have_v any_o regard_n to_o god_n our_o merciful_a creator_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o person_n so_o simple_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o eloquency_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o unusual_a expression_n can_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o heart_n that_o god_n eye_n in_o all_o our_o service_n the_o whisper_n and_o private_a complaint_n of_o the_o one_o be_v hear_v when_o the_o loud_a cry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v reject_v the_o door_n of_o mercy_n fly_v open_a at_o the_o beat_n of_o a_o devout_a heart_n when_o it_o remain_v bolt_v at_o the_o furious_a assault_n of_o the_o most_o eloquent_a tongue_n therefore_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a regard_n in_o prayer_n to_o examine_v that_o which_o be_v most_o please_a to_o god_n not_o that_o which_o gratify_v our_o own_o humour_n we_o shall_v choose_v those_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o wherein_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v as_o well_o concern_v as_o our_o tongue_n in_o order_n thereunto_o as_o the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a help_n that_o we_o can_v procure_v both_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a to_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o ignorant_a i_o see_v no_o reason_n wherefore_o man_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o they_o and_o extemporary_a prayer_n set_v up_o those_o form_n i_o mean_v where_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o not_o only_a word_n where_o the_o conception_n be_v plain_o express_v and_o the_o prayer_n fit_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o weak_a capacity_n they_o can_v never_o be_v too_o plain_a nor_o too_o easy_a and_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o learned_a ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o a_o trouble_n to_o condescend_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n to_o request_v word_v in_o a_o manner_n answerable_a to_o the_o mean_a ability_n for_o christianity_n require_v from_o they_o a_o union_n with_o the_o weak_a of_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v in_o as_o great_a a_o likelihood_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o obtain_v god_n glory_n as_o person_n of_o the_o great_a reach_n and_o judgement_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o upbraid_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n with_o too_o much_o formality_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o set_a form_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o new_a compose_a prayer_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o we_o ourselves_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o people_n do_v not_o give_v cause_n for_o this_o aspersion_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o deceive_v the_o ignorant_a with_o its_o first_o plausible_a appearance_n let_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o formality_n nor_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o it_o because_o that_o we_o use_v set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n but_o because_o we_o use_v they_o not_o right_a with_o that_o devotion_n respect_n humility_n and_o inward_a affection_n as_o become_v christian_n and_o petitioner_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n because_o in_o our_o public_a service_n we_o repeat_v only_o the_o word_n and_o mind_v not_o the_o utter_v they_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o some_o make_v it_o only_o a_o trade_n to_o go_v to_o prayer_n other_o run_v they_o over_o as_o a_o task_n and_o too_o many_o mind_n the_o form_n but_o few_o mind_n the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o express_v and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o those_o inward_a qualification_n and_o outward_a humility_n that_o i_o have_v now_o recommend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n this_o cause_v i_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o examine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n i_o can_v name_v a_o great_a many_o cause_n that_o we_o ourselves_o give_v but_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o for_o brevity_n sake_n to_o these_o six_o follow_v first_o i_o must_v accuse_v the_o clergy_n both_o high_a and_o low_a great_a and_o small_a for_o have_v give_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o rubric_n by_o their_o indifferent_a practice_n by_o their_o over_o hasty_a read_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o omission_n of_o that_o respect_n which_o they_o shall_v outward_o express_v and_o that_o devotion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n they_o give_v occasion_n to_o many_o to_o slight_v the_o very_a prayer_n themselves_o as_o they_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n to_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v the_o people_n example_n and_o pattern_n to_o show_v they_o how_o to_o beg_v god_n mercy_n as_o well_o as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v they_o for_o their_o relief_n and_o the_o great_a care_n they_o shall_v take_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o reverence_n because_o their_o practice_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v of_o so_o great_a a_o consequence_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o esteem_v those_o prayer_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o person_n that_o officiate_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v read_v over_o the_o prayer_n not_o as_o we_o peruse_v a_o story_n in_o a_o book_n but_o with_o his_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o upon_o his_o knee_n he_o ought_v to_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n as_o if_o he_o be_v speak_v to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n visible_o present_a and_o to_o deliver_v they_o with_o the_o most_o apparent_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n of_o reverence_n and_o earnestness_n imaginable_a endeavour_v to_o grace_v the_o godly_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o thy_o graceful_a and_o comely_a delivery_n with_o thy_o decent_a and_o respectful_a posture_n and_o gesture_n and_o let_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o assembly_n learn_v from_o thou_o my_o reverend_a brother_n the_o manner_n how_o to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o prayer_n o_o let_v not_o the_o negligence_n and_o sloathfulness_n of_o so_o many_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n but_o strive_v to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v thyself_o that_o this_o disposition_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o thy_o hearer_n i_o speak_v to_o you_o chief_o who_o office_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v to_o sing_v daily_a praise_n to_o god_n in_o cathedral_n church_n think_v not_o that_o you_o have_v sufficient_o discharge_v your_o duty_n if_o you_o have_v observe_v your_o distance_n your_o tune_n and_o please_v the_o auditor_n with_o your_o melodious_a voice_n o_o remember_v my_o christian_a brother_n that_o thou_o must_v likewise_o please_v thy_o god_n with_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o tune_n as_o well_o his_o praise_n with_o the_o inward_a affection_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o outward_a concert_n of_o music_n take_v heed_n lest_o thy_o behaviour_n or_o thy_o negligent_a discharge_n of_o thy_o duty_n give_v scandal_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o weakness_n which_o thou_o may_v discover_v at_o such_o a_o time_n second_o another_o cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n give_v by_o the_o clergy_n be_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o wealthy_a clergy_n who_o seldom_o read_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o unless_o it_o be_v some_o small_a portion_n but_o common_o employ_v their_o deacon_n or_o the_o mean_a person_n of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o rubric_n as_o if_o that_o office_n be_v too_o mean_a for_o their_o promotion_n and_o dignity_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a employment_n that_o we_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o it_o make_v we_o like_o our_o divine_a and_o great_a saviour_n who_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o request_n be_v there_o any_o that_o name_v himself_o a_o christian_n that_o scorn_v to_o imitate_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n no_o person_n can_v be_v too_o worthy_a for_o so_o excellent_a a_o employment_n and_o because_o the_o usual_a method_n observe_v in_o cathedral_n can_v well_o be_v change_v i_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o superior_a clergy_n the_o bishop_n the_o dean_n and_o the_o canon_n will_v sometime_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o have_v total_o appropriate_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o foundation_n and_o society_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v remove_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o disesteem_a of_o our_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v and_o entertain_v thereby_o for_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_n
their_o prejudices_fw-la therefore_o against_o our_o rubric_n be_v more_o dangerous_a but_o if_o a_o judicious_a and_o pious_a soul_n will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o sift_v they_o out_o and_o examine_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la they_o shall_v either_o find_v none_o or_o such_o slender_a one_o as_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o wonder_v at_o their_o stiffneckedness_n and_o strange_a fancy_n such_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o render_v they_o most_o ridiculous_a to_o all_o foreign_a church_n of_o christ_n their_o most_o ordinary_a and_o popular_a complaint_n be_v that_o it_o be_v popish_a and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n a_o error_n which_o any_o man_n will_v acknowledge_v if_o he_o will_v but_o compare_v our_o prayer_n with_o the_o popish_a prayer_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o rome_n can_v that_o be_v popish_a which_o oppose_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n against_o all_o the_o heresy_n plot_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o antichristian_a pope_n at_o rome_n can_v that_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v popish_a which_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o which_o their_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n embrace_v as_o most_o consonant_a with_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n may_v with_o as_o much_o likelihood_n be_v say_v to_o be_v popish_a or_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n because_o the_o papist_n have_v they_o in_o their_o breviarium_fw-la to_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n this_o accusation_n appear_v a_o mere_a calumny_n unless_o any_o of_o those_o refine_a soul_n can_v spy_v out_o and_o show_v we_o any_o particular_a in_o the_o common-prayer_n which_o savour_v of_o the_o romish_a error_n and_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o pope_n interest_n among_o we_o but_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a practice_n of_o abusive_a tongue_n when_o they_o can_v instance_n any_o certain_a crime_n to_o bring_v their_o accusation_n in_o gross_a that_o their_o malice_n may_v be_v less_o discernible_a and_o their_o charge_n may_v be_v more_o weighty_a but_o let_v not_o the_o vain_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n deter_v thou_o my_o christian_a brother_n from_o make_v use_n with_o comfort_n to_o thy_o soul_n of_o these_o godly_a prayer_n let_v not_o these_o mistake_a brethren_n infect_v thy_o judgement_n with_o the_o same_o troublesome_a error_n examine_v and_o try_v search_v into_o every_o corner_n of_o this_o book_n and_o see_v whether_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o colour_n of_o popery_n that_o be_v to_o say_v any_o sign_n of_o those_o error_n which_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n let_v not_o their_o imposture_n prevail_v so_o much_o upon_o thy_o discretion_n as_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o take_v for_o popery_n what_o be_v agreeable_a with_o christ_n true_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v most_o conformable_a of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o belief_n government_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o in_o this_o of_o the_o liturgy_n our_o church_n recommend_v that_o manner_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v most_o like_a that_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o our_o government_n and_o condition_n as_o our_o glorious_a martyr_n and_o our_o late_a sovereign_n of_o bless_a memory_n declare_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n all_o other_o accusation_n as_o well_o as_o this_o savour_v more_o of_o malice_n and_o displeasure_n than_o right_a reason_n and_o tend_v to_o this_o ungracious_a end_n to_o abolish_v order_n and_o method_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o introduce_v a_o sad_a and_o unreasonable_a confusion_n in_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n let_v therefore_o every_o good_a christian_a take_v heed_n if_o he_o himself_o have_v such_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o these_o form_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n that_o he_o can_v use_v they_o himself_o with_o any_o comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o disturb_v not_o other_o mind_n with_o the_o same_o schismatical_a mistake_n and_o spread_v not_o abroad_o what_o i_o can_v wish_v be_v consign_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n let_v he_o not_o hinder_v other_o from_o the_o benefit_n which_o they_o may_v reap_v from_o a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o these_o prayer_n to_o god_n abstain_v my_o christian_a brother_n from_o blaspheme_v that_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v or_o that_o which_o thou_o hate_v without_o a_o just_a cause_n draw_v not_o other_o into_o the_o same_o prejudice_n and_o be_v not_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v our_o devotion_n not_o acceptable_a to_o our_o good_a god_n because_o thou_o have_v a_o implacable_a displeasure_n against_o they_o think_v not_o that_o piety_n be_v confine_v to_o thy_o breast_n alone_o and_o to_o those_o of_o thy_o sect._n lay_v aside_o i_o beseech_v thou_o that_o bitterness_n that_o peevishness_n and_o froward_a temper_n which_o make_v thou_o fret_v at_o our_o good_a order_n and_o christian_a discipline_n if_o thou_o perceive_v any_o fault_n coldness_n dulness_n or_o unhandsome_a action_n in_o private_a person_n charge_v not_o their_o miscarriage_n upon_o our_o church_n or_o rubric_n but_o be_v so_o reasonable_a not_o to_o proclaim_v thy_o unreasonable_a distaste_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o and_o thyself_o six_o i_o can_v forget_v to_o mention_v another_o cause_n of_o man_n contempt_n of_o our_o form_n and_o rubric_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o that_o manner_n of_o present_v they_o to_o god_n which_o may_v cause_v they_o to_o meet_v with_o true_a comfort_n and_o real_a benefit_n for_o i_o know_v some_o that_o have_v constant_o attend_v at_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v for_o many_o year_n scarce_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n that_o do_v invite_v they_o yet_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n find_v that_o inward_a content_n which_o they_o now_o think_v to_o receive_v from_o new_a modes_n of_o prayer_n and_o at_o last_o have_v total_o forsake_v they_o cry_v out_o most_o bitter_o against_o their_o former_a formality_n lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o prayer_n as_o if_o that_o unfit_a temper_n proceed_v from_o the_o prayer_n and_o not_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o when_o it_o be_v strengthen_v by_o prejudice_n education_n or_o interest_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n at_o our_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v from_o they_o this_o ignorance_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o of_o our_o public_a peace_n which_o if_o any_o person_n be_v willing_a to_o expel_v for_o his_o own_o and_o the_o church_n benefit_n let_v he_o serious_o consider_v and_o make_v use_n of_o these_o direction_n which_o will_v show_v he_o how_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n with_o comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n i_o have_v already_o set_v down_o general_a direction_n to_o pray_v well_o which_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o learn_v to_o practice_n in_o all_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n particular_a three_o particular_a but_o beside_o those_o which_o suit_n with_o all_o temper_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o suppose_v that_o some_o advice_n beside_o may_v be_v give_v more_o particular_o and_o more_o proper_a for_o those_o person_n among_o we_o that_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o our_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n and_o prejudice_v against_o it_o some_o advice_n i_o mean_v that_o may_v have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o their_o causeless_a mistake_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_o i_o judge_v many_o stand_n in_o great_a need_n of_o these_o direction_n who_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o other_o kind_n of_o devotion_n for_o prejudice_n here_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o learn_v or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o practise_v what_o their_o affection_n teach_v they_o in_o other_o case_n to_o perform_v without_o a_o teacher_n if_o we_o may_v have_v the_o charity_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v true_o and_o zealous_o affect_v in_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o their_o minister_n composure_n and_o that_o they_o can_v join_v their_o heart_n in_o devotion_n with_o they_o for_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o those_o person_n that_o seem_v outward_o to_o be_v so_o dispose_v be_v real_o so_o in_o
call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n a_o great_a humility_n in_o such_o a_o case_n aught_o to_o prepare_v our_o person_n and_o prayer_n for_o god_n acceptance_n the_o more_o unworthy_a sin_n have_v make_v we_o the_o more_o lowly_a aught_o our_o approache_n to_o be_v to_o he_o the_o alteration_n in_o our_o behaviour_n shall_v cause_v a_o alteration_n in_o our_o soul_n before_o we_o present_v ourselves_o fore_o god_n instead_o of_o alienate_v our_o mind_n from_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o weakness_n shall_v encourage_v we_o to_o fly_v to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o seek_v from_o his_o all-sufficiency_n strength_n against_o future_a temptation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o will_v have_v a_o repent_a christian_a understand_v that_o god_n our_o merciful_a creator_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o estrange_v from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v from_o he_o the_o sin_n that_o disorder_v our_o soul_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o shun_v his_o presence_n may_v cause_v he_o to_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o good_a but_o it_o will_v never_o oblige_v he_o to_o cast_v we_o away_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o our_o guiltiness_n in_o we_o accompany_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v long_o a_o impediment_n to_o our_o prayer_n or_o the_o cause_n to_o interrupt_v our_o daily_a correspondency_n with_o god_n morning_n and_o evening_n for_o we_o see_v it_o often_o happen_v by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o by_o such_o a_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n many_o be_v insensible_o bring_v into_o dangerous_a snare_n and_o god_n withdraw_v his_o protection_n from_o such_o as_o be_v not_o mindful_a to_o take_v it_o along_o with_o they_o to_o avoid_v such_o miscarriage_n and_o danger_n prayer_n be_v as_o needful_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o beginning_n and_o close_a of_o the_o day_n as_o armour_n and_o weapon_n to_o a_o soldier_n and_o shoe_n and_o clothing_n to_o a_o traveller_n to_o defend_v he_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o way_n and_o weather_n it_o embolden_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o accident_n it_o give_v life_n and_o heart_n to_o a_o christian_a and_o make_v he_o walk_v every_o where_o and_o lie_v down_o with_o david_n confidence_n though_o i_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o ill_a for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o psal_n 23._o sure_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n psal_n 4.6_o likewise_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o danger_n at_o the_o tiding_n of_o loss_n or_o success_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o any_o business_n of_o weight_n or_o moment_n and_o at_o several_a other_o time_n and_o occasion_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o chief_a and_o only_a author_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a happiness_n for_o as_o this_o devotion_n will_v disappoint_v the_o mischievous_a intent_n of_o evil_n and_o cross_n it_o will_v infallible_o draw_v a_o blessing_n upon_o all_o our_o undertake_n i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v in_o this_o book_n to_o furnish_v you_o my_o christian_a brethren_n with_o all_o the_o prayer_n that_o be_v suitable_a for_o many_o occasion_n and_o casualty_n and_o accident_n needful_a in_o these_o wicked_a and_o dangerous_a time_n in_o which_o we_o now_o live_v if_o you_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o the_o manner_n as_o you_o ought_v you_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o success_n the_o prayer_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n have_v a_o invincible_a power_n the_o whole_a creation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v or_o render_v ineffectual_a the_o religious_a prayer_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n joshua_n prayer_n arrest_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o its_o course_n moses_n prayer_n dry_v up_o the_o water_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o israelite_n prayer_n undermine_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n hezekiahs_n prayer_n obtain_v fifteen_o year_n to_o his_o life_n already_o condemn_v by_o the_o furiousness_n of_o a_o disease_n natural_o irrecoverable_a and_o cause_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n david_n by_o his_o prayer_n march_v safe_a through_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v secure_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o rise_n and_o tumult_n of_o his_o enemy_n ahab_n humility_n and_o prayer_n suspend_v and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o god_n judgement_n that_o be_v go_v to_o fall_v upon_o his_o idolatrous_a house_n manasses_n prayer_n free_v he_o from_o the_o chain_n of_o babylon_n and_o restore_v he_o against_o all_o probability_n to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o throne_n daniel_n prayer_n shut_v up_o the_o lion_n mouth_n and_o disarm_v those_o furious_a beast_n esther_n prayer_n change_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n establish_v against_o against_o the_o jew_n and_o cause_v the_o mischief_n to_o fall_v upon_o their_o enemy_n head_n the_o church_n prayer_n unfettered_a st._n peter_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o guard_n opâ—ned_v for_o he_o the_o iron_n gâ—te_n and_o set_v he_o at_o liberty_n elijah_n prayer_n shut_v and_o open_v thâ—_n window_n of_o heaven_n the_o thunder_a roman_a legion_n by_o prayer_n relieve_v their_o fellow_n soldier_n with_o fresh_a shower_n of_o rain_n and_o discomfit_v their_o enemy_n with_o strange_a lightning_n and_o thunder_n so_o many_o and_o such_o strange_a event_n above_o all_o expectation_n and_o humane_a power_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o zealous_a prayer_n that_o we_o have_v good_a cause_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n whilst_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o pray_v the_o heaven_n the_o sea_n the_o earth_n the_o element_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n animate_v and_o inanimate_a seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n for_o the_o great_a author_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o create_a being_n cause_v they_o to_o yield_v help_n to_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o contrite_a petitioner_n as_o they_o be_v always_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o at_o his_o disposal_n he_o employ_v they_o in_o their_o relief_n and_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o desire_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o own_o glory_n what_o be_v not_o prayer_n able_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v when_o it_o intâ—râ—sseth_v a_o almighty_a power_n and_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n in_o our_o affair_n and_o fetch_v to_o its_o assistance_n that_o same_o omnipotency_n that_o create_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o nihil_fw-la fortius_fw-la say_v a_o father_n homine_fw-la legitime_fw-la orante_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o powerful_a than_o a_o man_n pray_v as_o he_o ought_v for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o petitioner_n but_o upon_o god_n promise_n that_o be_v unchangeable_a christ_n merit_n that_o be_v true_o meritorious_a and_o his_o intercession_n that_o be_v unresistable_a at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n where_o he_o sit_v above_o this_o unconstant_a world_n he_o be_v employ_v in_o offer_v up_o the_o request_n of_o his_o member_n and_o servant_n on_o earth_n and_o there_o before_o the_o mercy_n seat_n to_o perfume_v they_o with_o the_o frankineense_n of_o his_o passion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n whilst_o we_o have_v such_o a_o prevail_a mediator_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prayer_n proccee_v from_o a_o humble_a soul_n sit_v for_o the_o acceptance_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o feel_v thyself_o indispose_v or_o not_o able_a to_o offer_v up_o thy_o prayer_n with_o that_o devotion_n that_o be_v requisite_a be_v not_o therefore_o discourage_v despair_v not_o of_o the_o success_n know_v for_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o thy_o weakness_n as_o thy_o negligence_n not_o so_o much_o thy_o inability_n as_o thy_o sloth_n and_o indisposition_n that_o clog_v thy_o prayer_n and_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o ascent_n to_o heaven_n know_v for_o certain_a that_o god_n regard_v more_o humility_n truth_n and_o sincerity_n than_o the_o flourish_n of_o wit_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o language_n or_o the_o vehemency_n of_o the_o expression_n in_o all_o thy_o request_n that_o the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n or_o of_o a_o devout_a soul_n be_v more_o powerful_a with_o god_n than_o the_o strong_a argument_n or_o the_o long_a prayer_n god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o proportion_v his_o mercy_n only_o to_o our_o deserve_n or_o reason_n but_o rather_o out_o of_o his_o inexhaustible_a treasury_n to_o take_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o man_n beyond_o all_o merit_n and_o expectation_n therefore_o slack_v not_o thy_o endeavour_n to_o pray_v well_o god_n greatness_n and_o thy_o estate_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o call_v for_o the_o great_a respect_n the_o profound_a
corrupt_v either_o the_o judgement_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o render_v they_o more_o unfit_a for_o god_n great_a design_n in_o our_o redemption_n but_o they_o never_o offer_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n or_o to_o thwart_v the_o common_a practice_n recommend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o well-advised_a piety_n of_o their_o predecessor_n this_o strange_a attempt_n be_v reserve_v for_o these_o last_o and_o worst_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o impiety_n which_o can_v never_o find_v entertainment_n among_o the_o primitive_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n have_v be_v greedy_o embrace_v by_o some_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n under_o the_o usual_a deceive_a pretence_n of_o purity_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v religious_a who_o slander_n condemn_v blaspheme_v and_o contradict_v the_o religious_a practice_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o christian_n as_o if_o irregularity_n and_o a_o affect_a sigularity_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o render_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n for_o that_o purpose_n we_o have_v see_v they_o to_o our_o great_a grief_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o former_a age_n have_v recommend_v to_o we_o and_o because_o they_o can_v not_o spy_v in_o they_o any_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v they_o we_o have_v see_v these_o over_o zealous_a brethren_n general_o exclaim_v against_o all_o form_n as_o unlawful_a irreligious_a and_o popish_a leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o irregular_a dictate_v of_o their_o passion_n and_o presumptuous_a mind_n a_o mistake_n of_o a_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o oppose_v the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o you_o please_v to_o examine_v holy_a scripture_n concern_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n you_o shall_v not_o find_v a_o church_n nor_o congregation_n profess_v the_o truth_n without_o set_a form_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v say_v when_o enos_n seth_n son_n be_v bear_v and_o that_o man_n begin_v to_o increase_v they_o begin_v also_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n cen._n 4.26_o which_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d simple_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n as_o if_o before_o that_o time_n neither_o adam_n nor_o eve_n have_v ever_o mind_v to_o call_v upon_o he_o nor_o none_o of_o their_o child_n for_o both_o cain_n and_o abel_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o substance_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o continuance_n of_o his_o blessing_n beside_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o adam_n a_o man_n create_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o holiness_n who_o can_v not_o be_v insensible_a of_o our_o dependency_n upon_o and_o want_v of_o god_n daily_a mercy_n who_o have_v see_v his_o wonderful_a power_n in_o the_o creaton_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v forget_v to_o teach_v his_o child_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n holy_a name_n but_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o call_n upon_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o public_a society_n and_o with_o set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n answerable_a to_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o solemnize_n the_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o prayer_n praise_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o protection_n according_a to_o a_o certain_a manner_n appoint_v by_o the_o religious_a person_n of_o those_o day_n therefore_o in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n employ_v to_o signify_v in_o this_o passage_n call_v upon_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d derive_v from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o meet_v together_o and_o assemble_v or_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d public_o to_o read_v and_o declare_v or_o cry_v out_o because_o that_o this_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o these_o first_o man_n of_o the_o ancient_a world_n be_v perform_v in_o their_o public_a meeting_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o service_n and_o ordinary_a worship_n appoint_v and_o observe_v by_o the_o distinct_a read_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o infer_v sufficient_o that_o they_o have_v public_a place_n appoint_v person_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n be_v entrust_v and_o a_o common_a manner_n prescribe_v to_o they_o in_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v to_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o people_n further_o it_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n that_o the_o prophet_n david_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o many_o of_o his_o psalm_n he_o use_v the_o same_o significant_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a verse_n of_o the_o 116_o psalm_n and_o the_o 13_o verse_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o cup_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v usual_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o public_a sacrifice_n a_o type_n of_o our_o christian_a eucharist_n i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o calling_n signify_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v to_o he_o read_v those_o form_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o relate_v the_o passage_n of_o former_a time_n to_o allude_v by_o the_o expression_n to_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o those_o action_n that_o be_v mention_v thus_o david_n in_o the_o 79th_o psalm_n verse_n 6._o desire_n god_n to_o send_v down_o his_o judgement_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v not_o know_v he_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d derive_v from_o the_o same_o root_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v send_v down_o thy_o judgement_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n which_o call_v not_o upon_o thou_o in_o public_a meeting_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o set_n nor_o appoint_v worship_n for_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o use_v in_o glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o in_o many_o other_o psalm_n david_n use_v the_o same_o expression_n which_o import_v a_o public_a assembly_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o praise_n and_o prayer_n in_o his_o divine_a worship_n when_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v upon_o god_n this_o observation_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n both_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o roman_n have_v their_o constant_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o yet_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o poet_n it_o seem_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o judicious_a and_o pious_a custom_n from_o the_o first_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o god_n people_n be_v accustom_v to_o do_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n these_o heathen_n do_v common_o practise_v the_o same_o in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o false_a god_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o their_o hymn_n and_o other_o ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n but_o this_o religious_a use_n of_o set_a form_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v by_o the_o song_n of_o triumph_n compose_v by_o moses_n and_o miriam_n exod._n 15._o after_o pharaoh_n overthrow_n in_o the_o red-sea_n moses_n the_o 9th_o psalm_n be_v a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n by_o the_o word_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n by_o the_o other_o institution_n and_o passage_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o chiesly_a by_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n which_o hezekiah_n restore_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o chron._n 29.25_o that_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psaltery_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n observe_v what_o be_v add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n it_o seem_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o observe_v of_o a_o prescribe_a form_n be_v no_o human_a institution_n but_o proceed_v from_o
man_n take_v occasion_n to_o contemn_v religion_n itself_o when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o low_a of_o his_o people_n the_o priest_n of_o his_o high_a place_n and_o the_o promoter_n of_o religion_n so_o likewise_o in_o our_o time_n man_n especial_o our_o enemy_n be_v more_o inclinable_a to_o despise_v our_o excellent_a prayer_n because_o they_o be_v most_o employ_v to_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a station_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v but_o sorrowful_a ability_n three_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v another_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n despise_v our_o godly_a prayer_n which_o many_o minister_n who_o be_v too_o high_o conceit_v of_o their_o part_n do_v give_v it_o be_v in_o mangle_v cut_v short_a and_o leave_v out_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v more_o room_n for_o the_o delivery_n of_o their_o own_o proud_a conception_n either_o in_o prayer_n or_o a_o sermon_n contrary_a to_o the_o public_a injunction_n of_o our_o superior_n for_o by_o this_o action_n they_o declare_v open_o their_o own_o disrespect_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n their_o unwillingness_n to_o use_v they_o that_o they_o be_v thereunto_o mere_o compel_v and_o their_o too_o high_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o when_o the_o people_n see_v they_o hasten_v they_o over_o so_o speedy_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o be_v prejudice_v with_o strange_a conceit_n of_o these_o excellent_a prayer_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o esteem_v nor_o use_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v my_o reverend_a brethren_n not_o to_o shorten_v the_o public_a prayer_n but_o careful_o diligent_o and_o constant_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n command_v and_o which_o they_o be_v the_o more_o engage_v to_o obey_v because_o their_o disobedience_n be_v apt_a to_o encourage_v and_o foment_n the_o people_n disregard_n of_o these_o prayer_n which_o they_o may_v use_v with_o so_o much_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n have_v they_o that_o affection_n for_o they_o which_o they_o real_o deserve_v four_o the_o public_a behaviour_n of_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n and_o person_n who_o example_n be_v regard_v be_v another_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n disesteem_a of_o our_o liturgy_n when_o man_n of_o learning_n of_o wealth_n and_o of_o honour_n assist_v at_o the_o devotion_n of_o their_o brethren_n without_o express_v any_o respect_n for_o they_o and_o without_o bear_v any_o part_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n other_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v almost_o in_o every_o congregation_n some_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v common_o distaste_v at_o some_o part_n of_o our_o pray_n or_o praise_v of_o god_n in_o which_o they_o will_v show_v no_o sign_n of_o devotion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o so_o religious_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v therefore_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o if_o they_o bring_v their_o body_n to_o the_o public_a prayer_n though_o they_o remain_v there_o in_o god_n presence_n as_o so_o many_o stock_n or_o brute_n without_o express_v any_o devotion_n for_o the_o prayer_n or_o any_o worship_n to_o their_o creator_n if_o these_o seasonable_a line_n shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o you_o who_o nobility_n and_o extraction_n deserve_v the_o esteem_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n consider_v how_o high_o you_o yourselves_o will_v be_v offend_v if_o your_o servant_n and_o tenant_n shall_v appear_v before_o you_o to_o demand_v your_o assistance_n in_o their_o want_n with_o as_o much_o disrespect_n as_o you_o appear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n unto_o who_o you_o be_v but_o tenant_n for_o life_n or_o it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o short_a time_n will_v you_o be_v ready_a to_o reward_v their_o contempt_n of_o your_o person_n with_o the_o grant_n of_o their_o desire_n will_v not_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o check_v their_o impudence_n and_o sauciness_n if_o they_o shall_v treat_v you_o as_o they_o do_v their_o labourer_n and_o what_o think_v you_o my_o lord_n and_o gentleman_n of_o your_o disrespectful_a and_o contemptuous_a approach_n before_o god_n your_o great_a creator_n do_v not_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o assistance_n and_o blessing_n and_o if_o you_o do_v be_v this_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o to_o slight_v those_o prayer_n which_o be_v present_v to_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o your_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o your_o own_o honour_n be_v not_o the_o great_a clown_n of_o your_o congregation_n in_o god_n presence_n but_o as_o you_o excel_v the_o rest_n in_o nobility_n of_o blood_n endeavour_v to_o excel_v they_o also_o in_o your_o respect_n to_o god_n in_o your_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n to_o he_o render_v to_o he_o public_o with_o your_o body_n that_o homage_n which_o he_o claim_v and_o deserve_v from_o you_o for_o all_o his_o favour_n interess_n yourselves_o in_o our_o praise_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n and_o in_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o employ_v the_o credit_n of_o your_o estate_n and_o promotion_n which_o god_n providence_n have_v give_v you_o to_o promote_v his_o glory_n and_o worship_n why_o shall_v you_o be_v so_o unthankful_a to_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o profession_n and_o not_o to_o honour_v he_o who_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o honour_n upon_o your_o person_n o_o remember_v that_o the_o high_a you_o be_v exalt_v above_o other_o man_n the_o low_a you_o be_v engage_v to_o stoop_v to_o this_o good_a god_n chief_o in_o public_a in_o his_o worship_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n see_v that_o your_o neglect_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v only_o injurious_a to_o he_o but_o disgraceful_a to_o your_o noble_a person_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o all_o the_o assistant_n five_o moreover_o the_o slander_n the_o filthy_a jesting_n and_o the_o irreligious_a pastime_n of_o profane_a person_n in_o these_o last_o corrupt_a day_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n have_v strange_o fill_v many_o mind_n religious_o dispose_v with_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o the_o great_a pretender_n to_o religion_n with_o the_o authorty_fw-la of_o the_o nation_n pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o these_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o profane_a sort_n when_o they_o yet_o see_v many_o wise_a godly_a and_o conscientious_a man_n stand_v stiff_o in_o opposition_n to_o their_o reception_n the_o weak_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o common_o judge_v of_o thing_n and_o person_n by_o the_o general_a vote_n be_v ready_a to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o superstitious_a and_o unlawful_a the_o schismatical_a scrupulosity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o wicked_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o other_o have_v discredit_v this_o excellent_a book_n among_o such_o as_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o examine_v the_o true_a worth_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o profane_a sort_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o sacred_a or_o holy_a but_o they_o have_v offer_v violence_n to_o it_o god_n and_o his_o sacrament_n his_o law_n and_o constitution_n christ_n and_o our_o redemption_n heaven_n and_o hell_n our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o suture_a hope_n be_v all_o turn_v into_o ridicule_n by_o those_o monstrous_a wit_n who_o religion_n and_o faith_n be_v limit_v by_o their_o sense_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o they_o continue_v to_o abuse_v the_o constant_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n but_o certain_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o person_n be_v not_o well_o ground_v when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v scoff_v out_o of_o it_o and_o their_o belief_n be_v not_o well_o settle_v if_o every_o profane_a jest_n can_v oblige_v they_o to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n if_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v by_o these_o frothy_a wit_n to_o change_v our_o religious_a custom_n ceremony_n and_o prayer_n we_o shall_v quick_o become_v as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o and_o banish_v religion_n itself_o out_o of_o the_o land_n they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o our_o devotion_n who_o be_v never_o devout_a but_o rather_o their_o malicious_a expression_n shall_v confirm_v man_n of_o discretion_n in_o their_o esteem_n of_o those_o pious_a thing_n which_o they_o condemn_v because_o they_o be_v never_o inclinable_a to_o piety_n and_o their_o temper_n be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o and_o to_o those_o godly_a rule_n that_o reproach_n they_o for_o their_o licentiousness_n let_v these_o consideration_n therefore_o strengthen_v the_o weakness_n of_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v thereby_o persuade_v to_o a_o dereliction_n of_o these_o godly_a form_n and_o for_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o our_o common-prayer_n their_o conversation_n seem_v to_o insinuate_v the_o equity_n of_o their_o judgement_n because_o they_o be_v person_n of_o a_o religious_a behaviour_n and_o good_a manner_n
their_o heart_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v delight_v with_o the_o prayer_n whether_o their_o soul_n be_v true_o in_o a_o pray_a temper_n first_o endeavour_v to_o be_v hearty_o reconcile_v with_o the_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n recommend_v in_o our_o church_n employ_v reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o persuade_v thyself_o my_o christian_a brother_n to_o embrace_v what_o duty_n command_v that_o duty_n which_o thou_o owe_v to_o authority_n and_o thy_o interest_n oblige_v thou_o to_o practice_n why_o shall_v prejudice_n keep_v thou_o always_o blindfolded_a why_o shall_v man_n of_o perverse_a judgement_n and_o corrupt_a design_n impose_v upon_o thy_o judgement_n such_o gross_a mistake_n why_o will_v thou_o dote_v upon_o thy_o own_o error_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o so_o much_o stiffness_n as_o if_o thy_o salvation_n do_v thereupon_o depend_v those_o error_n i_o mean_v that_o cause_n thou_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o superstitious_a and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o thou_o and_o other_o displeasure_n at_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n take_v not_o thing_n of_o that_o high_a concernment_n upon_o trust_n and_o captivate_v not_o thy_o discretion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o never_o so_o learned_a but_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n and_o holy_a scripture_n right_o interpret_v labour_v to_o lift_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o these_o and_o such_o like_a endeavour_n make_v use_n of_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o he_o may_v expel_v and_o drive_v away_o all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n which_o keep_v thou_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o our_o manner_n of_o worship_v our_o great_a god_n consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v therein_o desire_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o first_o composer_n the_o approbation_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n the_o command_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n who_o have_v no_o other_o intent_n in_o all_o their_o law_n relate_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o thy_o salvation_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o uniformity_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o thou_o excelle_v they_o in_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v in_o the_o good_a end_n which_o they_o purpose_v to_o themselves_o without_o this_o reconcilement_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o thou_o to_o receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o our_o prayer_n by_o join_v with_o we_o for_o thy_o soul_n will_v never_o offer_v up_o hearty_o to_o god_n that_o for_o which_o it_o have_v a_o strong_a aversion_n second_o overcome_v in_o thy_o soul_n all_o inward_a displeasure_n which_o thou_o have_v conceive_v against_o the_o person_n of_o thy_o minister_n officiate_a or_o distaste_n at_o his_o behaviour_n and_o action_n what_o if_o he_o be_v open_o scandalous_a or_o at_o variance_n with_o thou_o let_v not_o his_o guiltiness_n cause_v thou_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o irregularity_n or_o neglect_v thy_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o thy_o soul_n let_v not_o your_o mutual_a dissatisfaction_n cause_n you_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n such_o wicked_a varlet_n as_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o cause_v many_o to_o slight_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o excusable_a before_o god_n who_o require_v a_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o every_o distinct_a person_n and_o allow_v not_o the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o the_o disorderly_a behaviour_n of_o the_o other_o but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o whilst_o thou_o be_v inward_o displease_v with_o thy_o minister_n thou_o can_v never_o conjoin_v thy_o heart_n with_o the_o godly_a prayer_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n whilst_o thou_o be_v offend_v with_o his_o person_n his_o prayer_n and_o his_o word_n will_v never_o benefit_v thou_o much_o i_o shall_v not_o examine_v the_o many_o frivolous_a cause_n of_o distaste_n which_o the_o man_n of_o our_o day_n entertain_v against_o the_o clergy_n but_o this_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o parishioner_n to_o smother_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n conceive_v against_o his_o minister_n special_o at_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n when_o he_o be_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n if_o he_o will_v be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o pray_v right_a look_v not_o on_o he_o at_o that_o time_n as_o thy_o enemy_n but_o as_o thy_o friend_n who_o pray_v for_o thy_o necessity_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o look_v not_o on_o he_o as_o one_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o but_o reconcile_v in_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o religion_n god_n forbid_v that_o the_o usual_a difference_n of_o man_n about_o worldly_a interest_n shall_v separate_v we_o in_o god_n presence_n from_o one_o another_o and_o cause_v our_o variance_n to_o be_v eternal_a if_o therefore_o we_o be_v likely_a notwithstanding_o our_o present_a debate_n to_o meet_v unanimous_o to_o worship_n god_n majesty_n for_o all_o eternity_n and_o sing_v to_o he_o angelical_a halelujah_n hereafter_o why_o may_v we_o not_o now_o suppress_v our_o displeasure_n stifle_v our_o passion_n and_o reconcile_v ourselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n and_o common_a benefactor_n for_o that_o intent_n it_o concern_v thou_o not_o to_o mind_n so_o much_o the_o person_n as_o the_o petition_n not_o so_o much_o the_o minister_n as_o god_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o at_o who_o command_n thou_o be_v ready_a to_o forget_v the_o most_o sensible_a wrong_n and_o check_v the_o strong_a passion_n of_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n three_o think_v not_o that_o the_o vicious_a behaviour_n of_o any_o in_o the_o congregation_n will_v be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o thy_o prayer_n or_o hinder_v their_o accptance_n it_o be_v the_o common_a excuse_n of_o man_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v promiscuous_o admit_v and_o that_o they_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o the_o open_o debauch_v or_o with_o person_n that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v scandalous_a but_o this_o vain_a pretence_n proceed_v many_o time_n from_o a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o sanctity_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o pharisee_n temper_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v so_o much_o of_o impudence_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o the_o publican_n humility_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o god_n that_o see_v all_o our_o action_n and_o temper_n know_v how_o to_o put_v a_o disterence_n between_o thy_o relegious_a behaviour_n and_o the_o vice_n of_o a_o wicked_a christian_a it_o be_v not_o thy_o neighbour_n ungodliness_n that_o can_v prejudice_v thy_o devotion_n why_o shall_v thou_o be_v offend_v with_o that_o which_o god_n allow_v and_o the_o public_a unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n require_v we_o can_v wish_v that_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n all_o be_v saint_n and_o angel_n but_o see_v that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o cull_v and_o pick_v out_o every_o vicious_a person_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o by_o some_o ill-willer_n i_o be_o afraid_a scarce_o any_o will_v be_v leave_v we_o must_v therefore_o bear_v with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o disturb_v not_o the_o public_a quiet_a more_o than_o the_o vicious_a and_o the_o profane_a by_o our_o indiscreet_a and_o schismatical_a nicety_n four_o if_o thou_o will_v offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o benefit_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o thy_o heart_n careful_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n enjoin_v in_o the_o common-prayer_n who_o know_v but_o that_o this_o submission_n and_o this_o custom_n will_v have_v a_o speedy_a influence_n upon_o thy_o mind_n to_o cause_v thy_o soul_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o god_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o nearness_n of_o relation_n between_o they_o will_v beget_v a_o mutual_a compliance_n between_o the_o action_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o the_o often_o practise_v of_o thing_n must_v needs_o reconcile_v we_o to_o those_o performance_n and_o remove_v the_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v not_o ground_v in_o reason_n nor_o strengthen_v by_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o weak_a brother_n can_v at_o present_v comply_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o he_o find_v a_o inward_a repugnancy_n for_o the_o public_a prayer_n which_o hinder_v he_o from_o receive_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n thereby_o intend_v let_v he_o follow_v and_o try_v my_o advice_n but_o a_o few_o month_n let_v he_o
a_o immortal_a nature_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o as_o thyself_o and_o i_o be_o go_v apace_o to_o this_o boundless_a eternity_n and_o as_o i_o be_o thy_o image_n and_o creature_n o_o that_o i_o may_v live_v with_o thou_o for_o ever_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o into_o endless_a torment_n make_v i_o a_o eternal_a monument_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n receive_v i_o into_o thy_o everlasting_a rest_n for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n amen_n a_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n upon_o god_n almighty_a power_n o_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n wherever_o i_o cast_v my_o eye_n thy_o power_n shine_v before_o i_o clear_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n in_o the_o make_v of_o this_o great_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o disposal_n and_o continuance_n of_o all_o the_o several_a part_n how_o visible_o do_v thy_o extraordinary_a power_n appear_v the_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o element_n be_v witness_n and_o trumpeter_n of_o thy_o glorious_a power_n which_o nothing_o can_v oppose_v or_o stop_v the_o devil_n that_o be_v revolt_v from_o thou_o do_v yet_o own_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o thy_o omnipotency_n they_o be_v hold_v fast_o in_o chain_n and_o be_v so_o restrain_v by_o thy_o almighty_a hand_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o move_v without_o thy_o permission_n when_o i_o cast_v my_o eye_n upon_o the_o sea_n and_o consider_v the_o vastness_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o wave_n when_o i_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o see_v the_o many_o glorious_a and_o large_a globe_n of_o light_n some_o settleed_n and_o fix_v other_o roll_a in_o their_o several_a sphere_n o_o my_o god_n how_o wonderful_o do_v thy_o power_n appear_v to_o i_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o as_o thou_o be_v the_o only_a original_a of_o all_o virtue_n and_o power_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o all_o creature_n together_o can_v stop_v thy_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a with_o thou_o as_o thou_o have_v be_v able_a to_o create_v all_o thing_n thou_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v and_o rule_v their_o unruliness_n and_o great_a fury_n to_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o thy_o glory_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o have_v promise_v thou_o will_v sure_o perform_v and_o be_v full_o able_a to_o accomplish_v o_o almighty_a creator_n give_v i_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o thy_o power_n that_o i_o may_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v trust_v upon_o it_o in_o time_n of_o need_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v in_o thy_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o my_o soul_n may_v rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o thou_o alone_o and_o never_o doubt_v of_o thy_o protection_n and_o of_o thy_o power_n to_o save_v i_o amen_o a_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n o_o infinite_a be_v thy_o wisdom_n be_v answerable_a to_o thy_o almighty_a power_n and_o have_v the_o same_o creature_n to_o manifest_v and_o set_v it_o forth_o wherever_o i_o see_v the_o one_o i_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n in_o the_o disposition_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v in_o their_o fashion_n and_o composition_n in_o their_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n in_o the_o design_n and_o purpose_n of_o their_o creation_n in_o their_o mutual_a correspondency_n and_o government_n and_o in_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o they_o observe_v be_v there_o any_o of_o so_o dull_a a_o apprehension_n that_o can_v observe_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wisdom_n in_o all_o these_o particular_n can_v we_o see_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n observe_v their_o appoint_a and_o annual_a motion_n and_o station_n without_o variation_n and_o not_o think_v upon_o thy_o wisdom_n o_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n like_o a_o curtain_n and_o rule_a over_o all_o well_o may_v i_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o bless_a david_n in_o admiration_n of_o all_o these_o bless_a wonder_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o but_o what_o need_n have_v i_o to_o look_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n for_o the_o footstep_n and_o evidence_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o my_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o in_o every_o member_n wherein_o the_o great_a world_n be_v epitomise_v and_o the_o incomprehensible_a attribute_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o trinity_n shadow_v out_o here_o be_v wonderful_a and_o surprise_a expression_n of_o thy_o wisdom_n that_o i_o carry_v about_o i_o wherefore_o o_o my_o god_n have_v thou_o open_v my_o eye_n and_o bestow_v upon_o i_o a_o understand_a nature_n to_o observe_v all_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o i_o shall_v meditate_v and_o admire_v thy_o great_a wisdom_n that_o shine_v before_o i_o bright_a than_o the_o sun_n o_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o i_o be_o thy_o image_n grant_v i_o a_o share_n of_o this_o wisdom_n imprint_n in_o my_o soul_n such_o habit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o i_o may_v fear_v and_o admire_v thy_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o thy_o all-seeing_a eye_n be_v every_o where_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o my_o behaviour_n and_o action_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v or_o retreat_v from_o thy_o knowledge_n all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o thou_o thou_o have_v a_o perfect_a insight_n into_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o foresee_a what_o shall_v happen_v in_o this_o great_a world_n with_o the_o several_a cause_n o_o wonderful_a knowledge_n that_o comprehend_v the_o sparrow_n in_o the_o market_n and_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o mean_a being_n that_o owe_v all_o to_o thou_o a_o subsistence_n o_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o extend_v itself_o over_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o great_a fabric_n and_o nothing_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v procure_v thereby_o give_v i_o o_o my_o god_n such_o a_o understanding_n of_o this_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o of_o thy_o all_o see_v eye_n that_o i_o may_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o thy_o divine_a presence_n that_o i_o may_v fear_v to_o displease_v thou_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v always_o in_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o become_v a_o creature_n and_o a_o servant_n of_o so_o holy_a so_o powerful_a and_o such_o a_o all-seeing_a majesty_n amen_n a_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o nature_n and_o providence_n o_o universal_a goodness_n that_o open_v thy_o hand_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o be_v and_o furnishe_v so_o many_o sort_n of_o creature_n out_o of_o thy_o overslow_a abundance_n with_o so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o variety_n of_o pleasure_n how_o full_o must_v be_v the_o store_n out_o of_o which_o so_o many_o million_o be_v continual_o supply_v from_o what_o overflow_a ocean_n of_o delight_n and_o joy_n proceed_v so_o many_o stream_n that_o yield_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o all_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o overplus_n leave_v for_o more_o o_o wonderful_a goodness_n that_o know_v how_o to_o supply_v every_o creature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o its_o appetite_n and_o nature_n and_o give_v a_o contentment_n to_o the_o several_a species_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o temper_n through_o how_o many_o differ_a channel_n do_v this_o inexhaustible_a goodness_n convey_v to_o we_o the_o necessary_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n man_n of_o all_o sublunary_a subsistency_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n other_o thing_n and_o creature_n have_v their_o short_a allowance_n in_o comparison_n of_o man._n it_o be_v upon_o he_o that_o thou_o do_v heap_v the_o riches_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v to_o he_o thou_o have_v grant_v thy_o most_o signal_n favour_n it_o be_v in_o his_o bosom_n that_o thou_o do_v empty_a all_o variety_n of_o sweetness_n and_o earthly_a comfort_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o deserve_n o_o impartial_a and_o disintere_v goodness_n that_o expect_v no_o return_n but_o such_o as_o may_v give_v thou_o the_o glory_n and_o we_o the_o benefit_n and_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o sanctify_v and_o increase_v our_o blessing_n how_o ready_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o this_o inexpressible_a goodness_n and_o answer_v the_o expression_n of_o thy_o favour_n with_o such_o easy_a cheap_a and_o profitable_a return_n shall_v we_o be_v backward_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o which_o every_o moment_n we_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o and_o when_o the_o bare_a acknowledgement_n will_v produce_v unto_o we_o fresh_a recruit_n and_o great_a token_n of_o love_n from_o thy_o unwearied_a bounty_n o_o let_v i_o never_o forget_v thy_o goodness_n my_o good_a god_n express_v and_o experience_v in_o my_o creation_n &_o thy_o providence_n in_o make_v i_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o give_v i_o a_o immortal_a soul_n with_o