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
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
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
i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thouwilt_n which_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o submit_v to_o his_o father_n will_n be_v yet_o more_o vigorous_a v._o 42._o and_o heb._n 5.7_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v viz._n that_o the_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o wherein_o he_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o father_n will_n instance_n 1_o 2._o implicit_a or_o understand_v as_o in_o that_o petition_n of_o paul_n when_o he_o pray_v against_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o 2_o cor_n 12.8_o in_o which_o petition_n questionless_a he_o do_v exercise_v his_o faith_n and_o believe_v though_o not_o positive_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o very_a thing_n he_o ask_v yet_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v either_o that_o thing_n viz._n the_o take_v away_o the_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n or_o else_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n at_o that_o time_n shall_v see_v to_o be_v better_o for_o he_o viz._n a_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n to_o resist_v and_o withstand_v it_o in_o which_o respect_n his_o petition_n be_v grant_v vers_fw-la 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o meeâ—_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o theeâ—_n which_o be_v much_o better_o for_o he_o at_o that_o time_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v depart_v from_o he_o for_o he_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o such_o a_o exercise_n at_o that_o time_n and_o the_o thorâ—_n in_o his_o flesh_n though_o it_o be_v sharp_a and_o grievous_a to_o he_o be_v of_o special_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o he_o to_o keep_v he_o humble_a and_o to_o prevent_v spiritual_a pride_n and_o self-exaltation_n after_o his_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n and_o high_a enjoyment_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n therâ—_n be_v give_v to_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n hence_o we_o may_v observe_v and_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o saint_n inbred_a corruption_n and_o satan_n temptation_n for_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o pray_v against_o the_o motion_n and_o stir_n of_o inward_a corruption_n and_o satan_n temptation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v from_o we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o this_o proviso_n and_o condition_n express_v or_o imply_v if_o the_o lord_n see_v the_o same_o to_o be_v good_a for_o we_o otherwise_o to_o have_v such_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o resist_v and_o withstand_v they_o for_o though_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v as_o a_o thorn_n in_o our_o flesh_n i._n e._n very_o grievous_a and_o troublesome_a to_o we_o yet_o thereby_o many_o time_n a_o great_a evil_n be_v prevent_v viz._n spiritual_a pride_n selfconfidence_n self-conceitedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o such_o motion_n of_o inbred_a corruption_n and_o temptation_n of_o satan_n be_v sinful_a yet_o where_o they_o be_v resist_v and_o withstand_v by_o faith_n prayer_n watchfulness_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v not_o impute_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n teach_v rom._n 7.17_o now_o therefore_o it_o be_v nâ—_n more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o yea_o such_o motion_n and_o stir_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o buffet_n of_o satan_n be_v ofttimes_o give_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o great_a mercy_n to_o prevent_v a_o great_a evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v vers_fw-la 7._o there_o be_v give_v i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o in_o such_o case_n christian_n may_v not_o conclude_v that_o their_o prayer_n against_o such_o motion_n and_o temptation_n be_v not_o hear_v or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o pray_v in_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v not_o present_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n and_o work_v of_o faith_n in_o submit_v such_o desire_n unto_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o answer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o prayer_n though_o not_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n desire_v yet_o in_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n know_v to_o be_v better_o for_o they_o as_o in_o this_o case_n of_o paul_n be_v most_o clear_a he_o pray_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o and_o importunate_o that_o the_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o vers_n 8._o for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o have_v his_o prayer_n answer_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n desire_v but_o in_o that_o which_o be_v better_a for_o he_o at_o present_a vers_n 9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o the_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n remain_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o prayer_n against_o it_o and_o yet_o his_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o answer_v in_o that_o he_o have_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n from_o christ_n to_o resist_v and_o withstand_v it_o instance_n 1_o so_o likewise_o in_o that_o case_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n wheâ—_n be_v sting_v by_o the_o fiery_a fly_a serpent_n the_o sting_n whereof_o wâ—_n deadly_a and_o by_o which_o many_o dyeâ—_n they_o come_v to_o moses_n with_o thâ—_n request_n numb_a 27.7_o pray_v unâ—_n the_o lord_n that_o he_o take_v away_o tâ—_n serpent_n from_o we_o and_o mosâ—_n pray_v for_o the_o people_n and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o hear_v in_o thâ—_n very_a thing_n ask_v viz._n that_o thâ—_n serpent_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o which_o questionless_a they_o think_v to_o be_v best_a for_o they_o yet_o be_v thâ—_n prayer_n answer_v in_o the_o lift_a 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n whicâ—_n upon_o other_o consideration_n thâ—_n lord_n see_v to_o be_v better_o for_o theâ—_n at_o that_o time_n so_o vers_fw-la 8._o and_o tâ—â—_n lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n make_v thou_o 〈◊〉_d fiery_a serpent_n and_o set_v it_o upon_o a_o poâ—_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o everâ—_n one_o that_o be_v bite_v when_o he_o lookeâ—_n upon_o it_o shall_v live_v wherein_o waâ—_n exhibit_v a_o most_o lively_a type_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n and_o of_o that_o heal_a virtue_n which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v receive_v from_o he_o by_o faith_n against_o the_o deadly_a sting_n of_o sin_n the_o sting_n whereof_o will_v be_v deadly_a unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o other_o be_v they_o not_o heal_v by_o look_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v lift_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n jo._n 3.14_o 15._o and_o whereas_o many_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n when_o they_o feel_v this_o sting_n in_o their_o conscience_n do_v pray_v earnest_o and_o importunate_o to_o have_v these_o serpent_n of_o their_o own_o inâ—red_a corruption_n and_o satan_n temptation_n take_v away_o that_o they_o may_v never_o more_o be_v sting_v and_o hurt_v by_o they_o who_o though_o they_o do_v well_o to_o express_v their_o zeal_n hatred_n and_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n which_o questionless_a be_v well_o please_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o pray_v so_o positive_o and_o absolute_o to_o have_v these_o remove_v they_o do_v not_o praâ—_n with_o that_o understand_a anâ—_n knowledge_n they_o ought_v neither_o do_v they_o therein_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n otherwise_o thaâ—_n by_o a_o implicit_a submission_n whicâ—_n always_o aught_o to_o accompany_v sucâ—_n petition_n 1.9_o rom._n 8.24.25_o 1_o joh._n 2.1_o 2_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o but_o have_v such_o prayer_n answer_v in_o the_o remedy_n vouch_n save_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a 〈◊〉_d all_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o we_o wâ—_n can_v pass_v through_o these_o uâ—rious_a and_o weighty_a question_n 〈◊〉_d case_n of_o conscience_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n for_o thâ—_n satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n of_o goâ—_n hidden_a one_o who_o property_n it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o take_v thing_n of_o this_o natuâ—_n upon_o trust_n but_o conscientious_o 〈◊〉_d inquire_v till_o they_o be_v satisfactonâ—_n resolve_v from_o the_o word_n of_o goâ—_n and_o have_v prove_v what_o his_o goâ—_n and_o acceptable_a will_n and_o their_o dâ—ty_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d worship_n and_o service_n and_o wherein_o so_o much_o of_o their_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v bind_v up_o we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n and_o then_o the_o application_n of_o the_o point_n reas_n 1_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n because_o we_o can_v otherwise_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n otherwise_o
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
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
constant_a experience_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n and_o promise_n promise_n promise_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o promise_n do_v abundant_o attest_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o faith_n iâ—_n prayer_n great_a thing_n be_v promise_v yea_o all_o thing_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n so_o in_o the_o text_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 this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n he_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v lie_v he_o can_v as_o well_o cease_v to_o be_v god_n as_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o i._n e._n truth_n and_o assurance_n or_o most_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o we_o so_o that_o god_n stand_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o he_o will_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n whatever_o come_v of_o it_o he_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n yea_o in_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o a_o jot_n and_o tittle_n there_o shall_v not_o the_o least_o jot_n or_o tittle_n thereof_o fail_v till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v mat._n 5.18_o for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v you_o be_v apt_a to_o set_v light_n by_o my_o word_n to_o question_v and_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o i_o assure_v you_o i_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o my_o word_n to_o have_v it_o fulfil_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o utmost_a that_o if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n lie_v in_o one_o scale_n and_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o my_o word_n in_o the_o other_o i_o will_v rather_o suffer_v heaven_n and_o earth_n i._n e._n the_o whole_a creation_n to_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o than_o that_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o my_o word_n shall_v fail_v till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v so_o wonderful_o do_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n stand_v upon_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o i._n e._n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o iâ—_n he_o amen_o because_o this_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o not_o to_o falsify_v but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o his_o promise_n now_o many_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n have_v goâ—_n make_v in_o christ_n unto_o his_o people_n pray_v in_o faith_n or_o exercise_v faith_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o in_o lieu_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v add_v to_o this_o of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o full_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n that_o so_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v the_o first_o that_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o be_v that_o great_a charter_n of_o heaven_n or_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o poor_a afflict_a tempt_v and_o despise_a saint_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n mat._n 18.19_o again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o number_n of_o true_a disciple_n be_v in_o many_o place_n very_o small_a it_o may_v be_v two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o one_o of_o a_o tribe_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o small_a and_o few_o in_o number_n especial_o compare_v with_o the_o false_a church_n and_o church_n of_o antichrist_n the_o whore_n that_o sit_v upon_o many_o water_n rev._n 17.15_o but_o o_o you_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v not_o the_o paucity_n and_o smallness_n of_o your_o number_n discourage_v you_o though_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o ungodly_a may_v like_o the_o great_a water-flood_n keep_v good_a neighbour_n one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o you_o can_v assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o that_o solemn_a and_o public_a manner_n as_o you_o can_v desire_v yet_o be_v not_o discourage_v do_v not_o think_v the_o efficacy_n and_o strength_n of_o prayer_n be_v thereby_o so_o diminish_v or_o weaken_v that_o you_o can_v prevail_v in_o heaven_n 25_o col_fw-fr 25_o you_o may_v be_v present_a in_o spirit_n when_o absent_a in_o body_n your_o prayer_n may_v meet_v in_o heaven_n when_o your_o person_n can_v meet_v upon_o earth_n 8.3_o rev._n 8.3_o you_o may_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o dungeon_n you_o may_v be_v scatter_v and_o wander_v in_o the_o desert_a place_n in_o the_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o here_o be_v your_o comfort_n heaven_n be_v still_o open_a and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o from_o this_o scripture_n you_o may_v do_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n in_o heaven_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o you_o in_o heaven_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v it_o be_v not_o mean_v in_o a_o way_n of_o worldly_a policy_n and_o carnal_a contrivance_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o soul_n arise_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n 8.26.27_o rom._n 8.26.27_o teach_v and_o guide_v you_o in_o prayer_n to_o ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v the_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o will_v ask_v it_o in_o the_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o fence_n and_o reason_n even_o impossible_a yet_o it_o shall_v certain_o be_v do_v for_o you_o and_o grant_v in_o heaven_n oh_o what_o a_o bless_a charter_n what_o a_o glorious_a liberty_n be_v this_o grant_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n here_o on_o earth_n they_o may_v have_v any_o thing_n even_o what_o they_o will_v do_v for_o they_o in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o all_o those_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n mat._n 18.10_o and_o 14._o compare_v with_o vers_n 19_o 20._o this_o be_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o old_a father_n and_o strong_a man_n only_o but_o even_o of_o babe_n in_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v little_a one_o little_a in_o the_o world_n account_n and_o it_o may_v be_v little_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o saint_n but_o least_o of_o all_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n yet_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n how_o contemptible_a little_a and_o low_a soever_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n be_v honourable_a great_a and_o high_a in_o heaven_n and_o may_v do_v such_o thing_n by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o great_a monarch_n and_o prince_n upon_o earth_n can_v do_v by_o their_o great_a force_n and_o power_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o promise_n which_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o point_n we_o shall_v also_o a_o little_a insist_v upon_o isaiah_n 45.11_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n and_o his_o maker_n ask_v i_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v concern_v my_o son_n and_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n command_v you_o i_o oh_o the_o admirable_a and_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o the_o great_a jehovah_n who_o have_v create_v the_o heaven_n and_o form_v the_o earth_n and_o command_v all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o that_o he_o who_o command_v angel_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v command_v by_o a_o handful_a of_o poor_a praying-soul_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o heaven_n as_o to_o command_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o providence_n yea_o the_o choice_a and_o most_o admirable_a operation_n thereof_o which_o for_o their_o rarity_n and_o excellency_n be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n as_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n say_v of_o that_o rare_a and_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n singular_a power_n and_o providence_n in_o turn_v all_o the_o
the_o elect_a of_o god_n do_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n day_n and_o night_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a worldly_a force_n and_o policy_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o revenge_a hand_n of_o god_n no_o but_o such_o must_v certain_o fall_v before_o the_o prayer_n of_o god_n elect_n luke_n 18.7_o 8._o and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i._n e._n with_o the_o persecutor_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o oh_o that_o therefore_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o take_v heed_n how_o by_o persecute_v and_o oppress_v the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o constrain_v they_o to_o cry_v to_o heaven_n against_o they_o it_o be_v bless_v counsel_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n david_n psal_n 2.10_o be_v wise_a now_o therefore_o o_o you_o king_n be_v instruct_v you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o rejoice_v with_o tremble_a kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v in_o the_o way_n when_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o use_v 2_o what_o a_o great_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n then_o be_v the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n and_o country_n where_o they_o live_v who_o as_o so_o many_o prince_n or_o rather_o king_n and_o priest_n have_v power_n with_o god_n and_o can_v by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n what_o a_o mercy_n be_v one_o pray_v moses_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o israel_n 106.23_o psal_n 106.23_o when_o they_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n by_o the_o golden_a calf_n what_o a_o great_a mercy_n be_v one_o pray_v lot_n to_o the_o city_n zoar_v 19.21_o gen._n 19.21_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v destroy_v with_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n have_v not_o lot_n pray_v for_o it_o what_o a_o great_a blessing_n be_v holy_a jacob_n who_o be_v a_o great_a wrestler_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n 32.24.28_o gen._n 32.24.28_o and_o as_o a_o prince_n have_v power_n with_o god_n and_o prevail_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v his_o name_n change_v from_o jacob_n to_o israel_n what_o a_o mercy_n i_o say_v be_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o his_o uncle_n laban_n 30.27_o gen._n 30.27_o whilst_o he_o sojourn_v there_o that_o speech_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o king_n abimelech_n and_o his_o people_n concern_v abraham_n a_o poor_a traveller_n and_o stranger_n who_o come_v but_o to_o sojourn_v in_o his_o country_n for_o a_o time_n be_v very_o remarkable_a gen._n 20.7_o now_o therefore_o restore_v the_o man_n his_o wife_n for_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v wrath_n be_v go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n against_o king_n abimelech_n and_o his_o people_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o abraham_n a_o poor_a stranger_n prevail_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o life_n of_o abimelech_n who_o otherways_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o for_o those_o in_o his_o house_n who_o womb_n be_v fast_o close_v up_o because_o of_o sarah_n abraham_n wife_n 18_o gen._n 20.3.17_o 18_o who_o abimelech_n have_v sinful_o take_v to_o he_o their_o own_o sin_n not_o abraham_n sojourn_v have_v procure_v wrath_n against_o they_o and_o abraham_n by_o prayer_n procure_v spare_v and_o heal_a mercy_n for_o they_o a_o sin_v court_n who_o daily_o provoke_v the_o lord_n against_o themselves_o and_o subject_n ☞_o ☞_o have_v need_n of_o some_o pray_a soul_n daily_o to_o intercede_v for_o they_o how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o look_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o the_o only_a troubler_n of_o their_o israel_n 18.17_o 1_o king_n 18.17_o and_o attribute_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o calamity_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n which_o they_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n just_o therefore_o may_v the_o lord_n people_n answer_v such_o ahab_n in_o the_o word_n of_o that_o old_a nonconformist_a and_o good_a prophet_n elijah_n 1_o king_n 18.18_o we_o have_v not_o trouble_v israel_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n in_o that_o you_o have_v forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o have_v follow_v baalim_fw-la it_o be_v not_o the_o zealous_a and_o conscientious_a non_fw-la conformist_n that_o trouble_v the_o court_n and_o country_n but_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a party_n who_o cast_v off_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n 16_o psal_n 106.29_o rev._n 13.12_o 15_o 16_o and_o as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o wickedness_n will_v compel_v other_o to_o sin_n with_o they_o oh_o that_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v open_v to_o discern_v aright_o and_o to_o see_v who_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n and_o who_o be_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n thereof_o well!_o that_o bless_a day_n be_v a_o come_n wherein_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n even_o shall_v hate_v that_o scarlet_a whore_n 17_o rev._n 17.16_o 17_o &_o tear_v her_o flesh_n &_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n even_o so_o amen_n the_o good_a lord_n hasten_v it_o in_o his_o due_a time_n and_o let_v all_o the_o saint_n say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o well_o then_o whatever_o wicked_a man_n say_v whatever_o proud_a man_n say_v out_o of_o the_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n and_o unbeleef_n of_o their_o heart_n yet_o the_o zealous_a and_o conscientious_a non-conformists'_a be_v not_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n 14_o 2_o king_n 2.12_o rev._n 16.13_o 14_o but_o the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n thereof_o be_v not_o the_o king_n enemy_n but_o he_o and_o their_o country_n best_a friend_n 21_o rev._n 19.19_o 20_o 21_o and_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v find_v at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a subject_n and_o enemy_n both_o to_o their_o king_n and_o country_n let_v the_o nation_n king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o know_v that_o it_o be_v their_o best_a interest_n to_o cherish_v protect_v and_o encourage_v a_o pray_n and_o a_o holy_a people_n though_o they_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v to_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a worship_n about_o which_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v so_o jealous_a 6.10_o exod._n 20.5_o dan._n 3.17_o 18._o &_o 6.10_o and_o his_o people_n so_o true_o and_o tender_o conscientious_a and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o a_o people_n shall_v prevail_v more_o in_o heaven_n for_o their_o king_n and_o country_n in_o order_n to_o their_o defence_n and_o safety_n than_o all_o the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n soldier_n &_o army_n power_n and_o policy_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v they_o use_v 3_o then_z o_o you_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n 〈◊〉_d great_a high_a priest_n who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o heaven_n for_o we_o even_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v bold_o and_o daily_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n improve_v your_o interest_n in_o heaven_n and_o try_v what_o faith_n and_o prayer_n will_v do_v there_o for_o the_o help_n of_o your_o native_a country_n your_o poor_a afflict_a brethren_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consolation_n and_o deliverance_n of_o zion_n that_o city_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o confusion_n and_o destruction_n of_o mighty_a babel_n that_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v corrupt_v the_o whole_a earth_n with_o her_o fornication_n involve_v the_o whole_a creation_n in_o such_o a_o woeful_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n and_o make_v herself_o drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n 4.16_o heb._n 4.16_o come_v bold_o i_o say_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 18.7_o luke_n 18.7_o and_o cry_v mighty_o to_o heaven_n even_o day_n and_o night_n 7_o isa_n 62.6_o 7_o and_o give_v the_o lord_n no_o rest_n till_o he_o do_v arise_v 87.3_o psal_n 87.3_o and_o make_v his_o jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o fulfil_v all_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o city_n of_o god_n and_o execute_v all_o the_o judgement_n write_v against_o babylon_n to_o bind_v her_o king_n in_o chain_n 9_o psal_n 149.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o her_o noble_n in_o link_n of_o iron_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o his_o saint_n o_o you_o saint_n this_o be_v a_o honour_n that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v put_v