A01902:151
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 9THE RETVRNE OF PRAYERS. › Chapter 9
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.
1And so now to come to the case propounded, and therein unto helps to pacify, and direct the heart about those prayers at which the things are not granted.
1And so now to come to the case propounded, and therein unto helps to pacifie, and direct the heart about those prayers at which the things are not granted.
- 1§. 2. A mistake to pray absolutely for such blessings as are not absolutely promised.
And first, how diddest thou frame thy prayer for that thing which is denied thee? Didst thou pray for it absolutely, and peremptorily as simply best for thee? thou must not then think much, if such a prayer be denied, for therein thou wentest beyond thy commission: but if thou didst pray for it conditionally, and with an (if) as Christ did, if it be possible (which instance is a strong ground for such kind of prayers) and not my will, but thy will be done, so, as thou didst refer it unto, and trust Gods judgement in the thing, and not thine own, only didst put him in mind as thy ⟨p. 190⟩duty was, of what was represented to thee as best for thee in view, and so left it to him to cast, and didst, refer it to His will and wisdom:1 Then thy prayer may be most fully answered and heard, and yet the thing denied, and thou art to interpret, and God takes meaning and mind revealed in the event in the best sense, which way soever it falls: for otherwise, CHRIST had not been heard, when yet, the Text says, He was heard in all he feared, Hebr. 5. 7.
And first, how diddest thou frame thy prayer for that thing which is denyed thee? Didst thou pray for it absolutely, and peremptorily as simply best for thee? thou must not then think much, if such a prayer bee denyed, for therein thou wentest beyond thy commission: but if thou didst pray for it conditionally, and with an (if) as Christ did, if it be possible (which instance is a strong ground for such kinde of prayers) and not my will, but thy will be done, so, as thou didst referre it unto, and trust Gods judgement in the thing, and not thine owne, onely didst put him in mind as thy