9. ®'' 'Chap. 42. an xpojition upon the Book of J o E Verf. r o, Prayer for unkind friends, is the greatefl kindnefs we cando them, and the nobieft way of recompencing their unkindncfs. Holy David was much in this way of duty, and found the benefit of it ('Pfal. 3 ç . 12, 13.) They rewarded meevilforgood, to the fpoyling of my foul ; but as for me, when theywere fick, my cloathi- ing was fackcloth, I humbled my foul with faging (thatis, I was greatly alleged with, and afllisrted for them in their affliaion ; and fee what followed) twly prayer returnedbnto my own bofom, There is fome difference about the Expofition of thofe words ; but I conceive that is clear in it felf, as well as tomy purpofe,that David received fruit and a good reward for chofeprayers. As if he had faid, If my prayer did them no good, it did me good ; if it did not profit them, it profited me ; myprayer returned into my own bofom, I found comfortable ()Tells of st. We never gain more by prayer, than when we pray for chore by whom we have been lo- fers ; we never find more comfort by prayer, than whenwe pray heartily for thofe by whom we have found much farrow : what- ever good we pray for in the behalf of others, falls upon our own heads and the more we pray for good upon the heads of thofe that have done evil to us, the more good is like to fall upon our ownheads and hearts. Chrift faith (Mat. io. i 3.) whenyecome into an footsie, falute it (Chrift means not a Courtly complemental falute, but a Chriflian fpiritual falute, "'tithing them mercy and peace , as is plain by that which followeth) and if the boufe be worthy; let your peace come upon it ; but if it be not worthy, let your peace return toyou. As if he had laid, When ye come into an bottle, good or bad, faltete it ; if the houfe begood, they flialt receive the benefit of your prayer, if not, you fha/ have the benefit of it your felvea ; though they get no good by your good wifhes to them, or prayers for them, yet you (hall. This is more exprefly affu- red us again by our bleffed Saviour (Luke I. 6.) Into whatfoever ¡knife ye enter, faro fay, peace be tethir bottle (bellow a prayer up- on them) and if theSon of peace be there, your peace fhatl ref( open it; ;f not, it (hall turn to you again; your prayers (hall not be !oh. or (hall ye be lofers by your prayers. Hence
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