CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

2. The meditation of this relation will cause fervency and zeal in our Petitions; The more confidence to speed the more earnestness, as on the other side, where there is no hope there is fainting and languishing, he said, Qui timidè rogat docet negare, we may say, Qui tepidè, It's the fervent prayer of a righteous man that prevaileth much, and confidence quickens up to fervency. As men that are pulling any weight, the more they feel it coming, the more earnest they are in pulling. This divine hope puts wings to the soul, addeth legs to its journey; Indeed a bold presumption that God will vouchsafe him the matter of our requests is careless of prayer, because that looketh for the end without the means, but an holy confidence that God will give us the good things we want, but by earnest and fervent prayer, that makes the godly soul ⟨p. 16⟩more zealous and active, when we are sure our labour is not in vain: As the Apostle encourageth to sufferings, to wait and endure patiently, because in due time they shall receive a recompense, if they faint not, Gal. 6.9. Oh then be afraid of those cold and lukewarm formal duties thou art so often in; These argue no faith, no hope in thee; It's a sign thou dost not much matter or regard the issue of thy Prayers, whether God grant them or not.

2. The meditation of this relation will cause fervency and zeal in our Petitions; The more confidence to speed the more earnestnesse, as on the other side, where there is no hope there is fainting and languishing, he said, Qui timidè rogat docet negare, we may say, Qui tepidè, It's the fervent praier of a righteous man that prevaileth much, and confidence quickens up to fervency. As men that are pulling any weight, the more they feel it coming, the more earnest they are in pulling. This divine hope puts wings to the soul, addeth legges to its journey; Indeed a bold presumption that God will vouchsafe him the matter of our requests is carelesse of praier, because that looketh for the end without the means, but an holy confidence that God will give us the good things we want, but by earnest and fervent praier, that makes the godly soul ⟨p. 16⟩more zealous and active, when we are sure our labour is not in vain: As the Apostle encourageth to sufferings, to wait and endure patiently, because in due time they shall receive a recompence, if they faint not,