Psal 26. 6 hands in innocencie and then compasse the LORDS Altar hee must put a Exod. 3. 5 off his shoes and cast b Heb. 12 1 away his sinnes and put c Rom. 13. 14 on the LORD IESVS and bee arrayed with his righteousnesse Thou must haue written on thine head HOLYNESSE d Exod. 39. 30 TO THE LORD and sanctifie e 1 Pet. 3. 15 GOD in thine heart and bee renued according to his glorious image and then send vp thy prayers into the Highest for it is most true that GOD f Iohn 9.31 heareth not sinners who continue in their sinne with delectation Fourthly to the end thy supplication may bee acceptable to Charitie the Almighty thou of necessicie also must haue towards thy neighbour true loue and charitie in the which if thou g Iohn 4. 12 dwell thou dwellest in GOD and GOD in thee So thou mayest know that thou h Iohn 3. 14 art translated from death to lyfe because thou lovest the brethren If thy soule i 1 Pet. 1. 22 bee purifyed in obeying the trueth through the Spirit thou will loue brotherly without faining then thou mayest pray comfortably without any Isiodor Etym. lib. 6. Nullum in vul nere proficitmedicamen tum si adhuc in eo ferrum sit sic nihil proficit oratio illius cuius adhuc odium in pectore vel do lus maneat in mente doubting As no salue nor medicament will profite or bring health to a wound if the yron remaine therein so thy petition will bee vnprofitable if hatred abyde in thy brest or deceite in thy minde If thou haue not the fire of GODS Spirit within thee and ardent affection to warme thee then doubtlesse thou shall haue the fire of malice anger and hatred which will consume thee If thou with Nahab k Levit. 10. 2 and Abihu offer strange fire before the LORD a fire may comeâ— out from the LORD to devoure thee and albeit thou wouldest l 1 Cor. 13. 3 giue thy body to bee burned and woâ—l lest feede the poore with all thy goods and hath not loue it profiteth nothing thy selfe thy prayer shall not bee regardâ—d nor acceptable to GOD neither profitable to thy owne selfe because as an ancient affirmeth Nihil est pretiosius DEO virtute dilectionis nihil desider abilius diabolo extinctione charitatis Their is nothing more precious vnto GOD than the vertue of loue their is nothing more desired to the devill than the extinguishing of charity Leaue l therefore thy offering before m Math. 5. 24 the Altar saith our Saviour goe thy way first be reconciled vnto thy brother and then come and offer thy gift and send vp to GOD thine humble supplication Fiftly thou who desirest to Sobrietie pray arightly thou must be endued with temperancie and sobrietie and so as CHRIST commandeth thee more conveniently thou will watch m Math. 26.41 and pray that thou enter not into tentation thou will bee n 1 Pet. 5. 8 sober vigilant and fit for prayer This vertue of temperance is the leader and moderatrix Temperantia est actionum auriga moderatrix of our actions Intemperancie will greatlie sunder thee from this holy duetie it is the greatest degree of filthy shame and miserie And therefore Xerxes after deliberation did Spinaeus in vo lupt lib. 5 inflict the highest punishment vpon the Babylonians when againe he subdued them after their rebellion hee did prohibite the vertuous exercises of arts and sciences and enjoynd them to giue themselues to idlenesse play banquetting and surfetting and to all luxurie and voluptuousnesse Take o Luk. 21. 34 heede therefore to thy selfe lest at any tyme thy heart bee oppressed with sursetting and drunkennesse and the cares of this lyfe least that day come on thee at vnwares Watch therefore and pray continually Ioyne p 2 Pet. 1. 5 therefore with vertue knowledge and with knowledge temperancie which as the Philosopher affirmeth is Arist Ethic. lib. 6 cap. 5 Fervencie the preserver of all other good qualities and then surely q Iam. 5. 16 thou shall not be idle nor vnfruitefull in the knowledge of the LORD IESVS CHRIST Sixtly If thou wish thy petition profitable thou must pray with an vehement and earnest affection for r Genes 32. 28 the prayer of a righteous man availeth much if it bee fervent Remember well I beseech that all pious professors who hath s had power with GOD were ever most ardent in their requests Consider diligentlie and follow faithfully in the vttermost of all thy power the fervencie and ardor of good Kings David saith As Å¿ Psal 42. 1 the Hart brayeth for the rivers of water so panâ—et my soule after thee O GOD and Hezekiah incline t Isaiah 37. 17 thine â—are O LORD and heare open thine eyes O LORD and see And godle Prophets Daniel crying O u Dan 9. 19 â— LORD heare O LORD forgiue O LORD consider and Habbakâ—k praying O LORD x Habb 3. 2 reviue thy works in the midst of thy people in wrath remember mercie But principally consider y Heb. 3. 1 the Apostle and high Priest of our profession CHRIST IESUS which in z Heb. 5.7 the dayes of his flesh did offer vp prayers and supplications with strong crying and teares Our blessed MASTER in a Luk. 22. 44 his most bitter and heavie agonie Hee prayed most earnestly with great fervencie and his sweate was like drops of blood trickling downe to the ground Many indeede doe mervell at that most illustrious George Castriot Abrahamus Scultetus in lib. de precat cap. 19. Scanderbeg the peerelesse Prince of Epirus in whom they write was so great ardor into fighting that the blood would burst furth out of his lippes but surely one hath greater cause to wonder at the fervencie of our SAVIOUR who was so vehement in praying that a bloodie sweate came not from his lippes only but also from his whole bodie in great abundance Follow then the ardent zeale and fervencie of thy Master and take good heede I beseech thee that thou doe b Ier. 48. 10 not the worke of GOD negligently least thou bee subject to GODS curse and miserie that thou c Revel 3. 16 be not cold nor luckewarme least CHRIST spue thee out of his mouth most shamefully Quomodo Cyprianus in sermone de oratione Domini te audiri à DEO postulas cum ipse te non audias How can thou require thy selfe to be heard of GOD when thou hearest not thy selfe by sloathfulnesse coldnesse or distractions But thou call vpon GOD with a vehement desire and earnest affection So did Samson for earthly water saving LORD d Iudg. 15. 18 shall I die for thirst more fervently shouldst thou pray for the water of the Well of life for thine aeternall consolation Seventhly Aboue all labour Sinceritie with continuall care and industrie
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
art 7 Pray for peace and reconâ—iliatiâ—n the Prince n Isaiah 9. 6 of peace and reconciliation which hath o Eph. 214.17 broken the partition wall aâ—d â—â—th preached peace vnto mee that thou might reconcile mee vnto thy GOD giue vnto mee p Iob. 34. 29 peace and quietnesse and who then can make trouble and vexation bee thou my advocate q â— Iohn 2. 1 with the Father and the reconâ—iliation for my soule be thou my attonemâ—nt and propitiation If the inhabitants of Tyrus and Sidon did earnestly labour to haue peace r Act. 12. 20 with Herod an evill and earthly King O LORD what paines should I take to haue concord and vnitie with thee a good and Heavenly King O LORD make mee diligent Å¿ 2 Pet. 3. 14 that I may be founde of thee in peace without spot and blamelesse let the t Col. 3. 15 peace of GOD rule in my heart let O LORD thy peace u Philip. 4.7 which passeth all vnderstanding preserue mine heart and minde in CHRIST IESVS for ever and ever And for this purpose most â— Pray for remissiâ—â— of sin mercifull GOD forgiue me x Math. 6. 12 all my debts grant vnto mee a free discharge of all my sinnes and a comfortable acquittance of all mine iniquities written subscribed and sealed with the Blood of mâ— faviour Put y Col. 2. 14 out that hand writting and obligation that is against me and cortrarie to mee take it out of the way and fasten it vpon the crosse Let it never bee of power to shame mee in this world or to condemne mee in the world to come As z Psal 103.12 farre as the East is from the West so farre remoue thou my sinnes from mee Let a Rom. 6. 12 not finne rule in my mortall bodie that I obey the lusts thereof But O LORD subdue b Math. 7. 19 mine iniquities and cast all my faultes into the bottome of the sea I humbly beseech thee to c Col 3. 5 mortifie and slay my sinne in mee least it slay my soule eternally Burie all my offences in the graue of CHRIST Let them never rise against mee for my conviction and eternall confusion Now almightie GOD Seing by 9 Pray for life spirituall nature I am d Eph. 2. 1 dead in sinne and trespasses I pray thee to quicken mee Let e 2 Cor. 4. 16 my inward man be renued dayly Grant that I may be borne f Iohn 3. 3 againe and bee partaker of regeneration and so enter into thy Kingdome Thou who art the g Iohn 11. 2 resurrection and the lyfe who raised from death Lazarus who was stincking and rotting in the graue and gaue him naturall lyfe breath spirituall lyfe into my dead soule that thou who art the GOD h Math. 22.32 of the living thou mayest bee my GOD and guide for ever O thou who art the i Mal. 4. 2 Sunne Pray for spirituall light of Righteousnesse and the true light of the world who hast abundance of eye k Revel 3. 18 salue arise and shine vpon mee anoynt the blind eyes of my minde illuminate my dark vnderstanding Thou who opened the l Genes 21.19 eyes of Hagar and made her see a Well of water wherewith her dying sonne was refreshed open thou the eyes of my inward man that I may see that Well of the m Iohn 3. 10 water of lyfe that my dying soule may be comforted and thou O powerfull SAVIOUR who did giue sight to that man who n Iohn 9.7 was borne blind giue spirituall sight to my blind soule that I may see thee and follow thee continually O my GOD thou who opened the o Math. 7. 33 eares of that deafe man grant Pray for in ward hearing that myne inward eares may be prepared q Psal 40. 6 and opened to heare thy holy and blessed Word that my bodie r Heb. 10. 5 may bee ordeined and made fitte for thy continuall service and worship For O my graâ—ious GOD while Pray for health I haue beene walking in the wildernesse of this world I haue fallen Å¿ Luke 11. 30 amongst cruell and covetous theeues who haue robbed mâ—e of my raiment and riches they haue wounded me grievously I am now lying waltring in my blood and half dead Many miseregarde me and passe by me without any pittie I can not pittie myne owne selfe but O sweet Samaritan come neere to me and haue compassion on mee Bind vp Ibidem my bleeding wounds powre in wine oile carry me in thy owne armes and heale mee Haue a continuall care of me that I may haue a care to honour thee and glorifie thy Majestie O my blessed Redâ—emer in whom Pray for wisdome are t Coloss 2. 3 hidde all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge giue vnto mee true wiâ—edome and Heavenly knowledge and vnderstanding so that I x Prover 5. 23 may not die for fault of instruction and that I goe not astray through my great folly that I may bee wise y Proverb 16 20. 21. in myne owne businesse and prudent in heart that my vnderstanding may bee a welspring z Pro. 16. 23 of lyfe vnto mee that I may trust in thy mercie and be blessed aeternally O LORD thou who art able to breake a Psal 107. 16 the gates of brasse and to brast the barres of yron asunder Pray for libertie I pray thy Majestie to set mee at libertie who am a captiâ—e and miserable prisoner loose mee from the bands of the devill for spiritually I am bound and bowed b Luke 13. 11 together and can not lift vp my soule in any wise without thy helpe Bring mee out of the snare c 2 Tim. 2. 26 of Sathan that I may come to amendement Take d 2 Sam. 8. 1 the bridle of bondage out of the hand of mine enemie Bee thou LORD my goodnesse e Psal 144. 2 and my fortresse my tower my sheild and delyverer Restore mee to the glorious freedome of thy children Giue mee strength to stand f Galat. 5.1 fast into that libertie wherewith thou hast made me free that I never bee intangled againe with the yoke of bondage And because in the devils dungeon and in the stinking puddle Pray for purgation of sinne I am filthily polluted and miserably defiled O holy God wash g Psal 51. 2 mee througly from mine iniquitie and cleanse mee from my sinnes and pollutions If thou wash mee h Iohn 13. 8 not I shall haue no part nor portion with thee and I know perfectly that no i Revel 21. 27 vncleane thing shall enter in Heavenly Ierusalem nor within thy holy Sanctuarie therefore O gratious GOD I humbly and heartily intreate thy Majestie to wash k Ierem. 4 4â— mine heart from wickednesse and my whole man from vngodâ—ines even in the
subiects safetie such was his care of their wellfare Will not thy heavenly Father lighten m Psal 13. 3 thy eyes that thou sleepe not in death when the eyes n Psal 69. 2â— of the wicked shall bee blinded that they cannot see and having o Eph. 4.18 their cogitation darkned as strangers from the life of Christ shall walke in the vanitie of their mind When their p Iob. 21. 17 candle shall bee put out when they shall bee as stubble before the wind and as the chaffe that the wind and stâ—rme carriâ—th away In the meane sâ—ason surelie q Psal 18. 28 the Lord will light thy candle and lighten thy darkâ—â—sse hee will illuminate the eyâ—s of thy mind r 2 Tim. 2. 7 and giâ—e thee vnderstanding in all things thâ— LORD will never leaue thee though Å¿ Psal 27. 10 Father and mother should forsake thee yet the â—â—rd will gather thee vp and regard thee though thy Prince ruler would miâ—-know yet the LORD more loving than Moses who for the welfare of his people would haue beene content to haue â—ab his t Exod 32.32 name rased out of the booke of life will never depart from thee nor cast u Psal 51. 11 thee away from his presence neither take his holy presence from thee but he will giue thee good counsell and shew thee the x Psal 16. 11 path of life will set thee at his right hand where there are pleasure for evermore Fistly Seing that GODS care is continuall most firme and permanent Gods care is continuall which will not decay nor bee diminished by length of time hee will care for thee when thou art young and foolish as he cared for Moses y Exod. 2. 5 of three months age when hee was put in the river he will care for thee when thou art old and â—eeble as hee cared for Simeon z Luk. 2. 28 and rejoyced him by beholding CHRIST the LORD of consolation hee will haue a care of thee when thou art living as he had of his servant David he will haue a care also of thee while thou art dying as he had of his servant Steven a 2 Sam. 16.12 passim who then saw the glorie of GOD and CHRIST standing at his right hand Yea GOD will haue a care of thy buriall after death as hee accompanied Iaakobs b Genes 46. 4 funerall he will haue a care of thy dead bodie he will lose c Iohn 6. 39 nothing but he will raise it vp againe at the last day The LORDS care is not like the care of man which continueth not but evanisheth and weareth away by tyme but GODS care is constant and permanent as d Psal 136. 1 passim is his mercy which endureth forever Secondly If thou prayest arightlie thou may be surely perswaded The Lord will performe the request of the that pray that thou shall receiue this exceeding great benefite strong consolation to wit the Almightie GOD will giue eare vnto thy supplication he will performe thy request and grant thy petition Behold saith the Prophet the LORDS e Isaiah 59. 1 hand is not shortned that hee can not sauâ— neither is his eare heavie that he can not heare for certainly GOD f Isaiah 65. 1 himselfe was found of them that sought him not as he himselfe assureth vs will not thou then find him comfortably if thou seeke him diligently then the LORD g Psal 21. 2 will giue thee thy hearts desire and will not deny thee the request of thy lips he will looke to thee with the eyes of his pittie hee will declare himselfe a liberall and bountifull GOD towards thee It was thought that Salomâ—n would not refuse the request of his mother Bethsheba nor say heâ— nay and thus he promised saying Aske h â— King 2. 20 on my mother for I will not say thee nay vndoubtedlie hee was most respectiue and loving Also Assuerus showed great kindnesse and affection vnto Esther while hee thus offered What i Ester 5. 6 is thy petition that it may bee given thee What is thy request it shall even bee performed vnto the halfe of my Kingdome Yet Salomâ—n will sooner deny the Marcellinus request of his mother Bethsheba and Alexander the great will sooner deny the request of his mother Olympias remembering him that for the space of nyne months shee had borne him in her womb And Constantine the great a k Isaiah 49. 32 nursing father to the Church and a great comfort will rather giue a refusall to Antonius an holy and famous man whom for his vertues and devotion hee much honoured and respected when hee Hisâ— Magd. Cent. 4 lib. 9 was interceeding for the returne of Athanasius from banishment than the LORD will deny the supplications of his owne servants and therefore shall everie one of the godly make l Psal 32. 6 his prayer vnto thee in a tyme when thou mayst bee found If thou aske then grace to thy selfe who art graceâ—â—sse of m Iohn 1. 19 his fulnesse thou shall receaue grace If n Iam. 1. 5 thou lacke wisdome aske it of him that reproacheth no man and hee will giue it liberally If thou shall seeke his holy Spirit with o Psal 51. 12 David hee will vouchsaâ—e it on thee comfortably yea thou will sooner wearie in asking than hee will wearie in granting as it may appeare in p Genes 18.22 Abrahams requesting clearely who first deâ—isted in â—â—cting before GOD lâ—ft off yeelding to his supplication GOD sometimes will giue more than is asked yea which is very admirable and most comfortable thy bountifull â—ather will often-tymes bestow more than his servants will request for Abraham wished Oh that q Genes 17. 18 Ishmael might liue then GOD said to him Sarah thy wife shall beare thee a sonne Iaakob wished with the LORDS presence and protection breade r Genes 28.20 to eate and clothes to put on only foode and raiment yet the LORD did more to him than hee desired â—ee gaue him before his returne to his father wife children and a familie hee Å¿ Genes 30.42 encreased exceedingly hee had many slockes and maâ—â—e-servants and man-servants and camels and asses he was made very rich Salomon required of the LORD only wisdome t 2 Chron. 1.10 and knowledge the most bountifull GOD most gratiouslie answered I u haue done according vnto thy e 1 King 3. 13 word I haue given thee a wise and vnderstanding heart and I haue given to thee also that which thou hast not asked both riches and honour The prodigall sonne resolved to pray his father to x Luke 15. 16 make him oâ—e of his hired servants but his father dealeth not so with him to wit as an hireling but receaved him as his owne sonne and entertained him accordingly The LORD IESUS was requested to put y Mark 7. â—3 his
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
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
lawes of regeneration in that l â—â—ch 13. 1 fountaine opened to the house of David for sinne and for vncleannesse Grant LORD that with indeavour and industrie I keepe my selfe pure and holy vnspotted m Iam 1. 27 of this wicked world that I may cast n Rom. 13. 12 away the workes of darknesse and so walke honestlie as in the day continually And seing O LORD like o â—sal 119.176 a Pray for conversion lost sheepe I haue gone astray and wandred farre out of that narrow way seeke thy servant and find mee turne me that I may turne convert p Ierem. 31.18 mee and I shall bee corverted turne mee O most mightie and mercifull GOD from the devill myne adversarie a q Iohn 8. 44 lyar and a murtherer who would deceaue mee and destroy mee to IESUS CHRIST my Saviour and r Ephes 5. 29 husband who will teach mee and glorifie Å¿ Psal 91. 15 mee turne me from t Coloss 3.13 darknesse to thy joyfull light from nature to grace turne mee from the broad u Math. 7. 13 way that leadeth to hell and damnation to the strait way which leadeth to Heaven and salvation turne mee from wickednesse to holynesse from wretchednesse to everlasting happines O my GOD draw x Cant. 1.3 mee after thee knit y Psal 86.11 and vnite my heart inseparablie with thy Majestie teach mee thy wayes to feare thine holy name continually to z Genes 17. 1 walke before thee and with thee consciensciously and be vpright in thy sight continually And for this effect O thou Al-sufficient GOD take a mercifull Pray for Gods good dealing with thine heart dealing with my faultie heart that the same which by nature sinne and Sathan hath locked with Lydias a Act. 16. 14 heart it may bee opened by thee who hath b Revel 3. 7 the key of David Grant that my narrow heart may bee c Isaiah 60. 5 enlarged to receaue within mee the LORD IESUS the King of glory O holy Heavenly Father soften e my hard and obdurâ—d heart with the oyle of grace with the precious blood of my Saviour d Iob. 23. 16 that it may receaue the impression of the image of CHRIST that I d 2 Cor. 3. 18 may bee changed into the same image from glory to glory Bow my stiffe e Ezech. 2 4 heart Encline it f Psal 119. 36 to thy testimonies and not to covetousnesse O LORD giue mee a wise and vnderstanding g 1 King 2. 9 heart that I may discerne betweene good and bad O LORD vouchsafe vpon mee an honest h Luke 8 15 and good heart that I may heare thy Word keepe it and bring foorth fruite with patience and O my GOD I most willingly giue i Prover 23 26 mine heart to thy Majestie requiring the same from mee beseeching thy goodnesse to take such full possession and governement of my heart that thou may k Rom. 9. 23 declare the riches of thy glory vpon mee a vessell of mercie that I may be most certainly perswaded a chosen l Act. â— 15 vessell appointed for honour and everlasting happinesse O my blessed Creator assure Pray for the grouth of all good mee that I am thine owne m 1 Cor. 3. 9 husbandry Grant that I may bee as good n Math. 13. 8 ground to receaue the good seede of godlinesse and pietiâ— and to bring foorth fruite aboundantly that I may grow o 2 Pet. 3. 18 in grace and in the knowledge of IESVS CHRIST my LORD and Saviour O LORD helpe p Mark 9. 24 my vnbeliefe and encrease my faith my loue patience zeale feare hope courage and all Christian vertues make my good â—orkes q Revel 2. 19 to be moe at the last than at the first O my most mercifull Fatherâ— Pray for the Lords presence Teach r Psal 27. 11 mee thy way and leade mee in a right path Forsake Å¿ Psal 38. 21 me not O LORD bee not far from mee my GOD Thou t Psal 27. 9 art my succour leaue mee not neither forsake mee O GOD of my salvation Though my father and my mother should forsake mee yet thou O LORD will gather mee vp Though u Psal 38. 10 the Light of mine eyes bee not myne owne my sight will faile mee my senses will departe from mee my soule will be separate from my body yet abide thou with mee continually O gracious GOD I most humbly intreate thy Majestie giue mee x Rom. 1. 24 not vp to my hearts lusts nor vile affections for that I will bee but a lost creature and of all most wretched and miserable But O LORD of thy vnspeakable Pray for God his blessing kindnesse and endlesse mercie vouchsafe thy Heavenly and spirituall blessings vpon mee O GOD blesse mee with the blessing of election that thou mayest chuse mee y Psal 65. 4 and cause mee to come to thee that I may be satisfied with the pleasures of thine holy Temple Blesse mee with the blessing of effectuall vocation that thou mayest call mee inwardly and powerfully to thee that I may answere and obey thy blessed calling and say heere z Genes 22 â— am I readie to doe thine holy will Blesse mee O LORD with the blessing of true sanctification that I may bee holy a Levit. 11. 24 as thou my GOD is most holy that I may keepe b Isaiah 56. 2 judgement and doe justice and restraine my hand from doing any evill Blesse mee with the blessing of spirituall joy and consolation that I may ever rejoyce c Psal 40. 4 in thee my LORD and walke in the light of thy countenance Blesse mee O my GOD with a setled purpose and resolution to serue thee continually that I may determine d Psal 119. 57 to keepe thy Words constantly Blesse mee with the blessing of true repentance through all my lyfe that I may e Revel 20. 6 haue parte in the first resurrection that the second death haue no power to hurt me Blesse mee with an happie end that I may die f Revel 14. 13 in the LORD and receaue the blessing of glory and inherite g Math. 25.34 the Kingdome prepared from all eternity As also O LORD I most humbly beseech thy goodnesse to blesse me with thine owne selfe to bee h Psal 16. 5 my lot and portion to bee the GOD i Psal 27. 9 of my salvation For whom k Psal 73. 25 haue I in Heaven but thee and I haue desired none in earth with thee Grant O gratious GOD that as l Psalm 42. 1 the Hart brayeth for the rivers of waters so my soule may pant after thee the living GOD vntill thou come to be favourable vnto me Blesse mee with CHRIST IESUS that he may be my m Heb. 7. 2 King governing mee my n Math. 1. 21
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