A Practical Discourse of Prayer, Discourse · Part 1 · Chapter 6
CHAP. VI. Of Prayer of Interceſsion, and Imprecation.
HAving ſpoken of the ſorts of prayer in generall: we come to ſpeak of the parts which are of ſpecial conſideration in theſe ſorts of prayer, eſpecially of ſolemn and continued prayer, and letting paſſe thoſe which reſpect our ſelves, we ſhall onelyonly ſingle out thoſe two reſpecting others, viz. Prayer of Interceſſion and Imprecation.
Concerning prayer of interceſſion, wherby upon all occaſions we are bound to pray for others good, we ſhall not mention the perſons eſpecially concerned in it; as Magiſtrates, Miniſters, Parents, Maſters, Huſbands, and all other ſuperiours, for their inferiours, as alſo their inferiours reſpectively for their ſuperiours; or any other ſpecial relations, as of friends, kindred for their friends, and the like; of which Scripture inſtances are plentiful; but we ſhall conſider it generally, as that which reſpecteth all ſorts of godly perſons: nor ſhall we ſpend time in urging reaſons and motives from the honourableneſſe of this holy ſervice of love in it ſelf; the advantageouſnes of it to the perſons themſelvs who ſo plead for others welfare every way; the ſutableneſs of this to that matchleſs pattern thereof in the Lord Jeſus, and the mighty things which have been done for others thereby, and the like. But ſhortly come to lay downe, Firſt, ſome rules to guide us in it. Secondly, ſome meanes to help us in it. Thirdly, ſome markes to diſcover our gracious ſpeeding in it.
Touching the firſt thing propounded; obſerve Rules about praying for others.we theſe rules in it.
1. Attend the times, and obſerve them, when the Lord is in any more ſpecial manner with us by his ſpirit and quickning preſence, and when our hearts are got near Mind when God is near us, and we him, and then do it.to him, by ſpecial ſtirrings of faith and love, ſuch times ſometimes the Saints here met withall. They are as in Chriſts lap, upon their ſpouſes knee, in their beloveds boſome, Cantic. 8. 5. and would yet be nearer to him. The Church is leaning upon her beloved, yet ſaith, ſet me as a ſeale upon thine arme, and upon thy breſt, and then makes that gracious motion to her beloved, verſe 8. We have a little ſiſter and ſhee hath no breſts, what ſhall we doe for her in the day ſhe ſhall be ſpoken for? As ſhe is ready to do her part, ſo ſhee would have him doe his part for the others good: when the daughters of Jeruſalem find Chriſt, when he meeteth them, then they muſt in their prayers tell him of the Churches ſad caſe, that ſhee is ſick of love. Cantic. 5. 8. Moſes will take the advantage of Gods being ſo near him, and ſpeaking to his heart, Exod. 33. 13, 14, 15, 16. to ſpeak for his preſence with the reſt of Gods people. If thy preſence goe not with [us,] carry us not hence. And Exodus 34. 8. 9. And Moſes made haſte, and bowed himſelfe to the earth and worſhipped, and ſaid, O Lord, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thy ſight, that the Lord would now go with us, and pardon our iniquity and our ſin, and take us for thine inheritance. It were pity that the Saints would not improve their waiting months upon the king of Saints, to move him as well for others, as for their owne good. The King at Eſthers banquet expecteth Eſthers requeſts for her people: ſo doth the Lord at ſuch time eſpecially look …hat ſome ſhould make interceſſion, Iſai. 59. He expecteth that ſome ſhould aske him of …hings to come, concerning his Sons and his daughters. Iſai. 45. and pray for the peace …f Jeruſalem. Pſal. 122. 6.
2. When others are under any ſpecial Pray for them whe 2 deſerted, tempted, or afflicted.deſertions or temptations, or in any help…eſs, deſolate, diſconſolate conditions, as when the Lord is withdrawn from them, My …eloved had withdrawne himſelfe, Cantic. 5. …. 8. Tell him that I am ſick of love. When under reproaches and indignities offe…ed the Saints from others, which by their …rofeſſion and place ſhould doe better of…ices for them, as when the Church is ſmit…en and wounded by the watchmen, and her …aile taken away by the keepers of the walls, …hen tell My beloved, I am ſick of love, (ſaith …he:) When others are deeply ſenſible of their …eed of Chriſt, and nothing elſe will con…ent them but Chriſt, then they are ſicke of …ove, then tell Chriſt of it, ibid. When …he diſpleaſure of God himſelfe is breaking, or broken out againſt Gods owne people, …hen if Moſes have intereſt in God, he muſt downe on his knees for Iſrael, Exodus 34. 13, 14, 15. &c. and Exodus 34. 8, 9. then Aaron muſt haſte to offer incenſe. Numb. …6. Then Job muſt offer for his friends, Job. 42. 8. When enemies are ready to ſwallow up the Lords heritage, then Iſaiah muſt lift up his prayer for the remnant of God. Iſaiah 37. 4. When perſons of choiceſt uſe are in greateſt hazards through the rage of perſecutors, then prayer is made without ceaſing for Peter by the Godly, Acts 12. 5. When people want a fruitfull miniſtery, like breſts, pray for them eſpecially, Cant. 8. 8. Matth. 9. 36, 38. Pray then that the Lord would thruſt forth labourers into his harveſt, & in divers other like ſad caſes of the ſaints.
3. Be we ſerious and not ſlighty in pleading for others, Lift up thy prayer for the 3 Pray for them with fervency.remnant that is left. Iſai. 37. Wreſtle together in prayer for me. Rom. 15. 30. if wee ſhould ſeeme therein to get a foyle, yet get up againe and trye it out a little more with God for them, eſpecially in difficult caſes. Abraham followeth Chriſt with prayer upon prayer, even for Sodome, Gen. 18, the end. Iſai. 62. 6, 7. Give the Lord no reſt until hee make Jeruſalem a praiſe in the earth.
4. Take we advantage of the leaſt may-be 4 Take the advantage of a may-be of mercyand poſſibility of ſpeeding, to ſet up upon this ſervice of love for others, in any caſe whatſoever, though not alwayes deſired thereto by others: but eſpecially when thereto moved by them. Iſai. 37. 4. It may be the Lord hath heard Rabſhecahs word: & in ver. 5. Wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left, Exod. 32. 30. Moſes ſaid unto the people, yee have committed a greivous ſinne, but now I will goe up to the Lord, peradventure I may pacifie him, &c.Helps to pray for others. 1 Brotherly-love.
Touching the ſecond, even helps to further us in this duty.
1. Cheriſh we brotherly love, and kindneſs, and charity. Love the Church and people of God, his Jeruſalem, and you will pray for them. Pſal. 122. 6. Love your enemies and you ſhall pray for them. Matth. 5. 44. The Centurion will be ſuing to Chriſt for his ſervant, who is very deare to him. Luke 7. 2. If we love others, wee will every way ſeek not our own things ſo much as theirs. 1 Cor. 13. Its Jonathan who loveth David, will bee a petitioner to his father for him. 1 Sam. 19. 4, 6. and 20. 30. And Eſther who loved her people, will not bee content to ask her owne life, but theirs alſo of the king. Eſther 4. 11, 16. and 5. 1, 2, 3. So it is in this caſe in our requeſts to the Lord for others, if we love them. Moſes will have no greatneſs of his founded in his peoples ruine; nay hee refuſeth an offer thereof, ſo hee may beſpeak mercy for his people. Exodus 32. 10, 11. and Numb. 14. 11, 12. True ſuppliants can ſometimes be earneſt for others, when more ſparing in ſuing for themſelves.
2. Be as much acquainted with, and 2 Knowledge of others conditions, eſpecially of the good in them.well informed in other eſtates as you can, eſpecially eſpy, and inquire out all the good which is in them. The knowledge of others miſeries, as the eye affecteth the heart, openeth thoſe ſluces then, whereby it cometh to be poured out for them; this brought good Nehemiah upon his knees, when hee had certain information of Jeruſalems calamities: He ſate downe, and wept, and faſted, and prayed, Nehem. 1. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. Hence the direction, confeſſe your faults one to another, and pray one for another. James 5. 14, 15, 16. The beſt of us are much lead by ſenſe; others caſes, of which wee have but ſome general informations, doe not ſo affect, as thoſe of whoſe particular caſes wee have better knowledge: knowledge alſo, or hope at leaſt of the good of grace which is in others, doth much quicken us to pray for them. From the day that Paul heard of the faith of the Coloſſians and Epheſians, how importunate is he in prayer for them? Col. 1. 3, 4. Epheſ. 1. 15, 16. The report of Philemons faith and love, makes Paul echo forth the ſound thereof in the ears of God by praying for him, Philem 4. 5. And it would be good to keep a freſh memorial of others graces, as Paul did of thoſe in the Theſſalonians, whence it was that he was ſo earneſt for them in his prayers. 1 Theſ. 1, 2, 3.
3. Prize we grace in others as well as 3 Prize grace in others.in our ſelves. 2 Cor. 9. 14. And by their prayer for you, which long after you, for the exceeding grace of God in you.
4 Put we our ſelves in others ſtead. So 4 Put we our ſelves in others ſtead.Jeſus Chriſt teacheth us in the Lords prayer, to be our ſelves needing dayly bread, and remiſſion of ſins, and reſeue from the evil of temptations, if others be ſo. So Moſes, Let the Lord go with [us] and [pardon us,] Exod 34. 8, 9. So Daniel puts himſelfe in the number and caſe of ſuch and ſuch ſuffering ones, Dan 9. 4, 5. &c.
5 Look we maintain an holy life in prayers reſpecting our ſelves. When the root Keep lively in praying for our ſelves.of a ſpirit of Prayer is kept freſh and ſpringing, it will be ſprouting forth into all the variety of the branches thereof, reſpecting others as well as our ſelves. If that pipe be kept open, it will be conveying waters of Grace to others houſes and hearts, as well as our own. If the Spring Tide be up, our neighbours creeks, as well as ours will be ſupplyed with waters. The ſupplies of the oyle of Grace from the Lord of the whole earth, will be beneficial to the whole Candleſtick, the Church, and the ſeveral Bowles and Lamps of it, Zech. 4. 2, 3, 11, 12, 13. We cannot as members of this body ſenſibly think or ſpeak for our ſelves, but more or leſs we ſhall bee mindful of other parts and members of the body of Chriſt in ſpecial ſort.
6 Put wee one another upon praying 6 Put we one another upon it.one for another. Heb. 13 18. Pray for us, (ſaith the Apoſtle) Lay open your caſes one to another begging each others prayers. Tell my Beloved (ſaith the Church) that I am ſick of love, Cant. 5 8. Many hands contribute this way, even to a poor decayed Chriſtian▪ and will help him into a way of ſpiritual trading with God as formerly. As many Simples put togethet will make ſoveraign Phyſick to recover a ſick man: ſo I may ſay of particular mens prayers meeting in one, f…rther others ſouls welfare and health. Some Favourites Prayers may help others who may be under ſome diſpleaſure of the Lord to come into renewed terms of favour with him, upon requeſts made for them. Therefore as Mordecai will ſet Eſther on work to intercede for him with the King and for his people; ſo ſhould we crave the prayers of ſuch, who are upon better termes (poſſibly) with the Lord then we our ſelves are at preſent. God himſelfe ſends Jobs three friends under his preſent diſtaſtes (for not ſpeaking ſo rightly of him as Job had done) unto Job, who though he had miſcarried, yet had made his peace again with God, and he muſt pray for them, Job 42. 1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Job muſt break the ice to clear their paſſage. Even the injurious Gibeonites muſt in caſe bleſſe Iſrael, or elſe they are not to look to ſpeed ſo well from the Lord, 2 Sam. 21. 1. 2, 3, 4. &c. God will have all the members of Chriſt to ſee the need and uſe of other members, even the meaneſt; as the Church of Jeruſalems daughters to tell Chriſt in their praiers of her condition, Cant. 5.
Touching the third thing, the Marks Marks of praiers heard for others.of our prayers ſpeeding for others, and that the favours ſhewed to others are fruits of our prayers; are
1 When God ſtirreth up their hearts for 1. Others faith, that we ſhall be heard for them.whom we pray to be by faith perſwaded that God will hear us for them. Phil. 1. 19. For I know that it ſhall turn to my ſalvation, through your prayers. Philem. 22. For I truſt that through your prayers I ſhall be given to you. When God doth thus ſend word before hand, and give notice to his Saints what he meanes to do for them, at the requeſt of ſuch or ſuch of their brethren, it is a pledg that the enſuing ſucceſs was that way brought about.
2 When God in the conferring of ſuch 2 Others faith, that we were heard for themand ſuch mercies upon others, doth ſecretly and ſtrongly perſwade them, that they are the fruit of the prayers of ſuch and ſuch of his ſervants for them, it is verily ſo indeed As when Paul is perſwaded that his liberty and life reſtored, and the gracious fruits thereof, that they were the fruits of the Corinthians, and others prayers; a gift beſtowed by the means of many, and you alſo helping by your Prayers, 2 Cor. 1. 10, 11. As when a King ſhall ſend word to ſome Subjects of his, that he hath done thus or thus for them, becauſe of the requeſt of ſuch or ſuch of his Courtiers: Or as a School-maſter ſhall tell his Scholers, who begg'd their play day: So here in ſuch holy motions in others hearts, the Lord ſignifieth to them, that ſuch or ſuch a refreſhment, enlargement and ſuccour in ſuch or ſuch temptations, are iſſues of the requeſts of ſuch or ſuch of his ſervants for them.
3 When God ſtirreth up injured perſons 3. When they are the prayers of injured perſons by them they pray for.to pray feelingly and fervently for ſuch as have wronged them, as Job for his friends, Job 42. 8, 9. The Prayer of Chriſt for many of his Perſecutors, Father forgive them, &c. Luke 23. 34. It took well; witneſſe that bleſſed change wrought in many of them ſo ſoon after, Acts 2. 36, 37, 38, 39. This fruit of Divine love in the Saints, argueth a root of it in the Lord himſelf toward ſuch perſons, for whom they make ſuch requeſts; and ſuch ſtrong living currents and rivers of kindneſſe and compaſſions, argue an Ocean of the ſame bowels in God towards them; ſuch love ſpeeches being dictated by the ſpecial motions of Gods Spirit, are wont to be owned by the Lord.
4 When ſome are ſtirred up to earneſt Prayer for ſome one or more, for whom 4. When perſons prayed for, are praied for, as well by many others, as by us.many others of the Saints, unſpoken to, haply and unthought of, do in like ſort intercede with God. When many help this way, toward the beſtowing of one and the ſame gift, it ſeldom faileth: 2 Cor. 1. 11 You alſo helping by your prayers; viz. together with others in like ſort ſtirred up, in other places to pray for the ſame gift: There is ever moſt of God in ſuch unanimity and accord. When the Spirit of the Lord doth thus tune many hearts, as ſeveral Inſtruments to anſwer one another, when the ſame Leſſon of the Spirits ſetting and ſuggeſting is played by divers Spiritual Harpers; this holy harmony of ſpirits, ſeeking to the Lord that he would looſe in heaven ſome poor ſinning perſons, formerly bound, but now repenting, this argueth the preſence and acceptance of the Lord. What ye looſe on earth is looſed in Heaven; that is, If you ſhall agree (or ſymphonize) on earth, as touching any thing you ſhall ask it ſhall be done, &c. Matth. 18. 18, 19, 20.
5 When God carryeth out ſome of his 5. If thoſe praiers are importunate.ſervants in Prayers for others, very earneſtly, reſolutely, and conſtantly, as thoſe who will have no nay. God aſſuredly, as a fruit of ſuch holy importunity in Interceſſions, maketh that Jeruſalem a praiſe in the earth, Iſai. 62. 6, 7. Paul who alwayes in every Prayer of his, is ſtirred up to mention the Philippians, Phil. 1. 4. is confident that God will go on with his work in them, ver. 6. and he thinketh it meet to bee ſo confident of it, becauſe the Lord hath put them thus oft into his heart in prayer for them, ver. 7. Such earneſt inceſſant prayers of the Church for an impriſoned Peter are not denyed, there being moſt of the Spirit in ſuch Prayers.
6 When God ſtirreth up the faith of ſuch 6 When ſuch pray in faith for others.which pray and plead for others to liſten, attend, wait and expect, yea, and to bee perſwaded of their anſwers, as the Pſalmiſt in Pſal. 85. 8. who expecteth peace as an anſwer of thoſe praiers for others of the Saints, I will hearken what God the Lord will ſay, for he will ſpeak peace to his people, (and his prayers for them are mentioned in the former verſes.) When the Church in praying for the King is perſwaded that they ſhall have the joy thereof, Pſal. 20. 1, 2, 3, 4. and ver. 6. ſhe concludeth the ſame from her faith, That God will ſhew mercy to the King according to her deſire, ver. 6. Faith ever ſpeeddeth in its Suits, and in this our holy trading with God; its the Lords earneſt penny, that he will give us ſutable and ſeaſonable returnes.
7. When mercies begged for others, are 7 When the mercies beg'd for them come in ſuddenly and ſtrangely▪ſuddenly and ſtrangely brought about upon our Prayers; yea, and as ſuddenly brought to our knowledge. Acts 12 5, 12. &c. Peter is ſent in unto them, as ſet at liberty from his chains, whilſt they are praying for him; wherein the providence of God would as it were ſpeak to them thus, There is the Mercy, here is the man for whom you make ſo much a do; ſince you will needs have it ſo, and will have no nay, and the ears of the Lord are ſo filled with your cryes, take it and be thankful.
8 When we are in eſpecial wiſe enlarged 8. When as large in praiſes for mercies to them.and quickned in thankſgiving for Gods mer…yes upon others. The many which gave thanks to God for his gift beſtowed, were ſurely of the many by means of whoſe helping prayings it was beſtowed, 2 Cor. 1. 11. Eli prayed for Hannah; 1 Sam. 1. 17. worſhippeth being anſwered in prayer, ver. 28. The ſame Spirit moving to praiſe God, did aſſuredly ſtir up to prayer before. It is a ſign of peculiar intereſts in thoſe mercies of others, when the Spirit of God moveth us in ſuch thankful ſort to owne the ſame.
Let us now ſpeak a little more largely to the other branch, being ſomewhat more intricate, and not ſo often ſpoken to.
Prayer in way of Imprecation is that part of Prayer wherein the Saints do not barely complaine of the indignities done by Gods, and his peoples enemies, againſt him and them, but crave Divine Juſtice againſt them.
Let us firſt clear this to be a Duty of the We may, and in caſe muſt pray againſt Gods and his peoples enemies.Saints, in caſe, to pray even againſt ſuch as hate God and his people. Judg. 5. 23. Curſe ye Meros, &c. Deut. 27. the Levites were to pray againſt divers kinds of ſinners, and the people to joyne in thoſe imprecations by ſaying, Amen. The Scripture holds forth many examples of ſuch Imprecations; as Lament. 3 64, 65, 66. Pſalm 144. 5, 6, 7, 8. and many other Scriptures.
Reaſons enforcing the Saints to it, are,
1 Their love to God, out of love to Reaſons. 1 From our love …o God.whom they may and muſt ſay as he did; Do not I hate them that hate thee? &c. Pſalm … 39. 20, 21, 22. The converted Princes ſhal hate the Antichriſtian Harlot, Revel. 17. 16. and if the Saints may and muſt hate the enemies of God, they may pray againſt them.
2 Their reſpect to Chriſt and his Kingdome; 2 From our reſpect to Chriſt and his Kingdom▪which we are taught to pray that it may come as well in the confuſion of ſome, as the converſion of other of his enemies, Pſalm 45. 5. Let thine arrowes be ſharp in the heart of the Kings enemies, whereby people fall under thee: Pſalm 99. 1, 2. O thou to whom vengeance belongeth ſhine forth, let the glorious beams of thy Soveraignty as a King, and equity as a Judge appear, lift up thy ſelf, thou Judge of the earth, render a reward to the proud.
3 Their reſpect to the Church and people of God, and their peace and good, 3. From our reſpect to the Church.whence thoſe Imprecations, Pſalm 137. 7. Remember O Lord, the children of Edom &c. Pſalm 129. 5, 6, 7, 8 Let them all be confounded that hate Zion, &c. But becauſe our natures, as carnal, are principled rather with diſpoſitions to curſe, then bleſſe; a carnal mans mouth is full of curſing, Rom. 3. 14. ſo that herein we need not ſpurs, ſo much as bit and bridle to curb and guide us: And becauſe even the deareſt of the Saints have fouly miſcarried this way, yea, even when they leaſt ſuſpected the ſame, as James and John (Luke 9. 54, 55.) would have been requiring fire to come downe from heaven upon thoſe Samaritans, as Elias ſometimes did, but were rebuked for it, though they ſeeme to ask Chriſts counſel in it, Wilt thou that we command fire from heaven? to exalt Chriſts ſoveraign power in it, if that he willed it, they in his name might command it, and to be zealous of his honour injured by thoſe Samaritans, yet checked as perſons who knew not of what ſpirit they were of: Now conſidering ſuch like things, we had need to have aime given us, and to have the Mark deſcribed at which wee muſt ſhoot.
Conſider we then 1 In what way we Cautions▪ Imprecations, muſt not bemay not imprecate and pray againſt others. 2. In what way wee muſt pray againſt Gods enemies. 3. Againſt what enemies.
1 We may not curſe nor pray againſt the 1. Againſt the Righteous.the Righteous upon any pretence whatſoever, no not of ſharp, harſh, high, or continued oppoſition againſt us. There was a ſharp contention betwixt Paul and Barnabas, but they prayed not againſt each other. Abraham and Lot engaged in their Herdmens contentions. Gen. 12. 7, 8. yet Abraham prayeth for Lot, chap. 18. 25. and 19. 29. compared. I heartily wiſh that all Gods ſervants of either Congregational or Presbyterial way, take heed of the breaking out of any ſuch fire as this is, which will be found to be wild fire one day. As for the curſed crew of curſing Ranters, who curſe thoſe whom God hath bleſſed; yea (it may be) the bleſſed God himſelf alſo, our God will one day accompliſh that dreadful word upon them (if they repent them not throughly of their Blaſphemies) I wil curſe them that curſe thee; and let none of them think that in curſing they bleſſe them: for they are contraries, as the Lord there ſheweth, I will bleſs them that bleſs thee, and curſe them that curſe thee: He would not curſe men for bleſſing his people, but bleſſe them rather: they may as well imagine that God in curſing ſuch, doth but bleſſe them; and if they dare adventure to undergo Gods curſe, and yet dream of his bleſſing, let the blind lead the blind.
2 Look that our curſe againſt others 2 Cauſeleſſe.be not cauſeleſs. Prov. 26. 2. The curſe that is cauſeleſs ſhal never come; as when Jeremy in a diſtemper curſed him that told his father firſt that a man child was born unto him, Jer. 20. 15, 16. It is extreme injuſtice and taking the name of God in vain (nor will he hold ſuch as do thus guiltleſs,) to call for vengeance againſt the guiltleſſe, and to aſſay to make divine Juſtice, ſubſervient to the unjuſt deſires of the fleſh. If a reviling Racha be under the head of murder of another, Matth. 5. 21, 22. What is this? It is fouleſt impiety under a covert of piety, of prayer, to ſeek to devour others.
3 Look we, that though there be ſome 3. Raſh.ſeeming cauſe, yet that wee be not raſh in imprecating, but very deliberate, conſider throughly of our own ſpirits therein, the want whereof was rebuked in James and John, though ſeeming to conſult with Chriſt about it, Wilt thou that we command fire from Luke 9. 14.heaven, &c. but Jeſus rebuked them ſaying, You know not, &c. of what ſpirits ye are. We are eaſily miſtaken in our ſpirits at ſuch a time, in ſuch a work. In other caſes not ſo intricate, we underſtand not too often what is that which chiefly acteth and moveth us therein; much more in this, we may ſoon miſcarry here both in the perſons againſt whom, and the things which, and the end for which we imprecate. If in other caſes we ſhould not be haſty with our mouths, or raſh to utter a thing before God, Eccleſ. 5. 1, 2. much leſſe ſhould we be raſh in our Imprecations.
4 Look that we imprecate not in our own 4. Not in perſonal caſes meerly.perſons barely. Eccleſ. 7. 22. As when ſervants provoked wil be curſing their Maſters, our hearts and conſciences will ſmite us for it, if thine heart knowes that thou thy ſelfe haſt curſed others, ibid. this were to imitate Heathens in a way of revenge.
5 Look that we do not therein cut 5. Nor with …reach of bonds, of relations.in ſunder the bonds of ſpecial relations which the Lord hath laid upon us, as for children under any pretence whatſoever to curſe their parents, Prov. 20. 20. Whoſo curſeth his father or his mother, his lamp ſhall be put out in obſcure darkneſs. Such wild and ſtrange fire never came downe from heaven, ſuch a curſing tongue is ſet on fire of Hell.
6 Look that we do not ſecretly imprecate 6 Nor when pretending to bleſſe.againſt ſuch as we pretend to bleſſe. Some there are who bleſſe with their mouth, but curſe with their inward parts, Pſal. 62. 4. but ſuch perſons are rotten hearted, and neare ruine, like a tottering wall, ver. 3. It is as monſtruous that out of the ſame mouth ſhould proceed bleſſing and curſing, as for a fountain to ſend forth bitter and yet ſweet, or ſalt and yet freſh waters. James 3. 10, 11, 12. It is groſſe hypocriſie, and that wiſdome which contriveth it, is carnal, ſenſual and divelliſh, ver. 15. The Divel himſelfe will ſometimes carry towards men, as if he wiſhed them well, and in heart curſe them.
7 Look that we do not abound in imprecations, 7 Nor abounding.as that curſed curſing generation of Ranters (ſprung up of late:) little elſe to be heard but, Lord confound ſuch and ſuch, Lord cut them all off, God damn them body and ſoul, &c, Prayers ſo continually beſprinkled with gall, argue a root bearing gall and wormwood, Deut. 29. Their grapes are grapes of gall, their cluſters are bitter, and ſo their vine is a vine of Sodom, Deut. 31. 32. guile is under their tongue, which is full of curſing. Pſal. 10. 7. They are Jews, profeſſou rs of religion in ſhew, but really carnal Gentiles, not ſincerely righteous, whoſe mouths are full of curſing conſtantly, and onelyonly curſing. Rom. 3. 9, 10, 14. verſes compared, ſuch doe not experimentally know the grace of Chriſt, and the bleſſing of grace. verſes 11, 14. Nor are ſincere ſeekers of the Lord. ibid. But rather wander as perſons dangerouſly deluded and miſled, in by-wayes leading to deſtruon. verſe 12, 13, 14, And are at beſt unprofitable, and ſuch as doe nothing formally good, ibid.
Laſtly, look that we doe not delight and 8 Nor delightful.glory in imprecations. The Prophet in Pſal. 109. 17. ſpeaks of one delighting in curſing, and by verſe 8. compared with Acts 3. 20. Judas is pointed at therein: who it may ſeem thereby, was a man much given to curſing, and delighting much in imprecations, and himſelfe in the meane ſpace a curſed hypocrite, and traytour to Jeſus Chriſt.
Caution 2. Now conſider wee affirmatively We may pray againſt others ſo. 1 Being more ready to bleſſe then curſe.in what way we may pray againſt others?
Anſw. 1. We muſt be more ready to bleſſe, and pray for others, then to curſe, or pray againſt others. Bleſſe or pray for them that perſecute you, Rom. 12. 14. and Matth. 5. 44. compared: yea, bleſſe, ſaith the Lord, and curſe not, ibid. The charge of bleſſing or praying for others, is reiterated, and a prohibition given to the other, ſhewing how ready and forward we ſhould be to bleſſe others, but be very rare and cautelous in imprecating, and praying againſt them: for the prohibition there is not taken abſolutely and indefinitly in no caſe, and at no time, the Saints may or ought to curſe, or pray againſt others: the Scripture elſewhere (as we have ſeen) allowing of it, in caſe, and injoying of it.
2. We muſt bleſſe long, before we may 2 Bleſſing long before we curſe.dare to imprecate; in caſe they be profeſſed freinds to the Lord. As Jeremiah did, who prayed long for thoſe revolters of his time, until forbidden of God to pray any more for them, Jer. 14. 7. 11. Pray not for this people; yet verſe 19, 20, 21, 22. he is at it againe, beſeeching of God, for his Names ſake not to abhorre them. Chap. 11. 1. God telleth him, there is no good that way to be done for them, though as mighty men in prayer, as Moſes, and Samuel ſtood before him; afterwards indeed, Jeremy once or twice prayeth againſt them, in Jer 55. 10, 15. and 18. 21, 22 Remember that I ſtood before thee for them, to turne away this wrath from them, yet Lord thou knoweſt all their counſell againſt me, to ſlay me, forgive not their iniquity, &c. God is long before he inflicts his curſe: My ſpirit ſhall not alwayes ſtrive with man—yet his dayes ſhall be an hundred and twenty years. Gen. 6. 3. We may then bee long before we wiſh the curſe of God upon the ungodly. Jeſus Chriſt was by, and heard his perſecutors imprecating ſo againſt themſelves, and children, ſaying, his blood bee upon us and our children, Matth. 27. 25. and one would think he might well ſay Amen thereto; nay, but he would not, he did not, for as in that, Luke 22. 34. he prayeth rather that God would take off that curſe; Father forgive them, for they know not what they doe. Imprecations had certainly miſcarryed, if they had been made, by any of the Saints againſt Manaſſeh or Paul, who yet went very far in rebellion and enmity againſt God.
3. Look that we imprecate and pray 3 We imprecate rather with reſpect to bleſſing.that ſuch or ſuch calamities may light upon others, ſo as in reference to bleſſing of them: if the Lord pleaſe, Pſalm. 83. 15, 16. So perſecute them with thy tempeſt, and make them afraid with thy ſtorme; fill their faces with ſhame, that they may ſeek thy Name, O Lord. The Church ſhe anathematizeth a wicked perſon, but it is not for their deſtruction, but of their fleſh in them, and that their ſoules might (if poſſible) be ſaved in the day of the Lord Jeſus. 1 Cor. 5. 4. So here.
4. Look that we imprecate and pray 4 We pray rather againſt their ſins then perſons.rather againſt their ſin and wickedneſs, then their perſons againſt whom we pray, 2 Sam. 15. 3. Turn this counſell of Achitophel into fooliſhneſſe. Acts 4. 29. Lord, behold their threatnings. Pſal. 7. 9. Let the wickedneſs of the wicked come to an end. It is the wickedneſs and the enmity of Gods wicked enemies, which moſt properly ſtriketh at God, which is moſt miſcheivous to the Church, and moſt hurtfull to themſelves and others, wherefore ſpare no arrows againſt that; and as far as worldly greatneſs is an occaſion and inſtrument of their wickedneſs, we may pray againſt that. Pſal. 58. 6. Break the great teeth of the young Lyons.
5. Pray againſt the enemies of God 5 We imprecate conditionally.ſuppoſitively and conditionally; namely, if they perſiſt in their emnity againſt God, that they be implacable; that they bee reprobates, perſons devoted to ruine, and ripe for it. David prayeth againſt the inraged enemie, that God would judge them. Pſal. 7. 6. but verſe 12 If he turne not, God wil whet his ſword, and the Lord himſelf declaratively curſeth the wicked by his Miniſters but yet with a tacit condition, if they repent not, and the like. Jer. 18. 7, 8. & 36. 2, 3. and ſo are the Saints to wiſh that curſe 6 Imprecate indefinitely.of God againſt them with the like tacit condition, if they repent not, and the llke.
6. Pray againſt the enemies of God indefinitely, and abſtractively, not ſo much eying this or that perſon in particular. Deut. 33. 11. Smite through the loynes of thoſe that riſe up againſt him, that they riſe not againe. Moſes did not eye one enemy of Levi, more then another. So Numb. 10. 35. Let them that hate thee, flye before thee; the like, Pſal. 68. 1, 2. 1 Cor. 16. 22. Let them that love not the Lord Jeſus be Anathema, Maranatha. There is ever moſt of God, and leaſt of ſelfe in ſuch indefinite imprecations. And the Saints may in that way of imprecating bee both more free, and have more help to their faith in Gods promiſes, wherein he ingageth himſelfe in an indefinite way, to plague ſuch and ſuch a ſort of deſperate and ripened enemies, and the like, without particular reference to this or that perſon in particular.
7. Look that as we propound for our 7 We imprecate with faith, and that with reſpect to Gods glory and the churches good.end in ſuch imprecations, the glory of God and the Churches good, (and as Pauls reſpect to the glory of God in his word, makes him, wiſh them accurſed that preach another Goſpel. Gal. 1. 8. And his reſpect to the Churches good and peace, maketh him wiſh them cut off who trouble them. Gal. 5.) So for the manner of imprecating, we doe it in faith. Pſal. 36. 11, 12. Let not the foot of pride come againſt me. There are they fallen, and he by faith ſeeth them fallen againſt whom he prayed. Pſalm. 10. 15. Breake thou the arme of the wicked. verſe 15. The heathen are periſhed out of his land. Yea, that it be with holy griefe of heart, that wee have any cauſe to imprecate againſt any enemies of God. As Matth. 18. 31. When the fellow ſervants ſaw what was done, (by that cruel and mercileſſe wretch againſt one of their fellows,) they were ſorry, and came and told the Lord. As Chriſt the Judge pronounceth that ſentence againſt thoſe his enemies, with expreſſions of much bowels—he beheld Jeruſalem, and wept over it—and ſaid—they ſhall not leave thee one ſtone upon another, becauſe thou kneweſt not the day of thy viſitation, Luke 19. 41, 42, 43, 44. So ſhould the Saints, which as witneſſes, or aſſeſſors, either give in evidences or verdicts upon the teſtimonies of their acts of enmity againſt God, and his Church; they ſhould doe it with griefe.
Touching the third thing propounded; We muſt pray againſt treacherous enemies.we ſay, we may and muſt pray againſt treacherous enemies, which ſhould have been freinds: as thoſe of Meros, which ſhould have helped the Lord againſt the mighty, were curſed▪ Judg 5. 23. Pſal. 69. 20. I looked for ſome to take pity, but there was none, &c. verſe 22. Let their table become a ſnare.
2. Againſt ſligh undermining enemies, ſuch as pretending to pity and help, will 2 Sly enemies.hurt the people of God. Pſal. 55. 15. Let death ſeize upon them: his words were ſofter then oyle, yet were they drawne ſwords. Such as can uſe all fraudulent expreſſions to inſinuate to murther ſoules, Pſalme 10. 7. and verſe 8. They lurk and lye in wait to take all advantages to murther the innocent, yea their very ſouls (if it were poſſible) as well as their bodies, by wily tricks to draw them to ſinne againſt their conſciences, verſe 9. They would bee drawing them into their net. Yea, verſe 10. Hee crowcheth and humbleth himſelfe that the poor may fall. And verſe 12. Ariſe, O Lord, O God, lift up thy hand, and verſe 15. Break thou the arme of the wicked. Such enemies who profeſſing the true religion, yet againſt their owne light will be plotting all the wayes they can aginſt the Saints, and to reproach, and to diſgrace the wayes of God. Jer. 18. 18, 19, 21. theſe are very like the Devil, transforming himſelfe into an angel of light, but againſt his light, uſing all his wiles to inſnare ſouls, and bring them to like perdition with himſelfe. Theſe doe the more miſcheife to the Church and people of God, and poſſibly cauſe many truly godly ones, through their wiles, to go halting and bleeding to their graves.
3. Againſt mocking, ſcoffing and inſulting enemies; who like Tobiah and Sanballat, 3 Mocking, inſulting enemies.doe deride and jear at the gracious practiſes of the Saints, as they did at that good work of theirs, in building Jeruſalems walls, Nehem. 4. 2, 3. But verſe 4, 5. Heare O God, for we are deſpiſed, and turn their reproach upon their owne heads. Pſal. 69▪ 10. When I wept and faſted, that was to me a reproach: or ver. 11. I became a proverb to them, And verſe 26. They talk to the greif of them whom thou haſt wounded. verſe 27. Add iniquity to their iniquity, &c. Such as are ready to gnaſh their very teeth at the righteous, and to make themſelves merry at any evill befalling them. Pſal. 35. 16. Hypocritical mockers in feaſts, who gnaſh their teeth upon me, they open their mouth wide againſt me, and ſaid, Aha, aha, our eye hath ſeen it. verſe 26. Let them be aſhamed and brought to confuſion together, that rejoyce at my hurt. Such are old ſtanders in the ways of ſinne, and have long walked in the counſels of the ungodly, and now taking up their reſt (as it were) in the way of ſcorning at God and good. Pſal. 1. 1. Theſe have moſt venome in them that can laughingly ſmile on the Saints, when yet they had rather be gnaſhing their teeth at them, and ſo are riper for Gods curſe, as even ready to glory in any wicked pranks which are played againſt the Saints.
4. Againſt apoſtatized enemies; As 4 Apoſtatized enemies.an Achitophel, a Judas. Pſal. 55. 12, 13. 14, 15. An Alexander. 2 Tim. 4. 4. Alexander hath done me much hurt, the Lord reward him according to his deeds. Such do much hurt indeed: they know the wayes of the Saints: they are moſt imbittered againſt them. Like Chriſtians turning Turkes, proſelited phariſaical perſons; more helliſh in their malice and fury againſt the godly, then Turks, or Phariſees themſelves. Math. 23. 15. the ſweeteſt wine turning the ſharpeſt vinegarlike ſpirits againſt the Saints.
5. Againſt ſuch as apparently oppoſe rather 5 Enemies againſt God in Saints perſons.God in their perſons, then the perſons themſelves; oppoſing perſons every way amiable in their eyes, for parts, parentage, good behaviour and repute, and only becauſe godly, and ſo hating them without any (perſonal) cauſe. Pſal. 69. 4. onelyonly for Gods ſake they reproach them. verſe 7. Becauſe they pray and faſt, that is to their reproach. verſe 10. Let the table of ſuch become a ſnare, &c. verſe 22. Pſal. 35. 7. Without cauſe (on my part) they have hid for me their net, &c. Therefore let their way be death. And verſe 20. They deviſe deceitfull matters againſt them that are quiet in the land. Perſons that meddle not with others, or other matters, but have their converſations in heaven, they themſelves cannot charge them to bee turbulent, but they are pious, they are conſcientious, that is enough againſt them in ſuch mens eies, & yea whereever, or in whomſoever ſuch perſons ſee the image of God, they doe like their father the Devil, maligne it. Yea, though they gaine neither credit nor profit by maligning ſuch perſons, as the Devil himſelfe doth not, but are rather loſers by it, yet they are well appayed if they can but wreak their deſpight upon the Saints: let the ways of ſuch be ſlippery, & the angel of the Lord perſecute them Pſ. 35. 6, 7. &c.
6. Againſt ſuch enemies, who are ſo 6 Enemies paſt the reach of mans juſtice.great, that they are even paſt the reach (in a manner) of humane juſtice; none other left (in a manner) to break their teeth, but God onelyonly. Such as ſay, wee will ſpeak, and doe thus and thus with them, and let us ſee the proudeſt He of them all, which dare contradict or oppoſe us. Our tongues are our owne, who is Lord over us? As for the Saints, they make a puffe at them, (ſuch poor ſnakes as they are:) and ſome vileſt perſons (haply) being exalted (to the higheſt place of rule) ſuch wicked enemies walk on every ſide, without (curb or controule:) Now it is high time for the poore and needy to cry againſt them, and God will ariſe at their cry. Pſal. 2. 3. 12. 4, 8. with 1. 5. verſes compared. In this caſe Chriſt maketh it the Saints duty to cry night and day for vengeance againſt ſuch enemies. And God at length will hear them. Lu. 18. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8. Bloody minded Joab being too mighty to be reached by King Davids juſtice, is prayed againſt, 2 Sam. 3. 29. Let this blood reſt on the head of Joab, and verſe 39. I am this day weak though anointed King, and theſe men the ſons of Zerviah bee to hard for me, The Lord ſhall reward the doer of evill according to his wickedneſſe.7 Enemies with whom divine juſtice hath begun.
7. Againſt the enemies of God, which divine juſtice hath already found out, and begun to ſeize upon. If the fire of God hath begun to kindle on them, and in them, we may blow it up by this holy breath, Pſal. 21. 9. &c. and verſe 13. compared. If God ſheweth that its his will to cut down ſuch ripened ſtalks, we may help onward to their cutting downe; if he hath begun to wound ſuch mad dogs, ſuch wolves, ſuch ſerpents, we may help to kill them outright. If he hath routed ſuch Midianites, our prayers muſt help for the chaſe of them. When perſecuting Babylon is once begun to be battered at, and cloſely beſieged through Gods ſin revenging hand, Then the inhabitants of Zion ſhall ſay, the violence done to me, and to my fleſh, be upon Babylon; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, ſhall Jeruſalem ſay. Jer. 51, 31, 32, 33, with 34, 35.
Laſtly againſt general enemies, ſuch as 8 General enemies.Antichriſt; the Saints may and muſt all and every one of them, muſter up al their ſpiritual forces againſt ſuch an enemy. To conclude
Queſt. It may be demanded, When the Queſt. Saints prayers againſt the enemies of God may be ſayd to be heard? or how it may be known, that ſuch judgements as the Lord inflicteth upon his enemies, are fruits and iſſues of the Saints prayers?
Anſw. I anſwer. 1. When God bringeth Anſw. ſtrange judgments upon perſons prayed Such prayers anſwered, when ſtrange judgements come upon them.againſt. As Hezekiah, no extraordinary inſpired prayer he prayeth againſt blaſpheming Senacharib. 2 Kings 19. 5, 16, &c. and verſe 20. God heard his prayer, which appeared, ver. 35 by the ſtrange hand of God againſt him, and his Army, of 185000. who are cut off by an unuſual ſtroak or plague of the angel, and he himſelfe (in an unheard of manner) is killed by his owne ſons, whilſt he is worſhipping in the houſe of his God. verſe 37.
2. When God bringeth upon ſuch enemies, ſpeedy and untimely deaths, and 2 Speedy and ſudden judgements come on them.not long after imprecations of the Saints made againſt them; as that night after Hezekiah had ſo prayed, the angel wrought that unheard of ſlaughter of the Aſſyrians, and ſoon after that parricide is committed upon Senacharib himſelfe. Doubtleſſe the Saints which made ſuch earneſt requeſt for Peter, did not forget Herod that bloodyman, to intreat God to convert him, or elſe to cut him off, if ripe for it; and Acts 12. 5. 23. you ſee it is not long after that in that unwonted way, he cometh to his end by the ſtroak of an angel; when the very next day Arius dieth by voiding his bowels as he went to eaſe himſelfe, it is a ſure token, that the prayer of that godly Biſhop of Alexandria which hee made againſt him the night before, did ſpeed him. Theodoret. Eccleſ. hiſt. lib. 1. cap. 4. When within five or ſix dayes after that faſting and prayer of the Jews, wicked Haman is unexpectedly brought to his end, ſurely God hath reſpect to his peoples requeſts in their mournings and this their enemy came to fal before them, Heſter 4. & 7. compared, according as the very night after Heſters feaſt, that unexpected way was made by God in the kings heart for Hamans fall. Chap. 6. When Achitophel within a day or two after David had prayed,—Lord turne the counſell of Achitophel into fooliſhneſſe, 2 Sam. 15. 31. compared with chap. 17. 1. 23, cometh to his end, it evidenceth the ſame to be an iſſue of Davids imprecation; its a ſign that God heard that cry of Moſes againſt the Egyptians, when that very day the Lord in a wonderfull manner overthroweth them. Exodus 14. 13, 15. 33. compared. So when Jehoſhaphat and his people ſolemnly and humbly requeſt the Lord to judge thoſe inhumane, ingratefull enemies of theirs, 2 Chron. 20. 2, 3 4, 5, 10, 12, 13. and the very morrow after, Grd doth in an unwonted manner bring ruine upon thoſe enemies, verſe 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25. compared, all may ſafely conclude, that thoſe prayers ſpeed them.
3. When the manner of the ends which God bringeth upon ſuch enemies againſt 3 Reproachfull ends befall them.which his pray, is reproachfull and ſhamefull; as when a wicked Haman, which a little before was the greateſt in the kingdome, cometh to be hanged upon a gallows. Eſther. 7. 9, 10. When the great Oracle of the people, and Counſellour of ſtate, Achitophel, cometh to ſo ſhameful an end, as to dye by an halter, yea to hang himſelfe. When that deputy King or Governour Herod, hee cometh to ſo baſe an end, as to bee eaten of baſeſt vermine, of lice; ſo when wretched Arius cometh to ſo baſe an end, it argueth that ſome godly Alexander hath told his errand to the Lord.
4. When the judgements God bringeth 4 When the very ſame judgements prayed for, follow.upon his enemies, are the very ſame which his people deſired againſt them in their prayers. God doth not indeed alwayes hear his people in the very particular, but in ſomething equivolent; yet ſometimes he doth, and when he doth ſo, it the rather argueth the ſame to be an anſwer of prayer. As when not alone a Prophet extraordinarily inſpired, prayeth againſt Judas, in another enemy like him; and the things deſired are inflicted, as Pſal. 109. and Acts 12. 18, 19, 20, compared. But Jotham an ordinary man, hee prayeth that five may come from Abimelech, and devoure the men of Sechem; and againe, that fire may come from the men of Sechem, and devour Abimelech, and the iſſue preſently afterwards anſwereth the ſame, for both were inſtruments of each others ruine; it is a ſign that Jothams prayer ſped them both. Judges 9. verſe 56, 57 compared.
5. If when perſons prayed againſt are 5 They periſh without being deſired.ſwept away, without any deſiring even of their aſſociates to the contrary, even they pity them not, there is none, no not of their companions in evill, to ſhew them mercy; all bleſſing from any hand (almoſt) is far from them. Pſal. 109. 12. 17. The very wicked which drew them, which counſelled them to ſuch treacherous enemy-acts againſt God and Chriſt caſt them off without pity; as the Prieſts and Scribes did curſed Judas, in his ſaddeſt out-cries and troubles—What is that to us? (they will not owne him, nor his acknowledgement) look thou to it. Matth. 27. 4. Nay, ſuch enemies prayed againſt, if the prayers be effectual, will (like thoſe Ammonites) help forwards one anothers ruines. 2 Chron. 20. 10, 11, 12. with verſe 22. &c. Such bloody Shechemites, ſo prayed againſt, will help forward murtherous Abimelechs death and miſery, as he did theirs. Judges 9. 56, 57.
PART II.
1 Theſſ. 5. 17.
Pray without Ceaſing.