The Return of Prayers

And if all the works of ⟨image 8⟩GOD are so exceeding great, and his thoughts therein so very deep, Psal. 92. 5. that every Iota of them, doth deserve our deepest studies, and intentions; and thereunto require a proper skill and wisdom, to read his hand, peculiar unto the Saints, ver. 6. whereunto there must be adjoined the most diligent search, ¹and attentive observation to find out his meaning in them; and withal a special inclination, and delight to be conversant therein, Thy works are very great, sought out of those that have pleasure in them, Psal. 111. 2. And if, of all the rest, those choicer pieces, his works of mercy may ⟨image 8⟩challenge our best regard: in which his heart and delights are most; ²on which his wisdom hath laid on the richest workmanship, in the most curious contrivements of his love: Then surely that selected volume of more special mercies [His Epistles:] vouchsafed in answer to our prayers, is above all other, most exactly to be studied, and most diligently to be perused by us. Wherein God doth unbosom himself, and lay open his heart, more sweetly, more familiarly unto us; which are directed, and in a manner dedicated more particularly unto our selves alone; Many of them written with his own hand, in a more immediate ⟨image 9⟩manner discovered and appearing in them: and all of them come sealed with the impress of everlasting love, and down laden with the enclosure of the most precious tokens of his special favour.³ Who so is wise, will observe these things; and they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord.

And if all the workes of ⟨image 8⟩