The zealous Christian taking heavenThe zealovs Christian taking heaven

4. God may deny to return this request in mercy, to quicken our hearts and affections in prayer, and to make us more eager in the pursuit after mercy. God many times denies that mercy which thou beggest, not as though he would not hear ¹thee, but to see how thy heart will be drawn out towards him in prayer, to make thee more vehement and importunate in thy desires. Thus God was angry with the prayers of his people, Psal. 80. 4. that they might be more fervent. God doth not delay to hear our prayers (saith ⟨p. 23⟩Anselm) because he hath no mind to give, but that our desires may be kindled, and so he may take occasion to give more plentifully.

4. God may deny to returne this request in mercy, to quicken our he'res and affections in prayer, and to make us more eager in the pursuit after mercy. God many times denies that mercy which thou beggest, not as though he would not heare ¹thee, but to see how thy heart will be drawn out towards him in prayer, to make thee more vehement and importunate in thy desires. Thus God was angry with the prayers of his people, Psal. 80. 4. that they might be more fervent. God doth not delay to heare our prayers (saith ⟨p. 23⟩Anselme) because he hath no minde to give, but that our desires may be kindled, and so he may take occasion to give more plentifully.

1. 1Psal. 80. 4. Non dissert Deus eo quod dare non •ult […] ut •ucto […].Psal. 80. 4. Non dissert Deus eo quod dare non ult ut ucto .