Malach. 1.6 Master If Absoloms e 2 Sam. 13.29 servants obeyed him an evill Master in an vnlawfull and wicked action farre rather art thou oblished to obtemperate thy good Master in a lawfull dead Absolom commanded that his brother Amnon should bee slaiâ—e GOD commandeth this service that thy soule may bee saved and therefore absolutely ought to bee obeyed Seeing moreover he is King Almightie who e Math. 10.28 is able to destroy both soule and bodie in hell eternally and to giue thee a great reward for thy obedience and loyaltie when King David but desired to drinke of the water of the well of Bethlem three f 1 Sam. 25.15 of his subjects brake through the hoast of the Philistims and brought vnto him that water longed for thus they ventred their liues for Davids sake and for his plâ—asure And shouldest not thou much more willingly hazard thy life to giue vnto GOD obedience to doe his Majestie acceptable service Who Gods promise maketh also vnto thee most sweet and comfortable promises to deliver g Psal 50 1â— thee to h Psal 91. 1â— glorifie thee to satisfie thee with long life and to show thee his salvation He perfitly performed his promise given of a Kingdome not only to i 2 Sam. 5. â— David whom hee loved but also to k 1 King 11. 3â— Ieroboam an idolator whom hee hated l Iosh 23. 14 all his promises shall in due tyme vndoubtedly come to passe nothing shall faile thereof So hee promiseth if thou pray m Ierem 29.12 to him to heare thee if thou seeke him to be found of thee Againe when thou considerest CHRIST IESUS thy Saviour thou shall confesse that thou hast good CHRISTS example cause of prayer Consider thy redemer remaining in this earth hee n Math. 14.23 went vp into a mountaine alone to pray for a long-space of time In o Heb. 5. 7 the dayes of his flesh hee offered vp prayers and supplications with strâ—ng crying and teares Quòd si ille orabat qui sine pecato crat quantò magis peccatores oportet orare If hee prayed who was without sinne how much more behoueth it sinners for to pray His precept also and promises Christ his precept and promise is cause of prayer may cause thee to call vpon GOD Aske p Math 7. 7 saith Hee and it shall bee given you seeke and you shall find knock and it shall bee opened vnto you Moreover Seing hee q Heb. 9. 24 is entred into Heaven himselfe to appeare CHRISTS intercession now in the sight of GOD for thee to make continuall request and intercession for thee Hast not thou great reason to make request for thy owne selfe When the r Levit. 16. 17 high Priest went into the holy place to make atonement then the whole multitude of the people stood without in Å¿ Luke 1. 10 prayer while the incense was in burning Seing therefore thou hast t Hebr. 4. 14 a great high Priest which hath entred into Heaven even IESVS the Sonne of GOD who now is at the u Ephes 1. 20 right hand of the FATHER to make request and intercession for thee to procure thy peace and reconciliation hast thou not who are without in this earth great reason to continue thy selfe in earnest prayer and supplication to the end thou mayest obtaine eternall salvation Furthermore If thou desirest The desire of the grouth of the graces of Spirit a cause of prayer an increase of the graces of the holy Spirit that they may the more abundantly bee bestowed vpon thee thou hast cause to pray for the same more earnestly for thy Heavenly Father x Luke 11. 13 will giue the holy Ghost a greater measure of his gifts to thee that desireth him for the same Spirit is both the cause and effect of our prayer Scultet cap. 3 de precatione and petitions Secondly If thou take heede Cause of prayer Sathans power to the Devill thy mortall enemie thou will pray to GOD most fervently hee thy deadly adversarie y 1 Pet. 5. 8 like a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking to devore thee Hee is stronger than z 1 Sam. 17.4 Goliah desirous to destroy with firie a Ephes 6. 16 darts 2. He is much more craftie than b 2 Sam. 16.23 Achitophell by his wicked counsell and machinations plotting to supprise thee 3. Hee is more false than c Ierem. 41. 6 Ishmael promising to pleasure thee but will punish thee for ever 4. Hee is more cruell than Herod who slew d Math. 2. 16 the male children that were in Bethlehem but he would kill body and soule eternally 5. Sathan is more malitious than e Esther 3. 6 Haman who purposed to put to death Mordecay and all the people of his country So desireth the Devill to destroy thee and all thy of-spring and posteritie 6. Sathan is much more treacherous than Saul who albeit hee f 1 Sam. 18.29 verse 21 became alwayes Davids enemie yet in appearance of loue and familiaritie he gaue his daughter to him in marriage for to be a suare to him So Sathan although hee would giue the whole world to thee and although hee spake to thee the trueth and veritie yet it is ever his minde to hurt thee to ensnare thee and altogether to overthrow thee 7. He is restlesse and g Iob. 1.7 never ceasseth but with shamelesse impudencie with continuall celeritie and agilitie hee accuseth thee hee persueth thee for thy perdition and endlesse torment and destruction Seing then such is the strength craft crueltie deceate malitiousnesse The estate of the Church is a cause of prayer treacherie and vigilancie of thy spirituall enemie thou hast great cause to pray most earnestly and vncessantly Thirdly if thou consider other Christians of the familie i Galat. 6. 10 of faith thou knowing some yea too manie molested and vexed on everie side with k Zach. 1. 14 the foure hornes of persecution thou then shouldest bee sorie l Nehem. 1. 4 for Iosephs affliction and with Nehemiah fast and pray for the reproach and miserie of Hierusalem Certainly seeing thou art a member of Christs body the Church militant it is thy duetie to m Psal 1â—2 6 pray for the peace of Hierusalem when thou shalt see the graces of GOD multiplyed vpon thy brethren and them walking n Ephes â— 1 worthy of their Christian calling and living an holy life and godly conversation thou shouldest aske of GOD that thou thy selfe may become an earnest imitator of tâ—eâ—r good courses and true religion that GOD alwayes may bee more and more glorified his kingdome enlarged Satan and his power confounded and thy selfe surely perserved yea that the whole p Ephes 5. 23 spirit soule and body of all Saints may bee kept blamelesse vntill the comming of our Lord IESVS CHRIST Fourthly when thou shall behold
m Genes 22.13 sand which was vpon the sea shore and the starres of Heaven as it is to mee to number my innumerable offences and manifold enormities whereby I haue offended thy godly Majestie I 2 Great sins am compelled also O gratious GOD to confesse vnto thee that mine iniquities n Psal 25. 11 are great my wickednesse o Iocl 3. 13 is grievous it is also growne to a terrible hight it is mounted vp to the cloudes Nebuchadnezar but dreamed that p Daniel 4. 8 the hight of that tree which hee saw in aâ— vision reached vp to the Heaven but I am perswaded that my sinne is ascended higher It is come vp to q Revel 18. 5 Heaven and cryeth r Genes 18.20 vpon GOD for wrath and indignation against mee I doe acknowledge O Heavenly and mercifull Father that my 3 Heavie sins sinnes are wondrous weightie and infinitly heavie The Å¿ Psal 70.27 stones are weighty and the sand is heavie but light in respect of my iniquities for t Psal 23. 4 they are growne over my head and as a weightie burden they are too heavie for mee the iron thereof is importable Manasseh In the prayer of Manasses was bound downe with many iron bands that hee could not lift vp his head vnto Heaven I am bund downe with many heavie bands of sinne that I can not lift vp my heart to thee as I most earnestly desire to doe The people of Israell protested that u 2 Chron. 10.4 Salomons yoke was heavie and his servitude sore vpon them and prayed that it might be made lighter but LORD I find the yoke of sinne much more bitter and the slaverie thereof more intolerable I long to bee eased thereof The Israelites sighed x Exod. 2. 23 and cryed to GOD when they were kept vnder with the heavie burdens of the Aegyptians I haue greater cause O LORD to bee vexed and wearied with the burden of sinne which y Heb. 12. 1 hangeth so fast and presseth so sore downe which without helpe from thy Majestie would thrust my soule to the lowest hell I confesse O GOD that as my 4 Filthie sinne sinnes they are not few but many they are not small sinnes but great sinnes they are not light but verie heavie sinnes so they are most vile filthie and abhominable polluting and defiling mee both outwardly and inwardly in soule spirit and body It is trueth pitch z Eecles 13. 4 defileth him that toucheth it and mirie clay contaminateth him that walloweth in the same The excrements of men which thou most holy GOD commanded to be digged in a Deut. 23. 13 the graue and to bee covered with earth the dung of beastes doe not so defile the body as the excrements of filthie sinne hath polluted my soule and inward man The corruption of dead Carions and carkases b Levit 11. 39 made the handlers thereof vncleane but LORD my continuall doing of dead c Heb. 12. 1 workes hath made mee much more polluted and detestable in thy presence The Ammonites for their wrong to DAVID did d 2 Sam. 10. 6 stinke in his sight but LORD I am more lothsome in thy pure eyes I doe acknowledge before thee 5 Odious sins O e Genes 18.25 righteous judge of the whole world that my hainous sinnes makes mee odious vnto thy Majestie for I know well that thou hatest f Psal 5. 5 all them that worke iniquitie and even at this time my conscience cryeth to mee that I haue committed many enormities justly O LORD may thou hate mee and set g Psal 50. 21 all my sinnes in order before mee and therefore take vengance vpon mee most deservedly O my GOD I confesse also that Scandalous sin my sinnes are exemplary and scandalous I haue alace caused the h 2 Sam. 12. 14 enemies of the LORD blaspheme They i Rom. 3. 19 who obeyed not the word haue not beene wonne by my holy lyfe and conversation I haue not stopped but rather opened the mouths of the vngodly I haue strengthned them in their wickednesse and impietie as also I haue scandalized but not bettered the weake ones I k Levit. 19. 14 haue put a stumbling block before my blind brethren I haue caused them by mine evill example to goe astray and to fall into the pit I haue beene an offence to some litle ones that dwelt with mee Thou thy selfe O my SAVIOUR hath said it l Math. 18.7 must needs bee that some offences must come Many alace haue come by mee for the which without thy mercie I would be wrapped vp in woe and endlesse miserie I can not deny O most righteous 7 Pernitious sinnes judge but I must acknowledge of necessitie that my filthie faults and terrible transgressions are most hurtfull and pernicious to my selfe for weakning and wounding mee for binding and blindfolding me for sundering me from thee and swallowing mee vp in woe and calamitie I say with thy servant O m Psal 6. 2 LORD I am weake and feeble my sinnes haue made my strength to fall neither am I able to rise againe my n Psal 38. 4. 5.6.7.8 wounds are putrified and corrupt because of my foolishnesse I am bowed and crooked very sore my reines are full of burning and there is nothing sound in my flesh I am weakned and sore bowed I roare for the very griefe of myne heart I find O LORD that myne owne o Proverb 5.22 iniquities doe take me and Sathan by them hath caught me and I am holden with the cordes of sinne and by them the Devill is drawing mee vnto everlasting damnation And as the blind Aramits were p 2 King 6.19 led to Samaria so am I carried to hell and without spirituall eyes am brought to perdition without thy helpe and salvation for q Isaiah 59.2 they doe hide thy face from mee that thou will not heare they doe separate betweene thy Majestie and mee they will make mee alace to perish eternally to bee deprived of all comfort and glory and without true repentance to bee tormented continually in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which r Revel 21. 8 Originall sin is the second death And yet O LORD when I descend more deeply by thy assistance of thy grace into mine heart and narrowly examine my conscience I doe confesse in sinceritie that I am guiltie of originall sin I want that righteousnesse wherewith man was indued in his creation I haue a bent desire a bad inclination to doe evill wickednesse and abhomination Behold Å¿ Psal 51.5 I was borne in iniquitie and in sinne did my mother conceaue mee I t Rom. 7.23 see another law in my members rebelling against the law in my mynde and leading mee captiue vnto the law of sinne which is into my members O LORD this is the evill seede which bringeth foorth evill encrease This is the bitter
constant who hath received g Rom. 8. 15 the Spirit of adoption whereby hee cryeth Abba Father if any other ascend it will bee with the lose of his soule though it were possible to him to doe so The third work to be performed in this exercise which mâ—st not seeme a small thing but of moment and importance is when the k Num. 19 9 LORD shall takâ— thâ—e nearer to himselfe considering thy basâ—nesse guiltinesse and wrâ—tchednesse againe GODS holynesse and righteousnesse to think that thou art l Psal 73. 22 a beast before the Almightie a m 2 Sam. 9 8 dead dogge vnworthie to bee respected of the King of Glory that thou n Psal 22. 6 art but a wormâ— and the contempt of the people that thou art but o Gen. 18 27. dust and ashes that thou of thy selfe art more vnprofitable than the sea-weede where Proâ—ecta vilios alga viâ—ga with many at sometimes doe good the ground yea by nature without the p Luke 14 34 spirit of prayer thou will bee as vnsavorie q Math. 5. 13 salt which is neither meete for land nor yet for the dung-hill but men cast it out to bee troden vnder foote as Ecbolius a Sophister in Constantinople a timorous temporizer who altered his religion as tymes altered that followed who following the profession of sundrie Emperours in his tyme was inconstant in his profession yet at length he was so troubled in his conscience that lying downe at the Church doore hee cryed to the people to tâ—ample him vnder foote for hee was but vnfavory salt Surely before GOD thou art as r Isaiah 40. 17 a droppe of a bucket as vanitie as nothing as lesse than nothing Againe think seriously vpon thine owne guiltinesse and thou shall acknowledge it an hard matter to compeere in the LORDS presence as our first parents knowing their nakednesse did preasse to Å¿ Genes 3 â— hide themselues if they could from the face of the LORD The Patriarchs after Ioseph had vttered himselfe to them and remembring their crueltie and vnnaturalnesse towards him they could not endure to draw neere to him or looke him in the face but shame feare and astonishment did suddainly oppresse them they t Genes 45. 3 went backe and were astonied at his presence Seing thou hast delt more vnkindly with thy blessed GOD. and u Act. 2 23 hath crucâ—fied to thy selfe the King of Glory may not thou justly bee dismayed for thy guiltinesse and iniquitie and confesse ingenuâ—usly â—aying O x Daniel 9.7 LORD righteousnesse belongeth to thee but to vs open sâ—ame and everlasting ignomiâ—ie If there was dangâ—r and difficultie to any to come into the presence of an earthly King for whosoever y Esther 4. 11 man or woman did come to the King Ahasuerus into the inner court vncalled there was a law that hee should die except him to whom the king hâ—ld out his golden rodde 〈◊〉 scepter that hee might liuâ— If thou appeare before the king of Kings and Lord of glorie vnlesse it plâ—aâ—e his godly Majestie to hold foorth vnto thee the golden scepter of his compassion thâ—n art but a lâ—st catiue theâ— will bee justly punished with endlesse woâ— and miâ—â—rie And as thou remembrest thy foâ—lorne estate and wretchednesse that thou art z Revel 3. 17 miserable weake blind and naked the a Eph. 2. 3 châ—lâ—e of wrath by nature from CHRIST a stranger to GOD a reâ—ell and dâ—sloyall traitor a slaue to sinnâ— a vassall to Sathan subject to the Miseria est comes individuae malitiae â—urse of GOD and heavie malâ—diction and so by reason of thy wickednesse thou still remâ—inest in miserie and wretchednesse Also consider carefully the LORDâ— greatnesse first and Majestie from whose face both b Revel 20 11 the Heaven and the earth will â—â—ee away Hee is most high over all the earth The c Psal 83. 18 whole world is full of his glorie Whose d Isaiah 6. 3 Naâ—e is great from the râ—sing of the Sunne vnto the going downe of the saâ—e among the Gentils The Sâ—raphims themâ—elues in â—â—gard of the â—urpassing greatnesse and brightnesse of his most excellent glorie with their e Mal. 1. 11 wings they cover both face and feete Hee f Isaiah 6. 2 looketh on the earth and it trâ—mblâ—th hee toucheth the mountains and they smoke the sea roareth and all that is therein Hee g Psal 96. 11 createth the winde and declareth h Amos. 4. 13 to man what is his thought hee maketh the morning darknesse his anger is the mâ—ssinger of death his wrath as a hote consuming fire his indignation is like a terrible tempeit wee by nature are like dry sticks or withâ—ed branches wee are as weake stubble as light chaffe which the wind driveth away Againe If thou thinke vpon the LORDS holynesse thou will thinke it difficill to compeere in his presence His i Isa 67. 15 Name is the holy One his Name is high and excellent the k Revel 4 8 Angels say holy holy LORD GOD Almightâ—e which was which is and which is to come Behold said Bildad power l Iob. 25. 5 and feare is with him and the starres are vncleane in his sight how much more man which is but a worme If a Captaine of Damasâ—us esteemed the bodie of that craftie See Purchas pilgrimage lib 3 cap. 6 seducer Mahomet that hee both made great request and offered a great â—umme of money to the idolatrous Priest for the obtaining of a sight of the same and when the Priest had proudly answered how can those eyes wherewith thou hast committed so many evils in the world see him by whom GOD hath created both Heaven and earth The Captaine replyed trueth Sir but grant mee this â—avour that I may see his bodie and I will presently pluck out mine eyes That man in his blind superstition thought it a great matter to compeare before the rotten carion of that vile deceaver is it not by infinite degries and without any compariâ—on much more difficill to appeare before the glorious Majestie of the Almightie and everliâ—ing GOD who m Isaiah 44.6 is the first and the last a small sight of whose glorious presence is so terrible as to make Moses n Hebr. 12. 21 who was the Lords friend to quake and feare And lastly remembering GODS righteousnesse who o Ier. 31. 19 is great in counsell and mightie in worke whose eyes are open vpon all the wayes of the sonnes of men to giue to everie one according to his wayes and according to the fruit of his workes who p Exod. 34. 7 will not make the wicked innocent the q Gen. 18. 25 true judge of all the world will doe rightly for if r Rom. 11. 21 GOD spared not the naturall branches take heeds also least hee not spare thee behold therefore both GODS bountifulnesse and severitie Now if
haue singlnesse x Act. 2. 46 of heart as that poore peâ—itent thiefe at the beginning I thinke had but a meane measure of knowlegde faith charitie and repentance yet having sinceritie all these graces iâ—cresâ—d hee was accepted and with CHRIST shortly after was râ—ceaned in y Luk. 23. 43 Paradise So it will be with all GODS sincere servants although they haue but small beginnings yet the mcrease of their graces will bee plentifull and copious they shall surely grow z 2 Pet. 3. 18 in grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour IESVS Lastly If thou be much troubled because of these manifold impediments Comforts agaiâ—st man◠〈◊〉 which doe hinder thee from this holy exercise thou hast sinne thou hast Sathan thou hast the world thou hast thy corruption and many crosses and great tribulation I reply shortly if CHRIST â—ee a Revâ— â— 31 on thy side who can bee against thee 1 In regard of thy transgfessions troubling thee thou hast an b 1 Iohn 2. 1 Advocate with the Father IESVS CHRIST the just 2. I regard of thy enemies thou hast a Chiâ—tane even CHRIST the Captaine c Iosh 5. 14 of the LORDS host 3. In regard of thy selfe of thy owne weaknesse and of thy owne vncleannesle thou hast also a good guider and governour to helpe thee and direct thee continually in all distresses and difficulties CHRIST IESUS is of all the Christ is the best Advocate for seven reasons best Advocate in seven respects of his Wisdome Power Holinesse Fidelitie Diligence Loue happie successe First Hee is a most wise Advocate Of his wisdome for d Colos 2. 3 in him are hid all the treasurs of Wisdome and knowledge seeing in him e Col. 2. 9 dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Wee read that of Anaximenâ—s that hee prudently procured the peace and safetie of the people Pausaâ—ias lib 1. 6 Lampsaceni for when Alexander the Great was highly offended against them and had threatned their vtter ruine and destruction and because they were favourers and protectors of the Persians against him the people being perplexed by feare and dargâ—â— did send this Anaximenes to the Conquerour to make request for them the King knowing the cause of his comming did sweare soâ—â—mnly by his great Oath that whatsoever hee required hee would doe the contrarie Then wisely replyed the Philosopher My petition is that thou O King wouldest kill the men of my Citie sell the women and children burne the Churches destroy the Citie and overthrow the same vtterly Alexander Veniam dedit Lampsacenis invitus having nothing then to say vnwillingly pardoned that people But our Advocate is f 1 Tim 1. 17 only wise Hee may declare g Amos 4. 13 vnto man what is his thought all creaturs are but fooles in câ—mparison with Him who of h 1 Cor. 1. 50 GOD is made vnto vs wisdome to teach vs true knowledge and discretion Secondly CHRIST is an Advocate of greatest strength and Of his power power for to i Math. 28. 18 him all power is given both in Heaven and earth Thus in him thou mayest haue great cause of gladnesse and rejoycing As a certaine old Souldier Macrobius lib. 2. Satut cap. â— being accused and so in danger was well hearâ—ened when hee got Augustus Caesar a mightie Monarch to be his Advocate for so without doubt hee was absolved and altogether delivered So thou albeit thou haue the Devill the k Revel 1â— 10 accuser of the Brethren to chalenge thee and accuse thee Yet having the most mightie Monarch IESVS whose l Dan. 7. 14 Dominion is an everlasting Dominion whose Kingdome is eternall and â—ever shall bee destroyed who m Math. 9. 6 hath authoritie in earth to forgiue sinnes who may easily rebuke and conâ—ound Sathan having him I say to bee thy Advocate and intercessour who n Rom. 2.33.34 shall lay any thing to thy charge it is GOD who iustifieth who shall condemne it is Christ who by his owne mighty power is risen againe who also at thâ— right hand of GOD maketh request for thee Thirdly CHRIST is most holy In respect of his holinesse aâ—d righteous one Advocate appeareth o Iohn 3. 5 that hee may take away our sinnes in him is no sinne neither p 1 Pet. 2. 22 was their guile found in his mouth It is written of St. Iames q Gal. 1. 19 the LORDS brother that hee was holy for his knees by oft sitting on them to pray did lose all sense of feeling also that he was righteous because for the excellencie Clemen Alex andâ—rinus Eusâ—bius lib 2 cap. 1 Epipha of his righteousnesse hee was called Iust that hee was so beloued of GOD that in a burning drouth when men and beasts with the vâ—hemenciâ— of heat were troubled when trees cornes and grasse were withered that by his prayer and supplication hee brought abundance of raine from Heaven yet hee as Helias â— was a man subject to the like passions as wee are he wanted not his infirmities hee was guiltie of originall and actuall sinne But IESUS CHRIST hee is an Advocate holy Å¿ Heb. 7 25 harmelesse vndefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the Heavens Hee t Isaiah 53. 9 who did no wickednesse neither was deceate in his mouth He that beloved u Math. 3. 17 Son in whom GOD is well pleased by his mediation effectuall intercession will bring vnto thee his dew x Isaiah 26. 19 of grace as the dew of herbes whereby thy withered heart shall bee watered thy dry heart and barren shall bee refreshed and bettered and thou shall be GODS y 1 Cor. 3.9 husbandry to bring foorth fruite plentifuâ—ly whereof thou mayest bee comforted continually Fourthly Hee is such an Advocate In respect of his fidelitie which z Psal 146. 6 keepeth his fidelitie for ever Hee who a Iohn 14. 6 is trueth it selfe is most vnlike that false Ovid. lib. 3. Stephan and vnfaithfull Vlysses who did faine himselfe to be a friend and an Advocate to worthie Palamedes but hee filthily deceived and destroyed him but hee who is Amen b Revel 3. 14 the true and faithfull witnesse is also a true and faithfull Advocate on him thou may rely with sure hope and confidence Fiftly CHRIST is a most diligent Advocate for if Sathan day In respect of his diligence and c Revel 1â— 10 night accuse thee before GOD Hee d Hebr. 10. 12 who sitteth at the right hand of his Father for ever will continually day and night desend thee and make request for thee Sixtly CHRIST is a most loving In regarde of his loue Advocate who e Isaiah 53. â— hath borne thy sinnes who hath caried thy sorrowes who was wounded for thy transgressions As the Patriarch Iudah in tender loue and affection offered himselfe to
Kingdome and the power and the glory for ever Thou o Psal 135. 5 may know that GOD is great and that the LORD is aboue all gods Whatsoever pleased the LORD that did hee in Heaven and in Earth in the Sea and in all the depths 3. He is of greatest kindnesse and affection that GOD p Iohn â— 16 so lâ—ued thee that hee hath given his only begotten Sonne for thee that thou beleeving in Him shouldest not perish but haue life everlasting q Rom. 8. 32 Hee spared not his owne Sonne but gaue him for thee to death that thou mightest liue an happie and everlasting life Fourthly GOD is of greatest pittie and commiseration As r Psal 102. 13 a father hath compassion on his children so hath the LORD compassion on them that feare him CHRIST himselfe not his Disciples Å¿ Math. 15.32 had compassion on the multitude remaining three dayes with him and he did giue foode to them Christ himselfe had t Luke 7. 13 compassion on the Widow of Naim and restored to life her dâ—ad â—onne If a Heathen man Xenocrates pittied and preâ—eruâ—d a birde a Aelian lib. 13 de varia Histor Sparrow persued that came flying to him much more will our blessed GOD pittie and preserue all who resort to him and call vpon his blessed Name Fifthly The LORD 〈◊〉 most true to performe aâ— hiâ—â—â—â—mises hee u Psal 146. 6 keepeth his fiâ—â—litâ—e for ever If x 1 King 1. 30 David did faithfullâ— keepe his promise to Bathâ—â—hâ—ba 〈…〉 bestowed a kingdom◠〈…〉 â—on Salomon much more 〈…〉 Oâ—nipotent and 〈…〉 GOD giâ—e y Luke 12. 32 vnto his little â—lâ—â—k◠〈◊〉 everlasting Kingdome Sixtly GOD haâ—h a z Mal. 3. 16 〈◊〉 of rememberance written 〈◊〉 him albeit a a Isa 49. 15 Woman would forâ—â—â— her child which indeedâ— is 〈◊〉 â—rall yet the LORD will 〈◊〉 forget his owne for that were altogether impossiâ—â—◠〈◊〉 his b Psal 34. 15 eyes are ever looking vpon them â—is eares are open to their cry 〈◊〉 doeth graue them vpon the pâ—lmâ— of his hands and doeth set c Cant. 8. 6 them as a seale vpon his heart and a signet vpon his arme Wee reade that King Cyrus was of a good memorie who Plini Hist natur lib. 7. cap. 24. did call all his Souldiers by their proper names But hee was no thing in respect of GOD who counteth d Psal 147. 4 the number of the starres and calleth them by their names Seventhly The LORD is alwayes present with his owne to helpe them and holde e Psal 73. 23 them by their right hand though f Psal 27. 10 their father and mother should forsake them Yet the g Heb. 13. 5 LORD will never â—aile them nor forsake them Lastlâ— Our GOD is most constant For h Iohâ— 13.1 as much as hee loved his owne which were in the world vnto the end hee loved them With i Iam. 1. 17 him there is no variablenesse neither shadowing by turning The k Mal. 3. 6 LORD changeth not and therefore the sonnes of Iaakob are not consumed It is written to the praise of that Roman Fabricius that the Idenius Valer. Sunne would sooner leaue his naturall course than hee would forsake his honestie But it may be more truely spoken of our blessed GOD that the Sunne will sooner change hâ—s course than GOD will change his mercie which is constant and everlasting Thou shouldest only therefore pray to GOD and call vpon him for thou may doe so with jâ—â— true faith and a sure hope and perswasion to bee heard and regarded and rewarded Our Saviour thus promitteth by affiâ—mation l Iohn 16.23 Verily verily I say vnto you Whatsoever yee shall aske the Father in my Name hee will giue it you Oâ—serue the certaintie and generality of that gratious promise No Angell in Heaven no Saint vpon Earth no glorified soule is to bee adored nâ—r invocated for why should any with the reprobate serue m Rom. 12. 5 the creature forsaking the CREATOR who is blessed for ever Concerning the place of prayer thou mayest well follow the Circumstance of place rule of the Apostle Saying n â—im 2 8 I will that the men pray every where lifting vp pure hands without wrath or doubting A place is either private or publict and so are prayers either priuate or publict any place was and is ever free for a supplicant The examples of CHRIST and of good men confirme this for Isaak o Genes 24. 6â— prayedin the feild Iaakob in p Genes 49. 18 his bed Moses q â—xed 15. 25 prayed in the Wildernesse Ioshua r Iosh 5. 14 neâ—re Iericho Elias Å¿ 1 King 18. 20 prayed vpon the mountaine Hezekias t â— King 20. 3 in his châ—â—nbâ—r The Prophet Iâ—râ—miâ— u Lam. 3. 55 in the low dungeon Ionas x Ion. 2. 1 in the â—ishes bellie Daniel y Dan. 6 11 in Babilon CHRIST prayed z Luk. 23. â—4 vpon the Crosse The Disciples a Math. 8. 25 in a ship Peter b Act. 10. 9 vpon the house and truely according to our Masters direction thou c Math. 6. 6 may enter into thy chamber and sâ—utte thy doore and pray vnto thy Father whâ—ch is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly August speaketh pertinently to this purpose In oratione non quaeritur August locus quantum sensus Hiâ—remias confortatur in carcere Daniel inter Leones â—xultat tres pueri in fornace tripudiant Iob nudus in sterquilinio triumphat Paradisum de cruce latro invenit non est locus vbi non sit Deus In prayer the place is not so much sought as the sense of feeling Ieremie is comforted in the prison Daniel amongst the Lyons rejoyceth the three Children doe dâ—nce in the firie fornace naked Iob triumpheth in the dung hill the Thiefe vpon the crosse findeth Paradise There is no place where GOD is not Yet notwitstanding thou oughtest with the two great Apostles Peter and Iohn resort into the d Act. 3. 1 temple which is called by our Saviour the e Luke 19. 46 house of prayer and there publictly in the assemblie of the godly call vpon GOD duetifully This is the fittest place where thou mayest pacifie GODS ' anger to obtaine his speciall favour and to receaue benefites from his mercifull hands As that Roman M. Coriolanus in time of his trouble and distresse Plutarch in vita Coriolia being of purpose to seeke the friendship aâ—d to gaine the kindnesse of Tullus Amphidius his great enemie a noble man amongst the people Volsci Coriolanus went to Autrum and entred into Amphidius house and there a supplicant did mitigat his wrath did receiue reliefe and protection So let every Christian who by nature is an enemie to the Almâ—ghtie if hee bee resolved to seeke reconciliation with GOD let him goe to
that thou may ever bee graced with vprightnesse of heart and sinceritie to the end thy prayer may haue force with GOD and tend to thy solicitie Content not thy selfe to bee like the hypocriticall Iewes of whom GOD complaineth because they e Hosea 7. 14 cryed not vnto him With their hearts When they houled vpon their beds and because f Isaiah 29.13 they came neere to him With their month and honour him With their lips but had removed their heart farre from him And truely this is a most grievous complaint also of that same Evangelicall Prophet There g Isaiah 64. 7 is none that calleth vpon thy Name What did that holy and wise Prophet lament did not that people appeare h Isaiah 1. 12 before GOD and did tread in his courts and brought oblations and kept Sabbaths and solemne assemblies Did i Amos. 5. 22 they not then pray to GOD when they offered burnt offerings meate offerings and peace offerings The Prophet yet spake truely they did not call vpon GOD because they did it not rightly but lypocritically and the prayer of the hypocrite shall turne to sinne and bee esteemed transgression A Father maketh a notable comparison in affirming that the hypocrite Augustin and counterfaite Christian is like that golden k Revel 17. 4 cuppe which was in the hand of that whoorish woman full of abomination and filthinesse of her fornication His prayer then can not bee acceptable Yea though l Iob. 20. 6. 7 his excellencie mounted vp to the Heavens and his head reach to the clouds yet hee shall perish for ever lyke his doung and they which haue seene him shall say where is hee But worship thou thy GOD as hee requireth m Iohn 4. 23 in Spirit and Trueth with an vpright and honest heart in true simplicitie which is the whole grace of our oratrie which covereth Tota Rheto ricae nostrae gratia est mera simplicitas and â—â—â—eth all other infirmitie which is the highest perfection of Christianitie for GOD n Pâ—al 51. 4 who loveth trueth in the inward affection hee will ever doe o Psal 125. 4 good to them that are true in heart Hee will heare their prayers and in his owne good tyme grant them their requests and fuâ—fill their desires Moreover in the eight place yea in the first studie principally Humiliue to haue true humilitie because as excellently saith the Wise-man The p Ecâ—lâ—s 35.17 prayer of him that humbleth hiraselfe goeth through the clouds and ceaseth not till it come â—â—ere and will not departe till the most â—â—igh haue respect therevnto to judge righteously and to execute judgement and doubtâ—â—sle q Isaiah 66. 2 the LORD will looke to him that is poore and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at his Words Caeâ—eâ— a vitia in peccatis superbia vero in Augustin recte factis timendâ— est Other vyces in sinnes but pryde is to bee seared in weldoing And questionlâ—sse all r Prov. 16. 5 that are proud in heart are an abhâ—mination to the LORD The ambitious pâ—titioner shall not bee rewarded but punished learne Å¿ Mat 11. 29 then of thy Saviour to bee mâ—â—ke and â—oâ—lie in heart and thou shall find rest vnto thy soule Thou shall bee conteâ—ted and thy petition graâ—ted t Prov 29. 23 For the humble in sâ—irit shall receive glorie and enjoy merâ—ie O felix humilitas quae DEI trahit â—lementiam Augustin ejus ligat omnipotentiam O happie humilitie which draweth GODS mercie and bindeth his omnipotencie Nynthly Take good heed to Oppurtunitie the time u 2 Cor. 6. 2 accepted and to the day of salvation wherein GOD will heare thee and succour thee Bee not thou like profaine Esau x Heb. 12. 12 who afterward out of tâ—me seeking the blessing with teares was rejected Follow not the joolish y Math. 25 12 Virgins who vntymously when the gate was shut did cry and were repulled but bee carefull z Isaiah 55. 6 to seeke the LORD while hee may bee found and to call vpon him while hee is neere As some Emperiours namely VESPASIAN had a time even when he was going to the baths wherein hee did principally show his liberalitie and bountifulnesse So the great and most a Genes 4. 22 High GOD possessour of Heaven and earth hath his owne season when hee will bestow his rich mercie and vnspeakeable goodnesse when hee will b Hos 10. 12 come and raine righteousnesse vpon his people which occasion if thou â—loathfully neglect the LORD will not admit thy request nor grant thy petition Tenthly As the holy Apostle Constancie exhorteth thee to c Thess 5. 17 pray continually bee d Galat. 6. 9 not wearie of well-doing for in due season thou shall reape if thou faint not Consider diligently that parable of thy Saviour of the importunate widow and vnrighteous Iudge who e Luk. 18. 5 did her justice against her adversarie because shee did make him wearie Let thy prayer be liâ—e St Stevens looking hee f Act 7. 55 looked to Heaven steadâ—astly and therefore comfortablâ— for hee saw the glorie of GOD and IESVS standing at his right hand readie to receaue him so pray thou constantly and ever with vehement affection But vse g Math. 6 7 not vaine repetitions as the Heathen or â—dolaters who thinke to be heard for their much babling like Baals h 1 King 18.26 priests who called from morning till noone saving no other thing but O Baal heare vs all that labour was lost there was none to answere them or helpe them But I say pray continually with 〈◊〉 and so thou mayest doe comfortaâ—â—â—e for Christ will haue a â—are of thee because if hee gaue accâ—â—â— to thee being farre dâ—â—tant from him much more will hee hold thee when thou are more neere to him and if thou i Psal 37. 4 delyte thy selfe in the LORD surely hee will giue thee thy hearts desire in due and convenient time for to comfort thee Lastly in the first place most carefully and continually labour Spirit to bee possessed wholly with the sanâ—tifying Spirit who is GOD and the gift of GOD which l Rom. 8. 26 Deus donum Dei. will helpe thy infirmities when thou knowest not to pray as thou oughtest the spirit it selfe will make request August for thee with sighes which cannot bee expressed which will worke hope and confidence in thee so that thou m Heb. 10 22 shall draw neare to GOD with a true heart in the assurance of Faith so that thou shall giue thy selfe to true fasting and almes-deeds This hope and confidence will not make thee n Rom. 5. 5 ashamed but encouraged and if thou desirest thy prayer to flee vp to Heaven thou must haue as that Father couâ—selleth two August wings namely this right private fasting a frequent custome of a good o
Heb. 13. 16 doing and distributing for with such sacrifices GOD is pleased thou with him will bee reconciled thy request granted This Spirit will cause thee to continue p Col. 1. 21 grounded and stablished in faith and not to bee moved away from the hope of the Gospell to bee so rootted and builded in CHRIST that thy heart shall not be distracted with vaine cogitations or worldly cares in time of this holy service neither shall thou waver q Iam. 1. 6 and bee like a wave of the sea tossed with the winds and carried away If in time and in the practise Plutarch in vita coriola of the blind superstition of the old Romans a cryer proclamed Hoc age doe this onelie much more in the sincere service of our GOD wee should bee most intentiue and only diligent to performe this duetie Now seeing the true supplicant must bee graced with all these qualities thou may soone perceiue the difficultie of this exercise it is wonderous hard to be adorned with so many properties and more of the difficultie of this action thou shall find in the 12. Chapter following Thus after confession and lamentation Remember to note well thâ—t all these good gifts and qualities are both purchased increased by prayer goe on to an earnest and sinceere pâ—tition with consideration of thine owne indignitie and of the necessities of those good things to bee desired and asked and let this petition be to thee an information of the principall graces which ought fervently to bee required A PETITION FOR GRACE MERCIE c. The sixt Chapter O Almightie GOD and most mercifull Father trueth it is that in regard of my wickednesse and wretchednesse the a Psal 116. 3 snares of death haue compassed mee and the griefes of Pray for the Lords remembrance the graue haue caught mee I now finde trouble sorrow and miserie But O LORD I humblie pray thy Majestie to b Psal 40. 16 thinke vpon me who am poore and needie and to remember c Psal 106. 4 mee with the favour of thy people and to visite mee with thy salvation by this thy mercifull rememberance O my gratious Redeemer albeit I remaine in a deludge of dangers yet with Noah d Genes 8. 1 I shall bee delivered albeâ—t I bee in doolefull distresse yet with Rachell e Genes 29. 22 I shall bâ—e comforted albeit I be in paine in shame and calaâ—nitie yet with the f Luk. 23. 43 peniteâ—t thiefe I shall get pleasure honour and felicitie Wryte mâ— namâ—â— beseâ—ch thee in that Booke g Mal. 3. 16 of rememberance which is before thee h Isa 49. 16 Graue me vpon the palme of thy owne hands set i Cant. 8. 6 mee O LORD as a seale vpon thy heart and as a signet vpon thy owne arme that â—o thou mayest ever thinke vpon mee and that I may remember vpon thee continually and k Cant. 1. â— remember thy loue more than wine and that I may rejoyce l Psal 97. 12 and gaue thee that for thine holy rememberance O gracious GOD looke m Isaiah 63.15 downe 2 For Gods gracious looke from the Heaven and behold from the n Genes 16.13 dwelling place of thy Sanctuarie mee thy owne poore servant looâ—e LORD vpon mee as thou looked n vpon Hagar Abrahams maide sâ—â—e then received instruction and consolation so I shaâ—l bee welâ— instructed and comforted turne o Psal 25. 16 thy face vnto mee to regard mee who am desoâ—ate and needie looke vpon mee as thou did to thy servant Peter p Luk. 22. 6 that I may remember thy Word and weepe bâ—tterly for my transgrâ—ssions and granâ— O my Saviour that as q Psal 123. â— the eyes of the servants looke vnto the hand of their masters and as the eyes of a maide vnto the hand of her mistresse so my eyes may waite vpon thee O LORD my GOD vntill thou be beneficiall vnto me O mâ—rcifull Father r Psal 77. 7 absent not thy selfe for ever not only 3 For GODS good coÌ„ming remember mee and looke vpon mee but come quicklie Å¿ Revel 22. 20 to bee my deliverer and to be my comfortable helper t Psal 90. 13 returne O LORD how long and bee paciâ—ied toward thy servant If the Gibeonits being in danger of their enemies thus besought Ioshua saying u Iosh 10. 6 withdraw not thine hand from thy servants come vp to vs quickly and saue vs and helpe vs I haue greater neede to cry to thee O IESUS withdraw not thine hand from mee x Psal 18. 9 Bow the Heavens come O LORD my GOD bring to mee who 4 Pray for mercie am miserable mâ—rcie vnder y Mal 4. 2 thy wings Haue compassion vpon me a wretched treâ—passer for with thee O LORD there is abundant mercie z Psal 130 7 and great redemption I rejoyce O good GOD that thy mercies a Psal 36. 5 doe reach vnto the Heavens and thy faithfulnesse vnto the clouds that the shining sunne in the firmament shall sooner want light and the great Ocean shall sooner want water than thou O infinite in goodnesse shall want mercie for a poore penitent sinner Giue some portion thereof to mee who am most indigent Haue b Psal 6 2 mercie vpon mee who am weake and who desireth to repent without this meâ—cie all other gifts O LORD as an abortiue birth is to the mother As c Psal 58. â— the vntimely fruite of a woman which hath not seene the sunne which will bring paine and perill to the parent but no pleasure no profite at all O LORD thou art the fountaine 5 Pray for grace d Ier. 2. 13 of living water thou hast the fulnesse e Ioh. 1. 16 of grace and trueth O most loving Father giue grace to me who of my selfe am voide of all good and gracelesse whereby I may so serue thee that I may please thee with reverence and feare Albeit sinne f Heb. 12. 28 aboundeth in mee yet grace g Rom. 5. 20 much more aboundeth in thy Majestie Graâ—t O Heavenly Father that I may trust h 1 Peter 1. 13 perfectly on that grace that is brought to mee by the revelation of IESVS CHRIST And I intreat 6 Pray for Gods favour thy Majestie to lift i Psal 4 7 vp the light of thy countenance to shine continually vpon mee bestow thy favour k Psal 30. 5 in which is life vpon mee who hath so often deserved thine anger giue to mee O LORD thy loving kindnesse which is better than ten thousand worlds which as it is most profitable and pleasant so it is most sure and permanent Thou O LORD endurest and art l Psal 102.27 the same thy yeeres faile not thy favour altereth not thou O LORD aâ—t never changed and thy children therefore are not m Mal. 3. 6 consâ—â—ed O my blessed Saviour who
74 vs out of the hands of all our enemies who would destroy vs that hee is our instructor who x Revel 1. 18 liveth for evermore who y Math. 28. 20 is with his owne alwayes vntill the end of the world so teaching them that they shall never bee finally forsaken deceaved nor destroyed Secondly By praying thou acknowledgest that the LORD The petitioner honoureth the Lords omniscience searcheth z Ierem. 17.10 the heart and tryeth the râ—ines that GOD a Psal 139. 2 vnderstandeth thy thoughts a farre off that all b Heb. 4. 13 creatures are manifest in his sight that all things are naked and open in his eyes with whom thou hast to doe Albeit Ioshua knew not the distresse of the c Ios 10. 6 Gibâ—onites vntill hee was advertised and that great Prophet knew not the griefe and vexation of the d 2 King 4.27 Shunnamite vntill it was vttered neither did the Apostles themselues know of of the death of e Iohn 11. 13 Lazarus vntill they were informed GOD who filleth f Ierem. 23.24 the Heaven and earth in prayer is glorified that hee throughly easily and exactly knoweth all secreets both in Heaven and earth that he perfectly knoweth the distresse danger trouble and all the calamities of his Church Thirdly Who calleth vpon the In prayer God is praised as Omnipotent LORD honoureth his Majestie as Omnipotent protesting that hee doâ—th g Psal 115. 3 whatsoever hee will that hee who delyvered David h Psal 69. 2 out of the deepe myre From i Psal 18. 4 the snares of death and from the cords of the graue That hee who presâ—rved these three young men in the k Dan. 3. â—6 firie fornace and his Daniel l Dan. 6. 22 in the den of lyons and also brought m Ionas 2. 10 Ionas from the sea out of the fish belly and Peter n Act. 1â— 7 from the prison will also in his Almightie power delyver his owne from all perills and desperate danger and glorifie them with his salvation for ever Fourthly The pious petitioner In prayer God is praiâ—ed for his rememberance will in this service praise GOD for his holy o Psal 97. 12 rememberance and that his Maker will never bee vnmindfull of him although men may forget as the butler p Genes 40.23 Ioseph as the Sechemits q Iudg 9.17 Gideon and as Ashuerus r Esther 2. 22 forgot Mordâ—cai who deserved well of him by discovery of a dangerous treason yet albeit a man doth forget himselfe in the night tyme while hee is sleeping yet the LORD will nâ—ver forget his owne servants but will ever bee mindfull of them to doe good vnto them continually Fiâ—thly by praying thou will acknowledge The petitioner acknowledgeeth Gods good nesse the riches q Rom. 2.4 of the Lords bountifulnesse thou will honour his great r Nehem. 9.25 goodnesse and will also Å¿ Psal 138. 2 praise his Name because of his loving kindnesse thou will magnifie his t Psalm 36.7 excellent and manifold mâ—rcies and compassions because with him is favour and plentifull redemption Psal 130. 7 Sixthly by praying thou believest in thy LORD and honourest God his sidelitie is praised in praâ—er him as most constant true and faithfull that hee u Psalm 146.6 keepeth his fidelitie for ever If God gaue goodes and performed his promise to profane Esau whom hee x Rom. 9. 13 hated the y Genes 27.39 fatnesse of the earth was promised to him hee afterward is increased in z Genes 36.7 riches his substance is great and his succession ample much rather may the chosen and elect be assured of the performance of all his promises for most surely no a Iosh 23. 14 thing shall saile of all the good thinges which the Lord promiseth but all shall come to passe Thirdly Prayer is a principall Prayer is most profitable part of Gods service seeing it is most profitable to the supplicant 1. thou shall get b Psal 91. 15 deliverie from all evill thou shall bee c Math. 1. 21 saved from all thy sinnes 2. thou shall get plentie of all good and if thou d Deut. 28. 47 servest not GOD with joyfulnesse with a good heart in the aboundance of all things therefore it is just with GOD to giue thee to thine enemie to serâ—â— him in hunger and thirst in nakednesse and in neede of all thinges 3. Thou shall get a perpetuaâ—l blessing for if Salomons e 1 King 10. â— seruants who stoode before him were happie doubtlesse the servants of God with whom is fulnesse of selicitie shall be more blessed and happie 4. Yea thou shall receiue the holy f Luke 11. 13 Ghost if thou desire him if thou seeke him to teach sanctifie and guide thee for ever 5. Thou shall receiue a Kingdome which shall never bee shaken thou shall bee made partaker g Luke 12. 32 of the godlie nature Christ shall bee thy head thou shall bee h 2 Pet. 1. 4 flesh of his flesh of his bones a member i Ephes 5. 39 of his body conjoyned with him for ever But because wee will Godwilling afterward speak more of the profite of prayer in the tenth chap. following wee continue the discourse thereof for the present let vs considder some necessarie conclusions clearely aâ—ysing from the description 1. It is then evident that it is a great sinne to neglect prayer 2. Then it will bring a great punishment 3. That it is good to pray 4. Of the difficultie of prayer of these in order FINIS A GREAT SINNE NOT TO PRAY The eight Chapter WHoever thou be of whatsoever estate sexe or degree that dost not pray nor call a Psal 53. 4 vpon GOD thou art miserable and wretched b Prover 1. 27 thy destruction shall come like a whirlewind affliction and anguish shall come vpon thee sâ—ddainlie and most certainlie Thy miserie is great in regard of thy great sinne and grievous punishment thou vnhappie wretch who will not seeke the Lord while Isaiah 55. 6 hee may bee found nor call vpon him while hee is neere thou art guiltie of most manifest and hainous sinne d Rom. 6. â—â— the wages whereof is death the end whereof is doolfull damnation and I beseech thee to consider heereof with earnest and continuall meditation Thou sinnest I tell thee fearfully because thou neglectest and omittest the performance of duetie which is frequently prescribed Thou giveth a refusall to GOD of that gift which most ioyfully thou should giue thou reiectest and castest off the LORD who most willinglie should bee received thou despisest the Almighty who most principally should bee honoured thou art not onlie an alianâ— e Ephes 2. 12 from the commonwealth of Israell and a stranger from the covenants of promise but also thou art a meere Atheist without Christ without GOD in
hands vpon one who was dease and stammered in his speach but CHRIST did more hee did put his finger in his eares and did spit and touched his tongue and looking vp to Heaven hee sighed and said vnto him EPHâ—HATHâ— that is bee opened Some Ieves came to CHRIST for bodily nourishment because they z Iohn 6. 26 ate of the loaâ—es and were filled but â—ESUS bestâ—wed on them more even spirituall refreshment for their soules and offred them meate thâ—â— endureth for ever vnto everlasting life And thus it is most sure and certaine that GOD will vouchsafe more good vpon his Saâ—â—cts than they will require or aske of his blessed Majestie for as much as bountifulnesse and laâ—ge liberality is naturall and essentiall to his high honour and great glory Hee a Zeph. 3. 17 will quiet himselfe and rest in his loue He delighteth to doe good abundantly in all plentie and statelie royaltie We reade that when Perillus one of Alexanders friends asked him dowrie to his daughters the King commanded him to take fiftie talents Perillus answering that ten talents would be sufficient the King replyed Tibi quidem satis est tantum accipere mihi vâ—â—o non satis Seneca alâ—i plerique est tantum dare it is indeede sufficient to thee to recâ—aue so much but so much is not sufficient to mee to giue that King had a respect to his honâ—ur and not to the mans deservings Thy great and immortaâ—l King who â—aveth vnto thee Open b Psalm 81.11 thy mouth wide and I shall fâ—ll itâ— in giving he regardeth more his owne glorie and greatâ—â—sse than thy merits and worthinâ—ssâ— For c Isaiah 48 9 his names sake hee deferreth his wrath and for his praise will he refraine from it The LORD led d Isaiah 62.14 his people with his owne glorious arme divyding the waters before them to make himselfe an everlasting and glorious name Hee e Ezech. 20.44 will haue a respect vnto vs for his owne Names sake Hee will bee beneficiall vnto vs and not after our wicked wayes nor according to our corrupt workes GOD will giue to his owne a new heart and a new spirit he will put within them hee will gather them out of all countries and bring them to their land But thus f Ezech. 36.22 saith the LORD GOD. I doe not this for your sakes O house of Israelâ— but for my holie Names sake And surely in thy conscience thou may be fully perswaded and firmelie assured that thy most gratious GOD will g Dan. 9. 18 encline his eares to heare thy prayers that he will yeelde to thy desires and satiâ—â—ie thy requestes for three causes first because h Iohn 2. 1 thou hast an Advocate with thy Father CHRIST IESVS the just his i Math. 3. 17 beloved Sonne in whom hee is well pleased who k Hebr. 9. 24 appeareth now in the sight of GOD to make request and intercession for thee seing l Heb. 7. 25 he ever liveth hee is able perfectly to saue thee and to bring thee honour and felicirie Albeit Constâ—ntine the most worthie Emperor by his great moyen Theodoret. lib 1 cap. 24 Euseb â—â—b 4 and letters of recommendation made intercession for the Saints who were grâ—evouslie afflicted and by barbarous crueltie persecuted in the Kingdome of Persia when he did pleade the cause of innocent Christians who in great number were tortured vnto death and intreated their King Sapores to deale mercifullie to embrace them kindly it is yet vncertaine if the intercession of Constantine prevailed any thing or if any mitigation of that horrible persâ—cution was granted seing we reade that in Constantius his sonnes dayes vnder that same Barbarian it endured yet this is most sure and certaine that CHRISTS intercession will ever prevaile and bee effectuall seing m Isaiah 42. 1 in him GODS soule delighteth and whatsoever hee willeth GOD worketh whatsoeveâ— hee n Psal 2. 8 asketh GOD giveth and he will never gâ—t a refusall If his Father who loved o Iohn 17. 24 him before the fundation of the world vnto p Math. 28. â—8 whom is given all power in Heaven and in Earth who q Ephes 4. 8 ascended vp in high who led captivitie captiue and gaue gifts vnto men The second cause of thy sure certification that GOD will grant thy supplication is this For r Rom. 8. 26 that the spirit also helpeth thine infirmities for thou knowest not what to pray as thou oughtest but the spirit it selfe maketh request for thee with sighes which can not be expressed according to the will of GOD and hee that searcheth the heart and tryeth the reines knoweth 27. the meaning of the spirit and because thou art f Galat. 4. 6 the sonne of adoption GOD hath sent foorth the spirit of the Sonne in thine heart which cryeth Abba father who is as a learned man testifieth Hilarius Advocatus nobiscum perpetuâ— manens an Advocate for ever abyding with vs and as the t Iohn 3. 8 wind bloweth where it listeth so the SPIRIT effecteth whatsoever he requireth A third cause of thy vndoubted assurance that the Almightie will yeelde vnto thy petition is this albeit himselfe be the most worthie and mightie partie offended yet hee first seeketh thee yea by his u 2 Cor. 5. 20 ambassadours beseecheth thee to be reconciled with his Majestie As x Psal 103. 13 a father hath compassion on his children so the LORD hath compassion on them that feare him As the most gratious GOD is of vnspeakeable loue of great pittie and ardent affection so hee is omnipotent whose y Dan. 7. 14 Kingdome shall never bee destroyed who hath an everlasting dominion That mightie monarch Alexander gaue commandement to his Thesaurer for to bestow vpon Anaxarchas a Philosopher whatsoever hee should require who asked a verie great sowme which the Thesaurer hearing and beeing troubled declared the same to Alexander who thus answered Plutarch in apophtheg Recte facit sciens se habere amieum qui tantum dare possit velit Hee doeth well knowing hee hath a friend who both will and may giue so much As GOD is our friend so hee calleth vs his friends not only as Abraham z Isaiah 4â— â— GODS friends but also as his a Iohn â— 39 children which doe his workes The LORD as hee is good so is he great and aboue all GODS whatsoever pleaseth b Psal 135. 5 the LORD hee may doe in the Heaven in the earth in the sea and in all the depths the Omnipotent may giue what hee pleaseth no creature whatsoever may doe soe for the devill hee lyed and spake vntrueth when hee said all c Luk. 4.6 power and glorie of the earth was delivered to him and that hee may giue it to whom-so-ever hee will No man nor potentate in this Plinius lib. 7 cap. 2 Cicâ—ro Tuscul quaest lib 5.
compassion strong and mightâ—e they being principalites and powers and worldly governours Briefly By the helpe of prayer thou will behaue thy selfe discreetly and wisely towards all thou will comfort b Thess 5. 14 the feeble minded beare with the weake If c Galat. 6. 1 any bee fallen into any fault or distres thou who art spirituall will restore such a one with the spirit of meeknesse considering thy selfe lest thou also bee tempted Lastly When thou prostrates and presents thy selfe before GOD Regia â—rede mihi râ—s est succcurrere lapsis and ferventlie dost incall vpon his blessed Name thou may bee perswaded in thy owne conscience that thou art a pious a devote Priest vnto GOD and that the LORD will furnish thee with these gifts and graces needfull for the discharge of so holy a function First With saving wisedome and knowledge and c 2 Pet. 3. 18 so thou will both grow in this knowledge and thy lippes shall preserve the same thou shall d Mal. 2. 7 bee a teacher in Israel and a e Iohn 2. 10 strengthner of thy brethren Without this knowledge a man is not teachable as a swallow which as the naturalistes writâ—th is indocill and cannot be brought to learne hee is blind and without Plin Nat. hist lib. 19. cap 32 Sacerdos sâ—ne literis tauquâ— navis absque vâ—lis eyes like the seawinkle hee is vnprofitable like a ship without sailes he is beastly more brutish than the f Isa 1. 3 oxe than the asse knowing his owner and masters cryb hee is wretched and miserable as a g Isa 27. 11 people of no vnderstanding hee that made them shall haue no compassion on them and he that formed them shall haue no mercie on them Secondly With this gift of prayer praying continually thou shall not pray for thy selfe only but also for others This did Moses h Exod â— 2 who stood before the LORD in the gape Thus did Samuel saying i 1 Sam. 12. â—â— GOD forbidde that I should sinne against the LORD in not praying for you So did David for the people and CHRIST made this his speciall duetie k Iohn 17. 20 praying for all beleâ—vers This giâ—t of prayer is the key of Heaven if prayer ascend GODS mercie will descend vnto thee Thirdly By praying as the LORDS Priest thou shall l 1 Pet. 3. 9 loue blessing and hate cursing thou will not render evill for evill neither rebuke for rebuke but contrariwise blâ—sse knowing that thou art therevnto called that thou shuld bee the heire of blessing thou will blesse GOD and his Saincts not in wordes only but also in works Noli gloriari as an Ancient â—elleth si lingua benedicas vita meritis maledicas Rejoyce not August if in thy words thou blesse and in thy life and conversation curse but if thou loue blessing thou shall be n Galat. 3. 9 blessed with faithfull Abraham Fourthy By prayer thou shall entertaine the holy Spirit as the Levâ—ticall Priests vnder the law behoved to o Leuâ—t 6. 13 keepe the fire ever burning upon the Altar and never let â—t goe foorth but feade it carefully and continuaily So preserâ—e thou the fire of GODS grace vpon the Altar of thy heart and bee thou most watchfull and solicitous that thou never p 1 Thess 5. 19 quench the Spirit Lastly Thou will bee heartly content to haue the LORD thy portion and habitation For q Deut. 10. 19 as the Levits had no portion in the land of Canaan but dwelt in tents and r Psal 119. 57 the LORD was their portion So thou being a Priest to GOD and praying duetifully to his Majestie thou will not seeke so much to haue any inheritance vpon this â—arâ—h as to desire Å¿ Psal 16. 6 that faire heritage in Heaven where thou shall haue food and raiment Thou will be content knowing thou brought nothing t 1 Tim. 6. 7 into this world and it is certaine thou can carie nothing out of it and during the short tyme of thy momentaniall life thou will abide in CHRIST and bring soorth much fruite and then u Iohn 15. 7 aske what thou will and it shall be given to thee for GODS glory and thy eternall felicitie Wee will speake more God-willing of the good which is gotten by earnest prayer when wee shall declare the vtilitie efficacie necâ—ssitie and effects thereof but first of the difficultie of this divine exercise of prayer OF THE DIFFICVLTIE OF PRAYER The eleventh Chapter SVch is the a Revel 2. 15 depth of the deceite of the Devill a lyar from the beginning who can transforme himself into an angell of light that most frequently and lamentably hee deludeth and deceaveth an infinite number of people of all sortes in making them to dâ—â—me yea rather to dreame that that service which is most painefull wâ—ightie laborious of greatest importance and difficultie to bee most light easie of small effect and greatest facilitie as the worke of faith of repentance and prayer But bee not decâ—aved by the illusions of thy false enemie giue great diligence for â—shewing and espying his craft and machinations For all they to whom the secreets of the LORD is revealed who haue their eyes in their heads who haue their hearts at their right hands who haue their witnesse in Heaven who are prudâ—nt in spirit they know full well by proofe of experience they will acknowledge with sorrow and heavie displeasure that it is a most hard and difficult thing to pray arightly and to caâ—l vpon GOD in spirit and veritie This vnknowne difficultie will appeare more cleare and evident to all in a fourefold respect or consideration first in respect oâ— the verie aâ—t of prayer it selfe secondly in regard of the parts of prayâ—r thirdly in respect of all those gâ—aces which of necessiâ—ie must â—â—ncurre to adorne the true supplicant Lastly by considering of these manifold impediments that are multiplyed for the hindering of such a profitable and godlie exercise First then in the aâ—t of prayer it is most certaine thou shall surely find sundrie if thou pray aâ—â—ghtly dâ—ffiâ—ile and laborious workes let vs consider of some of them In true and acceptable prayer the first worke is a departure from the world or a separation of our hearts from this earth The second is the ascension of our mynd to Heaven the third worke in prayer is an approaching to GOD and a presenting of our â—elues be fore his glorious and sacred Majestie the fourth is a speaking and conference with the most high holy and wise GOD the fift an offering or oblation to GOD the possessor of Heaven and earth who is of greatest perfection and sufficiencie The sixt an combate or wrestling with the Almighty The seventh a prevailing or an obtaining of the victorie The last a building of a temple to GOD all these are workes of turmoile and difficultie The world is like Egypt b
innumerable and vnspeakable This strength may bee knowne in some maner by these comparisons of wyne of an horne and of the word First Wine is of great force it a Iob. 32. 19 will make new bottles to burst â—rayer strong as wine it b Psal 104. 15 maketh glad the heart of man Wine hath a purging c Luke 10. â—4 and healing power to cleanse and cure filthie wounds This was the sentence of the wise man How d 1 Esdr 3. 18 strong is wine it turneth every thought into joy and gladnesse so that one remembereth no maner of sorrow nor debt It hath also as experience proveth a refreshing power which causeth one e Isaiah 55. 1 that thirsteth to buy it But prayer is of farre greater strength it will breake f Psal 107. 14 bandes a-sunder it will bring an g Act. 16. 26 earthquake and make the fundation of a heavie house to shake Prayer will bring gladnesse and comfort to h 1 Sam. 1. 1â— Hannah when her husband can not comfort her she pouring out her soule before the LORD looked no more sad but exceedingly rejoyced It hath a purging and curing power to heale all the wounds and i Psal 103. 3 infirmities of the soule it will not only bring to thee forgetfulnesse but also forgivenesse of debt which is true blessednesse for Blessed k Psal 32. 1 is he whose wickednesse is forgiven and whose sinne is covered it will bring refreshment to thy thirstie and â—orrowfull soule to thy great joy and everlasting contentment Secondly Prayer â—ay be compared to an horne as the royall Prayer compared to an horn Prophet prayed so hee protested saying Thou l Psal 92. 10 shall exalt mine horne like the Vnicornes Naturalists write of the Vnicornes horne that it hath three properties Reade B. Couper of Gallâ—way vpon the fift chapt of the Revelation 1. That of all others it is the most strong firme and solide 2 That it is most beautifull and pleasant 3 That it is most profitable as being a soueraigâ—e preservatiue against all poyson So prayer will procure to the inward strength and true fortitude that thou shall m Ephes 6.11 bee able to stand against the assaults of the Devill thou shall overcome the world aâ—d prevaile against thy enemie and subdue sin and all thy iniquities so it will bring beautie to thee that thou shall bee verie pleasant and n Câ—â—tic 4. 1 faire and o Psal 45. 13 all glorious o Psal 45. 13 within and it will bring vnspeakable profite to thee as hath beene declared to thee alreadie Thirdly As the word of GOD Prayer is powerfull as the Word is of admirable force and power So is fervent prayer grounded vpon the Word verie operatiue and powerfull The Word of the LORD is like a p Ier. 23. 29 fire which burneth and like an hammer which breaketh the stone The q Heb. 4. 1â— Word of GOD is liuely and mightie in operation and sharper than a two edged sword and entereth thorow even to the dividing a-sunder of the soule and spirit and of the joynts and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart So prayer is forcible as a fire to burne and consume away the drosse of thy sinne it is powerfull to breake and bruise thy r Ezech. 11.19 stonie hard heart It is like a sword wherewith with CHRIST thou shall prevaile against thy enemies as the sword Å¿ Iud. 7. 20 of GIDEON was powerfull to destroy the Midianits and to preserue himselfe and the â—sraelites so is prayer verie powerfull for thy preservation for thy adversaries destruction Wee reade that in the Battell at Pydâ—a Mar. Cato Sonne to Read the consent of â—me great Cato fighting valiently hee lossed his sword that fell out of his hand suddenly amongst his enemies which hee tooke so griâ—vously that comming to his companions hee prayed them to helpe him that hee might recover his sword protesting hee thought it greater honour for him to die there Prâ—â—er is more to be regarded than a matrial sword and to losse his life than living to want his sword wherevpon a number of his faithfull friends assisting him by their courage and valour did so scatter the enemies that the sword of Cato was found againe to his great joy and contentment Now if that man made such an accoumpt of an earthly or materiall sword how should a Christian esteeme of prayer a Heavenly and spirituall weapon by the helpe and vertue thereof thou will attaine to honour happinesse and eternall salvation The great efficacie and strength The force of prayer in divers respects of prayer is most cleare and evident in regard of the effects thereof 1. In respect of creatures without sense or fealing the speedie Sunne t Iosh 10. 12 did stand still and stay his swift motion by the power of the prayer of Ioshua The swelling sea was u Exod. 14. 21 divided and made dry land by the cry of Moses The x Numb 16.31 ground claue a-sunder and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed vp Korah and his familie by the request of that same holy man y 1 Sam. 7. 10 a great thunder scattered and smote the Philistimes by the force of Samuel his supplication The raine z Iam. 5. 17 was restrained from the earth for three yeares and sixe months Then hee a 1 King 18.45 prayed againe and the Heavens gaue raine the earth broght foorth her fruite Secondly In respect of creatures without reason and vnderstanding Prayer prevailed against the teeth of b Deut 6 22 Lyons the sting of c Numb 21. 9 Serpents the venome of a d Act. 28. 5 Viper the multitude and swarmes e Exod. 8. 21 of flies frogs and lyce as may bee seene in the sacred storie Thirdly In respect of men whither cruell as Esau craftie as Achitophel hautie as Haman many as the f Isa 38. 36 host and armie of Senacherib Fourthly In respect of the most wicked spirit and powerfull which goeth g Math. 17. 21 not out of one but by prayer and fasting Fifthly In respect of good Angels when devout Cornelius h Act. 10. 30 prayed an holy Angell from Heaven was sent to him for his instruction direction and eternall salvation Sixthly In respect of the holy Ghost as when CHRIST i Luke 3. 21 did pray the Heaven was openâ—d and the holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a doue vpon him So when a Christian prayeth fervently the blessed Spirit will come vnto him inwardly will assist him comfortablie and direct him continually As when the faithfull Apostles were k Act. 3. 4 all with one accord in one place vndoubtedly praying to GOD they were all filled with the holy Ghost and were fitted for their publict charge and holie ministration So when the true Christian shall call
14. 1. 4 The foole who hath said in his heart there is no GOD can not call vpon GOD but doeth abominable workes who continueth in foolishnesse and wickednesse doeth not pray fervently but shall come to wretchednesse and miâ—erie Secondly Holynesse and sanctification Sanctification is a most sure note and charecter of one that frequently giveth himselfe to earnest prayer and invocation For as Moses d Exod. 34.25 his face did shine bright when hee was conversant with GOD fourtie dayes vpon the mount so a devote Christian oftentymes conferring with GOD by prayer and earnest meditation will surely bee endued with holinesse and sanctification His e Math. 5. 16 light shall so shine before men that they may see his good workes and glorifie their Father in Heaven If one with Ahab f 1 King 16.33 shall proceede to provocke the LORD or leudnesse of life or continue to bee a profane g Heb. 11. 16 person as Esau hee vseth not the exercise of true prayer and invocation Thirdly Humilitie and submission is a sure signe of prayer Humilitie and supplication For h Isaiah 57. 15 GOD who is high and excellent and that inhabiteth eternitie who dwelleth in the high and holy place hee dwelleth also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit to giue life light humilitie and all good blessings Abraham praying to the LORD was humble and called himselfe but dust i Genes 18. 27 and ashes All who are proude in heart are abomination to the LORD they are farre from GOD their â—ride k Prover 16.18 goeth before their destruâ—â—â—n Fourthly Mercie and compassion is an evident of prayer if thou Mercie hast gotten mercy from GOD thou will bee pittifull to thy brethren And there l â—am 2.13 shall bee judgement mercilesse to him who sheweth no mercie nor compassion Lastly Thou shall haue some Comfort joy and consolation in tyme of trouble and affliction David who did delight in prayer when m 1 Sam. 30 hee was in great sorrow his people intending to stone him yet David comforted himselfe in the LORD his GOD. In the last dayes when GOD will shew wonders in Heaven aboue Act. 2. 19. and tokens in the earth beneath blood and fire and vapour of smoake The Sunne being turned into darknesse and the Moone in blood It shall be that whosoever shall call vpon the Name of the LORD shall bee saved FINIS Faults escaped PAge 4. Line 6. qua reade quâ— pag 5. lin 24. he reâ—â— but. pag 7 lin 24 committed reade concealed ibid. 〈◊〉 conteined reade continued pag. 7. lin 27. it lacketh appearance pag. 8. lin 1. her reade his pag. 9 lin 20 Sara reade Saul pag. 10 lin 25. it reade the rich Crowes reade Cranes pag. 25. lin 17. his it lacketh God pag. 27. lin 15. when reade whom pag. 27. lin 27. trespassion reade transgression pag 28. lin 9. our reade thy pag. 37. lin 20. Christian reade chieftaine pag. 38. lin 5. thou reade they pag. 73. lin 21. proved reade reproved pag 79 lin 14. ouâ— reade my pag. 107. lin 6. Spargastes reade Spargapises pag. 109 lin 15. swore reade snore pag 115. lin 24 delight reaâ—â— delt pag. 116. lin 13. godly reade bodily pag. 122 lin 〈◊〉 their reade these ibid. lin 20 all reade as pag. 123. lin 14. discerdia reade discrimina pag. 144. lin 1. worthie reade worldlie p. 164. l. 2. promises reade premisses p. 165 l. 1â— convert reade convoy p. 1â—7 l. 22 that reade thankes p. 196. l. 25. lawes reade lawer p. 207 l. 10. giveth reade getteth p. 208 l. 12. prayed reade served p 234. l 25. enteating reade entraitted p. 240. l. 17. sinne reade shame p 259 l 5. behoved reade behaved p. 288. l. 25. saith reade with p. 290. l. 1. Attolus reade Attalus p. 309. l. 23. scarcely reade scarcetie p. 353. l. 25. boldly reade bodily p. 354. l 3. taking reade laking p. 433. l. 10. repulso reade repulsa p. 443. l. 9. Autrum reade Antiuâ—