as_o anon_o i_o shall_v more_o clear_o show_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n consider_v of_o another_o distinction_n and_o it_o run_v thus_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o be_v available_a 3._o way_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v a_o petition_n put_v up_o to_o god_n and_o so_o it_o avail_v distinct_a 3._o distinct_a via_fw-la impetrationis_fw-la by_o way_n of_o impetration_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o grace_n in_o it_o whether_o common_a or_o save_a and_o so_o it_o avail_v via_fw-la causationis_fw-la by_o way_n of_o causation_n 3._o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n and_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n service_n wherein_o we_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o omniscience_n mercy_n power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o so_o it_o avail_v via_fw-la retributionis_fw-la by_o way_n of_o retribution_n indeed_o the_o benefit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o work_n whether_o formal_o good_a or_o material_o only_a be_v proper_o call_v god_n gift_n as_o come_v from_o he_o by_o free_a donation_n and_o be_v term_v reward_v not_o proper_o but_o only_o analogical_o as_o be_v give_v secundum_fw-la non_fw-la propter_fw-la opera_fw-la not_o for_o but_o only_o according_a to_o our_o work_n 5._o work_n rom._n 2._o 5._o in_o the_o four_o place_n prayer_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o procure_v spiritual_a and_o outward_a blessing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o natural_a use_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a distinct_a 4._o distinct_a man_n mean_n second_o in_o the_o spiritual_a use_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n mean_n media_n or_o mean_n be_v so_o call_v because_o in_o the_o midst_n between_o can_v and_o can_v not_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o can_v to_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o what_o we_o can_v not_o now_o a_o spiritual_a man_n mean_n be_v pray_v in_o faith_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n that_o be_v appoint_v he_o to_o use_v as_o mean_n for_o procurement_n of_o what_o he_o want_v but_o a_o natural_a man_n mean_n appoint_v he_o to_o use_v as_o mean_n be_v not_o pray_v in_o faith_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n for_o that_o he_o can_v do_v but_o the_o natural_a work_n of_o prayer_n only_o such_o prayer_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v use_v fly_v in_o the_o air_n be_v not_o a_o man_n mean_n of_o come_v to_o a_o place_n that_o be_v a_o bird_n mean_n but_o go_v or_o ride_v be_v a_o man_n mean_n spiritual_a prayer_n be_v a_o holy_a man_n mean_n natural_a pray_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n indeed_o the_o spiritual_a use_n of_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o duty_n which_o though_o he_o can_v perform_v yet_o ought_v he_o to_o desire_n and_o labour_n after_o only_o the_o natural_a work_n of_o prayer_n be_v require_v of_o he_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o procurement_n of_o what_o he_o want_v now_o a_o natural_a man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a to_o speed_v yet_o ought_v he_o to_o wait_v for_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o judgement_n 8._o judgement_n isay_n 26._o 8._o his_o ordinance_n be_v his_o walk_n wherein_o often_o he_o be_v and_o possible_o may_v be_v find_v and_o therefore_o such_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v even_o of_o natural_a man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v ezek._n 36._o where_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v justification_n sanctification_n and_o withal_o divers_a outward_a blessing_n at_o last_o he_o 37._o ezek._n 36._o 37._o add_v verse_n 37._o yet_o i_o will_v be_v seek_v unto_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o daniel_n 9_o 4._o 9_o dan._n 4._o 13._o hos_fw-la 5._o 4._o complain_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n indeed_o spiritual_a prayer_n be_v conditio_fw-la subsequent_a and_o follow_v our_o conversion_n but_o the_o natural_a work_n of_o prayer_n be_v conditio_fw-la antecedens_fw-la and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o go_v before_o it_o and_o for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n prayer_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v present_o to_o show_v it_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n propound_v concern_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n my_o answer_n to_o that_o first_o question_n i_o present_v unto_o you_o thus_o quest_n 1._o quest_n first_o prayer_n consider_v as_o a_o duty_n must_v be_v perform_v even_o of_o wicked_a man_n as_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o though_o by_o accident_n turn_v into_o sin_n 7_o sin_n psal_n 107._o 7_o and_o howsoever_o not_o be_v make_v in_o faith_n it_o can_v please_v god_n 6._o god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o in_o such_o sort_n as_o holy_a man_n do_v yet_o be_v good_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o sundry_a of_o his_o attribute_n it_o may_v perhaps_o avail_v for_o procurement_n of_o a_o temporal_a blessing_n by_o way_n of_o retribution_n as_o the_o pharisee_n prayer_n have_v thereward_n of_o man_n praise_n 5._o praise_n matth_n 6._o 5._o and_o so_o ahab'_v humiliation_n and_o the_o ninivites_n repentance_n procure_v a_o delay_n of_o temporal_a judgement_n second_o a_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n consider_v as_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o some_o common_a grace_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o especial_o argumentative_a prayer_n may_v perhaps_o avail_v through_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o way_n of_o causation_n bring_v his_o soul_n into_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o so_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o spiritual_a and_o outward_a blessing_n but_o three_o a_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n consider_v as_o a_o petition_n put_v up_o to_o god_n we_o can_v say_v it_o will_v avail_v by_o way_n of_o impetration_n sort._n 1._o sort._n indeed_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n first_o such_o as_o do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o break_v off_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v careful_o perform_v the_o natural_a work_n of_o prayer_n and_o do_v what_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n howsoever_o they_o can_v ground_v their_o hope_n of_o prevail_v upon_o any_o promise_n and_o so_o upon_o god_n faithfulness_n as_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o can_v pray_v with_o assurance_n of_o prevail_a yet_o they_o may_v ground_v their_o hope_n of_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o hope_n that_o god_n in_o mercy_n will_v do_v something_o for_o poor_a creature_n who_o know_v what_o god_n may_v do_v the_o ninivites_n go_v upon_o this_o ground_n and_o it_o fall_v out_o happy_o the_o city_n be_v spare_v there_o be_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o secure_o live_v in_o their_o sort._n 2._o sort._n sin_n follow_v the_o sway_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o continue_v in_o actual_a rebellion_n against_o he_o &_o yet_o in_o their_o extremity_n do_v cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o succour_v as_o for_o these_o the_o lord_n threaten_v that_o though_o they_o cry_v earnest_o to_o god_n 4._o god_n mic._n 3._o 4._o and_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n make_v many_o prayer_n 16._o prayer_n isay_n 1._o 15_o 16._o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o will_v throw_v away_o their_o petition_n as_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o 9_o he_o prov._n 28_o 9_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n how_o far_o forth_o the_o prayer_n quest_n 2._o quest_n of_o some_o may_v be_v available_a for_o other_o especial_o be_v absent_a i_o say_v 1._o sometime_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o be_v not_o mere_o another_o case_n 1._o case_n and_o that_o in_o two_o case_n first_o love_n may_v so_o unite_v the_o heart_n of_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o like_o hypocrates_n twin_n they_o laugh_v and_o weep_v together_o and_o sympathize_v each_o in_o other_o condition_n that_o in_o succour_v the_o one_o mercy_n be_v show_v to_o both_o second_o they_o may_v be_v sharer_n in_o the_o same_o ship_n as_o jonah_n and_o the_o passenger_n with_o he_o or_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o commonwealth_n in_o a_o common_a danger_n all_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n stand_v or_o fall_v togther_o in_o this_o case_n also_o he_o that_o pray_v against_o a_o public_a calamity_n or_o for_o a_o public_a benefit_n pray_v for_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o for_o other_o and_o so_o necessary_o many_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o some_o 2._o in_o case_n the_o prayer_n be_v mere_o for_o other_o then_o first_o by_o way_n case_n 2._o case_n of_o causation_n the_o prayer_n of_o some_o can_v profit_v other_o that_o be_v absent_a for_o in_o the_o production_n of_o effect_n there_o must_v be_v between_o the_o virtualis_fw-la contactus_fw-la realis_fw-la vel_fw-la virtualis_fw-la
be_v darkness_n unto_o they_o and_o shall_v rather_o increase_v then_o abate_v their_o misery_n now_o at_o the_o ver_fw-la 15._o 16._o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a remedy_n to_o prevent_v all_o do_v not_o proud_o despise_v 16_o d_o verse_n 15._o 16_o the_o lord_n threaten_v but_o humble_a yourselves_o and_o by_o repentance_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n justice_n and_o power_n which_o by_o your_o sin_n you_o have_v impeach_v but_o ver_fw-la 17._o 17._o 17._o verse_n 17._o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v this_o but_o proud_o despise_v this_o admonition_n and_o stand_v out_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n sure_o though_o you_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o people_n 17._o 2_o chro._n 36._o 17._o yet_o you_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o captive_n and_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o present-tence_n to_o note_v unto_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v as_o sure_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o if_o do_v already_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o judgement_n be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o 2_o chro._n 36._o 17._o first_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o chaldean_n shall_v come_v and_o waste_v their_o country_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o that_o escape_v the_o sword_n shall_v lose_v their_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v enjoy_v and_o be_v make_v captive_n and_o slave_n to_o a_o strange_a king_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o with_o their_o liberty_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o religion_n too_o and_o be_v carry_v into_o babylon_n another_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o 11._o of_o matthew_n capernaum_n have_v 29._o matth._n 11._o 29._o so_o many_o outward_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o riches_n and_o honour_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n in_o that_o province_n and_o for_o spiritual_a privilege_n there_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n there_o he_o wrought_v many_o wonderful_a miracle_n and_o preach_v many_o excellent_a sermon_n such_o effectual_a mean_n that_o may_v have_v move_v even_o the_o stony_a heart_a sodomite_n if_o they_o have_v be_v alive_a yet_o such_o be_v capernaum_n obstinacy_n that_o all_o these_o sermon_n mercy_n miracle_n wrought_v not_o upon_o this_o city_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n this_o city_n that_o by_o pride_n and_o prosperity_n be_v so_o lift_v up_o shall_v be_v bring_v full_a low_a and_o so_o as_o history_n report_v it_o be_v overthrow_v of_o this_o great_a city_n nothing_o there_o remain_v but_o two_o or_o three_o poor_a fisherman_n cottage_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v two_o first_o because_o obstinacy_n be_v the_o full_a height_n of_o sin_n and_o its_o full_a measure_n first_o as_o obstinacy_n be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v our_o sin_n great_a in_o god_n account_n and_o most_o provoke_a as_o carry_v with_o it_o great_a unthankfulness_n to_o god_n contempt_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o the_o good_a offer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o mean_n so_o second_o it_o cause_v a_o real_a increase_n of_o sin_n the_o heart_n like_o a_o castle_n resist_v the_o spirit_n assault_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o ordinance_n corruption_n within_o gather_v strength_n the_o flame_n of_o sin_n if_o not_o blow_v quite_o out_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o ordinance_n increase_v accidental_o by_o the_o blow_n of_o it_o back_o now_o all_o sin_n like_o poison_n be_v of_o a_o destructive_a nature_n though_o it_o not_o always_o actual_o kill_v through_o want_n of_o measure_n now_o when_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o the_o full_a than_o it_o usual_o destroy_v so_o when_o the_o amorites_n wickedness_n be_v full_a the_o lord_n cast_v they_o out_o 2._o gen._n 15._o 15_o reas_n 2._o a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o make_v a_o people_n incorrigible_a and_o so_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o remediless_a condition_n the_o lord_n for_o a_o time_n at_o the_o entreaty_n of_o the_o dresser_n do_v forbear_v the_o jewish_a state_n that_o barren_a figtree_n but_o it_o be_v to_o try_v if_o the_o dig_v or_o dung_v of_o a_o evangelical_a ministry_n will_v produce_v a_o reformation_n but_o when_o it_o continue_v unfruitful_a it_o be_v by_o titus_n and_o vespasian_n hew_v down_o and_o solomon_n say_v 1_o say_v prov._n 29._o 1_o that_o such_o as_o harden_v their_o heart_n under_o frequent_a reproof_n under_o effectual_a mean_n shall_v be_v destroy_v break_v to_o piece_n as_o a_o stone_n with_o a_o hammer_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o remediless_a although_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n in_o itself_o namely_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n upon_o their_o repentance_n yet_o none_o to_o the_o obstinate_a because_o he_o wilful_o reject_v the_o remedy_n indeed_o the_o prayer_n of_o god_n people_n may_v keep_v off_o a_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o a_o time_n as_o anon_o we_o shall_v show_v but_o the_o lord_n forbearance_n will_v but_o make_v way_n for_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n in_o the_o end_n if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a for_o application_n if_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o a_o people_n and_o hasten_v its_o ruin_n then_o certain_o repentance_n be_v the_o proper_a remedy_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o save_v from_o ruin_n but_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v often_o teach_v and_o press_v in_o this_o honourable_a auditory_a i_o shall_v pass_v over_o and_o proceed_v to_o another_o observation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o observe_v the_o exception_n of_o moses_n out_o of_o this_o threaten_v here_o employ_v with_o this_o gracious_a promise_n here_o express_v i_o will_v make_v of_o thou_o a_o mighty_a nation_n efficiam_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la te_fw-la gens_fw-la oriatur_fw-la magna_fw-la vel_fw-la praeficiam_fw-la te_fw-la genti_fw-la multo_fw-la majori_fw-la so_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n have_v it_o that_o either_o the_o lord_n will_v raise_v he_o up_o a_o people_n out_o of_o the_o loin_n of_o moses_n or_o else_o give_v he_o the_o princedom_n over_o some_o other_o nation_n how_o ever_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n here_o promise_v not_o only_o to_o save_v his_o person_n but_o to_o raise_v his_o house_n and_o the_o like_a promise_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n the_o lord_n make_v unto_o he_o numb_a 14._o 12._o whence_o we_o infer_v 12._o numb_a 14._o 12._o this_o proposition_n in_o all_o the_o combustion_n and_o devastation_n wherewith_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v shake_v as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n care_v to_o keep_v his_o church_n on_o foot_n so_o also_o to_o preserve_v every_o of_o his_o servant_n person_n and_o to_o recompense_v their_o outward_a loss_n this_o general_n fall_v into_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o lord_n will_v certain_o keep_v his_o church_n on_o foot_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v no_o soon_o have_v the_o lord_n a_o thought_n of_o destroy_v this_o people_n but_o he_o present_o resolve_v upon_o another_o for_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n 2._o jacob_n psal_n 87._o 2._o he_o delight_v more_o in_o his_o church_n then_o in_o all_o other_o society_n and_o he_o uphold_v the_o world_n keep_v off_o judgement_n bestow_v many_o blessing_n for_o the_o church_n sake_n 24._o sake_n isa_n 19_o 24._o if_o his_o church_n shall_v fail_v the_o world_n will_v fall_v to_o ruin_v indeed_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o certaineplace_n but_o be_v in_o the_o world_n like_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n drive_v from_o place_n to_o place_n but_o still_o in_o the_o sea_n neither_o do_v it_o at_o all_o time_n continue_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o outward_a splendour_n but_o like_o the_o moon_n not_o always_o alike_o visible_a yea_o sometime_o scarce_o discernible_a yet_o still_o in_o the_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o howsoever_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n by_o cruelty_n and_o subtlety_n endeavour_v the_o church_n ruin_n yet_o all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o so_o far_o prevail_v as_o utter_o to_o destroy_v it_o 18._o it_o matth._n 16._o 18._o soon_o may_v they_o pull_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n than_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n destroy_v the_o rebellious_a multitude_n he_o will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v the_o house_n of_o jacob_n 8._o jacob_n amos_n 9_o 8._o second_o when_o the_o lord_n destroy_v a_o sinful_a nation_n he_o will_v preserve_v his_o own_o people_n he_o will_v not_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a 23_o wicked_a gen._n 18._o 23_o though_o he_o toss_v the_o people_n and_o sift_v they_o as_o wheat_n in_o a_o sieve_n though_o he_o scatter_v the_o wicked_a and_o like_o dust_n they_o be_v blow_v away_o by_o the_o wind_n of_o his_o wrath_n yet_o not_o a_o
respectiva_fw-la good_a in_o reference_n to_o certain_a end_n sometime_o by_o accident_n they_o make_v the_o possessor_n worse_o and_o sometime_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o outward_a mercy_n make_v way_n for_o a_o great_a and_o so_o oftentimes_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o negando_fw-la accipimus_fw-la we_o receive_v a_o mercy_n in_o god_n denial_n we_o may_v have_v the_o end_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o form_n howsoever_o yet_o the_o prayer_n of_o god_n people_n be_v the_o proper_a remedy_n to_o save_v a_o stiffnecked_a people_n that_o will_v not_o repent_v it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v for_o they_o for_o first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o 32._o 1_o sam._n 25._o 24._o 32._o god_n and_o to_o stay_v he_o from_o destroy_v as_o abigail_n humble_a entreaty_n prevail_v with_o david_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o prayer_n like_o noah_n dove_n be_v send_v forth_o it_o shall_v never_o return_v without_o a_o olive_n branch_n either_o with_o tiding_n of_o a_o abatement_n of_o the_o general_a deluge_n for_o the_o common_a good_a or_o at_o least_o it_o shall_v return_v with_o much_o comfort_n and_o peace_n into_o your_o petitioner_n bosom_n 19_o psal_n 35._o 19_o and_o three_o as_o nothing_o without_o it_o can_v save_v such_o a_o stiffnecked_a nation_n so_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v do_v it_o the_o prayer_n of_o god_n people_n will_v and_o therefore_o the_o effectual_a prayer_n of_o god_n people_n shall_v be_v procure_v in_o a_o time_n of_o danger_n as_o the_o mariner_n do_v jonahs_n 6._o jon._n 1._o 6._o in_o the_o storm_n and_o the_o ninivites_n cry_v mighty_o when_o their_o city_n 9_o jon._n 3._o 9_o be_v in_o danger_n though_o but_o upon_o this_o ground_n who_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n may_v do_v outward_a mean_n indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v as_o we_o must_v not_o idolise_v the_o mean_n in_o trust_v in_o they_o so_o neither_o tempt_v god_n in_o neglect_v of_o they_o sometime_o indeed_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v the_o work_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a 17._o 2_o chro._n 20._o 17._o hand_n than_o the_o people_n be_v to_o stand_v still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n but_o ordinary_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n 12._o isa_n 63._o 12._o all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o power_n must_v be_v do_v by_o we_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o howsoever_o while_o he_o be_v personal_o present_a with_o they_o he_o do_v miraculous_o provide_v for_o their_o sustentation_n 36._o luke_n 22._o 36._o and_o protection_n without_o scrip_n or_o sword_n and_o they_o find_v no_o want_n of_o these_o mean_n yet_o after_o his_o ascension_n they_o must_v use_v ordinary_a mean_n a_o scrip_n and_o a_o sword_n must_v be_v procure_v yea_o than_o a_o sword_n more_o necessary_a than_o a_o coat_n sell_v thy_o coat_n and_o buy_v a_o sword_n in_o save_v 13._o jon._n 1._o 6._o vers_fw-la 5._o 13._o the_o ship_n in_o that_o tempest_n in_o the_o first_o of_o jonah_n as_o they_o be_v pray_v and_o cry_v to_o the_o deity_n for_o help_v so_o they_o spare_v neither_o cost_n nor_o pain_n to_o help_v themselves_o they_o row_v hard_a vers_fw-la 5._o and_o throw_v out_o their_o good_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o when_o enrage_a esau_n come_v 1._o hos_fw-la 12._o 4._o gen._n 32._o etc._n etc._n 34._o 1._o with_o a_o army_n against_o his_o brother_n jacob_n and_o his_o family_n as_o jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n by_o his_o tear_n and_o prayer_n so_o withal_o he_o use_v prudent_a and_o submissive_a endeavour_n for_o a_o pacification_n there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o three_o thing_n to_o make_v prayer_n effectual_a to_o save_v a_o nation_n from_o ruin_n 1._o the_o person_n pray_v must_v be_v holy_a man_n such_o as_o moses_n be_v for_o first_o such_o only_o can_v pray_v in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n as_o have_v the_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o prayer_n culinary_a fire_n be_v in_o every_o house_n but_o the_o element_n of_o fire_n be_v so_o rare_a that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n existent_a or_o no_o so_o the_o natural_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v very_o common_a that_o be_v such_o a_o pray_a faculty_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v acquire_v or_o have_v by_o natural_a mean_n as_o quickness_n of_o wit_n strength_n of_o memory_n elocution_n and_o exercise_v in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o spiritual_a prayer_n the_o breathe_n up_o of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a desire_n whether_o for_o outward_a or_o spiritual_a mercy_n yet_o always_o for_o spiritual_a end_n this_o fire_n come_v from_o heaven_n this_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o prayer_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o do_v disponere_fw-la and_o excitare_fw-la give_v 10._o zac._n 12._o 10._o both_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o prayer_n the_o power_n to_o pray_v and_o actuate_v that_o power_n it_o bring_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o fuel_n of_o holy_a desire_n and_o enkindle_v they_o also_o and_o set_v then_o a_o burn_a second_o as_o holy_a man_n only_o can_v pray_v in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n so_o their_o prayer_n only_o be_v prevalent_a for_o in_o a_o sense_n they_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o 27._o rom._n 8._o 27._o christ_n indict_v by_o his_o spirit_n put_v up_o in_o his_o name_n and_o present_v by_o his_o mediation_n so_o that_o when_o such_o man_n pray_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n pray_v and_o prevail_v 2._o they_o must_v be_v such_o prayer_n as_o moses_n his_o prayer_n be_v earnest_a 13._o verse_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o strive_n and_o wrastling_n with_o god_n first_o from_o a_o heart_n touch_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o want_n we_o shall_v offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o 26._o heb._n 5_o 7._o rom._n 8._o 26._o tear_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_v unutterable_a earnest_a ejaculation_n like_o dart_n shoot_v up_o to_o heaven_n out_o of_o a_o affectionate_a heart_n our_o spirit_n in_o their_o desire_n like_o noah_n ark_n shall_v rise_v the_o high_a as_o the_o water_n grow_v deep_a and_o the_o flood_n great_a so_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n pray_v the_o more_o earnest_o when_o in_o that_o bitter_a agony_n formal_a cold_a prayer_n like_o 36._o luke_n 22._o 36._o caesar_n heartless_a sacrifice_n will_v not_o profit_v we_o nor_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n paint_a fire_n as_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n so_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o disesteem_v and_o undervalue_v a_o mercy_n when_o we_o conceive_v such_o cold_a prayer_n to_o be_v fit_a mean_n to_o procure_v it_o second_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v argumentative_a persuasive_a entreaty_n press_v the_o lord_n with_o argument_n we_o must_v plead_v with_o god_n and_o reason_n the_o matter_n with_o he_o by_o reverend_a expostulation_n the_o lord_n be_v well_o please_v to_o be_v reason_v withal_o by_o such_o as_o be_v reform_v 17._o isa_n 1._o 16._o 17._o and_o wash_v especial_o in_o his_o own_o language_n indeed_o we_o can_v plead_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o mercy_n but_o what_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n his_o christ_n his_o promise_n we_o have_v many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o very_o prevalent_a with_o he_o as_o here_o we_o find_v that_o moses_n thus_o pray_v and_o prevail_v vers_fw-la 14._o 14._o exod._n 32._o 14._o three_o as_o moses_n in_o his_o so_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o only_o strive_v against_o the_o present_a outward_a judgement_n but_o especial_o against_o the_o power_n and_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o cause_n the_o judgement_n so_o do_v moses_n here_o as_o we_o see_v vers_fw-la 31_o 32._o he_o confess_v and_o bewail_v 32._o ex._n 32._o 31_o 32._o their_o sin_n and_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o pardon_n of_o it_o that_o so_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v every_o whit_n whole_a we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o 23._o joh._n 7._o 23._o strive_v against_o the_o plague_n without_o but_o against_o the_o plague_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o only_o against_o war_n and_o contention_n but_o against_o pride_n 38._o 1_o king_n 8._o 38._o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o such_o other_o lust_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o 10._o jam._n 4._o 1._o prov._n 13._o 10._o whence_o they_o come_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o as_o surgeon_n look_v at_o the_o outward_a wound_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o seek_v the_o cure_n of_o that_o by_o outward_a application_n but_o like_o the_o physician_n look_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o labour_n to_o procure_v a_o remedy_n for_o those_o inward_a distemper_n whence_o the_o outward_a do_v spring_n if_o we_o have_v not_o
the_o evil_n remove_v that_o provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o a_o through_o reformation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a judgement_n if_o by_o true_a repentance_n peace_n be_v not_o make_v with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o a_o outward_a peace_n in_o the_o kingdom_n sure_o though_o the_o outward_a evil_n be_v cut_v off_o yet_o like_o sampsons_n hair_n they_o will_v grow_v again_o if_o we_o cut_v off_o only_o the_o branch_n the_o root_n will_v sprout_v again_o now_o therefore_o such_o prayer_n as_o moses_n use_v by_o such_o man_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o moses_n do_v be_v most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o save_v a_o sinful_a nation_n in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o prayer_n be_v so_o effectual_a for_o the_o save_n of_o a_o kingdom_n in_o danger_n be_v three_o reas_n 1_o first_o because_o prayer_n deal_v with_o god_n and_o incline_v he_o to_o favour_n and_o pity_v a_o people_n now_o it_o be_v god_n that_o wound_n and_o heal_v spoil_n and_o save_v he_o raise_v the_o storm_n and_o calm_v it_o again_o 1._o hos_fw-la 6._o 1._o judgement_n like_o the_o centurion_n servant_n go_v and_o come_v at_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v trouble_v and_o arrest_v by_o judgement_n for_o the_o debt_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o creditor_n no_o matter_n for_o the_o sergeant_n if_o dog_n fly_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o speak_v to_o their_o master_n to_o call_v they_o off_o who_o first_o set_v they_o on_o and_o howsoever_o prayer_n can_v change_v or_o cause_n god_n to_o alter_v his_o eternal_a unchangeable_a decree_n yet_o it_o cause_v he_o to_o recall_v his_o present_a sentence_n that_o be_v go_v out_o against_o a_o people_n mutat_fw-la sententiam_fw-la 24._o greg._n mor._n l._n 2._o c._n 24._o non_fw-la decretum_fw-la say_v greg._n and_o indeed_o god_n eternal_a decree_n take_v in_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n so_o that_o according_a to_o god_n decree_n when_o his_o sentence_n of_o ruin_n be_v go_v out_o against_o a_o nation_n prayer_n and_o other_o mean_n fall_v in_o to_o hinder_v execution_n and_o so_o his_o decree_n stand_v the_o present_a sentence_n only_o fall_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o hezechiah_n the_o ninivites_n and_o the_o israelite_n here_o in_o my_o text_n reas_n 2_o second_o because_o prayer_n work_v on_o man_n own_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o capable_a of_o a_o mercy_n and_o indeed_o for_o the_o lord_n to_o bestow_v a_o mercy_n on_o a_o people_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o be_v to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n the_o mercy_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o receiver_n 17._o matth._n 9_o 17._o hurt_v by_o it_o therefore_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v mercy_n and_o wait_v until_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o give_v 18._o isa_n 30._o 18._o mercy_n as_o a_o woman_n breast_n to_o give_v milk_n he_o wait_v but_o for_o our_o draw_v now_o prayer_n draw_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n near_o to_o god_n and_o so_o put_v they_o into_o a_o posture_n fit_a for_o mercy_n it_o draw_v down_o fitness_n from_o god_n it_o empty_v the_o heart_n of_o self_n and_o take_v in_o more_o of_o god_n and_o when_o prayer_n bring_v a_o mercy_n from_o heaven_n it_o fit_v a_o man_n in_o thankfulness_n by_o a_o holy_a use_n of_o it_o to_o send_v it_o back_o thither_o again_o as_o hanna_n when_o by_o prayer_n she_o have_v obtain_v a_o son_n of_o the_o 28._o 1_o sam._n 1._o 28._o lord_n she_o give_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n again_o reas_n 3_o three_o because_o prayer_n carry_v god_n along_o with_o the_o mean_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o cooperate_v howsoever_o secondary_a cause_n have_v their_o causality_n and_o efficiency_n put_v into_o they_o by_o god_n with_o their_o form_n in_o their_o first_o creation_n yet_o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o make_v they_o put_v forth_o their_o strength_n and_o actual_o to_o effect_v thing_n and_o therefore_o second_o cause_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o king_n 26._o 2_o king_n 6._o 26._o of_o israel_n tell_v the_o woman_n can_v help_v if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o concur_v what_o can_v the_o pipe_n do_v if_o the_o spring_n deny_v it_o water_n the_o lord_n do_v sometime_o suspend_v the_o power_n of_o mean_n sometime_o enlarge_v it_o above_o its_o natural_a pitch_n as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o if_o the_o lord_n cooperate_v with_o the_o mean_n how_o weak_a soever_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o 20._o 1_o sam._n 14._o 6._o rom._n 8._o 31._o jud._n 7._o 20._o work_n the_o sword_n of_o gedeon_n shall_v do_v great_a thing_n if_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v with_o it_o now_o prayer_n carry_v god_n into_o the_o army_n and_o engage_v he_o in_o a_o just_a war_n to_o take_v his_o people_n part_n and_o to_o fight_v with_o they_o and_o for_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v make_v fortification_n and_o warlike_a preparation_n against_o their_o enemy_n the_o prophet_n blame_v they_o for_o not_o look_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o add_v fast_v and_o other_o spiritual_a fortification_n to_o their_o outward_a to_o 12._o isay_n 22._o 11_o 12._o make_v they_o effectual_a before_o i_o come_v to_o application_n i_o desire_v to_o answer_v two_o question_n 1._o whether_o the_o cry_n and_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n can_v avail_v any_o thing_n either_o for_o themselves_o or_o other_o 2._o how_o the_o prayer_n of_o some_o can_v be_v available_a for_o other_o especial_o be_v absent_a to_o which_o question_n that_o i_o may_v give_v the_o more_o satisfy_a answer_n i_o desire_v to_o premise_v certain_a distinction_n 1._o cry_v be_v take_v two_o way_n 1._o proper_o for_o the_o put_n up_o of_o a_o petition_n or_o prayer_n 2._o improper_o for_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o distinct_a 1._o distinct_a creature_n misery_n by_o the_o moan_n and_o cry_v that_o it_o make_v now_o indeed_o the_o cry_n and_o moan_n of_o the_o creature_n often_o move_v the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o succour_v it_o as_o the_o cry_n and_o moan_n of_o the_o babe_n though_o it_o make_v no_o formal_a request_n make_v the_o mother_n bowel_n to_o yearn_v with_o compassion_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o succour_v it_o so_o the_o lord_n mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n 9_o work_n psal_n 145._o 9_o exceed_v great_a and_o extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n his_o mercy_n be_v draw_v forth_o to_o succour_v they_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o thus_o he_o be_v say_v to_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o raven_n 9_o raven_n psal_n 147._o 9_o because_o he_o be_v move_v to_o relieve_v this_o poor_a creature_n in_o its_o misery_n so_o psal_n 78._o 38._o 78._o psal_n 78._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o when_o the_o wicked_a be_v in_o distress_n and_o earnest_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n though_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o he_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n call_v back_o his_o anger_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o now_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o this_o in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o as_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o misery_n express_v by_o their_o cry_n the_o question_n than_o be_v touch_v wicked_a man_n prayer_n and_o cry_n proper_o take_v concern_v they_o take_v another_o distinction_n prayer_n may_v be_v take_v 1._o strict_o for_o the_o put_n up_o of_o a_o formal_a request_n or_o petition_n to_o god_n distinct_a 2._o distinct_a 2._o large_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n in_o its_o ordinary_a use_n now_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n by_o reason_n of_o many_o divine_a truth_n insert_v in_o it_o as_o confession_n of_o sin_n declaration_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o promise_n and_o press_v as_o argument_n if_o not_o to_o move_v the_o lord_n yet_o to_o move_v our_o own_o heart_n all_o which_o truth_n be_v reflect_v back_o upon_o the_o soul_n may_v possible_o through_o a_o concurrence_n of_o god_n spirit_n beget_v faith_n bring_v the_o soul_n into_o frame_n yea_o it_o may_v become_v unto_o the_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n a_o convert_v ordinance_n and_o so_o make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o mercy_n and_o thus_o the_o prayer_n even_o of_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v available_a to_o the_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a by_o way_n of_o causation_n but_o second_o for_o prayer_n proper_o and_o strict_o take_v for_o the_o put_n up_o of_o desire_n to_o god_n by_o way_n of_o petition_n a_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o promise_n to_o ground_v his_o hope_n of_o prevail_v upon_o