The Soul's Conflict with Itself

Some that have a more near communion ⟨p. 433⟩¹with God, may have a particular faith of some particular deliverances, whereupon they may ground particular prayer. Luther praying for a sick friend, who was very comfortable and useful to him, had a particular ²answer for his recovery, whereupon he was so confident, that he sent word to his friend, that he should certainly recover. Latimer prayed with great zeal, for three things, 1. That Queen Elizabeth might come ³to the Crown. 2. That he might ⁴seal the truth with his heart blood. 3. And that the Gospel might be restored ⁵once again, once again, which he expressed with great vehemency of spirit. All which three God heard him in. But the privileges of a few must not be made a general rule for all. Privileges go not out of the persons, but rest there. Yet if men would maintain a nearer communion with God, there is no doubt but he would reveal himself in more familiar manner to them, in many particulars then usually he doth. Those particular ⟨p. 434⟩promises in the 91. Psalm, and other places, are made good to such as have a particular faith, and to all others (with those limitations annexed to promises of that nature) so far forth as God seeth it will induce to their good and his own glory, and so far forth as they depend upon him in the use of means; And is not this sufficient to stay a gracious heart?

Some that have a more neere communion ⟨p. 433⟩¹with God, may have a particular faith of some particular deliverances, whereupon they may ground particular prayer. Luther praying for a sicke friend, who was very comfortable and usefull to him, had a particular