earth certeinly it will bee for a short time and a little season Everie contemned Christian in some respect may bee compared to Menedemus a notable Philosopher Cùm primò ab omnibus ludibrio haberetur postea in tanta admiratione habitus est vt civitatis gubernacula ei traderentur Stephanus who at the first was mocked and derided of all but afterward hee was so honoured and admired that the governement of the Citie was committed vnto him and was in greatest estimation The LORDS supplicant may bee humbled for a while but surely hee shall bee exalted if hee be casten downe vndoubtedly hee will bee preferred surely p Wisedome 5 4 the fooles who thought his life madnesse and his end without honour shall wonder to see him counted among the Children of GOD and his portion among the Sainctes yea it may come to passe that these who most disdained him shall bee compelled even in this life greatly to reverencâ— him the LORD may q Revel 3. 9 make them that they shall come and worshippe before his seete with a most reverend regard and estimation of him Fiftly By praying thou will They who pray are kings and preists vnto GOD. not only bee honoured and greatly preferred but also thou will attaine to that high excellencie of greatest dignitie that thou will bee r Revel 1. 6 made a King and a Preist vnto GOD thy Father when thou offâ—rest vp spiritually sacrifices to his heavenly Majestie every Å¿ Tim. 2. 8 where lifting vp pure hands without wrath or doubting vndoubtedly then thou shall get a sure right and tittle to a Kingdome so thou shall receiue the beginning of the possession of that Kingdome which is not earthly but Heavenly which is not outward but inward not bodily but spirituall not decaying but eternall which t Hebr. 12. 28 cannot bee shaken which standeth now u Rom. 14. 17 in righteousnesse in peace and joy in the holy Ghost Albeit by nature thou bee a base and contemptible creature yet if thou pray to GOD fervently hee will speake to thy soule assuredly and say Feare x Luk 12. 32 not it is my pleasure to giue thee a Kingdome yea who by nature hast y Iob. 17.14 corruption to thy father and the worme to thy mother which is worse thou who for thy sinne and wickednesse hast z Iohn 8. 44 the devill to thy father by grace and prayer shall haue the blessed GOD to bee thy Father hee will giue thee prorogatiue a Iohn 1. 1â— and power to be the sonne of GOD to bee a King indeed and b Rom. 8. 27 more than a conquerour through him that loved thee This was thought a wonderfull Ciâ—â—ro Tuscul quaest lib 5. Livinius lib. 1 and a rare thing that Tarquinius Priscus the sonne of a marchant of Corinth named Demarathus a fugitiue and a stranger should bee so highly exalted and come from so low a degree to such a great estate and dignitie that hee was made a King of the people of Rome and did reigne many yeares with valour and wisdome subduing his enemies on every side and governing his subjects It is written also which is admirable Florus Valer maximus lib. 3. cap. 4 that Tullius Servius who borne a base slaue was yet advanced to that Kingdome and governed the Râ—mâ—â—es verie discreetly did three times triumph gloriously Remember the c Isaiah 51. 1 rocke whence thy selfe was hewen and looke into the hole of the pit whence thy selfe was digged Consider that thy selfe was an aliant d Eph. 2. 12 from the commoun wealth of Israel and a stranger from the covenant of promise yea thou was a servant f Rom. 6. 17 to sinne and a sâ—aue to Sathan yet by frequent and fervent praying and by GODS speciall blessing thou shall bee wonderfully preferred and most highly graced so thou shall receiue a g Tim. 4. 8 crowne of righteousnesse a h Revel 2.10 crowne of life yea an incorruptible i 1 Peter 5. 4 crowne of glory thou shall bee a k Isaiah 62. 3 royall diademe in the hand of GOD. Thou art a heire of the l Iames 2. 5 Kingdome promised of the everlasting m â— Pet 1. 11 Kingdome through CHRIST which shall not decay which is not subject to alteration and none shall take it from thee Many indeede of the Romane Emperours were verie infortunate and miserable they remained in a dangerous and lamentable estate for their whole dignitie and safetie consisted in the power of their vnrulie Legions and base souldiers who lived most inordinatly so that it was a wonder to the wise and judicious that there were any who would embrace the condition Vide Sleidanum lib 2. de quatuor summis Monarchiis Erasmum or take vpon them that perillous and painefull function seing from C. Iulius Caesar who was slaine in the sight of the Senators into the dayes of Charles the great about thrittie of the Emperours were killed foure of them did put violent hands in themselues yea these disloyall and outragious souldiers destroyed some whom against their will they had drawne on to the height of that honour which befell Aelius Pertinax But all devote Christians who are earnest petitioners incalling arightly vpon the blessed name of the Almightie they shall all bee for ever most happie and blessed they shall abide continually in a most glorious happie and sure estate they shall stand n Revel 7.9 before the Throne and before the Lambe clothed with long white robs and palmes in their hands Yea the LORD IESUS shall granâ— vnto them to sit o Revel 3. 21 with Himselfe and his Father in his Heavenly Throne and they shall bee more p Rom. 8. 37 than conquerours through him that loved them Sixtâ—y If thou aske p Math. 7. 7 it shall bee given thee thou shall not bee an emptie q Hos 10. 1 vine neither shall thou bring foorth fruite to thy selfe but shall bring foorth r â—uk 3. 8 fruite worthie of amendement of life and Å¿ Eph. 4. 1 walke worthie of the vocation wherevnto thou are called bâ—having thy self duâ—tifully both in regard of thy selfe and others in respect of thy selfe thou will take heede to thy selfe thou will judge thy selfe and thou will rule over thy selfe and thou will furnish thy selfe with wisdome courage comfort and constancie First If thou pray fervently considering thy royall dignitâ—e thou will keepe t Prover 4. 21 thy heart diligentlie that it bee not polluted with wickednesse and impietie thou will resolue with thy selfe wiselie if thy estate bee high and honourable that then thy fault is the more pernicious and discommendable If a priâ—ate souldier should u Deâ—t 23. 9 Omne animi vitium â—nto conspectius in se crimâ— habet quantum qui pecâ—at maior habetur keepe himselfe from all wickednesse much more a câ—mmander should doe so
of exhortation for to all men is knowne your moderation Your Philip. 4. 5 light so shineth before them that they may see your good workes Math. 5. 6 and glorifie you Father which art in HEAVEN For which causes I haue presumed to present next to his Majestie this small treatise vnto your Wisedomes praying that your succeeding posteritie and all others of this Kingdome may bee earnest followers of your godly vertues and diligent imitators of your pious proceadings for GOD his glory the welfare of this Kingdome the good of your Citie your owne praise and eternall salvation in the LORD IESVS to whose grace and blessing I commend you for ever From Dysart the last of Maij. 1630. Remaining your W. most assured and affection at all power in CHRIST WILLIAM NARNE TO THE READER SOme Writers both Christian and Heathen doe make mention of Gyges his admirable ring August Erasmus in adagii Cicero valer Maximus affirming that by vertue thereof or of the stone therein he received 3 great commodities namely 1. Victorie over his enemies for when he pleased he became saith they invisible 2. He attained to an honourable marriage 3. He gained an earthly Kingdome and so became happie and fortunate This in my judgement may bee but a fable or a tradition without a sure ground or certaintie But thou mayest perswade thy selfe that this is a most certaine trueth a vndoubted veritie without all contraversie that true and earnest prayer is a most powerfull and pretious Pearle by helpe and vertue whereof thou shall surely saue thy a Act. 2. 40 selfe from this naughty crooked and vntoward generation thou shall subdue sinne and thy owne fleshlie corruption thou shall be able b Ephes 6. 16 to quench all the firie darts of Sathan and in c Rom. 8. 37 all thinges thou shall bee more than a Conquerour through him who hath loved thee from the beginning 2. Thou shall get CHRIST IEUS the prince of Glory to bee the husband of thy soule eternally thou shall be joyned in most happy marriage with him vnseparable and most comfortable thou shall become a d Ephes 5. 30 member of his most glorious body 3. Thou shall gaine a Heavenly Kingdome which cannot bee shaken thou shall be e Revel 1. 6 made a King vnto GOD and reigne with Christ in Heaven in all glorie and happinesse for ever and ever I pray thee then to receiue courteously and to possesse continually this Pearle of inestimable worth and commoditie that thou may receiue grace heere and glory in the life to come In through the merits of the LORD IESUS to whom with the Father and holy Spirit bee all honour power praise and Dominion forever ever Amen AD. LECTOREM QVI cupis horrendos Erebi vitare caminos Deliciis Domini perpetuòque frui Hunc lege perlectum decies imiture libellum Vespere nocte die corde precando Deum Quo duce per Christum vita potiere futura Hujus innumeris tu potiere bonis RICHARDUS WRIGHT The Table of this Booke Chap. 1 A Preparation to our confession Pag. 1 Chap. 2. A confession of our sinne and iniquitie Pag. 47 Chap. 3 A preparation to lamentation Pag. 80 Chap. 4 A lamentation for our woe and misery Pag. 138 Chap. 5 A preparation before petition Pag. 164 Chap. 6 A petition for grace and mercy Pap. 185 Chap. 7 A description of true prayer Pag. 206 Chap. 8. A great sinne not to pray Pag. 216 Chap. 9. A grievous punishment not to pray Pag. 228 Chap. 10 Of the good of prayer Pag. 251 Chap. 11 Of the difficultie of prayer Pag. 305 Chap. 12. Consolations for weake Christians Pag. 352 Chap. 13. Of the causes of prayer Pag. 377 Chap. 14. Of the necessitie of prayer Pag. 390 Chap. 15 Of the profite of true prayer Pag. 401 Chap. 16 Of the dignitie of prayer Pag. 407 Chap. 17 Of the force of prayer Pag. 414 Chap. 18 Of the circumstances of prayer pag 434 Chap. 19. Of the signes of prayer Pag. 450 FINIS THE PEARLE OF PRAYER MOST PRETIOVS AND POWERFVLL The first Chapter SEing by the a Psal 124. 8. helpe of the LORD GOD which made Heaven and Earth and by the gratious assistance of his holie Spirit wee are now of purpose to handle that most worthie and excellent matter the doctrine of b Iam. 5. 16. fervent and powerfull prayer It is not only expedient and comlie but also most profitable and necessare that everie one of vs in all humiltie and sinceritie in c Iohn 4. 24 trueth and spirit vnfeinedly first confesse our sinnes and iniquitie next deplore and lament our woefull estate and great miserie and thirdlie that we earnestly beg for grace and mercie Augustin Prius requirit Deus confessionem quam orationem But before wee come to this confession wee will declare three things whereof we must be certainly assured and throughly perswaded first that sinne and iniquitie cannot bee for ever covered next of the great good and profite of confession lastlie that there is a right maner thereof and this will bee for our preparation before confession There d Luke 8. 17 is nothing so secreet saith our SAVIOUR but it shall bee evident neither any thing hid that shall not be known and come to sight Sinne then cannot bee concealed In regard of GOD. but at some tyme must bee disclosed and that in regard of GOD of thy conscience of Sathan and of the nature thereof and of other creatures GOD himselfe against whom it is principally e Psal 51.4 committed and who therewith is highly offended and heavily f Sam. 11. 27 displeased IESUS CHRIST the Prince of Glorie who thereby is g Heb. 6.5 againe mocked and crucified the holy Ghost that sanctifying Spirit is therewith h Ephes 4. â—0 grieved i Thess 5. 19 quenched and k Act. 7.5 resisted even hee who l Iob. 12.22 discovereth the deepe places from the darknesse and bringeth foorth the shaddow of death to sight Hee will who seeth and knoweth all things revealeth wickednesse and m Hos 2.10 discovereth lewdenesse and no man can delyver out n Nehem. 3.5 of his hand show to Nations all filthinesse Againe the conscience cryeth and originall sinne that therein is written Of the conscience at length that o Revel 20.12 booke will be opened all faults vnrepented will bee manifested and the true testimony thereof which everie one hath had in his owne custodie can not bee denyed * Conscientia est codex in qua Chrysost in Psal 50. quotidiana peccata conscribuntur The conscience saith a father is a booke wherein our dayly sinnes are written together An other Ancient compareth the conscience to a contentious woman chyding oftentimes and clattering casting vp secreet sinnes having no discretion nor power to conceale things not to bee revealed Like Samsons wife who could not keepe secreet
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.
and not ruling in my heart powerfully and so many sorrowfull sinners a penitent Publicane may d Math. 21.31 goe to the kingdome of GOD before mee And trueth it is O LORD that I so stubbornely persevere in Malitiousnesse my wicked wilfulnesse that I will not put e Coloss 3.8 away nor f 1. Pet. 2. 1 lay aside my sinfull wrath my anger my envy hatred and maliciousnesse but I delight still to beare in my breast that fire which burneth mee to foster in my bosome that serpent which will sting mee and to keepe fast in my stomacke that poyson which will destroy mee without any regarde of thy wholsome admonitions or of myne owne safetie O righteous Iudge I confesse Intemperance that I doe delight too much for to satisfie the filthie lust of my vitiate nature for by the corruption thereof I haue walked g Rom. 13. 13 in gluttonie and drunkennesse in chalmbring and in wantonnesse and hath not cast away the workes of darknesse Moreover albeit LORD I Pride know assuredly that h Pet. 5. 8 thou resisteth the proud and givest grace to the humble and lowlie yet I doe remaine in my pride and arrogancie I i 2 Cor 8. 1 am puft vp k Isaiah 3. 18 haughtie when in the meane time l Barueh 2. 18 my soule should bee vexed within mee for the greatnesse of my sinne and iniquitie Covetousnesse and I weake in grace should goe crooked who am so wrapped in woe and miserie For I remember with feare and anxietie that I continue also in covetousnesse m Coloss 3. 5 which is Idolatrie which is the n 2 Tim. 6.10 roote of all evill and miserie this o Mark 4. 16 deceitfulnesse of riches hath entred in me subtillie it remaineth in my heart firmelie and chokes the word of GOD within mee It may at sometimes make mee mercilesse without pittie as was the rich p Luke 16. 19 Glutton at other times deceitfull without honestie as was q Genes 24.29 Laban and often hurtfull to my selfe without wisdome as was r 1 King 2. 48 Shimei But now LORD I am compelled to confesse that most abhominable Hypocrisie sinne of my dangerous and deadly hypocrisie O mercifull GOD I haue come Å¿ Isaiah 29. 13 neere thee with my lips and haue honoured thee with my mouth but I haue removed my heart farre from thee I am vtterlie astonied for that I haue spoken t 1 Tim. 4. 2 lyes with dissimulation and haue done deedes deceitfullie I u Psal 125. 4 haue turned aside by my crooked wayes I am plunged in this pudle I am almost drowned in this deluge of hypocâ—isie which is the bane of all grace pietie I by nature am like a beautifull apple rotten within who without helpe of thy Majestie will incontinent putrifie I am like a whyted tombe which x Math. 23. 27 appeareth beautifull outward but within is full of dead mens bones I am like that y Mark 11.13 figge tree which had leaues but no fruit And truely O LORD I acknowledge ingenuously Thou z Râ—â—â—l 3.2 haste not found my workes perfect before a Icrem 17.10 thee who searchest the heart and tryest the reines to giue to every one according to his wayes and according to the fruites of his workes O gracious GOD when I think and consider the infirmities imperfections Sinnes more than the sins of others and sinnes of thy owne servants and of others also where with thy Majestie was displeased and wherefore they were corrected punished their small faults their little and light sinnes if so their may bee any called doe aggrege the hainousnesse the great nesse and widenesse of my most filthie and scandalous sinnes and of my notorious and terrible transgressions Thy owne faithfull Moses b Deut. 1. 37 was chastened for his short misbeleeving at the waters of Meribah and Miriam an holy Prophetesse for c Numb 12. 18 speaking against her younger brother in the matter of his mariage and king Saul and his posteritie were deprived of his kingdome for d z Sam. 15.23 sparing olde Agag and some of the best bestiall yea an honest man of thy owne who did faithfully couragiously and duetifully discharge his calling and being seduced by an other old Prophet because of his eating of e 1 King 13.22 bread and drinking of water in a place forbidden hee did not come to the Sepulchre of his fathers but in the way was slaine by a Lyon Also thy servant Hezekiah who did vprightly in thy sight was proved for showing f 2 King 20.17 his treasure to the Babylonian Ambassadour And how fearefully was Ananias and Saphira punished for g Act. 5.3 keeping away a part of the possession which appertained to themselues and was once in their owne power The fault of Vzzah wherefore hee was slaine was the h 2 Sam. 6.6 putting his hand to the Arke and the holding it when the oxen did shake it The fault of the people of Bethshemesh O holy LORD GOD wherefore so many thousands perished was their i 1 Sam. 6. 19 looking vnto the Arke of the LORD The fault of Lots wife whom CHRIST commandeth vs to k Luke 17 33 remember was her looking backe to Sodome wherefore shee became a Pillar of salt and was made a fearefull spectacle of thy terrible indignation The fault of the Iewes was their l Numb 11. 5 rememberance of the fish and flesh pots of Egypt wherefore they m Cor. 10 5 were overthrowne in the Wildernesse Alace O LORD if my sinnes and offences were woyed n Dan. 5. 27 in the ballance they are more heavie and grievous more displeasant to thy Majestie and pernicious to my selfe I for a long season haue had within mee an evill o Heb. 3. 2 and vnfaithfull heart to depart away from thee the living GOD my infidelitie is of longer continuance and durance I haue not beene contented with my estate nor approved thy wise dealing towards me but hath p Exod. 16. 7 murmured and vttered my impatiencie I haue not mortified q Coloss 3. 5 my lusts and affections but I haue spared my strong sinnes which haue r Rom. 6. 11 had dominion over mee I haue fostered my pleasant and profitable sinnes albeit most dangerous and hurtfull vnto mee I haue drunken in iniquitie Å¿ Iob. 34. 7 like water aboundantly and I haue delighted my selfe to glutte t Psal 141. 4 in the delicates of the vngodly I haue beene puft u Habb 1. 14 vp with vaine glorie and ostentation I haue beene given to fraud and oppression I haue beene a bussie x 1 Tim. 5. 13 bodie and hath passed the limites of my vocation I haue beene given to curiositie and haue beene y Rom. 11. 20 high minded I haue looked frequently vpon sinne and the world with the which I
creature groneth with me also and travelleth in paine together vnto this present desiring to be delyvered from this bondage of corruption Seing it is so Haue not I forlorne miscreant the chiefe cause of all calamity great reason seriously to deplore my lamentable miserie to bewaile my deplorable estate and vnspeakable calamitie Haue not I reason to poure out r 1 Sam. 1. 15 my soule before thee and to walke Å¿ Isaiah 38.15 weakely all my yeeres in the bitternesse of my Spirit And first O LORD I find Lament thy losse my selfe insufficient to lament duely the manifold and great losses sustained by mee through my default through my sinne and iniquitie If the childe of the Prophet sorrowed for a peece yron t 2 King 6. 5 for an axe head that fell into the river of Iordan and thus cryed to Elisha Alace Master it is but borrowed And no question O LORD that Pauls companions were then somewhat greived for the hurt and damnage they suffered in that dangerous navigation where they lost their lading u Act. 27. 10 and their ship also If thy servant King David mourned for the losse of his deare friend Ionathan with lamentation Woe x 2 Sam. 1.26 is mee cryed hee for thee my brother Ionathan very kind hast thou beene to mee thy loue towards mee was wonderfull passing the loue of women If thy servant Iacob y Genes 37.34 rent his clothes and did put sackcloth about his loynes and sorrowed a long season for his sonne Ioseph whom hee supposed to haue beene lost And if without doubt Naomi lamented greevously when her husband Abimelech z Ruth 1.3 died in a strange land And if Ieremiah sorrowed heavilie for the life of a good King because the breath a Lamen 4.20 of their nostrils the anointed of the LORD was taken in the nets of the enemie Yea Ioash King of Israel b 2 King 13.14 did weepe vpon the face of sicke Elisha If wicked c 2 Sam. 14.32 Absalon was no way contented when hee saw not his fathers face and if profaine Esau cryed d Genes 27.34 out with a great cry and bitter out of measure when hee wanted the blessing of Isaak Manasseh Manasseths prayer mourned for the losse of a worthie Kingdome Alace O LORD when I consider deligently the wonderfull great losse and damage which I haue sustained spiritually by reason of the multitude of my sinnes and iniquities I cannot deplore nor condignelie lament the same How is it possible to mee to sorrow sufficiently for that I haue lost that fine e Revel 3. 18 gold tryed by the fire enriching mee That f Revel 2.4 I haue lost my first loue beautifying mee I haue wasted the portion of goods which my father gaue vnto mee at my creation How can I bewaile my foolishnesse who haue done what in mee lyeth to losse the kindnesse of my first and best g Iohn 15. 15 friend so beneficiall and loving to mee Woe is mee because I haue h Revel 1. 7 pearced my deare Saviour I haue crucified i Heb 6. 6 againe the Sonne of GOD my most worthie k Ephes 5.32 husband and haue made a mocke of him How can I deplore my misery and great losse which I haue gotten by my rebellion against thee l Iere. 10. 7 O KING of all Nations vnto whom appertaineth the dominion for ever Who m Math. 10.28 is able to destroy both soule and bodie in Hell eternallie How can I foolish creature lament my losse for not hearkning to thy Heavenly instructions and not receiving thy healthsome admonitions who is my n Math. 23.10 only doctor and my o Iohn 3. 2 teacher come from GOD I am much troubled because p Psal 101.29 thou hidest thy face from mee and for that the light of thy loving countenance doeth not shine vpon mee because by my sinnes I haue almost lost thy favour q Psal 30. 5 in which is life and felicitie and thy r Prov. 10.22 blessing which maketh rich and the Å¿ Math. 6.33 Kingdome of Heaven in regard whereof all the earth is but vanitie and meere miserie Now trueth it is O mercifull GOD that many haue sustained Lament thy povertie great losse and yet hath some good remaining behind but I am redacted to extreame povertie I may lament grievouslie because I t Revel 3. 17 am miserable and wretched poore and most indigent empty and naked That widow u 1 King 17.12 of Sarepta O my GOD was greatly impoverished and redacted to a meane estate She had not a cake but even an handfull of meale in a barrell and a little oyle in a cruse shee resolved after that it was eaten to haue dyed But O bountifull LORD thy wisedome knoweth that I poore wretch spiritually doe remaine in greater penurie I haue not of my selfe a sanctified thought an holy word no not a small teare one sorrowfull sigh x Psal 51 16 of a contrite spirit or broken heart For I truely know that in me in y Rom. 7. 18 my nature dwelleth no good thing at all I am like one who hath made shipwracke of all his goods I am like Lazarus z Luk. 16. 20 I haue nothing of my selfe not a morsell of bread not a cuppe of cold water but that which I get by crying and begging of thy Alsufficiencie Now Lament thy debt which is much worse O LORD I am not only thy poore beggar but also I am thy debter wonderfull great is my debt terrible is mine obligation and a Colos 2. 14 thine handwriting against mee is fearefull That b 2 King 4. 1 poore widow cryed for her earthly debt because the creditor would take her two sonnes to bee his bond men for the same I haue much more reason to cry and mourne to thee for my spiritual debt which without a discharge will take my soule from mee Alace Debt is easilie contracted but hardly removed O LORD it was easily and pleasantly contracted but it is like to bee with paine and difficultie removed Sathan hath deceaved mee he made it to seeme light and easie at the beginning but now it is too heavie and verie displeasant vnto mee and if I get not an acquittance from thine Alsufficient Majestie I c Math. 18. 34 will bee delyvered to the jaylors and cast into the prison out of which there is no foorth comming nor redemption In the meane season O LORD albeit I bee so drowned in debt Lament thy vnfruitfulnesse and miserie yet I remaine as d Math. 3. 10 a barren ground as an vnfruitfull tree woe is mee the axe is put to the roote in danger to bee hewâ—n downe and cast into fire which is vnquenchable I am O LORD by nature like that vnprofitable e Luke 13. 4 figge tree planted in thy wine-yarde Thou hast for many yeares suffered mee
for his vice as it is most conspicuous so it is most exemplarie and dangerous Secondly Seing thou art a King who is an absolute judge and at length attaine to that honour as to bee one who with CHRIST shall judge z 1 Cor. 6. 2 the world and the Angels in this world thou must of necâ—ssâ—â—ie judge thy selfe by summonding thy selfe who by nature art a fugiâ—iue by trying thy selfe delated by thine owne conscience by accusing thy selfe justly called culpable and by condâ—mning thy selfe truely found guâ—â—tie and by this meaâ—e thou shall be surely fred from the fearefull judgement to come for as the Scripture saith if wee would a 1 Cor. 11.31 judge our selues wee should not be judged narrowly by b Iames 2. 13 a mercilesse judgement into eternall condemnation for blessed bee our GOD the Father c 2 Cor. 1.3 of mercies and the GOD of all consolation hee is most vnlike that curst catiue Caligula who compelled his deputie of Iudea Petronius â—oseph antiq lib. 18 cap. 11 to giue out a sentence of death against his owne lyfe and to bee both judge and burrio to himselfe but it is cleane contrare in our favourable Father who will certainly absolue all that judge and condemne themselues Thirdly By praying fervently and by seeking d Math. 6. 33 the Kingdome of GOD principally thou will obtaine this favour and felicitie that thou shall get power and dexteritie to rule thy selfe arightly Wise Salomon sayeth very worthily hee who e Prov. 16. 31 ruleth his owne minde is better than hee who winneth a citie and what will it profite any saith Achâ—tophell who dyed miserably to put f 2 Sam 17. 23 his house in order and in the meane season to haue his heart out of order Or what will it availe thee with Elah f King 16. 9 King of Israell who commanded and ruled over many who being overcome in his stewards house with drunkennesse and intemperancie was slaine by his servants suddainly and so perished perpetually Or canst thou be content with Cocceius Nerva the 13 Romane Traheron in vitis imper atorum Emperour who dyed of anger taken against one Regulus a Senator hee guâ—ded others but could not containe his owne passion neither guide himselfe hee ended his dayes by choller and displeasure Or with Valentinianus the first who albeit he vanquished others Eâ—â—ugere cupidit atem regulum est vincere Pub. Minist lib. 4 Sic agitur censura sic exempla parâ—tur Cum iudex alios quod monet ipse facit yet hee could not vanquish his passion of anger through vehemenâ—â—e whereof an arterie bursted with in him and his blood did gush out of his mouth in such abundance that hee dyed shortly Or yet what will it profite thee albeit with renowned Attolus thou subdue whole Italie if with him thou thy selfe bee subdued with surfetting and venerie and spend thy dayes in shame and miserie Is it not much better and by infinite degrees more profitable and more honourable to be thy owne judge never to bee condemned to bee thy owne ruler never to be misguided to be King over thine owne selfe never to bee degraded nor deposed but ever to bee obeyed honoured and reverenced Fourthly If thou pray earnestly by this meanes an g 2 Peâ— 1. 11 entrie shall bee minisâ—red vnto thee aboundantly into the everlasting Kingdome of our LORD and Saviour IESâ—S CHRIST If thou pray h 1 Thess 3.10 exceedingly thou shall bee furnished plentifully if thou lack wisdome i Iam. 1. 5 seeke it of GOD which will giue it vnto thee liberallie Sapientis â—st non â—am cuiâ—slibâ—trei prin cipium quam exitum providere August then thou will not so much looke to the beginning of any thing as to the issue thereof then thou will bee k Deut. 32. 29 wise and consider the latter end And thou shall haue wisdome both in thy learning and in thy life in thy lips and in thy heart As the sight is needefull for the Simil. Bion. Laer. lib. 4. cap 7 travelling bodie and strong walles for a besieged Towne as an expert commander to a fighting Armie as a skilfull pilote for a ventring Nauie So this wisdome and prudencie is most necessarie for everie true Christian desiring eternall selicitie for a prudent man seeth l Prov. 27. 12 the plague and hidâ—th himselfe when the foolish goe on still and are punished he m Prov. 19. 20 heareth counsell and receiveth instruction and iâ— wise in his latter end Secondly by praying thou will bee furnished with strength and courage and be indued with true magnanimitie which for rulers is most necessarie both for doing of good couragiously and for suffering affliction and paine patientlie Thus by true valour n Nehemiah o Nehem. 2. 20 did builde the walles of Herusalem neither was hee discouraged by the force or flatterie of o Nehem. 6. 1 Sanballat and Tobiah and other adversaries nor yet dismaied by the direction of the false Prophet Shemeiah Thus by the strength of GOD the Apostles rejoyced in their afflictions that they p Act. 5. 41 were counted worthie to suffer rebuke for CHRISTS Name So many faithfull Martyres as that notable Laurentius and a Euseb lib 5 cap. 3 hist Eccl. noble Roman Attalus who albeit they were tormented and rosted by a long small burning fire yet died most pleasantly and finished their course couragiously even deriding and victoriously triumphing over their fierce enemies and wretched tormentors Thirdly Thou hast by praying in consideration of thy sure Kingdome a good occasion of great joy and consolation in time of most bitter anguish and grievous afflictions so that thou may both say and doe with that royall Prophet In q Psal 94. 19 the multitude of the thoughts of mine heart thy comforts haue rejoyced my soule and when hee was in great sorrow his r Samuel 30.6 house and Towrâ— burnt with fire his wife and children taken prisoners and his owne people whose duetie it was to defend him intended to stone him being in grievous perpâ—exitie hee comforted himselfe in the LORD GOD. Consider rightly with thy selfe if thou bee in povertie heere that all Å¿ 1 Cor. 3. 21 things are thine yea the world is thine Though t Psal 34. 10 the Lyons lacke and suffer hunger yet if thou seek the LORD thou shall want nothing that is good If thou bee in sicknesse comfort thy selfe for that sicknesse u Iohn 1â— 4 is not vnto death but for the glorie of GOD for thy life and felicitie Indecde yet x Iohn 3. 2 it doth not appeare what thou shall bee and know that when CHRIST shall appeare thou shall bee like him in honour in health and happinesse eternally If thou bee put in prison and deteined in a dongeon bee of good courage and x Zach. 9. 12 turne thee to the strong hold thou prisoner of hope Albeit with
Ioseph thy y Psal 105. 18 feete bee helde in the stocks and thou laide in yrons yet in the appointed time thou shal be loosed delivered and exalted As Manasses was brought from â—etters from chaines from Babell to Ierusalem and z 2 Chr. 33.13 to his Kingdome or as Mathias a mightie and happie King of Hungarie was freed from prison and with great Vide SpinaeuÌ„ lib. 7. in metuÌ„ pompe and solemnitie caried to Buda the Metropolitan citie and there with contentment and acclamations of the people was joyfully crowned So the LORDS anoynted shall surclie come out of great a tribulation albeit hee bee in prison and the b Psal 18. 4 snares of death compasse him and the griefes of the graue caught him yea though hee were in the verie agonie and pang of death when natures debt must needs bee payed and this outward man dissolved our earthly c 2 Cor. 5. 1 house of this Tabernacle destroyed and soule and bodie separated yet let him remember with comfort that his light d 2 Cor. 4. 17 affliction which is but a moment causeth vnto him farre more excellent and eternall weight of glorie and that death it selfe is but GODS messinger Similit to call thee out of this wearisome world to the perpetuall possession of an Heavenly Kingdome as it would haue bene a great delight to David to follow the mâ—ssiâ—ger sent e 1 Sam. 16. â—â— to him by Samuel that of a sheepheard hee might bee the LORDS Annoynted King over Israel So death may be very welcome to thee who is the LORDS messinger to bring thee a f â— Peter 2.11 Pilgrime and g Psal 39. 12 Sojurne heere to his h Heb. 2. 11 rest to bring thee a miserable and contemptible creature to glorie and endlesse felicitie Lastly By heartie praying thou shall bee furnished with constancie and perseverance and so shall be comfortably and asâ—â—â—edâ—y perswaded that thou art not only a King into the LORDS house but also c Heb. 3. 6 the very house of CHRIST if thou hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope vnto the end This stabilitie in weâ—â—doing and continuance in goodnesse is most necessarie for thy Christian calling and â—oyall dignitie as the Patriarch laakob in his journey from Mesopotamia to Canaan his natiue countrey and to his earthly father Isaac was hindered with many impediments namely Laban behind him detaining him and determining to f Genes 31. 25 doe him evill Esau before him afraying and sore troubling g Genes 32. 7 him himselfe going more slowly and halting h Genes 32. 31 vpon his thigh yet hee continued constant in his intended course hee would not decline nor goe backward but did ever proceede and goe forward with true pietie and lawfull policie as is at length expressed in the same historie hee was much given to fervent prayer and earnest supplication and so wrestled i Genes 32.31 and prevailed vntill hee receaved a blessing by k Hos 12. 4 weeping and praying vnto him whom hee found in Bethell So thou in this thy warrefare and pilgrimage looking to Christ going to the land of Canaan the â—â—tie l Heb. 12. 22 of the living GOD the celestiall Hierusalem to m Heb. 12. 9 the Father of the living spirits that thou mayest liue thou will bee deteined with many stayes and crossed with many calamities for some tymes thou n Lament 1 19 shall call vpon thy lovers who will deceaâ—e theâ— somâ—tymes thou shall meete with false o 2 Cor. 11. 26 brethren who will annoy thee and bring thee in greater perrill the world like Laban will hinder thee the devill worse than Esau will tempt thee and p â—phes 6. 1â— Wresâ—le with thee craâ—â—â—â— flatterers like Achitophell Sam. 15. 12 desirous to betray thee will trouble thee thou will sometimes find thine owne hands weake and q Hebr. 12. 12 thy knees wearie thy r Math. 4. 6 selfe halting and fainting yet goe not backward but fordward hold on thy course with constancie runne thy Å¿ Heb. 12. 1 race with patience cry to GOD crane helpe of the Almightie implore GODS mercie and with sighs and teares that rare gift of perseverance which is most necessare for thy salvation and glory for as CHRIST cerâ—ifieth thee if t Math. 24.13 thou endure vnto the end thou shall bee saved for that effect aske GOD courage and constancie which is most necessarie Sicut oculis corporalibus necessaria Similit est lux vt suo fruantur fine ita omnibus praedestinatis ac vocatis ad regnum Coelorum necessaria est perseverantia aut sicut absque luce frustra aperitur oculus codem modo inaniter currit qui vsque ad vitae finem non perseverat As light is necessarie to the bodily eyes that they may enjoy their owne end so perseverance to all those who are predstinate and called to the Kingdome of Heaven or as without light there is no sight the eye is opened in vaine so in that same manner he runneth in vaine who doeth not persevere vnto the end of the race to his liues end By fervent prayer also thou shall bee indued with such discretion and dexteritie that carying thy selfe duetifully in respect of all in whatsoever estate sexe condition or degree they bee Thou will u 1 Thess 4.12 Principis est virtus maxima nosce suos behaue thy selfe honestly toward them that are without Thou will labour to know the conditions and to acquaint thy self well with thy owne friends for that is the chiefe duetie of a commander Thou will studie then if x Rom. 1â— 18 it be possible to haue peace with all men but knowing well that thou hast mortall and irreconciliable enemies thou will travaile with all the force of thy soule to scatter subdue and overcome them who goe about to tyranize over thee to bring thee to perpetuall slauerâ— aâ—d endâ—â—sse miserie A wise King saith Salomon scattereth y Prov. 20. 18 the wicked and causeth the wheele to turne over them A wise Christian will vse all meanes to punish his sinnes his most cruell and deadly foâ—s to smite them with a mightie destruction as z Iudg. 15.8 Samson the Philistims and so to doe with his corruptions as the Prophet speaketh of the Babilonians a Psal 137. 9 to put them to the sword to mortifie them with anger and indignation And yet perswade thy selfe that thou hast great neede of watchfulnesse and consideration of prayer and earnest supplication for this victorie over thy ghostly enemy â—â—onne and gotten with much travell tuâ—mâ—ilâ— trouble with vexation and much wrestling in regarde of the multitude might and maliciouâ—â—â—ssâ— of thy enemies considering thy owne sinnes also oâ—her soes who in number will be â—erie many as Bees or as the haires of our head they will bee also cruell in maâ—â—ce they having no
not the soule of thy turtle doue vnto beastes Surely thou must fight against Lyons cruell men like Nero against foxes craftie men like Herod against bulles strong men as that Egyptian whom Benaiah slew a man of great stature and strength and against l â— Sam. 23.21 dogs shamelesse and impudent men like Doeg yea against subtile serpents false flattering and betraying men as Ahitophell This is an hard matter but also honourable for as faith an holy Father Milites suos CHRISTVS August reges appellat CHRIST calleth his souldiers Kings and will giue to them an everlasting Kingdome But if thou say I find worldlings to bee my friends and not my foes I hope to get good and favour by them I answere The In Carrinensi Hispaniae agro â—ons est aurei coloris omnes ostendens pisces nihil extra illam aquaÌ„ à caeteris differentes Plinius natur hist lib. 2. cap. 103 wicked of the world are like the fish of that river which is in the countrey Carrinensus in Spaine they appeare to be like gold in the water but taking them in thy hand thou will perceaue them neither in nature or colour to be any wayes discrepant from other fifties So the vngodly will seeme not to fight against thee but to favour thee not hurtfull but profitable to thee yet looke to them narrowly and bring them to the touch of trueth and veritie thou shall confesse all is not gold that glistereth thou shall trie at length that they are false friends ever hurting thee and fighting against thee Yet if thou affirme I haue sensible proofâ— of the contrarie that I smell and taste sweenesse in them I answere that this world is like a Paâ—ther that carrieth with him a sweete sent but an vgly face â—linâ—natur hist lib. â— cap. 17 the one entycing beastes to sollow him the other affrighting them from him therefore craftilie hee hides his head till assuredly the prey bee in his power to destroy the same So this world will show foorth a faire colour and giue a pleasant tast and smell at the beginning and allureth many to follow to embrace the same but it hideth the end thereof which is deceaving and destroying for the whole m Iohn 5. 1â— world lyeth in wickednesse and therefore fighteth against vs to bring vs to death and wretchednesse vnlesse wee bee helped by IESUS CHRIST who sayeth to his diâ—ciples Be n Iohn 16. 22 of good comfort I haue overcome the world Secondly How hard is it to fight against thine owne filthy and faultie flesh thy corruptions sinnes and terrible transgressions these are the o Exod. 17. 8 Amalekits hindring thee in the way to Heavenly Canaan These p 1 Sam. 11. 1 are the Ammonits besciging thee who will agree with thee vpon no other condition but to thrust out thy right eye to bring shame and paine vpon thee These are the Cananits q Iosh 23. 13 a snare and destruction vnto thee a whippe to thy side and a thorne in thine eyes These are like the governours of r 1 Sam 23. 12 Keilah traitours to David readie to betray thee and to delyverthee to the devill thine enemiâ— These thy sinnes are as the Å¿ Rev. 9.7.8.10 locusts like horses prepared for the battell they promise honour and victorie but will giue shame and miserie for they haue on their heads as it were crownes like vnto gold they promise friendshippe and favour their faces beeing like vnto men they promise profite and pleasure for they haue haire as the haire of women but yet bee not deceived looke and consider their teeth and their tailes their teeth are as the teeth of lyons to devoure thee their tailes are like a Scorpions to sting thee and to annoy thee Thou must striue against them at all times but chiefly at prayer for then they will striue to separate t Isaiah 59. 2 you betweene you and your GOD to blind-solde thee to cast thee into the pit of eternall perdition Thirdly as when u Zech. 2. 1 Iehoshua stood before the Angell of the LORD Satan stood at his right hand to resist him so when the devoute Christian shall x Psal 42. 2 come and appeare in the presence of GOD the devill wiâ—l drawe neere to molest and fight against him But it was more easie for young David y 1 Sam. 17. 3â— to overcâ—me Goliah albeit others as Saul said hee was not able who was but young to goe against a strong man of warre than it is to a Christian by himselfe to foyle Satan and put him to flight who never ceaseth sed Gregori lib. 18 moral viventem accendit ad vitia morientem trabit ad tormenta while one liveth hee stirreth him to vice when hee dieth hee draweth him to torment Fourthly which without doubt is yet more difficiâ—e in prayer thou must wrestle with GOD himselfe as did z Gen. 32. 24 Israel so must all true Israelites thou must a Hos 12. 4 haue power over the Angell by weeping and praying Now consider I beseech thee if there be betweene such parties any appearance of equalitie What is maâ— fraile flesh a b Isaiah 41. 14 weake wâ—rme a c Nehem 13 17 sillie grassehopper a fading flowre a decaying dreame d Psal 90. 5 grasse from â—ithering dry stubble light e Psal 1. 4 chaffe which the wind driveth away Againe â—he other partie is GOD Almighâ—ie who f Amos 5. 9. 6 buildeth his spheres in the Heavens and hath laid the foundations of his globe of elements in the earth whose g Psal 29.47.8 voice is mightiâ— and glorious that divideth the slammes of fire and maketh the wildernesse to tremble the h Iob 29. 11 pillars of Heaven quake at his reproofe i Iob. 9. 7 the Sea by his power is made calme and hee smiteth the pride thereof yea hee commandeth the Sunne and it riseth hee closeth vp the starres as vnder a signet Behold all k Isa 40. 15 nations before him are as a drop of a bucket and are counted as the dust of ballance they are as nothing and they esteemed of him lâ—sse than nothing even vanitie â—et thou who art so filthy aâ—d weaâ—e by nature must striue and wrestle with the Almightie by l Heb. 5. 7 prayer and supplication by strong crying and teares and so only thâ—u must fight while thou get the viâ—torie and prevâ—ile with thâ— Crâ—ator and m Rom. 8. 37 in all these things thou will bee more than a conquâ—rour through him who loveth thee so plentifully freely and continuallie But seventhly thou shall finde it most painfull and laborious to gaine such a notable and comfortable victorie for nothwithstanding of all thy travailes and turmoyle GOD n 1 Cor. 15.57 himselfe must giue the victorie through Iesus Christ thou must o Iohn 5.4 bee borne of GOD if thou purchase victorie to overcome the world and
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
of the Sea it will worke hope which e is an anker to the soule both sure and stedfast and it entreth into that which is within the vaile Fourthly A Messinger is sometimes f Psal 107. 23 very needfull and requisite To an Messinger So e Genes 32. 3 â—aacob had neede of them â—o send to his Brother Esaâ— when hee desired reconciliation with him So the g Iosh 10. 6 men of Gibeon had neede of a messenger to send to Ioshua for their preservation from the Amorits fighting against them The people also of Iabish Gilead when Nahash the Ammonite besieged 1 Sam. 11. 3 them and would accept of no other condition but to plucke out their right eyes they had neede of messingers to send to all the coasts of Israel for their deliverance from that hurt and shame Thus that distressed Adherball a vnfortunate King of Numidia Multa pollicendo being besieged in his Citie Cirta by his malicious and vnnaturall Brother Ingurtha with many promises did require two messingers to declare his perplexed estate to the Senat of Rome and yet received Salust in bello Iugurâ—â—ino no reliefe nor comfort for all his care and request But thou Christian Reader hath as great necessitie of Prayer which is a a most faithfull and diligent messinger if thou desirest reconciliation with thy good elder Brother IESUS CHRIST if thou require preservation from inâ—umerable sinnes if thou seekest deliverance from the Devill thy mortall enemie if thou wishest victorie over thy owne inbred corruption let thy earnest request be a speciall messinger to thy Heavenly Father from whom every i Iam. 1 17 perfect gift commeth Fifthly As a Charet is requisit for a long journey Candaces k Act. 8. 27 her To a Charet chiefe governour had need of one whâ— hee came from Ethiopia to Ierusalem to worship And for a tempestuous season that l 1 King 14. 44 the raine stay not a charet is also requisite So in thy journey towards the Kingdome of Heaven to l the celestiall Ierusalem prayer is most requisite and necessarie as a charet to carie thee As Elijah m 2 King 2. 11 was taken vp to Heaven bodily in n Eccles 48. 9 a charet of firie Horses so thou spiritually by fervent prayer and holie meditation in thy soule will ascend vnto the Citie of the living LORD Sixtly As the sling o 1 Sam. 17.50 and stone were needfull to David to smite To Armour and overcome Goliah his enemie so is prayer needfull for thee that thou may resist p Iam. 4. 7 the Devill and hee will flee from thee It is the most excellent peace of the q Ephes 6. 13 whole Armour of GOD that thou may bee able to resist in the evill day seing it is both offensiue and defensiue for destruction of the adversarie and for thy owne preservation because it is grounded vpon the word of GOD which is the r Ephes 6. 17 sword of the spirit it is most offensiue and because it proceadeth from true faith it is a sheild Å¿ Ephes 6. 16 where-with thou may quench all the firie darts of the wicked it is most defensiue and so most necessarie and expâ—diâ—nt Seventhly As a key is needfull for To a doore opning of a shutdoorâ— so is prayer necessarie for the opning the shut doore of thine heart for opning of Å¿ Act. 14. 27 the doore of faith vnto thee and for opning t Coloss 4 3 the doore of vtterance vnto thee yea for opâ—ing of the Oâ—atio â—â—stâ— est clâ—â—â—s Coeli Auguâ—t doore of Heaven vnto thee that thou u Ephes 2. 18 may haue enterance vnto thine holy and Heavenly Father to remaine with him in eternall glory and â—elicitie Eightly In the meane tyme of To Samson his haire thy warfare and pilgrimage heâ—re vpon this earth as Sampsons consecrated x Iudg. 16. 17 haire was most needfull for him for victorie libertie safetie for his honour and dignitie while he did keepe his haire hee was victorious true sound and honourable but when he was shaven and wanted the haire of his consecration he became weake so was soone overcome hee was a bouâ—d slaue he was blinded he was by them disgraced and mocked Even so true prayer is as necâ—ssarie for thee for by it thou shall bee stroâ—g viâ—torious and more y Rom. â— 37 than a Conquerour thou shall bee frâ—e as a puissant King thou shall be safe and sound gâ—orious and honourable before GOD and all people Ninthlie If rayment be needfull To many necessare things to cloth thee if foode bee necessare to sustaine thee if water be requisite to wash thee if gold and pearle bee fit to adorne thee if thou haue neede of balme and salue to heale thee if thou haue neede of good companie to comfort and giue contentment vnto thee then fervent prayer is more necessare and requisiâ—e for thee for to the helpe thereof thou shall receiue spirituall foode even the bread y Iohn 6. 4 of life the body and blood of CHRIST that meate which endureth to eternall life thou shall get that white z Revel 3. 18 raiment of Christs righteousnesse to cloth thee that thy filthie nakednesse shall not bee seene thou shall get the water a Zach. 13. â— of the fountaine of David to purge thee from pollution and vncleannesse thou shall obtaine fine b Revel 3. 18 gold to enrich thee that ring x Luke 15. 22 and pearles to decore thee thou shall get good and sufficient salue healing balme better than the balme of Gilead to cure thee thou shall haue the companie of holy y Psal 54.7 Angels to keepe thee to comfort and content thee in all thy crosses and calamitie to carie z Luke 16. â—2 thy soule to Abrahams bosome and to everlasting felicitie 10. If naturall life be necessare so is prayer more necessare whereby Prayer is necessarie as life naturall life is prolonged and spirituall yea eternall lyâ—e is obtained Holy Daniel albeit he had determined a Dan. 1. 8 in his heart that hee would not defile himselfe with the portion of the Kings meate yet he was throughly resolved even with the perrill of his lyâ—e to pray to his GOD continually and openly No decree no statute no prohibition no punishment could deteine b Dan. 6.10 him from that holy duety but no commandement no exhortation no commoditie nor example can moue to send vp prayers to his glorious Majestie If thou pray GOD Almightie will keepe his promise assuredly And c Iohn 2. 25 this is his promise that he hath promised thee even that eternall lyfe Lastly If the holy Spirit without Prayer is necessarie for the holy Spirit the which none can d Iohn 3. 5 be borne againe and renued none can bee instructed none e Rom. 1. 5 sanctified
Chapter FAithfull and â—ervent prayer perswade thy selfe will bring to thee 1. True honour and dignitie 2. Nobilitie and generositie 3. A sure Kingdome and royall 4. A happie mariage and a blessed matrimonie First By true prayer as thou will bee delivered from the slaverie of Sathan and iniquitie that from hencefoorth a Rom. 6. 6 thou shouldest not serue sinne nor thy corrupt lusts and affections nor thy â—ilthie rotten b Titus 3. 3 pleasures so thou shall attaine true libertie thou shall bee c Iohn â— 36 made free indeed and Abrahams spirituall child Thou shall bee honourable preferred to see a citizen d Ephes 2.19 with the Saintes and of the houshold of GOD yea certainely thou shall bee advanced to such dignitie that thou shall become the LORDS secretarie The e Psal 25.14 secret of the LORD shall bee revealed to thee that feare him and doth pray to his Majestie he will show f Iob. 11.6 thee the secreets of wisdome and of thine owne salvation As the poore penitent g Luke 23.42 thiefe praying to CHRIST had more honour and vnderstanding and a better judgement in matters concerning GODS Kingdome than the whole body of the Iewes than the learned Scribes and Pharisees to his everlasting joy and consolation so thou by praying diligently shall get honour and dignitie aâ—d haâ—e comfortable knowledge of the LORDS mysteries and so shall haue more h Psal 199.99 vnderstanding than the Ancient than teachers yea in some measure thou shall bee like holy Daniell he prayed the i Dan. 2. 19 secreete to him was reveiled he k Dan. 2. 48 is made a great man and honoured so I say thou calling vpon GOD arightly shall become the LORDS secretarie and exalted to l 2 Tim. 1. 10 immortalitie of true honour and dignitie Secondly Albeit by nature corruption Prayer bringeth nobilitie m Iohn 17. 14 bee thy father and the woâ—me thy mother and which is worse in respect of sinne thou hast Satan to n Iohn 8. 44 be thy father when thou doest his lusts yet by fervent prayer thou shall haue GOD to bee thy father thou shall bee borne o Iohn 1. 13 not of blood but of GOD CHRIST will p Hebr. 2. 11 not bee ashamed to call thee his brother thou shall bee truely and continually noble for supplication a true token of religion and Christianitie ever yeeldeth the best reputation and nobilitie Generosa Christi secta nobilitat viros Cui quisquis servit ille verè est nobilis Prudentius The generous race of CHRIST nobilitateth men whoever serveth him is truely noble what ever their condition be in this world Is not Pietie the mother of prayer of greater power to nobilitate than Philosophie Now this is the testimonie of Seneca that Platonem non Seneca Epist 44. ad Lucull accepit nobilem Philosophia sed fecit Philosophie receaved not Plato a noble man but made him one Also Anacharsis of admirable wisdome when by reproach hee Stobaeus sermon 84. was named a Scythian hee thus answered I am so by birth and by kind but not so in my conditions manners and ingine hee would show that true nobilitie proceeded not from parentage but from vertue and industrie but much rather is of veritie that it commeth by true prayer and pietie Thirdly Prayer will make a By prayer thou will receaue a Kingdome King q Revel 1. 9 vnto GOD. Abraham was reputed and called a r Genes 2â— 6 Prince amongst strangers not for his land nor ample possession but for his godlinesse and devotion Thus King IAMES of blessed memorie present in the Church Patric Scharpius in Epist dedicaâ— ad illustrissimum Regem generall assembly protested publickly most worthily and wisely that he had farre rather be a Christian calling vpon GOD than an earthly King and no Christian his Majestie knew well that hee receaved a better and a surer Kingdome by holynesse and invocation than by heriâ—â—ge or succession So by holy praying thou will come to the pâ—rpetuall possession of an Heavenly Kingdome Å¿ Heb. 12. 28 which no wayes can be shaken it is an t 1 Pet. 1. 4 inheritance immortall and vndeâ—iled it fadeth not it is reserved in the Heavens for thee and so well keept and thou shall be well preserved for the same thou shall not u Iohn 10. 28 perish None shall pluâ—ke thee out of CHRISTS hand he will giue vnto thee eternall life Fourthly By prayer thou shall By prayer CHRIST shal bee thine husband be blessed with an honorable marriage as Isaaks x Genes 24. 12 marriage was comfortable which was begunne continued and ended by prayer so thou by calling vpon GOD shall get CRRIST to be thy husband who will make y Ephes 5 27 thee vnto himselfe a glorious spouse holy and without blame who will marrie thee z Hos 2. 19 vnto himselfe for ever in righteousnesse judgement mercie compassion and faithfulnesse who will continually remember a Ierem. 2. 2 thee with the kindnesse of thy youth and the loue of thy mariage Wise Mordecai without contraversie esteemed the marriage of b Esther 2. 17 Esther with Ahasuerus both honorable comfortable and profitable may not thou if thou be a considerate Christian esteeme thy marriage with CHRIST IESUS the King of Glory to bee much more profitable and honorable yea he will set a faire diademe vpon thiâ—e head and c Reveâ— 2. 10 giue to thee the crowne of life and make thee partaker of his Heavenly blessings for ever This marriage and happie conjunction hath sweetnesse stedfastnesse continuall durance without separation thou will delight d Psalm 37.4 thy selfe in the LORD if his promises e Psal 119 10â— bee sweet to thee as hony to thy mouth his presence who is thy husband will be most pleasant also vnto thee This honour will bee also durable for seing CHRIST f Philip. 1. 21 is the advantage both in life and death hee will bee thine husband honour and happinesse both in life and death continually The due consideration of true prayer should encourage thee to the fervent and frequent practise thereof notwithstanding it bee a Magnum iter ascendo sed dat mihi gloria vires Propert. lib 4 Et in immeÌ„sum gloria calcar habet Ovid. lib. 1 de Ponto worke of difficultie It is I say a farre journey to goe vp to Heaven c. as hath beene before declared more particulary yet let this profite and glorie be a meane to strengthen thee when thou art weake and a spurre to vrge thee when thou art wearie Worldly men by the instinct of nature know this to bee of trueth and veritie But now let vs consider of the force and efficacie of true Prayer OF THE FORCE OF PRAYER The sevententh Chapter GReat and wonderfull is the force of Prayer the effects thereof and the fruits are