A treatise of the divine promises in five bookes : in the first, a generall description of their nature, kinds, excellency, right use, properties, and the persons to whom they belong : in the foure last, a declaration of the covenant it selfe .../ by Edvvard Legh ...

4. GODS Promises to us must be the ground and rule of our prayers to him.* 1.1

There are two things in this rule to be observed:

1. That we can make no prayer in boldnesse, faith or comfort,* 1.2 but for things promised, and in that

manner as they are promised. We must see the things we aske, made ours in some promise and en∣gagement•• before we presume to aske them.* 1.3 This incouraged Ia∣cob, Gen. 32.9, 12. David, 2 Sam. 7.27, 28, 29. Daniel 9.2, 3. and Ie∣hosaphat, 2 Chron. 20.8, 12. to pray unto GOD, because he had made promises of the things they de∣sired, and therefore they were certaine, that they prayed accor∣ding to his will. This was * 1.4 Ne∣hemiahs ground in his prayer for the reparation of Ieru••alem. Re∣member, I beseech th••e, the word which thou comm••n••est thy ser∣vant Moses, saying if yee trans∣gresse, I will scatter you abroad: But if yee turne unto mee, and keepe my Commandements, and doe them, though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from th••nce, &c. Now these are thy servants, and thy people whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. O LORD,

beseech thee, let now thine care be attentive to the prayer of thy servants who desire to seare thy Name. An excellent example also we have of this in Iacob, Gen. 28. GOD promised to be with him, ver. 15. his vow or prayer respe••teth that, ver. 20. GOD promised to keepe him in his way, ver. 15. his vow or prayer respe∣cteth that, ver. 20. GOD pro∣miseth not to leave him, he saith and will give mee bread and rai∣ment, GOD ••romised to bring him againe to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 land, his prayer ans••••••ed th••t, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 21.

Otherwise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can have no hope to be heard,* 1.5 if our petitions be not fram••d according to GODS promises. If wee will have GOD heare us, wee must pray a••c••rding to h••s will, 1 Ioh. 5.14. Wee must aske in faith; Both CHRIST and his Apo∣stles require faith in GODS promises in prayer, Mar. 11.24. Iames 1.6.

No f••culty can or ought to ex∣tend

it selfe beyond its adequate and proper object;* 1.6 for the object is the rule and the limit of the ha∣bit, but the promise is the object of faith, as hath beene shewed, therefore he that prayeth without a promise, denieth his owne re∣quest.

If I pray for the salvation of another,* 1.7 I have no promise, how then can I pray in faith?* 1.8 So likewise when a man prayes to be guided in such a businesse, to have such an enterprize to be brought to passe to have deli∣verance from such a trouble, such a sicknesse or calamity that hee lies under, he finds no particular promise, and for ought hee knowes, it shall never be gran∣ted: How can he be said to pray in faith? For to pray in faith, is to beleeve that the thing shall be done.

* 1.9To pray in faith, is to goe as farre as the promise goes. Now no particular man hath any par∣ticular promise, that hee shall

have such a deliverance, that he shall have such a particular mer∣cy granted him;* 1.10 and therefore it is not required to beleeve, that that particular thing should be done, but that GOD is ready to d••e that which is best for mee, in such a particular, that which shall be most for his owne glory and my good. In∣deed if we had a particular pro∣mise, as Elias had, that it should not raine, in that case we were bound to beleeve in particular; but not having that, we are not tyed unto it.

David saith, Psal. 35.13. that he prayed for his enemies, but his prayer returned into his owne bo∣some: no benefit came to them in their amendment, yet hee was no looser by it, his prayer was not lost. The like may be said of others of GODS chil∣dren: when they seeke to GOD in sincerity, and pray in the be∣halfe of others, though the par∣ticular suite be not granted,

yet they discharging their du∣tie, shall receive a reward.

The Promises also are the rule how we must pray:* 1.11 as things are promised, so must they be prayed for; things absolutely promised, may be absolutely as∣ked; but where GOD hath put conditions and exceptions to his promise, there our prayers also must be conditionall, and we must expresse or reserve in our mindes some such secret limi∣tations, as these, If GOD see it to be good, if his good plea∣sure be such, if it may stand with his glory.

* 1.12Moses, Ex••d. 32.10, 11. wo••ld not l••t GOD done till he had spa••••d his people, but desired to be razed out of GODS Booke, rather th••n his people should be destroyed; because GOD had made an absolute promise to bring them into Ca∣naan, verse 13. which promise Moses plead••th unto GOD in prayer.

GOD hath made an Abso∣lute promise of the perpetuall continuance of the Church, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a continuall outward flou∣ri••hing state thereof: for he can turne the persecution of his Church to the incre••se thereof, and so ••aine honour unto him∣selfe, and bring good unto his people thereby.

In this point (because some things are controverted) I will not interpose my owne judge∣ment, it shall suffice me to de∣clare, how the question is stated by many Divines.* 1.13

1. Spirituall things, as they are necessary to salvation, ought absolutely to be asked, because they are absolutely promised to the Faithfull, and those that seeke them, Luke 11.13.

2. Those spirituall goods which admit degrees, cannot in every degree be absolutely begg'd, because the things themselves, not the degrees of them, are absolute∣ly necessary, and of GOD ab∣solutely

promised, 2 Cor. 12.8, 9.

3. Yet we ought absolutely to ask that measure of grace which is necessary for us to avoid crimes or scandals, and keepe a good con∣science, Iames 1.5, 6. 1 Cor. 10.13. Psal. 19.14.

* 1.14Spirituall things are promi∣sed:

1. Rather quoad essentiam, then gradum perfectionis.

2. In competencie for finall vi∣ctory, not in perfection.

3. With power reserved to withdraw the exercise;* 1.15 leave to our selves, abate the fer∣vour.

There must be submission to GODS will and wisedome in our prayers for spirituall things,* 1.16 in regard of circumstances of time, meanes, measure; for these the LORD hath reserved in his owne power. We must not in our prayers prescribe GOD the particular time, when he should give his blessings or helpe us out

of misery, yet we may lawfully pray, that he would heare us spee∣dily, Psal. 102.3. because He hath promised to doe it.

All the Petitions of the LORDS Prayer (saith D^r. Gouge) are ab∣solutely promised,* 1.17 saving the fourth. For hallowing GODS Name, He himselfe hath said, I have both glorified it, and will glorifie it againe, Iohn 12.28.2. For the comming of his king∣dome, CHRIST hath said, that the gates of Hell shall not prevaile against his Church, Mat. 16.18.3. For doing his will, this is a branch of the new Co∣venant, which by CHRISTS death is made absolute, Ier. 31.33. Ezek. 36.27.4. For pardo∣ning sinne, this is another branch of the foresaid new Co∣venant, 34. verse of Ieremy. For not leading into temptation,* 1.18 but delivering from evill, the Apo∣stle saith, 1 Cor. 10.13. GOD will not suffer you to be tempted above that yee are able, but will

with the temptation, make away to escape. For daily bread, GOD can instruct us, both to be full, and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need, Phil. 4 12.

* 1.19Temporall things, are not pro∣mised absolutely, but

1. With limitation to expe∣diencie.

2. They are conveied in the Covenant disjunctively, either the particulars or the equivalent, Mark. 10.30. by way of com∣mutation, and compensation with spirituall; if not peace, yet pa∣tience, if not wealth, yet content∣ment.

3. With exception of the crosse, and reservation of power to the promiser, to chasten our misdemeanour, Psal. 89.28, 31, 32.

a 1.20 When we crave temporall benefits, which GOD hath pro∣mised conditionally, so farre forth as will stand with his glory, and our spirituall good, and everlasting salvation, wee

must beleeve that we shall ob∣taine them, so farre forth, as they will stand with these con∣ditions.

b 1.21 Earthly and outward things are lawfully prayed for, but ever ••um Conditione voluntatis, with Condition of GODS good plea∣sure and liking.

c 1.22 Things Temporall which are promised with condition, we are to pray for with condition of GODS will.

d 1.23 All outward things must be asked with this exception, if it seeme good unto his Majesty; which exception is proper to the fourth Petition.

We must aske these outward things (not absolutely) no fur∣ther then they may stand with GODS glory.* 1.24

Those things which belong to the kingdome of GOD are sim∣ply and primarily to be asked, other things onely secundum quid and secondarily.* 1.25

GODS promises of temporal

blessings are Hypotheticae and goe with condition sometimes ex∣pressed,* 1.26 sometimes suppressed, which condition is as a sterne of a ship, and turnes the pro∣mise another way. * 1.27 Of the same opinion are Vrsin in his Catech. on the fourth Petition. Piscator on 8. Mat. 2. Cameron Myrothee. Evangel. in Luke 5.12. Master Harris on the Beati∣tudes and Covenant. Barlow on 2. of Tim. D. Preston in Saints daily Exercise and M. Goodwin in his returne of Prayer.

This is an undoubted truth, that we must pray for heavenly things with a more ardent affe∣ction then for earthly,* 1.28 Matth. 6.33. 1. They comply with GODS nature and hee had ra∣ther be giving them. 2. They are best for us, and will doe us most good.

2. GOD will not performe pro∣mises till by prayer they be sought for from him;* 1.29 till in our humble desires wee declare, that wee

account his promises exceeding great and precious things. The LORD had promised delive∣rance unto Israel, yet saith the LORD,* 1.30 For this I will be en∣quired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them: Thus saith the LORD, After seventy yeeres be accomplished at Babylon,* 1.31 I will visit you and performe my good word towards you, in causing you to returne to this place; for I know the thoughts that I thinke to∣wards you, thoughts of peace, and not of evill to give to you an ex∣pected end. But how shall this ex∣cellent promise of GOD be effected? It followes,* 1.32 Then shall yee call upon me, and yee shall goe, and pray unto me, and I will hear∣ken unto you, &c. Godlinesse hath the promises of this life and that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4.6. yet we doe not forbeare daily to say the LORDS Prayer, that we may speede of both. The Lord makes a promise of forgivenesse of sinnes, I, even I, am hee that

blotteth out thy transgression for mine owne ••ake,* 1.33 and will not remember thy sinnes. But for the execution of this promise▪ GOD will be so••ght unto. Put me in remembrance (s••••th he) and set us plea••e tog••••her, E••ay 43.25, 26. 〈…〉〈…〉 GOD to fu••fill his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, we testifie f••rst, that they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••o••ises of mer∣cy and not of ••ury or d••••t: se∣condly, wee d••clare our ••eed, and by consequence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of them, and de••endance upon them: As Promi••••s are the Rule of what we may pray ••or in ••ai••h; so Prayer is the ground of what wee may expect with com∣fort.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The ground for what, and the rule how wee must pray.
• * 1.2

  All our prayers are to be groun∣ded on Gods promises.
• * 1.3

  David often chargeth God with his promise, Psal. 119.

  Q••••cken me according to thy word, v. 2••. that is, thy promise in thy word. So 10••, 149, 154.

  Rem••mber thy Wor•• 〈…〉〈…〉 thy Wo••d, 38. still he ha••ps upon this st••ing, 28••, 1.••5, 75.
• * 1.4

  Neh. 1.8, 1•• In the wa••t of other Rhetorick & Oratory, let Christians in their pray•••••• ••rge this with re∣petition, Lord ••hou hast ••romi∣sed, thou hast promised.
• * 1.5

  〈…〉〈…〉 2 Chron. ••9 & •••• 15, 17. 1 King ••2.
• * 1.6

  The thing asked must first be war¦ranted under some pre∣cept or pro∣mise in ge∣nerall, though not expresly. M. Harris.
• * 1.7

  Obiect.
• * 1.8

  How wee may pray in faith, when we want a particular promise, that the thing we aske shall be granted.
• * 1.9

  Sol.
• * 1.10

  Gods pro∣mises of things tem¦porall and to heare us for others, are but indefi∣ni••e not uni∣versall. The faith there∣fore requited toward them is but an in∣definite act of recum∣bency and submissi••n not of assu∣rance. M. Go••hei•• in his returne of Prayers. Yet God of∣ten grants prayers made for o••her••, since promises are made to such prayers, as, that they shal be healed in their bodies, Iam 5 15. healed of their lust••, v. 16. conver¦ted to li••e, 1 Ioh 5 16. Id. ib.
• * 1.11

  Eo modo cui∣nia sunt pe∣tenda, quo modo sunt promissa.
• * 1.12

  Verse 3••. We may pray agains•• temptations, (as against sicknesse and poverty) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 simply, bu•• with submis∣sion to Gods will; only we must pray ab••olu••ely to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from 〈…〉〈…〉 of temp¦tation: for those latter words in the I.P doe re∣straine or correct the former.
• * 1.13

  D. Am. That wee should have grace is ab∣solutely ne∣cessary, and therefore we may pray absolutely for it.

  We may not absolutely pray for li¦mited & set mea••ure•• of grace, but in what mea∣sure God shall thinke good.
• * 1.14

  D. Sclater upon 2. to the Thess. pag. 18.210 & 233.
• * 1.15

  2 Chro. 32 31
• * 1.16

  D. S••lat. on 1. of Rom. We must re∣ferre the time, manner and measure of granting our petiti∣ons to the Lord.
• * 1.17

  D. Preston on the Sacra∣ment.

  D. G••uge on the Lords Prayer.

  See page 10
• * 1.18

  See Schudder key of hea∣ven, last Doct.
• * 1.19

  Mat. 26.39. D. Sclat. on 2.10 Thess pages before quoted.

  There is no temporall thing of this life doth Ca¦d••re in pro¦miss••on Dei, but onely so fa••re forth as it sha••l helpe and further the next life.

  This life is but via ad citam, and whatsoever God promi∣se•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the wa•• is but to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us ••n the end o•• ••he 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• a 1.20

  〈…〉〈…〉 guide to godlinesse.
• b 1.21

  B Babing∣ton on L.P.
• c 1.22

  A Reve∣rend Divine on the L.P.
• d 1.23

  A Worthy Writer in his Cate∣chisme.
• * 1.24

  Smith grounds of religion.
• * 1.25

  Tylen. Syn∣tag.
• * 1.26

  Barker on the 5. Com∣mandement.
• * 1.27

  Illa sola sunt absolutē petenda, quae necessaria sunt ad Dei gloriam & n••stram salu∣tem: caetera vero cum ta∣cita subiecti¦one ad Dei sapientissimā dispositionē. D Ames me∣dul. To l. 2. c. 9.
• * 1.28

  Therefore in the Lords Prayer there are 5. Peti∣tions for Spi∣rituall, and but one for Temporall things
• * 1.29

  God must be sought to for the performāce of his pro¦mises.
• * 1.30

  Ezek. 36, ••7.
• * 1.31

  Ier. 29 10, 13
• * 1.32

  God doth not give his promises to make us idle, but to exercise our faith in im∣portuning him for per∣formance.
• * 1.33

  Gods pro∣mises then are as dire∣ctions in, not as dispensa¦tions from the devoti∣on we owe unto God. Bish. Lake. ••hen God promised thing•• in par••icular, yet ••••ll ••hey prayed, and prayed ear¦nestl••, as E••••th when God promi∣se•• that it should raine, 1 Ki••g 18.41, 42. and David when God promi∣sed to make him an house, 2 Sam. 7.11.