A01902:171
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 10THE RETVRNE OF PRAYERS. › Chapter 10
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.
4. Men are mistaken in judging of the weakness of their prayers, they judge of the weakness of their prayers by their expressions, and gifts in performing them, or by the stirring and overflow of affections, whereas the strength & vigour of prayer should be estimated from the faith, the sincerity, the obedience, the desires expressed in it. As it is not the loudness of a Preachers voice, but the ⟨p. 226⟩weight and holiness of the matter, and spirit of the Preacher, that moves a wise, and an intelligent hearer: so not gifts, but graces in prayers are they that move the Lord. The strength of prayer lies not in words, but in that it is fitted to prevail with God; one prayer is not more strong then another, further then it is so framed as it hath power with God more or less; as of Jacob it is said, he had power with God, Hos. 12. Now prayers move God, not as an Orator moves his hearers, but as a child moves his father: two words of a child humbled, and crying at his fathers ⟨p. 227⟩feet, will prevail more then penned orations. Rom. 8. It is the meaning of the spirit, that God looks unto, more then the expressions: for the groans there are said to be unutterable. Hezekiah's expressions were so rude and broken, that he says, Isaiah 38. 14. that he did but chatter, (he being then sick,) even as a crane, yet God heard them.
4. Men are mistaken in judging of the weaknes of their prayers, they judge of the weaknesse of their prayers by their expressions, and gifts in performing them, or by the stirring and overflow of affections, whereas the strength & vigor of prayer should be estimated from the faith, the sincerity, the obedience, the desires exprest in it. As it is not the lowdnesse of a Preachers voice, but the ⟨p. 226⟩weight and holinesse of the matter, and spirit of the Preacher, that moves a wise, and an intelligent hearer: so not gifts, but graces in prayers are they that move the Lord. The strength of prayer lies not in words, but in that it is fitted to prevaile with God; one prayer is not more strong then another, further then it is so framed as it hath power with God more or lesse; as of Iacob it is said, he had power with God,