vnto mee pressing mee downe grievously and hindring mee from running the race of my spirituall journey They k Isaiah 1. 4 moue mee to goe backward from GOD in the broad way of impietie I confesse O LORD my ignorance Sinnes of ignorance and foolishnesse So l Psal 73. 22 foolish and ignorant am I I am as a beast before thee yea much worse than a beast For the m Isaiah 1. 3 Oxe knoweth his owner and the Asse his Masters cribbe but I whom thou hast nourished whom thou hast brought vp and often-tymes preserved haue not knowne thee The sinne of infidelitie rightly to honour and worship thee as it becommeth mee But albeit n Math. 6. 3 thou hast never grieved mee I can not testifie against thee I o Ierem. 2. 5 never found iniquitie in thee Thou hast not beene to mee a p Ierem. 2. 31 and verse 12 barren wildernesse nor a land of darknesse yet I haue gone farre away from thee and haue walked after vanitie O yee Heavens bee astonyed bee affrayed and vtterly confounded I haue forsaken the Wel-spring of living water I haue turned my back vpon thee O my GOD who q Psal 84. 11 art my sunne and my shield for my illumination and direction for my consolation and my protection I r Psal 119. 170 haue gone farre astray from my sheepheard I haue runne away from my kynd Master I haue left my loving Father by my infidelitie by myne vntowardnesse and wilfulnesse Now O LORD I haue great Sinne of disobedlence cause to bee ashamed and to abhorre my selfe for my continuall disobedience and rebellion Å¿ 1 Sam. 15.23 which is as the sinne of Witchcraft when I consider the readie obedience not only of thy holy Angels thy Messingers t Psal 104. 4 and ministring spirits but also of other vnreasonable creatures the u 1 King 17. 4 foules of the Heaven the x Ionas 2 10 fishes in the sea the y Genes 6. 19 wild beastes in the field yea the z Numb 6. 32 dead earth the deepe a Exod 14 21 Waters the b Genes 10. 24 consuming fire are all subject to thy commandement and senselesse creatures yeeld thee obedience and doe thy holy will but alace O LORD I to whom thou hast beene very favourable and beneficiall to whom thou hast given sense and reason yea to whom thou hast given thy blessed Word to bee a rule to my lyfe and a Lanterne c Psal 119. to my steppes yet I haue remained refractarie and repining I abide rebellious and transgressing But now also O LORD I Sinne of ingratitude call to minde and sorrowfully I remember vpon my vile ingratitude and beastly vnthankfulnesse when I thinke seriously thereof I doe protest and proclaime vnfainedly that d Daniel 9. 7. righteousnesse belongeth vnto thee and to mee appertaineth open shame and confusion for I haue forgoten the e Deut. 32.18 mighty and gracious GOD that formed mee in whom I f Act. 17. 28. liue and moue and haue my beeing It is thought a fault in Pharaohs chiefe butler because hee did not remember Ioseph but forgot him Oh what abhominable cryme it is to mee that that I doe not thankfully remember IESUS my SAVIOUR because I forget CHRIST my redeemer the g Heb 1â— 2 Author and finisher of my faith my h Iohn 2. 1. advocat with my Father and my reconciliation for my sinnes Moreover This is shamelesse ingratitude in mee that I recompence not a good deede for an other bestowed but trueth it is O LORD that i Psal 16. 2 my well-doing extendeth not to thee who is the Allsufficient GOD of all perfection and felicitie but k Math. 25. 43 I show no kindnesse to any of thy Saintes as I am obliged to doe I know well that l 2 Sam. 9. 1 David did show great mercy and kindnesse to Mephibosheth lame of his feete for lonathans sake hee enriched the poore man and honoured the contemptible man but little kindnesse haue I showne to thy deare servants to the distressed members of the mysticall body of IESUS In regarde of them I haue had an m Esay 46. 12 hard heart a withered n Math. 12. 10 hand loftie o Psal 131. 1 eyes and a tyed tongue I would not truely pitty them nor helpe them nor looke vpon them compassionatly nor speake to them comfortably alace I am not like thy servant IOB who was eyes p Iob. 26. 15 to the blinde feete to the lame and a father to the poore I haue beene vncharitable and without pittie I haue not visited duetifully the fatherlesse and widow in adversitie Further LORD I confesse that I am come to the hight of the worst ingratitude for I q Prover 17.13 haue rewarded many times evill for good thy r Psal 3. 23 mercies are renued every morning vpon mee but my transgressions are multiplied against thy Majestie yea LORD when thou sendest downe thy benefites every moment to vphold mee even at that same instant I send vp my sinnes to anger thee O my Saviour I acknowledge that I doe dishonour and displease thee when thou art honouring and pleasing me I poore Catiue am wounding and pearcing Å¿ Revel 1.7 thee when thou art healing and preserving mee assuredly And further I thinke this to Stubburnesse to bee the heape of my wretchednesse that to all my haynous sins I adde stubbornnesse and yet doe remaine wicked and contumacious I t Deut. 9. 6 am stiffe-necked alace it feares mee that I am u Isaiah 48. 4 obstinate that my necke is an iron sâ—new and my brow brasse when thou cryest to mee I will not answere thee when thou speakest vnto mee I will not hearken to thee when thou denouncest threatning against mee I will not feare nor tremble x Isaiah 66 2 before thy Majestie When thou y Revel 3. 20 knockest at the doore of my heart mercifully I will not open to thee immediatly when thou commandest mee righteously I will not obey thee duetifully I will not forsake z Ierem. 13 23 my evill custome nor leaue my sinnes at thy direction but I still continue in them without any care of my salvation without any feare of my condemnation I doe yet continue negligent Idlenesse and idle a Math 1 20 all the day albeit I should not bee slouthfull but b Heb 6. 12 a follower of those which through faith and patience inherit the promise yet I remaine a sluggarde and remisse in my christian calling rather a foolish companion of slouthfull sinners than a carefull imitator of thy laborious servants As also I feare that I will not leaue my luckwarmenesse I am Luckewarmnesse afraide lest I bee luckwarme c Revel 3. 16 neither hote nor cold and content my selfe with indifferencie of religion and that my devotion bee in my tongue only
of exhortation for to all men is knowne your moderation Your Philip. 4. 5 light so shineth before them that they may see your good workes Math. 5. 6 and glorifie you Father which art in HEAVEN For which causes I haue presumed to present next to his Majestie this small treatise vnto your Wisedomes praying that your succeeding posteritie and all others of this Kingdome may bee earnest followers of your godly vertues and diligent imitators of your pious proceadings for GOD his glory the welfare of this Kingdome the good of your Citie your owne praise and eternall salvation in the LORD IESVS to whose grace and blessing I commend you for ever From Dysart the last of Maij. 1630. Remaining your W. most assured and affection at all power in CHRIST WILLIAM NARNE TO THE READER SOme Writers both Christian and Heathen doe make mention of Gyges his admirable ring August Erasmus in adagii Cicero valer Maximus affirming that by vertue thereof or of the stone therein he received 3 great commodities namely 1. Victorie over his enemies for when he pleased he became saith they invisible 2. He attained to an honourable marriage 3. He gained an earthly Kingdome and so became happie and fortunate This in my judgement may bee but a fable or a tradition without a sure ground or certaintie But thou mayest perswade thy selfe that this is a most certaine trueth a vndoubted veritie without all contraversie that true and earnest prayer is a most powerfull and pretious Pearle by helpe and vertue whereof thou shall surely saue thy a Act. 2. 40 selfe from this naughty crooked and vntoward generation thou shall subdue sinne and thy owne fleshlie corruption thou shall be able b Ephes 6. 16 to quench all the firie darts of Sathan and in c Rom. 8. 37 all thinges thou shall bee more than a Conquerour through him who hath loved thee from the beginning 2. Thou shall get CHRIST IEUS the prince of Glory to bee the husband of thy soule eternally thou shall be joyned in most happy marriage with him vnseparable and most comfortable thou shall become a d Ephes 5. 30 member of his most glorious body 3. Thou shall gaine a Heavenly Kingdome which cannot bee shaken thou shall be e Revel 1. 6 made a King vnto GOD and reigne with Christ in Heaven in all glorie and happinesse for ever and ever I pray thee then to receiue courteously and to possesse continually this Pearle of inestimable worth and commoditie that thou may receiue grace heere and glory in the life to come In through the merits of the LORD IESUS to whom with the Father and holy Spirit bee all honour power praise and Dominion forever ever Amen AD. LECTOREM QVI cupis horrendos Erebi vitare caminos Deliciis Domini perpetuòque frui Hunc lege perlectum decies imiture libellum Vespere nocte die corde precando Deum Quo duce per Christum vita potiere futura Hujus innumeris tu potiere bonis RICHARDUS WRIGHT The Table of this Booke Chap. 1 A Preparation to our confession Pag. 1 Chap. 2. A confession of our sinne and iniquitie Pag. 47 Chap. 3 A preparation to lamentation Pag. 80 Chap. 4 A lamentation for our woe and misery Pag. 138 Chap. 5 A preparation before petition Pag. 164 Chap. 6 A petition for grace and mercy Pap. 185 Chap. 7 A description of true prayer Pag. 206 Chap. 8. A great sinne not to pray Pag. 216 Chap. 9. A grievous punishment not to pray Pag. 228 Chap. 10 Of the good of prayer Pag. 251 Chap. 11 Of the difficultie of prayer Pag. 305 Chap. 12. Consolations for weake Christians Pag. 352 Chap. 13. Of the causes of prayer Pag. 377 Chap. 14. Of the necessitie of prayer Pag. 390 Chap. 15 Of the profite of true prayer Pag. 401 Chap. 16 Of the dignitie of prayer Pag. 407 Chap. 17 Of the force of prayer Pag. 414 Chap. 18 Of the circumstances of prayer pag 434 Chap. 19. Of the signes of prayer Pag. 450 FINIS THE PEARLE OF PRAYER MOST PRETIOVS AND POWERFVLL The first Chapter SEing by the a Psal 124. 8. helpe of the LORD GOD which made Heaven and Earth and by the gratious assistance of his holie Spirit wee are now of purpose to handle that most worthie and excellent matter the doctrine of b Iam. 5. 16. fervent and powerfull prayer It is not only expedient and comlie but also most profitable and necessare that everie one of vs in all humiltie and sinceritie in c Iohn 4. 24 trueth and spirit vnfeinedly first confesse our sinnes and iniquitie next deplore and lament our woefull estate and great miserie and thirdlie that we earnestly beg for grace and mercie Augustin Prius requirit Deus confessionem quam orationem But before wee come to this confession wee will declare three things whereof we must be certainly assured and throughly perswaded first that sinne and iniquitie cannot bee for ever covered next of the great good and profite of confession lastlie that there is a right maner thereof and this will bee for our preparation before confession There d Luke 8. 17 is nothing so secreet saith our SAVIOUR but it shall bee evident neither any thing hid that shall not be known and come to sight Sinne then cannot bee concealed In regard of GOD. but at some tyme must bee disclosed and that in regard of GOD of thy conscience of Sathan and of the nature thereof and of other creatures GOD himselfe against whom it is principally e Psal 51.4 committed and who therewith is highly offended and heavily f Sam. 11. 27 displeased IESUS CHRIST the Prince of Glorie who thereby is g Heb. 6.5 againe mocked and crucified the holy Ghost that sanctifying Spirit is therewith h Ephes 4. â—0 grieved i Thess 5. 19 quenched and k Act. 7.5 resisted even hee who l Iob. 12.22 discovereth the deepe places from the darknesse and bringeth foorth the shaddow of death to sight Hee will who seeth and knoweth all things revealeth wickednesse and m Hos 2.10 discovereth lewdenesse and no man can delyver out n Nehem. 3.5 of his hand show to Nations all filthinesse Againe the conscience cryeth and originall sinne that therein is written Of the conscience at length that o Revel 20.12 booke will be opened all faults vnrepented will bee manifested and the true testimony thereof which everie one hath had in his owne custodie can not bee denyed * Conscientia est codex in qua Chrysost in Psal 50. quotidiana peccata conscribuntur The conscience saith a father is a booke wherein our dayly sinnes are written together An other Ancient compareth the conscience to a contentious woman chyding oftentimes and clattering casting vp secreet sinnes having no discretion nor power to conceale things not to bee revealed Like Samsons wife who could not keepe secreet
pedibus secreet sinnes and robberies haue beene in diverse ages disclosed by dogs passing over these which haue beene discovered by men and women conjunct or verie neare to the evill doers themselues Forasmuch that this is most cleare and evident and altogether true without doubt or contraversie that thy sinne can not bee keept secreet perpetually but it shall bee manifested and revealed openly and at length without repentance shall bee punished publickly â—he Gentils by experience knew this plainely and confessed the same frequently It is then the safest and best way beleeue mee it is most profitable and comfortable vnto thee that thou thy selfe make a true humble and sinceere confession of thy owne sinnes since they can not bee covered continually but will certainely be manifested if not in this world yet most fearefully in that day of the Å¿ Rom. 2. 5. declaration of the just judgement of GOD when the secreets of all hearts shall bee revealed and everie t Math. 12.38 idle word shall bee brought to an account and everie privie action shall bee disclosed And that thou may bee thus moved In the second place thou hast to consider of the profite and commoditie Of the good of confession of confession And first heere obserue a great difference yea and manifest opposition betwene the effect of the confession of the guiltie before the judgement seate of men or earthly judges and of that confession which is made before the Spineus in lib. de peccatorum confessione tribunall of GOD the Heavenlie judge who is the righteous and high judge u Genes 18. 25 of all the world The confession before Magistrates even at other times mercifull is verie dreadfull dangerous and deadly for evill doers when Achan made his confession of the thift of the execrable goods then Ioshuah and all x Iudg. 7. 25 Israel stoned him his sonnes and his daughters his oxen his asses and his sheepe with stones and burnt them with fire because of his trespasse and abomination When the Amalâ—kiâ—e a stranger confessed the killing of Saul then David caused to kill him and that justly because his owne y 2 Sam. 16 mouth testified against him Thus after a confession made before earthly z Rom 12. 1 powers who are Ministers of justice followeth death sorrow punishment and execution and therefore it is no wonder although malefactors be verie unwilling to confesse capitall crymes So these Eunuches Bigthan and Teresh did not acknowledge their conspiracie against Assuerus vntill a Ester 2. 22 inquisition was made and it was found so and therefore they were both hanged on a tree and died shamfullie But it is plaine contrarie in The fruites of confession regarde of the confession of our sinnes to the Almightie After the same followeth great good and vnspeakable commoditie as most evidently appeareth by proofe of sacred Scripture by examples by the testimonies of learned writers and by experience First If b Proverb 28 13. thou hide thy sinnes saith Salomon thou shall not First Mercy prosper but if thou will confesse them and forsake them thou shalt haue mercie What more pleasant or more expedient to a miserable sinner then GODS mercies Secondly forgivenesse of thy fault and remission If c Iohn 1.9 thou acknowledge thy sinne saith St. IOHN 2 Remission GOD is faithfull and just to forgiue thee thy sinne Thus forgivenesse and remission bringeth happinesse and salvation Blessed is hee d Psal 28. 13 whose wickednesse is forgiven him so proclaimeth the Prophet DAVID Thirdly If thou confesse thy offences the Apostle witnesseth 3 Sanctification that GOD will e Iohn 2. 9 cleanse thee from all vnrighteousnesse so thou may bee most sure of sanctification and f Heb. 12. 14 holynesse without the which no man shall see the LORD in his eternall glory Fourthly thou by confession 4 Knowledge shall get Heavenly wisedome and instruction as when Daniell was speaking and confessing his sinnes and g Daniel 9 2â— presenting his supplications in that same instant the Angell Gabriell gaue him knowledge and vnderstanding So when thou shalt truely acknowledge thy wickednesse the holy Spirit will bee sent vnto thee to bestow vpon thee knowledge vnderstanding Fiftly Ioy and consolation shall 5 Consolation come to thee in tyme of anguish and affliction If thou shalt make to GOD a right confession as David was greatly greeved and very sore troubled for his murther and adultery when he confessed that he had sinned against the LORD hee was immediatly strongly and joyfully comforted when the Prophet Nathan replyed on this maner the h 2 Sam. 12.13 LORD hath put away thy sinnes thou shalt not die that was glad tydings and comfortable newes vnto his wearied and distressed spirit So it is most certaine that consolation will come to every Christian after confession Sixtly if thou confesse thy sin 6 Employment in the LORDS service in sinceritie the LORD then will more readily imploy thee in his service as when the Prophet Esay confessed his vncleannesse and pollution that hee was a man of polluted i I saiah 6. 3 lippes there his iniquitie was taken away and his sins purged and hee was in the businesse of the LORD imployed and in his service directed and hee was sent by GOD to the people of the Iewes Lastly if thou conceale not thy 7 Furniturâ— of necessaries offences nor thy distresse but will confesse the same ingenuoussie the LORD will furnish thee good things aboundantly as when the Aegyptians confessed to Ioseph their want and great povertie when they said wee k Genes 47.23 will not hide from my LORD our pittiefull indigence then Ioseph did furnish them food and seede to sow the ground So will GOD doe to thee if thou on this maner will deale faithfully and truely Hee will giue vnto thee that bread l Iohn 6. 37 which came downe from Heaven which giveth lyfe to the world He will giue thee that good feed of his m Luke 8. 21 Word and make it n Zach. 8. 12 prosperous to bring foorth good fruite in thee And shortly after the right confession thou mayest assuredly perswade thy selfe of absolution of justification and of thy glorification For the LORD o Psalm 103 8. 9. is full of compassion and mercie slow to anger and of great kindnesse he will not alwayes chide nor keepe his wrath for ever And most sure it is if the LORD absolue thee who shall lay p Rom. 8. 33 any thing to thy charge If GOD justifie thee who shall condemne thee If the Almighti glorifie thee who shall disgrace or bring infamie vpon thee Againe hearken and take heede diligently consider and meditate carefully what the auncient wise true and judicious fathers tell to thee plainly of the profite that commeth to thee by humble and sincere confession One saith cessat vinaicta divina Ambros Beati immaculats
m Genes 22.13 sand which was vpon the sea shore and the starres of Heaven as it is to mee to number my innumerable offences and manifold enormities whereby I haue offended thy godly Majestie I 2 Great sins am compelled also O gratious GOD to confesse vnto thee that mine iniquities n Psal 25. 11 are great my wickednesse o Iocl 3. 13 is grievous it is also growne to a terrible hight it is mounted vp to the cloudes Nebuchadnezar but dreamed that p Daniel 4. 8 the hight of that tree which hee saw in aâ— vision reached vp to the Heaven but I am perswaded that my sinne is ascended higher It is come vp to q Revel 18. 5 Heaven and cryeth r Genes 18.20 vpon GOD for wrath and indignation against mee I doe acknowledge O Heavenly and mercifull Father that my 3 Heavie sins sinnes are wondrous weightie and infinitly heavie The Å¿ Psal 70.27 stones are weighty and the sand is heavie but light in respect of my iniquities for t Psal 23. 4 they are growne over my head and as a weightie burden they are too heavie for mee the iron thereof is importable Manasseh In the prayer of Manasses was bound downe with many iron bands that hee could not lift vp his head vnto Heaven I am bund downe with many heavie bands of sinne that I can not lift vp my heart to thee as I most earnestly desire to doe The people of Israell protested that u 2 Chron. 10.4 Salomons yoke was heavie and his servitude sore vpon them and prayed that it might be made lighter but LORD I find the yoke of sinne much more bitter and the slaverie thereof more intolerable I long to bee eased thereof The Israelites sighed x Exod. 2. 23 and cryed to GOD when they were kept vnder with the heavie burdens of the Aegyptians I haue greater cause O LORD to bee vexed and wearied with the burden of sinne which y Heb. 12. 1 hangeth so fast and presseth so sore downe which without helpe from thy Majestie would thrust my soule to the lowest hell I confesse O GOD that as my 4 Filthie sinne sinnes they are not few but many they are not small sinnes but great sinnes they are not light but verie heavie sinnes so they are most vile filthie and abhominable polluting and defiling mee both outwardly and inwardly in soule spirit and body It is trueth pitch z Eecles 13. 4 defileth him that toucheth it and mirie clay contaminateth him that walloweth in the same The excrements of men which thou most holy GOD commanded to be digged in a Deut. 23. 13 the graue and to bee covered with earth the dung of beastes doe not so defile the body as the excrements of filthie sinne hath polluted my soule and inward man The corruption of dead Carions and carkases b Levit 11. 39 made the handlers thereof vncleane but LORD my continuall doing of dead c Heb. 12. 1 workes hath made mee much more polluted and detestable in thy presence The Ammonites for their wrong to DAVID did d 2 Sam. 10. 6 stinke in his sight but LORD I am more lothsome in thy pure eyes I doe acknowledge before thee 5 Odious sins O e Genes 18.25 righteous judge of the whole world that my hainous sinnes makes mee odious vnto thy Majestie for I know well that thou hatest f Psal 5. 5 all them that worke iniquitie and even at this time my conscience cryeth to mee that I haue committed many enormities justly O LORD may thou hate mee and set g Psal 50. 21 all my sinnes in order before mee and therefore take vengance vpon mee most deservedly O my GOD I confesse also that Scandalous sin my sinnes are exemplary and scandalous I haue alace caused the h 2 Sam. 12. 14 enemies of the LORD blaspheme They i Rom. 3. 19 who obeyed not the word haue not beene wonne by my holy lyfe and conversation I haue not stopped but rather opened the mouths of the vngodly I haue strengthned them in their wickednesse and impietie as also I haue scandalized but not bettered the weake ones I k Levit. 19. 14 haue put a stumbling block before my blind brethren I haue caused them by mine evill example to goe astray and to fall into the pit I haue beene an offence to some litle ones that dwelt with mee Thou thy selfe O my SAVIOUR hath said it l Math. 18.7 must needs bee that some offences must come Many alace haue come by mee for the which without thy mercie I would be wrapped vp in woe and endlesse miserie I can not deny O most righteous 7 Pernitious sinnes judge but I must acknowledge of necessitie that my filthie faults and terrible transgressions are most hurtfull and pernicious to my selfe for weakning and wounding mee for binding and blindfolding me for sundering me from thee and swallowing mee vp in woe and calamitie I say with thy servant O m Psal 6. 2 LORD I am weake and feeble my sinnes haue made my strength to fall neither am I able to rise againe my n Psal 38. 4. 5.6.7.8 wounds are putrified and corrupt because of my foolishnesse I am bowed and crooked very sore my reines are full of burning and there is nothing sound in my flesh I am weakned and sore bowed I roare for the very griefe of myne heart I find O LORD that myne owne o Proverb 5.22 iniquities doe take me and Sathan by them hath caught me and I am holden with the cordes of sinne and by them the Devill is drawing mee vnto everlasting damnation And as the blind Aramits were p 2 King 6.19 led to Samaria so am I carried to hell and without spirituall eyes am brought to perdition without thy helpe and salvation for q Isaiah 59.2 they doe hide thy face from mee that thou will not heare they doe separate betweene thy Majestie and mee they will make mee alace to perish eternally to bee deprived of all comfort and glory and without true repentance to bee tormented continually in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which r Revel 21. 8 Originall sin is the second death And yet O LORD when I descend more deeply by thy assistance of thy grace into mine heart and narrowly examine my conscience I doe confesse in sinceritie that I am guiltie of originall sin I want that righteousnesse wherewith man was indued in his creation I haue a bent desire a bad inclination to doe evill wickednesse and abhomination Behold Å¿ Psal 51.5 I was borne in iniquitie and in sinne did my mother conceaue mee I t Rom. 7.23 see another law in my members rebelling against the law in my mynde and leading mee captiue vnto the law of sinne which is into my members O LORD this is the evill seede which bringeth foorth evill encrease This is the bitter
was wedded I haue remembred the z Titus 3. 3 deceitfull pleasures thereof wherewith I was intangled I am bent to the vile a Rom. 13. 14 lustes of my flesh wherein I am defiled miserablie and almost drowned eternally O LORD I find sensitlie that Capitall crimes I am not able to expresse sufficiently the hainousnesse the grievousnesse of my filthie enormitie for frequently I b Timoth. 5. 4 haue turned the grace of GOD into wantonnesse I haue despised c Rom. 2. 4 the riches of the bountifulnesse of thy patience without d Ephes 4. 15 feeling I haue given my selfe to commit vncleannesse to commit wickednesse even with a vehement desire and with greedinesse Alace O mightie GOD if it was said of thy servant IOB that hee added rebellion e Iob. 34. 37 to his sinne may not I say rather of my selfe that I haue added high treason to my manifold transgressions In so great a light of the GOSPEL I f Ezech 16.49 haue exceeded the people of sinfull Samaria in vngodlinesse Alace O LORD without mercy and amendement I haue iustified the sinne of Sodom and Gomorah in pride and aboundance of idlenesse If the prophet DAVID protested O LORD that g Psal 73. 22 hee was a beast before thee how can I declare my beastlynesse vnto thee For h Psal 119.176 I haue gone astray like a lost sheepe I am now in great danger and jeopardie I who should haue beene vpright am like i Deut. 32. 15 a horse waxing fatte haue spurned with my heele and forsaken thee who made mee I haue not regarded but I haue offended the GOD of my salvation I haue beene like an k Hosea 10.12 heifer vsed to delight in threshing but haue no desire of the painfull worke of plowghing I am like a vile l 2 Pet. 2. 22 dogge returning to his vomite againe I am like the filthie Sow once washen and yet turneth backe to the pudle and filthie myre like m 2 Tim. 4. 17 a cruell Lyon devouring and like a false foxe n Luke 13 31 deceiving like a bold o Psal 22. 12 bull of Bashan pushing and wronging or like a subtill Serpent and like an p Levit. 11. 41 vncleane creature creeping on my bellie and licking the dust of the earth altogether abhominable and vnmeete to bee offered vp vpon GODS Altar And I confesse that by nature I am like q Ierem. 13. 23 a Leopard that cannot change his spots I doe acknowledge O LORD Worse than senslesse creatures that r Isaiah 5. 4 I haue beene an evill vine in thy vineyarde thou lookest that I should bring foorth sweet grapes but I haue brought foorth soure I as I am the sonne of Adam haue not the fatnesse of the oliue but am as a wilde oliue I am Å¿ Rom. 11. 7 as a brier or thorne of the garden worthie to bee cast in the fire I am alace like a barren and vnprofitable husbandrie for t Iob. 31. 40 thistles doe grow in me in stead of wheate and cockle in stead of barley I like earth doe drinke in the raine that commeth vpon mee but I am hurtfull and noysome and neere u Heb. 6. 8 to cursing whose end without repentance is to bee burned O pitifull GOD I haue reason to cry to thy Majestie that x â— Tim. 1. 15 I am the least of thy Saints that I am y Luke 17. 10 the chiefe of all sinners I am an vnprofitable servant I haue not done that which was my duetie to doe and LORD most justlie may thou cast z Malach. 2.3 the dongue of our confession backe vpon our faces and reject me with all my service but now O LORD by thy helpe I will assay to lament before thee most bitterly my woefull state and great miserie A PREPARATION TO LAMENTATION The third Chapter THou to whom the Alsufficient GOD the a Iam 1.17 giver of every perfect gift and donation hath vouchsafed vpon thee this Heavenly wisdome that thou art of this resolute purpose as to b 1 Sam. 7.2 lament after the LORD to c 1 Sam. 1.15 powre foorth thy soule with Hannah before thy GOD to deplore thy miserable estate and wretched condition Know thou must certainly and bee perswaded in thy minde assuredly Three thinges needefull for true lamentation that first thou must haue three things necessarie namelie a sure sense and feeling of thy vnspeakable miserie againe a great feare and terrour therewith lastly an vnfained sorrow and heavie displeasure for the same No lamentation will bring to thee Feeling life solide joy and consolation without a sure sense and painefull feeling of thy sore disease and doolefull calamitie Before thou attaine to this feeling thou must of absolute necessitie and without any controversie haue two things First spirituall quickning Secondly tymous awaking vnlesse thou bee quickened inwardly vnlesse thou be awakened throughly thou shall neither haue knowledge nor feeling of thy wretchednesse and misery And yet before this d Galat. 6. 15 new birth and regeneration there must bee Death of sin in thee vndoubtedly a e Coloss 3. 5 true mortification and f Heb. 2. 15 deliverance from the death of sinne and impietie which by many degrees is worse than naturall death the separation of the soule from the body This naturall death bringeth to Death of sin worse than naturall death the bodie seven evils Namelie senselesnesse weaknesse heauinesse vglinesse coldnesse rottennesse stinke or an evill savour Now albeit this bee most evident and manyfold by the proofe of dayly experience so that it needeth no probation yet wee will insist a little therein for our memorie and consideration 1 Saul being slaine had no feeling Senslesnesse when the Philistims abused his body and g 1 Sam. 31. 10 hanged vp the same on the wall of Bethshan 2 A dead body wanting vitall Heavinesse spirits is heavier than it was when the soule remained therein this heavinesse of body apparantly made these Iewes when they were burying h 2 King 13.21 a corps when they saw the Souldiers of Moab they cast his corps in the sepulchre of Elisha 3 Seeing there is weakenesse Weaknesse in man while hee liveth for all flesh is as grasse how weake is hee wanting life That Giant Goliah being dead had i 1 Sam. 17.46 no strength to keepe his carkase from the foules of the aire 4 If olde age bringeth coldenesse Coldnesse to the feeble body for David himselfe being striken in yeares albeit k 1 King 1. 1 they covered him with cloths yet no heat came vnto him death much more maketh the body cold as a key or as clay 5 The body by death groweth Vglinesse vglie and vnprofitable to behold when beautifull l Genes 12. 11 Sara her selfe was deprived of life then her loving husband Abraham had no
that thou may ever bee graced with vprightnesse of heart and sinceritie to the end thy prayer may haue force with GOD and tend to thy solicitie Content not thy selfe to bee like the hypocriticall Iewes of whom GOD complaineth because they e Hosea 7. 14 cryed not vnto him With their hearts When they houled vpon their beds and because f Isaiah 29.13 they came neere to him With their month and honour him With their lips but had removed their heart farre from him And truely this is a most grievous complaint also of that same Evangelicall Prophet There g Isaiah 64. 7 is none that calleth vpon thy Name What did that holy and wise Prophet lament did not that people appeare h Isaiah 1. 12 before GOD and did tread in his courts and brought oblations and kept Sabbaths and solemne assemblies Did i Amos. 5. 22 they not then pray to GOD when they offered burnt offerings meate offerings and peace offerings The Prophet yet spake truely they did not call vpon GOD because they did it not rightly but lypocritically and the prayer of the hypocrite shall turne to sinne and bee esteemed transgression A Father maketh a notable comparison in affirming that the hypocrite Augustin and counterfaite Christian is like that golden k Revel 17. 4 cuppe which was in the hand of that whoorish woman full of abomination and filthinesse of her fornication His prayer then can not bee acceptable Yea though l Iob. 20. 6. 7 his excellencie mounted vp to the Heavens and his head reach to the clouds yet hee shall perish for ever lyke his doung and they which haue seene him shall say where is hee But worship thou thy GOD as hee requireth m Iohn 4. 23 in Spirit and Trueth with an vpright and honest heart in true simplicitie which is the whole grace of our oratrie which covereth Tota Rheto ricae nostrae gratia est mera simplicitas and â—â—â—eth all other infirmitie which is the highest perfection of Christianitie for GOD n Pâ—al 51. 4 who loveth trueth in the inward affection hee will ever doe o Psal 125. 4 good to them that are true in heart Hee will heare their prayers and in his owne good tyme grant them their requests and fuâ—fill their desires Moreover in the eight place yea in the first studie principally Humiliue to haue true humilitie because as excellently saith the Wise-man The p Ecâ—lâ—s 35.17 prayer of him that humbleth hiraselfe goeth through the clouds and ceaseth not till it come â—â—ere and will not departe till the most â—â—igh haue respect therevnto to judge righteously and to execute judgement and doubtâ—â—sle q Isaiah 66. 2 the LORD will looke to him that is poore and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at his Words Caeâ—eâ— a vitia in peccatis superbia vero in Augustin recte factis timendâ— est Other vyces in sinnes but pryde is to bee seared in weldoing And questionlâ—sse all r Prov. 16. 5 that are proud in heart are an abhâ—mination to the LORD The ambitious pâ—titioner shall not bee rewarded but punished learne Å¿ Mat 11. 29 then of thy Saviour to bee mâ—â—ke and â—oâ—lie in heart and thou shall find rest vnto thy soule Thou shall bee conteâ—ted and thy petition graâ—ted t Prov 29. 23 For the humble in sâ—irit shall receive glorie and enjoy merâ—ie O felix humilitas quae DEI trahit â—lementiam Augustin ejus ligat omnipotentiam O happie humilitie which draweth GODS mercie and bindeth his omnipotencie Nynthly Take good heed to Oppurtunitie the time u 2 Cor. 6. 2 accepted and to the day of salvation wherein GOD will heare thee and succour thee Bee not thou like profaine Esau x Heb. 12. 12 who afterward out of tâ—me seeking the blessing with teares was rejected Follow not the joolish y Math. 25 12 Virgins who vntymously when the gate was shut did cry and were repulled but bee carefull z Isaiah 55. 6 to seeke the LORD while hee may bee found and to call vpon him while hee is neere As some Emperiours namely VESPASIAN had a time even when he was going to the baths wherein hee did principally show his liberalitie and bountifulnesse So the great and most a Genes 4. 22 High GOD possessour of Heaven and earth hath his owne season when hee will bestow his rich mercie and vnspeakeable goodnesse when hee will b Hos 10. 12 come and raine righteousnesse vpon his people which occasion if thou â—loathfully neglect the LORD will not admit thy request nor grant thy petition Tenthly As the holy Apostle Constancie exhorteth thee to c Thess 5. 17 pray continually bee d Galat. 6. 9 not wearie of well-doing for in due season thou shall reape if thou faint not Consider diligently that parable of thy Saviour of the importunate widow and vnrighteous Iudge who e Luk. 18. 5 did her justice against her adversarie because shee did make him wearie Let thy prayer be liâ—e St Stevens looking hee f Act 7. 55 looked to Heaven steadâ—astly and therefore comfortablâ— for hee saw the glorie of GOD and IESVS standing at his right hand readie to receaue him so pray thou constantly and ever with vehement affection But vse g Math. 6 7 not vaine repetitions as the Heathen or â—dolaters who thinke to be heard for their much babling like Baals h 1 King 18.26 priests who called from morning till noone saving no other thing but O Baal heare vs all that labour was lost there was none to answere them or helpe them But I say pray continually with 〈◊〉 and so thou mayest doe comfortaâ—â—â—e for Christ will haue a â—are of thee because if hee gaue accâ—â—â— to thee being farre dâ—â—tant from him much more will hee hold thee when thou are more neere to him and if thou i Psal 37. 4 delyte thy selfe in the LORD surely hee will giue thee thy hearts desire in due and convenient time for to comfort thee Lastly in the first place most carefully and continually labour Spirit to bee possessed wholly with the sanâ—tifying Spirit who is GOD and the gift of GOD which l Rom. 8. 26 Deus donum Dei. will helpe thy infirmities when thou knowest not to pray as thou oughtest the spirit it selfe will make request August for thee with sighes which cannot bee expressed which will worke hope and confidence in thee so that thou m Heb. 10 22 shall draw neare to GOD with a true heart in the assurance of Faith so that thou shall giue thy selfe to true fasting and almes-deeds This hope and confidence will not make thee n Rom. 5. 5 ashamed but encouraged and if thou desirest thy prayer to flee vp to Heaven thou must haue as that Father couâ—selleth two August wings namely this right private fasting a frequent custome of a good o
Heb. 13. 16 doing and distributing for with such sacrifices GOD is pleased thou with him will bee reconciled thy request granted This Spirit will cause thee to continue p Col. 1. 21 grounded and stablished in faith and not to bee moved away from the hope of the Gospell to bee so rootted and builded in CHRIST that thy heart shall not be distracted with vaine cogitations or worldly cares in time of this holy service neither shall thou waver q Iam. 1. 6 and bee like a wave of the sea tossed with the winds and carried away If in time and in the practise Plutarch in vita coriola of the blind superstition of the old Romans a cryer proclamed Hoc age doe this onelie much more in the sincere service of our GOD wee should bee most intentiue and only diligent to performe this duetie Now seeing the true supplicant must bee graced with all these qualities thou may soone perceiue the difficultie of this exercise it is wonderous hard to be adorned with so many properties and more of the difficultie of this action thou shall find in the 12. Chapter following Thus after confession and lamentation Remember to note well thâ—t all these good gifts and qualities are both purchased increased by prayer goe on to an earnest and sinceere pâ—tition with consideration of thine owne indignitie and of the necessities of those good things to bee desired and asked and let this petition be to thee an information of the principall graces which ought fervently to bee required A PETITION FOR GRACE MERCIE c. The sixt Chapter O Almightie GOD and most mercifull Father trueth it is that in regard of my wickednesse and wretchednesse the a Psal 116. 3 snares of death haue compassed mee and the griefes of Pray for the Lords remembrance the graue haue caught mee I now finde trouble sorrow and miserie But O LORD I humblie pray thy Majestie to b Psal 40. 16 thinke vpon me who am poore and needie and to remember c Psal 106. 4 mee with the favour of thy people and to visite mee with thy salvation by this thy mercifull rememberance O my gratious Redeemer albeit I remaine in a deludge of dangers yet with Noah d Genes 8. 1 I shall bee delivered albeâ—t I bee in doolefull distresse yet with Rachell e Genes 29. 22 I shall bâ—e comforted albeit I be in paine in shame and calaâ—nitie yet with the f Luk. 23. 43 peniteâ—t thiefe I shall get pleasure honour and felicitie Wryte mâ— namâ—â— beseâ—ch thee in that Booke g Mal. 3. 16 of rememberance which is before thee h Isa 49. 16 Graue me vpon the palme of thy owne hands set i Cant. 8. 6 mee O LORD as a seale vpon thy heart and as a signet vpon thy owne arme that â—o thou mayest ever thinke vpon mee and that I may remember vpon thee continually and k Cant. 1. â— remember thy loue more than wine and that I may rejoyce l Psal 97. 12 and gaue thee that for thine holy rememberance O gracious GOD looke m Isaiah 63.15 downe 2 For Gods gracious looke from the Heaven and behold from the n Genes 16.13 dwelling place of thy Sanctuarie mee thy owne poore servant looâ—e LORD vpon mee as thou looked n vpon Hagar Abrahams maide sâ—â—e then received instruction and consolation so I shaâ—l bee welâ— instructed and comforted turne o Psal 25. 16 thy face vnto mee to regard mee who am desoâ—ate and needie looke vpon mee as thou did to thy servant Peter p Luk. 22. 6 that I may remember thy Word and weepe bâ—tterly for my transgrâ—ssions and granâ— O my Saviour that as q Psal 123. â— the eyes of the servants looke vnto the hand of their masters and as the eyes of a maide vnto the hand of her mistresse so my eyes may waite vpon thee O LORD my GOD vntill thou be beneficiall vnto me O mâ—rcifull Father r Psal 77. 7 absent not thy selfe for ever not only 3 For GODS good coÌ„ming remember mee and looke vpon mee but come quicklie Å¿ Revel 22. 20 to bee my deliverer and to be my comfortable helper t Psal 90. 13 returne O LORD how long and bee paciâ—ied toward thy servant If the Gibeonits being in danger of their enemies thus besought Ioshua saying u Iosh 10. 6 withdraw not thine hand from thy servants come vp to vs quickly and saue vs and helpe vs I haue greater neede to cry to thee O IESUS withdraw not thine hand from mee x Psal 18. 9 Bow the Heavens come O LORD my GOD bring to mee who 4 Pray for mercie am miserable mâ—rcie vnder y Mal 4. 2 thy wings Haue compassion vpon me a wretched treâ—passer for with thee O LORD there is abundant mercie z Psal 130 7 and great redemption I rejoyce O good GOD that thy mercies a Psal 36. 5 doe reach vnto the Heavens and thy faithfulnesse vnto the clouds that the shining sunne in the firmament shall sooner want light and the great Ocean shall sooner want water than thou O infinite in goodnesse shall want mercie for a poore penitent sinner Giue some portion thereof to mee who am most indigent Haue b Psal 6 2 mercie vpon mee who am weake and who desireth to repent without this meâ—cie all other gifts O LORD as an abortiue birth is to the mother As c Psal 58. â— the vntimely fruite of a woman which hath not seene the sunne which will bring paine and perill to the parent but no pleasure no profite at all O LORD thou art the fountaine 5 Pray for grace d Ier. 2. 13 of living water thou hast the fulnesse e Ioh. 1. 16 of grace and trueth O most loving Father giue grace to me who of my selfe am voide of all good and gracelesse whereby I may so serue thee that I may please thee with reverence and feare Albeit sinne f Heb. 12. 28 aboundeth in mee yet grace g Rom. 5. 20 much more aboundeth in thy Majestie Graâ—t O Heavenly Father that I may trust h 1 Peter 1. 13 perfectly on that grace that is brought to mee by the revelation of IESVS CHRIST And I intreat 6 Pray for Gods favour thy Majestie to lift i Psal 4 7 vp the light of thy countenance to shine continually vpon mee bestow thy favour k Psal 30. 5 in which is life vpon mee who hath so often deserved thine anger giue to mee O LORD thy loving kindnesse which is better than ten thousand worlds which as it is most profitable and pleasant so it is most sure and permanent Thou O LORD endurest and art l Psal 102.27 the same thy yeeres faile not thy favour altereth not thou O LORD aâ—t never changed and thy children therefore are not m Mal. 3. 6 consâ—â—ed O my blessed Saviour who
art 7 Pray for peace and reconâ—iliatiâ—n the Prince n Isaiah 9. 6 of peace and reconciliation which hath o Eph. 214.17 broken the partition wall aâ—d â—â—th preached peace vnto mee that thou might reconcile mee vnto thy GOD giue vnto mee p Iob. 34. 29 peace and quietnesse and who then can make trouble and vexation bee thou my advocate q â— Iohn 2. 1 with the Father and the reconâ—iliation for my soule be thou my attonemâ—nt and propitiation If the inhabitants of Tyrus and Sidon did earnestly labour to haue peace r Act. 12. 20 with Herod an evill and earthly King O LORD what paines should I take to haue concord and vnitie with thee a good and Heavenly King O LORD make mee diligent Å¿ 2 Pet. 3. 14 that I may be founde of thee in peace without spot and blamelesse let the t Col. 3. 15 peace of GOD rule in my heart let O LORD thy peace u Philip. 4.7 which passeth all vnderstanding preserue mine heart and minde in CHRIST IESVS for ever and ever And for this purpose most â— Pray for remissiâ—â— of sin mercifull GOD forgiue me x Math. 6. 12 all my debts grant vnto mee a free discharge of all my sinnes and a comfortable acquittance of all mine iniquities written subscribed and sealed with the Blood of mâ— faviour Put y Col. 2. 14 out that hand writting and obligation that is against me and cortrarie to mee take it out of the way and fasten it vpon the crosse Let it never bee of power to shame mee in this world or to condemne mee in the world to come As z Psal 103.12 farre as the East is from the West so farre remoue thou my sinnes from mee Let a Rom. 6. 12 not finne rule in my mortall bodie that I obey the lusts thereof But O LORD subdue b Math. 7. 19 mine iniquities and cast all my faultes into the bottome of the sea I humbly beseech thee to c Col 3. 5 mortifie and slay my sinne in mee least it slay my soule eternally Burie all my offences in the graue of CHRIST Let them never rise against mee for my conviction and eternall confusion Now almightie GOD Seing by 9 Pray for life spirituall nature I am d Eph. 2. 1 dead in sinne and trespasses I pray thee to quicken mee Let e 2 Cor. 4. 16 my inward man be renued dayly Grant that I may be borne f Iohn 3. 3 againe and bee partaker of regeneration and so enter into thy Kingdome Thou who art the g Iohn 11. 2 resurrection and the lyfe who raised from death Lazarus who was stincking and rotting in the graue and gaue him naturall lyfe breath spirituall lyfe into my dead soule that thou who art the GOD h Math. 22.32 of the living thou mayest bee my GOD and guide for ever O thou who art the i Mal. 4. 2 Sunne Pray for spirituall light of Righteousnesse and the true light of the world who hast abundance of eye k Revel 3. 18 salue arise and shine vpon mee anoynt the blind eyes of my minde illuminate my dark vnderstanding Thou who opened the l Genes 21.19 eyes of Hagar and made her see a Well of water wherewith her dying sonne was refreshed open thou the eyes of my inward man that I may see that Well of the m Iohn 3. 10 water of lyfe that my dying soule may be comforted and thou O powerfull SAVIOUR who did giue sight to that man who n Iohn 9.7 was borne blind giue spirituall sight to my blind soule that I may see thee and follow thee continually O my GOD thou who opened the o Math. 7. 33 eares of that deafe man grant Pray for in ward hearing that myne inward eares may be prepared q Psal 40. 6 and opened to heare thy holy and blessed Word that my bodie r Heb. 10. 5 may bee ordeined and made fitte for thy continuall service and worship For O my graâ—ious GOD while Pray for health I haue beene walking in the wildernesse of this world I haue fallen Å¿ Luke 11. 30 amongst cruell and covetous theeues who haue robbed mâ—e of my raiment and riches they haue wounded me grievously I am now lying waltring in my blood and half dead Many miseregarde me and passe by me without any pittie I can not pittie myne owne selfe but O sweet Samaritan come neere to me and haue compassion on mee Bind vp Ibidem my bleeding wounds powre in wine oile carry me in thy owne armes and heale mee Haue a continuall care of me that I may haue a care to honour thee and glorifie thy Majestie O my blessed Redâ—emer in whom Pray for wisdome are t Coloss 2. 3 hidde all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge giue vnto mee true wiâ—edome and Heavenly knowledge and vnderstanding so that I x Prover 5. 23 may not die for fault of instruction and that I goe not astray through my great folly that I may bee wise y Proverb 16 20. 21. in myne owne businesse and prudent in heart that my vnderstanding may bee a welspring z Pro. 16. 23 of lyfe vnto mee that I may trust in thy mercie and be blessed aeternally O LORD thou who art able to breake a Psal 107. 16 the gates of brasse and to brast the barres of yron asunder Pray for libertie I pray thy Majestie to set mee at libertie who am a captiâ—e and miserable prisoner loose mee from the bands of the devill for spiritually I am bound and bowed b Luke 13. 11 together and can not lift vp my soule in any wise without thy helpe Bring mee out of the snare c 2 Tim. 2. 26 of Sathan that I may come to amendement Take d 2 Sam. 8. 1 the bridle of bondage out of the hand of mine enemie Bee thou LORD my goodnesse e Psal 144. 2 and my fortresse my tower my sheild and delyverer Restore mee to the glorious freedome of thy children Giue mee strength to stand f Galat. 5.1 fast into that libertie wherewith thou hast made me free that I never bee intangled againe with the yoke of bondage And because in the devils dungeon and in the stinking puddle Pray for purgation of sinne I am filthily polluted and miserably defiled O holy God wash g Psal 51. 2 mee througly from mine iniquitie and cleanse mee from my sinnes and pollutions If thou wash mee h Iohn 13. 8 not I shall haue no part nor portion with thee and I know perfectly that no i Revel 21. 27 vncleane thing shall enter in Heavenly Ierusalem nor within thy holy Sanctuarie therefore O gratious GOD I humbly and heartily intreate thy Majestie to wash k Ierem. 4 4â— mine heart from wickednesse and my whole man from vngodâ—ines even in the
Shame will come to these that pray not shame and disgrace will come vpon thee yea thou l Psal 109. 29 shall be clothed with shame and covered with confusion as with a cloake may not the Almightie who i Iob 12. 21 poureth contempt on Princes and maketh the strength of the mightie weake soone set a k Genes 4. 1â— marke of infamie on thee to thy everlasting woe and miâ—erie who hath despised the riches of his mercie Consider now of two thinges Cause of shame 1. Thou hast great reason to bee ashamed 2. That this shame is a grievous punishment thou hast cause of shame 1. For thy nakednesse 2. For thy filthinesse 3 For thy vnthankfulnesse 4. For thy wickednesse and wretchednesse 1. Our first parents were ashamed of their nakednesse m Genes 3. 8 therefore they hid themselues from the presence of the LORD amongst the trees of the Garden 2. Iacobs sonne Iudah was ashamed of his whoordome and desired rather to want his seale n Genes 2â— 3â— his cloake and his staffe then to be blotted with that note of ignominie 3 The prodigall son was ashamed of his ingratitude and vnkindnesse when hee confessed that o Luke 15. 19 hee was no more worthie to be called his sonne 4 Daniel himselfe was ashamed for the sinnes of his people and the lamentable estate vnder the thraldome and captivitie he p Dan. 9. 7 with sackcloth fasting and ashes prayed protested that righteousnesse belonged to GOD and to them open shame and confusion Thus if thou pray not to the Almightie thou q Psal 49. 12 shall not continue in honour and dignitie but shame and disgrace will abide with thee seeing thou despiseth thy GOD so vnduetifully Againe Remember that sinne Sinne it is a great plague is a great iudgement which appeareth evidently both in this life and in the life to come not only by the testimonie of godly and wise men who as Salomon saith haue r Eccles 2. 14 their eyes in their head and Å¿ Eccles 10. 2 their hearts in their right hand who t Iam. 3. 13 are endued with true wisedome and knowledge and are u Prover 8. 10 prudent to vnderstand their owne way for David himselfe did thus pray remoue x â— Cor. 4. 13 Hisp magâ—â—s Ten 3. cap. 10 Livius from me shame u Psal 119.22 and contempt and the holy Apostle with all the Sainctes did truely complaine that y wee are made as the filth of the world the ofscourings of all things Thus Origen sonne to Leonides so renowned and respected in his life for many gifts which hee hadde receiued esteemed shame more heavie and grievous than death for from his childhood hee desired to die and to losse his life for the loue of CHRIST But hee so feared and eshewed shame that rather than his chast bodie should bee defiled with a filthie Ethiopian hee chose to offer incense to an Idoll which brought great sorrow and lamentation to him afterward But also of civill Ethnicks for Cato a naturall wise man choose rather to kill himselfe than render himselfe vnto Caesars power or with shame and Tullius 1. offic ignominie looke on his face which fact Cicero labours to defend albeit with little reason yea Saul desired rather to bee killed then by his enemies z 1 Sam. 31.4 mocked Also Decius a Romane Emperour a pitielesse persecuter a cruell monster being in battell vanquished by the Sâ—ythians and fearing to come vnder the reverence of the proud Barbarians to eshew that shame hee cast himselfe into a deepe pit where hee endâ—d his miserable life and wanted the honour of buriall Againe shame and ignominie is a great punishment in the life to come for the wicked shall rise to a Daniel 12. â— sâ—ame and perpetuall contempt Fifthly If thou pray not thou art a stranger from GOD and as They are spiritualy possessed who pray not an abominable atheist will be most severely punished for GOD not only will giue b Rom. 1. 24 thee vp to thy hearts lust but also will deliuer thee to the Devill to bee if not Augustin bodilâ— yet spiritually possessed Qui â—ult possidere terram videat ne â— ter ra possideatur A judicious father adviseth men to bee circumspect lest they bee possessed of the earth as it is certaine that the estate of that man who was c Math. 9. 32 dumbe and could not speake to man being bodily possessed by a devill was verie miserable but the case of that caâ—ine who is inwardly dumbe and can not speake to GOD being possessed by a devill spiritually is farre more pitifull lamentable thinkâ—st thou that bodily possession is very fearefull and a great plague assure thy selfe that spirituall possâ—ssion by the evill spirit is farre more grievous and fearefull Punishment for barrennes Sixtly If thou pray not thou art a fruitlesse corrupt d Math. 7. 17 tree and sâ—relie thy imminent judgment shall bee great and terrible iâ— shall bee inevitable and remâ—dilesse First Thy punishment will be very grievous much more heavie indeed then thou conceivest for the LORD hath a scepter c Psal 2. 9 of iron to crush thee hee f Isaiah 27. 1 hath a sore and great and mightie sword to smite thee Yea he g Math. 3. 10 hath an axe to hew thee downe Yea he h Ieremi 18. 7 will speake suddenly against a Nation or against a Kingdome to plucke it vp or to rootte it out If thou pray not he hath a i Revel 21 8 lake which burneth with fire and brimstone where he will for ever toâ—ment thee hee will not so deale with thee as he dealeth with the godly who doe incall vpon his name and pray to his Majestie for he will chastiâ—e them with a fatherly affection Though for k Isaiah 58. 7 a litle while hee forsâ—ke them if for a little season or for a moment he hide his face from them yet with great compassion hee will gather them and with everlasting mercy he will pâ—ttie them Certainly There l Ieremi 30. 12 bruising is not incurable their wounds are not for ever dolorous GOD will apply a plaster and there are medicines and helpe for them He will m Iere. 30. 11 correct them by judgement and not vâ—terly cast them off Hee will n 2 Sam. 7. 14 chasten them with the rod of men but his mercy shall not departe from them Secondly If thou neglectest this exercise of prayer thy punishment which is great wiâ—â— come vpon thee suddainly for iâ— thou o Genes 4 7 doest not well sinne lyeth at thy doore If p Luk. 3. 9 thou bringst not foorth fruite worthie of amendement of lyfe the axe is laide to the roote of the tree Nadab and Abihâ— were incontinently destroyed a q Levit. 10. 2 fire went from the LORD and destroyed them Nebuchadnezar r Daniel
August lib. 15 de civitate deâ— earth can doe so It is saide of that same mightie man Alexander that hee came to see the gymnosophists Philosophers of India wise naturalists and wonderfull patient as Historiographers write The King said vnto them aske of mee whatsoever you desire who answered giue vnto vs immâ—rtalitie which aboue all other things wee desire who vnto them thus replyed seeing my selfe am mortall I can â—ouchâ—afe vpon none immortalitie the King declared plainelie that hee had no power to bestowe immortalitie But the d Tim. 9. 16 blessed and only Prince the King of kings and Lord of lords who only hath immortalitie and dwelleth in that light that none can attaine vnto hee hath power to graunt to his people what hee pleaseth and e 1 Cor. 15.53 will caâ—se this corruption put on incorruption and this mortall put on immortalitie for his f Psal 14. 66 favour is exceeding great and his loue is vnspeakeable which keepeth his fidelitie for ever Let g Psal 130.7 Israel waite on the LORD for with the Lord is mercie and with him is great redemption and hee shall redeâ—me Israel from all his iniquities Thirdly thou hast this gaine and shall reape this commoditie Thou hast coÌ„munion with GOD. iâ— thou shalt call vpon GOD instantly that when thou approachâ—st to the throne of his grace that h Iam. 4. 8 thou doâ—st draw neare vnto GOD and he doth draw neere vnto thee and mayest not thou say with that royall Prophet It i Psal 73. 28. is good for mee to draw neere vnto GOD and if it was profitable to the Patriarâ—h k Genes 44. 18 Iuda when hee did draw neere to Ioseph or if it was comfortable vnto Queene l Esther 5. 2 Esther when sâ—eâ— did draw neere and touched the toppe of the scepter of King Ahashuerus will it not bring farre more profite and greater plentie of consolation to the devout soule humbled before GOD and drawing neere his sacred Majestie Then the LORD will m Psal 86. 11 knite and vnite thy heart vnsâ—parablie vnto him then thou shall bee combined with his holinesse thou then will bee partaker of n Hebr. 3. 14 the Heavenly vâ—cation yea thou will bee made partaker of Christ and of eternall salvation Seing thou even then art partaker o 2 Pet. 1. 4 of the godlie nature thou art as the Apostle affirmeth of p 1 Cor. 1. 30 GOD in CHRIST yea thou art a member q Eph. 5. 30 of his bodie of his flesh and of his bones So by praying thou shall haue an happie change in thy selfe and an happie communion with thy Saviour Now if it be great Arte to turne contemptible ashes into the curious worâ—emanshippe of gâ—asse yea to make such temperature thereof that glasse was made flexible and plyable as mettle which was brought to passe in Plinius Isidoâ—us Tiberâ—â—â— dayes as is recordâ—d and if the Philosophers stone if any such thing bee bee so pretious that it will change any mettle that it toucheth to gold or silver and will bring from the higâ—est Heaven a certaine first â—ssence as they call it I thinke it but a â—able or a dreame which will not only bring with it vnâ—peakeable riches surpassing that of Craesus â—ide Cornelium Agripp de vanitatâ—scient cap. 90. but also by removing old age will bring youth-head againe and perpetuall health with the best disposition But most sure it is by devote prayer and supplication and without all contraversie thou shall obtaine a more happie change and renovation Though r 2 Cor. 4. 16 thy outward man perish yet thy inward man shall bee renued daylie thou shall Å¿ Eph. 4. 23 bee renued in the right spirit of thy minde Yea thou t Col. 3 10 shall bee renued in knowledge after the image of him that created thee Certainly by the vse of thy conference with the Almightie thou shall bee changed wonderfully and most comfortablie thou who was once u Eph 5. 8 darknesse is light in the LORD thou who was vnrighteous shall become righteous Seing CHRIST x Peter 3. 23 suffered for thee the just for the vnjust to bring thee to GOD and to make thee holy thou who was earthly shall become Heavenly thou who was weake and an old creature shall become y Psal 103. 5 strong in the LORD and a new creature thy youth shall bee renued like the Eagles z Isaiah 58. 8 Thy health shall grow speedily thou shall not faint nor wearie c Iob. 17.9 but shall encrease thy strength continuelly Because CHRIST and thou art actually coupled and really conjoyned in one body by that vnspeakable and inseparable conjunction in the Spirit that surely thou art of d 1 Cor. 1 30 GOD in CHRIST who e Psal 16. 5 shall maintaine thy lot and thy faire heritage who shall bee the f Psal 73. 26 strength of thine heart and portion for ever Fourthly If thou shall call vpon God will honour those who pray GOD earnestly and pray vnto GOD instantly the LORD will be with thee and glorifie g Psal 9. 15 thee thou shall surely haue honour from GOD when thou hast familiaritie and secreet conference with him the Almighty hee will favour thee and glorifie thee hee will hold out his golden scepter towards thee speake to thy soule secreetly and most lovingly he h Ester 15. 15 will kisse thee and say talke with mee so hee will bâ—stow vpon thee greater honour than Assuerus vpon Ester By prayer thou will be one of the LORDS privie counsell for thereby thou declarest thy feare of GOD and i Psal 25. 14 then the secreet of the LORD will bee revealed vnto thee Indeede it is most sure that by fervent prayer and frequent supplication commeth the greatest honour and commendation Moses often prayed he was greatly honoured hee k Exod. 11.32 was vâ—rie great in the land of Egypt So David rejovcing to l Psal 122. 1 goe to the house of the LORD compassing his Alâ—â—r who did mourne in his prayer and make a noise who m Psal â— 4â— powred out his heart before the LORD He behaved n 1 Sam. 18.30 himselfe wisely and his name much set by hee was exalted to high honour and dignitie So Daniel hee humbled himselfe before the LORD he prayed and fasted Hee o Daniel 2. 48 was made a great man and a Governâ—ur over all the province of Babell the chiefe of the rulers and aboue all the wise-men of that Kingdome The Sainctes in the Primitiue Church who gaue themselues to praying albeit the Preistes and Pharisees did persecute them neverthelesse o Act. 13 the people magnified them If any be who make conscience of this holy duety and exerciseth himselfe in this most holy action and offereth vp his sutes and true supplications If I say such a one remaine in contempt and disgrace in this
f Genes 44.33 be a servant for his brother Benjamin while with Ioseph hee was interceeding for him so CHRIST g Philip. 2. 7 made himselfe of no reputation and tooke on him the forme a servant and in his vnspeakable loue for thy sake became obedient vnto the death of the crosse that hee might bee thy most affectioned Advocate If Pylades so pleaded for his deare Ciceâ—o de amicitia friend Orestes that for the favour hee caried towards him before King Thoas hee was willingly content to lose his life and die for him much more will CHRIST who calleth h Iohn 15. 15 thee his friend pleade more lovingly for thee in respect hee hath i Iohn 10. 15 laide downe his life for thee Lastly CHRIST is a most happie Advocate for the cause In respect of the good successe was never lost which hee maintaineth that person never perished whom hee defendeth That woman k Iohn 8. 12 taken in the act of adulterie was accused but not condemned CHRIST being her Advocate who as hee most sufficiently and perfectly performeth his owne part so hee giveth strength and grace to his Client to behaue himselfe duetifully Albeit Cicero Plutarch in vita Ciceron in the defence of Milo by his wiledome and eloquence so moved and perswaded the Iudges that they were of purpose to absolue him but hee could not cause his Client to behaue himselfe humbly and therefore because of his proude carâ—age and for his arrogancie hee was condemned and banished Yet CHRIST being thy Advocate by his Spirit will so moue and perswade thee that thou shall continually and most willingly doe that which the l Mich. 6. 8 LORD requireth of thee even to doe justly to loue mercy to humble thy selfe greatly that thou may walke with thy GOD worthily he will bestow grace m Heb. 12. 28 vpon thee whereby thou mayest serue GOD that thou may please him with reverence and feare for ever and ever Secondly If thou be terrified in respect of thine adversaries fighting Christ is thy Chiâ—taine to presâ—rue thee against thee thou mayest be of good comfort because thou hast a strong Captaine and most valiant and expert Chiftaine even that Lyon n Revel 5. 5 which is the of tribe of â—udah to support and helpe thee Philip did say that an armie of Harts having a Lyon their governour Stobaeus sermone 52. is better than an armie of Lyons having a Hart their commander albeit thou of thy selfe bee weake and timorous â—et thy Captaine and defender is most couragious and valorous As Ioshua disconfited mightie Kings his enemies and made his people come o Iosh 10. 24 neere and set their feete vpon their necks so CHRIST shall p Rom. 16. 20 trode Sathan and all enemies vnder thy feete shortly and giue vnto thee a most notable and glorious victorie Thirdly If thou be dismayed because of thâ—â—e owne weaknesse Christ is thy good guide of thy slâ—â—pinesse of thy owne vncleannesse and of thine owne povertie and indigence yet rejoyce q 1 Thess 5. 16 continually hope r Psal 27. 14 in the Lord be strong and hee shall comfort thine heart for CHRIST shall bee thy governour and Master Å¿ Isaiah â—5 4 hee will show thee the path of lyfe and leade t Psal 16. 11 thee in the right way wherein thou shouldst walke and furnish thee with all necessarie good things CHRIST IESUS a most blessed guide is not like Iehonam the sonne of Carcah who guided the people from Iudea into Egypt where they u Ierem. 44.27 were consumed by the sword and by the famine vntill they were vtterly destroyed Neither is hee like Arimenes an Arabian Prince who circumveined Plutarch in vita Crassi Crassus and brought him to desert wildernesse and sinking sands where many of his armie were destroyed and his owne sonne killed Nor yet like a more guilfull guide Andromachus who led him to watrie ground and marrishes Ibidem where hee was compelled to render himselfe to the will of his enemie and then was slaine pittifully But IESUS hee is a most true and loving guide who will leade thee x Psal 23. 2 by still waters and make thee rest in greene pastures Hee will strengthen thee in weaknesse preserue thee in dangers comfort thee in miseries furnish thee in necessities hee surely will bring thee with Iacob from y Genes 31. 1 Sechem a place of perplexitiâ— to Bethel a place of peace and safetie hee will bring thee speedily from z Exod. 15. 27 Marah a station of bitternesse vnto Elim where are twelue fountaines of water hee certainly will bring thee from Egypt a place of slaverie to Canaan a countrie of plentie and libertie hee will turne thy shame to honour thy paine to pleasure thy sorrow to gladnesse thy miserie to happinesse he will make a Rom. 8. 28 all things worke together for thy best If b Isaiah 44.7 for a little while hee hath forsaken thee with great compassion will hee gather if for a little season for a moment hee hath hid his face from thee Yet with everlasting mercie will hee haue commiseration on thee If c Iohn 16. 33 in this world thou hast affliction content thy selfe with thy portion and perswade thy selfe that in CHRIST in due tyme thou shall haue peace and endlesse consolation But now let vs come to speake of the causes of prayer of the necessitie thereof of the profite of prayer of the dignitie thereof of some circumstances of the signes of prayer and of the force and efficacie thereof and that briefly and plainly as GOD of his good grace shall assist vs by his Holie SPIRIT OF THE CAVSES OF PRAYER The thirtenth Chapter SVrely thou hast many causes of fervent prayer 1. If thou looke to GOD Seven causes of fervent prayer thy Father If thou looke to â—â—sus CHRIST thy Saviour if thou looke to the holy Spirit thy saâ—ctifier 2 If thou looke to the Devill a lyar a and a Iohn â— 44 murtherer 3. If thou consider other Christians for whom thou shouldest pray and whose good example it becommeth thee to follow 4. If thou consider the wicked whom thou shouldest eshew 5. If thou take heede to thy owne selfe to thy necessitie and misery 6. If thou bebold the worldlie vanitie pollution danger and impietie 7. If thou shall remember the necessitie vtilitie dignitie and efficacie of prayer in the Chapters following all are causes of sufficient force to moue this holie duetie chiefly considering thy Christian calling First The Great and glorious GOD thy loving Father hee GODS command who is thy Father Master and King commandeth thee to b Psal 50. 15 call vpon Him in the day of thy trouble Now seeing Ioseph c Genes 38.14 obeyed his earthly father thou hast great reason to obey thy Heavenly Father who is also a most righteous and gratious d
sonne when she receiued Samuel with thankfulnesse shee acknowledged the same and loued Samuel and praised GOD the giuer in her notable i 1. Sam. 2. 1 song Thirdly The LORD will delay thy petitions that thou may keepe his benefites with great care and watchfulnesse An Ancient sheweth the reason 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Basilius in Asceti◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 All which one possesseth with great travell and industrie he studieth to keepe the same diligently Fourthly For tryall of thy faith hope loue patience and constancie Thus holy IOB was exercised when seriously and continually hee had prayed Lastly For imitation that thou mayest bee content to follow other holy Saincts Did not David pray many tymes to bee delivered from the furie of Saul persecuting him Did not k 1 King 18.43 Helias send his seruant seven tymes to looke toward the way of the sea while raine did come vpon the earth Did not St Paul l 2 Cor. 12. 8 thrise beseech the LORD that the messenger of Sathan buffeting him might depart from him GOD delayeth thy petitions that thou mayed be well content to follow his best beloved servants Yet thou mayest be perswaded of this saying of the Father Deus quod concâ—ssurus est si differt non August aâ—fert quod promisit est fixum fallere non potest habet vnde faciat GOD which hee is to grant if hee delay it hee will not take it away it is sure which hee hath promised hee cannot deceine hee hath whereof hee may doe Againe If the LORD shall deny the requestes of his owne servants and giue them a refuâ—all then they may bee assured that their prayer is neither agreeable to his holy will and good pleasure nor yet profitable to themselves for their eternall salvation and so it is a great benefite and a good dâ—â—d done by GOD to them when things hurtfull are refused If a young ignorant babe would desire of his father a sharpe knife that would wound him or an hote candle that would burne him yet his loving and wise father would not giue the same that would bring hurt and paine to him Wee as Similit ignorant babes often aske of GOD things which wee suppose to be pleasant and profitable But our wiâ—e and loving Father m Psal 103. 3 having great compassion on vs knowing that they would be noysome and pernitious to vs in wisdome and mercie denyeth the same According to the judgement of an Ancient these are the causes wherefore thy requests are not ever granted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Basilius in Asâ—etic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Often thou will say I haue asked and haue not obteined it is of trueth because thou hast prayed wickedly or insufficiently or inconstantlie or vnprofitablie which were not expedient for thee And surely it is of veritie Deus dabit quod petimus aut quod Benharelus Serm. 5. in quadrag nâ—verit esse vtilius GOD will giue vs these things which we seeke or which hee knoweth to be more profitable for vs. An other Ancient sayeth Saepè multos DEVS Isidorus lib. 3. de summo bono non exaudit ad voluntatem vt exaudiat ad salutem Often tymes the LORD heareth many not according to their will that he may heare them to their salvation Againe it is said Malâ— vsurus August eo quod vult accipere DEO potius miserante non accipit who is to vse wickedly that which he would haue he receaveth it not GOD rather having pitie vpon him And therefore think never that thy earnest prayers shall lack force and be fruitlesse albeit the LORD condiscend not to grant thy earthly petition yet trie and n Mal. 3. 10 proue thy GOD who will open the windowes of heaven vnto thee powre thee out a blessing without measure A Christian Poet writeth verie pertinently for this purpose in these most worthie verses Cùm DEVS effectum precibus non praestat iniquis Multum concedit quod nocitura negat Prosper Errantes voto non vult delinquere facto Iratus sineret quod prohibet placidus Discat felici supplex gaudere repulso Incipiatque animo pellere quod voluit That is When GOD giveth not an effect to thy wrongfull prayers he granteth muâ—h because he denyeth hurtfull things He willeth not these who goe astray in there wish to doe a fault by fact being aâ—gry he would suffer which being pacified he prohibiteth Let the supplicant learne to rejoyce by an happie refusall and let him beginne to put out of mynd which hee desired Thus of the force of prayer let vs consider of some necessarie circumstances OF THE CIRCVMSTANCES OF PRAYER The eightenth Chapter COncerning some circumstances of prayer we will speake of soure namely of the Circumstances of persons persons place tyme and gesture First Persons praying comfortably are the members of the bodie of CHRIST his holy a Heb. 3. 1 bretheren partakers of that Heavenly vocation Saints b 1 Cor. 1. 2 by calling who are vnder the covenant of grace with whom GOD c Ezech. 37.26 maketh an everlasting covenant of peace in whom d Rom. 8. 11 the spirit of the LORD dwelleth for e Rom. 8. 26 whom the spirit it selfe maketh request with sighes which can not bee expressed the chosen of the Church militant chiâ—fly in time of their trouble and â—ffâ—ction they will f Hos 5. 15 seeke then the LORD diligently with humâ—itie and with devotion â—n trouble g Isaiah 26. 16 they will visite GOD they will powre out a prayer when his chastning is vpon them The Godly 〈◊〉 can pray aâ—ghtly but the wicked vnâ—aithfulâ— and reprobatâ—s without h Ephes 2. 12 CHRIST alâ—ants from the commoun-wealth of Israell strangers from the covenants of promise which haue no hope Atheists in this world false Hypocrites what ever bee their profâ—ssion if they be of vngodly conversation howsoever they doe appeare to bee honourable wealthie or happie yet they can not pray to GOD duetifully neither praise his holy Name worthily Secondly Thou i Math. 4. 10 shall worshippe the LORD thy GOD and him ONELY thou shall serue Call vpon k Psal 50. 1â— mee saith the LORD in the day of thy trouble so will I delyver thee and thou shall glorifie mee The Almightie GOD who is alsufficient is onely to bee adored and invocated It thou knowest any of such knowledge and wisedome of such strength and perfection of of such loue and affection of such mercie and compassion of such trueth and fidelitie of such rememberance of such presence of such stedâ—astnesse and constancie then thou mayest call vpon him conscientiously Now most sure it is That l 1 Tim. 1. 17 GOD is only wise he knoweth m Psal 139.2 thy sitting and thy rysing all thy necessiâ—ies hee vnderstandeth thy thoughts a farre off Secondly GOD is Omnipotent most strong his n Math. 6. 15 is the