and_o last_o a_o constant_a demonstration_n of_o this_o affection_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n especial_o in_o our_o confession_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n first_o then_o do_v we_o just_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n when_o we_o make_v diligent_a search_n into_o they_o and_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o orderly_a disposal_n for_o use_n and_o ornament_n when_o we_o consider_v both_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o more_o particular_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o david_n do_v and_o see_v how_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o we_o be_v make_v that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 2._o then_o do_v we_o perform_v the_o next_o thing_n preparative_n to_o prayer_n and_o adoration_n when_o upon_o the_o intellectual_a view_n of_o any_o of_o god_n work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n we_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n thus_o render_v apparent_a to_o we_o because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a footstep_n of_o these_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n thus_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n day_n unto_o day_n utter_v speech_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n show_v knowledge_n psal_n 19.1_o 2._o and_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n be_v clear_o see_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o 3._o we_o ascend_v another_o step_n of_o moral_a service_n when_o by_o due_a consideration_n we_o act_n with_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n infer_v from_o thence_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o upon_o the_o contemplation_n and_o view_n we_o be_v proper_o and_o true_o affect_v with_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o mark_v out_o a_o most_o excellent_a be_v this_o affection_n will_v appear_v in_o our_o admiration_n love_n and_o awful_a regard_n to_o he_o in_o our_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o in_o our_o rejoice_v and_o confide_v in_o he_o and_o the_o like_a act_n of_o rational_a creature_n towards_o their_o great_a and_o sovereign_a creator_n and_o therefore_o last_o we_o must_v give_v all_o possible_a testimony_n of_o these_o affection_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n by_o adore_v he_o who_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v by_o invoke_v he_o on_o who_o we_o depend_v by_o give_v thanks_o to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a benefactor_n by_o continual_a call_n on_o his_o power_n for_o aid_n and_o pray_v his_o goodness_n to_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o necessity_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o king_n and_o most_o supreme_a governor_n now_o though_o none_o almost_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o any_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v refuse_v from_o the_o prospect_n of_o this_o to_o conclude_v prayer_n to_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o advantageous_a yet_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n especial_o when_o they_o like_v not_o the_o man_n that_o write_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o satisfy_v for_o 1._o some_o have_v conjecture_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n deny_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o providence_n 2._o other_o have_v introduce_v a_o stoical_a fatality_n conclude_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_a banish_v what_o we_o call_v contingency_n now_o whether_o this_o be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o concatenation_n of_o second_o cause_n by_o the_o fatality_n of_o star_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a decree_n this_o principle_n like_o the_o former_a take_v away_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o regard_v the_o procure_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o and_o render_v our_o petition_n useless_a and_o in_o vain_a if_o god_n be_v inexorable_a and_o have_v so_o tie_v himself_o up_o by_o his_o own_o decree_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o most_o profound_a and_o sincere_a devotion_n nor_o the_o most_o affectionate_a humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v yet_o command_v to_o petition_v he_o oh_o what_o a_o strange_a be_v do_v some_o man_n make_v he_o this_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v so_o unlike_a to_o the_o great_a maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n that_o a_o man_n of_o but_o a_o tolerable_a nature_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o description_n of_o himself_o now_o though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o objection_n raise_v from_o such_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n to_o expose_v the_o proposition_n upon_o which_o such_o inference_n be_v build_v yet_o because_o it_o will_v too_o much_o swell_v this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v rather_o do_v it_o with_o reference_n unto_o prayer_n by_o this_o more_o short_a and_o ready_a method_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o dark_a and_o most_o secret_a decree_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o grant_v man_n lawful_a petition_n 2._o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o even_o when_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o determine_v thing_n opposite_a to_o what_o they_o ask_v and_o 3._o by_o give_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o will_v determine_v the_o point_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v first_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o grant_v man_n lawful_a petition_n offer_v to_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o say_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.14_o 15._o when_o solomon_n have_v finish_v that_o glorious_a temple_n devout_o dedicate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o great_a jehovah_n signify_v to_o he_o the_o acceptance_n both_o of_o his_o prayer_n and_o dedication_n together_o with_o the_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o place_n for_o a_o house_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o he_o make_v this_o solemn_a promise_n if_o i_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o there_o be_v no_o rain_n or_o if_o i_o command_v the_o locust_n to_o devour_v the_o land_n or_o if_o i_o send_v a_o pestilence_n among_o my_o people_n if_o my_o people_n upon_o who_o my_o name_n be_v call_v shall_v humble_v themselves_o and_o pray_v and_o seek_v my_o face_n and_o turn_v from_o their_o wicked_a way_n then_o will_v i_o hear_v from_o heaven_n and_o will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o will_v heal_v their_o land_n and_o my_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_a and_o my_o ear_n attent_a unto_o the_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v in_o this_o place_n 2_o chron._n seven_o chap._n 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unreasonable_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n only_o concern_v the_o jew_n when_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v quote_v to_o prove_v be_v equal_o as_o to_o the_o main_a substance_n a_o duty_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o the_o christian_n let_v he_o quit_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o point_n of_o controversy_n and_o we_o will_v present_o make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o new_a but_o then_o some_o jesuited_a protestant_n might_n many_o time_n lose_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v not_o prophecy_n to_o retire_v to_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n to_o guide_v they_o yet_o however_o let_v we_o peruse_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o case_n will_v appear_v more_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a where_o we_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n that_o plead_v strong_o for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o christian_n lawful_a petition_n where_o we_o have_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n who_o continual_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n present_v both_o his_o suffering_n and_o his_o triumph_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n now_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n through_o his_o hand_n ascend_v as_o incense_v when_o we_o offer_v our_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n by_o he_o our_o intercessor_n do_v sufficient_o consecrate_v they_o in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v we_o in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.16_o nay_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o incourage_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o make_v their_o petition_n to_o almighty_a god_n ask_v say_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o
pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o supplicate_v such_o image_n which_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o carve_a work_n of_o man_n hand_n yet_o they_o therefore_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o divinity_n and_o that_o the_o deity_n itself_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o residence_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n within_o the_o image_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o block_n or_o stone_n itself_o but_o through_o the_o case_n they_o pass_v to_o the_o divinity_n such_o little_a shift_n do_v other_o also_o who_o shall_v understand_v religion_n better_o use_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o idol_n be_v so_o well_o instruct_v by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o a_o creature_n must_v needs_o appear_v unreasonable_a in_o religion_n since_o no_o subject_n can_v with_o loyalty_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a only_o to_o the_o king_n to_o any_o though_o the_o most_o noble_a peer_n when_o it_o be_v referve_v to_o the_o king_n alone_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v reserve_v divine_a worship_n such_o as_o solemn_a prayer_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v only_o to_o himself_o no_o man_n can_v lawful_o give_v it_o to_o another_o and_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v with_o true_a religion_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o my_o last_o argument_n for_o prayer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n only_o three_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o none_o but_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o petition_n who_o among_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v so_o capable_a of_o understanding_n or_o bestow_v the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o or_o endow_v with_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o fit_a for_o rational_a creature_n in_o all_o their_o exigency_n to_o become_v devout_a petitioner_n unto_o can_v any_o give_v we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o dispense_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n but_o himself_o when_o he_o convey_v this_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o other_o they_o be_v only_o his_o substitute_v delegate_n and_o he_o no_o more_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o they_o than_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o praise_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n who_o can_v bestow_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o both_o who_o treasure_n be_v inexhaustible_a who_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o grace_n be_v convey_v be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o to_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v but_o also_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n always_o spring_v up_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o can_v bestow_v the_o glory_n above_o but_o he_o who_o presence_n make_v it_o so_o who_o right_a hand_n hold_v star_n and_o have_v all_o crown_n at_o his_o own_o disposal_n who_o can_v rid_v we_o of_o many_o trouble_n especial_o those_o that_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o can_v rebuke_v tempest_n and_o storm_n dispel_v the_o cloud_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o and_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o all_o their_o affliction_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v in_o a_o person_n qualify_v for_o rational_a creature_n to_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o hear_v and_o understand_v our_o petition_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bestow_v what_o we_o supplicate_v he_o for_o and_o 3._o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v what_o we_o beg_v if_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o prudence_n and_o our_o welfare_n and_o who_o can_v we_o find_v thus_o qualify_v but_o the_o great_a god_n who_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v who_o be_v omniscient_a and_o can_v understand_v our_o petition_n and_o know_v our_o want_n omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v our_o desire_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o our_o advantage_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n all_o our_o address_n will_v be_v render_v fruitless_a if_o he_o can_v hear_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o relieve_v or_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v kind_a to_o we_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o earnest_o beg_v relief_n from_o he_o if_o beggar_n know_v such_o man_n among_o ourselves_o they_o will_v spare_v their_o breath_n whilst_o these_o pass_v by_o so_o that_o i_o may_v now_o propose_v eliphaz'_v question_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n with_o better_a reason_n than_o that_o in_o which_o the_o papist_n urge_v it_o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v job_n 5.1_o angel_n themselves_o will_v be_v charge_v with_o folly_n shall_v they_o attempt_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o religious_a petition_n without_o a_o declare_a permission_n or_o command_v from_o their_o maker_n how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o have_v dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n who_o have_v be_v crush_v before_o the_o moth_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o admire_v here_o go_v away_o when_o they_o be_v destroy_v from_o morning_n to_o evening_n the_o dead_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o understand_v can_v no_o more_o hear_v we_o than_o baal_n can_v his_o prophet_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o he_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n they_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n to_o our_o call_n than_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n with_o the_o instrument_n of_o speech_n when_o their_o defer_a carcase_n lay_v rot_v in_o a_o grave_a but_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o audience_n and_o several_a way_n converse_v with_o man_n he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o he_o have_v three_o attribute_n that_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o our_o religious_a address_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v petition_v from_o he_o but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v and_o to_o bestow_v it_o for_o power_n be_v only_o a_o ability_n so_o to_o exercise_v causality_n as_o to_o influence_n cause_v to_o produce_v their_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o cause_n be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o must_v be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o fullfil_v our_o desire_n 2._o he_o be_v omniscient_a too_o and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v our_o want_n for_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o a_o exertion_n of_o power_n as_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o a_o ability_n and_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o power_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a must_v needs_o be_v omniscient_a also_o for_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v there_o will_v be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n will_v be_v weaken_v and_o destroy_v nor_o do_v the_o not_o know_v or_o effect_v impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n at_o all_o invalidate_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n because_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thing_n in_o act_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v such_o in_o power_n nor_o can_v any_o futurity_n give_v they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v and_o must_v remain_v nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o strength_n or_o knowledge_n 3._o god_n have_v infinite_a goodness_n essential_a to_o his_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o now_o support_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o his_o goodness_n beside_o particular_a example_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o daily_a providence_n without_o the_o two_o former_a attribute_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v nor_o can_v he_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o be_v with_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o almighty_a power_n without_o any_o goodness_n to_o allay_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o surppose_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o omnipotent_a devil_n for_o what_o being_n be_v that_o have_v sufficient_a power_n without_o any_o good_a nature_n to_o restrain_v it_o they_o that_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o other_o know_v by_o too_o woeful_a and_o melancholy_a experience_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n therefore_o of_o power_n knowledge_n and_o goodness_n be_v thus_o rational_o fix_v in_o the_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v he_o become_v a_o fit_a
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
the_o reason_n why_o i_o insist_v not_o now_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v because_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v prayer_n only_o i_o will_v not_o have_v my_o inference_n transgress_v the_o rule_n in_o charge_v adversary_n with_o such_o error_n as_o be_v not_o plain_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v how_o abominable_a the_o popish_a allow_v prayer_n be_v without_o intermix_v the_o thing_n that_o attend_v they_o now_o the_o papist_n must_v needs_o offend_v god_n with_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o consequent_o must_v enrage_v instead_o of_o appease_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o his_o sacred_a word_n nor_o that_o worship_n which_o christian_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n use_v in_o their_o public_a divine_a service_n and_o this_o will_v be_v confirm_v by_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o their_o public_a prayer_n be_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n 2._o because_o they_o pray_v to_o creature_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n only_o first_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n sometime_o unknown_a to_o the_o priest_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o accent_n the_o advantage_n he_o have_v of_o hide_v his_o infirmity_n in_o those_o he_o pretend_v as_o he_o be_v direct_v to_o repeat_v secret_o and_o by_o frequent_a use_n can_v untoward_o pronounce_v they_o but_o more_o especial_o be_v they_o unknown_a to_o the_o people_n at_o least_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o who_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v language_n beyond_o what_o their_o mother_n teach_v they_o unless_o mother_n church_n can_v inspire_v they_o with_o cleave_a tongue_n and_o turn_v all_o its_o child_n into_o apostle_n for_o latin_a in_o which_o the_o roman_a public_a prayer_n be_v utter_v be_v now_o become_v a_o learned_a language_n in_o all_o those_o dominion_n which_o the_o pope_n overspread_v and_o shadow_n with_o his_o wing_n and_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o require_v a_o distinct_a from_o vulgar_a education_n it_o be_v the_o general_a language_n of_o no_o country_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v the_o multitude_n of_o a_o nation_n understand_v it_o now_o public_a prayer_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o compose_v for_o matter_n and_o word_n that_o all_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o it_o shall_v full_o understand_v it_o that_o they_o may_v apprehend_v before_o they_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v hearty_o agree_v in_o each_o petition_n and_o say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a and_o period_n but_o how_o can_v people_n possible_o consent_v or_o intend_v their_o mind_n and_o engage_v their_o affection_n with_o any_o reason_n to_o such_o a_o service_n which_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o may_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o another_o blaspheme_v god_n when_o they_o think_v that_o they_o adore_v he_o and_o wish_v for_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o will_v be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n be_v it_o establish_v again_o though_o i_o may_v notwithstanding_o without_o disparagement_n to_o any_o suppose_v that_o many_o that_o may_v peruse_v this_o writing_n however_o many_o that_o hear_v it_o from_o the_o pulpit_n can_v pretend_v to_o understand_v latin_n and_o yet_o this_o service_n be_v what_o all_o person_n in_o the_o roman_a communion_n be_v oblige_v to_o under_o most_o rigid_a and_o severe_a penalty_n unless_o they_o will_v renounce_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n beyond_o the_o controversy_n of_o our_o neighbour_a nation_n which_o they_o must_v own_v to_o be_v general_a and_o infallible_a though_o both_o the_o adjunct_n be_v false_o apply_v for_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess_n 22._o cap._n 8._o determine_v for_o this_o unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a service_n and_o oblige_v those_o who_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n but_o not_o without_o due_a caution_n in_o the_o decree_n that_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_n may_v remain_v to_o the_o pope_n in_o case_n that_o may_v best_o serve_v his_o turn_n with_o those_o to_o who_o he_o think_v fit_v to_o appoint_v prayer_n in_o their_o vulgar_a language_n who_o may_v be_v inclinable_a to_o receive_v or_o else_o to_o recall_v banish_v popery_n for_o the_o council_n have_v word_v their_o decree_n of_o this_o as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o on_o the_o apostle_n side_n maintain_v prayer_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n but_o despise_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o have_v seem_v to_o the_o father_n not_o to_o be_v expedient_a that_o every_o where_o mass_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n this_n not_o to_o be_v expedient_a be_v a_o soft_a expression_n which_o they_o can_v when_o they_o please_v explain_v effectual_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a and_o every_o where_o when_o it_o serve_v their_o turn_n will_v be_v easy_o exchange_v for_o any_o where_n but_o it_o help_v bellarmin_n very_o much_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o latin_a service_n from_o the_o pope_n dispensation_n to_o the_o moravian_o to_o use_v the_o sclavonian_a language_n in_o their_o divine_a office_n and_o help_v forward_o the_o like_a dispensation_n to_o ourselves_o for_o a_o present_a turn_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v we_o so_o well_o prepare_v as_o a_o late_o execute_v papist_n thought_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o in_o other_o thing_n to_o conform_v so_o much_o to_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v again_o complete_o plant_v among_o we_o that_o so_o the_o pope_n may_v receive_v plentiful_a fruit_n from_o those_o tree_n which_o from_o rome_n he_o have_v transplant_v into_o so_o rich_a a_o soil_n as_o england_n be_v but_o at_o last_o without_o question_n whatever_o may_v be_v grant_v at_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v serve_v as_o bellarmin_n tell_v we_o the_o moravian_o be_v even_o turn_v whole_o to_o our_o latin_a service_n when_o the_o pope_n have_v raise_v bishop_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o advance_v themselves_o and_o curb_v other_o and_o england_n be_v well_o inhabit_v by_o italian_n but_o they_o who_o can_v dispense_v with_o god_n law_n may_v easy_o dispense_v with_o one_o of_o their_o own_o especial_o a_o indulgence_n in_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v a_o convenient_a instrument_n to_o confound_v the_o principle_n which_o man_n be_v use_v to_o be_v loath_a to_o renounce_v all_o at_o once_o and_o to_o introduce_v other_o gradual_o till_o they_o embrace_v all_o thus_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o drive_v a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n before_o he_o he_o will_v let_v they_o feed_v beyond_o their_o bound_n till_o he_o be_v get_v on_o the_o command_a side_n of_o they_o and_o then_o he_o drive_v they_o into_o what_o coop_n or_o pen_n he_o please_v and_o true_o we_o who_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o piety_n of_o prince_n profess_v the_o true_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n have_v need_n walk_v circumspect_o and_o look_v about_o we_o for_o fear_v of_o those_o popish_a snare_n that_o be_v set_v for_o we_o by_o popish_a emissary_n to_o catch_v and_o imprison_v we_o first_o that_o they_o may_v in_o triumph_n lead_v we_o captive_n to_o their_o great_a prince_n and_o master_n for_o the_o pope_n be_v like_o the_o old_a serpent_n if_o you_o once_o allow_v he_o his_o desire_a supremacy_n he_o will_v quick_o become_v infallible_a and_o then_o our_o whole_a cause_n be_v lose_v give_v he_o but_o a_o hole_n for_o his_o head_n to_o peep_v through_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o he_o wriggle_v in_o his_o whole_a body_n but_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o he_o though_o he_o plain_o discover_v that_o he_o have_v need_n of_o we_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v to_o partake_v in_o or_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o service_n but_o to_o continue_v in_o our_o own_o most_o holy_a worship_n and_o if_o we_o can_v help_v it_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v it_o away_o from_o we_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o some_o romanist_n have_v think_v we_o to_o be_v ready_o prepare_v for_o their_o communion_n be_v qualify_v with_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n enough_o which_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v we_o for_o many_o year_n take_v their_o advantage_n from_o that_o unlimited_a loyal_a joy_n which_o possess_v the_o nation_n at_o the_o king_n return_v to_o take_v his_o right_n and_o to_o sit_v upon_o that_o throne_n from_o which_o he_o be_v bar_v by_o usurpation_n and_o force_n but_o this_o great_a restauration_n be_v the_o handiwork_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n and_o rome_n think_v
well_o act_v as_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o most_o magnify_a inspiration_n and_o as_o the_o swan_n be_v never_o use_v in_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n so_o will_v a_o hypocrite_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o subtle_a be_v reject_v by_o god_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o like_o the_o swan_n under_o the_o white_a plume_n and_o pleasant_a voice_n their_o lie_n hide_v a_o black_a skin_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o hypocrite_n in_o a_o seem_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n may_v frequent_o exceed_v in_o external_a sweat_n and_o gesture_n too_o him_z that_o be_v most_o serious_a and_o cordial_a in_o his_o prayer_n though_o when_o we_o see_v so_o much_o smoke_n we_o easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o flame_n do_v not_o ascend_v for_o although_o art_n may_v vie_v with_o nature_n itself_o and_o the_o cunning_a hypocrite_n who_o trade_v in_o religion_n may_v enable_v himself_o or_o his_o customer_n may_v inform_v he_o how_o he_o may_v outdo_v the_o rational_a act_n of_o true_a devotion_n so_o as_o to_o entrap_v the_o multitude_n yet_o in_o this_o the_o cheat_n will_v be_v plain_o discover_v and_o his_o design_n will_v be_v write_v in_o open_a character_n on_o the_o matter_n he_o utter_v with_o a_o fervency_n beyond_o the_o modesty_n of_o devotion_n and_o appear_v also_o to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a eye_n if_o the_o head_n in_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v be_v considerate_a themistocles_n be_v discern_v to_o be_v no_o right_a athenian_a even_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a woman_n of_o the_o city_n because_o the_o great_a care_n he_o have_v in_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o his_o word_n cause_v she_o to_o perceive_v that_o he_o affect_v only_o but_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a phrase_n and_o accent_n of_o athens_n and_o indeed_o unless_o extempore_o man_n worship_v one_o god_n and_o we_o another_o it_o will_v not_o be_v either_o a_o formal_a head_n exact_o adorn_v nor_o a_o grave_a aspect_n nor_o either_o hard_a or_o soft_a expression_n although_o attend_v with_o a_o affect_a tone_n no_o nor_o zeal_n transport_v into_o frenzy_n and_o madness_n nor_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o subtlety_n or_o art_n or_o the_o easy_a endowment_n even_o of_o nature_n itself_o that_o can_v be_v able_a to_o recommend_v our_o prayer_n to_o that_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o tri_v the_o reins_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n for_o he_o if_o we_o have_v true_a notion_n of_o he_o love_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a mind_n beyond_o either_o the_o compliment_n of_o the_o formalist_n or_o the_o cheat_v of_o the_o hypocrite_n we_o know_v that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v excellent_a scourer_n of_o the_o outside_n of_o themselves_o and_o very_o pry_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o other_o that_o they_o can_v make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o of_o the_o platter_n when_o yet_o their_o own_o inward_a part_n be_v full_a of_o raven_a and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n these_o can_v be_v very_o precise_a and_o strict_a in_o small_a matter_n to_o the_o pay_a tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o rue_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o herb_n but_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n luke_o 11._o and_o the_o epicure_n notwithstanding_o the_o luxury_n and_o irregularity_n of_o their_o life_n can_v speak_v of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a school_n of_o athens_n with_o great_a reverence_n than_o any_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v in_o tully_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la that_o epicurus_n retollit_fw-la oratione_fw-la relinquit_fw-la deos_fw-la that_o he_o can_v allow_v those_o god_n in_o his_o speech_n which_o in_o reality_n he_o deny_v and_o whilst_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o falsehood_n in_o the_o world_n and_o man_n may_v make_v profession_n with_o their_o tongue_n of_o what_o their_o mind_n do_v not_o hearty_o assent_v to_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a and_o infallible_a judgement_n make_v from_o wordy_a expression_n or_o external_a gesture_n nor_o yet_o from_o seem_a transport_n of_o devotion_n tacitus_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o malcontent_n in_o galba_n time_n tristitiam_fw-la simulabant_fw-la propiores_fw-la contumaciae_fw-la that_o they_o counterfeit_v sorrow_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v stubborn_a and_o although_o many_o man_n among_o ourselves_o may_v have_v steady_a brow_n and_o fix_v eye_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o upright_a deportment_n yet_o privacy_n may_v discover_v to_o one_o who_o observant_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v either_o empty_a or_o else_o frothy_a and_o vain_a far_o too_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n which_o cicero_n pretend_v against_o verres_n frontem_fw-la atque_fw-la oculos_fw-la mentiri_fw-la their_o forehead_n and_o their_o eye_n speak_v falsehood_n boldness_n be_v a_o common_a shelter_n to_o these_o thing_n and_o confidence_n be_v almost_o characteristical_a to_o those_o that_o be_v adversary_n to_o our_o church_n prayer_n so_o great_a and_o large_a that_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v modesty_n enough_o to_o hold_v the_o tongue_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v apparent_o baffle_v much_o less_o to_o make_v their_o face_n blush_v when_o their_o hand_n be_v all_o smear_v with_o blood_n nay_o so_o much_o as_o to_o ascend_v to_o the_o throne_n with_o sword_n and_o staff_n not_o to_o mention_v what_o they_o take_v thence_o and_o most_o barbarous_o butcher_v and_o after_o all_o a_o hue_n and_o cry_n be_v perpetual_o send_v out_o after_o their_o repentance_n and_o yet_o they_o hide_v it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v find_v but_o instead_o of_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n they_o will_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n aver_v their_o piety_n to_o exceed_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n and_o from_o their_o fondness_n to_o themselves_o infer_v the_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o like_o that_o bloody_a and_o cruel_a tyrant_n domitian_n who_o paint_v jupiter_n in_o the_o market_n place_n with_o pleasant_a colour_n and_o himself_o in_o his_o bosom_n though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v represent_v tread_v under_o his_o foot_n strabo_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v woman_n and_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n to_o religion_n by_o mere_a reason_n and_o dry_a philosophy_n but_o that_o for_o this_o there_o be_v need_n of_o superstition_n and_o this_o can_v be_v advance_v without_o fable_n and_o wonder_n geor._n lib._n 1._o yet_o the_o great_a god_n who_o all_o christian_n pretend_v to_o adore_v never_o usher_v in_o his_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v real_a and_o true_a but_o when_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v become_v plant_v and_o sufficient_o by_o miracle_n beyond_o all_o the_o ability_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o prove_v to_o be_v divine_a the_o rational_a account_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o it_o not_o wise_a contradict_v natural_a religion_n will_v sufficient_o enforce_v its_o esteem_n and_o exercise_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o new_a juggle_v or_o device_n of_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o the_o roman_n that_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o embrace_v though_o false_a in_o its_o self_n may_v neither_o suffer_v by_o flattery_n or_o fraud_n when_o the_o soothsayer_n increase_v so_o fast_o in_o their_o city_n make_v a_o order_n of_o senate_n that_o none_o but_o gentleman_n shall_v practice_v these_o matter_n leave_v so_o exalt_v and_o divine_a a_o art_n shall_v be_v degrade_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o base_a trade_n of_o fraud_n and_o cozenage_n as_o tully_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o divinat_fw-la and_o indeed_o it_o hold_v good_a and_o rational_a under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n more_o than_o it_o can_v possible_o under_o a_o false_a for_o where_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o priesthood_n be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n they_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o carry_v wisp_n of_o hay_n to_o feed_v calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n but_o far_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o now_o find_v secular_a interest_n a_o most_o prevail_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o upon_o a_o late_a and_o more_o particular_a scrutiny_n we_o find_v man_n particular_a religion_n stoop_v to_o their_o own_o personal_a advantage_n and_o the_o rite_n and_o devotion_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o exercise_v in_o the_o true_a profession_n to_o be_v countermand_v when_o enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n by_o the_o profit_n which_o attend_v man_n particular_a trade_n and_o occupation_n as_o if_o because_o demetrius_n and_o other_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n it_o must_v present_o be_v conclude_v that_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o our_o sectary_n
scab_n who_o start_v in_o their_o sleep_n as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v bug_n about_o they_o and_o not_o only_o delight_v themselves_o in_o dream_n but_o greedy_o impose_v the_o notion_n of_o their_o pillow_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o disturb_a body_n on_o other_o when_o upon_o a_o more_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o may_v just_o attribute_v all_o to_o fancy_n and_o the_o most_o unaccountable_a imagination_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o our_o faith_n certain_o be_v not_o now_o less_o precious_a nor_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v attend_v with_o inferior_a regard_n howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v despise_v by_o the_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a nor_o must_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o council_n be_v less_o value_v but_o more_o since_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o propagate_a false_a doctrine_n together_o with_o schism_n and_o rebellion_n too_o in_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v mix_v with_o so_o much_o pride_n in_o the_o deliverer_n and_o so_o easy_o work_v upon_o the_o melt_a and_o ductile_a judgement_n of_o the_o hearer_n that_o both_o be_v deceive_v if_o they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a knavish_a and_o when_o matter_n be_v come_v to_o this_o pass_n i_o can_v conclude_v no_o less_o than_o that_o if_o this_o be_v permit_v the_o blind_a will_n still_o lead_v the_o blind_a till_o we_o all_o fall_v together_o into_o the_o ditch_n when_o error_n and_o mistake_n must_v lead_v the_o multitude_n and_o triumphant_o captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o simple_a which_o every_o where_o be_v the_o great_a number_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v far_o to_o recommend_v one_o consideration_n more_o against_o this_o extempore_o and_o rash_a way_n of_o public_a prayer_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o unworthy_a of_o the_o deity_n as_o much_o as_o unbecoming_a man_n who_o yet_o pretend_v to_o consider_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o this_o and_o that_o be_v because_o when_o man_n offer_v to_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o the_o universe_n such_o unconsidered_a and_o unpremeditated_a devotion_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v but_o little_a awe_n and_o dread_n upon_o their_o mind_n of_o that_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o he_o to_o who_o they_o make_v their_o address_n and_o it_o must_v cause_v stranger_n to_o their_o religion_n on_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v either_o do_v not_o regard_v what_o they_o offer_v or_o else_o have_v give_v they_o a_o large_a liberty_n to_o talk_v to_o he_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v without_o danger_n or_o punishment_n to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o what_o a_o god_n he_o will_v then_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o consideration_n and_o inference_n what_o will_v a_o heathen_a say_v in_o this_o case_n but_o that_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o god_n introduce_v religion_n into_o the_o world_n these_o man_n have_v no_o fear_n banish_v religion_n and_o the_o god_n together_o for_o can_v that_o person_n own_o the_o christian_n god_n who_o in_o public_a evidence_n so_o little_a fear_n and_o reverence_n to_o he_o can_v he_o dread_v the_o displeasure_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o any_o other_o person_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v who_o value_v not_o what_o he_o say_v to_o he_o neither_o regard_v the_o method_n or_o significancy_n of_o his_o word_n or_o the_o phrase_n by_o which_o he_o represent_v his_o mind_n and_o can_v any_o man_n who_o allow_v himself_o time_n to_o retire_v and_o consider_v with_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o thought_n about_o he_o conjecture_n or_o be_v positive_a in_o affirm_v that_o any_o dread_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v make_v due_a impression_n upon_o such_o mind_n which_o determine_v their_o spirit_n to_o their_o own_o tongue_n speak_v sudden_a and_o unpremeditated_a language_n to_o he_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n very_o often_o at_o least_o be_v rash_a and_o unadvised_a not_o fit_a to_o be_v present_v to_o so_o great_a a_o god_n as_o all_o describe_v jehovah_n to_o be_v because_o it_o will_v very_o frequent_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o indecency_n of_o phrase_n unsoundness_n of_o expression_n or_o at_o least_o a_o immethodical_a loose_a composure_n he_o that_o do_v but_o send_v a_o message_n to_o another_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v place_v some_o step_n above_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o regard_v the_o person_n of_o he_o to_o who_o his_o errant_n be_v direct_v and_o to_o mind_v the_o main_a business_n which_o he_o intend_v how_o strange_o be_v he_o concern_v if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o inform_v his_o messenger_n so_o well_o in_o the_o affair_n that_o after_o he_o have_v invent_v the_o most_o apt_a and_o proper_a expression_n he_o can_v think_v on_o that_o may_v comport_v with_o the_o quality_n nay_o the_o very_a humour_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o send_v and_o have_v once_o deliver_v they_o to_o his_o own_o servant_n or_o another_o how_o frequent_o will_v he_o call_v he_o back_o again_o to_o re_fw-mi inform_v he_o that_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o business_n may_v not_o suffer_v diminution_n by_o any_o light_n or_o unbecoming_a word_n that_o the_o messenger_n may_v not_o spoil_v his_o design_n or_o the_o least_o failure_n in_o expression_n or_o behaviour_n obstruct_v a_o compliance_n and_o shall_v mankind_n who_o be_v so_o cautious_a in_o secular_a affair_n have_v very_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o utter_v their_o want_n and_o petition_n unto_o the_o great_a god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n from_o who_o also_o we_o receive_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o perpetual_a subsistence_n nay_o when_o we_o be_v beg_v from_o he_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o most_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n to_o we_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o obtain_v we_o be_v ruin_v and_o damn_v to_o all_o eternity_n in_o those_o affair_n that_o we_o manage_v with_o man_n about_o which_o we_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o by_o any_o fail_n or_o unfortunate_a miscarriage_n can_v consist_v only_o in_o a_o prejudice_n to_o our_o estate_n damage_n to_o our_o health_n a_o blot_n to_o our_o reputation_n a_o abatement_n of_o our_o pleasure_n and_o sensual_a satisfaction_n or_o at_o most_o it_o can_v but_o put_v a_o period_n to_o our_o life_n and_o cut_v the_o thread_n which_o in_o a_o few_o day_n will_v grow_v rot_v and_o break_v all_o which_o thing_n if_o we_o do_v escape_v for_o that_o present_a season_n in_o which_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n we_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a space_n reprieve_v because_o they_o will_v sudden_o perish_v of_o themselves_o when_o the_o fatal_a hour_n snatch_v we_o from_o they_o and_o death_n summon_v we_o to_o the_o great_a tribunal_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o big_a with_o consideration_n in_o the_o managery_n of_o these_o low_a concern_v among_o man_n that_o our_o secular_a wish_n may_v obtain_v their_o end_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o negligent_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n when_o we_o petition_v the_o great_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o such_o favour_n which_o be_v so_o important_a to_o we_o that_o if_o we_o fail_v of_o their_o possession_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v as_o certain_o we_o must_v we_o shall_v then_o exchange_v our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n for_o such_o a_o torment_n as_o be_v unexpressible_a and_o yet_o shall_v never_o that_o we_o know_v of_o admit_v of_o a_o end_n or_o relaxation_n certain_o such_o man_n can_v have_v little_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o manage_v their_o address_n to_o this_o supreme_a be_v with_o such_o strange_a rashness_n and_o inconsideration_n especial_o when_o their_o petition_n include_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n and_o be_v offer_v to_o that_o almighty_a power_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v their_o desire_n this_o plain_o argue_v that_o neither_o the_o value_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v much_o esteem_v or_o regard_v by_o they_o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n say_v solomon_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n he_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o eccl._n 5.2_o and_o if_o this_o text_n by_o a_o narrow_a and_o subtle_a interpretation_n shall_v be_v restrain_v to_o vow_n only_o yet_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v as_o prevalent_a in_o prayer_n when_o man_n on_o earth_n speak_v to_o the_o great_a god_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o distance_n will_v be_v still_o the_o same_o betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o contempt_n and_o his_o revenge_n no_o far_o off_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v rash_a in_o this_o
in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o â—â—â—â—er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o usual_o have_v so_o slender_a a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o season_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o sure_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v be_v a_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o elect_n be_v gather_v and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v and_o give_v we_o too_o apparent_a a_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o less_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n than_o when_o we_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o talk_v thus_o i_o hate_v to_o refute_v such_o nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o together_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o such_o man_n must_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n which_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v