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
and_o divine_a prayer_n '_o that_o prayer_n among_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o change_v the_o person_n to_o who_o i_o we_o pray_v but_o prayer_n to_o god_n do_v not_o change_v he_o but_o only_o fit_v we_o for_o receive_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o yet_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v wholesome_a doctrine_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o some_o grain_n of_o salt_n by_o distinguish_v betwixt_o god_n essence_n and_o his_o will_n his_o essence_n indeed_o can_v be_v change_v by_o our_o prayer_n but_o his_o will_n may_v again_o before_o the_o former_a assertion_n can_v be_v account_v true_a god_n decree_n must_v be_v distinguish_v into_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a his_o absolute_a decree_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o his_o conditional_a may_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o however_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o one_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o one_o design_n of_o god_n command_v it_o though_o this_o can_v be_v all_o next_o to_o a_o profession_n of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o natural_a subjection_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o produce_v the_o growth_n and_o action_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o purify_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o favour_n for_o which_o we_o make_v our_o humble_a petition_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o some_o thoughtfulness_n consider_v what_o a_o direct_a influence_n our_o prayer_n have_v to_o the_o accomplish_v such_o glorious_a design_n we_o can_v deny_v even_o this_o argument_n to_o conclude_v our_o duty_n for_o how_o effectual_o do_v our_o prayer_n move_v we_o to_o those_o virtue_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o we_o implore_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n if_o we_o be_v at_o all_o hearty_a in_o our_o address_n and_o how_o direct_o do_v they_o check_v those_o vice_n which_o we_o both_o lament_v a_o former_a and_o pray_v against_o a_o future_a commission_n of_o our_o confession_n bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o those_o expression_n by_o which_o we_o aggravate_v they_o with_o truth_n cause_v we_o to_o abominate_a those_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o thus_o with_o horror_n most_o dreadful_o decipher_v our_o petition_n mind_v we_o of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o the_o person_n from_o who_o we_o obtain_v relief_n and_o our_o very_a thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n receive_v impress_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n can_v but_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o so_o good_a a_o benefactor_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n and_o cause_n return_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o large_a dependence_n and_o from_o who_o as_o often_o as_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v renew_v obligation_n so_o that_o be_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n frequent_o practise_v with_o due_a humility_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v those_o sin_n with_o industry_n and_o delight_n which_o they_o do_v and_o must_v confess_v with_o sorrow_n and_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o with_o seriousness_n and_o repentance_n and_o i_o may_v with_o confidence_n give_v man_n assurance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v more_o frequent_o pray_v they_o will_v sin_v less_o and_o the_o rational_a and_o humble_a management_n of_o their_o address_n to_o almighty_a god_n will_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n far_o beyond_o what_o those_o can_v expect_v by_o another_o method_n who_o do_v not_o frequent_o and_o serious_o adventure_v the_o experiment_n for_o as_o according_a to_o plato_n philosophy_n the_o sovereign_n good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n when_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o he_o so_o by_o often_o admire_v and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n we_o earnest_o desire_v that_o which_o we_o adore_v and_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v what_o we_o admire_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o rational_a man_n to_o imitate_v in_o themselves_o that_o which_o they_o commend_v and_o praise_n in_o another_o now_o this_o image_n of_o god_n which_o in_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o habitual_a possession_n of_o his_o most_o glorious_a and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v call_v communicable_a perfection_n be_v that_o which_o best_o distinguish_v we_o from_o beast_n and_o our_o soul_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o converse_v only_o with_o sensual_a object_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lose_v their_o nature_n and_o tincture_n themselves_o by_o their_o conversation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o rational_a they_o become_v by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o therefore_o grillus_n in_o plutarch_n phaed._n reason_n and_o assert_n well_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o if_o religion_n be_v once_o take_v from_o man_n they_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o better_a than_o brute_n but_o more_o miserable_a for_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o evil_n their_o trouble_n be_v accent_v and_o their_o disquietment_n enlarge_v beyond_o the_o perception_n of_o other_o creature_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o more_o insensible_a nature_n it_o be_v religion_n therefore_o that_o perfect_v and_o consummate_v the_o being_n of_o man_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o aspire_v to_o glory_n through_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o endless_a immortality_n and_o in_o this_o it_o render_v they_o far_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a brute_n who_o live_v some_o time_n and_o then_o die_v and_o perish_v now_o such_o be_v the_o fruit_n which_o grow_v with_o and_o be_v bear_v upon_o our_o prayer_n to_o which_o religion_n have_v so_o natural_a a_o tendency_n that_o whenever_o it_o be_v genuine_a and_o sincere_a it_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o production_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a offspring_n and_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n rise_v up_o at_o last_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o consideration_n can_v but_o convince_v we_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o our_o privilege_n and_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o either_o regard_n god_n or_o ourselves_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o maker_n or_o our_o uninterrupted_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n the_o great_a god_n have_v appoint_v prayer_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o procure_v to_o we_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o we_o invert_v the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n when_o we_o expect_v the_o conveyance_n in_o another_o way_n for_o though_o he_o that_o be_v omniscient_a know_v our_o want_n and_o what_o be_v not_o present_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a although_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o resolution_n nor_o can_v we_o prescribe_v method_n to_o he_o or_o with_o modest_a devotion_n desire_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o grant_v yet_o in_o prayer_n direct_v by_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n he_o command_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o order_n to_o our_o obtainment_n of_o what_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v nor_o will_v he_o be_v incline_v to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n without_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o desire_n vuit_fw-la deus_fw-la rogavi_fw-la vult_fw-la cogi_fw-la vult_fw-la quâdam_fw-la importunitate_fw-la vinci_fw-la say_v st._n austin_n bona_fw-la est_fw-la haec_fw-la violentia_fw-la etc._n etc._n god_n will_v be_v entreat_v he_o will_v be_v compel_v he_o will_v be_v overcome_v by_o a_o certain_a importunity_n this_o be_v a_o good_a violence_n when_o in_o prayer_n we_o wrestle_v with_o almighty_a god_n and_o like_o jacob_n we_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o blessing_n behind_o he_o he_o love_v in_o our_o devotion_n that_o we_o shall_v thus_o with_o due_a humility_n importune_v he_o with_o demonstration_n of_o kindness_n and_o affection_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o without_o faint_v we_o express_v our_o want_n he_o will_v neither_o withhold_v grace_n nor_o glory_n nor_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n from_o these_o and_o certain_o if_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v such_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evidence_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o who_o resolve_v not_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o happiness_n by_o miss_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v both_o gain_v and_o exercise_v in_o it_o who_o love_n communion_n with_o god_n here_o respect_v their_o eternal_a glory_n hereafter_o and_o be_v not_o so_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o as_o for_o ever_o to_o abandon_v the_o
therefore_o have_v shine_v bright_a warm_v a_o chaos_n into_o a_o orderly_a creation_n and_o bring_v we_o forth_o to_o be_v subordinate_a governor_n over_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o enlighten_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o heat_n our_o zeal_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v since_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o pay_v our_o esteem_n unless_o injustice_n check_v ingenuity_n to_o man_n among_o ourselves_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n inherent_a in_o they_o thus_o far_o i_o suppose_v mankind_n be_v agree_v and_o i_o may_v modest_o challenge_v the_o universal_a vogue_n to_o vouch_v the_o assertion_n but_o now_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n will_v differ_v and_o temperament_n or_o interest_n will_v sway_v their_o mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o mode_n of_o address_n for_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n be_v oftentimes_o as_o different_a as_o their_o complexion_n and_o the_o sentiment_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v very_o servile_a in_o attend_v upon_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n beside_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o disentangle_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o fetter_n in_o which_o prejudice_n have_v chain_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v free_a in_o its_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o though_o we_o all_o agree_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o adoration_n and_o worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o act_n compound_v and_o the_o ceremony_n attend_v it_o have_v raise_v so_o many_o schism_n and_o contention_n among_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o resolution_n always_o to_o differ_v that_o we_o may_v say_v therefore_o to_o these_o wind_n be_v still_o and_o rebuke_v the_o storm_n which_o disturb_v the_o world_n that_o some_o serenity_n may_v at_o last_o appear_v when_o the_o cloud_n be_v scatter_v i_o have_v take_v the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n to_o discourse_v on_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o ought_v to_o attend_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o our_o own_o necessity_n prompt_v we_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n reasonable_o require_v and_o his_o command_n render_v it_o indispensible_a but_o yet_o because_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n apprehension_n and_o interest_n which_o controvert_v every_o thing_n have_v perplex_v this_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v as_o instrumental_a as_o i_o can_v in_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o universal_a concernment_n especal_o at_o this_o separate_a time_n of_o lent_n in_o which_o our_o public_a devotion_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o with_o a_o great_a solemnity_n enjoin_v and_o praictise_v accompany_v with_o fast_v and_o almsgiving_n those_o mighty_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o estate_n as_o sacrifice_n well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v 1._o to_o explain_v this_o duty_n 2._o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o explication_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o these_o seven_o thing_n first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v second_o what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o sacred_a writ_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 interruption_n three_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v this_o religious_a address_n four_o in_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o this_o 1._o in_o relation_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n 2._o with_o reference_n to_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n 3_o in_o relation_n to_o word_n and_o expression_n five_o for_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o to_o pray_v and_o this_o particular_a will_v involve_v person_n and_o thing_n six_o whether_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v so_o that_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o all_o man_n or_o only_o such_o as_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o last_o i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a or_o no_o since_o god_n already_o know_v our_o want_n and_o we_o can_v break_v the_o link_n that_o chain_v cause_n to_o effect_n nor_o alter_v the_o almighty_n decree_n or_o providence_n by_o any_o of_o our_o wish_n or_o prayer_n from_o the_o state_v and_o resolution_n of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v at_o last_o infer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o service_n or_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o church_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o perform_v that_o god_n do_v accept_v they_o and_o be_v a_o proper_a method_n of_o address_v to_o he_o second_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o irrational_a and_o abominable_o peccant_a in_o she_o last_o that_o such_o as_o live_v among_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o separate_v from_o we_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o service_n to_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o attribute_n man_n dependence_n and_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o their_o creator_n and_o themselves_o chap._n i._n have_v thus_o exhibit_v my_o design_a method_n i_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o first_o particular_a to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o because_o many_o may_v conjecture_v that_o my_o labour_n may_v be_v excuse_v in_o this_o since_o common_a practice_n will_v just_o supersede_n this_o scruple_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o the_o resolution_n prayer_n then_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o offer_n up_o our_o desire_n unto_o god_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n too_o of_o breathe_v forth_o its_o wish_n to_o our_o maker_n lodging_n they_o in_o the_o bosom_n and_o heart_n of_o our_o intercessor_n and_o through_o he_o petition_v relief_n to_o supply_v all_o its_o necessity_n and_o want_n now_o although_o this_o when_o complete_a be_v join_v with_o confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o prayer_n those_o be_v duty_n distinct_a from_o this_o and_o each_o require_v a_o different_a explication_n various_a man_n conceive_v divers_a definition_n of_o prayer_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v distingish_v by_o word_n and_o phrase_n more_o than_o sense_n one_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o discourse_n or_o a_o converse_n with_o god_n another_o a_o ascend_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o man_n exemplify_v this_o duty_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o metaphor_n that_o rather_o obscure_v than_o explain_v the_o thing_n nay_o some_o set_v up_o jacob_n ladder_n in_o this_o case_n for_o angel_n to_o make_v their_o descent_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v again_o a_o sensible_a and_o direct_a passage_n upward_o mount_v into_o the_o region_n above_o carrying_z man_n petition_n under_o their_o wing_n and_o then_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n down_o to_o they_o this_o may_v indeed_o be_v allow_v for_o rhetoric_n but_o it_o neither_o explain_v or_o argue_v the_o thing_n we_o may_v better_o guess_v at_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n by_o reflect_v on_o our_o petition_n to_o man_n in_o which_o we_o always_o signify_v our_o desire_n which_o we_o earnest_o wish_v for_o and_o humble_o beg_v the_o grant_n of_o and_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v the_o common_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o prayer_n which_o noâ—man_n that_o at_o all_o consider_v can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o now_o this_o be_v make_v when_o direct_v unto_o god_n either_o in_o the_o inflame_a and_o ardent_a desire_v of_o our_o mind_n when_o devout_o fix_v our_o intention_n upon_o he_o we_o secret_o wish_v what_o we_o do_v not_o express_v with_o our_o tongue_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v this_o method_n available_a when_o the_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v perform_v to_o he_o who_o as_o well_o understand_v the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o language_n of_o our_o mouth_n and_o discern_v our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v our_o word_n but_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v also_o express_v by_o those_o instrument_n of_o speech_n which_o he_o have_v frame_v as_o well_o for_o his_o service_n as_o our_o own_o when_o we_o put_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n into_o suitable_a and_o expressive_a language_n rehearse_v this_o with_o the_o due_a and_o humble_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n correspondent_a to_o our_o petition_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o private_a and_o this_o either_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n who_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n but_o one_o flesh_n have_v some_o necessity_n betwixt_o themselves_o but_o yet_o be_v distinct_a from_o other_o require_v different_a and_o more_o secret_a petition_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o private_a pray_v most_o proper_o so_o which_o every_o man_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o perform_v single_o by_o himself_o when_o first_o examine_v his_o
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
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