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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n faith_n true_a word_n 9,762 5 4.5939 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A64241 Jacob wrestling with God, and prevailing: or, a treatise concerning the necessity and efficacy of faith in prayer Wherein divers weighty questions and cases of conscience about praying in faith, are stated and resolved. For the comforting and satisfying of weak and scrupulous consciences: the conviction of formal hypocrites, and awakening of all saints, both weak and strong, great and small, to this great duty of prayer. By one who hath obtained mercy to be a minister of, and sufferer for, the gospel of Jesus Christ in this hour of temptation. Taylor, Thomas, 1624 or 5-1700. 1663 (1663) Wing T555; ESTC R222503 60,235 214

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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 i●_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 i●_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 go●_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
therefore_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n 8.16_o heb._n 10.22_o 1_o joh._n 5.13_o 14_o 15_o 1_o joh._n 5.6_o rom._n 8.16_o and_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n of_o the_o thing_n ask_v or_o hope_v for_o ground_v upon_o the_o clear_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o joint_a witness_n faith_n of_o reliance_n describe_v the_o faith_n of_o reliance_n be_v the_o inward_a rest_v of_o the_o heart_n upon_o god_n his_o name_n and_o attribute_n 18_o psa_fw-la 37.7_o jonah_n 3.8_o 9_o esther_n 4.16_o job_n 13.15_o dan._n 3.17_o 18_o viz._n his_o power_n wisdom_n mercy_n faithfulness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n in_o general_n without_o any_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o application_n thereof_o to_o its_o self_n in_o special_a want_v the_o particular_a witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o case_n which_o always_o be_v present_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n but_o always_o absent_a and_o want_v in_o this_o faith_n of_o reliance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o leper_n mat._n 8.2_o lord_n if_o thou_o will_v thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_a there_o be_v a_o reliance_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n ask_v but_o a_o doubtfulness_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o touch_v the_o application_n of_o that_o ability_n and_o heal_a power_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o he_o put_v it_o with_o a_o if_o lord_n if_o thou_o will_v speak_v of_o his_o particular_a and_o secret_a will_n in_o the_o case_n propound_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v without_o sin_n doubt_n of_o it_o but_o as_o to_o his_o general_a will_n and_o infinite_a readiness_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v abundant_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n he_o can_v not_o have_v doubt_v thereof_o without_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o will_v consequent_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o it_o thus_o have_v describe_v these_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o distinct_a and_o different_a nature_n whereby_o every_o one_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o himself_o and_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o he_o come_v withal_o we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n viz._n asser_n that_o a_o faith_n of_o rely_v ance_n be_v accept_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n where_o a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v want_v prove_v 1._o by_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o the_o general_a equity_n and_o force_n of_o which_o rule_n reach_v not_o only_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o alm_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v there_o apply_v it_o but_o also_o unto_o all_o other_o case_n wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n and_o particular_o unto_o this_o case_n of_o prayer_n for_o otherwise_o god_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o hard_a master_n reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o gather_v where_o he_o have_v not_o strew_v and_o expect_v to_o receive_v where_o he_o have_v not_o first_o give_v which_o can_v at_o any_o time_n nor_o in_o any_o case_n be_v just_o say_v of_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n and_o with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n all_o who_o command_n be_v equal_a and_o reasonable_a and_o who_o receive_v not_o from_o his_o creature_n but_o according_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v first_o bestow_v rom._n 11.35_o or_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n different_a kind_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o the_o use_n he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o remain_v that_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n and_o they_o come_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o himself_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o he_o do_v gracious_o accept_v they_o according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v not_o instance_n 1_o 2._o by_o experience_n and_o this_o also_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a experience_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o when_o they_o have_v so_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o faith_n of_o adherence_n where_o assurance_n have_v be_v want_v have_v be_v gracious_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o receive_v a_o gracious_a answer_n o●_n such_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o th●_n leper_n abovementioned_a mat._n 8.2_o 3._o who_o when_o he_o come_v to_o chris●_n in_o prayer_n only_o in_o a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n upon_o his_o power_n to_o help_v when_o as_o he_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o particular_a will_n and_o purpose_n a●_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o put_v a●_n if_o upon_o that_o lord_n if_o thou_o wil●_n thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_o wa●_n gracious_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o obtain_v a_o speedy_a and_o full_a answer_n of_o that_o prayer_n in_o the_o very_a thing_n he_o ask_v vers_fw-la 3._o and_n jesus_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o touch_v he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v thou_o clean_a and_o immediate_o his_o leprosy_n be_v cleanse_v instance_n 2_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.22_o 29._o who_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o her_o afflict_a daughter_n vers_fw-la 22._o say_v have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o lord_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n my_o daughter_n be_v grievous_o vex_v with_o a_o devil_n now_o here_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o woman_n though_o a_o canaanite_n a_o stranger_n a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n a_o mighty_a faith_n of_o reliance_n by_o which_o she_o do_v marvellous_o cling_v to_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o david_n rely_v upon_o his_o mercy_n and_o power_n to_o help_v she_o though_o she_o have_v no_o certain_a assurance_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v her_o petition_n grant_v but_o many_o discourage_a passage_n from_o christ_n as_o first_o his_o silence_n to_o her_o prayer_n answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n v._o 23._o second_o his_o seem_a denial_n of_o her_o request_n with_o this_o reason_n against_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o send_v save_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n vers_fw-la 24._o 3_o his_o upbraid_v she_o with_o her_o stock_n and_o generation_n be_v descend_v of_o the_o curse_a stock_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o canaanite●_n in_o respect_n whereof_o he_o call_v she_o a_o dog_n vers_n 26._o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a she_o neither_o have_v no●_n can_v have_v any_o assurance_n but_o on●_n lie_v she_o exercise_v her_o faith_n of_o reliance_n notwithstanding_o all_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n and_o still_o she_o pray_v and_o worship_n th●_n son_n of_o david_n confess_v she_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n an●_n justify_v the_o lord_n in_o call_v he●_n dog_n and_o take_v advantage_n there_o upon_o to_o hope_v that_o yet_o there_o may_v bosom_n crumb_n of_o mercy_n for_o her_o vers_n 27._o truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v the_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n and_o at_o length_n with_o this_o faith_n she_o prevail_v and_o have_v a_o full_a answer_n of_o her_o petition_n with_o a_o high_a commendation_n of_o her_o faith_n vers_fw-la 28._o then_o jesus_n a_o swered_a and_o say_v unto_o she_o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o th●●_n even_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o her_o daughter_n be_v make_v whole_a the_o same_o hour_n and_o so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n 2._o quest_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n but_o whether_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v the_o habit_n and_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v the_o exercise_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n necessary_o require_v also_o answ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v the_o habit_n and_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o pray_v but_o the_o exercise_n and_o actuality_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o our_o
drug_n when_o there_o be_v such_o quick_a trade_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n great_a merchant_n will_v empty_v their_o beware_a house_n and_o bring_v forth_o their_o rich_a commodity_n when_o they_o have_v a_o quick_a trade_n when_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o country_n do_v give_v they_o advantage_n to_o put_v off_o with_o great_a profit_n they_o will_v use_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o industry_n and_o will_v lay_v out_o themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a they_o will_v venture_v all_o their_o stock_n engage_v all_o their_o credit_n improve_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o such_o a_o season_n shall_v man_n be_v so_o wise_a for_o earth_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v as_o wise_a for_o heaven_n o_o you_o saint_n of_o god_n you_o be_v the_o heavenly_a merchant_n who_o only_o have_v this_o trade_n in_o your_o hand_n you_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o heavenly_a country_n and_o you_o have_v a_o factor_n there_o who_o be_v both_o able_a and_o faithful_a who_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o put_v off_o your_o prayer_n with_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o procure_v you_o return_n in_o the_o rich_a and_o best_a thing_n of_o the_o country_n which_o shall_v best_o answer_v your_o interest_n and_o profit_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o now_o you_o have_v a_o most_o precious_a season_n 1._o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o three_o great_a nation_n whereof_o yourselves_o be_v a_o part_n and_o in_o the_o peace_n whereof_o your_o peace_n be_v bind_v up_o do_v call_v aloud_o for_o the_o help_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v under_o as_o great_a symptom_n and_o token_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o under_o as_o black_a a_o cloud_n of_o stormy_a wrath_n as_o any_o nation_n we_o read_v of_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o take_v a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o character_n and_o mark_n express_v there_o of_o a_o generation_n mark_v out_o for_o vengeance_n and_o try_v if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o find_v upon_o this_o generation_n this_o one_o except_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o remnant_n and_o can_v you_o see_v all_o this_o and_o be_v silent_a have_v you_o not_o so_o much_o charity_n so_o much_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n for_o your_o native_a country_n 18.22_o gen._n 18.22_o your_o child_n and_o posterity_n as_o abraham_n have_v for_o sodom_n as_o lot_n for_o zoar_v 2._o the_o desolation_n of_o mount_n zion_n the_o captivity_n of_o god_n ark_n the_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n that_o be_v accomplish_v in_o your_o dear_a brethren_n who_o be_v like_o sheep_n appoint_v for_o the_o slaughter_n do_v call_v aloud_o for_o your_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o strong_a cry_n to_o be_v send_v up_o to_o heaven_n incessant_o &_o that_o you_o give_v the_o lord_n no_o rest_n till_o he_o do_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o turn_v the_o captivity_n of_o his_o people_n as_o stream_n in_o the_o south_n can_v you_o be_v at_o ease_n in_o zion_n and_o not_o regard_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n can_v you_o behold_v zion_n in_o travel_n yea_o cry_v out_o and_o in_o pang_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o not_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n 3._o the_o ruinous_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o thousand_o of_o precious_a soul_n who_o be_v like_a to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o vision_n to_o starve_v for_o want_v of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n who_o wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v find_v it_o who_o cry_v out_o for_o bread_n and_o behold_v stone_n be_v give_v they_o instead_o of_o bread_n who_o ask_v for_o fish_n but_o be_v feed_v with_o scorpion_n who_o seek_v water_n but_o find_v none_o and_o their_o tongue_n fail_v for_o thirst_n do_v also_o in_o their_o deep_a misery_n and_o distress_n cry_v out_o and_o call_v aloud_o to_o you_o oh_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o labourer_n &_o drive_v out_o loiterer_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o unto_o we_o a_o soul-searching_a &_o a_o soulsaving_a ministry_n and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o the_o heavy_a scourge_n and_o plague_n of_o a_o soul-murdering_a blind_a and_o superstitious_a clergy_n for_o where_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o must_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n oh_o you_o saint_n of_o god_n who_o only_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o soul_n who_o only_o can_v be_v true_o sensible_a of_o spiritual_a evil_n and_o know_v both_o the_o worth_n and_o want_n of_o a_o true_a gospel-ministry_n can_v you_o be_v silent_a and_o see_v such_o merchandise_n make_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o greedy_a merchant_n of_o babylon_n never_o be_v there_o a_o time_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o the_o saint_n have_v more_o advantage_n of_o do_v great_a and_o eminent_a service_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o poor_a nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o their_o dear_a brethren_n in_o suffering_n and_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a creation_n than_o at_o this_o day_n in_o which_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v so_o great_o distress_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n perplex_v and_o their_o heart_n even_o fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v on_o the_o earth_n yea_o the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o which_o zions_n consolation_n and_o babylon_n confusion_n great_o hasten_v the_o time_n of_o babel_n tyranny_n and_o the_o saint_n captivity_n be_v so_o near_o fulfil_v and_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v a_o come_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n oh_o you_o saint_n of_o god_n know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o precious_a season_n let_v but_o your_o prayer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o angel_n hand_n who_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n to_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o his_o own_o incense_n and_o then_o great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o earth_n rev._n 8.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n 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 the_o next_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o text_n and_o propose_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o treatise_n be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n faith_n be_v a_o plenipotentiary_n grace_n it_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o omnipotency_n in_o it_o it_o come_v with_o a_o full_a commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o poor_a disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n by_o which_o they_o may_v do_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n with_o god_n yea_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n they_o shall_v obtain_v by_o faith_n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n will_v not_o can_v deny_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o poor_a servant_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o they_o ask_v in_o faith_n he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v and_o can_v deny_v himself_o the_o word_n be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v not_o repent_v he_o will_v not_o call_v it_o in_o again_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 oh_o here_o be_v a_o large_a commission_n indeed_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o here_o be_v no_o limit_n no_o bound_n set_v to_o faith_n in_o prayer_n faith_n may_v ask_v what_o it_o will_v and_o have_v what_o it_o ask_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n faith_n can_v but_o ask_v and_o have_v faith_n do_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n on_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n the_o truth_n be_v faith_n be_v a_o modest_a grace_n a_o prudent_a wise_a and_o sober_a grace_n that_o look_v at_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o her_o rule_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o her_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o can_v desire_v or_o ask_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n most_o holy_a will_n or_o cross_v to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o faith_n have_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o she_o and_o may_v go_v to_o the_o heap_n of_o mercy_n and_o take_v even_o what_o she_o will_v mat._n 15.28_o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o mighty_a prevail_a power_n it_o have_v with_o god_n be_v sufficient_o make_v manifest_a 1._o in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n and_o promise_n 2._o in_o the_o saint_n most_o precious_a and_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 bewaile●_n and_o confess_v the_o prayer_n of_o this_o distress_a and_o afflict_a father_n o●_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 child●_n heal_v vers_fw-la 25_o 26_o 27._o oh_o the_o infinite_a riches_n an●_n condescension_n of_o free_a grace_n tha●_n ever_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o this_o shoul●_n be_v hear_v and_o answer_v that_o pu●_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 b●_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_v o●_n god_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o ver●_n thing_n ask_v or_o something_o else_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o th●_n thing_n which_o we_o ask_v the_o rule_n therefore_o which_o th●_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 christ●an_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o i_o will_v pray_v wi●●_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 praye●_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
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 pra●_n without_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o tru●_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 i●_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 an●_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o the_o excellency_n of_o tru●_n grace_n in_o every_o duty_n and_o hol●_n action_n to_o look_v unto_o god_n as_o i●_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 whe●_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 hea●en_n mat._n 3.17_o and_o again_o mat._n ●8_o 5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o ●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 ●ur_n holy_a service_n and_o sacrifice_n ●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 ●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 ●lease_v he_o and_o again_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o t●_n faithless_a prayer_n like_o blind_a a●_n lame_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o la●_n mal._n 1.8_o be_v both_o unaccepta●_n and_o sinful_a upon_o all_o which_o con●derations_n it_o do_v more_o than_o s●_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 m●_n be_v of_o use_n both_o to_o sinner_n ●_o saint_n to_o believer_n and_o un●_n leever_n to_o formal_a hypocrite_n and_o to_o sincere_a christian_n wh●_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 a●_n profitable_a for_o all_o man_n to_o know_v 1._o how_o worthless_a vile_a a●_n useless_a yea_o how_o sinful_a and_o ab●_n minable_a the_o prayer_n of_o all_o unbe_n leever_n wicked_a person_n and_o fo●_n mal_fw-fr hypocrite_n be_v if_o the_o efficacy_n excellency_n an●_n worth_a of_o prayer_n depend_v up●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 ●he_n life_n glory_n and_o strength_n of_o ●rayer_n as_o have_v be_v already_o ●●ewed_v then_o how_o fruitless_a vile_a ●nd_n worthless_a must_v the_o prayer_n ●f_v all_o unbeliever_n wicked_a ●_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 book●rayers_n their_o say-prayer_n their_o ●orm-prayers_n which_o they_o cry_v ●p_v with_o as_o much_o superstitious_a ●nd_v blind_a zeal_n as_o the_o athenians●id_v ●id_z their_o goddess_n diana_n the_o ●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 ●dmirers_n and_o author_n of_o such_o ●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 wh●_n be_v so_o legible_a in_o their_o heart_n a●_n live_v that_o he_o that_o run_v m●_n read_v they_o for_o out_o of_o the_o ab●_n dance_v of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n spe●_n eth_z we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o co●_n vince_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o b●_n of_o such_o their_o service_n be_v 〈◊〉_d worthless_a vain_a and_o unprofita●_n thing_n which_o god_n take_v no_o ple●_n sure_a in_o and_o which_o thomselu●_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 generati●_n of_o corrupt_a and_o ungodly_a prie●_n and_o people_n who_o by_o their_o unha●_n lowed_a and_o unsanctified_a course●_n have_v pollute_v his_o name_n and_o co●_n rupt_v his_o true_a worship_n as_o a●_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 o●_n all_o glory_n and_o boast_v themselves_o of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the●_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 sel●_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 d●_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 o●_n even_o with_o loathe_v and_o hatred●_n vers_fw-la 14._o your_o new_a moon_n and_o yo●_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 a●_n weary_a to_o bear_v they_o 2._o their_o service_n which_o a●_n swer_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o ol●_n yea_o their_o offering_n and_o oblation●_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 o●_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 o●_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 simulati●_n i._n e._n feign_a sanctity_n be_v doubl●_n iniquity_n both_o because_o iniquity_n and_o because_o feign_a the_o religion_n of_o idolater_n an●_n false_a worshipper_n be_v their_o wor●_n piece_n their_o profaneness_n swear_v curse_a drunkenness_n excess_n of_o riot_n chamber_v