Again hence we learn,1 that Argumentative prayers are excellent prayers. The strength of every thing is in its joints. There lies much of the strength of prayer also. How strongly jointed, how nervous, and argumentative was this prayer of Christ? Some there are indeed that think we need not argue and plead in prayer with God, but only present the matter of our prayers to him, and let Christ alone (whose office it is) to plead with the Father. As if Christ did not present our pleas and arguments, as well as simple desires to God. As if the choicest part of our prayers must be kept back, because Christ presents our prayers to God. No, no, Christs pleading is one thing, ours another.2 His and ours are not opposed, but subordinated. His pleading doth not destroy, but makes ours successful. God calls us to plead with him,3 Isai. 1.18. come now, let us reason together. God (as one observes) reasoneth with us by his word and providences outwardly, and by the motions of his Spirit inwardly: but we reason with him by framing (through the help of his Spirit,) certain holy arguments, grounded upon allowed principles, drawn from his nature, name, word or works. And it is condemned as a very sinful defect in Professors, that they did not plead the Churches cause with God.4 Jer. 30.13. There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up. What was Jacobs wrestling with the Angel, but his holy pleading, and importunity with God? And how well it pleased God, let the event speak.5 As a Prince he prevailed, and had power with God. On which instance a Worthy thus glosseth. Let God frown, smite or wound, Jacob is at a point, a blessing he came for, and a blessing he will have; I will not let thee go (saith he) unless thou bless me. His limbs, his life might go; but there is no going for Christ without a pawn, without a blessing. This is the man, now what is his speed? the Lord admires him, and honours him to all generations. What is thy name saith he? q. d. I never met with such a man, titles of honour are not worthy of thee. Thou shalt be called, not Jacob a shepherd with men, but Jacob a Prince ⟨p. 262⟩with God. Nazianzen said of his sister Gorgonia, that she was modestly impudent with God. There was no putting her off with a denial. The Lord on this account hath honoured his Saints with the title of his Recorders, men fit to plead with him, as that word [mazkir] signifies.6
Again hence we learn,1 that Argumentative prayers are excellent prayers. The strength of every thing is in its joints. There lies much of the strength of prayer also. How strongly jointed, how nervous, and argumentative was this prayer of Christ? Some there are indeed that think we need not argue and plead in prayer with God, but only present the matter of our prayers to him, and let Christ alone (whose office it is) to plead with the Father. As if Christ did not present our pleas and arguments, as well as simple desires to God. As if the choisest part of our prayers must be kept back, because Christ presents our prayers to God. No, no, Christs pleading is one thing, ours another.2 His and ours are not opposed, but subordinated. His pleading doth not destroy, but makes ours successful. God calls us to plead with him,3 Isai. 1.18. come now, let us reason together. God (as one observes) reasoneth with us by his word and providences outwardly, and by the motions of his Spirit inwardly: but we reason with him by framing (through the help of his Spirit,) certain holy arguments, grounded upon allowed principles, drawn from his nature, name, word or works. And it is condemned as a very sinful defect in Professors, that they did not plead the Churches cause with God.4 Jer. 30.13. There is none to plead thy cause, that thou maist be bound up. What was Iacobs wrestling with the Angel, but his holy pleading, and importunity with God? And how well it pleased God, let the event speak.5 As a Prince he prevailed, and had power with God. On which instance a Worthy thus glosseth. Let God frown, smite or wound, Iacob is at a point, a blessing he came for, and a blessing he will have; I will not let thee go (saith he) unless thou bless me. His limbs, his life might go; but there is no going for Christ without a pawn, without a blessing. This is the man, now what is his speed? the Lord admires him, and honours him to all generations. What is thy name saith he? q. d. I never met with such a man, titles of honour are not worthy of thee. Thou shalt be called, not Iacob a shepherd with men, but Iacob a Prince ⟨p. 262⟩
- 1Cor. 2.
- 2Subordinata •on pugnant.
- 3Mr. Cobbet of prayer.
- 4Hos. 12.4. Gen 32.24.
- 5Dr. Har is in his Serm. on Luk. 18.6, 7, 8.
- 6[Greek or Hebrew] Rememorantes vel. Qui reminisci facilis Domini. Mont.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Rememorantes vel. Qui reminisci facilis Domini. Mont.
