A01902:66
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 3THE RETVRNE OF PRAYERS. › Chapter 3
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.
It is true indeed, that that act of general assent, which faith is to give to this promise in the general ⟨p. 55⟩abstract truth of it, is to be an assured certain persuasion and belief, that God hath made this promise, and that He certainly will, and doth perform it unto some according to his purpose expressed therein; which act of general assent, is that believing without wavering, namely of the truth of the promise in general, which S. James calls for in prayer, Jam. 1. 6. But yet that special act of application (as Divines call it) required in this faith, whereby I am to rest upon it, for my own particular, is not required to be such an undoubted persuasion, as to think that I shall certainly ⟨p. 56⟩have this particular promise in kind fulfilled to me; for the truth, purpose, and intent of the promise, is not universal, but indefinite. So as it is but an it may be (as God elsewhere expresseth such promises, as Zeph. •. 1, 2.) That it shall be performed to me: and yet because it may be God will perform it unto me, therefore my duty is to cast my self upon God, and put in for it, with submission to His good pleasure for the performance of it to me. So that so far as the truth and intent of it, is revealed to be infallible & certain, so far a man is bound to have an answerable act ⟨p. 57⟩of faith, of certain and infallible persuasion towards it, as to believe without wavering that God hath made such a promise, and will perform it according to His intent in making it, which is unto some: but yet withal because the tenor of it is but indefinite, and in that respect, whether it shall be performed to me or no, is not therein certainly revealed; Therefore God requires not of me in the application of such a promise, an absolute full persuasion that He will perform it to me in such or such a manner, &c. But only an act of dependence and adherence with referring ⟨p. 58⟩it to his wise and righteous good pleasure towards me.
It is true indeed, that that act of generall assent, which faith is to give to this promise in the generall