repentance_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v sinner_n if_o the_o repentance_n be_v true_a perfect_a and_o serious_a the_o sinner_n thereby_o cleanse_v his_o soul_n and_o in_o that_o moment_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n if_o not_o so_o a_o imperfect_a or_o a_o feign_a repentance_n will_v no_o more_o promote_v the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n than_o if_o the_o supplicant_n have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o his_o sin_n nor_o ought_v this_o to_o be_v any_o dissuasion_n from_o early_a and_o constant_a innocence_n that_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o audience_n and_o favour_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n as_o to_o those_o of_o holy_a man_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v no_o total_a change_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n that_o be_v indeed_o object_v by_o the_o envious_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n against_o the_o good_a housholder_n who_o reward_v the_o late-comer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n as_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o unequal_a distribution_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v what_o that_o good_a housholder_n represent_v god_n in_o the_o parable_n reply_v be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a that_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o man_n pious_a from_o his_o infancy_n without_o any_o notorious_a sin_n deserve_v no_o more_o from_o god_n than_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n new_o return_v to_o obedience_n yet_o to_o assert_v both_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o constant_a holiness_n from_o the_o motive_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o it_o a_o little_a further_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o petition_n of_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o iniquity_n take_v away_o their_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n this_o he_o do_v to_o manasseh_n to_o the_o ninevite_n to_o many_o both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o we_o find_v neither_o promise_n nor_o example_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a favour_n beside_o pardon_n confer_v immediate_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_n such_o as_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o enemy_n prolongation_n of_o life_n communication_n of_o benefit_n to_o other_o for_o their_o sake_n effusion_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v reward_v reserve_v to_o person_n of_o more_o illustrious_a and_o more_o constant_a piety_n who_o by_o a_o long_a obedience_n give_v undoubted_a proof_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o time_n as_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o abraham_n moses_n and_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v never_o defile_v with_o any_o notorious_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o world_n by_o remarkable_a act_n and_o uninterrupted_a habit_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o god_n by_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n consequent_a to_o their_o prayer_n their_o piety_n patience_n and_o obedience_n be_v raise_v far_o above_o the_o standard_n of_o latter_a time_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o we_o who_o have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o their_o example_n find_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o even_o dare_v not_o to_o ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o many_o indeed_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a benefit_n grant_v at_o the_o prayer_n of_o ancient_a saint_n be_v intend_v as_o so_o many_o miraculous_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v the_o only_o promise_a reward_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n yet_o still_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n do_v at_o this_o day_n decrease_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o piety_n and_o may_v be_v raise_v with_o it_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o chief_a design_n of_o it_o which_o as_o i_o before_o large_o prove_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o acknowledge_v his_o dominion_n over_o mankind_n his_o justice_n his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o omniscience_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n man_n declare_v his_o belief_n of_o all_o these_o divine_a attribute_n but_o without_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o affront_v they_o all_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o prayer_n and_o far_o from_o worship_v god_n in_o it_o deny_v his_o perfection_n and_o overthrow_v what_o otherwise_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o reason_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o obedience_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o god_n no_o less_o be_v that_o concomitant_a purity_n command_v for_o which_o we_o now_o plead_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o require_v prayer_n will_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n to_o perform_v the_o act_n and_o withhold_v the_o condition_n be_v then_o no_o other_o than_o to_o confess_v a_o obligation_n and_o immediate_o to_o deny_v it_o if_o prayer_n include_v a_o confession_n of_o our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n continuance_n in_o sin_n argue_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o that_o imperfection_n that_o we_o affect_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o god_n and_o exempt_v from_o his_o government_n if_o in_o that_o man_n profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o by_o not_o purge_v his_o mind_n from_o sin_n he_o make_v his_o profession_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o protestation_n against_o plain_a fact_n if_o there_o he_o imply_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o he_o manifest_v by_o his_o practice_n that_o he_o think_v it_o not_o just_a to_o be_v deprive_v by_o his_o law_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o belove_a lusts._n if_o by_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n he_o confess_v he_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v every_o where_o present_a by_o his_o sin_n he_o pretend_v to_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o retire_v from_o his_o presence_n if_o in_o the_o one_o he_o publish_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o the_o other_o he_o defi_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o bow_v his_o knee_n indeed_o and_o prostrate_v his_o body_n in_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o his_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n thus_o a_o sinner_n wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n destroy_v that_o adoration_n which_o by_o prayer_n he_o pretend_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n nor_o be_v that_o the_o only_a consequence_n attend_v sin_n in_o prayer_n that_o it_o defeat_v the_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o obstruct_v the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o it_o far_o involve_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o that_o he_o therein_o affront_v all_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o in_o pray_v to_o he_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n consist_v in_o commit_v the_o fact_n after_o a_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a invocation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n in_o revile_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a mention_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o these_o and_o many_o more_o crime_n be_v act_v as_o often_o as_o a_o love_n or_o resolution_n of_o sin_v be_v retain_v with_o prayer_n so_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o deprave_v to_o a_o most_o deplorable_a degree_n it_o will_v fear_v to_o approach_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n without_o a_o perfect_a innocence_n that_o be_v either_o conscience_n of_o have_v commit_v no_o sin_n or_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o it_o if_o we_o join_v all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o we_o still_o shall_v not_o conceive_v a_o great_a than_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n god_n profess_v his_o supreme_a dominion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n proceed_v to_o violate_v the_o â—aws_n which_o he_o have_v found_v to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n yet_o neither_o to_o revere_v his_o majesty_n nor_o to_o fear_v his_o punishment_n to_o celebrate_v
imperfection_n which_o necessary_o do_v attend_v it_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o unreasonable_a because_o not_o found_v in_o internal_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o in_o extraneous_a advantage_n such_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o unaccountable_a favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o prefer_v some_o man_n before_o other_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o either_o a_o easy_a way_n indeed_o of_o gain_v heaven_n and_o as_o what_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o man_n be_v common_o acceptable_a to_o they_o a_o please_a delusion_n but_o such_o man_n be_v to_o know_v that_o although_o themselves_o proceed_v herein_o without_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o a_o strong_a imagination_n prompt_v by_o a_o vehement_a pride_n yet_o that_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n never_o act_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o any_o partiality_n and_o dispense_v his_o favour_n with_o the_o most_o exact_a justice_n if_o they_o believe_v god_n will_v oversee_v fault_n in_o they_o which_o he_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o in_o other_o they_o prefer_v themselves_o to_o the_o inestimable_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o purchase_v a_o particular_a covenant_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n they_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o their_o sake_n last_o if_o any_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n by_o their_o own_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o extraordinary_a dignity_n since_o it_o imply_v a_o absolute_a independency_n from_o god_n but_o as_o this_o be_v blasphemous_a so_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v high_o criminal_a if_o we_o perform_v a_o exact_a and_o unsine_v obedience_n we_o shall_v still_o do_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v what_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o right_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o even_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o have_v oblige_v any_o person_n when_o we_o pay_v a_o just_a debt_n to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o many_o sin_n more_o numerous_a than_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o first_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o our_o own_o will_n the_o latter_a the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n enable_v we_o and_o work_v with_o we_o that_o the_o first_o be_v always_o perfect_a the_o latter_a even_o when_o best_a still_o imperfect_a we_o shall_v find_v abundant_a argument_n of_o humility_n but_o none_o of_o arrogance_n ii_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v by_o i_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o prevent_v these_o fatal_a error_n which_o have_v be_v mark_v out_o and_o oppose_v by_o we_o but_o also_o extend_v to_o many_o action_n of_o life_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o first_o this_o will_v secure_v to_o we_o constant_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n amid_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o be_v wont_a to_o render_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n uneasy_a may_v be_v reduce_v either_o to_o the_o want_n of_o some_o desire_a good_a or_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o vexarious_a evil._n and_o herein_o man_n put_v no_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n or_o resentment_n they_o passionate_o desire_v the_o acquisition_n of_o some_o good_a or_o removal_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v sometime_o impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o ofttimes_o deny_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n hereupon_o they_o grow_v discontent_v many_o time_n repine_v against_o god_n and_o think_v themselves_o injure_v and_o all_o upon_o a_o mistake_a supposal_n of_o their_o deserve_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v desire_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v contract_v their_o ambitious_a desire_n and_o think_v sober_o as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o man_n be_v no_o such_o excellent_a creature_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v change_v or_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o please_v his_o fancy_n that_o if_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n attend_v his_o body_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o if_o adverse_a fortune_n do_v afflict_v he_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o steady_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o universe_n whereof_o himself_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a member_n if_o the_o grant_n of_o his_o desire_n be_v deny_v to_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n his_o merit_n be_v too_o small_a to_o require_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n if_o all_o these_o together_o trouble_v he_o he_o have_v no_o injury_n do_v unto_o he_o he_o can_v accuse_v heaven_n of_o injustice_n all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o continue_v his_o existence_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o absurd_a to_o desire_v to_o change_v the_o property_n of_o it_o if_o he_o murmur_v against_o god_n because_o his_o nature_n be_v not_o more_o excellent_a he_o show_v himself_o yet_o more_o unreasonable_a since_o all_o proceed_v from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o creator_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v thankful_a that_o we_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o order_n of_o beast_n than_o repine_v because_o we_o be_v set_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o angel_n second_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o humility_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sobriety_n of_o thought_n or_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o that_o first_o with_o our_o fellow_n christian_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a precept_n direct_v it_o against_o those_o who_o upon_o supposal_n of_o their_o extraordinary_a merit_n above_o other_o man_n boast_v of_o a_o particular_a favour_n with_o god_n despise_v their_o brethren_n as_o carnal_a and_o perhaps_o reprobate_a make_v ostentation_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o pretend_v to_o those_o which_o real_o they_o do_v not_o possess_v and_o in_o confidence_n of_o either_o invade_v those_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o presume_v to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o such_o spiritual_a pride_n have_v in_o all_o age_n continue_v to_o infest_v the_o church_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o molest_v it_o but_o since_o i_o have_v hitherto_o wave_v the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v return_v to_o the_o more_o general_a use_v of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o 3._o this_o will_v teach_v we_o humility_n towards_o god_n and_o give_v we_o a_o just_a idea_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o form_v any_o rational_a act_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o without_o obtain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n which_o can_v attract_v his_o love_n that_o our_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n can_v confer_v no_o benefit_n upon_o he_o that_o neither_o our_o celebrate_v he_o on_o earth_n nor_o our_o society_n in_o heaven_n will_v add_v to_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o present_a happiness_n it_o will_v demonstrate_v the_o inconceivable_a greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n towards_o we_o in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o in_o proclaim_v pardon_n to_o our_o sin_n in_o offer_v term_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o when_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o which_o can_v deserve_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n it_o will_v add_v to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o such_o inconsiderable_a creature_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o bestow_v upon_o we_o one_o full_a pardon_n of_o all_o precedent_a sin_n but_o renew_v his_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o man_n shall_v sincere_o renew_v their_o repentance_n in_o give_v assurance_n to_o we_o of_o all_o this_o by_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n which_o for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o continue_v and_o often_o celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o whosoever_o approach_v with_o humility_n faith_n and_o repentance_n will_v assure_o receive_v remission_n of_o his_o sin_n past_a and_o grace_n to_o avoid_v they_o for_o the_o future_a but_o without_o these_o preparative_n disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v the_o benefit_n upon_o a_o
thought_n will_v easy_o recur_v as_o often_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v repeat_v and_o immediate_o create_v a_o real_a devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o have_v by_o frequent_a hear_n and_o meditation_n of_o those_o word_n full_o attain_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o they_o and_o long_o since_o receive_v deep_a impression_n from_o they_o by_o this_o benefit_n the_o devout_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v and_o direct_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n which_o mighty_o facilitate_v their_o conception_n remove_v their_o distraction_n and_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o attend_v to_o that_o alone_a on_o which_o they_o be_v then_o employ_v this_o alone_a aught_o to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o frequency_n of_o it_o to_o mankind_n that_o it_o make_v up_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v perhaps_o be_v more_o persuasive_a that_o it_o produce_v great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n to_o man_n which_o be_v so_o amplify_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o many_o promise_n of_o grant_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v desire_v by_o the_o frequent_a example_n of_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n and_o benefit_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a the_o duty_n shall_v be_v neglect_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o either_o devoid_a of_o faith_n or_o regardless_o of_o their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v not_o only_o promise_v by_o christ_n that_o whatsoever_o man_n shall_v ask_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o have_v faith_n nothing_o which_o they_o desire_v shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o they_o that_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v open_a to_o they_o that_o knock_v that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o even_o to_o obtain_v more_o than_o be_v include_v in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o be_v there_o illustrate_v by_o example_n but_o god_n have_v also_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v himself_o as_o labour_v under_o the_o ordinary_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n who_o often_o grant_v what_o they_o have_v not_o design_v to_o avoid_v the_o restless_a importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n that_o so_o no_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v discourage_v man_n from_o apply_v himself_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n thus_o luk._n xi_o our_o lord_n describe_v god_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o housholder_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o lend_v to_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o friendship_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o satisfy_v his_o importunity_n and_o luk._n xviii_o he_o resemble_v god_n to_o a_o unjust_a judge_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o poor_a widow_n for_o justice_n sake_n as_o who_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o her_o troublesome_a importunity_n these_o representation_n may_v perhaps_o appear_v surprise_v it_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o favour_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n common_a to_o man._n yet_o if_o we_o look_v a_o little_a near_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o whole_a conduct_n agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n god_n indeed_o bestow_v not_o any_o favour_n but_o upon_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n he_o have_v affix_v certain_a condition_n to_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o will_v not_o separate_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o any_o one_o he_o ever_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o cause_n and_o be_v deaf_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n yet_o grant_v many_o petition_n to_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n which_o without_o that_o importunity_n will_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v for_o he_o who_o pray_v importunate_o to_o god_n do_v thereby_o qualify_v himself_o for_o his_o favour_n since_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v address_v himself_o by_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o every_o sin_n which_o may_v obstruct_v the_o grant_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o herein_o his_o care_n will_v be_v no_o less_o intense_a than_o be_v his_o desire_n of_o what_o he_o then_o request_v his_o very_a address_v himself_o to_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o find_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o happiness_n in_o his_o favour_n if_o the_o prayer_n be_v often_o repeat_v as_o be_v always_o in_o case_n of_o importunity_n the_o soul_n do_v thereby_o contract_v a_o habit_n of_o piety_n of_o think_v upon_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n of_o fear_v he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o when_o man_n by_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o disposition_n no_o wonder_n that_o god_n shall_v then_o grant_v to_o he_o what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o and_o then_o indulge_v to_o he_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a since_o he_o be_v now_o become_v as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o prayer_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o expel_v profaneness_n infidelity_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o to_o introduce_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o will_v at_o last_o give_v a_o just_a claim_n of_o divine_a favour_n to_o he_o man_n by_o present_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n do_v accustom_v his_o mind_n to_o just_a conception_n of_o his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o command_n over_o we_o do_v imprint_v therein_o a_o awful_a regard_n of_o his_o majesty_n after_o many_o resolution_n form_v and_o renew_v in_o prayer_n she_o find_v the_o very_a inclination_n of_o his_o will_n change_v what_o at_o first_o he_o do_v but_o cold_o desire_v after_o many_o reflection_n on_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o he_o vehement_o affect_v what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v but_o light_o persuade_v of_o after_o many_o profession_n he_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o what_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a impression_n of_o mind_n after_o frequent_a iteration_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n become_v a_o well_o fix_a habit._n it_o must_v be_v a_o unnatural_a sort_n of_o perverseness_n which_o dare_v to_o invoke_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o confess_v therein_o his_o justice_n power_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o immediate_o affront_v they_o all_o which_o can_v desire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o frequent_a petition_n and_o yet_o oppose_v he_o by_o constant_a rebellion_n the_o mind_n of_o very_a few_o person_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o monstrous_a wickedness_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n of_o man_n already_o pious_a and_o religious_a but_o also_o a_o effectual_a method_n to_o make_v man_n such_o which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o perform_v they_o then_o become_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o those_o illustrious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o prayer_n thus_o much_o of_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n for_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n this_o whole_a epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o bishop_n a_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v almost_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o prescribe_v rule_n of_o external_a worship_n and_o government_n in_o this_o chapter_n then_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n for_o public_a prayer_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o oppose_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n he_o there_o command_v to_o that_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o word_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o or_o more_o literal_o in_o every_o place_n the_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v equal_o in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n prevail_v god_n be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n have_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o jewish_a manner_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v frivolous_a and_o also_o false_a for_o the_o jew_n do_v believe_v and_o maintain_v no_o less_o than_o himself_o that_o private_a prayer_n both_o might_n and_o ought_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o equal_o in_o all_o place_n beside_o in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n for_o the_o dress_n of_o woman_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o
to_o learn_v how_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o be_v excite_v to_o it_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o your_o meeting_n in_o this_o holy_a place_n be_v that_o you_o may_v worship_n god_n herein_o but_o how_o can_v you_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v he_o who_o place_n yourselves_o in_o no_o posture_n of_o worship_n who_o express_v no_o concern_v at_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n join_v not_o in_o they_o nor_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o they_o can_v you_o real_o believe_v stand_v or_o sit_v to_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n or_o will_v you_o not_o confess_v kneel_v to_o be_v real_o the_o most_o humble_a posture_n and_o if_o so_o sure_o the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v to_o be_v approach_v in_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o devout_a manner_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o correct_v a_o ill_a custom_n study_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o complete_a service_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n to_o attend_v diligent_o to_o they_o to_o join_v devout_o in_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n both_o with_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o both_o be_v create_v by_o he_o so_o shall_v you_o true_o worship_n god_n so_o shall_v you_o entitle_v yourselves_o to_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n obtain_v your_o desire_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n the_o sixteen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o treat_v large_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v and_o urge_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n from_o these_o two_o consideration_n especial_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n make_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o lay_v open_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o that_o so_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n can_v not_o engage_v yet_o at_o least_o that_o of_o interest_n may_v persuade_v i_o than_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n have_v first_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o that_o especial_o and_o therein_o manifest_v how_o much_o great_a the_o obligation_n be_v to_o public_a prayer_n how_o more_o expressive_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n what_o great_a advantage_n it_o bring_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n and_o what_o more_o noble_a promise_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n every_o where_o ii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n iii_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n teach_v to_o be_v every_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o but_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o any_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v herein_o he_o distinguish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o the_o more_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n nay_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n institute_v by_o himself_o be_v affix_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o perform_v the_o other_o office_n of_o legal_a worship_n and_o adult_v male_n among_o the_o jew_n thrice_o every_o year_n give_v their_o attendance_n this_o be_v both_o easy_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a dimension_n of_o their_o country_n and_o also_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o relapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v in_o that_o stiff-necked_a people_n have_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v permit_v to_o they_o in_o many_o separate_a place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v not_o the_o immediate_a oversight_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v actual_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n whensoever_o quit_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o begin_v to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n to_o this_o temple_n therefore_o after_o the_o full_a settlement_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o affix_v out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n nor_o be_v any_o expiation_n of_o sin_n provide_v to_o it_o many_o glorious_a promise_n be_v appropriate_v as_o that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o it_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n the_o observation_n of_o this_o institution_n become_v both_o impossible_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o be_v therefore_o abolish_v by_o god_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o he_o be_v thenceforward_o command_v to_o be_v alike_o celebrate_v in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o church_n his_o presence_n be_v not_o confine_v nor_o his_o promise_n annex_v to_o one_o place_n he_o be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n and_o receive_v their_o petition_n with_o equal_a favour_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v the_o christian_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n direct_v public_a prayer_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o every_o where_o as_o he_o have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o upon_o another_o respect_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o command_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n whereas_o the_o jew_n never_o pray_v for_o any_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o communion_n this_o enlargement_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n can_v not_o indeed_o but_o be_v extreme_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v be_v now_o appropriate_v for_o near_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o from_o all_o age_n determine_v to_o enlarge_v his_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o gather_v into_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v both_o by_o precedent_n and_o subsequent_a fact_n provide_v abundant_a reason_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o himself_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v extend_v into_o the_o whole_a earth_n thus_o zeph._n ii_o 11._o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o when_o god_n shall_v found_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o every_o one_o from_o his_o place_n even_o all_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o mal._n i._n 11._o for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o prophecy_n do_v clear_o instruct_v the_o jew_n that_o when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v worship_v alike_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o even_o those_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v then_o offer_v up_o from_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o although_o in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v appear_v strange_a unto_o the_o jew_n who_o mind_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o
in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o then_o temptation_n in_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o crime_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n can_v not_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o all_o those_o ill_a consequence_n as_o may_v attend_v such_o temptation_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n derive_v from_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o only_o whatsoever_o happen_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n or_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o any_o creature_n be_v only_o permit_v by_o he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o answer_v for_o it_o but_o what_o be_v cause_v by_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n delegated_a to_o any_o creature_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o his_o direct_a will_n and_o special_a commission_n so_o that_o to_o avoid_v the_o charge_v of_o injustice_n upon_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o such_o opinion_n of_o he_o he_o permit_v indeed_o the_o devil_n to_o exert_v his_o malice_n in_o the_o continual_a temptation_n of_o man_n and_o hinder_v not_o his_o operation_n by_o a_o perpetual_a interposition_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o expect_v it_o much_o less_o to_o conceive_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v so_o settle_v the_o frame_n of_o thing_n that_o as_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violent_a crave_v of_o a_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o divert_v man_n from_o their_o duty_n the_o restless_a solicitation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v add_v to_o all_o these_o argument_n and_o incentives_n to_o sin_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o be_v not_o a_o primary_n institution_n but_o a_o depravation_n of_o nature_n accidental_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n at_o first_o settle_v by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o when_o once_o happen_v god_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o remove_v or_o suspend_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a miracle_n than_o he_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o bad_a example_n suggestion_n or_o solicitation_n of_o one_o man_n to_o another_o and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o oppose_v the_o assault_n of_o evil_a spirit_n with_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o consider_v that_o they_o act_n not_o against_o we_o by_o any_o extraordinary_a communication_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n but_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a force_n only_o which_o must_v be_v finite_a and_o limit_v we_o read_v indeed_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v sometime_o extraordinary_o employ_v by_o god_n to_o execute_v his_o will_n and_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o which_o case_n they_o act_v by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n derive_v from_o he_o but_o this_o extend_v not_o to_o temptation_n they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o creation_n intend_v for_o ministerial_a spirit_n a_o office_n which_o the_o bless_a angel_n still_o enjoy_v and_o although_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o subjection_n to_o god_n which_o endeavour_v occasion_v their_o fall_n yet_o what_o be_v none_o of_o their_o least_o torment_n they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o subjection_n by_o execute_v his_o command_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o person_n who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n or_o formal_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n be_v seize_v on_o by_o he_o in_o a_o conspicuous_a manner_n and_o either_o whole_o possess_v by_o he_o and_o deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n or_o immediate_o afflict_v with_o violent_a disease_n thus_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a st._n paul_n command_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n solemn_o to_o excommunicate_v he_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n v._o a_o employment_n sure_o very_o ungrateful_a to_o the_o devil_n since_o nothing_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n than_o such_o visible_a punishment_n which_o conduce_v also_o to_o the_o salvation_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o strike_v they_o with_o a_o due_a awe_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o force_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o unhappy_a state_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o occasion_v it_o if_o such_o exemplary_a punishment_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n attend_v the_o solemn_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v deny_v to_o it_o although_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o devil_n acquire_v still_o no_o small_a power_n over_o such_o person_n when_o the_o sentence_n be_v right_o and_o just_o pronounce_v by_o their_o loss_n of_o that_o supernatural_a grace_n which_o all_o true_a christian_n receive_v in_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v chief_o enable_v to_o withstand_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n another_o example_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a power_n give_v to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v that_o of_o demoniac_n who_o number_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v considerable_a at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o perhaps_o somewhat_o of_o a_o like_a if_o not_o the_o same_o kind_n may_v still_o be_v find_v that_o the_o devil_n possess_v these_o unhappy_a person_n not_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a power_n but_o by_o extraordinary_a commission_n derive_v from_o god_n seem_v unquestionable_a for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o finite_a be_v can_v by_o its_o ordinary_a power_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n if_o so_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n will_v fall_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o frequent_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o cure_n of_o demoniac_n now_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v take_v possession_n of_o man_n by_o their_o own_o power_n they_o may_v also_o quit_v that_o possession_n at_o their_o will_n and_o by_o quit_v it_o opportune_o perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v they_o act_v therefore_o herein_o as_o the_o executioner_n of_o god_n who_o may_v command_v and_o empower_v they_o to_o seize_v on_o the_o body_n of_o man_n to_o alter_v their_o natural_a constitution_n bereave_v they_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o afflict_v they_o with_o continual_a torment_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o we_o may_v well_o believe_v these_o demoniac_n to_o have_v be_v more_o numerous_a among_o the_o jew_n than_o they_o ever_o be_v among_o christian_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o jew_n include_v chief_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o inflict_v dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n even_o in_o this_o life_n while_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o make_v full_o know_v to_o the_o world_n his_o resolution_n of_o punish_v man_n in_o another_o life_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o case_n do_v infer_v a_o command_n or_o commission_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v man_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n in_o scripture_n which_o if_o not_o right_o understand_v may_v seem_v to_o infer_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o job_n who_o patience_n and_o submission_n god_n try_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o such_o extraordinary_a example_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n and_o illustration_n of_o the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o we_o than_o be_v his_o command_n to_o abraham_n of_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n isaac_n however_o neither_o here_o do_v the_o devil_n receive_v any_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o tempt_a job_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n he_o be_v impower_v indeed_o to_o raise_v that_o tempest_n whereby_o the_o son_n of_o job_n be_v bury_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o house_n but_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o and_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o which_o job_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o he_o daily_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n in_o expiation_n of_o they_o the_o devil_n be_v further_o enable_v to_o destroy_v his_o possession_n and_o torment_v his_o body_n with_o a_o loathsome_a disease_n but_o all_o this_o
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
therein_o by_o consequence_n adore_v he_o and_o all_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n do_v express_o include_v a_o act_n and_o confession_n of_o worship_n much_o more_o do_v a_o fervent_a and_o devout_a soul_n which_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n true_o adore_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n with_o the_o most_o absolute_a complacency_n and_o subjection_n which_o his_o soul_n can_v form_n conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o far_o the_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o such_o whole_o devote_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o depend_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o power_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o desire_n but_o also_o upon_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o the_o grant_v and_o upon_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o in_o his_o admirable_a transport_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o garden_n commit_v his_o request_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o a_o entire_a subjection_n and_o all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v the_o most_o intense_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n add_v to_o this_o that_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n which_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o use_v in_o prayer_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o prayer_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o worship_n man_n have_v differ_v indeed_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a posture_n some_o use_v prostration_n other_o stretch_v out_o the_o hand_n and_o most_o kneel_v but_o in_o this_o all_o have_v agree_v that_o that_o posture_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v which_o may_v best_o denote_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o supplicant_n to_o god_n but_o the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o three_o head_n propose_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o expressive_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o so_o the_o same_o necessity_n which_o we_o before_o show_v to_o lie_v upon_o we_o of_o adore_v god_n will_v also_o require_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o as_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o other_o reason_n for_o which_o we_o owe_v adoration_n to_o he_o always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o life_n so_o prayer_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v continual_o address_v to_o he_o although_o we_o have_v many_o time_n no_o particular_a want_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o he_o prayer_n as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o debt_n at_o all_o time_n due_a to_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v also_o found_v upon_o eternal_a reason_n which_o admit_v no_o change_n our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o the_o same_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v invariable_o possess_v by_o he_o the_o same_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n persist_v unalterable_a adoration_n therefore_o be_v in_o almost_o all_o case_n to_o be_v form_v upon_o the_o same_o conception_n to_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o same_o consideration_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o operation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n ten_o thousand_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o a_o â—ational_a man_n can_v no_o more_o alter_v the_o thought_n upon_o which_o adoration_n be_v found_v than_o he_o can_v the_o eternal_a cause_n upon_o which_o those_o thought_n be_v raise_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o man_n worship_v god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o be_v over_o and_o over_o again_o repeat_v every_o day_n ofttimes_o a_o day_n and_o that_o for_o many_o age_n together_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o we_o owe_v worship_n to_o god_n every_o day_n every_o part_n of_o the_o day_n although_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n require_v that_o not_o all_o but_o some_o certain_a fix_a time_n be_v employ_v in_o it_o this_o worship_n be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o adore_v god_n we_o confess_v ourselves_o his_o creature_n we_o acknowledge_v his_o supreme_a authority_n we_o implore_v his_o mercy_n we_o solicit_v his_o goodness_n when_o we_o worship_v he_o a_o second_o time_n the_o same_o thought_n return_v if_o a_o three_o time_n it_o be_v but_o the_o renewal_a of_o the_o same_o conception_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o we_o employ_v in_o this_o act_n of_o adoration_n shall_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o in_o they_o the_o same_o word_n be_v repeat_v again_o and_o again_o every_o day_n for_o be_v not_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v again_o and_o again_o be_v not_o his_o infinite_a attribute_n deserve_v adoration_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o can_v our_o conception_n be_v real_o change_v while_o the_o object_n remain_v the_o same_o have_v these_o person_n discover_v new_a perfection_n in_o god_n or_o new_a foundation_n of_o worship_n since_o the_o last_o act_n of_o it_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n continual_o affect_v new_a compliment_n and_o new_a harangue_n that_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o any_o magical_a force_n in_o the_o variation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o espouse_v the_o very_o gross_a error_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o our_o lord_n reprehend_v in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n matthew_n who_o place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n not_o in_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o word_n yet_o can_v this_o error_n be_v avoid_v by_o those_o who_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n or_o frequent_a change_n in_o it_o for_o since_o the_o internal_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o god_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v any_o change_n in_o the_o external_a word_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a virtue_n in_o the_o word_n themselves_o if_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n more_o effectual_o promote_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o hearer_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o true_a that_o it_o render_v all_o true_a devotion_n absolute_o impossible_a to_o the_o hearer_n for_o in_o hear_v a_o prayer_n before_o unknown_a and_o unheard_a of_o even_o a_o understand_a man_n and_o of_o quick_a apprehension_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o single_o examine_v every_o sentence_n of_o the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v whether_o he_o may_v safe_o join_v in_o it_o lest_o perhaps_o any_o blasphemy_n or_o folly_n or_o indecency_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o sentence_n be_v thus_o examine_v a_o second_o present_v itself_o and_o then_o a_o three_o so_o that_o a_o intelligent_a auditor_n attend_v only_o to_o examine_v by_o part_n the_o prayer_n he_o hear_v have_v no_o leisure_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o in_o pray_v to_o adore_v he_o and_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o know_a man_n be_v thus_o defeat_v a_o auditor_n of_o low_a capacity_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o form_v in_o his_o mind_n such_o a_o rational_a devotion_n as_o become_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o will_v whole_o employ_v himself_o in_o divert_v his_o fancy_n with_o some_o new_a and_o surprise_v sentence_n and_o expect_v what_o next_o shall_v follow_v whereas_o in_o set_n and_o know_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o devout_a hearer_n be_v before_o assure_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v at_o rest_n upon_o that_o account_n attend_v whole_o to_o form_v all_o those_o act_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n express_v and_o therein_o receive_v extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n have_v through_o long_o use_v form_v noble_a conception_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o word_n and_o raise_v intense_a affection_n upon_o other_o conceive_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n of_o sin_n upon_o these_o and_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o most_o profound_a reverence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o word_n the_o soul_n have_v affix_v all_o these_o thought_n and_o act_n to_o those_o several_a word_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o receive_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o same_o affection_n and_o
worship_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o if_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a prayer_n be_v more_o eminent_o so_o the_o intention_n of_o private_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o obtain_v supply_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o then_o to_o worship_v god_n whereas_o in_o public_a prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o necessity_n but_o a_o secondary_a intention_n so_o that_o to_o intermit_v the_o use_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o pray_v only_o in_o private_a be_v for_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o subordination_n to_o his_o own_o design_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o public_a worship_n and_o prayer_n do_v far_o more_o effectual_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v open_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o other_o confess_v their_o subjection_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o benefit_n deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n whereas_o he_o who_o confine_v his_o devotion_n to_o a_o closet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v so_o much_o to_o other_o man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o he_o equal_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v also_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o want_v his_o mercy_n the_o psalmist_n therefore_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a benefit_n be_v wont_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o know_v that_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o do_v far_o more_o contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o more_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n receive_v no_o increase_n of_o honour_n from_o our_o praise_n for_o neither_o do_v he_o receive_v any_o such_o advantage_n from_o private_a worship_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o man._n but_o by_o public_a worship_n man_n do_v more_o evident_o manifest_v their_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v of_o his_o benefit_n and_o their_o own_o obligation_n than_o by_o private_a prayer_n and_o adoration_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o former_a be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n which_o good_a can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o procure_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n one_o part_n of_o which_o be_v a_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n receive_v not_o increase_v of_o honour_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o from_o those_o of_o men._n yet_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o find_v of_o heaven_n represent_v they_o as_o incessant_o sing_v praise_n to_o their_o great_a creator_n who_o not_o content_a to_o retain_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o their_o own_o thought_n communicate_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n find_v church_n that_o be_v separate_z society_n of_o man_n unite_v by_o certain_a law_n and_o under_o one_o common_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o adore_v he_o by_o one_o common_a form_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o private_a worship_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o contrive_v and_o find_v church_n by_o wonder_n of_o providence_n as_o he_o have_v that_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n in_o vain_a have_v he_o give_v to_o they_o particular_a law_n and_o annex_v many_o privilege_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o such_o under_o the_o old_a law_n he_o require_v every_o male_a to_o appear_v before_o he_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o command_v public_a worship_n to_o be_v continual_o pay_v to_o himself_o in_o daily_a sacrifice_n yet_o as_o he_o declare_v although_o he_o care_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o bullock_n nor_o for_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v the_o duty_n and_o adjoin_v reward_n to_o it_o because_o it_o public_o declare_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devout_a sacrificer_n to_o himself_o in_o these_o public_a form_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n our_o lord_n while_o one_o earth_n constant_o give_v his_o attendance_n at_o appoint_a time_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n frequent_v the_o temple_n at_o the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v in_o the_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n there_o make_v use_v of_o although_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v pour_v out_o extempore_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o devout_a prayer_n than_o those_o receive_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n if_o then_o god_n so_o strict_o exact_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o exact_o perform_v it_o if_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n god_n have_v gather_v and_o unite_v a_o church_n under_o common_a law_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o common_a reward_n what_o account_n can_v they_o make_v who_o either_o lie_v aside_o all_o public_a worship_n as_o superfluous_a or_o decry_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o meet_v once_o a_o week_n to_o worship_n god_n place_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o day_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o exhortation_n to_o and_o direction_n how_o to_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o obligation_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o private_a so_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a than_o to_o the_o other_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n wheresoever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n join_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o they_o with_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n he_o will_v excite_v and_o render_v effectual_a their_o devotion_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o will_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o grant_v of_o their_o petition_n and_o how_o effectual_a must_v those_o prayer_n be_v wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o concur_v or_o what_o doubt_n can_v remain_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n when_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o assistance_n pardon_v favour_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v ancient_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n worship_v god_n at_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o translate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o among_o they_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v give_v not_o to_o one_o family_n or_o nation_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o same_o privilege_n be_v make_v common_a to_o all_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n do_v prevail_v to_o worship_n offer_v up_o from_o public_a place_n alone_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o great_a and_o more_o illustrious_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v annex_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a religion_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v appear_v by_o this_o alone_a the_o public_a honour_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n while_o the_o tabernacle_n make_v by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n stand_v while_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o worship_n be_v perform_v therein_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o
true_a god_n that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n when_o the_o people_n general_o forsake_v the_o public_a worship_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n at_o home_n to_o worship_n god_n upon_o every_o high_a hill_n and_o under_o every_o green_a tree_n there_o than_o remain_v no_o far_a evidence_n of_o the_o public_a belief_n or_o religion_n of_o the_o nation_n while_o therefore_o worship_n be_v due_o pay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o place_n appoint_v by_o god_n all_o the_o promise_n blessing_n and_o reward_n mention_v in_o the_o jewish_a covenant_n take_v place_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n security_n and_o abundance_n their_o sin_n be_v expiate_v their_o petition_n grant_v no_o public_a calamity_n do_v attend_v they_o when_o this_o public_a worship_n be_v intermit_v by_o they_o god_n be_v no_o long_o engage_v by_o promise_n to_o protect_v they_o since_o they_o do_v not_o now_o any_o long_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o people_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o which_o be_v public_a worship_n all_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v the_o public_a prosperity_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o regular_a observation_n or_o general_a intermission_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o more_o eminent_a promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v affix_v to_o public_a worship_n since_o by_o this_o alone_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v among_o we_o if_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a and_o proceed_v no_o far_o it_o can_v never_o appear_v what_o religion_n any_o nation_n profess_v what_o god_n they_o worship_v no_o public_a honour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pay_v by_o that_o nation_n to_o he_o and_o consequent_o no_o national_a blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o when_o in_o any_o country_n place_n be_v solemn_o dedicate_v to_o the_o true_a god_n when_o in_o they_o divine_a worship_n be_v constant_o pay_v especial_o if_o this_o worship_n be_v daily_o renew_v if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n join_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o pay_v the_o same_o worship_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n then_o such_o a_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v national_a then_o all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n for_o my_o temple_n sake_n and_o lest_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o heathen_a will_v take_v place_n among_o we_o for_o example_n what_o great_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o nation_n than_o that_o in_o this_o sacred_a place_n prayer_n have_v be_v daily_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o many_o age_n together_o such_o sacred_a place_n be_v the_o stand_a monument_n and_o the_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o any_o nation_n by_o these_o we_o know_v that_o our_o forefather_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o by_o these_o our_o posterity_n will_v know_v that_o we_o continue_v the_o same_o worship_n by_o this_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o keep_v up_o in_o any_o country_n and_o since_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o those_o who_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v then_o only_o can_v we_o rational_o presume_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n public_a and_o national_a blessing_n while_o such_o a_o public_a worship_n be_v due_o maintain_v among_o we_o thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o my_o text_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o present_a time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o indispensable_a and_o constant_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v prayer_n that_o public_a prayer_n best_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v also_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o let_v we_o now_o look_v upon_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o more_o particular_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n who_o be_v better_a instruct_v and_o have_v great_a advantage_n in_o the_o exact_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o men._n i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o affirm_v yet_o i_o much_o fear_v it_o that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n never_o worship_v god_n in_o private_a although_o no_o necessity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v so_o urgent_a as_o not_o to_o permit_v every_o one_o to_o address_v himself_o daily_o to_o god_n in_o that_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o knowledge_n much_o more_o be_v require_v but_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o those_o which_o frequent_a it_o who_o perform_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v education_n custom_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v man_n to_o cease_v from_o labour_n upon_o those_o day_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n oblige_v they_o to_o frequent_v due_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n upon_o those_o day_n but_o from_o they_o who_o do_v frequent_v it_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o irreligion_n we_o expect_v a_o true_a constant_a and_o humble_a devotion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v and_o deplore_v the_o great_a negligence_n and_o stupid_a carelessness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n many_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v if_o they_o enter_v after_o the_o prayer_n be_v begin_v after_o the_o confession_n be_v make_v and_o the_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o they_o they_o seem_v irksome_a to_o they_o they_o join_v not_o in_o they_o far_o from_o any_o devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o pay_v any_o bodily_a reverence_n they_o refuse_v to_o kneel_v and_o some_o even_o presume_v to_o sit_v still_o at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n we_o want_v that_o cheerful_a concurrence_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o which_o the_o ancient_a christian_n so_o much_o glorify_v say_v that_o a_o amen_o pronounce_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v like_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n which_o pierce_v heaven_n in_o our_o assembly_n how_o small_a a_o part_n join_v in_o repeat_v the_o common_a form_n of_o confession_n praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o not_o many_o vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o amen_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o several_a prayer_n such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o public_a devotion_n at_o this_o time_n lamentable_a indeed_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o such_o therefore_o let_v i_o address_v myself_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o other_o be_v not_o you_o also_o create_v by_o he_o and_o still_o depend_v upon_o he_o why_o then_o do_v you_o refuse_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o he_o to_o profess_v public_o your_o subjection_n by_o such_o a_o humble_a posture_n of_o body_n as_o may_v declare_v it_o if_o a_o heathen_a shall_v enter_v into_o our_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o examine_v our_o devotion_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n for_o st._n paul_n before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n what_o will_v he_o say_v when_o he_o shall_v behold_v some_o kneel_v the_o great_a part_n stand_v and_o many_o perhaps_o sâ—tting_v he_o can_v say_v no_o other_o than_o that_o little_a decency_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o they_o many_o person_n be_v present_a but_o few_o of_o those_o worship_n god_n that_o the_o great_a part_n express_v a_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o a_o lazy_a posture_n of_o stand_v and_o that_o some_o seem_v design_o to_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o sit_v in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n and_o when_o he_o be_v invoke_v let_v not_o these_o reproach_n any_o long_o be_v say_v of_o christian_n who_o want_v no_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o who_o religion_n teach_v they_o the_o contrary_n assure_v yourselves_o that_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v to_o a_o sermon_n which_o can_v suffice_v this_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o only_o
prayer_n which_o make_v this_o whole_a observation_n concern_v the_o veneration_n due_a to_o church_n not_o improper_a in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o prayer_n iii_o i_o pass_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n 〈◊〉_d the_o text_n that_o be_v the_o posture_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o prayer_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n nor_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n a_o matter_n so_o indifferent_a as_o deserve_v not_o our_o enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o some_o that_o all_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v no_o profess_a enemy_n to_o order_n and_o decency_n it_o appear_v far_o otherwise_o for_o since_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o the_o existence_n of_o both_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o continue_v by_o he_o since_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o next_o it_o follow_v that_o both_o aught_o to_o make_v return_v of_o praise_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n this_o the_o soul_n the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o reason_n do_v by_o love_v honour_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o he_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o noble_a operation_n yet_o be_v it_o enable_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o gesture_n imply_v adoration_n submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o with_o the_o body_n be_v to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o gratitude_n for_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n to_o he_o both_o thereâ—â—â—_n be_v alike_o necessary_a the_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o more_o acceptable_a because_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o public_a worship_n where_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o only_a visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o internal_a honour_n pay_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o word_n of_o public_a praise_n and_o adoration_n be_v express_v by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o in_o that_o the_o very_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o subjection_n pay_v to_o god_n since_o such_o gesture_n use_v in_o sacred_a place_n and_o to_o a_o invisible_a be_v be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n bodily_a worship_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o such_o as_o may_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n and_o deep_a humility_n the_o most_o intense_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o significative_a humiliation_n of_o the_o body_n that_o posture_n therefore_o which_o express_v the_o most_o humble_a submission_n aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n only_o the_o particular_a posture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n because_o the_o expression_n of_o civility_n honour_n and_o subjection_n vary_v in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v any_o one_o gesture_n since_o what_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o worship_n in_o one_o nation_n may_v be_v contrary_a in_o another_o the_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n therefore_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o such_o modes_n vary_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v absolute_o necessary_a essential_a and_o command_v by_o god_n which_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v most_o expressive_a of_o humility_n submission_n and_o subjection_n if_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n of_o respect_n which_o obtain_v in_o any_o nation_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o case_n to_o pretend_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n stand_v be_v not_o only_o indecent_a but_o unlawful_a a_o detain_v from_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o worship_n when_o a_o more_o exalt_a degree_n be_v possible_a if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n prostration_n be_v the_o most_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n that_o then_o become_v necessary_a in_o divine_a worship_n if_o neither_o prostration_n nor_o kneel_v be_v in_o use_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o same_o infallible_a rule_n be_v always_o to_o obtain_v that_o whatsoever_o posture_n by_o custom_n institution_n or_o prescription_n be_v most_o significative_a of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o adore_v god_n and_o in_o prayer_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o adoration_n to_o apply_v this_o rule_n to_o our_o own_o practice_n it_o be_v notorious_a and_o undeniable_a that_o in_o the_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n that_o whereof_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n be_v we_o to_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n this_o posture_n therefore_o become_v our_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o adore_v god_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n in_o this_o nation_n therefore_o or_o in_o any_o other_o where_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o submissive_a gesture_n to_o practice_v stand_v in_o public_a prayer_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o supreme_a honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v that_o homage_n to_o he_o which_o man_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v to_o earthly_a prince_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o or_o themselves_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a to_o condescend_v to_o it_o in_o many_o eastern_a country_n prostration_n have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o there_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o stand_v with_o either_o spread_n forth_o the_o hand_n or_o gentle_o incline_v the_o body_n and_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o breast_n in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o posture_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o significative_a posture_n be_v whole_o vain_a since_o no_o posture_n signify_v any_o respect_n in_o that_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o use_v and_o what_o in_o one_o place_n include_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o reverence_n in_o another_o may_v signify_v none_o at_o all_o among_o the_o jew_n kneel_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o be_v the_o most_o reverential_a gesture_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n psal._n cxli_o 2._o dan._n vi_o 10._o luk._n xxii_o 41._o act_n ix_o 40._o xxi_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o among_o the_o grecian_n st._n paul_n therefore_o write_v to_o both_o of_o they_o join_v in_o one_o church_n in_o corinth_n express_v in_o this_o place_n the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o of_o hand_n because_o that_o custom_n do_v prevail_v among_o they_o not_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o posture_n in_o prayer_n who_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o particular_a nation_n among_o who_o the_o most_o submiss_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o civil_a posture_n be_v kneel_v with_o clasp_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v be_v always_o the_o most_o receive_a gesture_n in_o the_o western_a world_n but_o most_o certain_o be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o western_a church_n vid._n tertul._n &_o cypr._n it_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v that_o in_o sacrifice_n the_o priest_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o shall_v do_v it_o stand_v in_o compliance_n with_o this_o universal_a custom_n our_o church_n have_v most_o certain_o direct_v that_o the_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n from_o the_o altar_n where_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v celebrate_v shall_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o a_o stand_a posture_n which_o i_o will_v not_o omit_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o lest_o that_o practice_n shall_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o kneel_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n since_o it_o be_v found_v
upon_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o kneel_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o priest_n at_o other_o time_n and_o to_o the_o people_n at_o all_o time_n in_o pray_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n and_o country_n concern_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n subjection_n and_o duty_n in_o any_o action_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o second_o and_o three_o head_n of_o my_o text_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o consider_v the_o last_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n willing_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o seventeen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v have_v before_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o duty_n the_o place_n and_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o word_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o they_o how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o condition_n be_v do_v partly_o appear_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n for_o if_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o chief_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o he_o pay_v to_o god_n requisite_a for_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o all_o necessary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n to_o he_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o previous_a qualification_n without_o which_o his_o prayer_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o become_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o curse_n to_o he_o if_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o place_n and_o posture_n of_o prayer_n not_o universal_o design_v by_o god_n be_v in_o all_o case_n so_o useful_a and_o in_o some_o necessary_a to_o we_o much_o more_o will_v those_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v it_o in_o whatsoever_o place_n or_o posture_n it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v at_o no_o time_n accept_v by_o god_n the_o more_o general_a and_o necessary_a of_o these_o condition_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o latter_a word_n of_o the_o text_n subjoin_v to_o his_o exhortation_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n ii_o without_o wrath_n and_o iii_o without_o doubt_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o these_o three_o condition_n in_o their_o order_n first_o it_o be_v require_v that_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n that_o be_v with_o pure_a and_o clean_a hand_n defile_v with_o no_o rapine_n or_o uncleanness_n innocent_a from_o all_o rebellion_n towards_o god_n and_o injustice_n towards_o men._n a_o condition_n not_o first_o introduce_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o of_o universal_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n allow_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n among_o they_o prayer_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o use_n which_o it_o obtain_v among_o we_o that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n or_o procure_v his_o favour_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o occasion_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o add_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o prayer_n whensoever_o they_o intend_v to_o pay_v a_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n or_o more_o signal_o to_o engage_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n even_o the_o gentile_n place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o worship_n rather_o in_o the_o prayer_n than_o in_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o many_o nice_a and_o superstitious_a rule_n and_o caution_n use_v by_o they_o in_o recite_v the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n at_o the_o time_n of_o sacrifice_n so_o full_o be_v they_o convince_v that_o prayer_n alone_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n can_v true_o worship_v god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n no_o less_o persuade_v that_o without_o purity_n their_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a hence_o proceed_v that_o ancient_a and_o constant_a institution_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o sacrifice_v by_o wash_n lustration_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o purity_n a_o institution_n receive_v also_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o as_o we_o read_v exod._n xl._o 32._o command_v that_o the_o priest_n shall_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o whensoever_o they_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n consonant_o to_o which_o institution_n david_n say_v psal._n xxvi_o 6._o i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n o_o lord_n it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o external_a purity_n practise_v under_o the_o law_n do_v typify_v the_o internal_a purity_n to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n that_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v to_o evince_v it_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o this_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n be_v chief_o require_v in_o order_n to_o prayer_n which_o will_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a purity_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o reflect_v with_o what_o care_n and_o constancy_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n purify_v themselves_o before_o their_o sacrifice_n that_o so_o christian_n may_v be_v ashamed_a if_o with_o the_o same_o diligence_n they_o cleanse_v not_o their_o soul_n in_o prepare_v they_o for_o prayer_n the_o same_o argument_n persuade_v in_o both_o case_n namely_o the_o sense_n of_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o either_o do_v profess_v yet_o although_o we_o never_o find_v that_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n presume_v to_o sacrifice_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n it_o be_v but_o ordinary_a to_o observe_v that_o christian_n pray_v with_o impure_a mind_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o that_o external_a purity_n be_v a_o easy_a imposition_n but_o internal_a holiness_n a_o difficult_a duty_n a_o difference_n indeed_o not_o inconsiderable_a but_o infinite_o outweigh_v by_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o more_o glorious_a reward_n by_o the_o constant_a pleasure_n of_o mind_n attend_v internal_a purity_n all_o which_o be_v want_v to_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o purification_n and_o last_o by_o that_o conviction_n which_o every_o one_o may_v have_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o external_a holiness_n be_v either_o obscure_a as_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o none_o at_o all_o as_o among_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v now_o insist_v on_o and_o first_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v without_o innocence_n and_o purity_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n by_o which_o man_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o obedience_n pretend_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o he_o and_o proclaim_v enmity_n to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o conceive_v that_o while_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v detain_v in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n his_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o offer_v up_o in_o vain_a if_o we_o look_v in_o the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n we_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v absurd_a to_o beg_v any_o favour_n of_o he_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o hate_v who_o we_o declare_v our_o enemy_n who_o we_o revile_v affront_n and_o despise_v all_o this_o we_o do_v to_o god_n by_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o himself_o profess_v hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sinful_a men._n but_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n shall_v obtain_v any_o benefit_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v dear_a and_o well-pleasing_a to_o he_o as_o among_o human_a benefactor_n a_o kindness_n be_v always_o suppose_a to_o precede_v the_o benefit_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o sinner_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o god_n or_o receive_v his_o favour_n or_o if_o man_n can_v flatter_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o belief_n yet_o the_o express_a denunciation_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o entertain_v it_o who_o far_o from_o allow_v any_o kindness_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o proclaim_v that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n unto_o the_o wicked_a eminent_a and_o innumerable_a promise_n of_o favour_n be_v indeed_o annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o by_o
trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o that_o so_o as_o true_o sincere_o and_o unfeigned_o as_o we_o desire_v pardon_n so_o true_o and_o real_o we_o may_v pardon_v other_o and_o not_o only_o profess_v pardon_n to_o other_o in_o use_v this_o form_n of_o word_n but_o also_o renounce_v all_o hope_n or_o claim_n of_o pardon_n from_o god_n if_o what_o we_o then_o profess_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o intend_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o we_o implore_v by_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o his_o own_o beneficence_n and_o be_v undeserved_a by_o men._n if_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v they_o he_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v to_o affix_v what_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o they_o he_o may_v have_v command_v some_o very_a difficult_a preparation_n some_o extraordinary_a return_n of_o thanks_o but_o when_o he_o have_v resolve_v all_o into_o a_o condition_n so_o easy_a so_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o mutual_a remission_n of_o injury_n he_o have_v leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o manifest_v that_o all_o the_o duty_n exact_v by_o he_o be_v design_v rather_o for_o their_o benefit_n than_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n if_o it_o seem_v a_o hard_a condition_n to_o forgive_v those_o many_o provocation_n and_o injury_n which_o one_o man_n may_v receive_v from_o another_o without_o any_o compensation_n or_o satisfaction_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o much_o great_a provocation_n and_o more_o numerous_a injury_n the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o how_o much_o more_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o pardon_n we_o be_v injure_v by_o other_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n who_o possible_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o we_o have_v receive_v no_o obligation_n from_o we_o and_o may_v have_v be_v provoke_v by_o we_o but_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n offer_v violence_n to_o our_o creator_n by_o who_o we_o subsist_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v who_o have_v confer_v on_o we_o already_o eminent_a benefit_n and_o intend_v yet_o great_a we_o may_v have_v be_v injure_v once_o or_o twice_o but_o whoever_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o wander_a thought_n the_o impure_a desire_n the_o vain_a imagination_n and_o perhaps_o the_o more_o flagrant_a sin_n of_o any_o one_o day_n will_v find_v that_o he_o have_v more_o grievous_o offend_v god_n in_o that_o little_a time_n than_o by_o all_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o man_n he_o can_v have_v be_v provoke_v in_o his_o whole_a life_n if_o then_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o deprecate_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o one_o day_n and_o much_o more_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n and_o pardon_v be_v offer_v by_o god_n upon_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o freedom_n from_o wrath_n and_o hatred_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o our_o interest_n than_o our_o duty_n to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n without_o wrath_n iii_o to_o this_o condition_n the_o apostle_n add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v offer_v without_o doubt_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v a_o disputation_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o mind_n concern_v a_o opinion_n and_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v that_o opinion_n which_o all_o true_a believer_n ought_v to_o entertain_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n this_o doubt_v may_v relate_v either_o to_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o religion_n or_o to_o the_o peculiar_a promise_n concern_v prayer_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a worthiness_n of_o the_o supplicant_n in_o the_o first_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o doubt_v overthrow_v the_o success_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o it_o if_o he_o doubt_v he_o dishonour_v god_n and_o can_v perform_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o prayer_n for_o shall_v he_o be_v say_v to_o commit_v himself_o entire_o to_o god_n who_o question_n his_o existence_n or_o can_v he_o rely_v upon_o god_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v infinite_a or_o almighty_a the_o least_o mixture_n of_o doubt_n herein_o take_v off_o so_o much_o from_o that_o submission_n reliance_n subjection_n and_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o intervene_v in_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o prayer_n which_o thereby_o cease_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o sincere_a so_o also_o in_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n upon_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a prayer_n be_v chief_o place_v in_o vain_a do_v he_o plead_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n audience_n of_o prayer_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o doubt_v it_o be_v the_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o procure_v acceptance_n to_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o firm_o believe_v it_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o if_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o authority_n we_o esteem_v thing_n future_a as_o present_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n lay_v down_o by_o our_o lord_n mark_v xi_o 24._o whatosever_v thing_n you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o this_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o patriarch_n so_o successful_a as_o be_v at_o large_a describe_v hebr._n xi_o that_o have_v see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o as_o a_o sure_a testimony_n of_o their_o persuasion_n quit_v their_o present_a pleasure_n and_o possession_n in_o exchange_n for_o future_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o lord_n while_o conversant_a on_o earth_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n among_o the_o galilean_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o himself_o require_v it_o as_o the_o previous_a condition_n of_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v make_v whole_a not_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n without_o the_o concurrent_a belief_n of_o man_n but_o that_o he_o wrought_v not_o upon_o they_o as_o upon_o so_o many_o machine_n but_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o rational_a being_n and_o therefore_o distribute_v his_o favour_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o herein_o a_o imperfect_a faith_n or_o a_o cold_a persuasion_n will_v not_o suffice_v st._n peter_n demonstrate_v much_o more_o when_o he_o adventure_v himself_o upon_o the_o water_n at_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n yet_o because_o he_o still_o retain_v some_o doubt_n and_o fear_n our_o lord_n permit_v he_o to_o sink_v that_o so_o he_o may_v reprove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o faith_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o doubt_v be_v a_o diffidence_n concern_v the_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o success_n and_o advantage_n consequent_a to_o prayer_n when_o the_o existence_n or_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n but_o his_o will_n dispute_v and_o it_o seem_v incredible_a that_o such_o a_o almighty_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v have_v no_o need_n and_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o the_o service_n or_o prayer_n of_o man_n shall_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bestow_v such_o eminent_a favour_n and_o so_o ready_o at_o the_o petition_n of_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n to_o overcome_v this_o doubt_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v such_o favourable_a audience_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o because_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o convince_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o remit_v you_o to_o those_o many_o promise_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o place_n be_v numerous_a and_o evident_a i_o will_v now_o insist_v but_o on_o one_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n luk._n xviii_o deliver_v as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v for_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o success_n there_o the_o unjust_a judge_n be_v represent_v as_o grant_v that_o to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n which_o neither_o the_o justice_n of_o her_o cause_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o man_n can_v obtain_v from_o he_o and_o this_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a verse_n 7._o and_o if_o so_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n christ_n propose_v the_o
efficacy_n of_o it_o with_o a_o unjust_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v introduce_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a and_o benign_a man_n that_o so_o his_o justice_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a clemency_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n receive_v those_o kind_o who_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n the_o greatness_n of_o who_o bounty_n exceed_v our_o comprehension_n it_o have_v be_v enough_o as_o i_o before_o say_v to_o have_v propose_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a judge_n but_o to_o represent_v a_o cruel_a impious_a inhuman_a judge_n unmerciful_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o easy_a to_o supplicant_n instruct_v we_o that_o even_o a_o wicked_a nature_n may_v be_v by_o prayer_n incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v to_o do_v more_o lively_a to_o express_v the_o force_n foe_fw-mi prayer_n when_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o carry_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o severe_a judge_n cruel_a by_o nature_n but_o mollify_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n the_o father_n most_o good_a kind_a gentle_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o forgive_a sin_n bear_v with_o insuperable_a patience_n the_o daily_a affront_v of_o man_n the_o honour_n pay_v to_o his_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o contumely_n therein_o offer_v to_o his_o own_o son_n what_o success_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hope_v to_o our_o prayer_n make_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v present_v with_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o necessary_a preparation_n the_o unjust_a judge_n although_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o widow_n for_o her_o importunity_n what_o fear_n can_v not_o do_v prayer_n obtain_v neither_o threat_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n can_v incline_v the_o man_n to_o justice_n yet_o the_o cry_n and_o supplication_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n soften_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o tractable_a if_o she_o can_v obtain_v so_o much_o from_o a_o rough_a ill-natured_a man_n how_o much_o great_a kindness_n goodness_n and_o love_n may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o always_o desire_v to_o show_v mercy_n but_o never_o to_o exercise_v severity_n who_o very_a threat_n and_o punishment_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobedience_n let_v we_o once_o more_o review_v the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o unjust_a judge_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o men._n if_o he_o who_o never_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v any_o good_a change_v on_o the_o sudden_a by_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o poor_a supplicant_n and_o be_v move_v to_o compassion_n much_o more_o will_v the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o man_n be_v prevalent_a with_o he_o who_o nature_n include_v a_o infinity_n of_o goodness_n and_o who_o dispense_v the_o emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n in_o vast_a and_o constant_a benefit_n even_o without_o entreaty_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n riches_n life_n and_o health_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o immense_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n but_o if_o he_o so_o favour_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v those_o who_o ask_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a that_o the_o benefit_n proceed_v from_o he_o what_o will_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o spend_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o last_o reason_n of_o doubt_v in_o prayer_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o supplicant_n which_o conscience_n be_v either_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a unworthiness_n of_o man_n or_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a the_o former_a fall_n in_o with_o that_o doubt_n which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o remove_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o that_o removal_n have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o day_n discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regard_v the_o posture_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v the_o condition_n indispensable_a and_o the_o success_n certain_a the_o eighteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o may_n 4._o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v so_o undeniable_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n so_o firm_a a_o assurance_n of_o those_o hope_n which_o we_o conceive_v of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n deserve_v at_o this_o season_n more_o than_o a_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o that_o which_o chief_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a continue_v his_o expectation_n of_o enjoy_v hereafter_o a_o better_a state_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o his_o saviour_n here_o on_o earth_n wrought_v for_o his_o sake_n complete_v his_o joy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n therefore_o all_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o joy_n during_o that_o whole_a season_n in_o the_o public_a office_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v no_o less_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n than_o to_o those_o of_o more_o ancient_a age_n so_o our_o gratitude_n and_o rejoice_v in_o memory_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o intense_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o those_o ancient_a christian_n live_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n have_v more_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v than_o we_o now_o have_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n always_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v now_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o uncertain_a interest_n as_o they_o be_v then_o when_o the_o experience_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n render_v it_o most_o certain_a or_o that_o however_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v no_o less_o just_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o admiration_n yet_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n can_v not_o but_o be_v less_o concern_v at_o the_o relation_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invent_v argument_n oppose_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o other_o even_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v not_o in_o public_a converse_v not_o in_o solemn_a place_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n as_o before_o but_o only_o show_v himself_o to_o some_o few_o disciple_n of_o his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n and_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o conduct_n of_o christ_n relate_v in_o the_o text_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o and_o show_v open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o design_a discourse_n into_o these_o three_o part_n i._o that_o to_o have_v show_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o whole_a unbelieve_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o create_v a_o universal_a conviction_n iii_o that_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n first_o then_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o honour_n
sharpen_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o unhappy_a influence_n which_o their_o action_n have_v to_o dispose_v othen_fw-ge man_n to_o sin_n the_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o require_v it_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v thus_o clear_v i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o head_n to_o consider_v the_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v whereby_o to_o raise_v this_o example_n that_o be_v by_o good_a work_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n none_o but_o these_o will_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n or_o who_o judge_n right_o and_o none_o but_o these_o will_v avail_v such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o make_v little_a use_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o become_v a_o light_n and_o a_o glorious_a example_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v eminent_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o world_n to_o be_v good_a excellent_a and_o of_o intrinsic_a worth_n such_o be_v all_o action_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o more_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v positive_a as_o justice_n truth_n zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n such_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n also_o call_v good_a work_n which_o whosoever_o do_v illustrious_o perform_v all_o other_o man_n although_o of_o a_o different_a or_o no_o religion_n will_v bear_v he_o witness_n that_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o precept_n he_o therein_o obey_v be_v good_a and_o just_a that_o his_o example_n deserve_v praise_n and_o imitation_n and_o what_o effect_n must_v we_o not_o believe_v this_o example_n have_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n before_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o prevail_a wickedness_n of_o latter_a age_n when_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v her_o adversary_n to_o produce_v from_o among_o her_o follower_n a_o unclean_a or_o a_o injust_a a_o intemperate_a or_o a_o profane_a person_n when_o their_o piety_n be_v so_o undeniable_a in_o the_o constant_a frequent_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n when_o their_o charity_n appear_v so_o conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o own_o member_n but_o now_o even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a in_o clothe_v the_o naked_a in_o redeem_v captive_n in_o communicate_v to_o all_o when_o a_o heathen_a governor_n and_o he_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o age_n employ_v by_o his_o emperor_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o christian_n make_v this_o report_n to_o he_o that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o injure_v no_o man_n defraud_v none_o abstain_v from_o murder_n lust_n and_o perjury_n give_v frequent_a demonstration_n of_o admirable_a charity_n and_o meet_v once_o every_o week_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n bind_v themselves_o by_o religious_a tie_n and_o sacrament_n to_o do_v all_o this_o when_o a_o learned_a adversary_n after_o a_o full_a search_n can_v make_v no_o other_o report_n than_o this_o what_o remain_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v indeed_o among_o they_o so_o wise_o christianity_n contrive_v to_o draw_v in_o unbelieving_a but_o unprejudiced_a spectator_n by_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o example_n the_o force_n of_o which_o none_o can_v withstand_v while_o its_o great_a adversary_n dare_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o primitive_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o not_o the_o duty_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o interest_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o mankind_n our_o lord_n propose_v not_o to_o form_v this_o example_n by_o extreme_a austerity_n and_o maceration_n by_o paradox_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n which_o may_v easy_o raise_v the_o amazement_n but_o not_o the_o reverence_n of_o other_o men._n judicious_a man_n will_v esteem_v they_o folly_n if_o propose_v as_o matter_n of_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o even_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v astonish_v at_o they_o yet_o can_v they_o never_o discover_v any_o real_a worth_n in_o they_o or_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o gross_a conception_n instead_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n direct_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v those_o excellent_a end_n which_o he_o intend_v thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o her_o latter_a saint_n have_v chief_o respect_v extravagant_a austerity_n and_o the_o report_n of_o foolish_a miracle_n and_o some_o other_o have_v make_v the_o indication_n or_o sign_n of_o saint-ship_n to_o be_v unaccountable_a rapture_n or_o internal_a pretend_a consolation_n or_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a external_a effect_n or_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o unbeliever_n or_o if_o discover_v will_v not_o affect_v they_o with_o they_o no_o example_n but_o of_o such_o action_n as_o be_v universal_o allow_v to_o be_v excellent_a namely_o of_o good_a work_n will_v be_v of_o any_o power_n and_o therefore_o our_o most_o wise_a saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v all_o other_o mean_v of_o continue_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n which_o our_o lord_n propose_v will_v be_v find_v whole_o ineffectual_a and_o as_o to_o those_o without_o so_o also_o to_o those_o within_o the_o church_n but_o need_v the_o direction_n of_o example_n no_o other_o will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n the_o benefit_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o consist_v in_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o such_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o admire_v or_o respect_n or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a which_o action_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o require_v good_a work_n the_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v happy_o effect_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n promote_v their_o salvation_n secure_v the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o give_v the_o example_n increase_v but_o if_o the_o action_n be_v of_o any_o other_o nature_n they_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a not_o worthy_a imitation_n and_o without_o any_o promise_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n propose_v the_o end_n towards_o which_o these_o exemplary_a good_a work_n shall_v be_v direct_v which_o be_v that_o other_o may_v see_v they_o and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o see_v they_o may_v glorify_v god_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v betray_v into_o pride_n or_o arrogance_n through_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n they_o be_v command_v to_o refer_v all_o not_o to_o their_o own_o but_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n lest_o they_o shall_v swell_v with_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n of_o give_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n by_o their_o own_o conduct_n they_o be_v teach_v that_o all_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v to_o promote_v their_o own_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o good_a work_n be_v indeed_o direct_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n of_o pride_n shall_v intervene_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o peevish_a and_o morose_a man_n will_v detract_v from_o they_o as_o do_v for_o sinister_a end_n and_o vain_a glory_n our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o this_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o precede_v this_o exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a example_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o distasteful_a than_o ostentation_n in_o religion_n or_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v this_o raise_v the_o indignation_n of_o our_o lord_n against_o the_o pharisee_n and_o still_o excit_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o judicious_a man_n when_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v form_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n when_o their_o praise_n and_o applause_n be_v thereby_o court_v and_o studious_o contrive_v but_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v exemplary_a in_o good_a work_n as_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o contrive_v the_o ordinary_a performance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o man_n so_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v whether_o he_o who_o perform_v
be_v quick_a and_o know_a spirit_n they_o can_v not_o but_o immediate_o perceive_v their_o unhappiness_n and_o make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o indeed_o can_v not_o but_o make_v they_o lament_v their_o folly_n and_o repent_v also_o if_o a_o violent_a sorrow_n only_o for_o past_a miscarriage_n can_v be_v call_v repentance_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o sorrow_n can_v be_v deny_v since_o in_o this_o consist_v their_o torment_n but_o a_o unsuccessful_a sorrow_n a_o sorrow_n without_o submission_n to_o the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o sorrow_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v and_o which_o therefore_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o heighten_v by_o the_o great_a aggravation_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o unspeakable_a and_o which_o be_v more_o irrecoverable_a loss_n not_o to_o be_v end_v by_o death_n nor_o divert_v by_o a_o stupid_a inconsideration_n but_o place_v in_o a_o know_v active_a always_o think_v and_o immortal_a spirit_n such_o a_o spirit_n endue_v with_o such_o active_a faculty_n and_o torment_v with_o such_o dismal_a thought_n of_o unhappiness_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o conceive_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o rage_n and_o malice_n the_o disappointment_n of_o pride_n natural_o produce_v those_o effect_n in_o man_n which_o effect_n can_v not_o but_o be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a in_o the_o fall_v angel_n by_o how_o much_o their_o faculty_n be_v more_o lively_a and_o capacious_a in_o man_n indeed_o there_o be_v many_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o as_o all_o those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o inordinate_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n as_o lust_n intemperance_n and_o covetousness_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v pure_o immaterial_a and_o take_v place_n only_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o malice_n hatred_n envy_n and_o revenge_n these_o those_o unhappy_a spirit_n possess_v in_o their_o full_a perfection_n which_o they_o continual_o exert_v either_o aganist_n god_n who_o inflict_v that_o unhappiness_n as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o they_o and_o although_o he_o may_v have_v annihilate_v they_o in_o their_o first_o attempt_n yet_o continue_v their_o existence_n to_o they_o and_o therein_o their_o misery_n or_o against_o man_n who_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o attain_v that_o happiness_n which_o they_o lose_v and_o place_v in_o dignity_n above_o they_o who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v themselves_o above_o their_o fellow_n angel_n and_o even_o equal_a to_o god_n himself_o inspire_a with_o these_o wicked_a thought_n they_o employ_v themselves_o continual_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o opposition_n can_v take_v place_n only_o in_o hinder_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n design_v and_o desire_v by_o god_n use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o effect_v it_o the_o disposition_n of_o all_o inanimate_a body_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o material_a world_n god_n have_v determine_v by_o fix_a and_o certain_a law_n of_o motion_n which_o it_o exceed_v their_o power_n to_o reverse_v or_o change_v but_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o not_o determine_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o any_o certain_a action_n admit_v the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a they_o alleviate_v not_o their_o own_o torment_n nor_o gain_v any_o real_a advantage_n hereby_o yet_o ought_v not_o this_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_v of_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o man_n reap_v no_o real_a profit_n by_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o man_n do_v often_o sin_v and_o that_o false_a satisfaction_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o gratify_v their_o lust_n the_o devil_n obtain_v by_o serve_v their_o revenge_n and_o envy_n so_o then_o that_o the_o devil_n shall_v desire_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o same_o unhappiness_n with_o themselves_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v only_o somewhat_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v effect_v their_o desire_n and_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o wi_n to_o satisfy_v this_o difficulty_n many_o have_v entertain_v false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o it_o will_v be_v adviseable_a to_o remove_v before_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o direct_a consideration_n of_o the_o manner_n whereby_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v we_o and_o first_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o refute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o manichee_n or_o valentinian_o who_o give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n and_o uncontrollable_a by_o he_o nay_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n save_v that_o of_o goodness_n allow_v he_o a_o infinite_a power_n whereby_o he_o can_v force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o wicked_a counsel_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o any_o christian_n will_v at_o this_o time_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o absurd_a heresy_n yet_o many_o perhaps_o from_o the_o frequent_a experience_n of_o their_o own_o yield_n to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v so_o far_o corrupt_v in_o judgement_n as_o to_o believe_v they_o irresistible_a or_o at_o least_o plead_v this_o in_o excuse_n of_o their_o impenitence_n to_o such_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o change_v the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o all_o creature_n and_o among_o they_o devil_n also_o be_v subject_v add_v to_o this_o the_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o resist_v their_o temptation_n which_o will_v have_v be_v vain_a if_o these_o have_v be_v irresistible_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v which_o will_v not_o have_v take_v place_n if_o we_o can_v not_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o daily_o resist_v and_o surmount_v they_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v baffle_v they_o if_o they_o will_v use_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n assist_v with_o that_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o so_o that_o what_o the_o aposte_n say_v of_o some_o man_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 26._o that_o they_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o voluntary_o follow_v his_o suggestion_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o precedent_a word_n of_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o second_o error_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o god_n give_v to_o the_o devil_n a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o tempt_a man_n a_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o even_o modern_a writer_n who_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n obedience_n the_o first_o in_o that_o god_n have_v gracious_o contrive_v this_o impediment_n of_o obedience_n to_o man_n that_o so_o his_o obedience_n may_v become_v the_o more_o meritorious_a and_o the_o latter_a in_o that_o man_n perform_v his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o so_o great_a impediment_n this_o opinion_n although_o receive_v will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o clear_a our_o doubt_n since_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o devil_n exercise_v this_o delegated_a power_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v be_v god_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o tempt_v we_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v let_v no_o man_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v say_v that_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o double_a deal_v as_o to_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n tempt_v we_o to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o to_o allure_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o by_o promise_n by_o threat_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o it_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o evil_a spirit_n employ_v by_o he_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v no_o less_o injustice_n to_o he_o than_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o nay_o too_o blacken_v he_o and_o to_o clear_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o temptation_n for_o if_o the_o devil_n herein_o act_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o god_n they_o act_n