jacob_n wrestle_a with_o god_n and_o prevail_a or_o a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o divers_a weighty_a question_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o pray_v in_o faith_n be_v state_v and_o resolve_v for_o the_o comfort_v and_o satisfy_v of_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n the_o conviction_n of_o formal_a hypocrite_n and_o awaken_n of_o all_o saint_n both_o weak_a and_o strong_a great_a and_o small_a to_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n by_o one_o who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o and_o sufferer_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n john_n 16.24_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1663._o to_o the_o reader_n whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o take_v this_o book_n into_o thy_o hand_n know_v that_o as_o to_o thy_o spiritual_a state_n thou_o be_v either_o a_o sinner_n or_o a_o saint_n a_o believer_n 5.12_o joh._n 3.36_o 1_o joh._n 5.12_o or_o a_o unbeliever_n in_o christ_n or_o out_o of_o christ_n for_o betwixt_o these_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la or_o middle_a state_n now_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n a_o unbelieved_a christless_a soul_n then_o here_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o thy_o spiritual_a misery_n which_o be_v great_a beyond_o expression_n and_o the_o bar_n that_o keep_v out_o all_o spiritual_a good_a and_o mercy_n from_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o estrange_v from_o communion_n the_o sweet_a and_o soul-enriching_a soul-sanctifying_a soulsaving_a and_o soul-satisfying_a communion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 17.3_o joh._n 17.3_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n the_o life_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n of_o god_n ephes_n 4.16_o alienate_v form_n the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v thy_o hell_n upon_o earth_n 2.12_o eph._n 2.12_o though_o thou_o know_v it_o not_o that_o thou_o be_v without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i._n e._n without_o true_a spiritual_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n through_o want_n of_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o thy_o soul_n and_o through_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n or_o a_o mis-performance_n as_o of_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n so_o especial_o of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o right_a performance_n whereof_o such_o sweet_a and_o bless_a communion_n with_o god_n may_v be_v enjoy_v as_o galeatius_fw-la caracciolus_n that_o famous_a italian_a convert_n have_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o have_v forsake_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o do_v not_o prize_v one_o moment_n communion_n with_o god_n before_o a_o thousand_o world_n now_o reader_n know_v that_o if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o art_n yet_o a_o stranger_n to_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o be_v one_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n to_o lead_v thou_o unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n and_o to_o instruct_v thou_o into_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o mystery_n of_o pray_v in_o faith_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v thou_o right_o to_o understand_v and_o wise_o to_o improve_v will_v open_v such_o a_o door_n for_o escape_v out_o of_o thy_o spiritual_a misery_n and_o for_o the_o let_n in_o of_o all_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n into_o thy_o soul_n as_o may_v make_v thou_o happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o saint_n a_o believer_n a_o soul_n in_o christ_n 3.5_o psa_fw-la 37.25_o cant._n 1.2_o psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3.5_o then_o to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n thy_o glory_n thy_o joy_n thy_o crown_n thy_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n nothing_o so_o sweet_a nothing_o so_o precious_a nothing_o so_o desirable_a to_o thy_o soul_n as_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o right_a use_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o heavenly_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o sweet_a walk_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1.13_o rev._n 1.13_o wherein_o he_o delight_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o those_o spiritual_a gallery_n 7.5_o cant._n 7.5_o in_o which_o the_o king_n be_v hold_v and_o retain_v by_o his_o belove_a spouse_n 4.9_o cant._n 4.9_o in_o most_o sweet_a embrace_n 6_o cant._n 2.4_o 5_o 6_o and_o soul-endearing_a converse_v to_o the_o ravish_a of_o the_o heart_n of_o each_o other_o among_o which_o spiritual_a walk_n and_o gallery_n there_o be_v none_o in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n do_v more_o delight_n and_o abundant_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n than_o in_o this_o great_a ordinance_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v his_o delight_n 15.8_o prov._n 15.8_o now_o it_o be_v also_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o further_a thy_o soul_n communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o ordinance_n of_o prayer_n by_o show_v thou_o 1._o the_o necessity_n 2._o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n resolve_v divers_a scruple_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o it_o awaken_n and_o stir_v up_o thy_o soul_n to_o it_o teach_v thou_o to_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o it_o and_o reveal_v unto_o thou_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v and_o obtain_v by_o it_o therefore_o whether_o thou_o be_v sinner_n or_o saint_n in_o christ_n or_o out_o of_o christ_n strong_a or_o weak_a in_o grace_n read_v this_o small_a treatise_n and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o to_o understand_v what_o thou_o read_v sincere_o to_o embrace_v and_o faithful_o to_o practise_v what_o thou_o understand_v and_o to_o reap_v the_o spiritual_a fruit_n thereof_o in_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o if_o thou_o reape_v any_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n to_o thy_o soul_n by_o this_o discourse_n give_v he_o the_o glory_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o truth_n not_o the_o instrument_n and_o if_o thou_o reape_v no_o fruit_n or_o be_v make_v worse_o by_o it_o blame_v neither_o the_o author_n nor_o the_o instrument_n but_o thy_o own_o heart_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o to_o the_o reader_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o author_n this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n by_o the_o worthy_a author_n thereof_o who_o humility_n be_v jealous_a of_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o piece_n by_o a_o cursory_a view_n of_o it_o i_o quick_o perceive_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o and_o press_v to_o the_o publish_n of_o it_o for_o the_o relief_n quicken_a and_o consolation_n of_o such_o as_o understand_v pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v therefore_o think_v meet_a to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n of_o prayer_n be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v a_o judicious_a and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o god_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n and_o that_o in_o bond_n for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n in_o which_o condition_n no_o doubt_n his_o soul_n be_v conversant_a in_o this_o heavenly_a exercise_n and_o be_v take_v as_o other_o of_o his_o fellow_n servant_n into_o a_o more_o intimate_a communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o breathe_n and_o cry_n with_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n be_v go_v up_o into_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n psa_n 97.11_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v great_a wrath_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o this_o hour_n and_o have_v blaspheme_v it_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o any_o generation_n be_v great_o torment_v thereat_o cry_v out_o oh_o away_o with_o this_o pray_n in_o the_o spirit_n wonderful_a it_o be_v that_o man_n pretend_v christianity_n and_o to_o have_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v decry_v pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v perfect_o oppose_v to_o stint_a form_n but_o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o call_v of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n even_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a that_o know_v it_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n as_o a_o good_a witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v out_o a_o holy_a and_o experimental_a testimony_n to_o this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o have_v discover_v the_o abomination_n of_o hypocritical_a pray_n in_o the_o vain_a repetition_n and_o say_v long_a prayer_n for_o a_o pretence_n mat._n 6.7_o and_o 23.14_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n promise_v to_o all_o minister_n send_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o saint_n especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n day_n if_o
address_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o person_n pray_v be_v a_o believer_n but_o also_o that_o the_o prayer_n make_v be_v a_o prayer_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o believe_a prayer_n hence_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n believe_v and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v not_o have_v believe_v but_o believe_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o a_o present_a exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v otherwise_o the_o prayer_n may_v be_v a_o unbelieved_a and_o so_o by_o consequence_n a_o fruitless_a prayer_n though_o the_o person_n be_v a_o believer_n for_o a_o godly_a man_n may_v make_v a_o carnal_a prayer_n a_o believe_a man_n may_v make_v a_o unbelieved_a prayer_n as_o the_o good_a man_n joshua_n seem_v to_o do_v josh_n 7_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v no_o more_o faith_n than_o we_o act_n and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n reprove_v his_o disciple_n as_o faithless_a when_o as_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o want_v not_o the_o habit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o cast_v out_o the_o dumb_a spirit_n mark_n 9.19_o those_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v faithless_a prayer_n in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o present_a exercise_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o person_n or_o person_n pray_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n 3._o quest_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o exercise_n and_o actuality_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n then_o whether_o may_v such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v accept_v as_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n or_o be_v such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n only_a current_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o steadfast_a without_o the_o least_o doubt_n or_o waver_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o scruple_n or_o question_n be_v that_o say_v of_o the_o holy_a man_n james_n in_o his_o chap._n 1._o v._n 6_o 7._o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v for_o let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o if_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o doubt_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o be_v altogether_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a as_o this_o scripture_n seem_v to_o import_v then_o be_v the_o hope_n comfort_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o most_o of_o god_n child_n thereby_o cut_v off_o and_o deny_v and_o if_o otherwise_o then_o how_o be_v this_o say_n of_o james_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o reconcile_v with_o other_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr doubt_v two_o kind_n of_o doubt_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a doubt_v or_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n the_o one_o which_o do_v always_o exclude_v and_o oppose_v faith_n so_o that_o where_o such_o doubt_a isâ—_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o act_v oâ—_n stir_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o other_o which_o do_v only_o argue_v weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o exercise_n and_o actuality_n thereof_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o some_o degree_n the_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n james_n abovementioned_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o former_a explain_v former_a kind_a explain_v viz._n such_o doubt_v or_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n as_o do_v oppose_v faith_n and_o be_v exclusive_a to_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o waver_a be_v set_v in_o the_o text_n the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o for_o say_v james_n let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o oppose_v thereunto_o this_o word_n waver_v nothing_o waver_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n not_o dispute_v or_o cavil_v so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o doubt_v or_o waver_v as_o argue_v a_o nullity_n and_o privation_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v no_o believe_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o dispute_v and_o cavil_v against_o it_o and_o a_o oppose_a of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o that_o lord_n on_o who_o hand_n the_o king_n lean_v when_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n foretold_v so_o great_a plenty_n to_o be_v on_o the_o morrow_n in_o the_o gate_n of_o samaria_n who_o dispute_v and_o reason_v against_o the_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o unbelieved_a heart_n answer_v the_o man_n of_o god_n behold_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v window_n in_o heaven_n may_v this_o thing_n be_v 2_o king_n 7.1_o 2._o this_o be_v such_o a_o waver_a as_o james_n speak_v of_o which_o argue_v a_o nullity_n of_o faith_n and_o strength_n of_o unbeleef_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o noble_a man_n who_o thus_o dispute_v and_o cavil_v against_o the_o promise_n give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n nor_o in_o the_o least_o acknowledge_v or_o rely_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n for_o his_o disobedience_n and_o unbeleef_n be_v tread_v to_o death_n the_o next_o day_n in_o the_o gate_n which_o verify_v the_o word_n speak_v to_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n thou_o shall_v see_v it_o with_o thy_o eye_n but_o shall_v not_o eat_v thereof_o vers_fw-la 2._o compare_v with_o v._n 19_o 20._o and_o of_o such_o a_o doubt_v as_o this_o be_v that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o be_v understand_v rom_n 14.23_o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o place_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o doubt_v as_o argue_v a_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o true_a christian_a liberty_n in_o that_o particular_a action_n of_o eat_v in_o which_o he_o that_o eat_v without_o faith_n be_v condemn_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n though_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v lawful_a yet_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a for_o want_v of_o faith_n in_o what_o he_o do_v otherwise_o a_o man_n be_v not_o condemn_v in_o that_o action_n which_o he_o do_v with_o some_o doubt_n wherein_o there_o be_v also_o a_o real_a and_o true_a exercise_n of_o faith_n though_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o low_a degree_n as_o simon_n in_o let_v down_o the_o net_n at_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n luke_n 5.5_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o doubt_v or_o waver_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n explain_v scripture_n kind_a explain_v be_v such_o a_o doubt_v as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o present_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o argue_v only_a weakness_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o the_o want_n of_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o doubt_v be_v find_v in_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n even_o in_o their_o best_a duty_n oft_o time_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o do_v also_o much_o trouble_v and_o afflict_v they_o now_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_v 14.31_o gen._n 18.13_o mat._n 8.26_o mat._n 14.31_o though_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o to_o be_v reprove_v yet_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n not_o oâ—_n wilful_a rebellion_n or_o presumption_n the_o lord_n do_v in_o mercy_n cover_v and_o pass_v it_o by_o in_o his_o people_n and_o do_v not_o therefore_o reject_v their_o person_n or_o any_o their_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a service_n but_o do_v gracious_o accept_v they_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o such_o infirmity_n as_o by_o the_o follow_a instance_n do_v appear_v instance_n 1_o and_o thus_o sarah_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o weak_a faith_n when_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o son_n to_o be_v give_v she_o in_o her_o old_a age_n though_o therein_o she_o be_v not_o without_o some_o doubt_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v gen._n 18.12_o 13_o 14._o with_o heb._n 11.11_o in_o the_o former_a viz._n gen._n 18.13_o she_o be_v reprove_v for_o she_o doubt_v wherefore_o do_v sarah_n laugh_v be_v any_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a viz._n heb._n 11.11_o she_o be_v commend_v and_o approve_v for_o her_o faith_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o action_n through_o faith_n also_o sarah_n herself_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o
our_o prayer_n be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o the_o acceptance_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o saint_n prayer_n with_o god_n turn_v only_o upon_o this_o hinge_n and_o depend_v sole_o upon_o this_o substratum_fw-la 4_o joh._n 14.13_o 14_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o rev._n 8.3_o 4_o that_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o this_o they_o lose_v all_o their_o work_n which_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n prayer_n without_o faith_n be_v prayer_n without_o fruit_n because_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v faithless_a be_v christless_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v fruitless_a for_o in_o he_o be_v all_o our_o fruit_n find_v hos_fw-la 14.8_o we_o can_v bear_v any_o fruit_n by_o any_o spiritual_a service_n or_o sacrifice_n we_o tender_v up_o unto_o god_n but_o in_o and_o through_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n now_o we_o can_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v faith_n only_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o bring_v our_o service_n unto_o god_n by_o he_o ephes_n 3.12_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n we_o may_v pray_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o ouâ—_n mouth_n and_o yet_o not_o pray_v in_o hiâ—_n name_n unless_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n that_o wherever_o weeâ—_n be_v in_o scripture_n command_v to_o do_v or_o promise_v to_o receive_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o by_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o not_o by_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o his_o name_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o to_o repose_v any_o confidence_n or_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mouth_n any_o otherwise_o than_o we_o have_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v to_o act_v more_o like_a unto_o conjuror_n than_o christian_n more_o like_a sorcerer_n than_o saint_n act._n 19.13_o 14_o 15._o then_o certain_a of_o the_o vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v over_o they_o which_o have_v evil_a spirit_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v we_o adjure_v you_o by_o jesus_n who_o paul_n preach_v and_o there_o be_v seven_o son_n of_o one_o sceva_n a_o jew_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o priest_n which_o do_v so_o and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n answer_v and_o say_v jesus_n i_o know_v and_o paul_n i_o know_v but_o who_o be_v you_o and_o the_o man_n in_o who_o the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v leap_v on_o they_o and_o overcome_v they_o etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v by_o this_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o mystical_a doctrine_n of_o necromancy_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o sorcerer_n to_o trust_v much_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o name_n but_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a christian_n they_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o prevail_v with_o god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n here_o the_o seven_o son_n of_o sceva_n come_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n think_v as_o many_o carnal_a christian_n do_v to_o do_v great_a matter_n by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o name_n but_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o prevail_v nothing_o but_o come_v off_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n through_o their_o miserable_a and_o unexpected_a expect_a disappointment_n and_o so_o will_v all_o those_o do_v that_o trust_n to_o their_o carnal_a form_n and_o liturgy_n and_o as_o they_o suppose_v most_o excellent_a and_o absolute_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o conclude_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o often_o and_o in_o vain_a do_v take_v into_o their_o mouth_n whilst_o they_o have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o pray_v with_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n be_v fruitless_a and_o vain_a where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n be_v of_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n reas_n 2_o because_o we_o can_v otherwise_o pray_v aright_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n only_o by_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v guide_v and_o govern_v in_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a exercise_n of_o religion_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n be_v unseen_a thing_n thing_n that_o be_v notseen_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n only_o be_v that_o by_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v see_v and_o make_v manifest_a heb._n 11.1_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v no_o inferior_a light_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v in_o and_o about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o it_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n be_v a_o inferior_a light_n in_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o brute_n be_v not_o able_a to_o guide_v he_o in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o a_o man_n as_o to_o argue_v and_o discourse_v by_o fit_a medium_n conduce_v to_o such_o a_o end_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n to_o search_v out_o the_o natural_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v guide_v in_o and_o about_o such_o thing_n he_o must_v have_v and_o exercise_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o superior_a light_n to_o that_o of_o sense_n and_o fit_v and_o suit_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o plant_v in_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n so_o also_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o inferior_a light_n to_o that_o of_o faith_n can_v guide_v a_o man_n in_o those_o action_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_a sublime_a and_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n depend_v only_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n a_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v understand_v nor_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o now_o prayer_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v a_o superior_a light_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n i.e._n the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o which_o only_a they_o can_v converse_v with_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o service_n to_o he_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o smell_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v without_o sense_n or_o to_o meditate_v discourse_n argue_v and_o understand_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o thing_n without_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o perform_v any_o other_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n without_o faith_n heb._n 11.6_o he_o therefore_o that_o pray_v without_o faith_n pray_v amiss_o and_o therefore_o receive_v not_o any_o fruit_n of_o his_o prayer_n james_n 4.3_o object_n but_o may_v not_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n make_v such_o a_o prayer_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o ask_v such_o petition_n as_o be_v right_a and_o good_a and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v find_v fault_n with_o answ_n we_o grant_v he_o may_v but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o do_v ever_o ask_v amiss_o for_o though_o he_o ask_v right_a and_o good_a thing_n in_o prayer_n yet_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o ask_v and_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o ask_v be_v rot_v and_o naught_o and_o therefore_o he_o ever_o ask_v amiss_o james_n 4.3_o you_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o to_o spend_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n reason_n and_o common_a light_n may_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o ask_v good_a and_o right_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n but_o these_o can_v help_v he_o
to_o right_a ground_n to_o right_a end_n and_o aim_n and_o to_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o prayer_n only_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n can_v do_v this_o rom._n 8_o 26.27_o to_o praâ—_n without_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o truâ—_n faith_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o vain_a because_o so_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o pray_v amiss_o there_o before_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n iâ—_n prayer_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n reas_n 3_o 3._o because_o otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o pray_v with_o acceptation_n anâ—_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o the_o excellency_n of_o truâ—_n grace_n in_o every_o duty_n and_o holâ—_n action_n to_o look_v unto_o god_n as_o iâ—_n ultimate_a and_o high_a end_n to_o have_v its_o acceptation_n and_o approbation_n from_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 5.9_o wherefore_o we_o labour_v that_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o now_o that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o that_o which_o crown_v it_o with_o life_n sweetness_n efficacy_n blessing_n and_o honour_n wheâ—_n it_o come_v off_o with_o divine_a acceptation_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n the_o father_n will_v put_v the_o great_a honour_n upon_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o crown_v his_o work_n with_o he_o great_a glory_n he_o do_v it_o by_o witness_v his_o approbation_n and_o acceptation_n thereof_o from_o heaâ—en_n mat._n 3.17_o and_o again_o mat._n â—8_o 5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o â—hom_n i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o where_o this_o be_v want_v we_o may_v write_v upon_o our_o high_a enjoyment_n and_o performance_n ichabod_n the_o glory_n be_v depart_v the_o like_a sweetness_n glory_n and_o blessedness_n of_o a_o duty_n be_v lose_v where_o this_o be_v want_v gen._n 4.5_o mal._n 1.10_o now_o therefore_o it_o main_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v unto_o this_o in_o all_o â—ur_n holy_a service_n and_o sacrifice_n â—hat_n they_o may_v come_v upon_o god_n altar_n with_o acceptation_n but_o this_o cannot_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o cannot_v pray_v with_o acceptation_n if_o we_o â—o_o not_o pray_v in_o faith_n heb._n 11.6_o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o â—lease_v he_o and_o again_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o tâ—_n faithless_a prayer_n like_o blind_a aâ—_n lame_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o laâ—_n mal._n 1.8_o be_v both_o unacceptaâ—_n and_o sinful_a upon_o all_o which_o conâ—derations_n it_o do_v more_o than_o sâ—_n ficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n use_v 1_o the_o open_n and_o discover_v of_o this_o great_a gospel_n truth_n mâ—_n be_v of_o use_n both_o to_o sinner_n â—_o saint_n to_o believer_n and_o unâ—_n leever_n to_o formal_a hypocrite_n and_o to_o sincere_a christian_n whâ—_n there_o weak_a or_o strong_a and_o first_o by_o way_n of_o information_n it_o may_v serve_v to_o inform_v we_o three_o thing_n very_o needful_a aâ—_n profitable_a for_o all_o man_n to_o know_v 1._o how_o worthless_a vile_a aâ—_n useless_a yea_o how_o sinful_a and_o abâ—_n minable_a the_o prayer_n of_o all_o unbe_n leever_n wicked_a person_n and_o foâ—_n mal_fw-fr hypocrite_n be_v if_o the_o efficacy_n excellency_n anâ—_n worth_a of_o prayer_n depend_v upâ—n_v and_o be_v according_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o faith_n be_v â—he_n life_n glory_n and_o strength_n of_o â—rayer_n as_o have_v be_v already_o â—â—ewed_v then_o how_o fruitless_a vile_a â—nd_n worthless_a must_v the_o prayer_n â—f_v all_o unbeliever_n wicked_a â—_z and_o formal_a hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n need_v be_v it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o wicked_a person_n and_o formal_a hypocrite_n who_o religion_n lie_v in_o a_o few_o external_a service_n and_o ceremony_n to_o glory_n much_o in_o their_o bookâ—rayers_n their_o say-prayer_n their_o â—orm-prayers_n which_o they_o cry_v â—p_v with_o as_o much_o superstitious_a â—nd_v blind_a zeal_n as_o the_o atheniansâ—id_v â—id_z their_o goddess_n diana_n the_o â—mage_n which_o fall_v down_o from_o jupiter_n act._n 9.35_o but_o if_o we_o confider_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o â—dmirers_n and_o author_n of_o such_o â—ormal_a service_n the_o visible_a character_n of_o unbeleef_n enemy_n against_o christ_n profaneness_n 〈◊〉_d godliness_n and_o hypocrisy_n whâ—_n be_v so_o legible_a in_o their_o heart_n aâ—_n live_v that_o he_o that_o run_v mâ—_n read_v they_o for_o out_o of_o the_o abâ—_n dance_v of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speâ—_n eth_z we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o coâ—_n vince_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o bâ—_n of_o such_o their_o service_n be_v 〈◊〉_d worthless_a vain_a and_o unprofitaâ—_n thing_n which_o god_n take_v no_o pleâ—_n sure_a in_o and_o which_o thomseluâ—_n can_v have_v no_o profit_n or_o fruit_n by_o 〈◊〉_d mal._n 1.10_o where_o the_o lord_n host_n speak_v to_o a_o generatiâ—_n of_o corrupt_a and_o ungodly_a prieâ—_n and_o people_n who_o by_o their_o unhaâ—_n lowed_a and_o unsanctified_a courseâ—_n have_v pollute_v his_o name_n and_o coâ—_n rupt_v his_o true_a worship_n as_o aâ—_n pear_v vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o tell_v they_o plain_o vers_fw-la 10._o i_o have_v 〈◊〉_d pleasure_n in_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d host_n neither_o will_v i_o accept_v a_o offering_n at_o your_o hand_n and_o again_o isa_n 1.13_o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incerse_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new-moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o holy_a prophet_n in_o cut_v asunder_o the_o very_a sinew_n and_o cast_v down_o the_o very_a bulwork_n and_o strong_a hold_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n confidence_n rip_v open_a their_o hypocrisy_n and_o falsehood_n to_o the_o quick_a and_o cast_v most_o contempt_n and_o holy_a disdain_n upon_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v most_o oâ—_n all_o glory_n and_o boast_v themselves_o of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o theâ—_n deal_v most_o proud_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v most_o contemptuous_o 1._o their_o festival_n and_o selâ—_n sanctify_v holy_a day_n in_o the_o observation_n whereof_o they_o place_v 〈◊〉_d much_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o dâ—_n so_o confident_o bless_v themselves_o how_o do_v the_o lord_n contemn_v with_o utmost_a disdain_n and_o cast_a oâ—_n even_o with_o loathe_v and_o hatredâ—_n vers_fw-la 14._o your_o new_a moon_n and_o yoâ—_n appoint_v feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o i_o i_o aâ—_n weary_a to_o bear_v they_o 2._o their_o service_n which_o aâ—_n swer_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o olâ—_n yea_o their_o offering_n and_o oblationâ—_n which_o they_o bring_v and_o perform_v with_o so_o much_o carnal_a devotion_n and_o contest_v for_o with_o so_o much_o blind_a zeal_n how_o do_v the_o lord_n reject_v and_o protest_v against_o as_o most_o hateful_a and_o displease_v to_o his_o holiness_n and_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o to_o bear_v vers_fw-la 13._o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n oh_o what_o shame_n and_o confusion_n will_v one_o day_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o those_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a hypocrite_n who_o persecute_v oppress_v punish_v and_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a because_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n own_o or_o join_v with_o their_o idolatrous_a assembly_n which_o because_o of_o their_o number_n they_o call_v solemn_a and_o public_a when_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v reject_v and_o disow_v they_o and_o call_v they_o iniquity_n and_o wickedness_n not_o only_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a or_o ungodly_a but_o wickedness_n and_o iniquity_n in_o the_o abstract_n because_o it_o be_v iniquity_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n under_o a_o pretence_n oâ—_n worship_v god_n spiritual_a wickedness_n be_v the_o great_a wickedness_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o spirit_n oâ—_n wickedness_n simulata_fw-la sanctita_fw-la say_v austin_n duplex_fw-la iniquitas_fw-la &_o quia_fw-la iniquitas_fw-la &_o quia_fw-la simulatiâ—_n i._n e._n feign_a sanctity_n be_v doublâ—_n iniquity_n both_o because_o iniquity_n and_o because_o feign_a the_o religion_n of_o idolater_n anâ—_n false_a worshipper_n be_v their_o worâ—_n piece_n their_o profaneness_n swear_v curse_a drunkenness_n excess_n of_o riot_n chamber_v
the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o want_v the_o energy_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o bring_v forth_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n only_o by_o speak_v to_o it_o and_o their_o want_n of_o faith_n do_v appear_v in_o that_o they_o smite_v the_o rock_n twice_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o speak_v unto_o it_o numb_a 20_o 11_o 12._o verse_n compare_v with_o vers_n 8._o the_o disciple_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o miracle_n but_o yet_o want_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o child_n possess_v with_o a_o dumb_a spirit_n mark_v 9.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emmaus_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o want_v the_o activity_n and_o comfort_n thereof_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o death_n suffering_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a luke_n 24.25_o 26_o 27._o in_o all_o which_o action_n those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o their_o wont_a and_o usual_a success_n because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v i.e._n they_o do_v not_o exercise_v faith_n in_o those_o particular_a case_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o try_v and_o prove_v they_o that_o they_o may_v more_o sensible_o and_o experimental_o know_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o so_o keep_v a_o more_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o divine_a assistance_n now_o as_o the_o precious_a and_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v nature_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n may_v miscarry_v in_o other_o holy_a action_n and_o duty_n so_o also_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n so_o far_o as_o to_o miss_v of_o that_o bless_a fruit_n and_o success_n therein_o which_o at_o other_o time_n they_o find_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o pray_v in_o faith_n james_n 1_o 5_o 6_o 7._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v for_o let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o holy_a man_n james_n be_v now_o speak_v unto_o saint_n unto_o such_o as_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o put_v they_o upon_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o a_o particular_a case_n for_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v their_o profession_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v under_o those_o trial_n and_o temptation_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o they_o and_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n he_o give_v they_o assurance_n to_o prevail_v in_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v vers_fw-la 5._o let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o still_o with_o this_o proviso_n and_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o ask_v in_o faith_n vers_fw-la 6._o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n etc._n etc._n whence_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v true_a faith_n may_v yet_o fail_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o he_o say_v but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n intimate_v that_o a_o godly_a man_n a_o holy_a man_n may_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o thereby_o miscarry_v and_o lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o ask_n vers_fw-la 7._o let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v for_o caution_n and_o warning_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n caution_n god_n use_v caution_n whether_o they_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n whether_o their_o grace_n be_v little_a or_o much_o to_o beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o neglect_v not_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o put_v in_o exercise_n that_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v as_o in_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o work_n of_o prayer_n the_o exhortation_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o ministerial_a gift_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o every_o christian_a in_o reference_n to_o his_o grace_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o wherefore_o i_o put_v thou_o in_o remembrance_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o put_v on_o of_o my_o hand_n a_o man_n may_v have_v excellent_a gift_n and_o part_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o unless_o those_o gift_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o keep_v in_o exercise_n yea_o a_o man_n may_v in_o time_n lose_v his_o gift_n by_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o as_o mat._n 25.29_o but_o unto_o he_o that_o have_v noâ—_n i.e._n exercise_v and_o improvetâ—_n not_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o scope_n oâ—_n the_o parable_n shall_v be_v take_v aâ—â—_n even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v so_o man_n may_v have_v true_a grace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d very_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o yeâ—_n may_v in_o some_o particular_a case_n anâ—_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o moâ—â—_n precious_a ordinance_n and_o in_o thâ—_n performance_n of_o most_o holy_a duty_n be_v altogether_o fruitless_a and_o uâ—â—_n profitable_a both_o to_o himself_o anâ—_n other_o through_z not_o exercisâ—â—_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v yea_o he_o may_v think_v not_o utter_o lose_v yet_o greath_n weaken_v and_o impoverish_v his_o grace_n rev._n 5.18_o joh._n 11.26_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o &_o 5.18_o 3.2_o o_o christian_n know_v that_o thâ—_n life_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o soul_n under_o the_o most_o precious_a ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n whether_o with_o thyself_o or_o with_o other_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o thy_o have_v of_o true_a grace_n in_o thy_o have_v of_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o activity_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v oh_o therefore_o beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o thou_o neglecte_v not_o to_o stir_v up_o to_o keep_v in_o exercise_n thy_o grace_n as_o ever_o thou_o desire_v that_o thy_o soul_n shall_v thrive_v and_o prosper_v under_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v the_o life_n of_o ordinance_n the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n the_o comfort_n and_o fruit_n of_o holy_a duty_n be_v lose_v when_o once_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v lose_v take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o what_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o powerful_a ordinance_n the_o most_o sweet_a and_o precious_a promise_n the_o most_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a duty_n when_o perform_v with_o the_o great_a external_a excellency_n but_o as_o so_o many_o empty_a pipe_n as_o so_o many_o break_a cistern_n which_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n do_v so_o industrious_o tempt_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o spiritual_a slumber_n and_o security_n that_o so_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o grace_n he_o may_v deprive_v they_o oâ—_n the_o spiritual_a fruit_n and_o comfort_v oâ—_n all_o god_n ordinance_n ☞_o ☞_o and_o there_o upon_o tempt_v they_o to_o doubt_n and_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v his_o ordinance_n or_o no_o and_o at_o length_n 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v not_o sincere_a prevaileâ—_n with_o they_o to_o cast_v off_o ordinance_n as_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a anâ—_n to_o cast_v reproach_n and_o dirt_n upon_o they_o whereas_o indeed_o the_o fauâ—â—_n be_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n mal._n 3.14_o micah_n 2.7_o and_o hereupon_o hatâ—_n the_o devil_n take_v advantage_n to_o for_o those_o curse_a tare_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o non-ordinance_n ranter_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o though_o they_o differ_v among_o themselves_o yet_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o to_o cast_v all_o the_o dirt_n and_o reproach_n they_o can_v upon_o the_o precious_a and_o heavenly_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o have_v the_o devil_n do_v whilst_o professor_n be_v fall_v asleep_o and_o have_v lose_v the_o life_n exercise_n and_o activity_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v write_v mat._n 13.25_o but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1.16_o act._n 26.18_o eph._n 4.12_o rom._n 1.16_o
and_o stretch_v out_o thy_o hand_n over_o the_o sea_n and_o divide_v it_o and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v go_v on_o dry_a ground_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o vers_fw-la 22._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n upon_o the_o dry_a ground_n and_o the_o water_n be_v a_o wall_n unto_o they_o on_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o their_o left_a oh_o the_o admirable_a and_o marvellous_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n that_o by_o it_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v be_v divide_v and_o make_v to_o stand_v upon_o heap_n as_o a_o wall_n to_o god_n israel_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v moses_n cry_v to_o the_o lord_n at_o the_o sea_n even_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o the_o water_n be_v divide_v and_o become_v a_o wall_n to_o israel_n in_o their_o passage_n towards_o canaan_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a all_o which_o with_o many_o other_o bless_a experience_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o do_v amount_v to_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n and_o do_v abundant_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o bless_a promise_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o his_o poor_a servant_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n upon_o which_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v establish_v and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n thereof_o do_v yet_o more_o full_o appear_v be_v brief_o these_o three_o reason_n 1_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n or_o believe_a prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v heavenborn_a they_o be_v influence_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o influence_n and_o manage_v the_o saint_n in_o this_o great_a concern_n and_o work_v of_o prayer_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n when_o they_o ask_v in_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o inward_a breathe_n and_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n breathe_v in_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v which_o of_o themselves_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o can_v do_v rom._n 8.26_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o help_v and_o assist_v the_o saint_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o prayer_n exciting_a their_o grace_n quicken_a and_o draw_v out_o their_o affection_n help_v they_o to_o right_a end_n and_o aim_v in_o prayer_n all_o which_o be_v also_o necessary_o require_v but_o do_v also_o suggest_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n how_o and_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o ask_v of_o god_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v teach_v from_o heaven_n what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o they_o ought_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n do_v teach_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o pray_v here_o on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o how_o reproachful_o and_o blasphemous_o soever_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o so_o call_v extemporary_a prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o heavenborn_a the_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o let_v wicked_a man_n know_v that_o in_o blaspheme_v the_o reproach_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o do_v blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n itself_o but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n etc._n etc._n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v exceed_o magnify_v and_o cry_v up_o their_o stint_a form_n and_o book-prayer_n because_o as_o they_o imagine_v compose_v and_o indict_v by_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o that_o with_o the_o deep_a judgement_n and_o most_o serious_a consideration_n have_v of_o the_o thing_n meet_v to_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o do_v condemn_v the_o prayer_n of_o god_n saint_n because_o as_o they_o judge_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v always_o enmity_n against_o god_n extemporary_a 8.7_o rom._n 8.7_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a without_o any_o deep_a consideration_n and_o matter_n prepare_v beforehand_o but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o the_o best_a of_o their_o stint_a form_n and_o book-prayer_n be_v but_o indict_v by_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o prayer_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n offer_v up_o in_o faith_n though_o extemporary_a be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o give_v in_o immediate_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v better_a what_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n extemporary_a than_o the_o great_a bishop_n doctor_n and_o learned_a man_n upon_o earth_n can_v do_v by_o their_o deep_a consultation_n and_o let_v such_o resolve_v this_o question_n whether_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n those_o prayer_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o give_v in_o from_o above_o as_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v which_o they_o put_v up_o in_o faith_n or_o those_o which_o be_v compose_v and_o impose_v by_o the_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o coercive_a power_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o one_o word_n more_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n though_o encompass_v with_o utmost_a humane_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n yet_o be_v breathe_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o his_o heart_n and_o breathe_v out_o again_o in_o faith_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v more_o of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o true_a spiritual_a excellency_n in_o it_o than_o the_o most_o magnify_a and_o admire_v form_n that_o ever_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o great_a doctor_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o again_o vers_fw-la 31._o he_o that_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o speak_v of_o the_o earth_n he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n be_v above_o all_o as_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v above_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v above_o all_o the_o doctor_n bishop_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o teach_v as_o how_o and_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a prayer_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o hypocritical_a show_n and_o pretence_n of_o prayer_n by_o this_o character_n ephes_n 6.18_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n true_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v always_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o judas_n 10._o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sum_n and_o close_a of_o the_o matter_n be_v prayer_n of_o faith_n do_v come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o prevail_v with_o god_n prayer_n of_o faith_n be_v heavenborn_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o find_v acceptance_n there_o reason_n 1_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o believe_a prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n do_v always_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o stint_a form_n and_o compose_v prayer_n of_o formal_a hypocritical_a pretender_n to_o religion_n do_v always_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o run_v counter_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o their_o petition_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o to_o a_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o use_v such_o a_o form_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n and_o no_o other_o shall_v avoid_v
this_o rock_n upon_o which_o they_o must_v inevitable_o fall_v and_o split_v themselves_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o so_o ask_v must_v of_o necessity_n run_v cross_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v they_o take_v what_o form_n they_o will_v and_o stint_v themselves_o to_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v and_o experience_n will_v quick_o teach_v they_o that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o must_v contradict_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o their_o petition_n and_o therefore_o such_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o fruitless_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o sincere_a child_n of_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o prayer_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o breathe_n of_o god_n own_o spirit_n in_o they_o do_v always_o concur_v and_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n so_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.27_o 11_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 11_o because_o he_o i.e._n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n faith_n look_v at_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o her_o rule_n in_o ask_v and_o in_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v faith_n will_v be_v positive_a and_o ask_v absolute_o without_o a_o if_o but_o in_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o secret_a and_o unknown_a faith_n will_v ask_v with_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v be_v the_o language_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o case_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o faith_n to_o err_v in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o miss_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o ask_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o mistake_v his_o way_n in_o his_o heavenly_a perambulation_n or_o for_o the_o water_n of_o the_o river_n to_o mistake_v their_o way_n into_o the_o sea_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o and_o coincidate_n with_o the_o ocean_n whatsoever_o therefore_o the_o saint_n do_v ask_v in_o faith_n they_o do_v ask_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v secret_a or_o reveal_v for_o the_o rule_n which_o faith_n look_v at_o be_v a_o unerring_a rule_n viz._n the_o whole_a light_n of_o scripture-revelation_n and_o the_o conduct_n and_o guide_v by_o which_o faith_n be_v direct_v in_o ask_v be_v a_o unerring_a guide_n even_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o which_o perfect_o know_v and_o search_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n whether_o secret_a or_o manifest_a and_o it_o be_v worthy_a observation_n how_o the_o poor_a saint_n of_o god_n be_v oft_o time_n by_o a_o secret_a instinct_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n guide_v in_o prayer_n to_o ask_v those_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v beyond_o what_o be_v reveal_v or_o make_v know_v as_o when_o lot_n ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o city_n zoar_n which_o be_v threaten_v and_o in_o visible_a danger_n of_o perish_v in_o the_o common_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o yet_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o righteous_a lot_n who_o be_v questionless_a guide_v in_o his_o ask_n that_o city_n above_o any_o other_o 21_o gen._n 16.19_o 20_o 21_o by_o the_o secret_a instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o know_v what_o be_v the_o secret_a will_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o therefore_o teach_v lot_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o it_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n thus_o also_o that_o holy_a woman_n hannah_n when_o she_o pray_v for_o a_o son_n and_o in_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o her_o spirit_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n do_v beforehand_o dedicate_v and_o devote_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o day_n be_v questionless_a guide_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o special_a instinct_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v she_o and_o her_o son_n though_o as_o yet_o secret_a and_o unknown_a 1_o sam._n 1.10_o 11._o thus_o also_o the_o last_o martyr_n that_o suffer_v in_o the_o marian_n day_n be_v teach_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o secret_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o last_o that_o shall_v suffer_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o affliction_n of_o his_o people_n and_o be_v in_o that_o petition_n gracious_o hear_v and_o answer_v for_o present_o the_o life_n of_o that_o wicked_a queen_n be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o though_o many_o other_o be_v condemn_v and_o warrant_v issue_v out_o for_o the_o burn_a of_o they_o 893._o fox_n martiro_n vol._n 3._o p._n 893._o yet_o the_o tiding_n of_o the_o queen_n death_n stay_v the_o execution_n and_o those_o precious_a soul_n be_v according_a to_o their_o petition_n the_o last_o that_o suffer_v in_o that_o bloody_a persecution_n whatever_o therefore_o the_o saint_n do_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o do_v ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o prevail_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v such_o petition_n grant_v and_o fulfil_v on_o earth_n 1_o joh._n 5.14_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n that_o we_o have_v in_o he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o if_o we_o know_v that_o he_o hear_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o reason_n 3_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n offer_v up_o in_o faith_n do_v fall_n under_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4.14.16_o heb._n 4.14.16_o that_o great_a high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o heaven_n even_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o spiritual_a incense_n of_o his_o merit_n whereby_o they_o do_v become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o pertain_v to_o the_o office_n 16.12_o exod._n 30.6_o 7_o levit._fw-la 16.12_o and_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n to_o enter_v within_o the_o vail_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o sweet_a incense_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o usual_o be_v without_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n pray_v at_o the_o time_n of_o incense_n 10_o luke_n 1.8_o 9_o 10_o and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o priest_n offer_v up_o incense_n be_v observe_v by_o the_o congregation_n as_o a_o special_a time_n and_o season_n for_o prayer_n and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o typify_v and_o point_v out_o something_o of_o the_o priestly_a and_o mediatorial_n office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 9.24_o heb_fw-mi 6.19_o 20._o and_o 9.24_o who_o be_v now_o enter_v within_o the_o vail_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n i._n e._n the_o heavenly_a place_n themselves_o there_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o as_o a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_v to_o offer_v up_o all_o the_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o the_o saint_n unto_o his_o father_n with_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o sweet_a perfume_n and_o incense_v of_o his_o precious_a merit_n upon_o they_o whereby_o their_o person_n though_o compass_v with_o many_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n and_o their_o service_n though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o themselves_o be_v make_v infinite_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v unto_o the_o father_n through_o he_o 1._o person_n 1._o their_o person_n their_o person_n be_v make_v acceptable_a unto_o the_o father_n through_o he_o ephes_n 1.6_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a oh_o you_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n know_v that_o the_o acceptation_n of_o your_o person_n with_o the_o father_n stand_v not_o in_o your_o own_o saintship_n and_o personal_a righteousness_n but_o in_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n precious_a blood_n and_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v make_v you_o by_o faith_n so_o that_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n you_o be_v now_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o his_o father_n and_o may_v come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o acceptation_n rev._n 1.5.6_o unto_o he_o that_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o
this_o therefore_o come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o prayerless_a soul_n know_v thou_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v none_o of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 8.9_o wherever_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n zach._n 12.10_o do_v thou_o feel_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o want_n of_o pardon_n peace_n grace_n holiness_n thou_o will_v not_o need_v the_o word_n of_o other_o to_o help_v thou_o in_o pray_v but_o thou_o will_v know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o help_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a help_n in_o prayer_n thy_o infirmity_n and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o satisfy_v with_o dry_a and_o empty_a form_n than_o a_o hungry_a man_n with_o air._n if_o thou_o be_v a_o weak_a doubt_a soul_n and_o complain_v of_o a_o unbelieve_a heart_n which_o be_v a_o good_a symptom_n here_o thou_o may_v meet_v with_o plain_a and_o spiritual_a resolve_n to_o thy_o doubt_n about_o the_o acceptance_n of_o thy_o prayer_n and_o the_o look_v for_o answer_n thereof_o and_o what_o faith_n thou_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o promise_n in_o order_n thereunto_o yea_o all_o saint_n may_v be_v further_o instruct_v in_o the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v encourage_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o a_o pray_a generation_n that_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o the_o lord_n hasten_v to_o power_n forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o prayer_n upon_o his_o people_n and_o upon_o the_o world_n as_o the_o best_a sign_n of_o his_o own_o approach_v to_o judge_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o wait_a for_o which_o let_v all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v find_v at_o this_o day_n to_o which_o expectation_n reader_n i_o commend_v thou_o and_o this_o spiritual_a treatise_n to_o thy_o perusal_n and_o it_o and_o thyself_o to_o the_o blessing_n make_v over_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n that_o wrestle_v it_o out_o with_o god_n and_o prevail_v over_o he_o the_o saint_n do_v in_o a_o sense_n govern_v the_o world_n with_o jesus_n christ_n already_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v in_o they_o make_v intercession_n in_o they_o according_a to_o christ_n intercession_n in_o heaven_n and_o usual_o we_o may_v know_v what_o god_n be_v about_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o saint_n especial_o in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o their_o soul_n travel_v and_o be_v in_o pang_n for_o zion_n redemption_n and_o the_o earthquake_n to_o come_v into_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n till_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o as_o lay_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o babylon_n and_o antichristianism_n be_v shake_v and_o out_o of_o course_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v hasten_v in_o his_o time_n but_o i_o must_v break_v off_o and_o be-speak_a thy_o prayer_n for_o the_o author_n and_o myself_o and_o all_o the_o lord_n afflict_a minister_n that_o be_v mourn_v in_o corner_n rest_v thy_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o prevail_v matthew_z 21.22_o and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v this_o text_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o epiphonema_n or_o close_v speech_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fruitless_a figtree_n which_o be_v curse_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o its_o barrenness_n present_o wither_v and_o be_v dry_v up_o v._o 19_o to_o the_o great_a admiration_n of_o the_o disciple_n vers_fw-la 20._o which_o action_n as_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a in_o its_o self_n so_o in_o the_o tendency_n thereof_o it_o be_v of_o extraordinary_a use_n to_o the_o disciple_n and_o do_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o double_a instruction_n first_o to_o beware_v of_o a_o outside_n formal_a profession_n without_o spiritual_a fruit_n and_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n which_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v heb._n 6.8_o second_o to_o teach_v the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v thereby_o either_o extraordinary_a according_a to_o that_o dispensation_n of_o work_a miracle_n which_o be_v but_o for_o the_o time_n present_a and_o peculiar_a to_o some_o vers_fw-la 21._o for_o all_o have_v not_o this_o gift_n nor_o faith_n of_o miracle_n 1_o cor._n 12.29.30_o 2._o or_o else_o ordinary_a according_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o force_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v perpetual_a and_o common_a to_o all_o the_o saint_n by_o which_o they_o have_v a_o constant_a and_o joint_a access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o cause_n whatsoever_o and_o may_v according_o prevail_v with_o god_n provide_v they_o pray_v in_o faith_n as_o in_o the_o text._n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o etc._n etc._n in_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n principal_o teach_v and_o commend_v to_o our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n 2._o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n the_o first_o viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n believe_v which_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o specifical_a and_o qualify_a adjunct_n or_o necessary_a ingredient_n to_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n be_v also_o gather_v from_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o heb._n 11.6_o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o again_o james_n 1.5_o 6._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o look_v as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o useless_a and_o can_v perform_v the_o action_n of_o a_o man_n so_o also_o prayer_n without_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o unprofitable_a james_n 1.6_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o a_o necessary_a ingredient_n thereto_o 1._o quest_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_o and_o indispensible_o require_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v it_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o reliance_n see_v james_n say_v it_o must_v be_v without_o waver_v and_o in_o nothing_o doubt_v therefore_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o there_o be_v require_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n yea_o of_o full_a and_o perfect_a assurance_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o doubt_v or_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n ask_v and_o that_o a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n be_v not_o sufficient_a see_v that_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o some_o doubt_v as_o in_o esther_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v she_o rely_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n but_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a as_o to_o the_o success_n and_o event_n thereof_o now_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o accept_v in_o prayer_n than_o the_o prayer_n of_o most_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v ineffectual_a see_v most_o of_o they_o have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n that_o say_v of_o the_o holy_a man_n james_n shall_v be_v clear_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n answ_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o although_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o press_v after_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n as_o that_o which_o tend_v exceed_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o inward_a joy_n yet_o where_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n i.e._n the_o heart_n do_v inward_o rest_v upon_o god_n alsufficiency_n mercy_n faithfulness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n yet_o with_o doubt_v and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o mind_n whether_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v which_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o prayer_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o shall_v certain_o have_v a_o gracious_a return_n in_o due_a time_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o our_o handle_n this_o point_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n of_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n we_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o brief_a description_n of_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o distinct_a and_o different_a nature_n that_o so_o the_o person_n who_o be_v scrupulous_a may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o what_o kind_n it_o be_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n make_v good_a our_o assertion_n viz._n that_o a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n where_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v want_v faith_n of_o assurance_n describe_v the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n
have_v promise_v so_o that_o by_o compare_v these_o two_o scripture_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o sarahs_n doubt_v through_o weakness_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o hinder_v her_o acceptance_n with_o god_n in_o that_o action_n wherein_o there_o be_v the_o real_a exercise_n of_o her_o faith_n though_o weak_a and_o waver_a for_o say_v the_o text_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v therefore_o she_o do_v believe_v the_o promise_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a doubt_v and_o stir_v of_o unbeleef_n in_o her_o heart_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o yet_o she_o resist_v and_o also_o at_o length_n do_v overcome_v whence_o these_o two_o thing_n may_v true_o be_v gather_v 1._o that_o great_a doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n may_v consist_v with_o the_o real_a though_o weak_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a action_n 2._o that_o such_o holy_a action_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o such_o doubt_n instance_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v also_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o he_o who_o bring_v his_o child_n to_o christ_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o dumb_a spirit_n and_o now_o find_v his_o case_n to_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a in_o that_o he_o have_v already_o try_v the_o disciple_n and_o they_o can_v not_o cast_v out_o this_o dumb_a spirit_n out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v 9.18_o he_o begin_v through_o unbeleef_n to_o haesitate_n and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n also_o and_o put_v a_o if_o upon_o the_o matter_n vers_fw-la 22._o but_o if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o and_o help_v we_o so_o that_o here_o be_v great_a doubt_v and_o stir_v of_o unbeleef_n which_o christ_n reprove_v vers_fw-la 23._o and_o reply_n to_o he_o if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v which_o reproof_n of_o christ_n prevail_v so_o far_o upon_o he_o to_o the_o break_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o humble_v of_o he_o for_o his_o unbeleef_n that_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o tear_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o child_n misery_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbeleef_n now_o here_o be_v some_o faith_n mix_v with_o great_a doubt_v and_o unbeleef_n yet_o be_v bewaileâ—_n and_o confess_v the_o prayer_n of_o this_o distress_a and_o afflict_a father_n oâ—_n the_o behalf_n of_o his_o child_n be_v hear_v and_o answer_v for_o the_o dumb_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o his_o childâ—_n heal_v vers_fw-la 25_o 26_o 27._o oh_o the_o infinite_a riches_n anâ—_n condescension_n of_o free_a grace_n thaâ—_n ever_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o this_o shoulâ—_n be_v hear_v and_o answer_v that_o puâ—_n a_fw-mi if_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v find_v some_o faith_n in_o this_o prayer_n though_o attend_v with_o so_o great_a doubt_v and_o act_v of_o unbeleef_n it_o be_v accept_v and_o own_a by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o answer_n and_o resolution_n therefore_o of_o the_o question_n be_v that_o although_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o press_v after_o such_o faith_n in_o prayer_n as_o be_v without_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o such_o doubt_v and_o waver_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a and_o to_o be_v reprove_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v cherish_v and_o allow_v yet_o such_o doubt_v and_o waver_v as_o do_v arise_v only_o from_o weakness_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n where_o there_o be_v also_o a_o real_a exercise_n of_o faith_n though_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o low_a degree_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v at_o any_o time_n hinder_v the_o acceptance_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n with_o god_n 18_o ephes_n 1.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o james_n 5.17_o 18_o but_o their_o person_n and_o prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n jesus_n with_o a_o notwithstanding_o to_o all_o such_o infirmity_n 4._o quest_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n then_o whether_o be_v it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n require_v that_o he_o who_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n do_v absolute_o and_o determinate_o believe_v for_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o or_o that_o he_o pray_v with_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n either_o to_o have_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o or_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n may_v see_v to_o be_v better_o for_o he_o the_o occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o question_n be_v that_o some_o christian_n be_v earnest_o carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n against_o some_o particular_a lust_n or_o corruption_n as_o pride_n envy_n inordinate_a love_n to_o the_o creature_n or_o against_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o lusting_n of_o any_o other_o sin_n which_o they_o feel_v stir_v in_o themselves_o pray_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o for_o any_o other_o particular_a mercy_n which_o they_o have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o obtain_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n now_o because_o they_o find_v not_o a_o answer_n in_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v but_o the_o same_o lust_n or_o corruption_n remain_v still_o unsubdued_a and_o the_o mercy_n so_o great_o desire_v still_o deny_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o prayer_n they_o usual_o conclude_v that_o they_o pray_v not_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o accept_v or_o answer_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o thing_n ask_v refer_v their_o case_n to_o that_o of_o james_n 4.3_o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o and_o not_o only_o in_o this_o case_n of_o inbred_a corruption_n but_o also_o in_o many_o other_o case_n christian_n be_v much_o put_v to_o it_o to_o know_v when_o they_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o ask_v amiss_o many_o conclude_a they_o ask_v not_o in_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v ans_fw-fr the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v either_o absolute_a and_o determinate_a in_o the_o very_a thing_n ask_v or_o conditional_a and_o latitudinary_a refer_v to_o what_o may_v bâ—_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_v oâ—_n god_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o verâ—_n thing_n ask_v or_o something_o else_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thâ—_n thing_n which_o we_o ask_v the_o rule_n therefore_o which_o thâ—_n apostle_n propose_v to_o himself_o concern_v prayer_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o every_o christâ—an_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o i_o will_v pray_v wiâ—â—_n the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o it_o therefore_o concern_v every_o christian_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayeâ—_n otherwise_o he_o may_v ask_v amiss_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n may_v fall_v under_o a_o double_a distinction_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o which_o every_o christian_a ought_v diligent_o to_o mark_v and_o consider_v that_o so_o he_o may_v frame_v his_o petition_n and_o exercise_v his_o faith_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o faith_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v go_v against_o the_o word_n nor_o without_o the_o word_n in_o any_o thing_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o come_v to_o ask_v of_o he_o in_o prayer_n be_v either_o clear_o and_o absolute_o reveal_v promise_v and_o foretold_v in_o his_o word_n or_o else_o secret_a and_o not_o reveal_v which_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o come_v to_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v either_o absolute_o and_o pierce_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o or_o they_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o only_o upon_o such_o and_o such_o variable_a consideration_n and_o supposition_n as_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o mistake_v about_o now_o to_o apply_v these_o general_a rule_n to_o our_o case_n and_o question_n in_o hand_n rule_n 1_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v absolute_o foretold_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o act_v our_o faith_n absolute_o and_o determinate_o for_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o not_o to_o admit_v the_o least_o doubt_n or_o question_n but_o to_o maintain_v a_o holy_a confidence_n that_o such_o prayer_n be_v always_o hear_v though_o not_o present_o answer_v as_o 1_o john_n
upon_o you_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o anoint_v and_o unction_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o that_o be_v upon_o you_o for_o that_o end_n to_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6_o rev._n 11.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o and_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v heaven_n by_o your_o prayer_n and_o to_o smite_v the_o earth_n with_o plague_n as_o often_o as_o you_o will_v to_o pray_v down_o the_o mighty_a kingdom_n of_o babel_n 11.15_o rev._n 11.15_o which_o be_v antichrist_n and_o to_o pray_v up_o the_o glorious_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 13_o 2_o pet._n 3.22_o 13_o to_o pray_v out_o these_o old_a heaven_n and_o old_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v wickedness_n and_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n wherein_o shall_v dwell_v righteousness_n &_o peace_n this_o be_v a_o honour_n i_o say_v which_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v put_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v stand_v before_o the_o god_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 4.14_o zech._n 4.14_o and_o be_v instrumental_a and_o influential_a in_o and_o about_o these_o great_a thing_n and_o this_o honour_n can_v no_o man_n take_v from_o you_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o honour_n give_v you_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n by_o tempt_v nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n by_o persecute_v to_o take_v it_o from_o you_o they_o may_v cast_v you_o into_o prison_n lay_v you_o in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n drive_v you_o into_o exile_n and_o banishment_n but_o still_o wherever_o you_o be_v whatever_o your_o outward_a condition_n be_v heaven_n be_v open_a over_o your_o head_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v nigh_o your_o heart_n you_o may_v have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v keep_v out_o the_o spirit_n from_o you_o nor_o shut_v out_o your_o prayer_n from_o ascend_v before_o god_n if_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o utter_v word_n 27_o 1_o sam._n 1.13_o 15_o rom._n 8.26_o 27_o you_o may_v pour_v out_o your_o spirit_n and_o sigh_v and_o groan_v inward_o and_o he_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o say_v you_o may_v come_v free_o and_o bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n the_o way_n be_v open_a and_o none_o can_v shut_v it_o it_o be_v a_o new_a and_o a_o live_a way_n not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n not_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n neither_o your_o sin_n nor_o your_o enemy_n therefore_o can_v shut_v it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o old_a covenant_n way_n of_o access_n by_o work_n and_o man_n righteousness_n your_o sin_n may_v shut_v it_o and_o you_o not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o access_n by_o carnal_a and_o external_a sacrifice_n your_o enemy_n may_v shut_v it_o and_o make_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n to_o cease_v 8.11_o dan._n 8.11_o either_o by_o deny_v you_o liberty_n or_o wherewithal_o to_o sacrifice_v but_o now_o see_v it_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n way_n of_o access_n not_o by_o work_n and_o man_n righteousness_n but_o by_o free_a grace_n and_o god_n righteousness_n impute_v by_o faith_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o by_o external_a sacrifice_n but_o by_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n lift_v up_o your_o head_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o your_o sin_n or_o enemy_n to_o hinder_v your_o daily_a access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o come_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o faith_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n you_o may_v ask_v and_o have_v prevail_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o great_a or_o too_o good_a for_o god_n to_o bestow_v upon_o you_o he_o have_v set_v you_o no_o bound_n but_o bid_v you_o ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v let_v i_o therefore_o close_o up_o this_o exhortation_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n heb._n 10.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n and_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n use_v last_o last_o and_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o o_o you_o israel_n of_o god_n who_o as_o prince_n have_v power_n with_o he_o thus_o to_o prevail_v in_o heaven_n that_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o be_v sure_a to_o receive_v give_v all_o the_o glory_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o cast_v your_o crown_n down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o lamb_n through_o who_o alone_o it_o be_v that_o you_o thus_o overcome_v and_o prevail_v by_o faith_n against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o earth_n oh_o learn_v that_o new_a song_n rev._n 5.9_o thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_v thereof_o not_o we_o be_v worthy_a but_o thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o have_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o blessing_n and_o power_n as_o vers_fw-la 12_o 13._o for_o vers_n 10._o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blood_n out_o of_o every_o kindred_n tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o have_v make_v we_o unto_o our_o god_n king_n and_o priest_n oh_o know_v and_o free_o confess_v before_o angel_n and_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o your_o own_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n that_o you_o do_v any_o of_o these_o great_a thing_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n the_o bless_a and_o holy_a name_n of_o jesus_n let_v the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o that_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o great_a work_n upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v lame_a from_o his_o mother_n womb_n which_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n with_o great_a admiration_n towards_o they_o do_v humble_a and_o abase_v themselves_o that_o christ_n alone_o may_v be_v magnify_v &_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v direct_v the_o eye_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o they_o unto_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 3.12_o you_o man_n of_o israel_n why_o marvel_v you_o at_o this_o or_o why_o look_v you_o so_o earnest_o on_o we_o as_o though_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n we_o have_v make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o of_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v glorify_v his_o son_n jesus_n who_o you_o deliver_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o vers_fw-la 16._o his_o name_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n have_v make_v this_o man_n strong_a who_o you_o see_v and_o know_v yea_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v by_o he_o have_v give_v he_o this_o perfect_a soundness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o you_o all_o oh_o here_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o excellent_a spirit_n indeed_o here_o be_v the_o life_n and_o glory_n of_o faith_n indeed_o to_o do_v great_a thing_n in_o the_o name_n and_o strength_n of_o christ_n &_o then_o to_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n back_o again_o to_o he_o oh_o you_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o your_o own_o power_n and_o holiness_n by_o your_o own_o saintship_n and_o worthiness_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o holiness_n by_o the_o blood_n and_o righteousness_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n that_o you_o do_v any_o of_o these_o great_a thing_n by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o say_v again_o and_o again_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o jesus_n christ_n let_v nothing_o be_v give_v to_o faith_n nothing_o be_v give_v to_o prayer_n nothing_o be_v give_v or_o ascribe_v to_o your_o own_o saintship_n or_o holiness_n but_o let_v all_o the_o glory_n be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n who_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o four_o beast_n &_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n with_o all_o the_o heavenly_a host_n who_o number_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o be_v all_o about_o the_o throne_n not_o share_v the_o glory_n &_o honour_n with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o have_v be_v ministerial_o instrumental_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n to_o accomplish_v these_o great_a work_n but_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o he_o and_o to_o he_o alone_o rev._n 5.11.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o i_o behold_v and_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o many_o angel_n round_o about_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten-thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o say_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n worthy_a be_v the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o receive_v power_n and_o riches_n and_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o blessing_n and_o every_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o under_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o hear_v i_o say_v blessing_n honour_n glory_n and_o power_n be_v unto_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o unto_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o even_o so_o amen_n and_o let_v all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n person_n and_o thing_n be_v nothing_o be_v less_o than_o nothing_o be_v overshadow_a and_o disappear_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o appear_v in_o his_o glory_n and_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o let_v all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a angel_n who_o be_v but_o star_n remember_v and_o know_v that_o they_o shine_v but_o with_o a_o borrow_a light_n and_o therefore_o must_v disappear_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o this_o glorious_a sun_n that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v behold_v his_o face_n in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v enlighten_v with_o his_o glory_n let_v he_o be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n let_v he_o be_v holy_a and_o every_o man_n a_o sinner_n he_o must_v increase_v but_o we_o must_v decrease_v and_o let_v every_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n say_v let_v every_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n say_v this_o my_o joy_n therefore_o be_v fulfil_v for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o saint_n access_n unto_o &_o acceptance_n with_o the_o father_n through_o jesus_n christ_n joh._n 14.13_o and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n if_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hereby_o glorify_v we_o have_v our_o end_n our_o all_o the_o sum_n and_o scope_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v of_o all_o our_o pray_n preach_v hear_v read_v do_v and_o suffer_v be_v this_o 61.3_o isa_n 61.3_o that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o this_o therefore_o let_v we_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o let_v our_o soul_n acquiesse_n and_o take_v up_o as_o in_o our_o spiritual_a centre_n and_o heavenly_a rest_n as_o in_o our_o canaan_n our_o heaven_n our_o all_o which_o be_v dear_a and_o sweet_a to_o we_o then_o our_o reputation_n estate_n liberty_n life_n yea_o then_o our_o very_a soul_n than_o all_o our_o own_o concernment_n that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o father_n in_o he_o be_v glorify_v and_o exalt_v by_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o he_o do_v and_o will_v do_v in_o heaven_n for_o his_o poor_a sinful_a and_o unworthy_a tempt_v and_o afflict_a servant_n here_o on_o earth_n heb._n 13.7_o 8._o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o the_o epistle_n page_n 2._o line_n 6._o for_o form_n read_v from_o and_z page_z 4._o line_n 11._o read_v those_o in_o the_o book_n p._n 59_o l._n 12._o r._n life_n p._n 75_o l._n 22._o blot_n out_o the_o p._n 83._o l._n 2._o r._n non-ordinancers_a p._n 153_o l._n 13._o r._n demonstration_n
wantonness_n fornication_n adultery_n oppression_n cruelty_n with_o all_o other_o their_o fleshly_a wickedness_n be_v bad_a enough_o bâ—_n their_o religion_n viz._n idolatry_n superstition_n will-worship_n be_v worâ—_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o call_v emphatical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o uncleaâ—_n thing_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v forbid_v so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v as_o ever_o they_o expect_v and_o hope_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o own_a by_o god_n in_o that_o relation_n of_o adoption_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o my_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n yea_o it_o be_v call_v the_o abominable_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v hate_v jer._n 44.4_o oh_o do_v not_o this_o abominable_a thing_n that_o i_o hate_v intimate_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n have_v a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a hatred_n abomination_n and_o detestation_n thereof_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n 3._o their_o formal_a prayer_n which_o they_o make_v and_o say_v over_o with_o much_o ignorant_a devotion_n with_o all_o their_o significant_a ceremony_n attend_v the_o same_o their_o vesture_n and_o gesture_n as_o bow_v cringe_v spread_v forth_o hand_n etc._n etc._n which_o hypocrite_n do_v so_o much_o magnific_a and_o applaud_v in_o comparison_n whereof_o they_o do_v not_o only_o slight_a and_o disrespect_n but_o also_o moâ—_n desperate_o if_o not_o malicious_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v even_o thâ—_n bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n how_o do_v the_o lorâ—_n reject_v and_o disow_v they_o vers_fw-la 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o you_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n frâ—_n you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v maâ—_n prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v yoâ—_n hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n toâ—_n the_o grecian_a tyrant_n i._n e._n the_o 〈◊〉_d within_o will_v certain_o frustrâ—_n and_o make_v void_a all_o the_o extern_a service_n and_o devotion_n of_o suâ—_n wicked_a hypocrite_n in_o who_o thaâ—_n scripture_n be_v perfect_o fulfil_v prov._n 28.9_o he_o that_o turn_v 〈◊〉_d his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n eveâ—_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v abomination_n second_o this_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o true_a faith_n the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v value_v by_o their_o usefulness_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a it_o be_v breadcorn_n be_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a thing_n than_o bullymong_n horse-corn_n bullymong_n i._o e_o horse-corn_n because_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o man_n life_n and_o wisdom_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a than_o ruby_n because_o more_o useful_a for_o the_o management_n of_o humane_a affair_n grace_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o gift_n and_o part_n because_o more_o needful_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o soul_n eternal_a welfare_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v be_v happy_a and_o bless_v for_o ever_o without_o gift_n and_o part_n but_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o grace_n joh._n 3.3_o so_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o precious_a thing_n because_o so_o abundant_o sâ—_n indispensible_o so_o universal_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o not_o only_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o in_o all_o other_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o service_n which_o we_o offer_v up_o unto_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v thaâ—_n scripture_n hold_v most_o true_a heâ—_n 6.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n we_o judge_v of_o thâ—_n goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o thâ—_n tree_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o thâ—_n fruit_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n by_o thâ—_n effect_n so_o the_o excellency_n aâ—_n preciousness_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d discern_v by_o the_o excellent_a 〈◊〉_d precious_a fruit_n and_o effect_n theâ—_n of_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o 〈◊〉_d precious_a saint_n oh_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o the_o saint_n and_o 〈◊〉_d vaunt_v of_o god_n have_v be_v enable_v and_o teach_v to_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.33_o who_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n woman_n receive_v their_o dead_a raise_v to_o life_n again_o and_o as_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v so_o also_o to_o suffer_v great_a and_o strange_a thing_n by_o faith_n vers_fw-la 35._o and_o other_o be_v torture_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n and_o other_o have_v trial_n of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n yea_o moreover_o of_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n they_o be_v stone_v they_o be_v saw_v asunder_o be_v tempt_v be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n they_o wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a torment_a etc._n etc._n oh_o the_o invaluable_a and_o incomparable_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n which_o bring_v forth_o such_o precious_a fruit_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o poor_a weak_a and_o contemptible_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n encompass_v with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n liable_a to_o the_o same_o temptation_n common_a to_o man_n nature_n and_o yet_o have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o and_o against_o nature_n require_v a_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a ability_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n as_o vers_fw-la 39_o all_o these_o obtain_v a_o good_a report_n through_o faith_n optima_fw-la sanâ—_n arbour_n quae_fw-la tale_n habet_fw-la fructus_fw-la most_o excellent_a doubtless_o be_v that_o tree_n which_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n say_v the_o holy_a man_n james_n 2.18_o faith_n be_v a_o work_a grace_n and_o it_o work_v like_o its_o self_n operari_fw-la sequitur_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la i.e._n the_o operation_n and_o work_n of_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a principle_n in_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a also_o in_o grace_n if_o therefore_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a oh_o how_o excellent_a then_o be_v the_o nature_n the_o life_n and_o essence_n of_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n from_o the_o observation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o the_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a work_n and_o fruit_n of_o moral_a virtue_n in_o the_o life_n of_o some_o heathen_n that_o if_o the_o face_n and_o image_n of_o virtue_n can_v be_v represent_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n thereof_o will_v be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o will_v even_o ravish_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o the_o heathen_n be_v so_o much_o take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o morality_n because_o of_o the_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o life_n of_o some_o heathen_n oh_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_n be_v take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n because_o of_o the_o admirable_a and_o precious_a fruit_n it_o have_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v three_o this_o may_v inform_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o ofttimes_o the_o prayer_n even_o of_o godly_a and_o holy_a man_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o prove_v not_o successful_a for_o themselves_o or_o other_o as_o both_o scripture_n and_o experience_n do_v testify_v even_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o pray_v in_o faith_n a_o good_a man_n a_o precious_a holy_a man_n may_v have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o may_v want_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a case_n in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a ordinance_n or_o duty_n peter_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o want_v the_o active_a power_n and_o exercise_v thereof_o in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o confess_v and_o own_v jesus_n christ_n before_o man_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n mat._n 26.70_o 72_o 74._o moses_n and_o aaron_n have_v
constant_a experience_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n and_o promise_n promise_n promise_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o promise_n do_v abundant_o attest_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o faith_n iâ—_n prayer_n great_a thing_n be_v promise_v yea_o all_o thing_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n so_o in_o the_o text_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n he_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v lie_v he_o can_v as_o well_o cease_v to_o be_v god_n as_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o i._n e._n truth_n and_o assurance_n or_o most_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o we_o so_o that_o god_n stand_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o he_o will_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n whatever_o come_v of_o it_o he_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n yea_o in_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o a_o jot_n and_o tittle_n there_o shall_v not_o the_o least_o jot_n or_o tittle_n thereof_o fail_v till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v mat._n 5.18_o for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v you_o be_v apt_a to_o set_v light_n by_o my_o word_n to_o question_v and_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o i_o assure_v you_o i_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o my_o word_n to_o have_v it_o fulfil_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o utmost_a that_o if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n lie_v in_o one_o scale_n and_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o my_o word_n in_o the_o other_o i_o will_v rather_o suffer_v heaven_n and_o earth_n i._n e._n the_o whole_a creation_n to_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o than_o that_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o my_o word_n shall_v fail_v till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v so_o wonderful_o do_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n stand_v upon_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o i._n e._n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o iâ—_n he_o amen_o because_o this_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o not_o to_o falsify_v but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o his_o promise_n now_o many_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n have_v goâ—_n make_v in_o christ_n unto_o his_o people_n pray_v in_o faith_n or_o exercise_v faith_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o in_o lieu_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v add_v to_o this_o of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o full_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n that_o so_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v the_o first_o that_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o be_v that_o great_a charter_n of_o heaven_n or_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o poor_a afflict_a tempt_v and_o despise_a saint_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n mat._n 18.19_o again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o number_n of_o true_a disciple_n be_v in_o many_o place_n very_o small_a it_o may_v be_v two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o one_o of_o a_o tribe_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o small_a and_o few_o in_o number_n especial_o compare_v with_o the_o false_a church_n and_o church_n of_o antichrist_n the_o whore_n that_o sit_v upon_o many_o water_n rev._n 17.15_o but_o o_o you_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v not_o the_o paucity_n and_o smallness_n of_o your_o number_n discourage_v you_o though_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o ungodly_a may_v like_o the_o great_a water-flood_n keep_v good_a neighbour_n one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o you_o can_v assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o that_o solemn_a and_o public_a manner_n as_o you_o can_v desire_v yet_o be_v not_o discourage_v do_v not_o think_v the_o efficacy_n and_o strength_n of_o prayer_n be_v thereby_o so_o diminish_v or_o weaken_v that_o you_o can_v prevail_v in_o heaven_n 25_o col_fw-fr 25_o you_o may_v be_v present_a in_o spirit_n when_o absent_a in_o body_n your_o prayer_n may_v meet_v in_o heaven_n when_o your_o person_n can_v meet_v upon_o earth_n 8.3_o rev._n 8.3_o you_o may_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o dungeon_n you_o may_v be_v scatter_v and_o wander_v in_o the_o desert_a place_n in_o the_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o here_o be_v your_o comfort_n heaven_n be_v still_o open_a and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o from_o this_o scripture_n you_o may_v do_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n in_o heaven_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o you_o in_o heaven_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v it_o be_v not_o mean_v in_o a_o way_n of_o worldly_a policy_n and_o carnal_a contrivance_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o soul_n arise_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n 8.26.27_o rom._n 8.26.27_o teach_v and_o guide_v you_o in_o prayer_n to_o ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v the_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o will_v ask_v it_o in_o the_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o fence_n and_o reason_n even_o impossible_a yet_o it_o shall_v certain_o be_v do_v for_o you_o and_o grant_v in_o heaven_n oh_o what_o a_o bless_a charter_n what_o a_o glorious_a liberty_n be_v this_o grant_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n here_o on_o earth_n they_o may_v have_v any_o thing_n even_o what_o they_o will_v do_v for_o they_o in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o all_o those_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n mat._n 18.10_o and_o 14._o compare_v with_o vers_n 19_o 20._o this_o be_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o old_a father_n and_o strong_a man_n only_o but_o even_o of_o babe_n in_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v little_a one_o little_a in_o the_o world_n account_n and_o it_o may_v be_v little_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o saint_n but_o least_o of_o all_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n yet_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n how_o contemptible_a little_a and_o low_a soever_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n be_v honourable_a great_a and_o high_a in_o heaven_n and_o may_v do_v such_o thing_n by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o great_a monarch_n and_o prince_n upon_o earth_n can_v do_v by_o their_o great_a force_n and_o power_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o promise_n which_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o point_n we_o shall_v also_o a_o little_a insist_v upon_o isaiah_n 45.11_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n and_o his_o maker_n ask_v i_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v concern_v my_o son_n and_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n command_v you_o i_o oh_o the_o admirable_a and_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o the_o great_a jehovah_n who_o have_v create_v the_o heaven_n and_o form_v the_o earth_n and_o command_v all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o that_o he_o who_o command_v angel_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v command_v by_o a_o handful_a of_o poor_a praying-soul_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o heaven_n as_o to_o command_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o providence_n yea_o the_o choice_a and_o most_o admirable_a operation_n thereof_o which_o for_o their_o rarity_n and_o excellency_n be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n as_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n say_v of_o that_o rare_a and_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n singular_a power_n and_o providence_n in_o turn_v all_o the_o
the_o elect_a of_o god_n do_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n day_n and_o night_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a worldly_a force_n and_o policy_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o revenge_a hand_n of_o god_n no_o but_o such_o must_v certain_o fall_v before_o the_o prayer_n of_o god_n elect_n luke_n 18.7_o 8._o and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i._n e._n with_o the_o persecutor_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o oh_o that_o therefore_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o take_v heed_n how_o by_o persecute_v and_o oppress_v the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o constrain_v they_o to_o cry_v to_o heaven_n against_o they_o it_o be_v bless_v counsel_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n david_n psal_n 2.10_o be_v wise_a now_o therefore_o o_o you_o king_n be_v instruct_v you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o rejoice_v with_o tremble_a kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v in_o the_o way_n when_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o use_v 2_o what_o a_o great_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n then_o be_v the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n and_o country_n where_o they_o live_v who_o as_o so_o many_o prince_n or_o rather_o king_n and_o priest_n have_v power_n with_o god_n and_o can_v by_o faith_n in_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n what_o a_o mercy_n be_v one_o pray_v moses_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o israel_n 106.23_o psal_n 106.23_o when_o they_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n by_o the_o golden_a calf_n what_o a_o great_a mercy_n be_v one_o pray_v lot_n to_o the_o city_n zoar_v 19.21_o gen._n 19.21_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v destroy_v with_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n have_v not_o lot_n pray_v for_o it_o what_o a_o great_a blessing_n be_v holy_a jacob_n who_o be_v a_o great_a wrestler_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n 32.24.28_o gen._n 32.24.28_o and_o as_o a_o prince_n have_v power_n with_o god_n and_o prevail_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v his_o name_n change_v from_o jacob_n to_o israel_n what_o a_o mercy_n i_o say_v be_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o his_o uncle_n laban_n 30.27_o gen._n 30.27_o whilst_o he_o sojourn_v there_o that_o speech_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o king_n abimelech_n and_o his_o people_n concern_v abraham_n a_o poor_a traveller_n and_o stranger_n who_o come_v but_o to_o sojourn_v in_o his_o country_n for_o a_o time_n be_v very_o remarkable_a gen._n 20.7_o now_o therefore_o restore_v the_o man_n his_o wife_n for_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v wrath_n be_v go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n against_o king_n abimelech_n and_o his_o people_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o abraham_n a_o poor_a stranger_n prevail_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o life_n of_o abimelech_n who_o otherways_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o for_o those_o in_o his_o house_n who_o womb_n be_v fast_o close_v up_o because_o of_o sarah_n abraham_n wife_n 18_o gen._n 20.3.17_o 18_o who_o abimelech_n have_v sinful_o take_v to_o he_o their_o own_o sin_n not_o abraham_n sojourn_v have_v procure_v wrath_n against_o they_o and_o abraham_n by_o prayer_n procure_v spare_v and_o heal_a mercy_n for_o they_o a_o sin_v court_n who_o daily_o provoke_v the_o lord_n against_o themselves_o and_o subject_n ☞_o ☞_o have_v need_n of_o some_o pray_a soul_n daily_o to_o intercede_v for_o they_o how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o look_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o the_o only_a troubler_n of_o their_o israel_n 18.17_o 1_o king_n 18.17_o and_o attribute_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o calamity_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o lord_n faithful_a servant_n which_o they_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n just_o therefore_o may_v the_o lord_n people_n answer_v such_o ahab_n in_o the_o word_n of_o that_o old_a nonconformist_a and_o good_a prophet_n elijah_n 1_o king_n 18.18_o we_o have_v not_o trouble_v israel_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n in_o that_o you_o have_v forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o have_v follow_v baalim_fw-la it_o be_v not_o the_o zealous_a and_o conscientious_a non_fw-la conformist_n that_o trouble_v the_o court_n and_o country_n but_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a party_n who_o cast_v off_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n 16_o psal_n 106.29_o rev._n 13.12_o 15_o 16_o and_o as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o wickedness_n will_v compel_v other_o to_o sin_n with_o they_o oh_o that_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v open_v to_o discern_v aright_o and_o to_o see_v who_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n and_o who_o be_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n thereof_o well!_o that_o bless_a day_n be_v a_o come_n wherein_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n even_o shall_v hate_v that_o scarlet_a whore_n 17_o rev._n 17.16_o 17_o &_o tear_v her_o flesh_n &_o burn_v she_o with_o fire_n even_o so_o amen_n the_o good_a lord_n hasten_v it_o in_o his_o due_a time_n and_o let_v all_o the_o saint_n say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o well_o then_o whatever_o wicked_a man_n say_v whatever_o proud_a man_n say_v out_o of_o the_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n and_o unbeleef_n of_o their_o heart_n yet_o the_o zealous_a and_o conscientious_a non-conformists'_a be_v not_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n 14_o 2_o king_n 2.12_o rev._n 16.13_o 14_o but_o the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n thereof_o be_v not_o the_o king_n enemy_n but_o he_o and_o their_o country_n best_a friend_n 21_o rev._n 19.19_o 20_o 21_o and_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v find_v at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a subject_n and_o enemy_n both_o to_o their_o king_n and_o country_n let_v the_o nation_n king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o know_v that_o it_o be_v their_o best_a interest_n to_o cherish_v protect_v and_o encourage_v a_o pray_n and_o a_o holy_a people_n though_o they_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v to_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a worship_n about_o which_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v so_o jealous_a 6.10_o exod._n 20.5_o dan._n 3.17_o 18._o &_o 6.10_o and_o his_o people_n so_o true_o and_o tender_o conscientious_a and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o a_o people_n shall_v prevail_v more_o in_o heaven_n for_o their_o king_n and_o country_n in_o order_n to_o their_o defence_n and_o safety_n than_o all_o the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n soldier_n &_o army_n power_n and_o policy_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v they_o use_v 3_o then_z o_o you_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n 〈◊〉_d great_a high_a priest_n who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o heaven_n for_o we_o even_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v bold_o and_o daily_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n improve_v your_o interest_n in_o heaven_n and_o try_v what_o faith_n and_o prayer_n will_v do_v there_o for_o the_o help_n of_o your_o native_a country_n your_o poor_a afflict_a brethren_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o consolation_n and_o deliverance_n of_o zion_n that_o city_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o confusion_n and_o destruction_n of_o mighty_a babel_n that_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v corrupt_v the_o whole_a earth_n with_o her_o fornication_n involve_v the_o whole_a creation_n in_o such_o a_o woeful_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n and_o make_v herself_o drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n 4.16_o heb._n 4.16_o come_v bold_o i_o say_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 18.7_o luke_n 18.7_o and_o cry_v mighty_o to_o heaven_n even_o day_n and_o night_n 7_o isa_n 62.6_o 7_o and_o give_v the_o lord_n no_o rest_n till_o he_o do_v arise_v 87.3_o psal_n 87.3_o and_o make_v his_o jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o fulfil_v all_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o city_n of_o god_n and_o execute_v all_o the_o judgement_n write_v against_o babylon_n to_o bind_v her_o king_n in_o chain_n 9_o psal_n 149.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o her_o noble_n in_o link_n of_o iron_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o his_o saint_n o_o you_o saint_n this_o be_v a_o honour_n that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v put_v