drive_v from_o the_o throne_n though_o by_o both_o these_o cord_n they_o be_v pull_v back_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o these_o holy_a man_n do_v sin_n in_o so_o do_v now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o great_a part_n clear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v mr._n 41._o mr._n burgess_n ou_fw-fr joh._n 17._o serm_n 41._o burgess_n cit_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o ancient_n who_o think_v that_o the_o word_n 1_o joh._n 5.16_o do_v not_o hold_v out_o a_o absolute_a prohibition_n of_o all_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o though_o ordinary_a christian_n may_v not_o intercede_v for_o those_o heinous_a transgressor_n yet_o eminent_a saint_n think_v they_o may_v do_v it_o though_o every_o one_o in_o the_o court_n may_v not_o intercede_v for_o a_o vile_a malefactor_n yet_o a_o special_a favourite_n may_v interpose_v and_o this_o special_a privilege_n of_o eminent_a christian_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o for_o who_o other_o need_v not_o appear_v seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v jerem._n 15.1_o ezek._n 14.14_o moses_n and_o samuel_n noah_n daniel_n and_o joh_n though_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prevail_v for_o those_o there_o mention_v yet_o in_o that_o they_o be_v there_o name_v their_o moyen_fw-fr with_o god_n be_v clear_o employ_v which_o gloss_n the_o learned_a burgess_n do_v reject_v think_v the_o prohibition_n to_o be_v general_a but_o we_o because_o we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v hold_v forth_o there_o no_o peremptory_a prohibition_n and_o though_o moses_n samuel_n etc._n etc._n may_v prevail_v more_o with_o the_o lord_n than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n there_o intimate_v yet_o we_o know_v no_o petition_n they_o be_v allow_v to_o put_v up_o for_o any_o which_o other_o may_v not_o as_o well_o present_a unto_o the_o lord_n all_o christian_n of_o whatsoever_o size_n have_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o command_n second_o other_o as_o lyra_n think_v that_o though_o we_o may_v not_o pray_v for_o such_o as_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v eternal_a punishment_n yet_o we_o may_v pray_v that_o in_o part_n they_o will_v leave_v off_o inferno_fw-la off_o nicholaus_fw-la de_fw-la lyra_n in_o 1_o joh_n 5.16_o non_fw-la esset_fw-la pro_fw-la eo_fw-la orandum_fw-la ut_fw-la paenam_fw-la aternam_fw-la evaderet_fw-la posse_fw-la tamen_fw-la orari_fw-la pro_fw-la co_fw-la ut_fw-la minus_fw-la peccaret_fw-la &_o per_fw-la consequens_fw-la ut_fw-la minus_fw-la puniretur_fw-la in_o inferno_fw-la to_o sin_n that_o thus_o their_o eternal_a punishment_n may_v be_v the_o less_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v a_o three_o conjecture_v more_o probable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o former_a two_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o temporal_a good_a thing_n to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v here_o in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o may_v not_o pray_v for_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v but_o the_o word_n be_v general_a not_o to_o pray_v they_o must_v either_o hold_v out_o a_o general_a prohibition_n or_o no_o prohibition_n at_o all_o but_o a_o relaxation_n of_o the_o general_a command_n and_o a_o general_a permission_n to_o all_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o and_o if_o we_o do_v more_o narrow_o ponder_v the_o word_n we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o hold_v out_o no_o prohibition_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o 1_o joh._n 5.16_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v you_o be_v lie_v under_o a_o bond_n you_o be_v under_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o command_n to_o pray_v for_o brethren_n who_o have_v not_o commit_v that_o unpardonable_a sin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o command_n lie_v upon_o you_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o as_o have_v thus_o sin_v neither_o can_v thou_o expect_v to_o be_v hear_v though_o thou_o do_v pray_v for_o such_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o you_o shall_v not_o pray_v the_o note_n of_o negation_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o heavenly_a exercise_n but_o it_o remove_v the_o command_n and_o thus_o notwithstanding_o of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v we_o may_v out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o and_o because_o of_o some_o particular_a relation_n to_o he_o wish_v and_o pray_v for_o his_o salvation_n abstract_v from_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o his_o peremptory_a threaten_n never_o to_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o a_o one_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o cruel_a and_o monstrous_a thing_n to_o lay_v the_o hand_n on_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o parent_n or_o child_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o master_n of_o family_n and_o to_o say_v they_o may_v not_o wish_v desire_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n though_o their_o condition_n be_v never_o so_o hopeless_a and_o desperate_a how_o pathetical_o do_v moses_n and_o paul_n desire_n and_o pray_v that_o israel_n may_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o they_o know_v that_o god_n decree_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v from_o several_a ground_n collect_v and_o from_o christ_n sermon_n mat._n 12._o from_o 25._o and_o ch._n 23._o from_o 13._o etc._n etc._n necessary_o conclude_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o blasphemy_n then_o 2._o it_o be_v considerable_a upon_o what_o ground_n the_o apostle_n refuse_v to_o press_v that_o command_n pray_v for_o the_o brethren_n in_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o have_v sin_v unto_o death_n viz._n because_o his_o former_a motive_n ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o which_o hold_v out_o a_o promise_n of_o success_n and_o audience_n have_v not_o place_n as_o to_o they_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o simple_o forbid_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o but_o say_v he_o i_o do_v not_o i_o can_v urge_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n towards_o such_o vupon_o that_o ground_n which_o may_v stir_v you_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o other_o for_o who_o if_o you_o ask_v god_n will_v give_v i_o do_v not_o say_v you_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o not_o that_o you_o may_v not_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o because_o you_o can_v pray_v for_o they_o with_o confidence_n and_o hope_n of_o success_n your_o prayer_n can_v do_v they_o no_o good_a thus_o also_o the_o lord_n do_v liberate_a samuel_n from_o pray_v for_o saul_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n 16.1_o account_n 1_o sam._n 16.1_o how_o long_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v thou_o mourn_v for_o he_o see_v i_o have_v reject_v he_o thy_o mourn_a be_v to_o no_o purpose_n it_o will_v not_o profit_v he_o and_o pray_v not_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o 17.6_o to_o jer._n 17.6_o jeremiah_n for_o that_o people_n for_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o all_o thy_o tear_n and_o prayer_n will_v not_o withhold_v the_o determine_a judgement_n so_o that_o such_o apparent_a prohibition_n be_v rather_o peremptory_a denunciation_n of_o judgement_n against_o those_o people_n or_o person_n than_o a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n to_o which_o otherwise_o they_o be_v oblige_v and_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v almost_o parallel_v with_o jer._n 15.1_o and_o ezek._n 14.14_o where_o moses_n samuel_n noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v not_o say_v to_o become_v guilty_a if_o they_o have_v be_v live_v and_o have_v pray_v for_o that_o people_n but_o that_o though_o they_o have_v pray_v yet_o god_n mind_n can_v not_o be_v towards_o that_o stubborn_a generation_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o prayer_n he_o will_v have_v cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n so_o that_o the_o lord_n by_o this_o form_n of_o speech_n do_v not_o testify_v the_o dislike_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o it_o have_v displease_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o these_o holy_a man_n dare_v not_o have_v offer_v up_o any_o desire_n to_o god_n for_o they_o nor_o persevere_v in_o so_o do_v as_o samuel_n and_o jeremiah_n do_v but_o by_o this_o relaxation_n the_o lord_n do_v warn_v his_o honest_a supplicant_n that_o their_o prayer_n will_v not_o be_v hear_v in_o behalf_n of_o such_o wretch_n albeit_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v of_o his_o saint_n and_o their_o prayer_n though_o pour_v out_o for_o castaway_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o answer_v their_o request_n nor_o show_v mercy_n to_o these_o for_o who_o they_o do_v pray_v and_o yet_o their_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v lose_v but_o shall_v like_o david_n fast_v for_o his_o malicious_a enemy_n ps_n 35.13_o return_v into_o their_o own_o bosom_n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o simple_o dissuade_v they_o to_o pray_v but_o by_o a_o argument_n take_v ab_fw-la inutiâ—i_fw-la which_o if_o they_o will_v let_v pass_v
they_o set_v the_o suppose_a mercy_n to_o the_o right_a hon_n as_o it_o 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v prefer_v but_o the_o lord_n often_o etc._n etc._n the_o right_a hand_n on_o ephraim_n and_o prefer_v he_o to_o manasseh_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o though_o the_o particular_a be_v not_o give_v yet_o the_o prayer_n may_v not_o only_o be_v say_v to_o be_v accept_v and_o hear_v but_o also_o answer_v though_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o word_n yet_o we_o think_v that_o when_o ever_o the_o lord_n hear_v than_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o answer_v because_o his_o hear_n be_v never_o separate_v from_o his_o speak_n for_o either_o then_o he_o stay_v the_o heart_n with_o this_o spiritual_a peace_n or_o secret_o uphold_v the_o supplicant_n that_o he_o faint_v not_o or_o some_o one_o way_n or_o other_o do_v he_o good_a but_o if_o any_o will_v refer_v the_o answer_n of_o prayer_n to_o a_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o god_n hand_n either_o by_o give_v what_o be_v ask_v or_o make_v some_o notable_a compensation_n and_o exchange_n we_o will_v not_o debate_v such_o a_o nominal_a question_n but_o its_o certain_a the_o lord_n may_v accept_v and_o hearken_v to_o thy_o prayer_n a_o long_a tâ—me_n before_o thou_o meet_v with_o any_o such_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o acceptance_n but_o woe_n 3.11_o woe_n isa_n 3.11_o to_o the_o wicked_a when_o shall_v they_o hear_v of_o their_o prayer_n though_o many_o mercy_n be_v â—â—spensed_v to_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common_a providence_n yet_o â—â—ching_v in_o mercy_n and_o as_o a_o return_n of_o their_o supplication_n though_o they_o have_v a_o câ—vil_a â—â—ght_n which_o no_o man_n dare_v challenge_v to_o what_o they_o enjoy_v and_o whatever_o grant_n and_o donation_n from_o the_o lord_n or_o tenure_n by_o his_o providence_n they_o can_v pretend_v yet_o they_o by_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o abuse_n of_o these_o mercy_n which_o they_o have_v employ_v as_o so_o many_o weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o tâ—e_v gâ—ver_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o right_a and_o may_v every_o moment_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o all_o their_o possession_n as_o tenant_n at_o will_n and_o certain_o one_o day_n the_o heir_n 1.2_o heir_n heb_fw-mi 1.2_o of_o all_o thing_n will_v reckon_v with_o they_o as_o thief_n and_o usurper_n for_o meddle_v with_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o good_n without_o his_o licence_n and_o for_o not_o acknowledge_v his_o propriety_n by_o employ_v they_o for_o his_o honour_n yea_o and_o often_o here_o he_o reckon_v with_o such_o they_o sit_v in_o slippery_a place_n psa_n 73.18_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o a_o sure_a habitation_n isa_n 32.18_o as_o the_o whirlwind_n pass_v so_o be_v the_o wicked_a no_o more_o but_o the_o righteous_a be_v a_o everlasting_a foundation_n prov._n 10.25_o the_o wicked_a get_v none_o of_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n promise_v to_o the_o elect_n isa_n 55.3_o but_o snare_n fire_n brimstone_n and_o a_o horrible_a tempest_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o their_o cup_n they_o can_v promise_v to_o themselves_o a_o hour_n security_n from_o such_o a_o storm_n they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o lord_n will_v thus_o rain_v upon_o they_o psa_n 11.6_o the_o right_a of_o providence_n be_v a_o mutable_a title_n and_o foundation_n revocable_a at_o pleasure_n the_o lord_n may_v change_v his_o work_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n when_o he_o will_v but_o he_o can_v change_v nor_o alter_v his_o word_n and_o break_v his_o promise_n upon_o which_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o their_o mercy_n be_v promise_a be_v mercy_n give_v in_o return_n to_o prayer_n be_v 1._o real_a 2._o stable_n 3._o costly_a 4._o pure_a 5._o witness_v 6._o promise_a real_a and_o stable_a they_o be_v sure_a because_o they_o have_v such_o a_o immutable_a ground_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o david_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v real_a because_o they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o typify_v david_n they_o come_v to_o they_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n whereby_o the_o forfeiture_n be_v take_v off_o and_o the_o curse_v remove_v their_o mercy_n be_v meâ—â—â—es_n indeed_o and_o no_o wonder_n they_o be_v so_o costly_a though_o cheap_a to_o we_o they_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o blood_n they_o stand_v christ_n at_o a_o dear_a rate_n they_o be_v pure_a mercy_n the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o the_o sting_n and_o thorn_n from_o they_o prov._n 10.22_o they_o be_v witness_v and_o seal_v mercy_n they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o father_n and_o of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o they_o be_v come_v be_v every_o one_o of_o the_o saint_n mercy_n may_v be_v call_v gad_n for_o a_o troop_n come_v promise_v mercy_n and_o pledge_n of_o more_o yea_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o so_o they_o be_v feed_v as_o ox_n for_o the_o slaughter_n and_o their_o mercy_n be_v as_o so_o many_o forerunner_n of_o their_o woe_n and_o misery_n their_o blessing_n be_v curse_v and_o their_o mercy_n give_v in_o wrath_n and_o in_o judgement_n sect._n iii_o how_o we_o may_v know_v 1._o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v hear_v our_o prayer_n when_o he_o deniethor_n delay_v to_o give_v what_o we_o ask_v and_o 2._o whether_o the_o mercy_n we_o receive_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n general_a bounty_n convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o common_a providence_n or_o give_v in_o love_n as_o a_o gracious_a return_n to_o our_o prayer_n psa_fw-la 66.19_o very_o god_n have_v hear_v i_o he_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o prayer_n we_o will_v not_o stay_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v discern_v the_o lord_n voice_n while_o he_o answer_v their_o prayer_n there_o be_v so_o many_o instance_n hereof_o in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o he_o give_v the_o particular_a mercy_n they_o petition_v as_o to_o david_n psa_n 116.1_o 2._o psa_fw-la 66.19_o hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1.27_o etc._n etc._n but_o also_o when_o the_o particular_a be_v withhold_v as_o from_o paul_n who_o yet_o discern_v the_o lord_n voice_n and_o what_o he_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o neither_o will_v it_o be_v needful_a to_o show_v that_o we_o shall_v hearken_v to_o the_o lord_n voice_n and_o observe_v what_o he_o say_v 1._o for_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n by_o such_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n bounty_n and_o fidelity_n 2._o that_o we_o may_v pay_v our_o vow_n and_o return_v to_o he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o 3._o that_o a_o new_a engagement_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o our_o heart_n to_o improve_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n but_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o this_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v discern_v when_o the_o lord_n speak_v and_o when_o he_o be_v silent_a at_o our_o prayer_n and_o we_o will_v find_v the_o case_n more_o difficult_a as_o to_o its_o first_o branch_n viz._n when_o the_o lord_n withholdeth_a or_o delay_v to_o give_v what_o we_o ask_v because_o we_o must_v then_o wrestle_v against_o sense_n and_o carnal_a reason_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v difficulty_n enough_o to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v our_o mercy_n come_v when_o we_o get_v what_o we_o desire_v we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o those_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n which_o have_v be_v propound_v by_o several_a practical_a divine_n but_o the_o first_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v who_o at_o any_o length_n have_v handle_v this_o case_n be_v the_o judicious_a mr._n 9_o mr._n goodw._n return_v of_o prayer_n chap._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o goodwin_n to_o who_o 362._o who_o such_o as_o mr._n fenner_n sâ—rm_v on_o lam._n 3.57_o isaac_n ambros_n in_o mediis_fw-la chris_n love_n zeal_n chris_n gurnal_a part_n 1._o pag._n 43._o and_o part_n 3_o pag._n 362._o other_o have_v add_v little_a or_o nothing_o but_o none_o have_v speak_v so_o full_o therefore_o we_o shall_v only_o name_v some_o few_o particular_n refer_v to_o he_o for_o their_o large_a explication_n add_v but_o a_o word_n of_o observation_n for_o the_o right_a improvement_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v to_o the_o case_n in_o general_n and_o then_o to_o its_o several_a branch_n 1._o then_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a mark_n we_o may_v know_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v accept_v and_o hear_v whether_o the_o particular_a we_o desire_v be_v give_v or_o not_o as_o 1._o pray_v 1._o goodw._n ch_n 5._o observation_n take_v from_o before_o and_o in_o pray_v when_o the_o lord_n stir_v the_o hearr_n
know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a root_n in_o the_o best_a that_o if_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v his_o hand_n and_o withhold_v the_o blessing_n neither_o rod_n nor_o mercy_n can_v do_v we_o good_a but_o the_o venom_n within_o we_o will_v suck_v poison_n out_o of_o the_o most_o pleasant_a flower_n and_o turn_v the_o most_o heal_a medicine_n into_o deadly_a corrosive_n let_v we_o not_o then_o rest_v on_o our_o enjoyment_n though_o thou_o be_v a_o son_n thy_o father_n may_v grant_v thy_o desire_n in_o anger_n parent_n when_o most_o grieve_v and_o displease_v with_o their_o child_n may_v give_v way_n to_o they_o and_o let_v they_o have_v their_o will_n without_o control_v but_o ere_o it_o be_v long_o the_o father_n will_v chide_v his_o son_n and_o upbraid_v he_o for_o his_o meddle_v and_o take_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o the_o son_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o unnatural_a wretch_n can_v wish_v that_o his_o liberty_n have_v rather_o be_v restrain_v than_o his_o father_n in_o anger_n give_v way_n to_o his_o course_n and_o who_o among_o the_o genuine_a son_n of_o zion_n will_v not_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v under_o the_o rod_n then_o to_o have_v his_o heart_n desire_v with_o the_o displeasure_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n o_o then_o do_v not_o mistake_v as_o if_o thou_o have_v with_o thy_o father_n leave_n and_o good_a will_n because_o thou_o do_v ask_v and_o he_o have_v answer_v thy_o desire_n for_o he_o may_v give_v thou_o in_o wrath_n as_o he_o do_v the_o israelit_n psal_n 78.29.31_o thy_o own_o heart_n desire_v and_o not_o with_o hold_v the_o request_n of_o thy_o lip_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v our_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o then_o rejoice_v in_o our_o mercy_n let_v we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n method_n 1_o joh._n 5.14_o 15._o and_o judge_v of_o our_o have_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o audience_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o must_v be_v know_v not_o by_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o providence_n but_o by_o compare_v our_o prayer_n with_o the_o right_a rule_n viz._n the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o command_n and_o promise_n but_o if_o we_o proceed_v contrary_o and_o conclude_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v hear_v because_o we_o have_v the_o petition_n we_o desire_v of_o he_o we_o may_v ready_o mistake_v and_o apprehend_v these_o prayer_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o answer_v whereby_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v provoke_v and_o dishonour_v o_o but_o when_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o psa_n 21.2_o 6._o when_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o our_o heart_n desire_v and_o withhold_v not_o the_o request_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o we_o rejoice_v in_o his_o salvation_n and_o be_v glad_a because_o he_o lift_v up_o his_o countenance_n upon_o we_o when_o these_o be_v join_v together_o then_o be_v our_o peace_n stable_n and_o our_o comfort_n solid_a but_o when_o we_o rejoice_v in_o mercy_n and_o grieve_v the_o god_n of_o our_o mercy_n our_o joy_n will_v end_v in_o mourning_n sect._n iu._n a_o modest_a enquiry_n after_o the_o reason_n holy_a design_n and_o end_n why_o the_o lord_n delay_v or_o deni_v the_o particular_a mercy_fw-mi that_o be_v desire_v though_o he_o accept_v and_o answer_v our_o prayer_n psa_fw-la 30.18_o therefore_o will_v the_o lord_n wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a unto_o you_o and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o you_o for_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o judgement_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o the_o present_a question_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o lord_n hide_v himself_o from_o the_o prayer_n either_o of_o the_o wicked_a or_o of_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n but_o concern_v such_o and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o answer_v the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o must_v prevail_v and_o can_v want_v a_o return_n viz._n 1._o why_o the_o lord_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n delay_v to_o give_v what_o he_o purpose_v at_o length_n to_o give_v 2_o why_o he_o deny_v and_o withholdeth_a the_o particular_a mercy_n that_o be_v ask_v and_o will_v rather_o give_v some_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v better_o for_o we_o in_o lieu_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o be_v desire_v and_o thus_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o gracious_a compensation_n then_o grant_v the_o mercy_n in_o kind_n that_o be_v desire_v we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o last_o as_o be_v many_o a_o time_n the_o sad_a trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o not_o see_v the_o lord_n design_n nor_o observe_v the_o compensation_n it_o haply_o be_v in_o spiritual_n which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o discern_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v such_o a_o dispensation_n to_o be_v in_o wrath_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v hide_v himself_o from_o their_o prayer_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o meritorious_a and_o procure_a cause_n which_o by_o way_n of_o demerit_n do_v provoke_v the_o lord_n either_o to_o deny_v or_o delay_v because_o although_o the_o lord_n delay_n to_o give_v or_o deny_v what_o be_v ask_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o as_o the_o question_n suppose_v either_o deny_v or_o delay_v the_o acceptance_n and_o hear_n of_o our_o prayer_n yea_o such_o a_o denial_n and_o delay_n be_v not_o only_o in_o mercy_n and_o love_n but_o by_o 2_o by_o see_v sect._n 2_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n do_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o return_n to_o his_o prayer_n mat._n 26.39_o 42_o 44._o and_o therefore_o now_o we_o must_v only_o enquir_n concern_v the_o holy_a end_n and_o gracious_a design_n the_o lord_n propound_v in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n under_o which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v the_o castigation_n of_o his_o people_n to_o be_v comprehend_v for_o albeit_o in_o his_o purpose_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n that_o have_v much_o love_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o grievous_a bitter_a and_o afflictive_a and_o not_o a_o fit_a 3._o fit_a see_v part._n 3._o chap._n 3._o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n it_o can_v so_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v by_o way_n of_o return_n to_o they_o yet_o since_o it_o proceed_v from_o love_n and_o may_v be_v very_o profitable_a to_o we_o and_o thus_o may_v be_v ask_v conditional_o and_o comparative_o as_o have_v be_v ibid._n be_v ibid._n show_v we_o shall_v in_o the_o close_o add_v a_o word_n concern_v it_o though_o still_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o this_o and_o those_o other_o design_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o anger_n and_o wrath_n in_o they_o and_o here_o the_o object_n itself_o be_v absolute_o consider_v be_v paena_fw-la be_v malum_fw-la paena_fw-la evil_a a_o fruit_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v say_v of_o the_o fruit_n and_o event_n yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o abstract_o consider_v can_v well_o be_v call_v a_o return_n and_o answer_v of_o prayer_n now_o let_v we_o name_v some_o of_o those_o gracious_a end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n deni_v to_o give_v the_o particular_a mercy_n we_o desire_v as_o 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o patience_n grace_n be_v give_v we_o for_o use_v as_o talent_n wherewith_o we_o shall_v trade_v and_o gain_v and_o not_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o a_o napkin_n to_o rust_v and_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o its_o needful_a that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o providence_n shall_v offer_v occasion_n for_o their_o exercise_n as_o in_o the_o present_a case_n while_o he_o withholdeth_a our_o heart_n desire_v then_o in_o patience_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o holy_a counsel_n and_o still_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o it_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o honest_a supplicant_n so_o 2._o it_o be_v their_o trial_n thus_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o grace_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n not_o only_o must_v our_o grace_n be_v exercise_v for_o their_o growth_n and_o increase_n but_o also_o for_o their_o trial_n and_o discovery_n and_o to_o give_v satan_n the_o world_n yea_o and_o our_o own_o heart_n a_o evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n yea_o and_o sometime_o of_o their_o strength_n and_o perfection_n if_o notwithstanding_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o sensible_a demonstration_n yet_o we_o will_v believe_v god_n word_n of_o promise_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o patient_o bear_v a_o seem_a repulse_n and_o denial_n 3._o hereby_o the_o lord_n will_v draw_v our_o heart_n off_o from_o the_o creature_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v a_o more_o fulâ—_n and_o immediate_a communion_n with_o himself_o he_o will_v cut_v off_o the_o stream_n
of_o performance_n a_o impenitent_a bold_a sinner_n dare_v not_o can_v pray_v importunate_o and_o in_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o prayer_n of_o secure_a sinner_n must_v be_v naught_o and_o many_o way_n defective_a so_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o sin_n do_v bring_v a_o long_a and_o must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o former_a a_o guilty_a supplicant_n will_v not_o pray_v to_o purpose_n but_o suppose_v his_o prayer_n be_v regular_a yet_o his_o sin_n will_v outcry_n his_o prayer_n while_o david_n though_o a_o eminent_a saint_n be_v pray_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n cry_v and_o plead_v against_o he_o hence_o he_o complain_v psal_n 95.3_o that_o iniquity_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n the_o mon._n the_o verba_fw-la iniquitatum_fw-la ar._n mon._n word_n of_o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o he_o we_o will_v not_o now_o inquire_v whether_o he_o complain_v of_o his_o own_o personal_a sin_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o for_o who_o he_o pray_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o here_o he_o regrate_v the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n against_o his_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o hear_v its_o voice_n and_o cry_n you_o will_v say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o david_n own_o sin_n which_o he_o hear_v he_o not_o be_v then_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o sin_n as_o can_v obstruct_v a_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n wherefore_o he_o have_v not_o repent_v and_o humble_v himself_o and_o whereof_o he_o have_v not_o obtain_v a_o pardon_n and_o a_o pardon_a sin_n be_v as_o no_o sin_n ans_fw-fr albeit_o a_o pardon_a sin_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o prayer_n yea_o nor_o their_o answer_n and_o success_n yet_o it_o may_v hinder_v their_o acceptance_n in_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a temporal_a mercy_n as_o be_v desire_v and_o repentance_n sometime_o can_v though_o it_o be_v a_o promise_a and_o necessary_a mean_n remove_v or_o hold_v off_o temporal_a rod_n though_o it_o will_v prevent_v the_o evil_a and_o hurt_n that_o may_v thereby_o redound_v for_o then_o the_o sting_n and_o curse_n will_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o rod_n and_o it_o will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o blessing_n and_o the_o lord_n thereby_o will_v do_v we_o good_a deut._n 3.26_o 2_o sam._n 12.13_o 14._o 2_o sam._n 24.10.13_o nay_o the_o lord_n may_v just_o punish_v israel_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o penitent_a and_o glorify_a manasseh_n many_o year_n after_o his_o death_n jerem._n 15.4_o but_o yet_o neither_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o nor_o our_o own_o sin_n after_o they_o be_v pardon_v can_v hinder_v the_o 5.1.16_o the_o jam._n 5.1.16_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a from_o avail_v much_o such_o a_o prayer_n can_v want_v a_o 2._o a_o see_v cha._n 1._o sect._n 1_o 2._o answer_n nor_o prove_v unsuccessful_a whatever_o be_v the_o lord_n dispensation_n towards_o such_o a_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o outward_a and_o temporal_a state_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o mean_a for_o obtain_v outward_a prosperity_n and_o success_n this_o be_v it_o yea_o it_o will_v and_o must_v prevail_v for_o that_o end_n if_o that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o one_o his_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a happiâ—ess_n but_o sin_v not_o lay_v to_o heart_n will_v hide_v god_n face_n from_o his_o people_n that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o when_o they_o cry_v isa_n 59.2_o if_o we_o harken_v not_o to_o god_n voice_n he_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o we_o if_o we_o obey_v not_o his_o command_n ment_n he_o will_v not_o fulfil_v our_o desire_n the_o promise_n of_o audience_n have_v the_o condition_n of_o obedience_n annex_v unto_o it_o you_o shall_v ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n but_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o joh._n 15.7_o and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o fitness_n and_o decency_n in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n and_o a_o suitable_a proportion_n between_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o its_o punishment_n which_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o zech._n 7.13_o therefore_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o cry_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o cry_v and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n see_v also_o prov._n 1.28_o isa_n 1.15_o jer._n 11.11_o etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o lord_n do_v just_o require_v we_o and_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o run_v parallel_n and_o keep_v a_o fit_a proportion_n with_o we_o towards_o he_o and_o who_o will_v think_v that_o the_o prince_n shall_v answer_v the_o traitor_n supplication_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n sect._n ii_o who_o be_v they_o who_o prayer_n the_o lord_n will_v never_o hear_v nor_o answer_n by_o what_o mark_n and_o character_n may_v such_o be_v know_v with_o a_o word_n of_o direction_n to_o they_o who_o fear_v lest_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o that_o black_a roll_n prov._n 1.28_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o that_o they_o etc._n etc._n albeit_o the_o lord_n can_v be_v say_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o any_o unregenerat_a person_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n plead_v in_o the_o mediator_n such_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o christ_n nor_o bring_v under_o the_o covenant_n yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n do_v some_o time_n so_o far_o accept_v the_o endeavour_n and_o prayer_n of_o natural_a man_n which_o from_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o desire_n though_o quicken_v by_o a_o common_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o natural_a of_o pardon_n that_o he_o give_v the_o desire_a mercy_n for_o he_o have_v appoint_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n he_o will_v thus_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n with_o success_n albeit_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o qualify_v as_o we_o show_v at_o some_o length_n part_n 1_o chap._n 5._o but_o the_o question_n now_o be_v when_o wicked_a man_n come_v to_o such_o a_o state_n that_o prayer_n will_v be_v no_o more_o a_o mean_a to_o do_v they_o good_a when_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v lose_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o audience_n and_o to_o have_v let_v slip_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptable_a time_n and_o that_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o that_o many_o indeed_o do_v come_v to_o such_o a_o state_n may_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o several_a scripture_n as_o prov._n 1.24.28_o psa_fw-la 18.41_o micah_n 3.4_o isa_n 1.15_o jer._n 14.12_o jer._n 11.11_o ezek._n 8.18_o job_n 27.9_o etc._n etc._n hence_o the_o exhortation_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o isa_n 55.6_o and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o godly_a that_o they_o will_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v ps_n 3.62_o and_o thus_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v say_v to_o set_v upon_o some_o before_o their_o day_n come_v to_o a_o end_n though_o they_o have_v the_o ordinance_n of_o life_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n constitute_v with_o they_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o as_o to_o we_o who_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n purpose_n and_o secret_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v yet_o past_a to_o such_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o judicial_a stroke_n upon_o many_o heart_n and_o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v find_v may_v be_v past_a and_o go_v as_o to_o they_o but_o we_o will_v not_o now_o meddle_v with_o that_o high_a point_n of_o induration_n but_o shall_v confine_v ourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o present_a enquiry_n and_o shall_v 1._o offer_v some_o mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o such_o may_v be_v know_v who_o have_v let_v this_o acceptable_a time_n pass_v and_o 2._o we_o shall_v propound_v some_o few_o particular_n for_o clear_v difficulty_n that_o may_v here_o occur_v with_o a_o word_n of_o direction_n to_o such_o as_o fear_v lest_o this_o may_v be_v their_o case_n as_o to_o the_o first_o though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o any_o general_a and_o infallible_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v here_o judge_v and_o pass_v a_o peremptory_a sentence_n yet_o both_o scripture_n and_o experience_n do_v point_n out_o several_a ground_n of_o fear_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o shall_v brief_o offer_v some_o few_o sign_n and_o character_n whereby_o we_o may_v more_o than_o probable_o guess_v and_o conjecture_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o this_o black_a roll_n and_o o_o how_o terrible_a and_o awake_v may_v such_o a_o point_n be_v and_o with_o what_o amazement_n shall_v secure_v sinner_n be_v they_o not_o judicial_o
heavenly_a exercise_n whereby_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n we_o have_v access_n to_o and_o 1.3_o and_o 1_o joh._n 1.3_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v for_o that_o end_n eph._n 6.10_o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 18._o in_o prayer_n not_o one_o but_o several_a grace_n be_v exercise_v and_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o our_o prayer_n can_v change_v he_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variablness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v jam._n 1.17_o for_o he_o be_v in_o one_o mind_n and_o who_o can_v turn_v he_o job_n 23.13_o but_o yet_o 3._o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o obtain_v whatsoever_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mat._n 7.7_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o yea_o more_a confident_o expect_v a_o return_n to_o our_o prayer_n as_o the_o husbandman_n the_o harvest_n after_o his_o plow_a and_o sow_v and_o albeit_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o live_v by_o sense_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o noble_a life_n of_o faith_n can_v sow_v in_o hope_n but_o not_o pray_v in_o hope_n yet_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o have_v learned_a to_o trust_v god_n word_n know_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a than_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n or_o the_o word_n of_o natural_a cause_n promise_v success_n to_o their_o labour_n and_o that_o though_o the_o season_n shall_v dis-appoint_a the_o sower_n and_o the_o most_o refine_a gold_n be_v turn_v to_o dross_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v abide_v firm_a and_o sure_a for_o ever_o 2_o pet._n 1.23_o 25._o ps_n 12.6_o ps_n 46.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o such_o will_v rather_o forget_v to_o eat_v their_o bread_n and_o neglect_v the_o most_o necessary_a labour_n and_o employment_n then_o forbear_v to_o plead_v the_o promise_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n nay_o a_o most_o cruel_a decree_n and_o threaten_a can_v not_o withhold_v daniel_n a_o for_o some_o few_o day_n from_o the_o throne_n but_o he_o must_v pray_v and_o so_o oft_o a_o day_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n dan._n 6.7_o 10._o yet_o 4._o though_o prayer_n be_v such_o a_o successful_a and_o never-lying_a mean_n though_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fruitful_a womb_n that_o never_o miscarry_v and_o the_o full_a breast_n that_o always_o yield_v milk_n yet_o we_o need_v not_o inquire_v after_o its_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n as_o if_o of_o itself_o it_o have_v any_o proportion_n with_o or_o efficacy_n for_o produce_v such_o great_a effect_n for_o 1._o be_v nothing_o like_o natural_a cause_n which_o work_n by_o their_o strength_n and_o activity_n neither_o 2._o have_v prayer_n any_o moral_a causality_n by_o way_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_a ah_o what_o worth_a and_o excellency_n can_v there_o be_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v our_o empty_a performance_n have_v much_o dross_n and_o imperfection_n cleave_v to_o it_o but_o all_o its_o efficacy_n flow_v 1._o from_o god_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n he_o have_v appoint_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v medium_n cultus_fw-la but_o also_o medium_n impetrationis_fw-la not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o worship_n but_o also_o a_o channel_n for_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n the_o lord_n have_v promise_v what_o ever_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o heaven_n on_o it_o must_v be_v currant_n money_n whatever_o the_o metal_n otherwise_o be_v and_o thus_o in_o baptism_n we_o look_v over_o the_o element_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o thus_o the_o weak_a hand_n of_o prayer_n can_v bring_v home_o abundance_n of_o provision_n 2._o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n which_o by_o prayer_n we_o plead_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n prayer_n lay_v hold_v on_o god_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v send_v away_o empty_a and_o as_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n whereon_o prayer_n be_v build_v so_o prayer_n be_v a_o object_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o lord_n have_v once_o and_o again_o give_v his_o word_n concern_v its_o success_n and_o prevalency_n and_o he_o will_v fulfil_v that_o word_n 3._o from_o our_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o a_o father_n which_o be_v plead_v in_o prayer_n must_v prevail_v that_o one_o word_n father_n say_v noble_a exprimere_fw-la noble_a vocula_n pater_fw-la dicta_fw-la in_o cord_n est_fw-la cloquentia_fw-la quam_fw-la demosthenes_n cicero_n &_o eloquentissimi_fw-la in_o mundo_fw-la nunquam_fw-la possunt_fw-la exprimere_fw-la luther_n come_v from_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o son_n exceed_v the_o eloquence_n of_o demosthenes_n cicero_n and_o all_o the_o famous_a orator_n in_o the_o world_n 4._o from_o god_n love_n to_o we_o and_o delight_n in_o we_o and_o our_o prayer_n 5._o from_o the_o interest_n his_o spirit_n have_v in_o prayer_n it_o be_v his_o work_n rather_o than_o we_o 6._o from_o christ_n blood_n the_o altar_n whereon_o we_o offer_v this_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o price_n lay_v down_o for_o all_o our_o mercy_n 7._o from_o christ_n intercession_n and_o concur_v with_o we_o etc._n etc._n see_v part_n 2._o chap._n 2._o sect_n 2._o hence_o 5._o albeit_o the_o almighty_a have_v no_o delight_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o performance_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o his_o all-sufficient_a majesty_n job_n 22.3_o job_n 35.7_o 8._o yet_o he_o not_o only_o accept_v but_o also_o delight_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o homage_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o and_o as_o a_o mean_a whereby_o he_o may_v communicate_v himself_o and_o do_v good_a to_o his_o child_n pro._n 15.8_o he_o 7.18_o he_o micah_n 7.18_o delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o also_o in_o every_o mean_a whereby_o and_o occasion_n wherein_o he_o may_v exercise_v this_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n hence_o 7._o since_o the_o lord_n delight_v in_o and_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o mean_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o derive_v the_o blessing_n to_o we_o since_o they_o always_o prevail_v and_o meet_v with_o a_o gracious_a answer_n we_o may_v well_o say_v that_o they_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o show_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a for_o albeit_o in_o some_o case_n de_fw-fr deo_fw-la etiam_fw-la vera_fw-la dicere_fw-la periculosum_fw-la sit_fw-la as_o austin_n once_o say_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n to_o speak_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v there_o clear_o hold_v forth_o and_o do_v we_o not_o there_o read_v of_o the_o move_a and_o sound_v of_o god_n bowel_n isa_n 63.15_o jer._n 31.20_o of_o his_o return_v and_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v threaten_v and_o leave_v a_o blessing_n where_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o smite_v and_o curse_v joel_n 2.13_o 14._o etc._n etc._n and_o particular_o as_o to_o prayer_n be_v it_o not_o write_v that_o after_o nineveh_n have_v cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n he_o turn_v and_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v and_o do_v it_o not_o jon._n 3.10_o and_o do_v he_o not_o promise_v the_o same_o to_o every_o nation_n and_o person_n that_o turn_v at_o his_o threaten_n jer._n 18.8_o ezek._n 33.14_o etc._n etc._n and_o how_o often_o do_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n pray_v that_o he_o will_v turn_v from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n and_o will_v turn_v to_o they_o as_o ps_n 25.16_o ps_n 60.1_o ps_n 62_o 16._o ps_n 86.16_o etc._n etc._n and_o do_v not_o moses_n stand_v in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o god_n wrath_n from_o his_o people_n ps_n 106.23_o and_o be_v it_o not_o say_v of_o jacob_n that_o he_o have_v power_n over_o the_o great_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o loc_n and_o vid._n calv._n in_o loc_n prevail_v and_o get_v the_o victory_n hos_fw-la 12.3_o 4._o may_v we_o not_o from_o these_o scripture_n and_o particular_o from_o what_o be_v report_v of_o jacob_n wrestle_v conclude_v that_o the_o more_o zeal_n and_o tenderness_n the_o more_o faith_n and_o confidence_n we_o express_v in_o prayer_n the_o more_o strong_o and_o feel_o we_o plead_v the_o more_o argument_n and_o motive_n we_o press_v from_o his_o word_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v prevail_v and_o that_o the_o more_o we_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v while_o we_o pray_v the_o more_o we_o do_v move_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n and_o i_o think_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v scruple_n to_o yield_v to_o this_o but_o for_o prevent_v a_o mistake_n it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v absure_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o lord_n can_v be_v move_v or_o turn_v from_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n thus_o there_o be_v 1.17_o be_v jam._n 1.17_o no_o variableness_n with_o god_n neither_o shadow_n of_o turn_v but_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o be_v move_v by_o prayer_n 1._o because_o he_o
tradesman_n through_o neglect_v his_o call_n suffer_v his_o tool_n to_o rust_v he_o will_v make_v but_o bad_a work_n when_o he_o come_v to_o use_v they_o o_o but_o as_o in_o other_o art_n so_o also_o in_o this_o our_o heavenly_a trade_n frequency_n in_o act_v diligent_a use_n and_o exercise_n beget_v both_o facility_n and_o delight_n if_o we_o be_v not_o too_o great_a stranger_n to_o a_o heavenly_a communion_n good_a thought_n and_o spiritual_a meditation_n will_v become_v more_o familiar_a kind_o and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o frequency_n in_o do_v be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o our_o preparation_n for_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o only_o add_v the_o other_o two_o we_o promise_v here_o to_o speak_v to_o viz._n watchfulness_n and_o meditation_n 2._o then_o watchfulness_n 2._o watchfulness_n we_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n eph._n 6.18_o 1._o our_o spirit_n be_v lazy_a and_o sluggish_a and_o we_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o fall_v asleep_a unless_o we_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o often_o rouse_v they_o up_o say_v with_o that_o holy_a woman_n judg._n 5.12_o awak_v awak_v 2._o our_o lust_n be_v always_o in_o arm_n and_o the_o devil_n watch_v for_o a_o opportunity_n against_o we_o and_o be_v it_o time_n for_o we_o to_o sleep_v while_o the_o enemy_n be_v stand_v at_o the_o gate_n and_o some_o of_o his_o force_n already_o within_o door_n we_o can_v step_v one_o foot_n but_o satan_n have_v his_o train_n lay_v to_o blow_v we_o up_o the_o world_n be_v satan_n birdlime_n to_o entangle_v we_o or_o rather_o gunpowder_n which_o our_o lust_n be_v ready_a to_o set_v on_o fire_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v on_o our_o guard_n continual_o and_o albeit_o the_o enemy_n main_a design_n be_v to_o spoil_v the_o treasure_n and_o take_v away_o the_o jewel_n yet_o he_o have_v a_o greedy_a eye_n at_o all_o that_o be_v we_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o watch_v over_o our_o eye_n our_o hand_n our_o tongue_n our_o thought_n our_o passion_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v let_v slip_v within_o his_o reach_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o improve_v the_o advantage_n and_o every_o sin_n as_o it_o may_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n so_o it_o will_v indispose_v and_o turn_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v of_o a_o stupify_a nature_n it_o be_v as_o length_n as_o mr._n gura_n spir_n arm_n part_n 3._o pag._n 605._o where_o you_o will_v find_v this_o argument_n handle_v at_o great_a length_n one_o speak_v the_o devil_n opium_n wherewith_o if_o be_v be_v suffer_v to_o anoint_v thy_o temple_n thou_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o fall_v asleep_a 3._o we_o shall_v watch_v and_o observe_v the_o many_o mercy_n we_o receive_v and_o our_o daily_a sin_n and_o fail_n our_o weakness_n and_o manifold_a want_n all_o which_o may_v be_v fit_a material_n for_o our_o prayer_n which_o be_v ponder_v and_o keep_v on_o record_n will_v prove_v a_o good_a help_n for_o the_o duty_n 4._o we_o shall_v watch_v that_o we_o may_v hear_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n that_o we_o may_v observe_v every_o season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o we_o and_o may_v welcome_v every_o messenger_n he_o send_v out_o to_o invite_v we_o to_o come_v before_o he_o that_o whensoever_o he_o say_v to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o he_o psa_n 27.8_o seek_v you_o my_o face_n our_o heart_n like_o his_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o reply_v thy_o face_n lord_n we_o will_v seek_v if_o thus_o we_o can_v discern_v and_o do_v careful_o improve_v the_o several_a advantage_n offer_v unto_o we_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_n how_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a in_o prayer_n will_v we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v such_o watchman_n and_o student_n in_o holiness_n as_o become_v the_o lord_n supplicant_n and_o those_o who_o by_o profession_n be_v agent_n and_o pleader_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o heaven_n and_o before_o the_o 47.2_o the_o psa_fw-la 47.2_o great_a king_n with_o what_o diligence_n will_v we_o cause_n we_o pleader_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v great_a student_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o improve_v the_o several_a to_o pick_v of_o divinity_n for_o carry_v their_o plea_n and_o cause_n study_v our_o heart_n and_o study_v our_o life_n and_o the_o several_a stâ—ps_n of_o providence_n our_o condition_n exigence_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o to_o come_v and_o what_o to_o say_v while_o we_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n o_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o prepare_v and_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n with_o what_o reverence_n and_o confidence_n with_o what_o importunity_n fervency_n and_o zeal_n may_v we_o meditation_n we_o psa_fw-la 62.8_o three_o branch_n of_o preparation_n be_v meditation_n pour_v out_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v matter_n nor_o word_n we_o may_v pray_v pertinent_o and_o serious_o and_o far_o more_o successful_o then_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o do_v 3._o meditation_n be_v a_o good_a preparation_n for_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o token_n for_o good_a when_o we_o can_v say_v with_o david_n psa_n 5.1_o lord_n hear_v and_o consider_v my_o meditation_n when_o the_o prayer_n the_o verbaque_fw-la praevisam_fw-la rem_fw-la non_fw-la invita_fw-la sequuntur_fw-la hor._n agere_fw-la volentem_fw-la semper_fw-la meditari_fw-la decet_fw-la nam_fw-la segniores_fw-la omnes_fw-la inceptis_fw-la novis_fw-la meditatio_fw-la si_fw-la rei_fw-la gerendae_fw-la defuit_fw-la auson_n de_fw-fr lord_n 7._o sapient_a the_o hebrew_n do_v use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n for_o signify_v to_o meditate_v and_o to_o pray_v viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o be_v word_n gen._n 24.63_o where_o isaac_n be_v say_v to_o have_v go_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v render_v either_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o these_o two_o in_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o separate_v that_o as_o that_o word_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o so_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n heart_n by_o meditation_n indit_v a_o good_a mater_fw-la the_o tongue_n will_v be_v as_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n psa_n 45.1_o meditation_n will_n facilitat_fw-la the_o work_n and_o direct_v and_o excite_v the_o worker_n it_o will_v give_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a hand_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o bring_v in_o provision_n for_o the_o empty_a if_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o some_o great_a person_n especial_o if_o to_o a_o king_n how_o will_v we_o pre-medirate_a and_o ponder_v what_o we_o shall_v say_v and_o how_o we_o shall_v carry_v ourselves_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o meet_v the_o great_a king_n it_o be_v true_a he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sigh_n and_o sob_n of_o mourner_n though_o we_o do_v but_o 38.14_o but_o isa_n 38.14_o lament_v as_o a_o dove_n and_o chatcter_n as_o a_o swallow_n and_o crane_n he_o will_v pity_v and_o show_v mercy_n but_o alas_o we_o base_o abuse_v this_o astonish_a condescension_n ah_o shall_v we_o be_v negligent_a and_o irreverent_a because_o he_o be_v tender_a and_o indulgent_a many_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o enlargement_n and_o because_o of_o deadness_n and_o coldness_n in_o prayer_n that_o wander_v and_o impertinent_a thought_n break_v in_o etc._n etc._n but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o prevent_v these_o evil_n by_o watchfulness_n and_o meditation_n if_o thou_o will_v set_v some_o time_n apart_o serious_o to_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v what_o a_o great_a and_o dreadful_a majesty_n and_o yet_o how_o love_a and_o merciful_a thou_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o that_o will_v beget_v both_o reverence_n and_o confidence_n if_o thou_o will_v consider_v his_o omni-presence_n and_o omni_n science_n this_o will_v stir_v thou_o up_o to_o watchfulness_n it_o will_v six_o thy_o heart_n and_o prevent_v wander_a thought_n if_o thou_o do_v remember_v his_o power_n and_o omnipotence_n his_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n this_o will_v strengthen_v thy_o faith_n and_o expectation_n of_o success_n if_o thou_o will_v consider_v who_o thou_o be_v what_o be_v thy_o distance_n as_o a_o poor_a creature_n and_o yet_o more_o in_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sinner_n and_o he_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a lord_n this_o will_v beget_v humility_n and_o godly_a fear_n if_o thou_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n thy_o several_a want_n and_o what_o thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o 1.3_o for_o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o life_n and_o godliness_n what_o be_v thy_o strait_n and_o danger_n and_o what_o kindness_n the_o lord_n have_v hitherto_o she_o wed_v and_o what_o long-suffering_a and_o patience_n he_o have_v exâ—rcised_v towards_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o mercy_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n thou_o
bring_v his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o destroy_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n yea_o and_o rather_o than_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o people_n shall_v be_v destroy_v exod._n 32._o and_o paul_n his_o wish_n that_o he_o rather_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n then_o that_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n shall_v perish_v rom._n 9_o but_o these_o two_o practice_n be_v rather_o for_o admiration_n then_o imitation_n such_o a_o height_n and_o measure_n of_o people_n of_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n where_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o excess_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a for_o god_n nor_o too_o desirous_a of_o the_o well_o fare_v of_o his_o people_n zeal_n be_v scarce_o attainable_a since_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o any_o other_o ever_o do_v or_o shall_v in_o this_o life_n come_v their_o length_n david_n his_o desire_n and_o prayer_n 1_o chr._n 21.17_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o the_o present_a case_n let_v thy_o hand_n say_v this_o holy_a man_n be_v on_o i_o and_o on_o my_o father_n house_n but_o not_o or_o rather_o then_o on_o thy_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v plague_v it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v sin_v and_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v but_o whatever_o be_v his_o motive_n we_o see_v this_o holy_a man_n prefer_v the_o good_a of_o god_n people_n to_o his_o own_o personal_a interest_n and_o desire_v that_o the_o rod_n shall_v be_v rather_o on_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n then_o on_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o abstract_v from_o such_o high_a and_o holy_a end_n and_o when_o the_o comparison_n be_v only_o between_o some_o evil_a or_o temporal_a rod_n lie_v upon_o we_o and_o some_o other_o evil_n which_o may_v rid_v we_o out_o of_o the_o present_a trouble_n if_o the_o saint_n shall_v desire_v any_o such_o evil_n by_o way_n of_o remedy_n such_o a_o desire_n must_v be_v sinful_a the_o object_n be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o not_o determine_v as_o a_o necessary_a and_o the_o only_a mean_a for_o remove_v the_o present_a evil_n which_o perhaps_o be_v less_o in_o itself_o and_o less_o dangerous_a and_o so_o the_o end_n be_v base_a and_o low_a and_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n sinful_a and_o carnal_a such_o as_o pride_n passion_n impatience_n distrust_n and_o the_o like_a i_o hope_v none_o will_v plead_v for_o such_o a_o desire_n though_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n as_o in_o job_n ch_n 6.8_o 9_o in_o moses_n numb_a 11.15_o in_o jonah_n ch_n 4.39_o in_o eliah_n 1_o king_n 19.4_o in_o jeremiah_n ch_n 20.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o job_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o patience_n jam._n 5.11_o moses_n of_o meekness_n numb_a 12.3_o and_o eliah_n of_o confidence_n 1_o king_n 18._o yet_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o infirmity_n even_o there_o where_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o those_o slip_n and_o fit_v of_o passion_n and_o impatience_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n to_o be_v 1._o a_o warning_n to_o we_o of_o our_o frailty_n that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o be_v humble_a watchful_a and_o circumspect_a 2._o to_o be_v as_o a_o beacon_n on_o the_o rock_n which_o we_o shall_v shun_v and_o 3._o to_o teach_v we_o that_o our_o imitation_n of_o man_n though_o eminent_a for_o holiness_n shall_v be_v with_o a_o limitation_n and_o with_o caution_n that_o we_o must_v only_o follow_v they_o when_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o walk_v by_o rule_n but_o though_o some_o weak_a saint_n may_v miscarry_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n by_o presume_v on_o god_n care_n and_o bounty_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v such_o a_o severe_a course_n of_o physic_n as_o they_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o without_o his_o warrant_n and_o approbation_n yet_o alas_o it_o be_v more_o usual_a to_o miscarry_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v long_o in_o debate_v this_o case_n all_o of_o we_o have_v a_o monitor_n within_o which_o will_v be_v too_o ready_a to_o warn_v we_o of_o our_o danger_n loss_n and_o bodily_a evil_n and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o call_v to_o we_o to_o spare_v ourselves_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v call_v we_o to_o suffer_v and_o when_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n do_v cry_v to_o we_o not_o to_o 12.11_o to_o rev._n 12.11_o love_v our_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n and_o when_o if_o we_o 16.25_o we_o mat._n 16.25_o save_v our_o life_n we_o will_v lose_v it_o and_o since_o we_o may_v not_o wish_v evil_a to_o ourselves_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v it_o to_o our_o good_a far_o less_o may_v we_o thus_o wish_v evil_a to_o other_o with_o who_o comfort_n and_o creature-enjoyment_n we_o have_v not_o such_o power_n to_o dispense_v as_o with_o our_o own_o and_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o who_o hearr_n we_o know_v less_o and_o of_o their_o readiness_n to_o abuse_v mercy_n as_o also_o since_o here_o there_o may_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o malice_n envy_n etc._n etc._n ah_o who_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o genuine_a son_n of_o zion_n who_o under_o the_o pretence_n that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n have_v often_o prove_v a_o mean_a of_o reformation_n humiliation_n etc._n etc._n will_v wish_v and_o pray_v that_o her_o calamity_n may_v be_v multiply_v or_o continue_v if_o these_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n and_o pray_v for_o her_o peace_n ps_n 122.6_o what_o shall_v be_v their_o portion_n that_o under_o whatsoever_o colour_n dare_v pray_v for_o her_o trouble_n 3._o as_o for_o evil_n of_o sin_n who_o will_v be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o plead_v that_o these_o be_v desirable_a these_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n and_o make_v angel_n once_o glorious_a become_v devil_n these_o deface_v the_o beautiful_a image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o his_o excellency_n these_o be_v the_o grand_a murderer_n that_o kill_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o daily_o thrust_v multitude_n into_o the_o pit_n these_o be_v the_o procurer_n of_o all_o our_o too_o and_o misery_n here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o yet_o how_o many_o love_n and_o embrace_v these_o scorpion_n till_o they_o sting_v they_o to_o death_n but_o yet_o secret_o and_o as_o steal_v ware_n few_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o own_o and_o defend_v though_o too_o many_o will_v excuse_v their_o sin_n far_o less_o dare_v any_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o help_v to_o sin_n against_o he_o sin_n be_v a_o evil_a loc_fw-la evil_a august_n loc_fw-la cit_fw-la pag._n 486._o vid._n loc_fw-la a_o only_a evil_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o amiable_a or_o desirable_a it_o be_v true_a god_n can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o make_v the_o lancet_n of_o a_o enemy_n to_o open_v a_o sore_n that_o despise_v all_o remedy_n hence_o s_o austin_n dare_v affirm_v that_o it_o may_v sometime_o be_v profitable_a to_o some_o saint_n to_o fall_v into_o some_o gross_a sin_n to_o humble_v they_o and_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o security_n no_o doubt_v the_o lord_n can_v make_v the_o consideration_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o humble_v we_o and_o become_v more_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a and_o thus_o even_o make_v our_o sin_n 8.28_o sin_n rom._n 8.28_o work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o physician_n and_o proclaim_v his_o mercy_n and_o tender_a bowel_n towards_o we_o that_o of_o our_o venom_n and_o poison_n he_o can_v and_o sometime_o will_v make_v to_o we_o a_o heal_a plaster_n but_o this_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o we_o to_o prescribe_v such_o a_o medicine_n for_o ourselves_o we_o may_v not_o the_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v rom._n 3.8_o chap._n iu._n of_o curse_v and_o imprecation_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v for_o vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a and_o on_o persecuter_n rom._n 12.14_o bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v you_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o there_o be_v enemy_n be_v have_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n inquire_v whether_o we_o may_v desire_v any_o evil_n to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n we_o come_v now_o to_o ask_v whether_o we_o may_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o any_o evil_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o our_o enemy_n here_o several_a particular_n that_o need_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o debate_n as_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v against_o 1._o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o say_v with_o he_o ps_n 7.9_o oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n 2._o against_o the_o plot_n counsel_n machination_n and_o interprise_n of_o the_o wicked_a against_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n and_o say_v with_o he_o 2_o sam._n 15.31_o o_o lord_n i_o pray_v thou_o defeat_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahithophel_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o
suppose_v and_o require_v jam._n 5.15_o jam._n 1.6_o 7._o etc._n etc._n see_v part_n 2._o ch._n 2._o 3._o the_o return_n and_o answer_n must_v be_v give_v in_o mercy_n and_o out_o of_o special_a and_o paternal_a love_n rom._n 8.15.32_o joh._n 16.24.26_o 27._o 4._o the_o desire_a mercy_n must_v be_v give_v in_o faithfulness_n and_o as_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n upon_o which_o the_o supplicant_n do_v build_v his_o confidence_n psa_n 25.10_o psa_fw-la 143.1_o 5._o it_o must_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n purchase_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v ask_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o his_o name_n joh._n 14.13_o 14._o through_o he_o only_o we_o can_v have_v access_n and_o acceptance_n eph._n 2.18_o 6._o thou_o must_v pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n must_v help_v thou_o to_o pour_v out_o that_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v and_o hear_v rom._n 8.27_o see_v part_n 1_o ch._n 9.7_o the_o mercy_n must_v be_v give_v as_o the_o reward_n fruit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o thy_o prayer_n not_o as_o if_o our_o prayer_n can_v merit_v and_o deserve_v the_o least_o mercy_n or_o have_v any_o proper_a efficiency_n or_o causality_n in_o procure_v the_o blessing_n which_o be_v total_o and_o sole_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n and_o thus_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n it_o have_v power_n and_o do_v prevail_v with_o he_o for_o obtain_v not_o only_o a_o reward_n in_o the_o general_n as_o every_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n but_o particular_o for_o procure_v the_o blessing_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a desire_a and_o ask_v whether_o by_o give_v or_o withhold_v it_o for_o thus_o prayer_n itself_o must_v avail_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n jam._n 1.15_o 16._o hence_o in_o the_o general_a and_o at_o the_o first_o view_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o groundless_a and_o gross_a the_o common_a mistake_n here_o be_v for_o multitudes_z do_v think_v when_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n do_v give_v what_o man_n do_v desire_v and_o ask_v that_o then_o he_o hear_v and_o answer_v their_o prayer_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o when_o he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o particular_a that_o be_v ask_v that_o then_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o answer_v the_o prayer_n and_o this_o gross_a and_o brutish_a mistake_n have_v in_o great_a part_n occasion_v and_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o be_v the_o great_a stumbling-block_n whereon_o atheist_n fall_v and_o ruin_v their_o soul_n but_o how_o false_a both_o these_o be_v may_v easy_o appear_v not_o only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v the_o word_n for_o their_o information_n but_o even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a from_o the_o write_n of_o heathen_n but_o now_o we_o must_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o and_o here_o we_o may_v resume_v the_o several_a requisit_n that_o do_v concur_v and_o must_v be_v where_o any_o mercy_n be_v receive_v as_o a_o return_n of_o prayer_n all_o those_o be_v want_v and_o deficient_a as_o to_o the_o wicked_a their_o ask_n and_o receive_v except_o the_o first_o and_o it_o also_o very_a oft_o for_o though_o outward_a thing_n may_v be_v seek_v and_o desire_v yet_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o measure_n as_o they_o do_v who_o make_v they_o their_o idol_n and_o place_n their_o felicity_n in_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o receive_v nothing_o in_o mercy_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n as_o we_o now_o do_v enumerat_a condition_n and_o requisit_n in_o the_o acceptance_n and_o audience_n of_o prayer_n for_o 1._o they_o ask_v amiss_o often_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o always_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o end_n 2._o their_o prayer_n have_v no_o gracious_a and_o spiritual_a qualification_n 3._o they_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n neither_o be_v they_o object_n of_o god_n love_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o we_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o first_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n prov._n 15.8_o and_o will_v the_o lord_n accept_v and_o remunerat_v what_o he_o thus_o loathe_v and_o abominate_v and_o yet_o such_o have_v their_o desire_n satisfy_v which_o they_o dare_v offer_v to_o god_n prayer-waye_n for_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n may_v have_v some_o form_n of_o devotion_n 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v 162._o have_v apud_fw-la cambden_n hoc_fw-la cit_fw-la part_n 1._o cap._n 7._o pag._n 162._o read_v of_o thief_n and_o robber_n who_o when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o steal_v and_o murder_v their_o innocent_a neighbour_n have_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o success_n and_o who_o have_v prosper_v in_o such_o wicked_a way_n and_o will_v any_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o father_n upon_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n such_o wicked_a course_n or_o to_o say_v that_o he_o do_v hear_v and_o accept_v such_o abominable_a desire_n and_o prayer_n 2._o the_o mercy_n give_v in_o return_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o mercy_n indeed_o and_o prove_v a_o blessing_n but_o what_o the_o wicked_a receive_v prove_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o be_v a_o curse_n and_o snare_n as_o it_o be_v give_v in_o wrath_n so_o it_o do_v they_o little_a good_a thus_o he_o give_v the_o israelite_n a_o king_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o they_o have_v little_a comfort_n in_o he_o hos_fw-la 13.11_o thus_o also_o he_o give_v they_o flesh_n after_o they_o have_v lust_v after_o it_o in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o while_o it_o be_v in_o their_o mouth_n his_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o psa_n 78.29_o 30_o 31._o and_o thus_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o satisfi_v the_o desire_n of_o carnal_a heart_n have_v no_o respect_n either_o to_o the_o promise_n or_o to_o their_o prayer_n but_o rather_o to_o the_o threaten_n and_o the_o cry_n of_o their_o iniquity_n since_o he_o give_v in_o wrath_n and_o what_o he_o give_v prove_v a_o judgement_n curse_n and_o snare_n their_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n become_v fuel_n to_o feed_v their_o lust_n and_o thus_o through_o their_o abuse_n and_o ingratitude_n they_o add_v to_o their_o guiltiness_n and_o therefore_o to_o their_o eternal_a misery_n and_o these_o become_v as_o coal_n heap_v on_o their_o head_n what_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v of_o riches_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n they_o be_v keep_v for_o the_o owner_n hurt_n eccl._n 5.13_o all_o their_o consolation_n as_o desolationes_fw-la as_o omnes_fw-la humanae_fw-la consolationes_fw-la sine_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la &_o benedictione_n divina_fw-la sunt_fw-la desolationes_fw-la one_o speak_v one_o speak_v be_v desolation_n nay_o to_o the_o saint_n themselves_o they_o have_v often_o be_v strong_a 2._o strong_a secundum_fw-la tritum_fw-la illad_n aagustâ—ni_fw-la religâ—o_fw-la peperit_fw-la divitâ—â—s_fw-la &_o ylia_fw-la devoravit_fw-la matrem_fw-la luxiriant_n animir_v bus_fw-la plerumque_fw-la secundis_fw-la nec_fw-la faci_fw-la le_fw-fr est_fw-la aequa_fw-la commonda_n ment_fw-la pati_fw-la ovid_n de_fw-fr arte_fw-la be_fw-mi lib._n 2._o temptation_n as_o david_n ease_n solomon_n peace_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v sanctify_v they_o and_o prevent_v this_o snare_n but_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 3.4_o 5._o jam._n 5.16_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v hear_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o carnal_a heart_n when_o he_o satisfi_v their_o desire_n what_o we_o use_v to_o say_v to_o ouâ—_n unkâ—od_a neighbour_n and_o relation_n when_o we_o grant_v their_o request_n it_o be_v 33._o be_v nay_o sometime_o the_o lord_n speak_v thus_o to_o his_o own_o people_n as_o ezek._n 36.22_o 33._o not_o will_n we_o say_v for_o your_o sake_n nor_o for_o your_o request_n but_o for_o this_o or_o that_o other_o reason_n that_o we_o will_v do_v and_o thus_o though_o their_o prayer_n may_v prove_v successful_a and_o they_o get_v what_o they_o desire_v yet_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o answer_v neither_o do_v they_o receive_v in_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o for_o such_o and_o such_o other_o holy_a end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o little_a mind_n you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v these_o high_a and_o holy_a end_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v aim_n at_o in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n ans_fw-fr these_o be_v not_o the_o same_o to_o all_o person_n nor_o at_o all_o occasion_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n but_o we_o will_v ready_o find_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o follow_a end_n to_o have_v place_n in_o every_o bountiful_a dispensation_n to_o the_o wicked_a whether_o they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o pour_v out_o some_o carnal_a prayer_n or_o not_o as_o 1._o the_o lord_n will_v follow_v they_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o common_a providence_n in_o corp_n in_o orationem_fw-la peccatoris_fw-la ex_fw-la bono_fw-mi
return_n to_o their_o prayer_n ans_fw-fr this_o question_n do_v not_o concern_v tender_a christian_n who_o be_v circumspect_a in_o their_o walk_n and_o who_o be_v busy_a and_o d_o ligent_fw-la though_o not_o so_o enlarge_v neither_o have_v such_o melt_a affection_n nor_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o confidence_n as_o sometime_o they_o have_v have_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o ordinance_n whatever_o hard_a conclusion_n such_o may_v draw_v against_o themselves_o yet_o their_o state_n be_v safe_a their_o prayer_n be_v accept_v and_o their_o mercy_n and_o enjoyment_n sanctify_v as_o may_v appear_v from_o part_n 3_o chap._n 2._o neither_o 2._o do_v we_o now_o inquire_v concern_v the_o health_n wealth_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o vain_a oblation_n their_o seem_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n be_v curse_v and_o their_o prayer_n a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a section_n but_o 3._o we_o now_o only_o inquire_v concern_v the_o saint_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v under_o a_o distemper_n and_o be_v negligent_a in_o their_o soul-trade_n and_o carriage_n and_o cold_a and_o formal_a in_o their_o prayer_n we_o do_v not_o separate_v these_o two_o in_o the_o question_n because_o in_o practice_n they_o be_v seldom_o divide_v and_o though_o the_o most_o eminent_a circumspect_a and_o active_a saint_n may_v sometime_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o meet_v with_o little_a life_n or_o quicken_a in_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o short_a season_n it_o be_v but_o a_o fit_a not_o a_o state_n and_o abide_a condition_n and_o before_o a_o answer_n come_v there_o may_v be_v a_o supply_n i_o do_v not_o say_v a_o compensation_n by_o way_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o former_a negligence_n but_o that_o there_o may_v intervene_v such_o acceptable_a activity_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n as_o will_v prevail_v notwithstanding_o the_o before_o go_v slackness_n and_o deadness_n and_o than_o whatever_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o their_o former_a dead_a and_o liveless_a prayer_n yet_o their_o after_o fervency_n will_v not_o want_v a_o reward_n and_o their_o enjoyment_n will_v thereby_o be_v sanctify_v and_o their_o mercy_n will_v be_v give_v in_o return_n thereto_o and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o anxiety_n and_o fear_n neither_o have_v the_o present_a question_n place_n here_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v curiosity_n and_o thus_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o formal_a prayer_n abstract_o and_o by_o themselves_o and_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o after_o enlargement_n and_o activity_n in_o that_o exercise_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o such_o prayer_n may_v be_v include_v in_o the_o question_n though_o it_o main_o relate_v to_o a_o state_n of_o negligence_n and_o formality_n and_o to_o such_o deadness_n in_o prayer_n as_o have_v be_v usual_a and_o customary_a and_o to_o which_o way_n have_v be_v give_v for_o a_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n during_o which_o the_o mercy_n thus_o pray_v for_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o which_o now_o we_o answer_v that_o such_o mercy_n shall_v not_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n nor_o be_v give_v in_o return_n thereto_o 1._o because_o such_o prayer_n be_v no_o prayer_n in_o god_n account_n since_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o set_v a_o work_n and_o do_v not_o concur_v in_o such_o lazy_a performance_n and_o can_v that_o which_o be_v no_o prayer_n prevail_v and_o will_v the_o lord_n hearken_v to_o any_o voice_n in_o self_n in_o though_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o may_v get_v the_o name_n yet_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o picture_n of_o prayer_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v self_n prayer_n that_o proceed_v not_o form_v the_o heart_n see_v part_n 1_o chap._n 4._o 2._o because_o this_o lukewarm_a temper_n be_v much_o displease_v to_o god_n he_o threaten_v to_o punish_v it_o rev._n 3.16_o and_o will_v he_o then_o reward_v it_o and_o bestow_v mercy_n for_o its_o sake_n 3._o such_o prayer_n be_v not_o regular_a but_o be_v many_o way_n defective_a and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d ought_v not_o lay_v claim_n to_o and_o can_v obtain_v the_o thing_n promise_v 4._o we_o may_v here_o apply_v the_o several_a particular_n require_v to_o the_o audience_n of_o prayer_n sect._n 2._o which_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v here_o want_v no_o less_o than_o there_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v lack_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o between_o those_o two_o case_n there_o be_v no_o considerable_a difference_n except_o we_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n so_o that_o we_o may_v here_o resume_v the_o argument_n we_o there_o use_v in_o the_o case_n belong_v to_o that_o place_n hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v to_o his_o child_n under_o such_o a_o distemper_n any_o of_o those_o mercy_n in_o truth_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n unless_o we_o understand_v such_o absolute_a promise_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o conversion_n or_o some_o general_a promise_n concern_v the_o saint_n perseverance_n repentance_n reformation_n establishment_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o those_o mercy_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v direct_o include_v but_o out_o of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o mere_a good_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o dispensation_n as_o not_o flow_v from_o any_o covenant-transaction_n promise_n and_o encouragement_n may_v be_v alter_v when_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o those_o mercy_n thus_o give_v may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o contrary_a evil_n and_o judgement_n inflict_v without_o any_o breach_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n fidelity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n they_o have_v so_o far_o forfeiture_n far_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d complete_a and_o absolute_a forfeiture_n because_o the_o right_n and_o jus_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la that_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v be_v not_o lose_v so_o that_o whensoever_o this_o obstruction_n be_v remove_v the_o saint_n may_v pursue_v their_o former_a claim_n without_o a_o new_a grant_n and_o donation_n it_o must_v rather_o be_v a_o sequestration_n then_o a_o forfeiture_n forfeit_v a_o right_a to_o these_o as_o that_o during_o that_o state_n of_o deadness_n and_o formality_n in_o his_o worship_n they_o can_v plead_v and_o lay_v claim_n to_o any_o of_o these_o as_o belong_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o since_o they_o come_v short_a of_o those_o condition_n and_o gracious_a qualification_n which_o the_o promise_n do_v require_v and_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o all_o those_o to_o who_o they_o will_v be_v accomplish_v but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o ask_v whether_o in_o this_o case_n mercy_n be_v give_v in_o mercy_n and_o love_n or_o in_o wrath_n and_o paternal_a anger_n ans_fw-fr we_o speak_v to_o this_o question_n in_o a_o word_n part._n 3._o chap._n 2._o sect._n 3._o and_o now_o again_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o general_n rule_v give_v here_o but_o we_o must_v judge_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o event_n 1._o if_o these_o mercy_n humble_v we_o and_o become_v as_o so_o many_o cord_n to_o draw_v we_o in_o to_o the_o fountain_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v if_o they_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o make_v we_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o our_o way_n if_o they_o engage_v and_o set_v the_o heart_n a_o work_n to_o wonder_n and_o admire_v the_o patience_n and_o kindness_n of_o he_o who_o love_n 8.7_o love_n cant._n 8.7_o many_o water_n can_v quench_v and_o if_o they_o make_v we_o blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o confider_v the_o inequality_n and_o disproportion_n that_o be_v between_o our_o way_n and_o god_n way_n towards_o we_o and_o resolve_v with_o the_o prodigal_a though_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o nor_o the_o distance_n so_o great_a to_o return_v and_o go_v to_o our_o father_n be_v convince_v that_o such_o a_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a walk_n do_v rather_o tend_v to_o a_o separation_n from_o than_o a_o union_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o these_o mercy_n they_o must_v be_v give_v in_o love_n but_o 2._o if_o they_o lull_v we_o a_o sleep_n and_o make_v we_o secure_v as_o if_o our_o state_n be_v safe_a and_o our_o performance_n acceptable_a because_o successful_a and_o thus_o follow_v with_o outward_a mercy_n they_o must_v be_v give_v in_o wrath_n not_o pure_a and_o vindictive_a but_o paternal_a and_o castigatory_a for_o this_o dally_v in_o his_o worship_n and_o with_o his_o ordinance_n so_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v for_o a_o while_n punish_v and_o chastise_v his_o child_n as_o with_o rod_n so_o with_o mercy_n to_o make_v we_o