CLII lectures vpon Psalme LI preached at Ashby-Delazouch in Leicester-shire / by that late faithfull and worthy minister of Iesus Christ, Mr. Arthur Hildersam.

Lecture XII. On Psalme 51.1, 2. Ianuary 10. 1625.

THE third Objection followeth; that is that they are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to pray. For thus is many a poore soule apt to say. I am in great distress, and would faine seeke to God by prayer for helpe, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but alas I cannot. I want the spirit of prayer for I have no faith, and the spirit of prayer in the spirit of adoption, that perswadeth us of Gods fatherly 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and witnes∣seth to our spirits that wee are his children, Rom. 8.15, 16. Now I have no such witnesse in mee. My heart is so oppressed with sorrow that it is even utterly dead, and indisposed to prayer. Certainely this hath beene the case, of many a good soule. A tentation indeed it is, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one as the best either have, or may be subject unto. The Apostle acknowledgeth it in the name of all the faithfull. Rom. 8.26. Wee know not what to 〈…〉〈…〉.

For answer to this objection I have two things to say 〈…〉〈…〉. What we are to judge of them that are in this estate. 2. What 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they are to take that are in this case. For the first we must know two things.

[ 1] First, They that have any truth of grace at all in them, have in them cer∣tainely the spirit of prayer, though it may bee they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it sad they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it not in themselves. As the first thing the childe be in to speake, is to cry my father and my mother, Esa. 8.4. For this is given by the Holy Ghost as the common badge to know all Gods servants by, that they are able to pray. Thus Paul discribeth Gods people, 1 Cor. 1.2. All that in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place, call upon the name of Iesus Christ our Lord. And 2 Timothy 2.12. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 righteousnesse—with them that call on the Lord with a pure heart. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 4.6. Because yee are sonnes, God hath sent forth the spirit of his sonne into your hearts, crying Abba father. So that I may reason thus with the weakest of Gods servants, that are in this case; thou art poore in spirit, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for nothing more, therefore thou hast truth of saving grace on thee; for Christ calls thee blessed, Matth 5.3, 4. Thou lovest such as are godly even be∣cause they are godly, therefore thou hast truth of grace in thee; For so saith the Apostle, 1 Iohn 3.14. Wee know that we have p••••••ed from ••••••th to life, because wee love the brethren. Thou art afraid to doe any thing that might offend God, therefore thou hast truth of saving grace in thee; For the Holy Ghost saith, Psalme 128.1. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord. Why then from hence thou maist undoubtedly conclude, thou hast in thee the spirit of prayer. And whereas thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than thou hast it not, because thou feelest not in thy selfe the spirit of adoption, thou feelest 〈…〉〈…〉 in thy selfe. I answer, 1. Thou maist leave saith though thou seek it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for a time. neither maist thou judge of thy state by thy feeling. In the Churches 〈…〉〈…〉 her beloved had with drawne himselfe, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gone, Cant. 5.6. Nay in Christ•• owne feeling, his father had forsaken him, Matth. 37.46. ••. Thou hast said though thou feelest it not; 1 If thou mourne for nothing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it, as that poore man did, Mar 9.24. as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that cryeth was not borne dead; or the man that feeleth himselfe sick, hath life in 〈◊〉〈◊〉. If there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no∣thing so much as to beleeve, and to be rid of thy infidelity. For Christ saith such are blessed, Mat. 5.6. which they could not be, if they had not saith. Even the will is of grace, Phil. 2.13. As lusting after a woman is adultery, ••at. 5.28. so on the contrary lusting after faith, is faith.

[ 2] The second thing we must know, touching the state of these men that com∣plaine they cannot pray is this. That a man may not onely have in him the spirit of prayer though he feele it not, but he may also have the use of it, and

pray most effectually, and acceptably when in his owne feeling, his heart is 〈…〉〈…〉 indisposed unto prayer; when he is to overwhelmed with griefe, and his thoughts to distracted, and troubled that he is unable to utter, or conceive a pray∣er in any fit words or method at all; this is evident both by examples, and by reason also. When D••vid•• spirit was overwhelmed, when he was so troubled, that he could not speake, as he complaineth, Psal. 77.3, 4. yet even then he prayed and prayed most effectually as he saith, verse 1. I cryed unto God with my voice, even unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with my voice, and he gave care unto me. How could that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •••• such, verse 4. he was so troubled that he could not 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He 〈…〉〈…〉 could not doe it distinctly, and orderly, but he could cry to God, 〈…〉〈…〉 make a noise, as he saith, Psal. 38.8. I have rowed, 〈…〉〈…〉 o•• my heart, and 55.2. I mourne in my complaint, and make a noise; yet God gave care to that prayer. When Hezechiah was so oppressed with sorrow that he could not speake he could but chatter like a 〈…〉〈…〉 mourne like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as he complained, Esa. 38 14. yet eve•• then, the spirit of prayer was in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 effectually in him, that chattering, and mourning of his, was a prayer and 〈…〉〈…〉 unto God, as appeareth by verse 5. I have heard th•• prayer. 〈…〉〈…〉 apostle tells us, Rom. 3.26, 27. that the spirit it selfe maketh 〈…〉〈…〉 in according to the will of God, when wee are in that case that we know not what to pray, when wee can doe nothing but sigh, and groane unto God, and can utter no requests unto him. And David even when he had strong motions unto despaire prayed yet most acceptably, Psal. ••1.22. And to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the Lord is able enough, to understand our de∣sires though we expresse them not to him in words. You that are tender mo∣ther 〈…〉〈…〉. Doe you never understand what your little ones, doe 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and what they would have? Doe you never relieve nor succour them till they can speake to you? O the Lord doth as much, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you this way, then you do the Dragons, and Ostriches. This made 〈…〉〈…〉 thus to God, Psal. 38.9. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and 〈…〉〈…〉 not hi•• from thee; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 7 Lord thou hast heard the desire of the 〈…〉〈…〉 145 19. He will 〈…〉〈…〉 of them that feare him▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 cry, and will save them. 〈…〉〈…〉 you that are tender 〈…〉〈…〉 moved with the groanes, 〈…〉〈…〉 of your children, 〈…〉〈…〉 is with the Lord; the 〈…〉〈…〉 of his children 〈…〉〈…〉 much more, and give in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to our prayers then any 〈…〉〈…〉 wee can 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Th•• L••rd is said Psalme 102.20. to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the groaning of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And when Hezechiah in his prayer could but chatter, God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him word not ••••ely that hee heard that prayer, but tells him what it was that made that prayer so effectual with him, Esa. 5••.5. I have seene thy teares. 〈…〉〈…〉 faithfull themselves have had more comfort, and confidence in their 〈…〉〈…〉 in their prayers they could 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto God) then in any words 〈…〉〈…〉 use in prayer, Psalme 39.12. Hold not thy peace 〈…〉〈…〉. My friends scorne mee, but mine eye 〈…〉〈…〉 is he prayed, and that way sought comfort 〈…〉〈…〉 expressed the desires of his heart to God by 〈…〉〈…〉 by words. O happy soules that can expresse the desires of their hearts. God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 way, for God maketh precious account of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his children, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one of them shall fall to the ground, Psal. 56.8. 〈…〉〈…〉 are they not in thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉? And this is the first part of mine answer to this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 objection.

Now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 show you what they must do that we in this case, that finde their spirits so 〈…〉〈…〉 with sorrow, and their hearts so deadred, as they are utterly indisposed, and unable to pray. Two things we must doe when we are in this case.

[ 1] First, we must bewaile it, and mourne for it. If the one side of thy body, or thy tongue were taken with a dead palsy so as thou couldst not goe or speake to thy friend, thou wouldst think thy case to be very heavie, and thou wouldst much bewaile it. But this is a farre heavier case, and more to be bewailed, when such a deadnesse hath taken thy soule, that thou canst not goe, nor speake unto thy God. Complaine to God, and crave helpe of him against it as David doth, Psal. 119.25. My soule cleaveth to the dust, quicken thou me according to thy Word: and verse 159. Quicken me ô Lord, according to thy loving kind∣nesse. Complaine to Christ the heavenly Physitian of this thy disease, he is able to helpe thee: For 1 Cor. 15.45. the last Adam is made a quickning spirit. Cry to him when thou art most indisposed, and unable to pray as his Disciples did, Luk. 11.1. Lord teach me to pray. Nourish in thy heart the feeling, and sense of this thy disease, so as thou canst mourne for it, and bewaile it to God, and thou art safe, Mat. 5.4. Blessed are they that can mourne for this for certainely they shall be comforted.

[ 2] Secondly, seeing thou hast heard that when thou feelest thy selfe most unable to pray yet thou hast even then in thee the spirit of prayer, therefore stirre up that grace, that excellent grace of God which is in thee. I dare not denie but a weake Christian may use the helpe of a good prayer booke in this case; better to pray on a booke, then not to pray at all. Certainely it is a spirit of errour that hath taught the world otherwise. 1. Our blessed Saviour prescribed to his Disciples a forme of prayer, not onely to be to them, and his whole Church a rule, and sampler according to which all our prayers should be framed as ap∣peares when he saith Mat. 6.9. after this manner pray ye; but even for them and to say, tying themselves to the very words of it, as appeareth, Luk. 11.2 When ye pray say our father, &c. By which answer of our Saviour to his Disciples it may also appeare that Iohn taught his Disciples to pray by giving them formes of prayer to say; yea even in secret prayer, Mat. 6.6. 2. All the best refor∣med Churches do now, and ever have used even in publicke, Leiturgies, and prescript formes of prayer, and have judged them of great use, and necessity for the edification of the Church. And surely this argument is not to be con∣temned by any sober Christian, as appeareth by the Apostles speech, 1 Cor. 11.16. If any man seeme to be contentious, we have no such custome, neither the Chur∣ches of God. So doth he againe presse the example, and practice of all the Chur∣ches of the Saints, 1 Cor. 14.33. 3. This is no stinting nor hinderance to the spirit of prayer in any of Gods people no more then the singing of praise to the Lord in the words of David is now, and was in Hezechia's time, 2 Chron. 29.30. or the joyning in heart with the words that another uttereth, in conceived prayer; which yet is Gods ordinance, 1 Cor. 14.16. Though this (I say) be lawfull, and may be used for a helpe; yet seeing every Christian even the mea∣nest, and weakest hath the gift and spirit of prayer, I may say to every one of you in this case as the Apostle doth in another to Timothy, 1 Tim. 4.14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee; and 2 Tim. 1.6. Stirre up the gift of God, that is in thee. When thou feelest thy selfe most indisposed to prayer, yeeld not to it, but strive and indeavour to pray, even then when thou thinkest thou canst not pray. If we should never pray but when we feele our selves apt to it, alas how seldome should many of us pray? Therefore when thou feelest thy selfe most indisposed to prayer, yeeld not to this cursed humour, but strive, and endeavour to pray even then when thou thinkest thou canst not pray. The Church complaineth, Esa. 64.7. that no man stirred up himselfe to take hold of God; we should stirre up our selves to this worke. For I we must take notice of this, that Satan hath a chiefe hand in hindering us from prayer, in causing this deadnesse, and indis∣position of our hearts unto it. When Iehoshua stood before the Angel of the Lord Satan stood at his right hand to resist him, Zach. 3.1. And which of Gods servants

find not this to bee true in their owne experience? This I say we should take notice of, that he get not advantage of us by our yeelding unto him; as Paul saith, 2 Cor. 2.11. Lest Sathan should get an advantage of us; for we are not igno∣rant of his devices. The more Satan hateth this duty, the better we should love it, the more basie he is to hinder, and interrupt us in it, the more earnestly should we bend, and set our hearts unto it. Iam. 4.7. Resist the Divell, and hee will flee from you. 2. Consider how much God is delighted in the labour of our love, Heb. 6.10. God is not unrighteous that he should forget your worke, and la∣bour of love; that is those duties which out of love to him we performe with labour, and striving. Thinke not (beloved) that those prayers onely, are plea∣sing to God wherein we please our selves best, or which we performe with most facility, and aptnesse of mind, and speach. No no, when we can performe this duty in obedience unto God even against our owne disposition, and the mighty conflicts, and oppositions that we find in our own hearts against it, these are the prayers that are most acceptable to God. As Abrahams obedience was in offering up his sonne; of which the Lord saith, Gen. 22.12. Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy sonne, thine onely sonne from me. 3. By using, and exercising that little grace, that small ability to pray that thou hast, thou shalt increase it, and grow more able to do it with comfort. For so runneth the promise. Mat. 25 29. To every one that hath (that is by imploy∣ing, and exercising of it, doth shew that he hath; for otherwise the unprofita∣ble servant had a talent also) shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Let us therefore do as they that (through sicknesse, and weaknesse) have lost their ap∣petite, yet by eating provoke and recover their appetite, one morsell drawing downe another: so let us carefully, and conscionably exercise those small abi∣lities, that God hath given us in prayer, and wee shall find that by using they will greatly increase.

Notes

• Object. 3.
• Answ.