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
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
to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o thereupon_o the_o lord_n be_v find_v of_o they_o and_o turn_v away_o their_o captivity_n second_o when_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o destroy_v a_o people_n he_o so_o carry_v 2._o corol._n 2._o thing_n about_o in_o his_o providence_n that_o his_o people_n prayer_n shall_v be_v want_v we_o find_v jer._n 7._o that_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o irrevocable_a 16._o jer._n 7._o 14_o 15_o 16._o decree_n have_v determine_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n he_o prohibit_v his_o prophet_n pray_v for_o they_o where_o there_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n a_o total_a despair_n of_o a_o thing_n there_o will_v yea_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o total_a recess_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o effect_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o our_o apprehension_n not_o feceable_a and_o therefore_o the_o creator_n decree_n be_v either_o by_o the_o event_n or_o by_o his_o revelation_n make_v certain_o know_v the_o creature_n 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prayer_n prevalencie_n for_o israel_n safety_n declare_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v in_o saint_n margaret_n westminster_n before_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_z at_o the_o late_a solemn_a fast_a june_n 28._o 1643._o by_o thomas_n carter_n minister_n of_o dynton_n in_o buckingham-shire_n publish_a by_o order_n of_o that_o house_n london_n print_v by_o richard_n cotes_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n bellamy_n and_o ralph_n smith_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o three_o golden_a lion_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1643._o die_v mercurii_n 28._o junii_fw-la 1643._o it_o be_v this_o day_n order_v by_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o that_o sir_n oliver_n luke_n do_v from_o this_o house_n return_v thanks_o to_o mr._n palmer_n and_o mr._n hill_n to_o mr._n carter_n for_o the_o great_a pain_n they_o take_v in_o the_o sermon_n they_o this_o day_n preach_v at_o the_o entreaty_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n in_o the_o city_n of_o 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commons_z assemble_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o fathomless_a depth_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n a_o design_n be_v lay_v through_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o god_n perfection_n and_o glory_n to_o complete_a and_o accomplish_v his_o servant_n happiness_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n but_o by_o his_o contrivance_n it_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o secret_a influence_n and_o activity_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o joy_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o near_o the_o dust_n god_n people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v they_o yet_o retain_v the_o dint_n of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n but_o have_v not_o a_o strong_a reflection_n of_o god_n power_n be_v cast_v upon_o we_o from_o that_o very_a cloud_n under_o which_o we_o be_v be_v there_o not_o deliverance_n create_v for_o we_o even_o beyond_o our_o hope_n have_v not_o the_o lord_n raise_v you_o up_o most_o noble_a senator_n as_o once_o he_o do_v that_o 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and_o behold_v it_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a people_n now_o let_v i_o alone_o that_o my_o wrath_n may_v wax_v hot_a against_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v consume_v they_o and_o i_o will_v make_v of_o thou_o a_o mighty_a nation_n after_o a_o narration_n of_o israel_n sin_n in_o the_o six_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n we_o find_v first_o the_o lord_n complaint_n of_o they_o unto_o moses_n 1_o for_o their_o wickedness_n in_o general_a v._o 7._o 2_o for_o their_o idolatry_n 1._o in_o make_v a_o idol_n 2._o in_o worship_v it_o 3._o in_o ascribe_v their_o deliverance_n unto_o it_o verse_n 8._o second_o we_o have_v in_o my_o text_n a_o fearful_a commination_n of_o their_o utter_a ruin_n wherein_o observe_v these_o three_o general_a part_n 1._o the_o preface_n prefix_v and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n 2._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o threaten_a i_o have_v see_v this_o people_n and_o behold_v it_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a people_n wherein_o observe_v 1._o the_o compellation_n this_o 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they_o secure_o go_v on_o 3._o on_o pro._n 22._o 3._o and_o be_v cheerful_a like_a agag_n think_v the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v past_a when_o present_o hew_v in_o piece_n 3_o piece_n 1_o sam._n 13._o 3_o or_o three_o without_o any_o precedent_a preparation_n for_o it_o like_o those_o foolish_a virgin_n in_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o expect_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v yet_o when_o he_o come_v be_v unprepared_a and_o their_o oil_n be_v to_o seek_v 18_o seek_v mat._n 25._o 18_o so_o that_o either_o through_o want_n of_o precedent_a notification_n or_o expectation_n or_o preparation_n the_o judgement_n be_v either_o sudden_a in_o itself_o or_o at_o least_o sudden_a to_o they_o but_o for_o the_o lord_n own_o servant_n he_o use_v to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o approach_a judgement_n before_o it_o come_v
and_o that_o not_o only_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n that_o be_v near_o he_o as_o he_o never_o hide_v any_o such_o secret_a from_o they_o 11._o they_o amos_n 3._o 7._o 1_o sam._n 3._o 11._o but_o all_o his_o servant_n in_o ordinary_a as_o lot_n abraham_n noah_n and_o other_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o now_o ordinary_o discover_v future_a judgement_n by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o of_o old_a neither_o only_a by_o their_o forego_n natural_a cause_n for_o so_o every_o intelligent_a man_n and_o discreet_a statist_n by_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n may_v foresee_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o nation_n like_o a_o storm_n in_o the_o cloud_n by_o such_o evil_n as_o in_o their_o intrinsical_a nature_n be_v destructive_a to_o a_o state_n and_o bring_v its_o ruin_n by_o way_n of_o natural_a causation_n every_o effect_n be_v virtual_o in_o its_o proper_a cause_n before_o the_o actual_a production_n of_o it_o as_o 1._o division_n in_o a_o church_n or_o state_n like_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o planet_n be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o make_v way_n for_o civil_a war_n as_o the_o jesuitical_a faction_n well_o know_v which_o make_v they_o so_o industrious_a in_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n in_o church_n state_n parliament_z city_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n expect_v that_o a_o kingdom_n or_o city_n divide_v will_v not_o long_o stand_v 7._o stand_v mat._n 12._o 25_o gen._n 18._o 17._o heb._n 11._o 7._o 2._o general_n misapprehension_n and_o misconceit_n of_o the_o father_n of_o a_o country_n when_o man_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o destroyer_n who_o be_v the_o maintainer_n and_o upholder_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a symptom_n when_o a_o disease_n so_o seize_v upon_o the_o brain_n that_o the_o sick_a man_n look_v upon_o his_o father_n and_o brethren_n as_o enemy_n come_v to_o kill_v he_o who_o only_a desire_n and_o care_n be_v to_o recover_v and_o save_v he_o 3._o when_o through_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o some_o and_o 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prodigious_a sin_n mira_fw-la if_o not_o miracula_fw-la god_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o he_o do_v belshazzar_n on_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o great_a house_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o babylon_n by_o all_o their_o art_n can_v not_o understand_v yet_o the_o lord_n daniel_n can_v read_v and_o interpret_v they_o by_o help_n of_o the_o word_n as_o letter_n write_v in_o unknown_a character_n can_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o rule_n from_o the_o writer_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o other_o particular_n as_o the_o lord_n make_v way_n for_o his_o judgement_n by_o take_v away_o of_o the_o righteous_a or_o withhold_v their_o prayer_n but_o of_o this_o anon_o now_o the_o lord_n give_v such_o clear_a notice_n that_o howsoever_o blind_a balaam_n will_v not_o see_v the_o sword_n that_o be_v before_o they_o yet_o as_o solomon_n say_v the_o prudent_a christian_a forsee_v it_o 3._o it_o prov._n 22._o 3._o and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v so_o near_o that_o obvious_a to_o sense_n or_o discernible_a by_o reason_n in_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o it_o but_o while_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v 1._o speak_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 9_o zeph._n 2._o 1._o in_o fieri_fw-la not_o in_o esse_fw-la in_o the_o womb_n of_o god_n threaten_v before_o it_o come_v forth_o and_o only_o discernible_a by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o indeed_o though_o the_o judgement_n be_v future_a and_o at_o present_a invisible_a as_o be_v not_o yet_o existent_a yet_o by_o faith_n it_o be_v make_v as_o evident_a and_o certain_a to_o the_o faithful_a as_o if_o this_o tragedy_n be_v now_o act_v before_o their_o eye_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 9_o speak_v heb._n 11._o 9_o noah_n by_o give_v credence_n to_o divine_a warning_n 120._o year_n before_o the_o stand_v come_v see_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n open_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a break_v up_o the_o rain_n fall_v the_o water_n rise_v all_z crying_z help_v help_v we_o perish_v we_o sink_v we_o die_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o purpose_n may_v be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o to_o grace_v his_o people_n that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o howsoever_o they_o account_v they_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o the_o off-scowring_a of_o all_o thing_n 13_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 13_o yet_o they_o be_v privy_a counsellor_n to_o the_o great_a king_n and_o he_o reveal_v arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la his_o secret_n to_o they_o 14_o they_o psal_n 25._o 14_o reason_n 2_o second_o that_o minister_n public_o and_o other_o occasional_o shall_v warn_v the_o world_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v as_o eliah_n do_v ahab_n say_v there_o be_v abundance_n of_o rain_n come_v and_o therefore_o up_o to_o thy_o chariot_n and_o fly_v for_o shelter_n 4_o shelter_n 2_o king_n 18._o 4_o reas_n 3_o three_o that_o god_n servant_n may_v prepare_v aforehand_o against_o the_o storm_n either_o to_o get_v shelter_n from_o it_o or_o else_o to_o provide_v cordial_n before_o to_o refresh_v and_o support_v they_o in_o it_o uses_n this_o truth_n first_o shall_v raise_v our_o esteem_n of_o god_n servant_n second_o comfort_n and_o encourage_v they_o three_o teach_v all_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o these_o warning_n but_o the_o time_n hasten_v i_o to_o a_o second_o observation_n namely_o the_o lord_n manner_n of_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o these_o two_o particular_n mention_v first_o his_o view_n i_o have_v see_v this_o people_n contemplatus_fw-la sum_fw-la or_o consideravi_fw-la as_o vatab_v render_v it_o or_o notum_fw-la est_fw-la coram_fw-la i_o as_o the_o chald._a paraph._n have_v it_o i._n e._n he_o so_o consider_v of_o they_o that_o he_o have_v a_o clear_a sight_n and_o full_a knowledge_n of_o they_o second_o his_o censure_n it_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a people_n howsoever_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o infinite_a omniscient_a essence_n above_o time_n no_o prius_fw-la and_o posterius_fw-la with_o he_o although_o he_o do_v not_o draw_v forth_o one_o thing_n by_o and_o after_o another_o as_o man_n do_v by_o discursive_a reason_n but_o see_v all_o thing_n unico_fw-la simplici_fw-la intuitu_fw-la by_o one_o simple_a intuitive_a act_n yet_o be_v the_o lord_n please_v to_o use_v this_o anthropopathy_n to_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o this_o golden_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o judge_v either_o of_o person_n or_o of_o thing_n opinion_n or_o practice_n whether_o those_o be_v true_a or_o these_o good_a which_o i_o shall_v propose_v to_o you_o as_o my_o second_o doctrine_n doctr._fw-la 2_o in_o judge_v we_o ought_v first_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o then_o according_o determine_v the_o like_a rule_n we_o have_v lay_v down_o by_o saint_n paul_n try_v all_o thing_n find_v
man_n for_o it_o indeed_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o a_o opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o to_o cause_v a_o more_o strict_a scrutiny_n and_o enquiry_n into_o it_o yet_o this_o must_v not_o sway_v our_o judgement_n but_o without_o all_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n for_o or_o against_o indifferent_o weigh_v the_o action_n judge_v not_o according_a to_o personal_a appearance_n second_o there_o be_v a_o real_a appearance_n which_o be_v the_o superficies_n the_o suprema_fw-la facies_fw-la or_o countenance_n of_o a_o thing_n now_o error_n be_v sometime_o cry_v up_o in_o truth_n apparel_n and_o vice_n in_o virtue_n colour_n as_o jacob_n be_v blessed_v in_o esau_n garment_n 27._o garment_n gen._n 27._o 27._o and_o sometime_o truth_n be_v cry_v down_o under_o a_o appearance_n of_o error_n and_o if_o not_o virtue_n yet_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o nature_n indifferent_a under_o a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a as_o good_a jehosaphat_n be_v make_v at_o and_o endanger_v in_o wicked_a ahabs_n apparel_n 18._o apparel_n 2_o chro._n 18._o now_o indeed_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a both_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o use_n though_o not_o intrinsical_o evil_a yet_o because_o it_o look_v like_o a_o sin_n and_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o evil_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v decline_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 22._o evil_a 1_o thes_n 5._o 22._o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o carry_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n shall_v not_o by_o authority_n be_v impose_v and_o so_o be_v make_v necessary_a in_o their_o use_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o outward_a face_n and_o appearance_n be_v not_o always_o suitable_a to_o the_o intrinsical_a nature_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sway_v in_o our_o judgement_n by_o that_o but_o set_v all_o appearance_n personal_a and_o real_a aside_o we_o be_v to_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n that_o so_o we_o may_v give_v each_o thing_n its_o true_a estimate_n and_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n now_o that_o we_o may_v right_o determine_v three_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o a_o right_a rule_n to_o juda_v by_o 2._o a_o right_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n judge_v 3._o a_o right_a application_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n the_o rule_n to_o try_v all_o opinion_n and_o practice_n by_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o divers_a subordinate_a rule_n as_o 1._o the_o law_n and_o legal_a commandment_n of_o authority_n personal_a commandment_n they_o impose_v on_o we_o as_o they_o be_v man_n legal_a as_o magistrate_n 29._o 1_o per._n 2._o 13._o act_n 5._o 29._o and_o by_o these_o all_o person_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o their_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v without_o disobey_v god_n in_o his_o word_n 2._o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o case_n a_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o and_o have_v vim_o legis_fw-la as_o aquin._n speak_v 16._o b._n andr._n 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n at_o corinth_n whether_o woman_n shall_v be_v uncover_v or_o man_n cover_v in_o the_o congregation_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o church_n custom_n as_o a_o rule_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o low_a a_o nature_n and_o not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n and_o by_o it_o to_o conclude_v and_o determine_v for_o or_o against_o a_o thing_n according_o a_o three_o rule_n be_v each_o man_n conscience_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 13._o the_o corinthian_n judge_n in_o yourselves_o what_o be_v right_a now_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rule_n that_o if_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o we_o sin_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o conscience_n and_o that_o err_v and_o lead_v we_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n we_o sin_v too_o a_o err_a conscience_n can_v excuse_v à _fw-la toto_fw-la though_o it_o do_v à _fw-la tanto_fw-la though_o it_o do_v extenuate_v yet_o not_o annihilate_v a_o sin_n and_o here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o twofold_a mistake_n among_o man_n sometime_o a_o groundless_a fancy_n be_v take_v for_o conscience_n and_o sometime_o the_o bent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n man_n suppose_v conscience_n to_o be_v for_o or_o against_o a_o thing_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a fancy_n without_o ground_n either_o of_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o at_o least_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n by_o some_o engagement_n be_v bend_v and_o settle_v that_o way_n now_o all_o these_o be_v but_o secondary_a rule_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o word_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o primarie_a rule_n whereby_o as_o all_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o and_o goodness_n of_o these_o consist_v in_o conformity_n thereunto_o so_o also_o all_o those_o secondary_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o try_v by_o it_o as_o all_o weight_n and_o measure_n by_o the_o king_n standard_n they_o be_v no_o further_o rule_n to_o we_o than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n refer_v all_o to_o this_o rule_n to_o the_o law_n to_o the_o testimony_n 20._o isa_n 8._o 20._o no_o light_n unless_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v all_o rule_n all_o opinion_n and_o practice_n by_o 2._o for_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n judge_v they_o must_v be_v transform_v and_o renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o understanding_n enlighten_v 2._o rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o their_o heart_n sanctify_v or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o try_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 15._o must_v have_v gracious_a and_o spiritual_a heart_n as_o well_o as_o clear_a understanding_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v and_o indeed_o every_o godly_a enlighten_v christian_n though_o not_o of_o such_o intellectual_a strength_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o theological_a truth_n yet_o be_v of_o such_o understanding_n that_o through_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o those_o fundamental_a divine_a truth_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n by_o a_o actual_a explicit_a faith_n to_o be_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n if_o the_o eye_n be_v dim_a dusty_a or_o distemper_v it_o make_v not_o a_o true_a report_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n so_o if_o the_o person_n judge_v be_v not_o right_o dispose_v either_o through_o darkness_n in_o the_o understanding_n or_o corruption_n in_o the_o heart_n he_o can_v judge_v righteous_a judgement_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o hinder_v right_a judge_n prejudice_n and_o passion_n 1._o prejudice_n the_o eye_n must_v be_v free_a from_o colour_n the_o palate_n must_v be_v insipid_a intus_fw-la existens_fw-la prohibet_fw-la alienum_fw-la if_o the_o eye_n be_v inflame_v it_o make_v the_o white_a thing_n seem_v red_a and_o if_o the_o palate_n be_v bitter_a it_o make_v the_o sweet_a thing_n taste_v so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v prepossess_v with_o a_o opinion_n he_o come_v like_o a_o juryman_n resolve_v upon_o his_o verdict_n before_o he_o hear_v the_o cause_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v passion_n trouble_a water_n never_o represent_v the_o true_a image_n of_o a_o thing_n facile_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la vel_fw-la quod_fw-la timemus_fw-la the_o heart_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o we_o fear_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o gift_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a a_o gift_n draw_v the_o 8._o exod._n 23._o 8._o heart_n to_o the_o giver_n and_o affection_n work_v so_o upon_o the_o understanding_n that_o it_o put_v out_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o judgement_n and_o make_v even_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o think_v he_o see_v that_o which_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o now_o therefore_o as_o when_o a_o man_n will_v exact_o view_v a_o thing_n he_o wipe_v his_o eye_n that_o no_o dust_n or_o water_n may_v hinder_v sight_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o put_v away_o all_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v right_o three_o there_o be_v require_v a_o right_a application_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n 1._o we_o must_v with_o care_n and_o study_n examine_v the_o opinion_n or_o practice_n in_o question_n examine_v it_o as_o joseph_n do_v his_o brethren_n very_o strict_o concern_v its_o father_n that_o beget_v it_o its_o brethren_n and_o associate_n 11._o gen._n
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
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
agent_n and_o the_o object_n a_o real_a or_o at_o least_o a_o virtual_a close_n nor_o second_o the_o prayer_n of_o some_o can_v profit_v other_o by_o way_n of_o retribution_n whether_o absent_a or_o present_a for_o every_o one_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o work_n but_o three_o the_o prayer_n of_o some_o may_v prevail_v for_o other_o though_o absent_a by_o way_n of_o impetration_n either_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o importunity_n set_v forth_o in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o widow_n 7._o a_o luke_n 18._o 5._o 7._o overcome_a the_o unjust_a judge_n luke_n 18._o 5._o 7._o or_o else_o second_o upon_o god_n purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o good_a unto_o other_o upon_o condition_n of_o his_o servant_n prayer_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n shall_v give_v vent_n to_o his_o mercy_n that_o they_o may_v flow_v from_o god_n as_o water_n from_o a_o full_a spring_n upon_o the_o thirsty_a ground_n as_o also_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n purpose_v to_o grace_v his_o servant_n in_o gratify_v great_a king_n and_o kingdom_n upon_o their_o prayer_n as_o he_o do_v abimelecb_n upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o abraham_n 17._o abraham_n gen._n 20._o 7._o 17._o and_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o moses_n 29._o moses_n exod._n 8._o 28._o 29._o now_o the_o prayer_n that_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o save_n of_o a_o nation_n from_o ruin_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o nation_n itself_o second_o of_o god_n own_o people_n for_o the_o nation_n first_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o nation_n itself_o which_o also_o be_v twofold_a first_o of_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o as_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o those_o organ_n which_o by_o nature_n deputation_n be_v appoint_v for_o performance_n of_o those_o act_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o namely_o of_o the_o eye_n in_o see_v the_o tongue_n in_o speak_v the_o ear_n in_o hear_v etc._n etc._n the_o act_n i_o say_v of_o those_o part_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n hominis_fw-la man_n totus_fw-la homo_fw-la videt_fw-la etc._n etc._n non_fw-la totum_fw-la hominis_fw-la so_o the_o act_n of_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n not_o only_o act_n civil_a but_o sacred_a even_o their_o heart_n break_v and_o repent_v prayer_n offer_v up_o for_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o with_o their_o if_z not_o actual_a yet_o virtual_a consent_n sure_o these_o act_n interpretative_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o in_o and_o by_o they_o the_o nation_n pray_v second_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o essential_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n when_o a_o kingdom_n in_o all_o its_o part_n if_o not_o all_o or_o the_o most_o man_n in_o it_o universal_o yet_o general_o all_o sort_n of_o all_o degree_n in_o all_o place_n like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o nineveh_n upon_o the_o preach_n of_o jonah_n and_o command_v of_o authority_n 10._o authority_n john_n 3._o 5._o 6_o 7._o 10._o shall_v be_v up_o in_o prayer_n fast_v weep_a reform_v and_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v then_o great_a hope_n of_o a_o happy_a issue_n because_o the_o nation_n pray_v now_o these_o national_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o save_v a_o nation_n isa_n 22._o 12._o so_o have_v they_o 3_o isay_n 22._o 12._o 2_o chro._n 20._o jonah_n 3_o be_v always_o perform_v with_o great_a success_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o ninivites_fw-la jehoshaphat_n and_o other_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o prayer_n available_a for_o the_o procurement_n of_o a_o nation_n safety_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o god_n own_o faithful_a people_n for_o the_o nation_n for_o though_o they_o be_v very_o few_o yet_o their_o prayer_n be_v exceed_o prevalent_a for_o that_o purpose_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v note_v as_o a_o wonder_n that_o seldom_o happen_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o daniel_n noah_n and_o job_n such_o holy_a man_n shall_v avail_v but_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o own_o life_n 20._o life_n ezek._n 14._o 20._o now_o their_o prayer_n be_v two_o way_n considerable_a either_o as_o the_o petitioner_n be_v first_o disperse_v in_o sundry_a place_n second_o congregat_v in_o assembly_n first_o as_o they_o be_v scatter_v here_o and_o there_o throughout_o the_o kingdom_n and_o so_o though_o divide_v in_o place_n yet_o as_o line_n from_o every_o part_n of_o the_o circumference_n round_o about_o do_v all_o meet_v in_o the_o centre_n and_o as_o star_n every_o where_o round_o in_o the_o heaven_n do_v meet_v in_o their_o influence_n and_o work_v strong_o on_o the_o earth_n so_o the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o god_n people_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o request_n with_o one_o heart_n do_v all_o meet_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o work_v strong_o there_o second_o the_o prayer_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v considerable_a as_o they_o be_v conjoin_v in_o congregation_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o a_o nation_n for_o as_o a_o bundle_n of_o stick_n be_v cast_v on_o the_o fire_n one_o stick_n set_v another_o a_o burn_a until_o all_o be_v on_o a_o flame_n and_o as_o saul_n among_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v also_o 23._o also_o 1_o sam._n 19_o 23._o so_o in_o a_o congregation_n the_o zeal_n of_o some_o provoke_v many_o and_o set_v their_o heart_n a_o burn_a &_o sure_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v most_o prevalent_a for_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o 1â—_n much_o jam._n 5._o 1â—_n and_o a_o threefold_a cord_n not_o easy_o break_v unite_a strength_n the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o many_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a if_o when_o two_o or_o three_o godly_a man_n shall_v agree_v upon_o a_o request_n and_o send_v up_o their_o joint_a petition_n to_o heaven_n it_o shall_v be_v grant_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v 19_o promise_v matth._n 18._o 19_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o joint_a petition_n of_o hundred_o of_o holy_a man_n in_o a_o congregation_n object_n but_o you_o will_v object_v indeed_o if_o our_o congregation_n do_v consist_v only_o of_o saint_n their_o prayer_n will_v be_v very_o prevalent_a but_o alas_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n be_v exceed_o prevalent_a and_o yet_o we_o find_v joel_n 2._o and_o jona_n 3._o that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o public_a danger_n they_o shall_v gather_v a_o congregation_n 16._o joel_n 2._o 15_o 16._o and_o call_v a_o assembly_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o age_n yea_o suck_a child_n not_o 7._o jon._n 3._o 5._o 7._o exclude_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o at_o ninive_n we_o find_v that_o even_o the_o brute_n creature_n do_v bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o fast_a for_o howsoever_o as_o have_v be_v show_v only_a god_n servant_n can_v ground_v their_o hope_n upon_o a_o promise_n yet_o all_o that_o stand_v not_o in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o god_n can_v ground_v their_o hope_n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n as_o the_o ninivites_n do_v yea_o brute_n creature_n and_o poor_a babe_n that_o can_v put_v up_o a_o formal_a prayer_n yet_o their_o moan_n and_o cry_v as_o be_v all_o lose_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n may_v move_v the_o lord_n to_o mercy_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o we_o according_o find_v that_o the_o moan_n of_o the_o one_o hundred_o and_o 11._o jon._n 4._o 11._o twenty_o thousand_o infant_n of_o ninive_n yea_o of_o the_o cattle_n do_v much_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o pity_v from_o this_o doctrine_n we_o may_v infer_v two_o corollary_n first_o when_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o save_v a_o nation_n he_o draw_v up_o 1._o corol._n 1._o the_o heart_n at_o least_o of_o his_o own_o people_n to_o seek_v it_o as_o when_o he_o intend_v a_o shower_n to_o the_o earth_n he_o draw_v up_o the_o vapour_n and_o fill_v his_o bottle_n so_o when_o he_o intend_v to_o refresh_v a_o people_n with_o a_o shower_n of_o mercy_n he_o not_o only_o give_v to_o a_o competent_a number_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o draw_v out_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o 14._o jer._n 29._o 10._o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o duty_n as_o we_o may_v see_v jer._n 29._o by_o compare_v the_o 10._o 12_o 13_o 14._o verse_n together_o that_o when_o the_o time_n approach_v which_o the_o lord_n intend_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n out_o of_o captivity_n than_o he_o cause_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n to_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o effect_v it_o then_o say_v the_o text_n shall_v they_o pray_v and_o cry_v