A01902:104
The Return of Prayers
The return of prayers A treatise wherein this case how to discern Gods answers to our prayers is briefly resolved, with other observations upon Psal. 85.8. concerning Gods speaking peace, &c. By Tho: Goodwin. B.D.The returne of prayers A treatise wherein this case how to discerne Gods answers to our prayers is briefly resolved, with other observations vpon Psal. 85.8. concerning Gods speaking peace, &c. By Tho: Goodvvin. B.D.
London: printed by M. Flesher for R. Dawlman, 1636
THE RETURN OF PRAYERS. › Chapter 6THE RETVRNE OF PRAYERS. › Chapter 6
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Next: after thou hast prayed, observe, what God doth towards thee.
NExt: after thou hast prayed, observe, what God doth towards thee.
1As first, how he doth guide thy feet and heart after praying: there is much in that: that which was ⟨p. 120⟩the Spirit of supplication in a man when he prayed, rests upon him as the spirit of obedience in his course; so as that dependence he hath upon God for the mercy he seeks for, is a special motive, & means to keep him fearful of offending, and diligent in duty; to look to his paths to walk and behave himself as becomes a suitor, as well as to come and pray as a suitor. Thus David, he walked by this principle, Psal. 66. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart, God will not hear me; that consideration still came in as a curb unto sin; and without this a man provokes God, and so casts ⟨p. 121⟩himself behind-hand again, and by sinning loseth what ground he had got by praying. Therefore David, Psal. 145. 8, 9, 10. when he was to pray, even as for his life, (as then he did, it being a deliverance from his enemies he sought) he specially prays God to direct him and keep him, that he might not sin against him; for he knew by sinning he should enervate and spoil all his prayers: not only hear me speedily (says he) but also Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; Teach me to do thy will; this he especially prays for, and more then for deliverance, for ⟨p. 122⟩else he knew God would not hear him. Therefore when thou art in treaty with God for any mercy, observe, doth God still after praying keep thee in a more obedient frame of spirit? it is a sign he intends to answer thee; as in like manner, when he keeps thee from using ill means, &c. When he meant to give David the Kingdom, he kept him innocent, and his heart tender, that it smote him but for cutting off the lap of Sauls garment: he was not so tender after. Therefore in