never_o expect_v any_o gracious_a return_n from_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v neither_o the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o his_o holy_a altar_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n though_o of_o the_o priestly_a race_n levit._n 21.18_o if_o under_o the_o law_n the_o want_n of_o these_o member_n exclude_v man_n from_o god_n service_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o under_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o noble_a member_n be_v want_v the_o heart_n and_o its_o affection_n a_o gospel_n worship_n must_v be_v a_o hearty_a worship_n that_o only_o be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v acceptance_n it_o be_v god_n complaint_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o honour_v god_n with_o their_o lip_n whilst_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o formality_n who_o frequent_o attend_v at_o prayer_n without_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o devotion_n it_o shall_v be_v therefore_o our_o care_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n with_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o want_n necessity_n future_a advantage_n experience_n duty_n god_n presence_n and_o whatever_o may_v have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o five_o and_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_v we_o must_v kindle_v they_o with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n which_o must_v burn_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o want_n as_o with_o a_o earnest_n and_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o glorify_v our_o maker_n however_o both_o may_v very_o well_o contribute_v to_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n now_o this_o zeal_n needful_a in_o all_o our_o address_n be_v that_o holy_a violence_n that_o strain_v our_o affection_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o give_v that_o perfection_n to_o the_o action_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v want_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o dissidence_n of_o ourselves_o and_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o profane_a sloathfulness_n which_o may_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o his_o mercy_n it_o sill_n the_o soul_n full_a of_o jealousy_n which_o awaken_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o present_a duty_n and_o as_o our_o great_a saviour_n when_o he_o expel_v the_o merchant_n and_o money-changer_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n so_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o zealous_a affection_n for_o his_o god_n drive_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n all_o worldly_a business_n and_o consideration_n of_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n the_o soul_n without_o the_o interruption_n and_o clamour_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o secular_a interest_n where_o 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to_o his_o pleasure_n in_o which_o submission_n there_o be_v this_o advantage_n arise_v to_o ourselves_o thereby_o we_o compass_v and_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n a_o infallible_a happiness_n for_o the_o best_a self-interest_n be_v a_o submission_n to_o that_o wise_a agent_n who_o be_v engage_v to_o promote_v our_o felicity_n and_o his_o glory_n together_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n rom._n 8.28_o if_o in_o other_o action_n of_o our_o life_n god_n will_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o desire_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o in_o that_o weighty_a and_o religious_a action_n of_o prayer_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n together_o be_v to_o summon_v all_o their_o faculty_n and_o member_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o benefactor_n for_o the_o chief_a intent_n of_o this_o performance_n be_v the_o magnify_v of_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v if_o we_o suffer_v any_o of_o our_o desire_n to_o oppose_v his_o will_n or_o contradict_v his_o wisdom_n or_o question_v his_o alsufficiency_n and_o goodness_n the_o want_n of_o his_o mercy_n shall_v cause_v thou_o o_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o thou_o expect_v a_o favourable_a return_n from_o his_o bounty_n thou_o must_v learn_v to_o court_v it_o by_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o governance_n both_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o desire_v and_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n which_o he_o judge_v most_o seasonable_a to_o grant_v thou_o thy_o request_n all_o impatiency_n in_o prayer_n be_v guilty_a of_o indiscretion_n of_o profane_a folly_n of_o disrespect_n and_o disesteem_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n man_n must_v learn_v to_o prefer_v his_o glory_n who_o goodness_n they_o want_v to_o the_o satiate_v of_o their_o own_o crave_v and_o importunate_a appetite_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o furious_a desire_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o we_o find_v they_o proceed_v beyond_o the_o bound_n limit_v by_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o our_o real_a happiness_n which_o common_o be_v unseparable_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o desire_v from_o god_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n for_o faith_n grace_n regeneration_n strength_n against_o sin_n truth_n wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o other_o blessing_n relate_v to_o god_n immediate_a glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n a_o petitioner_n can_v never_o be_v too_o earnest_a zealous_a and_o impatient_a such_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v wrest_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o our_o good_a god_n by_o our_o continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n violence_n condemn_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o such_o as_o intend_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o heaven_n kingdom_n and_o a_o holy_a importunity_n in_o prayer_n never_o return_v without_o a_o grant_n of_o the_o request_n when_o we_o ask_v the_o divine_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n unless_o we_o have_v like_o esau_n forfeit_v before_o all_o pretension_n to_o it_o for_o god_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o bestow_v they_o as_o we_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o their_o excellency_n be_v such_o that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v and_o desire_v they_o too_o much_o as_o david_n therefore_o who_o soul_n be_v insatiable_a on_o earth_n for_o grace_n and_o divine_a mercy_n let_v we_o not_o give_v ourselves_o any_o rest_n until_o we_o have_v obtain_v these_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n but_o as_o earthly_a prosperity_n and_o blessing_n relate_v to_o our_o better_a conveniency_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o value_n and_o importance_n our_o request_n for_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v qualify_v according_o and_o because_o in_o some_o rule_n they_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o everlasting_a interest_n we_o be_v to_o beg_v they_o always_o with_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o great_a god_n who_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o most_o conduce_v to_o our_o real_a good_a to_o desire_v they_o too_o passionate_o or_o without_o any_o such_o condescension_n be_v to_o idolise_v the_o creature_n and_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v to_o give_v to_o those_o earthly_a and_o mean_a thing_n that_o affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o divine_a mercy_n nature_n i_o confess_v will_v be_v always_o crave_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o cry_v aloud_o for_o a_o relief_n and_o remedy_n but_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o those_o natural_a motion_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o humanity_n be_v loath_a to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitter_a cup_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o
excellent_a prayer_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o they_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v if_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o soul_n bewitch_v with_o the_o deceitful_a allurement_n of_o sin_n the_o devil_n slave_n can_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o appear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o liberty_n till_o the_o bolt_n and_o chain_n of_o hell_n be_v shake_v off_o he_o shall_v never_o meet_v with_o acceptance_n with_o a_o jealous_a god_n who_o be_v already_o betroth_v and_o inseparable_a from_o sin_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o glory_n how_o unseasonable_a and_o odious_a be_v the_o devotion_n of_o zimri_n when_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n in_o god_n presence_n he_o have_v a_o midianitish_a woman_n at_o his_o side_n how_o unwelcome_a be_v the_o address_n of_o a_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o prayer_n be_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o pride_n and_o vanity_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o wickedness_n among_o his_o offering_n therefore_o such_o prayer_n as_o proceed_v from_o impenitency_n and_o vice_n be_v odious_a to_o god_n likewise_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o petitioner_n be_v not_o in_o a_o disposition_n fit_a to_o receive_v god_n mercy_n for_o sin_n discompose_v we_o and_o while_o we_o retain_v it_o in_o our_o assection_n both_o the_o action_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n conspire_v together_o to_o intercept_v and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o gracious_a return_n of_o our_o prayer_n from_o god_n it_o sill_n the_o soul_n full_a of_o jealousy_n fear_n apprehension_n suspicion_n and_o instead_o of_o love_n it_o beget_v a_o hatred_n of_o and_o a_o aversion_n to_o god_n which_o will_v never_o suffer_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o unlimited_a liberality_n require_v so_o that_o unless_o true_a repentance_n intervene_v between_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o prayer_n to_o our_o maker_n they_o will_v rather_o provoke_v his_o justice_n than_o prevail_v with_o his_o mercy_n three_o if_o you_o will_v have_v your_o prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n you_o must_v offer_v they_o with_o that_o attention_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o so_o weighty_a a_o action_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n majesty_n require_v for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o attend_v and_o be_v present_a in_o a_o pray_a congregation_n if_o we_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o devotion_n than_o the_o timber_n and_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o fabric_n if_o our_o body_n â—e_v present_a without_o our_o soul_n god_n demand_v from_o his_o people_n spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o service_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o outward_a part_n alone_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v active_a and_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculculty_n ought_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o spiritual_a worship_v of_o our_o great_a god_n as_o god_n be_v a_o unity_n without_o division_n whatsoever_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o must_v express_v this_o unity_n by_o a_o total_a consecration_n of_o itself_o chief_o in_o that_o christian_a service_n where_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n be_v to_o resign_v itself_o over_o to_o god_n dead_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n be_v abominable_a and_o bodily_a devotion_n alone_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v disrespectful_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o ourselves_o for_o they_o common_o proceed_v from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o worldly_a business_n that_o possess_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o unmindfulness_n of_o god_n and_o a_o want_n of_o a_o holy_a fear_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n from_o a_o carelessness_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o from_o the_o disturbance_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o steal_v away_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o our_o affection_n from_o god_n holy_a worship_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o advantage_n that_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o prevent_v such_o ill_a consequence_n the_o christian_a in_o prayer_n ought_v to_o mind_v the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o only_o at_o the_o close_a of_o every_o petition_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o subscribe_v and_o declare_v his_o ascent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o request_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o the_o universal_a amen_o but_o also_o to_o express_v inward_o in_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v outward_o pronounce_v and_o speak_v and_o to_o be_v serious_o attentive_a to_o every_o petition_n for_o as_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v able_a to_o express_v itself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o animal_n part_n do_v with_o the_o tongue_n and_o that_o by_o a_o internal_a word_n and_o faculty_n proper_a to_o it_o that_o must_v speak_v or_o else_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v for_o that_o intent_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o hearken_v with_o a_o religious_a attention_n to_o the_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o or_o other_o lip_n and_o endeavour_v to_o hear_v that_o part_n in_o the_o devotion_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o worldy_a business_n to_o disengage_v ourselves_o and_o our_o mind_n from_o all_o other_o encumbrance_n to_o six_o they_o to_o the_o duty_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o to_o tie_v and_o settle_v they_o with_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n presence_n so_o that_o our_o thought_n may_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o from_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o when_o we_o be_v in_o prayer_n we_o must_v set_v a_o watch_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o sense_n forbid_v entrance_n to_o all_o sudden_a accident_n and_o in_o a_o word_n summon_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o render_v their_o homage_n to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o straggle_v from_o the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n remarkable_a be_v the_o example_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o courageous_a youth_n of_o macedon_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o burn_v frankincense_n before_o king_n alexander_n when_o he_o sacrifice_v to_o his_o god_n though_o a_o burn_a coal_n be_v casual_o fall_v into_o his_o open_a sleeve_n 3._o val_n max._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o and_o do_v there_o consume_v both_o his_o vestment_n and_o his_o flesh_n lest_o he_o shall_v ominous_o and_o unhappy_o interrupt_v the_o public_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o prince_n he_o persist_v in_o his_o business_n to_o the_o end_n through_o all_o the_o torment_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o complain_v how_o religious_a be_v such_o and_o other_o heathen_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n nothing_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v they_o to_o interrupt_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o shall_v we_o christian_n mingle_v in_o our_o devotion_n to_o the_o true_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n vain_a idle_a wanton_a and_o lascivious_a thought_n and_o action_n shall_v every_o accident_n and_o casualty_n be_v able_a to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o the_o service_n we_o be_v about_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v most_o common_o happen_v both_o in_o our_o public_a and_o in_o our_o private_a address_n to_o god_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o dread_n of_o god_n presence_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v at_o such_o time_n be_v real_o and_o most_o sensible_a four_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v move_v and_o concern_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o our_o request_n and_o our_o petition_n ought_v to_o receive_v that_o qualification_n from_o they_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n cause_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o address_n our_o praise_v of_o god_n must_v be_v perform_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o reverend_a freedom_n and_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n our_o request_n must_v be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n with_o humility_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o undeserving_n our_o confession_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v season_v with_o sorrow_n and_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n our_o promise_n vow_n and_o engagement_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o miscarriage_n and_o weakness_n in_o short_a all_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v the_o outward_a expression_n of_o the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o qualify_v and_o animate_v they_o for_o unless_o our_o heart_n be_v thus_o concern_v the_o prayer_n be_v but_o from_o the_o tongue_n the_o soul_n have_v no_o part_n in_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o effect_n and_o production_n of_o our_o imagination_n but_o no_o real_a devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v a_o worship_n in_o jest_n and_o not_o in_o earnest_n visible_a to_o a_o allseeing_a eye_n such_o heartless_a service_n be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n that_o in_o reason_n we_o can_v
two_o extreme_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o a_o moment_n or_o without_o some_o medium_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rid_v we_o of_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o one_o and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v for_o that_o good_a purpose_n that_o his_o wisdom_n condescend_v to_o send_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n by_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o cleanse_v from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sinful_a habit_n but_o also_o enable_v to_o this_o bless_a correspondency_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n let_v not_o therefore_o any_o persuasion_n or_o discouragement_n hinder_v thou_o o_o christian_n from_o visit_v often_o thy_o god_n in_o prayer_n let_v not_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o thy_o action_n the_o viciousness_n of_o thy_o disposition_n the_o multiplicity_n of_o worldly_a business_n the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o mistake_n of_o god_n or_o of_o thyself_o cause_v thou_o to_o omit_v this_o beneficial_a duty_n what_o if_o thou_o be_v sinful_a or_o natural_o indispose_v to_o so_o holy_a a_o performance_n remember_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o to_o render_v thy_o prayer_n effectual_a to_o sanctify_v thy_o groan_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o thy_o god_n what_o if_o thou_o make_v thy_o address_n to_o a_o glorious_a be_v of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o majesty_n if_o thy_o disposition_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o duty_n thou_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o confidence_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o he_o be_v thy_o heavenly_a father_n he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o render_v thou_o happy_a and_o to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o his_o mercy_n consider_v his_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o many_o encouragement_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o travel_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v refresh_v you_o matth._n 11.28_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.15_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o psal_n 36.5_o before_o we_o call_v he_o will_v answer_v and_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o speak_v he_o will_v hear_v isaiah_n 65.24_o to_o all_o that_o turn_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n joel_n 2.13_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n matth._n 12.20_o shall_v his_o mercy_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o draw_v back_o shall_v his_o goodness_n long_o to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o what_o thou_o want_v and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a to_o contemn_v it_o shall_v his_o love_n desire_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o thou_o by_o thy_o frequent_a address_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o slight_v his_o offer_a kindness_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o those_o ungracious_a soul_n who_o his_o wisdom_n invite_v in_o vain_a to_o herself_o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o etc._n etc._n prov._n 1.25_o 26.28_o adversity_n may_v have_v that_o power_n to_o awaken_v many_o who_o in_o prosperity_n from_o one_o year_n to_o another_o scarce_o think_v of_o pray_v to_o their_o god_n but_o what_o can_v such_o expect_v in_o reason_n from_o his_o bounty_n which_o they_o in_o their_o flourish_a estate_n despise_v or_o neglect_v those_o service_n can_v never_o be_v think_v real_a and_o sincere_a unto_o which_o necessity_n drive_v man_n and_o those_o person_n that_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o this_o duty_n at_o any_o time_n can_v probable_o receive_v from_o it_o in_o their_o great_a urgency_n the_o benefit_n they_o expect_v it_o be_v therefore_o wisdom_n constant_o to_o practice_n that_o which_o may_v stand_v we_o in_o good_a stead_n and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v assure_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n prayer_n may_v help_v and_o comfort_v thou_o o_o man_n when_o all_o other_o help_v and_o comfort_n forsake_v thou_o when_o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o guard_n thy_o treasure_n and_o thy_o friend_n thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n shall_v leave_v thou_o to_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o suffer_v thou_o to_o pass_v alone_o and_o naked_a through_o the_o dark_a and_o mournful_a vale_n of_o death_n in_o a_o word_n when_o all_o the_o world_n can_v yield_v thou_o no_o assistance_n prayer_n alone_o may_v assist_v and_o relieve_v thou_o i_o can_v prescribe_v to_o any_o person_n the_o time_n and_o moment_n for_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o address_n to_o his_o god_n there_o be_v no_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n nor_o night_n but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o humble_a application_n of_o a_o dutiful_a supplicant_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o st._n paul_n advise_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v which_o word_n we_o must_v not_o so_o understand_v as_o to_o spend_v all_o our_o time_n in_o this_o duty_n leave_v all_o other_o necessary_a employment_n of_o life_n as_o the_o ancient_a lazy_a heretic_n surname_v by_o the_o father_n euthick_n teach_v by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o this_o command_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o threefold_a interpretation_n equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o christian_n first_o we_o may_v go_v far_o to_o the_o complete_n of_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n by_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n without_o intermission_n our_o hearty_a desire_n our_o sigh_n and_o groan_n when_o we_o be_v busy_a in_o our_o daily_a work_n to_o implore_v his_o needful_a assistance_n and_o protection_n the_o constant_a business_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v not_o hinder_v thou_o from_o this_o preparation_n for_o the_o next_o nor_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o the_o world_n clog_v thy_o soul_n from_o this_o elevation_n to_o its_o god_n with_o who_o a_o uninterrupted_a correspondence_n will_v wonderful_o advance_v our_o present_a affair_n as_o well_o as_o dispose_v thou_o o_o man_n for_o a_o more_o bless_a estate_n second_o in_o imitation_n of_o david_n of_o daniel_n and_o of_o other_o religious_a man_n mention_v in_o holy_a writ_n we_o may_v pray_v always_o by_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o prayer_n at_o those_o time_n that_o chief_o require_v a_o divine_a assistance_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n continual_a mercy_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n can_v not_o be_v fright_v with_o the_o sear_n of_o the_o lion_n fury_n from_o pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n to_o his_o god_n in_o the_o morning_n when_o our_o eye_n be_v open_a again_o to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o praise_v his_o divine_a attribute_n that_o shine_v as_o bright_a as_o the_o sun_n over_o our_o head_n when_o we_o receive_v a_o fresh_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o keep_v we_o safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o precede_a night_n in_o add_v another_o day_n to_o our_o life_n and_o a_o continuance_n of_o all_o his_o temporal_a favour_n do_v not_o justice_n and_o reason_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v as_o mindful_a of_o god_n bounty_n as_o he_o be_v of_o our_o necessity_n and_o to_o be_v as_o liberal_a of_o our_o thanks_o as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o riches_n when_o in_o the_o morning_n thou_o be_v go_v about_o thy_o employment_n and_o consider_v that_o all_o thy_o labour_n will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n without_o god_n blessing_n that_o thou_o be_v go_v through_o a_o world_n of_o danger_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a a_o world_n of_o enemy_n subtle_a malicious_a and_o powerful_a that_o besiege_v thou_o on_o all_o side_n â—s_v it_o not_o thy_o interest_n to_o beg_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o that_o good_a creator_n that_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o envious_a attempt_n that_o thy_o design_n and_o undertake_n may_v be_v successful_a thy_o labour_n fruitful_a and_o all_o thy_o proceed_n prosperous_a at_o noon_n when_o thou_o
humility_n the_o exact_a care_n the_o most_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o earnestness_n that_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v court_v with_o ordinary_a devotion_n his_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o slothful_a hand_n and_o a_o negligent_a soul_n the_o distance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o vile_a man_n shall_v be_v express_v by_o the_o humility_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o our_o prayer_n offer_v to_o so_o excellent_a a_o majesty_n must_v have_v a_o excellency_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o observe_v these_o follow_a direction_n in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o god_n first_o let_v a_o short_a meditation_n upon_o god_n his_o power_n glory_n sufficiency_n infinite_a presence_n goodness_n knowledge_n and_o riches_n precede_v your_o prayer_n with_o some_o reflection_n upon_o yourselves_o your_o sinfulness_n vileness_n and_o the_o former_a experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n that_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o may_v cause_v you_o to_o shake_v off_o all_o negligence_n and_o sloathfulness_n and_o help_v to_o banish_v from_o your_o soul_n all_o undecency_n carelessness_n and_o misapprehension_n usual_o find_v in_o the_o devout_a person_n we_o be_v natural_o too_o much_o unmindful_a of_o the_o respect_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o god_n too_o careless_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n too_o fond_a of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vanity_n therefore_o this_o meditation_n must_v stir_v we_o up_o and_o pre-dispose_a we_o for_o this_o holy_a conference_n with_o our_o maker_n it_o must_v withdraw_v all_o our_o mind_n from_o all_o other_o intangle_a thought_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o liberty_n set_v ourselves_o entire_o apart_o for_o this_o important_a duty_n we_o must_v rid_v ourselves_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o common_o entangle_v we_o when_o we_o present_v ourselves_o before_o our_o god_n and_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o ay_o poor_a wretched_a and_o weak_a man_n dust_n and_o ash_n be_o go_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o petition_v a_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n a_o holy_a and_o divine_a majesty_n a_o incomprehensible_a spirit_n which_o sill_n heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o infinite_a presence_n he_o be_v at_o my_o elbow_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o my_o behaviour_n in_o my_o soul_n and_o observe_v all_o the_o wander_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o every_o corner_n of_o this_o wide_a world_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n how_o careful_a must_v i_o be_v to_o appear_v with_o respect_n before_o he_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o abhor_v all_o filthiness_n i_o must_v therefore_o banish_v all_o silthy_a pollute_a and_o idle_a imagination_n at_o this_o moment_n he_o be_v as_o just_a as_o he_o be_v good_a ready_a to_o punish_v irreverence_n but_o much_o more_o inclinable_a to_o reward_v humility_n and_o devotion_n how_o devout_a therefore_o shall_v my_o soul_n be_v in_o his_o presence_n how_o circumspect_a and_o humble_a before_o he_o who_o be_v a_o all-seeing_a majesty_n and_o a_o consume_a fire_n the_o indiscreet_a devotion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o aaron_n cause_v the_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o fall_v upon_o and_o consume_v they_o vzzah_n unseasonable_a officiousness_n and_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o man_n of_o bethshemesh_n in_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n without_o respect_n be_v severe_o punish_v and_o shall_v i_o presume_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o my_o god_n with_o carelessness_n and_o indiscretion_n shall_v i_o escape_v if_o i_o venture_v before_o he_o without_o due_a consideration_n shall_v i_o expect_v any_o gracious_a return_n of_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o so_o little_a grace_n and_o dread_n of_o god_n power_n with_o so_o little_a sense_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n o_o let_v my_o soul_n be_v sill_v with_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o so_o fearful_a and_o holy_a a_o be_v let_v my_o mind_n be_v season_v with_o such_o a_o dread_n of_o he_o that_o may_v not_o fright_v i_o from_o he_o but_o rather_o oblige_v i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o more_o devotion_n and_o humility_n if_o we_o entertain_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o they_o will_v cleanse_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o that_o sapersluity_n which_o will_v otherwise_o disgrace_v and_o spoil_v all_o our_o holy_a performance_n a_o little_a pause_n therefore_o before_o prayer_n be_v needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n however_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o wisdom_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n to_o proceed_v on_o with_o caution_n and_o wariness_n and_o this_o little_a recollection_n of_o ourselves_o which_o i_o recommend_v to_o every_o devout_a soul_n before_o prayer_n chief_o before_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a prayer_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n can_v but_o be_v of_o a_o great_a use_n and_o very_o instrumental_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o that_o duty_n for_o thereby_o we_o may_v see_v what_o there_o be_v in_o we_o able_a to_o impede_fw-la u_fw-mi in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n and_o what_o be_v likely_a to_o hinder_v a_o favourable_a return_n of_o our_o petition_n beside_o it_o savour_v much_o of_o that_o respect_n that_o god_n greatness_n require_v from_o we_o together_o with_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n ecclesiast_fw-la 5.1_o that_o be_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n majesty_n keep_v thyself_o with_o watchfulness_n and_o circumspection_n and_o understand_v thyself_o thy_o disposition_n and_o what_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o thou_o do_v that_o this_o sacred_a frankincense_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v present_v to_o god_n with_o the_o ingredient_n necessary_a and_o from_o a._n soul_n right_o qualify_v second_o for_o that_o purpose_n you_o must_v never_o come_v to_o god_n with_o any_o know_a sin_n unrepented_a of_o that_o be_v with_o any_o sin_n near_o and_o dear_a unto_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o entertain_v with_o a_o resolution_n never_o or_o not_o yet_o to_o part_v with_o for_o not_o only_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n john_n 9.31_o but_o reason_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o with_o his_o wisdom_n to_o listen_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o his_o command_n to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n and_o mercy_n upon_o such_o unworthy_a soul_n as_o will_v not_o leave_v a_o sin_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o as_o prefer_v the_o filthy_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o sincere_a joy_n of_o god_n savour_n and_o the_o real_a advantage_n which_o slow_a from_o thence_o in_o abundance_n therefore_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n he_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o severity_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o next_o word_n because_o your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n all_o other_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o blood_n guiltiness_n be_v wont_a to_o divert_v god_n mercy_n from_o we_o and_o withdraw_v those_o good_a thing_n which_o otherwise_o we_o may_v enjoy_v our_o prayer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n without_o this_o due_a preparation_n savour_v of_o the_o great_a impudence_n and_o atheistical_a boldness_n because_o we_o attempt_v the_o obtain_n of_o god_n riches_n and_o favour_n to_o our_o unworthy_a being_n and_o present_a before_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n body_n distemper_v with_o vice_n hand_n full_a of_o sin_n eye_n swell_v with_o pride_n or_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o contempt_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o soul_n that_o will_v never_o regard_v he_o be_v it_o not_o for_o our_o want_n and_o god_n riches_n the_o prayer_n of_o such_o a_o person_n will_v prevail_v no_o more_o upon_o god_n than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o confederate_n for_o he_o accept_v not_o the_o offering_n present_v by_o foul_a hand_n purity_n and_o innocency_n be_v require_v in_o such_o as_o come_v before_o god_n and_o though_o none_o of_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o sin_n and_o from_o those_o wicked_a propensity_n to_o vice_n which_o render_v our_o prayer_n ineffectual_a yet_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o actual_a transgression_n by_o repentance_n and_o make_v some_o amends_o by_o a_o repeat_v resolution_n against_o our_o belove_a sin_n and_o by_o a_o inward_a and_o hearty_a sorrow_n before_o we_o appear_v in_o god_n presence_n for_o our_o past_a miscarriage_n for_o unless_o we_o appear_v in_o that_o temper_n our_o most_o just_a and_o
grace_n teach_v we_o to_o check_v the_o first_o ought_v to_o encourage_v our_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o last_o attribute_n of_o god_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o quiet_a the_o irreverent_a dissatisfaction_n of_o our_o discontent_a mind_n one_o thing_n more_o i_o will_v have_v a_o devout_a christian_a observe_v in_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n to_o offer_v they_o with_o the_o humility_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o our_o nation_n chief_o and_o every_o congregation_n be_v full_a of_o irreverent_a and_o disrespectful_a clown_n when_o we_o make_v our_o address_n to_o god_n either_o in_o prayer_n or_o praise_v of_o his_o holy_a name_n they_o observe_v not_o that_o decency_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o his_o worship_n but_o appear_v most_o scandalous_a and_o profane_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n whatever_o may_v be_v their_o inward_a disposition_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o outward_a gesture_n of_o their_o body_n they_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n in_o such_o a_o familiar_a manner_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o their_o great_a creator_n as_o if_o their_o body_n be_v not_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o worship_v he_o as_o their_o soul_n as_o if_o their_o outward_a behaviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o their_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n they_o show_v forth_o so_o much_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v that_o none_o will_v take_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o understand_v not_o their_o name_n and_o know_v not_o their_o person_n and_o further_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o of_o the_o more_o religious_a sort_n both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a when_o they_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n omit_v 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be_v offer_v entire_a without_o any_o diminution_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o express_v the_o inward_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o body_n and_o make_v the_o world_n sensible_a of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o piety_n of_o our_o intention_n justice_n and_o equity_n require_v this_o from_o we_o for_o see_v we_o have_v receive_v our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n from_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o sovereignty_n by_o some_o significant_a posture_n when_o the_o soul_n appear_v before_o he_o to_o do_v he_o reverence_n or_o to_o crave_v his_o merciful_a assistance_n it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o this_o outward_a part_n of_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a shall_v make_v some_o return_n for_o all_o the_o divine_a favour_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o its_o subsistence_n it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o this_o body_n of_o we_o which_o be_v one_o day_n to_o be_v glorify_v in_o god_n heavenly_a sanctuary_n shall_v now_o glorify_v god_n by_o the_o humble_a and_o most_o devout_a posture_n and_o action_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o usual_a manner_n of_o superstition_n to_o enjoin_v the_o cringing_n of_o the_o body_n more_o than_o the_o devout_a qualification_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o clownish_a and_o unmannerly_a religion_n indeed_o that_o suffer_v man_n to_o approach_v in_o holy_a duty_n to_o god_n without_o express_v any_o reverence_n with_o the_o body_n if_o you_o please_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n you_o shall_v never_o find_v they_o pray_v in_o a_o irreverent_a posture_n neither_o sit_v nor_o lean_v old_a abraham_n worship_v before_o god_n gen._n 22.5_o this_o worship_v be_v a_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a of_o the_o mind_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o gen._n 24.52_o where_o abraham_n servant_n be_v say_v to_o have_v worship_v the_o lord_n bow_v himself_o to_o the_o ground_n when_o god_n have_v prosper_v his_o journey_n when_o the_o israelite_n hear_v moses_n message_n to_o they_o and_o god_n purpose_n to_o redeem_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v exod._n 4.31_o king_n hezekiah_n bow_v himself_o before_o god_n in_o his_o public_a address_n 2_o chron._n 29.29_o st._n paul_n likewise_o be_v upon_o his_o knee_n in_o prayer_n with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n acts._n 20.36_o and_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o example_n shall_v prevail_v upon_o our_o negligence_n be_v never_o see_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o father_n but_o either_o prostrate_a or_o kneel_v upon_o the_o ground_n this_o humility_n of_o the_o body_n be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o its_o observance_n alone_o have_v cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n who_o be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o the_o internal_a and_o hearty_a worship_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o what_o be_v record_v of_o saul_n and_o of_o other_o 1_o sam._n 15.31_o and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o israelite_n 2_o chron._n 29.29_o and_o when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o offer_v the_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v present_a with_o he_o bow_v themselves_o and_o worship_v and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n moreover_o hezekiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o of_o asaph_n the_o seer_n and_o they_o sing_v praise_n with_o gladness_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v likewise_o in_o the_o 8_o of_o nehemiah_n and_o the_o six_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o our_o god_n be_v never_o yet_o perform_v by_o any_o primitive_a church_n without_o the_o outward_a humility_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o respect_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n reason_n and_o religion_n require_v it_o and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o what_o mean_v therefore_o the_o negligence_n the_o profaneness_n the_o irreverence_n and_o unmannerly_a behaviour_n of_o some_o that_o be_v style_v christian_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a who_o can_v bow_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n his_o false_a god_n a_o reproach_n to_o we_o do_v not_o the_o humility_n and_o the_o respect_n which_o the_o heathen_n constant_o pay_v to_o their_o divinity_n upbraid_v the_o clownishness_n of_o some_o of_o our_o countryman_n there_o be_v three_o posture_n of_o humility_n very_o decent_a in_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n stand_v kneel_v or_o prostration_n to_o the_o ground_n when_o ever_o therefore_o we_o appear_v before_o god_n either_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o or_o to_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n our_o body_n must_v be_v in_o one_o of_o these_o posture_n unless_o any_o natural_a or_o accidental_a weakness_n or_o impediment_n may_v just_o deserve_v a_o dispensation_n likewise_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n unto_o heaven_n be_v expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o ancient_a as_o the_o first_o people_n of_o god_n think_v not_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o blood_n the_o excellency_n of_o your_o person_n or_o your_o eminent_a promotion_n aught_o to_o
have_v any_o regard_n to_o god_n our_o merciful_a creator_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o person_n so_o simple_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o eloquency_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o unusual_a expression_n can_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o heart_n that_o god_n eye_n in_o all_o our_o service_n the_o whisper_n and_o private_a complaint_n of_o the_o one_o be_v hear_v when_o the_o loud_a cry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v reject_v the_o door_n of_o mercy_n fly_v open_a at_o the_o beat_n of_o a_o devout_a heart_n when_o it_o remain_v bolt_v at_o the_o furious_a assault_n of_o the_o most_o eloquent_a tongue_n therefore_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a regard_n in_o prayer_n to_o examine_v that_o which_o be_v most_o please_a to_o god_n not_o that_o which_o gratify_v our_o own_o humour_n we_o shall_v choose_v those_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o wherein_o our_o heart_n may_v 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likelihood_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o obtain_v god_n glory_n as_o person_n of_o the_o great_a reach_n and_o judgement_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o upbraid_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n with_o too_o much_o formality_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o set_a form_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o new_a compose_a prayer_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o we_o ourselves_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o people_n do_v not_o give_v cause_n for_o this_o aspersion_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o deceive_v the_o ignorant_a with_o its_o first_o plausible_a appearance_n let_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o formality_n nor_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o it_o because_o that_o we_o use_v set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n but_o because_o we_o use_v they_o not_o right_a with_o that_o devotion_n respect_n humility_n and_o inward_a affection_n as_o become_v christian_n and_o petitioner_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n because_o in_o our_o public_a service_n we_o repeat_v only_o the_o word_n and_o mind_v not_o the_o utter_v they_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o some_o make_v it_o only_o a_o trade_n to_o go_v to_o prayer_n other_o run_v they_o over_o as_o a_o task_n and_o too_o many_o mind_n the_o form_n but_o few_o mind_n the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o express_v and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o those_o inward_a qualification_n and_o outward_a humility_n that_o i_o have_v now_o recommend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n this_o cause_v i_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o examine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n i_o can_v name_v a_o great_a many_o cause_n that_o we_o ourselves_o give_v but_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o for_o brevity_n sake_n to_o these_o six_o follow_v first_o i_o must_v accuse_v the_o clergy_n both_o high_a and_o low_a great_a and_o small_a for_o have_v give_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o rubric_n by_o their_o indifferent_a practice_n by_o their_o over_o hasty_a read_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o omission_n of_o that_o respect_n which_o they_o shall_v outward_o express_v and_o that_o devotion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n they_o give_v occasion_n to_o many_o to_o slight_v the_o very_a prayer_n themselves_o as_o they_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n to_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v the_o people_n example_n and_o pattern_n to_o show_v they_o how_o to_o beg_v god_n mercy_n as_o well_o as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v they_o for_o their_o relief_n and_o the_o great_a care_n they_o shall_v take_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o reverence_n because_o their_o practice_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v of_o so_o great_a a_o consequence_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o esteem_v those_o prayer_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o person_n that_o officiate_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v read_v over_o the_o prayer_n not_o as_o we_o peruse_v a_o story_n in_o a_o book_n but_o with_o his_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o upon_o his_o knee_n he_o ought_v to_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n as_o if_o he_o be_v speak_v to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n visible_o present_a and_o to_o deliver_v they_o with_o the_o most_o apparent_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n of_o reverence_n and_o earnestness_n imaginable_a endeavour_v to_o grace_v the_o godly_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o thy_o graceful_a and_o comely_a delivery_n with_o thy_o decent_a and_o respectful_a posture_n and_o gesture_n and_o let_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o assembly_n learn_v from_o thou_o my_o reverend_a brother_n the_o manner_n how_o to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o prayer_n o_o let_v not_o the_o negligence_n and_o sloathfulness_n of_o so_o many_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n but_o strive_v to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v thyself_o that_o this_o disposition_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o thy_o hearer_n i_o speak_v to_o you_o chief_o who_o office_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v to_o sing_v daily_a praise_n to_o god_n in_o cathedral_n church_n think_v not_o that_o you_o have_v sufficient_o discharge_v your_o duty_n if_o you_o have_v observe_v your_o distance_n your_o tune_n and_o please_v the_o auditor_n with_o your_o melodious_a voice_n o_o remember_v my_o christian_a brother_n that_o thou_o must_v likewise_o please_v thy_o god_n with_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o tune_n as_o well_o his_o praise_n with_o the_o inward_a affection_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o outward_a concert_n of_o music_n take_v heed_n lest_o thy_o behaviour_n or_o thy_o negligent_a discharge_n of_o thy_o duty_n give_v scandal_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o weakness_n which_o thou_o may_v discover_v at_o such_o a_o time_n second_o another_o cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n give_v by_o the_o clergy_n be_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o wealthy_a clergy_n who_o seldom_o read_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o unless_o it_o be_v some_o small_a portion_n but_o common_o employ_v their_o deacon_n or_o the_o mean_a person_n of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o rubric_n as_o if_o that_o office_n be_v too_o mean_a for_o their_o promotion_n and_o dignity_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a employment_n that_o we_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o it_o make_v we_o like_o our_o divine_a and_o great_a saviour_n who_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o request_n be_v there_o any_o that_o name_v himself_o a_o christian_n that_o scorn_v to_o imitate_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n no_o person_n can_v be_v too_o worthy_a for_o so_o excellent_a a_o employment_n and_o because_o the_o usual_a method_n observe_v in_o cathedral_n can_v well_o be_v change_v i_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o superior_a clergy_n the_o bishop_n the_o dean_n and_o the_o canon_n will_v sometime_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o have_v total_o appropriate_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o foundation_n and_o society_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v remove_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o disesteem_a of_o our_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v and_o entertain_v thereby_o for_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_n
force_v his_o body_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o respect_n command_v in_o the_o rubric_n let_v he_o stand_v up_o when_o we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n let_v he_o kneel_v in_o prayer_n and_o outward_o observe_v a_o due_a reverence_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o his_o former_a aversion_n will_v insensible_o wear_v away_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o will_v bring_v his_o soul_n to_o a_o hearty_a and_o religious_a compliance_n with_o those_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o before_o he_o can_v never_o use_v with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n he_o shall_v find_v his_o unhappy_a humour_n of_o discontent_n evaporate_v itself_o and_o his_o body_n draw_v after_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n to_o a_o sincere_a worship_v of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o five_o to_o use_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o devotion_n that_o be_v needful_a a_o frequent_a meditation_n upon_o they_o be_v very_o requisite_a a_o meditation_n i_o mean_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o desire_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n in_o god_n divine_a worship_n upon_o their_o agreeableness_n with_o holy_a scripture_n its_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n upon_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o wise_a council_n of_o our_o nation_n under_o four_o or_o five_o king_n successive_o who_o unanimous_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o these_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o decency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o ceremony_n order_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o service_n upon_o the_o frivolousness_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o upon_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o invincible_a hatred_n of_o all_o objection_n a_o meditation_n also_o be_v requisite_a to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o several_a matter_n suitable_a to_o these_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n such_o meditation_n i_o mean_v as_o may_v elevate_v the_o soul_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v it_o for_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n beside_o to_o persuade_v the_o judgement_n and_o remove_v all_o mistake_n i_o recommend_v to_o thou_o the_o perusal_n of_o a_o rationale_n upon_o the_o common-prayer_n that_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n thou_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o devout_a conformity_n in_o public_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o this_o while_n methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o sort_n of_o zealot_n among_o we_o extol_v and_o cry_v up_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n particular_a 4._o particular_a and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n which_o be_v thereby_o intend_v for_o this_o good_a purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v what_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o extemporary_a fluency_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o person_n as_o use_v they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n three_o i_o shall_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o our_o eye_n or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n they_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n that_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n oppose_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o strengthen_v the_o irregular_a devotion_n of_o the_o gift_a brethren_n for_o if_o you_o please_v to_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o 6_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o 18_o ver_fw-la he_o exhort_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o every_o season_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o can_v understand_v of_o the_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n or_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n because_o such_o inspiration_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o have_v not_o such_o a_o quick_a fancy_n or_o voluble_a tongue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n so_o that_o every_o person_n be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o fulfil_v this_o command_n which_o as_o all_o other_o command_v of_o god_n be_v proportion_v and_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o man_n faculty_n and_o ability_n therefore_o see_v these_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o every_o christian_a they_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o gift_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o style_v the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v peform_v by_o use_v endeavour_n st_o paul_n meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n not_o be_v content_a with_o the_o lip_n service_n but_o inward_o hearty_o and_o affectionate_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o employ_v all_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n for_o in_o this_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o act_n with_o the_o same_o ability_n now_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 5_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesiens_n and_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la advise_v they_o to_o make_v melody_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n here_o be_v that_o spiritual_a service_n require_v from_o we_o a_o serious_a real_a and_o hearty_a worship_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v concern_v as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n likewise_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n tell_v she_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o they_o that_o will_v worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o corporal_a appearance_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n a_o inward_a and_o soul_n worship_n without_o which_o all_o our_o most_o assidual_a attendance_n upon_o holy_a duty_n be_v frivolous_a and_o vain_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v st._n paul_n pray_v and_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.14_o for_o he_o express_o say_v if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v he_o cale_v it_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v his_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v concern_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n either_o by_o compose_v they_o and_o offer_v they_o or_o else_o by_o present_v the_o prayer_n already_o compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v proceed_v from_o we_o as_o our_o own_o i_o confess_v st._n jude_n word_n ver_fw-la 20._o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o contrary_a interpretation_n when_o he_o advise_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o word_n the_o admirer_n of_o new_a mode_n and_o extemporary_a prayer_n understand_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o we_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o his_o secret_a inspiration_n the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o limit_v ourselves_o and_o this_o unlimited_a be_v to_o any_o certain_a form_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o those_o expression_n as_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o his_o divine_a suggestion_n but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o wise_a apostle_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a what_o this_o interpretation_n suppose_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o in_o that_o duty_n he_o govern_v their_o tongue_n and_o fancy_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o proper_a expression_n word_n and_o matter_n which_o i_o confess_v may_v happen_v in_o extraordinary_a occasion_n yet_o in_o our_o ordinary_a devotion_n to_o expect_v such_o extraordinary_a move_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n not_o to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o weakness_n and_o unpreparedness_n and_o whole_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o presumption_n and_o indiscretion_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o god_n usual_a method_n of_o act_v with_o his_o creature_n neither_o in_o nature_n nor_o in_o grace_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o power_n appear_v common_o in_o our_o religious_a endeavour_n and_o if_o he_o give_v
the_o form_n and_o beauty_n to_o any_o thing_n he_o take_v the_o matter_n from_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v already_o make_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o st._n judas_n advise_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v either_o in_o that_o method_n and_o manner_n or_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n for_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v according_a the_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o those_o thing_n that_o agree_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v observe_v those_o particular_n outward_o and_o inward_o as_o may_v recommend_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o employ_v those_o grace_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o a_o more_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n a_o true_a christian_a may_v want_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n but_o no_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_a can_v want_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o those_o inward_a ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o prayer_n for_o this_o inward_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o heaven_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o principle_n of_o all_o spiritual_a motion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o always_o in_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o prayer_n because_o these_o ability_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o obstruct_v by_o some_o powerful_a impediment_n nevertheless_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v no_o soon_o begin_v in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o call_v god_n abba_n father_n therefore_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 8._o v._n 26._o that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v 1._o observe_v roman_n 10._o v._o 1._o this_o and_o all_o other_o passage_n that_o mention_v pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n may_v encourage_v we_o to_o take_v with_o we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o and_o employ_v the_o ability_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o for_o that_o good_a purpose_n they_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a imperfection_n and_o weakness_n and_o advise_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o spiritual_a help_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o those_o form_n which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n have_v establish_v in_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o passage_n nor_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o require_v thou_o to_o wait_v for_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n from_o above_o that_o disallow_n of_o a_o judicious_a and_o religious_a preparation_n or_o of_o prescribe_a prayer_n compose_v by_o man_n as_o much_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o any_o now_o alive_a why_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o use_n of_o these_o prayer_n be_v call_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n if_o i_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o that_o devout_a manner_n as_o god_n require_v why_o shall_v i_o prefer_v the_o new_a modes_n of_o man_n who_o ability_n and_o integrity_n i_o know_v not_o perhaps_o to_o those_o that_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v agreeable_a with_o god_n will_n and_o word_n why_o shall_v i_o reject_v the_o old_a prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v so_o impatient_a to_o hear_v new_a which_o i_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v till_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v they_o if_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o auditor_n what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o refuse_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n compose_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o a_o constant_a use_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n to_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o new_a mode_n and_o new_a prayer_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o how_o true_o i_o know_v not_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o favourer_n of_o the_o pride_n presumption_n and_o sanciness_n of_o those_o person_n that_o rush_v into_o god_n public_a worship_n without_o a_o due_a preparation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v prepare_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n which_o they_o pronounce_v what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o prefer_v this_o prayer_n compose_v by_o this_o private_a person_n though_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o religious_a prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n allow_v of_o by_o so_o many_o wise_a learned_a and_o godly_a divine_n enlighten_v also_o doubtless_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o prayer_n by_o or_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o likewise_o if_o i_o perform_v it_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o offer_v it_o up_o with_o my_o soul_n and_o affection_n o_o how_o idle_a and_o frivolous_a how_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a be_v these_o prejudices_fw-la against_o our_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n second_o but_o these_o person_n that_o be_v so_o much_o admire_v by_o ignorant_a people_n for_o their_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n of_o any_o long_a continuance_n be_v admire_v for_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v perform_v for_o if_o they_o pray_v extempore_o without_o prepararation_n some_o in_o the_o congregation_n may_v perhaps_o real_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o the_o person_n that_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n whilst_o their_o fancy_n be_v so_o busy_o employ_v in_o seek_v for_o matter_n and_o expression_n can_v never_o oblige_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o offer_v their_o prayer_n up_o to_o god_n in_o that_o devout_a manner_n as_o be_v require_v this_o prayer_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v but_o a_o speech_n and_o no_o prayer_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o eloquent_a and_o never_o so_o much_o able_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n our_o mind_n can_v be_v total_o employ_v in_o two_o action_n at_o once_o whilst_o our_o apprehension_n be_v distract_v to_o seek_v for_o word_n and_o fit_a expression_n they_o can_v be_v fix_v upon_o that_o divine_a be_v unto_o who_o we_o make_v our_o address_n nor_o cause_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o humility_n and_o those_o affection_n which_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v necessary_a they_o can_v mind_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o want_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a supply_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v petition_v for_o their_o soul_n can_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o express_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o god_n greatness_n and_o a_o earnest_a affection_n for_o those_o blessing_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o their_o care_n be_v to_o 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holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v act_v in_o we_o without_o our_o assistance_n and_o cooperation_n and_o if_o he_o do_v the_o devotion_n be_v he_o and_o none_o of_o we_o for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o keep_v the_o unruly_a and_o wander_a thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o pray_a temper_n in_o all_o extemporary_a and_o long_a prayer_n three_o therefore_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o we_o or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n this_o be_v a_o consequence_n deducible_a from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v that_o pray_n in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n intend_v by_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n judas_n but_o if_o 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a_o continual_a eye_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o disposition_n it_o ought_v to_o recollect_v and_o call_v back_o our_o wander_a thought_n and_o labour_n to_o express_v both_o a_o feel_n of_o its_o want_n and_o a_o dutiful_a reverence_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n this_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o order_n to_o a_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n for_o that_o purpose_n now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n serious_o cider_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o more_o freedom_n in_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n imprint_v either_o in_o our_o memory_n or_o our_o book_n than_o in_o extemporary_a pray_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o act_v its_o part_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o devotion_n than_o in_o such_o prayer_n where_o it_o have_v so_o many_o office_n to_o perform_v grant_v it_o possible_a that_o some_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n learning_n and_o natural_a part_n which_o i_o can_v imagine_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o inward_a duty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a in_o extemporary_a prayer_n consider_v whether_o they_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n pray_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o set_a form_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v deny_v of_o those_o help_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n wherein_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o devout_a soul_n come_v far_o short_a of_o that_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n which_o god_n greatness_n requite_v at_o our_o hand_n second_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o ready_a help_n to_o their_o devotion_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o proportion_v to_o the_o slender_a ability_n of_o such_o person_n both_o god_n and_o the_o church_n be_v 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corrupt_a humour_n which_o usual_o despise_v thing_n that_o be_v common_a when_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v their_o worth_n three_o consider_v how_o apt_a our_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v wander_v and_o our_o mind_n to_o be_v draw_v aside_o from_o our_o devotion_n therefore_o that_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v well_o which_o six_v our_o mind_n and_o settle_v our_o thought_n upon_o the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n now_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v this_o good_a office_n to_o we_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n judicious_o compose_v either_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n or_o before_o we_o in_o a_o book_n for_o in_o the_o former_a method_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v tie_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n it_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o step_v aside_o and_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o other_o sense_n yet_o we_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o judicious_a christian_a can_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o sense_n be_v better_a able_a to_o limit_v and_o stop_v the_o wander_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o unruliness_n of_o his_o thought_n than_o when_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o they_o to_o conclude_v nothing_o but_o the_o pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o some_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o foolish_a humour_n of_o other_o have_v teach_v man_n to_o reject_v and_o contemn_v our_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n establish_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n which_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v the_o best_a liturgy_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o modern_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o hinder_v man_n from_o use_v they_o with_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o their_o strong_a displeasure_n their_o frowad_n temper_n and_o their_o itch_a ear_n a_o disease_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o heart_n and_o fountain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o organ_n of_o hear_v let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v thou_o my_o christian_a reader_n serious_o to_o peruse_v these_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o let_v not_o any_o popular_a mistake_n nor_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n discourage_v thou_o in_o the_o devour_v use_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n chief_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o thy_o god_n where_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v from_o thou_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o brethren_n and_o in_o thy_o private_a family_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o place_n and_o
purpose_n i_o know_v that_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v late_o and_o in_o the_o former_a age_n furnish_v our_o nation_n with_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o i_o think_v that_o their_o religious_a labour_n fit_v for_o those_o time_n and_o answerable_a to_o their_o private_a design_n will_v not_o hinder_v this_o present_a treatise_n from_o be_v useful_a in_o its_o kind_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o mistake_v late_o creep_v in_o among_o we_o and_o the_o mischief_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o enemy_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o i_o find_v they_o busy_o employ_v in_o contrive_v our_o ruin_n and_o in_o poison_v our_o people_n with_o strange_a principle_n by_o spread_v in_o the_o country_n new_a pamphlet_n print_v for_o that_o evil_a purpose_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o be_v as_o watchful_a for_o our_o own_o preservation_n the_o best_a mean_n for_o that_o intent_n be_v to_o employ_v the_o same_o policy_n and_o to_o furnish_v our_o people_n with_o new_a and_o fresh_a advice_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o antidote_n against_o the_o venom_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o we_o such_o treatise_n therefore_o as_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v very_o seasonable_a for_o our_o divide_a time_n i_o be_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v much_o want_v in_o the_o place_n where_o i_o live_v and_o to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n my_o first_o design_n be_v only_o to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o private_a want_n at_o the_o request_n of_o one_o of_o my_o parishioner_n but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o though_o providence_n have_v give_v i_o a_o particular_a inspection_n over_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o small_a division_n in_o a_o wilderness_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o aim_v in_o all_o my_o action_n at_o the_o general_a good_a i_o resolve_v to_o recommend_v to_o the_o public_a such_o a_o treatise_n as_o may_v serve_v and_o be_v useful_a to_o all_o family_n in_o our_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o it_o to_o have_v a_o general_a aim_n at_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o i_o think_v that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o he_o shall_v in_o this_o short_a tract_n find_v prayer_n and_o advice_n which_o may_v suit_v with_o the_o condition_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o soul_n you_o therefore_o that_o desire_n that_o religion_n shall_v flourish_v among_o we_o neglect_v not_o its_o chief_a duty_n but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v careful_o observe_v in_o your_o own_o practice_n and_o that_o of_o those_o recommend_v to_o your_o care_n as_o soon_o as_o your_o child_n begin_v to_o speak_v teach_v they_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n call_v upon_o they_o morning_n and_o evening_n to_o implore_v protection_n and_o assistance_n let_v their_o tongue_n be_v use_v betimes_o to_o tune_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o piety_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o durable_a portion_n which_o you_o can_v procure_v to_o your_o little_a one_o and_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v careful_o to_o practice_v this_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n let_v they_o proceed_v on_o in_o learning_n the_o prayer_n that_o be_v sit_v for_o their_o capacity_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o ability_n let_v they_o know_v that_o their_o chief_a dependency_n be_v upon_o that_o almighty_a be_v who_o have_v create_v the_o world_n and_o put_v they_o into_o it_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o this_o daily_a practice_n of_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n will_v keep_v youth_n from_o all_o those_o extravagancy_n and_o vicious_a action_n by_o which_o the_o gallant_n of_o our_o time_n be_v become_v a_o reproach_n to_o christianity_n and_o humanity_n itself_o thou_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o displeasure_n to_o see_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n either_o unruly_a in_o their_o behaviour_n or_o profane_v in_o their_o discourse_n or_o corrupt_v in_o their_o life_n if_o thou_o will_v when_o they_o be_v young_a train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o continual_a observance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a and_o of_o a_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o our_o day_n and_o from_o all_o disorder_n as_o this_o correspondency_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n man_n therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v like_o a_o watch_n or_o a_o clock_n the_o least_o neglect_n disturb_v the_o motion_n and_o steal_v he_o insensible_o into_o improficiency_n or_o a_o offence_n pray_v therefore_o o_o christian_a man_n or_o woman_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n be_v not_o silent_a when_o god_n require_v you_o to_o speak_v in_o whatsoever_o estate_n providence_n may_v cast_v you_o make_v use_n of_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v answerable_a to_o your_o condition_n if_o you_o can_v offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o your_o mind_n use_v they_o rather_o than_o other_o but_o if_o your_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a and_o your_o aversion_n so_o invincible_a that_o you_o can_v yet_o relish_v they_o use_v the_o other_o prayer_n more_o agreeable_a to_o your_o affection_n however_o neglect_v not_o this_o most_o important_a this_o most_o weighty_a and_o most_o indispensible_a duty_n but_o perform_v it_o with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o devotion_n that_o god_n greatness_n and_o thy_o mean_a condition_n require_v from_o thou_o and_o i_o beseech_v the_o god_n of_o all_o goodness_n to_o hear_v thy_o request_n to_o grant_v thy_o petition_n to_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v thy_o soul_n and_o body_n with_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o that_o this_o treatise_n may_v be_v as_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a as_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o m._n d._n a_o morning_n prayer_n for_o a_o family_n according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n o_o lord_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o before_o we_o call_v thou_o will_v answer_v and_o whilst_o we_o be_v yet_o speak_v 51.10_o isa_n 65.24_o psal_n 6.1_o psal_n 25_o 1â—_n psal_n 51.10_o thou_o will_v hear_v rebuke_v we_o not_o in_o thy_o indignation_n neither_o chasten_v we_o in_o thy_o displeasure_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n be_v merciful_a to_o our_o sin_n make_v we_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o we_o o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o spare_v all_o those_o who_o confess_v their_o sin_n unto_o thou_o that_o they_o who_o conscience_n by_o sin_n be_v accuse_v by_o thy_o merciful_a pardon_n may_v be_v absolve_v through_o christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o o_o almighty_a lord_n and_o everlasting_a god_n vouchsafe_v we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o direct_v sanctify_v and_o govern_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o body_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o commandment_n that_o through_o thy_o most_o mighty_a protection_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o body_n and_o soul_n through_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o bless_a be_v thy_o holy_a name_n o_o lord_n for_o thy_o continual_a and_o daily_a mercy_n grant_v to_o we_o for_o thy_o protection_n and_o preservation_n till_o this_o time_n for_o the_o safety_n and_o quiet_a repose_v of_o the_o last_o night_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o health_n of_o our_o body_n and_o for_o all_o thy_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o thou_o heap_a upon_o we_o gracious_a god_n we_o acknowledge_v these_o and_o all_o other_o mercy_n which_o we_o enjoy_v to_o be_v undeserved_a favour_n proceed_v from_o thy_o bountiful_a hand_n and_o fatherly_a goodness_n continue_v they_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o we_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o give_v we_o grace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o glorify_v thy_o great_a name_n and_o to_o be_v true_o thankful_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o all_o expression_n of_o thy_o unwearied_a liberality_n all_o this_o we_o beg_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n amen_n o_o god_n the_o protector_n of_o all_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o without_o who_o nothing_o be_v strong_a nothing_o be_v holy_a increase_n and_o multiply_v in_o we_o thy_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v our_o ruler_n and_o guide_n
evening_n prayer_n for_o a_o single_a person_n o_o be_v of_o being_n the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o preserver_n of_o mankind_n by_o who_o gracious_a goodness_n i_o be_o now_o alive_a and_o bring_v safe_a through_o the_o many_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n to_o the_o close_a of_o this_o day_n i_o humble_o acknowledge_v thy_o providence_n and_o merciful_a protection_n thou_o have_v feed_v i_o with_o thy_o creature_n defend_v i_o by_o thy_o power_n instruct_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n admit_v i_o into_o thy_o church_n for_o these_o and_o all_o other_o mercy_n receive_v from_o thy_o bountiful_a hand_n i_o return_v thou_o my_o homage_n and_o thanks_o and_o confess_v myself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o mean_a of_o thy_o favour_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o provocation_n that_o i_o be_o guilty_a of_o o_o lord_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n my_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v every_o day_n and_o my_o iniquity_n be_v without_o number_n how_o easy_o have_v i_o yield_v to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n how_o often_o have_v i_o break_v thy_o sacred_a law_n gracious_a god_n be_v merciful_a be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n blot_v out_o all_o my_o iniquity_n and_o forgive_v i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o dear_a and_o only_a saviour_n who_o be_v dead_a and_o intercede_v for_o i_o accept_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n for_o my_o poor_a soul_n grieve_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n give_v i_o true_a repentance_n and_o that_o frame_v of_o spirit_n and_o holy_a resolution_n unto_o which_o thou_o have_v promise_v in_o thy_o holy_a word_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o thou_o have_v begin_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o i_o perfect_a it_o i_o beseech_v thou_o by_o the_o continual_a influence_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n forsake_v i_o not_o good_a god_n nor_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o wretched_a self_n but_o let_v thy_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n direct_v my_o understanding_n and_o thy_o grace_n govern_v my_o will_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n suffer_v i_o not_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o mistake_v and_o enticement_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n defend_v my_o soul_n from_o all_o wicked_a impression_n and_o infection_n of_o the_o world_n as_o thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o for_o thyself_o let_v not_o vice_n nor_o error_n draw_v i_o from_o thou_o nor_o the_o dangerous_a allurement_n of_o earthly_a vanity_n but_o as_o my_o dependency_n be_v upon_o thy_o power_n let_v my_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n be_v from_o thy_o bounty_n and_o my_o delight_n be_v in_o fulfil_v thy_o holy_a will._n strengthen_v and_o increase_v in_o i_o all_o goodness_n let_v every_o day_n bring_v i_o near_o to_o thou_o and_o to_o that_o purity_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v thy_o face_n time_n that_o carry_v i_o apace_o to_o my_o cold_a tomb_n mind_v i_o of_o a_o eternity_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o the_o last_o judgement_n prepare_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o for_o this_o last_o account_n and_o that_o terrible_a day_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v give_v up_o a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n before_o a_o righteous_a and_o impartial_a judge_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v find_v mercy_n and_o favour_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o great_a redeemer_n and_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o paradise_n and_o as_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o lie_v i_o down_o to_o refresh_v my_o weary_a body_n with_o rest_n bless_a god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o this_o night_n protect_v i_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o evil_n suffer_v not_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o of_o wicked_a man_n to_o hurt_v this_o outward_a tabernacle_n nor_o the_o precious_a soul_n that_o be_v within_o keep_v from_o i_o all_o troublesome_a dream_n and_o thought_n and_o whether_o sleep_v or_o wake_v let_v my_o soul_n be_v arm_v with_o a_o reliance_n upon_o thy_o goodness_n and_o power_n grant_v i_o a_o moderate_a rest_n that_o i_o may_v be_v better_o enable_v to_o serve_v thou_o in_o my_o generation_n and_o proceed_v on_o in_o the_o employment_n unto_o which_o thy_o providence_n have_v call_v i_o in_o which_o let_v my_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o advance_v thy_o glory_n rather_o than_o my_o own_o fordo_v interest_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o careful_a management_n of_o all_o the_o talent_n which_o thou_o have_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v as_o a_o good_a servant_n and_o steward_n improve_v and_o increase_v they_o look_v in_o mercy_n upon_o all_o my_o relation_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v let_v thy_o grace_n thy_o truth_n and_o goodness_n accompany_v and_o protect_v they_o during_o their_o abode_n here_o below_o crown_n with_o the_o choice_a of_o thy_o blessing_n our_o religious_a king_n and_o queen_n shield_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a attempt_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o give_v they_o long_a life_n health_n and_o prosperity_n now_o and_o at_o last_o receive_v they_o into_o everlasting_a happiness_n bless_v all_o their_o royal_a relation_n give_v they_o all_o grace_n to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o thy_o truth_n godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o thou_o have_v put_v much_o into_o their_o hand_n bless_v all_o governor_n and_o magistrate_n give_v they_o grace_n to_o prefer_v thy_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o all_o other_o corrupt_a purpose_n whatsoever_o defend_v this_o nation_n from_o all_o plot_n and_o conspiracy_n defeat_v the_o design_n of_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o disappoint_v all_o combination_n against_o it_o if_o thou_o will_v afflict_v we_o good_a god_n let_v it_o be_v for_o a_o time_n take_v not_o thy_o truth_n and_o gospel_n from_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n and_o sanctify_v all_o thy_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n to_o we_o that_o they_o may_v effect_v and_o produce_v in_o we_o that_o reformation_n and_o those_o grace_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v spread_v thy_o gospel_n and_o truth_n all_o over_o the_o world_n pull_v down_o antichrist_n let_v all_o nation_n understand_v thy_o will_n and_o ready_o submit_v unto_o it_o be_v merciful_a unto_o all_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o affliction_n comfort_n and_o succour_v all_o sick_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v grieve_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n friend_n or_o relation_n be_v thou_o their_o good_a god_n and_o saviour_n in_o thy_o due_a time_n give_v they_o grace_n to_o submit_v to_o thou_o to_o trust_v upon_o thou_o and_o to_o expect_v from_o thy_o mercy_n alone_o a_o seasonable_a and_o proper_a remedy_n to_o all_o their_o pressure_n and_o trouble_n and_o now_o bless_a lord_n i_o recommend_v myself_o again_o into_o thy_o merciful_a hand_n and_o conclude_v these_o my_o imperfect_a prayer_n with_o that_o most_o perfect_a form_n recommend_v to_o we_o by_o my_o good_a saviour_n in_o who_o name_n i_o beg_v aâ—â—_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o entreat_v thou_o o_o merciful_a father_n grant_v i_o these_o my_o request_n and_o all_o other_o mercy_n which_o thou_o know_v needful_a for_o my_o soul_n and_o body_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hallow_v be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o tespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o evening_n prayer_n for_o young_a person_n and_o child_n o_o god_n who_o have_v receive_v i_o among_o thy_o child_n instruct_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o thy_o holy_a religion_n great_a and_o merciful_a creator_n who_o have_v be_v my_o proteor_n and_o defender_n from_o all_o danger_n look_v down_o in_o mercy_n upon_o i_o and_o continue_v thy_o favour_n to_o i_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o my_o life_n i_o see_v and_o experience_n every_o day_n the_o manifold_a expression_n of_o thy_o goodness_n thy_o holy_a name_n be_v praise_v for_o they_o all_o give_v i_o more_o and_o more_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o mercifulness_n and_o a_o grateful_a heart_n that_o in_o these_o tender_a year_n i_o may_v learn_v my_o great_a duty_n to_o serve_v and_o glorify_v thou_o on_o earth_n and_o prepare_v my_o self_n for_o a_o eternity_n for_o this_o purpose_n increase_v my_o knowledge_n and_o the_o grace_n thou_o have_v be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o i_o through_o a_o good_a education_n of_o my_o religious_a parent_n bless_v all_o my_o endeavour_n and_o they_o imprint_v thy_o holy_a fear_n in_o my_o tender_a soul_n preserve_v i_o from_o ill_a company_n from_o the_o vice_n and_o error_n of_o