o term_n he_o out_o of_o divine_a pity_n stoop_v and_o come_v down_o to_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n &_o prevail_a force_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n that_o god_n be_v even_o overcome_v thereby_o to_o grant_v his_o poor_a pray_v servant_n even_o what_o they_o will_v vers_fw-la 21._o see_v i_o have_v accept_v thou_o concern_v this_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v not_o overthrow_v this_o city_n for_o the_o which_o thou_o have_v speak_v oh_o well_o be_v it_o for_o zoar_v that_o lot_n speak_v to_o god_n for_o it_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o just_a lot_n deliver_v this_o wicked_a city_n from_o the_o common_a calamity_n and_o destruction_n of_o their_o fellow-sinner_n 2._o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v prevail_v by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o pull_n down_o most_o speedy_a vengeance_n and_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o malicious_a and_o ungodly_a enemy_n thus_o zealous_a elijah_n by_o prayer_n bring_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o his_o proud_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n then_o several_a captain_n and_o their_o fifty_n who_o in_o the_o pride_n and_o heat_n of_o their_o spirit_n come_v to_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o good_a prophet_n 2_o king_n 1.9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o until_o by_o these_o example_n of_o god_n severity_n the_o rest_n of_o that_o wicked_a party_n be_v reduce_v to_o some_o submission_n and_o moderation_n towards_o his_o faithful_a servant_n who_o in_o prophesy_v the_o death_n of_o the_o king_n of_o samaria_n have_v not_o offend_v but_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v command_v and_o allow_v of_o god_n to_o do_v and_o the_o same_o holy_a man_n elijah_n by_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n to_o shut_v the_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o for_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n so_o that_o wicked_a ahab_n jezabel_n and_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n of_o god_n faithful_a servant_n just_o plague_v with_o a_o three_o year_n famine_n 1_o king_n 17.1_o compare_v with_o james_n 5.16_o 17._o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o elias_n be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n thus_o also_o the_o holy_a prophet_n elisha_n prevail_v with_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n army_n with_o blindness_n 2_o king_n 6.18_o and_o when_o they_o come_v down_o to_o he_o elisha_n pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v smite_v this_o people_n i_o pray_v thou_o with_o blindness_n and_o he_o smite_v they_o with_o blindness_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o elisha_n thus_o also_o the_o two_o faithful_a witness_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o to_o prophesy_v and_o bear_v witness_n against_o antichrist_n 1260_o day_n that_o be_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n reign_v and_o tyranny_n for_o so_o long_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v rev._n 13.6_o have_v power_n to_o pull_v down_o vengeance_n upon_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v heaven_n and_o smite_v the_o earth_n with_o plague_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o will_v rev._n 11.5_o 6._o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v hurt_v they_o fire_n proceed_v out_o of_o their_o mouth_n and_o devour_v their_o enemy_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v hurt_v they_o he_o must_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v kill_v these_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o prophecy_n and_o have_v power_n over_o water_n to_o turn_v they_o to_o blood_n and_o to_o smite_v the_o earth_n with_o plague_n as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n see_v here_o what_o great_a power_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o witness-bearing_a saint_n and_o servant_n under_o the_o new_a