A01902:136
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 8THE RETVRNE OF PRAYERS. › Chapter 8
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.
Also if thou rejoicest in God, more than in the thing obtained: so Hannah begins her song when she blesseth God for her child; My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, &c. 1. Sam. 2. 1. She rejoiceth not so much in the gift as in the giver; and his favour more in this that her prayer was answered, then in the thing obtained: this is a sign of having obtained the mercy through prayers, when it is thus sanctified unto a mans spirit.
Also if thou rejoycest in God, more than in the thing obtained: so Hannah begins her song when she blesseth God for her child; My heart rejoyceth in the Lord, &c. 1. Sam. 2. 1. Shee rejoyceth not so much in the gift as in the giver; and his favour more in this that her prayer was answered, then in the thing obtained: this is a signe of having obtained the mercy through prayers, when it is thus sanctified unto a mans spirit.
12 Prayers answered ⟨p. 167⟩will enlarge thy heart with thankfulness, and thus usually they do; self-love makes us more forward to pray, than to give thanks; for nature is all of the craving and taking hand: but where grace is, there will be no eminent mercy gotten with much struggling, but there will be a continued particular thankful remembrance of it a long while after, with much enlargement: and As prayers abounded, so will thanksgiving abound also. Hannah, she makes a Song, 1. Sam. 1. 2. Great blessings that are won with prayer, are worn with thankfulness: such a man will not ⟨p. 168⟩ask new, but he will withal give thanks for old. Thankfulness, of all duties, proceeds from pure grace, therefore if the spirit stirs thee unto it, it is a sign he made the prayer; What thanks shall I render to God, for the joy I have in you, saith S. Paul,