we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v through_o future_a contingency_n such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o foresee_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o see_v which_o way_n the_o balance_n will_v incline_v because_o he_o know_v the_o path_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n this_o great_a god_n as_o he_o many_o time_n suspend_v his_o favour_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o bread_n to_o spoil_v nor_o a_o serpent_n to_o sting_v we_o and_o therefore_o sometime_o when_o he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n he_o adapt_n his_o favour_n to_o our_o necessity_n now_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v and_o then_o cut_v his_o answer_n short_a of_o our_o petition_n because_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v that_o we_o ask_v too_o much_o he_o wise_o consider_v what_o store-house_n we_o have_v and_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o change_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n to_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o confer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o as_o member_n of_o this_o great_a community_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o he_o give_v we_o one_o thing_n more_o convenient_a when_o we_o most_o earnest_o beg_v another_o now_o change_v the_o mean_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o obtain_v a_o end_n afford_v other_o that_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a sometime_o he_o change_v the_o end_n itself_o and_o order_n the_o mean_n we_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o order_n to_o one_o design_n to_o produce_v what_o be_v better_o and_o much_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o act_v best_o because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n final_o we_o may_v petition_v for_o many_o thing_n which_o if_o grant_v to_o we_o will_v thwart_v god_n general_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o particular_a wise_a design_n which_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o or_o last_o we_o may_v sometime_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v incentives_n to_o our_o own_o or_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o we_o may_v consume_v it_o on_o our_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n james_n 4.3_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o five_o enquiry_n into_o what_o thing_n man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o chap._n vii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o six_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o latitude_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o join_v in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v what_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n confine_v by_o some_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o as_o if_o that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o their_o select_v and_o cull_v member_n for_o their_o religious_a society_n or_o church_n so_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o they_o design_v to_o have_v saint_n only_o to_o partake_v of_o public_a ordinance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o pretermit_v or_o else_o exclude_v other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n brief_o inquire_v whether_o prayer_n be_v a_o universal_a duty_n or_o only_o concern_v good_a man_n or_o true_a saint_n now_o though_o such_o a_o question_n upon_o a_o naked_a proposal_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v be_v on_o a_o sudden_a answer_v and_o a_o return_n may_v be_v make_v as_o extemporary_a as_o some_o man_n prayer_n be_v or_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o only_o hem_v and_o spit_v they_o forth_o with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n yet_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o some_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n and_o the_o perverse_a wit_n of_o some_o man_n have_v render_v it_o useful_a and_o necessary_a too_o because_o we_o find_v some_o think_n and_o melancholy_a man_n unless_o they_o be_v person_n who_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a denomination_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n necessary_a betwixt_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n though_o our_o saviour_n say_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n matth._n 13.30_o but_o however_o they_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o distrust_v the_o prayer_n of_o mix_a congregation_n which_o be_v a_o misfortune_n no_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o in_o their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v discerner_n oâ—_n heart_n and_o can_v better_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_a than_o by_o those_o inward_a and_o obscure_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v saint_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o however_o this_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o neglect_n inadvertency_n or_o wicked_a disposition_n of_o one_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v any_o communion_n in_o prayer_n through_o the_o world_n that_o be_v public_a in_o a_o congregat_v assembly_n no_o more_o than_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o the_o pharisee_n obstruct_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o humble_a publican_n or_o to_o come_v full_a home_n to_o the_o point_n than_o judas_n hinder_v the_o grateful_a service_n of_o christ_n disciple_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o nay_o a_o contrary_a notion_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o a_o forbearance_n of_o all_o joint_a petition_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v among_o we_o will_v destroy_v all_o public_a and_o family_n prayer_n because_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o assurance_n and_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n at_o most_o make_v only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o those_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o quote_v a_o text_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v some_o case_n in_o which_o the_o great_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v though_o good_a man_n intercede_v and_o pray_v as_o when_o the_o most_o of_o a_o community_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o continue_v obstinate_o enough_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o cry_a sin_n that_o a_o general_a calamity_n be_v judge_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o member_n when_o a_o irrevocable_a sentence_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o they_o if_o further_a consideration_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v neither_o deliver_v son_n nor_o daughter_n they_o shall_v at_o most_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.20_o yet_o their_o goodness_n and_o prayer_n may_v avail_v even_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o themselves_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o some_o other_o case_n where_o god_n sentence_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o there_o yet_o remain_v some_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o amend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o great_a and_o vast_a city_n of_o niniveh_n who_o sin_n be_v so_o lofty_a and_o aspire_a that_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o ascend_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v according_a to_o his_o commission_n open_o declare_v their_o intend_a ruin_n and_o by_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o time_n proclaim_v from_o that_o power_n above_o the_o cloud_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o day_n their_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v destroy_v when_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o humble_v themselves_o by_o give_v public_a testimony_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n jonah_n 3.6_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v not_o only_o sigh_v and_o sniul_a pretension_n
in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o â—â—â—â—er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o usual_o have_v so_o slender_a a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o season_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o sure_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v be_v a_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o elect_n be_v gather_v and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v and_o give_v we_o too_o apparent_a a_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o less_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n than_o when_o we_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o talk_v thus_o i_o hate_v to_o refute_v such_o nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o together_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o such_o man_n must_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n which_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v
may_v recover_v strength_n and_o retrieve_v their_o vigour_n by_o these_o small_a interruption_n and_o not_o suffer_v too_o great_a a_o weakness_n to_o steal_v insensible_o upon_o they_o by_o be_v always_o bend_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n therefore_o the_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o import_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v design_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n may_v usual_o imply_v but_o they_o must_v admit_v of_o limitation_n and_o restraint_n so_o that_o to_o be_v short_a in_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o the_o like_a 1._o when_o we_o have_v such_o prepare_v and_o ardent_a love_n to_o our_o maker_n ourselves_o and_o the_o fellow_n creature_n of_o our_o own_o species_n that_o the_o exciting_a cause_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v always_o present_a when_o the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o duty_n offer_v themselves_o 2._o when_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o perpetual_a readiness_n and_o aptitude_n for_o devotion_n when_o ever_o we_o have_v time_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o prayer_n return_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o sudden_o it_o may_v assault_v we_o so_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o settle_a temper_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o exert_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n upon_o any_o emergent_a or_o periodical_a occasion_n 3._o when_o we_o perform_v the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o our_o devotion_n with_o the_o high_a strain_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o soul_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n when_o a_o long_a protraction_n or_o a_o seem_a denial_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n do_v not_o discourage_v we_o to_o a_o relaxation_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o diligence_n be_v renew_v our_o supplication_n double_v and_o we_o add_v force_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n and_o importunate_a widow_n to_o the_o end_n say_v the_o text_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_o 18.1_o last_o we_o may_v be_v then_o say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n to_o pray_v always_o and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o make_v the_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n frequent_a and_o our_o supplication_n to_o god_n be_v willing_o present_v as_o often_o as_o time_n and_o opportunity_n be_v afford_v we_o at_o least_o it_o can_v come_v short_a of_o this_o to_o make_v prayer_n our_o every_o day_n work_v so_o that_o nullâ_fw-la die_fw-la intermittantur_fw-la certa_fw-la tempora_fw-la orandi_fw-la we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o state_v time_n and_o hour_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o rational_a than_o prayer_n itself_o be_v pleasant_a and_o advantageous_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v dependent_a being_n and_o daily_o need_v the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o supply_v our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o want_n and_o the_o kind_a providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o support_v and_o nourish_v we_o the_o continual_a casualty_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o and_o the_o frequent_a danger_n we_o be_v involve_v in_o by_o our_o own_o inadvertency_n the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n the_o net_n which_o unfaithful_a or_o malicious_a man_n spread_v for_o we_o and_o the_o violence_n or_o insinuation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o daily_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o deliver_v we_o the_o daily_a present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o offering_n of_o the_o law_n numb_a 28._o at_o the_o beginning_n these_o be_v type_n of_o the_o christian_a service_n which_o be_v perform_v morning_n and_o evening_n become_v our_o solemn_a and_o reasonable_a devotion_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n too_o will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n think_v prayer_n so_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o rather_o than_o omit_v it_o he_o will_v endure_v the_o utmost_a severity_n even_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n dan._n 6.10_o this_o be_v enjoin_v in_o that_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v to_o be_v both_o our_o form_n and_o our_o pattern_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o petition_v our_o daily_a bread_n day_n by_o day_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o by_o this_o prohibit_v too_o inordinate_a a_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o injoin_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o our_o maker_n command_v frequent_a and_o daily_a petition_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v now_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_o 1.75_o of_o which_o comprehensive_a duty_n our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v necessary_a part_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o second_o particular_a mention_v in_o the_o scheme_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o intermission_n chap._n iii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o it_o and_o determine_v to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religious_a devotion_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o must_v without_o all_o peradventure_o be_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o being_n inferior_a to_o himself_o we_o honour_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o saint_n depart_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a be_v sacred_a to_o we_o we_o admire_v also_o the_o excellency_n of_o angel_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o various_a and_o useful_a workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n nay_o we_o treat_v all_o thing_n in_o our_o thought_n and_o discourse_n with_o that_o esteem_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o being_n or_o that_o order_n which_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o we_o advance_v our_o contemplation_n when_o we_o think_v of_o angel_n suitable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o their_o being_n and_o their_o honourable_a employment_n of_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v legion_n of_o they_o at_o his_o disposal_n but_o there_o be_v from_o he_o neither_o command_n nor_o argument_n for_o invocation_n of_o they_o nor_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o aid_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v order_v by_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n we_o therefore_o make_v no_o address_n to_o they_o by_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o separate_v devotion_n because_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o pay_v such_o service_n to_o a_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o our_o creator_n only_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o pay_v our_o ceremony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o respect_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n suitable_a to_o their_o natural_a or_o acquire_v dignity_n and_o common_a justice_n command_v our_o internal_a value_n and_o esteem_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o their_o excellency_n and_o virtue_n but_o we_o do_v not_o present_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v every_o one_o that_o be_v rich_o adorn_v nor_o petition_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v nay_o to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v without_o idolatry_n or_o sin_n we_o shall_v not_o refuse_v to_o pay_v such_o civil_a testimony_n of_o our_o respect_n as_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a give_v either_o to_o glorify_a saint_n or_o innocent_a and_o ever_o bless_a angel_n shall_v they_o at_o any_o time_n assume_v shape_n and_o mix_v themselves_o among_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o negotiate_v any_o affair_n with_o we_o and_o descend_v to_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o humane_a conversation_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a time_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o apparition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o either_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n nor_o the_o s_o light_n and_o trick_n of_o cunning_a priest_n or_o any_o false_a appearance_n to_o our_o own_o imagination_n or_o either_o subtle_a or_o roguish_a invention_n of_o other_o man_n but_o may_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v not_o delude_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o act_n of_o religion_n appropriate_v to_o god_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o
can_v reasonable_o give_v a_o check_n to_o our_o devotion_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o invoke_v the_o deity_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o fix_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v predetermine_v by_o their_o creator_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a too_o in_o what_o order_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o regard_n they_o shall_v bear_v to_o each_o other_o nay_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n yet_o since_o all_o must_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a application_n of_o active_n to_o passives_n by_o invigorate_n cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n or_o withdraw_v their_o force_n or_o by_o new_a mixture_n alter_v their_o nature_n as_o may_v best_o comport_v with_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o mean_n be_v use_v by_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n who_o know_v but_o prayer_n may_v be_v one_o especial_o since_o it_o infallible_o operate_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o any_o rhetorical_a exhortation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o change_v evil_a resolution_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a be_v although_o it_o can_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o alter_v any_o decree_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n nor_o break_v any_o link_n in_o the_o fix_a and_o determine_v chain_n of_o providence_n nay_o we_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o 2._o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o design_v such_o great_a solemnity_n to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v he_o only_o appoint_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o understand_v st._n james_n chap._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a st._n paul_n have_v petition_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o satan_n stir_v up_o some_o potent_a lust_n in_o his_o own_o flesh_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o severe_a adversary_n to_o buffet_v he_o if_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v relief_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o thrice_o intercede_v in_o his_o own_o behalf_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o afflict_a evil_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o and_o though_o he_o may_v not_o obtain_v the_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o yet_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o gain_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o triumph_v over_o his_o infirmity_n and_o snare_n but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o how_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n be_v by_o which_o carnal_a and_o indevout_a man_n quarrel_v that_o which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o loose_a and_o ungodly_a temper_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o have_v endeavour_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o render_v god_n propitious_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o any_o outward_a revelation_n have_v be_v legible_a to_o the_o world_n we_o find_v prayer_n a_o ingredient_n in_o man_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n command_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o regard_v fallacious_a and_o ill-grounded_a argument_n for_o against_o so_o solemn_a and_o universal_a a_o duty_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v for_o if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o when_o we_o read_v those_o precept_n of_o the_o inspire_v and_o bless_v apostle_n st._n paul_n pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v constant_a and_o zealous_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o from_o they_o it_o have_v be_v derive_v downward_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o we_o through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o unless_o final_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o sacred_a text_n to_o be_v apocryphal_a phil._n 4.6_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o who_o will_v willing_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n cancel_v such_o a_o duty_n which_o beside_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n man_n conversant_a in_o it_o receive_v in_o the_o performance_n be_v devout_o and_o orderly_o act_v towards_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o obtain_v temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n elijah_n pray_v for_o rain_n in_o a_o time_n of_o drought_n and_o the_o heaven_n quick_o relent_v weep_v 1_o king_n 18_o chap._n hannah_n petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n and_o then_o bring_v forth_o samuel_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v i_o my_o petition_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 1_o sam._n 1.27_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o god_n soon_o grant_v the_o request_n for_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.20_o so_o reasonable_a be_v that_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n james_n chap._n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o david_n at_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o beg_v pardon_n and_o god_n forgive_v he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o sin_n psal_n 32.5_o and_o therefore_o he_o most_o just_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o this_o sacred_a duty_n for_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v last_o we_o find_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o his_o short_a prayer_n obtain_v this_o answer_n verily_a say_v our_o saviour_n i_o declare_v to_o thou_o that_o to_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.48_o so_o that_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o this_o case_n by_o which_o we_o may_v determine_v our_o duty_n as_o plain_o there_o be_v yet_o when_o two_o probability_n appear_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o thing_n where_o one_o must_v become_v our_o option_n according_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o equal_a standard_n we_o can_v possible_o neglect_v or_o recede_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o be_v solve_v be_v neither_o proportionate_a for_o weight_n or_o number_n to_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o prayer_n especial_o if_o 3._o we_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o we_o offer_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o that_o prayer_n cause_v we_o to_o put_v a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o discovery_n of_o those_o weakness_n and_o breach_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n or_o age_n in_o sin_v or_o want_v of_o repair_n by_o virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o also_o discern_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o how_o accident_n in_o the_o world_n betray_v we_o into_o misfortune_n against_o all_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o aid_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o thus_o it_o become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n nay_o some_o man_n though_o i_o know_v not_o well_o upon_o what_o certain_a foundation_n build_v the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o they_o pass_v it_o into_o a_o exhortation_n only_o and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o transubstantiate_v it_o and_o abate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o raise_v affection_n but_o from_o the_o advantage_n we_o receive_v by_o it_o one_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o human_a
behaviour_n and_o deportment_n of_o our_o body_n and_o this_o will_v justify_v the_o bow_v our_o neck_n by_o a_o reverend_a inclination_n the_o bend_a our_o knee_n or_o a_o erect_a posture_n of_o our_o body_n when_o our_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n may_v require_v the_o one_o or_o our_o praise_n the_o other_o thus_o when_o ezra_n have_v mourn_v for_o that_o affinity_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v contract_v with_o stranger_n by_o mingle_v god_n heritage_n with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n contrary_a to_o the_o injunction_n of_o he_o who_o be_v their_o divine_a king_n and_o supreme_a legislator_n he_o not_o only_o rend_v his_o own_o garment_n and_o tear_v his_o mantle_n and_o pluck_v off_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n to_o represent_v the_o sorrow_n and_o lamentation_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o such_o outward_a signature_n and_o action_n of_o his_o body_n but_o the_o guilt_n and_o the_o punishment_n which_o he_o may_v fear_v will_v attend_v it_o cause_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n and_o spread_v out_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n ezra_n 9.5_o such_o demonstrative_a symbolical_a and_o significant_a action_n of_o his_o body_n accompany_v the_o lowly_a humility_n of_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o make_v his_o afflict_a confession_n to_o his_o maker_n thus_o we_o find_v also_o that_o when_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o profane_a decree_n be_v sign_v by_o darius_n as_o full_a of_o cruelty_n as_o it_o be_v of_o irreligion_n that_o whosoever_o ask_v any_o petition_n from_o god_n or_o man_n except_v only_o from_o this_o king_n himself_o for_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n daniel_n notwithstanding_o fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o to_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v before_o the_o decree_n be_v pass_v dan._n 6.10_o nay_o we_o have_v not_o only_o old_a testament_n example_n for_o join_v the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n with_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o outward_a gesture_n signify_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n too_o beside_o our_o saviour_n kneel_n prostration_n and_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n mention_v with_o other_o canonical_a pattern_n before_o in_o this_o discourse_n that_o s._n paul_n when_o he_o pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v have_v courage_n and_o strength_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o heroic_a duty_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o the_o threat_n and_o persecution_n of_o their_o adversary_n bow_v his_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 3.14_o he_o may_v sure_o have_v petition_v god_n for_o the_o same_o blessing_n when_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v he_o be_v in_o private_a by_o himself_o without_o any_o such_o external_a ceremony_n which_o some_o man_n so_o disregard_n in_o public_a where_o the_o influence_n which_o our_o deportment_n have_v on_o other_o become_v the_o great_a argument_n for_o its_o necessity_n but_o nature_n itself_o will_v have_v provoke_v he_o to_o this_o which_o man_n forsake_v when_o they_o bid_v defiance_n to_o such_o outward_a testimony_n of_o respect_n as_o if_o god_n because_o he_o have_v no_o bodily_a eye_n can_v neither_o see_v nor_o understand_v but_o who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v true_o devout_a and_o do_v not_o choose_v his_o religion_n as_o it_o best_o suit_n with_o his_o secular_a advantage_n that_o can_v look_v upon_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n stand_v up_o to_o bless_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o call_v upon_o other_o to_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o decency_n of_o posture_n and_o when_o all_o be_v uniform_a cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n bless_a be_v thy_o glorious_a name_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n nehem._n 9.5_o and_o yet_o under_o the_o large_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n fit_v fast_o and_o refuse_v to_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la and_o other_o hymn_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o who_o can_v have_v see_v the_o primitive_a christian_n lay_v upon_o the_o floor_n and_o knock_v their_o breast_n and_o fast_v themselves_o almost_o into_o skeleton_n want_v little_o more_o to_o dissolve_v their_o body_n into_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o yet_o obstinate_o conclude_v that_o their_o zeal_n transport_v they_o beyond_o their_o knowledge_n and_o that_o groan_v and_o sigh_n may_v more_o compendious_o have_v express_v their_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a now_o to_o have_v no_o external_a demonstration_n at_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o pursue_v such_o argument_n any_o far_o nor_o any_o man_n with_o who_o no_o reason_n can_v prevail_v who_o seem_v to_o take_v such_o great_a care_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o body_n whatever_o pain_n their_o soul_n must_v at_o last_o endure_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o will_v ready_o be_v infer_v by_o all_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o piety_n and_o devotion_n that_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o people_n who_o pretend_v to_o worship_v the_o great_a and_o only_o supreme_a god_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o due_a respect_n so_o universal_o pay_v by_o all_o serious_a and_o religious_a man_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o they_o do_v not_o perform_v their_o service_n and_o homage_n with_o such_o humility_n and_o regard_n as_o must_v proper_o be_v due_a to_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n as_o god_n be_v when_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v prompt_v they_o to_o it_o since_o it_o natural_o conclude_v for_o obsequiousness_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v due_a to_o man_n suitable_a to_o their_o worth_n and_o grandeur_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o will_v not_o these_o very_a person_n themselves_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a in_o give_v bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n and_o so_o loath_a to_o use_v care_n in_o compose_v prayer_n or_o to_o join_v in_o those_o that_o be_v compose_v to_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o desire_v and_o expect_v kindness_n from_o man_n use_v more_o than_o ordinary_a saw_a expression_n and_o bend_v their_o body_n into_o the_o most_o oblige_a posture_n to_o advance_v their_o design_n by_o pretend_v a_o large_a inward_a respect_n which_o they_o thus_o endeavour_v outward_o to_o express_v and_o can_v they_o real_o think_v that_o the_o great_a god_n ought_v to_o have_v less_o honour_n and_o regard_n when_o we_o petition_v he_o for_o the_o large_a boon_n and_o great_a kindness_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n even_o such_o as_o will_v render_v they_o as_o full_o happy_a as_o their_o nature_n in_o perfection_n be_v capable_a to_o receive_v let_v any_o man_n reason_n judge_n in_o this_o case_n and_o let_v he_o make_v a_o fair_a appeal_n to_o himself_o and_o upon_o a_o just_a retirement_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o he_o put_v not_o a_o bar_n against_o his_o own_o conviction_n he_o will_v yield_v that_o a_o tribute_n ought_v to_o be_v pay_v by_o the_o body_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n unto_o that_o infinite_a be_v which_o make_v both_o and_o consequent_o he_o must_v condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o who_o to_o support_v their_o schsm_n separate_v their_o very_a soul_n from_o their_o body_n unman_v themselves_o to_o ungod_n the_o deity_n pay_v more_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n on_o earth_n than_o to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o crouch_v to_o his_o footstool_n when_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o bow_v to_o his_o throne_n chap._n xiii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o a_o second_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v that_o those_o who_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a reformation_n separate_v from_o we_o whilst_o they_o yet_o live_v among_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o attribute_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o the_o object_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o the_o infinite_a distance_n that_o be_v betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o because_o their_o prayer_n be_v common_o a_o very_a rude_a indigested_a heap_n rash_o conceive_v and_o utter_v extempore_o fraught_v too_o frequent_o with_o impertinency_n and_o nonsense_n and_o have_v too_o often_o become_v the_o cause_n of_o blasphemy_n also_o and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o be_v otherwise_o when_o their_o principle_n will_v not_o give_v they_o time_n to_o think_v nor_o mind_n well_o what_o they_o utter_a so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o sail_v betwixt_o these_o rock_n and_o dash_v themselves_o against_o neither_o the_o wind_n and_o tide_n be_v their_o only_a friend_n and_o their_o safety_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o steeridge_n of_o the_o pilot_n nor_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o own_o pain_n and_o skill_n when_o they_o allow_v not_o themselves_o time_n to_o employ_v either_o
neither_o especial_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o meanness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o address_v and_o consider_v well_o that_o reverential_a fear_n and_o awful_a tremble_a that_o become_v those_o who_o worship_n at_o his_o footstool_n who_o have_v life_n and_o death_n at_o his_o disposal_n if_o any_o thing_n require_v a_o thoughtful_a consideration_n certain_o our_o prayer_n may_v command_v it_o from_o we_o nay_o suppose_v he_o who_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o a_o gift_a man_n to_o have_v the_o quick_a conception_n and_o the_o most_o voluble_a tongue_n that_o any_o among_o the_o numerous_a race_n of_o adam_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o yet_o consider_v too_o that_o the_o disposition_n and_o activity_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v very_o obsequious_a to_o the_o temperament_n of_o their_o body_n that_o this_o often_o alter_v with_o the_o weather_n and_o distemper_n create_v such_o change_n in_o they_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v one_o day_n lively_a and_o brisk_a have_v his_o apprehension_n quick_a j_o his_o conception_n nimble_a his_o judgement_n clear_a and_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o sprightly_a fancy_n a_o ready_a invention_n and_o utter_v all_o with_o very_o neat_a full_a and_o significant_a expression_n yet_o perhaps_o on_o the_o morrow_n or_o oftentimes_o the_o same_o day_n this_o ingenious_a person_n be_v dull_a and_o unactive_a his_o faculty_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n forsake_v he_o as_o if_o his_o soul_n be_v earth_v in_o some_o thick_a matter_n or_o be_v about_o to_o leave_v its_o habitation_n i_o say_v when_o we_o conclude_v such_o change_n possible_a as_o all_o know_v it_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n we_o must_v also_o yield_v that_o if_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n than_o happen_v rashness_n and_o indecency_n must_v frequent_o attend_v the_o matter_n method_n and_o phrase_n too_o of_o those_o who_o utter_v their_o unpremeditated_a invention_n but_o beside_o these_o indisposition_n of_o our_o body_n which_o affect_v our_o mind_n the_o care_n and_o accident_n which_o raise_v commotion_n whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o world_n that_o relate_v to_o oeconomy_n trade_n and_o converse_v with_o other_o become_v such_o as_o unsettle_v our_o mind_n and_o render_v our_o thought_n volatile_a and_o unfixed_a so_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o in_o temper_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v rage_a and_o foam_v like_o the_o sea_n in_o a_o storm_n our_o conception_n and_o thought_n become_v as_o nimble_a as_o the_o swift_a arrow_n we_o shoot_v at_o one_o mark_n and_o hit_v upon_o another_o and_o hasten_v from_o the_o first_o object_n to_o a_o second_o and_o when_o we_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n like_o a_o run_a stream_n pass_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o how_o unfit_a we_o must_v be_v to_o keep_v our_o thought_n and_o conception_n to_o any_o one_o theme_n to_o invent_v matter_n and_o suitable_a word_n to_o express_v it_o in_o any_o person_n that_o will_v allow_v himself_o time_n to_o consider_v may_v easy_o determine_v without_o any_o assistance_n from_o another_o now_o private_a prayer_n it_o be_v true_a may_v be_v defer_v till_o our_o trouble_n and_o distemper_n be_v over_o and_o time_n or_o physic_n have_v reduce_v our_o mind_n to_o their_o former_a consistency_n by_o withdraw_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o indisposition_n and_o distraction_n but_o our_o public_a devotion_n be_v necessary_o appoint_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n can_v admit_v such_o prudential_a remedy_n and_o then_o perhaps_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o large_a congregation_n may_v come_v upon_o our_o gift_a man_n when_o they_o have_v these_o trouble_n fit_n or_o disease_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o these_o thing_n one_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v discern_v for_o the_o people_n must_v either_o be_v open_o dismiss_v without_o any_o public_a service_n at_o all_o or_o they_o must_v offer_v unto_o god_n what_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v present_v unto_o man_n and_o all_o must_v suffer_v for_o the_o personal_a infirmity_n of_o one_o man_n but_o this_o do_v not_o happen_v among_o those_o who_o use_v a_o form_n and_o liturgy_n prepare_v for_o they_o because_o a_o minister_n although_o something_o indispose_v may_v read_v it_o before_o the_o people_n and_o though_o his_o own_o mind_n may_v be_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v yet_o the_o people_n if_o they_o please_v may_v be_v affectionate_a and_o devout_a and_o to_o confirm_v this_o charge_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o in_o public_a have_v use_v extempore_o and_o conceive_v prayer_n can_v deny_v this_o observation_n upon_o his_o own_o experiment_n so_o i_o have_v often_o in_o the_o late_a time_n and_o since_o too_o hear_v person_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o this_o extempore_o delusion_n begin_v their_o address_n to_o god_n almighty_a methodical_o and_o well_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v inform_v he_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o yet_o the_o prayer_n before_o they_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o conclusion_n either_o through_o weariness_n of_o invention_n or_o some_o other_o infirmity_n have_v be_v fraught_v not_o only_o with_o weakness_n and_o indiscretion_n but_o with_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o unless_o mystical_a nonsense_n may_v demonstrate_v inspiration_n and_o turn_v in_o a_o parenthesis_n so_o long_o that_o the_o first_o half_a sentence_n be_v forget_v and_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o end_n to_o join_v to_o it_o become_v a_o ornament_n to_o a_o petition_n now_o what_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v possess_v such_o man_n who_o present_v to_o he_o such_o impertinent_a uncivil_a and_o nonsensical_a prayer_n nay_o how_o suitable_a such_o deportment_n be_v to_o the_o god_n who_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o worship_n i_o willing_o leave_v to_o all_o sober_a and_o wise_a man_n serious_o to_o consider_v and_o i_o hope_v the_o adversary_n to_o our_o establish_a method_n of_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o public_a will_v never_o so_o far_o desert_n themselves_o nor_o depart_v from_o their_o own_o policy_n and_o craft_n in_o provoke_v any_o of_o our_o church_n to_o instance_n in_o particular_n since_o they_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o evidence_n to_o be_v have_v i_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v account_v a_o man_n of_o no_o mean_a gift_n before_o major_a weir_n staff_n blossom_v who_o when_o he_o have_v a_o view_n of_o his_o own_o prayer_n take_v by_o another_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n on_o a_o fastday_n will_v not_o believe_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o he_o ever_o utter_v it_o but_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o he_o can_v not_o with_o any_o modesty_n or_o reason_n refuse_v he_o be_v present_o abash_v and_o for_o the_o future_a betake_v himself_o to_o a_o safe_a method_n however_o if_o man_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n that_o extravagancy_n of_o this_o nature_n almost_o necessary_a to_o extempore_o prayer_n can_v possible_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o great_a god_n nor_o any_o way_n comport_v with_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n who_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o glory_n and_o perfection_n the_o mean_a person_n and_o the_o low_a capacity_n may_v reasonable_o determine_v and_o without_o a_o prompter_n easy_o judge_v in_o this_o affair_n chap._n fourteen_o i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o to_o a_o three_o argument_n against_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o separatist_n as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o who_o they_o adore_v and_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n betwixt_o the_o deity_n and_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v frequent_o fill_v with_o tautology_n and_o vain_a repetition_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o that_o have_v be_v strict_a or_o loose_v observer_n of_o those_o crude_a and_o indigested_a prayer_n which_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o extempore_o devotionist_n who_o have_v undertake_v thus_o to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o what_o ever_o form_n they_o may_v reserve_v for_o themselves_o but_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v a_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a caution_n to_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o present_a homage_n and_o worship_n to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o we_o all_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v he_o use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v matth._n 6.7_o and_o though_o christ_n may_v speak_v syriack_n at_o the_o delivery_n yet_o the_o evangelist_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o prohibition_n who_o language_n become_v the_o original_a unto_o we_o by_o who_o also_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o action_n be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n have_v write_v in_o greek_a we_o must_v