A01902:17
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
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.
Neither have such favours, only more of mercy in the things themselves bestowed, but are further endeared to us, by being made our own mercies, by a more peculiar title to them: by which the kindness in them is rendered double. For therein we have that royal liberty to become our own ⟨image 9⟩choosers, and contrivers of our own condition; having all the promises thrown down to us, with blanks for us to write our names in which of them we please; which is the greatest liberty. And We have withal his Spirit secretly directing, and fixing the needle of our desires, to the same point, wherein his great intentions towards us do meet with our best good: which is indeed the truest liberty. And to be made our selves, whom we love so well, and therefore delight to do good unto, the chiefest instruments under him of our own greatest happiness, is a privilege, then which, the creature is not made capable of a more ⟨image 10⟩transcendent royalty. And yet when the greatest love, thus rectified, which possibly we can bear our selves, hath opened its mouth widest, and stretched our desires in praying, to their utmost compass; then will Gods infinite vast love, not only fill them, but do for us above all that we are able to ask, yea to think; exceeding abundantly above all; as far above, as his thoughts are above our thoughts; which is far more then the heavens are higher then the earth.
Neither have such favours, onely more of mercy in the things themselves bestowed, but are further indeared to us, by being made our owne mercies, by a more peculiar title to them: by which the kindnesse in them is rendred double. For therein wee have that royall liberty to become our owne ⟨image 9⟩choosers, and contrivers of our owne condition; having all the promises throwne downe to us, with blanks for us to write our names in which of them wee please; which is the greatest liberty. And Wee have withall his Spirit secretly directing, and fixing the needle of our desires, to the same point, wherein his great intentions towards us doe meete with our best good: which is indeed the truest liberty. And to be made our selves, whom we love so well, and therefore delight to do good unto, the chiefest instruments under him of our owne greatest happinesse, is a priviledge, then which, the creature is not made capable of a more