Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

That the impenitent cannot pray acceptably. Prophet Ifaiah, chap. 59. I. the Lords hand is not f]wrtenedthat it cannot Pve, or his we heavy that he cannot heare; but your iniquities have made afeparati on between you and your God, and your Pinnes have hid his face from y ou that he will not heare. And then he de- fcendeth to particulars : For this mercy of hearing our prayers is not onely denied unto ungodline(fe in generali, but allo to particular fìnnes; as contrari- wife it is promifed to particular graces,which being linked together in a golden chain, are each of them feverall evidences of a true faith : As firf} to Cruelty & Oppreffion,Ifa.1.15.Thoug ye make many prayers I will not heare, for your hands are full of blood. And not to cruelty onely,but allo to Unmercifulnes,& Want of pitie towards the poore: For, he that ioppeth his care at the crying of the poore, _` hall' cry himfelf and not beheard ,Pro.2i.i .Whereas contrariwife thofe that be mercifull fhallfind mercy with God, Matth.5.7. Then fhalt thou call and the Lord f ball anfver;thou Alit cry, and he will Pty, Here] am, I(ra. 5 8.9. fit we love not in word and tongue alone, but in deed and truth, hereby ive may have confidence before God, x.John 3.I 8,19. Secondly,'to Want of love in forgiving ofenfes; and contrariwife : Mark I I.25. Whenye Rand pray - ing, forglve.ef ye have ought again ft any, that your Fa ther alt which is in heaven may forgive you your tref pas. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Fa- ther which is in heaven forgive your trefpaff s. Thirdly, to the Not- hearin or hearkening to the word of God: For as we heare fo we (hall be heard; Prov.28.9. Ile that turneth away his eare from hearing the a-i