Chapter VI
Observations made upon the disposition of the heart after prayer, until the issue of the thing prayed for, . . . .381
First, When God gives an obedient dependent heart, . 381
Secondly, When God gives a heart waiting for and expecting it, 381
dence, ....... 383 God sometimes answers the prayer in the very thing and manner
CHAPTER VII.
Observations made after prayer upon the issue
desired, ....... 383 Directions to discern that things thus obtained are in answer to prayers
I. If accomplished, whether as the fruit of prayer or of common provi
Direct. 1. From the manner of God s performance, . . 384 A more than ordinary hand discovered in things accomplished
2.) By facilitating all means, .... 385
by prayer, instanced in five particulars
By bringing it to pass through difficulties, . . 384
(3.) Effecting it suddenly, . . . .385
!1.)
in it, .... 385
64.) With addition of other mercies above what was desired, 385
(5.) By some special circumstance as a token of his hand
Direct. 2. From the time wherein it is accomplished; as
First, When we were most instant in prayer,
. . 386
Secondly, In the fittest time for us. Then
First, When we have most need, . . . 387
Secondly, When the heart was best prepared to receive it, 387
Direct. 3. From the proportion which may be observed betwixt God s dealings in the accomplishment and our prayers,
. 388
CHAPTER VIII.
Seven observations more, . . . . .389
Direct. 4. From the effects which the accomplishment of the
mercy hath upon the heart
things, ...... 390
(1.) If it draw the heart nearer to God, . . 389
(2.) Enlargeth the heart with thankfulness, . . 389
obtain it, ..... 390
(3.) And encourageth the heart the more to pray for other
(4.) If it makes more careful to perform the vows made to
(5.) If by faith a man sees and acknowledgeth God s sole hand in the accomplishment, . . . 390
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mercies,......
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(6.) By an assurance which comes sometimes with the mercy, 391
(7.) By the event : things obtained by prayer prove stable
CHAPTER IX.
II. The thing is not accomplished, ....
Considerations to quiet us, and to help to discern an acceptation of the
prayer, when
The thing not always granted when yet prayer is heard, An objection answered,
. . . .393
us in God s judgment, .... 394
1. Some blessings not absolutely promised, nor absolutely to be
prayed for ; in which a denial is to be interpreted as best for
2. There may be a reservation in the denial, for some greater mercy; thus
(1 .) Some great cross is prevented,
3. There may be a transmutation into some other blessing of the same kind, ...... 394
(2.) The denial breaks a man s heart, and brings him
nearer to God, . . . 394
prayers, ...
4. God, when he denies, yet answereth to the ground of our
5. And yi olds far in it, to give satisfaction to his child, . 396
6. We may know that the prayer notwithstanding is accepted, by the elects upon the heart; which are four
. 396
(1.) If we acknowledge God righteous in the denial,
If God fills the heart with contentment in the denial, 397
. . 397
If the heart be thankful out of faith,
. 397
If not discouraged, but prays still,